A Cancer Vaccine?

I found this article and it got me thinking about the immune system vs canser.. read this excerpt...
Using The Immune System to Fight Canser

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE, AP Medical Writer – 1 hr 10 mins ago
ORLANDO, Fla. – First there was surgery, then chemotherapy and radiation. Now, doctors have overcome 30 years of false starts and found success with a fourth way to fight cancer: using the body's natural defender, the immune system.
The approach is called a cancer vaccine, although it treats the disease rather than prevents it.
At a cancer conference Sunday, researchers said one such vaccine kept a common form of lymphoma from worsening for more than a year. That's huge in this field, where progress is glacial and success with a new treatment is often measured in weeks or even days.
Experimental vaccines against three other cancers — prostate, the deadly skin disease melanoma and an often fatal childhood tumor called neuroblastoma — also gave positive results in late-stage testing in recent weeks, after decades of struggles in the lab.
"I don't know what we did differently to make the breakthrough," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld of the American Cancer Society.
Instead of a single "A-Ha!" moment, there have been many "ah, so" discoveries about the immune system that now seem to be paying off, said Dr. John Niederhuber, director of the National Cancer Institute.
It's way too soon to declare victory. No one knows how long the benefits will last, whether people will need "boosters" to keep their disease in check, or whether vaccines will ever be a cure. Many vaccines must be custom-made for each patient. How practical will that be, and what will it cost? 

READ THE REST HERE



Ok, so FINALLY we are heading the correct direction. But from this article it seems it will take YEARS before it is released, if at all. After all, Chemo and Radiation are big business, as is surgery. Unless this is pretty costly, chances are, my cynical brain says, that we may never see this be used and instead, see it quashed by Big Pharma.

So, what can little old you do to boost your immune system on your own? 

Here are my top five immune boosting ideas, worth a try and hey, maybe canser will get scared and move on out or never visit your bod at all!

ONE!! Living Foods: Eat Like You Live in Eden



Oh Eve, You are the Original Raw Food Goddess!


Fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, raw, organic, just right out of the ground or off the tree. Number one, cuz, folks, without the fuel your body and mind will be running on empty! Fill er up with green juices, green smoothies, just keep it green!
 2. ZZZZ's Are Your Friend: 
Think that sleeping less will give you more time to get stuff done? Oh, no you don't! Your immune system needs 8-10 hours of solid sleep in a pitch dark room. Your pineal gland is like Santa Claus, it's knows when you've been sleeping, it knows when you're awake, it knows if your room is light or dark so keep it dark for Goodness Sakes! I bought a sleep mask and LOVE IT even for naps, I am 100% in the dark and it makes me much less likely to wake up in the night.
What the heck does Santa Pineal have to do with your immunity army? 

Watch this cute video to learn what that sneaky Pineal is up to when you are sleeping! It's making melatonin!

3.Cut the Crap

Oh please, don't eat that!!

Did you know eating sugar Reduces your immune response? So back off the bowl, the bag, the candy and other junk like soda that is full of all types of processed sugars. And remember, no eating anything 2-3 hours before bed! Your sleep (see above) will be disrupted by that snack, not enhanced!  

Try Sweet Leaf liquid stevia,  it has no bitter aftertaste and one drop in my tea leaves me sweet as can be!

4. Shake Your Groove Thang, Gently!
Moving your body before bed is a super groovy way to relax and bring sleep on. Not running for hours or scaling peaks, save that for the morning. I am talking yoga, tai chi, qi gong, walking, light rebounding, say an hour before shut eye starts. Not only is exercise good for your heart and your waistline, it is a proven way to relax your muscles, leading to better sleep and immune function.

Buellers Cute Feet Rebounding! photo by Bueller!

5. Music! Love! Laughter!!

My Pal Anthony and I at Raw Spirit Festival photo by Bueller

Yes, more please of all three! Heaping daily doses of friendship, laughter and music that you love will strengthen your immune function to the max! Depressed people tend to isolate and that is sometimes why they stay in that state. I got news for you, if you feel depressed, your immune system joins you. Call a pal, watch a funny movie, put some tunes on and sing along, every day please!! Need a dose of unconditional love? Volunteer at a local school for yard duty or PTA!   A sure fire prescription for immune super stardom!

