Live Positive Today .Org: 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Creating Positive Changes in Your Life for the New Year

Creating Positive Changes in Your Life for the New Year

Hi Friends,

With another hectic holiday season behind us we begin a new year, our eyes and ears open for change, all of us poised and ready to see what will be written on the clean slate of 2011. As a country we seem to be in a period of great transition, collectively focused on the economy, employment, the environment, foreign affairs, including the war on terrorism, health, wellness, and many other pressing issues at hand.

If you have followed tradition, chances are that you have already taken that momentary pause before the New Year to assess your life and determine what changes need to be made in your personal world. Many people make New Year's resolutions and create a short (sometimes long) list of things that they hope to improve, working at them diligently for a few weeks or perhaps even a month, until the effort becomes too tedious and the novelty of the whole thing has worn off. Why is it that New Year's resolutions never seem to stick? Perhaps we really don't want change as much as we tell ourselves that we do.

Change is a tricky thing. It often involves deep introspection and the retraining of long-standing negative habits. We tend to resist change because it feels uncomfortable and pushes us outside of our cozy little comfort zone. We like feeling comfortable and in control, and even though we may realize that a habit or a person or a job may not be the best thing for us, we still prefer it to the unknown because it is recognizable, familiar and safe.

Creating profound change in our lives takes courage and perseverance. These large-scale changes usually take an enormous amount of effort and a great deal of time to implement successfully, such as quitting smoking, or starting an exercise program or a diet to lose weight. Because our habits are often intertwined with our identity, we feel scared or nervous about who we will be once we have let them go. These habits have become coping skills, even useful little crutches for us to lean on, and though we know that they are not best for us, they still bring us comfort when times get tough or when we feel stressed or unhappy.

Resistance is a natural part of the process of change. An important thing to remember about resistance is that it exists entirely in the mind. We tell ourselves stories about why we need our comfortable yet negative habits, about how they serve a purpose or fulfill a need in our lives. We shudder at the thought of giving up fast food or exercising everyday or having to say no to that beer we want when we are out with our friends. Change scares us. Period.

One of the beautiful things about life is that change can happen in an instant. We can realize that we want to do something differently and then, in that crucial deciding moment, we can recognize our resistance and make a different choice. When we begin to understand that life is lived in each moment as it occurs, not in the future, then we only have the present moment to deal with. Resistance just becomes a thought we have as we are making a choice, a thought that we can face and question and ultimately overrule.

Don't let resistance and your fear of the unknown make your choices for you this year. Allow your awareness of the present moment to open you up to the next step, a new direction, or an unfamiliar path. Take a risk. Choose something new. Do something different. Don't be afraid to live life moment by moment and see where it takes you. Life can be either a daring adventure or a repetitive routine meant to keep you safe and cozy in your comfort zone. Creating or embracing change is really only about one thing- what you choose to believe in each moment.

The good news is it's all up to you.

As we approach the start of a brand new year, open lines of communication between those you love and allow thoughts and ideas to flow. Gaining positive self esteem within one’s life doesn't have to be a painful process although expect some painful realities to come to light. Deal with them, move on and laugh more. Honest, real and committed citizens who want the best for their families and communities. An urgency for change is what we must feel deep within our bones to work toward having the best life possible going forward. This is why positive self esteem is so important. Without it, we settle. By addressing our issues at home and in our nation, it will make us stronger, more able and unified. There is a saying that rings true in my life (no matter how difficult it is): when the thought of changing is harder than change itself, we change. Together if we make a concerted effort to make one positive shift this year, the results will be monumental. At the very least we've collectively contributed to the greater good. Certainly a better place than where we stand today.

New Years 2011!!

Its like a new Sunrise… of Hope, of Prosperity, of Happiness
Its like a new Beginning… of Thoughts, of Words, or Actions
Its like a new Day… of Energy, of Strength, of Ideas
Its like a bunch of whole new things… of Prayers, of Friends, and of Love.

Your Turn!!

I welcome everyone to become a part of this 2011 resolution revolution!

Most New Years’ resolutions are about fixing what is broken, making changes, and trying to be better, greater, more than what you are right now. But what if, this year, you add this resolution to your list……………..

