Health Queen

A blood group

2011-07-30T17:28:00.001-07:00

BLOOD TYPE A

THE CULTIVATOR

· The first vegetarian

· Reaps what he sows

· Sensitive digestive tract

· Tolerant Immune system

· Adapts well to settled dietary and environmental conditions

· Requires agrarian diet to stay lean and productive

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT GAIN

· Meat Poorly digested, stored as fat, increases digestive toxins

· Dairy inhibits nutrient metabolism

· Kidney beans interfere with digestive enzymes; slow metabolic rate

· Lima Beans interfere with digestive enzymes; slow metabolic rate

· Wheat (a lot) impairs insulin efficiency; impairs caloric utilization

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT LOSS

Vegetable Oils Aids efficient digestion; prevent fluid retention; metabolize quickly
Soy foods Aids efficient digestion; metabolize quickly
Vegetables Aids efficient digestion; increase intestinal mobility

EXTRAS

Type A’s generally produce more mucous than other types
Supplement focus is on supercharging the immune system, supplying cancer-fighting antioxidants, preventing infections and strengthening the heart
Useful supplements like Hawthorn for the heart, immune stimulating herbs like Echinacea and Astragalus, calming herbs like valerian and chamomile, quercetin, Milk Thistle and probiotic supplements
Exercises like Tai Chi, Yoga and walking are best.

Adapted from the book “Eat Right for your Blood Type” Peter D’Adamo

FOOD TABLES FOR TYPE A

BENEFICIAL BENEFICIAL NEUTRAL NEUTRAL AVOID AVOID

Chicken

Turkey

Bacon

Ham

Beef

Duck

Heart

Veal

Goose

Pork

Pheasant

Rabbit

Venison

Carp

Cod

Grouper

Mackeral

Monkfish

Red Snapper

Rainbow trout

Salmon

Sardines

Sea Trout

Silver perch

Snail

Whitefish

Yellow Perch

Abalone

Albacore tuna

Ocean perch

Pike

Sea Bass

Shark

Snapper

Swordfish

White perch

yellowtail

Anchovy

Barracuda

Beluga

Bluefish

Catfish

Caviar

Clam

Crab

Crayfish

Eel

Flounder

Gray sole

Haddock

Halibut

Herring

Lobster

Mussels

Oysters

Scallops

Shrimp

Sole

Squid

Soy Cheese

Soy milk

Feta

Goat cheese

Goat milk

Kefir

Mozzarella

Ricotta

Yogurt

Yogurt with fruit

Yogurt, frozen

American

Blue

Brie

Butter

Buttermilk

Camembert

Cheddar

Colby

Cottage

Cream cheese

Edam

Gonda

Gruyere

Ice cream

Monterey Jack

Parmesan

Sherbet

Skim or 2%

Swiss

Whey

Whole milk

Flaxseed Oil

Olive Oil

Canola Oil

Cod liver Oil

Corn oil

Cottonseed oil

Sesame Oil

Peanut oil

Safflower Oil

Pumpkin seeds

Peanut butter

Peanuts

Almonds

Chestnuts

Macadamia

Pine

Sunflower seeds

Tahini

Almond butter

Filberts

Pecans

Sesame seeds

Poppy seeds

Walnuts

Brazil

Pistachio

Cashew

Aduke beans

Pinto beans

Black

Green beans

Azuki beans

Black eyed peas

Pinto beans

Lentils (gr/red)

Broad beans

Fava beans

Snap beans

String beans

Cannelini beans

Green peas

Pea Pods

White beans

Snow peas

Copper beans

Navy beans

Garbanzo beans

Lima beans

Kidney beans

Tamarind beans

Red beans

Amaranth

Buckwheat

Kasha

Barley

Cornflakes

Cornmeal

Cream of rice

Kamut

Millet, puffed

Oat bran

Oatmeal

Rice, puffed.

Rice bran

Spelt

Cream of wheat

Granola

Grape nuts

Seven grain

Wheat bran

Shredded wheat

Wheat germ

Essene bread

Ezekiel bread

Rice cakes

Soya flour bread

Sprouted wheat bread

Bagels, wheat

Brown rice bread

Millet

100% rye

Rye vita

Spelt bread

Corn muffins

Gluten free bread

Rice cakes

Rye crisps

Soy flour bread

Wasa bread

Oatbran muffins

Durum wheat

English muffins

Multigrain bread

Pumpernickel;

Wheat bran muffins

High protein bread

Matzos

Whole wheat bread

Buckwheat

Oat flour

Rice flour

Rye Flour

Soba Noodles

Artichoke pasta

Cous Cous

Barley flour Bulgar flour

Rice, brown

Rice, wild

Rice, white

Gluten flour

Spelt flour

Quinoa

Rice, basmati

Rice flour

Pasta semolina

White flour

Spinach pasta

Whole wheat flour

Artichoke

Beet leaves

Broccoli

Carrots

Chicory

Collard greens

Dandeloin

Garlic

Horseradish

Kale

Kohlrabi

Leek

Lettuce

Okra

Onions,red

Onions, radish

Onions, yellow

Parley

Parsnips

Pumpkin

Spinach

Sprouts, alfalfa

Swiss chard

Tempeh

Tofu

turnips

Asparagus

Avocado

Bamboo shoots

Beets

Bok Choy

Carraway

Cauliflower

Celery

Chevril

Corriander

Corn

Cucumber

Daikon

Endive

Fennel

Lettuce

Mushroom (all)

Olives, green

Onions, green

Raddichio

Rutabaga

Scallion

Seaweed

Sprouts, Brussels

Sprouts, mung

Squash

Water chestnut

Watercress

Zucchini

Chinese Cabbage

Cabbage, red, white

Eggplant

Olives, black, greek Spanish

Peppers, green

Peppers, red

Peppers, yellow

Peppers, sweet

Potatoes, red

Potatoes, sweet

Potatoes, white

Tomatoes

Yams

Apricots

Blackberries

Blueberries

Boysenberries

Cherries

Cranberries

Figs, fresh or dried

Grapefruit

Lemons

Pineapple

Plums, all

Prunes

raisons

Apples

Currents,red

Currents,black

Dates

Grapes

Guava

Kiwi

Limes

Loganberries

watermelon

Nectarines

Peaches

Pears

Pomegranates

Prickly pears

Raspberries

Star fruit

Other melon

strawberries

Banana

Papaya

Oranges

Rhubarb

Tangerines

mangoes

Coconuts

Honeydew

Rock melon

Juices-

Apricot

Carrot

Celery

Black cherry

prune

Grapefruit

Pineapple

Prune

Water with lemon

Apple

Apple cider

Cabbage

cranberry

Cucumber

Grape

Veggie juices

Orange

papaya

tomato

Barley malt

Blackstrap mol.

Garlic

Ginger

mustard

Soy sauce

Agar

Almond extract

Arrowroot

Basil

Bergamont

Cardamon

cinnamon

Clove

Cream of tarter

Dill

Honey

Apple butter jelly

Allspice

Anise

Carob

Bay leaf

Brown rice syrup

Chevril

Chocolate

Coriander

Cumin

Horseradish

Marjoram

Miso

Mustard (dry)

Pimiento

Jam

Salad dressing

Capers

Gelatin, plain

Pepper, white

Apple cider vin.

Ketchup

Worcestershire

mayonnaise

Red wine vinegar

Balsalmic vinegar

White vinegar

Wintergreen

Pickles, dill and sweet

radish

Herbs-

Alfalfa

Aloe

Burdock

Chamomile

Echinacea

Fenugreek

Ginger

Ginseng

Green tea

Hawthorn

Milk thistle

Rosehips

St. johns wort

Slippery elm

valerian

Chickweed

Dandelion

Dong quai

Elder

Gentian

Goldenseal

Hops

Licorice root

Mullein

Parsley

peppermint

Raspberry leaf

Sage

Senna

Sarsparilla

Shepherds purse

Skullcap

Spearmint

Thyme

Vervain

White birch

White oak bark

yarrow

Catnip

Cayenne

Cornsilk

Red clover

Rhubarb

Yellow dock

Coffee decaf

Coffee regular

Tea, green

Red wine

White wine

Beer

Distilled liquor

Seltzer water

Club soda

Cola

Black tea

Better Homes and Gardens Pitch

2011-07-13T21:53:00.001-07:00

I have had the best week – will recap soon. I am just sending my pitch off to Better Homes and Gardens… Common’ you good thing!

Sustainable Gardening or Organics

Naturopath and herbalist, Sam Beau Patrick would love to host a segment for average Australians wanting to grow their own vegetables and herbs. Over time the segment could expand to include all aspects of eco-friendly living in the domestic setting (chicken hatch, grey water usage etc).

Consumers are enquiring and demanding more “cleaner” produce in Australia and with Peak Oil being reached, it is now that people are starting to look towards self sufficiency, even in urban environments. Globally organics are growing at 10-15% (the fastest growing food sector) and in Australia 6 in 10 people buy organics occasionally.

It is even more topical at the moment due to the current Carbon Tax debate.

The segment will draw a new audience and will inspire the current audience. No other television station is hosting such a segment at the moment. Alternative stories can include children as growing vegetables is a wonderful way to introduce children to the yard.

Youtube clip: http://youtu.be/7QJ4s511fjw

Segment suggestions

1. Plant an organic balcony garden with your own herbs

2. Visiting families who have planted their own garden and ask them about their tips and favorite foods to grow

3. Herbs and their healing qualities (eg sage, thyme)

4. Visits to organic farms, markets and talking with farmers about reasons why growing vegetables and gardening are so good for individuals and families.

Why Sam?

Sam offers a unique health perspective in that she is a Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist, Nurse and worked for 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry. She is up-to-date with the latest research and is an avid promoter of good health.

She has appeared on Today, Sunrise, News segments, Today Tonight have filmed her 3 times, and many other interviews.

She is highly committed to the getting a garden segment on commercial television and believes the partnering with Better Homes and Gardens would be a great match. She is a mother of 3 and has a strong community that is the same demographic as Better homes and Gardens, so she knows she can pitch and inspire this group.

My branding is overalls with bright coloured t-shirts and caps.

Please contact Sam direct to discuss further.

Contact: Sam Beau Patrick Mobile: 0405 669 135 E: sam@healthqueen.com.au

This proposal is written by Sam Beau Patrick, for the express consideration for the Executive Producers of Better Homes and Gardens, but is not to be used without consultation to Sam. The ideas expressed are IP belonging to Sam Beau Patrick.

Are hair straightening products safe?

2011-07-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

The short answer is NO!

Most hair straightening products use formaldehyde. Which is a naturally occurring gas and is linked to leukaemia. Here are some facts:

1. Formaldehyde (which I will call by its chemical name FA) – is the substance used in murder movies to asphyxiate people (often leading to death). If you watch the people, they choke, splutter and struggle to breath and they usually rub their eyes. These are the acute side affects of FA. It is also used in nail polish (hence the overwhelming odour and the reason planes ban you from doing your nails inflight). And other areas of use are in fabrics (which is why you should always wash your clothes before you wear them for the first time), wood work and the automotive industry.

2. Long term FA does a few nasty things – it strip our DNA , it breaks our protein chains, but more importantly it interfers with nitric oxide which is a necessary part of our inflammatory/stress system. If this is suppressed we create loads of free radicals which cause cancer

3. Long Term FA also causes infertility issues and hormone problems (in China one study reported occupational exposure of FA caused 70% period abnormalities, compared to 17% control). FA is widely used in cars, fumes and smog which is one reason why cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers are on the increase in first world countries.

4. FA is well known to cause leukaemia which is the nastiest blood born cancer, and if it doesn’t affect the mum it can affect the baby – and seeing as hair dressing is mainly a female dominated industry, this is a concern

5. Short term exposure is can cause eye problems, skin irritation and breathing issues.

6. It is long term exposure that is the greatest concern and considering that in 2005 there were 124,000 new hair dressing apprenticeships handed out (I couldn’t find stats on current numbers of hair dressers) it is a MAJOR concern.

7. Are the ACCC on to it quick enough? This is interesting. The ACCC usually only respond when complaints from consumers hit a certain point which is a shame in Australia and for Australians. The EU banned FA in 2007, the USA passed a bill last year in the building industry and the use FA and restrictions. Sweden and Japan banned it from cosmetics and yet we have done nothing. I get a little annoyed at the ACCC (they get so much funding, are meant to protect consumers and often appear like a sleeping watch dog, not the “watch dog” that they claim – but that is a personal opinion).

8. Do we need to worry – YES! Do hair dressers and nail techs need to know about it – YES. Should consumers know about it – YES! Straight hair at the potential expense of your health – crazy. I am sure if most people were aware, they would look for another option.

love it – no wonder we ended up with hormone problems!

2011-07-07T23:44:00.001-07:00

Clip on Gluten

2011-07-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

This is where you will find gluten and what it can do in your body… every parent needs to know this stuff!

Toddlers to Teens TV with me talking…

Tips for fighting the Common Cold

2011-06-06T23:39:00.001-07:00

This year you may be in for a cough or cold. And its considered “normal and healthy” to have 1-2 per year.

Children will have more and as do the elderly (nutrition status, exposure to other sick people and pre-existing diseases makes a big impact on this).

Typically you know you have a cold if you have a headache, runny nose, sneezing, blocked nose or sore throat. To distinguish it from influenza (the “flu”), which is usually caused by the same thing – a virus – but leads to more severe symptoms. These include body aches, joint aches, headaches, loss of appetite, fevers, nightmares (usually due to the high temperatures), low energy, and upper respiratory symptoms (runny nose etc) but you can also have bowel symptoms (tummy aches, diarrhea) as the lymph glands around the bowel can become inflamed.

Prevention is definitely one of those “health conditions” that is best prevented with a few strategies. The greatest impact on health has not been due to major medical break-throughs like penicillin and vaccines. In fact the biggest improvement in mortality and life has been due to things that I call “healthy hygiene habits”, such as hand washing. Healthy hygiene habits are things that you do, that don’t necessarily give you “big bang for buck” at the time. For example, you may not feel any improvement by doing them. But it is the absence of doing them that leave you wide open for disease and in this case, the cold or flu. Healthy Hygiene Habits for avoiding the cold and flu:
1. Wash your hands routinely after going to the toilet, after blowing your nose, after handling money
2. Use a sanitary wipe (organic and natural wipes are now available) to wipe virus and organisms from your hands before eating
3. Use wipes or preferable wash your hands after handling pets.
4. Have your own water bottle to drink from at sporting events, in schools, at work (i.e. don’t share drinking vessels – including straws, mugs, drink bottles)
5. Cover your mouth when you cough, or nose if you sneeze
6. Use disposable tissues not hankies
7. Dispose of tissues after a blow. Make sure you have lots of tissues on hand
8. Mouth hygiene is very important – brush and floss regularly. Organic, chemical free mouthwashes are very effective.
9. Take extra care when using public commodities e.g.: trains and buses, planes, public toilets and assume that others do not have the same healthy hygiene matters as you. Be prepared

Hot slow cooker chicken

2011-05-11T02:39:00.001-07:00

Ingredients (use organic, hormones free and fresh where possible):

1/2 knob of turmeric chopped

1/2 bunch of corriander chopped

1/2 bunch parsley chopped

1 pinch of cayenne pepper

6 chicken drumsticks

1 jar of organic tomato sauce

2 organic capsicums chopped

1/2 bunch of chopped spinach

Method:

Place all the ingredients into a slow cooker. Turn on slow. Watch the meal take place over the day.

Within 30 mins of you wanting a delicious meal, add chopped spinach.

Cold Sores?

2011-05-09T01:33:00.001-07:00

Do you suffer with painful, itchy and embarrassing Cold Sores?

Find out the latest in how to keep them at bay!

