My husband just left the house. He is beginning a brand new adventure today. When I met him five years ago he was working a job that he didn’t particularly enjoy and the conditions were less than optimal. The one good thing about it was that we met while I was there conducting a training session. After we had been seeing each other a while, and I could tell he was miserable at work, I asked what he always wanted to do for a career. He replied that he had wanted to become a high school English teacher. “So why didn’t you?” I asked. As is the case with many of us, he answered that life had just taken him in another direction.

Funny isn’t it… how much power we give “life”?
Most people spend more time planning their vacations than they do their entire lives. Long story short, to become a teacher he had to upgrade his university marks- a lot! It meant returning to school full time and successfully completing 13 back to back classes and achieve an “A” in each one. With much dedication – and a fabulous support team at home (insert my name and the children’s names here) – he was accepted into the faculty of education. From there he graduated on the President’s Roll.

Following a wedding and major back surgery, he waited a year to apply for employment. In that time, he volunteered at a local high school and a local grade school. When he applied for work, he was interviewed and hired as an occasional teacher (supply teacher for a few days at a time). But he never worked one day as a supply teacher. Instead, he received a call for a long term placement. A contract that was originally scheduled for six weeks; lasted for the entire semester. Before that contract ended, he was offered a permanent full time teaching position at a local high school in the English Department.

He just left the house…
I share this story to offer hope. Hope to dream your dreams, make your plans, and take consistent action in the direction of your goals. Have faith that when you are aligned with what really matters and you follow that still small voice you really can change things.

I like to think there’s something to be learned from every experience we encounter in life. A lesson or shift in consciousness that develops who we are, whether it’s the dawning of gratitude when we continue to wake up in the morning or the realization, after a serious illness, that time is not something to waste.

It has taken me nearly two weeks to come to any clear understanding of what there is for me to learn from the devastating earthquake in Haiti. From the resulting death of a well-known member of my local community, Yvonne Martin. (See attached picture.)  And from the fear that surrounded the tenuous circumstances of another, Alice Soeder. But learning I am.

Yvonne and Alice were part of a seven member medical team that landed in Haiti the day of the earthquake. Loaded with supplies and compassion for those in need, they were embarking on a two-week mission to provide medical care for impoverished Haitians. But within an hour-and-a-half of landing, Yvonne was dead and Alice was stranded amidst the chaos. My friends, family and hometown of Elmira, Ontario were rocked to the core.

Before now I’ve never known anyone caught in the middle of a disaster zone.
Never understood the paralyzing fear that accompanies the silence in the early hours of chaos. It brought an immediate sense of connection to a place I’ve never been. Made me watch closely as events unfolded. And what I saw humbled me. Not only did I observe unimaginable devastation that befell a country, and its people, already on their knees, but I saw something else quite extraordinary – the depths of human compassion.

I’m not talking about the flood of rescuers that descended upon Haiti in the hours after the quake – although these are vital people who reflect the best in human nature. And I’m not talking about the millions of people who pledged money for the relief effort – again, crucial people who recognize we can make a difference in a nation’s future.

I am referring to those who were there before the earthquake. The hundreds, if not thousands, of aid workers who gave of themselves to the Haitian people. I’m talking about the Yvonnes and Alices of the world. About all the medical personnel, educators, builders, police officers, diplomats and caregivers who devoted themselves to helping the poorest of the poor. I am referring to the ones who were there before the world was watching.

And this is where I began to learn.
I have always considered myself to be an aware person. A socially conscious thinker who weaves values and principles into my daily life. I believe that we are all connected, united by our humanness. That we have a shared responsibility to care for one another. And based on that perspective I give back. I donate to charity, sponsor an underprivileged child, give clothes to local organizations and food to the food-bank. I thought I had it all worked out.

But when the earthquake hit Haiti my carefully organized world cracked wide open.  Because knowing someone in that disaster zone immediately altered my perspective. It shone a glaring spotlight on the profound act of humanitarianism; reminded me that ordinary people do extraordinary things for their fellow human beings. Showed me that incredible people, like Yvonne and Alice, routinely leave the safety and security of their own worlds to offer hope and help to those less fortunate. And it made me look at myself. Made me ask, “What am I doing to make a difference?”

And I realized – I am capable of more.
You see, in all that I do to give back I suddenly recognized that I don’t actually stray outside of my comfort zone. Rarely stretch the boundaries of my existence. I give away what I don’t actually want or need. Donate what my budget doesn’t really miss. Yes, I help others. But my efforts don’t actually impact my daily life or existence. Don’t affect me, or anyone else, on a personal level. I don’t seem to fully live my beliefs.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that giving to charity and sponsoring a child are not worthy endeavours. They are. They are essential acts that positively influence those in need. And for many of us they are a tangible way to show the generosity and compassion we have for our fellow human beings. Because we can’t all leave our families, jobs and lives to be physically present where there is need in the world.

