FREE Education for Dietary Wellness...Feed Your Mind!

Like many, I received stay at home orders in mid-March and was furloughed from a part-time position that was my main source of income. The decision was sudden, unexpected, and left me feeling a bit frightened. To better manage my stress and regain structure amid the pandemic I have set goals and make a daily ‘to-do’ list for myself. Time at home well spent (for me) = learning…the mind of this nerd gets a bit bored otherwise. One of the positive aspects of having an incredible amount of free time is that I have been reading, cleaning, organizing, and pursuing a great deal of continuing education.

This week I completed Dr. McDougall’s Dietary Therapy: An Online Course for Reversing Common Diseases. Anyone who has browsed my website, read my blog and newsletters, and looked over my book, Butternut to Bionic, has learned that Dr. McDougall is one of my heroes. His dietary plan called, The Starch Solution changed my life in ways I hadn’t believed possible. For a limited time The McDougall Foundation is offering two of Dr. McDougall’s courses at no cost. Register here to take advantage of this generous offer.

Everyone is invited to take this course!

John McDougall, MD shares four decades of clinical experience during these lectures. His prescription is simple, cost free, and side effect free. This course attests to the benefits of implementing diet therapy in the healthcare setting. The knowledge gained from Dr. McDougall’s lectures are of tremendous value for everyone.

Feed your mind, stay safe, and Be Well. ~Tiffany

Hot Summer Days Call for 'Nice Cream'...

If you haven’t tried making your own ‘nice cream’ from frozen bananas and other fruits you’re missing out on a nutritious, inexpensive, and low-calorie treat. I’m sharing a recipe from Plant Based Gabriel, yet another one of my favorite plant-based foodies. In fact, his recipe for Mango Ginger Chickpea Curry has become a staple in my kitchen..

Now that summer is here it’s time to stay cool as you stay lean. Review this Beginner’s Guide to Nice Cream from Forks Over Knives. You’ll be a pro in no time and keep your freezer stocked with banana chunks like I do! Check out Plant Based Gabriel’s Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream, it’s delicious!

Dine Well! ~Tiffany

Headache Pain? Find Relief Activating Pressure Points...

Depending on the source and cause of a headache, a number of self treatments can be very effective to better manage headache pain. Consider and try one (or more) of these techniques…

• Temple Headaches: Press the hollow of the temples, a finger width beyond the outer end of the eyebrow.

• Eye Pain: Press in hollow on top of the eyebrows, one finger width above the pupil of the eye.

• Sinus Congestion: Press in the dimple at the inner end of the eyebrow, directly above the corner of the eye.

• Nasal Congestion: Press in the dimples beside the nose, one finger width away from each nostril.

• Jaw Tension: Press hollow found in front of ear at cheek bone level (open your mouth slightly to find the depression).

Activating these pressure points on your own may help to take the edge off pain and discomfort. It’s important to apply steady, even pressure on the described points.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

This information is not a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. Take what is useful, investigate these options, and speak to your doctor before incorporating something new into your personal wellness plan.

*Excerpt first published in my Summer/Fall 2008 issue of Keeping In Touch…which happens to be the name of the first newsletter I produced as an independent contractor. :)

Social Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay

Joint Replacement Resource Guide - FREE COPY!

Now through December 2, 2020 readers can receive a FREE ELECTRONIC COPY of a valuable resource guide. Read on to learn more about this book…

Butternut to Bionic earned 4/4 star reviews from GoodReads and is listed as, “highly recommended reading” by Reader Views. This resource guide was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize, 2018 Health Literacy Award, and the 2019/2020 Reader Views Literary Award.

Amazon reviewers like Lynn L., Registered Nurse states, “This book belongs in every doctor’s office. Every patient’s home.” Naturopath Physician Dr. Leslie P. commented, “Even though it is specific for those going through hip replacement, her advice is relevant for most any type of surgery.”

