We came to Houston Sunday for Jim’s scans—the first since November when he was declared to be in full remission from stage IV lung cancer. The scan was to be a combined CT/PET. At least that is what we expected. But when Jim reported for the scan early Monday morning, the radiologist informed him that they would only be doing a PET—to be followed by a CT scan if anything lights up on the PET.
Obviously, the doctors are concerned about the excessive amount of cumulative radiation exposure Jim has incurred over the past nine years. I don’t have a precise number but I would be safe to say he has had 30 PET scans, 30 CT scans, 10 chest X-rays, 8 bone scans plus CT guided surgeries, and therapeutic high dose radiotherapy. It’s a wonder he is allowed to pass through airports! Initially no one thought he would live long enough to experience problems from the multitude of diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures he has endured. But, he surprised them.
All of this got me thinking—and subsequently researching. How many scans are too many? What risks are involved? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Most diagnostic tests use a form of radiant energy. X-rays have been around since 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen accidentally discovered that cathode rays penetrated many kinds of matter. He took a picture of his wife’s hand and was amazed to see the clear image of her bones. His study led to the discovery of a new kind of electromagnetic wave which he called the “X-ray.”
At about the same time, scientists in other parts of Europe were working with other forms of penetrating radiation. The implications of these discoveries for the medical field were immediately apparent. What was not immediately apparent was the risk involved with prolonged exposure. Marie Curie whose work with uranium led to the discovery of radium and polonium died of pernicious anemia—more than likely a result of repeated exposure to the radioactive materials.
The risks inherent in the chemical structure of these elements present the same problems for us in the twenty first century.
We are exposed to radiation in every day living. In fact, you might say we are showered with it. The amount depends in part on where one lives and how much sun exposure one receives. The average exposure from natural sources is thought to be between 2 and 3 mSv per year. (An mSv is a measure of radiation--the effective dose or risk averaged over the entire body.) This is an oversimplification but gives us a comparison point for the ensuing discussion of exposure from tests and procedures.
One chest X-ray is equivalent to the amount of naturally occurring radiation one would absorb over a ten 10 day period. In other words, it is negligible.
But what about a CAT scan? I was surprised to learn that the radiation from a CAT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is equivalent to five years of naturally occurring radiation. If done with contrast—ten years!
Tomorrow I will discuss the risks verses benefits of routine testing.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Confucius say: Don't throw out baby with bathwater.
If you read my last post, Chinese Medicine: Panacea or Poppycock, you might conclude that I fall into the Poppycock camp. I don’t. But neither do I belong the Panacea camp. It is difficult for me to accept a mode of treatment which is not based on the anatomical structure of the human body. However, I concede that some aspects of Traditional Chinese medicine are helpful in certain situations even if I can’t accept the theories and philosophies on which they are based.
For example, Qigong, a “TCM system of exercise and meditation that combines regulated breathing, slow movement, and focused awareness” undoubtedly helps with relaxation, flexibility, and strength whether or not it controls the flow of “chi.” The gentle exercise probably does not have a direct effect on cancer, but it does effect the overall well being of the patient—possibly even boosting the immune system. Should you try it? Why not? Can’t do any harm.
There is emerging clinical evidence that acupuncture is effective in alleviating some medical conditions—side effects of chemotherapy, osteoarthritis, migraines, depression, and many other pain related symptoms. Because acupuncture has been deemed safe and without complications, I wouldn’t hesitate to try it for pain control. However, it is not a cure for the underlying condition.
“Tui Na is a form of massage akin to acupressure (from which shiatsu evolved). Oriental massage is typically administered with the patient fully clothed, without the application of grease or oils. Choreography often involves thumb presses, rubbing, percussion, and stretches.” Again, I see no reason not to try this form of gentle massage. You don’t have to understand how it works to enjoy the benefits.
“Regarding Traditional Chinese herbal therapy, only a few trials of adequate methodology exist and its effectiveness therefore remains poorly documented.” Some of the herbs used in Chinese medicine are probably effective. No surprise, since many of our modern medicines are made from herbs. The problem with using herbs is in quality and quantity control. I have, in the past, taken herbs for energy, general well being, and minor health concerns, but I am always aware that they are not to be taken carelessly. Over the years I have tried the “herb a la mode” including cats claw, goldenseal, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, arnica, and a host of others. I no longer take herbs because I didn’t see any difference when taking them and, frankly, I got tired of taking (and paying for) so many supplements. I would not recommend herbal medicines for anyone with a serious disease.