“I will PROMOTE PEACE and NON-VIOLENCE starting with MYSELF. I will PROMOTE RESPECT for HUMAN LIFE starting with MYSELF. I will HAVE NO FEAR by acting according to my HIGHEST SELF and INNER GUIDANCE.”

If we all do this, then collectively our Resolution Revolution will cause ripples of hope, joy, gratitude and beauty through the entire Universe. Stop “not having enough time” and MAKE TIME. Stop, “being so worried about the economy” and MAKE ENERGY. Stop, “being so mad about the wars” and CREATE PEACE. Stop acting on your fears and INSIST on ACTING from YOUR HIGHEST SELF.

Let’s walk on our own two feet, feel the earth beneath us,
reach for the stars and make 2011 the year we really LIVE!

You might lose weight, get a better job, stop fighting with your partner or screaming at your kids, really start practicing the oboe and get your finances in order—- or you might not. But, I guarantee that if you make an honest pledge to this positive collective resolution, this will be one of the best years of your life.

What will your resolutions be? What changes would you like to make?

Happy New Year 2011!
<3
Alternative Health Solutions of NJ
Michelle Leonard

EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

Contact http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

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Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

:0)

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Muddy Water Hot Chocolate

Muddy Water Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
Serves 4

4 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 cinnamon sticks, split lengthwise
1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
4 ounces dark chocolate (preferably at least 70 percent cacao), grated
4 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1.Bring milk and cinnamon sticks to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks, rinse, and reserve.

2.Whisk in cocoa, chocolate, vanilla, and honey, whisking vigorously until mixture is foamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Divide among mugs. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or peppermint sticks dipped in chocolate for the kids.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Gingerbread People Cookie's

3 c Whole Wheat Flour
1 ts Non-alum baking soda
2 ts Ground ginger
1/2 ts Allspice
1/2 c vegan Margarine
1/2 c Maple
1/4 c Molasses (pref. blackstrap)
2 tb Sweet Potato Baby Food
1 ts Corn Starch

Mix flour, baking soda and spices in medium sized bowl. In large bowl, blend margarine, baby food, maple syrup and molasses together. Gently mix in dry ingredients thoroughly. Wrap dough in plastic wrap or waxed paper and refrigerate until firm (approx. 1 hour). Preheat oven to 350 F. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece out on lightly floured surface. Cut into desired gingerbread people shapes and place carefully on oiled or greased cookie sheet. Bake
in middle of oven for 6-10 minutes, depending on size of cookies. Remove from sheet carefully.

Monday, December 6, 2010

YOUR JAR YOUR LIFE

Your Jar

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the jar and 2 cups of mint tea.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty left over peach jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, If the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked The students again if the jar was full.. They agreed it was..

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous 'yes..'

The professor then produced Two cups of mint tea from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the Empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

Now,said the professor, As the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - Family,
Children, Health, Friends, Optimal Wellness Lifestyle, Positive living, and Favorite passions – Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house,and car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first, he continued, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time And energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups and preventative care. Take your partner out to dinner. Snuggle when ever possible.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter.. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the mint tea represented.

The professor smiled. I'm glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for A couple of cups of tea with a friend.

May we always know what is important in our life!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Quinoa

Quinoa

For those of you who are wondering, it’s pronounced “KEEN-wah“.

If you’re looking for a highly nutritious carbohydrate, that’s not only going to help you stay lean, but will also maximize your energy levels, look no further… quinoa really does have it all!

History
While relatively new to the United States, quinoa has been cultivated in the Andean mountain regions of Peru, Chile and Bolivia for over 5,000 years, and it has long been a staple food in the diets of the native Indians. The Incas considered it a sacred food and referred to it as the "mother seed."

In their attempts to destroy and control the South American Indians and their culture, the Spanish conquerors destroyed the fields in which quinoa was grown. They made it illegal for the Indians to grow quinoa, with punishment including sentencing the offenders to death. With these harsh measures, the cultivation of quinoa was all but extinguished.