Also hear about genital herpes and pimples

FREE WEBINAR

http://1047113.livebroadcast.talkfusionlive.com/playback/r/hxs16ifYkCYp1aXg

Cold Sores, Genital Herpes and Pimples

2011-05-05T05:58:00.001-07:00

FREE WEBINAR

Monday 9th May 2011

New low GI adverts on telly

2011-05-05T00:56:00.001-07:00

Well I must say i have ALWAYS had an issue with tv, sport or media personalities endorsing health products that they really are not trained in. The assumption (or conclusion) and subsequent action that the viewer unconsciously makes is based on trust of the endorsee not the FACT or CONTENT about the product.

Tonight I saw an ad on telly with Ian Thorpe, an amazing sporting talent, endorsing the NEW low GI sticker. The ad gets some things right, high carb foods do lead to rising blood sugars and then a plummet and eventual fat gain. What they DO NOT get right, is that they say eating low GI foods facilitates fat loss. Then they pan across milo, grapes, breads. GUYS so close, but so far from the truth.

Carbs (regardless of their GI) lead to a blood sugar increase. The only way to curtail the swing is to eat proteins at the same time. Low GI is useful but the real message is to food combine.

And really should we be taking advice from someone who is an exceptional athlete and NOT a nutritionist???

Super Power Balls

2011-05-02T22:32:00.001-07:00

High in anti-oxidants and all the NEW super foods, these chocolate delights are insanely yummy! High omega 3, high protein high super foods!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Cacao powder (pure, organic super food, not Cadbury’s cocoa)

1/2 cup chia seeds (black or white)

1/2 cup macadamia

1/2 cup figs

1/2 cup almond meal

1/2 cup LSA

approx 1/2 tahini

1 TBS manuka honey

Blend it dry ingredients in a food process until a meal. Then add tahini and honey. Push the meal together into balls. You can use extra water or tahini if it doesn’t bind that well.

Store in the fridge! YUMMO

Flushing or Rosacea?

2011-03-20T15:43:00.001-07:00

DO you have Facial flushing? Maybe a red glow on your face that is worsened with wine or heat. If you have any embarrassing facial redness read on below!

A study in 2009 conducted in LA and London, found that 20% of the women interviewed had acne rosacea! (By the way, this is a male and female condition).

How do you know if you have it?

The classic features are a facial redness or flushing that may seem to be raised, may have pustules, and may have red spots interspersed over your face.

People may also suffer with burning, dryness, swelling, skin thickening and nodules (later it may make your nose quite bulbulous).

It can be confused with allergies, acne or sensitivities to make up.

This next bit is straight from wikipedia:

A survey by the National Rosacea Society of 1,066 rosacea patients showed which factors affect the most people:^[17]

Sun exposure 81%
Emotional stress 79%
Hot weather 75%
Wind 57%
Heavy exercise 56%
Alcohol consumption 52%
Hot baths 51%
Cold weather 46%
Spicy foods 45%
Humidity 44%
Indoor heat 41%
Certain skin-care products 41%
Heated beverages 36%
Certain cosmetics 27%
Medications (specifically stimulants) 15%
Medical conditions 15%
Certain fruits 13%
Marinated meats 10%
Certain vegetables 9%
Dairy products 8% thanks wiki.

What Causes it?

The jury has long been deciding the main causes. I have been in the health industry for 25 years and have always known there exists a gut/bacteria connection, but now research is fairly conclusive. This is the latest info.

- a mite called Demodex burrows into the hair follicle and can cause secondary infection with its faeces (not nice I know, but true)

- 88% of people with Rosacea where also shown to have Helicobacter pylori – the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers (ref Szlachcic A. The link between H.pyloir ad rosacea. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2002 Jul; 16 (4): 328-33)

- 46% of people with Rosacea have Small Intestinal Bacertial Overgrowth (SIBO) which will give you gut symptoms and results from bacteria migrating from your large bowel into your small bowel.

How to treat it

I would preface here that any treatments natural or orthodox are always best supervised by a health professional. If you want to know a good practitioner who can help you, i recommend called ANTA or Metagenics 1800 777 648 in Australia and they can tell you someone close to where you live.

Not surprisingly great results are achieved by killing the helicobacter pylori and correcting any SIBO. This can be done naturally, with medications or a combination. Diet alone, may not be strong enough as H.pylori is hard to kill.

There is also evidence to suggest an alkaline diet may be of benefit (or add wheat grass or spirulina to your diet).

Metagenics (the company above) have launched a facial cream that has anti-bacterial qualities and may help with killing the mite on your face. It’s definitely worth a try.

Once you have killed the offending agent and have things under control, I strongly recommend a probiotic to plant back into your gut and help protect from further out breaks and over growth.

This weeks vegies

2011-03-13T06:11:00.001-07:00

This week we shopped at Carrara Fruit and Veg and this bundle only cost $26! That is amazing!

skin cancer versus breast cancer

2011-02-16T02:54:00.001-08:00

Would it no be prudent and good evidence-based-medicine to actually do a head to head meta-analysis or double blind placebo based study where the following is measured:

Lives saved through the message by the Skin Foundation’s message to avoid sun exposure (and subsequent dire low Vitamin D levels )

versus

the amount of lives that would be saved in Breast Cancer (and other conditions) brought about my Vit D defiency? Breast Cancer can be decreased by 40-60% in women simply by them having adequate vitamin D!

Someone do the study before this ludicracy and self-made endemic wipes out more women!

check out the sugar content

2011-02-14T00:23:00.001-08:00

What An Informative Way To Present

Sugar Levels...

each cube represents a teaspoonful.

How pituresque is a bowl of fruit!

2011-02-07T03:37:00.001-08:00

An edible art piece

Frocks and Frills results to date

2011-01-20T00:25:00.001-08:00

Frocks and Frills

Results so far for the survey from www.byebyebridget.com

Nine out of ten women report that wearing a dress makes them feel more feminine. Try it out and fill in the survey if you haven’t already done so.

Gluten free snacks

2011-01-12T03:14:00.001-08:00

With frying pan on high, dry roast sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds. Maybe a combination. Splash with tamari if you like a salty flavour.

How to cut an onion with no TEARS

2011-01-11T21:55:00.001-08:00

After peeling away the skin, cut onion in half (top to bottom)

Place onion face down onto cutting boart

Then cut segments in line with grooves (not against grooves)

Lastly cut into cubes – this is the first time you will cut across the grain and will be the time you may cry if at all.

Wearing a Frock is good for your hormones

2011-01-07T02:05:00.001-08:00

Women in Racing Magazine

Sly food marketing

2011-01-05T03:19:00.001-08:00

I’m sorry but part of my role as a health educators is to point out that ads like this are totally misleading.

With this spread being 50% sugar and the next main ingredient being palm oil ( a saturated fat – the ones you should avoid)!

This is what they had to say:

“..As much as 25 percent of your daily energy should be consumed at breakfast time; therefore incorporating a balanced breakfast is important in everyone’s diet. An example of how Nutella can be incorporated into a balanced diet is by consuming a piece of fruit, a glass of reduced fat milk and two slices of high-fibre toast with 10g of Nutella on each, delivering 24 percent of your recommended daily energy needs…” http://www.nutella.com.au/faq/

This is what I have to say:

Encouraging kids to eat pure sugar and some heart killing fats is nothing short of criminal Nutella. You know better than that.

loving organic eating

2011-01-05T03:11:00.001-08:00

All of this for only $50! Crazy value

Do you drink wine (habitually) to relax

2010-12-27T19:22:00.001-08:00

Do you have one or two glasses of wine while cooking the night’s meal. No intention of getting drunk, just sipping and cooking (or worse still, sipping while working)?

Whilst one to two glasses could be achieving a more relaxed head state, psychologically helping you make the transition from work mode to home mode – you do need to be aware of the following:

- Having mindless wine is giving yourself extra sugar and maybe leading to hormone imbalances, such as elevated testosterone.

So what other ways can one achieve the equivalent of 1-2 (or several) glasses of wine without the negative side effects of sugar consumption? These are a few ideas that I have put together…

1. Exercise every morning (rain, hail, shine – just do it)

2. Put yourself through a relaxation audio (20 mins investment in the morning before getting out of bed, or sitting under a tree, listening to an iphone)

3. watch a movie – funny, short skits are perfect

4. Mentally digest your day on the way HOME from work, put items into mental folders and see yourself putting it into your mental filing cabinet, until you chose to revisit them.

5. Have a end and start points that signal changing roles. For example, pulling down the garage door means no more work, putting on slippers means relaxation mode, putting on nightie = no more cleaning etc.

6, Eat so many good and healthy things that you become selfish about sacrificing any goodness for bad

7. Make sure you drink LOADS of water in the afternoon so you are not confusing thirst for water as thirst for alcohol.

8. Have a protein/carb snack at 4pm to tie you over nicely until dinner time (this will help your blood sugar drop and crave wine).

Gluten Free snack

2010-12-06T00:43:00.001-08:00

Gluten free snack

Ingred:

Corn chips (try to get organic and chemical free)

Mexican beans

Mince

salsa (home made is delicious if you can)

Mozarella cheese

Place the bean mix on the base of a baking dish. Place corn chips on top, cover with cheese. Melt in an oven on 180 for 15 mins. Add mince (left over spag bog is fine) and serve with salsa. Kids love this dish.

Today Show

2010-10-16T03:08:00.001-07:00

I will appearing on The Today Show, Channel 9, on Tuesday 19th October 2010 to discuss my book Beauty and the Beast Within.

Watch for the 8am interview with Lisa Wilkinson

Great Skin Tips

2010-10-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

These are the things I do to keep my skin, and body feeling as good on the outside as it does on the inside….

1. I use a soft toothbrush in the shower to brush my face and neck, promoting circulation and keeping my lymphatics open

2. I use olive oil on my face 2-3 times a week as my moisturiser and pure Rose hip oil as my nightly moisturiser

3. I find the best supplements are:

- folic acid and iron these stop blemishes or chloasma

- progesterone in the form of chaste tree which gives your skin elasticity and a glow

- St Mary’s which flushes your liver from impurities and keeps pimples, ezcema etc at bay

- CoQ10 if I go in the sun to act as anti-oxidant

- omega 3s for wrinkles. When I see more lines, I hit the omega 3s very hard. Just for a few days – it makes the world of difference

4. I drink lots of water 2-4 litres a day (depending on exercise, heat etc..)

my 3 secrets for a flat tummy

2010-09-29T02:00:00.001-07:00

Well – flattish

1. Eat exciting salads, vegetables and meats. Forget the grains – they are over-rated and lead to total body inflammation, which leads to metabolic diseases such as poly ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. The best thing for these people to is drop the overt carbs and focus on eating vegetables and (sparing) fruit, meats, nuts and seeds.

2. Move – move and walk every where and every opportunity. The thing that strikes me most about Europe, is there fanaticism with food and exercising. They walk everywhere. So let’s learn from them; suck in rear, pull in tummy and imagine your head being drawn up like a puppet string.

3. Laugh. Laughing and deep breathing use all the muscles of the tummy. Give them a daily work out by finding something funny to laugh at. And if you can’t find something- make it up.

Are women becoming men?

2010-09-27T03:03:00.001-07:00

High testosterone levels are becoming common among women.

84% of women feel they have a hormone imbalance, and 3 out of 10 women have a condition called poly cystic ovary syndrome.

Unfortunately many women probably have elevated levels of testosterone and are either walking out on their partner, can’t find mister Right, or their doctor has started them on anti-depressants.

Testosterone plays a very important role in women. It contributes to:

- energy levels

- muscle development

- sex drive

- makes us feel good

- strengthen bones

- protects against heart disease

And when we (women) don’t produce enough, we feel low in all of the above.

BUT when we make too much testosterone, women feel and experience the following:

- anger and irritability (including road rage and probably school yard bullying)

- obesity

- poly cystic ovary syndrome

- infertility

- unwanted facial and body hair

- deep or gravelly voice

- facial acne or pimples on the back or chest

- muscular stance, square jaw line and very “tom-boyish”

Women can end up looking like this if they don’t stop, reassess and try reversing some contributing factors. Unfortunately for many women, this is a true reality.

Hormone balance

2010-09-27T01:37:00.001-07:00

this is a short you tube clip explaining happy hormone balance in women.

84% of women feel they have a hormone imbalance! Are you one of them?

Women make a few sex hormones, but the 3 main ones will be discussed here.

The best way to check your hormone levels is via a saliva test. Blood tests will give you inaccurate results.

Oestrogen should be under 10. Ideally 3-6

Progesterone should be 800 but more importantly in a ratio of 200:1 of oestrogen

Testosterone should be between 80-100.

If your hormones are outside these levels, chances are you will feel “out of balance”.

Oestrogen (estrogen) imbalance in Women

2010-09-27T01:24:00.001-07:00

Oestrogen (estrogen in Australia) is made by the woman’s ovaries and adrenals. It is also made by adipose tissue (fat cells).

There are 3 types of oestrogen.

Oestrone (E1) increases after menopause and accounts for 10-20% of oestrogen levels.

Oestradiol (E2) readily converts to E1, and is the most potent of the 3 oestrogens and is mainly produced by the ovaries.When the levels of E2 drop during menopause – flushes and night sweats can occur.

Oestriol (E3) is produced mainly throughout pregnancy. A topical cream derivative is used in post menopausal ladies for vaginal shrinkage (and painful intercourse) and urinary incontinence.

Normal oestrogen levels are responsible for the following:

- development of secondary sexual characteristics (eg breasts, widening of the hips, pubic hair).

- promotes the growth of the endometrial lining and breast tissue

- is necessary for development of longer bones

- improves memory

- increases fat stores

- protects against heart disease

- can be of assistance during menopause

Excessive Oestrogen is also called Oestrogen Dominance.

In this very common hormone imbalance, women will feel some (not necessarily all) of the following:

- mood swings (including anxiety and depression)

- cellulite and fat

- headaches and migraines

- heavy or longer periods

- endometriosis or fibroids

- breast , ovarian and endometrial cancers

- pimples

- irritability, low energy and insomnia

The best way to check is to have a saliva hormone test. You can order these from the www.byebyebridget.com site or from your health care (make sure they specialist in hormone treatments and do saliva tests).

This weeks meals

2010-09-05T00:06:00.001-07:00

As I continually say to people, health is not an accident, it is a conscious decision.

Decide to be healthy every morning of every day.

So, to that end, I put a bit of effort into wholesome meals, loads of organic vegetables and home cooked meals.

This week we are having:

Sun: tacos (Sunday night treat)

Mon: Lasagna

Tues: Chicken cheese burgers

Wed: lasagna left overs

Thurs: lamb and lentil curry

Fri: beef roll

Sat: chicken, avocado and tomato pasta

email me for the recipes: sam@healthqueen.com.au

How right is Just Right?

2010-09-03T19:01:00.001-07:00

This is a direct cut and paste from the Just Right food panel.

Good source of B1, B2 and niacin

Good source of iron

Good source of folate

High in fibre

Goodness of wholegrains

High in carbohydrate

Low in fat

Low in salt

No artificial flavours

PROTEIN 8.8 %

FAT, TOTAL 1.6 %

CARBOHYDRATE 71.2 %

Wholegrain cereals (63%)(whole wheat, rolled oats), sultanas (17%), sugar, triticale (6%), dried apricot piece (3.5%)(dried apricot [preservative (220)], fructose, maltodextrin, humectant [glycerol], thickener [1422], soy flour, hydrogenated vegetable oil, vegetable gum [466], natural flavour, colour [apocarotene], food acid [citric acid], wheat flour), barley malt extract, salt, honey (0.1%), mineral (iron), vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, folate, thiamin).
Contains gluten containing cereals, soy, and sulphites.
May contain traces of peanuts and/or tree nuts

Health Queen Comment

They claim that the cereal is high in carbohydrate – too right it is. 70% sugar! So if you have 1 cup , 3/4 is sugar

It does have at least 3 chemicals and natural flavour, colour (the apocarotene can cause behaviour changes) and other flavour enhancers.

