Live Life Healed

Life Wellness

2010-03-04T11:11:00.001-08:00

“If you must love your neighbor as yourself, it is at least as fair to love yourself as your neighbor.”

~Nicholas de Chamfort

Self Esteem 101:

Pastoral Care is about inspiring and empowering us to love others AS we love ourselves. By investing in personal wellness, we then can offer and pour out great love to others.

To love ourselves is to love our royal divine selves. In loving ourselves we need to first understand to some degree how deeply and passionately we are loved by God, the Creator of the cosmos.

The knowledge of this love empowers us to consider what types of thoughts we think about ourselves and others, what types of habits we choose out of inferior self-perceptions that impact the divine gift within us.

Knowledge of God's love stirs us in the deepest places that yearn for completion. The world can not offer what is only in God, the replacements are nothing in comparison or hopelessness and death.

Even self-love is about being the highest "U" in community and service of others, that is Christ's example.

I've found along my own healing journey that if I don't prioritize keeping myself healthy, centered, well in my soul I will be ill-equipped to care for the least among me. The heart of who I am is to reach out to those hurting, on Christ's behalf.

Pastoral Care is a path with a knowledge and faith in God's ability to meet you right where you are. To share with you, both verbally and nonverbally, the wisdom and authority of His unending love and ability to heal the deepest parts of our aching souls.

My personal well life pastoral care:

>Quiet time in nature
>Prayer time set aside daily
>Time with my son
>Spa/health treatments
>Exercise
>Vitamins/supplements
(daily minimum: B12, Ginger Root, Apple Cider Vinegar, Omega 3)
***these are for my personal needs, seek medical advice for your own dietary needs
>Diet heavy in fruit and vegetables
>Monthly travel weekend
>Fun time with other women
>Treating myself as the queen I Am

Care 4 the Heart:

The American Institude of Stress (2010) asserts, "The relationship between stress, heart disease and sudden death has been recognized since antiquity. The incidence of heart attacks and sudden death have been shown to increase significantly following the acute stress of natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis and as a consequence of any severe stressor that evokes "fight or flight' responses. Coronary heart disease is also much more common in individuals subjected to chronic stress and recent research has focused on how to identify and prevent this growing problem, particularly with respect to job stress."

According to the CDC (2010):

>Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.
>Half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2006 were women.
>Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men across most racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
>For men and women by race this includes; African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and Whites. For Asian American women and men, heart disease is second only to cancer.

WebMD (2010) recommends the following methods to manage stress:

>Get O R G A N I Z E D
>Conscious positive attitude
>Exercise regularly
>Practice relaxation techniques
>Accept somethings are out of our control
>Eat healthy well-balanced meals
>Get enough rest and sleep, including power naps
>Make time to play
>Seek out empowering social relationships
>Learn to manage time more effectively
>Don't rely on outlets to reduce stress (i.e. alcohol, drugs, sex)
>Be assertive rather than aggressive(i.e. deal with angry, defensive, passive inner dispositions with forward moving positive A C T I O N).

Love is divine~!

Discover what loving yourself means by seeking it within and then go in peace offering love to others, this is the Way. (John 14:6)

With an Extended Hand,
Tiffany

LOVE Meditation

2010-01-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

“God is love.”

(1 Jn 4:8)

Hope your Day is inspiring Family,

During my sabbatical time I had time to be still and be reminded that faith is the core of our entire healing process.

Not faith in the methods of “healing” defined by the world’s physical system. Rather we are having faith in the power of Love attached to the invisible Kingdom system to heal us in the places that no doctor can reach, no medicine can treat nor can any surgery remove the depths of the places that need healing. Thus, we seek “God” in faith choosing to believe in faith that Love really carries with Him power and the ability for all things. While we begin this next leg of our journey please remember that the masculine and the feminine together complete life, thus in he is she… so no one is left out in the dialog that we are sharing in here.

Exodus 15:25-26

25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them. 26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."

Again to restate our focus this week, we’re going to view the infinite abundant possibilities of God through our FAITH lenses, i.e. our spiritual worldviews. As I type this very moment the sunshine from the day pours through the slightly open warm breezy window and it gives me just a moment to appreciate all that is Love. The warm sunshine is a gift today, the warm breeze is a gift today, the opportunity to comfortably type this weekly thought while the sunshine saturates my fingers along the keys is beyond passionate! Let’s together put on our spiritual lenses by deciding by FAITH that God is THE HEALER. Allow God to reveal himself through the majesty and selfless beauty of Jesus Christ just because what you may have heard about the man who is Christ is that he’s humble until sacrifice as a teacher.

John 18:33-37

33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

34"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

35"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Going back, I say…… “God” because I think that we throw the term around as if we’re all talking about the same god. When I speak about God I am talking about the One who is All. I am talking about the One whose name is I AM. I am talking about the King who spoke ever expanding galaxies into existence! The God who calls me daughter. The One who spoke every star into creation. The brilliant awesome loving Friend that marvels me with the symmetry of the planets spinning, the sun rising, the seasons blooming…the God who I speak about knows how finite and physical beings we are so he sent his Morning Son to show us that humility doesn’t judge. Jesus Christ spoke to those in power with authority and wisdom on behalf of Love. He tended to those who others deemed unworthy. He went about giving from the substance that is within him for the sake of glorifying God, our Father. The God who is love---this is the God I am talking about. And it is this God who I know can heal all wounds.

Psalm 147:3-5

3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.

If we stop for just one moment and consider the awesomeness of God, rather than trying to define God with man-made “science” ---we’d grasp that every science is a glimpse into the intellectual brilliance and thoughtful mastery of God’s hand that man finds joy, fulfillment and passion in studying the excellent Creator that is a dimension of God. But we’d also stop putting parameters and rational theory around the One who is All, everywhere at all times, and more than capable to “heal” and do what we consider with our limited perceptions----a “miracle.” Let’s let God out of the narrow-minded perceptions that WE contain him in so that we can LIVE what the world says is a miracle because we are promised life and life more abundantly!

John 10:10

10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“A miracle” according to the dictionary is an act that contradicts the laws of nature and the act is so amazing and extraordinary that it must be an act of God.

SO---of course miracles are possible!...when we know and understand to some dimension the power and love God has for us as his dearly loved children. God’s abilities are above the laws of our natural world because in Genesis, the beginning, God gave US dominion on the earth---that means this environment, planet, solar system, galaxy, etc that we live in is constructed thoughtfully with us in mind for the purpose of us managing the responsibility and power of this great creation. God is omni-present and sovereign. When God commands the wind to be still---it is still. When God has five loaves of bread and two fish, he blesses the food and feeds 5000 men AND their wives and children until all are well-satisfied. This is a God who is certainly able to heal those who come to Him in faith believing FIRST that He is AND secondly trusting in His divine Spirit to touch us in the place(s) that only He knows we need restored, nurtured, and delivered to completion---if that’s a miracle then miracles are beyond possible!

Psalm 77:11-14

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.

13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.

I am passionate about God because God is so very passionate about us and because of all the healing love balm that he continually pours into my daily life I am compelled to testify to the healing power that is exemplified through the life, ministry and anointing of Jesus Christ, who is a selfless ambassador to the Kingdom of God.

John 10:24-39

Perhaps you are asking, “What is faith?”

Hebrews 11:1-3

1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for with evidence unseen. This simply means that we believe, trust and have confidence in God’s promises which is exemplified by our actions prior to seeing the manifestation of the promise we’re believing for. Thus, we read God’s word and have hundreds of positive affirmations for our personal situations to choose to apply our faith to, for instance situations of healing and then we CHOOSE to “see” the positive possibility for our own situation before it actually happens (evidence unseen) AND believe in faith with all that’s in us---including the substance of our actions----that we stand on and believe what God has told us is possible through him. That IS faith. Faith then makes way for the infinite abundant possibilities of God because we release control over the outcome when we need more than what the physical world can offer. Thus, when we submit in faith believing that our true Spirit selves have a connection to the invisible Kingdom of God with confidence and expectation in the Word of God this allows for gifts of manifestation.

Trust God + Expect God’s empowering promises + Act with a mustard seed of faith = Manifestation.

