Caring For Your Teeth

Caring for your teeth is essential. By adopting a thorough oral care routine, you can help prevent gingivitis and avoid periodontal disease.
You need to have good oral hygiene at all stages of your life. If you haven't already, start practicing good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet.You may not realize that oral health and overall health are connected.

There's nothing better than the feeling of a clean mouth and teeth after a routine of brushing and flossing.But, cleaning your teeth properly does more for you than help keep your smile bright and your breath fresh... it helps protect you against oral health problems.

You need to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Not only for cleanings, but to have check ups done. Being proactive in the care of your teeth is essential.

If you are someone who suffers from disease or might have self esteem issues due to the way your teeth look, there is help out there. With today's advanced technology, you need not have fear of going to the dentist and having your teeth fixed.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistry is one place you can count on to be in a safe and relaxing atmosphere. Using advanced dental techniques including painless air drills, miniature cameras and digital x-rays, you will feel comfortable receiving compassionate care.

Dr. Maddahi believes in Harmony ~ Balance ~ Beauty. He will provide a complete evaluation of what he can do for your smile to bring back your confidence. You will always be advised of all your options and will be taught more about your teeth.

Dr Maddahi is a IAOMT trained Biological Dentist, which means he recognizes the impact of toxic materials and relates it to dental and physiological health. Take a look at his website. You will find much more information. See a video of procedures, look at before/after photos, learn about mercury fillings and how toxic it is and watch videos of how the tools work.

If you are not happy with your teeth, this can affect your mental health since it can lead to feeling badly about yourself.

Don't avoid smiling. A smile makeover might be something to consider.

10 Easy Ways To Be More Active

The warmer weather is here and you probably have on your mind that you want to get in better shape and become more active.

It's something we all tell ourselves, but to get down to actually do it might be another thing. We have all kinds of responsibilities and household chores. We take care of the family and make time for our friends, but when can we find the time to get in shape and be more active?

If we think about our daily or weekly schedule, we need to look for opportunities to become more active. It may take alittle planning, but it will be worthwhile.

1. Walk, cycle or jog when running errands.

2. Park your car farther from where you are going.

3. Get off the bus a block or two from your destination.

4. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

5. Stretch or exercise while watching TV.

6. Turn on some music and dance around your house while cleaning or cooking.

7. Take fitness breaks instead of cigarette or coffe breaks.

8. Romp around the house with your children or pets.

9. Keep a pair of running shoes at your office or in your car. Take a quick walk at lunchtime.

10. Do gardening or home repairs.

Now spring into a active healthier life!

Lessons in Life

I am not sure who wrote this, but our Mind, Body and Soul can benefit from this list of 50 items.
Read each line and let it sink in.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy Lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
45. The best is yet to come.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

May: Stroke Awareness Month

You can't mention Brain Health without mentioning that many people ignore signs of a stroke. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so I thought I would write about the F.A.S.T test.

If you need to recognize signs of a stroke quickly, use these test if you suspect someone might be having a stroke.

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm drifting downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can the person repeat the sentence correctly?

Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, times becomes crucial. Call 911 immediately.

Time To Take Care of Yourself

Taking a proactive approach about health issues and acquiring up to date information about your health is vital to your well-being. This can help you stay active and keep you healthy longer.

Take advantage of free health screenings, including heart disease, diabetes, bone health, HIV/Aids, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and bone density in your town when being offered.

Your local hospital may also offer free screenings for prostate cancer, among an array of health related evaluations.

Other free offerings you should take advantage of include, a review of the medications you are taking, dietary recommendations, body fat analysis, balance/fall prevention and foot health.

It is time to take care of yourself...

Living With Crohn's Disease

My son was diagnosed with Crohn's twelve years ago. Last week I was diagnosed with the same disease.
Although my specialist won't confirm until further testing, I have been sick for over a month now. Crohn's symptoms sometimes mimiicks other digestive disorders, so until we rid of the infection, we can't proceed with treatment.

I had never heard of Crohn's before my son was diagnosed. Now I hear people having this disease so often. If you are not familiar with this disease, I'll quote Wikipedia which states it best:

Crohn's disease (also known as regional enteritis) is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is generally classified as an autoimmune disease. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus; as a result, the symptoms of Crohn's disease vary among afflicted individuals. The disease is characterized by areas of inflammation with areas of normal lining between in a symptom known as skip lesions. The main gastrointestinal symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody, though this may not be visible to the naked eye), constipation, vomiting, weight loss or weight gain. Crohn's disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, and inflammation of the eye.

