My Tupperware Container

The body is merely a vessel for the soul. This vessel that holds your spirit, holds also all the characteristics that makes you uniquely you. So in that respect, the container is merely an earthly vessel to contain our spirit while we are on here on earth.  Granted, we need to take good care of the vessel if we intend on staying here awhile. So the vessels come in all shapes and sizes, but basically are a Tupperware container for our souls.  Weird concept I know, but bear with me. So if we have a container, does it matter that they come in all different sizes and shapes?  Genetics play a part, but also lifestyles....people come in all different shapes and sizes. I am trying so very hard to love and take care of my Tupperware container, even if it is a "larger" container. 

 It's interesting how at the start of every new year, people make many vows to be "better". Now this is an admirable goal, but can sometimes wreck havoc on our self-esteem. I speak from experience.  As a middle aged woman I have dealt with bad body image and self-esteem for several years now.  I strongly believe in staying healthy and taking care of our bodies.  Yet, we need to remember that health should have priority over aesthetics. This is nothing new and I found it interesting that I was grappling with this same issues several years ago.

 * SIGH* some things never change.  I am  adding on to this blog a post that I made in 2019 regarding body image.  Holds true today and YES, I still like Meghan Trainor. 

Here is the post from then:

Photo by: Aleksander Antonijevic

This morning as I slipped on some exercise pants for my work out at the gym I noticed something that brought a chuckle to my day. On the tag of my pants it said "Danskin".  Most of my exercise clothes are generic or old t-shirts, but I do have a few nice ones. I remember an old commercial for Danskin: "Danskins are for dancing". Now I'm assuming the company meant to inspire anyone to get off the couch and start dancing. Preferably a dance suitable to an accomplished ballerina. And if you wear Danskin clothing you will look like a ballerina with the sculptured muscular legs to go with it. Nothing against Danskin, they are just trying to sell leotards, tights and leggings, but one can't help but get these certain images in your brain about how a healthy body is "supposed" to look. It's my understanding that they changed their slogan to "Danskin's are not just for dance." Also, now it's called "activewear", for just about any and all forms of "active living". Although I will say, I can't see myself going to the grocery store or walking a dog wearing leggings and a tank top. I know, it's been done....to each his own.

 So getting to the chuckle that was brought to my day.... as I slipped on the exercise pants, when I saw the Danskin label I thought of myself as a pretty Portly Ballerina. Now I was being gentle with myself- I didn't say a FAT ballerina; I was so kind to use the euphemism "portly".  Then it brought a smile to my face when I realized what I would look like trying to attempt ballet. Yet, I dressed, went to the gym and felt strangely empowered by being thankful for what my body CAN do, not dwelling on the things I CAN'T do. I also try very hard to focus on what my body can do, not what it looks like. Yes, my legs are fat, my knees hurt....but my legs still work, and my knees bend. Perhaps it takes me longer to climb a flight of stairs than it did a few years back, but by golly I can still do it.
 3 Cheers for Julie.  Yes, I want to stress the importance of being your own cheering section.

Now perhaps I have a biased opinion, because I never took ballet. Yet I hold in high regard the beauty of the art form of dance and am always amazed how an accomplished dancer, ballet and other forms of dance, can discipline their bodies to perform incredible athletic feats. Truly an inspiration. I did however take a one semester course in Jazz Dancing. Oh my gosh. What an incredibly fun class. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but never did get the full routine down pat. As I said previously, not a good dancer. I remember to this day it was to Chaka Khan's "I Feel for you"....great song.   In the class, there were many fancy dance steps and motions, in many different sequences.  Even if I "messed up" several times, it was so great just becoming immersed in the dance and moving your body to the music. Isn't that the point of dancing? That's why I always have music to move me at the gym. Helps motivate me.

So on that playlist from my MP3 player I use at the gym, many of the songs help me to rise above "body image" and work to keep the body I have healthier and happy.   In terms of female body image and empowerment, Meghan Trainor has many songs to inspire. One of my favorite lines is from  "All About that Bass" : several lines encourage loving the body we have: Meghan sings: " Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two....I see the magazines working that Photoshop. We know that shit ain't real. Come on now, make it stop...Cause every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."
Thanks Meghan.

