Importance of Vitamin D

Dear Friends,

Once a month, I hope to post an article relating to health and wellness. I am NOT a doctor, but I just wish to pass on the things I read and learn. My own journey toward better health makes me want to share it with others. I hope you find the information helpful.

To your health,
Marlene

FYI: Importance of Vitamin D

Everywhere I turn, I find articles about Vitamin D. Earlier this year, I heard one doctor say that 87% of Americans (adults and children) are deficient in Vitamin D. Today I read an article that said that even in Colorado where we have lots of blue sky, 74% of seniors are deficient. Many say this deficiency is epidemic. Several people I know have actually been tested and told that their levels of Vitamin D were too low.

The simple blood test to find out your level is called 25-hydroxy-vitamin D test. The optimal level for Vitamin D is 50-80 ng/ml.

Many people are not outside in the sunlight enough, and if they are out, they use sunscreen to protect against cancer. Unfortunately, when we wear sunscreen, then our bodies cannot use the sunlight to make Vitamin D.

So what’s the big deal? Why do we need to worry about our levels of Vitamin D?
*Regulates calcium levels
*Helps maintain the alkaline PH balance
*Regulates gene expression
*Low levels of Vitamin D are connected to depression, seasonal affective disorder, and cognitive function
*Low levels are associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.
*Low levels significantly increase the risk of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer (Vitamin D cuts risk of breast cancer by half!!!)
*Lessens inflammation and helps fight infection
*Helps with muscle strength which helps prevent falls.
*Needed for bone health
*Helps prevent microbial skin infections

As you can see, there are a multitude of good reasons for each of us to consider supplementation with Vitamin D. Many good products are available. Consider the high quality Shaklee products that contain Vitamin D:
Vitalizer
Vita-Lea
Vita-Lea Gold
Ligui-Lea
Citri-Boost
OsteoMatrix
Chewable Cal Mag Plus
Incredivites (for kids)
Vita-Lea Ocean Wonders (for kids)
Vita-Lea Infant Mix

If I can help you choose one of these supplements, please email or visit my website. Membership is FREE though August 8 (savings of $19.95) with a 50 PV order. No monthly ordering requirements.

To your health, Marlene Depler
www.shaklee.net/lifetimewellness
lifetimewellness@shaklee.net

NOTE: This is only for informational purposes. I do not diagnose or prescribe.

Summer Won't Last Forever

One blink and it’s already past the Fourth of July! How is it that these wonderful long days fly by like a flashes of lightning? Summer seems like it just started, but if we check the calendar, we’re almost half way through. SLOW DOWN! I want to shout to the blue sky.

As each summer approaches, I always have the illusion of an endlessly long string of days with lots of time for all the things I want to do: gardening, walking, traveling, swimming with grandkids, mountain adventures, reading on the porch swing, sipping coffee on the patio with my husband, lunch with a friend, and a whole lot more. Somehow I anticipate more than I could ever achieve at the level I desire. Perhaps it would be fair to say that I’m a bit overly optimistic. When my unrealistic expectations get thrown in the mix with the daily stuff that consumes my focus, it can be a recipe for disappointment when September arrives.

This summer, I’m attempting to be more proactive about actually putting some things on the calendar. If I don’t plan and schedule, the things I thought I would do someday never happen. This often means that I must push aside my frustration over the lack of dusting, dirty windows, stacks of paperwork, and other such things to make time for what’s more important.

I am scheduling some time with each individual grandchild. It seems to do them a world of good to have one on one time where they are the center of my attention. I have also taken the younger five to the wading pool. (I must do that again!) I still want to schedule a day for granddaughters and then one for grandsons. Summer may be flying by, but at least a few of my good intentions are becoming a reality.

I’m also trying to be more spontaneous. When my husband suggested a mountain drive two weekends in a row, I went willingly. Such enjoyable days. I’ve also stopped washing dishes to delight in a humming bird out my kitchen window. After dinner, I often slip on my walking shoes and step out the door to soak in the warmth and beauty of the evening.

