I got a postcard for my sister and a fridge magnet for myself in the big building in the middle of the square, then walked down Szewska Street and went into Cupcake Corner, where I sat on a stool and ate a delicious chocolate mint cupcake with lemon filling while writing the postcard.

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As a retired physician, this was a great theme for Macro Mondays! Staying Healthy is something everyone can and should do. I chose a macro of my Fitbit because walking is part of staying healthy for people who are aging. I have been using a pedometer for 10 years now. In 2007, I found that my blood glucose was drifting upward toward diabetes range. As a physician, that dismayed me a lot. My internist sent me to prediabetes classes and recommended medication. I told her we would wait and recheck in six months. I began walking with an eye to measurement; my first pedometer and now my Fitbit are my "nag" to get a minimum of 10,000 steps daily. When I was still working, I walked a lot, to get to and from the Metro in Maryland. Now my wife and I walk several times a day and use tricks to add steps (stairs, parking at the far end of a parking lot). End result for me was back to normal blood sugar.

 

There are other things you should do to stay healthy:

 

1. Don't smoke or stop smoking if you do. Stopping helps immensely in people who have smoked, so get help with tobacco cessation.

2. Eat healthy foods and maintain a healthy body weight.

3. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day.

4. Drink alcohol in moderation (not a town in Ohio, BTW!) or not at all.

5. Exercise regularly (see the photo above!).

6. Protect yourself from sun exposure.

7. Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (hey, I am a retired Navy infectious diseases doc!).

8. Get screening tests (blood pressure check, blood sugar, colonoscopy, etc.).

 

I hope everyone had as much fun with this challenge as I did. HMM!

Here's another clear, non-blurry shot from my L lens when I went planespotting on the weekend. I wasn't a fan of Air Canada's 1993-2003 livery, or their 2004-2016 livery, but I have to say I think this one is sharp-looking, even if it's basically just the 1993-2003 livery with a black belly and eyeliner over the cockpit windows. But that's enough to make a difference!

 

It's also interesting for me to see Air Canada flying 737s. For all my life until recently, they only flew Airbuses in this size range. And it's a 737 Max, no less.

 

In other news, I found out on Monday that my blood sugar has gotten substantially better, so I was super-relieved to hear that! It's still prediabetes, but just barely.

 

But last night I checked my blood pressure three times and it was in the high range, so...out with one health problem, in with another!

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Summary of 2021

By Andrew Karagianis

Flickr version

 

If 2020 was a year of fear and panic, 2021 was a year of frustration. However, it wasn’t all bad.

 

Let’s get the COVID stuff out of the way first. People are still wearing masks below their noses, as though their nose and lungs aren’t connected – probably the same reason why it’s fine to breathe through your nose underwater as long as your mouth is closed.

 

Wait, what?

 

People are still socializing indoors with people who don’t live with them, without masks on, even though we know that the virus is airborne, not just spread via droplets. The government still hasn’t made a blanket travel ban or gone into another long-enough lockdown, because it values jobs over lives. And as I’ve realized more recently, mask mandates as they currently exist aren’t as helpful as they could be, because masks are not one-size-fits-all. I have yet to find a mask that doesn’t leave gaps – and the big honking industrial respirator I have that would offer the best protection isn’t allowed in a lot of settings because it has a valve that lets breath out.

 

And so here we are, with COVID cases skyrocketing like we’ve never seen before during the past few weeks due to this Omicron variant. The pandemic is nowhere near over, and our freedom to socialize like it’s 2019 without that nagging concern of “Am I going to be exposed to COVID by doing this?” is not on the horizon. Even the Q-anon confidiocy (confederacy + idiocy), who believe the world is out to get them, know deep down that maybe those large gatherings are risky for them personally. Vaccines prevent severe disease, but they don’t prevent infection, and that has been my justification for not seeing friends or family in person very much this year – because no level of face-to-face fun is worth finding out a few days later that someone’s been exposed to COVID.

 

But we’ve all spent enough time reading about the pandemic, so here’s how the rest of my year went. This year I’m going to separate the months by headers.

 

There were eight main events in 2021 that made it a significant year for me, which I will highlight as they come up in the chronology.

 

January:

Ally and I rang in the new year at home. Toronto was [still] on lockdown. We watched two episodes of Schitt’s Creek, and read our books.

 

In the first half of January, the provincial government announced a stay-at-home order effective January 14th, for everyone who could stay home. On January 14th, I got the word from my employer that I should try to work from home as much as possible. I texted our landlord, and he agreed to let me use NathAnne’s old apartment as a work space temporarily. On January 15th, I started working from home.

 

February:

February was cold.

 

I got my second FitBit – a Charge 4. I also started my GAIN Q3 training. As of December 24th, I still haven’t finished it due to lack of opportunities to do my practice interviews.

 

Also in February, my stocks on the investing app reached their peak. From that point on, my portfolio gradually decreased in value until July, when I reached the “break-even” point and sold it all off. Then I bought back a few shares in one company that consistently did well, and as of the end of 2021, I’m up about $70. Small gains as far as experienced investors are concerned, but it’s better than being in the hole!

 

March:

The first of the eight main events that influenced my experience of 2021 was that on March 20th, I got my first dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID vaccine. Let me just say how amazing that is. Humans had never developed a coronavirus vaccine until 2020, and now, a little over a year into the pandemic, I’d been given one.

 

Unfortunately over the course of the year, we would come to realize that vaccinated people can still be infected and even hospitalized in some cases, so it’s not perfect, but I am certain that mass vaccination has prevented lots of deaths. When I wrote my summary of 2020, 4.9 million people had received one dose of the vaccine. As of December 22nd, 2021, 4.49 billion people have had at least one dose of the vaccine. So that’s great progress.

 

But more needs to be done to get vaccines to less-wealthy countries where the vaccination rates are much lower than they are here. Why? Not just to save their lives; that’s the moral argument, and I’m fine with that. But also because most of the variants of concern have come from less-wealthy countries. And unless air travel completely stops, those variants will all come to Toronto soon after they’re discovered. Oops; I got to talking about COVID again! Well, of course I am; this is the biggest thing since World War Two.

 

Anyway, also in March, Ally embarked on a mini-project to document the rivers buried underneath our neighborhood in Leslieville, and I meanwhile took pictures of the date stamps of some of the manhole covers and sidewalks to see how old they were. One was from 1929! Damn, we’re just fascinating, aren’t we?

 

Also in March, Terrance (our parrot) started having problems with what seemed to be his breathing. We took him to a few vets over what I think were several days… I remember Ally being out with him to the vet once while I was working from home, and looking at his empty cage and getting teary-eyed at the thought of Terrance dying. Fortunately, after a few weeks of medication, he was back to normal. Now he’s 16 years old!

 

The second (and most significant) event of 2021 for me (at least until November) was that on March 24th, I got a bloodtest, and stupidly looked up my results online that night. It’s not a death sentence, but it fucking might as well have been in my mind, for the first few weeks as I tried to make sense of it. It said my fasting blood glucose was 6.5, and the report said that it indicates prediabetes. Great, thought I – I’m destined to have a disease in which a) I can’t have sugar ever again, and b) I have to prick my needle-phobic skin every day. All of those trips to Bulk Barn in which I bought $30 worth of chocolate at a time had caught up with me, not as an overweight 60-something, but as a slim 35-year-old.

 

I didn’t hear from my doctor for close to a month though, and no news is good news when it comes to medical things, but I immediately stopped eating cookies and started looking into the glycemic index and figuring out what life-long staple foods I wouldn’t be able to eat anymore, and what I’d be left with.

 

April:

After I made an unrelated doctor’s appointment in April, the substitute doctor confirmed that I do tentatively have prediabetes. They would test me again in August, but in the meantime, the substitute doctor suggested I start talking to a dietitian, so I did. I woefully overhauled my entire diet over the spring. Gone were:

 

• Gigantic bowls of cereal – my first love and a daily staple for as long as I can remember.

• Cookies – I probably ate a few hundred calories’ worth of cookies on most days.

• Normal pasta (as opposed to whole wheat).

• Pizza

• Chocolate

• Pop

• White bread products (even though I’d already switched to whole grain bread for sandwiches a few years ago, despite being on my Hate List from 2010).

 

Needless to say, I started losing weight, and not because I wanted to. These foods constituted the majority of my diet. My Zoo friends circa 2008 were right – those foods I was eating every day back then (white bread, honey buns, pop, etc.) were bad for me. I knew at the time that they were probably right, and my teeth had been showing evidence ever since I was a kid, but since I never got fat, I just assumed this would happen to me much later in life.

 

I replaced my beloved boxed cereals with porridge; started eating junk chick peas (dried flavoured chickpea snacks), seeds, nuts, and yogurt, and made sure to include protein or “healthy fat” with every carb-based snack or meal. I had to do whatever I could to avoid getting the daily needle prick disease that also happens to have some other shitty effects.

 

I also started jogging [again] that spring. Let’s be clear – I’ve been pretty sedentary my whole life, with some bouts of medium-term exercise in between. I’d only jogged a few times, but I got into the habit of going out for a power walk or jog before working from home on weekday mornings, and eventually got to the point of being able to jog 0.975km without stopping, once. Unfortunately, I actually got worse at jogging as the year went on, and I’m not exactly sure why, but I think it might have to do with a) the summer humidity, and b) the mostly-downhill route I was taking around Greenwood Park in the spring.

 

On April 4th, I bought a Canon EOS IX Lite on eBay for $46 – an APS film SLR! I hadn’t really considered that APS film could be had with SLR technology until more recently, so I figured I could get some great film shots with it in combination with whatever lenses I had that would fit it. Two of them fit, but malheureusement, the pictures were grainier than the ones I took with the Kodak Advantix T500 point-and-shoot camera. Given that APS film is such a rarity, I’ve only used one roll in the EOS IX Lite because the T500 produces better-quality pics, but it could also have been related to the roll of film itself…anyway, it was neat to try, and I’ll try it again.

 

On April 24th, I’d lived in Ontario for 17 years.

 

On April 25th, Ally & I gave the landlord our notice to move out. After 7.5 years, we decided it was time to leave, as the stench of pot smoke from the basement tenants in the shared ventilation system was pissing us off, and the landlord had recently told us he was considering selling the house. We needed the guarantee of a second room for a private work-from-home space…and I knew that once a new landlord took over the house, I’d be kicked out of the second-floor apartment in short order. I was upset the whole weekend and cried about it three times that Sunday (yeah, that’s right; normalize men expressing emotions) while Ally was downstairs working.

 

I had gotten attached to the house, the view of the jungle (as I called it) out the third-floor windows, and the neighborhood itself, down to the routes I walked so often along the main roads for shopping or eating; TTC/walking commuting routes while working at Good Shepherd, and along the side streets that we’d wander on evening walks. We’d arranged a network of local services for us in that area over the years. But as I said to Ally, we had done that neighborhood to death. Our neighbors were dicks, and I was intellectually okay to live somewhere else even if I emotionally didn’t want to. We started looking for new apartments right away, and saw one that night. Whether virtually or in person, we saw 8 apartments within 7 days of giving our notice.

 

May:

On May 1st, Ally got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and then we saw and put a deposit down for a two-bedroom apartment in Etobicoke.

 

Over the next few weeks, we filled my car full of boxes and other stuff and made at least 8 runs over to the new place in advance of the big moving day. We were lucky in that the landlady gave us a key a month before we moved in.

 

Around May 25th, I went to Mom’s house and she gave me a Kodak Retinette film camera that had belonged to Gramp, and was made between 1954 and 1958 – my fourth film camera, but the first that uses 35mm film! As of January 1st, 2022, I still haven’t used it though.

 

At the end of May, I created a 2021 version of my Hate List, and promptly forgot about it. Although there are still a lot of things that grind my gears, I’m a lot less focused on resentments than I was back in 2010 when I wrote the original Hate List. Also, before you make a comment about the existence of a hate list in the first place, you need to see what was on it. It doesn’t target things that people are born with.

 

June:

On Saturday June 5th, we moved to our new apartment. This was the culmination of the third big event that shaped my 2021. After 7 years, 7 months, and 22 days, it was time to leave the *****Haus (a name we didn’t use until the very end, when we needed a name to refer to it as part of our history). It was the last time I’d hear the roar of the GO train or the screeching from the subway yard in the background, or the chirping birds in the tree canopy outside our windows. We loaded up my car and took Terrance over to the new apartment, set him up, then drove back to the house one last time to meet the movers. We were 35 this time and decided to get someone else to do the heavy lifting down two narrow stairways and around tight corners.

 

It was insane how much stuff we had, even in this bigger new apartment. But eventually we sorted it out while listening to Elton John and George Harrison on Ally’s Spotify, and made it liveable. We ate Indian food and ice cream, and rejoiced about never having to see our old neighbors again.

 

Within two days of moving in, I found a new spot for taking pictures. I wanted to retain the habit of going for almost-daily walks, so I familiarized myself with the local streets pretty quickly.

 

On June 16th, I got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

 

I spent most of my non-work time in the summer walking and riding my bike around our new neighborhood, which was more bike-friendly than the old one (Leslieville), even if the biking culture is different here. Less hipsters and more Lance Armstrong types, but at least the cycling infrastructure is better here. We rode to Tom Petty (Sam Smith) Park and east along the Martin Goodman Trail several times, and got to know that easterly trail route pretty well. Don’t get me wrong; Leslieville had some recreational trails nearby, but they were a lot farther away. Now the physically-protected bike trails are much closer.

 

During the first couple of months in our new home, we spent a lot of evenings sitting on the front porch, reading books or eating supper. It was just nice to be able to sit outside on one’s own property (even though we’re tenants) – for the previous 7.5 years, if we wanted to sit outside, free of judgement, we had to go to the park. As the summer went on, we spent less time on the front porch and more time in the back yard. This probably coincided with the upstairs tenants moving out in July; that apartment being vacant for a month, and new tenants moving in in August.

 

July:

On July 3rd, I got the Strava app as a way to map my bike rides. I also set up my drums in the new apartment in July; having thought I probably wouldn’t be able to in the new place since there were actually other tenants in the adjacent units here (we lived with two empty apartments between us and the basement tenants for almost four years at the *****Haus, so drumming there was never much of a concern).

 

August:

On August 1st, we headed to Emily Provincial Park for our second camping adventure together, which brings us to the fourth event that made 2021 significant for me – 2021 was the year of camping for us. It was the first year since 2014 that I didn’t leave the province, but camping was accessible enough for us to go a few times. We paddled along the Pigeon River, did some fishing and drone flying (outside of the park; I’m no scofflaw), and choked on the thick 24-hour campfire smoke – clearly some of the other campers didn’t get the memo that you don’t burn a campfire all day during the summer. But it was a nice trip overall.

 

After camping, I was brought back to working from the office more often, which increased further in September. I was on the fence about it. Working from office mixed up my day a bit, in that it gave me more variety, but it also gave me less time to exercise for diabetes prevention, not to mention putting 70km on my car per day. Which is still an improvement over the 98km per day I was doing when I lived at the *****Haus, but anyway.

 

In August I finally finished posting my honeymoon pictures on Flickr. It took me two and a half years. I was sad to finish that project, because I got to revisit bits and pieces of my honeymoon frequently over two and a half years. Travel for me is a very nostalgic thing, because although I may only spend a handful of days in a new place, I spend months or years posting pictures from it, so really, the trip feels a lot longer to me, which I like.

 

September:

In September, I started posting my Europe 2020 pictures, skipping over my trips from 2018 and 2019 in favor of the more-timely contrast of my Europe pictures, because they were taken just days before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.

 

September was eventful. Ally bought a car around September 8th. I bought a JBL Bluetooth speaker, since the new apartment has these things called “rooms”, in which sound from my computer doesn’t carry as far. It arrived just in time for me to stream some of the ceremonies for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

 

It’s hard to believe 9/11 was 20 years ago, and that there are adults today who hadn’t been born yet on 9/11. But at the same time, it feels like it was 20 years ago, even though I remember images and conversations from that day like it was yesterday. I was a teenager then, just shy of my 16th birthday, living in St. John’s Newfoundland, still in high school, hopelessly single, with dreams of being a rock star (and working toward it, as only a naïve and modestly-talented teenager could). Now I’m 36, live in Toronto, married four years, and have been working as an addiction counsellor for nine years.

 

A few days later, I went for my follow-up bloodtest to either rule out or confirm prediabetes. Unfortunately, it was confirmed. My fasting blood glucose was actually a tiny bit worse, which was a drag because I’d been making so much effort to eat better and get more exercise during the previous six months. But my doctor told me not to be discouraged, so….we’ll see what the next test shows.

 

The next weekend we went camping again; this time to Point Farms Provincial Park for just one night. We concluded that we could go camping frequently if we went to relatively-nearby parks and were willing to go for just one night, to avoid the need to ask for time off work. It was a nice little journey to Lake Huron, which I had never seen (other than its offshoot, Georgian Bay). When we got back home, we decided to book another one-night camping trip.

 

For the federal election, I voted by mail like a communist. Just kidding; communist countries don’t have legitimate elections. We live in a democracy, but you don’t have unlimited rights to personal liberty. Canada isn’t America, and never was. Get used to it, snowflake.

 

On September 25th, I went for my longest-ever bike ride — 31km! My legs were shot by the end of it, but I was happy with myself.

 

October:

On October 2nd, we went camping for a third time; this time for a one-nighter in Algonquin Park, at the Canisbay Lake campground. Yes, one night is not much time for a trip to Algonquin, but I can’t stress how much of a pain in the ass it is to have to request time off work, especially in my job, where there are certain days each month that I can’t take off. My previous employer was very fast at approving such requests, but my current one is not. On this trip, we got rained out. But we did see a moose about 50 feet in front of us on the trail! And it was very scenic with all the deciduous tree leaves in bright fall colors.

 

On October 9th, I bought an iPad and put the old 2010 MacBook Pro into full retirement. It’s not dead yet, but it was time to get a device that I could consistently use to browse the internet, after the MBP kept being useless due to an erroneous clock/date error that I couldn’t fix.

 

On October 14th, I had my first colonoscopy. Yes, you needed to know that. This was the fifth event that made 2021 significant for me. The prep actually wasn’t too bad. I hardly felt hungry on the all-liquid diet the day before. But I opted to do the procedure without sedation, because being put to sleep is my second biggest fear (behind death itself). Let me just say that if you haven’t had a colonoscopy before…when it’s time, get the sedation. It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life, like someone jabbing my stomach from the inside with a baseball bat. It felt like the kind of torture they might apply to extract information from an inmate at Guantanamo Bay.

 

But I was able to walk out of the clinic and go about my day without any assistance, so at least there was that!

 

After that, I was back to working from home 3 days a week, which I was fine with and which continued for most weeks until the end of the year.

