A “Heartfelt” Reminder – Part One
November 15, 2011
Greetings, Friends of Enota!
Today we’re going to talk about a serious topic. Your Enota blog author attended an early neighborhood Thanksgiving potluck dinner over the weekend. A man sitting two seats away was having chest pain. He was pale; he said his discomfort was similar to, but not quite like the indigestion he had sometime experienced. He got cold and went and stood by the roaring fire in the fireplace. When questioned, his wife said they had gone to the emergency room earlier that day, but he become impatient and left – against medical advice.
Having been an R.N. for thirty years, your blog author simply couldn’t stand by and “just let it be”… I insisted that he take an Aspirin, and strongly urged him to return to the E.R., which he did. He is currently in the hospital – awaiting details and medical recommendations.
Learn the warning signs
of a heart attack:
People often think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like in the movies, where a man clutches his chest and falls over. This is usually NOT accurate!
Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
Chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest, lasting for more than a few minutes. This discomfort might go away and come back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. It can radiate down the left arm.
My friend described his earlier pain as similar to indigestion. But the recurring pain, he described as, “It feels like someone hit me in the chest. It feels like it’s bruised, like if you looked at it, there should be a bruise on my chest. But there isn’t one – I actually looked!” (In actuality, there IS a bruise… but the bruise is on the INSIDE… the bruise IS WITHIN THE HEART!)
A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die. (That’s the “bruise” – dead heart tissue.)
Heart attacks most often occur as a result of coronary heart disease , also called coronary artery disease. CHD/CAD is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Plaque is a waxy substance; build-up occurs over many years.
Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture inside an artery, causing a blood clot to form on the plaque’s surface. If the clot becomes large enough, it can block blood flow through a coronary artery. Then, if the blockage isn’t treated quickly, the portion of heart muscle fed by the artery begins to die. Heart tissue is muscle; when heart tissue dies it is replaced with scar tissue. The scar tissue, in turn, can create physical symptoms and problems.
Other symptoms:
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: These can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Women especially often have these other symptoms, often without any chest pain. This makes diagnosing heart attack or coronary artery disease in women more difficult than in men.
Shortness of breath. This symptom often occurs with chest discomfort; but, it also can occur before chest pain starts.
Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. Again, nausea is often the first sign of – or only sign of – heart attack in women.
Psychologically, men frequently go into denial when they have a heart attack. They will frequently refuse to go to the hospital or refuse to admit to having a heart attack even when the doctor informs them that they have, indeed, had one! There is a physiological reason for this; men often release the ”fight or flight” hormone during a heart attack, and they truly believe they are “okay”.
Conversely, since women often present with other-than-classical symptoms, they may have to convince the medical personnel that they are having a heart attack.
Either sex might report a sense of impending doom.
So, this was an overview of the common signs and symptoms of a heart attack. But, remember, if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, you really should have it checked out. Heart attacks are a leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
Next time we will talk about how a Thanksgiving feast – or any big meal – can affect your health. You won’t want to miss it! Meanwhile, for a relaxing and healthful vacation experience, book a reservation here at Enota. Come experience the spiritual relaxation here in the North Georgia Mountains. You’ll be glad you did.
Enota Mountain Retreat
1000 Hwy 180, Hiawassee GA 30546
(706) 896- 9966 email: enota@enota.com
official web site: www.enota.com
A Banana A Day…
November 13, 2011
Greetings, Enota
Friends!
We’re all familiar with the old expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But, today let’s talk about the benefits of a banana a day. When comparing a banana to an apple, the banana has five times as much vitamin A and iron, four times the protein, three times the phosphorous, and twice the carbohydrate. Bananas are also one of the best dietary sources of potassium.
Bananas contain three natural sugars-sucrose, fructose and glucose. A banana gives an instant and lasting boost in energy; the banana is the number one fruit choice with athletes. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.
Bananas are a great
natural therapy for
several medical
conditions.
Stomach Conditions:
Constipation: Bananas are high in fiber which can help restore normal bowel action.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Hangovers: A quick, natural cure for a hangover is a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach’ both the banana and the honey elevate the blood sugar (which is depleted by ingestion of alcohol), and the milk soothes and re-hydrates the GI system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body.
