|
HEALING THROUGH UNITY
November, 2004
A monthly newsletter dedicated to serving the principles of
physical and spiritual health envisioned in the Baha'i TeachingsVolume 8, Issue No 9
_______________________________________________________
CONTENTS
-------------------
— Help for Survivors of Suicide
• Additional Resources & Support Groups
— Book Corner
— Prayers for Christopher Reeve
— Update on Reader’s Path to Healing
— Reader Responds to Request for Assistance
— Whole Foods Recipe Swap
— Question of the Month
— Readers Request Assistance
— Seeking New Editor for Newsletter
— Letters
— Purpose of the Newsletter/SubscriptionsEDITOR'S NOTE:
The following article was written in response to our Question of the Month:
"How does one comfort people who have been devastated by the shocking tragedy of a loved one who has committed suicide? What can you say to survivors? Are there any books one can read or suggest? Support groups?"
Because the following information is so in-depth, it has been run as the main article.
**************************************
HELP FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE
**************************************
BY KAREN FALLAHI
I do not doubt for a moment, that along with the majority of world opinion, Baha'is are justified in deploring suicide as understood in the context of suicide bombings carried out by present-day militant Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
For those families and friends who are survivors of such, whose fanaticism has led them to commit such acts, I must reserve my observations and suggestions for another time, since they do not fall in line with the other form of suicide with which I am certainly more familiar and to which as a Baha'i, I feel I must speak.
What I have learned over the years as executive director of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Colorado Springs, is that suicidal ideation is very often symptomatic of those suffering from mood disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder. It is also prevalent among those with schizophrenia, which is a more devastating form of mental illness. Indeed, current statistics show that suicide can kill up to 18 percent of those who do not get treatment. We are talking about real painful, medical disorders that can also affect both the brain and other organs of the body.
Indeed, physical disorders such as diabetes and heart disease may be complicated by depression, which in turn needs to be addressed by a medical specialist in that particular field as well. Such brain illnesses are not to be confused with "situational depressions" which many of us experience from time to time and usually recover from within one or two days.
Because of the ignorance and stigma still associated with these illnesses, many people still remain fearful and equate such with shame. I happen to be one of those who believes the root cause of all prejudice, discrimination and fear is ignorance. And fortunately, I can back up much of my reasoning through the current upsurge in scientific research and development that is pointing more and more towards a biological basis for a good many of these chronic mental conditions.
To my knowledge, there are not too many (if any at all) family survivors of suicide bombings living in our country, but there are of those who have died by suicide brought on in part by neurobiological changes taking place in the brain at the time, which very well may have originated through an identifiable mental (brain) disorder.
Understanding the dynamics involved can be of great help to those who have difficulty in coming to terms with death in this form, which in turn will lead one to find great solace in the writings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, who wrote extensively on the soul and the physical condition of man's existence in this world and his progress into the next.
Both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke eloquently and in great depth on the soul of man and its progress through this world and into the next.
One of the most profound of Baha'i teachings is that science and religion must agree. Baha'u'llah was explicit when He spoke of how the soul of man is "exalted above and is independent of all infirmities of body and mind."
(Gleanings, pp. 140-41)
In the same passage He says: "That a sick person showeth signs of weakness is due to the hindrances that interpose themselves between his soul and his body, for the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments". . .
"When it leaveth the body, however, it will evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal."
Further, in Gleanings, (pp.153-55), Baha'u'llah states, "And now concerning the soul of man and its survival after death. Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God" ...
"It will manifest the signs of God and His attributes, and will reveal His loving-kindness and bounty."
Nowhere in the Baha'i Writings have I found either Baha'u'llah or 'Abdu'l-Baha condemning or excluding any soul from attaining the presence of his Beloved because of physical infirmities suffered in this mortal world.
Baha'i prayers for the deceased ask forgiveness from God for the sins of the departed. Following is a very beautiful response by 'Abdu'l-Baha to a woman who lost her husband through suicide:
"Thou has written of the severe calamity that hath befallen thee — the death of thy respected husband. That honorable man hath been so subjected to the stress and strain of this world that his greatest wish was for deliverance from it. Such is this mortal abode: a storehouse of afflictions and suffering. It is ignorance that binds man to it, for no comfort can be secured by any soul in this world, from monarch down to the most humble commoner. If once this life should offer a man a sweet cup, a hundred bitter ones will follow; such is the condition of this world. The wise man, therefore, doth not attach himself to this mortal life and doth not depend upon it; at some moments, even, he eagerly wisheth for death that he may thereby be freed of these sorrows and afflictions. Thus it is seen that some, under extreme pressure of anguish, have committed suicide.
