Toxic Friends And Social Vampires (c) By Polly Guerin

Everyone has problems and needs support sometimes, that’s why good friends listen and offer counsel, solace or confirmation. However, some people just don’t know when to draw the line and become social vampires draining your patience and leaving you exhausted. If a friend demands attention, time and support without regard to your own life they’re being abusive and the friendship is heading for a showdown. Some so called friends use the friendship as a sounding board for their deep rooted anxieties and problems of such a personal nature that you feel like you’ve become an involuntary full time counselor. As Fred Astaire said to Ginger Rogers in one of those romantic comedies. “Let’s call the whole thing off.

REGOGNIZING TOXIC TYPES
You may wonder how you ever became involved in the first place, but it can happen so fast you don’t realize that you’re dealing with a narcissistic, financially irresponsible, selfish or whiny individual. It’s easy to be drawn in by a toxic person because by nature you’re a good listener, but now is the time to cut the ties that bind. Detaching yourself from people and situations that are not good for you is necessary to preserve your own mental health and well being.

THE NARCISSIST

It’s all about “them” and you never get a chance to get a word in edge wise. Even if you try to inject a comment your words are ridden over as unheard as the narcissist drones about every itsy bitsy news about their ills, their uninteresting life and friends who you do not know, nor do you care to know, and a sundry laundry list of self-absorbed topics. The narcissist never concludes with an inquiry into your life, they’re only interested in dumping on anyone who will listen. Do not ever return a phone call to such a person and put a safety net around yourself and banish such a person from your life permanently.

THE COMPLAINER

No matter what you say the complainer never seems to look on the positive side of any situation. They always seem to overreact. Instead they find the negative point of view in every aspect of their life. Unfortunately their constant pessimism can distract you from your positive affirmation and infect your usual sunny personality. Perhaps you need to let the complainer down gently and say, “I know you must have some valued reasons to complain, but I am not qualified and you really should try to speak to a professional counselor to resolve these issues.” Don’t ever return this person’s phone call and if they do trap you don’t answer the phone or answer an email.

THE SELF -APPOINTED CRITIC

The self-appointed authoritative critic has something to say on just about everything and everyone. Whether it’s the way you dress, manage your lifestyle or how you raise your children this self-appointed critic has the quintessential answer and it isn’t pleasant. Often this critic is a family member and manages to cast a pale over any gathering. The critic may say things that are hurtful and sometimes damaging: “Are you sure that’s the right hairstyle for you?” Or “Did you know that Fran and Joe are having financial difficulties.” It’s not so easy to rid yourself of the home-style critic but you can take steps to stop them in their tracks and say, “It’s impolite to say such things, please do not do so in the future?” You may leave them speechless, but they’ve been warned.

THE DREAM SQUELCHER

Everyone needs support, encouragement and enthusiasm, but the dream squelcher can be the worst kind of so-called friend. They never seem to relish anyone’s achievements. They are mum on compliments. Worst the dream squelcher can never bring themselves up a notch to champion your new ideas or dreams of creating something new, changing jobs, moving on to a new adventure. In other words, they are so hideously jealous of anyone’s success they’d just don’t have it in them to rally up with compliments or praise. Steer clear of such an individual, don’t share your joy with them, and refuse all invitations. Worst their negativity can put the flames of your passionate dreams out permanently.

EXERCISE FOR HEALTH

Exercise is often recommended to relieve tension caused by toxic people. Edgar Cayce in one of his readings recommended, “A general exercise, but as stipulated a great deal of exercise would be given to the body, that makes for a better balancing in the system. The better is walking or rowing.” (3374-1)

PERHAPS YOU CANNOT CHANGE A TOXIC PERSON’S BEHAVIOR BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR OWN AND FIND A WAY TO LESSEN THAT PERSON’S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE.

WATER, The Ordinary H2O Cure (c) By Polly Guerin

You’ve heard it over and over again, “Drink plenty of water!”





