Blog Page

Why We Drink and Why it’s So Hard to Stop

“Drinking makes me happy. Alcohol helps me sleep. I’ll just have one”–and other lies. Learn the truth about why we drink and why it’s so hard to stop.

Thankfully Sober

The question isn’t how to stay sober during the holidays but how we survived them intoxicated.

What is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?

The sobriety commercials fail to mention PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). I’m still waiting on my superpowers.

There is No “M” in Sober

The fact that I no longer need or want to drink still shocks me—into smiling. I don’t ever want to go back there.

What is an Alcoholic?

Despite our society’s belief that most people are normal drinkers and only assholes are alcoholics, alcoholism is more of a journey than a destination.

Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?

Alcoholism is, in fact, a mental illness. However, the anxiety, depression, negative thinking and other psychological symptoms are the effects of heavy alcohol use, not the cause.

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipes

This easy sourdough bread recipe is no-knead, no-mess and no-fuss. Perfect for beginners.

Jodi’s Plant-Based Miracle: Life After Stage 4 GBM

In 2017, Jodi Gardner was diagnosed with Stage 4 GBM. Her doctor advised her to eat plant-based and avoid sugar. 29 months later, cancer is in remission.

Health Coaching Tools: The Wellness Wheel

Had I stuck with the assumption there was something wrong with me, the shame and guilt of my pathetic state would have perpetuated the cycle in which I was stuck.

Health Coaching Explained

We already know we should drink less, sleep more, increase veggies and cut the processed crap. But that’s too simple and also too hard. Health coaching can help!

The Hidden Risks of Women’s Preventative Health Care

The Hidden Risks of Women's Preventative Health Care For most of my life, I’ve followed doctors’ recommendations for preventative healthcare. I started getting annual PAP smears before I was even sexually active. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.) Dentists have...

Organic Makeup

Is organic makeup worth the money? Not always . . . But don't let that deter you from reducing your exposure to chemicals.

Homemade Deodorant [Video]

Learn why I don't race for the cure, I run from the cancer. Seriously, get rid of the Secret if you want to be Sure . . . This recipe is better than any store-bought all natural version. It works,

Fort Wayne Business People: 5 Questions with Colleen Kachmann

Read 5 Questions with Colleen Kachmann in Fort Wayne Business People. Colleen Kachmann is a Fort Wayne native, proponent of healthy living, mom of four and now she can add author to her growing list of roles. She earned her B.S. in Biology and Chemistry Education from...

Dr. Rudy Kachmann Interviews Colleen (Part 2)

Dr. Kachmann continues his interview with me for Mind, Body & Spirit on Comcast 57. We discuss why I chose to call the book Life Off the Label, food laws and public policy, and what GMOs are and why we need to avoid them. If you missed part 1, here's a...

Dr. Rudy Kachmann Interviews Colleen

Dr. Rudy Kachmann and I discuss the first 50 pages of my book, Life Off the Label. He encouraged me to write the book four years ago. We discuss the writing process and delve into food addiction, Big Food, why we are fat and why exercise is not the cure. This is a...

Good Soil. Bad Soil: Nature Vs. Nurture

If two identical seeds are planted, one in fertile soil and sunlight, the other in a sandy toxic dump, does DNA explain the results?

Halloween Hangover

We got egged last night. I’m guessing it was in retaliation for the fact that I didn’t pass out candy to Trick or Treaters.

Kid Food Kills

How would you feel if your children were offered cigarettes and encouraged to smoke? Junk food and candy are just as harmful and addictive . . . maybe more. Yet we pass our candy like it’s a treat. Have we been tricked?

The Sitting Disease

My diet consists of mostly vegetables. I eat no processed food or animal products. I exercise. I do yoga. And I was shocked to discover that I am just as much at risk for heart disease as a smoker. Have you heard of the sitting disease?

Growth Hormones in Milk Should be Illegal

In 1990, Monsanto submitted rBST, a genetically engineered bovine growth hormone, for approval to the Canadian government.

Teenage Rebellion: Vegan versus Raw Vegan

Teenage son rebels against vegan mom with the ultimate raw vegan diet.

MSG Makes You Fat

MSG makes you fat. And sick. And it’s in everything.

Is Beef Safe?

Is beef safe? Do you want the truth?

8 Ways to Save Money on Organic Food

How to save money on organic food.

Thirteen Life Lessons Learned from my 13-Year Old Daughter

Today is my daughter’s 13th birthday. In honor of our time together, I reflect on the gift her life is to me.

Side Effects of Acetaminophen: Medicine or Menace?

The side effects of acetaminophen are a little more complicated than an upset tummy.

Parenting Healthy Kids: Hostage Negotiations

I am not my kids’ benefit coordinator. Letting them get away with not doing homework sends a message: “That’s ok. I didn’t think you could do it anyway.”

8 Ways to Repair Relationships at Home and at Work

We are all forced to interact with people we’d rather not. Sometimes we need to repair relationships with people we love when toxic tailspins threaten our family. Relationships are living entities and must be nurtured. Even despite good intentions, sometimes we just have to let go and move on. But when that’s not possible or desired, these 8 empowering strategies will repair relationships. Stop the circular conversations and start fresh with a positive approach.