Eco-Friendly; World, Life & Health

Miatake, Sheep's Head or Dancing Mushroom

2009-08-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Miatake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oaks. The mushroom is commonly known among English speakers as Sheep’s Head, Ram’s Head and Hen of the Woods.

This mushroom is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America. It is prized in traditional Chinese and Japanese as a medicinal mushroom and as an aid to balance out an altered body system. The word Maitake is literally translated from Japanese as "dancing mushroom," so named because in ancient times people who found Maitake could exchange it for its weight in silver, leading to their dancing in celebration. In Japan, the Maitake can grow to more than 50 pounds and has earned this giant mushroom the title, "King of Mushrooms".

All mushrooms have a cleansing property. They are rich in a substance known as, Germanium. This important nutrient that actually helps increase oxygen efficiency in the body. It also helps balance the exposure to environmental pollutants and build resistance to various diseases. Germanium can also help the body neutralize toxic residues.

Patients with the AIDS virus have benefited from eating maitake mushrooms and diabetics can improve their blood sugar levels by ingesting maitake mushrooms. Additionally, maitake mushrooms can help reduce high blood pressure, shrink brain tumors, and fight prostate cancer.

Maitake mushrooms can also help to manage emotional and physical stress levels. Cancer patients can benefit from eating maitake mushrooms because they contain a compound that strengthens the body while it fights cancer. Additionally, it is thought that maitake mushrooms can make some chemotherapy drugs more effective and thereby may reduce necessary dosages.

Other diseases that may benefit from the use of Miatake Mushrooms are;

* Reduces the recurrence of bladder surgery
* Protects the liver and has been shown to aid with chronic hepatitis B
* Provides nutritional support by enhancing the colons ability to absorb nutrients
* Lowers blood pressure
* Lowers cholesterol
* Manages emotional and physical stress levels
* Reduces Inflammation
* Prevention or reduction of blood clots

How much should you take?

The standard dosage is 3 to 7 grams of Maitake per day; however, strengths of different forms will vary. It is important to read and follow product label directions for use.

Maitake Mushroom Safety & Interaction Information
There are no known side effects or interactions associated with Maitake.

Click to read part one on; Reishi Mushroom

Maitake Tea (other recipes)

Use 2-4 grams daily prepared as a tea. The daily amount, taken as tea, should be split between morning and evening.

The dried mushroom can easily be ground to a powder in a coffee grinder.

Bring the tea to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. For maximum benefit you can simmer the tea from 2-4 hours, although a fairly strong tea can be made in 20-30 minutes. The grounds can be re-heated with benefit, discard the grounds when they no longer produce color in the tea.

Filter the tea through a coffee filter before drinking. As mentioned the grounds can be re-used as long as they produce color in the tea. Any un-used portion of the Maitake tea can be refrigerated and used up to two days later. Shake the stored tea before using it.

Sources:
http://www.healthynewage.com/Shitak...
MountainRoseHerbs.com
HealthCastle.com
NaturalNes.com

Change The World Wednesday --Thank You's

2009-08-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Change the World Wednesday

This week I want to Thank all those that so diligently keep us informed with new (and old) ideas about Going Green and making this world a better place.

Last week (I have a habit for being behind) was cleaning recipes and everybody had great ideas. A lot of them I use myself and there were a few that I will be making up very soon. The oven cleaner below sounds great.

At the bottom of this post you will find some FYI on Swiffer Sweepers. They use to be my favorite cleaner for the floors. That was until I was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis and started to take a hard look at what I was doing to my life.

But like I said there are some great recipes listed on the sites below and we can all make a difference, One step at a time.

*Small Footprints at http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/2009/08/change-world-wednesday_19.html

*Waylandcook at http://waylandcook.blogspot.com/2009/08/homemade-green-cleaners.html

All Purpose Cleaner

All-Purpose Cleaner
• 2 tablespoons borax•
¼ cup lemon juice•
2 cups hot water•
20 drops tea tree essential oil
1. Combine the borax and lemon juice with the water in a spray bottle. Cap and shake well to dissolve the mineral.2. Add the tea tree oil and shake again to disperse the oil.

*TC at http://livesmartbook.blogspot.com/2009/08/change-world-wednesdays.html

*Elizabeth Barrette at http://gaiatribe.geekuniversalis.com/2009/08/13/green-cleaners/

1 tablespoon of sea salt plus a pinch of asafoetida powder, thrown into the washing machine just before a wash cycle, will banish gremlins.

Diagnosing an infestation of gremlins...

*Sinclair at http://naturewithme.blogspot.com/2009/08/change-world-wednesday_12.html

*Connie Mishali at http://seewhykinsman.blogspot.com/2009/08/change-world_13.html

Oven Cleaner;
2 tsp. Dawn
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. vinegar
2 tsp. Borax
2 quarts warm water

*Eemilla at http://eemilla.wordpress.com/

*Kathryn Magendie at http://tendergraces.blogspot.com/

*Sober White Women at http://thoughtsofasoberwhitewomen.blogspot.com/2009/08/its-friday.html

*Kate at http://holdfastseeker.blogspot.com/2009/04/kate-reveals-her-all-natural-cleaning.html

*Kelly at http://kellysideas.blogspot.com/

*Ann at http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2009/08/grow-your-own-food-mushrooms.html

*Rewinn at http://rewinn.blogspot.com/2009/08/afterlife-of-teabag.html

*Nicole S. at http://sotorrifictwins.blogspot.com/

FYI on Swiffer:
There are 4 ingredients listed: Water, Propylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether, and the mysterious “minor ingredients” and “preservatives”. Three out of four of these are automatically not up for further research. We all know what water is and the vagueness of the last 2 ingredients makes it impossible to figure out what’s going on there. Which leaves us with Propylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether. (MSDS is one issued by Proctor and Gamble)

Product Safety Assessment by DOW "Repeated inhalation exposure may cause adaptive liver and kidney effects..."

More info Here

At any rate I now stay away from Swiffers, in fact I can't even stand to go down the isles where they are sold d/t to overpowering SMELL of cleaners.

Thanks again everyone, and keep up the good work !!

FREE Guide -- PVC-Free Back To School Guide

2009-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ever notice those PVC-free labels on products and think... I should know what that's about, but I haven't got the time to find out? Me too. Turns out that PVC is a major source of phthalates, yes, the same dangerous plastic softeners we successfully banned from children's toys last year!
Phthalates have been banned in children's toys, but they're still legal in PVC school supplies our children come in contact with on a daily basis. Phthalates harm children's health and development by interfering with natural hormone functioning and have been linked to birth defects in baby boys, testicular cancer, liver problems and early onset of puberty in girls-a risk factor for later-life breast cancer.

We'd like to make your life a little easier by helping you send your kids off to school with supplies that are free of PVC, the poison plastic.

Our friends at The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) have just released a Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies to help you make healthy shopping choices that are safer for your kids, your community and the environment. 1

The guide lists the most common back-to-school supplies made out of toxic PVC plastic and suggests safer PVC-free alternatives. It will even tell you what brands and specific products are safe, and which ones to avoid.

You can get your free copy of the guide right now.

Here's some school supply shopping tips you can start using today:

* PVC Labeling: PVC products are often labeled with the words "vinyl" on the packaging, such as vinyl 3-ring binders. PVC can also be identified by looking for the number "3" inside, or the letters "V" or "PVC" underneath, the universal recycling symbol. Just remember, bad news comes in #3's, so don't buy PVC!
* Backpacks: Avoid backpacks with shiny plastic designs as they often contain PVC and may contain lead.
* Art Supplies: Modeling clays are often loaded with phthalates. Look for clays made without PVC and phthalates like Crayola Air-Dry clay.
* Notebooks: Avoid notebooks containing metal spirals encased in colored plastic. The colored plastic coating on the metal spirals usually contains PVC. Select notebooks with uncovered metal spirals to avoid PVC.
* Paper Clips: Stick to the plain metal paperclips. Colored paper clips are coated with PVC.
* Shoes: Crocs are PVC free, however many similar shoes (or 'knockoffs"), like the Kamid Doodle, are made with PVC. Many of the charms for Crocs are also made with PVC. All Nike, Puma, and L.L. Bean shoes are PVC free.

Information provided by:
MomsRising.org
The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice

Reishi Mushroom, kisshotake or the lucky fungus

2009-08-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have known about the effects of mushrooms and their importance to our health for quite some time. But what exactly do they look like and just how important are they. I mean, what exactly are they going to do for me (and you) and just how much do I need.

Over the next few days I will give you vital information on four different types of mushrooms. I will show you what they look like and ideas on how much you should take. You can give me feedback on weather you take them or think maybe you should.

The Reishi Mushroom also known as kisshotake or the "lucky fungus has been hailed in ancient Eastern medicine as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "medicine of kings".

Rebecca Wood in her book "New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." She explains reishi's has a wide range of uses: "An immunostimulant, it is helpful for people with AIDS, leaky-gut syndrome, Epstein-Barr, chronic bronchitis and other infectious diseases. It can be used as an aid to sleep, as a diuretic, as a laxative and to lower cholesterol."

Reishi has been rated the top medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years and Reishi's effects on treating and preventing cancer have been so dramatic that the Japanese government officially recognizes it as a cancer treatment.

Besides treating cancer you might reap the rewards by fighting other diseases like; Heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It can even help if you suffer from allergies.

Reishi has six (6)different types, all classified by color. Herbalists generally call red reishi the most potent and the medicinal variety. This is the most commonly used form of reishi in North America, Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea.

Now, with Reishi being 90% indigestible fiber and having a bitter taste it is not one that you might just want to add to your food. I suggest checking out you local heath food store for a high quality capsule, tablet or extract.

How much should you take?

In the "Vitamin Bible for the Twenty-first Century," vitamin expert Earl Mindell advises an average dose of 100 milligrams of reishi extract daily to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. On the other hand, Dr. Linda B. White recommends up to three 1,000-milligram tablets up to three times per day in her book "The Herbal Drugstore."
Because of this wide range of dosage suggestions and additional risks it might pose for pregnant or lactating women (even though reishi has no known toxicity) you should check with a physician, preferably a naturopath, before adding reishi to your regimen. Similarly, you should be aware that reishi does have some side effects, including abdominal upset, dizziness, nose bleeds and dry mouth and throat, according to "Natural Pharmacy" author Schuyler W. Lininger. In other words, it's up to you and your naturopath to decide which dose of reishi is right for you.

Additional information can be found at:
Natural News
Medical News Today
Antimicrobial Study

AC Free For Arizona Couple

2009-08-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

I had heard about the story a few weeks back while listening to the radio. Then when I saw the Arizona Republic last Sunday (Aug. 9th 2009) and I got to put a face with the story.