 

If there was a theme to October itself, it was Ally’s mural project. We spent every weekend in October (except the camping weekend) plus a few weekday evenings painting a whale mural on a garage door near the Junction. A woman had seen Ally’s Bell Box mural from 2019 and commissioned a similar design. It was a nice way to spend time together, in spite of the alleyway channeling the cold wind like it was the Scarborough Town Centre bus terminal. If you look at the photo of the mural above, @creating_to_be_whole is Ally’s Instagram account.

 

November:

Ally and I got our flu shots on November 2nd. Never before had I been so gung-ho to get a flu shot.

 

On November 6th, a day that will live in infamy, I went to Mom’s house for a masked visit. We took Penny for a walk to Centennial Park and talked about prediabetes, and then went back and talked about various things in her living room. Elliot came over and joined the conversation. Then I drove home and got stuck in traffic on Lake Shore Blvd at Cherry Street, as they had demolished the onramp to the Gardiner near Logan Ave in September, and Lake Shore was down from three lanes to one, without sufficient signage. When I got home and parked in the driveway, I took a picture from inside my car of a person riding by on a bicycle with the sunset in the background, not knowing it was the last picture I would take before my world changed. I was going to go inside and tell Ally that I got stuck in traffic, which is why I took so long getting home.

 

Ally was standing in the kitchen, and she told me “I think I’m pregnant!”

 

Holy fuck!

 

* * * * *

 

This was the sixth event that made 2021 significant for me, and turned everything else on its head. For the first several days, I was pretty concerned. We’re doing okay, but we aren’t part of the wealthy Toronto homeowner class. How am I going to be able to afford a kid?!?

 

We both asked a lot of questions of ourselves and each other, but by the second half of November, we eventually settled on “If we have this opportunity to have a kid and we decide not to, we would probably regret it in the long run.”

 

So, most of November was spent deliberating about what we were going to do, all while not allowing ourselves to get advice from anyone else because we didn’t want to tell anyone else (other than Ally’s doctor) quite yet.

 

December:

On December 5th, we told our parents. They were over the moon!

 

I had the weeks of December 13th and 20th off work, so I recorded a bit of music and did some more walking, which was limited by the prevalence of ice on the sidewalks earlier in the month.

 

On December 16th, I went with Ally to get her second ultrasound. I heard the baby’s heartbeat and we got a printed picture, in which it definitely looked like a baby this time.

 

We went up to Dad’s house for a pre-Christmas visit on December 19th, knowing that we probably wouldn’t visit on Christmas Day now. I booked my COVID booster shot for February 1st once the government released the hounds, I mean appointments. Then I got word of another place with earlier appointments and I booked one for January 15th, and later found an even earlier appointment for December 30th. In fact, if there was a seventh theme for 2021 for me, it was the year of needles, which is significant because I fucking hate needles as I mentioned earlier:

 

• On March 20th I got my first dose of the COVID vaccine (Pfizer).

• On March 24th I got bloodwork.

• On June 16th I got my second dose of the COVID vaccine (Pfizer).

• On September 13th I got bloodwork.

• On October 14th I got two finger pricks to test my blood sugar before and after the colonoscopy (thankfully those were only 5.6, but I had been on a liquid diet).

• On November 2nd I got my flu shot.

• On December 22nd I got my tetanus/pertussis/diphtheria booster shot.

• And on December 30th I got third dose of the COVID vaccine; Moderna this time.

 

The Omicron variant had made its way to Ontario by early December, and by December 23rd the daily count of new COVID cases had broken the record set in April; over 5,000 (on December 31st, it was 16,713 cases). We decided that week that we were not going anywhere for Christmas this year. Not worth the risk.

 

On Christmas Day, Ally and I had a leisurely morning and opened our presents around 11:00am. We went for an afternoon walk, FaceTimed with my family who were at Dad’s house in the afternoon, and ate leftover lasagna for supper. A very low-risk Christmas for us. On Boxing Day, we took and posted a picture of us with the second ultrasound picture of our future child and Terrance photoshopped onto my shoulder. The likes and comments started pouring in! A lot of people were happy for us! Later that day, Ally recorded vocals and I recorded an intro guitar part for “Mr. Tambourine Man”, finishing our rendition of The Byrds’ version of the Bob Dylan classic.

 

Indeed, if there was an eighth theme of 2021 for me, it’s that I recorded more music in 2021 than in any previous year (except 2011, when I made more recordings of Adam & Evil songs). I also sang on at least three of them, which is a big step for me. I collaborated with Ally, Dad, Terrance, and the ambient sounds of Leslieville on some tracks, and made 48 recordings overall in 2021 (although I’m counting unfinished versions).

 

I did very little painting in 2021; just a couple of cards I think, but I did buy Procreate (how fitting, amirite) for iPad in December.

 

I was more active on Flickr in 2021. I posted 211 photos/videos in 2021, whereas I posted 103 in 2020, and only 62 in 2019 for comparison.

 

TV shows gotten into/watched/finished:

• The Beatles Get Back

• That’s it! With no Mandalorian or The Crown until 2022, 2021 was a minimal year for TV.

 

Memes/Instagram accounts I liked:

• Anakin and Padme in a field – so many possibilities!

• Middle Class Fancy/Rand & Nance - #relatable as a middle-class person.

• Townie Memes – this reminds me of my homeland.

• BlahTO – a spot-on satire of BlogTO.

• Jenny-Jinya – this account is a tear-jerker if you have pets.

 

Books read:

1. Finished A Promised Land by Barack Obama

2. Tried reading The Bedside Book of Birds by Graeme Gibson, but it involved a lot of bird abuse stories.

3. Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld

4. Face The Music: A Life Exposed by Paul Stanley

5. A Journey Across the Island of Newfoundland in 1822 By W. E. Cormack

6. The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King

7. Almost Feral by Gemma Hickey

8. Son of a Critch by Mark Critch

9. Started Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari

10. Started You’re going to be a dad!

 

A few songs I got into:

• “Two of Us” and “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles

• “Saving Ourselves for Marriage” by Anal Cunt

• “Tomorrow” and “Under The Gun” by KISS

• “Living in Lightning” by City and Colour

 

I haven’t seen a movie in a theater since “The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019. I haven’t been to an indoor family meal since Christmas 2019. I haven’t eaten in a restaurant since March of 2020. Lots of people have taken a different approach, but this approach is what’s worked for me so far. We will get through this pandemic…remember, this isn’t just a hard year – as I said above, this is the biggest event to strike humanity since World War Two. Of course it’s hard. Of course we’re fed up with it. I’ve been lucky since my job is protected as being essential, and so I haven’t been on the rollercoaster of open/close, income/no income that some of you have experienced. I’ve also been lucky in that while I’m an essential worker, I’m not required to work with people who are known to have COVID, like hospital workers are. Those are the people I feel for. For them, this might as well be World War Three.

 

But clearly the virus isn’t done with us yet. No one person has the power to stop it, but collective action goes a long way.

 

Hang in there, and thanks for reading! Happy New Year!

 

Sources:

ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations

www.cbc.ca/news/world/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-de...

   

2022: A Year Unlike Any Other

By Andrew J. Karagianis

January 2, 2023

 

You know how there are some years where you just plod along and nothing really happens out of the ordinary, whereas there are other years where you experience something huge and life-changing?

 

My headline story of 2022 is that it’s the year in which I became a father. Definitely life-changing! The year was pretty evenly split into Ally being pregnant for the first half, and our baby’s first almost-six-months in the second half. But, because it’s me, you’re going to get all the minutiae of 2022, and not just a one-paragraph summary. Someone suggested years ago that I try to write a TL;DR version, but that’s not my style. I am a creator, not just a consumer. Plus, now that I have a kid, there’s someone who may be genuinely interested in reading about the details, many years from now.

 

So in light of that, I think it’s no longer appropriate to call this a summary of 2022, but rather, it’s my story of 2022.

 

Ally and I rang in the new year in bed – Get your mind out of the gutter! We had watched a show about Betty White (who died earlier that day), read our books, and went to sleep, only to be awoken by fireworks later.

 

The first song I listened to in 2022 was “You Said It All” by Ozzy Osbourne.

 

I was given the order to work exclusively from home again on January 7th to start January 10th, although it was an internal order rather than a provincial mandate this time. Fine by me!

 

In early January, I started typing a document to my as-yet-unborn child, documenting who their family members were – particularly those who have already died, since knowledge of their lives is fading, as they had the misfortune (or good fortune?) to have lived their lives before the age of the Internet.

 

On the week of January 19th, a local rabbit took up residence in our back yard. I would see him outside sitting by the shed during the day whilst working from home. After a week or two, I noticed I hadn’t seen him for several days, so that was that. Maybe he got evicted from his hole in the ground.

 

Also in January, I started typing a retrospective trip journal for my Europe 2008 trip, because I love writing trip journals but hadn’t started writing them yet back in 2008. In so doing, I realized there were parts of that trip that I didn’t really remember or have photo evidence for, so I got the idea to try to find the Europe 2008 pics that didn’t make it to Flickr in an attempt to fill in the blanks. I got my old 2003 eMac from storage on January 23rd, and fired it up on January 30th. It worked perfectly fine, but I discovered that I had deleted the vast majority of my pictures from that computer several years earlier (I hadn’t even turned the eMac on since 2013). I did find a few salvageable Europe 2008 pics on it, though, so that means it wasn’t a complete dead end. I transferred a handful of them to my red external hard drive via my blue 16GB USB key, and started posting them in a new album on Flickr on January 31st. I also decided I’d go back to the storage unit, because I knew I had also saved those pictures onto CDs (it was the late 2000s, remember). On February 5th, I got them, and started transferring them from the CDs to a USB key via my MacBookPro (which also still works), then plugged the USB key into my iMac, to transfer straight to my red external hard drive. I found lots of pics that I had no memory of taking, so it was neat to see those because it was like they were from a completely different trip. And to my delight, lots of the pics on the CDs were good enough to post online! I posted 26 to Flickr before I got back on track with posting my Europe 2020 pictures.

 

Ally got another ultrasound on January 31st, and she found out the baby’s permanent gender identity. We had talked about not finding out until the baby was born, but I guess curiosity got the better of her. The next day, I cracked, and Ally told me it looks like we’d be having a girl!

 

I’m going to take a few paragraphs to talk about external events now, because the winter of 2022 was pretty bad in that regard, if you recall. From late January into February, libertarian terrorists from the Flu Trux Klan and funded largely by American supporters held Ottawa hostage, in one of the biggest national embarrassments of my lifetime, protesting mandates that were largely Provincial (not Federal) in nature, and meant to save their lives. Remember, lives > jobs. Thankfully, peace, order, and good government prevailed over the American-style mentality of “give me liberty and give them death.”

 

Then within days of the Freedumb Convoy protestors being cleared out, Vladputeen decided to invade Ukraine, wreaking havoc on the global food supply and on my investments, which dropped in value by almost 20% this year. As of today, it still hasn’t escalated to nuclear war, which is remarkable, but I guess time will tell how that plays out.

 

And of course, the Omicron variant continued to rage across the planet, as governments (in Canada at least) gave up on mandates for fear of another armed trucker protest. Thankfully Omicron disease was less lethal than 2021’s Delta variant, but maybe that’s also because so many people have been vaccinated now.

 

Speaking of COVID-19, as I type this, it’s been nearly three years since this whole fiasco began. Remember how at the very end of December 2019, or in the early days of January 2020, you first heard the word “coronavirus”? Yeah. I still haven’t gone to a movie in a theater since December of 2019, or eaten indoors in a restaurant since March of 2020, or taken the TTC since June of 2020. But I did eat at my first family meal since 2019 on Thanksgiving this year, so that was an important step for me. That’s how long it took for me to feel moderately safe taking my mask off around other people who weren’t my wife and child. Remember folks, the virus doesn’t care if you’re family; the virus just sees another human and thinks “Mmm, fresh meat!”

 

Anyway, back to the personal stuff!

 

Throughout the winter, I lifted weights at home as an alternative to walking on the icy sidewalks.

 

In early March, Terrance had a fall and we took him to the vet. He was okay.

 

On March 23rd, we were awoken to the sound of two douchebags breaking into our shed and trying to steal stuff during a pissing rainstorm. Ally yelled at them through the window while I went outside to the front and saw them casually walk away empty-handed.

 

On March 26th, I went planespotting for the first time in an hwhile. On March 28th, I found out that my prediabetes had improved significantly, which I was very happy about. My fasting blood glucose went from 6.6 in September 2021 down to 6.1 in March 2022.

 

… Only to be overshadowed by finding out a few days later that I might have high blood pressure. That worried me throughout April as I kept getting worse results at the pharmacy machines. I got a few readings at my doctor’s office (as high as 161/97), and she referred me to a cardiologist to do some testing first.

 

On April 17th, I started shooting another roll of APS film for the first time since September 2021. It turned out awful. Every picture was blue, or as someone else put it, only the cyan showed up. In spite of this discouraging result, you could tell that the lens was doing its job perfectly well, and so I tried again. I almost became obsessed with APS film in the spring and I even had a dream about it. In fact, 2022 would be the year of film for me. Even though I got back into film photography in 2020, it really took off in 2022. I shot 20 rolls in 2022, and am on roll # 21 right now. That’s far more than I shot in any previous year, and it’s almost as many rolls as I shot during my entire childhood and youth. I also joined a Facebook group for APS film.

 

Sometime around April 20th, I planted a seed from Terrance’s seed mix, and within a few days it had sprouted and started growing quickly. Wanting to keep it safe from tree rats, I put it outside in a big planter and covered it with chicken wire. Over the summer it turned into a long pumpkin vine with nice yellow flowers, but the neighborhood vermin kept biting them off (the flowers on the vine that extended beyond the chicken wire).

 

On May 4th, Ally and I started a 5-week online parenting class hosted by a nurse from St. Joseph’s Hospital. I think I remember the nurse’s mannerisms and way of speaking more than I remember the content of the class, but we met some other first-time-parents-to-be on that class, and swapped Instagram usernames (yes, usernames) with each other.

 

On Monday May 9th, I went to the cardiology clinic to do an echocardiogram and an EKG, and then got my blood pressure checked and it was 111/71! So that was baffling, but good news. Then they hooked up a Holter monitor and I went home to wear it for three days, during which time I couldn’t get a shower. The Holter monitor was pretty painless, but by Tuesday day my chest started itching, as the tech had to shave parts of it in order to stick the electrodes on. I ripped it all off on Thursday morning at the designated time, and had a nice shower that evening right after work-from-home.

 

In mid-May, I first heard the term “Monkeypox”, and how it had been found in Canada, and how we had been told not to panic. Ugh, not again!

 

Thankfully, monkeypox didn’t seem to take off (in the media at least) to anywhere close to the same degree that COVID-19 did. Obviously a lot of people have gotten it, but I don’t personally know any of them, unlike COVID.

 

On May 22nd, I shot my first-ever roll of 35mm film. Yes, ten years shooting film as a kid/teenager and two years shooting it as an adult, and not once had I used the most-popular format. Until now. I carefully popped and wound a roll of Fujifilm into my grandfather’s old Kodak Retinette camera (which I later found out was probably made in 1957), and tried out this ancient technology. It turned out better than I expected, so that was encouraging. I joined a Facebook group dedicated to Kodak Retina and Retinette cameras.

 

Throughout the spring, Ally would regularly put my hand on her belly and I would feel the baby kicking or moving around. By May or June, I could feel more-distinct parts; perhaps a foot or a knee.

 

On May 28th (my 5th wedding anniversary; hard to believe it’s been 5 years already!), I went to Mom’s house for her 60th birthday party. Elliot ordered an ice cream truck and I got lots of pictures, so that was a good time.

 

Throughout May and June, I continued working, taking film pics, and going on bike rides as we awaited the arrival of our bébé. On June 15th, I bought a Canon EOS Elan IIe 35mm film SLR on eBay for $70. I liked the Retinette, but the lens isn’t connected to the viewfinder, so getting the right focus distance involves making your best guess. When it works out, it looks great, but it doesn’t always work out. So I got a film SLR that I could use my detachable lenses with.

 

On I believe June 12th, I met Rob Chew from Flickr; we walked around Roncesvalles and I took the Retinette for that outing.

 

Not wanting to take any chances getting stuck in traffic 30km from home when Ally’s water broke, I decided to take my parental leave at the start of her 39th week. On my first day of parental leave, we went to the Zoo for the first time since 2016. I saw Andrew and Jay, and got some good APS film pics, but we only got to see Indo, Africa and Savannah, as it would have been too much walking for Ally to visit my old slacking grounds of Eurasia.

 

On June 23rd, I started a public Instagram account for my film pics -- @36filmpics.

 

Ally’s due date came and went, but still no bébé. We went on walks, and she did exercises, and went to midwife appointments, but still no bébé. It was decided that she would be induced. On the morning of Saturday July 2nd, I took my last photo of Ally with her belly visible, a week past her due date, with my little old Kodak Advantix T500 APS film camera. We went to St. Joe’s that evening, and Ally had a Foley catheter installed (yes, Ally reviewed and approved this story before I posted it). We went home at 12:12am.

 

On Sunday July 3rd, we got up before 6:15am and got to the hospital at 8:06am; the longest day of Ally’s life (her words). And I documented everything! We were brought to the birthing room just before 9:00am. A doctor broke Ally’s water at 9:49am, and started her on oxytocin at 10:29am. Ally’s contractions were getting more frequent by 12:40pm, but by mid-afternoon she was in more pain. Around 4:30pm she said she felt like pushing, but the anesthesiologist wasn’t available to give an epidural until around 5:50pm. At 10:10pm, Ally was fully dilated, and a nurse said we’d talk about pushing in an hour or two, so we tried to sleep a bit. We woke up at 11:53pm.

 

Ally started pushing at midnight, and I have never seen her strain like that before. Her face was beet-red, her eyes were squeezed shut, and I felt so bad for her. After an hour being assisted by me, a nurse and the midwives, the doctor came back and determined that the baby’s head was still not engaged, so Ally would have to have a c-section. It was not what Ally wanted to hear, but she was brave. They wheeled her into the OR around 1:23am while the midwives took me to get suited up into scrubs. I waited in the hall for about 20 minutes with my camera (digital this time; I couldn’t take any chances with film in a moment like this), and then the midwife student brought me into the OR and around the table, and I sat on a metal stool near Ally’s head. She was awake, so I held her hand. Barely two minutes after I sat down, the midwife told me to get my camera ready. On cue, I stood up and took two pictures of our baby, only about ten seconds old, covered in blood, screaming, and very much alive.

 

Rae was born at 1:54am on Monday July 4th, 2022, nine days after her due date. At that moment, I became a father, and we love her more than she will ever know.

