Is A Gluten-Free Diet Right For Me?

BY Lee McCaskill,
Excerpts from her new book called “Belly Bustin’ Tips” (tips you can use on any diet).

To Go Against the Grain or Not—That is the Question!
Many people go gluten-free to increase their energy level, but just eating more vegetables and fruits and limiting starches can give you a ton of energy without having to totally do without gluten. We have a gluten-free Belly Buster Diet at Before and After Weight Loss Clinics; but frankly, our clients get just as much of an increase in energy levels on the other menus.
Gluten Free Here are four reasons to go gluten-free and four reasons not to. Make up your own mind what is best for you.
Reasons for going Gluten-Free:
1. For managing Celiac Disease-with this autoimmune disease, even trace amounts of gluten cause the immune system to attack the small intestine and cause significant damage. Unmanaged and under repeated attack, the intestines lose ability to absorb nutrients and put you at risk for developing other autoimmune disorders and other problems.
2. For controlling Dermatitis Herpetiformis-DH is a form of celiac disease that attacks the skin, rather than the small intestine. Chronic itchy rashes that are symmetrical on each side of the body show up after eating gluten. If you have DH, you are at higher risk of intestinal cancer if you continue to eat gluten.
3. For reducing the symptoms of gluten sensitivity, which can range from a wheat allergy to an Irritable Bowel Syndrome problem to just gas and bloating.
4. For supporting a family member that has to go gluten-free, making it easier to cook and shop for the household.

Reasons for NOT to going Gluten-free:
1. For losing weight – it is probably the hardest diet to lose weight on because it is not easy to stick to, it is expensive, and most gluten-free products are high in carbs. Also, many gluten free products are processed foods versus their counterparts being natural whole foods. Gluten-free is tricky to do without missing out on important nutrients in your diet if you are not trained.
2. For eating healthier – it isn’t healthier, unless you are specifically going on it to manage a particular medical condition. What are you replacing the fiber you are losing with—is it enough? How about the carbohydrate intake? Do you know how much weight to lose and safe activity level for your medical condition? Is a dietitian, nutritionist, or weight loss professional supervising you? Know what you are doing before you decide.
3. For diagnosing your symptoms-don’t do gluten-free to find out on your own. See a doctor for a diagnosis while you are still eating a normal diet. The blood test used to diagnose celiac disease and DH depends on finding antibodies for gluten in your blood, but won’t if you have avoided gluten.
4. Because your best friend went gluten-free—chances are she/he won’t last on it long and when the next shiny object comes along, she/he will be jumping on that fad, too.

Go with your gut (no pun intended). If you want to go gluten-free, make sure you can afford this expensive diet, can live totally without wheat and other foods you have to give up rather than simply cut back on them, can live with the inconvenience and can learn enough about nutrition that you truly feel comfortable doing it. But, understand that it is not necessary for most people and that research does not support the many theories behind it. In fact, the man that helped make gluten–free diets popular, Dr. Peter Gibson, recently admitted in May 2014 that he may have gotten it wrong. It may not have been the gluten causing that gastric distress after all! Further research showed it was the sugars in the bread that were hard to digest, not the gluten, causing a problem!
As fad diets have proven time and time again, there are no short cuts to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.


Lee from Before And After Weight Loss

Lee McCaskill


About the author, Lee McCaskill is the owner of Before and After Weight Loss Clinics in Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties, and the nationwide diet program, Belly Buster Diet, Inc. In addition to being a Master Certified Weight Loss and Wellness Coach, Lee is a microbiologist and herbologist who formulates many of the companies’ unique products, including Tropical Spa Body Wraps. Lee encourages you to contact her for information or with your questions at (772) 429-1110 or (772) 562-3601, or visit web site: www.bestdietsource.com and fill out your health profile for a free metabolic assessment.



The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast areas of Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County and the Palm Beaches of Florida.

