201 Street

I can speak directly to the value of patient activity in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was around 1999, when I was in my 60’s and living in Prague. An Indian heart/lung surgeon from Albuquerque, New Mexico (I know, it’s confusing)performed open chest surgery on me in order to remove a tumor which two biopsies had failed to identify. Prior to my surgery, the doctor refused to explain to my what my procedure will be post-operation. He said he’ll explain it to me right before surgery. He would only say that it was so difficult that he had patients say on the morning of the surgery that they did not want to do it, so they ended up going back home. He said that telling me ahead of time would only cause me worry.

Anesthesia was timed perfectly. I was awake in the operating room and they required me to stand. Then I was moved through a couple of stages the required me to achieve specific activity goals until I regained my own room. The entire wing was run as an ICU. Instead of allowing me to sleep, I was awakened every hour on the hour on day 1 and I was required to stand. Next, I was made to walk the measured hallways, talking my IV stand along for the ride. My nurses acted like my own personal cheerleaders and they would make sure I was in no pain. They would even tap my tubes coming out of my back to avoid any pulling sensations. It was my job to walk several times each day with a daily goal leading to my ultimate goal. When I reached my 2 mile goal on the 8th day, I was dismissed. But, I had a stipulation that I would continue the routine at home. It was in the dead of winter, but with the help of my son, I reached my goal of 5 miles per day. I had what was considered one of the most rapid recoveries.

I’m now in my 80’s and I got a chance to ask my doctor why I was the only person walking the halls and he told me that there were two reasons: first, I had never smoked so my lungs were in perfect condition and two, I did not have any complicating illnesses. I advised him I made a reservation with one of the Prague Czech Republic hotels because I would like to personally thank him for not telling me before my surgery just how hard it was to recover.

For the past few years, I have been going on these vacations Singapore offers through my place of work. One deal was to spend time learning about all the different healing modalities of the country. The one I enjoyed the best was about the healing powers of crystal stones.

This one place, which was on the tour, gave us all a lesson about crystal stones. Apparently, they have been helping people to understand their personal strength and weaknesses concerning money matters, careers, luck and relationships by doing numerology readings with healing crystal stones. We each got a reading and got to learn how to pick with healing crystal stone is the correct one for us. It’s a unique healing process kit designed by this place and has been successful in helping thousands of people improve their personal destiny in many opportunities. The healing method helps people who are suffering with negative blockage energy.

The showed us all the testimonials from some very famous people around the world and from all the other regular people from around the world. Like, they got a new job, a better career opportunity, a promotion, better salary or just an increase in luck. New romances were on the horizon or they solved unresolved issues or problems and their love life had never been better. We were told that usually, after a numerology reading a crystal stone will be selected based on our individual needs at the moment of the reading. After my reading, I truly became a believer of the numerology reading. I found it to be a very powerful healing and consulting tool. The crystal that was picked out for me was labradorite which is supposed to help me with insight and contemplation.

Ever since my vacation, my life has been improving and opportunities seem to drop in my lap. So, next time your in Singapore, why not stop in a place that will read your numerology and pick a healing crystal stone, what do you have to lose?

I’ve come to Australia to attend a new energy healing seminar. I’ve booked a room at one of the Perth boutique hotels for the duration of the seminar. Am fascinated by the research being done on this subject. I’ve wondered if there was a way to record when healing energies are being channeled directly to a client. Also, if they can record energy before and after a channeled healing session. The Metaphysical Institutes’s seminar will cover their most recent research on energy healing with the graphing of the human life energy fields that are within the body.

During the seminar they demonstrated some of what they are researching. They take readings by measuring the electrical energy in a number of points on a person’s hand and feet before an energy healing takes place. The energy healing modality being used has no actual physical contact with the client. The measurements will then graph all the major energy meridians within the body on a computer monitor which will show the ying/yang (left/right) balance and more.

