Feeling Discouraged? Check this out!

MUST READ BOOK Find the Upside of the Down Times: How to Turn Your Worst Experiences Into Your Best Opportunities "I enjoyed this book tremendously. It grabbed me from the first chapter and got me to think in ways that have changed my life for the better. We all have different sides of life that we have to deal with, whether having a illness, being a caregiver, or a spouse or corporate employee. Your book touches others in all these areas because you share so many different sides of yourself. I know your book will be a great help to a lot of people. My husband's got to read this." Paula Joiner, Editor of the MS Lone Star Classifieds

Whey! IT'S EVEN HOTTER IN AUGUST

Whew It's Still Hot! - Keep Cool in August With These New Tips Water - Not Just For Drinking   If you are out and about in public zoos or events look for misting stations. These are area set up with fans and water misting blowers that are very refreshing in the sweltering heat.  Remember Hot Air Raises    Well insulated attics keep heat out. Look for Government Energy Savers Rebates to save money on improvements.    Radiant Foil Energy Barriers - It's worth checking into this type of system. It can be a do it yourself installation or check for a reputable contractor in your area. Make sure it is Radiant Barrier Foil and that it's installed properly.  Foods - That are not heavy or hearty  Graze by eating smaller, lighter meals more often, like salads and chilled soups and desserts.  Keep in mind it takes energy for the body to digest the food that is eaten, so keep meals cool, and in smaller portions.   Keep lotions or body creams in the refrigerator   Applying lotions or creams that have been keep stored in refrigerator refreshes the skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation. Chilled bottles of Witch Hazel or After-shave Lotion applied after shaving is very helpful in giving a cool refreshing finish.   If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days. The indoor play areas at McDonalds are great for small children.  Finally stay in the shade and wear light colored natural fiber clothing.   Seersucker Suites are actually cooler because of the pucker design of the fabric, which catches the air, and is made of cotton. These suites may be worn by both men and women for business/dress attire.   Also, take cues from the style apparel worn by people living in warmer climates. These items of clothing are usually made from light-weight, gauzy fabric into loose fitting apparel, so air circulates through keeping the body cooler.   You may have other tips that you would like to share. Please visit our Forum "Whew It's Hot" to leave your favorite tips. Keep cool!

Why Stay Home, Why Not Fly? Part 2

I met an interesting elderly women on a resent flight through Charlotte. She was traveling alone and with an oxygen supply. I noticed her because we were both in the early boarding area of the airline terminal. She shared with me that she had not been out of her house in years. I immediately imagined that this must have been a major event for her to attempt to make her first outing a flight across country, perhaps a death in the family. But she soon added that it was her granddaughter's birthday, and she wasn't going to miss another one. That made me think how little time we have to spend with love ones since the reason for my fight was to be with a family member in hospice.
The fear of flying for some is very real and difficult if not impossible but, overcoming the fear of being in a situation where you are unable to take care of yourself takes guts. I admire this lady's resolve that at her age and condition nothing was going to stop her from spending time with family.

THINK ABOUT IT.

BIG EVENT THIS MONTH

BP MS 150 April 16th - 17th 2011 Houston to Austin Bike Ride Bike MS Broadcast PSA 30 second - National MS Society     George Accepted The Challenge      Click Here. Our goal is to find a cure for MS.   George Carter has accepted the challenge raising over $200,000 over 10 years. He has participated in over 18 Bike Rides. Bike Riders have raised Millions of dollars for MS Research. We are their Pedal Partners.  Help us, help them reach our goal!

Motion Therapeutics

Check out this video of an interesting product that appears to solve the problem of balance and movement with MS .

