Northwestern States Slideshow

I've been needing a meditative concept for a while now, as more medical issues occur:

• Lymphatic cancer scare
• Retinal detachment testing
• Ovarian cancer concerns

I've got to tell you, this has been a curious, frustrating month. So, since I've always been inspired by the wild beauty of Washington and Oregon, I put together a little slideshow to check in on when I need a mental break. I'll be adding images when I can, and updating this as I create other slideshows, as well. Feel free to click on any of the images here to see a larger version, or check the links below for free desktop versions, if you'd like one of these to serve as your computer background.

Images for this slideshow provided by: Stock.XCHNG, big.org.ua, and eWallpapers.

I'm certain to add more within the next day or so to explain ALL of this, from my husband's arterial bypass surgery and what it means to be the only person around to help him recover, to the sudden upsurge in health problems I've seen in the last month. In the meantime, consider that when it rains, it often pours.

Update: My husband and I have had a particularly stressful day today, and as a little "slice of happy", I sent him an image that almost looks like it could have been taken on either side of the country. He responded with a deep sigh of relief, telling me that he needs to find more of these, for desktop backgrounds, for moments of peace. Given the copyright rules regarding this image, it would be best if I simply added a hyperlink, so you can see it -- and send it or similar images -- for yourselves. This peaceful view of Bennington, New Hampshire was photographed by Rand K. Peck for Yankee Magazine. I'd love to show you the picture, but I had to post this right away, as I've learned it's the moments, when they happen, that are often the most valuable.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics is a relatively new word in the health vocabulary, though certain aspects of it have been around for centuries. Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines.

The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. Antibiotics kill "good" bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. Taking probiotic supplements may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria.(1) Probiotics also occur naturally in or are added to food.

Do probiotics work, and are they safe?

Probiotic bacteria are already part of the normal digestive system and are considered safe, but probiotic dietary supplements do not undergo the same FDA testing processes as medications. It has been suggested that probiotics be used to treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types of bacteria or yeast (called strains) have been shown to work in the digestive tract.(1) For now, research suggests use of probiotics during and after taking antibiotics may be helpful. Those suffering from IBS may find the probiotics in yogurt particularly helpful as well.(2)

Common but unproven claims are that probiotics slow aging, are anti-oxidants or anti-carcinogenic, cure headaches, restore energy, reduce eczema, improve immunity, reduce of childhood allergies and asthma, and regulate moods for those with bipolar or depression, or halt these conditions, altogether. Further clinical studies need to be undertaken to prove the veracity of these other claims.(2)

Some people may be allergic to or intolerant of certain probiotic supplements, or to the probiotic food in which they are presented. However, in most cases, probiotic food is well tolerated, and at the very least, may provide one with better intestinal health.(3)

Where do I find probiotics?

Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known probiotic. Yeast is a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements, and aside from yogurt, are most often purchased in this form.(1) Probiotics can be easily obtained in kefir, cottage cheese and other soft cheeses, preserved vegetables, miso soup, sauerkraut, many pickles, and powdered drink mixes.(2)

Written by MareWinds~
a.k.a. Mireille Larkins

~~~~~

Source (1): http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Source (2): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-probiotics.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation

Source (3): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-probiotic-food.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation

Further Information: The Nibble: Probiotic Food

Three Fun Self-Health Resources

I've got three terrific health resources for those -- like my husband and myself -- who need to do more than lose weight or start exercising to turn their lives around. These are for digging deeper into what you're eating, and how to balance the food in your life with the lifestyle you want.

• Prevention Health Trackers: What I like: lots of charts and graphs, plenty of lifestyle elements to consider and track, detailed nutritional breakdowns, and custom measurements for special health needs.

What's shown above is the Foods Eaten tab; there's another for exercise, another for tracking moods -- which can make a huge difference in the success of any lifestyle changes -- and a really fun Reports page for those who still haven't played with enough charts and graphs.

There's a lot more on the site with which to work (and play), including an excellent recipe collection and a fitness section with something for everyone, from slow stretches to marathon running, and everything in between. I do recommend beginning with the Health Trackers if you want a springboard; the Custom Measurements alone make this resource well worth checking out.

• NutritionData's Daily Needs Calculator and Virtual Pantry: Just to dip your toes in, try this widget, and see what you find.

What I like: several terrific features here, including a free newsletter and a healthy recipe section, an optional exercise modifier, thousands of excellent tips and articles, and far more nutritional information than you ever thought you'd see, for more products -- in more ways to serve them -- than you might expect.

I find myself going back to this site again and again, tracking Potassium and other nutrients, fiber, and odd-sized portions. You can earn what those nutrients do for you, and how much you really need. Still, I've barely dipped into this resource. Take your time here; there's a LOT to discover. I just found their FireFox search plugin , today.

• CookingLight, particularly the Healthy Life and Menus & Planning sections. I'll just mention that I found this resource the same way most do -- in magazine form, and I bought each issue as it came out, checking weekly to see if the newest issue was available yet. I finally realized this magazine was a part of our new lifestyle, and got a subscription.

But, sometime into the first issue I purchased, I discovered the wonderful resource provided with the CookingLight website. Either of the links mentioned above make terrific launch points for more information, and many more recipes. My husband and I can't use every recipe, but that's because our health needs are very specific. However, we are able to use most of the vegetarian recipes as-is, and most of the others require simple adaptations -- for example, substituting seriously-low-sodium (SLS?) broths for cooking oils to keep our fat intake down without increasing sodium. If you're looking for really healthy foods that don't sacrifice anything for flavor, you'll greatly enjoy this site.