Web Video Caster App or Tibio App for casting to ROKU

We do have Video On Demand with our Verizon FIOS bundle but our den HDTV with internet apps had phased out most apps while we were using Netflix so I was searching for another simple option for my tech phobic husband.

I either use my laptop screen or mirror its screen through a HDMI cable to a nearby HDTV to watch videos, either stored files or online streaming.

I got a Roku Express to use on a HDTV in another room not near a laptop, mostly for Netflix which we ironically stopped using enough to be worthwhile but may resume in the future.  Then I got an inexpensive smartphone but not the kind that easily enables mirroring its screen on the ROKU.  After researching, I added an android app on both the phone and the ROKU that enables casting of web videos as well as videos stored on the phone: 
Web Video Caster. 

This app has to be used carefully because the free version has ads.
Since the one time $3.99 fee for a premium upgrade removes ads and enables bookmarking and playlists,  I may give that option a try if I find myself .using this set up often enough.
Previously, I could use a tablet for mirroring, either with a micro HDMI cable or with the ROKU but usually was too lazy to set that up and my husband was too tech phobic to do it himself.

The TV with the ROKU has a USB that plays most video files and the ROKU can access my laptop files as well as stream most online content apps or channels.  I just had the challenge of trying to find a solution for others who want to stream web videos with a ROKU and smartphone.  Not all web content enable ROKU apps for casting.


ETA:
The Tibio app which was suggested by Refit works well for casting to ROKU too.
Both of the apps have their own browser to enter websites.
Unfortunately, WOW on vhx.tv does not seem to work with either app
but vk.com works with both.

the Web Video Caster app now casts WOW to ROKU!

Married!

Essential Oils at Aldi

This week Aldi has packs of 5 essential oil roller bottles for less than $13.
One pack has blended oils which seem as good as those that cost 4 times more.
http://offers.kd2.org/en/us/aldi/pgeDx/

Another pack has individual oils.

I will not be ordering online for quite awhile!

I have to admit the less expensive Aldi essential oil blends are nicer than the more expensive online products I have even reordered.  My husband bought every set our local Aldi still had as a holiday gift for me!   Hopefully, Aldi will offer these sets more often in the future.

ETA:
one Aldi oil (Guard Against) has made my aching feet feel so much better,
not even sure whether it is mainly its clove oil or the whole blend which is supposed to boost immunity.

Chair Dance and other new suggestions

I love doing the first part of my morning workout bouncing on a rebounder then the second part on a chair and can adapt just about any workout to either bouncing on a rebounder or sitting on a chair.
This is how I have been using WOW (WalkingOnlineWorkouts) most days.


However there are other options like JP Yoga Chair Dances
There are free youtube Chair Dances on JPYoga
Chair Yoga Dances

 and also through a streaming subscription
https://www.yogajp.tv/browse
there is a 3day free trial and a code(TRYIT) for half off three months which makes it just $5 a month


another subscription with lots of ball bouncing as well as rebounder bouncing is
https://corpstechnique.vhx.tv/browse


Cardio Party Mashup Fitness has great videos with decent BTS music and simple to follow moves which can be modified.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAsfBa0Fp0npl7tHQDrll-g


There are chair dances on Spiro100
https://home.spiro100.com/browse
Also, there are lots of Sue Grant on Spiro100 and the 3 Conductorcise dvds!
(I love the routines by Sue Grant)

Statins and Longetivity

more on the benefits of Statins vs. SideEffects


from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17512433.2018.1519391

5.2. Elderly people with high LDL-C live the longest

If high LDL-C was the major cause of atherosclerosis and CVD, people with the highest LDL-C should have shorter lives than people with low values. However, in a recent systematic review of 19 cohort studies including more than 68,000 elderly people (>60 years of age), we found the opposite [26]. In the largest cohort study [27], those with the highest LDL-C levels lived even longer than those on statin treatment. In addition, numerous Japanese studies have found that high LDL-C is not a risk factor for CHD mortality in women of any age [28].

another article
https://agingdefeated.com/guidelines-on-cholesterol-are-bunk/

a youtube video explains relative and absolute risks

https://youtu.be/OzlhSzgVs4E

Statin Side Effects

are statin side effects fake?
(not fake for me)


https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/are-statin-side-effects-fake-medical-news/?utm_source=The+People%27s+Pharmacy+Newsletter&utm_campaign=0ea64cc99b-MC_D_2019-07-30&subscriber=1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7300006d3c-0ea64cc99b-220902969&goal=0_7300006d3c-0ea64cc99b-220902969&mc_cid=0ea64cc99b&mc_eid=6044a27fca&fbclid=IwAR2kRPhcAt-1CqUqiiEyAACx8aIb06giQd0elz57wOkHG-R0SfycgAuCxZg

My husband and I have similar health concerns including
cataracts and pre-diabetic A1C

I developed neuropathy and had extensive lab tests which did not show any cause so it was probably long term Lipitor use.

Statins are prescribed for just about everyone.
Doctors bully and scare their patients to use them.
When I started they were very expensive even with good medical insurance.
(Some like Lipitor now have a cheap generic choice.)
Paying for them is a huge source of stress for some people and stress is a killer!

Our Son the Actor

Our son made it almost to Broadway LOL

Anywho it is his first professional gig

TEEN PARTY MASSACRE! Will Have its Off-Broadway Premiere

Good News

I have had two consecutive nights of good sleep and the only difference is a half glass of V8 juice with extra fiber in the evenings.  I found this article which suggests carrot juice and tomato juice can be responsible:
https://amerisleep.com/blog/superfoods-better-sleep/

I had been drinking a half glass before working-out in the mornings for weeks and it seems to prevent the light-headed feeling I get after working out.