I must say at first I really thought they were nuts. I mean I live in the Valley of the Sun, so we are like neighbors. I know how the desert sun can turn you into a sweat ball and then dry you up like a raisin. So yes, I thought they were crazy and had more than a screw loose.

But, wait a minute. I grew up in Arizona and I was raised by my Grandparents. What they call, "Old School". We had no Air Conditioning, we used a Swamp Cooler and Fans. We opened our windows and spent more time outdoors. We ate cooler foods like cold fried chicken, potato salad and watermelon. We took cooler showers, and I say cooler because there is no cold water in Arizona. Adults sat outside in the shade and the kids played in the yard. We drank plenty of ice cold water and lemonade and no body melted.

My life is a little different now and my Multiple Sclerosis might run a muck if I even dared go with out AC (I have to keep cool or I can't walk), but I do give Chris & Dani a lot of credit. They have opened my eyes and reminded me of the many things we CAN go without.

My contribution to the AC/Electric demand for the year was a new energy efficient AC unit, the old one was a classic (197? I think) and I increased the temperature by two degrees.
EACH DEGREE RAISED = + - 3% SAVINGS

Check out Chris's Blog
and let me know; Could, Would or Do YOU go without Air Conditioning?

Your Liver. The TOXIC Effects May Be Killing YOU!!

2009-08-06T08:14:00.001-07:00

You may think this is a bold statement.

In fact you may never think of your liver at all. I mean you think about your brain because you are worried about your memory. You think about your heart because you can feel it beating and your lungs because you need them to breath. But what about your Liver.

Where is your Liver, what does it do, how does it work, and can we live with out it? These are all questions I want you to think about. Keep reading and you may be surprised. You may even want to make some changes, remember every little bit helps.

Your Liver is a 4 pound organ located on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your rib cage.

The Liver performs more than 500 functions and chemical reactions every single day, 24 hours a day, every day that you are alive.

These include:

*Production of approximately 1 quart of Bile a day. Bile is a greenish/yellow fluid. It is made in your liver, stored in your Gallbladder and works like your favorite dish washing detergent, breaking down grease or fats.

*Produces more than 13,000 vitally important hormones and chemicals which include cholesterol (remember you body actually needs cholesteral), estrogen and testosterone.

*Is a giant warehouse for essential vitamins and minerals like A, D, K, and B12.

*Filter toxins, chemicals and harmful substances our of nearly 100 gallons of blood a day. (Sorry about the fish, but I think you get the picture)

*Regulates blood sugar levels

*Removes internal and external toxins from your blood. If your liver stopped working, you would be dead in a matter of hours.

So what are some of the every day burdens that affect you liver?

*Prescription and Over the counter drugs.
"Liver damage is the most frequent safety-related cause for pulling drugs from the market"

"acetaminophen remains the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., sending 56,000 people to the emergency room annually, according to the FDA."

*Alcohol use.

* Household Chemicals/Toxins. This list is enormous and includes everything that is eaten, inhaled or absorbed by the body. Remember the skin is the largest organ and what is put on it has to be detoxed out of it.
See: Household Toxin List for more ideas.

*Pesticides

*Environmental Pollutants like; Smog, Automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, etc.

*Water in the form of drinking, bathing, swimming, etc. Problems to the liver here come from chlorination, fluoride, and heavy metals. All which have to be neutralized by the liver.

*Chemical Food Additives.

*High Protein Intake.

So as we can see, just about everything that goes on in our lives affects our liver.

Next we need to know what kinds of problems we could experience if our liver is really over taxed. We will list a few and then see what we can do to counter act the problem.

Health Problems:
High Blood Pressure
Decreased Immune System
Inflammatory Conditions (like Muscle Aches & Joint Pain)
Unstable Blood Sugar levels
Hot Flashes, heavy sweating & Body odor
Headaches
Skin Problems (rashes, acne, itchy patches, etc)
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Kidney Stones
Mood Swings or Mental Changes
(and on, and on, and on...)

By now your probably thinking; Yes, I know where my Liver is and I know it's over worked. I know there are things I could do, but is it really worth it.

My answer to that is easy. Find someone on dialysis. Ask them if they enjoy spending 3 days a week at the dialysis center. Ask them if they enjoy being sick, tired, poked and prodded with numerous hospital stays. Ask them if they enjoy missing out on family functions and vacations d/t having to be tied to a machine every couple days. Ask them if they could go back, would they change 1, 2 or 3 little things to prevent this. I put money on their answer being, YES.

Help You Liver:

1) Decrease or stop taking; Over The Counter (OTC), Prescription or Illegal Drugs.

2) Decrease or stop Alcohol consumption

3) Change your Diet;
Eat less Meat, Saturated Fats and Processed Foods .
Eat more Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains.
Switch some or all of you food products to Organic, All Natural, Range Fed, locally grown, etc.

4)Drink plenty of pure filtered Water (this helps flush out what the liver is removing)

5) Change or Reduce Household Cleaning and Personal Products.
This could be as simple as switching from Windex to Vinegar & Water for cleaning or your shampoo & conditioner to an All Natural & Organic product.

6) Change outdoor Pesticides to all natural or learn how to make your own.

7) Find an All Natural Liver Cleanse with ingredients such as;
Milk Thistle
Artichoke Leaf
Burdock Root
Tumeric Root
Dandelion Root
Olive Leaf
Reishi extract

Just remember, everything you put in, on or around your body must be counteracted by your liver.

Little steps and little changes make a difference. Your Liver will Thank You.

What Decade Fits Your Personality Best?

2009-08-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I read something that just brings a smile to my face and I have to share. This is posted on my Facebook page and some how I feel it fits me all too well.

I have always, or at least since I can remember, thought I was born a little late. I guess it's a good thing there are "Rebels WITH a Cause" in every era.

1960's

You are anything but square...you're more like a flower. You are a cool, laid-back, deep-thinker type of rebel-- one who has strong beliefs about keeping the peace with regards to society and the world. You go against the norm and are proud of it; you don't care what others think because, after all, your differences are what make you stand out in order to make a difference. You clash with the rules and regulations of the cultural norm which stereotype you as a Class-A Rebel-- but a rebel WITH a cause. You are also in tune with nature and protecting the environment; therefore you are most likely drawn to bohemian, earthy styles (or perhaps anything that stands you out in a crowd of boring colors). Your style and attitude POP. You are in touch with your inner-self, feelings, and deep-seeded emotions, and love to express them with music and art.

Recycled Items in YOUR Home

2009-08-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Recycling means more than just stacking up your newspapers, rinsing out your food cans and toting that Big Blue Bin to the curb. That of course is if you are lucky enough to have one. The complex I live in doesn't have any so, once a month I head to the recycling center.

Recycling involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials. This is done by a special process depending on whether it is paper, glass, aluminum, etc. But of course this is not the only way. What about reusing what you already have for a different purpose.

That is what I want to know today. What items (if any) in your home do you reuse?
Do you throw something out only to go buy a new container for storage? Or, do you have items stashed in any and everything you can find?

Below I want to share some (but not all) of my recycled items. I grew up with my grandparents (born in the early 1900's) so they saved everything. I acquired that trait as a kid and now have come to realize how good it really is.

One of the funniest recycled items I can remember as a kid were my bookends. They were bricks from and old farm building we tore down, covered in a pink/purple flannel from an old pair of PJ's to match my purple room.

OK, so enough about the old days, we can we do or reuse now.

1) Once in awhile I get bottled water (in plastic) or bottled tea (in glass). These are brought home, washed and reused. Now I don't reuse the plastic ones very long and I don't make frozen water in them, but they do get recycled.

2)Old candy contain is now a Stevia canister.

3) Old food boxes are cut down for magazines, papers, pamphlets, etc.

4) Old Christmas tins are now used for storage of cat food.

The dogs get one too, it's filled with toys. Once the lid is take off they have no problems getting what they want, even my dog Koda and his head is as big as mine. lol

5) Old shoe boxes get used for everything., and I mean everything.
As you can see they get a post it note stuck on them and then placed
on the shelf. These three are loaded with batteries and their charger, camera and electronic equipment, and computer and Zune equipment.

I have old coffee containers filled with plants. Old pill bottles and mint cans filled with pins, paper clips, buttons and Christmas lights. There are glass bottles full of pens/pencils and reused for flower vases.

My list could go on and on but the point is that recycling means more than just taking something to the recycling center and making someone else do the work to make it something else. Be creative. Save the Planet and Save some Money.

So, my quest for you this week is to look around you house. Look at what you use and what you throw out. Can something be reused and for what? Let me know.

Recycled items can also be used for crafts. Check out this link to learn more.
Reduce Footprints: Repurposeful Crafting

Trimming Your Dog's Toenails

2009-08-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

How to Trim Your Dog's Toenails (Thanks to Natural Wonder Pets)

Have you ever clipped your dog's nails only to have him yank his foot away and yelp out in pain? If so, rest assured you are not alone. Many pet owners have experienced similar situations with their dogs. It is often hard to know the correct way to trim your dog nails without causing pain. But with proper instruction and a little practice, you could soon be as good as a professional.

Dog Nail Anatomy 101
To get a good understanding of proper toenail trimming techniques, you must first understand basic dog toenail anatomy. Dogs have four toes, also called pads, each having a toenail. In many breeds there is also a fifth toe located on the inside of the leg. The toenail for the fifth toe is called the dew claw.
Dog nails are very similar to human fingernails and toenails. Once the nails have grown out, the ends are dead and are painless when trimmed. But trim too close and you will cut into the quick, which is the living tissue of the nail bed.

Some dogs have white toenails while others have dark brown or black toenails. The quick of the toenail is easy to see in dogs having white nails, appearing as a dark line. However, it is nearly impossible to see the quick in darker colored nails. Dogs, like humans, experience pain if their nails are cut into the quick. This causes a burning sensation, throbbing pain and bleeding, which will leave the nail and quick sore and sensitive for days.

Dog paws are all fundamentally the same except for variations in shape and size. Their toenails, however, will grow at different rates depending upon activity levels and the type of surfaces they inhabit. Dogs who spend a lot of time roaming outdoors or on concrete, asphalt, or other abrasive surfaces will have some natural wearing and trimming of the nails. They may not require manual trimming as often. However, these circumstances may also contribute to nail sharpening. Even if there is no need for a trim, filing or buffing may be required to take away the sharp edges.

Why is Dog Nail Care Important?