This is NOT a linear equation, rather it's a circular mind/heart/soul/strength application that allows the unseen to become seen. Trusting, expecting, acting in faith are all ON-GOING growth processes that certainly do reveal the possibilities of God. Nor is this some magic trick displaying God's soveriegn holy ability. It's a way of life, it's a day-to-day habit of walking in faith in spite of what the immediate situation looks like. It's believing in more than what our eyes can tangibly see and what our rational mind says is possible.

As we move forward I want to keep reminding us that the entire possibility of living a healed life rests in our focused radical faith decision to first believe that God is AND that he is able. God is love, decide today to enJOY life healed, experience the warm sunshine and sweet breeze and remember the awesome hand of the One who makes ALL things possible AND believe in the infinite abundant loving healing possibilities of God today!!

Psalm 57:9-10

9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Our God is so GREAT! I’m expecting your miracle, are you?

Testimony:

So I'm going to go old school Church and have testimony service because God deserves the glory.

In October 2009, on a Monday I collapsed again with suspected heart related health concerns. On Wednesday my father entered the hospital with pneumonia and while he was in the hospital they found two different types of cancer in his body. He had surgery to remove one cancer and began intensive chemo therapy and radiation treatment beginning November 4th for the other.

The second form of cancer that my father was diagnosed with was small cell lung cancer and if you research this cancer you will find that it is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

My father went to the doctor in February 2010 and in a course of three months my father is in remission and the doctors say: it's a MIRACLE!!!

Praise God for surely nothing is impossible with Him. I praise your name from mountain tops Lord.

Peace and love that never fails,
tdb

Living Life Right Where I AM

2008-05-13T12:28:00.001-07:00

Let's BEGIN by RELAXING Together:

While I was in college I took the opportunity to take a relaxation and meditation class.

This is a GREAT guided relaxation and de-stress video. Relaxing from the busyness of our minds IS a form of meditation.

I have learned along the way that stress is tearing us down at alarming rates. We need to take on the gift of freedom in Christ by overcoming the trials and situations of our day-to-day lives in peace that surpasses all understanding. We HAVE to slow down, unwind our tight muscles, still our constantly moving minds and just be because it's damaging our health.

According to WebMD (2009):

Stress causes changes in your body. It also affects your emotions.

Common symptoms of stress include:

A fast heartbeat.
A headache.
A stiff neck and/or tight shoulders.
Back pain.
Fast breathing.
Sweating, and sweaty palms.
An upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.

Over time, stress can affect your:

Immune system. Constant stress can make you more likely to get sick more often. And if you have a chronic illness such as AIDS, stress can make your symptoms worse.

Heart. Stress is linked to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), blood clots, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It's also linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.

Muscles. Constant tension from stress can lead to neck, shoulder, and low back pain. Stress may make rheumatoid arthritis worse.

Stomach. If you have stomach problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, stress can make your symptoms worse.

Reproductive organs. Stress is linked to low fertility, erection problems, problems during pregnancy, and painful menstrual periods.

Lungs. Stress can make symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.

Skin. Skin problems such as acne and psoriasis are made worse by stress.

You might notice signs of stress in the way you think, act, and feel.

You may:

Feel cranky and unable to deal with even small problems.
Feel frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason.
Feel jumpy or tired all the time.
Find it hard to focus on tasks.
Worry too much about small things.
Feel that you are missing out on things because you can't act quickly.
Imagine that bad things are happening or about to happen.

One method of combating stress is relaxation and meditation. "Meditation" from a Christian paradigm is taking on the mind of Christ by taking into our being the Word of God in quiet meditation.

However, in our fast paced society to get to the point of stilling our minds to contemplate the higher, deep meaningful teachings of Christ we need to learn to quiet ourselves inwardly and this is another form of relaxation and meditation.

I recommend that you lay on the floor, couch, bed or sit in a really comfortable chair. Place your hands comfortably on your hip bones or on the top of your thighs. With each breath that you take, relax your entire body deeper into the place that you have chosen.

Feel the stress from your face release. Feel the stress from your shoulders release. Feel the stress from your arms release. Feel the stress from your stomach release. Feel the stress from your legs release. Allow each of your muscles to release.

So as you breath in....release.

As you breath out.....release deeper.

I also recommend that you close your eyes and just allow the imagery to naturally flow through your mind, but if you have trouble stilling your mind and thoughts from the day are racing through your mind....watch the video until you can easily close your eyes and just be.

If you just let go you'll feel completely refreshed.

As she is counting to five at the end of the video I recommend that you begin to open your eyes at about 3 so that you don't fall completely asleep UNLESS of course your ready for bed....then by all means enjoy rest and peace.

Hope your blessed!

NEXT, Let's Move into a Posture of Praise (Adoration/Gratitude):

Giving Thanks ALWAYS Sets Our Day up for VICTORY!!!

Allow the relaxation in your mind and body to OPEN the way for a day of meditative thought on God's Word.

"WHO AM I?"

I AM loved.

I AM free.

I AM royal.

I AM triumphant.

I AM prosperous.

I AM divine in nature.

I AM abundantly blessed for the upliftment of others.

I AM....Yours, Lord until infinity!

peace and love,
tdb

Food that Heals: Recipes for Life

2008-04-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

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FRUIT for breakfast comes in many forms

Why not enjoy something delicious and healthy to start your day?

For these GREAT, healthy smoothie recipes that work for----

breakfast, lunch or just a sweet treat, go to:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/

A Few YUMMY Smoothie Recipes:

"Pineapple Orange Drink"
>6 cups orange juice
>2 cans (8 ounces each) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
>16 ice cubes

Place half of the orange juice, pineapple and ice cubes in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Repeat with remaining ingrediants. Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately. YIELD: 8 servings

"Caramel Apple Slushies"
>1 medium apple, peeled and sliced
>1/2 cup apple juice concentrate
>5 teaspoons caramel ice cream topping
>1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
>7 ice cubes

In a blender, combine the apple, juice concentrate, caramel topping and lemon juice; cover and process until blended. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses. Drizzle with additional caramel topping if desired; serve immediately. YIELD: 2 servings

"Melon Fruit Slush"
>1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
>1 container (10 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced stawberries
>4 medium ripe bananas, cut into chunks
>1 cup cubed cantaloupe
>1 cup cubed honeydew
>2-1/2 cups water
>3/4 cup orange juice concentrate
3/4 cup lemonade concentrate
>6 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled

In a blender, process the fruit in batches until smooth. Pour into a 3-qt freezer container. Stir in the water and concentrates. Cover and freeze until icy. To serve, spoon 1/2 cup into a glass; add about 1 cup soda. YIELD: 20-25 servings

"Mango Smoothies"
>1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
>2 cups frozen chopped peeled mangos
>1/2 medium ripe banana
>1/2 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt (optional soy-based yogurt)
>1 tablespoon honey

In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately. YIELD: 2 servings

"Honeydew Lime Cooler"
>4-1/2 cups cubed honeydew (about 1 small melon)
>1-1/2 cups lime sherbet
>2 tablespoons lime juice
>5 fresh strawberries

Place the melon cubes in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan; cover and freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Set aside five melon cubes. In a food processor or blender, combine the sherbet, lime juice and remaining frozen melon; cover and process until smooth. Pour into glasses; garnish with strawberries and reserved melon. YIELD: 5 servings

....for MORE recipes visit: http://www.tasteofhome.com/

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Research on the health BENEFITS and IMPORTANCE of fruit in our daily diet, according to the US Deparment of Agriculture (2008) states that we NEED a daily in-take of fruit.

How much fruit is needed daily?

"The amount of fruit you need to eat depends on age, sex, and level of physical activity" (USDA, 2008).

US DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE Daily recommendations:

CHILDREN 2-3 years old 1 cup**
4-8 years old 1 to 1 ½ cups**

GIRLS 9-13 years old 1 ½ cups**
14-18 years old 1 ½ cups**

Boys 9-13 years old 1 ½ cups**
14-18 years old 2 cups**

Women 19-30 years old 2 cups**
31-50 years old 1 ½ cups**
51+ years old 1 ½ cups**

Men 19-30 years old 2 cups**
31-50 years old 2 cups**
51+ years old 2 cups**

"**These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities.

Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs" (USDA, 2008).

Why is it IMPORTANT to eat fruit?

According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA):

"Eating fruit provides health benefits — people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.

Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body" (USDA, 2008).

Health BENEFITS:

"Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer" (USDA, 2008).

"Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Eating fruits and vegetables rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and may help to decrease bone loss.

Eating foods such as fruits that are low in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake" (USDA, 2008).

Nutrients

"Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories.

None have cholesterol.

Fruits are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid).

Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruit sources of potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice" (USDA, 2008).

"Dietary fiber from fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as fruits help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories. Whole or cut-up fruits are sources of dietary fiber; fruit juices contain little or no fiber.

Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy should consume adequate folate, including folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development" (USDA, 2008).

USDA. 2008. "Inside the Pyramid: Why is it important to eat fruit?" Retrieved from http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/fruits_why.html.

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Did U think that going VEGAN could be so DELICIOUS?!

Healthy doesn't mean no FUN!!! ;)

Chmiel, Philip James. 2008. "PJ Chiemel Vegan:deserts." Retrieved from http://www.pjchmiel.com/vegan/desserts.html.

Take a PEEK at the DELICIOUS vegan pastry variety offered:

Just a Few YUMMY Vegan Recipes:

"Home-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies"
>2-1/2 cups maple syrup
>1 cup canola oil
>2 cups vegan chocolate chips
>7 cups barley flour
>2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; combine maple syrup, canola oil, chocolate chips, and vanilla in medium bowl. Add barley flour and stir to combine; drop teaspoon-size amounts onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (or greased). Bake 20 minutes (or until cookies just begin to brown). Allow 5 minutes to cool and enjoy. YIELD: about 4 dozen cookies.

"Little Oaties Cookies"
>2-1/2 cups maple syrup
>1/2 cup brown sugar
>1/4 cup applesauce
>1 cup canola oil
>3 cups barley flour
>6 cups uncooked oatmeal
>2 teaspoons vanilla
>1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; combine maple syrup, canola oil, and vanilla and stir to combine. Add flour and oatmeal and mix; drop in teaspoon size amounts onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (or greased). Bake 15 minutes (or until cookies just begin to brown); allow 5 minutes to cool and enjoy. YIELD: 3-1/2 dozen cookies.

"Mom's Apple Crisp"
Apples:
>15 medium baking apples (combination of Macintosh and Rome optional)
>3/4 cup water
>2 tablespoons arrowroot
>3 teaspoons cinnamon
>1/4 teaspoon cardamom
>1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

topping:
>1/2 cup whole wheat flour
>1/2 cup brown sugar
>1/2 cup ground walnuts
>3 tablespoons canola oil

Preheat over to 350 degrees; coat a 9 x 12-in. baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Peel, core, and slice apples and place in a heavy cooking pot; add 1/2 cup water to apples; cover and cook until apples are soft but not mushy. Add spices to apples and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Stir arrowroot into 1/4 cup water; stir arrowroot mixture into hot apples. Mixture will thicken from the heat of the apples----do not boil. Pour apples into prepared pan. To prepare topping: place all topping ingredients in bowl and stir with a fork to combine. Sprinkle apples with topping; bake for 20 minutes, or until crumbs begin to brown. Serve warm with a scoop of soy vanilla ice cream if desired. YIELD: 12 servings

"State Fair Pear Pie"
>6 pears
>4 medium baking apples such as Macintosh
>3/4 cups dried cranberries
>3/4 cup maple syrup
>1 tablespoon vanilla
>1/2 cup apple juice (or water)
>2 tablespoons arrowroot
>1/2 cup chopped walnuts
>Standard vegan double pie crust

Preheat oven to 400 degrees; coat an 8-in. pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Peel, core and slice pears and apples. Place in a heavy cooking pot with cranberries and 1/4 cup apple juice; cover and cook until fruit is soft, add maple syrup and vanilla and stir to combine. In a small cup, combine 1/4 cup apple juice with arrowroot; add to hot fruit and stir until thickened----do not boil; remove from heat; stir in walnuts and pour filling into prepared crust. Remove top piece of wax paper from top crust; invert onto pie and remove other sheet of wax paper; press dough down around edges of pie plate; cut edges off dough of both upper and lower crusts to fit pie plate and crimp together with your fingers. With a sharp knife, make decorative slits in top of crust. If desired, brush crust with soy milk and sprinkle with sugar; bake for 30 minutes, or until crust begins to brown; serve warm with a scoop of soy vanilla ice cream if desired. YIELD: 10 servings

"Creamy Rice Pudding"
>1 pound (16 ounces) firm silken tofu
>3/4 cup maple syrup
>2 teaspoons vanilla extract
>1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
>2 cups cooked brown rice
>1/2 cup raisins
>3/4 cup apple juice (or water)

To cook rice: Put 1 cup rice with 2 cups water in a saucepan and bring to boil; lower heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. While rice is cooking, place apple juice in small pan and bring to boil; add raisins, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to soak until you are ready to add them to the pudding. Place tofu in food processor and process until smooth, scraping down sides of processor as necessary; add sugar vanilla and cinnamon and process until smooth. Pour into bowl; add rice and raisins; (discard apple juice that raisins were soaking in); stir to combine. Sprinkle with cinnamon, refrigerate until cold. YIELD: 8 servings

"Melt in Your Mouth Fudge"
>8 ounces soy cream cheese
>4 cups powdered sugar
>1 cup vegan chocolate chips
>1 teaspoon vanilla

Place the cream cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth; add powdered sugar and vanilla. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or double boiler; pour into food processor and process until blended. Pour into 8-in. square pan that has been lined with wax paper, refrigerate until firm. Pull wax paper out of pan, cut fudge into bite-size pieces; store fudge in refrigerator in airtight container. YIELD: 6-7 dozen pieces of fudge

ALL (above) vegan pastry recipes taken from:

Dieterly, Lois. 2003. Sinfully Vegan: Over 140 Decadent Desserts to Satify Every Vegan's Sweet Tooth. New York, NY: Marlowe and Company.

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WHY eat whole grain pastries vs. refined white?

WELL, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), "grains are divided into 2 subgroups, whole grains and refined grains."

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel -- the bran, germ, and endosperm.

Examples include:
whole-wheat flour
bulgur (cracked wheat)
oatmeal
whole cornmeal
brown rice

"Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins" (USDA, 2008).

Some examples of refined grain products are:
white flour
degermed cornmeal
white bread
white rice

"Most refined grains are enriched. This means certain B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron are added back after processing. Fiber is not added back to enriched grains. Check the ingredient list on refined grain products to make sure that the word “enriched” is included in the grain name. Some food products are made from mixtures of whole grains and refined grains" (USDA, 2008).

How many grain foods are needed daily?

"The amount of grains you need to eat depends on your age, sex, and level of physical activity. Recommended daily amounts are listed in the chart. Most Americans consume enough grains, but few are whole grains. At least ½ of all the grains eaten should be whole grains" (USDA, 2008).

Daily recommendation* Daily minimum amount

Children 2-3 years old 3 ounce equivalents** 1 ½ ounce equivalents**
4-8 years old 4 – 5 ounce equivalents** 2 – 2 ½ ounce equivalents**

Girls 9-13 years old 5 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**
14-18 years old 6 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**

Boys 9-13 years old 6 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**
14-18 years old 7 ounce equivalents** 3 ½ ounce equivalents**

Women 19-30 years old 6 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**
31-50 years old 6 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**
51+ years old 5 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**

Men 19-30 years old 8 ounce equivalents** 4 ounce equivalents**
31-50 years old 7 ounce equivalents** 3 ½ ounce equivalents**
51+ years old 6 ounce equivalents** 3 ounce equivalents**

"**These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities.

Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs" (USDA, 2008).

Why is it important to eat grains, especially whole grains?

"Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides health benefits. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Grains provide many nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies" (USDA, 2008).

Health benefits

"Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, may reduce constipation.

Eating at least 3 ounce equivalents a day of whole grains may help with weight management.

Eating grains fortified with folate before and during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects during fetal development" (USDA, 2008).

Nutrients

"Food sources of the nutrients in bold can be found in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Click on the nutrient name to link to the food sources table.

Grains are important sources of many nutrients, including dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium).

Dietary fiber from whole grains, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories. Whole grains are good sources of dietary fiber; most refined (processed) grains contain little fiber" (USDA, 2008).

"B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate)play a key role in metabolism – they help the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. B vitamins are also essential for a healthy nervous system. Many refined grains are enriched with these B vitamins.