Chinese food therapy according to Wikipedia is a practice in the belief of healing through the use of natural foods instead of medications. The underlying idea behind this practice is the balance of energy, Yin and Yang, through the use of “hot” and “cold” foods. This has nothing to do with temperature but rather the very essence of the food ingested. Who can deny the nutritional benefits of onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, mushrooms, and cucumber? But if my health practitioner asked me to eat a bird’s nest (that is the literal nest of a bird not the yummy noodle dish served in Chinese restaurants) or swallow broth made of duck gizzards, I don’t think I’d partake. Nor would I intentionally ingest ear wax, toe nails, or dandruff. But then “Chacun son gout” or “‘Everybody to their own notion,’ said the old lady when she kissed the cow.”
In my opinion, which is supported by controlled studies, the afore mentioned modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine are harmless and possibly helpful in treating some medical conditions or or symptoms. I would not use them instead of conventional medicine for the treatment of cancer but would consider them as complements to a physician- directed cancer protocol. If you are a caregiver trying to reduce stress and maintain your health, you might consider these treatments.
For example, Qigong, a “TCM system of exercise and meditation that combines regulated breathing, slow movement, and focused awareness” undoubtedly helps with relaxation, flexibility, and strength whether or not it controls the flow of “chi.” The gentle exercise probably does not have a direct effect on cancer, but it does effect the overall well being of the patient—possibly even boosting the immune system. Should you try it? Why not? Can’t do any harm.
There is emerging clinical evidence that acupuncture is effective in alleviating some medical conditions—side effects of chemotherapy, osteoarthritis, migraines, depression, and many other pain related symptoms. Because acupuncture has been deemed safe and without complications, I wouldn’t hesitate to try it for pain control. However, it is not a cure for the underlying condition.
“Tui Na is a form of massage akin to acupressure (from which shiatsu evolved). Oriental massage is typically administered with the patient fully clothed, without the application of grease or oils. Choreography often involves thumb presses, rubbing, percussion, and stretches.” Again, I see no reason not to try this form of gentle massage. You don’t have to understand how it works to enjoy the benefits.
“Regarding Traditional Chinese herbal therapy, only a few trials of adequate methodology exist and its effectiveness therefore remains poorly documented.” Some of the herbs used in Chinese medicine are probably effective. No surprise, since many of our modern medicines are made from herbs. The problem with using herbs is in quality and quantity control. I have, in the past, taken herbs for energy, general well being, and minor health concerns, but I am always aware that they are not to be taken carelessly. Over the years I have tried the “herb a la mode” including cats claw, goldenseal, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, arnica, and a host of others. I no longer take herbs because I didn’t see any difference when taking them and, frankly, I got tired of taking (and paying for) so many supplements. I would not recommend herbal medicines for anyone with a serious disease.
Chinese food therapy according to Wikipedia is a practice in the belief of healing through the use of natural foods instead of medications. The underlying idea behind this practice is the balance of energy, Yin and Yang, through the use of “hot” and “cold” foods. This has nothing to do with temperature but rather the very essence of the food ingested. Who can deny the nutritional benefits of onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, mushrooms, and cucumber? But if my health practitioner asked me to eat a bird’s nest (that is the literal nest of a bird not the yummy noodle dish served in Chinese restaurants) or swallow broth made of duck gizzards, I don’t think I’d partake. Nor would I intentionally ingest ear wax, toe nails, or dandruff. But then “Chacun son gout” or “‘Everybody to their own notion,’ said the old lady when she kissed the cow.”
