Benefits of Chocolate

1. 

   "A new study credits the trendiest topics in food science - inflammation and gut microbes - with eating dark chocolate." John Finley, food scientist
   
   

   The microbes in our intestines are said to feast upon the fiber and antioxidants in dark chocolate, turning them into compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the heart.  Who needs a better reason to enjoy dark chocolate?!  I love dark chocolate-covered almonds from Trader Joe's.  Family members are so aware of this that I am often gifted with a container of them.  Yum.  A few in the evening curbs that craving for sweets that often comes to people in the evening hours.  

Benefits of Meditation

1. 

   "Meditation, as a regular practice, can calm your system, help your heart, and hold off all manner of annoyances." Prevention Magazine
   
   

   Regular meditation can help your brain.  The stillness of meditation increases compassion and engages neural systems in the brain associated with empathy.  Blood pressure can be lowered by regular meditation.  Psoriasis can be improved by meditation, because stress often shows up in skin eruptions.  Cortisol is associated with belly fat, and meditation can lower this stress hormone.  Meditation has been shown to ease joint pain.  

   
   

   Meditation is one practice which helps us to handle the stress of caregiving.  Caregivers may think they do not have time for meditation or yoga or regular exercise; but, really, can we afford not to make time?

Coconut Oil

1. 

   "The practice of swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 10 minutes has long been a practice within Ayurvedic medicine." Jessica Emery, DMD
   
   

   A couple of recent studies support the use of coconut oil for helping to prevent cavities and gingivitis and bad breath.  Some also say that it helps whiten the teeth and can support the neurological system.  If you want to try it, gently swish 1 tablespoon warmed coconut oil in mouth for 10 minutes before brushing your teeth and flossing, perhaps 2-3 times a week.  Coconut oil does have a natural antimicrobial lauric acid.   

Warning Signs of Stroke

1. 

   "Do you know what a stroke looks like?  Fewer than half of women do." Prevention Magazine
   
   

   Signs of a stroke are correlated with the word:  FAST:

   1.  Face drooping.  Does one side of face droop or is it numb?

   2.  Arm weakness:  Is one arm numb or weak?  Try lifting both arms.  Does one drift down?

   3.  Speech difficulty:  Is it hard to speak or pronounce words correctly?  A sentence to try on is: 'The sky is blue."

   4.  Time to call 911:  If you notice any one of these symptoms, call 911 -- even if the symptom (s) goes away.  You may have suffered a ministroke and be more vulnerable to more.

   
   

   As women and as caregivers, we can monitor our own and other's health by knowing these signs.

Patience

1. 

   "True patience is a silent energy, one that restores and strengthens."  Daily Word
   
   

   Patience is one thing I have felt I do not have in large supply, but patience is something we, as caregivers, need in spades.  It takes so long to do anything with the loved one, as his/her abilities diminish.    I once heard Eckhart Tolle say that one should be enjoying oneself as one waits.  He gives the example of waiting in line, and when asked, says he is not waiting but enjoying himself -- enjoying being with himself.  I do enjoy my own company.  Rarely do I feel lonely or bored, but waiting is still a challenge for me.  Therefore, waiting must be something from which I can learn; and I will.

Smile

1. 

   "If we really know how to live, what better way to start the day than with a smile?  Our smile affirms our awareness and determination to live in peace and joy." Thich Nhat Hanh
   
   

   I have read research that indicates that babies smile hundreds of times a day; and adults only a few times in comparison.  There is a lesson in here for us.  There is also research that tells us that even the simple act of smiling improves our mood, by somehow affecting the chemicals in our brains.  So many reasons to smile.  To greet people by looking in their eyes and smiling (unless your culture has different standards) is to honor the person and also to uphold your determination to live in joy.  I listened to Oprah interview Carolyn Myss last night, and I was struck by her opinion that each and every one of us has a purpose in life -- and our time here in this life is to live ever more faithfully to that purpose.  Where we go astray is by trying to live according to someone else's purpose or what someone else thinks is our purpose.  Perhaps the purpose of life is as simple as being determined to live in joy.  That can start with a smile.  

Helping Our Metabolism

1. 

   "People exposed to bright light early in the day tend to be thinner than those whose sleep schedules or darkened rooms don't expose them to light until afternoon." Kathryn Reid, research professor of neurology
   
   

   According to this study, done at Northwestern University, morning sunlight has bluer rays which synchronize circadian rhythms and support metabolism.  The study recommends 20 minutes of bright light daily between 8:00 a.m. and noon.  Morning sunlight boosts metabolism despite age, physical activity, calorie intake and sleep patterns.  An easy way to help support our metabolism and maintain optimal weight.