Once I gathered my coconut oil supplies, I immediately vamped up my sun exposure.  I was blessed with a hammock recently that allows me to lie outside when the sun is at its warmest even in the colder months here in Florida.  And it has sedated my senses and raised my immune function to fight off illness..

The gentle swing and sway of a hammock is widely regarded as one of the best ways to unwind, relax, and let the stresses of the day disappear, and not just by people looking to sell you a hammock! It all starts with your vestibular system.

hat rocking or swaying gently in a hammock can also help us fall asleep faster, encouraging a deeper state of sleep compared to a standard bed. This rocking motion can help increase the duration of stage N2 sleep, during which we experience a ton of rapid eye movement.

Hammocks have been used for insomnia, and for centuries, people in South and Central America have used them as their primary bed night after night. Beyond improving blood circulation and blood pressure, not to mention potential benefits for things as diverse as congestion and toxin buildup, hammocks also offer a clear, obvious benefit for mental health.

The natural swinging motion of a hammock is beneficial for those who have issues with their sensory system as it works to restore the vestibular system. Furthermore, the cocooning of the hammock around their body gives an added sense of security and comfort.

So what about your average daily exposure to sunlight?  Vitamin D is exponentially relevant in vamping up our immune system. And, you can get it from the benefits of an outdoor hammock.

Are you getting enough vitamin D? According to recent studies, there’s a good chance you aren’t. In 2009, researchers reported levels of vitamin D in the U.S. population had dropped between the years of 1988 and 1994, and then again between 2001 and 2004. Not only had average levels dropped, more than 75 percent of the people studied had inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with an increased risk for serious diseases. Reduced levels of the vitamin are associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Deficiency is also linked with multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia and more. That’s why it’s so import to get enough vitamin D. But identifying vitamin D deficiency can be tricky.
Our bodies don’t make vitamin D, so we have to get it from our environment. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun, but we can also get it from some foods. Lifestyle, race, age, and other factors can put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency

The truth is that it’s extremely difficult to tell whether you have a vitamin D deficiency. The only way to be absolutely sure is to take a blood test. Most people with a vitamin D deficiency won’t be aware of it. It doesn’t usually produce noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms are possible. If you are vitamin D deficient, you may experience:

• muscle/joint pain and weakness
• bone pain
• tiredness or fatigue
• depression
• increased illness

​Your body is designed to get the vitamin D it needs by producing it when your bare skin is exposed to sunlight. The part of the sun’s rays that is important is ultraviolet B (UVB). This is the most natural way to get vitamin D.

​Large amounts of vitamin D3 are made in your skin when you expose all of your body to summer sun. This happens very quickly; around half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn. This could be just 15 minutes for a very fair skinned person, yet a couple of hours or more for a dark skinned person.
You don’t need to tan or to burn your skin in order to get the vitamin D you need. Exposing your skin for a short time will make all the vitamin D your body can produce in one day. In fact, your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to turn pink. You make the most vitamin D when you expose a large area of your skin, such as your back, rather than a small area such as your face or arms.

The assumption that vitamin D supplements will protect you against diseases associated with low vitamin D levels is incorrect, according to Australian researchers. The report found that vitamin D supplements are immunosuppressive and may actually make diseases worse. 

Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor (VDR) influences the expression of over 1,000 genes, including those associated with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. According to the new study, supplemental vitamin D actually blocks VDR activation, which is the opposite effect to that of sunshine. Instead of positively impacting gene expression, vitamin D supplements appear to suppress your immune system.

Vitamin D has a remarkable role to play in your health, influencing nearly 3,000 of your 25,000 genes, and playing a critical role in your immune response. Vitamin D could rightly be described as a “miracle nutrient” for your immune system, as it enables your body to produce well over 200 antimicrobial peptides, which are indispensable in fighting off a wide range of infections.

It's been a few weeks and already the nation is boarding the wave of a global pandemic.  For many, the constant barrage of news media is enough to starve us all from the rest of the world, send us to our rooms, and lock the door with a deadbolt.

Sadly, every little aliment we feel now will be directly attributed to the onset of the Corona Virus.  A scratchy throat will have us questioning, "Am I starting to present symptoms?"  The every day aches in our joints will become more numerous and intense ensuring us that we are on symptom two.

