Wonderful Christian parents reared me. My dad was a minister and he and my mother were living examples of what it meant to be Christ-like. I never heard harsh words between them, no punches were ever thrown, and my life at home was wonderful. Did I say wonderful? It was truly CHARMED!! I experienced the normal childhood diseases, had a contrary older brother and all that stuff. Back then doctors were not part of your daily life. Mama treated everything and God made you well again. I had a few problems during my teen years. There was nothing serious, confusing maybe, but not really serious.

I married a minister, was doing nursing, had two great children, everything was going just as I had planned and dreamed. I was 26 when the thorns made themselves painfully evident. One day while living my blissful life, I began to have a problem with my legs. They had sore knots breaking out all over them. The facility I was working in sent me to the doctor. Not knowing what was going on, they didn’t want me around patients if the condition was contagious. Blood work was done and tests run. The doctor called me into his office; my roses were getting ready to uncover their thorns. He sat me down and told me I had SLE and I only had two weeks to live. Talk about thorns!! I was shattered. Both my children were preschool aged. My husband and I were young, presumably healthy, and had our whole lives in front of us. I went home shattered and disillusioned. We told the church we were pastoring at the time. The people began to fast and pray. A miracle happened; the lupus went into remission. Oh joy, life went back to normal!!

A year later, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Again God did a miracle and healed me. Numerous tests were done to confirm the diagnosis, and then numerous tests were done to find the non-existent cancer. Life was beautiful again. I had a few health problems along the way. There was a miscarriage, stomach problems, migraine headaches, and stuff like that. I took all these things in stride and went on with the normal everyday living.

In 1988, I became very ill with chest pain, shortness of breath, and all the classic signs of heart disease. Again, I went through a battery of tests. A year later, I was diagnosed with SLE. This time, there was no remission. God did not step in and take it away. He kept me alive, but not disease free. I started doing research on this horrible disease. I realized that I had been having symptoms for years and didn’t know it. I had gone through a time when I nearly died. I talked to God and he talked back and gave me the choice of going on to heaven or staying here. I elected to stay here; I wanted to rear my own kids. The stomach problems, the headaches, all the various other ailments were symptomatic of lupus. The problems I had with each pregnancy, the miscarriage, all were related to lupus. The weakness, the fatigue, nausea—lupus. It all began to add up and make sense. It was not all in my head, but a real medical disease.

Now, I am an upbeat person. I don’t get depressed or down about things. God has been too good to me to go down that particular road. I went on living life as normally as I could. I had the usual bouts of being physically incapacitated. There would be months when I could not perform normal functions without help from my family. Times when my husband had to carry me to the bathroom, bathe me and move me around in the bed to keep bedsores away. My faith in God and pure joy of being alive kept me positive and going.

During all this, I could not have asked for a more supportive family. When necessary, my parents would stay with me and do what had to be done to keep everything in order. My kids were great. By that time they were teenagers. The love they all showed was amazing. I knew of people whose family had deserted them when they became incapacitated, but not my family or friends. The sicker I got, the more supportive they became. It is still that way today.

I went on with life, taking all in stride. I was virtually medication free except for heart/blood pressure meds. The doctor wanted to put me on medication for the lupus, but I refused. The side affects were enough to keep me away from them. Then in October of 2000, the lupus attacked with a vengeance. For 5 consistent years I had pneumonia. This year I ended up in the hospital, in ICU for 14 days. The lupus had affected my lungs and now I had lupus pneumonitis in the worst way. I came out of the hospital on numerous medications and oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was under constant doctor supervision. The thorns were undeniably evident. The doctors could not seem to understand my attitude. Again, depression was not there, hope still reigns supreme. God is still a miracle worker. He is still keeping me alive and kicking!! So what is there to be depressed about? Everything was going pretty good again. Then in the spring of this year, 2002, my condition began to deteriorate drastically. The lupus had attacked my body in such a way that the right side of my diaphragm, the muscles and nerves controlling it became paralyzed. The right lung is useless and my breathing extremely labored. My left lung is scarred and has some kind of nodules or tumors on it. It is working at 29% of the projected capacity. Now I am on 18 different medications and am virtually housebound. But, all is well and God is still on the throne and able to save and deliver from all and anything!!! On August the 2nd, I returned to my internal medicine doctor. He told me my liver was being attacked, my heart again and the peripheral nerves were all being affected by the lupus. He only gives me a short time to live. He is making preparation at the hospital for the living will thing and said I need to prepare the family and myself. You know, get everything in order stuff. My attitude? I’m still upbeat, unsinkable and unmovable. God is still the same and His blessings are still flowing. I am thankful for the life I have been given. I appreciate the opportunities I have experienced to help others. I reared my children as I asked to be allowed. I have a beautiful granddaughter. My life has truly been a Life of Roses. Each experience, each person that has come into my life, every year, every moment, every event has been a rose presented to me by my Lord and Master. If in His infinite wisdom, this disease should end my time, I can honestly say, it has been a wonderful, blessed life.

