What's The Connection Between Housework And Living Longer?

There are three things I hate doing - shopping, cooking and cleaning, which makes me somewhat different from my friends. Give them a credit card or a cookery book and they are in their element, but we all agree on the cleaning issue. It's so unrewarding.

Today, however, cleaning took on a different perspective because of a news item on breakfast TV. As I was encouraging my autistic son to "hurry up", an expression he absolutely hates, my ears pricked up at the mention of Cambridge on the BBC news. Now as this city is close to where I live it felt personal, so I told my autistic son again to "hurry up" and added, "please be quiet", another expression he absolutely hates.

Still, despite the "look" over his cereal, he did stop talking, and I managed to hear that researchers in Cambridge have, after studying 20,000 people over a period of 10 years, concluded healthy living can add up to 14 years to your life. It's not rocket science, just simple common sense!

Apparently there are four areas you need to address:
· smoking,
· drinking
· exercise
· eating fruit and vegetables.

All of them are obvious. We all know smoking can seriously damage your health, and in some cases, kill so this should be avoided altogether. The same can be said for drinking in excess, but the recommendations are not to stop completely, just to drink in moderation.

We've all been told about eating up our fruit and vegetables and we should have five portions each day, which should consist of the different colours – red, green, orange, yellow and purple.

Exercise, of course, is important, but the researchers didn't suggest we all had to go rushing off to the gym every week, or buy fancy fitness equipment. Instead they said any activity, which made you slightly puffed, five times each week was fine, and before your thoughts turn to the bedroom let me tell you the examples they gave were hoovering and cleaning windows. That's taken the glint out of your eye and wiped the smile off your face, hasn't it?

It seems this extensive research was based on broad definitions and had something to do with the amount of Vitamin C in the blood. Anyway, the conclusion is people who are generally active and sensible about the four areas discussed, live longer and healthier lives.

Anyway this morning, armed with this new knowledge, I attacked my housework with an unusual amount of vigour, and I have to admit did feel good when I'd finished. Mind you, that may have something to do with the fact I had my favourite music on at the time. Still, it's amazing the difference a change of perspective can make and forthwith I shall no longer consider housework a chore but a life enhancer.

I wonder what I can do about shopping and cooking?

Jean Shaw

http://www.jeanshaw.com/

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I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Christmas, Children and Irresponsible Parents

I don't particularly like Christmas time. I'm always rushed for time, the shops are busy and there's never any where to park, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to drive straight into a parking slot this afternoon.


My pleasure was short lived, however, when my attention was drawn to the back of a posh new car parked close by. Inside, sleeping soundly in her car seat, was a tiny little girl wrapped up really well in a fluffy pink anorak and matching tights.


The child was probably about one year old and clearly well cared for, but she had been been left alone in that car. Anything could have happened.


I wouldn't have noticed her but for the fact several people were talking and pointing in her direction. When I asked what all the fuss was about, they told me. As I rushed off to complete my errands there were several people discussing the situation and obviously they'd decided it was none of their business because when I returned shortly afterwards they'd all gone.


Not so the little girl who was still sound asleep.


I don't know how long she'd been there but I couldn't leave that car park until the person responsible for her had returned. My conscience wouldn't let me. What if someone had broken into the car and taken her? What if she'd woken up and been absolutely terrified of being alone?, What if............?


I know shopping with children can be difficult and when little ones fall asleep it's nice to leave them so you can get on , but we are regrettably living in an age where life is considered cheap and some people are out of their minds on drugs and alcohol. Many will do anything to get money to feed their habits. Don't forget either the gangs and paedophiles who roam amongst us.


Most people are basically good but you can't be sure. Parents must take responsibility for their children, especially when they are too young to look after themselves. The woman was lucky. The child remained asleep and unharmed but it could so easily have been another Madeleine McCann incident.

Read more articles by Jean

Autism, Christmas And Putting Things Into Perspective

Normally I hate this time of year. The Christmas mail generally brings with it cards from old friends and acquaintances. Whilst I love to hear from them I often feel envious and cheated for they make me think if what might have been if only my son hadn't developed autism.

I know it's wrong but I'm only human.

However, this year I seem to have got things into perspective. Instead of yearning for what I may have missed, I appreciate what I have.

