Last week we talked about having a post for people to share their struggles and successes in pursuit of fasting, sacrifices, and healthy living. I had originally intended a weekly post which would be for discussions from both a religious and secular point of view.
After reading comments, as well as reflecting on past feedback from our Treepers, I think that may not be the way to go. We have readers who love to share their religious posts, and mostly do that on the OT, every day. I do think there may be opportunities for those who want to dig deeper into things like fasting and contemplative prayer, or theological discussions, and sacrificial living.
That being said, this is an opportunity for sharing. I am not attempting to guide the Treehouse on a more religious path, or veer away from what it has become. The post will not be a place for arguments or attacks on another denomination. If it goes in that direction I will simply discontinue the posts. There are good sites where one can follow apologetics from many perspectives. Go there for that.
We have also gotten a lot of feedback over the years from people who want a place for discussions other than politics that is not overwhelmingly a faith based discussion. We will try that out also, and I will remind posters to respect the intent of each post, and the audience who may want to contribute.
For now, I tentatively plan to post on alternate weeks, one post, probably on Fridays, for faith discussions, and living it out sacrifically and practically. The next week a post intended for those who’d like to discuss diets, exercise, healthy eating, motivation, share recipes, that sort of thing. I’ll probably post this on Saturday or Sunday with the idea of preparing and being motivated for the week ahead.
This may be confusing, especially at first. Maybe if there is interest we will do it weekly, and that might cut down on confusion. The days might change. Suggestions on my post last week favored every day of the week except Tuesday and Thursday. So, we will attempt something new, and see if it bears fruit.
Now, on to the title I’ve chosen for the first post to share ideas on healthy eating, exercising, health management, maybe even tips on how you manage the aches and pains of aging or injury. For example, my fellow admins had a discussion a month or two ago on B complex vitamins. Their suggestions really helped me with some lingering mild neuropathy from my ankle injury.
Two and a half years ago I fractured my ankle, all three bones, and suffered some ligament damage also. In a few months, hopefully I’ll get an ankle replacement and regain a lot of the mobility I’ve lost, as well as perhaps decrease the pain. For a lot of those two years, I have not handled the new circumstances the injury left me with. I’m sorry (really) to say that I’ve spent a lot of time looking back, a lot of time mourning what I lost, even resenting it, and hating what I cannot do. Of course, that got me exactly nowhere. And was a huge failure in picking up my cross.
Finally, this past December, I decided to forget about how many miles I used to walk daily. The other physical activities I could do. I decided to walk only five minutes, if that was all I could do. To use dumbbells and do one set of low impact exercises, if one set is all I can do. To do chair squats to improve my leg strength. To do the physical therapy exercises again. And to do what I can do throughout the day instead of trying in vain to accomplish things that are no longer in my reach, and will not be, at least for now.
And I’ve gotten stronger. I walked 3/4 of a mile the other day, on some slight hills. I can be on my feet a little longer with less pain. I feel better, and have a better outlook. Because I can see accomplishments physically, I am more motivated to eat healthier foods and stick with my intermediate fasting.
It’s still a hard thing to deal with, that my actions produce incremental progress that might never be what I want it to be. That I have to accept less than what I had, and what I want. But it is better than not trying at all, and I am far from determining what my successes might be.
I recommend the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a great book on ways to introduce small changes that can lead you to big results.
If you can pass on some tips or experiences to help us eat better, get stronger, stay motivated, and deal with adversity and injury, please share. It might be a keto recipe, a story of how you lost weight and kept it off, or tips on vitamins and supplements like the B complex story above.
Please keep your comments to a moderate length. People stated on the original post, and in emails, that they really don’t want to have to skim past long, long posts, as they simply won’t read them. If you have a big story, share it it segments each week, or sum up what’s most important, or zero in on one important aspect or detail to share.
Second, there are many ways to health and fitness. Many people are eating low carb, or fasting. Some are strictly calorie watchers. Others follow a low fat, no sugar diet. Some are vegetarian. Offer your tips but do not push your thoughts on others. I hope we will get a wide variety of good ideas for people to choose from, no matter what choices they make. Our readers are intelligent enough to make their own choices. Let them.
Stay on topic. I don’t care how much you think political events are relevant to this post, don’t hijack this (or future) posts with political discussions.
I am not sure whether I will start the Fasting Abstinence, and Sacrifices posts during Lent on Fridays, or wait until after Easter. We’ll see how that works out.
Love it, Menagerie! One phrase comes to min re: long posts – Bottom line up front! Think BLUF.
Would you mind please posting something about those B vitamins and your ankle injury? I have a friend with pain issues post a bad ankle sprain 4 months ago. I’d love to send her the info, if you please.
Here’s one article that includes info on B vitamins and neuropathy. There’s a lot out there. Also, in my last meeting with my doctor to begin the process for an ankle replacement, he told me to take B vitamins and cut out sugar.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326917#magnesium
I had a trimalleolar fracture, ligament damage, cracked heel, and some other injuries. The ankle was almost completely out of place, turned about 90 degrees. They told me at the time that I would get post injury arthritis. It happened almost immediately. The joint, in spite of lots of metal and screws, is very unstable and pretty painful. I can’t walk long or far and steps are very hard, especially going down.
I have some lingering numbness and not pain now, but weird sensations in my foot from the damage. The nerve pain and numbness was a lot worse for some time after the accident. It took well over a year, as the doctors told me it would, but it did get better. They also told me it was likely that not all of it would heal, and that’s been true. But since I started taking a B complex vitamin daily it has gotten better. I am hoping it may help me through the next surgery, especially since the doctor made a point to recommend it.
St. Stanislaus Kostka…patron saint of broken bones.
Because of not being able to trust the medical profession since covid due to it being captured by big pharma since the vaxxx, I’ve looked into several alternative therapies that could help with joint pain.
One of them being autophagy which is helped by fasting.
The second one being red light therapy. It can be done at home, with relatively inexpensive equipment, with little to zero side effects…
https://anh-usa.org/is-it-red-light-therapys-time-to-shine/
Just putting it out there in case anyone can share their experience with this therapy.
I’ll add my health efforts.
Eating organic as much as I can
Started seeing a functional medicine specialist to get to some root cause issues. My goal is to get off all prescriptions and OTC drugs and lose weight, particularly visceral fat.
Eating for my macro type. Following a book by Christine Hronec – Unlock your macro type.
Great post, Meow4me2,
Saw a quote recently, “In the past, all food was organic.”
I Definitely eat organic. The reason? Food allergies … it’s really not so much the food itself, but all the man-made additives including pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, chemical preservatives, industrial oils, etc.
It costs more and takes more time to cook, but I’d rather spend money on food instead of medicine, and rather spend time feeling healthy.
As for losing weight, when I cleaned up my diet and purged my pantry of ingredients on the bad list (starting with soybean oil and soy lecithin, keeping in mind that some companies call soybean oil “natural flavoring” …) along with starting intermittent fasting to clear out the allergens from my system … I lost weight without even intending to!
Now I’m not as strict with intermittent fasting, but definitely watch what I eat, and am far healthier. I mostly eat as the Amish or Native Americans did 100 years ago, before all the chemicals were introduced into the modern diet.
Wow, Phoenix, what a great way to look at it. “I’d rather spend more money on food than medicine.” I’ll be using that on my husband when he complains about my organic, grass fed, pasture raised purchases at the grocery store. Yes, they cost more, but they are so much better for us.
And yes, both organic AND grass fed is so important. I’ve gotten sick from ground beef that was organic but not grass fed. (The cattle was probably fed soy.)
