5 Ways To Be A New Version Of You This Summer

April 8, 2025 Looking for the Light10 Comments

No matter whether you have recently gone through a breakup and you want to show your ex what he is missing, you could do with a confidence boost, or you simply have grown bored of your current style, a change of look can be a good thing. If it is something drastic you are after, we have some great suggestions.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to change your look is by changing your hairstyle. Has your hair been a mid-brown shade for as long as you can remember? Why not opt for a vibrant shade of red or a lovely golden honey color? If you are feeling even more daring, throw out the rulebook and go for one of the gorgeous pastel hair shades that are in trend today, such as luscious lilac and pale pink. 2022 has definitely been the year of unique hair trends so far. Check out pearlescent hair and geode hair for two trends that are bound to turn heads.

Nothing will give you a greater confidence boost than investing in a new smile. Cosmetic dentistry services from the likes of Chad Latino DDS mean you can achieve a Hollywood smile. Teeth whitening is a popular service, yet you should also look into gum reshaping or gum contouring, and teeth reshaping if you aren’t particularly happy with the way your gums and teeth look.

Contouring is one of the hottest makeup trends this year and with good reason. You can change the appearance of your face entirely by contouring. There are plenty of video tutorials online to help you out along the way. Contouring is a great way to alter the definition of your cheekbones, the shape of your nose, and other aspects of your face through makeup manipulation, rather than needing to invest in something more drastic.

You will be shocked by how much of a difference this can make. You can change the appearance of your face by altering your eyebrows. Fuller eyebrows can make you appear more youthful, so if you currently have thin, arched eyebrows, switch them up and see how they soften your face.

Celebrities are known for their unique and sometimes wacky sense of style. They make a massive impact because they dare to be different, and if you want to switch up your look entirely, this is what you need to do. However, you may not have the natural flair to do this yourself, and that’s completely fine because you can take inspiration from a particular celebrity instead. Celebrities that are famed for their unique yet amazing style include the likes of Gwen Stefani, Rita Ora, Alexa Chung, and Tilda Swinton. Spend some time researching different celebrities’ lookbooks and choose a celebrity whose style appeals to you most and fits in with your lifestyle.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

What Science Says About the Link Between Fibromyalgia and Migraine Episodes

April 8, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

While it’s not yet fully understood, research shows a strong connection between fibromyalgia and migraine symptoms.

In 2021, chronic pain affected over 51 adults in the United States alone. Over 17 million of those adults experienced debilitating chronic pain that restricted their daily activities.

Both fibromyalgia and migraine episodes can cause chronic pain that makes it difficult to function from day to day. And for people who have both conditions, research suggests that fibromyalgia may even make migraine symptoms worse and more frequent.

Below, we’ll explore what science says about the relationship between fibromyalgia and migraine, including what treatment options are available for both.

Is there a connection between fibromyalgia and migraine episodes?

Research shows that fibromyalgia and migraine often occur together and that fibromyalgia can affect the frequency and severity of migraine episodes in people who have both conditions.

The following studies demonstrated a connection:

In one study from 2019, researchers found that migraine symptoms were twice as prevalent in people with fibromyalgia versus those without. And in study participants who experienced migraine episodes, the risk of fibromyalgia was up to 1.5 times higher.
A similar study found that over 30% of participants with migraine symptoms also had fibromyalgia, with the condition being more prevalent in those with chronic migraine and migraine episodes with auras.
Several studies also found that fibromyalgia may affect migraine frequency and severity. In one study from 2018, fibromyalgia was associated with higher headache severity and higher migraine-related disability.
Another study from that same year found that participants with both migraine and fibromyalgia experienced more frequent and painful migraine episodes, as well as lower quality of life.

Most of the studies on fibromyalgia and migraine don’t distinguish between different migraine types, such as complex or ocular migraine. However, some of the research does suggest that people with chronic migraine and migraine with aura may be more affected.

What’s happening in the brain when you have fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that’s characterized by body-wide pain and tenderness, chronic fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

Researchers aren’t entirely sure of what causes fibromyalgia, but evidence suggests that it affects the way the nerves of the brain receive and transmit information related to pain. Because of this, people with fibromyalgia appear to be more sensitive to pain than those without the condition.

What medications help with fibromyalgia and migraine episodes?

First-line treatment for fibromyalgia and migraine generally involves medications that reduce pain.

While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, there are four medications commonly prescribed to help manage pain:

Research has shown that roughly a quarter of people living with fibromyalgia can find pain relief with these medications.

Migraine treatment also involves a combination of pain medications and other medications that may be helpful for reducing migraine frequency. Medications for migraine include both preventive and acute episode medications.

Preventive medications include:

Acute migraine episode medications include:

acetaminophen (Tylenol)
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
triptans
antiemetics

If you have both fibromyalgia and migraine, a combination of medications may help reduce your symptoms. However, you and your doctor will work closely together to decide which treatment options work best for you.

Alternative treatments for fibro pain and migraine episodes

Complementary and integrative treatments may also be helpful in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in people living with fibromyalgia and migraine episodes.

One review from 2020 ound that acupuncture was beneficial for reducing pain in people living with chronic pain conditions, including chronic migraine. And additional research suggests that acupuncture may also be helpful for reducing pain due to fibromyalgia.

In another review from 2019 researchers found that activities like yoga and tai chi appear to help reduce migraine frequency and severity. Research also suggests that activities like yoga may be helpful in reducing fibromyalgia pain and improving functioning and mood.

Other complementary treatments that may be helpful for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and migraine include therapeutic massage, mindfulness, and certain supplements. However, researchers are still exploring just how effective these approaches can be for these conditions.

Living with fibromyalgia

Over 4 million adults in the United States — or roughly 2% of the population ― live with fibromyalgia. If you or someone you love has been recently diagnosed with the condition, you can check out these resources that offer education and support:

Takeaway

Research shows that fibromyalgia and migraine commonly occur together and that having one of these conditions may increase the risk of having the other.

Studies also show that for people who experience migraine episodes, fibromyalgia may affect the frequency and severity of those episodes.

Medication is the most common treatment approach for helping manage pain in both fibromyalgia and migraine. However, several other complementary approaches could be beneficial for reducing chronic pain levels and improving the quality of life in people with both conditions.

I know the pain of both Fibromyalgia and Migraines and they are both difficult to manage. I found that a multi-prong approach works best for me along with good sleep habits and daily self-care practices.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Bachelorette star Angie Kent reveals how her lactose intolerance affected her mental health

April 7, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

NEWS.COM.AU

Sophie Goulopoulos

Trust your gut, as they say!

From about eight weeks old, Angie Kent couldn’t have breast milk. As she grew older, she realised lactose products were “ruining her whole day”, so she listened to her body and made adjustments.

There are so many lactose-free dairy options out there now. But when Angie Kent was growing up, not so much. There wasn’t even much information about lactose intolerance, which she now realises was the reason she couldn’t take breast milk after about the age of eight weeks and why, after noticing how eating regular dairy products brought on discomfort and pain, she made a “conscious effort” to research her symptoms and seek medical advice.

Body+Soul: You’ve spoken often about your journey with being a coeliac, but not of your lactose intolerance – why is that?

Angie Kent: Coeliac disease can be a life-threatening disease for many people and I felt it was important to bring attention to how serious this intolerance is. By comparison, for most people, lactose intolerance symptoms can often be managed.

How does drinking/eating lactose make you feel? What are the major symptoms for you?

Eating and drinking lactose gives me overall discomfort. I feel as if my digestive issues have the power to ruin my whole day. I don’t feel my best, and I don’t feel like I can be relaxed or active due to my physical pain from bloating, toilet troubles, and skin breakouts.

When did you first learn of your intolerance, and how did you get diagnosed?

I was a colicky baby and was not able to have breast milk from eight weeks old. As a child, there wasn’t much education around being lactose intolerant and as I got older I could no longer deal with the pain and needed to do something about it.

I started noticing a pattern after eating dairy and experiencing consistent symptoms, so I made a conscious effort to listen to my body, researched my symptoms, and learnt more about lactose intolerance, and then sought medical professional advice.

How did avoiding lactose affect your social life/general diet/ability to eat what you wanted/mood?

I find catering to my dietary restrictions these days is much easier with the increased number of alternative milk and lactose-free options, as well as the amazing vegan products that are now on the market.

Being lactose intolerant has just made me more conscious of what I am putting in my body, but I don’t feel like I have to make major sacrifices in my life.

You can still eat cheese even if you're lactose intolerant. Image: iStock.

How has knowing about your intolerance improved or changed your general wellbeing?

My overall well-being improved when I got a handle on my symptoms and felt more myself again. I certainly know when something my body doesn’t agree with has snuck into my food, because all hell breaks loose with all different types of symptoms. I’m a sensitive soul.

What is the worst thing possible for you to eat/drink for your lactose intolerance?

I don’t consume any dairy milk, yoghurts or creams because of my intolerances but I am a sucker for cheeses! With so many lactose-free dairy products out there, I can now enjoy lactose-free cheese without all the stress on my body physically and mentally. If you’re feeding your gut something it can’t process or handle, your mental health suffers too. It’s important to know your gut is your second brain. Why do you think people say ‘trust your gut’ so often?!

What non-dairy and dairy alternatives are you able to eat with your lactose intolerance?

So many dairy products have lactose free options nowadays that I don’t necessarily have to seek dairy alternatives, my favourite brand is Liddells. But knowing that most coffee shops always have a range of reliable dairy-free alternatives always makes things really easy for me.

What does your average day on a plate look like now?