No, summer won’t last forever. But I’ll do my best to savor little moments in a myriad of ways. And when I think about, I’m reminded that my summers are numbered. Even if I live to be eighty, I only have 22 summers left! Yes, I must fill my summers with what I love—what matters most! My motto today is:

“SEIZE SUMMER. Squeeze out every blessed drop of joy.”

(c) Marlene Depler 2009

Cookies Galore

Recipe times four! I made about 12 dozen cookies today and froze the dough balls ready to bake next week for a shower. This way I can bake them fresh the day of the party, and I won't be so frazzled when I am trying to also make dozens of cupcakes.

I put the dough on these trays and freeze them for 15 minutes or so. Then they are easier to handle when transferring them to the freezer bags.

These are a few of the bags I did. The large bags are for the party and the small bags I will give to each of my children's families. See recipe below:

Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

From Marlene Depler

This is a family favorite for over 20 years. When the kids where in 4-H, they won blue ribbons at the county fair with this recipe!

Makes 3 dozen

1 ½ cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cups flour
6 oz. (or more!) chocolate chips
3 cups uncooked oatmeal

Mix sugar and dry cocoa. Then add softened butter and mix well. Add egg, vanilla, and water. Add flour, soda, and salt. Mix until completely incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips, then oatmeal.

Drop by teaspoon (or use medium Pampered Chef scoop) on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 350º oven for 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake! Let cookies set on pan for a minute or two before removing to cooling rack.

NOTES:

1) I like to refrigerate the dough for about one hour before making the cookies.

2) I usually double or triple the recipe and freeze all or part of the cookie dough in balls in a zippered freezer bags. Then I simply take them from the freezer when I am ready to bake a few or a dozen. I place them directly on the baking sheet and place in preheated oven. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes. This way I can pull out cookies to bake fresh when we have company or when the grandchildren come over. Sometimes I will just bake four for my husband and I. Fresh is always best!

Re-entry

Before our plane landed, my mind began making a mental list of things I needed to do upon returning from our vacation on the coast of Oregon. Unpack. Start the laundry. Call the kids. Reply to emails and messages. The mail would have to wait until Monday. Oh, yes, buy some groceries. I could think of dozens of things that would need my attention and energy once I made re-entry back into my normal life. Nevertheless, I was happy to return home.

It wasn’t long after we pulled in the driveway that I headed to the back yard. I delighted in the sweet fragrance of the roses that started blooming while I was away. And even though it was early June, I picked five ripe tomatoes from my garden.

Later as I unpacked my suitcase, I reveled in the thought that tonight I would sleep in my own bed with my own pillow. Yes, it was good to be home. Trips are great, but there’s nothing like coming home---even if returning means that I face my reality of many things to do.

While I was away, I also pondered the possibility of re-entry into writing (and blogging). I’ve been sidetracked with life (and Facebook) to say the least. And perhaps discouragement has taken its toll. Often I have wondered if what I write even matters at all. But I’m once again remembering why I write: for the joy of it! And to possibly bring encouragement to others. So, this is my attempt to relish both my return home AND my re-entry into writing---spilling words on the page.

(c) Marlene Depler

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Twelve

An Empty Manger

What if God had never sent His Son into the world?

What if Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to with their families to register, but no infant Christ child had been placed in the manger that long ago night? What if Immanuel had never lived and died on our behalf? Can you begin to imagine how different everything would be? We certainly wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas!

I started thinking about this several weeks ago. It was the idea that gave me the idea to write twelve posts on Christmas in the first place. And I have continued to think about the empty manger throughout each day as I have written the other entries in this series.

I’ve tried to consider how history would have been different. It’s beyond my comprehension. Would pilgrims have come to this country in search of religious freedom? I don’t think so. Would a constitution like ours have ever come into being without Christian principles at its foundation?

So many educational institutions, hospitals, and orphanages were founded by devout Christians. Where would the world be without them?

