Longing For Fall

Even though it did rain some, it still is very hot and we are longing for the fall. That is the time for us to be active and go camping.

We try to keep informed of new products for our camping trips. We are in need of a new air mattress. Our other ones sprung leaks. Maybe a raised twin air mattress is the route to go. We will see.

For now, we are stuck inside because of the heat, sigh.

Osteoarthritis

This disease is also known under the following names: Hypertrophic osteoarthritis, Osteoarthrosis and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD).

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is one of the most common diseases which affects the joints. Even though it is mainly age related, it can also be caused by factors which are related to the metabolism. Genetics, chemicals and mechanics can onset OA as well.

The disease causes the cartilage between the joints to become thinner. This is mainly due to wear and tear of the joints. As it progresses, the cartilage will even disappear completely. What is left is the bones rubbing over each other; this can cause bone spurs.

The symptoms usually are an severe pain in the joint which gets worse after heavy lifting or exercises, but improves with rest. Grating of the joint while moving it, joint pain when it is rainy, joint swelling, obstruction with movement and morning stiffness.

The symptoms combined with x-rays can show that you are dealing with OA. Medications include:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These NSAIDs reduce the pain as well as any swelling.
- Steroids which are injected right into the joint. They can also be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These over the counter supplements can help control pain.
- Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan). These medications can be injected into the knee and can relieve pain for up to 6 months.

Changes in lifestyle can be very helpful as well. Water exercises are extremely good and applying heat and cold, a balanced diet, plenty of rest, loosing weight (in case you are overweight) and being careful with your joints can all have a positive effect.

Physical therapy to improve muscle strength will relieve the joints as well. In severe cases surgery either to replace the joint or repair the damage may be the only option. I also found that OA occurs more in women over 55 then in men, but by the age of 70 apparently everyone suffers from OA in one form or another.

Yeah, I got it in my back and have to be careful with heavy lifting and overdoing. So far, it is still manageable and does not rear its ugly head very often. I consider myself blessed.

We don't always need to do heavy lifting or overdoing. Sometimes we just have to leave it in God's capable hands. He will see to it and we can rest assured that it will turn out for the best.

Hebrews 4:9
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.

Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite!

You may think this topic is a little bit out of my league, but it is not. It has everything to do with our health and a healthy living environment: Bed Bugs!

You may also think that these critters are long extinct and we don't have them any longer. Sorry to burst your bubble; they are more common then you would suspect and could even be hiding out in your house.

These 'buggers' are about 3/16 of an inch long and do not just hide in the seams of your mattress or the crevices of sheets and comforters, but can also be found in many other places in the house. That is what makes them so difficult to detect.

A Bed Bug bite can cause itching and sometimes even red welts or swelling, but by the time this manifests itself, it probably already has been several days ago since they drew blood.

In case you suspect you may have Bed Bugs or are not quite sure, visit the Orkin site. They have a wealth of information on these critters and it is definitely worth reading. You will be surprised how easily Bed Bugs spread. Don't worry, Orkin can even help you getting rid of the little blood suckers as well.

Have a great day and as for later: good night, don't let the bed bugs bite!

...And Down Came The Rain

I spoke a little too soon yesterday. After hearing the rumbling almost all afternoon and seeing all those dark clouds passing by without one drop of rain to spare, we did not think it was going to happen at all again. It did though!

About an hour after I posted, I stepped outside to feed our best friend. As soon as I had set one foot out the door, a few drops came falling down. Within seconds the clouds released a down pour and I had to make a dash for it. The cooling rain had finally arrived; what a blessing!

Even though rain drops kept falling on my head in that short time span, I did not stay to sing in the rain. I was not willing to risk the likelihood to be struck by lightning and have my brain fried. Not that there would be much to fry, but we have had more then enough shock therapy lately.

Looking outside the window this morning, I can see the effects of the rain already: the grass looks lush and green and it seems to have grown almost an inch overnight. It is amazing how quick nature recuperates and bounces back from the suffering it has gone through.

It just sat there, patiently waiting until God decided it was time. It did neither question nor complain. It bore the suffering, knowing that it would come out much stronger, more lush and greener then ever before.

It is not always easy to know that there is nothing you can do but practicing patience and having faith. It will change though in God's time and when it does, we will come out much stronger, more refreshed and more determined then ever before. :-)

Psalm 68:9
You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, Whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, When it was weary.

Where Is The Rain?

It happened again today: a large thunderstorm passed by and dropped its rain everywhere but in our neighborhood. It is so desperately needed for our plants. I have to water them by hand in order to keep them alive.

The forecast looks promising though; they predict scattered thunderstorms for the entire next week. We sure hope this time it will be more here then there!

Broccoli

Broccoli is mainly grown in Arizona and California which I would not have suspected, since it is a vegetable that likes temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 23 degrees Celsius). It is related to the cabbage family and besides the clusters of flowers, the leaves also are edible and are very rich in nutrients.

