Magazine Article Review: Being Present

 Being Present: The season can evoke strong emotions, especially if you've lost a loved one.  Her are six ways to help someone who's grieving during the holidays, by Kate J. Meyer, Master of Divinity, Guideposts, Inspiration for Life, Danbury, CT, Dec, Jan 2025, pp 30-34.

The author present six ways to be present for someone who is grieving.

1. Offer a safe place.  In think a safe place means providing support without judging.  People respond to death different, so we should be accepting.

2. Say their name.  I first I thought this meant the grievers name, but this is referring to the deceased.  Sometimes it might feel uncomfortable, but the griever needs to hear that their loved one made a difference.

3. Be specific and consistent.  When someone is grieving they may not have much energy, and may say no several times.  However be consistent in asking, also be specific in what you are offering or wanting.  Better to say specific things, can I bring a meal? do you want to go to a movie? than something general, let me know if you need anything.

4. Ask what they need today.  Give a choice.  Ask do you want to talk about the deceased, or do something as a distraction.  Or do you just want quiet?

5. Ir's not about you.  Do not talk about you, this is what I did etc.  Do not preach or even necessarily share bible verses.  However do give space and maybe the individual will bring stuff up.  However even then avoid giving advice or direction.  You can say this is what I did but you experience and journey will be different.

Embrace silence.  Sometimes saying nothing and just being there is the best process.  Remember to take the view of the griever.  What will the griever gain from what I am about to say?  Often the answer is that just being there can be validating.  Let the griever lead.

Magazine Artivle Review: The New-ish Fight Over Flouride

The New-ish Fight Over Fluoride: What to Know about the Controversial Mineral in your Water and Toothpaste by Erica Sweeney and Marty Munson, Men's Health Magazine, Hearst Magazines International, January-February 2025 pp 18-19.

This is an argument in which I have a vested interest.  I was born and lived in an area with natural fluoride until I was six years old.  My older siblings swore it greatly improved their teeth and helped them avoid cavities.  I can't say the same for myself.  My sister passed away of esophogeal cancer tens years ago.  My brother and I have both been treated for skin cancer.  Is there a correlation?  Proba bly not with the skin cancers; we spent lots of time in the sun.  But with my sister maybe.  We also lived close to a nuclear energy site in Richland, Washington.

Anyway to the article.  About 75 percent of us get fluoride through their water supply.  It has been called toxic, Robert F. Kennedy calls it industrial waster that causes many health problems.  While dentists and public health advocates say it is important to your health.   Dentists first noticed that people who lived where fluoride was naturally occurring had less cavities.  Fluoride combines with our teeth to make them stronger.  Cavities and loss of teeth can be a big problem.  Fluoridated water reduces cavities by 25 percent.  Consequently there is less pain in teeth and less need for dental care which can be painful.  

There is worry the fluoride may cause problems in the body elsewhere.  However this does not pan out, except for possible decrease ingtelligence in children.  No significant difference for adults.  However there are holes in the research and more study is needed.  Health risks from fluoride may be at levels way beyond what is normally used.  

Magazine Article Review: Eating Season: And if You're on a GLP-1 Medication Holiday Feasts Might Mean more Side Effects

 Eating Season: And if You're on a GLP-1 Medication Holiday Feasts Might Mean more Side Effects, Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D.N., Prevention, November 2025, pp 48-55, Hearst Magazine International, New York.

I have been taking an injectable for diabetes for about ten years nw, starting with Victoza when I still lived in San Jose.  Due to insurance I was switched to Trulicity.  Now for the past few months I have been taking Monjauro.  Victoza was a daily shot while Trulicity and Monjaro are weekly.  This article talks about how to prevent or lessen side effects, particularly heartburn and upset stomach.  \However long-term use of the medication is sketchy.  This is due to the cost of the medication, but also the side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting.

They give seven ideas: 1. Eat smaller but more frequesnt meals.  Because the digestive system is slowed, food stays in the digestive system for a longer time.  This can result in nausea, bloating, heartburn and stomach pain.  Three mini meals and two snacks is recommended.  However they must be packed with nutrition as you eat less overall.  2. Prioritize protein.  Proteins supply the enzymes your body needs.  It is important to eat proteins first in your meal so you get them before you fill up.  Exanples are almonds, an egg, nut butter, cooked chickpeas, lentils or beans, lean beef, portk or chicken, fich or shrimp.  Low-fat dairy can also provide protein. 3. Go lighter on fat.  Eating too much fat can slow down digestion and lead to heartburn.  However healthy fats should not be avoided, such as avocado, olive or canola oil, peanut and almond butter, nuts and seeds.  Meat that is grilled or broiled is better than deep fried.  4. Consider other Gut issues.  Some food may especially cause problems.  For example chili powder or Cajun spices may be an issues.  Garlic and curry may also cause problems.  Some vegetables may cause gas or bloating.  With this regards best to experiment and see what does or doesn't work for you.  5.  Don't cut all carbs.  Carbs are an important energy source.  Especially good to include high fiber foods.  Avoid sugary sodas and lemonades.  6.  Be strategic with fiber.  Fiber digests more slowly so can help prevent sugar spikes.  It can also keep the digestive flow regular.  for some people it can cause diahrea so should be eaen carefully.  8. Drink up.  Water intake is important, expecially if you are eating lots of fiber.  With GLP-1s dfrinking lots of water is vital.  two to three liters of water a day are recommended, that is 80 to 100 ounces.  

Magazine Article Review: Gratitude = Good Health: Prevention Pulse

 Prevention Pulse, Take Out Your Pencil: Gratitude = Good Health, Prevention, November 2025, p 7.

