Leeanna Gantt’s own challenges and experiences while in treatment for breast cancer.
She was given a cabinet-full of prescription and over-the-counter medications to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.
Even with the help of her caregivers (husband and daughter), it was impossible to remember what she was supposed to take when, or more importantly, when she may have taken something, as many of these medications would be dangerous if taken more than prescribed.
INNOVATION
As the effects of her treatment began to multiply, Leeanna invented her own solution using modified sticky notes.
Some of the best ideas are simple.
Post It Notes sell 50 BILLION sticky notes a year. This one can save lives.
Leeanna created TookTake stickers, which can easily be placed on any medication pill bottles. The center of the label says DAILY with side tabs for the day of the week.
Someone tears off the day of the week when they take their medication.
Simply peel the label and stick it on any prescription bottle, vitamin or medication as a reminder
Oftentimes, people forget if they’ve taken a medication. This prevents forgetfulness.
This DIY solution worked so well, she became committed to making it available to others who had issues remembering to take their own medication once she was finished with her own treatment.
Tooktake is available in three configurations: Daily, Every __ hours, and 7-10 day.
These work for a wide variety of common over-the-counter and prescription medications such as antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, statins, pain medications, allergy medication, cough syrup, ointments, drops or even daily vitamins.
Tooktake is a woman and mom-owned small business located in Pasadena, California, USA. Tooktake is committed to helping others get well and stay well, offering information and support for lifestyle practices that support mental and physical well-being.
BENEFITS of using these stickers:
Tooktake helps healthy habit formation
Tooktake labels include visual and tactile cues that help you remember the routine of taking your medication or administering it to someone else. Removing the tab after taking your dose creates an action that signals the completion of the habit. And you don’t need to use tooktake forever. Once you’ve established the habit, you can kiss us goodbye. If you need us again (we hope you don’t) we’ll be here.
Tooktake supports your healthy lifestyle
Medication and supplements can help you get well and stay well if you take them as directed, and tooktake helps you do that. But we’re also big believers in the power of nutrition, movement, meditation and other lifestyle practices as a means of reducing or eliminating your reliance on them.
Tooktake is low-tech and proud of it
No beeps you silence and forget. No batteries to change. No apps to download. Just a simple solution that works. And unlike conventional pillboxes or complicated “smart” solutions, tooktake works for tablets, capsules, liquids, creams and most other types of packaging, and is available in three formats to cover most dosage requirements.
Tooktake works great for pets, too!
Our furry friends are family, too and they’re not great at reminding us to give them their medication. We can’t ask them if they got their eardrops or whatever, and they’d always say yes regardless. Tooktake can help you keep track of your pet’s medication, so thay can stay spunky, funny and awesome.
Simple idea, which is ideal for Pharmacists or Physicians to already place on all prescription bottles prior to handing them out. Until then, at least patients and caregivers have a way to assure adherence.
Great for prescription medication, vitamins. allergy meds, acne face wash and even on eye drops.
Magnesium is a natural relaxant that helps deactivate adrenaline. This mineral helps you fall and stay asleep. Sources of magnesium are:
Dark leafy greens (collard greens, kale, baby spinach)
Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, pecans, pine nuts, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts)
Wheat germ
Fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut)
Soybeans
Banana
Avocados
Low-fat yogurt
Calcium
Calcium is another mineral that helps the brain make melatonin. A lack of calcium can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty returning to sleep.
Sources of calcium include:
Dark leafy greens
Low-fat milk
Cheeses
Yogurt
Sardines
Fortified cereals
Soybeans
Fortified orange juice
Enriched breads and grains
Green snap peas
Okra
Broccoli
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 also helps convert tryptophan into melatonin. A deficiency in B6 has been linked with lowered serotonin levels, poor sleep, symptoms of depression and mood disorders which can lead to insomnia.
Highest sources of B6 are:
Sunflower seeds
Pistachio nuts
Flaxseed
Fish (salmon, tuna, halibut)
Meat (tuna, lean pork, lean beef, chicken)
Dried Prunes
Bananas
Avocado
Spinach
Melatonin
Many of the vitamins and minerals that are on this list are there because they help aid in the production of turning serotonin into melatonin.
Foods which naturally contain melatonin include:
Fruits and vegetables (grapes, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, tart cherries, corn, asparagus, pomegranate, broccoli)
Grains (barley, rice, rolled oats)
Nuts and Seeds (walnuts, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, mustard seeds, peanuts)
“These minerals help with blood flow and muscle contraction, which are key for falling asleep.” Besides crushing your dessert craving, each fig also packs some additional fiber that’ll keep you full.