Folate (folic acid), another B vitamin, helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy should consume adequate folate, including folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development" (USDA, 2008).

"Iron is used to carry oxygen in the blood. Many teenage girls and women in their childbearing years have iron-deficiency anemia. They should eat foods high in heme-iron (meats) or eat other iron containing foods along with foods rich in vitamin C, which can improve absorption of non-heme iron. Whole and enriched refined grain products are major sources of non-heme iron in American diets.

Whole grains are sources of magnesium and selenium. Magnesium is a mineral used in building bones and releasing energy from muscles. Selenium protects cells from oxidation. It is also important for a healthy immune system" (USDA, 2008).

USDA. 2008. "Inside the Pyramid: What foods are in the grain group?" Retrieved from http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/grains.html.

Learn about the Benefits of Whole Grains:

Social Responsibility: "Healing Humanity"

2008-04-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

Good Day Inquisitive Mind,

I am a social theorist, theologian and liberationist teacher by trade and more specifically I am one who cares deeply about the current state and wellness of humanity.

We are mere reflections of each other and the larger social system we reside in. Thus, if we want to individually get to a place of health and wellness, we have to at the same time care for and promote the health and wellness of our neighbor---in it's broadest sense.

Therefore, as we are healed individually we should then be compelled to assist other's in the process. The purpose is to inform and educate, while simultantelously activating positive healthy social change.

When we get right down to the root of it. We can talk about "healing" all day, but it is OUR responsibility to create the social healing and wellness that we seek individually and corporately.

The place to begin is with self and then outward-----one person at a time.

A raindrop in the ocean certainly causes a current.

You can follow my social theological analyses and critiques on State of Formation. While my education related information and poetry is on Wordpress. See YOU there!

I will be providing information, data and poetry on current national and global social issues.

This socio-political dialog is created with the intent of creating an informed, active, healthy, empowered national and global society.

Won't you be a part?

So that we can start from a place of initial understanding, here are some key sociological ideas to keep in mind; provided is a "sociological toolkit" of which we will continue to utilize and build upon.

Be sure to CLICK on the words in RED, videos and links will open for your viewing.

Intro to Sociology

View more presentations from Tiffany Buchanan

Love in Social Motion,

Tiffany

Time to "Self" Heal: Guide to Inner Healing

2008-04-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

In forth coming posts you will find information on forms of self healing practices, such as:

1. Dance therapy
2. Poetry therapy
3. Lessons from my forth coming published work: Love is the Divine Source of Healing

WHAT IS: Dance Therapy?

"The use of dance as a therapeutic tool is founded in the idea that body and mind are completely integrated. While the relationship between the mind and body is constantly being explored, theorised and discussed, the whole area certainly highlights the ingenuity of the creation and masterpiece in the human being. The theory underlying dance therapy is that body movement reflects the inner state of the human, and that by moving the body within a guided therapeutic setting, a healing process begins. Emerging inner conflicts and issues from the unconscious to the consciousness of the person are addressed on all levels - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Seeking the full integration of mind and body, and bringing harmony between all the aforementioned levels of the human being is what dance therapy is all about" (Defina, 2008).

"Dance Therapy has its roots in modern dance, from pioneers including Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey (1920 onwards). Their work gave the foundation for expressive dance where spontaneity, creativity and individuality were allowed. Many dancers who were members of these pioneers' companies began to understand the far-reaching benefits of dance as a form of personal expression. In addition, the work of Rudolf Laban was prominent in the area of movement analysis and movement expression for both the artist and everyday worker in industrial settings, respectively. Laban worked specifically with artists, enabling them to understand how their body worked to express the inner state. He likewise worked with industrial workers during the war to enhance work capacity and efficiency" (Defina, 2008).

"During this time (around World War II), the work of pioneers in psychoanalytic philosophy and thinking was also popular - in particular, Sigmund Freud and his followers, Alfred Adler, Carl Jung and Wilhelm Reich. Their work had a major influence on the understanding of the mind and emotions, and the different levels of consciousness in which these exist.

These three areas - modern dance, movement analysis and psychoanalytic theory - formed the foundations for dance therapy processes" (Defina, 2008).

"Marion Chace is seen as the founder of dance therapy. She began her career as a dancer and choreographer, and studied in New York in the 1920s with Ted Shawn and Ruth St Denis at the Denishawn School of Dance. While she was primarily a performer, she launched into teaching and found that dance was meeting a far greater need than performance. She continued to teach within schools and hospitals, and learnt through trial and error the benefits of dance and expression for people who had certain needs. Her work within the hospitals was gaining reputation as professionals watched the positive effects of her work. In the 1940s she began giving lectures and demonstrations. In the 1960s she founded a training program for dance therapists at a music school based in New York. In 1966 she assisted in the establishment of the American Dance Therapy Association, and was the first president. Chace died in 1970" (Defina, 2008).

"Chace's theory was that dance was a form of communication which fulfilled a basic human need. She believed that every person had a desire to communicate, and sought to assist her clients in finding a way to communicate. Chace made unique contributions to the understanding of the therapeutic movement relationship, the use of ongoing verbal narration as a form of reflecting the group and individual process, the use of rhythmic movement as an organising and clarifying force, and the use of dance as a cohesive group process" (Defina, 2008).

"The field of Dance Therapy has since developed in its theories, models and approaches, and is practised all over the world. Becoming a dance therapist requires postgraduate training in the area, with already established qualifications and experience in the dance and social sciences. There are many courses from which to choose to embark on such training, especially in the United States. In other countries, such as Australia, where the profession is still new, opportunities for study are limited but available. Institutions such as Wesley Institute for Ministry and the Arts, where courses cover theoretical and practical studies in psychological theories, dance and movement studies, dance therapy approaches as defined by the pioneers and current practitioners, and dance therapy for a variety of client groups. Students are involved in weekly placements supervised by the faculty within a psychiatric placement, a disability placement and another placement of their choice. Students are trained intensively in how to operate as a professional, learning guidelines and protocol in meetings and client reviews, report writing, program design, implementation, assessment and evaluation, and issues of accountability and confidentiality" (Defina, 2008).

"Although the profession is still growing and gaining community awareness in each country, there are opportunities for work. As organizations become aware of the benefits of dance therapy, ways are being created to open doors to graduates for employment.

All Dance Therapy graduates are employed in the field, either full-time or part-time. Some have been given permanent positions in client service organizations (disabilities, mental health), while others have chosen to work in private practice gaining contract work with individual clients and/or large organizations such as educational facilities, community centres and corporate businesses" (Defina, 2008).

"The community at large is becoming aware of alternative means towards good health and wellbeing, and dance therapy makes a valuable contribution to people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. Dance has a place in everyone's life, and for it to be utilised as a promotion for good health is indeed a worthwhile venture" (Defina, 2008).

Evelyn Defina
Head of Dance
Wesley Institute for Ministry & the Arts

Defina, Evelyn. 2008. "What is Dance Therapy." Retrieved from http://www.studyoverseas.com/australia/aused/dance2.htm.

Dance is about being FREE and WELL.....

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Another form of release when allowing the healing process to flow is POETRY. A common known practice that assists in the purging and ridding ourselves of negative, traumatic experiences is through writing. At times, traumatic events are difficult to revisit or directly address, therefore poetry as symbolic expression becomes a wonderful tool to self-heal and "Let Go" when tasked with facing past hurtful events.

What is Poetry Therapy?

Poetry is the response of our innermost being to the ecstasy, the agony and the all-embracing mystery of life. It is a song, or a sigh, or a cry, often all of them together. --Charles Angoff

Poetry humanizes because it links the individual by its distilled experience, its rhythms, its words to another in a way which no other form of communication can. Poetry also helps to ease the aloneness which we all share in common. --Myra Cohn Livingston

I believe that a poem is an emotional-intellectual-physical construct that is meant to touch the heart of the reader, that it is meant to be re reexperienced by the reader. I believe that a poem is a window that hangs between two or more human beings who otherwise live in darkened rooms. I also believe that a poem is a noise and that noise is shaped.--Stephen Dobyns

"Though poetry as therapy is a relatively new development in the expressive arts, it is as old as the first chants sung around the tribal fires of primitive peoples. The chant/ song/poem is what heals the heart and soul. Even the word psychology suggests that, psyche meaning soul and logos speech or word. In mythology Oceanus told Prometheus, 'Words are the physician of the mind diseased.' Though it was recorded there was a Roman physician named Soranus in the first century A.D. who prescribed poetry and drama for his patients, the link between poetry and medicine has not been well documented. It is interesting to note, however, that the first hospital in the American colonies to care for the mentally ill, Pennsylvania Hospital founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin, employed several ancillary treatments for their patients including reading, writing and the publishing of their writings in a newspaper they titled The Illuminator" (Longo, 2006).

