Introduction to Self Care and Self Education. My Story.

I am reposting this from 2008

A few of years ago a friend tells me about a guy who is going to speak here in town about self care and self education. Sounds real interesting, so I go along and listen and see. I hear this guy speak about whole foods, self care and self education. I like what I hear, it sort of fits well with my thinking. He sure is a smart guy even if he looks like a cowboy, his name is Don Tolman. I meet him briefly and decide to go to his BootCamp.

I go there, this guy really does knows his stuff. We talk some more and I come back home. I'm going to do this juice cleanse, fourteen days, only juice, no other food. Problem, I don't have a juicer. Have to wait, too busy anyway.

Come to another introductory night, this guy must have been studying hard since last time, he makes more sense than ever........ After the talk I meet up with him again, we talk some more. We're like old buddies. Again I go to BootCamp. There is stuff there this time that wasn't there last time, I'm sure. Come back home, I'm really going to do this juice cleanse this time. Finally get a cold press juicer and begin the juice cleanse.

The same day I start I have a series of blood tests and leave all medications to go stale! ........ But wait, I need to back up a bit. Two years prior to all this I suffered an acute heart attack, you know one of those that sixty percent of people don't survive. I knew just enough to be able to recognise the signs and get to hospital real quick. Like I had two stents in my heart within an hour and a half of the first symptoms. Five days later I leave the coronary care unit and come home with instructions to be rigorous with my pharmasuitikill medisins, five different tablets to take for the rest of my life was the message. Also low fat, low salt, low sugar. Didn't realise that low salt leads to the debilitating effects of poor sleep patterns .... Just for starters .... Amazing that, the first thing they do in Hospital is put a catheter in your arm and pour salty water into your blood......... Did I miss something?

OK, I'm into this juice cleanse, (CABALA Juice), haven't taken a tablet since day one. Fourteen days later, I'm feeling real good, do the clay and seeds bit, and the next day, ... well .... that's a whole lot better. Find I've released some weight, in fact about ten percent of my body weight.

I stay with the juice, at least one and a quarter litres a day and start eating some raw fruit and vegetables. This isn't too bad, I know what I'm going to be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That for me is low stress, few choices, not having to figure out the daily meal ritual of industrialised processed empty food. 

Two months after I start the cleanse I have another series of blood tests, time to go see the cardiologist again. You guessed it, lipids down, cholesterol down, LDL down, HDL up, blood sugar down. All parameters within the recommended range, and all achieved without the benefit of pharmasuitikill drugs and their insidious other effects..... Blood pressure normal, heart rate normal, blood condition excellent. The cardiologist warns me that I must take the drugs as this is what the protocols call for otherwise I'll die. There is a warning sticker on statin drug boxes which say do not eat grapefruit while taking this medication... um er poison. Well I'm eating one to two medium sized grapefruit each day including as much of the white as I can. So here I am some years later, still alive, standing and healthier... and no drugs!! Did I miss something? .....

Now I rarely get tired in the late afternoon and I can sleep soundly for six to eight hours. I'm saving myself an inordinate amount of time and money each month by not having doctors visits for prescriptions, prescription fees at the pharmacy and I'm saving the Health Benefits Scheme countless thousands of dollars per year. The fruit and vegetables I juice and eat each day cost me less than what I used to spend on breakfast. Further, I'm saving myself the long term debilitating effects of pharmasuitikill drugs by taking control of my own health care.

Has my investment been worth it?....... You bet it has, just for the self care. Add in the inspirational self education and you have an exceptional package.

Where to from here. I would recommend you consider implementing a raw whole food diet or at the very least a modified one ...... with minimal cooked food.... and I invite you to join me in taking control of your own health.

