Wellness News May 2011 by Cancer Support WA

may 2011

Love the moment and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries into blissful, peaceful happiness.

Cancer Support Association of WA Patron â&#x20AC;&#x201C; His Excellency Dr. Ken Michael AC, Governor of Western Australia

Vol. 26 No.4

Join the CSA online community Find us on Facebook: Cancer Support Association – Cottesloe Forums and live chat now on the CSA website: www.cancersupportwa.org.au

editorial

wellness news is the monthly online magazine of the Cancer Support Association of Western Australia Inc.

CSA Members’ Update

Wellness News e-magazine is published online twelve time a year and distributed free to members of the Cancer Support Association.

Dear members and friends,

An annual print edition of Wellness News is produced at the end of each year and posted to all CSA members.

Also included are articles and posts by Dr. Ian Gawler who will be visiting Perth this July. We encourage all CSA members to attend his cancer wellness workshops as they contain the inspiration, skills to make those sweeping changes and necessary

Wellness News magazine is dedicated entirely to publishing informative, inspiring and helpful articles related to wellness and healing. The magazine is for people with cancer or serious health issues; for people who are well and want to maintain their good health naturally; and for complementary, alternative and integrative health professionals.

editorial & production... Editor & Designer Mandy BeckerKnox editor.wellness@yahoo.com.au www.wowlandco.com

online at...

www.cancersupportwa.org.au Wellness News magazine is published by the Cancer Support Association of WA Inc (CSA). The contents of this magazine do not necessarily reﬂect the opinions of the CSA and should be not be construed as medical advice. CSA encourages readers to be discerning with information presented and make treatment, dietary and lifestyle choices in consultation with a team of health-care professionals. © Copyright of all articles and images remains with individual contributors.

We have recently sent a newsletter through the post to CSA members with an update of what is happening at CSA. For those of you who subscribe online we’ll include some of that information in this edition of Wellness News.

In other CSA news, CSA’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Daale resigned earlier this year after 10 years of service to fulfil his dream of living in rural Tasmania. Kerry Day, CSA Accounts Manager, is currently acting as CEO. We have been busy this year developing a new strategic direction for CSA which sees us increase and improve on the services and facilities we currently offer our members with a return to the original core values of the organisation – to unconditionally help and support all people living with cancer achieve wellness and healing through our wellness courses, seminars, publications & website, counselling and self-help activities. Our vision includes the expansion of the Meeting the Challenge seminars to rural WA and development of a Meeting the Challenge handbook and online video seminars to support more people with cancer, particularly those living in the country (more on this inside this edition!). We will soon update and modernise our website and add new content and features to better support our online members and people with cancer in the wider community. Over the past two years, many members have told us how much they miss the print edition of Wellness News. At the end of 2010 we sent all members a Special Anniversary print edition which I hope you have enjoyed! You will be happy to hear we are reinstating a printed magazine. Initially it will be printed twice a year and we hope to increase the frequency of publication. There are more developments in the pipeline, we’ll keep you updated as we unroll them. This is the start of a new era at CSA and we are pleased that you are with us on this journey. We value our members’ feedback, so if you have ideas, suggestions or would like to get more involved at CSA we welcome your input! ✦ Peace, Mandy

contents CSA Weekly Program .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 4 The Lotus; Lotus Meditation .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 5 What’s on at CSA this month.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 6 CSA Update: Ian Gawler coming to Perth this July. .. . .. . .. . . 8 CSA update: Meeting the Challenge to go online and to the country .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 9 Article: The Mind that Changes Everything; How to Meditate in 4 Steps by Ian Gawler . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .10 Feature: An Overview of Holistic and Nutritional Approaches to Cancer Treatment .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .12 Article: Healing - When Faith Matters . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .18 Blog: SO Grateful. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .19 Article: Art Therapy helping people with cancer .. . .. . .. . .. .20 Article: The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Your Home . .. . .. . .. .22 Article: Protecting Kids from Cancer .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .25 Recipes: Smoothies for Vitality and Optimum Health .. . .. .26 Food News: In Praise of Avocados . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .27 Inspiration: The Tao Te Ching.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .28

it’s all about

lifestyle By Dr. Ian Gawler

Cancer management falls into three broad categories: conventional medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, and lifestyle medicine. My personal recovery involved all three, while my work focuses on lifestyle. My personal story has direct relevance to people with osteogenic sarcoma. It changes the landscape of that disease. The fact is at least one person has survived metastatic disease for over 30 years. It only has to be done once to show that it is possible, so my story oﬀers real hope. However, it is my work that has the most relevance to the wider body of people affected by cancer. The lifestyle I teach now goes well beyond what I did 35 years ago. Research and experience leads to ongoing development. While my story may inspire, I have never recommended others do exactly as I did. This was clearly documented in my book “You Can Conquer Cancer”, ﬁrst published in 1984. The evidence for lifestyle factors enhancing quality of life and cancer outcomes is growing steadily. Compelling examples are Dean Ornish et al’s randomised lifestyle intervention for prostate cancer and the evidence suggesting regular exercise halves the risk of dying for women with primary breast cancer. And consider that spontaneous remissions improvement or recovery without clear medical cause [viii] - are thought to occur once in every 60,000 to 100,000 people .

DON’T MISS: Dr. Ian Gawler’s workshops in Perth and Bunbury 29th June-3rd July. These interactive and powerful workshops will be hosted by Dr. Ian Gawler who is a world-renowned pioneer of Mind/Body Medicine and founder of the Gawler Foundation. Call CSA for more details or stay tuned!

I have the power to change my mind, therefore I have the power to change my reality.

During a period when 8,400 cancer patients attended Gawler Foundation’s lifestyle programs, 43 people who ﬁt the description of “spontaneous remissions” have been recorded. This equates to one in 195, which is 300 times more than the average. While this data may be crude, it points to why the public is so interested in lifestyle programs, and surely warrants more research. The next step is lifestyle medicine needs to have the same prominence for cancer as it does for heart disease and diabetes. ✦

From Ian Gawler’s blog “Out on a Limb”. Post: “The case for lifestyle. Well-known cancer survivor Dr Ian Gawler presents his side of the story.” Full references and citations included with the original post. May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

NEW CSA members can attend free! this program is updated monthly. Check website for any changes before attending MONDAY Meditation Made Easy .................................................................................10.00 – 11.30am Ongoing Lessons with Bavali Hill. FREE FOR MEMBERS (non-members $5) No bookings necessary. Massage with Sarah Leboﬀ ($70/60 minutes) ......................................... by appointment

TUESDAY Wellness and Healing Open Support Group ............................... 10.00 – 12.00noon with Dr. Angela Ebert Carer’s Wellness and Healing Support Group ....................... 10.00 – 12.00noon with Mike Sowerby (when required) Reiki Clinic .....................................................................................................12.15pm – 1.30pm

MEETING THE CHALLENGE!

WEDNESDAY Reflexology ..................................................................10.00am – 2pm with Udo Kannapin (by appointment between 10-2) Laughter Yoga with Kimmie O’Meara ($3.00)...................................11.00am – 12.00pm

one day cancer wellness workshop

Chinese Medical Healthcare Qigong ($10/$5 members) ........... 1.00pm – 2.30pm with Alan Donelly

First Friday of every month between 9.30am-4.30pm at CSA, Cottesloe

Yoga for Healing .........................................................................................10.00am – 11.15am with Madeline Clare (members $5 / others $10)

Life Changing Information for people with cancer: • The Wellness approach to cancer • Nutrition for optimal health • Power of the Mind • Introduction to Meditation • Natural & Complementary Therapies To book ph CSA 8384 3544 online: www.cancersupportwa.org.au

THURSDAY Grief and Loss Open Support Group ................................................... 1.00pm – 3.00pm with Mike Sowerby (last Thursday of each month) Massage with Sarah Leboﬀ ($70/60 minutes) ......................................... by appointment

FRIDAY Meeting the Challenge 1 Day Seminar ................................................9.30am – 4.30pm 1ST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH “Arts for Healing” Art Therapy Group..............................................9.30am – 12.00pm with Glenys Gibbs (members $20 / others $25 includes art materials)

DAILY Cancer Wellness Information Counselling ................................................ by appointment General Counselling with Dr. Angela Ebert .................................................. by appointment Phone direct on 0414 916 724 or 9450 6724 or email a.ebert@murdoch.edu.au

Phone CSA on 9384 3544 or check our website for further information. We can help you with information packs, course prices, conﬁrm course times and to make bookings.

The Lotus The lotus ﬂower is a widely acknowledged symbol of healing and spirituality. Because of the association with healing, CSA uses the lotus as a basis for the organisation’s logo. With such widespread interest and spiritual signiﬁgance attributed to the lotus, it deserves a deeper look into the symbolism surrounding it.

The lotus flower symbol has deep, mythic meaning for many cultures. The lotus blossom has been revered, attributed to deities, and meditated on for thousands of years. The mystical lotus bloom appears in poetry, the writings of saints and sages, on temple walls, and as a central concept in several world religions. What is it about this flower, above all others, that causes so many to color it with spiritual signifigance? Fascination with the lotus blossom can be traced back to ancient Egypt, India and Asia, appearing in the mythologies and religions of these cultures for thousands of years. The lotus is also associated with the 7 chakras, Buddhism, Hinduism, Bahai, and Egyptian mythos. Within Hinduism and Buddhism the lotus flower represents awakening to spiritual consciousness. In Indian culture, the Lotus flower represents enlightenment, wealth, knowledge, and connection to the divine. It is associated with the goddess of wealth, Maha Lakshmi, who represents purity, prosperity and generosity. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus flower. In Egypt the Lotus flower is called Sesen. In Egyptian mythology, the lotus flower is a symbol of the sun, creation and rebirth. It is even mentioned briefly in the Islamic tradition, that if a person dies in a state of ihram (a purification period before embarking on a pilgrimage) that they should be washed in water that has been perfumed with lotus flowers. In Hinduism lotus flower mythology states that within each person is the spirit of a sacred lotus. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the need to strive to be like the lotus blossom, pure of heart so that the muck of earthly matters do not cling to us. It is further mentioned that the atman (the soul) dwells within a lotus flower that is found within the heart (a reference to the heart chakra. References to the lotus flower symbol are also found in the tradition of hatha yoga, which features sitting in the “lotus position” during meditation as a central core of its practice. The lotus is also a symbol of the centers of consciousness within the body (the chakra centers). The highest chakra, known as the crown chakra or sahasrara chakra, is referred to as a thousand petaled lotus flower.