But what I am saying is that for me, in the wake of the earthquake and the sudden death of a friend, a new reality hit home. I realized that I have the ability to offer more to the world. I have the desire, skills, time, energy and focus to be more useful. To live my beliefs close up. To make a difference.

I don’t have this all worked out yet. Don’t yet know exactly how I will make a more significant contribution. But I intend to figure it out. Whether I volunteer for local programs like Out of the Cold, or fundraise for a women’s shelter, I know I have the ability and passion to do more. And I will.

The earthquake in Haiti rocked millions of lives. But not just those in the country itself.  I had no ties to Haiti before it happened. But the death of a friend and the fear for another’s safety shook my world beyond belief. And it changed me…forever.

Tonight, I venture into uncharted waters. It is grade eight night at one of the high schools my son is considering attending next year. There are events planned for the potential attendees and events for the parents. When I spoke with the teacher who is organizing the event, she said one of the purposes was to introduce parents to the new world of high school. “Although,” she said sweetly, “It hasn’t been that long since we’ve been in high school…”

Who is she kidding? It has been a LONG time.

Last week, I went to London Ontario by train with my mother and daughter. I was looking forward to the trip. I went to University in London and I wanted to shop with my daughter where I used to go and show her around a bit. We took a taxi to one mall, then decided to take the city bus back downtown to visit another mall I used to frequent before catching the train home. When I asked a very young customer service rep which bus we should take to get to the Eaton Square she looked at me rather strangely. “The Eaton Centre? That’s in Toronto,” she offered.

“Not the Eaton Centre, the Eaton Square.” It was obvious to me, that she had never heard of it. I asked for the bus to the VIA station and that was received much more readily. When we got to what used to be the Eaton Square, I looked around in disbelief. It wasn’t the same. I had been away a long time.

So, I could only imagine how much more my old high school has changed in an even longer absence. Still, I will go and hold my breath. The entrance we were told to use didn’t even exist when I was a student there. Much mommy insecurity flooded over me. If I wasn’t prepared to be able to get inside the building, how could I expect to have adequately prepared my son to navigate its halls on a daily basis?

How could he be expected to make life altering choices, when I myself have only recently got a handle on what I want to do when I grow up?

Facing his future, or mine would be too much, if it weren’t for hope. Hope is the belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one’s life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. It is what I hang on to when I realize my resources are limited. It is a critical element for believing in what is possible. I have even turned the word hope into an acronym for myself:

H=honesty, O=options, P=perspective and E=experiment.

Honestly, have I done everything I can to prepare my son to the best of my ability?
What options does he have available to him?
Looking forward 10 years, how might my perspective be different than it is today and how will that long view impact decisions made today?
Life requires some experimentation. Nobody gets it right the first time. Sometimes not the tenth or twentieth time. But choices must be made and action must taken. It is the only way to learn and grow.

The H.O.P.E. Chronicles examine everyday life situations. Hope is a powerful ally.

Poem for Hope A Hong Kong Proverb
As long as we have hope,
we have direction,
the energy to move,
and the map to move by.
We have a hundred alternatives,
a thousand paths and infinity of dreams.
Hopeful, we are halfway to where we want to go;
Hopeless, we are lost forever.

Linda J. Lord
Creative Entrepreneur
The voice for H.O.P.E.
519.257.7363
www.lindajlord.com
linda@lindajlord.com

I sat mesmerized watching my local PBS station. Bill Moyers was interviewing a woman named Leymah Gbowee.  I had been channel-surfing when her presence leaped out at me.  Something about the way she held herself told me I needed to tune in and I wasn’t wrong.

Who is Leymah Gbowee?
She is the woman who single-handily lead an entire  war-torn nation  to peace. She took on the warlord Charles Taylor and managed to get him to agree to peace talks in Ghana.  A Christian woman she reached out and brought churches together and began issuing a series of calls for peace.  From there she reached out to the Muslim organizations and together the Christian and Muslim women brought peace to Liberia.

Abigail Disney did an entire movie on her life called “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” and received numerous awards including the Blue Ribbon for Peace by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has also been chosen as a recipient of the 2009 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

There is something in my soul that awakens when I read about what Leymah did for her country. Such bravery! Such courage! Such humility!  As I sit in the comfort of my life in North America I am so far removed from the challenges and fights that my sisters around the world must face.  This past holiday season I am embarassed to say that the “biggest fight” some of my Christian sisters faced was sending around emails telling people to keep “Christ in Christmas”.  I mean no disrespect to those that are passionate on that topic, but how blessed are we that this is our biggest concern?

We do not wake up each day wondering what to eat instead we count calories as we determine how much to eat. We do not wake up in the morning knowing we will hear of a friend or classmate who is gone and their entire family slaughtered along with them. We simply wonder when we can next get together for lunch.

Our world, here in North America, is one of abundance.  A wealth of blessings beyond measure that include peace and liberty. As Leymah explains that women in her country understand that death, at one point, was better than life I sit dumbfounded staring at the television.