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Watermelon
It’s all in the name. Each 2-cup serving is half (you guessed it) water, which will hydrate you before bed and eliminate post-dinner hunger pains due to the fiber and volume.
Remember, not too much or you’ll wake to use the rest room.
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Sweet Potato Toast
Swap baked sweet potatoes for traditional nighttime toast, advises London.
“Sweet potatoes are great sources of potassium, magnesium, and calciumto help you relax,” she says. Top with a drizzle of honey and pinch of sea salt, or a tablespoon of nut butter for a post-dinner treat.
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Pistachios
Pistachios hit the sleep-inducing jackpot, packing in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep. Refrain from a shell-cracking frenzy, though.
“Don’t exceed a 1-ounce portion of nuts,” London warns. “Anything too high in calories can have the reverse effect of keeping you awake!”
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Prunes
The nutrients in dried plums — vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium, to name a few — help make melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Use prunes as a whole-grain toast topping, mix them into trail mix, or eat them on their own about 30 minutes before bedtime.
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Canteloupe
Since dehydration can impact your ability to fall and stay asleep (not to mention your energy levels overall!), choosing watery fruits like melon can make up for any deficits.
London also recommends thirst-quenching apples, oranges, and pears.
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String Cheese
Still can’t silence those stomach grumbles? Your kids’ snack stash might come in handy. Part-skim mozzarella cheese (a.k.a. string cheese) provides a satisfying protein, especially if you pair it with whole grain crackers.
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Nut Butter
Almond or peanut butter also pack in filling protein too. Spread it on graham crackers, a banana, or that sweet potato toast. Again, keep your dollop under a tablespoon so you’re not feeling too stuffed before heading to bed.
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Cherries
The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to increase your melatonin intake, recommends Michelle Dudash, a registered dietician.
Cherries, along with nuts and oats, are a natural source of melatonin. When eaten regularly, they can help regulate your sleep cycle.
And don’t forget WEIGHTED BLANKETS! Click below for recommendations.
BE AWARE OF THE WORST FOODS AND BEVERAGES FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. THEY ARE:
Foods and drinks that contain caffeine
Spicy foods
Alcohol
Foods high in fat
Foods high in protein
Foods containing water (you’ll wake to use rest room)
Heavy meals before bedtime
Stick with the good list of foods and your sleep should improve. It’s also best to shut down all electronic equipment and dim the lights one hour before you go to sleep.
The temperature should be a bit cool, and you can do some deep breathing once in bed. Close your eyes and empty your mind for worries. Instead, focus on at least 3 things you are grateful for or at least one thing you’re happy you accomplished during the day.
A hot bath with soothing lavender epsom salt is also helpful. Unwind, relax and try to associate your bed with sleep. If you’re prone to late night snacking choose foods from the list above. Otherwise, your body will busy digesting, and that could cause a restless night’s sleep.
TAD™ takes the wearer’s temperature every 15 minutes, showing the temperature for 10 seconds.
Once the temperature light goes out, a Green, Amber, or Red indicator light stays illuminated as an indictor visible to those in your close proximity.
Should the temperature be elevated to Amber or Red, the wearer will feel a vibration, which serves as an alert. In addition, the wearer’s temperature can be taken manually with a simple push of a button!
Physician Approved
“Body temperature is the most commonly used vital sign to identify illness by clinicians across all specialities. Being able to identify early fluctuations in temperature has the potential to save lives and keep those around us safe. With TAD™, the most commonly used vital sign is within an arm’s length.”
-Dr. Julian Trivino, Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Giving Staff, Parents and Students Peace of Mind
Your patrons, employees, and staff will be confident of their well-being when you show them you are a TAD SAFE™ facility. Increase the amount of foot traffic into your business with a clear identifier – your focus is on providing a level of safety many others are not!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a fever as having “a measured temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit [38 degrees Celsius], which is what you need to be aware of during the pandemic. A temperature of 100.4 is listed as one of the first signs you may have Covid-19, which is why monitoring your daily temperature during this time is important.
Slightly higher than 98.6 is normal for healthy adults.
TAD™ brings peace of mind to students, sports fans, and everyone who interacts with them to feel and be TAD SAFE™. The cost is reasonable too at $19.99
A user-friendly instruction booklet comes with the watch. First, you remove the charger from the back of it. Plug it into a USB port to charge. Then, reinsert it into the watch. Press to activate.