Friends=Laughter and Silliness!

Here is Raw Food pioneer Gabriel Cousens take on immunity:


If you feel stuck and helpless, this little one minute video will lift you out of your comfy (NOT) rut and get you thinking and moving on the path to wellness!

TUNE IT NEXT POST FOR A RAW FU GIVEAWAY! ARE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? GO GET YOUR RAW FU ON HERE!

With Much Love and Gratitude Sam and Deb

Put Another Candle on My Birthday Cake, Then Call 911! Chia Drawing Winner!

I loved Sheriff John when I was little.. which was a very long time ago!

Today Sam, Malcolm and I picked the winner of the chia seeds from Chia Direct. 

Did YOU win?
You have to watch this short video to find out!
Good Luck!

Tune in next post for a Raw Fu Extravaganza!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the wonderous recipes and comments, I will be trying them all!!!

And special thanks for all the birthday love I got on Facebook, Twitter, Crazy Sexy Life and on my phones!!
I love you all more than words can say.....

love and peas
1/2 Century Old Deb
xoxoxo
PS 1/2 Century to go!!!! WOOO HOOOOOOOO!
PSS If you won, email me  your info so I can send your PRIZE! mom2samnjaz@sbcglobal.net

South Central LA CSA and a Chia Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!

Learn How you Can Win These Below!

My good pal Anthony sent me this link for the film "The Garden". It moved me so much, that I signed up for the South Central LA CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box. Take a look, it's about three minutes long, get your tissues ready.

And boy am I glad I did!!!! For 15.00, it is the most amazing, fresh, organic, seasonal and local food you can get next to growing your own. To find a CSA near you, go to Local Harvest HERE.

Here is a pictoral of all that the incredible box contained, just feast your eyes.....

What's In The Box?

A Mountain of CSA Love!

Gorgeous Spinach

Carrots and Fava Beans

Giant bunch of Swiss Chard

Kohlabri: Not sure What to do with this?

Curly Parsley

Red Romaine

Curly Kale

Collards

Beets

Young Red Onions

Russian Kale



Chia Seeds Direct 

Donated 1/2 Lb of their great Chia Seeds.. why should you care???????   Read ON!

Chia seeds have been a staple food source for the American Native people for centuries (long before the Chia Pet hit the market). Aztec warriors would eat chia during hunting trips, and the Indians of the Southwest would eat only chia seed mixed with water as they ran from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean to trade products.

The Richest Source of Omega-3

Chia seeds and oil naturally contain more than 60% Omega-3 fatty acid, this is the highest percentage of Omega-3 of any commercially available source. The body converts Omega-3 from chia into EPA and DHA. Chia has no odor, doesn’t go rancid, easy to store, easy to use, has very little flavor/taste and is not contaminated with pesticides, chemicals or heavy metals.

Got Protein? Chia Does!
High in Protein Chia seed is a complete source of dietary protein, providing all the essential amino acids. Compared to other seeds and grains, chia seed provides the highest source of protein, between 19 to 23 percent protein by weight. One of the unique qualities of the chia seed is its ability to absorb more than nine times its volume in water or other liquid. This ability can prolong hydration and retain electrolytes in body fluids, especially during exertion or exercise. Normal fluid retention ensures electrolyte dispersion across cell membranes, maintains fluid balances, and aids normal cellular function.

Get Things MOVING with Chia!
Source of Fiber

Chia seed produces a thick mucilage in water, absorbing up to 30 times its weight in water. This soluble fiber cleans the intestines by binging and transporting debris from the intestinal walls so that it can be eliminated efficiently and regularly. A daily dose of chia seed provides an excellent fiber source and most people notice a different in less than a week.

Energy/Antioxidants and No Gluten

Chia contains the usual Vitamin C, ferulates and Vitamin E but the real secret is the Cinnamic acids that guard the omega-3 oils from oxidation. This is why chia is a stable product for years! With no gluten, virtually no sodium, nor reported allergic reactions, grown without pesticides or toxicants. Chia has a high energy to weight ratio (more than wheat, corn, rice or oats) that makes it a favorite choice of long distance runners and other athletics .

