My friend called leaving messages three time before I was able to get back to her. “You have to get me more MindWorks immediately,” she told me. “My brain can’t function without it.” She is nearly ninety and has always been sharp, so not thinking clearly panicked her. She has been taking Shaklee’s Mindworks since it was introduced in 2014, and it has made a big difference in her ability to reason.

What I noticed when I started taking MindWorks was that I no longer forgot why I went to the basement even though I had been distracted on the way. Does this happen to you? What if MindWorks helped to change that?

What keeps the brain going?

Food, oxygen flow (exercise), water (75% of brain matter is H2O), sleep, good fat, and mood (attitude) are all key factors for maintaining good brain health.

What hurts the brain?

• Smoking,
• alcohol (kills brain cells),
• too much screen time,
• lack of fresh air,
• concussions,
• migraines,
• PTSD,
• depression,
• not talking to people,
• hearing loss,
• too much sugar

You can take steps to change some harmful habits. You know what they are.

• Stop gaming/scrolling and go outside.
• reduce or eliminate alcohol
• reduce or eliminate sugar
• get together with people
• seek treatment for PTSD or migraines
• get hearing aids if you are missing bits of conversation

How does nutrition affect brain health?

Glucose is the primary source of brain energy and metabolism, so eat foods that contain natural glucose: fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts.

• Glucose aids
• in brain cell development and repair,
• cognition
• neural generation,
• learning,
• memory,
• mood,
• focus.

Keys to enrich brain health: antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.

10 brain-boosting foods

Nutrition impacts brain development, memory progression, focus, concentration capacity, and mood.

• Be sure to include foods that can help improve cognition and boost brain cell health.
• Fatty seafood,
• dark leafy greens,
• antioxidant-rich fruits,
• nuts and seeds,
• herbs and spices.

Fatty Seafood & Poultry

• Fish

Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help the brain’s health. The brain is nearly 60% fat, and mostty of this fat is omega-3 fatty acids.

Help the brain build new cells and aid in learning, memory function, and anti-aging properties, by eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines.

• Eggs

Because eggs contain key nutrients, both macro and micro, which are often missing in large populations, they’re great for regulating brain health, improving mental function, and regulating mood.

Eggs contain vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and choline, all good for brain health. Eggs are also a rich source of protein.

Antioxidant-Rich Fruits

• Blueberries

Blueberries boost memory. They contain flavinoids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. Blueberries reduce stress and inflammation both of which age the brain.

• Oranges

Vitamin C boosts the immune system. It may also prevent mental decline.

Dark Leafy Vegetables

• Kale

Like other dark leafy greens–broccoli, spinach, and collards, kale is rich in vitamin K, beta-carotene, and folate, all good for the brain.

Broccoli

Broccoli boosts the brain because it promotes healthy fat in the brain. Broccoli contains Vitamin K which helps improve brain function in older adults.

Broccoli reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory stress.

Nuts and Seeds

• Walnuts

Get your omega-3 healthy fats, complete proteins, and valuable vitamins and minerals from nuts. Walnuts are the best brain-boosting nuts.

• Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great antioxidant and help protect the brain and preserve cognition. Pumpkin seeds contain iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc.

Herbs and Spices

• Turmeric

Turmeric helps with joint pain, And it also happens to be a great brain-boosting ingredient.

Turmeric boosts BDNF, a growth hormone that promotes the development of healthy brain cells and helps improve the aging process and mood.

• Herbal Tea

Similar to coffee, herbal tea boosts performance, increases alertness, and improves cognitive memory. Drink herbal tea to get antioxidants and polyphenols, to your brain.

Don’t forget water, coffee, spinach, flaxseeds, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, avocados, and dark chocolate–all good for the brain. I love that chocolate is in this list and I don’t mean milk chocolate. Forget the Hershey Kisses.

Spotlight on MindWorks…

How would you like to take a supplement that would enhance short-term memory, sharpen focus, improve reaction time, protect against age-related cognitive decline, and support healthy circulation. Well now you can!

MindWorks contains key ingredients shown in laboratory studies to stimulate the formation of new neuronal connections and a key ingredient combination shown in a clinical study to slow brain shrinkage rate by 30% over 2 years.

Guarana extract has been shown in two clinical studies to significantly enhance short-term memory, sharpen focus, and improve reaction time, 3x better than the control group.

Healthy brain function requires healthy circulation. MindWorks contains an exclusive and double-patented chardonnay grape seed extract that has been shown in a pilot study to rapidly enhance circulation within 1 hour.

Wellness Tip: Pair with OmegaGuard to keep your mind healthy and sharp.

Your brain on Shaklee…

It’s a fact… food consumed regularly… whether healthy or unhealthy… has a significant, measurable effect on the brain. And since the brain operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, fueling it with nutrient-rich food and supplements is a must.

Here are a few nutrients beneficial for brain health and cognition:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Acting as a natural anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide booster, optimal dosages of omega-3 fatty acids promote blood flow to the brain, improving overall brain function, such as memory, while also decreasing the risk of depression and cognitive conditions such as dementia. You’ll find the correct balance of omega-3’s in OmegaGuard.

Vitamin E

As an antioxidant, vitamin E is an excellent vitamin for brain health and cognition. In fact, it’s recently been proposed as an alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. For optimum absorption and metabolism, choose Vita-E Complex.

L-theanine

Found in both Stress Relief Complex and Dream Serene, l-theanine acts as a mild tranquilizer and aids in the relaxation of the nervous system. Some studies suggest that l-theanine also has the ability to boost memory, mood and cognition.

L-carnitine

Studies suggest that l-carnitine plays several integral roles that promote brain health, including the release of free radicals, the reduction of oxidative stress, and the promotion of cognition and neuro-protection of the developing brain and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. L-carnitine is also found in Stress Relief Complex and Dream Serene.

Iron

Chronic iron deficiency can lead to anemia, affecting nearly 30% of the world’s population.

Iron’s role in the brain includes oxygen transportation, neurotransmitter metabolism, and DNA synthesis.

If you need an iron boost, rely on Iron plus Vitamin C or Liqui-Lea.

Vitamin B

The B vitamins… particularly B6, B9, and B12… are essential for a healthy functioning brain. In fact, research suggests that the B vitamins are the most important nutrient complex for the brain and it’s function.

Vitamin B12 is often recommended as a daily supplement for the aging population to help prevent early-onset memory loss and cognitive decline.

Shaklee B-Complex. insures cellular absorption and function.

