by Mardi Allen, Life Coach, Mardi@CoachMardi.net

Tell a New Story

Are you trapped in the past and telling the same old negative stories over and over again?  Do you find yourself repeating negative events that happened to you years ago?  Do you wish the events would have been different and are you holding on to blame and anger?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. I saw a television show where women in their thirties and forties were still holding on to the fact they were teased in school.  One woman was homeschooling her children solely based on the fact that she was teased in school over 30 years ago.

It is easy to become attached to these negative stories and keep repeating them to anyone who will listen. Words are very powerful and reliving your negative stories may keep you in a victim role, disempowered, and stuck in the past, unable to move forward to a happy, healthy place. Become aware of the negative stories, how often you repeat them, and why you are telling them.  Is it for sympathy or attention?

Stop playing the blame game and take responsibility for your happiness and your life.  Forgive anyone who has ever hurt you and forgive yourself.  Forgiveness is a huge key to inner peace. Holding onto resentment and anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.

Change your greeting and how you respond to others. Instead of identifying with the suffering start affirming your strengths and always use a positive greeting.  Become empowered and identify with your greatness. Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we deal with it, so choose to tell a new story and get rid of that old tape recorder. Release the past with love and let it go, as it no longer serves you. Heal, move on, and choose to live in the present with peace and happiness.

by Tiffany Reves, MA, LPC, Sharp Focus Centers

Turn on any news program today, and it won’t take long to hear another heartbreaking story about cyberbullying and its tragic consequences.  With unrestrained access to texting, cell phones, and social networking sites, bullying is no longer limited to the playground or the school hallways.   While this alarming trend has increased in parents a fear of the cyber world, it is important to note that research shows that with proper information and execution, this cycle can be minimized. Equipped with information and a few simple tools, parents can prepare themselves for the role that technology plays in their child’s life, helping to curtail the growth of this detrimental epidemic and its harmful impact on their children.

Cyberbullying is defined by the Cyberbullying Research Center as “when someone repeatedly harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices.”  In their February 2010 survey of 4000 students, ages 12 -18, the Research Center found that 20% of students report experiencing cyberbullying on a regular basis, with rumors and disparaging comments being the most commonly identified forms.  Even more disturbing, in a study on cyberbullying and suicide, researchers found that cyberbullying victims were twice as likely to attempt suicide as those individuals experiencing other forms of bullying.

Recent news reports describe one horrific story about Alexis Pilkington, 17, a West Islip soccer star, who committed suicide in March 2010 following vicious bullying on a popular social networking site, which continued after her death, adding to the grief her family and friends were experiencing.  Formspring.me, the site where the bullying took place, advertises to be a place where youth can “ask questions, give answers, and learn more about your friends.”  The danger with this site and many others is that these question and answer sessions can be done anonymously which creates a greater outlet for bullying as kids can make any statement without the risk of being identified.  Alexis’ death is a costly example of the role that cyberbullying plays in the lives of our youth.  It also exemplifies how wide open the door is for youth to communicate with complete insensitivity and without consequence.
While this epidemic seems to be spiraling out of control, there are a number of precautions that parents can take.  It is important to educate children on using the Internet and social networking sites.  Kids need a clear understanding that nothing posted on the Internet is truly “private.”  Teens must learn to appreciate and utilize discretion in posting pictures and comments.  It is important to help kids understand that comments made through email, text, or over the internet are not the same as in person communication and may be misunderstood.  Young people also need to understand that compromising pictures taken by friends can end up on the Internet or sent via text message.  These are opportunities for parents to discuss with and teach their children about the balance between desired community and privacy and about good communication skills.

Parents should be willing to discuss dangers with their kids, helping them understand that predators are on the Internet.  Discuss how to stay protected by avoiding strangers and personal discussions and never giving out personal information.  Implement safeguards, such as parental controls and filters and parental monitoring of texts and social networking sites.  Parents should engage in this process not as a time when they have to fight with their kids, but as an opportunity to show their loved ones they are fighting for them.

Education, awareness, and safe practices, both on the part of kids and teens and their parents, can provide peace of mind and safety for the entire family. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, put it best when he said, “The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn’t understand.”  It is important for parents to have their own understanding of the Internet and social technology, so that they can guide their kids in its proper use and place in life.  Parents must recognize that social networking and technology are a vital part of an adolescent’s world and should not be completely disregarded.  A few simple steps and open communication with teens will significantly decrease the risk of the dangers associated with today’s communication.

