Twyla Hoodah Philips, Florida Licensed Acupuncture Physician, brings energy to her work and compassion to her patients. Her love for teaching gets straight to the point as she encourages you on how best to keep the mind, body and spirit optimally healthy through diet and exercise.
A famous Chinese proverb states that the eyes are the windows of the soul. It is crucial to keep the windows clean and uncontaminated. The following exercises are designed particularly for maintaining and improving visual clarity and sharpness.
It is preferable to do these exercises upon rising in the morning and before retiring in the evening, particularly if your eyes are ?tired'. Make certain that your hands are clean and that your body and mind are completely relaxed. Adhere diligently to this routine. The key to progress is to practice without interruption every single day without interruption.
1. Warming Your Eyes: rub palms together to create heat, then place them against your eyes for five seconds. Repeat three times.
2. Pressing the Rim of the Valley: use both thumbs and press slowly from the inside outward along the upper rim of the eye sockets. Then switch to both index fingers and press along the lower rim of the eye sockets from the inside outward. Repeat three times.
3. Rolling the Marble: press the back of your thumbs gently against the eyeballs; slowly roll up and down 12 times. Then slowly roll from side to side 12 times.
4. Turning the Wheels of Fortune: place the thumb knuckles at both temple areas and massage in circular motion three times. Repeat the same procedure above the mid-point of the eyebrows at the forehead, then below the eyes on both sides of the bridge of the nose.
5. Staring at the Light: hold an object out in front of you as far as possible. Focus your eyes on the object while slowly moving the object closer until it is six inches from your nose. Then focus on the object as you move it slowly away from you. Repeat three times and relax briefly in between.
6. Spinning the Basketball: with eyes open, roll eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise three times each. Try to look into the sockets of your eyes as much as possible.
7. Taking a Nap on the Job: put your head back, close your eyes, and relax for three minutes.
Plastic contains chemical additives, some of which can leach out and may increase the risk of birth defects, developmental delays, and certain hormone-related illnesses, such as breast and prostate cancers. On the bottom of plastic containers, you'll see a number inside a triangle. It's a code for recycling and also indicates the type of plastic the container is made of.
The # inside triangle :
1 PET (polyethylene terephthalate) - Used for most transparent bottles, such as water, soda, cooking oil, and medicine bottles. Generally safe to use (not reuse); generally recycled.
2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) - Sturdy, rigid plastic found in reusable food storage containers, milk and detergent bottles. Generally safe; generally recycled.
3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - Used for plastic wrap, and detergent and cooking oil bottles. Additives in PVC can increase the risk of birth defects and hormone-related cancers. Its production can be hazardous to workers and the environment. Generally not safe; not recycled.
4 LDPE (low density polyethylene) - Flexible plastic used for bags or wraps, such as produce bags and baby-bottle liners. Most number 4 plastics are not designed for reuse. Generally safe; generally not recycled.
5 PPE, aka PP (polypropylene) - Pliable plastic found in squeeze bottles, reusable food containers, and yogurt and margarine tubs. Generally safe; generally recycled.
6 PS (polystyrene) - Used in rigid take-out containers and foam meat trays. Can leach styrene when heated, a possible endocrine disrupter and human carcinogen. Not safe when heated; generally not recycled.
7 Other; most often refers to PC (polycarbonate) - This plastic is most commonly used for baby bottles, 5 gallon water jugs, and reusable sports water bottles. It can leach out the hormone disrupter bisphenol A, especially when heated. Because this group can include various other plastics, it has limited recycling potential.
More key points: According to studies, heat can release the harmful additives from plastic into food or beverages. So don't use plastic- any plastic- in the microwave. Another hot spot is the dishwasher. Washing plastic by hand, in warm water, reduces the likelihood of chemical leaching. Scratches can also increase chemical migration, so don't use abrasive sponges or harsh cleansers on plastic. (Send all scratched plastic containers to the recycling bin immediately.) (
FOR MICROWAVING DO use microwave-safe glass or ceramic cookware. DON'T use any plastic, including plastic wrap, Tupperware, and Styrofoam.
FOR REFRIGERATOR STORAGE DO use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or PVC-free plastic wrap. DON'T use plastic containers for anything that will leave behind a residue that will require scouring. Don't store or cover hot food in or with plastic--let it cool first.
