Your Life-Your Choice ISSN 1488-0253 ==================== April, 2000 Issue 50 Letter from the Editor Happy April everyone! This being Cancer month, it seems only fitting that we make people aware of how serious this illness is, and hopefully share some news too. The American Cancer Society states that in the year 2000, about 1,220,100 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed. This is the second leading cause of death in the US, the first being heart disease. It looks as though there may be some wonderful break throughs on the horizon. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have conducted studies on new ways of detecting cancer other than biopsies. It seems that certain cancers can be caught by testing related body fluids, saliva showed changes associated with head and neck cancer, bladder cancer was discovered by testing urine, and samples of lung fluid can indicate a presence of lung cancer. Doctors may soon be able to better tailor cancer treatments to the individual. Scientists are working with computer technology that can monitor thousands of genes in cancer cells, making the diagnosis of cancers much more precise. Scientists are already aware of signs that are indicative that some cells are likely to become cancerous. Still in the experimental stages, is a vaccine designed to encourage the immune system to recognize and destroy those "marked" breast cells. This type of treatment is geared to prevention, and it's planned use is for women at high risk of obtaining breast cancer. It is quite common for people with cancer to incorporate complementary therapies with their treatments. There are a number of natural methods that have shown to be helpful in relieving pain, minimizing the side effects of traditional treatments, and improving the quality of life. A macrobiotic diet has been known to help some cancer patients. An American physician, Anthony Sattilaro, claims to have cured himself of advanced prostatic cancer using this diet. However, there are varying levels of intensity, and there are some areas of the macrobiotic diet that are somewhat questionable. So I caution you to ensure that your guide in this diet is highly reputable and qualified, and your physician is involved in the process. There are a great number of herbs that are helpful in dealing with various aspects of this disease. There are blood cleansers and immune system builders, stress relievers, herbs to help recover from chemotherapy, and many more advantages. Some helpful herbs are Pau D'Arco, ginseng, green tea, beta-carotene, echinecea, astragalus, chaparral, garlic and mistletoe to name only a few. Aromatherapy, meditation, art therapy, t'ai chi, music therapy, yoga and massage therapy are all avenues that can be very instrumental in alleviating the stress that always accompanies this disease. Nutritional Therapy is an avenue that many cancer victims pursue. A diet filled with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; high in fiber, low in refined sugars and sodium and low in fat. Typically a vegetarian diet is recommended with no meat, poultry, and fish. High doses of vitamin C are often prescribed to cancer patients. Researchers have found that tumors often shrink after vitamin C treatments. It has also been known to reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Being a tremendous antioxidant, Vitamin C is very effective in repairing free radical damage. There are many holistic treatments to consider. I encourage you to investigate as many as you can, as thoroughly as you can. Remember you will have issues to address such as the efficacy and quality of supplements, quantities to consume, interactions amongst each other, your medication as well as any other health issues. I strongly recommend that you be certain you are working with a certified practitioner for all the avenues that you pursue, and include your doctor in these decisions. There is no reason that you shouldn't have consultations including your physician, your holistic practitioner(s), and yourself. This way everyone can work together in your best interest with no misunderstandings. Enjoy the newsletter, and stay well until next time. Brigitte Synesael Editor of Your Life-Your Choice Traditional Medicine Isn't Enough Any More! Your life is your choice-don't give it away! http://www.Life-Choices.com ********************************************** ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Foot Reflexology: Health Conditions Revealed and Healed 2. Periodontal Disease; Most Adults Have It 3. The Key To Optimal Health 4. Health Smart Recipe -Pancakes for Power 5. Talk to the TOP DOG ******************************************** Section 1 "Foot Reflexology: Health Conditions Revealed and Healed" by Laurel Duran For over two thousand years, the Chinese have relied upon their knowledge of the body's intangible electrical system to bring about physical healing. The intuitive science of acupuncture is based upon the fact that when the normal flow of body energy (chi) is blocked, disease can result. By applying very thin needles to specific points on the body, the acupuncturist can either increase the energy flow (tonify), or decrease an overabundance of energy flow (sedate), thereby helping the body to heal itself. The massage technique known as acupressure works on the same theory as acupuncture, but instead of using needles, the massage therapist uses her