Cures That Are So Simple

Our much loved dog, Kirby,     is now on our staff and greets people and teachers.

Have you read some of the latest research on disorders such as MS?

Mayo Clinic neurologist, Dr. Jerry W. Swanson, reports on studies conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford and the New Jersey Medical School. These studies tell us that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D has a protective effect and lowers the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Another study conducted in the Netherlands at Maastricht University, and other studies, indicate that for people who already have MS, vitamin D may lessen the frequency and severity of their symptoms.

The link between vitamin D and MS is strengthened by the association between sunlight and the risk of MS. The farther away from the equator a person lives, the higher the risk of MS. Sunlight is the body’s most efficient source for vitamin D — suggesting that exposure to sunlight may offer protection from MS.

Today, scientists have concluded that exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation present in sunlight has both beneficial and deleterious effects on human health.The same UV radiation that causes skin diseases can also cure some.

Many diseases and mental disorders are actually caused by a lack of sunlight. In one study the University of Maine found teenage girls are not getting enough vitamin D and as a result, they are at risk for disorders and diseases caused by this nutritional deficiency, including osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Lack of sunlight during the winter months causes a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

Mary Alice can get a little emotional – in a wind tunnel.

Lack of sunlight also leads to Rickets and Osteomalacia and an increased susceptibility to a whole spectrum of diseases, such as diabetes. It is known to be associated with various other diseases, ranging from the flu to heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

A lack of awareness about vitamin D deficiency, and the ‘plethora’ of disease it is linked to, is fueling a rise in preventable illnesses among children, according to experts at the Royal College of of Pediatrics and Child Health. The College warned that only one in ten people get enough vitamin D from food and sunlight so supplementation is necessary.

A lack of Vitamin D is associated with a host of autoimmune ailments such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroditis. Sunlight also provides resistance power to the skin, by avoiding skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne problems.

And some research finds that it causes 600,000 cancers each year. We now use satellite measurements of sun and cloud cover in various countries, which has led other researchers to point out that increasing levels of vitamin D3 could prevent diseases that claim nearly one million lives each year.

Uh, the uh, seeds were for the birds!

These studies lead me to believe that incarcerating our fellow human beings in prisons, where access to sunlight is denied, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is, therefore, unconstitutional. Our sins seem to go on and on in silence. The love and compassion of our society is not seemingly shared with those most in need. And we, the members of this society, ultimately pay an unconscionable price for our simple lack of compassion.

By the way, the Institute of Medicine recommends 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day for adults ages 19 to 70. The recommendation increases to 800 IUs a day for those who are older.

Did you know that play shapes how the brain is wired. In his book, “Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul”, Dr. Stuart Brown describes both the social and biological benefits of play. More play is associated with the kind of brain development that helps us grasp and make sense of information.

Dr. John Ratey’s work goes further, describing how regular physical activity helps aging adults keep their wits. It’s smart business for parents to join their kids in play.

Dr Ratey suggests that we skip the resolutions this year and just play.

Play will improve a kid’s life. Jill Vialet guarantees it. Vialet, who is emerging as America’s Play Laureate with her new young-adult novel “Recess Rules” has given the world a free guide to games. Vialet founded Playworks.

I read this blog to Saffy.          She didn’t even pretend             to stay awake.

My friends, so many of the increasing problems and complications our families face are promulgated by our inability to see past our inability to see. We think we know when, in truth, we really need to stop thinking so much.

I can give you many examples of what I am saying. One which surfaces quickly relates to the thought that has gone into the design of new schools, factories and offices. Have you noticed they are now designed to reduce or eliminate sunlight (or as some educators refer to it (are you sitting down?), distractions. You keep sitting while I get more coffee! Now, reflect upon the absolute necessity for adequate exposure to sunlight and you can envision the damage we are doing, unwittingly, to our beloved children and ourselves.

So stop thinking so much. At least long enough to engage your heart and your God given intuition. Parents, you know what your children need. And their needs are really simplistic. They need love, sunlight, play and to be left alone long enough for them to engage their imaginations and allow all that unnecessary and deadly stress to evaporate from their fragile bodies and minds.

In L.A. this hair cut would cost Michael at least $200.00. The sugary drink will cost a lot more later in life.

Believe it or not, they need your permission to love life and they need to be told, ever day, that you love them. These are the words they will hear over and over again when they close their eyes to rest their weary minds. They need to be held in your arms so they can feel the warm embrace of God. They need to see you laugh. And they need to see you cry.

Osho reminds us that, “Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Yes, your children need to see you cry. They need to share in what has been your joy.

Play, sunshine, in moderation, and love, without moderation.

Now there are truly great new year’s resolutions.

Happy New Year!