Inspiration: "By beholding we become changed". Most people would agree that our most vital sense is vision. A correct use of the eyes is also vital for our health, especially our social and mental health. I am not here referring to things like reading in correct light and making sure we donʼt look at a computer screen for too long. Iʼm talking about what we look at. Some things are poisonous to look at. For example, there has been a lot of attention in recent times concerning children watching violence on TV. Another obvious health-destroying habit is porn-addiction. Also, what about scary movies? We had one middle-aged guest at Highwood who explained that they had suffered long-term sleep problems after watching the movie "Hounds of Baskerville" as a child. We are bombarded with visual "junk food", especially when travelling. Ever been annoyed by what the person in front of you was watching when travelling on a plane fitted with individual video screens? Do you like the bill-boards along the motorway? Perhaps the single most important thing for most of us to do is to keep a careful watch (excuse the pun) on how we manage our electronic screens whether TV, computer, ipod or cell-phone. On the positive side, by beholding that which is uplifting, pure and virtuous, we have a powerful method of maintaining happiness and peace of mind.
Research: Ever heard of a bug called Helicobacter pylori? Its greatest claim to fame is its association with peptic ulcers. But research has indicated that this bug, which lives behind the mucous coating of the stomach, can be a causal agent in a large range of disorders. These include, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, intestinal cramps, bad breath, B12 deficiency, thyroiditis, rosacea (a pimply rash on the face), migraine and even increased risk of Alzheimerʼs disease. You need a blood or breath test to confirm that you have had contact with the bug. The breath test is the most accurate. The best chance of eradication is with a short, intense course of antibiotics. I have not come across a reliable natural eradication method yet, despite years of watching out for one. The most promising natural agent against the bug, so far, has been one dessertspoon of high-factor active manuka honey taken half an hour before meals three times a day for two months. Health guests who come to Highwood get assessed, and if need be, tested and treated for this bug.
Opinion: Iodine deficiency is very common in Australia. We now test almost all our guests for iodine deficiency and find that many are deficient - I would estimate at least around half. We have had several patients who were severely deficient, one person dangerously so. How do you know if you are deficient? One way is to get the urine test done (come to stay at Highwood and we will arrange it!). Itʼs called a "spot urine iodine" test and is available on Medicare. It takes around three weeks for the result to come back. Another way is to assess your intake: Are you eating around half a teaspoon of iodised salt per day, using seaweed products regularly (say for two or three meals a week) or taking a supplement? If not, you are probably deficient. Fish is a poor source of iodine it seems. I had one patient eating Tuna very regularly. They were still low. I donʼt recommend iodised table salt as a long term option as it usually is bleached and has a free-flowing agent added. A third way of assessing the situation is to consider if you have the symptoms of low iodine. These symptoms are the same as for low thyroid as the iodine is needed for normal thyroid hormone to be produced (donʼt think you have the problem unless you have at least three of the following and remember that there can be other causes of each of these): fatigue, dry skin, dry hair, feeling cold, trouble losing weight, depression, poor concentration, slow heart rate, persistent back ache, hair loss, easy bruising and constipation.
Testimony: The following testimony is on file for public release by a Highwood guest called Janice (pictured here): "With the help and guidance of all the staff at Highwood I was able to address all of my problems both health wise and spiritual when I came to Highwood I was a mess! In 14 days I gave up alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and cut my sleeping tablets from 4 to 2 and what a beautiful place to do it!"
College News: Highwood now has a separate college newsletter giving plenty of details of college activities. We will shortly send a Highwood "Extra" with a one-time invitation to subscribe to this informative service. If you are an "eager beaver" and want to subscribe right now then send an email with the word "subscribe" to highwoodcollegeupdate@gmail.com.
Next month: The so-called eight "essential" glyconutrients. How much time, effort and money should I spend making sure I am getting them in my diet? Can I get them in common foods?
Highwood Highlights is a brief and simple message sent out monthly by Highwood Health Centre and College, www.naturalhealthretreat.com.au www.highwoodcollege.org (03 5963 7011). To subscribe send an email to highwood@australis.net with "subscribe" in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email with "unsubscribe". Please send other email correspondence for Dr. Bird to birddavid777@yahoo.com as the Highwood newsletter email address is checked infrequently.