Choosing Who Takes Care Of You

Choosing Who Takes Care Of You!

 

Most people don't think of this but after my experience it's the first thing that comes to my mind. When picking a health care professional most of us look to creditials. Where did they graduate from? What school? What is their experience? Do they take insurance? Do they take my insurance? Those things are important. But have you ever thought about this.....how do they take care of themselves? In fact, I would go as far to say that this is the most important question. After all, how can they take care of me if they can't or don't take care of themselves? My next most important question is how do they treat their co-workers? If they don't treat their colleagues with respect they will certainly not treat me with respect.

People will argue with me that the health care's personal life has absolutely nothing to do with how they are able to perform their job. That even if they treat their staff with total indifference they can still be a great health care professional. I beg to differ. And here is my example.

Scenario 1: Let's look at how our first Healthcare Professional would feel in the following scenerio.  He is having a sleepless night. The stress of work has gotten to him.  He tosses and turns all night. Finally, after hours of frustration, he gives in to a sleeping pill. He awakens in the morning only to find that the insomnia he suffered combined with the sleeping pill has made him sluggish. He reaches for a large coffee with cream and sugar. He is hoping to wake up. After all he has to go to work.  With no time for food since he was slow to get out of bed, he runs out the door with an empty stomach. On the way he hits traffic. He is strung out on sugar and caffeine. The driver in back of him is tailgating and he feels his blood pressure begin to rise. The car passes him but not before the other driver gives him "the finger". His blood pressure rises more and he flips them back. Upon arrival to work he finds himself thirsty but he has no time to grab water. His first patient is waiting in the exam room. He decides to nurse the rest of the cold coffee he brought with him. His day begins and at around 10 am he finds his energy level is dropping. He snaps at his co-worker to get him some more coffee. Offended the co-worker pretty much throws him his mug. It isn't even 11 am. He is running on no sleep, two cups of coffee, is completely dehydrated and has remnants of a sleeping pill in his body. This is the healthcare professional you have waited 2 months to see. He is going to examine you and try to diagnose your problem. This is the professional who is the "expert" in the field. How would you feel knowing this is how he started his day?


Scenario 2: She meditates each night before going to bed at 10 pm. She has a big day tomorrow and wants to insure rest. She wakes up at 4:30 am to do yoga stretches for 15 minutes. She then takes her dogs for a 1 hour walk. Upon her return she tends to her garden. She picks freshly grown greens to juice. After her green drink she meditates for 45 minutes. She then eats a light breakfast of greens and beans. She slowly sips her green tea as she watches the sun rise. She rides her bike to her office. Upon arrival she greets her co-workers with a smile and a pitcher of her fresh green juice. She enters her office to prepare for her first patient. She takes 15 minutes to breathe, look over some outstanding work and clears her mind. She is ready to start her day with the intention of writing no prescriptions for medication but rather to help heal her patients.


Who would you rather have care for you? Do you see why this matters? Anger makes people stupid. Pain makes people angry. If we are being treated by people who are angry and in pain and ill themselves how can we heal. If the healthcare professionals are they themselves ill how can they ever heal us. Next time you go to see a healthcare professional look around. Look into their eyes. Notice how they treat the staff. Notice how they greet you. Notice if they breath and finally...ask them what they had for breakfast. It matters.


Note: Scenario two is based on a real life physician who does this every day!

Breaking the Chain

     Maybe you've noticed the enormous amount of chain stores that have popped up in your town. Towns are beginning to look more and more alike. I just took a 4 hour drive to visit my daughter at college. We stopped along the way. I swear I was still in my hometown. The plaza looked exactly like ours. Obviously we, Americans, are taking the bait. Otherwise, the companies wouldn't open up in every town along the I95. This morning I'm taking a moment to write about what sells in my home town, which I assume is like many towns in the U.S. Let's take a drive down Main Street, USA.

What is the first thing many Americans do in the morning? The reach for their coffee. They go buy it at a Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts or some other chain coffee shop. Did you know that there are about 11,000 Starbucks in the U.S? There are over 5800 Dunkin Donuts in the U.S.. The average American consumes over 3 cups of coffee a day. Can anyone say "addiction"? Not to mention the sugary food that they buy along with the coffee. Can anyone say "another addiction"? This is how over 50% of the US population start their day. High on caffeine and sugar.  From here it is all downhill. How can we make smart choices when we start the day in a sugar induced caffeine driven brain fog?

Where there used to be small family owned businesses there are now large corporately own Drug stores. There are more than 10,000 Walgreens in the U.S.. CVS and Rite-aid are not far behind. Why are there so many drug stores? Because we are on so many drugs. Nancy Reagan's campaign "Just say no" to drugs is long forgotten. Now we can't say no to drugs. If we do we are looked at as "granola", "alternative" or "risky". We wash our drugs down with our coffee (caffeine =drug) and follow that with a sweet treat (drug). This is how we begin to lose the ability to think clearly about our choices. From here on in we are lulled in by sexy ad campaigns and flashy marketing. All reasoning flies out the window.