Then they demonstrated how the heart energy healing works. We communicate with our mind to these human life energy fields through the universal life force energy. This communication is done in the Delta state, where like in Reiki, they use the Alpha state. But, we were told both results are still obtained by communicating through universal life force energy of the patient.The results recorded were dramatic after the healing sessions. The graphing changes recorded were astonishing. They explained that this research is about finding out which individual fields are affected; even at the times when the healing is dealing purely with spiritual issues. Then they told us that this research is a precursor to what happens to the physiology, chemical changes and and DNA changes in the body.

When the seminar was over, I had a new found appreciation for the capacity of the healing nature of the human species. It was proven to me that with the right healing intentions, concentration and practice, of course, that we humans have a great gift.

Marijuana is a big debate. Some people say it is totally harmless and less harmful then alcohol, which is legal. Others say that marijuana is a gateway drug that leads someone to do harder street drugs such as cocaine and heroin.  Many say legalized marijuana would lead to more people in addiction treatment and resources stretched even further.

There has been a recent debate in the state of California, because the state is basically broke, that if marijuana was legalized it would help alleviate the state’s budget woes. Research has showed that is as difficult to quit smoking marijuana daily as it is nicotine cigarettes. And nicotine cigarettes are also legal in the United States for those over the age of 18. And if marijuana use does lead to the use of harder drugs or because of mental problems, rehab centers that use dual diagnosis treatment would be needed.

No matter what side of the debate you are on, it is interesting to take a look at what the Dutch did. They have coffee shops that sell the drug in the Netherlands to those who were at least 16 and the rates of young people using the drug went up. But, once the number of coffee shops dwindled and the legal age was changed to 18, the statistics for use went down. There is also a thought if criminal penalties for marijuana use should be lessened for those who have small amounts in their possession.

No matter what you think, it needs to be taken into consideration that marijuana is potentially harmful, but no more so really than alcohol and cigarettes and those are both legal at certain ages. Kids already get a hold of marijuana and it’s all about parenting to keep them away from things until they are old enough to make their own informed decisions.

Stress is a problem that increases everyday in the United States.  The affects are felt by people of every ethnic background, those of each sex and every age, and stress will attack regardless of ones religious background.  While the human body is equipped to deal with stress on a moderate level, when stress builds up or becomes excessive the body just can not do it on its own.  Medical doctors, researcher and scientists continue to amazed and dumb-founded as to just what stress can do to the body.  Those in the work place, sitting in traffic, or those raising children, all people feel this at some point, on every level.  Stress that goes un-managed can cause serious health problems, in the United States alone, three out of ten deaths are attributed to the effects of stress, as stress is one of the leading causes of heart disease.  Un-managed stress is becoming a disease that is crippling otherwise healthy people.  Just thinking about stress alone, causes stress.

While this may sound overwhelming, there are so many steps individuals can take to care for themselves.  Many of those stressed out in the population today are finding solace and relief in those practices that at one time may have been passed off as ‘new age’ or esoteric.  Aromatherapy is one such practice.  It is nothing new, the idea of scent.  Scent is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to memory and feelings and mood.  One such measure that many are taking in reducing their own stress levels and taking their care and their lives into their own hands, is to install hot tubs, many models of spas can be found at choosehottubsdirect.com.  Installing a hot tub in ones back yard that is surrounded by gardens of roses and lavender, both flowers known for their calming properties, will serve two purposes.  The hot soak in a hot tub relaxes the muscles, and the scent of the garden relaxes one’s mind.  In this day and age, people are finding the joy, the harmony, and the simple effects of just what taking a little time out from the hectic world will do for their daily life.

It’s been some time since I’ve written anything about barbecuing. But, I had a great time on my built in grill over the summer holidays, I thought I’d share some of my built in grills tricks. Over the years of grilling, I’ve learned a few things that made everything I grilled turn out perfect everytime. I’ve listed a few that will make you look like a grilling professional.

