“Scientists at the University of Manitoba believe that the consumption of various medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants, may increase the risk for cancer.”  The Better Health News

Elisha got up and walked back and forth in the room a few times. Then he stretched himself out again on the child. This time the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes!  (2 Kings 4:35; NLT)

As a wellness coach and nutritional consultant, one of the most common issues I see with clients is allergies. Runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and wheezing are common complaints. When folks suffer with those kinds of nagging and annoying symptoms, they’re looking for quick relief from their misery. Antihistamines are one of the most common, over the counter drugs used by millions.

In The Better Health News, a recently published article had this to say. “Research published in Science News raises the question of whether the antihistamines we take for allergies may be linked to cancer. Studies in mice have shown that antihistamines promote the growth of malignant tumors.”

The article goes on to say that scientists at the University of Manitoba believe that the consumption of various medications including antihistamines AND antidepressants may increase the risk for cancer. They have demonstrated that drugs such as Elavil, Claritin, Atarax, Unisom, Prozac, NyQuil and Reactine have all resulted in tumors in animal studies.

“Some antihistamines behave like the drug DPPE, which has been linked to enhancing tumor growth by binding to histamine receptors, which in turn interferes with enzymes designed to detoxify and remove poisons from the body. This will also interfere with the system that regulates cell growth.”

The article does point out that the drugs don’t necessarily cause cancer, but can enhance the growth of cancer cells. Either way, why take a chance? There are many natural things a person can do to support their immune system and there are a number of natural supplements one can take to provide the body with the nutrients needed for proper immune system function.

Prayer Power
Father, we pray blessings on our readers this day. Keep them safe from harm and protect them from evil.

Link of the Day
Do antihistamines spur cancer growth?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7306758@N06/4321751922/

Photo by Johnathan!

“Wellness coaching is a powerful relationship between a client and coach which explores the client’s greatest health concerns and goals, the obstacles to achieving those goals, and strategies to overcome the obstacles.”  Ellen Goldman

What do you think it would be like to work with a Wellness Coach?

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  (Prov. 27:17;NIV)

Most of you who have followed our posts for any length of time know that I am passionate about educating and empowering others about wellness.  Since my own health was nearly destroyed, I have a tremendous appreciation for being well.  And I want others to be “well” along with me.  If I can prevent anyone from walking through what I did, I’ll teach and preach wellness as long as I have breath.

Perhaps you’ve wondered, “What does Sharon really do?  How does having a wellness coach work?  How could she help me?”  Many people know what they need to do to walk in better health.  They know they need to exercise more, eat less fast food, and drink more water.  But, they don’t do it!  They might make a declaration of “No more fast food!”  The first week they do well at avoiding the golden arches.  They actually make a few meals from scratch and eat at home several nights.  The next week finds their schedule even busier than the week before and their SUV automatically swerves into the “drive-through” for a burger and fries.  “Supersize that while you’re at it!”  Before long they’re lured back into the habitual use of fast food.   They feel defeated and discouraged but they really don’t know how to make lasting change.

A wellness coach rides in on a white horse to the rescue.  Well, that’s a stretch but it sure sounds good.   Seriously, working with a wellness coach can prevent that kind of self-sabotaging behavior.  Having encouragement, support, and accountability provides what the client needs to walk out their plan.  When I work with a client, we look at their desired goals and outcomes they would like to reach.  Some people are ready to dig in and attack it all…their eating, their exercise, their stress levels, etc.  Other clients want and need to take it a little slower…even one thing at a time.

Initially I do an assessment with the client to determine where they are with their current level of health and wellness.  How well are they sleeping?  What are their energy levels like each day?  How satisfied are they with their current weight?  How much water are they really drinking each day?  As I ask specific questions, the client begins to really ponder where they are in relation to their health and how far away they are from the mark.  Then we begin setting simple, realistic and reachable goals or action items.  We set up an accountability structure as a safeguard for the client…not as a tool to clobber them over the head. They get excited at the thought that they can make lasting change. If someone is drinking four diet sodas a day, we’ll explore this.  What is this doing for them?  What will it take for them to stop doing this?  I do a lot of educating when I work with a client.  I not only tell them why something isn’t good for them, I offer replacements of healthier options and I offer resources for them to do their own research to substantiate what I’ve told them.

We talk together for about an hour, two to three times per month depending on their need.  They can send emails to me with questions in between calls.  We work on everything from how much water they really need to be drinking to what time they’re going to bed each night.  (I once worked with a client for three months on her getting to bed before midnight.)  Even though someone says they want to make changes, there are many aspects involved with making the lasting change.  A coach can and does bring much needed help and support so the client can become and stay WELL.

Prayer Power
Father, we are so grateful that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Thank You for giving us wisdom on how to care for them.

Link of the Day
The Christian Coaching Center – Wellness Coaching

Blessings on you as you ponder what it would be like to work with a wellness coach.

Photo by Dominique Sanchez