Your Health My Health

I'm creating a new blog for family, friends and associates interested in taking better care of yourself. I do not agree with western medicine and its emphasis on drug medications. I think the best medicine is to be aware of your health and prevent disease by making the right choices in exercise, diet and spiritual practice of mindfulness. Over the last 10 years I have focused on elderly care as I have been involved in administration, and director of activities for adults. My own parents especially my Dad who passed away over 2 years ago, have had various issues including diabetes, hi blood pressure and cancer I'm also the Director of Coaching for Napa Sport Soccer Club(youth) and Adult Premiere.
I became a vegetarian while finishing my last semester of College at USC. I was inspired by Ceasar Chavez (UFW President). His charisma and strength were based on leading a very spiritual life and also on a vegetarian diet.
I was ill for a month with bronchitis and made an oath to myself never to be so sick again. I could not believe how weak I became from the medications I was given by the doctor.
I ate only raw foods when I started and grew an organic vegetable garden in my backyard, from which I soon made dinner with zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and peppers.
It is my hope to share my experiences with you here and get some feedback to make us more aware of ways to live a healthy and spiritual life. We are constantly learning about our body's needs as well as our need to be a part of a healthy community.
Yesterday I found an Omega Oil that included vitamin D3 from Nordic naturals. I realized that I need to be more diligent about taking vitamin D and how we may not be absorbing what we need from the sun especially in the Winter time. I just read
"A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF)-8 reduces the skin's production of vitamin D by 95%. Clothing completely blocks all solar UVB-radiation and this prevents any vitamin D production. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat vitamin D deficiency..." I also found online info regarding other diseases. 
“Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers (breast and prostate), autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular diseases.” Other risks? Depression. Osteoporosis. Cognitive impairment. Gait imbalance. Older men and women, in particular, are at risk for low levels or deficiency because of less time commonly spent outside and a decrease in the skin’s ability to “process” the nutrient from natural sun exposure.
Next week I hope to expand on how vitamin D3, Calcium and vitamin A work together and the need for balance. Please send in your comments to me or just indicate how much you may or may not like the article. Your articles or links and contributions are welcome. --- E. Biera, 1/05/10