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Friday, October 11, 2002
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"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." -Albert Einstein
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8:47:11 PM
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Let's examine the premise that your employer is the source of your income. If you are ready to accept the fact that your life is a reflection of your consciousness, created by your spiritual self, then your job, as a major part of that life, is also a reflection of your consciousness created by your spiritual self. I would submit that your income does not come from your employer but rather that Spirit/God/Higher Power uses your employer to provide you with the income you need to do the work -- the "good" work in the metaphysical sense -- that you have come to do. In other words, the source of your income is Spirit, and that income comes to you not from but through your employer.
Another way to think of it is that you have chosen this particular employer to act as a conduit to pass through to you the income that Spirit is giving you. When you know this, you understand that you can easily choose another conduit. As I have pointed out, however, many of us believe in the illusion that our paychecks come from our employers, and in that context, we feel compelled to do whatever it takes to ensure continuation of those checks -- even if it means sacrificing our life purpose and our Authentic Selves during the workday.
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8:40:12 PM
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For those of you who do not know, Bulwer-Lytton wrote The Last Days of Pompeii, which opens with the famous line "It was a dark and stormy night." Hence the contest.
These are the 10 winners of this year's Bulwer-Lytton contest (run by the English Dept of San Jose State University), wherein one writes only the first line of a bad novel.
10) "As a scientist, Throckmorton knew that if he were ever to break wind in the echo chamber he would never hear the end of it."
9) "Just beyond the Narrows the river widens."
8) "With a curvaceous figure that Venus would have envied, a tanned, unblemished oval face framed with lustrous thick brown hair, deep azure-blue eyes fringed with long black lashes, perfect teeth that vied for competition, and a small straight nose, Marilee had a beauty that defied description."
7) "Andre, a simple peasant, had only one thing on his mind as he crept along the East wall: 'Andre creep... Andre creep... Andre creep.'"
6) "Stanislaus Smedley, a man always on the cutting edge of narcissism, was about to give his body and soul to a back alley sex-change surgeon to become the woman he loved."
5) "Although Sarah had an abnormal fear of mice, it did not keep her from eeking out a living at a local pet store."
4) "Stanley looked quite bored and somewhat detached, but then penguins often do."
3) "Like an over-ripe beefsteak tomato rimmed with cottage cheese, the corpulent remains of Santa Claus lay dead on the hotel floor."
2) "Mike Hardware was the kind of private eye who didn't know the meaning of the word 'fear'; a man who could laugh in the face of danger and spit in the eye of death -- in short, a moron with suicidal tendencies."
AND THE WINNER IS...
1) "The sun oozed over the horizon, shoved aside darkness, crept along the greensward, and, with sickly fingers, pushed through the castle window, revealing the pillaged princess, hand at throat, crown asunder, gaping in frenzied horror at the sated, sodden amphibian lying beside her, disbelieving the magnitude of the frog's deception, screaming madly, 'You lied!'"
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10:44:36 AM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (October 10, 2002)—People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find improvement in their symptoms by participating in a series of hypnotherapy sessions, according to a new study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology (2002;97:954–61). This study confirms findings from earlier studies that hypnotherapy is a highly effective treatment for IBS and has no adverse side effects.
The most common symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. Some people with IBS may also experience nausea, fatigue, back pain, urinary urgency, and muscle aches. The cause of IBS is unknown, although some physicians suspect stress and lifestyle factors may be to blame. The condition affects females more than four times as often as males. No conventional treatments for IBS have been proven to be effective in controlled studies.
As a result of the earlier reports on the success of hypnotherapy in treating IBS, a hospital in the United Kingdom established the first unit of its kind, dedicated to providing this treatment to people with IBS. This new study examined the effects of hypnotherapy on the first 250 people with IBS treated at this hospital. Participants, ages 19 to 79, underwent 12 sessions of hypnotherapy with a therapist for three months and also practiced relaxation exercises at home on a daily basis. Questionnaires asking about symptoms, quality of life, depression, and anxiety were completed initially and at the conclusion of the study.
After three months of hypnotherapy, significant improvement was noted in pain severity, pain frequency, bloating, fatigue, body aches, back pain, and urinary urgency. Bowel habits improved in 78% of the people, while 13% reported no change and 9% suffered slight deterioration. Hypnotherapy also significantly improved quality of life measurements and reduced feelings of anxiety and depression. For reasons that are not clear, males with diarrhea did not respond as well as did others in the study.
