Happy Holidays Everyone!

This month Bill contributes a review on an article in December's American Journal of Natural Medicine, about the merits of CMO and its effect on chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

My article is about mental energy and how it affects our health, and the importance of positive thinking.

Helen Olsten offers her thoughts on how nutrition, and appropriate eating habits can encourage a positive sense of well-being. She has also included holistic suggestions for improving mental attitude.

I am pleased to have this opportunity to introduce Kareyn Talson, who has contributed a delightfully encouraging article titled "Avoid the New Year's Weight Loss Blues". Kareyn is a nutritionist, who has been active in the natural foods and health industry, for approximately thirty years. We are thrilled to have her writing for us.

For your good health. . . .

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The American Journal of Natural Medicine has an interesting article in the December 1998 issue entitled, "Cetyl Myristoleate: Promising results for chronic pain". Cetyl Myristoleate is more commonly referred to as CM or CMO, and has been gaining attention lately because of the results patients are experiencing in a remarkably short period of time.

The article sites one such doctor, Jorge Flechas, M.D., from Hendersonville, North Carolina who had seen the remarkable results on his father-in-law's osteoarthritis, which he had in his knees for 20 years. Dr. Flechas was skeptical of a natural remedy, because trying various drugs for years had not helped. Soon he saw his father- in-law free of pain, after taking the CMO for only three days. His father-in-law continued to take the CMO for ten days. Months later, he still was without symptoms.

Soon thereafter, Dr. Flechas decided to try CMO on one of his fibromyalgia patients. She was only 19 years old, but has had fibromyalgia since she was 12. Most of her symptoms were gone in two short weeks. Now, four months later the pain is gone, and she is able to enjoy life. Because Dr. Flechas has many fibromyalgia patients, he has often seen CMO's healing properties for reducing inflammation and pain.

Dr. Flechas also tried CMO on a patient who had Lupus Erythematosus. The first ten days, there appeared to be no improvement. After another couple of days of taking CMO, she saw a noticeable improvement. Having stayed on the CMO, the patient continues to show improvement.

The article reports about an out-patient trial that was conducted. The first group of subjects had considerable improvement after only four days of treatment. After the 14th day, they were all without symptoms. Later, some pain came back, but with a second treatment of CMO, they did not have the symptoms return. The second group took the CMO for 20 days, and everyone (except two patients) were without symptoms. The third group had patients with milder symptoms. These patients had the pain disappear after taking the CMO for 14 days. The fourth group had severe symptoms, and as the article reports:

"Some were unable to walk, and the remainder used walking canes. All but one subject in this group had a 90% overall improvement in their condition. This improvement has lasted. The patient, who did not experience lasting relief, had previously abused anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance."

Another story is told about Charles Cochran, D.C., a chiropractor who had arthritis in his shoulder for years following a motorcycle accident. After several surgeries, and frequent steroid injections, Dr. Cochran still had enough pain that it was hard for him to continue his practice. He had taken glucosamine, and had some relief, but not enough. When Dr. Cochran started taking CMO, he noticed amazing relief in only four days. He now uses CMO regularly for his patients. He has seen 70 percent improvement while treating his patients with arthritis. He has also found it 15 percent more effective when he adds glucosamine and MSM, along with adding a lipase digestive enzyme.

Dr. Mark Muller, a dentist in California, has had osteoarthritis for many years. It started when his vertebrae began fusing together. He tried the CMO, and after only ten days, the pain and inflammation was much less, which made it easier for him to continue with his work.

CMO seems to have a positive effect on patients with inflammation or autoimmune diseases. The article states:

"Several previous studies have shown that essential fatty acids reduce arthritic inflammation. . . . However, the fatty-acid supplementation must be sustained to be effective. In contrast, cetyl myristoleate, a 'cousin' of fatty acids, is effective in a very short treatment time. The relief it brings also continues after treatment is completed."

These types of results are quite impressive, and are the reasons we, at Applied Health Solutions, chose to offer two CMO products to our customers. However, do not assume that CMO is the panacea of your troubles. To receive the most benefits from this material, you must commit to - and adhere to - a strict regimen with regard to your diet. Too many people try the products without dedicating themselves to the responsibility and discipline of following the guidelines for taking CMO. This has been the single biggest factor we have seen with people, who did not achieve the results they had hoped for.