Ulcers: Bananas neutralize elevated stomach acid and coat the lining of the stomach.
Nervous System:
Bananas are high in B vitamins which help calm the nervous system.
Brain Power: Research has shown that the potassium in bananas can help in learning and memorizing because the potassium makes pupils more alert
Depression: Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, which is known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
Seasonal Affective Disorder : The natural mood enhancer, tryptophan, is abundant in bananas; the tryptophan can help people who suffer with seasonal affective disorder.
Trying to quit Smoking? Bananas contain vitamins B6 and B12 as well as potassium and magnesium, all of which help the human body recover from nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. Eating a banana can put a stressed body back in balance.
The Circulatory System:
Anemia: Bananas are high in iron, and can stimulate production of hemoglobin in the blood.
Strokes: According to a report in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Blood Pressure: Bananas are extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making them perfect to beat blood pressure. s The US Food and Drug Administration has recently allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
And, Some Banana Trivia:
Mosquito bites: Rather than using anti-itch creams, try rub the mosquito bite area with the inside of a banana skin! Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature. They are often used for pregnant women. Bananas have also been proven to help alleviate symptoms of PMS.
Shoe shine, anybody? Take the inside of the banana skin, and rub it directly on the shoe… polish with dry cloth. And, Voila! A quick shoe shine.
Oh, and don’t forget to throw your banana peels under the rose bushes! Rose bushes thrive on them!
Another way to relieve stress is to take a relaxing vacation. Book a reservation with Enota Mountain Retreat for a therapeutic experience. We can accommodate small families or large groups. Stay with us and experience the beauty and tranquility of the North Georgia Mountains.
Enota Mountain Retreat
1000 Hwy 180, Hiawassee GA 30546
(706) 896- 9966 email: enota@enota.com
official web site: www.enota.com
DayTrip – Scottish Festival!
June 2, 2011
Greetings, Friends of Enota!
Today we lads and lassies will take a little day trip from Enota to Blairsville, GA, where the Scottish Festival and Highland Games will return this year for the eighth time…
Imagine you are staying at Enota Mountain retreat for a restful vacation… and, on a bonny day in these beautiful North Georgia Mountains… You find yourself in Blairsville at Meeks Park where you hear the unmistakable lilt of an authentic Scottish bagpipe playing a mournful tune…
June 10 – 12. 2011: Enjoy a full day or two of festival fun and highland games!
All Special Events will be held at Meeks Park on Highway 515. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. Athletics and other events begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. Worship Service followed by Kirkin’ of the Tartans
Main Field at Meeks Park – In case of inclement weather an alternate location will be announced. Gate will open at 8:00 a.m. Athletics and other events will resume at 10:00 a.m.
Closing Ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. on the Main Field. Festival continues until 5:00 p.m
Adults $10 per day or $15 for 2 days
Children 12 & under FREE admission
For Groups Rates Please Call 706-745-5789
Live demos and re-enactments bring a part of the Scottish Highlands to Blairsville, Georgia. Come see history brought to life at the Blairsville Scottish Festival
Since Scotland is the birth place of golf, a 4-hole miniature golf course is available for parents and children to enjoy together. Kids find lots of uses for the golf course besides a hole in one! For the adult golfer, the Kilted Golf Classic is set for Friday as is the traditional Ceilidh Dinner.
Other cultural favorites include traditional pipes and drums, fiddle and bagpipe workshops, historical reenactments, and weaponry exhibits.Weapons were necessary in the old days for hunting and protection. Demonstrations are a big part of the Blairsville Scottish Festival.
Scottish dance classes, border collie and falconry demonstrations, and other kids’ activities will keep the children busy and happy. Pictured is Carson Nelson, age 12, of Spring Hill, Florida (formerly of Blairsville, Georgia). She began studying highland dance at age 8 and is now is a premier level highland dancer and studies under Diane Dubock. See Carson at this year’s Ceilidh reception
Bring your clan to Blairsville and experience the unforgettable pageantry of kilts, bagpipes, and drums – all amidst the breathtaking beauty of the North Georgia Mountains.
Book your reservation now to stay at beautiful Enota Mountain Retreat & Campground. Reserve a cabin, an RV site, or a campsite. Directions are available at the Enota Lodge on how to get to Blairsville for the Scottish Festival… It is about a half-hour drive.