Crohn's disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America. Although the cause of Crohn's disease is not known, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease that is genetically linked. The highest relative risk occurs in siblings, affecting males and females equally. Smokers are three times more likely to get Crohn's disease.

When my son is having an episode, I am the one providing care. I have done extensive research on Crohn's.
I immediately change his diet and cook often with a crock pot. When cooking in a crock pot on slow for 8 hours, you are breaking down the molecules in the food to make digestion easier. You need to eat soluble fiber vs. insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber includes: Rice, Pasta and noodles,Oatmeal,Barley, Fresh white breads such as French or sourdough (NOT whole wheat or whole grain),Rice cereals, Flour tortillas, Soy, Quinoa, Corn meal,Potatoes,Carrots, Yams,Sweet potatoes,Turnips,Rutabagas, Parsnips, Beets, Squash and pumpkins, Mushrooms, Chestnuts,Avocados (though they do have some fat), Bananas, Applesauce, Mangoes,Papayas (also digestive aids that relieve gas and indigestion). Stay away from food high in fat.

Soluble fiber soothes and regulates the digestive tract, stabilizes the intestinal contractions resulting from the gastrocolic reflex, and normalizes bowel function from either extreme. Soluble fiber prevents and relieves both diarrhea and constipation.

Since I have been ill, I have been using recipes for IBS, the crock pot, not eating any dairy (except lactose free products), making sure I eat soluble fiber and taking probotics.

I was impressed my specialist referred me to probotics, as this is considered alternative care. Probotic supplements help build and maintain a natural defense against a full range of digestive upsets: constipation, diarrhea, urgency, gas and bloating. If you don't have enough 'good' bacteria in the digestive system, this will sometimes cause digestive upsets.

If anyone suffers from this disease, I want to include the following resources that have helped us.

Recipes for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet by Elaine Gottschall

Self-care- Mayo Clinic

Crohn's Online

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet: This site has helped us tremendously with the information and recipes provided

IBS: Controlling Your Symptoms

Crohn's & Me- Other Useful Links

Bring "Health" Back To Your Skin

As we all age, our skin loses the ability to protect itself from the harmful affects of our environment. Our protective layer of skin cannot replace itself as easily or quickly as it did in our youth.

Epionce is a product that can bring 'health' back to your skin. Epionce is clinically proven to reduce the visible signs of aging, cure pre-cancer spots and cures/relieves acne. Two ingredients that accomplish that are: 1) EpiA, which is an anti-inflammatory that effects deep into the skin where it is formed, 2) EpiB, repairs the protective layer that gets damaged as we age.

The anti-inflammatory ingredients separates this product from most anti-aging creams and lotions you see. These ingredients reduces the signs of aging and with continued use, you will see long term affects. These ingredients attacks and corrects inflammatory environmental factors we face and also clears symptoms of such skin issues as: Rosacea,psoriasis and dermatitis.

There are 5 steps to the Epionce system, but if you are like me, we are most concerned with the skin around our eye area. Epionce renewal eye cream is a highly emollient treatment that has wellness properties that reverses signs of already damaged skin or prevents future damage. Do you experience puffiness, dark circles, lines and wrinkles or other skin imperfections? These symptoms can make one look older than we actually are.

As this product works it's magic against any damage, it creates a soft focus (like they use in the movies) and masks the appearance of dark circles or puffiness by using a luminescent polymer that reflects light.

Bring Health back to your skin...and forget about considering alternative measures such as surgery.

Get Healthy With Tangerines

Tangerines store carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin. That is why they are orange in color. This phytonutrient keeps the body strong by destroying cell damaging free radicals while at the same time, boosting production of the immune systems; defensive white blood cells.

By adding 1 Tbs. of tangerine zest to a recipe can lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 40 percent in just 4 weeks. This is according to research in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. The reason this happens is because the peel’s polymethoxlated flavones, inhibit the release of LDL cholesterol’s structural proteins and this causes the cholestral to degenerate.

Tangerines and other citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C. Tangerines can help keep stress levels from climbing. The pleasant scent of a tangerine has been proven to soothe the central nervous system, further reducing stress.

A tangerine is one of nature’s richest sources of citrate. This natural salt keeps the formation of kidney stones by interfering with the crystallization of calcium. Citrate also raises the ph level of urine, diluting oxalate, a waste substance that also contributes to kidney-stone formation.