To help with the neuropathy pain, tingling etc tryAlpha Lipoic Acid. Broke my ankle in six spots and both my leg bones in 2004 and this helped. Also got diagnosed as pre-diabetic when I turned 60 and this helped with that. Its an all natural alternative and a cheap solution.
-Good info, vee!
————————
Here is some info about lipoid acid.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-767/alpha-lipoic-acid
Was going to give to my mom… but (unfortunately) decided against it; possible side affects/ certain prescriptions.
That is where I get frustrated, being on prescriptions that I need to be on that don’t mix well w/supplements.
Drugs.com lets you search prescriptions for interactions. https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
The Drug Interactions Checker includes food and supplement interactions with prescription drugs. Hope that helps.
I will check it out, thx. I “talked to my doctor” and he just bobbled his head. I talk edto my pharmacist and was told quite a few supplements wasn’t a good mix. The plan is to get off some of the drugs, but for now I need to be on them.
Something simple. Even the smallest efforts can lead to success, no matter what it is trying to be accomplished. One foot first, then another.
Thank you for the St. Francis quote, Betsy. And that image really underscores it.
Most welcome, Mary. Sometimes doing just the necessary takes effort, the decision to make an effort or to make changes being the most difficult.
Excellent post, Menagerie, both on your own progress and future posts. From an active 60 year old, semi-homesteading but far, far from self-supporting, here’s my tip on fitness (besides cooking from scratch, eat what you can grow, as much as possible, recognizing your limitations and buying what you have to): HASfit.com. Workout videos to suit any age or physical limitation, free, friendly. They have become like friends, supplementing the workout life on the acreage gives me.
wow! I was looking for some new home fitness routines/groups
I will try HASfit!!
thank you for the share
Years ago, Dr Dan Eyink advised a diet with good fats (whole yogurt, nitrate free meats, avoiding processed foods).
In the past couple years, I have taken battery of vitamins, D3, C, Zinc, BComplex, Salmon fish oil, and 81 mg baby aspirin.
Most of my veggies are homegrown or come from community farm share.
And sometimes, I get enough exercise.
Something about fats.
I learned decades ago that good fats are indeed good. They are needed for the production of serotonin, the feel good hormone.
So when the advice was to cut them all out, as with cholesterol, prescriptions for depression increased dramatically.
Something in light of realizing what Big Pharma has done to us all today I found most interesting.
Over on CFP they re-posted an article from natural news regarding big pharma and our food keeping us unhealthy.
Also consider the hormones in meat and precocious adolescent development…
Health problems….they want us to use their products for ‘health maintenance’ not a cure.
The major cure is ‘lifestyle change’….if I could only practice what I preach!
Cures mean lost customers.
How did the human race manage to survive before the advent of Pharma….it’s a mystery…
Good cholesterol also produces hormones.
Hello Betsy, I was in my late 30s/early 40s when I met Dr Dan. He was in late stages of saying goodbye to corporate allopathic medicine, had spent some time as a chef, and thus, highly aware of the benefits of nutrition. While not a strict adherent, I do my best to follow his general guidance (except I enjoy caffeine and various spirits).
Regarding my daily regiment, my vitamin C comes with Quercetin which I believe serves as the ion transport mechanism for zinc to enter cells and do its magic.
When I decided to lose weight, as I needed to, GreyRockMan, I never said that I was going on a diet. To me “diet” was a four letter word.
I never said “I’m cutting out (fill in the blank).”
Because by saying the latter, I knew I’d want it all the more, thereby setting myself for failure.
Instead, I changed what I ate. And if I felt the urge for something too sweet or fattening, I’d simply say that I really didn’t want “whatever” right then.
But I would on occasion have that small bowl of ice cream, for example. Everything was portion control. Moderation.
And the weight loss wasn’t fast, but by golly, it worked for me…because my goals were reasonable and I never felt deprived. Enjoy your coffee (which actually has health benefits) and the odd glass, my friend. Good for you.
Back in the day I played a great deal of soccer and fitness was of paramount importance. ( no fatties allowed 😉)
In the early seventies an old coach of ours made a suggestion that has stuck with me.
In essence it was eat what you want ( within reason) in small portions, as required between 00900 or so and 6.00 PM and nothing in between.
Now in my early sixties I still follow this and my weight has been the same for decades.
The only addition is that I take a swig of cod liver oil upon awakening.
Taking the oil on an empty stomach aids its absorption.
When I “ fall off the wagon” like eat a late dinner at a relatives home.
The next morning is a slog.
Cheers! 🏴
Howdy, Dekester. Excellent…though I will tell you that if anyone needs another reason there is a difference between men and women, weight control is much different for each is it.
Harder for me than it is for my husband. And I bet women everywhere will tell you the same…alas.😁
Life is not fair…😎
Amen to that Betsy! Was just talking with another woman my age and we commented on how easily we used to be able to drop five pounds, just by eating salads or giving up sweets for a few days, but ever since we hit menopause, our metabolism is GONE!
I really don’t think I have changed my eating habits – actually I probably eat BETTER now than I did in my 20s/30s but it is harder and hard to take/keep weight off…UGH!
I eat better now that I did in my 20/30’s but ever since “the change” I’m getting heavier. I see my doctor this month and I need help with my weight. I’ve never been this heavy and I don’t like it.😥
In the end, we are what we are, vikingmom. I eat for health, try to not overindulge, but I am what I am. A woman of a certain age, no oil painting, who will never again be a slim young thing…
Meh…😎
I discovered the connection between sugar and hot flashes. When I did Atkins, the flashes went away because it is low carb.
But carbs are not bad unless I overdo it. (And we need the right carbs to feed the healthy microbactieria in our GI tract for proper health.) It was the actual sugar or sometimes alcohol that could cause the hot times.
Recently I have been fasting for spiritual purposes. I have used up the extra glucose in my body and moved into fat (have a ketone meter to monitor) and can tell you that fat burning is cooler than carb/sugar/glucose burning. At night, if I’m in ketosis I need warmer jammies than when I’ve had wine or carbs.
My sugar addiction is definitely an issue… But my answer is that I just simply can’t have it in the house.
I drink wine but only Chardonnay or Cabernet and neither of those are sweet.
Have definitely noticed a correlation between elevated body temperature and tachycardia but don’t know what that means?
I crave carbs but am trying to significantly limit them… Have heard a lot about “ketosis” but never seem to be able to get there. Already do the limited fasting – only eat between 11 AM and 7PM but again, doesn’t seem to matter.
Am I just old and out of shape and need to accept it or do any of my Treehouse friends have any suggestions?
I’m the opposite of Betsy here. I can’t eat in moderation. I am a sugar addict. My alcoholic grandpa used to say about the drink, “One isn’t enough so one is too much.” That’s how it is with me and sugar. Not that I never have it anymore. Just that I know if I do, it’ll likely mean a 3 week binge.
I also do better when I don’t eat artificial sweeteners. Here’s how I first went low carb way back when. I had to give up my diet Coke. That took me months and was definitely the hardest part of my quest for ketosis. Then I gave up anything that tasted sweet. Then I gave up bread, including pretzels. Then I gave up potato chips. I probably got into ketosis before I gave up potato chips.
Oops, forgot to mention that I also switched off wine to Vodka seltzer with a shot of squeezed lemon, but I’ve never been a big drinker and never drink at home. Turns out wine badly messes with my blood sugar. I didn’t recognize that until this year. And I’ve been keto (with lots of weight loss to prove it) for going on six years I think.