Our younger son loves the stuff too so we are well stocked.

Speaking of sons
......

our older son is now officially engaged to his boy friend!

Keep MUving!

My choice of exercise has been moving with stimulating music or MUving.

I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and feeling better than I have for the past 5 years thanks to the addition of pain and stress relief ointments, many of which include essential oils and other beneficial ingredients.  Throughout my journey with chronic pain, I never stopped moving which I believe enabled healing and slowed down pain progression to the point of becoming physically disabled.

I want to share some advice from a blog written by a pain specialist because I totally agree with the statement and know too many people who stop moving when they have pain and always seem to have that pain much longer and worse than necessary:

*The most important thing for people in pain to do is to keep moving. Discontinuation of movement leads to a downward spiral loss of function, depression, and anxiety, and then more pain.*

NOTE: 
if the pain comes from a serious injury then moving may be the wrong choice

that being said ...
here are some streaming sites which all offer free trials and all enable canceling the automatic renewal while still enabling access to your free trial

my current favorite MUving source has been:
Walking Online Workouts
https://walkingonlineworkouts.vhx.tv/browse

I also like Kukuwa
these are links to her newest routines which are harder to find on the browsing page
https://kukuwafitness.vhx.tv/kukuwa-r-dance-workouts-afrobeat-jam-sessions?sort=newest
https://kukuwafitness.vhx.tv/get-it-right-get-it-tight?sort=newest

Misty Tripoli Body Groove
https://www.bodygrooveondemand.com/browse

NiaTV
https://www.niatv.fit/browse

Find something you enjoy and keep MUving
Nobody is watching and judging you so learn how to modify and move in ways that feel good.

MOVE 50+ on Youtube

a French youtube channel has nice routines for people who prefer lower intensity

Move50+ on
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVvh7u1xgo_2DtO5fPaNNLA/videos



try muting and playing your own music
I like this spotify playlist
barre bounce music


Other youtube channels worth investigating:

On the Move
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfWkEXyoRtjwZZIqsCWVR00IYrNfIQZsB

Live Stream Fitness
https://www.youtube.com/user/LiveStreamingFitness/videos

a new favorite bounce on youtube


https://youtu.be/tUsZN5e3mM8

Free videos by the 8 minute guy Jaime Brenkus
https://www.liveevergreen.com/categories/free
there is also a free trial for the premium streaming videos

Herbal Mana Flu Bomb

I have not tried this product yet but am glad I watched the video which explains why it is best to apply their products to the bottom of the feet.

Replay of the Herbal Mana Flu Bomb facebook video:
https://www.facebook.com/herbalmana/videos/415892132608463/?t=151

I like that this is a liquid without DMSO similar to the SLEEP roller and it has some essential oils which I want to try like Rosemary.

ETA:
I decided not to buy this yet because Herbal Mana just offered their new roller bottle of CBD infused Pain Bomb free with the purchase of Pain Bomb cream and I really wanted to try the liquid version of Pain Bomb.
Also there was a 25% off Labor Day code (FAMILY25) for Canvas 1839 and I couldn't resist getting the bundle of 5 of their CBD Relief Cream travel packs with the discount and free shipping.   The travel pack I got as a sample absorbs well and doesn't need the washing before using that Pain Bomb demands.
Both of the above CBD creams are expensive but seem to work well on pain and anxiety
They both may help sleep too.


My preferred container has been the dropper bottles.
Much easier to apply and less sticky than the creams and gels and more economical than the roller bottles.
I put a couple of drops in a palm then use fingers from my other hand to apply the liquid to feet, forehead/temples, and/or neck.

This has become my favorite Herbal Mana purchase:
https://herbalmana.com/collections/bundle-save/products/specialty-blend-trio
I love all three especially HOPE.

Their current new DMSO gel is Helichrysum but I already have it in a roller bottle.

Herbal Mana Creams

Herbal Mana has cream blends with various essential oils, a few with DMSO but most without DMSO.

My skin prefers the feel of their quick drying liquids and gels, most of which have DMSO, but am taking advantage of the current more comfortable weather to try their creams.   I see no point of getting their creams with DMSO (except their special Pain Bomb which is infused with CBD) since the targeted area has to be washed more thoroughly because of the ability of DMSO to penetrate more deeply and find the non creams more comfortable after application.

Neither the SLEEP cream nor its liquid roller contain DMSO, making them easier to apply during the night.  The Sleep cream jar is almost empty because I used it a lot when I first received it.  I also blew through my first SLEEP roller bottle but am finding its replacement lasting much longer, being aware that it comes out of the bottle quicker than the other roller blends.  The roller bottle is convenient but the liquid does not dry as cleanly as those with DMSO.
The jars of Inner Warrior and HOPE creams are still pretty full.  As winter approaches, I may try the Recovery cream and any others without DMSO.  It is not quite clear whether the Inner Warrior cream contains DMSO.  The jar I have which came with SLEEP and HOPE does not include DMSO in its ingredients.  Information on their site is contradictory.   I believe the more current Inner Warrior creams may contain DMSO.

This morning my feet hurt when I woke up and I applied the HOPE cream which removed most of the twinges.   The twinges are not a bad thing because that is how my neuropathy started and may be a sign that the condition is reversing from what I have read.  