So I guess I can't stress enough, both to myself and to many others bombarded by images of what the perfect body should be. Love and take care of the body you are in because it is the only body you are given. Be good to yourself and thank the Good Lord for the goodness within you.

Julie E. Smith

Be mindful of your ADL's

Recently, when I take a rejuvenating hot shower, take a walk in the park or enjoy a bowl of Cheerios with fresh strawberries I count my simple pleasures like these and am mindful that my ADL's are going strong and I have the ability to do them. What are ADL's? The term ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living and is a term used by medical and health care providers  to access an individual's capacity to perform these tasks on their own. Basic daily self care routines include:

• Personal Hygiene
• Feeding
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Transferring (The ability to change positions and walk independently)  

Now all these tasks, we frequently take for granted and I am here to say: Please don't take them for granted. I have become familiar with such terminology in recent months while working to secure care for my mother. Many of the simplest routines that we take for granted, become increasingly more difficult as we age. It also has been very difficult to see the changes in my Mom in both her physical and cognitive functions.  She is doing incredibly well for a 94 year old, but the last 6 months have been rough. She is struggling with short term memory loss and sometimes it is so hard to repeat things to her over and over again. But I do, because I love her and she's my Mom. In dealing with this situation, it's always good to keep a sense of humor.  Even the Mayo Clinic has come out with studies that reveal the healing benefits of laughter. So many of the stories I could tell about laughter with my Mom are really just one of those "you had to be there", but it's good advice as a caregiver to find a little humor in every day. 

I always envisioned a "caregiver" as an individual who is physically present and providing meals, bathing and attending to all the ADL's. Even though my Mom is living 300+ miles away, it has been easier for me to cope with situations when I became willing to call myself a caregiver. No, I am not there directly assisting with all the "ADL's", but we talk every day and my sister (who lives even further away) is also very active in her care.  My sister and I have been working together as a team to assure that all her needs will be met.  My Mom did an awesome job of raising her girls, so my sister and I are working very hard to assure that her "golden years" will truly be golden for her.  Mrs. Carter had it right when she said: "There are only four kinds of people in the world-those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. " Rosalynn Carter

Some of these life transitions that we are experiencing now with our family have been really rough...really rough and emotionally exhausting for me.  Yet, trying to be the eternal optimist that I am, I have to admit that the process has been very eye opening and a learning experience for me. Several trips to the library have yielded much research on dementia and the best ways of helping my Mom.  It truly helps me to appreciate what I have every day and remembering to also keep gratitude in my heart.  After coming across this poem....I just sat and cried. Yet, cleansing tears are also beneficial.

So I dry my tears and pray for Clarity and Patience to face whatever the day may bring. I find joy every day in the Activities of Daily Living and I hope you, gentle reader can do the same.

Julie Etta Smith

The 3 C's of Stress Relief: Clarity, Calm and Courage

 Let's face it...everybody has stress in their life. No matter what your profession, station in life or age...we all have to deal with stressful, complicated circumstances. Things change in our life, but how we learn to cope with stress and weather the changes is so important. It is also different for each and every person.

I am currently dealing with some stressful situations in my life and learning to cope with the situation has produced for me a mantra of sorts to help me keep focused on what is important:Clarity, Calm, Courage. I know that the concept of using mantras for meditation is a traditional Buddhist concept but I think the cross-over to guided Christian prayer is a good connection.  Sometimes I don't know how to pray for help, but I know that using this mantra has helped me not only stay focused, but help reduce my stress levels. 

And with a history of depression and bi-polar episodes, I know quite a bit about monitoring and helping to diminish my own stress levels. People need to be able to gauge their own body signals and determine when they are getting close to the "tipping point." I like to think I have learned to do this for myself and have established ways to manage stress. Reminds me of one of my favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quotes:

A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.” 

The 3 C's mantra is just the latest technique that I have developed for my arsenal. Sometimes good things come out of pressure and stressful situations. There is a preponderance of information about mantras, meditation and using them to provide clarity and mental well being. I found some information that helps to back up my supposition of  the benefits of using mantras. Yet, as you can imagine there is so much information that it would not fit into the limitations of one blog. I picked one of my personal favorites to highlight: Om Shanti. 