“As to thy husband, rest assured. He will be immersed in the ocean of pardon and forgiveness and will become the recipient of bounty and favor. Strive thine utmost to give his child a Baha'i training so that when he attaineth maturity he may be merciful, illumined and heavenly." (Tablets of the Divine Plan: Revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha to the North American Baha'is, p. 102)
Through these last passages, I believe there is a great gift of insight 'Abdu'l-Baha offers to the rest of us. Note the words, "calamity," "honorable,","deliverance," "anguish" and "merciful". Note the sequence as well.
All of the above quotes I found in the lovely book, "Unto Him Shall We
Return: Selections from the Baha'i Writings on Reality and Immortality of the Human Soul," compiled by Hushidar Motlagh, Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1985. This is a priceless book and the finest I've found for helping those Baha'is and non-Baha'is alike who've lost a loved one to suicide.
* * *
Karen Fallahi is executive director of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Colorado Springs, one of DBSA’s over 1,200 chapters and groups, the nation's leading illness-specific, patient-directed organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses.
DBSA brochures sent on request. For more information write: DBSA, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 301 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-477-1515 Web site: www.dbsacoloradosprings.org
******************************************************
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND SUPPORT GROUPS
******************************************************
It is my hope that the following resources will be of help to survivors of suicide who are currently going through or have been through such a devastating loss:
Heartbeat: Mutual support for those who have lost a loved one through suicide. Phone: 719-596-2575; e-mail: archlj@msn.com
SOLOS: Offers various e-mail support groups for persons affected by suicide.
E-mail: solos@1000deaths.com; Web site: http://www.1000deaths.com
American Association of Suicidology: Provides referrals to local self-help groups for survivors of suicide; educational materials available.
Phone: 202-237-2280; e-mail: info@suicidology.org; Web site: http://www.suicidology.org
American Foundation of Suicide Prevention: Provides state-to-state directories of survivor support groups for families and friends of a suicide. Phone: 1-888-333-2377; e-mail: inquiry@afsp.org; Web site: http://www.afsp.org
Ray of Hope, Inc.: Provides mutual support for after suicide bereavement, educational materials, books on after suicide grief. Phone: 319-337-9890
— Compiled by Karen Fallahi
*********************
BOOK CORNER
*********************
When we feel that life's tests are getting the best of us, take a moment to appreciate the life and heart of a remarkable child as told in, "A Child of Tender Years: Hayden's Journey," by Joyce Jackson.
This moving new book looks at the life of a Baha'i child named Hayden Block who was born "different." It examines Hayden’s life, a soul born with achondroplasia, or dwarfism, destined to live his life in the "tall" world.
A young heart, but spiritually mature beyond his years, Hayden offered life lessons to every person who came in contact with him. He persevered through physical pain, and sometimes, emotional hurts. He learned to cope with a body that didn't look like other kids. And yet his sensitive, loving heart and ebullient spirit attracted many friends and admirers wherever he went.
The author draws from the Baha'i writings as they relate to the nature of the soul and life after death in her attempt to come to terms with all that happens to Hayden. Her goal in writing this book is not only to memorialize a special child, but to convey a sense of hope to the reader — that the tests we face in life can be overcome, that hardships offer opportunities for spiritual growth and help us tap into our latent talents and potentialities.
This is a story about sacrifice and letting go, of being completely reliant on God and radiantly acquiescing to all that He asks of us. It is a story about faith.
One reader said of this book: "After reading it, I feel so touched by Hayden, in words, feeling and thoughts — I just can't express it."
Another reader said: "Not only did this book open my eyes to a precious person but it also introduced me to a new and interesting faith. One particular piece that really hit me was the belief of spiritual 'appendages.' When I read that passage I was floored. It made complete sense.
"A Child of Tender Years," is available from the author by writing: Joyce Jackson, 421 Westfield Dr., Nashville TN 37221. The cost is $20 (U.S.) ($16 for the book plus $4 shipping costs in the U.S.) Please indicate whether you would like a signed copy.
The book is also available from Special Ideas at: (http://www.special-ideas.com).
******************************************
PRAYERS FOR CHRISTOPHER REEVE
******************************************
I have been passionately involved with people who have disabilities for about 15 years. The news of the passing of actor Chris Reeve has given me such mixed feelings. This remarkable soul, whom God blessed with fame and then with a phenomenal challenge, spiritually rose to meet that challenge and demonstrated to the world what can be accomplished with an indomitable will.