LOTUS FLOWER MEDITATION A visualization practice using the lotus flower symbol involves bringing your attention to your root chakra, located at the base of your spine. Imagine a seed there. Proceed to imagine a stalk growing upwards through the chakra line, root-sacral-solar-heartthroat-third eye-crown. Upon reaching the crown chakra, located approximately 2 inches above your head, imagine the lotus flower opening and receiving the Sun’s energy from above. This energy comes into the lotus, down the stalk, and then roots into the Earth. Allow five minutes to complete this guided visualization. Afterwards you should feel connected to the earth below and spirit above.

The ultimate lotus flower meaning in the Hindu belief system is that the lotus flower symbol represents awakening to the spiritual reality of life. The opening of a lotus flower represents rising from primal thought and base energies to highest spiritual consciousness. This meaning reflects closely with the Buddhist lotus flower meanings as well, where they refer to it as enlightenment. ✦

www.energy-healing-info.com May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

what’s on at CSA this month be part of the csa community by joining the groups and wellness activities at our premises in Cottesloe

Meeting the Challenge 1 Day Cancer Wellness Seminar Life Changing Information for people with cancer and their carers. Led by Cathy Brown, this seminar provides wellness information, wellness strategies, new resources (such as nutrition, treatment options, meditation) and sharing with others on a healing journey. There is also a focus on accessing cancer information online. Held monthly at CSA on the ﬁrst Friday of every month from 9.30am-4.30pm. Free for new CSA members, bookings are required.

cancer support groups with Angela Ebert & Mike Sowerby Support groups enable people to discover new ways of coping; share the experience with others going through something similar; exchange information and resources; develop a holistic approach to healing; be inspired by others on the journey to regaining wellness. CSA oﬀers an open cancer support group for people with cancer and their carers. This weekly group is facilitated by Angela Ebert and Mike Sowerby. We also oﬀer a Carers’ Support Group and a monthly Grief and Loss Support Group.

reﬂexology with Udo Kannapin Reﬂexology is the application of pressure, stretching and movement to the feet and hands to trigger corresponding parts of the body. It complements standard medical care by relaxing the body and reducing stress.

Cancer Support Association

www.cancersupportwa.org.au

“If you travel alone, you can probably go faster. But the journey will never be as rewarding, and you probably won’t be able to go as far.” ~ John Maxwell

yoga for healing with Madeline Clare CSA yoga teacher, Madeline Clare, takes inspiration from both Iyengar and Vinyasa approaches to yoga with an emphasis on relaxation, breath awareness, gentle movement and meditation. She believes a balanced yoga practice has the capacity to heal, shift energy blockages and bring the body into physical, emotional, mental and spiritual alignment. Yoga for Healing classes bring the joy of yoga to people with cancer and those who may need a nurturing space to practice.

qi gong with Alan Donelly Qigong is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice that uses meditation, breathing control, and movement to balance the ﬂow of energy (qi) through the body to help healing to occur. CSA oﬀers qigong to complement cancer therapies and help with the symptoms of cancer. In this setting, qigong is not used as a treatment for cancer per se, but as a method of easing cancer symptoms such as fatigue.

with Bavali Hill Meditation is a safe and simple way to balance a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. The use of Meditation for healing is not new. Meditative techniques are the product of diverse cultures and peoples around the world. The value of Meditation to alleviate suﬀering and promote healing has been known and practiced for thousands of years. In these weekly lessons at CSA, Bavali guides participants through various healing meditation techniques and gives notes and handouts to support home practice.

WHAT’S ON AT CSA

meditation made easy reiki clinic every Tuesday Reiki is a Japanese energy-based therapy that promotes healing and overall wellness. A trained reiki practitioner uses his or her hands to transmit energy to the recipient. Reiki has been proven to help with pain management, relaxation, and side effects of cancer treatment like nausea and stomach upset. CSA offers a weekly reiki clinic staffed by qualified volunteers. Gold coin donation.

counselling Individual, Family & Group Ongoing counselling sessions with a caring, compassionate professional could help you deal more eﬀectively with the many issues, fears and emotions which arise on the cancer journey; gain clarity to make treatment decisions; give you the insight to grow from your experiences; and the peace of mind and heart needed to heal. Sessions can be booked with our qualiﬁed psychologist, and are also available online for those unable to make it in to our Cottesloe premises.

laughter yoga with Kimmie O’Meara Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea developed by Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India. It is a complete wellbeing workout combining Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humour, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits of laughter regardless of the source.

Massage for cancer with Sarah Leboff For people with a serious illness like cancer, massage can be a powerful tool to help cope with treatment. Holistic Massage sessions are now available at CSA on Mondays and Thursdays. Sarah, a fully qualified and experienced Holistic Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner, uses a unique combination of remedial massage and healing techniques, including traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Reiki and energy healing. Sessions are for 60 minutes and cost $70. The first session includes a free consultation. Home visits are also available. To make a booking please contact Hilary at CSA, or for further information please call Sarah on 0406 359 643.

May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

CSA News from our Client Services Manager...

Dr. Ian Gawler is coming to Perth this July to host workshops My name is Cathy Brown and I have recently rejoined

the Cancer Support Association Wellness Team as Client Services Manager. I was diagnosed with secondary melanoma 21 years ago which was a catalyst for many life changes which contributed to my healing. CSA and the Gawler Foundation were instrumental in my recovery from cancer and helped deﬁne a positive new direction in life. CSA has hosted the Gawler Foundation’s 12 Week ‘Health, Healing and Wellbeing Program’ for over 20 years and many of the wellness strategies we promote are based on the principles of mind/body medicine pioneered by Dr. Ian Gawler. Last year I was invited by the Gawler Foundation to once again facilitate the 12 Week Program at the CSA which has led to my deeper involvement with CSA. 2011 has seen many changes at the Cancer Support Association with some great new innovations and ideas. These will be promoted in the Wellness News magazine and email newsletter throughout the year - so keep an eye out for these promising changes. One exciting event CSA is involved with is Dr. Ian Gawler’s upcoming visit to Perth in June/July. Ian is a world renowned pioneer of mind/body medicine and an inspiring public speaker. Ian overcame cancer more than 30 years ago, and in 1983 established the Gawler Foundation in Victoria. Through his experience with cancer and deep commitment to healing he devised a whole new approach ‘integrative’ to cancer wellness. He has also written many books, developed

meditation and cancer wellness resources and devised wellness courses - all of which have helped literally thousands of Australians on their cancer journeys. Ian will present three public workshops during his West Australian visit. The first in Bunbury - Medicine of the Mind - will focus on the mind’s role in stress, relaxation, health, healing and wellbeing. The workshops in Perth - The Mind That Changes Everything and Health, Healing and Wellbeing - focus on a variety of relevant self-help techniques to transform your life and the lives of those you care for. Places are limited at these workshops and we encourage you to book your place early online at: www.eventoffice.com.au/gawler. Proceeds of these events go to CSA to help provide support services for people in Western Australia experiencing cancer. While we encourage all our members to attend Ian’s workshops, if you can’t make it we welcome you to drop in to the CSA anytime to have a chat, attend a support group, experience a healing reiki session, enjoy the laughter group, learn to meditate...or to simply find a quiet space in our peaceful library. I look forward to getting to know you and learning how the CSA can better support you on your wellness journey. Regards,

Cathy Brown

About Ian Gawler...

Cancer Support Association

Ian Gawler is one of Australia’s best known cancer survivors and advocates of a healthy lifestyle. His story oﬀers hope and inspiration to people across the country. A pioneer in Mind-Body Medicine, Dr Gawler is known for his clarity and good humour. With a gift for translating ancient wisdom into a modern context, and having appeared widely in the media, Ian has played a major part in popularising meditation and other Mind-Body Medicine techniques in the western world. During the Bunbury and Perth workshops Ian will share some of the key principles of his self help program, based on the techniques and values that are the basis of Ian’s and thousands of other people’s recovery.

www.cancersupportwa.org.au

New CSA Initiative for 2011...

CSA’s Meeting the Challenge Seminar to go online and to the country! Cancer Support Association’s one day Meeting the Challenge seminar is unique to CSA and a valuable resource for people newly diagnosed with cancer. Over the years, hundreds of people have visited our Cottesloe centre and benefited from the seminar which provides a grounding and reassuring foundation for people facing the many challenges of dealing with cancer. Meeting the Challenge presents a holistic cancer wellness strategy based on the principles of the Gawler Foundation. Participants are given the information and support to help them process their diagnosis, and calmly consider their options. With the help and support of the CSA team, they are encouraged to formulate a cancer wellness strategy which includes nutrition, meditation, natural and complementary therapies, in conjunction (or, if they choose, in place of ) mainstream oncology. Meeting the Challenge was created by Cathy Brown, and with her back on staff, we now have the opportunity to invigorate and enhance the seminar and create new initiatives around this concept. It is our vision that everyone in Australia who is diagnosed with cancer has access to the Meeting the Challenge seminar, giving them an increased chance of beating cancer and leading a long and fulfilling life. To implement our vision our first step is to take Meeting the Challenge online. Over the coming months we will develop a series of videos based on the Cottesloe seminars which we will upload to our website. Members located anywhere in the world will then be able to view the lectures online at their leisure. We are also developing a Meeting the Challenge handbook which outlines the material from the seminar and provides some immediate strategies for dealing with diagnosis, understanding available choices and devising a cancer wellness plan. This handbook is to be distributed to doctors, naturopaths and other medical caregivers who diagnose and/or treat patients with cancer. It is our hope that everyone in Australia diagnosed with cancer will be given this vital information and can follow it up by attending or accessing the seminar.