MY TEST
Small package arrives with blue wristband and instruction booklet. Read it first.
First thing you do is remove the module from inside watch. Charge it for 2 hours in a USB port. Module didn’t fit into my MAC computer, but it did fit into a USB port on a lamp & in the one I use to charge phone.Charge module for 2 hours before placing it back inside blue wristband. My wrist is small, but it fit on the last setting. I had a difficult time closing it with one hand. Having someone help you is advisable.
When I first pressed it, temperature read 98.2, but I had just come in from outdoors. The instruction pamphlet advises not to wear it while outdoors in cold or hot temperatures or while active, as this can affect the reading.
A few moments later, my temp was at 98.6. It says the reading stays lit for 10 seconds, but it felt quicker.
All in all, I’d recommend this more for people who are sedentary. I move around a lot, which would cause minor fluctuations.
If you’re in an office or school setting all day, it could be helpful. One press and you can check your temperature. It’s not recommended for anyone younger than 10 years of age.
I could see this being helpful for my parents after I charge it for them and show them how to use it. Again, it’s simple to use as one press and it lights up with your temperature.
It makes for a great stocking stuffer for Christmas.
2. They keep physically active with regular, daily exercise. They bake and cook for family gatherings, go to the office and play golf. One woman, 101 years old, has a habit of reading while riding a stationary bicycle.
3. They continue to use their brains throughout their lives. Many experts recommend learning new skills as a way to keep the brain functioning. Try a new language!
4. They have learned how to handle stress and the many losses that happen on the way up to 100!
5. They use humor to cope with difficult times. He who laughs, lasts!
6. They find meaning in some kind of spiritual practice and seem to take a lively interest and joy in everything around them.
7. They are self-sufficient — they remain living independently as long as possible and adapt well to challenges. They avoid taking pills or medication, unless they are absolutely necessary.
8. They have good sleep habits, regular bowel movements, and prefer outdoor activiities and fresh air.
9. They focus on living each day as it comes instead of on living a long time. Being old to them is not any different than being young, except that they know they are wiser.
10. They are not always nice. Some are cantankerous and ornery. Most have been married, and most have been widowed. But after their losses, they grieved and got over it.
There you have it. Here’s to still laughing at Centi Anni.
This is an excellent time to strengthen your immune system to make sure you don’t catch a cold, get the flu or end up testing positive for Covid-19. A lack of the right vitamins leaves you more vulnerable to illness or disease. It’s best to get your vitamins from clean eating and the foods you eat, but if you don’t supplements are recommended.
If you haven’t been eating right due to stress, it’s never too late to start.
Vitamin C is needed now, which you can get from oranges and tangerines. Vitamin D is also beneficial. Foods with vitamin D includes chicken, eggs, mushrooms, fish, including salmon, cod, and tuna.
Vitamin D Rich Nuts and seeds
Seeds, breadfruit seeds, raw
Almonds
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Insufficient vitamin D levels have been associated with illnesses such as:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Rickets
Osteomalacia
Mental illness such as depression
Osteoporosis
Autoimmune disease
Cancer
Another important vitamin is zinc, a mineral and micronutrient.
5 Benefits of Zinc
Supports immune system
Fight common cold
Reduces inflammation
Regulates wound healing
Decreases risk of age-related disease
HOW MUCH ZINC DO YOU NEED?
Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 8mg.
Zinc deficiency is common worldwide, but particularly in developing countries. Your body uses zinc for so many things like fighting off infections, healing wounds, and creating DNA.
When you lack zinc in your diet, you may start to experience:
Hair loss
Lack of alertness
Unexplained weight loss
Wounds that won’t heal properly
Loss of appetite
Research shows the body needs zinc to develop and produce T-cells. We talked about T-cells in our last BOLDHealth show with Dr. Max Gomez. T-cells help you to fight off infection.
As the seasons start to change, colder weather arrives and brings more flu and cold infections.
It’s important to strengthen your immune system to help you fight off colds and feel your best. IN addition to getting daily exercise, make sure you get enough sleep and reduce stress. You may even want to get more rest than usual. There’s a reason some animals naturally hibernate in the winter.
They conserve their energy in order get through cold temperatures. That said, you still need to get in daily exercise.
Reducing stress also means limiting your daily intake of negative news either on TV or through social media. Green tea is a know antioxidant and a great way to destress in the evening.