Reeve, who was a quadriplegic, challenged the world to devote its energies to helping each other. His challenge has accomplished great strides thus far. He has returned to his Creator and has been released from the physical limitations that first stirred his soul in its amazing progress. He will be sorely missed by those of us who felt very close to him and derived inspiration from his courage and will.
Please pray for the progress of this great soul. Pray that the Concourse on High may multiply and bring his wonderful energy to us, that we may continue to be inspired, to strive to help each other reach our greatest potential. — Warmest regards, Bill Stearns
Bill Stearns manages the Maine Baha'i e-mail list and lives in Maine, USA
*************************************************
UPDATE ON READER’S PATH TO HEALING
*************************************************
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following letter is an update from Nancy Markovitch, who wrote a spunky and spirited article in the Sept. 2004 issue about her use of the Anatoly Gravitational System (www.anatolysystem.com) to help in her fight against chronic lymphocytic leukemia, .
* * *
Since I wrote the last letter, I have taken myself to a naturopathic physician to get some guidance on my detoxing and diet, and I went to my regular medical doctor for a physical exam. The doctor checked me out, very apologetic that they had missed the CLL. She said "all the symptoms were there," meaning the high white cell count and lymphocytes were high, but .... they hadn't asked the right questions.
I reminded myself they are "practicing medicine." She did the normal annual stuff, said everything was fine, but wanted me to go have a mammogram and a colonoscopy. She explained that when there was one form of cancer, that often a secondary cancer will present itself.
Just what I needed to hear.
So, knowing that the Baha'i teachings on health say to follow the instructions of a competent physician, I made the proper appointments and went for the tests the doctor ordered. I am continuing my basic detox diet, (fruits, veggies, nuts, beans) consuming quantities of water and going for the gravitational therapy about every three weeks.
The tests revealed a couple of precancerous polyps in the colon, which they snipped. They congratulated me for going through this test, teased me for telling the same stories a couple of times when I was under light anesthesia for the test, but I had them all laughing.
The mammogram turned up a couple of "blips" — but the radiologist said he didn't think there was anything to worry about. I am confident he is right.
As I mentioned, I have taken myself to a naturopathic physician for some real guidance on diet/detox and lifestyle changes to facilitate healing.
He tells me that when there is disease, it is usually from an excess of mucous in the body.
What causes mucous? Toxins. Illness. Medications. Meat. Dairy products. Not enough pure water. Not enough exercise.
How do you get rid of it? Fasting and selective eating, drinking water and exercising.
He is convinced we can beat it, and I have taken him on as a coach. You can actually look up my naturopathic doctor, Dr. Stephen Tates, on the Internet.
Dr. Tates is a nutritionist, master herbalist, lifestyle consultant, fasting and detox specialist, and a diplomat in integrative medicine. You can locate him at www.drtates.com
He is the chief chemist of: Dr. Tates Herbal Tinctures and Tonics, and though I had purchased one and taken it, it was without his specific instructions to me, which included: the addition of liquid forms of various herbs and vitamins (for absorption), a specific clay which pulls toxins from your body and instructions to locate and read a book called "Rational Fasting" by Arnold Ehret. A very interesting reprint of an old article that advocates a very simple diet of fruit, loads of water, and exercise — all designed to clean out the system after a lifetime of neglect.
He (Tates) also said he believed the leukemia could be traced back to having had hepatitis and jaundice in 1974 at my Baha’i pioneering post in South Carolina. There was an epidemic at that time, and many people got it. I was just one of the lucky ones. I know he isn't the only naturopath; he is just the one I was led to. Did I tell you that he looks like a kid, when in actuality, he is 53 years old?
What can I say at this point? I feel great, I have dropped about 25 pounds, have gone down three sizes. People who know me will love to hear that I have quit smoking. I believe I am going to enjoy a quality of life I might not have enjoyed had I not had these bumps in the road to get me serious about my health. I don't know what is coming down the pike, but I will handle it.
Did I tell you that another of my "secret weapons" is The Long Healing Prayer put to music by Allen Johnson? I have it on a CD, and should have it memorized soon.
