How to combat sinus ailments

I was finally able to say goodbye to the stabbing-my-eye-out sinus pain, and I really hope it does not return, but I thought I would share with you what I did.

Firstly, I’ve read that sinus problems are cause by emotional problems – a connection that I didn’t quite get, but since I do have emotional problems, I decided that perhaps that was a factor! Anyway, also, stress causes your body’s immune system to effectively stop functioning. So, basically, I had sinus problems for MONTHS, which got extremely bad once I picked up the allergies, and then I literally could not handle being sick any more.

Step 1 – DE-STRESS!!!! Seriously, there is no point in being stressed – you’re just killing yourself. I started a kickboxing class which has been an excellent form of stress relief, and of course, any thing that gets you a release of Endorphins is always good!

Step 2 – Oil of Oregano – ok people, this stuff ROCKS!! The first time I took it, the taste was beyond horrific, but i eventually got use to it. You need to put a few drops of the stuff under your tongue and then drink a WHOLE.LOT.OF.WATER after. It’s called “nature’s antibiotic”, and it’s the one thing that actually made me feel like it was doing something to get rid of the sinus infection! It’s good for a whole bunch of other ailments as well… my new best friend!

Step 3 – Go Sans Dairy – I stopped all milk and milk products because dairy increases mucus production, and that’s really bad for sinus infections since the aim is to get unblocked!

Step 4 – Heat – You could use those bowls of hot water with a towel over your head thingies, but I just did a hot shower, and also a warm paper towel (it’s all I had at work) on my face, it helps with the pain.

I also had a nasal spray – I am not entirely convinced that it really helped, but I did use it. And I must say that traditional medication does not help anything!!

Stress relief and looking a little too young

Today, I re-registered at a fitness center where I was once a member, you know… waaaay back when I actually thought I would lose my pregnancy weight, it’s part of my getting back to me plan, and incidentally, I wore those same shoes to work out, because, just between me and you, I kinda miss them!

So, I was there re-registering with the Fitness Lady, who was pretty awesome, and no, not just because she thought I looked “good”!

Fitness Lady: and how old are you?

Me: almost 30

Fitness Lady: WOW!! Don’t you look young, I was going to ask if you were still in school! You MUST get that a lot though.

Me: haha, yes, actually I do.

Fitness Lady: well, you look good!

Me: [*fake smile] thanks! (I soooooo do NOT look good people! Like a 16 year old, perhaps, but not a “good-looking” 16 year old!)

Fitness Lady: so, what’s the main reason for joining?

Me: well, I have 3 kids, and I work from home

Fitness Lady: OK, so I’ll just write “NEEDS ESCAPE!”

It made me laugh too!

And also… Wow!! Excellent post!

Finding comfort

I’ve been sick for a while now… is it just me, or do sinus infections completely overstay their welcome?!

At some point last week, while I was feeling really crappy, I started craving French Toast, which is something I love, but rarely eat because I only like it the way that I make it and I don’t make it too often. It is one of those things that I find really comforting though, and since in addition to being sick, I was dealing with some really bewildering personal issues, I was seriously in need of some French Toast! Funnily enough, my 3 year old is now completely in love with it, and I’ve made it about 4 times since then.

Since my kids have turned into stereotypical boys, you know, jumping off sofas, sword fighting, transformer loving, headache inducing boys, I have been drinking a lot of coffee, it’s my crack people, I can safely say I cannot function without it! Somehow though, when I am in need of some tlc, I will choose tea in a second, I am not sure what it is about that substance, but I’ve just noticed that it is so charmingly lovely and calming.

I’ve had this conversation about finding comfort with my husband, who declared that sleeping is just about the only thing that comforts him, I wonder if that’s maybe just a “man” thing, because I honestly find very little comfort in just sleeping, although I would be easily swayed if there happened to be a newborn on my chest. I am one of those people that find enormous comfort in food, or is that just a “woman” thing, because for example, on cold, rainy days, I love really savory food, like lamb in hoisin sauce, or clam chowder, and when I am depressed, I’d have to go with dark chocolate truffles, (or pretty much anything, but let’s not go there!) and I think when I am just melancholy, French Toast is truly amazing!

Beyond my obvious and somewhat obsessive love of food, I find comfort in really sappy movies, the sound of a loved one’s voice, a hug, or just maybe a really good cry. How about you?

Introducing Awareness Always & a beautiful bracelet giveaway

Awareness Always is a wonderful little company, providing beautiful, stylish and meaningful jewelry, to raise money and awareness for those affected by Cancer, Heart Disease and Strokes.

I finished up their online store just in time for the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness month! Working with Jane, the owner, was a wonderful experience, she’s not only an excellent client, but such an amazing person. She and her husband generously donated this beautiful bracelet for me to give to one of my lucky readers!

Please check out their site Awareness Always and get something to “wear for someone you love”!

To enter, just leave a comment here! Random draw on November 5th, 2007.

I’m going pink for October!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I am going pink!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women.

In 2007, an estimated 22,300 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 will die of it.

An estimated 170 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 will die of it.

On average, 429 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week.

On average, 102 Canadian women will die of breast cancer every week.

One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 27 will die of it.

Breast cancer death rates have declined in all ages combined and in every age group since at least the mid 1990s.

Incidence and death rates for breast cancer have declined since 1969 in women aged 20-39.

source

One of the most important things that we can do is educate ourselves about breast cancer, and try to reduce our risk of developing it. I hope you take the time to visit some of the breast cancer awareness websites, test yourself, or get tested.

Just like last year, I am doing giveaways!! And the profits from the product go towards breast cancer research.

(these are sold by a client of mine, and I will reveal the source once I’m finished with the site)

For your chance to win one of these beautiful bracelets, either leave a comment here letting me know that you’ve gone pink or make a donation to support breast cancer research. (Open to anyone, worldwide)

To help you along, you may download Randa’s pinkforoctober WordPress theme.