As we head down Main Street it is hard not to notice the ridiculous amount of cell phone stores. Verizon, Sprint and At&t are just a few. There must be 10 in my town alone. We CAN'T live without our cell phone (addiction).  In fact, more and more of us have more than one cellular device. Holy crap! Land lines are a thing of the past. Many people don't even have home phone lines. And if you try someone's home phone number no one will answer. I guess if you want to reach a person they can't be home.  Some of us remember the days when we couldn't see who was calling. We can screen our calls to see if we want to "deal" with whomever is trying to reach us. Can anyone say avoidance? Sometimes I wonder if we have cell phones so we can keep track of who we are avoiding. This can't be healthy? I am not suggesting to get rid of our cell phones but perhaps we should be more aware of just how we are using them. Are we using them to communicate or to avoid communicating? I hear stories of people breaking up with people or getting fired via txt message. Really? This is NOT communicating. I guess we have so many cell phone stores because we have a lot of people we want to avoid!

As we travel along the street we find McDonald's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut. Aren't these all owned by the same company. The look alike. They smell alike. They sell similar food-like substances. I know it is cheap. I feel like it is the same crappy food in a different colored container. And yet, Americans can't get enough of it because there is at least one of these chain stores in almost every town. One year ago there were 13,381 McDonald's in the US alone. There are over 32,000 locations internationally! There are 6000 Pizza Huts. Burger King has 7233 stores. The biggest fast food chain in the US is Subway with a whopping 23,336 locations in the U.S. That's a lot of meat. To make matters worse, these fast food chains tell us how we feel and what we want. McDonald's tells us "I'm lovin' it!" Pizza Hut says "It's your hut!" Burger King is still "Have it your way".  KFC changed to just abbreviated letters because of the word "Fried" in their name. And who can ignore "America runs on Dunkin'"!

Finally, as I head down the street I see a bunch of corporate gas stations. Each trying to be a penny less than the other. But now gas stations don't just sell us gas. They want to sell us Mega-Soda and Old-fashioned hot dogs. They sell Krispy Kreme donuts, some sell Dunkin Donuts.  I wonder if that counts towards their over 5800 stores.  You can also get COFFEE-Gourmet Coffee in a gas station. You can even buy a cellular device and rent dvd's. Hmmm...I wonder if the gas station realizes that the more stuff they offer the less I have to drive. Then the less gas I need.

How can we be healthy when we are given so many 'chances' to make ourselves sick? It all starts first thing in the morning. Waking up to use drugs to get us going is a big red flag. Then we avoid uncomfortable situations with other people. Finally, big fast food companies, chose our food. What is a person to do if you live in a town with Main Street, USA and you want to be healthier?

I don't have any easy answers. I can only account for myself. I can make the best possible choices for myself and my family. I will say that if I can avoid big chain stores, I do. I try to patronize small family owned businesses whenever I can. Of course, the cell phone thing is impossible. I try to txt when I really don't need to communicate any important feelings. I grab a green drink in the morning at my friendly neighborhood natural foods store. I try to start my day with healthy choices so that I can make smart food choices and smart relationship choices for the rest of the day.  It is the best way for me to insure I have a sharper brain and I am able to deal with uncomfortable situations better. Then I know that I'm am really lovin' it, I had it my way and I'm runnin' on what ever I decide to run on!

Blessings all!

Why I Got Vulvodynia..

I was leading what I thought was a healthy life. I was into working out. I had watched my weight. I was in pretty decent physical condition. When the Vulvodynia hit I thought it came out of nowhere. Looking back now I see it was staring me right in the face.

When I turned 40 I developed bad acid reflux. Being a Pilates instructor, I was feeling it all day because I was exercising lying down a lot. Of course, I did what we are told to do-go see your doctor. My doctor gave me a month prescription for Nexium. He told me it should work and I should be healed in a month. No such luck. One month later, it was back. The doctor sent me to a gastro doctor. The gastro dr.  put me on Nexium for 4 months. I was better until I finished the prescription. Meanwhile, I had developed a yeast infection. The first one in 7 years. I went to the gynecologist. He put me on Diflucan. The gastro doctor suggested I have a scope procedure to make sure my esophagus looked ok. It did. He put me back on Nexium. The yeast infection seemed to still be lingering. I went to multiple doctors for help. They all said there was no yeast. But I felt burning, stinging and sometimes itching. I was in constant uncomfortable pain. Life as I knew it was gone. Each doctor kept trying different creams or pills. Nothing worked. Why does all this matter?

