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This podcast episode is one of the most important topics for parents: How to stop eating so much sugar. As we've discussed in the past, our children are what we ate and what their grandparents ate. Research shows over and over again the tremendous negative impact of added sugars.  The American Heart Association has recommended that kids ages 2-18 should have less than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily for a healthy heart. However, the average child's sugar intake is between 22-34 teaspoons per day depending on age and other factors. One of our biggest goals is to empower parents to significantly reduce sugar intake for the entire family. Whether we are helping one family do a pantry makeover, or we're encouraging thousands to do a quit-sugar challenge, our aim is to help families get healthier, one baby step at a time. With this goal in mind, we are so pumped to introduce you to the authors of the book Sugarproof. Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar that Are Putting Your Child's Health at Risk and What You Can Do In this episode of A Healthy Bite podcast, you'll find out how sugar is affecting your child and what you can do. Here are the 8 main topics we cover in this episode. You'll find the 7-Day and 28-Day Challenge in their book. What was your motivation behind writing this book?How much sugar does the average kid consume?What are the short term and long term implications of excess sugar intake?Can kids be addicted to sugar?If parents have a child with a serious sweet tooth, what steps can they take to get it under control? or reverse sugar addiction in children... i.e. How do we sugarproof our kids - the basics.When should parents start sugarproofing their child (before conception?)You have short term and long term challenges in your book, what kind of results would people expect to see with those?Halloween is coming up along with the holidays, maybe some tips for sugarproofing during the candy culture season? Why You Need to Cut Back Your Child's Sugar Intake   If your children throw tantrums, storm around the house, or can't sit still you will want to read chapter three. In this chapter, the authors describe why a quick release of sugar into the bloodstream can strap your children into a roller coaster that causes highs and lows. They make the connection between breakfast and behavior that many parents have overlooked.  Perhaps you've noticed that your children get hyper after sugar? It's not your imagination! It's due to the unpredictable effects of sugar. These highs and lows can take a toll on children, making them moody, raising their stress levels, and overall temperament. You'll read about case studies in the book that suggest clear links between sugars in the diet and your child's mood and mental well-being. You've probably heard about the importance of gut health and the connection to immunity, mood, and even your child's memory. That is because trillions of microorganisms live and thrive inside the digestive system in what is known as a microbiome. Your child's microbiome is established in the first few years of life. This means that this is a crucial time to monitor the foods they eat. Too much sugar can lead to digestion problems as well as a whole host of other issues. These include the possibility of fatty liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, acne, and more. Sleepless on Sugar Weight gain and obesity are not the only factors at play when it comes to cutting back on added sugars. Sleep is one of the pillars of health and wellness, but it's especially important for children to get a good night's sleep.  Too much sugar right before bed (and possibly at other times in the day) can cause an energy spike that delays the settling downtime for kids. In fact, they believe it could even interfere with melatonin secretion and the circadian rhythm. This causes the body to crave more sugar, which in turn leads to less sleep and creates a viciou...

What is Living Apart Together The term "Living Apart Together" means that two people who are in a romantic relationship choose to live separately. LAT arrangements vary; it can be a couple who is married or unmarried. Young couples, and older couples whose spouse may have passed on and choose to commit yet remain unmarried. However, for the sake of this article, the focus is on married couples who choose to live apart. LAT is a non-traditional way to be a couple. Couples living apart together may have different reasons for doing so. Many older couples consider LAT a lifestyle choice. Younger couples often choose this lifestyle to avoid the problems that come with a break-up. Who am I to write about Living Apart Together? Well, I have the first-hand experience of living it; LAT saved my marriage. David Essel, my guest on this podcast episode has four decades of counseling married couples using this technique. Being in love, and yet living in separate residences, could be the answer to millions of people who are looking for both a deep connection and inner peace the same time. ~ David Essel  Living apart to save a marriage gives each partner the time and space to heal. LAT couples who want to succeed will come to a mutual agreement on the terms of the relationship. For most, one boundary is no intimate relationships outside of the nuclear couple. It's best to set boundaries for household living arrangements, what's okay and what's not, etc. Expectations cause anger, resentment, and frustration for couples who live together as well as those who choose separate dwellings. As David mentions in this podcast episode, it's crucial to set those boundaries, and he suggests putting it in writing. We made a verbal commitment, in the presence of our therapist. Does living apart together work? Many married couples stay together because splitting up is difficult. Dividing property and moving are just a couple of obstacles in divorce. There is something wonderful about knowing that you are together because you choose to be, not because it is convenient. What happens when a couple chooses to spend some time separately is that they have enough space to find that love they once had. Finding out that living apart makes you happier as a couple doesn't mean you should live apart forever. It's an option for sure, but so is living together again once things are sorted out. Is it healthy for married couples to live apart? This depends upon the couple. But it is possible for a married couple to live apart and maintain a healthy relationship. If both parties are mutually vested in the relationship they will work at their marriage just as hard as a couple living under the same roof. In fact, some would argue that couples who live separately are allowing their relationship to breathe and grow whereas living under the same roof can lead to feelings of bitterness and being suffocated by their partners' constant presence. I've seen plenty of examples of married couples who trudge on living under the same roof, unhappily married, bitter towards one another, bouts of the silent treatment, and worse. What percentage of married couples live separately? According to data from the US Census Bureau, an estimated four million married couples live apart. Other instances where this works? Military families Long haul truck drivers Firefighters People who live far apart due to careers (happens all the time in China) A long-distance relationship for other reasons Blended families where each parent lives with their child from a previous marriage Pros of Living Apart Together Separate downtime. More alone time, especially meaningful for someone who has been raising children for 30+ years Your own space to do with as you please A greater appreciation for one another Appreciate sex more (absence makes the heart grow fonder) Reduces the friction that comes from living with a loved one.

