Continuum Wellness News » thoughts

Montsanto wants to sue the State of Vermont over Truth in Food Labeling

continuum wellness — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:03:44 +0000

The Monsanto corporation, which has its origins in subterfuge. I guess they figure why change now? Among Monsanto’s initial product offerings was the artificial sweetener, saccharine. Guess what? Saccharine, the artificial sweetener was included as an ingredient in soda for years, before the public knew it. The company sold it to manufacturers to include in the product without telling consumers. Who knows where else this may apply?

Here we are now in 2012 and Monsanto has only gotten worse with their weird products, which only boost their profits not the public’s health!

The State of Vermont wants to take a stand against this willful entity by labeling their GMO products (which they should be labeled) so consumers can choose if they want genetically modified organisms in their food. Monsanto wants to sue. If your product is good, why all the deception? Because even Monsanto knows the average person in their right mind would run the other way from their evil genius.

Read more on this here. Why aren’t other States stepping up? The FDA? The USDA? The only way this will change is if you and I take a stand.

04/14/2012 – Update on this story: here

“Cowards die a thousand deaths. The valiant taste of death but once.”
-William Shakespeare

Think Again About that Burger, Ground Beef Isn’t What it Used to Be.

continuum wellness — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:50:02 +0000

Ground beef can be derisively referred to as “pink slime,” or what the meat industry calls “lean, finely textured beef. Perhaps the marketing industry is proud on the “spin”. The FDA is a government agency which appears beholding to the bottom line of business interests instead of public safety. It seems they will rail against herbs and vitamins…but ammonia laced beef, arsenic in apple juice or questionable food additives on the gras (generally recognized as safe) list are ok. What’s going on? I’m glad to be vegan…yea. But for those who eat meat, it should be safe and humanely produced. And I pray this very important organization has the resources and mind set to do its job well.

Here’s more: Pink slime

EDITORIAL

Pink slime perspective

As consumers fight and win the beef-trimmings battle, they might be ignorant of more troubling aspects of industrial food production.

A century ago, cautious housewives demanded that the butcher grind their beef in front of them so they could be sure he didn’t toss in offal or scraps of lower-quality meat.

Not a bad idea for the modern grocery shopper who thinks that the way to get hamburger is to put a fine steak through a grinder. A modern package of ground beef is more likely to come from not one animal but several and, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, will probably include head meat, the esophagus and other internal organs.

And, of course, pink slime. That’s the less-than-thoroughly-accurate epithet bestowed on what the industry prefers to call lean, finely textured beef, which is made by salvaging the fatty scraps left after the animal has been butchered, putting it through a centrifuge to separate out the fat and treating it (read the rest here)

Do you think this is ok? Chime in.

He Healed His Life: My Ex- Wife’s Wedding Dress

continuum wellness — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:56:07 +0000

File this under making lemon out of lemonades. Or see this as ultimate re-framing. As the story goes Kevin Cotter’s wife of 12 years walked out, leaving behind her wedding dress. The wedding dress launched a blog, a new book and a new life for Kevin. His website is MyExWifesWeddingDress.com

It has been said that nothing is good or bad it is thinking that makes it so. Instead of wallowing in pain over the breakup of his marriage he found healing in humor. His life has changed and he as a new family, career and successful blog.

I find this story inspiring because of course he had challenges, but the greater story is that when you flow with what is instead of wanting what you do not have, there is a genuine opportunity to create anew; and come up smiling.

Be Happy with You

continuum wellness — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:13:33 +0000

The majority of folks have heard the phrase, “be happy with yourself.” Not new, right? Well, but are you? Happiness always seems to be just the corner. It is on the plate for sure, but always seems to be the next course. How often do we put something else on the plate for the next bite?

How are You Delaying Your Happiness?

Typical happiness delays include:

after I get a job,

after I get a raise,

find myself

after I have children,

after the children are grown,

when I lose weight,

after I get that man or woman,

after I move and so it goes, on and on…

Until.
Until the day you stop. Stop trying to be amazing, unique, fabulous, special or any other “ego” supporting word you choose. The truth is, happiness is not something you have to earn or deserve. It is your birthright.
Claim it.
And don’t allow or permit anyone to take it from you.