Om Shanti is perhaps one of the most well known and accessible mantras used today. So, what does Om Shanti mean? There’s actually no direct translation for Om Shanti. That’s because Om isn’t so much as a word as it is a sound, a feeling, and an energetic resonance.So, what about Shanti? Well, Shanti is a Sanskrit word that means, “Peace.” Together, the phrase: Om Shanti is meant to convey: Universal Peace.The use of mantras is beneficial, so I came up with my own: Clarity, Calm and Courage in helping me brave the stress of recent events. It has helped me immensely. 

That first word is so important:CLARITY. So many times a complicated issue just needs time for the dust to settle and solutions can present themselves if given time and quiet speculation. This powerful word of "clarity" first was presented to me by some lovely ladies in my Bible study group. (Thanks Lisa and Nancy) I am so thankful for the clarity and caring that I receive from this group.

The next word is CALM.  This is where the concept of deep breathing, relaxation techniques and meditation comes in. My first exposure to learning how to "breath" was in Lamaze classes so many years ago. In through the nose, and slowly out through pursed lips. It helped me in giving birth and still helps me to relax today. With the inhale and exhale it has been beneficial to me to visualize a word to help with the cleansing and relaxation process.  I heard in a sermon a few weeks ago about using the word GRACE on the inhale to "take in God's grace" and exhale with "GIVING" your burdens to God. It really is quite healing and relaxing ....you should try it.

COURAGE is what brings you the strength to put one foot in front of the other and face the challenges before you.  I am mindful of an inspirational saying prominently displayed on a magnet on my fridge: "Courage does not always roar. sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying. "I will try again tomorrow".  (Mary Anne Radmacher) My friend Joan gave it to me several years ago and it truly is an inspiration to me...Thanks Joan! 

Yet courage for me also is sharing these thoughts in a blog. Sometimes perhaps it feels a bit self-serving and in some ways that is true. Writing for me is therapy. Yet, I sincerely hope that in sharing these thoughts, someone will feel encouraged and inspired as to help them with the stresses in their life. Just remember....don't forget to breath deeply and things will eventually work out. Perhaps not the way you envisioned, but, This too shall Pass......Use the 3 C's to help you on the Journey.

Julie E. Smith

Body Image-taking a Leap of Faith

Photo by: Aleksander Antonijevic

This morning as I slipped on some exercise pants for my work out at the gym I noticed something that brought a chuckle to my day. On the tag of my pants it said "Danskin".  Most of my exercise clothes are generic or old t-shirts, but I do have a few nice ones. I remember an old commercial for Danskin: "Danskins are for dancing". Now I'm assuming the company meant to inspire anyone to get off the couch and start dancing. Preferably a dance suitable to an accomplished ballerina. And if you wear Danskin clothing you will look like a ballerina with the sculptured muscular legs to go with it. Nothing against Danskin, they are just trying to sell leotards, tights and leggings, but one can't help but get these certain images in your brain about how a healthy body is "supposed" to look. It's my understanding that they changed their slogan to "Danskin's are not just for dance." Also, now it's called "activewear", for just about any and all forms of "active living". Although I will say, I can't see myself going to the grocery store or walking a dog wearing leggings and a tank top. I know, it's been done....to each his own.

 So getting to the chuckle that was brought to my day.... as I slipped on the exercise pants, when I saw the Danskin label I thought of myself as a pretty Portly Ballerina. Now I was being gentle with myself- I didn't say a FAT ballerina; I was so kind to use the euphemism "portly".  Then it brought a smile to my face when I realized what I would look like trying to attempt ballet. Yet, I dressed, went to the gym and felt strangely empowered by being thankful for what my body CAN do, not dwelling on the things I CAN'T do. I also try very hard to focus on what my body can do, not what it looks like. Yes, my legs are fat, my knees hurt....but my legs still work, and my knees bend. Perhaps it takes me longer to climb a flight of stairs than it did a few years back, but by golly I can still do it.
 3 Cheers for Julie.  Yes, I want to stress the importance of being your own cheering section.

