August 12, 2007
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Cypress Vine
The seeds don't germinate until mid summer, but when they start growing, they make up for lost time. This annual Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) also known as Hummingbird Vine, is one of the bright spots of late summer, bearing these tiny red trumpet shaped flowers on lacy foliage. There are also pink and white varieties. Because the vine is so vigorous, and can become invasive, I only let one of the several seedlings that emerged grow this year. Each seed is the size of an elongated poppy seed, but one can produce a 20-foot vine. I don't want a garden full, but I do like to have a sampling of this cheerful vine. Hummingbirds and butterflies like them, too.
Thanks to everyone who had words of encouragement and advice when I wrote about the attack of severe vertigo I experienced Thursday morning. I'm still having to take Antivert for the dizziness, but have not had anymore nausea and have not had to take another tranquilizer, either. The last two days, I've even worked in the garden in the cool of the morning for about an hour -- not nearly as long as I have been each day, and not doing anything strenuous at all. I'm hoping that in a day or so, I can resume my normal gardening agenda. I'm really way behind in things that need to be done, but it will just have to wait until I am up to it.After the incident on Thursday, I did a lot of research online about Vertigo, Meniere's and related syndromes. I've compiled a list of life style changes I need to make to reduce the likelihood of another episode and have it posted on the frig. Believe me, an attack like I had Thursday gets your attention.
Here is my list if you are interested.
* Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, tea
* Drink lots of water -- do not let yourself get dehydrated
* Chew gum
* Eat properly
* Avoid foods with high salt or sugar content.
* Avoid foods with lots of preservatives or chemicals
* Get plenty of sleep
* Remain physically active
* Avoid excessive fatigue
* Avoid excessive Stress
* Keep allergies under control
* Limit Aspirin and Ibuprofen (can cause electrolyte imbalance)
* Eat small regular meals
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Silly Silly: Beans
Comments (14)
I wish I could share my vegetable garden with you. Your meals would be enhanced with such wonderful STUFF!!! HA! Fruits may be a healthy alternative for you, too. I've found that (with diabetes) if I make a mini-meal of fruit or a handful of little veggies every afternoon around 3, I feel a lot better and don't spoil my appetite for supper at 6-7ish. Good luck with your many changes, my friend. Your list of changes sound like something all of us should incorporate, actually!
maam alice... i know you're trying to fend off vertigo and internet reasearch is a good thing... but please ask your doctor first about your list... i'm a student nurse and as much as i myself rely on the internet, i would really like to make sure that the items in your list will not do as much harm to your body as it does good. example: no salt or sugar... it should be "low salt" diet... not "NO SALT"... because sodium in salt is an important electrolyte in our body... it controls out heartbeat... that's why too much salt can lead to hypertension. not enough "could" lead to hypotension... and also... maam... 8-10 glasses of water would suffice... too much water could lead to water intoxication... erm... i really don't want to sound rude... and i'm sorry if i do... i'm just a bit worried... and please take pain medication if prescribed... if not... deep breathing exercises really do help... hope you feel better! God bless!
Thank you for your concern, Princess. Rest assured, I believe firmly in "moderation in all things." The list says Avoid foods with HIGH salt and sugar content. I do realize that our bodies need some salt and I do intend to see my doctor about this, as well.
h-well:
My hubby suffers with vertigo about once a year, usually associated with a sinus infection which leads to inner ear imbalance. He made the mistake one time of thinking a warm bath might help. He soaked for quite a while and when he stepped out of the tub and the cool air hit him, he passed out and went down like a beached whale. He was drenched with perspiration and it was difficult to get him moved because he kept pouring out slimy sweat. Vertigo is not something to take lightly....you were wise to get informed and I pray that it is a one time thing for you.
Did you know your rainbow picture was featured on xanga photos?
good luck with the vertigo...
Oh dear it looks like our morning coffee/afternoon teas are going to be a no no for you. :so-sad: I'll need to find some low sugar baking recipes, can you still drink herbal tea?
herbal teas have no caffeine and that is what I've been having when I want coffee. I must admit, though, that I am going to continue to have ONE cup of coffee upon rising -- but that is far better than the five or six that I was having. Everything in Moderation!
I just got introduced to this a few weeks ago! Planning to work it into my new gardens for sure! Such a pretty, unusual flower/foliage combination!!
I am sorry to learn you had an atttack of Vertigo lest Thursday , Alice .
Fortunatly you are much better now .
It remains this can be considered like a warning . I am a bit surprised you have to consult Internet to get your disipline of live for prevention . Is not it possible to see a doctor ?
Love
Michel
I am so sorry you suffered ANYTHING. Vertigo is horrid. The loss of one's balance throws the whole body off.
My dear friend Sam, who is who my youngest is named after, had a tough time when his father got Meniere's disease. As a physician, he was helpless to help him. I like the diet info you put out.We all could benefit from following it! Hope to see you improving by the day so your trumpet vine can "trumpet" your recovery!
Once again, let me assure anyone who is concerned that I WILL be seeing my doctor soon. The Internet research was to learn what I could about my probably illness before I could get an appointment.
u and my mum would go together great she loves gardening....I'm super sorry if you think im a young wippersnapper and I'm stupid but I can hold up good conversation if u wanna talk...whats Vertigo...
=/
AShio
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning -- like being dizzy, but worse.
Well I'm glad to see you identified the vine I got rid of years ago as it was strangling my young Bradford Pear tree and cropping up everywhere. I kid you not, it was going into the young shots and the older branches on the tree. It was in the dirt when we bought the tree and I thought the foilage pretty and let it grow.
Glad to see you have seen a doctor. I have had bouts of vertigo and have decided by now it is related to my sinus' problems. One year I laid in a military ER for 8 hrs. waiting for a neurologist and by the time he came he could tell me nothing. It had stopped by then.
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