Guinea Pig Update 2

I just ordered the 7 Day Pack for myself.
If you want to try Outback Pain Relief cheaply
https://www.outbackpainrelief.com/
put the 7 Day pack in your cart
enter the promo code OUTBACK10 at checkout for $10 off

Still finding Outback Pain Relief Roll-on excellent for acute pain and easy to apply.
If it doesn't do the trick then I use Herbal Mana Pain Bomb which is infused with CBD.
I also will be trying my newest arrival:
the Herbal Mana DMSO Wintergreen roller.
Most other products just cannot compete or are too expensive like Canvas 1839.
Arnica gel still works great if immediately used after an injury and better than most other pain relief ointments.
Meg Relief could have been a contender but its spray bottle gets jammed too much.

For chronic pain, muscle cramps, brain fog, vertigo, anxiety, etc.
Herbal Mana has given me an arsenal of weapons.
I cannot remember the last time I had a leg or foot cramp during the night but may not have had any since receiving my first order of Inner Warrior which was designed for fibromyalgia.
My right hand is 95% better than it was. I was on my way to having to train my left hand for most functions but luckily can use my right hand without pain again.
The burning in my feet at night has become tolerable.

My routine has been Frankincense DMSO gel first thing in the morning on my feet and ankles because I have a large jar and it seems to stop most of the random aches I get in the morning.
After my workout I use Inner Warrior on temples and neck because I usually feel vertigo after a workout.
Later in the day I use Hope or Helichrysum DMSO liquids when I feel I am getting anxious.
Before bed and during the night if I wake up, I apply the SLEEP roller on my temples and neck because neither has DMSO.
The area receiving DMSO has to be washed before its application.

Right now I prefer their liquids and gels because the creams make me feel too warm.
I may prefer them in cooler weather.
Main advantage of the creams is no DMSO.

If you order from Herbal Mana, you may save 10% with my referral link
http://bit.ly/2YpVT2F
(I am expecting two other liquid blends to try next week)

ETA:  Pain Bomb works!
I woke up with a bad headache and Pain Bomb applied to the temples resolved it within minutes.
A little goes a long way but I will reorder when I want to get free shipping on a future order of a large bottle of Inner Warrior.

New Product limited offer with free shipping!
DMSO gel with Turmeric
https://trydmso.herbalmana.com/turmeric-gel?goal=0_b60c6bca94-82b092a425-49052389&mc_cid=82b092a425&mc_eid=1a5a33e1fa

ETA: 8-19
My last two orders just arrived and I immediately tried the Recovery blend dropper bottle because I felt yucky all day with the humidity and various stressful events, including an annoying mosquito making me sleep in long sleeves and pants, reapplying for our son's ACA medicaid, and a visit from our plumber because of a toilet repair..
I washed my face and neck and applied a few drops and WOW ..
I felt like that old shaving cream commercial:
"Thanks I needed that"
LOL
It was simultaneously calming and exhilarating.
I may prefer Recovery to Hope for when I need energy.

So far, I prefer the DMSO liquids to the DMSO gels and the non DMSO creams but may like the creams more after the summer heat ends.
Maybe I would like the gel more with a pump because I do not like dipping a finger into the gel.
The liquid rollers are convenient for small areas.
I think the dropper bottle may be a good alternative to the spray for larger areas.

ETA: 8-20
Last night and this morning I tried the new Turmeric DMSO gel.
I slept and felt decent till after my workout then felt yucky again (brain fog and light-headed) so applied the Recovery blend and now feel darn well.
It will be hard to determine which blend I like best between Inner Warrior, Hope, and Recovery.
Tonight I plan to try Lunar Warrior.

ETA:8-23
Lunar Warrior worked well on my feet at night but I think Recovery worked even better
or maybe a combination of both?
Recovery for the cramping and Lunar for the burning

WOW instead of Whoo

A extensive study done in 2017 revealed that:

"people exercise for an average of 37 minutes with musical accompaniment, compared to just 22 minutes without music. Also, the heart rates of people exercising to music far exceeded those of people who weren’t listening to music while exercising. The psychological and physical impact of musical accompaniment to exercise is very noticeable and is very likely to positively influence the effectiveness of the workout."

In other words, music can affect the duration and intensity of a workout.

Easy to tweak moves with music are what has kept me moving regularly for over 20 years, starting with TaeBo.  I can tweak most simple moves to feel good while health bouncing on a bungee or even sitting on a chair.

If I didn't like the audio but liked the moves, I used my own music.

Nothing kills a workout session for me quicker than an instructor who screams irritating noises like *Whoo* (a bad habit of most workout video instructors) so I avoid any audio that disrupts the effect of the music on my desire to move.

That being said, it is obvious why WalkingOnlineWorkouts has been my favorite streaming site for over a year with great soundtracks, simple moves, and mostly outdoor scenery.

You can try a sample on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2HHdXBrAkWsRlZEwleUfw

or its free trial on

https://walkingonlineworkouts.vhx.tv/browse

Guinea Pig Update

I have been trying various products to feel better in my own skin, mentally and physically.
Herbal Mana products have been rising to the top of my list of weapons in my personal battle.

Most products give immediate relief to acute pain.
Herbal Mana products seems to have a more general effect which help sleep and relieve stress, besides relieving pain.
This morning for example, I woke up and felt like it was going to be a bad day.  My legs and feet ached and were threatening to cramp and I had a headache, even though I slept well.  I applied Inner Warrior cream to my feet, ankles, and knees.   Almost immediately, the threat was replaced with an inner calm and feeling comfortable.

Many of the Herbal Mana products target fibromyalgia.
I believe I have had a random pain problem my whole life that became worse after developing peripheral neuropathy and some arthritis.  Spending thousands of dollars on a specialist did help me lose weight and dodge the metabolic disease bullet but did not make me comfortable in my own skin.  After feeling the instant turnaround in my mind and body this morning, I no longer fear a bad night or a bad morning.

