Can Yoga Help Heart Disease?

Recently, I happened upon the following article that I found quite interesting. It's a definite must read, if you're a heart patient, and have been wondering whether or not yoga is right for you. You can find the entire article here: Yoga & the Diseased Heart I'm sure you'll find it as interesting as I did!

Blessings!

Kathi R.

The 'WEED' Controversy: The Science Behind Medical Marijuana

Weed. Gangha. Maryjane. MJ. Pot. Burn. Smoke. These are a few words used by people when referring to the product of the plant, cannabis sativa (the scientific name) or marijuana. This post is intended to shed some light on this long-prohibited plant, its therapeutic uses over time, and some other things that may enlighten you about marijuana and its therapeutic properties. It isn't just a 'drug' any longer, its benefits and usefulness in treating patients with many conditions has been studied in other countries, and is now beginning to be recognized and studied in the United States.

This is not my original photograph. It was borrowed from this web site: Click Here

Prior to 1937, marijuana was widely used and prescribed therapeutically in the United States for multiple reasons, therapeutically. With the dawning ofThe Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and subsequent legislation, such as the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, marijuana use became prohibited in the United States, much to the consternation of millions of marijuana supporters and/or users. Not only was it prohibited and illegal to possess and/or use marijuana, it was deemed criminal to possess and/or use marijuana at all. Furthermore, marijuana was then classed as a Schedule Class I psychoactive drug in the early 1970's, which you can learn more about here. 

The American Nurses Association supports safe and legal access to therapeutic (medical) marijuana, and has for several years now (Click here for more information). On that note, I must add that I do not write for that organization, nor do I have any affiliation with the ANA at this point. I am simply writing from my own point of view, as a nurse and a concerned citizen, and adding supporting evidence and citations as I do so.

Research about the marijuana plant and its medical uses has been on the rise in recent years, especially in Israel. The country of Israel is ahead of its time with airport security, so it's no surprise that Israel has been studying marijuana's uses and conducting clinical trials in regard to its many astounding medical uses for years. Marijuana has been studied there for a very long time, and there are several conditions in which the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids are being studied currently. You can read about some of that research here.

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, whose research with marijuana as early as the 1960's has earned him the nickname "The Father of Marijuana Research" was interviewed by the online news magazine, NoCamels, and that interview is not only an interesting read, it's informative and exciting. Dr. Mechoulam has been touted as the leading researcher in the field of medical marijuana studies, and is said to be responsible for identifying many of the 70 plus cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant, which may all be effective in treating and/or curing several diseases and symptoms of disease in the future. 

Research expansion here in the United States has been slow and grueling , due to a complicated federal approval process among other concerns and obstacles (American Nurses Association, 2014). Perhaps with the airing of Dr. Sanjay Gupta's documentary on CNN last year (which you can view below), research will take hold in the United States. It certainly has the ability to open thousands of new avenues for evidence-based research in the field of health care. There could be answers to curing cancer, diabetes, or other chronic and potentially life-threatening illnesses found in the cannabinoids of the marijuana plant. 

Like the little 6 year-old girl in the following documentary, Charlotte Fiji (Charlie, for short), who suffered from more than 300 seizures a week, related to Dravet Syndrome, children suffering from epilepsy could be helped with a simple sublingual (placed under the tongue) oil. 

Charlie's parents used many combinations of pharmaceuticals to alleviate the seizure activity their child was experiencing on a daily basis, without a noticeable positive effect. When they started using medicinal oil that was extracted from a specifically hybridized marijuana plant, however, Charlie's condition improved dramatically. The plant was grown by a team of six brothers, who share the surname 'Stanley', and own and operate dispensaries and a growing farm for medical marijuana in Colorado. 

The strain of plant used contained less than 1% THC (the portion of cannabinoid that gives people the 'high' effect) and more than 21% CBD's, which is a therapeutic cannabinoid, and does not produce the 'high' effect in users. In fact, little Charlie's condition improved so quickly and vastly, that Dr. Sanjay Gupta was amazed. This documentary is a must watch for those who need more valid information about the miraculous and therapeutic effects of medical marijuana. 
  
