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Since the days of the flapper – who embodied a new feminine movement in the 1920’s by attempting to eliminate womanly curves – the ultimate modern woman has seemed to be just that: young, scantily clad, and skinny.

Lingerie and exercise aside, women who are not as youthful find their libidos lagging. And for many of them, it’s the hormonal shift that happens as they age – which contributes to some major sexual dysfunction.

For the older woman who still wants to snog but has no spark, here are 6 all natural options to bring back the sex drive!

Read the rest of this entry »

From the Malaleuca Tree, native to Australia, comes the versatile Tea Tree Oil.

Already well-known as an effective, all-purpose healing oil, this natural remedy is a staple in most people’s at-home pharmacies. But do you know just how many uses this powerful oil has?

Tea Tree Oil

Related to the Myrtle family, the Malaleuca Tree grows native in Australia, as well as other parts of South East Asia. In North America, it can be found in Hawaii and the Florida everglades. It grows to almost 20 feet high in forested areas, near rivers or lakes and swamps, with needle-like leaves and heads of yellow or purplish flowers.

While there are over hundreds of varieties, it’s the melaleuca alternifolia variety that has everyone excited.

It’s medicinal history begins with the Australian aboriginals. For centuries, they made poultices of the leaves and applied them to open wounds and burns, which helped combat infections. Chewing the leaves also reportedly helped ease headaches.

Medicinal Properties

Gradually, the aboriginal use of the leaves spread to more metropolitan areas, where 19th century doctors began incorporating the oil into their treatments. By the 20th century, the essential oil of the Malaleuca Tree was being researched for its potent healing properties. Studied by the now famous Dr. Arthur de Ramon Penfold , Tea Tree Oil was found to have the following properties: antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, bactericide, cicatrisant, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific.

According to the Tea Tree Oil Research Group at The University of Western Australia, Tea Tree Oil contains “over 100 components, mostly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their alcohols. The component terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant (minimum 30%) and is said to be responsible for most of the antimicrobial activity. “. In fact, this component is what makes Tea Tree Oil one of Nature’s most popular remedies!

55 Medicinal Uses

For thousands of years, the derivatives of the Malaleuca Tree have been effective in treating a wide variety of ailments. Here are 55 reasons why you should use it, too!

1. Abrasions & Minor Cuts: After cleaning the area well, apply a few drops of the oil directly. If a bandage is needed, allow a few drops of the oil to penetrate a cotton ball, then lay face down on the wound. Bandage on top.

2. Acne: Add 20 – 40 drops of the oil to your regular face wash. After cleansing, dab each affected area with neat (undiluted) oil and let dry.

3. After Waxing: Make a gel of 5 drops oil to 1 TBS aloe vera gel. Smooth onto area after waxing or shaving.

4. Arthritis: To help reduce pain associated with swelling of arthritis, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of grapeseed oil. Massage into affected are 2-3 times a day.

5. Asthma: Add a few drops of oil to a pan of water and heat on stove. When cooling, drape a towel over head and breath in for a few minutes.

6. Athletes Foot: Clean feet thoroughly, especially between toes. Add oil directly to feet every two weeks, dusting with corn starch after. Or add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp of grapeseed oil. Massage on feet and between toes.

7. Bad Breath: Rinse with 1 ounce water and 1 drop oil. Do not swallow!

8. Bath For Colds and Aches: Add 10-15 drops of oil to half cup epsom salts, and dissolve in bath.

9. Bladder Infection: In a shallow bath, add 10 – 15 drops of oil. Sit and wash area carefully.

10. Blisters: Wash area carefully, then apply as for cuts and wounds.

11. Boils: Apply a warm washcloth for a few minutes. Then apply a drop or two of oil to the area – the infection should rise to surface and eventually be released.

12. Bronchial Congestion: Use as directed for Asthma. Add 5 – 10 drops to 1 ounce grapeseed oil, and massage into chest and throat 2 – 3 times daily.

