HEART ATTACK ON THE TOILET

HEART ATTACK ON THE TOILET

COMMODE CODE

Work cited from the National Institute of Health

   They conducted a retrospective study of patients who experienced cardiac arrest in the toilet.  This  study was conducted in a single teaching hospital, which was also a tertiary (third level) referral center covering a local population of about half a million people.  This is one of the first studies to evaluate the clinical characteristics and resuscitation profiles of individuals sustaining cardiac arrest in the toilet.

    The first purpose of this post is to inform you about the possible dangers encountered in the bathroom so you can consider ways to improve your risks.  The  other purpose is because 62% of victims are discovered by family members because they were "taking too long" in the bathroom.  Hopefully, this will help you realize that you were not at fault.

    First of all, consider that a history of heart diseases was predictive of having a cardiac arrest while on the toilet (95% of the cases in this study).  Next, the most frequent time of the year to experience this particular issue is in December between the hours of 6am and noon.  There is a 41% rate of spontaneous circulation restored after this event but even with that, there is only a 1% long term survival rate (a year or longer).  Surprisingly, though, age was not found to be a major risk factor.

     I could go into details about negative pressure in the chest cavity, increased blood pressure during the Valsalva maneuver or decreased blood pressure as the vagal nerve is stimulated, but I see no point in all of the technical jargon.

   What I will say is this:  you can control this area of your life.  Eat an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  Drink 6 - 8 glasses of water daily.  Exercise, especially walking.  Monitor your stool and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

BRISTOL'S STOOL CHART

HOW TO CHANGE A COLOSTOMY BAG ON AN IRREGULAR SHAPED COLOSTOMY SITE

HOW TO CHANGE A COLOSTOMY BAG ON AN IRREGULAR SHAPED COLOSTOMY SITE

   The most important part of caring for a colostomy is to remember that there is a person attached to it.  Treat them with the same respect and dignity that you gave them before they had the surgery.

   It goes so much smoother when you collect all of the equipment you will need when you change a colostomy bag.  We will demonstrate how we change a one piece colostomy bag on an irregular shaped colostomy site.  In the video, I am not wearing gloves because I am changing the bag on my family member.  If I were performing this task for anyone else, I would wear gloves to protect myself from any disease they might have.

   The equipment includes:

• plastic zipper bag for disposal
• the one piece colostomy bag
• warm water
• clean wash cloth
• paper towels
• non-drying soap
• sizzors
• template
• powder
• skin protector wipes
• skin barrier ring conforming seal
• elastic barrier strips (optional)

   Remove the colostomy bag.  Wipe off excess stool from the skin around the stoma if there is any. Wash the skin with warm soapy water, rinse.  If there is any stool on the intestines that you can see, remove it with the rinsed out wash cloth.  Dry the area.  Measure the opening and cut the one piece colostomy bag to size.  Cut an opening in the wafer to the desired size.  Apply powder to the clean, dry skin surrounding the stoma and wipe on the skin protector.  Mold the conforming seal to the desired shape and apply to the skin AROUND the stoma, keeping it off to the protruding intestines.  Remove the plastic cover from the colostomy bag and finally place the wafer over the stoma site.  This colostomy bag has paper covering the skin protector in this particular model, so you will need to remove the paper to seal the skin protector to the skin.  Place your hands over the flange to warm it slightly for a better seal.  Clean up the area and wash your hands.

   The video might be misleading about where to place the elastic barrier strip, so here is a photo of it placed over the skin protector:

You are encouraged to leave a comment.  If you have a question about anything you saw in the video, leave a comment with your e-mail address and I will do my best to provide you with the proper answer.

You are also invited to visit us at our Holy Bible study ministry at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com  and at http://omaslife.blogspot.com for posts about everyday life.

PINK EYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)

PINK EYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)

photo courtesy of the MayoClinic

  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and treatable conditions in children and adults.  It also spreads easily.

Definition:  It is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball (conjunctiva).  The inflammation makes the blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.

