Christmas in New England

Merry Christmas to everyone, Happy Holidays! Another year has past and another is on the way. I am looking forward to the new year. I will be going North to Massachusetts for Christmas Eve to be with my family. It's the first Christmas together since I have moved to Florida!....Yes, I should rethink the weather...lol I have not had gloves on for over 3 years for that matter nor have I worn gloves and or boots, should be an experience to remember. From what I have heard Massachusetts has received a heck of a lot of snow!....But my brother assured me last nite that everything will be shoveled and car will be kept warm so I wont get cold, I think my blood has thinned out enough now that I just may feel the cold...brrrrrr I have read a post from another site that suggests that folks with lung conditions should wear a "Cold Air Face Mask" it can be purchased in any drug store/pharmacy I will get one today. Also I have a nice fluffy scarf to put around my neck. It just seems weird as I go to the airport in Florida I will be dressed like "Nanook of the North" lol Also, this is the first Christmas that I will get to see my Great Nieces, Haley and Lauren the picture on the left was sent to me from Christmas 2006. I have a few more gift to buy then to pack my suitcases. I will see you all in 2008. Again, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!

Until we meet again remember, Inhale~~~ 123, Exhale~~~~1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

The Butterfly

Just an addendum to the last post about the Monarch Butterlfy. Did you notice her wings and her beautiful colors, how soothing she is to look at?I know I have a sense of wonder just looking at her. I wonder what a great life she has just going about her business and savoring all the God given beauty that we all take for granted. I look around and surely do appreciate my life, my friends and all that goes with it and thank the Almighty God for what I have. I am inspired by all the beautiful colors in all the people I have met in my life and how they go about their business savoring the God given beauty that we all take for granted !

Remember my friends,
Inhale ~~~123
Exhale ~~~~1234
Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Things that take Our Breath Away

As I see the "Monarch Butterfly" flittering by I think Oh My God how beautiful she is and how beautiful my life is just watching her sail by my window and be as free as she is I feel a sense of freedom with her...and then reality strikes back..ok...let's get together and smell the roses...all is well that ends well...I love my life and all that goes with it. I will do what I have to do to live with this disease and be happy for each and every day I can write about it and share my life with everyone...

Remember,

Inhale~~~123

Exhale ~~~1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

December 2nd

Good Day to all, last nite I had to opportunity to attend a Southwest Florida Symphony and enjoy the show "The Sinatra Songbook", and also music from the Big Band era, needless to say it was just wonderful ! We had balcony seats and a perfect view of the stage and the orchestra was unbelievable, the songs sure did bring back a lot of fond memories, just to name a few, In the Mood, Sentimental Journey, The Lady is a Tramp, and lastly but not least New York, New York. The young man who honored Mr. Sinatra is Jefferey Berger who is an up and coming vocalist who is only 20 yrs old ! God has given him a wonderful gift.

To make the evening even more enjoyable was the absence of smoke of any kind.

Until we meet again my friends remember,

Breathe Easy,

Inhale ~~~123

Exhale ~~~1234

Sandy

Breathing Exercises by "raffaele"

hello sandy.thank you for mentioning myself and my exercises on your blog.hope you are feeling better with your toe.regarding to the "double breath" exercise if you find anyone interested in trying it they must follow the given order.the first inhalation should only be for 2 seconds,followed by the second and final inhalation where one complete the full inhalation for 4 seconds.then slowly,very slowly exhale for 8 or 10 seconds.for five repetitions.my students do the exercise first thing in the morning.when we breathe in we are massaging the spleen,liver,stomach,intestines,bladder.because the diaphragm pushes down on the inhalation.on the exhalation we are massaging the heart and the lungs because the diaphragm pushes upward.not many people are aware of this powerful exercise.regards to you and your family raffaele Thank YOU raffaele for sharing this will all of us. Until we meet again my friends,

