JULY 8, 2020 LITTLE FREE LIBRARY- BEE WELL READ

We all have had time in the last 3-4 months to do something new or something old that I wanted to refresh. I have used the Corona Pandemic as a time to ‘ reset’ my life. First of all - I temporarily closed my medical practices in New York City and in Fairfield Connecticut. I decided to volunteer at the hospital and be useful in any capacity. It was a tough time. I decided to relocate to my home in Connecticut This has been a good decision. On my days off I had time to devote to planting my gardens and keeping my honeybees. I had to time to devote to my dog, Chaplin as well as inhabitants of my pond. It has been a reset

During a walk in my neighborhood I noticed a little box attached to a wooden fence. As I went up to it—I was surprised it was full of books. It is called the Little Free Library. Their web site is www.littlefreelibrary.org.

As I read about this non for profit group I became inspired to set up a library . It is a great way to share books, give a book or borrow a book. I enjoy reading a book in my hands. I am not fond of reading on a device. I love the feel of a book. I had another reason- it was my 60th birthday and I became a grandfather ( a Poppy) in late 2019. I can share children’s books with my community and my grandson.

I put 5 books in my new library. The next day I looked in my box and it now had 11 books. I smiled with delight. To be honest, I even shed a tear. I registered my library today with LittleFreeLibrary.org map and location

Our library is appropriately called BEE WELL READ

Until tomorrow

JULY 7, 2020 BEE VENOM AND CORONA VIRUS

Most of my readers know that I am beekeeper and an apitherapist. I am the Vice president of the American Apitherapy Society. My colleague and friend, Dr Gary Ostrow sent me this article about bee venom and corona virus

This is written by a physician who participated in the prevention and control of coronavirus in China.

There is one discovery we would like to report here. It reminds us the story of the discovery of cowpox and the eventual victory of humans over this disease (Bennett and Baxby, 1996).

Apitherapy means making use of bee venom from the honeybee's sting to treat or prevent certain diseases. There is evidence apitherapy may prevent COVID-19.

In Hubei province, the epicentre of COVID-19 in China, the local beekeepers association conducted a survey of beekeepers (Fig. 1 ). A total of 5115 beekeepers were surveyed from February 23 to March 8, including 723 in Wuhan, the outbreak epicentre of Hubei. None of these beekeepers developed symptoms associated with COVID-19, and their health was totally normal.

After that, we interviewed five apitherapists in Wuhan and followed 121 patients of their apitherapy clinic. These patients had received apitherapy from October 2019 to December 2019, and all the five bee apitherapists have the habit of self-apitherapy for their own health care.

Without any protective measures, two of the five apitherapists were exposed to suspected COVID-19 cases and others were exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases, but none of them were infected eventually.

None of the 121 patients were infected by SARS-CoV-2, and three of them had close contact with immediate family members who were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection cases.

It might be supposed that beekeepers are less likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 because they live in less densely populated rural areas. But the five apitherapists and their patients are from densely populated areas in Wuhan. These people have one thing in common: they develop a tolerance to bee sting.

Until tomorrow

JULY 6, 2020 EDIBLE COMMUNITIES

I have made a habit of always learning something new. I want to continue to learn everyday of my life. It has taken me to wonderful places, but more importantly it has healed my soul. One of my readings include the publication by Edible Communities. I read their newsletter in print and on line. There might be an Edible newsletter where you live.

In Connecticut I became familiar to Edible Nutmeg . I found it in the waiting room of the Naturopathic Clinic at the University of Bridgeport 5 years ago. Over the last five years in between clinic shifts I began to read this magazine. There are Edible newsletters in Seattle, Nashville, Orange County, Madison, Tulsa, Tampa Bay , Columbus and countless more.

I guarantee you will learn something NEW. I try to make to the best of my ability to make each day a new experience. Yes, we have have routines. Make Edible part of your routine. They have compelling storytelling and fresh seasonal recipes in every issue. Explore how healthy you can eat and drink. You will not be disappointed and you might learn something NEW

Check out www.ediblecommunities.com

Until tomorrow…

JULY 3-5 , 2020 HOMEFRONT FARMERS

Summer is here. It is not the summer we had hoped for. It is not what we expected. We have to continue to social distance and wear masks. There is a lot of discussions about all of this For weeks I have written about the Corona Pandemic . I have tried to educate, teach and hope some of my readers have listened. I will continue to write about the Corona Virus.

For this 4th of July I want you to love the taste of summer from your own garden. Last week I have crisp lettuce and deep green spinach from my Connecticut neighbors garden I even picked fresh strawberries from my own garden . This year I planted many berry bushes. I have planted 2 elderberry bushes, one Bing cherry tree, one mulberry tree, one Turkey Fig tree, and one gooseberry bush. I planted 3 tomatoe plants and 4 pepper plants.

You might not have time to grow your own vegetables. And if you do you might need help to maintain. I have a great suggestion You can educate yourselves with the assistance on Homefront Farmers. They are the leading experts in producing homegrown organic food They have organic gardeners who can help, assist and make visits. They will keep your garden bountiful. They still have seedlings in their greenhouses. There is still time to maybe grow on your windowsill.