Enota Mountain Retreat
1000 Hwy 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546
(706) 896-9966
email: enota@enota.com
official website: http://www.enota.com
A Day Trip from Enota
April 4, 2011
Welcome,Enota readers!
There is SO MUCH to do up here in the North Georgia Mountains. There are many, many places to go, things to see. If you were to book a weekend, a long weekend, or a full week at Enota Mountain Retreat, you could spend part of your time on our grounds, yet venture out for day trips. One such delightful day trip would be to the “Mark of the Potter”, in Clarkesville, GA. We will feature the Mark of the Potter today; it is a lovely place to visit.
History of Mark of the Potter:
In the 1930s, ”Grampa Watts” built a new mill, using the foundations of an old mill for a generator house. This new mill soon became a favorite spot for travelers from Atlanta to stop on their way up to the lakes. It also, of course, served as a place for local farmers to grind corn into meal or feed. Local history also notes that the mill sprouted corn upstairs for the making of mash for corn liquor…During the years of Prohibition, moonshiners raced up and down Hwy 197 delivering ‘shine…
In the mid-1960s, a flood crested the banks of the Soque. This ruined the mill and it was closed. Glen and John LaRowe had driven by the mill for years, always admiring the site. After discussing their desire to open up a pottery studio, Letie Watts sold the abandoned building and land to them. Ownership has since changed hands but the Mark of the Potter remains the same.
The Fish:
Grandpa Watts’ Grist Mill was built in 1931 for grinding grain and corn into meal. Mark of the Potter has restored the original mill building and added a porch overlooking the Soque River. The Pottery also owns rights to the portion of river behind the Mill and banned fishing there many years ago. As a result, the mountain trout are unusually large. For generations, people from all over the Southeast have travelled to Mark of the Potter to feed the tame fish from the store’s porch.
The Potters and the Pottery
In the Fall of 1968 John and Glen bought the property and Mark of the Potter was born. In the Spring of 1969, Mark of the Potter first opened its doors as a working pottery, with the LaRowes residing in the upstairs, now converted into their residence.
In 1985 John and Glen retired and sold Mark of the Potter to Jay Bucek, one of their potters. Jay continued living upstairs for many years to watch over the fish and care for the shop. Jay passed away in early 2010 but his wife Janis is keeping the shop running as it always has… with a new generation of potters and staff .
Each artist has a unique style and mark, even though they share the same glaze palette. To help their customers know what is baked on-site, they mark their pots with a little yellow dot. For variety and to support the local art community, Mark of the Potter also buys from another 20-30 artists throughout the southeast region.
Directions, from Enota:
1. Start out going EAST on GA-180 toward GA-17/GA-75/UNICOI TURNPIKE.0.8 mi
2. Turn RIGHT onto GA-17/GA-75/UNICOI TURNPIKE.10.7 mi
3. Turn LEFT onto GA-356.GA-356 is just past CURTIS RD10.8 mi
4. Turn RIGHT onto GA-197.2.7 mi 5. 9982 HIGHWAY 197 N.Your destination is 0.1 miles past OLD BURTON RDIf you reach WATTS MILL RD you’ve gone about 0.3 miles too far
9982 Highway 197 NClarkesville, GA 30523
(The drive should take about 35 minutes from Enota to Mark of the Potter.)
We hope you have enjoyed this little tour of one of the many day trips one can make while visiting Enota’s Eco-Village and Campground. Book your reservation now for a beautiful vacation!
Enota Mountain Retreat, 1000 Hwy 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546
(706) 896-9966 email: enota@enota.com
official website: www.enota.com
If I Could Spend a Three-day Weekend at Enota Retreat…
March 3, 2011
Enota Mountain Retreat is a beautiful, peaceful mountain lodge with cabins to rent, bed & breakfast services, or RV or tent sites. It’s up to the individual what type of vacation/retreat they experience. Some people really enjoy “roughing it”; others, like this writer, have been quoted to say, ”My idea of roughing it is staying at the Hilton and not getting a mint on my pillow!” Now, that might be a bit of hyperbole… but, not much. Fortunately, there is something for everyone when visiting at Enota.
