tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47699219963931070152024-02-19T08:24:50.205-08:00Kaiser Wellness Centerhttp://www.kaiserwellnesscenter.comKayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-29958011048292649022019-12-12T12:52:00.000-08:002019-12-12T12:52:16.402-08:00Cosmetic Ingredients for Pregnancy The post below was written by Dr. Kayla Kaiser on her blog "Bitch on a bike" and <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2019/12/pregnancy-part-18.html" target="_blank">can be originally found here</a>.<br />
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It's funny how time slows down when you're in the middle of a big transition. What I mean by that is that when you're going through IVF and FET, you count time in weeks+days. Then in pregnancy, you count by weeks or months. Then when you have an infant or toddler, you report their age in months. I was noticing this last night at my new FIT4BABY group in the West San Fernando Valley (Woodland Hills).<br />
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209210563_dd33ed323b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209210563_dd33ed323b_b.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209694736_d4979037c6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209694736_d4979037c6_b.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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I started getting itchy legs at <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2019/08/pregnancy-part-2.html" target="_blank">9 weeks</a> pregnant and it continued throughout the 2nd trimester. I switched up my skincare routine at <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2019/09/pregnancy-part-8.html" target="_blank">16 weeks</a> pregnant and haven't looked back. I've written vaguely about <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2015/05/sf-to-la-packing-list.html" target="_blank">this product</a> before, but the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/C-Bigelow-Mentha-Vitamin-Lotion/dp/B004HGUY2C/" target="_blank">Mentha Vitamin Body Lotion</a> is awesome. My <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2011/10/formula.html" target="_blank">former skincare routine</a> has changed during pregnancy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209745927_bcc6408804_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209745927_bcc6408804_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sepideh Yaghmaei, owner of CT Organics</td></tr>
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First of all, I changed out my deodorant for this:<br />
<a href="https://ctorganics.com/collections/deodorize/products/all-natural-deodorants">https://ctorganics.com/collections/deodorize/products/all-natural-deodorants</a><br />
I placed a big order on July 29th, 2019. By then I would have been 5 weeks past frozen embryo transfer , or 3 weeks after the two week wait. But I've been blogging about CT Organics products since at least <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2017/05/23-reasons-why-you-need-milk-crate-on.html" target="_blank">2017</a>. And after searching my Gmail, I found that I was using it as early as 2013. Our Kaiser Wellness Center website shows that we were working on the formulations in 2012.<br />
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Diatomaceous Earth Deodorant Ingredients: organic coconut oil, raw beeswax, organic shea butter, diatomaceous earth, arrow root powder, baking soda, activated charcoal, tea tree essential oil, cold pressed lemon peel oil, frankincense essential oil<br />
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Secondly, I started using this lotion on my legs and hands:<br />
<a href="https://ctorganics.com/collections/hand-body/products/coconut-shea-butter-lotion-nerloi-frankincense">https://ctorganics.com/collections/hand-body/products/coconut-shea-butter-lotion-nerloi-frankincense</a><br />
I don't even know when I got this lotion, I know that I didn't really need it until pregnancy. I used it on my stretching skin (belly and back) during the first and second trimester and on my itchy legs and raw, red and itchy, cracked hands. The version I have came in a pot not a tube, so it must have been a sample that Sepi gave us. But you can get your hands on it by ordering through her website or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/7834857011" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.<br />
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Coconut Shea Butter Lotion (Tahitian Vanilla Blend) Ingredients: purified water, sweet almond oil, organic coconut oil, organic Shea Butter, raw beeswax, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, , frankincense essential oil, ceteareth 20, Glyceryl oleate citrate, caprylic triglyceride, gluconolactone, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, vanillin, Tahitian Vanilla Essential Oil (CO2 extract), calcium gluconate<br />
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After I confirmed that I was pregnant, I was terrified of doing anything in the first trimester that would jeopardize the fetus. I found a list of banned chemicals on one of my pregnancy apps and wrote them all down on this markerboard.<br />
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There are an alarming number of chemicals in skin-care products and it doesn't make sense to me that these things are not good for pregnancy but allowed for non-pregnant people. If these substances are bad for human life, why are they allowed at all?<br />
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Xom3 Balm Ingredients:<br />
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So I threw out lots of things such as nail polish and put aside all the aluminum-containing deodorants. I got rid of any products with salicylic acid and packed up my chemical sunscreens. I checked all my shampoo, conditioners and moisturizers for the other ingredients listed there under bullet points 4, 6 and 7. I also read that no drinking herbal tea and no using essential oils. Despite this, I did use a bit of my pal Mandy's <a href="https://xom3.com/collections/balms" target="_blank">balm</a>s.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209746412_ae4d41c12d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209746412_ae4d41c12d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy Gough, owner of XoM3</td></tr>
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When my hands are cracking, there's nothing like a layering of Mandy's balm, topped with Sepi's Coconut Shea Butter lotion, and if they're still itching a coating of C.O. Bigelow Mentha Vitamin Body Lotion. There's another hand lotion I used that contains Jojoba oil and it is formulated to soothe and deodorize gardener's hands, I'll have to add this later since I can't find it on a Google search.<br />
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Finally, I wanted to discuss some commercial products that I can't live without now. The first is from Bath and Body Works called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bath-Body-Works-Nourishing-Sweetie/dp/B005LY6XGA" target="_blank">Tahiti Sweetie</a> that is a body lotion with monoi oil. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. I remember buying like 5 tubes of it when I realized it was going out of production, but I think I'm on my second to last tube now!<br />
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This is my gentle cleanser for every day.<br />
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209922812_11778abc40_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209922812_11778abc40_b.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209212823_574489f0c4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="708" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209212823_574489f0c4_b.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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This is what I put on immediately after cleanser.</div>
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209209893_d96c1ff6b6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49209209893_d96c1ff6b6_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what I put on top of my moisturizer.</div>
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Clinique Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6.3% , Zinc Oxide 4.0%<br />
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Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau , Dimethicone , Butyloctyl Salicylate , Polydiethylsiloxane , C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate , Isononyl Isononanoate , Diethylhexyl Succinate , Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate , Methyl Trimethicone , Butylene Glycol , Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene , Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone , Silica , Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate , Laureth-4 , Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone , Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer , Dimethicone Silylate , Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer , Triethoxycaprylylsilane , Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3 , Isostearic Acid , Caprylyl Glycol , Polyhydroxystearic Acid , Dipropylene Glycol , Phenoxyethanol , Iron Oxides (Ci 77492) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77491) <iln41953></iln41953><br />
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I am realizing now that I sound like a total hypocrite, since the ingredients for the products I am discussing here may not be safe for pregnancy. But at some point, I must have decided to abandon the safety of the first trimester and go for whatever could soothe my dry skin and acne.<br />
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Just like Bill Cosby says in the 1983 standup routine called "Himself," you've fooled around long enough. I have to start doing something work-related since I've been here for 3 hours and all I've done is write this blog post.</div>
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-71086281974191425182019-08-21T13:18:00.000-07:002019-08-22T12:12:04.716-07:00Anti-Aging Skin Series Post 16: The Thermodynamics of Cosmetic Formulations!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-vector-heat-flow-between-hot-and-cold-objects-this-science-diagram-shows-the-second-law-of-thermodynamics-1135642121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="800" height="258" src="https://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-vector-heat-flow-between-hot-and-cold-objects-this-science-diagram-shows-the-second-law-of-thermodynamics-1135642121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/heat-flow-between-hot-cold-objects-1135642121" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a></div>
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Where has that series gone called '<i><a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-Aging%20Skin%20Series" target="_blank">anti-aging skin care</a></i>' products? For those new to the series, here is a quick refresher of the series. The point of the series was to demystify the world of cosmetics through discussing the ingredients on the back which make them up. How do ingredients help define the cosmetic product's function? I had to put the series on hold for a while (until now) do to other writing responsibilities. But now I am back. Thank you for being patient with me. I needed to learn how to engage you (the reader) more effectively. And give myself a little practice writing in other forums.<br />
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Anyways, <a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/06/anti-aging-skin-series-post-15-little.html" target="_blank">I left off with analyzing a journal article</a> about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29280987" target="_blank">anti-inflammatory agents and skin barrier function.</a> In the next blog post, I will continue where I left off. For now, I wanted to deviate a little and talk about skincare formulations and chemistry behind them. Specifically, I want to touch on 'emulsification.' Emulsifiers have an important role in skincare formulations. Read on below and find out how emulsifiers stabilize solutions of different phases. Enjoy!<br />
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29280987" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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A few months ago, I ran across an article (which is below) with a question which dives deep into the molecular interactions involved in an 'emulsifier'.<br />
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At this point right now, you may be scratching your head wondering what an 'emulsifier' is?<br />
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Fair enough.<br />
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If you think of the following bottle of Salad dressing shown below:<br />
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<a href="https://www.jessicagavin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/what-is-an-emulsion-3-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://www.jessicagavin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/what-is-an-emulsion-3-600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="https://www.jessicagavin.com/what-is-an-emulsion/" target="_blank">Jesica Gavin</a></div>
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Notice how the Salad dressing on the left contains two distinct (i.e., very different) phases of liquids. The phase on top is 'less dense' (i.e. lighter, less matter per unit volume) than the phase on the bottom.<br />
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Phases with two different densities are around us each day. Ice water with ice cubes is the most frequent example. Ice is a phase of water that is less dense than liquid water. Meaning that there are fewer molecules per volume.<br />
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Water is a special substance.<br />
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Why? Typically, when the molecules in a liquid slow down to form a crystal, the unit density is larger than that of a liquid of the same substance. But I did not write this article to discuss one property exclusively -- i.e., density. If we dig a little deeper, the two distinct phases above can be made into a single phase. Of course, that would require a molecular phase with properties of both phases above.<br />
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What is Thermodynamics?</h1>
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Thermodynamics can be introduced by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamics" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> as follows:<br />
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Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature, and their relation to energy, work, radiation, and properties of matter. The behavior of these quantities is governed by the four laws of thermodynamics which convey a quantitative description using measurable macroscopic physical quantities, but may be explained in terms of microscopic constituents by statistical mechanics. Thermodynamics applies to a wide variety of topics in science and engineering, especially physical chemistry, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, but also in fields as complex as meteorology.</blockquote>
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Historically, thermodynamics developed out of a desire to increase the efficiency of early steam engines, particularly through the work of French physicist Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot (1824) who believed that engine efficiency was the key that could help France win the Napoleonic Wars.[1] Scots-Irish physicist Lord Kelvin was the first to formulate a concise definition of thermodynamics in 1854[2] which stated, "Thermo-dynamics is the subject of the relation of heat to forces acting between contiguous parts of bodies, and the relation of heat to electrical agency."</blockquote>
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The initial application of thermodynamics to mechanical heat engines was extended early on to the study of chemical compounds and chemical reactions. Chemical thermodynamics studies the nature of the role of entropy in the process of chemical reactions and has provided the bulk of expansion and knowledge of the field.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Other formulations of thermodynamics emerged. Statistical thermodynamics, or statistical mechanics, concerns itself with statistical predictions of the collective motion of particles from their microscopic behavior. In 1909, Constantin Carathéodory presented a purely mathematical approach in an axiomatic formulation, a description often referred to as geometrical thermodynamics.</blockquote>
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The introduction above may seem confusing. Thermodynamics is concerned with the various forms of energy in a system and its surroundings. Some people find thermodynamics to be confusing and incomprehensible. Terms such as entropy and heat may throw a monkey wrench into a person's understanding of a chemical system. Although, thermodynamics is good at explaining various large scale properties of systems -- such as heat transfer, the entropy within the system, etc. Confused yet?<br />
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Anyways, during the learning process, I have scoured the internet for various explanations or clarifications to different concepts. That is part of an investigation into learning about cosmetic products. Incorporating the chemistry behind the product requires a person to think about the energy within a system. How is the system work with its constituent ingredients? How does the system hold itself together? How does thermodynamics achieve this?<br />
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Thermodynamics is the accountant for the energy of the system. A person cannot help but investigate thermodynamic properties of a system to understand how the individual molecules mixed into a solution interact such that collectively they form the macroscopic system -- i.e., cosmetic product.<br />
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One such concept was that of an "Emulsifying Stabilizer". Below is an example of a question/answer query that I found on a website called "<i><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_does_an_emulsifier_stabilize_an_emulsion" target="_blank">Research Gate</a></i>":<br />
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Question:<br />
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<b>How does an emulsifier stabilize an emulsion?</b></blockquote>
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Emulsion can be stabilized by increasing the repulsion between the dispersed phase i.e., by increasing the electrostatic repulsion (which is long range) or steric repulsion (short range). Emulsifiers are amphiphiles that reduce the interfacial tension between the two phases and contribute to the stabilization of dispersed droplets with electrostatic or steric effects. </blockquote>
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I wish to know the detailed mechanism by which emulsifiers stabilize an emulsion. References will be of real help.</blockquote>
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Thanks.</blockquote>
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<b><u>One possible Answer that intrigued me was the following:</u></b><br />
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Answer:<br />
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When a surfactant adsorbs on the interface the interfacial tension between the two phases decreases. The reduced interfacial tension depends on the concentration of the surfactant according to the Gibbs’ isotherm.</blockquote>
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Adsorbed surfactants or solid particles stabilize emulsions via two main mechanisms:</blockquote>
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1. steric stabilization</blockquote>
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2. electrostatic stabilization</blockquote>
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Steric stabilization arises from a physical barrier to contact and coalescence. For example, high-molecular-weight polymers can adsorb on the surface of the dispersed phase droplets and extend significantly into the continuous phase, providing a volume restriction or a physical barrier for particle interactions. As polymer coated particles approach, the polymers are forced into close proximity and repulsive forces arise, keeping particles apart from each other. Surface-active solid particles such as clays have also been shown to sterically stabilize emulsions.</blockquote>
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Electrostatic stabilization is based on the mutual repulsive forces that are generated when electrical charged surfaces approach each other. In an electrostatically stabilized emulsion, an ionic or ionisable surfactant forms a charged layer at the interface. For an oil-in-water emulsion, this layer is neutralized by counter ions in the continuous phase. The charged surface and the counter ions are termed a double layer. If the counter ions are diffuse (thick double layer), the disperse phase droplets act as charged spheres as they</blockquote>
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approach each other. If the repulsive forces are strong enough, the droplets are repelled before they can make contact and coalesce, and the emulsion is stable.</blockquote>
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In general, electrostatic stabilization is significant only for oil-in-water emulsions since the electric double-layer thickness is much greater in water than in oil.</blockquote>
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Both electrostatic and steric forces can prevent aggregation or coalescence and hence stabilize emulsions.</blockquote>
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Reference: Urrutia P.I., Predicting Water-In-Oil Emulsion Coalescence From Surface Pressure Isotherms, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary M. Sc. Thesis, 2006.</blockquote>
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I hope it was useful for you.</blockquote>
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That is what occurs when the mixture is shaken up as shown in the right-hand side. Over time, the emulsifier is not strong enough to stabilize the two phases from forming again. The interactions of repulsion and attraction play a dominant role in all of chemistry. The scale on which these interactions occur is so small that typically we do not see them (or think about them).<br />
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Chemists think about them on a daily basis -- especially, formulation chemists at a cosmetic product manufacturing company. The energetics associated with interactions determine whether a reaction will occur or not. Chemistry plays a beautiful role in our world every day. Although, most of us choose not to look or think of these interactions. Which is fine too.<br />
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Although, when a consumer goes into a store and purchases a cosmetic product, the questions he/she asks the vendor are involving the interactions of the ingredients. Further, the questions include the interaction of the ingredients with the customer's skin and thermodynamic variables -- temperature, pressure, volume, and environmental conditions. After reading this brief article, I would expect your picture and thinking involving cosmetic ingredients to have widened -- which is great.<br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-60461982236003810632019-06-09T13:53:00.002-07:002019-06-09T13:53:32.220-07:00Fresh Produce and Healthy FatsIn 2018 I was obsessed with cooking <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/01/grains-beans-nuts-and-seeds.html" target="_blank">whole grains and beans</a>. Unfortunately this low-cost, high-carbohydrate diet did not help me escape obesity. In 2019 I have been following <a href="https://www.zitawest.com/product/the-ivf-diet-the-plan-to-support-ivf-treatment-and-help-couples-conceive/" target="_blank">The IVF Diet</a>, which I also refer to as a Garden of Eden diet. I have lost about 15 pounds so far, but I would have to lose 50 pounds more to reach a "normal" BMI. Now that I have found a method that is working, I will be sticking to it until it does not work anymore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmer's Market haul from May 19, 2019</td></tr>
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Living in California has been great, since we can go to the Farmer's Market and get most of what we need. If I had the discipline, I would write down the prices we pay for these items at the Farmer's Market, but to be honest I do not enjoy tracking cash transactions. Many people have an idea that the Farmer's Market will be more expensive, but I doubt that. When you consider that you are eliminating carbon cost associated with supply chain, and you are getting fresher produce (less wasting rotted fruit and vegetables), then you might be getting more than what you pay for.<br />
