I haven't yet read all of the posts. I avoid iron in supplements and prefer to try to get it through food as well as eating it with foods that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C increase iron absorption up to 4 times. Here's some info I recently read: Iron is a double-edged mineral for women. Menstruating women lose iron-rich blood every month, plus pregnancy, nursing, and strenuous physical exercise dramatically increase the need for this mineral. But later in life, excess iron, which accumulates in the body after menopause, may increase women’s risk for cancer and heart disease. If you’re over 50 or have experienced early or surgically induced menopause, see your doctor for a hematocrit, hemoglobin, and/or ferritin test to determine if you need iron. The ferritin test, which assesses stored iron, is most important here. If your levels approach anywhere from 150 to 200 ng/mL on the ferritin test, do avoid extra iron in supplements, iron-enriched grains, and cut down on red meat. You might want to consider an iron-free multivitamin Studies indicate that iron can help improve short-term memory loss and concentration. If you aren't using iron cookware regularly, you may wish to take 10 to 15 milligrams of elemental iron a day. Jarrow Formulas IronSorb Elemental Iron From Protein Succinylate -- 18 mg - 60 Vegetarian Capsules (I haven't taken this yet) Iron oxidizes. If you take too much iron, it can lead to cancer. This is why there are few multivitamin formulas for postmenopausal women that contain iron. If you have had cancer, or if there is a high incidence of cancer in your family, you may want to take a formula without added iron unless a blood test determines that you are iron-deficient, in which case, natural sources may be far superior. Iron supplements should be avoided if you have arthritis. Too much iron can increase the production of free radicals in your brain cells and the tiny blood vessels in your brain, thereby increasing the risk of stroke. If your iron levels are too high, your brain cells can release a neurotransmitter called glutamate that can trigger chemical reactions causing brain-cell death. Stored iron normally increases as we age, but in a few people, it is very high. The next time that you have a blood test, ask that your ferritin level be tested. It’s a simple and inexpensive aspect of stroke protection. And yes, iron supplements tend to be constipating. My naturopath friends often recommended Yellowdock to us. I need to get some again. Haven't taken it for years. Organic, grass-fed beef liver along with foods rich in vitamin C should be great.

Read this a while back from Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman's newsletter: Low stomach acid has been linked to this increasingly prevalent skin problem. Risk factors include fair skin, a family history of rosacea, and numerous triggers that may vary for different individuals: corticosteroids, drugs that dilate the blood vessels (including some blood pressure meds), hot baths and saunas, hot foods and beverages, spicy foods, stress (particularly anger or embarrassment), strenuous exercise, sunlight, and temperature extremes. Rosacea tends to be more serious for men if they ignore this problem. But it strikes women more often, particularly during the menopause transition. Anyone between the ages of 20 and 60 may develop this condition. Dr. Ann Louise’s Take: The medical community can’t say for sure what exactly causes rosacea. But recent Greek research links chronic sun exposure to this condition, so use natural sun protection (with SPF of 15 or higher) that blocks UVA and UVB radiation. If you blush easily and show signs of rosacea, record what you’re eating and drinking to help identify your own triggers. Cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, nightshade family veggies (eggplant and tomatoes), and seafood (lobster and shrimp) worsen this condition in some people. Also avoid sugary and refined foods with artificial food coloring, preservatives, and MSG. Aspartame and NutraSweet cause noticeable flushing in many people with rosacea. Blackberries, blueberries, and cherries are vascular constrictors that assist in reducing redness. I’ve found that flavonoid-rich cranberries tonify blood vessels, helping to reduce the redness of rosacea. The Right Treatment Because rosacea tends to be cyclical, periodic detox is useful. Just be sure to modify your detox program to meet your body’s seasonal needs as Fat Flush for Life does. In winter, that means warming foods (like Hot Lemon Toddy, which kick-starts elimination in cold weather, soups, and steamed veggies) rather than raw foods. Always allow hot beverages to cool at least to body temperature to avoid facial flushing. I’m a great believer that beauty is far more than skin deep. Both B vitamins and GLA (evening primrose oil) will help improve your complexion. I’ve also seen many women obtain outstanding results from progesterone, which makes sense since hormonal changes often trigger rosacea. Above all, treat your skin very gently: Don’t rub or touch your face too often. Avoid facial products containing alcohol or other irritants. Use only those labeled non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores. The American Academy of Dermatology has found topical creams with green tea helpful for rosacea, and another study has shown that topical vitamin B3 (niacin) improves this condition. According to research at the University of British Columbia, a natural cream with azelaic acid is as effective as topical metronidazole in treating pimples—and slightly better at reducing redness without encouraging the growth of fungus or drug-resistant bacteria. Doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics (because they work faster than topical drugs) for their anti-inflammatory properties. Even so, you may need to take these meds for a month or so before you see results—and they can cause diarrhea and other digestive distress. Interestingly, research has linked rosacea to low stomach acid. For most people, hydrochloric acid (HCl) or stomach acid, which knocks out dangerous bacteria—but not friendly flora—appears to work as a natural antibiotic, without causing the unwanted side effects of these medicines—including drug-resistant “superbugs.” The Acid Test Unless you have ulcers or have been diagnosed with a pre-ulcerative condition, you might want to test for HCl, the good stomach acid. Take 500 to 550 mg of betaine hydrochloride (combined with pepsin) with your next meal and carefully observe how you feel. A burning belly or face probably means that you already have sufficient stomach acid—and may, instead, benefit from taking digestive enzymes with meals to support nutrient absorption. But if you don’t notice any extreme symptoms, do as I do and take a formula like HCL + 2 to restore normal acidity and ensure you’re absorbing the nutrients in your diet and supplements.