I believe I have found an arsenal of weapons against the vicious cycle of pain, insomnia, and stress.

You may get a 10% discount by using my refer-a-friend link when ordering
http://bit.ly/2YpVT2F

There is a sample bottle offer of Inner Warriror DMSO liquid you can get for shipping & handling
https://tryinnerwarrior.herbalmana.com/claim-free-bottle
I think this is a better product than the straight DMSO gel that is also offered as a sample for a slightly cheaper Shipping&Handling fee which you may prefer to try
(When ordering either accept or reject other offers.)

limited offer while supplies last for their Frankincense DMSO
Get your free bottle (just pay S&H) at https://trydmso.herbalmana.com/frankincense

Herbal Mana Quick Update

I have now slept well 4 nights in a row without night time Tylenol

which is a record LOL
Also that nasty brain fog, headache, and nausea are gone.

The Herbal Mana SLEEP is great

and its roll-on is the only one without DMSO

I have not had a cramp and the feet burning is more tolerable
I fall asleep easily and can go back to sleep easily after bathroom trips during the night.

I use the DMSO stuff mostly on my hands and elbows 

and the no DMSO Inner Warrior cream on my feet and neck in the morning

During the day I use various stuff as needed

if I feel stressed, I use HOPE roll-on on hands (DMSO)

and/or the cream on neck.
Usually I have an hour nap soon afterwards.

I am hoping this regimen keeps my spiking cortisol in check and my blood sugar and A1C get out of the pre-diabetic range

Herbal Mana CBD Pain Bomb and other DMSO products did not seem to do anything special for me but were used minimally because of the need to thoroughly wash the target areas before application.

I doubt I will order anymore DMSO products so I do not have to worry about washing the areas

However, I love the triple pack of Inner Warrior, Sleep, and Hope creams with their roll-ons.

(Inner Warrior and Hope roll-ons do contain DMSO)

Teeter Renew Roll On and Canvas 1839

One more pain relief ointment worth a try.
I got a sample of Teeter's Renew Pain Relief Roll-on for less than $6 S&H
Besides giving me immediate relief, it seems to heal too.
It worked great on my back in a hard to reach area without even massaging it in.

https://teeter.com/product/renew-muscle-relief-cream/
(I chose the roll-on)

It is sold on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Teeter-Renew-Roll-Boswellia-Glucosamine/dp/B077W1MPTP?th=1

It has a strong scent but I like it LOL



Also another sample may be worth trying from Canvas 1839
just $2 for a decent size sample of On the Go Relief Cream that has CBD
https://www.canvas1839.com/lp/free/

4 K Video Downloader

I have been using the 4K Video Downloader for youtube and facebook videos and have found it to work wonderfully.  It downloads the highest quality for free!
It is a great alternative for those who use the Chrome browser.

https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader?r=free_license

Craft of the Warrior with Britta

Craft of the Warrior



https://youtu.be/i5vQgYrF-Rk

DMSO

I may like the  Herbal Mana creams without DMSO more than the DMSO products!

Less anxiety about washing the areas and no garlic taste

The essential oils may work better without DMSO

HOPE cream was amazing.  

HOPE actually relaxed me and made me comfortable in my skin more than SLEEP

At least, I did not cramp and woke up only once to reapply SLEEP

but I was hoping it would last all night,
Unfortunately, the second night was not an improvement.

SLEEP did not make me feel *drugged* or even sleepy either night.

Inner Warrior cream without DMSO after waking made me feel good with more energy than HOPE.

My plan is to use Inner Warrior and Hope creams as needed for mood elevation and relaxation

and will use DMSO stuff just on my hand or any painful area as needed if Outback or Meg Relief fail.

Herbal Mana DMSO

I have ordered 3 different products from Herbal Mana,
all of which have DMSO which enables deep penetration.

The first product arrived today:
DMSO and Aloe Vera gel (unscented)
sample 2 ounce jar for just S&H ($5.95)

https://herbalmana.com/

They have many other DMSO products with different essential oils added.
I am expecting their Inner Warrior spray ($7.95 sample)
https://tryinnerwarrior.herbalmana.com/claim-free-bottle
and their very new CBD Infused Pain Bomb ($40) which is already out of stock.

The target area and hands have to be washed well before use because of the DMSO deep penetrating action.  My target was my right hand which has not been happy today.
Observations:
A little bit goes along way
Dries quickly without any greasiness
immediate pain relief for me
and hopefully increased range of motion with an accumulative effect of future applications.

The main danger of DMSO use is enabling skin penetration of a toxin so I decided to use it exclusively on my hands since I can wash them well before application and I have plenty of other solutions for other painful areas.  Second gel application again reduced the aches in my hands but I still have the stiffness if I try to make a fist with my right hand.
I do get the garlic taste in my mouth but do not smell garlic.
It may have helped my brain fog and sleep.
Plus I sensed that my tinnitus seemed quieter and found there was a study in 1975 claiming DMSO can ease tinnitus!

I received the Inner Warrior spray yesterday.  It did a decent job on my feet and hands easing aches and pains, except it increased the numb feeling in my toes and did not increase the range of motion in my hand.  However, if I use another product that reduces the numbness after Inner Warrior dries, it is a win-win.   My feet did not cramp during the night and my hand could make a fist easier.