In composing this post, I simply wanted to shed some light on the controversy surrounding the legalization of medical marijuana, maybe break through some of the untruths that the public has been spoon fed in regard to marijuana and its many uses, especially highlighted in films such as "Reefer Madness", and hopefully clear up some of the fallacies surrounding the marijuana controversy. 

If you click here you can read more about a study claiming that it can reverse certain symptoms of dementia. Marijuana cannabinoids have also been studied and shown to improve the brain function of people with traumatic brain injuries, and people with dementia. 

Perhaps in the future information and research will be more abundant and forthcoming in regard to medical marijuana and its various therapeutic uses.  

Sources:

In support of patients' safe access to therapeutic marijuana. (2008, December 12). Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/Policy-Advocacy/Positions-and-Resolutions/ANAPositionStatements/Position-Statements-Alphabetically/In-Support-of-Patients-Safe-Access-to-Therapeutic-Marijuana.pdf

Sirven, J., & Shafer, P. (2014, March). What is Dravet syndrome? Retrieved from http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-epilepsy-syndromes/dravet-syndrome

Weed [Motion picture]. (2014). United States: CNN Special Report.

TheJointBlog.com

Love this jpeg ... Peaceful

Greetings! 

Not sure how many are still following my blog, but it doesn't matter anyway. It's been nearly 4 years (April 14th, 2011) since my CABG, and lately I've been feeling kind of strange. It's not that I haven't been taking care of myself. I've dropped nearly 100 lbs since my surgery (I initially gained around 60 lbs following my CABG, and I believe I was depressed and didn't even recognize it!) and I've been working out, running, elliptical, weights, etc. I'm eating well, I'm focusing on my health. 

But I've been having strange pains again, and feelings of depression and high anxiety lately. I can't sleep well, and I'm extremely stressed out, for some reason. I feel as though I'm going to die, in short. Perhaps it's craziness on my part, because I'm sure there's a reason I'm here, and that I made it through that extensive surgery for a reason. But it's a feeling I'm fighting with lately, that feeling of impending doom, so to speak. Anyway, I have an appointment with my cardiologist next week and we'll see what he has to say. 

Just thought I'd post something at this point, as I'm up at this hour on my day off and crying for no reason again. Something is going on psychologically with me, and perhaps it's more than psychological. Perhaps it's Spiritually, as well. Time will tell. In the meantime, be good to yourselves and each other.

Peace <3
Kathi

Striving to be Our Authentic Selves ...

"The journey of consciousness, of mysticism, is to come to know yourself and your own motivations.'" ~ Caroline Myss

For many of us, Life is about striving to become our True and Authentic Selves. It's about being able to laugh at our mistakes, because if we live as authentically as we can we instinctively know there are no mistakes, only different paths to choose from. One day we may choose the path to the right, the next we choose a path to the left. Striving to be our True Authentic Self is living freely, with deep joy, serenity, and peace despite those who attempt to block our happiness. 


There are no regrets or guilt about the Past, because the Past is long gone. There are no worries about the Future,  because the Future is yet to come. There is only contentedness in the Present, in the moment, because it is where we know we belong. When we are striving to be our Authentic Self, we stand fast, honoring the Past and the Future, but with our feet firmly planted in the Present.


Some will attempt to bump us out of our peace, by intentionally attempting to hurt us with words, actions, thoughts. But because we are steadfast in our desire to be our True Authentic Self, we move forward with ease and joy, leaving those negative Souls in the Past. We choose not to associate with those who wish to constantly hurt us time and again. Our internal compass guides us along, as we walk hand in hand with our Higher Power, on our Journey to becoming our Authentic Self.


