Magazine Article Review: Room to Grow, about Decluttering

 Room to Grow by Julia Ubbenga, Kansas City, Kansas, Guideposts Magazine, Dec, Jan 2025, Danbury, CT.

Julia Ubbenga first tells her story of overcome stress and anxiety by turning to minimalism.  She says sometimes less is more.  She says she buried emotions in stuff.  SHe feels she has more room for what matters, husband and kids, by having less.

She ends the article with a page devoted to ideas fo decluttering; Five Tips for Decluttering your Home and your Life.

1. Change your mindset.  This is hard because we invest in stuff.  Her idea is to think of stuff as transient.  We are stewards only.  Stuff is transient like a firework, or a bubble or a wave.

2. The best time to start is now.  Ubbenga suggests starting with a basket, and go through the house and put clutter in the basket, countertops, table tops, drawers, where ever clutter accumulates.  Then take 15 minutes a day to go through the clutter.  You can do this whe doing something fun, listen to a book or podcast.  A little can go a long way.

3. HALTS before you buy.  HALTS stands for hungry, angry, lonely, tired and sad/sick/stressed.  Before buying run through the question would I want to by this if I weren't hungry/angry, lonely etc.  If the answer is no then don't buy.  If yes wait 24 hours and then buy.  Also look for patterns.  When do you scroll or go shopping.

4. Memories are found in you, not your possessions.  She uses the spontaneous combustion method.  How would I feel if this item spontaneously combusted.  If the answer is relief then it can go, if the answer is good but guilty take a picture of it and let it go.  If the answer is devastated then keep the item.

Free yourself from digital clutter.  Media can get in the way of what matters, relationships with God and friend and family.  Maybe turning off media is OK.  We do not need to check social media over and over.

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.