Parenting and Puppies

Hi Everyone!

Many apologies for the unplanned length of time between blogs.  We have been blessed with the addition of 10 new family members!  That's right! 10!!! 

Our dog, Abby, had her first litter a little over a week ago, and combined with the long weekend and family visiting, our schedules have been crazy.  I know you get it, so thank you.  The puppies are adorable; 6 males and 4 females. 

Parenting is an incredible challenge for both men and women, however, it presents many more challenges for women from day one of conception; nutrition, mood swings, physical changes and stresses, and the list goes on. 

Shop our selection of supplements for mom and kids at https://www.ProperHealthSolutions.com to find the products designed for your needs!



Coming in June:  Men's Issues, Fitness Nutrition, and More.

To your Health!

Deanna

New Blog Schedule and the AIP Nutrition Program

Hi Everyone!

Hope your weekend was fabulous. 

I have decided to keep blog time to M,W,F.  So, beginning this week, I'll start posting blogs on M, W, and F. 

Due to weather on Friday, the internet service was knocked out.  Many apologies for the inconvenience.  I will post the recipe along with today's "words of wisdom". 

I have been reintroducing foods now for eleven days post Whole 30 completion.  Sugar and alcohol definitely create inflammation for me.  Too bad, because the Pina Colada was yummy!  That's okay!  Because The Essential AIP Cookbook has wonderful recipes for summer time drinks that look refreshing and delicious.  I have decided to follow the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) nutrition program for 30 days now to compare results. 

 Recipe:  Squasage  by Deanna Proper at ProperHealthSolutions.com 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:  30 minutes and 10 minutes

Yield:  2 servings

Serving size:  1 bowl

Ingredients:

  1 acorn squash

  2 Tablespoons olive oil

  6 oz of ground pork 

  1/4 Cup of diced onion

  6 kale leaves chopped finely, remove tough stem and spine from tender leaves

  1 teaspoon sage

  1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

  1/4 teaspoon ginger

  1/4 teaspoon turmeric

  1/4 teaspoon curry powder

Instructions:

  1.  Preheat oven to 350 F.  While oven is preheating, wash acorn squash and cut it in half length wise.  Scoop out seeds and place halves cut side down in shallow baking pan filled with enough water to cover 1/4 inch of squash.  Bake for 30 minutes or until able to pierce squash with a fork.

  2.  Remove squash from oven and allow to cool enough to handle.  Meanwhile, heat a large skillet on medium.  Add olive oil to skillet and allow to heat.  Add onion and saute until translucent.  

  3.  Add ground pork and sage and fennel.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until pork is cooked through.  Break any large clumps into small clumps. 

  4.  Add kale leaves and cook until leaves are just wilted.  

  5.  Add cooled squash pulp (rind removed) along with ginger, turmeric and curry powder.  Cook stirring until all ingredients are warmed through and thoroughly mixed.  

  6.  Serve in bowls.  Delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!

To your Health!

Deanna

  

  

Migraines, Moods and Featured Products

Hi Everyone!

I am so sorry that I wasn't able to blog yesterday.  My husband and I both had weather induced migraines.  We use Boiron Sinusalia, which took away the sinus pressure without jitters, but we still had the pain and light/sound sensitivity of migraines.  We love Boiron products because they work and we don't feel "drugged".  Try their Sedalia Stress Relief too.  Check out Boiron products at https://www.ProperHealthSolutions.com.

Hormones, pain, and stress, among other things, can trigger angry outbursts and mood swings.  I went through a period of crazy mood swings when surgery medically induced menopause.  Bless my husband, he stayed with me.  Liddell Homeopathic Medicines has a fabulous product:  Letting Go "Ang" Anger.  Two sprays under the tongue work quickly and lasts for several hours.  Believe me, my husband loved when I found this product.  They also have several more products in their "Letting Go" line that are formulated for specific mood issues:  Grief, Sadness, and feeling Overwhelmed are just a few of the formulas Liddell Homeopathic Medicines has designed to help with moods. 

Visit us at https://www.ProperHealthSolutions.com and check them out now.

I really hope that these products will help you as much as they've helped my loved ones and me.  Let us know what works for you.

Hoping you have a great day.

To your Health!

Deanna

Women's Issues: Depression, Mood Swings, The Blues. Self-Test.

Hi Everyone!

Depression is a worldwide issue affecting all genders, ages, classes, and ethnicities.  While women are more likely to become depressed, men can be affected as well, so don't tune this one out. 