"The term 'bibliotherapy' is a more common term than poetry therapy, which became popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s, which literally means the use of literature to serve or help. Freud once wrote, 'Not I, but the poet discovered the unconscious.' Another time he said, 'The mind is a poetry-making organ.' Later on, many other theoreticians such as Adler, Jung, Arieti and Reik wrote of how much science had to gain from the study of poets. In the 1950’s, Eli Greifer, a poet, pharmacist and lawyer began a 'poemtherapy' group at Creedmore State Hospital in New York City and in 1959 at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, facilitated by psychiatrists Dr. Jack J. Leedy and Dr. Sam Spector. Dr. Leedy published the first definitive book on poetry therapy in 1969, Poetry Therapy, which includes essays by many of the early pioneers in the field. About this time more and more people in the helping professions began to use poetry integrated with group process. Among them was Arthur Lerner, Ph.D. of Los Angeles who founded the Poetry Therapy Institute in the 1970’s on the west coast and in 1976 authored Poetry in the Therapeutic Experience. Finally, in 1980, a meeting was called to bring together those active in the field working all over the country to formulate guidelines for training and certification in poetry therapy and form what is now called the National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT Guide to Training, 1997)" (Longo, 2006).

The National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) "promotes growth and healing through language, symbol and story." For over 27 years, "NAPT members have forged a community of healers and lovers of words and language. We are psychotherapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists. We are poets, journal keepers, storytellers, and songwriters. We are teachers, librarians, adult educators, and university professors. We are doctors, nurses, occupational/ recreational therapists; ministers, pastoral counselors, and spiritual directors. We are artists, dancers, dramatists, musicians, and writers" (PoetryTherapy, 2008).

Therapists "work in many settings where people deal with personal and communal pain and the search for growth. As poetry therapists, we use all forms of literature and the language arts, and we are united by our love of words, and our passion for enhancing the lives of others and ourselves" (PoetryTherapy, 2008).

Some Recommended BOOKS to delve into Poetry as a Healing Form:

Longo, Perie J. 2006. "Poetry as Therapy: Sanctuary Psychiatric Centers' Information Network" Retreived on May 27, 2008 from http://www.spcsb.org/advoc/poetrytx.html.

PoetryTherapy. 2008. "National Association of Poetry Therapy" Retreived on May 27, 2008 from http://www.poetrytherapy.org/index.html.

For Additional Information about Poetry Therapy, see:
www.poetrypoetry.com
www.Healingstory.org
www.salon.com/health/feature/1999/12/08/poetry/index.html

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SO....What do I know personally about HEALING?

As an overcomer of Rape, Emotional and Physical Abuse I've got a story to share....

In my forth coming book: "Love is the Divine Source of Healing: Lessons on Becoming an Authentic Radiant Woman of God"

I teach the various lessons that I have learned over the last 14 years of my own personal journey to "Live Life Healed."

Chapter Breakdown:

I. Make Up Your Mind (power of intentional choice)
II. Submission is the Key (power of a humble heart)
III. Bring the Darkness to the Light (power of forgiveness)
IV. Prophesy to the Dead Places (power of God's word/positive life-giving affirmation)
V. Loving Through the Pain (power of praise and worship/grateful heart)

All of these chapters encompass my understanding and knowledge as a Christian minister. Thus, this work relies on scripture to guide the reader through the process of healing, where I can truly profess that "God is love" (1 John 4:8).

To ALL the Silent Faces of Abuse:

All too often women who have been abused, sexually, physically and/or emotionally remain silently in bondage, but sisters we ARE getting free together.

I want you to see what God has done in my life and KNOW that He can AND will do it for you too or someone you love.

I once thought I'd never see my smile again. I once thought I'd never know safety and confidence again. I once thought that the sacredness of my womb could never be recaptured. I once thought that I could never love and trust a man again. I once thought that no one would want me again. I once thought that I deserved every blow that I received day after day. I once thought that it would be better if I just died.

BUT GOD!!!

Most don't even know that 1 in 3 women has or is being abused just in the church alone. We walk around ashamed, feeling lowly about ourselves, beaten down in mind and spirit and we DON'T have to live that life family. We can be free together. We can regain our joy, regain our peace, regain our victorious will and mindset, we can regain every second that appears lost.....How?

In LOVE.

Love conquers ALL things, not some...but ALL.

I believed and had faith in this word on my own behalf and I stand here authentically naked before you saying ALL things are possible in and thru Love!

I'm not some chick trying to sell you some sound good fix-it-all, rather I'm giving you the Word that has set me free, truly...madly...passionately FREE!

I love you sister, I send a virtual hug to you today. I bet you don't even know that most of the women around you have been touched by abuse because we hide our pain day in and day out. I didn't find out that EVERY single female close to me had dealt with some form of abuse until I started to tell my story.

We're not going to walk around wounded and enslaved anymore because I won't accept it on your behalf. God has a better life for you, he knows every dream you hide in your heart and he wants you to just find healing and rest in Him.

Fall down to your knees in pain today if you have to, but CHOOSE to believe in more for yourself, choose to believe that God loves you and He would never want you to go through sorrow alone.

I know your story because it's mine.

You wouldn't recognize the woman whose face was slapped down to the ground by the husband she cherished. You wouldn't recognize the woman who was drugged and raped by boys she trusted. You wouldn't recognize the woman who struggled through homelessness. You wouldn't recognize her because she's healed and now all you can see is the RADIANT light of love, hope and joy that God has brought forth thru me.

My forth coming book chronicles the 15 years it's taken me to be healed, freed and it teaches women how to get free too. The book opens and closes with the same poem and I want to share it with you today because what GOD has done for me I know GOD will do for you too if you just believe in faith.

Sister I love you, I accept you, I respect you, and I believe on your behalf today just because.

Your not alone....."ineffable" means unexplainable with words and during my own walk it was that way most days.....how do you put sorrow, agony and desperation into words when only the tears understand. I know, but decide to live today even if you have to crawl because you CAN have new life.....look into my smile, my eyes and my heart and KNOW it's possible.

This poem both opens and closes "Love is the Divine Source of Healing," listen with your heart.

The Ineffable Journey

Reminding you of a journey that began before there was a you-

Leading you into the depths of darkness

That is yet surrounded by Light.

Truth is a struggle that only exists beyond time,

Beyond sight-

and

Beyond thought.

Letting the essence of my spirit speak what words are unable to capture.

Listen carefully beloved-

Resist allowing your mind to create foolish knowledge,

True knowledge only the heart understands.

Yet only those who’ve used the rock as a pillow understand

Who the Comforter is.

I speak for the queens who have cried from their wombs,

The daughters who crawl hoping for relief.

I speak for those who lay at the gate called Beautiful-

Waiting for the Majestic, Awesome, Glorious One that is rich in love.

Let not pride hinder your eyes from His beautiful feet,

Let not sorrow hold you from raising your hands-

Let not hurt steal your voice;

Let not anger take your love, queen!

For today is a birth day,

It’s the birth of your joy-

Your hope

Your peace.

The birth of a new creature-

That comes only through and lives for Love.

Remember now,

There is a season for all beautiful things.

And it comes from the former and latter rains.

As they nourish and saturate the dark places-

So that the Light can bring forth what is unseen.

So as we journey think not with your mind beloved-

But rather let your heart show you the Way,

The Way that John prepared for such a time as this.

Today

Right now

In this moment

Today

Right now

In this moment

Today

Right now

In this moment!

Decide to walk, to run, and even to crawl to live.

COMING: December 2011

Taking Care of the Temple: What's "Good" For Me?