In my opinion, which is supported by controlled studies, the afore mentioned modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine are harmless and possibly helpful in treating some medical conditions or or symptoms. I would not use them instead of conventional medicine for the treatment of cancer but would consider them as complements to a physician- directed cancer protocol. If you are a caregiver trying to reduce stress and maintain your health, you might consider these treatments.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Chinese Medicine: Panacea or Poppycock
“Chinese medicine refers to a broad range of medical practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years. These practices are a common part of medical care throughout East Asia but are considered alternative medicine in the Western world.”(Wikipedia)
Today’s proponents of traditional Chinese medicine seem to think that because it is old it is better. In reality, many of the theories on which it is based have been disproven by modern science. Others may not have been disproven, but they have not been “proven” to be effective in treating disease. I am amazed that rational people who would dismiss other ancient medical practices—voodoo, bloodletting, leeches, and trepanning, to name a few—are able to embrace medical practices based on the mysticism of an ancient culture. The theory in simplest terms on which Chinese medicine is based: Energy moves through meridians in the body, traveling to the organs. Illness results when this energy or “chi” is blocked. For healing to occur the flow of energy must be restored. Among the methods used to accomplish healing are cupping, qigong, moxtibustion, acupuncture, and various herbal remedies.
Medical education in most of China, until recent years, was inferior to medical education in Western countries. In fact, during the 1960s it was nearly non-existent. Admission to medical schools in the last decades of the 20th century required limited prior education. Some students had no more than a junior high education. Much of the curriculum was devoted to political ideology rather than rigorous medical training. However, doctors in the large cities were well trained and practiced conventional medicine.
Another interesting phenomenon peculiar to Chinese medicine was the institution of “barefoot doctors.” In 1968, in order to provide medical care to the largely rural population, farmers were trained to travel throughout their provinces giving basic care to the poor. Candidates were required to be high school graduates who then received three to six months training in a community hospital. The services they provided were basic and primarily preventive—first-aid for injuries, prenatal care, immunizations, childbirth, and health education. Because of the unavailability of many medications, they relied heavily on herbs and folk treatments. They were provided with a textbook, A Barefoot Doctor’s Manual, which gave instructions for the doctors when care in a modern facility was out of reach.
When the manual reached the Western hemisphere, “Chinese alternative medicine went from being a vague curiosity to being an all-out pop culture fad.”(Brian Dunning) People failed to realize that the information was written for lay “doctors” doing the best they could for a population that had no access to modern medicine or hospitals. The methods were not the first choice but better than nothing in less than ideal conditions.
If you are considering an alternative medicine for a life threatening disease like cancer, be sure you have all the facts. Natural doesn’t always mean better. Purge the poppycock.
Today’s proponents of traditional Chinese medicine seem to think that because it is old it is better. In reality, many of the theories on which it is based have been disproven by modern science. Others may not have been disproven, but they have not been “proven” to be effective in treating disease. I am amazed that rational people who would dismiss other ancient medical practices—voodoo, bloodletting, leeches, and trepanning, to name a few—are able to embrace medical practices based on the mysticism of an ancient culture. The theory in simplest terms on which Chinese medicine is based: Energy moves through meridians in the body, traveling to the organs. Illness results when this energy or “chi” is blocked. For healing to occur the flow of energy must be restored. Among the methods used to accomplish healing are cupping, qigong, moxtibustion, acupuncture, and various herbal remedies.
Medical education in most of China, until recent years, was inferior to medical education in Western countries. In fact, during the 1960s it was nearly non-existent. Admission to medical schools in the last decades of the 20th century required limited prior education. Some students had no more than a junior high education. Much of the curriculum was devoted to political ideology rather than rigorous medical training. However, doctors in the large cities were well trained and practiced conventional medicine.
Another interesting phenomenon peculiar to Chinese medicine was the institution of “barefoot doctors.” In 1968, in order to provide medical care to the largely rural population, farmers were trained to travel throughout their provinces giving basic care to the poor. Candidates were required to be high school graduates who then received three to six months training in a community hospital. The services they provided were basic and primarily preventive—first-aid for injuries, prenatal care, immunizations, childbirth, and health education. Because of the unavailability of many medications, they relied heavily on herbs and folk treatments. They were provided with a textbook, A Barefoot Doctor’s Manual, which gave instructions for the doctors when care in a modern facility was out of reach.
When the manual reached the Western hemisphere, “Chinese alternative medicine went from being a vague curiosity to being an all-out pop culture fad.”(Brian Dunning) People failed to realize that the information was written for lay “doctors” doing the best they could for a population that had no access to modern medicine or hospitals. The methods were not the first choice but better than nothing in less than ideal conditions.