Causes:

• virus
• bacteria
• irritant (such as smog or swimming pool chlorine)
• allergens (such as pet dander, dust mites)
• viral and bacterial are the most common in children

Symptoms: 

• redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids
• increased amount of tears
• white ( usually viral), or yellow or green (commonly bacterial) eye discharge
• itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes
•  increased sensitivity to light
• gritty feeling in the eye
• crusting of the eyelids or lashes

Common sense and home remedies:

   Most cases of the pink eye are mild and get better on their own within 7 to 10 days, even without treatment.  There is no medical treatment for viral conjunctivitis.  Home remedies include applying a compress to the eyelid.  You can make a compress by soaking a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out.  The water may be cool or warm, whatever your preference is.  If the condition is only in one eye, avoid touching the other eye with the cloth

   You also want to stop wearing contacts.  Ask your doctor if you should dispose of disposable contacts, cleaning solution, and lens case.  If your contacts are not disposable, clean them thoroughly before using them again.

   Over the counter artificial tears may relieve some of the symptoms but avoid the solutions for "red eye", such as Visine, Clear Eyes.

When to seek medical attention:

• moderate to severe pain in your eye(s)
• sensitivity to light or blurred vision
• intense redness in the eye(s)
• a weakened immune system, for example HIV or cancer treatment
•  symptoms that worsen or do not improve, including bacterial pink eye that does not improve after using antibiotic treatment for 24 hours
• pre-existing eye conditions that may put you at risk for complications or severe infection

  How to prevent the spread of pink eye:

• wash your hands often with soap and warm water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• wash any discharge from around the eyes several times a day.  Hands should be washed first and then a clean washcloth or fresh cotton ball or tissue can be used to cleanse the eye area.  Throw away cotton balls or tissues after use; if a washcloth is used, it should be washed with hot water and detergent.  Wash your hands with soap and warm water when done.
• wash hands after applying eye drops or ointment
• do not use the same eye drop dispenser/bottle for infected and non-infected eyes-even for the same person
• wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels in hot water and detergent; hands should be washed after handling such items.
• avoid sharing articles like towels, blankets, and pillowcases.
• clean eyeglasses, being careful not to contaminate items (like towels) that might be shared by other people
• do not share eye makeup, face make-up brushes, contact lenses and containers, or eyeglasses
• do not use swimming pools

   As always, when in doubt, consult your physician.  This is not an exclusive list of the many causes of conjunctivitis, just the most common for children.

You are encouraged to leave a comment with your thoughts about this post.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com,  http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com,  and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

DIVERTICULITIS

DIVERTICULITIS

   Diverticulitis is a condition of the bowel.  It typically presents as cramps or pain in the left lower abdomen lasting more than a few days, especially in people over 60 years old.  The pain may be accompanied with fever, constipation, a bloated feeling, flatulence, loss of appetite, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. 

   So, let's get an idea of how diverticulitis develops:  The inside wall of a normal colon has what appears to be ridges around the lumen (the inside space of the colon):

photo courtesy of doccheck

   The "valleys" between the "ridges" weaken over time and a hole can be seen in the lumen which indicates a bulge or a pouch, called diverticula.  This is referred to as diverticulosis.  Half of the people over 60 have this condition and are unaware they have it.  Ten to twenty-five percent of these will have diverticulosis progress to diverticulitis.

photo courtesy of medline plus

courtesy of webmd

   When the pouches become blocked with waste, inflammation occurs.  Inflammation causes pain.  If the blockage continues or becomes severe, it can result in a tear and spill the contents of the colon into the abdominal cavity. 

photo courtesy of medline plus

   Pain in the left lower quadrant is not necessarily caused by diverticulitis.  However, when pain persists for a few days and is combined with fever, constipation, etc. it is a good idea to consult a doctor.  Remember that pain is our body's way of communicating to us that there is something that requires our attention.


 You are encouraged to leave your thoughts in a comment on this site.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com,  http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com,  and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

LOVENOX SELF INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS

LOVENOX SELF INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are to give yourself an injection of lovenox, these instructions
may be helpful:

1.  Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

2.  Sit or lie in a comfortable position so you can see your abdomen.  It is
     fine to sit in front of a mirror.

3.  Choose an area on the right or left side of your abdomen, at least two
     inches from your belly button ( try your "love handles") or any scars or
     tattoos.