This debilitating disease is a result of an excessive loss of bone density. When you reach the average age of 25 years of age, you cease to gain bone density. Around the age of 35, it is normal for you to lose the density approximately 1% per year (2%-3% after menopause). Excessive loss results in brittle bones, increasing your chance of bone fracture and shrinkage. Many factors such as exercise, menopause, prescription drugs contribute to bone loss. Also, excessive consumption of common ingredients in your diet may puts you at risk as well.

Consuming too much meat puts you at risk of osteoporosis. There is a compound in meat protein that causes hypercalciuria. Consequently, calcium is removed from the bone and excreted into your urine. Therefore, excessive meat consumption leads to loss bone mass. By lowering your consumption of meat proteins, you protect your bones from this effect.

Caffeine is also a factor in increased bone loss. When combined with low calcium intake it speeds up the loss of bone mass. People who consume excessive caffeine in their lifetime have an increased risk of low bone density. However, Studies have shown if you consume one or more glasses of milk in your lifetime that cancels out the effect of high caffeine intake. In addition to caffeine, Excessive alcohol also reduces bone density. Excessive intake reduces osteoblast activity. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for the formation of bone. In moderation, alcohol could be responsible for increasing bone mass.

The moral of the story here is moderation. By keeping your food intake in control, you reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis. It is never too late to jump on the prevention bandwagon.

The facts can’t be denied, women constitute almost 99 percent of cosmetology students, and men make up 95 percent of those in automotive classes. But is this really a discrimination problem?

Perhaps this “segregation” is a matter of individual choice. Blame it on basic biology if you will, but girls and boys generally have different interests. Beauty Shop Barbie is marketed towards young girls for a reason, and most boys would rather play with their Fisher Price tool shops.

It seems somewhat ridiculous to us to expect vocational school enrollment to be equally divided among the sexes. At the end of the day the National Women’s Law Center would do well to remember that the goal should be equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.

So, there is a way to combat that. If you really want to give yourself the best possible shot in running a successful, long term business, you have to plan. You’ve heard this before, surely…”if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

That phrase is so true. No matter what your business concept, no matter what stage of your plan you are up tom, you must have it written down, committed to paper. But don’t worry too much. It’s not set in concrete. You can make changes. But the thing is, you must be able to make changes based on fact and reality, not emotion and conception. This tutorial series will show you just how to do that. Business Planning need not be a task any more. It can be easy, fun and rewarding.

So let’s get started…

HOW TO LISTEN TO THE HOME BUSINESS MASTERY TUTORIALS

1. You’ll need to be online.

2. You must have “Real Audio” installed on your computer. You can download a “free” version of “Real Player 8 Basic” from the Real Audio Website

3. Then, simply click on the “Hear The Tutorial” link below, and enjoy.

When we are old, careless,
without men, we shall sit in hammocks
& eat from our laps. Dressed in flowered
cotton & battered hats, we shall laugh,
grow fresh salad in the yard & eat.
The cats will narrow their eyes at us.
We will stare back like neutered queens,
lording it, eating earth, sky & wild romaine.

When I hear the announcer say, “Come on down, you’re the next contestant on the Price is Right,” I immediately think of my grandmother. The Price is Right was her favorite show. In my mind’s eye, I see my beautiful grandmother’s devilish smirk, her twinkling brown eyes, and the color of her stark white hair. If I close my eyes, I can still see her waving her cane at me. I always smile and shake my head as I remember my grandmother’s energetic physical presence, outgoing character, and determined attitude.

This little sprite of a woman, she was barely five feet tall, had an energy level of a workhorse. Theresa Nardo was a tiny whirlwind of power like a fierce tornado, which spun rapidly. The woman hardly ever sat down, but was always bustling about doing dishes, working in her garden, cooking, and visiting the many friends that she had made in her long life. Even while sitting, her arthritic hands crocheted or mended clothes.

From the age of eight years old, when she came to America from Italy, she helped her community. Since she was fluent in three languages, she wrote letters for both her Italian and Finnish pals. My grandmother helped many of her friends from the “old country” come to America. She aided them by giving them a place to stay, teaching them English, and even showing many how to cook–it was very common in Italy to have a maid.

