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My Personal Conflict With Homeopathy

 

Last week I blogged about my newfound interest in homeopathy and the class I am taking on the subject. It has been a fascinating journey so far and I really am enjoying all the new information. (I should probably mention that I’m about 2 weeks behind on my lectures and assignments but I don’t think you’ll tell on me, right?)

My main reason for studying homeopathy in the first place is twofold:

a) It’s a large division of Natural Healing that I knew absolutely nothing about.

Many people sort of lump it together as the same as the rest of natural, holistic methods – and this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Homeopathy and its methods are its own entities, with their own procedures and set of rules. If you ‘break’ them – it’s no longer considered homeopathy.

b) What can it do for me and my family?

I suppose anytime we learn about something that interests us, we ask ourselves this question. Is homeopathy something that I would consider using in the future (or present) when health issues arise? Can it help us in ways that other natural healing modalities can’t?

Those have been my two motives.

So far, I have come across one very large conflict.

Duby’s Bowl For Healing

I have always been a huge believer and proponent in creating a “bowl for healing.” What this means is, just like my blog – the 5 Pillars – it’s important to create not ONE but several avenues of healing.

- A physical healing. Nutrition is KEY … exercise, sleep, fresh air, clean water. Etc. We can do yoga and meditate all day, but if we’re eating Snickers for lunch and Jelly Bellies for supper – well, it aint gonna cut it.

- An emotional healing – my Doc tells me that EVERY illness has a mental component. (I suppose that’s hard to understand when it’s something simple such as an ear infection or strep throat…) but the fact remains, there can always be an emotional healing that accompanies a physical one.

- An Energetic Healing. I know I haven’t blogged about this topic at length but more and more we (as in alternative health minded people) are learning about Energy Medicine and how it plays a huge role in not only healing from illness but increasing in energy, vitality, moods, stamina etc. (who wouldn’t want that?) Energy healing can take many forms – such as Meridian tracing, Chakra clearing … things like Acupuncture, EFT, EMDR, Polarity… there are so many kinds, its difficult to list all!

The point in creating a ‘bowl’ for healing is so we as – one WHOLE body – which includes body AND mind AND spirit – can have a complete and entire healing.

The beauty of Homeopathy is that it prides itself on being THE ultimate healing modality that does this complete healing the best. Why?

Because Homeopathy teaches that with ONE single remedy – it has a combination and is a ‘recipe’ of your complete condition INCLUDING the mental, emotional and physical issues.

Why? Because Homeopathy – while a physical remedy, is considered an “energy medicine” that helps realign a person’s “Vital Force.” In doing so, this sets off a chain reaction – healing all the parts that are imbalanced – whether it’s a physical or mental imbalance.

Now, I MUST mention that MOST holistic therapies do this as well. My Doc would probably never speak to me again if I said his teachings on Naturopathy don’t include mental and emotional aspects of an illness – it CERTAINLY does!! In my first appointment with him, he drilled me (in that loving way of his) about my personal lifestyle and environment – and took that into great consideration when working with me.

However, as much as it’s strange to write this, based on my class and what I’ve learned, Homeopathy believes that they do this healing different – and BETTER than everybody else, ALMOST sounding like no other therapy is needed. (I’m not educated enough to argue this point, I’m merely relaying over the concepts I’ve been learning)

Who would have thought a school of healing could be so elitist? Smile

Getting back to My Personal Conflict:

It’s quite simple.

When taking a Homeopathic Remedy, they teach you that there are things you should stay away from, or try not to do – because it can interfere with the Remedies at work. Since it’s considered an ENERGY Medicine – they tell you to stay away from ENERGY medicines.

So, if you get acupuncture, or do something like EFT, Chakra therapy – then it might cause the remedy not to work.

Also, taking any kind of vitamins or herbal tincture can get in the way of a remedy working.

(have you figured out my conflict yet?)

I know that while on Allopathic medications –one needs to stay away from certain substances. (although quite frankly since I’ve never taken antibiotics, I can’t tell you what. But obviously there are substances that don’t mix with prescription drugs!)

