I haven’t used Blue Emu but had no idea an animal was killed in the process. I avoid all products that require the killing of animals. It goes against my grain.
This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you more to use and help support my coffee habit. :)
Posted by Aromalief Team on May 07, 2021
In continuing our series of comparing the top pain relief creams in the market, we would like to share the comparison between Aromalief Vegan Hemp Pain Relief Creams and Blue Emu. We understand that there are many choices for Pain Relieving creams and we collected some key information for you to make a decision. Aromalief does NOT make or represent Blue Emu.
You can also read about the comparisons with Voltaren Gel and Aspercreme. (not made or represented by Aromalief)
Blue Emu is a pain relieving cream brand made by Nutrition & Fitness, Inc. (dba / NFI Consumer Products). The company was started in 1988 in Fayetteville, NC.
Pros:
Cons:
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/705335-propylparaben/
I encourage you to check out Aromolief’s blog and the entire product line here.
Melinda
I want to thank my blogging friend Willow Dot for reminding me about this post. She gave me the ultimate compliment in that she remembered this post, one that I had forgotten about. Yes, I have Conative Impairment but her words meant I touched one person even years later. I accomplished my blogging goal! I’m not sappy here, just allowing myself to accept a compliment instead of turning away. Be sure to check out her site, she will keep you on your toes in the best way.
The reason for the update is to share how my thought process has changed since 2019 when I was first diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease.
I’ve learned that people with Stage 3 Kidney Diseases can live many years, some upwards of 15 years. Wow! That is a huge relief.
I mentioned my rating of 17 on the MMSE but didn’t provide what the rating was based on.
What is the MMSE?
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) Alzheimer’s / Dementia Test: Administration, Accuracy and Scoring
The test is used by several types of doctors as a first step to finding the proper diagnosis of your Cognitive Impairment. My doctor was a Neurologist whom I was referred to during my struggle with Chronic Lyme Disease. I was not able to take the next step in diagnosing because I couldn’t have an MRI which meant my doctor had to get preauthorization from my insurance company for a PET Scan. My Insurance denied my claim but I don’t need a confirmed diagnosis, all I have to do is look at my daily life struggles.
Copy of MMSE Test provided by Boston Medical College.
This test is a great printout that can help you assess and understand when it’s time to seek help.
My Suicide plan hasn’t changed but I have hope that it’s way down the line.
Have an awesome day.
Melinda
References:
Click to access Modified-Mini-Mental-Exam-MMSE.pdf
https://willowdot21.wordpress.com
Second Stage Dementia
As dementia progresses, the symptoms first experienced in the early stages of the dementia generally worsen. The rate of decline is different for each person. A person with moderate dementia scores between 6–17 on the MMSE. For example, people with Alzheimer’s dementia in the moderate stages lose almost all new information very quickly. People with dementia may be severely impaired in solving problems, and their social judgment is usually also impaired. They cannot usually function outside their own home, and generally should not be left alone. They may be able to do simple chores around the house but not much else, and begin to require assistance for personal care and hygiene other than simple reminders.[11]
I’m in Second Stage Dementia, a 17 on the MMSE and I’m going to kill myself. There’s no emotion in my voice, my husband, my Therapist, and my Psychiatrist know. I don’t want to die and that is why picking the right time is so important. I won’t lie wasting away not knowing anyone, unable to speak or eat. Someone has to bathe you and change your bed several times a day, it’s gut-wrenching to watch someone you love die this way.
I cared for my Granny, the second stroke is where she started losing touch. She would say “Why did Gramps leave me at this house.” I took photos off the wall to assure her he went to get groceries, she was lost in a terrible reality. She would bang her head against the wall and scream she wanted to die. My Granny got so violent I had to medicate her and that was the last time my Gramps could leave the house until her death.
My Dementia was caused by Lyme Disease, the Spirochetes used my brain as a host. I’m in the second stage and it’s difficult already. It’s not just the words forgotten, it’s the time’s per day forgotten. I talked with my husband last night but have no idea what we talked about. Many times the words don’t come. Maybe you’ve noticed? I try to tell myself it’s freeing to not worry about the date or day of the week, it’s sad cover.
Melinda
I have had the opportunity to work with Vital Field for 4 years and not only do I enjoy working with the Head of Communications Nassia Bitha, I believe in the technology behind each Freguncell. Each is designed to target a particular area that will speed things along.
All have been thoroughly tested by leaders in the field with proven results and are all natural.
Vital Field’s product line has expanded over the years and I want to share information about each Frequencell to see which might tackle one or more of your challenges.
This post contains links that don’t cost you more to use and the money supports my coffee habit.
This FrequenCell could help you address chronic pain safely and naturally.
This FrequenCell could help you address chronic or acute inflammation at cellular level.
This FrequenCell could help enhance your body’s primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms.
This FrequenCell could support you in recharging your own body’s energy battery by accelerating cell regeneration.
This FrequenCell could help you alleviate allergy symptoms between May and August, offering powerful protection.
This FrequenCell could support you in reducing PMS symptoms and irritability during the monthly cycle or during menstruation.
This FrequenCell could help you improve your quality of life and reveal your highest potential.
This FrequenCell could offer you more stability for the transition into the third phase of life.
This FrequenCell could support the detoxification and cleansing process of the pineal gland from toxic loads.