If you are considering an alternative medicine for a life threatening disease like cancer, be sure you have all the facts. Natural doesn’t always mean better. Purge the poppycock.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Alternative Treatments and Cancer
Complementary/alternative treatments, CAM, are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Perhaps because we seem to be losing the war on cancer, many are seeking less toxic treatments with fewer long term side-effects.
Are you considering a “natural” treatment for cancer? What exactly are alternative treatments?
The U.S. government, on its website devoted to Complementary and Alternative Medicine, breaks down these therapies into five categories:
• Biologically-Based, such as herbal supplements, botanicals, animal-derived products, vitamins, proteins, probiotics and other organic approaches.
• Energy Medicine, such as veritable energy like sound, electromagnetic forces, and light or putative energy fields (also called biofields) which work to identify a body's own energy field, also called "chi." Alternative medicine professionals believe that when these biofields are disturbed, it causes illness in the body.
Examples of energy medicine are acupuncture, reiki, Qi gong, homeopathy, healing touch and intercessory prayer in which the prayers of one person help improve the health of another. These particular therapies are among the most controversial of the CAM therapies.
• Manipulative and Body-Based, such as chiropractic, osteopathic, reflexology, and therapeutic massage. These therapies rely on the structures and systems of the body, making adjustments to them to heal symptoms and medical problems.
• Mind-Body Medicine, which focuses on the interactions among the brain, behavior and physical health, such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback, tai chi, even spirituality.
• Whole Medical Systems that have evolved totally separately from what we consider to be conventional medicine in the United States. These systems have names like naturopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, Eastern medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. You will see some of these names already mentioned in the categories above. The distinction here is in the way they developed rather than the therapy itself.
These alternative treatments hold great appeal for me, as they do for anyone seeking a more natural approach to health. The problem is that there is little scientific based evidence of their efficacy. During the next few weeks, I will delve into these therapies to help you decide whether and how you might incorporate them into your cancer treatments.
Tomorrow, we will discuss, Chinese Medicine: Panacea or Poppycock?
Are you considering a “natural” treatment for cancer? What exactly are alternative treatments?
The U.S. government, on its website devoted to Complementary and Alternative Medicine, breaks down these therapies into five categories:
• Biologically-Based, such as herbal supplements, botanicals, animal-derived products, vitamins, proteins, probiotics and other organic approaches.
• Energy Medicine, such as veritable energy like sound, electromagnetic forces, and light or putative energy fields (also called biofields) which work to identify a body's own energy field, also called "chi." Alternative medicine professionals believe that when these biofields are disturbed, it causes illness in the body.
Examples of energy medicine are acupuncture, reiki, Qi gong, homeopathy, healing touch and intercessory prayer in which the prayers of one person help improve the health of another. These particular therapies are among the most controversial of the CAM therapies.
• Manipulative and Body-Based, such as chiropractic, osteopathic, reflexology, and therapeutic massage. These therapies rely on the structures and systems of the body, making adjustments to them to heal symptoms and medical problems.
• Mind-Body Medicine, which focuses on the interactions among the brain, behavior and physical health, such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback, tai chi, even spirituality.
• Whole Medical Systems that have evolved totally separately from what we consider to be conventional medicine in the United States. These systems have names like naturopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, Eastern medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. You will see some of these names already mentioned in the categories above. The distinction here is in the way they developed rather than the therapy itself.
These alternative treatments hold great appeal for me, as they do for anyone seeking a more natural approach to health. The problem is that there is little scientific based evidence of their efficacy. During the next few weeks, I will delve into these therapies to help you decide whether and how you might incorporate them into your cancer treatments.
Tomorrow, we will discuss, Chinese Medicine: Panacea or Poppycock?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Cancer Economics
Before cancer, I didn’t pay much attention to health coverage. No one in our family had been seriously ill and we had excellent group insurance through Jim’s employer. Our deductible was negligible. When we were deciding on an oncologist, I remember in my naiveté telling Jim, “I don’t care whether the doctor we choose accepts our insurance, we are going to the place that is best for you even if it means paying out of our own pockets.” Little did I know that our pockets would be emptied along with our piggy banks after first week of cancer treatment.
We were fortunate. For the first five years of cancer treatments, our insurance paid 100%. Even the Neupogen and Epogen injections I gave Jim at home were fully covered. Thank God because the shots would have cost 4,000 dollars a week or 128,000 dollars for the sixteen weeks of treatment.
