Wednesday, November 9, 2011

#NHBPM Nov 7th Case of the Mondays

Well... I didn't have enough time to post this yesterday...because it was Monday!

Sorry about that! To make up for it, you get to read two fabulous posts today :)

So, yesterday's prompt was "Case of the Mondays," what gets me down? Allow me to start off by saying that I am a very empathetic person, I'm a hard worker, and I always keep myself busy with work/extracurricular (sometimes to keep from thinking too much). That being said, I would say that there are a several things that can get me down...

First, I can simply get down by being overwhelmed. Like I mentioned above, I like keeping myself busy... and whenever something's not going right outside of school, I'll pile more things on my plate to make me even busier. It used to be a cyclic issue: I would stress about having so much to do, and then at some point I would realize I was trying to do too much, so I would drop something (I really hate quitting things, so it takes me a long time to get to that point; after my health and wellness have severely suffered enough to wake me up!) so that I could still do well in school. Now, my third year in college, I've become a lot more aware of my health, school, stress, and work balance. Being in tune with my body and my environment is key for me, and I'm still working on making that balance the best it can be for optimal (and healthy) performance.

Another thing that can get me down is whenever someone I love is not doing well. That can be in any sense-- either a loved one passed away, someone is going through a hard time, I personally haven't had enough time to spend time with family because of school/work, or I feel like the bond with a good friend is slipping, for whatever reason. Obviously, no one likes when any of this happens...so I don't think there's need for explanation. Again, I mentioned I was very empathetic, so sometimes I can really get hit hard by this kind of stuff.

Lastly, and kind of going of of the first point I made, I can also get down if I 'm not doing as well in a class/job/club as I would like to be. I like to be successful in whatever I do, and with as much as I do do... that can be hard. (Sorry for all the do doos :P

So how do I keep smiling, and go on to have an amazing Monday, Tuesday, Wed...and the rest of the week!? I keep my head up! I would say that best thing that I can do is to express myself. To express your feelings and emotions is so important, and it's a healthy way to deal with it. For me, I like writing poems on my tumblr page. Tumblr has really helped me to express myself. It's good to get everything out there, so I can clear my mind and continue with my day. Sometimes I will look online to see what others are doing who are going through similar things (or worse). If I need motivation for school, I can easily find it by looking at inspirational speakers online. The most important thing is to go by my motto: Carpe Diem! (Seize the day). No matter what, it could be worse! Go out and make the best of your day! Do something that will make you feel accomplished and proud by the time you go to sleep, and always know that someone loves you. Everything will be amazing! :)

-Andrea Garza

#NHBPM Nov (9th) My Personal Brand

Ha, it's very convenient that this prompt was today! Why? Because I attended a "Social Media: Marketing Me" by Barrett, the Honors College this evening! One of the things we talked about was making your personal brand (via social media).

As a health Blogger, and health activist, I want my brand to have sincerity-- I want my words to be powerful, clear, true, factual, and upfront. I want to test your knowledge, challenge your ideas, challenge society's perceptions of health, challenge our methods of treatment and conventional medicine, and in total, be the facilitator of intense and real collaboration and discussion regarding human health (specifically diet, allergies, asthma, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and how they all relate).
That, would be my ideal Personal Brand as a Health Activist and future Naturopathic Doctor, and this is exactly what I am working to achieve.

-Andrea Garza

ALCAT Article, Focus on Weight Loss Guest Post By Tom Hines

ALCAT Allergy Testing is Not Well Known but Could Reveal a Cause of Your Health Problems
Have you noticed that you are constantly complaining of inflammation within your body, a pain that never lets up? Do you notice that old injuries are sticking with you – not healing as they should? After you finish eating, are you bloated? Are headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain a constant part of your life? Does irritable bowel syndrome affect your daily activities? Perhaps you are constantly fatigued and don’t quite know the reason.

Are any of these conditions a concern for you?
Sensitivity to gluten
Asthma or other respiratory issues
Leaky gut syndrome or other similar conditions
Parkinson’s Disease
Autoimmune Disease
M.S.
ADD/ADHD
Intolerance to lactose
Periodontal disease
Skin rashes from no apparent cause
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome

As you seek doctor help for these conditions, you can find yourself going from one medication to another without the results that you are really hoping for. You can continue to throw money away on hopeless cures and treatments that either yield no results, or just trade one condition for another.
What if, however, you could trace your conditions and illness to food allergies that you never knew you had? What if that was all there was to it? Well, the ALCAT test is a food intolerance test that you can rely on to provide you with the easiest answer you could ever get to your various conditions.