Currently Meeting the Challenge seminars are held at our centre in Cottesloe. Our new vision is to extend our services into the community by holding Meeting the Challenge at diﬀerent venues across the city, state (and Australia), particularly in distant and regional centres where there is a lack of cancer support services. It is widely acknowledged there is little support for rural West Australians with cancer. Whilst undergoing treatment for cancer, cancer patients can feel isolated and disconnected from their usual networks of friends and colleagues. In rural and remote areas this is even more pronounced. To help and support rural West Australians with cancer CSA intends to take Meeting the Challenge to rural and remote areas. Our plan is to send a team of one facilitator and one counsellor on a tour of country WA twice a year to personally present the seminar content and provide one-on-one counselling and cancer information sessions to individuals in need. In order to achieve our vision of helping Australians with cancer to Meet the Challenge, CSA needs assistance from the community. If you are able to contribute as a volunteer or make a donation we would greatly appreciate and value your contribution. This is a big undertaking, but with the assistance and encouragement of the CSA wellness community, we are conﬁdent we can bring our unconditional support and vital cancer wellness information to the attention all Australians with cancer. If you would like to help, you can complete the form on the back of this page, or simply log on to the donation page of our website, select the ‘Meeting the Challenge’ Appeal and make your donation directly to the appeal. May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

The Mind that CHANGES Everything By Dr. Ian Gawler

There is a bit of excitement in the house this week as the first copies of my new book, “The Mind that Changes Everything”, published by Brolga Publishing, will be available in the next few days.

What is it all about? Consider this. Whatever you do begins with a thought. Reading this blog seemed like a good idea at the time. Whatever you are sitting on right now began in someone’s mind as a thought: I will build a chair that looks and functions according to the image I have of it in my mind. Whatever you do next will be determined by your mind. What you will have for your next meal begins with a thought. The next person you spend time with, the next outing with friends and family, the next business decision, the next holiday, the next purchase; on and on. Everything begins with the mind. And all the experts say we only use a fraction of our mind’s potential.

In time for his visit to Perth, Dr. Ian Gawler has released a new book which explores the power of the mind.

However, there is more to it than this. While everything we do begins in the mind, what we complete, what we achieve, what we let go of, what we abandon; all these outcomes are largely the function of our own mind. Truly, it is the mind that changes everything. And when it comes to the mind, have you ever wondered how some people seem to keep a clear head? In sport, these people just seem to know how to be in the right place at the right time; and they perform at their best when the pressure is on. Maybe you have noticed how some people seem to be comfortable and at ease in any company – whether at formal meetings or informally with friends, even strangers. They just seem to know what to say. How to be. They seem confident, relaxed; engaged and clear. Very appealing. Maybe you have observed these clear-headed people in business. They are the ones who consistently are making good decisions. They enjoy their challenges, remain cool and calm. They have clarity amidst complexity, make decisions with assurance and have the confidence to follow things through to completion. Then again, you probably have heard stories or know of people who used their minds to bring about great changes in their health and their lifestyles. Those who found a way to give up smoking, lose weight, overcome serious illness or perhaps the greatest achievement of all, to live a long life, free of illness, abounding with really good health, a high level of resilience and a joyful sense of wellbeing. What we all know is that a few rare individuals have this gift naturally. They just seem to have this quality, this capacity to use their minds really effectively. But here is the good news, the really good news. This capacity, the capacity to keep a clear head in good times and bad and to use our minds to better effect, this capacity can be acquired. It is a skill that can be learnt and with practice, it can become a natural part of our lives – a natural part of who we are. How we are. This then is the gift of learning how to train your mind. And in all truth, perhaps this is the greatest gift you can give to yourself or to someone you care about. The skill of learning how to calm and clear your mind, and in doing so, learning how to be much more fully in control of your body and your mind, and the situations that unfold around you.

Cancer Support Association

www.cancersupportwa.org.au

What we are talking of here is definitely a science. A mind science. It is just like choosing to become physically fitter, going to the physical gym, running around the park, training your muscles. Here we go to the mental gym. Train our mind, enjoy it becoming fitter, more capable; get the best out of our mind and its potential.

How do we do it? Those of you who already have done a little meditation will know that the mind has two aspects. Firstly, there is the active, ever changing thinking mind, with its conscious and sub-conscious realms. Then there is that more profound, more constant nature of mind that we experience in the quiet stillness of meditation. Accessing meditation was the focus of the book I wrote with Paul Bedson, “Meditation – an In-depth Guide”. While we did include in that book the key elements of both contemplation and imagery, this new companion book, “The Mind that Changes Everything”, goes more deeply into how the active mind works and the techniques that enable us to use it more effectively. The focus therefore is on understanding and using the practice of imagery. Imagery is defined as the conscious development and repetition of mental images for a creative purpose. The truth is we live in a world of images. Images flood the world around us, being projected by television, film, photography and life itself. Everything we experience, everything that registers with our senses, forms an image that is taken in to be stored in our memory. Internally we think using images, remember using images, create using images. Our whole life is affected dramatically by the images that come to us or that we produce ourselves. Images have a major impact on health, healing and wellbeing. “The Mind that Changes Everything” is all about how we can more fully understand all this and then use imagery as a crucial element in the process of training and using our minds to make the most out of all we do in life. My hope is that you will find this book very accessible and very practical. While I have read widely on the subject, studied it, attended other people’s workshops, and learnt directly from some remarkable teachers, the essence of the book comes from the lessons learnt by both ordinary and remarkable people who have used the creative power of their minds to good effect. Along with 48 imagery-based techniques for training and using the mind potently, the book contains many great stories from people who have achieved remarkable things using these techniques for their sport, business, relationships, healing and wellbeing. “The Mind that Changes Everything” is a book intended for a wide audience, so I hope you, your family, friends and colleagues will enjoy it and find something useful in it.✦

The Mind that Changes Everything is currently available from www.gawler.org/shop-online/

Meditation in 4 easy steps The process of learning to meditate can be summarised into four easy steps. which combined make up the technique we call Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM).

Step 1. Preparation In a conducive environment, take up a conducive posture, turn your mind inwardly and relax.

Step 2. Relaxation Use the simplest, most practical technique that helps you to relax your body. Allow your mind to go with it. Let go. Eﬀortlessly.

Step 3. Mindfulness As a natural sequence you could ﬂow on to use the focussed mindfulness applications of mindfulness of sound, mindfulness of bodily sensations, emotions, thoughts and stillness. Or you could use the more open mindfulness that leads into simple, undistracted awareness – simply notice with bare attention whatever comes to your awareness, whether it be sounds, sensations, emotions, thoughts or stillness; whatever happens, simply being aware, open, and present.

Step 4. Stillness As you rest in this undistracted awareness you notice the movement – the activity or phenomena that occur within you and around you, and you notice the all-pervading background of stillness. Increasingly the stillness becomes more familiar. You smile as you are warmed by the comfort and easy that ﬂows with this knowing, this experience of the essence of meditation.

Putting MBSM even more simply: Having prepared well, we relax. Relaxing more deeply, we become more mindful. As our mindfulness develops, the stillness naturally reveals itself. We rest in open, undistracted awareness. This is Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation.

Meditation – the Direct Approach Remember, meditation can be practised using the Direct Approach of no method, or the Gradual Approach that relies upon learning and using techniques. Having summarised the speciﬁc technique, the four steps of MBSM above, here is the essence of the direct approach to meditation. There is nothing to do. Simply be aware. Open. Undistracted. Aware. It is as simple, and as diﬃcult as that. Happy meditating! ✦ From Dr. Ian Gawler’s blog: www.gawlerblog.com. For more tips on meditation read “The Mind that Changes Everything” by Ian Gawler. May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

An Overview of Current Nutritional & Holistic Approaches to Cancer By M. David Keeshan

This article is a summary, from various sources, of some of the nutritional and holistic elements that can aid the body in remembering its former wellness and lead to a victory over cancer. It does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your health practitioner before adding to or eliminating any current treatments used, or experimenting with any of the suggestions outlined.

Cancer Support Association

CANCER: WHAT IT IS Cancer is the name given to a broad group of diseases that are all characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal growth by the body’s cells. At the micro level, it is believed to be caused by mutations or changes in a cell’s DNA that turn off biological “safety switches” and allow the cell to divide wildly. Conventional therapies are primarily aimed at killing the malignant cells by chemotherapy or radiation, or removing them by surgery. If all the cancer cells are destroyed or removed, the chances for a complete cure are good. If some cells escape the therapy, the cancer will return at a later date, and may have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. In that case, because cancer drugs and radiation often damage vital organs and weaken the immune system, the cancer may spread much more quickly than before. More recently, the cutting edge of conventional medical focus has moved to genetics, and to identifying and switching off cancer genes - an approach that holds much promise in the long run, but raises concerns about the unforeseeable effects of genetic manipulation. From an alternative health perspective, cancer is best seen as a symptom of a systemic imbalance that inhibits the body’s ability to regulate it’s own processes effectively. Treatment is aimed at restoring the body’s balance and allowing the body’s own healing mechanisms to operate. Essentially, the body, not a drug, radiation or surgeon, assumes the job of identifying and eliminating all cancerous cells - an immune response that scientists believe happens on a daily basis in healthy individuals.

CANCER: WHAT IT IS NOT While a serious, life-threatening disease, cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. In fact, the world is filled with hundreds of thousands - millions in fact - of cancer sufferers who have conquered this modern day scourge through alternative or conventional medicine, or a combination of both. Few have passed through the process of without experiencing their own personal and spiritual transformation. But for many of those who have found their way back to wellness, the key has been devising and implementing a sound plan for success.