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What I can share with you is saved receipts from the grocery stores for the past few weeks. We have been eating according to a Two Week Cleanse that eliminates most dairy and gluten. Here are my results. The items are in no particular order.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheapest source is highlighted in green</td></tr>
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Similarly to what I found in a <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/01/grains-beans-nuts-and-seeds.html" target="_blank">previous analysis</a>, Winco is the cheapest place to get the items we need for the diet. It is not as dramatic since the items above are fresh and not found in bulk bins, but there are a few notable exceptions. The almond butter machine inside the store at Winco is amazing! I also discovered that Winco has pitted dates in the bulk section.</div>
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Side note: I was almost forcibly removed from Walmart when they noticed that I was writing down prices in my notebook. Their argument was that I could have checked all the prices from home using their shopping app, but I preferred to check them in person at the store. I explained that the information was "just for me" since I am on a new diet and eating the same items every two weeks. I believe I have a right to comparison shop to get the best prices in my local area (Los Angeles).</div>
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Unfortunately, we live 40 miles from the nearest Winco. We have a car that gets 25 mpg highway. With gas prices around $4 per gallon, it costs $13 to drive to Winco and back. Compared to our local store (Von's) and the organic retailer (Whole Foods), the savings are worth the drive. You can find the shopping list for week 1 of the diet in the <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2019/06/why-am-i-not-losing-weight-while.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>. Happy shopping!</div>
Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-43146245371982564222019-06-09T13:11:00.000-07:002019-06-09T13:11:56.780-07:00Why am I not losing weight while working out?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I asked myself this question exactly 6 months ago. I started using MyFitnessPal (a free app for tracking what you eat, drink and do). I did not have an answer to that question at the time, because I was not experiencing success. But since I am having success now, I want to tell you what I am doing that is working.</div>
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Full disclosure, I am a 38-year old woman with a BMI between 35 and 40. Although I was intaking 1700 calories per day, working out, and taking vitamins (micronutrients), I was not considering macronutrients. I did not imagine that balancing protein, carbs and fat would have any impact. After taking a break from MyFitnessPal tracking due to a software issue that did not allow me to log in, I restarted using it in the new year.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.myfitnesspal.com/reports">https://www.myfitnesspal.com/reports</a></td></tr>
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We got Fitbit watches about 10 months ago, which initially I thought was a great way of tracking steps without having to carry my phone everywhere. Previously I was using Google Fit, but after they changed their interface to this weird circle thing that I can't seem to understand, I kind of quit paying attention to it. The good thing is that you can sync these apps so that the data is shared among them. That way, you can visualize it in any of the apps.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/fit/">https://www.google.com/fit/</a></td></tr>
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I find it interesting seeing how Fitbit (Alta HR) tracks heart rate and sleep. What I really wanted was just a rechargeable watch. The battery life is really good, I only recharge it maybe once a week. Yet with MyFitnessPal, Fitbit and Google Fit together, I was not able to lose weight like I needed to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fitbit.com/activities">https://www.fitbit.com/activities</a></td></tr>
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We are on a project now to get pregnant. One of the pieces of advice given was to adjust the macronutrient intake to greater than 25% protein and less than 40% carbohydrates. I had never paid that much attention to "macros" but it seems to have helped my body shed fat. The way it was explained to me is that you log everything you are eating into the MyFitnessPal app and then, click on the diary. Add your foods, then click on the pie chart icon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MyFitnessPal: Nutrition, Macros, Day View</td></tr>
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If you have not had enough protein before dinner, be sure to have a protein-heavy meal as your last meal of the day. But definitely consider adding protein to EVERY meal otherwise it will be impossible to achieve this result. I was relying on my own inspiration and creativity for a brief time in mid-March. It was getting disgusting trying to eat a chicken breast and 5 hard-boiled eggs every day.<br />
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Then we got a book in the mail called <a href="https://www.zitawest.com/product/the-ivf-diet-the-plan-to-support-ivf-treatment-and-help-couples-conceive/" target="_blank">The IVF Diet</a>, but I also refer to it as the "Garden of Eden" diet. You are taking lots of nuts and berries. At first glance, it seemed too complicated. There were too many ingredients. But I think that is why it is working. It is a diverse array of foods, with an emphasis on lean protein, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), omega-3 fatty acids, and colorful fruits and vegetables.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The IVF Diet: Week 1 Shopping List</td></tr>
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The first week, we went to Whole Foods and filled up 2 shopping carts. It cost $350 which we thought would be too expensive to continue. What we found is that each subsequent week got easier. Many of those items last for a month or longer. We actually lowered our monthly food spending since we are eating at home and not getting takeout.</div>
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I would say that this could be a diet for anyone. When my doctor told me to "eat healthy," I did not know what that meant. I was so frustrated and disappointed with my unsuccessful attempts to lose weight by caloric restriction and exercise alone. So if you are stuck at a weight that is unsatisfactory for you, maybe it is time to consider tracking your macros.Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-80455892426739682492019-06-07T10:28:00.000-07:002019-06-07T10:28:01.081-07:00FDA should finalize Sodium Targets, Although Lobbyists Disagree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47122419954_e21bf44853_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47122419954_e21bf44853_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "san francisco" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ubuntu" , "roboto" , "noto" , "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/n4ymhyyFY7A?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Jason Briscoe</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "san francisco" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ubuntu" , "roboto" , "noto" , "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/search/photos/salt-in-foods?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Unsplash</a></div>
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Too much sodium in the diets of Americans is unhealthy. According to the <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day" target="_blank">American Heart Association (AMA)</a>, the average American eats more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day. The recommended amount by the American Heart Association is less than 1,500 milligrams per day.<br />
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To make matters worse, when asked about the amount of sodium in their daily diet, respondents in <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day" target="_blank">one study</a> could not estimate the exact (or approximate) number of milligrams of salt in their food each day. Further, the respondents thought that they were eating less than 2,000 milligrams per day.<br />
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In light of this revelation, the amount of sodium in Americans daily diets should not be solely in the hands of the consumers. What about the manufacturers of food? Why are these corporations not held accountable for elevated amounts of salt in their products? Congress has directed the Food and Drug Administration to address the issue of sodium reduction targets in foods sold in the United States. What is the status you may ask? </div>
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Reporting from '<a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-agriculture/2019/05/22/agriculture-spending-bill-lands-today-629528" target="_blank">Politico Agriculture</a>' suggests that there is a battle in Congress with lobbyists on one side and Sustainable Food Policy Alliance on the other regarding Sodium reduction targets in food:</div>
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Make way for sodium reduction? Health advocates and the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance have asked appropriators to make sure there's no language in the approps bill that could block FDA from advancing long-awaited sodium reduction targets (past bills have pumped the brakes). They also want funding to support sodium cuts in school meals, among other things.</blockquote>
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The FDA has said it's preparing to release sodium reduction targets in the coming months, but the effort has sparked late-game lobbying from industry groups. The agency is now expected to finalize only short-term reduction targets, but the final details are unknown.</blockquote>
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How much sodium will be in our daily diet? Will the FDA clamp down and ultimately set a lower amount of sodium in each product? Or will the Agency give in to the lobbyists who hit Congress hard and let the status quo exist without change?<br />
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Placing the daily sodium intake in the consumer's hand is difficult. Why? Sodium finds its way into foods by different ingredients. Below are different ingredients (chemicals - molecular structures) which contain sodium:<br />
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48016005837_2ce2a03ddd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48016005837_2ce2a03ddd_o.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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You may recognize the different molecules above as common ingredients in different favorite foods. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is the molecule responsible for enhancing the flavor of food - which tricks the body into eating more. Food packages sold in stores do not list all ingredient concentrations. Which makes determining the total amount of sodium in the daily diet difficult.<br />
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Although, armed with the list of sodium containing chemicals which are common in foods gives the consumers a fighting chance to curtail their consumption. Congress needs to act on the Food and Drug Administration to reach sodium reduction targets soon. Until Congress pushes the FDA to reach a goal, consumers should be vigilant about the amount of sodium incorporated into their diet. Stay tuned!<br />
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<b><u>Related Blog Posts:</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/05/congresswoman-alexandria-ocasio-cortez.html" target="_blank">Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Questions Drug Manufacturer Over Excessive Prices On Drugs</a><br />
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<a href="https://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/05/new-drug-design-strategies-consider.html" target="_blank">New Drug Design Strategies - Consider the Patient during the Design Process</a><br />
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<a href="https://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/05/former-fda-director-asked-congress-for.html" target="_blank">Former FDA Director Asked Congress For Clarity Regarding CBD in Food Products</a><br />
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<a href="http://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/05/food-is-not-addictive-but-is-filled.html" target="_blank">Food is not addictive, but is filled with Addictive Drugs -- Engineered Chemicals to Elicit Addiction</a><br />
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<a href="http://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/03/just-make-generic-cheaper-version-of.html" target="_blank">"Just Make A Generic (Cheaper Version) Of The Drug"? Not So Easy...</a><br />
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<a href="http://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/03/update-on-fdas-policy-agenda-for.html" target="_blank">Update: On FDA's Policy Agenda For Combatting Opioid Crisis</a><br />
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<a href="http://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-future-making-medicines-in-your.html" target="_blank">The future: Making Medicines in your kitchen?</a><br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-45795645573848291932018-12-21T10:27:00.003-08:002018-12-21T10:27:40.287-08:00What is the difference between General Anxiety Disorder and Trump Anxiety Disorder?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Source: <a href="http://time.com/5047874/anxiety-disorder-symptoms/" target="_blank">Time Magazine</a></div>
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<i>Note: This article originally appeared the blog site </i>-- "<a href="http://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2018/12/what-is-difference-between-general.html" target="_blank">Mike Thinks</a>"<br />
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More people than are commonly thought to suffer from some degree of anxiety disorder. You may be wondering what is the operational (psychiatric) definition of anxiety. No worries, I will get to that shortly. Recently, as in the past two years, research has shown that politics has played a major part in increased anxiety. How? A scientific study published in the Journal 'Science' titled "<a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/1020" target="_blank">The effect of partisanship and political advertising on close family ties</a>" showed that on average, families spend fewer number of hours together as a result of the division based upon differing political views in the current political climate. Remember, the study was conducted after the election. The current political climate has caused noticeable adverse changes in family dynamics. How does one differentiate between anxiety based on events (politics) and anxiety which is inherent to each of us to some degree.<br />
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What is Anxiety?</h1>
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Anxiety is commonly viewed as a sharpening tool to keep us alert to any threats -- a survival mode. For a large percentage of people, anxiety is anything but a 'sharpening tool' and more often associated with feeling of 'excessive nervousness'. Further, a certain amount of people suffer to a large degree from anxiety on a daily basis from carrying out their normal daily lives. Which is concerning to say the least. In order to understand the disorder which inflicts so many people without notice, an operational definition of General Anxiety Disorder is needed.<br />
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I just finished a book titled "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Case-Donald-Trump-Psychiatrists/dp/1250179459" target="_blank">The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump,</a>" (organized and edited by Dr. Bandy X. Lee) -- a compilation of written works describing the symptoms which contribute to the informal diagnosis of President Donald J. Trump. By discussing possible attributes/qualities of different personality and other mental health disorders, the contributors discuss the problems facing the United States along with President Trump. Without violating the 'Goldwater Rule', the contributors focus on what electing a person with disorders says about the electorate (you and I).<br />
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As I just mentioned, the book had a number of mental health professionals contributing to the book. The author who I would like to highlight wrote a chapter titled "Trump Anxiety Disorder" whose name is Jennifer Contarino Panning. She is a licensed psycotherapist in Clarkston, Michigan. The excerpts below are shown to help introduce an operation definition of General Anxiety Disorder along with distinguishing the newly emerging Trump Anxiety Disorder. First, lets start with a definition of General Anxiety Disorder:<br />
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It is important to differentiate generalized anxiety disorder and Trump anxiety disorder. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (5th ed.) (commonly referred to as DSM-V), is widely used among mental health professionals (American Psychiatric Association 2013). It describes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as characterized by excessive, uncontrollable, and often irrational worry--that is, apprehensive expectation about events or activities. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals with GAD typically anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, family problems, friendship problems, interpersonal relationship problems, or work difficulties. Individuals often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, excessive stomach acid buildup, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, bouts of breathing difficulty, difficulty concentrating, trembling, twitching, irritability, agitation, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, hot flashes, rashes, and an inability to fully control the anxiety. </blockquote>
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The author goes onto state that these symptoms must be consistent and ongoing to be formally diagnosed by a physician for at least 6 months. Moreover, that according to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 7 million Americans suffer from General Anxiety Disorder within a year....Wow! Each of us have felt a sense of anxiety at some point in our life. Whether that be preparing a work project or presenting a speaking event to a large audience. That is typically normal anxiety associated with stress of planning. Some people often have difficulty distinguishing between stress and anxiety. Regardless, understanding the causes of anxiety or stress are important.<br />
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Which is why after certain events in time, new anxiety can be sourced to a different cause. Although, the phenomenon on a larger scale calls for a different type of analysis. Further, the type of anxiety causing issue at a national scale has been traced to a certain number of events. These events have been surrounding the campaign/election of President Donald J. Trump. Below, the differences along with the definition of Trump Anxiety Disorder will be highlighted.<br />
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What is Trump Anxiety Disorder?</h2>
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As I mentioned above, suffering from General Anxiety Disorder is terrible enough on a daily basis. Now, add in the unknown quantity of Trump Anxiety Disorder. What is the difference between the two anxiety disorders. Let's define it. The author of the above excerpt, Dr. Jennifer Panning, goes onto describe Trump Anxiety Disorder in the same chapter as:<br />
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Symptoms associated with Trump Anxiety Disorder include: feeling a loss of control; helplessness; ruminations/worries, especially about the uncertain sociopolitical climate while Trump is in office; and a tendency toward excessive social media consumption. In fact, the polarization that this has created has caused a deep divide between families and friends of differing political beliefs. Trump's specific personality characteristics, and his use of psychological manipulation tools such as gaslighting, lying, and blaming, are described as contributing factors to Trump Anxiety Disorder. </blockquote>
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Trump Anxiety Disorder, albeit not a formal diagnosis, differs from GAD in regard to several measures. One difference is in the furation of time for the symptoms to develop. The volatile events leading up to the 2016 election (i.e., false news reports, Comey's report questioning Clinton's ethics) were challenging in themselves, but many Americans were reassured by multiple polls (e.g., Silver 2016) predicting that Hillary Clinton would win the election in a landslide. This led to a sense of shock and disbelief after Trump was announced as president of the United States. </blockquote>
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An additional symptom of Trump Anxiety Disorder is that symptoms are directly related to the uncertain sociopolitical climate. An elevated stress level when reading articles about numerous topics--the Muslim ban, the threat/promise of disbanding the Affordable Care Act, tensions between the United States and North Korea, the possibility of Russia's having interfered in the 2016 election and Russia's financial connection to Trump, the US/Mexican wall, immigration issues, the defunding of environmental groups such as the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the defunding of medical research--is strong. An individual impacted by Trump Anxiety Disorder may be directly impacted by one of these singular issues, have multiple concerns, or worry about the future democratic state in America given these issues. Therefore, the ruminative worry associated with an anxiety disorder is specific to these events (Clarridge 2017).</blockquote>
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Wow! After reading the above excerpt have you ever suffered from a small amount of Trump Anxiety Disorder? I can easily see myself suffering from a fair amount of the same underlying attributes/sources defined under the Trump Anxiety Disorder. Have you? Many of the students from our university are showing signs of suffering from symptoms of Trump Anxiety Disorder. On a larger scale, people around us are showing signs of symptoms too -- which is completely concerning.<br />
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Conclusion...</h3>
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If you have ever had an anxiety attack or even felt a moderate amount of anxiety, I feel for you. The symptoms above are real and have been felt by me at one point or another in my graduate career. To have the added stress or symptoms associated with Trump Anxiety Disorder are even more concerning. Especially since the latter anxiety is controllable -- he could have been not elected into office. Instead, we have what we have and have to deal with what we have.<br />
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The first step in dealing with anxiety without any outside influences is to identify triggers and find solutions. Once the triggers are known, then solutions can be found. But with the added anxiety associated with Donald Trump is unfair. Although, now with the election over and two years into the administration, the least we can do is to either ignore television and the online world all together. Or, we can try to understand and move onto find solutions to deal with the current situation. We might not be in control of other's actions, but we are in control of our own. Distinguishing between normal anxiety and anxiety associated with Donald Trump will be beneficial in the future.<br />
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<b><u>Related Blog Posts:</u></b><br />
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<a href="http://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2018/11/nida-director-nora-volkow-how-health.html" target="_blank">NIDA Director Nora Volkow: How Health Communicators and Journalists Can Help Replace Stigma with Science</a><br />
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-61048394736590870082018-12-06T14:48:00.000-08:002018-12-06T14:51:56.949-08:00Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Update: What happened to that wonderful workout routine? Flu season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Source: <a href="http://affiniahealthcare.org/protect-yourself-flu-season-is-here/" target="_blank">Affinia Healthcare</a></div>
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Did you get the flu shot this year? I did not. Have you caught the flu which is circulating around this season? Did you know that there are multiple strains of a flu in any given season? Why am I more susceptible than others to catching the flu? These are questions which circulate in my mind when I am laying in bed recovering from catching the flu. And from asking around in my circles of friends and family, I am not alone in thinking the same thoughts. Why do I ask such questions? Simply because I had a great work out regime in place and felt success only to be saddled down in bed recovering. Have you ever felt these thoughts?<br />