Food Allergies and Intolerance Deserve Immediate Attention
What you may not know about food allergies could be the very thing that is harming you. Those allergies and intolerances that you aren’t aware of could be causing issues with not only your digestive tract, but also with other symptoms that could fail to go away. While you may consider a food allergy to be shown with a red flag, they could actually hide within your immune system, attacking your good cells needed to cure your afflictions. In other words, food allergies could easily be the very thing that is attacking your body inside and out.

How could it be that food allergies could be what is causing so many health issues for you? Well, if you really analyze your daily activities, you will find one thing in common from day to day without fail – eating. When you eat foods that your body cannot tolerate, even if you aren’t given a red flag indicating an allergy or intolerance, these foods cause your immune system to go haywire, causing havoc amongst those cells that are repairing your conditions. On some days, you could find that your illnesses are full blown, your conditions are much worse – and it could all be from eating foods that you have a minor to acute allergy to.
Studies have been conducted to determine the role that food has on body changes and regulation. There are certain chemicals that are released by your white blood cells only, which interfere with obesity and weight gain. When you have a reaction to even the most minor of food intolerance, your white blood cells then release inflammatory compounds, which damage your other organs, including the heart and your blood vessels. Putting two and two together, if you have health conditions and diseases already, they can be severely worsened by these compounds.
When it comes to weight gain, the effect of food allergies is quite great. As your body begins to react to an allergy, the brain’s serotonin levels decrease, therefore causing you to have cravings and even begin to binge. In turn, you find yourself out of control, suffering from depression, and gaining weight at a steady pace.

If you know what allergies are present, you can avoid these foods, therefore allowing your body to heal from the inside out, allowing your intestines to heal and helping your other symptoms to subside. You can therefore handle more from other health conditions, enough to allow you a more comfortable life. Your healing resources from within are kicked up and you will find symptoms decreasing, diseases lessening in severity and even having a good reaction to treatment, and you will see your weight begin to level out.

Using an Accurate Food Allergy Test for Better Results
Alcat tests are a great way to introduce yourself to better knowledge about your own body, your own intolerance to foods, and begin your way to healing. With the ALCAT food allergy test, you are able to find out what foods you are allergic to or show intolerance to – even in the smallest degree. You can then avoid these foods, giving yourself a better chance at healing with a better rate of losing weight.

How the ALCAT Test Works
If you are familiar with IgG or IgF testing, you haven’t seen anything yet. You can expect something different from the ALCAT testing procedure, which will measure degranulation within white blood cells in reaction to certain foods. Degranulation is most commonly a signifier that there are more immune issues to come due to allergic reaction, even at the lowest level. The measurement of degranulation in the white blood cells is much different than other tests, and much more accurate and reliable as well.

You will have blood drawn and your blood will then be used to test with 100 different types of food. This same test can signify allergies or intolerance to mold, chemicals, and even dental metals that could be used in common procedures.

You can have the ALCAT food intolerance test kit sent to your residence, provided with instructions that will indicate where to go for your blood draw. Your blood is then sent to a specialized ALCAT testing lap at which point the blood is analyzed. You will be sent back a complete report, with results that you can speak over with a consultant over the phone and even a nutritionist. You can even get advice on a rotation diet for better eating habits. Get more information today about the ALCAT test and how it could be a great answer to many health issues.

About the Author
Tom Hines, co-owner of NutritionGeeks.com (Minnesota’s #1 Retailer of NOW foods source retailer), has been working in the nutrition industry since 1997, and is a retired powerlifter. He has a true passion for creatively helping others to learn about health and nutrition, which enhances their lives and well-being.. He lives on the prairie in West Central Minnesota, spends his leisure time coaching youth wrestling, working with his horses, and being play toy #1 for his 3 boys; TJ, Grady, and Brock.

Website: http://www.nutritiongeeks.com/alcat.asp

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

#NBHPM (The REAL Nov 8th) 3 Truths and 1 Lie

Oh my goodness!!! I am ALL over the place with this NHBPM! First I'm late, and then I read the wrong prompt! Silly me... my apologies again! Anyways, I am going to keep the "Nov 8th My Personal Brand" post as is... that's my post for tomorrow :) Just pretend I posted it three hours from now (midnight!)