I am not here to remind you the steps you should take to prevent the onset of the illness.  I am quite certain that you've already perused every available preventative site you could find.  I bet you're deep sanitizing, with what little products you can find on the shelf now, opening your windows for some ventilation to keep the virus at bay, and stocking your freezer and paper supplies as the mass hysteria goes on waiting for your own residential quarantine.

​What I am here to remind you is about a few articles I posted over the year on coconut oil and desiccated coconut.  

CAN COCONUT OIL PREVENT THE CORONA VIRUS FROM PENETRATING YOUR SYSTEM?

I DON'T KNOW.

What I do know is information I'm going to share with you again.  You make your own conclusion.  I can tell you right now I've got an extra coconut oil jar near my vitamins, and I am taking a teaspoon three times a day. While doing this, I've noticed a dry cough dissipate and the feeling of chest tickling disappear after three days.  Coincidence? Maybe?  A possible onset of a normal cold?  Possibly.  But, nonetheless, coconut oil does have its benefits in preventing illness.  

Nonetheless, I am sprinkling the desiccated coconut, too,  over everything like yogurt and salads.   

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health benefits. Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS,
  and other auto immune illnesses. - SARS is a complication to COVID-19

* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. 

* Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. 

* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

* Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

* Boosts energy and endurance.

* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 

* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. 

* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. 

* Reduces inflammation. 

* Supports tissue healing and repair.

* Supports and aids immune system function.

* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and FMS.

* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

* Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

Smoothie Recipe

1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
3 - 4 frozen strawberries
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
2 - 3 small pineapple slices
1-2 tsp. ground flaxseed
1 -2 tsp.. coconut oil (begin small, coconut can be a laxative)
2 tsp. desiccated coconut
1/2 tsp. raw honey
1/2 - 1 scoop protein powder (rice or pea)
filtered water to  barely  cover fruit

Place all in a blender. Whirl until smooth.  Unsweetened cranberry juice will prevent further UTI infections if you are prone to these.  Rice and Pea protein powders are hypoallergenic and will prevent further flare ups.  

Now that I've peaked your interest I ask you to check out coconut oil and its use in the AIDS virus.  It is splattered all over the internet with some compelling scientific studies.

Here an interesting study from Japan that is researching its benefits with the Corona Virus.  

You decide for yourself.  My job, as a writer, is to offer you some ideas to research to keep yourself safe.  But if you do decide to do this make sure your coconut oil is extra virgin, cold pressed.  

ORDER ONLINE BY CLICKING THE IMAGE FOR ONLY $7.44 AT WALMART

​A kidnapping, broadcast live on social media, turns into the trial of a judge who presided over a botched criminal case. This time, however, the audience gets to play judge and jury, deciding if the judge himself gets to live or die.

​German soldier Stefan Brandt goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in the Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country's authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to infiltrate the Kaiser's life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke, one of the Kaiser's maids.

​Conceived as a marrow donor for her gravely ill sister, Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin) has undergone countless surgeries and medical procedures in her short life. Though their older daughter's life has no doubt been prolonged, the unorthodox decision of Anna's parents has cracked the entire family's foundation. When Anna sues her parents for emancipation, it sets off a court case that threatens to destroy the family for good.

​Fania Fenelon (Vanessa Redgrave), a classical pianist and singer in Paris, is arrested during the Nazi occupation for her support of the French underground resistance. After being sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, she is recognized as a famous musician, and becomes a member of the camp's all-female orchestra. Although the group, under the leadership of conductor Alma Rose (Jane Alexander), forms a close bond, the strain of performing for their tormentors grows.

​Trying to reconnect with his son Danny, big shot Wall Street broker Will takes his family on a hunting trip to the cabin where he grew up. The trip takes a deadly turn when they go hunting and stumble upon several robbers and witness the murder of one of the criminals. After becoming entangled in a bank heist gone bad, which results in the kidnapping of Danny, Will is forced to help the kidnappers evade the police chief and recover the stolen loot in exchange for his son's life.

