Six Lessons That Changed My Life
Nourish, Replenish, Detoxify
Salt Caves: Treatment for Respiratory Illness & Allergies?
10 Tips For Staying Healthy

Six LessonsThat Changed My Life 

by Andrea Chervenak

"Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle
to keep you from growing. You get to choose."
Dr. Wayne Dyer

If degrees were awarded based on life experience, I would definitely have a doctorate in surviving tough times. I have dealt with many of the same things you may be struggling with right now.  Perhaps you are ill, have money problems, hate your job, or have been hurt by someone you love.  I can tell you with 100% certainty that no matter how difficult life may seem right now, no matter how overwhelmed you may feel, things are going to change.  There is a natural ebb and flow to all life:  the sun sets, only to rise again…the bleakness of winter, is followed by the rebirth of spring…the tide goes out,  then comes in again.  And we will always move past our troubles and sorrows to happier, healthier, more peaceful times.

Recognizing this truth has helped me to find patience and strength during the “winters” of my life.  Through the years I have discovered that with the right attitude it is possible to come through difficult experiences stronger, smarter, and better equipped to handle the next turn of the tide.  Here are six lessons that have helped me to survive life’s challenges in a more positive, peaceful way.

1. There is a natural ebb and flow to all of life, so no matter what you are coping with right now, take comfort in knowing that nothing lasts forever, and “this too shall pass.”

2. Learn to accept whatever circumstances you are dealing with. You know anger, disappointment, and negativity won’t change anything - actually negative emotions will likely draw more negativity into your life.  You may not like what is happening, you may not understand the how’s or why’s of it, but when you view it with an attitude “it is what it is” you are diminishing the power it has over your life. You may not be able to see it in this moment, but who knows what lessons or opportunities for growth and enlightenment are being created as you move through this challenging time.

3. Reverse the thought patterns that are keeping you stuck.  If you focus your attention on what is wrong, and what it is you don’t want, it is easy to create patterns of negative expectation – a mindset that expects the worst and seems to attract circumstances to reinforce this subconscious belief. The shift to a negative mindset can be so subtle you may not even be aware of it.  As you begin to switch your thinking from what it is you want to move away from, to what you want to attract, you are now living in positive expectation, and will be in a better position to attract more positive energy into your life. 

4. If you want to be it, you need to see it!!  Good health, a fulfilling career, a rewarding relationship, financial security.  Clearly define what it is you want, and then create a picture of it in your mind.  See yourself healthy, visualize your dream job or relationship, or imagine the peace that financial security is going to bring to your life.  And every time you find yourself in the midst of a pity party, or you are feeling down, take a deep breath and release all of this negativity as you exhale..  Then pull up that image of you doing or being whatever it is you want for yourself.  Keep playing that movie in your mind – and in time you will notice a shift in those negative-thinking patterns to those of positive expectation!

5. Living in gratitude and having a mindset of appreciation enables you to be aware of the blessings in every situation. And there are always blessings, even in the most difficult of circumstances. “There is always someone who has it worse than you” was my father’s favorite refrain every time I would complain…and this is so true, isn’t it? Sure life can be tough, but you have survived tough times before, and will survive them now.  Keep your focus on the blessings, and watch them grow!

6. Peace is strength.  From a place of peace you can think more clearly, make better choices, and create an environment where the body , mind, and spirit can work as one.  Learn more about  Breathing Techniques, Meditation Tips, and Relaxation Exercises that will help you to connect to that calm, peaceful, serene place that rests within you.
 

For more about  the lessons I have learned on my healing journey, read My Story.

Stay Solution Focused: Nourish, Replenish Detoxify!
 

By Renee Osterhouse

Banish the Phrase ‘Will Power’! I don’t believe in ‘will power’… somewhere along the way, someone put those words together, innocently enough and no doubt to motivate us. However, they lead to a guilt-ed existence for many. If we aren’t ‘healthy’ enough, ‘thin’ enough, we don’t have enough will power! If we don’t follow a strict exercise regimen, we don’t have enough will power. Forget ‘will power’! Literally throw the phase out of your memory bank. Replace it with Nourish, Replenish, Detoxify!
     