Totally agree. We hated it. We tried and tried. Worst homeschooling purchase we made in the past year.

Debbie, that's really helpful and I do appreciate you taking the time to post that. Thank you. :)

OTHER TIPS/THINGS TO CONSIDER MASSAGE SCALP DAILY (SOME SAY 3 TIMES A DAY) Press the bristles of your brush on your scalp and make several strokes from your hairline to the base of your neck. Then make small circles over your entire scalp. Alternate these methods for 90 seconds. Frederic Fekkai More Nighttime Follicle Boosting Treatment from sephora.com or amazon The niacin-derived compounds stimulate blood flow and activate cell receptors that influence hair growth. After applying these compounds for 6 months, 69 percent of women with hair loss saw significant increases in fullness. Try to: • Use a satin pillowcase helps because your hair is less likely to catch and pull on it as it would on a cotton pillowcase. A side benefit is that it helps save your hairstyle for another day, so you aren't pulling out more hair in the styling process. You can get them on amazon. I have noticed less hair loss for both my dh and I since we switched to these. • Use the most natural hair products you can find. • Look for ingredients such as biotin, silica, aloe vera gel, vitamins C and E, jojoba oils, chamomile, marigold, ginseng, or passionflower. Most health-food stores carry a variety of natural hair care products. • Hair is fragile when it is wet. Gently pat your hair dry and squeeze out remaining moisture with a towel. • Calm a hectic schedule. Stress signals the body to produce cortisol, which elevates levels of hair-loss-promoting hormones. CAUSES • Poor Diet and vitamin and mineral deficiencies • Stress • Thyroid problem – especially if you have dry skin, weight gain, and fatigue • Taking large doses of Vitamin A (100,000 IU or more daily) for a long period of time • Genetics/Heredity • Harsh chemicals and hair dyes • Poor Circulation (daily scalp massage, brushing, lying on a slant board, yoga) • Acute Illness • Surgery • Radiation Exposure • Skin Disease (biotin is essential here) • Sudden Weight Loss • High Fever • Iron Deficiency (Up to 90 percent of women who experience hair loss also suffer from low iron levels). • Diabetes • Drugs – such as those used in chemotherapy • Ringworm and other fungal infections • Pregnancy • High concentration of metals in the body • Autoimmune diseases • Scalp Infections • If one is experiencing "male pattern baldness" type hair loss, where the hairline begins to recede and is thin only on top and not all over, it can be caused by metabolic syndrome. Fat distributed around the waist can actually cause a rise in androgens (male hormones) causing this problem. It can also revert back to normal if you can get the fat off your waist. WHEN TO SEE A PHYSICIAN If you are losing large amounts of hair, see a physician. It is normal to lose 50 to 150 hairs a day. If your hair appears to be dramatically thinning, it might be a sign of an underlying condition. While culprits can be as serious as thyroid disease and lupus, hair loss is most often caused by poor diet and stress. GOOD BOOKS The Hair Loss Cure: A Self-Help Guide by David H. Kingsley How to Beat Hair Loss by Antonio Alvi Armani, MD

