There are so many of us in this big world of ours, that are ill.  Ill with disorders, illnesses, diseases or whatever your ailment, that people don't understand or can't see because on the outside we look fine.  We aren't bleeding, blushing, no puss, no sores, no hair falling out, no leisons, etc.  But inside something is going on that no one is a witness of other than our pain, our discomfort and worry. 

Often times friends and family may ask what it's like to live day-by-day with out ailments.  It is oftentime so difficult to explain because explaining the condition is different than explaining how it affects us personally even though the two go hand-in-hand. 

I myself have Postpartum Cardiomyopathy and I am a member of a Cardiomyopathy group on Facebook.  Today one of the members passed out a letter written by a young woman where she explain the "Spoon Theory."  As I read it I realized that there is no better way to describe our day-to-day than how this young woman describes it with her Spoon Theory.  So for those of you that have sick family or friends, maybe even a neighbor or a coworker, this if for you...

The Spoon Theory
by Christine Miserandino www.butyoudontlooksick.com

Spoons

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn't seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.
I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of "spoons". But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn't even started yet. I’ve wanted more "spoons" for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said " No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can't take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too." I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s "spoons", but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less "spoons". I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on "spoons", because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.

We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly “Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared”

Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count "spoons".

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my "spoons".

© 2003 by Christine Miserandino Butyoudontlooksick.com

The nurse came out to the living room.  "He only has a few minutes or seconds left of life.  If you like...please go into the room to say your good-byes."

I had been waiting for this.  To hear these words.  Not anticipating them, but expecting them.  I don't think the nurse  was done with what she was saying before my mother and I were up from the couch.  Grandma doesn't speak English but she felt our anxiety and said, "Oh no, it's time.  My old man.  Mi viejito," and began to cry.

We ran into the bedroom.  I didn't know if to tend to my one and half year old or bid my fairwell to my loving grandfather.  I didn't want her to see death; to feel it.  But I didn't want to lose the only chance in my life to hold him one last time and thank him for my life and for loving me and raising me as a child.  For being a strong man with grand goals and great accomplishments.  For being everything he was.  For being so strong during his illness and never complaining.  For making me proud and being a great example. 

I ignored my daughter walking around my bedroom.  I had to hold on to grandpa.  Feel the warmth of his hand one more time.  Kiss his forehead.  Vanessa walked around the room not knowing what was going on, but babbling in her baby talk.  She was fine.  She will never remember it.  And he died so quietly and peacefully that I didn't even know he passed on.

I held his hand tight.  Grandma and my mother on the other side holding his other hand. 

I love you abuelito.  I will love you forever.  I will see you one day and we will laugh and play and never be apart again. 

May your sould rest in heaven grandpa.

I love you.

Being that I am such a germaphobe, I figured this would be a good thing to add to my blog.  Another AOL article that left me grossed out about my cell phone.  Here it is:

7 Everyday Biohazards

Beat Infections

Even if avian flu never enters America, it's already in our heads. See, we checked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and as of right now, the only verifiable pandemic is fear. But that's the thing with bugs, whether they're cutting-board bacteria or ultravirulent viruses: They are the ultimate invisible enemy, often infecting us with anxiety before they've triggered a single immune response.
 
The key to staying safe -- and sane -- in a world crawling with germs is knowing which ones are worth worrying about. Ol' H5N1? Not unless you like your chicken so fresh that you raise your own. Bubonic plague? Only if you reside in New Mexico and play with prairie dogs. On the other hand, do you own a cellphone? Take a shower every day? If so, then we have some high-priority pathogens we'd like you to meet -- and, with our help, defeat.

The Cell Phone

What's Lurking?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Think of MRSA as staph on steroids -- it's resistant to most antibiotics and can be deadly if it enters the bloodstream. And even though MRSA usually hides in hospitals, at least 12 percent of the infections in 2005 occurred in the general community, often inside locker rooms.
 
Another hot zone: Cellphones. When University of Arizona researchers tested 25 cellphones, 20 percent came up positive for MRSA. "When was the last time you cleaned your cellphone? I'm willing to bet never," says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., the study's lead researcher and coauthor of The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Cold and Flu. "These things are very germy, especially the keypads and mouthpieces." Picture it: Every time you dial a number or send a text message, you're transferring the germs on your hands to your phone and then straight to your mouth.