By the time of Jim’s first lung cancer recurrence, our benefits changed—requiring a 10% co-pay, a sizeable amount considering the astronomical cost of cancer treatment—but still manageable. Manageable, but enough to make us question the cost verses benefits of every recommended drug and procedure.
In 2011, we, the first of the baby boomers became card carrying members of AARP. Medicare is now our primary provider and we had to choose which part, which supplement, and which drug plan we wanted for secondary. After much research and professional advice, we chose AARP for our prescription drug coverage. We followed instructions, contacted our physicians to send in prescriptions, and waited to begin receiving our meds.
Instead we received calls to tell us that several of our drugs had not been approved. Nearly all of those that were approved tripled in cost.
I only take four medications: Boniva, Lexapro, Singulair, and Lumigan (an eye drop for Glaucoma). I could probably live without all but the Lumigan, and I may choose to do just that.
Jim who took no meds prior to his cancer diagnosis now takes a whopping fifteen. And that excludes any chemotherapeutic agents since he is off chemo at the present time. To be fair not all of his medications increased in cost, but the eight that did, skyrocketed.
I have always been sympathetic to the plight of senior citizens who are unable to afford life sustaining medications. I never imagined I would be one of them.
When I fear that we won’t be able to afford Jim’s medications or more accurately that our savings will be wiped out by rising medical costs, I must remind myself that God has provided for us throughout this journey, indeed, throughout our lives. He will continue to provide what we need when we need it. “Therefore, take not thought, saying what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or Wherewithal shall we be clothed...for your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
Insurance providers will change; Medicare might fail; Social Security might come tumbling down. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
We were fortunate. For the first five years of cancer treatments, our insurance paid 100%. Even the Neupogen and Epogen injections I gave Jim at home were fully covered. Thank God because the shots would have cost 4,000 dollars a week or 128,000 dollars for the sixteen weeks of treatment.
By the time of Jim’s first lung cancer recurrence, our benefits changed—requiring a 10% co-pay, a sizeable amount considering the astronomical cost of cancer treatment—but still manageable. Manageable, but enough to make us question the cost verses benefits of every recommended drug and procedure.
In 2011, we, the first of the baby boomers became card carrying members of AARP. Medicare is now our primary provider and we had to choose which part, which supplement, and which drug plan we wanted for secondary. After much research and professional advice, we chose AARP for our prescription drug coverage. We followed instructions, contacted our physicians to send in prescriptions, and waited to begin receiving our meds.
Instead we received calls to tell us that several of our drugs had not been approved. Nearly all of those that were approved tripled in cost.
I only take four medications: Boniva, Lexapro, Singulair, and Lumigan (an eye drop for Glaucoma). I could probably live without all but the Lumigan, and I may choose to do just that.
Jim who took no meds prior to his cancer diagnosis now takes a whopping fifteen. And that excludes any chemotherapeutic agents since he is off chemo at the present time. To be fair not all of his medications increased in cost, but the eight that did, skyrocketed.
I have always been sympathetic to the plight of senior citizens who are unable to afford life sustaining medications. I never imagined I would be one of them.
When I fear that we won’t be able to afford Jim’s medications or more accurately that our savings will be wiped out by rising medical costs, I must remind myself that God has provided for us throughout this journey, indeed, throughout our lives. He will continue to provide what we need when we need it. “Therefore, take not thought, saying what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or Wherewithal shall we be clothed...for your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
Insurance providers will change; Medicare might fail; Social Security might come tumbling down. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The remaining resolutions concern time management.
Keeping my other resolutions—blog more regularly, juicing, daily Bible reading, more frequent exercise—requires better time management.
Lack of time is a fundamental stressor in the life of a caregiver. Finding time for oneself is often impossible. This was true for me even before I became a writer. Three years ago when I first began writing for publication, I pared down my schedule and adjusted my priorities so that I would have time to take care of my husband and fulfill my own desire to write. Giving up tennis gave me ample time to write, publish, and market my first book.
Writers are great procrastinators. As time passed, I’ve found ways to waste the time I gained. If I vow to write for an hour each day, I sit down at the computer and waste 30 or 45 minutes reading emails and checking facebook, my favorite shopping sites, and e-bay. By the time I get around to working on my book, articles, or blog, I am sleepy or hungry. Once I get up from my work station, I am likely not to return.