fingertips. Foot reflexology is considered to be a sister science to acupuncture because it is based on the fact that the feet contain energy spillage points which originate in specific internal organs. Foot reflexology is, in very simple terms, the intuitive science of applying finger pressure to the feet for the purpose of releasing any blocked organ energy that has spilled there. By applying pressure, not only will the crystalline energy spills dissolve and move, but the organ connected to the spill will receive the electrical impulse to flow freely once again. The Creator designed the feet to serve as miniature blueprints for the entire physical body. Very briefly, the heels contain spillage points for the lower back, reproductive organs, hips and legs. On the mid-section of the bottoms of the feet there are spillage points connected to the colon and the kidneys, and on the upper half of the bottoms of the feet, just as in the body's upper half, there are spillage points connected to the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, breasts and lungs. On the tops of the feet between the tarsal and metatarsal bones, there are upper back and between-shoulder-blade spillage points. At the base of the toes there are spillage points for the eyes, ears, neck and throat. The great toes contain spillage points for the brain, pineal and pituitary glands, while the 4 remaining toes are connected to the sinuses. This way of translating foot problems through the language of foot reflexology is radically different from the way podiatrists view the feet. Whereas podiatry works on the belief that the feet are a sort of closed system, having little if anything to do with how the rest of the body functions, foot reflexology not only accepts that by applying pressure to the feet the condition of the internal organs and the entire body improves, but also the condition of the feet gives valuable clues about the person's entire health. For example, if a massage therapy client complains of soreness in her heels, she may also be experiencing sciatic pain and lower back pain. By both massaging the lower back/buttocks muscles and applying deep finger pressure to break up the crystals in the bottoms of the heels, the blocked energy which manifested as sciatic and low back pain can be eliminated or at least greatly reduced. I have often found that folks who have calluses on the outside of their great toes characteristically have neck tension. These two areas are directly connected to eachother. If a person has bunions or plantars warts anywhere on their feet, it is because the internal organ is attempting to release toxins. The reason why having a podiatrist remove the bunion or plantar's wart usually does not solve the problem is that the source of the problem - congestion in the corresponding internal organ - is not addressed. More often than not I have heard massage clients' stories of how they returned to the podiatrist again and again to repeat the same ultimately unsuccessful surgical removal procedure. Only when the client nutritionally detoxifies the corresponding internal organ along with receiving bodywork sessions (foot reflexology, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, polarity therapy, to name a few), do the feet cease to receive toxic spillage from the originating organ and ultimately heal. The corresponding internal organ receives healing to boot (that's a foot pun)! There are many bodyworkers who, like myself, fold foot reflexology into their whole bodywork sessions, and many who administer only foot reflexology. Many health food stores and book stores carry books on foot reflexology that include a "map" of the feet. Whether you are a professional bodyworker or a novice to the idea, having your feet massaged can positively alter your whole health while making you feel pleasantly relaxed. Foot reflexology is a wonderfully easy tool for self-healing! ----- Read about Laurel Duran on our Meet the Team page; http://www.Life-Choices.com ********************************************** PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS HealthE-zine *** Your FREE 5-minute health update Each week the energetic staff of Alt-Health.com scours the Web to bring you five intriguing health article summaries and links. Subscribe & view archives: http://www.alt-health.com/signup.html Recommended by PC World Tipworld E-mail Mailing List Reviews Recommended by List Universe List-A-Day.com Review ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Register To Win! Free Web Prizes...Web Hosting for a year, Web design, Free Computer, Web Site Promotion, Listservers and much more! http://www.freewebprizes.com/time4profit/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Section 2 Periodontal Disease; Most Adults Have It by Dr. Jacob Trager, DDS http://www.dentalwellness.net/ In our last article I listed the various causative and contributing factors specific to dental disharmonyh or dis-ease. In this, and the next several articles, I will focus on the most prevalent adult dental problem, Periodontal Disease. - There are 32 million people in the U.S. with severe periodontal disease. - One out of four will lose their teeth by the time they are 60 years of age. - 9 out of 10 will suffer periodental disease in their lifetime. It is important for you to know that this disease is preventable and can be reversed and healed. I will share with you the