I am mainly veggie-based so I will make myself a smoothie in the morning with my herbs, supplements powders, dairy-free yoghurt, bananas, blueberries, and almond milk.

For lunch I try to have a salad with lots of greens and maybe some kind of seafood. Dinner I love to make myself a veggie dish or fish curry! The options are endless.

For snacks, I can now snack on some lactose-free cheese singles, avocado, and tomato with rice crackers. I am mad about it! Plus lots and lots of herbal teas.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Cooking · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Dietary Changes That Can Help Reduce Inflammation and Ease Chronic Pain

April 7, 2025 Looking for the Light7 Comments

The benefits of changing your diet when living with chronic pain have long been debated. But while a diet full of processed and high sugar foods isn’t great for everyone in general, is there actually any truth in a diet curing chronic pain?

While changing your diet can eradicate your pain levels and cure you, there is some truth in looking at what you eat and how you can greatly impact your pain levels. However, because everyone experiences pain differently and lives different lifestyles, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to using diet to manage health conditions and pain. All you can do is an experiment and see what works for you if anything does at all. That being said, there have been numerous studies into an anti-inflammatory diet improving symptoms and pain levels in fibromyalgia patients, meaning they can improve their quality of life by making some easy dietary changes.

Take It Slowly

The main thing to remember when making any dietary changes is that it can take time and patience to find what works for you. For example, cutting out many food groups won’t alert you of anything specific instead, it will further restrict your diet.

So try removing one food group at a time and see if it makes any difference before trying something else.

Best Foods For Inflammation

If you want to try some foods linked to good health, you can find some recommended foods for people with chronic pain. But doing your research into what works for you, especially if you lead an active lifestyle, can give you a better understanding of the nutrients you need to support your body the way it needs it.

Peas and other plant foods that include a pod, including beans and garbanzos (also known as chickpeas), white beans (also known as navy or cannellini beans), and hummus are examples of great foods for people with chronic pain.

Nuts and seeds are further examples of foods that fall into this category. Nuts include walnuts, almonds, pecans, and peanuts, along with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts. Peas and soybeans are a type of plant known as a “legume,” which is produced in a pod. Sugar snap peas, ordinary peas, roasted soy nuts, edamame, and any form of tofu are all acceptable options.

Berries, pomegranates, and cherries are examples of dark-colored fruits, which are beneficial in the prevention of inflammation. Drinking fruit juice should be avoided, or a small glass should be consumed and mixed with equal water. Fruit juice contains a high concentration of sugar, which exacerbates inflammation.

Yellow, orange, and red peppers, as well as tomatoes, are examples of vegetables. Arugula (rocket or roquette) and a variety of mixed greens, particularly dark leafy greens, such as spinach, chard, and kale, as well as leaf lettuce and romaine lettuce. Purple and green cabbage, onions, garlic, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are among the vegetables you should try along with radishes, cucumbers, green beans, and green onions too.

When it comes to changing your diet to reduce inflammation, you need to experiment with what world for you and allow your body time to adjust to the changes and rid itself of any irritants to fully benefit from the changes.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Book Review · Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review For Time To Talk By Alex Holmes

April 6, 2025 Looking for the Light3 Comments

I was kindly gifted Time To Talk from Maddie Dunne-Kirby at Welbeck Publishing for an honest review. Thank you, Maddie.

Released in April 2021, Time To Talk is available on Amazon

Blurb

We live in a super-connected world, yet men specifically, struggle to connect and share. This is changing… but not quickly enough. Award-winning podcaster Alex Holmes sets out to accelerate this shift, debunking lingering myths around masculinity, love and connection by exploring what causes this sense of loneliness.

Starting with ‘Real Man Myths’ and features designed to encourage us to open up and share, Alex motivates us to move from:

Ignoring to Acknowledging.
Being Closed to Opening Up.
Can’t to Can.
Avoiding to Embracing.
Expecting to Accepting.

Sharing his experiences on his podcast and as a young British black man, Time to Talk is a love letter to all the men who have lost their way and to the women that love them.

About the Author

Alex Holmes is an award-winning podcaster and writer from London. He has been hosting and producing podcasts since 2016 including What Matters with Alex Reads, now named Time to Talk, and Mostly Lit, which was named by the Guardian and the BBC as one of the top podcasts of 2017 and won the Best British Podcast award at the 2018 British Book Awards. He now hosts the Time to Talk podcast, which focuses on mental health.

My Thoughts

We can be talking heads at times, just show up, chat and not get down to the meat of the subject. While this type of conversation is essential to everyday life, to live an authentic life you have to be open with your emotions. By taking the conversation down to the next level, past the surface, you can learn more about others and yourself.

Men are often raised being told to not cry, or show emotion, don’t get depressed, basically, men have been told to suck it up and this had caused a major mental health crisis as they walk into the world with these unrealistic and unhealthy goals.

Alex was traveling down the path of life when two major events rocked his emotional state. One was the suicide of an acquaintance and the second the London Riots of 2011. Emotions flooded and many emotions turned to anger and anger started to flow over. Alex knew it was time for a major change in his life. A change in how he looked at his life and how he fits in it

These events sent Alex down the road of self-discovery, he sought out well-known writers, religious thinkers, psychologists,s and many other diverse types of thinkers to uncover who he really was.

Alex sets out to debunk the myth’s that most men are raised by. Today Alex has an award-winning podcast, Time To Talk where he tackles everyday topics with his guest in a safe environment to be open with themselves on what may be holding them back in life.

Time to Talk by Alex Holmes is a great read, one I would recommend to anyone on a self-journey or just interested in where the road may take you.

Welbeck Publishing

Welbeck Publishing is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.

From building our boutique fiction and narrative non-fiction lists to shaping our world-renowned illustrated reference, gift and children’s titles, our aim is to be a market-leader in every category in which we publish. Our books and products come to life for adults, children, and families in 30 languages in more than 60 countries around the world, selling through a variety of traditional and non-traditional channels. We are constantly looking for new ways to deliver our exceptional content and new ideas to inspire readers and listeners everywhere.

www.welbeckpublishing.com

I’m so glad you are enjoying the book reviews. I’ve had the great pleasure to hear from three authors with positive feedback on my reviews.

Do yourself a favor and go buy Time To Talk by Alex Holmes and break down the barriers in your life.

Have a great day.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Challenge Negative Thinking

April 6, 2025 Looking for the Light12 Comments

According to a recent study, “we produce up to 50,000 thoughts a day and 70% to 80% of those are negative”. While this may not seem like a major issue (especially if everyone is doing this), negativity takes up more space in our lives than it deserves. After all, a negative mindset impacts our lives in more ways than one and often takes its toll on our mental well-being.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to combat negative thinking.

Ask yourself: Do I really feel that way? Negative thoughts are vindictive – they try to trick us into believing our worst thoughts about ourselves (and others) are true. As a result, whenever you find your mind slipping into negativity, question it immediately. For example, if you’ve fallen out of love with your reflection in the mirror, ask yourself whether you feel that way or if society (or societal standards) has tried to make you feel that way. Remember that you are beautiful just the way you are – and tell yourself this several times daily.

Seek professional help. As evidenced above, negative thinking is not uncommon. However, when it consumes your every waking moment, you may want to consider reaching out to a professional who can help you find a healthier way to process your feelings. For example, psychologists will not only help you develop a more positive mindset, but they will also be able to help you get to the root of these feelings, figuring out why you may feel that way in the first place. When we can find the cause of our feelings, we can start a new chapter in our lives. Furthermore, this will help you to develop a range of coping techniques and mechanisms that you can utilize whenever negativity seeps into your daily life.

Practice meditation. Mediation is another excellent technique that you can rely on when it comes to adopting a more positive mindset due to the fact that it’s often associated with greater emotional clarity and mental well-being. As such, you should try to find a way into meditation, even if you’ve found it difficult in the past. Remember, meditation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to follow a lengthy tape and try different breathing exercises. Sitting in quiet contemplation can also be a great way to collect your feelings.

Repeat positive affirmations in the mirror. Negative thinking is often linked with low self-esteem because negative thoughts will slowly chip away at your confidence. Repeating positive affirmations out loud to yourself can, therefore, be a great way to escape this vicious circle. Each time you find yourself thinking negatively about yourself, be that regarding your looks, intelligence, or personality, immediately say three positive things about yourself out loud. While this may not seem all that fruitful, it tricks your brain into becoming gradually more positive and helps you to be kinder to yourself as you realize just how great you truly are.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Multiple Sclerosis vs. Fibromyalgia: Differences in Signs and Symptoms

April 5, 2025 Looking for the Light5 Comments

Both MS and fibromyalgia may cause chronic pain and fatigue, they are very distinct conditions. A correct diagnosis is important to ensure proper treatment.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological condition that destroys the protective coating (myelin) that surrounds the nerves. MS destroys the myelin and eventually causes the nerves to no longer be able to function as they should.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain that affects the entire body. In addition to chronic pain, fibromyalgia causes increased drowsiness and fatigue, as well as mood and memory issues.

They are very different conditions, but they sometimes share similar symptoms.

Both conditions require a variety of medical tests for a diagnosis. Before you begin any tests, you may be able to distinguish your symptoms and decide if they’re signs of one of these conditions. Your doctor can help, too.

What are the symptoms?