4.  Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let dry.

5.  Remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off the syringe (to
     minimize the risk of bending the needle.)  Do not remove the air
     bubble.

6.  Hold the syringe like a pencil in the hand with which you write.

7.  With your other hand, pinch an inch of the cleansed area to make a
     fold in the skin. With a quick motion, insert the full length of the
     needle straight down at a 90 degree angle into the fold of the skin.

8.  Press the plunger with your thumb slowly over 20 to 30 seconds until
     the syringe is empty.  The air bubble acts like a seal to minimize the
     risk of the medicine leaking.

9.  Leave the needle in the skin for about 10 seconds after the medicine
    is in the skin.  Pull the needle straight out of the skin at the same angle
    it was inserted, and release  the skin fold.

10.  Point the needle down and away from yourself and others, and push
      down on the plunger to activate the safety shield.

11.  Place the syringe in a sharps container or a heavy plastic container
      with a lid on it, preferably a bleach or detergent bottle.

12.  Document the location where the injection was given.  It is o.k. to
      use a calendar for this.

13.  When the plastic container gets full, add a little bleach to it (maybe
       a 1/4 cup) and tighten the lid.  Seal it with duct tape and dispose
      if it in the household trash.  If  you are using a sharps container,
      return it to the doctor's office.

There is so much information out there with photos and even you tube videos.

You are welcome to leave a comment if this was helpful to you.

You are invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com , http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com,  and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

CONSTIPATION

CONSTIPATION

   Constipation is defined as difficult or infrequent defecation.  Because bowel patterns differ greatly among individuals, constipation must be individually defined.  It usually means a decrease in the number of bowel movements per week, hard stools, and difficult evacuation.  Normal bowel habits range from 2 - 3 evacuations per day to one per week.

   Constipation is a common complaint caused by personal habits and a variety of disorders and drugs.
 

1.  Many functional or mechanical conditions can cause constipation.
     A.  muscle weakness:  abdominal muscles are used to create the intra-abdominal pressure
           required to evacuate the rectum.  Muscle weakness interferes with that pressure
     B.  pain caused by abdominal surgery:  pain also interferes with intra-abdominal pressure
     C.  lesions of the anus make defecation painful
          1.  inflamed hemorrhoids
          2.  fissures
          3.  fistulas
     D.  a low-residue diet (the habitual consumption of highly refined foods)
     E.  a sedentary life style and lack of regular exercise
     F.  a lack of access toilet facilities and a consistent suppression of the urge to empty the bowel
     G.  depression
     H.  drugs

           1. anticholinergics (used to treat depression)

           2. antacids containing calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide

           3. opiates, particularly codeine

 
2.  There are other culprits that can also cause constipation, such as hormones that are
     released due to stress.

3.  Ways to battle constipation
     A.  low-fiber diet
     B.  drink plenty of fluids (6 - 8 glasses of water daily)
     C.  caffeine (in hot tea or coffee)
     D.  exercise
     E.  identify the stressor in your life and work to eliminate it.  If the stressor is long-term,
          enlist the help of your support system.

You are welcome to leave a comment with your thoughts.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com  and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION/OBESITY

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION/OBESITY

  

   On June 18, 2013, the American Medical Association officially recognized obesity as a disease, not just a medical condition.  Dr. Lou Aronne, an obesity expert at New York Presbyterian Hospital, was quoted on "CBS This Morning" on June 19th as saying, "As it stands, insurance policies 'generally exclude obesity treatment, which limits the treatment of obesity-related conditions, including 'diabetes, high blood pressure, even cancers (that) are caused by obesity."   Dr. Aronne explained that for clinically obese patients, treatment is not as simple as eating less and exercising more.

