Author: By Loves Hand

The April veteran of the month is Peter Kalabisko, born on December 22nd, 1946. He was born and raised in Hamburg, Pennsylvania; growing up, he lived with his mom and dad. In 2024 he still lives in Hamburg, but with his wife who’s been married for 62 years. His parents had a hard time picking a spot that would be a good place to raise a child. They went from Ukraine to the United States, back to Ukraine, and lastly, ended up in the United States for good. Pete never had the best relationship with his mother growing up, but where that lacked his father stepped in to fill that void. He had rocky relationships throughout his childhood because he had 64 first cousins and a half-brother with whom he did not get along. His dad truly was the biggest support system in his life and helped him to become a man.
After graduating from high school, he first attempted to go to college, at Albright University, but ended up failing out not long after. He knew he wanted to do something with his life but was not exactly sure what it was. He joined the Air Force on April 24th, 1970, because he knew he wouldn’t get drafted in the long run. He chose the Air Force because of his experience in a recruiting office. There was a group of men who were being recruited, and the sergeant counted off one, two, one, two. The ones entered the Marines, and two were sent to the Army. At that moment, he knew he wanted to stay as far away from both as possible due to a lack of control.
Pete did his basic training in Lackland, Texas, for six to eight weeks. When basic was over, and it was time for the Armed Fired Qualifications Exam, he scored perfect on all of them. This allowed him the opportunity to make his own choices regarding what he wanted to do. Considering he was fluent in Russia, French, and German, they wanted to send him to language school so that he could learn to decode and intercept messages from Russia. This opportunity fell through for him, and he ended up at Inventory school and became an Inventory management specialist.
During his four years in the service, Peter had the chance to travel to Texas, New Jersey, Washington, and many different parts of Taiwan. Out of everyone he met, he said no one compared when it came to the amount of places they traveled. Out of all the spots, his favorite was Taiwan; he got lucky with going there because it was not supposed to be a permanent placement. His original orders were to go to Vietnam, but they needed people to stay on the island, and he was one of those chosen. He got there on a Saturday and stayed for six days without having anything communicated to him, but they found a spot where he was needed. It was a mystery to him how he ended up being there.
When asked about his proudest moment in the Air Force, it did not take long for him to think of something. He was attending a graduation as an undergraduate. He was ranked fourth based on test scores, and the only people ahead of him were two officers and one man he worked with. His high scores are what led him to be recommended for computer school. On his base, he had the second-highest scores but still was not able to go. At that moment, he said he was proud of himself and mad at that system. However, not getting chosen for computer school led to him being sent overseas and having the chance to become a Staff Sergeant.
Peter’s most emotional journey in the service was one night in Amarillo in late June or early July. He was a part of a personal away tech group as an admin, but they had no real purpose. They were told to do pointless tasks that did not benefit anyone. He fell out of bed from the top bunk and lay crying on the floor from pain and emotion. He wanted to go home and see his girlfriend and was also in pain due to suffering from flat feet. All the people around him helped him and did their best to console him, but he was done and attempted to leave. There was a railroad that went through the base, and behind it was Route 66. Ultimately, he was caught and put into jail for a little while.
After serving for four years, Peter got out on March 24th, 1970. If they had given him the job he was qualified to do, he gladly would have stayed in for at least four more years to see where his life would have ended up. His soon-to-be wife also wanted him home as much as he wanted to go, so in the end, he left. He also knew that it would be a struggle to get any further promotions because those opportunities only arose few and far between due to there being so many who were in line for the job. He saw so many people who were not getting the chance at opportunities they deserved.
The main thing that stuck with Peter throughout his time in the service was to not judge others based on gender, race, or age. He believes everyone should be given the same chances; the only deciding factor should be one’s ability and will to work and improve. As well as everyone should be paid the same if they are doing the same job.