Another study found that some people with IBS have difficulty absorbing certain sugars, such as lactose (found in milk and other dairy products), sorbitol (found in some candies and chewing gums), or fructose (found naturally in fruits or added to soft drinks and other sweets). Symptoms improved when these sugars were eliminated from the diet. Other studies suggest that sensitivity to common foods, such as wheat, may be a triggering factor in some cases of IBS. Food sensitivities can be difficult to identify and are often not detected by conventional allergy tests. An elimination diet may help uncover food sensitivities, but such a diet requires the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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10:37:49 AM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (October 10, 2002)—Postmenopausal women may be able to reduce the frequency of their hot flashes by taking a standardized extract of red clover, according to a study in Maturitas (2002;42:187–93).
The benefit of red clover in reducing hot flashes is likely due to its relatively high content of isoflavones, a group of compounds that have weak estrogenic effects. Other benefits of isoflavones include lowering the risk of heart disease and possibly preventing osteoporosis. In light of a recent study that suggested conventional hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease, red clover extract may be a suitable alternative for controlling hot flashes.
Researchers assigned 30 women between 49 and 65 years old to receive either 80 mg per day of red clover isoflavones or placebo for three months. Women were questioned every four weeks about the frequency and duration of hot flashes, and about their overall menopausal symptoms. Participants were asked to eliminate products from their diets that contained a significant amount of isoflavones, to ensure the results would not be affected by differences in diet.
After three months of treatment, women taking red clover isoflavones had a 44% reduction in the frequency of hot flashes, whereas women taking the placebo experienced no improvement. Overall, menopausal symptoms were also slightly reduced in the group taking isoflavones, although the reduction did not quite reach statistical significance. The maximum decrease in hot flashes was attained after eight weeks of treatment and was maintained during the last four weeks of the study.
Isoflavones are also present in other plants, particularly soy. Studies have shown that taking 50 to 100 mg per day of soy isoflavones or consuming 50 to 60 grams per day of isoflavone-rich soy protein produces a similar reduction in hot flashes as that seen in the new study of red clover. Other studies suggest taking 20 to 40 mg twice per day of a standardized extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga recemosa) may also decrease hot flashes, although the beneficial effect of this herb does not appear to be due to isoflavones.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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10:37:14 AM
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A Healthnotes Newswire Opinion
By Matt Brignall, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (October 10, 2002)—A new clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2002;20:3478–83) provides the clearest evidence to date that taking antioxidant supplements does not interfere with the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy.
This new study involved 52 people being treated for advanced colon cancer with a chemotherapy drug called oxaliplatin. Half of these individuals also received intravenous treatment with an antioxidant called glutathione (at an average dose of approximately 2,500 mg each time they received chemotherapy), while the other half received a placebo.
The participants receiving intravenous glutathione had a significantly lower incidence of chemotherapy-induced nerve damage than did the control group, allowing more of the chemotherapy drug to be safely administered. Perhaps more important, the addition of glutathione to the treatment regimen did not reduce the ability of the chemotherapy to shrink the size of the colon tumors. In fact, the people who received the glutathione treatment were slightly (but not significantly) more likely to have tumor shrinkage.
Antioxidants During Chemotherapy: A Hot Topic
Antioxidants, including glutathione, are agents that protect the body from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. There are many dietary antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and coenzyme Q10. Many commonly used herbs also contain antioxidants. Glutathione is present in small amounts in the diet, but it appears to be poorly absorbed; however, glutathione is also synthesized in the body from certain amino acids, and it appears to be one of the most important antioxidants in various tissues in the body.
Because several of the common cancer treatments (including radiation and many types of chemotherapy) work in part by producing free radicals, many doctors and researchers have voiced concern that antioxidants may reduce the beneficial effect of these therapies. However, there is very little evidence from scientific research that this interference actually occurs.
In fact, the overwhelming majority of test tube, animal, and preliminary human studies have concluded either that there was no effect of the antioxidant on the tumor-fighting ability of the cancer treatment, or that the antioxidant enhanced the anticancer effect of the therapy. In addition, antioxidants often protected against some of the most common side effects of cancer treatment, such as organ damage, low blood counts, and diarrhea.