 





  So, are you going to believe a "doctor" who obviously has an agenda, or are you going to believe the highly proclaimed reality show that documented that it IS about "eating less and exercising more"?  Are you going to believe your "lying eyes" that tell you that insurance companies DO in fact cover treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer?  How much profit is there in performing a lap-band vs treating high blood pressure? 
   Remember the post from September 18, 2012, when I told you that pharmaceutical companies have a vaccine for the West Nile Virus but refuse to market it due to not enough profit?  It is so much better to supply medications to treat the disease and allow the public to suffer from it than to vaccinate against it. There is more profit with treatment.
   The CBS report goes on to explain that "Medical therapies and procedures like the lap-band or gastric bypass surgeries are courses of treatment that may now be included in insurance coverage, based on the AMA's decision.  In my personal life, with 18 years as a registered nurse, I the people I know who had the gastric by-pass or lap-band procedure, ended up heavier than they were before the procedure.  We'll see how Governor Christi does.
   If you want to lose weight, it takes commitment.  It is helpful to have a support system, which many who substitute food for affection do not have. 
   When my son suggested that I was a little heavy, I started took control.  I started better nutrition to lose the weight.  It is working for me.  If you would like to know more about nutrition and weight loss, please leave a comment with your contact information.  Nothing is published without my approval, so your information is secure.

What are your thoughts? 

You are also welcome to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.

WOUND DEBRIDEMENT

WOUND DEBRIDEMENT WITH SANTYL OINTMENT

   Prior to application, gently cleanse the wound bed with a sterile gauze pad saturated with sterile normal saline to remove debris and digested material.  Rinse with sterile normal saline.  A small amount of Santyl Ointment is then applied directly to the wound or to a gauze pad placed over the wound bed.  Do not apply the Santyl to the area around the wound.  Properly secure the gauze so it does not move and affect the area around the wound.  Ideally, Santyl Ointment should be applied once daily (may be applied more frequently if dressing becomes soiled.)  Dressing should be kept dry and free from contaminants.

   The goal is to remove the necrotic (dead) tissue and to provide an environment for granulation of healthy tissue.  Discontinue Santyl Ointment when medically indicated and granulation tissue is well established.

   Because the enzymes in Santyl are activated by the hydrophilic environment (moisture) of the wound, it is important to use dressings that maintain moisture balance.  Avoid silver and iodine dressings as they inactivate the debriding enzyme in Santyl Ointment.

   Debriding of a wound should be performed at the direction of your physician.  The physician should assess the wound and discontinue debridement when indicated.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.  

 

THE CDC'S FLU VACCINE RESULTS

THE CDC'S FLU VACCINE EFFECTIVENESS RESULTS

   In September of 2012, I told you that the pharmaceutical companies had a vaccine for the West Nile Virus but refused to distribute it for humans since it was not a high dollar item for them.  I have been paying closer than usual attention to the marketing of the drug companies since then.  I have discovered that the drug companies buy advertising time on Obama's media sites, and a lot of it.  Of course, they support the Progressives, that is nothing new.  I have seen a massive advertising for the flu vaccine this season.  The state run news media has almost caused panic in the streets, promoting the flu vaccine for the drug companies.

   Did you get the message today that the Centers for Disease Control released it's study on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine?  In people over 65, which is the group most targeted, the flu vaccine was 9% effective.  Doctors have been told that when their patients get the vaccine and then get the flu, it is because the patient already had the flu but it just had not presented the symptoms until after they received the vaccine.  I don't know if the well educated doctors believed that or not, but that is what they tried to convince their patients of.

   Over all, this year's flu vaccine was reported to be 56% effective.  That means that 46% of every American was better off, and kept more of their money, if they refused the flu vaccine.  That includes the 91% of those over 65 years old.

   What is really ironic, is that there was a hospital that was firing nurses who refused to buy into the hype and chose not to take the vaccine.  It was January of this year when Indiana Goshen Hospital fired eight employees who refused to take the vaccine.  Here is evidence that they should have a law suit.  You see, this is just as bad as President Obama forcing Americans to purchase health insurance but giving it to illegal foreigners.

What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.

