What is this mysterious plant, whose pods yield fire, and whose use has spread like licking flames through the culinary world? The chile plant is any of five domesticated species of Capsicumpeppers. All chiles may have originated from a single source, which some experts believe lies in central Bolivia. The fruits of the chile plant concern us most. As a rule mature chiles are red, orange, or yellow. The shape of chiles varies greatly. And there can be tremendous varieties of heat among peppers of the very same species.  

The Blazing Capsaicinoids

The substances that make chiles hot, and provide pleasure to chileeaters, are a group of natural oleoresins called capsaicinoids.  These substances account for between 0.1 percent - 1 percent of the total composition of a chile pepper. Of these compounds the hottest is capsaicin. A single drop of pure capsaicin will burn a hole right through healthy tissue. The sensation of burning produced by the capsaicinoids is physiologically similar to the sensation of burning caused by heat or fire. Imagine the surprise of the very first person who ever bit into a hot chile pepper!

Scoville, Measurer of Fire

In 1912, Wilbur Scoville, a chemist working for the Parke Davis pharmaceutical company established a method for measuring the heat level chili peppers. As a result of all these tests, various varieties of chile peppers can be ranked according to their heat or “pungency” level. The following scale comes originally from Doctor Ben Villalon of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. He conducted this survey of chiles and their heat, and his findings have been reprinted and reproduced thousands of times. Those of us in the chile world remain in Doctor Villalon’s debt for clearly delineating the heat levels of various chiles.

        0 -100 Scoville Units – Bell/sweet pepper varieties.
        500 -1000 Scoville Units – Big Jim, Anaheim peppers.
        1,000 -1,500 Scoville Units – Ancho, Pasilla peppers.
        1,500 -2,500 Scoville Units – Sandia, Cascabel, Rocotillo peppers.
        2,500 -5,000 Scoville Units – Jalapeno & Mirasol peppers.
        5,000 -15,000 Scoville Units – Yellow Wax, Serrano peppers.
        15,000 -30,000 Scoville Units – de Arbol peppers.
        30,000 -50,000 Scoville Units – Piquin, Cayenne & Tabasco peppers.
        50,000 -100,000 Scoville Units – Chiltepin, Thai, Santaka peppers
        100,000 -300,000 Scoville Units – Scotch Bonnet & Habanero peppers.
        575,000 Scoville Units – Red Savina Habanero peppers.
        855,000 Scoville Units – Naga Jolokia peppers (Professional pepper. Do not eat this at home) .
        16,000,000 Scoville Units – Pure Capsaicin (Don’t even think about it.) 

Chiles and Health

From arthritis to asthma, colds to constipation, hemorrhoids to high blood pressure, lethargy to lumbago, and tonsillitis to toothache, chiles have played prominently in the formulas and practice of herbal medicine. Chiles have been made into decoctions, compresses, tinctures and ointments.

As researchers delve into chiles and their heat components the capsaicinoids, their studies show that many of the traditional folk uses of chiles as medicines can be understood by modern scientific means.

Take chiles to heart – Chiles perform a number of functions which enhance heart health. They reduce platelet aggregation, the process by which disk-shaped structures in the blood accumulate and clog vessels. Chiles are vasodilators. They open up blood vessels, thereby stimulating blood circulation and warming the body. Chiles help to reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a primary risk factor in heart attack and stroke. Chiles also reduce triglycerides, stored fats in blood cells. All around, chiles are very good for cardiovascular health.

Burn calories! –Eating chiles actually helps you to burn calories, and shed pounds. Research conducted at Oxford Polytechnic Institute shows that eating chiles increases thermogenesis, the body’s caloric burn rate. If you eat chiles or chile sauce with a meal, your body will burn calories at an increased rate of about 25%. This translates into maybe 45 calories more burned per 700 calorie meal. That’s pretty good.

Cancer prevention – Capsaicin in chiles fights cancer by preventing carcinogens from binding to DNA. This does not mean that chiles are a cancer treatment, but it does mean that eating chiles can help to reduce the risk of certain typers of cancer. As part of your dietary intake on a regular basis, chiles provide some measure of cancer protection.

Headache? – Chiles provide relief for some types of headaches, especially painful cluster headaches.  It may be that in the instance of cluster headaches, consumption of chiles wears out the mechanism by which pain is transmitted. Some people take cayenne capsules for relief. These are found at health food stores under several brands. But you can also pour some hot sauce on food, or eat a chili-laden soup.