I have heard that it is more difficult for women to shed the pounds.
That said Conservative women are blessed with greater intelligence they can’t have everything 😉
We are off to walk the beach now and enjoy the breeze off the Pacific and enjoy the view south to the U.S. mainland.
We will remember to send thoughts to those good folks in the D.C. Gulag.
As always..Cheers!🏴
Well maneuvered, my friend…very well manueuvered😉.
Enjoy yourselves… and thank you.
And yes, the political prisoners here and their families need to be righteously vindicated and released.
I accidentally bought Quercetin instead of the Coq10 advised by my doctor, so I have a full bottle of it.
I’ve considered just taking it as supplement so I’m happy to see someone here mention it!
It is good stuff, but one of those supplements to research if you are on prescription meds. I am not supposed to take it, but if I feel a cold or something coming on I take it for a few days and it hasn’t killed me yet. Might be psychological but I think it helps ward off the sickness.
Quercetin enables zinc to get into your system. Zinc needs help, and Quercetin is perfect for that.
Quercetin is principally an anti-inflammatory in addition to a zinc ionophore. I’ve been able to get off antihistamines since I started taking it with zinc as a COVID-1984 prophylaxis. Bonus!
I have also given it to my sr dog along with milk thistle to manage fat tumors–it seems to be working.
God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but sound minds and intelligence to discern what is good and right.
It’s purpose is to ionically transport Zinc into cells.
Had it on hand for covid protocol, Jan 2022 I got covid. Servere covid. 10 days 102° fever that would not break. Couldn’t walk up stairs, taking a shower required 8 hours of recovery. I started the recovery regiment from America’s doctors (Quercetin with zink was part of it). It took 3 months to finally feel like I was starting to recover. 1 year later I am felling almost 100%
Quercetin is also anti histamine but a more importantly a mast cell stabilizer. Some mast cells produce histamine and when unstable can produce ungoing histamine which causes inflammation and pain. Taken with vitamin C boosts it’s power and also with tumeric. This trifecta can be powerful anti inflammatory because they all stabilize mast cells. But lasts 8-12 hours so take twice daily. Works better than drugs.
My mom used to tell me if I didn’t eat some fats, I would squeak. 😉 Miss her so much.
That made me smile, Lori. With advice like that, I know how much you miss her.
We are ALL “fatheads” in that the brain is about 90 percent FAT.
So yes, fat is a good thing, over all and its just certain types of highly processed fats, that should be avoided.
Same with SUGAR; its absolutely vital as every cell in the body uses sugar for energy.
Its the FORM of sugar, and the amount ingested, …its not just “Avoid fat and sugar!”.
Thank you. Sugar isn’t evil.
Are you taking baby asprin for pain or to thin your blood? If to thin your blood you may want to try Nattokinase instead, it’s safer.
Hello Dabigragu, for long term prevention for blood thinning. I abandoned the Pfizer statin years ago.
Here is the link for Dr Dan:
https://www.drdansnaturalhealing.com/staff/daniel-a-eyink-md/
Cheers!
Nattokinase is known for preventing “sticky” blood, a little different than maybe how “thinning” is thought of. I don’t know all the blood type info out there, but do know A+ blood type folks naturally more prone to “sticky” blood, that is, when cut they stop bleeding quickly, whereas A- blood type folks probably want Blood Stop or such products because they bleed with vigor. A+ should consider taking nattokinase. And now nattokinase being useful in conjunction with covid prevention/therapies too!
Would you have a link or two that I could read over?
https://rumble.com/v273r1c-dr.-peter-mccullough-and-dr.-ryan-cole-using-nattokinase-to-dissolveremove-.html
The FLCCC has excellent resources on Nattokinase which is part of their iRecover protocol for those who want to mitigate the adverse effects of the spike protein (i.e. blood clotting, etc) from the vaxxx…
https://covid19criticalcare.com/dr-been-reviews-nattokinase-and-heart-health/
Nattokinase also can be used for those unvaxxed people who want to mitigate the effects of spike protein shedding…which is very real.
Nattokinase is used along with 81mg aspirin in the FLCCC protocol. Don’t be afraid of aspirin. This decades-old, very effective, non-patented drug is being maligned by big pharm lately because they can’t make money off of aspirin. Like they can’t make money off of hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin. Thus the bad press for all of these non-patented drugs. Do your own research. Be in charge of your own health.
Thanks to you and others. The shedding of spike proteins is real and I probably need to be prepared to address it.
I really hate the term apology. It is still used to describe defenses of faith. But now it reads as some grumbling measly begging of forgiveness for daring to worship.
hubbs got me an iwatch two years ago. I have to admit, the fitness tracking, mainly steps, standing and such, has made me a bit obsessed with daily goals.
I built a firm, narrow desk on my treadmill and watch tv, or email
I am a horrible eater but try very hard to stay away from junky food. hubbs and I eat pretty well, honestly.
All of your ideas are excellent Menagerie. I wish you success with the ankle surgery. When will that be? It is very very good that you are staying fit before the surgery
I have had a Fitbit since they first came out with the little clip on one. It’s part of why I’ve had such a hard time settling for what I can do now. From the time I got that Fitbit I pushed myself harder each day. I hope that surgery will be at the end of May.
I have a Dr. friend in Huntsville, Ala w/rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative, diagnosed in mid 90’s. Has had both knees replaced, both wrists fused, and 1 ankle replaced. His ortho specialist had him wait for over a year until the US approved a supremely engineered ankle replacement joint from Europe, as he refused to use any of the then available US manufactured fixtures available as he called them “junk” compared to European Manufacturer. He waited and when it was approved, was the 2nd or 3rd patient in USA to have it replace his ankle, now has very good mobility, and even though his arthritis is still attacking his other joints, his knees and ankle do not cause him arthritic pain. Do your homework, verify which fixtures your ortho uses and recommends. I had to have my college sports injured rt knee finally replaced after reconstructive surgery in 1974, and arthritis had finally eaten all the cartilage to bare bone inside the joint.
Had it done in 2012 by the former US Olympic Women’s Downhill Ski team Ortho in Naples, Fla, the most highly recommended surgeon for knee/shoulder/hip replacement in the SW Florida medical community, Dr. Michael Havic. My knee after surgery and rehab was better than original, pain free and full strength and mobility. Most of the PGA players have him do their major joint surgeries as well. Look him up, if he doesn’t do ankles I am sure he has a list of professionals he knows and can refer you to. Good luck. I am now almost 70, is such a pleasure to have zero issues w/my right knee. HardyBrooks is an aka.
Did you know that one of the biggest causes of rheumatics, is lack of vit D3?
My friend’s arthritis was hereditary, skipped every other male per generation, his grandfather, his great great grandfather. Neither of his sons have it, he has 1 grandson that they are all concerned with. He is a lot of my southern generation, was always active outside throughout the year growing up in the sun, plenty of Vitamin D through natural sunlight. We both take D vitamins. I have issues w/small skin cancers that have begun showing up, common carcinomas but I have them removed as they show up. He is still active with a full practice at age 70. Thanks for your reply.
A friend once posted, “make your bed”. Why? Because you have one completed task that you can look at. That task encourges you to do others. This is helpful for people who for any number of reasons have trouble starting things in a day.
It also keeps the critters off my sheets.
I have always made my bed. My day doesn’t feel right if I don’t. I also top it off by spritzing linen water ( lemon verbena) over my bedding after making the bed. It gives an added kick to my day and puts a smile on my face when entering my bedroom off and on throughout the day.