 

A pediatrician and respiratory therapist roughly massaged and patted Rae to get the lung fluids out on a table nearby (which happens with c-section babies), while Ally looked over and I took a few pictures. Then the midwife brought Rae over to rest on Ally’s chest and took a few pictures of us while the doctors repaired Ally’s body.

 

The midwives led me out of the OR after less than ten minutes while the doctors finished patching Ally up. I went to a recovery room and took off my shirt, and the midwives put Rae on my chest. She immediately started rooting toward my nipple, but I told her she wouldn’t get much there. A few minutes later, Ally was hwheeled in on a bed and held Rae to breastfeed her for the first time. Ally looked exhausted, but completely natural at being a mother.

 

So many things happened that day that it’s sort of a blur. Due to my work benefits, we got a private room, which we were grateful for. I finally got ready for bed around 4:10am. We hardly slept at all that first night, but it’s all worth it, for the little girl that we now have in our lives.

 

Rae had jaundice, so we had to stay in the hospital a bit longer than expected. After two and a half days full of feeding, crying, and napping, we were given the go-ahead to go home at 8:04am on Wednesday July 6th. But it was delayed when the nurse found out that Ally needed to see an obstetrician first. That didn’t happen, but she was given a prescription, so we packed up the rest of our things and left the hospital with Rae in the car seat around noon.

 

I spent the next month and a half with Ally, getting to know our baby together and figuring out how to be parents. I took 8 weeks off work for parental leave (the maximum that EI would pay for), so we went on a lot of walks and spent a lot of time outside this summer. We went to the Centennial Park Conservatory; the Beltline Trail; Sam Smith Park; the Humber River Recreational Trail; and I took Rae on a walk around Leslieville and Little India (our old stomping grounds) one afternoon while Ally went to the dentist.

 

On July 20th, Ally and I got our 4th COVID-19 vaccines. This time, I felt like crap the next day, but I was back to normal the following day.

 

On August 2nd, we took Rae on her first roadtrip/overnight trip, to Spring Lake Resort just outside Algonquin [Provincial] Park. Ally and I had gone there in 2018 and thought it’d be a safe place as far as COVID was concerned, as there were no shared indoor hallways (it’s a multi-storey motel). We went into Algonquin and Arrowhead Provincial Parks and I got some nice film pics, and we took Rae on her first ride in a canoe. I also found out on that trip that Good Shepherd was looking for a GACW again, as Akua had left. I guess I was right in my assumption back in 2020 that they wouldn’t find funding to hire me back as a GACW, but they must have had enough funding to keep Akua going. I declined to apply, because the external circumstances that made the GACW job a good job in the past were largely gone. I didn’t live nearby anymore; the pandemic still exists, and so on. During that trip, I found out that my Canon EOS IX Lite APS SLR camera had stopped working, so that pissed me off. I bought a new one in October, and by “new” I mean “new used”, since those cameras haven’t been made since 2001.

 

On August 13th, I went up to Vicki’s cottage for Dad’s 60th birthday party, and the following weekend I went to Wasaga Beach for a Shaka Wasaga tiki bar cruise, also for Dad’s birthday.

 

On August 15th, I went back to work. I found out that while I was away, 7 coworkers had ceased to work at the organization, and another full-timer took a job somewhere else and went down to relief. But I thankfully didn’t come back to a shitshow in terms of workload. Nobody was calling angrily or asking WTF was going on with their referral, although there was a backlog of referrals. Most of the actual waitlist was made up of guys who I’d interviewed prior to my parental leave; only about 8 guys had been interviewed while I was away. But I guess that shows how irreplaceable I was, right? Right!

 

At some point in the summer, I gave my old Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera to Heather, as Matt wanted it.

 

On August 27th, I went to ServiceOntario and downgraded my F licence to a G licence rather than do the written test again. After almost ten years, it wasn’t needed anymore – my employer got rid of the bus while I was on parental leave. I decided that I won’t be taking any more jobs in the future that require driving, as it’s too much of a liability.

 

On September 4th, I was out for a walk with Rae by myself, and sat down on a bench to feed her a bottle of formula. A woman of about 50 and presumably her teenage daughter stopped, looked at me, and said “God bless you, sir!” I went home and told Ally about how that’s all I had to do, as a man, to receive praise from a random stranger about my parenting skills. As much as I complain about some aspects of parenting, I do realize that Ally does the vast majority of the work. But I spend 40 hours a week at my job (plus about 8 hours a week commuting), so that’s the trade-off, as neither of us can do it all.

 

Ally got me what will probably be our last cake from Hype Food Co. for my birthday (as the company is moving to Quebec). I took my 37th birthday off work and we went on our second overnight roadtrip with Rae; this time to go to a few places around Lake Erie. We went to Turkey Point Provincial Park and walked a trail and sat on the beach. Being mid-September, there were hardly any other people there, but the flies were biting and there were wasps aplenty…perhaps that’s part of the reason why. The next day, we went to the Long Point Bird Observatory and Long Point Provincial Park. I got frustrated with Rae, and sat on the beach with Ally after going for a walk by myself, talking about the challenges of parenting that I wasn’t ready for. In my life in general, I take steps to prevent problems from happening, every day, with pretty much every decision, but with Rae, it felt like I wasn’t able to do that. I felt ineffective.

 

On September 20th, as I was stuck in another traffic jam on the way to work, I sat in a mostly-silent rage about my reputation being affected by other people’s fuck-ups (i.e., me being late for work because of other people’s car accidents). As I sat in my car eating lunch later that day, I e-mailed a therapy organization and said I need help dealing with stress. They got back to me that afternoon and that evening I spoke to a therapist. I spoke to another the next day, and decided to start working with her. The idea is to learn how to better prevent and deal with stress so I can be a good role model for Rae.

 

On September 22nd, I took the GO train to work for the first time ever, after being repeatedly made late for work due to the aforementioned traffic jams. I ended up taking the train to/from work 6 or 7 times in the fall, and it was a good idea. I got way more exercise on those days; I could read my book; I didn’t have to worry about liability (the main thing motivating me to take transit); and I didn’t catch COVID, either (which was the main thing keeping me from taking transit). However, at $16/day, I can’t justify taking the GO train every day. It only costs $4/day in gas, and driving saves me about an hour each day. So unfortunately, transit will remain an occasional thing, done for health benefits rather than saving time or money.

 

Around the same date, I found out we had our first client COVID cases and COVID outbreak at work – remarkably, it didn’t happen until two and a half years into the pandemic. They isolated the clients and it didn’t spread out of control, so that was fortunate. As much as I’m often on edge about people not taking the still-existing pandemic seriously enough anymore, my workplace has been very effective (and/or lucky) in keeping it under control thus far.

 

On November 6th, Ally and I got our flu shots. On November 15th, I got an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, to wear for 24 hours and figure out what’s really going on with my blood pressure. Turns out my daytime readings were okay, but my nighttime readings were a little high, so the cardiologist told me to eat less salt. He also said he’d arrange a sleep study to look into sleep apnea. If it’s not one thing, it’s something else!

 

Work really slowed down in the second half of November, as we knew we weren’t admitting any more men to treatment for a few months due to the staffing shortage. It was nice to catch my breath and allow my heart rate to slow down – and that’s no joke; my Fitbit graph shows a clear and persistent decrease since that time, compared to the previous two months where it was go-go-go all the time. On December 14th, I passed the ten-year mark with that organization. I didn’t get a card this time, though.

 

In late November, in another act of nostalgia, I moved aside the storage locker door and resurrected my very first camera; a Kodak Star 110, given to me by Granny and Grandad for Christmas of probably 1994. Why? More like “Why not?” I hadn’t used that camera in about 23 years. I shot a roll between November 28th and December 17th, and am waiting for it to come back from West Camera. ‘pparently 110 film is even more troublesome than APS film to develop, so I was told to expect a two-week wait for scans.

 

The only problem with all this film photography in 2022 is that it’s very expensive, especially considering I have a perfectly-good DSLR that takes better-quality photos on a huge memory card that I only had to buy once. Each roll of film costs between $9-$17 to buy, and about $13 to develop. So it hasn’t been a cheap year in terms of photography, but I have to say, shooting film has been a challenge I’ve enjoyed.

 

On December 18th, we put Rae in the crib to sleep at night for the first time, finishing her time sleeping in the bassinette in the bedroom with us for her first five-and-a-half months. It’s been more difficult for Ally and I because now we have to walk to another room to tend to Rae when she wakes up, but she had reached a milestone as far as the bassinette manufacturer’s instructions were concerned, so…safety first! Ally and I were sad about that change. Ally had said around November that she doesn’t want the bébé to grow up, and I felt the same way. It seems like yesterday that Rae’s head easily fit in the palm of my hand, and now she’s almost 18 pounds. She sits up in her high chair and eats pulverized vegetable slop a few times a day now. Pretty soon she’ll be walking, having temper tantrums in the grocery store, asking to borrow my car, and paying from her six-figure income for me to move into a reputable retirement home. Dad told me this summer that kids grow up in the blink of an eye, and these first almost-six-months have flown by indeed. On December 28th, we packed up the bassinette and brought it back to Gill, from whom we borrowed it.

 

I’ve learned lots of things about babies this year, having had no experience with babies since my sister was born in 1992, when I was a kid myself. For example:

 

•Babies will be laughing one second; freaking out the next (this was our motto for Rae for the first few months. Call me a jerk, but we needed humor).

•Babies will fuss and whine while you’re satiating their basic need for food or milk. They don’t understand cause-and-effect yet.

•Babies will wake up before the sun and not go back to sleep, which is okay during the workweek when I also get up before the sun, but they do it on weekends, too.

•Sometimes a car ride will make them fall asleep, and sometimes a car ride will make them scream bloody murder.

•Sometimes nothing works to calm an upset baby, whereas other times it’s easy to placate them simply by lifting them up in the air like Rafiki in the Lion King, except facing you, the baby-holder.

 

But for now, I’m 37, and she’s still a baby. So I’ll enjoy this time with her, before she starts telling me to fuck off and that I don’t understand, or before she starts using words out of context like “mid”, “vibe”, or “mood”. Of course, by the time she’s a teenager, those improperly-used words, like their Gen-Z proponents, will be cheugy.

 

Anyway, here we are at the beginning of 2023. Although the pandemic is not over, I have a wife and a baby and a job and a roof over my head. I’ve already set up an RESP for Rae (because science knows how much a postsecondary education will cost by the time she’s 18 – either it’ll be free, or it’ll be a million dollars). And although my health has started showing some cracks in the last few years that shouldn’t have become visible in my 30s and considering my body weight, at least they were identified early enough to make changes and incorporate them into my lifestyle before it’s too late. Let’s finish off this year’s summary with a few lists, shall we?

 

Books read in 2022 (in order):

1.Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari (finished in 2022)

2.With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge (if you’ve watched The Pacific, Eugene Sledge is the solider portrayed by Joseph Mazzello, a.k.a. Tim from Jurassic Park).

3.Talking to Canadians by Rick Mercer

4.You’re Going to be a Dad! By Daddilife Books

5.Canada’s Baby Care Book by Drs. Friedman & Saunders/The Hospital for Sick Children (perhaps if I had finished this book, I would better know how to take care of Rae).

6.The Underground Railroad: Authentic Narratives and First-Hand Accounts by William Still.

7.Confess by Rob Halford (the book I enjoyed most in 2022)

8.21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

9.How to Prevent the Next Pandemic by Bill Gates

10.An Embarrassment of Critch’s by Mark Critch

11.Son of Hitler by Del Col/Moore/McComsey/McClelland

12.The Bullet: Stories from the Newfoundland Railway by Robert Hunt (started)

 

Indeed, 2022 was just as much a Newfoundland renaissance year for me as any previous year, even though it’s now been five years since I’ve been back, and seven years since I’ve been back to St. John’s. But with three Newfoundland[er] books; a Newfoundland-based TV show; four Simani songs and four Great Big Sea songs purchased, I think that counts.

 

TV shows watched in 2022:

•Son of a Critch

•Lincoln’s Dilemma

•The Boba Fett Show

•The Obi-Wan Kenobi Show (probably my favorite show of 2022)

•The G Word with Adam Conover (some of it, anyway)

•The Kids In The Hall Revival Show

•Our Great National Parks (narrated by my man-crush, Barack Obama)

•The first few seasons of Seinfeld again

•The Crown Season 5

•The Harry & Meghan Ruin Everything Show

 

A sample of songs I got into in 2022:

•“Bad Boy (Razor Ramon)” and “Snake Bit (Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts)” by Jim Johnston

•“Turbo Lover” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” by Judas Priest

•“Catfish’s Maw” and “Face Shrine” from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

•“The Rock Show” and “Try, Try, Try” by Rockabye Baby!

•“Santa’s a Bayman Like Us” by Shanneyganock

•“Step Into Christmas” by Elton John

•“If Not For You” by George Harrison

•“Head First” by Home

•“Mining Melancholy” from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

 

I went through a bit of a Queen revival in the summer. I bought Ozzy’s new album (Patient Number 9) and the Chili Peppers new album (Unlimited Love), but I wasn’t impressed with either. The songwriting just wasn’t there in Ozzy’s album. The songwriting on the Chili Peppers album was okay, and it was nice to hear John Frusciante back with them, but there weren’t any songs on it that I loved.

 

I hardly recorded any music in 2022, especially compared to 2021. I didn’t record any original songs; just a drum solo, some birds out the window; a few attempts to get Terrance and Rae to vocalize; a part of a cover song that Ally and I were working on, and an interview with Nanny in which I forgot to record the first half (whoops!).

 

I was a bit less active on Flickr this year (184 photos/videos posted) vs. last year (211 posted), but that’s still quite a lot. The reason I couldn’t post as often in 2022 is because Rae and Ally were sleeping in the bedroom (which is also my computer room) in the mornings while I was getting ready for work, and I tended not to use the computer after work, so I was really only posting pics on weekends from mid-August to mid-December.

 

Favorite things in 2022 not otherwise specified:

•Store: West Camera

•Snack food: Yogurt mixed with low-sugar ice cream, frozen berries, cinnamon and peanuts.

•Health: Finding out my fasting blood glucose had improved since last year.

•People: Seeing my baby daughter smile at me.

•Work: The afternoon commute occasionally being faster than usual for no apparent reason.

•Quotes:

----“Yeah, that’s right”/”It’s gonna be rough” – David Puddy;

----“Here I am” – Steve Bridges as George W. Bush;

----“I’m terribly sorry I’m dressed as a tree…shall we get unhappily married?” “I don’t want to marry you; I hate you; yes.” – Princess Diana and Prince Charles as portrayed by Kieran Hodgson;

----Saying “Take the piss” when I mean “Take a piss”.

•Politics: The local Big Development city councillor being ousted and replaced by a woman of color, who surprisingly got elected in Ford Nation.

•Travel: Actually being able to go on two multi-day trips with a newborn baby, even if they were frustrating at times and I haven’t left the province in almost three years.

 

And there you have it! Tune in again next year for my Story of 2023!

 

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Friendly Diabetes Breakfast Blueberry Buckwheat Pancake | Diabetes Recipes | Diabetes Breakfast

Light, fluffy, with chunks of banana and juicy blueberries, these pancakes taste so good they can be delighted in plain. Be sure to use raw buckwheat groats (and not toasted buckwheat Kasha) as the ...

 

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After going into a few pubs and being confused about whether to seat myself or wait to be seated, I found a place called the Old Star, with instructions written in chalk above the bar -- helpful for a guy who never goes to bars! I sat down by the window and had a cheeseburger and fries while watching stuff about the coronavirus and the Heathrow runway expansion on the TV.

 

Remember, at this point, the coronavirus was expanding in Europe and everyone was aware of it, but it hadn't been declared a pandemic yet. The disease itself had been named "COVID-19", but I think by that point we were generally still calling it "coronavirus".

___________

IMG_6318ps

Today in 2021, Diabetes or high blood sugar, has become a common issue in every family.

Even without making a lot of efforts, we can manage diabetes, if we accept that it can be treated quickly with medication, diet and exercise.

There is a phase before we actually are diabetic (called as prediabetes). Starting medications along with diet management and increased level of activity in this phase, can really delay any complications for 30 to 40 years.

Every drug company is making medicines for diabetes and now there are 13 groups of excellent medications available. This book briefly discusses all the groups of diabetic medicines. Together they can really keep us stay very healthy and away from complications.

Face the reality and take necessary action today! Last but not the least, we really must connect with our doctor and a dietician and seek counselling/medical advise.

 

Our ADD15 is a series of medical books to spread medical health awareness to enhance a healthy life.

It has written in multiple languages and three different formats (E Book, Audio, video formats) in

very simple words.

 

Author

 

(Prof.) Dr. S. Om Goel, MD/DM From family

of doctors from AIIMS, MAMC Delhi University

MD Medicine, USA DM/Fellowship, USA

For more information visit our website: www.add15years.in/

Stem cell therapy is an advanced and beneficial treatment for diabetes, numerous patients with diabetes have shown noticeable improvement, long-time remission and were able to enjoy a high quality of life after the therapy in SQ1 stem cell medical center.

 

The Beneficial Effects Of Stem Cell Therapy On Diabetes

 

Stem cell therapy can improve pancreatic islets function, hepatic glucose, and lipid metabolism while lowering blood sugar.

 

Clinical research and applications have shown that through stem cell therapy, about 65% of the patients are no longer dependent on insulin or oral drug to treat diabetes, and over 90% of patients reported reduced a dosage of insulin or oral drug or changed from insulin injection to oral drug. Collectively, stem cell therapy greatly diminished the onset and development of diabetes complications.

 

The era of clinical stem cell therapy for diabetes has come!

 

Reduction of diabetes medication intake

 

Maintenance of normal blood sugar levels

 

Restoration of the sensitivity of peripheral tissue to insulin and increase of insulin levels

 

Prevention and improvement of related diabetic foot symptoms

 

Reduction of hepatocyte lipid-related lesions

 

Improvement in the condition of the arterial walls and reduction of hyperinsulinemia and atherosclerosis

 

Prevention or reversion of certain complications of diabetes, such as erectile dysfunction and vision loss

 

Diabetes-Related Diseases That Stem Cell Therapy Can Treat

 

Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

Stem cell therapy also can treat complications of diabetes including:

 

Diabetic foot: foot infections, ulcers, and deep layer tissue damage.

 

Diabetic retinopathy: it can cause blurred vision, decreased vision, and even blindness.

 

Diabetic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: it can cause a cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, vascular dementia, etc.

 

Diabetic neuropathy: it can cause numbness and tingle in hands and feet, orthostatic hypotension, vomiting, urinary, and fecal incontinence, etc.

 

Diabetic nephropathy(chronic renal failure): it can cause foamy urine, edema, and renal failure.

 

Capillary and macrovascular complications: diabetes can lead to narrowing of lower extremity arteries, coronary heart disease, stroke, etc.