We are free from the ties that bind us to those who want to squelch our happiness,  because we are choosing our Authenticity. We know deeply that our love for them, for all, is unconditional, but we also remain discerning in not allowing our Authentic Self to step into the web of intricately woven resentments and negativity that some weave around themselves and attempt to snag us in. We are striving to be Authentic, and in striving to Be, we are. We let those negative Souls go, with love, peace, and understanding. No longer do we allow their poison to affect us in any way. We simply allow them to Be.


Striving to be our Authentic Self is a Journey, a Sacred Chore ... it is internal and external work. Internal and external changes must be navigated with the assistance of our Higher Powers. We must live in constant awareness of our actions, words, thoughts. We must monitor our emotions carefully. We must be aware of all our human emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, fear ... and carefully weave our way through each when necessary. Emotions are never right or wrong, they just are. And when we are striving to become our Authentic Self, we need to learn to work with them, not against them. 


In becoming our Authentic Self, we need to learn everything about our Self. What is it we enjoy, what will we tolerate, what will we not tolerate, who do we want to embrace in our sacred circle, what are our likes and dislikes  ... indeed, we need to become our own best friend. We need to learn to be as comfortable with our Selves as we can be. 


Blessings & Love, my friends ... 
Namasté.

An Excerpt from my Upcoming Book ...

This lovely photograph states: "If you don't believe in miracles, perhaps you've forgotten you are one ..." From notsalmon.com

Today, while I listen to the rain falling in torrential sheets outside the open French doors that lead out to the lanai, I am contemplating the perfectly imperfect Life I've lived thus far. I've been through many trials and tribulations in my Lifetime, and yet have emerged ... no, not emerged ... PUNCHED through the darkness to reach the Lighter side of Living again and again ...


I could have blamed my parents for the numerous negative feelings and emotions and hell that my childhood produced. Those emotions and destructive behavioral patterns plagued me throughout my teen years, even into young adult hood and beyond. 

There is nothing so pure, so perfect, so unconditional and righteous on this Earth ... as a Mother's Love. No one can ever love you as your Mother does. Forever.

I continue to struggle with some of the issues that now blatantly obscure my insight and judgement at times still ... but that I have become much more aware of in the past 20-25 years or so; since my heart, mind, and Soul have opened and I have learned to take responsibility for my own happiness. I could have blamed my parents and I could have been the world's nastiest, most angry bitch! But I did not blame them, and I have not become the world's nastiest, most angry bitch. 

Beauty and serenity are found within your Soul, within your Heart ... 

Rather, I drank my dark secrets away for many years in my teenage years and early adulthood. I chose to leave a situation that I was extremely unhappy in, when I was in my early 20's, working as a nursing assistant for a mere $4.50/hour while supporting my two young children alone. My son was only 2 years old, my daughter an infant of 3 months old when I decided that I didn't want to raise them in a mutually abusive, negative situation any longer.

Nor did I want to remain miserable myself,  just so my children could be raised in a two parent family. And because of the trust issues I already had with men pertaining to the incest and sexual abuse experienced in my childhood, I could not fathom raising my children with a man who was not their father, for fear they may suffer some abuse, as well. When I left my marriage, I did so with the idea that I would be raising my children alone, at least until they were a little older. I stayed out of relationships for 6 years following my divorce, until my youngest child was 7 years old. And then, I entered my first Lesbian relationship.

I was a young woman of only 23 years when I left my husband in May of 1985. Basically, I had absolutely no support, emotional or otherwise. My friends were all busy raising their own families. My mother and step-father were busy with their own lives, and shortly after I left my unhealthy marriage, they took my two youngest brothers and moved 3,000 miles away to Las Vegas. My siblings did not keep in touch, they had their own lives and were too busy for me and my children, for the most part. 

Forge ahead no matter how difficult the road is ... we have many obstacles to overcome in Life, but if we just keep putting one foot in front of the other, we will survive!

But I forged ahead, as I have always forged ahead. I do not regret anything from the past, as I have learned more about my Self along the way than most people learn in a Lifetime! I have seen people remain in miserable marriages and make everyone around them as miserable as they feel inside. Thank you, that is NOT for me ... not then, not now! 

