I’ll Drink to That
On my most recent birthday my husband gave me a beautiful, lush potted plant that I simply adored. A week later I took off for a three-week trip to Africa, leaving my daughter to care for my new plant while I was away. Imagine my dismay when I returned home and found a mass of dry, crumpled leaves slumped over the sides of the pot that had once been... [Read more]
In the Lyme Light
Lyme disease is the fastest-growing infectious disease in the United States, and 2012 is predicted to hold the highest risk ever for contracting it. Like most people, Vibrant Life editor Heather Quintana didn’t think she was at risk. But after several years of seizures, night sweats, and severe fatigue, a blood test traced all her health problems... [Read more]
Foods That Fight Cancer
If you want to fill your grocery cart with foods that will help keep cancer far from home, start with these powerful foods: Colorful Fruits & Vegetables According to the recent World Cancer Research Fund report, fruits and vegetables are especially protective against cancer of the lung, mouth, esophagus, and stomach. A Swedish study, for example,... [Read more]
How to Show Support for Someone Who Has Cancer
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is horrifying news that deeply affects patients and their loved ones. Offering support is crucial, yet we may feel we don’t know the “right” thing to say or do. Still, we can’t let feelings of discomfort stop us from coming alongside our loved one at a time of great need. Cindy Hendren, whose son Ethan was diagnosed... [Read more]
Six Ways to Relieve Pain Naturally
Antidepressants, muscle relaxers, analgesics, and antianxiety medications—nearly a dozen prescriptions were supposed to manage Myrna Scott’s fibromyalgia symptoms. But instead of helping her feel better, the side effects—such as a severely upset stomach and a general feeling of being “out of it”—made her feel even worse. So she decided to... [Read more]
Simple Strategies for Outmaneuvering Motion Sickness
You’re sitting in the passenger seat of your family’s SUV, watching trees rush past in a blur. Your head spins, your stomach lurches, and a warm, clammy feeling comes over you. No, you’re not in love. You’re experiencing motion sickness. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are among the busiest travel periods of the year. If you’re... [Read more]
Getting Smart About Cancer
Really stop to think about your diet. How many servings of fruits and vegetables did you honestly have yesterday? In response to that question, many people sigh and think, I need more veggies. It’s just too inconvenient to eat healthfully! Research agrees with that inner voice telling you to eat more veggies. In fact, for most people diet and lifestyle... [Read more]
Cancer risks during each decade of life – Women
Women are diagnosed with more new cases of cancer each year than men. However, men have more cancer mortality. For both genders a lot of these cases are preventable. The American Cancer Society estimates that out of the 555,000 Americans who will die of cancer this year, approximately 170,000 will die because of tobacco use, and 19,000 will die of causes... [Read more]
Protect Your Family From Antibiotic Resistance
Last year when Meredith started getting symptoms of a sinus infection, this 44-year-old teacher and busy mother of three opted to call her doctor’s office and describe the symptoms to the nurse instead of going in for an evaluation. After speaking with the doctor, the nurse called in a prescription for antibiotics to the local pharmacy. A few... [Read more]
Coping With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Sarah,* 24, wakes up every morning and immediately taps seven times on the edge of her bed; she’s compelled to perform this ritual like clockwork, out of fear that if she doesn’t, something terrible will happen to her or her family. Seven is Sarah’s safe number; she eats her meals only at 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m., repeats words compulsively... [Read more]
