A Healthy Prostate: What You Need To Know

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 boost 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

The Ultimate Seniors Residence And Home-Care Guide

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

- Proximity to shopping

- Scheduled outings and social events

- Quality of food and safety

- 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

What Every Vegetarian Needs To Know About Protein

For every vegetarian out there who is eating a well-rounded diet, there are many more who aren`t getting their nutrients. More specifically: not getting enough protein!

I have been a vegetarian since I can remember, refusing at age 5 to eat regular family dinners cooked with meat. A common concern posed to me throughout my life has always been: how do you get enough protein?

Getting enough protein as a vegetarian is easier than most people think, although it takes some planning and education.

Let's start at the very beginning. It's the very best place to start! The very first thing every vegetarian should figure out about protein is:

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Protein contains amino acids. We need amino acids so that our body can create enzymes (functional) for digestion, as well as healthy bones, skin, hair, teeth and nails (structural). It is also necessary for the production of antibodies, which help our bodies to fight infection and illness.

The human body is able to create a number of amino acids on its own, but another 8 are required essentially, and these we need to get through our diets. If we don`t eat enough protein, our body will basically eat its own muscles to get those essential 8 amino acids (a.k.a. starve itself).



Protein needs will vary from individual to individual. The RDA recommends that we take in 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram that we weigh (or about 0.36 grams of protein per pound that we weigh). On average, the needs look like this:

Children ages 1 - 3 need 13 grams
Children ages 4 - 8 need 19 grams
Children ages 9 - 13 need 34 grams
Girls ages 14 - 18 need 46 grams
Boys ages 14 - 18 need 52 grams
Women ages 19 - 70+ need 46 grams
Men ages 19 - 70+ need 56 grams

But again, this is average. Athletes need much more protein than someone who is moderately active, and it`s important to know as specifically as possible how much you need.

Here's An Easy Way To Calculate Your Protein Needs:

Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 = this is your weight in kg
THEN multiply your weight in kg x (0.8-1.8 gm/kg) = this is your daily protein needs in grams.

I weigh 120 lbs, and I exercise 3 - 4 times per week heavily. So according to the calculations above, (54.54 kg x (1.4)) my daily protein needs are 76.35 grams.

The number in brackets should be closer to .8 if you are relatively healthy but not very active. If you are active daily, exercise 3 - 4 times per week or more, are stressed, pregnant or recovering from an illness, use a number from 1 to 1.8.

Now that you know how much protein you need every day, you need to know:

The Difference Between A Complete VS Incomplete Protein

As we learned above, the human body requires protein for its essential amino acids, in order to function optimally. When a protein is made up of all essential amino acids, it is called a complete protein - and when it`s lacking, it`s called an incomplete protein.

Animal foods are complete proteins, like beef, lamb, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Most Fruits, veggies, grains, seeds and nuts in their whole states are incomplete proteins, which is why many people think that without eating meat we vegetarians are missing out.

But going meat-free doesn`t mean that we can`t get enough protein! While a few plant kingdom foods are complete proteins, including the ancient grain quinoa (pronounced key-noah) and soy beans, one can combine incomplete proteins (like beans and rice) to create a protein that is complete.

Contrary to popular belief, incomplete proteins don`t need to be eaten at the same meal - in fact, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention as long as incomplete proteins are eaten within the same day, our bodies can create a complete protein. So you could, for example, have a bowl of plain beans for lunch and a bowl of rice for dinner, and the two would count towards your complete protein requirement. But that`s not nearly as yummy as properly food combining!



How To Combine Foods

Food combining means taking 2 or more incomplete proteins and putting them together to create a complete protein. It can be as simple as eating split-pea soup with a slice of whole grain bread, or even beans and rice.

As long as we know which foods to combine, we can make sure we get enough protein every day! Food combinations that make a complete protein are:

Legumes (beans) + seeds
Legumes + nuts
Legumes + grains

Common meals made up of food combinations are:

Beans and rice or corn/flour tortillas
Corn and beans
Edamame or chick pea hummus with pita
Nut or seed butter on sprouted grain bread
Pasta with beans or nuts (ie. pesto)
Split pea soup with whole grain or seeded crackers or bread
Veggie burgers on a bun

It`s so easy for vegetarians to get enough protein by eating meals like those described above. But remember: in order to get enough protein, you have to know how much protein your body needs. So the key here is knowing how much protein is, gram for gram, in each food! Many people are surprised to learn just how high in protein vegetarian foods can be. Have a look at some common animal-free foods:

Large Egg 7 grams/egg
Milk 8 grams/cup
Cheese (eg. Cheddar) 7 grams/ounce
Bread 4 grams/slice
Cereal 4 grams/1/2 cup
Vegetables 2 grams/ 1/2 cup
Soybeans (dry) 10 grams/ounce
Peanuts 7 grams/ounce
Lentils (dry) 6.5 grams/ounce
Red beans 6 grams/ounce
Baked potato 9 grams/8 ounces
Cashews 5 grams/ounce

To find out per gram how much protein is in a particular food, check out the USDA Nutrient Data Library. Just enter your food and the food group you want to search.