I have always trusted that Something Greater had my world in very powerful hands ...

Life is difficult enough without having to put on a mask to pretend that you are happy in a dead end marriage 'for the sake of the children'. Thanks, but no thanks! Anyway, you never fool the children. Children are much more uncluttered and perceptive than adults ever could be! They know when their parents are unhappy. 

Besides, I chose to become my more Authentic Self and I chose to do that on my own ... no matter what.

Blessings ~
Kathi xoxox

Renewal!

The sun rises on this little town somewhere in the world, and people stir in their sleep. How miraculous is Life! How grateful I am that I have eyes to see the beauty in the world ...

I am grateful to be alive! I open my eyes each day and I feel very fortunate! Fortunate enough to greet each day with a renewed sense of hope and love! My Life is rich with wonder, love, and beauty ... I simply don't take enough time each day to realize just how rich I am! 

Having escaped the clutches of Death last year, I am renewed in my Hope and Faith that there is Something Greater out there ... Something that may not be tangible or visible to the naked eye, but Something that can be felt on a deep, Soul level.

I have always had a personal connection with Great Spirit, God, Infinite Intelligence, Goddess ... there are many names for this Being ... the All Knowing ... I have a renewed sense of wonder, such as a child might have with the world around himself or herself. 

Although I have passed through several painful losses in the past year through Deaths, and other circumstances beyond my control, I continue to forge ahead with happiness and serenity. At times, I am touchy and I lose awareness that all is right in my World ... and in doing so, I lose touch with my Connection to Great Spirit ... and my emotions get all gnarly! I know what I require when that happens ... I require the gentleness of another's soft energy ... a shift in my own energetic field. A subtle shift. A therapeutic shift ... some Reiki Energy. 

I am opening my Self up to the wonder of Reiki Energy again ... because I have not used it as frequently or freely as I could have in the past. I know it's there for me, but I choose to let it just Be and not use it as freely as I can, as a Reiki teacher. 

I am opening up again ... like a Lotus flower that has slept for many Moons ... like a rose in the Spring, after the weight of the Winter snows has lifted ... 

I open freely to the Universal Energy of Reiki. I am free to experience the healing light of Reiki Energy. I am One with the Energy. 

Namasté, my friends ...

Kathi

Vegan, Vegetarian ... Victory? Top 10 Inflammatory Foods!

After viewing the 13 minute clip video "Glass Walls" narrated by Sir Paul McCartney last month, I decided to take the 30-day vegetarian pledge ... and that's exactly what I did! 
I'm learning so much about meat alternatives that are actually edible, tasty, and best of all made sans cholesterol! This not only helps me since it's been nearly one year since my open heart surgery (CABG) triple bypass, but also because I've been a victim of the Big Lies of the meat and dairy industries - all my life: That the ONLY way to get protein or calcium is by consuming mass quantities of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, and other toxic, inflammatory foods. Yes, folks, the BIG LIES!!
I wanted to share this article today. It's fabulous, and if you're interested in living cleaner, healthier, and longer and preventing cancer and heart disease in your lifetime, please take a gander at this: 


http://theconsciouslife.com/top-10-inflammatory-foods-to-avoid.htm


Until next time, 

Kathi

Good Year, Sunshine!

Oh, how lovely it is today in Southern Florida! And today begins the second day of the New Year! Haven't been posting much because as everyone knows, it's been a hectic time of the year for many of us when we get our book in order, get ready to file our taxes, clean our homes, and put Christmas and decorations away for the coming year. It's been busy in Lake Worth and all is well!

Had a wonderful New Year's Eve spent with just each other and our Toy Poodle, Kody and first season of Game of Thrones on HBO. Wow ... incredible series! I've been contemplating my Life as of late. 