I NEVER stopped to put this all together. I forgot that I was one body. I was treating myself part by part. No doctor ever mentioned the acid reflux when I was at a gyno or the yeast when I was at the gastro. I wrote it down on many in take forms but no one connected any dots. Not even me.

Looking back really is 20/20. Now I see why I got Vulvodynia. The Nexium masked the acid reflux. I believe I had yeast overgrowth that caused the acid reflux. By masking the symptoms the yeast continued to grow. Yeast love warm moist places. The vaginal canal makes a perfect hide-a-way for this annoying fungus. The candida overgrowth depleted my body of essential minerals and vitamins. My body was extremely acidic from: the candida itself, the Nexium, all the anti-fungul meds, the diet I was eating, the over exercising I was indulging in, the stress of life and just by the body's processes. With this acidic overload and lack of neutralizing minerals I was getting burned from the inside out.

Now that I am healed, I never take my body for granted. I try to respect it. Sure, I cheat from time to time. But now I try to provide the proper nutrients so my body can handle the occasional cheat, the vacations and the bi-weekly chocolate craving. I found my way out of this mess by climbing out of a pill bottle and into my grocers produce aisle. It's cheaper, safer and a whole lot more enjoyable.

The Moment Of Truth

Healing

“STOP focusing on your disease, and START focusing on Creating Powerful Health! Your disease is not a curse, it is a GIFT, a BLESSING, It is what brought you to this new beginning of the greatest adventure in your life, to discover and create a new life, a much better life, and to Create a NEW YOU!”-Dr. Richard Schulze

 Recently I was confronted with a horrible illness. It truly wiped me out. I was in so much pain and fatigue I could barely function. The pain was unlike anything my body had experienced. I resorted to serious pain killers. I took one dose. That is all I needed. It gave me the clarity to see what it was I had to do.

I am so thankful for having this experience. I changed again. I honored myself and loved myself up for a month. How amazing is that? I can honestly say it was necessary. 

I believe anyone can heal themselves when they STOP doing the very thing that is making them sick. Ahhh, that is challenging but amazing too.

Yeasty Beasty Wars....

I have suffered from my share of yeast infections! As anyone can tell you they are no fun! I have also done the knee jerk reaction to yeast infections. I either gotten a prescription from my Gyno or run into the drug store and tried the OTC (over-the-counter) creams. Problem was that my last yeast infection did not respond to these drugs. I thought I was getting better only to find myself with the same re-curing infection.

This can be a sign of a more serious condition-namely diabetes.  Of course, you will want to see your doctor to rule any serious illness out. I don't have diabetes. You will also want to go to the doctor to confirm your diagnosis. There are other infection that mimic yeast.

I had to find another way. I did some Internet research and discovered that DIET plays a huge role in the overgrowth of yeast specifically sugar.  I reluctantly took out as much sugar as I could. I immediately started to feel relief. I also noticed that when I ate fruit there was a flare in my symptoms. I took at fruit.

I also read about the benefits of yogurt.  I started eating 2 serving of plain non-fat yogurt a day. I didn't see any increased benefit. In fact, I got terribly constipated. There are also some testimonials online of women who use yogurt vaginally. I took a tampon applicator, removed the actual tampon and filled the applicator with plain yogurt. Then I inserted and wow!!! Loads of relief. Messy-yes-but I didn't care.

So between my new low sugar fruit free diet and yogurt injections I was able to find a lot of relief. I also started juicing vegetables. This really accelerated my healing. Finally I found some amazing herbal remedies that seemed to help. They were Pau D'arco and Oregano Oil.

One word of caution, I had to try eat new treatment separately for at least 3 days. Otherwise, the waters get too muddy and I couldn't tell what was helping and what was hurting.

I also must add that I noticed when I ate FERMENTED foods I had a flare in my symptoms too. So I got rid of those too. Please note that there are many people who have healed from using fermented foods. That shows that we are all different. It is vital to take stock of your dietary intake. Note how you feel after you consume foods. If you flare your symptoms it may be best to stay away from the offending food. Yogurt is fermented which is why my body doesn't like it!

Some medicines are highly effective at attacking and killing yeast, at least temporarily. Diflucan and Nystatin are two popular drugs. Diflucan can be hard on the liver. Studies show that 1 out of 100 people taking Diflucan suffer liver damage. It also kills all candida which does not do much for BALANCING the intestinal flora. This leads to that same imbalance that give people an infection in the first place. So if poor diet (high sugar and carbs) and stress don't change the infection can come back. Nystatin is safer because it is poorly absorbed in the digestive tract. This however, makes it less effective for stubborn yeast in the intestines. Again, symptoms may be relieved but without significant lifestyle change, they can come back. Some people find these drugs to be extremely helpful. I am not addressing those people. I am speaking to those who have struggled with recurrent infections OR those looking for a natural way to heal.