initial assessment sessions of my preventative and healing periodental program available through my telephone consulting services. Through this assessment you will gain the widespread proliferation of this disease. Before we begin, let's talk about what is periodontal disease. Periodontal refers to the structures which surround the teeth and attach the roote of the teeth into the jaw bone. These structures are comprised of resilient onnective tissue fibers (gums), nerves and blood vessels. It is the disruption of the balance or energy in these intricate structures, through some disharmony, that opens the path for disease. Our focus, therefore, is to restore balance and harmony, not only to the periodontal structures, but to the whole person. A disturbance in one part of ourselves is both a reflection and expression that our wholeness is not in harmony. Restoring harmony to the whole will provide the foundation for healing the part that is ill. This is the basis of our work and follows the ancient healing philosophy of hippocrates, and other great initiates. A science we call Initiatic or Esoteric Science. This information will give you an understanding of how and why we approach the prevention and treatment or periodontal or any other dental disease of disturbance. Now we can begin the assessment sessions. When these are completed, reviewed and evaluated, an individualized program of guidance, treatment interventions, excercizes and suggestions is undertaken in order to achieve healing and well being. As I share this information picture in your "mind's eye" that I am working and talking directly to you. Keep a notebook and write the answers to the questions for yourself. In this way you will become aware of the multiplicity of causes and contributing factors unique to your particular problem. If you are a care giver or are the responsible person for health in your family, you can play my role and ask the questions to whoever needs help with this or anyh particular dental problem. You may also become aware of additional factors that will apply specifically to you as you review all of the gathered information. So, let's begin... 1. In your own words describe the nature of your problem or concern. A. How long have you been aware of the problem? 1) When it began? 2) Has there been a history of this or any other problem? a) with yourself b) with a family member 3) Is the problem worsening? 4) How have you handled the problem until now? a) Have you had any treatments? If yes, b) What experience did you have? c) Was the treatment successful? If no, d) What complications developed? 5) How do you feel about the problem that is challenging you right now? a) In the past? b) Was the onset of the problem gradual or did it seem to appear all at once? (In the process of this assessment or history/intake you are beginning the journey of awareness, which is "key" to unfolding health and wellness) Before we take an indepth look a the physical, mental and emotional stressors that may be contributing to your problem, I would like you to rate the following: A. Your level of Concern from 0-10, with 10 being the most concern you have every felt. B. The seriousness of the problem you are currently facing. C. The level of anxiety associated with the problem or possible treatments D. The level of fear associated with the problem or possible treatment. In our next article we will take you step by step through the possible factors that may be influencing your situation. You may want to refer to our list in last month's article to give you an opportunity to become more aware of your own circumstances before our next article. I wish you harmony and health in all your endeavors. ----- Read about Dr. Trager on our Meet the Team page; http://www.Life-choices.com/team.html ******************************************** Please Visit Our Sponsors eDiets - Lose your first 10 pounds by May 7th! Get your individualized diet based on your lifestyle. This is the most cost effective and thorough program you'll find both on and off the Net. Members receive weekly shopping lists, online support and much more! Copy and paste the entire url into the location bar of your browser. http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=qlxe3TEPrcI&offerid=6056&type=1&subid=0 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The Insider Secrets to Marketing Your Business on the Internet - Learn from the best. The author of this site, Corey Rudl gets over 4 million visitors to his websites yearly. He does 5.2 million dollars in sales online each year YES, that is $5,200,000!, and personally makes hundreds of thousands of dollars from his online businesses. All from his one small office. So listen to what he has to say as he knows what he is talking about when it comes to starting and promoting a business on the Internet. He reveals all his unconventional tips, trick and techniques with examples so you can learn most efficient and fastest way to make money on the Internet. Find out for yourself! http://www.marketingtips.com/t.cgi/41560 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Send in your testimonies, mailto:yourlife@life-choices.com with "Testimonies Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. Share your story with Alternative Medicine! This is YOUR newsletter! Share your thoughts, what you'd like to see by emailing, mailto:yourlife@life-choices.com with "Feedback Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. ******************************************** Section 3 The Key To Optimal Health By Rita Louise, ND During the past 20 years, we have heard a lot about controlling disease through diet, exercise and food supplements, but not much is being said as to how to prevent disease before it occurs. We are all are born with both inherent strengths and weaknesses as part of our genetic inheritance. All of the tissues in our bodies, whether of bone, muscle, gland or organ, have a unique balance of chemical elements that are designed to work in harmony with one another. It is now believed, that all chronic diseases are accompanied by nutritional deficiencies and imbalances in the essential chemical elements that make up the body. Many of us think of nutritional deficiencies in terms of an inadequate diet. This is often the case. According to Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., the leading nutritional problem in the US today is that many of us eat too many "empty calorie foods". It is not that we do not eat enough food, but instead, we don't eat enough of the right kinds of foods. It is now felt that it is the consumption of a majority of inappropriate foods that lead to nutritional deficiencies in the body. There are, however, other ways in which the body exhausts its valuable supply of chemical elements. Excessive mental work, for example, can deplete the brain, nerves and glands. Stress can wreak havoc on our immune system. Toxins can to build up in our bodies, leading to chemical depletion. We can simply neglect our bodies or forget to get enough fresh air, sunshine and exercise. Any abuse or overwork to our bodies, in addition to any inherent weakness we may have, can leave us with nutritional deficiencies. Once the body is depleted of its needed chemical elements, the breakdown of tissue beings to occur. It is typically followed by the gradual accumulation of toxic materials in the tissue. Once nutritional deficiencies have weakened a particular organ, gland or tissue, toxic material begins to accumulate because they have no power or energy left to throw it off. Symptoms of ill health are the consequence of nutritional deficiencies and chemical imbalances in the body. Deficiencies may not express themselves as symptoms for quite some time. Typically, the first symptom of disease to appear is fatigue. Next, we may get frequent infections, colds and the flu. Many times symptoms are taken for granted as a natural sign of aging. When left unchecked, however, these same deficiencies can contribute to chronic disease such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Finally, after 10 - 20 miserable years of limping through life, we die. The appearance of symptoms marks the clinical stage of a disease. When the skin becomes dry, when we have pain in the shoulder, when we have excessive bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea each tell us that something is wrong. Scientists now recognize that even mild nutritional deficiencies and biochemical imbalances can create subtle symptoms of disease. Although there IS a point of no return in tissue damage caused by severe long-term deficiencies, it is surprising to see how well the body responds to nutritional correction. It has been found that with nutritional supplementation and dietary improvements, you can work toward the remission of symptoms and the reversal of the disease process. As the chemical signs of deficiency are eased, it has been found that many of the sub-clinical symptoms being experienced are alleviated. Prevention of chemical depletion is the key to optimal health. Even in cases of AIDS, people don't die from AIDS proper. They die from AIDS related diseases. In other words, they die from weaknesses in the body. The same holds true for individuals with Cancer. Currently the only cure western medicine has for cancer is chemotherapy, radiation or cutting it out. What they do not realize is that anyone with cancer also has many other conditions that should be taken care of. Such a person will never be truly "cured" until integrity is restored to the rest of the inherently weak tissues that have toxic settlements and mineral deficiencies. Natural Health Practitioners think in terms of treating the patient, not just the disease or the symptoms. They consider each patient as an individual with individual needs. Their goal is to see their patients return to normal health, but normal for one patient may not be the same as normal for another. One way to evaluate your nutritional needs is to obtain a Biochemical Health Assessment. A complete Biochemical Health Assessment not only evaluates your health based on lifestyle factors and symptoms you may be currently experiencing, but also utilizes information derived from a simple blood test, which identifies your specific bio-chemical needs. Standard blood tests only identify clinical signs of dysfunction. They tell you when something is broken. A Biochemical Health Assessment, on the other hand, evaluates your body's biochemistry based on a state of optimal physical health and wellbeing. It identifies when there are imbalances in your body's biochemistry and chemical make-up. This evaluation can provide you with a portal through which you can detect health or disease. By looking for sub-clinical discrepancies, you may prevent disease before symptoms, occur. Knowledge of your