How to Beat it

How to Beat it:  Sanitize your cell once a week with Clorox disinfecting wipes (or any of the supermarket-brand clones). "The wipes won't get into the internal parts of the phone and damage it the way a spray might," says Gerba. If you want more peace of mind, consider Motorola's new i870 cellphone ($300 with a 2-year Nextel contract). The i870 comes treated with AgION Antimicrobial, a very fine ceramic powder coating that contains silver ions, the same substance that's woven into some gym apparel to help inhibit the growth of bacteria.

The Shower
 
Germs thrive in warm, wet environments, which is why they like showering with you. When Norman Pace, Ph.D., a professor of molecular biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, tested five plastic shower curtains -- including his own -- he discovered millions of microbes lining every square inch, with 80 percent being either Methylobacter or Sphingomonas. What makes this finding worrisome is that studies of indoor pools show that both bugs can form an aerosol and rise into the air. "There's no doubt the same phenomenon occurs in the shower, and thus we're breathing in these potentially harmful bacteria," says Pace, though exactly how harmful is unclear. "We know people get sick for reasons we can't put our finger on. This could be one of them."

How to Beat it:

You could hold your breath while you lather up, or you could simply make your shower less inviting for infectious agents. For starters, pull the curtain all the way closed after you're finished. This will help prevent bacteria from thriving inside the plastic folds. Or, better yet, opt for a fabric shower curtain and an all-metal showerhead. "These types of organisms feed on the organic compounds that form on plastic," says Pace. They also like to gorge on skin cells and other organic material that sloughs off in the shower, so if you go with a cloth curtain, toss it in the washing machine once a month, using the hottest water the fabric can handle

Hospitals

Clostridium difficile
 
Also known as C. diff, this bacteria has been causing diarrhea in hospitals for decades. Ironically, the bug remains dormant inside healthy people until they begin popping certain antibiotics, which eliminate beneficial bacteria that keep C. diff in check. But, as bad as it is to have the runs while relegated to a bedpan, there's a greater danger: Last winter, two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine identified a more virulent variation of C. diff. In an accompanying editorial,  John G. Bartlett, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, notes that "this C. difficile strain produces 16 to 23 times more toxins." 

How to beat it:

If you're going to be laid up in the hospital for more than a day, make sure your menu includes yogurt that contains "live" or "active" cultures. You'll be ingesting L. acidophilus, one of those good bacteria that can beat C. diff but is killed off by antibiotics. "It's an amazing thing. The number of cases of C. diff has dropped dramatically since we started serving yogurt," says Jimmy McDaniel, M.D., a staff physician at Baxter Regional Medical Center, in Arkansas. "Take a teaspoon morning, noon, and night, just as you would regular medicine." Try our favorite brand of live-culture yogurt: Stonyfield Farms Organic Nonfat, laced with L. acidophilus and several other microbial MVPs

Airplanes

Norovirus
 
Most cruises are all-you-can-eat . . . and all-you-can-expel, if Norovirus is on board. What most travelers don't realize, however, is that this bug can also hijack airplanes. A recent CDC study of a flight from London to Philadelphia shows that 9 percent of the passengers and more than half of the crew were stricken with diarrhea and/or vomiting within 18 to 60 hours of the flight.
 
That norovirus could infect so many in so short a time doesn't surprise Mark Gendreau, M.D., an emergency-medicine specialist who studies aircraft infectious disease for the Lahey Clinic, in Burlington, Massachusetts. "When we look at how contagious a disease is, we calculate how many microorganisms of that species are required -- from less than one to 100,000 -- to produce an infection," he explains. "Norovirus has a dose of 0.6, which means a single bacterium can produce a very serious outbreak."

How to Beat it:

Assume that the flight attendants are infected. Because they interact with everyone on the plane -- and on any other flights they've been on that day -- the attendants are the most likely people to contract and transmit norovirus. So if they hand you a beverage, drink it with a straw. And if they serve you a prepackaged meal, sanitize your hands after opening it. Not packing Purell? Soap and water is fine, but avoid whichever restroom the flight attendants are using. Of course, you could escape norovirus only to catch a cold, especially if someone's hacking in your airspace. Dr. Gendreau's defense: "Typically, I'll turn the gasper [the overhead air vent] on at the lowest setting possible and aim it straight down so I don't feel the current," he says. "This circulates clean air without drawing germs toward you."