Now perhaps I have a biased opinion, because I never took ballet. Yet I hold in high regard the beauty of the art form of dance and am always amazed how an accomplished dancer, ballet and other forms of dance, can discipline their bodies to perform incredible athletic feats. Truly an inspiration. I did however take a one semester course in Jazz Dancing. Oh my gosh. What an incredibly fun class. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but never did get the full routine down pat. As I said previously, not a good dancer. I remember to this day it was to Chaka Khan's "I Feel for you"....great song. Click on this link to hear that good ol' song and I think you will agree, it's very "danceable:
 https://youtu.be/hX9E44mClKs  In the class, there were many fancy dance steps and motions, in many different sequences.  Even if I "messed up" several times, it was so great just becoming immersed in the dance and moving your body to the music. Isn't that the point of dancing? That's why I always have music to move me at the gym. Helps motivate me.

So on that playlist from my MP3 player I use at the gym, many of the songs help me to rise above "body image" and work to keep the body I have healthier and happy.   In terms of female body image and empowerment, Meghan Trainor has many songs to inspire. One of my favorite lines is from  "All About that Bass" : several lines encourage loving the body we have: Meghan sings: " Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two....I see the magazines working that Photoshop. We know that shit ain't real. Come on now, make it stop...Cause every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."
Thanks Meghan.

So I guess I can't stress enough, both to myself and to many others bombarded by images of what the perfect body should be. Love and take care of the body you are in because it is the only body you are given. Be good to yourself and thank the Good Lord for the goodness within you.

Julie E. Smith

Recreational/Medicinal: Let's talk Cannabis!

It has been quite awhile since I thought about smoking a joint or even pondered the possible health benefits of cannabis.  Yet, here I am thinking about quite a trendy topic that is making the news left and right.  A recent trip to a local  Health and Wellness Expo rekindled my interest in finding more about the use of hemp for health and wellness purposes.  Not so long ago, if you referred to “cannabis” people thought only of the “recreational” use of marijuana: the leaves were dried and smoked.  However, now cannabis, which refers to both Marijuana and Hemp, covers a whole variety of methods of consumption including hemp oil, topical creams and other concentrates that are smoked, vaporized and orally ingested. Yet with all this talk about cannabis, and legal considerations pending, it’s good to find out a little more about the product and to understand the pros and cons.

My husband and I had some really interesting discussions with two women at the Wellness Expo who were there representing HempWorx: Cindy Walkus and Lisa Bach.  They were able to explain many of the misconceptions about their product and the fact that the CBD component found in their products is non-hallucinogenic.  Hempworx sells a variety of consumer products that promote the medicinal qualities of CBD with a range of health and wellness qualities including  regulating blood sugar, healthy skin, and supporting digestive functions to name a few. For more information on hemp and their products, you can check the web site at:www.HempWorx.com

First it is good to understand the basics: Cannabis comes in two forms: Hemp and Marijuana. Cannabis plants contain a class of compounds called cannabinoids. The two most abundant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) THC is the element that provides the high and frequently includes negative side effects of paranoia and anxiety. CBD is an element that claims to have beneficial medicinal effects, without the marijuana high. The Nutrition Action Newsletter (published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest) reported about a panel from the National Academy of Medicine that concluded there are three established medical benefits of cannabis:

• ·       “We found conclusive evidence that cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy”

• ·       There is “substantial”evidence that cannabis modestly reduces self-reported involuntary muscle contractions in people with multiple sclerosis

• ·       There is “substantial” evidence that cannabis modestly reduces chronic pain. “It’s not as strong as a narcotic pain reliever as an opiate, so it’s not as effective, but it may be more usable long term”, Pionelli (a panel member)noted.

So the jury is still out on other conclusive benefits for cannabis. As with many medications, differing results vary from person to person. As with many natural products, the use of CBD has not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), but that doesn’t mean it can’t be very effective for some individuals. Endorsement by the FDA is not mandatory to be a good product, but nevertheless…it makes me a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of its medicinal properties.  Again, every person’s body chemistry is different.  What works for one individual, may not work for another.

King Crimson-in the Court of the Crimson King

Most people, when you discuss cannabis, think of marijuana and the recreational use of the drug, not the medicinal. When I was a high-school youth in the mid-70’s I tried marijuana for recreational purposes.  It was my experimental, “adventurous” phase.  I remember listening to Pink Floyd and King Crimson with friends…while high, of course.  “Oh, Dude…..totally, anybody remember King Crimson? Pretty awesome band.” 

