My hubby sent me this picture. A picture of a heart, how cute, you might say. The funny thing to me about this heart is… It’s a piece of cereal that has been sitting on that drainage grate for 3 weeks. He dropped it so he knows how long it’s been there. It has rained 3 times. You think it would have disintegrated by now. The birds didn’t even want to eat it, and crows eat almost anything. Fiber cereal, no wonder it gives me gas. Oh gosh, did I just say that out loud.
This recipe is so easy to make you really don’t need a recipe.
Ingredients:
Fresh Blueberries
Fresh Stawberries (sliced)
Yogurt (any flavor) or Whip Cream
Directions:
1. Add a spoonful of whip cream or yogurt to the bottom of a clear glass cup or bowl.
2. Add a few blueberries
3. Add a spoonful of whip cream or yogurt
4. Add a few sliced strawberries
5. Repeat as many times as you like until your cup is full
Eat your yummy berry parfait.
Cool • Fresh • Easy
Have a wonderful day.
Tamara
Posted in Family, Food, health, homemaker, kid friendly recipe, Recipes
Tagged blueberry, easy kids recipe, easy recipe, parfait, strawberry
With all the hoopla about the flu these days I am often asked while working as an RN “movie medic” what can be done to prevent it. Below you will find my tips I share with the crew. Most of them are things you have probably already heard but they do help and sometimes we all just need a reminder. When an actor, director, or key crew members gets sick it can cause lots of trouble with the filming process and cost lots of money.
1. Wash your hands often with warm soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. I also recommend using a paper towel if possible to turn off the faucet so you won’t get the germs back on your hands.
2. Use an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. I have to use this often because I rarely have a sink readily available at work. Look for a sanitizer with moisturizers to help prevent dry cracking skin. I also use alcohol towelettes which remove dirt along with germs.
3. You can wear a mask, but it’s really not feasible for most people. Try to stay away from co-workers who are coughing and spewing their germs into the air. If you are the one coughing wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after.
4. Be a good citizen and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Use a tissue to cover you nose and mouth if possible then wash your hands.
5. Get plenty of rest. I know this can be a tough one, but do your best. A rested body functions much better than a sleep deprived one.
6. Eat a well balanced diet which includes fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
7. Drink plenty of fluids (water, 100% fruit juice, tea with honey, or just warm water with honey. Honey has natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Honey also helps lessen a cough and sooth an irritated throat.
8. Try to reduce your stress level. Prolong stress can weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to illness. Lack of sleep can also stress the body. Movie crews are often sleep deprived. We work very long hours and the hours change from days to night work. My advice to them, go home and go to sleep. No going out on a school night. Rest, rest, rest…
9. Get some exercise. Take a walk, do some yoga, go for a run. Even a few minutes of exercise is better than none at all and it will reduce your stress level.
10. Stay home from work if you feel sick and have a fever so you don’t spread your germs. CDC recommends staying home for 24 hours after your fever is gone without taking Tylenol or other fever reducer.
One of the most popular items actors and crew members ask me for to give them a lift and help prevent colds and flu would be Emergen-C by Alacer Corp I go through 1-2 boxes a day on a large movie sets. People love it. It’s a fizzy powder in many different flavors and combination’s that you add to water. It’s full of vitamins and minerals. I can’t say if it really wards off colds and flu but I can say the people I work with love it and believe it works. Some of the most requested flavors are Super Orange, Lemon Lime, and Tangerine. I also carry the Immune Defense, Heart Health, Cranberry, Raspberry, and Bone Health.
Another popular item is the well known Airborne. I really like the new single dose packets vs the tablets that you add to water. Again I can’t say these really do anything to ward off the flu bug but people swear by it. Airborne’s website has lots of information and states the ingredients are proven to support your immune system.
Leave a comment to let me know what you do or take to ward off a cold or flu.
Warm Regards,
Tamara
PS_I am not a professional reviewer. The mention of certain products are my own personal experience with them. I have not been contacted by companies nor received any compensation or benefit from them.
Posted in Actors, Celebrities, Cold prevention, Family, Flu, health, Los Angeles, Movie Crew, movie medic, Uncategorized
Tagged Actors, Airborne, Celebrities, Cold prevention, emergen-C, flu prevention, tips for flu prevention
I recently had my 3rd iridotomy, no I don’t have 3 eyes. Apparently the first hole in my right eye closed, so back to the eye Dr. I went to have it opened back up. Or maybe they just put another hole next to the first, I should of asked. I do know that having blue eyes helps the Dr. see the blood vessels. My Doc says that it makes it easier not to hit a blood vessel when he uses the laser. Yippy! A real bonus for having blue eyes.