Nevertheless, when it comes to holistic healing, I have a hard time with the concept of taking an “end all be all” one remedy – and having to stop all other things. Something about that doesn’t sit right with me. I understand why those rules are in place – I understand that it can interfere – but does that mean I have to get rid of my “bowl of healing?” Do I need to discard it and put all my eggs into one… plate?

The truth is I am a new student to Homeopathy and still in the beginning of the journey. And who knows, maybe it’s one of those things where I shouldn’t “knock it till I try it.”

 
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Posted by on February 17, 2012 in Emotional Health, Mental Health, Physical Health

 

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Getting Healthier in 2012 – Rethinking!

 

the_thinkerI have been doing a lot of thinking lately, (oh no! Smile) and I have officially named 2012 – The Year of Health! (sounds awesome, no?) Obviously a motto or resolution of “getting healthier” is very vague and can be very confusing. So to help makes things easier, I decided to narrow it down to one simple concept – “Rethinking Health.”

Time to rethink what we assume we know about health, and to stretch our brains a little bit. Even if we don’t change a single habit, if we begin to view things a little differently then I’d like to believe we’re on the right path.

So for me, I’ve been doing some “rethinking.”

It’s interesting how over the years my perceptions and understanding of true health has changed quite dramatically. It’s a little extreme to go from eating processed and unhealthy foods to eating sprouts and vegan tofu!!! The journey to true health is a real journey, and while it might sound silly, it really isn’t a journey that should be rushed lest you miss some valuable lessons along the way.

Valuable Lessons? What kind of lessons can you learn from eating carrots?

Well, I’m so very happy you asked. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from my “journey” towards a happier and healthy life. (feel free to comment on what YOU have learned from your healthy habits)

1. Nutrition is not something to be taken lightly.

We always joke about how some people can eat so much junk food and never gain a pound. Well, it’s not about weight and it’s not about pounds and we must as a society stop putting so much WEIGHT on how much we WEIGH. When a person is overweight, it’s merely a symptom of something that’s out of balance. (incorrect eating, lifestyle habits, stress, lack of physical exercise etc.)

I never really took nutrition seriously. Ok, so I knew I shouldn’t pig out on Donuts at the Chanukah party because I would feel bloated and gain a pound or two. But I never understood that it goes much more beyond the bloated feeling for a few hours. The way we eat DIRECTLY affects EVERY other aspect of our lives. Our moods, our cognitive skills, our sex lives, our energy levels, our immune system….

In simple terms – our food can make us or break us.

And as I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “we are what we eat.”

2. Health is more than just not being Sick

This is an attitude that I find in alternative health more so than in the conventional health world (for those of you who go to regular MD’s – you’ll have to let me know if they teach this as well.)

The point is that true health is an all- encompassing freedom. Free from physical ills, free from emotional baggage that holds you back, and clear focused sharp mental capacity. (and if you’ve been following my blog, you know I believe Spiritual Health to be equally important – living with a sense of a higher purpose etc)

If a person has to take blood pressure medication every day of their lives – that’s not exactly physical health, is it? It’s called disease management. If I am physically healthy with boundless energy, yet I have a hard time concentrating and focusing in class – that means my mental faculties are imbalanced and no, I’m not fully healthy.

I think this is a hard concept amongst conventional medicines because we are so used to compartmentalizing things. If I’m depressed then I go to a therapist, and if I have a stomachache I go to a general practitioner. But if I’m depressed because I got into a fight with my husband, it’s highly likely that I will have stomach issues! My point is that we are an entire body that consists of mind, body and spirit – - and should be treated as such, not as individual symptoms. (I believe that this is most taught in the school of Homeopathy which truly takes into an account a person’s emotional/mental well being when prescribing a remedy)

3. Our Lifestyle Can Be Just as Poisonous

This is tough one to explain because it means taking a hard honest look at where we work, who we interact with and what items we use on a daily basis. So, I’m sure we’re all familiar with the term “Toxic Relationships” – coined for those friends we looove to hang out with, but for some reason afterwards we feel like crap?

This applies to our work environment also. For example, we knew there was a problem, when every Sunday night my husband would get depressed thinking he would have to go back to work Monday morning, and knowing he would have to deal with certain people.