There is several other causes of yeast infections. They are anti-biotic use, contraceptive use, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotic in our food supply. So before you run to get drugs or eat meat/fowl consider what effect it can have on your overall systemic balance.

Finally, the use of pro biotics has been shown to help the digestive tract. Having at least one bowel movement a day has been incredibly helpful in healing my yeast overgrowth. Constipation is often a symptom of yeast overgrowth. Pro biotics can help repopulate the intestines. It must be noted that controlling the yeast overgrowth needs to happen simultaneously with the pro biotic therapy. Check out the research being done on probiotic usage for many conditions. It's really promising stuff!

My hard work and lifestyle change has paid off. It has been almost 4 years since my last yeast infection. I did take Diflucan for a month 4 years ago. I found it helpful but I was still experience symptoms of a Candida overgrowth. I am not perfect and I must still be attentive to my diet, take my herbs and juice my greens. When I cheat the yeastie beasties flare up a bit. I go back to a regimen for a few days and I find relief.

None of this information is meant to take the place of a doctor or Naturopath. You must first get properly diagnosed. This is an account of my experience and my research. We are all different and we digest  differently. Just know that if you are challenged by yeast you are not alone. It is estimated that 40 million people suffer from Candida Overgrowth.

Coffee Conspiracy

Coffee could have killed me. Seriously, I was drinking two large coffees a day. Usually decaf which we all know still contains caffeine. Needless to say it took a while for me to see it. I mean coffee is all over the place. People walk around holding various name brand disposable cups of it. It is  part of the morning routine only to be trumped by brushing your teeth. How many times have you heard or said "It's too early to talk about that. Wait until I have my coffee"? That was me. 


I was all set to write this blog on various biased research studies. I was going to use coffee as an example. I thought I could easily find research that supported both sides of the coffee argument. Is it good for you or is it bad for you? Well, guess what, I had no problem finding studies that report on the positive effects of coffee consumption.  But finding a study that speaks negatively on the effects of coffee-no where! Maybe if you are drinking 4 cups a day you might find  some research for negative effects, but most of those reported minor side effects. I was shocked. Really? I had to be drinking 4 cups a day before I started feeling badly?  Well, I only drank 2 cups and I was feeling pretty crappy but research suggest it isn't the coffee. I did find a study that stated coffee could KILL you....if you used it as an enema. 


According to studies I found out coffee can do amazing things for us. It can prevent various cancers, specifically liver and colon. It can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease, is rich in antioxidants, aids in weight loss and it can help with type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels. Wow! That coffee is pretty amazing stuff! I was still feeling crappy!


I didn't suspect that coffee was part of the problem because the media and science supported my addiction. Yes, I am going to say it was an addiction. It was a socially acceptable addiction. Studies can prove it is good for me even though the my body was saying something different. I believed the studies rather than my own body. 

Because of this distorted take on coffee it took me a long time to realize that coffee played role in 

my illness. I are walking around in a coffee cloud. Floating on half and half,  high on

sugar (or Nutra-Sweet). Everything is hunky dory in coffeeland. In fact, it was 

apparently helping me concentrate. Maybe I was concentrating on all my ailments and that 

was the problem!

When I quit coffee I started to feel better, sleep better, taste better. In fact, my mood was better, my skin was better and my hair was better. I made other major changes in my overall diet too. But this was a big one. This was the one that made the biggest difference.


I am now part of a minority of non-coffee drinkers. It feels strange being an outcast.  I feel left out. I do like to be part of the in crowd. It gets easier as time goes by. I can now walk by a Dunkin' Donuts and not wimper. I can pass by a Gloria's Coffee Beans and not long for a large decaf, light with half & half.  Now I would rather feel good than be intravenously feeding myself coffee from Starbucks and setting my insides on fire. Even though the science doesn't back up my findings I can safely say coffee is dangerous.......for me!

Ice Over Advil (and Tylenol too!)

I am a wimp when it comes to drugs whether recreational, over-the-counter or prescription. I've never liked the thought of being "chemically controlled". That is just me. That hasn't stopped me however, from jumping on the pain KILLER band-wagon. I became a robot of sorts. I would just pop an Advil when ever I got a headache, muscle soreness or menstrual cramps. After all why suffer? That seems to be an important question....why suffer? Since my recovery from Vulvodynia, acid reflux, high blood pressure and aching joints, I now know why it's important to suffer, at least a little.

Pain is  red flag. It is a warning that something is not right. By popping a pill, I was trying a quick fix. And that is like duct taping your muffler back onto your car. Not a cure but heck I could still run. I could still go about my day, eat the same food, think the same thoughts, abuse my body in several different unconscientious ways and not feel a thing.....until the next time. And the medication have to be filtered out of my body through my liver, which was already burdened by other stuff! Probably leading to...you guessed it....inflammation!