HERE’S A CLOSER LOOK AT THE 5 WAYS ZINC IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH from SunWarrior.com
1. Supports Your Immune System
Zinc activates enzymes in the body that break down the proteins in viruses and bacteria.
Australian researchers found that zinc can actually ‘starve’ off one of the world’s deadliest bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for more than one million deaths every year, causing pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infectious diseases. Researchers found that zinc stops a protein transporter so that it can’t take up manganese. The bacteria needs manganese to invade, spread, and cause disease in humans. The interesting discovery shows how zinc can play such a pivotal role in preventing the spread of infection.
One way zinc can help fight off illnesses is by reducing the severity of the common cold. Research shows that zinc may reduce the length of your cold. A study published in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal found that zinc lozenges shorten the length of a cold by 40%.
Another review shows that zinc may be beneficial for reducing cold duration and the severity of a cold. The research investigated the effects of zinc lozenges or syrups. Healthy people showed an improvement in symptoms when taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours of the onset of the first symptoms.
Zinc is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate and maintain immune function. The mineral is often found in many over-the-counter cold treatments and natural remedies. Alongside things like garlic and ginger, zinc could be a useful addition to your natural medicine cupboard.
A growing body of research is looking at how zinc may reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response. It’s a natural part of your body’s response to injury and infection. The inflammation signals your body to start the repair process. But too much inflammation can cause the immune system to keep fighting indefinitely, even when there’s no pathogens or foreign invaders to combat. Chronic inflammation has been linked to several diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.
One study by Ohio State University found that zinc helps to control infections in a way that stops inflammation from getting out of control. The research shows that zinc supports the immune system by stopping inflammation before it becomes chronic and damaging to the body. What’s more is that researchers found that when there isn’t enough zinc present at the time of infection, there is excessive inflammation.
4. Regulate Wound Healing
Zinc plays a significant role in wound healing. One of zinc’s jobs is to maintain skin integrity and structure. Often, patients with chronic ulcers and wounds have lower or deficient levels of zinc. One Swedish study found that applying zinc topically to a wound may stimulate healing while decreasing inflammation and bacterial growth.
Research shows that zinc plays an integral role in every part of the wound healing journey. From the very beginning of the repair process to coagulation, and scar formation, zinc is absolutely essential. Zinc deficiency can negatively affect the wound healing process.
5. Decrease the Risk of Age-Related Disease
Increasing your zinc intake either through diet or supplementation may help to lower the risk of developing age-related chronic diseases. The mineral appears to affect how the immune system responds to stimulation. Research shows that zinc deficiency may play a role in chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, especially in older adults.
These types of diseases that are linked to inflammation may be influenced by zinc. Things like heart disease and diabetes tend to show up later in life. Older adults are at a higher risk of developing a zinc deficiency. It’s clear that zinc plays a crucial role in the immune system, but it appears to influence inflammation which could be vital for combating chronic disease as you get older.
How to Boost Your Zinc Intake
Zinc is involved in so many important processes in the body. It metabolizes nutrients, repairs body tissue, and regulates and maintains the immune system. Your body doesn’t produce zinc, nor does it store the mineral. This means you need to ingest zinc-rich foods or supplements every day to make sure you’re hitting your daily intake.
It’s always best to get your nutrients from your diet. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is a natural way to sneak some zinc-rich foods into your meals. To up your zinc intake, make a conscious effort to consume more foods that are rich in this trace elemen.
The immune system is complex. There are a lot of working parts involved in a strong and robust immune system. While there is no one single thing you can do to protect yourself from 100% of infections, bacteria, and pathogens, there are things you can do to boost your immune system.
Another way to kickstart your immune system in time for the cold weather is by adding medicinal mushrooms to your routine. Mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and turkey tail have all been shown to have immune-boosting and antioxidant properties to fight free radicals in the body.
Zinc is a trace element and essential micronutrient that the human body needs to thrive. It plays a role in healthy aging, immune function, and supports normal growth and development from birth. As a massively understated mineral, it’s a good idea to include foods rich in zinc to your diet to boost your intake and strengthen your immune system. There are a lot of easy ways to add zinc to your diet. Simply sprinkle some hemp seeds on your salad or add some Shiitake mushrooms to your next meal. If you’re worried that you’re not getting enough zinc through your diet, consider speaking to your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking a supplement.
Remember, a strong and healthy immune system keeps you feeling your best, no matter the season.
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