I visited a patient yesterday that has the best attitude. He has melanoma...lost his right arm, to the shoulder and is losing his eyesight as a side effect from chemo (dr. told him its temporary condition)...he never pulled the "pity card" once...even though, in my opinion he has every right to...instead he talked about the stars, rainbows, and funny stories about his past jobs...he is a scientist and amateur astronomer and loves to read books...not Kindles, REAL books...but he has to wait to do all that until he is better. He is such a great role model.


xo   Inge

Inspiration Board

xo   Inge

So today is the 2 year anniversary of me going to the emergency room and beginning the journey of my lifetime. I look at it as my *awakening* from the sleepwalking I was living for most of my life. I had glimpses before...what Oprah calls "the whisper"...which I looked at for about a minute...but continued on until my soul or innerself screamed for me to change and become the person I came here to be.

So I will continue on this journey...focus on my abilities and strengths.... follow my heart and not listen to my fears...anymore.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday!

I love hearing positive news stories....

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/12/gabriella-miller-9-year-old-s-dream-will-help-36-more-kids-to-make-a-wish--83395.html

http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/moms--kids-raise-money-to-fix-mr-mikes-smile



Merry Christmas!

xo   Inge

 

 

 

So I wake up 6 a.m. Thursday morning with burning pain that radiates all over my intestinal tract. After 2 hours I realize I have to get checked out by the docter....all I can think about is my $831 share of cost and wtf am I going to do now. I am able to get an appointment with my primary care doctor who charges $100...(I have to pay up front) but she says my skin looks yellow and there is blood in my urine ( my pain is still a level 10)...so its 1 p.m. and hubby and I have to go to Emergency where I sit for 4 hours...its crowded and 2 people are in life threatening situations -- so I have to wait my turn....so finally at 9 pm I get morphine and anti-nausea meds.... a cat-scan and by midnight its confirmed....acute appendicitus. I get a room by 3 am and by 5:30 I am getting prepped for surgery. I have been technically awake for 24 hours and getting grumpy. I am also reminded of 2 years ago and all the tests and pain, and I feel myself getting emotional...

. I try to stay focused on what is happening now.

I am in and out of surgery within one hour and back in my room by 10 am. I can now eat liquids but I cannot get any sleep. Everyone and their mother keeps checking on me so by 3 pm, I tell my nurse I want to go home. I have to show them I can walk and eat more food. I am released 10 o'clock that night. My stomach is sore and I can't fit into my pants because I am swollen but I am home.

Moral to my story: I cannot worry about things I cannot control. My bills will take care of themselves. I am thankful it was only my appendix.... 2 years ago this December my diagnosis was much worse and I landed on my feet.

My day started off with a phone call from one of the patients I have been visiting at the Infusion Center at UCI. He is CANCER FREE. No more Hodgkins Lymphoma!  Many of the patients I spend time with leave the Infusion Center and I never know how they are doing, so too get this news is wonderful! i am soooo happy for him and his family. I know this Christmas or whatever they celebrate will be sweeter!


Then I was in my bank waiting to speak to a bank officer when another customer sat next to me. She asked me about why I use a walker....by the way do you know I use a walker?.....I need it to get around because the chemo attacked my nervous system. I walk like I'm either on a rocky boat or drunk, so instead of taking the chance of falling I use the walker for support. Anyway, she told me she does a Master Cleanse twice a year to stay healthy. She told me she hasn't had the flu in over 20 years either, sooooo I looked it up.


To be honest, I am not sure about doing something like that instead of Western Medicine if you are diagnosed with cancer. I chose the Western Medicine route and then I used alternative medicine...but the cleanse is made up with food and spices and I am all for that.  So here is the link to check it out for yourself...

http://themastercleanse.org/



xo   Inge

Here are some more Inspirational Quotes I found...

 

The weather constantly flips back and forth from fall weather to a taste of late summer..meaning there are days when the temps are in the low 80s and the next day is cold and foggy. I noticed there are some people with the sniffles recently and today I woke up with a slight feeling of the onset of a cold. As you know, I am not a fan of traditional over-the-counter meds but a friend gave me this when I was fighting cancer and I still take it when I feel a slight scratchiness in my throat.