I agree with first seeing an acupuncturist. They can work wonders. An acupuncturist can help develop an herbal formula that is tailored specifically to you, in addition to using the traditional needles to help restore hair growth. Herbs have a greater synergy with acupuncture, so you may see a greater benefit if you use both. Sorry all of this info is long and overwhelming. When carrying out any of these methods, remember to be patient. Normal hair growth should resume within 6 months after starting any supplement or making any dietary or other change. SUPPLEMENTS - for me, Biotin and Iodoral have made the most difference. NATROL BIOSIL from amazon or VitaminShoppe.com – Natrol Biosil is well-absorbed by the body and proven to deliver key proteins like keratin and collagen directly to the hair roots to increase growth and thickness. Great for skin, hair, and nails OR HORSETAIL is a good source of silica (which aids in hair growth and makes the hair stronger). Silica is necessary for strong, shiny hair. OR YOU CAN TRY TAKING BOTH Silica makes hair strong and shiny, but the amount your body holds tend to decline with age. Good food sources include: beets, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Or you can take 60 mg silica daily. B COMPLEX – 50 mg twice a day or 100 mg once a day with meals. B vitamins are essential for the health and growth of the hair. B vitamins run low during high-stress times and are essential for healthy hair growth. Try to get a good B Complex that includes: Biotin, Inositol, Choline, and PABA. BIOTIN plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair. Taking a 2400 mcg supplement can thicken hair shafts and encourage new growth. [Not everyone needs to take that much unless if they're concerned about hair loss. Most B-complex supplements have sufficient biotin otherwise] Biotin plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair It helps in preventive treatment for baldness There are no known cases of biotin toxicity, particularly since it is water-soluble It is interesting that biotin levels fall progressively throughout pregnancy (and that is when many women lose hair). CARLSON’S LIQUID FISH OIL - or any other good fish oil - you need enough EFAs (essential fatty acids) ZINC – 15 mg daily – protects your hair IODORAL - I am noticing a difference with this and Biotin, more than any other supplement. Available from amazon – the reviews are well worth reading More than 90% of us are low in iodine. Today's environment makes it almost impossible to get the amount of iodine you need. 1. There's very little iodine in the soil. So unless you're eating a ton of iodine-rich foods like kelp, seaweed and shellfish, you're not going to get much iodine from your diet. 2. Many salt companies have stopped adding iodine to table salt. While commercial table salt usually contains iodine, this is not the best way to boost iodine intake. In fact, “salt iodination, which is performed routinely in many countries, may increase the incidence of overt hypothyroidism,” a new Greek study concludes. Kelp and other sea vegetables are excellent sources of natural iodine. 3. Food manufacturers have stopped using iodine in baked goods and are using bromine instead. Bromine (a halogen) competes with iodine to get into your cells. So the more bromine you consume, the less iodine you get. Unfortunately, many foods today (primarily baked goods) are loaded with bromine. 4. Our water supply contains chlorine and fluoride, both of which are halogens. Again, halogens compete with iodine to get into your cells. And you can't avoid chlorine and fluoride simply by drinking filtered water. That's because you get a hefty dose any time you bathe, shower, soak in a hot tub, or swim in a swimming pool. 5. Most conventional doctors never test for iodine deficiency. They figure there's no need to test iodine levels when they can just test your thyroid function instead. The problem with this is that the most widely used thyroid test, the TSH, is wildly inaccurate. Reason: While the TSH measures thyroid hormone, it can't tell the difference between active thyroid hormone with iodine and de-activated thyroid hormone with bromine or chlorine or fluorine. So the test shows you have plenty of thyroid hormone. But most of the thyroid hormone isn't doing its job! I think it was Dr. Nan Fuchs who wrote: “I've had women come into my office who look like the poster child for underactive thyroid. They're overweight, they're losing their hair and eyebrows, their skin is dry, and they tell me they feel cold all the time. Yet when their doctor gave them a thyroid test, it came back normal! When I put these women on iodine supplementation, their conditions improve dramatically. Their skin improves, they stop losing their hair, and they finally lose that excess weight — and keep it off.” The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg. This amount was set based on the amount needed to prevent goiter. This amount will prevent goiter but it will not prevent other problems related to iodine deficiency. The average consumption of iodine from seaweed by the mainland Japanese is nearly 14 mg. They have some of the lowest incidence of iodine-deficiency diseases like goiter, hypothyroidism, and cancers of the reproductive system (breast, ovaries, and uterus). Some forms of iodine are harmful. Iodoral is not. All of us need a combination of iodine and iodide, the two forms of iodine used throughout our bodies. Iodoral and Lugol are the only supplements containing these two nutrients. Lugol, however, tastes foul. You may need 1 to 4 tablets of Iodoral, a combination of 5 mg of iodine and 7.5 mg of potassium iodide. Additional research finds that vitamin C improves the transport of iodine in the body, so it may be best to take Iodoral with Vitamin C. Studies show that those who weigh about 110 pounds need at least 5 mg of iodine a day for normal breast function. If you’re heavier, you may need more. Start off slowly over a 4 week period. Take 1 pill for 30 days Then 2 pills for 30 days Then maybe 3 for 30 days (this is how much I'm currently taking) Then 1 in morning and 1 in evening for 30 days Can then go back to taking 1 or 2 a day to maintain Your body will know....listen to it... One Iodoral tablet provides 12.5 milligrams of iodine/iodide which is about the amount the average Japanese consumed in 1964 in their everyday diet. Iodoral is the best way to get the recommended amount of iodine. EAT MORE Use Seaweed Gomasio to season your food, rather than iodized salt. As Peela mentioned here a while back, "Sea salt- particularly himalayan and celtic sea salt, are full of extra minerals. 84 minerals in sea salt- 2 in refined table salt. If there is one thing lacking in modern diets, it is minerals- more so than vitamins. Himalayan and Celtic Sea Salts as well as this one are rich in minerals, much richer than regular table salt." Increase your iodine intake with mineral-rich sea vegetables (agar, hijiki, kombu, nori, and wakame) at least twice a week. You can eat as much seaweed as you want. Brown seaweeds are highest in iodine. They include all forms of kelp. Fucus, also known as Bladderwrack, is considered to be the best for underactive thyroids. Hijiki and Sargassum are two other forms of brown seaweeds. Red seaweeds include dulse, nori, Irish moss, and Gracillaria. Since toasting doesn’t affect seaweed’s iodine content, you can eat it dried or dried and toasted. Toast some in the oven or in a dry frying pan to see if you prefer that taste. You can also powdered seaweed to your food or add larger pieces of seaweed to soups, grains, or vegetables. Seaweed should be an enjoyable addition to your diet, not an unpleasant experience. If you simply don’t like its taste, you can get it in capsules. Use 5-10 grams of mixed brown and red seaweed for thyroid problems. This is about 1 ½ teaspoons per day. Not all seaweeds are safe to eat. Some come from polluted waters. Be more cautious and talk to a naturopath if you’re on thyroid meds and want to try seaweed. Protein – plain yogurt, lean meat, fish, poultry, and eggs Eat more of the following foods rich in B Vitamins and other needed minerals and vitamins essential for hair. Nuts Beef liver - organic, grass-fed Brown rice Bulgur Lentils Oats Sunflower seeds Walnuts Unprocessed Whole Grains Wheat Germ Rice Bran Citrus Fruits Eggs Cabbage Salmon Leafy Greens including spinach Make sure that your diet contains ample essential fatty acids. Eat fish 2—3 times a week (not deep-fried) - salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel – 2-3 times a week JUICING is very beneficial, for overall health also. Juicing is one of the best things you can do for your health and beauty. Try to juice as often as you can. EAT LESS The Standard American Diet is too rich in foods that actually starve the hair, such as fat, sugar, and refined foods. Eastern medicine says that eating too much meat can cause hair loss. This might very well be true. Cut down on sweets. Eastern medicine says that eating too much sugar can cause baldness on the sides of the forehead. Sugar is often a contributing factor in hair loss. After sugar is removed from some people’s diets, the hair-loss process is either halted or totally or partially reversed.