I’m trying something different this year. Instead of devoting an hour a day to business, I am committing to ½ hour. And most important, I don’t do anything else on the computer until that time is up. No facebook, no Pinterest, no emails until I’ve done something constructive. Surprisingly, getting started is half the battle. When the half hour ends, I often plunge ahead with what I’m working on.
I encourage you to consider how you are spending your time. Can you become a better time manager? Take a look at those activities that suck precious minutes from your day. Would you be better off without them? Such pastimes can masquerade as tension relievers but actually result in creating tension when they keep you from productive activities (exercise, Bible Study, social interaction, reading). Maybe you need to limit your time on Facebook or computer games.
Betty White summed up my feelings about Facebook when she hosted Saturday Night Live:
“I didn’t know what Facebook was, and now that I do know what it is, I have to say, it sounds like a huge waste of time. I would never say the people on it are losers, but that’s only because I’m polite. People say ‘But Betty, Facebook is a great way to connect with old friends.’ Well at my age, if I wanna connect with old friends, I need a Ouija Board. Needless to say, we didn’t have Facebook when I was growing up. We had phonebook, but you wouldn’t waste an afternoon with it.”
Right on, Betty!
Keeping my other resolutions—blog more regularly, juicing, daily Bible reading, more frequent exercise—requires better time management.
Lack of time is a fundamental stressor in the life of a caregiver. Finding time for oneself is often impossible. This was true for me even before I became a writer. Three years ago when I first began writing for publication, I pared down my schedule and adjusted my priorities so that I would have time to take care of my husband and fulfill my own desire to write. Giving up tennis gave me ample time to write, publish, and market my first book.
Writers are great procrastinators. As time passed, I’ve found ways to waste the time I gained. If I vow to write for an hour each day, I sit down at the computer and waste 30 or 45 minutes reading emails and checking facebook, my favorite shopping sites, and e-bay. By the time I get around to working on my book, articles, or blog, I am sleepy or hungry. Once I get up from my work station, I am likely not to return.
I’m trying something different this year. Instead of devoting an hour a day to business, I am committing to ½ hour. And most important, I don’t do anything else on the computer until that time is up. No facebook, no Pinterest, no emails until I’ve done something constructive. Surprisingly, getting started is half the battle. When the half hour ends, I often plunge ahead with what I’m working on.
I encourage you to consider how you are spending your time. Can you become a better time manager? Take a look at those activities that suck precious minutes from your day. Would you be better off without them? Such pastimes can masquerade as tension relievers but actually result in creating tension when they keep you from productive activities (exercise, Bible Study, social interaction, reading). Maybe you need to limit your time on Facebook or computer games.
Betty White summed up my feelings about Facebook when she hosted Saturday Night Live:
“I didn’t know what Facebook was, and now that I do know what it is, I have to say, it sounds like a huge waste of time. I would never say the people on it are losers, but that’s only because I’m polite. People say ‘But Betty, Facebook is a great way to connect with old friends.’ Well at my age, if I wanna connect with old friends, I need a Ouija Board. Needless to say, we didn’t have Facebook when I was growing up. We had phonebook, but you wouldn’t waste an afternoon with it.”
Right on, Betty!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Juicing-- Drink Your Veggies
Let’s take a look at juicing--resolution #7.
I have been “cleaning” up my diet for so long, my insides should be Mr. Clean-sparkling. Unfortunately, they are not. After failing to adhere to many New Year’s resolutions, this time I’ve decide to ratchet my expectations down a bit. Rather than deny myself anything, I’m going to add something--a nutrient brimming, daily juice.
The NCI, National Cancer Institute, recommends 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Juicing is an excellent way to reach that goal. Early in our cancer journey—actually between Jim’s lobectomy (that's lobectomy not lobotomy) and the time he started chemo (6 weeks)—I incorporated juicing into his daily routine. I started with the more palatable carrot combinations and eventually cajoled him into drinking three, eight ounce glasses a day. My hope was not to cure the cancer but to build him up before he began treatment. Evidently, it worked.