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THE ANTI-CANCER GAME PLAN 1. Putting on Your Game Face Every cancer cure starts with a positive outlook, mental toughness, and “ownership” of the affliction by the patient.

Be Positive In the outstretched hand of every problem we face in life, no matter how horrendous, there is a gleaming gift of personal understanding, if we choose to accept it. Grab that gift with both hands and examine it carefully, continuously - even gratefully, if you can. See what lessons you have to learn from a diagnosis of cancer - and put it to work to help you keep a positive outlook. Only you can know what that gift might be, and honesty is the only policy. Be honest with yourself about your life, your dreams and aspirations. Putting on an outwardly optimistic face while being overwhelmed by gloom may be a tribute to your acting skills, but from a healing perspective, it is worth almost nothing. Wellness begins deep inside, and negativity is only a bad habit. Be prepared to joyfully change anything and everything that doesn’t have positive, life-affirming aspect to it. Watch lots of comedies, read uplifting stories, laugh. Learn to cultivate joy in watching a sunrise, changing a diaper, or smelling a pine tree. Howdy-Dowdy talk? Not really. Humans aren’t just bodies or brains, they are integrated mind-bodies The mere act of positive thinking works to stimulate your immune response and fight the cancer. Depression , pessimism and “why me” thinking - while a natural first response - results in a drop in immune response and T-cell activity - making it tougher for your body to contain the growth of your cancer. Your body is hard-wired to seek a healthy equilibrium when your thoughts are positive, upbeat and centred on your spiritual connection to something greater. Religious? If not, then this would be a good time to start, since religious people often live longer and healthier lives, and have more robust immune systems - due, no doubt in part, to the mind-body connection. Remember, think as though your life depends upon it - because it does.

Be Mentally Tough and Take Ownership Guess what? This is your life, and your health challenge. Take ownership of it, and be confident of your ability to deal with it. With respect to your illness, everyone else is there for support and advice. Only you can drive the bus. In any healing process, there will be ups and downs, reverses and advances. Sometimes you will run to the finish line, but sometimes you must take two baby steps forward, and one baby step back. The key is to remain focused on the ultimate goal, not the daily turbulence. Mental toughness means perserverance and faith in yourself, your health practitioner, and your body’s ability to heal itself. It means realizing that how we face life and death may be more important than the fact that we do live and die. Ask yourself, “why do I want to be well?” How will you change your life when your health returns. How will you use that health to help others? Even the healthiest 50 year old alive today will live only a few years longer in the grand scheme of time than his 50 year old twin who dies in a car crash. When it comes to health, it is often true that accepting death is sometimes the best prescription for a longer life. Choose a doctor you respect, like and believe in, don’t accept one by default. Be ornery and unyielding where it is necessary to your

healing. Do your own research, and open your mind to possibilities for healing. Look for wisdom everywhere. When it comes to cancer, studies have show that the ones who find their way back to remembered wellness and health are the ones many conventional doctors label as “non-compliant” and bull-headed. Be prepared to be told you are wasting your time and money. The simple fact is, those who docilely accept their doctor’s prescriptions succeed less often then their tough-minded brethren who look inside for their destiny.

2. Detoxiﬁcation Cancer is an imbalance in the body’s ability to heal itself, and detoxification is the first step in restoring the body’s health. Over our lives, we absorb countless toxins through the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the stress we generate. Disease-causing hydrogenated fats, nitrites and preservatives, for example, are a staple of most processed foods. Even the fruits and vegetables in our supermarkets are bathed in pesticides. Chlorine and fluoride, toxic to the body at even low doses, are added to the water supply, and mercury to our dental amalgams. Lead, arsenic and cadmium are pumped out by our factories, automobiles and cigarettes, and pumped into our lungs and bloodstream. These toxins place an enormous burden on our body’s cleansing mechanisms, at the cellular and organ level. When we are in a state of wellness, unwanted substances are efficiently mixed with bile from the liver and purged through the intestines, secreted through our urine or sweated out through our skin before they can do any lasting harm. But due to poor diet, stress, overwork, genetics and a degraded environment, our cleansing system may break down. The liver becomes overworked, bile production falls, and parasites, chemicals and harmful bacteria become established in the intestines. Refined foods like white flour clog our bowels, and refined sugars shock our pancreas and liver into a state of constant stimulation. Fat soluble poisons accumulate in our cells, and as our immune response becomes muted, autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus, diabetes and cancer begin to develop in the population. As our cleansing mechanisms are overwhelmed, these toxins begin to damage cells, alter DNA or exacerbate an existing genetic susceptibility - activating a cancer gene, for example. Stage one in the battle plan is to detoxify the body as best we can, reducing our exposure to toxins and getting rid of as many harmful poisons as possible. Detoxification means:

A. Identifying and avoiding toxins There is no point trying to bail out the boat while it is still leaking. You must stop ingesting toxins 1 through the food, water and air. If you smoke, first or second hand, stop. Eat only organic, whole foods if you can, avoiding chemicals, preservatives and refined foods like the plague. Don’t eat fatty or fried foods, foods containing hydrogenated oils, soft drinks or any refined sugar. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a mild, unchemicalized soap and rinse very thoroughly to remove as much pesticide residue as possible. Drink only charcoal-filtered water. Eliminate exposure to common toxins like ethyl alcohol and benzene.

B. Boosting liver function When it comes to health and cleansing, the liver is the body’s master gland. It breaks down all toxic substances - drugs, chemicals, body waste - and combines them with bile to be flushed

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WELLNESS NEWS

...from previous page out via the intestines. In cases of serious illness, the liver should be protected and bolstered to ensure its maximum health, because it is the cornerstone of the body’s healing process. Consider introducing the following liver-friendly practices: SUPPORT THE LIVER WITH HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES (consult a homeopath for the rights ones for you), herbs such as alfalfa, milk thistle, licorice root, dandelion, red clover, and taheebo 2, and supplement with Vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and zinc. DRINK LEMON WATER (from a freshly squeezed lemon) or whole lemon drink every morning upon rising - lemon is a great de-toxifier. DRINK FRESHLY MADE ORGANIC VEGETABLE JUICES WITH MEALS, PARTICULARLY CARROT JUICE - an excellent

way to support liver function. Organic vegetables are key, as it is important that the juice be free from chemical contaminants. Make a juicer an essential appliance in your kitchen. DON’T OVEREAT - over-consumption of food is one of the best ways to exhaust your liver. Ordinarily a two or three day fast is an outstanding tonic for the liver, but fasting in the presence of a malignancy may be unwise, and should not be undertaken without medical supervision. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS - it isn’t just a coincidence that heavy drinkers suffer liver damage. AVOID FOODS THAT NEED TO BE COOKED - raw fruits, vegetables and lightly cooked foods put the least amount of strain on the liver. AVOID REFINED FOODS - they lack the enzymes and

vitamins needed for the liver to do its job.

AVOID MEAT - it is difficult to digest and strains the liver. Rely on non-meat sources of protein like fish and tofu. CLEANSE THE INTESTINES - poisons carried by the blood stream from the intestines go directly to the liver (see below.)

C. Cleansing the intestines While the liver is the body’s key organ for processing toxins, the intestines are its chief mechanism for eliminating them once they have been broken down. The intestinal system has two distinct

components - the upper, small intestine, and the lower large intestine, known as the bowel or colon. As a result of a diet of refined foods and fats, most colons become clogged and coated with dead and decaying fecal matter. The widespread presence of antibiotics in food and medicines destroys the healthy balance of bacteria in the colon and leads to the emergence of harmful bacteria, fungi and parasites. Wellness simply cannot exist in the presence of a diseased or congested colon, as the toxins it fails to remove will affect and damage every other system in the body. Cleansing the colon will support the liver and significantly boost the body’s ability to heal itself. The techniques suggested for liver cleansing will have a beneficial affect on the intestines. It is extremely important that only whole, non-refined foods are eaten. In addition, the following practices will be required: INCREASE FIBRE CONSUMPTION - a high fibre diet is crucial to colon health and cleansing, because the fibre is necessary to scrape the walls of the intestines and stimulate elimination. A fibre supplement may be essential in the short run to help unclog the bowel. ELIMINATE PARASITES AND YEAST OVERGROWTHS herbal remedies such as black walnut hulls for parasites, and capryllic acid or taheebo for yeast are extremely valuable. RESTORE A HEALTHY BACTERIAL BALANCE - take daily supplements of “friendly” colon bacteria such as acidophilus to create a healthy bowel environment and suppress harmful bacteria.

D. Cleansing the blood The blood and circulatory system are key components in overall health and immune function. Purifying the blood detoxifies poisons, increases circulation, stimulates immune response and helps eliminate excess fluids. To assist blood purification: DRINK 8-12 GLASSES OF PURE, CHARCOAL-FILTERED WATER EVERY DAY - dehydration puts a strain on every

organ and allows toxins to concentrate and damage cells. Hydration encourages flushing of poisons through the skin, urine and feces. DRINK ONLY FILTERED WATER AND NON-PROCESSED HERBAL TEAS such as taheebo, raspberry leaves, mint,

and chamomile. Avoid all beverages with sugar, artificial sweeteners and flavours, and all carbonated drinks which can put strain on the kidneys.

A weekly group held every Tuesday at CSA 10am – 12noon. Anyone who’s life has been aﬀected by cancer or other life threatening illnesses is welcome to attend. A Carer’s Support Group is held at the same time when required. 14

Cancer Support Association

www.cancersupportwa.org.au

TAKE REGULAR EPSOM SALT BATHS - an excellent way to draw impurities out through the skin. Make the bath as hot as can be tolerated without discomfort. SUPPLEMENT WITH CLEANSING HERBS - such as echinacea, dandelion, burdock and red clover. The herbal combination Essiac (also known as Flor-Essence) is an excellent blood purifier. DRY-BRUSH MASSAGE - the skin is the largest organ of toxin elimination, and stimulation through dry-brush massage is the best way to encourage its cleansing activity and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Use a natural fibre brush or loofa mitt every day on dry skin to brush the body from head to toe, except for the face or over sores or growths. If you do enter into a detoxification program, dry brush massage must be an essential part of it.