Lecithin

Lecithin may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve circulation, keep the liver functioning at its peak, sharpen mental skills, provide more energy, and… can help with weight loss.

Each Shaklee Lecithin capsule provides 520 mg of lecithin as well as inositol, which plays a critical role in the regulation of cell metabolism.

Shaklee Lecithin contains no added preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Final Thoughts

No matter the health, fitness, or wellness goal, your best results come from a combination of foods. Brain health is no different.

Eat the helpful ones and avoid the harmful ones.

The right foods nurture the brain and brain performance and mental and physical well-being.

Be well, Do Well, and Keep Moving

Please pass this information along to anyone who might benefit. I welcome comments and questions.

Stay in touch: Betsy@hihohealth.com; 206-409-5940;

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The post Your Brain–Is it working? appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

I have had more acute sciatic pain plus a long stretch of time at home ( so I decided to focus on discovering the cause.  What would a medically trained physician have to say about my condition?
I imagine most people begin in the doctor’s office.  You, who read my posts, may be among those who seek alternative care first.  I have done Feldenkrais, Deep tissue sports massage, private pilates, Myo Facial Release, Raiki, Alexander, Therapeutic Yoga, chiropractic, Physical Therapy—what am I forgetting?  Ah, yes, my wonderful team at the Xgym, half the time and twice the results.  Personal trainers who tailor my 25 minute workout to build upper body, leg and core strength while protecting my back.My first injury happened in 1989 with a major exacerbation in 1992.  Back then I did all the above and my doctor of choice was Stan Herring, a neurosurgeon who now limits his practice to the University of Washington Huskies and the Sea Hawks.  He’s the doctor who looked at my x-rays and a later MRI and asked if I’d come in a wheelchair.  “Get strong, Betsy.  Your bones are no good for surgery so get strong.”
If you know me and see me on Face book, you know that is exactly what I have been doing.  Weekly hiking, daily walking up and down the hills of West Seattle, long walks in exotic places in the off season, cross country skiing and snow shoeing when we have snow in our Cascades.
The sciatic has gotten progressively worse affecting my right leg and causing numbness and sometimes extreme pain.  I put myself under the care of Dr. Ren at the Polyclinic. She is a physical medicine doctor who specializes in keeping people moving who suffer from back related problems (among other things).  She confirmed that I have extreme spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis, two herniated disks at L4 and L5.  She sent me to physical therapy for eight session.  As has been true with previous visits to PT’s, I had fun with those young specialists and enjoyed their stretching, icing and exercises, but nothing beneficial came of it.  In fact, the gross motor activities prescribed may have made my condition worse.
Next step was to get the shot of cortisone in the L5 area where the narrowing is so small, it’s a wonder any nerve impulses get through at all.  I’ve been scheduled for this procedure three previous times and canceled each time.  I wasn’t ready.  Dr. Ren did a fabulous job.  Her needle found the spot producing an electric shock that sprung my leg all the way to my two middle toes to life with a jerk.  After I caught my breath, I congratulated her.
The first day I felt wonderful and so moved stuff around in the garage.  Stupid.  Without the pain, I realized my gait was completely cattywampus—right hip collapsing with each step, left leg struggling to hold me up.  Something whispered to me, “Go back to Becci Parsons and let her healing hands remind you how to stand and walk and sit and roll over.”  Becci is the Feldenkrais therapist who got me back on my feet after the herniation so many years ago.  She is a former dancer and has the same “keep moving” spirit I have.  She has suffered from a similar herniation and has ended up with surgery.  She can move fluidly with nearly equal strength on both sides (her right side has some weakness and lack of nerve response when her foot gets caught).
Becci, after three session, has me sitting on my sits bones with a natural curve in my lower spine, pressing one heal to the floor on the exhaling breath while lifting the right heal ever so slightly.  I am paying attention to the distance between my arm pit and my hips on both sides, keeping that distance equal.  I am paying attention to every muscle group that tries to help lift that right heal.  Tiny movements with laser focus to re-pattern the injured nerves and muscles.  She checked out my gait with the hiking sticks and said it was remarkable how my shoulders remained even, my right side did not collapse and my left hip didn’t swing out.  That decision on my part to walk everywhere with hiking sticks was the best self care for my condition.  It gets me a seat on a crowded bus, too.
I have further information from a new MRI although Dr. Ren’s assistant Diana and further narrowing has occurred since the pictures in 2014. I am now several weeks out from the cortisone shot and sadly report that the left leg is painful and weak as well as the right leg.

Monday morning I will have a surgery consultation with Becci’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Nora. I have some hope that he can help me.
The shot did lessen the pain, so much so that I stopped taking Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex which inhibits the pain path without any side effects.  Low and behold, other arthritis pain showed up in my hands.  I’m back on the Pain Relief and have a prescription for a pain reliever that I have not tried yet.

The most difficult aspect of this saga is that I cannot hike for longer than a half hour without sitting down.  I am in deep mourning for the loss of this activity with my pals.  I can’t hold them back.  What a struggle to let go of something so dear to my heart and body.  I have tried walking in the swimming pool to get my heart rate up and feel those endorphins that come from exercise, but it didn’t do much for me to be indoors.
There is something about spending a day in the wilderness every week that kept my spirit soaring and my sense of well being strong.  I’ll keep you posted on this transition to something that satisfies without excruciating pain.
I share my pain, suffering and healing stories in case they resonate with something you are going through, or someone you know.  If you have any interest in connecting with any of the practitioners I have used, please follow the hot links to them.  If you are interested in trying the supplements and dietary changes that have been so helpful to me, please check out this post in particular.  If you have questions or comments from your own experience, I and my readers would love to hear from you.

Thanks for reading. Share  your sciatica stories with me and my readers. Feel free to contact any of the healthcare providers I mentioned (Becci Parsons, Feldenkrais: Cedron Sterling, Myo Fascial Release) in this post. Happy hiking (and whatever you do to stay active.)

Be well, Do well, and Keep moving.

Betsy Bell

Betsy Bell Enterprises LLC, 206 409 5940

The post The end of hiking appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

Eighty-five miles of walking on sections of El Camino de Santiago, a spiritual pilgrimage across Spain. Seekers have been making this journey since the 9th century. I’ll turn 85 in a few days (August 2nd). I am full of gratitude for a body that functions, for family who joined and supported me, for the wherewithal to make such a trip, for my Ground of Being and how connected to the Universal Christ I felt as I put one foot in front of the other. 

And all this with the clothes I wore as I left Seattle plus a second set I bought to make the trip possible without my suitcase and all the carefully packed items in it, including my supplements.