This FrequenCell could support the DNA repair programs of the body, which benefit the immune system.
This FrequenCell could activate the full functionality of the pineal gland, including the perception of what many people refer to as “spiritual elevation and sensitivity”.
This FrequenCell could help you alleviate the pain of your companion animal.
This FrequenCell could help you through your journey of addiction recovery.
This FrequenCell could be your best ally against stress, communication difficulties, or behavior changes.
This FrequenCell could support your companion animal’s immune system.
This FrequenCell could help your body get rid of toxins and the build-up of harmful chemicals.
This FrequenCell could help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
This FrequenCell could contribute to slowing down the aging process at a cellular level.
As you can see the product line is extensive and targets many challenges you may face. You can find detailed information here.
Here’s to your health!
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight Wandering with Faith.
Hi! My name is Faith, lady behind this travel odyssey. Welcome to this wonderful platform. Experience these wanders, tours, camps, hikes, hotel, and restaurant reviews with me. When you are a high school teacher, your life is not yours but for others. You see not one, but many humans daily. You have people surrounding you all day. It becomes a strain.This causes one to be an escapist. That’s how I started travelling solo.
You will find her site addictive!
Melinda
I want to thank Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me a host of Vital Field FrequenCells to try. Right now, I’m wearing the Energy Frequencell and I’m excited to tell you about it.
This post contains affiliate links, they don’t cost you more, and I do not make money from the sale of products.
Many things can make us feel tired, weak, or even lethargic, in everyday life. To regain full vitality, it is important to enhance our own natural energy levels.
The Energy Boost Cell supports you in recharging your own body’s energy battery by accelerating cell regeneration.
The Energy Boost Cell targets:
Vitalfield has collaborated extensively with expert scientists and healthcare practitioners in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, with a focus on biophysical and frequency medicine applications. Until early 2018, most of the technology in this field involved significant investments and training before it could be utilized in clinical environments.
Our mission is to help people achieve good health and pain-free life with safe, natural, non-invasive, and non-chemical methods. Frequencell Inc. (a Delaware corporation based out of Los Angeles, USA) provides treatments for health and chronic pain, based on the results of over 30 years of scientific research, development, and clinical trials.
I started wearing the Energy Frequencell from Vital Field on 9/11/22 and have not taken a nap in four days. That may not sound like much however I haven’t had a day without a nap in ages. Normally I nap from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm pretty much every day but not this week.
This is a huge improvement. I’m not as sleepy, and with the Energy Frequencell I’m sleeping through the night. Today I was sound asleep and didn’t hear my husband’s alarm, that’s rare.
The result was outstanding, and I can safely say that it’s a winner! A must-buy if you have energy struggles in your daily life, and who doesn’t need that?
I’ve done several reviews for Vital Field products and have not been disappointed yet.
You can find more information on all Frequencells here
To your health
Melinda
Repost from 2022
My weight loss journey started 2 years ago, and I’ve lost more than expected which is fine as long as it doesn’t affect my health. I’m now 70 pounds down without reducing my intake but lab work will tell what deficiencies I have if any. I found this information on the CDC site while searching for the average weight of American women and what the BMI ranges are for my weight.
| Pounds and inches |
Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703 Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5’5″ (65″) |
|---|
For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for men and women of all body types and ages.
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above | Obesity |
For example, here are the weight ranges, the corresponding BMI ranges, and the weight status categories for a person who is 5′ 9″.
| Height | Weight Range | BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ 9″ | 124 lbs or less | Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 125 lbs to 168 lbs | 18.5 to 24.9 | Healthy Weight | |
| 169 lbs to 202 lbs | 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight | |
| 203 lbs or more | 30 or higher | Obesity |
By the BMI ranges I am in the healthy weight category but you will be surprised at what is considered the normal weight for women in America.
American women aged 20 years old and up weigh an average of 170.8 pounds (lbs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. If you use the normal weight range suggested, I am underweight. That may be the case but 170 pounds is too high for me.
I’m not making an effort to lose more weight, I haven’t changed my eating habits. I did lose an extra 10 pounds after leaving the hospital in December 2023.
What are your thoughts about weight ranges and BMI, I’m curious what you think.
Melinda
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html#Interpreted
Music has been a part of my life since I was a small child. My father loved music and would play Elvis and Hank Willims Sr. and dance, having a blast. I like many types of music except Techno and Rap. When Rap got nasty, I stopped listening.
Here are some songs I listened to this morning.
In 1978 I saw the Eagles when they came through town during the Hotel California tour. I will never forget this song and it remains one of my favorites.
Hotel California truly showcases the work of Joe Walsh, he contributed to the Eagle’s success.
Eagles – Hotel California (Live 1977) (Official Video)
Blake Shelton – Boys ‘Round Here ft. Pistol Annies & Friends (Official Music Video)
Blake Shelton – Hillbilly Bone (ft. Trace Adkins) (Official Music Video)
Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) (Official Music Video)
This song makes me cry every time I hear it, it is as relevant today as it was on 9/11.
Enjoy.
Melinda
I like the saying on the graphic, Celebrating The Strength & Beauty of Women Everywhere, that’s a great slogan for Women’s Health Awareness Month. Many women understand the heading of the post but don’t understand what the celebration is about and the types of illnesses that affect women. I have to improve by keeping my yearly appointments. If you are behind in annual exams, there’s always another chance.