Do you know the symptoms of Addison's disease or have you ever met someone who had this diagnosis? My special guest on this episode of A Healthy Bite is Phil Moser, author of the book Free and Fearless, a book about his daughter who passed away in 2017 due to Addison's disease. The story of Brittany Moser, a talented, beautiful person that lived life to the fullest, by enriching everyone she encountered. After becoming a flight attendant, she is grounded by a rare and incurable disease. She decides to go on an adventure of a lifetime, and asks her best friend, her father, to go with her. Written by Phil Moser, this award-nominated story gives a very personal account of their special bond and the adventures they shared. This story will take you on a journey you will never forget, and leave you wanting more. Please listen to this important episode and help us keep Brittany's spirit alive by raising awareness about Addison's Disease. I believe you will be touched by the love Brittany's father had for her and the determination he has to keep her spirit alive and honor her life. At the end of the book, Mr. Moser has included a screenshot of the touching message Brittany stored in her phone for him to find if she ever passed away. The message was written four months prior to her passing. This touching story, while heartbreaking, is incredibly inspiring and will make you want to embrace life with all your heart. As you will hear in this episode, Brittany was first diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Eventually, through her own research, she suggests to her doctors that she might have Addison's disease, which they confirm through testing. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have a 10-fold higher risk for Addison's disease and a 3-fold increased risk for pernicious anemia. ~ Thyroid.org What is Addison's Disease? Primary Adrenal Insufficiency, or Addison’s disease, is a severe or total deficiency of the hormones made in the adrenal cortex. One's own immune system turns on the body and begins to attack itself. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal gland and is primarily responsible for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Addison's disease is caused by damage to your adrenal glands, resulting in not enough of the hormone cortisol and, often, not enough aldosterone as well. [The] adrenal glands are part of [the] endocrine system. They produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in [the] body. ~ Mayo Clinic An autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis can cause the body's immune system to attack itself causing irreversible damage to the thyroid and adrenal gland. Autoimmune Addison disease can lead to a life-threatening adrenal crisis, characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain, back or leg cramps, and severe hypotension leading to shock. The adrenal crisis is often triggered by a stressor, such as surgery, trauma, or infection. ~ source Patients with Addison's disease are advised to wear a medic alert bracelet that will signal emergency workers to give them a stress dose of corticosteroids which may save their life. Addisonian crisis, also known as adrenal crisis or acute adrenal insufficiency is an endocrinologic emergency with a high mortality rate secondary to physiologic derangements from an acute deficiency of the adrenal hormone cortisol, requiring immediate recognition and treatment to avoid death. ~ source What are the symptoms of Addison's disease? Patients' symptoms often mislead physicians and result in misdiagnosis or are overlooked altogether. Multiple conditions can mimic one or more symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic dyspepsia, etc.). However, adrenal insufficiency should always be excluded prior to attributing the patient’s symptoms to a different or co-existent disorder.~ Pulse Today Symptoms of Addison's disease may include: Weight loss

All forms of domestic abuse impact health and well-being Domestic abuse is on the rise in 2020. Physical abuse is an obvious risk to health and well-being, not to mention the very life of the abused. Emotional abuse is detrimental to the mental health of the abused. Of course, domestic abuse can also impact physical health. Many times emotional abuse precedes physical abuse. Being abused makes it much more likely for psychological and physical illnesses to occur. Anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, impact mental health. Moreover, the general deterioration of health due to stress are all risks that a victim of abuse may face. Abuse can lead to lower self-esteem or even alcohol and drug dependency. As a result, the mental and physical health of the abused is also under attack. Mandatory lockdowns to flatten the curve of COVID-19 have, unfortunately, created a new problem for people who experience abuse. The problem? Being trapped at home with their abuser. Appointments, errands, and other trips outside the home may be a momentary escape for the abused. During the pandemic, these outings are likely not happening. According to reports, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is reporting an ever-increasing number of calls. In New York, officials are working to increase the number of resources available to the abused. Finding Your Voice Mannette Morgan is on a mission to stop the cycle of abuse within our society, an enormous undertaking. In fact, she dreams of a society that is free from abuse. To attain this, we need to step up and face the reality of abuse within our society, communities, and even within our own families. Burying our heads in the sand or sweeping abuse under the carpet isn't the answer. This is why Mannette is my guest in today's podcast episode shedding light on domestic abuse. You can listen to this episode by using the player above or by going anywhere podcasts are available. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you are looking for help from an abusive situation, look for resources on Mannette's website, which includes all the organizations and resources she mentions in this episode. As Mannette mentions, she answers the emails of readers looking for help. In addition, for questions on abuse take a look at this Help Guide. Mannette would also like to encourage you with her ABCs for Life, which is a free download on her website; you don't even have to enter your email. If you’re experiencing abuse or partner violence and need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or you can chat with an advocate on their website.  In conclusion, if you are a friend of someone who is being abused, please be careful in sharing resources as they may be "monitored" by their abuser. Texts, emails, and browsing history could be a source of fuel for the abuser that leads to more abuse. In other words, when reaching out to encourage, be careful not to hurt someone who is hurting. About the author: Mannette Morgan Mannette Morgan is an inspirational speaker, author, and abuse survivor who inspires others to rise above adversity and strive for a better life. After 30 years of intense self-work, she overcame her past trauma of emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, along with powering through the limitations of her learning disability, dyslexia. A life coach certified through the Academy of Solution Focus Training and the American University of NLP, she is a powerful, inspirational speaker and the author of Finding Your Voice. Visit MannetteMorgan.com for more information. Sources: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-York-to-revamp-domestic-violence-resources-as-15339246.php

Not losing weight on Keto? You're following a Ketogenic diet and suddenly find your weight loss has stalled. What's the cause? Today I have Jessica Ancaya, from Holistic Keto Goddess here to answer all your questions about why you're not losing weight on keto and some unusual areas that might be blocking the path to success. "Unexpected areas that might hinder weight loss" is the topic of today's podcast episode which you can listen to in the player above or on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify! What would we find in a Ketogenic Pantry? The first thing you should realize before beginning a keto diet is to feel good; you have to eat well! For your mitochondria to function at their best, you have to give them fuel. I am going to go through a rundown of what a holistic keto goddess should keep in her pantry. The foods that I will mention have so many benefits, both physically and mentally. Keto Pantry What is Ketotarian and do you follow that type of Ketogenic diet? Too much protein or cheese can be another reason why you are not losing weight on keto. In 2018, Dr. Will Cole wrote the book titled the Ketotarian. In his work, his objective was to show a clear path of exactly how to use food as medicine and optimize every system in your body 1. Using a noun, he defined Ketotarian as a ketogenic plant-based rock star! When analyzing the word as an adjective, Ketotarian is the amalgamation of delicious healthy fats and vegetable meals to optimize your metabolism, brain, hormones, and overall health. Merging the Gap Between Keto and Vegetarian More information on the Ketotarian lifestyle can be found in Dr. Will Cole’s book Keto-tarian. Jessica's Ketotarian menu plan for one full week of healthy low-carb, high-fat meals is a great way to start of the ketogenic diet or to move you through a weight-loss stall. A vegan diet can create nutrient deficiencies but following Keto-tarian, eating more fish and less red meat can help with the B12 factor. Cycling Carbs - How do you do it and how often? If you are healthy, it may be of benefit your body to go ahead and increase your net carbs to a few times per week. Especially since there are certain complex carbs( not on the keto diet) that have beneficial nutrients for our body. This article will highlight the six things you should know about carb cycling on keto and will increase your confidence about going keto. What You Should Know About Carb Cycling Adding too many carbs to your diet and not watching your portion control can also be a factor that can prevent or stall weight-loss. Intermittent Fasting - What is it? Who will it benefit and who should not do it? Consider intermittent fasting if you are not losing weight on keto, but only if you are in good health! Intermittent fasting gives your body a break from digestion and is a wonderful tool for improving health, healing mitochondria. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, have adrenal fatigue, or another health condition. Some diabetics can use intermittent fasting but it’s always best to check with your health care provider. For those with adrenal fatigue, we recommend the book by Dr. Jason Fung - The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting. Read Intermittent Fasting Benefits - Which should I start first IF or Keto or is it best to start at the same time? Jessica recommends starting with the Ketogenic diet before adding IF. Maria Emmerich's book The Keto Cleanse is the book I (Rebecca) used to kick-start my ketogenic diet a few years ago. I found that ditching dairy really made a difference in how quickly I could lose weight. Eating too much protein or cheese can kick you out of ketosis. When you eat too much protein it can convert or react similarly to eating carbohydrates, especially when you eat more protein than your body requires. Calculate your protein requirements using the formula in this post.