 I am Renee Osterhouse and my husband and I discovered our daughter had Asperger Syndrome (or an Autism Spectrum Disorder) about 3 ½ years ago. In the path we chose to control my daughter’s symptoms of was a gift. The gift of knowing I had the power to heal my own body through dietary intervention.

 This gift not only freed my daughter from ongoing and physically painful symptoms from her ASD, but freed me of my belief that aches and pains were the natural progression of getting old and managing my weight was the result of no will power. Daily headaches, well, it’s just something I’d have to live with. I guiltily accepted this as my inevitable journey into mid-life. This was confirmed by many, too many, friends and family, that had been duped into believing that, this was the way it is when you approach your 40s.

 I’m here to tell you there is another way! Nourish your body with nutrient rich, antioxidant dense foods. Replenish beneficial microorganisms. Detoxify your personal environment by green living and avoiding toxins in products that you put in and on your body. Avoid common triggers in hard to digest proteins. Add simple to follow healthy activities you enjoy and you’ll have a very well rounded solution based, healthy life.

 Eliminate stressful patterns that cause us to focus on the problems. Forget about your weight, forget about training for a marathon, stop pressuring ourselves and focus on the solution! Nourish, Replenish, Detoxify! Keep those goals at a distance in your mind, plant the seed knowing, given the right conditions, the seed will sprout and will grow into a flourishing tree.

 I received a new life when I began following my daughter’s dietary intervention. Really, just to be supportive of her, I had no other agenda. Peripherally I noticed changes, spike in energy, clarity of mind, I made better choices, my weight started to drop, I started to walk every day, something I enjoy tremendously. Digestive symptoms I had learned to live with along with the daily headaches disappeared. Cravings for empty foods stopped, and were replaced by a desire for nutrient dense foods.

It isn't about will power, it's about what is being provided to us on the store shelves. It is inferior to what our bodies were designed to consume. Once we realize that this has been done to us, and not something we did to ourselves it will give us real power! This is by no means a concept meant to enrage the masses, by far, my intent is for you to acknowledge that we are not to blame, instead focus on the solution. Take control over what we purchase. Real whole foods, free from certain proteins, toxins and preservatives. Learn about green living and embrace healthy activities. Bond with people of like mind and don’t forget a healthy spiritual life. Being thankful to God and remembering how blessed we are can fuel your new found inspiration.

It is my belief that we are all pre-disposed to certain conditions that are often 'triggered' by certain proteins in the diet, environmental factors, stress, as well as our culture's sedentary existence. These conditions may manifest over time or seemingly over night. I believe I’ve stumbled on the right formula for me and my family. Starting with the core solution, ‘Nourish, Replenish, Detoxify’ I believe everyone can design a life style where mind, body and soul all flourish.

Be Blessed & Flourish!
Renee Osterhouse
www.NourishToFlourish.net 
NourishToFlourishRenee@gmail.com 

Nourish To Flourish is a food intolerance and allergy group whose members have access to events, workshops, "weekly walks", monthly meetings, and more.  Contact Renee to sign up for the Nourish To Flourish free newsletter, or to inquire about membership or francise opportunities.

Salt Caves: A New Treatment for Respiratory and Allergy Sufferers!

by Laura Chervenak

A new and upcoming trend that is making its way across the oceans to the United States for respiratory and allergy sufferers is halotherapy, or salt therapy (Greek: halos = salt; therapy = treatment). You may have heard of the original therapy, speleotherapy, which is the same treatment process as halotherapy, but takes place in actual salt caves located below ground.  This treatment is very popular in Eastern and Central Europe, but because salt mines are not found in all parts of the world, an artificial environment similar to that of an actual salt cave was created.