Thank you :). Off to look into these. Never heard of either of them.

We've used Calvert Math and dd has just recently started 7th Grade. Calvert stops at 8th. I'm happy with Calvert and like the cyclical nature of it. We've also used Singapore for extra practice. We love the Key To series. I really appreciate the emphasis on one topic at a time, particularly when the student needs go into something with greater depth and get more drill, and Calvert's cyclical method just doesn't always work. What math program can anyone recommend for 8th Grade and up? Something similar to any of these? I'm not into DVDs or online-based programs.

Read this and thought to share. All of us get depressed at times. These 5 steps will help temporary depression. If 5 steps are too many, just do the first one. It will help you move on to the rest. Put a copy of these 5 steps on your fridge. Then you’ll know where to look when you’re down and can’t get up. STEP ONE: KEEP MOVING Regular exercise improves your mood as much as medication. The last thing most of us want to do when we’re depressed is exercise. But it’s the most important step you can take. Force yourself to move. Within 20-30 minutes, you’ll have more energy and feel better emotionally. Force yourself to get out and walk. If it’s still daylight, get up right now and walk just for 20 minutes. You need to exercise 4-5 times a week to beat off depression. Daily is even better. STEP TWO: DON’T ISOLATE YOURSELF When you’re depressed, it’s difficult to reach out to others. But that’s just what you need to do. Stop making excuses. Your friends love you even when you’re feeling down. They want to help you as much as you want to help them when they’re in need. Pick up the phone and make a date with a friend to get together. Have them over for a cup of coffee or tea if you can’t get out. Look for activities that will distract you and take your mind off your problems. Arrange to go for a walk and exercise with a friend. Reach out, even if you don’t feel like it. If no one you know is available to get together, volunteer your services somewhere. Offer to help out one time for just a few hours. If you like it, do it regularly. You’ll meet new people and feel better being around others. STEP THREE: EAT HEALTHY FOODS Some foods will add to your depression. Others have the opposite effect. For instance, it’s important to get enough protein – as much as 15-20 grams with each meal. You need protein to help make mood-regulating chemicals. Protein also keeps your blood sugar from dropping. Low blood sugar can cause fatigue and temporary depression. Avoid any foods that trigger a low-blood-sugar response, such as sugar (honey, pure cane sugar juice, etc.), alcohol, fruit juices, and high quantities of refined carbohydrates (brad, crackers, white rice). Get junk foods out of the house today. When you want something sweet, eat a piece of fruit. Eat small amounts of unrefined carbohydrates such as beans, fresh fruit, and brown rice. They help your brain release serotonin. Half a cup of a starch, such as brown rice or one piece of fruit, is a reasonably small amount. Make eating good foods easy by planning in advance. Buy healthy frozen meals, especially those that are organic. Get pre-washed, pre-cut salad greens and vegetables to either eat raw or to sauté with your entrée. Have some bean dip on hand to eat for a meal or as a snack with carrots and celery. Buy healthy prepared soups, either dried, frozen, or in boxes. STEP FOUR: USE SUPPLEMENTS St. John’s Wort is the most popular and well-studied herb for minor and moderate depression. It has been tested head-to-head with Prozac. It often works just as well as Prozac with fewer side effects. One reason it works so well is because of its side effect. It causes photosensitivity. Bright light therapy helps reduce depression. By increasing your sensitivity to light, St. John’s Wort magnifies the effects of normal light. It acts just like you’re being exposed to continuous light therapy. The daily dosage varies from 300-1000 mg a day. Try it for at least a month. One warning: St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of some medications. If you take any drugs at all, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this herb. Raises serotonin levels Helps relieve chronic insomnia Helps relieve mild depression – especially if you’re healthy and not taking other medications. May help relieve panic attacks – when taken 2-3 times a day Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, take it in the evening after the sun has set. 5-HTP Helps with: • Sleep problems – quality and duration • Emotional eating and evening cravings – helps suppress appetite • Anxiety and depression as it increases serotonin levels • Melatonin production • Serotonin production Best if taken sublingually - opening the capsule and pouring the contents on your tongue. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything for 20 minutes before and after taking it. No more than about 3 capsules a day – can safely take up to 400 mg per day – although most need less. Loses its efficacy if taken every single day – best if you take breaks – sometimes alternating days – and sometimes take a break for an entire month or so It may take 1-2 weeks to notice any effects and up to 6 weeks to notice the full benefits. Be cautious about taking this if you’re on anti-depressants STEP FIVE: USE AROMATHERAPY TO HEAL Essential oils are never used topically. Never take them internally unless you are under the care of health care practitioner skilled in using them. However, you can safely rub a few drops on your wrist, put them in your bath, or add them to oil and give your hands and feet an aromatherapy massage. Use only pure essential oils. Synthetic ones won’t work as well. Lavender is known for its ability to lift depression. It relaxes, stimulates, calms, and invigorates. Ravensera is energizing and uplifting. It helps relieve chronic depression and promotes energy and mental clarity. Bitter Orange helps lift anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia. Patchouli calms the nerves, improves concentration, and lifts depression. REMEMBER THAT: Everything changes. Today’s depression will turn into tomorrow’s peacefulness and joy if you’ll allow it. Concentrate on everything you have rather than what you don’t have. Appreciate each little blessing. :grouphug: BTW, your avatar is absolutely gorgeous.