First, learn how to light the grill.  If you have a gas grill check all the connections to make sure everything is operating properly. If it’s a wood burning or charcoal grill, buy the smallest bag of match light charcoals or tinder, then but the regular bag of charcoal or wood and lighter fluid. Before anyone shows up, lay some match light charcoals or tinder down in your grill. Then as the invited guest arrive, make a show of putting in the charcoals or wood and the lighter fluid. Let it soak up for several minutes then light it up. The match lights or tinder at the bottom should not only hold the fire really well, but help the regular charcoals and wood stay lit.

Now, to truly look like a grilling professional cook ribs with meat that falls off the bone. You can cheat by preparing ahead of time by either buying a 40 ounce can of your favorite beer, toss it into a big stock pot along with two bottles of water, enough that the ribs are barely covered. Add salt, pepper, garlic and onion. Boil the water first before adding in the ribs. Simmer for about an hour. Toss it in the fridge. When it’s time, toss the ribs on the grill and coat them with your homemade barbecue sauce. The ribs do not need to be grilled for long, just enough to heat them up really, get a smokey flavor and the BBQ sauce is a little bit browned.

For burgers, learn how to flip them only once. Flipping the burgers only once saves time and they don’t dry out. A good sign when it’s time to flip is when the blood rises to the top of the burger. Now for chicken, one really needs to be careful in the preparation. I find boiling the chicken first helps make sure that once you place either the whole chicken or chicken parts on the grill, that it will be thoroughly cooked. Peeling the skin aways also helps in this area.

With these tips you are now well on the way for  creating a great barbecue party and being the best griller your friends have ever witnessed.

Two grandmothers accused of selling heroin from their homes near Stroudsburg, PA were in court Wednesday morning reported WNEP Newschannel 16. Elizabeth Grube, 70, and Elaine Volkert, 65, gave up their right to a preliminary hearing in Stroud Townshp. Both defense and prosecuting attorneys said they want to cooperate with authorities.

The sisters are charged with selling tens of thousands of dollars of heroin out of their homes near Stroudsburg. Attorneys said this latest move is part of a plea deal. “We’re trying to work up the chain of distribution. Her cooperation, particularly Elaine’s, is going to be fruitful,” explained Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso.

The prosecutor said the sisters continue to cooperate. They will plead guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute once the case goes to trial in Monroe County court. Grube’s lawyer said the women are hoping for a sentence of probation, rather than jail time.

Risk of heroin use:

* For intravenous users of heroin (and any other substance), the use of non-sterile needles and syringes and other related equipment leads to several serious risks:
o the risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis
o the risk of contracting bacterial or fungal endocarditis and possibly venous sclerosis
o abscesses
* Poisoning from contaminants added to “cut” or dilute heroin
* Chronic constipation
* Addiction and increasing tolerance
* Physical dependence can result from prolonged use of all opioids, resulting in withdrawal symptoms on cessation of use
* Decreased kidney function (although it is not currently known if this is due to adulterants or infectious diseases)

Please contact a drug rehab or drug treatment centers for more information regarding the dangers of heroin use. Drug rehab programs are important for this or any kind of addiction.

When I came out of clinic for my chronic pain issues, I didn’t feel any better. I used up most of my life savings to go to this particular pain clinic with which their brochure boosted a 99% success rate with reducing pain or removing pain all together. They said they’ll take on what ever pain ails you and heal you within 30 days with their patent pending breakthrough intense treatments of psycho-analysis, physical therapies, natural remedies like meditation and yoga and if necessary, surgery using State-of-the-Art procedures and equipment. With that kind of claim, I took an emergency sabbatical from teaching at the University, got my passport, booked a room in one of the Top Singapore Hotels and headed off to Malaysia.