If you read my post glaucoma ~ just poke me in the eye or the update then you know that I have glaucoma. To treat my glaucoma I get a procedure called SLT or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. I don’t have to use expensive and irritating eye drops, at least not yet, hopefully never.
About 6 months ago my Dr. told me my angles are narrow and I should have an iridotomy. My first thought was great another eye surgery. Then I thought, why do I need this. My eye pressure was with-in normal limits for me. Did my angles just get narrow? Or have they always been narrow. Is he (my Dr.) making this stuff up. Is this a new theory put out by the laser companies so they could make more money? I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to have this preventative procedure done. Is it really going to make a difference in my long term eye health and vision?
I researched everything I could find, and decided it was probably a good idea (for me) to have the iridotomy done. Remember you should do your own research to see if it is right for you. I may never know for sure if I really needed to have it done, but I didn’t really want to find out the hard way. I also had to remember that with every surgery there can be bad side effects, and in this case the worse thing is I would be blind. I have faith and trust in my Doctors knowledge and skills so I trusted his recommendation.
Having an iridotomy when you have “narrow angles” is a procedure to help prevent a sudden increase in eye pressure. I think of “narrow angles” kind of like a hose being bent so the water can’t get through. The rapid increase in pressure causes severe pain, and can make you go blind in a matter of hours if not treated.
Laser iridotomy uses a very focused beam of light to create a hole on the outer edge, or rim, of the iris, the colored part of the eye.
I’m sitting in the hallway of the laser surgery suite at my eye doctor. My eye has been numbed and I am trying to stay calm. Boy that numbing medicine burns at first. There are 4 other people waiting as well. We’re all looking at each other making quiet nervous chit chat. All of us seemed to have glaucoma. All of us had been to this room before.
The first person goes in and the door shuts. About 7 minutes later they walk out with a Kleenex in hand. Oh boy, it’s my turn now. I go in and another drop is put into my eye. Then the CONTACT, at least that is what they call it. They put this thing in your eye to hold the lid open and make the part of your eye they need visible. The only reason the contact weirds me out a little is because I have seen it used on other people in the past. It makes your eye nice and big. You can feel the DR. moving the contact around but it doesn’t really hurt it just feels funny (at least that is my experience).
The next thing you do is put your chin on a chin rest and your forehead against a forehead rest. The assistant holds the back of your head so you don’t pull away or move. I’m always worried I’m going to move my eye in the wrong way and they will zap the wrong part. Thank goodness that has never happened to me yet.
Now my heart starts to pick up speed and I’m thinking let’s just get this thing over with. I stare at the red or was it green light and zap, zap, zap. It’s over.
My Doc puts in another drop, this time a steroid to help with inflammation. I will continue this for 5 days 3 times a day. I stand up and take a deep breath. I’m handed a tissue for my tearing eye and I walk out the door with my post-op instructions.
I suggest having someone drive you. It feels good right after just to close and rest your eyes. I had no trouble with my vision and no real pain just a slight uncomfortable sensation.
To this day, oh gosh, it has been around 3 months since the repeat iridotomy and I’ve had no problems that I’m aware of. My pressure remained the same or lower. My eyes have always been very sensitive to light and glare so I can’t tell if it’s any worse or it’s just normal for me.
Always do your own research to find out more about any surgical procedure. Ask your Doctor as many questions as you want and need answered. It’s their job to answer your questions.
The greatest risk of laser iridotomy is an increase in intraocular pressure. Usually, the IOP spike is transient and of concern to the surgeon only during the first 24 hours after surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery “iridotomy”
Your physical health can be a factor with how well you will respond to the surgery. Especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, bleeding disorders etc.
Other iridotomy surgery risks include:
Double Vision
Trouble with Glare
Bleeding
Blurred vision
horizontal lines in your vision
loss of vision
I hope this blog and my experience will help you or someone you love be more informed so you can make a better decision. Remember this is my personal experience and your experience can be much different. This surgery in a way is very quick and easy, but can have some very negative outcomes if not done correctly or your body reacts badly.
Feel free to leave a comment about your experience, the good and the bad. I would personally like to know how others responded to their iridotomy. Your experience may help others make their decision about having this procedure.
Sincerely,
Tamara
Posted in Eyes, glaucoma, health, Uncategorized
Tagged eye care, health glaucoma personal laser eye, iridotomy, laser eye surgery, narrow angle glaucoma
No Kids at the library?