E. What to Expect from De-toxiﬁcation The process of detoxification can be very powerful, and may produce a number of symptoms of varying intensities such as flu-like illness, diarrhea and changes in fecal composition, outbreaks of skin rashes and boils, fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, a general feeling of unwellness, and the like. These symptoms are a result of toxins being poured out of the body, and are actually positive signs that cleansing is occurring. However, if the symptoms are severe, or prolonged, reduce the detoxification techniques used until a more acceptable balance is reached. As the body detoxifies, its ability to heal will increase exponentially.

3. Preventing or Limiting Spread The most dangerous aspect of the majority of cancers is their ability to spread, or metastasize, to other organs and other parts of the body. While a slow growing tumour limited to a non-essential area can be more chronic than life-threatening, survival prospects for cancer sufferers decline dramatically once a cancer has spread to other key organs. Therefore, keeping the cancer localized in one place while the body marshals its defences for healing becomes paramount for a return to wellness. One of the most effective options available for limiting cancer spread is the prevention of angiogenesis through the use of shark cartilage. In order to grow and spread, tumours require the proliferation of a network of additional blood vessel networks to feed and nourish the renegade cells. This process of creating new blood vessels is called angiogenesis, and shark cartilage has shown great promise as an anti-angiogenesic substance. It appears to help stop the spread of solid tumours by inhibiting the formation of those new blood vessels that cancer cells require to grow and move elsewhere in the body. It may also provide a boost to the immune system as well. There is related medical research support for this approach. In Novermber of 1997, a research team at Harvard Medical School, led by Dr. Judah Folkman, claimed to have permanently eliminated large tumours in mice using naturally occurring, anti-angiogenesis proteins. Dr. Folkman’s team used two substances, angiostatin and endostatin, to completely regress tumours in laboratory mice, and leave the animals cancer-free for virtually their entire lifetimes. If these positive results continue, and transfer to experiments on human subjects, it could herald a new era in cancer treatment. The research team’s results were published in the journal Nature. Upon a diagnosis of cancer, therefore, it seems prudent to begin immediate supplementation with shark cartilage. However, it should be noted that young persons, persons with heart conditions, and others suffering from conditions where blood vessel inhibition is not recommended, should be cautious about using shark cartilage unless under medical supervision. Consult your health practitioner in this regard.

Cancer, like all illness - indeed like all human experience – is more than just a misalignment of proteins or a misﬁring physical process. It is an invitation (usually unwanted) to re-examine your values, beliefs, goals and accomplishments, and to decide why your health is important to you, and what wellness really means. It is an opportunity to transform your life, and to glimpse potentials and opportunities that you never considered possible.

4. Building Up the Body and Breaking Down the Cancer With the right mental attitude to guide the process, detoxification underway, and the likelihood of spread hopefully reduced, it is time to show your cancer what a healthy body does to renegade cells! By building yourself up to maximum health, and integrating the mind and body, the odds for a return to wellness have just gone up considerably. There are numerous natural weapons that bolster health and aid in the fight against cancer, but like conventional drugs and therapies, what works for one person may be totally

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WELLNESS NEWS

...from previous page ineffective for another. Success will involve finding the rights ones for you. With that in mind, some of the keys to healing process are: REST AND REGENERATION - much of the body’s healing and regenerative processes take place during deep sleep. Make sure you get plenty of rest, because without it, all the supplements and therapies in the world won’t help. Stop before your feel tired, not after your body gives out and forces you to bed. Make play and relaxation an important part of your everyday life. MODERATE EXERCISE - exercise isn’t just good for the heart, it supports every system in the body, including the immune system. Exercise moderately and regularly, but don’t over do it. Even if your health permits only minimal exercise, it is important to keep the body active. Gentle activities like Tai Chi and yoga are ideal, as is a brisk 30 minute walk every day. Avoid exercising near busy roadways or industrial areas, if possible, to minimize the absorption of lead, carbon monoxide and heavy metals via the lungs.

By taking control of your illness, opening your mind to new and exciting possibilities, and establishing a sensible game plan, cancer can be beaten, and total health restored. But if you fail to seize the gift that is wrapped in your illness, and accept the challenge to transform your life, even though the malignancy may be destroyed, you will have missed a valuable chance at wellness.

DEEP BREATHING - as with many disease processes, cancerous cell growth is primarily an anaerobic process. That means that it prospers in an low oxygen environment, and is adversely affected by high oxygen levels. By increasing the oxygenation of the blood and body tissues through deep breathing, you can simply and easily increase the effectiveness of the immune system and put up another roadblock for your cancer. Breathe slowly and deeply from the diaphragm, filling the lower portions of your lungs first, then the upper portions. Your lower abdomen should rise while you breathe in. Slowly breathe out, empty the air from the upper portions first, as your abdomen slowly falls. Do this daily for ten minutes, three times per day. A WHOLE FOODS DIET - the importance of a balanced, “whole foods-based” diet in the fight against cancer cannot be over-emphasized. Avoid refined and commercially prepared foods, which are either de-natured and stripped of all vitamins and enzymes, or filled with harmful fats, chemicals and preservatives. Eat mostly raw, organic vegetables and fruits, avoiding red meat and all non-organic chicken and turkey. Substitute tofu, organic boiled eggs, tempeh and fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines where possible. ELIMINATE ALL FRIED FOODS, AND FOODS WITH SATURATED AND HYDROGENATED FATS AND ADDITIVES. Use extra-virgin olive oil or small amounts of canola or flax seed

oil for cooking. Eat brown rice, kasha, quinoa, potatoes, and bulgar, and rely on lemons, cayenne, curry, vegetable or sea salt, garlic and unadulterated spices for flavour. Eliminate dairy products with the exception of yogurt or kefir. Even with these restrictions, it is possible to eat like royalty, and to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Drink only filtered water and unadulterated herbal teas. MEDITATION AND MIND-BODY INTEGRATION - Modern scientific research is continually affirming the mind’s ability to influence bodily processes that were once thought to be totally beyond the mind’s control... It may not be an exaggeration to say that, when used effectively, the mind’s remarkable potential makes it the single most powerful front-line weapon in the fight against disease. The famous “placebo effect” is an ongoing demonstration that belief can be the most effective medicine of all. IMMUNE STIMULATION - A strong immune response is a potent weapon against cancer, and can be enhanced and fortified by a diet of whole foods, and the use of a variety of herbs, vitamins and minerals, and dietary supplements. Herbs or herbal combinations such as echinacea, taheebo, Cat’s Claw and Wheat Grass have been used to boost immune system function and treat cancer. Many impressive anti-cancer claims have been made about the herbal combination known as Essiac 6 or Flor-Essence, which has prospered as an alternative medicine of choice for many cancer patients for over 60 years. HIGH DOSES (4 - 20 GRAMS ) OF VITAMIN C have been championed by two-time Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling as highly effective against cancer growth, while the combination of Vitamin E and the mineral selenium has synergistic anti-tumour and immune enhancing effects. Zinc is another important mineral involved in immune response and liver function, particularly for men suffering from prostate cancer. Vitamin C, being water soluble, should be taken in divided doses over the day. For example, if the daily dose is 10 grams, take 2 grams 5 times per day. Vitamin C in powdered form is the least expensive way to obtain large doses, and can be added to water and baking soda to reduce

Cancer Support Association

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acidity. Because it oxidizes quickly after mixing with water, the powder drink should be consumed within 30 minutes of mixing. Some health practitioners believe that a sufficiently high dose of Vitamin C will positively impact the treatment of most cancers and most viruses, and that non-response simply reflects an inadequate daily dose. At a certain point, however, known as the bowel tolerance level, diarrhea will result from oral ingestion. For very high doses -above 30-40 grams - intravenous Vitamin C therapy has been used by qualified health practitioners with apparently good results in cancer and Aids patients. Lastly, a number of supplements are linked to improved immune response and anti-cancer activity. Flax seed oil, along with many fish oils, are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Recent studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit the growth of cancer by blocking the formation of certain types of prostaglandins, which can promote tumour growth. Phytochemicals are substances found in fruits and vegetables which appear to have anti-cancer effects. There are a number of supplement products 7 offering phytochemicals derived from de-hydrated green and orange vegetables which are quite good. Pcycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from pine bark or grape seeds which has shown promise against heart disease, diabetic complications and has had anecdotal success against cancer.

5. Transforming Your Life There are of course many other approaches, techniques, and alternative treatments for cancer - energy work, the Hoxsey formula, hydrogen peroxide, and frequency generation, to name but a few - and this article cannot pretend to do more than scratch the surface. But in the final analysis, cancer, like all illness - indeed like all human experience - is more than just a misalignment of proteins or a misfiring physical process. It is an invitation (usually unwanted) to re-examine your values, beliefs, goals and accomplishments, and to decide why your health is important to you, and what wellness really means. It is an opportunity to transform your life, and to glimpse potentials and opportunities that you never considered possible. In Joy’s Way 8, Brugh Joy, M.D. wrote of the transformational experience in these words: In whatever form of treatment, the patient is not simply passive. He or she must clear the psychological areas that were factors in precipitating the disease and are factors in perpetuating it. The pattern configuring the factors that allow disease to manifest in the body is not in the outer awareness of the patient. It is deeply buried.