So is Just Right, perfect for you and your kids. Think again. You are much better off having pure oats (porridge, your own museli), free range eggs, puffed rice .

Health Queen on Sunrise

2010-08-13T16:15:00.001-07:00

The Health Queen with her client, Debbie Nolan, appeared on Sunrise today discuss women in work and hormone changes that are occurring.
Women are increasing their testosterone levels - possibly as an adaptive change, possibly due to stress, but it is making women feel unsettled.
It is very challenging for women to go from the work environment to home and change hats very quickly.
Exercise, awareness, healthy eating and being clear about what makes you happy are great ways to stay on top of this potential threat to every working female . The issue is discussed more in Sam's book, Beauty and the Beast Within.

What hormone is driving your body today?

2010-07-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

Females produce many sex hormones and understanding the role of each one is something not taught in schools, and yet is something inherently related to us if we are female.

This article is an overview of the female sex hormones.

Hormones are like our boy’s internal courier network. They carry a message or prompt an action from one gland to another gland or organ. For example, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which travels in the blood stream to the thyroid to stimulate metabolism.

Hormone imbalances are occurring en masse and not many traditional doctors (GPs) are trained in the management of these health problems. You are more likely to get answers, direction and results from a “holistic GP” with a hormone specialty or a naturopath.

Hormones are very important in your overall health. When they are out of balance or under produced you may feel low in energy, have poor sleep, have period issues, menopause problems, fertility issues, headaches, sore breasts, bloated stomach and bladder infections to name only a few!

Not only do they affect your physical self, they can also influence your mood, happiness, anger and irritability which in turn affects your relationships and direction in life.

The common female sex hormones include; Estrogens (there are a few types), Progesterone

Testosterone, Dhea –S, Prolactin, Luteinising Hormone (LH), and Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH). And stress hormones include; Cortisol and Melatonin.

Estrogens (spelt oestrogen in the USA)

These are a group of hormones including Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3). These are made by the ovaries (in pre-menopausal women) and fat tissue by conversion of DHEA-S and testosterone. Hence why over weight ladies have higher than normal Oestrogen levels which in turn STOPs them losing weight. Men also make estrogen, but in much smaller doses made in the testes. Imbalances can lead to fibroids, endometriosis, breast cancers, heavy periods, migraines, fat gain, bloating and depression.

Progesterone (P4)

Progesterone is a very important hormone and for various reasons ladies in Australia seem to have low levels. Rarely is it elevated and ideally it is in a ratio of oestrogen 1:50 (during days 1-14) and 1:200 (during days 14-28) in fertile ladies.

Imbalances can lead to heavy periods, miscarriages, dry skin and low mood.

Testosterone (TT)

Ladies produce testosterone in the ovaries and in the adrenal glands. Men make most of their TT in their testes and produce 10-20 times more than ladies throughout their lives. Imbalances can lead to anger, irritability, acne, body and facial hair, PCOS and infertility.

DHEA-S

DHEA -S is a precursor for estrogen and testosterone (in other words it gives birth to these hormones) during its metabolization process in the body. It isn’t as strong as testosterone but very important with anti-ageing and disease protection. Imbalances can lead to low energy levels.

Sam Beau Patrick likes to get a base line for many ladies and this is a straight forward saliva test (you spit into a small test tube) and costs $140. The results take approximately 2 weeks for the results return. You can order these through the www.byebyebridget.com website. Sam has a book called Beauty and the Beast Within also available from the www.byebyebridget.com site.

Obesity must be the biggest killer in the world

2010-07-16T05:04:00.001-07:00

AS I sit aghast watching Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, I applaud the inspirational approach Jamie takes to making change. Well Done!

It also makes me sad though- I feel we are watching forward waiting for a tsunami to hit (such as a HIV endemic, or an anthrax outbreak from a terrorist attack), while a mud slide is coming from behind about to wipe us out.

Obesity is affecting 50% of Australians.

Statistically it has poorer out-comes than breast cancer (from when I last looked anyway)!

If you look at statistics of Australian cohorts:

figures	obesity	breast cancer
incidences	1 in 2 people (50%)	only 1 in 9
recovery rates	10-15%	80%
cross over with other diseases	Multiple System failure – eg diabetes, heart disease, stroke risk. Terribly high association with obesity.	low. Usually singular disease state
public fear state and attitude	?? too complacent	Terrified

How have we allowed this modern and SO PREVENTABLE disease to evolve right beneath our commercially driven eyes? Maybe it is time to reassess who helps obese people in the country now. Maybe the message is wrong, may the professionals “hired to do the job” by the government – ie the general practitioner or dietician are failing to achieve their mandate. Maybe its time to give naturopaths some empowerment. Most of our obesity issue is half what we eat, but also the horrific stressful states we spend our lives trapped in. Life really isn’t so important that we have to get stressed about running late to the hair dresser but we do. So obesity needs to be treated with food in mind, but also the driving factors surrounding people’s perceived lack of time to cook, shop organically etc. and helping people make change in that area of their life, takes trust , inspiration and time. Not 3 minute medicine I am afraid.

Let a whollistic professional give it a go. Empower a few other trained and highly skilled practitioners to have a go. Naturopaths and nutritionist with tertiary education definitely should be medicare recognised.

Go Jamie Go! You are doing great things.

Eating Cat food – I don’t think so….

2010-07-06T00:32:00.001-07:00

until you read this.

I have always place sardines and deep sea fish in that category of “cat food – if I have to, I will force myself to eat it”…

Until I read the food panel.

Sardines are one of the best sources of omega 3s (those magnificent essential fatty acids that are anti-ageing and anti-wrinkles)!!!

In fact consuming one tin of sardines is like having 2-4 PRACTITIONER omega 3 pills! If you have over the counter fish oils this may equate to 10-12 pills – do your own comparison.

Here is a break down of the food panel:

	per serving	per 100g
energy	634j	576 KJ
protein	14.6g	13.3g
fat total	9.2 g	8.4g
- omega 3 fats	1640mg	1500mg
------- EPA	644mg	595mg
--------DHA	1000mg	910mg
carbs	2.5g	2.3g

The warnings are the sodium content – a little high at 653 per tin, but calcium is 200mg +.

This is a John West Panel of sardines in tomato sauce – the only way I can consume the slippery suckers. But so worth it.

I know there are moral issues about Dolphins and John West, but to be honest, I don’t know of any reputable, big sea fisherman – let me know if you do and we will all jump ship (so as to speak).

Eating deep sea fish does have the risk of consuming too much mercury (as deep sea fish eat all the other fish along the way,so accumulate the most junk and heavy metals – technically deep sea fish are at the bottom of the food chain), so in line with the USA FDA – pregnant women are advised not to consume deep sea fish and to get their omega 3 from elsewhere.

So if it has been a few years since you have snacked on some sardines – give them a whirl. Yes they are a little oily – that is the idea. Spread them on ryvitas, rice cakes, or a good quality bread. Enjoy!

Why EFA Balance is Critical to Your Health

2010-06-20T14:55:00.001-07:00

This first part is from Dr Mercola – wonderful newsletters if you are interested in natural foods, medicines etc..

“..Essential fatty acids (EFAs) include both omega-3 fats (high in the vital compounds EPA and DHA) and omega-6 fats. EFAs cannot be manufactured in your body but are beneficial to normal health and metabolism.* Therefore, EFAs must be obtained through your diet.

Although some omega-6 fats are good for your health, the balance of omega-6s to omega-3s is crucial.* Unfortunately, most people consume an overabundance of omega-6 fats.

Your ancestors embraced a diet with a healthy balance of approximately equal omega-6 and omega-3 fats. But the current Western diet is far too high in omega-6 fats. The average omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is now closer to 20:1, and in some cases even 50:1. This can keep you from optimal health.

Due to this imbalanced ratio, and because you could likely benefit from more omega-3 fats*...” Dr Mercola..

I have seen omega 3 oils do amazing things. I use them personally when I am feeling achy or if I feel too wrinkly. The omega 3 component is essential for the lining of all your bodies’ cells, and hence useful as an anti-ageing strategy.

Food sources for omega 3s include the following:

nuts: macademias, almonds, walnuts, pecan nuts,

seeds: chia, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds

deep sea fish: tuna , salmon, sardines, herrings (don’t eat these if you are pregnant though as these fish are the bottom of the food chain which means they are the end results of other fish being consumed and can end up with very large levels of mercury and other toxic minerals)

Plant oils: olive oil, canola, safflower, avocadoes

I try to eat some omega 3 food sources every day. I urge you to do the same

The two vital facts that are KEY to your health

2010-06-12T02:14:00.001-07:00

This is from Dr Mercola…..

I'm sure you've heard by now about two fats in omega-3 oils that are crucial to your health -- DHA and EPA*. These compounds are not only essential to maintaining your health -- scientific research indicates that they may also promote heart health and provide immune system and mood support.*

Now in a perfect world, you would be able to get all the omega-3s you need by eating fish. Unfortunately, studies show that eating fish can potentially expose you to a high degree of contamination with industrial pollutants and toxins like mercury, PCBs, heavy metals and radioactive poisons.

In fact, the FDA and EPA have put out health advisories warning against certain fish and shellfish consumption for young children, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and nursing mothers.

I formerly recommended that you take fish oil to enhance your intake of omega-3 fats. And high-quality fish oils are certainly great products, with many important health benefits.

But there are drawbacks.

Such as...fish oil is weak in antioxidant content. As you increase your intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids by consuming fish oil, you actually increase your need for even more antioxidant protection.

Why? Well, fish oil is very perishable. Antioxidants are necessary to ensure that the fish oil doesn't oxidize and become rancid inside your body. As we just noted, oxidation leads to the formation of those unhealthy free radicals.

So, you need to consume additional antioxidants for your health in general, and for your increased need for antioxidants when using fish oil.

This was a vexing problem for a long time...

Until the introduction of Antarctic Pure Krill Oil (now known as New and Improved Krill Oil) – a marine oil of krill solved the dilemma by uniquely and synergistically combining antioxidants and omega-3s.

Just what are krill anyway?

Krill are small shrimp or prawn-like creatures that feed the world's most mammoth animals -- the great whales. Toothless great whales gulp down huge quantities of krill to provide the energy they need to fuel their massive bulk. A blue whale eats up to 8,000 pounds of krill each day during feeding season.

Tiny krill fuel giant whales...what can
they do for you?

These highly intelligent great whales aren't the only animals that depend on krill for their nutritional needs. So do seals, penguins, sea birds, squid and fish.

The hardy krill harvested from harsh Antarctic waters -- the ones that comprise our New and Improved Krill Oil -- are so important they are considered a "keystone species", an organism upon which many Antarctic predators depend.

These semi-translucent crustaceans congregate in dense masses or swarms that can turn the ocean's surface pink or red.

Together with plankton, krill make up the largest biomass on earth...one of the most easily renewable food resources available, an excellent nutritional source from an environmental perspective.

Krill aren't a new source of nutrition either. They've been harvested as a food source for both humans and domesticated animals since the 1800s. Possibly even earlier in Japan where they're considered a delicacy.

Dr mercola www.mercola.com

Rising Violence amongst school girls

2010-05-30T15:11:00.001-07:00

I have been watching with interest and dismay about the unfolding of young women and increasing violence in school.

I have a 2 main theories and in order they are:

1. Food and drink reactions (MSG, thickeners in yogurts, preservatives in bread, flavours on chips, packet foods etc) are all known to cause neuro-excitory reactions AKA: Behaviour changes and in some people anger and acting out this anger in fights verbally or physically.

2. Hormone changes (my research indicates that rising testosterone levels accounts for aggressive behaviours typical of young men, now witnessed and felt by women) due to socialising, tv, video games, foods and carbohydrates – which pushes natural levels of testosterone up.

This is an extract from my book about testosterone from page 42.

Testosterone

Testosterone is considered an androgen (male hormone) but it is the basic structure used for estrogen as well. It is made in ladies in her ovaries, adrenals and muscles. Men make it in their testes. Relatively little research has been done over the years into females and the affects of testosterone in their body, but I find it fascinating.

Testosterone (Tt) is responsible for the following:

Libido

Aggression

Muscle mass

Hair distribution

Low Testosterone

Typically our understanding of Tt is that is drops as we age. This is why muscle mass deteriorates with age. Low testosterone levels are often blamed, often incorrectly, for ladies having a low libido during menopause.

Symptoms of low TT include:

Low libido

Dry skin and vagina

Low muscle mass,

Muscle weakness

High testosterone

The issue of high Tt levels in ladies is becoming more common in Modern Women. Studies over the years tend to indicate that aggression, competing and winning elevate Tt levels in men. And obviously with high levels that inspires more aggression and competitiveness. But we are not so sure with females.

When TT levels are high, ladies experience:

Male pattern hair – i.e thinning hair on their scalp and pubic regions, more hair on their face (in particular the chin and upper lip) and hairy arms, hair on the tops of the feet and toes and around their nipples

Acne or pimples on the chin, back or chest areas

More competitive urges

Aggression and rage,

Deep voice

Muscle definition

From what I can understand, the anger from elevated Testosterone is different than the anger experienced with high estrogen. I tend to find ladies with high Testosterone tend to be more outwardly aggressive, angry and vocal. While Estrogen tends to makes ladies more moody, teary and fragile. Once again, this needs to be explored in larger population groups and will be done so on www.byebyebridget.com

Why winning makes us feel good.

2010-05-27T02:14:00.001-07:00

Winning, watching our team win, or achieving a set goal in most people, lead to a feeling of elation and increased happiness and self –esteem.

This feeling is due to some hormone changes behind the scenes in response to “the battle” and then “the win”.

Some of the hormone involved include serotonin, adrenaline and nor adrenaline (the 2 stress hormones) and testosterone.

While at the local leagues club last night, I am sure the vague smell of “teenage boys” was due to the awareness of HIGH levels of testosterone in the room. If you have ever been to a footy club on “State of Origin” night , this will need no more explanation. If you haven’t, you may have been to a sporting event where you have seen or even experienced first hand, the feelings of tension during the game and then elation, relief and happiness if your team wins, or the opposite feelings if you and your team loses.

Research by Professor James Dabbs of Georgia State University into testosterone and human social behaviour have made some provocative discoveries. Dabbs and his researchers have found positive correlations between testosterone levels and criminal violence, suicide, aggression, sexuality and sex roles, occupation, personality, emotions, competitiveness, disturbed relationships and more.

One of his studies looked at male testosterone saliva levels before a World Cup soccer match. Mean testosterone levels ROSE (nearly doubled) in the winning team’s spectators, and dropped in the fans of the losing team!

They extrapolated that testosterone levels can rise and fall with success and failure in social encounters.

Women in prisons are found to have higher testosterone levels compared to non-prison females.

Dabbs and his researches found that actors and footy players had higher testosterone levels than religious ministers. I am sure none of this is surprising you and seems quite logical.

So if you feel the thrill of the win, enjoy it. But remember it has been stimulated by a win/lose situation. Win/wins (which aren’t really an outcome in sport), can also lead to similar rewards. In life seek out win/wins. HQ

Are you taking too many pills?

2010-05-25T01:41:00.001-07:00

In the past I did audits for doctors. I recall many doctors who had patients taking 25 - 30 different tablets! The last 5 pills were often counteracting side effects of the first 5! Illogic at its best!

This is what her script chart looked like:

But the over-prescribing thing goes both ways.

Today I saw a client and she had been recommended by a fellow naturopath to take 9 different supplements which amounted to 30 tablets per day! 14 in the morning and 16 tablets at night. Too many!