Childhood nutrition is essential for growth and development as well as to prevent illness and disease. You want to prepare healthy meals and snacks for your kids but between finding the time and choosing foods they'll eat it can be overwhelming. For the last 29 years, I've tried every technique to provide a well-balanced diet for my six children and I've collected lots of great strategies. Still, I feel like there's always more to learn. Today, Jackie Vega, a registered dietician, and blogger is here to share some of her best tips on childhood nutrition. Listen to the podcast episode using the player above or using your favorite podcast players such as iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. Healthy sleep and healthy eating habits complement each other. The food you eat can have an impact on your sleep patterns and the hours of sleep you are getting or losing. Likewise, the quality and amount of sleep you are getting will impact on your food intake. - The Wellness Solution One tip Jackie mentioned during this episode reminded me of charcuterie, with shrimp cocktail, cut vegetables, cheese, meat, pickles, olives, and other whole foods. My children also enjoy having a spread of foods to graze on during movie night, game night, or other gatherings. She also mentioned pizza and I think this is a good way to get kids to eat a small number of vegetables with their pepperoni. Don't be afraid to add a few bell peppers to that pepperoni pizza! Jackie also shares with us a few tips on other pillars of health, because food is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. Sleep, nutrition, movement, and limiting screentime are four factors that parents must monitor carefully for keeping kids mentally and physically healthy. More Tips for Childhood Nutrition Jackie has so much helpful information on health and nutrition on The Wellness Solution! Here are a few resources related to this podcast episode: Healthy Habits and Foods that Help You Sleep Great podcast about behavioral changes regarding nutrition and the family. Jackie's podcast episode about healthy kids. Meal Prep for busy moms Find Jackie on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and her second Instagram account. Jackie Vega a licensed, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in private practice in south Florida specializing in recipe development, meal planning, fitness consulting, integrating personal lifestyles into individualized programming. She has more than 7 years of experience. Her areas of expertise include women's health and pediatrics. She is the owner of The Wellness Solution, a personal fitness and wellness blog. Jackie graduated with a BS in Dietetics from KSU and completed her internship at ISU. She is currently a recipient of Arizona State University Medical Nutrition Masters program. She also completed a personal training program from the American Council on Exercise.

A mistake at breakfast? You mean spilled milk, right? I'm talking about the choices we make to start our day off with the energy and stamina it takes to get things done! Where are you when it comes to breakfast? Are you eating a meal fit for a King or do you skip breakfast altogether? No matter where you fall on this spectrum, one thing is for sure; traditional breakfast foods like cereal and pastries are not the healthiest choice. By far one of the biggest mistakes with breakfast is eating typical breakfast foods. So many of these are over-processed and sugar-laden. I’m talking about the standard American breakfast of waffles, cereal, toast, muffins, bagels, and fast food sandwiches, which are by far some of the worst choices you can put on your plate. Eating a high carb breakfast is basically creating metabolic disasters all day. In turn, these metabolic disasters create excess body fat and diseases related to obesity. Many experts do stress the need for more protein but forget to warn folks of eating too many carbs. Research has shown that starting the day with high-quality protein sources can improve anxiety disorders, in addition to other benefits. - Replace High Carb Breakfasts to Feel Energized Most people consume enough protein at dinner but need to increase their protein intake at breakfast. By the way, if you enjoy eating carbohydrates at breakfast, try complex carbs like beans, here's a delicious option: Energizing Breakfast Taco. Other resources related to this podcast episode: Avoid insulin resistance at all costs; check out 14 Things We Do to Lower the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Avoiding childhood obesity Keeping Kids Healthy and Preventing Childhood Obesity How to Teach Kids About Healthy Eating Without Food & Body-Shaming Download Step 2 Make the Most of Breakfast Read more about and join the Tasty Bite Cookbook Club here. Make some delicious turkey breakfast sausage How his diabetes diagnosis led to the creation of a low carb cereal If you can't give up your bowl of breakfast cereal, try this low-carb cereal instead of the sugar-filled variety in the supermarket.

This podcast struck a chord for me as a mom and you may experience a similar feeling as you listen to this episode. Your child may have had difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or experienced anxiety at bedtime and you know how exhausting that can be for the entire family. Even if bedtime has been smooth sailing, you will relate to the struggles many moms face; that is, being more present when our children need us. Bedtime Struggles Author Terah Boyd was struggling through a difficult time with her family. Out of the blue, her two-year-old daughter began having severe anxiety at bedtime. Forcing the toddler to comply quickly turned to misery. After a year of difficulties, this mom slowed down, took a look at herself, and found the answers. Later, her daughter was diagnosed with Autism and being neuro-diverse. Learning to be Present In this episode of a Healthy Bite, Terah shares these answers with parents and children—particularly those in the Autism community—through her new book, Showdown At High Moon: Queen Takes a Stand. Society has created such a high standard, and most parents feel pressured to adhere. We are always rushing to keep up and stay on point, so we appear to be the perfect family. Often when we feel stressed, we go on autopilot as a coping mechanism. But when parents zone out, we can miss glaring or subtle signs that something is amiss with our kids. They may need extra attention, or they may be missing milestones and need professional help. Terah was able to connect with her daughter by slowing down and truly paying attention to her daughter, setting her standards and ignoring critics, and entering a guilt-free zone. By doing these things, Terah set them both on a path for happier, healthier lives. One night in the middle of a melt-down, I just started singing to her, I made up a lullaby right there on the spot. She responded well to it; we started singing it together every night; she would even sing it sometimes during the day. I could see it was calming to her. It was something to hold on to; I don't think she felt she had that before. We need to encourage our children to be confident and talk to their parents about their fears. And for children with Autism, we need to see the child before the diagnosis. Showdown At High Moon includes the lullaby lyrics. Terah also recorded the lullaby so parents and children can use it as a comforting tool alongside this endearing story. As I listened to this song, chills covered my arms as it completely took me back to my years as a young mother, putting my babies to bed. There were several lullaby albums that I listened to with my children and songs I sang to them. This song would have definitely been added to my collection. Listening to Terah's soothing voice, I could feel how much heart she put into this lullaby and felt an immediate connection to her in the sphere of motherhood. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. Also, as a mother who is way past the bedtime struggles stage, and as one who has children on the spectrum, I can say that this phase of motherhood doesn't last forever and the goal of being present is one that is worth pursuing. About Terah Boyd Sparking growth and maturity in people's lives, Terah Boyd is an Autism Awareness Ambassador, Psalmist/ Inspirational Speaker, singer, and author. Two of her three children are on the Autism spectrum, and her daughter is also neuro-diverse. Terah uses every opportunity to advocate for children with enhanced needs, especially when it comes to education. There desperately needs to be a reform of the educational system when it comes to options given to those who think differently than us. It is also so important to support mothers of those amazing kids. She offers advice on managing the many many challenges that come with parenting a child who requires more than average at her website www.terahboyd.com. If your child has bedtime struggles such as anxiety or sleeplessne...