I’ve suffered with chronic pain not too long after my mother died. I woke up on morning not being able to move with out excruciating pain. Pain all over. I was taken to the emergency room via ambulance screaming all the way. I can’t even tell you exactly where the pain is cause it’s everywhere. After tons of testing, poking and prodding, the doctors could not find a reason for my pain. All they could do for me is give me some prescription for pain pills. I’ve been on the pain pills for years. Every now and then, I would stop taking the pills to see if the pain has gone away, stupid of me really, it would take me hours bent over with severe pain waiting for the pain medication to take effect again.

I knew I couldn’t live this way the rest of my life, so I’ve been all over the country consulting with pain specialist that promised results, and none came. Surgeons who said to get psychiatric help because there was nothing physically wrong with me. Allergy specialist, any specialist. No one could help me. I finally broke down and went to a psycho-therapist and was still in pain after six month of now knowing my love hate relationship with my mother.

Walking down the streets of Singapore in a daze, disappointed and absolutely broke, I found myself standing in front of a Buddhist Temple. Monks were chanting inside the temple halls seeming all blissful and peaceful. I wanted that. Peace. I wanted to know peace again; a non drug prescribe peace.

Jumping up and down wildly like she was her own pogo stick during recess time was Kas’s only way to use up all the over-whelming energy created by her breakfast ritual of eating her own creation of  pop-tarts crumbled on top of sugar filled cereal Trix. Before recess she found it extremely difficult to study her lessons of adding and subtracting, reading and writing and her least favorite spelling because all the while she couldn’t stop twitching and being agitated. She has never associated her breakfast routine was the cause of her difficulties with staying still in the classroom. But, being a Kindergartner, why would she connect the two.

Her parents, currently out of the country and staying in one of the wonderful Singapore Hotels on a business trip, are unaware that Kas is even allowed to create her own breakfast. They never ask her nanny, who is obese, what she makes for their six year old daughter for breakfast in the morning. They don’t ask much at all as to how the care-taking of Kas is going, they just expect the nanny that they are paying top dollar for is doing a great job. Kas seems to be happy when ever that talk to her over the phone. That’s all that concerns them. Kas’s happiness.

Recess ends and Kas is still pretending to be a pogo stick makes her way back to her classroom. As she jumps through the doorway, her teacher puts a hand on her and stops her from jumping up and down. Kas looks up at this teacher and doesn’t understand the intrusion of her joyous jumping. She begins to cry loudly and stomps her feet. She’s tired and cranky, but still she needs to jump. Jump, jump, jump. The teacher, not knowing how to deal with tantrums, offers Kas a lollipop; this works every time on all her difficult children. Kas stops crying and stops jumping for joy. She is happy.

Fishing for the bottom feeders along the banks of the city’s water way canals his only thoughts effected by an empty stomach are about catching the funky tasting fish that can only be deep fried and loaded with fish sauce. Thoughts about how this plentiful free food of the waters will fill his belly and his Korean wife’s belly and keep the pangs of hunger away for another day. Coming from Malaysia, Daviz was hoping to ride on the wave of living the good life with which the United States promised. With which his friends, who were already living here, wrote to him to come, any which way he could, and leave the desperate life of rural Singapore.

Daviz, wasn’t really desperate in Singapore, having employment with two Singapore Luxury Hotels. Actually, he was better off than most of his friends living in Singapore and his friends living in the United States. So, sitting there with a makeshift fishing pole in his hand and looking at a Styrofoam ice-chest empty of fish, he can’t help wonder and question his decision to pack up and move to a foreign country. A wealthy country, a country that no article on the Internet or written in books about living in the States could possibly convey or even attempt to make clear just how massively the people of this country are all consuming of non-essential materials, all fearfully preoccupied and all weary of foreigners.

Daviz and his wife have been living here, legally, in the United States for over nine months now. But they are living in out of a van given to them by the kindness of a Korean Christian Church with which his wife attends. Daviz’s years of experience at working in Luxury Hotels as not gotten him employment and his wife’s refusal to learn English isn’t helping just how hard it truly is to make it in the United States, harder than he imagined. But, sitting there, by the banks of a man-made river, Daviz’s thoughts turn back to the fishing for what is free and what is good.