I've endured many losses over the past 18 months or so, yet am still positive and living in the Light despite them. I am woman, hear me roar! I lost my very sweet and dear friend Christopher in March 2010. He was only 37 years old, and the night of his demise we had chatted up a storm for over 2 hours! It's amazing how quickly someone can be plucked from your Life, which is why I try not to take Life for granted ... EVER. And why I forgive quickly, and keep my side of the street as clean as humanly possible. One never knows when creating one's reality with words, thoughts, and actions if he or she will see tomorrow or not. We simply can NOT take Life for granted. 

The following Spring, I had emergency open heart surgery in April 2011; lost my lovely, sweet, kind mother-in-law in August 2011; lost my very dear friend's Mom ~ whom I've called "Ma" for 40 years and who also was a sweet, kind, non-judgmental Soul ~ in November. Many losses, many tribulations but still I am strong, healthy, happy, and alive! 

And grateful! Eternally GRATEFUL for being happy, joyous and FREE! No drugs, no alcohol, no nicotine ... the only vice I still cling to is caffeine and food and I'm not sure I will ever give either up anytime in the near future! LOL

Just wanted to post a little something to begin the New Year right! Hope everyone has a wonderful week and I'll be writing more soon, I promise! Looking forward to the New Year with New Hope, New Attitude, New Promise, and New Strength! 

Sending healing Reiki energy to all ~

Namasté, my friends ... 

Christmastide & Wonderment

Okay, so Christmas is right around the corner and I have had the opportunity to spend time with loving family and friends for a few days of this season before stepping back into brutal reality once again. All I can say is it's a good thing I am a strong and determined Soul! Being a human with heart dysfunction, I really don't need added stress in my already stress filled Life! 

I need to remember that if I was working at this time I most likely would not have had the opportunity to visit with the kids and grandsons right now. I need to remember that everything happens for a reason, and I am right where I am supposed to be! Everything is an illusion ... all is illusory and in the big picture all is well. Always.

Thank God I'm resilient and willing to see my character flaws and change them for my own betterment and for my own happiness! One just can not be happy and peaceful within if she is focusing exclusively on the negatives in her environment! Life happens, death happens, and Life moves forward either way ... I miss those who are leaving the planet ahead of me, but I know they will be preparing the way for the masses who will be following in the coming years ...


Now it is time for me to get ready to travel ... in the meantime, please have a lovely day and remember that only YOU can make it a GREAT day!!

Gearing up ...

Nope. I haven't begun my training as of today. I'm still gearing up for that. I am on the 7th day of this vegan cleanse, though. And I feel very different, so much better than I did last week at this time. Last week I had a "sugar/carb/turkey hangover" lol. I began my cleanse on Saturday 11/26. 

The cleanse consists of fruits, vegetables, and legumes/beans mostly. What is suggested to eliminate from your diet for 21 days is: sugar, gluten, alcohol, animal products (including all dairy!), and caffeine or a combination of a couple or more of these items. I have eliminated sugar, alcohol, animal products, most gluten but NOT caffeine! And I don't drink alcohol so that really isn't a biggie for me, either lol ... but I feel much better eating vegan. Vegans don't typically give up gluten. 


Gluten is a choice because some people have sensitivities to it. I feel better when I do not eat gluten, but a little here and there doesn't seem to affect me at all. I am eating cleaner, healthier, and less in my portions now. I find it helps to juice as many fruits and veggies as possible, too. Whole oats and grains are wonderful! 


Anyway, I have been enjoying this cleanse so much that I've pretty much forgotten I'm doing one! I really love the almond cheddar 'cheese', almond milk, vegetable based 'meats', everything I have been enjoying for most of this year is on this cleanse. Eating this way has lowered my triglycerides considerably and in August my numbers were amazing! My cardiologist was very pleased, except for his on-going gripe of "You need to lose weight!" lol ...

My triglycerides prior to surgery were an extremely unhealthy 526! The norm is below 149 ... when I had my lipids analyzed in August, my triglycerides were down to 112!! This is due to a combination of eating differently and taking a statin regularly. My overall cholesterol was 166, where the norm is 199 or lower. And my LDL/HDL ratio was perfectly balanced for the first time in my adult Life! Score!


