Electromagnetic Fields
Every living being has its own electromagnetic field that surrounds it, an invisible layer of energy. In today's world we are surrounded my electromagnetic fields from various electronics (light bulbs, computers, TVs, cell phones etc. Some research reveals that radio or cell phone masts are linked to higher rates of cancer in the area after being erected (as cited in Gerson, 2007). Other health issues may include " sleep disturbances, headaches, skin rashes, heart palpitations, and vertigo" (as cited in Gerson, 2007).
Robert Becker MD claims that electromagnetic fields "the greatest polluting element in the earth's environment" .
Some advise from Charlotte Gerson regarding cell phone use is:
1) cut cell phone use to a minimum
2) Switch off after use (I never turn my phone off...I even use it as an alarm clock). I also feel this principle kind of defeats the purpose of a cell phone because no one would be able to get a hold of you. That being said if you feel that you could live with this by all means turn your cell off.
3)Never carry on the body even when turned off
4)Hands free devices should be used if possible to hold device away from the body
I guess the point you should take from this would not be to freak out and swear off your cell phone, but use your common sense. Do you need to talk on your cell phone every waking moment about trivial things? People, you wouldn't believe what I hear people talking about on their cell phones while riding on the bus.
Here is a video clip of a documentary that looks interesting.
Full Signal Documentary Official Trailer from Full Signal on Vimeo.
This issue has even caught the attention of the World Health Organization
What WHO is doing
WHO, through its International EMF Project, is identifying research needs and co-ordinating a world-wide program of EMF studies to allow a better understanding of any health risk associated with EMF exposure. Particular emphasis is placed on possible health consequences of low-level EMF. Information about the EMF Project and EMF effects is provided in a series of fact sheets in several languages www.who.int/emf/.
Here are two related WHO URL's :
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs296/en/index.html
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/en/
The great people at Environmental Working Group have developed a data base of cell phones and the level of EMF radiation that they emit. If you are interested in finding out how your cell phone ranks check out the site:
http://www.ewg.org/cellphoneradiation/Get-a-Safer-Phone?allavailable=1
As I find out more information regarding this topic I will be sure to share it with you :) Until then take care and thanks for stopping by to hear my thoughts.
Angie
Reference
Gerson, C. (2007). Healing the Gerson way: defeating cancer and other chronic diseases.California: Totality Books.
Jan 10, 2011
Jan 9, 2011
Music
Music makes us feel emotion, connection with other individuals and acts as a mode of expression. Since music can affect emotion, we can use it when we are feeling low or tired. Every morning when I wake up I immediately turn on up beat music, this way no matter the weather, or how tired I feel.. I'm dancing around the kitchen before I know it.
Music is also important because it an help us when feeling stressed, it can push us harder during a workout and its a workout for your brain!
An interesting neuroscience fact is the more you like a particular song the more your body moves! So crank on a song the you love, get moving and let those endorphins flow! This is good for your health, healing and starting your day in a positive way!
Here is a great song to get you feeling good and I hope you have a great day!
If you're a geek like me you may like the next video clip that discusses the history and neuroscience behind music.
Music makes us feel emotion, connection with other individuals and acts as a mode of expression. Since music can affect emotion, we can use it when we are feeling low or tired. Every morning when I wake up I immediately turn on up beat music, this way no matter the weather, or how tired I feel.. I'm dancing around the kitchen before I know it.
Music is also important because it an help us when feeling stressed, it can push us harder during a workout and its a workout for your brain!
An interesting neuroscience fact is the more you like a particular song the more your body moves! So crank on a song the you love, get moving and let those endorphins flow! This is good for your health, healing and starting your day in a positive way!
Here is a great song to get you feeling good and I hope you have a great day!
If you're a geek like me you may like the next video clip that discusses the history and neuroscience behind music.
Post Punk Kitchen
This is a great web-site http://www.theppk.com/ with vegan recipes and a way for vegans to network with other vegans. If you're not vegan, or you want to test out this lifestyle like me, you should check out the site and try some of the fun recipes.
