The Christmas holiday season is a time when our thoughts turn to giving. All too often, giving translates to material purchases and mad dashes to the shopping mall. But some of the most precious gifts are the gifts we give of ourselves, of our time, of our energy.
This can be a joyous season, but for many it can also be a time of great stress, a time when troubles can seem magnified. By helping a friend or neighbor, you can temporarily lighten someone else’s load. And if your help involves physical activity, it has the added benefit of helping your bones with a weight bearing activity at the same time!
How I Helped My Neighbor and My Bones
Recently, my next door neighbor fell ill with the flu. She and her husband, a young couple, both work long hours and are the proud parents of an adorable baby boy. During her illness, the baby was stuck indoors with her.
Remembering the days when my children were infants, I had the idea of offering to take the baby with me on my daily walks, giving him some fresh air and some much needed free time for his mother. She recovered fully in a couple of weeks, and during that time I was able to help in a small way and build a stronger bond with my neighbors. Not to mention my bones were helped at the same time.
How Can You Help?
So during this holiday season, take the initiative to do something similar. There are so many ways to make a difference in someone’s life and so many who would appreciate a helping hand. And no less important, this is a great opportunity to connect with those around you.
Here are just a few simple suggestions, but I’m sure you’ll come up with many more on your own. Just try to make sure that whatever you come up with involves moving and using your muscles, so you’ll not only build new or closer relationships in your community, you’ll also be building your bones!
- Offer to take a neighbor’s infant or toddler for a walk, as I have done.
- Offer to walk a neighbor’s pets.
- Run errands or do grocery shopping for an ill or elderly friend or neighbor. And of course don’t forget to leave your car at the far end of the parking lot to get a bit more exercise. Make sure you wear the appropriate shoes.
- If you know someone who is dealing with a difficult pregnancy while caring for young children, offer to take the kids to the park. But don’t sit on the bench and watch the kids play! Get involved. Push them on the swing or get on the swing yourself and get those legs pumping.
- Lend an ear. If you have a friend who is going through difficult times, offer to go for a walk (or two or three) and provide a listening, non-judgmental ear.
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or religious institution. But instead of standing behind the counter serving, offer to prepare the food or assist with the clean-up – anything that will get you moving!
Keep the Holiday Spirit Year-Round
Many of us are brimming with goodwill and charitable thoughts during the holiday season. Churches, synagogues, and other organizations turn away volunteers who are all eager to serve Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, only to end up begging for assistance once the new year rolls around.
The needs of your friends, neighbors, and community don’t go away when the season ends. Consider making a pledge (a New Year’s resolution if you’d like to call it that) to keep offering your help on an ongoing basis.
It doesn’t have to be much, and it doesn’t have to impinge on your schedule. Just do what you can, and try to make giving a regular part of your life. For example, instead of a scarf or tie, how about giving your elderly or infirm neighbor a “good-will coupon” good for a year’s worth of monthly shopping trips or errand runs?
I’m sure you’ll find the rewards, both physical and emotional, more than worth the effort.
Good News: Good Deeds are Good for Your Bones
Did you know that good deeds have been scientifically proven to reduce stress?
It’s true. Psychologist David Lewis conducted a study at the University of Sussex’s Mindlab that measured the stress levels of a group of men and women who performed daily good deeds over a nine-day period. Among his conclusions: “Being more considerate can reduce stress levels.”
I devote a whole chapter in the Save Our Bones Program to stress and how it affects your bone health by acidifying your pH and the most effective and easy ways to reduce the damaging effects of it.
So the benefits of doing good are manifold. On top of the warm, fuzzy feeling you get from knowing you helped a fellow human being, you’ll actually improve your bone health by reducing your stress levels and, when your help takes an active form, adding some weight-bearing activity to your life.
Wishing you all joyous, happy and very healthy holidays… and a New Year filled with increasing bone health!
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May 8, 2012
What i do not understood is atllaucy how you are not atllaucy much more well-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize thus significantly on the subject of this matter, made me for my part believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t interested except it is something to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always handle it up!
January 3, 2011
Nice to know that good deeds reduce stress
Shula
December 28, 2010
I have read your book and have made several changes to my diet. I have switched to sea salt and I am trying to find out what effect the lack of iodine in the salt will have on my health. Am I getting it from other sources in my diet? Thanks.
