7 Steps to a Healthy Menopausal Diet

1. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables offer fiber, vitamins, minerals and are naturally low -fat. In addition, for menopausal women, plants have chemicals called phytoestrogens that are similar in structure to estrogen. These naturally occurring chemicals may trick your body into thinking it has more estrogen than it really does, diminishing some of the discomforts caused by lower estrogen levels during menopause. The mineral boron is another beneficial element of fruits and vegetables. Boron is a mineral found in fruits and vegetables that helps the body to hold onto estrogen and decreases the amount of calcium we lose each day.

(One caveat: There are estrogen-sensitive cancers and until more is known, if you have or recently have had estrogen-dependent cancer, do not consume phytoestrogen-rich foods daily).

Fruits - Plums and prunes, Strawberries, Apples, Tomatoes, Pears , Grapes, Grapefruit, Oranges, and Red raspberries

Vegetables – Asparagus, Beets, Bell peppers, Broccoli stems, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrots, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Onions, Soybeans, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Wheat

2. Eat Beans More Often

Beans are a nutritionally efficient food because they offer many health benefits in one little package. They may slow the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream, thus curbing your appetite longer. They're full of fiber, and are a low-fat source of protein.

Add beans to your green salads, pasta salads, soups, stews or chili. Buy canned bean soups and vegetarian chili for a quick dish at home.

3. Eat the Right Fats

In menopause especially, do not eat foods that are high in saturated fat. It is important to get the right fats in your diet, those that may protect against heart disease and cancer such as
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, olive oil and canola oil.

Switch to olive oil and canola oil, eat more fish (Salmon is a great choice, eat less animal fat by choosing leaner meats and lower-fat dairy products. Limit foods that contain hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. If you use , margarine look for one that lists liquid canola oil or olive oil as the first ingredient.

4. Choose Smart Beverages

Yes, drink 8 glasses of water daily. It keeps your kidneys flushed. Limit caffeine alcohol, and carbonated beverages such as soft drinks.

5. Eat Smaller Meals

Breakfast and lunch are the meals to enjoy because your body needs and will burn the fuel. When you eat your large meal at dinner, your body will metabolize all those calories when you're asleep.

Consider eating small, frequent meals throughout the day in order to consume fewer calories and burn them more efficiently.

6. Get Enough Calcium

Calcium is essential to a woman's health as she ages; at least 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium from food. If you don’t like drinking milk, have your decaf latte with low-fat or non-fat milk, try a cup of chocolate soy milk each day; take a vitamin mineral supplement; eat broccoli, a leafy green vegetable, or beans; try low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, or cheese and buy orange juice fortified with calcium

7. Minimize High-Fat, High-Sugar Foods

Too much sugar in your diet can cause weight gain and elevated blood sugar, which stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Excess insulin accelerates the conversion of calories into fats in the blood.

Cut back on syrups, jellies, jam, ices, table sugar, cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, sweet crackers, ice cream, puddings, yogurts and other milk products and you will feel a big difference.

One More Important Tip: Exercise!

Exercise isn't a food, but it is tied into your diet. Exercising during menopause will help decrease blood cholesterol levels, decrease bone loss, improve your ability to deal with stress, improve circulation, improve heart function and improve your body's ability to use oxygen and nutrients, and it will help you manage weight.

Menopause and Chinese Medicine

Menopause is a natural process that alters the balance of Yin and Yang. During and after menopause many women discover, and may be disturbed by, the more yang (energetic, aggressive) side of themselves.

In contrast, as men grow older, they tend to discover their yin (passive, yielding) side. When a woman experiences some problems or discomfort during menopause, Chinese medical practitioners treat her as an individual, taking into account the whole pattern of each her physical and mental-emotional symptoms.

The treatment may include either one or a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary suggestions, and lifestyle recommendations.

Here are a few suggestions to make the transition easier.

AVOID: cigarettes, losing too much body fat, excessive alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, and refined sugars.

INCLUDE: leafy green vegetables, low fat yogurt, whole grains, fruit, and legumes. Also make sure to find some quiet time and exercise regularly.

Some supplements that can restore the balance and are easily incorporated into your daily regimen are: calcium & magnesium, essential fatty acids (such as flaxseed and fish oils), and a good multi-vitamin.

