Are You As Healthy As You Think?

An Excerpt from : About Healing!   

Your Herbal Medicine Choices, Whold- Herb healing or Standardized Plan Constituents?

     Clearly, American health care consumers are increasing their use of herbs as natural alternatives to drugs.  Standardizing separate herbal constituents for potency is becoming popular today as herbal manufacturers ente drug-oriented health care markets.  So?  Which Preparation form should you choose?

  Whichever herbal preparation form you hoose, it is generally more beneficial to take greater amont at the beginning of your program, in order to build a good internal healing base, and to stimulate the body’s vital balancing forces more quickly.  As the therapeutic agents establish and build in the body, and you begin to notice good response and balance returning, less and less of the large initial doses should be taken, finally reducing the dosage to long range maintenance or preventive amounts.

   “Parts” are a good way to set a common denominator for building an herbal compound. For individual use, one tablespoon is usually adequate as one “part” when using powdered herbs for filling  capsules; one handful is common as one part for cut herbs in a tea or bath blend.  Herbs can be applied to almost any necessity of life.  It is simply a matter of knowing their properties, how they work together and how to use them correctly.  But herbs are foods, so your body knows how to use them.  Give the herbs time.  Give yourself a good die, some rest and a little less stress for the best results.

    For my own herbal medicine garden I have on my own farm, I will list here for you.  Remember, however, that herbs are medicine, and combined with prescription or OTC drugs can have adverse reactions and even cause death.  Always consult with your health care provider before using any new herbal or other medication.

    The Herbal Medicine Garden:

From my own experience in growing herbs for my not quite gourmet kitchen, we see how easily herbs are to grow.  Many of the best culinary favorites have healing properties.  Because most herbs grow in the wild, and herb garden van be available to almost anyone.  Herbs require minimal care, grow in tiny spaces, (almost all would grow wonderfully in a window box), and are so potent that a little goes a long way.  When I became a doctor of naturology, it took me back to what I can only imagine our native peoples and newly arriving ancestors must have felt as they planted their food, their medicine, made their concoctions, tinctures, teas and harvested all they could to protect and heal, as well as feed and nourish their families through long harsh winters, and bouts of illnesses that had not been seen on these shores. 

     I live in an extremely cold climate from November thru May with a possibility of warmer here and there.  But in these enviroments you can plant most herbs in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked.  I recommend raised beds, with bricks for the outer and inner dividers, the bricks even in the coming colder months hold the suns heat, thus letting us eek out a few more weeks of harvesting.  My favorite herb, Basil, however is always brought in before the temps dip below freezing.  This wonderful and delicous herb is just to fragile to with stand anything below 55 degrees, and even then, thats pushing it.  Boxes simply work the best in my area of the world, and so it is my suggestion.

   Herbs are wonderful companion plants, not only for each other, but for other plants in your garden.  They  act as natural pestivides, enhance the growth and flavor of vegetables and help keep soil rich. 

Plant Basil with tomatoes to improve flavor and growth, and to repel flies and mosquitoes.  Don’t however plan it anywhere near Rue.

I plant mostly carrot family herbs.  Dill, fennel, chervil, coriander (cilantro) and parsley are easy to grow from seeds.  Plan these herbs directly into the garden or pot in which they are going to grow because they don’t like being transplanted.  Annual herbs such as borage, and non-woody perennials like lemon balm, feverfew, chives, elecampane, pennyroyal or sweet violet usually reseed themselves.  Woody perennial herbs, such as lavendar, rosemary, and thymes don’t self – seed very well andprodue far fewer off spring.  And some plants plants, like mint and tarragons don’t come up true from seed.  They can only be propagated from cuttings and divisions.   My other best suggestion, is start small.  When planting any garden, research and find the best quality herbs and vegetables you can.  In most cases some nice sunshine and healthy rain can bring about a bountiful harvest.  Whether large or small.  Herbs can be a wonderous and healthful, and a welcome addition to your diet, and your landscape.  Cheers!

July 2, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

News, updates, and very cool things!

