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HEALTHY HAPPENING November 2017
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The Windows Off The Soul
by Ha Thi Huynh |
Eyes have been proclaimed, throughout the ages, as ‘the windows to the soul’. Iridology a non-intrusive and non-invasive tool to look through the ‘windows’ and view the functioning of organs and body systems.
Iridology is the science of the iris, the colored portion of our eyes. The iris acts as a map of the entire body, similar to foot/hand reflexology. Analyzing changes in the structure, pigmentation, texture, and markings can provide information about various organs and tissues throughout the body. Also evaluating the pupils and scleras, whites of the eye, can supply additional information about an individual’s health and well being.
Looking at the body as a whole, Iridology recognizes that a problem with one organ in the body affects other organs and body systems. This includes the circulatory, gastro-intestinal, glandular, skeletal, neurological, muscular, and reproductive systems. For example, some markings on the iris can be indicative of inflammation of a particular organ caused by poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, the environment, etc. These markings can be found often years before any symptoms occur, potentially allowing for earlier discovery and preventative treatment.
Please note, Iridology DOES NOT make diagnosis or treat diseases and it is not a substitute for medical care. Always consult and continue care with your primary care doctor.
How can Iridology help?
Iridology can provide a holistic view of the body, identify a predisposition to certain ailments, and potentially allow for preventive care and maintenance. Consider the list below for possible evaluations.
• Basic physical and mental strength
• Areas of potential inflammation
• Propensity for over acidity, which may lead to pre-arthritic conditions
• Areas of the body that explain underlying causes of symptoms
• Propensity for adverse tissue change or reduced function in the body before it manifests as illness
• Inherited predisposition for lowered vitality
• Increased need for particular nutrients, hence inclination for vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Tendency to be impacted by stress
• Lymphatic system congestion
• Propensity for reduced
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The Art of Wildcrafted Essential Oils
by Stephanie Hamborsky
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On Friday, October 14th, Moonflower hosted Eric Scott Bresselsmith. Eric owns House of Aromatics, an essential oils distillery based in Boulder, Utah. He taught an engaging class on his personal journey toward using and ultimately distilling his own wildcrafted essential oils. Beginning in 2004, aromatherapy using high quality essential oils helped Eric achieve relaxation and acceptance of uncertainty in his life. Eric acquired his extensive knowledge on producing essential oils through self-study, apprenticeship, and his clear passion for preparing wild-crafted medicine to improve his health and the health of others.
House of Aromatics, operated by Eric and his partner Amber Xanthy Van Cleave, strives to produce high quality essential oils using plant materials sourced from the Colorado Plateau region. By working with the Forest Service and using leftover materials from forest management, Eric sustainably acquires plant matter, which mostly comes from local conifers and a few desert shrub species, including snakeweed, sagebrush and rabbitbrush. The House of Aromatics uses a somewhat uncommon process using un-macerated plant material before steam distilling.
This steam distillation process requires a 55 gallon stainless steel drum containing the raw plant materials. A boiling pot near the drum boils water and releases steam into the bottom of the drum. The steam exits through the top of the drum and enters a glass condensing tower comprised of glass coils filled with cold water. The steam is flash cooled by this system and enters a separator flask.
The condensed liquid forms the “first fraction” and can be separated into more fractions that can then be recombined to mimic other botanical compounds for natural flavors or fragrances. The pure essential oil component generally floats to the top, and an aromatic aqueous solution settles at the bottom, known as hydrosol. The essential oils produced through the distillation process are highly complex with over 50,000 chemical compounds. Inhaling the various aromatic compounds within essential oils allows them to travel into our lungs and enter our bloodstream where they can physically impact our bodies.
Certified aromatherapists typically recommend diluted use of essential oils. Eric prefers jojoba oil for this purpose and suggests diluting only enough to use in the moment to preserve the aromatic compounds of the essential oil. Essential oils can be directly applied to the skin, but the absorption rate is much more rapid and inefficient. Carrier oils can slow the absorption rate, making their application more effective. Aromatherapists do not recommend internal use of essential oils, including adding drops to water or other drinks. Products from the House of Aromatics can be found at Moonflower Co-op, including new regionally sourced conifer-based cleaners and essential oil-infused bath salts.
Moonflower’s monthly Lifetime Learning classes feature community experts and healthcare practitioners who disseminate knowledge on topics ranging from herbal preparations to permaculture and watershed protection. Visit the Moonflower Co-op website at www.moonflower.coop for more information on how we engage with our local community.
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Prevent Osteoporosis with
by Jessica Kisiel
Aligned Posture |
Are you worried about osteoporosis?
I am, as are many of my clients. Osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones, which increases the likelihood of fractures and can lead to disability and death. The diagnosis of osteopenia also denotes decreased bone mass and is a precursor to osteoporosis. Similar to high blood pressure, osteoporosis is a silent disease. You can have it for many years without knowing because there are no symptoms. The body doesn’t warn you of the internal decline of your bones. Often the first sign of the disease is a bone fracture. And not all fractures are from a fall! Breaks can happen at any time due to bone weakness.