There are many reasons why it is important to regularly trim and care for your dog's nails. Not only does improper care cause health problems for the dog, it also causes problems for you and your belongings. Proper dog nail care helps to prevent a number of potential problems, which include:

· Ingrown toenails - causing redness, swelling, and discharge having a potent odor

· Sore feet and legs

· Joint pain

· Discomfort when walking

· Scratches to you, your furniture, and floors

· Punctures to soft floor coverings such as linoleum and vinyl

· Picking and tearing of furniture fabric, carpet, and rugs

What to Use When Trimming Your Dog's Nails
There are several types of manual trimmers as well as a motorized rotary tool available. When selecting a trimmer, you should choose the one that best suits your dog's size and one that you feel comfortable using. Most of all, you should remember never to use regular fingernail clippers to trim your dog's nails.
Although your dog's toenails grow much like your fingernails and toenails, dog nails grow rounded versus flat and they are much thicker. Using regular fingernail clippers to trim your dog's toenails will result in pinching of the toenail, which may then cause it to break, crack, and split into the quick. This is followed by pain, bleeding, and jagged nails.

Tools Needed

When preparing to trim your dog's toenails, you should have the following items ready for use:

· Manual or rotary clippers

· A product to stop bleeding - a coagulant such as styptic powder or pads

· Nail file

· An enamel nail polish - made for dogs

Pain Free Toenail Trimming

Dog nails typically require trimming every three or four weeks. When executed properly using the correct tools and technique it can be a pain free experience for both you and your pet. The basic trimming technique is:

1. Hold your dog in your lap or to the side if the dog is large. Pet and reassure him as you wrap your arm around the middle of his body. (If you are right-handed, use your left arm and if you are left-handed, use your right arm.)

2. After wrapping your arm around the dog, hold his foot in your hand with your thumb on top of the toe of the toenail you are preparing to clip. Continue to talk softly to your dog, reassuring him.

3. Follow the placement directions of your clipper of choice and, with a steady hand, clip a small piece of the nail off at a 45 degree angle.

4. Look at the nail. If you see a dark spot in the center of the nail this is the quick and you should avoid cutting into the quick. If you do not see the quick, trim another small piece of nail and recheck for the quick. (If you accidently cut into the quick, immediately apply a blood coagulant to stop the bleeding.)

5. Repeat the same procedure for each toenail including the dew claw. Depending on the anxiousness of your dog, breaks may be required to calm him down and further reassure him. (Release his foot but keep him in your lap and pet him, beginning again once he is calm)

6. File any rough edges and apply a coat of enamel nail polish to each toenail. Then move on to the next paw.

7. Repeat entire process, trimming the toenails of all four feet.

8. Praise the dog and reward with a treat.

Although trimming dog nails can be a daunting task, filled of apprehension and uncertainty, you can master the process by using proper tools, staying calm, and practicing proper technique. Once you gain your dog's trust and develop a regular routine for trimming his nails, the entire process will become more relaxed and comfortable for both of you.

http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/symptoms-of-dog-worms.htmlToday's featured product is FourGuard Herbal Parasite Formula for Dogs & Cats. For a limited time, buy one jar at the regular price of only $39.95 and get a second jar free!

Gone With The Hair !!

2009-08-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today is just an informal but very important post. I have a son-in-law, a very dear friend and lots of patients I have taken care of over the years with Cancer.

I show my support by keeping myself and others educated on the things that cause Cancer and various forms of treatment available. This weekend I wanted to go one step further and really make people notice. I shaved my head.

In the last couple days people have asked me, Are you sick? Do you have Cancer? My answer is No, I don't but others do and it could happen to you.

I want people to take a closer look at themselves, others and the Planet. Look at what you put in, on and around your body. Make a change, take that first step and fight for your right to freedom. Freedom from Chemicals, Pesticides, Toxins, Pharmaceuticals, Herbicides, GMO Foods. Forced Vaccinations, Government Information that is only half TRUE, and the list goes on.
Still looking for the Perfect Organic Corona

Life is not happening to You. It's happening from You!- Andy Dooley

Skip Your Ride-- A Day Without Your Car

2009-07-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

Going without your car, just for one day. That was a recent post by one of my fellow bloggers. It was, and is a great idea. It was even an easy one for me. I work 12 hour shifts, 2-3 days a week which leaves my car sitting in the driveway at least 2-3 days a week.

But what about the rest of the world? What about the average person that works five days a week. They spend one day running errands and one day out with friends, family, etc. That takes up all seven days.

It has been reported that there are between 2-3 million automobiles on the roads in the United States. So what if you can't leave your car at home. What are some other things that might help save the planet and save you money.

**Increase your fuel economy; This can be done by driving something that gets better gas mileage. Go smaller or go green. And don't forget about the $4500 cash incentive to trade in that old clunker, going on this fall.

**Use Public Transit; Here in Phoenix we now have the Light Rail with connecting bus lines. I have used this service to go downtown for a Baseball game. It was quick, easy and well worth the money. Not only did I not have to drive, I didn't have to look for, and pay for parking.

**Carpool; This saves wear and tear on your vehicle, money and the environment.

**Buy a Bike; It is reported that 40% of all car trips are less than 2 miles.

**Walk; It's free, good for you and can replace your gym membership.

**Skip a trip; Learn to do all your errands at one time. Think about all the places you need to go and do them in a circular motion so you end up back home. Here in Arizona I have a cooler in my trunk in case I stop somewhere and buy cold items.

Give up your ride; If you have two vehicles and really could do with one, then do it. This could save you $8,000+ a year in payments, gas, insurance, maintenance, registration and depreciation.

Even if you have to drive seven days a week, there are things that you can do.

**Keep your tires properly inflated; The right pressure can increase your mileage by 3% or a savings of 10 cents per gallon. Plus the money for new tires as they wear out faster when under inflated.

**Get a tune-up; This may cost you now, but it can save you up to 10% in fuel costs. It also increases the longevity of your vehicle.

**Don't carry unnecessary weight around; This only reduces your mpg.

**Don't drive like a crazy person; Driving over 60 can cost you about 20 cents per gallon of gas per every 5 mpg over. Excessive breaking and over acceleration also decrease you total mpg.

For other car and fuel tips check out fueleconomy.gov

And once again a Special Thanks to Reduce Footprints for a wonderful weekly challenge.
Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesdays

All Natural Dog Care

2009-07-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Laboratory studies of ingredients in seven popular flea and tick control products reveal adverse health effects in all animals tested. The effects of these well known and aggressively marketed products range from convulsions, body tremors and labored breathing to thyroid cancer, brain lesions, and liver and lung tumors. Yet TV commercials with trusty looking veterinarians pitch only the happy side of these products.

Which flea and tick pesticide are you using on your dog and/or cat? If your favorite treatment contains the active ingredient Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Methoprene, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen or the inert ingredient Butyldydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxanisole, Carbitol, Ethanol, or Polyvinlpyrrplidone, you need to know about the not-so-happy side of these products as well.

If you think your veterinarian or local pet store would never sell you such a sinister poison, think again.

Advantage (Bayer Corporation), Adams Spot-On Flea & Tick Control (Farnam Pet Products), BioSpot Flea & Tick Control (Farnam Pet Products), Defend EXspot Treatment (Schering-Plough Animal Health), Frontline Top Spot (Merial Limited), Frontline Plus (Merial Limited), and Zodiac FleaTrol Spot On (Wellmark International) - all contain one or more of the aforementioned active or inert ingredients.

Toxicology and morbidity findings from these pesticide products were gathered over a decade of laboratory testing by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor; Extension Toxicology Network; Journal of Pesticide Reform; Pesticide Action Network North America and other sources, with additional information supplied by Material Safety Data Sheets.

Most testing was performed for the benefit of new product manufacturers in order to qualify for EPA registration. Scientists overdose laboratory animals to determine how much of the product will kill 50% of the test population. Information is then extrapolated and assumptions made that may apply to domestic animals and human beings.

According to laboratory tests, Fipronil (Frontline Top Spot and Frontline Plus) is a neurotoxin and suspected human cancer agent. Fipronil can cause liver toxicity, thyroid cancer, kidney damage, raised cholesterol, lack of coordination, labored breathing, miscarriages and stunted offspring.

Laboratory testing of Imidacloprid (Advantage) on mice, dogs and rats shows this insecticide to be neurotoxic to laboratory animals, also causing a breakdown of coordination, labored breathing, lesions of the thyroid, reduced birth weight, and increased birth defects.

The synthetic broad spectrum pyrethroid insecticide Permethrin (Adams Spot-on Flea & Tick Control; BioSpot Flea & Tick Control; and Defend EXspot Treatment) shows indications of being an endocrine disrupter and the cause of lung cancer and liver tumors in laboratory animals.

Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen (Zodiac FleaTrol Spot On; and BioSpot Flea & Tick Control) are known as insect growth regulators (IGR), both of which restrict the growth of fleas to the juvenile stage where reproduction is not possible. Laboratory testing reveals that Methoprene causes enlarged livers and degeneration of the kidneys.

Unfortunately, few people actually read EPA test results. Fewer still want to hear about the many laboratory test subjects (unwanted dogs and cats) killed during and after the studies in order to determine damage to specific systems and organs. But it only takes a few people with straightforward thinking to bring about change. Are you ready to stop this insanity? There are effective alternatives, as you know.

Today there are totally natural flea and tick remedies - completely harmless to kids, pets and the environment - made from pure botanical essential oils. Some natural products work fairly well, some don't, and some work much better than the toxic stuff!

The mode of action - the way these natural remedies kill fleas and ticks - is to disrupt the insect's ability to function by blocking a substance called octopamine. In nature, certain plants have developed a natural defense against bugs. These "octopamine blockers" in plants are extracted as oils and used as active ingredients. Octopamine is to an insect what adrenalin is to a human. When blocked from the system, the insect quickly dies. No muss, no fuss. Nobody gets hurt but the bug.

Please begin today to stop supporting the heartless laboratory testing of innocent animals, the insidious cover-up and rush to market of big business, and the unwitting harm we may be doing to our children, our pets, and our planet.

Please check out the natural flea and tick remedy I recommend most highly, TripleSure, by clicking on the link below.

All Natural - Gary Le Mon's day job is in the insured financial services industry, but his evenings and weekends are spent crusading for animal rights, contributing to dog and cat rescue efforts, and making the Earth a greener, friendlier place to live. Learn more

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Le_Mon

Environmental Working Group -- Email

2009-07-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just like to pass on an Email about something I really think matters.

Environmental Working Group or EWG is a group I am involved in and care about. Check out the email below and let me know your thoughts and ideas. Do you belong to this group?

Dear shari,

Over the last several months EWG has made some waves and drawn a lot of attention to the issues you and I care about. I want to make sure you know what EWG has achieved in just the last few months.

We all agree that influencing public policy has a lot to do with being heard by the right people at the right time. At EWG, we've got a knack for just that. Our unique investigations, skilled team of researchers and effective advocacy work well together to catch the attention of decision makers - right when it matters.

We've told decision makers what you want. . . and they're listening.

* We caught food industry giants plotting to mislead mothers and minority parents about the hazards of bisphenol-A (BPA) and spurred grassroots pressure to find a safe alternative.