13. Bruises: After icing, apply oil as directed for Arthritis.

14. Bunions: Massage area with 5 drops oil to 1 tbsp. grapeseed oil.

15. Burns: Run icy cold water on area. After a few minutes, add a mix of 5 drops oil with 1 tsp. raw honey. Repeat 3 – 5 times daily.

16. Calluses & Corns: Massage area with 5 drops oil to 1 tbsp. grapeseed oil. Repeat 2 times daily. Once the corn or calluses have become soft use tweezers to remove, and apply a few drops of tea tree oil and cover with bandage.

17. Canker Sores: Apply a drop or two of oil directly to infected area with a cotton swab, 2 times daily. Also, rinse as directed for bad breath.

18. Carbuncles: Add a drop or two of oil to cotton swab and apply directly to carbuncle. Repeat twice daily.

19. Chapped Lips: Add 1 or 2 drops of oil to lip balm. Apply to lips as necessary.

20. Chicken Pox: Apply a drop of oil directly to blisters. Allow to dry, then dust with corn starch. Repeat every few hours or until blisters disappear.

21. Chigger Bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.

22. Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex 1): Apply a drop or two of oil directly to the sore with a cotton swab. Re-apply 2 – 3 times daily.

23. Coughs: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add
10 drops to steamer and leave on 5 – 10 minutes.

24. Dandruff: Add 20 – 30 drops oil to any shampoo. Apply a few drops to scalp and massage after washing.

25. Dermatitis: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp grapeseed oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

26. Dry Skin: Add 5 drops oil to 1 tbsp sweet almond oil. Massage into skin.

27. Earache and Infection: Add 2 – 3 drops of oil to 2 tbsp warm olive oil. With a dropper, drop a small amount into aching ear, tilting head to one side for a moment. Use cotton swab to absorb oil. Repeat 2 – 3 times daily.

28. Eczema: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp grapeseed oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Also can be applied undiluted.

29. Emphysema: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on 5 – 10 minutes.

30. Flea Bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.

31. Gout: Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp grapeseed oil; massage into affected area 2-3 times a day.

32. Head Lice: Add 20 drops of oil to 2 tbsp shampoo. Massage into scalp and hair, leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat 3 – 4 times daily, until eggs are gone.

33. Hives: Add 10 drops of oil to 4 tbsp of witch hazel. Apply with cotton ball.

34. Ingrown Hairs: Add 1 – 2 drops of oil directly to area. Repeat every 2 hours or until signs of infection disappear.

35. Jock Itch: Apply 10 – 15 drops of oil to 2 tbsp grapeseed oil. Apply 2 times daily. Dust with corn starch, to reduce chapping.

36. Laryngitis: Add 5 – 10 drops of oil and pinch of sea salt to 1 cup of warm water, gargle 2-3 times a day. Do not swallow!

37. Mosquito Bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.

38. Mouth Ulcers: Dab ulcer with undiluted oil on cotton swab, every two hours.

39. Muscle Aches and Pains: Add 10-15 drops of oil to half cup epsom salts, and dissolve in bath. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp of grapeseed oil. Massage well.

40. Nail Fungus: Add 1 – 2 drops of oil directly to nail and tissue surroundings. Allow to dry completely on hands before touching anything. Repeat morning and night for a week.

41. Plantar Warts: Apply oil undiluted to affected area 2-3 times daily.

42. Psoriasis: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp grapeseed oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Also can be applied undiluted.

43. Rheumatism: To help reduce pain associated with rheumatism, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of grapeseed oil. Massage into affected are 2-3 times a day.

44. Ringworm: Apply a drop or two of oil undiluted, repeat 2 times daily.

45. Scabies: Apply 1 – 2 drops of oil directly to area in the morning and at night.

46. Sciatica: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp grapeseed oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Also can be applied undiluted.

47. Seborrhea: For skin: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp grapeseed oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. For scalp: Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp shampoo. Massage into scalp and hair, leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat 3 – 4 times daily. Bath: Add 10-15 drops of oil to bath.