The taste is a mild combination of cabbage and cauliflower. Look for tightly, closed flowers and a lush, green color when purchasing this veggie. The stalks should be firm and the leaves should look fresh and green.

Broccoli

An Antioxidant Super food, broccoli contains phytochemicals such as sulforaphane, glucosinolates and indole-3-carbinol, that may protect against prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast and other hormone-related cancers.

A medium stalk of broccoli (148g) contains 45 calories and is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, fiber and vitamin K, plus a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, riboflavin, manganese and phosphorous.

In addition to many other bone healthy nutrients, broccoli contains one of the highest amounts of calcium among vegetables (7% of the Daily Value). The calcium alone makes it a Super food for your Bones.

Broccoli's potent combination of antioxidants and nutrients also make it a Super food for your heart. Researchers have found that broccoli consumption strengthens a protective network of capillaries called the blood brain barrier—which protects the brain after head injury.
~Source: Dole Food Facts.

I also read that it is not very wise to boil Broccoli, because it looses much of its health benefits and damages the anti cancer properties. It turns out that 77% of all the 'goodies' get lost while boiling this vegetable. Turns out that my grandfather was right when he mentioned that we throw away all the vitamins with the water we boiled them in.

There are good alternatives for preparing Broccoli. Instead of boiling it, try stir-frying, steaming or microwaving it. These methods do not seem to have any negative effects on the healthy nutrients in the vegetable.

I like to eat Broccoli raw and served with a dip, it makes for a great party snack. Try stir frying Broccoli with some other vegetables and chopped up chicken: it is an easy and delicious meal.

The best way to keep Broccoli fresh is to store it in a plastic bag in the fridge. Not for too long though, it is always better to eat it soon after you buy it, so it will not whitter and you have to throw it out.

The best way to gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding is through God's Words. Don't store it for too long though, it is always better to put that to good use soon after you gained it, so it can yield good fruit and be pleasing to our Father.

Matthew 6:20
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

The Fence

Our fence consists of ordinary aluminum poles with regular fence wire in between. It is not a fancy fence and I sure would love to have a nice privacy one made out of wooden panels. The only thing that I would be on the fence about would be the annual paint job.

I just found out that it does not have to be a time robbing effort anymore with Fence Sprayers. These cordless battery operated sprayers are easily carried to any place in the yard and spray up to 40 fence panels at the time in no time.

That kind of seals the deal for me: as far as I am concerned that privacy fence is already up. I hope I will not have to mend fences with my neighbors afterwards. :-)

Drought

The drought is terrible in our area. For over a week now the temperature has been 100 degrees or close to it. Our grass is turning an undefined shade of brown and yellow. The local weather forecast mentioned we were under extreme drought warning. That means fires can start anytime anywhere.

I just stepped outside to see to our dog's dinner and smelled smoke. There was a vague smokey haze hanging in the woods behind our house. I could not determine where it came from or where the fire was. I hope it is nothing serious.

Today and yesterday we heard the rumbling of a thunderstorm. Yeahhhh, the so needed rain is coming. Nope, enviously we watched the dark clouds pass in the distance. Oh well, we just have to wait a little longer. At least the temperature dropped a little to around 95 or so. That is a blessing already!

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Getting The Job Done

Even though we may not be aware of it, we learn new things every day. This learning process is ongoing and I have found the best way to learn is from the experiences and teachings of others.

School teaches us all the necessary things we need to know, but they do not focus on one particular area that would be useful and give us all the skills we would need for a future job. I would never have thought I would apply my writing abilities to make a living, for instance.

I think I could share my experiences with others and teach them a thing or two about working from home. I could create a course which would point out what they needed to do, how best to achieve the goal and what would or would not work.

My emphasis would be on bringing out and how to make the best use of their abilities and improving their skills in that area. With my knowledge and several attempts to make some money working online, I could point out what works and which undertaking would be a fruitless effort.

To learn new skills, find the best personnel, or find out if you would be that so needed employee, visit www.learn.com or call 954-233-4000. That will ensure that the job will get done.

More Supplements

There are some really good supplements available which are bursting with vitamins, minerals and protein. One of them is chlorella. This supplement is retrieved from a one cell plant and is excellent for removing heavy metals from the body and in delaying aging diseases.

Beta Glucan is another health booster. This supplement fortifies the immune system, lowers the cholesterol level and decreases the risk of heart disease. It is all natural without any preservatives, coloring or other artificial ingredients and consists of soluble fiber. It is also sodium, lactose, and gluten-free.

Both supplements are easily ordered online; health is delivered right at your door!

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis, also known as spondylitis or rheumatoid spondylitis, is a chronic, inflammatory disease which causes pain and inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the joints between the spine and pelvis. Although this disease mainly affects the spine, it can likely cause the same symptoms in other areas of the body.

It results in stiffness of the back, due to inflammation of the joints and the ligaments which allow the back to move. In the long run the joints and bones can fuse together. The early signs of AS manifest themselves by chronic pain in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity and stiffness in the lower back or hip area.