These are our favorites. But generally, most of us loathe pencils. We weren't even allowed to use pencils in schools when I was growing up in Britain and later here in Grenada. By the age of 7 or 8, we all had to use pens, and preferably fountain/ink pens - which I didn't care for either. Just give me a regular nice medium-point pen and I'm good to go. :)

Peela, your post was brilliant and I truly agree with all that you said. I think you'd find "The Anti Cancer Book" of great interest and help - he talks about milk, hormones, and all of that. Milk and white sugar are amongst the top culprits for so many problems ranging from acne, asthma, allergies, girls developing far more quickly than before ... all the way up to cancer (white sugar is huge with cancer - cancer cells feed on sugar). The more Mediterranean and the more plant-based our diets, the better our overall health ... I'm not perfect either. I love the occasional dessert and I certainly don't stick to being good all the time. But I try. The less processed and the less animal foods - especially grain-fed - the better. You're on the right track. Reading and researching really helps. Yes, I wish I looked like your avatar also. :D :grouphug: :lol:

You might be interested in this book, Should I Be Tested for Cancer? by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch. I haven't read it. Is there a reason why she wants you to have a colonoscopy? Do you have family history, symptoms/problems (not trying to get personal here), or are over 50? Otherwise, I would also leave this alone. Just my humble opinion. I don't plan on having one of those anytime soon. I eat fiber like it's going out of style. No family history either. But if I didn't, or had symptoms, agreeing on colonoscopy. Ladies, this book, which dh just finished and which I have yet to read, has a part on mammograms. He read me parts of it. Very, very interesting. You could just pop into a B&N store and read that part, or skim through it. I can't answer your questions, since I didn't come up with any of the info myself. I got my info from various sources that I trust, such as Natural Solutions magazine, friends whom I trust and who are naturopaths - very well-informed, Dr. Nan Fuchs and her fan-tab-u-lous book - which, to me, is worth its weight in gold. Again, for me personally, the radiation and squeezing is not a good thing. There are many articles on this in the Natural Solutions magazine site if you do a search. If I found an abnormal thermogram, then I would consider a mammogram. Just me. You are most welcome. :) Don't feel stressed about this. Read up on it if you can. Don't panic. Breathe. And pray about it or talk with people who are fair, if you can. I'd love to hear what Peela has to say. Do you do monthly self-exams? Sorry if you answered that already. Do you have a family history? Can you try to live as healthy as you can? There's a wonderful book "The Anti-Cancer Book" that's very intelligent, practical, and full of hope. If I could afford it, I would buy this book for all my friends and loved ones. My dh says that it changed his life. I can't tell you what to do. I can tell you to research and read more - and try to have an open mind (which you definitely seem to have, since oftentimes when I say this to some, you would think that I was saying the sky is green or something) ... It's okay if you take a few months with your decision. :grouphug: Just want to add, that I always love your avatar. :D If you or anyone wants specific lifestyle (diet, etc.) tips for breast cancer, let me know. This is all based on The Anti-Cancer book and Dr. Nan Fuchs's book above. Just want to add that: Discomfort, tenderness, and noticeable growth are normal especially around menstrual periods when estrogen levels change, it may be that the cysts disappear after the monthly period. However if the lump is hard, does not move freely and does not go away, check with a doctor immediately. One should not necessarily think that just because someone in their family has cancer, you're going to get it. Genes account for at most 15% of cancers, almost all the rest is due to diet and lifestyle factors. A landmark New England Journal of Medicine study showed that children adopted at birth by parents who died of cancer before the age of 50 had the cancer risk of their adoptive parents, not of their biological ones. What gets passed on from one generation to the next are cancer-causing habits and environmental exposures, not just cancer-causing genes. This finding indicates that the environment has the principal role in causing common cancers. So, again, at most, genetic factors contribute 15% to our cancer risk. What matters for 85% of cancers is what we do -- or do not do enough of -- with our life. Knowing that genetics are only a minor contribution to cancer helps us realize how much is in our power to help our body be a stronger partner in nourishing life and resisting cancer. Believing that cancer is attributed to genes is a fatalistic idea but believing that cancer can be controlled by nutrition is a far more hopeful idea.