The history of speleotherapy dates back to 19th century Poland. It was noticed that Polish salt miners were never contaminated with any lung-related diseases. It was then that the first speleotherapy center was opened. During World War II, salt’s healing powers were noticed again mainly in bomb shelters and from there on, speleotherapy centers spread throughout Europe, and the approved scientific basis of speleotherapy was officially founded in the 1960s.

The therapy may sound strange because we are constantly being overwhelmed with low-sodium labels and low-sodium diets, so why would we actually want to breathe in salt while we are frequently being told we should avoid it? It is because the salt that is now found in our foods and saltshakers has nothing in common with the original crystal salt that is found in salt mines. The salt of today has been “chemically cleaned” of trace elements and essential minerals that were included in the natural salt crystal, making it mainly a combination of just sodium and chloride. It is the absence of those essential elements and minerals that makes the salt we consume so unhealthy for our bodies.

This 100% natural, drug-free therapy takes place in a room that simulates a natural salt cave microclimate called The Halotherapeutic Chamber. Microparticles of salt are constantly being produced in a generator impacted with high kinetic energy producing salt aerosol that is continuously being blown and scattered into the room. The room must maintain specific conditions to promote a stable aerosol environment, while providing comfort to those in treatment. In a relaxing atmosphere, the temperature is set between 20-26 degrees Celsius with humidity levels between 40%-50%. Because our lives are filled with so many electromagnetic waves that “pollute” the air we breathe, the delicate balance of positively and negatively charged ions is thrown off. By having patients spend time in these chambers doing relaxing activities and breathing exercises while breathing in pure non-polluted air combined with natural salt ions has been a proven therapy to improve lung functions in individuals with respiratory diseases. Patients can use this therapy as a sole treatment, or as a complimentary therapy to prescription medicines. It has been studied that individuals with the following conditions have felt relief after halotherapy:
 

•  chronic bronchitis, sinusitis
•  breathlessness, chest tightness,
•  coughs (particularly at night or after exercise),
•  mucus plugs, wheezing,
•  colds and respiratory allergies,
•  mucosal edema,
•  bronchitis, adenoids, rhinitis, tonsillitis,
•  pharyngitis, pneumonia after acute stage,
•  bronchiectatic disease, respiratory infections,
•  influenza, rhinosinusopathy,
•  smoker's cough (secondary smoke related symptoms),
•  frequent acute disorders of respiratory tract,
•  multi chemical sensitivity syndrome,
•  allergies to industrial and household pollutants,
•  eczema, psoriasis, and neurodermatitis

For centuries, Europeans have been taken advantage of halotherapy, and as the trend starts to catch on in the United States, hopefully Americans can start experiencing the same benefits, as well! For additional details and information on speleotherapy and halotherapy: www.halotherapy.com, www.salt-therapy.eu, www.naturalmedicine.suite101.com, and www.saltcave.us. And as with any new therapy or treatment, please consult with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

10 Tips For Staying Healthy

Along with the usual colds and flu that we all try to avoid, there is great concern about a viral epidemic of Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus). The good news is if you take a little extra care by providing care and support to your body, as well as practice common sense safety tips, the likelihood that you will  remain healthy throughout the fall and winter is quite good.
 

1.   Eat These Foods:

•  Fresh Fruits and Fresh Vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are vital to a strong immune system – and when your immune system is strong and healthy, so are you!   
• Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are particularly beneficial. Also yellow and orange veges such as carrots, winter squash and sweet potatoes as they all contain disease fighting antioxidants.  
• Whole Grains provide fiber and nutrients that support a healthy immune system, such as brown rice, whole oats. 
• Live CultureYogurt helps to keep the intestinal tract in balance, another factor in maintaining good health. 
• Nuts and seeds are also loaded with antioxidants and nutrients to boost immunity.  ~ Omega 3 Fatty Acids Fatty Acids found in fish like salmon and sardines, and flax oil help to increase production of white blood cells and eliminate bad bacteria in the body. 
• Fresh juice is another great source of antioxidants and immune building nutrients!
• Lean Protein such as poultry, fish, and lean meats help to build and repair cells, tissues and organs. 