While these two conditions share some symptoms, they also have distinct symptoms of their own. These include:

Symptom	Fibromyalgia	MS
chronic pain	✔	✔
fatigue	✔	✔
memory issues	✔	✔
difficulty walking		✔
slurred speech		✔
vision problems		✔
numbness and tingling	✔	✔
trouble concentrating	✔	✔
depression	✔	✔

Fibromyalgia symptoms

Pain associated with fibromyalgia is chronic and widespread. It’s described as a dull, aching pain. To be classified as fibromyalgia, a person must experience the chronic pain for at least 3 months. Also, the pain must occur on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Memory issues: “Fibro fog” is a term applied to the confusion, difficulty focusing and concentrating, and changes in memory that people with fibromyalgia often experience.
Mood changes: Depression is not uncommon in people with fibromyalgia. Also, people with fibromyalgia sometimes experience sudden shifts in mood.
Chronic fatigue: Fibromyalgia causes a great deal of fatigue. People with fibromyalgia are prone to long periods of sleep and rest. However, many people with fibromyalgia also have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.

MS symptoms

MS destroys the protective coating around your nerves and eventually the nerves themselves. Once damaged, the nerves may not be able to feel or experience sensations as well as healthy nerves.

The symptoms associated with MS vary depending on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. It’s common for people who have MS to have significant chronic pain, eventually experiencing numbness and weakness in affected areas. Tingling and mild pain can occur, too.

Other symptoms of MS include:

Difficulty walking: You may develop an unsteady gait and have trouble walking. Coordination and balance are also challenged.
Slurred speech: As the myelin is worn away, communication from the brain may slow down. This can make speech seem more difficult, and you may have a harder time speaking clearly.
Vision problems: Vision disturbances like double vision and complete or total vision loss can occur. Eye pain is common, too.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia and MS

Diagnosing either condition can be difficult for doctors. In many cases, a doctor will come to one or the other condition after they’ve ruled out other possible causes for your symptoms.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed if your doctor can’t find any other explanation for your whole-body pain. The pain will also need to have occurred for at least 3 months.

There’s no specific test that can be used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, a doctor will make a diagnosis off a group of symptoms, one of which is widespread pain.

Doctors often also use “tender points” to diagnose fibromyalgia. What this means is that people with fibromyalgia feel additional pain when a doctor applies firm pressure to these sensitive points on the body.

Diagnosing MS

MS isn’t diagnosed with a single test or procedure. If other conditions are ruled out, an MRI can detect lesions on your brain and spinal cord. Additionally, your doctor may conduct a spinal tap.

During this procedure, your doctor will remove a small sample of spinal fluid and test it for antibodies that are associated with MS.

The differences in treatments

Once a diagnosis has been made for either fibromyalgia or MS, your doctor will suggest different treatments to help treat symptoms and improve your quality of life. Just as the two conditions are different, treatment options for the two conditions differ.

Fibromyalgia treatment

There are a variety of different types of treatment options for fibromyalgia, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription medications, and alternative treatments.

OTC solutions include:

acetaminophen (Tylenol)
ibuprofen (Advil)
naproxen sodium (Aleve)

Prescription medications include:

antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta)
antiseizure medications, such as pregabalin (Lyrica)

Alternative treatments include:

acupuncture
massage therapy
yoga
tai chi

Lifestyle changes include:

getting enough sleep
exercising regularly
limiting caffeine intake
reducing stress
adjusting diet
physical therapy

MS treatment

As with fibromyalgia, there are a variety of treatments available for those with MS. These prescription treatments can reduce the inflammation and slow or change the course of disease progression.

Other treatments can help with symptom management and improve a person’s quality of life. These include OTC medications, alternative remedies, and lifestyle changes.

OTC medications, which are used to help relieve musculoskeletal pain, include:

aspirin
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Prescription medications and interventions include:

injectable medications, such as Avonex or Extavia
oral medications, such as Aubagio and Tecfidera
infused medications, such as Lemtrada
high doses of Solu-Medrol (a steroid) for relapse management
physical therapy for rehabilitation
speech language pathology

Alternative treatments include:

acupuncture
stress management
cognitive behavioral therapy

Lifestyle changes include:

eating a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids and is high in fiber and low in saturated fat
exercising regularly, including stretching

No matter what method of treatment you’re currently on, discuss any new changes in your treatments with your doctor before you start them, even if they’re considered “natural” or “safe.” These could interfere with treatments or medications you’re currently taking.

Outlook for each condition

Both MS and fibromyalgia are currently chronic, incurable conditions. Though treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve your overall quality of life, there are no cures available for either condition, and both tend to advance with time.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is not fatal. Because medications are limited, lifestyle and alternative remedies are an important part of treatment management.

In general, people with fibromyalgia who adapt to necessary lifestyle changes coupled with the help of medications can experience significant improvement in their symptoms.

MS

Most people with MS will have an equivalent or almost equivalent life expectancy to that of the average person without MS. However, this isn’t generally the outlook for rare cases of severe MS.

People with MS may develop cancer or heart disease just like people without MS.

Symptoms in people with MS can be unpredictable, though most will see some amount of disease progression as time goes on. People with MS who experience more time between symptom attacks and relapses tend to do better and experience less severe symptoms.

Takeaway

Though they sometimes share similar symptoms, MS and fibromyalgia are two very different conditions. Understanding the differences can help you and your doctor start testing for the right condition earlier.

If you have unexplained symptoms that resemble one or both of these conditions, make an appointment with your doctor. They can begin investigating your symptoms to diagnose the cause and get you the treatment you need.

Both of these conditions are likely to be life changing. As is true with many other conditions, getting treatment as soon as possible can help increase your comfort and quality of life. It can also potentially slow down the onset or advancement of symptoms.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-vs-fibromyalgia?utm_term=feature&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-04-01&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#takeaway

Celebrate Life · Cooking · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

10 Most Popular Superfoods

April 5, 2025 Looking for the Light9 Comments

Over the years, you might have heard the term ‘superfood’ used increasingly. But what really does it mean? Well, in simple terms, these are foods that are packed with nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, and so are associated with positive impacts on your health. But how do you know what superfoods to eat then?

The thing is, you may currently include a good number of superfoods in your diet without even knowing, so this list of the 10 most popular superfoods has been put together so that you are made away of well-known superfoods, as well as to inform you about some superfoods that you may not be familiar with.

1. Eggs

Eggs are one of those foods that have stood the test of both time and criticism. No doubt, they are pretty healthy and come loaded with very high-quality proteins. More than that, eggs contain a plethora of minerals and vitamins, some of which include vitamin A, B vitamins, choline, and iron. They also contain two very powerful antioxidants, namely zeaxanthin and lutein, which are known for protecting vision and boosting eyesight. That being said, if you are having issues with your vision, don’t hesitate to visit https://eyeglasses.com for some more information.

2. Dark leafy greens

A lot of people aren’t fans of dark leafy greens, but they’re one of the best superfoods to exist. These types of greens contain several nutrients that the body needs to heal, including zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin C. More so, dark leafy greens have earned their place in the superfoods hall of fame. They might also help reduce your risks of suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some examples of these dark leafy greens are kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard which can be incorporated into your diet via smoothies, soups, and salads.

3. Berries

Many of us who love berries are unaware of the amazing effects that eating them have on the body. For one, berries are very rich in vitamins and minerals as well as certain antioxidants. In fact, berries are particularly effective when it comes to treating digestive issues and are often used in modern medical therapies. Examples of these fruits include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. You can eat them as they are, or add them to smoothies and desserts.

4. Avocado

Simply put, avocados are great. Yes, they’re good for guacamole, but more than that, this superfood is very rich in healthy fats that keep you feeling full for longer. It also comes packed with antioxidants and fiber that all work to protect against heart diseases. Additionally, this food is can be eaten even on a diet and is even recommended on the Keto diet. Delicious ways to incorporate avocado in your diet include serving it on your morning toast to adding it as an essential ingredient to smoothies and salads.

5. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are tiny, black seeds that have taken the health industry by storm over the past few years. No doubt, these seeds pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Firstly, they contain pretty much all the essential minerals including calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. In addition, vitamin B1, B2, and B3 are also available in abundance. More so, 28 grams of chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber and just one gram of digestible carbohydrates, making it one of the most suitable foods out there for a low carb diet.

6. Coconut

When it comes to versatile foods, coconuts are out there at the top. They can be consumed as coconut water, coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut flakes, and even just coconut meat. More so, this super food can easily be incorporated into your diet without any headache.

That said, in terms of what makes it so ‘super’ coconut oil especially contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are used as a source of energy once in the body. Furthermore, coconut water is high in vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin C.On top of this, coconut flour is low in gluten and carbs and can be used for baking and desserts.

7. Flax seeds

Flax seeds are one of those foods that didn’t become popular until recently. These seeds contribute towards a healthy heart as they come packed with omega 3 fatty acids that work as anti-inflammatory agents. More som flax seeds can be added to your salads and smoothies by grinding them into a semi fine powder. That being said, they do have other uses apart from consumption. In fact, flax seeds also come in handy as a home remedy for hair growth.

8. Hemp seeds

Yet another super seed is hemp seed. This is a great source of healthy proteins and contains omega 3 and omega 3 fats; both of which work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the body. More recent studies also associate hemp seeds with relieving the symptoms of menopause in women. For consumption, these seeds are typically toasted lightly and then added to foods like salads, oatmeal, and cereal.

9. Salmon

When next you go grocery shopping, be sure to pick up some salmon. This fish is rich in healthy oils that are a great source of energy and contains inflammation reducing omega 3 fats. More so, this fish is packed with wildly sourced protein that can provide you with almost 60 percent of your daily recommended protein intake. It also contains vitamin D as well as bioactive peptides that help in collagen production.