Happy early summer everyone! Here in the New England, hazy August days have begun in May, and I haven’t heard anyone complain! And if they do, I quickly give the, “It could be 30 below right now!” And amazingly people wake up to the fact that being creatures of habit, we have a habit of complaining. We complain about weather, food, parents, kids, spouces, chores, heck the other day, someone was complainging because they needed to go to the bathroom and do the do! Which I never do! “Is that getting to personal?”
My motto now, yes it changes often, is be grateful. Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have clothes? Food? Love of family or friends? But…not lots of money….then you are indeed a twice blessed soul. Family, friends, health, and love, without alot of the other stuff, which to me, just feels like clutter….are so much better off. So rather than get up in the morning, seeing a rain shower, say thank you! The earth needs it. If the sun is beating hot and dry, say thank you. The earth needs the heat! Someone is making you annoyed? Say thank you for the lesson in patience. And that walking away from negative can always be a good thing. Say thank you to your life. No matter what your purpose, your journey, your path, whether it makes sense at this juncture or not, it’s where you need to be. The signs change soon, even while we are unaware of it. I find the sooner we stop feeling the victims of others, which I have in my life, made myself an allienated person, not from anyone else but my own rediculous imagination, and then believed it, sending good friends far away, and sometimes away forever. For what? Status? You can have all the status in the world, but if you can’t find happiness in you, by you, then what does status do? Nothing. You are responsible for your happiness, no one else has that job, nor should they be felt that they are. Our life is our own. We share ourselves, not inflict ourselves into peoples lives. I have found the quickest way to lose someone that means alot to you, is to accuse. If you are like most people, we don’t really know the truth, before we act. We assume, and assume some more, and by the time we are done, we have a conviction, with out any real truth. This months mantra…”Believe in you, you are the one responsible for your own happiness,” say it whenever you are about to flip someone off because they pulled in front of you, or you lost a parking place. Now…I wave, and smile! Enemies you create, be kind to…if you are lucky they will forgive you. If they don’t, then you did your best. Your kharma is clear. Grudges never! Let them go. Bitterness….ladies…leads to botox! Let that go! Fast! Remember to dream. Summer for me, is the most magical time of year. The dragon flies, the fire flies, they light my 40 acres at night as if I were walking into a fairy land filled with white sparkling starts all around you. The smell of the sea, and the fragrant flowers on this piece of ground I so worship, let it be your sanctuary. No matter a city, a suburb, a small apartment, or single room, make it yours. Make it a place you want to see, and be one with. In a nut shell, live live, love it, and let laughter be what you start the day with and end the day with. Then…you are livnig a blessed life.

Some cool things happening! Check out my Calendar page this week when the new updates are put up. I am heading to Switzerland and France in June. My annual tour there! Love the people, and wonderful friends I have there now. Can’t wait to see them and meet new ones. In July taping for HBO begins, can’t reveal anymore, but to say the least, I’m very happy, and very grateful to have been blessed with this job. Summer months are filling up with dates for 10-20 person groups. And individual readings. So if you are in the mood for a session, take that opportunity. Or….join me at the Dash of Diva in Portland on October 22nd! Last years event was a huge success! Check out my Calendar page for the information. Also in October, on the weekend of Halloween, what started my career in this field, has been requested again! I’m doing a large event in Kennebunkport, a gorgeous seacoast village town. The place, a one I know well, haunted and charming, The Nonantum is the place to be on October 29th. Call and reserve your seats for this only type of event in 2010! The eneviroment will be electric, and etherial. Find yourself taking a step back in time. And as you listen to the family members and friends of past loved ones speaking clearly and consisely to you, through me, find your mind opening to a world of new possibilites. Opening your mind, and sharing the experience with others who are their to learn and find that loved one they thought they lost is a wonderful experience. FMI contact my office at 207-499-1089. Or contact Tim at the Nonantum, 967-4050, extension 651 for room availabilty. It will trully be an unforgettable weekend and a memory that you will cherish for a life time. Also look for my new book, co-written with my amazing friend and talented writer, Laura DiDio, “The Conduit”, out this winter! Hope you all are able to listen to my Monday night radio show on the PARA-X.Radio.com station. “Dying to Be Heard!” It’s now become one of the most successful shows on the network, as well as the CBS and KAPS radio. Also you can listen to my read people dialing in from their homes and the sides of the road on their cells to 99.9 THE WOLF, with Dave and Michelle! We take your calls from 6:00 Am to 8:00 AM. Fun and fulfilling as the tears can be heard on air, tears of joy that is! To all of you that have been in my life before now, you are cherished, to those in my life now, you are cherished, and to those I haven’t met yet….you are the same! All are cherished beings in my life, and I thank you for all you have done to make me a better person, medium, writer, and friend. My love reaches to you all, across the ocean and beyond!
Summer joy from me to you!

May 25, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

It’s time all of this “testing, and supposed knowing who are real psychic mediums, and who aren’t stopped!!!

