Happy Rosh Hashanah, I pray you have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Sending my blessings.
Melinda
Happy Rosh Hashanah, I pray you have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Sending my blessings.
Melinda

Neem oil. It’s a thick, tan-colored oil extracted from the mechanically-pressed (or chemically-processed) seed of the neem tree. Neem is one of those plants that is almost certainly under-utilized across most of the world. It’s all-natural and vegan. You can use neem oil for organic pest control but wait, there’s more… Don’t eat the neem […]
Here’s how neem oil can do double duty for organic gardeners — farmstand culture

Essential oils can be used to soothe and help heal many ailments, and they are a great resource for relieving pain. Specific oils treat certain types of pain naturally without causing uncomfortable side effects that sometimes come with medications. Here we’ve broken down which oils are best to use when targeting each type of pain. Make sure to properly dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before applying to skin.
TMJ
Wen dealing with jaw point pain, combine wintergreen and lavender essential oils to utilize the analgesic effects and help ease muscle tension.
NECK AND SHOULDER
This pain often stems from strain or prolonged sitting. Try using chamomile, lavender, and frankincense essential oils for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
NERVE
To help ease nerve pain, it’s best to use essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling, such as eucalyptus essential oil.
BACK
This type of pain can stem from various causes like inflammation or menstral cramps and it’s ideal to use ginger, wintergreen, thyme, or lavender essential oils for relief.
HIP
To naturally reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, apply a combination of lavender, frankincense, and wintergreen essential oils.
LEG
Weather growing pains or extended use fatigue, try rosemary essential oil to reduce swelling and wintergreen essential oil to increase blood flow.
KNEE
Rosemary, wintergreen, ginger, and frankincense essential oils are best for treating swollen knee joints.
*DON’T FORGET TO USE A CARRIER OIL TO PROPERLY DILUTE

You will need:
YIELDS 12 oz.
1 cup fine sea salt
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
Bowl
15-20 drops citrus essential oils
Jar
To Make:
Mix together the sea salt and the grapeseed oil in a bowl or jar. Add essential oils, and mix well. Transfer to a jar for storing or gifting. As you use the scrub, the oil and salt may separate: give a quick stir before using it. To use, gently massage a bit of the salt scrub onto wet skin using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.
Notes:
Citrus essential oils can cause possible skin sensitivity, particularly in sunlight.
If you’re pregnant or taking prescription medications, please consult your physician before using essential oils.


Unknown Author


Monday, May 26, 2014
Mom Upset That 9-Year-Old Girl Brought “Overweight” Notice Home From School
Great video, please see the kids reaction to letter.
The mother of a third-grade girl says she’s upset that the city Department of Education sent home a health assessment in her daughter’s book bag that categorizes the 9-year-old as “overweight.” Roseanne Colletti reports. Each year, 870,000 New York City public school students in kindergarten through grade 12 are handed their Fitnessgram assessments and told to bring them home without peeking inside.
Laura Bruij Williams says her daughter, Gwendolyn Williams, looked at hers, and asked her about it one night while getting ready for bed at their Staten Island home. Gwendolyn is 4 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 66 pounds.
The analysis said her Body Mass Index is “overweight.” “She said ‘Mom, school told me that I’m overweight,'” Williams told NBC 4 New York. “I was very angry and upset because I don’t want this to be the kind of thing that sticks with her.”
The Department of Education says the assessments are “based on whether an individual student is in the Healthy Fitness Zone for their age and sex.” They are supposed to be sealed and given to parents only, so that the adults can start conversations with their kids about good eating habits and exercise. Williams, who says her daughter is active and healthy, said she would have preferred the assessment be given directly to parents so that children aren’t even tempted to look. She said a friend of Gwendolyn’s was in tears about her assessment. “I think they should be sent to parents, mailed home or have them finished for conferences,” Williams said.
Sometimes we think magazines and media portraying extremely thin girls and women result in body image issues. I have not seen any studies yet know first hand how it feels to have a warped sense of your body. I had unhealthy body image issues by fifth grade and dreaded P.E. class. I was probably 10 pounds under weight but wanted to look like my Farrah poster. I would not take part in sports because I imagined how fat I looked in the short shorts running track or playing basketball. I think most teacher’s understand the pressure on all kids today. This school and Teacher became part of the problem. Talk to the school Principle and Teacher to discuss their process for communicating with parents. If you feel the process it lacking or potentially harmful to your child let them know. Then write a letter to School Board addressing concerns. I would be the soft-spoken mother who loses it, the school is bullying the kids and parents. The scars on the kids that can last a lifetime. Not all parents would recognize weight issues that young and could miss an opportunity to save their kids and themselves much grief. You pay taxes for your child’s education, speak up and hold school accountable.
Warrior