To follow the CMO regimen properly, and obtain maximum benefits, you must avoid all alcoholic beverages, nicotine, caffeine (chocolate, carbonated beverages, coffee, black tea) and Nutrasweet (Aspartame) products during the period you are taking the product. Because of the symptoms that some people experience from "going off" these consumables (headaches, tiredness, etc.), it is advised to remove these items from your diet at least one week before you begin a program with CMO. Patients should also avoid steroid medications, unless absolutely necessary. It is suggested, however, that they continue using any non-steroidal pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications, until no longer necessary.

For the people who take the time to read labels carefully (to look for the hidden caffeine, alcohol, and aspartame), combined with seriously committing themselves to the regimen for taking CMO, they will find that it considerably increases the opportunity to benefit from the products.

If you would like more information on CMO, and the products we offer containing CMO, you can visit our web site, and read the Frequently Asked Questions sheet at:
http://www.appliedhealth.com/cmo.html

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Ahhh . . . Christmas - what a wonderful time of year. Or maybe for you it's Hanukkah, or just simply the "holiday" season. Whichever it is that you celebrate, you will find this season filled with peace, love, and goodwill toward others, right? I wish!

If you are like me, we have hope for this feeling of peace and goodwill. . . even strive for it. But then we find ourselves fighting the traffic on the streets, the crowds at the mall, and the rude clerk at the grocery store and wonder where is the "spirit" of the Holidays. Reality has set in. Another year of rushing, packing too much into one day, figuring out where we will get the money to buy more presents, which will just be returned after the big day. Ahhh . . . stress . . .

Stress is everywhere, particularly during the Holidays. I can typically handle a small amount of stress. However, it is frustrating for me when the stress level gets high enough that it begins to effect my mood, which in turn begins to influence my health and energy level. Too many days pass by with feelings of being over-stressed or depressed. Exhaustion comes, the immune system weakens, the health goes, and grumpiness sets in (so goes the season of 'cheer'). At the time I began this article, I truly was not much into the Holiday spirit. Feeling totally overwhelmed by all the "have to's" - I could barely think straight, let alone feel like hearing a Christmas Carol, or doing something nice for someone. Forget it.

As I thought about this, one afternoon, the thought crossed my mind, "Why is it I always do this to myself; commit to more than I can handle, give in to a poor mental attitude brought on by stress?"

I recently read an article about how our mental attitude affects our physical health. This article was written by Hans R. Larsen, MSc., called "The Therapy of Thought", (Alive, #192, October 1998, pg.14). In this, he talks about how our thought processes, which create electromagnetic energy, can affect our body chemistry.

He explains how chemical reactions and balances of the body are controlled by both internal and external electromagnetic energy fields. Hans Larsen comments on how biofeedback, which is now accepted medical therapy, has proven the power of thought. To quote the author, he says, "Thoughts can make us depressed, anxious, or full of zest for life, and the awesome healing powers of prayer and affirmations are now well recognized."

If our thoughts can make us the person we are, in regards to our physical, mental and spiritual health, we would be wise to spend as much time as possible instilling positive thoughts into our brain. This will then increase our positive flow of energy, and assist in improving our lives and health.

Sometimes our thought processes need extra help in changing. Our bodies' electromagnetic fields need help achieving the proper flow of energy. This is the goal of vibrational (or energy) medicines. These alternative health practices seek to correct and work with the body's electromagnetic energy fields, and to change any imbalances. Many times I have experienced improved mental attitude from just one session of "therapeutic touch". By opening up the body's energy flow, I have repeatedly been better able to deal with life's stresses.

As I contemplated what to do about lessening stress and improving my attitude, I had to actively think of something which would elevate my mood. So I could enjoy this wonderful time of year. I came up with my own list - not Santa's list, but "Sanity" List - in order to help increase my positive thoughts, and lower Holiday stress levels. The following is my Top Ten List of ways to remain sane, and save my health, through the holiday season.

