When I grew up in Persia, my father frequently had a runny nose and always had a handkerchief in his pocket. I inherited the runny nose and I used to carry a big white cloth handkerchief in my pocket until the preteen age dictated otherwise.
Then came disposable tissues. I remember the fancy containers that my mother bought for the tissue boxes. “Welcome western culture to Persia,” and “goodbye to cloth handkerchiefs.”
My father continued using his handkerchief, even though it was an embarrassment to his teenage daughter. He believed that the dust particles in the tissues would make his allergies worse.
A few years ago, I noticed that there were hypoallergenic facial tissues available. Does this mean that other types of facial tissues are bad for people with allergies?
Several months ago, I started using my old napkins. They appeared old, but they were soft and perfect for use as a handkerchief. However, I was not sure that I could get rid of my old habit of using facial tissues.
I love the feeling of soft cloth on my face. I love the fact that using a cloth handkerchief is environmentally friendly and that no tree will be cut for wiping my nose.
I searched at many stores but could not find any handkerchiefs, so I started looking online. There were many choices for “gentlemen’s handkerchiefs.” I learned that I needed to search for “ladies’ handkerchiefs.”
Now, I am the proud owner of ladies’ handkerchiefs with my own initial – M.
Bodyweight Training, Yoga
North Americans have high intake of dairy. Yet, they also have a high frequency of osteoporosis. Many factors affect bone density, including calcium intake, calcium absorption, and weight bearing exercise.
Excessive protein in the North American diet has a negative affect on bone density. The excess protein creates acidity in the bloodstream. The acidity causes bone calcium to dissolve. This may partially explain the bone density loss despite the high intake of calcium.
Vegans should not assume that they are at low risk for osteoporosis because of lower protein intake. Vegans must pay attention to 3 areas for healthy bone density:
1. Calcium intake and absorption:
Identify the foods that have high content and absorption of calcium. Here are some examples, based on the research of Dr. Connie Weaver (adapted from B. Davis and V. Melina, Becoming Vegan):
Cow’s milk is shown for comparison.
It is recommended that vegans consume non-dairy drinks that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, such as almond, rice, soy, or coconut milk.
A word of caution about spinach and Swiss chard: these 2 vegetables contain high levels of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid lowers the absorption of calcium. Therefore, steam your spinach and Swiss chard to break down the oxalic acid and facilitate calcium absorption.
Smoothies are a great way to consume plenty of green vegetables. Have green smoothies for breakfast.
2. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium. Many non-dairy milk drinks are fortified with vitamin D. If you don’t consume enough non-dairy milk, then take a vitamin D (vegan) supplement.
3. A minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise is required for healthy bones. Weight bearing exercises are highly recommended for building healthy bone density.
If you are woman older than 50 years, make sure that you are consuming 1200 to 1500 mg of calcium daily; this includes the calcium in your daily diet and supplement.
Emotional stress causes release of cortisol in our bodies. Research has shown that elevated cortisol causes bone loss. So, remember: a happy you contributes to healthy bones.
Fresh air: right side up or upside down
I recommended earlier that you clear your physical space from clutter and clear your heart from fear. Now let’s expand your lungs to breathe in oxygen.
Most of us work 8 hours a day in an office that is cooled by an air conditioner or heated by a furnace. Plan to leave the office for as little as 15 minutes a day to go for a walk outside.
Walk briskly and swing your arms like a happy child. Raise your arms above your head and inhale a huge gulp of oxygen.
Focus on breathing deeply. Relax your stomach muscles so you’ll be able to breathe deeply.
Be an adventurist; stop thinking about work and challenge yourself by finding a flower bush, a beautiful tree, a child playing in the playground, or a bird flying over your head. If you are Kamala, my yoga teacher, then do a handstand.
Frolic!