Butternut to Bionic is a story of personal triumph AND a resource guide unlike others. Why? Simply because the conversational style of the book discusses how to incorporate alternative therapies into preparation for, and recovery from, joint replacement surgery. Alternative therapies such as Acupuncture, Reiki, Therapeutic Massage, Dietary Therapy, and Aromatherapy are widely used by patients during recovery from surgery but are topics not often addressed with their physician…though they should be. Butternut to Bionic introduces readers to author Tiffany Anderson and her personal experience of recovery from serious illness leading to dual hip replacement. Personal anecdotes, candid observations, and private details add to the unique approach of this guide. Drawing on her 22+ years of professional experience in the field of health, she has written this book from the patient’s perspective to help others facing similar circumstance. Hip and knee replacement recipients, family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers will find this book intriguing, insightful, and useful. A companion website shares FREE wellness resources and a weekly health blog. Get your copy of this guide in paperback, e-book, or on Kindle here!

Happy Holidays!

The Anderson Therapeutics Team

Coping with Chronic Illness: Inclusion Is Important

One of the most basic human impulses is to be needed. We all
crave proof that we have an important role that shows we
belong. Imagine the devastation of finding out that you must
depend on others to take care of your most basic needs. If there’s
a chronically ill person in your household, here are some things
you can do to encourage a sense of inclusion for him or her.

• We All Need to Be Useful

• Support Your Loved One’s Social Life

• Avoid Overprotection

• Maintaining Interests

• Watch Out for Withdrawal
  Some people cope with illness by becoming withdrawn.
  Withdrawal can lead to depression. You may need to step in
  and take a more active role. While it’s important not to cram
  your loved one’s calendar with social engagements, seeing
  that a few close friends and relatives keep in touch can make
  a big difference. Whenever possible, try to do the same
  things you did together before the illness.
  If you previously played cards after dinner,
  show a willingness to continue the tradition.
  But remember, when dealing with
  withdrawal, you have to walk a fine line
  between inclusion and interference. Respect
  for your loved one’s feelings and needs is
  the key.

Inclusion is a sensitive topic for me…after becoming ill I noticed dramatic changes in my personality and a greater need for solitude. Being alone and having time to myself helps me to better manage stress, feel calm, and recharge my batteries. As an introvert the world can be a bit noisy and overwhelming. As previously mentioned, there is a fine line to walk when helping a loved one through chronic illness and challenging times. While I sometimes wish I had a few more people in my life I find that I am my own best friend and enjoy my own company. My son is my close family and I have one close friend, that is enough for me. Recognize your needs and how much…or how little, inclusion you need for your own well being. Setting boundaries and stating your needs clearly, and kindly, will help others to understand. Ideally our wishes will be respected. Remember, we don’t need to be clones of one another and what works for some may not work for others.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

Introductory content courtesy of Parlay International - license holder Anderson Therapeutics

Got Toe Woes?

Take a moment and look down towards your own two feet. These amazing appendages support our entire body, keep us upright, and motor us about. How much time and effort do you spend caring for your feet? If you’re like many people…you may neglect your feet and then pay dearly with this lack of self-care. Foot pain, poor posture, and an improper gait are just a few of the problems you may encounter.

Here are a few tips to help you beat the toe woes:

• Ankle Rolls: Lie on your back with one leg straight, lying flat, and the other leg bent, foot raised, supporting your hamstrings with both hands. Make 20 ankle circles in each direction, then point and flex the toes 20 times. Lower and repeat with the other ankle. Ankle flexibility helps us to maintain balance, prevent falls, and strengthens the lower legs. Too challenging for you? Then try these ankle exercises you can do seated at your desk..

• Reduce Weight: Extra weight places significant pressure on the joints. In fact, an excess of only five pounds places twenty-five pounds of pressure on our joints. A small amount of weight loss can significantly improve the health of all joints…especially the ankles which supports the weight of our entire body.

• Play Barefoot. Nerves on the bottom of our feet are more receptive than the nerves of our hands. Provide the extra stimulation feet need by walking barefoot at home and incorporating more barefoot exercise - like Pilates and yoga. Rolling your foot on a ball for five minutes a day stimulates nerves, improves stability, and mobility.