What can we learn from Leymah?
I was captivated by the fact that Leymah accomplished all she did and it started with a dream . One where she was told to get the women of the Church together to pray for peace.  As she thought about that dream more ideas kept coming.  Interestingly, Leymah explains in an interview that when she had that dream she felt “oddly placed” and was sure she was the “wrong person for the job”.   She was also terrified and resisted being placed into a leadership position. [Watch the Interview Here]

What is the challenge you think you are facing today?  Leymah shows women around the world there is nothing that you cannot accomplish but you must step out in faith. Step out towards your “crazy dream” and the world may very well shift around you as a result.

So what is my crazy dream?
Truth be told I have a few but they all  have one thing in common. It involves leaving the world a better place and “Changing the World for Good.”  I’ve even stepped out in faith.  I reached out to Leymah after seeing her on TV. I felt humbled and silly at the time as I saw pictures of her with Oprah and Caroline Kennedy.  I took a deep breath and did it anyway. I told myself, ‘Even if she never sees the request at least I’m taking a step.’

Wouldn’t you know it? She actually wrote me back!

My “crazy dream” is still in its infancy but who knows…perhaps this is just the beginning. More to come…

My Favourite Quote By Leymah:

” If you’re hungry, keep walking. If you are thirsty, keep walking. If you want a taste of freedom, keep walking. For us, women of Liberia, this award is a call that we will keep walking until peace, justice and the rights of women is not a dream, but is a thing of the present. ” - Leymah Gbowee

by Dr. Natasha

With flu season upon us Thrive’s resident Naturopathic Doctor was kind enough to provide us with what you can do to help build your immune system naturally!

Facts and Controversies about H1N1

·         The H1N1 strain acts like seasonal influenza: the incubation period is 1-4 days and the symptoms resemble seasonal influenza. The transmission rate of H1N1 is lower than seasonal influenza.

·         The H1N1 strain is killed by heat. Well-cooked meat will kill the virus. Sweating through exercise helps to kill the virus

·          Warmer weather will decrease the transmission rates of both H1N1 and seasonal flu.

·          Cases reported in Ontario have been mild.

·          Those who have reportedly died with Swine flu are thought to have had pre-existing health conditions

·          Serious cases of the flu are usually in situations where ones immune system is weak and the individual develops secondary infections like pneumonia.

·         The flu shot does not provide protection from the H1N1 flu strain.

·          ***NOTE: Do not give ASPRIN or SALICYLATE to children under 18, it can lead to Reiter’s syndrome.

·         Epidemic: widespread outbreak of an infectious disease; many people are infected at the same time. A Pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading through human populations across a large region; for instance a continent, or even worldwide.

How does it spread?
Like the common flu: coughing, sneezing, talking, sharing utensils, and contact with infected surfaces.

Symptoms?
Similar to other influenza viruses

·         Fatigue

·         Fever

·         Chills

·         Muscle and/or joint pain

·         Sore throat

·         Cough

·         Shortness of breath

·         Diarrhea

·         Vomiting

Who is at Risk?
Contact with an infected person confirmed to have the H1N1 virus, or contact with someone who has recently traveled to an affected area.

What should you do?
Call your Naturopathic Doctor or Medical Doctor before going to a clinic. If needed for the diagnosis a doctor will do a nasopharyngeal swab and send this to a lab. This test is most effective within first 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms. 

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS:

In Children	In Adults
·     Fast or laboured breathing, bluish discoloration of skin. ·     Lack of thirst, this may result in dehydration. ·     Fever with a rash. ·      Flu symptoms that improve then return with worsening of symptoms.	·     Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. ·     Sudden dizziness/confusion. ·     Severe or persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea

THE CONVENTIONAL APPROACH

• Stay Home
• Isolation / rest
• Fluids
• Hygiene
• Mask if in contact with others (2m).
• Medications for fevers and muscle/joint aches.
• Individuals who are at high risk for influenza complications may benefit from antiviral treatments; which include neuraminidase inhibitors such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Severely ill patients should be hospitalized

NATUROPATHIC PREVENTION STRATEGIES

By strengthening your immunity, if you do get an illness, it will be mild, easy to overcome and you are at lower risk for complications. Here are some natural ways to get your immune system in shape!

·     Sleep: melatonin boosts the immune system.

·     Rest: Every day lie down for 15-20 minutes in the middle of your day. Close your eyes and focus on breathing in and out naturally. By doing this you are allowing your body to enter the parasympathetic mode (a relaxed state) which is when the immune system can do its best work. This can be done on the couch, on the bed or even in a comfy chair. Stress directly suppresses your immune system.

·     Breathing: Deep breathing allows oxygen to enter the lower airways where bacteria and viruses often reside and replicate. The oxygen inhaled via deep breathing will inactivate some bacteria and viruses while the deep exhalation will allow the body to force the invader out. Many allergy sufferers and those with chronic upper respiratory tract infections are mouth breathers. The nostrils filter and clean the air we breathe. The mouth does not offer this protection. By learning proper deep breathing you can decrease your incidence of allergies and infections.

·     Stress reduction: stress hormones reduce immune function.