If you need yummy recipes for Chia, go see Kristen at Kristen's Raw!

I made these divine Chocolate Chia Crackers and used them with raw vanilla ice cream YUMMMMYYYYY!

Kristen's Chocolate Chia Crackers

Would You Like to Win a Bag of Magical Chia Seeds?

leave a lovely comment about your favorite recipe for any of the CSA items and I will pick you at random to recieve 1/2 lb of Chia Direct Organic Chia seeds, courtesy of Chia Direct.

Just don't shave your head, spray it down and slather them on, this is for INTERNAL use kids!


Special Delivery by Malcolm Not Included!


The Dog Express!

Some Dogs are Just Lucky.. and Cool ...

And so are some Moms, Lucky that is!

BE the Change!
deb xoxooxo

ACT Your Age! NOT! Laughter is the BEST Medicine!

image by Ed Polish and Darren Wotz

 For those who are striving to make a positive change with the ACT group or anyone who is struggling with a new lifestyle.. some questions for you.......


Do you ever get down so low that hitting bottom is an improvement?



Do you think "What the heck am I doing and why am I so darn hungry, tired, lonely, sad, angry, depressed?



Have you thought about eating a giant bowl of SAD ice cream with whipped cream on top just cuz you think it will make you feel better?

STOP the world, you need to get Laughing!

Below are some of my favorite funnies for you to get your chuckle on.

 Laughter is key to keeping your perspective and not losing hope, to staying on track when it hurts and just don't wanna anymore. 

Please join us for more good times and fun stuff at Crazy Sexy Life's Groovy Group Laughter is the Best Medicine HERE.

Laugh and the world laughs with you , or possibly, at you. Which is fine by me, any laugh is a good laugh!

Warning! These videos have some adult content!!!!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Little Crop of Horrors
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Will Ferrell and Pearl the Landlord

Dana Carvey On Aging, too funny!


Adam Sandler and Chris Farley Lunch Lady Land

image by Ed Polish and Darren Wotz

So juice up some green love, put on a funny movie and remember just how blessed you are to be crazy.
Works for me....

image by Ed Polish and Darren Wotz

love and whirled Peas
deb

PS: by popular request , my next post will be all about the CSA from South Central Farmers of LA, it's a feast for the eyes and the belly, and easy on the wallet!

Liquid Sunshine: Juice Feasting Sunday

I LOVE Tim, he is an amazing guy. Now he may use more sugar high fruits that you would want to, but he is a big time athlete, so take his tips and spin them for your own lifestyle.

Today is all about Liquid Sunshine, drinking your meals all day long. Make sure you rest when you need to and taking a wonderful walk in nature would be so yummy today too!

Having Helpers Makes It Easier.. sort of!

Here are some ideas for Juice Feasting Sunday!

Vegetable-Based Smoothie (a.k.a. A Blended Salad):

• ½ bunch parsley (gives a wonderful *fresh* taste to the smoothie!)
• 1 handful spinach
• ½ cucumber
• 2-3 stalks of celery
• 1 or 2 pieces of fruit (an apple or a pear)
• 1 lemon (peel, cut in half, discard large seeds, add to blender)
• 2-3 cups water
• Blend
• Note: It’s important to add at least one fruit and the lemon, otherwise, the smoothie may taste a little bitter. However, with these ingredients added in, it tastes very refreshing! Feel free to experiment with different veggies! I love to add some fresh mint too, yum!

For a creamier consistency, add avocados! Heres a recipe you will love!

1 avocado
1 large cucumber
2 cups spinach
2 large leaves collard greens
2 leaves black kale
3 lemons, juice only
1.5 cups water
(a few slices of a Gala apple sometimes)
Puree well and enjoy!

What about Green Juice? How do you make it taste fantabulous, but not sugar loaded? Hee hee, you came to the right place, I have many tips and tricks to make your juice sing with zing!
drawing by Natalie Dee

1. ALWAYS use Lemon and Ginger
These two magic friends make my juice so great tasting that I can add kale, dandelion and other strong greens and still love it!
Lemon: I use one whole or 1/2 of a large one with the Peel on! Just juice it up, adds a lemony lightness to your liquid green.
Ginger: go easy on this bad boy, a little is heaven, too much is Hell.. just a few small slices to start, then add more as needed.

