I have a piece of my heart saved for any movies that host dancing.  If you are a dance fanatic, this one is sure to please.  

Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) has been in and out of trouble for most of his life and after finding himself before the judge again, he is sentenced to 200 hours of community service mopping floors at the Maryland School of the Arts. He quickly catches the eye of Nora (Jenna Dewan), a gifted ballet student, who is trying to use hip-hop moves with her classical routines. After some initial hesitation, Nora convinces Tyler to help her with her dance routines and the sparks fly.

I recently found myself on a camping trip hundreds of miles away from home with a minor eye infection brewing.  Sadly, I knew with a compromised immune system, this could turn into something major overnight.

i would not try this with an inner eye infection, but this unsightly red ball was beginning to gain momentum each passing hour. What had begun the night before as an uncomfortable itch, now had a bit more steam in the morning by adding a bit of soreness every time I rubbed it.

I had some Dollar Tree anti bacterial ointment in my medicine bag and decided to apply a thin layer every two hours on the lid of my right eye.  We had to put in 400 miles of driving that day, and the last place I wanted to stop was a walk in clinic. I had scanned the internet, last night, looking for home remedies, but I found nothing that seemed to be working in the last 24 hours.

That is until the fourth hour of driving when i began to feel relief.  After only two applications, there was a bit of reprieve going on. There was still a bit of itch but the soreness that accompanied it was pleasantly gone. By the time we reached the hotel another two hours later, I found no residue of the infection.

An eye infection is a general term applied to many different conditions. Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or other microbiological means. Some common types of eye infections are pink eye, or conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and trachoma. These varieties of infections can spread easily and lead to larger problems including blurred vision, damage to the retina, cornea, or optic nerve, or even blindness.

Individuals who wear contact lenses are likely to contract an eye infection due to the buildup of bacteria. If the lenses are not properly cleaned and disinfected, bacteria are able to build up quickly. Other causes for mild eye infections include viruses, bacteria, fungus, allergies, and other irritants. Common causes of more serious infections include ocular histoplasmosis, sexually transmitted infections, shingles, and inflammation of the cornea.

Unfortunately, there is no specific list of symptoms for eye infections. The symptoms vary based on the cause of the infection, which part of the eye is infected, the severity, and the reaction in the individual. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, are redness, crusting of the eyelid, itching, and discharge. For viral cases of conjunctivitis, the discharge is watery or mucous-like and with bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is thicker and can be green, yellow, or white in color.

General symptoms of eye infections may include excessive tearing, redness, swelling, pain, itching, a feeling of sand in the eye, a discharge, or crusting around the eye.

Often, one can have a mild eye infection that may cause no pain or redness. These are difficult to diagnose and can damage the retina, blood vessels, or optic nerve within the eye if gone untreated.

The most important step you can take in preventing eye infections is to always wash your hands. This will kill any harmful bacteria or viruses you come into contact with on a daily basis. If you know someone has an eye infection, do not share bedding, towels, or pillows as these items may have become contaminated with the infection.

It is best to never share cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, or eye shadows as they can be exposed to infectious materials easily. Once the eye infection is diagnosed, dispose of any contacts that may have been exposed to the infection in addition to any eye makeup. Do not wear contacts or eye makeup until the infection has cleared from the eye completely. Additionally, avoid swimming in chlorine when you have an eye infection. The chlorine can further irritate the eye and render medications ineffective.

An eye infection is a general term applied to many different conditions. Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or other microbiological means. Some common types of eye infections are pink eye, or conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and trachoma. These varieties of infections can spread easily and lead to larger problems including blurred vision, damage to the retina, cornea, or optic nerve, or even blindness.

Individuals who wear contact lenses are likely to contract an eye infection due to the buildup of bacteria. If the lenses are not properly cleaned and disinfected, bacteria are able to build up quickly. Other causes for mild eye infections include viruses, bacteria, fungus, allergies, and other irritants. Common causes of more serious infections include ocular histoplasmosis, sexually transmitted infections, shingles, and inflammation of the cornea.