Cheers,

Catherine

Decisions, decisions: Which Road Would You Take?

continuum wellness — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:15:04 +0000

In life each us is faced with the responsibility of making major decisions. What we ultimately do in the crunch periods will test our mettle, show our character and may even seal our destiny.
So how to go about making a decision?
Typical advice has one make lists, weigh options and generally choose that which is perceived to be easiest and requires less sacrifice. Quick is valued over slow and seeming safety over uncertainty. How would one ever test their limits or discover their mettle this way!

However if one chooses to instead walk the road less traveled and listen to their heart guidance – that road which initially seems most challenging may indeed be the best option to choose.

In the movie Himalaya, which I loved…beautiful scenery and exquisite depiction of leadership, the old leader asks his son who is a Buddhist monk why did he choose to leave the monastery to come and assist him.

The monk answers, my teacher once told me, “if two paths open up before you, choose the most difficult.”

This is not an ultimate answer, but worth considering.
Where in your life can you take the seemingly difficult route…to fulfilling your dreams?

Happy Thanksgiving

continuum wellness — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:26:44 +0000

Discovering a Wonderful Way to Be

continuum wellness — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:43:25 +0000

Like others over the years I’ve visited stores and stood in lines, often long, seen surly employees, who give short answers and seem like they’d rather be anywhere else than where they are. Are you happy being wherever you are? How do you find it to serve another?

I recently spoke to an elder woman and asked her about her work. She told me that she is a cancer survivor and is a retired physician’s assistant. She worked for 30 years in her field and loved it. The secret she beamed is to care about what you do. When her former patients see her they lament about how they miss her, because they knew she cared about them and did her best for them.

In talking to another elder he told me every day and every night he has one prayer…to die. I said, “a little depressed, huh.” He said, “yes.” Thoughts are powerful. My prayer for him is that he enjoy whatever time he has on his earth journey.

Earlier this year I had a problem and it took some months for it to be fixed. The supervisor and an employee were both patient and helpful. However some other employees were less than stellar and kept making errors. So I decided to go back in and speak to someone about it. As it turned out, the employee who helped before was there. I asked her name. I said thanks for all your help with this matter. She said she focuses on treating people the way she wants to be treated. Instead of being just a nice statement, she put it into action.

The life of each of use is connected with the life of those around us. What we do for another we do for ourselves.

Cancer patients find relief in integrative medicine services

continuum wellness — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:15:51 +0000

Following is an interesting article (press release) on how integrative medicine is used alongside standard drug therapy. Note that the therapies mentioned in this are said to offset the harsh side effects of chemotherapy and boost the immune system. Later, it is stated that integrative medicine offers no cure for cancer. Cancer has been *cured* by the use of numerous modalities. Anyone interested should do their own research. The living proof is available. This Integrative Oncology program at Northwestern Memorial is to be commended. It is alleviating suffering, reducing cost and saving lives. Healing should do just this, heal, not cling to rigid viewpoints. Read on…please note, the emphasis in the text has been added.

25 February 2010

Northwestern Memorial’s Integrative Oncology Program aims to ease pain and help patients manage cancer

CHICAGO- The very instant Penny Kukovec was diagnosed with breast cancer her world permanently changed. Suddenly, it felt as if her life was out of her control. She felt powerless and overwhelmed. There were so many unanswered questions. Why me? What’s next? What about my family? The feelings Kukovec experienced are felt by many cancer patients following their initial diagnosis and as they pursue treatment. In an effort to effectively and compassionately respond to these worries, as well as address common side effects associated with cancer treatment, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University now offer integrative oncology services.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer many of them want to fully participate in their recovery, but don’t know where to begin. This program gives them control over their treatment,” said Julian Schink, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Northwestern Memorial and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

The integrative oncology services are part of a larger 360 Care Program that recently launched aimed to address cancer patients’ needs from every angle through treatment that extends beyond medical therapies, to include counseling, stress management and integrative medicine. Integrative oncology services include acupuncture, massage, energy healing and naturopathic medicine offered by Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.

“Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just their illness,” said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. “Research suggests that a holistic approach can alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as the physical pain and discomfort patients often experience while undergoing cancer treatments by activating the body’s innate healing process.”

While there is little research to explain exactly how integrative approaches like acupuncture work, researchers at the National Institute of Health state complementary therapy such as acupuncture do improve the body’s immune system. In an oncology setting, integrative approaches provide an effective way to manage symptoms, alleviate side effects, and help patients restore their sense of control and vitality.

