Based on the response to this week’s posts, I’d say it was an informative week for you. Remember to click the underlined topics to go to the mentioned post. Let’s recap the week.
On Sunday, we reviewed night terrors and differentiated them from nightmares. Remember, if your child develops these, it’s very important to protect them from harm during the episode, and try to identify the source of any increased stress.
On Monday, we reviewed the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s comments on healthcare and its relevance today. Injustice in healthcare is still shocking and inhuman, as health care disparities abound. Monday also brought a review of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. As the time of implementation gets closer, I will revisit implementation of the ACA, particularly health care exchanges, what your options are, and what’s to be done with the 20 million Americans who will still be uninsured. I will also be discussing how this blog and my national efforts will dovetail into these considerations. Stay tuned.
On Tuesday, we began our series on toxins and detoxification. The first post discussed the power our body naturally and normally has to detoxify and to defend us from harm. The second post offered specific, natural Quick Tips to enhance your body’s capabilities. Taken together, I strongly recommend you internalize this information (no put intended). All the other exotic methods typically promoted are, at best, enhancements to what we already do unless disease limits us. At worst, they can cause damage themselves.
On Wednesday, we looked at some of the environmentally toxic dangers to our bodies, focusing on various toxins affecting our lungs, skin, kidneys, liver and intestines. If knowledge is power, your brain should be stuffed after reading that post. Stop smoking (Yes, you.). Wednesday also brought a review of detox diets. My advice is simple. Proceed with caution, and don’t expect any miracle cures. In fact, the better course of action is to use any such efforts as a launch into a more modest long-term regimen of healthy diet and exercise.
On Thursday, we reviewed colon cleansing, looking at oral solutions and rectal colonics. These were turbulent topics, to say the least. Please consult your physician before starting any of these diets or cleansing programs. They are not without risk and consequence in certain patients. Thursday also brought a review and wrap-up of the toxin/detoxification series. I enjoyed your questions, comments and thoughts.
On Friday, we reviewed insomnia. Do you remember the difference between primary and secondary insomnia? There are important treatment considerations attached to each, so consider reviewing. I also gave you 10 Quick Tips to help your difficulty sleeping and answered your questions.
On Saturday, we peeled back the brains of physicians and taught you how we decide if and when ankle x-rays are needed. I really do want your feedback when you mention the Ottawa Ankle Rules to your physicians. I’m sure you’ll have stories about hearing them muttering “Damn internet!” under their breath! Saturday also brought a review of a normal calorie intake. I think this is a pretty important topic for several reasons. I hope you learned the different between sedentary, moderately active and active lifestyles. Also, many of us have no idea how much we should be eating and how many calories we should have daily. Also, this will serve as a nice launching pad for my review of obesity next week.
Speaking of the next two weeks, I will be focusing on revisiting some fundamental bread and butter topics (no pun intended). I continue to hope you enjoy Straight, No Chaser and appreciate your supporting this blog, which has now reached readers in 60 countries around the world in every continent. I’ll keep bringing the information, and you keep taking advantage of it.