10. Cocoa nibs

Cocoa nibs are essentially just healthier chocolates. These foods range from really sweet to very bitter, so you get to choose just how you like it. More so, it is a great source of fiber and it also contains a good amount of iron and magnesium. More than that, research has shown that eating cocoa nibs can help elevate your mood and brain activity. As for preparation, they can be used in desserts, smoothie bowls, or just on their own as a nice snack.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

April 4, 2025 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Nana Kay’s Gluten- Free Banana Bread

April 3, 2025 Looking for the Light7 Comments

From the book Gluten Freedom

By Shelly Gannan

We replace the flour in this recipe with Pamela’s gluten-free baking mix. Pamela’s baking mix includes xanthan gum, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. you have to add these ingredients if you are using plain gluten-free flour that does not already have them added.

Ingredients:

3 cups gluten-free flour*

2 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups mashed bananas (3-4 very ripe bananas)

2 cups of sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 bag of chocolate chips

*Or use Pamela’s baking mix and eliminate the next four ingredients.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease bottoms of two 9x5x3 loaf pans. If not using a premade baking mix, combine flour, xanthan gum, cider vinegar, baking soda, and salt in mixing bowl; blend well with an electric mixer on low speed. Beat bananas separately in a large mixing bowl, then add all the ingredients except chocolate chips to the bananas and beat on low speed for 1 minute.

Fold in chocolate chips and pour mixture evenly into pans. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes then remove from pans to cool completely. If you are making muffins, bake for 20 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick.

Makes two loaves or 12 muffins.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

10 Tips for Managing Nighttime Joint Pain

April 3, 2025 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Joint pain may worsen during the night due to fluid buildup or chemical processes in your body that cause inflammation. But at-home treatments and adjustments to your daily and nighttime routines may help you get a good night’s sleep.

If you have a condition that causes joint pain, you may have found that the pain can be worse at night. Joint pain at night is not usually a medical emergency. But it can severely limit your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Most joint pain is due to arthritis, inflammation of the joints. This includes:

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 4 in 5 people with arthritis have trouble sleeping.

But other common conditions can also contribute to joint pain at night, such as:

Cytokines

At night, some of your cells release cytokines, small proteins that help activate your immune system. Some cytokines help to make you sleepy. But they can also generate inflammation, which can increase joint pain.

Body position

Your sleep position can put pressure on joints, making existing joint pain worse. For example:

If you have hip or shoulder pain on one side of your body, try to avoid putting pressure on that joint by sleeping on your other side.
You can worsen wrist pain if you sleep with your wrists bent.
Neck pain may worsen if you’re a stomach sleeper and your neck remains twisted to one side for hours at a time.

Mattress and pillow

Your mattress and pillow may also be part of the problem. A too-soft, unsupportive mattress may not provide enough cushioning to support the proper alignment of your spine. This can put pressure on tender joints.

If your pillow is too high, too low, or lumpy, it may force you to hold your neck and shoulder joints in an unnatural position while sleeping. This can irritate your nerves and generate joint pain.

How can I manage joint pain at night?

The underlying cause of joint pain may determine how best to manage it. For example, if you have jaw pain due to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, wearing a night guard might be a good way to reduce it.

You can typically manage joint pain at night with at-home treatments. A trial-and-error approach may be needed before you learn what works best for you. Here are 10 things to try:

1. Exercise

Strong, supple muscles help take pressure off of painful joints. Exercises like stretching and yoga can help people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Other good choices include:

walking
running
water aerobics
tai chi

You may consider working with a physical therapist on exercises for specific joints and muscle groups.

2. Apply heat

Some people find that using heating pads or compresses on painful joints before sleep provides nighttime relief. You may also find that taking a warm bath before bed reduces pain and provides relaxation.

When you apply heat to an aching joint, the blood vessels in that area increase in size. This increases blood and oxygen circulation in and around the joint, reducing stiffness and pain.

If your joint pain is due to an injury, check with a healthcare professional before using heat. For injuries, applying cold during healing may be a better choice.

3. Apply cold

Cold packs decrease blood flow to the joint, reducing swelling and inflammation. The numbing sensation caused by applying cold or cool compresses can also help reduce pain.

Try using a cold pack directly on the painful joint for 10 to 20 minutes before going to sleep. You can also try immersing yourself in a cold or cool bath for as long as you feel comfortable.

4. Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication

OTC pain relievers, including those that reduce inflammation, may be helpful. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen. Look for extended-relief versions that last for 8 hours or more, so your pain doesn’t return during the night.

Make sure to follow package directions and don’t overuse. If OTC pain meds aren’t enough, talk with a healthcare professional about prescription drugs for pain.

If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease talk with a doctor about which OTC pain reliever would be best for you. Some may cause you to retain water, which can cause kidney problems or raise your blood pressure.

5. Use topical treatments

Topical treatments are medications you apply directly to your skin. Some ointments can provide targeted pain relief. Look for gels, sprays, and lotions that contain active ingredients such as:

Menthol: Menthol can provide a cooling sensation to your skin, helping to mask pain.
Camphor: Camphor can provide both cool and warm sensations to your skin and numb nerve endings.
Arnica: Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties and supports enhanced circulation.
Capsaicin: Capsaicin reduces the amount of a specific pain transmitter in your nerves.
Salicylates: These plant-based chemicals can help reduce inflammation.

6. Consider glucosamine and chondroitin supplements

Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds found in cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions and surrounds your joints. Research into their benefits for joint pain has produced mixed results. But some people find that taking these supplements as directed helps to reduce joint pain from osteoarthritis.

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, be sure to look for the “USP-verified” mark on these products. That means it’s from a trusted manufacturer.

7. Meditate

If joint pain wakes you up at night, it can be hard to go back to sleep. But research suggests that meditation may help you manage chronic pain of all types, especially during the night and before bed.

A 2018 review of studies found that meditation changes the way your brain processes pain signals, reducing your sensitivity to pain. It can also reduce anxiety and help you relax.

Many gyms and yoga studios offer classes and workshops in meditation. There are also meditation apps to guide you through long and short meditation exercises.

8. Upgrade your mattress and pillow

If your current mattress is too soft or older than 8 years old, consider getting a newer model suited for joint pain relief.

You may also benefit from a pillow designed to reduce knee or neck pain.

9. Create a soothing sleep environment

Proper sleep hygiene habits won’t necessarily reduce joint pain, but they will make it easier for you to fall asleep, despite it.

Ensure your room is dark, cool, and quiet. Turn off electronic devices at least 1 hour before trying to sleep. You may also benefit from listening to relaxing music, meditating, or reading a good book before you turn the lights out.

Aromatherapy may also be helpful for soothing sore joints and for promoting relaxation.

10. Move and stretch when you wake up

Morning stretches won’t necessarily help you with nighttime pain, but they may help relieve stiffness and pain when you first wake up. Moving right when you wake up helps to move fluids out of inflamed joints and reduces swelling.

Try stretching your arms and legs and flexing your fingers and ankles before you get out of bed. You can do this with your knees bent, lying chest-down, or sitting.

When to contact a doctor

Chronic nighttime pain can cause sleep deprivation and exhaustion. It may also significantly reduce your ability to partake in daily activities and enjoy life. Let a healthcare professional know if your joint pain doesn’t respond to at-home treatments.

See a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

You have intense joint pain that lasts for several weeks or longer.
Pain is waking you up from sleep consistently.
You experience sudden swelling or warmth around the joint or can’t move it easily.
Your joint pain is accompanied by fever.

A doctor may prescribe oral, topical, or injected medications to help reduce your symptoms.

Takeaway

Joint pain at night has various underlying causes, from injuries to arthritis. It can be exhausting and debilitating. But you don’t need to live with pain.

Many at-home treatments, such as OTC medications and heat or cold compresses, can help. Lifestyle changes like exercising or improving your sleep hygiene can also help.

If your joint pain is severe or doesn’t respond well to at-home treatments, visit a healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and provide further treatment options.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/joint-pain-at-night?utm_term=feature&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-03-18&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#takeaway

Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Gluten-Free Turmeric Lemon Anti-inflammatory Smoothie

April 2, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.

Turmeric is incredible for the immune system.

Ingredients

1 frozen banana

1/4 cup cauliflower florets

1 tsp. ground turmeric

Juice of 1 medium lemon

1 tsp. raw honey

1 cup almond milk or full-fat coconut milk

1/4 tsp. ground ginger, or 1 1/4 inch thick slice of fresh ginger peeled

Bee pollen, for serving

How To Make

In a high-powered blender, combine the banana, cauliflower, turmeric, lemon juice, honey, almond milk, and ginger.

Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 1 minute

Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and sprinkle bee pollen over the top.

Serves 1

Enjoy.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Spring Blossoms

April 2, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday, and I hope to see you soon.

My treasured Pink Lilly, I have a bed of them. They come back year after year.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Repair Or Replace: Is Your Old Car Worth Saving?

April 1, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Choosing between repairing and replacing a car can be a challenge. Without the skills to assess your car like a mechanic, many people feel as though they can’t figure out whether or not they’ll end up paying more to repair or replace their motor. Some car issues are big, while others are small, but it can be very hard to tell exactly how much a repair will cost until you have it done. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the considerations you need to make as you go through this process. This should make it much easier to figure out if your car needs to be repaired for replacement.

What’s The Problem?

Before going too deeply into this, it’s always worth figuring out what the problem your facing actually is. This can be tricky when you don’t know much about cars, but you can usually use sound and the resources found on the web to give you a good idea. If your car is making a strange noise, you can search for this on Google, looking for potential causes of the issue.

