The Lords Of Karma

When I was in radio there was a list of things you NEVER talked about. Religion and Politics were at the top. I've always respected that not everyone is going to feel the same way as I do about religion. How can I expect someone not to force their ideas down my throat if I'm doing it myself? To use my mic as a medium to talk about my Religious beliefs was hypocritical.

But politics, sociology, culture those are things I've been very passionate about since my youth. I found ways around it. Ways to keep it in the Gray. For example when an election was coming up I would spend the week leading up to election day reporting on how one vote made a difference in American history. Voting is one of the most important things we can do as Americans and as human beings in my book. The adage that "my vote doesn't count so why bother" couldn't be more dangerous. That's what those that wish to control us as a society want you to believe.

One of my biggest frustrations has always been how the Mainstream Media seems to only be capable of reporting about the darkness in our communities & the world. Leaving us in a constant state of fear, a constant disbelief in the goodness of mankind. I had a daily report called "the bright side" where I talked about everyday people going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities. Because that is the kind of news that reminds people there is good in all of us and if it's one or a thousand we can make a difference. Because those are the kinds of people that deserve countless hours of coverage on CNN not Paris Hilton and her ilk.

With that said I'm also no stranger to the injustices in the world. I strive also to make sure that those are brought to light as well. Injustices that we can do something about. Although the road may seem long, I need only to look at my daughter and husband to know it's worth everything I have to keep fighting.

One of the many things that binds Ned & I is our deep sense that we are each others keeper. The belief that if there is something wrong you do what you can to fix it. Ned's struggle with Cancer, Our struggle with Social Security, Our lack of access to affordable or better yet UNIVERSAL health care, Our frustrations with public education, our frustrations with the complete dismissal of the importance of guiding our youth, our government ... we have much to say and well since the first fruit of our real collaboration turned out quite nicely we thought why not try again. Bloggy Style.


I give to you... The Lords of Karma Taken from the Hunter S. Thompson quote "I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma" We will talk a lot about Ned's struggle with cancer, our battle to convince the social security administration that he is in fact disabled(10 out of the 11 doctors reporting on his case agree with us). Our struggles living as a family who cannot afford health insurance. We'll also talk about a lot of the issues that need to be brought to light. To somehow help those on a similar path or those less fortunate. And we welcome any and all contributions. If there is something going on in your community, something that you feel is important to talk about please send us an e-mail. And we'll do our best to post your story. It's important to know that each of our voices means something. And just as I remind Ned in those moments he feels that he's all alone in his fight. There is always someone who can find inspiration from you. Always someone who can benefit from the experience and perspective you have to offer. So please when you can stop by and let us know what you think.

Health News 1-9-08

"Help Your Heart With Exercise and Booze"

Finally I'm doing something right!! Here are some highlights from this great article. But if you would like to read the whole thing click the link above.

Moderate drinkers are at 30% lower risk of heart disease than teetotallers, according to a study of nearly 12,000 people. And those who combine a mild tipple with regular exercise are even less likely to die of the disease. Their risk is between 44% and 50% lower than couch potatoes who abstain from alcohol.

The team behind the 20-year study said that previous research has shown that moderate drinking and exercise both lower the risk of heart disease. But this is the first time scientists have quantified the benefits of both together.

"We've known for years that physical activity is good for you and it prevents heart disease. And the same for alcohol - a small amount of alcohol is good for the heart," said Morten Grønbæk, a professor at the University of Southern Denmark in Copenhagen.

The safest combination was moderate drinking and physical activity. People who drank at least one drink a week and kept active had a 44% to 50% lower risk of heart disease compared with inactive non-drinkers. The team defined moderate drinking as fewer than 14 units of alcohol a week. A unit is equivalent to half a pint of weak lager. A 175ml glass of wine contains 2.3 units. The team thinks alcohol acts to reduce the amount of "bad cholesterol" in the blood, which causes heart disease.

On a serious note. Heart disease does run in my family so I'm definitly taking some interest in these findings. I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine and I'm starting to enjoy exercise (a teeny bit) It's nice to know I'm doing something good for my body!

Health News 1-4-07

I couldn't believe it when I read this BBC article. Just another huge thing to put in the "Reasons to get off my ass and lose weight NOW" category. This is especially scary for me because my Uncle died of Liver and Colon cancer and he never drank or smoked a day in his life! I'm reposting article highlights and adding the link:

Obesity Fueling Liver Disease

Obesity has now overtaken alcohol as the number one cause of liver disease. In some cases the damage is so severe it means patients require a liver transplant.
Doctors say the rise in obesity means the problem will get even worse in years to come. The warning comes from liver experts at King's College Hospital in south London, one of the UK's leading liver transplant centres.

Dr Varuna Aluvihare, a consultant hepatologist at King's, said says fat induced liver disease has overtaken alcohol and viral infections as the commonest cause of liver disease in Europe and North America.

"If we extrapolate from the US experience its quite likely unless we change things soon in the next 20 or 30 years obesity will be the commonest cause of cirrhosis - that's irreversible scarring, and may be the commonest cause of indication for transplantation," he said.


Many of Dr Aluvihare's patients are surprised when told that obesity has caused their liver problems.

By the time symptoms emerge, the damage can be irreversible. The liver is the body's largest internal organ. It has hundreds of functions, from breaking down food to convert it to energy, to ridding the body of excess fluids and fighting infection.

When someone becomes overweight the liver often can't cope with the fat levels and it starts to store fat. This can lead to the liver becoming enlarged. In serious cases the organ can be permanently scarred - cirrhosis.

And it's not just elderly patients who are vulnerable to fat-induced liver disease.
The rise in childhood obesity means that patients are getting younger and younger.
Dr Aluvihare says it was virtually unheard of 15 years ago but they are now seeing a handful of children each year presenting with abnormal liver functions tests because of fat deposits. And it is only going to get worse.

There are things patients can do if fatty liver disease is caught early enough.

Being overweight or obese carries with it a huge number of potential health risks, among them heart disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Now add to that liver disease.

It's yet one more reason to try to achieve a healthy body weight, based on a balanced diet and exercise. It's easier said than done.

BBC Article