Diet is extremely important in having a healthy menopause. This weekend I will be posting more in depth diet advice for women so be sure to check back!

Rolling Back the Fertility Clock

By Alina Cho and Melissa Morgenweck

December 25, 2008

From CNN.com

A treasure map to a baby?

That's just one of many things Meredith Kolk tried when she had problems getting pregnant. At age 40, the mother of one longed for another child but knew the odds were against her. Kolk says a poster board with cutout images of happy babies kept her focused on her goal. "Making this board helped me feel like I could have a vision to look at every morning and every night about what I wanted for my family. It helped keep me centered because the process is frustrating and it can be very nerve-wracking."

Kolk turned to in vitro fertilization and also used alternative approaches in hopes of increasing her chances of getting pregnant. She did 30 minutes of meditation each morning before going to work. "I would visualize me pregnant with a healthy baby and a doctor saying 'yes, you're pregnant.' " Kolk also received weekly acupuncture and made changes to her diet. She added wheat germ and nuts and swapped low-fat dairy foods with whole-milk foods. Kolk says that doing these things helped her to stay calm.

Dr. Alice Domar, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Waltham, Massachusetts, says her research shows a medical link between stress and infertility.

"The part of the brain that controls all aspects of reproduction is called the hypothalamus. It's also the part of the brain that controls how we respond to stress. And so it made sense to me intuitively that there could be a connection between stress and infertility," she said. Domar specializes in women struggling with infertility. She says that if a woman can learn stress management through relaxation techniques, her chances of getting pregnant will double.

to read the full article click here

Patients 'Healthier' After Complementary Medicine

This press release is from Healthcare Republic

17-Feb-09

Integrating complementary and conventional medicine significantly improved the health of 65% of patients, according to a Northern Ireland study.

The study found that half the GPs involved said they had been able to reduce prescribed medication and the same number that their patients needed less frequent referral to hospital. Two-fifths of patients reported an improvement in symptoms, 81% said their general health had improved and 55% that they had been able to reduce their use of painkillers.

The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was closely involved in setting up the trial, which was implemented by Get Well UK, a not-for-profit supplier of complementary healthcare. It involved NHS GPs offering selected complementary therapies to two groups of patients: those with musculo-skeletal conditions and people with mild to moderate mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress.

The therapies included acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology and aromatherapy, all administered by local practitioners. More than 700 patients took part.Dr Michael Dixon, the foundation’s medical director, said: ‘Patients have clearly benefited – and so has the health service. Reduced prescribing and less need for hospital treatment has saved NHS money.‘All the GPs involved wanted to continue practising integrated healthcare with the option to refer their patients for complementary therapies.

neil.durham@haymarket.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Dog Show

My mother attended the dog show yesterday. She was inspired to write down a few of her thoughts and take a couple of very adorable photos.

"The International Kennel Club show was at McCormick in Chicago this past weekend. The show presented extraordinary contrasts. On one hand, the dogs were beautiful, immaculately groomed, obviously loved, cautiously fed, and beautifully trained. Their owners took wonderful care of them, as you can see from the photos. On the other hand, the owners were clearly exhausted and the surfaces of their areas were covered with fast food, bad sweets, and unhealthy treats.

It is strange that people who so clearly know how to care for their pets, have trouble caring for themselves. The dogs were rested, the owners were stressed; the dogs ate carefully, the owners ate carelessly. Traditional Chinese Medicine rests on the principles of balance. Here again, we can see where the balance of self and other would be useful to these caring owners."

I think both the dogs and the caretakers could benefit from some acupuncture. Acupuncture for pets (especially dogs) is becoming more popular. To read more about animals and acupuncture check out my previous post Acupuncture for Pets Becoming More Common.

How to Prevent Back Pain...Try Acupuncture!

by MedLady
September 9, 2008

In this post Medlady gives some helpful tips on how to prevent backpain, I think they're all great

but of course #6 is my favorite

6. Acupuncture is another useful solution for back pain. A study based on acupuncture was made at the University of Regensberg in Germany on 1100 patients that had lower back pain and the results were remarkable: 47% of those who have received acupuncture treatment had a considerable improvement of their health. The acupuncture positive effects lasted most of the patients more than six months.