If you are struggling with unhappiness, one thing is for sure; you are not alone. A quick internet search will yield 8 billion results. With all this information available at our fingertips, why are so many of us still searching for happiness? I've spent a significant amount of time pursuing happiness. One thing I have discovered is that some of us are simply comfortable with our unhappiness. Over the years it has become our security blanket. We may even self-sabotage, recreate scenarios, or replay old scripts that keep us in that familiar unhappy pattern. We identify with it. The act of choosing to be happy may itself be a source of anxiety because anything unfamiliar is also uncomfortable. Allowing oneself to experience happiness may also stir up feelings of guilt; perhaps feeling that we don't deserve to be happy. Trusting that happiness will stick around may feel like risky business. The bright side You can train yourself to be happy. Here's one example: you wake up ready to enjoy the weekend but when you pull back the curtains all you see is a gloomy, rainy day. For many people, the first instinct would be to feel as if the weekend were ruined. What if, instead, you decided to grab a blanket, a cup of hot tea, and a book and curl up on the sofa listening to the rain? It's all about perspective. [Tweet "The pursuit of happiness is forged on the battlefield of the mind. - Gary Rogers"] So, for today's "Healthy Bite", I've asked top experts to share their best happiness hack with you. You can listen to this podcast episode in the player at the top of this page, or you can listen on Spotify, iTunes, or Stitcher. Two Steps to Being Happy The very first person I asked was David Essel, and of course, he hit a home run with this response: Stop complaining. Seriously that's it. Unless you're complaining to a professional or one very close friend, check out how many times that you complain, gossip, bitch about the pandemic, the administration, the scientist. One of the greatest ways to become happy is to do what's called "emotional regulation. " A fancy term for, you have control over what you say, what you think, what you do. Emotional regulation says that we acknowledge a block to our happiness is our engagement with people who are conspiracy theorists, gossipers, negative in nature…and if we want to be happy, there are two steps to follow. Number 1. Stop complaining. Entirely. Now that might mean you have to cut out social media, the media, news, etc. Do whatever you have to do to quit complaining. Number two. Surround yourself with people that are better than you. This is a stretch for many of us. Make sure in your circle you have someone who is more successful financially, has a better body, a better relationship, a deeper connection to God… And by involving yourself with these types of people you will find happiness. Hear the episode with David Essel: You Need to Know: Social Inclusion Starts from the Top Down For more information visit talkDavid.com. Sign up for "David Essel's motivational minute," free; every Tuesday and Thursday, you'll get an inspirational video to bring your life to the next level. Everything is at www.talkdavid.com David Essel, Counselor, Life and Business Coach, Success, Relationships, Marriage, Addiction Recovery, Speaker, Author, TV/Radio Host Trust your Intuition A favorite author in the field of psychiatry is Jill Sylvester. Not only did she write "Trust Your Intuition: 100 Ways to Transform Anxiety and Depression for Stronger Mental Health; she also wrote a novel, Land of Blue, a coming-of-age fantasy novel that takes readers young and old on a fascinating journey of the power of friendship, the love of family and ultimately, the choice to overcome darkness. As soon as the wave hits, the one that threatens to consume with all of negativity and uncertainty, I sit in it for a second, in order to feel it, and not deny it, and then I take a big,

Today's episode is one of two podcasts about the seasons of womanhood. In this episode, Shannon Covel, founder of Seasons of Sisters, shares insights and tips for talking to our daughters about their first period. Your daughter’s first period can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you, the mom (or dad), portrays it. Let’s face it, most women don’t look forward to a visit from Aunt Flo. Why is that? Because it’s messy and painful and makes us moody. But the good news is, there are things to help with the common discomforts. Why not bless your daughter with a first time box that includes all the items she needs to feel confident, clean and comfortable and opens up the door of communication for you to explain what she can expect. Listen to the episode in your browser by clicking the play button above, or you can listen on the go with iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify. Although, we do a little show and tell during the interview, so if you want to see the unboxing, watch the video below. Subscribe on youtube or your favorite podcast player so you won't miss the next episode which is about the other seasons of womanhood from motherhood to menopause! Show Notes for this podcast episode 2:36 - Introducing the box for the first time 5:00 - My dread of talking to my daughter about her first period 8:00 - Period tracker printable 11:30 - Unboxing 20:00 - Herbs to help with PMS (stay tuned to Chats with Aunt Flo where Shannon will be writing more about herbs and how they work!) 23:00 - Teaching our daughters to be proud to be a woman. 25:00 - Tips for mom to talk to daughter about her first period. Welcome to Womanhood box is designed to celebrate a young girl’s first period and is the box you'll see in this episode. The Seasons box is a subscription box for the girl/woman who is already menstruating on a regular basis. Read more about Raspberry Leaf Tea; The Women's Herb In the next episode of A Healthy Bite, we will do an unboxing of the Welcome to Motherhood box which celebrates the new mom. Feel confident in knowing all Seasons of Sisters products are made with organic, natural ingredients. About the Founder Shannon Covel is the mother of six children, four daughters, and now two granddaughters. She enjoys helping young women embrace womanhood. The idea of Seasons of Sisters was birthed from the experiences she has gained through having a rough time with PMS, carrying six children through pregnancies, birthing all of them naturally, nursing all of them, and then later having a rocky road through menopause.  Shannon has had the privilege of having many girls and women come through her home, and as she listened to them tell their stories and share complaints, she realized most of us have just suffered through certain parts of each season. Since then, she has been on a quest to find natural recipes and pampering products to help ease the discomfort of each season with the goal of making each season comfortable, even enjoyable! On a personal note, I've known Shannon for around 13 years and I trust her to bring you quality products. This is not a sponsored post, nor am I an affiliate of her products. I simply saw a good thing and wanted to support her, and I hope you can see the love she has put into these boxes. Giving one to my youngest daughter helped "break the ice" so I could make sure she is prepared when that day comes. Make sure to share this post in your mom groups and on your mom boards on Pinterest!