Women’s Health Month is observed annually in May. It was the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (N.C.C.C.) that recognized each May as Women’s Health Month. The observation officially kicks off every year with National Women’s Health Week. This is also an annual observance pioneered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The goal of the holiday is to empower women in such a way that they can make health a priority. It also equips women with the knowledge to help other women on their journeys to improve their health. With the efforts of individuals and healthcare workers, every woman can live a healthy and happy life.
With a growing focus on personal health, it is extremely important for all women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and women 65 years and older, to take care of their health. Taking care of yourself and your loved ones should always be a top priority.
![Women's Day: WIN R1,000 GNC Hamper [closed] - Mr. Cape Town](https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.96bee4bbe9f9f427590ce1e6c76dea6e?rik=G9vD50dA74SHVQ&riu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.mrcapetown.co.za%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2014%2f08%2fwomens-health-month-cover-pic.jpg&ehk=CYVVnqWbvndqMxFzqRs5LNpopHdnUGCEiaz%2fXxUYyBQ%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0)
Women’s Health Month serves as a reminder to take care of your overall health and make it a priority in your life. This includes seeking medical help when you need it, but it also involves engaging in preventive care to keep you healthy, like scheduling checkups, examinations, vaccinations, living a healthy lifestyle, and more. Around 15% of women over the age of 18 are in poor health.
Women’s Health Month also acts as an opportunity to educate women on the most common risks to their health, the symptoms, the warning signs, and when they should seek medical attention, so they know when something is out of the ordinary. Here are some of the most important health concerns that women should consider during Women’s Health Month:
Caring for your sexual and reproductive health not only keeps your reproductive system healthy and safe but also ensures that you don’t develop any underlying issues. For women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it’s also vital to take proper prenatal care, and continue to prioritize your health throughout your pregnancy.
Melinda
References:
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. I’m so glad you stopped by today!
My journey with Fibromyalgia started after I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, Lyme recks havoc on your entire system. I have many other Immune Disorders caused by Lyme. At first, I didn’t know the symptoms because I was constantly in pain. Now I know what life is like living with Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a medical syndrome which commonly presents as chronic widespread pain, accompanied by fatigue, waking unrefreshed, and cognitive symptoms. Other symptoms include headaches, lower abdominal pain or cramps, and depression.[9] People with fibromyalgia can also experience insomnia[10]and a general hypersensitivity.[11][12] The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[4]Environmental factors may include psychological stress, trauma, and certain infections.[4] Since the pain appears to result from processes in the central nervous system, the condition is referred to as a “central sensitization syndrome”.
Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2–4% of the population.[15] Women are affected about twice as often as men.[4][15] Rates appear similar in different areas of the world and among different cultures.[4]
With so many people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, you would think getting a diagnosis was a simple process but it is not. There is no telling how many doctors you will have to see before getting the right diagnosis. Hang in there, this is a common issue among the Fibromyalgia community. Spend more time reading the Rheumatologist’s background to see what their specialty is before making an appointment.
Melinda
References:
I watched my Granny’s Arthritis grow worse year after year but she didn’t complain or take medication for it. You could see how much harder it was for her to do certain tasks. Most people think Arthritis is an elderly disease but Arthritis can start at any stage in life, including children.
I have struggled with Arthritis for several years and it can be hard to maintain a high quality of life when you can to do less.
Arthritis symptoms are complicated and varied, but this checklist can help you and your doctor figure out what’s going on.
After exercising
Knowing which joints bother you the most will also help your doctor figure out the source of your
pain. Different types of arthritis affect different joints or in different patterns (both sides of the body or mostly on one side, for example).
Fingers
Hands
Wrists
Elbows
Knees
Ankles
Feet
Shoulders
Hips
Jaw
Lower back
arthritis or another condition. Do you have these joint symptoms?
Stiffness
Pain
Warmth
Redness
Joint swelling that lasts for more than three days
Joint swelling that occurs more than three times a month
Difficulty moving a joint
Rashes
Fever
Weight loss
Hair loss in spots or around the hairline
I had no idea there were so many symptoms of Arthritis, that’s great information to have. My Arthritis is worse in my hands which creates frustration when I try and get nowhere. Another frustration is not being able to put the lids back on. I still consider myself lucky because Arthritis pain doesn’t rule my life and it’s inconveniences.
For those with Arthritis, I send good wishes for a quality life for you.
Melinda
References:
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/detail?content=aboutarthritis
Every single day of our lives, we are making choices about our future. Whether we like it or not, there is no getting away from the choices we have to make and so the best thing that we can do is be smart about those decisions. You don’t have to be a decisive person to know what you want in life, but have you thought ahead? Not just for your career, but for your distant retirement? Have you considered where you’d like to travel and where you want to live? These are the biggest decisions that you’ll make in life, but you need to make those decisions with great thought. Every single time you choose something to do in life, it’s got to align with your life goals, but that’ll only work if you know what your life goals are.
There will be moments that you think that you are making the wrong choices, but the honest truth is that there is no such thing as a wrong choice. Everything you choose to do will eventually lead you in the right direction, whether it’s about your future senior care options or your job prospects. The key is in weaving away from the impulsive decisions and thinking better about each decision. Let’s take a look at six tips that will help you to choose better things in your life.