48. Shingles: Add 10-15 drops of oil to half cup epsom salts, and dissolve in bath. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp of grapeseed oil. Massage well.

49. Sinusitis: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on 5 – 10 minutes. Also add 2 drops to neti pot.

50. Sore Throat: Add 2 drops of oil to 1 cup of warm water with pinch of sea salt, gargle 2-3 times a day. Do Not Swallow!

51. Stye: Add 5 drops oil to a pan of steaming water. Drape towel overhead and steam 5 minutes. Apply warm compresses directly to stye.

52. Sunburn: Add 10 drops oil to 2 tbsp rosehip seed oil, repeat as often as necessary.

53. Ticks: Apply a drop or two directly to tick and area.

54. Toothbrush Cleaner: Apply oil directly to toothbrush 1-2 times a week to kill bacteria.

55. Warts: Apply undiluted directly to wart. Use morning and night, until wart begins to disappear.

All-Purpose Cleaning Recipe

Conventional household cleaners can be toxic on their own, and exposure to their fumes can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and poisoning. In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group – a consumer watchdog advisory group – indoor air can be as much as 100 times more polluted than outdoor air! The culprit: you guessed it, household cleaning supplies.

Tea Tree Oil can combat mold, bacteria, and bad odors – naturally. And it’s so easy to use!

To make your own household cleaner, you’ll need:

- Spray bottle
- Tea Tree Oil
- Water
- Lavender Oil (optional)

In spray bottle, combine 2 tsp of Tea Tree oil with 2 cups water. Add 10 drops lavender oil for extra scent, if you like.

Shake before use, and do not rinse. Can be used to treat moldy areas, stains, and areas that need to be disinfected.

Tea Tree In The House

You can use your all-natural cleaner for the following:

1. Grout Cleaner
Sprinkling baking soda onto grout first, then spray with All-Purpose Cleaner. Rub in and rinse.

2. Mildew and Mold Remover
Spray All-Purpose Cleaner on areas growing mold and mildew, such as around windows. Leave to penetrate.

3. Disinfectant
Once per week, spray all door-knobs, handles, telephones and remote controls.

4. Laundry
For towels and linens, try adding 1 tsp oil to wash cycle. Mildew, begone!

The solution can also be used as a general kitchen and bathroom cleaner.

With Tea Tree Oil in your medicine cabinet, you have one of Nature’s most potent, powerful solutions!

According to Mental Health America, clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in America. In fact, it affects up to 19 million people.

Depression is not an illness to be taken lightly – it can cause sufferers to lose pleasure from daily life, cause and complicate other medical conditions, and even lead to death. All people are susceptible at any age – including tiny children!

Symptoms Of Depression

There are many symptoms that point to depression. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs, you’ll want to talk to your health care professional right away. Symptoms can include:

- Sad, anxious, sense of impending doom, self-worthless feeling
- Change in sleeping patterns, inability or over-ability to sleep
- Change in eating habits
- Change in sexual habits
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Restlessness
- Chronic pain, digestive disorders
- Thoughts of suicide or death

What Causes Depression?

Depression isn’t just an emotion, or a feeling of intense sadness. It actually involves physical changes in the brain, related to an imbalance of the chemicals – called “neurotransmitters” - that involve communication between the brain, and nerves.

What causes this imbalance isn’t completely known, but there are certain factors that can contribute to it.

Common Factors Involved In Depression

Trauma and Stress The stress of everyday living, like financial problems, or the shock of losing a loved one can bring on depression. Even major changes in life that may seem like happy events – marriage, school graduation, moving – can trigger stress, and therefore depression as well.

Family history Depression can be inherited through genetics, even over generations.

Negative Outlook Self-hatred and low self-esteem can contribute to a negative world view. This in turn can breed depression. On the flip side, low level depression, or dysthymia, can cause a negative outlook. This can become a vicious cycle.