As health care providers, doctors and naturopaths need to be mindful of the following when writing pills/liquids or potions:

COST – how much is it costing the patient or the government
NEED – does the person really need it, can food, rest or something else achieve the same thing
RISK – will it make the person worse , is there a better way to do it
COMPLIANCE – will the person be able to stick to the plan. if they are forgetful, lunch time tablets might be over looked, so why write it up!

There are probably other things to consider, these are off the top of my head.

I try to keep supplements to under 6, even when the person is in a health cog mire. Slowly , surely and healthily people can be returned to vibrant wonderful health. Taking 30 tablets will only cost the patient a swag, will burn them out (who can swallow that many tablets) and see them give up.

Ask your health practitioner the following:

Do I need this tablet?

How long will I need it?

Are there other options?

What do I need to be doing different in my lifestyle that will negate the need for this pill?

One more thing to be aware of is self-diagnosis and self prescribed pills. Have you been in the situation when you go into a health food shop , start reading all the little pills and what they are good for only to find that you think you need about 10 things just to wake up the next day? I have – things for better sleep, fat loss, memory, energy, libido – all common things we take pills for. Chat to someone first, preferably a health practitioner (who is trained and can support their recommendations).

Good luck, HQ

Dips, crackers and cheese

2010-05-20T18:51:00.001-07:00

I love dips but lately I fond that supermarket dips are losing quality over shelf life.

What dip makers are using

- thickeners (415 which is a natural occurring algae, but can act like MSG in some people )

- acid regulators (330)

- sulphurs (202 - 220 often used to preserve plant sources but can cause asthma and chesty reactions in some)

- colours (100 - 160b - colours are disasterous because they are BIG offender for making kids going crazy and bringing on anxiety in adults)

My fav recipes are:

Homous

1. Drain a can of chickpeas

2. put into a blender with some garlic (if you like garlic)

3. add a dallop of Tahini

4. squeeze a lemon

5. toss in some rock salt

6. blend

Beetroot dip

1. Boil up some whole beetroots (chop the stems off but leave in big chunks to boil - the water will go purple but that's ok)

2. blend with some tahini or yogurt

3. you can add bread crumbs or rice crumbs if you like a thicker consistency

4. mint tastes great blended in too

Grandma's oyster dip

1. a soften packet of philly cheese

2. one tin of smoked oysters

3. mash the 2 together - leave a little chunky.

bon Appetite! HQ

Vit D and sun exposure is normal!

2010-05-20T18:48:00.001-07:00

Vitamin D is normally made on the surface of you skin by activation by the sun and UV rays! It is vital for hormone, bone and immune HEALTH.

Failure to get adequate sun light on your skin can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. That's right, people are not getting enough sunlight!

I have posted results from a study done in Australia in 2007 and it shows that up to 97% of Australians may be deficient in Vitamin D.

high risk people are people in nursing homes, office workers and hyper vigilent "sun-avoiders"

How to manage:

Sun exposure is normal and necessary

20 mins minimum a day is important for Vit D stimulation (synthesis)

Walk in the middle of the day 10-2pm when sun exposure is at its highest.

Unless you are an African negro (*ironically they have a high incidence of melanomas) or are red hair, fair skinned and have a family history of skin cancers - get out amongst it!

Link to the graph showing the results of the Australian study looking into Vit D deficiency

http://www.healthqueen.com.au/wysiwyg/addons/docs/files/Vitd.pdf

Australians are the most allergenic in the World! Why?

2010-05-20T18:46:00.001-07:00

Allergies are nearly unheard of in under developed countries.

Ok, why are allergies experienced in such large incidences in Australia (and other “developed countries”)?

What are common allergens (things that cause allergies)

And what things can you try to get rid of them?

Allergies are reactions to items in our surroundings that trigger-off our inflammatory response. The component of the item that we react to is called an allergen.

Typical items include pollens, seeds, food, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, preservatives, toxic fumes and dust, dust mites, dog hair, animal bites (eg spider bites), other rodent and animal matter.

The initial reaction is an immune reaction. In fact the management and study of allergies falls under the care of an “immunologist.”

The body’s surface (skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, lung and gut, bladder, vagina) can respond to contact or exposure to certain allergens and can all suffer from a reaction.

Typical reactions are due to the release of mast cells and a subsequent rise in eosinophils ( a type of white blood cell), these lead to mucous production, swollen, itchy and constricted membranes. If this occurs in your lungs, you may experience a wheeze as the air travels back through tightened openings (or airways ) and is commonly known as asthma.

You can have allergies to all sorts of things – some really common ones are food chemicals, wheat, milk and dairy, grass seeds, dust mite and pet dander (hair).

There are a few ways to get rid of the allergies:

Acute management

When things have just happened and are REALLY severe and quick in onset – you could be suffering an anaphylaxic reaction (the mucous membranes in your throat enlarge, so that breathing is an issue, or your tongue swells, or you come out in an all over body rash) then you need to get emergency help (either go to hospital or call an ambulance). Some people have had a few dramatic Reactions and will carry an Epi pen (epinephrine) with them.

Medium term management

There are some extremely good natural products available via a naturopath or homeopath for reactions not as severe as above.

Medical options include anti-histamine (stop histamine being released which causes the mucous and swelling reactions. Adrenaline is reserved for severe cases but used frequently in hospitals, steroids can help (not the gym/muscle building ones).

Longer term approach to decreasing allergies

Natural medicines offer more options compared to conventional medicine.

Mainstream medicine grapples a little and tends to go down the avoid-if-you-know-what-causes is and if you goof it up, take an anti-histamine.

Natural medicines including decreasing the body’s over-amplified immune reaction either by retraining, decreasing TH2-cells or decreasing allergens and seem to offer the best overall result. Building a person’s immunity is key in managing allergies. This can be done via probiotics, zinc, a range of herbs and diet elimination. Ask a naturopath or nutritionist for guidance.

Women feel love – not words

2010-05-09T20:04:00.001-07:00

When I talk with women I find that they can feel depressed but not often. Most women have sad feelings instead.

Intrusive and repeatitive sad thoughts centred around love.

Usually they have the following feelings:

“I don’t feel that I show love “

“ I am not worthy of love”

or “I am not loveable”

Mostly feelings of guilt or low self esteem.

When I feel like this I say to myself “I am loved, loving and lovable , I am happy and healthy, I am safe and secure, I am.”

Sam BP

Multivitamins linked to breast cancer

2010-04-30T18:32:00.001-07:00

In recent weeks the media have been discussing the link between taking a multivitamin and breast cancer. While I am shocked, like everyone, the study needs putting in context.

Firstly and foremost. There are many stronger studies proving illness as a consequence of taking something, so don’t be pressured to stop taking your multi-vitamin by someone who is not recently trained in biochemistry and qualified in natural medicine. It’s not their place.

Designs of studies.

The design of a study is very important when interpreting the results.

1. PROOF : I have given an examples where there is a direct causative link that is proven to occur by doing X. EG: When x = smoking…

If you smoke cigarettes you will end up with lung changes. OR one can say smoking = lung changes.

2. PROVEN RISK FACTORs: Other studies prove a risk factor, For example:

If you don’t breast feed, don’t have children, drink cows milk, and wear under-wires in your bras, you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer (ref H. Lawson – Preventing Breast Cancer).

Another example:

Elevated cholesterol has been shown to increase your likelihood of having a heart attack. But people still have heart attacks with normal cholesterol levels. So there is a proven association but you can not say : ^ cholesterol = heart attack.

3. ASSOCIATIONS are noted in studies incidentally. That means the study was not designed to prove a particular point or may have been looking at a totally different aspect and an association in another area was noted in the results. For example:

People who took a multivitamin appeared to have an increase risk of breast cancer. This was merely an observation.

I will discuss this multi and breast cancer study more in the next blog… HQ

Can you gain 1 kg over the day?

2010-04-28T03:26:00.001-07:00

I have many clients who report gaining 1-3 kg on the scales, over one single day!

This massive gain in weight, can only be water! You don't eat that much food in a day and things don't just become "heavier" inside you. It's just water retention.

One major cause of this water retention is NaCl (or plain old table salt) and take aways (and restaurants) are one place you will find ALOT of salt being used.

So, today I read the ingredients of Subways rolls and wraps, in what I thought were "OK" take away alternative.

I have posted the break downs on the website, but basically a meatball 6" sub is 1550 mg of sodium. The RDI for sodium is <2000mg per day!

So what maybe marketed as healthy and low fat, and what we may think is " zone friendly" , is actually not very healthy in another very important contributor to health issues, Western Diets are very high in sodium, which leads to hypertension and kidney failure.

It might be useful to have a sodium-rating so people can at least become educated to the sodium levels of foods. This way if they need to watch for fluid retention as it may precipate Heart Failure, or renal failure, people can make an educated decision.

Hang-overs - what works

2010-04-28T03:20:00.001-07:00

Hang-overs, like the sun seems to follow night,especially after a BIG night!

Of course the Health Queen doesn't recommend drinking in excess. I do however have some results that I have gathered after several years of valuable research - not all personal mind.

Ethanol is the active component in fermented drinks (which includes wines, spirits and any other drink where fruit or honey has been distilled and fermented) that can cause euphoria and happiness initially and then leads to a plummet in positive effects, resulting in a headache, nausea, diarrhoea, depression, disturbed sleep and a few other "blah" symptoms.

Ethanol and other additives/chemicals in alcoholic drinks, can cause diuresis (excessive urinating), and dehydration, a lack of Vitamin B (esp B6) , and headaches (probably from the dehydration), vomiting appears to be a direct result of irritation to the stomach (esp common if you don't eat and drink).

Other symptoms such as dizziness, light headedness and excessive salivating mouth are probably due to low blood sugar.

As I mentioned true, double blind placebo controlled studies are slim. However, there appears to be some credence in the following:

- B6

- Electrolyte drinks (while you are drinking alcohol and the next day)

- Some salt on foods

- Sleep (:-)

- Liver herb tablets (no, behave, I am not advocating drinking - it is merely something I might consider)

- Berrocca (To replace the Vitamins that you lose with excessive alcohol)

- Hair of the Dog - doesn't show any HARD core evidence to say it should work, but I have employed the strategy in the past and found it pretty good!

- Oxygen works well.

My favourite (once again I am not advocating that any one drinks, nor drink alcohol in excess however if you should try this...) is sleep... a swim in the ocean, a smoothie, another swim and then another sleep in a dark air-conditioned room , then a yummy meat dish - pig knuckle, roast or Mexican. Salty and vegies being a key ingredient. Lemonade or that terrible stuff called COKE if you are desperate.

Also no kids helps a hang-over go quicker.

Panadol, nurofen - they assist in the first instance but natural hang-over remedies, such as homeopathic sprays, herbals and Magnesium supplements may be just as (if not more) effective.

The most successful remedies include:

- rehydration (esp with electrolyte drinks)

- rest

- salt (to assist in keeping water in your body- obviously not advisable if you have high blood pressure or kidney problems)

A cut and paste job from wiki is...\

"Ineffective or unproven remedies

Recommendations for foods, drinks and activities to relieve hangover symptoms abound. The ancient Romans, on the authority of Pliny the Elder, favoured raw owl's eggs or fried canary.[18] By 1938, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel provided a hangover remedy in the form of a mixture of Coca Cola and milk[19] (Coca-Cola itself having been invented, by some accounts,[20][21] as a hangover remedy). Alcoholic writer Ernest Hemingway relied on tomato juice and beer.[22] Certain mixtures were developed specifically for the purpose. The "Black Velvet" consists of equal parts champagne and flat Guinness Stout,[23] while the "Prairie Oyster" restorative, introduced at the 1878 Paris World Exposition, calls for raw egg yolk mixed with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper. [24] A 1957 survey by a Wayne State University folklorist found widespread belief in the efficacy of heavy fried foods, tomato juice and sexual activity.[25]

Activities said to be restorative include a shower -- alternating very hot and very cold water,[7] exercise,[8] and steambath or sauna (although medical opinion holds this to be very dangerous, as the combination of alcohol and hyperthermia increase the liklihood of dangerous cardiac arrhythmias).[26]"

Life is short, the day following a hang-over is even shorter!

Drink one for one. One alcoholic bev and one water. Eat some decent food and have a vitamin tablet. Always drink in moderation.

Are you eating any Super foods- Chia

2010-04-28T03:18:00.001-07:00

How exciting to be able to eat health! The following has been cut and paste from http://www.chialive.com.au. No real reason why I chose this site - except they have a good summary about the seeds

Adding 3 Teaspoons Per Day* To Your Daily Food Intake Is All You Need to Enjoy The Benefits of Chia: (*based on normal Body Mass Index)

Get the highest levels of plant-sourced Omega-3: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). ALA is found mostly in seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables. It is converted into EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and then into DHA (Docosahexanoic Acid) in your body. Not all people can efficiently convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but ALA by itself provides a host of benefits. (For more information on ALA, click here.)

Multiply antioxidant activity in your body. Powerful antioxidants from chia seeds work against free radicals that damage millions of our cells by the minute. (For more information on chia's antioxidants, click here.)

Provide your food with all-natural, nutritious dietary fibre (some fibre have minimal nutrition and can interfere with mineral absorption in the gut). A natural, high quality fibre can support weight maintenance goals, and could reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and diabetes.

Obtain a plant-based complete protein with an amino-acid score of 115%. (Read about the benefits of chia's amino-acids here.)

Provide your diet with a thermogenic aid which boosts your metabolic rate. A thermogenic aid causes your body to produce more than the normal amount of energy, and so burns more calories. (Read it here.)

Provide your diet with favorable Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio (3:1). Currently, most foods found in supermarkets today have ratios of 1:15-30 which increases the risk of inflammation. (Read why you should care about this here.)

Have a good amount of functional food in your daily diet.

V is for Victory

2010-04-28T03:16:00.001-07:00

The origins of the perverbial two finger salute, or the reverse V is a trade mark of the late Sir Winston Churchill. It represented the Brits defiance in losing during the war. They were saying "we are victors - take that".

V today is now a drink made by the beverage company Frucos. Based in Auckland, Frucos has a 60% in NZ and a 53% in Australia, line share of energy drinks in 2003.

Since then Mother (Coke-amatil) , Red Bull and other competitors have been challenging it's premium position.

The good, the bad and the ugly.

Firstly a definition of energy drinks....

This is a cut and paste from Wiki and it summarises what I would say anyway:

"Generally, energy drinks include methylxanthines (including caffeine), vitamin B and herbs. Other common ingredients are guarana, acai, and taurine, plus various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin, carbonated water, inositol, carnitine, creatine, glucuronolactone and ginkgo biloba. Some contain high levels of sugar, and many brands also offer artificially-sweetened 'diet' versions. The central ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine, the same stimulant found in coffee or tea, often in the form of guarana or yerba mate." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_drink

The Good with energy drinks:

They give people a "natural high" and can stimulate or arouse senses, liberate glucose (therefore energy) and generally give people a pick up.

The Bad

They contain stimulants (natural or synthetic)! They stimulate your body. Some people are already aroused in a biochemical sense - that is , they are easily excited, suffer anxiety, are low in magnesium, calcium or some other mineral, or have an over active thyroid, or or or .... do you see what I mean. How do you know if you are one of the many people who are already hyper-aroused?

The side effects , if you are sensitve, are quite grabbing.

I remember having a red bull at a breakfast, after a late night, on a conference. By morning tea, I felt like vomiting, was felt light headed and my heart was zipping around. I wasn't sure if it was a hang-over,so I kept quiet and made it home. The following day went to the hospital (as I felt like my heart was still racing).

My heart was still racing and I was in an irregular heart rythym. Stimulants stimulate you. Fast heart rate; high blood pressure; pounding in your head; headache; anxiety; panic; tremour; funny feeling in your arms.... not nice.

