Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Country Thanksgivin' (song lyrics):

Mama stuffin' Mr. Turkey
Grandma choppin' gizzards
Grandpa fryin' hush puppies
Papa haulin' white lightnin'.

Outside the trees are bare
Leaves fallen everywhere
There's a chill in the air
Remindin' us winter's near.

Chorus:
'Tis a family tradition
A country thanksgivin'.

Musical Interlude

Cranberries poppin' on the stove
Collards simmerin' with onion
The kitchen fillin' up with love
Smellin' of thanksgivin'.

The time is here, the table set
Turkey, roll, pies on the left
Friends and family sit
Prayer, then eat till nothin' left.

Chorus:
'Tis a family tradition
A country thanksgivin'
'Tis a family tradition
A country thanksgivin'...fade.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Tysabri

My husband has MS and has been currently getting Tysabri infusions once a month. Tysabri is considered one of the best medications to prevent/slow down the progression of MS. You can only get an infusion once every 28 days. This medication has slowed down the progression in my husband. He tried Rebif and the other shots available to no avail--they seemed to aggravate his system. If you are considering Tysabri then you also have tried everything else--because Physicians don't use Tysabri as a first line of defense--it is generally the last line of defense in slowing the progression of MS.

Tysabri is very expensive, around $8,000 per infusion.We are on a very limited income so we can't pay $8,000 per month. However, the manufacturer of Tysabri, does help by providing Tysabri at reduced cost or free. You will have to fill out some papers providing the income of all persons in your household. You will fill out additional information regarding your monthly outgoing expenses. All this is considered in the decision of whether or not you qualify for reduced or free Tysabri.
Then your insurance should tell you how much your part for the infusion will cost you each month. My husband and I are on a Medicare PPO--Humana and pay only $35.00 per month--this January it will be $40.00 a month.

Before my husband started Tysabri he had to get a specific blood test to see if he was more or less susceptible to PML. He was susceptible therefore every so often they need to do another blood test to be sure he hasn't contracted PML.
PML can be deadly. The rate of PML cases is very low though. Your doctor will discuss the problems associated with PML--then it will be your decision as to whether or not you wish to go forward with the Tysabri.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011

Recipe Corner: Fruit Gel

Fruit Gel

Makes about 4 cups
This is an all natural alternative to Jell-O. Agar powder and kudzu (“kood-zoo”) are natural plant-based thickeners available in natural food stores.




1-1/2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen


3/4 cups apple juice concentrate

1/2 cup water


1/2 teaspoon agar powder


1 tablespoons kudzu powder


2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen






Chop strawberries by hand or in a food processor. Transfer to a pan. Add apple juice concentrate, water, agar, and kudzu. Stir to mix.


Bring to a simmer and cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and chill completely.


Fold in blueberries and transfer to serving dishes.



Per 1/2-cup serving: 77 calories; 0.5 g protein; 19 g carbohydrate; 0.2 g fat; 2 g fiber; 9 mg sodium; calories from protein: 2%; calories from carbohydrates: 95%; calories from fats: 3%



Recipe from Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Diabetes by Patricia Bertron, R.D.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Knitting Corner: Amber's Dolly

I knit the cute Fairy Doll on pages 24 to 27 of "KNITTED TOYS" by Zoe Mellor for my Grand-daughter's second birthday. I made my own changes though. I didn't make the doll a fairy as my grand-daughter is a bit hard on some of her toys therefore I opted for No Wings. I also did Not use as many stripes in the project. However, it turned out great. The directions for knitting are very easy and straight-forward. I was a little bit confused as to why she did not have the arms knitted unto the project, like the legs, to where they also could be stuffed as one with the doll. It still turned out fine. I found she posed nicely even. When my grand-daughter received her she was very happy as I did her in shades of "Purple" her favorite color. I did change the way I put on the hair though. I used a crochet hook and hooked it under the yarn on the skull. That way my grand-daughter would not be able to pull the hair out so easily. I know how 2 yr. olds are. We have 14 grand-children--10 girls and 4 boys. Our grand-children range from the eldest of 20 yrs. (girl) to the youngest of 2 yrs. (girl) and a 15th on the way (girl).