I know cortisol from stress is a huge part of my sleep and pain problems.  In fact, an extensive blood test showed cortisol was my main problem, not any food sensitivities or environmental allergies.  I was very curious about the Herbal Mana Sleep and Hope blends so ordered a special bundle offer sent in an email.  It included the non DMSO creams for Inner Warrior, Sleep and Hope.  Free Roll-ons of each was added with free shipping.  Warrior and Hope roll on have DMSO and the Sleep roll on does not (I think LOL). I believe the target areas for products without DMSO do not have to be washed as well before application.

PAIN BOMB (DMSO CBD infused cream) enabled more range of motion in my hand!
a tiny bit goes a long way and lasts a few hours.
It also made my feet feel better with less of that numbing feeling I hate and totally removed random knee and ankle twinges.

The brain fog, headache, and nausea which plagued me 24/7 for weeks has finally faded away since trying DMSO.   However, I need more time to determine whether Pain Bomb with CBD or if Inner Warrior is better for me because the headache and and nausea returned a bit with the heat and humidity while trying mostly Pain Bomb.  Also Outback rollon is proving to be an easier option for my feet.  For now, I am using DMSO products mostly on my hands, wrists and elbows because easier to wash those areas and my right hand is still my major focus of pain relief.  Having watermelon before my morning workout may be a preventative solution to the headache and nausea.  It may be a heat, hydration and low blood sugar combination causing the symptoms.

Since starting Herbal Mana products, I have lost a pound or two.  It may be less pain and stress driving up my cortisol level and/or more energy revving up my metabolism. I still have a sleeping challenge and should be receiving their SLEEP product Monday.

ETA Monday July 1st:
Will be trying SLEEP tonight on my hands, feet and neck!
Just tried the HOPE cream on my hands and neck and then alittle of the HOPE roll-on on my washed hand where it was aching.  Cream does not have DMSO but the roll-on does.  I am very relaxed and chilled like I had taken a Valium.  I like it more than the effect of the CBD infused Pain Bomb.
So I am going to try the Inner Warrior cream without DMSO tomorrow morning and perhaps the Inner Warrior roll-on with DMSO on my bad hand after washing.

ETA Tuesday July 2nd: SLEEP was OK but not nearly as impressive as HOPE.
I did sleep with one wake-up to apply more but had a slight headache
Unfortunately I was hoping for a continuous sleep all night and no headache and more of an inner peaceful feeling like I had with HOPE..
Will try again tonight.
Inner Warrior cream was good upon waking on neck, hands feet and behind knees
no DMSO so I washed my hands and applied Pain Bomb
I feel relaxed but energized and headache is better.

Overall, I think Herbal Mana products are great for my chronic problems but I still like the Outback rollon for random painful areas because it is easy to apply and works well.

Pain Product Reviews

Most products were advertised on FaceBook.
Some were also on Amazon and/or Walmart.

I ordered either samples, mostly with S&H fees
or
unique products with discounts and customer satisfaction guarantees.


Deserving of actual orders:

Herbal Mana DMSO products
I will start a new post about these products because they are wonderful.
Real game changers.

Meg Relief is fantastic
best immediate acute pain killer so far!
https://megrelief.com
not only could I make a fist but breathing it in helped lift my brain fog!
also relieved very painful leg muscle cramps
just wished it lasted longer
(I reordered after receiving a totally free sample)

For random pains, Outback Pain Relief roll-on seems to be more effective than Arnica gel for injuries. It goes on nicely and smells good.  Also helped burning in toes.
I believe it to be better than Frankincense&Myrrh Neuropathy oil.
It is sold on Amazon and retail stores for ~$25 a roller.
(Best deal is three bottles for free shipping and getting other third practically free direct from the company which usually has a $4 off code   SCTCPN4).

My feet do like the ginger patches I ordered from China through AliExpress but I only use them a couple of nights a week..

Canada Hemp Oil (bought through Amazon) may be helping because I felt more relaxed with less pain last night.  I will probably reorder the Canada Hemp Oil for its health benefits.

CopperGel Ice with hemp oil seemed to help my hand but I need to test it more to see how long and how much it helps.  My toe discomfort was eased similar to the Outback roll-on but did not last as long. Application and cost wise I prefer the Outback roll-on.

Two other samples were decent tries: Teeter and Canvas 1830
http://neverendingplateau.blogspot.com/2019/07/teeter-renew-roll-on.html


Unsure about others:

MindBody Matrix sample
First day the sample seemed to help dramatically but not much change on the second day so I cancelled the large bottle and will try another sample for $5 to see if it does anything over more time.  Hand has less pain but still very stiff with minimal range of motion with this product so not a worthwhile purchase for an expensive full size bottle for me.

Joint Envy capsules energize me and may be helping a chronic headache and brain fog.
I got a bottle for just $1 but do not think it does enough to warrant another bottle.
Actually, it may be causing heart palpitations if I take more than one at a time with coffee and am supposed to take 3 a day, preferably all at once which made me very hyper.

Happy Body CMP Max cream does not seem to do anything extra for any of my major pain problems.  Arnica gel, Meg Relief, and Outback roll-on seem more effective so I requested a refund.  They gave me a refund so I give their customer service 5 stars.

The Feel Good sample ($7) may have helped my hand but not sure so did not order.
ETA: Hand seems to be the same as when trying it and now using other products.

Do Not Buy Resonance 396
7 day Sample arrived for $3.95 shipping but barely enough for one or two applications.
The first application did absolutely nothing for my hand.
Full bottle costs over $300
Total fraud

Same Old Problems

After seeing an expensive specialist for neuropathy from June 2017 to February 2018, I still have pain issues and sleeping problems.  He did help me lose weight and deflect the metabolic disease bullet including diabetes and hypertension.  Cholesterol is still high but I have learned to ignore it since the trigger for the neuropathy was probably taking a statin way too long and unnecessarily. Ironically, thanks to high HDL, the ratios do not seem to put me at risk for cardiovascular disease and my EKG and resting heart rate are text book perfect.