* Some 14,000 members of EWG's burgeoning online community joined us to ask U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to oppose uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. And he did. Nearly a million acres of public land has been set aside, preventing the mining industry from staking any claims for at least two years, and possibly as many as 20 years.

* Congressional insiders picked EWG and myself as top grassroots advocates on biofuels for our ability to combine lobbying and research with grassroots power effectively.

* The California State Senate passed the Toxics-Free Babies & Toddlers Act, which we sponsored, to ban BPA in children's food products. If the State Assembly approves the bill, the largest market in the country will join Connecticut and Minnesota whose state legislatures enacted partial BPA Bans earlier this year.

* We asked the EPA to consider the full impact of over-subsidized biofuels on greenhouse gas emissions and penned an Op-Ed published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

* Five environmental justice leaders joined us for an extensive two-year study that tested them for 75 chemical contaminants. They took their results directly to Congress as a compelling argument for reform of the failed federal toxics law.

We researched, reported and testified for better public policies.

* We released our third annual sunscreen report to help consumers identify safe, effective products and better understand the ingredients in sunscreen. We found that sunscreen companies are reformulating many products to be safer and more effective as a result of our three-year campaign.

* We expanded our ground-breaking work on bottled water safety by reviewing labels, provided by our fabulous fans, and released a report rating manufacturers on their (lack of) transparency. We took this research to Congress where Jane Houlihan, our head of research, testified in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

We created and shared important, useful information.

* Our Editor-in-Chief, Elaine Shannon, began writing for the Huffington Post so that we can take our message to millions of readers. Here's an exciting post discussing a ground-breaking study about infertility and bisphenol-A.

* We launched a new blog on Kid-Safe Chemicals where EWG staff and outside experts are discussing emerging science and the need for toxics policy reform.

* I presented our 10 Americans talk to hundreds in California, Georgia, Canada, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. You can watch a short version on our site.

* We launched a monthly informational email series based on our popular Healthy Home Tips guide.

* We won two Treehugger awards for best health and beauty information and best natural health news web sites.

As you can see, we've been busy. All of the staff at EWG is grateful for your support, which we know makes our work possible. With your help, we're doing the hard work it takes to achieve our shared goal: healthy people and a healthy planet.

Sincerely,

Ken Cook
President, Environmental Working Group

Verizon Wireless Keith Urban

2009-07-27T13:04:00.001-07:00

Verizon Wireless Keith Urban

Shared via AddThis

Endometriosis, The Pain From Within

2009-07-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Often times friends will ask my for help or some alternative ideas. Today is yet another one of those days and I always feel it is good to share the information with as many as possible.

Endometriosis is a very painful diagnosis where uterine tissue attaches itself to other organs in the body. This could include; fallopian tubes, ovaries, the uterus and may even travel outside of the pelvic region to the bladder, lungs and other areas.

It has been reported that two out every three woman have endometrial growths on their ovaries.

The reason for this severe pain may be due to the fact that this tissue continues to act like it is part of the uterus. It fills with blood during every menstrual cycle yet the body is unable to flush this fluid out and it accumulates in the form of a cyst.

It is not truly known why Endometriosis happens.

Some believe it is caused by retrograde menstruation in which fluid does not exit the body fully and in turn backs up into fallopian tubes or the pelvic cavity.

It may be a condition formed while the body is still an embryo and uterine cells do not differentiate themselves from others, therefore attaching themselves in inappropriate places.

It is also believed that environmental estrogen's may play a big factor. This would include chemicals from plastics, household products and cleaners, personal care products, pesticides, herbicides, and meat or products laden with antibiotics and growth hormones.

Symptoms include but are not limited to;
**Pelvic or abdominal pain
**Back Pain
**Heavy, Prolonged, or abnormal menstrual bleeding
**Nausea, Vomiting or digestive problems
**Anemia
**Fertility
**Pain during intercourse
**Pain with urination or bowel movements
***ETC.

Things and Changes to make and/or try;

1) Diet is very important. Eat Organic when possible d/t the high amounts of chemicals and hormone-laden products.

2) Eat plenty of fish or take a good all natural Essential Fatty Acid. Check out Moxxor, I take and love this product. It is great for inflammation.

3) Remember your liver. One of the major functions of the liver is to break down estrogen and other hormones and flush them from the body. Detoxing the liver could include; Indole-3 carbinol (300 mg daily), Dandelion Root (300-500 mg 3x day), Essiac Tea (1/4 cup 1-3 x's day), etc...

4) Vitamin E (400 IU 2x'x day) helps break down estrogen, decreases inflammation thins blood.

5) Vitamin C, B-Complex and a good all natural multivitamin help supply added nutrients.

6) A good muti-strain Probiotic is also needed to keep your immune system functioning and your bowels in proper condition.

7) Drink plenty of fresh spring water, Green Tea and moderate exercise to help with detoxification.

A special thanks to; Prescription For All Natural Cures.
The supply of information is endless and yet is different for everyone. Learn your body, ask for additional information when needed and remember; your Doctor is not God and there is no Majestic pill. Every treatment is different, Every woman is her own, and every all natural treatment is a blessing.

Killing Your Brain, The Aspartame Way

2009-07-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Brain damage, decreased nervous system formation and endocrine problems in children. Brain tumors and lesions. (They (Science) knew it caused brain tumors in rats way back in the 1970's.)

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, ALS, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.

Increased medical problems if you have ever suffer a stroke, brain injury, or seizure. Or maybe have dealt with hypertension, diabetes, meningitis or viral encephalitis.

Headaches, memory loss, nausea, PMS, dizziness, mood changes, hallucinations, heart arrhythmias, joint pain and more.

WHAT COULD THESE MEDICAL PROBLEMS ALL HAVE IN COMMON?

The answer is easy, but you may not want to hear it. You may not even realize that it is everywhere.

It's the Artificial Sweetener Aspartame, or better know as NutraSweet, Equal, or Spoonful.

The FDA has had more complaints about Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel, NatraSweet, Spoonfuls, DiabetiSweet) than any other food additive, and yet it is still on the GRAS list (Generally Regarded As Safe) despite its strong association with brain tumours and seizures. It is a synthetic compound made up of Phenylalanine and Aspartic Acid held in a chemical bond by Methanol, which breaks down into Formic Acid, Formaldehyde and Diketopiperazine (DKP). Rest of the Story...

So, now that we know we shouldn't eat or drink it. Where can we find it, or what all is it put in?

Currently, aspartame is consumed by over 200 million people around the world and is found in more than 6,000 products including carbonated soft drinks, powdered soft drinks, chewing gum, confections, gelatin's, dessert mixes, puddings and fillings, frozen desserts, yogurt, tabletop sweeteners, and some pharmaceuticals such as vitamins and sugar-free cough drops. In the United States, all food ingredients, including aspartame, must be listed in the ingredient statement on the food label.
The Aspartame Information Center

Read the labels on what you eat and drink. Get off the diet soda or pop. Switch to something better for you. And if you need a sweetener, we can talk about stevia.

Let me know if you have a sweetener story, I would love to hear it.

Chantix; May Be Worse Than Smoking

2009-07-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Smoking...

When I bring this subject up I often get a mixed response. I am not against it, but I wouldn't encourage anyone start. Being in the medical field I have seen people over 100 years of age with no signs of cancer (that have smoked for 50+ years). Then I can also say that I have seen people diagnosed with lung cancer that have never bought, at alone smoked a cigarette.

Maybe it's the hundreds of chemicals they (the government, FDA, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers, etc.) think they have to add to all natural tobacco. Maybe it's the interaction of those chemicals with the massive amounts of toxins they put in our food, personal care products, household products etc. The possibilities are endless.

All of that is really not my point here today. Today I just want to inform people that even thought the government wants people to stop smoking; they think it is harmful and can kill you. When it comes to Big Pharm, a little black box is all you may get.

July 12, 2009
FDA has required the manufacturers of the smoking cessation aid varenicline (Chantix) and to add new Boxed Warnings and develop patient Medication Guides highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients using these products. These symptoms include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and attempted suicide. The same changes to the prescribing information and Medication Guide for patients will also be required for bupropion products (Wellbutrin and generics)that are indicated for the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder.
http://www.chantixsuicidelawsuits.com/

The FDA Advisory also requires new "Black Box" warnings to be included on packages of smoking cessation drug Zyban® (buproprion).

No matter what medication you take, read the labels, do your research, don't take your doctors word as gospel, and look for alternative approaches.

Sperm Shortage; Or is it Under Population?

2009-07-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have read some truly stupid things, but when it comes to what the government will spend money on I am never surprised.

A sperm shortage, or maybe it's the lack people in the world. That must be the reason scientists are working on "prompting" embryonic stem cells to divide their chromosomes, grow tails and become sperm cells. According to Sky News scientist in the UK have this mastered although they don't know if the sperm will fertilize and an egg. Oh yes, it is also be illegal in the UK to use the artificial sperm to produce a baby, but the scientists behind the technique say they want the law changed to help infertile men.

OK, so don't get me wrong. I love kids, have three of my own and truly "feel" for the people that are incapable of having their own.

My question is; When the government and science can't cure Cancer and Heart Disease do we really want them spending money and injecting use with homemade sperm? The FDA promotes and allows all kinds of toxins and poisons that reduce sperm count, yet they would be happy to take our money for the artificial insemination of artificial sperm.

So once again science, medicine and the government would rather look at treating the symptoms than look at the cause.

Now we can forget about; pesticides, over use of antibiotics, growth hormones, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, prescription meds (for everything), over the counter meds (for everything), McDonald's, fluoride in our water, GMO foods........

Heck what's one more genetically modified organism, it could be our child.

Making A Change, The CFL Way

2009-07-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last week (OK, I'm behind...on vacation) we were given the challenge to change our light bulbs to CFL or LED bulbs.

This is probably one of the easiest things you'll ever do. And did I mention you'll be saving money. Everybody needs light to see and everybody is constantly changing light bulbs.

So make this one easy. The next time your at the store pick up a package of CFL bulbs. I've seen them sold separately and in mega pack boxes at such places as Sam's Club, etc. Every time one of your old bulbs burn out, just replace it with a new CFL bulb. I myself am half way through the house, I have six old bulbs yet to burn out. By the way, the CFL's I have in now have been in use for a year.

CFL bulbs not only save electricity, but they save you money and time.

So check out the video below, become a follower of;
Eco-Friendly; World, Life & Health and say a special thanks to;
Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesday

For another way to save electricity and money, check out;
Pull The Plug & Save

Cookie Dough Contaminated

2009-06-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

E. coli makes it in the news again. Just thought I would share this news for any of you that have missed it (and sacrifice your health to pre-made cookies).

FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 19, 2009

Media Inquiries: Michael Herndon, 301-796-4673, michael.herndon@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Nestle Toll House Prepackaged, Refrigerated Cookie Dough
Nestle Voluntarily Recalls all Varieties of Prepackaged, Refrigerated Toll House Cookie Dough
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes food borne illness).