It’s so hard to make choices for yourself when you are busy thinking about everyone else around you. You should always be aware of the decisions that you want to make for yourself based on what YOU want. The best way to make any decisions is to keep your goals at the forefront of your mind at all times. If you know you want a comfortable retirement one day, base your choices on how you can have that comfort. If you know you want a house of your own one day, start saving some of your income now.
You can ask everyone you know what you should do about XYZ, but that doesn’t mean that you have to ever take anyone else’s advice. You should always go with your gut. No one but you knows what you feel day to day and no one else is living your life. If you’re going to ask for advice, be prepared to hear different opinions but when it comes down to it, the only opinion that counts? It’s yours.
Every decision that you make needs to match your instincts. If you want to know that you have money set aside for in-home senior care one day, saving it up is a must. If you want to make sure that you don’t have to sell your home for your future, start being smart about your investments. Life is a big deal as it is, and you should always listen to what your instincts are telling you to do. Going with your gut isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it could lead you to some amazing experiences in life.
It’s so much easier to make destructive decisions when you are in a bad mood or a poor frame of mind. If you want to make good decisions, you need to know that you are in the right mood for it. Never make any decisions about changing your life if you are currently angry with your boss or dealing with rubbish from your landlord. There are so many ways that you can make a bad decision, so wait until you know you are thinking straight before you make a choice.
You really have to make a choice and not question it. Trusting yourself can be the hardest part of making a decision and the person that you need to trust before anyone else is yourself. Trust that you know what you want and you can make the best decisions for yourself.
The only way to be better at making the right choices for you is to practice doing it. You should make this a part of your daily routine and be more confident in your actions as a result. Over time, you’ll feel way more in control of the choices that you make for your future. You deserve to know what you want and you deserve to grab it all with both hands. Don’t be afraid!
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight Mrs. Claire Gutknecht.
Through my blog posts, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my daily life, offering glimpses into the challenges and triumphs of juggling multiple roles. From practical tips on organization and time management to heartwarming stories of family adventures, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.
So, whether you’re a fellow multitasker looking for solidarity or simply curious about the inner workings of a Wife-of-all-Trades, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we’ll celebrate the beauty of versatility and the joy of embracing life’s many twists and turns. Welcome to my world—it’s sure to be an adventure!
Her topics range from culinary to everyday tasks, each posts is a surprise in itself.
Melinda
This topic came to mind several weeks ago but I was unsure what to write and where I could find supporting evidence that this is true. Logically it makes sense but my logic doesn’t always apply due to my cognitive impairment. Many of you know snippets of my struggles with my Mental Health and I’m always looking for ways to add joy to my life.
Each of us has our own “comfort zone” which, more than an actual place, is a psychological/emotional/ behavioral construct that defines the routine of our daily life. Being in one’s comfort zone implies familiarity, safety, and security. It describes the patterned world of our existence, keeps us relatively comfortable and calm, and helps us stay emotionally even, free from anxietyand worry to a great degree. Creating a comfort zone is a healthy adaptation for much of our lives. But so is stepping out of our comfort zone when it’s time to transition, grow, and transform.
In my book Transitions, I describe a major life change and how I was affected and changed by it. Many years ago my husband had a wonderful job opportunity that promised to be very fulfilling but it meant that we had to move across the country. The physical move would be hard for both of us but my husband would be going to the safety of a job and the familiarity of a work environment according to Psychology Today.
I was surprised by the number of articles that came up in my first search. My second search is focused on the facts, reading doctor’s papers written on the. topic. That is where you find out if the theory is accepted as a fact or is still unproven. Unproven papers are good to read is very clear on their theory and if they support the theory of the research.
Like a warm, familiar embrace, a comfort zone can be both encouraging and confining. A popular area of study for mental health practitioners, behavior therapists, and others with careers in psychology, its pros and cons have been widely contemplated. While comfort zones encourage composure and calm, they can also inhibit growth. To make the most of your life, you must learn to balance these forces. When they’re handled well, you can push past personal boundaries to achieve and develop while still keeping a relaxing space in your mind to retreat to when you need to recharge or contemplate.
Acknowledging and wisely deciding when to embrace and break through boundaries is critical to career and life success.
To make the most of the comfort zones in your life, you must learn to balance time in and outside of them. For personal growth, it’s necessary to take risks and endure some ego discomfort;3 however, it’s also important to spend time healing and contemplating in the nurturing environs of your comfort zone. Being aware of your comfort zone boundaries is a great first step—and as time passes, you can expand that space to embrace more activities and experiences.
As you train for your 5k, you can see how speeding up your walking pace and pushing yourself to jog — getting outside your comfort zone — can help you develop the fitness, stamina, and mental fortitude to run your race.
But there are a number of benefits to moving outside of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to grow beyond just crossing the finish line.
Achieving your goals. Not everything you want to achieve in life will be easy. By moving beyond your comfort zone into the growth zone, you’ll be able to do just that: grow. You’ll find yourself becoming more productive, achieving more, and reaching the goals you set for yourself — if you’re willing to put in the work.
Boosting your self-confidence. Accomplishment brings self-confidence, especially if you worked hard, challenged yourself, and saw it through. And the boost in self-confidence you get after achieving one goal can push you to achieve more.