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, https://adaa.org, has a self-test and much more information to assist you or a loved one with these issues.  There's even a tool to assist with finding a therapist near you. 

A chemical imbalance is just that, a chemical imbalance.  Whether it is pancreatic/insulin, thyroid, or brain, if your body isn't making what it needs in the quantity required, you need to assist it with replacement therapy.  It's not a case of mind over matter.

There are many forms and causes of depression so, please, seek professional help in diagnosing and treating your specific condition.  

Pass this information on and don't be afraid to talk about this subject.  You could save a life.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

To your Health!

Deanna

May 13-19 National Women's Health Week

Hi Everyone!

This week is National Women's Health Week!

What are your goals for the next 12 months?  Did you start in January and get sidetracked?  Now's your chance to start again.  Share with us.  

Visit https://www.women'shealth.gov/nwhw for more information on National Women's Health Week.  

To your Health!

Deanna

Recipes: Arrowroot Flour: Essential AIP Garlic Crackers and Naan Bread

Hi Everyone!

As promised, I introduced arrowroot flour into my nutrition program after successfully completing the Whole 30 program.  I have not had any reactions and it's been 3 days so arrowroot flout is something I can add to my pantry. 

Also as promise, I experimented with the arrowroot flour recipes for Garlic Crackers and Garlic Cauliflower Naan Bread found in The Essential AIP Cookbook by Louise and Jeremy Hendon.

I found the dough for the crackers was difficult to work with but the taste and texture of the baked crackers was delightful.  I'll just have to experiment some more and get back to you on the handling of the dough.  Because arrowroot flour is more of a starch than a flour, it was difficult to get the correct water to flour ratio, and rolling it out was challenging as well.  As I said I'll just have to play.  Have you made this recipe?  Let us know what worked for you.

The naan bread dough was easy to work with and roll out.  The ends crisped before the center cooked so next time I'll cover the edges with foil until about 5 minutes before removing it from the oven.  The texture is very stretchy as reported and it worked very well for a chicken avocado wrap.  Taste is good too.  Have you made this recipe?  Let us know what worked for you.

 FOOD!      RECIPES!!    YUM!!! 

Visit Louise and Jeremy Hendon at https://www.HealingAutoimmune.com

 GARLIC CRACKERS 

Prep Time:  10 minutes

Cook Time:  15 minutes

Total Time:  25 minutes

Yield:  2 servings

Serving size:  5-7 crackers

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (72 g) arrowroot flour

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder

2 teaspoons (2 g) Italian seasoning

2 Tablespoons (30 ml) avocado oil

2-3 Tablespoons (30-45 ml) room temperature water

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C)

2.  Mix all the ingredients well to form a dough (add 2 Tablespoons of water in initially and add extra water if necessary to form the dough).  Roll flat and cut into small crackers.

3.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Let cool and enjoy.

 GARLIC CAULIFLOWER NAAN BREAD

 Prep Time:  10 minutes

 Cook Time:  15 minutes

 Total Time:  25 minutes

 Yield:  1 serving

 Serving Size:  1 naan bread

Ingredients:  

1 cup (140 g) cauliflower florets

1/2 cup (64 g) arrowroot flour

1 Tablespoon (7 g) garlic powder

2 Tablespoons (30 ml) avocado oil

Salt to taste

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C)

2.  Place the cauliflower florets into a bowl with some water and microwave on high until tender (check every 2 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn).  Alternatively, steam the florets until tender.  

3.  Food process (or use a blender) to process the cauliflower florets into a mash.

4.  Mix the cauliflower mash with the arrowroot flour, garlic powder, avocado oil, and salt.  Taste the mixture and add in more garlic powder and salt to taste.  Mix into a springy dough.

5.  Use your hands to press the dough into a flat bread, place on some parchment paper, and bake i oven for 15 minutes.

6.  Let cool and serve.

Enjoy!!!   Let us know how it turns out for you.

I hope you have a very good weekend and I'll be back on Monday.

To your Health!

Deanna

Tart Cherry Juice and Inflammation Update

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to revisit the previous blog on cherries as a treatment for inflammation.

I added Dynamic Health's Tart Cherry Juice Extract to my daily nutrition routine two weeks ago.

I take it at night right before going to sleep, and I have to report that I've slept better at night and I have experienced less stiffness and pain upon waking.  When I told my health care provider about this, she said that she had heard about its ability to relieve pain and inflammation and encouraged me to keep using it.  

