By Elizabeth Szlek, LMHC
With that arresting title, I thought I would get your attention! However, there is one part of any diet that actually falls into this category, and I would bet that the overwhelming majority of readers has never given this piece of the nutritional puzzle a second thought. What could it be?: Protein, vitamins, fats (can’t be that!), minerals, water? Good guesses, but these elements are merely the raw materials used by this body system to carry on all the life processes and create all the body parts. The answer: Food enzymes!
What Are Enzymes?
This is going to sound a little overblown, but the fact is, enzymes are the stuff that make life possible. For starters, they must be present for every one of the over 80,000 chemical reactions that take place in our bodies to occur. No enzymes, no activity. You could think of them as the “labor force” which actually does all the work. But, in truth, they are much, much more. You could ingest all the vitamin, minerals and other nutrients you want, but without sufficient enzymes, nothing would happen.
It is almost impossible to accurately describe enzymes, but giving it a stab, here goes: They are the life force of the body. They are the energy source of the body, and without them, bodily life ceases. It is amazing that so few of us understand or even recognize this fact, but learning how enzymes are used in the body can mean the difference between a life of health, one plagued with illness, and one which is cut short due to exhaustion of enzyme supplies.
Again, it is very difficult to describe “what” enzymes are. In a way, you can think of them as the essence of animal life itself. They are mystical, if you really want to think about it. With all this in mind, let’s see if we can figure out how to incorporate these ideas into our day-to-day lives.
Where Do Enzymes Come From?
The classic text on enzymes was written in 1946, by Dr. Edward Howell. Food Enzymes for Health and Longevity made a splash in certain circles, but it didn’t really get going until recent years, and has been especially promoted by the Weston A. Price Foundation (www.westronaprice.org) , the organization that is attempting to bring traditional ways of eating back to replace the deadly American diet we are now being pressured to adopt. Dr. Howell opened a healing clinic in the ‘30’s, in which he worked to cure illnesses through nutrition. His book is the fruit of those years of healing. The book is no easy read, but its foundational wisdom is there, and I am giving you the general overview. To pursue this topic further, you might want to read instead the wonderful book Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig. That opus forms the basis for the work of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
According to Dr. Howell, when a person is born, they have a storehouse of food enzymes within their bodies, which he calls their “enzyme potential”. He states that “This limited supply of activity factors of life force must last us a lifetime.” In addition, he goes on to state that the faster metabolic rate, the quicker the enzymes are used up. For me, this was an eye opener. Throughout our society, we hear, every day, “Get your metabolism to speed up!” Me, I’m pretty sedentary, and yet very healthy. Can it be that reading books is preferable to Zumba classes?? I certainly hope so! But I digress….
The second big idea he puts forth is that we can supplement our inborn enzyme potential by eating foods which contain the materials our body can use to produce more enzymes. However, listen up! Eating food that is cooked to a temperature beyond 212 degrees destroys 100% of the enzymes in it. This fact is the basis for the “raw food” movement that you may have heard of. And, our American diet consists almost totally of cooked and processed foods. In other words, dead foods that cannot ultimately promote life.
Here’s how Dr. Howell puts it: Regardless of the species of animal, the faster the metabolic rate, the short the life span. Other things being equal, you live as long as your body has enzyme activity factors to make enzymes from. When it gets to the point that your body can’t make certain enzymes, then your life ends.
The Secrets of Health and Longevity
If you are in despair at this point, don’t worry! Few among us have the fortitude to live on a diet of raw foods. But, if we realize that our diet MUST CONTAIN LIVING FOODS, and the more living foods we consume, the better our store of enzyme materials, we have several choices.
First, we can make a concerted effort to include raw, living foods in our daily diets. This would include nutritionally dense salads (spinach, not Iceberg lettuce), fresh fruit and uncooked vegetables, raw animal products such as raw milk and raw honey, and even raw meat and fish. All traditional cultures have had these products in their diets. Just think of steak Tartare, sushi, carpaccio, Kibbeh, and escabeche, to name a few. These are animal products which have been enjoyed for centuries. Then consider a rare steak, cooked to well below 212 degrees. Delicious! And full of enzymes.