General pain – Hot chiles provide pretty good relief for pain. Chiles contain pain-alleviating salicylates. Aspirin itself is a salicylate-based drug, acetyl-salicylic acid. Remember, when you eat chiles, you also get a pleasant endorphin buzz going, which also helps to reduce pain. Instead of reaching for the Tylenol, try a habanero instead.

Open that stuffy nose – If you have a cold or allergy accompanied by clogged sinuses, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup just loaded with fiery hot sauce to blast open your airways. Your nose will run like a river for a while, but then you’ll be able to breathe.

Sluggish digestion, constipation – Chiles get your digestive juices going. So if your digestion is slow or weak, a good dash of hot sauce in your food will prove useful. If your bowels are clogged and you wish otherwise, sprinkle chile flakes (crushed red pepper), seeds and all, on your food. The chile will act like a blasting cap, helping to eliminate backed up waste. It may burn a bit, but you’ll have a good bowel movement.

Live forever- In your longevity plan, factor is a steady flow of hot chile peppers, and you’ll gain a host of powerful benefits.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter, and researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. Chris teaches ethnobotany at U Mass Amherst where he is Explorer In Residence. He advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies , and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Visit  his web site at www.MedicineHunter.com

Spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries that can occur because if its potential to leave a person totally disabled.

Every year thousands of people injure themselves jumping into pools head first because they don’t realize the depth of the water is not sufficient to withstand a close impact. The projectile force that a head can be exposed to can literally crush the cervical spine, causing permanent damage to the spinal cord.

The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and is made up of seven vertebrae and eight pairs of cervical nerves. It protects the spinal cord, supports the skull, and allows head movement. Serious injury to this area typically paralyzes a person, and often injures vital respiratory nerves.

Location often determines the severity of a spinal cord injury. For example, an injury at the neck or cervical spine level may result in paralysis in both the arms and legs, and the use of a respirator to breathe. An injury to the lower spine, may only affect the legs other parts of the body below the injury site.

Spinal cord injuries should always be taken seriously, and if you think someone has suffered one, it’s important you don’t try to move them – keep them still until medical professionals arrive.

Signs of a serious spinal cord injury might include:

• Fading in and out of consciousness
• Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back
• Weakness, loss of coordination or paralysis in any part of the body
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Impaired breathing after injury

From a medical perspective, repairing spinal injuries has had limited success. Many times, the damaged nerves cannot be repaired, and patients are left with diminished motor function and sensation. This is why significant research is being done in the field of regenerative medicine. The use of stem cells, right now, seems to be the most promising treatment for the future, but we’re still many years away from fully integrating spinal cord nerves.

This is why prevention is key. When you’re young, you think you’re invincible. But it doesn’t matter what physical activity you choose to do, you always have to acknowledge that your body has limitations. You have to be aware of your surroundings, and whenever possible, think of using protective gear.

Parents of every background, religion, and nationality have one common wish for their children: to remain healthy throughout their lives. Unfortunately, many parents are forced to face their worst fears when a child is diagnosed with a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment or specific care. This could include seizure disorders, diabetes, or life-threatening allergies. It could also include a developmental disability such as autism, in which case your child may not be able to communicate his pain or discomfort. Regardless of the condition, there are certain steps parents of children with specific medical needs should take to ensure proper care and immediate action.

Fill out school and activity medical forms in detail.
You may think these forms get stored away, never to be referenced again. School nurses, educators, and instructors will read these forms to make themselves aware of your child’s specific conditions and learn about their responsibilities regarding your child’s care. Ask to sit down with this person so you can go over the form together in case they have any questions beyond what is printed. These forms are also crucial for substitute nurses or teachers, in case your child requires care while under their supervision.

Provide your child with proper identification.
Some conditions could render your child without the ability to communicate to emergency medical responders. Consider various types of identification, such as necklaces, bracelets, or shoe tags that list the condition, doctors’ or parents’ phone numbers, or medication. Consider which one best fits your child’s needs. If your child will be spending a lot of time swimming at camp, the shoe tag may not be best as she won’t have her shoes with her most of the time. Younger children may fare better with a bracelet over a necklace as the necklace may be uncomfortable. Ask your child’s pediatrician about pertinent information to be printed on the identification tag.