“My body was hit hard with trauma. I was so tired, my joints hurt and my muscles were tense. I knew I needed more help. When I began massage therapy my muscles relaxed, and it helped me release my emotions. It reminded my body that it can relax in spite of what I am going through,” said Penny Kukovec, patient at Northwestern Memorial.

Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer include muscle tension, aches, pains nausea, vomiting and fatigue. The main role of complementary medicine is to provide supportive care and reduce adverse effects while helping the patient cope.

“Unfortunately, the side effects associated with conventional therapies often cause patients to end their treatments prematurely, or require that we take a less aggressive approach,” said Schink. “We’ve seen this occurrence decrease with the addition of integrative oncology services.”

“The medicine I was taking for my cancer caused nerve damage in my hands and feet. It was very uncomfortable. Acupuncture helped relieve the pain,” said Nancy Amicangelo, patient at Northwestern Memorial.

There is evidence that integrative approaches may also play a role in reducing the rate of depression among cancer patients. Services such as massage therapy are believed to have a short-term effect on reducing anxiety related to depression among patients.

“You’re sick, your hair falls out, and your family is stressed. When you are diagnosed it’s sometimes all that you can think about. The massages offer me a chance to escape,” said Kukovec.

While integrative medicine does not offer a cure for cancer, there is strong evidence that it positively affects the patient. Studies show 77 percent of cancer patients who incorporate complementary approaches believe it improves their quality of life, and 73 percent state it makes them feel hopeful. In addition, 71 percent say it helps to boost their immune system.

All patients under the care of a Northwestern Memorial oncologist are eligible to receive free integrative medicine services as part of their cancer treatment. The 360 Care Program was made possible by a generous gift from Abra Prentice Wilkin, board member of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and longtime supporter of the hospital.

Source:
Angela Salerno
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Photo credit: Emory University

Let’s Jam:Raul Midon, A State of Mind

continuum wellness — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:14:27 +0000

I recently discovered this artist, watch the video, enjoy.

Guest Post: What is Pure Yoga?

continuum wellness — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:09:58 +0000

I’m pleased to present this guest post written by Sa Mut A. Scott, yoga teacher and empowerment coach, and for full disclosure, a dear friend. Her topic is “What is Pure Yoga”? A great question. If you are a yoga practitioner why do you engage in your practice? Is it for tight abs, enlightenment or because yoga is “in”?
Do you have a view on what is Pure Yoga? Read on…

What is pure yoga?

One of the most interesting things about life is that at any moment one can receive a revelation as to the next course of action or the next open pathway of the living journey. I recently applied to teach yoga at the local gym. After my demonstration the fitness coordinator explained that although my style of teaching was very accessible to the prospective student, it was too spiritually based and they were looking for “pure” yoga teachers.
Pure yoga?
I thanked her for the opportunity and went on my way. Later that evening during my daily review and reflection, it occurred to me that most yoga Studios, gyms etc… are teaching Yoga purely as a form of exercise. In contrast, I and thousands of other yoginis learned yoga for the purpose of spiritually reuniting mind, body and spirit. I am well aware that yoga as a form of exercise can really help the body tone up and will use muscles you never knew you had, giving the body a leaner more fit appearance. Yoga for this purpose has been popularized by many celebrities, athletes, and entertainers. And while these are all very fine additional benefits from the practice of yoga, what I want to suggest is perhaps a less popular view.

Using yoga merely as a form of exercise is like buying a Ferrari and driving it 5 blocks everyday and parking it back in the garage. There are far greater depths one can ascertain from a focused, spiritually intentioned yoga practice. Even if the practitioner focuses on the breath flow more than insisting that the body perfects bone contorting asanas or positions, the spirit will oblige with some healing revelation or other gift of the spirit the person needs for their life journey. And with the state of humanity these days we all need our “gifts” to be front and center. So continue to use yoga for exercise. Enjoy the fitness and vitality the local gym classes provide, but during your quite time, or personal practice at home really begin to focus on the true meaning of yoga which is to reunite mind body and spirit, and add your healing gifts to the collective to make a better world starting with yours. Peace Love & Joy (Namaste)

Submitted by Sa Mut A Scott of Magical Mother Women’s Coaching & Empowerment Services. www.magicalmother.com