WEST NILE VIRUS

WEST NILE VIRUS

   This has been an extemely active season for the West Nile Virus in the United States.  Across America, there have been more than 1400 cases reported this year.  People are dying from being bitten from mosquitoes.  Cities and counties have taken to the air to spray insecticide to kill them, but losing one life to this disease is one too many.

   There is a vaccine for the West Nile Virus, that is very effective.  In fact, last year, only 87 cases of equine West Nile Virus was reported.  The government had been urging horse owners to vaccine.  It worked.  However, this year, there have been 187 cases of non-human cases reported.

   Here is the question:  if the vaccine works in horses, why can't humans be vaccinated?  The answer:  the pharmaceutical companies say it is not cost effective to market the vaccine to humans.  We have lost 57 people in Texas to the disease.  It is not cost effective.  What is a human life worth?

   Then, we hear that whooping cough is on the rise and people who are not at risk need to be vaccinated.  Why?  Do the pharmaceutical companies need the money?  If those who are not at risk very rarely contract the disease, why spend the money on the vaccine?  THEY CLAIM it is to prevent the disease in those we come in contact with.  What about their vaccine?  Won't their vaccine protect them?  You would think.  So I ask again, why would the pharmaceutical companies urge so many people to pay for the vaccine when they don't need it?

   What are your thoughts?

You can also follow Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.

CVS PHARMACY JUNE 9, 2012

CVS PHARMACY   JUNE 9, 2012

   I need to say, before I get too far into my latest experience with CVS Pharmacy, that I am not happy being forced to use this pharmacy exclusively by our new insurance.  Go Obama! 

   So, I went to pick up our refills today on routine medicines.  I had dropped off a new script yesterday, so I decided to just pick up all the scripts together.  I arrived and was given the scripts and asked to sign for them.  As I always do, I checked them before leaving.  I asked where the new script was.  That started the clerk scrambling.  She didn't know where it was.  I explained that I had brought the doctor's prescription in yesterday and told them I would pick it up today. 

   I also noticed I was given a medication that was not ordered.  I separated that med. from the ones I was supposed to have while the clerk continued to look for the new med.

   In a little while, the clerk came to me, looking through the medicines I had signed for.  She reached and took the medication I had separated, saying I had been given the wrong medicine.  Well, imagine that!  Do I look like a pharmacist who works at CVS?  No, but I am an informed consumer.

   The Pharmacist on shift tried to cover up the mistake.  Here is why it is such a big deal:  Maybe I would have been allergic to the medication that was initially filled.  Maybe I was so uninformed that I did not know that was the wrong med. and took it.  Maybe the wrong med. was a diabetes medicine that would have lowered my normal blood sugar, leaving me in a coma.  Maybe the wrong med. would have been an antihypertension med that would have dropped my blood pressure and sent me into hypovolemic shock.  The possibilities are many.

   All I have to say is that if you are forced to use CVS Pharmacy, please pay attention to what they are doing to you.

What are your thoughts?

 

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/,  http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com/, and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/.

 

THE PANCREAS, INSULIN

THE PANCREAS

   The pancreas is both an endocrine gland that produces hormones and an exocrine gland that produces digestive enzymes.  It is, therefore, responsible for much metabolism within the body.  A major disorder of the endocrine pancreas is diabetes mellitus.

   The pancreas is located behind the stomach, between the spleen and the duodenum. 

Human Anatomy

Picture of the Pancreas

It houses the islets of Langerhans, which secrete glucagon and insulin, hormones that help to regulate much of the carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism within the body.  The islets of Langerhans have three types of hormone-secreting cells:  alpha, beta, and delta cells.  It also has F cells, which secrete pancreatic polypeptide.

   Somatostatin is produced by delta cells of the pancreas.  It is a hormone essential in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism (i.e., homeostasis of ingested nutrients).  Little is known about pancreatic somatostatin, but it is probably involved in the regulation of alpha-cell and beta-cell function within the islets.  Presumably, somatostatin inhibits both glucagon and insulin secretion.  Pancreatic somatostatin is different from hypothalmic somatostatin, which inhibits the release of growth hormone.

