Don't Choose Death

 

 

 

 

As a healthcare worker, I can vouch for the fact that smokers, alcoholics, and drug addicts contribute greatly to my job security.

 

And yet, despite this, I cannot condone these vices because I've seen the results of their prolonged use on the human body.

 

I've watched a number of people die slow, agonizing deaths from substance-related cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

 

Some of these people were over fifty years old; some of them were in their thirties or forties.

 

It may appear that some people are resistant to the effects of smoking, drinking, and using drugs. If so, they must be in the minority.

 

Substance abusers are a drain on the insurance companies, a drain on society, and a drain on themselves. The only people who benefit from their bad habits are the tobacco companies, liquor companies, and illicit drug pushers.

 

While Americans are free to make their own choices, they should be aware that they could be choosing death over life in the choices they make.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Published in The Kingman Daily Miner, September 27, 1994.

Copyright 1994-2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Get Healthy with Turmeric

Have you ever wondered what gives prepared mustard its bright yellow color? The secret is a little-known spice called turmeric.

A relative of the ginger plant, turmeric originated in India thousands of years ago and quickly spread across Asia and the tropics. Originally grown as a fabric dye, it later became popular as a food condiment and cosmetic additive. It is highly revered in India as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck.

Turmeric is widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to season dishes and add color to food. It is a primary ingredient in curry powder.

Traditional Indian folk medicine, called Ayurveda, has employed turmeric in a variety of ways to treat asthma, coughs, anemia, wounds, acne, diabetes, and dental problems. It has been used to stimulate the digestion, boost the immune system, promote fertility, and retard aging.

Western scientific research has confirmed the spice's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is currently being investigated for use as an anti-cancer agent and liver protectant.

This wonderful little spice can be added to just about any food dish. Next time you cook a meal, try it!

Turmeric milk is a delicious and wholesome drink that can be taken at bedtime to promote improved sleep.

Just add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to one cup of milk. Stir well, and bring to a boil. Let it cool and drink. Goat, soy, or rice milk may be substituted for cow's milk.

Turmeric has also been used as an effective tonic to cleanse the skin and add a healthy golden glow to the complexion.

It can be found in the spice section at most grocery stores.

Dawn Pisturino
February 14, 2007
Copyright 2007-2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Visit my website:  http://www.dawnpisturino.org

NOTE: If you're allergic to prepared mustard, you might be allergic to turmeric.

Legend of the Dream Catcher

 

 

from St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, South Dakota (Lakota Sioux Tribe)

 

"Native Americans of the Great Plains believe the air is filled with both good and bad dreams. Historically, dream catchers were hung in the tipi or lodge and on a baby's cradle board.

 

"According to legend, the good dreams pass through the center hole to the sleeping person. The bad dreams are trapped in the web, where they perish in the light of dawn."

 

Visit their website here: http://www.stjo.org

 

And pleasant dreams!

Be at Peace

 

Be at Peace

 

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;

 

Rather look to them with full hope as they arise.

 

God, whose very own you are,

 

Will deliver you from out of them.

 

He has kept you hitherto,

 

And He will lead you safely through all things;

 

And when you cannot stand it,

 

God will bury you in his arms.

 

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;

 

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today

 

Will take care of you then and everyday.

 

He will either shield you from suffering,

 

Or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

 

Be at peace,

 

And put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.

 

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

The Power of Prayer

 

"Prayer is the only means of bringing about orderliness and peace and repose in our daily acts."

This simple statement by Mahatma Gandhi reflects the experience of a man whose faith, values, and dedication to a cause transformed an entire nation.

After the horrific events of 9/11, the people of the United States turned to prayer to find comfort, unity, and meaning in the midst of tragedy.

Since the dawn of civilization, people have prayed to a higher power for health, guidance, forgiveness, gratitude, and transformation.

Prayer fulfills a natural human longing for communion with God. During times of stress, when we are feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, prayer offers us release, reminds us of our priorities, and restores balance to our lives.

Prayer is an act of love. We pray because we care about our loved ones, our nation, and our world.

It is an act of hope. When we pray, we know we are not alone. We can face our difficulties with renewed strength and courage.

Praying confirms our faith and belief in a higher power. It reinforces our conviction that a spiritual world exists. It helps us to transcend our daily struggles and to find peace inside ourselves.

