22

Recently, I came across an article titled, 'What would you tell your 22 year old self?' Those interviewed said they wish they would have taken more risks. Being at the brink of your 20's the sky is the limit! Going out into the world you are not sure what to expect. You want to live and enjoy yourself but there are times when life may divert you down a certain path.

Immediate thoughts when reflecting, "Breathe, you do not need a plan". My 22 year old self was very lucky. I graduated college, started my first full time job two weeks after graduation and was accepted in to the one and only Masters program I applied to. Life was good! My hard work towards the plans I made were coming to fruition. Since then life has taught me that plans do not always work out. When they don't it's not the end of the world! Being where I am today I am so happy my life did not turn out the way I anticipated. I would have missed out on the joys and life experiences I have had.

I would tell 22 year old me:

The only expectation to have is to be a better version of yourself with every day that passes.

Forgive others but do not forget how they made you feel.

What would you tell your 22 year old self? Are you happy with where life has led you? If the answer is 'no', make a change! It is never too late in life or even too late in the day to make a positive change.

Trivia: What does pH balance measure?

I saw a segment on a news show advertising bottled alkaline water. The promoter said, "This is great for cancer patients! Cancer cannot survive in an alkalized body."

Since October 2013 I have been on the Alkaline Diet. One trip to the ER for stomach pains was enough for me to change the way I ate. We each have a pH balance:

"pH is an abbreviation for potential hydrogen. A pH number measures from 0 to14 how acidic or alkaline a liquid is -- anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below 7 is acid", (www.howstuffworks.com).

Researching and learning all I could about the alkaline diet, which foods are alkalizing, which are acidic, learning to balance a neutral diet. I came across a study that said cancer cells have a tough time surviving in an alkalized environment. In 1923, Dr. Otto Heinrich Wardburg discovered the following: "All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen - a rule without exception". According to growthhouse.org, 564,000 Americans die each year from cancer. Dr. Wardburg made his discovery in 1923, 92 years ago. His study regarding the correlation between acidic environments and cancer cells was not the last. Why has this not been over publicized? Now that alkalized water can be made profitable suddenly this piece of information is being verbalized in our media. It is important to educate ourselves through our own accord. Am I saying an alkaline diet is a cure all? No! However, there is evidence that incorporating more alkaline foods into your diet can increase your health.

A good tip is by keeping to the perimeter of the supermarket when grocery shopping! Be ware of organic products. Just because it says it is organic does not mean that it is. When it comes to organic keep an eye out for products marked USDA approved. Farmers and suppliers must meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements in order to receive this approval. Look at the ingredients, especially the percentage of sugar. Sugar is highly acidic! Be mindful of simple sugars. Simple sugars are natural such as the sweetness from honey. Our bodies break this down more easily then complex sugars. Another good rule of thumb is to be able to pronounce everything on the ingredient list.

Educate yourself, take care of yourself the best way you can! It may not be an easy adjustment but it is an important one!

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. -Hellen Keller