Breathe Easy,

Inhale ~~~123

Exhale~~~~1234

Sandy

Exercising

Hello again, I just thought of something I wanted to add to my "Broken Toe" post, actually it has to do with exercising because I have been exercising is probably why I am in good shape and did not get hurt more.I have been talking with a friend of mine in England his name is raffaele..he teaches things that have to do with the body and how it affects the mind, he also teaches a breathing technique called :Breath Meditation" which is similar to "Pursed Lip Breathing" with one difference, the exhalation is done thru the nose, the other one is very interesting it is called, "Double Breath" that would be, Inhale, Inhale again then Exhale, raffaele says by doing these exercises we are exercising the internal organs...interesting, I have never heard of these before but I have inquired and others have...Oh, one more thing another friend of mine Vicki who lives in Cal. has had a bad bout with "Thrush" when she had no luck with her physician in getting the right medicine, she finally called her Dentist ! I never thought of that, what a great idea and the medicine he gave her has helped a lot, so without further ado, until we meet again remember,
Inhale~~~123
Exhale ~~1234
Breathe Easy,
Sandy

"Broken Toe"

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving Day ! Here we are in "My Little Corner OF The World" do you really want to know what I did on Wednesday ? anyway I am going to tell you. I drove to work with a friend of mine, once we got there we walking thru the parking lot and yakking up a storm as we approached the building there is a cement step up...yup I missed it down I went on both knees cut them up cut my toes and pretty colors of black, blue red...lol I had to add some humor ! Well, got myself up with help went into the office iced my foot, then hobbled to the car to go to the Walk in clinic, now that's funny ! after being checked over,no x-ray the machine was broke just my luck, well the Dr. assured me nothing was broke go home ice it blah, blah blah...well as the day went on the more it swelled and pain was awful. I had medicine here at the house and took one and slept for about 4 hrs. Remember this is Wed. the nite before Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving I was miserable took another pill slept for another few hours, ate dinner and elevated my leg for the rest of the day, time for bed took another pill.I did not want to sit in the emergency room on Thanksgiving in case your wondering why I stayed in so much pain...anyway, today I got a ride to the emergency room and they took pictures and confirmed that the Toe is broken! after poking and prodding you know I was really hurting so got another pain pill enuf already, guess it will just have to heal on it's own. As long as I keep it elevated and iced it should be OK.

The worst part about going to the E/R all those sick people, coughing, sneezing etc. I wont go into details and of course a lady was put in the bed right beside mine, yup she had a serious cough, nasty cough they were giving her breathing treatments. I was just to be about discharged when I asked to be moved out of the area I was afraid of catching whatever it was she had, I was very anxious, the nurse said there was no other place to move me or her, so I got up and went out into the hallway and waited till they wrote out the discharge paper work which took about another 15 min.Here we are, relaxing, just finished lunch, gonna have leftovers for dinner. Thing could have been worse, only one broken toe not two. Until we meet again my friends, remember

Inhale~~~123

Exhale~~~1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Smoking !!

Mr. Bray, You should move to another state , trust me on this, you will NOT be missed in the State of Florida, I for one will get map quest for you. I have to be smoke free and my friends who still smoke are still my friends, however they do respect my and do NOT smoke in front of me.

Have a nice trip !

original Message -----
From: Opinion/Surveys Tobacco News
To: sandyg12121@embarqmail.com
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2007 1:09 PM
Subject: Florida News: BRAY: Haze of smoke's gone, as are smoking companions
Opinion/Surveys
Florida: BRAY: Haze of smoke's gone, as are smoking companions
Category
Smoke free Policies
Elections/Politics
Op-Ed
Dining/EntertainmentState
Florida
Source: St. Petersburg (FL) Times, 2007-11-09Author: JACK BRAY
The only reason for the ban is the allegation that secondhand smoke is injurious to the health of others. If the allegation is true, why are there exceptions in the implementation of Amendment 6? Are certain locations impervious to "dangerous smoke"? . . . The price to be "smoke-free" has been paid for by the abrupt separation of friends and neighbors. For this very powerful reason, I say the Florida law should be repealed. The Clean Air Act should be strengthened to achieve a compromise that allows everyone to get back together. And so, as I fly off to another state for the rest of my life, I urge you to ask each other: Is the absence of smoke worth the absence of friends?
» Full text of article