Here’s two recipes you might enjoy:

Szechuan Stir-Fry (makes 6 servings)

From 2 Tangerines, zest and juice one. Peel and section remaining. In a bowl, combine ½ cup juice, 1 tsp. zest and ¼ cup spicy Szechuan stir-fry sauce. Set aside. In greased skillet over medium heat, cook 1 red and 1 green pepper (seeded and cubed), 1 onion cut into wedges for about 3 minutes. Add 1 flank steak thinly sliced. Cook 3 minutes. Add sauce mixture and tangerine sections. Cook 1 minute. Serve with rice.

Sunshine Souffle (makes 4 servings)

From 2 tangerines, zest and juice 1. Peel and section remaining. In cup combine 1/3 cup tangerine juice and enough water to measure ½ cup. Add 1 tsp. zest. In bowl, combine 1 box (3 oz) lemon flavored gelatin and ½ cup boiling water. Stir 2 minutes. Set in ice bath 2 minutes. Using mixer beat for 2 minutes. Fold in container (8oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed and ¼ cup light sour cream. Divide tangerines and cream mixture among four 6 oz cups. Chill 5 minutes

26 Reasons to Drink Acai Berry Juice~Part 3

Conclusion:

18) PROVIDES ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
The vital part of our diet allows for the transport of nutrients(fuel)in and out of the cell.

19)STABILIZES PROPER CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Plant steroids help the process of cholestrol regulation

20)HELPS PROSTATE
Plant steroids (phenolic compounds) cleanse and strengthen the prostate.

21)STRENGTHENS THE HEART
Many of these phytoceuticals strengthen the heart muscles, strengthens blood vessel walls and inhibit platelet formation (atherosclerosis) helping prevent edma, strokes and heart failure.

22)FIGHTS CELLULAR MUTATION
The powerful antioxidants (water soluble) enter the cell and float in the liquids, attacking free radicals and other pollutants, including parasitic waste. They protect both the nucleic DNA and the mitochondrial DNA.

23) INHIBITS PLATELET AGGREGATION AND CLOTTING
THe polyphenols in these fruits can inhibit the clotting activity of blood cells. Also, the antioxidant effect of many polyphenols protects lipids from oxidation in the bloodstream, which further reduces risk of clots and plaque buildup.

24) HELPS DIGESTION
Plants carry with them their own enzymes. This helps the body 1) readily make these nutrients available and 2) allows other body enzymes to work elsewhere. Plant nutrients (phenols) are anti-ulcer, anti-acid-reflux and help the whole digestion, absorption, and waste elimination process.

25) STRENGTHENS MEMORY
A long list of diseases are now associated with free radicals, none more insidious than those that cause dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, etc. Good cells die from lack of proper nutrition. The ABC grouping of phytonutrients helps this battle.

26) HOST OF BENEFITS
From fighting E-Coli in the bladder to fighting infections, from strengthening blood cells to helping the skin convert sunlight to vitamin D, OUR BODIES NEED THE PAN-SYSTEMIC HEALING HELP OF THESE PLANT NUTRIENTS.

26 Reasons to Drink Acai Berry Juice ~ Part 2

With permission from J.J. Oswald from the Health Journal, owned by Sound Concepts, I bring to you Part 2 of 3: the next important reasons to consume Acai Berry


9) HELPS REDUCE RISK OF CANCER
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can damage cellular DNA, a crucial step in the formation of cancer and tumor cells

10) RELIEVES INFLAMMATION
Several compounds found in these fruits, including beta-sitosterol and essential fatty acids, are powerful anti-flammatory agents. Chronic inflammation is linked to dozens of debilitating heath conditions.

11) IMPEDS NRS FREE RADICALS
Research suggests that OPCs from richly pigmented red-purple fruits, such as blueberries and grapes, may restrict certain oxidants including nitrogen-reactive species.

12) FIGHTS BACTERIA
The battle for health is at the molecular level. In all of these fruits and berries there are
protectants and astringents (from flavones, flavonoids, isoflavanoids) that kill bacteria.

13) FIGHTS VIRUSES
A virus is 1000 times smaller than a bacterium. It works by attacking anything - it can enter a cell and damage it completely. The virus actually fills the cell with itself. This leads to a host of debilitating and degenerative diseases.