Illness and Physical Weakness Illness can contribute to depression, by virtue of the pain and emotional strain associated with it. Some medications can also cause depression – a negative side-effect.

Disorders Some personality disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse all can contribute to depression.

Approximately 80% of all depressive cases can be treated and cured. Most common prescriptions include anti-depressant medication, but these can be dangerous.

Conventional VS Natural Treatments

Conventional therapies include anti-depressant medication, like Dothiepin, Amitriptyline and Imiprimine. Other therapies can include psychotherapy. Unfortunately, most anti-depressants can cause major side effects, including the symptoms they are trying to treat. In addition, they can be toxic in overdose.

Typical Side Effects

Abdominal pain
Agitation
Anxiety
Blurred vision
Constipation
Gastrointestinal disturbance/diarrhea
Headache
Inability to achieve an erection
Inability to achieve an orgasm (men and women)
Loss of libido
Nausea
Sedation (can interfere with driving or operating machinery)
Sleep disruption
Urinary retention
Weight gain
Dry mouth

Depression has been a human condition since recorded history. Native herbs have been used and prescribed in all systems of medicine, from China to India, Greece to South America. These natural herbs have been valued for their ability to elevate ones mood, enhance immunity, and increase longevity.

Natural Herbs And Supplements For Depression

St. John’s Wort – St. John’s Wort has been used for thousands of years, since the time of the ancient Greeks. European folk medicine records show its use in treating depression as well as skin burns. In North America, St. John’s Wort is most commonly taken to manage stress and anxiety, and strengthen immunity. It has undergone rigorous studies, and results published in various peer-reviewed publications show it to be as effective as its conventional counterparts in treating depression. St. John’s Wort contains Hypericum extract which is responsible for the uplifting and encouraging effects.

Maca – is a plant root, with origins high in the Andes mountains. It has been used for centuries since the Inca, mostly to increase energy, sex drive and stamina (its effects have been compared to Viagra!). Unlike many stimulants, though, it has no caffeine and therefore no buzz. It’s nutritional content has been found to stimulate adrenal function, regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary gland, and balance female and male hormones. Hence, it has a unique ability to decrease depression.

Omega Fatty Acids – Omega 3, 6 and 9 groups of fatty acids all contain “essential” fatty acids necessary for good health. The human body needs these healthy fatty acids from a dietary source, since they are not produced within the body; a deficiency can cause a wide range of ailments, from low concentration to depression. In the body, essential fatty acids are primarily used to produce hormone-like substances that regulate a wide range of functions, including blood pressure, blood clotting, blood lipid levels, the immune response, and the inflammation response to injury infection. Together, Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids work together to affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level. They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against depression.

With conventional treatment, up to 80% of all depressive cases can be cured. Natu
ral treatments can be just as effective, and are available in capsule, tincture, and powder form. A positive outlook is possible!

Humans have long been searching for the food of the gods. Ambrosia and nectar might be a little far fetched, but some of the most potent, nutrient rich foods can be found right here on Earth!

Eating VS Supplementing

Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, at least the saying is that eating fresh fruits (and veggies) daily promotes over-all health. It’s practically impossible to overdose on the vitamins available in an apple (unless you eat 2 bags of them). The body releases extra nutrients that it can’t store, through its waste.

It’s so easy and convenient to pop a pill, especially when you don’t have the time to prepare a meal. Most of us think nothing of taking a multi-vitamin daily, while some of us hit the bottles hard – taking up to dozens of single ingredients at a time!

Think about it: with vitamin-fortified orange juice and milks, protein shakes and energy bars readily available, chances are most people are getting too much of their ABC’s after a day’s worth of eating.

Chances are, if you’re like 64% of all Americans you’re supplementing your diet with a capsule or tincture – and quite possibly over doing it. It’s important that you know your daily requirements, and that you don’t go above them.

Eat Your Way To Health!