FOR PACKING YOUR CHILD'S LUNCH DO use foil or waxed or butcher paper to wrap sandwiches and snacks. If you prefer the convenience of bags, look for ones made from number 4 plastic. DON'T use any plastic for high-fat foods such as meat or cheese; plastics contain chemicals are that are attracted to fat.
FOR WATER DO use glass or stainless steel or pitchers made from number 2 or 5 plastic. [/b]DON'T[/b] use pitchers made from number 7 plastic.
FOR PANTRY STORAGE DO use glass, aluminum, stainless steel, or number 5 plastic. DON'T store food in any plastic container made from number 3, 6, or 7 plastic.
FOR FREEZING DO use foil, freezer paper, or number 4 plastic freezer bags. DON'T use any glass or plastic not labeled FREEZER SAFE--extreme cold can cause both to crack. Don't put hot food in plastic bags or containers--let it cool first.
"Thus the sage rules by stilling minds and opening hearts by filling bellies and strengthening bones..."
Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. Find out information that may surprise you with these helpful food facts.
Asparagus is high in glutathione, an important anticarcinogen
It also contains rutin, which protects small blood vessels from rupturing and may protect against radiation
Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C and E, B-complex vitamins, potassium and zinc
Avocado
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat, which is easily burned for energy.
An avocado has more than twice as much potassium as a banana.
For a delicious, creamy salad dressing, mix together avocado and fresh carrot juice.
Bananas
You don't need to eat bananas for the potassium! (Although it is present in bananas, potassium is the predominant nutrient among most all fruits and vegetables.)
Bananas are high in sugar, so they should not be eaten if you have blood sugar problems.
Don't eat bananas on an empty stomach; combining them with a bit of protein will help to normalize the insulin response caused by the sugar in the banana.
Green-tipped bananas are better for your health than over-ripe bananas.
On a side note: Because bananas are so popular, rainforests are often destroyed to make way for banana plantations.
Beet Greens/Root
Beet greens contain notable amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus
They also contain vitamins A, B-complex and C
Beet roots are high in carbohydrate levels and should therefore be used sparingly
Broccoli
Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange
It has almost as much calcium as whole milk--and the calcium is better absorbed
It contains selenium, a mineral that has been found to have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties
Broccoli is a modest source of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol vitamin E
It also has antioxidant properties
Celery
Celery is the best vegetable source of naturally occurring sodium.
It is high in potassium.
The high water content in celery makes it ideal for vegetable juicing.
As an easy way to reduce grains in your diet, spread peanut butter on celery rather than bread.
Cilantro
Cilantro may be useful to treat urinary tract infections
Both the leaves and seeds aid digestion, relieve intestinal gas, pain and distention
They also treat nausea, soothe inflammation, rheumatic pain, headaches, coughs and mental stress
Cilantro is a member of the carrot family
Chicory
Chicory contains inulin, which helps diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels
Chicory is closely related to lettuce and dandelion but is a member of the sunflower family
It may be cleansing to the liver and gallbladder
Chicory is beneficial for digestion, the circulatory system and the blood
Chicory leaves are a good source of calcium, vitamin A and potassium
Chinese cabbage is low in calories and low in sodium
It is also high in vitamin A and a good source of potassium
Dandelion Greens
Dandelion is beneficial to digestion and is an antiviral that may be useful in the treatment of AIDS and herpes
It may also be useful in treating jaundice, cirrhosis, edema due to high blood pressure, gout, eczema and acne
Dandelion is also used to treat and prevent breast and lung tumors and premenstrual bloating
Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A in the form of antioxidant carotenoid and vitamin C
They also contain calcium and potassium
Dandelion root contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar in diabetics
Fennel
Fennel contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin
This herb is anticarcinogenic and can be useful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
Fennel can be useful for indigestion and spasms of the digestive tract
It also helps expel phlegm from the lungs
Green Beans
Fresh beans contain vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, calcium and potassium
Green beans are diuretic and may be used to treat diabetes
A fresh bean should snap crisply and feels velvety to the touch
Jicama
Jicama is low in sodium and high in potassium
It has a slightly sweet flesh that's on the order of water chestnuts, but crunchier
Due to their high carbohydrate content, they should be used sparingly
Kale
Kale eases lung congestion and is beneficial to the stomach, liver and immune system
It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from macular degeneration
It also contains indole-3-carbinol, which may protect against colon cancer
Kale is an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and chlorophyll
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, which belongs to the cabbage family, is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium
It is also high in fiber
Kohlrabi helps to stabilize blood sugar and is therefore useful hypoglycemia and diabetes
It can also be effective against edema, candida and viral conditions
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are an excellent anticancer vegetable
They may also be beneficial for colds, arthritis or depression
While mustard greens sold in the United States are relatively mild in flavor, some mustard green varieties, especially those in Asia, can be as hot as a jalapeno pepper depending on their mustard oil content
Onions
Onions are an excellent antioxidant, and they contain anti-allergy, antiviral and antihistamine properties.