I’m not sure if many of you have heard the latest developments on Sylvia Browne, but I have stated for years now, that she was a fraud. Now low and behold, it has been made official. All you have to do to check this out, is go to “Psychics,” on Google, and you will see all of the U-Tube video’s of her horrible readings and sessions. Those websites that claim to know the real deal, and the investigator that gives a bogus test to put “REAL PSYCHIC MEDIUMS” on their list, that is also a joke! People pay to be on this site, and trust me, they pay alot of money! I’m sick to my stomach at the thought of so many people listening to this site, and many of the others associated with him, I had to finally speak out. He even has her listed as one of the “Real ones, and also has John Edward, George Anderson, James Van Praugh, and many otheres, whom he doesn’t even know. Please be cautious! He is running on now about call in lines, etc…..when the people on his site, are nothing more than pay for ads! Be cautious! People are smart enough to know what is real, and what is not. You cannot test someone! They either are, or they aren’t! It’s all a scam for money. I don’t want anymore people taken advantage of by these sites. While intentions may be good, they aren’t helpful if they are not factual. Everyone….if someone says they are the only legitimate site, then that’s a red flag! See for yourself, the person that draws you to them. Sylvia Browne has made a fortune off the heartache of families and the mistakes are to numerous to mention. This person has her listed as one the best, that right there, should tell you, he has no idea! I’m glad that I disassociated myself years ago. If these mediums were smart, they would leave to! I believe very strongly, that it’s going to blow up, and the mediums that are true and honest, should look now, before they lose their good name, do to greed and the simple words he uses, “I personally tested each one. So? What kind of test? And what does that mean? Answers close enough to your liking, or spot on! I don’t want anymore people pulled in by these types of websites. Be warned, it’s not over until we stop people from using famous people’s names, some who have no idea they are, and when they are, they end up being as fake and phoney has the person who claims they are the only one that knows the real deal. Well..that just fell through, now didn’t it. I hope everyone hears my words, and knows, I do what I do for those that need me. And no one is ever completely accurate. But the mediums that I know are special people indeed, they are humble, kind, compassionate individuals who really are what they have been chosen to be. A voice between two worlds. Trust your instincts, and you will know. I send this message with care, and truth.
In light,
Vicki

April 10, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Oriental Medicine: The Basic Concept, Accupressure, an ancient Art, a new Beginning!

Happy Spring, everyone!  As winter fades into the horizon, and Spring begins to transform the dark of long days into the warmth of extended evenings, we move ahead, after months of darkness, the light is being shown to us, and to all of our benefits we should be doing as much as we can in that warm, bright light, even during our busy schedules, pack your sneeks and walk, have lunch with friends, walk the dog, ride your bike, anything that gets us moving from the couch, chair, or whever we have made ourselves a potatoe shelf of a being.  During my studies to be a Naturologist, I have had to study my way through many, many, many hours of health and healing.  One of my favorite which really applies to the change in seasons for me, as we use more muscles, and begin new outdoor programs, we feel old, unused tendons and tissue that has slept all winter, telling us to…moderate, or meet the past.  If you we push to hard to soon, we will watch summer fly by with an injury. 

     My method to aid my family in easing muscles as they begin to shape and mold  without soreness is accupressure.  Understanding why accupressure works requires an appreciation of the Chinese System of diagnosis and treatment, where the fundamental approach to medicine bears little resemblance to that in the West.

     Oriental to medicine and Western medicine are able to treat the same conditions, but practitioners from East and West diagnose an ailment in completely different ways.  Western doctors try to isolate an agent such as a virus, seen as the direct cause of an ailment, and then aim to eradicate it.  Where the cause is not so simple or clear, as with the degenerative diseases, for example, Western medicine will tackle only the symptoms.  Oriental practitioners, by contrast, look for a complete picture of their patient.  This is known as the “pattern of disharmony”.  This is found by observation of the patient’s complexion, general demeanour, colour of urine, voice quality, and so on.  See pg 21, Accupunture for all Ailments. By Chris Jarmey and John Tindall.

It takes many years to master the to master the art of fiagnosis, but you can offer helpful treatment by looking up a symptom, such as a headache, asthma, or indigestion, and following the suggested treatment plan.

   The most fundamental concept of Oriental medicine is that your body, mind, and spirit are all interdependent.  They affect one another at all levels: an ailment of the mind will be reflected in the body; similarly, any physical symptoms must affect the emotions and the psyche.  The Oriental doctor does not see a physical ailment in isolation, but as a refection of disharmony within your whole being.  They would then consider recommending that you consider the way your live, and evaluate your own weaknesses that are disrupting your body’s equilibrium.  Thus acupressure treatment helps to restore the harmony of body, mind, and spirit.  FMI on this topic….keep coming back.  This is a chapter from my book from the college where I received my PH.D.  Remember If you do purchase this book, use it wisely.  Do not try to take over a doctor’s role–help where you can and seek medical advise where you cannot.