So now, to get back to gearing up for this heavy duty training! I'm getting psyched! It's gonna be fun :) Doing yoga at the West Palm Beach library every Saturday morning with my sister-in-law and niece! Awesome!


Namasté, my friends!

The End & The Beginning ...

Wow! It's December 1st already and I'm feeling better than I have in a while! This week Linda and I have been on a vegan cleanse with my sister Celeste, my brother John, and another friend Kara. We keep in touch via Facebook in a private group called "21-Day Cleanse" ... it's been wonderful so far! We are barreling towards the end of this year and what a year it's been! So much has happened!


I made a decision this week. After discussing some things with my sister-in-law Martha on Thanksgiving, I decided to make a commitment to my health. Not to wait until 2012 or New Year's Day or even for "Monday" to start, but to begin immediately and move forward one day at a time. My CABG (cabbage) surgery was on April 14th, so on December 14th it will have been exactly 8 months. My surgeon informed me that it would take approximately one year to feel up to par and back to normal again ~ whatever 'normal' means LOL ... one year will take us up to April 14th 2012!!! Unbelievable!!! 


I have decided to begin some hard core training for mini-triathalons in 2012. Naturally, I need to reduce some of this excess weight, but as I train I am confident that the weight will begin to fall off steadily. Currently, I'm on a vegan cleanse for the next 15 days. I did this same cleanse last August (2010) and did not feel as good as I do now, but that may be because I was already struggling with four blocked coronary arteries at that time. 


I do feel much better now than I did last year and I'm certain that as I continue to reduce and train, I will feel a little better each day! I hope that you are all in on supporting me in my endeavors this year. I would definitely be there for you all if the situation was reversed, that is for sure! 


Thank you all in advance! 
Peace, Love, Happiness!


Kathi 

Nurse as Caring Project

I completed this project for my class Nursing as a Discipline and Profession at FAU in Fall 2010. We were asked to use our creativity to express a caring aspect of nursing and since I was working on a med/surg and rehabilitation unit at the time, I chose this theme. I go flat a few times and the recording is quite RAW ... but please try to overlook that ... it's the message that counts :)

Peace all ~
Kathi R.

Grateful!!

I'm so grateful to be alive today! It's been two months since my surgery, and every day I am thankful for my powerful intuition, which told me there was something not quite right with my heart. I am not ashamed to say that I feigned chest pains initially to be seen by my physician. I am not ashamed to say that on the way to the hospital I began to light a cigarette in my nervousness, but stomped it out immediately and threw a whole pack out the window! (Yes, I littered, but my justification is that some homeless dude who couldn't afford cigarettes thought the gods sent him a gift that day!) 


Anyway, today as I gaze out the window thinking back on my Life and every step that brought me closer to this moment in Time, I am so grateful to be alive. When I walk along the ocean's edge, taking in the tingling scents of the sea and tasting the salty breeze on my lips, I am so grateful to be alive. As I watch the children running, swimming, and playing on the beach and in the surf, I am grateful to be alive. I hear the gulls overhead screaming their dismay at not being handed any tasty morsels from the multiple coolers on the sand,  and I am grateful to be alive. 


I guess what I'm trying to express today is that no matter what Life throws my way, I'm making an effort to remember how thankful I am to be alive! No matter what.


Peace & Blessings to All ~
Kathi

Another Heart Healthy Recipe!

Ahh, this one is breakfast, but you can actually eat it anytime of the day! It's absolutely delicious, filling, and heart healthy to the max! Very low in fat, cholesterol, and sugars it adds blueberries, one of the new super foods of the century! Blueberries are loaded with phytochemicals and memory boosting anti-oxidants to fight those nasty free radicals!! If you like, you can substitute a cup of strawberries or raspberries or mixed berries. Most berries are low in calories and as good as blueberries ... this is one even my little Toy Poodle, Kody, enjoys!