Although osteoporosis is often considered a woman’s disease, men are not immune. As our lifespans increase, so does the incidence of men with osteoporosis. The International Osteoporosis Foundation provides some grim facts and statistics about men and osteoporosis on the website (https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics#category-15):
About 20-25% of hip fractures occur in men. The overall mortality is about 20% in the first 12 months after hip fracture and is higher in men than women.
It is estimated that the residual lifetime risk of experiencing an osteoporotic fracture in men over the age of 50 is up to 27%, higher than the lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer of 11.3%.
In 2025, the estimated number of hip fractures occurring worldwide in men will be similar to that observed in women in 1990.
Is misaligned posture a risk factor for osteoporosis?
Not officially, but it is in my opinion. Your bones are stimulated to strengthen through movement. Weight-bearing exercise is the preferred form of activity to build bone. This was determined by studying astronauts. Living in a gravity-free environment, astronauts lost bone at an accelerated pace. Bone density declined at a rate 12 to 24% faster than that of normal aging while in space. Studies have also found that weight-bearing athletes who stress their bones with numerous powerful jumps and heavy weights such as basketball players, bodybuilders and gymnasts had bone densities 30% higher than non-active controls (Fehling et al. 1995).
So, exercising in gravity is essential to strengthen your bones. But what if your skeleton is not straight? If you are not in vertical alignment, the constant pull of gravity will be sent through your soft tissue instead of through your bones. This will over stress your muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia, which can cause strain, breakdown and pain in the body. If, however, you are lined up against gravity, the downward force will be transmitted through your bones and they will be stimulated to grow stronger. The bottom line: if you are not aligned when you move, your bones will not receive the needed stimulus to build and, instead, will decay.
How can you take advantage of gravitational force to build your bones?
By aligning your posture! If your bones are vertically stacked one atop another when you sit, stand and move, you will be enhancing your bone density all day long. Improve your posture to prevent osteoporosis by attending Posture Fitness class. Your first class is free!
Class Details
Mondays @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center
Investment: $10 /class or $45/5-punch card
Jessica Kisiel, MS, is a local wellness professional specializing in injury recovery and pain management through alignment. She is certified by the Postural Restoration Institute® and Egoscue University®. Learn more by signing up for her newsletter, www.thepfathlete.com
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November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
By Jessica Walsh, Grand County Hospice Director |
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness can be a completely overwhelming experience. Depending on where an individual is in life, it can be an extremely emotional and spiritual process, on top of potentially debilitating physical symptoms. Developing and nurturing a trusting relationship with your physician is the key to laying a foundation for quality of life at the end. As the Director of Grand County Hospice, a local non-profit, I often see individuals and their families coming to us for help when death is very near. It is important to realize that hospice services can be utilized much, much earlier than that. The knowledge and care that can be provided by a hospice team is invaluable to those dying and their families. Early conversations with physicians about end-of-life preferences and services often lead to earlier hospice referrals. Given enough time, trusting, therapeutic relationships between your physician, the hospice team and you and your loved ones can be established resulting, ideally, in peace, acceptance and comfort.
Leading experts in end-of-life care at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization recommend that individuals spend at least 90 days on a hospice service to receive the optimal amount of care. The full six months allowable is even better. Unfortunately, the median hospice stay is 20.6 days. Many families who had loved ones with short hospice stays have reported wishing they had had more time in hospice care. We get constant feedback from our families that they “could not have done it” without us and express extreme satisfaction with the hospice service.
There are many barriers to early referrals. Initiating a conversation with your family or your doctor about your own death is not exactly easy. Discomfort and hesitancy can create resistance and ultimately end in a chaotic, last minute hospice admission. If possible, anticipating the need for hospice services early can allow for a death with dignity while creating a web of support for your loved ones as you move on. If you find yourself in this position and your physician does not broach this topic, I want to strongly encourage you to advocate for yourself. This is your life. You have control of what the end could look like. Face it bravely and have the courage to create the experience you would like. I know the physicians in this community well. They are more than happy to speak with you about this, and even more willing to support you on your journey.
Most insurances cover 100% of Hospice Services. Medicare has a very comprehensive benefit covering Physician, Nursing, Social Work, Volunteer and Spiritual Counsel Services, as well as medications and any necessary medical equipment at no charge to the individual.
I have witnessed the magical transformation in people from fear and denial to peace and comfort. It is overwhelmingly beautiful. I want more people to experience that. People are dying in this community whether they are on hospice or not. I cannot imagine that hospice isn’t the better choice. And the sooner the better.
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Meet Moab Yoga Instructor Chelsey Hiemes
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My yoga practice has a long history and is deeply personal. The beginnings of which I can trace to my childhood. I was a hyperactive child, bouncing off walls and furniture. I know I drove people crazy with my excessive energy. After begging and harassing my parents, they allowed me to be enrolled in gymnastics. This is where I began stretching and using my body to bring my mind into focus. I did not realize the power of this simple practice, but it became the steady constant of my life.