In any case, my interest in using marijuana did not last. It may have been “fun” to experience the high, but I never really liked the feelings of paranoia and being out of touch with reality that went with it. That was the THC kicking in. (THC discussed in previous paragraph) I just decided it wasn’t for me. Yet, I do recall many years ago, a friend of our family was battling cancer and suffering the ill effects of chemotherapy. They knew that I could get some marijuana for them to help their friend.  Even back then, they knew that marijuana could help certain medical conditions. So moving forward, it is no wonder that so many people are starting to discover uses for this age old remedy. I would consider the use of Hemp for certain things; still weighing the options.

States are beginning to monitor and legislate both the use of hemp and marijuana.

It is hard to keep up with an updated count on all the legislative activity on this matter. Many have predicted that 2019 will continue to be a year of legislative reform throughout the country on both the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. 

 Yet, whenever we decide to be for or against the legalization of a product, it is best to have a full understanding of the differences in the product and the impact they make. If you don’t understand the difference between hemp and marijuana then things get a little hazy. (pun intended)

So Cannabis is a product that is certainly in the limelight and will remain in discussions for both recreational and medicinal purposes. So before you judge, or light up a joint, be an informed consumer. JES

Wine....A delightful little Hobby.

Hobby? Wine is a hobby?  Of course the making of wine is a hobby, that is a well known fact, but I am talking about the consumption of wine. Now there's a fun hobby. As I write these words, I am not sure how to categorize this blog as Well-being/Mental Health or Health & Fitness.  With the remarkable attributes of wine, I dare say that I think I will call it both.  Of course most medical experts today have agreed that moderate amounts of red wine is good for the heart.  And a relaxing glass of wine can do wonders to calm one's nerves.  Good for physical health and mental health-Hooray! Or should I say cheers!

I have been drinking wine (and beer) since I was about 14 years old. (Shhh..don't tell my Mom, but like most Moms she has eyes in the back of her head and....well, she knows) In any case, do those wine drinkers out there remember Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill Wine?  How about MD 20/20-otherwise known as Mogen David? **Sigh** brings back memories but know I don't know how I drank that stuff. Yuck. Sickly sweet.  I guess our tastes change and "mature".  Some prefer sweet wines as adults that is true, but I myself prefer a nice smooth Cabernet.  Whites however, I lean towards the sweeter side-nothing like a good Pinot Grigio.

My wine drinking "hobby" has provided the fodder for numerous conversations among my circle of girlfriends.  It allows a whole spectrum of shared interest that goes the gambit from the sharing of favorite wines to the beauty of the fancy glasses that we drink them from.  Ask my close friends about my special "fishie" etched glass that after a few glasses starts to resemble something other than a fish. Use you imagination. I have another girlfriend who pursues wine making as a hobby as well as drinking it.  She and her husband have created some wonderful vintages.  I always like being on the receiving end of that hobby!

In any case, I learned an amazing amount of information about wine working in a liquor store summers during my college student days.  When you are stocking out wine it's fun to start reading a few labels and you can start to understand the complex world of wine. I have found that it can be as complex, or as simple as you want it to be.  The main thing that I believe is to drink that you enjoy and not drink something because it "should" be wonderful. My Mom has the greatest little refrigerator magnet that say it all: "Life is too short to drink bad Wine."  So when I was at the liquor store I had a mentor of sorts who filled me in on several things about wine and how they are classified.  He was a really knowledgeable guy and worked hard, but I do recall that he probably needed a better deodorant. (Whew....unloading a truck with him was a treat! ) Anyway, I digress...he did have a good working knowledge of wine. Let me share just a few tid-bits, that I learned from Mike and things I have picked up along the way.  Just little things that make the world of wine a little less confusing (and/or intimidating).


Here's a little primer on wine classifications and to understand the different types:

• Wine is generally classified in two different ways: by the types of grape used and where the grapes are grown. For example, Pinot Grigio is a type of grape, but Burgundy is a region in France. Sometimes confusing, because there is Burgundy that comes from California...just originally named after the wine from France.
• Basically 3 types of Wine: Red, White and Rose' , with alot of variation on those three. The type of grape determines the color, but it is kind of interesting that Rose' or "blush" wines are made by removing the skins early in the fermentation process, hence the lighter color.
•  What food with what wine? The general rule is fish, poultry,pork and light salads with White wine, red meats and pasta with Red wine. This is generally a good rule to follow because it helps to enhance the flavor of the food instead of fighting it.  Again, rules are made to be broken (in certain situations) and you need to go with what you feel like.
  