“Healthy Martin, working together for better health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Indian Riverside Park – Fitness Report & Picture Tour

Entrance to Indian Riverside Park

Entrance to Indian Riverside Park In Jensen Beach FL


BY Rebecca White-Martin, a Your Health & Wellness Magazine contributor:

INDIAN RIVERSIDE PARK
Location – 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach FL
Walking – Good
Jogging – Good for short distance running
Hiking – Very limited
Bicycle – allowed in park but no room for serious rides.
Sightseeing – Mansion at Tuckahoe, The Children’s Museum with outside interactive fountain (bring bathing suits for children) and historic Henry Sewall’s Renovated Home
Views – Excellent with a variety of views and walking pier into the Indian River
Bathrooms – Yes
Parking – Yes (free)
Kayaking – Yes, in the Indian River
Boating – Yes, with docks in the Indian River and the U.S. Sailing Center on the north side of the park

Elevated Walkway Over Wetlands Behind Captain  Henry Sewall’s Renovated Home

Elevated Walkway Over Wetlands Behind Captain Henry Sewall’s Renovated Home

Jogging and Walking Path Along The Indian River

Jogging and Walking Path Along The Indian River Near The Mansion At Tuckahoe

Path Looking Towards The Children’s Museum and Outdoor Interactive Fountain

Path Looking Towards The Children’s Museum and Outdoor Interactive Fountain

Dock in the Indian River Looking East Towards Hutchinson Island

Dock in the Indian River Looking East Towards Hutchinson Island

Mansion At Tuckahoe At Indian River Park, Jensen Beach FL

Mansion At Tuckahoe At Indian River Park, Jensen Beach FL


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Jupiter’s Burt Reynolds Park – Fitness Report & Picture Tour

Entrance to Burt Reynolds Park in Jupiter FL

Entrance to Burt Reynolds Park in Jupiter FL

BY Rebecca White-Martin, a Your Health & Wellness Magazine contributor:

BURT REYNOLDS PARK
Location – 805 N U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter Florida
Walking – Good
Jogging – Good for short distance running
Hiking- Very limited
Bicycle – Allowed in park but no room for long distance rides
Volleyball Court – Yes
Kayaking/Paddle Boarding – Yes in Inter-coastal Lake Worth River
Pet Friendly – Yes, dogs and other small pets
Sightseeing – Yes, The River Center and Bird Sanctuary and for the children an active Firehouse and a playground
Views – Very nice with river and park views
Bathrooms – Yes
Parking – Yes (free)
Boating – Yes, two boat ramps with permit trailer parking and dock/ Coast Guard Auxiliary Station in park

The River Center at Jupiter's Burt Reynolds Pak - phone 561-743-7123

The River Center at Jupiter’s Burt Reynolds Pak – phone 561-743-7123

River Walkway Along The Inter-Coastal Island

River Walkway Along The Inter-Coastal at Burt Reynolds Park on formerly Jupiter Island Park

Paddle Boarders at Burt Reynolds Pak in the Lake Worth River

Paddle Boarders at Burt Reynolds Pak in the Lake Worth River

One of the several picnic areas at Burt Reynolds Park - info call 561-966-6611

One of the several picnic areas at Burt Reynolds Park – info call 561-966-6611

Childrens Playground At Burt Reynolds Park

Childrens Playground At Burt Reynolds Park


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Sunrise – Sunset / Saving Our Treasure Coast Rivers

save our St Lucie Rivers

Sunrise On The Indian River by Local John Whitcar


BY Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
“Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset,
swiftly fly the years,
one season following another,
laden with happiness and tears…”
1st verse, of song from musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” 1964

The beautiful sunset and sunrise over our local Treasure Coast rivers invoke a deep appreciation of our St Lucie River, Indian River and the Jupiter Inlet Area. Sunsets and sunrises seems intrinsically linked to inspiration and reflection in all of us.
Thankfully, here in the Indian River Lagoon region, we can still see our sunrises and sunsets, although the health of our river, and thus our ability to enjoy the river, is “impaired.” This was scientifically determined by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as far back year 2000.


In Beijing, China, last year, the government erected a televised screen showing sunsets, as the people could not see their sunsets any longer – due to the tremendous smog in their city. What a price to pay for economic “success.”

Oddly enough, on some level, we have experienced the same thing. On a level of world comparison, we have a “thriving economy;” however, somehow, over the past 100 years, we have “lost our local rivers.” Yet, in most of the ads one sees, the river still looks beautiful and healthy.

The river truth is right now, the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) is discharging water from Lake Okeechobee, while the South Florida Water Management District canals C-44, C-24, C-23, and C-25 are also dumping polluted water into our rivers. All of this extra water has been “engineered” to come here so agriculture and development can thrive. So, right now there is “no other way,” and the ACOE and South Florida Water Management District are locked in a cycle of struggle to send more water south when the entire southern area south of Lake Okeechobee is blocked by the Everglades Agricultural Area – other than a few canals, to “send water south.” According to some the Lake Okeechobee discharge water is too dirty for the Everglades – but not for the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon that is already “impaired.”