To read all MedLady's tips on preventing back pain click here

For more information on Acupuncture and Back Pain click here

Eat Black Beans for Fertility and a Big Dose of Antioxidants

"Your body is like a garden... As in all gardens, the seed we hope to plant in our bodies grows best when we cultivate the ground and plant and nurture the seed in harmony with the laws of nature. You wouldn't put a tender plant in clay soil without first tilling and amending the earth - at least not if you wanted to give that plant its best start. You wouldn't plant in the dead of winter, or in the dry season without water, or in a sunless place.

Likewise, if we tend our bodies, minds, and spirits with an awareness of the laws of nature, we improve our chances of welcoming the gifts of Quan Yin, the fertility goddess." Angela Wu, L.Ac., author of Fertility Wisdom.

Black Beans

According to Oriental medicine, the energy of the Kidney system is important for reproduction and fertility enhancement often starts with the Kidneys. A good example of a food that nourishes the Kidneys and promotes fertility is black beans.

Health Benefits of Black Beans

From an Eastern perspective, black beans are warming in nature. They are thought to tonify the Kidney Qi and nourish Yin and Blood. From a Western perspective, black beans are an excellent source of protein, folate, iron and fiber and are rich in antioxidants.

Loaded with Antioxidants Worlds Healthiest Foods reported on research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry indicating that black beans are as rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins as grapes and cranberries, fruits long considered antioxidant superstars. When researchers analyzed different types of beans, they found that, the darker the bean's seed coat, the higher its level of antioxidant activity. Gram for gram, black beans were found to have the most antioxidant activity, followed in descending order by red, brown, yellow, and white beans. Overall, the level of antioxidants found in black beans in this study is approximately 10 times that found in an equivalent amount of oranges, and comparable to that found in an equivalent amount of grapes or cranberries.

Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, November 2003

This information was taken from acufinder.com

Namaste

"I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me."

Depak Chopra

Acupuncture and Reproductive Health

By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

Current statistics state that one in five couples over the age of 30 have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying. Many of these couples are turning to acupuncture and Oriental medicine for a safe, effective and natural solution to have a healthy baby.

Oriental medicine has a long history when it comes to enhancing fertility for both men and women. In fact, evidence that acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to aid fertility can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3AD.

Fertility treatments were first recorded by Zhang Zhong Jing, a famous physician from the Han Dynasty, in his discussion of diseases in women in the Jin Gui Yao Lue or Essentials of the Golden Cabinet.

How Acupuncture Can Enhance Fertility

According to the principles of Oriental medicine, a person's health is determined by the quality of Qi, the vital life energy, and blood circulating through the body. When Qi and blood are circulating properly, the body is properly nourished and functioning optimally which, in turn, enhances fertility.

Researchers have confirmed its benefit in the following areas:

*Regulate menstrual cycle.
*Improve sperm count and motility.
*Reduce stress and anxiety associated with infertility.
*Normalize hormone and endocrine systems.
*Improve blood flow in the uterus.
*Decrease chance of miscarriage.
*Increase the chance of pregnancy for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Fertility treatments vary from person to person, but are usually scheduled for at least three consecutive cycles (twelve weeks). Treatments can include acupuncture, customized herbal therapy, stress reduction and dietary counseling. Treatments work alone but are an excellent addition to any Western intervention.

To read the full article at acufinder.com click here

5 Easy Ways To Reclaim Balance In Your Life

Last week I posted my first article to Hopefulparents.org. I thought some of my readers here might find it useful as well.

Hi, my name is Jennifer Dubowsky. I am a licensed Acupuncturist in Chicago (tcm007.com) and I will be a contributing writer here.I have treated several parents who cope with the daily trials and joys of having children with special needs. I hope I can bring some valuable information to you via Hopeful Parents blog. If there are some specific topics you would like to know more about, please let me know. I look forward to our conversations.

Today I want to talk about balance, one of the most fundamental concepts in Eastern Philosophy and Chinese Medicine. Striving for balance is the search for harmony or equilibrium in our lives. This idea is often pictured as the Yin Yang symbol. There are many examples of yin and yang in our every day lives (To read more about yin and yang click here). Your more active energy is considered Yang in nature and Yin is your calm energy. You feel best when Yin and Yang work together, for example, if you get good nights sleep (sleeping/nighttime is yin), you wake up refreshed and are able to have an active and fulfilling day (running around with kids/daytime is yang). This is an example of how the concept of yin and yang helps you to create balance in you life.