So lately because my right hand pain has become ridiculous, in spite of Arnica gel and Frankincense & Myrrh Neuropathy oil, I have tried various other OTC pain remedies.  A few I tried because of facebook ads are helping   I ordered and reordered ginger patches through AliExpress from China which are the same as the overpriced ones on Amazon, etc.  I liked Outback Pain Relief roll-on enough to reorder their triple pack.  It goes on nicely and seems to be effective.  I am in the middle of the Feel Good Natural Pain Cream sample pack which is definitely lessening the pain but I still cannot make a tight fist which is my goal.  I am still plagued by muscle cramps and foot discomfort and still hoping to find actual cures instead of just a bit of temporary relief.
Several other orders and samples are on the way LOL

Surprisingly, Vicks Vapor Rub seems to help more than other methol products!
Cheap Magnesium sprays help the muscle cramps after they strike.
Still love Arnica gel for injuries.

I'll update as other pain products are tried but think I may have to go the CBD oil route for sleep.   CBD oil did not seem to help much in the past but maybe the particular product I used was not effective.  For now, night time acetaminophen is my choice.

Jen Burgmeier and Youtube

Another great moving to music youtube channel by Jen Burgmeier
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49-fj110OrQUFdPA6fSQ7g

Good variety of full classes including dance, piloxing, low impact, kids, and chair for older exercisers.
Unfortunately some of her tunes have already been deleted.

ETA June 23 2019:
A streaming site has been launched!
https://groovefitness.vhx.tv/

It seems like all youtube instructors switch to streaming to protect their music selections


Another youtube channel with music only dance routines
Sunny Funny Fitness
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTAcO7MyXetuvExV7Lo_L6Q



also on youtube BodyBar
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdYYbk54k_mA8aMxSyj6zyg/featured

Streaming Free Trials and Discounts

I had two recent free trial offers which did not deliver extended periods with special codes in my accounts in spite of accepting the codes during the subscription process so I did not share these special codes much online.  It may be just bad site customer service but tricking potential customers into paying, even if unintentional, is not good for business.

Physique Ballet offered 2 weeks with a code but only one week registered on my account.
I know at least one other person who was charged after one week even though the special code seemed accepted.
I had emailed their client support and was told the code was invalid.
I was given another code but was not given the option of applying it so gave up.
Maybe I'll try again after the current free trial ends and clears the system.
It says clearly in my account that automatic renewal was cancelled.

Obe offered a special Mother's Day weekend code but there, too, only one week showed in my account.  Obe had to be called on the phone to cancel which I did not like because I have no confirmation of the cancellation in my account.  Do not know if the code will extend the free trial or not.  Just hope the phone call during the first week will prevent a charge for renewal.

Both of these sites accepted their codes during the subscription process for longer free trials so be careful with these free trials.
Most subs will continue their free trials even if you cancel renewal immediately.
The only site that charged me after a cancellation was Groker so I will never subscribe there again.

On a high note, I had a one day offer from Kukuwa for half price for three months so caved.
Also caved for another annual Gold membership on Get Healthy UTV for just $20 which has to be cancelled by phone or email before the automatic renewal date.

Buyer Beware!







..

Another One Bites the Dust on Youtube

This is from a post one year ago:

I am still doing Walking Online Workouts regularly and still have not tried all of them.
Still believe it is the best streaming subscription for me.

However, I came across old youtube Gotta Move videos on my laptop and will be tossing them in as well.

Ironically, I could have written the same post today but without the links I just deleted from the older post.
Here it is one year later and another great youtube channel was deleted probably because of music copyrights    The instructor had 2 series with great music: Gotta Move classes and short Daily Snack videos to replace eating a snack with calorie burning fun,

SAD

Luckily, I have collected great routines for my private use and tomorrow is my official 20 year anniversary, having discovered TaeBo 20 years ago on Mother's Day which got me muving (moving to music)

I did a search for mother day on my blog and enjoyed catching up on where I was almost every year
http://neverendingplateau.blogspot.com/search?q=mother+day

I am now 70 and muving almost daily for 20 years.
Have lots of aches and pains but no serious conditions in spite of the medical community's concern about my cholesterol.   Maybe, I would have less aches and pains if I had ignored that concern and skipped statin poisoning.

Nadiya Sweaty Savoy

Nadiya from Leslie Sansone Walk at Home has made new videos available.

She has shared a sample of her Sweaty Savoy on youtube
https://youtu.be/BiTTztR7cec



There is a full length digital file which can be rented or purchased or a dvd of this routine
https://nadyiablakemore.pivotshare.com/home

You can sign up to receive more information at
https://www.nadyiablakemoreempowermentfitness.com/

also she shared a whole week of free videos
https://www.nadyiablakemoreempowermentfitness.com/weeklyfitassignments

WOW Barb's Barre Walk and freebies

This week only, the WOW Barb's Barre Walk is free!!!!
https://walkingonlineworkouts.vhx.tv/videos/barre-walk-i?fbclid=IwAR3rNeHXn8eW4LnbJDcff9DNREby2Pr7qELuATDFeucYQvoBSiFxG7TXDgU

I had suggested classical music so it got my name LOL


Since I have done WOW for  full year and am still loving it,  I decided to subscribe for the next year instead of monthly with pauses.