If you're on a low carb kick, trying to fan out all those extra nasty carbohydrates in your diet, here is the perfect recipe to satisfy your hunger.

Made with fresh ingredients, you can toss together in a jiffy, this is the perfect breakfast to jump-start your morning.

1 (12-oz.) package reduced-fat ground pork sausage
8 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Brown sausage in a 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain and transfer to a bowl. Wipe skillet clean.

Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients until well blended.

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat; remove from heat, and pour half of egg mixture into skillet. Sprinkle with cooked sausage and cheese. Top with remaining egg mixture.

Bake at 350° for 23 to 25 minutes or until set.
​

Last week while getting my "steps" in on the PE field I was hit dead on while completing my crossover near the basketball net.  I am sure you're wondering "Why would you be in such a remote position knowing you have chronic health issues?" 

First let me plead my case.  I have been walking this same circular track for eight years.  I cross over the basketball net area on the backside of the course, and I am always diligent watching what court the team is rebounding.  So I may have looked up in the trees scanning for local birds flocking together in hopes of some early spring weather.  Nonetheless, as I circled the spot, I heard a warning yell and immediately felt the pain in the right side of my face which included the nose.

The sound was deafening.  It was a good, solid shot by a high school senior.  My senses were out of whack as I struggled to regain my composure.  The electrical circuit that our CNS paths run on became heightened.  Pain shot back through my skull.  It pulsed down the neck and spinal cord reverberating through my shoulders.  My arms and hands began to sting and shake uncontrollably.  It's path was relentless, sending tumultuous shocks down to my feet.   

Everything is 100 times worse with fibro.

Swelling began, but not too bad.  By the time I got home I was electrified, nerves pulsating throughout my body.  I was jittery, nervous, agitated, sick to my stomach, and had symptoms of head pressure and congestion on the right side of my face.  I slept 12 hours, woke with the same symptoms and called my doctor.

Because the swelling wasn't in need of ice at this point, I asked about the possibility of a concussion.  I explained my symptoms.  I had no time to circumvent such ideologies on the internet so I relied on my doctor for an explanation.  She said, "Were you knocked out? Well, then you couldn't have a concussion."  She ordered a CT scan that I was unable to get because my insurance regulated a simple xray first.  I knew something was wrong and spent the day arguing with the imagery site and the doctors office to get the approval through.  I did get in the next day for an xray that pointed to a small fracture to my nose.  

But, I had no doctor telling me to take it easy.  I was left with the feeling it may be my overactive CNS that is causing all this.  Meanwhile I slept 10-12 hours each day for the next four days which sustained the same symptoms.  More importantly, I went around my basic tasks, "pushing myself though."

It was during this time a friend who also happened to be a retired EMT said, "You have the classic symptoms of a mild concussion."  I was beyond pissed.   You can be certain I called that doctor's office to voice a complaint.  But in the meantime, Dear Reader, I am going to give you a bit of information in case you come into the same scenario so you will not be ringing you hands wondering what to do because your brain can't focus on the internet.  

​What Are Head Injuries?

Head injuries are injuries to the scalp, skull, or brain caused by trauma. Concussions are the most common type of sports-related brain injury with an estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports-related concussions a year. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when the brain is jarred or shaken hard enough to bounce against the skull. This can happen when two athletes collide or when someone falls and hits his or her head. It can also result from being hit in the head with a piece of sporting equipment. In a sport such as soccer, even "heading" the ball can cause a concussion. A concussion causes an alteration of a person's mental status and can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. Multiple concussions can have a long-lasting, cumulative life-changing effect.

You don't have to be hit in the head to experience a concussion. An impact elsewhere on the body can create enough force to jar the brain. You also won't necessarily lose consciousness with a concussion. Concussions range from mild to severe. The effects may be apparent immediately, or they may not show up until hours or even days later.

Other types of TBIs are a contusion, which is a bruise on the brain that can cause swelling, and a hematoma, which is bleeding in the brain that collects and forms a clot. A skull fracture is another type of head injury that can affect the brain. Sometimes with a fracture, pieces of bone can cut into the brain and cause bleeding and other types of injury.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury?