Thanks to a robust gloabl economy, most of us have access to fresh, health-promoting foods in their raw state. Eating wholesome foods in their living state has never been easier!

Super foods make the news often, with a hot heavy-hitter promoted almost each season. After making the rounds, some super foods are, well, more super than others. Here’s our roundup!

Top 10 Super Foods You Have To Eat

1. Turmeric - Turmeric has long history as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Its original use was in dying textiles and curry a bright orangey-yellow, thanks to the compound circumin. And its this agent that gives Turmeric pharmaceutical strength, similar to over-the-counter cortisone.

2. Gotu Kola -A Chinese folk-story tells of a legendary herbal master, who is said to have lived a healthy life for over 200 years by taking the Gotu-Kola leaves. He attributed the herb to helping him maintain a calm state of mind – in his opinion, the most important longevity factor. When it comes to Gotu-Kola, the saying in Asia goes :”Two leaves a day, keeps old age away”! Used by Chinese and Indian herbal doctors for thousands of years, Gotu-Kola is a remedy that is still used today.

3. Goji Berries -Also called Wolf Berries, these small but potent fruits grow native in China, the Himilayas and Tibet. Their medicinal use dates back for thousands of years, and they are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.

4. Inca Berries - Native to Peru, these B-packed berries are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral. Known to contain B-12 (rare among plant species), these little berries are super immune boosters.

5. Raw Honey - Honey has been used for centuries in traditioanl medicine – from ancient Greece and Egypt to China. Incredibly healing, honey can speed the of wounds, kill bacteria, and combat acne. Raw honey is more powerful than most commercial honey, since it contains amylase, an enzyme concentrated in flower pollen which helps predigest starchy foods.

6. Maca -The latest happy food to hit the market, Maca is a plant root, with origins high in the Andes mountains. It has been used for centuries since the Inca, mostly to increase energy, sex drive and stamina (its effects have been compared to Viagra!). Unlike many stimulants, though, it has no caffeine and therefore no buzz. It’s nutritional content has been found to stimulate adrenal function, regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary gland, and balance female and male hormones.

7. Raw Chocolate -By now, everyone knows the health benefits of eating dark chocolate: it’s packed with antoxidants and polyphenols. Un-heated cacao – aka raw chocolate – contains over 300 nutritional compounds, even more than its cooked counterpart.

8. Spirulina -Spirulina is considered a “super food”or a balanced whole food because it provides a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, amino acids, betacarotene, gamma linolenic acid and chorophyll. Spirulina is especially rich in the basic components of human nutrition, including protein amino acids and Vitamin B12. Spirulina has more iron than beef, balances blood sugar levels and PH, and helps our body naturally detoxify. It has been a superfood source since ancient times, reportedly used by the Aztecs.

9. Yogurt -A dairy product produced by the fermentation of milk, yogurt is rich in probiotic healthy bacteria. This “friendly” bacteria keeps unhealthy bacteria from entering into our bodies through our guts, helping us stay healthy. For immune boosting, yogurt is a must on this list.

10. Chia Seeds -Yes, we’re talking about Chia, the Chia Pet. Chia seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, and sprouted they contain vast amounts of living enzymes. Used as a staple food by South Western and Mexican natives, it offers high energy endurance through its nutritional value.

Instead of supporting your diet with manufactured supplements, try taking a few of these super foods every day. By eating these foods, you’ll reap the nutrients available in them!

Love, Alicia

I don’t really need a reality-based TV show like “The Biggest Loser” to encourage me to get off my butt and workout.

Photo by 89186997@N00

As you all know, I am in love with my shiny, fabulous, bouncy new hair.

This month’s testimonial winner has a great story about her own case of hair trouble, and how she found gorgeous, new life with one of my favorite products! Congratulations Patsy of Florida, you’re our Testimonial Of The Month!

Here’s what Patsy has to say:

“I have been taking Hair Essentials for five weeks now. My hair is so shiny and has become thicker in just this short time.