Many scientific studies have been done on the effects of prayer, but prayer cannot be quantified by science. No conclusive evidence exists to either prove or disprove the effectiveness of prayer. And this is to be expected, for prayer is a very private and individual act of worship.

Researchers have shown, however, that people who consider spiritual activities an important part of their lives tend to live longer, recover from illness more quickly, and deal more effectively with grief.

David B. Larson, MD of the International Center for the Integration of Health and Spirituality summed it up nicely when he reported, "Statistically, God is good for you."

Amen.

Dawn Pisturino, RN
May 12, 2007

Copyright 2007-2013 DawnPisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Living with Insomnia

 

Do you lie awake at night counting sheep? You are not alone. It has been estimated that 60 million Americans suffer from persistent insomnia.

 

This can eventually lead to serious health problems. Researchers have linked inadequate sleep with higher risks for developing Type II diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiac dysrhythmias, heart attack, and stroke. One study showed that people who regularly get less than five hours of sleep have a 45% higher risk of having a heart attack.

 

Worry and anxiety seem to be the most common culprits.

 

Natural herbal remedies that can calm the nerves include chamomile, valerian, hops, skullcap, passion flower, and kava kava.

 

Taking a warm bath or hot shower before bed relaxes and soothes a tired body and active mind.

 

Quiet music, soft lights, and a peaceful environment help to set the right mood for sleep. (They also set the right mood for good old-fashioned sex, which  may just solve your sleep problem.)

 

Burn some essential oil of lavender in an oil burner or sprinkle some on your pillow. The essence of lavender has been used for centuries to relieve anxiety and tension.

 

Avoid drinking caffeine after lunch or taking an afternoon siesta.

 

Find someone with a sympathetic ear and talk about your fears and anxieties. Just the act of expressing yourself releases pent up tension.

 

Protein foods containing calcium or the amino acid tryptophan have a calming effect and make a great bedtime snack. Try warm milk, cheese, and turkey.

 

Practicing meditation or asking your partner for a back and shoulder massage can relax the mind and body enough to produce drowsiness. If this does not work, try repeating a favorite prayer, phrase, or poem over and over again until you fall asleep.

 

Listening to a guided imagery CD or visualizing your fantasy vacation can help overcome troubling thoughts which keep you awake.

 

If you continue to have problems, consult a physician or professional therapist.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Published April 10, 2007 in The Kingman Daily Miner.

Copyright 2013 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.



Does Homeopathy Really Work?

The young woman sitting in the chair before him wrung her hands nervously and began her story:

"I'm 28 years old, and I've been married for four years. Ever since my baby was born, I haven't felt right. The labor was normal, and my baby was born healthy." The young mother smiled. "But now, my menstrual periods are irregular and heavy, and I feel weak and exhausted. I can't eat or sleep, and I crave beer, even though I hate the stuff!"

Dr. Bidwell was tempted to interrupt, but remained silent, allowing the young woman to continue at her own pace.

"I perspire easily," she said, "and I get sick to my stomach if I get cold. Can you help me, doctor?" The young woman looked at him with eager eyes.

Dr. Bidwell examined the notes he had taken and consulted his homeopathic repertory. After much thought, he prescribed Cocculus indicus (Indian cockle), the homeopathic remedy which precisely matched all of the woman's symptoms. Within four months, she was completely cured.

The above scenario is based on an actual case recorded one hundred years ago by New York homeopathic physician Glen Bidwell.

What is Cocculus indicus, and how did it cure this woman?

Cocculus indicus is a climbing vine which contains a deadly poison called picrotoxin. It was once added to beer to magnify the effects of intoxication and used to reverse morphine overdose. Fishermen threw it into the water to stun fish and make them easier to catch.

Homeopathy allegedly works by stimulating the body's own natural ability to heal itself. Homeopathic medications are diluted and shaken to the point where little or no actual medicine remains. But somehow, they appear to work on the human body at a very deep level.

Researchers have not yet determined how homeopathic medicines work, therefore, they tend to dismiss homeopathy as quackery or attribute cures to the placebo effect (all in the mind.) But the latest theory may contain an element of truth. Some researchers now speculate that the method used to shake the medication causes an electromagnetic transference of medicine into the diluted solution.

Regardless of how homeopathy works, many studies have been done which show that homeopathic medicines definitely have some sort of therapeutic value.

Those interested in giving homeopathy a try should only consult a qualified physician trained in homeopathy.

Dawn Pisturino
June 26, 2007