Blog Feed: DIY Life: We're all Doing It Ourselves These Days… | Health, happiness and weight loss the natural way.

Back To School Natural Remedy Shopping List

Published on 2012-07-28 16:59:19

Back to school season can be a whirlwind of preparation, excitement and chaos. Everyone remembers to get the new backpack, but sometimes the most important pieces, those which involve your child’s health, get forgotten. Here are some essential back-to-school basics that will keep your kiddo healthy and happy for the entire school year. Continue reading →

Turmeric – The Real Medical Magic Bullet

Published on 2012-06-29 12:18:03

Typically if someone tells you something that you take can help everything from Alzheimer's to joint pain I would suggest you run the other way. That's usually the hallmark of a snake oil salesman, right? This product will help you protect your brain, heal your joints and make you grow hair too - it just sounds suspicious. Except when you actually do stumble across something that really is phenomenally helpful for just about everything. Kind of the medical equivalent of broccoli - it's just go [..]

Your Brain Has It’s Own Song – And It Can Help You

Published on 2012-06-23 17:05:08

I love this - it sounds like something from a sci-fi futuristic military training movie, but it isn't sci-fi and it isn't in the future - it's real science happening now. New technology can actually read your brain waves and from your particular brain waves it will create music. How amazing is that? Actually - it gets better. By using this music in different ways, you can actually get healthier, calmer, more focused and sleep better. It's called Brain Music. Continue reading →

Breast Self Exam Because Hot Men Tell You To

Published on 2012-06-06 11:01:06

This is seriously the best idea ever. If you can make something fun then we women - the over-busy, over-stretched, over-taxed; will do it. Especially if we get to watch flexing abs and rippling bicepts. Don't believe me? Just enjoy the heck out of this like I did: Continue reading →

Battling the Belly Fat

Published on 2012-05-29 12:39:25

I feel like this is one of the biggest epidemics out there - have you noticed? Waistlines are expanding at a rapid rate - far outpacing any other part of our bodies. Everywhere you look there' s a new muffin-top, a bigger beer belly, pot bellied men or an apple shaped woman instead of a pear. It's clear that this isn't just about calorie content - it's not like everyone is expanding in every direction, this is really a waist-line specific problem. Continue reading →

Are You B12 Deficient?

Published on 2012-05-21 16:44:46

Most doctors don't really test for vitamin B12 deficiency, they wait for the severe symptoms like anemia to show up and then might do something, but it's rare to have a doctor test the levels directly. If you're concerned about your levels, request a serum B12 test from your doctor - it's an easy test to run and should show your levels pretty accurately. Continue reading →

The Ridiculous Expectation of Perfection

Published on 2012-04-14 17:27:25

Sometimes I notice that I need to have someone beat me over the head with an obvious point before I get it. This week I had one such "aha!" moment. Now, when I tell you about it you're going to laugh because it's so obvious, but it was still an "aha" for me. Let me tell you the story: Continue reading →

Food is Not The Enemy

Published on 2012-03-15 18:11:13

I love it when people are dedicated to their health and healing and I love to see people who are committed to making changes in their lifestyle. That is such a treat for me because it's inspiring to watch people begin to make their health a priority. What I don't like to see is people who start to view the world as a hostile place in which every pleasure, every food, everything fun has to be restricted to maintain their health. Instead of valuing themselves and their lives enough to make positi [..]

Ho’oponopono – Letting Go of Emotional Baggage

Published on 2012-02-25 11:55:55

There's been a buzz lately about ho'oponopono, and anytime that happens it usually means something is working for people. In this came, that something is ho'oponopono - a tremendously powerful technique for letting go of guilt, regrets and emotional baggage in general (also a fun word to throw around in conversation). Continue reading →

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (And How To Cope With Them)

Published on 2012-02-13 21:46:47

The bottom line is that change is scary and difficult, even when it's great and wonderful and something you're looking forward to - it's just the way we're wired. Keeping things the same makes us feel safe and secure and comfortable, even if it's not ideal. Changing, even if it's a change for the better, is new and different and therefore scary. I think this explains the bulk of unsatisfying relationships, jobs and circumstances out there. Continue reading →

Flowers for Joy.