MS and Good Health - FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Is it possible to have Multiple Sclerosis and be healthy? Apparently, the answer to this question is as individual as the symptoms of MS are to each person. 
Living in a healthy state of being should be the goal for each individual. A person with MS should strive to find the best level of health or wellness for their state or stage of the condition. One of the ways to achieve that goal is through our diets. We are what we eat. However, there are other components to a healthy diet, which should be address. Are you taking additional supplements with your healthy diet? According to the experts, no matter how well balanced, organic and nutritious the meal, we need additional supplements to achieve the optimum healing benefits from food without over-eating. One might argue, "I am a juicer."  Great, but how many of those precious vitamins are left in the bulk fiber by-product thrown away by juicing? Also, we hear about the effects of organic vs non-organic and GM (genetically modified) Foods vs non-GMO or Raw Food materials in our diet, which also effects the nutritional value we receive from what we eat. 
I am now learning more about "Transforming your health with the power of living nutrients," in the book, 'Raw Truth', by Jordan Rubin. Jordan Rubin is also, the Publisher of the magazine, 'Extraordinary Health', which can be fount in health food stores free of charge. 'Extraordinary Health' is published by Garden of Life, LLC, located on the web at http://www.gardenoflife.com.  There is lots of information to digest in this magazine or should I say, for your digestion?
People with MS may not have a lot to say about how this disease will affect them but we can control what actions we will take to affect the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. This is just a little FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Also, as always check with your neurologist before taking any supplements.

MS Diet - You Have Got to Eat!

The MS Diet is still going strong. I would like to share a Chicken Soup recipe that I prepared. Great for this time of year. I also enjoyed Blue Diamond Gluten Free Crackers with this in the Ranch Flavor.
This takes about 2 hours from start to finish with the prep and simmer time included.

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
32 oz. Free Range Chicken Broth Low Salt
4 Tables Olive Oil
2 Knorr Chipotle Mini Cubes
1 cup Brown Rice
2 Small Shollot

3 Stalks of Celery ( 2 cups)
1 Small bag of Baby Carrots
3 Ears of Corn (cut into 6 or more pieces)
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Red Bell Pepper
Mrs Dash Original Seasoning or Garlic

Garnish:
2 Roma Tomatoes
1 Large Avocado
Cilantro
1/2 Red Onion


Directions for Prep: In a large soup pot, saute shallots, celery, bell peppers in olive oil until translucent. Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces and season with Mrs Dash, (I use Original).  Add chicken to vegetables and cook until lightly brown and done. Next add carrots and corn. Continue to cook on medium high heat 2 - 3 minutes more. Add 32 oz chicken broth and Chipotle seasoning cubes, simmer for 35 - 40 minutes.
Then, add 1 cup uncooked brown rice and 2 cups additional liquid (water). Simmer at high heat  for additional 40 minutes or until rice is cooked.

Garnish:
Mince red onion and cilantro combine with cut and seeds removed tomatoes. You can chop by hand or use food processor. Cut or chop avocados into large bit size pieces or slices. Use as a garnish for each of a bowl of soup.


Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did creating, cooking and eating it!

MS Diet and Moderation

The MS diet is still a way of life for me. I have now found which foods I have sensitivity to in my diet. Most of what I can eat without any worry is chicken breast, fish and/or vegetables. These foods must be prepared carefully with natural seasoning and olive oil or one of the allowed oils, if necessary. I do eat rice, oatmeal, grits, corn products, no additives no preservatives. All types of potatoes are still in my diet, mostly baked.  As well as most raw fruits and nuts.  I am trying to include different types of fruits and vegetables to see if there is a noticeable improvement. During the winter season the choices are fewer. The hardest part of this diet is gluten or dairy products restrictions.
The one area to watch is sugar from fruit drinks. Items like orange juice and apple juice even if they are organic, contain a lot of sugar. It is a good idea to pay close attention to the labels. A good juicer may be the solution to the problem, any suggestions? Also, I am planning to refine my diet to include more homemade gluten free breads instead of store bought products. A bread machine might make baking gluten free products somewhat easier. I have purchased a variety of gluten free grains for baking bread and cakes. They can be found in most grocery stores baking isles. Eggs have also been excluded from the MS Diet. Powdered egg substitute does work well as a replacement.

This year the exercise part of this project will be in the forefront as well. Floor exercises like simple Dahn Yoga floor stretches are great. I look forward to making progress in this area. As the year progresses there will be other new changes- I'll keep you posted.