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, let's set a goal to implement some eco-friendly actions. Listen to the podcast episode for inspiration on celebrating earth day by clicking the player above or by going to iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify! The Earth Day Theme for 2020 is Climate Action. Yes, your individual actions do add up and they will make a difference! When we each stand-alone, we all stand together. [Tweet "Here are 10 ways you can celebrate earth day today and every day."] 1 - Go organic Every organic purchase is a vote you make with your wallet telling organic farmers and manufacturers that you support them. Purchasing products that have the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is an essential step in supporting organics. Organics are crucial for protecting the earth, animals, and insects, as well as humans. The dwindling butterfly and bee population are being affected by genetically modified crops. The dwindling insect decline is linked to GMO crops. [Research] showed Monarch butterfly caterpillars were seven times more likely to die when they ate milkweed plants carrying pollen from Bt corn [genetically engineered to contain a pesticide], compared to conventional corn. Choosing to avoid GMOs has a beneficial impact on the planet as much as humans. Botanical insecticides such as Neem, citronella oil, Eucalyptus, Garlic extract, etc. have been used successfully and are still being studied. Natural products have a lower persistence in the environment and, therefore, are considered environmentally and toxicologically safer than several of the pesticides currently used. Choose Non-GMO Project Verified and organic products as much as possible to assist others who are also doing their part to help save the bees! Choosing organic helps to protect bees and butterflies, as well as other beneficial insects. What the USDA organic certification means Organic food is free of harsh human-made pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and hormones. Researchers have found higher concentrations of nutrients in produce grown organically. Another research shows that the omega-3 fatty acid levels were 47% higher in meat that was produced organically due to feeding methods. Take a look at this article to learn to read labels in the supermarket so you can determine which products you want to put in your shopping cart. Let's take a look at the organic label. A product labeled organic means that the product has been made by following strict guidelines and has been inspected and certified as approved. A farm or business must apply along with fees to be USDA-accredited by a certifying agent. Products must meet specific requirements, such as: Produced without excluded methods (e.g., genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge). Produced using allowed substances. View the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Overseen by a USDA National Organic Program-authorized certifying agent, following all USDA organic regulations. If the applicant passes the review and inspection (which is much more in-depth than the process described here), the certifying agent will receive an organic certificate. However, the farm or business will need to repeat this process annually. Find the Environmental Working Group Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ list here. 2 - Adopt an animal Support WWF's global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats and choose from kits with plush and more. 3 - Plant something It's pretty commonplace to plant a tree on Earth Day, however, you can plant anything you can get your hands on! I still have some seeds from my grandmother's garden that were passed down, even though she stopped gardening many years ago. Look for native plants or contact your local Audubon society. 4 - Reduce Cut down on how much electricity, water, and other resources you use. Water use for personal hygiene

Are you in a holding pattern during the pandemic? Maybe it feels like you're in the Twilight Zone? During my last appointment with Dr. J, my psychologist, I confirmed that I was handling things better than expected. We talked about my mindset, and she encouraged me to share these thoughts with you all. So here we are. Another chance for you to learn from my mistakes! In the first half of my life, I had the tendency to put off living while I waited for my "real life" to start. Some people put off living while they wait to graduate college, others wait for marriage to begin really living. Perhaps as a young adult, many of us "wait" to start living until we feel like we have accomplished something that deems us worthy of  "a real life." Yes, I spent my teen years and early twenties telling myself that when I started my own family life would truly start. Always looking towards some future event as the starting point of life. Once I realized I had done this, it was too late to do anything about it - the time was already wasted and I couldn't get it back. Still, it served as a good lesson for my current situation. Being "Stuck" at home. Making good use of our time at home While I am in self-isolation, instead of waiting for some unknown time when this pandemic will end, I choose to live. Of course, the way I choose to live has it's limits, but I am in control of my attitude while I wait. I'm in charge of what I do with my time while I am at home. The obstacle, this virus, will not keep me from being useful or productive. I will take on my life right where I am. What can I do with myself and what do I have to offer those around me during this time? What I don't want to do is to start avoiding life. In fact, no matter what I do with each day, no matter what YOU choose to do with each day: This Is Life. Regardless of your participation, or your lack of participation, in life - life is still happening! Don't wait. Live. Yes, the world is spinning out of control it seems, but your life is real and it's now. Your life is not on pause while we are awaiting the end of this pandemic. Every day, life is still going on, whether you choose to hide from it, or participate in it. [Tweet "Don't wait. Live."] Make a plan It's true, you can't go to the gym, but there are millions of online workouts that you can do for free. Walking is free. Do some form of exercise every day. Maybe you can't have coffee with friends, but you can Facetime, Skype, or Zoom to see their faces. Start having a "happy hour" or "coffee time" with your besties. If they won't respond, keep reaching out, don't give up. Tell them that it's important to you that they keep in touch while you are apart! You might not be able to go to work or work from home, but you could participate in a hobby or teaching others how to do something you are good at! Yes, life is hard right now. Things are frustrating and challenging and tiring. No one is denying that. I just want to encourage you to live. Don't stay in a holding pattern, waiting to start life again when this pandemic ends. We don't know how long that will be, so to stay healthy, the best thing you can do is to live life in a new and productive way. If you need someone to talk to feel free to reach out to me and make sure you are on my email list because I'm sending out tons of encouragement right now! Give Back with Chilipad My friends at Chili are offering something special for the heroes keeping us all healthy and safe. Now until April 30th if you buy any dual zone chiliPAD or OOLER sleep system they will donate a single zone chiliPAD to nurses, doctors, and first responders as a thank you! Read more about why chiliPAD is my favorite sleep hack and hear from the founder and creator, Tara Youngblood in this podcast episode. Share this with your friends and save to your Pinterest Board!

If you're like a lot of people right now, you might not be sure what to do with yourself. You may have checked your screen time report only to find you've spent more time on social media or browsing websites than ever before. Maybe you are even looking for a distraction to keep you from checking the "numbers" so frequently. Why not use this time to write? What skills and talents do you have to share with the world from your unique perspective? Are there stories you tell everyone you meet? Have you spent the last several years of your retirement traveling but still haven't compiled all those pictures and stories in one place? Now is the time to share your uniqueness with the world! People are online now more than ever before and they are looking for something to distract, encourage, and motivate! If you are interested in doing something that will help others during our collective time of need, consider sharing what you know with others. Not only would you be helping others, but you'll also be helping yourself. Writing is very therapeutic. It can help prevent depression and even make you happier. Putting your thoughts down can clear your head and make you more resilient. Depression and anxiety tend to cause rumination, having the same dreary thoughts over and over. But when you begin writing things down, whether it's directly about your life, as in a diary, or an attempt at an essay or story or even a novel, you get deeply involved in that task and tend to rise above the ordinary frustrations of your day. ~ Go Ahead and Write. Writing is a form of art. When you write, you are using your imagination. You can write simply or more elaborately; it's up to you, as the writer, to decide. Writing is the most powerful way to articulate the story of your life and set it into motion. ~ Writing is an art There are experiences you have had, places you have gone, things you have seen, all are unique to you! Your spin on life, the way you do something, how you tackle a challenge, struggles you've faced, or how you implement a new habit are all information that might benefit someone else on this planet! Let your individuality shine. So what I propose is to write. Write about all the things that matter to you. Share all your stories. Compile all your favorite recipes or those handed down in your family. Showcase your poems and short stories. Gather your memories. Display your style. Organize your thoughts and share them. Bestow your gift of storytelling on others. Tell everyone "back home" what life is like where you live now. Select your favorite memories and write every detail you can remember. Journal your day-to-day life during this unprecedented time in history. Convince others to care about your greatest passion. You have the time. Even if you are still working at home, you have those minutes that you would have spent commuting. I want to challenge you to spend 30 days writing. You can write whatever you want to, but just put words down every day. Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas. It’s fun, exciting, and doesn’t require you to be an expert writer or an editor. ~ BizBudding, Inc. If you need some writing prompts, you can download my 30 Day Writing Challenge to help you out. You can write in a journal that only you see, or you could write online and share it with the world. When I decided to share my passion for reducing waste with others, I chose a simple platform that included hosting, WordPress and a pre-configured theme. You can get started for less than what you probably spend on coffee each month. If you are uncertain about how to start a blog, let me tell you, it's easier than you may think with Mai Theme. But don't worry, because you'll have access to a free course to teach you how to use Mai Theme to its fullest potential. The standard onboarding service is free for everyone and configures your website to look like the demo,