Expanding your world. Stepping out of your comfort zone means learning new things, meeting new people, seeing new places, and trying new experiences. All of these can serve to help expand your awareness of the world and how you fit into it and may introduce you to new interests or areas of study you want to explore.
Building your resilience. Challenging yourself to move outside your comfort zone can increase your resilience as well. You’ll gain more confidence in how you handle failure or setbacks and become more comfortable with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Giving you self-agency: Finally, by stepping outside your comfort zone often, you’ll learn more about yourself and gain more control over how you want your life to look and what you want to do with it.
I didn’t find evidence that is an accepted theory but I found articles written over many years that suggest it’s true and for me, that works. There are many reasons why time can be an issue for you not jumping in and made more difficult for the chronically ill and disabled. Keep looking for the little joys in life.
Melinda
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/201512/5-benefits-stepping-outside-your-comfort-zone
https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/psychology/resource/the-pros-and-cons-of-comfort-zones
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/201512/5-benefits-stepping-outside-your-comfort-zone
www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/WindTunnel/Activities/first2nd_lawsf_motion.html
www.forbes.com/sites/annlatham/2018/04/11/16-reasons-why-you-should-get-out-of-your-comfort-zone-now/ – 7cfc642062e5
Lyme is a Vector-Borne Disease and there are several others. The CDC has been slower than a snail in updating the statistics and I’m not confident in their statistics. It’s not just statistics, it’s the fact that the CDC only listens to a small group of doctors who don’t believe in Chronic Lyme to help set policies. This has been an issue for over 20 years and in truth probably much longer.
I may not have a high opinion of the CDC but the fact that they are having open sessions discussing a National Strategy gives me hope for an acknowledgment of Chronic Lyme. The CDC must recognize the chronic nature of VBD and set treatment policies based on reality. The CDC’s treatment policies are used as the standard of care by insurance companies.
I encourage all that can to participate, let’s keep this conversation alive!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will hold a closed meeting and a public webinar on May 23 to share information about the newly developed vector-borne disease national strategy.
Vectors—biting insects and arachnids like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and lice—can spread infections that make people sick. The VBD national strategy is a plan for how government agencies should address this risk to public health.
According to the CDC, “The full meeting will be by invitation only to ensure representation and inclusion of researchers, clinicians, public health officials, vector control officials, and patient advocates.” However, the opening and closing sessions will be livestreamed to the public, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time.
LymeDisease.org CEO Lorraine Johnson will participate in the closed meeting, as a representative of the Lyme community.
To access the meeting visit this page on the day of the event: https://www.hhs.gov/live/index.html.
As stated in the Federal Register, “The VBD National Strategy was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services in response to congressional direction in the Kay Hagan Tick Act, passed as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. 116-94). The primary purpose of the meeting is to increase awareness of the VBD National Strategy and inform future implementation efforts.”
SOURCE: Federal Register
Melinda
From Brindin.com
Relax in an all-natural moisturizing detox bath that soothes dry skin while you de-stress. This bath soak has the beautiful look and feel of fresh snow PLUS it leaves skin feeling silky soft and promotes better sleep.
This all-natural moisturizing detox bath soothes dry skin while raising magnesium levels to aid in de-stressing. This bath soak leaves skin feeling silky soft and supple and promotes better sleep.
Makes: 5 baths
Store in an air-tight jar.
Take a magnesium bath at night just before going to bed for best results. The magnesium will help you relax while the moisturizing ingredients soothe and soften the skin.
To prepare a bath: Fill the tub with hot water. Add the Magnesium Detox Bath salts then soak for 20-30 minutes. Add music, candles, a good book, or an interesting podcast to make bath time more enjoyable.
Make sure to have a cold glass of drinking water within reach to rehydrate during the bath. After soaking pat dry and go to bed.
If you have any medical conditions or take prescription medicines you should consult with your doctor before taking a moisturizing detox bath. Hot bath water can cause dehydration and dizziness. You should drink lots of water while taking a detox bath and never take a detox bath when using drugs or alcohol.
Enjoy!
It sounds very easy to make and it’s great that you can make 5 baths worth per batch. Makes a great gift too.
Melinda
Last year my husband was diagnosed with Leukemia and we are thrilled he is in the earliest stage. The most surprising result of Leukemia is that he has developed Skin Cancer which is common with Leukemia. He has had many lesions removed and some were very deep. It is recommended that you see a Dermatologist once a year and check your skin regularly.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest nonprofit funder of leading-edge research for every type of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other rare types of blood cancers.
We make thoughtful investments in blood cancer research that will lead to scientific breakthroughs that will improve and save the lives of patients.
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We are taught at an early age about why wearing sunscreen can cause Skin Cancer yet I’m guilty of not putting on sunscreen. Most of the skin damage happened on my neck and chest area. Are you guilty too?
Melinda
References:
My journey to a diagnosis of Lyme disease started with spending a year with a Neurologist in 2012 and even though all of my tests were abnormal she had no idea what was wrong. My search knowledge has improved greatly so I set out to find what was killing me. I took keywords from the test and combined keywords in other tests. I was very lucky to pin down what I thought was Lyme disease by knowing I did not have the other chronic illnesses mentioned.
I started the second part of my journey by searching for a Lyme-literate Doctor, which I tell you is not an easy task and it’s not getting easier. I had to track down what association Lyme doctors belong to, I contacted them and it was a secretive process. I called ILADS and told them I was looking for a Lyme doctor in the area, they took my number and said someone would call me back.