Here is one of the recipes that I tried last night for supper and I really recommend trying it. It contains vital wheat gluten which is a natural protein that comes from the endosperm of the wheat berry. This makes the cutlets very filling and satisfying. As well one of the biggest concerns your friends and family will have once you stop eating meat is that you won't get enough protein but despite common belief there are ALOT of plant based alternatives.
Chickpea Cutlets
1 16 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup vital wheat gluten
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
Olive oil for pan frying
Optional ingredients:
4 cloves garlic, pressed or grated with a Microplane grater
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
In a mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas together with the oil until no whole chickpeas are left. Use an avocado masher or a strong fork. Alternately, you can pulse the chickpeas in a food processor. We’re not making hummus here, so be careful not to puree them, just get them mashed up. You can also sneak the garlic cloves in here instead of grating them, just pulse them up before adding the chickpeas. If using a food processor, transfer to a mixing bowl when done.
Add the remaining ingredients and knead together for about 3 minutes, until strings of gluten have formed. The strings should look like this (click photo for an even closer up view):
Preheat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over low-medium heat. Cast iron works best. If you have two pans and want to cook all the cutlets at once then go for it, otherwise you’ll be making them in two batches.
Divide the cutlet dough into 2 equal pieces. Then divide each of those pieces into 4 separate pieces (so you’ll have 8 all together). To form cutlets, knead each piece in your hand for a few moments and then flatten and stretch each one into a roughly 6 by 4 inch rectangular cutlet shape. The easiest way to do this is to form a rectangle shape in your hands and then place the cutlets on a clean surface to flatten and stretch them.
Add a moderately thin layer of olive oil to the bottom of the pan. Place the cutlets in the pan and cook on each side for 6 to 7 minutes. Add more oil, if needed, when you flip the cutlets. They’re ready when lightly browned and firm to the touch. I’ve found that they cook more thoroughly if I cover the pan in between flips. I also use my spatula to press down on them while they’re cooking, that way they cook more evenly.
If you have any great recipes or foods that allow you to ensure you are consuming enough protein please send them this way :)
This is a great web-site http://www.theppk.com/ with vegan recipes and a way for vegans to network with other vegans. If you're not vegan, or you want to test out this lifestyle like me, you should check out the site and try some of the fun recipes.
Here is one of the recipes that I tried last night for supper and I really recommend trying it. It contains vital wheat gluten which is a natural protein that comes from the endosperm of the wheat berry. This makes the cutlets very filling and satisfying. As well one of the biggest concerns your friends and family will have once you stop eating meat is that you won't get enough protein but despite common belief there are ALOT of plant based alternatives.
Chickpea Cutlets
1 16 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup vital wheat gluten
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
Olive oil for pan frying
Optional ingredients:
4 cloves garlic, pressed or grated with a Microplane grater
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
In a mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas together with the oil until no whole chickpeas are left. Use an avocado masher or a strong fork. Alternately, you can pulse the chickpeas in a food processor. We’re not making hummus here, so be careful not to puree them, just get them mashed up. You can also sneak the garlic cloves in here instead of grating them, just pulse them up before adding the chickpeas. If using a food processor, transfer to a mixing bowl when done.
Add the remaining ingredients and knead together for about 3 minutes, until strings of gluten have formed. The strings should look like this (click photo for an even closer up view):
Preheat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over low-medium heat. Cast iron works best. If you have two pans and want to cook all the cutlets at once then go for it, otherwise you’ll be making them in two batches.
Divide the cutlet dough into 2 equal pieces. Then divide each of those pieces into 4 separate pieces (so you’ll have 8 all together). To form cutlets, knead each piece in your hand for a few moments and then flatten and stretch each one into a roughly 6 by 4 inch rectangular cutlet shape. The easiest way to do this is to form a rectangle shape in your hands and then place the cutlets on a clean surface to flatten and stretch them.