Many people are turning to Mexico for their surgical procedures as they discover how high quality medical care is coupled with low costs. With savings up to 60%, the cost of treatment in operations such as knee surgery in Mexico allows for considerable savings. Because surgeons are generally trained during their post graduate studies in North American and Canadian hospitals, they are exposed to the most cutting edge techniques. Lap band surgery in Mexico is another high savings procedure, as well as shoulder surgery, heart surgery, and more. Medical tourism (Healism ) is a new business that has developed to assist would-be patients in locating appropriate surgeons and hospitals, helping to expedite consultations and send X-rays and other information before surgery. Once in the hospital, patients find that Mexican hospital staff are caring and personal, with English spoken to make communication seamless. Once the procedure is complete and hospital recuperation is deemed sufficient, patients are released and often stay on in the country to enjoy the local sights. Combining surgery with a vacation is a well-deserved indulgence, especially when there have been such large savings on treatment. With no more risk than one would take in a home country hospital, patients experience the best in health care, excellent prices, and the ability to experience something new in a country that is filled with fascinating sights.

With the increased popularity of medical tourism, many people are turning to Mexican doctors for affordable knee surgery. With advanced techniques for examining and treating knees, Mexico is fast becoming one of the best alternatives for high quality medical treatment.

One of the most effective and popular procedures is minimally invasive knee surgery, or MIS. Here the surgeon uses an arthroscope, a medical tool that is inserted into the knee joint via a small incision made in the knee. The arthroscope enables the doctor to properly diagnose the knee joint in order to make the correct assessment regarding treatment. If an operation is required, a second small incision is made to accommodate surgical instruments. In this way, the entire knee joint does not need to be exposed, whereby less recovery time is required to heal connective tissue.

Affordable knee surgery such is becoming common in Mexican hospitals where the majority of surgeons are trained in the United States and conform to the highest standards of medical expectation. Cities such as Tijuana, Mexicali, Monterrey, Cuidad Juarez, Hermosillo, and Mexico City offer affordable knee surgery, where for example ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) repair costs between $4,000 and $9,000 compared with prices in the United States that range between $30,000 and $40,000. The standard of care in Mexico is such that more and more people with knee problems are flocking to this country for treatment.

One of Johannesburg’s traditional markets is the Mai Mai Market located in the downtown city center, on the corner of Berea and Anderson. This market is a wonderful place to encounter traditional African healers as well as the usual local crafts and arts.

Mai Mai is also known as “Ezinyangeni” or “the place of healers.” Adventurous tourists will want to visit the market for a unique perspective on “muti” – traditional African medicine. It’s estimated that 70 percent of South Africans utilize muti, sometimes in conjunction with western medicine. The Department of Health is working to organize and regulate the tens of thousands of traditional healers in the country.

The Mai Mai market is inhabited by a large number of inyangas (herbalists) and sangomas (diviners). Their services are sought by the sick, infirm and even the unlucky looking to improve their health. While there are a number of witch doctors and quacks that give muti a bad reputation, most of the healers at Mai Mai practice ancient healing practices taught only to chosen initiates.

Tourists venturing from the many fine hotels Johannesburg should be aware that the market is full of exotic and even disturbing items. Strong herbs, animal skins and hides, and even skulls and other bones are everywhere. The healers are often mistrustful of outsiders, doing what they can to scare off visitors or simply ignoring them. However, there are healers who are friendly and inviting.

In addition to the healers and diviners, Mai Mai is known for fabulous beadwork and handmade sandals constructed from rubber tires. Shoppers can purchase traditional Zulu items such as shields, skirts, hats, and spears as well as local arts and crafts. Wooden chests featuring kitsch religious icons are also a popular item, and they are made on site.