Train everyone who works with your child.
This means bus drivers, camp counselors, coaches, scout leaders, babysitters, and religious education teachers. Explain to your child that you are doing this in order to keep her safe, not to parade her special needs. Knowing that everyone is prepared to help her should make her feel safe but keep in mind it could make her feel like she is in an unwanted spotlight. Consider speaking with her close friends about her needs so they can be aware of warning signs she is in danger. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings about her condition but assure her you are acting in her best interest. Have these conversations discreetly and remind caregivers of their commitment to confidentiality. Caregivers will have access to only the information that will keep your child safe.

Have a family emergency plan.
Some children have medical conditions that require a call for emergency medical attention. Create a plan for this occurrence and practice with your family frequently. Make sure everyone has a job in case your child requires immediate medical attention. Jobs could include opening the front door for emergency responders, calling a neighbor or other adult family member, or gathering all the siblings in another room. Seeing a family member in need of emergency care can be frightening but having a plan will reduce everyone’s anxiety.

Ask your child’s pediatrician or specialist for important tips to share with those working with your child. He may have brochures to share or other printed materials to provide your child’s caregivers and educators.

Communicate with your child about his condition but don’t make it the only topic of conversation. It is important for your child to be educated about his needs but it should never define him. The most important thing for you to remember is he is a child first. Never address him as “diabetic” or “autistic.” He is a child with diabetes or a child with autism. Addressing him this way is a sign of respect for him as an individual.

Having a child with ongoing medical needs can be frightening and stressful for a parent. Being prepared and informed will make you empowered and able to care for your child. Educating people who interact with your child will make you secure about her care in your absence and, for any parent, that feeling is priceless.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Most adults remember being bullied or witnessing bullying during their school days. Most current students cite the same experience, but how bullying is being handled has changed.

Bullying has become a top priority for schools across the country, and many are working hard to prevent it. Bullying is the repeated imposition of power from one child to another and can include verbal threats or insults, physical threats or abuse, or non-verbal threats or abuse, such as spreading rumors about another child. It’s important to know that this can take place in person or via the internet, such as through social networking sites. 

Boys and girls typically bully differently. Boys typically resort to more physical methods, while girls typically utilize verbal strategies, although it is not uncommon for each group to use other approaches. Signs your child is being bullied include becoming quiet or withdrawn, frequent trips to the nurse’s office, refusal to go to school, and withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, such as teams or social groups. Acting out is not typically associated with children who are being bullied. As a parent, knowing your child is being targeted is one of the most painful and difficult things you can encounter.

Here are some tips to help guide your child through this complicated time:

Be supportive.
Listen to your child as he shares his experience and feelings about being bullied. Praise him for speaking about the situation, especially if he was brave enough to approach you without prompting. Children who are bullied are often afraid to report their situations for fear of retribution for “tattling.” By opening up, he has begun the process of ending the bullying and should be reinforced for doing so.

Build confidence.
Find activities that build your child’s confidence and occupy her time. Individual sports, such as karate or swimming, may be best to start with as your child may worry about becoming a part of a team and opening herself to more uncomfortable social situations.

Contact your child’s school.
Even if the bullying has not taken place on school grounds, it is important that staff is aware of the relationship between your child and the person or people who are intimidating him. Many schools have videos or books on bullying that they can share with you and your child. You can also establish a safe place for your child to go if he feels he is being threatened, such as the principal’s office or the guidance counselor’s office.

Use the buddy system.
Encourage your child to seek one or two safe friends at school and stick with them, especially during times bullying is most likely to occur, such as recess and traveling to and from school. Establish relationships with the parents of your child’s friends and make them aware of the situation.  If bullying typically occurs during the trips to and from school, drive your child or ask a neighbor or friend to do so. Although this step alone may not end the bullying, it provides your child with a bit more security and safety.

Stay involved.
Have access to your children’s email and social networking accounts so you can monitor their activity. Your child could be bullied while sitting right in your living room. Knowing your child’s circle of friends will also help you monitor appropriate or inappropriate relationships, and will help you keep track of friendships that are deteriorating. You can broach the subject by saying “I notice you are not hanging out with (name) much anymore. Why is that?”  If your child does not give you a direct reason, there may be more to the story.

Many professionals frown upon advising children to ignore the bullying, as it sends the message that adults will ignore it too. If you are still unsure of what to say to your child and feel you need more extensive support, seek the help of a health care professional, such as a psychologist or social worker.