"Sanity List"

1. Practice repeatedly saying the word "no", when necessary, or the more polite version "no, thank you".

2. Make a list (and check it twice . . .) of all the have-to's that need to be done. Lists help me feel more in control of my life and less overwhelmed (until I misplace it - that really makes me crazy). I also feel a lot better when I cross off tasks as each is completed. Then, I can visually see progress.

3. For an immediate quick fix to a "stressed or depressed mood" - uplifting music. When I am in the darkest of moods, Christmas music won't hack it. I need desperate measures, which means "big band swing" music; or something else fast paced. Any "can't keep the feet still" kind of music, can usually put a smile on my face rather rapidly, even if it is cold and gray outside.

4. Lots of bright lights help for those dark, wintry days.

5. Great uplifting books with short, one-page stories or poems, which can be read in about two minutes - often that is as much time as I can spare - yet, given the right story, it is enough time to help me feel better mentally.

6. Schedule time for enjoyment - whether it's going to a Christmas party, a movie, or a soak in the tub - the key words here are 'schedule' and 'enjoyment' - both necessary for sanity.

7. Schedule time for others. It is truly uplifting when we schedule time for others. The most enjoyable type of service is doing something for someone because we want to, which is more fun than doing something for someone because we are supposed to. It can be as simple as smiling at someone in the mall, who is obviously having a bad day, to doing something kind for someone, anonymously. Giving service to someone, because we know they need our help, can raise our spirits as well as theirs.

8. Turn off the TV . . . frequently. It's amazing how much I can get done when I turn off the TV. Unless it is an unusually uplifting show, TV usually does too little to improve our mind and promote a more positive outlook on life.

9. Get plenty of sleep - (I know, I laughed at this one, too). However, not only will this improve our mental state, but also our immune system.

10. And #10 - If there is one thing, on my list, I definitely need to do every day to help my attitude, it is this: count my "blessings". I know it sounds trite, but it works. The other day I started out in a very bad mood, wanting to complain about everything in my life. On the way home from driving my son to school, it occurred to me to think of something I was grateful for. I was in a dark enough mood, that it took a moment for me to think of something - but then, as always, the first thing that came to mind were my wonderful children. . . next came by brother, and my mother - how could I ever want more in my life? After including my extended family, and my very dear friends, I went on to other things, including trivialities such as my car running better than it had been. I ended up with a solid day of mental notes of my blessings - and my mood had done an about-face. I started feeling the holiday spirit, and was ready for Christmas music.

By now we are all aware of how mental attitude has a major influence on our health. It is obvious that mental health is important; not only in the way we feel about ourselves, but it also affects the way we treat other people. Consequently, when we are in a better mood, we naturally treat others more kindly. That's probably how we can go about getting a little more peace and good will into this Holiday Season. Because the energy we give out, is the energy we get back. When we help others have more pleasant experiences in life, we will receive more pleasant experiences, in return.

So, remember while you're "making a list, and checking it twice", to put things on the list which will uplift your own spirits, and help you to enjoy the season. We will be a lot less "scrooge-ish", help other people's lives to be more pleasant, and contribute to our own better health.

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Nutrition is an important key to increasing our sense of well-being. Improved nutrition affects the body's chemical balances so that we feel better physically. This also helps the chemical balances in the brain so that our moods, and the abilities to cope with stress improve. Making better choices about what we eat substantially affects us both mentally and physically.

When one thinks of proper eating habits, we think - Boring! Choosing better nutrition can appear complex, take more time and energy, and add more stress to our already hectic schedule. Also, it isn't much fun avoiding junk food during the Holidays; but we need to try to be careful as much as we can. If we goof up one meal, then we need to make a more logical choice for at least the next couple of meals.

When I need to feel more vibrant, clear thinking, focused, energetic, and improve my overall sense of well-being, I concentrate on more high protein meals. This helps because the amino acid, Tyrosine, reaches the brain and will raise the level of Serotonin, which is the important neurotransmitter in the physical and mental sense of well-being. (Remember how closely physical and mental are tied together.)

A meal high in carbohydrates can have a tranquilizing effect; though, we will also put on weight if it is eaten before bedtime. Tryptophan, which is also very tranquilizing, can be found in turkey, soy, brown rice, cottage cheese and peanuts - just to name a few.