Newcastle is a major city in the north of England. It lies on the River Tyne near the Scottish border.  Its history reflects its position and it has seen much in the way of wars and struggles with the Romans, Vikings and Scots.  On the south bank of the Tyne lies the city of  Gateshead.

The Newcastle area is steeped in history.  From the Roman times it has been a trading and commercial center.  During the industrial revolution it became famous for coal, steel and shipbuilding.  Nowadays most of this industry had disappeared for the area.  Today the city is known as a commercial service oriented center.  Newcastle has many major stores, restaurants and bars.  Its nightlife is also popular amongst the younger generation.

Newcastle is an important health and medical center for the North east of England.  This includes modern healthcare facilities such as the Newcastle General Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle cosmetic surgery, and Freeman Hospital.

The city has much beautiful architecture to appreciate.  This includes an ancient castle; as well as a wonderful quayside featuring waterfront bars and galleries.  Newcastle has many festivals and events held during the year that are very popular with tourists.

I made one of the wisest investments of my life recently. You see, I am a very active person. I swim a lot, jog, go to the gym, hike and anything else that you could think of that would mess up your makeup.  I got tired of always having to freshen up or of hearing someone tell me that my makeup was messed up.

So, I invested in permanent cosmetics. I got my lips done and now I don’ have to apply lipstick. I got my eyeliner done so that doesn’t smear or run now. and I got permanent cosmetics eyebrows too. The only thing I do is put on a little powder if I’m shiny or put on water-proof mascara. I save a ton of time and I save a ton of worry. I wish that I had done this a long time ago!

Drug and alcohol addiction can be devastating to families. But there is hope through drug rehabilitation. The difficulty is choosing the appropriate drug rehabilitation center for your loved one. Finding one that is within your budget and that will meet all of the addict’s needs can be difficult but more doctors will have recommendations.

Questions arise such as, “Should I send my heroin-addicted son to heroin addiction treatment or do most rehabs treat all addictions?” And the answer to this question is that centers such as Gatehouse Academy can treat all addictions and you will not need to enroll your loved one in a center for a specific drug.

This trying time is heart-wrenching but do not let it tear you and your family apart. Instead of letting the addiction win, hold strong to each other. Seek help for yourself. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon offer the support you will need to learn how to deal with this and you will feel better about the choices you have made and are going to have to make.

Tattoos have become very popular in the past few years and as a result, all-things-tattoo have improved. In the past when you would go into a tattoo parlor, they often looked dirty and they did not smell very sanitary. One would never know if the equipment was properly cleaned. And often there would be a tattoo artist that was rude and sort of elitist.

Times have changed and so has the tattoo industry. The assortment of tattoo flash that customers can choose from seems endless and a lot of the time the tattoo artist will even draw or customize one for any of their clients. They usually have the most state of the art tattoo equipment. And as an added bonus, artists just starting out have access to amazing tattoo starter kits. They practice on materials that feel and look like human skin. This adds to the talent level of the individual artist.

Also, since all of these advancements the ink has improved and it keeps its brightness for longer and they do not discolor the way they used to. Cover ups, new tattoos and touch ups are all improving because the industry has been streamlined. And the growth does not seem to be slowing down. Tattoo artists make a good living so they work a lot and they depend on repeat clients. When the artist depends on you as well, the product improves and improves.

Statistics show that success for addicts increases when the individual participates in a drug rehab program. The type of program that works best differs from person to person, based on the individual’s needs. Inpatient treatment has greater success for people with a long history of abuse because they learn the coping skills necessary to re-enter society. Outpatient treatment works best for people with a recent history of addiction. However, people that try to quit on their own or use medically assisted detoxification with no additional therapies from a drug addiction treatment center have the same success rate as those who were never treated at all—which is a very low success rate. The reason that treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient drug rehab, works is because after 3 months, improvements can be seen from the detoxification to relearning coping skills.