Once you’ve done this, you can begin to look at the potential costs to get the issue fixed. There are loads of garages around the web that will happily discuss their pricing openly, giving you valuable insight into the price that you will have to pay. This isn’t always a sure way to find out how much something will cost, though, as each car job is different, and it can be hard for a garage to say what the issue might be when they first look at your car.

Alongside this, you could also consider the option of talking to people on sites like Reddit. Message boards like this are packed with users who are willing to spend their time to help others, even if they don’t get anything out of it. Describing your issue in detail with photos and videos will be essential, but this can give you a clear idea of the price of your repairs without having to go to a garage.

Potential Future Issues

Along with looking at the current issue with your car, it can also be worth thinking about future issues that could come about as a result. For example, replacing brake pads will fix issues with stopping, but you may still need to change your disks after a couple more months of driving. It can be hard to predict issues like this, making it worth asking those who are in the know to make sure that you aren’t going down the wrong path.

If an issue is likely to develop in the future no matter what repairs you make, it could be worth looking at replacing your car. Vehicles can get into a state where they hardly leave the garage, giving you loads of issues to deal with while also costing a small fortune. If this is the case, you will almost always save money by looking for a new motor.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

Being able to fix a car problem for yourself can drastically reduce the costs, with the fees that garages charge consisting largely of labor costs. This often makes it worth DIYing your car problems, but you have to make sure that you can both get your hands on the parts and handle the repair before you choose this option.

Finding the parts you need will be the most challenging part of this. eBay and Amazon can be a good place to start, though you may need to look for specialized stores to get your hands on things like wheel and tyre packages that will work for your car. Alongside this, it can also be a good idea to watch some YouTube videos of the repair you need to make before buying anything. This will give you a good idea as to whether or not you can do it, while also showing you the tools and parts you will need for it.

Choosing the DIY route can be a good idea when you are trying to save money, but it can also be very difficult. You need to make sure that you are confident in your ability to handle the repair before you get started, or you could easily find yourself without a car until you can get professional help. Tools can be expensive, making any job that requires specialist tools one for the garage.

The Value of Your Car

Finally, as the last area to think about, it’s time to consider the value of your car. If a repair is going to cost more than this, there will be little reason to look much further, and you may as well start hunting for a new car. But how exactly can you figure out the value of your car without having to get expert help? Thankfully, there are loads of different resources that can help you with this.

Car sales websites should always be the first place you look, as this will give you an accurate idea of what your car would sell for in good condition today. Look for your make and model, followed by searching for examples in similar conditions. This will give you an idea of the price range you can expect to get for your car.

Alongside car sales websites, you can also look for directories that list the value of different types of cars. While this might be a little faster, it won’t be as accurate as simply looking at prices, but it can still be worth the effort if you can’t find your car listed on any website. Using the lower estimates you find is a good way to avoid disappointment.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of choosing whether to repair or replace your car. It can be hard when you find yourself stuck in a position like this, though most people have the resources to get themselves out of it when they put the work into it.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

5 Luxurious Ways to Make Your Back Yard Your Own

March 31, 2025 Looking for the Light9 Comments

There are many mental health benefits to a backyard oasis for your family. And there are just as many luxurious ways to make your backyard somewhere you won’t want to leave.

Your Very Own Bar

A fantastic way to upcycle your old outdoor shed is to cut a hole on the side and place a surface on it. Then you can install an at-home beer pump for pulling the perfect pint in your own garden. This is a simple design, but one that works. But with some crafty DIY work and creativity, you can install a sound system, lighting, and even cooking facilities. Of course, no shed company wants you to butcher their creations, so reusing an old one is best. Just make sure you give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out, and make sure it’s safe for the purpose before you go sitting at it.

A Deck to Proud Of

Nothing makes a good garden shine like the installation of high-quality decking. Wood and the backyard just go superb together, and you can make many great memories sitting among the scent of wood and flowers on long Summer nights. Additionally, a deck can add a lot of value to your home should you consider selling later on. First, however, make sure you use a reputable builder. Poor decking is dangerous. Splinters, loose boards, and even collapse are real possibilities. And a lousy installation isn’t likely to last long, either.

Heat and Bubbles

You can relax and have fun in a hot tub. So much fun, in fact, that since coming to market in the late 1950s in the USA, around 6 million have been sold all over the country. Hot tubs are excellent no matter your age. They can provide an intimate way of relaxing for couples and friends. And the kids love the bubbles. However, there are multiple health benefits as well. The heat helps soothe aching muscles, and bubbles help with tension. Some medical experts believe the effects of a hot tub to be somewhere around the same as a professional massage.

An Outdoor Cinema

How fun is your very own outdoor cinema? Cozying up on a warm night under the stars with a movie and a drink with your partner is nothing short of amazing. And if you have kids, well, they will just go nuts for something like this. You can purchase an HD projector for very little these days, and some even work with your phone. And a screen isn’t required either. Just a sheet and something to hold it. But before going and doing this, make sure you are far enough from your neighbors, or the sounds of Bridget Jones doing Bridget Jones stuff might not end well.

Fire Pit Arrangement

Being outdoors evokes memories of nature and a primal sense of social atmosphere. One of the most primal elements is fire. Fire is dangerous, but it can be tamed when treated with respect and controlled. A fire pit makes an excellent centerpiece for your garden, and you can make one for very little money. You can buy premade pits with various designs. Or you could use an old washing machine drum, a barrel, or even a tire. Then, arrange your rattan or wicker furniture around the centerpiece for an intimate and sophisticated addition to your backyard tranquility.

Summary

Your backyard is an extension of your home and yourself. So, it would help if you spent time making it special. But, gardening aside, you can add luxuries such as a bar, hot tub, or even a cinema.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Gluten-Free Tahini-Spiced Hot Cocoa-Sounds So Good!

March 31, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups almond milk

2 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tb. raw cacao powder

1 1/2 tsp. raw honey

3 tsp. tahini

In a small saucepan, warm the almond milk over medium-high heat until it simmers, 5 minutes.

Pour the warm milk into a high-powered blender and add the vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa powder, honey, and tahini.

Blend on high speed until the cocoa is smooth and frothy, 1 minute.

Serves 1

Double the recipe to make two cups.

Enjoy.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

From Family Cookbook-Aunt Dorthy’s Nut Rolls With Filling

March 31, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

The family cookbook contains recipes my Granies & Gramps used often, and is the type of food I grew up on. Many with veggies and tomatoes from the garden. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

This is from my husband’s Aunt Dorthy’s recipes, who writes BEST at the top of the card.

Recipe

1 package yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and 1 TSP sugar

Let stand for 5 minutes

Sift 4 cups flour, 4 TBS sugar, and 3/4 TSP salt

Melt 1/2 TBS of butter

Add in 1 cup of canned milk

4 egg yolks beaten

Pour over flour

Add yeast

Knead

Cover

Place in refrigerator overnight or for 5 hours

Divide into 4 sections on a lightly floured surface to approx 10″x13″

Size to fill

Roll up

Let rise

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

Filling

Beat 4 egg whites with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup ground walnuts

Okay, from here, I guess you get an icing tube, add the filling insert into the roll, and squeeze until you see the filling has spread in the roll.

This sounds great because I like walnuts, which are so good for you. I’ll have to try this one.

If you make the recipe, please provide feedback on your thoughts or what the recipe brings to mind.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Question Of The Day

March 30, 2025 Looking for the Light1 Comment

How old were you when you learned to walk?

I learned at 10 months old and probably learned by chasing after our dog.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Today In History March 29, 2025

March 29, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Viking Siege of Paris

845 Paris is sacked by Viking raiders, probably under Ragnar Lodbrok, who collects a huge ransom in exchange for leaving

A 5,000 strong fleet of Danish Vikings invaded Frankish lands in 845 and only retreated after besieging Paris and securing a ransom from the Frankish King Charles the Bald. They were part of a series of devastating raids begun by the Vikings from the 790s.

The Vikings were led by a man named “Reginherus” or Ragnar, sometimes linked to the legendary saga figure Ragnar Lodbrok. The Vikings easily overcame defences set in place by Charlemagne and are known to have attacked the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés just outside the city.

Although struck by an outbreak of plague the Vikings overcame this to return home with their ransom of 7,000 French livres of gold and silver.

Terracotta Army Discovered

1974 Chinese farmers discover the Terracotta Army near Xi’an, 8,000 clay warrior statues buried to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang

In 1974 local farmers digging a well near the Chinese city of Xian came across one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. The discovery of a clay warrior figure soon revealed many more by state archaeologists. In fact there may be 8,000 terracotta figures in total, each individually modelled and purposely arranged in three pits to guard the tomb of the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di (246-210 B.C.)

Contemporary court documents indicate the mausoleum was started soon after Emperor Qin took the throne in 246 B.C and continued until unrest in 209 B.C. Remote sensing and ground-penetrating radar has revealed the whole tomb complex to be almost 38 square miles (98 square kilometers) with the unexcavated Emperor’s tomb at the centre.

If you can see the Terracotta Army, go without hesitation; it’s mind-blowing.

Scott’s Last Entry

Captain Robert Falcon Scott, storm-bound in a tent near the South Pole, makes the last entry in his diary “the end cannot be far”

History can be interesting.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.onthisday.com/date/1912/march/29

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Survivor · Trauma

National Child Abuse Awareness Month

March 29, 2025 Looking for the Light11 Comments

Child Abuse Awareness Month is another awareness month that hits home for me. My abuse started when I was a child and lasted until I was 12 when I went to live with my father. My mother and stepfather not only physically abused me, they emotionally abused me and each were equally painful. I have worked with my Therapist for over 30 years and still have not totally processed the pain and anger. No child deserves to carry this burden and I know firsthand how it plays on your mind.