In my practice I often see parents, especially mothers, who are out of balance because they lack yin energy.This calming yin energy is depleted because so many parents, especially those who have children with special needs, are required to be always active and alert. So, if you have only a few moments to capture some calm,

Here are 5 quick ways (most take fewer than 5 minutes) to nourish your yin.

1. Place one hand on your lower abdomen and breathe deeply until you feel your stomach rise. Exhale slowly and repeat 10 times. When you are stressed, you breathe into your chest and that increases anxiety but these slow and deep breaths will help you regain your calm.

2. Eat a handful of Goji berries. They are great snack and they nourish your yin (to read more about goji berries click here) or try almonds before you go to bed. Almonds contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps induce sleep and relaxation

3. Use lavender essential oil in your bedroom on your bed sheets, in your bath, or as a perfume.Lavender’s scent is relaxing.

4. Take 5 minutes of silence every day, away from children, spouse, TV, Blackberry, cell phone, everything. Silence is the balance to all life’s unavoidable stimulation

5. Remember one thing for which you are grateful. Write it on a post-it note; carry it with you if you need too. Being grateful helps balance out the difficult periods.

Keys to a Healthy Winter Lifestyle

This article is from Acupuncture.com
By Jessica Chen, L.Ac.

“During the winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period. This is a time when yin dominates yang.”The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Chinese Medicine

Thinking of winter, one recalls family gatherings, holiday parties, big bold foods, warm ciders, thick socks, chilly weather, and of course, colds and flu. How do we take care of ourselves, mentally and physically? We do so by living according to nature, eating seasonal foods, and keeping life simple.

Food – During winter, our body craves foods that are heartier because they warm the body and strengthen the immune system. Eating cold and raw foods should be limited as they bring down your body temperature. Try eating soups and stews, roasted nuts, and seeds. To read more about TCM and winter diet click here

Exercise – Even though we naturally slow down during this time, we should still do gentle exercises to keep our circulation flowing, immune system strong, muscles stretched, and joints lubricated.

Sleep – Wintertime is a good time to conserve your energy. This is the time you want to go to bed a little earlier and sleep a little longer. Let your body recharge. Snuggle up with your loved ones, a pet, or a warm pillow, and snooze!

Meditation – Give your mind some quiet. With less stress comes better sleep, which leads to a stronger immune system. Take five minutes minimum daily to sit in complete stillness and quiet--and breathe.

Self-reflection – The stillness of the winter season is a good time for self reflection and taking a good look at yourself. Traditionally, people have made New Year’s resolutions in January which is a form of self reflection, as is writing in a journal. According to nature, our bodies are meant to slow down and conserve energy during the winter. Times have changed, but the basic principles should not.

Keep in mind winter’s wisdom in order to stay healthy throughout the new year!

How Does Western Medicine Explain Acupuncture?

Western medicine does not subscribe to Traditional Chinese Medicine’s explanation of meridians and qi.

How do they understand the effectiveness of acupuncture? Western medicine has found that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain and central nervous system. Endorphins and serotonin are natural chemicals that regulate pleasure and mood. Enhanced levels of these natural chemicals can have a strong affect on a persons mood and provide pain relief.

Happy Valentines Day!

Herbal Alternatives For Children

I recently got 2 wonderful tips for children from my friend and fellow acupuncturist Nicole Hohmann, L.A.c.

1. Boost and protect your child’s immune system with astragalus. Astragalus is especially good preventively for children with frequent infections to take in the winter time and for kids with allergies. The brand Eclectic Institute has a spearmint flavored glycerite liquid form of astragalus. Follow the dosing guidelines for your child's weight found on the label. You can put it in juice, but do not give too much juice, especially orange juice, to sick children as it could cause more phlegm. If you want to read more about the benefits of this herb, click here

2. Help soothe ear infections with garlic mullein oil from Herb Pharm. This is a topical application. Put a couple of drops in the ear and secure the liquid with a piece of cotton ball. It can work within a few hours for acute pain.

Both of these products can be found at most Whole Food markets.

If problems are not resolving, try seeing an acupuncturist for further herbal consultations and treatment without needles. Kids under 6 years old often respond well to laser acupuncture and Chinese pediatric massage therapy, both of which are some of Nicole's specialities.

