herding (baby) geese

Behind the plant where I work is a small, man made pond, enclosed in a chain length fence. The water is almost always a deep green color thanks to the algae. It's original purpose was to be a supply of water in case there was a fire. This is an old plant-remodeled and renovated, but its been around for longer than I can remember. The pond is fairly close to the building and there is a large well maintained field between the pond and the road.


All that to say that earlier this year a pair of geese showed up at the pond. Beautiful birds they are fun to watch. Then one day I was only seeing one as I left each day. I feared that something had happened to the other. The something was that they decided to raise a family. Mom, dad and five babies.

As soon as I found out I brought my camera to work the next day and after work I got my camera from the car and began to capture the babies in photograph. Dad wasn't too happy about it at first but I made sure not to get too close.

Then I was informed that something had gotten one of the babies. It was sad but even in fenced enclosures things happen. Especially since as the young ones got old enough mom and dad were taking them out into the field to eat.

Today as I was leaving I decided to try and get some photos. I walked around the pond to where I thought they were only to find that by all appearances something had gotten another of the young ones. The rest of the goslings were outside the fence while mom and dad were on the inside. I snapped a couple of quick photos and then decided to try and help the little ones find the way back inside the fence.

Circling around behind the babies I began to walk forward slowly. The young ones looked at me funny but started walking in the right direction. Dad was hissing at me the entire time. The babies moved forward slowly thankfully not deciding to head out in some odd direction. They finally reached the hole under the fence and looked at it oddly. I moved forward again talking away as I hoped to get them under the fence. As dad would hiss I would tell him to chill, it was alright. The first two babies went under the fence but the third bumped against the bottom of the fence then began backing away quickly and headed for parts unknown. I got back behind it and managed to persuade it to go in the right direction. It only took a moment before it found the deeper part of the hole under the fence and slipped quickly back inside the fence.

Mom and dad examined the babies and finding no problems settled in for a rest.

And I left for home thinking I had done my good deed for the day-

project cancer prevention-diet-beta-what's its?

I am a three year cancer survivor. I have many friends who are currently fighting cancer or survivors as well. That being the case, I have sought to find ways to do everything I can to prevent my cancers return. One of those things is to educate myself on a better diet and just what that is. I am also sharing some of what I have learned in these blogs in the case that there is someone else out there that may be interested in knowing more as well..for what ever reason.




In my research I have discovered that our body needs certain things to help it function at its best and to fight off diseases including cancer. One thing that we have heard mentioned many times through many different venues such as television and magazines is the word 'antioxidants'. To put it simply, that is the good stuff that helps to get rid of the bad stuff in our body. In my last blog I discussed Glutathione, today its Beta Carotene.***





Beta Carotene-nope, not a character out of Star Wars or any other futuristic type movie. So what is it? Beta Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that is transformed into Vitamin A in the body. Beta Carotene, an immune booster that is associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Helpful in preventing the hardening/ thickening of arteries and reduces blood cholesterol. Studies show that beta carotene helps in a long list of diseases some of which are macular degeneration, head aches, heart disease, to name a few. It can be used to improve one's vision and improve skin conditions.



A Harvard University study showed that if you were to consume 50mg of beta carotene daily it cuts in half the risk of heart attack and strokes.



Beta Carotene commonly found in almost all the green, yellow, orange vegetables and fruits. The web site www.nutrition-and-you.com/beta-carotene.html has the following list:



Some of the common vegetables.frits/herbs/nuts per100g of weight with the highest content of B-carotenes are:



vegetables:

Brussel sprouts 450 mcg

Carrots 8285 mcg

Collard greens 3842 mcg

Endive 1500mcg

French Beans 379 mcg

Kale 9226 mcg

Lettuce 5226 mcg

Mustard Greens 6300 mcg

Pumpkin 3100 mcg

Spinach 5626 mcg

Sweet Potato 8509 mcg

Swiss Chard 3647 mcg

Tomato 449mcg

Watercress 1914 mcg

Fruits

Apricots 1094mcg

Cantaloupes 2020mcg

Guava 374mcg

Mango 445mcg

Orange 71mcg

Papaya 276mcg

Persimmon fruit 253mcg

Plums 190mcg

Watermelon 303mcg

Herbs

Basil 3142 mcg

Cliantro 3930mcg

Parsley 5054 mcg

Thyme 2264mcg

Nuts

Pistachio 332mcg

Walnuts 12mcg





So, if you want help in battling heart disease, respiratory system problems, cancer.strengthen the immune system, diabetes,cover you from the radiation from the light of the sun s well as help with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Load up on some of the foods mentioned above or a supplement..if you allow your vitamin A levels to drop the body suffers.