Treatment for eye infections vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Typically, eye doctors will not prescribe medications for viral eye infections unless it has progressed into a worrisome state. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for eye infections. For bacterial infections and some fungal infections of the eye, a physician may prescribe antibiotic eye ointments or drops.

Bacterial infections such as blepharitis, an inflammation surrounding the eyelid, require a topical antibiotic and a low-dosage topical corticosteroid. Styes, or small, painful lumps that occur on the upper and lower eyelid may require surgical procedures. Styes are caused by blockages of one of more of the oil-producing glands in the eyelid. An eye doctor may need to make an incision and drain the stye if treatments such as antibiotics and steroid drug injections prove to be ineffective.

Over-the-counter treatments are also available and are quite effective in treating infections caused by allergies. Antihistamines and artificial tears eye drops help to reduce debris in the eye and soothe any irritation. These over-the-counter are found at most supermarkets, drug stores, and pharmacies.

Do ask your primary care physician first before using over the counter ointments.  I can only share my experiences that prevented a costly doctor visit and a ruined vacation. 

I know how fortunate I am living by the sea.  I always sing the praises of the benefits of the ocean water.  I feel my best during the warm months when I can bask in the vitamin D infused sunshine and soak in its mineral filled oasis.  

The benefits of sea water are endless.  And, if you're wondering why you don't feel the same after a good pool soak, well, you're probably allowing too much chlorine into your delicate system.

Sea water is good for your mood, and it will boost your health. The only thing that sea water does not do is hydrate our body. But that is not even a downside compared to the benefits.

Sea water can be a natural drug and medicine. It stimulates our body and promotes the feeling of well-being that surfers very well know. If you live by the beach or spend a lot of time in coastal areas, you know how receptive we are to sea-sprayed shores.

So, what does sea water contain? On average, sea water has 3.5 percent of salt (sodium chloride). In other words, for one liter of water, you get 35 grams of salts. And then, small parts of magnesium, sulfate and calcium.

Although still not scientifically proven, thalassotherapy uses sea water and sea-based products made from algae, marine salt, mud, seaweed, and ocean water to eliminates skin problems.

But salt water has many other surprising benefits:

Sea water cleans your skin

The mineral salts team up with the sun to regenerate your skin. As a result, ulcers, lupus, acne, and psoriasis are some of the diseases that can be easily cured with sea water.

Sea water strengthens the immune system

The number of red blood cells increases between five to 20 percent after a swim or bath in the sea. The number of white blood cells increases even more. Sea water is a fantastic medicine for people with a weakened immune system, anemia, and high blood sugar levels.

Sea water slows down the development of rheumatism

Ocean water combined with exercise is a great medication for bone and muscle pain, arthritis, circulatory, and postsurgical issues.

Sea water reduces and eliminates anxiety

Because it contains magnesium, sea water will calm you down. People who live a stressful life are advised to go to the beach, not only for its relaxing atmosphere but also because of the soothing medicinal properties of sea water.

​Sea water has cicatrization properties

Because it is rich in mineral salts such as sodium and iodine, ocean water has antiseptic and cicatrizing actions on you the skin.

Sea water improves breathing

People who suffer from asthma, severe cough, phlegm and other respiratory problems should go to the beach to breathe the breeze and swim in the sea. The salt water helps eliminate toxins and other elements that attack the lungs.

Sea water cleans out the large intestine

The ingestion of small amounts of ocean water facilitates the cleansing of the colon, detoxifies the body and renews the body's energies, especially in children.

Sea water helps fight liver and kidney problems

Ocean water accelerates the process of cell regeneration, especially those damaged by diseases such as cirrhosis. It also helps eliminate the excess water accumulated in the abdomen that occurs as a consequence of the disease.

Sea water prevents insomnia and reduces depressive symptoms

Because it helps normalize blood pressure and treats nervousness, a day at the beach will help you sleep better, and will naturally boost your mood.