Here it is:

1 Cup of Plain 0% fat yogurt, such as Fage Greek Style Yogurt
1 Cup Organic blueberries
1/4 Cup raw chopped walnuts
Drizzle of Organic blue agave syrup ... a natural sweetener that does not promote an insulin response!

Mix it all together and enjoy!

This is one of my very favorite breakfasts and it's filled with healthy nutrients and has pretty good staying power! Try it out and let me know what you think!

Blessings All
Kathi

As Promised: Heart-Healthy Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Greetings Everyone!


I promised you the recipe for this wonderfully, flavorful chili recipe and I am following through. I've had to begin eating differently since my surgery, and although I have not totally cut fats out of my diet (and probably never will - remember that good fat aids in proper digestion!) I do use healthy fats such as extra virgin first cold-pressed olive oils, safflower oils, and flax, seed oil.  


I always strive to use organic ingredients, because with organic and locally grown fruits, veggies, dairy, and grass-fed poultry and other animal products, I can rest assured that I am not getting any of those nasty chemicals, antibiotics, or growth hormones.


This chili recipe calls for some unusual spices and flavorings, but the end result was absolutely delicious! For a vegetarian chili, cut out the beef or turkey and add more beans: all kinds of beans! Red and white and black beans for added protein, great tasted and texture, and boosted protein!


Cincinnati-Style Chili (Five-Way)


Olive oil (I use a Mr. Misto oil sprayer to reduce fat, but you can use no more than 2 teaspoons)
2 large finely chopped onions
3 cloves of minced garlic
8 oz. of lean ground grass fed beef (buffalo meat has the absolute lowest fat content and tastes just like beef!) or Jennie-O turkey. (Meat is optional!!!)
2 tablespoons of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1.5 cups chopped canned tomatoes (fire-roasted organic are best!)
1/4 cup water
1 15-oz can of red kidney beans (and other beans if making vegetarian)
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 teaspoons of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa
8 oz. spinach linguine
4 thinly sliced scallions
4 tablespoons shredded veggie cheese - cheddar flavor or 2% shredded cheddar (optional)


(Recipe makes 4 servings)


1. Spray large non-stick skillet with olive oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are golden brown, about 10 minutes.


2. Stir in meat, chili powder, and cinnamon and cook until meat is no longer pink (about 5 minutes)


3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, water, tomato paste, brown sugar, and cocoa until chili sauce is flavorful (about 10 minutes)


4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer pasta to large bowl. Add chili and scallions and toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheddar shreds ... Serve and enjoy!


Let me know if you enjoyed this recipe as much as we did :)


Namaste and Blessings


Kathi

I Found Out ...

I am currently 8 weeks post-op and just realized this week how very extensive this open-heart surgery really is. I truly thought I'd be up and about like nothing had happened by now and would be running back to work within a month and a half or two months. My body has reacted tremendously to let me know that I'm not superhuman and to put me in my place but good!

I went up north to visit with my children, family, and little grandsons last week. I thought everything was going to be great, and actually it was. The only thing that hit me like a ton of bricks was the fact that after walking around the Bangor Children's Museum for two hours with my 4 year old grandson, I was pretty exhausted! I wonder how I'm supposed to go back to working 12 hours shifts now when I spend the majority of my time on my feet there? It made me really start thinking about the magnitude of my surgery and what my poor body (and mind!) has been through in the past two months!

I'm not sure I'm ready now to attempt those 12 hour shifts yet. Thank God HR understands ... besides all that, the hole that developed in the bottom of my incision 3 weeks post-op is still there, and I continue to pack it twice daily. It is closing slowly but surely, though. I see my surgeon again on Wednesday, and hopefully for the last time this time for good. 