Bullying is not just “kids being kids.” It is hurtful, unhealthy, and has the potential to cause long-term emotional and physical damage. Being informed and involved may save your child from this painful situation.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

I recently read an article about a cancer patient who chose to use herbal remedies over a surgical procedure that could quite possibly have saved her life. Leslee Flasch was barely 50 years old when doctors told her she would need surgery for her rectal cancer that would leave her wearing a colostomy bag for the rest of her life. She had tried other conventional therapies, but refused surgery and turned to herbal supplements she had researched on the Internet. Her condition worsened and she eventually died.

This story is just the latest in what seems to be a growing trend of alternative treatments breaking into mainstream medicine — and in some cases, replacing it. In fact, a recent report even suggests that 60 percent of cancer patients try herbal remedies — and sometimes, the consequences are deadly.

Leslee Flasch’s story has prompted some questions about colorectal cancer and about the treatment of cancers with alternative therapies, so I sat down to answer some of them here. 

1. What is the difference between colon cancer and rectal cancer?
Colon and rectal cancers are actually very similar — but the difference lies in what part of the large intestine the cancer affects. The colon and rectum make up a long, muscular tube that most people know as the large intestine. The first part of the large intestine is the colon and at the end of it is the rectum.

Cancers in the colon and rectum usually grow slowly and may start as benign polyps. These polyps are found during a colonoscopy, and early removal of polyps may prevent it from becoming cancer. Over 95 percent of colon and rectal cancers start in the cells that line the inside of the large intestine.

Cancer of the colon and/or rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in men and the fourth leading cause of cancer in women worldwide.

 
2. Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
There are several risk factors for developing cancer of the colon and/or rectum including:

• Age — people aged 50 and over should be screened, with frequency depending on medical history;
• Medical history — a personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer increases your risk;
• Family history — a family history of colon cancer also raises your risk of developing the disease;
• Inherited syndromes — certain syndromes such as Familial Adenosis Polyposis (FAP) also increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer;
• Ethnicity — Studies have shown higher incidence of colorectal cancer in African-Americans and Ashkenazi Jews;
• Diet & lifestyle — diets high in red meat and overcooked foods, smoking, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption are all risk factors;
• Overall health — underlying conditions like type 2 diabetes can increase your chances of developing colon and/or rectal cancer.

 
3. What is the treatment and survival rate for rectal cancer?
Surgery is usually the most common treatment for stages I, II and III rectal cancer — although radiation and chemotherapy will often be given before surgery to try and shrink the tumor and kill off cancerous cells in affected tissue.

There are several types of surgery for rectal cancer. Stage IV rectal cancer is treated primarily with chemotherapy and palliative surgery, if necessary. Palliative surgery provides a treatment that will relieve a problem (such as a bowel obstruction) but does not lead to a cure.  In the case of obstruction, a colostomy surgery would be performed.

4. What does it mean to have a permanent colostomy bag?
Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings a portion of the large intestine (colon) through the abdominal wall. Waste (stools) moving through the colon drain into a bag that is attached to the abdomen. It is done when the cancer is removed from the rectum or to bypass an obstruction caused by colon cancer. 
 
Contrary to people’s perception, having a colostomy bag is hygienic and can be very discreet because the bag can be well-hidden under clothing.
 
For some patients suffering from rectal cancer, colostomy surgery may be part of a curative treatment, while for others, it may be relief for an incurable situation. But either way — patients who are candidates for this procedure often see significant improvements in their quality of life.

5. What would Leslee Flasch’s quality of life have been like if she had sought conventional treatment?
There’s still a lot we don’t know about this particular case. But I can say that If her cancer was caught in the in the early stages, the chances of her being cured would have been very good.  Colorectal cancer is almost always treatable if caught early.  She may not have required a colostomy if the cancer was treated in the very early stages when it was still small in size. 

Even in stage II and III, she could have been treated with surgery and chemotherapy and had an excellent prognosis. If she had agreed to a colostomy, she would have been able to return to her normal activities and lifestyle — and nobody would even be aware of the bag. 

In general, when treated at an early stage, most colorectal cancer patients survive at least 5 years. If the disease does not come back during this time, they are considered cured. Stages I, II, III are considered potentially curable.  Once the cancer spreads to other areas of the body (stage IV), the 5-year survival rate drops, and most cases are not curable.

