Ask Sam Now: February 2018

My migraines are maddening. Any suggestions for alternative approaches to treat?

Dear Migraine Madness,

No to pharmaceutical pills, which have dangerous side effects. Yes to these alternative approaches: dietary and nutritional changes, vitamins, herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga/meditation, biofeedback, cold/heat therapy, aromatherapy, drink remedies, and the Cefaly device. 

Dietary and Nutritional Tips: Seriously consider removing all processed foods and sugars, caffeine, red wine, legumes, dairy, and gluten. These foods can be migraine triggers. 
Add a quality B-complex vitamin or magnesium supplement.

Drink Remedies: Mix Himalayan salt, fresh lemon juice, and filtered water for a tonic to flush the pain away. 
Try G.O. (Green & Orange) Away Juice by combining ½ cup fresh spinach juice with 1 cup fresh carrot juice.

Wearable Solutions: An ice pack or heat pack for comfort is one of the easiest, cheapest remedies.
The Cefaly device is a battery-powered plastic band worn across the forehead. The band emits a low electrical current to stimulate nerves associated with migraine pain. 

De-stressors: Mix lavender oil and peppermint oil in your hands and rub on your forehead. 

Yoga/Meditation: Migraines can be debilitating, and there is no single cure. Try a variety of approaches until you find the winner. I strongly recommend starting with dietary and nutritional changes immediately.

Failed on my fitness New Year’s resolutions already. LOL. Help.  

Dear Struggling,

I can’t help. You are the only one with the power to just do it. You need to help yourself. You either want to or you don’t give a damn. 
Start with creating the right goal for you—one you do give a damn about so you will stick with it. What’s a personal goal that will make a difference? Be realistic and be specific! 

Stop the stupidity. If your goal is to get an amazing job, but you’re not writing a quality resume or learning how to succeed at the interview…you are going nowhere fast. If your goal is to drop 15 pounds, but you’re drinking an 800-calorie margarita or frappuccino every day, you will keep the fat on. Be realistic and be specific!

Stop quitting. If you have too many goals or set goals that are too big, you’ll get overwhelmed quickly and just let it go, push it to tomorrow…quit. If your goal is to work out daily and you’ve never worked out before, joining a gym or running is not going to work long-term. Be realistic and be specific!

Stop putting every positive change off until January. If you goal is to keep your house clean, pay your bills on time, drink more water, eat healthier…really?

That needs to be your goal?! Grow up, and work on being a better you daily simply because you are the top priority. You matter. What you do or don’t do matters and affects you and others. Set important goals throughout the year, assess your progress, and reset your intentions with the will to succeed. Stop holding yourself back, and start doing!

I’m the single one out of all my friends. I hate the Valentine’s Day hype. Get me through the B.S.

Dear Done-with-V-Day,

People are manipulated by marketing and pressured by peers to make a bigger deal than necessary on V-Day! Valentine’s Day U.S. consumers spent over 18 billion dollars in 2017. Smart? I think not.

When you love someone, celebrate and appreciate it spontaneously, romantically, and unconditionally throughout the year. We shouldn’t need a holiday to remind us to be loving and romantic. 

What is Valentine’s Day, anyway? The history of Valentine’s Day has been exaggerated and mutilated. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine. In one story, Valentine defied an Emperor by performing marriage for young lovers in secret. He was put to death for his actions. Another story suggests Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape Roman prisons where they were being tortured. He was put to death for his actions. Yet another legend tells us an imprisoned Valentine sent the first “valentine” greeting after he fell in love with a young girl (probably under 18).

I’m not sure if he was put to death in that story.

Saint Valentine was built into a romantic hero. I’m mystified as to why we built him a multi-billion dollar holiday. 

Applause to you for not being suckered in! It’s pretty much B.S. Now that the truth is out, forget about February 14, and spread the love daily, my friend!