The ugly:

The ugly side, is that if you are having an energy drink every day, then you are probably relying on it for stimulation. You may even think of consuming an Energy drink is being "healthy". They can become addictive and your body can become reliant on the adrenal stimulation. Without it, you feel tired, fatigued and run down.

The real issue is , as you probably know, is that you are running on emply and that your current lifestyle patterns are unsustainable.

If you are having more than 2 energy drinks or V per WEEK, then you maybe relying on the stimlution, and may need to re-balance your life with sleep, good food etc...

I haven't worked in Accident and Emergency for awhile (nursing), but we were seeing more people with speed and "stimulant" over doses and they were simply SCARY!

Having young people in hospital, writhing around incoherently, was really scary. We didn't know what we were dealing with... was it drugs; a cerebral haemorrhage; meningitis; an acute viral episode or some bizarre psychotic episode. Sometimes it was the mixing or use of plain old energy drinks.

Trust me, if you are sensitive to coffee, being exited at sports, panic if you run late for an appointment, find panadol make you sleepy, then it is not worth trying V or other energy drinks.

Mother? Is it any good?

2010-04-28T03:15:00.001-07:00

Mother is a drink launched by Coca-cola (Amatil) . The ingredients are :

Average quantities per 500ml Serve [2]

* Energy: 975 kJ (233 cal)

* Protein: 0 g

* Fat, total: 0 g

o Saturated: 0 g

* Carbohydrates: 52 g

o Sugars: 52 g

* Sodium: 272 mg

* Caffeine: 160 mg (Gurana extract)

* Niacin (B3): 9.0 mg

* Pantothenic Acid (B5): 3.3 mg

* Vitamin B6: 1.0 mg

* Vitamin B12: 0.5 µg

* Taurine: 2000 mg

* Glucuronolactone: 1200 mg

* Inositol: 60 mg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_%28energy_drink%29

The vitamins are pretty negligent - so don't think you are getting a stack of vitamins. The Taurine is a hefty dose. This can make people feel good and it can drop blood pressure (good for tinnitis). The main issue is the caffeine. 160mg is equal to 2-3 cups of instant coffee or 2 cups of roast and ground coffee

If you are sensitive to coffee (shakes, jitters, anxiety, skipped heart beats) then don't have Mother!

Does Red Bull give you wings

2010-04-28T03:12:00.001-07:00

Well according to Red Bull and millions of RB drinkers around the world - yes, Red Bull can give people wings.

It can give a natural "high" by through stimulation of the adrenal glands and sugar release with the caffeine and a combination of taurine, glucuronolactone, caffeine, B vitamins, sucrose, phenylalanine, and glucose.[13] In Germany, a small amount of cocaine was discovered in Red Bull cola sold there. A full Red Bull recall was issued in several states. Six German states have banned the drink, with a nationwide ban under consideration. The drink did not contain enough cocaine to have a narcotic effect.[14]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull

Is it much different to the other energy drinks.

No.

It is the most established and got a big jump on Mother (Coca-cola) and sponsors "FAST" and thrilling sporting events. So clever marketing has implied that it gives you wings.

Please becareful with energy drinks. This is some good advice:

# Water and appropriate sports drinks should be used for rehydration

# Energy drinks should not be used for hydration.

# Energy drinks should not be consumed by athletes or party goers who are dehydrated.

# Energy drinks should not be consumed without prior medical approval, by athletes taking over the counter or prescription med

Take care, these drinks can act like a drug!

Are working women at risk of becoming infertile?

2010-04-28T03:10:00.001-07:00

The short answer is yes.

Whether or not it is a reality for you will depend on a few things.

What I have discovered in my clinic and from measuring female saliva hormone levels, is that there is often a rise in testosterone in women that work.

It doesn't seem to be the quantity of work either - ie part time, casual or full time, employed or self employed.

So what role does testosterone play in a woman?

It can

- Improve your mood & memory

- Help with muscle mass, strength and stamina

- Assist with the prevention of osteoporosis

- Increase sex drive

- Make the lady feel good.

Some testosterone is good! Too much is not and can leave the lady feeling angry and irritable, suffering oily skin and pimples, growing unwanted facial hair and may cause infertility.

The infertility comes about as the high testosterone seems to promote the growth of cysts on the ovaries. These leads to a condition called Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. Currently in Australia numbers for this are ... “..One in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS… PCOS leads to high levels of androgens.. " http://www.womanshealth.gov.au

High testosterone can lead to blood sugar problems and wide girths.

Why are working women at risk. I am not sure of the exact cause at this stage. Which is one reason for setting up the www.byebyebridget.com website. I am hoping to gather information about thought patterns, diets and exposure to things that may elevate a women's testosterone levels. Until then, if you work, be mindful to keep your life in balance. Try to find time for yourself each day. Eat well and exercise. Little daily habits that are ESSENTIAL for balanced hormones.

Holy COW - my meat is on steroids?!

2010-04-28T02:54:00.001-07:00

Did you realise that "they" pump most meat available in the larger commercial supermarkets with hormones?

WHY?

Because

Hormones + some grains + cow = 4 kg gain in meat a day!

This is why commercial or grain fed beef is not necessarily the "best" for your body or the cow (for that matter).

Now, I love a good hearty steak. It gives you lots of iron (= muscles and energy) and meat is high in protein. However, not all steaks will make the cut.

Craig my butcher, was telling me today, that in Australia we have a meat association that grades meat. According to him, Coles and Woolies are not a part of this association (suprise).

The Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grade meat based on DNA and texture etc.... It is graded out of 17. My mate, Craig, only accepts meats less than 6. This means a better quality. The MSA also provides a down time until the cut will be at it's optimum.

I was suprised to hear that the cow has usually been slaughtered and hung for approx 10 days before making it to the butcher. Then they let it "tenderize" depending on the MSA rating - which recommends how many days until it will reach it's optimum. Eg MSA 3 @ 5 days.

Coles and Woolies apparently would need to leave their meat for 20+ days to achieve the same MSA rating.

All very interesting, if not a little obscure.

So I would suggest avoiding all exogenous hormones (ie ones your body doesn't make itself) and eat "hormone free" beef where you can.

Cost - a little more expensive. Maybe worth a small chocolate bar difference. So worth it!

Sun avoidance can lead to Vitamin D deficiency

2010-04-28T02:53:00.001-07:00

Interestingly Vitamin D deficiency is on the RAPID rise.

Vitamin D is a needed for a massive range of actions in the body including: bone formation, blood clotting, heart and muscle action, immune factors and is a co-factor (small but integral component of many other process).

Your body needs more if you drink in excess, have breast cancer, have Crohn's disease, are pregnant, a vegetarian and have any bone issues.

You can find it in fish oils (Good old Cod Liver Oil is very high in Vit D), egg yolk, milk, sprouted seeds, and the sun helps your body make it on your SKIN! but you need approx 20 minutes of sun a day on a limb (such as an arm).

Think of all the elderly people shoved away in nursing homes currently being deprived of sunlight. No wonder they trip, fall and break bones. Yet again a small little health issue, that would save you and I (ie the government) millions in health care $$$ and would help a lot of people AVOID pain and immobility due to bone fractures.

Ok, off my high horse....

The recommended daily amount is 400 IU. If you are treating a deficiency you will need 400-1600 IU per day. 40 IU = 1 Microgram of Vitamin D.

high dose calcium can decrease production of Vit D and this can result in sarcoidosis, diabetes and cancers.

I knew some of this, but obtained most of my research from my biochem mentor, Henry Osiecki and his excellent book: The Nutrient Bible, www.bioconcepts.com.au

Are working women at risk of becoming infertile?

2010-04-28T02:51:00.001-07:00

The short answer is yes.

Whether or not it is a reality for you will depend on a few things.

What I have discovered in my clinic and from measuring female saliva hormone levels, is that there is often a rise in testosterone in women that work.

It doesn't seem to be the quantity of work either - ie part time, casual or full time, employed or self employed.

So what role does testosterone play in a woman?

It can

- Improve your mood & memory

- Help with muscle mass, strength and stamina

- Assist with the prevention of osteoporosis

- Increase sex drive

- Make the lady feel good.

Some testosterone is good! Too much is not and can leave the lady feeling angry and irritable, suffering oily skin and pimples, growing unwanted facial hair and may cause infertility.

The infertility comes about as the high testosterone seems to promote the growth of cysts on the ovaries. These leads to a condition called Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. Currently in Australia numbers for this are ... “..One in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS… PCOS leads to high levels of androgens.. " http://www.womanshealth.gov.au

High testosterone can lead to blood sugar problems and wide girths.

Why are working women at risk. I am not sure of the exact cause at this stage. Which is one reason for setting up the www.byebyebridget.com website. I am hoping to gather information about thought patterns, diets and exposure to things that may elevate a women's testosterone levels. Until then, if you work, be mindful to keep your life in balance. Try to find time for yourself each day. Eat well and exercise. Little daily habits that are ESSENTIAL for balanced hormones.

Why relaxing is as good as prozac

2010-04-28T02:49:00.001-07:00

Relaxation or "active relaxation" (as I refer to any activity with the intention to make you feel relaxed) is imperative.

Today while thinking about writing this article, I found myself skating aimlessly around the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website.

I actually thought I would find lots of supporting evidence backing up some theories (perceptions) that I had. But both appear to be a little mislead. I thought we would be spending more time in leisure activities (not the case) and I also thought that women would be participating in greater numbers in sport (not the case)!

According to article 4153 - How Australians Use Their Time, 2006

Feb 21st 2008; We're spending less time playing, sleeping, eating or drinking and instead are working longer!

Recreation and Leisure activities had decreased by 1 hour and 45 minutes per week, from 1997 until 2006! Nearly 2 hours less, spent on the things we love. That really doesn't make sense to me. No wonder we need prozac.

Active relaxation allows the hormones, cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline to settle and for the glands producing these hormones, the adrenal glands, to replenish.

If you don't give your body active relaxation, you end up run down, inflammed (elevated cortisol levels) which leads to other inflammatory diseases, allergy and depression.

Try to find something easy and convenient that you can do for 10 mins every day.

Stainless Steel Drinking bottles the only way to go

2010-03-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

Safe, Healthy, BPA-Free
No nasty toxins to leach into your drinking water; pure stainless steel inside with BPA-free lids. Notice how the water tastes fresh and clear! Non-toxic inks used on artwork exteriors. Cheeki Bottles are manufactured from Premium 18/8 304 Food Grade Stainless Steel.

Purchase these now in adult and kids sizes….

Lots of patterns.

Insulated ones which will keep fluids hot for approx 12 hours!

Click here to purchase

Ever wondered why women are becoming cranky – present company excluded of course!

2010-03-23T18:15:00.001-07:00

It’s due to hormone imbalances….

Stress, over committing, not enough rest, not enough good food.

Read more about it in Beauty and the Beast Within – NOW AVAILABLE!!!

$24.95 with $2 going to Bravehearts Charity

Do you have a war plan to fight the Common Cold?

2010-03-20T20:57:00.001-07:00

I have always said (in my optimistic way) that viruses and bacteria will be the death of man-kind. (Unless we just frizzle and burn off the face off the earth in the meantime due to global warming)!

Read this to make sure you have on hand, at least 5 of my recommended preventative actions!

Happy healthy winter, Sam

How to take pills - my 3 secrets

2010-03-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

Often I think about the service I offer people and how I improve their lives.

I can inspire, motivate, give hand-outs etc... but essentially as a health coach and naturopath, I rely on people making some major life changes. Tough stuff if you ask me. I think that is why I admire and respect my clients so much. I have the advice but I don't have to go away and try to make it all work and integrate it into my life.

So last night, as I decided to get ontop of some severe back pain (froggy leaps with the personal trainer), I thought I should take some of my own advice and swallow some pills. Good pills. Omega 3 pills. Good anti-inflammatories but I know with the level of pain that I have been experiencing that I need 8 tabs of the omega 3 alone , each day (NB I only use practitioner only products - the same in over-the-counter tablets would be 10-16 ).

So, reluctantly I line up my 4 tablets. Not many when I know some of my clients take 10 + medications and a handful of supplements (and it is you whom I have greatest empathy for)!

They look like horse pills. Big fat suckers laughing at me while I psych-up to swallow them. At this moment, I reflect on my role as a health care professional. How many times have I said "3 tabs twice a day" etc... Some healers and health professionals are against pill taking and I can see why. In an ideal world, we would all slink away to a health retreat like Gwinganna , and allow nature and food to heal us. But in the ugly world of urban society, we rely on a neatly packed pill!

I manage to swallow 2 of the pills. And they must have triggered that tiny but potent regurgitate reflex. Darn - I still have another 2 tablets.

This is when one has to be creative.

These are 3 of the best ways to swallow pills:

1. have with yogurt or icecream

2. put some water or fluid in your mouth. Put the pills in your mouth and tilt your head forward (ie chin toward your chest) and swallow.

3. If the pills are a capsule, open the contents and mix with jam or in a shake

Good luck and if you are ever concerned about taking pills, let your health professional know. There may be other options that we can offer you,

Sam

When butter is NOT better

2010-03-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to buy some butter for kid's lunches.

For anyone still confused BUTTER IS BETTER than some chemical sloshed semi solid matter referred to as margarine! But that is not my gripe today.

Today I am disappointed that Butter is not BUTTER any more. For some reason companies are trying to make it more yellow by putting colours in it, thickeners, softners and taste enhancers!

Leave butter as pure butter please. I try where possible to buy from the markets or farmers that make REAL butter, but obviously convenience won this am as did the local milk bar.

I decided Mainland Butter is the best. Cream, water and salt. HOW BUTTER SHOULD BE!

All you other companies have a lot to answer for about shaping people's bodies and contributing to the Australian obesity endemic via chemical and preservative OVERLOAD on our bodies.

Junk Food - would you knowningly eat a poison?

2010-02-27T23:34:00.000-08:00

The following are some commonly purchased foods and their ingredients. All 3 companies list their ingredients panels as chemical names (not numbers) so normally you would see a string of numbers. Do these ingredients have health effects? Of course. Down the bottom I have put a link to the safety data listed for one of the ingredients : sodium acid pyrophosphate. It actually lists it as poisonous if ingested! All have been cut and paste sections direct from their websites.
KFC
Gravy
Food Starch-Modified, Maltodextrin, Enriched Wheat Flour (Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Chicken Fat, Wheat Flour, Salt, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Monosodium Glutamate, Dextrose, Palm And Canola Oils, Mono and Diglycerides, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Natural and Artificial Flavor (With Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Milk), Caramel Color (Treated With Sulfiting Agents), Onion Powder, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Spice, Spice Extractives, With Not More Than 2% Silicon Dioxide Added As An Anti-caking.
Contains Milk, Wheat and Soy.
OR
Wheat Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Monosodium Glutamate, Salt, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Onion Powder, Spice, Caramel Color, Torula Yeast, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Turmeric, Autolyzed Yeast, Oleoresin Paprika and Natural Flavoring.
Contains Wheat and Soy.
*Will contain one of the Ingredient statements above, depending upon regional suppliers
KFC® Grilled Chicken
Fresh Chicken Marinated With: Salt, Sodium Phosphate, and Monosodium Glutamate. Seasoned With: Maltodextrin, Salt, Bleached Wheat Flour, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Monosodium Glutamate, Secret Kentucky Grilled Chicken Spices, Palm Oil, Natural Flavor, Garlic Powder, Soy Sauce (Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Chicken Fat, Chicken Broth, Autolyzed Yeast, Beef Powder, Rendered Beef Fat, Extractives of Turmeric, Dehydrated Carrot, Onion Powder, and Not More Than 2% Each of Calcium Silicate and Silicon Dioxide Added As Anticaking Agents.
Contains Wheat and Soy.