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Why sickness?</h1>
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Of all the reasons to be distracted from a newly gained work out regime, falling prey to the flu circulating is the last reason each of us desire. Prior to catching the flu, I was working out in the 'High Intensity Interval Training' program offered by my university (my work) called '<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/mikes-mental-awareness-journey-update.html" target="_blank">Commit To Be Fit</a>'. I have written recently about the program. Further, I had met motivational people like the instructor (and veteran) Alex Herrera - <a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/09/veterans-in-education-meet-alex-herrera.html" target="_blank">read about him here</a>. Life is good.<br />
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When a person get sick (my dad used to tell me), he or she is 'burning the candle at both ends' -- meaning not necessarily taking care of themselves. I am no different and the way that the month of October was moving at primed me for catching the flu. As I look back at the month of October, I can clearly see that I was wearing my body down by working out and adding new stressors to my life.<br />
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I had recently started engaging in trying out advertising on Facebook (through social media), which can be dangerous at times. There are all sorts of stressors associated with adding new stress to your life. Especially, if that stress has no avenue of relief. I was under the impression, working out through my new found program would relieve the stress. What I take away from this situation was the fact that each of us must find different ways to diffuse our stress - when stress arises.<br />
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There are many stressors in life. Most people do not realize that upon recovering in bed while sick with the flu, we can still be stressed. Yes, the possibility of being stressed while sick exists. I try to tell myself and friends along with family, the best methodology each of us can apply while sick with the flu is to JUST REST. YES, JUST REST. Which is difficult to do at times - I admit.<br />
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Furthermore, the last lesson about sickness is that each of us need to let our bodies repair themselves on our own respective timeline. My timeline toward recovery will be different from my wife's timeline. I remember after feeling better, my wife (Kayla) started feeling sick. I thought "great, now she is sick. I gave her the flu and now will get the flu again after she recovers." What a selfish thought. Yes, I can be selfish at times too.<br />
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I remember after she was sick and recovering, she was talking to her father on the phone. I was starting to feel better and ready to return to working out. Although, at times, I did not feel great. I thought to myself..."man, I feel like sh*t today" but I am getting better. Anyways, Kayla was talking to her father and received less than positive news about her illness.<br />
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He stated that he just had gotten over the flu. She asked how long he had been down with the flu. He responded "for 3 weeks and I still don't feel great." 3 weeks. 3 weeks. Oh My Goodness. How long must I suffer was my thought after hearing his response. Again, each of us have our own timeline to recovery. The take home message was:<br />
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Each of us have an unrealistic timeline of our own recovery from any given flu!<br />
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Each of us would be much better if we would not fight the process of recovery from the flu. I have difficulty with the recovery process just like anyone else would. Although, I know that my body will need a certain amount of time to recover with no activity involved -- yes, just laying in bed. I might not even eat. Listen to your body.<br />
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Time to workout again?</h2>
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When is the right time to return to working out? That question depends on your own body. What is more important than asking or answering this question is to not push yourself into returning if you are not ready. Unless you find that you might be abnormally more lazy than the average person and need motivation to return after fully recovering from an illness. But do not beat yourself up. The result will be only to catch the flu again. What?<br />
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Yes, the flu will circulate again a few weeks later and if you find yourself still burning the candle at both ends, will end up sick again. What? Yes, sick again. Be careful. Take care of yourself and try to manage any stress that enters your life immediately. Even though managing stress comes with time, each of us must work daily in reducing stress in our lives.<br />
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Once you feel better, then try to return to your work out program. If you show up one day and then do not feel well the next day. Take a day off in between to let your body recover and get used to returning to working out. Be easy on yourself -- but not too easy. Listen to your body. By doing so, you will return to working out and achieve your fitness goals more realistically and in a more healthy manner. Until next time, have a great day.<br />
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<b><u>Related Blog Posts:</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/09/veterans-in-education-meet-alex-herrera.html" target="_blank">Veterans In Education: Meet Alex Herrera!!!</a><br />
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<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/veterans-in-education-how-do-veterans.html" target="_blank">Veterans in Education: How do veterans fare returning to school?</a><br />
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<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/mikes-mental-awareness-journey-update.html" target="_blank">Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Update: Ever tried High-Intensity-Interval-Training (HIIT)?</a><br />
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<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/07/20-tasks-to-simplify-your-life.html" target="_blank">20 Tasks to Simplify your Life</a><br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-87689229336649813322018-09-21T21:22:00.001-07:002018-09-21T21:24:22.631-07:00Veterans In Education: Meet Alex Herrera!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alex Herrera</div>
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Veterans in education do not stand out. For the most part, veterans would rather finish school quickly and move into the next part of their career path. Driven by motivation for success and respected by each other, veterans seem somewhat silent at times. Recently, I started a series on this site which I introduced a few weeks ago called '<a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/veterans-in-education-how-do-veterans.html" target="_blank">Veterans in Education</a>'. <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/veterans-in-education-how-do-veterans.html" target="_blank">Feel free to read the background to the series.</a> My intention is to highlight veterans who decide to return to school after their service. Understanding their background along with a brief pass at their military history will shed a little light onto the experience that each have on the same campus as students -- who have not chosen to serve prior to school. Without further ado, lets get to the first veteran -- Alex Herrera.<br />
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Alex and I met on campus nearly a year ago when my wife and I decided to turn our life around and boost our fitness back into order. Before that, Kayla and I were a little too sluggish (i.e. lazy) and starting to gain weight which was unhealthy. <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/mikes-mental-awareness-journey-update.html" target="_blank">I have written recently about the program offered by California State University at Northridge called 'Commit To Be Fit'.</a> Check that blog post out. Anyways, after joining this great FREE exercise program, we started getting back into shape. Now, the major benefit of such a program are the MOTIVATED instructors.<br />
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The instructors are super motivated and live by example of what fit should be. Cheerful and full of energy is a common description. More importantly for those looking to get fit -- pushing you to your fitness goal is the common most descriptor I would use for the wonderful and hard working instructors. Alex Herrera is one such wonderful - motivating - uplifting instructor. I enjoy and am forever grateful to instructors like Alex. I was not surprised to learn that he was a veteran. In fact, certain motivating statements caused me to pause and wonder at times. Finally, I decided to ask him about his past experience and mission moving forward at <a href="http://www.csun.edu/" target="_blank">CSUN</a>. Below are the answers he gave me. I hope that you enjoy learning about Alex. He is a great example of what the military provides to the college, community, and society as a whole after serving Our Country. Enjoy!<br />
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Shown below are the questions along with Alex's answers:<br />
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<b><u>Questionnaire for Veteran’s Transitioning into Academia</u></b></blockquote>
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<b>1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your major subject of study? i.e. your major?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I am a Kinesiology major.</i></blockquote>
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<b>2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What degree are you going to school for?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I will be earning my BS in Kinesiology, Exercise Science option.</i></blockquote>
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<b>3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What do you plan to do with your degree?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I plan on continuing my education after I graduate. The goal is to earn a Doctorates in physical therapy. I want to help people be able to return to doing the things they love through rehabilitation. </i></blockquote>
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<b>4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What branch of the military did you serve in?</b></blockquote>
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<i>Army (2009-2014)</i></blockquote>
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<i>National Guard (2014-2016)</i></blockquote>
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<b>5)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How long was your service in the military?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I served 5 years active duty and 2 years National Guard.</i></blockquote>
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<b>6)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Why did you decide to pursue a degree after your military service?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I always knew I was going to earn a college degree, it was only a matter of when. I enlisted in the army at 17 after begging my mom to sign the parental consent form. I made her a promise if she signed the form I would still go to college while I was in and when I got out.</i></blockquote>
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<b>7)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What lessons did you learn in the military which have helped your journey in school?</b></blockquote>
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<i>The most important lessons I learned from being in the military would be discipline, resiliency, and being in leadership positions taught me how to manage and plan in order to be successful.</i></blockquote>
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<b>8)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What was your impression of the university after being in the military?</b></blockquote>
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<i>My first impression was “this isn’t so bad” after thinking how I was going to get through it since I had been out of school for 5 years. I was an honor roll student all my life so it was fairly simple to get back into the swing of things. I treat all my classes as I did all my military classes and it helps make things easier.</i></blockquote>
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<b>9)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In other words, did the military change your perception of school?</b></blockquote>
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<i>The military made me want to go back to school. In the military there is only so much in which you can progress as far as promotions and assignments go. I wanted more and I didn’t want to lose more time.</i></blockquote>
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<b>10)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What veteran services have you decided to take advantage of during your education?</b></blockquote>
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<i>The only service I have taken advantage of is the POST- 911 GI Bill. </i></blockquote>
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<b>11)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Has your academic institution been accommodating with your transition from the military?</b></blockquote>
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<i>Anything I ever need or any question I have I call the veteran affairs office and they square it all away.</i></blockquote>
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<b>12)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is the best observation of being a student?</b></blockquote>
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<i>The help is there. There are so many resources provided by the school (free of charge) that enable all students to be successful. There’s tutoring available for any class you can think of. The resources are there, you just have to be able to be willing to use them.</i></blockquote>
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<b>13)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you miss the military?</b></blockquote>
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<i>Not at all.</i></blockquote>
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<b>14)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What advice would you give other veterans who are looking to return or enroll in a university after serving in the military?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I would tell them to enroll and get going. Take advantage of everything that available to you. No one is going to pay for all school tuition as well as provide a housing allowance to help you while you’re in school to make it easier for you to focus on class and homework.</i></blockquote>
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<b>15)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is the greatest challenge you have faced in the university system?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I haven’t experienced too many challenges other than having to juggle both work and school full time.</i></blockquote>
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<b>16)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How does that compare to the challenges you faced while serving in the military?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I have all my freedom without having to report to any one or having my time being wasted waiting on the final word of the day. I’d say it’s a walk in the park.</i></blockquote>
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<b>17)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you feel that the university has offered enough preparation in your area of study to pursue a career in your desired profession? </b></blockquote>
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<i>I believe you get what you put into any situation. If you apply yourself and learn as much as you possibly can in every class then that’s what gives you the opportunity to pursue a career in the desired profession. So yes, I believe the school has. </i></blockquote>
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<b>18)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can the university do better to make the experience for veteran’s returning to school easier?</b></blockquote>
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<i>I haven’t needed any help from what the school already provides. I think they’re doing a good job helping veterans get their degrees. </i></blockquote>
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As I stated above, Alex is a top notch person who is completely inspiring and is enjoying life to the fullest each day. I hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog post with answers regarding Alex's return to school and continuing on his journey through life. If you happen to walk by Alex, feel free to say hello. He is a very nice person. Thank you to Alex for sharing your experience and current goals.<br />
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If you are a veteran with a desire to share your transition back into education, feel free to send me an e-mail at: jmkthought@gmail.com<br />
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Until next time, have a wonderful weekend.<br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-54042289622368227352018-08-31T14:45:00.001-07:002018-08-31T14:54:48.162-07:00Veterans in Education: How do veterans fare returning to school? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Source: <a href="http://veteranseducationchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Veterans Education Challenge</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">One of the highest forms of service a person can volunteer for is service in the Military in the United States of America. Unlike other countries which have a mandatory military service, the United States has a completely voluntary military service. There are exceptions to the rule, in time when the country implements a ‘draft into military service’ due to shortages. Except for those rare instances, the majority of military service is done as a voluntary measure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The worst aspect about the military service is the fall-out from military service. A short term of service in the U.S. military will completely change a person. Usually, for the better. There are many veterans walking the streets who have completed their military service with an honorable discharge. Unfortunately, there are also those who do not complete their military service in an honorable manner. Additionally, there is yet another set of military veterans who complete their military service and have trouble returning to society. Carrying the burdens of combat is unfathomable and unnecessary. Unfortunately, that is not a choice that all veterans can deal with. There are many success stories coming out of the military. In the blog series “Veterans-In-Education” I will highlight students along with staff and faculty as I meet them and inquire into their journey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I have made up a questionnaire of questions which I believe serve to highlight a veteran’s past achievements and current struggles/challenges returning while engaging in education at the college level. I have the utmost respect for veterans – I am one of them. I hope that you learn something about veterans that you previously did not know before reading this blog series. Furthermore, if you are a potential employer reading this series, hopefully, you will realize what a wonderful potential asset -- a veteran would be to serve in your respective professional area in the future. Hire a veteran.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Without further ado, here are the questions which will be asked to each veteran for this series:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b><u>Questionnaire for Veteran’s Transitioning into Academia</u></b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is your major subject of study? i.e. your major?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What degree are you going to school for?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What do you plan to do with your degree?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What branch of the military did you serve in?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">5)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How long was your service in the military?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">6)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Why did you decide to pursue a degree after your military service?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">7)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What lessons did you learn in the military which have helped your journey in school?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">8)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What was your impression of the university after being in the military?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">9)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In other words, did the military change your perception of school?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">10)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What veteran services have you decided to take advantage of during your education?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">11)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Has your academic institution been accommodating with your transition from the military?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">12)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is the best observation of being a student?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">13)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you miss the military?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">14)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What advice would you give other veterans who are looking to return or enroll in a university after serving in the military?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">15)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is the greatest challenge you have faced in the university system?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">16)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How does that compare to the challenges you faced while serving in the military?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">17)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do you feel that the university has offered enough preparation in your area of study to pursue a career in your desired profession?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">18)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can the university do better to make the experience for veteran’s returning to school easier?</span></blockquote>
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In the near future, I will be posting the first response from an Army veteran who has also trained us in the fitness program at California State University at Northridge -- Commit To Be Fit -- <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/08/mikes-mental-awareness-journey-update.html" target="_blank">which I recently wrote a blog post on</a>. Until then, have a great Labor Day Weekend. Be safe!<br />
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The author also writes about demystifying the life of a scientist at <a href="https://jmkthought.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mike Thinks</a>.<br />
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-57280136241930187192018-08-08T17:29:00.003-07:002018-08-08T17:33:11.857-07:00Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Update: Ever tried High-Intensity-Interval-Training (HIIT)?<div class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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Source:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/csun_ctbf/?hl=en" target="_blank"> Commit To Be Fit - Instagram </a></div>
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As I have mentioned in the previous blog posts, after moving to Northridge, our lifestyle have changed. We live across from school and as a result do not ride our bicycle as far as we previously done on a daily basis. After enjoying a larger house, we had noticed that incrementally our daily routine was filled with less exercise – more sedentary. As a result, weight gain followed for each of us.</div>