 I believed I would die if I stopped taking my Shaklee. Turns out I didn’t.

I did go to a pharmacy for some immune support, some joint support, some energy support (ginseng), and some muscle support (magnesium). I also bought some pain relief. Apparently, it takes longer then three weeks to break down when you are at an optimal level of fitness!

What is the optimal level of fitness? It may come from supplementing your diet…

Most people today believe that taking supplements will fill nutritional gaps and optimize their health. The first step you should take in the quest to obtain an optimum nutritional level is to include a complete, high-quality multivitamin and multimineral product like Vita-Lea, Vitalizer or Life Strip in your daily regimen. Once you take steps to correct any nutritional shortfalls, you can expect these great results:

1) Improved body function. Your entire system will begin functioning more normally and you’ll feel better.

2) Your weight will start to normalize. Once your organs are functioning better, your metabolism will stabilize, you’ll feel more like exercising, and your weight will even out naturally.

3)  Stress will lessen. Good nutrition calms your nerve endings and enables you to handle stress more easily.

4) Your immunity will toughen. Your body will be able to ward off bacteria, viruses, parasites, and many diseases.

5) You’ll live longer. Especially if you take Vivix, damaged DNA will be repaired, slowing down aging.

6) And of course… you’ll look younger, healthier, and better because… your nutrition is showing!

Long days in the beating sun without Shaklee’s Sunblock SPF 30

I bought a tube of SPF 50 (and I wore a 36-inch span umbrella on my head!) Here I am with my daughter and son-in-law, the Atlantic Ocean behind us, Finesterre, Spain.

How did I decide the level of SPF protection I wanted? I knew these facts from Shaklee scientists.

Understanding SPF…

Florida dermatologist and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) spokesman James M. Spencer, MD, says, “It is logical for someone to think that an SPF of 30 is twice as good as an SPF of 15, and so on, but that is not how it works.” According to Spencer, an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays, an SPF 30 product blocks 97%, and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. “After that, it just gets silly,” he says.

A big problem with the sun care industry is that in their attempt to provide higher SPF levels, they have had to increase the chemical compounds in sunscreen to allow prolonged safe exposure to the sun’s rays.

By combining safe UVA and UVB sunscreen agents with the patented antioxidant protection of Vital Repair+, Shaklee SPF 30 for the Body provides unique, non-irritating, and extremely effective sun protection. Designed for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, this patented, water-resistant, oil-free sunscreen smoothes easily into your skin and absorbs quickly, without leaving a sticky residue. Soothing and moisturizing, it does not irritate the skin. Triple-patented Vital-Repair+ Complex contains antioxidant vitamins and botanicals. The formula offers broad spectrum protection and adds an extra defense against premature skin aging.

For the first time in years, I came home from a sunny locale tanned. I’ll be seeing my dermatologist soon as he just removed a melanoma a couple of months ago.

Why not try the Shaklee version of sunblock? It is Water resistant (80 minutes), Designed not to clog pores, 100% fragrance and paraben free, Allergy tested, Clinically formulated, Dermatologist tested, Patented sensitive-skin formula, Not tested on animals. A little goes a long way. Worth the price!

Oh, my aching knees! And no Pain Relief Complex.

I found some liquid pain relief that worked pretty well. In fact, I only needed one or two servings a day to keep all the joints quiet and functional. Normally, I take a Pain Relief Complex every morning and every evening and occasionally during the day. I carry a couple of tablets with me when I hike. It was important to find something that would allow pain-free hiking, if possible, and not do too much stomach damage. I was glad to get home to my Pain Relief so I didn’t have to rely on medication. Here’s what I was missing:

When joint pain hits, crippling your ability to continue daily activities, try Shaklee Pain Relief Complex… a natural botanical solution that is effective, fast-acting, and works synergistically with Joint & Muscle Pain Cream. Pain Relief contains glucosamine, plant based, glucosamine hydrochloride, Boswellia, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin C.

Boswellia serrate tree provides a botanical extract that contains boswellic acids that inhibit chemicals produced by the body that attack joint tissue and contribute to joint discomfort. It relieves pain and discomfort in joints caused by overexertion and promotes flexibility and overall comfortable movement.

I didn’t take Pain Cream either.

I do like to use it when soreness is acute.

The pain we are talking about results from over-exertion. If I’d had some rub-in Pain Cream, I would have had the benefit of a fast-absorbing, menthol-rich formula that targets muscle and joint discomfort to provide quick, long-lasting relief. In addition to the natural anesthetic properties of menthol (derived from peppermint oil), Joint & Muscle Pain Cream contains a proprietary blend of clinically proven natural ingredients, including sweet almonds and aloe vera. Joint & Muscle Pain Cream utilizes a unique patented liposome delivery system that ensures that the ingredients penetrate the skin quickly for prolonged release action and optimum dosage. I would have used it for joint pain in my wrist, ankle, knee, elbow, and hip; my back, neck, and shoulders. This is not to say that I was having pain in all these places. But perhaps you have experienced pain in these joints.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a tube of Muscle and Joint Pain Cream on hand? Order some today.

We made it to the End of the World.

The last day (July 12th), the full moon rose over the most western edge of Spain, once thought to be the end of the known world. Beyond the horizon, sea monsters pulled a wayward ship into the deep. What a thrill to complete this walk, not all 500 miles, but a goodly number.

Be well, Do well, and Keep Moving, Betsy

The post 85 Miles on El Camino appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

Turmeric Boost from Shaklee is a highly absorbable form of Curcuminoids (they added black pepper to help). Turmeric has been used to reduce inflammation (arthritis), natural pain relief, joint pain relief, heart health, clearing brain fog and more. Perhaps you have been using Turmeric in cooking and supplementing with it for these very reasons. Here’s some good information about Turmeric and why you might want to try Shaklee’s version. Switching brands often makes a huge difference.