Subway
9-GRAIN WHEAT Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, barley malt, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, yeast, high fructose corn syrup, whole wheat flour, wheat gluten, contains 2% or less of the following: oat fiber, soybean oil, salt, wheat bran, rolled wheat, rye nuggets, dough conditioners (DATEM, sodium stearoyl lactylate), yeast nutrients (calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate), degermed yellow corn meal, rolled oats, rye flakes, caramel color, triticale flakes, parboiled brown rice, refinery syrup, honey, barley flakes, flaxseed, millet, sorghum flour, azodiacarbonamide, natural flavor (maltodextrin, natural flavor, silicon dioxide, lactic acid). Contains wheat.
MacDonalds
French Fries:
Potatoes, vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, natural beef flavor [wheat and milk derivatives]*, citric acid [preservative]), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain color), salt. Prepared in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.
CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK *(Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients).
Look at this link for Sodium Acid pyrophosphate.
http://www.sciencelab.com/xMSDS-Sodium_acid_pyrophosphate-9924954

Bye Jimmy

2010-01-31T21:15:00.001-08:00

Alas yes, the Australian Open is over as 2 of the hottest men on the planet continue on the never ending ciruit of tennis. Bye Rog and bye Jimmy (Courier)

Discover the 7 Essentials for Guilt-free Living for Business Mothers

2010-01-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Make sure you join us with our special guests (Sam Beau Patrick is one of them) from the 3rd Feb 2010 for a FREE 7 week teleseminar series.

7 successful entrepreneurial women will share with you their powerful and practical secrets and strategies for guild free living for mothers who are serious about growing their business and being there for their children.

for more info

Lemon Detox

2010-01-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

it has been a week now of doing the lemon detox. I am following the relaxed version (AKA the Spanish version) and still have a salad every day. I have been feeling fantastic and have lost 2.5kg. Is it fat, is it fluid?
I will post pictures at the end and show you...

Sam, the Health Queen

The Lemon Detox Diet

2009-12-26T00:23:00.000-08:00

Preparing to do the Lemon Detox diet - must eat all of the left overs in the fridge. I heard today that it is International Left-overs Day and that left overs are a big contributor to global methane emmisions. Be creative, curries, soups, etc..

GIVING is one of the strongest symbols of Christmas, but research suggests a majority of Australians don't think too much about donating to those less

2009-12-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE
According to the Westpac Community Markets Give Differently survey, just 21 per cent of respondents say Christmas is a time when they most think about making donations to charities.
While 92 per cent of people say they have donated to a charity in the past 12 months, only 33 per cent say it was during the holiday period.
More than half of all the donations were in reaction to national disasters such as last summer's Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Sole parent of 3, Sam Beau Patrick from the Gold Coast would like to change these statistics and encourage others to follow suit. Sam has written 2 books in 2009 and is donating part proceeds of the sales to her 2 favorite charities: Paradise Kids and Bravehearts.
“. . I want to help as many people as possible but being a sole parent means I have to be smart about how and where I divide my time and energy. Writing the books and then donating part of the sales to charity is a great win-win for the charities, the people purchasing the books and I know I am helping people who have a genuine need…” Sam said.
Sam organised for 2500 boxes of clothes (boxed, washed and sorted) to be shipped to the Victorian Bush Fire Survivors and FNQ flood survivors in February this year, so donating to charity is strong in her heart and passions.
Sam would like to see other businesses follow her lead and donate part of the sales profits back to charity. With 92% of Australians donating to charity this year (and over 50% being the Bush Fire Appeal), Sam would like to see the generosity and act of giving continue.
Sam’s 2 books can be purchases on line from www.byebyebridget.com.
Her books are: HOT TIPS for the BUSINESS TRAVELLER
And BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITHIN

How Can Take-Aways Be Safe?

2009-12-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

2009-10-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Gold Coast Hormone Expert confirms that females are becoming men! Testosterone levels in females is on the rise.

“..One in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS… PCOS leads to high levels of androgens.. ”
http://www.womanshealth.gov.au
Since the 1970s ladies have been entering the work force in large numbers and over time have managed to scale the same corporate ladders as their male counterparts. During the same time period, women are engaging in more physical, and previously male dominated sports, such as cricket, soccer and rugby!
But were woman biologically designed to climb ladders or mug each other on a footy field?
Sam Beau Patrick, The Health Queen, suspects not. What Sam is finding in her clinics (in ladies aged 20-50) is a phenomena that would medically be termed PCOS (High testosterone) is on the rise. Not in a little way, but at an alarming rate.
“..up to one in three ladies in my clinic have elevated testosterone levels..” and “they are having feelings associated with this – anger, rage, acne, excessive facial hair and are finding it very hard to relax and be happy..” said Sam from her Health Queen clinic.
The other physical changes these ladies are experiencing are insulin problems (so weight control is difficult), changes to cortisol levels (stress hormone) so that they always feel tired, and anxious.
Sam would like to see a move to change the current term and diagnosis of poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as it is misleading. Sam prefers to refer to the condition as Female Hormone Disorder (FHD) as not all ladies experience ovarian cysts (as the title PCOS implies). Many doctors not trained in this area often only look for the ovarian cysts and miss the diagnosis and tell ladies there is “nothing wrong” which makes them feel even more frustrated.
The medical hormone tests she runs, supports the finding that females are becoming men. Testosterone levels are higher than they have been in previous decades.
The hormone testing is a simple test able to be done at home from saliva. Results take up to 2 weeks and can be ordered on http://www.byebyebridget.com/ecommerce.php?action=search&stk_group=Self%20Test%20Kits&stk_category=Hormones and costs from $95.
Contact Information:
Sam Beau Patrick, nurse, naturopath and author practices from her home clinic 314 Rio Vista Blvde, Mermaid Waters. Ph 0405 669 135.
Websites: www.healthqueen.com.au and www.byebyebridget.com
Saliva hormones cost from $95 and test estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and others can be tested on request.

Preparing for a DUST STORM

2009-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

As the Eastern Boarder of Australia is on high alert for winds and dust storms, it is important to protect your health and your property. Here are a few pointers:

Health
1. Purchase face masks for the family (pharmacy, hard ware shop)
2. Don't plan things for the outdoors if you suffer with asthma or hayfever (Eg delay BBqs, have planned gatherings inside eg cafes, pubs, homes)
3. Carry ventolin puffers on you (and purchase one if you can't find yours)

Home
1. Pack everything possible up and drape other items with cover sheets if you have them
2. take clothes off the line
3. pull pool covers over swimming pools
4. pick up all lose items and bring inside
5. lock sheds
6. bring cars into undercover parking if possible
7. Close all the windows in the house

Good luck

Female Hormone Disorder – The 21st Century Endemic

2009-09-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Female hormone disorder (FHD) is the new, and aptly named by the Health Queen, hormone phenomena that is seizing modern day woman.

The modern day lady is typically smart, educated, goal driven, committed in whole to their partner; their kids; their netball team and girlfriends. They are usually working 30 hours per week, exercising to some degree, drinking wine, consuming lots of love-giving-serotonin-promoting chocolate, and managing the household budget.

What a bucket load of stress!

What is changing….

Ladies have the following measurable changes in their blood tests or saliva tests:
1. Elevated estrogen
2. Elevated testosterone
3. Insulin and glucose intolerance (which is the crux of the whole FHD). Or impaired glucose intolerance (which currently affects 1 in 4 Australian adults)!

Ladies experience:
1. Excess abdominal fat, bulging layers like cream cascading over a waterfall
2. A hairy chin or moustache
3. Stressed facial expressions
4. Short breathing pattern (look at the lady side-on to see her chest rise, or watch the way they talk – garbled, frantic words, suppressed giggles because it takes up too much oxygen).

What the ladies are feeling:
1. Angry, irritable, revengeful, anxious and stressed
2. Embarrassment about their physical appearance
3. Annoyance and frustration about not being able to rationally control their binges, their decisions in general and their paralysis at taking pro-active control
4. Isolated

The simple 4 point answer (which is a very simplified , and a primate way to address the very complex, evolving being that I refer to as “Bridget”)
1. Relax, breathe, breathe, and then tell yourself “ in the big picture, it doesn’t matter”
2. Positively recall everything that works in your day – you wake up with your partner/husband/a clear head – you have someone somewhere that thinks of you last before you go to bed and that you have missed at least 2 new opportunities today due to unsolved baggage
3. That life should be easier
4. That your life choices are 100% in your hands. If you are stressed, it’s because you are buying into stress.

To have your say, and to be a part of understanding this phenomena go to .

Midges

2009-09-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Midges can pose a delimma for some who people who suffer reactions from their bite.
Try some of the suggestions below. I have heard very good feedback from people using vitamin B1.

Midge facts
• Biting midges are not sandflies.
• They are not known to be vectors of any human disease in Australia.
• In overcast humid weather, they are known to bite all day and night.
• Only the female bites: she needs a blood meal to fertilise her eggs. They are known as pool feeders because they use their proboscis like a saw to create a tiny hole in the skin into which a pool of blood can flow. Saliva is injected into the pool to help the flow of blood. It is this saliva that causes the allergic reaction and itching.
• Remember that biting midge numbers increase around the time of the full and new moons; it is advisable not to plan outdoor functions that coincide with these times.

Useful tips
• a hot bath may provide temporary relief
• anti-itching creams or lotions (tea tree or lavender) can be effective
• it has been observed that Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride) taken
over a period of more than 30 days before exposure to midges, can reduce
the severity of some people’s reaction to bites (this is not true of everyone
and always consult your Gp, or the “ HEALTH QUEEN” before taking any vitamins)

How to protect yourself
• Anything you can do to reduce humidity, increase light and air movement will make your house and garden less attractive to midges. Midges hide underneath the leaves of the plants and shrubs in your garden.
• Closely mown lawns, sparse vegetation around your house and minimal surface water in the garden will decrease humidity, increase air movement so as to minimise the resting places for midges.
• Avoid gardening or watering in the afternoon and early morning.
• Increase air movement in the house by using electric fans
• Spraying residual (surface) insecticide on your flyscreens will help deter midges from entering your home.
• Burning mosquito coils inside can also reduce numbers.
• Most insect repellents are effective against midges and should be used whenever you are outside the house, alternatively an equal part mixture of baby oil, Dettol and Eucalyptus oil is useful.
• Long sleeve shorts and long trousers made of closely woven materials give good protection; when gardening, a hat and gloves are also a big help.

Natural Organic insecticides
If you are reluctant to use chemicals in your garden, organic insecticides can be made up and applied. These will be capable of killing the adult midges, however repeated applications may be necessary.
Some useful organic insecticide formulations are:
Garlic spray : 85 grams unpeeled garlic, two (2) tablespoons mineral oil, 600 millilitres water and seven (7) grams of soap dissolved in solution. Mix solution and place in trigger sprayer.
Derris spray: 120 grams soap in 4.5 litres of water solution. Mix in 60 grams of derris powder (from garden suppliers) and mix an additional 4.5 litres of water. Dilute entire mixture in 12 litres of water and place in trigger sprayer.
Outdoor repellents: Gardening or hosting a barbecue? Parrafin oil or perfumed lamp oil can be mixed with either Citronella or Lavender oil and burned in 'Polynesian' bamboo lamp burners placed upwind of your activity.
Ref: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?PID=61

Gluten Free Cafe- DARE

2009-08-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

It's challenging find a healthy take-away option.
It's even more challenging finding a healthy take away cafe that offers gluten free options.
Well I have discovered a gem. It's called Dare - Delicious and Responsible Eating, located in Playfair st, The Rocks, Sydney.
It's great wandering the street and finding yummy and healthy places to eat.
This cafe offers open air eating, yummy gluten free slices, kebabs and meats, innovative and delicous salads and WINE for when it's becoming a longggg day with the kids.
I will certainly be making it one of my favorite cafes to visit when I come to Sydney.

Today Tonight's story - Diet Blitz

2009-08-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

Today Tonight (channel 7) ran a story tonight, about the AMA and the Australian Dietician's Assoc. wanting all diets, fads, weight loss programs regulated. They are saying Canberra should take a hold of the industry as there are over 3000 different, promoted weight loss methods in Australia.
With some 8 Million people struggling with muffin tops, back fat, fat booties and generally being over-weight and unhealthy, it's pretty obvious to me that the currently promoted Health pyramid: is either not being adhered to , or recommends too many carbs (you be the judge).
The AMA (as with all medical treatments) are demanding retrospective, evidence-based-studies and recommendations (for 2 years). This is marvellous if you want to spend the next 10 years setting up committees (who then have to work out their in house policies, laws, regulations and what ever else it is they have to attend to) and then roll out a study on 3000 diets, which will take at least another 2 years, and then add another 2 years for number crunching, parliment to motion, agree and pass on the findings - which will lead to the 2023 Diet Recommendations - which will be SO out of date and irrelevent as it will referring to things that are a decade old.

The people who request "evidence-based-medicine and facts" are conservative academics. (Trust me, i have worked along side doctors for years and have taught them to demand for "evidence " when i was a drug rep - that's how we won our debates over other drug companies).

What we need are pioneers, bio-chemists, people who make sense, and have results to support their techniques.

Let me elaborate on the current evidence and diet recommendations in Australia:

THE FACTS:- The Australian Dieticians Assoc has been promoting the healthy pyramid model for the last 15 years. (The USA dropped the pyramid in 2002!)
- Since promoting the pyramid - we have produced a nation rampant with diabetes, obesity and metabolic diseases.Now at least 1 in 2 people is overweight.
- Not suprisingly the doctors - who send patients to dieticians - (and have even ensured their dieticians professional success by introducing a program in 2002 called Enhanced Primary Care. This means that a GP can refer to dietician and the patient can claim through medicare. This system does not include nutritionist nor naturopaths), receive a financial renumeration (YES THEY GET PAID) for doing this.
- The pyramid's incongruencies have not been addressed despite a multitude of studies demonstrating that refined carbohydrates cause inflammation and metabolic disease (ie the pyramid advices against best medicine and the evidence).

Am I being political here? Yes!
Have I bitten my tongue for years? YES!
Why am I saying something now.... Because I am sick of Australia, one of the great democratic nations only telling it's people one side. And with most health issues in Australia - medical doctors are the only ones who have the "ultimate say". They have little idea about food and nutrition.

There are many facets to the obesity debate.
As with most things in life, the true pioneers and usually the most successful people (as they are seeking for win-wins) are the ones who come under the most critism.

My advice to you
Gather information. Talk to people who have tried different fat reduction techniques. See what is successful.
Have realistic expectiations. Talk to professionals in fat loss - this is NOT your personal trainer - (who has done a 9 week course),it is not to a pharmacists, it is not a mum your mum's group. It is someone properly trained, who looks like they walk the talk, who explains things comprehensively and someone that you relate to.

Results can take awhile - stay strong. Stay committed to your HEALTH goals. Think of where you will be in 12 months time, not what you would do if you had a magic wand for next week.
If fat loss was easy, I wouldn't be battling my own person see-saw of fat cometh, fat goeth away. I know hundreds of fat loss tips. But as with most people, fat loss is complex.

Fat loss encompasses:
- issues of self esteem, why we eat, why we over eat,why we binge eat, why we get hooked on sugary foods , why we find alcohol relaxing,eating in restaurants, eating take aways, hormone imbalances, stress, food chemicals, marketing to kids (to entice eating), and on and on it goes.

Good luck and i welcome any stories or feedback on my natural medicine site. I will have a forum soon.
for now send any comments to sam@healthqueen.com.au and say if you are happy for me to publish on this blog site or not.
Health Queen

20% of QLD children are overweight or obese!