Q&A with Dr. Sean Beckmann about Lyme Disease and other Tick-Borne Illnesses Many people have been infected with Lyme Disease and are completely unaware and go undiagnosed for years. In fact, some people may even believe they have Lyme Disease but are unable to convince their doctor to test them. We wanted to know more about this mysterious disease, so we invited an expert, Dr. Sean Beckmann to join us on A Healthy Bite to give hopefully answer some of our most pressing questions. For those who have been part of the TOM Tribe for years, you may know that I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and shared the protocol I used to recover here. Later, I ended up taking Doxycycline and I explain why here. Also, I mention Hopelively,  a support group for women you can join here. The episode with Dr. Beckmann about the Coronavirus is here. Questions Dr. Beckmann addresses in this episode: Where do people get Lyme Disease? Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever? Can you be infected no matter where you live or is it just in some locations? What about cases where people test positive for Lyme Disease but have never been in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent? How can the disease be transmitted? Some say Lyme Disease is a virus, and many others say it's a bacteria, which is it? A lot of families (everyone in the family) have tick-borne diseases, and we are wondering if it's possible to be transmitted via human saliva. Can the disease lie dormant and then come back later? What all can it cause? Can it lead to other types of diseases, such as cancer, gut health, etc? What are the most effective treatments for people who get infected with Lyme Disease and other tick diseases? Doxycycline - can it hurt you more than it helps you, long term? Why does Rocky Mountain show up if you have Lyme Disease? Is it a disease that once you have it you always have it and it can flare up later? Why would doctors be so hesitant to test people for tick-borne illnesses? Do they suggest someone who is diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever More Questions from Listeners: If they treat spirochetes with penicillin when you have syphilis, why isn't penicillin an option for Lyme spirochetes? While on doxycycline can one do a liver cleanse, blood cleanse and parasite cleanse? If not all three at the same time, can any of them be done individually while on doxy? We know at least 5 couples here in our small town that each the husband and wife both are positive, could it be sexually transmitted? Did this episode help you? If you found value in this episode of A Healthy Bite, take a minute to rate and review us on iTunes, this helps other people find the podcast AND helps us line up more informative episodes like this one in the future. Meet Dr. Sean Beckmann, Assistant Professor of Biology I am passionate about engaging and educating students both in and out of the classroom. Whether in a lecture, laboratory, field site, or during a chat in my office I relish the opportunity to find a student’s passion and interests and help foster those. Not every student is going to become a research biologist, but everyone can utilize science in their own lives. By helping them understand biological concepts and apply them to their own real-world experiences I hope to help foster a love of biology and scientific curiosity in every student with whom I interact. Ph.D., Biology, University of Miami B.S., Biology, Stetson University Growing up Dr. Beckmann enjoyed science and nature and always wanted to be a veterinarian. While a student at Stetson University he had the opportunity to engage in projects and internships that introduced him to field biology and research. This changed his trajectory to pursue a career in research. While in graduate school at the University of Miami he had the opportunity to teach a number of classes and engage a number of undergraduates in his research on the phylogeography of small mamma...

The Raw Vegan Diet is a great cleanse. It's an excellent way to detox for a short period of time. For some that could be a few days, others could benefit from a few weeks. However, for those who plan to follow a Raw Vegan lifestyle for an extended period of time, say more than a month, please listen to this episode. You want to be aware of the red flags for raw vegans that your body might send if you start to have nutrient deficiencies. Again, it's important for me to clarify that I am not against the diet per se, however, a "diet" is not a "lifestyle" it is a short term means to reach a goal. I am against chalking up feeling bad to "detox symptoms" and "not going deep enough into raw veganism." Any extreme way of eating means excluding certain food groups or cooking methods. For those following the Raw Vegan diet, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, and all cooked foods are excluded. That means no steaming, frying, boiling, baking, or grilling vegetables as well. Same diet, different results Because people have varying degrees of compliance to any type of diet, someone who adheres to one strictly will have different results than someone who bends the "rules" often. Another factor is genetics. Environment also plays a role in the results individuals will get from following the same type of diet. One big problem with our Raw Vegan diet experience was eating too many nuts. Many of the dessert recipes called for massive amounts of raw almonds, cashews, macadamia, or other types of nuts. Raw Vegan Tacos and imitation meatloaves were also dense with too many nuts. We understand now that regular consumption of large quantities of nuts, seeds, and oils is not healthy due to their high levels of omega 6s— which can contribute to negative health conditions including slowed metabolism, inflammation, and obesity. ~ Boutenko VegNews Another possible red flag is hypoglycemia or other blood sugar imbalances. Eating too many fruits can wreck your metabolism and blood sugar levels in a way similar to eating too much sugar. Books I mentioned in this episode: I still enjoy using Raw Vegan cookbooks because they have so many delicious vegetable recipes in them. I believe eating veggies is crucial to a healthy diet. Up until three years ago, I had a huge collection of Raw Vegan books. A new friend borrowed an entire box full of them and promptly moved, taking my books with her. Then I never heard from her again. Sad. Here are a few of the books I started out with on my Raw Vegan journey and other books I mentioned in this episode. They are older publications because this is my story from nearly 20 years ago. Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose Raw Family: A True Story of Awakening by Victoria Boutenko - From what I can find Boutenko now allows some cooked foods into her diet, particularly those I mentioned which have goitrogens. I consider a high-raw diet, meaning 80–95 percent raw vegan food, to be optimal for everyday life. I have stopped eating most nuts, all nut butters, and most oils, and have added cooked foods into my diet like steamed broccoli, asparagus, and cabbage. I think a 100-percent raw-food diet is an effective practice as a way of healing. That was extremely beneficial for my family. Now my experience and research has brought me to a high-raw diet for sustainable living. ~ VegNews Raw Food Real World by Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis Raw: The Uncook Book by Juliano Brotman It's not something you're doing wrong as a Raw Vegan If you are a stubborn, determined, militant or legalistic person, do a reality check or have an accountability partner keep you in line. When the red flags appear, heed their warning! Turns out I felt good for a few weeks and then it went downhill until I finally stopped seven months later after being severely sick, malnourished, underweight and tired. I was feeling like a skinny old man and at 120 pounds ...

