My vitamin D results~ Woo Hoo!

The last time I was checked it was at 39. My doctor was happy with that number but I wasn't happy with that number, no not I. See my blog entry on the importance of vitamin D. I wanted an optimum level of between 50-70 ng/ml.   Well......I had a new test done a couple of weeks ago and it's at 56!! Woo Hoo! 

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium balance and for skeletal growth and bone strength. The major role is to improve calcium absorption from the small intestine. Research shows low levels lead to a higher incidence of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, as well as multiple myeloma. Patients with Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome may be deficient because they can neither absorb nor adequately convert the nutrient. Vitamin D supplementation may even decrease symptoms of depression during the winter months for those that have a problem with seasonal affective disorder.

 

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring are good sources of vitamin D.

So again, I urge you, if your doctor hasn't brought up the subject, you must ask him or her for a test and see where your levels are. If they won't do it, I encourage you to find a doctor who will. Most doctors have understood the importance of vitamin d and it's research for the past few years. If they don't, then they haven't been brought up to speed. Now I'm off to celebrate with a nice lunch of salmon salad!
~S~

Going to Class

So in my quest to understand the lymphatic system and be more knowledgeable about how it relates to breast health, I've decided to stop searching the internet and asking questions and take the big plunge. On October 15th, I'm taking classes to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. It's an intensive 11 day class in Charlotte, NC. I get to stay with my son, daughter-in-law and grand baby. Hopefully, I won't be much of an imposition  to them since I'll be in class all day. I'll cook a few of their favorite dishes and maybe I'll earn my keep.

I've learned so much already in preparation for the class. With this certification, I'm going to set up programs and talks for women and take this show on the road (well, just in my hometown for starters).
Sometimes women have lymph nodes taken from under their armpit when they have breast cancer. In turn, that arm will swell with lymph fluid that has no place to go.  That's where I come in. As a lymphedema therapist, I'll know how to drain that arm, bandage or use compression sleeves to get that arm as close to normal size as possible.

Lymphatic Drainage is also good for relieving headaches, pre and post surgery (especially liposuction procedures), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, edema, and for one of the most important things, detoxing the body.

Stay tuned as I bring more information about my class, what I'm learning and what it can do for you!