These past several years I have been aware of my pain KILLER intake, probably more than most. But a few months ago I made the choice to not take any pain KILLER medication for a year. At least I am going to try.

I really don't believe people need to suffer BUT there are alternative ways to address these red flags without doing extra harm to my body. By halting my use of pain KILLERS I have had to find some creative alternatives to help me deal with occasional pain. Here are a few:

1) ICE- I love it! It is the best thing ever! After a hard workout or a long day at the mall there is nothing like some ICE therapy for the feet, hips, knees, back whatever. I apply 20 minutes on and 20 off. It is cheap, fast and easy. You can use frozen peas for a really cheap version. I buy 2 bags and alternate. Just mark the bags with marker so you don't go to cook and eat them. YUCK!  You can freeze bottled water and roll it under your knee, hamstring or feet. You can ever buy special ice therapy molds and wraps. These are a bit pricier but convenient.

2) REST-When I have a headache, which is much less common these days, I take a break. I go into a dark place and lay down. Perhaps I sip some hot herbal tea. I listen to my breath. Sometimes I even fall asleep. Nine times out of ten it works.

3) Traumeel- Old habits die hard so for those pill popping people Traumeel is awesome. It is a homeopathic tablet (or liquid or cream) that works to calm inflammation. For me it works wonders. Not so much for my husband. I say it is worth a shot. Still goes through the liver but not nearly as harsh.

4) Veggie Juice-I am fortunate to have a juicer. I often find that by juicing fresh veggies, especially green leafy veggies, I can replenish minerals, vitamins and enzymes. This can be helpful for inflammation.

Taking pain killers comes with a heavy price, financially and physically. In two separate articles the effect they have on liver can not be ignored. Advil, especially when consumed with alcohol can be extremely damaging for the liver. Here is a scary fact: Acetaminophen is the NUMBER ONE Cause of liver disease.  So check with your physician about dosage and any existing conditions before you start popping the pills. The fact that they are called pain KILLERS should speak for itself!!!!


The above blog is in no way intended as medical advice. Please seek the advice of a medical professional for your own personal needs.

Be Warned-Side Effects Ahead

I was inspired to write about side effects from a recent article by Dr. Mark Hyman regarding statin drugs. In the article he writes that, on top of many negative side effects, statin drugs have be shown to increase the levels of blood insulin. This increases a persons risk for diabetes. He writes about how lowering a persons cholesterol with lifestyle change also lowers blood insulin. I began to realize that we need to look at the side effects of a plant based diet. Here goes:

Blood insulin lowers,

cholesterol decreases

blood thins

inflammation resolves

eyesight improves

pulse rate slows

weight normalizes

sleep improves

skin gets clearer

nail and hair more shiny

breathing improves

snoring stops

brain gets clearer

mood becomes stable

hormones realign

no or less PMS symptoms

bowel movements regulate

teeth get stronger

breathe gets pleasant

less excess mucous throughout the body

sex drive increases

sex gets better and more intense

headaches reduce

ear ringing stops

liver functions better

exercise performance peaks

energy goes up

mood improves

you become nicer!

This is just a partial list of the SIDE EFFECTS from a plant based diet. Perhaps if when given the options between drugs and lifestyle change people could see the two different lists, the medication and lifestyle change.  Then maybe they would stay clear of the meds and change their lifestyle. If they change their lifestyle...they change their life! There are almost no negative SIDE EFFECTS from eating a plant based diet.

A report came out yesterday that American women are in worse health then ever. Something needs to be done. Well, I've done my part. The above list are the side effects of eating well. You have been warned.

The Handbook In Your Heart

What would you do for your child? Let me rephrase that...what wouldn't you do? Would you make sure that they were safe and protected? Would you do anything to keep them from harm? Would you "take a bullet" for them? That has always been how I have felt. I will keep them safe and unharmed..... until the go off to college. Then they need to take over the controls. I am not talking about being a "helicopter parent"- one of those parents who hover over their child. But since my almost 18 year old was an infant I have felt responsible for her health and emotional well being. Since I left the hospital 18 years ago and they apparently ran out of handbooks, I went with it. 

Now my daughter is leaving for college in September. The cut off point when I don't have to be the one to take her to the doctor, decide if she can stay home from school or if she needs medication. I won't be there to fight her battles. Legally, I don't have to do much for her anymore. I have read and heard about parents cutting the umbilical cord at a much earlier age but that never felt right to me. Did I do her a disservice, keeping her under my wings? Maybe. If I did what happens now that she will be on her own and free to make decisions that will most likely breed some mistakes. Hopefully, she has learned a thing or two from me.

Like trust your body. It is an amazing piece of machinery. Or eating your greens is vital to getting the proper nutrition. It's better to be happy and together than right and alone. And of course, wearing white before labor day is okay now. But here's what I really hope she has learned.

That as a mother, I have done my best.