I'm going to start Phase II of my cardiac rehabilitation as well, as I got a call from the Heart Hospital regarding such yesterday. I wasn't going to do cardiac rehab because my surgeon told me I may be bored with it being so young, but the person who called me regarding it explained that I would be continuously monitored (my heart rate, etc.) whilst exercising and it might be an advantage for me. I'm actually a little leery about going back to the gym on my own currently, and that's one of the main reasons I haven't gone yet. Not to mention that I can't swim with the incision the way it is, so it would be a moot point since I truly enjoy swimming at the gym. I guess I'm a bit worried about my heart when I begin my exercise regime again, and with good reason I suppose. So being monitored in the beginning will be a wonderful thing for me, at first.

Enough for today! God Bless all!

Plant-Based Diets

Well, now, I've been reading a book a dear friend of the family gave to me following my surgery. It's titled "Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease" and it's quite eye-opening. Not only is the man intelligent and a cardiologist, he incorporates all aspects of dis-ease in the process of reversal, including those spiritual and emotional aspects. In other words, his program is not just about the medical and physiological aspects of heart disease. 


So far, I've learned quite a bit and more has been validated for me in reading just the first few chapters of his book. He writes in terms even a lay person can understand, and he has a great sense of humor, as well. The book is laid out well, and also has many recipes (plant-based & healthy) in the back of the book for easy access. I would recommend this book to anyone who is genetically inclined toward CAD (coronary artery disease) or who has been diagnosed with hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. 

New Day, New Dawn

It is going on the 10th day post-op for me and I've been re-evaluating my Life each and every day. There is not much else to do, except read or watch television, actually, so taking the time to be more introspective has actually been a blessing for me. I've talked with my sister a little about this, as well. My Mom & my baby sister, Lisa, came down to help me out after surgery. One can count on family to help out in times of crisis ... and that is all one can count on. Thank God I have family who is willing to help. When Lisa leaves, I will be alone again during the days, but I will manage. One thing I know for sure is that I am a strong woman and I am roaring as I type :)


I'm not going to write much today, even though I haven't posted for a while now. I have a doctor's appointment today, which my sister will bring me to. (Not sure when they'll let me drive again, but hopefully soon!) I have some major changes in my Life I'm considering now ... especially in my Spiritual Life. These will be considered and discussed at a later date. Currently, I'm focused on healing and will discuss health issues with my PCP today when I see him. Just resting, healing, and getting stronger every day. 

DAY III POST OP

Okay, so I was a little out of it yesterday what with being short of breath and tachycardic post op, so I didn't have the energy to blog on Post Op Day II.  My cardiologist changed my medications to decrease my heart rate and to flush the fluid out of my body (gained 10 lbs of fluid in one day post op!)  ... he's the best cardiologist around. Met my surgeon's partner ... he talked to his cell phone most of the time ... talk about bedside manner ... lmao!


But now I'm on the flip side and I'm feeling better and stronger each day. Just want to keep moving forward ... I would now be an awesome cardiac nurse since I've been there, done that! Who could deny that fact? You really tend to learn a lot about cardiology when you're the patient :) So yesterday I was scared to death when my cardiologist ordered STAT tests: echo doppler, ABG's, etc. I was mortified and behaved in such a way that was conducive to FEAR! LOL But I'm sure I'm forgiven ... it would be best if docs would 'splain things first and then order STAT tests. 


I've been told he coddles his heart patients ... and I'm beginning to see that. He's a fabulous physician and he knows his stuff. He's been my doctor for 8 years ... and that is precisely why I came to Bethesda rather than Delray. He no longer goes to Delray ... only Bethesda and JFK, but naturally prefers Bethesda. Who wouldn't?


Well, I'm about spent now. Hope you all have sunshiny days!!


Peace, Love, and Blessings
Kathi xoxo

DAY I POST-OP

Well, here I am world! God protected me throughout surgery and I am here to tell my tale :) I'm not going to write much today because I'm pretty doped up and in some pain, but just wanted to say: Hello World! And thank each and every one of you for the positive thoughts, kind support, and powerful prayers. With God for me, no one could have been against me!


Love, Peace, and Blessings Until next time
Kathi ♥ ♡ ♬♪♫