The “mighty” Kissimmee in the past has been “engineered” for the success of farming and ranches and development within its former watershed. It is currently being partially restored by the SFWMD; this is wonderful, a testament of government, the people and of the ability of natural system to recover if given a chance.

save our river

Sunset Over The St. Lucie River by Local Todd Thurlow


Let’s continue to turn this ship; let’s continue to fix our own yards, towns, cities, and counties; let’s keep pushing the State for a reservoir and flow way to store, clean and send the water south as it was naturally meant to be. As Eric Eichenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation said at the Rivers Coalition meeting, this is the “only way” as the Kissimmee River’s continued restoration is simply not enough to hold all the water.

“Sunrise, sunset….sunrise, sunset….”we are thankful and we are inspired.

Please write: Florida Senate Email to use Amendment 1 funds to help keep clean our Treasure Coast rivers.


About the author, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, has been a defender of river health in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon for many years and is a member “Rivers Coalition Defense Fund”. The Defense Fund helps promote the health and ecological balance of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Jacqui may be reached at her website blog.



The above information is opinion based except where noted.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Weight Machine Gym Workout

BY Rebecca White-Martin
Having a structured machine workout routine is not just for those new to the gym scene. Following a predetermined plan makes it more likely that you have a well-rounded routine (no neglected muscles here), and that you get the maximum benefit from your gym time.
This gym workout routine is meant to help you cut down on any time spent wandering around, trying to figure out which machine to do next. It’s also a very balanced routine because it hits all antagonistic muscle groups.

weight machine workout

Weight Machine Workout


Upper Body
Chest Press
Seated Row
Overhead Press
Lat Pull Down
Bicep Curl
Triceps Extension
Lower Body
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Inside Thigh (Adduction Machine)
Outside Thigh (Abduction Machine)
Leg Press
Calf Raise
Break the upper and lower body circuits into two different workouts done on two different days. It works really well to train the upper body while the lower body is still sore, and vice versa.
Example Workout Program:
Monday: Lower Body Circuit
Tuesday: Upper Body Circuit
Wednesday: Rest or Cardio & Core Exercises
Thursday: Lower Body
Friday: Upper Body
Saturday: Optional Cardio
Sunday: Rest
Reps, sets, & how to do a weight machine circuit
The exact number of reps and sets that you do of each exercise depends on whether you are trying to build mass and gain strength, or tone your body.
Number of reps & sets for toning
If toning up is what you’re after, do 3-4 sets of between 12 and 18 repetitions (you can even go higher if you like). Whatever the number of repetitions you complete, choose a weight that makes it difficult for you to complete the last 2-3 repetitions. Proper form in executing any exercise should be a priority.
Number of reps & sets for strength
For strength, complete three sets of 6-10 reps. As is true with toning, the last few reps when training for this goal should feel very challenging. If you are pursuing mass or increased strength, give perfect form precedence; never sacrifice precision for a higher lift weight.
Weight Machine Gym Workout

Weight Machine Cardio Warm-up Workout


Cardio and your weight machine workouts
You should ideally begin every single workout with a bit of cardio in order to warm up your muscles. 10-15 Minutes is sufficient for prepping your muscles for more demanding physical activity (like the circuit training workouts above).
On the days where you only do cardio workouts, aim for between 30 and 60 minutes of at least a 5/10 perceived exertion level. Always make sure to stretch your muscles when you finish workouts, especially when doing a strength training routine; the damage caused by the ripping of the muscle fibers can cause them to bind and tighten up.
Do venture outside of your weight machine gym workout
Weight machines are most ideal for beginners, particularly those who have not had the opportunity to spend any one on one time with a personal trainer. However, it’s important to realize that though machines initially do a really good job of helping you navigate the gym, they are limited in the number of calories that they can burn, and their range of motion in relation to your body’s natural movements.
Functional strength training using bodyweight exercises or dumbbells gives you the most natural range of motion and develops your strength, coordination, and controlling muscles most comprehensively.
If you have the time and resources, it pays to invest in a few sessions with a quality personal trainer when you are new to working out. If you don’t want to hire a personal trainer, check out our library of free full-length workout videos here, where we walk you step by step through each exercise.
Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Recognizing a Stroke