You'll enjoy this one as it dabbles in the gray a bit.  Both characters only meet from 5 to 7 in the evening to uphold a passionate affair.

A young writer (Anton Yelchin) begins an affair with an older woman (Bérénice Marlohe) from France whose open marriage to a diplomat (Lambert Wilson) dictates that they can meet only between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. IMBd

We've all had in law problems at one time or another. This is a beautiful movie of how two woman adapted to an unusual situation.

​Straight-laced, type-A personality Joy Miles has to take an unscheduled road trip to drive her forgetful, yet opinionated, mother-in-law, Loraine, from Louisville, Kentucky to Savannah, Georgia. Although initially impatient and frustrated, Joy begins to realize her true affection for Loraine as she takes a front-seat-view of how this strong-willed yet free-spirited woman manages the emotional transition of learning to live life after losing her spouse. Despite their many differences, and with light-hearted adventures at every turn, they discover how much they respect and even need each other. - IMBd

It never fails.  You are in an enormous amount of pain and confusion and your doctor says, "Not to worry.  Let's get some blood work done and see what may be going on this time."  If I had a dollar for each time I heard this, I'd be rich.  

Yet, most importantly- like a trusting puppy, I go EACH time to have my blood drawn only to find out my levels may be just slightly elevated.  Why can't so much pain be seen and defined under the microscope? I certainly feel like I'm harboring something volatile! That is a question that may never be answered completely until science advances, I'm certain.

On the other side of the coin,  my recent self-acknowledged near death experience, can be reasoned that I'm not on death row after all. It doesn't help with the recent harrowing experience, but at least I know from a routine blood panel that my organs are not shutting down, nor do I have that cancer that I was sure was taking over.  

So what do routine tests show us?  

​Blood tests help doctors check for certain diseases and conditions. They also help check the function of your organs and show how well treatments are working.
Specifically, blood tests can help doctors:
​

• Evaluate how well organs—such as the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heart—are working
• Diagnose diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia, and coronary heart disease
• Find out whether you have risk factors for heart disease
• Check whether medicines you're taking are working
• Assess how well your blood is clotting

Complete Blood Count

Doctors often order a complete blood count, or CBC, as part of a routine or yearly exam. A CBC measures the amounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and iron in your blood. This test can detect anemia, inflammation, infections and bleeding disorders. A CBC can also help the doctor determine if medications that you are on need to be adjusted.

Blood Chemistry Tests

A doctor may order a basic metabolic panel, or a BMP. This is a series of tests that is run on the plasma of your blood. These tests measure how much glucose and calcium is in your blood, and whether you have the right amount of electrolytes and minerals in your blood. A BMP can detect diseases such as diabetes, cancer, bone disease, kidney disease and other disorders. Some tests require that you fast beforehand, and others don't. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

​Blood Enzyme Tests

Enzyme tests can show your doctor whether you have damage or disease in various organs of the body. A creatine kinase, or CK, test can help your doctor determine if you've had a heart attack. A troponin test is another test that can indicate a heart attack. Creatinine tests measure kidney function. Liver enzyme tests can help a doctor rule out or diagnose liver disease. These also help to determine whether a medication may need to be adjusted or eliminated if it is causing liver damage.

So, In actuality, you are being tested for a whole host of issues that could wreck havoc on your delicate system if not noted early on.  I know this may not be a comfort as to why you are experiencing such waves of pain and confusion, but at least you know for the moment life will go on.  And even this small sliver of hope allows us to move forward.  

Have you experienced blood pressure spikes that are off the charts without a definitive explanation?  This type of phenomenon, no matter how deeply you research your current status, you just can't seem to connect a reason to this completely outlandish behavior that your body is exhibiting. Most importantly, this incident that can completely freak you out.   

