The CP Diary

From my own experience I believe childhood and stressful situations can be responsible for our compulsions and obsessions.

So what are compulsions? Compulsions are actions or behaviors that drive us to perform certain tasks brought about by obsessive thoughts. Some of those compulsions and obsessions won’t always affect us in our day-to-day life, but there will be some of us who will struggle if we go on to develop the more serious of obsessions such as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

Subconsciously, as we go about our daily lives, we begin to carry traits that we may become obsessed about …

As a result of the world wide economic recession, most of us will have become aware of just how much more stressed we are.

If we haven’t recognized or don’t recognise the signs of stress, those around us will be aware of just how stressed we have become. Although some stress can be good for us; it keeps us motivated; alert and can even in some cases make us aware of danger signs and how to avoid them; but of course stress can also make us sick …

It takes hearing about someone who has passed away in the news to make us realise how vulnerable we are to illness. There is no doubt in my mind that illness doesn’t rely on just one thing; illness comes in through many sources.

I agree that if our lifestyle choices are good, we are more likely to stay well; but unfortunately health doesn’t just rely on us getting our lifestyle right. I also think there is a fine line between staying well and ill health. I tend to fleet between the two myself given all that I deal with, whilst others may …

I am sure even if we consume little amounts of fruit; we’re all probably familiar and know how healthy fruit is. Fruit is packed with antioxidants, nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals.

The benefits are as follows:

• Fruit contain antioxidant properties, which help protect our cells against free radicals that can cause cancer. Fruit can also help alleviate stress and other diseases;

• Fruit is low in fat and contain next to no calories; is rich in fiber and vitamins and contain the good sugars which contribute to good health;

It has been long documented that stress weakens the immune system and can make us ill. Now researchers think it has a major impact on our DNA. Duke University Medical Centre, North Carolina have come up with the conclusion that stress stimulates the secretion of adrenaline, which if not controlled can interfere with our DNA.

Stress is not tangible, we cannot see it and nine times out of ten we don’t even know we are, we tend to think others are stressed and that we’re not …

How many of us struggle because we fail to accept our own choices, either because we can’t make a decision or we rely on other people’s judgment?

It would be good if we were to accept our own choices. I believe that once we learn to accept that we can make our own choices, we’re likely to respond in appropriate ways so that we’re able to make our own choices. It’s a confidence thing, but I believe as adults we should be making our own choices so need to be happy with the choices we make …

Change is something we all shy away from because it may seem daunting or even scary, but I believe change is necessary. It gives us a different perspective in our life.

From the minute we’re born we physically change. We know it’s the cycle of life, so we’re happy to accept it; but psychologically how many of us find it difficult to accept change?

What is change?

Change is having the ability to be able to move from one situation to another. For some people change is usually brought about by a desire to want to change, but it’s something that we all need to recognise if it is to happen …

I remember as a child not wanting to wear some of my clothes. I didn’t see myself as a hoarder but looking back now I suppose that is exactly what I was.

Clutter

Having clutter isn’t always something we think about or even talk about. How many of us buy more than we need just so we have those extra items stored in the house? We don’t even have to use what we buy; we can just store it. It could be anything from pens to items of food for the pantry; special offers where we buy more than we need at a reduced price, just so we have them …

Honey has always been known for its amazing antibacterial properties and is a health food in its own right.

Manuka honey in particular is becoming increasingly well known for its health benefits. It originates from New Zealand and is known as a mono-flower honey. I personally believe it has many healing properties and is helping me combat acid reflux. Although Manuka honey has been around for quite a while, its medicinal properties are only now just being understood.

If you’re not aware of Manuka honey, it’s probably not something you …

It is not uncommon for those of us dealing with CP to have bladder problems, but it’s also not uncommon for other people to have bladder problems either, particularly as we age.

The process

It is the kidney’s job to filter waste and water from the blood. The kidneys then excrete urine through the urethra to the bladder; then the bladder stores the urine until we urinate …