That moving from a place of love rather than fear always feels right.

That even though it appeared I made mistakes whatever needed to happen happened.

That being a strong individual is a good thing. 

That caring for someone or something you love is never easy but always rewarding.

That if you listen to others instead of your true wisdom, you will be living in some else's dream.

That the handbook you follow is the one in your heart. 

As September draws closer and college awaits, I feel confident that she will be prepared to handle anything. She will fly now with her own wings and bind her own handbook in her heart. And of course, I will always be there if she needs me. It says so in my handbook.

A Poem-"Healing"

I was sick 

and then I got better

and it wasn't because a change in the weather

IT WAS A CHANGE IN ME

 Fear

That maybe doctors don't know everything

that maybe there is no drug that can cure me

That maybe there isn't a G-d!

I was sick

and then I got better

and it had nothing to do with anything anyone did-EXCEPT ME!

I was sick because I lived sick.

I ate sick.

I ate pain.

I ate stress.

And my body didn't like it and she fought back.

I took the pills-those little magic capsules of chemical created promises that did nothing!

I did physical therapy until my muscles cried "Stop it already and look deeper"!

I was sick-really sick and then

I GOT BETTER!

I stopped listening to him and started listening to her, my body. My Temple. My holiest of holies. 

And I began to worship the body I was given so my soul could heal.

I took amazing care of my temple and made a sacred promise:

No I will never poison you again.

No I will never deny you perfect nourishment.

No I will never compromise your well being in order to please someone else.

YES to life

YES to love

Yes to Me.

Laura Lehrhaupt 7/12/10

Why the oil spill is my fault...

This morning I saw pictures of the birds that are drenched with oil from the gulf spill. My heart aches and I feel sick. While it easy to blame people in this disaster it is less easy to see how I played a part in this whole mess. So as painful as this is, here is my admission.......

I drive....alot. I want cheap gas. I complained when gas was over $4.00. I have been on my share of planes this year and I have a boat (more like a large tub but it still uses gas). I consume much to much and I admit it. I am stuck in a vicious cycle. I need to drive because I need to get places because I need to get things that make me drive! Now that I am locked in this terrible ball of yuck I can't get out. Like the birds, I am drowning in brown slimy shit and I feel a heaviness on my shoulders.

Sure some people may say "Stop driving as much, buy less, and slow down." That is too simple. I am way in here...up to my knees and that seems unlikely. What needs to happen?

First, I need to stop burying my head in the sand. I need to know that people risk their lives, lost their lives so I can have this American life. I need to understand that if companies are drilling too deep to plug up the well in an emergency they are digging too deep. Like am too deep in this oil dependent life, the well is so powerful, so deep, cutting it off seems close to impossible. I need to try to need less.

Second, I will explore other energy options. I need to look for ways to cut down my consumption because the government isn't exactly likely to show me ways. I will teach my children how we can have an impact, as small as it may be.

And finally, I need to pray. I believe in prayer. I believe in G-d. And I believe that we are all connected and BP's mistake is our mistake. So while I am angry and sad, I first have to admit that I contributed to the greed that caused this problem. The good news is that if I did it, I can start to undo it. I hope you will too.

The Vet, My Dogs And Compassion

Recently I took my rescue dog to the vet. Snickers had worms. Lots of white nasty worms. The worms were persistant and Snickers was having loads of poop accidents in the kitchen. I took him back to the Vet unannounced and they were so kind to my pup. Actually, to both of my dogs. The technician gave love, showed concern and spoke softly to my dog. Like she really cared because she did. I felt such a sense of comfort and relief. After all taking in another dog hasn't been an easy adjustment for us. I can see why someone kicked Snickers out.

So far, he has chewed 2 expensive harness collars, eaten the trim in the kitchen, eaten my son's sneakers and my daughter's favorite flip flops. He sheds like crazy and well, you know about the pooping problem. The other day he lifted his leg up on the living room sofa that I inherited from my merticulous deceased grandmother. Oy! She must be having a fit in heaven. She always loved Judge Judy's book "Don't Pee On My Leg And Tell Me It's Raining". Well, how about your sofa? It isn't a mystery why Snickers was homeless.

On the other hand, he is so loving. He actually gives hugs. I have never had a dog that gives you a hug. It feels great. It is easy for me to forgive his past offenses. And whatever future ones I have yet to experience:(

Anyway, I am still a newbie to the dog world. We've had Tootsie for 3 years, which is the longest I have ever had a dog. It's interesting to me how "we", dog owners, talk to one another as if we are talking about a child. These dogs are like my children. That is why when Snickers got the white paw treatment at the vet, I was in awe of the obvious compassion the staff had for him. Which got me thinking....why don't humans treat eachother like that? Why don't I feel the "compassion" at the pediatrician, the dentist, teachers, guidance counselors? People who help us take care of ourselves would best serve us by being kind, loving and compassionate. Sometimes I get that. Sometimes the compassion train has long pulled out of the station. I am not complaining. I am just observing. And noting that I will make sure to surround myself and my family (yes the dogs,too) with loving, kind and compassionate people. It's that or next time anyone in my family needs care I am going to my vet!