·     Moderate exercise: boosts immune function

·     Nutrition: Fruits and vegetables: At least 5 servings/day. Healing Foods include:

o   Raw pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds: These are high in zinc, copper and selenium. These minerals prevent viral replication so it can shorten the length of flu.

o   Garlic: This food possesses antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects. Eat a 1 clove/day or supplement with standardized extract of 5 mg of 1% allicin.

o   Ginger/Lemon Tea: This combination is great for strengthening immunity. Grate some ginger root and add 1 tsp to a mug of boiling water and steep for 3 minutes. Add 1 tsp organic lemon juice or ¼ fresh lemon. Sweeten with Stevia is necessary.

o    Drink water: 8 glasses of water or more /day. Keeping hydrated prevents viruses from adhering to mucus membranes.

·         Other:  Allow a mild to moderate fever this optimizes immune modulation and strengthens the healing response

·         Dry Skin Brushing and Contrast Showers: Dry skin brushing and contrast showers are useful to support optimal lymphatic system function. End your shower with 1 minute of water as hot as can handle followed by 30 seconds of as cold as you can handle. It’s the difference in temperature that has the most therapeutic benefit. This increases circulation and helps remove toxins from the body. It stimulates lymphatic circulation which removes infection and boosts the immune system. This practice also wakes you up. Use a natural bristle brush or loofah; Make small light circles; Start at feet and work towards heart; Continue from fingertips to heart; Do this on bare skin, without water, and quickly; it will take 1 minute once you make it a habit; this increases lymph circulation which removes infections and boosts the immune system.

·         Limit: Alcohol, sugar, dairy, meat and caffeine. Gargling with green tea and salt has been shown to reduce the transmission rates of flu.

·          Sinus Rinse : Purchase the Neil Med Neti Pot from the drug store and use as directed for congestion and to speed up recovery from a cold. There is a spray available for children as well.

·         Antiseptic Spray: Add 2 tbsp of sea salt to 1L of water and pour into a spray bottle. Use this to spray the air of any room in the house. Salt prevents bacteria from replicating so spraying this will protect other members of the house from getting sick. To improve the antiseptic capabilities of this spray, add the Natural Home or Resp Air essential oil blend.
 Remember that ‘emotional’ stress, fear and worry can depress the immune system.

Your Nutrition

Never underestimate the power of your nutrition.  Consider Immune Boosting Recipes and along with the following nutrients and supplements to boost your immune system:

·    Probiotics and Vitamin D:  Prevent the virus from attaching to mucous membranes.

·    Essential fatty acids (omega 3), and vitamins, especially A, C, E: Optimize mucous membrane health

·     Balance Th1 and Th2 using vitamin D, zinc, copper, selenium, glutamine, milk thistle and probiotics such as HMF Forte and ULTRA flora DF. Taking probiotics will keep our immune systems strong and re-inoculate the good bacteria in our guts, where 60%- 70% of our immune system is located.

·      A Homeopathic alternative to the vaccination is MUCOCOCCINUM

·     Antiviral botanicals: Sambucus niger( American Black Elderberry), Panax quinqefolium(Ginseng), Glycerrhiza glabra (Licorice), Allium sativum (Garlic). I recommend C&F plex

·     Balance sIgA levels, NK cells and Dendrytic cells (microbe fighting cells) with Beta-D-Glucan from Medicinal mushrooms, PSK from Coriolus versicolor, AHCC from Shitake mushrooms, Arabinogalactans from Larch. I recommend Astragalus Combo/Deep Immune

·    Drink adaptogenic herbal teas (astragalus, ginseng, eleuthro.) Stress compromises our immune systems and adaptogenic herbs help our bodies adapt to high stress levels.

·     Pure Organic Oregano Oil: 1 drop/day to prevent the flu and up to 4X/day to treat the flu

·     Elderberry tea or syrup reduces the severity and duration of respiratory symptoms, and decreases nasal and sinus congestion.

 
Your Proactive Health Care Flu Prevention and Treatment Kit: ALL AVAILABLE AT BE WELL

·         Mucococinnum: 1 tablet PER WEEK to prevent the flu

·         Astragalus Combo/Deep Immune: 1-2 capsules /day or ½-1 tsp/day depending on stress level to treat and prevent the flu

·         C&F plex: 2 caps 2X/day for 3 weeks. Then 2 weeks off. Repeat again at 1 cap 2X/day for 3 weeks then 2 weeks off. If you have an acute flu, take 2 caps 3X/day until symptoms disappear.

·         HMF Forte and Ultra Flora DF: These are the most potent, quality assured and best researched probiotics I have found. Take 1 capsule daily starting with HMF Forte for 2 months. Discontinue for 1 week then start ULTRA flora DF capsules. Take 1 capsule daily for 2 months. Take 2 capsules daily if are acutely ill or have travelled.

·         Natural Home essential oil blend: Add 10 drops to spray bottle and use to wipe surfaces. This can be added to your current natural home cleaner.