If you don’t want kids under 12 banned from the library you might want to read this blog at Twittermoms.com . There is a new law about childrens products and lead. This law would make it so the libraries would have to remove all the kids books or not let kids under 12 in the library.
This is the title of the press release from the ALA (american library association)
NEWS
For Immediate Release
January 26, 2009
ALA Files Comments, Urges CPSC To
Exempt Libraries from Regulation Under
Consumer Product Safety Act
Here is the link to the press release click here
I for one love the libraries and feel they are so valuable to our community. This can’t happen. I know that the government is trying to keep kids safe, but is this to much?
Spread the word so this does not happen.
Sincerely,
Tamara
billygorilly.com
My recipe for the Best Black Bean Chile is not the best because it’s some fancy recipe. It is the best because I can make a delicious and nutritious meal using up bits of leftovers that would have been put in the compost bin. Here is my recipe from last nights dinner.
About 8 servings
Ingredients:
2-15oz. cans Organic Black beans – rinsed and drained
1-15oz. can of Organic White Kidney Beans – rinsed and drained
1-15oz. can of Organic diced tomatoes + a small bit of leftover tomatoes
1/2 cup leftover jarred Organic Spaghetti Sauce
3/4 cup diced celery – I salvaged the inner fresh parts of the celery.
2-Organic Carrots sliced – The poor lonely carrots in the bottom of the vegitable bin.
1-Diced onion
3-Organic Garlic Cloves minced (I love garlic)
1lb. Organic ground Turkey
2-Small boneless pork chops-Cut into small pieces (these were already cooked and in the freezer from leftovers).
2 Cups Organic Vegitable Broth – (Use more or less broth depending how soupy you want your chile)
1/4 cup Chile Powder
tsp. Onion Powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
A splash of Red Wine (I used Merlot)
1 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Directions: In a large heavy stock pot add the Olive oil. Saute the onion, celery, and garlic until tender. Add the turkey and cook until done. I did not need to drain the browned meat because it was very lean.
Turn the heat on the stove down to simmer or low. Now add the black beans, diced tomatoes, white beans, sliced carrots, diced pork chops (optional), and spaghetti sauce (optional). Add the Vegitable broth and wine – Amount depends on your taste. Thick chile add less, soupy chile add more.
Add the seasonings. Again the amounts are approximate. I never measure I go by the look and the taste. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
Serve with Organic Blue Corn Chips and a bit of shredded swiss or cheddar cheese. Add a very simple green salad and you have a very nutritious tasty meal.
Enjoy!
Tamara
billygorilly.com
If you have young children you might be interested in this.
Billy Gorilly has just released his summer library program theme song. This is his 3rd song for the library reading program. This years 2009 theme is Be Creative at your Library.
Billy Gorilly’s song is titled what else “Be Creative at Your Library” it is a very catchy and fun. I know the kids are going to love it.
You can listen to the short version of “Be Creative at Your Library” by Billy Gorilly here.
The full version won’t be available for a few weeks when Billy Gorilly releases his newest CD Billy Gorilly:Rockin’ the SchoolHouse vol.1
Podcast-Kids Learn How To Wash Hands
I decided to write this post when I was thinking back on an incident that happened to me a short time ago. I was at a well-known coffee house getting my caffeine fix. I placed my order and the barista then turned around and sneezed into both of his hands. Let me tell you we are talking a big juicy sneeze. He then wiped his hands on his apron and then wiped his nose again. There were probably 10 people in line behind me. I thought to myself wash your hands; you better wash your hands. He did not wash his hands and began making my drink. I was thinking OK do I say something in front of all these people or do I just ignore it and don’t worry about it. Well, he finished making the drinks as he wiped his nose again, then handed me the two drinks with his hands over the sipping hole. Yuck! I decided to stay quiet as not to make a scene. I walked out of the store and threw the drinks away. Side note: the store gave me vouchers for new drinks after I let them know what took place.
My point of this story is to point out how important washing your hands is. Washing your hands properly with plain soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid colds and flu. Not to mention the many other illnesses. As a Registered Nurse I have taken many classes on proper hand washing technique. In my early education there was a very memorable demonstration in one of the classes. We all had to sign into the class. We used the pen that was sitting on the form. At the end of the class the instructor turned out the lights and turned on a special lamp. There were spots glowing all over the classroom. We had it all over our hands, and on our face. The pen had a harmless dye on it representing germs. It showed us how the germs traveled. And how each of us had a part in that spread. This exercise was not designed to freak us out so we would never touch anything. Or to make us wash our hands so much they bleed. Thank goodness we have wonderful body’s and immune systems that take care of us if we take care of them. It only takes 15-20 seconds to wash, but it makes a huge difference.