body's blood chemistry is your best defense against degenerative disease. This allows you to begin a health program long before these issues reach the clinical or diseased state. A complete Biochemical Health Assessment, should evaluate your Cholesterol Levels, including your Coronary Heart Risk Ratio, your Liver Function, Kidney Function and Thyroid Function. It should also assess your Blood Sugar Levels, Blood Electrolytes as well as check for signs of Anemia and Infection. Today, an estimated 46% of adult Americans take nutritional supplements. It is part of a growing trend as more and more people take a proactive approach to their health. Currently, there is no "How To" guide to good nutrition and nutritional supplementation. We all are different and have different nutritional needs. To eliminate a lot of the guesswork and frustration, it is to your advantage to work with a trained health professional who can asses your health needs and that can help you develop a nutritional supplement program that is tailored specifically for you. Think about it. If you start feeding your body the biochemical elements it needs, disease can be eliminated before any symptoms begin. That is why a Biochemical Health Assessment is the key to optimal health. ----- Rita Louise, ND works with the whole person, addressing physical, emotional and spiritual issues, thus helping to restore harmony and order to all levels of human functioning. Dr. Louise is a Naturopath, Medical Intuitive, Professional Clairvoyant, Reiki Master, Master Herbalist and Certified Hypnotherapist. For additional information regarding Biochemical Health Assessments or any other of Dr. Louise' services, please contact her at (972) 475-3393 or visit her web page at http://www.soulhealer.com. ********** Your Life-Your Choice makes every effort to provide you with healthy recipes where the nutrition is geared towards specific health issues. If you have a recipe you'd like to share, submit it to with "recipe from YLYC subscriber" in the subject. Remember to include whatever nutritional information you can. ********** 4. Health Smart Recipe By Edna Laraway The high fiber in this recipe means that these pancakes are helpful in Cancer Prevention. --- Pancakes for Power 2 cups whole wheat flour 4 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt (optional) ½ tsp sugar (optional) or 2 packs sweetener(optional) 2 eggs 1 tbsp oil Add milk or buttermilk until mixture is pourable. Heat frying pan at med-high heat until batter sizzles when poured in pan. When batter forms bubbles on top turn over, and cook until done. (press lightly on pancake with finger, if it puffs back up, its cooked.) Again substitute, substitute, substitute! Whole wheat flour is more nutritious, but if you prefer, add ½ white flour, and half whole wheat, or use ½ white and ½ flaxseed. Add fresh fruits for a treat, cherries, blueberries and raspbeerries are all a good choice. Add mashed bananas and cinnamon, or apple and cinnemon/nutmeg/allspice. Serve hot on plate with natural maple syrup, or one of the new non-sugared varieties. Serve cold spooning fresh fruit of your choice with a scoop of whipped cream as a dessert. ******* Can Herbs help/cure your pet? For Holistic, preventative health programs Talk to the "Top Dog" http://www.life-choices. com/lar/pet.html Bilberry For breeds of pets that have a history of eye problems this is an invaluable herb. Bilberry is a rich source of antioxidants. Effective in the prevention of cataracts and corneal ulcers and also as a remedy for these conditions. When there is obvious infection in the eye use a chronic dose of ECHINACEA PLUS or GOLDENSEAL ECHINACEA Remember, dosages differ from human dosages. Please check the ailment index at http://www.life-choices.com/lar/pet.html ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Disclaimer All material appearing in this newsletter is provided for educational purposes only. It is provided with the understanding that authors and contributors are not offering medical advice or services. We strongly encourage you to consult with your own physician regarding any recommendations with respect to your own medical condition. Advertisement in the Your Life-Your Choice newsletter does not indicate endorsement on our part. The opinions expressed by our sponsors do not necessarily reflect our own. Our sponsors make this newsletter FREE to subscribers. Please take a moment to visit them. ********************************************* * * * Share Your Life-Your Choice with your Friends! * * This newsletter can be forwarded in its entirety only. * * Remember to discuss these options with your Health * * Care provider before implementing them. * * * ********************************************* Read back articles of Your Life-Your Choice in our Library of Archives and the Newsletter Headquarters: ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// To advertise in this newsletter, visit: http://www.Life-Choices.com/promote.html or mailto:yourlife@life-choices.com SUBJECT: Send Your Choice Advertising Rates ****************** Subscribe: You can subscribe by using the form at the Newsletter Headquarters: http://www.Life-Choices.com. Unsubscribe: You can unsubscribe by using the form at the Newsletter Headquarters: http://www.Life-Choices.com. Copyright 1997-2000 by Brigitte Synesael All rights reserved /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////