Yet, this super food would not be extinguished forever. In the 1980s, two Americans, discovering the concentrated nutrition potential of quinoa, began cultivating it in Colorado. Since then, quinoa has become more and more available as people realize that it is an exceptionally beneficial and delicious food.

So, what does quinoa taste like?
The taste and texture of quinoa is a bit like brown rice crossed with oatmeal. It’s fluffy, creamy, crunchy and somewhat nutty, all rolled into one.

The great thing is, it can be prepared in so many different ways, making it extremely versatile.

Quinoa is commonly thought of as a grain, probably because of how we use it, however it’s actually a relative of leafy green vegetables, like spinach and Swiss chard.

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent food for celiac patients or other people following a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional qualities
A cup of quinoa will give you around 127 calories, 2 grams of fat, 23.4 grams of carbohydrates (2 of those being fibre), and 4.5 grams of protein. In fact, it has a pretty similar nutritional profile to that of brown rice, except it’s slightly higher in overall protein content. So, qunioa is a really great option if you’re trying to maintain an active lifestyle.

Health benefits of quinoa
Complete source of protein

unlike most grains, which contain an incomplete source of protein (you need to pair them with another food to make the meal complete), quinoa provides the full spectrum of nine essential amino acids.

So, it’s a really great choice, particularly if you’re a vegetarian or vegan.

Great for cardiovascular health
Quinoa is especially high in is magnesium, which is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Magnesium helps to relax the blood vessels, reducing the rates of hypertension, heart disease, or heart arrhythmias.

Provides antioxidant support
Regular intake of antioxidants is so important for warding off the damaging effects of free radicals, which we encounter on a daily basis. Quinoa does a wonderful job of boosting your antioxidant levels — being high in both manganese and copper, which help to promote a healthy immune system, and ensure that red blood cells remain in top condition.

Reduces the risk of gallstones
Since quinoa is high in fiber, it helps keep the digestive system running smoothly, and can also help reduce your chance of getting gallstones. A study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that those eating foods mostly rich in insoluble fiber, had a 17% lower risk of getting gallstones.

Help for Migraine Headaches
If you are prone to migraines, try adding quinoa to your diet. Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, a mineral that helps relax blood vessels, preventing the constriction and rebound dilation characteristic of migraines. Increased intake of magnesium has been shown to be related to a reduced frequency of headache episodes reported by migraine sufferers. Quinoa is also a good source of riboflavin, which is necessary for proper energy production within cells. Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) has been shown to help reduce the frequency of attacks in migraine sufferers, most likely by improving the energy metabolism within their brain and muscle cells.

Significant Cardiovascular Benefits for Postmenopausal Women
Eating a serving of whole grains, such as quinoa, at least 6 times each week is an especially good idea for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A 3-year prospective study of over 200 postmenopausal women with CVD, published in the July 2005 issue of the American Heart Journal, shows that those eating at least 6 servings of whole grains each week experienced both:

• Slowed progression of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque that narrows the vessels through which blood flows, and
• Less progression in stenosis, the narrowing of the diameter of arterial passageways.

The women's intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables and refined grains was not associated with a lessening in CVD progression.

So, if you love your carbs, but would really like to find a healthier option to plain old white pasta or rice, quinoa is a great substitute for those higher-carb foods.

So, now that you know how great quinoa is — you’ve dashed down to the shops to buy some — what do you do with it?

How to cook quinoa (You can also buy prewashed)

• Wash the seeds in cold, running water to remove any residue.
• To cook, add one part quinoa to a saucepan, with two parts liquid.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered.
• One cup of quinoa normally takes 15 minutes to prepare.
• You’ll know it’s ready when the grains become translucent, and the white germ has partially detached itself.

Tips for using quinoa
#1 Eat as breakfast “oatmeal”— just add nuts and fruit when cooked.
#2 Add quinoa to your favorite soups, stir-fry or casseroles.
#3 Combine cooked, chilled quinoa with chickpeas, roasted red pepper, scallions and coriander.
#4 Use sprouted quinoa in salads and sandwiches — similar to alfalfa sprouts.
#5 Ground quinoa flour can be added to cookie or muffin recipes.
#6 If you’re after a wheat-free option, make a tabouli salad using quinoa (rather than bulgar wheat).

