Rose of Sharon Jewelry

I returned to Weight Watchers after many years and pounds and am glad to report the new Points Plus system works! I’ve lost over 22 lbs in the past 8 weeks!

Mom joined me 2 weeks ago and lost 1.8 lbs the first week. We eat 3 meals a day and 3 snacks – including dessert every night. The program is easy to follow and I’m loving the iPhone app along with the online tracking system.  It makes it so easy to keep track of whatever I want to eat even when we dine out!

I’ll be checking in regularly to share the power of changing to a healthy and satisfying diet!

To learn more, visit the Weight Watchers site today! You don’t need to be a member to find great, healthy recipes and learn how to improve your diet.

Today is the first post in a series devoting to educating women (and men, too) on strokes. What you don’t know (or ignore) can kill you!

As readers know, my Mom (Betty of Rose of Sharon Jewelry) suffered a stroke in the wee hours of January 3rd. Thankfully she was aware enough to call a neighbor for help or this story might have a much different ending. As of today, she is getting CAT scans and a neurological check-up in preparation to be released from a care facility. She’ll be able to return home with the assistance of my brothers, niece, church members and her beloved “second family" – Bret and Theresa Anderson and their extended family.

Overall her health has returned to about 90% (happy dance here) but she has lasting conditions which require extended recovery and continued medical supervision. Her blood sugar has been erratic during this stressful event and she has memory and mental agility issues.

The plan is for her to come to our Sparks, NV home to recuperate! We are excited and think that the stimulus of working on Rose of Sharon Jewelry, exercising with me and keeping up with her great grandsons will be really good for her.

What is a stroke?

A simple explanation is that a block clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks within your brain. It is a kind of “brain attack” that cuts off blood flow to a portion of your brain.

This disruption in blood flow causes the brain to swell and cells to die.

Depending upon which part of your brain is damaged, the results can affect speech, movement, memory or even death.

Here are a 10 facts to get your attention and keep reading this series.

Stroke Facts

1. Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
2. Strokes are the #1 cause of long-term disability.
3. Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke.
4. High blood pressure is the most important (but not the only) risk factor for strokes.
5. Strokes can strike at any age. One fourth of all strokes strike people under 65!
6. Stroke symptoms are different for women than men.
7. More women (about 55,000 per year) have strokes than men.
8. African Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke.
9. Strokes cost (directly and indirectly) over $73.7 billion annually.
10. Acting fast can make all the difference in recovery and long-term prognosis.

 

• Monday’s post will cover the different types of strokes.

 

Want to learn more now? Check out the American Stroke Association.

The mind is a powerful tool in dealing with breast cancer. Today’s post shares ways to strengthen your mind and spirit to travel thru cancer successfully.

Betty (Mom) is a 20-year cancer survivor and Arden (hubby) has been free of lung cancer for over 25 years. Today, I’ll share a 5 tips that helped them travel successfully through cancer.

Believe in Life

The common belief that “they were not going to die” was prominent in their minds. Mom believed God didn’t want her yet and Arden felt this wasn’t how he was going to die. This focus on life instead of death can be a tough one (and may be fleeting from day to day) but it sets your mind on the right path.

Calm for Life

Multiple studies have shown that meditation has powerful benefits on our physical and emotional health. When you are dealing with a life-threatening illness, your emotions are in charge. With a body on high alert, its natural ability to heal itself is compromised.

Being able to calm your inner dialogue, lower your blood pressure, relax your muscles and keep your immune system working efficiently is extremely important when you are dealing with any type of cancer.

You can learn to mediate from a book (there are plenty available) but the best and fastest way to learn is through a class, audio book or video. Many gyms and health spas around the country offer meditation classes. You can also locate a class or tutor through a Buddhist monastery or temple.

I listen regularly to the Buddhist monk, Pema Chodron. Her voice is calming and her approach is excellent for beginners.

Walk for Life

Some of us find it difficult to silently mediate in a sitting position – walking meditation is a perfect solution (plus you have the added benefit of a mild exercise).  You’ll find easy to follow instructions on various web sites such as YogaTeacher.com and this YouTube video of the well-known monk Thich Nhat Hanh from True Sounds Video.

Google “walking meditation” along with your city and you’ll find classes, groups and churches which teach and sponsor walking meditation events.

Read for Life

Mom spent time reading the Bible for confidence and comfort. Arden discovered a book which he has given away repeatedly over the years that I’m recommending today.

The Cancer Conqueror by Greg Anderson was Arden’s bible during his cancer battle. There are multiple editions available through Amazon resellers and this book is  worth seeking out. In fact, Arden keeps an extra copy in his bookshelf to give to someone facing the words – it’s cancer.