2008-04-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Within this link you can find information on the BENEFITS of:

1. Flower Essences
2. Organic teas
3. Soy
4. Yoga
5. Pilates
6. Colonic Hydrotherapy
7. Chiropractic procedures
8. Essential Oils

Flowers are a beautiful, natural part of our environment. But their not just pretty to look at and smell. Throughout all of history indigenous people all over the planet have used flowers for healing purposes. More than that, current pharmecutical companies are either relying on plants for treatment or their "creating" a substitute in the laboratory.

The Flower Essence Society has done extensive research on the qualities and healing patterns of flowers and compiled a thorough presentation found online within the "Flower Essence Repertory" at www.flowersociety.org or www.fesflowers.com.

For just a quick snap shot of some flowers and their healing properties feel free to browse below. CLICK on the image to enlarge.

(These will be updated and changed randomly so keep checking!!)

EVENING PRIMROSE

FORGET-ME-NOT

HIBISCUS

MORNING GLORY

STAR TULIP

Kaminski, Patricia. 2004. FES Quintessentials: Flower essences to bridge body and soul. Nevada City, CA: Flower Essence Services.

[NOTE: this information is not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.]

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The 2nd MOST consumed beverage in the world next to water is.......TEA!

(Yahoo Images, 2008)

Drinking tea definitely has it's benefits as it IS good for our overall health AND well being.

Some of the MAJOR benefits of drinking tea include:

>Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
>Lowers the risk of certain cancer
>Lowers Cholesteral levels
>Contributes to Oral Health
>Helps prevent blood clotting
>Reduces the risk of kidney stones
>Reduces the risk of osteoporosis

........to name just a few!

Let's Learn the Basics about Tea:

The major TYPES of tea include:

>Black
>Green
>Herbal
>Oolong
>Red
>White

General methods for "Loose Leaf" tea preparation:

HOT Tea

Step One: Scoop 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per cup into infuser.
Step Two: Pour hot water over the loose tea.
Step Three: Steep for 3-4 minutes or until desired taste and simply enjoy!

ICED Tea

Step One: Scoop 3-4 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per cup into infuser.
Step Two: Pour hot water over the loose tea.
Step Three: Steep for 4-5 minutes or until desired taste, pour over ice and simply enjoy!

Walk thru of tea preparation for visual learners:

Who knew a GREAT cup of tea could do so much for our bodies, huh?!!

For additional information and research feel free to browse:

www.teause.com/general/teaandhealth/218g.cfm
www.adagio.com/info/health_benefits.html
www.healthcastle.com/tea.shtml
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/954432996.html
www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/numitea.d2w/report

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What in the heck is SOY?

"The term 'soy' is commonly used to refer to foods or food ingredients derived from the soybean, a type of legume. Other legumes include chickpeas, lentils and broad beans. Soy foods include traditional Asian foods such as tofu, tempeh and miso. For centuries soy foods have been consumed as part of the staple diet, and as an important source of high-quality protein, throughout Asia" (SoyFoodsCanada, 2008).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises the consumption of 25g of soy protein per day. This equates to about three to four servings of soy protein-rich foods each day (SoyFoodsCanada, 2008).

One way to get soy in your daily diet is with....... Soy Milk.

(Yahoo Images, 2008)

Nutrients in 8 ounces of plain soymilk:

Regular Soy milk Lite Soy milk

Calories (gm) 140.0 100.0
Protein (gm) 10.0 4.0
Fat (gm) 4.0 2.0
Carbohydrate (gm) 14.0 16.0
Sodium (mg) 120.0 100.0
Iron (mg) 1.8 0.6
Riboflavin (mg) 0.1 11.0
Calcium (mg) 80.0 80.0

Benefits of a Soy-rich diet:

>High protein content
>Helps prevent cancer of the breast, prostate, colon and uterus
>Helps to prevent heart disease
>Assists in prevention of osteoporosis
>Aids in allevaiting menopausal symptoms
>Probiotics effects from fermented soy products, such as miso

Soy Beans.......

(Yahoo Images, 2008)

SoyFoodsCanada. 2008. "What is Soy?" Retrieved on April 30, 2008 from http://soyfoodscanada.com/Uploads/Resources/Files/39_What%20is%20Soy1.pdf.

For additional information and research on the benefits of Soy, please see:

www.soyinfo.com/benefits.shtml
www.healthcastle.com/herb.soy.shtml
www.soyjoy.com/benefits.aspx
www.soynutrition.com/AboutSoy/BenefitsOfSoy.aspx
www.soyconnection.com/health_nutrition/index.php
http://health.discovery.com/centers/nutritionfitness/nutrition/articles/expert/soyhealth.html

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YOGA as a lifestyle breathing practice:

What is Yoga exactly?

"The word 'Yoga' came from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' which means to unite or integrate. Yoga then is about the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

Ancient Yogis had a belief that in order for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he has to integrate the body, the mind, and the spirit. For these three to be integrated, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance. The Yogis formulated a way to achieve and maintain this balance and it is done through exercise, breathing, and Meditation - the three main Yoga structures" (ABC of Yoga, 2008).

Awesome BENEFITS of Yoga include:

>Increased flexibility
>Stabilize autonomic Nervous System
>Increased lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons
>Pulse rate decreases
>Massaging of all organs in the body
>Respiratory rate decreases and efficiency increases
>Detoxification
>Toning of the muscles
>Blood pressure decreases
>EEG-alpha waves increase
>Cardiovascular efficiency increases
>Gastrointestinal function normalizes
>Endocrine function normalizes

Yoga for Specific Health Disorders: Books to Invest In

"Yoga for Digestive Disorders"
"Yoga for Back Pain"
"Yoga for Arthritis"
"Yoga for Anxiety and Depression"
"Yoga for Diabetes"

All written by: Dr. R. Nagarthna and Dr. H.R. Nagendra

Available for purchase online @ http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/yoga/yogaplan.html#cures

Connection between Mind, Body, and Spirit

ABC of Yoga. 2008. "What is Yoga?: ABC of Yoga" Retreived on April 30, 2008 from http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/whatisyoga.asp.

For additional information and/or research, please see:

http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/benefits.htm
www.spine-health.com/wellness

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Pilates as a lifestyle fitness practice:

What is pilates exactly?

Pilates is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates while being forced into an internment camp in England at the outbreak of WWI (Ogle, 2008). Pilates, as a fitness practice, focuses on the development of core (abdomenal) strengthening, flexibility and lean elongated muscles throughout the body.

Pilates is for EVERYONE

Awesome BENEFITS of Pilates include:

>Builds strength without excess bulk
>Teaches body awareness
>Improves overall posture
>Improves mobility, agility, stamina and balance
>Can help alleviate back pain
>Reduces stress, relieves tension and boosts energy
>Creates a stronger, more flexible spine
>Promotes recovery from strain and/or injury
>Increases joint range of motion
>Improves circulation

My personal favorite pilates instructor:

The RESULTS are AWESOME!!!

Ogle, Marguerite. 2008. "What is the Pilates Method of Exercise" Retrieved on June 10, 2008 from http://pilates.about.com/od/whatispilates/a/WhatIsPilates.htm?rd=1.

For additional information and/or research, please see:

www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/about/pilates-benefits.html
www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/the benfits-of-pilates
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/36350.php
www.medicinenet.com/pilates/article.htm

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UHHH OHHHHH..........

Some people do not like to talk about the health of our internal DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. However,we really NEED to discuss it because the health of our colon deeply effects our overall health, our daily energy levels and ultimately the health of our SKIN!

Colon Hydrotherapy as a lifestyle cleansing practice:

BIOLOGY Lesson 101

Let's begin with a lesson on our colon and it's function to the entire body first before we jump into colonic hydrotherapy as a healing practice. "The main functions of the colon are absorption of water and minerals, and the formation and elimination of feces. The process of digestion, from ingestion of food to defecation, normally takes between 12 to 24 hours assuming that the colon is fully functional and non-toxic. Ultimately, to maintain good health, your body must effectively eliminate food and bodily waste!" (Ashby, 2008).

"Your colon — together with your lungs, skin and kidneys — are designed to accomplish this essential task by eliminating toxins in the intestines, blood and lymph systems. The colon (large intestine, rectum, and anus) is the end portion of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract which extends from the mouth to the anus. It is a muscular tube approximately 5 to 5 ½ feet in length and has an average diameter of approximately 2 ½ inches" (Ashby, 2008).