Nicole Hohmann L.A.c.

2400 Chestnut, Suite A
Glenview, IL 60025

847-657-3540

Relationship Management

Valentine's Day is coming soon and a happy relationship always makes for a healthier body. Here are some some great suggestions from author and psychologist Dr. Linda Edelstein

I have made many observations during my 27 years of counseling couples and individuals. There was a classic cognitive psychology book entitled, “Love is Never Enough.” It was a great title. But, if love is not enough to insure a relationship’s success, what else is involved? Here is one idea that my patients consistently find useful. 

THINK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS A TEAM

Briefly and practically, being a team means:

1. The 2 of you are on the same team. Your problems are on the opposing team.

2. Players become expert in different, complementary positions. Not all team members are 3 point shooters.

3. Winning teams have no weak players. Everyone has to work hard.

4. Help each other, watch each other’s back, don’t foul each other. The opposing team (problems) will do that mischief.

5. Remember to appreciate your teammate’s talents. You bring different skills to the game.

6. Like all teams, you win some, you lose some. Sometimes one player messes up but don’t let the anger, guilt or disappointment prevent you from playing the next game. It’s a long season.

7. Shower together and don’t forget to pat each other’s bottoms.

To read Dr. Edelstein's previous post on Managing Anxiety click here

Acupuncture on The Battlefield

I found this exciting post at Whole Family Health: Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture Enters the Battlefield

February 9, 2009

The U.S. Air Force is starting a pilot program to train active-duty physicians in the use of acupuncture for personnel on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Air Force Medical Corps Winter 2008 newsletter. Many promising studies over the last few years have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of conditions like low back pain and depression–two illnesses that often plague armed service personnel.

Officials at the Air Force Surgeon General’s office had this to say, “Over the past few years, acupuncture has been found to be quite effective in ameliorating some of the complex pain syndromes affecting many of our severely wounded warriors.

The purpose of the pilot program is to

a) more formally evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing pain and facilitating an earlier assessment of TBI [traumatic brain injury] in seriously injured patients, and

b) to assess the effectiveness (and practicality) of using acupuncture as a medical adjunct in a deployed setting.”

To read the rest click here

Acupuncture and TCM: Your First Visit

If Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are new treatment ideas for you, you may be a bit apprehensive about your first visit to a TCM practitioner. Let me make it easier for you:

What to Expect on Your First Visit to an Acupuncturist

When you go to an acupuncturist for the first time, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and eat some light food before you arrive. At the office, you will probably be asked to fill out some paperwork about your health history. Your practitioner will then ask you questions, look at your tongue and take your pulse. Then, depending on your complaint, she will provide you with the appropriate treatment and other dietary or lifestyle suggestions. Treatment often includes acupuncture and herbal formulas. Other modalities that your practitioner might suggest include cupping and moxabustion. Many people feel an improvement after one treatment but usually additional treatments (especially in the case of longstanding problems) are required to sustain lasting results.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is wonderful and can be very helpful for a variety of concerns. In my Chicago practice, I often treat acute and chronic pain, infertility, women’s issues, anxiety, sinus, and digestive problems to name a few.

Would Marilyn Monroe Have Used Acupuncture?

Absolutely! In 1953, Marilyn Monroe was on her Tokyo honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio when she came down with severe stomach cramps. DiMaggio called onetime acupuncture patient Lefty O'Doul for help. O'Doul sent over the Japanese doctor Namikoshi Sensei who used acupressure on Miss Monroe. Dr. Sensei pressed his thumbs into the correct spot between her shoulder blades and provided the actress with almost immediate relief for her abdominal pain. He continued to treat her daily at her hotel for one week. Surprising the western medical community, she recovered, and Namikoshi Sensei became instantly famous. After a successful experience with acupressure, of course Marilyn Monroe would use acupuncture, although her revealing gowns might have made her reluctant to try cupping.

Lao zi's View on Success and Failure

"Failure is the Foundation of Success; Success is the Lurking place of failure"

Lao Zi

Winter and the Water Element…

In Chinese Medicine each season has an element, for winter it is water.