The FDA advises that if consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.

Retailers, restaurateurs, and personnel at other food-service operations should not sell or serve any Nestle Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products subject to the recall.

Nestle USA, which manufactures and markets the Toll House cookie dough, is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the FDA and CDC. The warning is based on an ongoing epidemiological study conducted by the CDC and several state and local health departments. Since March 2009 there have been 66 reports of illness across 28 states. Twenty-five persons were hospitalized; 7 with a severe complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No one has died.
Rest of the Story

List of products recalled by Nestly

Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz
Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz
Chocolate Chunk bar 16.5oz
Walnut Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz
Jumbo Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz
Oatmeal Raisin bar 16.5oz
Sugar Cookies bar 16.5oz
Sugar Cookies bar 16.5oz
Mini Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz
Mini Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz
Mini Brownie Bites bar 16oz
Fudgy Brownie With Peanut Butter Filling 19oz
COOKIE DOUGH TUB
Chocolate Chip tub 40oz
Chocolate Chip tub 80oz
Sugar tub 40oz.
Gingerbread tub 40oz
Peanut Butter tub 40oz
TUBE (CHUB) DOUGH
Chocolate Chip tube 16.5oz
Chocolate Chip tube 32oz
ULTIMATES COOKIE BAR DOUGH
Ultimates Peanut Butter Cups, Chips & Chocolate Chunks bar 16oz
Ultimates White Chip Macadamia Nut bar 16oz
Ultimates Chocolate Chip & Chunks with Pecans bar 16oz
Ultimates Chocolate Chip Lovers 16oz
Ultimates Turtles bar 16oz
Ultimates Peanut Butter Lovers bar 16oz
Ultimates Chocolate Chip with Caramel Filling bar 16oz
Ultimates Chocolate Chip with Chocolate Filling bar 16oz
SEASONAL COOKIE & BROWNIE DOUGH

List Cont. at Nestly

ADHD, Stimulants & A New Concern

2009-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Knowing that approximately 2.5 million children take medications like Ritalin or Adderall for ADHD; I feel this email needs to be passed along.

Albert Einstein was often considered inattentive, confused, disorganized, and he often daydreamed. What would these drugs have done to him?

Stimulants that can kill?

Last week I got an e-mail blast from the FDA. Yet another FDA-approved drug is causing problems. And this time, it's a class of drugs prescribed to millions of kids and adults across the country. But they might not be as safe as we've been led to believe. In fact, a new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that these drugs may actually increase a child's risk of dying suddenly by 500 percent!

But the FDA is already backpedaling, due in no small part to enormous pressure from the drug lobbyists I'm sure.

You see, these drugs are Big Pharma's bread and butter. Kids get started taking them as young as six or seven years of age. They take them throughout their school years. And guess what? Many continue to take them well into adulthood. So we're talking about 20, 30, even 40 years of potential pill popping by every patient! So when you consider that 30 million prescriptions are written for these drugs each year, it's no wonder Big Pharma's circling the wagons.

Scary statistics

So what drugs am I talking about?

Of course, I'm talking about Ritalin (methylphenidate) and other stimulant medications used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. These drugs already carry the FDA's strongest "black box" warning, but this new study makes me think that's just not enough. In my opinion, parents should avoid giving these drugs to their children at all costs.

Here's why...

Researchers examined the medical histories of 1,128 children. Half of the children had died suddenly and half of them died in car accidents. Turns out that 10 of the 564 children who died suddenly had been taking stimulant drugs, like Ritalin. But only 2 of the 564 who died in car accidents had been taking stimulants. This lead study authors to conclude that there may be a six- to seven-fold increased risk of sudden death among healthy kids taking stimulants.

But as I said earlier, the FDA is already backpedaling. Just three days after the first e-mail from the FDA, I got a second e-mail, this time from MedScape (the unofficial PR "mouthpiece" of the FDA in my book).

This second e-mail told me that I should use "caution in interpreting the results of a new case-control study that shows that stimulant medications, specifically methylphenidate, are associated with a six- to seven-times increased risk for sudden death in children and adolescents." Evidently, the FDA is now pointing out holes in the study to soften the blow.

At a press conference, the FDA trotted out a happy mouthpiece to make the case. Robert Temple, M.D., director of medical policy for the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, "I don't think it makes the case that there is real risk here."

Nah. A six- to seven-fold increased risk of sudden death... that's hardly a "real risk" at all!

"Real" worries about sudden death

Here's the thing... worries about sudden death in kids using stimulants have been around for a while. That's mostly because we know that stimulants can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rates, and arrhythmias... in children as well as adults!

The NY Times ran a story back in 2006 questioning the safety of stimulants such as Ritalin, stating "F.D.A. should study them more closely and warn patients and doctors about the potential risks to the heart."

Well, here we have an actual FDA-funded study (yes, the new study was funded by the FDA) saying that stimulant meds cause a six- to seven-fold increased risk of sudden death, but it's disregarded.

In that same NY Times article, the reporter quoted Dr. Thomas R. Fleming, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Washington. Dr. Fleming made the case against stimulants pretty clearly. He said that stimulants like Ritalin might even be more dangerous to the heart than drugs like Vioxx or Bextra. You may remember these drugs were yanked off the market because they caused heart damage in many users.

Due to this very real concern, some doctors now require an ECG (electrocardiogram) to rule out pre-existing heart problems in kids before they start taking stimulants like Ritalin. In fact, that's what the authors of the AJP study recommend.

But don't worry. The FDA says it's sponsoring "a large epidemiological study that will provide further information about the potential risks associated with stimulant medication use in children." Translation? They're drumming up more data to make us all forget about this scary little study showing that stimulants put kids at risk. Evidently, they're moving swiftly too. The study will be ready later in 2009.

The real cause of ADHD

Here's the bottom line, folks: Parents of kids with ADHD don't have to resort to drugs like Ritalin to control symptoms. Hyperactivity in children is very often a direct response to an unknown food allergy. Even kids who are labeled as "slow learners" or "day dreamers" or "high strung" may have an underlying food sensitivity.

First, you'll want to remove all refined sugars as well as artificial flavors, colors, preservatives (except vitamin C), and enhancers (MSG) for at least a week from the child's diet. If the child's behavior gets worse for the first three to four days after eliminating these foods, you're absolutely on the right track.

If that doesn't do the trick, I'd suspect an allergy to cow's milk. This can include yogurt, cheese, cream cheese, butter and even packaged products. (Read all packaged food labels carefully to see if they contain milk.)

Unfortunately, it's tough to eliminate milk from a child's system. The effects of drinking milk linger longer than other foods. So you have to stay off the stuff for longer than a week. I'd recommend cutting out all cow's milk products for at least two to three weeks and see how the child does. Look for improved sleeping patterns and eating habits, as well as improvements in attention span and behavior.

After milk, the top five offending foods are wheat, corn, eggs, citrus, and sugar. Try eliminating these foods one at a time to zero-in on the problem. There are lots of websites out there geared to helping parents through elimination diets. Also, for further reading about food allergies (adults have them too!), look at books by noted authors such as Lendon Smith, M.D., Ben Feingold, M.D., or William Crook, M.D.

It may take a little work to get a handle on a child's food allergy, but it's well worth the extra effort... and much safer than taking a drug like Ritalin for the next 20 years!

Until next time,

Allan Spreen, M.D.
NorthStar Nutritionals

Locally Grown (and produced) vs. Organic

2009-06-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

As I thought about this weeks challenge from;
Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesdays I began to think about what I eat and where it comes from, is it locally grown and is it organic. I always do this when shopping, but in yesterdays post; All Natural Help for Gastritis I encouraged my friend to eat organic.

So living in the middle of the desert I know we can't always eat locally grown foods. In fact, when I think of the price difference between organic and non-organic I know a lot of people have trouble with this too.

So I encourage locally grown food. For me it includes about a 200 mile radius. My all natural Bison comes from northern Arizona. There are also local food markets that sell; Locally Grown, Organic & All Natural produce.

We have a bread company (Alpine Valley Breads) that makes all natural bread with organic ingredients. They are here in Mesa, Arizona and service the surrounding states. But even though it's made within 10 mile of my home, where does the wheat come from. We do grow some wheat here but is that where it come from. I doubt it and I didn't call to find out.

We also have a beer brewery (Four Peaks Brewing Co.)close by, within five miles. But again, where do the Hops come from. Are they locally grown, I doubt it.

I could go on about locally grown produce and products but, I think you get my point. If I are looking for a locally raised, all natural & organic chicken or bison it may be easy. If I have a choice between an organic orange grown in Arizona and one grown in Texas, I'll pick from Arizona. But, if I have to chose between a non-organic orange from AZ and a organic one grown in TX, I'll take the organic one from TX.

So, with that being said; I still encourage organic over locally grown. Locally grown may leave us with a toxic overload and lacking variety. There are foods to think about though, ones that should always be eaten organic and ones that contain a lessor toxic burden.

Below the Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists a shopping guide. And if you are trying to save money, hit the local farmers markets and buy organic when needed according to the list below.

Buy these Organic
Peach
Apple
Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (Imported)
Carrot
Pear

Lowest in Pesticides (non-organic may be used)
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato

One last thought (from the Mayo Clinic);

If a food bears a USDA Organic label, it means it's produced and processed according to the USDA standards and that at least 95 percent of the food's ingredients are organically produced. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers use it.

Products certified 95 percent or more organic display this USDA seal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Products that are completely organic — such as fruits, vegetables, eggs or other single-ingredient foods — are labeled 100 percent organic and can carry a small USDA seal. Foods that have more than one ingredient, such as breakfast cereal, can use the USDA organic seal or the following wording on their package labels, depending on the number of organic ingredients:

■100 percent organic. Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.
■Organic. Products that are at least 95 percent organic.
■Made with organic ingredients. These are products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The organic seal can't be used on these packages.
Foods containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients can't use the organic seal or the word "organic" on their product label. They can include the organic items in their ingredient list, however.

All Natural Help for Gastritis

2009-06-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine (this is really for her) recently ended up in the Emergency Room d/t what appears to be an upset stomach. After several hours of psychological trauma, multiple overpriced tests and some scratching of their heads (the doctors of course), they labeled her with Gastritis and sent her home to follow up with a specialist.

My answer is quite different, as you all know I despise doctors (at least most).

Assess your life and what you eat.
*Are you extremely stressed?
*What kinds of foods do you eat?
*Do You eat a lot of junk & processed foods?
*Do you eat a lot of meat with very few fruits and vegetables?
*Do you eat Non-Organic foods?
*Do you eat in a hurry or late at night (maybe even eating before taking a nap)?
*Do you consume alcohol or lots of caffeine?
*Do you smoke?
*Do you take a lot of prescription or OTC meds.