6. What do you think about this trend of patients trying to treat themselves with herbal remedies?
I think that including alternative treatments with conventional medicine can be very beneficial to patients as long as it’s under the guidance of a medical doctor who supports this course of treatment and monitors a patient’s progress and overall health. I certainly don’t think that alternative treatments should replace conventional therapy and patients need to be careful because there are a lot of scams out there that may or may not be harmful, and can take a financial toll.

7. What are some of the reasons a person might seek alternative treatment?
One of the most effective uses of alternative medicine in cancer patients is to alleviate pain associated medical treatment. For example, acupuncture has been proven to help with pain and other negative side effects like nausea brought on by chemotherapy or surgery. Certain types of relaxation therapy can relieve anxiety associated with a course of conventional treatment. And there are some natural herbs that aid in calming nausea or vomiting — which are often side effects of chemotherapy.

So for patients who want to use alternative medicine to alleviate negative side effects of medical treatment or to enhance the healing effects of conventional therapy — physician-monitored alternative treatments can help. But again, there is no evidence to support alternative therapies being used in place of conventional medicine — whereas we have a wealth of evidence supporting the effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery in the treatment of cancer.

8. What advice do you have for people thinking of skipping out on medical treatment and trying alternative therapies for cancer?
Often when people are initially diagnosed with cancer, they often don’t feel sick (especially if the cancer is caught early) so a lot of times, the thought of going through medical treatment seems beyond the realm of comprehension.

There are no regulations for alternative treatments, and in most cases, no proof they work. If doctors give a medication and patients have severe negative side effects — that medication is studied and pulled from the market. But with a lot of these herbal remedies, there is no proof that these treatments work. Each patient is different and each situation is different. So what a patient really needs to consider when they talk to their doctor about their diagnosis, is how much they really want to risk.

It comes down to what your current treatment options are, and their effect on your quality — and ultimately quantity — of life.

Leslee Flasch is a perfect example of someone whose quality and quantity of life could have been extended by conventional therapy.

Dr. Cynara Coomer is an assistant professor of surgery specializing in breast health and breast cancer surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She is a FOX News Health contributor providing medical expertise on a variety of topics in cancer research with a focus on women’s health, breast diseases and tips for healthy breasts at any age.

Dear Yvonne,
A friend of mine recently shared that he suffered from testicular torsion as an adolescent. I didn’t want to seem stupid in not knowing what that is. I am assuming he pulled something… What happend to him?
-Rusty
 
               Dear Rusty,
Testicular torsion is when the spermatic cord in a male’s scrotum twists around one of his testicles, cutting off blood supply to the gonad. It is a very serious condition that may occur as a result of injury to the scrotum or strenuous activity, or for no obvious reason at all.

Symptoms include sudden, severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and enlargement of the harmed testicle. Diagnosis and emergency surgery are required immediately, as waiting for more than 4-6 hours to treat could result in the testicle being damaged or permanently lost. If a male experiences sudden, acute pain in his testicle lasting more than 10 minutes, he should have this attended to immediately. Testicular torsion happens more often to males in their teens.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Are you one of the ten million Americans who suffer from TMJ, which stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint dysfunction and refers to what could be called simply a pain in the jaw?  TMJ causes a variety of symptoms including headaches, neck, shoulder, back and face pain, being unable to open the mouth comfortably, clicking sounds in the jaw joint and facial swelling.

Fortunately, sometimes TMJ just goes away by itself but sometimes it’s severe enough to require the wearing of a dental appliance.  But most sufferers find their TMJ is not debilitating, just uncomfortable.

TJM can be brought about by malocclusion or a bad bite, but the most frequent cause is often habitual teeth clenching.  If this is the cause of your TMJ, two things will help diminish or even eradicate the condition. 

First off, you must become aware of when you are clenching your teeth.  For many, this is an unconscious habit and the first step to overcoming it is to notice when you are holding tension in your jaw.  When you catch yourself clenching, relax your jaw and let your mouth hang open for a little while.  This will help relax the jaw. 