Published on 2012-01-18 18:00:59

I have to say I love it when science verifies something women have known all along: Flowers make us happy. Not just in a temporary way but in a real, sustainable way. Isn't it amazing that something so simple can have such a big impact? The study, conducted at Rutgers, was a resounding success showing that the mere presence of flowers initiates happy feelings, enhances feelings of life satisfaction and even changes social behavior. All this from a simple bloom. Continue reading →

Best. Christmas. Cookies. Ever. And Eggnog for Breakfast – Yipee!

Published on 2011-12-21 22:21:46

In light of all the bad news, tragedy, stress and strife lately, I figured we all (myself included) need a dose of holiday happiness and nothing in the world does that better than awesome Christmas cookies (or holiday cookies if you prefer) that are just as good when they're gluten free. This is a Czech recipe - thanks to my dad's side of the family - that has a very simple flavor and a melt in your mouth texture. Continue reading →

Brains! They Eat Brains!

Published on 2011-12-16 21:10:52

I am a huge fan of neti pots, simply because they *work.* They're fast and inexpensive and easy to use and generally safe, except for lately. Unfortunately a second death has been linked to neti pot use, in what sounds like a B-rated zombie movie plot because yes - they eat brains. Continue reading →

Life is Short – Celebrate!

Published on 2011-12-12 16:04:58

These three were all young (30s and 40s), vibrant, and did everything for their health. They had great relationships, children, careers and busy lives. I don't think any of them would have anticipated leaving the world so young. I can't begin to fathom that they are gone. Continue reading →

Kundalini Yoga – The Secret Shortcut to Joy

Published on 2011-12-01 11:45:11

I'm finding that I look forward to my next kundalini class, and am trying to sneak classes in almost every day - simply because I feel better when I do. Happier, more grounded, less stressed. Is it the gateway to enlightenment? I have no idea. But it's certainly worth it for right now. Continue reading →

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

Published on 2011-11-26 10:14:10

These things just go together, right? So much so that it's pretty darn near a cliche. And yet there is something in the rhythm of the year that makes this season the perfect time of year for introspection and for reflecting back on the previous year as you get ready for the changes you want to make in the new year. Continue reading →

Cleaning Out My Closet Has Changed My Life

Published on 2011-11-17 21:45:05

Now you're left with pieces that fit you perfectly, look great, match other things and are comfortable to wear. Best of all, there is breathing room in your closet. Actual air space. This means your choices when you get up in the morning are so much more simple - everything is already fabulous, you just have to put it on. Continue reading →

Searching for Happiness? Try Something New

Published on 2011-11-09 15:06:11

Do you ever have those days when you realize that you did exactly the same thing as you did the day before? And the day before that? Like your whole life is a cycle of get up, get the kids to school, get to work, rush home, do homework, get the kids ready for bed, collapse and repeat? Yeah - me too. And that is a terrifying and depressing place to be simply because there's no *life* in your life, there's no joy, there's nothing that's new. And that's the crux of the issue - the lack of newnes [..]

Chicken Soup Really Is the Best Cure

Published on 2011-11-07 14:41:30

In light of my actually having to take a sick day, I thought you might like to know my secret weapon against colds and the flu, and it's actually not-so-secret. I'm pretty sure your mom told you about this one - because it's home made chicken soup. Turns out your mom was right (but don't tell her, you'll never hear the end of it). The best thing to help when you have an upper respiratory tract infection like a cold or flu really is chicken soup. Continue reading →

Seven Activities to Boost Your Brain

Published on 2011-06-25 16:33:08

It looks like, according to Dr. Siegel, the things that make your day fun and enjoyable and worth living are also good for your brain. I think there is some happy coincidence at work here! If you're interested in learning more see his book Mindsight

Sunscreen Deception – Is Your Sunscreen Safe?

Published on 2011-06-14 14:49:48

Everyone knows sunscreen protects your skin from the suns damaging rays and helps to prevent skin cancer, right?  Unfortunately, that may not actually be the case. The Environmental Working Group has reviewed the research to come up with some surpri

The Biggest Loser – Why Can’t I Lose Weight This Fast?