U.S. Child welfare authorities look into the safety of more than 7.5 million kids annually

Of those, around 3 million children received an investigation or alternative response from child protective services agencies.

How big is the problem of child abuse?

1 in 4 girls and

1 in 13 boys in the U.S.

are estimated to experience child abuse

Source: CDC

1 in 5

children in Europe
are estimated to experience
sexual violence

Source: Council of Europe 2022

1 billion

children globally
are estimated to experience sexual violence

Source: World Health Organization 2022

More than 550,000 children are known to U.S. authorities to be abused.

An estimated 558,899 children (unique incidents) were victims of abuse and neglect in the U.S. in 2022, the most recent year for which there is national data. That’s 8 children out of every thousand.

These statistics make me weep, how can so many children carry the deep pain around with them? Keep your eyes open and if you see something that looks out of line report it.

Melinda

Reference:

National Statistics on Child Abuse

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

March 28, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Fun Facts, Did You Know?

March 27, 2025 Looking for the Light10 Comments

Fact: Baseball umpires used to sit in rocking chairs

People have been playing baseball since the mid 19^th century. In the early games, umpires would officiate the games reclining in a rocking chair that was located 20 feet behind home plate. By 1878, the National League also declared that home teams must pay umpires $5 per game.

Fact: The first commercial passenger flight lasted only 23 minutes

These fun facts really get you thinking about how far we’ve come. Taking a 23-minute flight might seem like a waste of money today, but in 1914 Abram Pheil paid $400, which would be $8,500 today, for a 23-minute long plane ride. He flew between St. Petersburg, Florida and Tampa, Florida, where only 21 miles of water separate the cities. Pheil, a former mayor of St. Petersburg, and the pilot, Tony Jannus, were the only passengers. This momentous flight paved the way for air travel as we know it.

Fact: The world’s first novel ends mid-sentence

The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11^th century, is considered the world’s first novel. After reading 54 intricately crafted chapters, the reader is stopped abruptly mid-sentence. One translator believes the work is complete as is, but another says we’re missing a few more pages of the story.

Fact: The French-language Scrabble World Champion doesn’t speak French

New Zealand native Nigel Richards memorized the entire French Scrabble dictionary, which has 386,000 words, in nine weeks to earn his title. He has also won the English world Scrabble Championship three times, the U.S. national championships five times, and the U.K. Open Scrabble tournament six times. This comes 20 years after first playing Scrabble when Richards was 28 years old.

Fact: A woman called the police when her ice cream didn’t have enough sprinkles

The West Midlands police in England released a recording of a woman who called 999 (the U.K. version of 911) because there were “bits on one side and none on the other,” she says in the recording. She was even more upset when the ice cream truck man did not want to give her money back.

Fact: Uncle Ben’s rice was airdropped to World War II troops

German chemist Erich Huzenlaub invented a process of parboiling rice to keep more nutrients in the rice and lessen the cooking time. The “Huzenlaub Process” had another unexpected benefit, too: It stopped bug infestations. The quick-cook, bug-free rice was a big advantage during World War II, and Converted rice (as it was then known) was airdropped to American and British troops. After the war, the company rebranded to Uncle Ben’s Original Converted Brand Rice, named after one of the company’s best rice suppliers, and the product hit the shelves in 1947.

Fact: The British Empire was the largest empire in world history

According to the World Atlas, an empire “is a group of nations or people that are under the rule of a powerful government or an emperor of a territory usually larger than a kingdom.” The British Empire was most powerful in the 1920s when it ruled over 23 percent of the world’s population. That equates to about 13 million square miles.

Fact: South American river turtles talk in their eggs

Turtles don’t have vocal cords and their ears are internal, so scientists believed that turtles were deaf and didn’t communicate through sounds. However, research has found that turtles actually communicate at an extremely low frequency that sounds like “clicks, clucks, and hoots” that can only be heard through a hydrophone (a microphone used underwater). These sounds even come from the egg before the turtle hatches. Researchers hypothesize that this helps all the turtle siblings hatch at once.

Fact: Penicillin was first called “mold juice”

Alexander Fleming was one of those quirky scientists who accidentally made a scientific breakthrough. In 1928, the bacteriologist left a petri dish in his lab while he was on vacation only to return and find that some liquid around the mold had killed the bacteria in the dish. This became the world’s first antibiotic. But before naming it penicillin, he called it “mold juice.”

Fact: The first stroller was pulled by a goat

This is one of the many interesting facts that had us scratching our head. Or a dog or a miniature horse, but not by parents. William Kent, a landscape architect, invented the first stroller for the third Duke of Devonshire in 1733. By the mid 18^th century, strollers were still pretty unstable, but they had handles so parents, not animals, could pull the baby behind them.

So glad you are enjoying the post; I love hearing your hilarious comments.

Have a great weekend.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

5 Ways To Help Your Teen As A New Driver

March 27, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Has your teen just passed their driving test? It can be an extremely exciting time for them. Being able to drive and having the independence that comes with having their own car can be exhilarating. But for parents, it can be a time of increased worry and stress. This is only natural, especially when statistics show that young drivers cause 16% of all fatal car accidents in the US.

However, there are many different ways you can help your teen driver as they embark on their driving career to not only put your mind at ease but ensure they are safe too.

Read on for some tips on how to help your teen as a new driver.

Stay Calm

One of the best things when your teen starts driving alone is to stay calm. Whether you are with them or waiting at home. Remember how it felt to be a new driver, and use this to help boost your teen’s confidence. The more faith you have in them and their abilities, the calmer they will be on the road, with or without you. Remember, they have to pass a test and will have all of the basic skills and knowledge they need.

Talk About The Rules

There are driving rules and laws for a reason, and all of them ensure the safety of all road users. As a driver, your teen will now have to adhere to these laws. Keep your discussions out of the car; doing so while driving will only further distract them. Talk about the dangers of driving while under the influence, using a mobile phone when driving, and the number of distractions having passengers can cause. It can be a good idea to talk about their reaction to other drivers and how to react should they encounter road rage or other poor driving habits from other drivers on the road.

Car Maintenance

Maintaining a car is a great responsibility, and as such, having a good mechanic and some knowledge of the internal workings of an engine and components can serve them well in their driving career from teen to old age. A simple but essential step is to talk through all aspects of car maintenance, how their actions will affect the vehicle they are driving, and how safe it is. If your teen knows the common faults of the car they are driving and how to identify when something is wrong, they can call for help and be better prepared for breakdowns or getting repairs fixed quickly.

Car Safety

There is a lot involved in being a safe driver. Your teen needs to be safe on the road, but they also need to be confident that all their passengers and other road users are safe. Some of these issues might not be at the forefront of their minds for teens, especially in those first few weeks or months of driving, from the importance of everyone wearing seatbelts to the distraction of loud music and conversations to speeding and driving appropriately for different weather conditions. It can be a good idea to look into take an advanced driving class to improve their skills or ask them if they want you to ride them when driving after dark for the first time or in wet and windy weather conditions.

Emergency Responses

With nearly 20,000 car crashes daily on the roads in America, there is a high chance your teen may be involved in one at some point in their driving career or witness an accident. Knowing what to do should this occur can give them the tools they need to make the right decisions. From calling emergency services to documenting the scene and contacting their insurance company, these are vital tips they will need to know before an event, not after. Make sure they have all of their documents with them, are up to date with their insurance, have breakdown and recovery services they can contact, and know they can call you anytime in an emergency for help and support, not criticism.

Conclusion

Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many teens, and every driver can remember how it felt to finally get behind the wheel and onto the open road without relying on others to get from A to B. However, as parents, you can help your teen become a better driver by giving them the knowledge you have from your driving experience and the skills and tools they need to be a better and safer driver on the roads.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Trauma

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

March 26, 2025March 27, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is significant to me because I have been assaulted. I know the pain and anger that followed; it took many years of therapy to work through the trauma. Women and men experience sexual assault, and it’s important to reach out for support to process your assault.

Horrifying Statistics from RAINN

Every 68 seconds another American is sexually assaulted.¹
1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).⁴
About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.⁴
From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.⁵
A majority of child victims are 12-17. Of victims under the age of 18: 34% of victims of sexual assault and rape are under age 12, and 66% of victims of sexual assault and rape are age 12-17.⁶

What was the survivor doing when the crime occurred?⁷

48% were sleeping, or performing another activity at home
29% were traveling to and from work or school, or traveling to shop or run errands
12% were working
7% were attending school
5% were doing an unknown or other activity

Most of the time, loved ones of survivors want to do anything they can to help— but aren’t sure what to do. Whether someone you love has disclosed to you already, or you just want to be prepared for the moment someone does, taking the time to proactively learn how to support a survivor as they disclose can make all the difference. When the time comes to support a survivor in your life, remember this important acronym about how to TALK. Learn more from RAINN’s Family and Friends Toolkit.

I know it’s difficult to reach out for support, but it’s the first step to dealing with the trauma and healing.

Melinda

Reference:

https://rainn.org/?_ga=2.150011316.349518786.1742834594-2015321522.1742834593

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Flaming Orange

March 26, 2025 Looking for the Light7 Comments

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday, and I hope to see you soon.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Lyme Resources To Help Figure Out Your Next Move

March 25, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

One of the most important things a person with Lyme disease needs is clear, concise information.

Here’s a list of useful resources to get you going in the right direction.

LymeDisease.org is one of the foremost Lyme patient advocacy organizations in the United States. We provide a wealth of information on our website–about ticks, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Special features include:

Symptom Checklist: Patients can answer a series of questions, print out the filled-in form and take it to their doctor. The printout describes basic facts, explains the two standards of care for Lyme disease, and endorses the ILADS guidelines. It’s a way to help your doctor help you.