2009-08-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well, having finished reading the QLD Government's "Healthy Kids Queensland Survey 2006" I feel vaguely sick.
The report was commissioned by QLD Health and of course had a massive steering committee who no doubt relished in the importance of conducting a labour-intensive survey accross students in QLD and their eating and exercise habits.
I will regurgitate some of the relevent points over the next few days. Much of it interesting and needs addressing.
The first thing I would like to comment on is the fact that 19.5% of boys and 22.7% of girls aged between 5-17 were overweight or obese.
Do you think it may have anything to do with the following:
The NHMRC 2003, recommends that children and adolescents have 5 - 11 serves of cereals/breads/rice/pasta or noodles per day! With one serve equalling 1 cup of cereal, or 2 slices of bread, or 1 cooked cup of rice,pasta or noodles.
This means that 22 slices of bread, or 1 box of rice bubbles, or 11 cups of cooked pasta a day is OK.
I know I am a nutritionist, but given the fact the 1 in 5 QLD kids are struggling with weight, surely we should decrease the amount of carbs we are recommending!!!
How about 1-2 serves of these carbs per day!
For a healthy eating pyramid look at www.byebyebridget.com under the TIPS section.

Food Additives can affect your Health!

2009-08-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

It is increasingly harder to discern between what is natural and safe for you and your family and what was historically called JUNK or treats! Companies either ignorantly or knowingly exploit labeling laws and therefore the consumer. It seems like regulatory bodies are losing focus or control in this exploding area and if we (the parents) don’t become better informed our children will suffer diseases we don’t even have names for today!
Substances added to food are classified as additives, chemicals, preservatives, colours.
Listed and documented side effects include: behavior changes (aggression, defiance, acting out), sleep problems, hyperactivity, rashes, eczema to name a few.
If something is added to a food substance (or fluid) it is an additive. That is, it normally is not present in the food in its natural form. Baring in mind, some foods are not natural such as margarine, as one example, so the entire food source can be considered with the same principles as additives, ie artificial.
Natural or synthetic added substances can be equally as dangerous. Just because something says no “artificial ingredients” only “natural colours” etc…, still indicates that the product has been altered from it’s natural state.
A “natural” food source such as an apple that has fallen from a tree into your hand (and has been grown in the Huon of Tasmania with organic soils and pure water), is vastly different to apple left-overs, mulched , squeezed into funky plastic wrap, with preservatives added so it won’t go rancid and coloured to look brighter and sweetened to ensure kids get hooked (even though the packet-apple mulch mentioned maybe marketed as natural) and tooted as being “apple”.
This is the first article in a many to help you understand the mind-boggling, but pertinent area of food, beverages and additives.
Here are 9 guidelines to decrease your exposure to additives and chemicals:
1. Where possible try to buy “virgin” produce. Eg fruit, vegetables
2. Shop more regularly, rather than trying to do one big shop per week. There for your need to long-life products decreases
3. Start reading labels and become familiar with common terms (more info on www.byebyebridget.com web site)
4. Avoid foods that have numbers in the ingredients panel
5. Avoid foods that have things that you have no idea what they are; Eg: hydrolyzed vegetable protein (as it’s likely to be an additive)
6. Avoid foods and drinks that have bright colours (natural colours can be beautiful, but colour-enhancers, such as green, can have diabolical side effects for your child).
7. Make it your business to stay up-dated with changes in the food and beverage industry.
8. Subscribe as a follower to www.thehealthqueen.blogspot.com and as I add things you will be up-dated as well.
9. Join www.byebyebridget.com for chemical free recipes and lunch ideas

What is cholesterol?

2009-07-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol is a fatty molecule, produced by your body to do the following:
Make cell membranes
Conduct the heart impulse through your heart
Precursor for sex hormones
For skin and new regrowth
Is used in inflammation

The types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol or lipids (fats) are transported around the body on protein molecules called Lipoproteins. An increased in blood cholesterol (particularly LDL and triglyerides) has been associated with a greater risk of heart disease. In Australia, Lipid lowering drugs are currently the highest expenditure of all drugs. Modifying cholesterol does at times need medicating, however lifestyle and diet can play a dramatic role keeping it low.
HDL – high density lipoproteins are cardioprotective (protect your heart) and focus can be on raising these
LDL – low density lipoproteins are have a higher fat:protein ratio and are considered bad cholesterol
Triglyceride – fat ingested from diet, is considered to be bad cholesterol and is often elevated in diabetics.
(There are other forms of cholesterol, however the 3 mentioned above are the most commonly measured in blood tests.)

National Heart Foundation (2001) recommends:

LDL
< 4.0 mmols/L in high risk patients
< 2.5 mmols/L in low risk patients
HDL
> 1.0 mmols/L all people
> 1.0 mmols/L all people
Triglycerides
< 2.0 mmols/L all people
< 2.0mmols/L all people
Total Cholesterol
< 6.0 mmols/L in low risk patients
< 4.0 mmols/L in high risk patients

Lowering Cholesterol
Exercise: Exercising should be part of your daily routine -Walking or low impact exercise min. 3-5 times/week will increase HDL significantly
keep your weight in normal ranges
Managed your stress levels or see someone that can help
Talk to someone about controlling anxiety levels

PROTECT YOURSELF and STAFF from Swine Flu!

2009-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is a swine flu up-date compiled by Health Queen, Sam Beau Patrick. Circulate to staff and friends to help them prevent exposure to this virus.

“From Monday 22 June, Queensland, along with the Commonwealth and all other Australian states and territories, will enter a new phase to manage the outbreak of Human Swine Influenza. The new phase is called PROTECT. The PROTECT phase recognises that Human Swine Influenza is not as severe for the general population as originally envisaged. Most people are making a rapid and full recovery. The new phase focuses on protecting those people who are most at risk of developing severe illness from Human Swine Influenza.Health care workers who develop an influenza like illness will be required to stay away from work for 7 days or until their symptoms have resolved, which ever is longer.” (Ref: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/)

While the government is focusing on its PROTECT phase, I strongly urge you to have your own PROTECT plan in place! I have heard reports that 95% of all flu cases in Victoria are currently the H1N1 strain. Flu (of all varieties) is responsible for 2500 deaths each year and countless days off work for employees in Australia alone.

To PROTECT yourself and your staff you need to be doing the following:

Prevent the spread of the virus and ask employees to stay at home if they are experiencing flu like symptoms.
Reduce your exposure by staying at least 1 meter from people with coughs and colds, don’t visit people if you know they are unwell.
Offer tissues, hand wipes and immune boosters, at work stations, near key boards, till-check outs and other places where multiple people share the same equipment.
Throw out tissues (definitely don’t use handkerchiefs), throw out one use-items, eg cups, don’t share cigarettes or lipsticks
Encourage people to take preventative measures such as immune boosting supplements (you may choose to offer them to staff at a discount rate or send this email on so they can order supplements for themselves)
Communicate with your staff about the strategies you are taking in the workforce and what you expect of them (ie in regards to staying at home if they feel unwell)
Take supplements every day to boost your immune system, eat lots of vegetables and drink lots of water.

Immune Boosting Pack
$68.90 inc. delivery in Australia. Enough for 6-8 weeks
Zinc & Vitamin C
A Blue Chip Supplement with Immune boosting herbs, proven to boost your immune system

You can order an immune booster pack from Sam 2 ways:

Email: sam@sanxing.com.au and she will forward the order form for you. Overseas (non Australian addresses) will incur a greater postage fee, but i will let me know on request.

Phone Sam on 0405 669 135 and she will arrange the pack for you.

HOW MUCH IS 1 day of missed work worth to you?
If it is more than $70 bucks then you had better call or email me.

The Health Queen

Low energy levels? Candida could be the problem

2009-07-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Are you lacking energy?

Do you suffer with headaches or bloating?

Then you could suffer from a very common condition caused by candida. Candida albicans is a common yeast that grows in the gastrointestinal tract of every person. Occasionally the environment in the gut changes and an overgrowth of this yeast occurs.

Some causes for the change in the gut environment can be
Use of antibiotics
Long term use of pill
A diet high in carbohydrates
Hormone imbalances
Stress
Traveling
Sickness including operations
Yeast allergy

Symptoms vary for each person but typical symptoms include
Fatigue
Cravings for sugar, bread or alcohol
Digestive problems, bloating, wind or burping
Short term memory failure and concentration issues
Aches in the body, joints and muscle,
Extreme tightness in the shoulders
Hyper-acidity or reflux
Brown coloured mucous in the back of the mouth or white coated tongue
Unrefreshing sleep
Dark circles under the eyes
Chronic sinusitis
Headaches
Dental problems
Over - sensitivity to perfume, tobacco, insecticides

Psychological symptoms may include
Depression
Irritability
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Mood swings, recurring obsessive thoughts, paranoia

More physical symptoms
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Gluten and casein intolerance
Thrush
Allergies, hayfever
Menstrual problems including PMS
Jock itch, athlete’s foot, toenail or fingernail fungus
Tinnitus
Weight changes
Low libido

If left untreated Candida causes very serious immune problems and organ dysfunction such as hypothyroidism, infertility, impotence, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and the list goes on.

Treatment
This usually takes a minimum of 3-6 months. Often vaginal thrush is treated with pessaries and creams but this does not address the candida growing in the gut.
Microcurrent:
Frequency specific microcurrent sends frequencies to the candida which kill it .

Herbals
Oral herbals either in liquid or tablet form are my preferred way of treating candida. Often I will start you on an intense program then reduce the number or tablets with time.

Supplements and homeopathics
There are other supplements that maybe needed to help your body fight the infection caused by candida. Occasionally I will use homeopathics to desensitize you to the yeast. When your gut settles, I will start you on a probiotics. These are friendly bacteria that settle into your gut and protect you from re-invasion from candida.Many herbs have anti-candida properties and are essential in treatment.

Diet
Candida loves yeast and sugar however I find most people with candida find it very difficult to cut these foods out of their diet. I have also noticed that when the bug is being starved, cravings become more severe. I believe it is easier for people to have supplements to kill the yeast and modify dietary impactors secondary.

Confirmation of diagnosis
Candida can mimic 140 conditions. You can order a self-test kit from http://www.byebyebridget.com/ecommerce.php.

Some general advice
You need to be motivated to kill this yeast. And tackling it head on is the best way to go. Often if one person has it, so will there partner and they will need treating aswell.If you think you have a candida infection, give me a call to see me as a client or see a naturopath close to you.

Queensland High Schools Suspension rates Rocket

2009-07-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's no suprise to me (and to any parent, or citizen witnessing kids and young adults) that school suspensions and expulsions have rocketed in the last 3 years.
The Education Department attribute it to the tougher "responsible Behaviour Plans" at each school and good on them. They are also cited in the local paper to say it is more the rise in physical misconduct that has lead to this rise.

Some schools have experienced over 200 suspensions (that is 1 per day of EACH school day) shouldn't we be looking to WHY kids are becoming more physical?

There is a state wide "Behavious Committee" with reps from principles, teachers unions and parents - BUT no health or paediatric experts.

LOOK at the cantteen. Look at what the kids eats. LOOK for the reasons. It's not all social - it's not all mobile phones and internet access. A lot of it, is chemicals in foods making kids experience anger, rage and anxiety.

Clean up the diets of our kids please!

2 minute noodles and Gravox maybe causing you a sleepless night

2009-06-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

For a long time I have been skeptical about labelling - no artifically added preservatives, colours and chemical labels can be VERY misleading!

A friend of mine has problems sleeping so I have just gone through their pantry. The 2 minute noodles, the Red Nong Shim and Gravox could all be leading to his insomnia.

Interestingly MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a form of salt. It occurs naturally and can also be added to foods. AS with most salts, it augments the flavours of the food, hence known or referred to as "flavouring".

If you see this on packaging your alarm bells should ring. The food you are about to eat, has been ENHANCED. Naturally or otherwise doesn't matter. You are training your taste buds to become accustomed to food that needs enhancing otherwise you will think it is "Bland".

When you read the ingredients beware of the wording :

natural flavour

hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) is naturally very high in glutamates and is a stimulant to the brain

and 621, 627, 631 and 635

MSG (621) can lead to anaphylaxis (your throat swells and breathing is restricted - I once looked after a 12 year old asthmatic who died after eating Chinese take away - which was high in MSG). It can leads to headaches, insomnia, fuzzy thinking, dry mouth, nausea to name a few. And it is a salt so can raise your blood pressure.

Return to using garden picked herbs or sea salt for some flavour enhancement if you like it. Avoid gravies, noodles and their "flavour loaded" sachets.

Train yourself and your family to love natural foods - unadulterated with sauces!

Simple foods often taste the best!

Salt levels are high in stock cubes

2009-06-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

As a practitioner, I continually learn new things from books, experience in the clinic, seminars and from you, my clients and friends.
The statistics and biochemical impact of table salt, sodium chloride is frightening. And yet as a society we say "It's ok food manufactorers. Keep using high levels of salt because i like the salt hit and will keep buying your foods. Surely if it wasn't safe a government-run health watch dog would say something. And surely you guys have a community conscience."

Unfortunately - don't think the above will eventuate.

SALT (look for sodium levels on the food panel).
Your daily consumption should be under 2000mg per day. Some Australians and Americans average 6000mg per day. Most MacDonald's burger meals contain all your sodium needs for one day. Exceed this amount and the following can take place:

Fluid retention (you can gain as much as 2-3kg per day if you exceed your daily salt intake)
increased cellulite due to fluid retention
raised blood pressure
swelling in your fingers and feet

What we all need to start saying is "can you please starting using less salt to help me with my taste adaption. I also would be grateful to you by not sending EVERYONE else's Blood pressure (and the associated heart and renal disease) through the roof as we all will financially and emotionally end up paying for it!"

Read labels carefully. Watch stock cubes, soy sauce, packet soups, packet sauces, gravy, bread, canned foods, cheeses and biscuits/crackers.

If you are making soups - use a whole chicken carcus or bacon bones. Put in a deep saucepan and cover wtih water. Boil for 30 mins, then simmer for 1 hour. You can use ginger, onion and parsley in the chicken stock (drain the fagments), then add vegies and creamed corn. Bacon bones are full of flavour on their own!

I was looking up salt contents of foods with a client the other day and am alarmed (although not suprised) at some of the salt levels in foods.

Chemicals in Kids foods is driving me NUTS

2009-06-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is pertinent for all parents, people who suffer with anxiety and anyone who cares about the lack of involvement (or jurisdictive powers) our food regulation watch dogs have. No, I;m not trying to enter a political arguement with Uncle Tobys, Nestle, Mac Donalds or any other reverred child food provider, but i am very disappointed that they continue to feed our kids rubbish (including dangerous chemicals) and still advertise that they are responsible food makers.

Point in case: Le Snak cheddar Cheese with crispbread

35 Ingredients.
The following chemicals: 471, 304, 306, 339, 452, 234, 306, 307, 500, 503
It's meant to be cheese and a biscuit.
Kids (and adults for that matter) do not have receptor sites in the gut (this area of medicine is called nutri-genomics) and all these chemicals (preservatives, additives, colours - whatever, natural or not) cause stimulation of our immune system in the gut wall.
With time this heightened inflammation is the unsticking of what otherwise was a healthy body.
In 20 years time in our kids, we will see an unbelieveable rise in inflammatory conditions and diseases we don't even have names for at this point.

Put 4-5 plain rice crackers, organic corn chips with some real cheese in a lunch box for your kids. Look after them and your health.
Being a mum of 3, I know the food thing is a massive challenge - but BE STRONG.

Health Queen

Queensland Up-date on Swine Flu

2009-06-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

As the prevalence of Swine-Flu-affected-persons increases in Queensland , over 50, as of this report (Tuesday 9th June 2009), I thought it pertinent to give you an up-date on what natural measures you can do to avert this virus. I am not going to call it a deadly virus – even though people have died from it – it generally runs the course of a normal “flu”.

In May and June of every year, there is an increase in croup, colds, flus and chest infections. The more aggressive the virus or bacteria (or virulent – this means the virus or bacteria can survive for a long time and is easily transmitted), – the more severe the symptoms experienced. IF your immune system is compromised (ie you are over worked and stressed, you are a child or an elderly person), the more likely the chances of developing complications from these nasty microscopic things.