Published on 2011-06-09 10:53:53

I know, we all love to see TV shows where people go from morbid obesity to a relatively normal weight, losing the weight of several people within a year. It gives hope that you can probably shed that extra 15 lbs in a week. Two at most, right? If t

Goodbye Food Pyramid, Hello MyPlate!

Published on 2011-06-02 16:03:40

Today, Thursday, is the official retiring of the food pyramid so lets all say a grateful goodbye. Hello to the sleek, sexy, sensible new MyPlate concept. Woohoo! Continue reading →

Calcium Overload, Hip Fractures and Osteoporosis

Published on 2011-05-27 13:02:28

Sure - calcium is a good thing. We all know it helps build healthy bones and teeth and that women should take it to help prevent osteoporosis. The trouble is, sometimes there really is too much of a good thing. Calcium can be helpful, but a new s

Another Reason to Love Coffee – It’s Your Prostate

Published on 2011-05-19 12:30:27

I have to say, I'm a devoted coffee drinker. Even if they found out it would lead to death in a month I'd have a hard time giving it up. Thankfully, the evidence supporting coffee's benefits on health is pretty good and just got a little better tha

Sneaky Veggies

Published on 2011-05-13 15:22:41

For all of you who don't like your vegetables, here are some great ways to sneak them into other foods so that you don't know they're there. This can be a great way to make your diet a little bit healthier, and also to help you add in the fiber for w

Grapefruit to Keep the Bugs Away

Published on 2011-05-01 21:22:06

I'm not sure if anyone else feels like I do, but I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to bugs and bug spray. On one hand, I don't really like to be bit by mosquitos and other insects, but on the other hand I don't really want t

Hope For Autism.

Published on 2011-04-26 21:40:06

This is amazing and inspiring. I am awed by Carly, awed by her parents and amazed by her lucid view of the world. I sincerely hope that every person with Autism can find their voice! Please pass it on to everyone you know who has been touched by Aut

An Apple A Day – For Your Cholesterol

Published on 2011-04-20 10:38:33

An apple a day really does keep the doctor away - and the cholesterol, related heart disease and extra weight too! Clearly, apples are a miracle food. A new study from Florida State University confirms that women who ate an apple a day showed dramat

Manuka Honey – More Powerful Than Antibiotics

Published on 2011-04-16 10:06:07

It never fails to amaze me what natural remedies are capable of, especially when used in combination with modern methods. One of the biggest threats in healthcare today is the rising rate of antibiotic resistance in bacteria - especially the superb

Emotional Eating

Published on 2011-04-05 11:37:31

Wow is this ever a big deal! So many people use food as a reward, as a treat, or as a way to calm themselves when they’re anxious, depressed or angry. It’s easy to do because a lot of the time it works - food does help you feel better in the mom

The Salt Myth

Published on 2011-03-29 16:19:31

As with everything else, it seems the best course of action lies in moderation. Dr. McCarron's view on the problem was that restricting salt intake can be as harmful as overdoing salt intake, so maintaining a "normal" intake is best. In this, I hav

Epidemic Sleeplessness in Children

Published on 2011-03-21 11:39:05

According to the 2011 World Sleep Day Update 45% of the world's population suffers from sleep problems. This can include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome (or RLS), and sleep deprivation. Sadder still, is the shocking fact t

Getting Ready For Baby…

Published on 2011-03-17 13:41:33

Thinking about a future baby is great, but if you are seriously considering conceiving a baby in the next year it’s important to get your health in line now. Fixing things like high blood pressure and high blood sugar become so much more important

Go Outside! It’s Good For You.

Published on 2011-03-09 11:26:43

I feel a little bit like a country doctor from the 1800s when I say something like "You need more fresh air, sunshine and maybe some bird songs" but the fact of the matter is, you need more fresh air, sunshine and bird songs. Don't worry - I won't su

Sore Throat? Soothe it Naturally…

Published on 2011-02-28 23:14:18

Tis the season, and not in a good way. Spring is here and it's gorgeous and you're all excited about being outside - me too! The only problem is that outside is hot then cold then wet then dry and everyone seems to be coming down with some kind of

Low Sex Drive in Women? Fix It Naturally IV – The Relationship.