    This was one of my favorite chapters of the book on Accupressure, “The Causes Of Disease”,  For you to get most out of this book, it will heop if you understand how traditional Oriental medicine views of the causes of disease.  Oriental practitioners do not treat the symptoms of a disease, they look for the unerlying causes of it.  Which are always expressed as disruption of Qi, Yin, and Yang in various parts of the body.

   According to Oriental medicine the causes of disease fall into three categories: internal (the emotions); external (the weather), and other causes such as germs, or poisons, trauma, diet, and the effects of drugs.  Recognizing the cause of a symptom will enable you to offer positive advice to support your treatment.  Acupressure will help to bring the Yin and Yang elements back into harmony, and restore the circulation of Qi, (pronounced as Chee’.).

   Emotions can be powerful and damagine to our organs when out of harmony.  It’s natural to feel sadness, anger, or joy when occasional circumstances warrant them.  But it is harmful if an emtion such as anger is harboured for years.  Since fighting these disturbances creates even more conflict, the Oriental way is to observe them with awareness and allow them to be.  Through meditation they will naturally quieten and abate.

Joy: This emotion is fundamentally strong for the body & mind.  However, excessive excitement can lead to over stimulation of the Heart, causing  mental restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, and mouth or tongue ulcers.

Fear: can mean anything from terror to a lack of self-confidence, diminishing energy to the kidneys, especially the cooling of Yin aspect, which may give rise to palpatations, night sweating, and dry mouth and throat; plus bed wetting in children.  Anger: emtions from/resentment to animosity affect Liver Engergy.  Excessive or long term anger causes Qi to rise, giving dizziness, or vomitting, but mostly headaches. It can interrupt liver energy thus interfereing with the Spleen, causing digestive upsets.  Repressed anger, resentment may lead to chronic depression.

Sadness/Grief: These cause deficiency of Lung Engery, impairing its ability to take in and distribute Qi through the body and mind.  They deplete it to the extent of damaging the heart.  It can lead to fatigue, breathlessness, and crying.  In women, menstruation can cease, because blood becomes deficient die to the effect on the heart. 

Overthinking and worry;  To much mental work or study depletes Spleen Energy, thus interfereing with digestion, causing  fatigue, watery stools, and loss of appetite.  Worry can also result in lack of Lung function, resutling in breathlessness, anxiety, and stiffness of neck and shoulders.

Mental shock; It depletes heart Qi suddenly, often leading to palpatations, fainting, and shortness of breath.  Shock can also harm the way of the Mind, which is linked with the Heart, causing insomnia.  It depletes Engery of the Kidney, especially the cooling Yin aspect,, and can lead to night sweats and tinnitus.

This book was one of my favorites, and again I must adhere to the advice given, practice what you can, and leave any resounding questions to a medical professional.    I wish you all a Happy Easter, and a wonderful Spring!

April 2, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

Do You Believe In Soul Mates?

Hi Everyone!  Been a while….don’t grumble…..winters are long and hard for me.  The solitude of the New England weather, the darkness, and the insurmountable endless days and nights that flow without care, one into another, until we wonder what day it is?  And how much longer the winds will whip, and the snow and rains will fall, before a flower peaks up through the thawing ground.  This winter has left me much time to speculate and has given me a long awaited chance to rethink things of the past, some things to leave there, a memory best left in my mind, a lesson best remember for all time.  And other things ….mistakes, issues that became more than they needed, friends forgotten…now recalled, and how as time continues it’s pursuit in the ultimate ending….we all have purpose.  We all are spiritual beings who chose a human existance.  We are here to learn, to love, to forgive, and not forget.  To forget is a lesson lost, and each lifetime heeds us many lessons.  The reason for  my question, in my title, is that through out this winter, this has been a question that I have heard over and over again.  Many people searching for that ultimate someone.  The person that will fulfill them.  To bring them the happiness they just can’t seem to find on their own.

    The job, the money, the security, the knowing that “I cannot live this life alone, there has to be something else?”  But…what if this is all….there is nothing more.  You are where you are, and that is that.  Is this a terrible thing?  Did you make so many mistakes that the life you have can not be made into a good thing?  Are you with the wrong person?  Are you always looking for the grass to be greener on the otherside of the fence?