Golf Courses

West Nile virus
 
The water hazard at your golf course is also a West Nile hazard; it's where mosquitoes that carry the virus buzz around and breed. And while West Nile fever typically affects older, immune-compromised individuals, a newly identified condition called West Nile poliomyelitis can hit healthy adults in their 30s and 40s. "It's a very serious neuroinvasive disease that attacks the cells in the spinal cord that are responsible for motor strength and activity," says Taylor Harrison, M.D., a professor of neurology at Emory University. "Some people regain movement of their limbs; others don't recover as well."

How to Beat it: 

Simple: Steer clear of the drink. Also, "if the course is wet, it's a good idea to stay off the golf-cart path," says Gilbert Waldbauer, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of entomology at the University of Illinois and the author of A Walk around the Pond: Insects in and over the Water. "The puddles that form in the tracks are filled with stagnant water where larvae develop." He also suggests a midmorning tee time: "They're out in full force at dusk and dawn." To further shield yourself from skeeters, wear Buzz Off pants and shirts, apparel that's been treated with an EPA-approved insect repellent called permethrin. Both Tommy Hilfiger Golf (tommygolf.com) and Oxford Golf (oxfordgolf.com) make Buzz Off duds for duffers.

The Bedroom

What's lurking? Chlamydia trachomatis
 
Chlamydia is the stealth STD -- a woman can carry the bacteria without symptoms for several years, which means your partner could pass it on to you, even if you're currently monogamous. And once a guy gets chlamydia, he's at risk of developing nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), a bacterial infection of the urethra, says H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD. NGU is one of the most common reasons men find themselves sitting in an STD clinic. Or standing, since NGU may cause dull testicular pain as well as cloudy discharge and frequent, painful urination. Left untreated, it can lead to infertility.

How to Beat it:

Either commit to wearing condoms or ask that your wife or girlfriend be tested for chlamydia. If you opt for the latter, tell her you'll be tested, too; it's possible for someone who's been cured of chlamydia to be reinfected by their partner. Think you may already have NGU? See your doctor -- and take this article along. "Although NGU is very common, not all doctors are as insightful about it as they could be," says Dr. Handsfield, explaining that you'll often get faster results at an STD clinic. "Most men with NGU will be diagnosed and given a prescription on the spot." Antibiotics such as azithromycin and tetracycline have been shown to be effective 90 percent of the time. 

How To Uncode the Hidden Dangers Of Plastic Bottles

By LYNEKA LITTLE, MAINSTREET.COM

The portability of recycled plastic bottles has made toting water convenient, but just how healthy is reusing them?

For years, glass has been out, and plastic has been in. Why? Because virtually unbreakable plastic makes drinking your beverage of choice at the office, gym, or nursery more convenient. But, before you take another sip, did you know there may be bacteria lurking in the bottle you are reusing?

Water Bottles

Fortunately, plastic bottles, and other storage containers, are assigned a resin identification code (that's fancy talk for the triangle circling a number on the bottom of plastic bottles). This system has been in place for nearly 20 years to help with recycling, but it can also help with consumption. How so? What do the numbers mean?

For answers, Mainstreet asked Elizabeth Royte, the author of Bottlemania, to reveal the hidden meaning of the numbers on your bottle, and to explain what's lurking behind the labels:

Recycling Symbols

iStock

Many plastics can be readily recycled, but how are you supposed to make sense of all the different types?

NUMBER ONE
Most soft drinks, including Poland Spring, Dasani and even Snapple bottles carry this number to reflect that they are bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for consumer use. The narrow-necked bottles are not made for repeated use. The design of the bottle means they're difficult to clean. And, that means bacteria, from your hands and mouth, can grow in the bottle over time, says Royte.
MainStreet's Take: Always wash out with soap and water before reusing.

NUMBER TWO
At the grocery store, when you come across one gallon plastic containers and 2.5 gallon jugs of water, you'll see this number on the plastic.
MainStreet's Take: Wash with soap and water, do not reuse too many times.

NUMBER THREE
Polyvinyl Chloride (or PVC) and are environmentally hazardous and not recyclable. Not many bottles carry this label.
MainStreet's Take: NOT safe to use in the first place.