Written by,
Lindsay Martin

Where is God? This is so often the question of the many people in the modern world. A world in which we hear in the news of violence, suffering, wars throughout the world. Where is God? The cry of those who do not believe and yet are weighted down by anxieties, broken relationships, the cares of their personal lives.
Where is God? This was the cry, too, of the Jewish nation in exile two thousand five hundred years ago, when the Temple was razed to the ground, Jerusalem’s walls breached, palaces and homes destroyed. Everything taken away from them, forced to live in Babylon. The hopes and dreams of the Hebrew people lay in ruins. They longed for their homeland, for their God. They had become a broken people and they knew it was their own fault.
Where is God? In our first reading we hear that the Hebrews are restored to the land of their fathers; they were able to build the Temple and the city anew and reformed their religion. But their true restoration was incomplete. By the time God sent his only Son many of the Jew would not listen. They had become self-sufficient and had no need to listen to the words of a man from Galilee. Jesus words, that I am the way, the truth and the life was to hard for them to accept.
Where is God? In our second reading we hear St. Paul repeat the claim: “God raised us up with him and gave us a place with him in heaven, in Christ Jesus… We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life.” In other words, God’s work of restoration, which Israel had sought after, was finally completed in Jesus’ coming here on Earth. And we are part of that restoration.

Our salvation comes in the first instance from our true belief in Christ; and Christ does the rest through the Holy Spirit who is poured into our hearts. This belief makes all the difference in our life, if it is the fundamental belief of our faith. If we truly accept it and listen to the words of Jesus’ we will have no need to ask the question “Where is God”.
The Jews in the time of Jesus would not listen and so many people today will not listen. Is it pointless asking the question, “Where is God?” if we are not prepared to listen for an answer. “Everyone who believes me will have eternal life” is the answer of Jesus, the Redeemer of the world. In hearing him we are hearing the voice of the living God. The question is not` “Where is God, but Will we learn to listen”?

B2 Commonly Known As Riboflavin
Riboflavin is a bit different thatthiamin, simply because it is not available in a wide variety of foods. Vitamin B2 is a supplement that is stored in the muscles, for those of us who are accomstom to working out this is when B2 is released, and goes to work for our bodies. So far we have covered B complex and Vitamins A, and B1. In the B group vitamins we will dulve into: B3, B5, B6, and B12.

Each nutrient has a specific process it undertakes for digestion and absorption. Basic nutrients are:Carbohydrates

Fats

Proteins

Vitamins

Minerals

and, Water

So far we have learned that there are water soluble nutrients, and fat-soluble nutrients. Before we go futher let’s talk about the delivery of nutrients into the blood to make sure we all understand circulatory and how the lymphatic system works.

B2 And Skin

Your Child And Nutrients
It all begins with digestion, digestion begins in our mouths, some are under the misconception that digestion begins in our stomach, but this is untrue. The digestion process begins as soon as we start to chewing our food.

The salivary glands produce saliva, which consist of water, salts, and enzymes. Riboflavin is an important aid in supporting the detoxification function of the liver.

B2 also plays a significant part in metabolising nutrients such as niacin, folic acid, Vitamin B6 , and vitamin K.

Microwave Moms

Our children need healthy meals in order to maintain strong growing bodies. Normally when children are receiving well-rounded meal which include, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, in these cases supplements are not needed.

However, in today’s society microwave moms are preparing meals in a hurry for the family. If you are a micro mom you may have cause for concern that your child isn’t receiving adequent nutrients.

For growing children calcium is a must for growth and development, and Iron some children do run the risk of having iron-poor blood. Iron is a necessity due to it being the vehicle for the oxygen-driving modular for blood.

Children need this nutrient mainly to support their spurs of growth during childhood. For girls it is even more imporant as they enter the menestruation years.

All of our children love to have a snack, but it is the selection of the type of snack that counts. I recently discovered how delicious 100% frozen fruit bars really are, instead of ice cream give them a fruit bar they will go nuts for them.

Other snack choices:

Baked Chips (for me Lays are great)
Rice Cakes (with flavor please)
Cottage Cheese (you can treat your kids by mixing in peaches)
String Cheese (my personal favorite)
Berries

Care For Your Child With B2

Watchlist For B2 Deficiency
Soreness of the mouth
Burning Eyes
itchy Eyes
Sensitivity to light
Cracks In Corners of The Mouth
Muscle weakness
In Severe Cases Reddening Of Eyes
Dizziness
Disorders of the eye
Burning Feet
Inflamation of Mouth, Tongue
Poor Digestion
Riboflavin Healthy Nails And Skin
Riboflavin protects our bodies against free-radical damage. Riboflavin also has the ability to boost athletic performance. B2 the helper to regulate glutathione, a potent antioxidant that safeguards the body against free radicals.