December 27, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I’ve also been involved in helping people and doing good deeds. It not only brings happiness to others but also brings joy to those who give. We reap what we sow! Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Gloria
December 25, 2010
Hi Vivian, Thank you for all your encouraging articles. Many of your readers as well as my self would like to know what you think of Ezorb calcium. Their address is http://www.elixirindustry.com. Thank you,Dee
December 25, 2010
Seasons blessings to everyone from Australia. After I purchased my Save Our Bones Progam, I began altering my diet even before it arrived.I also ordered the PH strips online( someone said pool shops stock them too) & was very pleased that my very 1st test was 6.5 then 2 weeks later a further test was 7. So your program is working for me.I couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much for all the emails & advice. On the subject of acidity, scientists are testing the effects of a natural spring- fed creek in far north Queensland ..it is so acidic that it is dissolving the teeth of the crocodiles!! I think that is very interesting especially as the rain water here is extremely acidic too. Debbie, Queensland Australia
December 24, 2010
My pulmunologist put me on steroids (nasal spray and bronchialdialator) for asthma and chronic bronchitis. An X-ray showed lung damage. He said i will be on these drugs for a long time. These drugs have bad side-effects such as osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataaracts, and diabetes. I already had ostoeporosis and glaucoma before I was put on these drugs and the doctor was informed. I work at keeping my PH in balance and succeed most of the time. I am followong the Save Our Bone program. What else can I do to avoid to keep my osteoporosis from getting worse? Any suggestions for helping me with the osteoporosis issue and the other side effects will be apreciated.
December 27, 2010
Hi Marilyn,
Because of the drugs you are taking for the respiratory conditions, it is especially important to balance your pH, which you are already doing. And because of the possible insulin resistance caused by the drugs, I would recommend to try to consume at least one meal a day consisting of several foods with low glycemic levels within the acid/alkaline balance. You can search online for lists of low glycemic foods.
December 24, 2010
I HIGHLY RECOMMED MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO GET CURE FROM FOODS, HERBS AND PLANTS IN A NATURALLY WAY. THESE DAYS, DOCTORS
CARE ABOUT YOUR MONEY ONLY (IN MOST CASES).
THANK YOU VIVIAN FOR ALL YOUR E-MAILS; GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!
IRMA
December 24, 2010
Thank you for the tips of helping others at this holiday season. My husband and I volunteered at one of our ministries. We feed the hungry and sheltered the homeless especially this winter season that they can’t stay outside due to the cold weather. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God Bless you on your good work of helping us all.
May 8, 2012
16a18a351fdThank you for your whole work on this web page. My mother ralley likes going through investigation and it’s easy to understand why. Most people learn all concerning the compelling tactic you give worthwhile items via the web blog and therefore increase response from other individuals about this situation then our favorite princess is always studying a lot of things. Take advantage of the rest of the year. You’re the one performing a dazzling job. 18d
December 24, 2010
I have a friend who is having back issues and probably is going to have to have surgery. One of the doctors suggested he take the genric of fosmax at a lighter dose then they did me that i would not take. I ask the he seek info beside what i am giving from the third doctor he will see shortly. The first one suggested the second it probably would be a good idea but that it probably would not show any improvement i think was the words the doctor used for 2 years. I am a healthy he is not but i am so worried for him not to take it but i know my body but not sure how it will effect him. He is 70 years old and facing surgery shortly and like to see what this doctor who will do the surgery will say. I am at a lose but have given as much info to him as i can so he can make a decision what is best. I truly do not know what to expect. A friend told me tonight her friedn of her as all kind of health issues and they put her on it and she her self came off of because of artificial hip replace and fear of mending well but is taking anvanta (misspelled) which i did not know she was taking a replacement for the fosmax. I pray for all and at a lose for words to help them with a choice and not know the out come. I am fine with my decision but to harp at someone else before my ending is scary. Hoping and praying for all.
December 23, 2010
Can you comment on the acidity of buckwheat flour? Since it is an herb, am I correct in thinking that it is alkaline?
December 23, 2010
Hi! Vivian,
I Volunteer At A Senior Health And Aging Center And Home. I Really Love It There! I’ve Been Doing Volunteer Work There For Four Years Now.
LOVE, MS. L.
December 23, 2010
Thanks,Vivian,for the emails on Save Our Bones .very helpfull & interesting.I love the Heel & Toe Exercise. I hope all of you have a Happy Christmas & New Year..
December 23, 2010
Vivian,
I want to thank you for all the help you have given me since I found out about you.
I have gotten so much information from you and I have learned a lot about my problem.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Blessed Christmas .
I can’t thank you enough.
Gratefully,
Lillian
December 23, 2010
I was wondering if you could give me any input on MCHA calcium supplements. Is it any better than calcium citrate? I have been told that my osteoporosis is pretty bad. T-score -3.8 for L1-L4. That was the reading last year on a Lunar Bone Density scanner which I just read gives reading that can be off by 6%. In the past, I had my scans done on the Hologic scanner and I am contemplating doing it over on that as I heard they were more accurate. I would appreciate any feedback regarding this.
Thank you.
T
December 23, 2010
I also would like to know about MCHC whether it is better than any other type of calcium (citrate carbonate, oyster shell)as this was recommended by my dr. Thank you.