From the Zen of Healing Blog
By. David Tucker

The leaves, flowers, all of Nature’s gifts have fallen to the ground, and found their way back into the earth, back to its source… the Tao (to read more about the Tao click here). The cycle of life, like the calendar year, has reached both an end, and a new beginning. This new beginning, both literally and metaphorically, starts with a seed. A seed that is deep and still… and simultaneously gathering power, amassing tremendous potential, to finally manifest its will in the coming of the Spring.

We see this same potent power in the deep ocean – wherein also lies the capacity to be still, deep, and reflective… yet at a moment’s notice, it can be turbulent, unyielding, and even destructive.

As for US during the year, this is a time of going inward… connecting with our own capacity to be still and go deep within ourselves. It is a time of reflection, cleansing, and cultivation. Reflecting on this year’s harvest – its moments of growth, connection, nourishment, inspiration along with its moments of chaos, loneliness, starvation, and letting go. Then can we look in the pond and see ourselves staring back at us in the present – who am I today, what have I become, and finally… what is to come?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Cupping

This article is from Acupuncture.com

In this study, cupping was performed on 30 patients suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Nine patients were male and 21 were female, and the age range was 28-54. All of the patients complained of fatigue, while most mentioned problems with headache, insomnia, muscle-joint, neck, shoulder, upper back aching and pain, poor intake and poor memory. There were also reports of some head distention, dizziness, blurred vision, spontaneous sweating, gastrointestinal disturbances, five-center heat, bitter taste in the mouth, etc.

Twice a week, the patients received sliding cupping treatments along the Back-Shu points with Hong Hua You (Carthamus oil) first applied to their backs. This was done for a total of 12 treatments. After the final treatment, there was no marked improvement with head distention, five-center heat or bitter taste in the mouth. However, there was vast improvement in fatigue levels, insomnia, poor memory, spontaneous sweating, sore throat, profuse dreams, poor intake, abdominal distention, diarrhea, and alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Yang, Huang and Qian, Yu. Si Chuan Zhong Yi (sichuan Chinese Medicine), #6, 2001, pgs. 70-71. Abstracted and translated by Bob Flaws, Dipl. Ac. & C.H., FNAAOM, FRCHM

Hopefulparents.org

My friend Christina Shaver is a very entertaining and honest writer. I also consider her an inspiration. Christina has started a new blog called Hopeful Parents. I think it is a wonderful idea and will be a contributing writer. Please check out her first post and the new blog Hopefulparents.org

The First Step

By Christina Shaver

January 29, 2009

Did you ever think it would turn out like this?

I didn't.

In fact, I had an iron-clad deal (I thought). When we adopted, I checked-off the box that said, "No Special Needs." Didn't think I could hack it.

And believe me, to this day, I sometimes wonder if I can run this marathon.

There are days that I say to myself, "I'm doing it! I'm doing it!" And there are those days, that sometimes come relentlessly for weeks at a time, that I say, "How am I going to keep doing this? I can't do this anymore."

So I started Hopeful Parents, a grassroots community where parents who understand what it's like having a child with special needs can connect.

Consider it a pit-stop in the marathon -- where we can go for attention to our wounds, where we can re-energize our way back on track, where we can look right and look left to see others running too, where we can hear the roar of the crowds cheering us on.

Hopeful Parents is a place of common ground.

Over the course of the next month, we'll introduce you to our diverse pool of talented, thoughtful writers who will share their stories, their feelings, their ups and their downs.

You'll meet parents raising children with physical, psychological, emotional, neurological, sensory, behavioral, social, genetic, and developmental disabilities. Some parents are single, some are married. Some grieve the loss of their child.

You'll also meet healers -- the "medics" who help us through our run. People we can turn to in our pain; people who can help provide some relief.

These writers -- the parents, the healers -- remind us that we're all on this journey together. We don't have to go it alone.

And with that spirit of togetherness, I invite you to get involved with Hopeful Parents. An easy way to start is by commenting on the posts that move you. Then explore the sidebar. There are quite a few links with ways to participate. Please check them out.

Whatever you do, please join the community.

Joining costs nothing and will give you some perks on the site -- access to discussion boards when they become available, the ability to find other hopeful parents in your area. But that's not why I want you to join.

You should join because we -- parents who face increasing medical expenses, parents who often times face uphill battles with our schools, parents who feel the minority in broader social settings -- will have a louder, more powerful voice if all of us, regardless of diagnosis, could come together as one unit.