These people as individuals might be wonderful caring and kindhearted – but to you (or me) they might be TOXIC.

A toxic environment WILL play a huge role in your overall health. Personally, I think this is the hardest one of them all. Eating healthier, taking vitamins, doing Yoga is one thing … but leaving a job, or a city, or a friendship because its not healthy is very difficult to do.

As for ‘items’ that are toxic… overusing computers, cell phones, microwaves, aluminum bake-ware – items we use every day, they directly effect our energetic systems and ultimately our health.

4. True Health & Wellness Helps Us Be Happier

This is a big Statement!

- When life is in balance – our work life – our personal life, there is a sense of peace and tranquility and things are in healthy flow. 

- When we are in healthy environments, feeding our bodies the proper nourishment, our emotional responses are appropriate and our mental faculties are sharp.

- When we are aware and mindful of our surroundings – we are able to acknowledge what is good for us and keep the rest out, allowing us to create a happier life.

I have been enjoying this “RE-thinking” thing, and I plan to continue this vein. Over the next few days / weeks I’ll be discussing Rethinking our Physical Health and Emotional Health.

I hope you’ll join in the discussion!

 
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Posted by on January 12, 2012 in Emotional Health, Mental Health, Physical Health

 

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Following the Crowd Like Sheep

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about sheep recently. As I’m sure you know, I speak to many people about their health practices and ideals, and in my mind, “sheep” is an excellent way to describe them. I first heard this term being used by alternative health organizations, (in a very negative way). It describes people who don’t know better and follow the medical system blindly, as sheep do, without ever really finding out the truth for themselves or learning to make their own decisions.

The more I have learnt, the more I find this to be true; so (naturally) I decided to blog about it.

A few years ago I was a sheep. (ouch!) I listened to what my Doctor told me, and I believed and did whatever I was told. Sadly though, something was not right. At some point, I had to ask myself, “why isn’t this working?” Sure, my doctor was smart – and YES I know – my doctor went to medical school and I did NOT – however, there comes a time when you need to KNOW your own body. As unorthodox as it sounds, I needed to be responsible and be the “doctor” for my body.

And so, I began to research – to ask the WHY questions, and not to stop until I got some answers. Now, many of you might not feel you need to ask the WHY questions because you’re pretty satisfied with your health, or your child’s health – and maybe your medical doctor has been wonderful to you and all’s fine and dandy. And that’s great too. But, really – let’s think for a minute. With a fine tooth comb, we study our cell phone bills – looking for mistakes. We examine with a sharp eye our bank statements to make sure there are no errors. We harshly judge our children’s teachers because we want to make sure our kid is getting the best possible education.

Why do we not do the same with our medical system?

Its mind boggling, watching people follow like meek and timid sheep with little or no independence when it comes to taking responsibility for our health.. There is always room to ask WHY, to discern and understand the reasons. There should be no such thing as: “That’s just the way it is.”

I decided to blog about this now because tonight /tomorrow I will be commemorating my mother’s Yartzeit. She passed away in 2002 at the young age of 49. When I was just a young toddler my mother was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and unfortunately, I never really got to know who she really was, the person behind the illness. There is one lesson that I learned from her that I will never forget. When I was a kid, during those turbulent years when I had no friends and felt I’d never fit in with my snobby and elitist classmates, my mother constantly reminded me: “Do Your Own Thing.” She would say to me, “if everyone is doing one thing, but you want to do another – Do what YOU want.” Never EVER “follow the crowd” blindly, but decide for myself what it is I wanted and what is right for me. She promised me, that if I was true to myself and listened to my heart, then soon people will be following ME instead of the other way around.

Of course, this lesson took me years to learn. Maybe that’s why today I’m so adamant of doing things differently? (my pink wedding gown perhaps? Smile)

As an advocate for alternative health and responsible living, this lesson of not following like timid sheep is important now more than ever. It’s imperative we learn to take action for our health instead of just following the crowds and the “norms.”

On my mom’s yartzeit, I believe that she’d be happy I’m living this valuable lesson daily and I only hope that you try to do the same.