A Super Food For Super Digestion

Some people are deficient in protein because they simply can't digest it! This class of people includes young children and the elderly.

For people who can't digest bulky protein, a class of plant foods called "superfoods" can offer valuable supplementation. A great example is Spirulina, a super blue-green algae that grows in fresh water. It is grown under controlled circumstances, harvested, dried and powdered; it can be taken in capsule or powder form. Known as a complete protein, it contains all the essential amino acids necessary for our bodies. It's 85-95% digestible, and it has a whopping 60% protein content - higher than beef or soy!

Go easy, though. It's also really high in beta carotene as well as many other vital nutrients, so it is not to be used as a singular protein source. Instead, a tsp a day can significantly contribute to anyone's required protein amount.

And finally:

Is It Possible To Get Too Much Protein?

High intake of animal protein have been linked to various ailments like osteoporosis, since eating too much of it can cause the body to excrete extra calcium; too much protein is also super taxing on the liver and kidneys, since these are the organs used to excrete toxins. Animal products are also higher in fats, which can clog arteries and contribute to greater health risks. The troubles associated with high protein diets relate mostly to meat-eaters, but like anything too much of a good thing can mean trouble.

Most people already eat more than enough protein without even knowing it. Whether consuming animal or plant protein, the bottom line is to eat with awareness, and moderation. And enjoyment!

To your health, Sage

Photo Credits: kaibara, mymollypop , mesohungry , satoru_kikuchi

Happy Birthday, Pisces!

You Pisces peeps tend to float along with the current of life, and don't like to upset the boat. I don't blame you - this world's confrontational enough for you sensitive creatures! And this year has been pushing you to the limits of your shores, so to speak. Dearest Pisces, if this year has had you feeling like you've been swimming up stream then I bring you good news: you're about to feel the love!

All Pisces great and small are deeply poetic about love - romantic and platonic. In fact, many a Pisces I know work tirelessly to generate a loving, peaceful world. This dedication requires careful balance, and the ability to cross bridges over troubled waters. But for Pisces to help bring love to our planet, you need to keep your own heart strong! Keep the love flowing, with an herbal formula like Viatri designed to maintain a healthy heart.

With the drive to make a difference in the world, the Pisces battery tends to run dry quickly. This makes Pisces easy prey for stress, and lowered immunity. Keep on swimming, by staying active and looking after your heart health!

Have a look at your own reflection, Pisces. Remember that the world around you is but a representation of yourself, and enjoy life! You'll make your own waters - and this planet - a great place to be. Happy Birthday!

Love, Sage

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

I am asking myself this very question, tonight at 10:18 pm. It is late, but there's no way I'm winding down for bed yet. Why? I just had a hot date with a cup named Joe, and boy did he set my jets on fire!

Ok, so it's pretty obvious that for a restful night of sleep one shouldn't have caffeine in the evening. But what about a hint of caffeine? A blush? A whisper? What if I need just a little perk of percolating power to help me finish my work?


Just how much caffeine is too much, dammit?!

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is an alkaloid that stimulates our own nervous system. Of course, our coffee-culture knows this all too well, hence the common "Want to grab a Starbucks?" and the ubiquitous coffee-cup-to-go.

As in all of nature, nothing is designed by accident. Caffeine is actually a natural pesticide, created by plants like the cacao and tea trees, and coffee shrubs. When a pesky bug attempts to chow down on its stems or leaves, the bug quickly becomes over-stimulated and takes a hike. A speedy one.

Caffeine is also a psychoactive drug, though most of us would never know it! Taken in such small amounts, like in coffee, tea and chocolate, we're most likely to experience the jitters more than anything else. I think the only time I've thought of coffee as my drug has been when I've tried to quit it - and I will never do that again! I just can't seem to function without my first coffee of the day. Thank goodness I don't have to worry about that, since caffeine is totally legal. Phew.

What Does Caffeine Do In The Body?

Caffeine essentially stimulates the central nervous system. This can cause an increase in heart rate and blood flow, and the brain receives more oxygen. Yeah, I knew that too. This is why it helps us to feel more awake in the mornings! The effects can last up to an hour or more, which is why most people advise against drinking or eating it past the afternoon. My case in point!

How Much Is Safe To Ingest?