Nice!
This is an old military favorite, and well proven feel good first step each day.
1, make bed
2, morning prayer (look up at the sky, the fields, the trees while you do it)
When I attend a wedding as a guest, I write two suggestions for marriage in my Congrats card: 1) Make your bed every day. It brings peace and serenity to the bedroom. (Last one out of it has to make it.) 2) Fighting is a choice. Choose not to.
Thank you Menagerie! This is so awesome!!💜
On the subject of the subject:
*Concerning what to write and how to wrIte so people will actually read.
In high school, I took a class on writing for a newspaper.
First paragraph= WHO WHAT WHERE WHEN HOW WHY. (as is pertinent)
If people want more info, they will take that and read more. If not, at least they have that….
I learned that early in school. Taught it to my sons. If you read my early posts here on the Tree, my paragraphs are kind of like that and long. I found I had to retrain myself to write better for internet posting. People simple do not read the same way. The following is a tip from Sundance’s Guidelines for Comments which you can find at the top of the home page.
6.) PARAGRAPHS – Should NEVER be longer than two or three sentences taking up three to five standard lines of text. Again, you are writing to be understood, the emphasis should be on the reader comprehending what you are sharing.
THANK YOU!
From an editor.
What Ails Ya (no spaces .com) they create organic herb salves. Their Solomon’s Seal Root Salve is fantastic. I use it for neuropathy, or muscle aches & pains, arthritis and it’s is supposed to be helpful in bone healing after surgery also. Free shipping inside the USA and if you shop with Amazon they carry What Ails Ya products too.
I just gave the info to my husband for his neuropathy. Thx very much.
Living in the light is key, I think, to health and happiness. Too many of us have lived a long time in darkness/semi-darkness of cubicles and workspaces with responsibilities and deadlines and then bask in the blue light of television while eating not-healthy food and getting not-restful sleep while subconsciously worrying about all of it, and tv is mentioned on purpose, the worry machine, the evening news, the latest political stuff, the car crash the shooting the bank collapse film at 11 etc. ”News is blue…”, and so are we. Antidote: Get outdoors, at least an hour a day. Go for two. Fresh air, maybe sunshine, but living in the light either way. If you’re religious, say some prayers or even sing a gospel song, something uplifting and definitely an alternative to a lot of the angry negative garbage that gets circulated on social media as well as the rest of the web. Blessed be, and may the lord watch over you and keep you in all of your days.
You’re onto something there. A healthier mind and attitude will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
One of my go to songs is Bob Marley’s Three Birds, ‘Everything is going to be all right’. Instant pick me up.
I find lighting a candle works too.
When I can I buy fresh flowers and put them in a tall vase where I will see them most often. They are a cheerful reminder of all that is good and beautiful in this world.
Job change from sales to management put me behind a desk and therefore, I became less active. Didn’t help that lockdowns occurred two weeks after I took the new role. More desk time.
I am fasting for Lent, and the wife and I are starting to walk more. The weather change in Central Georgia is making it easier. Walking opportunities are rarer for me than her, but we try to take advantage as often as we can.
We both try to eat right, but sometimes we indulge.
Lost about 4 lbs since Ash Wednesday, so I’m happy about that.
I cut out snacking after dinner, loved a snack an d a movie
So now I read, harder to eat!
Have been doing since lent
Lost a whopping 1 pound!
What a wise woman you are, Menagerie! Thank you! I always get a lot from your posts.
Congratulations on your success! I have been experiencing a similar issue in my life, although it is not as difficult as yours has been! Things have not worked out as planned, health issues got in the way of living, unexpected financial issues have held me back from moving forward, and a myriad of other events have conspired to keep me bound to a situation I never wanted to be in.
Last week I finally remembered a little book by Admiral William H. McRaven, “Make Your Bed”, and I determined to stop being emotionally tied to the events I cannot control in my life, but to do what I can every day toward moving in a different direction!
It has made a remarkable difference in just mere hours and days in how I feel about myself and my circumstances! It is what it is, but there is no reason to “feel” badly about it every minute of every day! I have a renewed sense of purpose and expectation for better things to come.
If it’s a chore, just do it without “feeling” about it. It isn’t important whether it’s something I want to do (my biggest obstacle), but something that should be done, so just put it on a list, order the list and DO IT! It’s great to mark things off the list!
I just turned eighty and my goals haven’t changed – never stop learning. A dear friend who passed at age 97 in the early 1990’s. taught me a lesson that I practice to this day. Work on your mind daily to keep it as sharp as possible. You can be much younger above the shoulders than below as the mind is a wonderful gift from God.
My wife and I take no prescription drugs. We have been blessed. We do take a number of vitamins . Many are sourced from plant based ingredients. Our diet is mostly organic with very little manufactured food.
This life is limited and the goal must be for eternal life with our savior.
Things that can help moderate pain for injuries and the arthritis that follows: Boswelia Serrata; Curcumin;Bromelain. Will be happy to provide links to those particular products (although they are on Amazon) for anyone interested. I have degenerative disk disease, and these products (in the right dosages), have helped me immensely. Also, try Blue-Emu Original Super Strength cream, which really reduces intractable pain. (website: https://www.blue-emu.com/shop-by-products/blue-emu-original/original/blue-emu-original-12-oz
Hope this is helpful!!!
Thank you ! I have a book suggestion Craig Groeschel “The Power to Change”. I am enjoying some of the positive things I’m picking up from this book 😊
Health, I have found depends (at least for me) more on what one eats and does not eat rather than on exercise. That is not to say I don’t exercise. Actually, I walk 3 to 5 miles 5 or so days a week and hit the gym for almost 2 hours a session 2 to 3 days a week. But I have learned that exercise might account for only 20 to 30 percent of the calories one burns, if that. 13 years ago, my weight topped 265 pounds. For most of my life, I suffered from high blood pressure and took 2 pills per day for almost 45 years to bring the blood pressure down. My blood tests revealed pre-diabetic status, cholesterol at 220, heart disease, and prostate cancer. I elected to forgo traditional medical interventions for the prostate cancer since I did not like the side effects and also learned that the interventions typically did little to enable survival even 5 years. I learned of the work of Drs. Dean Ornish, John McDoughall, Neal Barnard and others who reversed all of the above conditions through diet and exercise. I gave their concepts a try. Today I weight 180-185 pounds. My waist went from 46″ to 34″. Prediabetic status gone. Blood pressure at 112/70 with no medications whatsoever. A Heart and arterial catherization revealed totally clean arteries. Overall Cholesterol now at 125 and LDL at 58. Prostate cancer: either dormant or gone. A detailed follow-up biopsy 4 years after initial diagnosis could not find any evidence of the cancer. So, what did I do? I gave up all animal products or products derived from animals: no meat, no chicken, no fish, no pork, no lamb, no eggs, no butter. I eat NO dairy products whatsoever: no cheese, no cow’s or goat’s milk, no ice cream, nothing from a cow. No products that contain any of the aforementioned list. NO oils of any kind. No refined grains. The only products I eat that are made in a factory: ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, and pasta (100% whole grain only). Everything else, I make from scratch. What I eat: beans, oat groats, hulled barley, brown rice, split peas, chic peas, whole grain spaghetti, potatoes (boiled, baked, mashed), tomatoes, onions, loads of garlic (fresh and powdered), sweet potatoes, all manner of other green, yellow, orange vegetables. Herbs like oregano, thyme, and others to numerous to mention. Spices of all types. Various curry combinations. Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, apples. Whole plant foods. I do not portion control. I do not count calories. I eat whenever I feel hungry or the spirit moves me. I guess one might call the diet “ultra-low fat, vegan.” But keep in mind vegan also might mean soda pop and potato chips but NOT for me. I’ve stayed on this protocol for 13 years. I have never felt better in my life. I am 74. People say I look as if I am in my early to mid 50’s. I feel like age 30.