I recently woke up to an all over tension that felt as if my body was experiencing a total break down.  There was nothing I could pinpoint that would confirm a recent slide on my part. I was astonished to see my blood pressure register at 180/110.  I was not upset; I had nothing important pending that was driving me insane.  I immediately went to my primary doctor who could only ascertain that my blood pressure dosage was too low and I should have increased it awhile back.  "Why?" I thought,  I have a blood pressure machine that registers my totals daily.  Why would I want to increase my medication just because it goes 8 pt. in either direction? But, this was a common altercation whenever I had my pressure taken by that office machine.  Any other doctor's office showed that I was in normal range.  Certainly, this did not cause this horrible issue.  I could feel it was much deeper than that.  It felt as thought I was becoming deathly ill or a stroke was on its way.  

Worst of all, even with an increase in medication it lasted for a week and a half and went as high as 210/110.  I called my primary again (I am not recommending this- it is recommending to go to the ER) and they wanted to increase my dosage again after one week.  I declined, past experiences told me something was coursing through my body and to try other calming medications to bring it down.  I can tell you that week was spent in total turmoil again because, once again, the medical community had no knowledge as to why this happened labeling it simply as, "another autoimmune symptom from the fibromyalgia." 

Nonetheless, let's take a look at blood pressure from Dr. Mercola's view. He says many fibromyalgia patients suffer from high blood pressure.  Sometimes it’s the pain that causes the high blood pressure and sometimes it’s the various medications that cause it.  Another common reason for elevated high blood pressure, being overweight. A number of patients are taking medications that lower their metabolism. Others have a poorly functioning thyroid, both lead to weight gain.

No matter the cause, however, the dangers are the same.  Chronic high blood pressure is a high-risk condition that should be addressed immediately, especially in those with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, who are taking multiple drugs that could elevate BP or counteract with any other supplement or medication to control BP.

Hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure) can be “quiet” over many years, damaging your body in the process. Left untreated, hypertension can lead to a major disability and even a fatal heart attack.
 
Let’s take a quick look at what blood pressure actually is before getting too detailed about its dangers.  BP is the pressure of blood in the arteries that’s pumped from the heart.  It’s measured with two numbers, systolic and diastolic.  Systolic, the top higher number of your reading, is the pressure when the heart contracts or pumps.  Diastolic, the lower bottom number of the reading, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest in between beats.  Normal levels are considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg.  Anything higher than that number on a consistent basis puts you at risk of hypertension.

Arteries are usually flexible and elastic, with smooth inner linings so the blood can flow easily.  The blood is moved via the arteries all over the body, supplying all the organs with the oxygen and nutrient-rich blood.  Constant high pressure in the arteries can destroy that strength and elasticity of the artery lining and cause narrowing, constriction, damage, and aneurysm (a large bulge in the artery that will eventually rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding).

Constant high blood pressure will thicken the arterial walls, make them stiff, and cause arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

This kind of damage is a snowball effect because hypertension is not just caused by medications, but by poor diet, low activity levels, and chronic pain.  Pain increases the blood pressure because it puts you in a state of stress, in which the heart pumps more rapidly.  This type of arterial damage can cause a number of problems like chest pain, stroke, heart failure, heart attack, eye damage, aneurysm and death.

High blood pressure puts you not just at cardiovascular risk, but could damage all other vital organs and functions as well, since blood supplies the life to everything.  I’ve mentioned above what it can do to your heart.  To your brain, it can cause an transient ischemic attack, or a mini stroke, which is a brief disruption of blood supply to the brain.  This is usually a warning that you are on your way to a full-blown stroke.  A TIA is caused by a clot, or atherosclerosis (a collection of fats from your diet that form clots in the arteries).  You can also develop a full-blown stroke, dementia, and cognitive impairment as a result of various levels of disrupted blood supply to the brain.

To your kidneys, when they don’t get proper blood supply, they can’t excrete the fluid and waste from the blood properly.  Therefore, there is potential for some kind of nephropathy (kidney disease) to occur such as kidney scarring, kidney failure, and kidney artery aneurysm.  All of these are highly dangerous and potentially fatal.