I love these types of threads ... sort of like "the best" of everything. Thank you for posting this and for sharing. Got to try this. :D

Sleep apnea exists in 2 forms: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – the most common type Central Sleep Apnea – a more rare version caused by nervous-system problems OSA Upper airway becomes obstructed – usually because the throat muscles that keep the airway stiff relax too much, collapse, and block breathing. An apnea or cessation of breath, typically lasts about 20 seconds, and occurs 20 to 30 times an hour. Because you wake up so briefly, you typically don’t remember it. For that reason, many people go undiagnosed. Symptoms include: • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness • Morning Headaches • Irritability • Difficulty Concentrating • Memory Problems • Frequent Nocturnal Urination • Lowered Libido • Loud and Chronic Snoring • Pauses in breathing (typically lasting 10-20 seconds) while sleeping • Gasps, snorts, or choking sounds while sleeping (usually following the pauses) Causes: • Extra Pounds • Nasal Obstruction – allergies, congestion, deviated septum, small sinuses • Tongue-Nerve Problems – only medical tests can measure nerve function • Excess Mouth and Throat Tissue – doctor’s opinion needed • Small Jaw – doctor can determine this Undiagnosed sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and more. What to Do: Lose Weight Avoid Alcohol Quit Smoking Clear Sinuses – saline spray or neti pot Identify allergens – dairy, wheat, mucus-producing foods like bananas Try an elimination diet – google it Quell Inflammation – Diets high in fat, sugar, or processed foods, and a sedentary lifestyle can cause chronic inflammation. This has been linked to sleep apnea. Shun saturated fats, trans fats, refined grains, excess sugar, char-grilled foods, cigarette smoke, and chronic stress. Strengthen Throat Muscles – Keep your tongue on the floor of your mouth, with your lips closed for about 10 minutes, twice a day. Most patients’ sleep apnea disappears within 1 month of doing this exercise. http://www.silentnighttreatment.com Acupuncture – helps greatly Sleep on your side – Elevating your head with extra pillows may also help Exercise More Say a vowel rapidly for 3 minutes daily – this soft-palate exercise can reduce sleep apnea severity by 39 percent. BOOK Sleep Interrupted by Dr. Steven Park