NUMBER FOUR
Bottles with the number are considered safe, and are made using low density polyethylene. In addition to being used for some water bottles, it's a common oil-based plastic that's used for containers that are squeezable.
MainStreet's Take: OK to reuse when properly cleaned.

NUMBER FIVE
When you pop plastic in the microwave, it's usually has this number because it's made with polypropylene.
MainStreet's Take: OK to reuse when properly cleaned.

NUMBER SIX
This is usually used for egg cartons, and styrofoam cups.
MainStreet's Take: Not a great container, if you are environmentally friendly.

NUMBER SEVEN
Polycarbonate bottles with this number can have many "other" materials. In other words, the bottle may have been used with phthalates, or bisphenol A, or not. It's a catchall. And, since bisphenol A is restricted in Canada, and has been linked to disruption in lab animals, it may be a number you want to avoid if you don't know the content. You'll see this number commonly at the water cooler. And, even Nalgene bottles carry this identification, while being bisphenol free.
MainStreet's Take: May not be safe to reuse.

All these products are approved by the FDA for food, which is what bottled water is considered. "The agency says all the bottles are safe under normal conditions (don't ever microwave food in them), but there have been enough questions raised about migration of chemicals for me to steer clear of certain types," says Royte.

However, Royte says not everyone need panic: "I wouldn't go crazy over it -- I'm done reproducing and I'm not a fetus, infant, or young child, who are more susceptible to hormone mimics." Still, if you're using any of these bottles more than once, make sure to clean the bottle thoroughly with soap and hot water.

I'm not a health nut,  But...I am.  Yes I do like to confuse you.  I am confused myself  ;  )

I guess what I am saying is I want to be a health nut so I read all I can and study all I can about it, but when it comes down to it, I only apply about 80 % of what I learn.  Give me a break!  I need some space (about 20%), for chocolate, Crispy Cream Donuts, ketchup soaked in French Fries...you get the point. 

Here are some delicious juices that we can replace some sugar with.  Juices that studies have shown are excellent for our health AND our taste buds!

Study Reveals Healthiest Beverages

CBS News

(July 5) - Most of us know juice is a healthier drink than sugary soda.  But not all juices are created equal.

 

Health magazine is reporting on a UCLA study listing the ten healthiest beverages, nine of which are fruit-based.

On The Early Show Saturday, Health magazine contributor and clinical nutritionist Samantha Heller talked about what makes the juices healthy.

The study took into account the antioxidant levels of the juices.

Basically, Heller says, anything with a vivid color, like most berries, will be high in antioxidants, so it's no surprise berry juices landed in most of the top 10 slots.

Oxidants, she explains, are naturally-occurring substances that derive from oxygen. Chemically speaking, oxygen always wants to "mate," and if it can't find a mate, it will latch onto anything. As it's latching onto substances in our body, it can overwhelm them, and cause disease.

Antioxidants, on the other hand, voluntarily bond with molecules of oxygen, preventing them from glomming onto any other substance in our body, and that helps keep us healthy.

And these juices have high levels of antioxidants.

Still, Heller cautions that doesn't mean you should go overboard with any of them.

There's always the danger, she points out, that when we tell people something is healthy for them, they'll go out and drink it by the gallon.

The truth is, you consume a lot of calories with juice. No-sugar-added doesn't necessarily mean no sugar at all. And sugar, even though it's naturally-occurring sugar, can really pack on the pounds if you consume too much.

Also, bear in mind that juices sometimes interact with medications in an undesirable way. For example, grapefruit juice interacts with some medications, so you have to be careful.

Another Heller suggestion: Eat the fruit itself if you can, rather than drinking the juice. The fruit has far fewer calories. Remember: It takes ten oranges to make a glass of orange juice, but one orange will be relatively low in calories. Also, the fruit will give you the fiber you need, but the juice won't. So the fruit is always a better choice than the juice.

If you're a big juice-lover, and you're not much of a fruit-eater, Heller says it would be better to get the nutrients the juice has to offer. But to avoid calorie overload, mix it with club soda. You'll get the taste, with half the calories.