BY Rebecca White-Martin
Many lives can be saved if the general public is knowledgeable of how to follow through with life saving and simple diagnosis. Many of you may have taken a class for CPR in order to be of assistance to a heart attack victim, but did you know that another major cause of death is from a stroke? On average, one person in the U.S. dies every 4 minutes from a stroke. Every year 795,000 or more suffer from a stroke. This could happen to a family member, a friend or someone else that you love. There could be an instance where you could save a family member or a stranger if you know these signs and act responsibly.
Help Recognizing the signs of a possible stroke victim:
Try to remember these “3” steps, STRS. Your awareness can prevent brain damage from the crippling effect of a stroke by simply asking 3 questions:
S: Ask the person to SMILE.
T: Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK a simple sentence (coherently) for example, “How’s the weather today”, “Can you say your ABC’s”?
R: Ask the victim to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
S: STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE. If their tongue is crooked (if it goes to one side or the other), this is another indication of a stroke.
The National Stroke Association uses another guideline to help in determining the symptoms of a stroke which are:
F: Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A: Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
C: Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T: Time. You have a very short amount of time in which you can save this person’s life. Call 911 immediately.
If this person has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms.


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

How to Make Your Older Home a Safe Home

BY Rebecca White-Martin
Homes built today must adhere to strict safety codes. Older homes, while offering plenty of charm and character, are more likely to have safety issues — potential problems can range from lead paint and asbestos to faulty wiring and wobbly stairs.

But you can make an older home a safe home. Educate yourself about some of the dangers associated with old homes and take any necessary action to transform your older house into one that’s as safe as possible.

If you are considering purchasing an older home, you should first determine if asbestos or lead is a problem, especially if you are planning on renovating or restoring the home. Always make sure qualified professionals inspect the house and determine the extent of the problem.

Another potential problem that can keep an older home from being a safe home is an outdated electrical system. While older electrical systems had no problems supplying enough power in previous years, many have trouble keeping up with today’s increased power demands. This can result in electrical fires — in fact, electrical fires are three times more likely to happen in homes that are more than 40 years old compared to homes that are only 11 to 20 years old.
safe home
Signs that your home’s electrical system may be outdated include:
• Your circuit breakers trip often
• You need to replace fuses frequently
• Your lights are dim or flickering
• You have seen sparks in your electrical system
• There are unusual sounds coming from your electrical system, such as buzzing or sizzling
• There is an unusual burning smell, which could be a sign of a hot wire inside your wall
• Your switch plates or electrical covers are hot
• You have experienced a mild shock from your electrical system

If you suspect your electrical system may be outdated, have a licensed electrician inspect it. This is especially important when you are deciding whether to buy an older home, since updating an electrical system can be costly and may affect your decision. The following electrical upgrades often need to be made in older homes:
• Two-hole outlets should be replaced with three-hole outlets
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets need to be installed in kitchens and bathrooms
• Add extra outlets to eliminate the need for extension cords
• Circuit breakers should be replaced with an arc fault system

These changes do not usually need to be made all at once. For budgeting purposes, fix the most dangerous elements first and the others over time.

5 Musts for Maintaining Your Older Home
The longer you live in your home, the more likely you’ll need repairs and renovations to make it safer. Consider the following:
• Make sure your stairs are stable and secure
• Ensure that your stair handrails, treads, and risers are up to code
• Install good lighting throughout your home
• Bathrooms should have proper handrails and grab bars
• Change smoke alarm batteries every year and replace the alarms every 10 years

Please keep in mind that most accidents are in the kitchen, stairs and bathrooms.
It’s important to keep your home in good repair and to make safety updates over time. Keep a log of all improvements and create a schedule to help you stay on track.


The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Detoxifying the World Two Feet at a Time!