Additionally, hypertension can affect the eyes, bones, sexual function, and sleep, so there are multi-dimensional issues associated with uncontrolled hypertension that need to be addressed immediately. 
Blood pressure is very easy to monitor.  You can purchase a device for home or check it weekly at your local pharmacy or drug store.  Keep a diary of your readings and if you are consistently high at various times of day under various levels of stress, then talk to your doctor about what is causing the hypertension.

Don’t let them just prescribe you another medication, especially if you are already taking several for a current medical condition!

It is highly likely that, if you are taking several different kinds of medication, your hypertension is being caused by those rather than anything else. Mobic and other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory meds (NSAIDS), can cause high blood pressure, so can Ritalin, Wellbutren, Effexor, Cymbalta, Savella, and other antidepressants.

To start, make sure that you are on a healthy diet of reduced fat and processed foods.  A diet rich in grains, lean meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables is going to be vital to lower blood pressure.  With daily exercise, this alone may cure your hypertension.  If it doesn’t, however, you will need some sort of intervention to avoid long-term ramifications.

Finding and fixing a low thyroid condition could be the answer. Losing weight, my patients typically lose one half to a pound a day on my anti-inflammatory weight loss diet. My patients who need to lose weight, typically lose 20,30 40, or more pounds and best of all reset their metabolism so that the weight they lose never returns.

Losing weight, even 10 pounds can have a dramatic positive effect on your blood pressure!

Taking a good high dose multivitamin/mineral supplement, like a CFS/Fibro Formula will often reduce high blood pressure, so will increasing your magnesium intake. It has been stated that fibro patients take 500-800 mg of magnesium a day. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant.

Sometimes no matter what the cost, you experience something so bazaar that no one can offer an explanation with the fibromyalgia diagnosis.  I can tell you, these are the times I reach into my medicine cabinet and dig out the medications labeled "take as needed" to calm my system.  I completely revamp my diet into a stringent wholesome regiment and lay around on my butt until it passes.  I do ensure to take light walks as long as my blood pressure is at a "lull" and not spiking that hour.  I keep myself calm at all costs. And, yes, I take that first increased dosage that my PCP recommends. After all, no one wants a stroke because their body is freaking out! It is only the "added medications" that I question or a further increased dosage. I do not personally recommend this to others as I insist you speak to your PCP first.  

By all means, listen to your body!  If this happens to you, and you feel you need an visit to the ER, GO!  Our systems are so hyper sensitive that we don't need to take added risks.  

At this point in time I'm certain you noticed a direct correlation on your well-being and your body's response to pain.  When you are in a state of euphoria, your body compensates and enhances your pain mechanism reducing flare ups.  Living in chronic pain can be overwhelming some days, but there are steps you have at your fingertips to reduce these occurrences.

 Many fibromyalgia patients have a history of chronic stress, often due to overloading their schedules and taking on too much responsibility for other people such as family members. A high number of fibromyalgia patients are young women who have “Type A” personalities and who lead ambitious, busy, 
stressful lives. Men with fibromyalgia often have worked in jobs that have resulted in physical job-related stress.

For fibromyalgia patients, stress can also make the condition worse and can trigger particular physical symptoms. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often have trouble knowing their personal limitations, which can make it hard for them to know when they are in danger of overexerting themselves. When fibromyalgia patients physically overexert themselves, this can often lead to increased stress, which results in increased pain. 

A vicious cycle can easily develop because pain can lead to more stress, which, in turn, can lead to more pain. For this reason, stress management is a key factor in alleviating fibromyalgia flare ups.  In order to do so, we must learn to relax, and learning comes easily if you understand Deep Belly Breathing.  Deep breathing can clarify your mind, and get you back to center stage quickly.  It can be done THROUGHOUT 
the day, EVERY DAY.  Follow the guided steps below and seek peace again.

Begin by getting yourself some stickers, such as those rounded bingo stickers.  Find your favorite color.  That rounded marker will be your best friend in upcoming weeks.  Begin placing those rounded markers throughout your life.  On your dash, computer, kitchen stove, door way, and such will remind you when and 
where to do your Deep Belly Breathing.  This little indicator will make your thoughts shut down for the moment as you begin a few deep breaths.  The most amazing thing is this little exercise will bring you immediate relief.  Go ahead, give it a shot, and regain clarity.