     Here’s my take on that.  No.  Not ever.  You are the living example of the choices you make.  You are the ultimate being in this world in that body, and all you believe can be changed.  All you choose can be undone.  And the person you thought you loved, and even married, can be undone, just remember something drew you to that person, a word, a look, an energy.  So many people have guilt.  Guilt over not being able to say goodbye,  of not being there when a loved one passes.  Of being the one to say, “It’s over.  I can’t do this anymore.  Or…”I loved you once, but that has faded, and I must go.  Or even to say…I have found another.”  These are real emotions.  Real feelings.  And we are not to feel guilt.  Falini once said…”Guilt is a waste of time….it is the past crippling us in the present.”  I so agreed with those words, I don’t believe we make mistakes when we choose this earthly incarnation.  We move through it.  Defying it, loving it, challenging it, and all along the way we meet others.  Some we feel a strange draw too, perhaps an attraction?  These are souls from past lives, they were lovers, friends, or merely close family…..some we meet may be instantly disliked.  A feeling of wariness, or a fear even.  Also from another life.  Karma is a big bowl to hang onto if you don’t let alot of it go.  How?  Make peace with those you dislike.  Be kind, sincere, and walk away.  If they in turn do not send the same feelings, it doesn’t matter, you and your souls karma have cleared them from your journey, never having to face that one again.  As is in every relationship, moment, and chance.  All of these we have chosen.  Soul mates are everywhere.  They are people who seem like siblings, even when the blood is not the same.  Do not feel guilty or honor bound to your blood relations, it means nothing, if the love there is not equal and only one is trying.  Eventually you will wear yourself out, trying to make the other happy.  And this, my friends is not living.  It is existing.  So release them, cut the chord, move onward, that leads ultimately, upward, outward, wherever the next world begins.  Lovers, they are the one thing every person seeks, and rarely finds, at least the first time.  We search and search…sometimes marrying the one person, we feel compelled to stay with, whom we aren’t absolutely certain about, worry about, yet want no onther to have them.  This is a past life love.  A certain devotion, and we carry on until we can no longer enable ourselves, but feel disabled to stay.  I know many stay for their children.  But if you remember, that all souls start in the same place, with the same task at hand, then children know exactly what we know.  They knew in the spirit world that love would always be there, but the faces may change.  Divorce is hard, and no matter when it happens or why, there is pain.  To say there isn’t would be lying.  Any time a relationship that carries feelings and love ends, their is pain.  Yet….when time begins to heal us, and cure us of our ills, we see that perhaps their is another, a person we never dreamed would come into our lives.  Yet again, when we meet them, it is an instant feeling of emotion.  These are soul mates too.  There are soul mates that make us feel instant attraction, and sexual feelings.  Others that we know are and will be our lifetime friends, and family.  And many that will teach us, guide us, for a day, a year, or longer, and then they are gone, but never forgotten.  Animals are soul mates.  Who has never not felt their heart break at the loss of a devoted pet, not matter what kind of pet it is.  They too, will travel the road home, the first for us to meet, when our turn to end this particular life is terminated.  As I tell all my clients, and from the lessons I have learned, love comes in many forms, embrace it.  Challenge it.  Change it.  When we lose passion for things, it is our infinite wisdom, our souls purpose to signal a change.  Rather than sit and feel sad, stand up, walk ahead, and see the light in the distance, it’s a new day, and new dawn, and no matter where your feet carry you.  Where your heart takes you, love is always there, perhaps in the eyes of a stranger….from hundreds of years ago.  Life is a mystery…your life is a novel, make the tale one of passion, profit and patience, and you have lived a life of wonder.

March 15, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  2 Comments

A recent Letter I would like to share…

Hi Vicki,

I was at the night at your place 1/9/10 I was there with the couple who had a son who commited sucicide last fall at 14. There was 2 other women and myself, Just in case, I’m sure you remember, but I’m just refreshing you. I was the one who had a mini donkey and was worrying if I should adopt another.

Here is the thing… I was reading your book. When I got to the part where you are in Germany on a base with your husband, you smelled the perfume and asked her what she was wearing, she said nothing, it smells like Halston, your sister Heather wears it all the time. As soon as I read the word Heather, I knew the rest of the story. This is so weird. I was like OMG. I knew your mother, Heather, your little sister and I think I met you also once. I didn’t know your family that well. But even that was a coincidence.I used to do your mothers Hair at the Salon at the Fox Run Mall in Newington NH. Great Expectations outside of what Was Jordan Marsh, now Macy’s. I always envied your family, they were all SO SO NICE, mine was not. I thought they are so lucky to have such a wonderful family.