***
resources
http://www.aimforherbs.comwww.nutrition-and-you.com/
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/
http://www.rheumatoid-arthritis-decisions.com/

Project Cancer Prevention-more on foods and something called, Glutathione

I scoured the internet searching for information on foods that we eat and what they do as far as preventing cancer. From various studies I read these are some of the findings. There was also the information on the foods that one should avoid due to the body's reaction to them, and their possible promotion of some cancers.**



As was stated in the first blog..to help oneself be healthy, one must eat healthy. I did mention some of the fruits and vegetables that are good choices. Today we'll go into a bit deeper depth on why.



Free Radicals. No that isn't a new rock music sensation, nor is it an unruly mob bent on destruction. Wait-- maybe it is an unruly mob set to damage your body's cells. Free radicals are the by product of cell metabolism have unpaired electrons in their outer orbits, causing them to pull electrons from other cells, damaging them. To inhibit the collection of these free radicals one needs a substance known as antioxidants. A substance that is found in a variety of foods.



So, where do we find these antioxidants? If you're one of those folks that as a kid turned up your nose with an emphatic "YUCK" you aren't going to like this next part.



Cue theme music for super hero here. According to many of the studies that I have read medical science categorizes Glutathione complex as a 'super antioxidant'. Without this, we would die. Glutathione (glue-ta-thigh-on) otherwse known as GSH is not found in food sources as it is made only by our bodies. Studies show that Glutathione is a 'super' antioxidant, an immune booster, detoxifier, anti-ageing, skin-whitener. Glutathione reduces the chance of developing cancer, improves mental function, increases energy and improves heart and lung function.





The following foods help our body to make Glutathione and boost its levels in our system.



Avocado

Asparagus

Broccoli

Garlic

Raw Eggs

Spinach

tomatoes

brussels sprouts

cabbage

cauliflower

peaches

watermelon

walnuts



several spices including



Curcumin (turmeric)

cinnamon

and cardamom



and even fresh unprocessed meats



Your body 'handcuffs' the toxins in your system to glutathione then excretes it out of the boy usually via the kidneys and urine. Processed foods, microwaved, junk foods, these are toxins to our systems. The chemicals in these create free radicals that require a lot of antioxidants to neutralize. We are also exposed to toxins in the air, radiation,carcinogens, stress to name a few. All this shows that it is not only important but essential that we eat the foods necessary to increase the levels of Glutathione in our system, our health depends on it.









**references:

amazing-glutathione.com

livestrong.com/258892-how to prevent cancer through diet and the foods that fight cancer

rheumatoid-arthritis-decision.com

effectsofglutathione.com



































Blessed, a collection of God given inspirational poetry by Rebecca Stepp Revels is available now @

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=2137587

and now also at

Amazon, Books-a-Million and Barnes and Noble .com





The Legend of Dragon's Doom:a Young Warrior's vow, by RS Revels is available @

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-legend-of-dragons-doom-a-young-warriors-vow/7505820

and other online sites





also @ Bookin' It, your mobile bookstore @ www.bookin-it.com



Available now @ http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/blessed-in-his-promises/12670945:

Blessed in His Promises



All books available @ Poor Richard's Book Shoppe @ www.PRBookShoppe.com



http://main.acsevents.org/goto/rebeccasrevels

project prevent cancer-code 1-- diet

Preventing cancer. What can we, as ordinary people do? Just as there are many different types of cancer, there are many different things that we must do. First and foremost is work hard to educate ourselves. There are many different avenues of getting the information we need to arm ourselves. Any of the agencies that work toward research, assistance and cures should be able to offer information. Libraries, doctors and of course the internet.

Once you have your information it will be obvious that- with all probability- there are going to have to be some life style changes. After being diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2008 I have worked diligently to prevent a reoccurrence by making some of those life style changes myself. One of which is diet.

I am a recovering junk food junky. I do not say that lightly. There was a time when I could put away large bags of candy in a day. I once consumed an entire pan of home made fudge on my own--in one day. My diet consisted of donuts, pastries, chocolate and more chocolate. Processed sugar was my best friend. With coffee running a close second. When I was undergoing the radiation treatments I discovered that my body could not tolerate the processed sugar or the caffeine. It was then that my diet began to undergo its transformation. One that continues today.

I learned to combat my sweet tooth's cravings with fruit. A slice of watermelon calmed in quickly. My daily meals soon became much more healthy, filled with fruits and vegetables. It can be more costly to eat healthy, but if you can grow your own or have access to farmer's markets that helps cut down on the cost tremendously. Over the course of time I have learned that by adding these to my diet will boost my immune system. Some fruits and vegetables can also help fight and destroy cancer cells. Many studies have been done and come up with the following standings. While there are the concerns that it hasn't been fully proven that diet prevents cancer, changing one's diet does definitely make a difference.