...When you can forgive both another and yourself, the pattern is broken, and you move from the law of karma (action and reaction) into the law of grace (resolution) - that effulgent state that transmutes and heals. ... The outer conditioned mind alone cannot do it. It must be connected with what can only be called the spiritual aspect; then the honesty cards must be drawn to see clearly whether the unconscious and subconscious balance of forces is for transformation through death or through the life process. But by taking control of your illness, opening your mind to new and exciting possibilities, and establishing a sensible game plan, cancer can be beaten, and total health restored. But if you fail to seize the gift that is wrapped in your illness, and accept the challenge to transform your life, even though the malignancy may be destroyed, you will have missed a valuable chance at wellness. Good luck - you are on a great and awesome adventure, but you are not alone. ✦

Footnotes 1. A good reference in this regard is The Cure for All Diseases, by Hulda Regehr Clark, published by ProMotion Publishing, San Diego.. 2. Taheebo, also known as pau d’arco or Lapacho, is a tea made from the bark of the pau d’darco tree in South America. It is also available in tincture or pill form. Used by the Incas for millennia as a healing tea, taheebo has a pleasant taste and is known as an immune booster, with anti-yeast and anti-tumour effects. It cannot come into contact with plastic, and should be stored in paper bags and brewed in a ceramic tea pot maker. Boil uncovered 1-2 tablespoons of the bark in 8 cups of water for 5-10 minutes and then let sit for 15 minutes before drinking. 3. To make whole lemon drink, select a fresh lemon (organic if possible), and wash the skin carefully, removing all dyes and scraping off all rotting segments. Cut the whole lemon into pieces and blend (skin and all) with 2 cups of filtered water and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Drink all at once or in two or three portions over the day. 4. An excellent fibre supplement is herbal FibreBlend by AIM, which includes a synergistic combination of fibre and anti-parasitic and bowel supportive herbs. 6. An article on Essiac’s history and composition. 7. Two excellent products are Aim’s Barley Green and Nikken’s Emerald Harvest. 8. Joy’s Way: A Map for the Transformational Journey: An Introduction to the Potentials for Healing with Body Energies, 1979, J.P Tarcher Inc., Los Angeles, distributed by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.

CSA Library News... We have plenty of books by Ian Gawler which you can borrow to learn more about Ian and the Gawler approach to cancer wellness – before his coming Perth visit....

BOOKS BY IAN GAWLER: The Creative Power of Imagery;

Peace of Mind; You Can Conquer Cancer (also for sale in shop); The Dragon’s Blessing (Ian Galwer biography) by Guy Allenby; Meditation Pure and Simple.

CDs BY IAN GAWLER: Mind Body Medicine; Deepening your

Meditation; Meditation Pure and Simple; Emotional Health; Sound into Silence.

May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

“Doing the work, having faith in the work, I am empowered, and I become my own healer.”

The ancient yoga masters placed great importance on the role of faith and selfempowerment in healing...

“Our body functions are based on signals sent by the brain. If the brain sends a signal to the hand to move, it moves. If the brain sends a signal to the eye to open, it opens. Everything in our body happens based on the signals the brain sends. And these signals can be either positive or negative, and this makes a whole difference to how we are, and how we function. When we have fear, anxiety etc., the brain sends negative signals, and this is why we feel the way feel when [we are] over-powered by such emotions. However, when we have faith or confidence, the brain sends positive signals and this is what promotes healing. This is known in medicine as the Placebo Effect. In yoga this is called Sraddha.” ~ Dr B Ramamurthy [neurosurgeon]. The job of the patient in most systems of healing is to receive the treatment, and nothing more. Someone else performs the actual work of healing the patient. For example, we go to a surgeon, and he does the healing work while we are under anaesthesia, unconscious and completely immobilised. While he is performing surgery, we don’t even know what is happening or who is working on us. Even when we take a pill our doctor has prescribed for us, the only effort we are expending to heal ourselves is remembering to take the pill and then performing the physical act of swallowing it. The pill does the rest of the job. Similarly, when we go to a chiropractor, our role in the healing process is limited. The chiropractor works on healing the body for us. It is the same with massage therapy. When we get a massage, the therapist does the work, and we lie passively on the massage bed. Sometimes, we even fall asleep. However, yoga is different. If yoga is going to heal us, we have to do the work. Yoga engages us directly in the healing process. We are active participants in our own healing treatment. As [the contemporary yoga master] Krishnamacharya told one of his students, “It’s no use to pray to God for help if you are not acting to help yourself.” Every major yoga text says the same thing. In order to heal or to achieve any goal, the student needs to commit to the practice and have faith in the practice and the teachings. These requirements of discipline and faith are complimentary. If our faith is true, it will inspire us to do the things that are needed to move forwards. ✦

The above quotes and article are from ”The Yoga of the Yogi” by Kausthub Desikachar. Published by Krishnamacharya Mandiram, Chennai, India. Website: www.kym.org.

Cancer Support Association

www.cancersupportwa.org.au

SO thankful... Someone reminded me last night, in the midst of a rough moment, that while I still have a way to go to beat cancer, I’ve come a long way and accomplished a lot. These moments, when I lose sight of what I have done and focus too much on what I have left to do are the hardest. So, I plan to forget about how far I have left to go on my journey and think about everything that’s been done already and savour the feeling of accomplishment. And with those accomplishments come so many thanks... for life... every day is wonderful. There are no guarantees in any of this, and

you can choose to face each opportunity searching for the gifts in it or focusing on the difficulties. Even in adversity, there is so much to be gained. I’ve learned that life is truly what we make it, and really has nothing to do with how long we live it for. I’m so thankful for the new perspective so early in my life.

for family and friends... there’s no way to survive cancer

without a strong web of support. This has been quite the ride so far, and it’s not over yet...I feel so fortunate to have everyone I do around me to lift me up and push me forward. I know it’s not only a marathon for me, but everyone in my life, too. Some days I think it’s harder on everyone else, and I’m so thankful for all of them for toughing it out, too.

for the most wonderful cancer fighting team, ever... on every step of this journey, I’ve met amazing people .

who have given me so much, and so much more than just medical care. Every day they amaze me with their selflessness and kindness. Cancer can be scary, but every person on my team has made sure that fear is eliminated, and that I have everything I need to face cancer with a strength I never thought I had. These aren’t just doctors, nurses and assistants...they are my heroes, advocates and life savers.

for my fellow cancer warriors... I’m so inspired by each of the people I’ve met who have, and are, fighting cancer. Especially for Michelle... for four years of university we lived on the same floor, had the same classes, same honour societies, and many of the same friends...but, it wasn’t until my diagnosis that we became close friends. And, for Kerri...who, through this experience, has become an amazing friend and inspiration. Without cancer, I’d never have these friendships... and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. You’re both a reflection of how wonderful life is, and you help me remember that there is life after cancer. You are the light in the darkest moments.

for my students... for reminding me there is nothing to gain by

focusing on the adversity in our lives. For showing me the importance of focusing on what we can do, and ignoring what others tell us we cannot do. For defying all the odds. For teaching me so much about life. For giving me so many opportunities to laugh, to learn and to be inspired.

So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. so often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done. ~ Marian Wright Edelman

The list goes on and on.... this experience has been the single greatest opportunity of my life. It’s hard, and at times it has it’s dark moments. But, in the end, whatever the outcome, I know it’s made me a better and stronger person. And if we’re not thankful for life, regardless of what hand we’ve been dealt, than what is there left to live for? Always look for the things you’re thankful For...there’s reason to be thankful in everything we’re given...sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it. ✦

There are many inspiring blogs on the internet written by people with cancer who share many different aspects of their cancer journey. This post is from the blog “There is Optimism in Cancer” by Grace at http://canceroptimism.blogspot.com. May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

helping people with cancer By Alan Bavley

Cancer patients in a US hospital are using art therapy to help understand and relieve emotional distress that comes with their illness…

atherine Robinson’s hands are busy rolling and stretching and twisting the lump of clay on her table. But her attention is clearly fixed on Andrew Elman. “You’re going to have to help me because this is kind of new for an old lady,” she tells him in her charming way. Elman is an art therapist. Twice a month, he and associate Marilynn Demers visit St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, USA to encourage cancer patients like Robinson to express themselves through impromptu art projects of drawing, painting, even sculpting. The goal is to help cancer patients to better understand and express the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that can come with their illness. Robinson, 84, has been in the hospital for several days, receiving chemotherapy for uterine cancer. “This is my last treatment, then I go home to stay,” she says. “That’s a good feeling,” Elman answers. Robinson sits in an easy chair in her room chatting with Elman about the community groups in which she participates. She absently kneads the clay. “It’s got the consistency of gum and Play-Doh,” Elman tells her. “I can take a big bite,” Robinson says with a chuckle. Robinson works the clay until the conversation flags. When she finishes, she has a long tube that twists and turns every which way. “Now don’t ask me what this is because I don’t know myself,” she says. Across the hall, Elman gives Susan Schiller, 54, a glue stick and a pile of magazine clippings to make a collage. Schiller is recovering from surgery to remove a large growth from her abdomen. This day she’s feeling relieved; she’s been told the growth was benign. Schiller is reluctant, at first, to start the project. “I’m just not artsy,” she says. “This craftsy stuff, I’m not good at.” But Schiller doesn’t need much coaxing. She starts sorting the clippings into those that she feels apply to her life and those that don’t. As she goes through the scraps of paper, she talks to Elman about the Pilates studio that she runs with her daughter, Kahley, who is the instructor. “It’s been very positive, a great experience,” she says. “(Kahley’s) very tough on them. She pushes them,” but when they come on a regular basis, they feel so much better about themselves.” Schiller is ready to start gluing her clippings to a sheet of paper. “Caregiver,” one says. “Essential wisdom,” another reads.

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“Healing words.” “These are all me,” Schiller says. Elman carries his art supplies in a tool bag, like a handyman going from job to job. When he meets with patients for the first time, he tries to reassure them that they shouldn’t be concerned over whether or not they have artistic talent. “Art therapy is not so much about the product as the process,” Elman says. “We want them to move beyond that resistance that they don’t have the ability. It really helps them to get them talking about their lives and not be apprehensive about making art.” Demers thinks art plays a role in easing patients’ anxieties about the choices they have to make. “What they can gain from it is strength and hope,” she says. Demers recalled one patient, a young mother who was having a hard time telling her 10-year-old son about her cancer.