Have you or anyone you know tried any form of cherries for pain and inflammation relief?  Let us know in comments or at https://www.ProperHealthSolutions.com.  We'd love to hear from you.

To your Health!

Deanna

Exercise Tip: Walking Videos

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share some of my favorite walking videos with you.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay in motion and these workouts make it easy to complete a 1-5 mile walking workout. 



Visit Leslie Sansone at her official site:  https:/www.walkathome.com for more walk at home workouts.  Her relaxed approach and modifications for all levels make moving easy.  She's very chatty which is usually motivational but can be a little too up-beat at times.  Thankfully, there's an option to play the workout without instruction.  Very easy on my hips and knees. 

I also enjoy the Flat Belly Workout from Prevention Magazine. Great Cookbooks too!



What are your favorite workouts?  Share them with us in the comments.

Hope you had a blessed day.

To your Health!

Deanna

Women's Issues: Menstruation, PMS, Cramps, Mood Swings, and Cravings. Featured Products

Hi Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the information on osteoporosis and are able to share it with others. 

Another issue that women face is the monthly menstrual cycle.  Guys, don't tune out.  The more you know and understand about our monthly cycles; the better you can help not only yourselves, but the women in your life to cope as well. 

We plan our lives around it.  Some women's cycles are regular as clock work down to the minute, and others, like me, never know when it will show up.  Some women never have PMS, cramps, mood swings or cravings.  Those of us who do/did are really annoyed by that.  Here are a few tips to help get you through:

 1.  Keep a journal of your cycle and the symptoms that occur around it.  Note when you start feeling
      tired, have cravings and what for.  Note also mood swings and frequency, beginning and end of 
      cycle, heaviness, color, and consistency of flow, and any other signs and symptoms specific to
      your cycle.  Note any changes and alert your health care provider.  Sometimes these seemingly
      unimportant changes can be the first sign of other issues.

 2.  Limit salt, caffeine, alcohol, fats, and sugar for one week prior to the beginning of your cycle. 
      These foods are often culprits behind bloating and cramping. 

 3.  Ask your health care provider, and/or do your own research, regarding your cravings.  There may
      be a nutrient that's lacking associated with your craving such as with chocolate.  Chocolate is high
       in magnesium.  It is also loaded with sugar and fat.  Perhaps adding a magnesium supplement
       prior to and/or during your cycle will alleviate this craving.  Consult your health care provider.

 4.  Mild exercise and stretching can relieve bloating and cramping.  Consult your health care
      provider first.

 5.  Listen to your body. 

 6.  Get help if/when you need it.  Consult your health care provider for OTC (over the counter) and
      prescription medications.  Consult with your pharmacist as well to make sure that there aren't any
      interactions with other medications or precautions due to other health issues that would prohibit
      the use of these medications. 

FEATURED PRODUCTS: 

     

Visit https://www.ProperHealthSolutions.com and view our selection of products just for women!

I hope you have a great day.

To your Health!

Deanna

Whole 30 Update and More on Osteoporosis

Hi Everyone!

 Whole 30 Update:

Day 29!  Just have to make it through today and tomorrow!  I've already decided that I'm having bacon for breakfast on Wednesday morning.  I know that I don't have any issues with bacon, but since it is sugar cured, I have not been eating it.  I have chosen to introduce arrowroot flour because I miss crackers!  The Essential AIP Cookbook by Louise and Jeremy Hendon has an intriguing recipe for Garlic Crackers made from arrowroot flower.  I will try them and report. 

Arrowroot flour is also used to coat fish and chicken for pan frying.  I will try it and report.

Do you use arrowroot flour?  Let us know in the comments section.

 Osteoporosis:

Nutrition and exercise are the best prevention and treatment for osteopenia and osteoporosis.  No single nutrient (vitamin or supplement) will prevent or treat osteoporosis.  But a nutritional plan that provides adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals along with a commitment to participate in 30 minutes of low impact weight-bearing exercise three to five times a week is your best "weapon" of choice; remember to consult you health care provider before beginning an exercise program. 

Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are also recommended, however, the amount and form of each is widely disputed so consult your health care provider for this information. 

Avoid smoking.  Consume alcohol and caffeine in moderation.  Prevent falls. 

I hope you have a beautiful Monday.

To you Health!

Deanna

Recipes: Crunchy Pear & Celery Salad from the National Osteoporosis Foundation

Hi Everyone!

Happy Friday. 

