Thursday, June 28, 2012

WELLNESS THOUGHTS/LYME DISEASE


Worst Summer Yet for Lyme Disease? Do you live in an area 


with ticks?




The summer of 2012 may turn out to be the worst year ever for Lyme disease in the northeastern United States because of recent shifts in the acorn and white-footed mouse populations, even as researchers are making advances in the understanding and treatment of refractory cases.
Lyme disease results from the bite of a tick infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. It typically manifests at first with the expanding rash known as erythema migrans. Many patients then develop a severe flu-like illness, with muscle aches, fever, chills, and lethargy.
Some infected individuals go on to develop intermittent arthritis, usually of the large joints, that can require extensive antibiotic treatment. And in an unfortunate few, even after 3 months of oral and intravenous antibiotics, the arthritis can persist for years.








In the autumn of 2010, oak trees in the northeast had the most abundant crop of acorns seen in more than 20 years.

"Acorns are a highly nutritious food source for rodents, especially the white-footed mouse," said Richard S. Ostfeld, PhD, of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y.
In abundant acorn years, mice survive well through the winter on stored supplies and do not need to roam for food where they would be vulnerable to predators. The mice also breed early and often in those years, increasing their numbers significantly.
After the boom 2010 acorn autumn, the summer of 2011 had the highest population of white-footed mice seen in the Northeast in more than 20 years, Ostfeld explained. Those hordes of mice served as a favored food source when tick larvae hatched in August.
"That was a great thing for the ticks and a terrible thing for us," Ostfeld told MedPage Today.
Tick survival is much higher when their food source is mice than if they feed on raccoons, opossums, squirrels, or birds, which are able to remove ticks during grooming.
After a dormant winter, I. Scapularis larvae emerge between May and July, "and we're right in the middle of the highest risk season for tick bites right now, and there's a very high number of infected ticks," Ostfeld said.
If you live in an area where ticks are bad and you might have a problem with Lyme disease. On PubMed.com they discuss interferon having a potential to control Lyme Disease. Dr. Kojima, the world-renowned immunologist, co-discovered interferon in 1954. He then spent the next 40 years reviewing more than 200 natural compounds, searching for a natural interferon booster.The result of this research is the patented Japanese Kampo combination of M.A.C.H.(macrocyte activation Chinese herbs), made up of pumpkin seed extract, safflower extract,Asian plantainseed extract and Japanese honeysuckle flower extract. Each of these nutrients have been known to improve the efficiency of the immune system, but it took years of research to uncover the optimum combination that has produced the phenomenal results seen with Shaklee Nutriferon. This critical combination of pure nutrients increases the body's natural production of interferon! Nutriferon is a breakthrough , patented formula. This patented combination of ingredients is available only in Shaklee Nutriferon. It is suggested you  take Nutriferon in amounts ranging from 1 to 12 caplets per day for adults above the age of 12 years. 
Please Note: pregnant or nursing women should ask their healthcare provider before using Nutriferon. Also, Nutriferon requires mature cellular machinery to complete its action. This cellular level is usually achieved by puberty.
Everyday we breathe, eat, touch, and share millions of dangerous microbes that infest our surroundings. Unseen and unfelt, these substancs pose an undeniable health threat. Thankfully, we are not defenseless. Our body's built-in immune system protects us whenever possible. As a complex network, it provides us with multiple layers of defense. Still, everyday life can challenge immune function. Poor nutrition. Stress. Pollution. Fatigue. Ticks. Protect yourself every day and keep your immune system "ready to respond" with Nutriferon. It will help you build and keep a powerful immune system shield by increasing your own interferon so you can better defend against every day threats. 
How Nutriferon Works
  • Increases the production of your body's natural interferon
  • Optimizes your natural immune response process at the cellular level
  • Prepares your immune system to better handle invaders
  • Educates naive healthy cells about a present or potential danger in your body and helps activate a plan of action
  • Preliminary studies suggest that Nutriferon: 1. Calls the natural "killer cells" to action and, 2. Balances your immune response against environmental irritants and airborne pollutants
  1. Nutriferon is available only from Shaklee.
  2. Nutriferon is a powerful effective supplement which has exceeded a stringent set of scientific tests for safety, purity, potency, and clinical tests for performance.
For more information click here.


The main line of defense against Lyme disease remains tick avoidance.


Use repellents on shoes, socks, and pant legs, and do full-body tick checks anytime you've been in the woods or fields. 
In addition, be very aware of the flu-like symptoms. There's very little actual influenza in the summer months, so be sure to seek medical attention for symptoms such as fever and lethargy.
















If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email or call me. Until next time have a wonderful, healthy day!  Let me be your GPS to Optimal Wellness... Naturally!