Another way to go is to eat fruits that are high in enzymes, such as papaya (raw), bananas, avocados and mangoes. This is sounding better every minute! However, some foods, mainly seeds, contain elements known as enzyme inhibitors, and these foods should never be eaten raw. This includes raw peanuts, soy in any form (Don’t eat edamame!), raw peas or lentils, or potatoes. Most nuts should be soaked and then lightly roasted, which removes the inhibitors, and actually makes the nuts much more delicious.
Dr. Howell’s work seems to prove that using up our precious enzyme supplies leads to premature aging, and the development of most degenerative diseases. He recommends that if insufficient enzymes are ingested, and a diet of mostly cooked food is eaten, the person should ideally take enzyme supplements to make sure enzyme supplies are at levels that sustain life.
Think about eating more raw foods that are enzyme rich—and stay away from processed, dead food!
Elizabeth Szlek is a Health and Wellness Counselor, and is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Yorkville. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900 or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Globes, Gowns and Insults
For The Rome Observer, January 18, 2011
By Elizabeth Szlek, LMHC
Last Sunday night we all were encouraged to watch the Golden Globes annual awards presentation, so that we would all know what movies to go to, and which television shows to watch. Since I am a fan of neither, I didn’t intend to participate in this nationwide event, but as it happens, my curiosity got the better of me, and I tuned in for the first hour of red carpet, and then for a couple of hours more of the real thing – until I couldn’t take it anymore.
I do watch “Project Runway”, however, because I am a former devoted seamstress, who used to make all her own clothes. Yep, I was totally broke, but because a friend supplied me with free couturier fabrics, I ran around Manhattan sporting Yves St. Laurent suits, Calvin Klein sportswear, and Nina Ricci concert gear. So, I do like to see what people are wearing, it’s true.
And, the Globes did not disappoint in that department. There were many very beautiful women wearing equally beautiful gowns. Some were simply stunning. It is obvious there is no lack of design talent in America (and abroad). Of course, the crassness of having to tell “who” you are wearing is what the red carpet stuff is all about now. Think of it as a one-hour promo for the fashion industry. Yes, you have to listen to mindless patter, but it is all pretty civil. The interviewers have a practiced breathlessness when jamming a mic in the face of some has-been or soon-to-be, or, (gasp) actual living icons like Angie and Brad.
Downhill Fast
Once I returned from my popcorn-making duties to settle in for the “real” show, I found myself looking at Ricky Gervais, the host. I figured I would watch for a while, and then pull the plug when it got too boring. But, as it turns out, something else took place.
I am a member of the Boomer Generation, and went through the whole thing with rebellion, protesting, and the rise of the rogue/rebel/misfit actor thing seemingly started by Marlon Brando. Actors used to practice, or at least fake, civility, since they were often portraying upper crust sorts of characters, and they maintained this façade during their public appearances. Let me tell you, folks—game over on that one.
First, if there were writers for this event: Shame on you! Shame! Shame! Oh, but maybe that concept is now forgotten by the generation who’s “gotta be me!” Gotta be me and say every revolting and ugly and unkind thing I can think of – epater les bourgeois! We must all “shock” everyone else now, and because of this, an basically stupid event like the Golden Globes becomes a festival of insult to one and all.
I noticed one thing, though. Most of the younger people involved were not as ugly as the older generations. The young ones still had the deer in the headlights look, fear, when reading their little presentation speeches. This left the veterans like “Iron Man” Robert Downey, to make a complete fool of himself while he sexually harassed all the actresses nominated for awards. But, then, he himself was dissed by the gracious host, Mr. Gervais, who helpfully pointed out that Mr. Downey had been through several rehab experiences. Just the sort of intro anyone would enjoy! In fact, Mr. Gervais outdid himself by introducing the President of the Golden Globes association by chattering on that he had just come from helping him off the toilet, and then giving him his false teeth.
When said elderly gentleman then appeared, he threw a jibe back at his host, saying, in essence, “You’ll never work in this town again!” Lovely.
The insults just kept coming: In introducing an entire category of awards, Foreign Films, the presenters stated something to the effect that “no one in America cares about this one” and indicated it was a big bore. The woman who accepted the award nattered on in English, dropping a line about potatoes that I didn’t catch, but at least she seemed genuinely pleased by the events.