New Art Therapy Group weekly at CSA

“It was clear from her art that it was a struggle for her,” Demers says. “But just the opportunity to talk to someone was helpful. We’re the safe person. We’re not part of the family.” After working through her anxieties, the mother decided to do art therapy with her son as a way of finding common ground to discuss her situation. “We opened the door for them to begin,” Demers says. Schiller finishes pasting her collage. She struggles to swallow a pain pill and then tells Elman about her new creation. “This, I think, represents me,” she says. And as she points to significant words and pictures on the paper, she tells him how she would interpret her work. “As a mother, you’re a caregiver. And life’s about being balanced,” she says. “You have to find out who you are and find balance.” “I believe in healing. I believe that kind words and healing words can change your whole life.” Schiller points to some travel pictures. She remembers the time she spent hitchhiking through Europe when she was 19. “Life is what you make it,” she says. “It can be as adventurous as you want.” Elman asks Robinson to speculate about the squiggle of clay she has made. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s a snake,” she says. Robinson recalls her childhood growing up in rural Mississippi. There were plenty of snakes near her home. She learned to tell the harmless ones from the dangerous ones, like rattlesnakes. Elman offers her a box of watercolors, and she dabs her snake with brown and red. “OK, I’m through now,” she tells Elman. “I think I did pretty good.” “I think you did great,” he says. ✦

From: www.arttherapyblog.com. First published in The Kansas City Star, www.kansascity.com.

Arts for Healing is a gently empowering form of self-expression which actively and creatively engages you in exploring and developing your unique inner resources to make personal meaning of your life experiences, symbolically and spontaneously.

9.30am-12noon Fridays at CSA with Glenys Gibbs. $20 members/$25 others. For bookings/more info ph CSA 9384 3544 May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

Among many other cancer causing products commonly found in the home, this dirty dozen list has made it to the Hall of Shame. The Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC) and Ralph Nader have released a “Dirty Dozen” list of consumer products used in many homes, and manufactured by giant global corporations. The “Dirty Dozen” products contain a widerange of carcinogenic and other toxic ingredients and contaminants to

COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS Talcum Powder (Johnson & Johnson. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredient: TALC, Carcinogenic and a risk factor for ovarian cancer; lung irritant.

Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Make Up (Foundation) (Procter & Gamble. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredients: BHA, Carcinogenic. TALC, Carcinogenic; Lung Irritant. TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA), Interacts with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. LANOLIN, Often contaminated with DDT and other carcinogenic pesticides. PARABENS, Contact dermatitis. FRAGRANCE, Wide range of unlabeled, untested, and toxic ingredients; contact dermatitis.

Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste – (Procter & Gamble. Inc.)

there are many other toxic products

Labeled Toxic Ingredients: FD&C BLUE #1, Carcinogenic. SACCHARIN, Carcinogenic. FLUORIDE, Possibly carcinogenic.

which haven’t quite made the list...

Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna)

so when buying products which aren’t

Labeled Toxic Ingredients: FORMALDEHYDE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer. POLYSORBATE 80, Generally contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. FD&C RED #4, Carcinogenic. FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis.

which most of us are exposed daily.

labelled organic be aware.

Clairol Nice ‘n Easy (Permanent Haircolor) (Clairol. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredients: QUATERNlUM-15, Formaldehyde-releaser; carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer. DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA), Carcinogenic; also interacts with nitrites to form a carcinogenic nitrosamine.

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PHENYLENE-DIAMINES, Includes carcinogens and other ingredients inadequately tested for carcinogenicity; contact dermatitis. PROPYLENE GLYCOL, Contact dermatitis. FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis. NOTE: Also evidence of causal relation to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other cancers.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Ajax Cleanser (Colgate-Palmolive. Inc.) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients: CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant. NOTE: Carcinogenicity of silica is admitted in 1994 Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS).

Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient: CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.)

Lysol Disinfectant Spray (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.) Labeled or Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient: ORTHOPHENYLPHENOL (OPP): Carcinogenic; irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.)

Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar (and other brands). Labeled Toxic Ingredient PROPOXUR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic. Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer (Monsanto Co.) Labeled Toxic Ingredient SODIUM 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETATE (2,4-D), Carcinogenic with evidence of casual relation to lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers ; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin.

“Many people are applying the precautionary principle to their own lives by purchasing food that has not been produced by industrial methods. From the simple stance of hazard avoidance, organically produced food is the best option that we have.” ~ Dr. Vyvyan Howard, Toxico-Pathologist at the University of Liverpool, UK

FOOD Beef Frankfurters – (most brands) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE, Carcinogenic. DACTHAL, Carcinogenic (can be contaminated with dioxin); irritant; strong sensitizer. DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen. HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; teratogenic. LINDANE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; damage to blood forming cells. HORMONES: Carcinogenic and feminizing. ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance. Labeled Ingredient NITRITE, Interacts with meat amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines which are a major risk factor for childhood cancers.

Whole Milk – (most brands) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients: DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen. HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin.

continued on next page... May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

...(milk) continued from previous page ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance. RECOMBINANT BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE and IGF-1: Also, risk factor for breast, colon and prostate cancers. Safer Alternative: rBGH-free Organic milk

“Now that I’ve got kids, it’s become really important for me on the health front to try to buy as much organic produce as possible.”

MOST Brand-Name Laundry Detergents These are loaded with extremely toxic chemicals (not legally required to be placed on their labels) that could harm you, your family and the environment. Residues of these chemicals are left on your clothes and are absorbed by your skin and evaporated into the air where they could be breathed in. Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients LINEAR ALKYL SODIUM SULFONATES (LAS) Or ‘anionic surfactants’, carcinogenic, reproductive toxins PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, carcinogenic, cause lung damage, lung inflammation and damage to mucous membranes. PHENOLS, toxic to central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys. SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (household bleach): When it reacts with organic materials in the environment, carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created than can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.

~ Jamie Oliver, UK celebrity chef

If you want to be sure that your laundry is as non-toxic and safe as possible, use 100% green and residue-free alternatives to laundry detergents. ***

Order organic produce and groceries online The Organic Collective are a West Australian owned business oﬀering a friendly and reliable home delivery service based near Fremantle. They are dedicated to great tasting healthy fresh certiﬁed organic, biodynamic, Fair trade and local food, products, and groceries and support Western Australian farms and local growers as a priority. You can shop online and have a box of fresh organic fruit, vegetables and groceries delivered to your door. Or visit their shop at 1 Greenslade St, Hamilton Hill.

www.organiccollective.com.au 24

Cancer Support Association

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“What is particularly upsetting about the “Dirty Dozen”, emphasized Ralph Nader, “is that these toxic chemicals don’t have to be there. Yet these corporations continue to expose people to health hazards unnecessarily”. Current product labeling provides no warning for cancer and other chronic health risks. Food is labeled for cholesterol, but not for carcinogens. Cosmetics are labeled for major ingredients, but not for those that form carcinogens or contain carcinogenic contaminants. Except for pesticides, household products contain no information on their ingredients. Cancer rates are skyrocketing. Currently, more than one-third of all of us will develop cancer in our lifetime, and one-fourth will die from the disease. Many cancers are due to avoidable exposures to industrial carcinogens in the food we eat, and the cosmetics and household products we use. Just because these products sit on store shelves, do not guarantee it’s safe to use. These are 12 of the thousands of products that have not been tested alone or in conjunction. We’d like to add one more to this product hall-of-shame. ✦

References For more information, see: Steinman, D. and Epstein, S.S. ‘‘\The Safe Shopper’s Bible”, Macmillan/IDG 1995, New York, NY (800-434-3422) Epstein, S.S. “The Politics of Cancer Revisited”, East Ridge Press 1998, Hankins, NY (845-887-6467).

Protecting Kids from Cancer Cancer is on the rise, even for children, so what can you do to protect yourself and your children from cancer? There are quite a few lifestyle changes you can instigate in your family: diet, exercise,

radiation, chemicals, supplements, healthy emotions and more, are all so important for children’s cancer protection.

Diet is something we eat every day, so let’s make it healthy! Eating more brightly coloured fresh fruits and vegetables is the first thing to change. Keep these around at all times and eat them yourself. The Antioxidants and Phytochemicals help with children’s cancer protection. Reduce the chemicals you eat as a family such as: Nitrates, Aspartame, MSG, BHT, Propylene Glycol and anything you can’t pronounce. Drink more pure water, add a squeeze of lemon; don’t drink pop and artificial drinks. Add more fibre through whole grains and vegetables; the fibre helps to protect against colon and breast cancer (some of these cancers take years to develop). Good fibres are: Flax Meal, Sprouted Grain Breads, green vegetables and apples. Exercise is so important along with the diet; they go hand in hand. Studies are now saying the earlier a person exercises, the lesser the chance of breast cancer. Exercise gets the nutrients to the cells and the toxins out. Staying active is very important for children’s cancer protection.

Healthy habits are formed in childhood, so be the example for your children. You will ﬁnd as you change, they will begin to change for the better also.