If you are not able to make it on your own or you feel you would like some assistance then send me an email........ gjward@graemeward.com  ....with the topic raw whole foods and I'll be glad to help.
That is a surefire way to get started on the road to self care, self education and taking control of your own life.
In the pursuit health and happiness, love and kindness. Graeme

Barefooted in Cool Climates

This winter in the southern hemisphere I have purposely done two things. Firstly I have not worn shoes and socks as a matter of course. In the last three months I have worn shoes and socks on five days only. Secondly I take my daily walk barefooted at least four days a week. The other times I wear a pair of five finger running shoes. This is the first time in winter I can recall that I haven’t had cold feet on going to bed or during the day. What I have noticed is that my feet still get warm and sometimes sweaty or cold and wet if it is raining, but they dry off quickly and stay warm.
So my feet are warm. The other thing that always happened during winter was that my heels were rough and had cracks that were often sore and uncomfortable. This winter they are smooth and have no cracks. I rub them each time I shower with a loofah. I found it took a while to get rid of the rough skin, but now it is gone and doesn’t look like returning. 

The other benefit of walking barefooted is to feel the ground, the textures and the warmth and to be grounded.

This is an article that appeared in The Age newspaper in Melbourne 7 April 2013 by Melissa Davey. This is the link http://www.theage.com.au/national/deceitful-big-pharma-accused-of-putting-lives-at-risk-20130406-2he0n.html
The article is as follows....

One Year On From Open Heart Surgery
Most mornings I walk three to four kilometres before breakfast. I like the early morning air which at the moment is mild and dry as there is a prolonged dry, hot spell of weather here in Melbourne. Today for me is a special day in that one year ago I underwent open-heart surgery for a double by-pass graft. Thinking back, I am so grateful for so many things in my life, least of all being able to exercise. A little over a year ago walking was not a pleasurable experience. Even a short walk on flat ground of 100 metres or so would let me know that blood circulation to my heart was seriously compromised. I would experience shortness of breath and mild pain in my arm and chest. Not much fun.
How different is it for me now. I can walk at a pace of about 5 km an hour on flat ground and uphill without as much as having any sign of breathlessness or discomfort whatever. That is so good. Maybe it is diet, fresh air, sunshine, mostly raw fresh fruit and vegetables and exercise with some love and passion in life that  helps. 
I’m particularly grateful to my extended family and friends who gave wonderful support before, during and after my stay in hospital.
Recently I had the opportunity of being a member of the support team for two very good friends, Alan Murray and Janette Murray-Wakelin in their quest to run around Australia. http://www.runningrawaroundaustralia.com . 
There are a number of extraordinary aspects to this quest. They live on raw whole foods only, fruit, vegetables, seeds and nuts. No cooked or processed or animal products whatsoever. Each day they run a marathon, 42.2km in about 6 hrs, come rain, hail or shine, and they have had all the above and more. 
A couple of other things about them is that Janette is a breast cancer survivor of some 10 years and more and both are over 60 years of age. Their website is http://www.runningrawaroundaustralia.com  .
Upon joining the crew which was for me an unexpected call, I was confronted with a couple of possible challenges. Early morning wake up, 4:15A and start running about an hour later, early to bed around 8P. Then there was the food, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Was I going to have any detox symptoms as I had not followed a strict raw food diet with the odd black coffee, glass of wine or beer and sometimes bread and on rare celebratory occasions, birthday cake. 
Fortunately the symptoms I had were minor and transcient, a headache that occurred after a couple of days that I was only aware of if I had the time to think about it. The other thing I hadn’t experienced for sometime was was sleeping out under the stars. This was one thing I was so pleased to be able to enjoy.
Each day was similar to the previous one except for changes in scenery, weather and location. During each day we met up with some wonderful people, often curious to know what was afoot. Of course the team were eager to enlighten them. 
Wake up was around 4:15A each day, get ready to run, pack up some of the camp, then start running around 5:15A. During the first week I would pack up the camp and prepare to move. Ping and Maureen, the other crew members usually followed later. After Francine joined and Ping and Maureen left we would usually travel together.  
By around 6:30A I was on the move, albeit not too fast. I only had to travel 12 to 14 km before the first stop at around 7A. This was usually at a rest stop for travellers. 
Would set up for the runners to arrive, often preparing a green smoothie for them to start with. The van was equipped with a large heavy duty battery and an inverter. Charging for the battery was from the car but more from the solar panels mounted on the roof of the van. This was sufficient to power the blender and the juicer along with the computers, light and fridges. Sometimes the charge ran a bit low but sunrise soon changed that. 
After the first stop  of about half an hour, the runners were on their way again. 
Next stop was again 12 to 14 km further on. The runners usually made this at around 10:30A. For the crew it was a leisurely drive as there was no rush. Another rest spot, most times beside the road or just off on a side road. 
A few times when there was rain and wind the runners were not only wet but also cold so the stops were closer together to allow them to dry off, warm up and temporarily have dry clothes. 
More fruit, often just one thing, watermelon, rock melon, oranges, bananas, pineapple or whatever was ripe at the time. 
The last stop before finding a camp for the night was usually at around 36km for the day. 
Sometimes the recharge included avocado, olives and sundried tomatoes as well as more fruit. After this stop the next one was the stop for the night. 
Fortunately there were lots of side roads adjacent to the highway where a reasonably quiet camp could be made. If we were on the coast a diversion to a beach site was preferable. 
This was great for a swim and a wash, a walk along the beach and the salt air. 
Occasionally a caravan park was at the end of the days run. Hot showers and clean clothes, what luxury. More often than not the owners were very accommodating and glad to have us a guests.
We had the occasional visit from friends who lived nearby or were passing through. I had one evening where I was able to visit my dear friends Deb Field and Jerry Jackson. So good to visit friends at home, special time.
Apart from variations in the weather and the landscape, each day had a similar pattern to it. 
After 16 days on the road my tour came to an end. I bid farewell and headed south to Sydney. 
Maybe there is some truth in the adage that if you do something for a fortnight it becomes a habit. What I found was that I’d been driving at about 60 kph most of the fortnight towing the van. Seemed so strange to get into Brad’s car and head south toward Sydney. Soon realised that highway driving was 100 plus not 60. The first hour was a bit of a challenge endeavouring to maintain speed. The next thing was sitting there for so long without a break. Half an hour had been a long stint over the last few weeks. However with persistence and hindsight I knew I could make it. 
I’m so grateful to have the health and been able to experience the last month or so. 