B2 should be the vitamin of choice to help the support of strong healthy nails, B2 also plays a factor in maintaining healthy skin, along with the nutrient biotin. B2 also aids in the absorption of iron and B6, and B2 works at its full potential when taking it with vitamin C.

The RDA recommends a daily dosage of 1.3 milligrams and 1.1 for females. This nutrient can be destroyed if exposed to direct light.

However during cooking of foods very little B2 is loss, this vitamin is also able to remain its strength if exposed to oxidation. Milk should be purchased in cartons, and not clear bottles, because of the possibility of its vitaimins being disintegrated.

Natural Sources For B2
Riboflavin is a nutrient which is best found in liver, and organ meats. Individually who practice strict diets of raw foods only and/or vegan, should take special attention in making sure to take supplements for these nutrients. Other natural sources for indivuals to consider are, almonds, yogurt, and dark lefy greens.

B2 and Nails

For optimal health, nutrition and a balanced diet are a must . For children, as well as women calcium is vital as is Vitamin D for children. An optimal healthy body must have a sufficient amounts of nutrients. The best form of vitamins and minerals is in its natural food form. Such as the whole grains, fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables. Dietitians, and physicians generally advise taking a multi-vitamin supplement if their diet is lacking of a balance of fruits and vegetables.

For absorption purposes its always better to intake the natural source form versus just popping a supplement. People who suffer with weakened digestive systems will absorp powder forms, or liquid supplements. easier when eating a balanced meal may be troublesome for them.

Vitamin D is essential for women over 30. It is imperative for women to have a bone density test performed by their medical provider. Along with a bone density test it is essential they have a blood test for testing vitamin D levels to insure healthy bones.

Circulatory System
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Your Average Diet
With American’s lifestyles becoming increasingly busy with working long hours trying to raise families, and keep the bills paid it becomes challenging to plan and eat a well balanced nutritious meal.

The B-Complex vitamins are the host vitamins for a healthy nervous system, and brain function. B-Complex vitamins stablizes our emotional health.

NIACIN – POST COVID

I enjoy being transparent when it comes to helping other individuals with any health challenges. I take a B Complex vitamin every single day, on occasion I have ran out, and during those times I could feel the difference in my body. Without the B complex vitamin I felt sluggish and worn out. Because of having Immune System challenges due to being HIV+ for more than 31 years it is imperative to make sure that I follow my physician’s recommendations for optimal immunity health.

Niacin
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Tart Cherry For Memory
For individuals who suffer with Long COVID will find that adding 1 oz. of tarry cherry to your diet daily will help significantly with memory issues.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Another benefit of drinking tart cherry juice is it’s ability to stabilize your blood pressure. Tart Cherry juice is loaded with Potassium which is a mineral which is essential for the body to keep the body’s blood pressure regulated.

Tart Cherry

Blood Pressure and Your Heart Health
Of the circulatory system the heart is the president of organs only weighting in at around 10oz. Can you imagine this small organ is the strongest muscle in our whole body? The heart beats approximately 100,000 times a day to push gallons of blood through over fifty miles of blood vessels.

Niacin Plays an important role in the circulatory system and the heart because of the ability to lower cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol is a danger to the heart and our overall well-being.

Have you ever noticed people who are always in a hurry eat in a hurry. it’s like they think they have to eat the food before it runs away from them . When it comes to digestion eating in a hurry is the wrong thing to do.

Patients who suffer with autoimmune diseases benefit from using B vitamins especially the B6 and the B12 AIDS patients have a lot to a concern the number one concern is keeping a strong and healthy in the long system . AIDS patients will benefit from a multi vitamin supplement which will include all the necessary nutrients to support a healthy immune system.

Because of the nature of the HIV virus and AIDS those infected should take special care for the Central Nervous System; although the disease attacks the immune system itself, AIDS patients should take antidioxants daily, along with other vitamins such as vitamin E.

Source and Role of Vitamin K
Besides vitamin K’s blood clotting role, vitamin K has been linked to women who and take regular doses of vitamin K daily are less likely to suffer from a hip fracture . Hip fractures are a major problem among the elderly and I have personally known several individuals who have experienced a fracture.

But the rarest of them all was the incident with a woman who experienced a hip fracture from falling all of the toilet. I thought to myself now I have heard everything.

