If This News Doesn't Concern You, You Must Have Stock in Big Pharma

I will always stand by the notion that Pharmaceuticals have a place, a limited place, in our lives. But pharmaceutical companies are in the business of making money. That is it. No where in the literature does it ever state that drugs cure anything. They manage symptoms. And maybe just maybe by managing symptoms the body just might heal itself. Sometimes to heal we are called on to do some work of our own. I hate to say it, we generally don't. We're geared to take the path of least resistance, the one requiring the least amount of effort on our part.

So this is where we as a society end up. Selling and peddling drugs in the name of health....as long as we give the drug a specific use like a diagnosis...and to help out on the sales we'll create a bigger market by lowering the standards for that diagnosis.

{A story that demonstrates what these companies care most about - It's always about the $$$: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/against-odds-lipitor-became-worlds-080130310.html }

This concerns me as a human, a mother, and as a health professional. I encourage everyone to take a good hard look at what is really happening here. I encourage to look at where you are choosing to spend your money. I encourage you to consider other more holistic alternatives. In fact I encourage you to look at what you are eating, doing and drinking that either aids in you remaining healthy or slowly takes your health away from you.

Living healthy in today's society takes effort I know, but the side effects are wonderful and just think how much money you will save NOT getting sick and NOT spending your money on drugs. I can certainly find some other ways to spend my money!

This news SHOULD concern you. This news SHOULD encourage you to discover healthier alternatives to pharmaceuticals.

Are Psychiatrists Inventing Mental Illnesses to Feed Americans More Pills? | | AlterNet

Yes, School Lunches SUCK! So pack your own!

I totally agree - School lunches suck! There is really no redeeming factor in school lunches. But what I don't read here is: Why not pack your own lunch. And that goes for us parents as well as for our students (read children).

I mean really, we can bitch all we want and we can even fight for change. I really think Jamie Oliver has a point here - Why not TEACH our children and our cafeteria staff to make not only healthy meals, but healthy choices! He has shown how it can be done.

But alas, that takes effort & work. It's just easier to leave it to a service and be done with it. It's easier and cheaper (well not really if it's done well).

OK, it's easier! But we can't be lazy about our own health or the health of our children. So I say take control and pack your own lunch.

And while you are at it, fix your own breakfast and have dinner as a family!

Yes, our school lunches suck and the vending machines at work are no substitute for a healthy snack.

But folks, you have a CHOICE to buy the stuff or pack/fix/prepare your own!

That all said, If we as a society choose to offer lunches to our children, then we should be sure the children's health is considered first and foremost.

Just my thoughts on the matter...

sAq

BBC News - Jamie Oliver says healthy school food standards 'eroded':

'via Blog this'

GMO's: Genetically Modified Organisms - The Rights of Consumers v Corporations

The debate over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) and consumer protection is a perfect example of "We the People" v "We the Corporation".

It seems to me so logical that "Yes, of course" all foods should be labeled when they are NOT purely produced by mother nature.

The fact that there is a debate at all screams how the power of large corporations and their profits weigh in more heavily then the health and well-being of the people, the consumer of such foods.

The fact that these corporations are making huge profits and yet having no accountability over the long-range implications of the GMO's on consumer health is an outrage to me.

I believe in the freedom of choice. And in this incidence, as far as the USA in concerned, we are being denied the choice of knowing how our food has been manufactured and produced.

I want to eat healthy. I want to be healthy. I'd like to think corporations will have my best interest in mind while producing these GMO foods, but the truth of the matter is immediate profits out weigh my future health in the long run.

"While the Act includes provisions relating to the genetic modification of organisms,
from the development and production to the release and application of GMOs, as well
as the use of gene therapy, it does not govern the labelling of products that contain GMOs,
or stipulate the need to disclose this information to the consumer," says Natasha Wright,
an associate, at law firm Adams & Adams."

OK I can accept that no one else takes responsibility for my health. But in this case I can not only be informed, I have no way to fight back and hold anyone corporation accountable to the potential adverse health reaction to my body ingesting a multitude of GMO's.

I believe I should have that right to know what I am ingesting, to be informed so that I can make my own decision and choose what I believe best for me.

Right now without labels we are being denied that right.

It's wrong period.

When something is fought so strongly like the fight for GMO labeling in the USA, then I can't help but think that even the corporations who are creating GMO's don't know the long range health consequences and want only to profit now and wipe their hands of future responsibility.

That is just shameful.

South Africa, as this article explains is taking a stand. So should the USA!

Consumers are protected by GMO Act - Adams & Adams:

'via Blog this'

Fit to Enjoy a Full Life - Push-ups to Kayaks

When I commune with nature via a hike or kayaking adventure I always return to my real world refreshed and invigorated.

I feel humbled and awed in the presence of Mother Nature. I feel saddened by our disrespect for her beauty and   value to our existence.

When I venture forth into the rather tame reaches of nature I emerge with a much larger heart for not only the wild life it's natural habitat but our humanness as well.