   The beta cells secrete insulin.  Insulin is an anabolic hormone that promotes the synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.  The major sites of insulin-promoted synthesis are the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.  The net effect of insulin in these tissues is to stimulate cellular metabolism.  Overall, however, the major consequence of insulin release is to decrease blood glucose.  Insulin also facilitates the intracellular transport of potassium.

   Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and by a number of cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.  Glucagon acts primarily in the liver.   It acts as an antagonist to insulin.

Pathophysiology  The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children 1990.

Questions or comments are welcomed.

You can also visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com.  Just click the name of the site you want to visit.

SEEK THE PROFESSIONALS

SEEK THE PROFESSIONALS

   When I was young....er, I went fishing all day, staying out of doors in the heat, not hydrating myself as I should have.  Normally, eight glasses of water is the recommendation.  I was having fun and was not paying attention to the signs of thirst.  Anyway, I was dehydrated.  In that particular situation, simply drinking Gatorade or any other fluids would not take care of the problem.  I had to receive IV fluids at the hospital.

   Sometimes, when we go about living our lives, things get a little stressful.  We may not always pay attention to our own bodies when they warn us that we need help.  Work, relationships, family, bills, situations we are not in control of, etc.  Everything builds.  What could have been handled with a night off or going to the spa now requires a professional's intervention.

   Know this:  You have family who have loved you all of your life.  We love you with all of your "warts" and will do all we possibly can for you. Relax and allow the professionals to do their work.  I am praying for you.

You are welcomed to leave comments.  They are delayed, so they will not appear as soon as you write them.

4 20

4 20

   Today, many in America are celebrating 4 20.  There is a subculture here involving cannabis.  Today at 4:20, pot-smokers observed the ritual in celebration of the plant.  I posted this observation on the health blog, because I believe marijuana use should be legalized in America, especially medicinally.  There are many reasons I believe this way:

   First of all, I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine who died of breast cancer, Donna B.  She was a registered nurse.  Her goal in life was to live long enough to see her only child, a daughter, graduate from high school.  She missed it.  She would tell me that if she had to break the law to obtain relief from the nausea and anorexia which resulted from the chemotherapy treatments, then so be it.  Many cancer patients suffer from the nausea and anorexia when they undergo chemo. treatments.  Why?  There is a substance they can use that would relieve the symptoms.  It is just not right.    

   Of course, we all know that the pharmaceutical industry would loose a lot of money if Americans could grow their own marijuana and use it like they are allowed to brew their own beer and drink it.  Then, you have the federal government who tax drugs but cannot tax reproducing plants the individual American grows.

   Next, I am an eye-witness to a healing due to the use of the marijuana tincture.  A guy I know, David N. had had heartburn/indigestion from an early age.  Taking over the counter indigestion pills was common for him, several times daily.  He discovered the tincture, used it, and hasn't had heartburn/indigestion since.  He also didn't have to continue taking the tincture.  I have read many articles about cancer healing using marijuana in different forms.

   Then, what about anxiety?  Eating a little brownie or other treat using another form of marijuana, calms the spirit.  Therefore, the use and abuse of anti-anxiety medicines will also decrease.  The pharmaceutical industry would be destroyed!  But pay attention of the commercials promoting drugs.  They always list a load of side effects when promoting them.  Why?  Marijuana is natural.

   The last thing I want to say on the subject is this:  Prisons are overloaded with people who smoked a little marijuana.  Yes, it was illegal.  No, I don't agree that it should have been.  But, can we spend our tax dollars in a better way?  How many murders occurred by someone who was relaxing with marijuana?

   What do you think?

You can also visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com/.  Just click the sites you want to visit.  And HAPPY 4 20!

DASH DIET DAY 7

DASH DIET DAY 7

Their menu:

   We update our success at http://omaslife.blogspot.com/.  Just click the name.  We would love to hear from you.