I also always thought how beautiful all of you were. I remember your mother telling me about your little sister who had a thing for JFK, president Kennedy. She used to tell me how she was soooo into JFK, yet she was never even born when he was around? Then come to find out, back at that time, She said she lived in Wells Maine, I said I do too, where do you live, she lived on Depot rd, so did I…. ??? I was like you’re kidding me, you live on Depot rd? in Wells, so do I. I used to do Heathers hair too. I thought God she is sooooo beautiful. Then I heard the horrible news about the car accident. I really thought it had HAD to be someone else, it couldn’t happen to such a wonderful family. Then when I heard HOW the accident happened, I then also thought, it couldnt be, maybe thats just a rumor, maybe it didn’t really happen That way, kids on purpose shutting off the headlights & speeding thru stops signs., then I find out it really did happen that way. By the time I found out about what happened, it was over, the funeral and all that.

I felt HORRIBLE. I wanted to do something? at least a card. I found a super good sympathy card, the poem was the Rose still grows beyond the wall. To this very day, when ever I buy a sympathy card I think of Heather and your mother & family. Your mother came to see me at the mall a while after… after a time. She told me that was THE BEST card of all the cards she got. I loved it so much I had bought several and still keep one in my card collection drawer.

The poem talked about the rose, growing towards a crack in the stone wall, where the light was shining brightly. The rose is now on the other side of that stone wall, and the rose still lives beyond the wall on the other side. I felt like it was saying , and the meaning was we live on…on the other side. And I gave that to your Mother way back then…. I just cannot get over the coincidences.

I remember you all had GREAT HAIR . not just because I used to do hair, you all had super nice thick auburn hair, all soooo pretty too. Even when I first heard about you as a medium, I thought you looked familiar, but didnt think anything more than that. Wowo. I think I know the answer, but is your Mom still living here with us??? I just wanted to share this with you. I think next time I’d rather do one on one appt. I think maybe I would get more from it…

In Light

Sandy

March 13, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

The Medicine of the Future will be plants, and herbs…nature’s medicine. “Einstein”

                               PETS For the Elderly:  A Therapeutic Match

Research shows that older people who have pets enjoy better physical and emotional health.

Animals fill a void in the lives of the elderly who are alone without friends or loved onesl.  Pets can greatly increase quality of life for many senior citizens.  Dr. Sandra Barker, director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, recalls the story of Anne, a depressed 95 year old who, after being given a dog named Pumpkin, began to eat again.  When Annie’s landlord sued her for violating a no-pet police, she was asked in deposition what would happen if Pumpkin were taken away. “I’ll die,” Annie replied.

Pets for the Eldery Foundation matches seniors with cats and dogs by underwriting the pets’ adoptions.  “Those who are responsible for a pet are likely to take better care of themselves, because they feel someone is counting on them,” said general manager Susan Kurowski.  The Waltham Book of Human-Animal Interactions published a study for elderly dog owners revealing 75 percent of men and 67 percent of women considered their dog their only friend.

While pets for the Elderly focuses on matching senior citiens with cats and dogs, birds, rabbits, and fish still provide the desired effects.  The Waltham Book of Human-Animal Interactions also published a study that found elderly women in nursing homes preferred an hour-long session interacting with a rabbit to an hour of oopen leisure time.  Animals don’t judge the people who love them, making the comfort of a lap animal, the liveliness of an aviary, or an aquarium’s tranquility uncondition pleasures.

Proof on the Charts

Donna Williamson and her cat, Moochie, participants in the Delta Society Pet Partner Program, were called on to visit a terminal patient.  When they arrived, family members greeted them in tears as the patients had slipped into a coma.  Donna put Moochie in bed with the man, who awoke from the coma, took his arms out from under the sheets and began petting the cat.  “The murse sat there with her mouth wide open,” Williamson said.  “Every time I see that nurse, she relates what a miracle that was.” 

The Delta Society is committed to improving human health through service and therapy animals.  While animals are proven health aids to all people, their benefits to senior citizens is extraordinary.  A study published  in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that  elderly pet owners are more active, cope better with stress, and have lower blood pressure.