Deep Belly Breathing Guided Practice

1.  Begin by lying in a comfortable position away from family and friends.
2.  Place one hand on your chest and one on our stomach.
3.  Breathe, notice if you are a chest breather.  If so, you are harboring stress daily and not letting the body let go.  Breathe deeper until you feel your stomach rising.  This is the essence of Deep Belly Breathing.  Take note and breathe this deep when you do the exercise elsewhere.
4.  Inhale for the count of five and exhale slowly to the count of ten.  Breathe in and out slowly, deeply, evenly.  
5.  Repeat four times.
6. During this exercise get a favorite image: a beach, the woods, a field of flowers, Paris.  Place yourself there while breathing.
7.  Imagine the waves or wind taking out the stress each time you exhale depending on your place of choice.

*Do this anywhere.  When you look at your sticker, and feel stress, begin to breathe and imagine.........

No other produce toots summer quite like watermelon. But there’s more to watermelon than just its flavor: It boasts some powerful health benefits.  At 46 calories per cup, watermelon offers 20% of your daily intake of vitamin C and 17% vitamin A, according to the USDA. That’s not all.

“Watermelon contains dietary fiber for digestive health as well as potassium, a mineral that helps keep blood pressure capped,” says Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, Health‘s contributing nutrition editor.

No wonder there's a whole month dedicated to this fruit next month - July is National Watermelon Month.

​Did you know

It has more lycopene than raw tomatoes

In just one cup, watermelon has 1.5 times more than a large fresh tomato, 6 milligrams compared to 4 milligrams, according to the USDA. That matters because lycopene is thought to act as a super antioxidant, stopping free radicals from damaging your cells and messing with your immune system. Some research even suggests that lycopene, typically found in red fruits and vegetables, may help fight heart disease and several types of cancer. Pro tip: “To retain the most antioxidants in this delicious superfood, store your watermelon at room temperature before slicing,” Sass says.

The juice can relieve muscle soreness

A Spanish study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that drinking watermelon juice can actually be quite soothing after a grueling workout. Athletes who consumed a little more than 16 ounces an hour before exercise had less muscle soreness and a lower heart rate within a day.
That may be because watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline that’s been tied to improved artery function and lower blood pressure. In fact, its ability to relax the blood vessels led Texas A&M University researchers to say watermelon has Viagra-like effects. But you’ll need to look beyond the pink flesh if you really want to load up on citrulline—it’s concentrated most in the rind. If that’s not your thing, you can always save it for pickling or preserving later, Sass says.

It’s a fruit AND a vegetable

Like most fruits, watermelon is the product of a seed-producing plant and has a signature sweet taste. But it can be traced back to the squash, pumpkin, and cucumber family known as Cucurbitacea. You can also eat the rind. The dual nature of watermelon makes it all edible, so there’s no excuse to leave any part behind.

It’s packed with water

This food has some serious hydration power. Watermelon is 91.5% water, according to the USDA. That’s a big deal seeing as how being dehydrated is bad for your health. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that women with even mild dehydration experienced headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, and worse moods.  Dehydration also promotes muscle pain in patients experiencing fibromyalgia.

Improves Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone in the blood that regulates blood sugar by helping it enter cells. PubMed Health explains that when the body does not respond properly to insulin blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. To counteract that occurrence, the body produces more insulin, and the excess insulin and sugar in the bloodstream have a negative effect on the kidneys and triglyceride levels. Watermelon's L-citrulline content raises L-arginine levels which helps reduce circulating blood sugar levels, excess fat and cholesterol levels in animal and human subjects, according to a study in the December 2007 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition.

This delightful movie will renew your spirit.  It plainly shows that we often don't know what others are going through.

​Faced with a crossroads in her life, Aubrey reflects on her experiences in joining the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and how they have strengthened her and her family through their challenges. -IMDb