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Back in January, Kayla and I were on vacation up in Sacramento visiting my brother. I decided that the time had come for me to return to exercising on a regular basis. My endurance had diminished over time. I decided to jump on a treadmill at the hotel where we were staying for the vacation. After 2 miles, I decided that the distance was enough to start with. Not to mention that I was also getting tired. Although, any return to a normal exercise routine involves taking the first large step and engaging in the process of starting – jumping on the treadmill. You have to start somewhere right?</div>
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Anything that is worth implementing as a routine has to be simple enough to implement. Running has been part of my upbringing, therefore, whenever I feel like a workout is needed, a run can always be incorporated into the workout.</div>
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I have mentioned in the past entries that Kayla and I do quite well with an exercise routine which is implemented by instructors. Especially, when we just have to follow a routine and not put too much thought into the design of the workout. As some people get more involved in working out, their sense of design (of a given workout) takes over. For us, that is not the case. Therefore, a predesigned workout is the easiest and most reliable way to work out for both of us. Additionally, that has always been the case for myself throughout my life. I work better in a regimented workout scene with a group. I guess that I am attracted to the ‘<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_mentality" target="_blank">herd mentality</a>’ of exercising. </div>
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Fortunately, we found out that there was a program offered at California State University at Northridge. The program is an exercise program which is offered by the Kinesiology department. The name of the program is called “<a href="https://www.csun.edu/development/training/events/commit-be-fit-spring-2018" target="_blank">Commit to be fit</a>”. University officials decided that the program would be offered to those on campus and off campus. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are allowed to attend. A few members of the chemistry department have been attending the program and were very happy with the results – increased health and wellness after completing the program. This sounded very encouraging. Show below is a short video of the program:</div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be4efQlFKr4/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be4efQlFKr4/?utm_source=ig_embed" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Aaaaand we are back.. Getting all of our clients ready to start this semester off.. First, we need to get testing done 🤓. Join us every Monday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 6:20pm #CTBF #kinesiology #kineticcheckpoints #csunmatadors #csunkin #redwoodhall #committobefit #fitnessfun #fitfam #testing #cleintssafety #mobility #letshavefun #getmoving #weareheretohelp #wearemadetomove #letsgetmoving #partymode #beastmode</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/csun_ctbf/?utm_source=ig_embed" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Commit To Be fit</a> (@csun_ctbf) on <time datetime="2018-02-07T04:50:30+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 6, 2018 at 8:50pm PST</time></div>
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Source: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be4efQlFKr4/?hl=en&taken-by=csun_ctbf" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
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The program is categorized as a “HIIT” program which stands for “High Intensity Interval Training”. A usual day will entail the following: a warm up, round 1, round 2, and cool down stretching. The warm up serves to get the participants heart rates up for the two rounds. Round one consists of four exercise stations. The class is split up into four groups which start at each of one of the four exercise stations. Groups start out learning each exercise and then do the workout for 75 seconds. After two rounds at four stations, a water break is in order. Upon returning, there are four new exercises, which participants will complete two more rounds. Finally, the end is capped by a ‘cool down’ stretch and calming exercises. The total duration of the work out is 50 minutes. During the academic year, the program is offered Monday thru Thursday.</div>
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After hearing about the program from our friends along with their respective success stories, Kayla and I decided to sign up. The next program was starting February and we signed up. Upon starting the program, each participant is subjected to an incoming fitness test to document their starting point. Similarly, upon completing the program there is an outgoing test. The purpose is to document the progress obtained throughout the program. Progress is documented.</div>
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The program is wonderful to say the least. The students are learning how to be professional trainers – which is interesting and frustrating at times. Although, their motivational level is through the roof and I enjoy their enthusiasm too. Each student is genuinely dedicated to living a healthier life through keeping fit. Not only that, but are motivated to help you (and I – i.e. clients) obtain our ultimate fitness level which we desire. Goals are attainable within this program. </div>
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There are two different categories of exercising offered by the program. The first is by engaging with the group – which is the most popular. If you are not a group exercise person, there are individual (personal) training sessions. This really expands the range of participants which engage in the program – which I must remind everyone is free and offered three times a year (fall, spring, and summer).</div>
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Now, let’s get to the results – right? I am sure that each reader is wondering whether the program works or not – correct? Well, I am here to report a BIG YES. The program works and is totally a deal – a gem in disguise. In fact, I am always wondering why more people do not participate in the program. I am going to advertise to the surrounding community. Although, I will say, after spreading the word about how wonderful I have been feeling while participating in this new program, a common response is the following: “I don’t have time to meet during the time the program is offered.” The program is offered from 5:30-6:30pm Monday – Thursday.</div>
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Over the last few months, I have managed to lose around 5 pounds – which is nothing. Where is the success in the course then? I have managed to lose around 1 ½ inches off my waist line. The most important metric for me are two: overall energy level and mobility. Each of these two metrics have increased tremendously over the past few months. Losing weight while gaining muscle is the ultimate cause for the small amount of weight loss.</div>
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Feeling better. Having more energy to complete tasks throughout the day is wonderful. Additionally, my mobility has continued to increase over the past few months also. Which is completely encouraging and serves as motivation to show up to each class – especially when I feel like going home and eating chips while watching Netflix – Wow. I have found that my mobility was diminishing with increased weight gain. This was rather surprising to me. Although, now that I am aware of the road that I was traveling down was not good, I can turn around and change my course to feel and live better.</div>
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I will report more on this course and my mental health overall in the future more on this electronic journal. The current post serves as a ‘check in’ with myself – electronically – and anyone who chooses to read these posts too. I hope that each person achieves the goals which are being sought out. Each of us deserve to feel healthy and live healthy lives. Until next time, cheers!</div>
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1)<a href="https://www.csun.edu/development/training/events/commit-be-fit-spring-2018" target="_blank"> Commit To Be Fit - sign up - web page</a> </div>
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2) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/csun_ctbf/?hl=en" target="_blank">Commit To Be Fit - Instagram</a></div>
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3) Original post on <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/kaiserwellnesscenter/home/mike-s-mental-awareness-journey/ever-tried-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit" target="_blank">Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Web Page</a></div>
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4) <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/kaiserwellnesscenter/home/mike-s-mental-awareness-journey" target="_blank">Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Web Page</a></div>
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-2198610064796844542018-07-16T15:41:00.001-07:002018-07-16T15:41:06.115-07:0020 Tasks to Simplify your LifeI aim to keep this post simple, but also to reflect on what I've done with my "summer off." I had a fear that if I turned down work, I would never be offered work again. This all-or-nothing type of thinking is not healthy. I also had a stigma associated with collecting unemployment. But this financial safety net has allowed me the freedom to buy and do things to make our lives better. This in turn makes us happier and better members of our community.<br /><br /><h4>
1) old mail = shred</h4>
<br />I have a bad habit of letting mail pile up on our dining room table and then putting it in a bag and then putting that bag in the garage. I did this for years. Then I watched "hoarders" on netflix and got in gear. I started shredding this stuff by hand and then remembered that I could just as well take it to school. Plus side, I found some unused gift cards!<br /><br /><h4>
2) old papers = shred</h4>
<br />I have a habit of keeping all student work and fearing throwing it out either because I thought I would forget what I've done in the classroom and also for reasons of confidentiality. Our mail services at CSUN has a program where you can request a trashcan for shredding and they do it for you. So I purged out so many old papers.<br /><br /><h4>
3) craft supplies = organized</h4>
<br />I think it's every crafting diva's dream to have a 'craft room' where all the supplies are organized and accessible and projects can be started and stopped with ease. I can't say I have a 'craft room' but I do have a 'craft closet' and an oversized guest bedroom where I can do my papercrafts. Husband says no needles on carpeted floors, which I get, so the sewing machine is still in the garage.<br /><div>
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4) bike supplies = organized</h4>
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I'm sure it's also every gearhead's dream to have an organized garage where they can do maintenance and cleaning, to keep their equipment in tip top shape for the next adventure.<br /><br /><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1824/28563881977_8f9ab40416_b.jpg"></a>There's a funny store here in Northridge called "<a href="http://www.misterstuff.com/shop/" target="_blank">Mr. Stuff</a>" and they have some really random inventory. One thing we bought there is this cart on wheels, which works really nicely for bike stuff. We've had it for 10 months now and I would say it is one of the best purchases I've made in the last year. It holds inner tubes, bike lights, helmets, locks, gloves, hats, bandannas, pumps, bags, all the things you need to grab and go. We built a <a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/918/41642821690_b38089b677_b.jpg" target="_blank">bike rack </a>to hold all our bikes and we have a <a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1766/41642825790_e3e46bbcf5_b.jpg" target="_blank">bike stand</a> to use when we need to clean or fix the bikes. These investments have lowered our stress and anxiety to make living a bikelife more enjoyable.</div>
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5) medicines = returned to pharmacy</h4>
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I'm not sure if you have old prescription medications in you medicine cabinet, but I did. I had three bottles from 2008 and one from 2012. I knew that you can't flush them down the toilet because they can contaminate the municipal water supply or end up in the ocean, but I didn't know what was the best thing to do with them. Turns out <a href="http://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/general-news/walgreens-leads-fight-against-prescription-drug-abuse-in-california-with-new-program-to-help-curb-misuse-of-medications-and-the-rise-in-overdose-deaths.htm" target="_blank">Walgreen's </a>pharmacies in California have a dropbox for this purpose. Not every location has one, so check online before you go.</div>
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6) electronics = recycled</h4>
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We had two old cell phones, two old digital cameras, and a bunch of batteries that we dropped off at the Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics <a href="https://www.lacitysan.org/san/faces/home/portal/s-lsh-wwd/s-lsh-wwd-s/s-lsh-wwd-s-c/s-lsh-wwd-s-c-hw/s-lsh-wwd-s-c-hw-safemc" target="_blank">(S.A.F.E.) center</a>. Now that I'm re-reading their flier, I should have also taken some old spray paint. Even though dear husband points out that landfills are sealed so that toxic wastes do not escape, I feel like this option may lead to reclaiming the trace amounts of rare earth elements that are present in our devices.</div>
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7) work office = organized, purged</h4>
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This is an every semester thing, but it's important. I go through the stacks of chaos and rearrange important items into 3-ring binders. What paper can be recycled is put into a recycling bin. What paper must be shredded is sorted into the shredding bin. What supplies can be diverted into other chemical storage areas are moved from the office to the "Chem Club Room."</div>
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8) bedroom = new pillows & sheets</h4>
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Not that this would bother everybody, but it bothered me. Our fitted sheets kept coming off the mattress. We had one set of cheap sheets, which didn't work at all. We went back to buy a more expensive set of sheets, which also didn't work but we tolerated them for over a year. Finally, I took those gift cards that I found going through the old mail and converted them into very expensive Martha Stewart sheets from Macy's. I also got new pillows. There are some things that you just can't buy used and I believe that pillows are one of those things.</div>
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9) home office = new bookshelf</h4>
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There's a bookshelf that was in our garage when we moved in over a year ago. It's really nice and I always felt that it should be upstairs in the "library" a.k.a. guest bedroom a.k.a. craft room. But it was really heavy. Luckily, since we've been doing a new workout program, we're stronger. We finally carried that upstairs and it's just beckoning me to fill it with books.</div>
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10) computer = backed up</h4>
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The cost of removable hard drives has come down so far. I got a new computer and used a removable hard drive to transfer files from the home computer to the new work computer. There's something satisfying about using a new, fast computer to search your old files.</div>
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11) bills = auto pay</h4>
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It sounds so silly, but I've been paying bills each month manually over the phone. I finally got the monthly bills on autopay and it feels so great.</div>
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12) vitamins = restocked</h4>
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I haven't been a big believer in vitamins, or maybe I should say that I go in phases. Anyhow, I threw all the expired vitamins out and bought new ones. Yeah, one could argue that calcium doesn't go bad like acetaminophen goes bad, but you never know what coatings and inert ingredients may do when left unattended or worse in hot storage units or in a hot garage. </div>
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13) contact lenses = restocked</h4>
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I am not sure why I'm so averse to doctor's offices, maybe it's the cost or the fear of finding out there's something seriously wrong with me. I also don't like to face the idea that I should get new glasses (for me a $600 investment). But I finally found a new optometrist in our new neighborhood and got the exam to get the new 1-year inventory of contact lenses.</div>
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I should say that part of simplifying your life involves adulting. Tasks such as sorting out what your insurance covers like ob-gyn, dental and vision. We've delved into doing this and although scary and intimidating, it's important to know what you don't know (known unknowns and unknown unknowns). That way when you really need it (in an emergency) it's already sorted.</div>
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14) seeds = harvested</h4>
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Not everyone has a garden, and I get that, but I do. I feel so great now that my seeds are sorted. I use old cosmetic bags to sort them into families, that way when I want to share seeds or plant something I don't have to dig through the entire library.</div>
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15) car = washed, oil changed, registered, insured</h4>
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Living a bikelife tends to lead to neglecting our car. We only have one car and it's very tiny. I swear I haven't taken it to a car wash in like 5 years until recently. Also, it was important to establish a new relationship with a service station for oil changes. The DMV has a kiosk where you can pay your car registration, and now there's even one of those kiosks at the grocery store!</div>
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16) junk email = unsubscribed</h4>
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This may sound like a silly thing, but instead of spending idle time deleting junk emails, I spent a few hours (while waiting for the oil change and at the optometrist) unsubscribing from all the email lists that I am on. I got this idea from my students years ago (before I got a smartphone) and I finally spent the time doing it. Now when I check my inbox, it's all stuff I actually want to look at.</div>
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17) podcasts = subscribed</h4>
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I spent time (and energy) looking for stuff to listen to on long drives (where there is not good radio reception) and now I'm on the podcast bandwagon. I downloaded an app called Castbox which automatically downloads podcasts I've subscribed to so that I can listen to them offline. I also want to say that Hoopla has changed my life. I listen to audiobooks there, which can also be downloaded.</div>
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18) laundry = washed</h4>
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I love my laundry situation now. I finally got around to cleaning the washer and dryer (which used to live outside) and I bought more laundry soap. There's a luxury that I don't take for granted in having W/D hookups and the space for my drying racks. I have a fabulous clothing rack on wheels that is so easy to move around the garage. And hot days are perfect for drying laundry.</div>
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19) closet = sorted, purged, updated</h4>
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What I have done in my closet is simplify, label and keep lean. Labeling all my drawers and bins helps dear husband contribute to putting away his and hers laundry.</div>
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20) bathroom = cleaned, purged, organized</h4>
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Finally, cleaning the bathroom involved throwing away old lotions and cosmetics that are expired. See also 5, 12 and 13. It was fun going to the drugstore to get new contact lens solution and sunscreen and vitamins knowing there are empty spaces which they can go to. I read that one of the reasons people don't like dockless bikeshare in cities is because the bike seem like they are never "put away." Now I didn't grow up in a house where things got put away, we had quite a cluttered upbringing, and some say that clutter is a symptom of creativity, but also I've read that when things are put away it brings a sense of calm and peace. I like the sound of that.</div>
Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-709371872172787732018-07-06T12:15:00.000-07:002018-07-06T12:15:58.843-07:00Summer Garden in bloom<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am LOVING my summer garden and it's thanks to a wet March. We had <a href="http://www.laalmanac.com/weather/we13a.php" target="_blank">two inches of rain over normal</a>, which set up my soil and got my seedlings started perfectly. With a few hot days, we had a relatively <a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/los-angeles-ca/90012/june-weather/347625?monyr=6/1/2018" target="_blank">normal spring temperature-wise with no late frost</a>, so that also helped everything survive.</div>
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Unfortunately, today we have excessive heat. To mitigate the damage, I added burlap coverings to the new vertical garden shelf and to some of my <a href="https://www.agardenpatch.com/">growboxes</a>. The "Garden Patch" growboxes have holes in the four corners, which are for the polypropylene (fiberglass) Staking Kit. </div>
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For the vertical shelf (below) I drilled holes into the wood. I used a wire hanger and some of the leftover pieces from the Staking Kit to create supports. The burlap was purchased from Home Depot in a roll, which I cut in half. It's not a perfect system, but hopefully it's better than no shade.</div>
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I do need to buy "Mosquito Dunks" to prevent the standing water in the bottom of the growbox from becoming a breeding ground for pests. I had a <a href="https://www.orbitonline.com/products/mist-cooling/kits/patio-cooling/basic/12-basic-38-mist-cooling-kit-726" target="_blank">mist cooling</a> setup, but water was pooling in the trays and I saw bugs hatching in the excess water. So I dumped the water and let the trays bake in the sun for a few days.</div>
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I used the "Nutrient Patch" on a non-Garden Patch container. I planted every-other slot with salad greens and it worked out really well (no weeds). I wouldn't say <u>that</u> box was more productive than the boxes without a Nutrient Patch, but they were in a different locations so it's hard to compare.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before</td></tr>
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I'm super excited to harvest seeds from my radish and arugula. The lettuce just started bolting. I got some new succulents and a friend said he'd be happy to share some clones with me. Something completely ate the two varieties of kale, which I'm sad about, but I'll replant for a fall/winter garden.</div>
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<br />I have two 'Husky Cherry Red' tomato plants, one 'Jubilee' tomato plant, one 'Red Bull' pepper plant and one 'Jalapeno' pepper plant that are now 110 days old. Of the seeds I <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/03/summer-garden-2018.html" target="_blank">planted in March</a>, it's good that some of them may grow to adulthood. I guess it's almost time to plan the winter garden.</div>
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There are some <a href="https://www.scpr.org/news/2018/04/02/81967/californians-go-back-to-wasting-as-much-water-as-b/" target="_blank">recent news articles</a> about Californians going back to water usage at pre-drought levels. I am guilty of this. I had grown fewer and fewer vegetables and leafy greens in order to save water (growing cacti and succulents instead) but I'm going back to growing food since we had a wet enough winter to refill our reservoirs. </div>
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Until water restrictions are reenacted I will continue attempting to produce home-grown veggies. Technically, we're still in a '<a href="https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/california" target="_blank">Severe Drought</a>' so we'll see what happens between now and winter. There's a trade-off in sustainability between buying fruits and veggies that are trucked in versus home grown fruits and veggies. At least I can be sure my home-grown produce is organic. </div>
Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-84975750911495948692018-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:002018-06-19T11:00:28.816-07:00Anti-Aging Skin Series Post 15: A little science behind XoM3 Product -- You Can Dew It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Source: <a href="https://xom3.com/collections/face/products/you-can-dew" target="_blank">XoM3</a></div>
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Remember my last post about the great facial product by XoM3 -- You Can Dew It!! -- shown above? That might have seemed like a long time ago. Furthermore, you may have been curious as to what I have been doing in the meantime. Remember, I promised to talk about a science paper which I found regarding topical benefits of plant oils? I have read the paper and am ready to discuss the topic a little. Which means that the science behind the paper will be introduced.<br />
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Below, I have included the statements from the scientific paper titled "<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29280987" target="_blank">Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils</a>". The paper is a review of the literature of plant oils and their healing properties with respect to skin inflammation along with wound healing. In total, the paper is around 20 pages with tables and rich in references. Why do I mention this fact? Because, there are a large number of statements made in the paper which need to be further investigated (looking further into their references -- specifically the studies to back up a claim).<br />
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As a result, I have had a large amount of difficulty deciding on how to interpret the heavy hitting scientific statements made to the public (or the reader -- you). This has taken me a few weeks of indecision. Finally, I decided to lay out the statements regarding the specific ingredients which are contained in the product by XoM3 product -- You Can Dew It! Further, in the next blog post, I will go deeper into the contents of the paper regarding wound healing, anti-inflammation, anti-aging properties. Feel free to go through this open access paper by yourself. The paper can be found at either <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29280987" target="_blank">this link</a> or <a href="http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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With that being said, let's move onto looking at results from a science article regarding the topical benefits of the ingredients in the product -- "You Can Dew It!" by XoM3 as reported in the cited article.<br />
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The following plant oils are contained in the facial treatment -- "You Can Dew It": 1) Jojoba Oil and 2) Argan Oil. These two oils are specifically discussed and researched along with others which will be detailed in the next blog post. First, I will list the statements regarding the two oils made in the research article I cite above. The remainder of the ingredients will be listed by their respective 'overview' descriptions from 'WebMD' as shown below:<br />
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<b><u>1) Jojoba Oil:</u></b><br />
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The section on Jojoba Oil states:<br />
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Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a long-lived, drought resistant, perennial plant. Jojoba oil exhibits a high oxidative stability and resistance to degradation [131]. Jojoba oil is widely used in cosmetic formulas such as sunscreens and moisturizers. It has been shown to be effective in enhancing the absorption of topical drugs [132–134]. The high content of wax esters makes jojoba oil a good repair option for dermatoses with altered skin barriers, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, AD,and acne[98]. Jojoba oil also has a proven anti-inflammatory effect,with potential uses in a variety of skin conditions including skin infections, skin aging, and WH [99,132].</blockquote>
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<b><u>2) Argan Oil:</u></b><br />
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The section on Argan Oil:<br />
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Argan oil is produced from the kernels of Argania spinosa L. Argan oil is composed of mono-unsaturated (80%) and saturated (20%) fatty acids. It contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene,and triterpene alcohols. Traditionally,argan oil has been utilized in cooking,in the treatment of skin infections, and in skin/hair care products. Daily topical application of argan oil has also been shown to improve skin elasticity [81] and skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity [123]. Additionally, topical applications onto skin provide a softening and relaxing effect on the skin, as well as helping to facilitate the accumulation and transdermal delivery of topical drugs such as allantoin [82]. Recently, tocopherol-rich argan oil-based nanoemulsions has been developed as vehicles possessing anticancer activity in murine breast and colon carcinoma cells [83]. Argan oil has also been shown to be effective in enhancing WH created second-degree burns in rats [84].</blockquote>
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<u><b>3) Rose Hip Oil:</b></u><br />
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The section on Rose Hip Oil:<br />
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Rose hip oil is extracted from seeds of rose hip (Rosa canina L.). Rose hip oil contains substantial UFAs. The most abundant fatty acid is linoleic acid (35.9–54.8%), followed by α-linolenic acid (16.6–26.5%), and oleic acid (14.7–22.1%) [141]. An appreciable number of lipophilic antioxidants is present, especially the tocopherols and carotenoids. Rose hip oil also contains high level of phenolic acids, especially p-coumaric acid methyl ester, vanillin, and vanillic acid. Due its high composition of UFAs and antioxidants, this oil has relatively high protection against inflammation and oxidative stress [109]. Shabikin et al. has tested the efficacy of topical rose hip seed oil together with an oral fat-soluble vitamins on different inflammatory dermatitis such as eczema, neurodermatitis, and cheilitis, with promising findings of the topical use of rose hip seed oil on these inflammatory dermatoses [110]</blockquote>
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Next, the following ingredients which make up the remainder of the facial moisturizer - 'You Can Dew It!' are the 'overview' statements from 'WebMD' as shown below:<br />
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<b><u>4) Primrose Oil:</u></b></div>
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The statement is from the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1006/evening-primrose-oil" target="_blank">'Overview' webpage on WebMD for Primrose oil</a>:<br />
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<b>Overview Information</b></blockquote>
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Evening primrose oil is the oil from the seed of the evening primrose plant. Evening primrose oil is used for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis, weak bones (osteoporosis), Raynaud’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis (MS), Sjogren’s syndrome, cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease, a movement disorder in children called dyspraxia, leg pain due to blocked blood vessels (intermittent claudication), alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia.</blockquote>
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Some people use evening primrose oil for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); asthma; nerve damage related to diabetes; an itching disorder called neurodermatitis; hyperactivity in children and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); obesity and weight loss; whooping cough; and gastrointestinal disorders including ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and peptic ulcer disease.</blockquote>
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Women use evening primrose oil in pregnancy for preventing high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia), shortening labor, starting labor, and preventing late deliveries. Women also use evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain, endometriosis, and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.</blockquote>
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In foods, evening primrose oil is used as a dietary source of essential fatty acids.</blockquote>
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In manufacturing, evening primrose oil is used in soaps and cosmetics.</blockquote>
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In Britain, evening primrose oil used to be approved for treating eczema and breast pain. However, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the British equivalent of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), withdrew the licenses for evening primrose oil products marketed as prescription drug products for these uses. The licenses were withdrawn because the agency concluded that there is not enough evidence that they are effective. The manufacturer disagrees, but it hasn’t published studies yet to prove the effectiveness of evening primrose for these uses.</blockquote>
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<b>How does it work?</b></blockquote>
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Evening primrose oil contains “fatty acids.” Some women with breast pain might not have high enough levels of certain ”fatty acids.” Fatty acids also seem to help decrease inflammation related to conditions such as arthritis and eczema.</blockquote>
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<b><u>5) Yarrow:</u></b><br />
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The statement below is from the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-151/yarrow" target="_blank">'Overview' webpage on 'WebMD' for Yarrow</a>:<br />
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<b>Overview Information</b></blockquote>
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Yarrow is an herb. The above ground parts are used to make medicine.</blockquote>
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Yarrow is used for fever, common cold, hay fever, absence of menstruation, dysentery, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal (GI) tract discomfort, and to induce sweating.</blockquote>
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Some people chew the fresh leaves to relieve toothache.</blockquote>
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Yarrow is applied to the skin to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids; for wounds; and as a sitz bath for painful, lower pelvic, cramp-like conditions in women. In combination with other herbs, yarrow is used for bloating, intestinal gas (flatulence), mild gastrointestinal (GI) cramping, and other GI complaints. In foods, the young leaves and flowers of yarrow are used in salads. In manufacturing, yarrow is also used as a cosmetic cleanser and in snuff. Yarrow oil is used in shampoos.</blockquote>
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<b>How does it work?</b></blockquote>
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Yarrow contains many chemicals that might affect blood pressure and possibly have anti-inflammatory effects.</blockquote>
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<b><u>6) Calendula Oil:</u></b><br />
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The statement below is from the<a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-235/calendula" target="_blank"> 'Overview' webpage on 'WebMD' for Calendula oil</a>:<br />
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<b>Overview Information</b></blockquote>
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Calendula is a plant. The flower is used to make medicine.</blockquote>
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Calendula flower is used to prevent muscle spasms, start menstrual periods, and reduce fever. It is also used for treating sore throat and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer, and stomach and duodenal ulcers. Calendula has also been used for measles, smallpox, and jaundice.</blockquote>
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Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It is also applied to the skin (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), ear infection, gum disease, peeling lips (exfoliative cheilitis), diaper rash, vaginal yeast infection, and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis). Essential oil of calendula has been used as an insect repellant.</blockquote>
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Don’t confuse calendula with ornamental marigolds of the Tagets genus, which are commonly grown in vegetable gardens. </blockquote>
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<b>How does it work?</b></blockquote>
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It is thought that the chemicals in calendula help new tissue grow in wounds and decrease swelling in the mouth and throat.</blockquote>
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<b><u>7) Comfrey Extract:</u></b></div>
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The statement below is from the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-295/comfrey" target="_blank">'Overview' webpage on 'WebMD' for Comfrey Extract</a>:</div>
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<b>Overview Information</b></blockquote>
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Comfrey is a plant. Even though this plant contains poisonous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), the leaf, root, and root-like stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. The amount of PAs found in comfrey changes according to the time of harvesting and the age of the plant. The roots have 10 times higher amounts of PAs than the leaves. Some products labeled “common comfrey” or Symphytum officinale actually contain the more poisonous “prickly comfrey” (Symphytum asperum) or “Russian comfrey” (Symphytum x uplandicum) species.</blockquote>
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Comfrey is used as a tea for upset stomach, ulcers, heavy menstrual periods, diarrhea, bloody urine, persistent cough, painful breathing (pleuritis), bronchitis, cancer, and chest pain (angina). It is also used as a gargle for gum disease and sore throat.</blockquote>
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Comfrey is applied to the skin for ulcers, wounds, joint inflammation, bruises, rheumatoid arthritis, swollen veins (phlebitis), gout, and fractures.</blockquote>
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<b>How does it work?</b></blockquote>
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The chemicals in comfrey might have a healing effect and reduce inflammation when applied to the skin. However, comfrey contains toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.</blockquote>
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<b><u>8) Frankencense oil:</u></b></div>
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The statement below is from the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-448/frankincense" target="_blank">'Overview' webpage on 'WebMD' for Frankencense</a>:</div>
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<b>Overview Information</b></blockquote>
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Frankincense is the hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from cuts made in the trunk of the Boswellia carteri tree. People use it to make medicine.</blockquote>
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Frankincense is used for colic and intestinal gas (flatulence). It is sometimes applied to the skin in hand cream.</blockquote>
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The essential oil of frankincense is used on the skin and by inhalation as a pain-killer.</blockquote>
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<b>How does it work?</b></blockquote>
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There isn't enough information available to know how frankincense works.</blockquote>
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<b><u>9) Ylang Ylang:</u></b><br />
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The statement below is from the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-697/ylang-ylang-oil" target="_blank">'Overview' webpage on 'WebMD' for Ylang Ylang</a>:<br />
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<b>Overview Information</b></blockquote>
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Ylang ylang oil is made from the flowers of the herb Cananga odorata genuina.</blockquote>
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People apply ylang ylang oil to the skin to promote relaxation, kill bacteria, lower high blood pressure, and increase sexual desire. It is also part of a combination spray used to kill head lice.</blockquote>
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In foods and beverages, ylang ylang oil is used as a flavoring.</blockquote>
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In manufacturing, it is used as a fragrance for cosmetics and soaps.</blockquote>
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<b>How does it work?</b></blockquote>
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There isn’t enough information to know how ylang ylang oil might work.</blockquote>
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This concludes the statements from the cited research article above along with the website 'WebMD' for the ingredients of the product by XoM3 -- You Can Dew It!<br />
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In total, the scientific paper I introduced only covered 2 ingredients listed on the back of the facial moisturizer -- You Can Dew It! The overall message regarding the scientific research for those two ingredients (chemicals) is as follows:<br />
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<b><u>Jojoba oil</u></b>: Jojoba oil search returned the results of having a beneficial effect in skin barrier repair along with anti-aging properties. The oil has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as referenced in the cited paper. These benefits are important for a facial moisturizer developed to repair and return healthy looking skin.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Argan oil:</u> Argan oil is beneficial for wound healing and skin barrier repair as cited in the referenced paper. There are questionable data regarding anti-aging properties or anti-oxidant properties. Although, argan oil along with jojoba oil have anti-inflammatory properties when incorporated into a skin care product.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rose Hip oil:</u> Rose Hip is beneficial as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. According to the table cited in the article, rose hip also contains anti-aging components which contribute to the overall properties of the moisturizer.<br />
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<b><u>Conclusion...</u></b><br />
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The other ingredients are referenced with information from the website 'WebMD'. In the next blog post, I will go further into the properties and benefits behind the science listed in the cited article. Plants have beneficial properties as noted in the cited papers. How to measure or design an experiment to test these ingredients is difficult, but ongoing. As science moves forward, the knowledge will increase proportionately on the safety of the ingredients used in cosmetic products.<br />
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Until next time, have a great day!<br />
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<b><u>Related Blog Posts:</u></b><br />
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<a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/04/anti-aging-skin-series-14-you-can-dew.html" target="_blank">Anti-Aging Skin Series 14: You Can Dew It by XoM3</a><br />
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<a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-Aging%20Skin%20Series" target="_blank">Index of Anti-Aging Blog Posts</a><br />
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-70934466895906950342018-06-11T15:07:00.003-07:002018-06-11T15:07:54.592-07:00Hacking Google FitLet's say you are <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2011/07/dorkin-out-with-team-garmin-cervelo.html" target="_blank">dorkin' out</a> on your fitness tracking. Or maybe <a href="http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2015/01/planning.html" target="_blank">the technology you have</a> isn't helping you stay fit. That's what happened to me. I still use the GoPro Hero4 but not as much as I did when we first got it (3 years ago).<br />
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I really enjoyed my Nike+ sport band for tracking runs (9 years ago). That is when I actually went for runs. Its limitation was that it was limited to step counting. Then dear husband bought me a Garmin Forerunner (7 years ago), which could track both runs and bike rides. Its limitation was that over time the plastic band got worn down so that I had to safety pin it to my handlebars, and during one bike ride (2 years ago) it fell off. Shortly thereafter, we upgraded our phones and I started using apps to track fitness.<br />
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We had the Samsung Galaxy S7 for two years and have now upgraded to Samsung Galaxy S9. We didn't get the S9+ because it was even bigger. Honestly, your technology is only as good as it is useful. The phone is powerful but kind of large and definitely doesn't fit into most of our bike bags. My sister-in-law bought me a product called <a href="https://www.therunningbuddy.com/products/buddy-pouch" target="_blank">buddy pouch</a>, but the phone is so heavy I feel like it will pull my yoga pants down if I tried to run with it.<br />
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I'm actually enjoying the REI Co-op Trail 2 <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/880835/rei-co-op-trail-2-waistpack" target="_blank">Waistpack </a>quite a bit more. The waistband is sufficiently wide and doesn't cut into my skin, it's long enough to fit my circumference. I can fit my phone, wallet, keys and poop bags for dog walks in there. I have also stuffed a light jacket or pants extenders if I have to. It's not really large enough for a water bottle, so I carry that in my hand. I wear it rollerskating ALL THE TIME.<br />
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We purchased a Lenovo ThinkCentre M72e Tiny Desktop with Intel i3-3220 CPU @ 3.30GHz and 8.00 GB RAM running Windows 10 Home 64 bit with 2 TB hard-disk space and LG 24M38H-B Monitor (1920 x 1080 resolution) from Fry’s. It makes my home computer (5 years old) seem clunky. I'm sure it doesn't help that the 5 year old computer is completely full of GoPro footage and other photos that should probably be uploaded to the cloud. One good thing about the new computer is that I edit video using Camtasia. I screen-capture video directly OR use the webcam on my AsusT100 OR use my Samsung S9 phone.<br />
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I used to use my teeny mp3 player, Sansa Clip (6 years old) to record audio files, but now that's completely unnecessary. From my phone, I can record audio and get a transcript, then email those files to myself and I don't even need a cable to transfer it. I bought the Sansa Clip to use with my Smart Car audio (there's a USB input in the glovebox) but the car doesn't recognize it. I haven't tried to interface the Samsung S9 with the car yet, maybe I'll try that soon.<br />
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Strangely enough, the car will recognize my super-old SanDisk mp3 player which sadly only holds 128kB of data (14 years old). In case you're wondering, that's like 2 albums of music or 12 podcasts nowadays. It's so passe to download files now anyway, most people use streaming services like Spotify to get their music. I have an older Pandora account (8 years old) that I still use when I really need to buckle down and get something done that does not require writing, such as housework. I do use the Pandora app on my phone for stair-climbing workouts.<br />