If every parent of a child with special needs were to join Hopeful Parents, imagine, for a moment, what we could do. Imagine banding together as a whole, collective voice to advocate for our children. Imagine a united assembly, strong in numbers, able to encourage more thoughtful leadership and policies so that we can better help ourselves, each other, our children, our communities, our nation and our world.

It's not a small vision. But it can be done. It starts with you.

A grand undertaking like this -- our marathon -- starts with a step. Here's the first one.

The Year of the Ox — 2009

This article is from Acupuncture.com

By Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., ABAAHP, Ph.D.

Welcome to the Chinese New Year of the Ox. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the new year begins on January 26, 2009.

Many people who paid attention to last year’s forecast told me that they benefited by avoiding some of the pitfalls I warned about. The system of forecasting that I have used for many years is based on ancient Taoist energy science that looks at the dynamics of elemental and cosmic influences. Its usefulness lies in the guidance that helps us avoid negative impacts while encouraging us to make the most out of positive trends.

It is my hope that in this particular time of turmoil and instability, this forecast will be helpful to you and your family as you weather the storm. Like all storms, though destructive and fearsome, this one shall eventually pass, and peace and contentment will be restored once again. The key is to cultivate your strong roots to withstand the tempest. 2009, the Year of the Ox, is represented by two elements—double Earth. The energetic characteristic of the Earth element is one of patience, harmony and charity. Like in a garden, the symbol of the Earth element, hard work, persistence, and patience shall yield dividends in harvest.

Similarly, an ox steadily and methodically plows the field, sharing what the earth produces with those less fortunate are the features of the year. My advice this year is for us to return to the basics, and literally and figuratively, reconnect and take care of our planet Earth. It is a time to heal and rebuild from natural and man-made disasters and breakdowns. We must peacefully bridge international, cultural, religious, and political divisions. It will require enlightened world leaders to come together to accomplish the difficult tasks ahead as global warming and the financial storm have touched every part of the world and affected every person. With cooperation, dedication, and commitment, there is nothing that is impossible, although we need to temper our expectations with patience.

On the health front, the Earth element is represented by our digestive and metabolic systems. In 2009, pay special attention to your stomach, spleen, pancreas, and intestines by reducing alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, excessive dairy intake, heavy meats, and processed foods. We have gotten far removed and disconnected from the sources of our food because of modern agricultural techniques, factory processing, and distribution that begins thousands of miles away. Consequently, our state of health has suffered, including increased incidences of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Look out for conditions like gastric reflux, gastritis, ulcers, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, polyps or cancers of the digestive track, diabetes, obesity or anorexia, and muscular problems.

A return to Earth literally means eating more wholesome foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds that are locally and organically grown. Special emphasis should be placed on antioxidant-rich foods that lower your risk of cancer such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, shitake and maitake mushrooms, berries, yams, sweet potato, asparagus, beets, carrots, avocado, and seaweed. Cook with herbs like dill, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, sage, bay, anise, fennel, cardamom, basil, and coriander. Digestive enzymes and high-potency probiotics can also be added to your diet to enhance your digestive and immune functions.

On the financial front, 2009 will continue its cooling trend but with more calm and steadiness in the financial markets. There will be more pain and sacrifices as the unemployment rate rises and consumers pull back on spending. The housing market will slump but should reach stability later in the year. The Earth energy of the year favors agriculture, food commodities, forestry, selective property development associated with infrastructure building, earth preservation, and global warming initiatives like environmental conservation, alternative energy, and “green” industry. Shipping, transportation, media, banking, and technology will slow down.

In summary, the year 2009 is a “back to the basics” year of taking care of ourselves, our family and our environment. Seek to resolve conflicts, and promote peace and harmony in relationships. Work diligently and consistently to rebuild financially, and cultivate spiritually by doing charitable acts and service to the less fortunate. Help restore universal values of respect, compassion, moderation, harmony and self-responsibility in our lives and in our communities.

These are the attributes that are the basis for a happy and constructive life outlined in the books, Path of Constructive Life and Love of Mother Universe written by my father, Hua-Ching Ni, and me. We invite you to read these and other of our published works as they will help you achieve your true life.

May You Live Long, Live Strong and Live Happy!