1) REGARDING MARRYING ‘OUTSIDE’ YOUR RELIGION

It’s pretty funny the writer is complaining about ONE lousy marriage in a family that is not the same religion, not the same country, not the same anything– (But conversely, if the parties are the same sex, some complain about that!)–when in fact, in the US most families are extended and branched over and over with absolutely nothing the same–religion, color, foods, or whatever, and most families celebrate that. Well, at least I do. More to celebrate, more holidays, more food, more wine. And then you get to the point that you realize that most people today are much more well read about all types of religions, from conservative Jewish sects to liberal American catholic sects, to spirtuality and our sensitive powers, that I have to disagree that most people know little about religion. I find them to be fairly well read about religion–if they’re interested in it. We’re pretty much a church going, synagogue, temple or whatever you have going group in the US anyway with 90% of Americans attending several religious services per year. Most attend more than one house of worship during the year. So I have to disagree with that. I don’t think anyone would disagree that the orthodox Jewish religion has a ton of beauty in it, but there’s entire websites of ancient religious texts to study also. My favorite is http://www.sacred-texts.com. Warning: religion can become very, very addictive tho. Meditation/prayer can be far more powerful and better feeling than any drug–legal or illegal on the market. I found ways to pray and meditate that leave me feeling higher than any kite in the world–filled with peace and love. The power of religion and prayer is very addictive and very, very powerful

2) REGARDING C-SECTION ARTICLE

The article would have been better if it would be more accurate in a healthy life style. A low carb diet is best for mom and baby. Regular testing of blood sugar levels is important and you can get those meters for free from Freestyle. Further, the article does NOT describe what efforts this woman went thru to “trigger” the cervix. That is important. Women with the lowest levels of C-section labor in fields, they walk a lot and when they go into labor they walk even more. When labor is intense, they should squat (but not push) and let gravity do the work of opening the cervix. The dirty little secret of docs today is they want c-sections for the money and convenience. They want you to labor on your back. They want to put those dumb strappy things around you and tell you “lie down”. (I told them they had between ONE contraction to do that and to get that dumb worthless thing off of me–studies show they don’t work and result in dangerous add’l c-sections). before you go into labor read the green studies (not on the NIH for obvious reasons) about how to avoid a c-section. be sure to get a doc (best) or midwife that will give you the min drugs you need to get thru it but keep you active and on your feet or squatting until the time of delivery. I was lifting weights and pushing furniture around the last two weeks of my 4 pregnancies and everything went extra fine. Those babies got right down there. and when one got stuck because his arm was over his head, it was just an episotomy no biggie. the trick is–get that baby down there. stay in shape. avoid carbs at all costs. do jumping jacks or whatever, but do NOT lie on your back. it’s a recipe for disaster.

3) REGARDING WEIGHT LOSS ARTICLE

Interesting article, but it does not go into the fact that our foods are much less nutritious than they used to be.  We now spray only about 8 to 10 nutrients on  conventional crops, when we used to fertilize by hand with well composted manures and vegetation containing dozens and dozens of nutrients.  grandma and mom were also adept at going out in the woods and finding even more mushrooms, fungi, herbs and spices for good nutrition.
when you’re not receiving all your nutrients, you finish a meal and still feel hungry.
also, it’s a myth that men and women in their 40-50’s feeling older and more achy, slow down when in fact they need more exercise and not less. current studies show that a woman in her 50s needs to exercise one hour per day to avoid gaining weight and more than that to lose weight. women in that category have about the worst metabolism there is, so if you find a diet plan or supplement that works on that group, go for it. avoid the ones that show skinny young people because that category loses weigh the easiest.  we all know that men lose weight much faster and easier than women.
good luck.  I’m now swimming one hour per day, every day, and I’m waiting for the weight loss. I am amazed at the fact I pretty much eat only salads, organic, low carb and I can exercise like that and lose nearly nothing.  The swimming is fun now that I found a place and I feel better and my blood pressure is perfect now, so I guess i don’t mind at all.