Radiation is all around us, so learn how to cut back and protect your children. Do not move into a house within half a mile of large power lines. Keep cell phones and high powered cordless phones away from children. Reduce the use of a Microwave, by only using it to heat up food, not to cook it and never heat food in plastics. Purchase radiation protection to put on computers, mobile phones and cordless phones. Chemicals have become a way of life, but your body does not know what to do with so many chemicals. Use Natural Cleaners and Room Sprays; body care should also be natural, as everything soaks into the skin and enters the body. Switch from plastic water bottles to stainless steel. Reduce perfume use and make sure to only use natural products on your lawn and garden. There are many products that contain chemicals that disrupt the hormones and this can lead to cancer, so use natural products to protect against children’s cancers. Supplements can also give their immune systems a boost; give them a natural children’s multi-vitamin/mineral pill, Vitamin C, Fruit flavoured Fish Oil, Pro-biotics (Acidophilus), Cod Liver Oil in the winter and Greens+ for kids. There is always an emotional cause to disease, so we need to encourage our children to talk about their feelings and express them, in order to have a healthy emotional balance. Keep their blood sugar level to keep their moods level; when my daughter is angry or irritable the first thing I ask her is “are you hungry”. They are also linking cancers to Diabetes, so it’s so important to get them in the habit of eating every 3-4 hours and including protein and fibre in every meal. Healthy habits are formed in childhood, so be the example for your children. You will find as you change, they will begin to change for the better also. ✦

From: www.childhealthbook.com May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

Recipes for Beauty, Wellness & Extra Energy!

Email your healing recipes and food news to the editor: editor.wellness@yahoo.com.au

LA-based nutritionist to the stars, Kimberly Snyder has released a new book about how what we eat ultimately aﬀects the rate at which we age, and how our food choices really aﬀect the way we look and feel. Green juices and smoothies, beautiful plant foods, gluten free grains and beautifying, system supporting supplements form the basis of Kim’s Beauty Detox Solution. She talks about the importance of good digestion, how the energy of our foods directly relates to the energy in our bodies and why it’s so important to take it slow and transition correctly when jumping into any new eating style. Each element of her regime is explained in such a way that you can’t help but be super eager to start eating the way she promotes. Plus, the book is full of delicious smoothie and meal recipes. Like this one, which Kim says is the shining star of her regime … From: the Wellness Warrior blog: www. wellnesswarrior.com.au. Kim’s website is at: www.kimberlysnyder.net

Kim’s Glowing Green Smoothie Ingredients: 1 ½ cups water 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped ½ head of large bunch or ¾ of small bunch spinach 3-4 stalks celery 1 apple, cored and chopped 1 pear, cored and chopped 1 banana Juice of ½ lemon Optional: 1/3 bunch coriander 1/3 bunch parsley Directions: Add the water and chopped head of romaine and spinach to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, mix until smooth. Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the celery, apple and pear. Add the coriander and parsley if you choose. Add the banana and lemon juice last. Note: use organic ingredients where possible.

Going Green...

Cancer Support Association

Green, leafy vegetables provide a great variety of colours from the bluish-green of kale to the bright kelly green of spinach. Leafy greens run the whole gamut of flavors, from sweet to bitter, from peppery to earthy. Young plants generally have small, tender leaves and a mild flavor. Many mature plants have tougher leaves and stronger flavours. Collards, Swiss chard, bok choy, and spinach provide a mild flavor while arugula, mizuna and mustard greens provide a peppery flavor. Bok choy is best known for use in stir-fries, since it remains crisp, even when cooked to a tender stage. You should always choose crisp leaves with a fresh vibrant green colour. Yellowing is a sign of age and indicates that the greens may have an off flavor. Salad greens provide a whole range of important nutrients and phytochemicals to keep us healthy. ✦ www.cancersupportwa.org.au

In Praise of Avocados By Dr. Ralph W. Moss

Avocados are packed with good nutrients and have been proven to ﬁght cancer. Avocados are high ﬁbre and high life force. The perfect food to EAT EVERYDAY if you have cancer

Avocado Smoothies... Apple and Avocado Smoothie 1 Granny Smith apple, cored, skin on 1/2 ripe Hass avocado 1/2 apple juice 1/2 cup ice 3 sprigs mint leaves 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice Green Goblin’s Potion 1 medium or large ripe avocado 1 1/2 cup fresh pineapple 1 Tbs honey 1 1/2 cup orange juice 2 tsp lime juice (optional) 1/4 tsp coconut meat 2 ice cubes Avocado Banana Berry Smoothie Half a ripe avocado 1 to 1 1/2 frozen bananas 4 to 5 frozen or fresh strawberries Splash of nut milk Pinch cardamom Pear Avocado Smoothie 1 large pear, chopped 1/2 cups green grapes 1/4 avocado 2 teaspoons honey 1 teaspoon lemon juice Blend and top with chopped pecans. Green Power Smoothie wheatgrass 1 whole avocado with a pit blended thoroughly together then add 3 bananas 2 large handfuls of a mango/peach frozen blend soaked chia seeds ﬂax oil Directions Blend ingredients together until smooth. If ice is included in your smoothie pulse the ice until incorporated.

Avocado Smoothie recipes from www.bewellbuzz.com

The Hass avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a great American success story. A California mailman named Rudolph Hass discovered this cultivar, which turns purplish-black upon ripening, and patented the tree in 1935. Every Hass avocado tree in existence is derived from a single tree that Hass planted in La Habra Heights. (The tree was finally cut down in 2002.) While Hass avocados today constitute a billion dollar business, Hass himself made only $5,000 from his patent. Hass avocados are often shunned by the health conscious because of their high fat content. But most of the fat in question is monosaturated, and thus is similar to olive oil. Other than its potential for adding poundage, avocados are a great source of nutrients, such as potassium and fibre. They have an abundance of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid, etc. Hass avocados contain the highest content of lutein among all commonly eaten fruits, as well as other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. In the past few years, there has been a steady stream of research on the anti-cancer potential of avocados. Scientists at Ohio State University (OSU) found that an extract of Hass avocado selectively induced apoptosis in cancer but not normal, human oral epithelial cell lines. Apoptosis is the most common form of programmed cell death (PCD) and is the way that most drugs actually kill cancer cells. OSU scientists believe that consuming avocados may help prevent oral cancer (Ding 2009). “As far as we know, this is the first study of avocados and oral cancer,” said Dr. Steven M. Ambrosio of Ohio State. “We think these phytochemicals either stop the growth of precancerous cells in the body or they kill the precancerous cells without affecting normal cells. Our study focuses on oral cancer, but the findings might have implications for other types of cancer” (Science News 2007). Another promising study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) showed that an extract of avocado inhibit the growth of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines in the laboratory. This caught the attention of many patients, since there are few treatments that will work on prostate cancer that is no longer responding to hormone therapy. The mechanism of action was an arrest of the cell cycle accompanied by increased expression of the p27 protein. P27 helps regulate the normal cell cycle. Many colorful fruits and vegetables also contain carotenoids. But UCLA scientists speculate that it is precisely because of the high monosaturated fat content that the carotenoids in avocado are absorbed into the bloodstream, “where in combination with other diet-derived phytochemicals they may contribute to the significant cancer risk reduction associated with a diet of fruits and vegetables” (Lu 2005). So, yes, avocados can be fattening, but the monostatured oil in this case may be serving a very good purpose. Depending on your weight, adding avocados to the diet could be an excellent idea. In addition, avocados are considered to be among the foods that have the least amount of pesticide residues. They therefore made the “Clean 15” list of the Environmental Working Group. Fewer than 10 percent of avocado samples had detectable pesticides, and fewer than one percent had more than one pesticide residue (Minton 2009). ✦

From Dr Ralph Moss’website: www.cancerdecisions.com May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

~ an excerpt from the Tao Te Ching

The one who wishes to build a world with personal power, Will not have a strong and lasting building Unless it is a building of subtle virtue. The one who wishes to be remembered by the world Will not achieve this by the use of power, But by the fulﬁlment of virtue. The one who wishes to be respected by future generations will not do it through a great show of power or force. That would be a great burden to one’s descendents, for the negative side cannot be avoided. The one who wishes one’s future generations to be beneﬁtted by one’s life will not leave them a dynasty of wealth but the treasure of one’s subtle virtue.

To leave your descendents great wealth is not more helpful than giving them a spiritual eduction and good character. These will last longer than money.

The one who wishes to set up something strong in the world so that people of future generations will remember him, Will not achieve it by adhering to power and title, But by doing good deeds without personal attachment or greed. Good deeds cannot be separated from the spiritual life; this is the great contribution one leaves behind to all people.

Therefore, by observing yourself, you know other people. By observing your family, you know other families. By observing your village, you know other villages. By observing your country, you know other countries. By observing the global situation, You know all people.

Cancer Support Association

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In governing one’s life: Cultivating oneself with one’s life will bring truthful spiritual achievement. Cultivating oneself with one’s family will bring suﬃcient spiritual achievement. Cultivating oneself with one’s village will bring growing spiritual achievement. Cultivating oneself with one’s country will bring abundant spiritual achievement. Cultivating oneself with the world Will bring universal spiritual achievement.

A good world is started from yourself.

about Wellness News Wellness News is unique in that it is an extremely positive, uplifting, intelligent and beautiful publication focusing on wellness, healing and the environment. Wellness News is designed to oďŹ&#x20AC;er hope and life-enhancing wellness strategies for people who may be seriously ill, and a broad spectrum of information for people interested in maintaining good health. Wellness News articles are commissioned or sourced from highly regarded international journals, publications and websites and are divided into seven key areas for complete cancer wellness and healing: mind-body healing; integrative therapies; nutrition and recipes; inspiring personal stories; lifestyle and environment; current news & information; inspirations. Topics covered are spirituality, healing modalities, complementary therapies, integrative medicine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; balanced with inspirational stories, recipes and the latest nutrition and wellness trends, and also information on how the environment can impact on health and wellbeing. We place great value on personal cancer stories for their insight into how people manage in challenging circumstances. Also important to our balance of content is poetry and art for the healing potential of words and images. Visually, our magazine is harmonious and pleasing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; designed to inspire the healing spirit. And because we care about the environment all print editions of Wellness News are printed with vegetable based ink on 100% recycled, oxygen-bleached paper.

mind-body healing integrative therapies lifestyle & environment inspiring personal stories current news & information nutrition & recipes inspirations

In fond memory of those who have shared part of their journey with us... Tom Grimbly Neil Molin Do not stand at my grave and we ep. I am not ther e. I do not sle ep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain...

May 2011

WELLNESS NEWS

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