• Decrease Inflammation: Foot pain related to swelling is typically dietary related. Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. This type of eating also prevents and treats degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis.

• Reflexology: Schedule an appointment with a licensed practitioner and experience why reflexology is much more than just a foot massage. A reflexology session can provide pain relief, reduce muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve circulation. Why does reflexology offer relief? Pressure points along the feet correspond to spots on the entire body, making reflexology a very healing and therapeutic modality.

• Soaking: Make a cocktail for your feet. Use a shallow rectangular container or your tub for a foot soak. Add Epsom salts (1/2 to 1 cup) and either a few drops of peppermint essential oil or add a peppermint tea bag to warm water for a stimulating and regenerative soak. The magnesium sulfate in the Epsom salts relieves muscle soreness and the peppermint invigorates and deodorizes hard working feet. For best results soak feet for at least 10-15 minutes.

Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Founder, Anderson Therapeutics

*An edited version of this post was first published May 16, 2019

Living Well WITH Joint Replacement

“When I learned that I needed a joint replacement, my initial fears were that my lifestyle would diminish and that I would lose physical freedoms. Prior to surgery, I didn’t know what to expect and what I may never get to enjoy again.

Experiencing a health crisis leading to hip replacement at age 45 put me in a state of shock. I envisioned the possibilities of my future collapsing. Instead, this experience has been humbling and given me an opportunity to focus on what I can do.

Today, I pay more attention to my body, my movements, and am aware of my surroundings. I scan ahead while walking to avoid slipping hazards, I wear solid shoes with nonslip tread, and follow a sensible fitness routine to stay lean and strong.”

-Excerpt from, “Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery*, Chapter 7 Final Thoughts: Beyond Surviving, Thriving!, pg. 111.

*Nominated for the 2019/2020 Reader Views Literary Award, the 2018 Health Literacy Award,and 2018 AARP Purpose Prize

Are you or a loved one facing joint replacement surgery? You may feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to expect, and have plenty of questions. Perhaps you are already ‘Bionic’ and have lived with an artificial joint(s) for quite some time. Joint replacement surgeries, whether they are for hips, knees, or shoulders, share commonalities…each procedure installs equipment designed to provide years of mobility. The patients’ jobs are to heal, recover, and embrace the new bionic part as a tool helping them to move.

Butternut to Bionic is an inexpensive and easy to read resource guide for anyone preparing for surgery AND a living well guide for those who have received artificial joints. Each chapter offers a variety of resources, suggestions, and checklists to help recipients achieve a successful outcome and return to (plus maintain) a high quality of life.

Facing the challenge of joint replacement is a team effort. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers will find the book, Butternut to Bionic, intriguing, insightful, and useful.

“My surgeon informed me that with good care I can easily expect 25 to 30 years of use from my artificial joints. It’s nice to have an idea of an expiration date. Around three decades provides me with plenty of time to live and play. What will I do if I have future surgeries? I’ll cross that bridge if it presents itself.”

-Author, Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Our Founder, Tiffany Anderson, shares this message and invites you to engage with us...

“Anderson Therapeutics, and the book, 'Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery' exist to inspire and empower others to improve their quality of life. My website and resource guide offers patient advocacy, empowerment, and encourages personal accountability. Education and professional experience has enabled me to survive life-threatening illness and return to an active lifestyle. As an author, educator, health coach, alternative healthcare provider, and patient, I practice what I preach and share my 3 key concepts to Live Well & Be Well. I invite you to partner with me...visit my blog, browse FREE resources. “

Visit Anderson Therapeutics to learn more why the guide Butternut to Bionic that has earned:

• 4/4 stars on GoodReads

• 4.5/5 star reader reviews on Amazon

• Editorial Reviews: Reader Views calls Butternut to Bionic:

  • “…a well laid out resource” and

  • “…highly recommended reading”

Anderson Therapeutics staff members believe that everyone and everything we encounter arrives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  As a team we follow our Founders belief that everyone, to the best of their ability, can manage chronic conditions with dignity and grace.

Be Well,

~The Anderson Therapeutics Team

Social Media image courtesy of Daniel Reche from Pixabay