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month so this weeks recipe is from the National Osteoporosis Foundation, www.nof.org.

  Crunchy Pear & Celery Salad 

Active Time:  25 minutes

Total Time:  25 minutes

Serves:  6

Ingredients:

4 stalks celery, trimmed and cut in half crosswise

2 tablespoons cider, pear, raspberry, or other fruit vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 ripe pears, preferably red Bartlett or Anjou, diced

1 cup finely diced white cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

6 large leaves butterhead or other lettuce

Preparation:

1.  Soak celery in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes.  Drain and pat dry.  Cut into 1/2 inch pieces.

2.  Whisk vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl until blended.  Add pears; gently stir to coat.  Add the celery, cheese and pecans; stir to combine.  Season with pepper.  Divide the lettuce leaves among the six plates and top with a portion of salad.

3.  Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Information per serving:

221 calories; 14 g Fat; 5 g Saturate Fat; 20 mg Cholesterol; 20 g Carbohydrates; 6 g Protein; 4 g Fiber; 240 mg Sodium; 221 mg Potassium

Enjoy and have a great weekend.  I'll see you on Monday.

To your Health!

Deanna

Women's Issues: Osteopenia vs Osteoporosis

Hi Everyone!

Sorry about not getting a post out yesterday.  We had business out of town that took longer than expected.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

One of the issues that women face as they age, and especially after menopause whether natural or surgically induced, is Osteoporosis.  Most of us have heard about this disorder and it can affect men as well, so fellas... don't tune out.  As stated, most of us have heard about and have a basic understanding of osteoporosis.  But have you ever heard about osteopenia?  What's the difference? 

For a clinical definition of these two terms, Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professions, 7th edition was consulted.

"Osteoporosis:   a disorder characterized by abnormal loss of bone density and deterioration of bone tissue, with an increased fracture risk.  It occurs most frequently in post-menopausal women, sedentary or immobilized individuals, and patients on long-term steroid therapy.  The disorder may cause pain, especially in the lower back, pathologic fractures, loss of stature, and various deformities.  Osteoporosis may be without a known cause or secondary to other disorders, such as thyrotoxicosis or the bone demineralization caused by hyperparathyroidism. "

Right under it is:  "Osteoporosis of disuse:  a decrease in bone mass that occurs in sedentary people or patients confined to bed for a long period."

"Osteopenia:  a condition of subnormally mineralized bone, usually the result of a rate of bone lysis that exceeds the rate of bone matrix synthesis."

According to the Medical Surgical Nursing textbook by Ignatavicius and Workmen, osteopenia is low bone density and osteoporosis is chronic extremely low bone density. 

Risk Factors Listed for primary osteoporosis (not caused by another disorder):

Age:  65+ for women, 75+ for men
Family history
Low trauma fracture after age 50
Caucasian or Asian ancestry
Low weight or thin build
Chronic low calcium intake
Estrogen or Androgen deficiency
Women with other risk factors
History of smoking
High alcohol consumption
Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged immobility

Visit us tomorrow for more information.  In the meantime, get up and get out there if you can.  If you can't get out, at least try to get up.  If you can't get up, try lifting light weights.  As always, consult your health care professional.  Start low and go slow. (See our previous blog on exercise tips).

To your Health!

Deanna

Memorable Women. Who Inspires You? Share Your Inspirational Stories for a Chance to Win FREE Product

Hi Everyone!

Happy 1st day of May.  This month the focus is on women's issues and remembering inspirational women.  Check us out.

WHO?

Who inspired/inspires you?  Your mom? Your Sister?  Your Teacher?  A friend?  You?  Let us know.  Share your inspirational stories about the memorable women in your life. 

WHAT?

For each separate story, both you and the woman who inspired you will be entered into a drawing to receive one free Women's product of your choice. 

WHEN?

Deadline is 1200 pm PST on Thursday, May 31, 2018.  The winners will be announced on Monday June 04, 2018. 

WHERE?

Share your stories in the Blog comments at https://www.ProperHealthSolutions.com.

WHY?

Women are known for taking care of everyone else first and running out of time for themselves.  Their/your care and compassion may seem like second nature and nothing special or inspirational to you, but the story you share just might be the inspiration another woman needs to keep moving forward. 

Shop our selection of products designed just for women now at https://ProperHealthSolutions.com.  Let us know if there's a product you would like but can't find and we'll do our best to add it to our selection.

Hope your day is inspirational.

To your Health!

Deanna