Critics of the concurrent use of antioxidants and chemotherapy often point to the lack of clinical trials in humans. Previous preliminary clinical trials, however, have concluded that the antioxidants ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), melatonin, coenzyme Q10, and N-acetylcysteine did not appreciably reduce the effect of cancer therapies. Pharmaceutical antioxidants such as amifostine and mesna have also been extensively studied in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, and have not appeared to cause a negative interaction. Many prominent cancer scientists believe that the dietary and pharmaceutical antioxidants prevent some of the worst side effects of cancer treatments.
Should People Undergoing Chemotherapy Take Glutathione?
Glutathione is available as an oral supplement, although only a small amount of orally administered glutathione is absorbed intact into the blood stream. At present there is no evidence that taking glutathione orally would have the same effect as that reported for intravenous glutathione in the new study.
Unfortunately, this clinical trial doesn’t answer the question of whether it is safe or desirable to use glutathione with other types of chemotherapy. It also doesn’t address the issue of using other antioxidants with chemotherapy. However, the results of the new study, when combined with those of previous research, provide a strong rationale for intensive research on the risks and benefits of combining antioxidants with conventional cancer therapy. People interested in using antioxidants along with conventional cancer treatment should talk this issue over with their doctors.
Matt Brignall, ND is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Bastyr University. He works at the Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, where he specializes in complementary medicine approaches to cancer. He has been published in several journals, including Alternative Medicine Review, Coping With Cancer, and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Brignall also teaches clinical nutrition at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. He is a regular contributor to Healthnotes, Healthnotes Newswire, and the Healthnotes Quick!Reference series.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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10:36:38 AM
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Duke study shows caffeine effects last all day. A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center shows that caffeine taken in the morning affects the body until bedtime and exaggerates stress throughout the day. The results show for the first time that caffeine’s impact lasts considerably longer than originally thought, said the scientists. Article [HeartMath Report]
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10:35:34 AM
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National Stress Survey: Loved Ones - You Can't Live With 'Em, But Mostly You Can't Live. It is an interesting dichotomy:Personal relationships are a stressful thorn in the side of Americans, yet many people look to these same relationships when seeking solace and comfort. In fact, personal relationships are the Number One stress reliever in America today, beating out counseling, vacations and even religion, a national survey released today shows. [HeartMath Report]
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10:34:08 AM
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Edward Everett Hale. "Never bear more than one trouble at a time. Some people bear three kinds - all they have had, all they have now, and all they expect to have."
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9:50:10 AM
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1. Stray cats will not be fed.
2. Stray cats will not be fed anything, except dry cat food.
3. Stray cats will not be fed anything, except dry cat food moistened with a little milk.
4. Stray cats will not be fed anything, except dry cat food moistened with warm milk, yummy treats and leftover fish scraps.
5. Stray cats will not be encouraged to make this house their permanent residence.
6. Stray cats will not be petted, played with, picked up and cuddled unnecessarily.
7. Stray cats that are petted, played with, picked up and cuddled will absolutely not be given a name.
8. Stray cats with or without a name, will not be allowed inside the house at any time.
9. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house, except at certain times.
10. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house, except on days ending in "y".
11. Stray cats allowed inside, will not be permitted to jump up on or sharpen their claws on the furniture.
12. Stray cats will not be permitted to, jump up on or sharpen claws on the really good furniture.
13. Stray cats will be permitted on all furniture, but must sharpen claws on new .99 sisal-rope cat-scratching post with three perches.
14. Stray cats will answer the call of nature outdoors in the sand.
15. Stray cats will answer the call of nature in the three-piece, high-impact plastic tray filled with Fresh'n'Sweet kitty litter.
16. Stray cats will answer the call of nature in the hooded litter pan, with a three-panel privacy screen and plenty of head room.
17. Stray cats will sleep outside.
18. Stray cats will sleep in the garage.
19. Stray cats will sleep in the house.
20. Stray cats will sleep in a cardboard box lined with an old blanket.
21. Stray cats will sleep in the special Kitty-Komfort-Bed with non-allergenic lambs wool pillow.
22. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed.
23. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed, except at the foot.
24. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed under the covers.
25. Stray cats will not be allowed to sleep in our bed under the covers, except at the foot.
26. Stray cats will not play on the desk.
27. Stray cats will not play on the desk, near the computer.
28. Stray cats are forbidden to walk on the computer keyboard on the desk, when the human is asdfjjhhkl;ljfd.;oier'puyykmm4hb USING IT.
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9:36:23 AM
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© Copyright
2002
Rick@Leaders.net.
Last update:
11/1/2002; 12:09:22 PM.
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