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I bought this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRP1SN8/" target="_blank">handlebar bag</a> to hold the phone on bike rides (2 years old) and one of the two zippers recently broke. The thing I like about it is that it can be worn as a purse or fanny pack, which is definitely something I looked for. When you lock your bike and walk away, it's convenient to take your valuables with you. I also detach the GoPro from my handlebars and slip it in here. I liked that it has some reflective detailing and there are mesh pockets on the outside for holding used Kleenex or sticky Clif bar wrappers. It's a great size for holding sunscreen, snacks, sunglasses, wallet, keys, phone and it is large enough for a 500mL water bottle. One drawback, besides the cheap zipper, is that when you have the bag facing you, the sun reflects off the plastic and can be blinding. I am considering making a fabric cover for the plastic part. Also, when you try to run Strava or Google Maps during your ride and the sun is shining, the phone will overheat and shut off. When the phone is inside the bag, this doesn't happen, but it's not always handy for navigating when you want to see the map on your phone as you ride. I have used the plastic window for a printed routeslip, so if you don't mind using old fashioned paper, this bag is great. On some bikes I Velcro the bag to the handlebars on the same side as the top tube and on other bikes I do it the other way. It depends on how close your knees are to the handlebars and your body position when climbing hills. It was <a href="https://www.lifestyleupdated.com/shop/fitness-sports/sports-equipment/roswheel-11887-3-5-liters-capacity-bike-bicycle-handlebar-bag-with-phone-or-map-holder/" target="_blank">originally designed for a folding bike</a>.<br />
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One last item I'm obsessed with is the <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60315771/" target="_blank">BESKYDDA</a> safety vest from IKEA. When you don't need it, the vest folds up into its own pocket making a cute little sachet. When unfolded, you can put your phone in the pocket with the speaker facing out and let the Google Maps tell you where to turn. As long as you don't need to look at the map and the traffic isn't too loud, this works great. I'm not a fan of using headphones while walking, biking, cycling or rollerskating. I am a big fan of wearing safety yellow and reflectors.</div>
<br />Today, I've updated my Fitness Logs for 2016, 2017 and 2018 using data from the smartphone<br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/kaiserwellnesscenter/home/fitness-awareness/fitness-log">https://sites.google.com/site/kaiserwellnesscenter/home/fitness-awareness/fitness-log</a><br />
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It took me a moment to find out how to get the data from Google Fit into a spreadsheet<br />
<a href="https://www.maketecheasier.com/export-google-fit-data/">https://www.maketecheasier.com/export-google-fit-data/</a><br />
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The data will be in a zip folder, which you need to unzip. Then look in the following directory:<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u>Takeout\Fit\Daily Aggregations\Daily Summaries</u></span><br />
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After that, you can delete any rows/columns that aren't useful to you. The default units are meters and milliseconds for distance and time, which I thought was kind of strange.<br />
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I used Strava and Google Photos to remember what some of those workouts were, unfortunately Google Fit doesn't automatically create any kind of description of what you did. Also, you have to manually log things like our Commit To Be Fit (CTBF) program. I guess that would be one advantage to going back to a watch-based activity tracker. What do you use and what are the benefits and limitations?Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-50421332316946690702018-04-30T11:38:00.002-07:002018-04-30T11:40:16.525-07:00Clean Up the Environment with a Lunge, a Squat while Running!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/ee/ww/PublishingImages/lco%201%20lg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/ee/ww/PublishingImages/lco%201%20lg.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source:<a href="https://dep.wv.gov/environmental-advocate/reap/sop/Pages/LitterControlOfficers.aspx" target="_blank"> EPA - West Virginia</a></td></tr>
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Do you like to lunge? How about squats? Oh my, I am a work in progress on both of those exercises. Running is alright as long as I can keep going and not stop. Needless to say, I need to definitely improve on both my lunges and squats in order to build up certain yoga poses. At least, that is what my wife says. Maybe I should try what is happening in Europe to see if my opinion toward lunges and squats will change with incorporating a little clean up of the local surroundings?<br />
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Instead of turning a blind eye or my head when I encounter litter while walking, maybe I could squat and pick some up? How about running and stopping to pick up a few pieces of litter? That is what one running group is doing in Europe and seems to be having a positive impact to say the least. In the video below - just under 2 minutes, a group's routine is highlighted for their positive impact on the environment while exercising:<br />
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I love it. What are you doing to improve your health and the environment? I usually separate these activities. Until I saw this video. Now, I feel inspired to try to do the same. Maybe you can too? incorporating alternative activities into your workout just might spice up the routine to make the process that much more easier (and fun). It is very easy.<br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-48370377525562544072018-04-17T16:43:00.001-07:002018-04-17T16:43:06.382-07:00What is Rosacea?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rosacea is a painful skin condition that runs in my family. Women between ages 30 and 50 with fair skin can suffer from rosacea that is aggravated by sunlight, diet soda, stress and heat. I contacted my friend Sepi from CT Organics in 2016 when my skin was in such a bad state that I was at my wit's end.<br />
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I've been using Clinique "Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser With Probiotic Technology" since around 2007. I also use Clinique "Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream" and more recently Clinique "SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face." They say the mineral sunscreen is virtually invisible, which is to say that it is like wearing clown white makeup. But for days when I'm out in the sun all day, I feel it provides better protection than the face cream.</div>
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To treat the skin irritation, Sepi first gave me a sample of pure borage oil to make sure that wouldn't aggrevate the condition. Then she gave me a sample of <a href="https://www.ctorganics.com/products/1dd7jfyg2fr9rae24fovcqxu551iol" target="_blank">Borage Pearl Powder cream</a> to try. I've been applying it only to the areas of extreme redness. It's definitely working. The redness in my cheeks is less but I still get irritation on my chin that I'm trying to tame. I think maybe the chin is something that still gets sun even when the rest of my face is covered by a hat. Also, I was using only SPF 30 for awhile but I've gone back up to SPF 50.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oct 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nov 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 2018</td></tr>
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I can't say enough wonderful things about the <a href="https://www.ctorganics.com/products/1dd7jfyg2fr9rae24fovcqxu551iol" target="_blank">Borage Pearl Powder cream</a>. The only thing I need to do is make sure I have a travel size. Last month, when I went to New Orleans (on a plane) I was limiting myself in terms of how many ounces I brought in my carry-on luggage. 3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The thing is that I brought a bunch of hair products which left less room for skin care in the 1 quart bag. Priorities~!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2018, New Orleans</td></tr>
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Every day on top of the <a href="https://www.ctorganics.com/products/1dd7jfyg2fr9rae24fovcqxu551iol" target="_blank">Borage Pearl Powder cream</a>, I put Clinique "Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+" and I use that to cover areas outside of the T-zone where my rosacea isn't. I sometimes use Clinique "All About Eyes" but not every day. Especially since I hardly go anywhere without my glasses these days, and then on top of that I wear goggles in lab 5 days a week. So nobody is really looking at my crow's feet. Then I put "Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream" on top of all that. Or SPF 50 if I'm planning to be outside for more than 20 minutes at a time.</div>
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When I've got TOO much sun or TOO much wind or if I've done TOO much gardening and my skin has been hit with dirt, I use Clinique "Moisture Surge™ Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator" together with Clinique "Repairwear Laser Focus™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream." I keep this on overnight or all weekend (plus staying indoors) to let the skin heal itself.<br />
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But I will say that this entire regimen WITHOUT the <a href="https://www.ctorganics.com/products/1dd7jfyg2fr9rae24fovcqxu551iol" target="_blank">Borage Pearl Powder cream</a> didn't work.</div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhonKVPA02Y/" data-instgrm-version="8" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhonKVPA02Y/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Hello spring 🌼 #SLOLA #seeds #flowers #pollinatorfriendly #borage #edible #bloom #spring #bees</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seedlibraryofla/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Seed Library of Los Angeles</a> (@seedlibraryofla) on <time datetime="2018-04-16T14:24:04+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 16, 2018 at 7:24am PDT</time></div>
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According to CT Organics website, borage seed oil contains high amount of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) fatty acids that help reduce inflammation naturally.<br />
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU5JUq2Fn2z/" data-instgrm-version="8" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU5JUq2Fn2z/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Introducing 🌼Borage Pearl Powder Cream🌼 absorbs quickly and hydrates deeply giving you silky firm skin. 🌱Borage oil contains Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) 🌱Pearl Powder contains 20 amino acids that help with collagen production 🌱Turmeric Oil (CO2 extract) helps with acne and healthy skin production. Now available on our website. #ctorganics #naturalskincare #organicskincare #organicskincare #borageoil #turmericoil #pearlpowder #naturalprimer #primerbeforefoundation</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ctorganics/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> CT Organics Natural Skincare</a> (@ctorganics) on <time datetime="2017-06-03T21:42:18+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 3, 2017 at 2:42pm PDT</time></div>
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I could say more about a BUNCH of other CT Organics products that I love, but that's all the time I have for today AND this product has been a game changer for me.Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-32707625031995785142018-04-03T14:19:00.000-07:002018-04-03T14:19:27.391-07:00Anti-Aging Skin Series 14: You Can Dew It by XoM3Happy New Year to everyone!!!! Sorry for the delay in response, I have been busy with other projects. I have been thinking about the direction of the '<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/aging" target="_blank">Anti-Aging Skin Series</a>' quite a bit over the break. Up until now, the products which I have chosen to deconstruct have been off the store shelf. A few months ago, I met Mandy of XoM3 products. My last blog post was on her and how this year I would incorporate her products into the '<a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/aging" target="_blank">Anti-Aging Skin Series</a>'. Why?<br />
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Specifically, because in addition to deconstructing the ingredient list on the bottle of a given product, we can find out exclusive information not yet known to the public about the formulator's (creators) intention in designing the skin care product. Which makes us the consumers feel even a step closer to the process and the product. Without further ado, lets dive into the first product from XoM3 product line: "<a href="https://xom3.com/products/you-can-dew" target="_blank">You Can Dew It</a>" as shown below:<br />
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Source: <a href="https://xom3.com/products/you-can-dew" target="_blank">XoM3 Product Line</a></div>
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Remember, if you are interested in reading any previous posts contained in the 'Anti-Aging Skin Series' please either choose the hyperlink "Aging" on the cover page (in the right hand corner) or <a href="https://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/aging" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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<h1>
"You Can Dew It"</h1>
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First, to put the product into context from her website, Mandy has a product description which I directly quoted below from her website:<br />
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Seasonal and dry weather, time, or biology can do a number on delicate facial skin. Handcrafted You Can Dew It Demulcent Oil can help. Lush with organic and ethical ingredients, precious jojoba, rosehip seed, argon and evening primrose oils are infused with skin loving botanicals and essential oils of frankincense and ylang ylang to deliver a velvety, dew kissed finish for glowing results. </blockquote>
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Upon asking Mandy for a complete ingredient list, she was super kind to be open with her products. She is interested in bringing awareness to the community of consumers in the skin care industry that she stands by her products and has nothing to hide. She is very knowledgeable regarding the exact reason why a given ingredient is used in one of her products. Which makes her product line even more attractive.<br />
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To start with, I will list each ingredient and list the function as I have done in past blog posts. If the ingredients are 'highlighted or hyperlinked' then the reference page is from 'Environmental Working Group'. Otherwise, the ingredient information reference number will be given along with the corresponding reference listed at the end of the blog post in the bibliography. Below is a list of ingredients in "You Can Dew It":<br />
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<b>1) <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705966/SIMMONDSIA_CHINENSIS_%28JOJOBA%29_SEED_OIL/#.WrlzVKjwaUk" target="_blank">Jojoba Oil:</a></b><br />
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About SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL: Jojoba oil is extracted from seeds of the desert shrub, Simmondsia chinensis, native to California, Arizona and Mexico.<br />
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Function(s): Hair Conditioning Agent; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive; EMOLLIENT; SKIN CONDITIONING; VISCOSITY CONTROLLING<br />
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<b>2) Yarrow:</b><br />
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A strong-scented, spicy, wild herb used in astringents and shampoos. (Ref.2)<br />
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Note: Astringent: a substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to protect the skin and to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions. (Ref.3)<br />
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<b>3) Argan Oil:</b><br />
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The oil is high in lipids, including the omega-9 oleic acid and the omega-6 linoleic acid as well as vitamin E. Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties. (Ref.3)<br />
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<b>4) <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700991/CALENDULA_OFFICINALIS_%28POT_MARIGOLD%29_FLOWER_OIL/#.WrqVLKjwaUk" target="_blank">Calendula Officinalis (POT MARIGOLD) Flower Oil:</a></b><br />
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About CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (POT MARIGOLD) FLOWER OIL: Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil is an oil derived from the flowers of Calendula officinalis.<br />
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Function(s): Fragrance Ingredient; MASKING; SKIN CONDITIONING<br />
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<b>5) Comfrey Extract:</b><br />
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The leaf and root contain allantoin, mucilage, tannins, starch, inulin, steroidal saponins, and pyrrolizine alkaloids. (Ref. 2)<br />
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<b>6) <a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/fragrance-synthetic-and-fragrant-plant-extracts/frankincense-extract.html" target="_blank">Fankincense Oil:</a></b><br />
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Fragrant component used in skincare products; it can be a skin sensitizer, but is not considered a potent one. There is no research showing frankincense has any benefit for skin. (Ref.4)<br />
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<b>7) <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/707017/CANANGA_ODORATA_%28YLANG_YLANG%29_OIL/#.WrqvbKjwaUk" target="_blank">Ylang Ylang:</a></b><br />
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About CANANGA ODORATA (YLANG YLANG) OIL: Oil obtained from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree Cananga odorata.<br />
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Function(s): Fragrance Ingredient; MASKING<br />
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<b>8) <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704246/OENOTHERA_BIENNIS_%28EVENING_PRIMROSE%29_OIL/#.Wrqxi6jwaUk" target="_blank">Primrose Oil:</a></b><br />
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About OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL: Evening Primrose oil is extracted from Oenothera biennis, a plant native to North America.<br />
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Function(s): Skin-Conditioning Agent - Miscellaneous; EMOLLIENT<br />
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That completes the ingredient list for the product "You Can Dew It" by XoM3 Botanical Solutions. On the bottom of the front of the bottle is the label -- "Demulcent Oil" which means -- "<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=demulcent&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS761US761&oq=demulcent&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.2278j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">(of a substance) relieving inflammation or irritation.</a>"<br />
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Conclusion...</h2>
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In the next post, I will provide a little background into the benefits of natural oils based on science. I recently stumbled upon an article which I would like to work through to see the evidence of the benefits aside or along with those listed in the ingredients (functions) list above.<br />
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I also promised at the beginning of the series (this year) to include Mandy (the producer, formulator) opinion on the product. I have to rescind that for the present time. We are both looking into the Food & Drug Regulations guidelines on 'interviews' and 'product discussions.' I will hopefully have more on that topic in the near future.<br />
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For the time being, I will move onto a new product after I discuss some benefits of natural oils in the next post. Until next time, have a wonderful day.<br />
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Reference Bibliography:<br />
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1) <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/#.WrqWPqjwaUk" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a><br />
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2) Cosmetic Dictionary<br />
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3) <a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS761US761&q=Dictionary" target="_blank">Google Dictionary</a><br />
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4) <a href="https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/fragrance-synthetic-and-fragrant-plant-extracts/frankincense-extract.html" target="_blank">Paula's Choice </a><br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-61111189697179136532018-03-28T16:59:00.000-07:002018-03-28T16:59:07.183-07:00Summer Garden 2018I may have started too late for a summer garden of my dreams. I'm still trying to get used to the weather here in the valley.<br />
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From the <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2018/01/winter-garden-progress.html" target="_blank">winter garden I started in August of last year</a> there remains: chard, kale, radish, okra and marigold. The poor eggplant seemed great and then died suddenly. Maybe it was cold stress, drought stress, or light stress.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgNM_RsgOAh/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">How do you organize your #seedlibrary ?</a></div>
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I don't remember when I started organizing my seed into plant families, I guess it was just starting to grow out of control and I couldn't find anything. Making a label on the outside of the bag was a great way to find exactly what type of plant I was looking for without digging through every single bag. The bags I get free during Clinique bonus week and since I'm not really a make-up-a-holic, I use the bags to sort and store my seeds. I put all these little bags into a camo backpack that I can sometimes take with me to the Seed Library of Los Angeles (SLOLA) meetings.<br />
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This past month we had a talk from David King the founder of SLOLA and he spoke about planning for our summer gardens. He specifically went over the considerations for seed-saving. He is a teacher through UCLA Extension and the garden master at the Venice High School Learning Garden.<br />
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David encouraged us to set a goal and be clear at the start of a project (or season). That way you know when you are approaching, meeting and exceeding your goal. He said that it's easy to give away seeds, but it's hard to be persistent. In other words, it's not always the first time around that you will be able to get a yield of seeds back from what you plant.<br />
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For us in the valley, a concern is that pollen is killed at temperatures above 85 degrees F so that you will have to get up early if you want to hand-pollinate your plants.<br />
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<b>Beans </b>- let them become very dry on the plant. Put them in a plastic bag and freeze for 3 days. You can get seeds from the grocery store bulk bins. They will germinate.<br />
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<b>Peppers </b>- can cross pollinate. To prevent unintended hybridization, put cloth bags around the flowers. They are "perfect flowers" because they can self-fertilize.<br />
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<b>Tomatoes </b>- can cross pollinate. Pollination is typically by wind. Cherry tomatoes cross pollinate by insects. They also can self-fertilize.<br />
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<b>Squash</b> - susceptible to powdery mildew. If you plant now, you can harvest in July. Then plant in July for a winter harvest. You need male and female flowers, so plant as many as you can.<br />
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<b>Tomatillo </b>- similar to tomato and pepper. It's not as common so there's low risk of cross-pollination. Unlikely that your neighbors will be growing it.<br />
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<b>Amaranthaceae </b>- includes spinach, sugar beet, chard, quinoa. These are wind pollinated. The pollen can travel up to 25 miles.<br />
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<b>Corn </b>- typically hand pollinated. Combine 3-5 tassles in a paper bag. Shake it. Dump the pollen on the silk. This yielded him 35 kernels per ear. Corn pollen can travel 250 miles under ideal conditions.<br />
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Here's what seeds I've planted. So far the lettuces have popped right up. A variety of the flowers have also sprouted but I mixed them up so I doubt I'll know which is which until they get larger. You can follow the progress of these plants in my facebook album.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156253751764127.1073741896.660124126&type=1&l=05a6d71e4d">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156253751764127.1073741896.660124126&type=1&l=05a6d71e4d</a></div>