DASH DIET DAY 6

DASH DIET DAY 6

Their menu:

DASH DIET DAY 5

DASH DIET DAY 5

Their menu:

DASH DIET DAY 4

DASH DIET DAY 4

Their menu:

DASH DIET DAY 3

DASH DIET    DAY 3

   The DASH eating plan also emphasizes potassium from food, especially fruits and vegetables, to help keep blood pressure levels healthy.  A potassium-rich diet may help to reduce elevated or high blood pressure, but be sure to get your potassium from food sources, not from supplements.  Many fruits and vegetables, some milk products, and fish are rich in potassium.  However, fruits and vegetables are rich in the form of potassium that favorably affects acid-base metabolism.  This form of potassium (potassium with bicarbonate precursors) may help to reduce risk of kidney stones and bone loss.  While salt substitutes containing potassium are sometimes needed by persons on drug therapy for high blood pressure, these supplements can be harmful to people with certain medical conditions.  Ask your doctor before trying salt substitutes or supplements.

Here is their menu:

Here's what we had:
Breakfast:
3/4 C Raisin Bran
1 C milk
1 C cranberry-grape juice

lunch:
1 tuna sandwich with slice of cheese
1 medium avocado
1 fruit on the bottom yogurt
walnuts

dinner:
1 tuna sandwich with slice of cheese
1 large green tossed salad
2 T Italian dressing
1 medium banana

the tuna was prepared with 1 can tuna packed in water, 1 T miracle whip, 1 t mustard, 1 t pickle relish, and 1 hard boiled egg.

fruit: 4:  raisins, cranberry-grape, fruit on the bottom yogurt, banana
vege: 3 avocado, large salad
sodium total:
potassium total:

DASH DIET DAY 2

DASH DIET   DAY 2

   Day 1 of the Dash Diet can be located at http://omaslife.blogspot.com/.  Just click the name.  Today is the second day we are on this diet.  Our goal on this diet is a plan that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat and that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.  The plan also includes whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts.  We want to reduce lean red meat, sweets, added sugars, and sugar-containing beverages compared to the typical American diet.  This plan is rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as protein and fiber.

   We began with a blood pressure reading, because I feel it is important to monitor the results to minimize the risk of getting the pressures too low.  If you are following at home, post your pressures. 

   I spent a lot of time today reading labels.  That is time consuming and tedious.  I was reading the sodium labels.  On this plan, our goal is 2300mg/daily.  I also have a history of high cholesterol, which I lowered with a change of diet, so I am incorporating that with this.  Today, I wanted to make turkey burgers, so I researched the condiments.  Boy, what a surprise!
   The following is from YOUR GUIDE TO LOWERING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE WITH DASH courtesy of the U.S. Dept. of Health.  It is free of charge.

mustard: 55mg/t

miracle whip:  95mg/T

ground turkey: 80mg/ 1/4 lb

wheat bread: 100mg/slice

American cheese:  230/slice

Mt. Dew: 65mg/can

Monster:  360mg/can

Oikos fruit on the bottom greek yogurt:  50mg--that is my favorite!

Here is what we had:

Breakfast:

3/4 C Raisin Bran

1 C milk

lunch:

1 turkey burger with cheese

large tossed green salad

2T Italian dressing

1 C fruit salad

dinner:

1 turkey burgers with cheese

1 C cooked broccoli

yogurt

walnuts

For the fruit salad, I combined 1 pear, 1 delicious apple, 1/2 orange, 1 medium banana, and 2T sugarfree cool whip.

turkey:  80mg X 2 = 160 mg sodium

4 slices whole wheat bread = 400mg sodium

mustard X 2 =110mg

miracle whip X 2=190mg

2 slices cheese=460mg

Italian dressing=340mg

Raisin Bran=220mg

milk=110mg

                 total=1990mg

the salad, fruit, broccoli, and walnuts are 20mg of sodium or less.

   The take-away for today is the condiments.  Pay close attention to the content of sodium of the condiments.

You are also invited to join Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, for Bible reading, join us at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/, and for our comments on current events you may not be getting on your news channel, join us at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/.  Just click the names. And don't forget to leave a comment.