Fibromyalgia is a condition that consists of widespread muscle pain, cognitive failures and fatigue. Because there is no standard blood test or other medical test to identify Fibro, doctors rely on Patient stories and history to make a determination, along with using the “tender point” test. When you have Fibromyalgia, there are particular tender points […]
7 Conditions That Can Mimic Fibromyalgia (And Getting The Right Diagnosis) — There Is Always Hope


Sydney Australia
When I ask a group of participants to think of all the words associated with someone who has mental illness here’s what I get: crazy, looney, nuts, attention seeking, dangerous, violent, etc. Then I ask the question what are words you hear about a cancer survivor. Those words are: hero, warrior, brave, strong, etc. Then […]
The bias of mental illness — Shedding Light on Mental Health

Keep speaking out.
My personal path into patient advocacy began with speaking at conferences about my struggle with complex regional pain syndrome, and, then, writing a book about it. But I know first-hand that speaking up isn’t easy–it can leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed, and it requires your already-limited energy and time.
That’s why I’m so grateful to each pain warrior who has participated in our #LetsTalkAboutPain campaign. Whether commenting on a Daily Challenge post on social media, sharing a video as part of our Storyathon, attending an online event, or participating in any other way — your efforts make a difference.
There’s one week left for Pain Awareness Month. Let’s make it count!
Sincerely,
Nicole HemmenwayInterim CEO, U.S. Pain

| Hi, Tomorrow is World Gorilla Day! You are part of a special few to get a sneak peek at Portia’s messagefor tomorrow, World Gorilla Day! Share, post and talk about gorillas as much as possible. The more we get the word out there, the more people we can get behind saving our closest relative (there are still only 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild!). Let’s show everyone that there’s hope, and together we can do something about it! We’ve attached some images for you to post! Happy (early) #WorldGorillaDay! Love, The Ellen Fund Team |