14) PROVIDES ESSENTIAL OILS
Oils are an array of incredibly small particles that bind with other nutrients and transport them through membranes. Our bodies would not work without them. They not only transport, but contain phytochemicals themselves.

15) COMBATS EFFECTS OF DIABETES
Many constituents of these fruits may help the body regulate blood sugar and strengthen the pancreas.

16) STRENGTHENS VISION
Zeaxanthin and Lutein stregthen and protect the eye - inhibiting glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.

17) INCREASES MENTAL CLARITY
It is vastly important to get the proper nutrients in a transport system that allows the cells to receive and use them. The brain cell membranes are very protective (thankfully), but they are under an attack 24/7 and need strengthening.

Come back to read Part 3 which will contain the next important reasons to drink Acai Berry complex

The Benefits of the Acai Berry

Have you heard about the amazing berry that is being known around the world for being the most nutritious and powerful foods? It gives you the highest degree of anti-aging properties, disease fighting and antioxidant benefits. A superb food for nutrition, health and wellness.

The Acai Berry, pronounced ah-sigh-ee, is harvested in the rain forests of Brazil from a special amazon palm tree. Acai Berry has a unique taste of berry and chocolate. It looks like a purple marble or grape. Finding the Acai Berry in the form of juice may be difficult to find in your local supermarket, but your health food store should carry some form of the Acai Berry. You could always search the Internet for Acai Berry.

With permission from J.J. Oswald from the Health Journal, owned by Sound Concepts, I bring to you Part 1 of 3:

26 Reasons to Drink Acai Berry Complex

1) PROTECT CELLS
Acai Berry complex protects the body's cells from pathogens, antigens and carcinogens. The body recognizes these nutrients and adapts them to protect and strengthen the immune system.

2) SCAVENGES FOR FREE RADICALS
Antioxidants inhibit oxidative damage. "Scientists now believe the free radicals are causal factors in nearly every known disease, from heart disease to arthritis to cancer and cataracts. In fact, free radicals are a major culprit in the aging process itself". Lester Packer, PhD, The Antioxidant Miracle

3) STRENGTHENS CELL MEMBRANE
Allows blood/brain barrier transmission while strengthening cell membranes. All cell membranes need to protect against the unwanted entrance of pathogens.

4) BUILDS PROTEINS
The body needs to assimilate amino acids into protein (our cellular building blocks) and this juice delivers an array of amino acids.

5) RESTORES ANTIOXIDANT NUMBER
Many antioxidants become weakened or are destroyed (i.e., vitamins C and E) but powerful antioxidants repair and strengthen the whole antioxidant network

6) STRENGTHENS IMMUNE SYSTEM
The immune system is under attack~ it is overworked. Powerful free radical scavengers help strengthen the lymphocytes and leukocytes, helping the communication process, thereby helping the body rid itself of these pathogens.

7) ENHANCES CELLULAR COMMUNICATION
It is vital for cells to communicate properly. Healthy sugars and polysaccharides are essential.

8) HELPS REDUCE RISK OF CANCER
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can damage cellular DNA, a crucial step in the formation of cancer and tumor cells.

Come back to read Part 2 which will contain the next 9 important reasons to drink Acai Berry complex

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Inspirational Quote

While visiting the restuarant, Jekyll and Hyde in the village (New York), I noticed a quote written on the napkins. I loved it so much, I kept the napkin...


In each of us, two natures are at war -
the good and evil.

All our lives the fight goes on between them, and one of them must conquer.

BUT, in our own hands lie the power to choose-
what we want most to be...we are.

Lose Weight With Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii is a cactus like succulent plant. It grows in Southern Africa. The bushmen of the Kalahari Desert ate the stem of the Hoodia plant to starve off hunger during their long hunting trips.

You can lose weight with hoodia due to the active ingredient known as molecule P57. Researchers say this molecule acts on the brain similar to glucose. It tricks the brain into thinking you are full, as if you have just eaten. It also reduces interest in food and delays the time before you feel hungry again.

Taking Hoodia diet pills combined with a healthy diet and a regular exercise plan, can help you lose weight and keep it off. Hoodia has no side effects, considered to be all natural, not a drug. Hoodia is also non habit forming.

Discuss with your doctor before taking Hoodia if you have:
*diabetes
*heart disease or high blood pressure,
*a bleeding or blood clotting disorder,
*anorexia, bulimia or any other eating disorder,
*or if you are pregnant or nursing