What is turmeric? What are curcuminoids? And what is curcumin?
Turmeric, curcuminoids, and curcumin are not interchangeable terms. Turmeric is a distinctive yellow spice that’s part of the ginger family and has been used for 4,000 years in cooking and medicinal uses. The family of active compounds in turmeric is called curcuminoids. The primary curcuminoid found in turmeric is called curcumin, and this is where turmeric’s powerful benefits come from. Curcumin is well-known for its powerful antioxidant properties.
What’s the difference between turmeric root and turmeric extract?
Curcumin is found in the root of the turmeric plant but only comprises a small amount of the turmeric root; an average turmeric root contains less than 5% curcumin, and this amount varies from turmeric root to turmeric root. On the other hand, turmeric extracts are made by extracting curcumin from the turmeric root and are standardized to contain concentrated amounts of curcumin. Turmeric Boost includes 500 mg of turmeric extract standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids.
Why is black pepper extract included in the formula?
Because curcumin has been found to have relatively low absorption, Turmeric Boost contains 5 mg black pepper extract (Piper nigrum), a key ingredient that enhances curcumin absorption and increases bioavailability.
Can Turmeric Boost be taken any time of day?
Turmeric Boost can be taken any time of day but should be taken with a meal or shake.
Is Turmeric Boost vegan?
Yes. Turmeric Boost is great for people that eat a vegan diet.
Is Turmeric Boost Kosher?
Yes. Turmeric Boost is Star-K Kosher certified.
Is there anyone who should NOT take Turmeric Boost?
Turmeric Boost is not intended for use by children or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please consult your physician if you are on medication, pregnant, breast-feeding, or under the age of 18.
Turmeric Extract
Turmeric has long been used for inflammatory conditions and liver support.

Turmeric references so you can look them up yourself!

Basic G+
Shaklee’s response to the pandemic was to re-introduce Basic G (+) in twice the concentration. A new Basic G+ spray bottle gives better instructions on mixing and usage.
WHAT MAKES BASIC-G+ SPECIAL
1.Disinfects in 5 minutes.* That’s 50% faster than the previous formula.
2.Works on bacteria, fungi, and viruses in kitchens**, bathrooms, and pet areas.
3.Highly concentrated and economical. One 16-oz. a bottle makes up to 32 gallons of cleaning solution. *See label for complete directions. **
Basic-G+ Germicide is a highly concentrated formula and should be kept out of reach of children.
Food contact surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water after use. Note: It is a violation of Federal law to use Basic-G+ in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
You add the water, which means:
•Fewer plastic bottles
•Less energy used for shipping

At Shaklee, we are committed to innovating through science and looking to nature for the answers that can provide healthier lives. We ensure the highest quality and safety standards – conducting over 100,000 quality tests per year to ensure our products are safe.
The new item code for Basic G+ is 00527. The spray bottle is 50531.

From the Heart….
The end of summer is anti-climactic. There is no fall trip to look forward to, no big adventures to report. In fact, my birthday August 2nd, normally swarming with hugging family members, was a weird mini-series of 5 – 7 close relatives outside and masked. At one such event, I was exposed to the Covid-19 virus. My youngest grandson tested positive as did his father. Two test and days later, I am healthy.
I added two young hens to my coop when the Old Lady, Daisy, died at 12 and Goldie wouldn’t be happy living alone. We all seem to need companionship. Happily, my granddaughter, Cami Killorin, is living in my back bedroom, playing fabulous tunes every day in preparation for issuing her first singer/song-writer album. She and I ran away to the Cascades and slept on the ground in our sleeping bags a couple of nights when it was soooo hot in Seattle. There were very few people. We sat by the fire and sang songs, watched an owl sail through the dense forest, walked logs and read by the roaring Troublesome Creek.

I hope you are doing well and not going crazy with the solitude, the news, and inactivity. I am hopeful that the continued attention being paid to the economic and justice disparity between Whites and POC is slowly changing systems. If you don’t have a person of color to talk to about how they live their lives on a daily basis, I suggest you make an effort to meet one or two and listen to their stories. Our Episcopal congregation (155 participants) has been reading and listening to podcasts, interviews and books to better understand the background, then meeting to discuss via zoom.

I am shocked. I’ll leave it at that. I try not to get all my information from media which seems a bit biased on both sides. The persons of color themselves speak to me in their own voices. It is powerful. As a White woman, these stories have been invisible to me, with a few minor exceptions. I did grow up in a Jim Crow town in Oklahoma but didn’t know what the Black families’ lives were like. I didn’t know any Black children until my senior year in high school, through Girl Scouts.

Useful media: www.fb.com/betsybellshealth4U for a live health tip every Thursday at 8:30 PDT. Under 10 minutes.

www.HiHoHealth.com my personal shopping website with Shaklee.

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving, Betsy

The post Why is turmeric good for you? appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

A little over 18 months ago, Shaklee introduced the YOUTH skin-care line, ideal for dull, dry skin or for anyone wanting to look younger longer. The previous line, Enfuselle, was loved by so many, including me. I wasn’t that excited about losing the familiar and embracing the new. Besides YOUTH products are more expensive, like the high-end department store brands. Was the increase in cost worth it? I wasn’t sure. Here’s my heart-to-heart take on the new line.

Why YOUTH?

Shaklee has moved forward over the 100 years since Dr. Shaklee first created Vitalized Minerals. The scientists at Shaklee’s laboratory have continued Dr. Shaklee’s legacy, pushing the envelope, putting their medical and science team to work solving new health problems.

Pro-Biotics and GLA

Two examples: I remember waiting for Shaklee’s pro and pre-biotics and their version of gamma linolenic acid —GLA—, an omega-6 fatty acid that our bodies use to form prostaglandins—potent, hormone-like substances that help the body to regulate many normal bodily processes. I was desperate for this hormone balancing stuff when menopause was taking me down.

When GLA came along, I stopped buying Evening Primrose Oil capsules and went for Shaklee’s Borage Oil based GLA and noticed the difference with my hot flashes right away. My body needed a little help to make the hormonal transition. GLA gave it to me.

The Optiflora pearl loaded with friendly micro-flora and the Optiflora power that fed them when they made it to the lower intestines made a dramatic change in my digestion and my immune system. It was worth waiting for the science department’s painstaking research and protective delivery system.

WHAT ABOUT YOUTH?

When Enfuselle came out, I did an ingredient search at the Environmental Working Group’s site (www.ewg.org) and found every Enfuselle product to be safe on a scale of 1 – 5. Today the scale to measure harm goes from 1 – 10 as new research discovers more and more cosmetic and skin care ingredients contain potential carcinogens.

You don’t want to put stuff on your skin that could cause cancer, do you?

Shaklee scientists went back to the drawing board and created a skin care line without the 2500 ingredients that could be cancer causing and are frequently found in skin care products.

How’s that for taking the initiative toward something healthier when the current product line was selling extremely well?!

As a cancer survivor with a pre-disposition to melanoma (I’m missing a gene that heals free radical damage in the body), I jumped right on YOUTH and breathed a sigh of relief that Shaklee made something safe for me and for all of you, too.

