Let me start with a little background about myself. I was born with Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida) at the L5 S1 level. This cause paralysis from my waist down, in a “spiraling effect.” I can feel the front of my legs but not the back. I have muscle tone in my thighs but not my calves, so this makes it very difficult to walk. I have always walked with my knees slightly bent, for stability – and this has caused pain for as long as I can remember. With all of my weight on my knees, they were constantly giving out when I was younger, and consequently have been a source of chronic pain my whole life.

I have had about 12 surgeries in my lifetime related to Spina Bifida. The majority of them have been Orthopedic in nature. My most recent surgery took place on April 9th, 2009. I was diagnosed with a bulging disc at L2-3 and a stress fracture in my femur (hip). The location of the bulging disc was very dangerous, as this is so close to my lesion from birth. I had noticed some sensation differences in my legs within the last year or so. I had also been noticing an increase in occurrence of my kidney infections (something I fight on a regular basis). All of these signs pointed to a more severe possible diagnosis of a tethered spinal cord. A tethered cord happens when the base of your spinal cord (in my case, this goes all the way down to my tailbone) gets attached to scar tissue. It “tethers” itself to the scar tissue, pulling the cord taught, making it more difficult for nerve impulses to travel the length of the spinal cord. So…in January of 09, after nearly 3 months of severe hip pain, I went in for an MRI of my hip and Lumbar Spine. The hip MRI showed a stress fracture at the femoral head/neck. The L Spine MRI showed 2 bulging discs and a tethered spinal cord. So…which came first?? Nobody knows. There is no medical explanation for my hip fracture and one of my bulging discs was bad enough to need surgery. My doctor still wasn’t sure if my pain was coming from the disc or the tethered cord. After 3 more months of tests and waiting, I had surgery to repair the L2-3 disc and stress fracture.

Six weeks of medical leave is pretty boring, but definitely necessary after such major surgery. I came home using a walker (barely) and it took me a good 2 weeks to be able to get up without it. The next two weeks were spent walking for as long as I could (which was only for about 10 minutes or so). And the final 2 weeks were just for me to get back into a “normal routine.” I went back to work on May 27th – still with some pretty significant hip pain. Every time I took a step, pain would shoot down from my hip to my knee. I have always walked with a different gait than the “normal” person, but since the surgery there was an obvious change for the worse – even for ME. I had decided I was no longer going to take any pain medication – I’m not one to become dependent on those sorts of things. So I just decided to deal with the pain. I took it easy and only walked when I HAD to. The first step or two after sitting for long periods of time were excruciating.

Now we fast forward to last Wednesday, June 17th at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas. I attended the meeting with my Grandpa, Don Alanen. My parents had been to the lunch meeting and told me how amazing the stories were. They were so amazing in fact, that I was hard pressed to believe them. I have a medical background, so I look at the science of things…but I also recognize the value of Natural Medicine – I have had tremendous success with previous supplements my parents had introduced to me from Enrich and other companies of the sort…but you know that part. So…as I sat in the meeting, I loved learning the science behind it and hearing just how phenomenal this product truly could be! I was pleasantly surprised when it actually tasted great too! I could drink that whole bottle in one sitting!

I went home that night and decided to wait until Thursday morning to start drinking TRIVITA’S Nopalea. So at 7:30am, I started for the day. I know the recommended is 1-3 times per day, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to do more – especially since I’d just had major surgery. It took from 7:30am-10am, and I noticed a small change. When I got up to go to the back of the office to take my next dose at 10am, my leg didn’t hurt when I stood up to walk. It was a little sore and I still favored the leg, but nothing like the day before. I ended up taking Nopalea 5 times on Thursday – once each time I had something to eat (Breakfast, AM snack, Lunch, PM Snack and Dinner). On Friday morning, I had NO pain in my leg or my knees. I didn’t really believe it, and thought it might be the placebo effect. When I got to work on Friday morning, I have the option of either taking the stairs or the elevator. I opted for the stairs on Friday – just to test it out and see if the pain really was gone. I took the stairs up to my office (on the 5th floor) and only had to stop at the 3rd floor because I was a little winded. By the time I reached the 5th floor, I was amazed I wasn’t falling over completely out of breath or unable to walk due to pain! I actually did it – pain free! In my entire life, I have never been able to walk up ONE flight of stairs without at least my knees bothering me or having to stop halfway up to catch my breath…and I just did 5 flights – with no problem! My family can even attest to that story – they know I wouldn’t dare take stairs. Even on the night of the Nopalea meeting, the elevator was broken so we had to take the stairs up one floor. I had to put all my weight on the rail whenever I stepped with my right leg because it was just too painful.