Another powerful book from Anderson is a valuable tool on what to do when  the doctor says it’s cancer. Those words seem to make our minds go blank and inhibit our ability to address some vital issues. This book will help you do just that and more.

Share for Life

Family and friends are important part of your support system; however, they are also personally dealing with your cancer. When the diagnosis is breast cancer, seek out a support group who can listen, share and give you advice without “owning” your problem.

Many women have found deep and personal connections through cancer support groups. During your physical and/or emotional weak points, you’ll have a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on and another person to listen with you as your doctor’s discuss treatments and prognosis.

Please share this post with anyone you know who is dealing with the Big C. Whether they are the patient, family member or friend, these 5 bits of advice can work wonders.

---

Promote breast cancer awareness on your Facebook status.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month: help find a cure! Rose of Sharon Jewelry donates 10% to the CF Foundation, you get 10% savings! We love to share and what better way than to share our jewelry with you at a 10% savings plus share with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. During May, Rose of Sharon Jewelry will make a 10% donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in your name when you buy any our our one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry from our store. You’ll find your 10% sale price listed on the main Rose of Sharon Jewelry web site by each piece of jewelry. At the end of the month, we’ll send each donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and we’ll send you a thank you card! Learn more about Living with CF

Today is International Women’s Day! Since 1911, women have been standing up on March 8th for themselves. Are you using your power as a women to help other women? Yes, I mean YOU!

Within every women is a power so great that violence, degradation, starvation, humiliation and discrimination cannot stop it. As a woman of  the 60s, I learned to stand up for what I believed in and I believe that every single woman can make a difference.

I know you’re busy raising a family, paying the bills, making dinner and keeping up with the demands of a job. But I want to encourage you to find some time on a regular basis to make a difference. Here are a few ideas and resources you might explore to help other women.

Start Young

Become a Big Sister – The Big Brother, Big Sister organization matches you with a girl at risk. Extend a helping hand to a young girl and you’ll be able to positively impact generations! My daughter-in-law Dawn is a “Big”. Her “Little” is an adorable 9-year-old from an at risk family. I can tell you that Dawn probably gets as much from the pairing and sharing as her “Little” does. Contact Big Brother, Big Sister online to locate your local chapter.

Stop Violence

Answer a phone – Women’s Hotlines around the nation need people to answer their phones and assist women and children in crisis. You will be required to undergo training but imagine the power of helping women escaping violence. Contact your local police department to find active organizations within your community.

Support Women Entrepreneurs

Build financial security – Many problems women face around the world center on a lack of financial security. War has devastated many countries leaving women with little resources to fend for themselves. As little as a $50 loan can help a woman launch her own business or the donation of a goat can create a cottage industry where milk is sold, goat hair is used in resalable crafts and the meat can eliminate starvation. Heifer International concentrates on self-sufficiency through farming. WorldVision Microloans help women start businesses.

 

Whatever you find that suits your schedule, talents and interests will reward you beyond what you commit to it. I guarantee it!

I’d love to hear how you support women and encourage others to do likewise!

 

Other Resources

• Women for Women International
• Kiva - microloans
• National Organization for Women
• Foster Grandparents – find your state program here
• Accion – microloans

Share your valuable resources for supporting women worldwide by leaving a comment below.

A recent Scientific Mind article pondered reasons why depression has increased in the Baby Boomer and younger generations. It seems that moving away from work activities that engage the hands and mind plus result in a tangible reward may be a cause.  And one potential “treatment” may be crafting!

In the not too distant past, we physically raised our own food, chopped our own wood and made our own clothing.  The rewards of a healthy, tasty dinner, a warm place to sleep and enjoying a soft new sweater were a direct result of our actions!

Studies have shown that this action/reward pattern stimulates the parts of the brain that relate to happiness and our feelings of well-being. Work has become disconnected from rewards.

We now earn money (that we never even hold in our hands) in a less physical manner and our brains miss out on the rewards. We run for take-out, pay the electric bill, shop online for shoes while we collectively feel more unhappy or depressed.

The rewards we are giving ourselves aren’t as fulfilling now and simply don’t last very long. That’s why scientists who study happiness believe more and more people overspend. Don’t we all know someone who has a dress or two in their closet that has never been worn? The high evaporated before they got home.

Rebuilding the action/reward connection may be as simple as starting a new hobby that requires your hands, multi-step learning and complex brain activities. What better way to do that than to craft?

So get off the computer, turn off the TV and get out the knitting needles or pick up a pair of pliers. Knitting, crocheting, polymer clay work, intricate beading and other crafts can be a great way to ward off depression.

As my Granny always said “busy hands mean happiness.”