Dr. Edward Creagan of the Mayo Medical School observed, “If pet ownership was a medication, it would be patented tomorrow.”  Whether it’s walking a dog or brushing a cat, activity benefits the cardiovascular system and helps keep joints flexible.  Creagan cited a study of patients 12 months after suffering heart attacks, finding 9 out of 10 of those with pets survived, opposed to 7 out of 10 without pets.  A study in the Journal of personality and Social issues reveals that dogs, especially, promoted exercise; owners spend and average of 1.5 hours outdoors daily.  Even fish foster healthy living- a Purdue University study found that the presence of an aquarium at mealtimes increases appetites of Alzheimer’s patients who don’t eat enough for good nutrition.

Introducing a Social Life

“We had an elderly gentleman adopt a puppy today,” Michelle McCann of Participants  PAWS in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., wrote to Pets for the Elderly.  “He was standing inthe lobby holding his pupy as we all ‘oohed and ‘ahhed,’ and he was laughing about what a chick magnet his puppy was going to be!”

Animals are indeed social magnets.  Nursing home communities such as Silverado and Eden Alternative were founded on principles of meaningful interactions driven by an animal-filled environment  Administrator Noralynn Snow houses dogs, cats, birds, fish – even kangaroos- at Silverado’s Aspen Park Facility.  The latter especially, she says, has the “oooh, ahhh” factor, which encourages families normally shy of the residents at the home, to visit.  Cooperative animal care also spurs interaction between the residents .

Different Pets, Different Frets

Though all animals offer beenefits to elderly, some are better suited toward certain individuals.  The International Journal of Aging andHuman Development found that cats offer many of the social aspects sought by lonely peole who cannot provide the regular exercise dogs require.

Additionally, “Many elderly people also get a real satisfaction out of caged birds,” said Dr. William Fortney of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.  “They are easy keepers and very social animals.”  Noralynn Snow of Silverado notes that bird noises are especially important to those who are bedridden, because they can derice a sense of the outdoors from birds.  Even rats provide companionship.  Veterinarian Dr. Cam Day says, “Rats are easy to keep and are not expensive to buy.  I know a hip granny who has a pet rat and adores it, too.”

Bottom Line

“Policies that encourage pet ownership among the aged, either at home or as they make the transition to elder living facilities, can improve some medical conditions and alleviate loneliness,” said Nalini Saligram, board chair of PAWSitive interAction.  Be it on a doctor’s chart or in the wordless testimony of the animal itself, creaataures of all kinds strenghen the lives they touch.

By Barbara Sharmak for WebVet

Reviewed by Amy I. Attas, VMD

February 21, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  2 Comments

Listen Live to “Dying To Be Heard, My new Internet Radio Show on Skype!

Hi Everyone, hope we all survived the holidays and kept some holiday cheer as well! New Radio show begins this Saturday night at 10:00 PM Eastern Time, live called “Dying to Be Heard”! This is not to be confused with the segment I did for CBS…on the home page….although you should check it out! New logo for the radio show will be up soon, new pics have to be taken~ You can call in at 1-310-601-4358, picking up the headset tonight! If you have ideas for the show, let me know….stories that are bizarre to those in the real world, well….they never are to me…..or just call in and talk to one of our unique guests, and we will have some very taleneted ones. Appointments are beginning on the 23rd for Saturdays, trying to help those who can’t make it during the week. New date for my show with the “Wolf”, now on Fridays from 6:00 am to 7:00 but will remain taking calls and having conversations with Dave and Michelle until the 9:00 o’clock hour.
My Skype name is Messenger 340 if you would like to become a fan, or friend. Look forward to hearing from you all….and tune in, so we can talk and discuss the here after, the now, and the before! Staying warm, or trying too! Happy Monday and have a great week! OOOPS, the station to check this out on is Para X Radio, Paranormal Radio, CBS Radio, and KAPS…check out the sites, and hopefully in the next few days the link to the show will be up…..not used to doing this solo, but will get the hang of it.
Peace be with you!
Vicki

January 11, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized  No Comments

The Signs Of Seasonal Affective Disorder! By Beth W. Orenstein, Medically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass 111, Md. MPH

People who find they  have mild to severe depression in fall and wnter, when the days grow shorter, may have seasonal blues.  Women, espeically those in their twenties, are  most susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, but it can affect men and people of all ages, including children and teens.  Very often, people with seasonal depression have at least one close relative with  psychiatric disorder, typically major depressive disorder or alcohol abuse.

    SAD Symptoms emerge during the the darker winter months, then disappear as days grown longer and brighter come spring, says Ken Duckworth, MD, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and an assistant professor at Harvard University Medical School.

     It’s estimated that half -million people in the United Statees may have Seasonal depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms Include:

Weight Gain.  Cravings for sweet and starchy foods lead to excess weight gain.