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steps

My mom, my brother and me (with my AWESOMELY wild curly hair) on our front steps in Albany, NY.

to be cropped

Mommy & Me Smile (wasn’t I a cutie patootie?)

Family Picture - 1982

My Family way back when… (I don’t look very happy to be there. It must be the hideous fuchsia velour outfit I’m wearing. Well it was the 80’s….)

 
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Posted by on January 9, 2012 in Misc. Ramblings

 

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Mental Health: The Best Chanukah Gift Ever!!!!

comic 2

This post is not my original idea. I found this idea from a recent article on the Chronic Babe website. The woman who runs the website, Jenni, blogs about Chronic Illness. She gives tips for maintaining a healthy balance in life, something that’s imperative to people who live with illnesses.

I read her recent newsletter entitled “The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself” and I was IMMEDIATELY inspired. So I’ll just shut up, and get right to it …

The BEST Gift you can Give Yourself…

P.T.M.O.

Permission To Miss Out.

It’s the simplest of things, but for some reason I needed this lesson to be spelled out for me. Permission To Miss Out means allowing yourself to say “I’m staying home tonight.” It means not going to EVERY Chanukah party or Menorah Lighting. Not buying a million gifts for every niece and nephew, and it means deciding not to bake a thousand donuts for the Shul Chanukah party. Permission To Miss Out is an incredible gift that allows anyone to realize their limits and to pick and choose instead of trying to do it all.

I needed this lesson because this is something I do EVERY SINGLE year (without realizing it). I get very excited when the holidays come (no matter which holiday, it’s always an exciting time!) and of course Chanukah is no different. Just the other night I was going through all the upcoming events in our community and I even picked out what I’m going to wear!!! (yes, my husband rolled my eyes) I am in the process of buying and wrapping all my gifts, planning what goodies I want to bake to bring to my in laws … and of course planning the family Chanukah shindig. Then yesterday, I read this article and it hit me like a ton of bricks! This is what I do every single year. Every year I get wrapped up (quite literally) in all the excitement, and I go into the holiday planning to go to every party, every holiday lighting and halfway through Chanukah I am exhausted, burned out and upset that I end up missing that last few events…

Why hadn’t this occurred to me sooner? It’s time I learned the beauty in PTMO.

So last night I went through all the different events and stuff I very much want to do, and I prioritized. I chose 2 or 3 parties that I know FORSURE I don’t want to miss, and the rest is completely optional. This way, I won’t go in with unrealistic expectations that by the 5th night of Chanukah if I SEE another latke I’ll practically puke. And somehow, this little PTMO exercise instantly helped me feel a lot calmer about the whole holiday.

While this article was geared for people who have illnesses where they need to be extremely careful how much they over extend themselves during this busy season, I felt that this concept really relates to EVERYONE.

We ALL do so much ALL the time and even though physically we may feel we can handle it, it’s crucial we learn that fine line between doing and overdoing.

We can use a little bit of PTMO in our lives and feel happy that we can enjoy the holiday without burning the (Chanukah) candle at both ends.

Happy Chanukah everyone !!!!

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Don’t Forget –

My Chanukah Giveaway (AKA – FREE MONEY !) is right around the corner!

Someone mentioned to me the other night that they didn’t post my blog or tweet it because they wanted to give someone else a chance to win. Please know that EVERYONE is eligible to win (except the guy I sleep with) – so feel free to spread the word !!! Smile Smile

Click Here for more details about the Giveaway

 
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Posted by on December 8, 2011 in Mental Health

 

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Welcome to the World of Natural Medicine Part 2: Victim or Empowered?

joke 1In my last post, we discussed that the holistic attitude treats the person as a WHOLE, and doesn’t only look at the symptoms. In doing so, we try to find the CAUSE of the ailment or issue. When we focus on treating the underlying cause, we rectify the problem and the symptoms disappear along with it.

Today, I want to bring up a point that isn’t always obvious when it comes to Natural Medicine Vs. Conventional treatments.