Once he started chemo, we gave up juicing. With the loss of appetite, nausea and mouth sores, getting him to eat anything was an accomplishment. Over the last 10 years, during periods of remission, I tried juicing again. We bought a Blendtec to make fruit smoothies into which I would sneak an occasional handful of spinach. Fruit combinations go down easy—vegetables, not so much.
My friend, Jess Ainscough, The Wellness Warrior, who is fighting cancer with the Gerson method has some excellent advice on juicing. This is her recipe for basic green juice.
Caution: Items in picture appear much tastier than they are :)
1 stalk kale
1 stalk silverbeet or Swiss chard
1 leaf Cos (Romaine) lettuce
1 frozen banana
Coconut water or purified water
1 tsp spirulina
What to do:
1. Add green leaves to the blender and cover with coconut water and/or water. Blend until smooth.
2. Add frozen banana and blend again.
3. Add spirulina and blend again.
4. Enjoy!
The first three steps are easy enough, but the last step gives me trouble. I don’t really enjoy the concoction. The addition of fresh lemon juice helps somewhat.
Juicing—even once a day—is a chore for me. During the busy holiday, on a trip to Costco for more processed, fat laden foods, I noticed a bottle of familiar looking green sludge on the shelf in the refrigerator section. After examining the list of ingredients, I decided to give “Naked-The Green Machine” a try.
I recommend it, not as a replacement for fresh juice, but as an option for those days when you are in a hurry. And, it tastes good—so good that I wonder how much of the beneficial greens are included in the fruit mixture. Evita Ochel, editor of Evolving Wellness and a certified nutritionist, biologist and educator, says about Naked, “This product is way better than 99% of all the other bottled beverages out there,” but it still loses something in the processing.
If you are a novice juicer you might give Naked a try. I’m hoping this tasty alternative will prepare my picky palate for the more potent home-brewed potion.
I have been “cleaning” up my diet for so long, my insides should be Mr. Clean-sparkling. Unfortunately, they are not. After failing to adhere to many New Year’s resolutions, this time I’ve decide to ratchet my expectations down a bit. Rather than deny myself anything, I’m going to add something--a nutrient brimming, daily juice.
The NCI, National Cancer Institute, recommends 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Juicing is an excellent way to reach that goal. Early in our cancer journey—actually between Jim’s lobectomy (that's lobectomy not lobotomy) and the time he started chemo (6 weeks)—I incorporated juicing into his daily routine. I started with the more palatable carrot combinations and eventually cajoled him into drinking three, eight ounce glasses a day. My hope was not to cure the cancer but to build him up before he began treatment. Evidently, it worked.
Once he started chemo, we gave up juicing. With the loss of appetite, nausea and mouth sores, getting him to eat anything was an accomplishment. Over the last 10 years, during periods of remission, I tried juicing again. We bought a Blendtec to make fruit smoothies into which I would sneak an occasional handful of spinach. Fruit combinations go down easy—vegetables, not so much.
My friend, Jess Ainscough, The Wellness Warrior, who is fighting cancer with the Gerson method has some excellent advice on juicing. This is her recipe for basic green juice.
1 stalk kale
1 stalk silverbeet or Swiss chard
1 leaf Cos (Romaine) lettuce
1 frozen banana
Coconut water or purified water
1 tsp spirulina
What to do:
1. Add green leaves to the blender and cover with coconut water and/or water. Blend until smooth.
2. Add frozen banana and blend again.
3. Add spirulina and blend again.
4. Enjoy!
The first three steps are easy enough, but the last step gives me trouble. I don’t really enjoy the concoction. The addition of fresh lemon juice helps somewhat.
Juicing—even once a day—is a chore for me. During the busy holiday, on a trip to Costco for more processed, fat laden foods, I noticed a bottle of familiar looking green sludge on the shelf in the refrigerator section. After examining the list of ingredients, I decided to give “Naked-The Green Machine” a try.
I recommend it, not as a replacement for fresh juice, but as an option for those days when you are in a hurry. And, it tastes good—so good that I wonder how much of the beneficial greens are included in the fruit mixture. Evita Ochel, editor of Evolving Wellness and a certified nutritionist, biologist and educator, says about Naked, “This product is way better than 99% of all the other bottled beverages out there,” but it still loses something in the processing.
If you are a novice juicer you might give Naked a try. I’m hoping this tasty alternative will prepare my picky palate for the more potent home-brewed potion.
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