Monday, May 9, 2011

My Knitting Corner: Knit Doll from Yarn Stash


I knit this Doll for my niece's second birthday this year. The dress is attached to the doll so nothing is able to be taken off (except the hair ties). The doll is small but a nice way to use up your scrap yarn and a good size for small hands. The pattern is in the book "KNITTING WITH LEFTOVER YARN" by Ruth E. Braatz on pg. 72. It was easy enough for me to knit. I would say Advanced Beginner - Intermediate (maybe?).

Saturday, May 7, 2011

An Alternative Way to Rid Yourself of Ants/Roaches

Use rubbing alcohol to get rid of those pesky ants and/or roaches. It is safer and cheaper on the pocket-book. Not to mention a lot safer around your children and pets than the poisons they sell on the market.
Put the rubbing alcohol, straight (undiluted) into a spray bottle and squirt it along your counters and other areas where you have seen ants and roaches. Do NOT rinse it! The insects will become dehydrated when they walk through it which will cause them to die. You can also spray the roaches directly with it--as they take a bit more at times.
This is a much safer alternative and cheaper too compared to all the insecticides you will find out on the market. If you are like me, times are tough and I live on a budget--especially these days. So if I can find an inexpensive, yet effective way to do something, I will do it. It is even better if it doesn't mean a lot of chemicals involved since I am hyper-sensitive to chemicals and my husband has asthma. Hope this is helpful to somebody else. Thought I'd pass this tip along as someone passed it on to me.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

My Knitting Corner: Sleeveless Top

I love to knit. I find it "mostly relaxing." There are moments when I can get frustrated. It is then that my hubby goes and hides in the bedroom-LOL. It also keeps my mind sharp, most times from the "fibro fog" I experience from Fibromyalgia. Also, I find it keeps my fingers nimble, helping with the fibromyalgia (once again).

The sleeveless top below I knit for my Grand-daughter's 12th birthday. I combined a series of three yarns to come up with the effect. It was knit on a size 15 needles so it knit up quickly. I found the pattern in the book "Hip To Knit" by Judith L. Swartz. It is the "No Sleeves Funnel Top" on pages 48-51. You can knit a single-strand version with a chunky yarn or a multi-strand version with three differing strands of yarn-which is what I chose to do. On page 51 the author explains how to combine your own yarns, if you wish to use yarns you have readily available (or de-stash your stash) instead or buying the yarns she has listed in the book. I used yarns from my own stash. I used a cotton Tahini and Cha-Cha yarns.


Saturday, April 30, 2011

Carbon Monoxide Facts

Quick Fact Sheet


THE HIDDEN DANGER OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

1. Headache

2. Dizziness

3.Irritability

4.Confusion/Memory loss

5.Disorientation

6.Nausea and vomiting

7.Abnormal reflexes

8.Difficulty in coordinating

9.Difficulty in breathing

10.Chest Pain

11.Cerebral Edema

12.Convulsions/Seizures

13.Coma

14.Death


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Often, several members of the same family or those in a given building will complain of the same symptoms. Children are thought to be more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning than adults. Some people may not suspect that CO poisoning is occurring until major symptoms appear. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can mimic gastroenteritis (nausea and vomiting). Other manifestations may cause the appearance of what may appear to be a neurological or psychiatric disorder. High risk groups include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a previous history of cardiac insufficiency or chronic obstructive lung disease.

MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES

Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) is also a common result of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. This life threatening condition entails the destruction of brain cells by compressing them into themselves within the cranial compartment. Drugs that are normally used for the treatment of cerebral edema, like Dexamethasone and Mannitol, do not seem to be of assistance in the treatment of CO induced cerebral edema. Studies have shown that cerebral edema caused by CO poisoning can cause delayed neurological problems that involve the "higher" or cognitive functions, and may cause a Parkinsonian-like brain syndrome.


CAUSATIVE FACTORS

Other incidents have been reported in apartments where gas stoves are being used for heat. In at least one case, carbon monoxide poisoning was caused by the use of a charcoal grill within an apartment's bathtub. More than fifty percent (50%) of all carbon monoxide incidents occur within homes. Twenty percent (20%) of all incidents occur in businesses of various types.