Some young guy I have never seen before won an award, and he took this opportunity to “come out” for all the gays in existence, and tell the world, and the television audience, “Screw you!” How very lovely.
The Big Moment of the evening came when actor Robert De Niro received a Lifetime Achievement award. He looked terribly disheveled, unlike some of the other men, who presented themselves in suits made from either fabulous stuff, or perhaps some of the ubiquitous garbage bag garment produced on the aforementioned “Project Runway”. He accepted the award and launched into a garrulous and unkempt flow of verbiage, offering the idea that perhaps the foreign correspondents were in slight attendance because they had been deported. This was obviously scripted, because he complained that the crawl was going too fast and he missed some of what he had to say…Tant pis!
Is It We or Is It Hollywood?
At this point, I have to wonder: Are we getting what we want, or what Hollywood thinks we want, or deserve? Are we as a nation equally crass and vulgar as these “stars”?
I don’t know the answer, but I believe that through the years, the films we have all watched HAVE made a deep impression on us all. I don’t believe that theatrical performances, in any medium, are valueless entertainment. They do mold our minds and our values, just as music does. Maybe because I don’t watch much TV or go to movies, this makes me out of touch with the current Zeitgeist. Maybe many of you did not notice the profound disconnect between the lavish dresses and the offensive manners and lack of any kind of civility. For me, it was like putting on a Prada gown and going down to the pigsty: except that I really think highly of pigs and their intelligence.
I think the rebellion thing, the need to be outré and “bad” has come full circle. Now, we can’t even have a civil awards presentation! Everyone is constantly finding themselves in the midst of a “roast”. I never liked that form of comedic battling, and I still don’t, but now the Rodney Dangerfield Way of Life seems to have overtaken everything. Aren’t you sick of it? Don’t you long for a kind, polite word? I do, but I don’t expect to hear any any time soon.
Elizabeth Szlek is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Yorkville, NY. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900 or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
By Elizabeth Szlek, LMHC
Last Sunday night we all were encouraged to watch the Golden Globes annual awards presentation, so that we would all know what movies to go to, and which television shows to watch. Since I am a fan of neither, I didn’t intend to participate in this nationwide event, but as it happens, my curiosity got the better of me, and I tuned in for the first hour of red carpet, and then for a couple of hours more of the real thing – until I couldn’t take it anymore.
I do watch “Project Runway”, however, because I am a former devoted seamstress, who used to make all her own clothes. Yep, I was totally broke, but because a friend supplied me with free couturier fabrics, I ran around Manhattan sporting Yves St. Laurent suits, Calvin Klein sportswear, and Nina Ricci concert gear. So, I do like to see what people are wearing, it’s true.
And, the Globes did not disappoint in that department. There were many very beautiful women wearing equally beautiful gowns. Some were simply stunning. It is obvious there is no lack of design talent in America (and abroad). Of course, the crassness of having to tell “who” you are wearing is what the red carpet stuff is all about now. Think of it as a one-hour promo for the fashion industry. Yes, you have to listen to mindless patter, but it is all pretty civil. The interviewers have a practiced breathlessness when jamming a mic in the face of some has-been or soon-to-be, or, (gasp) actual living icons like Angie and Brad.
Downhill Fast
Once I returned from my popcorn-making duties to settle in for the “real” show, I found myself looking at Ricky Gervais, the host. I figured I would watch for a while, and then pull the plug when it got too boring. But, as it turns out, something else took place.
I am a member of the Boomer Generation, and went through the whole thing with rebellion, protesting, and the rise of the rogue/rebel/misfit actor thing seemingly started by Marlon Brando. Actors used to practice, or at least fake, civility, since they were often portraying upper crust sorts of characters, and they maintained this façade during their public appearances. Let me tell you, folks—game over on that one.
First, if there were writers for this event: Shame on you! Shame! Shame! Oh, but maybe that concept is now forgotten by the generation who’s “gotta be me!” Gotta be me and say every revolting and ugly and unkind thing I can think of – epater les bourgeois! We must all “shock” everyone else now, and because of this, an basically stupid event like the Golden Globes becomes a festival of insult to one and all.