Last week, after eating yogurt (high in protein) for lunch, I was able to work an eight hour day without taking a break. The very next day, I had spaghetti with tomatoes and basil (high in carbohydrates) and was ready to crawl under the desk for a nap. Obviously, the protein was better at giving me energy, and improving my mood.

I know how hard it is to limit the amount of sugar that we are taking into our bodies. It is a well-known fact that sugar can deplete the B vitamins in our system, not to mention the insulin havoc it causes. Eating whatever we want is fun, but it is all a matter of preference and choice. When we choose healthier foods, we will feel better, which ties in with improving our mood.

An herb that helps improve mental attitude is St. John's Wort. This herb has been highly favored as a natural Prozac, especially in the last year, with the professors from Yale and Harvard expounding its many favors. It needs to be taken a minimum of six weeks before a difference is usually noticed.

Cortisol is a natural hormone, which our body releases to combat the effects of stress. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can often result in a problem; a high level of Cortisol can cause depression. This buildup of Cortisol can be a consequence of continued stress. Homeopathy can be beneficial for dealing with stress and negative moods. The motto for homeopathy is "like cures like", in which the vibrational energy of the substance stimulates the body into healing itself. One homeopathic remedy, which neutralizes the high Cortisol level and helps my sense of well-being, is Ignatia Amara.

Bach's Remedies are also good for elevating our moods. These are especially effective if taken on an empty stomach. Bach's Rescue Remedy is a combination of seven floral essences that are very beneficial for this purpose and many others.

Therapeutic touch is also a technique that helps us have a more positive attitude; particularly when concentration is placed on the heart chakra. (Chakras are energy centers in our bodies that work on the vibrational energy mode.) Opening the heart chakra helps the body create more endorphins, which helps release anxiety.

Though many people have great success with herbal relaxant products, I have found I have better results from homeopathic remedies, such as the Ignatia Amara. My point is that everyone is different, and it is up to each person to find what works best for us as individuals. Observe and be sensitive to the types of food you eat. Which make you feel energized and positive about life, in comparison to lethargic and negative? Keep a record, and with time you too will see how nutrition and eating habits can affect your moods and outlook on life.

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It happens every year - like clockwork. Millions of people head into the holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving, having the best intentions of exercising self-control regarding over-indulgence and over-consumption. However, human nature succumbs to temptation, and before you know it New Year's Eve is here. You are finding it difficult to zip up your dress or pants. Then the same old rationalization occurs, "Too late to worry about it, at this point. I'll just lose the weight after the first of the year, like everybody else."

Then, there it is - January 3 of the new year. The number of weight loss ads you see and hear are everywhere: on TV, on radio, in the mail and on your e-mail. Weight loss is newsworthy enough to be found on front pages of newspapers. It also is a focus of review by everyone from Hard Copy to 20/20. GOOD GRIEF! Just like spring, summer, winter, fall or duck hunting season, it even has its own calendar designation - it's Weight-Loss-Season!!

This 'Season' is obviously recognized and supported by the masses. In fact, it could be considered "the Holiday time that binds", because it draws no religious or political lines. That's it! "Weight Loss for World Peace."

Anyhow, the number one New Year's Resolution, year after year, is "to lose weight"! I'm addressing those of you who gain 5 to 15 pounds during the holidays; just enough to make you feel really uncomfortable in your clothes - especially when you sit down! (Having an ongoing weight problem, or having to lose more than 15 pounds for serious medical and health reasons, is a separate subject entirely. This will be addressed in a future newsletter.)

I know this pattern very well, because I used to be a General in the Weight-Loss-Season Army. Then I woke up one day and realized that the older you get the harder it is to lose 5 to 15 pounds. That's when you end up with a residual carried forward to the next 'Season'! One can easily calculate that it doesn't take many cycles of the 'Season' to create the need to 'upgrade' your clothing size. If you are over the age of 30, take a conscious tour of your closet. See what I mean?