I had to get used to a very different product line. An oil-based cleanser—Luminous Gel-Oil Cleanser—turns out to be luscious, gently exfoliating with green algae.

A toner —Perfecting Skin Toner—that lasted me from February to August, six months—and has all kinds of citrus to help balance the PH of your skin so the natural acidic balance is restored after rinsing with tap water.

Your skin needs to be just a little acidic as an immune system protection against pathogens. Most cleansers strip the acid mantel. Rinsing adds minerals from the water to the skin. We need the toner to balance PH and protect. 

The toner is expensive at $47 retail and $40-member price. Still, Shaklee’s toner has the same muscadine grape and A, C and E vitamins that all the YOUTH products contain. I wanted that protection. Six months before I ran out? I’m OK with that expense.

The moisturizer—Age Defense Moisturizer—has zinc oxide and goes on thick. It took some getting used to, but what a difference it makes to the luminous, healthy glow my face developed over time. No sun. Period. 30 SPF. No scent, either, so the moisturizer is good for men and women alike.

The special products—Activating Serum and Radiance C & E—are treatments for the skin, renewing the health of deep facial cells. My deep wrinkles reddened a bit with initial use, but the burning sensation subsided after a few weeks and the grooves seemed to get shallower. These two products are $95 retail and $80 member. Again, they last several months.

The Radiance C & E contains 60 little golden pillows containing the 20% pure Vitamin C. I alternate using one pillow every other day and the Activating Serum mornings and at night on alternate evenings. I opened new containers of the Activating Serum last March and again in August. Good value.

I always end with the Advanced Renewal Night Cream to boost collagen and elastin production while sleeping. I feel I’ve been to the day spa every night. It’s quite the luxurious experience.

If an anti-aging program isn’t for you at your age, the products to use for your four-step day time program for keeping your skin youthful and hydrated are Luminous Gel-Oil Cleanser, Perfecting Skin Toner, Moisture Activating Serum and Moisture LOCK Day Cream. Get the Sun Protection Factor on your skin with the Beauty Balm foundation. Each color (there are four) glides on with 30 SPF.

Shaklee has two masks, one dark and rich Purifying  Clay Mask to detox and clarify your skin; the other a golden hydrating Gel Mask to deeply sooth and moisturize.

For the eyes—those pesky bags and droops—Restoring Eye Treatment reduces appearance of puffiness and dark circles. I love that I can still read comfortably after applying this treatment at night.

To get a feel for these products and how to use them, watch my Facebook live demonstration on most Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. In less than ten minutes I show you how to use the various products. It’s been fun to learn a new technology. I removed the first couple attempts and the quality of my presentation is getting better all the time. It’ll give you a chuckle to watch.

Www.facebook.com/betsybellshealth4u  Go to my YouTube channel on the YOUTH products where you can watch a beautifully done professional demonstration. I commend that to you if you have questions and watch to understand how to use these products. When you get to my Facebook channel on YOUTH, please like it and share so it will go up in the list. There are a lot of Betsy Bell you tube channels. I’d appreciate it.

The Shaklee website (www.HiHoHealth.com my personal website with Shaklee) offers special deals on YOUTH products, so be sure to check out that web site if you are thinking about trying YOUTH for yourself, or as a gift this Christmas for someone special. The man in your life might just love some of these rejuvenating products. Take a look.

Be well, do well and Keep moving.

Have a delicious, love-filled Thanksgiving.

There is so much to be thankful for, in spite of the national and global chaos. Just look around you and appreciate your life, all the goodness and beauty.  Betsy

Please leave a comment.

The post Youth skin care line appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

How often I hear the gloomy discouragement “I want to exercise, but I just don’t do it as often as I need to. I can’t get results. I’m not losing weight.” Gyms make nearly all their money by signing people up who never show up after the first visit. Even at my Xgym where the monthly cost is just under $400 for a twice a week session with a personal training, people let their credit card run month and month and don’t come to their sessions. How lame is that? What a waste of money.

If this is even a little bit you, read on.

Do you think a couple supplements might help? If they could help, would you like to hear about them?

Shaklee has a line of Sports Nutrition developed for elete athletes at the request of several different agencies over the last 30+ years. First there was the Daedalus Project where Leonardo DaVinci’s human powered airplane was built by some students at MIT. To power the bicycle with wings, they needed a fuel that would keep a cyclist peddling non-stop from the Island of Crete to mainland Greece. The idea was to put that ancient Greek myth about Daedalus to the test. Look it up if you’re curious. Shaklee created Performance, a rehydrating drink with sugars and electrolytes that provided the only fuel for the guy on the bike for 119 km or three times the distance across the English channel.

Take a listen to Les Wong, long time Shaklee scientist and heavy duty sports guy, tell about what the company was thinking when they developed these new products. The history of Shaklee’s involvment with gold medal-seeking athletes is impressive.

Here’s the new no/low-calorie line: Performance Fitness Pack

Buy on or before Sept 30 and the water bottle is free.

I’ve been using the Shaklee performance drink ever since they brought it to market for regular folks. It does have a pretty high calorie count due to the requirements of that extreme effort. Women who are counting calories have stayed away from such a rehydrating drink even though there are excellent nutritional reasons for the sugars to help power an extreme athlete. Most of us don’t fit that catagory of athlete.  Right? Right.

We are not going for the Gold. For the regular person like me who is out walking, doing Zumba and other group exercise classes, often in conjunction with a weight loss program, we now have three new sport supplements with fewer calories. Yeah! Shaklee.

Low Calorie Electrolyte Drink powder sticks   

You’ve got your water bottle. Now break open a stick of rehydrating drink mix with zero calories and keep on moving. This box of powder/power sticks( item # 21307) in Lemon/Lime is only $20 for 20 sticks. Talk about convenience and help for the person who is exercising to help lose weight.

Shaklee’s Performance Advantage Physique
whey protein now comes with only 110 calories per serving and 3 grams of sugar. The same bio-build that is in the body building Physique with extra leucine to repair muscle while letting the fat go. The same amino acids that athletes look for in a recovery drink. Now in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
#21314 vanilla, lower calorie Performance Advantage drink mix is $50 member price for 20 servings, 2 scoops per serving.

Energy Chews are now called Performance Energy Chews. Same product, new packaging.
I use these daily for those days when Pomegranate tea sends me running to the bathroom. If I’m hiking or going to fitness class, I’d rather get my energy boost from a solid. Two Energy chews due the trick. They are also excellent for keeping you alert driving home after a meeting or a party and you are feeling drowsy.  Safety first.