TREATMENT

1.Move the victim(s) to fresh air, this will only relieve immediate symptoms of acute poisoning, remember if you have chronic poisoning that is low level and that has gone on for some time your deteriation may be gradual so it could be some time before you notice.

2.Activate the Fire/Emergency Medical Service System, if victim(s) are experiencing any symptoms, if the fire department is called and they have the equipment ask them to record the CO PPM (parts per million of carbon monoxide in the air). This could be used to help your doctor diagnose your illness, also should you decide to pursue a legal claim may well help your legal team.

3.Monitor for respiratory problems, get a COHb test to check for carbon monoxide levels in the blood.

4.Ventilate the affected area

Upon arrival, it is recommended that Basic Life Support (BLS) (e.g. EMT) personnel should:


1.Evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonic.

2.Administer humidified 100% oxygen by tight- fitting face mask. Assist ventilations as needed

3.Monitor Vital Signs

4.Monitor level of consciousness

5.Consider early transport to a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber for severely poisoned patients

6.Place the patient in a position of comfort and keep them warm

It is recommended that Advanced Life Support (A.L.S.) (e.g. Paramedic) personnel should:


1.Further evaluate the respiratory tract for dysfunction or possible compromise - intubate and assist ventilation as needed

2.Draw a blood sample for Carboxyhemoglobin analysis

3.Provide 100% humidified oxygen, do not delay administration of oxygen while performing blood sampling

4.Administer normal saline or other crystalline parental fluids at 2/3 to 3/4 of normal maintenance rates

5.Prepare for the possibility of generalized seizures in severe cases. Give diazepam (Valium) in 2-10 mg. doses (as needed) to terminate and control seizure activity

6.Perform electrocardiogram monitoring of the patient, be especially aware of ventricular ectopic beats and heart blocks. EKG changes seen most commonly in CO patients are ST segment depression, T-wave abnormalities, atrial fibrillation, and PVCs.

7.Any patient found unconscious, seizing, or with EKG changes and with an associated history should be treated as a severe carbon monoxide poisoning until proven otherwise

8.Consider direct transport to a Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy facility, with Oxygen being administered enroute, for severely poisoned patients

9.If the patient's history suggests any possibility of CO Poisoning, treat him/her as though they were exposed

PREVENTION AND CONCLUSIONS

Many lives could be saved and much disability prevented if citizens could learn to recognize and prevent the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Preventive efforts such as checking furnace flues, chimneys, and vents could help to alleviate the hazard. The use of good common sense in not using open flames, ovens and other appliances not intended for heating, could reduce the number of carbon monoxide related incidents. It is also recommended that homeowners have their complete heating systems checked before every heating season.
Only by being aware of the peril, and understanding the nature of the hazard, can we help to prevent unnecessary exposures to deadly carbon monoxide. By understanding the mechanism of injury, we can be better prepared to treat the effects of this toxic product. In this way, it is expected that the number of people who succumb to carbon monoxide's "deadly clutches" can be reduced.



from the Carbon Monoxide Site

Friday, April 29, 2011

Golf Course Review:

I am trying out a "new feature" here. My husband Russ, has been golfing since he was 7 years of age. He is now in his late fifties. He has MS but that does not stop him from still going out and playing his usual 18 holes. With my Fibromyalgia I only get in 9 holes--I usually play every other hole. I call odds or evens before we start. My new idea for a feature here is to have Russ "Review" Courses we play on. He may even give tips--he's not sure about that yet. Living now is Southern Utah gives us a lot more Opportunities to play even a much wider range of courses. We live only 45 minutes from St. George UT. Forty-five more minutes down the road is Mesquite NV then another hour and a half from there is Las Vegas, NV.

I will ask the questions and Russ will answer them since he tells me I'm the writer not him.

