- Q: What should normal blood pressure be?
- A: More than 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90 (120/80-140/90): You have a normal blood pressure reading but it is a little higher than it should be, and you should try to lower it. Make healthy changes to your lifestyle.
- Q: Is there a genetic factor to strokes?
- A: Yes. There are genetic factors. There are some people that are born with certain genes that predispose them to stroke. One such condition would be CADASIL (cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy). If you are interested, I am sure you can learn more about this condition from the Web. Some people are born with genetic conditions that predispose them to clotting. This in turn may increase their stroke risk. Finally, if you have a strong family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or any of the major modifiable risk factors for stroke, you may also be at higher risk because of this. However, these particular conditions are very much treatable and you certainly can do something about them to lower your risk.
- Q: Is breast cancer inherited?
- A: Most women who get breast cancer do not have any family history of breast cancer. Just because a family member had breast cancer does not always mean that you will get breast cancer.
- Q: I am trying to eat a vegetarian diet. How can I get the protein that I need?
- A: It is good that you are concerned because many people who start eating a vegetarian diet simply eliminate the meat from their diet and compromise their protein needs. Rich protein sources include lentils, legumes, nuts/seeds, soy products (such as tofu or soy meat substitutes), eggs, and dairy products. You need to be intentional about consuming these foods several times throughout the day.
- Q: Can I consume essential oils?
- A: Generally, the answer is no. However, some high quality essential oil companies recommend using their oils internally. If you are using high-quality oils (as mentioned above) and they have usage instructions that include internal use, then it has been deemed safe.
- However, if you’re not sure about the quality of your oils or their bottles don’t say anything about internal use, contact the company and ask what they recommend.
- If your oils are safe for consumption, you can try taking them:
- In a capsule – Empty capsules are available online or in your local health food store. Capsules are great for taking essential oils (that are safe for internal use) that will normally burn your mouth if you take them undiluted or in water.
- Under the tongue – Some essential oils, like digestive essential oil blends, can be taken under the tongue. Start with one drop, see how you feel in a few minutes and do another drop if you feel you need it. You should experience relief pretty quickly.
- In water – Some essential oils, like lemon, wild orange or peppermint, are great in water. The typical dilution is one drop per 4 oz. water
- Q: How do I use essential oils on children?
- A: When I use them on my kids, I’m sure to:
- Dilute – I either dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil or in the bath. (Find quality carrier oils here.)
- Apply to the bottoms of their feet – Most oils, I apply to the bottoms of their feet. The oils still enter the bloodstream quickly, but the tough skin on the bottoms of their feet isn’t as prone to irritation like other areas of the body may be.
- Let them apply themselves – When possible, I let them put on their oils. I’ve found roller bottles online that make this super easy. I just dilute the essential oil(s) with a liquid carrier oil in these little bottles and pop on the lid. They can roll the oils across the bottoms of their feet themselves, which they love.
Source: Cleveland Clinic and Young Living Essential Oil Guidebook