It works for me and doesn't have the lousey side effects of other name brands.


And of course, eat lots of in season fruits and veggies to keep your immune system up to par.

xo Inge

I write for an online political blog and I decided to share this article with you. Its the debate about flu shots and why I don't get them. Be sure to read the commets too.

http://www.orangejuiceblog.com/2012/11/get-a-flu-shot-or-else/comment-page-1/#comment-221961

xo  Inge

I have been so busy these past few weeks that I have neglected my blogs, but I am back! As you know we lost Prop 37...the right to know what is in our food BUT we may have lost this battle but we will win the war! And I say war because it is. Monsanto fought a dirty campaign and we will not take it it lying down. So I will post those companies who were on the Monsanto wagon and refuse to be transparent about whats in their food products. I will also include alternatice companies who do care about they put in their food and have integrity.
So here goes the first group that sell food products for Thanksgiving.

Arrowhead Mills makes a good stuffing mix and is GMO free. Buy it in your local healthfood market.

Do you know whats in your turkey?????

Here  is a link written by Marlene's Market and Deli that expresses my beliefs about serving anything GMO to my friends and family:
http://www.marlenesmarket-deli.com/?page_id=7352

Here is link to NON-GMO project where you will find all kinds of GMO Free foods:
http://www.nongmoproject.org/

They also have an app for your phone, so you know what you are buying at the store.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/non-gmo-project-shopping-guide/id359782606?mt=8&ls=1

This website also lists foods that probably contain GMOs and alternative choices:
http://gmoinside.org/launch-thanksgiving/

I will continue to post companies that probably use GMOs in their foods in the future. I have called many of these companies and they are willing to tell me over the phone their stance on GMOs but will not send me anything in writing. Hmmmm.

xo Inge
 

A volunteer at the hospital told me to be sure and get my flu shot. I told her I don't want one and she seemed puzzled. She just got hers and proudly showed me her orange thingy hanging from her hospital badge showing she got her shot. I told her I preferred to wear a mask. She asked if they maed me sick and I said "no I just don't want one". Sometimes its easier to give a vague answer instead of going into a long speech about the pharmaceutical companies big flu shot scam.


http://www.naturalnews.com/037471_vaccines_mythology_fairy_tale.html


Want to know how to stay healthy? Eat your fresh fruits and veggies. Wash your hands with soap and water and get plenty of rest.


xo   Inge

This post is directed to caregivers. I am learning a great deal from the patients in the infusion center lately and I would like to share some of my insights with you.

First of all not all cancer is the same, just like not all people are the same. While the majority of people I meet want to do whatever it takes to get well, there are those who resist treatment. They show up and go through the motions but I can tell by their body language and/or they just tell me - its too hard, or they are getting treatment to make their loved ones happy. If they really feel this way, no amout of chemo, radiation,or surgery will make them well. They have to want it and no one can force them.

As caretakers we have to honor the wishes of the patient no matter what. Even though I have experienced cancer treatment I only know how my experience made me feel. I am stubborn and a fighter. Its easier for me to express anger than sadness. Instead of feeling scared (although I did have my moments)I was determined to get well and didn't let cancer define me. I even told my family that I didn't want to hear the word "cancer" spoken around me.


But that is my experience and my journey. I can't expect others to see life and their illness the same way as me. This was a hard thing for me to grasp. I want everyone to get well but that just doesn't happen. So, I have decided to be there for the patient and honor their wishes, even if I disagree. What they need is love and understanding. This is their journey and we are along for the ride.

xo    Inge

 

My mantra. is it yours?