So… If I spent a three -day weekend as a guest at Enota, here is what I would do: I would rent one of the cabins or rooms with the amenities. The “Private Waterfall Rooms” are nice private rooms with a queen bed, linens, towels, air conditioner, heating, VCR/DVD player & bathroom and shower. There is a deck which overlooks one of the streams and the 200 foot waterfall is in the background. (Yes. Yes! YES!) OR, the cabins vary from a single room to two bedrooms, offering many variations of sleeping accommodations including single, double and queen-sized beds, and bunk-beds. Cabins are equipped with a VCR/DVD player, dining table and chairs, fully equipped kitchenettes and full bathrooms with showers. Some even include Jacuzzi tubs. Cabins also offer outdoor picnic tables, wooden decks and fire rings. (Oh, man! How can I choose? Wow! I’ll bet my Hubby and I would like that Jacuzzi!)
The first day of my three-day weekend, I would just hang around Enota Retreat, exploring the grounds. I’d like to see how the organic garden is coming along; I’d love to see the animals… maybe get to hold a baby animal or feed a horse, or watch a cow being milked. My Hubby would love to go fishing. Me, I’d opt out on that part (Hey, I already gave up the mint on my pillow y’know?) Maybe this would be a good time to get a DVD or go souvenir shopping at the Lodge, or both. So, day one could be pure relaxation and enjoying the many sights to be seen within Enota.
Day two: We could go to Joel Creek. Joel Creek is located within Enota Mountain Retreat. There is a trail just past the trout pond that leads to the 150 foot fall. Up the trail and crossing the creek over a log you get a great view of the waterfall. On the other side of Joel Creek is another trail which leads to the bottom of the falls. Should we want to hike some more, we can walk about 200 yards to the trail marking the way to the Appalachian Trail. A nice walk in the woods, with a rushing creek provides a place to absorb nature and see some wildlife. Then, we could venture out a little further…
How ’bout Brasstown Bald? The access trail to Brasstown Bald is only moments from Enota. This steep, paved trail leads from the parking lot on Brasstown Baldto the Visitor Information Center at the summit. Access to the summit is also provided by a shuttle.
Brasstown Bald is the highest mountain in Georgia.
The top of Brasstown Bald is 500 feet higher (4784′ is the listed elevation) than the start of the trail. From the Visitors Center is a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. Visible from the top are Rabun Bald (Georgia’s second highest mountain, slightly north of due east), Blood Mountain (south of due west), and the Cohutta Mountains, (due west of the center). From the summit of Brasstown Bald you can see four states – Georgia, North Carolina, South Caroline, and Tennessee. Amazing vistas to see and to capture on film!
Day three: Okay, time to venture out a bit further… Enota Mountain Retreat is located almost exactly midway between Helen, GA and Hiawassee, GA, both of which could be interesting… Hmmm… How ’bout BOTH? So, it’s off to Helen in the morning. Helen is a quaint little town, nestled high in the mountains. There, we can enjoy the illusion of being in an Alpine village, admire the many items in the gift shops, watch some candles being made, take a horse & buggy ride, maybe buy some delicious fudge. Nice. Then, it’s off in the opposite direction to Hiawassee. Here, we can enjoy a nice lunch (there are several restaurants) overlooking Lake Chatuge, then browse through art galleries and antique malls.
Then, we would make the short drive back to Enota, settle in for the evening, maybe grill something out on the deck, enjoy that Jacuzzi… and dream of the next vacation. Let’s make it a full week next time, okay?
Enota Mountain Retreat, 1000 Hwy 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546
(706) 896-9966
email: enota@enota.com
official web site: www.enota.com
Waste Not, Want Not
March 1, 2011
One of the beautiful waterfalls at Enota
Sustainability - A fairly recent buzzword. Here at Enota Mountain Retreat, with our focus on clean, organic, healthy living and the education of our guests, we embrace the idea of sustainability. Book your retreat or family vacation now, for an opportunity to experience our organic garden, farm animals, wildlife, trout fishing, hiking, swimming hole – all in a completely “green” environment. We are animal-friendly, so your pet is welcome. The soil here at Enota Mountain Retreat has never been touched by chemical fertilizers. Once known as sacred Cherokee Indian grounds, Enota remains clean and natural.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
CAN I make a difference? You might be asking yourself these questions..