Splondylitis does not always have to be active; the symptoms can improve and even disappear entirely. As the disease progresses though, the symptoms may become more severe and spread to the joints between ribs and spine, hips, shoulders, knees and feet and even your eyes. This can result in restricted expansion of your chest, chronic stooping, stiff, inflexible spine, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, eye inflammation and bowel inflammation.

What the cause for AS is, is actually unknown, although genetic factors seem to play a role in it. A specific gene called HLA-B27 occurs in 90 percent of those with ankylosing spondylitis. Diagnosis is usually done through and by medical history including symptoms, x-rays and possibly blood tests for the HLA-B27 gene.

The treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Sulfasalazine, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, physical therapy and exercise.

The disease seems to occur mainly in men and the women suffering from it usually experience milder symptoms. It most likely manifests itself between the age ranging from 17 - 40. So, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, don't wait too long before seeing your doctor. It is better to be safe then sorry and all this information is intended to be helpful to you.

So are all the instructions in the Bible. God' Word is intended to be helpful, so that we all can lead a happier life. We have to set our pride aside though and be willing to receive His word and walk in faith. :-)

Jeremiah 17:23
But they did not obey nor incline their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction.

So Tempting

I am grateful for being able to blog. We have made many friends and even though they are for the most part online friends, we have been blessed to meet a few of them in person. We would love to meet each and every one of them, but that is not always feasible because they live at the other side of the world.

If we could, this would be the best time to do so. By booking online for a stay in one of the Accor Hotels between June 23rd and June 29th, we could even get up to 60% savings if our stay would be between July 10 and September 30, 2009.

I definitely would love to visit Singapore and stay at the Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay. Aside from being a 4 star hotel and some great luxurious rooms, it has several restaurants, serving international as well as exquisite local dishes. I sure would love to try the last.

It would also give us the opportunity to meet our dear and sweet friend Audrey, who lives there and together we could explore the diversity of this city. A visit to the Singapore Museum and the Historic Monument would be high on our list as well.

I can not tell you how tempting it is to go ahead and book a vacation, but needs go before wants and right now, our pregnant youngest daughter needs us here.

Carrots and Vitamin A

I have heard it so many times: carrots are good for your eye sight. At first I thought this was just a fable getting the kids to eat their veggies, but it turns out to be true:

About half of American adults do not get enough vitamin A, a nutrient needed for healthy skin - it helps maintain the epithelial tissues that make up the skin’s surface, eyesight - inadequate intake can lead to poor vision in dim light and possibly age-related macular degeneration, and immune function - vital for development of immune cells.

Top sources include sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, pink and red grapefruit, spinach and kale.

I found several sources stating the same. I suppose those little rabbits already knew all that before we did; I have never seen one wearing glasses. Grin.

Daucus carota

One medium carrot (78g) has 35 calories and provides both a good source of vitamin K and more than twice the Daily Value of vitamin A, which studies show helps the eye to adapt from bright light to darkness.

Carotenoids found in carrots seem to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), making carrots a Super food for your Eyes.

Another carrot compound, falcarinol, reduced the risk of developing cancerous tumors in rats by 33%, according to British and Danish researchers.

While raw carrots make a healthy and tasty snack, cooking carrots brings out their sweetness and helps enhance carotenoid absorption and also brings out their sweetness.
~Source: Dole Food Facts.

I discovered that there are a lot more healthy benefits to carrots. Not only can they improve the appearance of the skin, hair and nails, when taken daily it can lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well.

Carrots are rich in fiber and therefore helpful and healthy for the colon. They can regulate blood sugar, increase menstrual flow and can enhance the quality of breast milk.

When eaten raw, the beta-carotene, which is a strong antioxidant, can prevent cancer and carrot juice prevents bodily infections and is claimed to be valuable for the adrenal glands, but only when taken on a daily basis.

Carrot is also helpful in the following cases : Obesity, Poisoning of the blood, Gum disease, Insomnia, Inflamed Kidneys, Liver, Gallbladder, Alzheimer's disease, Colitis, Ulcer Painful urination.

I will abstain from giving recipes. I think we all know how to cook carrots and you don't even have to. They are just as delicious raw, as well as cooked.

These vegetables are very easy and simple to grow in your garden and are around all year around in the stores. It is truly amazing how God has blessed us with these little health boosters. :-)

Hebrews 6:7
For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

Smart Tub

I know from experience that when your joints are hurting, it is very difficult to get in to the tub. Even having to step over that small obstacle to take a shower or a bath, becomes a huge and painful endeavour.

At those times it would be a big help having a walkin tub which would eliminate that problem. Due to a door, getting in and out is simple, easy and does not require much strength at all.

The threshold is very low and the walk-in tub even comes with a built in safety seat. These are only a few of the great features and since the door seal comes with a life time warranty, there is no cleaning up to do.

Except for yourself of course!