Ok, so, for today's REAL prompt...
I'm going to give you 3 truths, and 1 lie... can you tell which is the lie??? Leave your response in the comments below!
1. I grew up in Tempe, Arizona
2. I am allergic to wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, corn, soy, peanuts, treenuts, garlic, and more.
3. I have a cat named Peaches
4. I created FoodAllergyTalk.com in middle school

Good Luck! Don't forget to state your guess below in the comments! Thanks :)

-Andrea Garza

Sunday, November 6, 2011

How to Get Motivated to Study | Personal Development

How to Get Motivated to Study | Personal Development.
Thought I would share!!
I think it's great to have a blog... not only for the obvious reasons, but also to act as a sort of library/bookshelf/journal to keep things all in one place. It saves paper and inc, and I can't lose it! ;)

-Andrea Garza

#NHBPM Nov 6. "If I could do anything as a Health Activist..."

If I could do anything as a health activist, I would drastically alter the American diet. This requires a lot of change, not only in what foods we have available to us, but how we approach eating, our ideas concerning eating and the purpose food serves in our lives, as well as a realistic look at our dietary trends and constantly rising obesity rates. If you just look at the time lapse of the U.S. map for obesity rates... it literally brought tears to my eyes (click here to view). What are we doing to ourselves? We are all fully aware of it, and we all know something should change, but we don't do it! The main problem is the over-consumption of calories. Our bodies have learned over the years, the importance to consume food whenever it's available (which was obviously very useful when we were hunter-gatherers). But now, with food literally everywhere you turn, we have to develop workshops and programs that teach us how our bodies are hardwired, and to recognize and accept this. By learning these important tools, we can work together to share tips, tricks and advice on how to master our own mind and body in regards to eating and consumption.

America needs to look at food much differently than we do now. Rather than seeing food as a treat (which it is...) we need to also recognize that it is energy for our bodies, and the chemical composition of that substance interacts with our body in very specific ways. I think having workshops and educational discussions about this can help people understand their bodies and our close relationship with food. It's not until we have this knowledge that we can begin making educated, controlled, rational, and healthy decisions. This information (and the latest research findings) should be constantly shared with the world in very public and up-front ways.

For one an essay I recently completed, I actually devised an entire plan/program that addresses these needs! Maybe I'll post it soon... or try to get it published?

I plan on becoming a health activist after I complete Naturopathic Schooling... so keep a look out for me! :)

Until then,
Andrea Garza

Saturday, November 5, 2011

#NHBPM Nov 5th: 5 things that changed my life

Hello! Sorry I've been late/missing prompts! I just may have to catch up..and "say" I did them earlier... don't judge! haha I am a busy college student after all!

Ok, so what are 5 things that changed my life, and how?

1. Getting diagnosed with food allergies in middle school. Without that, I would have never started FoodAllergyTalk.com, the FoodAllergyTalk [ASU] club, this blog, and I would have never had the amazing experience of being logistics chair for the AZ Walk for Food Allergy!

2. My mom taking me to a Naturopathic doctor rather than a M.D. My mom primarily made the switch when the medical doctors wouldn't believe the test results about me and my sister having "so" many allergies. They basically called her a liar, and wouldn't believe her or take her seriously. Thankfully, my mom was persistent and took us to a ND. Not only has that GREATLY improved my life and health overall, but this experience has also lead me to want to pursue naturopathic medicine as a career.

3. Going to Arizona State University. I have gone through so much growth, it's incredible. And I'm still growing. This has been a precious time of self-awareness, growth, and understanding. I am excited to see how much more I will learn in the coming year, and life at SCNM.

4. Having two great mentors. One, Dan--is my scholarship adviser, and now my good friend. He is extremely wise, and I know I can always go to him for guidance and help, and he's always there to support me. I don't know what I would do without him! The second, is my Barrett choir professor. He was the first one to ever believe in my singing abilities (even before myself). I'm still working on polishing up my voice, but I'm hopeful. He has been extremely dedicated, passionate, and helpful to me, and I am extremely gracious. Singing has always been a very important (secret) part of my life, and he is allowing me to let that part of me come to the surface, which I think is extremely important, and healthy for me!