December 23, 2010
Dear Vivian,
My osteoporosis is getting worse each year (I lost another 3% this year), although I walk 3 times per week and do all the healthy things. I have lost 10 lbs. over a 2 yr. period and kept it off. I”m 5’1 1/2″ and weigh 125 lbs. I have been taking a multivitamin and calcium daily for about 9 yrs. The OB-GYN doctor had me go on a 24 hr. urine test and did some blood tests recently, which all came back normal i.e. thyroid, parathyroid, Vit.D level etc. My blood pressure is normal low of 110/78. She put me on 25 mg. of a diuretic recently to see if this would send a new message to my kidneys as I’m losing excessive amounts of calcium in my urine. I had to quit the diuretic as I had terrible leg cramps and upset stomach. What suggestions do you have for me to try some natural products rather than go on drugs like Fosomax? Should I see a Holistic doctor instead? Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Monika Ruhl
December 24, 2010
Hi Ruth,
I encountered the same problem a few years ago. I went through all the tests and the results came back as normal, like yours.
The only thing that saved me from losing any more bone was HRT (patches). Since then the quality of my bones has drastically improved. Of course, I take calcium (organic), magnesium etc. every day ,too, and try to keep an alkaline diet. EKO Water might be a help, too, to keep your body alkaline. I know from Vivian’s book that she objects to HRT, but it certainly helped me.
Worth considering?!
Cheers
Trudy
December 23, 2010
I recently purchased your Save our Bones program. Haeven’ received it yet, but waiting to start the program. Am interested in your reply to Monica. My osteoporosis is worse and the doctor is trying to get me to undergo Reclast. He previously tried to to sell me on Forteo but I declined. I have heard some bad reportson both these drugs.
December 23, 2010
If only we could all love our neighbours as ourselves, it would be a better world.
December 23, 2010
Where can I fine ph test paper? I have ph test paper that my sister gave me about 20 years ago,it can read ph from 5.5 to 8.0, but is almost gone. I cannot seem to fine the same kind.
Thanks
December 24, 2010
I bought it from the health shop ( in Australia).
I hope this helps1
Cheers
Trudy
December 24, 2010
You would need a narrow range pH test strip. You can get a pH test meter with a o.02 pH increment measurment. $35 check the web. It can test any fluid.
December 23, 2010
You can order pH test strips from Amazon.com. I use the PH Inex strips which are accurate and range from 4.5 – 9. You can also find strips at some pharmacies. I found these easier to read.
Good luck!
Sue
December 23, 2010
You can find it at some pharmacies or can order it from Amazon.com as I have.
Sue
December 23, 2010
Happy Holidays to you and to yours!!!
December 23, 2010
Wish everyone a Blessed Merry Christmas and A Healthy Wonderful New Year.
Thank you Vivian for sharing all that you know.
December 23, 2010
My Christmas Miracle was when my mom of 88 years lost her balance when she was zippering up her coat and started backwards towards my basement stairs, she reached out for me, and I grabbed her hands, and I went down the flight of stairs with her…luckily, we both had our coats on, and because it was the two of us, we went down slower than one person going, so we both landed without any broken bones….I just had a bruise on my shoulder from the impact of hitting the stairs, but mom was fine!! I thank god every day, we were able to get up and walk back up those stairs….Viv there are miracles in this world.
Thanks so much for all the great info…may you and yours have a very blessed holiday season!!
December 23, 2010
Thanks a lot for all your emails, I find them most informative and the christmas help one has already set my body to work more for my fellow friends.
May I close by wishing you and your family Seasons Greetings and a happy healthy New Year. I look forward to more helpful news from you throught 2011.
Cheers
Jean
December 23, 2010
Thanks for your articles and good information, Vivian. It is great to know that there is a source for Intelligent nformation that is better researched than most doctors today ever carue to do. I think I have alienated myself from most of the mainstream doctors I have by questioning their reasoning for trying to put me on various types of prescription drugs when they don’t even want to discuss my issues or concerns.
I feel much better taking nothing even if I do feel lime I am on this island. It is must good to know I am not alone in my thinking all the time.
Renda
December 23, 2010
My 88 yr old Mother was advisesd to have an injection of Reclast because of her bone density. Since then she has had pains in her kidney, a bad odor to her urine and overall has not felt well. We checked to see if she has an infection but she does not. I believe it is from that reclast. Any feedback?
December 23, 2010
I love your good deed ideas. If I may add one for the gardeners amongst us: How about taking some garden produce- herbs, vegetables, plants, fruit or flowers to someone who has no garden or who is ill or unhappy? This would be not only good for the recipient’s state of mind, and the giver’s bones, but like all Vivian’s suggestions, good for a sense of community, which certainly needs a boost these days.
Thank you for all your help Vivian.