Don't get me started on Glassware.  I personally shun the rules that say you must drink Red out of a certain glass and White out of another.  I like beautifully etched glass, painted novelty glasses, and the $1.50 stemware from Walmart. I will say, however, it is nice to drink wine out of a clear glass so you can easily admire the color and bouquet without distraction.  There is a purpose, however, for drinking champagne and other bubbly wines from the tall "flutes"glasses. Not just to appear "fancy", but it actually does allow the effervescence to disperse slower.  If you serve champagne in a standard bowl shaped wine glass, the bubbles will evaporate too quickly and the wine will go flat in a matter of minutes.

 Besides, the taller flutes make for a nicer display of all those little bubbles you hold in your hand.  In this photo, you can see how the champagne flute on the far left, makes a lovely display for the little bubbles.  Gives you something to look at while you sip.  And sip you should, not only is it uncouth to chug champagne, with all those little bubbles you can get the worst of the worst hangovers. Trust me. Even worse than that MD 20/20 we drank as teenagers.

So if you partake in the nectar of the God's, learn a little about your favorites, read more labels and by all means ENJOY!

"Drink wine, and you will sleep well. Sleep, and you will not sin, Avoid sin, and you will be saved. Ergo, drink wine and be saved."  Medieval German proverb

To Your Health!  Cheers!

Baby Powder linked to Cancer??

So soft and gentle for both women and babies. I have used it for years and it always seemed so "pure and gentle", never a skin irritant in sight. 

Photo: The Kansas City Star,2/25/2016

What a shock to find out recently that is has been linked to ovarian cancer and law suits against Johnson & Johnson are becoming increasingly more prevalent.
My ears perked up when I first heard about this because I have used baby powder since I was a teenager. Especially during the summer months when skin can get so clammy and sticky.  I never thought for a minute that it could be harmful. After all it is marketed to be used on the soft, sensitive skin of babies. For crying out loud...one would think it would be safe for adults.

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up of magnesium, silicon and oxygen.  Since talc is mined, problems have occurred because in its natural state, talc can contain asbestos. The good news is that according to the American Cancer Society "All talcum products used in homes in the United States have been asbestos -free since the 1970's ." Well, good news, but what about consumer use prior to that time?  Several of the lawsuits that have been filed are by older women that contracted ovarian cancer from use of the product for "decades". Of course it is a terrible tragedy when someone contracts cancer, but establishing an exact connection is problematic. In examining the lawsuits, there is a correlation with frequency of use and methods of use.  It has been suggested that direct application to the genital area may cause particles to travel into the body and ultimately cause ovarian cancer.  The possibility of problems are there, I don't deny that. Yet, could many future problems (i.e. development of cancer) be remedied by Johnson & Johnson by instructing consumers about misuse, overuse of the product and the inherent dangers of such.  I know any consumer product does not want to label itself as dangerous, but if it would help to keep consumers educated and healthy. In turn it would help alleviate the marketing nightmare that this must be for that company. To really restore consumer confidence, I think they have to admit that there may be a link and help consumers take steps to avoid problems. I believe an educated consumer is more likely to use a product if they know risks and how to properly use a product.

So legally, two major decisions regarding this issue have been brought to light.  In February of 2016, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay  $72 million for a cancer death linked to "decades of use" of their talcum powder.  Then a second lawsuit in May of 2016, a woman was awarded $55 million for contracting ovarian cancer allegedly linked to use of talcum powder. According to recent news reports, Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the second lawsuit from May.  Johnson & Johnson is reportedly facing more than 1,2000 suits related to talcum powder usage.


Another type of cancer that has been suggested to be linked to talc is lung cancer. This particular link to talc is even less common than the ovarian cancer link. Some studies of talc miners show an increased risk of lung cancers, but in that particular profession they are exposed to many different types of minerals that could be even more toxic than talc. Again, it is hard to make the connection.