For more information visit the Cyberbullying Research Center at http://www.cyberbullying.us/index.php

by Sue Newhouse, auntsue@auntsuesbarn.com

When was the last time you bit into a warm, ripe peach?  I can’t imagine you’ve never done that, but imagine picking that fresh peach right from the tree and biting into it – the juice dripping  down your chin so you have to catch it with the other hand; the ripe flavor causing your mouth to water at the very thought. These aren’t the peaches you get at the grocery store; they can only be experienced in person at a local farm.

Here in North Texas we have not only our local grocer,  but farms and day trips within driving distance that can let us experience the farm first hand. This not only supports the grower with the maximum return on their product, it incorporates family time, educational opportunities and lets your kids experience just what it takes to bring that produce to their table.

Want a day trip?  The Texas Hill County peach growers are known for great produce! Peach farming isn’t as easy as it looks. Because the hill country peaches flower early to mid-March, a frost could occur that may negatively impact a significant percentage of the peaches. That Texas Hill Country farmer is out there going to great lengths to save their crop.  One farmer, who also employs a wind turbine to promote air movement during frost periods, engages a helicopter to fly over the fields in the early hours of the morning to prevent frost from settling on the peaches. Quite an expense, but needed technology at times to save a crop. These farmers may contract with private weather services as well as monitoring moment by moment temperatures through downloadable devices kept out near the trees.

If you’re interested in visiting a local peach orchard, we’re fortunate to have the Red River Peach Orchard just 30 minutes away in Gainesville (www.redriverpeachorchard.com). Not only do they have fabulous peaches June into August, the owner, Norman Miner is available to talk about his orchard with you at great lengths. And lastly, don’t forget about Weatherford, Texas – home of the Parker County Peach Festival scheduled for July 10th (http://www.peachfestivaltx.com/).

Thinking about growing your own? The best time to purchase and plant is during the winter months when the trees are dormant. Although stores don’t usually stock them at that time, you might consider Womack Nursery in De Leon, Texas. This is a local grower who has healthy bare root fruit trees and can provide them at the time they need to be planted. A benefit to buying them directly from the grower is they have the knowledge and are willing to take the time to share it with you.  You can get on their catalog list at www.womacknursery.com.

So think again about what that fresh, dripping warm peach will taste like and support the local growers.  It’s a summer treat your family will remember forever.

by Troy Hurst DC, DAAPM

The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society have released a new set of guidelines. They will help doctors and patients classify types of low back pain and plan a course of treatment.

The doctors recommend that a patient think about when and how the pain developed before visiting a physician. At the appointment, a history will be taken that focuses on precipitating circumstances and present symptoms.  There are a few symptoms that can tell you whether your backache is more than the result of too much physical work on the previous day:

•  If there is any loss of sensation or strength in the leg, immediate medical attention
is needed.
•  If there is fever, immediate treatment is required.
•  If pain lasts through the night, you should see a doctor soon.
•  Shooting pain and tingling could be caused by lumbar disc disease.
•  Back pain that intensifies and subsides repeatedly might be caused by a kidney stone.
•  Pain that shoots down one leg to behind the knee is an indication of sciatica.
•  Tender points and pain in the spine, neck, shoulders and hips could be caused
by fibromyalgia.
•  Most back pain can be treated without surgery. Physical therapy and education
on lifting and movement techniques are recommended. To prevent back injuries:
•  Lift with your legs. If you have back problems, don’t lift much at all.
•  Stretch daily to keep the back limber and to improve circulation.
•  Keep abdominal muscles strong. They support your back.

by Dr. Jane Torrie, DC, Bellissima Spa and Wellness Center

Everyone is aware of the benefits of exercise in lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and achieving and maintaining a healthy, attractive body weight.   How many know how to take care of our hard working feet so that they carry us through exercise without developing knee, hip and back problems as we exercise?  The feet are elegantly designed to offer flexibility, strength, and support.  The bones, muscles, and ligaments join together to form two arches of the foot. It is the job of these arches to function like springs, collapsing somewhat when they bear weight then springing back as the weight is removed, literally energizing our steps!  The arches also distribute the weight of the body to the bony structures of the feet.

Imagine the foot that has weakened muscles or misaligned bones.  As the arches receive the weight of the body and the force of walking, running, or jumping, the arch has less recoil.  Too much collapse occurs.  When I adjust patients, I start from the feet and legs and move up, because if the foundation is crooked or collapsing, every structure above it will be at risk.  This is why ankles, knees, hips, and ultimately the entire spine can suffer when we exercise to get healthier!