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Egg Salad In A Lettuce Wrap

Egg Salad In A Lettuce Wrap

Ingredients:

6 eggs, hard boiled. (peeled and chopped)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbs light mayonnaise
2 Tbs spicy mustard
a little bit of horseradish
salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Mix together.

spoon into a romaine lettuce leaf.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Kappa Maki (Cucumber Sushi Roll)

Kappa Maki (Cucumber Sushi Roll)

Ingredients for about 4 rolls:
* 2/3 cup short grain brown rice
* 2 1/3 cups water
* 1 dash sea salt
* 1/2 cup quinoa
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons organic sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
* 4 sheets nori
* 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips
* sesame seed

Other options: You could add shredded carrot, avocado,crab meat, shrimp, salmon, ETC.

Directions:

1. Rinse and drain your short grain brown rice. Add the rice to a medium size saucepan along with the dash of salt and 2 1/3 cups water. (Yes, thats too much water for the rice, but you'll add the quinoa to it as well later on). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Set your timer for 30 minutes.

2. While the rice cooks you can mix up the vinegar(s),sugar, and salt. I like to heat this up so that the sugar and salt fully dissolve. Set aside.

3. Also while the rice cooks you can cut up your cucumber. Set aside.

4. At the 30 minute mark, add in the quinoa and give it a quick stir. You may have to bring it back up to a boil to maintain the heat, then reduce back down to low and cover again. Set your timer for 15 more minutes. At the end of the 15 minutes both the rice and the quinoa should be tender and nicely cooked.

5. Remove your rice mixture from the pan. You can turn it into a large mixing bowl, or even onto a cookie sheet. Spread it out so that it cools more quickly. Mix in the vinegar mixture, carefully folding it into the rice. Adjust the seasoning if need be, adding more vinegar if you like. (I wouldn't add more salt because you generally serve with soy sauce).

6. After about 10 minutes the rice should have cooled off quite a bit and be ready to work with. (You could prepare this far in advance, remembering it's best to work with the rice at room temperature).

7. Cover up your sushi mat with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag (I put it inside a large Ziploc). Place a sheet of nori on your mat (shiny side down).

8. Eyeball your rice mixture into 4 equal portions and place one portion on your sheet of nori. Pat it down with damp hands to cover the lower half of the nori sheet with rice. There is usually a picture on the back of the nori packaging to show you how to spread the rice and roll it up. I like to keep a mug of water nearby to dip my fingers into.

9. If you wish, sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds at this point. Place your fillings in a straight line across the middle of your rice. Lift the sushi mat and fold over and roll, to form a log. This might take practice if it's your first time, but basically connect the bottom of the sheet closest to you, to the top of the rice mixture, which should result in your filling being perfectly in the middle (or not! -- still tastes good!). Use the mat to help you tighten up the sushi log then release it.

10. Repeat to use up all the rice and you should have 4 sushi logs. With a very sharp knife - end dipped in water, cut each log into 6 or 8 equal pieces.

11. Serve with wasabi, ginger and light soy sauce if you like. Enjoy!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Yummy Yogurt Salad Dressing

Yummy Yogurt Salad Dressing

Ingredients

* 1 (16 ounce) container plain no fat Greek yogurt like Chobani
* 2 teaspoons lemon juice
* 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing seasoning mix
* 2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
* 2 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
* 2 teaspoon minced onion
* 2 teaspoon chopped chives
* 2 teaspoon chopped dill
* 2 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

1. In a small bowl, beat together yogurt, seasoning package, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in herbs. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tofu Turkey Roast (Step-by-Step)

Stuffing: Roll stuffing (of choice) into a rounded log about 25 cm (10") long.

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2. On the counter or a large cutting board, lay down 2 pieces of non-stick baking paper about 45 cm (18") long, overlapping about 10 cm (4") along the long edges. Over the top of this, lay down another piece of baking paper, centered along the overlapped edges.

