Twelve-Day Holiday

I take this moment to wish everyone a joyous, healthy New Year, one that segues the world into a new reality - a reality of peace and love in place of strife and greed.

It occurred to me that there are certain moments that we cannot take a holiday from. To be more explicit, I took a holiday away visiting friends and family in Florida. It was a three-day celebration for my sister’s very special 80th birthday. She is a legally blind person who lives her life with more sightedness than anyone I know.

After that event I traveled and visited other family and dear friends. I even had the pleasure of enjoying my extremely busy daughter’s company when she flew in from New York while I was visiting my granddaughter.

Not to bore you with non-essentials, what I am focusing on is how I let my dedicated nutritional life style “take a holiday.” Ouch, did I devour goodies! I could not have my green drink except at my dear friends, Milt and Flo Chaikin (like minded folks). Whenever I requested a salad, I was given one that had seen better days. Nonplussed, I went on with hope for a green vegetable that was not drowned in the Dead Sea.

The resultant ear syndrome that sometimes affects me when I fly became a raging infection that held me prisoner in a watered think tank. It was rather interesting though that I cannot hear noise, TV, and I am living in a rather surreal space. I have great compassion for those who truly live with hearing loss. In addition I take note of a society of tense, loving people who are not willing to be kind and patient when someone has this handicap.

Highlighting my vacation were the days I spent with my precious great granddaughters. Hide and seek with two-year-old Ella, who has not developed the concept. When she closes her eyes and repeats her hiding place, she is delicious. Six-year-old Bria is charming, very artistic and bright. I casually discussed Let’s Cook Together, however it will not work in her family setting.

I took a vacation from promoting the book, however it is too vital a subject for our young children, so back to the board room I go. As I said, there should not be a “vacation” from a subject as “Let’s Cook Together”. I have some scheduled classes for the next few months.

As for my ear infection, let me mention chiropractor Rick Statler’s suggestion of garlic bits immersed in olive oil on cotton in the ear. That truly eliminated the pain.

Book Review - Gluten-Free Girl by Shauna James Ahern

I just came down to earth after reading Gluten-Free Girl by Shauna James Ahern. Her conversational style made me feel that she is an old friend. Her passion, respect and joy of good food is simpatico as I have written two recipe books myself.

It was a privilege to read the measures she took to heal herself from many years of undiagnosed celiac disease and how she turned her condition around to an uplifting experience. She helped herself along with so many who need this information, which she infuses with her genuine enthusiasm for both healing and good food!

While I am unable to shop in small markets to purchase the highest quality of any given item, reading of her association with vendors and her sniff-and-taste experiences redirected me to the delight and romance of excellent food. I cannot utter enough complimentary adjectives to explain how her creative gift of expression absorbed and transported me to another delightful dimension.

Her enthusiasm is contagious. I will be preparing her well-written, inspiring recipes immediately. My first choice is Chilled Millet Salad with Jicama and Mango. Yum!

I plan to reread Gluten-Free Girl for food preparation as well as for pure pleasure. For me food is love, and I feel her love for the reader on every page!

Dowsing

Some time ago, I was in an accident and required brain surgery. After going through such an experience, I depend on my pendulum and Pendulum Therapy to indicate when I should use gingko.

Pendulum Therapy is known as the "Art and Science of Dowsing." Dowsing is used to determine causes and solutions for a variety of problems. It is a system by which information and knowledge are gained in a most amazing way. The simple process involves tuning in to earth energies and using the resulting information for a higher purpose. Non-attachment is essential in obtaining an answer to a question. One must quiet the mind, focus on intention, and expect an accurate answer. I have been practicing dowsing for a long time to test what I should eat and if my supplements are appropriate on any given day. I find it most rewarding.

Photo by fotocitizen

For further information on Pendulum Therapy, visit The American Society of Dowsers online at www.dowsers.org.

Bach Flower Remedies

The Bach Flower Remedies have played an essential role in my life. It has been a love affair for over 20 years. Just last week in the midst of an intricate, three-hour dental procedure, I used an application of Rescue Remedy a few times.

The Bach Flower Remedies book (copyrighted in 1931) should be on everyone’s bookshelf. The remedies are “dedicated to all who suffer or who are in distress.” Dr. Bach developed the remedies through his work in homeopathy. They are simply prepared with pure water, sunlight and fresh floral blossoms.

There are 38 Bach Flower Remedies for seven types of injurious emotions such as fear, loneliness, despondency, emotional imbalance and weakness. In my life I have had bouts with depression. I could have easily turned to medication. Instead I checked the Mood page of the Bach Flower Remedies, used the applicable remedy, and in a few hours hopeless feelings were converted to relief and even joy. I kid you not! To go one large step forward, when I had brain surgery after a car accident some years ago, I called on a Bach Flower specialist, Mary Ann Dittmeier, who prepared a formula that worked miraculously. I resumed my work schedule in a few days! Her expertise is invaluable. Even today I call her for more profound formulae. I invite you to read her more technical, perceptive and astute study on the subject of Bach Flower Remedies.