My body knows I need this. I can tell when I haven’t had in for a while…my hip starts bothering me, so I go for more TRIVITA’S Nopalea…and almost immediately my hip feels better. I can’t explain it – and don’t really need to. I’m pain free and that’s all that matters!

Hope this story helps others! Thank you for taking the time to read it, and let me know if you need anything else from me. I am happy to talk to ANYONE who might have questions for me or want to know more about my story (as this is a condensed version of the last 26 years). )

Thank you!

Ashley St. Clair

p.s. My home address is:

2896 NW Moda Way #913

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Phone: (503) 758-7999

Your quality of life and your success, in large part, will depend on your health.
TRIVITA

I want to introduce another person who has had a life-changing experience with Nopalea. Valerie B. has suffered for 25 years from the symptoms of fibromyalgia (an inflammatory condition). Here is her story:

“I have been taking Nopalea for approximately two months now at two ounces per day. I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for about 25 years, which has affected pretty much every muscle in my body, as well as chronic fatigue. I’ve also had low back pain due to an accident, and I have been very limited to any kind of physical work. After taking Nopalea for about a week, I decided to go out and try to do some work in the garden. I usually don’t do very much, but this particular day, I felt pretty good. Well, before I knew it, I had been out there for four hours. I moved earth and replaced plants. It just felt too good to stop! I ran out of Nopalea once, and boy could I tell a difference. I knew then that the Nopalea was working for me, and I keep it on hand at all times. I really like the Nopalea and have shared its success with my landscaper who takes an anti-inflammatory medication every day when he gets home from work. As well, I’ve shared it with my sister who has rheumatoid arthritis. I hope to get them both on Nopalea soon! Also, I have vertigo. I have just realized that I have not had a dizzy spell since I have started the Nopalea. My husband has noticed it also. He says he can’t call me a dizzy blonde any more!”

• Estrogen
  The hormone with which you are probably most familiar is estrogen. Both men and women need estrogen to be healthy. For example, your heart needs estrogen in order for the heart valves to close properly. You may be surprised to learn that estrogen is not a single hormone; rather, it is a group of hormones. Each type of estrogen has a different function in your body.
• Progesterone
  Unlike estrogen, progesterone is a single hormone. It affects fertility and is used to make the anti-stress hormone DHEA in both women and men.
• Testosterone
  You may have associated testosterone with men, but women actually produce testosterone as well (just as men also produce estrogen). Some benefits of testosterone in men and women include maintaining muscle mass, reducing body fat, growing healthier hair and, of course, a healthier libido.
• Cortisol
  Another important steroid hormone at work before, during and after stressful events is cortisol. Made in the adrenal glands, cortisol regulates blood sugar levels, determines immune system response and provides responses to stresses of all sorts. Unfortunately, many people have very stressful lives; this leads to an overproduction of cortisol, which can result in poor immune function, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• DHEA
  DHEA is also made in the adrenal glands, and along with testosterone, DHEA is responsible for sexual development in men. In women, however, DHEA serves as a precursor to the estrogen, estriol. DHEA imbalance can result in male pattern baldness and increased facial and body hair in women.
• Fat cells
  While they are not endocrine glands, fat cells increase estrogen levels in men and women. Fat cells store fat-soluble toxins. This deadly cargo is released during stress. Releasing stored toxins and producing inflammatory estrogen is why excess fat is associated with certain types of cancer.

