Gift Yourself - A "Final Act of Generosity"

In my December 6th, 2018 wellness blog I discussed estate planning and end of life care. Some may find this topic a bit inappropriate during the holiday season, though I disagree. What better time to have candid discussions with those closest to you? Families and friends, some though not all, tend to spend more time together this time of year. Plus, depending on your spiritual and/or religious beliefs…this is a time that the acts of birth, death, and renewal are on the minds and hearts of many.

The last task I completed on my estate planning to-do list this year was to finalize what will happen after I have passed away. I decided to donate my body to science, specifically, to the University of Utah medical school anatomy lab. I am an alumni of the University of Utah, have very strong feelings towards the importance of research, and received some of my own training in a cadaver lab. Coincidentally, the December 2018 edition of the University magazine Continuum included a 6-page article discussing the importance and purpose of the body donor program. The article speaks of this type of donation as a “final act of generosity”, and I wholeheartedly agree. My family and I know that I am providing future health practitioners a vehicle to learn from. In exchange I receive free embalming, cremation, and made the choice that my ashes are returned to my son after the work my body provides is complete. This option is a decision that may or may not be a fit for you. If you are interested and wish to learn more, follow this link:

https://continuum.utah.edu/features/a-virtuous-circle/

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Free Webinar, Thursday Dec. 13th - Register Now!

I first learned about Dr. John McDougall while watching the film Forks Over Knives. Soon after I read Dr. McDougall’s book, The Starch Solution, and I decided to adopt his whole foods plant based no oil way of eating. Within 10-days I felt an enormous difference, my life and state of health was transformed. I rid myself of expensive prescription medications within just a few months. How you might ask? With diet alone I lowered my cholesterol, significantly reduced arthritis and joint replacement pain, and stabilized my blood pressure. Plus, I have lost, and kept off, over 25 pounds! Prior to this way of eating I had followed many different ‘diets’…gluten free, Paleo, eat for your blood type, the Mediterranean diet, fasting, Atkin’s, the list could go on and on. Each of those plans failed miserably for me. The Starch Solution has been my solution!

Have you wondered how a plant based diet might help you? Skeptical? Curious? Have questions? Meet Dr. McDougall for yourself this Thursday during his bimonthly webinar series. Register here. If you can’t make the live broadcast you can also register for the replay.

Title: Dr. McDougall interviews Neal D. Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C.,

Description: Dr. Neal D. Barnard is a physician, clinical researcher, author, and an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

A Gift of Reassurance - Estate Planning

Prior to my first hip replacement, my surgeon took the time to discuss worst case scenarios with me…such as the possibility that I might have bone cancer, I could experience rejection due to metal allergies, will always be at a high risk for dislocation, and how dangerous an infection could be. Facing these topics was challenging and helped me understand the severity of my condition. I also entered surgery knowing that my doctors and family had a copy of my Living Will. Having candid discussions about your state of health and end of life care with your loved ones is a gift everyone will appreciate.

My son and I have had conversations about my chronic conditions and end of life wishes for many years now. Death and dying is an inevitable time. As a caretaker and mature woman I have mourned the loss of many loved ones over the years, and know my time will come. Estate planning is my responsibility that ultimately helps my son and provides me with peace of mind. These discussions aren’t easy, and sadly, many people avoid talking about end of life concerns. You can find templates to help you write your wishes and guide you through those challenging conversations surrounding end of life care. Stanford University’s Letter Project offers a template for those in good health and one specific for those of us with chronic conditions.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

https://med.stanford.edu/letter/letters-in-other-languages.html

http://dearfamily.dear-doc.appspot.com/html/sickletter.html

Managing and Understanding Inflammation

For many of us, myself included, inflammation is common. I’m especially prone to swollen ankles and puffiness around my eyes. To alleviate these complaints I typically reach for ice. I also elevate my legs and feet daily, and of course, watch my diet. Inflammation is a response from our body. It shows up from a variety of factors such as injury, chronic conditions, infections, medications, and certain ‘trigger’ foods that can cause bloating. Rather than reaching for another pill, I opt for natural remedies to avoid and manage inflammation.