Today's Course of Review will be in Las Vegas, NV.:
Desert Pines Golf Club: 3415 East Bonanza Road (702) 388-4400 http://www.waltersgolf.com/

1)  What was your overall impression of the Staff at Desert Pines?  Very Good, helpful, and accomadatinng.
      We were an hr. early and they got us on the course within 15 mins. They were very friendly. They also 
      have a Course Marshall who goes around and checks on everyone.

2)  Do you think the Fees charged are fair for this course?  This is the Prime Time of Year so it will be high
      at this time. Also, you must remember it is Vegas.

3)  What was your impression of the Pro Shop? It was well-stocked and had everything anyone would
      need.

 4)  What did you think of the Course in General? Each hole has it's own personality. You can get yourself
      into trouble or make it easy on yourself. The fairways are narrow and the greens are large, making you
      want to go for it. All the greens are challenging. There are plenty of water hazards, sand traps and trees.
     
5)  Would you Recommend  Desert Pines to Anyone? Yes.

6)  How would you rate your overall experience at Desert Pines? (1-10 ten being Excellant) Ten.



FYI:

NFL FOOTBALL LEGENDS 1 MILLION DOLLAR FOOTBALL SHOOTOUT IN LAS VEGAS

Here is your chance to play a couple rounds of golf and party with some of your favorite NFL Football legends including Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Billy Joe Tolliver, Steve Beuerlein, Garo Yepremian and Butch Byrd to name a few... join us June 2nd - June 5th, 2011 for the "Football Legends $1,000,000.00 Shootout" at the exciting MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in fabulous Las Vegas. This incredible 4 day weekend is packed with pure excitement and fun. Two days of tournament golf partnered with a "Legend" of the NFL. One day of golf at the Desert Pines Golf Club and a second day at the Royal Links Golf Club.



This remarkable event is sponsored by The MGM Grand and offered by Desert Pines Golf Club


GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP AND PLAY.http://www.desertpinesgolfclub.com/promotions/special-event-golf-deals/





What To Do In A Poisoning Emergency:

First Steps in a Poisoning Emergency


A poisoning may have occurred. What should I do?

Follow these basic steps at the first sign of a poisoning.



If the person inhaled poison: Get to fresh air right away. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.



If the person has poison on the skin: Take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.



If the person has poison in the eyes: Rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.



In some cases, you should not try to give first aid: If the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine: Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.



What should I do if my child swallows something poisonous?

Right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Every poisoning is different. Treatment advice will depend on the type and amount of poison involved. The child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect treatment, too.



Should I use activated charcoal when I suspect someone has been poisoned?

No. Activated charcoal addresses certain poisons, but it is difficult to use. Your poison center will decide if activated charcoal should be used. The poison center may call a hospital to advise what type of treatment to use.

From Poisoning Site

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Green Beans with Rosemary & Garlic (crock pot) Recipe

We at T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) were having our annual "Induction of Officers" potluck. So each of us were bringing a dish. I made some alterations to one I found in a Crock Pot Cookbook since I had just gotten back from Las Vegas 4 days earlier. I had brought back some fresh rosemary from my brother's garden which I wanted to use. This is the recipe I ended up with and the gals loved it.
*note since we have had such a horrible time with fresh vegetables lately I didn't find any good fresh green beans. The original recipe said fresh or canned. I don't ever use canned (due to high sodium/so mushy) so I had substituted frozen, by thawing the beans out in the refrigerator overnight (in there original pkg.) then draining what little water there was by placing them in a colander. The gals said they thought they were "fresh green beans".

64 ounces reg-cut frozen (do NOT use french style cut) Green Beans, thawed overnight (in refrigerator), drained in colander  OR Fresh Green Beans

2 tsp. Beef Bouillon Granules

1 1/2 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary

2 Tbsp. minced Garlic

1/4 cup Water

Fat-free Cooking Spray


1. Spray slow cooker/crock pot with fat-free cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients and mix well.
3. Cook on high 3-4 hours.

Notes:
If you like, add 2 Tbsp. minced onions to step 2.

Per Serving: 46 calories; trace total fat; 7 total carbohydrates; 1g protein.
serves 8

Notes:
Check the label on the frozen green beans for an accurate Calorie Count. The green beans I got were Smith's Brand (Kroger Value) and were 30 calories. Some of the other brands I found - C&W=30 calories, Birdseye=35, and ones just listed as frozen=27. Therse are for 1/2 cup to 1 cup servings. So check labels for both serving size and calorie count. Especially if you are watching your weight like me.