Unless you have experienced chronic pain; pain that is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months, it's hard to imagine how much it can change your day to day life. In addition, the toll it takes on emotions is an added burden to bear. Those with chronic pain may not be able to live life the way they want, which can lead to depression. It's a vicious cycle. There's not a lot I can add to what Judy Foreman has written in her book, A Nation in Pain. All I can add is encouragement. If you are one of over 50 million Americans experiencing chronic pain, get your hands on a copy of this book. Our women's support group, Hopelively, is also available if you need a safe place to vent about pain or discuss treatment plans with other women who experience chronic pain. Here's what we are discussing on A Healthy Bite: Gender and Pain We frequently hear that women have a higher tolerance for pain than men. Generally speaking, is that true? "Women are both more likely to get painful conditions that can afflict both sexes and to report greater pain than men with the same condition, according to studies over the last 15 years" p62. Fibromyalgia seems to affect mainly women, do we know why? People with chronic pain are sometimes told: "it's all in your head." While I believe pain most often has a source, can we trace some pain, or at least worsening of pain, back to emotions and/or stress? Can you talk to us about catastrophizing and why it's one of the worst things you can do when you are in chronic pain? How can we learn to reduce catastrophizing? What techniques can help? Cognitive Behavior Therapy -  A change in thoughts, emotions, or behavior towards pain. Distraction - Shifting or moving your attention away from the pain when possible. Biofeedback - How does this work - "if your blood pressure is high the first time and you freak out about it, chances are your second reading will be higher." I feel like this is how chronic pain can sometimes trigger anxiety. Meditation - What part of meditating helps chronic pain? (Different ways people can meditate, how it does not have to relate to Eastern Religion, Tai Chi, or SloFlow, which reforms the art of Tai Chi Chuan into a Christian exercise using sign-language and bible verses. Hypnosis - Alterations in perception, memory, and voluntary action Empathy - As a learned coping skill, it helps if doctors have it. Can a loved one become overly sympathetic to the point they feel another person's pain? Pain Relievers Opioids NSAIDs Acupuncture Massage Energy Healing Spinal Manipulation Exercise: The Real Magic Bullet Listen to Judy explain why Exercise is Medicine in this episode!) People who are in chronic pain and need to exercise: arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, often are fearful of doing so. What do we know about bed rest and avoiding exercise due to chronic pain - not talking about broken bones, etc? "To date, there is no scientific evidence that activity and exercises are harmful, or that pain-inducing activity must be avoided," says Dr. James Rainville (spine and rehabilitation specialist) p. 284. We are talking about chronic pain here, not chest pain/heart attack symptoms. If you are having chest pains, call 911 or seek medical assistance. Examples of knee and hip replacement patients starting PT immediately following surgery. [Tweet "Rest is rust! Exercise!!"] The biology of marijuana All of us are born with the ability to make both marijuana-like chemicals called cannabinoids and the cannabinoid receptors into which they fit. Why are our nervous systems so full of cannabinoid receptors? What can happen when people are deficient in endocannabinoids? Does medical marijuana work as well as opioids? What are some of the problems facing opioid users with debilitating chronic pain? What solutions? How do we move on? Adjustments Acceptance

There are so many ways to lose weight, and no one method works for everyone. Fred Bollaci found what works for him and has dedicated himself to helping others, the Restaurant Diet. Today, after losing 150 pounds while enjoying gourmet cuisine and keeping it off for five years, Fred is spreading the word on how anyone can live the La Dolce Vita lifestyle, creating and enjoying gourmet meals at home and in great restaurants using the best ingredients available without guilt or excess calories, and offers keen insight on how to kick the habit of emotional overeating for good! (Fred Bollaci Enterprises) One of the main factors behind Fred's struggle with obesity, since childhood, was emotional eating. Children may use food to soothe their hurts and sadness, just like adults do. Emotional eating in childhood is often a sign of a bigger problem, as in adults, there can be underlying issues that need work. If your child is struggling with excess weight, talk to your doctor. Watch for some of the signs of emotional eating such as: Anger Boredom Depression Fatigue Frustration Loneliness Stress Insecurity Sadness Withdrawal While parents usually have the best of intentions, some may inadvertently contribute to weight issues by rewarding children with food. Using praise and non-food rewards or experiences is a healthier way. Making Peace with Food with The Restaurant Diet While many people told Fred that he could never lose weight dining at restaurants, he was determined to live the life he so enjoyed while maintaining a healthy weight. As a gourmand and sommelier, Fred has found a way to travel the globe, enjoying gourmet foods representing many diverse nationalities without adding an inch to his waist! He has a keen knowledge of how to choose healthy delicious ingredients and create meals without adding unnecessary calories. He will demonstrate to you how to make healthy gourmet choices without compromising on taste or presentation so that you, too, can enjoy the La Dolce Vita lifestyle! The Restaurant Diet: How to Eat Out Every Night and Still Lose Weight Show Notes 12:29 - On a side note, the monitoring software I mentioned that we use on our computer is Qustodio 20:00 - Fred explains the four phases of his Restaraunt Diet 25:00 - Great tips: one serving, put your fork down between bites, sip water in between, not obsess about food - great advice The Restaurant Diet: A Spiritual Journey of Weight Loss & Self Discovery 2nd Edition The Restaurant Diet podcast episode can also be viewed as a video on Youtube: About Fred Bollaci: Fred Bollaci is The Healthy Global Gourmet. An international influencer on diet and weight loss strategy, Bollaci lost 150 pounds in 2009—and kept it off—while living “La Dolce Vita.” Since establishing his company, Fred Bollaci Enterprises, in 2014, Bollaci has worked with hundreds of top chefs and written about restaurants, hotels, spas, wineries, and purveyors of gourmet fare, and exciting travel destinations around the globe. Fred enjoys sharing delicious recipes and tips for fitness and spiritual well-being along the way, while also helping coach and motivate hundreds of people to lose thousands of pounds. He is sought after by top establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and wineries for his expertise. Organizations, including public, private, educational, and not-for-profits seek him as a guest inspirational and motivational speaker. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Bollaci earned his MBA and held a career as a trusts and estates attorney in Florida. A true renaissance man, he is also a sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), licensed real estate broker in Florida, Food Editor, Food & Beverage, Travel and Art Writer, and Appetite Columnist for Venu Magazine, one of the nation’s leading contemporary culture and luxury lifestyle magazines based in New York. Today, Bollaci looks great, feels great,

"Be informed, but don't panic," advises Dr. Sean Beckmann to concerned Americans. What do we need to know about Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV Questions we discuss in this Podcast Episode There's a lot of misinformation out there about the coronavirus, particularly on social media, what facts can you give us about the virus and how it spreads? The World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Is asymptomatic transmission of this virus occurring? How is the virus transmitted? What are the symptoms? What is the incubation period? Viruses have the ability to reproduce rapidly, how adaptable are they in terms of survivability? I read that "In the lower temperatures, the virus could survive on a stainless steel surface from 5 to 28 days at all humidity levels."  How long can the virus survive on say, a shipping crate coming from China? Can you discuss treatment? Prevention? The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider traveling to China, along with the CDC.The U.S. government-chartered a plane to fly out diplomats from the U.S. Consulate in Wuhan, where the outbreak started, and other Americans. What are the safety precautions taken when these diplomats return to the U.S.? Are they tested for the virus, quarantined for a period of time? Who is most at risk of contracting the coronavirus? "The preliminary fatality rate for 2019-nCoV hovers around 3%—which is low, but still concerning because of the number of cases accumulating." The number of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza stands at around 6.7% according to the CDC. Why do you think this virus is especially hard on seniors? Can this virus mutate? [Tweet ""Be informed, but don't panic," advises Dr. Sean Beckmann to concerned Americans of the Coronavirus"] Is China sharing accurate, truthful information on the numbers, and if the numbers are higher, what is the benefit of not reporting the truth? How prepared are U.S. hospitals for testing for this particular strain? The director-general of the World Health Organization has flown to China to meet with government officials and health experts trying to contain the spread of 2019-nCoV. UN health chief visits China to help with virus containment. What the Chinese government has to say President Xi Jinping has called the outbreak a grave situation and said the government was stepping up efforts to restrict travel and public gatherings while rushing medical staff and supplies to the city at the center of the crisis, Wuhan, which remains on lockdown with no flights, trains or buses in or out. Chinese travel agencies have been told to halt all group tours, and concern is growing over the potential impact of millions of people traveling back to the cities after the Lunar New Year holiday ends on Thursday. Wuhan Coronavirus: U.S. Prepares to Evacuate Americans | time. According to the CDC - Prevention of 2019-nCoV Infection There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to avoid infection is to evade being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers. Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection.