My grandmother’s admirable determination and deep spirituality was responsible for her incredible zest for life. Dr. Brown, her heart surgeon, once said, “The only thing that’s keeping Theresa alive is that pacemaker and pure stubbornness; her heart is completely deteriorated.” Her faith in God and love of her family strengthened her will. My Grandmother had strong beliefs, which helped her through many adversities. Being the oldest of ten children, Theresa Nardo learned determination at a young age. Her rough childhood and the Great Depression were her best teachers. Living through the harshest of times only strengthened her.

Telling stories was one of Grandma’s favorite pastimes. Her colorful stories were always action-packed, and the various circumstances boggled the mind. Some stories were told with a hint of humor, while others showed her flair for drama. Her English was perfect and her voice was strong like her personality, which kept her listeners enthralled. Her spunky attitude was clear in each story she told. Her tales varied from the time it snowed to the rooftops, to the time my Grandfather was shot at by “The Black Hand”- a term used to describe the Mafia early this century.

Despite her spunky and opinionated demeanor, Theresa Nardo’s love for her family and friends was always apparent. The staunch democrat was known to spout off about her distaste of government policies, and she outwardly chastised republican politicians. She never missed an election, voting on Election Day was a priority. If she disagreed with you, you would know it!

My grandmother never turned away from a debate. She always used her outspoken viewpoint, determination, and stubbornness to help others. Grandma was always quick to volunteer her help. Whether the cause was a church dinner, raising money for a sick member of the community, or taking the time to share her knowledge, my grandmother was a giving person who used her abilities to help her community.

This strong woman inspired her family, friends, and community. This explains why she is so fondly remembered. My grandmother was like a beautiful gemstone. The harsh elements of many years enhanced the jewel’s sparkle. Her incredible spirit is still the topic of conversation at family gatherings seventeen years after her death.

In her eighty years of life, she gave all of herself. Her children, grandchildren, and friends were thankful for the time they had shared with her. If Theresa Nardo hadn’t touched my life, I would be a very different person. I can relate to Jimmy Stewart’s revelation in It’s a Wonderful Life. He realized how differently things would have been if he had never existed. That is how I feel about the influence my grandmother had on my life. She helped mold me into the person that I am today.

When I lost Grandma, I felt as if I had lost a part of myself. The memory of Theresa Nardo lives on, not only in the minds of the many people who she loved, but also in their hearts and souls. I loved her colorful stories, which are now my family’s most treasured heirlooms. She was truly a legend in her own time. Oh, how I long to hear one of my grandma’s tales just one more time! This diverse woman’s charisma touched everyone who knew her. My grandmother’s untiring energy, determined character, and feisty attitude were a distinct part of her charm.

Not only can HGH products improve your outward appearance, but there are many health benefits to using this. Products that contain HGH can be beneficial in improving thyroid gland functioning, which declines with the aging process. The functioning of the thymus gland benefits from HGH products, with a boost to the immune system through optimal health of this gland to give us a chance at a healthier life.

Bone loss is slowed down by the use of HGH product as well, which is beneficial to those of us who are aging. You can lower the amount of bone density you lose by taking a supplement of HGH, and reduce your odds of experiencing fractures. Be sure to seek proper medical care when needed, in addition to using HGH products.

Your skin can benefit from the effects of HGH products as well. After using an HGH product, fewer wrinkles and better skin color will be seen. Wound healing ability is increased in addition to other improvements as well.

Now that you can easily buy HGH supplements, you can spend your time having fun with family and friends instead of fretting over the aging process. By boosting your immune system to help your body heal more effectively and quickly, as well as improving bone density, HGH products can give you a healthier outlook.

Infection with Chlamydia is fairly prevalent, and occurs via sexual transmission.

How does sex give you Chlamydia?

It is common, and many sexually active people become infected. Also, if an expectant mother has Chlamydia it could additionally be given to her baby when it is born.

With regards to the more common transmission of Chlamydia, the higher the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because Chlamydia can be caught through oral or anal sex, gay men who have sex are risking the chance of contacting Chlamydia.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

With more than 2/3 of infected males and females showing no signs of infection, Chlamydia has been called a silent killer. When symptoms manifest themselves, typically this occurs in 2-4 weeks after exposure to infection.

Females develop this condition with a bacterial infection starting in the cervix and urethra. In females, if present, symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge or burning during urination. When transmitted from cervical growth to tubal, they may not have any symptoms; however, some may have lower gastro-intestinal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between periods. You can even experience these symptoms in your buttocks.

Men who have signs will manifest similarly with discharges coming from their penis and a hot sensation when they are peeing. Men might experience burning and itching near the opening of their penis. But, discomfort and inflammation in the testicles are unusual. In men, the infection can spread to the throat.