If you are going through cancer treatment right now, remember that its YOUR body that is sick. Ask as many questions that you want to your doctor to make sure you understand all your options. I meet so many people who don't ask their doctor or healthcare professional questions. You are going through one of the hardest things you will have to do in your life and not knowing what is happening is scary and unnecessary. No two people are alike when it comes to cancer treatment, even though they may have the same type of cancer. Don't hang around the internet to try to find answers there. Your doctor is here for you and wants to help you. He/she is your doctor not a mind reader. Yes, they see way too many patients, but forget that. Its all about you now and if you are unsure about anything ask questions. Getting straight forward answers will make you feel better. The unknown is always worse. Our minds love to create scenarios that do not exist. Having the facts will help you get through it. Knowledge is power.


So many people are walking around today that are surviving cancer and you will make it too, but that doesn't make it any less scarey. There are many support sysytems available for you. Take advantage of all resources. Most hospitals have social workers that specialize in cancer patients. They are there to help you. Ask your doctor to meet with one. The American cancer Society is another good resource.  Here is their link   http://www.cancer.org/index


That being said, I want to also say that keeping a positive attitude is critical. Its more than ok to feel mad, sad or scared but don't stay there for long. I had definitely had bad days and to help me get through it I wrote in a journal. I decided that I would not let cancer get the best of me and I pictured myself healthy. I also had a great support system.  I really found out who my friends were. Anyone that beat the drum of negativity I got rid of myself, not without prior warning though. The key to success is getting your mind right and preparing for battle. Having people around that complain or want to throw a constant "pity party" for you is not healthy. Tell them to take it somewhere else.


Cancer was the worst thing to happen to me and the best. Life is sweeter now and I listen to my body.
I am grateful everyday and I work hard to no longer " sweat the small stuff" because most of the things I focused my attention on in the past was small stuff. I learned I am much stronger than I ever thought and I am thankful for that. I can face anything now. You can too!


xo   Inge

"Sunrise with Song Birds" Meditation for Stress Relief

I have been visualizing myself choking people who piss me off lately which is an indicator that I need to get back to meditating and take a time out from the world. I found this video on youtube that I am trying out.

Stress is bad for our immune system so if you find yousrelf angry, anxious or depressed, your innerself is talking to you. Listen to it and get back on track. Meditating helps me. You only need 10 minutes a day to keep your mind healthy. There are many good videos on youtube to choose from. Chirping birds is one of my favorites.

John and I went to Olive Garden for dinner. We used our gift certificate and I feel sick, bloated. I can really tell the differnce between fresh and processed food now, since I have been eating healthy for over a year. Their dinner rolls tasted like flour water and yeast, zero flavor. I'm happy we didn't pay for that meal. John's happy I chose not to interrogate our server about GMOs.

I helped out at the Ostomy booth at the UCI healthfair last weekend and met this terrific woman who runs Home Care Assistance. Its for people (mostly seniors) who need extra help with daily things like cooking, groooming, running errands and plain old companionship. There lots of these type of agencies in Orange County but what makes this one different is that client care manager, Sandy Rasque, focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating. Her staff provides healthy meals that includes fresh vegetables, fruits and even smoothies.


Have you ever stayed in the hospital and been offered Ensure to  either gain weight or keep the weight on? I have when I was getting chemo/radiation treatment. Anyone who has been through this knows that eating is a real problem. Everything tastes awful, so doctors suggest Ensure. Now don't get me wrong they mean well. Ensure has protein and calories but mostly from sugar, and studies show that cancer loves sugar. Why give it what it wants? And in my case, the Ensure was way too sweet.

 So when I was in the hospital my family brought me smoothies from Jamba Juice. Yes, they have sugar too but at least it is somewhat healthier than Ensure.

When I got home we bought a juicer and a blender so we could make our own fresh green smoothies. Before long I was throwing everything in but the kitchen sink. My smoothies must have contained at least 600 calories, all from fresh fruits and veggies, along with soy milk andd yogurt.

Well, Sandy figured this out and wanted her seniors to have a healtheir alternative. Her motto is "Changing the way the world ages". She teaches her staff how to cook healthy meals, including how to make delicious, healthy smoothies (with real fruit and veggies) and serve them to their clients. They also will shop for the food that they will be serving.

This is one of the books sitting on her table at the health fair.