·         Resp Air essential oil blend: Add 8 drops to a diffuser, add 10 drops to boiling or very hot water for steam inhalation. Add 10 drops to spray bottle and use in all rooms of the house especially if someone is suspected of being sick. You can also apply 3-4 drops in a cloth handkerchief and inhale.
 
 
Natasha Zajmalowski ND
Be Well
3449 Walker Rd.
Windsor, ON N8W 3S2
www.proactive-healthcare.com
p: 519.972.9355
f: 519.972.6355

With the flu season upon us this recipe comes from from the doctor to help you increase you immune system!

Immune Fortifying Veggie Soup: Serves 4-6
1 lb potatoes (5 small or medium), not peeled & quartered
4 cups water
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp cumin
3 tbsp olive oil
½-1 tsp sea salt
4 slices ginger root
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup tomato, diced
½ cup several of following vegetables: carrot, celery, green pepper, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, beets
½ cup chopped green onions

Directions:
In a large stockpot, combine potatoes and water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Add the seasonings, oil, and salt. Place chopped vegetables into the pot, cover, and cook over low heat for 10-20 minutes, until veggies are tender. Sprinkle with green onions.

High Vitamin C  Immune Boosting Smoothie: Serves 2
½ cup blueberries, frozen
1 small mango, cubed
¼  cup Goji berries
1  Tbsp ginger, grated
2 tsp bee pollen
1 cup apple juice

Directions:
Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until all the ingredients are well combined and lump free. Drink immediately as the pectin in the blueberries can make the smoothie very thick if left to stand. You can make this recipe into a sorbet by using frozen banana and mango and using a food processor to mix the ingredients together. This is very cool and refreshing and infinitely more healthy than ice cream!

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close I felt it necessary to end it on a note of hope and strength. Usually people ask me to share my story as they find it inspiring. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a pretty good one but I feel compelled to begin with a story that has nothing to do with cancer. I watched a documentary which featured a variety of film makers. Kim Longinotto was one of them. Her award-winning documentary, The Day I Will Never Forget was featured. I watched footage of this young woman eloquently tell her story of physical mutilation she endured. She spoke of a “pain that left her with no voice” She continued to say “she would never want her friends to endure this.” I burst into tears as I listened. What made it even more powerful was this young woman was not even a teenager.

“My experience suddenly became very small and insignificant.”

As I watched, every cell in my body was vibrating. Her incredibly brave voice penetrated my soul. Beyond the atrocity that still occurs in our world, I was amazed in the strength and determination in this young girl’s eyes. She was part of a movement to stop this grotesque ritual in Kenya.

My experience suddenly became very small and insignificant. Once I got over the tears, I reminded myself not to feel pity for this incredible child but instead to feel compassion, respect and absorb her strength. I needed to absorb the fearless power of her message. She was speaking in a universal voice that is deep within us all. It is that true voice that shouts louder than any technology because it comes from a place of resilience and optimism. It is that voice we find when we look beyond our pain and fear. Life threatening is a matter of perception. If we allow it, our pain can become the strength that unites us.

“I felt more disappointment than anger.”

When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in June of 2006, I was completely overwhelmed as I imagine all people are when they hear those words.  I felt more disappointment than anger. I doubted everything I felt confident about. I was in a great place in my life that I was very grateful for. I had a loving husband; two lovely children; great career. I didn’t need the wake up call. How could I burden my family with this?

Once I got over the shock, I knew I had to quickly come to terms with this unforeseen direction my life was about to go in.  I remember sitting out in my garden staring at the sky trying to make sense of everything.  As I sat there, an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity came over me.  It was obvious what I needed to do.

I decided I was going to look beyond the fear of what I was about to face.  I believe in empowering yourself when you are challenged.  It is fear that leads us to believe that Cancer treatment is difficult, disfiguring and depressing.  In some ways this is true but if we allow ourselves to look beyond that, there is a world of possibilities.

Once I did that, I felt a new found strength that I had never experienced before. I was able to connect with a deeper sense of self and intuition to help guide me through this difficult journey. Everything I had learned and experienced in life had lead and prepared me for this moment. There was a hurricane of emotions that I did my best to acknowledge and deal with. After I would shed tears I had earned, I gathered myself and moved on. I had to. This burden was part of the lesson. If I could find strength and confidence in my darkest place, I knew I would reap the rewards once it was over.

“My biggest gift is fearlessness.“

As I begin to move into the next phase of living with cancer, I enjoy the many gifts that have come from this experience. I know now that my husband, Jay, and I can truly overcome anything. My children, Owen and Emma, have watched and learned how to deal with adversity with grace and strength as family and friends unite. I have seen the good in my community which has renewed my faith in humanity. My biggest gift is fearlessness. After your worst nightmare comes true and you come out strong, there is not much else to be afraid of.