    New! New! New!
                                                    Sleep better!Wake up pain free!

Performance PM Recovery Complex
Who knew science had a way to help the sports-tired body recover while we sleep?

Ultra pure Tart Cherry extract clinically shown to optimize recovery and reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness which helps improve sleep quality
Relieves pain cause by overexertion

I take one of these plus Pain Relief Complex before bed on days when I have pushed myself and am worried I’ll get out of bed creaking and groaning. It helps! Maybe if I were still 60 instead of 80, it would help even more. Try some and let me know how it works for you.
Keep moving. Don’t give up. Drop the weight with lower calories and recover from your workouts, whether it is gardening, aerobics class, cycling, hiking, swimming or dancing (my favorite).

See you at the gym/YMCA/trail head.  Love, Betsy

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving.

The post Resisting your fitness goals? appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

Facebook comments and face to face remarks about my happy and speedy recovery from surgery prompt me to share the whole story. I am no superwoman. I am a Shaklee woman. I do have the attitude of “be well, do well and keep moving,” but attitude alone cannot knit together tissue that has been sliced apart and held there while a surgical team cleaned out bad discs and inserted titanium to take their place. I don’t want to suggest by the report I am about to share with you that the only way to get robust healing from surgery is to follow the program I have followed. Not everyone’s body needs the level of supplementation that mine seems to need. However, I am not alone. There are hundreds of other people in the US, Canada and Mexico, Thailand, Japan and China who use supplementation by Shaklee to get the kind of results I attribute to this company’s products.

(Because you won’t want to rely on my word alone, follow the links to read about these products as I mention them in order to know their ingredients and understand how they differ from other products on the market.)

In the hospital: 180 Protein shake mix the minute I could eat. Herb lax to stimulate peristalsis and get the bowels moving. Anesthesia and pain medicine shuts this part of the digestive system down. I know there are heads nodding from personal experience as you are reading this. I took my usual supplements as I could, given low appetite, groggy-ness and discomfort. I did not take any pain medicine. In 48 hours, I was home with ice packs on the incision points (both sides) and on the lower back where the work was done. I had pillows mounded high so I could lie in the bed with my knees and hips at 90 degrees putting as little pressure on the psoas as possible.

A steady stream of wonderful people came to help with meals and showering, etc. I discovered a TV series (on  Amazon Prime) called Mozart in the Jungle that took my mind off everything. I listened to books on tape (Audible) and managed to progress to the point of walking outdoors longer and longer distances with increased incline. Anyone healing from an operation needs the help of others and distractions.

What I want to share with you is my daily routine of supplementation. You may react negatively thinking “that’s way too many pills.” You may think that’s too much money. Or you may find it informative, learning about vitamins and minerals that help healing.

I take my supplements three times a day and add a couple system-cleansing things at night before bed. I routinely take a couple servings of 180 Protein shake mix and the Instant Protein Soy Drink Mix, especially using Physique, the muscle builder designed to help heal stressed muscles after a workout. It is a sports nutrition non-soy drink. I have used it after working out and it was especially helpful after surgery. Delicious, too, if you like banana flavor.

Vita Lea Gold for people over 50
Vita C sustained release, 3000 daily with another 2000 mg daily during the first 4 weeks. C is essential to healing.
B Complex 6 daily of Shaklee’s well balanced B including all 8 B vitamins in the right ratio avoiding hot flashes or headaches people sometimes get from Super B.
Vita D3 6000 mg daily
Garlic 6 tablets daily (immune support)
Omega broad spectrum fish oil, 6 capsules daily
Lecithin 6 capsules daily plus another 4 during recovery. Lecithin emulsifies sticky material (inflammation around the incision points so that it can flush out of the body thus reducing inflammation)
Carotomax and Flavomax, both fat and water soluable antioxidants from green, red and yellow fruits and vegetables.
Alfalfa, an original Dr. Shaklee product full of minerals that acts as an anti-inflammatory, 45 daily at least.
GLA made from Borage Oil (Evening Primrose oil is common on the shelves of heath food and vitamin stores) an omega 6 supplement that regulates prostaglandins (and hormones) and also acts as an antiflammatory. 6 capsules daily.
Vita E, one capsule daily.
Osteomatrix (bone health product) 4 daily.

Three products for heart health: Blood Pressure to keep my blood pressure normal, Cholesterol Reducing Complex (I have lowered my cholesterol which normally runs about 220 to the upper 190s) and CoQ Heart, an antioxidant that supports the heart muscle

The herbal complexes that I take daily are MindWorks (proven to help memory and concentration), Mental Acuity (increases blood flow to the brain), Nutriferon (natural immune response booster), Glucose Regulation and Metabolic Boost to help balance blood sugar, Joint Health Complex 3 daily to reduce joint pain, Pain Relief Complex 3 daily to keep arthritis pain in my hands, neck and knees at bay.

To aid digestion I take EzGest before each meal and Probiotic Optiflora every morning with a glass of warm water and the juice of half a lemon. At night I take 2 Liver DTX and 2 Herb-lax to cleanse the liver and colon.

You may be shaking your head in dismay or rolling your eyes. Rest assured, I am not alone. For four generations people in the Shaklee family, hundreds of them, have been eating “the shelf” everyday. Ten years ago, our CEO and owner, Roger Barnett risked the company’s reputation by asking the University of California School of Public Health to analyze the blood drawn from 400 long term Shaklee users (20 years or more) and compare the results with people who have taken a multivitamin and with people who have taken no vitamins over 20 years, matching for many individual variables including age. The results astonished Dr. Bloch, the head researcher at the School of Public Health. The Shaklee users enjoyed a significantly higher sense of well-being and demonstrated statistically significant lower levels of diseases such as heart and diabetes. I am happy to one of these beneficiaries. It’s called the Landmark Study. You can read about it here .

If you are already taking some of the above mentioned supplements, what might be your results if you switched to the Shaklee brand? Check your health status by filling out the HealthPrint, a tool designed to help anyone assess their current health against a standard of optimal health.

I just returned from my post-op visit with Dr. Nora’s office. “Go and enjoy your usual activities and we hope to never see you again,” they said to me as I left. I’ll resume hiking in the nearby Cascade mountains in October. I can’t wait.

If you have questions about any of the supplements above or want to read more about the strategies I used to avoid this surgery for so many years, please browse the various posts at www.GrandmaBetsyBell.com

Be well, Do Well and keep moving.