3. On the top layer of baking paper, evenly spread the tofu "turkey" mixture to about 30 x 25 cm (12" x 10").

"Turkey"
four 320 g packets (2 3/4 lb total) very firm or hard tofu (not silken)
4 tablespoons (5 1/3 US tbsp) arrowroot
8 teaspoons savoury (nutritional) yeast flakes
3 teaspoons agar powder
4 teaspoons Massel chicken-style stock powder
4 teaspoons sage
1 1/3 teaspoons thyme
1 1/3 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/3 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
shake of black pepper
A. Divide the ingredients evenly into 2 or more lots depending on the size of your food processor.
B. In a food processor, puree all ingredients in lots. You may need to keep stopping to mix the mixture so it all processes evenly.

4. Place the stuffing log on to the center of this.

5.Carefully lift the edges of one end of the paper, and thus the tofu, up and over the stuffing. Gently pull paper away from tofu and lay flat again, leaving the tofu around the stuffing.

Repeat with the other side.

The tofu mixture should meet at the top and wrap all the way around the stuffing.

6. Gently press the edges of the tofu mixture together and smooth over.

Press the tofu over the ends of the stuffing log, and smooth this over also.

7. Brush the entire top of the roast with marinade. (Keep the remaining marinade for basting later.)

Marinade Mix
•1/2 cup sesame oil
•1/4 cup tamari
•2 tablespoons miso paste
•2 tablespoons Worchester sauce
•5 tablespoons orange juice
•1 teaspoon honey mustard
•3 teaspoons honey
•1/2 teaspoon orange zest
•3 sprigs fresh rosemary

8. Wrap with all the layers of the baking paper. Twist the long ends to close. Wrap with an additional layer of baking paper, if desired.

Wrap again with several layers of foil (extra wide foil makes this easier).

9. Gently place on a baking tray. Bake for 1 hour.

10. Remove foil and baking paper (the easiest way is to simply tear it away from the top). Put this back in the oven -brush with remaining marinade every 10 minutes for around 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cranberry Spinach Salad

Cranberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients:

1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite
-size pieces
1 mixed bag of baby greens
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Apple Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple juice
3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:
1. Place salad greens in a bowl.
2. Top with cheese, cranberries and pecans.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette.
4. Toss with salad just before serving.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Soup

Gingered Apple Butternut Squash Soup In Your Crockpot

1 tbsp olive oil
1 very large butternut squash (see below for instructions on how to prepare fresh squash)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
2 tart apples, peeled, cored and diced
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken)
1 cup apple cider
1 tbsp honey

If using a whole butternut squash:
Peel squash with vegetable peeler then cut in half and scoop out seeds and discard. Dice sections in to small 1 inch cubes.

For soup:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Add squash, onion, garlic and ginger to bowl and toss with olive oil. Spread out on baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
When vegetables are ready, add to crock-pot. Peel, core and dice apples and add to pot along with the remainding ingredients. Heat on low for 6 hours. When ready use either a hand mixer or potato masher to puree soup.

Acupuncture in Army Health Care

Nov 1, 2010 Ashley Bateman Reports from army.mil

Acupuncture in Army Health Care
(USAG Bamberg)BAMBERG, Germany -- Health care, as defined by Merriam-Webster's dictionary is, "efforts made to maintain or restore health especially by trained and licensed professionals." Webster's online dictionary further describes alternative medicine as "the practice of medicine without the use of drugs; may involve herbal medicines or self-awareness or biofeedback or acupuncture."

Within the realm of alternative treatment lies acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice of using needles inserted in the skin on different parts of the body to relieve pain. Although experts still disagree on the exact physiological process by which acupuncture relieves pain, studies have shown positive quantitative and qualitative results of the treatment.

Army health care providers have been using this ancient Chinese technique for active duty Soldiers downrange for several years, since Air Force doctor Richard C. Niemtzow was credited with developing Battlefield Acupuncture nearly 10 years ago. The healing method is not available to most military community members and TRICARE has yet to approve coverage for acupuncture from off-post providers.

However, times are changing. According to an Army News Service article published June 25, a report released by the Army's surgeon general June 23 recommended more than 100 changes in the Army's health care system.