Among the top ten juices (in order of healthiest):                                                  

                                                                                       

Pomegranates

#1 Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate is the healthiest of them all because it contains the most of every type of antioxidant. It wins in all categories. And it's thought that it might do some very good things; it may protect against some cancers, such as prostate cancer. It might also modify heart disease risk factors, and it could be healthy for your heart. So pomegranate was the clear winner.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                         

Concord Grapes

#2 Concord Grape Juice

Concord grape juice is a source of very potent antioxidants. And there's some research indicating it may be good for our hearts and also help reduce blood pressure. Grapes are also high in fiber, but much of their goodness is in the seed, so you need to consider whether grape juice is the way to go. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blueberries

#3 Blueberry Juice

The color alone indicates a lot of antioxidants. But blueberry juice also contains tons of fiber, and is also very high in Vitamin C. One of the qualities of antioxidants is that they can lower inflammation, and so there's some indication that blueberries may have some effect on age-related cognitive abilities. And don't forget that blueberries are very low in calories.

 

 

 

 

Black Cherries

#4 Black Cherry Juice

This one actually has scientists a bit excited. Not only is it high in antioxidants, but there is evidence that black cherry juice can actually diminish exercise-induced muscle injuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cranberries

#5 Cranberry Juice

Like all of these juices, it's high in antioxidants. But cranberry juice is also high in Vitamin C. And there's always been a sort of wives' tale that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections. Well, it turns out researchers are finding evidence that it actually can decrease the number of urinary tract infections. The thinking is, it helps stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, protecting against infections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YIKES!  This is a LOT of people with Herpes.  The above picture does this story no justice though because this is not the herpes the article is talking about.  They mean the "other" herpes.  But I couldn't, wouldn't and didn't care to find a photo of that one.  If this one looks this disgusting...I don't want to think of the other one.

Here is the article:

Herpes

NYC Has Higher Herpes Rate, Study Says

Aluminum Foil

How often have you seen meals prepared in Alminum foil?  A delcious fish with fresh veggies with maybe some dill or other herbs?  I have often seen these in magazines and even prepared a few myself.  Talk about DELICIOUS  and easy clean up.  You basically take everything the fish, veggies, herbs, seasonings, throw them in a foil packet to cook in he oven and voila!  A healthy meal in a matter of minutes!  When it's tme for clean up you simply crumple up the foil and throw it out.  What is better than a quick and health meal such as this one?  Apparently there is something better!  NOT using aluminum foil is what's better! 

It turns out that baking in foil increases its aluminum content by 378 percent!  What's more, when other, more acidic foods are also cooked -- such as certain types of vegetables -- this causes an even greater degree of corrosion. Yikes!  And here I thought I was doing good for my health preparing my meals this way every time I was short on time.

It is believed aluminum is the cause of many serious illnesses.  One of them is Alzheimers which seems to run rampid in both sides of my family.  I guess I need to be more cautious and throw this whole "baked food pocket" to the wind.  :  ( 

Banana Soy Smoothie

I am a health nut.  Not because I intend to be one but because for some reason my favorite food tends to be very healthy.  I would eat a tomato over slice of apple pie.  Eat carrots over a bag of chips.  That kind of a thing.  I am glad I never had to work at this.  I see some people really struggle with what they eat.  What I struggle with is controlling my food intake.  Goodness I love to eat! 

I happen to love all the items that make this milkshake.  Dr. Oz drinks it every morning and I think I am going to give it a shot.  I am looking for something that will make me feel full, will be healthy and help me...yes...with going to the bathroom.  There I said it!  Apparently he put psyllium husks in it.  Metemucil basically.  I've taken Metamucil and it's not that bad, but if you don't drink it fast it feels like your drinking hardening cement.

This is the recipe for Dr. Oz's Bannana, Cocoa, Soy, Smoothie.  I look forward to trying it out.  Hope it's as delicious as it looks! 

INGREDIENTS

1 banana

1/2 cup silken tofu

1/2 cup soy milk

2 tbl unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbl honey

DIRECTIONIS

1.  Slice banana and freeze until firm

2.  Blend tofu, soy milk, unsweetened cocoa and honey in a blender until smooth

3.  With the blender still running, add the frozen banana slices through the hole on the top of the blender and continue  blending until smooth

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per Serving:

Calories 340

Carbohydrates: 60

Fat 8

Saturated Fat 1 gram

Monosaturated Fat 1 gram

Protein 17 grams

Cholesterol 0 grams

Dietary Fiber 10 grams

Potassium 749 mg

Sodium 121 mg

Nutrition Bonus Magnisium (29% daily value) Potassium (21% DV), Iron (20% DV), Vitamin A & C (15% DV)

NOTE:  Dr. Oz adds psyllium husks to this shake to be more regular and get more fiber for the day.  I don't know how much precisely and also remember that the husks will change the nutritional info.  He mentioned Metamucil so add it it to this may be an option.  Worth a try. 