My next scheduled blood test is not until December. I will keep you posted as to the progress. — With loving greetings, Nancy Markovich
**********************************************************
READER RESPONDS TO REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
**********************************************************
EDITOR’S NOTE: In the Oct. 2004 issue, a reader asked whether or not flu shots are always advisable for people who are healthy and not elderly, and whether or not flu shots are effective against all strains of the flu. This question was asked before it was announced that there would be a limited supply of flu vaccine this season in the United States.
* * *
FLU SHOTS:
Are They Effective Against All Flu Strains?
Last year, I was involved with preventive health care, providing flu shots to various groups of Hong Kong people due to the SARS incident that took away over 300 lives worldwide. After speaking to various doctors, we agree that the flu shots may not be effective against all strains of the flu.
Since people can come down with flu if their immune system is weak, whether they are young or old, we have actively looked at other alternatives. As such, we have been persuaded to promote a bio-tech product which balances a person’s immune system. The product is developed from hyperimmune eggs produced by extensive stimulation of chickens with more than two dozen inactivated bacteria. Such exposure results in the product of specific antibodies.
So, when we consume hyperimmune egg products, we passively acquire the same antibodies and immune factors the hens developed, and in that way, we foster our immune systems and keep away the flu bug, no matter what sort of strain.
We have tested various groups of people, young and old in Hong Kong over the past two months, and the results are very encouraging.
Those interested for more information about this product to “balance their immune system” can contact me at: wongjoonsan@yahoo.com
Tel: 852 9120 5927 fax:: 852 2106 1206 — Wong Joon San
P.S. You are doing such a wonderful service. Keep up the good work. Much appreciated.
*******************
WHOLE FOODS
RECIPE SWAP
*******************
MUSHROOM BARLEY SOUP
Here is a mushroom soup that the kids will eat, since most of the mushrooms go incognito; some of them are sliced and sauteed separately so they can be added to individual portions if your kids don't want them. The soup is delicious, the broth light, fragrant and restorative, just the sort of thing you need when feeling under the weather. You needn’t make a separate stock either, because with a full pound of fresh mushrooms in the soup, there's plenty of good flavor here already. If your kids have never tried barley before, this is a good introduction; it softens right up in the hot broth, like the noodles in alphabet soup.
1 cup pearl barley
10 cups water
1 pound mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 bay leaves
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tamari (a naturally fermented soy sauce) freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Cook the barley: Combine the barley and 2 cups of the water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, cook over very low heat for 30 to 35 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Put about 3/4 pound of the mushrooms in the bowl of a food processor and finely chop them, scraping down the sides if necessary. Reserve. Thinly slice the remaining mushrooms and set them aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large soup pot. Stir in the onions, celery and bay leaves and saute over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Stir in the garlic, then add the finely chopped mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, then add the remaining 8 cups of water, salt, tamari, black pepper and reserved barley. Bring the soup to a near boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
While the soup simmers, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and saute them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re nicely browned. Stir the mushrooms, parsley and cayenne into the soup about 5 minutes before serving. Or, stir the mushrooms into individual portions if your kids don't eat them.
(Source:"Feeding the Healthy Vegetarian Family: A Sumptuous Guide to Delicious, Nutritious Vegetarian Cooking Family-Style." By Ken Haedrick (author of "Country Baking." Bantam Books, 1998.)
EDITOR'S NOTE: I have tried the above recipe using shitake mushrooms, which are rich in three glyconutrients. They may be too strongly flavored for some tastes, but my family thought it was delicious.
By the way, Haedrick's vegetarian cookbook is warmly and beautifully written and turns vegetarian eating from a chore and a bore to “More! More!”
Haedrick writes: "It is actually possible to raise a happy, healthy, well-fed family on a vegetarian diet." He offers 10 helpful rules for feeding your vegetarian family, such as "start slowly," "seek variety"
"don't pressure," and "encourage input." His words about creating a peaceful home food environment are also valuable.
************************************
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
************************************
Are dental amalgams safe or do they raise mercury levels in the body?
**************************************
READER REQUESTS ASSISTANCE
**************************************
Help! I am going through menopause and have heard that eating soy is helpful in reducing symptoms. Also, eating soy foods is supposed to reduce the risk for certain cancers and protect against heart disease. I get a lot of my soy protein by drinking soy milk, to which calcium carbonate has been added.
Does soy milk have the same effect as tofu or other soy foods, like tempeh in preventing disease? And, is calcium carbonate a kind of calcium that can be readily absorbed by the body?
************************************************
SEEKING NEW EDITOR FOR NEWSLETTER
************************************************
Dear Readers:
I have thoroughly enjoyed being the editor of Healing Through Unity Newsletter. I am grateful for your generous input, encouraging words and praise.