 

In 2019, the famous US news magazine “TIME” listed diabetes treatment with stem cell therapy as one of the top 10 innovative medical inventions that will change the future. In the year 2021, Mass General Brigham selected the ground-breaking “stem cell therapies for Diabetes” as one of the Top 12 “Disruptive gene and cell therapy technologies”.

 

Learn More About Diabetes

 

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder disease characterized by hyperglycemia(high blood sugar), it is also the third-largest non-infectious chronic disease following cancer and cardiovascular disease. There are approximately 537 million diabetes patients in the world by the year 2021.

Clinically, there are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). The major incidence populations of type 1 diabetes are adolescents and children, it is recognized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells which leads to insufficient insulin secretion and hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetic, and environmental factors and their interactions. Usually, it is characterized by malfunction of pancreatic β-cell and insulin resistance in cells. Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen, and more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life too.

 

Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes

 

Type 2 diabetes is believed to have a strong genetic link, meaning that it tends to run in families. If you have a parent, brother, or sister who has it, your chances rise.

 

You should ask your doctor about a diabetes test when you have any of the following risk factors:

 

High blood pressure.

 

High blood triglyceride (fat) levels. It's too high if it's over 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

 

Low "good" cholesterol level. It's too low if it's less than 40 mg/dL.

 

Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

 

Prediabetes. That means your blood sugar level is above normal, but you don't have the disease yet.

 

Heart disease.

 

High-fat and carbohydrate diet. This can sometimes be the result of food insecurity when you don’t have access to enough healthy food.

 

High alcohol intake.

 

Sedentary lifestyle.

 

Obesity or being overweight.

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

 

Being of ethnicity that’s at higher risk: African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans are more likely to get type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.

 

You're over 45 years of age. Older age is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The risk of type 2 diabetes begins to rise significantly around age 45 and rises considerably after age 65.

 

You’ve had an organ transplant. After an organ transplant, you need to take drugs for the rest of your life so your body doesn’t reject the donor. organ. These drugs help organ transplants succeed, but many of them, such as tacrolimus (Astagraf, Prograf) or steroids, can cause diabetes or make it worse.

 

Clinical Symptoms Of Diabetes

 

Polyuia

 

Dry mouth and increased thirst

 

Strong appetite

 

Unexplained Weight loss

 

Fatigue

 

Obesity

 

Presence of glucose in urine

 

Presence of ketones in urine

 

Abnormal high amount of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in serum

 

Glycated serum protein abnormality

 

Abnormal amount of insulin and c-peptide in serum

 

Dyslipidemia(unhealthy level of blood fat)

 

Stem Cell Therapy For Diabetes At SQ1

Stem cells used in the treatment of diabetes

SQ1 provides access to treatment that utilizes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the cord blood, placenta, and/or peripheral blood of patients and embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), into pancreatic endocrine lineages.

 

A combination MSCs and hESCs delivered via the intravenous route for 30 minutes at a delivery rate of 40 mL/hour to a final dose of 1 × 106 cells/kg of the patient's body weight.

 

The combination of cells and other treatment details are individual to the patient and is determined by genetically-programmed factors, individual to every human.

 

The therapeutic scope and efficacy of stem cell therapy for diabetes

A double infusion of hESCs+MSCs through either the intravenous route or the dorsal pancreatic artery route is performed for patients with type 2 Diabetes. The therapy exhibited term efficacy (7-9 months) in patients with type 2 diabetes for less than 10 years (the longest period of remission registered to date is 10 years and the shortest – 2 years) and a BMI <23 kg/m2 and improvement in hyperglycemia, reported blood glucose levels within the normal range.

 

Our results revealed reductions in the HbA1c and FBG levels during the first 3 months after administration in patients with type 2 Diabetes, deemed clinically significant because the reduction was maintained in a normal range at 12 months after administration.

 

Factors determining the efficacy of the treatment and remission term are individual and genetically driven.

 

Advantages Of Stem Cell Treatment For Diabetes

 

Traditional therapeutic methods, such as daily medication or injections of exogenous insulin, are the most common diabetes treatment, but their use is frequently associated with failure of glucose metabolism control, which leads to hyperglycemia episodes.

 

Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for avoiding the problems associated with daily insulin injections. To maintain glucose homeostasis, this therapeutic method is expected to produce, store, and supply insulin. To completely cure diabetes, cell-based therapies aim to produce functional insulin-secreting cells.

 

Stem cell therapy

Conventional treatment

Curative Treatment or diseases management

The stem cell is a curative treatment for diabetes. Stem cell therapy is designed to rejuvenate the pancreas which helps the body to produce insulin naturally.

 

If given in the early stages, the dependency on medication and insulin can be reversed.

 

Insulin and medicine are used to control the amount of glucose in your blood. It is not a cure treatment it is used to control diabetes.

 

Slowly and gradually, people on medication move to insulin dependency.

 

Dosage

Stem cell therapy reduces the dosages of medication and insulin as the body starts producing insulin naturally.

 

If given in the early stages, the dependency on medication and insulin can be reversed.

 

Stem cell experts based on your current level of disease and other comorbidities will design a customized protocol and decide, the number of stem cells, source of stem cells, and cycles of stem cell therapy.

 

Patients who are on medication will observe a slow and gradual increase in dosages of medication.

 

At a certain point in time when medication is not able to manage the sugar levels, external insulin support will be required.

 

Patients who are on insulin support need to take insulin daily before consumption of food. The doses of insulin also increase with time.

 

Side-effects

No Side-effects as stem cells are our cells that are used to treat the disease and regenerate the pancreas to regain proper functioning.

 

Some of the common side-effects that medication and insulin can develop are upset stomach, skin rash or itching, weight gain, tiredness, and if not taken properly can even low blood sugar extremely.

 

Convenience

Stem cell therapy is performed by stem cell specialists which requires a special laboratory to process the stem cells and the medical set up to extract and inject the stem cell.

 

The therapy is going to be injection-based and needs to be performed in a hospital.

 

Medication that can be easily consumed.

 

Repeated and multiple small pricks for insulin injection for the patients who are currently on insulin.

 

The strict discipline to take medication or insulin on time as prescribed.

 

Longevity

Long-term effect and possibly curative treatment which removes the dependency on insulin and medication if taken in the early stage.

 

If taken in the later stages it reduces your dependency on medication and insulin. In a few cases, a repeat cycle may also be required.

 

Short-term effects.

 

Need to take insulin and medication daily as prescribed and the medication and effectiveness are for a few hours or a day.

 

The patient needs to take the medication and insulin lifetime.

 

End-stage

Stem cells are the basic building block of our body. The main functionality of stem cells is to regenerate the damaged cells and make copies of their own cells to repair the damaged cells.

 

Your own body is healing you and deferring the need for a transplant.

 

A pancreas transplant is the only treatment in the end stage.

 

There is a high probability that the kidney might also be damaged due to diabetes so in some cases both kidney and pancreas transplants would be required.

 

The availability of the donor and the waiting period can be a big reason for worry.

 

How Can Stem Cell Therapy For Diabetes Work

 

Stem cells were able to lower blood sugar levels and restore islet function in the following three ways:

 

Improvement of insulin resistance: stem cells will secret a variety of cytokines to improve the insulin resistance conditions in peripheral tissues and promote sugar intake by cells, thus reversing the hyperglycemia status in the body.

 

Promotion of regeneration of pancreatic islet β cells: Stem cells can reduce the progressive lesion to pancreatic islets from metabolic disorders in diabetes, at the same time can regenerate pancreatic β cells. In addition, stem cells can secret various cytokines to improve the microenvironment and induce the transformation of islet α cells to β cells. This process enables the in-situ regeneration of β cells and leads to the stabilization of blood sugar level.

  

Immunomodulation effect: stem cells can inhibit the T cell-mediated immune response against newly generated β cells and promote the repair and regeneration of pancreatic islets.

 

SQ1 Stem Cell Services

During the whole treatment process, we’ll provide complete and first-class medical services to you. And to ensure your treatment effect, you can consult your doctor any time after the treatment.

www.sq1stemcell.com/stem-cell-treatment-for-diabetes/

   

A very thorough approach to diabetes treatment from the point of view of prevention and reversal of diabetes symptoms. Frank Shallenberger is a medical doctor combining his own testing methods called Bio-energy testing with a multi-pronged holistic treatment that includes diet, supplements and exercise. The Bio-energy test , which involves testing your body on a treadmill, evaluates how well you are producing energy and metabolizing fat, as well as your optimum caloric intake and carbohydrate intake. Also adrenal gland function, heart and lung function. Unfortunately I would have to go to his office in Nevada to get this evaluation. It used to be more available, but the economic collapse may have had an impact and the fact that his treatment plan requires patients who are motivated. www.burstingwithenergy.net/bio-energy-testing.php

 

The book describes his theory that diabetes is an energy production problem on a cellular level and not simply a question of the pancreas not producing enough insulin. He fully admits that his theory has not been proven but his treatment plan still works per his observations of his patients.

 

He distinguishes two types of Type 2 diabetes. I call them Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 involves high insulin and insulin resistance. When the pancreas creates so much insulin (produced in the islet cells), the end product is excessive free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of all cellular energy production so it is normal until the cell is overtaxed. Then the cell becomes inefficient and produces even more free radicals as a result. In the case of the pancreas this is because of too much carbohydrates demanding high insulin production. And if you are genetically prone to diabetes this is more likely, but you don't have to be this genotype to have it happen to you. So basically everybody is headed for this route due to our high carb food culture.

 

Stage 2 is when the pancreas does not create enough insulin which is what happens next. This means the islet cells are destroying themselves with free radicals. So you want to catch Type 2 diabetes before it gets to this point in order to reverse it. Otherwise you have to go the insulin injecting route. For this he highly recommends Dr. Bernstein's book.

 

The problem with conventional medicine, he says, is the use of drugs to make the failing islet cells produce more insulin. This just makes those islet cells burn out faster. Conventional medicine does not go to the root of the problem and ask what causes insulin resistance in the first place and how it can be corrected. And how to protect the pancreas from free-radical damage. This is what his approach is about. It can also be applied to overall health and energy boosting.

 

His eight pronged approach addresses.

 

DIET: low carb, above ground vegetables, saturated fats, high protein and a balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats. He is very high-fat friendly and also believes that the low-fat premise is erroneous.

 

SUPPLEMENTS: to aid oxygen metabolism, increase fat metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity, increase liver function, increase insulin output, increase adrenal function and improve and increase sleep.

 

EXERCISE, but not of a prolonged type that keeps your heart rate high. Counsels interval training, anaerobic burst and resistance training. 30-40 minutes a day, six days a week. Interval training of three of the days and resistance training on the other three.

 

SUPPORTING THE LIVER WITH ANTIOXIDENT NUTRIENTS. These are vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, glutathione (converted from N-acetyl-cysteine , selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.

 

To check optimum liver functioning look at albumin levels. Albumin, which is a protein in the blood is entirely made by the liver so levels of albumin are indicative of good liver function. Optimal is 4.5 g/dl to 5. Normal range is 3.5 to 5 so a doctor won't care if it's in that range even though less than 4.5 means low energy production.

 

Glycogen also important to the detoxifying function of the liver. Results from adequate amount of protein. Fiber from vegetables and seeds, not grains, is good for absorbing bile salts which is how the liver gets rid of toxins.

 

ADEQUATE SLEEP supplemented with 5-HTP and tiny bit of melatonin, not sleep medications which interfere with development of deeper levels of sleep.

 

STRESS REDUCTION through relaxation exercises and meditation

 

CORRECTING HORMONE IMBALANCES, not just insulin but thyroid, cortisol, DHEA testosterone and growth hormone imbalances.

 

Low levels of thyroid results in a decreased production of insulin. Mercury is toxic to the thyroid gland. And possibly fluoride and x-rays. Elevated cholesterol levels, especially LDL are indicative of thyroid hormone deficiency. Thyroid makes 7% of T3 hormone and 93% of T4 hormones. The liver converts T4 to T3. T3 vital for energy production.

 

Cortisol can best be measured with a saliva test.

 

DHEA affects insulin resistance.

 

Growth hormone stimulates muscle and bone cells. A deficiency contributes to loss of muscle mass which in turn aggravates insulin resistance. Growth hormone replenishment is helped by exercise, sleep and fasting. Tested with a blood test for IGF-1

 

OXIDATIVE MEDICINE for those too impaired to exercise.

 

Had to get this book through inter-library loan, but it is cheap to buy used. I just wanted to make sure it was worth having.

This home made film by comedian Tom Naughton, tears down Spurlock's Super Size me with some compelling observations about how the film played into people's assumptions about fat people, the poor and the obesity epidemic, but what I actually got the film for was the excellent explanation of how insulin controls blood sugars and how the Lipid Hypothesis was never proven. This is how I educated Catherine about what I was learning. And why I thought it was worth buying the DVD to show others.

 

It makes easily accessible and entertaining, a lot of what I learned in Gary Taubes' "Good Calories, Bad Calories" (He does reference the book and tell the whole Ancel Keyes story about how he fudged the data). There are animation sequences to show how insulin works to control blood sugars and how fat is stored and used. Interviews with doctors explain how cholesterol is a healing agent and used to repair tears in tissue and is not the cause of plaque leading to heart disease. Current science is revealing that inflammation from oxidation is the cause of disease (for which fat is protective).

 

The premise of the film riffs off Super Size me as Naughton sets out to prove that fast food does not make you fat and then spends a month eating it for every meal with before and after blood work and check-up. He eats mostly hamburgers, while saying no to fries and sodas. He points out that Spurlock went out of his way to overeat by supersizing every meal rather than just the nine incidents in the film, managing to eat 5000 calories a day. Naughton was denied access to Spurlock's food log from the makers of Supersize Me and Spurlock. Naughton, himself, restricts his calorie intake to 2000.

 

In the end Naughton lost 12 lbs. He did impair his HDL which he says was due to the trans fat used in fast foods. He went on to improve his profile further by cutting out carbs entirely. It wasn't his point to prove that fast foods were good for you, so he never returns to eating it again. It is also mentioned that Spurlock took four months to recover on his girlfriend's vegan diet.

 

Naughton has his own pet peeves to put forth about how the Center For Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is an organization with a vegetarian agenda that promotes public policy to restrict fat using junk science while exaggerating public health dangers. It was the anti-smoking group that exposed them since they must both compete for the same funding.

 

In turn, Naughton reveals his own Libertarian, anti-government perspective when he emphasizes that government has no business regulating what he eats. He does make some connections between corporate food interests and their lobbying influence on government policy, specifically the weight loss industry and pharmaceuticals who stand to gain (pun intended) when people are fat.

 

The whole Spurlock and food police theme is overlong. Skip it and go directly to Part Two where the science is explained.

 

Extras include an interview with Sally Fallon, of the Weston Price Foundation, explaining how there was a conscious campaign created by the vegetable oil industry to promote the Lipid Hypothesis to demonize saturated fats in favor of their product. She explains how fat keeps blood sugars in normal range and provides vitamins and minerals not available in a vegetarian diet; animal fats are crucial for human health, she says.

 

A psychologist talks about why weight has very little to do with mortality rates; thin people have higher mortality rates. He speculates that thin bodies are a metaphor for self-control especially in a society that favors autonomy and individualistic self-direction; that we are in charge of our own life. Thus fat people are demonized for failing to control their life. Fat is protective, he says. Make people healthy not thin, he advises. Diets wreck people's metabolism.

 

Also interesting story about modern dogs developing heart disease due to grain based dog chow. Grain is a bird food not a dog food. It is not mentioned that humans have the same digestive system as dogs, but does mention that rabbits were used to test Lipid Hypothesis because it was believed that dogs didn't get heart disease. Rabbits don't eat fats or meats so that's why feeding them thus caused havoc on their system leading researchers to assume that the same would happen to us. Researchers seemed not to have figured out at the time that different animals have different digestive systems.

 

Not available in my library system, but you can Netflix it or buy it on e-bay for $15.

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

Former Bureau Chief, April Sandmeyer marked UN World Diabetes Day with Katie Couric at the Grand Opening of Beth Israel Medical Center's state-of-the-art Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute. As current Vice Regent of the Daughters of the American Revoluton (Anne Hutchinson Chapter), one of April's goals is to raise awareness of the rising prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, particularly among children. Early diagnosis and education are crucial to reducing complications and saving lives.One of the many things that the DAR organization does is encourage their millions of members worldwide to participate in fundraisers for medical research and other volunteer and community programs that refect women's issues. The Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute treats everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, so they need your support. Write to Congress to release funds for diabetes prevention. This out of focus picture represents one of the devastating effects of diabetes: blindness. See a doctor right away if you notice any changes in your vision, especially blurred or double vision.

2023: Learning How To Be A Father

Flickr version

By Andrew J. Karagianis

December 31st, 2023

 

If there was a theme to 2023 for me, it was the year of watching Rae transform from a baby to a toddler. My life has become less about me, as I’ve had a lot less time to do the things I used to do. As a result, I am living my life less intentionally than before (if that was even possible). The last few months especially have been a cycle of “Work, wash dishes, try to get Rae to go back to sleep, and repeat”. But watching Rae develop has also been entertaining, rewarding, and full of surprises. I know it’s only a matter of time before she thinks I’m uncool and won’t want to spend time with me. And I’m sure I’ll still manage to write a dozen pages about what I did this year. So to quote Monty Python, “Get on with it!”

 

January:

We rang in the new year at home again, going to bed around 10:30pm. This year I wasn’t woken up by fireworks, which was nice! I love being old enough that I don’t have to pretend to enjoy staying up all night anymore.

 

The first song I listened to in 2023 was “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Ella Fitzgerald.

 

On New Year’s Day I went up to Dad’s house for a family meal while Ally and Rae went to Susan’s house. I took my Canon EOS Elan IIe 35mm film camera and took some pics along the snowy and slushy Trans-Canada Trail down the hill first. I ate at a table with Dad in the kitchen while the rest of the people ate in the dining room. It was the first time I ate at a table with someone other than Ally and Rae since 2019. I felt like it was time to slowly take these risks and try to get back to normal (although that didn’t last long). We had bear meat, which was tasty.

 

On January 3rd, with Ally’s encouragement I set up my drums again after taking them down in May of last year. I gave Rae her first drum lesson, recorded a loop the next day, and took them down soon afterward. They’ve sat my shelves ever since. It’s hard to play drums in an apartment when you’ve made noise complaints about the person above you and when the person below you is a monster (more on that later; or should I say “moron that”).