Taking Responsibility for our OWN Health Care

I had never thought much about this concept until I started reading the health Newsletters that my Doctor’s office publishes. He keeps pushing this concept of taking responsibility, and instead of feeling like a “victim” to really feel empowered to make choices in our healthcare.

What does this mean?

I hope these 3 examples will help explain this.

Story One:

The other day my friend called me. (and Lord I hope she isn’t pissed that I’m using her story for my blog :) ) My friend has a little baby – and she recently took her for a checkup. She goes to a regular pediatrician, will try a natural remedy once in a while, but for the most part is mainstream in the medical care she gives her child.

Ok –so here’s the story.

At this recent check- up, the Doctor was discussing with my friend about getting the next round of Vaccinations. My friend has no problem with immunizations, and at this point her baby is 100% up to date on all her shots. However, she discussed with the doctor about slowing it down, perhaps spacing the shots out over time… allow my friend to research some more if ALL the shots are even necessary. etc etc. (ya know voicing a normal parental concern).

Well, instead of being reassured, and discussing the options for the baby, instead, my friend was met with an attack that she is a horrible and irresponsible mother if she doesn’t give her baby ALL the shots on time. The pediatrician then began to give my friend statistics of babies who have died because they didn’t receive their shots, and plainly told my friend that if her baby wasn’t immunized, she might be one of those dead babies.

My dear readers, I am NOT making this story up. (or paraphrasing)

My friend told me that she left the Pediatrician’s office horrified and quite traumatized. She never had any inkling to skip Vaccines and her doctor was already giving her the third degree.

I am super proud that my friend stood up – left the doctor’s office and found a new Pediatrician for her infant.

THIS is what I mean when I ask “are we taking responsibility?” Do we have no say in what we believe is right for our family’s health? Do we just listen to whatever the Doctor says even if we don’t fully think it’s the correct thing?

Here’s another ‘fun’ example – this time a little different.

Story Two:

I read many health blogs. Through these blogs I have met extraordinary people who have debilitating chronic illnesses. These are people that when you look at them, they seem fine, healthy, ‘normal’, but they are plagued by ‘invisible illnesses.” Diseases that hold them back from having a proper functioning day or life.

It’s very inspiring (and often times heart breaking ) to read their blogs… but there is a common thread that is found amongst many if not all of them.

The Doctors CANNOT help them!

Many of these people go from specialist to specialist for YEARS to find out what’s wrong with them… blood tests, invasive procedures just to get a “name” for what is crippling them – only to receive answers such as “we don’t know what’s wrong with you” or “go to a Psychiatrist because we can’t find anything wrong.” These are people who follow the “rules” of conventional medicine, going to doctors, getting their shots, etc.

Its heartbreaking to read about my fellow bloggers who depend on pills of pain medication, anti inflammatory meds – just to help them get through the day. These aren’t medications to help FIX their problem, but just to MANAGE their issue – so they’re not crying out in pain day after day.

THIS is what I mean when I say “are we just a victim?” if the Doctor throws his hands up and shrugs – does that mean I’m doomed to a life with little to no hope?

THIS is what we mean when we say:

Take Responsibility for your OWN health.

What does this mean on a practical level?

Here’s my last example that I hope will answer this question.

Story Three:

Last week I read an article from The School of Natural Healing. I always find their stories and articles fascinating and I love that the stories are about your average Joe Shmo American.

The story goes like this. (I’ll keep it brief Smile)

A mom was feeding her young son supper. In the dish was Cashews, and not realizing it at the time, her son is allergic. So, in the middle of eating, as you can imagine: the kid’s face blows up, eyes swell shut – ya know – typical allergic reaction.

(I just want to point out here that as I’m reading this story, I’m waiting for her to get the point where she jumps in the car and takes the kid to the emergency room – because even with my “vast” (ha!) knowledge of Natural Remedies – I would have NO idea what to do in this situation except PANIC, FREAK OUT and call my hubby Smile)

But back to the story.

The mom goes on to explain what herbs, remedies and other stuff she gave her son and how his condition was monitored over the next few hours. The swelling goes down, the redness goes away, he vomits, goes to sleep, and the next morning he’s back to normal.

NO TRIP TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM!