However, because of a persistent problem with chronic lower back pain, it will not be possible for me to continue on as editor past the January 2005 issue. Sitting and standing for long periods has grown difficult for me, and doing the newsletter adds to the stress I have from my work as a journalist, where I sit for long hours at a computer and drive at least 1 1/2 hours as part of my daily commute.
Finding the right "body mechanic" in a local chiropractor and also reading Dr. John E. Sarno's book, "Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection" has given me a lot of relief. However, I know that the hours I spend sitting at the computer are far too many.
Therefore, I hope that someone with excellent editing skills will step forward to take over the job as volunteer editor for this monthly newsletter. I will be happy to "coach" this person for some time, so there will be plenty of support along the way. As you know, this newsletter is dedicated to serving the principles of physical and spiritual health envisioned in the Baha'i teachings. It is a great service and the newsletter is international. It has a simple format, reader response is good, and issues can be put together fairly quickly and simply.
If you are interested, please contact me at dreams@uninets.net Thank you. — Sincerely, Lynn Ascrizzi, editor
*********************
LETTERS
*********************
RESPONSE TO GLYCONUTRIENT ARTICLE
I would like to respond to Dr. Iain MacRobert's article on glyconutrients. I was glad to see the article in your newsletter. I also use glyconutritional supplements personally, and I am beginning to integrate them into my practice. I agree there is a lot of evidence to support their use.
The principles by which glyconutritionals help the health of an individual are very much a parallel to how chiropractic care helps the health of an individual. I feel that glyconutritionals are not the language of communication but rather the medium of communication. These sugars are used for building the receptors on the cell membrane surface which monitor the outside environment of the cell and then send signals inside the cell to let the cell know what is going on, so it can then make the decision of what needs to be done next.
It is much like the way an antenna receives the signal from the radio station, and then the radio can convert this signal into the sound waves we enjoy. Without the antenna, the radio can't work, even though there is nothing else wrong with the radio.
Chiropractic works with communication as well, but instead of focusing on the cellular level, we focus on the whole body level. The master communications system in the body is the nervous system. The brain is the master processor of information. It gathers information through the vast network of nerves that monitor the function of every cell in the body.
Without proper communication in the body, the body will not function properly. At the cellular level, the membrane receptors are responsible for carrying the messages; at the body level, it is the nervous system that carries the messages. If the nervous system causes a distortion of the message, the cells will act accordingly, even if it means their own destruction. This has been demonstrated by removing diseased cells from the body, putting them into a petri dish and seeing them flourish. There was nothing wrong with the cells; they were just living in a unhealthy environment and getting very bad messages.
Dr. MacRobert has done a great job of sharing the importance of glyconutrients in our health. They certainly play a role. I think it should be mentioned that glyconutritionals are only one part of the communication chain of commands, and we need to remember that all communication is important. Missing any one component can be devastating to our health.
Having ALL components present and functioning at 100 percent is essential for our optimal health.
The Baha'i writings have a few references to the importance of our nervous system. Two of my favorite quotes are the following:
"For the provoking cause of disease — that is to say, the cause of the entrance of disease into the human body — is either a physical one or is the effect of excitement of the nerves." — (Abdu'l-Baha, “Some Answered Questions,” p. 257)
"The powers of the sympathetic nerve are neither entirely physical nor spiritual but are between the two (systems). The nerve is connected with both. Its phenomena shall be perfect when its spiritual and physical relations are normal."— (Abdu'l-Baha, “Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha,” p. 309)
One last comment in regards to Dr. MacRobert is to point out that he has misquoted Thomas Edison and somewhat changed the meaning in the process.
The actual quote should read: "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
Thanks for all the work you do with this newsletter. — Dan Boyle, D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic)
SWEET PRAISE
What a great issue (Oct. 2004). Thanks so much for the article on sugars (glyconutrients). What wonderful benefits we could all get. — With best regards, Donna Pickel
WHO HAS TAKEN GLYCONUTRIENTS?
Have you had any personal experience with the glyconutrients products, or know anyone who has? It looks as if there is only one source existing for purchasing them. I am interested in trying these products but would like to hear from someone who has been taking them. — Lisa Janti
A CAUTIONARY NOTE
Regarding your article on "Glyconutrients: Sugars that Heal”: There is indeed reason to think that glyconutrients are important in certain respects, but there are also major concerns about Mannatech, the company which promotes them. Their sales methods involve a "pyramid" of people, all of whom have a financial and psychological stake in the success of Mannatech products.
