Awareness Ribbons of Support and Hope
Since their introduction in the United States in 1991, colorful swirling Ribbons have quickly spread. They have wrapped their tendrils around the world to become lasting cultural icons of awareness, unity, support and hope.Awareness Ribbon Color MeaningsBlack= Melanoma Cancer, Sleep Disorders.Blue (Navy) = Arthritis, Colon Cancer, Down's Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Child Abuse, Dysautonomia, Hystiocytosis, Erb's Palsy, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Acute Respiratory Distress Sy... Read Full Story
Medicinal Uses for Herbal Teas
Herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical illnesses. Many of the uses have come from folklore or cultural traditions. Scientific evaluation of herbals has only recently begun, here we will review 10 common herbal tea preparations and their effectiveness to treat certain ailments.Tea Preparation Teas can be prepared from either fresh or dried herbs. Bulk dried herbs or dried whole tea leaves can be found at specialty tea stores or through online distributors. Whole leave... Read Full Story
Cuckoo for Kokopellis
Traditional art and icons of the Native American culture are quite common in the American Southwest and have come to symbolize a unique southwestern style of decorating.The flute playing Kokopelli, figure is one such icon and dates back 3,000 years to petroglyphs and pottery found throughout the Southwestern United States.Usually depicted as a humpbacked dancing figure playing a flute, the Kokopelli often carries a large bag on his back and has an insect-like antennae. The Kokopelli is a kach... Read Full Story
The Art and Magic of Hex Signs
Hex Signs were first seen painted on the sides of barns, stables and houses of the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 18th century. The custom of using these signs was derived from the Old World, brought from Germany and Switzerland by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. The name "Hex", is taken from the German, "die hexe"; meaning Witch. The colorful Hex Signs are filled with geometric shapes and elaborate symbols full of meaning and Old World history. They were magical designs of protecti... Read Full Story
Wear BLUE this Week to Support Men's Health!
Wear BLUE, is a program designed to raise awareness of men's health issues within your community, while at the same time raising money for The Men's Health Network.The Network is a national non-profit organization, whose mission is to reach men and their families, where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages, tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient support.To participate in this effort, please visit Wear Blue.Org for more ... Read Full Story
Aim High!
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo Read Full Story
June is National Headache Month; Headache Triggering Foods
June is National Headache Month, specific foods and dietary habits such as fasting, skipping meals or dehydration can trigger headaches in certain people. Some of the most common foods, beverages and additives associated with headaches include:1. Aged Cheese - Cheeses may be a trigger in a some patient's with migraines. For people who take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medications, avoidance of all foods containing tyramine —including aged cheeses, red wine, alcoholic beverages and s... Read Full Story
May 31st Is World No Tobacco Day
According to The American Legacy Foundation, despite increased awareness about the dangers of smoking in recent years, 46 million adult Americans still smoke. This widespread use of tobacco is not only having expected long-term effects on the health of smokers but also more immediate effects on America's children. Passive exposure to secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), puts young people at risk for serious health consequences, including low birth weight, sud... Read Full Story
Living With Courage..
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." ~ Maya Angelou Read Full Story
Feng Shui and Food
Chi or "energy" - the basic premise of Feng Shui must be free-flowing in order to be in balance. All things in the Universe have two opposite yet complementary energies known as Yin and Yang.You can enhance the energy in the kitchen with colors, materials and shapes, as well as good lighting and ventilation. When everything is in balance, meals will taste better, are easier to digest, and are healthier. This vital balance of energy, applies to everything in your environment, including the fo... Read Full Story