Wow pretty strict but good for you
Retired Magistrate here: I have an autoimmune disease which causes chronic joint pain and at times whacks out my entire system.
Twelve yeas ago I fell and broke my right hip. So, they put screws in my hip and put me back together again. Took about three months for me to be able to sleep again. Did the rehab exercises they showed me and started to walk again. I used to run marathons; however, those days were over with.
Several years after that I was in a traffic accident and fractured my sternum. Coughing, laughing, sneezing were things that I really didn’t want to do because they hurt so bad.
Four years ago I was in another bad traffic accident which ended up taking out my left hip; post traumatic arthritis ended up taking out a perfectly good hip in about 4 months. The pain was almost unbearable; kept thinking it was sciata, but no it was my hip. At the same time I had a hole in my stomach and bronchitis. I was miserable. Discovered that the hole in my stomach was caused by taking baby aspirin as a preventive measure for heart disease (my heart is fine). As soon as I stopped taking that my stomach started getting better. After that a hip replacement for the left hip. Another three months of not being able to sleep, but doing the rehab and walking: first with a walker, then a cane and now I can do about 1.5 miles each day.
Walking is the best thing that you can do to recover from a number of physical/mental ailments. It takes your mind off your troubles, lets you enjoy the beauty that GOD has created and gives a sense of accomplishment.
Here in Central Ohio I walk in all kinds of weather. When it gets really cold I don’t go as far, but I am still out there. I wave and smile at people and they usually wave and smile back. We live by a river so I get to see a lot of wildlife.
After all the physical ailments, surgeries, etc. that I have been through I finally figured out that GOD left me here for a reason: to bring joy to other people and help those who are now going through what I went through.
Everyone have a blessed day.
avascular necrosis of the left femoral head. many years ago walking in lower pasture with our highland bull. he sneezed and hit me accidently with the curve of his horn. ever since my left hip hurts some times. massage really helps (even an electric chair massager pad) as does acupuncture. for the last two years the pain is nearly constant and when I finally got a doctor (after six month wait) he had x-rays done and we find not enough blood getting to that bone. doc says I may have to have that hip joint replaced in the future. since I’m 81 and hip replacement costs $60,000 I won’t do it.
has anyone any thoughts on coping with the limp and pain? I sometimes use a cane and take an aspirin.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help
thanks. will get some ice in my spring water.
I find that rubbing CBD oil on my aching joints can take the edge off my pain. I also get massage treatments to soothe my aching lumbar/ hip and to improve range of motion in my neck.
Medicare will pay
I do not suffer from avascular necrosis, but I have a family member with bone cancer pain. Bone pain is terrible and I hope you can find some relief. Found a few articles that have responses to your question.
One approach for avascular necrosis pain is temperature therapy (heat or ice). Applying heat to the joint helps reduce pain by increasing blood flow to the joints. Ice numbs painful joints and reduces inflammation
You’ll find diet suggestions below for improved blood flow to the joints.
Accupressure is mentioned to be helpful with avascular necrosis pain.
Physical activity (with NSAIDS if needed). The exercise part sounds counter-intuitive but apparently does help increase blood flow and may reduce the progression. There’s a below article on exercises specifically for this condition or a physical therapist could be helpful too. May you feel improvements soonest.
https://www.drugs.com/mcd/avascular-necrosis-osteonecrosis
https://www.livestrong.com/article/341336-exercises-for-a-person-with-avascular-necrosis/
https://dailyjustnow.com/en/does-exercise-help-avascular-necrosis-81613/
There are also articles that come up when searching for natural treatments, but if it were me, I’d want to also search for studies that support the suggestions (that’s just me though).
Might try sports massage therapy. Haven’t had sciatica since I had one work on that area.
Equiscope. Find an experienced practitioner.
To get the most of your first visit – make sure you’re hydrated (take a non-sugar electrolyte and mineral supplement for a couple days prior).
In US it is FDA approved and it will help the pain, healing, inflammation. Most practitioners are just quiet about it as to not “rock the pharma boat”. Very neat technology… No pain during session, session will most likely be about 1 hr to 1 1/2, and most likely will make a noticeable improvement in pain and mobility for you. Even though you will see a difference in one or two sessions; plan for 3 or 4 or so and the results will hold longer. And… if you feel great the next day.. take it easy, take it easy. It pisses off the practitioner if you call them to fix you up again cause you felt so good you decided that it was good idea to dance on a bar top! Just take it easy 🙂
In Canada, Health Canada hasn’t approved it for “commercial” use as the machine is manufactured in a DOD facility… so they can’t see the manufacturing process. I needed up purchasing a machine and did the training for use on just “family & friends”.
Personally made a huge difference fo myself after an equestrian fall and i guess just getting older. :). I’ve noticed that there is a lot of nay say reviews online but i can speak to some pretty incredible results (personally and now in others).
Will be worth your effort to find a practitioner and to try a session…
prediabetes diagnosis given me last month. gave up sugar and vodka and lost 10 pounds. who knew?
I got that 10 years ago and switched to KETO. Lost 90 pounds in 12 months. I no longer eat any processed/refined foods, and the only carbs I eat are in season fruits from my Orchard. I never go above 50 carbs in a day. My whole body healed itself, and the CPAP went into the bin.
guess I’ll have to look up KETO. isn’t that a lot of meat? don’t like meat. can’t afford to lose 90 lbs though.
“Isn’t that a lot of meat?” Not necessarily. It is primarily low-carb with healthy fats and proteins. If you don’t like meat, you can get the protein from fish/seafood, eggs, beans, peas or protein powder supplements. The fats can come from nuts, seeds, avocados, whole milk dairy products, healthy oils (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil). Limiting the carb intake it what sets up the body to go into ketosis – fat burning.
It was probably the sugar.
ha! ha! I really downed a lot of smirnoff
essential tremor runs in my family and I have it. doctor says I do not have it. I want a cala trio bracelet. black tea instead of coffee helps with the tremor.
Start walking at a good pace 15 minutes or more a day will keep your sugar low and away from pills
I wish I had started sooner
At I have type 2
If I started sooner as it took pills to wake me up
I hated exercising
After 3 years
I’m up to 5 to 6 miles
Power walking in about
1 hour 15 minutes
every day it’s a mission
at my local park that
Goes near a lake and acres of woods
At 61 only a couple of people can keep up and they are half my age 😑
but with the left hip damage, should I walk a lot?
just 15 minutes a day will make a huge difference
You don’t have to go to the extreme like me.
I used to walk 5-7 miles a day, tried for 10 every month or two. Due to a prior injury, I couldn’t do this all at once, I usually had a walk in the morning and another later in the day.
When Covid hit, they closed all the places I used to walk. So I started walking in my neighborhood, which is very hilly, some of them long and steep. I had never really thought about the fact that my walks were mostly on level ground. When I started hill walking there were a number of benefits. First, I needed both knees replaced, but the walking reduced my pain a lot more than any pill ever did. I actually got muscles in my legs. I slept better. My core strength was much better, and I could breathe better.