1965 Ad

 Johnson & Johnson introduced their baby powder in 1894 and marketing it as made of 99.8% talc.  Originally marketed for baby care, it eventually become commonly used by adults, as evidence by this ad. I remember starting to use Johnson & Johnson's Baby powder as a teenager. It was so light and fragrance free, it never conflicted with my cologne. Also helped to keep skin dry and prevent rashes. So I will continue to try to be an informed consumer and make the best choices for my good health.

I am really not much of a gambler, but I think on this one the odds are in my favor.  I am going to continue to use Johnson's Baby Powder, albeit perhaps a little more sparingly. As with so many things in life moderation is the key. Be informed and be safe.  JES

Happy Tai Chi Day!

Happy Tai Chi Day everyone! Not exactly a Hallmark holiday, but worthy of note. The last Saturday in April has been designated International Tai Chi Day: a day to practice the art and gain a better understanding of this practice originating with the Chinese. I did my part today by attending my Tai Chi class.  I signed up this spring, my first time, and I really enjoy the class. My instructor, Ken, explained that the day was chosen as an international celebration. Today it is celebrated in more than 80 countries. The day was established in 1999 to also educate more people on the health benefits of Tai Chi and raise awareness of the increasing use of traditional Chinese medicine.

 Even though I am still a novice, I know that it really helps in so many aspects: both physically and emotionally.  It helps my coordination, balance and concentration. It looks easy, but just try coordinating your arms and legs to move in the way they are supposed to move in the correct sequence.  It is really a workout for the brain as well. Yet, in addition to a "work-out" for your brain, at the same time it can bring centering, peace and a great sense of well-being.  The visualization techniques that are used with the physical poses are so beneficial in creating the movements. One of my favorite visualizations is; "the Crane spreads his wings..." I am just a middle-aged, fat white lady.....but that visualization really speaks to me and helps me to feel at least a little more graceful.

Tai Chi is graceful and methodical, but sometimes in class it is evident that it stems from the Martial Arts and several defensive movements can be seen in the routines.

I told my son David that when I am in Tai Chi class, it gives me a whole new appreciation for the Kill Bill movie and makes me want to watch the movie again in slow motion to see the detailed movements.  If you're not familiar with Kill Bill, it is a Quentin Tarantino movie, that like many of his movies, has quite a bit of "stylized" violence. Yes, sometimes I have to shut my eyes...a little too violent for me. However the choreography of the Martial Arts sequences are mesmerizing.  Tai Chi itself is a methodical, centering practice that really helps balance & coordination, but since it stems from the Martial Arts, some of the moves are defensive in nature. So sometimes in class, maybe I am not visualizing the "Crane spreading her wings"...but maybe there is just a bit of Uma Thurman in me...look out Lucy Liu!

Many local park programs have Tai Chi classes available. I found mine at the Mundelein Park District:mundeleinparks.org

The Mad, Mad world of Pharmaceuticals

This has been bugging me for way too long...had to say something. Just take a look at the way pharmaceuticals, specifically commercials, have changed albeit evolved in just the last 10 years. In a short time of casual television viewing, one can see oodles of ads for just about any drug to remedy what ails you.

Everything from high blood pressure, bi-polar disorder, restless legs syndrome, high cholesterol, diabetes, blood clots, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, migraines...just to name a few. Whatever you got, we got a pill for you! And if you don't have it, perhaps you should double check with your doctor to make sure you don't need the latest and the greatest. Now don't get me wrong, I truly believe that there are so many wonderful medications that have been developed in the last century that have extended lives and truly enhanced "quality of life" for many people.  What I'm talking about here is the absolute craziness of not only the volume of advertising for pharmaceuticals but the content of what they are saying.

Sides effects

 Listen carefully to the side effects for some of these drugs...Yikes!

Living with Arthritis....coping and overcoming.

I wrote this article with first hand knowledge of Arthritis and was inspired to research and write about the topic from my vantage point: having a front row seat in the challenge of achieving an active and happy lifestyle-in spite of living with Osteoarthritis.  This is a first hand account of my experiences with arthritis, but contains alot of useful information about the various therapies available today. As of this writing, I have made great strides but still continue physical therapy 3 times a week.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.