Rarely do I go on adventures alone. A pal or a few pals join me. We each share the moments of taking in the oft times hidden world. We talk about anything and everything. We see nature and each other within the light of Oneness.We are as much a part as we are separate from nature and ourselves.

I have always believed that fitness is NOT always about being buff, having the knock-out body, breaking sound barriers on our bikes, in the water or on our feet. The athletic achievements, though mentally and spiritually uplifting and satisfying in themselves, pale in comparison to living an abundant life.

Being FIT to me, and it is just my opinion, one I base my professional personal training world around, is the ability to DO what you enjoy in life.

Being able to perform 25 full push-ups is not the important thing to me. BUT being able to do those push-ups ALLOWS me to climb rocks, swim in the lakes & oceans, pick up and carry the children in my life, hoist that kayak onto my car and play a game of tennis with one of my favorite people in the world.

That is what being FIT means to me. So I will lift my weights. I will go for runs (or at least do my best). I will do my push-ups and sit-ups.I will feel proud of those athletic achievements (first in my age-group or just NOT last!) and PR's.

But the love I feel, the satisfaction I experience comes when I can take that fit body on adventures in nature with my friends. That fills my heart & mind with love and soothes my anxious soul.

http://www.myspace.com/sherrillaquinn/blog/544480329

Exercise! Don't underestimate the curative properties..

Yes, of course I'm going to jump on an article that highlights exercise as medicine. I'll keep highlighting these articles until it finally dawns on folks that movement is good. Not only is it good for the often over emphasized aesthetic reasons (Ok, I get it sexy bodies sell magazines, products and services), but movement (A.K.A. Exercise) is great for the mind, spirit and our over all health.

Exercise does not have to be difficult. We can vary it up any which way and benefits mount. Sure there are precautions and progressions when first starting out. Sure as you get fitter, you got to change it up, mix it up, challenge yourself. But it's not rocket science folks.

So here is another reason to get yourself moving. There are so many options out there for everyone that you are bound to find something that clicks with you. Clubs, DVD's, YouTube, TV stations, Recreation, hikes, biking trails, pools...come on it's available no matter socio-economic strata you are on...options are available.

BBC News - Exercise should be 'standard part of cancer care'

Check out some of the stats in this article if you need convincing.

In Health Always!!

sAq

There is no reason to QUIT! Lots of reasons to START!

Aging is NOT a disease. But we tend to "age" faster when we allow ourselves to become less active, physically, mentally and spiritually. We become dis-eased when we give up on ourselves and our health in particular.

Cultivating a "can do" attitude no matter your age, no matter your obstacle takes mental & physical practice. We have to keep investing in our health every day. 

And oh yes, once you succumb to the "I'm too old" to learn, to grow, to try something new, to give it your best, then you will create that reality around you. You become too diseased to DO anything.

We will age and we will begin to slow, who cares. But why must we rush it with inactivity and lethargy?

Challenge the misconception and "just do it!".

Inspirational read...

Bike Swim Run » Can You Run Even When You’re Older?

My Team - Buffalo Marathon

The running season begins with the Buffalo Marathon on Sunday May 29th. An unlikely team, my running buddies & I, will run further than we have in at least 10 years if not in our lives. No it's nothing major, no 50-miler, no full marathon, it's just this team of friends doing the 4-person relay. No biggie to runners, but HUGE to each one of us.

We go toe-to-toe with our own personal "Beast" of uncertainty, insecurity, fear, excuses, doubt, commitments, family pulls, injuries and yet...move ahead anyway.

This goal has more to do with our own minds. The rewards are bigger than the mere 10K or 12K we'll each contribute. Running has brought us together. We're a TEAM.

http://www.myspace.com/sherrillaquinn/blog/543082924

Happiness - Being "Active" in the Pursuit

...And there's that "ACTIVITY" factor again!

Being truly happy. Inwardly happy. Not externally, see how much I have accumulated, vaux happy. It's not hard, it's only heart-felt.

If you donate your time & money do it for non-recognition and see how it really makes you feel.

Build your friendships because you honestly like the person you are be-friending, not for their business contacts. Give of yourself to them for no other reason than sharing the "gift of yourself" to them.

That higher-purpose, where you hold yourself accountable to the highest form of who you are. No, not this worlds definition. YOUR definition of your highest self. You might have to pause and LISTEN to find what that means to you. You will hear it, but you must be still to hear it. You won't have to ask permission or get affirmations from anyone, you will know.

And there it is: Be Active. Get Physical. MOVE your Body! Nothing like a walk around the neighborhood, a day toiling the garden, going for a bike ride, playing tag with the kids, hiking along the river rocks...being active just for the fun of it.

Activity is part of the overall "Happines Equation".

Daily Good is an inspirational Blog to those on the journey and to those who wish to continue.

Enjoy

sAq

DailyGood: 10 Keys to Happier Living