Gymnastics was my world as a child. I practiced every day, burning off all my extra energy until I could become quiet and stretch. This same pattern repeated into high school and college where I ran track and cross country. As I entered adulthood, my hyperactivity began to morph into anxiety. My formula remained the same. Exhaust myself with physical activity and then stretch to calm my mind. I didn’t know anything about yoga, but I experienced peace and stillness with this practice, so I continued day after day. My practice remained the same after I graduated from college and moved out west, in 1998. Now living in Moab, I discovered a book about yoga that belonged to my roommate. It was written in the 1970’s with black and white photographs. There were long, foreign names for poses that I couldn’t pronounce, but many of which I had been doing since I was small child. This book expanded my practice and introduced me to new yoga poses and philosophy. It had not occurred to me to incorporate a spiritual practice into the physical practice. I slowly began to incorporate a spiritual aspect into my physical practice.
I found myself continually returning to the simple yet powerful verses of the Tao Te Ching. Then came the writings of Thich Nat Hahn, and the beautiful Upanishads. When life got hard and I felt overwhelmed, my personal practice became the one constant where I could always find solace. Three years ago I began teaching at the urging of several friends. I obtained my 200 level teaching certification at Shoshoni Ashram outside of Boulder, Colorado. The process of obtaining my teaching certification and beginning to instruct has deepened my practice radically. It is as if diving into an ocean for the first time. My practice has always been private and buffered by solitude. Esoteric thoughts and realizations surrounding my practice have been something I either kept to myself or only shared with close friends. I realize that there are no words to describe one’s inner experience fully. Attempts to paint a picture of deep inner stillness can seem like cleverly marketed packaging in some yoga circles.
My goal as an instructor is to point the way. As the Buddhist’s say, “The finger pointing at the moon, is not the moon.” I can point in the direction, but ultimately, the goal of yoga is to still the thought waves of the mind, and this must be done on a personal level. My goal as an instructor is to introduce and guide students along the path while allowing enough silence for them to experience their own unique version of yoga. Join Chelsey Hiemes Thursdays 5:30-6:45pm, for an All Levels Yoga class at Moab Yoga, 37E Center St. Drop-in rates/passes available, all mats and props provided! Go to www.moabyoga.com for information and the full schedule of classes. We look forward to practicing with you.
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Reclaim Your Calm
by Christina Meyers |
You might have been attracted to reading this article from its title. Maybe you are facing a health problem that has grabbed your attention because of the pain, the diagnosis, the severity, the ramifications it has for your lifestyle, or some other reason. So take a deep breath – pause – focus on your body….
When you ask yourself “What would it take for me to heal,” listen to the uncensored, intuitive answer that pops up quickly into your consciousness. Breathe…. Just let that wise, inner voice in you speak freely without thinking and analyzing….the voice that knows who you are in the deepest part of yourself and what it takes for you to return to a healthy, balanced place where body, mind, and spirit feel strong and alive.
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Community Nursing Services |
Community Nursing Services (CNS) provides compassionate care when you or a loved one becomes seriously ill, suffers an injury or is nearing the end of life. Our nurses and staff are committed to helping our patients as well as their family members and caregivers throughout the healing process. CNS was established in 1928 and remains Utah's oldest nonprofit home health provider. With 9 offices from Logan to St. George, and several coalition partners, CNS is able to reach 93% of Utahns
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CHARITABLE CARE As Utah's oldest nonprofit home health care agency, CNS is committed to providing high-quality compassionate care, regardless of ability to pay. Almost daily, we receive requests from hospitals and medical professionals to care for their patients in need.
The CNS Charitable Care Program delivers over $2.8 million in care to more than 4,500 Utahns annually.
HONOR SALUTE Our Honor Salute program recognizes hospice patients who are veterans. It is a simple but powerful tribute of appreciation for the veteran’s service to our country. Most often it is the last
public thank you they will receive.
Military personnel in dress uniform join CNS volunteers and associates at the patient’s residence to conduct a formal ceremony. Veterans are presented with an personalized appreciation plaque, military service lapel pin and an American flag. Military personnel give the salute command then turn and salute the patient. Often patients return the salute.
This unique program gives pride and peace to our veterans while bringing together family and friends to celebrate their loved one’s military service.
In addition to providing patient care and services, every 6 months Community Nursing Service holds a memorial service for past Hospice patients. This allows families and caregivers to receive closure, share memories and share good-byes.
If you know someone who would benefit from the Honor Salute Program please contact Camille Trujillo at the local Moab office, 435-259-0466. Community Nursing Service is located at 1030 Bowling Alley Lane, Moab Utah.
Our Mission.
We create moments and experiences that heal individuals and families by providing compassionate care and by putting health, dignity, comfort, and well-being first. We are a non-profit organization, and it is our privilege to serve you and the communities in which we live.
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