I have gone through treatment looking for opportunities for growth, education and evolution as a woman and a human being.  My journey with cancer has allowed me to experience life on a whole new level.  My humble wish is to be able to share my story in a way that I may impact people the same way that beautiful girl from Kenya did me. If we all find our universal voice, we can speak on a deeper level where together we can change the world on all levels. We are all entitled to love, joy, health and happiness.

If you wish to continue this conversation, please join me this evening and listen in on my FREE PINK NOTE WEBINAR.  Reserve your spot by visiting the following link https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/640092768

Hope you can listen in.

Much peace and joy,

Jackie Savi-Cannon

I am looking out over a perfect fall day on Lake St.Clair. The sun is warming, the seagulls are playing in the wind, and the only word to describe what I am witnessing is “peace”. Yet my mind is a thousand miles away and flooded with images of children.

Children who should be laughing, playing, napping and peaceful but who are instead being ripped from their mothers arms and forced prematurely into an adult world that will take their innocence and in many cases their lives.

I am in every essence living a life like most North Americans.

My home city of Windsor Ontario is making the news lately because of our devastating economy. The collapse of the automotive industry has not been easy on my friends and my family.  Many are without jobs and the future that was once filled with security and hope is at best uncertain. I am one of the blessed few.  Both my husband and I still have our jobs in tact.  A blessing I never take for granted.

Yet even as another negative headline fills my local paper I can’t help consider how abundantly blessed the Detroit-Windsor region is in comparison to the rest of the world.  Human Trafficking is currently a global epidemic. Legislators and politicians are beginning the arduous journey to fight against an evil that many in North America believe no longer exists.

Let’s call it the ugly name that it should be called.

Let’s call it something that is not modernized and does not make it sound abstract.  The word that it has been known for centuries and makes my stomach turn is slavery.

27 million people around the world are currently enslaved. More than any other time in human history and yet our headlines in North America make mere mentions of it.

I want every mother reading this post to do one thing for me.

At some point this week, you will check in on your precious little ones as they sleep and watch the restful rise and fall of their chests. I want for you, in that moment, to imagine the horror of them being ripped from your arms to never be seen again.  Worse than that, I want you to have the knowledge that they are alive but they have been sold and are someone’s slave.

If they are lucky, they will be working in a field or a sweat shop. Perhaps their owner will not beat them and give them a meal at least once a day.  If they are not lucky, they will be assaulted and violated in a way that no animal,  a grown adult, let alone a child should have to endure.

Imagine that nightmare. Are you sick to your stomach? Are you disgusted?

Mothers around the world are living your worst nightmare.  Every inch of our human being should be outraged. The abolitionists who fought so hard in the 1800’s had no idea this would still be continuing in the new millennium.

Over the last year I have read book after book on the history of slavery.

There is so much that North Americans share with those in the past. We cannot imagine it today, but there were many good people that told themselves that ’slavery wasn’t all that bad’. They refused to believe that people were taken in the manner they claimed. They referred to it as ‘humane’ and even argued that slaves were not ‘branded’ like they said and it was just stories that abolitionists made up to help their cause.

Today, we know the stories were not made up. There was no need to exaggerate as the incidences of abuse and the types of abuse were no less than horrific.

Two hundred years later nothing has changed - except that more humans today are enslaved. When I was uneducated I would hear the word slavery and think naively that I was so grateful I didn’t live “back then”. I was like most, believing that if there was “slavery” it was certainly not an epidemic and it was something happening “over there” in small manageable numbers.

If there is one thing of which I am certain it is this.

To bury my head against the brutality of this evil is to allow it fester and grow. Just as those brave souls that went before us, we must, become educated. We must also become activists. Shouting, yelling aloud, to anyone who will listen.

In the 1800’s abolitionists refused to take sugar with their tea when they discovered it was made by the blood of slaves. This tactic allowed every person whether on the street or living in comfort a way to protest the brutality of slavery.

Will you join me?

Times are tough - but are you willing to stand-up to evil? Are you willing to begin the simple task of inquiring about where the products you purchase are made?

The International Organization for Migration is urging consumers to not buy products made by migrants exploited for their cheap labour.

I am new to this journey and I am joining the ranks of those that are already in the fight. I am beginning with a voice. Sounding the alarm to those good women that read this blog, that love their children, and have compassion in their hearts for other mothers.

Are you willing to take the time to discover if the towels that you wrap your sweet babies in after a bath are worthy to do so? What if it was made on the sweat of a six year old child forced to work in a sweat house and collect remnants off the floor?

If it were you, if it were your child, wouldn’t you pray that other mothers would find out and stop the demand so that maybe one day your precious son or daughter could be returned to you?

Where do we begin?

We begin with knowledge.  We  must spread the word and spread it quickly.  Send this blog to your friends and to your family.  As I research and discover ways to make a difference I will post the materials here.

Next, take up the cause for yourself.  Speak with the leaders in your temple, synagogue or church.  Ask your children’s teachers what they teach on slavery in their classes. Write your local paper - just have a voice.

I know not where the future will lead, I only know that a future where children are enslaved is not something I want. So, I will fight and I ask that those who are disgusted and heart-broken as I am will fight also.

