Healthy Children Have Healthy Teeth

Tooth decay is one of the biggest health issues among children, accounting for over 51 million hours of school time lost every year. What’s more, poor dental health in youth can lead to chronic dental and other health problems.  Discomfort, difficulty chewing and the need for painful and expensive procedures can all be prevented. We just need to take good care of our children’s dental health now, and instill some happy dental memories for our children.

So the question is: How do we do this?
And the answer is:

An Attitude of Gratitude

Earthquake on Tuesday. Hurricane on Saturday. This week isn’t over yet. What’s next? 

While some of us may be thinking tsunami, especially due to the recent events in Japan, my head doesn’t go there. I’m thinking "personal me time" to take a break and recuperate. Sometimes the Universe and Mother Nature give us obvious messages that most of us totally miss: Slow down and reevaluate your priorities in life. 

Many of us have been going a million miles an hour, running from here to there

The Benefits of Bone Soup

In this age of veganism, the idea of eating animal meat is verboten. However, this is also an age of rising health problems, weakened immune systems and poor vitality. With this understanding, it is important to keep an open mind for unique health boosting methods.

As an integrative holistic practitioner, it is not unusual for me to meet clients who are quite brilliant in many diverse healing modalities; and as a result, they educate me to some esoteric health building technique. And recently, the concept of bone soup keeps coming up in conversation as an amazing restorative for the chronically ill and weakened patient.  

And being that I am quite talented in the kitchen, I decided to experiment with some homemade bone soup recipes; and I have come to a few conclusions.

1.    It tastes amazing.
2.    It’s easy to make.
3.    My family loves it.   
4.    My dog loves it.

Choosing a Holistic Dentist

Many years ago, when I first learned about the possible health hazards associated with mercury fillings, I went to a holistic dentist to have my mercury fillings removed. Not a big deal. Just a couple of fillings. And I certainly was educated enough to know that I wanted a dentist who knew how to do this with the proper safety protocol so that I would be protected when this toxic material was removed from my teeth.

So imagine my surprise when this “holistic” dentist told me that the only way she would replace my fillings was if I had all four of my wisdom teeth extracted and some major restorative work that would open my bite. Bear in mind, my asymptomatic wisdom teeth were fully erupted in my mouth and perfectly functional. I agree that some of my other teeth were a little bit worn (I like to eat), but certainly nothing that I would consider as a full mouth reconstruction case. So I remember sitting in the dental chair wondering how she could say this to me, a dental colleague, and expect me to accept this. She has got to be kidding!

The Health Rewards of Energy Healing: Reiki

Although most people are skeptical of Energy Medicine, there is a real science to it. And it works.

The question most frequently asked is “How does it work?” Reasonable enough. I too am a person of science, so I need an explanation. Well, here’s the scoop.

We have all heard about the Energy Field – that invisible science phenomenon that most of us can’t see and know nothing about. Energy Healing is based on the premise that we are more than our physical bodies. We also have an energy body made up of our aura, chakras (energy centers) and meridians (energy pathways).

Body Brushing: A Daily Habit Like Tooth Brushing

Dry skin brushing is one of the healthiest self-help methods available to us today. The best part is that it takes seconds to do, can be done in the comfort of your own home, and is painless and cost free.

Variationsof skin brushing have been practiced for thousands of years. For many centuries, the Japanese employed vigorous skin brushing with loofah sponges as a prelude to their traditional hot bath. Prior to bathing (following a hard training session or physical competition), ancient Greek athletes used strigiles --specialized, spoon-like skin scrapers to remove the grime of exertion, and to encourage circulation. Among the American Indians, skin brushing with dried corn cobs to enhance skin beauty and durability was once a traditional practice. Others scrubbed their skin using sand from river bottoms. Presently, Gua Sha is a variation of skin brushing and is practiced in Chinese Acupuncture.


So why is this technique so enduring? Bottom line: it works!

Radiation everywhere. Vacations included.

I had everything planned.  A simple relaxing one week vacation on a cruise ship, lots of options for a detoxing week (access to the gym, sauna, steam room, swimming pools, and whirlpool), meditation  in solitude on a quiet spot on the ship’s deck, options of health building food, evening entertainment and quiet restorative sleep in my cabin.  And the best part about this was that the ship was leaving right here from NYC. There would be no hassle of airports and everything that goes with it.

Nope. It wasn’t meant to be. 

The cabin that I was assigned had a heavy smell of cigarette smoke. Hoping to get a change of cabin assignment, I immediately went to the Purser’s desk to see what could be done.  No change was possible at this time, but they would “freshen up’ the room.  They assured me that if there was a problem later; they would change rooms for me then. 

I was doubtful that this “freshening up” would do the trick, but the woman assured me  that it would.

Surprise. Two hours later, my room had not an iota of cigarette smoke, but now smelled chlorine bleach fresh, like a swimming pool.  Not perfect, but definitely endurable. Or so I thought.

After about an hour in the room, both my husband and I  had burning throats, burning eyes, and a bit of coughing to deal with. Actually it was so bad that my husband actually coughed up blood.

Further speaking with the Purser’s desk people revealed that there were now no cabins to switch to for the duration of the cruise, and that I should have said something at the beginning before they set sail. I thought I already did this part. Obviously short term memory is not their forte.

This now left us with 2 options. Either sleep on the deck or get off at the first stop. We opted for the 2^nd choice.

While aborting a 7-day vacation on a cruise ship is not an easy choice, for us it was the only choice. We made the most of the remaining week after we disembarked, finding lodgings and relaxation as a last minute plan. One thing I know for sure, there are no great bargains to be had when you are booking everything last minute, including the airline tickets.