Physician Directory: Find a Lyme-literate practitioner near you.

Our blogs keep the Lyme community up to date on news, analysis, and opinion.

Social media. We spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Our free weekly email newsletters keep you informed on Lyme-related developments. Click here to sign up.

US National Lyme Online Support Group: Information and emotional support for people dealing with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

MyLymeData patient registry: This big data research project allows patients to privately pool information about their Lyme disease experiences. So far, more than 17,000 people have enrolled in the project, providing millions of data points on Lyme disease demographics, tick bites, diagnosis, symptoms, lab tests, co-infections, treatment and quality of life. Add your Lyme data to MyLymeData to help find a cure for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease posters

Children and Lyme disease

Basic info about children with Lyme disease

Gestational Lyme disease LymeHope, a Canadian Lyme advocacy organization, has taken a particular interest in the issue of mother-to-fetus Lyme transmission.

LymeAid4Kids–Financial assistance for Lyme treatment for those under age 21.

Lymelight Foundation–financial assistance for Lyme treatment for children and young adults through age 25.

LivLyme Foundation–Financial grants for children with Lyme disease (under 21).

Mothers Against Lyme–Advocacy and education about congenital and childhood Lyme

Video: Lyme Disease & Pregnancy: State of the Science & Opportunities for Research

Book: When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide by Sandra Berenbaum and Dorothy Kupcha Leland.

Book: Brain Inflamed: Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Anxiety, Depression, and other Mood Disorders in Adolescents and Teens by Dr. Kenneth Bock.

Book: Protecting Your Child From the Child Protection System, by Beth Alison Maloney

Book: Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease, by Rachel Leland and Dorothy Kupcha Leland.

Article: Healthy Mom Best Prescription for Healthy Baby (The Lyme Times) (PDF)

Wrightslaw.com–Website with information about Special Education law.

PANS/PANDAS

ASPIRE: The Alliance to Solve PANS and Immune Related Encephalopathies

New England PANS/PANDAS Association

Northwest PANDAS/PANS Network

PANDAS Network

Moleculera Labs

Three books by Beth Alison Maloney: Saving Sammy, Childhood Interrupted: The Complete Guide to PANDAS and PANS, and Protecting Your Child from the Child Protection system (The author of these books is the mother of a child who healed from PANDAS. She is an attorney/advocate for the recognition and treatment of PANS/PANDAS, and advises parents about legal issues related to PANS/PANDAS and other complex medical conditions.)

Parenting with PANS

Ticks

Types of ticks

How to protect yourself from ticks

Find the repellent that’s right for you (EPA website)

Help! I’ve gotten a tick bite. Now what?

TickEncounter Resource Center—University of Rhode Island

Tick testing. There are various places to get ticks tested. Here are several: IGeneX, TickCheck, Ticknology, Tick Report

MilTICK—free tick testing and identification service available for ticks removed from Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and their dependents.

Mast cell activation syndrome and food-related issues

MCAS, when your immune system goes haywire

The agony of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

Healing from mast cell activation syndrome

What to eat when you’re allergic to everything?

Severe weather can worsen mast cell activation syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome

There is growing evidence that certain types of tick bites can trigger alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) a life-threatening allergy to red meat and meat-related products.

Alpha-gal syndrome–symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Tick-Borne Conditions United

Alpha-gal Information Website

Other Lyme-related symptoms & issues

Lyme carditis and heart block

Lyme disease can affect the heart in complicated ways

Lyme disease and cognitive impairments

Gastrointestinal manifestations of Lyme

Psychiatric manifestations of Lyme

Lyme disease and hearing loss

Lyme and multiple sclerosis

Lyme and allodynia

Medical marijuana and Lyme disease

The dreaded Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

How Lyme disease can affect your vision

12 ways you can help yourself manage chronic pain

Morgellons

The Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease Foundation

Morgellons: The legitimization of a disease (book review)

Skin Deep: The Battle Over Morgellons (documentary film)

Treating Lyme disease with disulfiram

What is disulfiram and why does it spark excitement in Lyme community?

Treating psychiatric Lyme symptoms with disulfiram

Co-infections

The Lyme Times Special Issue on Co-infections (PDF)

About Lyme disease co-infections

Co-infections poster

Mold

Lyme and mold

Survivingmold.com

Dealing with Lyme disease and mold illness at the same time

Mold Testing Guide (How to test your home for mold)

Your guide to mold in your home

Clean indoor air on a budget

Are you unknowingly ingesting toxic mold?

How to donate blood and tissue for Lyme research

Lyme Disease Biobank

Lyme and pets

Basic information about Lyme and pets

Parasite prevalence maps Educational website includes a US map down to the county level, showing where dogs have tested positive for Lyme, anaplasmosis, erhlichiosis and other diseases. Also, information about protecting your pet from tick-borne diseases.

Companion Animal Parasite Council website has comprehensive information about how to protect your pets from ticks and other parasites.

Books (Treatment, healing modalities, family life)

Brain Inflamed: Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mood Disorders in Adolescents and Teens, by Dr. Kenneth Bock

CHRONIC: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic and How to Get Healthy Again, by Dr. Steven Phillips and Dana Parish

Conquering Lyme Disease: Science Bridges the Great Divide, by Brian A. Fallon, MD, and Jennifer Sotsky, MD

The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery, by Ross Douthat. The New York Times columnist delves into his personal years-long battle with chronic Lyme disease.

Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease, by Rachel Leland and Dorothy Kupcha Leland. Based on the journal Rachel kept during the worst years of her illness, with additional insights from her mother, Dorothy.

How can I get better? An Action Plan for Treating Resistant Lyme and Chronic Disease, by Dr. Richard Horowitz

The Lyme Diet, by Dr. Nicola McFadzean. What to eat while healing from Lyme.

Recovery from Lyme Disease: The Integrative Medicine Guide to Diagnosing and Treating Tick-Borne Illness, by Dr. Daniel Kinderlehrer.

TOXIC: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness, by Dr. Neil Nathan.

When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide by Sandra Berenbaum and Dorothy Kupcha Leland.

Why Can’t I Get Better? Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease, by Dr. Richard Horowitz.

Books (History, Policy, and Science)

Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons, by Kris Newby

Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic, by Pamela Weintraub.

Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change, by Mary Beth Pfeiffer.

Film and Video

I’m Not Crazy, I’m sick, Lyme documentary, available on various streaming services.

The Quiet Epidemic, documentary film about chronic Lyme disease, available on various streaming services.

Under Our Skin, award-winning Lyme documentary film.

Under Our Skin 2: Emergence (sequel)

The Red Ring, documentary takes a global look at Lyme disease.

Your Labs Are Normal, feature film based on real-life experiences.

Financial assistance

LymeTAP.com–Lyme Testing Access Program. Financial assistance for Lyme diagnostic testing.

Needymeds.com–Clearing house for information about various kinds of financial assistance for obtaining medication.

Lymelight Foundation–financial assistance for Lyme treatment for children and young adults through age 25.

Lyme Treatment Foundation–financial assistance for Lyme treatment. No age restrictions.

LivLyme Foundation–Financial grants for children with Lyme disease.

LymeAid4Kids—grants for young Lyme patients (up to age 21).

Partner in Lyme—grants for Lyme treatment for residents of Connecticut.

Applying for Social Security benefits for Lyme disease

Outside of the United States

ALCE Asociación de Lyme Crónico España (Spain)

Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation

LymeHope (Canada)

LYRI (Mexico)

Lyme Disease Action (UK)

LymeDiseaseUK

Lyme Disease Association of Australia

Karl McManus Foundation (Australia)

France Lyme

Tick Talk Ireland

Lyme Poland

Association Luxembourgeoise Borréliose de Lyme (Luxembourg)

Onlyme-aktion.org (Germany)

Lymevereniging (Netherlands)

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, LymeDisease.org’s Vice-president and Director of Communications. She is co-author of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org .

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review For Finding My Right Mind By Vanessa Potter

March 25, 2025 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Maddie Dunne-Kirby from Wellbeck Publishing Group gifted me a copy of Finding My Right Mind, One Woman’s Experiment To Put Meditation To The Test by Vanessa Potter for an honest review.

My Thoughts

Gobsmacked is the only word I can say about Finding My Right Mind. I believe that’s a British saying, please correct me if I’m mistaken. Vanessa’s story is like a brick to the head in the very best way. She’s smart, funny, and realistic about the cards she’s dealt.

You can find Vanessa Potter’s book Finding My Right Mind at Amazon.co.uk

The true story of an ordinary woman who went to extraordinary lengths to discover whether meditating could change her life. Insightful, funny, and informative, Vanessa road-tests 10 techniques from mindfulness to psychedelics, and still manages to pick the kids up!

What would you do if you woke up one day blind and paralyzed? This is where Vanessa finds herself, she’s married with children and at the height of her career. What Vanessa does next is nothing short of a miracle. Using her knowledge of meditation she teaches her body to remember feelings, such as the feel of sand in your toes. With sheer grit, she uses 10 techniques to build the life she wants to live. Finding My Right Mind is a must-read for everyone, she an inspiration and will have you examine your life as you live it today. You will find Vanessa’s book inspirational, and fascinating, and looking forward to turning the page. She shows us what the mind can truly do.

This is a must-read story. I’m glad you are enjoying the book reviews, keep your comments coming. I have six books lined up to read so stay tuned.