Inflammation is a reaction we have a great deal of control over. The article Inflammation 101, written by Andrew Beauchesne who received his master’s in Nutritional Epidemiology from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, describes the mechanics of inflammation and how to better manage it. Follow the link below to read the article.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Gratitude and Giving...

Happy Thanksgiving Tribe Members!

The healing acts of gratitude and giving support emotional, mental, and physical health. Anderson Therapeutics is supporting a number of local charities this year; including the YWCA Women’s Shelter, The Road Home, The Inn Between, and Primary Children’s Hospital. If you’re looking for a national charity, I’ve noted a few below that support the little ones.

To celebrate Thanksgiving this year I am in The Happiest Place on Earth – yes, today I roam Disneyland! Readers and followers may have noticed that Disneyland holds a special place in my heart. Throughout my recovery from three life changing surgeries, thoughts of my “happy place” kept my spirits up. On my website and book, I share insights to my fascination with the house of mouse. Visit my Meditations with Mickey page to read more. Wherever your happy place might be today…may it be filled of warmth, comfort, and the best in health.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

• Projectlinus.org

• Readertoreader.org

• Newbornsinneed.org

• Powermylearning.org

• Onesimplewish.org

The Healing Power of Touch

Touch is healing. In regards to well-being and your wellness regimen, touch is a valuable resource and aspect of self-care that offers numerous health benefits. As a Professional Licensed Massage Therapist with over 22 years of experience, I have witnessed the benefits first-hand, both as a practitioner and recipient. Consider the following ideas to access the healing power of therapeutic touch:

• Hug a special someone (with their consent of course). Live alone? Hug yourself…hug therapy has been shown to release helpful pleasure hormones like oxytocin and reducing high blood pressure.

• Cuddle a four-legged furry friend. I treasure every second I spend visiting my grand kitty. My mood improves immensely as I pet that darling cat, or any friendly critter for that matter! Pet therapy is proven to decrease pain, ease stress, and lessen depression.

• Schedule an appointment for self-care. I practice what I preach and receive some form of bodywork and/or pampering at least once or twice a month. Therapeutic bodywork such as Massage Therapy, energy modalities like Reiki, or Reflexology can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, relieve tension, and boost immune function. Even a facial, manicure, or pedicure provides the benefits of human touch.

Invest in your health, especially at this time of year to ward off seasonal illness such as the flu and to feel your best during the upcoming holiday season. Check out all of my resources to Live Well & Be Well at my website. I encourage others to follow my 3 Key Concepts to Soothe - Nourish - Rest in order to better manage chronic conditions. As with any health recommendations, speak to your doctor before implementing lifestyle changes that could alter your health.

Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

“Sometimes a hug is all you need to make you feel better.” - Daily Quote

The Coconut Oil Fad

For nearly 4 years I have followed the dietary plan outlined in The Starch Solution and rid my diet of oil…and yes, that especially includes coconut oil. My results? Miraculous! I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also, I am maintaining a lean weight of 131 pounds as a post-menopausal 53-year-old woman who has dual hip replacements, Hashimoto’s disease, and arthritis. I take very little medication, have an active lifestyle, and sleep well.

I admit being sucked into the draw of using coconut oil for cooking before I adopted a plant-based diet. Not once did I fully research the effects of coconut oil in my diet nor did I consider the fact that, like any other oil, coconut oil is overly processed and offers no nutritional benefits. Worst of all, this artery clogging substance is simply one more fat that led me to excess weight and poor health. Educate yourself! Do you trust corporate food manufacturers and believe they have your best interest at heart…or are they simply trying to sell you a product? Click the link below to read a fascinating article by Dr. Jeff Novick, MS, RD. He discusses the research surrounding coconut oil and how marketing turned it into a miracle cure.

Be Well & Make Informed Decisions in Regards to Your Health! ~Tiffany