Bach Flowers ─ Natural Support
for All Creatures Great and Small
by Mary Ann Dittmeier

How often does one thoroughly enjoy her profession? Well, here’s one! It is such a joy to assist folks with the Bach Flowers and experience their life enhancing changes using this subtle healing method. I am proud to serve all of my clients – including spirited children, adults, animals and plants, too.

Bach® Flower Remedies are derived from plants grown on the English countryside. They were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, a noted physician, researcher and naturalist. He knew that one’s attitude toward health and illness is key to personal fulfillment and an overall sense of wellbeing. Bach Flowers are still chosen from the areas Dr. Bach used in the 1920’s and are processed by hand at the peak of their bloom. Bach Flowers have been used for over 70 years to achieve balance in mind, body and spirit by healing professionals and lay people alike. The 38 liquid essences are completely safe and non-addictive. They are appropriate for all folks — pregnant and lactating mothers, infants, teens, adults and seniors. They are a harmless compliment to any other natural and medical healing modality with virtually no side effects.

Bach® Rescue Remedy is the most well known of all the essences. It offers five Bach Flowers in one formula. It is immediately effective in emergency situations and for everyday stress — taking exams, confrontations, living with teenagers, tight schedules, traffic, dealing with challenging people, receiving bad news, etc. It is available in several forms: 10 or 20 ml liquid and the popular, convenient Rescue Remedy Spray. Rescue Sleep includes six essences to calm the mind, making sleep more possible. Rescue Remedy Cream is an easily absorbed cream excellent for soothing irritated skin, minor cuts, bruises, bug bites, muscle massage, chapped lips, sunburn, diaper rash and more!

The Bach Flowers help parents and infants through the birthing process, sleeping patterns, crying, neediness, teething, etc. They can guide children through the formative years, managing body changes, self-esteem, peer pressure, the demands of in-school and after-school responsibilities, and even dealing with the pressures of making mature choices approaching adulthood.

The Bach Flowers can lessen fatigue, anxiety, fear, worry, indecisiveness, sleeplessness, procrastination, anger, resentment, past trauma, overwhelming feelings, detoxifying from illness, negative emotions and more. The Bach Flowers have four essences which deal with depression naturally. It is a pleasure to guide my clients in this simple healing system.

Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and President of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. For information, supplies, literature or to schedule an appointment, call Mary Ann at 631-475-8308.

Oops! A Half-Eaten Strawberry

It almost landed in the blender while I was presenting a hands-on, Let’s Cook Together demonstration for 20-plus children ages four to seven and adults at a local library. My workshop familiarizes children with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruit. It also introduces the fun of shopping for ingredients for children to prepare and serve easy dishes at home together with an adult.

We were setting up a fabulous, blended breakfast beverage of sliced banana, strawberry, and orange, with cinnamon, honey, a bit of Barleans Flavored Cod Liver Oil, a bit of Barleans Protein Powder, and rice milk. Each child used a fork to select his or her own banana chunk and strawberry. No fingers, please! Oops! One youngster nearly popped his half-eaten strawberry into the blender. Thank goodness I caught him just in time! By the way, Barleans donated their healthful products for my demonstration. They are very interested in promoting and supporting children’s health, and I appreciate their contribution.

This yummy blended beverage gives any child a marvelous start for a great day. While it enhances breakfast for those who have one, for others it could be their only breakfast nourishment. It is by far a better choice over sugar-laden cereal, for it provides a good balance of protein, alpha omega 3 fatty acid, potassium, and other nutrients that keep little brains alert for the morning and their studies.

It was amusing when a six-year-old thought an artichoke was a mushroom. That’s OK. I grew up with canned peas and carrots, so I probably would have said the same thing. I must say that these kids loved the baby carrots. While they supposedly prepared salads for the adults who came with them, they gobbled them up instead! The brave and curious little ones sampled edamame. The children energetically sprinkled pineapple with cocoa and loved the exciting taste. Dipping banana segments into flax seeds thrilled them. They were fascinated to use a special cutter to make apple wedges just the right size for munching. Most of all, the children enjoyed shaping wholesome, organic bread slices with a cookie cutter. Some didn’t even bother to spread the bread with peanut butter, eating it plain. It was so good!

The children were enthused and wanted to learn to cook! Unfortunately, the library did not have cooking facilities. The class was just an hour, not enough for entertaining questions. Thus, I was sure to emphasize and encourage old-fashioned family dining. Children need to eat with the family to experience the variety and selection of foods that adults have. Kids don’t eat as much as their parents or caretakers. If they eat separately before adults, they may not ever see a crispy salad or savor tantalizing soups. Children are naturally intrigued with diversity, and they should be enticed to different choices! Though they may refuse something new at first, eventually they broaden their selections. Use this great tip I read about: Spread the ingredients of a finished stew on separate platters to encourage the child to eventually feast on the veggies.