Chronic pain – A complex issue that affects everyone differently. The one thing we all have in common? Chronic pain is a chronic pain in the ass to deal with! Chronic Pain : A Chronic Problem Pain can affect you physically, socially and psychologically, impacting everything from sleep and mental wellbeing, to work and relationships. […]
Chronic Pain Awareness Month : September 2019 — Invisibly Me
| Dear Subscriber, There are a number of things that can block your recovery from Lyme disease. If you have been on antibiotics for six to nine months and you are not getting better, there are additional steps to take. In Treatment Stuck? Try These Steps at Six Months and Beyond I describe how to move your treatment forward. In my Seattle practice, I discovered ways to move the treatments forward of my patients. In Treatment Stuck? Try These Steps at Six Months and Beyond I describe my formula. Read and watch this article to see if effective treatments are right for you. In Health, Marty Ross MD Read or Watch NowSpread the Word! ShareTweetForwardQuality Matters. You can find the various supplements I use effectively in my Seattle practice at Marty Ross MD Supplements. Look Now |
This is a repost from 2014 discussing a Gluten-Free diet. The information is an overview and may help if you’ve been told to start your Gluten-Free journey.
I hope this answers some of your questions and starts you on your way to less inflammation in your life.
Have a great day and always thank you for reading, I appreciate you. I love reading your comments so keep them coming.
Melinda
This week I want to give a brief overview on Gluten Free Diet and Epstein Barr Virus. Both where the top searches in last weeks post. I hope the information is helpful. The CDC is a great place to get up to date information. Have a great weekend. :) M
Gluten Free What does it mean?
My doctor follows The Mayo Clinic, Gluten-free diet: What’s allowed, what’s not. All information taken from The Mayo Clinic outline.
A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines. Switching to a gluten-free diet is a big change at first, it takes some getting used to. Many specialty grocery stores sell gluten-free foods. We shop at Whole Foods and have found a large selection of gluten-free products, including brownies. Here are some surprises I discovered. My husband eats many gluten-free products but not exclusively. The Mayo Clinic strongly warns to watch for cross contamination. An example is if one is eating gluten-free bread and the other is not, the toaster could cause cross contamination. Another contamination point is using the same utensils to cook gluten-free and non gluten-free. Yes, it is that detailed. Be careful with grains such as oats which can get contaminated with wheat during the growing and processing. I treated myself to ham lunch meat and cheese last week. Wrong, no processed meats. You have to look for vitamins and medicine that use gluten as a binding agent. Remembering all this information is why I have started eating only items marked gluten-free. I don’t want to work that hard. A gluten-free diet helps people with Lyme Disease to reduce inflammation in the body.
Epstein Barr Virus
The information is from The Center for Disease Control. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the herpes virus family. It is one of the most common human viruses. EBV is found all over the world. Most people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives. EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, primarily saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses. After you get an EBV infection, the virus becomes latent (inactive) in your body. In some cases, the virus may reactivate. This does not always cause symptoms, but people with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop symptoms if EBV reactivates.
EBV is spread by saliva through: Using the same eating utensils, toothbrushes, sharing drinks and food, kissing and having contact with toys children have drooled on
The first time you get infected with EBV (primary EBV infection) you can spread the virus for weeks and even before you have symptoms. Once the virus is in your body, it stays there in a latent (inactive) state. If the virus reactivates, you can potentially spread EBV to others no matter how much time has passed since the initial infection.
General challenges:
The neuropathy in legs and hands is like getting stabbed with big needles. My hands and legs go to sleep very quickly while sitting down.
The fatigue has taken its toll the past four days. I have spent more time sleeping than awake. Today is the first time I’ve felt good in a week.
I have revolted against the supplements this week. With my sleep schedule it wasn’t worth trying to keep up..
The blinding headaches are a daily occurrence, the pain meds help, not crazy about taking pain pills. I will get well and don’t want a drug habit to break. After starting antibiotic treatment in a couple of weeks, may change my mind.
The edema causes my ankle bone to disappear and legs tight up to shin. Anything I bump into leaves a huge bruise.
The lab work did show Chronic Lyme Disease which means I’ve had Lyme for a year or more. I have to wait until 9/17/14 to get the complete run down.
I still have several test to complete for the Cardiologist. Didn’t do well on the pulmonary part of stress test. One breathing exercise only scored 55%.

From Mary Frances McFadden, Jackson Township, New Jersey
Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 teaspoon celery seed
Fresh herbs of your choice (parsley, rosemary, thyme, dill or other)
Peel one or two cucumbers and slice into rounds. Use English cucumbers or peel if skin is tough. Place in bowl. Throughly mix or shake ingredients for dressing and pour over cucumbers. Chill well in refrigerator before serving.
Peel and grate two carrots and one half green cabbage and place in bowl. Pour dressing over bowl and refrigerate.

The word Wrap, the first thing that came to mind is this great song.
When I think of Rap songs there is one that stands out above all, you can’t get it out of your head.
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading, I appreciate all your comments. M
Here are the rules for SoCS:
I borrowed the graphic from my friend Joanna and want to share with you. We can’t have enough days of peace these days. M

Realizing your parent or any loved one may have dementia is a tough one. I live with the regretful feeling that I should have recognized it sooner. At the time I was absorbed with my own life drama, but that’s no excuse. My hope is that what I learned as a daughter, observer and eventual […]
Remembering Mom Part 3 – How to Help Your Dementia Loved One — Hindsight: My Journey