What happens in the long term with Chlamydia?

If it isn’t treated, a Chlamydia ailment can advance to serious problems with the reproductive system and various health issues most likely for the long haul.

As is the case with the disease itself, the damage caused by Chlamydia frequently is not noticed. In women, an untreated infection can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes causing various problems that may not be readily noticeable. 38% of women who don’t treat their Chlamydia will experience this. This disease is quite devastating, as it causes serious damage to organs and tissues within and surrounding the pelvic area, often with no symptoms. Chronic pelvic pain and infertility can be a result of this damage. If infected with this condition, females have a five times greater risk of susceptibility to HIV or AIDS.

Men normally don’t experience complications. The ducts that carry sperm in the male body can become infected causing pain, fever, and possible sterility.

How is Chlamydia treated?

To avoid the severe outcome of Chlamydia, a minimal screening each year for Chlamydia is good for all 27 year old women and younger who are having sex. A yearly screening exam is suggested as well for older females who have risk issues for Chlamydia. That is why all pregnant women need to be screened for Chlamydia.

Antibiotics purchased at an online pharmacy can be used to treat and cure Chlamydia. The treatments that are used mostly are Azithromycin (Zithromax) taken one time or Doxycycline taken for one week.

How can the condition of Chlamydia be avoided?

A definite way to never get Chlamydia is to be celibate, or have one partner who doesn’t have any diseases for a long time.

Chlamydia is spread less often when latex condoms are properly used.

More ways to stop Chlamydia from happening, is to be examined regularly by your doctor, specifically when you are engaging in sexual intercourse.

There are two thermometers (both that are parent approved) that are perfect for taking the temperature of a small child. They consist of thermometers you insert in the ear and a pacifier type. A pacifier device is often regarded as among the least valid, yet ranks as simple to use for babies. Place this in the youngster’s mouth just as you would a pacifier to obtain a reading. With an ear thermometer, you take the temperature via a digital device that you put next to the patient’s ear. There are a variety of types for kids and adults too.

Another kind of thermometer on the market is the type that adheres to the patient’s head. This type consists of a plastic film that adheres to the forehead to give the patient’s base temperature. Tests show that although these devices do work, the reading that is obtained is not as precise as a digital device. The ear thermometer is more accurate. Disposable thermometers are useful for hygiene purposes. This device is made of plastic that is placed next to the skin to obtain a temperature reading. After you buy a thermometer, you can throw this piece away. You’ll find that there is an enormous variety of thermometers available today. The digital thermometers, which come with the electronic or ear thermometer are the most accurate if you are receptive to buying the more expensive items for your home first aid kit.

A physician who works for a state medical facility will advise you that detoxifying foot pads are ineffective.

It has to do with logics. These individuals do not respect information from the world of alternative medicine. They really don’t think natural products work.

But this is comprehensible too. They just want to protect their job. They tend to reject simple solutions that may work as well as the standard, expensive treatments. This is the reason why a cure for AIDS, cancer, diabetes and other illnesses will never be discovered. Health and medical care all over the globe has been focused on making money and not a person’s well being.

People that are not in the medical field will tell you something totally different.

People that have used these detoxifying foot pads have only had positive results. The improvement in their sleep, energy scale, and general health are quite impressive.

These foot pads have been tested in labs. A great number of lab results show lead, arsenic, mercury, nickel, aluminum, cadmium and phthalates (plastic by-products). But, then they only found natural ingredients when they tested the unused patches.

This obviously indicates that the detoxing foot pads do withdraw poisons out of your body.

You can try them out to see if they work. Find out if you have elevated levels of lead or any other substance in your blood by having a blood test; then use the pads for a month and have your blood re-tested to see if the levels of lead have decreased.

Non-believers affirm that it is just the moisture in sweat that is the reason why the color of pads changes So why would the color get more and more faded until it becomes clear after several days of use? They turned lighter due to the fact that the volume of impurities being extracted through the skin has decreased.

There is something else you need to remember. America’s biggest chain of retail pharmacies, CVS, and also Avon, are carrying detoxifying foot pads. For what reason would highly respected companies want to sell a bad product? Do you expect that they would make sure their product is really working before standing behind it with their name?

Why is it so difficult to believe that detox foot pads are effective, when doctors routinely prescribe birth control and nicotine patches that have been proven to be effective?

The thing is that detoxification foot pads perform the way manufacturers affirm they do. Even if you doubt its effectiveness, try them before dismissing them completely.

There is one important thing to keep in your mind. You can find poor substitutes that are not made as well and can possibly contain dangerous chemicals.

It is important to buy a product that is tested and shown to work. These are the top detox foot pads that consistently have great results.