Signs of a TBI include:

• Confusion
• Depression
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Feeling foggy or groggy
• Feeling sluggish or tired
• Headache
• Memory loss
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Sleep disturbance
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble remembering

Indications that a head injury is more serious than a concussion and requires emergency treatment include:

• Changes in size of pupils
• Clear or bloody fluid draining from the nose, mouth, or ears
• Convulsions
• Distorted facial features
• Facial bruising
• Fracture in the skull or face
• Impaired hearing, smell, taste, or vision
• Inability to move one or more limbs
• Irritability, nervousness, apprehensive
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Low breathing rate
• Restlessness, clumsiness, or lack of coordination
• Severe headache
• Slurred speech or blurred vision
• Stiff neck or vomiting
• Sudden worsening of symptoms after initial improvement
• Swelling at the site of the injury
• Persistent vomiting

​
Receiving medical attention as soon as possible is important for any type of potentially moderate to severe TBI. Undiagnosed injuries that don't receive proper care can cause long-term disability and impairment. Keep in mind that although death from a sports injury is rare, brain injuries are the leading cause of sports-related deaths.

Symptoms should be closely monitored often with a moderate to severe injury and may require an overnight stay in the hospital. X-rays may be used to check for potential skull fracture and stability of the spine. In some cases the doctor may ask for a CT scan or an MRI to check on the extent of the damage that occurred. More severe injuries may require surgery to relieve pressure from swelling. 

​Guidelines urge doctors to be conservative in treating sports-related brain injuries and to not allow someone who has been injured to return to activity that involves risk of further injury until completely free of symptoms. That usually takes a few weeks. But symptoms of severe injury could persist for months or even years. A person with a moderate to severe injury will likely require rehabilitation that may include physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, medication, psychological counseling, and social support.

It did take a week for symptoms to abate.  But, there is still a sense of fogginess and slight pressure that makes life activities a nuisance.  I'm sure I'd be better off if my prognosis was correct and treatment plan was clear.  ​

These are the months I feel the most fatigued.  I live in Florida and when the sun is at it's lowest and cool air abounds us, I fall into the sickly category.  These months are the most common days when a new chronic illnesses abounds and is diagnosed officially.  

This year I've tried something different.  Besides placing coconut oil in my shakes, I've taken to the habit of ingesting a teaspoon twice a day.  This is only during the months of December to March when rain clouds obstruct my view from my outdoor hammock and grounding.

So far, so good.  No sickness to take of note of and the fatigue is not as bad.  Remember, you must consume cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil.  Once I am reunited with my sun, I will resort back to just my smoothies in the morning. I will keep you posted after I've reached the end of March.  

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health benefits. Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS,
  and other auto immune illnesses. 

* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. 

* Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. 

* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

* Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

* Boosts energy and endurance.

* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 

* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. 

* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. 

* Reduces inflammation. 

* Supports tissue healing and repair.

* Supports and aids immune system function.

* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and FMS.

* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

* Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

 

​Those who deal with chronic pain issues need a bit more guidance than your average Joe.  For those sufferers, friends and family members often leave an unintentional deaf ear when needed the most.  It is not that these individuals intend to leave us astray, but rather they can't fully comprehend the daily tasks of trials and tribulations that leave us drained and anxiety ridden. 

It is at these times that prayer is most needed.  By allowing your life's path to be by guided by God takes the onus of control off your back.  As you well know, life offers no control.  If we have control for the moment, it is often fleeting, leaving us without a moment's notice.  After all, there are times in life we must go with the flow, drift on the river of intent, and hope it leads us to peaceful grounds.  By questioning and admonishing what is happening to us only leaves us with a life of regret.  And, as you well know, stress causes more pain, and that you can do without.  Put your pain in someone's arms, allow your life to be guided, ask God to come in, and pray each moment you need him most.  You will be amazed at how often your prayers are answered and peace is blessed upon you.

If you need some spiritual inspiration, God's Message Today offers a Monday's Blessing Blog.  I write this blog, too, as an outlet to aid my own spirituality.  I realized at the onset of this illness I needed a higher power to get through life's daily nuances prayer has amazing attributes and can help you battle that fire in our souls.