Per Wikipedia: Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology, the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. Long-lived and healthy wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems. For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions.Healthy ecosystems and environments provide vital goods and services to humans and other organisms. There are two major ways of reducing negative human impact and enhancing ecosystem services. The first is environmental management; this approach is based largely on information gained from earth science, environmental science, and conservation biology. The second approach is management of human consumption of resources, which is based largely on information gained from economics. Ways of living more sustainably can take many forms from reorganising living conditions (e.g., ecovillages, eco-municipalities and sustainable cities), reappraising economic sectors (permaculture, green building, sustainable agriculture), or work practices (sustainable architecture), using science to develop new technologies (green technologies, renewable energy), to adjustments in individual lifestyles that conserve natural resources.
Frugal living – trying not to waste anything – this can make an impact on the world we live in. One person at a time; one day at a time. Obviously, one way to make a difference in your environment, while simultaneously improving the health of your family is to have a family garden patch… The more fresh, organic food you can provide for your family, the better! You will save money and eat more healthily. Education is the key. We can not change everything in our lives overnight, but, we CAN take small steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
Composting is one of the simplest steps toward “green living”. Keep a container in your kitchen for compost. Every scrap of inedible vegetable goes into the compost bin. Also, add eggshells, stale bread, food scraps, coffee grounds – including the filters. All of this gets emptied daily into the main outdoor compost pile, which also contains manure, leaves, garden cuttings, a bit of wood ash from the wood stove. Compost makes your garden grow like Eden! Never allow the garbage truck to haul off the treasures that can help create good compost.
Another example of sustainable living: Save all your chicken and turkey bones, skin, grizzle, etc. Keep throwing them into a gallon-sized zip-lock bag in the freezer until it’s full; then, cook them with a few cups of water in the pressure cooker. Once they are fully cooked, the bones will be soft and falling apart. Grind them in the blender or food processor. This becomes an excellent basis for dog food. This bone puree can be repackaged and frozen, ready to mix with rice or potato or biscuits, plus any leftover cooked veggies. Dog food should be about 75% carbs, 25% meat. This creates nearly cost-free pet food, which, incidentally, is better for your dog than any store-bought variety.
Another example: If you have a wood stove, save anything/everything paper to use as kindling. Although this might sound like a “no-brainer”, you’d be surprised how much you’re accustomed to throwing away. Keep a “burn box”, much like you might have a recycling bin for aluminum cans; everything paper goes in the burn box! There’s no reason to throw away a paper towel, unless it is REALLY yucky – most anything on it will burn well. And, how ’bout the cardboard rolls from TP and PT? (Toilet paper and paper towels). Empty pasta boxes. Newspapers. Junk mail! You will not only be saving money, you will also be adding far less to your local landfill.
Chicken Feed: We have discovered that when we harvest any type of vegetable or herb, the parts that we won’t eat can be diced up small, and the chickens love it. They also love potato peels, carrot peels, apple peels, etc. - diced up the same way. Again, this is a money-saver; plus, it is healthier for the chickens than eating just cracked corn and commercial laying pellets.
Eggshells: If you have a gas oven, place your eggshells on the lower rack and allow them to dry for a few days… the pilot light will dry them sufficiently, and it won’t cost a thing! Once dry, the eggshells can be ground with a coffee grinder. This creates a powdery substance, which is a super-nutritious additive for pet food. This eggshell powder can be added to dog food, chicken food, cat food.
Fresh Organic Brown Eggs
These are some ideas for making your life more eco-friendly. Can you think of more? (I’ll bet you can!) It might not be easy to be green, but it’s worth it!
Memorial Day will be here before you know it! Book your bed & breakfast cabin, RV spot, or tent site now to get in on this big weekend of family fun. Located in the North Georgia mountains, Enota is close to Helen, GA, Blairsville, GA, Blue Ridge, GA, Hiawassee, GA., Franklin, NC. We are only 1 1/2 miles from the Apalachian Trail, only hours away from beautiful Asheville, NC.
Enota Retreat Campground and Eco-Village
1000 Highway 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546
(706) 896-9966
email: enota@enota.com