"The colon starts on the lower right side of the abdomen, where the small intestine empty the contents of digestion (chyme) into the first portion of the colon (cecum). The ascending colon goes up from the cecum to the level of the liver; it then bends sharply to the left and crosses the abdomen as the transverse colon.

At the level of the spleen the descending colon goes down the left side of the abdomen to the pelvis, where it becomes the sigmoid region. The sigmoid colon empties into the rectum, from which waste material is ultimately eliminated from your body" (Ashby, 2008).

SO.....we see that this FIVE FOOT digestive tube running through out each of our bodies is a HUGE part of our physical make-up and so we should want to make sure that it is functioning healthy and well!

The typical American diet, consisting of high-fat, low-fiber, refined processed junk foods; including flour, meat, sugar, alcohol, and preservatives, is the primary reason the colon becomes so unhealthy (Ashby, 2008).

ABNORMAL COLON

Do you experience any of these health problems?

>Constipation
>Diarrhea
>Frequent Severe Headaches
>Backaches
>Fatigue
>Bad Breathe (Halitosis)
>Foul Body Odor
>Irritability
>Chronic Skin Problems (Acne)
>Frequent Mental Confusion
>Abdominal Gas & Bloating
>Lower Back Pain
>Sciatic pain
>Low Energy & Vitality
>Low Resistance to Colds
>Frequent Infections

These all can be indications you need to cleanse your body's elimination system.

A further, health concern for colon health that should be considered is that "colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, second only to lung cancer in men, and breast cancer in women. And at least two million Americans suffer colon related diseases including; colitis, ileitis, diverticulitis" (Ashby, 2008).

SO, though we might not want to discuss the "yucky" subject of body waste and elimination....we NEED to for our overall health and well being.

What is colonic hydrotherapy (colonics) exactly?

"Colonic irrigation using colon hydrotherapy involves the safe, gentle infusion of water into the colon via the rectum. No chemicals or drugs are involved and the entire therapy can both relaxing and highly effective" (Ashby, 2008).

"During therapy the client lies on a custom treatment table in comfort. From the colon hydrotherapy instrument a small disposable speculum is gently inserted into the rectum, through which warm filtered water passes into the colon.

These are closed systems so waste is discretely transported into the drain line without offensive odor and without comprising the dignity of the individual. After each therapy session, the unit is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected" (Ashby, 2008).

"Each colon hydrotherapy session lasts approximately 45 minutes and one should allow at least one hour per office visit. Initially, a series of at least three separate therapy sessions may be recommended, to achieve the maximum cleansing benefit. This helps to eliminate fecal matter which may have been lodged in the colon for weeks, months, or even years, and to keep the client properly hydrated" (Ashby, 2008).

"With colon hydrotherapy, the entire large intestine is cleansed and the therapeutic benefits are much greater than those achieved with an enema. Enema cleansings are limited to the rectum and lower sigmoid area and due to the body's natural wish to expel, are limited in duration. During a typical colon hydrotherapy session, about 25 to 35 gallons of water will be transported into and out of the colon. Just one colon hydrotherapy session may be equivalent to having 20 or 30 regular bowel movements" (Ashby, 2008).

BENEFITS of Colon Hydotherapy:

>Improves metabolic efficiency
>Exercises the colon muscles
>Reshapes the colon
>Stimulates reflex points in the colon
>Hydration of the whole body
>Compression of neighboring organs disappears
>Stimulates peristaltic action of intestines
>Expels parasites
>Relieves some gynecological disorders
>Reduces weight
>Greater vitality and energy
>Healthier clearer skin
>Stronger immune system
>Improved digestion

Ashby, Cheryl. 2008. "Colonic Irrigation Using Colon Hydrotherapy: The Perfect Way to Eliminate Constipation and Restor Normal, Daily Bowel Functions" Retrieved on June 11, 2008 from http://www.colonhealth.net/colon_hydrotherapy/index.html.

For additional information and/or research, please see:

www.fountainofhealth.com/colonicbenefits.php
www.colonhealth.net/colon_hydrotherapy/index.html
www.digestivehealthcentre.com/colon-hydrotherapy.html

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Chiropractic Procedures: Healthy Spine and Entire OVERALL Health

What are chiropractic procedures exactly?

"Chiropractic is a branch of the natural healing arts based on the Science, Art and Philosophy that the brain and nervous system controls and influences the function of every cell and tissue in the body. Irritation or interference to the nervous system caused by spinal misalignment adversely affects how the brain and body communicate with each other. Therefore, a healthy spine and nervous system is the basis for natural health and healing, allowing the body to exhibit its true health potential" (Miller, 2008; emphasis added).

According to the Chiropractic Health Institute (2008), chiropractic procedures are based on (3) primary scientific principles:

1. The body is a self-healing organism under the control of the nervous system
2. Spinal misalignments cause nervous system interference
3. Interference to the nervous system causes the body to be imbalanced

So, how important is our nervous system?

Well, EXTREMELY important.

Why? Basically, because the nervous system is the body's MASTER control unit or differently stated....."the communication network" carrying messages from the brain, throughout the systems of the entire body creating harmony, balance and wellness within.

Just a few systems in the body effected by the healthy functioning of the nervous system include:

>Circulatory
>Digestive
>Endocrine
>Lymphatic
>Respiratory
>Muscular

Therefore, it becomes quite important for each of us to have a healthy functioning nervous system which can be naturally cared for with the use of chiropractic manipulation.

BENEFITS of Chiropractic Procedures:

>Spinal and extremity pain relief
>Headache relief
>Increased mobility and range of motion
>Decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
>Arthritic joint health
>Decreased tissue inflammation
>Increased circulation
>Increased performace and energy
>Increased relaxation
>Increased balance and coordination
>Reduced degeneration and risk of injury
>Enhanced tissue healing
>Stress reduction
>Improved sleep

Chiropractic Health Institute. 2008. "What is Chiropractic?" Retrieved on June 11, 2008 from http://www.chirohealthinstitute.com/html/links.html.

Miller, Dr. Dennis J. 2008. "What is Chiropractic?" Retrieved on June 11, 2008 from http://www.millerchiropractic.com/aboutchiro.htm.

For additional information and/or research, please see:

www.wellnesschiro.com/benefits-of-chiropractic.htm
www.expervillage.com/video-series/293_chiropractic-health.htm
www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/

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Essential Oils: Scriptural Lessons on Healing

In our current social system often times when healing remedies become "popular culture" we relegate the information to being anti-Christian or non-scripturally based. However, most of us just aren't READING our Bibles enough to realize that God is the orchestrator of all true healing wisdom.

Essential Oils are one such case. According to Totila (2008), "the Bible mentions over 33 species of fragrant plants with over 1,035 references to essential oils and/or plants in the Old and New Testaments." In the following videos take the time to go on an informative scriptural journey of the healing properties as it relates to essential oils with teacher Rebecca Park Totilo.

Sit back, receive and enJoy learning how healing your temple is right at your fingertips.

The Lord says, "my people parish because of a lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 1)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 2)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 3)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 4)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 5)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 6)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 7)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 8)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 9)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 10)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 11)

Healing Oils of Ancient Scripture (Part 12)

For additional information and/or research, please see:

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp
http://www.therealessentials.com/
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_directory.html
http://www.101lifestyle.com/beauty/aromatherapy/aromatherapy.html
http://www.aromaessentials.com/EssentialOils.htm

Understanding Our Energy: Journeys Through the Chakras

2008-04-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

Introduction to the Chakra System

Most often when we consider the "chakra system" we exclude Judeo-Christian thought and knowledge from the dialog. However, both of these systems of thought include the chakra system in their interpretations.

It is most clearly articulated in the Jewish Kabbalah with the cosmological interpretation of the "Tree of Life." We also know this concept of the "Tree of Life" is found in the Bible in the beginning in Genesis and at the end in Revelations. However, this spiritual concept has not been well developed and taught on from the Christian perspective.

Though Christian thinkers have not well developed this system, we see it is still VERY important for our understanding and journey into healing. WHY, you might ask..... is because in the beginning "The Tree of Life" was created for each of us, as humans, to have LIFE.

Because of this, there are some of us working to change that...