Charles Trepany, USA TODAYPublished 10:22 a.m. ET Sept. 5, 2019
Billie Eilish is getting real on her mental health.
The “Bury a Friend” songstress confessed in her cover story for Elle magazine that, despite early career success, she hasn’t always been happy.
“Two years ago, I felt like nothing mattered; every single thing was pointless,” she said in the article published Thursday. “Not just in my life, but everything in the whole world. I was fully clinically depressed. It’s insane to look back and not be anymore.”
Eilish has been accused by trolls of faking her depression, which she admitted have been painful to read.
“It hurt me to see that,” she said. “I was a 16-year-old girl who was really unstable. I’m in the happiest place of my life, and I didn’t think that I would even make it to this age.”
More: Billie Eilish, 17, rips Nylon Germany for topless cover: I ‘did not consent in any way’
The 17-year-old said her mental health has since improved, calling happiness a “crazy” feeling.
“I haven’t been happy for years,” she said. “I didn’t think I would be happy again. And here I am—I’ve gotten to a point where I’m finally okay. It’s not because I’m famous. It’s not because I have a little more money. It’s so many different things: growing up, people coming into your life, certain people leaving your life.”
More: Believe the hype: Billie Eilish proves she’s a once-in-a-generation talent at NYC concert
The singer added she wants people to know there’s hope on the other side of depression.
“For anybody who isn’t doing well, it will get better,” she said. “Have hope. I did this (expletive) with fame riding on my shoulders. And I love fame! Being famous is great, but it was horrible for a year. Now I love what I do, and I’m me again. The good me. And I love the eyes on me.”



Melanie Lockert remembers checking the traffic for her blog, Dear Debt, and feeling shocked at the results.
Someone had found her site by searching, “I want to kill myself because of debt.”
Lockert started Dear Debt in January 2013 after spending the previous year feeling depressed about her student loans. She posted monthly updates about her efforts to pay off $81,000 while working temporary hourly gigs before she landed a role running communications and planning events for a nonprofit. Along the way, she was open about her mental health struggles and how they were tied to her debt.
She had created her blog as a way to stay positive while she paid off the debt. But looking at the search terms that brought readers to her site made her recognize that her accountability stretched far beyond herself.
“It gave me an instant sense of purpose,” Lockert said.
She had attended counseling the previous year, after negotiating with a graduate student clinic to pay $5 per session while she was underemployed. She knew how much her debt affected her outlook.
She read up on the link between debt and depression. She saw she was far from alone.
“I found out that people who die by suicide are eight times more likely to have debt,” Lockert said. “From the emails I get, I know that debt is really affecting families and their mental health and their ability to find joy.”
People with debt are three times more likely to suffer from depression, according to a 2013 study published in the Clinical Psychology Review.
Lockert wrote a short post for people with debt who were feeling hopeless.
“You are not alone,” she declared. “You are not a loan.”
Still thinking about those search terms, she wrote another post.
“I want to jump through my computer and give you a hug,” she wrote. “Shake you and say your life is worth so much more.”
Then, she started getting emails from people who were desperate and afraid.
What Happened When She Wrote a Letter to Her Debt
A few months into blogging, Lockert wrote her first breakup letter to her debt.
“Dear Debt,” the letter reads. “You do not define me. My worth is more important than the value of your number. Love, M.”

Willow and Sage by Stampington
You will need
2 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups white vinegar
3-4 TB. vegetable glycerin
Jar with sealed lid: large wide mouth
12 drops orange essential oil
12 drops lemon essential oil
7 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops peppermint essential oil
Cotton quilting squares/washcloths
To Make
Add water, white vinegar and vegetable glycerin to a large jar. Close lid and shake vigorously. Add the essential oils. Close lid and shake again. Add cotton quilting squares or washcloths, and you’re done. Be sure to shake the jar and wring out the cloth before adding them to your load of laundry.
Note
Essential oils last longer in dark glass containers. Since I reused a clear jar, I store my dryer sheets in a dark place to extend shelf life.
RAINN.ORG
Christa is a Survivor of Sexual Assault, her story is hard to read and yet she comes out on top. She was able to more forward and rebuild her life. She has the strength like many of you.
“When you speak with a survivor of sexual assault, imagine that they are a loved one who has gone through this. How would you want them to be treated?”
Christa Hayburn was sexually assaulted by a superior at the Police Department where she served as a law enforcement officer.
For the next two years she did not report the assault to the department for fear of losing her job. When she experienced an unrelated injury and found out that she could no longer work as a police officer, she finally felt that she could report the assault to the Internal Affairs Department. After turning in a written description of the assault, she was taken to an interrogation room and questioned by two detectives for 6-8 hours.
“They whisked me away as soon as they saw that this involved a person in a position of power. That day was very retraumatizing.”
Christa says the department and the city did not take her report seriously or take measures to ensure that the perpetrator could not sexually assault others. After filing her report, Christa faced retaliation from the city. They expressed doubt about Christa’s medical reports regarding the injury that prevented her from continuing to serve on the police force, and appointed a private investigator to follow her.