The article stated that "The Pain Management Task Force's final report, which was initiated by Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker in August of 2009, addresses the lack of a comprehensive pain-management strategy across the Army, and suggests alternative treatments to medication such as acupuncture, meditation, biofeedback and yoga.

Also noted in the report is the fact that pain management has changed very little since the discovery of morphine in 1805.

"This and further concerns about combining medications in drug therapy have led to an increase in alternative medicine throughout Army health care communities. I believe that the 'spread' going on reflects the fact that more and more physicians are pursuing training in acupuncture," said Lt.Col. Larry R. Patterson, Bamberg Health Clinic commander. "Treatments become more available because of a larger pool of trained physicians."

Warner Barracks is one of a few Army health clinics to respond to the pain-management strategy with the use of auricular acupuncture for mild Traumatic Brain Injury patients. Auricular acupuncture refers to points located on the ears.

Dr. Kuno P. Zimmermann, a licensed acupuncturist who has practiced for more than 12 years, is administering this method treatment.

"Magnets and metal pellets, gold, silver, stainless steel, are preferred over ear needles because they are noninvasive and can be left on for several days," Zimmermann said. "Specialized ear needles, known as asp needles, can also be left in for several days, but carry a small risk of infection which is not worth taking with patients who may be spending extended time periods in relatively unsanitary or outdoor conditions."

Though an approved treatment for mTBI patients, auricular acupuncture has yet to extend to the greater community.

"Currently, the mTBI clinic offers auricular acupuncture only, to mTBI clients only, as an alternative to pharmacological treatments for problems commonly encountered after concussions," Patterson said. "Expansion of the MTBI services to include body acupuncture is not planned, as the physical plant currently cannot accommodate it."

The offering of auricular and/or body acupuncture to the broader Bamberg Health Clinic populations requires management decisions and resource allocations from a higher level, he said.

Dr. Natalia Whitman, a neurologist and medical director of Vilseck's mTBI clinic, is planning on attaining credentials in acupuncture. The research she has seen in the past years has convinced her that this method of treatment would greatly benefit patients suffering a variety of ailments.

Whitman said that often patients receive medications through a pharmacy from multiple providers.

"I'm always looking for something nontraditional," Whitman said. "Many medications may have interactions."

Drugs dealing with neurological issues or prescribed by a behavioral health physician, may interfere or interact with some pain medications, so having drug-free options to manage pain is important, she said.

"I'm trying to avoid interactions with other medications, side effects and for young, Army strong men to remain Army strong," she said.

Whitman is encouraged by findings published in "The American Family Physician." Volume 80, number five of the journal published Sept. 1, 2009 reads, "Acupuncture was found to improve headaches and health-related quality of life when added to medical management in patients with chronic daily headache."

"I plan on expanding to include acupuncture when I receive the classes," Whitman said. "Ninety-eight percent of my patients have headaches."

As policymakers review American health care practices, cutting costs is a top priority. According to a study published by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, acupuncture and other alternative treatment methods are extremely cost effective. Studies are convincing some medical professionals that implementation of acupuncture could greatly reduce costs and benefit their patients. According to studies, acupuncture saves approximately $15,000 respectively for headaches, lower back and neck pain, each per year, Whitman said.

Acupuncturists still hope to push new legislation to incorporate acupuncture into regular and reimbursed pain treatment. If passed, a new policy, entitled Bill HR 646, could greatly affect availability of acupuncture services in the United States. Issue 51 of "The American Acupuncturist Journal," published last spring, discussed the bill.

"Passage of this Bill HR 646 will provide federally endorsed national recognition of acupuncture as a reimbursable modality when practiced by a licensed acupuncturist," the journal reads. "From this vantage point, acupuncture will become more accessible to the public and health professionals, encouraging integration and utilization where indicated. We found acupuncture to be highly cost-effective...considerably less that the current threshold at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence."