Oil Pulling - a technique for cleansing the mouth and the body

This is an exquisite way of possibly cleansing the mouth and the whole body of excesses of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other parasites and their toxins. Not only will it help remove these but also other toxins like traces of heavy metals and pesticides and other ‘ides. The ideal time for oil pulling is first thing in the morning before you have had anything to eat or drink. Anything that has found a cosy place in the mouth overnight is in for a shock. Instead of a nice drop of clean warm water to wallow in and then be washed into the warm confines of the stomach, a little pure virgin cold pressed coconut oil is encountered. All the more disturbing for the inhabitants of the mouth should the oil be laced with a few drops of oregano oil or clove oil. There are a couple of reflexes that may be encountered, the swallow reflex and the gag reflex. Persevere and you will overcome both of these and be able to swish the oil around in you mouth for up to twenty minutes or so before spitting it out. After you have finished, it is as well to swish you mouth out with clean water a couple of times, again resisting the urge to swallow.

Well may you ask, ‘What and how much oil, what kind of oil, what can I do while swishing this stuff and any number of other questions.”

Here it is, so simple:

First thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything!

Do the following:-

Take one tablespoon of cold pressed virgin oil. (I like coconut oil). Some find it easier to scape out the solid oil from the jar and allow it to liquify in the mouth.

You may like to add two drops of oregano or clove oil. This is great for compromising bacteria and fungi.

Then just spoon it into you mouth and swish it around. By the way if you have a denture or plate, then best leave it out. Don’t swallow the stuff. Spit it out when the time is up. Best to spit it somewhere other than the sink as the oil will solidify and could block the drain. Then swish you mouth with water a couple of times and spit that out. You may also feel you need to brush you teeth. If you do, maybe keep a separate brush for this and clean it well when you finish brushing.