Wellbeck Publishing Group

Wellbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world

Melinda

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Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

5 Things I Didn’t Know About Taking Mood Stabilizers

March 24, 2025 Looking for the Light5 Comments

Written by Sally Buchanan-Hagen

Mood stabilizers help keep my bipolar symptoms in check, but they still affect some areas of my life in unexpected ways.

In a previous blog, ‘6 Things I Didn’t Realize About Taking Antipsychotics’, I wrote about some of the impacts that taking antipsychotics can have on your life. But I don’t just take antipsychotics for my <a href=”http://DON’T GIVE UP, MARY! I have had so many bad days, weeks, months, and years even, but when you stick it out, things always get better–sometimes much better than you ever imagined. I encourage you to contact the SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE at 1-800-273-8255. They also have an online chat here: http://chat.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx. I’ve been in that space before, Mary, and it gets better. I PROMISE! Depression tricks us into believing the world is better off without us, but I PROMISE YOU, THE WORLD IS BETTER OFF WITH YOU IN IT! Please stay…and please stay in touch. bipolar disorder. I also take mood stabilizers. I have been taking mood stabilizers since my diagnosis, but it took two years to get the combination right.

I now take two different mood stabilizers and am happy to say that I am euthymic. Although I experience few side effects from mood stabilizers, taking these medications still impacts some areas of my life.

In a previous blog, 6 Things I Didn’t Realize About Taking Antipsychotics, I wrote about how antipsychotic medications have affected my life. But antipsychotics aren’t the only medications I take for bipolar disorder — I also take mood stabilizers.

It’s worth noting that while mood stabilizer is a commonly used term among clinicians, it’s not an official classification of medication. For bipolar disorder, this category typically includes anticonvulsants and lithium.

1. Tremors

In the beginning, the tremors caused by my mood stabilizer really bothered me. I was on such a high dose of one particular medication that I had to choose between managing my maniaor dealing with wild tremors. It was frustrating, but at the time, the higher dose was necessary to keep my symptoms in check.

I remember being a student nurse on my mental health placement and meeting a young man my age who was on the same mood stabilizer. His tremors were so severe that they made daily tasks — eating, brushing his teeth, writing, brushing his hair, and even getting dressed — incredibly difficult. It took him so much effort just to do things most of us take for granted.

I had no idea then that, just a few years later, I would be struggling with the same challenges — while also trying to write a thesis and work as a nurse in the emergency department. The tremors exhausted me, and I was embarrassed by them. What was hardest was that I couldn’t play the piano or cello, something I truly love. On top of that, the constant tremors felt like a visible reminder that I had bipolar disorder.

Every time my dose was lowered, I would become elevated. During a particularly severe manic episode, I was prescribed an additional mood stabilizer. That second medication, combined with my original one, finally helped keep my mania at bay. More importantly, it allowed me to reduce the dose of my first mood stabilizer without destabilizing my mood. As a result, my tremors are now very mild.

It’s important to point out that the tremors caused by mood stabilizers are different from tardive dyskinesia, a potential side effect of antipsychotics. While both involve involuntary movements, they have different causes and feel distinct from one another.

2. Thirst

Need I say more? Mood stabilizers make you really thirsty. As I mentioned in my previous post, antipsychotics can cause a very dry mouth. Combine that with the thirst from mood stabilizers, and it’s not exactly a pleasant experience.

3. Regular Blood Tests

Some mood stabilizers can make you toxic if they’re over the therapeutic range. To measure this, routine blood tests need to be taken as the level of medication shows up in the blood. I don’t know how many blood tests I’ve had since commencing mood stabilizers, but there have been lots.

When first starting on mood stabilizers, blood tests have to be done very frequently while the dose is titrated up to a therapeutic range.

When I’ve been hospitalized for mania, I would get a blood test every morning. Once the optimal dose has been established for the individual, the blood tests become less frequent, but levels still have to be monitored. I usually get blood work done every two months, but if my dose changes, testing ramps up again.

When that happens, my Saturday morning routine begins with a trip to the local pathology clinic and for a blood test. Fortunately, I don’t mind needles, but I can see how this could be a real challenge for someone who does.

4. Fluctuating Blood Levels

Sometimes, the levels of mood stabilizers in my blood fluctuate. I can always tell when they get too high: I struggle to concentrate, I feel weak, my tremors worsen, and I experience nausea, dizziness, and hot-and-cold flushes.

The first time this happened, I had no idea what was happening to me. I was studying in the university library and seriously considered asking a colleague to take me to the hospital. I didn’t — but looking back, I probably should have. It happened a few more times before I finally made the connection that my medication levels might be too high. Blood tests confirmed it, and my psychiatrist adjusted my dose.

Now, it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s always when I’m dehydrated — which makes sense since dehydration can increase blood levels. Because of this, I have to be extra careful when exercising or on hot days. If my levels spike, it can completely wipe me out for a day or two.

5. Minimal Side Effects

Aside from toxicity — which is extremely serious and requires immediate medical attention — I’ve been surprised at how few side effects I experience from mood stabilizers, especially compared to antipsychotics.

When my tremors were at their worst, I wouldn’t have said this, and I know not everyone has the same experience. But of the three types of medication I take for bipolar, mood stabilizers are the ones I prefer. I owe my quality of life and mentally healthy mind to them.

Sally Buchanan-Hagen

Sally lives in Victoria, Australia. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago when she was 22, however she has been dealing with extreme moods since she was 14. When she experienced her first episode of depression, she was too embarrassed to get help even though she knew that something was wrong. Throughout high school she battled depression after depression, each one getting worse. At university she continued to have depressive episodes and when she wasn’t depressed she was extremely happy, incredibly driven and unusually energetic. Everyone thought this was her normal mood, herself included and so the elevated times went unnoticed. The turning point was in her final year of university when she was referred to the university counsellor. She was diagnosed with depression but after many failed treatments she saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with type II bipolar disorder. However that quickly turned into a diagnosis of type I bipolar disorder after a psychotic manic episode. She is currently completing her honours degree in nursing and works as a nurse in the emergency department. She blogs for The International Bipolar Foundation and has written for several publications. She also volunteers for a mental health organization where she delivers presentations about mood disorders to high school students. Although relatively new to this world, she is passionate about mental health promotion and thoroughly enjoys writing about mental health.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.bphope.com/blog/5-things-i-didnt-know-about-taking-mood-stabilizers/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bphope&utm_content=Best+-+Mar18+-+Stabilizers

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Good Times On The Highway To Hell Part 7

March 24, 2025 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Time has passed and the stories with my brother are becoming less and less, we aren’t children anymore, you can read about my antics instead.

My stepfather was Luthern and he demanded we go to Vacation Bible School. The only bible I owned was given to me by my mother when I was five years old. One at the end of class the teacher put a star in the back. I was so shocked, I don’t know what I did to deserve it but it felt so good the next day I drew my own start next to hers.

I was not musically inclined when it came to singing but I wanted to be in the Middle School plays so bad. The music teacher took pity on me and cast me among the three main dancers. The dress code was dainty white socks which my mother would not buy so I showed up in tube socks. She was kind and found a place in the back row so I could participate. I lost my desire after that.

In high school I carried my camera everywhere I went. One weekend the KKK was marching near we hung out. I went over and took a few photos. My friends were completely freaked out but I wasn’t their target.

Granny was such a rigid do-it-the-book type of personality. One day shortly after getting my license we went shopping and the parking to was very small. I am backing out a tap the car behind me, Granny was a cool cucumber. She said to get out and see if there’s any damage, if not get back in the car and drive home.

At the end of our block was a wooded area that had a creek. We would sneak down there and have the time of our lives. At the deeper end, the kids before us installed a thick rope so you could swing out to the deep end. One of the great features was that those before us carved out a slide out the side of the hill above the creek. It was dry and you had to learn when to lift your but because there was a tree stump.

I was not allowed to drive my car unless it was to school, work, or to take Granny shopping. My friend picked me up and had me drop her off at her boyfriend’s and she would get the car later. I was so nervous that Granny would wake up in the night and see her car which would put me in big trouble. Her car didn’t have power steering and it was a beast to drive.

The way that Rosanna and I became friends was because I was dating her ex-boyfriend. He made some comment trying to make me jealous and I took the bait. I stood outside her classroom and when she arrived I punched her in the eye knocking out her contact. She followed me after school to see if she could drive me home, sure, what discovered about my boyfriend was unbelievable. Needless to say, I broke up the same day.

I was married at 18 years old, and the wedding dress and the whole nine yards. It was August 1st in Texas which means it was sweltering hot. His father had given the Priest extra money to turn on the air conditioner earlier and take the temperature down. I guess that’s too much to ask in August, if you’re not a Catholic you may not appreciate that during the ceremony you spend a lot of time leaning in front of the altar and I still had my veil down. Suddenly I felt dizzy and thought I would fall over, sure enough, I was going down and my soon-to-be husband walked me over to the first row of seats. I was so dignified, I threw my veil away from my face and begged for water. The Priest comes over with a gold chalice full of water and I suddenly feel guilty, I thought only Prest and Pope could drink from them. We finished the ceremony and we had so many laughs after because the whole thing was recorded.

When I met my husband he had a 55-gallon saltwater fish tank. We eventually added some fish and I had my favorite fish, a Puffer Fish. One night I was messing around and decided to try to hand-feed Puffy, David kept saying don’t put your hand in the water or he will bite you. That’s exactly what happened, I freaked took my hand out of the tank, and threw him on the floor. By now he is distressed and puffed out to full potential. David got him in the net but he couldn’t come until have chilled, then he swam out. I didn’t try that one again.

Melinda