Add a moderately thin layer of olive oil to the bottom of the pan. Place the cutlets in the pan and cook on each side for 6 to 7 minutes. Add more oil, if needed, when you flip the cutlets. They’re ready when lightly browned and firm to the touch. I’ve found that they cook more thoroughly if I cover the pan in between flips. I also use my spatula to press down on them while they’re cooking, that way they cook more evenly.
 |
| I'm not going to lie.. the picture on the web-site looks much yummier but this dish was just what I needed to satisfy my cravings of the "typical Canadian supper" of meat and potatoes. |
If you have any great recipes or foods that allow you to ensure you are consuming enough protein please send them this way :)
Jan 8, 2011
Vegan
The Vegan diet and lifestyle has come a long way over the past few years as it continues to become a mainstream way of living. So what exactly does vegan mean? Well vegans avoid all animal products such as meat, dairy, honey and using animal products such as found in some personal products and of course wearing animal skins.
If you want some reasons to become Vegan or to just learn more about this lifestyle check out my cousin Jenna's Blog Living A Vegan Life. Jenna covers all the vegan bases and shares some great recipes and pictures. Yeah Jenna! You have inspired me :)
http://livingaveganlife.blogspot.com/
Since August 2010, I have been eating a veg diet (the cool way to say vegetarian). Through being educated over the past four months via reading books, articles and Jenna's Vegan Blog. I now feel I am prepared to take my diet a step further for the well being of animals and for my health. I am pledging to eat a Vegan diet for a month officially starting tomorrow January 8, 2011.
The reasons I am going to eat a Vegan Diet: (no particular order)
1) Health benefits
2) Welfare of Animals
3) Conservation of water, land and resources
I have chosen one month in starting this lifestyle because I feel this is enough time to let me test the waters to determine if this lifestyle that is right for me. I feel that the biggest challenge for me will be when eating out or at friends/families, because I don't want to be an inconvenience or stress out the host. As well the Vegan lifestyle relies a lot on tofu, soy and tempeh, which doesn't work well with me since I have thyroid issues (I'll blog more about this). So if you have any tips on how to manage these issues please send your advise this way. Ooh and another difficult area may be cheese and chocolate, but I'm sure I ate enough this Christmas break to last a life time.
So follow me as I continue to try new foods, challenge my old ways of thinking and living a life that coinsides with my ethical beliefs.
Cheers,
To a New Year filled with love, health, happiness and growth!
Angie
The Vegan diet and lifestyle has come a long way over the past few years as it continues to become a mainstream way of living. So what exactly does vegan mean? Well vegans avoid all animal products such as meat, dairy, honey and using animal products such as found in some personal products and of course wearing animal skins.
If you want some reasons to become Vegan or to just learn more about this lifestyle check out my cousin Jenna's Blog Living A Vegan Life. Jenna covers all the vegan bases and shares some great recipes and pictures. Yeah Jenna! You have inspired me :)
http://livingaveganlife.blogspot.com/
Since August 2010, I have been eating a veg diet (the cool way to say vegetarian). Through being educated over the past four months via reading books, articles and Jenna's Vegan Blog. I now feel I am prepared to take my diet a step further for the well being of animals and for my health. I am pledging to eat a Vegan diet for a month officially starting tomorrow January 8, 2011.
The reasons I am going to eat a Vegan Diet: (no particular order)
1) Health benefits
2) Welfare of Animals
3) Conservation of water, land and resources
I have chosen one month in starting this lifestyle because I feel this is enough time to let me test the waters to determine if this lifestyle that is right for me. I feel that the biggest challenge for me will be when eating out or at friends/families, because I don't want to be an inconvenience or stress out the host. As well the Vegan lifestyle relies a lot on tofu, soy and tempeh, which doesn't work well with me since I have thyroid issues (I'll blog more about this). So if you have any tips on how to manage these issues please send your advise this way. Ooh and another difficult area may be cheese and chocolate, but I'm sure I ate enough this Christmas break to last a life time.