I noticed one thing, though. Most of the younger people involved were not as ugly as the older generations. The young ones still had the deer in the headlights look, fear, when reading their little presentation speeches. This left the veterans like “Iron Man” Robert Downey, to make a complete fool of himself while he sexually harassed all the actresses nominated for awards. But, then, he himself was dissed by the gracious host, Mr. Gervais, who helpfully pointed out that Mr. Downey had been through several rehab experiences. Just the sort of intro anyone would enjoy! In fact, Mr. Gervais outdid himself by introducing the President of the Golden Globes association by chattering on that he had just come from helping him off the toilet, and then giving him his false teeth.
When said elderly gentleman then appeared, he threw a jibe back at his host, saying, in essence, “You’ll never work in this town again!” Lovely.
The insults just kept coming: In introducing an entire category of awards, Foreign Films, the presenters stated something to the effect that “no one in America cares about this one” and indicated it was a big bore. The woman who accepted the award nattered on in English, dropping a line about potatoes that I didn’t catch, but at least she seemed genuinely pleased by the events.
Some young guy I have never seen before won an award, and he took this opportunity to “come out” for all the gays in existence, and tell the world, and the television audience, “Screw you!” How very lovely.
The Big Moment of the evening came when actor Robert De Niro received a Lifetime Achievement award. He looked terribly disheveled, unlike some of the other men, who presented themselves in suits made from either fabulous stuff, or perhaps some of the ubiquitous garbage bag garment produced on the aforementioned “Project Runway”. He accepted the award and launched into a garrulous and unkempt flow of verbiage, offering the idea that perhaps the foreign correspondents were in slight attendance because they had been deported. This was obviously scripted, because he complained that the crawl was going too fast and he missed some of what he had to say…Tant pis!
Is It We or Is It Hollywood?
At this point, I have to wonder: Are we getting what we want, or what Hollywood thinks we want, or deserve? Are we as a nation equally crass and vulgar as these “stars”?
I don’t know the answer, but I believe that through the years, the films we have all watched HAVE made a deep impression on us all. I don’t believe that theatrical performances, in any medium, are valueless entertainment. They do mold our minds and our values, just as music does. Maybe because I don’t watch much TV or go to movies, this makes me out of touch with the current Zeitgeist. Maybe many of you did not notice the profound disconnect between the lavish dresses and the offensive manners and lack of any kind of civility. For me, it was like putting on a Prada gown and going down to the pigsty: except that I really think highly of pigs and their intelligence.
I think the rebellion thing, the need to be outré and “bad” has come full circle. Now, we can’t even have a civil awards presentation! Everyone is constantly finding themselves in the midst of a “roast”. I never liked that form of comedic battling, and I still don’t, but now the Rodney Dangerfield Way of Life seems to have overtaken everything. Aren’t you sick of it? Don’t you long for a kind, polite word? I do, but I don’t expect to hear any any time soon.
Elizabeth Szlek is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Yorkville, NY. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900 or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Fluoride, A Toxic Waste
For The Rome Observer, January 11, 2011
By Elizabeth Szlek, LMHC
I was astounded to see the bit on NBC Nightly News last week about the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending that fluoride levels in our nation’s drinking water be lowered. There was Dr. Nancy, telling us all the story about how 42% of kids in America are getting too much fluoride, and they are suffering from dental fluorosis (staining and mottling of their teeth), due to excess fluoride consumption.
Now, if you had not thought about fluoride before this, you might think well of our doctor on NBC, and would be much obliged to her for setting us all straight on how much fluoride we SHOULD be ingesting. Trouble is, her story, as it often is, was a carefully concocted bit of propaganda, used to cover up a prevailing meme, which is, “Adding fluoride to drinking water prevents dental cavities”. This statement is a lie, and I will tell you why.
What is Fluoride, Anyway?
There is no one thing called fluoride, but a class of compounds in which the element fluorine combines with other elements. Fluorine is a halogen, and is a yellowish, poisonous, highly corrosive gas. Other commonly known halogens are chlorine, bromine and iodine. All are used industrially to kill pathogenic organisms, and of course, they can kill human cells, too. That is just what they are doing in our bodies as we ingest fluoridated water. Fluorine is the most reactive halogen, and thus, it never occurs in its pure form in nature, but always combined with something else, which makes it a fluoride.