I like to walk before daylight, and it was beautiful. I enjoyed the beauty of the night sky. The stillness and freshness made for a great prayer time. And it was great for my attitude, mood, and happiness. I miss those days so very much.
Why can’t you continue?
I need an ankle replacement. I have end stage arthritis in the ankle, and it is not stable, in spite of lots of metal and screws.
What worked for me:
Detox heavy metals, cleanse the blood, a whole food, plant-based diet and lifestyle (www.nutritionfacts.org); quit smoking, drinking, dairy, and sugar; de-parasite the body (Fenbendazol, Ivermectin); regular resistance training; daily walking (freeform meditation); and getting the mind thinking more positively.
I was very close to death (lung cancer and then Meckels Diverticulum emergency surgery) eight or so years ago. I did not follow the standard medical industry cancer “treatment”. Plants healed me. I am currently in the best health of my entire life and am working on being in the best shape of my life.
Good for you, Mark!
I think Ivermectin heals a lot of ills. I’ve read it interferes with spike protein activity which helps with both Covid infections and vaccine injuries/ shedding.
Ivermectin also kills parasites, and who knows how many of our ailments are derived from mosquitos and food parasites?
Finally, I am a cancer survivor and I read that Ivermectin inhibits cancers. So I’m sold on it too, once a week, for prevention.
My mom had a stroke at age 28 from a mosquito, viral meningitis
She was paralyzed on her left side and worked her Burt off to get back to 99% normal
What Mark said!!!
The very worst thing in our modern medicine is when the Dr says … “ you have XWY and you can expect to live X weeks”. That is, in itself criminal. Think people think…
Learning and implementing Dr. Barry Sear’s ZONE Diet is the single most important step a person can take to improve their health, IMO. It isn’t “low carb”,though the ZONE is much lower in carbs than what the average American eats. Once you understand it, it helps you understand how to plan a healthy menu and food prep for the week, and also how to stay out of resturaunts and how to eat in one when you have to. The key to the ZONE is moderate carb intake (ideally veggies of COLOR) combined with quality protein, consumed together, with a moderate consumption of healthy fats (30/30/40 protein,fat, carbs) This does more to control insulin, therefore fat storage, than any other approach to diet.
I should add that Sears has written several Zone books. The one I’d start with is “Mastering the Zone”, as it has lots of approach strategies and recipes.
Well I admit I am a Lazy exerciser.. I don;t like to exercise,
I don’t like going to a gym. But when my cholesterol started
going up (and I really don;twant to take meds for it especially
statins) I decided I guess I should get
to doing exercise..I started during the pandemic (probably the
only good thing to come from that being in lockdown) I started
doing it on Youtube with
A program called Team Body Project.. I like them because all the
people don’t look like models or perfect they are regular people all
different sizes and ages and I am happy to say I have stuck with it..
they tell to take it at your own pace
even if all you do to start is march in place..
I try my best to stay away from most medicines. I tell my doctor
that I don;t want take a medicine that will give me 5 things wrong
with me I didn;t have wrong with me before I took it.. I really stay
away from Psych meds.. (Mom had Parkinsons)
that med cause her to hallucinate from there it went down hill she was on like 4 different psyche meds at the end..they messed her all up…side effect from one lets just give
you something else for that..medicine for hallucination oh you can;t sleep well here is something to help you sleep, what now you have anxiety and depression well here is something for that too nursing homes,
Dealing with mental health professional (I won;t comment further on
the ones I dealt with for her)lets throw meds at the problem..
NO thank you…keep them away from me.. both the meds and the mental health professionals..
If you have congestion like nasal or sinuses or ear congestion
I use Eucalyptus Oil just put right on my skin (do not take internally)
under my nose on my forehead sinuses,
behind my ears and it works (when I was unable to use OTC
decongestants.)
What an opportunity for all of us. Thank you. All of us have a part in our lives that is valuable to others. I love all parts of what has been considered. I am 79 (born in ’43). Female. Good health. No prescription med or illnesses. Do believe in supplements. As much exercise as appropriate. At my age, exercise is limited due to old muscles and bones, energy.
Don’t know how many old timers are here. Look forward to posts.
Talking about our relationships to God or other higher power is always illuminating. I hope I am able to be a positive contributor. I know I will glean a tremendous store chest of ideas, new/old ways, and an awesome blessing(s) from all of it.
Again thank you.
Ditto, but few years behind. (not many!)
Just a kind post!
🌸 🌸
I am about to turn 54. I am very lucky that I have limited historical injuries – as a soldier I put in some heavy loads, but now am an indoor engineer. 12 years ago I had bulging L4,5,6 discs with considerable pain. I had just started back lifting weights and I added squats to my regimen and my back pain disappeared in two weeks; strengthening gluts helps straighten our spines. Wifey and I walk 3-4 miles in between gym days. I am in better shape than half of my brother firefighters in their 30’s 😀
Just do whatever you can to remain active. My stepdad worked on machines into his late 70’s and stayed relatively healthy.
Peace and stay with it, Menag!
Good advice about trying to do whatever you can to remain active Danimal.
I do not measure my walking with distance but by time.
I started out after some surgery I had by walking for only 5 minutes a day, then 8 then 10 and so on.
It was not the distance that mattered or how fast I could walk, just the time.
And it works for me to be active by doing something fun not just working the exercise by going to the gym etc.
Riding bikes with the grandkids or looking for butterflies in the meadow with them.
Just getting out and about and doing something that is fun and a pleasure works well and keeps me active.
My grand kids help a lot with that.
Menagerie, I have a couple of suggestions in using the stairs. Go down backwards & hold onto the railing with arm. Go up one at a time & carry things up in a laundry basket one stair at a time. Also carry things down in a laundry basket (let it slide down one stair at a time.
I get on an air mattress and slide down.
Always watch where your feet are, as ankles break missing that bottom step. For this reason I always put a colorful mat at the bottom of the staircase so people can see exactly where the steps end.
We are cutting out sugar and hope to do so almost permanently. I have a sister with diabetes and as I age my insulin levels fluctuate as well. It’s hard. It’s in so many things now. I have been reading every package, every label I can for added sugars. i know natural sugars such as those in fruits etc are okay and we are eating those.. I am taking B vitamins, Zinc, D3 and a Calcium supplement as I have poor bone density as well. I also have found the whole fasting ideas prevalent now have helped me because I can make calorie dense meals and still hit my macro goals. Nothing fancy. I eat between 9 and 5. Nothing after 5. It’s also helped with my digestive issues as my stomach is empty by bedtime.
time. days, weeks, years, decades speed past. here I am in the “sere and yellow leaf” days. don’t get around much anymore at 81. Read a lot. The Third Reich at War currently. history, biography love Lispeth Salander. cryptograms. try to keep a project going to keep boredom at bay. thinking may put some more cabinets in kitchen, have house painted inside and out, raise hearth and put in a hood to keep fireplace from smoking.
a cousin I hadn’t seen for 50 years walked in and looked around and looked around. where’s your tv? don’t have one. at which she asked with no tv how to you fill your time.
Read plant paradox by dr gun dry
Do you mean Dr. Steven Gundry?
The calorie discussion is a no brainer. Don’t think in calorie terms . It is a misdirection. Look around how much have we lost in obesity with calorie talks and discussions. Zilch. Most Americans are overweight. They blame it not on themselves but on calories.
so, we no processed food.
drink no sodas
Control processed sugars. this is a hard one but keep a note on how much you consume
Finally
Increase your metabolism by eating two meals instead of two. Your body does not need ore than two meals.