Just copying and pasting the research I've come up with. Have not yet read all the replies. I'm not saying that I'll never have a mammogram. I may or may not have them eventually. No history of breast cancer. I'm 42. I will have a thermogram in October. I have a few friends, one of whom has history of breast cancer. Like Peela, they rely on self-exams and healthy living. They're all in their mid-50s and have told me that they will never have a mammogram. My mother's first mammogram was around 60. She's also going for her first thermogram later this week. BOOKS Waking the Warrior Goddess: Dr. Christine Horner’s Program to Protect Against and Fight Breast Cancer The Breast Cancer Prevention Program by Samuel S. Epstein, MD and David Steinman Should I Be Tested for Cancer? by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch MAMMOGRAMS Radiation Mammograms employ low-dose X-rays to examine the breast tissue. The more you expose yourself, the more damage your body endures. The earlier you begin screening mammography, the more radiation exposure you will experience and a high incidence of false-negative (and false-positive) readings because younger women typically have denser breast tissue, which makes accurate mammogram readings more difficult. In sum, routine mammography screening, particularly for younger or pre-menopausal women, may cause more harm than good. The pre-menopausal breast is highly sensitive to radiation, each rad exposure increasing the risk of breast cancer by one percent. This results in a cumulative 10 percent increased risk of breast cancer over ten years of pre-menopausal mammography. These risks are even greater for younger women subject to “baseline screening” The Nordic Cochrane Centre in Denmark found that mammograms may harm 10 times as many women as they help The researchers examined the benefits and negative effects of seven breast cancer screening programs on 500,000 women in the United States, Canada, Scotland and Sweden. The study’s authors found that for every 2,000 women who received mammograms over a 10-year period, only one would have her life prolonged, but 10 would endure unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments. However, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) breast screening program – which provides free mammograms for women over the age of 50 every three years – cited different statistics in defending its program. An NHS statement said the Department of Health’s advisory committee on breast cancer screening had conducted its own evaluation of the program, and found that screening prolonged the lives of five women out of every 2,000 over a 10-year period. A woman’s radiation dose from a typical mammogram is considerably more than from a typical chest X-ray. According to the US Department of Energy, a woman’s radiation dose from a typical mammogram is 2.5 mSv (millisievert or effective dose). By comparison, the effective dose from a chest X-ray is considerably less at 0.1 mSv. Whatever you may be told, refuse routine mammograms, especially if you are pre-menopausal. The x-ray may increase your chances of getting cancer. Mammograms squeeze the breasts so hard that encapsulated cancer cells can rupture, causing a dormant cancer to become active and grow. Since mammographic screening was introduced, the incidence of a form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS ) has increased by 328%. According to some health practitioners, this compression could cause existing cancer cells to metastasize from the breast site. There has been a large number of slow growing and benign growths, such as DCIS, that are diagnosed as a consequence of a screening mammography. Research has also found a gene, called oncogene AC that is extremely sensitive to even small doses of radiation. A significant percentage of women in the United States have this gene, which could increase their risk of mammography-induced cancer. They estimate that 10,000 AC carriers will die of breast cancer this year due to mammography. Limited in what they can find Mammograms are finding cancers that breast exams may miss, but they’re not finding minute cancers or pre-cancerous conditions. Thermography offers a safer method of evaluating breast tissue for abnormalities way before cancer begins – in time to change the inner environment and prevent breast cancer. Mammograms also carry a high rate of inaccuracy, both positive and negative. In other words, it sounds the alarm for cancer in up to 10 percent of women who don’t really have it, and doesn’t find it in 10 to 30 percent of women who actually do have it. In addition to annual radiation exposure from a screening mammogram, every false-positive mammogram reading often leads to a diagnostic mammogram and even more radiation exposure. Mammograms can only find cancer tumors that have already grown and reached a certain size. Breast cancer in young women is typically more aggressive than breast cancer in older women. This is because younger women who have breast cancer are more likely to have a genetic predisposition to the disease. While it's important to detect any cancer as early as possible, it's vital for women under the age of 50. That's because genetic cancers are often the fastest growing cancers. Most doctors will tell you mammograms are the best way to detect early breast cancer. But, unfortunately, mammograms aren't a reliable way to find small tumors. Mammography is not the only option. Monthly breast-self examination (BSE) Annual examination by a gynecologist or trained nurse BREAST THERMOGRAPHY Relies on a heat-sensing infrared camera to scan for abnormalities Noninvasive (no tissue is exposed to X-rays) Safe Does not involve any of the manipulation or squeezing of the breast that’s part of getting a mammogram - thermography simply requires having a few pictures taken at a distance of several feet Very effective at detecting abnormalities, or changes in tissue, long before mammography or other screening methods could Thermography detects changes (such as estrogen dominance) that may not show up on a mammogram for years. With thermography, one is able to pick up the problem at its earliest and most treatable stage. Breast thermography can find pre-cancerous conditions before a tumor forms. Studies show thermography can indicate a cancer may be forming up to 12 years before any other test can detect any problem. It gives you early warnings long before a tumor forms. The only tumors that are unlikely to show in thermograms are those that are slow-growing and not aggressive. Yet thermography cannot pinpoint the exact location of damaged or cancerous cells, so you still need additional procedures, such as mammography, to determine if an actual tumor is forming or has already formed, or to pinpoint the precise location of an existing abnormality. Another drawback: a lack of uniform regulation in equipment and training for diagnostic technicians—and insurance plans rarely cover its use. The most reliable site: http://www.breastthermography.com/ - helps find a good and reliable center near you • You should be acclimated in the room for at least 15 minutes after disrobing • There should be no draft or cold air on your body • The background color on your thermogram should be black – any other color means that the room is too warm • Your thermogram should be read and signed only by a board-certified health care provider who is licensed to diagnose, trained in breast imaging, and certified by an organization such as the one linked above – if your analysis is not signed, do not accept it WHEN TO GET A MAMMOGRAPHY If a woman has discovered a lump After the age of 50 or after menopause - when the breast is much less sensitive to radiation – at which point it is best to combine mammography with thermography to get the very best, most accurate information in detecting the earliest possible cancers Just because you have a lump in your breast doesn’t mean you have cancer. Pseudo Lump is breast tissue approaching 1 inch in diameter that has formed into a lump, such as a pocket of dead fat or scar tissue that resulted from trauma caused by surgery or injury. Lumpiness – little bumps that are approximately one-eighth inch in diameter. Harmless and perfectly natural – and has not been linked to later development of breast cancer Cyst – These lumps are fluid-filled sacs that are most common in women between 30 and 55 They feel squishy near the surface Those that are more deeply embedded in breast tissue feel harder Fibroid or Fibroadenoma is a lump ranging from half an inch to 2 ½ inches or larger. A rare cancer occurs in about 1% of all these lumps (usually the larger ones). This type of cancer is relatively harmless because it doesn’t spread. You’ve got plenty of time to look at all your options. Cancer Lump – By the time a cancerous lump is large enough for you to feel, it’s usually grown about half an inch in diameter. If a cancerous lump is much smaller, you won’t feel it. In the early stages, a lump of cancerous cells feels like normal tissue. It will not change with menstrual cycles and is rarely painful. Unless the type of cancer you have is extremely aggressive, you still have time to get information and examine your options. According to a survey published in the British Medical Journal of 27 websites containing information on mammography screening, the following websites garnered a top rating for balanced, unbiased information: National Breast Cancer Coalition: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org Breast Cancer Action: http://www.bcation.org Center For Medical Consumers: http://www.medicalconsumers.org