Dr. Mehmet Oz offers this advice, "Regardless of what motivates people to pray, there's no denying that a lot of people do it. One study shows that 36 percent of people use complementary and alternative medicine, but that number almost doubles when prayer is included in the definition. Those respondents say they use prayer for their own health and to help others. Even more telling: Of those people who said they prayed for
health reasons, 70 percent said that prayer was helpful. Why? Seems like it may work through several different mechanisms:- It relaxes: A form of meditation (no matter what your religious preferences), prayer helps to slow breathing and brain activity, and reduces heart rate and blood pressure. All relaxing, all good.
- It's positive: Let's face it. When you pray, you typically don't finish feeling like you want to rap somebody's ankles with a wooden spoon. You leave being filled with peace, joy, and other emotions that are worthy of being printed on holiday cocktail napkins. There's some evidence that these emotions lead to positive physiological responses throughout the entire body. Our stress hormone levels prepare for a peaceful existence. Perhaps more importantly, our immune system becomes less agitated so chemicals like proinflammatory cytokines, which act like kerosene on a fire, are not driving our joints and arteries to overreact to every biologic stress inside us. The result: A less inflamed, more beautiful place to live.- It's better than nothing (i.e. the placebo effect): I'd be remiss in my reporting if I didn't say that some of the benefits derived from prayer can simply be accounted for because the person feels like it's helping, whether it's physiologically helping or not. Placebo effects have been shown to account for 70 percent of the benefit
in some procedures. My stance here is that thinking you're doing something to help yourself is a big part of prayer anyway." He recommends reading You Being Beautiful.

These 3 Ingredient homemade paleo pizza crusts or bases are an easy, delicious and low carb alternative to traditional pizzas! Made with just three ingredients and on the stovetop, these keto Pizza crusts are naturally gluten free, grain free, high protein, low calorie and have a nut free option! 


3 tab. Parmesan cheese
3 large eggs
1 tab. olive oil
4 1/2 tab. Mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1 1/2 tsp. basil
2 pinch salt
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

With pancake scoop, fry circles of approximately 5 inches in a bit more olive oil. Turn with slightly brown.

Top with your favorite pizza ingredients and bake at 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes.

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are simple and they bake faster and crispier than in an oven. A great potato side dish that even the kids will like. Slice up these pretty potatoes for your next dinner.
​
4 potatoes - russet
4 tab. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper


Peel the potatoes and slice very thinly but not all the way through.  

Place the potatoes in the air fryer and brush with half the oil.

Air Fry at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Move the potatoes if they are browning in one spot more than the other and brush with more oil.

Air Fry at 350°F for another 20 minutes.

Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

​We all should have one of these simple reminders in any place we frequent often.  The simple act of breathing correctly stimulates oxygen to play a vital role in the circulatory and respiratory systems. When we breathe, oxygen that is inhaled purifies our blood by removing poisonous and waste products that are circulating throughout our systems. Irregular breathing will hamper this purification process and cause waste products to remain in circulation. Digestion will then become irregular, leaving tissues and organs undernourished. Improper oxygen consumption will thus ultimately lead to fatigue and heightened anxiety states which may cause fibromyalgia. Irregular breathing can make it hard to cope and contribute to general deterioration of health. By careful control of our breathing pattern, we may not only rejuvenate our systems but counter the unhealthy effects of stress and muscle tension.

Many people in pain, unknowingly, practice paradoxical breathing.  This is short shallow breathing in which your belly is going in as you are breathing in.  Regular controlled breathing should have your belly going out as your lungs expand to take that nourishing breath in.  Try it.  Lie on your back and place your hand on your abdomen.  Does your belly swell as your lungs take in oxygen?  Or is there barely a lump noticed when you inhale?  This one simple exercise makes a strong mental note as to your intake of precious oxygen.  Now try this exercise:

*Lying on your bed

*Place your hand on your abdomen

*Breathe through your nose fully.  Fill your belly with air feeling it expand and lift your hand upwards. 


*Repeat three times.

*Mentally make a note to practice this throughout the day in sitting positions too.

Trigger points can be aggravated with out essential intake of oxygen.  On your bad days take special note of your breathing activities.  Practice more regulated, correct breathing to lessen flare-ups.