When I mention my temperature controlled mattress pad, most people assume I'm talking about some type of electric blanket. Nope! Why do some people thrive on 7 hours of sleep while others lay in bed for 9 or 10 hours and still wake up feeling terrible? Quality over quantity. "It's not about how long you sleep every night; it's about the quality of that sleep." For many, sleep is a dream or a nightmare. Not getting enough sleep can lead to more than drowsiness. Being sleep deprived can lead to depression, overeating, brain fog, irritability, caffeine dependence, and even death. If you have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently, get out of bed tired, sleep less than 7 hours per night, and feel stressed out over even minor issues, you may be sleep-deprived. Unfortunately, even moderate sleep deprivation can impair a person on a level equal to being intoxicated. In studies, findings show that sleep deprivation can render a person incapable of driving safely. Confirming this risk is the number of deaths from drowsy-driving-related crashes. In 2017, investigators contributed 795 deaths to driving while sleepy, as well as over 91,000 crashes. Missing out on sleep can cause more harm than just being drowsy; it harms your entire body, affecting your heart and liver. It lowers your immune system, makes you forgetful. Chronic sleep deprivation can shorten your life span. We probably don't need to tell you all of this to motivate you to get better sleep. If you are one of the millions who struggle to sleep, you already want to find a solution. The Temperature Controlled Mattress Pad I bought the chiliPAD for myself, then, because I loved it so much, I became an affiliate. Now, you can save with my Coupon Codes: chilipad25 – 25% off chiliPAD ooler15 – 15% off OOLER chiliblanket10 - 10% off a Chiliblanket Using Science to Solve Sleep Problems Todd and Tara Youngblood were just like you, tired of being tired. Using her background in science, Tara began to research. Todd, whose uncle invented the waterbed, was inspired to help Tara create a product that would help them control the temperature of their bed while sleeping. As a result, they came up with a product that has helped many people get the sleep they so desperately needed! Sleeping at cooler temperatures can measurably double the time we spend in deep sleep, which aids in physical recovery. The hydroponic mattress pad solves a problem that couples have been having for years! He's hot; she's cold or vice versa. Now, with a temperature-controlled mattress pad, each of them can sleep at the temperature they find most comfortable. Questions we discuss in this episode: Why did you create a temperature-controlled mattress pad? Sleeping at cooler temps can aid weight loss because temperature-controlled sleep can help you get deep sleep. It can help alleviate menopausal symptoms - almost a 50% reduction of hot flashes, and not just at night. Other than simple temperature comfort what reasons would people want to regulate the temperature in bed at night? Does controlling temperature improve health? Electric Blankets vs. Chilipad Blankets Electric blankets are filled with coils for heating. Electric blankets create electrons, small pieces of electricity. When electrons move, you have a magnetic field. The electric blanket means dirty electricity is moving around near your body. With the chiliPAD, water is what moves to keep you warm. Amplify your efforts to reduce EMFs by Putting your wifi on timers, so they're off at night. What is the Connection Between Body Temperature and the Sleep Switch? Your Sleep Switch Is Seeking Cooler Temperatures. So, at the end of the day (literally and figuratively), your brain is craving cooler temperatures. While there's no way to flip it internally like a light switch on a wall, you can prime yourself for sleep by working to affect your core temperature through some of these tr...

Exercise is Medicine Have you taken your medicine today? What I'm asking is, are you exercising enough? I'm going to admit that for me, the answer was no. Eating healthy food is a habit for me; getting great sleep- easy peasy, avoiding toxins, not smoking, moderate alcohol intake, no problem! Being consistent with exercises - now that's been my problem! Are you exercising enough to reap the benefits? As you will hear in this podcast episode with Judy Foreman we all need to move more and more frequently. How do we accomplish this goal when we are stuck in an office or at a computer all day? I was no exception. Many of my daily activities include sitting. Working on this website, knitting, driving, grading papers: sit down activities. Although I often stand up at my desk, it isn't enough to offset continuous sitting. "Even just standing-not exercising, but simply not sitting-- would reduce premature deaths from all causes, a study of 16,586 Canadian adults showed. (Sadly, there's little evidence that standing desks help much.)" Perhaps a stand-up desk paired with a treadmill would be an improvement. After reading the book Exercise is Medicine, I'm more motivated than I've ever been to make exercise a regular part of my life. Better late than never, right? The Motivation to Exercise There are many inspiring stories of people who are exercising and even competing in their golden years. Exercise has so many benefits, as you will find as you listen to this episode and read the book. It boosts mood, improves brain function, helps prevent falls as we age, keeps our heart healthy, and helps slow down aging, among other advantages. Sitting Kills Even for those who enjoy exercise, sitting too much is detrimental to our health. Sitting for hours on end puts us at higher health risks such as: obesity and overweight diabetes heart disease adverse changes in artery function and structure weakened muscles and muscle wasting failure of mitochondria negative impact on telomeres (they keep DNA from unraveling during cell division) Sitting makes us fat because it lowers the amount of food that is converted into energy. This excess body fat then raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers in multiple ways. According to an Australian study that Foreman cites in the book, the more time the participants spent sitting, the more their blood sugar levels rose. "Sitting is even bad for thin folks-sitting after a meal leads to a spike in blood sugar. Getting up after a meal can cut such spikes in half. Indeed, standing up and walking around just a little can double energy expenditure within minutes." So, stand up and clean the kitchen, take a walk around the block, or do a little after dinner dance! The chapters in this book include: Aging Run for Your Life Sitting Kills The Heart of the Matter The Energy Converting Machine Bigger, Better, Stronger Boning Up Exercise and Cognition Exercise and Mood It Takes Guts: Exercise and the Microbiome Immunity, Inflammation, and Exercise Exercise and Cancer Those Tiny, Telltale Telomeres Exercise and Anti-Aging Pills The Nitty Gritty: Q&A Dodging Bullets [Tweet "Sitting kills...exercise is medicine!"] After my discussion with Judy, I knew I needed a better plan for implementing movement into my sit-down activities. One of the changes is that when knitting, I ask Alexa to set a timer for 30-45 minutes. When the timer goes off I stand up and tidy or do a chore. My goal is to do a nitric oxide dump three times per day. If I'm working at my computer or watching tv, I'll ask Alexa to start a 7-minute workout.  I also set a series of "reminders" to go off throughout the day at which point I stop to do a number of each: squats lunges pushups tricep dips (on the edge of the couch) wall sits burpees mountain climbers