The first doctor was on crack so I dug deeper to find one on my own and found a highly respected Infectious disease doctor in Washington, D.C. and now my journey really started. I went through close to 18 months of IV Infusion treatments which felt like death to me.
If you think you’ve been bitten by a tick and a month has passed, your Primary Care Doctor can no longer help you. Find a Lyme Liturate doctor right away.
If you have a bulls-eye rash go to the doctor right away. They can prescribe antibiotics for 2-4 weeks and you are lucky. It’s important to know that 30% of people do not get the rash, I didn’t have a rash so I had passed the point of short-term antibiotics and moved into the Chronic Lyme disease phase.
The most important is to remember doctors only test for a few strains of Lyme and they have a high failure rate. If you feel strongly, ask for a full panel on Lyme disease. If they don’t want to retest you have the option of using an outside lab to run the test but at your expense. The money spent on tests could save your life.
The treatment for Lyme was not covered by insurance and we spent close to $150,000 on my treatment which meant a second mortgage on our house. Be prepared for the cost, there are no shortcuts with Lyme.
Ticks are parasitic arachnids of the order Ixodida. They are part of the mite superorder Parasitiformes. Adult ticks are approximately 3 to 5 mm in length depending on age, sex, species, and “fullness”. Ticks are external parasites, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. The timing of the origin of ticks is uncertain, though the oldest known tick fossils are from the Cretaceous period, around 100 million years old. Ticks are widely distributed around the world, especially in warm, humid climates.
Ticks belong to two major families, the Ixodidae or hard ticks, and the Argasidae, or soft ticks. Nuttalliella, a genus of tick from southern Africa, is the only member of the family Nuttalliellidae, and represents the most primitive living lineage of ticks. Adults have ovoid/pear-shaped bodies (idiosomas) which become engorged with blood when they feed, and eight legs. Their cephalothorax and abdomen are completely fused. In addition to having a hard shield on their dorsal surfaces, known as the scutum, hard ticks have a beak-like structure at the front containing the mouthparts, whereas soft ticks have their mouthparts on the underside of their bodies. Ticks locate potential hosts by sensing odor, body heat, moisture, and/or vibrations in the environment.[1]
Take all safety measures recommend to prevent tick bites.
Melinda
References:
Reader Digest for tick photo
Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “loan/lone.” Use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use both. Have fun!
This morning, JoAnna shared her take on the process of buying a house and the mounds of paperwork, and it sparked memories of buying my last house. After my divorce in 1999, I bought my first new house, oh how good it felt picking all my options and upgrades and I loved the house. Yes, there was a lot of paperwork but not as much since I bought from a builder. The house was more like a garden home with a little yard in front and less in the back which was perfect for me, Sasha, and Truffles. The HOA took care of the entire yard, flowers, and trees.
My ex-husband was a Contractor and he gave me solid advice on how to do the final punch list. The builder didn’t like it but I was buying the house, right? On the last punch list, I told the builder that I would do the punch list by myself at a slow pace and then we could compare notes and move to closing. His advice paid off, my punch list was long and we would not close after all.
I jumped for joy on the day of the final walk-through, signing of the contract, and the loan like it was yesterday. Not only did I have a new house, my payment was less than the house we shared.
Melinda
1. Your post must be stream-of-consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back to their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at Linda G Hill
I don’t write about my Mental Health often but it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and I can’t think of a better time.
I’ve been stable for about three years and it was a long journey during that depressive period. After being stable for several years I spiraled into a dark depression, getting numb and darker by the day. I tried four different drugs before finding the drug I’m on. It has worked like a miracle.
That’s how my life has gone since I was 19 years old. Stable or depressed or hypo or manic or dark depression or unable to function. It’s been a difficult journey and one that I almost didn’t make several times. The first time I tried to kill myself was at nine years old, that should have been a sign that something was wrong with me.
I have been hospitalized several times sometimes for up to a month at a time and have had 21 Electro Convulsive Treatments. The journey has been very dark at times and I’m so thankful I had family and a husband who fought hard when I wouldn’t.
The only thing I can say to anyone who is suffering from Mental Illness or a Mental Health challenge is that it can and often will pass. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, some Mental Illnesses reaching stable is as well as you will get, and that’s a huge achievement.
I have Bipolar Disorder and for the past 25 years have been on the depressive side. For the prior 20 years, I lived in a blissful Hypo Manic state. It was blissful until I fell off that cloud and crashed so hard I almost didn’t make it up.
One key to my success is having a Psychopharmacologist as my main doctor and seeing a therapist regularly. I know Psychopharmacologists are more expensive and harder to find but they know the brain in detail and how medications work so they can connect the dots with what symptoms you’re having with the medication you need. I’ve seen my doctor for 30 years and it scares me he is about to retire and I don’t know who is going to take his practice.
I believe strongly that for ongoing challenges with Mental Health/Mental Illness medication is required for some time. For me, it’s a lifetime, for others, it’s until they’re stable.
I also believe strongly that seeing a Therapist regularly is as critical as medication. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves and a Therapist can help us through negative self-talk. The key to remember is what each doctor or Therapist does as a specialty. If you’re seeing a Psychiatrist/Psychopharmacologist you are only going to get medication, you are not going to get any therapy. There are also different types of Therapists, make sure you are getting a referral for the right type of support you need.