Daytim fatigue.  People with SAD are tired during the day and have less energy.  They may also find themselves sleeping alot, but getting no relief from their fatigue.  “With SAD,  you eat more and sleep more, ” Dr. Duckworth says.  “It’s hybernation-like.”

Increased irritability and anxiety.  People with SAD worry more about everyday events and can be easily irritated.  They can have trouble concentrating too.

Social withdrawl.  Those with SAD prefer to be alone; they shun the company of friends and family and do not participate in activities they normally enjoy.  Often their social behavior is hard to understand.

SAD is treatable, and there are various treatment methods.

SAD: Light Therapy

 

“Light Therapy does seem to have some effectiveness,” Duckworth says.  Light therapy boxes are available that mimic the outdoors.  You can buy them without a prescription, but they cost about $400.00 dollars and are not covered by insurance.  The best time to use light therapy is in the morning before going to work and give your self some sunshine,” Duchworth says.  Light therapy typically takes about 30 minutes a day.  Note: Do not try to use tanning beds as a treatment for SAD.  Tanning beds us ultraviolet rays, which can be harmful to your eyes and skin.

SAD: Professional Help

“Find a relationship with a clinician who can coach you through this and figure out if it is indeed SAD or if you do worse at Christmastime because your father died on Christmas Eve, for expample, ” Duckworth says.r

A medical professional also can prescribe antidepressants if necessary.

SAD: Other Treatment Methods

     Taking a vacation to where it’s warm and sunny.  “Go to Florida or to the Bahamas.  Go some place south with a lot of sun,” Duckworth says.  “If your family is a big source of stress, figure out a way to be with them that is not overwhelming to you.  Maybe plan your longer visits for the summer when you seem to be doing  better.”

Maintaining relationships with friends and family.  “Don’t stop going to church if you go to church,” Duckworth says.  Or having your girls night out, or movie night, whatever you do in the summer months, when you are better, try and continue them through out the winter months too.

Because SAD occurs during the winter months- when holiday festivities are in full force- self -medication is tempting.  “Alcohol use tends to go up in the winter as people attend more parties,” Duckworth says.  Howeve, he adds, “If you’re using alcohol or drugs to change the depressed way you feel this time of year, it’s probably compounding your problems as opposed to helping them.”

Created by Everyday Health.com 2009 Every Day Health Inc.  This material is used on their website for educational purposes only and not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

December 29, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  6 Comments

Thanks for the kind words!

It is always nice to hear that what you have written is helping others, and/or that it is appreciated, or even criticized by a different view. If we cannot see things from another’s perspective, then we never learn.  The lessons of life after death, are as old as time itself, simple, yet made complicated.  All souls, yes all……go to the otherside.  Some refer to this place as heaven, well, to some it maybe.  Other’s it’s home, and in truth that is the reality of this place.  Just a breath away from  wherever you are, is the world of our creation, from the mother of the earth, and the father of the sky, we are all connected.  Each and everyone of us.  And to each of us, heaven is whatever our minds, (spirit), not our brains, (physical), dreams it to be.  That is how our loved ones travel to this plane.  They no longer are encumbered by the body, the only thing capable of violence, hatred, bitterness, and evil.  Our souls are pure light, never tainted by the outside world, yet taking on the job, of keeping the physical as straight as the arrow can fly.  But we are tempted, and the soul cannot always reach us.  In this new year, remember that your loved ones are with you, no matter what anyone says, they are here, and they are there, we can feel them, smell them, watch them through our minds eye.  Don’t let others tell you, it is wishful thinking…..it is a wish come true.  No one is perfect here, but they, they are perfect there, and the love stays perfect.  It never waivers, not even a fraction of a bit.  Feel them in your dreams….watch them….believe in them, and they will show you more.  But first, you must realize that death is a physical thing.  But the soul lives forever, and we ourselves being spiritual beings will live forever too.  So if we are all spiritual beings, than our seperation is merely temporary.  We go on….but some choose to go on first.  If we realize this, then life doesn’t end with the body, it is reborn to the home of our creators, and all that have loved us, and all that we have loved, will be waiting.  Believe in them as they believe in you……you are all miracles, and being here, that is a miracle.  Forget the negative, and be the miracle each and every day…..if we all do this…..the world will change, and the spirit within will overtake the physical that wills itself to win.  Happy Holidays, and blessings for love, joy, and no goodbyes, for a wonderous New Year!  In light and in love,

Vicki

December 14, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized  2 Comments