Check out www.homefrontfarmers.com Get involved

Until tomorrow…

JULY 2, 2020 SAVE OUR POLLINATORS

In 2014, Science found that were a 45 % global mean abundance decline in insect populations and last year another report stated that 40 % of insect species are threatened with extinction. In Europe the reports are more alarming. If you live in a city you probably do not hear about this nor do you concentrate on the insects in your neighborhood. I have been a beekeeper for more than 10 years . I started this ‘ hobby’ to Save Our Honeybees. What started as a hobby is my passion. I have kept bees in NYC on my terrace and now in Connecticut. If we lose the bee population you will not have a third of your fruits and vegetables at your dinner table. This year I raised $4500 in donations for my 60th birthday for the American Apitherapy Society for which I am Vice President.

Living in Connecticut I get to witness the decline. I plant insect friendly flowers for our pollinators — bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other insect pollinators. Get involved.

The Pollinator Pathway Project covers parts of Connecticut and New York. It has been establishing pollinator friendly habitats and food sources for all insect pollinators. The ‘ pathway’ is formed through the establishment of pesticide free , semi contiguous corridor of public and private properties that provide plant habitat and nutrition for pollinators. This is a worth while cause that is needed. This corridor operates as a sanctuary for native pollinators. This approach is working and spreading throughout Connecticut. Like every organization there are hurdles. The best plants are those native to the Northeast. These stand the best chance to provide what is needed.

Get involved. Read about this Project . www.pollinator-pathway.org

Until tomorrow….

JULY 1, 2020 WHAT IS CISTANCHE

Have you ever heard of Cistanche ? I didn’t . During the pandemic I have extensive reading on a variety of subjects. Since I enjoy plants I do most of my reading of species of plants for the garden as well as medicinal use. The major component of Cistanche tubulosa extract has been researched , studied and has published medical benefits.

Cistanche health benefits include enhancing immunity, sexual health, antioxidation, and neuroprotection. It's known for its anti-aging properties It has shown to improve sexual function in both men and females. Maybe you have heard of this plant. Cistanche goes by many different names: cistanche tubulosa, cistanche sinensis, cistanche sala, and cistanche deserticola. It is also called Rou Cong Rong by the Chinese and nicknamed “ginseng of the desert In Asian cultures it is used as anti aging plant with others. It is a powerful antioxidant which account for its anti aging properties. It has been shown to promote T cell lymphocyte production thus increasing life span.

The supplementation of Citanche has been shown to increase naïve T cells and natural killer ( NK) cells which decreasing pro inflammatory markers as Interleukin 6. There are other supplements which decrease the inflammatory marker, IL 6 as CHEA and omega 3 oils.

More needs to be studied on this herb. Cistanche could be opportunity to live a longer healthier life.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 30, 2020 NUTS, NUTS, NUTS

If you need a quick energy boosting and cancer preventing food I would suggest eating a variety of nuts. I have discussed the beneficial use of Walnuts and Almonds in the past as well as a variety of seeds as Pumpkin seeds. One nut , the Pecan has many health benefits.

When I think of Pecans I think of Virginia and Nancy Byrd’s Pecan pie. I wasn’t fond of pecans if not for the pie. However one ounce of pecans contains 3 grams of protein in addition to healthy fats ( like other nuts )

Pecans have been shown to decrease the bad cholesterol , LDL. Pecans are high in monosaturated fats. One specific one is oleic acid . It has been shown to lower the expression of a gene called Her2/neu This gene is involved with the expression of breast cancer. The activation of this gene is associated with aggressive breast tumors and a poor prognosis.

Perhaps this is the reason I recommend a Mediterranean diet ( without the bread and the pasta) as this diet is high in monosaturated fats like oleic acid.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 29, 2020 STRESS REDUCTION

It has been hard to reduce stress during the Corona pandemic. We do know that increased stress can reduce your immune system These high levels of stress which may include loss of work, financial insecurity and your health can trigger high levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone. There are published studies that have shown that cortisol diminishes immune functions and can increase disease risk.

Cortisol is responsible for your flight or flight response that each of us has had at one point in our lives. When the stressful threat has passed cortisol levels are supposed to return to normal . With an ingoing pandemic, cortisol levels are most definitely ON. Sress can result in a decrease in lymphocytes. These immune cells are used to kill viruses, like Corona and other invaders of the body.

We do know from published that supplements rich in polyphenols can help promote a variety of biochemical activities especially reducing inflammation and decreasing cortisol One of the best and most studied herbs that is effective in reducing cortisol and inflammation is Green Tea. It is rich in a polyphenol EGCG.

There is also the lychee fruit which is rick in polyphenols. Lychee contain long chain polyphenols which are not easily absorbed. Life Extension has a new short chain lychee green tea blend which is excellent. (www.,lifeextension.com ) There are studies that this product with added Magnolia bark and Phellodedron bark can reduce cortisol. I also use many adaptogenic herbs in tea form and tablet form to help your stress. These tea blends and supplements are available at Botanical Bounty in NYC at 115 East 57th Street Suite 1510.

Until tomorrow…