Are you struggling with excess weight that won't come off no matter what you try?
Do you wish you could have more energy and less stress in your daily life?
Would you like to take charge of your health so you can feel as good as you did when you were younger?
Do you know what you should be doing to feel and look better but would like someone to support you and hold you accountable for making those changes?
I'm here to help! Working together with you, I will create a personalized program that will help you feel your best and reach your health goals.  I'll support you every step of the way to help you achieve lasting changes that will make you healthier and happier. 
Take the first step and schedule a complimentary ½ hour health breakthrough session to find out how an integrative approach to health can help you.




Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,



Lisa
LQ WELLNESS
Professional Wellness Coach
973-383-0955

"It's far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has."  ~ Hippocrates ~















Monday, June 25, 2012

MEATLESS MONDAY


One Step At a Time....
You Can Go Meatless One Day For All Three Meals


Power your life with plants for optimal wellness. That is what Sharon Palmer,R.D. encourages us to do in "The Plant Powered Diet: The Lifelong Eating Plan for Achieving Optimal Health, Beginning Today."She starts her book by highlighting the many benefits of a plant-based diet which include living longer, weighing less, having a healthy heart, protection from cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, a healthy immune system, and helping the planet, among other things. She also takes you on a journey through every plant group, from protein-rich plants to grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based fats. You will learn the nutrients each group provides,as well as the unique health benefits they offer.

In Palmer's book,she guides you as you shift from an animal-base diet to one that is more plant-based. She takes you to the grocery store and explores your cupboards and refrigerator to ensure your kitchen is well-stocked for a plant-based life. Unsure of what to look for at the farmer's market or what to order when eating out? Don't worry! You will receive tips to help you through those situations at the end of each chapter. For example, "Buy three new vegetables that you normally don't purchase and put them on the menu within the next two days," or "Try substituting a whole plant fat, such as nut butter or mashed avocado, in place of refined oils in a favorite recipe today."

The book includes 75 delicious recipes for plant-base appetizers, salads, entrees, breakfasts, desserts,and more. if you are thinking of cutting out or simply cutting back on animal-based protein, "The Plant Powered Diet" is the right book for you. Give it a try and I am sure Palmer will help you go meatless one day for all three meals.



Healthy Meatless Recipe: Black Bean and Zucchini 
Casserole  (adapted from The Vegetarian Family Cookbook )
Chilaquiles is a classic Southwestern casserole that layers soft corn tortillas with beans and cheese. The lively flavors make for a nice change-of-place main dish for an easy weeknight meal. Serves 8.
Ingredients


  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 28-ounce can crushed or pureed tomatoes
  • 1 small fresh hot chile pepper, seeded and minced,
    or one 4-ounce can chopped mild green chiles
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, or more, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 16- to 20-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 12 corn tortillas, torn or cut into several pieces
  • 8 ounces cheddar-style nondairy cheese (Daiya is great with this )

Directions



Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the green pepper and continue to sauté until it has softened and the onions are golden.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and seasonings, black beans, and zucchini. Bring to a simmer, then simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Layer as follows in a lightly oiled 9-by 13-inch or 2-quart round casserole: Half of the tortillas, half of the tomato-black bean mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then cut into squares or wedges to serve.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and seasonings, black beans, and zucchini. Bring to a simmer, then simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Layer as follows in a lightly oiled 9-by 13-inch or 2-quart round casserole: Half of the tortillas, half of the tomato-black bean mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then cut into squares or wedges to serve.
Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Healthy Weekly Motivator: Drink To Your Health

Decreased energy, headaches, and dizziness are all early symptoms of dehydration. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help you lose weight, improve the appearance of your skin, re-energize you, reduce the risk of serious health problems, and keep you performing at your best!

This week, make an effort to increase your water intake. Stop at every water fountain you encounter for a drink, always try to have a bottle of water in sight, enjoy a tall glass with every meal and avoid caffeine and alcohol. To jazz things up, you can always add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a splash of fruit juice.









Are you struggling with excess weight that won't come off no matter what you try?
Do you wish you could have more energy and less stress in your daily life?
Would you like to take charge of your health so you can feel as good as you did when you were younger?
Do you know what you should be doing to feel and look better but would like someone to support you and hold you accountable for making those changes?
I'm here to help! Working together with you, I will create a personalized program that will help you feel your best and reach your health goals.  I'll support you every step of the way to help you achieve lasting changes that will make you healthier and happier. 
Take the first step and schedule a complimentary ½ hour health breakthrough session to find out how an integrative approach to health can help you.



















Have a great week everyone and remember a better tomorrow starts with what you eat today!
Send me your favorite meatless recipe so we can share with all!    














Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,








Lisa
LQ WELLNESS
Professional Wellness Coach
973-383-0955

“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.”

                                                             
~Plato ~