So follow me as I continue to try new foods, challenge my old ways of thinking and living a life that coinsides with my ethical beliefs.
Cheers,
To a New Year filled with love, health, happiness and growth!
Angie
Jan 7, 2011
Let There be Light!
Everyday/night we rely on electricity to help shed some light into our daily doings. I just wanted to share with you ..the magical salt lamp! For years I have seen these lamps in shops and quite frankly just walked right past them. I didn't even think that really looked that nice, I figured they were just a hunk of fake rock or something.
Within the past year I have read a few Naturopath books noting the healing powers of salt lamps and so I googled "salt lamp" and was surprised to find that indeed I have seen these healing lamps many times before. Have you ever met someone before and thought that they weren't that attractive and then once you got to know them and then suddenly they were now very attractive? Well this is how I feel about the salt lamp..once I learned about it, it's natural beauty shone through. So let me share the story of the salt lamp with you ...
History of Himalayan Salt Therapy
Millions of years ago, continents collided raising ocean beds high into the mountains of the Himalayas. The salt from those beds still remains deep inside the mountains.
Many people swear by the Salt Crystal's healing ability, claiming relief from the common cold, the curing of skin problems, mental health disorders, respiratory illness, headaches, migraines and much more. These original salt lamps are the most exquisite and naturally pure lights now made. A heated salt crystal lamp will attract water molecules from the air, forming a NaCl and H20 solution. Sodium is a positive ion, and Chloride, a negative ion. Hydrogen has a two part negative charge and Oxygen is a positively charged ion. These ions create a reaction of two positive ions and three negative ions. After canceling each other out, one lone negative ion is produced. This negative ion seeks out the first positive ion like a dust, or bacteria particle and zaps it. This is the process of positive ion reduction and is how our Himalayan Salt Lamps work.
How does your Himalayan Natural Salt Lamp Actually Emit Negative Ions?
The emission of ions is caused by the alternating actions of the crystal rock salt's ability to absorb water, and then evaporate into the air. A heated salt crystal lamp will attract water molecules from the air, forming a NaCl and H20 solution. Sodium is a positive ion, and Chloride, a negative ion. Hydrogen has a two part negative charge and Oxygen is a positively charged ion. These ions create a reaction of two positive ions and three negative ions. After canceling each other out, one lone negative ion is produced. This negative ion seeks out the first positive ion like a dust, or bacteria particle and zaps it. This is the process of positive ion reduction and is how our Himalayan Salt Lamps work.
Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps have a similar effect to an ionizer. These lamps emit negative Ions to their surroundings. Negative Ions kill bacteria, purify the air, reduce radiation, increase well being & soothe the mind, body & soul. Negative Ions are found naturally in nature, before Thunder Storms, at Waterfalls and wherever Nature is most pure.
Direct Health Benefits Received From Himalayan Salt CrystalsHelps with Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Allergies, Sinus, Migraines, Bronchial, Cold, ADHD, Burns, Allergies, Sinus, Catarrh Eczema and Emphysema.
http://www.healiohealth.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=338
Here is another web-site that explains how salt lamps work:
http://www.ionicsalts.com/science.htm
I am all about finding scientific research to back up my findings and unfortunately I have been yet to find something that I feel proves how these lamps work. I did come across a post that refutes these lamps as a hoax and people who use the lamps reply saying the benefits that they have experienced since using the lamps: http://www.lisabarger.com/is-it-a-scam/salt-lamps.html
So for those of you who require hard evidence to believe any claims these lamps may not be what you're looking for.
As for me I have purchased a salt candle holder and I will eventually get a lamp. I love it! The light that shines through the holder is so warm and calming and when I use it..it gets damp (which supports what the science claims).
If you are interested in trying them out I recommend the candle holder because they are relatively cheap, I bought mine for $6.99. When using candles be sure to use soy candles with no lead to avoid toxic chemicals and perfumes.
If you have one of these lamps or know someone that does I would love to hear about your experience using them.