I would like to share something with all of you...In Florida as well as the other 49 States in this great country of ours everyone is doing their part to reduce the cigarette addiction as well as second hand smoke that would affect thousands of non smokers, including myself...however I received an email today from a gentleman, I will attach his e/mail as well as my reply, of which may sound a bit harsh but, when it comes to my lungs and my health so be it. Second Hand smoke has become one of the biggest leaders in Lung Cancer, I am in no hurry to be counted. Until we meet again my friends Remember,

Breathe Easy,

Inhale, 123

Exhale 1234

Cat Scan

I just have to share my good news with everyone, I saw my Pulmonologist today for a routine check up and the results of the Cat Scan which came back no change that's a good thing, I do not have to have another one done for a whole year, nor do I have to see him for a whole year, I am so pleased. Seems the nodules they have been checking every 6 months have been laying dormant and let's hope they stay that way.

I count my blessing each and every day, I Thank God for giving me another day to breathe, I always say it could be worse be thankful that it isnt, I truly am "Thankful"

Until we meet again my friends,

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Inhale ~~~123

Exhale ~~~1234

A Wonderful Tribute

Today, November 11th, I attended a wonderful tribute to our Veterans, honoring those who gave their lives for our freedom, honoring those Veterans who still give their all for our freedom.

Once again it seems everywhere I go there is an awful odor from some one with a cigarette ! One reason why I carry a mask with me as had to move twice from where I was standing to get away from the second hand smoke. Once the observance was over with I had the pleasure of speaking with the commander ofour post , Deanna Hall while we were talking I explained to her that I have Emphysema and would love to do more at the post, however the lack of smoke eaters prevents me from doing my part to participate in the functions, she assured me that the smoke eaters will be up and running each and every day in the very near future.

Until we meet again my friends Remember,
Inhale, 123 Exhale,1234

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Veterans Day, November11th.

Today I was very busy right from the get go, because Veterans Day is just around the corner myself and a friend signed up to sell poppies for our Soldiers/Veterans, we took the early shift, for over 2 hrs. we sold quite a few poppies we did quite well. But, the best part is when folks come up and Thanked us for standing and selling poppies to support our Veterans, my reply, It is because of our Veterans that I can do this, and enjoy my freedom. I say" Thank You "to our Veterans !

November Already !

Here we are November 2007, my, my where does the time go, seems the older I get the quicker the days go by, how about you ? I am going to get of the subject of COPD/Emphysema, for just a little bit.

Saturday evening I was lucky recipient of a free ticket to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, Dinner was wonderful and the show was about "Buddy" The Buddy Holly Story, the music of the 1950's I could relate to all of the songs it was just wonderful ! No one was allowed snap shots or videos. The house was packed about standing room only it went on for about 2 hours with a brief intermission, the cast received a standing ovation as they should have they were terrific. We had great seats right up front yet not to close we had a wonderful view of the stage.

Because Florida's Non Smoking Laws, the theatre is of course smoke free, however, there were only a couple of folks outside puffing away on our way in and on our way out, one of the reasons I always carry a dust mask and or a hankie to cover my nose and mouth, second hand smoke can be worse than the actually cigarette. Trust you all had a wonderful weekend, enjoy the day here in Florida it is about 60 degrees and sunny, until we meet again my friends.

Inhale 123 Exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

In the Pool again!

Well, here we are again in the pool finally, it's Tues. Oct.30th. the weather is breezy and cool, only a handful of folks showed up again today I thing because the temps are getting lower..in the 70's it is getting to chilly for the pool...plus it was raining this morning I heard what I thought was thunder and I was a running for the steps to exit, and someone said, it's ok Sandy it was an airplane..lol We went thru our routine for about 30 minutes and I had to leave early for a Doctor Appt. for consult on a Colonoscopy...has anyone ever had that done, I am kind of skeptical but it needs to be done so they tell me...

I would appreciate any input on that procedure.