Eat a diet consisting of a bigger variety of foods in moderation.

Some of the foods that will help, broccoli, collards, dark green leafy vegetables that contain cancer-fighting phytochemicals and high levels of glucosinolate according to studies can inhibit the buildup of carcinogens that damage DNA, or by altering cell-signaling pathways.

Avocados, rich in glutathione a substance that attacks free radicals, supplies potassium, and is a strong source of beta-carotene. Carrots and pumpkin also contain beta-carotene. Beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, teas,,,

The list continues, each item with their own particular cancer fighting properties. Rather than list them all, it is easier to suggest a diet that is varied, high in fiber with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Drink plenty of water to help keep the body hydrated and to flush out wastes.

Vitamin supplements can also help in getting the needed nutrients into your system.

Avoid or at least limit meats high in fat, hydrogenated oils, foods high in fats, deep fried foods. Limit your alcohol intake. Remember to eat in moderation. Eating several meals a day is better and keeps the body's metabolism working more efficiently.

So that apple a day thing--could actually be true..

simple things (thank you dad I love you)

To learn from you

simple things

to learn how to fish

also a lesson in patience

self-reliance

to learn, how to wait

for just that right chance

and snag the moment

as we snag that fish

To learn from you

simple things

to learn, how to tell a tale

tell a joke

to hold the listener's attention

until the moment the punch line is delivered

to learn

communication

as we hold the moment

To learn from you

simple things

caring for the animals that is our charge

keeping them fed and watered, training them

teaching us

not only how to care for pets

but in a sense, teaching responsibility

to make us ready

for children of our own

To learn from you

simple things

taking care of the material things

putting them away

making sure they are in safe locations

we learn, how to make things last

right up until that last moment

when there is no more

to know, we have not been wasteful

with what we hold

To learn from you

simple things

like love, respect for others

to laugh, to play

to work and learn

simple things

that make this life

more special

thank you dad

for those lessons

on all the simple things

Blessed, a collection of God given inspirational poetry by Rebecca Stepp Revels is available now @

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=2137587

and now also at

Amazon, Books-a-Million and Barnes and Noble .com

The Legend of Dragon's Doom:a Young Warrior's vow, by RS Revels is available @

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-legend-of-dragons-doom-a-young-warriors-vow/7505820

and other online sites

also @ Bookin' It, your mobile bookstore @ www.bookin-it.com

Available now @ http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/blessed-in-his-promises/12670945:

Blessed in His Promises

All books available @ Poor Richard's Book Shoppe @ www.PRBookShoppe.com

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/rebeccasrevels

when I was younger- honeysuckle memories

When I was young(er) there were only four houses on the Dirt Road. When I was younger, there was no such thing as video games and movies on demand. What we had was a great big world to play in, and that was what was expected. That, was what we did.




As you came down our dirt road there was our house, my grandparent's home, woods and then the other two homes. The last one was where friends lived. Between my grandparent's home and the last home we had created trails. The main trail was wide, it was used often while riding our bikes. We would make a big circle from our grandparent's down the path hang a right and go back up the road to start all over again. Off to one side we had built a nice ranch-type club area. The other side held trails that lead off into the woods.



It was along these trails that we were adventurers, set out to create imaginary fun. We were guides, discovering new lands, new lifeforms and rediscovering old. We hiked mountains, through giant ferns and swamps. We fought monster mosquito and snake. We had an amazing amount of fun.





Summer is, was, and always will be my favorite time of year. I know its incredibly hot, but I can deal with the summer heat much better than I will ever be able to deal with cold. Shorts, bare feet and freedom. Vegetables straight from the garden, drinking from the garden hose, riding bikes with hands held high. Sweet freedom with a summer sun beating down. Spitting watermelon seeds and wading in the puddles left by summer showers.



We spent time making up new ways to play old games. And we rode those, one speed- brakes in the pedals- bikes, without helmets, without tons of protection, without shoes. We controlled the road and we controlled the trails. We attached streamers and cards. We rode, we fell and we got up again. We rode through puddles and over rocks and through the trails in the woods. One of the things I loved on those trails were the honeysuckle. You could smell them long before you got to them. When I found out that you could also pull the flower from the vine and drink the nectar I was overjoyed.