My dd tried JAG at 6th grade. We tried and tried and tried ... hated it more than anything. We still joke about it to this day and she's even made up songs about it. ;) :lol:

I really, really like these books - thanks to Merry for recommending them to me a while back. Very thorough, comprehensive, and most of all, user-friendly. :)

I finished and loved The Girl Who Played with Fire. Can't wait till the last one arrives in the mail. :) Am about to start Lottery - the premise looks good and looks like it would make a nice movie.

and would love free shipping on books as well as fast service, you may already know about this site, but if you don't, visit bookdepository.com We used to spend so much more on shipping at amazon. Of course, shipping with amazon within the U.S. is often free after purchasing a certain amount, but not outside the U.S. This is why I love bookdepository.

We used WW for far too long and yes, in the end, it was definitely just busy work for us. I would not use it again and will not be using it for ds. We now prefer Vocab from Classical Roots as well as Red Hot Root Words. Both these programs teach word parts - so the program simply makes more sense - it's more systematic and organized.

JAG never worked for us. Dd was doing great initially. Then we tried and tried. It just got worse. We really don't like this program and were so very, very happy to be done with it. We almost had a party in celebration. ;)

Stacia, we have almost all the Tintin books and Asterix ones also. Dh and the dc have loved both. Tintin was very popular in Iran when I was a child. We also have all the Calvin and Hobbes. :) I'm reading and LOVING The Girl Who Played with Fire. I don't want to put it down. Certain parts of it are making me quite anxious. The beginning is very interesting, since it takes place in Grenada. The author used to vacation here quite often. Also re-reading and this time taking serious notes - The Anti Cancer Book - an absolutely fabulous overall health book. Couldn't recommend it more. Written by a doctor diagnosed with a brain tumor and how he healed. Full of hope and lots of practical info. No wacky, quacky stuff. Solid research and just great. This is the story of a doctor who had brain cancer twice. At the age of 31, he diagnosed himself with a malignant brain tumor. I can't even begin to imagine. He's one of the founding members of Doctors Without Borders.

Here's much more info than you are probably looking for. I've been taking niacin for years. My parents also. We never take the flush-free varieties. NIACIN (VITAMIN B3) When Niacin (which is a B vitamin) is taken with a statin, the combination reduces heart attack risk by 90 percent. • Raises good HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides. • It enlarges the smallest, densest, most dangerous particles so they’re less likely to damage arteries • Brings down levels of another harmful component of blood called lipoprotein (a), which is resistant to the benefits of statins, diet, and exercise. • Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin • Aids in the functioning of the nervous system • Is also a memory-enhancer. Helps prevent memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease • Aids in metabolizing fats and promotes a healthy digestive system, alleviating GI disturbances. • Helps prevent and ease severity of migraine headaches. • Reduces high blood pressure • Eases some attacks of diarrhea - Many people who have suffered from diarrhea and IBS for years, have had their problems cleared up in a day or two after taking niacin. • Reduces the unpleasant symptoms of vertigo in Meniere’s disease • Increases energy through proper use of food • Helps eliminate canker sores and, often, bad breath You can’t get enough niacin in your diet to achieve the above results. To gain a cardiovascular benefit, you need at least 500 mg. At this dosage, many commonly experience flushing, which subsides within an hour. So, it’s best to avoid taking it right before leaving the house or going to sleep. These symptoms can be minimized if the niacin is taken with aspirin or a meal. I always, always take niacin with food. In fact, flushing is a positive sign that blood vessels are dilating in response to the niacin, and patients who flush ultimately raise their HDLs and lower their triglycerides more than those who don’t flush. Niacin is more effective than niacinamide. CAUTION: • Do not take more than 2000 mg daily. Very high doses can damage the liver. One capsule of 500 mg per day is the usual recommendation, unless the doctor suggests otherwise. • Be careful if you have prediabetes or diabetes. Niacin can raise levels of blood glucose. This effect is generally mild, though, and doesn’t outweigh its heart-protecting benefits. But it’s good to consult with your doctor before taking it. • Also use caution if pregnant, have glaucoma, gout, liver disease, or peptic ulcers.

I was about to say the same kind of thing. Hazelnuts are much, much better for you than peanuts, which, apparently are not good for you at all. To me, Nutella is the best processed food out there. If I'm going to treat myself, that's the first thing I reach for. No HFCS or other rubbish either. :D Have not tried the bacon recipe yet. But can't wait! :) Sounds so, so, good.

This looks really good, Stacia. I've just started The Lost Symbol. Really love Dan Brown. Finished re-reading, this time while taking extensive notes - 456 Most Powerful Healing Secrets - an absolutely brilliant book. Also reading, but not really loving - The Power of Positive Thinking - I much, much prefer his day book - Positive Thinking Every Day. Also re-reading, and this time taking lots and lots of notes - the absolutely wonderful book - The Anti Cancer Book. I love this book - it's full of hope and full of credible info.