"The Tree Of Life is a diagram representative of the process by which Kabbalists believe the universe came into being. It can be noted that the explanation that Kabbalists give of the evolution or emanation of the universe is startingly similar to that given by modern scientists in various fields" (Wikipedia, 2008). "Since its energies are the basis of all creation the Tree of Life can potentially be applied to any area of life, especially the inner world of man, from the subconscious all the way to what Kabbalists call the higher self" (Wikipedia, 2008).

(CLICK on the ABOVE image to see the Flow of Energy)

"But the Tree of Life does not only speak of the origins of the physical universe out of the unimaginable, but also of man's place in the universe. Since man is invested with Mind, consciousness in the Kabbalah is thought of as the fruit of the physical world, through whom the original infinite energy can experience and express itself as a finite entity. After the energy of creation has condensed into matter it is thought to reverse its course back up the Tree until it is once again united with its true nature. Thus the Kabbalist seeks to know himself and the universe as an expression of God, and to make the journey of Return by stages charted by the Sephiroth, until he has come to the realisation he sought" (Wikipedia, 2008).

Major interpretations of chakra system and it's psychological properties:

"Chakras are centers of energy, located on the midline of the body. There are seven of them, and they govern our psychological properties. The chakras located on the lower part of our body are our instinctual side, the highest ones our mental side.

The chakras can have various levels of activity. When they're 'open,' they're considered operative in a normal fashion.

Ideally, all chakras would contribute to our being. Our instincts would work together with our feelings and thinking. However, this is usually not the case. Some chakras are not open enough (being under-active), and to compensate, other chakras are over-active. The ideal state is where the chakras are balanced" (Berkers, 2008).

1 - Root chakra
"The Root chakra is about being physically there and feeling at home in situations. If it is open, you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don't unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. You feel you have sufficient territory.

If you tend to be fearful or nervous, your Root chakra is probably under-active. You'd easily feel unwelcome.

If this chakra is over-active, you may be very materialistic and greedy. You're probably obsessed with being secure and resist change (Berkers, 2008).

2 - Sacral chakra
The Sacral chakra is about feeling and sexuality. When it is open, your feelings flow freely, and are expressed without you being over-emotional. You are open to intimacy and you can be passionate and lively. You have no problems dealing with your sexuality.

If you tend to be stiff and unemotional or have a "poker face," the Sacral chakra is under-active. You're not very open to people.

If this chakra is over-active, you tend to be emotional all the time. You'll feel emotionally attached to people and you can be very sexual (Berkers, 2008).

3 - Navel chakra
The Navel chakra is about asserting yourself in a group. When it is open, you feel in control and you have sufficient self esteem.

When the Navel chakra is under-active, you tend to be passive and indecisive. You're probably timid and don't get what you want.

If this chakra is over-active, you are domineering and probably even aggressive (Berkers, 2008).

4 - Heart chakra
The Heart chakra is about love, kindness and affection. When it is open, you are compassionate and friendly, and you work at harmonious relationships.

When your Heart chakra is under-active, you are cold and distant.

If this chakra is over-active, you are suffocating people with your love and your love probably has quite selfish reasons (Berkers, 2008).

5 - Throat chakra
The Throat chakra is about self-expression and talking. When it is open, you have no problems expressing yourself, and you might be doing so as an artist.

When this chakra is under-active, you tend not to speak much, and you probably are introverted and shy. Not speaking the truth may block this chakra.

If this chakra is over-active, you tend to speak too much, usually to domineer and keep people at a distance. You're a bad listener if this is the case (Berkers, 2008).

6 - Third Eye chakra
The Third Eye chakra is about insight and visualization. When it is open, you have a good intuition. You may tend to fantasize.

If it is under-active, you're not very good at thinking for yourself, and you may tend to rely on authorities. You may be rigid in your thinking, relying on beliefs too much. You might even get confused easily.

If this chakra is over-active, you may live in a world of fantasy too much. In excessive cases halucinations are possible (Berkers, 2008).

7 - Crown chakra
The Crown chakra is about wisdom and being one with the world. When this chakra is open, you are unprejudiced and quite aware of the world and yourself.

If it is under-active, you're not very aware of spirituality. You're probably quite rigid in your thinking.

If this chakra is over-active, you are probably intellectualizing things too much. You may be addicted to spirituality and are probably ignoring your bodily needs" (Berkers, 2008).

How emotions affect the chakras?

1. Root Chakra
Fear
The right to be here

2. Sacral Chakra
Guilt
The right to feel

3. Navel Chakra
Shame
The right to act

4. Heart Chakra
Sorrow
The right to love and be loved (Berkers, 2008).

5. Throat Chakra
Lies
The right to speak and hear truth

6. Third Eye Chakra
Illusion
The right to see

7. Crown Chakra
Attachment
The right to know (Berkers, 2008).

Berkers, Ewald. 2008. "Introduction to the chakras." Retreived from http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/introduction.php.

Healing Naturally: Lessons on Vitamins and Minerals

2008-04-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Basics 101: What do we Need to Know?

"Vitamin benefits are many but not with all brands and types of vitamins. The main reason vitamin benefits are so crucial is mainly because in the past fifty years there has become an epidemic of vitamin deficient foods.

Today's food no longer contains the vitamins and other nutrients that are required for good long-term health.

Years ago vitamins and other nutrients were replenished in the soil and transferred to into the plants, but since farming techniques have changed drastically, so has the vitamin and nutrient content of the crops" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

"To compound the problem of the lack of vitamin benefits in food due to modern-day farming techniques, is the fact that vitamins and other nutrients are lost when storing, drying, freezing, and processing your food.

Only in recent years, and with a lot of resistance, has the conservative medical community has finally admitted that the vitamin benefits through vitamin supplementation is necessary for long-term health.

It wasn't until 1992 that the journal of American Medical Association finally recommended vitamin supplementation as a way to prevent heart disease because the vitamin benefits were so strong" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

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What Are Some Benefits?

"There are many, many vitamins and minerals and their benefits are many. Here are just some of the vitamins you need along with the vitamin benefits.

Beta-carotene has many benefits including being suggested to protect against cancer and heart disease. These vitamin benefits are due to the fact that it can dramatically boost your immune system and act a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants can control free radicals and prevent them from causing damage to cells and leading to premature disease and aging" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

"Some other benefits of beta-carotene are its ability to improve vision and combat skin disorders, such as psoriasis and eczema, protect your throat, mouth, and lungs from pre-cancerous cells.

Biotin is with it's important benefits is used in the metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps in energy production and there is some proof that it can help people with diabetes by keep glucose levels reduced.

Other benefits include healthy hair, skin, and nails, reducing fatigue, heartburn and some allergies" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

"Folic acid is famous for certain benefits, most notably being a crucial vitamin for women who are trying to conceive and those who are already pregnant.

But other benefits include helping to make you heart healthy, an increase in energy and a role for in helping to combat Alzheimer’s disease" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

"Vitamin A has many unique benefits but mostly is a very effective antioxidant.

It is also plays an essential role in maintaining healthy vision, keeping the cells of your skin healthy, helping relieve skin disorders, often to treat acne and wrinkles, boosting your immune system and helping to heal any wounds you may have.

Some studies have also shown that vitamin A may help insulin regulate blood sugar levels, a big vitamin benefit for people with diabetes" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

"Vitamin B12 has very important benefits because a deficiency can lead to serious health complications such as nerve damage, weak muscles, depression, memory problems, fatigue, anemia, and stunted growth in children.

Other benefits include the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, your body’s manufacture of DNA and RNA and the proper functioning of nerves.

Vitamin C has many benefits you may already be aware of including a pivotal role in the production of collagen, an ability to help the healing of wounds, has an ability to boost your immune system, protects artery linings, and it may help in the prevention of cataracts" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

"Vitamin E having many benefits, is a potent antioxidant, has a possible role in the protection against heart disease, some types of cancers, boosting your immune system, and helping as an aid in the healing of injuries.

In addition, some studies have shown it can boost the immune system in elderly people.

Vitamin K has good benefits such as blood clotting and helping to strengthen bones and counter osteoporosis.

And the list of vitamins and their own benefits goes on and on" (Women's Health Fitness, 2008).

Women's Health Fitness. 2008. "Vitamin Benefits Are Many But Do You Know The True Vitamin Benefits And…If Your Vitamins Are Providing You With The Proper Benefits?" Retrieved from http://www.womens-health-fitness.com/vitamin-benefits.html.