The Season of Good Will didn't start too well. I took my son on a train journey. He loved it. The train was full of Christmas shoppers and commuters so we were unable to sit together. However, I managed to get a seat directly behind him and watched as he sat staring out of the window, a finger in one ear, reciting story lines memorised from his vast array of videos.

The lady next to him, engrossed in her paperback novel appeared not to notice, but a young child, three years old apparently, did. With the innocence of youth she asked her mother and grandmother:

"Why was he was talking to himself?"
"Why did he have his finger in his ear?"
"Why did he look out of the window all the time?"

In the quietness of the crowded carriage her persistent little voice carried and her carers were visibly embarrassed. They tried, as best they could to divert her questions but were fighting a losing battle. I noticed soon many people were glancing at my son and contemplating his somewhat unusual behaviour.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at the little girl for it brought back memories of happier times. I remembered how my son used to be such a chatterbox; friendly, sociable and inquisitive. Then came autism and his world and that of all around him changed forever.

Life's unfair.

A few days after that train journey my son's school were performing their Christingle Service in the local cathedral. It is a beautiful, serene building over 1000 years old. The architecture and decorations are quite magnificent.

Set in a flat landscape the huge cathedral can be viewed from miles and is known as The Ship Of The Fens. It gives people hope. Just thinking about its construction makes you realise no task is too great and when you go inside there is an amazing atmosphere.

My son attends a school for children with special needs. Each child is different and provides a varying degree of worry and anxiety for his or her parents. Some children have both physical and medical disabilities, others mental or behavioural problems. Some are confined to a wheel chair, whilst others just wander, unable to stay still. However, every single child is cherished and valued for who they are, and their achievements, no matter how small, are acknowledged.

As I sat in the tranquil Lady Chapel listening to the carols and recitations by the children, I watched my son perform Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Dressed in his antlers, scarf and red mittens, he was so confident and happy, it made me realise how lucky I really am.



For more articles and information on autism visit Jean's site

Why Health Is More Important Than Being Thin

The last few days have made me realise how important it is to live for the day and value your health.

One of my friends was celebrating her 70th birthday. I went to visit her and was shocked to see how much weight she had lost since our last meeting. She is fine though and eats sensibly but is just exhausted.

She is a full time carer for her husband who has prostate cancer and has also suffered a stroke, which has left him physically helpless. He spent several weeks in hospital and my friend had a fifty mile round trip each day just to visit him. Eventually, she put a lot of her possessions into storage, made the necessary adaptations to their bungalow and got a support system in place so she could look after her husband at home.

It was a relief not to commute to the hospital everyday but at least then she had a break. Now she is on call twenty-four hours a day and as much as she loves her husband it is a strain. He cannot move without help and whilst his mind is alert and active, his speech is not brilliant.

He is constantly tired, and his skin itches and is sore from his medication and sitting in the same position. My friend has to do everything for him and never gets the chance to sit down. Where once she was able to socialise, relax with a good book, or get on her computer, she is now also responsible for the gardening, DIY, car cleaning, etc. My friend is really tired.

The next day we visited my in-laws and here the situation is reversed.

My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's. She is still mobile but very forgetful and where once she ate heartily now has little appetite. She's just skin and bone. Her clothes hang on her.

She has lost interest in everything and all she wants to do is go out in the car. The problem is she's so frail even going over the slightest bump hurts her. My father-in-law has run out of places to take her. They've lived in the same area all their lives so have been everywhere there is to go locally, more than once, and of course, petrol is not cheap.

My father-in-law who was once very active and played golf three times each week is a sociable person who enjoys the company of other people. Now, however, he is virtually house bound, as his wife gets distressed if he is out of her sight. He has to do everything for her and has taken over the shopping, cooking, housework, etc. He never leaves her and the strain is beginning to show.

They've been married fifty-six years and have run out of conversation. They've said all there is to say and also my mother-in-law can't focus her thoughts anyway. She's become suddenly very old and helpless. My father-in-law is really tired.

Both my friend and father-in-law have had their world turned upside down through the health of the partners they love. One has lost loads of weight and the ability to relax. The other has gained loads of weight and the chance to be active. Both have lost the opportunity to socialise.

On the television this evening a very sweet little lady aged 110 years, who lives in a care home and looks amazing, gave the nation her recommendations for longevity. Her advice was eat sensibly, exercise and a glass if wine when you want to, but not too often.