Bacteria

LONDON (June 4) - Disinfectant wipes routinely used in hospitals may actually spread drug-resistant bacteria rather than kill the dangerous infections, British researchers said on Tuesday.

While the wipes killed some bacteria, a study of two hospitals showed they did not get them all and could transfer the so-called superbugs to other surfaces, Gareth Williams, a microbiologist at Cardiff University, said.

The findings presented at the American Society of Microbiology's General Meeting in Boston focused on bacteria that included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

"What we have found is there is a high risk," Williams, who led the study, said by telephone. "We need to give guidance to the staff on how to use the wipes because we found there is a possibility of cross transfer."

MRSA infections can range from boils to more severe infections of the bloodstream, lungs and surgical sites. Most cases are associated with hospitals, nursing homes or other health care facilities.

The superbug can cause life-threatening and disfiguring infections and can often only be treated with expensive, intravenous antibiotics.

Experts have been saying for years that poor hospital practices spread dangerous bacteria, and yet many studies have shown that health care workers, including doctors and nurses, often fail to even wash their hands as directed.

The findings from a study of intensive care units at two Welsh hospitals suggest that even cleaning with antimicrobial wipes may not be enough depending on how staff use them.

The researchers found that many health care workers cleaned multiple surfaces near patients, such as bed rails, monitors and tables with a single wipe and risked sweeping the infections around rather than cleaning them up.

"We found that the most effective way to prevent the risk of MRSA spread in hospital wards is to ensure the wipe is used only once on one surface," Williams said.

NOTE:  Yikes!  Not the best thing for a germaphobe to read!  Hospitals give me the creeps at is is, and now this? 

Ok...I'll be honest with you.  I don't have a clue what this smoothie is going to taste like.  I like buttermilk and I enjoy avocados, but an avocado/buttermilk smoothie???  Hmmm...I'm going to have to give this one a shot.  I'm up for anything that is healthy and will help curb my appetite.  I am never full "enough" so I'll try it and let you know how it goes.  But if you try it first...let me know!  I would rather you be the guinea pig!  ; )

As my friends and family know, I love Mr. Oz.  You know...the doctor on the Oprah Winfrey show.  This Doctor has taught me so much and I have applied some of the things he has taught and had them work fantastic!  This smoothie actually comes from his newsletter.  I post quite a bit of his articles on here.  But the smoothie itself comes from a book that goes by the title of, "Chef M.D.'s Big Book of Culinary Medicine," by John LaPuma M.D.  So if you're a health nut or prefer the natural route as opposed to prescribed meds, this might be a good book for you.  I know I already have it on my Kaboodle wish list!

The author of this book claims this smoothie will curb your appetite for hours.  And Dr. Oz says if we keep our Body Mass Index at a desirable level, we can feel and look up to 6 years younger!  Worth a shot don't you think??

Tangy and Cool Buttermilk and Avocado Smoothie
One cup of this fill-you-up smoothie will make only a 145-calorie dent in your diet. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients
1 cup organic fat-free cottage cheese, such as Horizon brand

2 cups 1% low-fat buttermilk

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced

1 tablespoon organic agave nectar, such as Madhava brand

4 ice cubes or 1/2 cup crushed ice

Preparation
Place the cottage cheese and 1/2 cup of the buttermilk in a blender. Cover and blend until fairly smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender; add the avocado. Cover and blend until fairly smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining buttermilk and the agave nectar; cover and blend 10 seconds. Add the ice; cover and blend until the smoothie is thick and the ice has melted.

Nutritional Information (per 1-cup serving; makes 4)
Calories: 145
Saturated fat: 1.5 grams
Unsaturated fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Protein: 11 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Calcium: 178 milligrams
Sodium: 342 milligrams
Magnesium: 7 milligram