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.