The list above are all things someone must look at before running off to another doctor, for yet another prescription. We can make changes in our lives to heal ourselves and fix the problem at the core. Prescription drugs work at easing a symptom while causing yet another problem.

Check out the information below, make changes as needed and know that things don't change over night.

Gastritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions with one thing in common: inflammation of the lining of your stomach. The inflammation of gastritis is often the result of infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. However, other factors — such as traumatic injury, regular use of certain pain relievers or drinking too much alcohol — also can contribute to gastritis.

Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or it can occur slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with treatment.

The most common symptoms of gastritis are stomach upset and pain. The following are other symptoms of gastritis.

* Indigestion (also called dyspepsia)
* Heartburn
* Abdominal pain
* Hiccups
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea
* Vomiting, possibly of blood (called hematemesis) or material that looks
like coffee-grounds
* Dark stools

Preventive Care;

***********Remember Organic Foods***********

Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding the long-term use of irritants (aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, coffee, black tea, smoking and alcohol) will go a long way to preventing gastritis and its complications like ulcers. Stress reduction through relaxation techniques including yoga, tai chi, and meditation can also be quite helpful.

Natural Cures (at left) list several options;
*Chamomile Tea -- Drink a fresh cup 4 times a day
*Peppermint Tea
*Probiotics -- An all natural product containing at least four billion organisms
*Aloe vera -- 1/4 Cup three times a day
*Licorice Root -- Chew 500 - 1,000 mg twenty minutes before meals
*Zink -- Promotes healing
*Vitamin A -- Stimulates the growth of intestinal cells & improves the imune
*Vitamin C -- Acts as an Antioxidant and has been shown to reduce the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
*Flaxseed & Fish Oil -- Shown to heal the stomach lining
*Fresh Garlic -- Works to decrease H. pylori

**********Remember All Natural Organic Foods**********

List created by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

Healing foods for gastritis*
Coconut milk
Figs
Cabbage

Healing herbs for gastritis*
Wild cherry bark
Wormwood
Loquat
Golden seal
Pau d'arco
Alfalfa
Slippery elm
Licorice root
Chamomile
Barberry

Healing nutrients and phytochemicals for Gastritis*
Arginina
Vitamin A
Beta-carotene
Vitamin C

NO Plastic Bags, cont.

2009-06-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

Plastic Bags didn't become a household product because we don't use them, need them or want them. They became a household item because they make things easy, they were cheap & we have become a disposable society.
So my question is; Were you able to; Just Say NO to Plastic Bags (for one week)? Did you get yourself some reusable bags? Did you forget them once or twice and then what did you do? Do you plan to cont. this now that you have started?

Let me know. Tell me what you use instead. Tell me if you use recycled kitchen trash bags, Bio Pet Bags, reusable Produce Bags, Etc.

Watch the Videos below and Thanks once again to;
Reduce Footprints: Kicking the habit ...

FDA Issues Threats To Seize All Natural Products

2009-06-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

The FDA never ceases to get under my skin.

(NaturalNews) In an effort to censor any online text that might inform consumers of the ability of natural products to protect consumers from H1N1 influenza A, the FDA is now sending out a round of warning letters, threatening to "take enforcement action... such as seizure or injunction for violations of the FFDC Act without further notice."

"Firms that fail to take correction action," the FDA warns, "may also be referred to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations for possible criminal prosecution for violations of the FFDC Act and other federal laws."

The message is crystal clear: No product may be described as protecting against or preventing H1N1 infections unless it is approved by the FDA. And which products has the FDA approved? Tamiflu (the anti-viral drug that most people will never have access to), and soon the new H1N1 vaccine that's being manufactured at a cost of one billion dollars (paid to Big Pharma by the taxpayers). This vaccine, of course, will be utterly useless because H1N1 will undoubtedly mutate between now and the time the vaccine is ready, rendering the vaccine useless.

OK, so the FDA approved and has pulled the following drugs.
Fenfluramine
Pemoline
Ticrinafen
Zomepirac
Benoxaprofen
Nomifensine
Suprofen
Seldane (terfenadine)
Etretinate
Encainide
Hismanal (astemizole)
Permax (pergolide)
cont. at;FDA Drug Recall Timeline

They have approved things like aspartame, fluoride, Gardasil, (and the list goes on) which have been shown to cause health problems and death.

Yet they want me to believe they have my best interest at heart when they are going to punish someone who has information, ideas or all natural treatments for the flu (of any kind).

What has happened to Free Speech & the ability to "Think Outside The Box". Oh that's right it interferes with "Big Pharma" making money.

Pastic, In The Past

2009-06-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

They are an urban tumbleweed, a flag of the consumer era.

In 2007 it was reported that 500,000,000,000 (500 billion) plastic bags were used around the world. In the U.S. alone, we use 380 billion plastic bags every year – more than one billion a day.

WOW, one billion divided be the US population as I write this (306,708,249) equals, a whole lot of trash. OK, so if you figure that out, I think it comes to less than 1/2 a bag a day per person. But the US population includes babies, children, people in nursing homes, etc. that never get to the store.

Oh, did I mention that you could fill the Empire State Building 2 1/2 times with those bags. Like I said before that's a lot of plastic, trash or what ever you choose to call it.

Scattered Plastic Facts;
◦12 million barrels of oil are used to make the plastic bags consumed in the U.S. annually.
◦Less than 1% of all plastic bags are recycled in the U.S.
◦Over 100,000 birds and marine life die each year due to an encounter with plastic debris, much of it plastic bags.
◦Plastic is getting into the food chain.
◦Estimates run as high as one million pieces of plastic per square kilometer (0.6 mile) floating in specific areas of the Pacific Ocean.
◦When one ton of plastic bags are reused or recycled, the energy saved is equal to 11 barrels of oil.
◦Plastic bags, and other plastic refuse that end up in the ocean, kill up to one million sea creatures every year, such as birds, whales, seals, sea turtles, and others. And the number of marine mammals that die each year because of eating or being entanglement in plastic is estimated at 100,000 in the North Pacific Ocean alone.
◦I once heard the saying; Plastic bags are like diamonds, they last forever. Maybe it's only a 1,000 years, but to me that's forever.

So, what is the answer. NO Plastic & NO Paper bags, buy some reusable bags.

I ran out to my car and I counted six. Do I buy that many groceries? No, but they get used at every store and sometimes they get forgotten in the house. I even use them when I'm taking supplies to my in-laws, going to the lake or over to someones house for a BBQ.

I kicked the plastic habit.
A special Thanks for this weeks challenge by;
Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesdays

Detox; My Own Road To Recovery

2009-06-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

My friends often tease with me. They call me Mrs. All Natural or Mrs. Organic. It’s been two years now since I came to realize what I was putting in, on or around my body was probably a big factor in my diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis besides totally ruining the planet.

Do I deserve those titles? I would have to say no. I have come a long way, but I am far from done. In fact now as I rewrite this I can say, I will never truly be done, it’s an educational process and it’s ongoing.

I can still remember the first book I read, The Detox Solution by Patricia Fitzgerald. It still sits in plain sight on my book shelf. Pages are dog eared, highlighted, covered with assessment scores and flagged with multi colored sticky notes. It gets pulled out every few months to check for forgotten goals and educational purposes to encourage others.

So for my friends and family that continue to praise, encourage and sometimes give me an odd look, here is what my road to detox has been like and what I have changed throughout the house.

*Artificial sweeteners were the first to go; I drank almost 6 cans a day of diet Coke and I quit cold turkey. Do I miss pop? NO. Have I gained weight? NO. I drink water, organic green tea, organic fruit juice and organic coffee. And I love Stevia, the all natural sweetener.

*Food; fruits and vegetables are mostly organic. Meats, eggs and dairy are range fed and organic. It just amazes me now how much fat you find on a non-organic, cage raised chicken. Sugar, flour, spices and condiments have been replaced with organic. Remember things get replaced with organic as they run out, so in the back of the frig or cabinet there may still lurk something non-organic items.

*Plastic food containers have been replaced with glass. Old containers went to yard sales (for those that don’t know or care about leaching), are used in the house for storage of non food items or just went to be recycled.

*Laundry Room; is now chemical free and all natural. This includes the laundry soap, dryer sheets and no bleach.

*Bath Room; Shower, bath and personal care products are all natural and/or organic. This includes shampoo/conditioner, soap, shaving cream, lotion, hairspray/gel and tooth paste. The medicine cabinet is free of meds (prescription & OTC) except for Neosporin and Ibuprofen that my partner has yet to let go of.

Household cleaning products; have been changed to toxic free, all natural or green. My favorite which is a spray bottle filled with ½ peroxide, ½ vinegar & a splash of water. I use it everywhere as it kills germs and is great on glass. It is also makes a great carpet cleaner for dog spots. And yes there is still a half a box of swiffer mopping pads. I did like the way they cleaned but they make me cringe every time their used now. The toxic effects of those things are massive and I guess that’s why after two years they are still hiding in the box.

Candles; have been replaced with soy, scented with all natural oils.

Kitchen trash bags; those I used to buy with the lovely vanilla scent have been replaced with recycled plastic bags.

Outside; Potting soil, pesticides and fertilizers have gone organic and all natural too. Flower pots are made of recycled materials or bought from yard sales and Good Will (that is also a way of recycling).

So, am I perfect? NO. I still have to put fuel in my car and inhale the fumes, heck I still have to breathe period and I live in the city. But, I can make a big difference on my body and on the Planet Earth.

Do I still have major things to change? YES.

I want an organic flavored coffee creamer and an organic Corona to go with my organic limes. I want to get rid of my Teflon pans (that’s a story in its self), I want a water purify system for my home (and a place to put it) I want those darn swiffer pads to be gone and I want to change the world (maybe at age 44 that’s a bit much).

Note to Self; Baby Steps, Baby Steps, You Can Do It.

Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesdays ...

2009-06-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Being a fan of "Reduce Footprints" I will carry on the news. Last weeks challenge was the, Short Shower. I found an interesting site to calculate the water you use in one day. http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sq3.html

I am on board with her challenge for last week and can't wait for the next one.

Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesdays ...

Da Plane, Da Plane -- No It's Just TRASH

2009-06-08T11:56:00.001-07:00

Every other weekend we head to the lake. And every time I spot some floating trash. I always take more (trash) home than I came with. Still I wonder; If this one little lake can have so much debri, what a dump we must live in.

I just can't imagine being in the search party for flight 447. Looking down from the search plane and thinking we found something or someone, only to realize it's a piece of trash. Not just any piece of trash and not a piece of plane but a fully intact pallet.

There was also oil slick spotted near where the plane went missing, turns out that was from just another random petrolium slick from a passing ship that dumps toxic liquids into the ocean.

Flight 447 was a Big Plane and the 228 missing passengers will not be forgotten any time soon. And while we need to find the missing people and we need to find the plane, could there be more to this picture.