Fluoride is a byproduct of the aluminum, steel and fertilizer industries. In 1948, in Donora, PA, where a plant of U.S. Steel was located, a severe air inversion occurred, trapping all of the fluoride gases being given off. An entire town was affected by the cloud of fluoride gas. 6,000 men, women and children in Donora were sickened and eleven people died from lung destruction in one night. This one instance demonstrates the destructive power of fluoride compounds on the body. But there are many others.
If we look at what fluorides are used for industrially we will find many compounds being used. First, there is the extremely corrosive hydrofluoric acid, which is used to etch glass. Sodium fluoride in high concentrations is found in all rat poisons and many pesticides --- it kills them very effectively. Sodium hexafluorosilicate (also known as sodium silicofluoride) is a common ingredient in pesticides, and is also added to drinking water. Yes, you heard right. It is added to drinking water. You are constantly drinking in something used to kill pests. Poisons have many properties, but obviously, promoting good dental health is probably not one of them. As it happens, there is no credible proof that adding poison to your drinking water has any positive benefits, and the reasons for this are several.
Why Is Fluoride Added to Drinking Water?
The main thing to remember is this: Fluoride added to your drinking water is put there not for your benefit, but for the benefit of those who have a lot of it on their hands. As a byproduct of various industrial processes, including nuclear ones, there is a lot of fluoride to get rid of. If it were disposed of directly, it would have to be treated as a toxic waste product, and you know how troublesome THAT is.
Instead, our government allowed these toxic substances to be added to our drinking water, in small amounts, of course, where it supposedly is an effective deterrent to the development of dental cavities (caries). But why?
Well, it is an interested little factoid that Andrew Mellon, Treasury Secretary and the founder of Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America) had lots of waste fluoride lying around, and the head of U.S. Public Health Service reported directly to him in his capacity as Treasury Secretary. The head of the USPHS was none other than a Dr. Dean, who came to be called “Mr. Fluoridation”, since he so ardently promoted the use of fluoride in our nation’s water systems. For Andrew Mellon, problem solved!!
But, in order to sell the idea of fluoridation to Americans, he employed the skills of the original “spin doctor”, Edward L. Bernays, father of the art of public relations, and author of his famous book, Propaganda. He did a bang up job for Alcoa.
What’s So Bad About Fluoridation?
There are several important points to consider when trying to decide if water fluoridation is for you:
1. Fluorides are poisonous to the human body. There is really no “safe” level, and when water is fluoridated, everyone drinking it is drugged at the same level. Babies, the elderly, sick people, and everyone else all get the same dose, all the time. Some people drink more than others, and so they are getting even MORE of the stuff. We are drugged against our will.
2. The predominant benefit of fluoride in preventing tooth decay is TOPICAL, not SYSTEMIC. This means that fluoride works as a pesticide (killing bacteria in the mouth) when it is applied directly to the teeth, such as by using toothpaste or mouthwash. Contaminating entire water systems with this stuff is just stupid.
3. Fluoridation is causing tooth damage in over 40% of our nation’s children. Dental fluorosis is an ugly condition, which is irreversible, and which indicates that other skeletal issues may be developing.
4. Infants being fed formula which is prepared with fluoridated water receive 250 times the recommended limit of .0004ppm concentration found in breast milk. What does this mean? Brain damage from this highly toxic substance!
5. Boys who drink fluoridated water have a very high chance of developing deadly bone cancers. In addition, others can develop bone diseases and skeletal fluorosis.
6. Most importantly, dental caries can be totally prevented by correct nutrition. In many primitive societies, dental care was unheard of, but with proper nutrition, even teeth never brushed had NO INCIDENCE OF CARIES!
Please think about whether you wish to ask your municipality to discontinue water fluoridation. It could be one of the most important issues we all face.