The honeysuckle quickly became integral in our adventures. I lost count on how many times it was those flowers that 'saved' us from one imaginary misadventure or other. We have honeysuckle vines growing along the far side of the fence. My husband doesn't understand why I refuse to allow him to cut them down. There is no way I can explain how what he considers a weed, was a summer time lifesaver so long ago. Once upon a time.... and the memories..continue

condensed version of my story

I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I am currently cancer free. I have written about this many times and in many places. It is not my intent to worry this topic to death. My intent with these writings is to discuss not only treatments and their effects on the cancer fighter, but ways to prevent cancer as well. I will start these from the beginning of my experience.




In 2007 I went for my first mammogram around Thanksgiving. While all I knew of mammograms were the horror stories I have been told I went in unafraid. Embarrassed, but unafraid. After all the mashing and squeezing I was told that since it was my first mammogram and they had nothing to compare to that I would probably be called back. If that happened not to be afraid. I was called back and it was scheduled for the day after Christmas. So while others were out scooping up the big deals I was once again getting mashed and mangled. After the first set of images the technician went to show them to the doctor. I was asked to wait. Coming back she wanted another set of images. Then another. Returning she told me that I could get dressed but that they wanted an ultrasound. Walking back to the waiting area she tried to carry on a conversation but failed. She said it was routine, but it was obvious that it wasn't. After the ultra sound I was told I could get dressed and leave and that my doctor would be in touch.



When they called, I was told I needed to see a surgeon. It wasn't confirmed, but there was a chance it was cancer. It was a couple of weeks before I could see her. Leaving work I went to the office and waited. She was running behind so the wait was long enough to cause me to become nervous. After the initial conversation and examination she too wanted an ultrasound. Almost immediately she found what they had seen on the mammogram. She was surprised they had actually saw it because of how small it was. She gave me the alternatives I had, one of which was a needle biopsy. It was decided that the needle biopsy would be done. That area is not made for having needles stuck in it. I'll be the first to admit- that hurt. She then told me I could get dressed and that they would schedule my appointment for the following Tuesday when I would get the results.



The results was that A-typical cells were present. That did not mean I had cancer, but usually when A-typical cells were present, then so was cancer. I was going to need a surgical biopsy. That meant a lot of questions and tests to prepare for it. Blood work an MRI and x-rays later and soon I was walking into the out patient office for the surgery. My husband was with me, and stayed with me until they sent him to the waiting area. Pushed into the operating room the last I remember is that huge assortment of bright lights, then nothing. Waking up later I was offered crackers and a drink. Told I could get dressed and leave my husband brought me home. I was so sick. After losing the crackers and drink I made it to bed where I stayed.



The biopsy left me in pain, but I took care of it with over the counter pain relief. Thankfully work was easy on me. A week later I was back in the surgeon's office. She came in with an assistant confirming what I already knew. She came over, sat beside me on the examining table and told me, I had cancer. Matter of factly I told her, she knew what it was, and where it was- take care of it.



Another round of tests and questions and the day arrived for my surgery. My husband drove me to the hospital. Being that he was out of work and had an interview so he left as soon as my mother arrived to be with me. The youth minister from our church dropped by and stayed with mom for a while. I was poked, I was prodded I was stuck by needles to mark the area. I was given special hose to wear to help prevent blood clots and being I was freezing- given warmed blankets. After talking with many people, hearing explanations and instructions, pushed from room to room, I was finally pushed into the operating room. Again, the lights were the last thing I remember. Later when I awoke my husband was back. I was again given crackers and a drink. Shortly afterwards I was allowed to dress and go home. Where I again went to bed and stayed.



I returned to work two days later. Given instructions that my job was to point and instruct only. I liked that part. Going back to the surgeon's on the third day I was told that I would soon be seeing the oncologist for the initial meeting. She released me to return to work and gave me another appointment to return to see her. She was going to send in for a certain test to be done on a specimen to see whether I was going to need radiation and chemotherapy or just radiation.



I have a great respect for my surgeon for her abilities and her personality. I found the same respect for my oncologist. It took several weeks but I found out I was only going to need radiation. To me, that was enough. The treatments though necessary were embarrassing. They also left me with no energy what so ever. I found that I could not handle drinking the cup after cup of coffee nor any of the many junk foods that I so loved. When I tried there was no sugar rush then crash- there was just the crash. My diet was about to change drastically along with a lot of other things.



Right about the time I was finishing my radiation treatments I participated in my first relay for Life. No one thought I'd be able to stay the night but I was determined and I did manage to stay.



Here it is 2011, I have been cancer free since my surgery and treatments. Over the course of time I have seen, heard and learned a lot. That is what I hope to share. In the hopes that others will be able to better handle their own battle, or that the battle may be prevented to begin with.