I was so impressed with Sandy's fresh approach to caregiving that I wanted to tell others about her and her agency. I briefly worked for another home care agency a few years ago and what a disappointment that was. It was clear to me that they were all about their 'bottom line', not the clients or their employees for that matter. They paid low wages, expected their employees to drive sometimes 30 + miles to an assignment and only stay 3 hours. Seniors ate (in my opinion) substandard meals. The food was usually processed, fast food, purchased by the senior or family member and prepared by the caregiver. There was no suggestion to eat healthier by anyone. The caregivers I met didn't look too healthy themselves either.


I know of group homes that run the same way, maybe even worse when it comes to healthy meals. I used to work in an adult day program and my clients used to tell me what they ate at home. I also saw the junk food they brought to the program. Nothing healthy in those lunch boxes. How can one expect to have a healthy mind when its fed junk?


Recent studies show that the majority of people with autism have intestinal problems and the correlation is processed food containing GMOs. (You didn't think I was going to talk about health without bringing up the health problems caused by GMOs, did you?)


I think feeding seniors, the mentally ill andd even us, healthy fresh foods will give us a better chance of living a longer healthy life. What fun is it to live longer but to do so being sick? I know thats not for me.

I am hopeful that Sandy's approach to senior care will catch on with other agencies and hospitals for that matter. Everyday more and more health care providers are understanding the connection between good health and eating healthy food. I see new patients all the time in the cancer center who tell me their doctor tells them "no sugar" and thats a step in the right direction.


Sandy was making and giving out samples of one her smoothie recipes at the fair and I thought I would share it with you:


Blueberry Banana Smoothie:


1 ripe banana
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup nonfat yogurt
3/4 cup lowfat milk or almond milk
1/2 cup crushed ice


Throw in blender, puree and serve!




xo     Inge

 

Halloween is right around the corner. Did you buy Halloween candy yet? Do you know if your favorite candy, the very ones you will buy to pass out to the ghosts and goblins (and keep a bag for yourself) contains GMOs?? Here's a partial list (thanks to Food Babe). It also lists candy that is Non- GMO.

I pledge to only buy from companies that are NON-GMO because they are the only ones who want to do the right thing. How about you?

xo Inge

A Natural Way to Boost Your Immune System

I am sure you have seen commercials telling us its time to get that flu shot. I don't get them. I always thought it was a huge money maker for the pharmaceutical company and a false sense of security for the masses. I know lots of people who got a flu shot and still got the flu. There is no way to figure out what flu one will get. This article from Natural News confirms my suspicions.

http://www.naturalnews.com/037471_vaccines_mythology_fairy_tale.html


I think a better way to protect ourselves from getting sick is to wash our hands frequently; good old soap and hot water will do just fine.  Eating healthy food, drink lots of water, drink fresh green smoothies or juices, and wear a mask if you plan to be around kids (germ carriers).

Immune boosting smoothie recipe:

1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup kale
1/2 cup spinach
1/4 cup soy probiotic yogurt (make sure its live cultures)
2 tblsp ground flax seed
1 tsp bee pollen
1 cup spring water



If you are getting treatment like chemo or radiation, stay away from people. Its a good time to stay in with a good book or watch movies. 

Its Non-GMO Month!

This is just a partial list of companies who are now officially Non-GMO verified. There are a few who state they are GMO free, so I added them as well. At least they  are trying to do the right thing. Hopefully the big boys at Kelloggs, Post, Smuckers, Hershey, Nestle, Pepsico, CocaCola and their groupies will get on board, especially when they are losing sales.

Find out more about NON-GMO Verfified Project here  http://www.nongmoproject.org/

 

 

 

 

 

I will add more products throughout this month. I am completely convinced that processed foods, especially those containing GMOs is the  major reason we have a health crisis in America.

xo  Inge

I swiped this chart off Food Babe's blog    http://foodbabe.com/2012/09/28/do-your-favorite-snack-brands-contain-gmos/


I suggest fresh fruits and vegetables BUT I know we all like something to snack on occasionally, so why not be sure its good for us! And we are showing our support for those companies who are doing the right thing! Earning a living, while selling a product that is good for the environnment and good for us!