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Also, I only planned to plant the spinach and eggplant, but never did it (oops) will try to get those on (in) soil today or tomorrow. Happy Cesar Chavez day, California!<br />
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I feel as though the plants have entrusted me to be a steward of their progress. I am constantly humbled by some plants' ability to survive under my lack of care. And I am surprised when those plants reward me with their fruits. I made the most amazing salad of radish and chard for the SLOLA meeting! 🌱</div>
<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-61569993158788628392018-03-19T10:49:00.000-07:002018-03-19T10:49:51.148-07:00How resilient is your body toward infection? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.virology.ws/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/influenza-virion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.virology.ws/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/influenza-virion3.jpg" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="513" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.virology.ws/2009/04/30/structure-of-influenza-virus/" target="_blank">CDC</a></td></tr>
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Have you ever had the following thoughts while 'under the weather' due to a cold or flu: "Why is this cold/flu holding my body hostage so long? Why is my body taking so long to fight this cold? I normally recover within a couple of days....this flu/cold must be a big one." If so, I would like to bring up a few points inspired by a discussion a few days ago with a colleague regarding the body's resiliency in fighting infections. Enjoy!<br />
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Why am I sick?</h1>
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Why am I sick? The answer to this question lies in the ability of a person's immune system to mount an attack on an infection (a foreign invader) into your body at any given time. Of course, at any given time, through the acts of breathing, seeing, hearing, eating, skin absorption, invaders are attacking our bodies mounting an invasion on our system.<br />
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Stop to think about this. Just opening your eyes, opening your mouth, breathing in, covering yourself with clothes or being naked, invaders are trying to get into your body. You may be wondering why I am thinking about this subject at all? First, we are in the midst of an influenza frenzy -- the spread of which is fast and wide. Schools are hotbeds for the spread of the influenza virus this season. I got the virus after participating as a 'science judge' a few weeks ago at an elementary school. I even got the flu shot this season.<br />
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Turns out that there are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm" target="_blank">four strains of the influenza virus</a> circulating this season. Three of which are wiped out by the 'flu shot' -- which is great. The downside is that the worst strain of the virus is the fourth which has mutated and built up a resistance to the 'flu shot' - not great. The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/laboratory/genetic-characterization.htm" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a> offers the following explanation regarding the viruses ability to change over time:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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Influenza viruses are constantly evolving, in fact all influenza viruses undergo genetic changes over time (for more information, see <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm" target="_blank">How the Flu Virus Can Change: “Drift” and “Shift”</a>). An influenza virus’ genome consists of all genes that make up the virus. CDC conducts year-round surveillance of circulating influenza viruses to monitor changes to the genome (or parts of the genome) of these viruses. This work is performed as part of routine U.S. influenza surveillance and as part of CDC’s role as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza. The information CDC collects from studying genetic changes (also known as “substitutions,” “variants” or “mutations”) in influenza viruses plays an important public health role by helping to determine whether existing vaccines and medical countermeasures (e.g., antiviral drugs) will work against new influenza viruses, as well as helping to determine the potential for influenza viruses in animals to infect humans.</blockquote>
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Genome sequencing reveals the sequence of the nucleotides in a gene, like alphabet letters in words. Comparing the composition of nucleotides in one virus gene with the order of nucleotides in a different virus gene can reveal variations between the two viruses.</blockquote>
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Genetic variations are important because they affect the structure of an influenza virus’ surface proteins. Proteins are made of sequences of amino acids.</blockquote>
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The substitution of one amino acid for another can affect properties of a virus, such as how well a virus transmits between people, and how susceptible the virus is to antiviral drugs or current vaccines.</blockquote>
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Influenza A and B viruses – the primary influenza viruses that infect people – are RNA viruses that have eight gene segments. These genes contain ‘instructions’ for making new viruses, and it’s these instructions that an influenza virus uses once it infects a human cell to trick the cell into producing more influenza viruses, thereby spreading infection.</blockquote>
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Not all people receive the form of the influenza virus which has mutated or changed and is resistant to the 'flu shot.' Although, the few that have and still get sick (like myself) have the risk of giving up days of productive work to allow our bodies to repair our immune system to restore the ability to mount a counter attack against influenza virus. The majority of folks that have been subjected to taking time off due to illness (sick days) -- wanted or unwanted. This virus has a real kick and can put a person down in bed for several days.<br />
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In the worst case scenario, a few unfortunate elderly people have transitioned from serious illness caused by the influenza virus to the actual stage of an pneumonia - which in some cases can be life-threatening. A colleague of mine just mentioned the other day that he has attended this year 3 funerals of friends who have died as a result of a serious progression of the virus into a pneumonia and onto death. What a tragedy that is. I expressed my sorrow for his losses. I also took the time to insert a message of gratitude for those of us who have survived. Not to be disrespectful of those unfortunate people that passed as a result.<br />
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The Human Body is Resilient Toward Infections</h2>
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In most cases the human body is resilient toward infection. As I mentioned above, the human body is constantly being bombarded with attacks from foreign invaders. And our immune system is in turn mounting attacks against foreign invaders at what seems like the speed of light (not literally). Our ability to comprehend the extreme resiliency of our immune systems ability to mount counter attacks is greatly lacking. Let me give you an example to explain why this is the case.<br />
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<b><u>Present Day Syria</u></b><br />
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Immigration is a hot issue presently throughout the world. There are 65 million displaced migrants moving throughout the world today. A significant portion of the moving migrant are moving from the civil war that has plagued Syria over the last few years. Here is a picture shown below of a previously largely populated city of (in Syria - pre-civil war):<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn4.img.sputniknews.com/images/105494/46/1054944650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="800" height="216" src="https://cdn4.img.sputniknews.com/images/105494/46/1054944650.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201707041055218379-students-join-syrian-arab-army/" target="_blank">Sputnik News</a></td></tr>
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This picture is of the city of Aleppo pre-civil war with a population of 1.6 million people. Of course, after years of the civil war, the city now appears as shown below:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/161219184434-03-aleppo-1219-restricted-exlarge-169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="780" height="223" src="https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/161219184434-03-aleppo-1219-restricted-exlarge-169.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/13/middleeast/5-years-in-aleppo/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a></td></tr>
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Wow! Imagine if the human body was unable to fight an infection. Imagine if the human body worked on the time scale of the human ability to rebuild a city like Aleppo after a civil war. Our ability on the human level (physical scale) is lacking. Building up a city like Aleppo will take years to return to normalcy if ever.<br />
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On the microscopic scale (virus level), our bodies have to be much more resilient to fighting disease. The ability to rebuild our destroyed cells or other cellular machinery is of the upmost importance and needs to be accomplished immediately. Again, you may be wondering the following question:<br />
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What is the connection to the city of Aleppo and the human body's immune system?<br />
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The point that I would like to drive home is that we should respect the our body more. Furthermore, in the event that the influenza virus invades our body successfully and causes us to miss work, respect your body and let your immune system do its intended job. Think about this blog post while you rest in bed. Let your body repair your system. If you choose to not respect your immune system and let the system do the job of counter attacking the virus, you could move the virus into the stage of an pneumonia -- and possibly progress onto death.<br />
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Conclusion...</h3>
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Respect your body. Amazingly enough, your body's ability to mount a counter attack is super efficient compared to the human scale activities shown above. Imagine if your body operated on the scale of us as humans operating on a daily basis. You would be sick for years.<br />
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Secondly, remember that your body fights the virus every few weeks after you recover. Therefore, if you recover and start to abuse your body (let your immune system be compromised) by not taking care of yourself, you will find yourself sick again. What? Is that possible? Yes, it is. Don't believe me? See if this happens in the future after you recover from your present sick state.<br />
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I hope that each of you choose to respect and let your body heal itself on the appropriate time scale. Remember to think about how amazing your system is to be able to recover in a matter of days. What is the equivalent process that occurs on the human physical scale? Is there such a comparison? I do not believe that one has been uncovered. We have a lot to learn in science to be able to mimic the body's ability to recover. Until next time, have a great day.<br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-12128896307194889312018-02-23T11:13:00.001-08:002018-02-23T11:15:38.769-08:00What Happened To The Anti-Aging Skin Series?Are you ready for the continuation of the Anti-Aging Skin Series? I know, the delay has been quite long. Over the winter break, I was thinking about the change which I had proposed at the end of last year. The new series (or continuation) of the old is going to focus on (for the time being) products off of a friends website -- <a href="http://xom3.com/">XOM3.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2017/11/anti-aging-skin-series-post-13-meet.html" target="_blank">The reason being (as I explained in the last post) was to include more information about the formulation in the blog post from the actual formulator/manufacturer</a>. In this case, the formulator is a great friend -- Mandy -- as you will see. Additionally, another reason for the change is to uncover more information about the ingredient profile along with the benefits of ingredients infused into the product. At the same time, this will allow the reader (you) to comment and ask questions which I can relay to the formulator about a given product. The dialogue or channels of communication can be further opened regarding skin care products.<br />
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With the start of a new year, life can be busy coordinating responses and questions between two people who are busy. Be patient with us. The first product I will be showcasing is shown below:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1531/3987/products/Product_YouCanDewIt900x900_v03_1024x1024.jpg?v=1487112897" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1531/3987/products/Product_YouCanDewIt900x900_v03_1024x1024.jpg?v=1487112897" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://xom3.com/">xom3.com</a></td></tr>
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The product is a facial moisturizer called "<a href="https://xom3.com/products/you-can-dew" target="_blank">You Can Dew It</a>". Take a look at the product description before you read the next blog post. Formulate your own opinion and questions regarding the product. See if the next blog post answers the questions/assumptions/opinions that you have formed.<br />
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Additionally, in the mean time, if you would like to access previous posts in the "Anti-Aging Skin Series" feel free to<a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/aging" target="_blank"> click here to access an index page</a>.<br />
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Are you ready? I know that you are. As soon as I incorporate Mandy's comments into my blog post which is partially done, you will see the next blog post. Stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend.<br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-30467164368531264102018-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:002018-05-09T06:47:42.040-07:00Grains, beans, nuts and seeds<div>
This year, we are trying a regimen of whole-grain cooking. To this end, I am learning more about grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Actually each of these are the seed of a different plant, so they all contain nutrients needed to sustain life.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Grains are the seeds of grasses. Examples include: wheat, corn, oats, and rice. Beans are the seeds of legumes. Examples include: peas, lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas. Nuts are the seeds of trees. Examples include walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans. And seeds are…well…seeds. Examples include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and sunflower seeds."</blockquote>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4205; mso-width-source: userset; width: 86pt;" width="115"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 5814; mso-width-source: userset; width: 119pt;" width="159"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3510; mso-width-source: userset; width: 72pt;" width="96"></col>
<col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 86pt;" width="115"><br />
<b><u>Food</u></b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 119pt;" width="159"><b><u><br />Latin Name</u></b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 72pt;" width="96"><b><u><br />Order</u></b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b>Glycemic <u>Index</u></b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Barley*</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Hordeum vulgare</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">25</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Wheat berry*</td><td class="xl65"><i>Triticum aestivum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">45</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Bulgar wheat*</td><td class="xl65"><i>Triticum aestivum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">47</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Wheat bran*</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Triticum aestivum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">60</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Couscous*</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Triticum aestivum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">65</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Chickpea</td>
<td class="xl65"><span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><i>Cicer arietinum</i></span></td>
<td class="xl64">Fabales</td>
<td class="xl64">10</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Soybean</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Glycine max</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Fabales</td>
<td class="xl64">18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Lentil</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Lens culinaris</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Fabales</td>
<td class="xl64">28</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Black bean</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Fabales</td>
<td class="xl64">30</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Pinto bean</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Fabales</td>
<td class="xl64">30</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sunflower seed</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Helianthus annuus</i></td><td class="xl64">Asterales</td>
<td class="xl64"><20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Poppy seed</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Papaver somniferum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Ranunculales</td>
<td class="xl64"><20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Chia</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Salvia hispanica</i> </td>
<td class="xl64">Lamiales</td>
<td class="xl64"><20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sesame seed</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Sesamum indicum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Lamiales</td>
<td class="xl64"><20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Flax</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Linum usitatissimum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Malpighiales</td>
<td class="xl64"><20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Buckwheat</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Fagopyrum esculentum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Caryophyllales</td>
<td class="xl64">45</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Quinoa</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Chenopodium quinoa</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Caryophyllales</td>
<td class="xl64">53</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Hominy</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Zea Mays</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Polenta</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Zea Mays</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">68</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Rice</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Oryza sativa</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">50</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Oats</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Avena sativa</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">55</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Millet</td>
<td class="xl65"><i>Pennisetum glaucum</i></td>
<td class="xl64">Poales</td>
<td class="xl64">67</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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* Contains Gluten</div>
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We've had a successful 2017 with our <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Kaiser Wellness Center tumblr recipe blog</a>. With the addition of a George Foreman grill and a pressure cooker, I hope to continue adding successful healthy recipes throughout 2018. See previous post for a discussion of <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2012/08/glycemic-index.html" target="_blank">glycemic index</a>.</div>
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If you're wondering where to find whole grains at a low price, look no further than <a href="https://www.wincofoods.com/" target="_blank">WinCo Foods</a>. Note: you must be comfortable buying from bulk bins.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole Foods, Porter Ranch</td></tr>
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Removing the items not available at one or more stores, that leaves us with 15 items which can be purchased at all 4 stores. If you purchased one pound of each item, the total cost is shown below for comparison. For us, we would have to drive almost 40 miles to any of the nearest WinCo stores, but since we get 40 mpg that is just 2 gallons of gas (approximately $8), well worth the price difference. And we just have to remember to visit WinCo when we visit family, when we're making the trip already.<br />
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WinCo $21.45<br />
Walmart $61.95<br />
Whole Foods $66.53<br />
Von's $65.23<br />
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Also, some of the items (e.g. couscous and polenta) must be ordered online for in-store pick-up at WalMart and delivery via Amazon for Whole Foods and is not routinely stocked at our nearest store location. WinCo has all these items in stock, in the bulk section, with the exception of poppy seeds.<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown rice, pearled barley, green lentils</td></tr>
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Comparing the prices of some dry beans</div>
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Removing the items not available at one or more stores, that leaves us with 7 items which can be purchased at all 4 stores.</div>
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WinCo $ 7.27<br />
Walmart $10.52<br />
Whole Foods $21.23<br />
Von's $16.13<br />
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The beans below were purchased in Long Beach while Mike was attending the CSULB Student Sustainability Coalition meeting on Friday, April 20th.</div>
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<b>References</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.diagnosisdiet.com/food/grains-beans-nuts-and-seeds/" target="_blank">http://www.diagnosisdiet.com/food/grains-beans-nuts-and-seeds/<b> </b></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaseolus_vulgaris">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaseolus_vulgaris</a></div>
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<a href="http://elitemensguide.com/glycemic-index-chart-and-glycemic-load-chart-of-common-foods/">http://elitemensguide.com/glycemic-index-chart-and-glycemic-load-chart-of-common-foods/</a></div>
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Joseph Mercola and Kendra Degen Pearsall. Healthy Recipes for Your Nutritional Type (The Perfect Companion to Dr. Mercola's book Take Control of Your Health). 2007, Mercola.com, p 261.<br />
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Judith Finlayson. The complete whole grains cookbook. 2008, R. Robert, p 218.<br />
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Sheryl London and Mel London. The versatile grain and the elegant bean: a celebration of the world's most healthful foods. 1992, Simon & Schuster.<br />
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-22242242866744556472018-01-11T15:02:00.002-08:002018-01-11T15:02:20.172-08:00Winter Garden Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a teacher, I'm always optimistic at the start of the semester! It seems appropriate to start a batch of seeds and watch tangible growth as the academic year progresses. The image below shows the layout of my seed starting trays, filled with seed-starting soil. I don't know if it is actually critical to have this type of setup, but I usually have good results with it.</div>
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I also have indicated the year in which the seeds were harvested (or printed date if the seeds were not collected by myself). I did a bit of research on the optimum germination conditions and timing for the seeds I planted. Fall 2017 overall was unusually warm, so I don't know if that effected my plants in a good way or in a bad way.<br />