It reminded me that so often – SO OFTEN – we don’t know how to handle basic health issues. Please don’t misunderstand me – I know there is a time when we need to call our Doctor, or rush to the ER, but imagine how empowered (and less panicked) we can be if we all had a basic understanding of how to deal with situations. (even if it just means understanding both is happening to our bodies, and the effect of what we are putting into them.)doctor 1

This is what I mean when I say – are we victims? Are we just sheep that follow what the system tells us we must do? Or do we take responsibility for our own health – do our own research, understand what our bodies are telling us, thereby making decisions (with the help of Doctors) that we feel confident is best for us and our families?

What do you think?

 
2 Comments

Posted by on November 12, 2011 in Physical Health

 

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Vegan?! You Poor Thing!!!

vegan_farmsThere are plenty of scientific arguments for and against going Vegan. This post will NOT be discussing those Smile (sorry if I let your hopes down.)

Actually, this post is about the incredulous responses that I have been getting from people when I tell them the details of our cleanse. Yes, people think its nuts.. or weird.. or psycho… or on the more positive spectrum – they think its cool – or impressed with the hard work and discipline. What I find MOST baffling is that people are amazed / taken aback / horrified (almost) at the thought of going Vegan for the purpose of doing the detox. (For those who might be a bit behind – click here to read about our Total Body Cleanse we are currently doing. A program entirely Organic and Vegan).

Thinking about it – yes, for someone who eats meat and chicken, fish and cheeses all week long – and more so on Shabbos- going completely vegan sounds extreme and difficult, but what amazes me is that these are people who do the same exact same thing once a year. It’s called PESACH. Every year on Pesach, the Jewish people “Detox.” We detox from bread and cookies and crackers and focus on Matzah. We learn that Matzah symbolizes humility while bread symbolizes “puffiness” which can be likened to arrogance. Each year for 8 days we detox our entire homes, kitchens and souls from the “chomatz” in our lives and we do it whole heartedly and never think twice.

Then why my friends, is it so difficult to wrap your heads around doing a PHYSICAL detox? Why is it so strange to think that I value my health, and the health of my husband – and therefore I want our bodies to be better and stronger? I found it amusing that being so “crazy” about Matzah crumbs and peeling every single vegetable is no big deal, but abstaining from eating animal proteins for a few weeks is just unfathomable.

The truth is that in Judaism – our health plays a key role. Without our physical bodies, we are literally unable to do ANY of our soul’s mission here on earth.

I know a guy….

I know a Rabbi in California, and he’s a very thin guy. His wife was telling me that he used to be extremely heavy. (She showed me pictures to prove it) He was ummm… BIG to put it mildly., As the Rabbi of a Shul, being active and eating healthy was never high on his priority list because he had “more important things to do…” One day he was walking to Shul – and he couldn’t go past the end of his block. He was panting, couldn’t catch his breath and needed to sit down. (If I remember correctly, I think he had to go home because they were scared it was more than just shortness of breath.) Long story short, this wasn’t something he could ignore any longer and made some drastic changes… and today the guy is a skinny pickle! (why that term is used I have no idea.. since when are pickles skinny?!) In any case, this Rabbi couldn’t walk to SHUL – his whole mission in life – to serve G-d and to take care of the Jewish families in his community he was physically unable to do because his body was not functioning the way it should.

This is the beauty of Judaism – it puts as great importance on our spiritual health as it does on our physical health. This is why when it comes to emergency life or death situations – we are allowed to transgress the Shabbos or Yom Tov. If we have good energy and vitality we are able to do our life’s mission with fervor, strength and passion as opposed to fatigue with our feet dragging behind us.

Of course it is easier said than done. Many people I know who are staunch health advocates usually had some sort of health scare, or ailment that gave them the ambition to lead fully healthy lives. However on the flip side, many of my young mom friends are taking control of their young children’s healthy habits from an early stage in life, so there won’t be “huffing and puffing” and extreme drastic changes needed later on.

And of course, it is my hope that I can inspire at least someone out there to help them realize that a healthy life means a more fulfilled life… and isn’t that ultimately what G-d wants?

 
 

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