THERE'S GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY!?! ---- Surprise!! There is! It has been working for me for years; so it should work for you, too. Following are a few simple suggestions that could make you an active member of the "Society For The Abolition of Weight-Loss-Season". Every year, between October 15 and Thanksgiving, I lose ten pounds. This gives me a head start on the holidays, and it is easy to do. 'Easy' entails instituting a few minor modifications to your daily routine, for this short period of time.

Following are the few minor modifications:

1) ABOUT FOOD: Avoid fats and carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, rice, and other grains. Instead, choose deep green and orange colored vegetables. These are good sources of carbohydrates, and yet will not add weight to our bodies. Eat whole protein foods such as: chicken breast (no skin), fish, pork, lean beef, and eggs. There will be some fat inherent in protein foods, but don't be concerned about that.

For vegetarians who do not eat fish or eggs, focus on tofu and tofu/soy based products, varieties of beans and legumes, non-fat yogurt, and non-fat cottage cheese. Especially, avoid margarine (definite 'no-no' discussed in last month's newsletter), cheese, whole milk, butter, pasta, breads of all kinds (includes anything with yeast in it, i.e. pizza dough, pretzels), sugary or artificially sweetened carbonated drinks, and all fruit juices, except unsweetend grapefruit juice. You can eat potatoes (no more than two a week), baked only - if you eat them without toppings. A few toppings, which are allowed are: fresh lemon or lime juice (try it - delicious!), a little salt, black or red pepper, and/or non-fat plain yogurt.

Here are some good meal combinations (protein portion always grilled or broiled; veggies grilled, lightly steamed, or raw):

Fish and Spinach; Lean Beef and Zucchini Strips; Pork Loin and Apple Slices; Chicken and Broccoli.

Fresh, ripe tomato slices topped with fresh basil leaves and balsamic vinegar can be added to any meal. It is amazing how much weight we can lose, when we concentrate on choosing orange and/or deep green vegetables, in addition to lean protein, for our meals.

holidays or not, it is an excellent idea to take Health Logics "Weigh Less" tablets to give a boost to your metabolic fat-burning processes and keep your appetite under control. They're really terrific!

2) Drink pure water (not unfiltered, chlorinated tap water) - at least half your body weight in ounces every day. For example, for a person who weighs 150 pounds, that would be 75 ounces of water. Drinking a ten-ounce glass of water, before meals, will help reduce the appetite, and lessen calorie consumption.

When drinking water before a meal, it is important to squeeze a slice or two of fresh lemon or lime in the water to improve digestion. When in restaurants, drink the water/lemon juice combination before ordering. Having plenty of pure water every day is, of course, a good general rule for health. When and how much water you consume can really make a difference!

3) ABOUT EXERCISE: For those, like me, who are not into a regular exercise routine, an easy habit to form is a brisk 20 to 30 minute walk every day. Although, anytime is a good time to walk, being outdoors at sunrise or sunset makes it extra enjoyable.

If you sit a lot, again like me, be conscious of making the most of every opportunity to move. It may sound insignificant, but I make a game out of resistance-type exercise while sitting for long periods of time at my computer. Just tighten and hold any muscle or muscle group for a few seconds and then release. I always have music around me, just loud enough to hear; so I also do a sort of a sit-dance (not to be confused with a lap-dance).

The point is, you can do a lot of stretching and moving, even when you are seated. Stand up and stretch approximately every 20 minutes to lengthen your attention span and endurance.

As I said, it may sound insignificant, but as a habit, over time, it really helps. Other than the walking, the rest of this advice probably won't be applicable, unless you work at home or at least alone in an office - or maybe you can start sit-exercising with your co-workers. Picture that!

Other habits commonly considered good also apply. For instance, don't eat for at least three hours before going to sleep at night.

With all the aforementioned in place, let me just remind you that it's not only eating that increases over the holidays:

Important Calorie Facts per six ounce serving:
Champagne 150
Red Wines 150
Port Wines 300
12 oz. Beer 100 - 150
Cocktails Depends on how many olives, or how much sweetener - but, in any case - a lot.

Well, I lost my ten pounds and have only put about two back on through Thanksgiving. I figure I'm way ahead of the game, maybe even into 1999!

Happy, Healthy, Safe Holidays to Everyone!

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