Sulfur compounds in onions help to detoxify the body.
Onions aid in cellular repair.
Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant.
To obtain the maximum nutritional benefits, onions should be eaten raw or lightly steamed.
Parsley
Parsley is useful as a digestive aid
It helps to purify the blood and stimulate the bowels
Parsley is an anticarcinogen
It contains three times as much vitamin C as oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach
Parsley contains vitamin A and is a good source of copper and manganese
For a natural breath freshener, try a sprig of parsley!
Peanut Butter
When buying peanut butter, only buy organic varieties.
Non-organic peanut butters are high in pesticides and fungus and contain aflatoxin, a potent carcinogenic mold.
To increase the protein in peanut butter (peanuts have about the same amount of protein as soy), Brewer's yeast can be mixed in. This is especially useful for vegetarians.
Peanuts
Peanuts contain beneficial protein, but many people are allergic to them and find them hard to digest.
They also contain aflatoxin, a carcinogenic, which may explain why peanut farmers have been found to have disproportionately high rates of cancer.
Peanuts are high in fungus and, often, pesticides.
They do not contain any omega-3, which can contribute to distorting your omega-6:omega-3 ratio.
The peanut is actually a legume, not a nut (which is why they are often roasted).
Peanuts contain about the same amount of protein as soy and are low in starchy carbohydrates.
Did you know? George Washington Carver was largely responsible for popularizing the peanut as a food in America.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is good for the prostate and building the immune system.
They also contain fatty acids that kill parasites.
Raw pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids and beneficial proteins.
For maximum nutritional benefits, seeds should be eaten raw.
Roasted seeds contain damaged fat that can lead to plaque in the arteries.
Radishes
Radishes have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
They are a member of the cabbage family
Radishes contain vitamin C, potassium and other trace minerals
Grown in Egypt since at least 2780 B.C., radishes were originally black
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of carotenoid antioxidants
They contain calcium, are high in vitamins A and C and contain thiamine
Be careful: eating too many may cause abdominal swelling and indigestion
Sweet potatoes are also high in sugar and therefore should be used sparingly
Sweet potatoes are not related to the potato nor the yam--they are actually a member of the morning glory family
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, flavonoids and other phytochemicals with anticarcinogenic properties
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (the vitamin C is most concentrated in the jelly-like substance that surrounds the seeds)
They also contain vitamin A and B-complex vitamins, potassium and phosphorus
A tomato grown in a hothouse has half the vitamin C content as a vine-ripened tomato
Zucchini (Summer Squash)
Zucchini and other summer squash varieties contain vitamins A and C
They also contain potassium and calcium
The flavor of zucchini is best when it is less than six inches long
Zucchinis can grow as large as baseball bats but have little flavor when they reach this size
Profile: Genealogist, Researcher, the only African American National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) Consultant and Instructor, and veteran law enforcement officer Bennie L. Phifer III, West Chester, Ohio.
"Thus the sage rules
You don't need to eat bananas for the potassium! (Although it is present in bananas, potassium is the predominant nutrient among most all fruits and vegetables.)
Cilantro may be useful to treat urinary tract infections
Fennel contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin
Onions are an excellent antioxidant, and they contain anti-allergy, antiviral and antihistamine properties.
Parsley is useful as a digestive aid
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is good for the prostate and building the immune system.
Radishes have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, flavonoids and other phytochemicals with anticarcinogenic properties
Zucchini and other summer squash varieties contain vitamins A and C