So, what is the solution? It is critical to have proper alignment of the bones in the feet for them to function optimally and avoid fatigue.  This is achieved by having your feet adjusted regularly.  Strengthening the muscles of the feet is equally vital.  Both Dr. Lavada Smith, Licensed Massage Therapist of Flower Mound and Alicia McDonald, recreational specialist at Denton’s North Lakes Recreation Center recommend the Vibram 5 Finger shoe for strengthening the muscles of the feet so that they offer the needed flexibility and support.  Alicia wears her shoes while teaching exercise classes, rock climbing, even running on grass.  She notes that her leg muscles were sore for a week or so as her feet learned to function in a better way; now she absolutely loves them.  Walking and exercising barefoot in low impact settings such as yoga
or Pilates and doing exercises to strengthen your feet and ankles will also help.  Exercises to strengthen the feet and ankles include foot circles, heel raises and drops, toe raises, and balancing on one foot at a time.

As the alignment and strength of your feet improve, you will find that ankle, knee, hip and back pain also improve.

Lead to Disease…Are My Multi-Vitamins Enough?

by Lisa Houk, F.N.P.,B.C. Nurse Practitioner

William Shive, PhD, of the University of Texas at Austin, stated that “50% of those taking supplements will remain deficient.”  Overwhelming scientific evidence confirms that vitamin deficiencies are affiliated with disease processes and the condition of a person’s health.  Vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant deficiencies suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes, such as arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease as affirmed by the Journal of American Medical Association, (June 19, 2002, Vol 287, No. 23).  Are you getting enough out of your multi-vitamin?

Heart disease can be directly correlated to high levels of homocysteine.  This is because of functional deficiencies of folic acid, Vitamin B6, and B12.  Furthermore, a person greater than 85 years old has a 50% chance of developing Alzheimer’s.  Clinical correlation has been made with Alzheimer’s and lack of antioxidants, particularly Vitamin B12, C, and E.  The Framingham Health Study Cohort found that the elderly population is 30% deficient in folate, 20-25% deficient in B12, and 20% deficient in B6.  Lastly, diabetes mellitus has been associated with a widespread of nutritional deficiencies.  Magnesium, Chromium, Vitamin B1, B6, and E are commonly found to be low in diabetics.  Magnesium and Chromium, particularly, can lead to insulin insensitivity and fluctuations in blood sugar.  If you are at risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, or diabetes, pump up the volume on these nutrients to fight it off, beginning now!

Do some of the prescriptions you take deplete your nutrients?  According to the Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, 2nd Edition, they do.  Antacids, such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Prevacid, deplete Vitamin B12, D Folic Acid, Iron, Zinc, and Calcium.  Antibiotics, such as Tetracycycline and Penicillin, take away Vitamins B, K, B6, and intestinal friendly bacteria.  Anti-diabetic drugs, such as Glucophage, take away Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid.  Cholesterol lowering agents, such as Lipitor, Zocor, and Pravachol, lower Coenzyme Q10, Vitamins A, B12,D, E, K, Beta-Carotene, Folic Acid, and Iron.  Oral Contraceptives and synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy deplete Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, C, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Selenium, and Zinc.  If you are on these products, supplement the nutrients to minimize the deficit.

What do we have to worry about with regards to these vitamins?  For example, low levels of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) can lead to anemia, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet, depression, dementia, poor memory, and oral sores.  It is found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.  Another example, Vitamin E regulates oxidation reactions, immune function, and protects against cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration.  If it is deficient, then problems will occur with skin, hair, anemia, bruising, PMS, hot flashes, eczema, psoriasis, muscle weakness, and sterility.  Thirdly, Vitamin D, for example, is found in sunlight, milk, egg yolk, liver, and fish.  If weak, then it can lead to Osteoporosis, poor calcium absorption, and thyroid problems.

I take a Multi-Vitamin.  How do I know that it has everything I need and that I am absorbing it?  Look on your bottle.  Does it have a USP label for quality?  Do not buy “cheap off brands.”  You may be receiving less than 10% out of your product and wasting your money.  Ask the pharmacist.  Vitamins and nutrients are graded by Levels I-IV.  They can direct you to the best quality.  Lastly, look them up on-line.  Go to consumerlabs.com for comparison of price, quality, quantity, and absorption rate.

So, how do I know if I am getting enough?  Measuring levels of nutrients are done best through looking at the lymphocytes, the white blood cells.  They are produced in bone marrow that regenerate new cells every four to six months.  Lymphocytes measure minimal amount of each essential micronutrient that is needed to support lymphocyte growth or microgenic response.  Plus, they reveal the total antioxidant function, which shows the ability of cells to resist damage. Spectracell Labs, based out of Austin, TX developed a process to look definitively at these nutrients in 1993.  Consider a Total Nutrient Functional Intracellular Analysis (or go to spectracell.com for more information).