 

On January 7th, Ally and I got our fifth doses of a COVID vaccine and Rae got her first dose. Hell yes, my daughter will be getting every vaccine for which she is eligible. It’s incredible how in 2020, everyone was like “Yes please, I’ll take the vaccine yesterday”, whereas in 2023, some people actually don’t want to get vaccinated. It’s mind-boggling how the mentality of some individuals can shift within such a short period of time. But then, these are probably the same people who draw a conclusion and then look for evidence that confirms it, so…

 

In January, our basement neighbor yelled at us through the floor on a few different mornings to “Shut up! Jesus Christ!” after first yelling at us just after Christmas. He also started yell-talking to his friends on the phone about us, referring to us as “the assholes upstairs” and assuming that we got up at 6:30 in the morning just to try to wake him up. That was the end of us being on speaking terms with him. We started referring to him (between ourselves) as Trollman. After responding, he left us alone for several months. But trolls don’t stay dormant forever.

 

You may recall that in January of 2023, the Sun hardly came out at all. Indeed, according to the CBC (keep funding the CBC, by the way), the winter of 2023 was the darkest winter in Ontario in more than 80 years.

 

Also in January, I got back the roll of 110 film that I had developed at West Camera. It was fucked. Some of them had “Newton marks” on them, which made rings appear on the photos; others were scanned at extremely low resolution, and they were all backwards. I asked West Camera to rescan them, but I don’t honestly remember the outcome. I haven’t gone back to West Camera since then, which is too bad, because I listed West Camera as my favorite store of 2022. I decided that Downtown Camera, although less convenient, is better-quality.

 

February:

On February 4th, I did a sleep study to investigate whether I have sleep apnea. I went to a clinic at College and Spadina, filled out a 6-page questionnaire, and they hooked up all manner of wires on my head, legs, and back; a pulse oximeter on my finger, and wires and tubes up my nose, which made it hard to breathe. I eventually got used to it and fell asleep, although I was awoken in the middle of the night by a staff person gabbing on her phone right outside my room. The idiocy!

 

In February, there was a COVID outbreak at the women’s treatment center. That spelled the end of my willingness to (to quote Darth Vader) lower my defenses.

 

Also in February, I took two old tapes to a place called Digital Treasures to have them converted. One was a video cassette of Campout 7, an all-nighter at my high school for Grade 12 students back in 2003. The other was a camcorder cassette that had a lot of footage from the ‘90s and early 2000s. I got it back in March, and watching that was a real treasure trove of memories. There was footage from our family trip to Traytown in 1997 (in which there’s evidence that I caught a cod in Newfoundland once); footage of Christmas in 1997 and 2000 (including my now-deceased grandfathers and great-grandparents); footage of my old band Cloud Machine jamming at home in 2003, among a few other clips.

 

March:

Other than getting those videos back, the only thing that happened in March is that I found out I do have mild sleep apnea, but thankfully they didn’t recommend any major interventions. I bought an expensive wedge pillow and have only had one noticeable episode while using it since then.

 

April:

On April 13th, I got a new camera – a Canon Elph Sport that I ordered a few days earlier for $35 on eBay. An APS film camera built around 1999. Why? Because it’s me. But also because we were planning a trip this summer and knew we’d have to bring a lot of Rae’s stuff on the plane, and so I decided to pull a nostalgia and take a small APS film point-and-shoot camera instead of my big honking DSLR, and also to force me to be more deliberate with what I took pictures of and not come home with 1000 pictures. Also, the Elph Sport was allegedly waterproof, and I bought it because I got the idea to take some underwater pics at the beach. I still came home with 842 pictures and 165 videos between my APS camera, iPhone, and drone, but taking lots of pictures on trips has been my “modus operandy bo-bandy” (Trailer Park Boys reference) for a long time, so I was a bit naïve to think taking a film camera would change that.

 

That same week (the week of Ally’s birthday) was really hot; like 30 degrees. Not good for April. #climatechange.

 

May:

On May 6th, we took Rae for her first ride on the GO train, going to the OCADU GradEx exhibit. On May 14th, we took Rae to her first Blue Jays game. Ally’s mom rented a box for the special Mother’s Day game. On May 21st, I took Rae planespotting for the first time. The best spot (the Wendy’s parking lot) had been barricaded off, as the Wendy’s had closed down, unbeknownst to me, but I found a new location elsewhence, although I don’t think Rae was interested. Maybe next time.

 

On May 15th, some of us had to start participating in a four-day workweek pilot. That sounds great on paper. It meant I had an extra day off each week – which is great, yes – but it meant I had insufficient time to reach my doctor-ordered exercise goals during the rest of the workweek, and by the time I got home from work due to the longer shifts, Rae was almost ready for bed and not always in the greatest mood. It also made it harder to attend to all the incoming referrals and phone calls, which coincidentally started increasing at the same time. As I type this in December, I’ve gotten used to the four-day workweek now, but it took me a few months. The theoretical benefit of the four-day workweek is that they’re supposed to pay you the same amount of money for four days’ worth of work; not make your shifts longer to compensate. #capitalism.

 

On our sixth wedding anniversary, Ally and I rented a canoe and paddled down the Humber River, which was a good time.

 

On May 30th, I got my first phone call from Rae. She was playing with Ally’s phone and called me at work. I answered the phone and heard a bit of babbling. It was cute.

 

On May 31st, I ate inside a restaurant for the first time since March of 2020. To quote David Puddy, “Yeah that’s right”. It was a staff lunch at the Symposium Café in Oakville. I was anxious as fuck being there. But the COVID cases were relatively low at that point, and nobody got COVID from the event, so I don’t regret it. In fact, the WHO declared that the global health emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic was over in May. So that was nice, even if the pandemic wasn’t over yet.

 

June:

On June 2nd, Ally and I took Rae on her first camping trip. We went to Bronte Creek Provincial Park for two nights. I took the view that camping in Oakville wasn’t really camping, but we wanted to be close to home in case it was a [Trump voice] “total disastah.” And it sort of was! I found a tick on my arm as we ate supper on the first night, and as we were discussing bailing to avoid Lyme disease, a thunder and hail storm opened up above us. I quickly secured the rain fly above the tent and dashed inside, but our food and firewood got soaked. We ended up finding seven dog ticks at our campsite, but otherwise the trip was decent and Rae certainly enjoyed it.

 

The first half of June was relatively cool, and we went a while without rain. As you may recall, forest fires raged across the country, and while there were no fires near Toronto, the smoke certainly showed up. On June 6th, I went for a walk on my lunch break at work in Oakville and noticed smoke at ground level. Not only could I see it, but I could smell it though the mask I took with me. I had never seen air pollution like this before. Fires from other provinces were making the Greater Toronto Area smell like a campground with all sites blazing. I began wearing a mask outside again for the first time since 2020. Climate change had arrived at our doorstep. And this wasn’t a situation where some people experienced it and others could look away, like local poverty or a flood on the other side of the world. Most of the continent – a rich continent full of white people – was yellow with smoke.

 

On June 13th, Rae started saying “Uh oh!” before and after dropping something on the floor. It was the first time I heard her say something other than “ma-ma-ma” or “da-da-da”. Also by mid-June, Rae was able to stand for a few seconds after letting go of a support object.

 

In mid-June, I got caught up in coverage of the missing sub Titan, presuming the people aboard would not be found before they died at the bottom of the ocean. Turns out they died before even reaching the bottom, and it was quick, which (although still tragic) is different than prolonged despair.

 

On June 19th, I got my annual bloodwork. I went about my business for the rest of the day. I went to work the next day and compulsively checked my e-mail probably 15 times to look for an e-mail from my doctor, but nothing came. I fretted over it while eating supper, and decided to log on to the website to face my fate. To my surprise and great relief, my fasting blood glucose was 5.4 – a 0.7 decrease since my previous reading, and below the level for prediabetes! Fuck! After more than two years of sacrifice by eating much healthier, getting a lot of exercise, and keeping my eye on the target in the face of other people trying to minimize it, I finally beat prediabetes. I took it seriously and my efforts made a difference.

 

Of course, I know I’m still vulnerable to my blood sugar going back up, so this doesn’t mean I can go back to my pre-2021 diet of cookies and sugary cereal every day. No. I have to maintain this healthier diet and my exercise routine. But at least I know a) my choices can have a significant impact on my health, and b) I can rest a little easy, knowing that this is what I have to do in order to stay healthy.

 

Later in June, there was the Toronto mayoral by-election, which Olivia Chow won. It’s nice when I don’t get angry about an election result. Occasionally the good guys win elections.

 

The next day, Rae said “Shit” for the first time. I wasn’t there, but I saw the video and was proud.

 

July:

July got off to a bad start. On July 1st, I went to see Terrance and found him sitting on the bottom of his cage, unable to walk without tipping over and barely able to perch on his water dish. He made no attempt to eat banana, his favorite food, and appeared to have a seizure while I put him in his travel cage. I drove him to the vet with tears in my eyes and symbolism running through my head, knowing full well that this was likely to be Terrance’s last day. The vet determined that Terrance must have had a big seizure overnight, as he had another one in the examining room. The vet said Terrance wouldn’t get back to normal even with treatment. I knew Terrance would just fall and hurt himself again, and I didn’t want him to wither away from not eating, so I decided to have Terrance put down. It was the most painful decision I’ve ever made, but it didn’t take long to decide. Mom and I accompanied Terrance through the process and said our goodbyes before he died. He was 18 years old. I had Terrance cremated, and picked his ashes up in an egg-shaped urn two weeks later.

 

But life goes on. Three days after Terrance died, it was Rae’s first birthday. We had a party for family at my aunt and uncle’s house as several of them were going to miss her “main” party, and then on July 8th, we had a party in High Park, attended by other family members and some of our friends. The second party had so much catered food that we had to send people home with trays full of stuff, although the picnic area was full of garbage that I had to clean up when we arrived.

 

On July 10th, I worked my last shift at the commercial park in Oakville. It had been my office for three years, and although it was very plain and in a car-centric area, I did like how relatively devoid of people (COVID carriers) it was, and that I could go for power-walks on my breaks, walking past long, single-storey brick plazas and luxury car dealerships. Far less interesting than the scenery on my walks when I worked at Good Shepherd, but a sidewalk is a sidewalk as far as prediabetes is concerned. And I did like being able to ride the GO train to work every now and then, although I didn’t actually do that in 2023.

 

On July 16th, we embarked on Rae’s first trip out of Ontario and first trip on a plane…and my first trip in both categories since 2020, and Ally’s since 2019. We flew to St. John’s and stayed with Mom for a week at her friend’s house, then flew to Nova Scotia and stayed with Granny at her cottage for a week. I was really happy to be back on the East Coast and show Rae my homeland and the places where I spent time as a kid. The weather was warm; I got lots of great drone pics; spent time with family; saw a few new places, and managed to get in some jogging in both locales, which was a nice change of scenery that I really appreciated. I felt rejuvenated. Rae enjoyed herself, too. It was a pain in the ass to carry Rae’s carseat around the airports, and now I see why so many parents just hope for no turbulence and carry their babies on their laps on planes. And in hindsight, I wish I had taken a film SLR rather than my new point-and-shoot, but it did work underwater, which I couldn’t have done with an SLR, and given that the film itself was 15 years expired, it turned out well.

 

August:

When I got back to work after my trip, my new office was in a trailer at the men’s treatment centre. I started calling it “Sunnyvale.” It had windows! I could actually see outside from my desk! So that was good for morale, even though I was not okay with having to share breathing space with my new coworkers (in Oakville I had my own office with a door). It's not that I thought they in particular were more likely than average to have COVID, but that I was used to working alone. But we could open the windows, and for the first few months, we did. My role at work was restructured such that I would be doing all the interviews for men and women, and we hired a new worker who would handle the less-intensive but more frequent tasks like calls, e-mails, and processing referrals.

 

By mid-August, Rae was starting to take a few steps on her own, and was soon comfortable walking unassisted.

 

In August, I bought a used jogging stroller on Facecrack marketplace for $50. The front wheel isn’t aligned properly so it pulls to the right, but I made good use of it into early November. It’s hard to steer because the front wheel doesn’t turn from side to side, but it’s faster and much smoother-rolling than our regular stroller; handles the bumps better due to the larger wheels and suspension, and is better for my active minutes as well. So for those of you with a baby and looking to get three birds stoned at once (there's another Trailer Park Boys reference for you) -- baby-parent time, exercise, and giving your partner a break -- I recommend a jogging stroller.

 

Also in August, we took Rae to Dad’s cottage for the first time. She enjoyed it.

 

Terrance’s cage sat in our apartment with all his toys still hanging there for almost two months. It was a reminder of the life we lived with him; of the sounds of him tapping the food dish from underneath, or grinding his beak in near-silence, or the sound of his nails and tail feathers clicking and dragging against the bars as he climbed around. But at the end of August, I took his cage apart and gave it the best cleaning it ever had; threw out the toys that couldn’t be salvaged, and donated the cage to the Toronto Humane Society. It made me sad to throw out the items that Terrance had since we got him, like his yellow perch and the wooden swing at the back. At the time, it felt like the last step in closing the “Life with Terrance” chapter in my life. I had said a few years ago that when Terrance dies, I won’t get another parrot, but by the time I got rid of his cage, I had changed my mind. I became open to getting another parrot in the future; perhaps one that needs rehoming, especially because I have almost 18 years of experience as a parrot owner. But 2023 is not the time to get a new parrot. Now I need to focus on raising Rae during her earliest years, and Ally had been casually asking me about getting a dog for several years, so it’s her turn next.

 

September:

On September 10th, I took a TTC bus for the first time since June of 2020, if not earlier. I then took the subway for the first time since the pandemic began, which is hard to believe, considering I was such a proponent of public transit before the worst respiratory pandemic in 100 years came to town and I became grateful to own a car. I went for a walk with my brother along the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail. On the subway home, it felt weird to be taking the subway westbound to go home for the first time. For so many years, Greenwood was my station. Ally and I would get off the subway at Greenwood and take the 31 bus home on many a chilly evening from 2013 to…well, 2020, when the pandemic began. Now the nearest station is Royal York, and I’ve only used it once since moving here.

 

On September 11th, Ally went back to school to start her Master’s degree in teaching, and the dynamic at home changed again. No longer was I making my breakfast as stealthily as a ninja to not wake up the caveman downstairs and eating my breakfast alone. Now Ally was getting up before me, and we had to get Rae ready for daycare while eating our own breakfasts. We found a small program run out of a home that was relatively close by and not too expensive as daycares go. Rae had gone for a few days in August to try it out, and soon after she started, we got word that she was pushing her little friends, stealing their snacks, and running away with their pacifiers. Oh Rae!

 

Also, since I had Mondays off, Mondays became Daddy Daycare days. It was hard for me at first, but it became easier as the weeks went on, in that I had a better idea of how to respond to her fussing and to better attend to her needs so she would be less likely to fuss in the first place.

 

Also in September, Ally and I finalized our wills. Yes. This is worth mentioning because I don’t know how many other people of my generation are thinking of wills yet. Maybe everyone. I don’t know.

 

On my 38th borntday (another Rickyism -- how many Trailer Park Boys references can you count in this summary?), we drove out to Hamilton airport and I participated in a plane pull for United Way with some of my coworkers. I thought it would be a neat thing to pull an Airbus A300 on my birthday. We had fewer people on our team (13 instead of the usual 15), but we managed to pull it pretty quickly, which I was surprised by. We actually pulled a widebody cargo jet! Then the family came over for my birthday.

 

Also in probably September, I jogged my farthest-distance-without-slowing-to-a-walking-pace-in-between-bursts-of-jogging – about 1.5km. All of this jogging in 2023 was starting to have a positive impact on my endurance!

 

On September 22nd, I went to the periodontist and had my root canal tooth extracted; a sinus lift, and a bone graft. He sewed it back up with a piece of Teflon sticking out to hold the bone bits in place. Over the next few weeks, I had to take it easy to prevent the bone bits from falling out. But the website was correct; the surgery didn’t hurt much because I guess he used high-quality anesthetic. I had to take huge horse pill antibiotics afterward. After a month, I went back and he removed the Teflon and stitches, and it was much more comfortable from that point.

 

October:

On October 1st, things came to a head with our Neanderthal neighbor, and really, calling him a Neanderthal is an insult to Neanderthals. He said something that bordered on taking illegal action against us, and I drew the line at that comment. Because I half-expect this issue to come up again, I’m not saying more about it here. He’s left us alone since then, and if nothing else, it cemented our plan to move the fuck out of here once the timing is right. It’s unfortunate that this has turned into a stain on an otherwise decent place to live, but in the span of my entire life, it will just be a chapter, not a part (as in “Part One, Part Two”, etc.).

 

On the night of October 6th, the temperature plummeted, and the next day it was fall. In October, Rae started eating solid food more enthusiastically; cramming it into her mouth rather than just picking at it.

 

Throughout the fall, I went back to Leslieville a few times for appointments, and wished we hadn’t moved away from there. It was a nicer neighborhood. I read a bit of my Summary of 2021 and got reacquainted with the reasons why we left – because the basement neighbors were smoking weed indoors and the landlord was talking about selling, and I knew I couldn’t continue to occupy a vacant unit for my work-from-home space if a new owner took over the house. Moving out of the old house in Leslieville was the right decision at that time, and we can’t move back to that area as the onramp to the Gardiner has been demolished and it would be a royal pain in the ass to get to work now. But I guess hindsight is 2023.

 

On October 28th, I got my 6th COVID vaccine (the XBB version) and a flu shot at the same time. I felt lethargic the next day, but after two days I was back to normal.

 

November:

In November, I was sitting in the rocking chair in Rae’s room and she walked to the bookshelf, picked up a book, handed it to me, and then motioned for me to pick her up. I clued in to what she was doing, and picked her up and read it to her. The next morning while we were getting ready, I sat down in the playpen with her and she handed me a book, then sat down on my lap so I would read it to her. It melted my heart that she was able to non-verbally communicate this to me, and that she wanted me to read to her. So I did. By December, she would also say “book” while pointing to the one she wanted.

 

On November 9th, I got sick for the first time since April of 2020. Rae had been coughing at night for a few weeks and Ally had developed symptoms a few days before me, and by the weekend of November 11th, we were all home sick. The first of probably many household respiratory viruses to come, I suppose. I took 16 COVID tests over the next seven weeks (partly as a requirement due to an outbreak at work) and they were all negative except one, from a different brand of test, which was verrry faintly positive (I found out later that the brand of tests I was using most of the time was apparently less reliable, even though they were the brand the government supplied to my workplace, and I did have some loss of smell and taste for a few days, which prompted my doctor to say there might have been “a bit of COVID” in there). So maybe I did get COVID, but perhaps it wasn’t able to really establish itself because my family was vaccinated so recently. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine having COVID and testing negative 15 out of 16 times, even if the tests were less-than-reliable. Until a retroactive test is developed that can distinguish between antibodies from past COVID infection vs. antibodies from vaccination, I guess I’ll never know for sure whether I had COVID in November of 2023. Even more ironic is the fact that I got sick before anyone else at my workplace, and then there was a COVID outbreak just over a week later…Could you imagine if I of all people was the person who was responsible for a COVID outbreak at my workplace in spite of all my proselytizing about insufficient precautions for the past few years?