It's good advice and certainly exercise is an important factor. My father-in-law has put most of his weight on his chest and is now finding it hard to breathe. His doctor has told him he has to cut down on sugar, salt and fat and go for a brisk walk everyday. However, his wife can't walk far, won't go in a wheelchair and he can't leave her so such exercise is unlikely.

He must therefore reduce his calorie intake, but he is an ex chef and likes to cook. He has been brought up to enhance the flavour of food by adding all the things the doctor has recommended he reduce, and his taste buds have become accustomed to the taste. At the age of eighty-six he wonders if making the change is worth it, especially as eating is now one of the few pleasures he has left.

It is a fact, as you get older you need to eat less calories simply because you lose muscle at the rate of ½ lb per year. Unless you actively do something to replace it your body will replace the muscle with fat, and being too fat is unhealthy, as you know.

Muscle burns far more calories than fat so unless you are prepared to reduce your calorie intake year after year you need to think about that. Whilst cutting down on the fats, sugars and salts, especially the hidden ones in packaged and processed foods will most certainly help you lose or maintain your preferred weight, you still consciously need to build lean muscle otherwise the next year you'll have to reduce your calorie intake even further.

That little old lady has it right - eat sensibly and exercise. Everyone is unique and it's far more important to be healthy than slim. Unless your weight is affecting your health just concentrate on living and enjoying every single day.

Chickenpox Added To The MMR – Surely That's Going Too Far Isn't It?

My youngest son has autism. He developed it after his MMR vaccination and whilst I don't believe it was the sole cause for his lifelong disability, I am personally convinced it was a contributory factor.

The main cause, I believe, was mercury and I explain why in my books.

The MMR however is a contentious issue. Many parents refuse to allow their children to have it. They believe, (rightly or wrongly), that to give three live viruses simultaneously to their young offspring whilst their immune systems are still developing is going too far. After all, have you ever heard of anyone naturally catching Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles) at the same time in the real world? I certainly haven't.

However, it now appears there are possible proposals to add a further virus to the mix with the introduction of Chickenpox. Naturally, I think that really is too much but that's just my opinion. What do you think?

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and results in red, itchy bumps and blisters. It usually appears on the face, trunk and upper limbs. It is pretty unsightly and very unpleasant but is generally an accepted childhood illness. Not for much longer though, at least if some members of the medical profession have their way. As it is a preventable illness they feel it should be just that.

Chickenpox is caught either by airborne droplets through coughs and sneezes and less likely through direct contact with its broken blisters. The biggest problem with Chickenpox is you can be infected for several days before the rash ever appears and that is when you are most contagious. You might feel ill but have no evident spots, and as the infection period lasts until all the blisters have formed scabs, there is a great risk of unwittingly passing the Chickenpox on.

Generally speaking this isn't a major problem but there are certain high-risk groups for whom the virus could cause complications. Pregnant women should certainly be wary as it could harm their unborn child, and anyone with Cancer, HIV or a weakened immune system need to take care.

Chickenpox looks horrible and the itching is often unbearable. Patients are often advised to cut their nails really short and wear gloves so they don't keep scratching the heads off the blisters, which could get infected, or leave permanent scars. Sales of Calamine lotion really soar when there is a Chickenpox epidemic around.

I remember my autistic son caught Chickenpox at the age of about five or six. It was just before we were due to go on holiday and by the time we set off his little body was covered in spots. However, the doctor assured us he was no longer contagious so we proceeded with our plans.

At that point in time he had great difficulty in social situations, preferred his own company, didn't like crowds and was very sensitive to noise, so for him the timing of his Chickenpox was a real blessing. Why? Well, the only thing my son loved to do then apart from watch videos was swim, and once he stripped off into his swimming trunks to reveal his spotty little frame everyone else disappeared and he got the pool to himself. It was great!

However, Chickenpox is not to be taken lightly because although for most children it is just uncomfortable, the adult version, known as Shingles, can be incredibly painful. I remember my dad had it once and said he thought he was going to meet his maker. He had spots on his back and round to his stomach. I don't know whether it is an old wives tale or not but "they" say if the spots join up around your body you die. Thankfully his didn't.