I’m almost 58 years old and sometimes didn’t think I’d ever see 30 years old. It takes everything you have and more to deal with your Mental Illness or Mental Health and it’s worth the effort.
If you’d like to read more about my journey with Bipolar Disorder, check out Mental Illness and Me and dive into my archives for more posts.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
By Kaetlyn Kennedy
These are some great tips from one of my favorite book-a-zine, Willow and Sage by Stampington, I also subscribe to Field Guide and have read several others over the years. These are not your typical magazines, they have a hard softback, over 1/2 thick and the content will blow you away.
Made from stinging nettle plants, organic nettle tea can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms with its natural antihistamine. You reap all the benefits of antihistamine symptom relief without taking conventional medicines. You can drink the daily as a preventative or as needed.
Spirulina is a superfood full of amazing plant nutrients, like iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and protein. While great for overall health, spiraling may be beneficial during allergy season because it is high in antioxidants and has been shown to protect the body from anything that might compromise the immune system. It is high in chlorophyll and is detoxifying. Other superfoods like Kale, turmeric, mace powder, hemp, and flax reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
A probiotic can help boost your gut and immune system health, which plays a big part in seasonal allergies. You can digest probiotics by eating fermented items like sauerkraut, and kombucha, or by taking a supplement. Make sure it is a high-quality probiotic from an organic source.
Apple Cider Vinegar is detoxifying and practically a remedy for everything. Taking as little as 1 tablespoon a day can help you feel and be healthier, which will, in turn, reduce your allergy symptoms. Make sure you purchase unfiltered organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Essential oils, such as melaleuca, peppermint, lavender, frankincense, lemon, and eucalyptus, help with seasonal allergy relief. I like to fill a roller bottle with carrier oil and 5-10 drops of each chosen essential oil. I apply this to my nose, temples, and behind my ears when I begin to feel swollen or puffy, as well as to the bottom of my feet. You can use these as needed as well as preventative.
Here’s to your health!
Melinda
Repost from 2020
In the modern world of divorce, we are seeing that fathers are being left behind. Child separation from their parents, no matter if it’s the father or the mother, is traumatic. They will find themselves without one half of their guiding light and they will have a lesser view of the world because of it. Parents are supposed to be teachers and when children and parents don’t have the opportunity to spend time together, valuable lessons are not learned. Fathers are the hardest hit, as mothers tend to get sole child custody, 80-90% of the time. Let’s look deeper into why this is a problem that we need to talk more about.
Sometimes, parents who have custody of the children will use this as a way to ‘get back’ at their former spouse. This is as horrible and vindictive as it sounds. However, this kind of child alienation can have a bad effect on the parent that is being forced out, and the children. The children will sense they are being used as pawns in your personal vendetta and the parent that is being kept from seeing them will grow distant from them. If you are also making up lies about the former spouse, or think that they are, your children will likely believe them as they are their sole caregiver. This kind of turning against tactics can be devastating in the long term to the point that relationships may never heal again.
Both parents will give their children a guiding light in life. And when one of them is not there to do this, it can lead to a skewed view of the world. It’s rare for one parent to assume both roles and it can never really work even when they try. A dad’s perspective on life is different from the mother’s and vice versa. Therefore making sure that both parents can fulfill their role as a torch of knowledge in their children’s lives is vital. When one of them can’t do this because of child alienation by the other parent, this can be so harmful that the child will lack a certain type of life experience or knowledge that will end up hurting them more.
Can you sense not being able to see your children as you normally would at visiting times? Maybe you can’t even visit them anymore because of what the former spouse is doing to separate you from your children. You shouldn’t give up, even if the court has previously ruled something. You can use a good Family Law Firm to build a case that shows you are being unfairly treated and kept from your children. Fathers especially should look into this, as they will usually face a tougher stance from the family courts.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost from 2020
Melinda
Babies bond with their mothers long before birth while mothers are forming their own bond. During this bonding time, many are probably overwhelmed with ideas about how you will protect their child, you’re hopes and dreams for them as adults.
Mothers are always there even if in the background.
Happy Mother’s Day to all who visit, you have carried many burdens and deserve the best Mother’s Day ever!
Melinda
Repost from 2014
Nothing has changed since 2014, and this happens all the time 10 years later. Thankfully two parents are currently serving jail time for their child’s decision. I hope to see more parents held accountable for their actions and the actions of their children when it comes to guns and death.
PAYSON, Ariz. – Police said an 18-month-old boy is dead after being shot in the head by his 3-year-old brother, reports CBS affiliate KPHO.
The boys were at a neighbor’s apartment in Payson, Ariz., on Tuesday when they found a semi-automatic gun that belonged to the man they were visiting, according to the station. Police said the toddler’s 3-year-old brother picked up the weapon and pulled the trigger. Payson Police Chief Don Engler said officers found the boy’s mother carrying the wounded child in the parking lot outside the apartment after they received several 911 calls about a child with a head injury. The boy was pronounced dead after being rushed to Payson Regional Medical Center, KPHO reports.
“The apartment that this occurred in was a family friend of the mother and two children,” said Engler. “The children had slipped into another room unobserved by the mother and the 78-year-old occupant of the apartment,” Engler said, noting that the family had been visiting for about 10 to 15 minutes before the shooting. “Even though many of our young officers have children of their own, certainly it’s difficult for our officers in those circumstances.”