 

Also in November, I created a board book for Rae about Terrance. I wanted to make a book about Terrance in general but I think making it as a board book allowed it to be more succinct and gave me a timeline to work on (i.e., “soon”), since Rae is still reading board books.

 

December:

By early December I was feeling mostly better, and by December 14th, I finally felt clear of it.

 

On December 15th, I was home with Rae doing Daddy Daycare when I noticed her counting out loud with her fingers. I had no idea she could do that, and I don’t think Ally knew either! She must have learned it in actual daycare.

 

On December 18th, we took Rae to see Santa Claus for the first time at the Cloverdale Mall. We did not force her to sit on Santa’s lap. We moved her there and she reached back for Ally, so Ally took her back on her lap and no crying was had. An ethical photo shoot!

 

On Christmas Eve, we went to Mom’s for a few hours. On Christmas Day, we opened most of our presents and went up to Susan’s for Christmas dinner. We opened the rest of our presents on Wrestling Day. And that brings us to the last day of 2023: We went for a walk; I went for a jog; we read books to Rae and I played guitar for her, and we had a nice supper together.

 

And now for some general observations about the year:

 

One of the best ideas I’ve ever had was to create an accountability chart at the beginning of 2023 as an alternative to New Year’s resolutions. I came up with some goals that were important to me, but I also narrowed down the timelines and/or frequencies in which I’d need to achieve them. Rather than saying “I need to get more exercise”, I created a box each week for me to mark whether I got at least 150 active minutes that week. I did the same for vacuuming, cleaning Terrance’s cage, and posting at least 3 pictures to Flickr each week. I created one monthly goal (limiting my film shooting to one roll per month to save money), and had a few other goals that I’d be satisfied to achieve once in the year (going camping, and going to St. John’s and my grandmother’s cottage).

 

The goal chart didn’t result in me actually achieving each goal 100% of the time, but it certainly helped, and if nothing else, I could see whether I was slacking or staying on target. It was also easy to see how patterns changed based on relevant circumstances. For example, in the summer, Ally bought a lightweight Swiffer vacuum, which was far less of a pain in the ass to use than the old, heavy plug-in vacuum, so it was easier for me to do a quick vacuum with the Swiffer and check that box for the week. On some weeks, I had a good reason for not getting my 150 active minutes (like taking it easy after the dental surgery and being sick for almost five weeks in the fall), but you can also see that the consistency went down after June, when I learned that my fasting blood sugar (the reason for my active minutes goal in the first place) went down below the problem zone. Obviously my response to the good news was foolish – my blood sugar went down partly because of the efforts I’d been making to exercise, not in spite of them.

 

Anyway, the lesson is that if you have New Year’s resolutions that you actually want to achieve, put your goals into an accountability chart, and post it somewhere where the people you live with can see it. The purpose is to hold yourself accountable by keeping track of whether you’re meeting the targets that you set for yourself. Here are a few of my stats:

 

• I got at least 150 active minutes on 38/52 weeks, or 73% of the year.

 

• My average weekly active minutes was 149. This is because there were more weeks where I fell far short of 150 vs. weeks where I far exceeded 150.

 

• However, my total active minutes this year was 7,755, which sounds much more impressive!

 

• I cleaned Terrance’s cage on 23 of the last 26 weeks of his life, which is 88%. If only I had set this goal earlier in his life :(

 

• I vacuumed on 30 out of 50 weeks – two of those weeks I was on vacation, so…even though I could have vacuumed in those places, I’m excluding them from the count. 30/50 is 60%. That’s not great, but it’s a lot better than it would have been if vacuuming wasn’t on my accountability chart. It's also a chore I share with Ally, so there's no need for me to do it every time.

 

• I posted 3+ pictures to Flickr on 21/52 weeks, or 40% of the year. This goal was the hardest to maintain, not because I didn’t want to do it, but because it was hard to find time to do it without feeling guilty or being asked to help with something. Once I moved my computer into another room where I could semi-watch Rae and eat breakfast at the same time, it became easier. I was less active on Flickr in 2023 (106 things posted) vs. 2022 (184 things posted).

 

• As for the film goal, I shot a roll in January, March, April, two in May, four in July (allowed because I was on vacation), and one in December. So I shot 10 rolls in 12 months, which is within the limit I set, from a certain point of view (to quote Obi-Wan Kenobi). It’s a lot less than I shot in 2022.

 

Another theme of 2023 for me is that it really seemed that a large chunk of the population is willfully trying to forget that COVID still exists. At times, that has really pissed me off, but I also found myself letting my armor down at some points during the year. In July I spent two weeks largely unmasked in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, although I did still wear surgical masks in stores. I largely went maskless in Sunnyvale (the trailer at work) from August until I got sick in November. But of course, as I type this in December, COVID cases are at their highest level in a year again, so…now is not the time to unmask.

 

When it comes to COVID precautions, to me it’s really about how much a person is willing to learn, and how much risk they’re willing to take. The pandemic has been going on for almost four years now, so we’re all tired of it, but we can’t claim ignorance anymore.

 

2023 was also the year of inflation, as you know. Once in April, my grocery bill at No Frills (not Sobeys or Loblaws) was $310. Once upon a time, I would have wondered if I could even fit $310 worth of groceries into my car. Now it’s like “Yep; still plenty of room for people, too.” Downtown Camera raised the price on processing APS film, and the landlords started charging us to use the laundry machines after one too many problems with the washer. I found out that the rent on my storage unit is going up by $35/month in February 2024.

 

It was also the year of shrinkflation. Frozen berries, cheese, chocolates, Q-Tips, granola bars, sandwich meat; you name it. It pisses me off. Just raise the price and give me the same old size instead! Now I have to go to the store more often because the quantity of food I’m getting is less. I’m glad the NDP has been taking the grocery CEOs to task on food prices, but I don’t expect anything will change until we stop worshipping capitalism and economic growth. And you know what’s fudged? The people who capitalism has screwed over the most – the poor – sometimes seem to be the people who are most hostile to finding another way.

 

AI took off in 2023, but I haven’t done anything with it. To be honest, I see AI as something to be afraid of and to restrict, even if it can also be used as a toy. I am certainly concerned about its ability to be used for malicious purposes, whether of limited immediate consequence like being able to use AI to write a passable essay in high school, or more heinous crimes like blackmail and identity theft. Not to mention selfish but legal tricks like replacing people’s jobs with AI. So it will be interesting to see how AI pans out in the future, and the extent to which the problems I predicted here will pan out. For all I know, there could also be enormous benefits for conscientious people, too; not just for cheaters and criminals.

 

* * * *

 

I began doing these annual summaries in 2010, but early in 2023, Ally suggested I type a summary of the 2000s (the first decade) after we talked about the upcoming 20th anniversary of my grandfather’s death. I ended up typing 32 pages over the course of a month, and it was a joy to go back and reminisce about those years, even though naturally there were some unhappy times during that decade, too. It gave me something to focus on while I ate my breakfast during those dark winter mornings; in other words, “husband hidey-hole time”. A few days after it was done, I started typing a summary of the 1990s. That took two and a half months, as the memories didn’t come as quickly and I had to consult my parents about some dates, but I was impressed with how much I did remember – remembering one thing triggered memories of other related things – and I ended up typing 30 pages. On the other hand, I decided not to type a summary of the 1980s, as it would have been almost entirely conjecture.

 

Some people might say “Andrew, why do you type this stuff? Nobody cares.” But I care. This is what I enjoy doing. If you read this far, you care, too. And (I mentioned this in my Summary of 2022) now that I have a child, there’s someone else who might take a genuine interest in this, especially many years in the future. If my parents wrote 62 pages about their childhoods and youths, I would read them, and I suspect you probably would if your parents did the same. You could do this, too. It’s not too late to make your life story more clear for your descendants.

 

I’ve thought several times in 2023 about how Rae’s experiences of family gatherings will be different from my own, not just in terms of individual people (that’s obvious), but in terms of structure. When I was a kid growing up in St. John’s, the majority of family meals were held at my house, or Nanny and Gramp’s house, or Granny and Grandad’s house. All three households lived just a few kilometers from one another. Both sets of grandparents would be present at most of these meals, at least until Granny and Granddad moved away around 1996. To me, that was normal, although I found out as an adult that some people’s maternal and paternal grandparents rarely interacted. Anyway, Rae will never have the same structure I had, but that doesn’t mean Rae’s experience of family meals (who knew this would be so important to me!) won’t be meaningful to her. Of course it will. What she grows up with will be normal to her. I’m sure things are similar for other households who grow up in apartments, with family spread fairly far apart. One thing that I’ve needed to remind myself of repeatedly in 2023 is a quote from the AA Big Book: “And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.” Whether it’s Rae’s normal toddler behavior that I’m not used to yet, or the traditions that I grew up with that she won’t have, acceptance does wonders to change stress, on the occasions where I remember to accept it.

 

I made quite a few more sound recordings in 2023 compared to 2022 (38 vs. 19). I say “sound recordings” because a lot of them were things like birds chirping while I went for a walk, as opposed to songs I wrote. But that’s still something! I also recorded an interview with Granny, and a podcast theme for my friend Rick.

 

My photography was kind of diverse this year in terms of cameras used. I only took 99 photos with my DSLR in 2023. Compared to other years, that’s really low. Here’s the breakdown:

 

• Kodak Retinette: 0

• Kodak Star 110: 0

• Kodak Advantix T500: 0

• Canon EOS IX Lite: 50

• Canon EOS Elan IIe: 62

• Canon EOS 80D: 99

• Canon Elph Sport: 150

• DJI Mavic Mini: 301

• iPhone SE (2nd gen): 737

 

Books read in 2023:

1. Finished The Bullet: Stories from the Newfoundland Railway by Robert Hunt

2. Streetcars of St. John’s by Kenneth Pieroway (not a book per se, but still technically a book).

3. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audiobook)

4. Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

5. It’s Okay to be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders

6. A Newfoundlander in Canada by Alan Doyle

7. Sway by Matthew Bocchi

8. Naturally Tan by Tan France

9. Ordinary Heroes by Joseph Pfeifer (the first book I checked out of a library since my university days).

10. Trains of Newfoundland by Kenneth Pieroway (see #2 above)

11. A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough

12. Started Spare by Prince Harry

 

Shows watched in 2023:

• The Mark Critch Show season 2

• The Baby Yoda Show season 3

• The Crown season 6

• Transatlantic

• Ahsoka

• Queer Eye

 

2023 was a year in which I didn’t get into much new music. I’m really grasping at straws to find newly-discovered songs that I liked a lot in 2023. Most of the songs that got stuck in my head were songs that came out of Rae’s toys. However, I did buy the newly-finished Beatles song “Now And Then” on November 2nd. Upon my first listen on my phone in my car while eating lunch that day, I thought the audio quality wasn’t very good and the song wasn’t great either. But I listened to it on my car speakers on the way home a few times, and again over the next few days, and I have to say, I like it more each time I listen to it. It has been stuck in my head, so that means something.

 

A sample of songs I got into in 2023:

• “One Thing” by Jon LaJoie

• “good morning” by Covet

• “Rant & Roar” by Great Big Sea

• “Goin’ Up” by Great Big Sea

• “White Buffalo” by Crown Lands

• “Peter Street” by the Irish Descendants

• “Now And Then” by The Beatles

• “The bird in the circle/The President on social media, tweets a thing that’s terrible, tweet tweet tweet, the President on social media!”

• “The dog in the star/The doge in the star, Karl Marx and runs far, woof woof woof woof, the doge in the star!”

• “Hello Pikachu, piranha’s here to stay…”

• “Brown beAR brown beAR what see’th ye?”

 

And that’s about it for 2023! Tune in next year to read the next chapter of my life!

  

References:

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023

• www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/darkest-winter-ontario...

• www.johnstownaa.com/pdfs/Acceptance.pdf

   

Definitely what is Diabetes Standard Protocol?

 

Consistently, many individuals show up crying restlessly along these lines to their doctors in connection to the most hindering wellbeing issue I. e "Diabetes" normally known while diabetes mellitus, a few metabolic sicknesses where the man or lady characteristics higher blood glucose, now and then in light of the fact that insulin era is generally deficient, or maybe as the body's cells don't answer legitimately to help insulin, or maybe both just as. Sufferers alongside higher blood glucose will generally ability rehashed pee, and also people transform into more we get to be dry and hungry heading thought wellbeing and wellness diversion too like anxiety and inadequate centering.

 

To have the capacity to battle on this horrifying disease, Doctor. Kenneth Pullman accomplished for 24 hours most his presence to find an extreme and additionally last treatment for this lethal sickness. To help persons uproot that and also are carrying on an ordinary and sound presence, she has presented an effective preparing system named while "Diabetes Protocol" as a sensible digital book that would truly encourage you to escape from that will bothered zoom joined with Diabetes.

 

Absolutely what is thusly extraordinary over it?

 

"The Diabetes Protocol" builds nourishing on overall safeguarded and practicing all the time to keep an individual's build sound, the glucose levels inside level and also makes it workable for physical make-up to capacity legitimately. That demonstrates to persons best practices to begin living a salubrious lifestyle all of which will aid the evildoers to dispose of Diabetes out of their bodies in twenty days to weeks. This course helps guests to development couple of valuable practices that would aid every one of them inside years to come. By utilizing Diabetes Standard convention, persons has the capacity push out prediabetes and markdown diabetes assortment II. This is a solitary course that will puts glucose levels in commonplace develop. Which implies a lesser number of expenses as to physician endorsed medicine and also general discourse to help doctors whom simply help to make the money and in addition make tracks in an opposite direction from anybody without having such progressions. Given that Diabetes oblige think about get to be cured more than the specific medications to consider standard foundation.

 

What makes that work?

 

This framework is intended for any individual joined with pretty much any age gathering, encountering diabetes. Regardless of whether you could have as of late been existing close by the circumstances for a long stretch or maybe got recognized as having that simply recently, this may doubtlessly support you. The information and additionally mindfulness supplied in this digital book will completely stagger anybody and persuades you to unquestionably term intense normal while you will see veritable headways in your wellbeing and wellness. You may be staggered after figuring out much all the more about the strong impacts joined with way of life and eating regimen on your general wellbeing.

 

Sufferers encountering higher body stress, osteoarthritis, higher cholesterol, melanoma, weak navicular bone sickness and additionally whatnot could likewise complete heading of this digital book. It could potentially furnish you with a bunches of discriminating lessons in connection to dealing with and also mitigating different wellbeing issues in just a solitary continue.

 

That brings down people prerequisite of insulin alongside perplexing the specific insulin sums basically by 80% in the occasion men and ladies have got diabetes mixed bag We. Diabetes Standard convention moreover separates people necessity of drugs and also insulin implantations. It may help men and ladies figure out how to view freely through flagitious indicants associated with both similarly mixed bags of Diabetes.

 

Not long after your finishing joined with twenty days to weeks manage, the specific furthermore get ready will highlight the way at the end of the day you'll be prepared proceed with your chose nourishment and incorporate every one of them in your eating methodology, several yummy dishes which you have as of late been no attendant as to that long.

 

Figure out how to get "Diabetes Protocol"?

 

Positive point, Diabetes Standard convention is typically a truly easy to use furthermore sensibly estimated data digital book. With this framework, you have the capacity completely handle anything about the methodology to handle your diabetes, and also connected signs and side effects. Furthermore, you'll can endeavor in the solid and also secured strategy.

 

Mcdougal peculiarities comparably as of late been supplying a few increases and redesigns. On account of this, you have the capacity read all the more about more in connection to numerous wellbeing issues, alongside the specific medicinal business. On the net help in the organization can be found to your any sort of inquiries. You'll gain the numerous help you call for at whatever point.

 

Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-WofB76bug

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

Estadísticas específicas sobre las mujeres hispanas de origen mexicano, muestran que el 11 por ciento han sido diagnosticadas con diabetes. Si te sientes cansada, con mucha sed y tienes que orinar seguido pide una cita con tu médico.

Best 5 Pre-Diabetes Symptoms Signs l Prediabetes Treatment l Pre-Diabetes Diet Food List l Foods to Avoid for prediabetes l Best 10 Health Checks Symptoms Diabetes

Best 5 Pre-Diabetes Symptoms Signs :- prediabetes is a new word for a fast-rising issue around the globe. It’s a medical ...

 

www.diabetestips.in/prediabetes/best-5-pre-diabetes-sympt...

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

Carbohydrates are a great source of energy for our bodies -- but if you eat too many at one time, your blood glucose may get too high. If your blood glucose stays too high for too long, it can lead to serious health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Common symptoms of high blood glucose include feeling tired, being thirsty, and urinating frequently.

    

Learn more in this infographic or visit HeartTruth.gov.

 

Objective: To evaluate the role of Fetuin A levels in predicting glycemic outcome in individuals with impaired fasting glucose.

 

Research Design and Methods: A total of 742 young individuals were recruited for the study out of which 177 had impaired fasting glucose, 468 had normoglycemia and 97 individuals with diabetes. These individuals were offsprings of diabetics (either mother or father or both) and were siblings amongst themselves belonging to age group of 18-35 years. Various biochemical investigations such as fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated Hb, serum insulin, C-peptide and Fetuin A were carried out. People with impaired fasting glucose were followed and analyzed according to glycemic outcome and quartile of Fetuin A level.

 

Results: A total of 66 individuals with prediabetes reverted back to normal, 28 progressed to diabetes and 83 remained with prediabetes over a mean±S.D follow up of 24±4.1 months. People in the highest quartile of fetuin A had the highest Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Increased loss of beta cell activity, decreased sensitivity to insulin and a higher rate of progression to diabetes (relative risk 11.96, 95% CI 5.9 to 24.01, p<0.001) and a significantly lower rate of reversion to normoglycemia (relative risk 5.62, 95% CI 3.16 to 9.9, p<0.001) than those in other Fetuin A quartiles.

fetuin A correlated positively with Insulin (r= +0.289, p<0.001), C-peptide (r=+ 0.177, p<0.001), %β cell function(r= -0.368, p<0.001), insulin resistance (r= +0.436, p<0.001) and glycosylated Hb (r=+0.958, p<0.05) and negatively with % sensitivity to insulin( r= -0.287, p<0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that baseline fetuin A, insulin levels and fasting glucose levels were predictive of reversion to normoglycemia.

 

Conclusions: Increased fetuin A levels had an adverse impact on glycemic outcomes thus suggesting that fasting plasma glucose and Fetuin A can be used as a tool to determine the susceptibility of an individual to develop pre-diabetes and thus diabetes mellitus.

 

Author(s) Details

 

Sukhraj Kaur

Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India.