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Inhale 123 Exhale 1234

Ahhh, The weekend/Rest

I made it to the pool today still a bit chilly but not windy like yesterday, whew ! what a relief and the pool was heated as well. I thought the hours on Fridays were 9:30 till 10:15 oops, the class started at 10:30 till 11:15 so here I am all shriveled up from all that time in the pool, altho I don't feel to bad this afternoon, today we did water walking, meaning doing the regular routine while walking up and down the pool, I asked one of the life guards to take a few pictures for me, remember that game can you find Wally, well, can you find Sandy..lol If you have read my Blog you have seen my picture. Enjoy the weekend I know I will, seriously exercise is great for our lungs and body.

Until we meet again~~~~

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

123 inhale, 1234 exhale

No Water Exercise Today

Good Afternoon everyone, well I did not make it to the pool today for water aerobics, you ask why ? Temps were in the low 70's with a brisk breeze, here in Florida that is pretty darn cool not wanting to take a chance on getting a chill and or a cold I opted to stay here and exercise right in the comforts of home, let's hope tomorrow is warmer. Have a wonderful afternoon and evening.

Breathe Easy

Sandy

Inhale123, Exhale 1234

Another Day of Exercise /Water Aerobics

Here I am another day and I made it thru the exercises, still a bit stiff and sore but, my little lady friend with her walker meandered to the pool climbed down the steps and did laps again ! What an inspiration. The exercises are interesting try this, hug yourself and put your head down, do you feel the muscles in the back of your neck stretching, I sure do.

Running in place in the pool is great, then the instructor tells us to do the Irish Jig ! he cant be for real...yup he is, it's looks so easy while he is on deck doing it, try that in the water it's not easy...lol Then we do the rocking horse thingy, that's fun, then walk to the other side of the pool and return, going backwards is suppose to help with the resistance and improve muscle strength...so he says..lol I took 1000mg of Tylenol before the aerobics and 1000mg four hours later, they really do help. However, tomorrow morning will tell the real story..Tomorrow when I get to the pool I am going to ask the lifeguard to take a picture of all of us... Watch for the update and picture if you dare...

Breathe Easy,

Inhale,123 Exhale 1234

That is exactly what I did while I was exercising !

First day of Water Aerobics

Ok here we go...ouch, dang it I had no idea how out of shape I was or am ! Oh my goodness after a 45 min. workout, which seemed like a 45 hour work out I just about crawled out of the pool, and to make me feel worse there was an elderly lady I would say about 90 years young doing laps !



so how bad of am I...pretty bad..lol so tomorrow I will bite the bullet and do the darn exercises and think about that little lady..and what she did and what I can do ! until then my friends have a wonderful evening, look for an update tomorrow.

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Inhale 123, Exhale 1234

Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Hello everyone, I know it has only been a couple of days since my last post about Osteoporosis and Arthritis I just wanted to give you all an update. I have been taking 1000 mg. of Tylenol every 4 hrs. it seems to be taking the edge off, also doing the heating pad thingy and putting a comfy pillow at my back. Now, according to my Dr. I should be exercising every day, he suggested the water aerobics and since I don't have a pool in my back yard I would have to go to the community pool, do you remember a while back I did a post on community poos and the germs and all.

I have done some research and made a few calls and have been assured that the local community pool is closed on Sunday and Monday so that they can clean and make sure the chemicals are stabilized.

I will give it a shot on Tuesday and update you on how it goes and how I feel. As I said before exercise is so important for so many reasons, I have not been exercising only because the "Shingles" got in my way for two months now but, they have cleared up and I now have the go ahead to do stuff again in moderation of course I really need to be careful not to break any bones...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and remember,

Inhale 123 Exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Ostseoporosis and Copd

Good Afternoon everyone on this lovely day in sunny Florida.

I have to share something with you all. Last week I went to my Dr. for a follow up of a cold, at that time I mentioned to him that my back has been SO painful... it felt like it was going to break in two, plus it was taking a toll on my posture which I have always prided myself in. He examined me as gently as possible, but I was SO tender it even hurt to sit in a chair. Sitting in a stooped position seemed to ease the pain, but was not doing my breathing any favors. Think about it... stoop over & try to breathe. I did some research while waiting for the tests results and low and behold, Osteoporosis and Copd are definitely connected.

The Dr. had me schedule a test called a Dexa-Scan--which means a bone density test, as well as an x-ray of my spine.