Betsy

206 933 1889

shopping for Shaklee www.HiHOHealth.com

travel adventures www.EmpoweredGrandma.com

The post Recovery from Surgery appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

There comes a time when surgery for arthritis makes sense. I have reached that time. I began blogging at www.NoWheelchair.wordpress.com in 2004, to share strategies a person with arthritis could use to avoid taking medication or having surgery. My posts have been about my own journey to manage increasingly severe osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis, and more recently a condition known as listhesis, or the collapsing of vertebra to the left and to the right. As my Feldenkrais practitioner keeps telling me, “You’ve got a complicated spine.”

It has been an interesting process to dedicate this year to a protocol of my own making. I have gone to a physical medicine specialist, Dr. Ren, at the Polyclinic who suggested physical therapy for eight sessions. The PT exercises did nothing to alleviate the weakness in my legs, nor the pain, lovely as it was to show up to the attention of admiring young men twice a week.

I decided to take Dr. Ren’s offer of an injection of steroids in L5 and L4 and I had a good four pain free weeks. With less pain, I was able to pay attention to my gait and realized I was so unstable on my right side that my right hip was swinging out with every step. I decided to go back to Becci Parsons, my Feldenkrais practitioner for help getting symmetrical again. Walking everywhere with hiking sticks helps with symmetry. My strong upper body lifts my weaker legs up and the hiking sticks keep me parallel. They are less for balance than for lifting weight off the collapsed vertebra.

Nerve pain came back after a short time. Dr. Ren thought I might be a good candidate for surgery. Becci has had two operations for very similar conditions so I went to her neurosurgeon, Dr.Peter Nora. Dr. Nora has twenty years of back surgery under his belt. When I met him, I looked at his hands which are small and delicate. A good sign. He put me through the diagnostic paces where you resist pressing your knees together and then apart; your feet in and then out; your knee lifting against pressure; all of which I passed with flying colors. It seemed obvious this 79 year old woman showed no sign of weakness. He tried one last diagnostic tool: I stood against the wall pressing my heals, my back and my head against it. The test: stand for ten minutes in that position. I lasted 5 seconds before my legs gave way.

I so appreciated Dr. Nora’s willingness to listen to my experience. When I stand around for a while, the right leg loses feeling and will not support my weight. Think about when standing around is what we do as humans: hanging out in the kitchen with family while we cook; looking at a painting in the museum; holding a drink at a cocktail party or reception; singing in the choir at church; waiting in line at Starbucks, at the airport, at the bank. All of these scenarios result in weakness and the sensation of getting ready to fall over. Dr. Nora heard me and kept trying moves so he could reproduce my experience in a controlled clinical setting. Thank goodness. I once had an orthopedist kick me out of his office after I told him I walked to Broadway and Madison from the 3rd Ave bus stop, a distance of about a mile, most of it up a steep hill. I was using my sticks so I could do it.

Dr. Nora explained the surgery by showing me the MRI of my spine from the bottom to the top as if you were looking up a tube in which the spinal cord runs. Between L3, L4 and L5, the poor spinal cord disappeared completely. He will carve off the bonein those areas to stop the pinching of the nerves. It could be a big change for the better. Since I have been avoiding surgery for so many years, there is no guarantee all the nerves will come back, but the pain should reduce considerably.

You would think I would get in for surgery for arthritis as quickly as possible. But my calendar is full this summer with harvesting the raspberries (bending, lifting and twisting), camping with family, traveling to Hawaii with a granddaughter and several graduations. The first stretch of time when I could commit to no bending, no twisting and no lifting for a month begins August 16th. So that is when the surgery is scheduled.

In the mean time, Dr. Ren’s Assistant, Diana Ferdana, who calls me pharmaceutically naive, meaning I have little experience with drugs, prescribed Gabapentin. This drug prevents seizures and also blocks nerve pain. Side effects bother me as I am a little loopy, a little sleepy, but the benefit of the smallest possible dose is considerable. I still take Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex to keep other arthritis under control, like my thumbs and fingers and shoulder.  She also gave me an industrial sized back brace which I wear when picking raspberries, doing laundry, emptying the dishwasher, sweeping the floor. You get the idea, bending, lifting and twisting.

I still go to the Xgym every week. My trainer has talked to Becci and together they have a workout plan that stabilizes my core while building upper body strength. These exercises don’t ask much from my weak legs other than stability although I am doing controlled lunges with hiking sticks. Staying fit is important when heading for major surgery. The guys at Xgym will help me get back on my feet when the surgery is over.

I am still walking most days although forty minutes to an hour is as long as I can go without sitting down to give my back relief. So no hiking with my group. This is the hardest loss for me as I have been in the wilderness nearly every week since 2004, summer and winter. Happily there are plenty of parks nearby with old growth forest and trails, but there is nothing like deep wilderness. I miss it and my hiking buddies.

I share all this personal experience with the hope that you or someone you know will take heart in their own struggle with arthritis. Don’t give up and sit down. We have to keep moving to avoid further damage and disability. At this point for me, I can do damage by over-doing so I have to learn to listen to the signals that say, enough. Most days at least a mile of walking works. I begin each day with tiny Feldenkrais movements to activate the core, the psoas and the multifidae that go up and down my spine to stabilize it. Just half an hour of that careful “exploration”, as Becci calls it, makes the difference for movement all day.

So, Be well, Do well and Keep Moving.
Feel free to share this. And don’t forget to like me on Face book.

Comments and questions are encouraged.

Betsy

206 933 1889

The post surgery for arthritis appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

Several customers have complained about sleep challenges so I thought I’d share some problems associated with pain and lack of sleep plus some remedies.

When pain is first experienced, most people do not experience sleeplessness. However, when pain becomes a problem, it can be a vicious cycle. If someone experiences poor sleep due to pain one night, he or she is likely to experience more problems the next night and so on. It gets worse and worse every night.

We know that pain triggers poor sleep. Someone experiencing lower back pain may experience several intense phases of light sleep which lead to awakenings. These periods of light sleep are innocuous for a person not experiencing chronic pain. Pain is a serious intrusion to sleep. Pain is frequently associated with insomnia and these coexisting problems can be difficult to treat. One problem can exacerbate the other.

A 2015 sleep and pain study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation verified by numbers which we could have guessed: people with chronic pain are three times more likely to get a bad night’s sleep even though over half of all Americans experienced pain in the last week.
Without a good night’s sleep, one gets grumpy, is less able to function and the perception of ones general health status goes down. Sleep is necessary for healing and restoring every internal organ and without it, health does deteriorate.