Teaching Kids How To Wash Hands
If you would like a very fun way to teach little kids about hand washing I invite you to listen to this podcast.
Billy Gorilly’s Podcast for Kids episode #10 Sorry no longer available
On Billy’s podcast page you will find a link to a great hand washing poster for kids and a hand-washing guide for kids. The rules apply to adults as well.
I wish all of you a Happy Healthy Holiday Season,
Tamara
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I am now 5-months post-op. I had SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) done on my eyes to treat my glaucoma. My recent visit went very well. My pressures are 17 and 18. That is a good thing for me. My field of vision remains normal. How many of you hate that blasted computer field of vision test? For those of you who have done this test you know what I mean, for those who havn’t I will explain. With glaucoma there is a risk of damage to the optic nerve. When there is damage to the nerve it effects your peripheral vision. Put simply, this means you may be able to see straight ahead but you may have vision loss to the sides. To get an idea of what I mean hold your hands around your ears and wiggle your fingers. When you can see your fingers this is your peripheral vision. You can slowly lose this side vision with glaucoma. One way to test your peripheral vision is a computerized test. You click a button every time you see a light. It doesn’t hurt, and it only takes 10 minutes. The thing I think I hate the most is that if I fail it means I have eye damage that can’t be repaired. I hope that day never comes.
I was asked in a comment on my last glaucoma post if SLT works on patients with PDS. At my Dr. visit I asked my Ophthalmologist, Richard A. Weise M.D. at Glendale Eye Medical Group 607 N. Central Ave. Ste. 105 Glendale Ca 91263-1879 if SLT works with this condition. He said SLT was a great option for patients with Pigmentary glaucoma. (Disclaimer: remember you must check out all medical procedures and options thoroughly before choosing a treatment that will work for you).
What is PDS (from Wikipedia)
Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) is an affliction of the eye that, if left untreated, can lead a form of glaucoma known as pigmentary glaucoma. It takes place when pigment cells slough off from the back of the iris and float around in the aqueous humor. This is not what causes problems; however, if the pigment flakes clog the trabecular meshwork, preventing the liquids in the eye from draining, pressure can build up inside the eye. This pressure can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve.
This condition is rare, but occurs most often in Caucasians, particularly men, and the age of onset is relatively low: mid 20s to 40s. Most sufferers are nearsighted.
There is no cure as of yet, but PDS can be managed with eye drops or treated with simple surgeries. If caught early and treated, chances of glaucoma are greatly reduced. Sufferers are often advised not to engage in high-impact sports such as long-distance running or martial arts, as strong impacts can cause more pigment cells to slough off.
Until next time I wish you well,
Tamara
Yesterday was the day of my SLT aka Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. This is a laser procedure on my eyes to keep them from developing eye popping pressure. My eyes won’t actually pop but I would slowly go blind if it wasn’t treated. The pressure damages the optic nerve. The surgery takes only a few minutes and is only mildly uncomfortable. This is the 5th time I have had this done. It keeps me from having to use medicated drops in my eyes on a daily basis. My father has to use the expensive and irritating eye drops 2 times daily and has been for 35 years. I am lucky because this eye problem was diagnosed early because I get regular eye exams. this is one bonus of wearing glasses. I included some information and links that might be helpful to you or someone you love. I feel it is important to spread the word because glaucoma often goes untreated until your vision has been permanently damaged or lost. There is no cure at this time for glaucoma there is only life long treatment.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Often there are no symptoms at first, but a comprehensive eye exam can detect it.
People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years. They include
Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eyedrops and/or surgery.
Glaucoma can also make your eyes very sensitive to light. This I know first hand. Bright light is very uncomfortabe for me. Here is a link to give you a bit more information on sunglasses and light sensitivity with glaucoma [ a guide to sunglasses ]
Some websites with more detailed glaucoma information
National Eye Institute (spanish)
Aesop's Fables For Today's Kids is a NEW collection of audio stories that would make a great addition to your "Character Education" lesson plans. Kids also enjoy listening in the car or at bedtime. Parents, you will feel good knowing your child is learning valuable life lessons.
Billy Gorilly’s friendly storytelling, underscored by his magical piano will capture everyone’s imagination as he weaves Aesop’s classic tales of honesty, cooperation, responsibility, and tolerance.
Ages K-Gr4.
Schooltime - Playtime - Bedtime
Flying Kitten ......... movie medic music mama 