Shingles is a very painful rash, which only occurs in people who have had Chickenpox. It is caused because once you've had the Chickenpox virus it travels down to the roots of the nerves, hibernates and becomes dormant. Sometimes, however, it wakes up and reactivates, travelling back up to the skin via the nerves. No one really knows why, but it's very unfortunate. I have a friend who gets it mildly but regularly and she associates it with stress.

Shingles is rarely serious but is contagious in as much as contact with someone who has it can result in someone developing Chickenpox. They wouldn't catch Shingles though.

Clearly, Chickenpox and Shingles are both unpleasant and everyone would hope to avoid them if possible, but I'm not sure adding yet another live virus to an already questionable vaccine is the answer. Why not just keep the single jab? (and that goes for the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines too).

The medical profession say it makes it easier to cover children for all the viruses in one go because it reduces the costs, and also the inconvenience to parents who might have to take time off work or forget to take their offspring back.

Personally, I think I'd rather put up with a bit of inconvenience. How about you?

Jean Shaw is the author of:
I'm Not Naughty, I'm Autistic – Jodi's Journey,
Autism, Amalgam and Me – Jodi's Journey Continues
Mercury Poisoning – It's Not In Our Heads Any More – Jodi's Journey Goes On http://www.jeanshaw.com/

Dogs And What Every Human Should Learn From Them

Pets
I have always been very busy, and apart from briefly having a rabbit and several tropical fish, I’ve never actually had any domestic pets. Apart from the fact my autistic son is terrified of animals which invade his space, I personally find them too much of a tie.

If you want to go anywhere the majority need quite a bit of looking after. Most, though not all require exercise, are renowned for losing their hair and smell. However, I know many people who consider their pets an integral part of the family and either take them on holiday with them or get house sitters in whilst they are away.

When I lived “abroad” that was a good opportunity for single contractors as it meant they could spend a few days in a "family home" rather than in the company provided "bachelor accommodation". I understand also, that parents are equally useful as pet sitters as they are baby sitters, but for those pet owners who are unable to find suitable surrogate keepers, the only answer is the kennels.

That's if you can afford them as they don't come cheap. I've heard people complain the cost for the pet was almost as much as the actual holiday, and they spent most of their time away wondering if everything was okay. Also of course there are the food and vet bills to consider. Having a pet certainly isn’t cheap and requires a lot of time and effort, but I appreciate some people wouldn’t be without them.

They can be good company and I can think of one woman who claims to think more of her dog than her husband. She says it is always pleased to see her and never lets her down. I suppose she has a point and I thought of her this morning when I received this e-mail. I’ve no idea if it’s true or whether some one just made it up as a nice story but it did make me think so I thought I'd pass it on.

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6 year old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact than animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly piped up, "I know why"

Startled, we all turned to him and what came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply

Love generously

Care deeply

Speak kindly

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Cancer - What You Need To Know To Help Avoid Or Fight It

Last week end I went to a "Pink Party" in my local village, where as the name suggests, everyone wore something pink.

The event wasn’t so much a party as a lunch to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. The proceeds went to support McMillan Cancer Care Nurses and very successful it was too.

The local flower arranging society gave a demonstration of their skills and the results were raffled off in a draw. There were home made cakes, jams and chutneys to make the Women’s Institute proud, a bric-a-brac stall and various other small stalls.

You could buy a drink and a cake, have a light lunch of sandwiches or go for a full meal followed by dessert, plus tea, coffee, or a soft pink juice, and all for a very reasonable price.

It was a great event for a very worthy cause and I was surprised by the amount of men there. Many, it seemed had either lost loved ones to breast cancer or were supporting someone with either that or some other form of cancer.

There are, it seems over 200 different types and, most scientists agree at least 80% are caused by man made toxic synthetic chemicals.

I often receive e-mails from people with requests to forward them to the people I care about and the following is no exception.

Please read it and take note. The information could help save your life, and that of your loved ones.

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. The causes could be genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However, prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation does not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

Cancer Cells feed on -

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Mänuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. A better alternative is using Bragg's amino or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened Soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics,growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help the body to develop into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts)and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic build-up.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants,vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged,unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer victim become a survivor. Anger, unforgivingness and bitterness put the body into a stressful, acidic environment and enhancing the production of toxins. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life. After all you only have one body. And you only live once.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.


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