Could we give some meaning to these unfortunate deaths. Couldn't this be a wake up call. Shouldn't we be asking our selves why there is so much trash in our oceans that it confuses search teams.

Mike Adams hit the nail on the head when he reported; "I can see the future headlines already: "Air Passengers Saved by Emergency Landing on Island of Debris in the South Pacific."

What’s in your Gut --- It’s more than a feeling.

2009-06-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a Gut Feeling? Or maybe you told someone that you, Should have listened to your Gut. Come to find out there may be more truth to that, than we thought.

With more than Five feet of bowel in our gut, it has in important story to tell and maybe we should listen more often.

Up to 80% of our immune cells are in the lining of our bowels.

Between 80 - 100 Trillion bacterial microbes make the bowels their home. That’s almost enough to fill up a quart jar. (32 ounces, 4 cups or One Liter for those that need a better picture.)
Those bacteria or bugs as some of us call them, are both good and bad. When the good out number the bad or are close to equal in number, things go as planned. When they don’t we begin to experience changes. Some we notice right away, some we blame on other things in life and others may go unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.

Bodily changes that we may have or notice are; Occasional or Frequent Constipation
Occasional or Frequent Diarrhea
Sour Stomach Heartburn Acid Reflux Gas Cramping Bloating Bad Breath Increased Sweating
Dark Circles around the Eyes Headaches Fatigue Joint Pain Body Aches Weight Gain Frequent Colds or Flu’s Skin Rashes Sinus Problems Allergies Urinary Tact Infections Yeast Infections Acne

Doctors and Scientists from around the world have shown that humans have very serious Bowel Problems.

Autopsies have shown that most people have 10 - 20 pounds of Rotten, Decaying and hardened gunk in their bowels.

Autopsies have also revealed that the normal bowel of 2 -3 inches in circumference is often distended to 2 times its normal size, with some up to 12 inches. Now that’s a lot of crud!

So how did we get to this point? How did we let the bad BUGS take over? Here are some things that affect our bowels.
Stress Inactivity Poor Water Intake Poor Diet Smoking Increased Alcohol Daily Toxins from the air, water food & personal care products we use Use of Medications like Birth Control, Steroids, Antacids, Etc. Use of Antibiotics (from up to 20 years ago)

So now that I can honestly say, “I think we all fit in these categories somewhere“. What is my answer or my suggestion. What do I encourage every one (and I mean every one) of my patients to do.

Do some research and start taking Probiotics, these are the good bugs. Look for ones that have mutiple strains or types of bacteria. The more the better. It has been reported that the average healthy person needs between 5-10 billion and that any one that is sick, has health problems or has recently been on antibiotics take closer to 30 billion micro organisms of various strains. Eating Yogurt every day will not even get you close.

There has also been talk about Pre-biotics. These are the nutrients that help Probiotics do their job. Remember you car can’t run on gas alone, it needs oil, water, etc. Things in your body are the same, they work as a team.
Some Prebiotic - Rich Foods include;
Asparagus Peas Garlic Bananas Peanuts Herbs Onions Berries Tea Leeks Cherries Red Wine Oats Dark Chocolate Whole Wheat
Now like I always encourage; Do some more research. Decide where you fit in this very large picture of Bowel Problems, general health, bodily stressors and GET ON PROBIOTICS. Oh and don’t forget the kids. Probiotics are encouraged for children as young as Newborn.

Fathers Day --- Gifts For Dad

2009-06-04T15:28:00.001-07:00

Organic T-Shirts, They are GREAT!!

2009-06-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

My first Organic Tee’s were bought just a few months back. Not because I’m not totally for buying organic clothes or the fact that they cost more, but for the simple fact that I don’t buy a lot of clothes.

So, I needed some new t-shirts. They were on clearance and they were 100% Organic. I felt like I had won the lottery that day, so I bought six. The only thing that got me down was the fact that they weren’t made in the USA, since that is where I live. The tag less tee says; Algodon Organico , Made in Guatemala. Now this really doesn’t help me cut down on my Carbon Foot Print any. So I would hope that this was a Fair Trade Company, although I was unable to find any info regarding the tee’s I bought.

Facts about non-organic cotton that made me glad I switched include;

**one-third of a pound of chemicals are needed just to grow enough conventional cotton for a regular T-shirt.
**conventional cotton is responsible for about 25% of the world’s insecticides and about 15% of the world’s pesticides.
**The World Health Organization estimates that at least three million people are poisoned by pesticides every year and 20-40,000 more are killed.
**Fourteen million people in the U.S. are routinely drinking water contaminated with carcinogenic herbicides and 90 percent of municipal water treatment facilities lack equipment to remove these chemicals.
**Cotton is also an important food source for humans and animals. Cotton is comprised of 40% fiber and 60% seed by weight. Once separated in the gin, the fibers go to textile mills, while the seed and various ginning by-products are used for animal feed and for human food, mostly in the form of cottonseed oil. Cottonseed, which is rich in oil and high in protein, is a common ingredient in cookies, potato chips, salad dressings, baked goods, and other processed foods. (So if it’s not organic, those chemicals are in my food too)
**And the Facts go on…..

I’m hooked & I will buy Organic Cotton T-Shirts from now on. I really love them and they seem so much softer than my old ones.

I always encourage baby steps, and buying my organic tee’s was my first step when it comes to clothes. My next steps will include; Made in the USA, Fair Trade, Living Wage and Companies that use Low Impact dyes that use clays, vegetables or minerals to create varying shades of color.

The Gift Of Shoes

2009-05-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have talked about buying shoes made of Recycled Materials before. I have even talked about Donating your clothes and Shoes to be Recycled and worn by others. What an easy way to be GREEN, save the planet and help someone in need.

Today I want to share some information about an Organization (Soles 4 Souls), that really seems to be making a difference.

Remember, I live in the desert and I know how important shoes are. They might just be a piece of rubber but they prevent the third degree burns that the sun has no problem dishing out. Even people in our own country need and have needed shoes (remember, Hurricane Katrina).

So read on to learn more about Soles 4 Souls, the second annual "Barefoot Week" (June1-7), and ways that you can help. I have enclosed the entire article with phone numbers at the bottom for any one that may want more information. You can also visit their site and for $10 or less buy 1-3 pairs of shoes. It's just that easy to make a difference.

Soles4Souls, the Shoe Charity, Announces Schedule for the

Second Annual "Barefoot Week," June 1-7

Non-profit rolls out event plans & celebrity support to encourage public participation

NASHVILLE, TN -- Soles4Souls™ Inc., the international shoe charity dedicated to providing a free pair of shoes to people in need, announced its schedule for Barefoot Week 2009 today. The non-profit organization will be distributing more than 50,000 pairs of new shoes in the United States while it also collects "gently worn" shoes from the general public during thousands of concurrent shoe drives at schools, churches and community centers.

"We want to invite people to join hundreds of thousands of Soles4Souls supporters around the world in participating in Barefoot Week," said Wayne Elsey, Founder & CEO of Nashville-based Soles4Souls. "Anyone can make an important difference to someone in need by starting their own shoe drive, cleaning out their closet, sending us a new pair of shoes or making a simple cash donation. Our charity thrives on the active involvement of everyday people making the decision to step up and help less fortunate people, both here in the United States and around the world," he said.

Celebrities are also lending their support of Barefoot Week in hopes of encouraging more participation with the charity's programs. Scarlett Johansson, who previously donated 2000 pairs of new shoes from her own line of Reebok footwear, is lending her name to help raise publicity about Barefoot Week. Other celebrities, such as Antawn Jamison, Jessica Simpson, Brittany Snow, Kellie Pickler, Luke Perry, Riddick Bowe, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Chris Hope, Jeff Fisher and Tim Dunn have also voiced their support for the weeklong series of events.

The charity will be handing out a total of 50,000 new shoes to homeless youth and families in need in five U.S. cities: Indianapolis (June 1st), Atlanta (June 2nd), Birmingham (June 3rd), Los Angeles (June 4th and 6th) and Portland (June 5th).

"The Barefoot Week events are designed to give immediate aid to Americans in need during extremely difficult times," said Elsey, "but they also serve in bringing communities together over a single purpose -- helping less fortunate people with the simple gift of shoes," he said.

The full event schedule is:

Monday, June 1st: In Indianapolis, Soles4Souls will be working with Wheeler Mission Ministries to hand out 4,000 pairs of new shoes and 6,000 pairs of flip-flops to people served by the downtown mission. Visit www.wheelermission.org for more information.

Tuesday, June 2nd: In Atlanta, Soles4Souls will be working with City of Refuge, a non-profit organization that offers both life saving resources and life building tools to individuals and families in Atlanta who are living on the margin. They will be handing out 4,000 pairs of new shoes and 6,000 pairs of flip-flops. Visit www.cityofrefugeinc.com for more information on the Soles4Souls partner in Atlanta.

Wednesday, June 3rd: Soles4Souls will be working side-by-side with The Foundry, a Birmingham-area charity focused on rebuilding lives and restoring hope of recovering addicts, ex-inmates and the

homeless. They will be handing out 4,000 pairs of new shoes and 6,000 pairs of flip-flops. Learn more at www.thefoundryonline.org.

Thursday, June 4th: Soles4Souls will be at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, working with thousands of homeless on Skid Row. The Mission provides a myriad of services to people in need, such as education and job opportunities, drug and alcohol treatment, and medical and legal services. They will be handing out 4,000 pairs of new shoes and 6,000 pairs of flip-flops. Visit www.midnightmission.org for more information.

Friday, June 5th: Soles4Souls will be working with local retailer Shoe Mill (www.shoemill.com), as well as adidas (also headquartered in Portland) to provide 5,000 pairs of new shoes and 3,000 pairs of new socks to the large homeless youth population and families living on the streets. The event will be held in the North Park Blocks (NW 8th and NW Everett Streets). Delivered Dish (www.d-dish.com), a local restaurant delivery service, is catering the event. Janus Youth Programs (www.janusyouth.org), Outside In (www.outsidein.org), Bridgetown Ministries (www.bridgetownministries.com) and other homeless programs for at-risk youth are jointly sponsoring the event.

On Saturday, June 6th, Soles4Souls will return to Los Angeles and appear at the Los Angeles Mission (www.losangelesmission.org) to distribute 2500 pairs of new shoes and 3500 pairs of flip-flops to the needy people served during the annual "Community BBQ" sponsored by the Mission.

About Soles4Souls

Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the United States. The charity has been featured recently in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic. It has also appeared on CNN, NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

CONTACTS:

Chris Carmichael, chrisc@giveshoes.org 615-391-5723 ext 143

Kim Dettwiller, kimd@giveshoes.org 615-330-5656

Why Moxxor makes fish oil, krill oil and many painkiller medications obsolete

2009-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I will share a product with information that I truly believe in. A product that I personally take and believe others may be interested in, or benefit from.