*Eat organic whenever possible – the fewer toxins your body has to process, the less taxed, and healthier, it will be! 

2.  Natural Antibacterial Foods:
 
Add garlic and onion to the foods you cook as they have antibacterial qualities, are immune builders and natural antibiotics. I have also been reading a lot about the healing benefits of honey, and when taken daily can help to boost the body’s natural disease fighting ability. Cayenne pepper is also helpful for boosting the immune system and killing bad bacteria in the body – it is a source of capsaicin which is great for many things including pain reduction, cardiovascular health, and killing bad bacteria
 
3.   Avoid These Foods:
       
You already know this – but just a reminder: stay away from processed foods, sugar, simple carbs (white flour, low or no fiber cereals and grains), artificially sweetened foods, soda, margarine, fatty or fried foods, fatty meats, and red meat.
 
4.  Immune Enhancing Supplements:
       
Echinacea and Goldenseal are powerful immune boosters, but are not for prolonged use. You can begin taking them at the first sign of illness. They can also be used to prevent illness, but should not be taken for more than a few months or your body will build up a resistance to them.
 
5.  Exercise:

Exercise is vital to good health and a strong immune system. Our bodies were meant to be used, so if you want to have a healthy immune system you need to get moving. This doesn’t mean you have to start working out at the gym – a 30 minute walk every day is perfect! Or if you are lucky enough to have a pool or access to one, go for a swim. Can’t walk for 30 minutes or no pool access? Then try putting on some music and dancing around the house. Or get Wii fit and spend 15-30 minutes having fun and exercising at the same time. And there are so many great exercise and yoga DVD’s available for it. The important thing is to try to find something that you enjoy so you keep at it!
 
6.  Reduce Stress:

I know, this is easier said than done. But long-term, chronic stress is harmful to your health, and the health of your immune system.   Eliminating the cause of stress is of course most effective, so disassociating from the toxic people or situations in your life that are causing you upset is a great first step. But this is not always possible, so learning how to cope with stress becomes essential. Our breath is one of the most powerful tools we have been blessed with. Use it to help your body and mind relax: take a slow, deep breath in (when you breathe deeply your abdomen should expand, not your chest), hold for a few seconds, then gradually release through the mouth. Meditation is great for creating inner peace and calm – while breathing try repeating a calming phrase or word, even if you just do this for a minute or two once or twice a day. Also check out our Relaxation and Visualization techniques. And don't forget to keep your focus on the positive - counting your blessings instead of your sorrows is good for your body, your mind, and your spirit!  Read about Positive Intention.
 
7.  Sleep:

We are learning more and more about the healing power of sleep. If you are not getting 7-8 hours of sleep, you are probably not giving your body the time it needs to rejuvenate and replenish itself, which can lead to a weakened immune system, and many other health issues. For ideas for getting a good night sleep read our article on Sleep Disorders.
 
8.  Lots of Water:

Being well hydrated is an important component to good health. Research indicates that dehydration can be the cause of many seemingly unrelated health problems from high cholesterol to back pain!! Try to drink 8 glasses per day – but if this is too much for you, drink as much as you can.
 
9.  15 Minutes of Sun/Vitamin D:

We are learning more and more about the role Vitamin D plays in preventing disease and for a healthy immune system. Just 15 minutes of sun exposure each day (without sun block) should provide your daily dose of vitamin D. If you can’t be out in the sun you can try taking cod liver oil (make sure it is a quality brand that is free of pesticides/toxins), or eat fatty fish like salmon and sardines several times a week, also milk/yogurt, and eggs are good sources.
 
10. Wash Your Hands:

Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to prevent spreading or catching germs!! Wash for approx 30 seconds (try singing the Happy Birthday song as that is just about the right amount of time!)  and rub your hands together vigorously, too.

Wishing you a healthy and happy Fall & Winter!  ~ Andrea  :-)

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Send questions or comments to:  Andrea@HealWithHope.com