A common question. Most experts will tell you that 250 - 300 mg of caffeine per day is safe. Don't forget that caffeine can be found in a variety of plants, and not just coffee! Some people take way more than the recommended amount, by virtue of the fact that they're having coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even medicines! Have a look at the following chart:

Coffee
There is a large difference between drip-brewed coffee and instant coffee; brewed coffee has nearly 50% more caffeine.

330 mg - 16 oz Starbucks Coffee Grande
150 mg - 16 oz Starbucks Caffe Latte
135 mg - 8 oz (approximately 1 cup) regular brewed coffee
95 mg - 8 oz instant coffee
62-64 mg -1 oz Espresso
2-5 mg - 8 oz regular decaffeinated coffee (brewed or instant)

Tea
Those trying to cut back on caffeine should steep black tea for less time or switch to green tea, which tends to have far less caffeine.

75 mg - Starbucks Tazo Chai Tea Latte
40-70 mg - 8 oz regular black tea (the longer it is steeped, the higher the caffeine content)
25-50 mg - 8 oz green tea (the longer it is steeped, the higher the caffeine content)
18 mg - 16 oz Snapple Iced Tea
17 mg - 12 oz Nestea (sweetened or unsweetened)
14 mg - 8 oz Sobe Green Tea
10 mg - 12 oz Lipton Brisk Iced Tea (lemon flavoured)
2 mg - 8 oz decaffeinated black tea

Sodas
Many people are not aware of the large difference in caffeine between Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Classic, or that drinks such as Sunkist Orange contain caffeine. The comparison below is for standard-sized cans (12 ounces) of soft drinks.

56 mg -Mountain Dew
47 mg - Tab
47 mg - Diet Coke
42 mg - Sunkist Orange
41 mg - Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper
38 mg - Regular Pepsi and Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi
35 mg - Coca-Cola Classic
31 mg - Diet Pepsi
29 mg - A&W Cream Soda
23 mg - Barq’s Root Beer

Energy Drinks
Energy drinks derive their boosting effect through caffeine; most have a similar amount of caffeine to a Starbucks Caffe Latte.

160 mg - 16 oz Monster Energy
160 mg - 16 oz Rockstar
174 mg - 16 oz SoBe No Fear
152 mg - 16 oz SoBe Adrenaline Rush
144 mg - 16 oz Full Throttle
144 mg - 16 oz Fury
143 mg - 16 oz AMP Tall Boy Energy Drink
100 mg - 12 oz Enviga
80 mg -8.5 oz Red Bull
47 mg - 8 oz Vault

Chocolate and Other Treats
The amount of caffeine is higher in dark chocolate than milk chocolate, which contains less cocoa.

30 mg - ½ cup (125 ml) of Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream or Starbucks Coffee Ice Cream
18 mg - 1.45 oz Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bar
9 mg -1.55 oz Hershey’s chocolate bar
5 mg - 3 teaspoons of powdered cocoa mix

Medicine
Medicines often contain large amounts of caffeine. While this is to be expected in NoDoz, for example, many people are not aware that products such as Midol also contain caffeine:

200 mg - 1 tablet NoDoz Maximum Strength
200 mg - Vivarin
130 mg - 2 tablets of Exedrin
65 mg -Bayer Select Maximum Strength
60 mg - Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength

To check out an amazing database of more than 500 caffeinated beverages from around the world, click HERE.

For me, I go by feeling: I know that depending on the time of the month and where my body chemistry's at, I can take from 1 to 3 cups of coffee or tea per day. More than that, and I end up feeling anxious and sleepless. So in my healthful opinion, take as much as you want to feel great. Here, though, are some signs to watch for to know if you've had too much!

How To Tell If You've Had To Much

Aside from the general coffee-shakes, sleeplessness and feelings of anxiety, over dosing on caffeine can cause the following:

nervousness
hyperactivity
shaking
shortness of breath
heart palpitations
headaches
gastrointestinal issues

Kids shouldn't take caffeine like adults can, especially if they have any heart issues. These effects are temporary, so they don't last long. But boy, they don't feel good!

Can Caffeine Cause Health Problems?

Like anything, too much of a good thing isn't a good thing! The symptoms above can indicate all kinds of underlying issues or lead to further problems. Too much caffeine can contribute to anxiety disorders by stimulating the excretion of stress hormones. Indigestion can ensue, as well as insomnia, and decreased immunity.

Keep in mind, though, that foods that contain caffeine often contain highly healthful ingredients, like antioxidants, polyphenols, and trace minerals. As far as I'm concerned, in moderation a little caffeine can go a long way!

I'm off to count sheep. I'll probably get to over 300, but at least I'll be exercising my brain. I'm so glad I have a positive outlook on life!

Still perky, Sage

Photo Credit: qwrrty

Obama To Block Private Health Insurance Rate Increases?