Elizabeth Szlek is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Yorkville, NY. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900 or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
By Elizabeth Szlek, LMHC
I was astounded to see the bit on NBC Nightly News last week about the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending that fluoride levels in our nation’s drinking water be lowered. There was Dr. Nancy, telling us all the story about how 42% of kids in America are getting too much fluoride, and they are suffering from dental fluorosis (staining and mottling of their teeth), due to excess fluoride consumption.
Now, if you had not thought about fluoride before this, you might think well of our doctor on NBC, and would be much obliged to her for setting us all straight on how much fluoride we SHOULD be ingesting. Trouble is, her story, as it often is, was a carefully concocted bit of propaganda, used to cover up a prevailing meme, which is, “Adding fluoride to drinking water prevents dental cavities”. This statement is a lie, and I will tell you why.
What is Fluoride, Anyway?
There is no one thing called fluoride, but a class of compounds in which the element fluorine combines with other elements. Fluorine is a halogen, and is a yellowish, poisonous, highly corrosive gas. Other commonly known halogens are chlorine, bromine and iodine. All are used industrially to kill pathogenic organisms, and of course, they can kill human cells, too. That is just what they are doing in our bodies as we ingest fluoridated water. Fluorine is the most reactive halogen, and thus, it never occurs in its pure form in nature, but always combined with something else, which makes it a fluoride.
Fluoride is a byproduct of the aluminum, steel and fertilizer industries. In 1948, in Donora, PA, where a plant of U.S. Steel was located, a severe air inversion occurred, trapping all of the fluoride gases being given off. An entire town was affected by the cloud of fluoride gas. 6,000 men, women and children in Donora were sickened and eleven people died from lung destruction in one night. This one instance demonstrates the destructive power of fluoride compounds on the body. But there are many others.
If we look at what fluorides are used for industrially we will find many compounds being used. First, there is the extremely corrosive hydrofluoric acid, which is used to etch glass. Sodium fluoride in high concentrations is found in all rat poisons and many pesticides --- it kills them very effectively. Sodium hexafluorosilicate (also known as sodium silicofluoride) is a common ingredient in pesticides, and is also added to drinking water. Yes, you heard right. It is added to drinking water. You are constantly drinking in something used to kill pests. Poisons have many properties, but obviously, promoting good dental health is probably not one of them. As it happens, there is no credible proof that adding poison to your drinking water has any positive benefits, and the reasons for this are several.
Why Is Fluoride Added to Drinking Water?
The main thing to remember is this: Fluoride added to your drinking water is put there not for your benefit, but for the benefit of those who have a lot of it on their hands. As a byproduct of various industrial processes, including nuclear ones, there is a lot of fluoride to get rid of. If it were disposed of directly, it would have to be treated as a toxic waste product, and you know how troublesome THAT is.
Instead, our government allowed these toxic substances to be added to our drinking water, in small amounts, of course, where it supposedly is an effective deterrent to the development of dental cavities (caries). But why?
Well, it is an interested little factoid that Andrew Mellon, Treasury Secretary and the founder of Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America) had lots of waste fluoride lying around, and the head of U.S. Public Health Service reported directly to him in his capacity as Treasury Secretary. The head of the USPHS was none other than a Dr. Dean, who came to be called “Mr. Fluoridation”, since he so ardently promoted the use of fluoride in our nation’s water systems. For Andrew Mellon, problem solved!!
But, in order to sell the idea of fluoridation to Americans, he employed the skills of the original “spin doctor”, Edward L. Bernays, father of the art of public relations, and author of his famous book, Propaganda. He did a bang up job for Alcoa.
What’s So Bad About Fluoridation?
There are several important points to consider when trying to decide if water fluoridation is for you:
1. Fluorides are poisonous to the human body. There is really no “safe” level, and when water is fluoridated, everyone drinking it is drugged at the same level. Babies, the elderly, sick people, and everyone else all get the same dose, all the time. Some people drink more than others, and so they are getting even MORE of the stuff. We are drugged against our will.
2. The predominant benefit of fluoride in preventing tooth decay is TOPICAL, not SYSTEMIC. This means that fluoride works as a pesticide (killing bacteria in the mouth) when it is applied directly to the teeth, such as by using toothpaste or mouthwash. Contaminating entire water systems with this stuff is just stupid.