Increasing your metabolism is through sport or staying active.
Tore an achilleas and have arthritis, tendonitis, articulation issues between foot bones in one foot. Finding the right footwear was trial and error. Finally found some hiking boots that are firm. Same with running shoes. So many are sold as walking on clouds, but I needed to prevent foot flex in the heel and the soft cushions increase the pain. My steps and distance have been way off for two years. I have now been able to increase steps. Added some strength training. My wife and I try to hike a local mountain every once in a while to change up from the daily gym routine. Wellness starts with the next step ( or swim ). Keep up the effort.
PS – Retirement has offered greater schedule flexibility bit requires greater effort at routine. Make your bed! Put on clothes. Get out of the cave.
Yes, put your clothes, and shoes on. Living in sweat pants and slippers does not make me productive. It is amazing what I do when I have on “real” clothes and shoes. Sweats are evening wear.
I LOVE this idea as well…thank you for creating this thread, Menagerie! I saw a meme a few days ago that really struck a chord with me and I hope others appreciate it as well. It was simple but absolutely thought provoking!
The person you will be in five years depends on five things:
1) The books you read
2) The food you eat
3) The people with whom you spend time
4) The habits you adopt
5) The conversations in which you engage
Thank you 🙂 Wise words.
Having just learned about the benefits of nattokinase … known to the Japanese for centuries but ignored by the majority of our western civ pharma-pushing doctors … I’d enjoy learning more about this enzyme and others that we should include in our daily regimens. Thank you in advance1
I just heard about this as well and would love more info! I am suffering from some form of “Long Covid” (unvaxxed but had the virus a couple of times) I have been following the FLCCC Protocols but am still struggling with fatigue, joint pain, and intermittent tachycardia.
Ditto here … pure-blooded but had a bout of “omicron variant” last fall. Seems to have aged me a few years in three months.
FLCCC iRecover protocol uses nattokinase…here is Dr. Been’s article and video on it…
https://covid19criticalcare.com/dr-been-reviews-nattokinase-and-heart-health/
Thank you – I wonder if that was added recently because I don’t think it was on there originally? I have an appointment with my ND soon and I will ask about adding it to my regimen!
As you drop weight, and accelerate the process through an activated metabolism,
mind your weight loss vs muscle mass ratio.
Everyone has a perfect body that can be achieved.
The trick is to identify the correct weight/muscle combination for yourself.
Example: In my line of work, plumbing, I want to be under 200 LBs just for size requirements alone.
I have to fit into tight spaces. A larger belly is a problem.
However, if I were to drop to 180, I would lose a lot of the strength that’s often required to move heavy things.
So, for me, my work, my body type, 190 is just about right.
HMB powder in smoothies. It helps keep muscles from deteriorating while having to recuperate from injury, and then helps rebuild them once the injury heals enough to begin strengthening exercises.
Also, colostrum powder. Helps everything, including more hair growth for those with thinning hair.
Have been recovering from several tendon injuries, and it has taught me PATIENCE and that God loves me no matter what I’m able to do or what I look like. My husband has really helped with all that, too. ♥️
I was looking at colostrum last night, and then I read they take it from the cows as calves are born, only time you can get it. I know a million things out there are animal cruelty, but for some reason that one got to me. I feel so bad for the cows and chickens these days. I eat both organic, but jeez, it never ends w/those critters.
today Im and 82 and was a runner most of my life in the 40, 50s and 60s.
I had an ankle replacement, Feb 2015…after 6 months rehab….I was A-OK
then in about early 2019 starting hurting again…. pain got so bad in 2022, had to see another surgeon, he operated taking ankle replacement parts out and inserting titanium rods thru back of heel, inserted that into a titanium rod that went thru bottom of heel up thru Tibia about 15 inches..30 days later that fell apart….another operation to reinsert all again….30 days later that, fell apart, third operation in 90 days..surgeon removed all titanium rods… …it is now over a year that last operation was done…not doing well, last few weeks living on pain pills.. I see doctor this Monday 13 March….not sure what he can do now… but it is very difficult and a PIA to not be able to walk without pain.
hope your surgery works out better than mine
I’ll keep you in my prayers, and I sure hope you get some good news and a good resolution. Keep us posted on your progress in future posts!
So sorry, so frustrating. I hope your doc can help you and you will find relief.
So sorry to hear this david.
Do keep up hope and looking for a surgeon that can help.
Will keep you in our prayers, nothing more frustrating than being in such pain and needing the help which is hard to find.
Some posters below have mentioned cholesterol. I highly recommend this video: https://youtu.be/sY48qLl9ZzE. The information we are getting about cholesterol from many of our doctors is as incorrect as the information we’ve received over the past two years.
The second most common kind of x-ray I took throughout my entire career, after chest, was ankle/foot series. Eventually I learned it’s partly from physical/design vulnerabilities within the context of age. It’s just a really easy area to fracture, compared to all the other joints. One improper footfall off a curb or porch step can do it, especially above age 50 when EVERYONE’s bones start getting more brittle NO MATTER WHAT YOUR DIET/EXERCISE HABITS ARE. You can’t reverse age with supplements. They can assist with healing after an injury, but people commonly remain in denial about the inevitability of losses that accompany survival.
I don’t disagree with any of these suggestions for ankle rehabbing, so I’ll just add a couple. For many patients (not all), gabapentin provides a unique form of pain relief. It basically limits the reception of neural pain, allowing for longer periods of exercise and/or activity to strengthen all the muscles and tendons that aren’t broken. Surgery will still be needed with a trimalleolar fracture, but strengthening every soft tissue aspect surrounding the breaks helps compensate for some of the impacted mobility.
The other biggie is to take full advantage of every kind of assistive technology you are offered, as in durable medical equipment and physical therapy. Try out different kinds of braces, canes and walking sticks, and get a disabled parking sticker. Whatever makes things easier for you to stay active for longer periods helps you adapt to today’s reality, and your individual capability as it is RIGHT NOW. (This also relates to mindfulness, which is spiritually useful.)
I’ve been doing PT after a simple slip on a wet floor caused the complete loss of sensation in half the toes of one foot. It has taken months of weekly sessions, I now need custom orthotics in that shoe, and I still take gabapentin (dosage is declining), but the main thing is that it’s all improving gradually. Getting the disabled parking sticker allowed me to do grocery shopping without wearing out, and though I needed a cane at first, I don’t anymore. I may never be able to run again, but I would happily settle for walking the dog (or myself) for more than 15 minutes without needing to sit and rest my foot. I’m not looking to run a marathon. A pain-free life with age-appropriate mobility IS the marathon.
Moringa has helped my arthritis.
My joints in my hands ,as were my mother’s and grandmothers,were becoming disfigured. Swollen,bumps on them.
Painful.
The Moringa has stopped almost all further damage.I still get periods of time where it is worse,but I take more Moringa and it seems to stop it.
It didn’t work overnight,but it works.
It helps all my joints.
If you really want a section where people can have a discussion, how about having a decent comment format where you can actually find your own comments instead of when you click the “My content and settings” icon all you get is an option to delete everything? Seriously, can it be that hard to make the icon actually link to what it says it does?
The reply button doesn’t work for me, and I have followed the steps, it is aggravating.
ctrl + f
put your “name” in the search box that comes down.
bingo!
markers appear in the scroll line on right side, showing where your comments are.
There is definitely a need for these kinds of discussions.
None of us are getting younger and we all need support and encouragement.
Our 19-year-old son was diagnosed with epilepsy 18 months ago…other than keppra or other meds I welcome any suggestions.