Look, I'm all about preventing ailments naturally, and holistically treating the heck out of any illness I may manifest. But just in case, just in case, I also pay into private insurance. At least I used to pay, until this year my insurance provider chose to up the premium rates by almost 39%. Like hundreds of thousands of Californians, I was so absolutely outraged that I cancelled my plan. Thanks, Anthem Blue Cross Insurance.

The reason for my provider's spike in rates? They cited soaring costs of medical care, and younger and healthier people (like me) dropping unaffordable plans. How ironic! Their customers are dropping their plans because they're too expensive, and so they up their premiums. Sick logic, no?

Ok, so aside from relying on my amazingly strong immune system, now what do I do as I (and my family) lie defenseless against potentially huge medical bills?

The fact of the matter is that I may never need to worry about huge medical bills, but I just can't afford my insurance premium. Especially if there's a chance that at any time, my rates could go up even more.

Enter stage left: President Obama! This Thursday, dear readers, our president has called for a televised summit. He will discuss, with both Democratic and Republican leaders, the proposal that federal government be given the power to block excessive rate increases.

Color me red, white and blue! This tickles me patriotic like nobody's business. Think about it: if for-profit insurance companies are blocked from raising their rates, perhaps government will then start looking into ways for health costs to come down. This would make sense, right? After all, government is in the business of helping businesses make money - and if health costs come down, perhaps more people can afford health care. More will feel secure in insuring their health, and insurance companies won't lose customers. Win-win, I think.

As far as I'm concerned, affordable health care and insurance is a necessity and not a luxury - it should be justly affordable for all.

Tune in Thursday, February 25th! Check your local listings for the half-day summit. And let's hope the results of this televised summit give us a sign of healthier things to come.

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: booleansplit

My Review: Hair Essentials Are Essential!

It's in, and the results are: holy shizz it works! Just like my pal Debbie from Long Island, I too have been amazed by this product.

It's true that I am the natural wellness warrior for naturalwellbeing.com, and blog through the site. And it's true that if naturalwellbeing.com didn't exist, neither would this blog. Thanks, NWB.

But I am not a product pusher! I believe that in order to endorse a particular product, there has to be an honest-to-goodness reason why. And so I took it upon myself this past December to have a go at one of NWB's top selling products: Hair Essentials.

To begin with, I must admit that I was a little skeptical. The product page promised:

"The Ultimate Hair Growth Remedy - Works FAST

If you want thick new hair growth, Hair Essentials is the product for you.

• Stimulates new hair growth
• Promotes shinier, thicker, faster-growing hair
• Helps return your hair to its natural color
• Works for men and women
• Doctor-formulated

Order Hair Essentials today and grow healthy, thick, and shiny new hair. Guaranteed to work or your money back!"

Right. Well, that sounds like what I want to hear, and if you've been with me for a while you know that I have been dreaming of having bouncy baby-sitter hair since the birth of my first child.

Of course I had to try it! Suggested course: 3 months. I grabbed 3 bottles.

I began my first bottle (a one month supply, 3 caps per day) on my birthday, December 11th (see pic on left. Yes, that's me on my bday. Great lighting, don't you think?). After a few days I noticed that my skin was becoming clearer, and more even (hello, Milk Thistle! It was detoxing my liver, and ridding me of impurities.) Strange, I thought, I didn't know that this was a rather nice side-effect! Right on.

Very quickly I noticed that I must take with food, or the result was a sore tummy. Quickly remedied that little issue by taking all three caps with snack! Yum.

The month flew by, and I delved into my candida cleanse (oy). The pain of the cleanse didn't put me off including the hair supplements, and I think probably added to the cleansing (hello again, Milk Thistle). Around this time, I noticed that my nails were growing like crazy! Not only that, but I had little baby hairs poking out at my hair line, and (gasp) one lower on my forehead. I swear. Shhhhh.

January 11th found my hair, skin and even nails longer and harder. My roots seemed darker than my normal dark blonde, as if color had been deposited. So strange! I attributed all this to the Horsetail Extract, which contains silica. Silica is an amazing ingredient, which helps our body to absorb more calcium for healthy nails, skin, teeth and hair. I'll say!

So here we are, February 17th. I started my 3rd bottle on the 12th, but I was so excited about how long my hair was after just 2 months that I had to share the results early (see pic on right. Terrible lighting. I don't look that old. Seriously)! My hair is almost 2 inches longer! I am practically sitting on it right now!

I think you can tell that clearly, according to my experience, this product really does wonders. I have never endorsed a product like this in my life, and I am a devotee. Bouncing baby-sitter hair I finally have, and glossy mermaid hair HERE I COME! Pictures to follow, I promise.

Just call me Rapunzel!

Love, Sage