The Writer's Lair

I am starting my new book today - have no idea where it is going to lead... just have the opening sentence..I thought it would be great to try something different and have some of you add to the journey. I was not going to write another book, but have been persuaded to do so...Here is the opening paragraph...see if you can write the next paragraph and the next...

The old man stood at the top of a bushy hill in the Overberg mountains and watched the lone figure approach in the distance. His left eye twitched. His face, wrinkled and worn under a felt hat registered only the faintest surprise. Narrowing his eyes to see better the figure walking along the gravel track through the trees, he turned slowly to walk down the hill. 'So you are coming for me,' he mumbled to himself. 'This is the day.' He took a last look at the man with the purposeful stride, and walked to the house where he lit a cigarette and waited....

For some of the writers I worked with, google "Old man" and start writing. Am checking in tomorrow.

Rayda

How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis with Vitamins

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the joints. Its specific causes are unknown and symptoms develop gradually so that it is difficult to determine when it had started. Many people have symptoms that are present continuously, some have symptoms that completely resolve, and others have alternating periods of symptoms and complete resolution. The severity of symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person.

Treatment plays a key role in controlling the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and minimizing joint damage and usually entails a combination of drug therapy, exercise and a proper diet. Treatment should be individually tailored to each patient's needs and vitamin supplements should play a part in it..

The most commonly deficient vitamins for people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis are vitamin C, B6, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and vitamin E. Folic Acid/Vitamin B9 is not stored in the body so it is important to get a daily dose.  Folate deficiency can cause anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Folic acid can be found in vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, spinach and turnips and greens. 

Vitamin C is necessary for growth and repair of tissues and is important for the formation of collagen, an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for healing wounds, and for healthy cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin B6 is important for the nervous system and regulates the production of serotonin, melatonin and epinephrine. It is also able to remove sulfur from other molecules and helps to maintain hormone balance and the elimination of toxic substances. Vitamin B6 plays a key role in the formation of new cells.

Vitamin D is found in dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. The most important function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which protect cells from free radicals. Vitamin E is important for healthy immune function and is found in avocados, egg yolk, nuts, wheat germ, whole grains, and peanut butter.

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It is found in shellfish, fish, meat and dairy products. Vitamin B12 helps to maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is necessary for the making of DNA.  

For optimum health and increased flexibility, discuss an eating plan with a nutritionist and consult your doctor for the right dosage of vitamins. Increase your Omega 3 fatty acid intake such as salmon, avocado, avocado oil, walnuts, soy bean, soy bean milk, and avoid refined foods, fizzy drinks, tea and coffee, fried or grilled meat. You should start to feel better in a few weeks. This is not an overnight cure; you will have to care for your bones and joints forever.

EFFECTIVE FAMILY RULES AND PRAYER IN ISLAM

As a Muslim, one of the most important things for a family would be praying together every day. A Muslim has ritual prayers five times a day. Children as young as four and five stand on the prayer mat and understand without being told that prayer time is a time of introspection and a time for things to quiet down. Similarly, the Jews pray twice a day, if not more. And Hindus and devotees of Krishna also attend with their families in the temple. It is important to instill God in children’s lives and teach them to respect prayer from an early age. A Muslim believes that a family who prays together stays together.

A second effective family rule is to do interesting things together as a family, such as having weekly or monthly outings to a zoo or a park where they can have a picnic and watch the children play. Young children especially can run about and drain all that pent-up energy. They can fly a kite and mom and dad can help with the kite making. Flying a kite is also good exercise as you build up strength in your arms if it is one of those big kites and you are moving around.

Eating together as a family is another good way to keep the family intact. Children who sit at the table and share in conversation are more likely to listen to their parents and less likely to get involved with a bad crowd and get involved in drugs and petty crime. The table is also a good place to discuss family matters. The preparation of the meal and the setting of the table may also involve children and make it fun for them.

Have a movie night once a week where the child gets to pick the movie and the family has popcorn together where after the film has ended you can express your opinions about the film. This makes for a close knit family and contented children. The family is seen as a unit. They can come up with ideas for fun things to do.

Seeing the children off to bed can be another opportunity for a parent and child to bond. If it is a toddler, you might want to read a story and settle the child down. You can have quiet and alone time with each one of your children and reassure them of whatever fears they might have. It might take a little time to do all this after a hard day’s work, but it will make for a contented child and a contented family.