Typical complications and symptoms from chest infections, croup and the flu include the following:
- pneumonia
- prolonged fatigue
- asthma like symptoms (chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheeze, spasm)
- other secondary infections
- pneumothorax (when you end up with a collapsed lung from coughing)
- weight loss (from decreased appetite)

If you are a parent – a prolonged chest infection means lots of worry about your child’s health, sleepless nights , and some one having to stay at home with the child.

If you are a worker (employee) this means you need to take sick leave, or leave without pay and try to recuperate.

If you are an employer, self-employed, or tradie, you will need to find some one to take over your job, or keep working despite feeling very sick and risk getting sicker, or cop a loss of income whilst not working.

If you are a student, you risk getting behind with the curriculum, behind with assignments and definitely no social life!

All in all, a day sick = a day lost.

Let’s talk about preventative strategies.
I suggest with cooking in winter months using the following potent immune boosters:
- garlic
- cayenne
- turmeric - horseradish
- foods high in Vitamin C (don’t over cook them or the Vitamin C is destroyed)
- eating foods high in zinc (nuts and seeds, shell fish)

Other proven strategies for boosting your immune system include taking a probiotic. I have practitioner only brands (very potent) or Inner Health, is OK for an over the counter purchase. (NB yogurts etc.. are very low in friendly bacteria).

Have a look at this youtube clip that I made
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=lcLK7kNum_w&next=%2Fmy_videos%3Fpi%3D0%26ps%3D20%26sf%3Dadded%26sa%3D0%26sq%3D%26dm%3D2 (or found under byebyebridget1)

On a personal note
I received a letter from my daughter’s school this week which stated:

“.in the event of a confirmed case of Influenza H1N1 (Human Swine Flu) in a student attending your school, the school will be closed for up to seven days.”

This week, on the news, a school in Brisbane closed because a student’s sister (that didn’t attend the school ) was confirmed to have contracted the H1N1 virus. So clearly the education department is not running any chances. Parents this is serious! Isolation, which is the current strategy employed by the health department – then giving Tamiflu Vaccine is called “re-active”. I like to think that we are smarter than that and can be pro-active and pre-cautionary.
Personally I can’t afford (nor want my kids to be vulnerable) to this virus. I am boosting their immune systems.

I suggest getting yourselves and your children onto an immune boosting agent, such as Vitamin C, Echinacea or astragalus.

If you have Glandular Fever in the past, Ross River Virus or are elderly or young, you really should catch up with me so we can put in place a preventative strategy. If I was self-employed or had a job that involved contact with lots of people (ie: service industry, hospitality, travel or airlines) I would also be taking be taking preventative measures.

If you have an appointment with me in the next 3 weeks (ie until 27th June 2009) , I will give you FOR FREE, a proven immune boosting agent. It’s value will be insurmountable! Surely, like me , you can’t afford you or your family to be sick this winter.

I don’t want to become unwell and I don’t want any of my patients becoming unwell.

If you know someone that is currently not a patient and is at risk of catching the flu (ie self employed, run down, stressed, a child or elderly) I will give you 50% off your next to me for your referral.

Can you afford not to stay well this winter? I know I need to be fit and healthy and will definitely be taking an immune booster!

Give me a call if you are worried (0405 669 135 Australia or email sam@sanxing.com.au) or call your local hospital if you think you have Swine Flu.

NB : What I have discussed is my own research and generated for your own information.
There is more information on the QLD health department at :http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/

Yours in Health, the HEALTH QUEEN

Swine Flu

2009-06-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hi are you worried about Swine Flu?

I haven't been particulaly worried about Swine flu, but I am concerned about people contracting it and the ramifications on thier work, their kids, our schools, our daily lifestyle!

I have put together a short film on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=lcLK7kNum_w&next=%2Fmy_videos%3Fpi%3D0%26ps%3D20%26sf%3Dadded%26sa%3D0%26sq%3D%26dm%3D2 so you can do every thing you can to avoid getting it.

I am also running a special for Sanxing Patients - if you see me from 10 - 27th June 2009 I will be giving you FOR FREE - an immune boosting agent. Call me on 0405 669 135 to arrange an appoinment.

Take care

Health Queen

6 secrets to a good soup

2009-06-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

Bridgets
I love a good soup! The advantages of making soups are enormous:

1. healthy
2. easy to digest
3. warm us up
4. cheap
5. easy to make

I believe soups are some of the most versatile foods to make. I will often recommend soup for when people are detoxing, feeling heavy with the flu, have upset tummies or just want a change from the meat and veg thing.

Here are 6 of my secrets:

1. Buy a good carcus or off-cut of meat instead of stock cubes. I use chicken carcuses (from butcher/chicken shops), shanks, bacon ribs or bones, (I think ribs make the best soup bones) and any other meat boney bit! Cover with water , add an onion and boil for approx 1 hour. Now you have a perfect base for ANY soup.

2. Buy vegies that are in season. Yesterday I bought the freshest, biggest head of celery i have ever seen. Straight into the soup for that one.

3. Use sea salt or celtic sea salt and herbs to enhance natural flavours. Don't use cream. It makes the soup less healthy, fattier and takes away from the yummy vegetable flavours.

4. Leave soup for general consumption to the following day if you can. The flavours are yummier and the soup tends to thicken.

5. Make enough for left overs. There is something sad about coming to the end of a good bowl of soup. Always make extra for the next day.

6. Soups freeze really well and make a great emergency meal.

Enjoy Bridgets,

Warning about Carrageenan side effects

2009-05-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Bridget mums - warning about any FOOD label that lists itself as being: ALL NATURAL , NO PRESERVATIVES etc. as it can be misleading.

My kids had a reaction to the chemical number 412, 407 in the Lactose Free Milk. Then they had a reaction to the other All Natural Milk.

The ingredients listed in the all natural milk are such, milk, sugar, malt, cocoa , carrageenan. As a general rule I only glance now days for numbers eg. 631, 621, 481 etc... but many companies get around this by listing the botanical name.

In this instance, Carrageenan, a natural product, but not naturally found in milk, turns into a jelly like form and helps bond the chocolate and milk together. It is an extract from a sea weed and very similar to agar.

What is undesirable about it , is the fact it stimulates glutamate in the body and is similar to MSG or any sodium glutamate. Personally they make me thirsty, snappy, give me a headache and i wake up like i had a glass of wine too many. Obviously in my kids it leads to hyper-activity and silliness. Oh yes, they all immediately go to the toilet after they have any thing with it in.

So be ware of chocolate milks, yogurts, milo and icecream as they are often used in those products. if your kids play up after eating those things, look for carrageenan, or 407, 412 on the indredients list and you will know the kids have an intolerance to that additive.

good luck mummy and daddy bridgets

Yummy new salad and Kangaroo

2009-05-07T01:23:00.001-07:00

Bidgets
try this meal -
Kangaroo meat - that's right - skippy. Leanest red meat, less carbon emissions than beef, no hormones, no caging etc....

Salad -
1 beetroot (raw)
1/4 Cos lettuce
1/2 cup milleil cheese or parmesan
splash of salad dressing - we used soy, extra virgin organic olive oil
would also lend itself to finely chopped ginger root, garlic and mint.

Health - extremely high
Taste - sensational!
Time to prepare - 10 minutes (5 mins for roo meat to "Sit")
Zone combo - protein 40 : carb 30, fats 30.
Calories - who cares!

Give it a go Bridgets - it's yummy,

Bridget

Kids are coming of age very quickly

2009-05-05T00:37:00.001-07:00

Bridgets hold onto your hats,
No amount of warning, education or speculation can prepare you for the unexpected from your 9 year daughter.

Naive your's truly asked her what lesbians (as she had mentioned the word in her current little ditty).

Her response: "Mummy lesbian are girls who are married together." Like Kicking and Screaming - thanks Will Farell.

Kids are very matter of fact. My heart rate is still zipping around like a bee but hers has well and truly moved on.

enjoy motherhood, Bridgets

Swine Flu

2009-04-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Bridgets,

boost your immune systems!

This is one of those times in the history of the human race, that we are potentially under threat.

I am all for putting things into context. So let's look at some facts:

1. The number 1 killer in the world is gastro and diarrhoea (due to large numbers in Africa)

2. Large numbers of people (from every nation) die from "flu" (which is influenzae) and other viruses every year

3. Large numbers of people die from bacterial and protozoan infections every year (eg strept B, malaria)

4. Singapore is battling a Denghue fever outbreak with 432 new cases diagnosed just last week! That's 4027 cases this year, compared to 1679 cases for the same period last year.

What can you do:

a. Avoid Mexico (sorry pretty obvious)

b. Boost your immune system (see www.sanxing.com.au for more info)

c. Eat well, drink lots of water and rest if you are feeling run down or have swollen glands and achy joints, fevers

d. Avoid people whom have the "flu"

e. try to ventilate your home and work area where possible.

f. seek a medical opinion if you are concerned you are contaminated - letting the receptionist know when you call. They may wish to do a home visit so you don't contaminate the waiting room

Take care, rest well and be careful who you kiss,

health aware Bridget

Why wine signals the end of the "thinking part" to our day

2009-04-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Bridgets
i have been giving some thought to all my patients, myself and girlfriends and why we all love a drop of wine. Especially as the government recommends no more that 1-2 glasses per night, 1-2 nights per week.

Drinking wine can be a double-edge sword - it relaxes us, gives us a sugar hit and i think signals to ourselves that "we have knocked off" from whatever it is we started and can chill out and put on a different mask. Our happy, non serious, "just me" mask.

This is all well and good if we don't develop a habit or a need to have a wine to feel the above (ie do you drink to feel relaxed, feel its ok to be you, or to give yourself a little confidence high to go out). If so, then the 1-2 (3-5 glasses of wine a night) can become a problem. I talk first hand of course and i am sure many will relate to this.

The above paragraphs are something i will research with time. In the meantime i would ask that you do 2 things:
1. when you go to have your next glass of wine, ask "why am i having this- is it to relax - am i anxious, irritable, nervous?"
2. self reflect when you drink. Do you change when you have a drink? Are you more relaxed, nicer or is that just what you think happens. Ask people around you. Maybe the opposite happens - maybe you become aggressive, vocal and opinionated. Find out.

With time we will put together the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle. The answer may not be to have wine, every single time. There maybe other options (like chocolate - ok that was meant to be a joke).
have a great day,
ponderous Bridget

April Fools day - gotta love a joke

2009-04-28T03:25:00.000-07:00

Bridgets, do you like a joke about yourself? I love a joke at my own expense myself, if I'm in a good mood of course. Today was a classic. My Mr Big sent an sms through saying "today is a great day, as Shane Warne is coming out of retirement." Well I took the bait and about 3 sms later realised he was taking the "piss" as they say. Well I licked my wounds and had a big fat giggle. I mean really, Shane Warne, HAH! Shane who... That is, afterall , what April Fools day is all about. Having a giggle - sometimes at someone's else's expense but often at your own. love Bridget

Bridget Jones' anthym

2009-04-28T03:22:00.001-07:00

Bridgets - All by myself - is one of those very unifying songs. I love it... and yes, I like, you, didn;t realise at the time of watching Bridget Jones (feeling like a freak because i thought i was watching myself being played out on the big screen) and then finding out that all females between the ages of 30 - 40 yo feel the same!I know we all need the valleys so we can have the mountains - the ying and yang etc, but somewhere in between would be much easier to adhere to and less traumatic on the scales, on the chocolate and on one's self esteem. You know- why can't we just be "moderate-high-happy" all the times, as aposed to majorly flat (ok depressed even), so that we can be "off the richter" happy and cheery for days on end! Moderation - an enigma.adios bridgets

Bridget sometimes you have to cut your losses

2009-04-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Bridgets - a big day for bridg here. I am going to overhall the byebyebridget site . I have learned a lot about web design, the internet industry (it is currently very difficult to know whom to trust) and how to bring a concept to reality.
Check it out over the next few weeks, lol Bridget

Bridget fesses up

2009-04-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Bridgets
is it bad to sneak and eat your children's Easter Eggs to satisfy a do-or-die chocolate urge?
Bridget

SMS etiquette

2009-04-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bridgets, TGIF!
(That's thank-god-its-friday).... Don't know why I say that as everyday is a hoot, but there is a certain air of anticipation, expectation and excitment on a Friday.
Today I wanted to urge all sms uses to apply some courtesy as this week I have encountered some breeches in the "yet-to-be-put-in-stone" SMS etiquette laws. Until then, I think the following should apply:
1. SMS at reasonable times. It's not OK to sms someone with something trivial at 11pm. Do it in the morning.
2. Always sign off with your name
3. If someone is clearly asking for feedback or a response - do so. If it is only a reminder sms - you don't need to respond, unless your plans change
4. sometimes it is appropriate to call someone (ie discussion) rather than sms. If you are unsure send the person a "sounder-outera" EG "hey, is it ok if i give you a call or do you mind me sms about something..". The person will let you know what suits at that point
5. Some people prefer sms and others don't. Personally I use sms alot as I sendat least 50 every day to different people, so for me it saves time (if i made 50 phone calls, there's the 1 minute good bye etc... and i would lose an hour each day). Work out who likes sms or calling. It's as easy as asking "do you mind if I sms or would you prefer I call".

So Bridgets, have a brilliant TGIF and wonderful week-end,

love Bridge x

Ethical eating of chocolate

2009-03-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

Bridgets, as if there isn't enough guilt associated with indulging in one of life's greatest delights, eating chocolate, then here is something else to think about.
When i was in the UK, I noticed that this is a BIG issue. It will become more of an issue here in Australia, for us, less refined, convicts, in the next year or so, i imagine. That is the big issue of FAIR TRADE chocolate.
For a product to receive the FAIR TRADE stamp of approval, the Cocoa must be grown and cultivated in a manner that doesn't include child slavery (as one example). Apparently many cocoa beans come from Africa, with 58% coming from Ghana and the Ivory Coast, who are not FAIR TRADE COUNTRIES. This puts one in a delimma. Well maybe it doesn't.... Maybe we should all take the correct stance and say "no" to non-FAIR TRADE countries. I really don't know the ramifications of denying this countries their income - I really don't . I know ethically, morally and as a mum, it doesn't sit right, but there is more at stake for these struggling countries.
For now, maybe we should err towards buying FAIR TRADE. And as i know more, I shall post away.
I need to go back to my chocolate now, it is late, my head is hurting and i know sweet chocolate, FAIR TRADE or otherwise will heal the soul.
Nitey nite Bridget

Psyching up to detox

2009-03-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Bridgets
this is the best time of the year, down under, without a doubt. The sun is resting and sleeping in at least until 5am, the nights are cooler and balmy (about 20 degrees) , there is no wind, the days are magic - (25 degrees) and things are perfect. I am psyching up to do a detox. I know I need to (!@!) but I need to have the right frame of mind to carry it through.... it will happen any day now... Anyone want to join me? "uncommitted-but-nearly-there" Bridget

Australians love to hate Pauline - but they do love her

2009-03-18T01:42:00.000-07:00

Bridgets- their is a nasty element in our society that will exploit others, despite, the other person's contribution to that society. What i mean is that people, I imagine, must feel some sort of power or just cause, by putting others down.

I am not necessarily a Pauline Hanson voter, but I really feel for her and how the media has ostracized her and these silly photos. Who cares if it is her and who cares if it isn't. It hasn't nothing to do with her current policies. It is gossip and scandal!

Instead of responding to the $10,000 bounty Channel 9 have put up for the person in the photos to come forward, and instead of the lie detector testers, the forensic people filling our minds with doubt/fact or otherwise,give the lady a break. What if she did pose nude? Give her a break. She is a woman who has a life. Leave her be...

bridget