The Ion Cleanse® provides the most thorough and efficient way to cleanse and purify the body – more effectively and faster than any herbal or fasting protocols.
Why Detoxify?
When it comes to exposure to toxins, the body cannot metabolize most of the poisons it is exposed to. Most of these toxins remain in the body for many years, stored in the fat cells that exist throughout the body.
You do not have to be near a belching factory chimney to be exposed to dangerous toxins. They proliferate in our home environment and can appear as innocuous as an infant’s plastic baby bottle or the antibacterial soap meant to keep us safe from germs. BPA, an ingredient in many plastics, and triclosan, found in antibacterial soaps and toothpastes are both suspected hormone disruptors. Flame retardants are another class of petrochemical derivative that are also a hormone disruptor, is found in furniture, toys, carpet, and electronics. Most chemicals used in the environment and in our homes have never been tested for safety. This includes those found in cleaning supplies, pesticides and even cosmetics. Many times it is only after the fact – when a chemical has been used extensively – that it is ultimately proven unsafe – as was the case with lead, asbestos and most recently, petrochemicals such as BPA and other suspected hormone disruptors.
foot bath detox
How Toxic Are We?
The CDC released a 2013 report with updated tables on the levels of 117 (of the 212 reported on in 2009) synthetic chemicals found in our bodies, also adding tables for 34 new chemicals. A recent government study found traceable levels of BPA in 93 percent of participants. High levels of flame retardants have been found in the breast milk of women across the country; Americans have the highest levels of flame retardants in their bodies in the world. And, the new factor in the equation of toxicity is the discovery that toxic substances may have harmful, even their most harmful, effects at very low levels. In a way this makes logical sense; synthetic chemicals are very powerful – think of how a small prescription pill can effect substantial changes in the body. Added to this toxic burden are the deleterious effects of GMO foods. Lastly, no research seems to have explored possible interactions of all of these chemicals in our bodies.
How Does Toxicity Affect the Body?
Different toxins do different damage. For example, hormone disruptors interfere with our body’s endocrine systems and with any of the functions they regulate – including metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sleep and mood. Women with higher levels of flame retardants in their blood take longer to get pregnant and have smaller babies. Another area of toxicity to consider is the toxicity that comes from stress. Stress and the toxic or negative emotions associated with it have been linked as a causal or aggravating factor in just about every disease condition.
Statistics reflect the growing problem of our toxic burden:
• 59% decrease in male sperm count since 1940
• 400% increase in heart disease since 1900
• More than 95% of cancer is caused by environmental toxicity and diet (Source – Columbia University School of Public Health reports)
• 250% increase in breast cancer since 1980
• 1600% increase in birth defects since 1980
• 500 % increase in cancer mortality since 1900
• The average city water contains more than 500 chemicals(Source – USA Today)
Multiple studies show that most of us have between 300-800 chemical residues stored in the fat cells of our bodies.
• Pesticide residues are detectable in 50-95% of the food consumed in the U.S.
• The EPA approves about 90 percent of the new compounds without restrictions.
• Only a quarter of the 82,000 chemicals in use in the U.S. have ever been tested for toxicity
• Multiple studies show that most of us have between 400-800 chemical residues stored in the fat cells of our bodies
• Pesticide residues are detectable in 50-95% of the food consumed in the U.S.
Toxins damage cells, disrupt our endocrine systems, and impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and heal itself. When it comes to exposure to toxins, the body cannot metabolize most of the poisons it is exposed to. Most of these toxins remain in the body for many years, stored in the fat cells that exist throughout the body.
Systems of the body affected by toxins:
The immune system causing an increased tendency to allergies and recurrent respiratory (nose, sinus or lung) or ear infections.
Detoxification as Part of a Healthful Lifestyle
The first and most obvious step in creating a healthier lifestyle is to minimize your exposure to all synthetic chemicals. It can be difficult to know what is toxic; a substance or level of a substance considered safe at one time is then proven unsafe at a future date. Also, remember most chemicals in our environment have never been tested for safety in the first place. Some form of relaxation practice is recommended by experts to reduce the toxic effects of chronic stress. Given that the elimination of all toxins is not practical, regular detoxification would be integral to any healthful life.
The Ion Cleanse® has been documented to remove heavy metals, urea, creatinine, glucose, and other harmful toxins.
The particles, fat, and mucous residues found in the water after bathing reflect the wastes that have left the body during the 45 minute session.
Your body will feel lighter after the first session. You will think more clearly, have more energy and enjoy a greater sense of well-being. Your body will thank you!