Tests revealed just what he thought "Osteoporosis" and "Arthritis". He thought maybe a fracture due to the tenderness, fractures are common if you have Osteoporosis because the bones are so brittle.

Treatment plan suggested, Vitamin D if I can tolerate it, exercise and heat. I'll give it a shot and hope for the best. I tried the Vit. D cannot tolerate it, hurts my stomach. So I tried something called "Viactive"... so far so good. I am attaching a link for you to look at. It is never a dull day in the life of Sandy Grace!
However, I am grateful for each and every day that I wake up and see the sunrise and each day I look at the sunset.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

.. check out this site: http://www.4women.gov./faq/osteopor.htm


Remember,
Inhale 123, Exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Beach & Ocean Pollution

Today 15 October 2007 is Blog Action Day. This means that bloggers around the web will come together to bring out a single important issue - the environment. Every blogger may post about "The Environment" in his/her own way and about their own topic. What is the goal?... to get everyone talking towards a better future for us and for our children.
http://www.blogactionday.org/

I would like to talk a bit about Beach & Ocean Pollution. This summer I took a trip to a beach in South Carolina. I love the sandy beaches, the warm ocean water and my all time favorite picking sea shells. I was appalled by the number of cigarette butts that smokers discarded on the beach while sunbathing, fishing or just taking a stroll. My suggestion for these people.... "Keep Your Butt Off The Beach"! The attached picture to this post was one that I took of these "Butts on the Beach".

We also find many other forms of garbage on our beaches. aluminum cans, plastic bottles, fishing lures, fishing line, glass bottles, and metal debris. All of these items sooner or later get washed into the oceans or seas. They all pose a threat to not only the living creatures of the seas but also to our own lives.

Toxic Wastes are poisonous materials that dumped into the ocean. They harm plants and animals in the ocean and also have an impact on our health. When toxic waste harms an organism, it can quickly be passed along the food chain and may eventually end up being our seafood. Toxic waste gets into the seas and oceans by the leaking of landfills, dumps, mines, farms and factories.
Toxic Chemicals in the ocean may be killing much of the fish population. One of the most harmful chemicals in the ocean is lead.
Medical Waste is also found in the ocean and is being tested to see if swimmers have a chance of developing Hepatitis or AIDS.
How do we decrease the amount of waste in the oceans?... by recycling as much garbage as we can so there are smaller amounts of harmful materials into the ocean.
Garbage Dumping pertains to harmful materials being dumped into the ocean. For example, human waste, ground-up garbage, water from bathing, and plastics. Most of the waste that has been dumped into the ocean in the early 1990's is still there today... Amazing.. Isn't it??!!
One main cause of garbage dumping occurs when sewage pipes share space with storm water drains. Rainfall causes the pipes to overflow and sewage waste mixes with the storm water drain, this flows into another water source such as a lake or river. Then the garbage pollutes the ocean.
Some other types of Pollution are:
Wastewater: The run-off from rainwater which usually ends up in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Boat Pollution: This comes from the boat's engine when it is running. The chemicals in the exhaust from the engine which give off excess gasoline.
Car Pollution: When a car gets driven, smoke comes from the back of the car. This smoke ends up being acid rain.
Agriculture Pollution: Chemical pesticides, chemical or natural substances.

Chemical detergents, batteries, plastics, and sewage are all produced and used in homes by humans everyday. People are creating a risk to the plants and animals that live in the oceans and lakes.
How can we help the Environment of our Beaches and Oceans? First and foremost when you ARE on the beach, take your garbage with you!
- recycle plastics
- dispose properly of batteries
- use less water
- carpool
- recycling
- do not throw litter in the street
- do not wash your car or change your oil on the road or driveway. The oil and detergent will be washed into the storm drain.
- create less rubbish in the first place
- buy products in biodegradable packaging
- re-use your plastic shopping bags
** Tell your friends and family... or anyone you see littering about the dangers of rubbish and garbage to marine animals. Encourage them to do the "Right Thing" with litter!

This is our land, our beaches, and our oceans... Only WE can take care of them.

Do What Is Right For Our Environment!
Lori Palermo