Published on 2011-02-24 13:48:08

Cue the doom music. This is the factor in libido that nobody actually wants to look at or discuss. This is also one of the most common causes of lack of interest in sex that I see in my office. It isn't that your hormones are off or that you've got

Low Sex Drive in Women? Fix it Naturally III – Interfering Factors.

Published on 2011-02-15 19:37:57

So - you're not solving the underlying problem, but hopefully you can create enough of a work-around that you can bring some of the joy and excitement back to sex. A healthy sex life can make you happier, decrease depression, anxiety and pain, and br

Low Sex Drive In Women? Fix It Naturally II – Hormones

Published on 2011-02-09 14:50:45

Naturally, hormones are complicated - just like women in general. There isn't one sure-fire answer to the hormone - libido question, but there are a lot of variables and usually we can make an educated guess. Continue reading →

Low Sex Drive in Women? Fix it Naturally

Published on 2011-02-06 16:17:51

I say that as though it might be easy. Sex drive, like everything else about women, is ridiculously complicated. There are hormonal factors, general health factors, emotional factors and of course complications arising from the quality of your rela

5 Miles For Health

Published on 2011-01-27 18:13:27

One of our regular readers, Stacy Federico, sent this fabulous information about a simple step you can take to help keep your blood sugars, and waistline under control. Thanks Stacy! Continue reading →

Statin Drugs Not Helpful for Low-Risk Patients

Published on 2011-01-22 12:03:24

A review of the major research studies conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration found that statins are highly effective for patients with a prior history of heart attack or stroke, but have little to no usefulness for patients who don't have a prior h

Fast Weight Loss vs. Slow

Published on 2011-01-19 16:57:07

This time of year I see lots of people struggling to fulfill their new years resolutions, especially those concerning weight loss. One of the big questions that everyone seems to have is what is the difference between the quick weight loss plans and

The Best Free Immune Boost Ever: Wet Socks.

Published on 2011-01-13 16:19:12

Wet Socks is an old-time hydrotherapy technique that gives you a great, completely free, non-specific immune boost. This will work to help prevent viruses, bacteria and whatever other crud is coming your way. It's a way of tricking your body into go

Surviving Cedar Fever

Published on 2011-01-06 13:48:16

Cedar fever is sort of like the guerrilla warfare version of plain old allergies. Sure some people have runny nose and sneezing and watery eyes, but then there are the other symptoms like extreme fatigue and achy joints and utter inability to funct

New Years Resolutions for Health

Published on 2010-12-29 10:47:19

I love this time of year. Everyone starts thinking about how their life is going, what is working, what they want to change. It's a great time for growth, self-reflection, change and renewal. I also hate it just a little because I see so many peop

The Echinacea Common Cold Study – What It Really Means

Published on 2010-12-22 11:16:06

I have got to tell you, I have a love-hate relationship with research. On one hand, we need it to find out how effective our treatments are and how we can make them more effective, on the other hand the media grabs them and turns them into something

Homemade Deodorant Recipe

Published on 2010-12-19 20:14:20

There are plenty of natural deodorants on the market without aluminum, but sadly, most of them don't last through a whole day for me and I'm a little tired of being the smelly granola doctor, or at least worrying that I'm the smelly granola doctor. N

Sex Helps Neurosis. Woohoo!

Published on 2010-12-15 11:52:04

The great news is that healthy relationships can be preserved for neurotics, and the deciding factor is sex. A new study out of the University of Tennessee shows that frequency of sexual encounters is a good predictor for marital happiness in couples

Imaginary Food Helps You Lose Weight

Published on 2010-12-13 12:25:35

For everyone who is struggling to diet this holiday season, just imagine those yummy Christmas cookies, imagine the cheese dip at the office party. Imagine eating and loving whatever is in front of you right now and then either have a small piece, o