About the author, Donna LaClare, since 2001 has been helping people and their pets live more productive lives through nutrition and natural health care practices. Donna encourages you to contact her with your holistic questions and about Ion Cleanse Foot Bath at Holistic Alternatives, 772-463-7669 OR www.holisticalternatives.com



The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Our Rivers Need Your Help

BY Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch
I have had two personal experiences witnessing blue-green blooms in Treasure Coast Area waters. The first was during a boat ride into Lake Okeechobee, September 5, 2009, and the second was last year (2013) with the Everglades Foundation team, at the St Lucie Locks and Dam when the ACOE was releasing. As we walked over the gates, I clearly saw bright blue-green algae on the side of the dam allowing in Lake O water. Believe it or not, the SRWMD was testing the water right there… Mark Perry from Florida Oceanographic was with me and I asked him:
“Mark, is that “toxic” blue-green algae?”
Mark replied: “Yes, blue-green algae can be toxic and is most prevalent in fresh water systems. It is often in the lake.”
“And they are releasing it into our river?!”
I stood there in a daze….amazed.
Then I recalled the boat trip I had taken with my husband and dogs in 2009, and how we had seen the blue-green algae clearly along the edges of the locks while going into the lake and I had videotaped it. I am including a photo I took of that video below.
When Senator Rubio visited Stuart on behalf of the SLR/IRL (St. Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon), I told this story….I have told it many times at many official meetings to no avail. I think it is a significant issue.

St. Lucie River Green Algae

St. Lucie River Green Algae Bloom


Anyway…
So far this year, with the releases from our local canals, toxic algae, or Cyanobacteria, has not been reported in the SLR/IRL. It could be in the future, but it is less likely than when the ACOE is releasing from the lake. Why? Because often when they release from the lake it is TREMENDOUS amounts of freshwater, even more than comes from our local canals. Plus the blue-green algae is already in the lake as its freshwater.
According to Bob Washam, blue-green algae was first reported around 1995 and it was blue! They thought it was a paint spill. The outbreaks have been more common since this time the worst being in 1998. Whether blue or green in color, it is bright. Very bright. You can see it.
How could our government, in essence, “poison its own people,” and how can we allow this, especially when we can see it?
We must push our government for change. Health, safety and welfare are something we rightfully deserve. Send the water south where it naturally belongs.


About the author, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, has been a defender of river health in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon for many years and is a member “Rivers Coalition Defense Fund”. The Defense Fund helps promote the health and ecological balance of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Jacqui may be reached at her website blog; www.jacquithurlowlippisch.com



The above information is opinion based except where noted.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

Learn How To Boost Your Memory

BY Lee Borellis
Keeping the mind sharp is a fundamental aspect of a higher quality of life in our later years. The brain is a muscle like any other. As such, it needs to be exercised on a consistent basis in order to stay in the best shape possible. You can rely on a number of memory boosting strategies through senior care or on your own, depending on the resources and ability to do some of the activities listed here.

1) Get Thinking
Treasure Coast Home Health Care
Any type of activity that requires you to think deeply about the problem or situation is one that is going to force your brain to work harder than it normally does. This could include working on basic math problems or playing games.
Whatever you do, make sure that you are doing enough activities that keep you thinking.

2) Solve Problems
Any activities that require thinking, you should also take part in activities that require you to solve some complex problems. You may enjoy doing a crossword puzzle or doing other types of puzzles, but whatever you do, if it is not causing you to have to solve problems, then it is not giving your brain the memory boosting activities that it could be getting.

3) Strategic Thinking
Games like chess provide a wealth of opportunities for strategic thinking. In chess, the best players plan out multiple moves ahead and this is why it generally takes a long time for some people to make a move.
If you don’t like chess, there are certainly plenty of other games that require your strategic thinking skills. Even if you are not adept at strategic thinking, you can develop the skills no matter how old you are.

4) Turn Off the TV
If you have a habit of watching TV for many hours every day, then this is not giving your brain much exercise at all.
Being entertained by crime dramas, suspense shows, or even the history Channel is not going to do anything to boost your memory skills. Avoid the trap of TV and turn it off. Limit yourself to one to two hours tops and spend the other hours you would normally be watching it reading or doing any of the above strategies.

The more mind strategies and mind exercise that you employ, the stronger your brain will be. It is a great time to consider various activities that will help your brain get the exercise it needs and deserves, whether you rely on senior care or not.


About the author; Lee Borellis is founder and CEO of Treasure Coast Home Health Care Lic.# NR 30211569. A Treasure Coast Florida licensed, bonded and insured home health care company with certified nursing assistants, licensed & state certified and CPR-certified staff. Lee, his wife or any of his staff would be happy to have you stop in or call to learn more about their home care services.



The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

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