Migraine Quiz : Migraine Survival

Migraine Quiz : Migraine Survival

Friday, April 22, 2011

My Recent Brush With Cancer

Two weeks ago my Doctor's Medical Assistant called me. She told me that the Mammogram I had in Dec. showed something and that I needed to see a surgeon for a biopsy. She gave me the Surgeon's name and phone number so I could schedule an appointment. I asked her which breast it was and she said she didn't have that information in front of her. I was a bit annoyed about that since I had worked for 30 years in the Medical Profession, part of it also being in Doctor's offices and Clinics before I moved on to Hospitals and Surgical Centers. We never gave information like she gave me over the phone for one. We always made an appointment for the patient to come in for a follow-up to have the doctor tell the patient. Also, why was it all of a sudden urgent when it has been 3 1/2 months since my Mammogram? Why did I not get a call sooner? Was it forgotten in the two appointments that I had seen my doctor in between on since the Mammogram? It seemed so wrong the way it was handled. And yet she DID NOT even have the RESULTS WITH HER when she called me!! I NEVER called a patient without the results right in front of me in all my 30 years of being in the Medical Field!
I made the appointment and my husband went with me to see the surgeon who was a very intelligent man. I was sent to another hospital for a different type of biopsy, than the more invasive surgical one the surgeon performed, due to the minuscule size. They were so tiny,actually 1/10th the size of buckshot. We had to view them with a magnifying glass. We had to drive to St. George, 45 minutes away, the biopsy was performed with a long needle and four little pieces were retrieved and a tiny titanium tag placed where they were removed. The tag was for future reference for either the surgeon if more surgery is required or future mammograms. Either way it is permanent & will not set off metal detectors at the Airports I'm told.
I waited four days for the results. Yesterday, I received the results that "I do not have Cancer". I am grateful since Breast Cancer took one of my Aunts when she was 54 and I am currently 51.
I am glad I have been having my Mammograms since the age of 40 years old. I had two fatty adipose masses taken out 7 years ago. Back then they were not detected when they were so small. They also watched them over a three year period. The first year the did a needle biopsy by withdrawing fluid only. Year two was no growth or anything. Year three they had tripled in size so they did a ultrasound and decided to remove them. They were benign also. We had expected them to be 99% benign before they were removed though.
Therefore, I am a great advocate about getting your Mammogram every year. It is very important. DO NOT PUT IT OFF. Early Detection is the best way for Early Treatment. The new Mammogram technology is great especially how they could detect such a small tiny tumor as they did on my mammogram this year versus 7 years ago was totally amazing to me. It sure proved to me that if it had gone the other way I would have had very early detection and a very very good chance of Treatment and Recovery.

Earth Day 2011 Sweepstakes: Be an Eco Hero!

Earth Day 2011 Sweepstakes: Be an Eco Hero!

The Green Life: Tips for living well and doing good from Sierra magazine

The Green Life: Tips for living well and doing good from Sierra magazine click link

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Whispers (in the Wind)

Whispers(in the Wind)

No place to hide the pain
That’s clawing me inside
As here I stand
Holding your hand..

Heated words and Pride
Roaring…like the wind
Threatening to divide
Whispers…crashing end to end.

Reminding me, what love is
What matters most, Us
Not who’s right, life and time
Our vows and love that binds.

Mis-spoken words, scorching Pride
Floating...whispers in the wind
I pray it’s not time…to decide
I whisper..God, don’t let us end.

Whispers, floating in the wind
Whispers, like prayers I send
Whispers, spoken in your ear
Whispers, God did hear
Whispers…..in the wind
Whispers…..my love....

March 24,2011

Dedicated to my husband Russ
Who I almost lost in July 2010.
But after 5 days in a coma he
Awoke. The doctors had already
Given up on him on the 4th day.
I had many prayer chains going
On his behalf--so the Dr. in charge
Called Russ the Miracle Man.