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.

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.

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.

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.

Living with CF

Researchers believe strongly that a cure is eminent so our efforts to raise money are at a critical point.

• 1,000 children are diagnosis each year
• More than 45% live beyond age 18 (in the 50’s it was rare for a child to live beyond 6 or 7.)
• Predicted rate of survival now is 37 years
• More than 10 million Americans carry the CF gene without any symptoms

• a 25% chance the child will have CF
• a 50% chance that the child will carry the CF gene but will not have the disease
• a 25% chance of not carrying the gene and not having CF