Vitamin B2
Fish And Pork
Almonds
Wheat Germs
Cheese
Chicken

Minerals And Their Roles
Minerals are just as vital as vitamins we need potassium to regulate the balance of water in our body. I remember growing up I always thought only old people ate bananas. I remember from my childhood my mother would eat a banana every day . She wasn’t old, but to a child 40 was old .

I always wondered what is this potassium thing . Now as an adult I understand how important potassium is and how eating foods high in potassium helps the body to keep blood pressure lowered .

But it doesn’t end there now I am an adult, and she’s preaching about the magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. She’s not familiar with Selenium, but I have that one covered so I tell her about how important Selenium is.

Besides selenium’s cancer fighting properties, it is very useful for patients who suffer with arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have any idea about the health benefits of tomatoes then you may be surprised knowing that our ancestors thought tomatoes to be poisonous and toxic. However, now-a-days tomatoes are considered to be an essential part of our diet and everyone knows that. But, do you know why this is so healthy and how? Most of you will answer that tomatoes have low calories, vitamin C and free of fat. But, is this all for which tomatoes are given such health value? Not at all, tomatoes have so many other health values which have made this an automatic choice for all. Let’s dig a bit deeper and find out more about the health benefits of tomatoes.

Lycopene
Lycopene is the element responsible for those red pigments in tomatoes. Lycopene is highly recommended and praised for the presence of cancer preventing properties and antioxidant in it. Studies show that people who consume mentionable amounts of fresh tomatoes are less likely to be affected by various types of cancer compared to those who don’t consume tomatoes regularly. It is also proven that lycopene prevents the growth of cancer cells and thus helps the cancer affected people to live longer. On top of this benefit of cancer prevention, Lycopene is also crucial for the antioxidant defense of the skin. Lycopene acts as the internal natural sun block and increases the SPF (sun protection factor) by 33% which works great for both men and women.

There is a fact you should know is that lycopene is fat soluble and therefore needs some sort of dietary fat so that it can be transported through the bloodstream. So, tomato based food with some kind of oil will be the perfect idea to get the benefit of lycopene. While thinking of consuming tomatoes you should always go for organic tomatoes as it contains three times more lycopene compared to those non-organic tomatoes available in market.

Vitamins are essential for our internal diseases prevention system and tomatoes help us providing lots of vitamin A, C and K. Only 150g of fresh tomatoes can fulfill our daily requirements of these vitamins while we are also being provided folate and minerals potassium. For maintaining healthy bones vitamin K of tomatoes plays a vital role by activating a protein called osteocalcin in the bones. On top of these, tomatoes also contain – thiamin, niacin, phosphorus, cooper, magnesium and vitamin B6 which are vital for our organ systems.

Cardiovascular Protection:

Besides lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C are also considered to be very powerful antioxidants. Cell membranes are preserved by these antioxidants from inflammatory damage that creates difficulties in atherosclerosis progression. A study in Germany showed that people who had experienced heart attacks had a comparatively lower level of lycopene than those who had never experienced a heart attack.

Folate, vitamin B6, niacin and potassium of tomatoes are very crucial for heart health. Potassium helps in reducing the systolic blood pressure which is very important for all. Niacin reduces the chance of heart attack by increasing our HDL cholesterol and decreasing the level of LDL. Higher level of homocysteine is often responsible for higher risk of stroke and heart attack but folate and vitamin B6 of tomatoes help in lowering the level of homocysteine in our body.

Weight Loss Benefits
Being sweet, tasty and delicious but low in calories tomatoes are always a great choice for health conscious living. While thinking of weight loss, organic raw tomatoes along with some other raw vegetables like celery, turnips and carrots can be a smart way to go. These foods will stay longer in our stomach and thus will keep our craving in check.

DNA Damage Prevention:

Tomatoes contain highly important antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin C which work to fend of DNA damage from free radicals. As a result the habit of eating tomatoes has been proved to be good for age related diseases like diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Consuming tomatoes on a regular basis you can get rid of these following diseases as well – intestinal disorder, constipation, morning sickness, indigestion, jaundice, liver disorder, infection of the urinary tract, night blindness and eye disorder.

These are some key health benefits of tomatoes and more are being discovered through research and studies. So, if you are not eating tomatoes, it’s high time you change your food habit to some extent and include tomatoes in your daily food list. If raw and fresh tomatoes are not readily available in your local stores, you can go for tomato based processed foods which are also rich in health value and nutritional benefits.