On a more personal note, what would my life be like if it had never been impacted by a Savior? That’s hard to imagine.

Yet what gives me more consternation is that so many people today choose to live as if Christ had never been born. Some don’t believe that the Messiah has come. Others believe that Christ came, but that he was just a good teacher. Others will acknowledge that he came, but then refuse to allow the message grace and forgiveness proclaimed by Immanuel to penetrate their hearts.

The manger wasn’t empty. May we allow this truth to impact every aspect of our live and give us continued hope.

Merry Christmas!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eleven

Raise the White Flag of Surrender

Go ahead and raise the white flag!

I hate to break it to you, but our idealistic notions of a romantic or idyllic Christmas is not going to happen this year or any year for that matter. Holidays will always be imperfect to one degree or another. Certain aspects will always be less than what we wish for.

Just because it is December the season of joy to the world and peace on earth doesn’t mean that our challenges and struggles automatically go away. And all of our mundane tasks of paying bills, washing dishes, and resolving conflict continue as well.

In December, kids still get sick or argue with each other. People we want to spend the holidays with may be too far away, or they choose not to join us. And the people we are with may give us reason for annoyances.

We may not get the gift we wanted or any gift at all. We may not have the money we wish we had—or the job we need—or we may have to work too many hours. Others around us may not pitch in and help with the added responsibilities of the season. Maybe we don’t get everything baked we had hoped to or our favorite recipe didn’t turn out this year. We may be facing health challenges—or the loss of a loved one—or a divorce.

Our losses and disappointments are legitimate and should not be minimized. It’s OK to grieve and too be honest about our feelings. Yet we all need to take a hard look at our overall expectations. Far too often we are more than a little unrealistic.

The Norman Rockwell Christmas is a myth. No one has a perfect holiday in every way. If we could attain Christmas perfection on our own, we wouldn’t need Christmas. Christ wouldn’t have needed to come to earth to redeem us. Christ alone is the source of joy to the world and peace on earth, not the circumstances of our Christmas this year.

So I will resolve to enjoy each and every blessing that comes my way and receive them with humility and gratitude this Christmas. And I will keep my expectations in check. I surrender to my own reality and embrace it. You, too?

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Ten

Delight in the Ordinary

Have you seen this quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

This really makes me stop and think. We may not have breathless moments on a regular basis—unless we are running up and down the stairs. But perhaps if we paid closer attention to the beauty and wonder around us, we would savor our lives more.

Do we take delight in the simple ordinary moments each day? Do we really listen for the laughter? Do we notice the snowflakes? Are we in awe of the twinkling stars? Do we study the expressions on the faces around us?

It takes all of our senses to find the joy and pleasure in the everyday, especially when we get busy preparing for the holidays. In our rush, we may just forget to enjoy the little things and to treasure what is most important to us. It's not the hype that makes us happy.

I can’t say that I have had any moments that took by breath away today, but I did cherish the time spent with my oldest granddaughter. We laughed together as we mixed up a Tunnel of Fudge Cake that we will serve for Christmas dinner. I also savored the sweetness of a clementine. I took delight in a quiet evening with my husband.

It may only be a couple of days before Christmas with much we still think needs to be accomplished. Nevertheless, let’s do our best to catch our breath, stop a moment, and delight in the simple joys all around us.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Nine

Gift-Giving

Yippee! My husband and I have finished all of our shopping for Christmas gifts. Now I’m working on wrapping all of the presents in brightly colored paper and bows. Pretty packages under the tree are such a pleasant sight. And I can’t wait to see the delight on the faces of the grandchildren when they open their packages.

Most of us enjoy gift-giving IF we have the time, money, and good ideas for what the recipient might enjoy receiving. Sometimes there are occassions where we may give out of obligation—because it is expected. For the most part, giving is something we WANT to do. We like to bless and surprise family and friends with thoughtful gifts.

