A Little EI Humor

One of the most important things to hold onto in trials is a sense of humor. Most of the EI people I meet who are handling their challenges better than others, are the ones who can still laugh about things. 

So here's a little EI humor for you today. =)

If there was a book of EI World Records, here are some possible categories it might have:

- number of states and/or countries you've grounded in

- total number of nights spent sleeping somewhere not in a house (i.e. in a tent, vehicle, porch swing, etc.).

- number of doctors visited (my count is somewhere over 40, but I know for some people it's 80+)

- number of consecutive weeks spent without eating any wheat, dairy, corn or soy products

- total number of doctor/treatment recommendations you've received from family, friends and helpful strangers

- number of supplements taken in a one week period (I think my friend K holds this record)

- number of years since you ate pizza two days in a row

- number of health books you've read

- number of strangers who've asked you in the store, "What are you going to do with all that vinegar?"

- number of loads of laundry (including soaking and extra rinses) done in a one week period (My mom holds this record for sure!)

- number of different health food stores you've visited (my list includes stores in at least 5 states)

- number of people who have helped you, prayed for you, encouraged you, and blessed you on your journey (love to see some great competition for this one!) =) 

What categories would you add? 

Yes, this EI life can be pretty crazy. The good news is that these aren't the kinds of records that really matter. What matters is - 

- the number of times we give thanks 

- the valuable lessons we learn

- the special people we meet on the journey

- the gifts of compassion and understanding we give to others 

- the positive choices we make again and again and again...

So don't worry about getting in any record books. =) Just keep being you. Keep laughing. Keep loving. Keep living - even when life is crazy. 

Blessings,

-Joanna

Some Basic Anatomy

About 12 years ago a doctor told me I had adrenal fatigue (which later became adrenal insufficiency). At the time, I knew the adrenal gland was responsible for producing adrenalin. Otherwise I was pretty clueless. It was actually only a few years ago that I learned I had two adrenal glands! For years I thought there was just one, on the right side of the body. I was embarrassed when I realized there's one on the left side of the body as well. 

Through the years I've had to learn a lot about the body. And I'm still learning. Just last week my mom mentioned maybe there was a problem with my adenoids. I laughed and said I didn't even know I had adenoids! =) 

Today I want to share some basic anatomy info. I'm definitely not an expert. In fact, what I don't know about anatomy is probably more than I do know about it. But I think a basic understanding can be helpful, especially when visiting doctors or trying new health treatments. 

So stay with me, and maybe you'll learn something. (Or feel free to correct me if I make a mistake.) =) Also, I looked for very simple charts to share here, ones that are uncluttered and easy to read. I hope they're helpful. Just keep in mind that this is basic info, not an extensive description. 

Internal organs - The chart below shows the basic internal organs. 

- heart is more or less in the middle with lungs on either side

- liver is on the right side, toward the back

- spleen is on the left side (kind of under the rib cage)

- stomach is above the belly button

- pancreas is mostly in the middle

- gallbladder is near the liver on the right side

- kidneys are on both sides, in the back

- appendix is on the right side, lower down

- large and small intestine look a little complicated, but food moves from the stomach into the small intestine, then into the large intestine, which follows a direction starting on the right side, going up and over and down on the left side.

Endocrine system - This chart shows the glands in the endocrine system.

- pineal gland, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus are located in the brain

- thyroid and parathyroid are on the sides of the neck, toward the back

- thymus gland is more or less in the middle of the chest 

- adrenal glands are on the right and left sides (they look a little high to me in this chart, but I could be wrong).

Lymphatic system - The lymphatic system is the body's natural detox system, made up of lymph nodes and vessels throughout the body. The lymph fluid doesn't have a 'heart' to pump it, so it relies on the motions of muscle and joint pumps. This is why regular lymphatic massage is so important. 

Obviously, we could also talk about the bones, spine, muscles, tissues, etc. But I think this is enough for one post. =) 

Just remember that everything in the body is connected and works together. For example, at my last physical therapy appointment, I was having a little difficulty breathing. My physical therapist said the left lung seemed to be the problem. But first she started working on the area of my large intestine, on the right side of my body. Gradually she worked up and across my torso, then she worked on my neck and shoulders. At the end of my appointment my left lung was much improved and I was breathing better. And I was very thankful for a wonderful physical therapist who understands how everything in the body is connected. 

P.S. In case you're still wondering, the adenoids are near the tonsils. I'm still not sure what they do, but maybe I'll find out and tell you in another post sometime. =) 

Wisdom and Health

I've been reading through the book of Proverbs again. There's so much wisdom in these ancient sayings. I wanted to share some of them with you today. 

I know some people read a chapter of Proverbs every day, but I've found that to be too much for me to think about at one time. I like to read just one proverb (or a few verses) at a time and then think about it all day long. I encourage you to do that with the following proverbs. Over the next week, choose one to contemplate each day, and let its wisdom plant deep in your soul. 

Blessings,

-Joanna

1) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. -Prov. 4:20-23

2) Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. -Prov. 3:7-8

3) Reckless words piece like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. -Prov. 12:18

4) A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. -Prov. 14:30

5) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. -Prov. 15:4

6) A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. -Prov. 15:30

7) Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. -Prob. 16:24

And here's a bonus one:

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers. -Prov. 19:8

Worth Watching - The Brain and the Body

This week I watched an amazing video interview with four different health experts. You may have heard of some of them - 

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Jordan Rubin

Dr. Scott Hannen

Dr. David Erb

In this video they share fantastic information about the brain and the body and how to improve your health. Their message is also filled with faith and positive encouragement, whatever your current health challenges. 

The video is a little long, but definitely worth watching! Just skip to about the 42 minute mark to start because that's where the interview with the health experts begins.

I was very encouraged listening to these experts who are passionate about making a difference and helping people live healthier lives. They each have wonderful resources available as well, and all their websites are included in the video. 

I hope it's a blessing to you. Let me know what you think. =) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6POq6pVHs