 

Dr. Mridula Mahajan

Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India.

 

Read full article: bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/view/53/534/471-1

View More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rdG-Rbvi84

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™

1016 South Vail Avenue

Montebello, CA 90640

(877) 956-4601

 

Herbal Drink and Topical Cream “DYNAMIC DUO” Successfully Used To Fight Diabetes Epidemic

 

(Montebello, CA) A new herbal drink that combines potent nutrients and a topical cream are being used to fight diabetes with many reports of success. The double treatment called “Dymanic Duo” helps better regulate blood glucose levels and includes a topical treatment for external skin complications.

 

This development comes as new studies point to a diabetes epidemic. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes, and an additional 79 million with prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In response to these statistics, Sergio Quinones, president of Withrow Pharmaceutical™, has announced the introduction of the Diabetes “Dynamic Duo.”

 

The Diabetes “Dynamic Duo” is the best of both worlds: An herbal drink that The first part of the “Duo”, Cactus Plus Diabetes Drink, is an herbal blend of six Botanical ingredients, Cinnamon Extract, Fenugreek Extract, Nopal Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, and Bitter Melon Extract that helps the body to better regulate blood glucose and decrease complications of Type II Diabetes, in combination with maintaining an ideal weight and a healthy life style.

 

The second part of the “Duo”, Diabetes Healing Cream, is a scientifically formulated moisturizing cream that can play a constructive role along with patients’ vigilance and better medical care to help curb diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes Healing Cream contains Vitamin C, E, A & D, six Botanical Extracts, Niacinamide, Urea, and Triclosan that provides antibacterial protection for the feet, heels, elbows and knees and fights foot odors.

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ is taking the lead in preventing and combating diabetes. Sergio Quinones, president of the company, is a leading proponent for prescribing

preventive care for individuals who are in high risk groups, namely, Latinos, African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times “the numbers, and the disparities, are likely to grow. The proportion of Americans with diabetes - now 8% - is expected to double in a decade because of obesity among young people. “

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ has a long history of researching and developing unique

formulations to help the community stay healthy through the use of natural ingredients.

All raw materials are assayed before use and manufactured formulas are tested and

continuously kept up-to-date. Withrow Pharmaceutical™ products are made in the U.S.A.

 

Distributors and brokers or those interested in private label opportunities, please contact: sales@drwithrow.com (877) 956-4601. The statements and products referred to throughout this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

 

Sergio Quinones

Sergio@DrWithrow.com

(877) 956-4601

Logo, Withrow Pharmaceutical™ 1016 South Vail Avenue Montebello, CA 90640 (877) 956-4601

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™

1016 South Vail Avenue

Montebello, CA 90640

(877) 956-4601

 

Herbal Drink and Topical Cream “DYNAMIC DUO” Successfully Used To Fight Diabetes Epidemic

 

(Montebello, CA) A new herbal drink that combines potent nutrients and a topical cream are being used to fight diabetes with many reports of success. The double treatment called “Dymanic Duo” helps better regulate blood glucose levels and includes a topical treatment for external skin complications.

 

This development comes as new studies point to a diabetes epidemic. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes, and an additional 79 million with prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In response to these statistics, Sergio Quinones, president of Withrow Pharmaceutical™, has announced the introduction of the Diabetes “Dynamic Duo.”

 

The Diabetes “Dynamic Duo” is the best of both worlds: An herbal drink that The first part of the “Duo”, Cactus Plus Diabetes Drink, is an herbal blend of six Botanical ingredients, Cinnamon Extract, Fenugreek Extract, Nopal Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, and Bitter Melon Extract that helps the body to better regulate blood glucose and decrease complications of Type II Diabetes, in combination with maintaining an ideal weight and a healthy life style.

 

The second part of the “Duo”, Diabetes Healing Cream, is a scientifically formulated moisturizing cream that can play a constructive role along with patients’ vigilance and better medical care to help curb diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes Healing Cream contains Vitamin C, E, A & D, six Botanical Extracts, Niacinamide, Urea, and Triclosan that provides antibacterial protection for the feet, heels, elbows and knees and fights foot odors.

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ is taking the lead in preventing and combating diabetes. Sergio Quinones, president of the company, is a leading proponent for prescribing

preventive care for individuals who are in high risk groups, namely, Latinos, African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times “the numbers, and the disparities, are likely to grow. The proportion of Americans with diabetes - now 8% - is expected to double in a decade because of obesity among young people. “

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ has a long history of researching and developing unique

formulations to help the community stay healthy through the use of natural ingredients.

All raw materials are assayed before use and manufactured formulas are tested and

continuously kept up-to-date. Withrow Pharmaceutical™ products are made in the U.S.A.

 

Distributors and brokers or those interested in private label opportunities, please contact: sales@drwithrow.com (877) 956-4601. The statements and products referred to throughout this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

 

Sergio Quinones

Sergio@DrWithrow.com

(877) 956-4601

www.nbcbayarea.com/news/coronavirus/a-closer-look-covid-c...

A Closer Look: COVID Cases Rising Overseas

 

There are no more masks, people are back into the office, and there’s a statewide positivity rate of 1.5%. But here’s the fine print — cases are once again rising overseas. NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai spoke to UCSF’s Dr. Monica Gandhi for some insight.

 

apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-indiana-diabetes-...

 

Diabetes & COVID-19: Scientists explore potential connection

 

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — When their 11-year-old son started losing weight and drinking lots of water, Tabitha and Bryan Balcitis chalked it up to a growth spurt and advice from his health class. But unusual crankiness and lethargy raised their concern, and tests showed his blood sugar levels were off the charts.

 

Just six months after a mild case of COVID-19, the Crown Point, Indiana, boy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His parents were floored — it didn’t run in the family, but autoimmune illness did and doctors said that could be a factor.

 

Could his diabetes also be linked with the coronavirus, wondered Nolan’s mom, a respiratory therapist. Turns out scientists in the U.S. and elsewhere are asking the same question and investigating whether any connection is more than a coincidence.

 

It’s clear that in those who already have diabetes, COVID-19 can worsen the condition and lead to severe complications. But there are other possible links

 

Emerging evidence shows that the coronavirus — like some other viruses — can attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas — a process that might trigger at least temporary diabetes in susceptible people. Rising cases might also reflect circumstances involving pandemic restrictions, including delayed medical care for early signs of diabetes or unhealthy eating habits and inactivity in people already at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

 

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report looked at two large U.S. insurance databases that included new diabetes cases from March 2020 through June 2021. Diabetes was substantially more common in kids who’d had COVID-19. The report didn’t distinguish between Type 1, which typically starts in childhood, and Type 2, the kind tied to obesity.

 

Rates of both types of diabetes have risen in U.S. kids in recent years, but reports from Europe and some U.S. hospitals suggest the pace may have accelerated during the pandemic.

 

“I think we’re all a little worried,” said Dr. Inas Thomas, a specialist at the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital.

 

Her hospital has seen a 30% increase in Type 1, compared with pre-pandemic years, Thomas said. It is not known how many had COVID-19 at some point, but the timing raises concerns that there could be a connection, she said.

 

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. It is thought to involve an autoimmune reaction, with the body attacking insulin-making cells in the pancreas. Patients must use manufactured insulin to manage the chronic condition.

 

Experts have long theorized that some previous infection may trigger that autoimmune response.

 

With COVID-19, “We don’t know if it’s a direct effect or some other factor that’s not fully understood yet, but we are hoping that this trend may help us figure out the trigger for what causes Type 1 diabetes,” Thomas said.

 

At Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, Type 1 diabetes cases jumped almost 60% during the first year of the pandemic, compared with the previous 12 months, researchers reported recently in JAMA Pediatrics. Just 2% of those children had active COVID-19 and the report lacked information on any prior infections. But the sharp increase was striking and “clearly there’s a lot more work to be done to try to answer why is this happening,″ said co-author Dr. Jane Kim.

 

Type 2 diabetes, which mostly affects adults, impairs how the body uses insulin, leading to poorly regulated blood sugar. Causes are uncertain but genetics, excess weight, inactivity and unhealthy eating habits play a role. It can sometimes be treated or reversed with lifestyle changes.

 

Globally, more than 540 million people have diabetes, including about 37 million in the United States. Most have Type 2 diabetes, and many more have higher than normal blood sugar levels, or prediabetes. Doctors worry that COVID-19 or sluggish pandemic lifestyles might be among things that push them over the edge.

 

A diabetes center at Chicago’s La Rabida Children’s Hospital has seen a pandemic surge in prediabetes. Center co-director Rosemary Briars suspects long, sedentary hours of online learning played a role.

 

Dr. Rasa Kazlauskaite, a diabetes specialist at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, said steroid drugs that are sometimes used to reduce inflammation in hospitalized patients with infections including COVID-19 can cause blood sugar increases leading to diabetes. Sometimes it resolves after steroids are stopped, but not always, she said.

 

The physical stress of severe COVID-19 and other illnesses can also cause high blood sugar and temporary diabetes, she said.

 

To learn more, scientists in Denmark are enrolling adults recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, including some who had COVID-19. Over time, the researchers will check whether the condition progresses faster in those who had COVID-19, which could help clarify the infection’s role, if any, in developing diabetes, said researcher Dr. Morten Bjerregaard-Andersen, a diabetes specialist at the Hospital of South West Jutland.

 

“The theory is if you had COVID-19, then your own insulin production will be more compromised than if you weren’t infected,” Bjerregaard-Andersen said.

 

Researchers at King’s College London and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, have launched an international COVID-19-diabetes registry. Among things they hope to learn: Does diabetes in COVID-19 patients persists after they recover; do they face higher risks of getting diabetes again; could diabetes in COVID-19 patients be an entirely new type of diabetes.

 

Nolan Balcitis, now 12, says he knew nothing about diabetes before his diagnosis last year. He was nervous at first about all that’s involved in managing the disease — counting carbohydrates, checking blood sugar, insulin shots. But a wearable insulin pump lets him skip daily injections, and a sensor on his arm makes monitoring a breeze.

 

A typical kid who likes baseball and playing with his yellow Labrador retriever, Callie, Nolan shrugs off his condition.

 

“I’m just kind of used to it now,” the boy said with the nonchalance of an almost-teenager.

Igor Ostrovsky, MD, PhD.

3120 Brighton 5th Street, Suite 1C

Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 934-1920

dr.IgorOstrovsky@gmail.com

www.doctorostrovsky.com

 

Igor Ostrovsky, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in pain management, environmental, preventive and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Ostrovsky is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Pan American Allergy Society, Homeopathic Medical society of the State of New York, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is also a Charter Fellow of the American College of Acupuncture. He studied homeopathy under many of the world’s leading Homeopaths, such as Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Bhawisha and Dr. Shachindra Joshi, Jeremy Sherr and Roger Morrison. Dr. Ostrovsky also studied Neural Therapy from Dr. Ulrike Aldag, Director of the Berlin Institute for Neural Therapy.

 

Dr. Ostrovsky has vast experience with Physical Therapy, Pain Management (Platelet-Rich Plasma, PSTIM, Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Conventional Invasive Pain Management), and Environmental Toxicity (Allergy Testing and Treatment, Food Sensitivity, Nutritional Therapy, Chelation Therapy). I specialize in a variety of other medical treatments, including Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide, Vitamins, and Natural Hormone Replacement.

 

To restore health it is important to remove toxic burdens – clear environmental allergies, omit foods that cause hidden food allergies, diminish levels of toxic metals in the body with chelation therapy, clear impacts of previous infections and vaccinations with immunotherapy and homeopathy. Minimizing toxic influences enables proper function of immune system.

 

Working Hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm

Payments Accepted: Credit Cards, Insurances (we accept some of them, some not)

Opened Since: 1998

 

Twitter: twitter.com/DrOstrovsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Igor-Ostrovsky-MD-Phd/240815272741458

Blogger: igorostrovskymdphd.blogspot.com/

If you want to know if you are a contender for diabetes or pre-diabetes, this is the test that will tell you for sure, long before it is caught on your blood work. In the Glucose Tolerance test they first take your fasting blood sugar reading. Then they give you a glucose solution to drink and tell you to come back in 2 hours when they test your blood sugars again. If it is not around 84 mg/dl and is much higher say over the126 mg/dl (the point that determines a diabetic), then you are likely to have metabolic issues that may turn into diabetes and later alzheimer's now called type 3 diabetes.

 

I suspect that if people had to undergo this test as a baseline for their physical, that half the population would be found glucose intolerant and learn about the connection between a high carb diet and erratic blood sugars. I'm sure I would have been caught decades ago, because I've been hypoglycemic for a long time.

 

One can also surmise that the lobbying forces of food producers who profit from the sale of expensive cereals made with cheap ingredients as well as all the other high starch processed foods would not be happy if people became aware of this connection. The link between the medical establishment and such corporations has already enjoyed close partnerships for a quarter century at least.

On my first full day in Europe in 2020, I went to the Walrus and Carpenter pub for a late lunch, and this was it. Chicken, onion rings, fries, salad, and what was probably a lemonade. As with my 2008 trip, I was disappointed that they didn't have 7-Up or Sprite. Now that I have prediabetes, I look at this plate and think "carb, carb, sugary drink, not enough fiber...but at least there's protein."

 

I'm kinda glad I didn't know about the prediabetes on this trip (actually, I didn't have it yet, because I did bloodwork a few weeks before this trip and my blood sugar was normal at the time), because if I had just found out about it, I would have had such a hard time knowing what to eat that I would have been hungry all the time.

 

___________

IMG_6282ps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™

1016 South Vail Avenue

Montebello, CA 90640

(877) 956-4601

 

Herbal Drink and Topical Cream “DYNAMIC DUO” Successfully Used To Fight Diabetes Epidemic

 

(Montebello, CA) A new herbal drink that combines potent nutrients and a topical cream are being used to fight diabetes with many reports of success. The double treatment called “Dymanic Duo” helps better regulate blood glucose levels and includes a topical treatment for external skin complications.

 

This development comes as new studies point to a diabetes epidemic. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes, and an additional 79 million with prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In response to these statistics, Sergio Quinones, president of Withrow Pharmaceutical™, has announced the introduction of the Diabetes “Dynamic Duo.”

 

The Diabetes “Dynamic Duo” is the best of both worlds: An herbal drink that The first part of the “Duo”, Cactus Plus Diabetes Drink, is an herbal blend of six Botanical ingredients, Cinnamon Extract, Fenugreek Extract, Nopal Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, and Bitter Melon Extract that helps the body to better regulate blood glucose and decrease complications of Type II Diabetes, in combination with maintaining an ideal weight and a healthy life style.

 

The second part of the “Duo”, Diabetes Healing Cream, is a scientifically formulated moisturizing cream that can play a constructive role along with patients’ vigilance and better medical care to help curb diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes Healing Cream contains Vitamin C, E, A & D, six Botanical Extracts, Niacinamide, Urea, and Triclosan that provides antibacterial protection for the feet, heels, elbows and knees and fights foot odors.

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ is taking the lead in preventing and combating diabetes. Sergio Quinones, president of the company, is a leading proponent for prescribing

preventive care for individuals who are in high risk groups, namely, Latinos, African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times “the numbers, and the disparities, are likely to grow. The proportion of Americans with diabetes - now 8% - is expected to double in a decade because of obesity among young people. “

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ has a long history of researching and developing unique

formulations to help the community stay healthy through the use of natural ingredients.

All raw materials are assayed before use and manufactured formulas are tested and

continuously kept up-to-date. Withrow Pharmaceutical™ products are made in the U.S.A.

 

Distributors and brokers or those interested in private label opportunities, please contact: sales@drwithrow.com (877) 956-4601. The statements and products referred to throughout this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

 

Sergio Quinones

Sergio@DrWithrow.com

(877) 956-4601

www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/03/05/589286575/this-ch...

 

People who are diagnosed with prediabetes can delay or prevent the disease if they change their lifestyle and lose a significant amount of weight. But here's the challenge: How can people be motivated to eat healthier and move more? Increasingly, the answer might include digital medicine.

 

"Just telling people to do things doesn't work," says Sean Duffy, CEO of Omada Health. If it were easy, there wouldn't be more than 80 million adults in the U.S. with prediabetes.

 

Omada has rolled out a digital program, delivered on smartphones and other devices, that incorporates all the ingredients known to help people overhaul their habits. It includes e-coaching; peer support; education; diet and exercise tracking; and electronic nudging. (Forget to weigh in or track your meals? You'll get texts or emails reminding you to do it.)

 

Resolved To Lose Weight? We Gave Food-Tracking Apps A Try

THE SALT

Resolved To Lose Weight? We Gave Food-Tracking Apps A Try

"Week by week we have lessons on different themes, " Duffy explains. "They're interactive, and there's little games" to keep it dynamic. Participants are matched with a group of peers (online) and they're led by a coach, who they can text or email back and forth with. "We call it the symphony effect," Duffy says, because there are multiple methods working together to help participants stay on track.

 

Getting started

 

Sometimes fear is a good motivator for losing weight. Don Speranza is in his late 60s and lives on a farm along the Columbia River in Washington state, where he runs a bed and breakfast with his wife. He's also the chef at the inn. "I'm immersed in food all day," Speranza says.

 

Last year he received an email from his doctor at Kaiser Permanente with some test results. "It was like a gut punch, " Speranza says.

  

Don Speranza (left) in 2003, and after losing weight, in 2018.

Courtesy of Don Speranza

Based on his weight, which had been crept up to 210 pounds, and the results of his bloodwork to test his glucose, he was diagnosed with prediabetes. This means his blood sugar level was elevated, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with the condition.

 

"It was a real come-to-Jesus moment," Speranza recalls. He knew that diabetes increased the risk of heart disease and can lead to many other complications including vision loss and amputations.

 

When he signed up for the Omada program, the first thing he received was a scale. He began to weigh himself daily. He also began to track what he was eating. Each day he'd log his weight and meals and upload the data to a dashboard. His coach could see the data, too, and give him advice and encouragement.

 

"Oh, my coach, " Speranza says. "I can't sing her praises enough, she was so responsive." Even though they never met in person, they bonded. He took her advice and suggestions.

 

Preventing Diabetes: Small Changes Have Big Payoff

YOUR HEALTH

Preventing Diabetes: Small Changes Have Big Payoff

He realized, for instance, that he ate too much of the wrong things. "Homemade breads and croissants, pasta and pizza," Speranza ticks off the list of baked treats with a mix of reverence and resolve in his voice.

 

Speranza realized he had to change his relationship with these foods. Temporarily, he cut out all these refined carbohydrates. He had to train himself to resist all the treats he bakes for his guests.

 

Instead, he began to fill his plate with more protein, vegetables and healthy fats. He raises animals on his organic farm, so he eats pastured meats, and a lot of salmon.

 

"Week by week, I'd make one or two little changes at a time, " Speranza says. "It was a game changer."