5. I'm going to leave this one to the future. I know that I am still at the beginning of a very long, rewarding journey. It's going to be tough. Motivation can be hard to come by at times, and sometimes you just want to give up. I will doubt myself, be unsure of the future, suffer from lonely times, tough choices, and friendships that rise and fall. But in the end, I will be happy. I'm hopeful that a future husband, family, and being a Naturopathic Doctor and health advocate will be the ultimate determinants of "success" in my life :)

-Andrea Garza

Friday, November 4, 2011

#NHBPM Nov 4th What happens after you press “publish.”

Yes..I’m backtracking. Sorry! But I think it’s still important for me to publish about all of the topics :) After I press publish, I always view the post on my blog, and re-read it. I have it already set up to publish to my facebook and twitter pages :) I’m usually pressed for time, so I go back to checking emails and doing work/studying!

-Andrea Garza

Thursday, November 3, 2011

#NBHPM Nov 3rd Dear 18 year old me.

Dear 18 year old me,

I know it's only been 2 years, but I'll write this letter regardless. Please, start running NOW! You would have helped me out so much more if you already had a running routine solidified, so I wouldn't even have to think about it--I would just "do."

Please, don't eat so many cookies/deserts! I know they're good, but I'm pretty sure you have a legitimate addiction to chocolate now! Which doesn't help when I'm a broke college student, and don't have time to run to the store to get chocolate when you're super stressed and need a caffeine boost.

For the love of God, get voice lessons!!! You have talent, and you're singing voice is there, regardless of what you or anyone else thinks! Find an instructor who believes in you, and you'll shine :)
You're going to have a hard couple of years ahead... and I know you're not having the best of times now. But I'm sure my future self will be able to tell you that it's been all worth it :) Once you graduate from Barrett, ASU, and are admitted into SCNM (and eventually become a ND) you will be proud of what you've endured.

Keep your head up. Through it all, you'll have to rely a lot on yourself. At least you are at the moment. But that's ok. Don't be afraid... everything happens for a reason! You're never alone.
Love,
Andrea (age: 20)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

#NHBPM Nov 2nd My TV Show

Theoretically, if my blog was turned into a TV show I would definitely focus on life as a college student, living with food allergies! Following what I go through in the dining halls, how I battle simply hanging out with friends when we are social eaters, and how various factors influence me. I would be real, and let people know how things make me feel. That's important--and I thinking it would be great to follow my progress through the years as well as have interviews with others with their own stories they have to share.

-AG

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

#NHBPM November=National Health Blog Month!

Oh No! I'm a day late... but I really want to participate in this!
Consider this my first post for the month :) you should get involved too! Making your own blog is easy. I think this is a great way to start off my new blog with wordpress... I just checked, and Blogger still has not re-activated my blog with them! How frustrating. It looks like Wordpress is going to be permanent. (Which is ok- I like them :)

Anyways, enough about that. What's my health blog about for today?
SLEEP!
Why? Because I'm currently finishing off a 2-6am desk shift. Of course this time was not my choosing, but it had to be done. I only have about a month or so left of working this time block (thank God). I can just feel my organs inside me, upset that they have to keep working; their nightly regimen disrupted yet again.

Sleep is of the utmost importance to health! It is everything to our bodies. We need that time to reset--our bodies have to recover from the work we did throughout the day. It's a lot of work to maintain such beautiful systems that we have been blessed with, so make sure you get lots of sleep to help yourself out. Shoot for 7-8 hours of sleep. Make it a priority. Don't have time? Nonsense. If you have to be up at 7am to get ready for work, then make yourself go to bed at midnight, regardless of whether or not you still have things to do. If you do this for about a week, I promise you that you will start having time. Why? Because you will be more energized throughout your days! It's an investment. If you invest in sleep, you'll have more energy and be more productive: making the most out of each minute of work.

Besides, sleep is so wonderful. You owe it to yourself!
-Andrea Garza

#NBHPM Nov 1st (day 1) Titles of my future book

Working titles:
Life of a Teen "Allergist"
"No thanks, I'm good" Why I never eat what you offer
Surviving College with Food Allergies
Surviving College when You're allergic to Everything
Revealing the Rise in Food Allergies

My journey with allergies has been long, revealing, challenging, and one full of discovery. I've had a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that my body could reject something that it pivotal to it's survival. In fact, I still have not come to a satisfying conclusion. This book takes you through my past, emerges you in my thoughts and experiences, events that I have had to endure (including being made fun of for my allergies), how I transitioned to college living, and where I am today. As a Junior at ASU, I just started working on my Honors thesis, and you're going to have the backstage pass to see just what I'm up to.

-Andrea Garza