3. Fluoridation is causing tooth damage in over 40% of our nation’s children. Dental fluorosis is an ugly condition, which is irreversible, and which indicates that other skeletal issues may be developing.
4. Infants being fed formula which is prepared with fluoridated water receive 250 times the recommended limit of .0004ppm concentration found in breast milk. What does this mean? Brain damage from this highly toxic substance!
5. Boys who drink fluoridated water have a very high chance of developing deadly bone cancers. In addition, others can develop bone diseases and skeletal fluorosis.
6. Most importantly, dental caries can be totally prevented by correct nutrition. In many primitive societies, dental care was unheard of, but with proper nutrition, even teeth never brushed had NO INCIDENCE OF CARIES!
Please think about whether you wish to ask your municipality to discontinue water fluoridation. It could be one of the most important issues we all face.
Elizabeth Szlek is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Yorkville, NY. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900 or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What is Mental Health?
For The Rome Observer, January 4, 2011
By Elizabeth Szlek, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
There is much talk in the news about mental illness and everyone seems to understand what that is all about. As you read my columns in this paper, you and I will be looking at the present state of the mental health care in America, and together we will decide what is true and what is false. We will be looking at mental health memes! I guess you can already tell that I may have my doubts about a lot of what is going on…
However, as to the question of “What is mental health”?”,I have very definite ideas of what mental health looks like, how to achieve it, and how to tell if someone is mentally healthy or not. For me, it all comes down to relationships.
The Four Relationships
I believe that for a person to be mentally healthy, they need to have four different kinds of good relationships. If these are in order, it is almost assured that the person will be able to function well in society, and will enjoy great peace of mind and harmony. If, on the other hand, any of these relationships are in trouble or even missing, there will be less to be happy about. This will lead to mental distress and sometimes the person will become overwhelmed by life. So, what are these four types of relationships.?
The first relationship we must consider is the one we have with ourselves. This might seem like an odd thing to think about, but the truth is, many people are taught by those around them to think poorly of themselves. They are shamed and criticized, and, in a word, not loved enough. I spend a lot of time telling people they are wonderful, because – they are! There are many ways to go astray from a good relationship with oneself, such as addictions, anxiety, depression and other distressing states. All these problems, however, can be worked on, and people can come to a proper assessment of their real worth, and learn to treat themselves with respect but also learn to practice humility.
Family and Friends
Of course, no man is an island, and we all need to have good, loving relationships with our families, and with friends. Some people are lucky, and their parents loved them, disciplined them and taught them to value the things that endure. Others were not so lucky. They have a difficult time trusting others, since they have been so hurt. Perhaps they can even say they have no friends. This is indeed a troubling situation, and one which needs to be addressed. Sometimes those who have a bad appraisal of themselves are also bad at creating relationships with others. Again, this takes skills that can be acquired, so there is no reason to despair. Everyone who is willing can learn to be a friend to others.
Relationship with Community
Since we no longer live in a tribal society, but are part of a democratic country, we all need to be involved in something bigger than our family. We can break free from narrow prejudices, and learn to enjoy the company of people who are different from ourselves.
I remember living in Siena, Italy, where there were fierce rivalries between the thirteen neighborhoods that comprised that ancient city. Lives were lost over trifles, just because someone was from the “Turtle” contrada, and not the “Fish” contrada (neighborhood). These medieval loyalties were interesting to watch, but I don’t think most of us would want to be so bound by a few city blocks. The world is a big place! We all need to be able to move out into it, following our own talents and inclinations.
We all benefit from joining organizations which match our interests, whether that be a church, political party, sports group, a volunteer organization, or any other worthwhile group. Working and playing together, we form bonds of friendship with others, increase our feelings of competency and generosity, and we feel included, and not just by our “tribe”.
Relationship with our Higher Power
Finally, I believe humans have a very real need for a connection to something greater than ourselves. This power is usually described as God, but many people have been hurt in their relationships to religious organizations, so we will use the more neutral term, Higher Power. This is somewhat mysterious to those who do not think about this type of relationship, but I believe it is a necessary part of development of one’s greatest gifts. Many of us experience something “beyond” ourselves, and enter into spiritual states, When you believe something bigger than you is out there, it is a great comfort, and the springboard for many wonderful moments in life.