I jumped right in. If I couldn’t immediately let these 7th grade girls know a) I get middle school friendship issues, b) they could trust me to listen with compassion and respect, and c) this was a safe place to talk about stuff that really mattered, it was going to be a long and pointless hour.

My PowerPoint began with this email:
Hey Terra,
When me and my friend are alone we have a lot of fun. But when she’s with her other friends she doesn’t talk to me at all. What do I do?
–Invisible Friend

“Who can relate to this situation?” I asked, raising my own hand high.

The girls shot each other furtive glances, but otherwise, didn’t move.
I advanced to the next slide.

Hey Terra,
My friends don’t want to be my friend anymore. They pick on me. They whisper and then look at me and laugh. When I try to make new friends they seem to steal them away from me by telling lies. My mom wants to talk to the other parents but I don’t want her to because it will make it worse! How do I deal with them?
–Lonely and Confused

“Does this one ring any bells for you? It sure does for me.” I said. My hand felt lonely and confused up there.
Again I advanced:

Hey Terra,
When I’m with these 5 girls at school I don’t behave. And even though I don’t want to, I feel like I have to act cool. I don’t wanna be with them but I have no other choice because if I leave them to be with nicer girls they’ll just call me names like “You’re a user.” And if I do leave, I don’t know how to tell them. I’m really very confused.
–Lost

“How about this one, girls? C’mon. Be honest. Who’s been there?”

For the third time the girls scoped each other out, their nonverbal communication crackled with emotion, yet when my hand went up only one girl joined me. Before I could acknowledge her courage, she retreated. Probably hoping against hope that she hadn’t just ruined her entire life.

“You guys ever hear of Peer Approval Addiction?” I asked. “Nope? Well, let me explain it. You know the word addiction, right? As in drug addiction.”

They all nodded. A key element of the Good Girl code is to impress adults with your maturity and intelligence whenever possible.

“An addiction is an out-of-control behavior that a person continues engaging in despite negative consequences to their mental or physical health, or their relationships. Why would someone do that? Not because they want to, but because they feel like they have no other choice. Just like the girl in the last email.

Peer Approval Addiction is doing whatever it takes to fit in and be accepted by your friends and even by people you’re not close to but who you believe have power over you. That’s what’s going on right here, girls. That’s why you’re not raising your hands.

I just want to let you know that you’re not fooling anyone. I know there have been times when you’ve felt just like ‘Invisible Friend’ and like ‘Lost and Confused.’ We all have. At least once in your life, you’ve also probably felt like you wanted to get out of a friendship because you weren’t comfortable with the way your friend was acting. At least once or maybe twice, you’ve been hurt when a friend turned against you and you didn’t have a clue why or what to do about it.

Look, I know it can be a scary to publicly admit that you’ve been dissed, ditched or dumped by a so-called friend. I know you’re thinking ‘If I raise my hand here and no one else does, someone’s going to tease me.’

You’re not the only one who feels this way. All of us, teens and adults, at least once in our lives, have held ourselves back from telling the truth or doing what we knew was right because we were worried what other’s would think. So all of us are a little peer approval addicted. I know I sure am. How about you?”

I raised my hand and so did every single one of them.
We were making progress and we still had a full 54 minutes to go.

It is common in a Naturopathic practice to see a new patient who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and wants to use natural therapies to avoid surgery or chemotherapy. It is unfortunate that it is often too late once a malignant tumor has formed in the breast tissue to rely solely on natural therapies. At this point, reversing a change in structure (when a lump has already formed and become malignant) is only rarely successful without surgery or chemotherapy. We need to be thinking about our breast health from our teen years until our senior years, before breast cancer and after breast cancer.

Breast tissue contains cells that respond to hormones and fatty tissue that stores fat-soluble toxins like synthetic hormones and pesticides. These factors make breast tissue particularly vulnerable to the cellular damage that leads to cancer. The most effective use of natural therapies is to improve cellular function and prevent cancer by promoting the normal, healthy activity of breast tissue. Preventive strategies must start early when the body is still capable of reversing abnormalities.

What are the risk factors?

The known risk factors for breast cancer development (including family history, genetics, and prolonged exposure to estrogen) account for only 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The factors affecting the rest appear to be related to lifestyle choices that we individually have the power to change. Reducing the negative effects of chronic stress and optimizing immune function are powerful tools in minimizing the changes of developing cancer. Here are some items that you should consider incorporating into your daily life.

REST, EXERCISE & MOVEMENT

• Sleep - in complete darkness to optimize melatonin production, a hormone considered to be protective in breast cancer. Night shift workers are 60% more likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Exercise - 4 hours per week can result in a 37% reduction in risk for breast cancer. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for breast health.
• Improve Lymphatic Circulation - dry skin brushing, lymphatic massage and rebounder exercises (a small trampoline sold as a special tool for exercise) help your body to eliminate toxins.
• Take off your Bra - wearing a bra for more than 12 hours a day increases breast cancer risk by a factor of 6. Stretchy, cotton bras without underwire allow more movement of the breasts, allowing better removal of toxins from the breasts by the lymphatic system.