Hormone Basics
These hormones are not the whole “hormone picture.” In fact, they represent broad categories of hormones that may encompass hundreds of other hormones. Also, they interact in such a way that a relative excess in one hormone may make another hormone seem deficient even though blood tests say it is “normal.”

Estrogen, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone are examples of trophic hormones. They are made of the same substance: cholesterol. If your body is unable to convert cholesterol into these hormones you may see your blood levels of cholesterol rise. You can bring your cholesterol down and your low hormones up by helping convert cholesterol to trophic hormones.

Balancing hormones is simple, though it is not always easy: We make them, use them and get rid of (detoxify) them. This is the cycle of balanced hormones. The vast majority of people using this procedure achieve balanced hormones in just a few months.

1. Making hormones
   We make good hormones from good fats. Most doctors recommend over 1,200 milligrams of Omega-3 fats for building healthy hormones. Omega Prime^® contains Omega-3 fats. OmegaPrime also contains Evening Primrose oil to help convert cholesterol to any of these hormones that may be low. You may find that you need higher levels of OmegaPrime every day to properly convert cholesterol into trophic hormones.
2. Using hormones
   Balanced Woman^® (for women) and Prostate Health Formula (for men) along with Vitamin E help direct the hormones where they need to go. Once there, Balanced Woman, Prostate Health Formula and Vitamin E help the hormones complete their work: building up the body and mind.
3. Detoxifying hormones
   Finally, the hormones must be excreted from your body to prevent them from building up to toxic levels. Balanced Woman and Prostate Health Formula nourish this detoxification process.

Conclusion
One final note: imbalanced hormones can cause uncomfortable symptoms, which creates stress. Stress all by itself creates hormone imbalances. Add the insult of a toxic world to the daily traumas, nutrient deficiencies and stresses from inside and outside our bodies and we have a recipe for disaster. The 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness replenish your reserves through nutrients and nurturing. Embrace the 10 Essentials and practice them daily for a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Buy Nopalea Here

1. Today’s world relentlessly threatens your body’s health
Every day brings new waves of toxins, pollutants, bacteria, viruses and chemicals into your body from the air you breathe, the water you drink, the foods you eat and even the things you touch. Furthermore, your body’s health is also undermined by emotional stress, nutritionally deficient diets, metabolic wastes and physical injuries and trauma.

2. Your body responds to health threats with inflammation
When your body is subject to threatening elements or events, it counters these attacks with the defense mechanism of inflammation.

3. But inflammation can be very dangerous
Inflammation doesn’t just happen in your muscles and joints. It also happens everywhere else throughout your body, wherever your cells are being stressed or attacked. So, right now, as you read this, you could be suffering from any of these kinds of inflammation and their related health problems:

• Muscle, joint and bone inflammation – causing ongoing body pain
• Pulmonary inflammation – causing allergies and asthmatic reactions
• Arterial inflammation – causing high blood pressure
• Digestive tract inflammation – causing ulcers and IBS
• Widespread body cell inflammation – causing overall tiredness

4. Drink Nopalea to save yourself, save your health, save the day! Nopalea is your premier wellness partner in your body’s never-ending, daily battle for good health. Working in two vital ways, Nopalea helps to neutralize your body’s inner toxins and reduce its inflammation. Which means it helps your body get the great relief it needs today… and helps protect it from contracting debilitating illnesses in the future.

Inflammation is the Problem, Nopalea is the Wellness Solution!

Buy Nopalea HereBecome an Affiliate Member Here

Autism is an extremely complicated disorder. The complications continue when we consider the many different types and manifestations of
autism. Almost none of the 10 known genetic foundations for autism are connected to each other. It’s as if 10 different roads connect at a central location and continue to diverge in different directions and in an unpredictable way. That is the chaos of autism. It is also why research is focused on the common links of autism rather than strictly on causes.