A Final Word
This is my basic view of mental health. It’s all about how we are connecting to ourselves, to a Higher Power, to friends and family, and to the larger world around us. Sometimes it seems very difficult to manage all these facets of relationship well, but I will be discussing all four aspects of this struggle in my future columns. I certainly welcome your feedback and comments and questions.
Elizabeth Szlek is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Utica. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900, or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
By Elizabeth Szlek, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
There is much talk in the news about mental illness and everyone seems to understand what that is all about. As you read my columns in this paper, you and I will be looking at the present state of the mental health care in America, and together we will decide what is true and what is false. We will be looking at mental health memes! I guess you can already tell that I may have my doubts about a lot of what is going on…
However, as to the question of “What is mental health”?”,I have very definite ideas of what mental health looks like, how to achieve it, and how to tell if someone is mentally healthy or not. For me, it all comes down to relationships.
The Four Relationships
I believe that for a person to be mentally healthy, they need to have four different kinds of good relationships. If these are in order, it is almost assured that the person will be able to function well in society, and will enjoy great peace of mind and harmony. If, on the other hand, any of these relationships are in trouble or even missing, there will be less to be happy about. This will lead to mental distress and sometimes the person will become overwhelmed by life. So, what are these four types of relationships.?
The first relationship we must consider is the one we have with ourselves. This might seem like an odd thing to think about, but the truth is, many people are taught by those around them to think poorly of themselves. They are shamed and criticized, and, in a word, not loved enough. I spend a lot of time telling people they are wonderful, because – they are! There are many ways to go astray from a good relationship with oneself, such as addictions, anxiety, depression and other distressing states. All these problems, however, can be worked on, and people can come to a proper assessment of their real worth, and learn to treat themselves with respect but also learn to practice humility.
Family and Friends
Of course, no man is an island, and we all need to have good, loving relationships with our families, and with friends. Some people are lucky, and their parents loved them, disciplined them and taught them to value the things that endure. Others were not so lucky. They have a difficult time trusting others, since they have been so hurt. Perhaps they can even say they have no friends. This is indeed a troubling situation, and one which needs to be addressed. Sometimes those who have a bad appraisal of themselves are also bad at creating relationships with others. Again, this takes skills that can be acquired, so there is no reason to despair. Everyone who is willing can learn to be a friend to others.
Relationship with Community
Since we no longer live in a tribal society, but are part of a democratic country, we all need to be involved in something bigger than our family. We can break free from narrow prejudices, and learn to enjoy the company of people who are different from ourselves.
I remember living in Siena, Italy, where there were fierce rivalries between the thirteen neighborhoods that comprised that ancient city. Lives were lost over trifles, just because someone was from the “Turtle” contrada, and not the “Fish” contrada (neighborhood). These medieval loyalties were interesting to watch, but I don’t think most of us would want to be so bound by a few city blocks. The world is a big place! We all need to be able to move out into it, following our own talents and inclinations.
We all benefit from joining organizations which match our interests, whether that be a church, political party, sports group, a volunteer organization, or any other worthwhile group. Working and playing together, we form bonds of friendship with others, increase our feelings of competency and generosity, and we feel included, and not just by our “tribe”.
Relationship with our Higher Power
Finally, I believe humans have a very real need for a connection to something greater than ourselves. This power is usually described as God, but many people have been hurt in their relationships to religious organizations, so we will use the more neutral term, Higher Power. This is somewhat mysterious to those who do not think about this type of relationship, but I believe it is a necessary part of development of one’s greatest gifts. Many of us experience something “beyond” ourselves, and enter into spiritual states, When you believe something bigger than you is out there, it is a great comfort, and the springboard for many wonderful moments in life.
A Final Word
This is my basic view of mental health. It’s all about how we are connecting to ourselves, to a Higher Power, to friends and family, and to the larger world around us. Sometimes it seems very difficult to manage all these facets of relationship well, but I will be discussing all four aspects of this struggle in my future columns. I certainly welcome your feedback and comments and questions.
Elizabeth Szlek is the Director of The Door Counseling Center of Utica. Questions and comments can be directed to her at (315) 768-8900, or at info@thedoorcounseling.com.
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