(I hope I stayed within the spirit of the posting guidelines. Forgive me please if I did not…. we’re not desperate but we’re frustrated.)
This is a perfect place to ask that question. I hope you get some good answers.
Humble thanks Menagerie
A good friend of mine had epilepsy. He had it since childhood. Took up smoking pot to control seizures. Worked very well for him. If he felt a seizure coming on he would smoke a little pot. It would stop it . Medical marijuana in legal in many states. Perhaps find a doctor that will talk honestly about marijuana’s benefits.
Marijuana is a natural medicine has been used for centuries to treat seizures and pain.
Plenty of info on the web about it. Do some research.
Thanks AU, I fought for marijuana to be legal in Minnesota (medical marijuana is) but I’ve been a little hesitant to go down that path….we might have to.
It might be worth trying Dr. David Hardy at hardynutritionals.com. He or his staff can talk to you or your son’s doctor, to see if they carry anything that might be of benefit. Dr. Hardy was previously at neurospectrum360.com, also carrying brain-focused nutritional supplements; a friend in the medical field recommended them to me (my friend has treated his own son through 2 concussions and one subsequent skull fracture with amnesia, totally resolved quickly – and he was dubious at first).
Thank you Flora!
A ketogenic diet is a proven to treat epilepsy. Our oldest son has epilepsy that we initially had difficulty treating (he ended up on phenobarbitol) and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia told us about it. This was more than two decades ago. We never tried it, but there’s a lot of literature out there about it.
Beware of drug interactions with any anti-seizure meds. Also be aware that many anti-seizure meds are anti-depressants. Do not take the doctor’s word for it that any given medicine will not have an adverse reaction with the anti-seizure med, research it yourself and ask the pharmacist then research it yourself Again.
edit: also be aware of food restrictions/ interaction with some anti-seizure meds. Grapefruit comes to mind.
Thank you Shadow!
The keto diet, which is a low carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet has proven beneficial to people, especially children, with epilepsy. A good overall layman’s book about the health benefits of the keto diet, including managing epilepsy, is “Keto Clarity”…
Keto Clarity: Your Definitive Guide to the Benefits of a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet https://a.co/d/iOMfRzo
I know there are multiple medical studies on the subject, too.
Thank you Tex!
The classic Keto diet was originally designed for use with epilepsy patients (long before it became widely known to the public). John Hopkins was a pioneer in that –perhaps their website might have more details.
Thank you Sunrei!
Maybe a dog trained in warning of the seizure? A friend of mine’s daughter would get seizures and they tended to happen during the full moon. They were instructed to keep a journal early in the diagnosis, it was one of the things they noted. Her husband picked up on it, I thought it was interesting.
I hope you find the answers you need for your son.
Thank you Guns!
I found that regular sweeting due to exercise, hot weather, saunas…almost eliminated my chronic pain in the articulations of legs and arms. My pain and inflamation isn’t due to reumatoid arthritis acording to the reumatologist. So the exercise/sweeting may not work for that condition.
My inflamation is probably related to IBS. It turned out a test showed SIBO (Small Intesting Bacteria Overgrowth) I got treatment and my IBS has gotten much, much better. Also a diet very low in grains with gluten and no dairy is helping. I can’t digest legumes or grains properly, so they are out of the menu as well.
The limitations in the diet are worthy so I am not miserable due to pain and discomfort.
Glass jars are fantastic for storing cut up veggies so you can fix salads, stir fries, etc. relatively quickly. I sure peppers, cucumbers, berries, whole mushrooms, washed and dried spinach, shredded cheese that I shred myself to avoid the powdery taste and ribs of celery in a little bit of water. Any jar with a tight lid will do and using jars lets you see what you have so you can use it before it goes bad in the veggie and fruit crisper drawers.
Almost all leftovers are stored in glass dishes or jars as well.
every morning I rinse salad greens, celery, cabbage, etc. and put them in a collandar so I can grab handfuls as I go about my chores. by evening I have eaten all of it. no prep. just graze.
So simple, now why didn’t I think of that? Thanks, Mari in SC! 🙂
Saw a vending machine in a hospital recently. It offered salads in a jar. The trick is to put anything wet (tomato, corn, for ex) at the bottom. Lettuce goes on top so it doesn’t get soggy. I think I’ll make some.
Run, don’t walk, away from allopathic (western) medicine practitioners. Just about any complementary and alternative medicine practitioner (CAMP) will do more to help you stay healthy and heal most anything that ails you than Rockefeller chemical/industrial medicine (allopathic) quacks do. Naturopathic, homoeopathic, holistic, ayurvedic, herbalist, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), curanderism, spiritual and cultural healers, all the practices that have been mocked and scorned as quackery since Rockefeller and his Flexner Report tore down the real healing art practitioners so they could impose their profit-driven experimental butchery on us. These past three years have ripped away layers of their deceit. Allopathic medicine is in the business of legalized murder, it is the true quackery – remember these people are masters of projection. The only thing I trust western medicine to do to me is mend my broken bones and patch up holes inside me, the treatment of traumatic injuries. That’s it.
I agree w/you, but the problem is they are crazy expensive, they don’t take insurance. I do my best to do what I can on my own, but that can be tricky. I was using Colloidal Silver and then found out it messes w/the thyroid, I have thyroid disease. The doctor just couldn’t understand what was going on, I never told her, just quit using it and things have settled.
They don’t take insurance because A) The Insurance Industry is a creation of western medicine and B) As such insurers require providers possess government licensing/certification and oversight. That require a practice be declared a risk to public safety due to inherent dangers in their scope of practice. The practice of allopathy IS inherently dangerous. CAMP is not. For CAMP practitioners to go before lawmakers and tell them they do inherently dangerous things that need to be regulated and controlled is a falsehood and contrary to the ethos and culture of CAMP healers. In several states where some CAMP has been regulated, like naturopathy and homeopathy they’ve made that Faustian bargain for the almighty dollar. Which, made them easy to close down during the pandemic, they assumed the risk of license revocation that unlicensed practitioners did not, and resultingly stayed open. When you invite government regulation you take on a new majority owner partner in your business. Public-private partnerships. I.e. Fascism. That’s what licensing regimens are about. Insurance moneys are the bait, that leads to the switch. What’s your health worth to you? Specifically health freedom?
Long time lurker / recent poster. I come to CTH for exactly what it is. However, I welcome other options as well. Religion, health and alternative medicine and even perhaps finance, banking etc. are all a welcomed additions if that’s the additional direction CTH takes.
Just a few examples. Hold off on judgement for a moment but some of my past web sites had me looking into things like: Bitcoin when it was $2, Chlorine Dioxide treatments, FLCCC doctors for Covid , vitamins and absorption and quantities etc. CTH doesn’t have to become Infowars haha but personally, I welcome the addition.
Thanks.
Find a good high quality program to improve your mobility & flexibility covering all of the major joints of your body. Ive always taken this for granted but as you age it is essential. It will greatly improve your quality of life.
Virtually anyone can do this and the benefits are enormous. For example; I never realized how important something like hip mobility could be. I had none and never realized it. A good program will force you to see where your weak spots are with the goal of bringing it all into balance. You might not realize it at first depending on your current level of fitness but after a short while of sticking with it you will notice the improvements. Your every day tasks will get easier with less risk of injury.
Mobility – Flexibility – Stability
Im sure there are many programs out there but I will only recommend something that worked for me:
https://www.calimove.com/p/mobility2