I was very distressed with my hair and thought I may have to get a hair piece, but now I am so happy with my hair.

It has not looked this good in such a long time. I have tried many other products which did not work, but decided to give this one a try. I will definitely continue on this product.

I take three capsules with my evening meal. I wish I had taken a before and after picture as it is really amazing the difference this product has made with my hair and how I feel about myself.

By the way, I am 72 and happy to know that my hair can still look as good as it does.

Now I can really be happy with myself when I go to my class reunion in April! Even my family has noticed the difference in my hair.”

Patsy, we are thrilled for you!

Every month I post an amazing story, sent in by a satisfied Natural Well being customer who’s life has changed for the better.

Have a great story you want to share with me? send it my way, to

Love, Sage

Photo by bravenewtraveler

Men, cop a feel.

Go ahead: put your finger on it. No, not mine, yours!

That’s right, your own. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Then you’ve just significantly increased your chances of letting your prostate cancer go undetected.

THAT catch your attention?

Prostate Cancer: One Of The Most Common

By the time you’re 80, my man, you will have an 80% chance of developing prostate cancer. Whoa. According to Prostate Cancer Foundation “one new case occurs every 2.7 minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 19 minutes. Prostate cancer affects 1 out of 6 American men.”

There are some contributing factors, like age, race, and genetics. And while the cure-rate is almost 100% when detected early, it’s still completely life altering to undergo. Prevention is key!

Photo by enochchoi

What Is The Prostate

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ at the base of the bladder. It’s part of the male reproductive system, partly responsible for making semen and giving it its liquidity.

Because of its location, when it becomes enlarged it can make urination difficult, and cause problems with erections and ejaculation. No fun!

Prostate Cancer Screening: A Public Health Disaster?

Recently, I’ve been reading about the debate raging over whether prostate screening is valuable enough.

Most doctors recommend that their patients over 50 have a prostate exam (the dreaded up-the-bum) once per year. Quit complaining: it’s a fast way to tell what’s going on in there!

Another option is the lab exam, most often PSA screening which shows how much of the prostate antigen a man has in his blood. High levels can be present when a man has a prostate tumor, but can also be present as a man’s prostate enlarges as he ages.

Because the test can’t distinguish whether the levels are high due to a tumor, a biopsy is next recommended. Aggressive treatment follows. I’m reading now that prostate tumors are slow growing, and that the treatments can seriously harm the body – and consequentially a man will fall ill due to treatment, and not the prostate cancer itself.

Whatever screening option you opt for, you definitely have to engage in feeling yourself up, too. Hey, have your partner feel themselves up too – we women do our own breast self-exams – and make it a party!

Photo by puntodevista

The Prostrate Self-Exam

I’ll keep this short and sweet. You can do this in the shower with some soap, or wherever else you may be comfortable. You can use a thin glove, or nothing. Here’s a fast How To:

1. Make a fist with one hand. Use the fingers of your other hand to feel the flesh between your thumb and the fist finger – this is what your prostate feels like. Release your hands.

NOW:

2. Insert finger into rectum, as far in as you can go until your palm touches your scrotum.

3. As we said above, the gland is walnut-sized and is located at the base of the bladder. You’ll feel it, as we’ve just described.

NOTE: If you feel anything hard, like a knuckle, call your doctor.

If you feel anything that is as firm as the knuckle, then that needs to be brought to a physician’s attention.

Tips On Maintaining A Healthy Prostate

Obviously, staying in touch with your body is key to having a healthy one – prostate or anything else. And there are other things you can do, to stay healthier, longer:

Ejaculation – Of course! It’s recommended that the prostate be emptied at least a few times per week, through intercourse or masturbation.

Exercise - Obesity adds extra pressure through weight onto all of our organs. Riding the body of excess weight means lowering the pressure – and blood flow increases oxygen and helps remove toxins from the body through sweating. Of course, if the prostate is swollen then biking and jogging may be painful – try walking on an incline.