 

The weight began to fall off, and he started to move more. His coach nudged him to switch up his morning routine. He says he was accustomed to sitting each morning for an hour or so just drinking coffee. "Now, I'll start the coffee," he says, but before he drinks it, "I'll go outside and walk." He tracks his movement withe a wearable electronic device. He began with 2,000 steps logged during his morning walk but has now increased his steps significantly. And he rides a stationary bike, too.

 

"Now, I can almost keep up with my wife," Speranza says with a laugh.

 

Since last May, he has lost about 50 pounds (52, to be exact, but it fluctuates a bit) and his blood sugar has returned to the normal range. He no longer has prediabetes.

 

"I feel so much better," Speranza says. As a baker, he buys flour in 50 pound sacks. "Now, when I look at [the sacks] I'm aghast to think that's what I was carrying around."

 

Success is not automatic

 

Not every Omada Health participant makes the progress they're aiming for. After all, pulling off these changes is difficult

 

"I'm still on the journey to get to more optimal, health" says Lonny Northrup, who lives in Utah. He lost weight while participating in the program, but when he hit a plateau in his weight loss, he felt stuck and he says he didn't get the personal support he would have liked from the program. "For [many] days in a row I got an email saying, 'Hey, we noticed you didn't step on the scale,' " he says. "For some reason that didn't get escalated to the coach." So he says that was a disappointment.

 

Overall, he says he would recommend the Omada Health program to a friend. "I got really good, specific recommendations that worked for me and my lifestyle," Northrup says. And he says the convenience of having the program delivered on a smartphone was key, too.

 

Is Dieting Passe? Study Finds Fewer Overweight People Try To Lose Weight

THE SALT

Is Dieting Passe? Study Finds Fewer Overweight People Try To Lose Weight

There is some evidence that these kinds of programs are working. A recent pilot study with Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare that included about 200 people, all of whom were at high risk of Type 2 diabetes, found that 75 percent of the participants completed the Omada program and lost at least 5 percent of their body weight. And about 1 in 4 participants lost 7 percent of their body weight or more. That's promising, because there's evidence that a 7 percent body weight loss cuts the risk of developing diabetes by about 60 percent.

 

"This is one of the most exciting things," says Mark Greenwood, a physician with Intermountain.

 

Omada Health is not the only player in this space. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes many diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs, delivered both in-person and online, including Vida, which bills itself as a "health transformation team" that is data and tech-driven.

 

Additionally, traditional players in the weight loss space, such as Weight Watchers, now offer some similar incentives, such as personal coaching.

 

Greenwood says he'd like to see many more patients try diabetes prevention programs. And he says he's pleased with the results of the pilot study of Omada's program.

 

"The data really does confirm that when you give people tools and help, instead of just preaching to them, it really does help."

Excessive screen time for Kids may cause childhood obesity!

 

High blood sugar is a modern-day metabolic disorder. There are over 33 million people with diabetes and over 80 million diagnosed with prediabetes in the USA alone. One of the biggest frustrations diabetics and pre-diabetics are facing is the intolerance of blood sugar meds such as Metformin or Avandia. Based on clinical studies, Insulin Herb is formulated as a natural remedy to help manage blood sugar meds without meds.

 

A quality berberine supplement enhances the body’s healthy metabolism and is beneficial for those struggling to lose weight and balance blood glucose levels. This Insulin Herb supplement has shown several benefits in supporting weight loss, aiding digestion, and immunity. Learn more from the

For quite a long time, Berberine supplement has been taking place among many medical publications and health journals.

 

Several companies make berberine supplements, and finding the best one among the many depends on several critical factors. This research paper will evaluate several berberine supplement reviews, side effects, recommended dosage instructions, and other safety issues when using it. We have selected the top five berberine supplements on the market that provides the best value and eventually came to our final verdict.

 

If you are trying to find the best one in the market, this paper may prove helpful. Can regularly taking berberine supplements reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes? As we progress, we will also learn about the latest information, side effects of berberine supplements, and benefits

 

Find out what the recent study tells from the following berberine review section. Also, get in details about our top picks.

=>(HUGE SAVINGS) Click Here To Get Insulin Herb Berberine Supplement Now With Special Discount From Official Site : sites.google.com/view/weightlosssolutions/home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™

1016 South Vail Avenue

Montebello, CA 90640

(877) 956-4601

 

Herbal Drink and Topical Cream “DYNAMIC DUO” Successfully Used To Fight Diabetes Epidemic

 

(Montebello, CA) A new herbal drink that combines potent nutrients and a topical cream are being used to fight diabetes with many reports of success. The double treatment called “Dymanic Duo” helps better regulate blood glucose levels and includes a topical treatment for external skin complications.

 

This development comes as new studies point to a diabetes epidemic. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes, and an additional 79 million with prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In response to these statistics, Sergio Quinones, president of Withrow Pharmaceutical™, has announced the introduction of the Diabetes “Dynamic Duo.”

 

The Diabetes “Dynamic Duo” is the best of both worlds: An herbal drink that The first part of the “Duo”, Cactus Plus Diabetes Drink, is an herbal blend of six Botanical ingredients, Cinnamon Extract, Fenugreek Extract, Nopal Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, and Bitter Melon Extract that helps the body to better regulate blood glucose and decrease complications of Type II Diabetes, in combination with maintaining an ideal weight and a healthy life style.

 

The second part of the “Duo”, Diabetes Healing Cream, is a scientifically formulated moisturizing cream that can play a constructive role along with patients’ vigilance and better medical care to help curb diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes Healing Cream contains Vitamin C, E, A & D, six Botanical Extracts, Niacinamide, Urea, and Triclosan that provides antibacterial protection for the feet, heels, elbows and knees and fights foot odors.

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ is taking the lead in preventing and combating diabetes. Sergio Quinones, president of the company, is a leading proponent for prescribing

preventive care for individuals who are in high risk groups, namely, Latinos, African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times “the numbers, and the disparities, are likely to grow. The proportion of Americans with diabetes - now 8% - is expected to double in a decade because of obesity among young people. “

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ has a long history of researching and developing unique

formulations to help the community stay healthy through the use of natural ingredients.

All raw materials are assayed before use and manufactured formulas are tested and

continuously kept up-to-date. Withrow Pharmaceutical™ products are made in the U.S.A.

 

Distributors and brokers or those interested in private label opportunities, please contact: sales@drwithrow.com (877) 956-4601. The statements and products referred to throughout this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

 

Sergio Quinones

Sergio@DrWithrow.com

(877) 956-4601

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™

1016 South Vail Avenue

Montebello, CA 90640

(877) 956-4601

 

Herbal Drink and Topical Cream “DYNAMIC DUO” Successfully Used To Fight Diabetes Epidemic

 

(Montebello, CA) A new herbal drink that combines potent nutrients and a topical cream are being used to fight diabetes with many reports of success. The double treatment called “Dymanic Duo” helps better regulate blood glucose levels and includes a topical treatment for external skin complications.

 

This development comes as new studies point to a diabetes epidemic. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes, and an additional 79 million with prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In response to these statistics, Sergio Quinones, president of Withrow Pharmaceutical™, has announced the introduction of the Diabetes “Dynamic Duo.”

 

The Diabetes “Dynamic Duo” is the best of both worlds: An herbal drink that The first part of the “Duo”, Cactus Plus Diabetes Drink, is an herbal blend of six Botanical ingredients, Cinnamon Extract, Fenugreek Extract, Nopal Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, and Bitter Melon Extract that helps the body to better regulate blood glucose and decrease complications of Type II Diabetes, in combination with maintaining an ideal weight and a healthy life style.

 

The second part of the “Duo”, Diabetes Healing Cream, is a scientifically formulated moisturizing cream that can play a constructive role along with patients’ vigilance and better medical care to help curb diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes Healing Cream contains Vitamin C, E, A & D, six Botanical Extracts, Niacinamide, Urea, and Triclosan that provides antibacterial protection for the feet, heels, elbows and knees and fights foot odors.

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ is taking the lead in preventing and combating diabetes. Sergio Quinones, president of the company, is a leading proponent for prescribing

preventive care for individuals who are in high risk groups, namely, Latinos, African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times “the numbers, and the disparities, are likely to grow. The proportion of Americans with diabetes - now 8% - is expected to double in a decade because of obesity among young people. “

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ has a long history of researching and developing unique

formulations to help the community stay healthy through the use of natural ingredients.

All raw materials are assayed before use and manufactured formulas are tested and

continuously kept up-to-date. Withrow Pharmaceutical™ products are made in the U.S.A.

 

Distributors and brokers or those interested in private label opportunities, please contact: sales@drwithrow.com (877) 956-4601. The statements and products referred to throughout this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

 

Sergio Quinones

Sergio@DrWithrow.com

(877) 956-4601

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ 1016 South Vail Avenue Montebello, CA 90640 (877) 956-4601

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™

1016 South Vail Avenue

Montebello, CA 90640

(877) 956-4601

 

Herbal Drink and Topical Cream “DYNAMIC DUO” Successfully Used To Fight Diabetes Epidemic

 

(Montebello, CA) A new herbal drink that combines potent nutrients and a topical cream are being used to fight diabetes with many reports of success. The double treatment called “Dymanic Duo” helps better regulate blood glucose levels and includes a topical treatment for external skin complications.

 

This development comes as new studies point to a diabetes epidemic. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes, and an additional 79 million with prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In response to these statistics, Sergio Quinones, president of Withrow Pharmaceutical™, has announced the introduction of the Diabetes “Dynamic Duo.”

 

The Diabetes “Dynamic Duo” is the best of both worlds: An herbal drink that The first part of the “Duo”, Cactus Plus Diabetes Drink, is an herbal blend of six Botanical ingredients, Cinnamon Extract, Fenugreek Extract, Nopal Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, and Bitter Melon Extract that helps the body to better regulate blood glucose and decrease complications of Type II Diabetes, in combination with maintaining an ideal weight and a healthy life style.

 

The second part of the “Duo”, Diabetes Healing Cream, is a scientifically formulated moisturizing cream that can play a constructive role along with patients’ vigilance and better medical care to help curb diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes Healing Cream contains Vitamin C, E, A & D, six Botanical Extracts, Niacinamide, Urea, and Triclosan that provides antibacterial protection for the feet, heels, elbows and knees and fights foot odors.

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ is taking the lead in preventing and combating diabetes. Sergio Quinones, president of the company, is a leading proponent for prescribing

preventive care for individuals who are in high risk groups, namely, Latinos, African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times “the numbers, and the disparities, are likely to grow. The proportion of Americans with diabetes - now 8% - is expected to double in a decade because of obesity among young people. “

 

Withrow Pharmaceutical™ has a long history of researching and developing unique

formulations to help the community stay healthy through the use of natural ingredients.

All raw materials are assayed before use and manufactured formulas are tested and

continuously kept up-to-date. Withrow Pharmaceutical™ products are made in the U.S.A.

 

Distributors and brokers or those interested in private label opportunities, please contact: sales@drwithrow.com (877) 956-4601. The statements and products referred to throughout this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

 

Sergio Quinones

Sergio@DrWithrow.com

(877) 956-4601

Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report

 

For the first time in 2019, The American Diabetes Association endorses a low-carbohydrate and a very-low carbohydrate approach in nutrition therapy for Diabetes. They also include Prediabetes in the recommendations for the first time, which expands coverage of the recommendations to 50-60 % of the population.

 

Also noting:

 

Relaxing of recommendation for extensive salt restriction

Confusing discussion on the health impact of various fats, probably due to the well-known points of view of several of the authors. Other analyses have exonerated saturated fat and/or not shown reduction in mortality from substitution of polyunsaturates for saturated fats. Most studies have shown mortality benefit from replacing carbohydrates with saturated fats

 

As in previous versions, there are still extensive conflicts of interest disclosed (so called “duality”) on the part of the authors

 

Evert AB, Dennison M, Gardner CD, Garvey WT, Lau KHK, MacLeod J, et al. Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care [Internet]. 2019 Apr 18;dci190014. Available from: care.diabetesjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.2337/dci19-0014

 

“For people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, low-carbohydrate eating plans show potential to improve glycemia and lipid outcomes for up to 1 year”

Studies by Saslow, et al and Hallberg, et al, referenced for the first time

Relaxation of sodium restriction

Relaxation of fat restriction

Significant conflicts of interest still present

 

Source: American Diabetes Association. 5. Lifestyle management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetesd2019. Diabetes Care 2019;42(Suppl. 1):S46–S60, Used under license: www.diabetesjournals .org/content/license

 

References:

 

62. Saslow LR, Daubenmier JJ, Moskowitz JT, et al. Twelve-month outcomes of a randomized trial of a moderate-carbohydrate versus very low-carbohydrate diet in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes. Nutr Diabetes 2017;7:304

 

63. Hallberg SJ, McKenzie AL, Williams PT, Bhanpuri NH, Peters AL, Campbell WW, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Care Model for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at 1 Year: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Controlled Study. Diabetes Ther [Internet]. 2018 Apr [cited 2019 Apr 2];9(2):583–612. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29417495

The pastry and cookie I bought at Le Pain Quotidien. Just over a year later, I'd find out that I have prediabetes. It was a surprise, but there was also a trail of Instagram pictures of food I've eaten that made me think "Well, I knew it would catch up to me eventually."

___________

IMG_6391ps

A composite of data and trends in insulin resistance and diet (United States)

 

Left to right: Prediabetes among youth and young adults across levels of BMI (2005-2016), Prediabetes and diabetes across age groups in California (2015), Change in fasting plasma glucose (1990-2016), Change in American diet (1965-2011)

 

Sources: Andes LJ, Cheng YJ, Rolka DB, Gregg EW, Imperatore G. Prevalence of Prediabetes Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States, 2005-2016. JAMA Pediatr [Internet]. 2019 Dec 2 [cited 2019 Dec 4];e194498. Available from: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2755415 ; Babey SH, Wolstein J, Diamant AL, Goldstein H. Prediabetes in California: Nearly Half of California Adults on Path to Diabetes [Internet]. 2016. Available from: healthpolicy.ucla.edu/publications/search/pages/detail.as... Center for Health Policy Research, Copyright © 2006 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved;Mokdad AH, Ballestros K, Echko M, Glenn S, Olsen HE, Mullany E, et al. The State of US Health, 1990-2016: Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Among US States. JAMA [Internet]. 2018;319(14):1444–72. Available from: jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jama.2018.0158; Cohen E, Cragg M, DeFonseka J, Hite A, Rosenberg M, Zhou B. Statistical review of US macronutrient consumption data, 1965–2011: Americans have been following dietary guidelines, coincident with the rise in obesity. Nutrition [Internet]. 2015 May 1 [cited 2017 Dec 4];31(5):727–32. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25837220

Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report

 

For the first time in 2019, The American Diabetes Association endorses a low-carbohydrate and a very-low carbohydrate approach in nutrition therapy for Diabetes. They also include Prediabetes in the recommendations for the first time, which expands coverage of the recommendations to 50-60 % of the population.

 

Also noting:

 

Relaxing of recommendation for extensive salt restriction

Confusing discussion on the health impact of various fats, probably due to the well-known points of view of several of the authors. Other analyses have exonerated saturated fat and/or not shown reduction in mortality from substitution of polyunsaturates for saturated fats. Most studies have shown mortality benefit from replacing carbohydrates with saturated fats

 

As in previous versions, there are still extensive conflicts of interest disclosed (so called “duality”) on the part of the authors

 

Evert AB, Dennison M, Gardner CD, Garvey WT, Lau KHK, MacLeod J, et al. Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care [Internet]. 2019 Apr 18;dci190014. Available from: care.diabetesjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.2337/dci19-0014

 

“For people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, low-carbohydrate eating plans show potential to improve glycemia and lipid outcomes for up to 1 year”

Studies by Saslow, et al and Hallberg, et al, referenced for the first time

Relaxation of sodium restriction

Relaxation of fat restriction

Significant conflicts of interest still present

 

Source: American Diabetes Association. 5. Lifestyle management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetesd2019. Diabetes Care 2019;42(Suppl. 1):S46–S60, Used under license: www.diabetesjournals .org/content/license

 

References:

 

62. Saslow LR, Daubenmier JJ, Moskowitz JT, et al. Twelve-month outcomes of a randomized trial of a moderate-carbohydrate versus very low-carbohydrate diet in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes. Nutr Diabetes 2017;7:304

 

63. Hallberg SJ, McKenzie AL, Williams PT, Bhanpuri NH, Peters AL, Campbell WW, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Care Model for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at 1 Year: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Controlled Study. Diabetes Ther [Internet]. 2018 Apr [cited 2019 Apr 2];9(2):583–612. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29417495

"but for all subgroups most people became heavier at about the same time. This simple observation indicates something important about factors that did not precipitate the US obesity epidemic. We believe it is implausible that each age, sex and ethnic group, with massive differences in life experience and attitudes, had a simultaneous decline in willpower related to healthy nutrition or exercise."

  

Rodgers A, Woodward A, Swinburn B, Dietz WH. Prevalence trends tell us what did not precipitate the US obesity epidemic. Lancet Public Heal [Internet]. 2018 Mar; Available from: linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2468266718300215

 

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Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, GWU

publichealth.gwu.edu/departments/exercise-and-nutrition-s...

 

Featuring speakers from the Sugar Association, Pepsi, CSPI

Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes - 2019 - American Diabetes Association

 

“For people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, low-carbohydrate eating plans show potential to improve glycemia and lipid outcomes for up to 1 year”

Studies by Saslow, et al and Hallberg, et al, referenced for the first time

Relaxation of sodium restriction

Relaxation of fat restriction

Significant conflicts of interest still present

 

Source: American Diabetes Association. 5. Lifestyle management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetesd2019. Diabetes Care 2019;42(Suppl. 1):S46–S60, Used under license: www.diabetesjournals .org/content/license

 

References:

 

62. Saslow LR, Daubenmier JJ, Moskowitz JT, et al. Twelve-month outcomes of a randomized trial of a moderate-carbohydrate versus very low-carbohydrate diet in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes. Nutr Diabetes 2017;7:304

 

63. Hallberg SJ, McKenzie AL, Williams PT, et al. Effectivenessand safety ofa novel caremodel for the management of type 2 diabetes at 1 year: an open-label, non-randomized, controlled study. Diabetes

The average 8- to 18-year-old spends more than seven hours a day fixated on a screen, whether it's a computer, smartphone, tablet, video game or TV, the latest evidence shows. Teenagers who exceed two hours daily of recreational screen time are nearly twice as likely to be overweight or obese, the review showed. Excessive TV viewing is associated with many disease risks and is associated with numerous risk factors, including poor diet, lower socio economic status, obesity, smoking or depressive symptoms. As we can see, mass media may cause overweight and obesity in adult men, children, and adolescents.