A little article mentions something I shared before, an attitude of gratitude improves health.  "Feeling thankful is an effective way to improve mental well-being, sleep quality, and heart health, and it could even help you live longer."  The article says this is according to a long term study.  Then the article gives an assignment.  This is from Dr. Judy Ho Ph.D. 

Jot down kind thoughts about three people your life.  This will prompt feelings of appreciation.  This can be part of a gratitude ritual.

I found a website quoting Dr. Ho which gives some other ideas.  1. Start the day by saying or writing one thing you are grateful for.  2. Make a gratitude card in the morning. Write down something you are grateful for and review it during the day.  Share it with someone, or yourself at the end of the day.  3. Write a letter to someone you love expressing your appreciation for them.  details make it extra special.

When is the Best Time to Exercise with Type II Diabetes?

 I have always had a sense the best time for exercise is after dinner, thus driving the sugar into your cells.  However I have done this and noticed the blood sugar goes up rther than down.  I guess sugar is released to support the exercise.  An article from BlackDoctor.org sites a study that shows afternoon exercise is best.  It is best to have a consistent schedule but 30 minutes five times a week.  Those with afternoon 2-5 exercise show the most consistent improvement in blood numbers long term.  The conducted their study, and then repeated it four years later.  Current guidelines call for 150 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous exercise a week.  Across this study it showed that everyone who exercised, no matter when, saw an improvement in blood sugar numbers.

Weighted Blankets: Are They Good for Your Health

 Is there a health advantage to weighted blankets?  This is the answer from AI.  weighted blamkets can be good for you by reducing anxiety and improving sleep.  It does this through deep pressure stimulation which calms the nervous system.  They mimic a hug.  They may also help with chronic pain.  They are unsafe for infants, young children and those with certain medical conditions.  

Pros: Improved sleep leads to iproved well being.  Provides extgra comfort and warmth.  Boosts mood and concentration.  Reduces anxiety, restlessness and depression.  Helps with pain.  Deep touch pressure helps with Melatonin production.  

Cons: Takes time to adjust to.  More expensive than a blanket. Not recommended for babies.  They are hard to take when traveling.  Not recommended for people with sleep apnea.  

That last con means they are not recommended for me.  

Weight Wars #5

 Checked my weight today and noticed it hasn't really changed since February.  However several other things have changed.  We moved to Nebraska and now have a home with stairs.  This requires more work getting up and down stairs.  I also no longer take Victoza as they told me it was no longer covered by insurance.  I changed to Trulicity.  This is similar to Victoza but it is a weekly shot instead of daily.  However when I moved I had to change insurance.  Now they are telling me my insurance no longer covers Trulicity.  Could be shortly I will be without an injectable.  I run out in a about three weeks which is when I have my next doctor appointment.  So the only variable I have here is to pick up the pace on exercise.  I think increased walking is in order.  

Weight Wars #4. Feb 2025

 My previous weight post was during the middle of Covid, April 2021.  At that time I weighed 240, obese. Now I am hovering around 220.  My eventual goal is to be under190 overweight instead of obese.  My wife blames the weight loss on continued use of Victoza.  I feel this helps but it is more.  I don't eat quite as much.  I could exercise more.  I developed sciatica in 2022 which really limited my exercise.  But to be honest it has resolved enough I could be exercising more.

Weight Wars #3.   4/19/2021

 I have posted twice before, but not for the past two years.  I saw my weight go from 298 in 2003 to 248 in 2019 and 245 in 2019.  My weight has not dropped much more.  Now I weigh about 240.  I am no longer grossly obese but just obese.  However I have been stagnant in any further weight loss.  I was able to take pills to help with weight loss, and then Victoza shot.  Victoza helped me lose about ten pounds but then no more.  However it is going to take something more to get me below the 240 line and continue my trek to 190 which is my ultimate goal.   I was doing better before Covid made everything be work from home.  Then I did not walk near as much as I no longer took the train to work.  I have not gotten into a pattern of exercise since having retired.  I keep thinking something will change.  I guess that something will need to be myself.  I need to lose that last 50 lbs to be as healthy as I can be.  

So I commit to a half hour walk or activity everyday.  I commit to doing exercises to help my frozen shoulder.  I commit to watch my food intake.  I commit to no food after 8 p.m.  

Weight Wars #2. 4/11/2019

I published a previous post about my weight and being half way to not being obese, down from 298 to 248.  I can now say I am down another 5 lbs but still only half way.  The difference is an adjustment in my height.  I guess I am shrinking, which means I have another 10 pounds to lose before escaping the obesity line.  So down 55 pounds with a goal of 55 pounds more.  I hope this sharing will motivate me, as my life is at stake.

Weight Wars. 9/29/2018

I came across something really scary: a record of my weight from 2001 through 2003.  I started at 292 in December of 2001.  However I was down to 285 by mid January; only to blossom back up by the end of the year.  My last recorded weight in 2002, early December, was 292.  Then I became my heaviest.  I started 2003 at 298.  That is just gross.  That is the most I have weighed my entire life.  That is 100 pounds above the obese line.  I recorded that by the end of 2003 I was back to 285.  I have continued a mostly downward spiral, with significance periods of getting stuck.  I am half of the way to the obese line--in other words I am 50 pounds lighter than my heaviest with another 50 to go.
What have been the consequences.  I have diabetes and tinnitus, and sleep apnea and high blood pressure.  Weight is a contributing factor in all these areas.  I hope when I am no longer obese--some of these health issues will be resolved.  I would be grateful if just one or two  would improve and I not have to take so many medications.