Also there are free routines on a UK WeightWatchers site
https://www.weightwatchers.com/uk/healthy-living/fitness-videos-for-weight-loss

Active and Healthy with Gina

I love the 10 minute chair routines on Active and Healthy with Gina (AKA: Ageless Grace).

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeaXAIQNZ-3RikZ4sqv9z2F60u57S5_CU

FitFab, NourishMoveLove, Hip90 Illes etc

https://vimeo.com/fitfabstrong
This Vimeo channel has great content and enables downloading.
Cuing is in a foreign language but the music seems decent.


Also mostly on youtube a gal from HealthyUTV has done some videos
https://www.nourishmovelove.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIiI9tAbgvSPPL_50gefFtw/videos

another foreign language channel on vimeo
Hip 90   Illes 
https://vimeo.com/user28156733

Chrome Extension Stream Video Downloader

Chrome Extension Stream Video Downloader
works better than Flash Video Downloader
It is free in the google store

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stream-video-downloader/imkngaibigegepnlckfcbecjoilcjbhf?hl=en


also for viewing and.or downloading videos try
ClipMega - Planet Of Entertainment

WOW one year later

I am still visiting WalkingOnlineWorkouts regularly for almost a year.
For over 20 years, starting with TaeBo, I have been working out regularly.

I love the music without cuing, the different scenery, and the simple moves which I can tweak up or down on a bungee or chair, even with weights.  As a result, I am doing all other videos less and editing to add my own music less.

Physically, I have not gained any weight in the past year after losing 25 pounds with the help of a specialist in 2017.  My resting heartrate is 50 and below.  My blood pressure is perfect.  My HDL is the highest it has ever been.

Mentally, WOW has helped me through the worse political climate in my lifetime.
https://walkingonlineworkouts.vhx.tv/

High Cholesterol in an Older Woman

My personal history:
I was put on a statin (Lipitor) around the age of 50 after early menopause at 43 because my cholesterol was rising and went above 220.  Up till menopause, woman are protected from cardiac disease by Estrogen.
I blindly trusted the medical community and their love for statins.

15 years later after suffering neuropathy, I started researching and decided to stop the statin almost 5 years ago at the age of 65.
Besides uncomfortable sensations including tingling in the limbs, burning in the feet, muscle cramping, and random acute pain in joints, I had no hair growing on my legs (a true sign of peripheral neuropathy) and tinnitus getting louder and louder (buzzing in my head 24/7).

Because my cholesterol and LDL are still high, I am still being advised to take cholesterol lowering meds, even being told I may genetically have high cholesterol. It is clear to me that I am fine cardio-vascularly and that tryng to lower my cholesterol with meds is not what my body needs.
I do not have other risk factors.
Never smoked.
Neither parent had a heart attack.
Throughout this time, I ate mostly healthy and exercised regularly.
Over a year ago, I lost about 25 pounds while on an anti-inflammatory diet and have kept them off but am still BMI obese which is ridiculous because I have lots of muscle and large breasts.
I would have to starve myself to lose enough weight to meet BMI standards and know it would make me way less healthy mentally and physically.
I have a low resting heartrate, good HDL, good blood pressure, and textbook EKGs.
Ironically, my Cholesterol ratios are actually good thanks to good HDL.

I am keeping a watchful eye on my pre-diabetic fasting blood glucose and A1C because 70% of older women put on a statin after menopause become diabetic.  I believe my neuropathy was a diabetic response because of the statin.  In any case, I believe I have avoided developing the other metabolic disease risks (high blood pressure and diabetics) by stopping statins and losing weight.

Stress plays a huge role in overall health and is probably my biggest obstacle, especially since being an empath which is a whole other story.  I am constantly trying to say *No* without guilt.
On the cusp of turning 70, I feel better than I did in my early 60s in spite of the stress from our current political environment
(sociopaths are poison for empaths).

My neuropathy may never heal completely but it has regressed instead of progressed.
Time is doing its thing and I am accepting what I cannot change like the Tinnitus.
Moving to Music is still my magic bullet for physical and mental health.

WOW is #1 and Senior Fitness Tona

WalkingOnlineWorkouts remains my favorite workout.
https://walkingonlineworkouts.vhx.tv/browse

Everytime I pause my subscription to try to do other stuff, I get annoyed by the instructor's chatter (or screaming), music, or boring scenery.  My first sub was April 2018 so have been doing these for a year and still loving them.

During the current pause, I visited the free youtube channel where shorter versions are available like this one:



These shorter videos are wonderful for short sparks throughout the day
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2HHdXBrAkWsRlZEwleUfw

just discovered another nice series on youtube



Also on youtube A New Way to Move



ETA: free 30 day trial for JumpSport streaming
https://video.jumpsport.com/


Great Playlist Active and Healthy with Gina (Ageless Grace)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeaXAIQNZ-3RikZ4sqv9z2F60u57S5_CU

Magnesium Spray, Arthritis Gloves, and Bone Broth

Quite awhile ago I bought a Magnesium Oil Spray but did not try it consistently and was trying so many other products to ease my muscle cramping, nerve pain, constipation, and insomnia.  I had stopped seeing a specialist almost a year ago because I did not seem to be responding to his treatments as well as I had hoped and was feeling more stress because of the wasted expense.

I had some events causing more emotional stress this winter and colder temps seem to trigger more pain.  My right hand, especially, has since become much worse and more recently, it seemed my feet were cramping more 24/7.   Finally, I started using the Mg oil spray at night and noticed it greatly eased all of my problems!  It relieves pain, cramping, constipation and insomnia without upsetting my digestion like the supplement CALM.