According to KPHO, police have not released the names of anyone involved in the incident. Suzy Tubbs, the director of Payson Community Kids, a nonprofit located across the street from the apartment, said the young mother often visited with her two sons. “I was always so impressed with a mom who wants to give back and help out…. [The boys] were really cute, playing on the playground, playing hard, getting dirty… typical little boys.”
This tore my heart out and left me pissed off with irresponsible gun owners. I’ve been around guns my entire life. My gramps kept a loaded shotgun by his side of the bed. When we were very young He took my brother and me to where the gun was and explained what the gun was for, what it could do, and how it could hurt somebody. He said don’t ever touch the gun, and we never touched the gun.
It’s time for accountability from people who leave a gun where a child can get access.
A semi-automatic????? Was this a drug house?
The person responsible for leaving the gun where the kids could reach it has blood on their hands. What happened to gun locks? Gun safes?
I’ve owned guns since I was fourteen, a shotgun, and two 38 Revolvers. When a child came to my house, I would unload guns, put on locks, and hide away. How could that adorable two-year-old even pull the trigger?
Have we become a society that no longer takes responsibility for our actions?
Parents need to parent their children and parent themselves. This doesn’t apply to all, JUST THE DUMBASSES RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEAD CHILD. Put them in jail as if they pulled the trigger. That will get attention, and people might think twice in the future.
I don’t have children, yet I’m human and compassionate. Too many children have died at the hands of a parent, family member, or while at a friend’s house. Stop this madness. It only takes a minute.
Warrior
As many of us are finding ourselves at home for work at the moment, it can feel a little disorientating having to go back and forth in the same space. With that being said, there’s a lot that you can do to make working from home a more enjoyable experience. Remote working might be something that’s even more common in the future so it’s worth exploring what you can do to make it a healthy environment for yourself. Here are some tips to stay healthy whilst working from home.
A separate workspace is something that you want to try and incorporate as best as you can. Even if you’re setting up a temporary wall in your living or dining room area so that it can feel like you’re stepping into an office. If you have a study room, then you certainly want to take advantage of this as this can provide the workspace you need to thrive. When you’re working from home, the last thing you want to do is to be sharing the communal spaces or using space like the living room or your bedroom and blurring those lines. If you’ve had a hard day at work and you’ve been doing it in the living room, you’ll probably want to avoid that space from then on. It can end up hindering your home space, so it’s worth finding a setup that can work in the home but is not going to encroach on the space where you relax at the end of the day.
When it comes to your electronic devices, whether that be your laptop or your phone, it’s worth tweaking the lighting. This is when you need to adjust it during early morning starts or late nights. The light from our phones and computers can be quite harsh on our eyes so knowing how to go into dark mode here can be beneficial. It’s always good to know what the dangers are when it comes to spending too much time in front of a computer screen. It’s important to find options that can help reduce the impact of screen time, and it may be worth you getting some glasses that can block blue light. This can be helpful in your eyes and give them a rest from the harsh lights that come from our screens.
It’s important to focus on your break times when it comes to working from home. You want to ensure you’re still getting those breaks to help you reset your batteries and give yourself a break from the workload that you have. When it comes to regular breaks, make sure you’re stepping away from your desk and stretching your body. You mustn’t be sat down in a seat for hours on end. You should be getting up and going for regular walks around the home to help keep your body moving. Be sure to take a proper lunch break as well and practice eating away from your desk if you tend to eat at the desk.
Scheduling your day is important because it’s going to help keep you motivated to do the work you’ve set out to do. Try to incorporate the breaks into your schedule so you know when you have some free time coming up and that it won’t interrupt anything you’re doing that might break your productivity. Some people like to schedule their day hour by hour, whereas others like to do it morning and afternoon. Others might find that they just have a to-do list that’s in order of when they do it. It’s good to find and practice what works for you so that you’re getting the most out of your day.
You might want to buy yourself a physical planner or perhaps look at online platforms that you can use to set out your tasks. Explore what’s possible and what works well for your productivity levels. We’re all different so we’ll all need to work a little differently!
Your working hours should be the same as they were if you were in the office. So if you’re starting at 9am, start at 9am. Be strict with yourself and your employer because, for some, they may try and take advantage of the fact you no longer have the commuting time to factor in. It’s still important that you’re doing the hours that you’re paid to do and that you’re not overworking yourself. That’s not something that’s going to be helpful for you, and we’re all only capable of doing so many hours of creative work before we burn out. Your working hours might not be exactly the times you usually do but try and get as close to them as possible.
To stay healthy, it’s important to continue to eat healthy when working from home. When working at home, there can be a lot of temptation within your kitchen cupboards, and if you’re doing more hours from home, then you may do your weekly shopping accordingly. This might be that you have more food than you would while in your workplace. Try to be strict with your food intake and be sure to not eat too much throughout the day as it’s going to leave you feeling lethargic, especially if you’re not doing much exercise. Try to keep yourself fit and healthy both in body and mind, which a lot of it can be influenced by the food we eat.
Staying healthy while working from home can prove to be a challenge, but it’s important to do. Use these tips to help stay healthy during these remote working occasions.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
Looking for the Light 