Me and Tootsie

 The camera phone freaks out Snickers....he definitely has baggage but I love him!!!! So no picture of him yet.

Lost-The End

I watched the series finale of Lost last night with half the nation and need to comment on my take of the ending. First, I got hours of enjoyment from the show so I feel like bashing the ending would seem....spoiled and entitled. After all, they gave me so many great episodes, how can I complain? The show takes tons to produce. And I am talking all the behind the scenes stuff. The cast & crew totaled over 400 people!

That said, I am may be a bit unsatified from the last episode with regards to the storyline. Sure, I could be annoyed that for the life of me I don't get the black smoke monster, the cork holding in the light, when babies can't be born on the island except Claire's, how did a polar bear get on the Island, who dropped them food in season 1, what significance does the song "Downtown" have with relation to Desmond, was Mr. Whitmore good or bad, how did the time travel thing work, why is Walt so special, what was the Dharma initiative about anyway, How come the beautiful eye-liner guy wasn't in the church (was he, did I miss him?), Why didn't Danial Faraday have to go into the church....????? I have many more.

I would rather point out that the show, with all it's crazy symbols, some real some smoke and mirrors, was about relationships. About taking your life and sharing it with someone.  Not to be perfect but to have relationships, healthy ones, with the people whom you feel a connection. The connection you have between people is not a tangible. It's an energy. A vibration that can only be felt intimately between each other. It is precious and may be a short lived relationship. None the less it is one that makes each of you a better person. Together you are more than the sum of your parts. This is what Lost was about. Relationships that we should hold sacred and close. Never forgetting that in a instant things can change. Shifts happen and poof...the person can be gone. But that energy, that connection will always be there. And being aware of it will lead to gratitude. Once we are grateful we can't be spoiled.

So sure I got tons of questions for the writers of Lost. But for myself, I got a lot of answers. Thanks for your message. I got it loud and clear. No Man/Women Is An Island.

My Boobs

I have been thinking about my boobs lately. How I have often critisized them and loathed them. What did they ever do to me? Well, they have given me hours of pleasure, nourished all three of my children and been the object of my husbands affection. So what gives?

I'll tell you what gives. Heidi Montag, Pamala Anderson & loads of other women who inflate their breasts with fake body parts. They look like human floats and men seem to LIKE it! It's bad enough I am not perfect but now I can't even measure up to these sex symbols. Literally! I am not ever going to be a E or F bra cup. I don't want to and well...it ain't gonna happen. How the definition of sexy has changes since I was a teen. When I was a teenager this was the sex symbol:












Or this:

or this:

or this:

Now we have this:

or this:

Or this:

No wonder I have been thinking about my boobs. I have boobs in my face all over the place. Today I vow to love my small, perfectly imperfect, slightly sagging but still youthful in a way, breasts! If you love your NATURAL breasts I want to hear about it. Oh and if you love your implants.....I don't:(

Coconut Oil Oh Yea!!!

I am extremely careful about what I put on my vulva. I see all these crazy creams and I get really nervous. Don't get me wrong,  I understand that some women are looking for the "WoW" factor-a real rush. I would recommend trying the cream on another part of you body before you put it south of the border. The inside of your forearm will do. If the cream is "edible" you can try it on the inside of your cheek since the tissue there is much like your vulva. But I have a better option. A secret that I am only too "excited" to share with you.....

Organic Coconut Oil!-It is all natural, edible, anti-fungal. It's good for your hair, your stir-fry and any place on your body where there is dry skin. And it is economical. It is a great lubricant without any side effects*. You can bake with it too. It isn't greasy at all and smells like coconut, which is quite pleasant.

So before you run to the drugstore to get one of those fancy tickle-your-fancy lotions, give coconut oil a try. It is found in the organic section of most supermarkets and in health food stores.  I am pretty sure you will be satisfied.



*unless you have a coconut allergy

How Well Do You Know Your Vagina?

I found this great article on the Dr. Oz website. Seriously, pay close attention to your VJJ. She gives you messages and can help you to stay balanced. Enjoy!    Click Here For The Article

New Year New Hope

It's been a little over 3 years since I started to heal myself. The journey has been an interesting one to say the least. Today I feel I can say I am 100% healed. I do not suffer from Vulvodynia anymore. I want to share something I have learned about the mind/body connection.