Receiving gifts is also a delight. Some of my friends have already dropped by with some sweet gifts, both literally and figuratively. Their kind gestures are appreciated, but their friendship is the greatest blessing. I even know what will be in one package under the tree because one of my daughters let me pick it out.

Yet all in all, when I think of gifts, I am so often reminded that our greatest gifts in life are never under the Christmas tree. The gift of God’s grace given through His only Son can’t be tucked neatly into a red and green gift bag. Many other gifts can’t be wrapped and tied with a bow: the gift of love, the gift of encouragement, the gift of health, the gift of freedom, the gift of food and shelter.

Together we could enumerate a host of things that are wonderful gifts that can’t be packaged to unwrap on Christmas morning. So as we think of gifts this season, may we keep in perspective the precious gifts that won’t ever be found in a box beneath a brightly lit evergreen tree.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eight

Flexibility

A bit of flexibility is a flattering style on all of us. We need some in our wardrobe year round, and especially during the Christmas season. This is what allows us to adapt, bend, change directions, and hit some speed bumps in our well-laid plans with some grace. It’s like the 2 % spandex in a pair of jeans that makes them so comfortable.

This doesn’t mean that we become wimps or doormats, or that we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the boundary-busting of others. It’s OK to say no when we need to. Yet there are times that our ability to adapt to the current situation makes life so much less stressful on ourselves and those around us.

I thought I would be able to write a Christmas blog every day, but some of you may have noticed that I didn’t post one day. Rigidity would have kept me up very late on a night I was worn out. That is what started my thinking about flexibility. I decided I needed to have a little “give” in my best intentions. I could always post two in one day if I wanted to, or I may run later than I planned with the last post.

Throughout this holiday season I have found myself needing to exercise flexibility quite often. I have intended to finish up my shopping at a certain store for several days. On Monday the roads were icy, so I postponed the shopping. On Tuesday, I thought I would catch this store on my way back from two appointments in Boulder, but my daughter wanted her hair trimmed after she picked the kids up from school, and I was tired anyway. (If I had been unable to cut her hair, she would have exercised some flexibility with me, too.)

Then I thought I would go on Thursday afternoon, but something else in the morning took longer than I expected, and something on the other end would have made me rush. So I opted to watch my other daughter’s two little girls so she could go stand in line at the post office to mail a package.

I still need to go shopping, and I may actually go this morning. Yet I’m not sorry that I have made some adaptations in my plans. Even though flexibility may not be my strongest suit, I’m working on it. And I have to say, I’m happier when I allow myself to make these kinds of changes and adapt as life unfolds.

When I think about rigidity, it really isn’t all that attractive on any of us. It is about as comfortable as jeans that are two sizes to small with NO spandex—NO stretch. Rigidity doesn’t wear well with others either.

So let’s all go to the closet this morning and choose to attire ourselves with more flexibility today. It’s flattering!

Twelve Day of Christmas: Day Seven

Mission Gratitude

Thanksgiving isn’t just for one day in late November. Thankfulness can become a way of life if we choose to make it so. The problem is that when we get very busy or challenges come our way, we often forget to be mindful of our blessings.

My simple mission for the month is gratitude. I search throughout the day for things that I am thankful for—ways that I have been blessed. Recently, we have had some frigid temperatures, so I have been thankful for the warmth of my home. Warm shelter in winter is a blessing. I am thankful for family members and friends that enrich my life. Safety on the icy roads is reason for gratitude. I’m grateful for my basic health. (A bout of stomach flu a couple of weeks ago reminded me to appreciate the days I feel well.)

When the mail comes, I am thankful for any cards and letters that come from the people who have blessed our lives over the years. When I find a great sale on something I want to give as a gift, I am grateful. My list would have to be topped with gratitude that God sent his own son into the world because he loved us.

My list could go on and on, but I’ll stop and shift to you. What are the things that you are grateful for today? It only takes a few moments to stop and recount our blessings both great and small. Join me on Mission Gratitude this month.