Ho HO HO! Love that Vitamineral Green!
2. Magical Green Powders
I love my INS Bioscience Wheat Grass powder! It greens up my juice without changing the flavor like a fresh shot does.. it is actually sweet tasting!

Wheatgrass Powder
Vitamineral Green rocks too, full of all sorts of green goodness. I use Healthforce Nutritionals Spirulina for another boost.
Powders: use 1-2 packets of the wheat grass powder, use 1-2 tsps to start of the Vitamineral Green or spirulina to start,, add as you get used to it.
Coconut Water A Go Go!
3. Coconut Water
Yep, there are times when the green is too green even for a die hard juice head like me! ONE to the rescue! Just add a cup or so of coconut water, either right out of a young Thai coconut or use ONE in the box from Whole Foods. It makes is mellow and sweet, everytime! And it is so very good for your body, hydrating and full of minerals.
See Those Leaves? Juice em
4. Broccoli Stems and Leaves
I use the stems and leaves, the stuff most people toss to sweeten up my juice cup. The stems are very juicy and the leaves very tasty. Try it in your next glass of liquid love!

Yowza!

5. Zucchini
Add this maligned green squash to your green smoothies and juice it for extra creamy goodness. Lucky you if you grow your own!
Stock up that Frig!
Always make sure you have enough fresh organic goods on hand, and most of all, make sure all the processed sugary junk is where it belongs In the Trash!

Off to the Farmers Market
Have a very Juicy and Blessed Day!
deb xoxoxoo

Serenity NOW!!!!! How to Calm Your Mind and Soothe Your Soul

Oh I just love this episode of Seinfeld! Don't you wish it was that easy, just shout out "Serenity NOW!" and all will be well?

Sometimes when we work on our bodies, our souls get all weirded out.
 The emotional side of life seems like it is on crack, just screaming at the slightest hint of "Wrong!" that we sense. So what to do when you hit the tenth red light in a row on a day when you are running late and have a headache?

Try falling still and don't just do something, sit there!

Sounds so crazy it just might work!

I have some favorite ways to mediate. If you are the lucky owner of an ipod, simply find the podcasts for meditation on itunes. If not, you can get some great guided meditations on CD too.

 Now I am all in favor of a great zazen practice, sitting for hours, counting breaths, sitting.. sitting.. still sitting.. but truth is most of my meditating is done while lying in my bed, usually at some ungodly hour, like 5 am this morning. That's when I did two meditations and really, it made my day go just a little bit smoother and easier.


On CD I love:

1. Deepak Chopras The Soul Of Healing
Deepak is the Man! His voice soothes me and this melodic CD guides you through a series of relaxing and inspiring sessions. Total time is 45 minutes. Best for the evening relaxation vibe.


2. Osho Body/Mind Balancing
This book/cd combo is my go to, feel like I just slept for hours, afternoon delight. The delightful female voice leads you into conversation with your body, building a friendship with a promise for a better future for your entire being. I find it so inspiring, a sure fire winner when you start to lose hope.

On itunes/podcasts that I swear By:


1. Meditation Station
With a soothing voice leading you, this is a fabulous selection of all sorts of healing and relaxing guided meditations. This morning I did one on body changes and one on preparing for athletic events. I really got into a groovy space, just blissful feelings of empowerment. Choose the one that speaks to your situation, I think you will find it very helpful.

Deepak Chopra
2. The Chopra Center for Wellbeing
There they are again! David Simon leads most of these short but powerful meditations. Give it a try, I think you will like the nice break for your brain in 10-20 minute segments.


3. The Dharma Podcast
From the Santa Fe home of the Upaya institute, these are mostly talks about spirituality. Today I listened to Roshi Joan speak on grief, it was moving and uplifting. For deeper reflection on your journey, this is a great podcast.

The most important thing is, to get to the top, it takes one step at a time..
be patient with yourself


Read Kris's Book for more info on getting wellness into your daily groove and meditation practices!

Join us for the Adventure Cleanse Tune up HERE

Namaste my friend

deb xoxoxo