Another source of relief can be a myofascial TMJ massage.  This is a specialized massage of the face, neck and shoulders using a specific Chinese acupressure technique and a combination of essential oils designed to relieve tensions and muscle spasms, release lactic acid (which can cause muscle pain), reduce swelling and relax the jaw area. The massage therapist works on specific pressure points and uses a proprietary blend of essential oils in four separate steps—including Lavender and Sweet Almond to stimulate circulation, Peppermint and Lime to encourage vasodilatation (widening of the blood vessels), Grape seed and Cypress to detoxify and Chamomile and Thyme to calm and soothe.    A typical myofascial TMJ massage will last 45 minutes to an hour and the masseuse should show you some specific at-home techniques for you to do to yourself.   

Of course, should the pain in your jaw be severe, immediately visit your dentist to determine the best course of action.  For more information about myofascial TMJ massage, contact your dentist or massage therapist.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to DrGerry.net

Living the Truth (LTT) stems from this belief: Humans have the capacity to dramatically change their lives (for the better) by honestly looking at the past events and relationships that have contributed to their present thoughts and behavior patterns.  
 
This unearthing of key lessons about who we are deep in our souls also unlocks the most important secrets to what we can become.  Because when we feel authentic and grounded, when we feel, we dream with true hearts and clear minds. Then, we can become what we want to be.  

LTT also is founded upon the certainty that humans underestimate their own capacity for self-knowledge and needlessly fear their core thoughts and feelings, when those very thoughts and feelings have the power to liberate them from self-defeating behavior patterns.  That’s why one of the LTT mottos is: “Everything you need to change your life is already inside you.”

One of the ways LTT gives you access to your internal wisdom is by helping you bring into awareness the most important “pages” and “chapters” of your life story, elements of which almost all of us keep from consciousness because we think of them as painful.
 
Creating your own MyTruth page is a good way to begin this process.  It is also an excellent way to connect with others engaged in a journey of self-knowledge, who can help you with your own.

Here are some success stories of LTT:
* A 44-year-old woman who, in the past, continually chose controlling men, none of whom made her feel loved. She finally realized her father was controlling in many ways, and she did not feel loved as a child. Reclaiming her reality allowed her to stop “living” in the past and start acting as an empowered female – so that next time, she can pick a man who treats her as an equal.

* A 37-year-old man felt isolated and was addicted to alcohol. He realized he was dulling the pain he felt from losing his sibling when he was a teenager; he had never fully grieved. Allowing himself to feel emotions he denied for decades, he freed himself from the need to anesthetize himself and take a chance again on a close friendship.

* A 29-year-old man with panic disorder, whose symptoms included debilitating heart palpitations and a sense of impending doom, recalled how frightened and powerless he felt when his father was diagnosed with cancer – also at the age of 29.  By “connecting the dots,” his anxiety medicine suddenly begins to work, because it is now powered by more than chemistry.  Insight has taken hold.

* A 24-year-old woman binged and purged food as a way to distract herself from her core emotions. She realized those emotions included deep sadness about having moved from three separate cities and schools and groups of friends as her parents tried to find stability in their own lives.  She embraces how alone she felt at times, how she has come to distrust interpersonal connections and how she has kept a man she loves at a distance, fearing he will “move on,” too. Feeling more and more helps her binge and purge less and less.  She starts to believe in herself and in others and sees her relationship flourish.
 
The four core principles and eight-step programs that form the foundation of LTT were developed by me, Dr. Keith Ablow.

My clients have included celebrities, politicians and Fortune 500 business leaders, but they have also included people from every walk of life.  What I realized in the course of working with so many people was that we all have a remarkable ability to create success for ourselves, in our personal and professional lives, but only once we achieve personal authenticity.   
 

I realized this authenticity is well within reach for each and every one of us.
 
People needlessly hold up shields against internal truths that could be empowering, life affirming and even life saving for them.  These shields can include distracting, tumultuous relationships, overeating, overspending, overusing alcohol, smoking, using illicit drugs, gambling, and on and on.
 
 LTT helps individuals put down these shields, and look past them into the mirror, which reflects their true selves. Then, they can build authentic and powerful existences, putting their dreams within reach.

Over the course of the next eight weeks – every Friday – I will bring you the eight steps you need to “Living the Truth.”

There will be real-life examples, insights, stories, goals and, above all, hope.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com.

It was an unhappy Mother’s Day for Arlene Lendor, who spent Sunday afternoon in the hospital with her 7-year-old daughter Hanna.

For more than two years, Hanna has suffered from pain, shortness of breath and headaches.

Despite numerous tests, doctors are unable to determine what the cause of her illness is, much less give it a name, reports The Trinidad & Tobago Express.