NUTRITION

• Increase your vegetable intake to 5-8 servings a day. Include green, red, yellow and orange ones to increase your consumption of anti-oxidant compounds.
• Try to eat seasonally, locally and organically to optimize nutritional value. You can also try Greens powders for extra nutrients.
• Eat more Broccoli and Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Kale, and Collard Greens. These are high in a plant compound that makes estrogen less toxic to breast tissue.
• Consume fiber rich foods like raw nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains and fruits and veggies to maintain a healthy gut microflora. This is a key component of a healthy immune system.
• Choose Organic Foods -herbicides and pesticides on produce as well as hormones found in conventional meats and dairy have been implicated in breast cancer. The most important foods to purchase organic are dairy, meat, strawberries, corn based products, spinach, bell peppers, apples, peaches, celery and grapes.
• Eliminate Hydrogenated Fats and Trans fats – these cause cellular damage. Choose organic butter or organic coconut butter instead of margarine, use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grapeseed oil at low heat for stir frying and try Flax, hemp , walnut , sesame, and almond on salads instead of refined oils
• Decrease or avoid sugar -sugar suppresses the immune system and can feed cancer cells. Insulin resistance caused by poor eating habits can promote cancer cells.

ITEMS TO AVOID & LIMIT

• Smoking- this increases your risk of breast cancer as well as most other cancers. Stop immediately.
• Birth Control - Do not use the birth control pill unless it is strictly for contraception. The pill is a source of synthetic estrogen and depletes your body of folic acid, B12, B6, magnesium, Vitamin C and zinc. Folic acid is especially important in cancer prevention. If you suffer from cramps, acne or other menstrual conditions, seek out a Naturopathic Doctor who will help you treat the cause of our health concerns by helping to balance your hormones.
• Limit Radiation Exposure - repeated x-ray exposure may increase the risk of breast cancer. Using infrared Thermography as a screening tool is particularly useful for women in their 20’s to 40’s since mammography is not seen as being accurate in detecting breast cancer in this age group. Visit www.medthermonline.com for more information.
• Limit exposure to chemicals in cleaning products and all beauty care products. Women tend to use a lot of synthetic lotions, anti-perspirants, and perfumes that enter the blood stream and can be stored in the breast tissue or promote abnormal breast cells. It is well known that we are exposed to more toxins in the home that outdoors. Seek out natural versions of these products. For more information on healthy alternatives, check out www.lesstoxicguide.ca or www.cosmeticdatabase.com
• Avoid Bisphenol A whenever possible. BPA is a chemical molecule that mimics estrogen in the body. This chemical is an endocrine (hormone) disruptor that may increase the risk for developing hormonally based cancers, including breast, prostate and endometrial cancers, and may lead to infertility or affect the onset of puberty.BPA is primarily used in the manufacturing of rigid plastic products but is also found in canned foods and beverages; especially acidic fruits and vegetables where it stops the contents from eroding the metal container.  Many (but not all) plastics containing BPA can be identified by a triangle symbol with the number 7 inside. BPA leaches into the contents of the container, even without the addition of heat, and then makes its way into the consumer’s body.BPA creates long term health risks for everyone, however, infants, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with chemical or environmental sensitivities, and the immune-compromised are especially vulnerable. Eliminate the use of BPA-containing products by choosing fresh produce, and foods stored in glass or cardboard. Eden organics produces canned products whose lining does not contain BPA. Store, cook and reheat food in glass or ceramic containers and cookware. Avoid beverages in plastic bottles & avoid freezing beverages in plastic bottles which accelerates the leaching of plastic into the beverage. Opt for glass bottles, or take beverages with you in stainless steel containers. At home and work avoid plastic and Styrofoam cups, choosing a glass and pitcher or stainless steel or ceramic mug instead. Do not use plastic of ANY KIND (container, TV dinner, plastic wrap cover, etc) in the microwave – use tempered glass. Read labels and ask retailers about alternative products such as:  Klean Kanteens, Born Free baby products, or a stainless steel Thermos

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE

• Know your breasts - get to know your breasts with gentle massage when you apply natural body lotion after a daily bath or shower. (Even better is applying castor oil externally on the breasts to increase lymphatic circulation, break down adhesions and increase immune cell activity in the tissues.) Being familiar with the feel of your breast tissue will help you be more comfortable and effective when you perform breast self-exams
• Practice Self-Nurturance - the breasts symbolize nurturance. Many times women are so busy taking care of others that they forget to listen to their own needs.

FINALLY, BE PROACTIVE

• See a Naturopathic Doctor- In addition to these general guidelines, a Naturopathic Doctor can offer more specific recommendations like detoxification and immune support and assessments based on your individual needs.Remember that it can take ten years for breast cancer to grow to a detectable size. Proactive Naturopathic strategies encourage healthy breast function. There is no time like the present to take charge of your life, for the sake of you and your breasts.