I have another tool in my pain arsenal which seems to be bringing much relief:
Arthritis gloves by Vive
https://www.vivehealth.com/products/arthritis-gloves-compression?variant=1324238400

I like them so much I ordered a higher priced pair that can grip objects better
https://www.vivehealth.com/products/arthritis-gloves-grips?variant=13676269043747

ETA 3-12:
I have started making chicken stock (bone broth) from stuff I used to trash (veggie scrapes and chicken carcasses).  Besides enjoying the flavor straight and in soups, I have noticed I sleep much better after sipping a cup at night.
Besides, the house smells incredible LOL
Now I see why my grandmother made chicken soup every Friday.

Streaming and Digital Files vs DVD

I have tried several free trials of streaming workout sites but still keep returning to WOW
(WalkingOnlineWorkouts)
https://walkingonlineworkouts.vhx.tv/browse
The music only, moves. and scenery are just that good.

More and more I am preferring streaming to dvds.
Unfortunately, owning the older dvds make the new streaming sites less worthwhile for me but a fabulous deal for those newer to working without a dvd library.
Most streaming workout sites offer a free trial and all but Grokker were easy to cancel.
Most streaming sites offer an app for downloading and playing files offline.

I subbed to Leslie Sansone's Daily Walk and then her All Access for a month
https://yourdailywalk.com
Her content is a great deal but I already owned most of her dvds that interested me

Ellen Barrett's new streaming channel was OK but I own most of her dvds.
https://www.ellenbarrett.com/lets-move-unlimited-membership/

I already own all of Jessica Smith's Walks and some of her fusion, both dvd and digital
https://jessicasmith.fitness/library
Of course, she has plenty free on her youtube channel jessicasmithtv and there is also Gina's SMILE or Dance that Walk channel now called Up to the BEat Fit)

I already own most DVDs and digital content with Sue Grant
https://olderwiserworkouts.cinevee.com/account/library

same with Suzanne Andrews Healthwise Exercise TV
https://www.healthwiseexercise.com

I did enjoy Kukuwa's Dance Workouts and even subscribed for a month after the free trial but still prefer WOW.
https://kukuwafitness.vhx.tv/browse

BollywoodX is now lifetime after purchasing a year and also has youtube content
https://bod.bollyx.com/
ETA: they also added ZOOM routines!!!

I am ending my annual subscription to Chris Freytag's GOLD Healthy U TV because it feels very repetitious to me.
https://www.gethealthyutv.com

I enjoyed NiaTV but not their fee increase.
https://www.niatv.fit/

NEOU is still free till mid March and will then have a reasonable monthly fee.
https://www.neoufitness.com/

I own digital content from Zumba, Body by Simone, Bellyfit, and Lee Holden
I tried many free trials that just did not appeal to me but may appeal to others like Openfit, Obe, burnalong, Bellicon, KP Dancebody. Lekfit, Shine, Fittersphere, GROKKER (the worse customer support) and TA.
There are plenty of free or inexpensive subscriptions on youtube and vimeo, etc.
like Faithful Workouts
https://www.faithfulworkouts.com/
and Revelation Wellness
https://www.revelationwellness.org/workout/revwell-tv/



ETA  Reminder:
All Star Trainer workouts are available through many cable providers
https://www.discoverylife.com/tv-shows/all-star-workouts/?

Gin Miller on youtube plus eFit30

Gin Miller is sharing some older videos on youtube FREE

https://www.youtube.com/user/ginmillerproductions/videos

Gin shared her Salsa Walk!!!!
https://youtu.be/6BPrjXWdsZs
and
Straight Up Stick
https://youtu.be/6RqeguBE-BY


This eFit30 looks good too
https://www.youtube.com/user/efit30/videos

My Exercise Evolution

I will turn 70 this year and have been working out with videos for over 20 years, starting with the awesome TaeBo Live series which had great music compared to other workouts.
Avoiding dread and injuries by making modifications has kept me moving.
No matter how rotten I feel mentally and/or physically, movement to music helps.

I am done buying dvds, preferring digital downloads and streams.
Thanks to some new streaming options, I no longer have the need to edit routines to keep me moving to music only.  I never liked mat or floor work and I have noted my joints prefer not to do much impact even on a bungee so I am downloading and editing less and less.

My favorite routines have simple to follow moves with good music so WalkingOnlineWorkouts remains my favorite current workout source.
I can easily tweak the moves to work on a bungee or even a chair. Besides being my favorite stream, WOW is reasonably priced.
I do like Kukuwa but it is starting to feel repetitive.
Most Nia routines have a repetitive feel, doing a series of moves ridiculously endlessly.
BollyX does not stream as smoothly as the above sites but offers a great annual or lifetime deal.
I lost interest in Get Healthy UTV long ago.

I doubt I will ever revisit most of my purchases or visit most edits but they are readily available when I am in a mood for something alittle different.

Here's hoping that moving in my 70's will be fun.

ETA:
I do appreciate the sunshine that Val (WOW) and Kukuwa have brought into my cold gloomy winter.

Vimeo.com and Vimeo OTT (previously VHX)

My older Vimeo and newer Vimeo OTT (previously VHX)  accounts are separate and cannot be combined.

However, I really enjoy the newer OTT platform.
There is a VHX app and also an OTT online library
https://www.vhx.tv/library


My favorite streaming subscriptions are on this platform as well as a couple of purchases.
I don't use the app much because I prefer my laptops to a tablet but it is great having that option.

(sadly amazon firestick does not support the vhx app)