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I can say that I borrowed seed stocks from the Seed Library of Los Angeles (grey zucchini squash, Tondo di Piacenza squash, and Rosa Bianca eggplant). I arranged the trays in a window box (extremely sunny) inside our house (not too hot) and right near the sink (to not forget to water them).<br />
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I kept a tally of which seeds germinated, and roughly how long the seedlings took to emerge. In October, I transferred them outdoors in hopes that we would have cooler wetter weather on the way. However, cooler weather was not in the forecast (hindsight is 20/20).<br />
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It looks like the Tondo di Piacenza squash maybe needs warmer weather or longer days to encourage germination? Possibly same with lettuces? Or maybe the bean seeds need to be scarified. Or maybe I planted them too deep, lettuce seeds need light to signal germination. Or maybe the Red Lettuce is too old or didn't fill its seeds well when it was setting on seeds.</div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SoCal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SoCal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFV</a> Weather watch <a href="https://twitter.com/wunderground?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wunderground</a> Wind advisory with gusts to 40 mph 🌬 and excessive heat warning Temperatures... 100-106 degrees 🔥🌞🌡 <a href="https://t.co/E2Ifr68HkX">pic.twitter.com/E2Ifr68HkX</a></div>
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— Kayla A. Kaiser (@hamerk02) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamerk02/status/921809956403232768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></div>
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I killed that praying mantis by putting her outside on the blacktop, then did a bit of reading and found out that she would not have been harmful to the garden. Still feeling a bit guilty about doing that. I did have an aphid infestation, but left it for months untreated since it's only advised to apply dormant oil when the temperature is <a href="https://extension.tennessee.edu/mtnpi/Documents/handouts/Insect%20and%20Disease%20Control/Horticultural_Oil_Handout.pdf" target="_blank">above 40 deg F but below 90 deg F</a>. Thus I have only applied it this past weekend (Jan 7, 2018).<br />
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I made an idealized layout of where everything should end up, which is important because certain plants protect other plants from pests (for example marigold is an effective trap crop). And some plants engage in chemical warfare with each other, preventing one or the other from growing optimally (for example geranium is not good for solanales). Some plants bring out the best in other plants, so they should be nearby each other (basil is said to be beneficial for tomato).<br />
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You can see actual photos of the seedlings here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155689807274127.1073741888.660124126&type=1&l=aa5ab4a5ef" target="_blank">Winter Garden Album on Facebook</a></div>
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<b>The Bad News: </b>The geranium finally died, so it has been removed. The peppers also have been retired. I never found any zinnia. There's no basil. I have never had luck germinating beans, so there are none of those. The squash didn't survive, not sure why. I didn't plant any carrots or peas. The mustard didn't survive. The tomato is long gone by now. The lettuces didn't survive.<br />
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<b>The Good News: </b>Starting in the upper left corner of the map above, one okra plant is alive. A strong crop of chard is nearby. Everything on the upper right corner of the map above has been retired or relocated. The lower left corner holds 2 Rosa Bianca eggplant, 2 French (dwarf) marigolds, 1 large radish and 7 smaller ones. We have 2 Lacinato kale plants and 1 Red Russian kale that survived.<br />
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I'm so happy we're past the winter solstice. I can feel each day being longer than the preceeding one and before we know it, we'll be back in summer! I am planning to plant some seeds soon, to get another round of lettuce, spinach, herbs, squash, tomatoes and peppers. I have posted some gardening guides on our <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/kaiserwellnesscenter/home/plants-and-food/qr-code-for-plants-garden-project" target="_blank">Kaiser Wellness Center website,</a> which I refer back to often when deciding what to plant and when. Since I don't have a public garden anymore, I really have given up tagging each plant with a QR code. Maybe I'll repurpose the QR codes for some other application.</div>
Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-75106502359253800282017-12-20T14:38:00.002-08:002017-12-20T14:49:54.191-08:00Taking On Too Much Work Will Lead To Burn OutHave you every felt over worked? Have you exhausted yourself by committing yourself to too many activities in a given period? This semester has been a semester in which the answers to the prior two questions is an overwhelming YES. Additionally, having the ability to say "yes" or "no" to over committing the available time each of us have in a given day is critical to a person's health and that of the health of those around them. The following post will highlight the need to learn how to say "yes" and "no" to various commitments in life on a daily, monthly, yearly basis.<br />
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This semester has been one hell of a deal for our household. Kayla took on a tremendous task which involved cooking for 24 students twice a week. In addition, she was teaching a couple of classes at Pasadena City College two nights a week. What a hectic schedule? In the 10 years of our marriage, I have thought that I had seen her wear herself out. This semester was the semester to kick her rear end. How do I know – she asked one day over lunch? There were subtle signs.<br />
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For instance, on the weekends, she usually is up early making coffee and ready to achieve around 20 tasks throughout the day. On more than one occasion, I noticed her sleeping past 10 am which is highly unusual for her. Secondly, she had to remain on task to a large degree which meant that we as a couple had to minimize what extracurricular activities that we could commit to in the future following each week. I had a challenging semester without constantly being around Kayla. If you recall, both Kayla and I work at California State University at Northridge (CSUN) in the Chemistry/Biochemistry Department. I am an instrument manager while Kayla teaches general chemistry along with upper division lab classes.<br />
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Working Two Jobs at Two Different Schools?</h1>
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This semester Kayla asked me how I felt if she worked at two different schools – Pasadena City College and CSUN. The reason why she even asked was to be considerate as a partner sharing a household. Which was super thoughtful of her. I always want to support her career advancement opportunities. The only question that I had was the following: Are you going to burn yourself out with so many classes? Not to mention the extra task of cooking for 24 students twice a week – which I will explain shortly. I am just trying to look out for her health. Sometimes a person gets very ambitious in their career goals that the possibility of ‘running themselves (health wise) is clouded by success.’ She agreed to dial back on commitments if they were too much at any time. I knew that the comment was genuine but not going to happen. Therefore, I decided to let her work herself into the ground and then she will eventually learn to pace herself. I was not looking forward to watching her do that, but these are lessons which each of us have to learn at one point in our lives.<br />
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With this in mind, I was able to have a large amount of “me time” this semester. Part of the alone time was with her cooking away in the kitchen while I read in another room. I will explain why I did not participate shortly. While the other part of the alone time was when she was physically at the College Teaching on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Part of the loneliness was stressful, since I knew that when she arrived home each Tuesday and Thursday, I would be in bed already. Going to bed with your spouse already in bed is difficult at times. The same occurs when one spouse has work early in the morning and leave a spouse is sleeping. Which has occurred over the years to each of us at times.<br />
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The point I am trying to convey to a large extent was that having time to myself was not necessarily ‘leisurely’. I chose to read as much as I could which was a great improvement for me. I have probably read more books this year than total in my life before 20 years old. I used to be confined mainly to the great outdoors since we had wonderful weather and my parents agreed that no child should sit idle in front of the television and waste time. Go outdoors release endorphins by physical activity. Look and absorb nature and get some vitamin D while you are at it. That was my impression of childhood in Southern California.<br />
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Learning to be comfortable with being alone is both interesting and challenging at times. How many times have you caught yourself wondering or thinking the following thought during challenging times at work… “If I only had some free time, I would totally spend or accomplish___?” Yep, we are all victims of that thought at one time or another. Yet, when the time comes to “pamper” or have alone time, we choose to spend the time thinking of the other person or future goals – to name a few. My thoughts and reasons are not necessarily bad. I just believe that I have overcome anxiety of accomplishing goals by actually setting out and achieving my hobbies during any alone time. This was a success for me. Typically, I am a ‘people pleaser’ and have a difficult time having time to myself. Not that I did not struggle a bit this semester. I just made more progress than last semester. I needed the time alone to realize or ask myself – do I really want to have this hobby or read that book? Yes, and I did.<br />
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Cooking for 24 Students Twice A Week:</h2>
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As I mentioned above, earlier in the semester, Kayla took on a monumental task of cooking for each of her students twice a week. What did this entail? She had a class of 24 students. On the first day, she decided to give them an assignment (homework) to go and write down their favorite meal – the recipe. When the students returned to class the next meeting, she informed them that she would cook a meal for each class. What? Yep, you read correctly. The intention was to expand her cooking abilities, but more importantly, connect with the students on a more personal level. By sharing a meal, humans form a special bond. Kayla decided that no meal (holiday meal or not) was too challenging for her to prepare.<br />
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I should back up a bit and tell you about a time when Kayla reached the end of her cooking spree – early on in our marriage. We were in graduate school together when we met. We dated for around a year before we got married. Anyways, we lived together early on and would have friends over to eat. We would laugh and eat a meal which took hours to prepare for a few graduate students (5-10 students). Over time, we realized that two rules needed to made and followed in the years to come:<br />
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1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t complain about dishes in the sink, if you are not willing to clean them yourself.<br />
2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t agree to have a meal with guests if you are not willing to participate in the cooking.<br />
3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t agree to host a meal without consulting your partner first.<br />
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Over the years, these three rules have been enforced to minimize any argument or resentments which might arise. Plus, when each person agrees to a task, the task is more enjoyable to carry out. Right about now, you may be wondering what the relevance the three rules are to the current semester. Well, let me explain.<br />
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Kayla came home from the first class with her 24 students and announced her brilliant assignment to me. I asked her why she decided to take on this monumental task. She stated the intentions of ‘connecting with the students through food’ as mentioned above. Additionally, she said learning all of the meals would be great for us. I reminded her of the 3 rules which we had agreed upon above regarding promising meals to guests. She said that she would cook all of the meals by herself. Fine, lets see that happen – was my initial thought. This led to another achievement on my part – or personal growth. My control issues.<br />
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The first meal took around 6 hours to cook. From around 5 pm til 11 pm. I was trying to read in the living room to practice “disconnecting” or not controlling the situation. Over the course of the semester, I had achieved a milestone in my life – which was to let her do her thing. Let her do the work. I know that might sound selfish at first. But remember, as a “people pleaser” I am constantly trying to help others and have no time for myself. On top of no time for myself, I tend to get in the way of progress by trying help. I decided that this time, I was going to let go and try to read and not bother her while she was cooking. This I must admit was difficult in the beginning – but became increasingly easier as I made small achievements over time. To be honest, had she asked me to help, I might have helped – just kidding, I would have. While reminding her of the 3 rules – what a husband I am – LOL. <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">By the way, all of the recipes are available on our Tumblr website – here</a>. Enjoy!!<br />
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Conclusion…</h3>
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The process of change takes time. Just like the idea of ‘control’ manifests itself in many forms. When Kayla was teaching at night I would wonder how her class was going. A form of control – really? The act of “letting go” and achieving your own goals is difficult. Although, as I learned over the course of this semester, each week is a new opportunity to work on achieving goals not yet accomplished. Furthermore, the students at CSUN had a few wonderful meals throughout the semester. Kayla was able to challenge herself in terms of career advancement and on a personal level by learning new recipes. She does genuinely love to cook. I like to cook the same thing – Macaroni and Cheese. That gets old each night. Therefore, I am in training learning to expand my horizons in the kitchen. I admit that I am a huge work in progress. The semester has been difficult. But who ever said that personal growth would occur without effort.<br />
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Luckily, we are headed for the holidays. Which means that work will come to a temporary halt for vacation. Thank goodness for the time off. We will use the time to ‘recharge our batteries’. I hope that each of you have a safe set of holidays and I look forward to returning to blogging about cosmetic products and my mental growth in 2018. Happy Holidays!<br />
Until next time, have a great day!!!<br />
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-79404607323435493962017-12-12T14:40:00.004-08:002017-12-12T14:40:34.384-08:00#DefineYourself! -- Define Your Unique Self Or Else Others Will Define You...<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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In today's fast paced and ever changing world, the concept of "defining oneself" is more critical than ever. That is why I came up with the hashtag of #DefineYourself! It is a clarification and a celebration of what a person stands for. Let me explain further briefly below.</div>
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Each of us would like you think that we are extremely unique in this world. WRONG. We are more similar in our desires and needs than we would like to think. That is not to say that each of us are not unique. </div>
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The hashtag #DefineYourself! is a designation (a marker if you will) to tell the world how you are unique relative to the rest of us. If you type in the hashtag #DefineYourself into either 'Twitter' of 'Instagram' the results will be mainly about your physical appearance -- which is critical toward defining oneself. Although, I would add that there exists many other 'dimensions' in which a person can define themselves which have nothing to do with appearance and are just as important -- if not more so.</div>
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In adding these multiple dimensions of 'uniqueness' -- the addition of the exclamation point "!" to the hashtag #DefineYourself. Why you might ask? If you type into 'Wikipedia' the phrase "exclamation mark" -- the following result is shown below in the introduction:</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The exclamation mark (British English and Commonwealth English) or exclamation point (American English) is a punctuation mark usually used after an interjection or exclamation to indicate strong feelings or high volume (shouting), shows emphasis and often marks the end of a sentence. Example: "Watch out!" Similarly, a bare exclamation mark (with nothing before or after) is often used in warning signs.</span></span></blockquote>
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The example in the excerpt is "Watch Out!" -- which is appropriate to emphasize the use of the exclamation mark. Similarly, instead of restricting a definition of oneself to a single dimension -- i.e. physical appearance -- which is now commonly used on social media, the exclamation mark in the hashtag #DefineYourself! is a cry out to use a more 'complete' definition including the many other definitions of 'uniqueness' that each person holds in the world.<br />
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At this point, you may be wondering what type of 'uniqueness' can each of us highlight in our lives. An example of this might be highlighting the 'unique' components of a cosmetic formulation as highlighted in the series <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-Aging%20Skin%20Series" target="_blank">Anti-Aging Skin Series</a> (which I write) on this blog site. On a more personal level, a person could write about their <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/kaiserwellnesscenter/home/mike-s-mental-awareness-journey" target="_blank">Mental Awareness Journey through life</a> -- with updates and learning experiences in real time. Another example might be a <a href="https://jmkthought.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-many-turkeys-are-served-on.html" target="_blank">'dimensional analysis' blog post written about the total number of Turkey's</a> sold in the United States on Thanksgiving Holiday -- highlighting the excess of food of the meal. Other example might be a short 'Tweet' on 'Twitter' (or other social media outlets) highlighting your unique qualities or outlook on life. The point is that the hashtag is meant to highlight your uniqueness in the world today.<br />
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With this in mind, use the hashtag and tell the world about yourself. Otherwise ... others will try to define you in their terms. Have a great day.<br />
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Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769921996393107015.post-69562047394196002052017-11-09T13:36:00.000-08:002017-12-12T14:28:43.708-08:00Anti-Aging Skin Series Post 13: Meet Mandy from XOM3 Botanical Solutions!Have you noticed that more time has past in between posts on '<a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-Aging%20Skin%20Series" target="_blank"><i>Anti-Aging Skin Series</i></a>' lately? I have let too much time in between blog posts past! Yes, but for good reason. I have been determining the path ahead for the series. Remember that I started out with an extremely long blog post regarding the question: <i><a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2016/06/can-science-really-reverse-aging-skin.html" target="_blank">Can Science Really Reverse Aging Skin?</a></i> Out of this grew the need by suggestion from my wife to clarify through many small blog posts -- exactly what I am trying to convey.<br />
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From there, an exploration was launched into <a href="http://kaiserwellnesscenter.blogspot.com/2016/08/anti-aging-skin-series-post-1-skin.html" target="_blank">the basics of the physiology of skin</a> - with the purpose of formulating or deconstructing a skin care formulation. Why is a given ingredient incorporated into a formulation by a manufacturer? Answering that question over the last few posts has been comprised of listing the ingredients in a given skin care product and giving the specific function of the ingredient known in the industry.<br />
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Of course, the question as to the intent of incorporating a given ingredient could have been resolved quite easily had I been given access to the formulator. If I could have asked the inventor, why did you put this ingredient into that lotion -- this would have made life much easier. Instead, up until now, I have used the information available online to show you (the reader) how to decode or deconstruct the ingredient list on any skin care formulation.<br />
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<b><u>Meet Mandy..</u></b>.<br />
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About a month ago, I had a chance to attend (with my wife) an event at a local garden which is kept up by the public. The event was hosted by the organization <a href="http://slola.org/" target="_blank">SLOLA -- Seed Library Of Los Angeles</a>. The seed library is composed of the seeds collected by the members of the organization. SLOLA hosts all types of events centered around cultivating seeds and sharing tips on growing a variety of plants in a variety of environments. The group is a wonderful resource for anyone experiencing difficulty growing a plant in your garden. I was glad to be able to listen to a talk on 'herbal medicine' that particular Friday. Out of that talk came an interest in exploring the 'herbal chemistry' of the components in a given skin care solution.<br />
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Remember the last skin care solution which was deconstructed on this site -- Lush. There were a whole host of natural ingredients which (could potentially) have 'herbal qualities' to them. Additionally, that might have been the dominant reason for incorporating them into the formulation. Anyways, at the talk which I attended I was honored to meet another herbalist -- Mandy. Mandy is a super cool lady who is deeply interested in understanding the chemistry of skin care ingredients from a herbal medicine perspective. She makes her own products which can be viewed and purchased at the website: <a href="https://.xom3.com/">https://.xom3.com</a>. Check them out.<br />
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As I mentioned above, I have been taking a little time to write and think in between the last two posts. This is due to my interaction with Mandy. Mandy and I met and started brainstorming on learning more about the chemistry in a given product. She is aware of the reason why she incorporates a given ingredient into her product. And that seem to hit home in my mind. I told her about this blog series. She was interested in explaining the back of her ingredient list. Yes.<br />
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Now, we can explore a skin care product and hear from the formulator why a given ingredient is incorporated into the formulation. Additionally, this will set the stage to continue to deconstruct other skin care products aside from Mandy's and have an idea as to the reason for the ingredient on the back of the product. That is the plan.<br />
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Conclusion...<br />
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I will choose a product off of her site and write about the ingredient list soon. I will ask her questions in the form of an interview and write about the answers. Stay tuned and get ready to get the "low down" on the wonderful products at <a href="https://xom3.com/" target="_blank">XOM3</a>. Have a great day!!!<br />
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<br />Kayla A. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693491023961558432noreply@blogger.com0