Doctors, chiropractors and health practitioners all agree that dehydration can cause mild to severe health problems. Drinking water therefore is crucial for overall good health and especially for mental clarity. In a polluted society Toxemia, the presence of a toxic substance in the blood is another major concern because being toxic probably applies to most everyone in modern life. Water is a natural flushing agent and can rid the system of disturbing forces in the body. Edgar Cayce, the great American prophet had this to say about the virtue of water.
DRINK TO REPLENISH
Like the other authorities mentioned here, Cayce also recommended six to eight glasses of water for the average person each day unless he/she is suffering from a specific illness. In one of his readings he said, “Drink plenty of water. No stimulants, as tea or coffee. Herb teas, however, are acceptable . The care of the body in general---keeping plenty of water for the system, internal and external will build the body to its normal resistance.” (583-4). He also pointed out the importance of water as an aid to digestion and assimilation.
CHOOSING A BRAND
Plastic bottled water has recently come under fire as a health concern and many people are changing to metal dispensers. However, if you are still purchasing bottled water remember that the label may be enticing, the location of the water source may be exotic, but it is important to check that the brand you buy is what the label claims, not bottled tap water. Cayce recommended to use spring water or distilled water for drinking. However, Spa water is another topic. A spa is a place where nature brings forth a spring whose water is either hot or has an unusually high mineral content. Many people attest to the benefits of drinking these waters but it is best to consult your physician before making travel plans.
WATER ENHANCERS
The prospect drinking six to eight glasses of water may seem like a daunting task to some individuals, but don’t get discouraged, simply add a little flavor to the water to give it a tangy boost. Though a dash of lemon or lime juice will add zest to the fluid, do as the tony spas do and add slices of cucumber or sprigs of lemongrass. Herb teas are acceptable enhancers to plain water, but skip the sugar. Ice cubes also add flavor and can be made more interesting. Just freeze the cubes with berries of your choice or grapes. No ordinary water ice cubes will do however. Remember to use the same distilled or spring water for these tangy ice cube enhancers.
FLUSHING OUT FAT
Fancy diets may be all the fad but water can not only detox the body, it fights fat as well. According to a Virginia Tech University study, there’s a simple trick that makes you feel full even before you start eating. All you need do is to slowly drink a sixteen ounce glass of water before each meal, and as much additional water during the day to complete your 8 glasses full capacity. Of course, you’ll need to coordinate this fat fight cure with a sensible diet, perhaps even consult a nutritionist but most important before starting this regime, consult your doctor first.
SOUND ADVICE
Water is a rich commodity and in some countries it is so rare that there are water wars. Let us give praise to the health benefits of water so freely available to us in this country. Best advice from my savvy mother. “Don’t reach for hot java, upon first arising take a glass of warm spring water, not so hot that it is objectionable, and drink it slowly to let the fluid clarify the system of poisons.”

Hailitosis Bad Breath Health Hazard (c) By Polly Guerin

Even a legendary icon like Clark Gable could have bad breath. It is part of Hollywood legend the Tara’s Vivien Leigh did not like kissing Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind because he had terrible breath. So like these star crossed lovers is bad breath keeping you from having a romantic lifestyle but most importantly is it hampering your health? I can’t understand the movies they portray tony people sitting in bed and being served a breakfast tray. Obviously they did not have to brush their teeth first or gargle away the night’s sludge on their breath. Or how about those commercials about gargling. Here’s the scoop!!!
FOOD LODGES IN THE MOUTH
Well, according to reliable sources probably the most important thing you can do for bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth at least 2 times every day, because food sticks between your teeth, around your gums and on your tongue. The great American prophet Edgar Cayce said that bad breath in most cases also comes from improper elimination and/or decaying teeth. Cayce recommended internal cleansing with colonics, castor oil packs, a balanced diet, and when he was asked, “How can I get rid of bad breath?” Cayce’s replied, “By making for better conditions in eliminations. Take GlycoThymoline as an intestinal antiseptic. Two, three times a day.” (Reading: 5198-1) GlycoThymoline is available at the Cayce Center in New York City.
BAD BREATH CAUSES
Offensive bad breath is most noticeable in the morning and it tends to increase in concentration with advancing age. It can be caused by numerous excesses including smoking, drinking, eating toxic foods like onions, garlic and exotic spices or taking certain medication. Naturally, if you have a decaying tooth in your mouth or diseased gums, the bad breath may be a symptom of a condition that requires a visit to the dentist. It can also be an indication of a health problem, such as diabetes or sinus infection and a warning sign to consult your doctor.
TO GARGLE OR NOT TO GARGLE
Fresh Mint, Spearmint and Peppermint: There are many refreshing mouthwashes on the market but to gargle alone will not entirely eliminate the problem. Good oral hygiene is the basic approach. Even a toothbrush can be toxic. When was the last time you bought a new one? Most mouthwashes do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath, and the more you use a mouthwash, the more you will have to use it because once the astringency and tart taste are gone, your mouth may need another swishing. If you do use a mouthwash, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. If you have dry mouth drink more water or suck on a sugar-free mint.
THE SOCIAL IMPACT
In general people are so concerned about bad breath that the mouthwash industry is a profitable business. Between the massive purchases of mouthwashes and mouth spritzers people know that bad breath just isn’t socially acceptable. Whether in the workplace or at home truly bad breath can be a deterring factor that may provoke the loss of friendship and even romance. Unpleasant bad breath can easily be avoided. However, if you cannot get rid of bad breath on your own, don’t hesitate to consult your family doctor of find out if there is a more serious condition causing it. Well said, but I'm buying new toothbrush and floss today and will gargle to my heart's content afterward.