While you are swishing the oil around you may find it best to sit quietly and read or listen to something or just to have some quiet time.

Just remember this is not prescriptive, make it fun and have fun doing it.

You may find that there are lots of side effects to this activity. Don’t worry about things like whiter teeth, healthier gums, cavities disappearing, no bad breath, better sleep, clearer skin, and many others. They just come with oil pulling. Just enjoy the pleasant outcomes.

Disclaimer:-

This note is for interest only. It is not suggesting that you replace or add any foods, herbal remedy, treatment or other approaches for any ailments without consulting your doctor and having his/her consent.

©Graeme Ward 2012

The Salt Covenant

The Salt Covenant

The salt covenant consists of drinking one litre of water first thing in the morning to which has been added 1 tablespoon of sea salt, not rock salt. If the body has a balance of salt then this has the effect of flushing out the colon soon after drinking. However if the body is lacking in salt, this flushing effect does not occur until such time as the body has a sufficient reserve of salt. Once this level has been attained then the covenant helps to clear out the gut and the colon and in doing so helps with keeping discomfort and disease away.

Because the excess of salt is toxic, nausea may be experienced but this will soon pass. The effect sometimes results in a sudden need for a bowel movement so it is as well to be near a toilet. Hence it may well be that it is best undertaken at a time when schedules are flexible and you don’t have to rush of to work or meetings and etc.

Initially the covenant may be taken daily, then as your body is cleansed then this may be reduced to two or three times a week, to weekly, fortnightly and etc. Just as you feel necessary. 

The amount of salt in the water is not prescriptive, it is only an indication. A little more salt or more water may be in order so that it is palatable. Remember to have fun.

Disclaimer: 

This note is for information and educational purposes only and does not in any way purport to be giving advice particularly of a medical nature. If you intend to to undertake the foregoing then you are advised to seek professional advice regarding the content and its effects upon the individual.

Open Heart Surgery

It is now almost six months since I had open heart surgery and two by-pass grafts.
Prior to this I had a heart attack 8 years prior. At the time the cardiologist warned me that come what may I would be back in hospital in two to three years time for by-pass grafts in five locations. There were five places in the cardiac artery where there were severe blockages. A bit daunting to say the least. 
I changed my lifestyle dramatically after that. The resulting outcome was that three of those blockages disappeared completely along with the deposit at the site of the stents as did some other minor artery deposits. 
There was two blockages which didn't clear up and these had the by-pass grafts. 
Most days I walk at least 45 minutes and there is always an uphill climb involved. I am so grateful that I can do this without any feeling of breathlessness, chest pains or weakness. 
So different to the time leading up to surgery when I had to think seriously about walking up a flight of stairs because of the potential discomfort I would experience. Fortunately for me I have not experienced any of the numerous complications that some are afflicted with after such a procedure.

Now I am concentrating on improving my health and fitness by continuing to following the seven principles I’ve referred to elsewhere. The medical procedures associated with open heart are very invasive and as such have some effects that take some time to recover from. 
There is significant shock that the body endures just with the physical mechanical part of the operation and then having to repair the tissues that have been cut and otherwise damaged. 
Then there is also the immune response to any potential bacterial invasion to be overcome. 
I can recall the first few times that I had any idea of what was going on while in intensive care. Seems that there was always a nurse holding up two vials of morphine and asking did I have any pain. I don’t recall experiencing pain, soreness and discomfort. 
The pain management drugs together with the other blood conditioning drugs take some time be totally eliminated from the body, I’m sure. 
However following a whole food diet of mostly raw fruit and vegetables has certainly been worth while in the recovery process. I’ve still a way to go yet before I feel I am strong and fit and able to go back to work. 
The best thing at the moment is that I do not suffer from any debilitating after effects.