Soft, firm, curly, angular, apple red, avocado green – nature is rich in delicious tastes and multiple textures. Release your imagination and have the time of your life cooking and eating together with your children! I love it, and you will, too!

The Bee's Nest – The Biochemic System

I love the distinctive mechanism of journalism that permits me to share so much of who I am, especially my genuine belief that health can be restored and preserved naturally. Many years ago when energy medicine was introduced through the New Age Movement, the general public considered its healing claims as subjective and anecdotal. We know better now! At that time, I devoted a column in To Your Health to the types of methods I utilize to maintain energy, handle stress, and heal myself. I would like to share one with you, the Biochemic System of Medicine utilizing tissue salts, also called cell salts. Every proposal listed here is absolutely safe for infants, the elderly, for all ages in between, and also for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I use tissue salts daily. I will, however, suggest seeking professional advice before embarking on any new modality.

The Biochemic System with its related remedies follows the premise that "disease occurs when there is a deficiency of one or more cell salts." Originally proposed in 1858 by the scientist Rudolf Virchow, the technique is based on the well-established truism that the body is a collection of cells. Following Virchow’s premise, in the 19th century Dr. W. H. Schussler, a physician and homeopath, developed biochemic treatments utilizing twelve tissue salts. These include:

Calc fluor, Calc phos, Calc sulph, Ferr phos, Kali mur, Kali phos, Kali sulph, Mag phos, Nat mur, Nat phos, Nat sulph and Silicea.

They are tiny pills that dissolve under the tongue and are packaged in small bottles. These salts reestablish molecular equilibrium, which restores health.

To make it simple, one should purchase The Biochemic Handbook. Revised many times, it is filled with incredible information. I use the Repertory of Symptoms and their Corresponding Remedies portion of the book continuously. It is a simple but comprehensive presentation that anyone can understand. I have assisted myself and many others to remedy a tongue bite, a nose bleed, and other assorted mishaps with ferrum phos (phosphoricum). For those in the know, cell salts are a very preferred solution. As a matter of fact, at a Wellness gathering years ago, I met a woman from Germany whose husband controlled his pain from cancer until he passed on with appropriate tissue salt remedies.

The pendulum is a quirky device I also use, and I shall discuss it at a later time. It offers me the ability to get in touch with my biological requirements at any given moment. Let’s be honest, does every eighty-three-year-old accomplish what I do on any given day ─ dancing, yoga, writing, promoting my book, working on my life story, etc.? I know I am definitely doing something right!

Trend Setter

Folks who know me for a long time identify me this way. If this term applies to my latest book, Let’s Cook Together – Adult & child cook up a storm for fun & good health!, so be it. However, I cannot take full credit since the movement for healthier children is no longer an infrequent topic. Concerns loom large with schools, parents, and caretakers alike, each often not knowing where or how to begin to make a positive change.



This is where Let’s Cook Together qualifies as a wonderful tool for both parent and caretaker. Like a primer, it presents the basic elements needed to introduce healthy yet appealing, optimum nutrition for even a very young child - before he or she can be mesmerized by the media and brainwashed by peer groups towards junk food.

The book stems from my passion to envision and ensure healthy, well-built children who are rarely, if ever, sick. While not totally vegetarian or purely hygienic, its recipes and articles are devoted to highly organic (when possible) plant-based nourishment, grains, and some protein. It offers a common sense approach, emphasizing that children both prepare and serve their delightful dishes at the family table. Although some of this info has already been mentioned, it plainly deserves repetition.

I use “primer” to express the book’s intention to encourage its readers to consider other choices … perhaps vegetarian (meatless) and vegan (includes fish) diets, or a totally hygienic (raw foods) program.

To appreciate and become familiar with nature’s bounty, it is vital for children to share in the anticipation and joy of food shopping with an adult as often as possible. With its colorfully illustrated index highlighting veggies and fruit, LCT’s Yummyum segment is a cheerful encouragement for such a venture.

As an aside I was a vegetarian for a long time, consuming a plethora of veggies, fruit (organic), grains, and beans. Then I modified my diet to include some organic eggs, wild fish, and small amounts of organic meat, turkey or chicken. I begin each meal with a raw veggie. Breakfast is a blended, green drink consisting of fresh kale, collard, ginger, aloe vera, and sometimes raw beets or celery, etc. Blending leaves all of the goodness of the vegetable bulk to enjoy.

Join the trend that puts children’s health up front. Put Let’s Cook Together – Adult & child cook up a storm for fun & good health! on your reading list today!