Diet – A healthy diet rich in fruits, veggies and fish have all shown to be beneficial to the health of the prostate.

With that said, here are some fabulous foods for the health of your prostate!

Top 5 Foods For A Healthy Prostate

1. Pumpkin Seeds – Compounds found in pumpkin seed oil can interfere with the multiplication of testosterone into DHT. This can help prevent Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, a common condition of the enlarged prostate.

2. Tomatoes - Packed with lycopene, the compound that gives tomato (and watermelon!) it’s rich red color, eating these can significantly lower your chances of developing prostate cancer (According to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.)

3. Green tea – Green tea is a potent antioxidant, linked to lowered rates of cancers in Asian cultures. Drink a few cups per day!

4. Broccoli and Cauliflower – Eating more than one serving of broccoli and cauliflower a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 45 per cent, says a new study from Cancer Care Ontario.

5. Onions – Onions posses an abundance of quercitin, a compound found to have anti-tumor qualities. It’s said the George Washington drank the water of a boiled onion whenever he felt an illness hanging around!

And don’t forget:

Fruits and veggies – Naturally high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fresh fruits and vegetables can help b
oost immunity and reduce inflammation. Eat lots!

Herbs and Supplements – Many plants – like saw palmetto – and their components are potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants – keys to a healthy, long life!

Summary

The bottom line: enjoy a healthy lifestyle, eat well, and have lots of orgasms. Feel around once a month. You’ll be giving your body the opportunity to be one of those 5 men who don’t develop prostate cancer – and at least you’ll have an amazing time getting there!

Love you guys, Sage

Photo by qole

Like many Americans, I am watching as my beloved parents grow older, wiser, and more beautiful. They’ve taught me well: how to take care of myself, prevent illness and age gracefully. Still, aging is inevitable and it’s happening all around me.

And unfortunately, like many Americans I am watching my beloved Grandmother grow older, and frailer.

My Grandmother is 94. She lives, incredibly, on her own in the home that she and my Grandfather built in the 1940’s. In the last decade I have witnessed her break her hip, lose her sight and her hearing. Her memory is increasingly unreliable, and I worry that she may fall and not be able to reach help. Yet, despite the pleadings of her daughters and granddaughters, she just doesn’t want to leave home.

I think that all of us want to stay in the comforts of our own home for as long as possible; but for many people, as they age living alone becomes impossible. As we age, we can often times lose the ability to care for ourselves – which can result in accidents in the home, and even death. Moving to a more supportive environment, like a seniors residence, can ensure that our elders are cared for and watched over, that they are eating regularly, and that they maintain a social lifestyle.

In honor of my Grandmother, I’ve compiled a guide on how to determine what kind of senior care is needed, how to determine if it’s necessary, and what to look for in a new home!

Does Your Beloved Senior Need Assisted Living?

10 Ways To Tell If Your Beloved Elder Needs A New Home

1. Inactive Lifestyle – Your once super-social nana would rather stay home alone.

2. Run-down Home – Your gardening gramps can’t keep up with the exterior work.

3. Communication Change – You find you don’t hear from your relative as often.

4. Unanswered Mail – Bills and mail remain unopened.

5. Changes in Visits – You aren’t visited as often as you were before.

6. Weight Loss – You notice a sudden change in weight loss, or gain.

7. Wounds or Bruising – Unexplained bruises or other injuries show up, signalling difficulty getting around the home.

8. Messy Home – Chores and daily duties are neglected.

9. Damaged Environment – Blackened pots, broken dishes and glasses from accidental occurrences.

10. Concern For Well-being -Ultimately, if you feel any concern at all for your elder, they probably need help!

Moving away from one’s home is never easy, and it’s not always obvious to someone that they actually can’t live alone! It’s up to us, the sons and daughters, to look for the signs that our elders need a more supportive environment, like a retirement community or a home.

Photo by remus

What Kind Of Support?