I made the abosulte BEST smoothie just now. I bought fresh figs at the store. They were on sale, so I figured I would try them. Eating them au naturale was pretty bland, so I decided to experiment. I peeled 7 figs and added them to 1/2 cup coconut milk, a banana and threw them in a blender. WOW! Who needs milkshakes? Make mine a fig smoothie! Figs are full of phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidents. They spoil fast so I suggest peeling and freezing them.

 

xo  Inge

I went to Costco today and found some unrefined, organic coconut oil. They had a huge container of it for $17. That does sound like alot but it was 54 oz., compared to Sprouts brand 16 oz for $8. I stir fried some veggies in my wok, using 2 tblsps of the oil. Yum! I sprinkled my special anti-oxident (tumeric, garlic powder, black pepper) spice blend over them as well.

I scooped some out and put them in one of my empty skin care bottles. I will use that coconut oil for my face moisturizer. Oh and you don't have to keep it in the refrigerator.  You can learn more about the benefits of virgin coconut oil here: http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/coconut_oil.htm

I posted earlier about my 'monkey brain' and how it loves to control my thoughts. I am working on it and I do good until someone pisses me off, then its back again to angry thoughts. I know I can't find the 'peace' I am striving for if I walk around with angry thoughts all the time. I am also a believer of the 'law of attraction' philosophy. I have seen it in action, so I understand that I am the creator of my own universe. If I worry about things then I will attract the very things I worry most about, like lack of money. If I am angry about something, I will attract angry people or negative situations. If I am happy, I will attract happy people. Like attracts like. We all know people who lives their lives in constant drama. I don't want to live that way.

Here is a summary of my recent encounter with someone who I feel wronged me, to create a clearer picture. I worked a small party last weekend (3 days ago and I am still stewing over it), and the manager came around to 'correct' my mistakes 5 times in one hour. He nit-picked me to no end, and he was so bad the guests who witnessed his behavior told him -twice- to leave me alone, and that I was doing a great job until he came around. By the end of the night I was a wreck. I should have told him to get lost, since I already decided I wouldn't work for that company again. After the party I found out that he bothered two other employees as well, so being a jerk is his normal behavior. What I did do was call his boss the next day to tell him my side of the story - ok, complain about his behavior but all I got was the company voicemail. I didn't explain why I was calling, only that I wanted to talk to him about the party. Needless to say I never got a call back, so I found myself stewing about that.

I was going to call this morning and leave a detailed message, when I caught myself - do I want to be right? Or do I want to have peace? I know that I will never work for that company again so whats the point of geting myself worked up? It was an occasional, part time gig and paid a measley $50. My peace of mind is worth alot more than that!
 

My conclusion is this: I cannot control how others treat me. I can only control my own behavior. Everything is about energy. And like attracts like. If I am upset, angry, worried, or fearful, I will attract someone that matches my energy. I have to admit, I am concerned about the mounting medical bills, even though I tell patients I visit not to think about their bills and focus on getting well, I tend to do the samething. Its easier said than done sometimes.

 

So, I decided to let that experience go. Do I really care what he or anyone else thinks of me?  No. Although those thoughts still try to sneak back. I look at and tell myself "oh, its you again. That happened 3 days ago and its time to move on." The next time I am faced with a negative situation, I want to figure out how I attracted it, and work on stopping those negative thoughts. I want to live in the now, the present moment because that's all we really have.

 

Dogs understand that very well. I want to learn from my dogs and just chill out - be happy! More tail wagging, less growling.

 

Derrick Brooks and Johan Santana autographed Jerseys!

I have medical bills up the ya-zoo, so I am selling these brand new, Men's size medium authentic jerseys for the bargain price of $99 each, including shipping - inside the US. They each come with authentic certificate. If you want one or both please email me or better yet you can pay with Paypal. Just select my email address as recipient. ingebirds@yahoo.com

The black baseball jersey is Johan Santana, the guy who pitched a no-hitter, and the red and white #55 football jersey is Derrick Brooks from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Did I mention they are autographed by the players?

xo Inge