We often turn to drugs—both prescription and over the counter, and alcohol to try to get to sleep. The National Sleep Foundation suggests being very intentional about getting adequate sleep by making sleep a priority.

*Stop or limit  caffeine consumption.
*Limit alcohol intake, particularly in the evening.
*Use of pain killers and/or sleeping pills are effective, but should be used under the supervision of a physician.
*Practice relaxation techniques , such as deep abdominal breathing.

Personally, I go to bed by the clock, not by my sleepiness. I can get a second wind if I get started on a new project—web search, emails, Face book—in the late evening which keeps me up. I know I will wake up at 5:30 so aim for head-on-the-pillow by 10:30. Seven hours of sleep. When I wake up at 5:30, I usually listen to soothing music or a meditation tape, a Nidra Yoga or Back Pain relief to stay in bed until 6:15 or so. I sit in the hot tub every night just before going to bed. Some people take a hot shower or bath to aid the transition to sleep.

Shaklee makes an herbal supplement called Gentle Sleep Complex which has passion flower extract and chamomile extract plus 225 mg of Valerian. Three tablets before bed helps you go to sleep.

I take several Pain Relief Complex tablets, also. I put Shaklee’s Joint and Muscle Pain Cream on my lower back and then lie with an ice pack under the my back while I listen to a meditation tape.

What have you found that helps with 7 – 9 hours of deep restful sleep? Please add your comments so other readers can benefit from your experience.

Be well, Do well and Keep moving.

Betsy

206 933 1889

www.HiHoHealth.com for shopping

www.EmpoweredGrandma.com for travel stories

www.MyLifeasFiction.com for my writing blog (not live yet)

The post sleep and pain appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.

I imagine most people begin in the doctor’s office.  You, who read my posts, may be among those who seek alternative care first.  I have done Feldenkrais, Deep tissue sports massage, private pilates, Myofascial Release, Raiki, Alexander, Therapeutic Yoga, chiropractic, Physical Therapy—what am I forgetting?  Ah, yes, my wonderful team at the Xgym, half the time and twice the results.  Personal trainers who tailor my 25 minute workout to build upper body, leg and core strength while protecting my back.
My first injury happened in 1989 with a major exacerbation in 1992.  Back then I did all the above and my doctor of choice was Stan Herring, a neurosurgeon who now limits his practice to the University of Washington Huskies and the Sea Hawks.  He’s the doctor who looked at my x-rays and a later MRI and asked if I’d come in a wheelchair.  “Get strong, Betsy.  Your bones are no good for surgery so get strong.”
If you know me and see me on Face book, you know that is exactly what I have been doing.  Weekly hiking, daily walking up and down the hills of West Seattle, long walks in exotic places in the off season, cross country skiing and snow shoeing when we have snow in our Cascades.
The sciatic has gotten progressively worse affecting my right leg and causing numbness and sometimes extreme pain.  I put myself under the care of Dr. Ren at the Polyclinic. She is a physical medicine doctor who specializes in keeping people moving who suffer from back related problems (among other things).  She confirmed that I have extreme spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis, two herniated disks at L4 and L5.  She sent me to physical therapy for eight session.  As has been true with previous visits to PT’s, I had fun with those young specialists and enjoyed their stretching, icing and exercises, but nothing beneficial came of it.  In fact, the gross motor activities prescribed may have made my condition worse.
Next step was to get the shot of cortisone for sciatica in the L5 area where the narrowing is so small, it’s a wonder any nerve impulses get through at all.  I’ve been scheduled for this procedure three previous times and canceled each time.  I wasn’t ready.  Dr. Ren did a fabulous job.  Her needle found the spot producing an electric shock that sprung my leg all the way to my two middle toes to life with a jerk.  After I caught my breath, I congratulated her.
The first day I felt wonderful and so moved stuff around in the garage.  Stupid.  Without the pain, I realized my gait was completely cattywampus—right hip collapsing with each step, left leg struggling to hold me up.  Something whispered to me, “Go back to Becci Parsons and let her healing hands remind you how to stand and walk and sit and roll over.”  Becci is the Feldenkrais therapist who got me back on my feet after the herniation so many years ago.  She is a former dancer and has the same “keep moving” spirit I have.  She has suffered from a similar herniation and has ended up with surgery.  She can move fluidly with nearly equal strength on both sides (her right side has some weakness and lack of nerve response when her foot gets caught).
Becci, after three session, has me sitting on my sits bones with a nature curve in my lower spine, pressing one heal to the floor on the exhaling breath while lifting the right heal ever so slightly.  I am paying attention to the distance between my arm pit and my hips on both sides, keeping that distance equal.  I am paying attention to every muscle group that tries to help lift that right heal.  Tiny movements with laser focus to re-pattern the injured nerves and muscles.  She checked out my gait with the hiking sticks and said it was remarkable how my shoulders remained even, my right side did not collapse and my left hip didn’t swing out.  That decision on my part to walk everywhere with hiking sticks was the best self care for my condition.  It gets me a seat on a crowded bus, too.
I have an appointment for a new MRI although Dr. Ren’s assistant Diana didn’t see how the stenosis could have gotten any worse.  Then I will have a surgery consultation with Becci’s neurosurgeon.  I hope I don’t have to go there, but I am willing if it would help me gain real strength on my right side.

The blessing is not being in pain.  I stopped taking Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex which inhibit the pain path without any side effects.  Low and behold, other arthritis pain showed up in my hands.  I don’t hike as far as the other members of my gang of hikers, but I am strong enough to lead the pack and am pain free.  My hiking friends have been solicitous, gradually increasing the length and the elevation gain.  Last week and next will be 700 ft of altitude gain and six miles round trip (Boulder Creek trail of Hwy 530).  I know it well and there are places to stop if I need to let the others go on.
There is something about spending a day in the wilderness every week that keeps my spirit soaring and my sense of well being strong.  I’ve mentioned before that our gang has scouted out wheel chair accessible wilderness walks for that time in the future when one of us can’t walk.  So far, I don’t need to be pushed.
I share my pain, suffering and healing stories in case they resonate with something you are going through, or someone you know.  If you have any interest in connecting with any of the practitioners I have used, please follow the hot links to them.  If you are interested in trying the supplements and dietary changes that have been so helpful to me, please check out this post in particular.  If you have questions or comments from your own experience, I and my readers would love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading,
Be well, Do well and Keep Moving,
Betsy
206 933 1889

The post Cortisone for Sciatica appeared first on GrandmaBetsyBell.