Thanks for reading :D
Angie
Everyday/night we rely on electricity to help shed some light into our daily doings. I just wanted to share with you ..the magical salt lamp! For years I have seen these lamps in shops and quite frankly just walked right past them. I didn't even think that really looked that nice, I figured they were just a hunk of fake rock or something.
Within the past year I have read a few Naturopath books noting the healing powers of salt lamps and so I googled "salt lamp" and was surprised to find that indeed I have seen these healing lamps many times before. Have you ever met someone before and thought that they weren't that attractive and then once you got to know them and then suddenly they were now very attractive? Well this is how I feel about the salt lamp..once I learned about it, it's natural beauty shone through. So let me share the story of the salt lamp with you ...
 |
| Even kitties love salt lamps! (This is not my pic but it looks like Chico so I thought that I would use it- it was taken from http://www.himalayansalt.com/salt/labels/salt%20lamps.html) |
Millions of years ago, continents collided raising ocean beds high into the mountains of the Himalayas. The salt from those beds still remains deep inside the mountains.
Many people swear by the Salt Crystal's healing ability, claiming relief from the common cold, the curing of skin problems, mental health disorders, respiratory illness, headaches, migraines and much more. These original salt lamps are the most exquisite and naturally pure lights now made. A heated salt crystal lamp will attract water molecules from the air, forming a NaCl and H20 solution. Sodium is a positive ion, and Chloride, a negative ion. Hydrogen has a two part negative charge and Oxygen is a positively charged ion. These ions create a reaction of two positive ions and three negative ions. After canceling each other out, one lone negative ion is produced. This negative ion seeks out the first positive ion like a dust, or bacteria particle and zaps it. This is the process of positive ion reduction and is how our Himalayan Salt Lamps work.
How does your Himalayan Natural Salt Lamp Actually Emit Negative Ions?
The emission of ions is caused by the alternating actions of the crystal rock salt's ability to absorb water, and then evaporate into the air. A heated salt crystal lamp will attract water molecules from the air, forming a NaCl and H20 solution. Sodium is a positive ion, and Chloride, a negative ion. Hydrogen has a two part negative charge and Oxygen is a positively charged ion. These ions create a reaction of two positive ions and three negative ions. After canceling each other out, one lone negative ion is produced. This negative ion seeks out the first positive ion like a dust, or bacteria particle and zaps it. This is the process of positive ion reduction and is how our Himalayan Salt Lamps work.
Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps have a similar effect to an ionizer. These lamps emit negative Ions to their surroundings. Negative Ions kill bacteria, purify the air, reduce radiation, increase well being & soothe the mind, body & soul. Negative Ions are found naturally in nature, before Thunder Storms, at Waterfalls and wherever Nature is most pure.
Direct Health Benefits Received From Himalayan Salt CrystalsHelps with Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Allergies, Sinus, Migraines, Bronchial, Cold, ADHD, Burns, Allergies, Sinus, Catarrh Eczema and Emphysema.
http://www.healiohealth.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=338
Here is another web-site that explains how salt lamps work:
http://www.ionicsalts.com/science.htm
I am all about finding scientific research to back up my findings and unfortunately I have been yet to find something that I feel proves how these lamps work. I did come across a post that refutes these lamps as a hoax and people who use the lamps reply saying the benefits that they have experienced since using the lamps: http://www.lisabarger.com/is-it-a-scam/salt-lamps.html
So for those of you who require hard evidence to believe any claims these lamps may not be what you're looking for.
As for me I have purchased a salt candle holder and I will eventually get a lamp. I love it! The light that shines through the holder is so warm and calming and when I use it..it gets damp (which supports what the science claims).
If you are interested in trying them out I recommend the candle holder because they are relatively cheap, I bought mine for $6.99. When using candles be sure to use soy candles with no lead to avoid toxic chemicals and perfumes.
If you have one of these lamps or know someone that does I would love to hear about your experience using them.
Thanks for reading :D
Angie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)