The NICE, according to the article, has a set threshold of cost. Treatment costing below this threshold is considered worth paying for. The determined incremental cost of acupuncture is just a fifth of that threshold amount, well under it. In conclusion, the article read, "A short course of traditional acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain in primary care confers a modest health benefit. The use of acupuncture care for the treatment of lower back pain therefore appears highly cost-effective."

Until a bill is passed, patients should not expect to see insurance coverage of acupuncture, but those most in need are receiving consideration for care at some Army health clinics.

"A lot of it is a time constraint, if you have a really busy provider," Whitman said. "It's really hard to fit it in the treatment plan."

Multiple doctors at the Landstuhl Regional Medical center are qualified to perform acupuncture and are doing so through the Anesthesia Interventional Pain Management department there. Several other Army mTBI clinics have begun utilizing acupuncture or hope to do so in the near future.

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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Yoga & Acupuncture To Treat Pain In The Army

Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, Army surgeon general talks Yoga & Acupuncture To Treat Pain In The Army

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 25, 2010) -- The Army's health-care system may soon see changes in how Soldiers are treated for pain, according to a report released by the Army's surgeon general Wednesday which recommends 109 changes.

The Pain Management Task Force's final report, which was initiated by Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker in August of 2009, addresses the lack of a comprehensive pain-management strategy across the Army, and suggests alternative treatments to medication such as acupuncture, meditation, biofeedback and yoga. Also noted in the report is the fact that pain management has changed very little since the discovery of morphine in 1805.

Schoomaker explained that with the increasing numbers of Soldiers returning from combat with severe wounds, reports of medication abuse and suicides with pain as a possible factor are troubling.

"While these issues might not be directly related to pain management, I felt a thorough evaluation and assessment of current pain-management practice was indicated," Schoomaker said.

He said part of the problem is that severely injured Soldiers, like those in Warrior Transition Units, are often prescribed multiple medications and sometimes seen by several different doctors, which can cause inconsistencies in care. But he maintained that this is not just an Army problem-it's a problem throughout the U.S. healthcare system.

"This is a nation-wide problem ... we've got a culture of 'a pill for every ill,'" agreed Brig. Gen. Richard W. Thomas, assistant Army surgeon general.

"As a physician, the hardest thing to deal with is patients with chronic pain," said Col. Jonathan H. Jaffin, director of heath policy and services, Army office of the surgeon general. "So many of us went into medicine to relieve suffering, and chronic pain is frustrating because we want to relieve that pain."

The task force visited 28 military, Veterans Affairs and civilian medical centers between October and January to observe treatment capabilities and best practices. Schoomaker's said his goal is to form a pain-management strategy that is holistic, multidisciplinary and puts Soldiers' quality of life first.

"This is an opportunity to change medical care and the way we take care of patients," noted Thomas.

Schoomaker stressed that Army practices have always been in compliance with America's medical regulations, but he thinks the Army can do better.

"Everything we do in the Army, even managing a toothache, is all in compliance with national standards ... what we want to do is set the bar higher," Schoomaker explained.

Schoomaker's higher standards include offering treatment alternatives that might not yet be prescribed in average doctor's offices, but which patients are already seeking out on their own, such as acupuncture. He said the Army has looked at research on the effectiveness of complementary techniques, and he would like to see them integrated into traditional medical treatment.

"Programs such as biofeedback and yoga have been subjected to scientific randomized trials and have been proven to be effective," Schoomaker said.

Biofeedback involves measuring body signals -- such as temperature, heart rate, muscle tension and brain waves -- to help patients with relaxation techniques and pain reduction.

Schoomaker said he is hopeful that Soldiers will be receptive to alternative methods of care once they see that the treatments work.

"Seeing success is the best way to convince people of the usefulness and the need for other approaches," agreed Jaffin.

The 109 recommendations are divided into four areas: to provide tools and infrastructure that support pain management, build a full spectrum of best practices, focus on Soldiers and families, and synchronize a culture of pain awareness, education and intervention.

Schoomaker said the recommendations that can be put into policy under his authority will be implemented in the coming months, and the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act asks the secretary of defense to integrate a pain-management policy into the military health-care system no later than March 2011.

EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ

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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

1 can pumpkin
2 eggs whipped
1/2 c. organic brown sugar
¼ c. maple syrup
1 1/2 c. organic Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
3 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1 Cup Sugar and Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (previous recipe)

DIRECTIONS:

Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl combine pumpkin, egg whites, and maple syrup. In a separate bowl combine sugar, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, oats, and cranberries (batter will be very dry at first). Mix ingredients together just until moistened.

Drop cookies by tablespoonful onto a prepared baking sheet, 2" apart. You can leave the cookies in the shape of a ball (the baked cookie will still be a ball) or flatten them out with the bottom of a glass before baking. Top with Sugar and Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Talking Pumpkin:

When you think of pumpkin, what comes to mind? Many people think of carving and smashing them. Others think of Halloween, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie and pumpkin seeds; but did you know that pumpkin is a superfood? Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse whose benefits are still being discovered. Pumpkin is filled with vitamins, nutritional value and tremendous health benefits. Few people actually know about the health benefit aspect that pumpkin offers.

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts:

* High in fiber (high fiber diets aid the digestive process; help with weight management by helping you feel fuller sooner; help lower cholesterol; help fight heart disease by reducing the tendency of the blood to clot.

* High in Vitamin C (Vitamin C help the body's immune functions; helps fight free radicals, which cause cellular damage; helps in the body's production of collagen, which is very important for those recovering from wounds and injuries; may offer cancer fighting properties.)

*High in vitamin E (Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, which are essential to skin health and skin care; offers anti-aging benefits for the skin; help regulate Vitamin A in the body; aids in treating sun burns and various skin irritations.)

*High in Magnesium (Magnesium is an important mineral that is essential to many normal biological functions of the body; important in the formation of bones and teeth.)

*High in Potassium (Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and proper heart function.)

*High in a variety of carotenoids (Dietary carotenoids assist in lower risk of a variety of cancers, heart disease, cataracts and blindness, as well as helping fight the effects of aging; provides anti-inflamatory benefits; protects against cholesterol build up.)

*High in Zinc (Zinc is great for reproductive health; helps to reduce prostate size)

Pumpkin seeds have become more popular as research suggests that they have unique nutritional and health benefits. The seeds are rich in fiber as well as vitamins B and E. Also, one gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much tryptophan as a full glass of milk. Other health benefits of pumpkin seeds include:

• Natural Anti-Inflammatory. Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Prevention of Kidney Stones. They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.

• Great Source of Magnesium. A 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92 percent of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.

• Prevention of Osteoporosis. Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

• Lower Cholesterol. Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

• Improved Bladder Function. In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.

• Depression Treatment. They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.

• Treatment of Parasites. They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis (a parasite contracted from snails).

OATS

Oats are unique. They are one of the only grains that contain both soluble and insoluble fiber (barley is another). In fact, oats have the highest soluble fiber content of any grain. Though both types are important, soluble fiber is especially helpful against heart disease, and can help moderate blood sugars. Some of its proven health benefits include:

* Lower cholesterol. Oats are well known as being heart-healthy. This is mostly due to its soluble fiber content, which can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, cutting the risk of heart disease.

* Lower blood pressure. Oats are considered a whole grain. The American Heart Association has identified several dietary factors that can contribute to lowering blood pressure, including eating at least three servings of whole grains a day.

* Blood sugar control. The soluble fiber in oats can help keep your blood sugar from rising too quickly after you eat. Try steel-cut or Irish oats, which take longer to cook but have a much lower glycemic response than instant oatmeal. Most instant oatmeal is either too high in sugar or too processed to have a positive effect on blood sugar.

* Digestive health. Both types of fiber promote regular bowel movements and help prevent constipation.

* Weight control. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a large amount of water, helping you to feel fuller for a longer time.

EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

:0)

©2008-2010

Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”

The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

To receive more information join our mailing list!

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Are you on the Jersey shore? Alternative Health Solutions of NJ thinks you should become a member of The Jersey Shore Network and receive exclusive discounts from local businesses and providers! Discounts range from 10%-50% off! You will receive a personalized membership card which you can present to any of the participating businesses and providers. The Jersey Shore Wellness Network Do it TODAY! (ask me for the discount code)