Once you have determined if your family member needs a more supportive environment, it’s important to know what kind of help is necessary! Each person is unique, and their circumstances will be, too. Here’s a list of different types of care:

Home Support Services – Designed for the most independent folk, these services are non-medical in nature and range from meal deliveries, to transportation, from housekeeping to friendly visits.

Home Care Services - These are for those who are still relatively independent, but who require some sort of care or therapy. Provided temporarily or on an on-going basis, they can range from physical therapy to teaching clients how to care for themselves.

Supported Living Community – These are residences that are self-contained apartments, but part of a community that offers meals, housekeeping and community events. Residents can enjoy living within the community and outside of it, while taking advantage of the services provided daily.

Assisted Living – Accommodations that provide varying levels of care, including meals and recreation. Often times nursing services are available, including bathing and dressing.

Long-Term Care – These residences are for individuals with health concerns who need 24-hour supervision.

Alzheimer Care – Specialized for the individual who has memory loss, and who require varying levels of supervision.

Hospice Care – Or Palliative Care, this kind of accommodation aims to reduce the suffering of ailing individuals who have, or are at risk of developing, life-threatening illness.

Once you determine what kind of care is appropriate, you need to know where to find it! A great site that I have used is Eldercare Locater, “a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is your first step for finding local agencies, in every U.S. community, that can help older persons and their families access home and community-based services like transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support services.” (from their website).

Photo by mcohenchromiste

How To Choose A Residence

Choosing the right residence is crucial to the well being of your loved one. I have heard and read horrific stories about abuse within senior residences, and I know my Grandmother has, too. This is one reason she is so adamant about staying in her own home!

It’s so important to ask the right questions for your beloved elder. Know what to look for in a residence, and how to tell if it’s a healthy, healing place for them to be!

Some things to consider about a residence are:

- Proximity to family, hospitals (if the residence doesn’t offer 24-hour emergency care), and place of worship

- Cleanliness of the residence

So how to determine these things? Start by scheduling a tour of the residence, and ask if you can wander around on your own. Observing what a day might be like: have a meal with the residents, and engage them in conversation. Ask yourself:

- Are the residents happy? Ask them! What are their likes and dislikes about the residence?

- Ask some residents if they have a family member with
whom you could chat, to see what their experiences with the residence have been.

After your scheduled visit, try dropping-in another time. See if the residence is any different than during your scheduled visit.

Checklist For Residences

And take along this checklist for your reference! This checklist is a great way to make sure you remember to ask all the right questions, and that you don’t forget anything after your visit. It’s a PDF format, downloadable and printable.

A Special Note On Alzheimer’s

Many seniors are able to live well, as long as they are cared for properly. Alzheimer’s is degenerative and progressive, and can mimic the natural signs of aging.

10 Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s

1. Difficulty performing daily tasks - like making a meal.

2. Disorientation – not knowing where one is, or what time or date it is. often times, people with Alzheimer’s risk getting lost even on their own street.

3. Memory loss that can affect every day activities - short-term memory loss, like forgetting whether or not one has made an important phone call or run an errand – or even has something cooking on the stove.

4.Problems with words and language - inability to remember words, or putting together sentences.

5. Difficulty with thinking - not being able to balance a checkbook or not being able to recognize numbers.

6. Personality changes - acting out of character, withdrawing, and acting fearful are classic symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

7. Poor judgement - misinterpreting the weather and wearing too little or too much clothing.

8. Loss of inspiration - losing initiative to become involved in activities.

9. Misplacing things – forgetting where one put things, or putting the in inappropriate places – like a watch in the fridge.

10. Changes in moods – mood swings.

If you think your elder is suffering from or developing Alzheimer’s, make sure you find them proper care! Find out more about Alzheimer’s through the Alzheimer’s Association HERE.

Watching a loved one age is never easy, especially when they can no longer care for themselves. Finding great senior care that you can trust can offer your elder a happier, healthier rest of their life!

In love, Sage