Over the next four years, Christa fought against city officials to make sure that her report of sexual assault was investigated appropriately and that her injury was taken seriously. She eventually resigned from the department. Later, two more women reported being sexually assaulted by the same perpetrator, who had been promoted to deputy inspector.
Christa filed a federal retaliation lawsuit against the city, entering an extended legal process. She ultimately decided to discontinue the case for the good of herself and her family. “The day before my deposition I read through my internal affairs report and saw all the transcripts attacking me and attacking my credibility…trying to find flaws in me and my story,” says Christa. “I thought to myself—I’m done. How much more can I put myself through? When do I say, ‘enough is enough? That’s when I started a journey of setting boundaries for myself.’”
Christa is disappointed in the way her case was handled and believes that police departments need to have more training about how to work with survivors and those who have experienced trauma. At the department where she worked, Christa says that “Not only are these incidents happening, but then the institution goes after the victim and protects the perpetrator.”
As a law enforcement officer herself, she saw her role as someone who should act with integrity to protect and serve her community. “I’ve led my life following the law. It’s so disheartening to see the department not following the standards of honor and integrity they hold others to.”
Christa is thankful that she can continue to help survivors through sharing her own story and letting others know they are not alone. “Who am I? I had no position of power within the police department. But I knew that consistently telling my story would help someone else.” Christa served as a star witness for another victim of the same perpetrator, and her testimony helped win the case.
Because of the sexual assault, Christa has experienced PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. She found therapy and medication helpful in getting her through some particularly difficult periods of her healing, but regaining her sense of self has been most crucial. ”What’s been helpful for me has been learning who I am again. My identity was ripped away from me, and I had to relearn who Christa Hayburn was.”
She has also found meditation, exercise, and spending time outdoors to be helpful. “I’ve learned to treat myself with more self love than I have ever done in my life. I make sure to do things with my family, go out in nature, cook, spend time with my pets, spend time with friends—just be a normal human.”
Christa’s advice for other survivors is to not be afraid of relying on a support system of people you trust during the healing process. For Christa, her husband has been her greatest advocate. “He’s walked through this journey with me—through some ugly points. We are still together, and he is my biggest supporter,” says Christa. “I know what it’s like to have that support from someone, and that’s why it’s so important for me to give that support to others. If they can feel heard, then they’ll pass it on. It’s a ripple effect of love, compassion, and empathy.”
Christa finds strength, purpose, and healing in being an advocate for other survivors. “I never wanted to be a victim of my circumstances. I had to be an advocate for others and through that, for myself.” Christa recently worked with city officials to create a bill that would require all city workers to regularly receive sexual harassment training. “Being part of that was wonderful.”
Christa now works at a crisis center for sexual assault survivors where she finds fulfillment and continued healing through helping others and sharing her story. “I’m so glad I can be there for survivors. I will continue to advocate for change until true change takes place across the country. People in these institutions have to take sexual assault seriously and be more supportive of those who come forward.”
“Having the opportunity to share this is truly a gift—no one talks about it,” Christa says in regards to speaking about sexual assault within police departments. “But this is something we desperately need to talk about so that we can offer support and create true change in these communities.”
Christa’s hope for the future of sexual violence is that no one will have to fear coming forward to share their story. “No healing can be done when you’re afraid of losing everything from under you.”
“I’ve learned to step outside of my experience and realize that I have the ultimate control over my story and what the ending to that story looks like. The moment I realized that, I got my power back.”

The first thing I see and also comes to mind is the pool outside my living room. It’s beautiful and inviting, refreshing and even great fun at times. It’s been so hot in Texas that swimming is out of the question unless you’re out at 4:00 A.M. which I am not.

Here are the rules for SoCS:

This is a must see video. Jeremy Forbes shares great information to help you have a real conversation with a friend or love one. I did not see the twist coming, he’s a Survivor.
Melinda