Can nutritional supplementation with HCY Guard® help?The nutrients that reduce homocysteine seem to benefit many with autism. For instance, according to the Autism Research Institute,
up to 70% of children with autism benefit from methylcobalamin, a form of B-12 that is essential for brain development. There are also
positive studies on other nutrients, such as B-6, Cysteine and DiMethylGlycine. All of these nutrients are found in TriVita’s HCY Guard. These nutrients have benefited many people with elevated homocysteine. If you know a family affected by autism, please feel free to share this information with them. Encourage them to ask their health care provider if HCY Guard is appropriate for their family member.
However, nutrients that help one person with autism may not help another. So, we encourage everyone to enlist the help of all
the available health care professionals as we combat this epidemic. TriVita also offers a 60-day NO-QUESTIONS-ASKED 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON THEIR PRODUCTS.

Bottom line: Elevated homocysteine is strongly related to the development of autism. However, there is hope because nutritional supplementation with HCY Guard helps lower homocysteine levels. I wish to express my sympathy and support for all families affected by this disorder. TriVita lends their time, talents and energies in the belief that through nutrients and nurturing, we can all experience greater wellness.

ORDER HCY GUARD ONLINE HERE or call TriVita at 1-800-991-7116  (Use ID#12967481 to recieve 10% off your first order)

1. Breathe Deeply – Air is the cornerstone of life. Every moment of every day your body exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen to keep each cell in your body alive and functioning. A rich supply of oxygen can make the difference between feeling tired and stressed and youthful and focused. Take at least five deep breaths from your abdomen several times a day.

3. Sleep Peacefully – Sleep is the only time your body has to repair and rejuvenate every organ and system in your body. Sleep deprivation causes cellular damage, and limits the production of enzymes and hormones your body needs to keep your cells healthy, and prevent premature aging. Sleep also has a powerful impact on your emotional health – it eases stress and helps you cope with the ups and downs of your day. Strive to get eight hours of sleep every night.

Sleep Peacefully – Perform this simple bedroom survey to see if your room is helping or hindering your quest for a peaceful night’s sleep.• Do you need room darkening window coverings to avoid the glare of early morning light? • Does noise from other rooms or outdoors need to be minimized with better insulation or reorganization of your room? • Does your mattress and pillow promote a good night’s sleep or should they be replaced? • Do you feel calm and restful in your room, or do you need to make changes that will make it more soothing? • Do you use your room for more than rest and relaxation – do you need to relocate your computer, television, or other distractions?

5. Enjoy Activity – Your body was created to move – and move often. Activity increases your circulation, speeding oxygen, nutrients and water to your cells. Your Lymphatic System requires activity to purge your body of deadly toxins. Activity also triggers your brain to release health-giving hormones and enzymes that lift your spirit while they bolster your immune system. A small investment in daily moderate activity will enable you to reap tremendous health benefits. Enjoy Activity – Make a goal to walk more every day. Walking for just 10 minutes has been shown to have a positive impact on your health.• Park as far from the door as possible. • Take a walking break instead of a coffee break. • Take the stairs instead of the elevator. • Put walking before television or other sedentary activities.

7. Be Forgiving – By forgiving yourself and others of past and present mistakes, real or perceived, you will gain freedom from negativity and guilt that will strengthen you and those you love. Be Forgiving – Each day this week before going to bed, make a point to consciously forgive anyone who has offended you.

9. Develop Acceptance – When you develop the ability to identify and accept the circumstances in your life you cannot change, yet strive to make positive changes whenever and wherever you can, you will discover lasting peace and hope. Develop Acceptance – Make a goal to focus on positive changes in yourself and others – avoid dwelling on, or pointing out shortcomings in yourself or others. Celebrate even small successes by those you care abou

You are a complex, unique combination of physical, emotional and spiritual qualities. By discovering and applying the 10 Essentials, you can develop habits and attitudes that will increase your energy and help you get the most out of life. Congratulations on taking your first steps toward vibrant health & energy!

CLICK HERE TO EXPERIENCE OPTIMAL HEALTH WITH TRIVITA

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