vTRISTA continued from page 17
vWHOLISTIC continued from page 25
She easily gives me a short lesson of the amount of carbs in various
foods and several options for “free” foods, including fruits, meat,
eggs, diet pop, cheese and non-starchy vegetables such as green beans,
cauliflower and broccoli. The “free” foods, containing carbohydrates
of 15 grams or less, allow her a snack without having to take insulin.
Michelle explains that, while Trista is normally a picky eater, she has
ventured out of her comfort zone to try new foods. Trista remembers
something her doctor said that sticks in her mind, “You can’t say you
don’t like it if you don’t try it.”
She still visits the Sanford hospital regularly for check-ups, though
not nearly as often as before. When they venture through the facility
for the appointment, they look up at the ceiling tiles, which are painted
by children during their stay, and they find Trista’s painted tile. They
speak highly of the staff and doctors at the facility, crediting them
for easing the family’s stay and patiently helping them learn so much
about the condition in such a short time.
I comment to Trista that I am amazed at how the young girl already
knows so much about her condition. She showed me a Pink Panther
book about diabetes that helped her understand everything at her
level. Chad is thankful for amazing support that he’s found in online
support groups. The extremely compassionate pre-teen is already
looking to help other children facing this challenge and grins as she
gives advice for others diagnosed with it. “I know you might feel like
it’s changed your life, but you’re still the same person, just with an
autoimmune disease.” n
simply stress management. Stress can be a significant contributor to
illness.
Karen shares how her massage therapy instructor had a client that
had a leg amputated during the war, and he was still suffering from
ongoing phantom pain. As part of her massage she’d actually move
her hands in a virtual massage where the missing limb once was, and it
brought the man tangible relief. This is one example of how the brain
can continue to feel pain from previous injuries long after it originally
occurred.
Karen’s experiences with MS and changes in diet have positively
influenced her three children also. Robbie, aged twenty-six who lives in
Springfield, plans on building a greenhouse and growing his own food.
“At one point he had to carry an EpiPen all the time because he kept
having allergic reactions so bad. He now eats a more Mediterranean
style diet, does his own baking and creates his own healthy recipes,
and no longer needs the Epipen.” Shelby, aged twenty-five and has a
graphic design business she shares in the same office with her sister,
Dena that is conveniently housed in the same building as their mom.
Shelby has discovered a line of all natural cosmetics and beauty
products called Beautycounter that she uses and sells. Even Dena,
aged 33, with four children, is careful about what she feeds them.
Although she grows some vegetables and herbs at home, Karen is
lucky that her dad has a huge organic garden with free range chickens,
and a brother ranches on the family farm too. The farm is just
outside of Avon. She has a cornucopia of wonderful food available
close to home. Everyone in the family shares whatever produce
they are growing. “It just makes me so sad when I go to a grocery
store somewhere and I see people filling up their grocery carts with
processed foods, but they’re in wheelchairs or they have canes. My
heart goes out to anyone who is suffering.”
Karen in no way wants to discourage people from seeking
traditional professional medical help. She just wants to spread the word
that there are many complimentary therapies available that can greatly
improve even the most serious illnesses, and enhance or prolong the
wellness of the already robust. Depending solely on pharmaceutical
medication, when there is so much more we can do to help ourselves,
is a disservice. Healthy food can be our medicine too. Being healthy is
a lifestyle decision that embraces many components, we need only to
be receptive to putting them into practice to harvest the results. n
vSAM continued from page 19
“Before a child was said to having learning disabilities and they
went for special help,” Amy said. “Sadly, those children were often
ridiculed and bullied but today, a child goes to the resource room and
it’s no big deal.”
Amy would like to encourage parents if they have any suspicions
about their children, to not be proud. Ask questions, whether it be the
pediatrician or a teacher. Teachers are with the children everyday and
if a parent has a suspicion, the teacher probably has the same suspicion.
Good help is there; parents just need to take the step and do it.
“We do admit Sam knows a lot of things we don’t, and we just let him
talk,” Amy said with a laugh. “Yep, Sam. Really, Sam? Some days are an
education for us, too.” n
vHOW THEY
ROLL continued from page 23
ventured out of state for rides in Iowa and Nebraska. She recalls going
to the Black Hills four or five times, commenting, “I had a good
time there, too.” The ride in Lee Valley, Nebraska, was another fond
memory of hers, remembering their stop at an auction place, with the
ride followed by supper and a dance.
She enjoys the rides and appreciates the scenery on each route.
She reflects over the routes that they have taken over the years and
the various images of countryside they have all given her. She loves
socializing with others and looks forward to being with long-time
friends and meeting new people at the events.
Though each driver and rider are just as unique as each tractor
enthusiast’s preferred models, they all share one commonality. Their
love for old iron is undeniable and their passion to keep the tradition
alive is appreciated by many. n
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