I suspect that many good-hearted and enthusiastic Baha'is have been drawn into Mannatech or some similar organization, and persuade themselves that the time they give to it (which is often considerable) is not really for themselves, but for the benefit of mankind.
I would humbly ask your readers to beware of these organizations. Don't make the mistake of looking only at the Web sites their advocates direct you to.
Check them out by searching the Web using an ordinary search engine. These organizations are quasi-religions — they can take hold of you to the extent that you won't want to hear anything that may cause you to have second thoughts. — Oliver Christopherson, Stevenage, England
ANOTHER MIRACLE CURE?
I have always enjoyed the Healing through Unity Newsletter, and I fully appreciate your commitment to this worthwhile venture.
I would like to comment about the sugars article. I read it and was thoroughly entranced by the claims, so I went to all the Web sites. I must say that I was disappointed that it is just another "miracle" cure and the only way a person can get the "sugars" is through an agent, rather than off the shelf.
I wondered if you had known this before you published the article? I think you probably didn't, because the article was terrific.
Just to let you know where I am coming from: Our daughter had MS and we treated it the best way we could. Along our pathway, we found many "miracle" cures. Some of them worked for a while, but nothing was long lasting (except submission to the Will of God). The warning signal we had about these cures was the claim that it would cure/help many many ailments, from acne to MS. And obviously this just isn't true.
Anyway, again thank you for your wonderful newsletter. — Barbara
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Before the Oct. 2004 issue was published, I took the time to check out some of the resources given for glyconutrients. I also ordered a copy of "Sugars That Heal," but it arrived after the issue was published. Suffice it to say, I have spent a good part of last month reading more about glyconutrients and following up contacts, and I hope to have answers for the above readers' questions regarding the marketing structure of Mannatech and to share what I have learned about the effectiveness of these products from people who are taking them.
Unfortunately, there was no time to prepare all this information for this issue. I, too, believe that we must exercise healthy skepticism about all health products, treatments and claims, and I thank you for your candid letters. They are most helpful.
I also hope that readers who have taken glyconutrient supplements, and who are not affiliated with any company that sells such supplements, will tell us about their results.
APPRECIATES NEWSLETTER
This is great. Thanks for doing it! — Londa McCullough
WORDS SPOKE TO HER
I am just getting around to thanking you for the newsletter (Sept. 2004). I particularly enjoyed: "Faith is the Standard" and "On Being Extraordinary."
At this particular moment, those were the words that spoke most directly to me. — Rhoda-Neshama Clark, New York City / Freedom, Maine, USA
RICH AND INFORMATIVE
I just wanted to thank you for sending me the Healing Through Unity Newsletter. It gives me great pleasure to read and digest the very rich and informative articles. What makes it so special is the spiritual part which adorns your wonderful newsletter. — Farideh Sohrab
**************************************
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
**************************************
All of us have had healing experiences — physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual. Please share your stories and other ideas about staying healthy in a stressful world. Your articles do not have to be long — just a few paragraphs will suffice. Encouragement is a big part of a healthy lifestyle, and sharing stories and ideas that work for you brings encouragement to others.
*******************************************
WHERE TO SEND STORIES & CORRESPONDENCE:
*******************************************
Many thanks to all of you who share helpful ideas for "Healing Through Unity" Newsletter. We welcome submissions from everyone. The decision to select and edit material submitted for publication is determined by the editor.
Please e-mail your stories, comments, suggestions or "Question for the Month" ideas to newsletter editor Lynn Ascrizzi, at: dreams@uninets.net
**************
WEB SITE
**************
You can visit our Web site, obtain back issues and the Healing Through Unity Course at: http://www.healingthroughunity.org.
***********************************
PURPOSE OF THE NEWSLETTER
***********************************
"Healing Through Unity" is published for the purpose of sharing thoughts, comments and experiences on how the teachings of the Baha'i Faith are being applied to physical and spiritual health. Other than the quoted Holy Writings, the material in this newsletter represents the thoughts and opinions of the writers and has no authority. None of the material published in this newsletter is intended to be a substitute for the advice of your physician.
You are free to copy articles, provided you indicate the source of the article. There are 10 issues per year; it is not published during July and August. The newsletter is produced in Freedom, Maine, USA.
**************************************
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:
**************************************
Please e-mail all new subscriptions, subscription cancellations and e-mail address changes (please include old address along with new one) to rocketman@mwt.net
|