Today, I can turn off the switch that would start the Vulvodynia. I have figured it out. Here's an analogy: Have you ever walked into a darkened bathroom that your not too familiar with and carelessly flopped around for the light switch. You have to urinate so badly so you keep reaching for the switch. Perhaps you reach to the right and fumble around a bit only to find that there is no switch. But you HAVE to go and there is no way you are walking away from that bathroom. Ah ha! You think to yourself. I haven't gone to the left. So you reach around to the left and after a moment or two find the switch. You are then able to relieve your bladder. Now it's two days later and you find yourself in the same situation but this time you know the switch in on the left and you go there this time right away. Maybe you fumble a little but you've got it down. Okay, It's a week later and again you are in a hurry to go urinate. You find the bathroom, turn to the switch and in no time flat you are in like Flynn. This is the way I made the connection between my body and mind. I can turn off the switch even before I feel any burning. I have found the light.

If you want to find your light, look left, look right but don't turn around and walk away. You will never heal if you don't keep looking for the switch. It's there. Have faith!

Yeasty Matters...

Yeast overgrowth or candida is a huge problem for many people. Most of them don't even know it. They are usually treating the symptoms instead of getting to the crux of the matter. I feel strongly that candida plays a role in Vulvodynia. It is the underlying reason balance in the body is off. Here is why:

Candida is naturally found in your body. It is predominantly found in the digestive tract. When an overgrowth of candida occurs the whole system becomes unbalanced and upset. This is because the digestive tract is responsible for about 70% if your immune system. Think about it, the walls of your intestines are one cell thin so toxins and fungal by- product can leak right into your blood stream. Guess where your blood goes....to all your major organs. Do you see how this problem occurs? This yeasty breeding ground or "ground zero" as I like to call it is where the disease starts. In your intestines. A vaginal yeast infection is when the yeast have no more room to party in your gut so they travel down to the next warm, moist place....your vagina. If you have ever had a vaginal yeast infection it is no party.

With regards to Vulvodynia, you will need to heal the burning before you get to the candida. They go somewhat hand in hand, but you can't have a head on attack of the candida because the body is too weak to handle any anti-fungal drugs. The drugs often make the vulvodynia worse. If you need to know how to heal the Vulvodynia feel free to contact me for a free consultation!

If you suffer from chronic yeast infections without Vulvodynia, you can take an aggressive role in this battle. Of course, check with your doctor because chronic infections can be a sign of several illnesses. If you have ruled out the other illnesses. Then you can go for it. How you may ask? Through diet change. Think about it. If ground zero is your gut then you need to throw serious healing bombs down there. Yes, you can get a prescription for Diflucan, Nizoral etc and they may help for awhile but it is not getting to the real source. I followed the Candida diet. It is tough but it will balance the flora in your intestines. Then you can use the anti-fungals to support your efforts. But relying on the drugs is not always the answer.

Another great resource is a book called "The Yeast Connection" by Dr. Cook.  You can take Dr. Cook's yeast evaluation quiz to see if yeast might be your problem. There are many more symptoms, other than vaginal yeast, that are caused by candida. It can take months or even years to re-balance your body. But it will be worth it. Other symptoms can disappear. I used to have terrible heart burn, ocular migraine headaches, and high blood pressure. Now they are gone. I don't no prescription drugs for them either. Good health is in your grasp you just need to reach out and grab on. You need to take the center role in your health. No one can do it for you!

Be Well, Laura L

This Website provides users with the opportunity to obtain from information about Laura Lehrhaupt's personal experience with Vulvodynia. Be Well, Laura L is not a medical organization and we will not give you medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing contained on this Website should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. The information and reports generated by us should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician consultation, evaluation, or treatment nor as an endorsement of any Third Party Sellers products or services.

You are urged and advised to seek the advice of a physician before changing your present diet and lifestyle. The Website is not intended for use by those under the age of 18 (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction where you reside) pregnant women, or individuals with any type of serious health condition. Such individuals are strongly discouraged from using this website and are specifically warned to seek professional medical advice prior to initiating any form of treatment.

Vitamin D And Vaginal Health

There is a huge definciency of Vitamin D in this country and this is a problem. Why? Because Vitamin D is vital for the so much of the body's processes. Most of us know that Vitamin D is important for Calcium absorption but it is also important for immune function and reduction of inflammation. New research suggest that it plays a part in protecting us against cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Another recent study showed that women with deficient amounts of Vitamin D have a significant amount of more bacterial vaginosis. Check out this New York Times Article for more details.

What is important to note is that both inflammation and infection make Vulvodynia even more painful. Getting the appropriate amount of Vitamin D is not always easy for most of us in North America. It requires a daily session of 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight without sunscreen. This USA Today Article gives more specific sun time suggestions based on skin color.

If you believe you are not getting enougth Vitamin D (an estimated 80% of Americans are not) check with your doctor. There is a blood test that can determine if you are deficient. This is just one of the many healing actions you can take towards finding relief from Vulvodynia. It's a long road but you can heal. I did!