I believe education is the key, and that our optimal health is or should be our number one concern.

Each year in the United States, 70 million prescriptions are written for anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)(1). In 2006, the estimated cost to consumers of pain management drugs around the world was $30 billion (2).

In the United States, osteoarthritis is responsible for 4.9 percent of all medical expenditures (3), and due to the fact that 5.4 percent of NSAID users develop serious bleeding conditions requiring hospitalization (4), each year 103,000 Americans are hospitalized and 16,500 die due to long-term NSAID use.(5)

The annual medical cost of NSAID-related GI complications is $3.9 billion dollars(6). The 16,500 deaths each year caused by NSAID drugs is more than five times greater than the number of Americans killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it accounts for one-third of the total cost of treating arthritis (11).

Just one FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug, Vioxx, was estimated by senior FDA drug researcher Dr. David Graham to have caused between 88,000 and 138,000 serious heart events, including heart attacks and strokes leading to death(7). In sworn testimony before the U.S. Senate, Dr. David Graham described the Vioxx disaster as "...the rough equivalent of 500 to 900 aircraft [each containing from 150 - 200 passengers] dropping from the sky. This translates to 2-4 [airline crashes] every week, week in and week out, for the past 5 years."

NaturalNews has calculated that the number of Americans killed by Vioxx exceeds the number of Americans killed in both the Vietnam War and the War on Iraq, combined! (8)

Remarkably, up to 42% of physicians in the United States and the United Kingdom remain unaware of the dangerous side effects of anti-inflammatory medications (12). In one study, patients visiting physicians complaining of hip pain were prescribed medically unnecessary NSAID drugs more than 41% of the time, and nearly 52% of those patients were not offered medicine to protect their gastrointestinal health, despite showing obvious histories of peptic ulcer disease (13).

NaturalNews asks the question:

Do so many people have to die from taking dangerous prescription painkiller medications?

The answer is NO!

The safe, natural way to ease inflammation

Moxxor is a concentrated superfood supplement made primarily from the extract of green-lipped mussels grown in aquaculture farms near the coast of New Zealand. It has been eaten for hundreds of years by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand who are well known to exhibit a very low incidence of arthritis symptoms such as pain or joint swelling.

A study on green-lipped mussel oil published in the journal Inflammopharmacology(9) shows the remarkable ability of green-lipped mussel oil to ease signs of inflammation.

In this study, a formula containing 4mg of green-lipped mussel extract and 16mg of olive oil (referred to as "GLM Formula A"), and administered at the dose of 20mg per kg of body weight, was shown to exhibit astonishing anti-inflammatory properties far greater than typical fish oils, salmon oil, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil and even aspirin and ibuprofen. Table 1, below, reveals the methodology:

TABLE 1 - Potency of green-lipped mussel oil vs. other nutritional oils and common painkillers

Treatment	Dose (mg/kg)	Inflammation Symptoms Score	Potency Relative to GLM Formula A	Potential Side effects
None	n/a	2.8	n/a	none
GLM Formula A*	20	1.5	100%	Healthy heart
Olive Oil	1850	2.7	0.6%	Healthy heart
Fish Oil	1850	1.8	0.9%	Healthy heart
Salmon Oil	1850	2	0.8%	Healthy heart
Flaxseed Oil	1900	1.7	0.9%	Healthy heart
Evening Primrose Oil	1900	1.5	1.1%	Healthy heart
Aspirin	300	1.5	6.7%	Gastrointestinal bleeding
Ibuprofen	50	1.4	42.9%	Liver damage

* "GLM Formula A" is formulated with 4mg of green-lipped mussel oil and 16mg of olive oil. We believe Moxxor to be far superior to this formula, as every 20mg of Moxxor contains more than twice the amount of green-lipped mussel oil found in "GLM Formula A," combined with deep marine fish oil as the second ingredient.

Although we do not yet have the clinical trial data documenting this, we believe upcoming clinical trials will show Moxxor to be at least two times the potency of "Formula A" that was used in this study. Moxxor is made only with raw, fresh green-lipped mussel oil and is never freeze-dried or heated. Moxxor is planning clinical trials that we believe will show these higher potency scores, and the results of those studies will be made public as soon as they are available.

20% Green-lipped mussel oil is 123 times more potent than 100% salmon oil!

For the full story visit; Moxxor Science
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com

A Little Pill and it's BIG Toxic Effect

2009-05-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

The planet Earth is becoming a toxic dump. We see it when we look across the evening sky or over any near-by city. It’s there as we drive down the street and a gust of wind blows trash across our path or the semi next to us belches out a cloud of nauseas fumes. It even meats me at the door because Mr. Pest control man has sprayed his beautiful yellow toxin around my townhouse. I know, I know, the association believes this will keep me safe from scorpions, spiders and all the rest of our desert creatures. Little do they care that I keep my place clean, have a cat (who can tolerate eating scorpions), use ALL Natural pest control and the smell of Mr. Pest man makes me GAG!!

This makes me wonder. How can anyone hope to clean up the Toxic Planet when a large majority of the people can’t even take care of their own Toxic bodies. Chemicals, Toxins and Environmental Hazards are everywhere and some we may not be able to get away from. The Off-Gassing of fumes from the carpet and paint where you work, the dry cleaners that opened across the street from your home and other things that would make you have to live in a bubble.

There are things though that we can do. Things that may seem like they are for our good or our health, but in the end also help the environment. You stop using the micro wave because it’s bad for you health and decrease energy used. You stop using Teflon pans because they cause cancer and you improve air quality.

You can also think about what you put in your body. Remember what goes in, must also come out.

Science News reported in December 2008 that, “At least one in 25 older adults, about 2.2 million people in the United States, take multiple drugs in combinations that can produce a harmful drug-drug interaction, and half of these interactions involve a non-prescription medication”.

Now once again Science News is reporting that, “more than 80 percent of adults age 57 and older take at least one prescription drug a day and that about half of them regularly mix drugs with over-the-counter medications and supplements”.

An older Gallop Poll from December 2005 reported that about half of Americans were currently taking prescription medication. They also reported that they were, “more likely to take medication for a long-term rather than short-term medical condition, and to take it for a physical rather than psychological or emotional condition”.

With that being said, we have to remember that expired medications that are sent to the landfill leach into our ground water. Medication flushed down the toilet end up in our water system, whether it be dumped there or from the bodies own form of excretion. The media has also reported that tiny amounts of pharmaceuticals; including antibiotics, hormones, mood stabilizers, and other drugs have been found in our drinking water supplies.

My goal for today is for you to stop thinking about saving the Planet. I want you to think about saving yourself. Now don’t get all excited or angry because what you do for your self will in the end affect others. Think about what you put in your mouth, in the form of pills.

Can that cold or flu be shortened by taking Vitamin C, Zinc, drinking extra fluids and rest instead of Over The Counter Meds and Antibiotics? Can you get rid of that head ache by taking a 15 min. nap/walk or listening to relaxing music instead of popping Ibuprofen? Can those aches and pains be dealt with by taking (or eating) an all natural anti-inflammatory like an Omega 3? Can you reduce your cholesterol or your blood pressure with diet instead of meds?

Try not to be one of the statistics above. Work on saving your self. In the end, the neighbor kids next door that dink the city water will thank you. In fact the wild life that picks through the landfill will thank you and even the plants and animals that you eat which are nourished by the ground water will thank you.

What a big roll that little pill, has on EVERY THING!!

Best Foot Forward---In A Recycled Shoe

2009-05-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

While sitting here on the back patio, enjoying the 90+ degree weather, I notice that the flip-flop tan has already started. Now I hate shoes, but when it’s a 110 degrees, your feet and the asphalt become one.

Hmm, that makes me wonder. How many shoes do I own? Well I’m not a big clothes person and I’m pretty sure I have more shoes than clothes. OK, so I was wrong, I only have 12 pairs. Flip-flops, sandals, boots, dress shoes and tennis shoes.

Now the US Census Bureau reports a population of 306,359,330 as of today 5/5/09. Times that by just 10 pairs of shoes and you have; 3,063,593,300. That is a lot of flippin shoes.

Shoes are made of Leather, Plastic, Resin, Rubber, or a Synthetic Rubber. Which brings me to my next question, Why do we need to use synthetic rubber? I’m thinking I see tons of old tires every where, couldn’t we just use them.

A few tire facts:
*It takes half a barrel of crude oil to produce the rubber for just one truck tire.

*Producing one pound of recycled rubber versus one pound of new rubber requires only 29% of the energy.

*In India, tires are cut up and used to make durable and inexpensive shoes.

*A burning tire can leach 2 1/2 gallons of waste oil into the ground, threatening the ground-water.

*Americans discard 280 million tires a year, (only) 25 to 30 of which are re-treaded or otherwise reused.

*About eight out of every ten tires in the U.S. wind up in landfills or "stockpiles." An estimated 2 to 3 billion tires are currently stockpiles in the United States.

*At one site near Modesto, California, 8 million tires were stockpiled as of 1991. By 1995, through recycling efforts, that number was reduced to 2 million, although they receive 20,000 tires daily.

These facts make me really like a company I found in the UK called; Worn Again. They makes shoes using 99 percent recycled material including discarded suit jackets (outer, lining and buttons), parachutes, prison blankets, ex-military long johns and towels, car seats, scrap leather and recycled rubber. No two pairs of shoes are exactly the same. And their shoes are 100% recyclable. What a great idea, and talk about being stylish with a one of a kind pair of shoes.

Here in the US we have;

Planet Shoes, Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Planet Shoes is a lifestyle shoe retailer dedicated to selling comfortable, stylish and well made shoes at value prices. Online since 2001, we specialize in Active, Comfortable, Healthy, Earth Friendly products with a flare of fashion. They use recycled materials, are members of, 1% For The Planet (1% For The Planet is a rapidly growing network of companies that give at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes every year. There are more than 450 members in 34 US states and 14 countries. 1% members have contributed more than USD $12 Million to environmental causes.) They are also a proud partner of the Carbon Fund and you can do your part by picking CarbonFree Plus Shipping at checkout. Every dollar received from CarbonFree Plus shipping will be sent directly to the Carbon Fund. More Information about Carbon Fund please visit CarbonFund.org.

Flat Tire;
The soles of all their shoes contain crumb rubber from recycled scrap tires to make them more comfortable. Crumb rubber not only allows them to make a better shoe, it also helps reduce the number of scrap tires deposited in landfills.

My Rant On The Swine Flu

2009-05-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

I am so tired of hearing about the Swine Flu and I am even more disgusted about how the Government / Media has turned this into a public frenzy. Working in the Hospital setting I have seen this frenzy with Emergency rooms filled to the max and on bypass. Yet they are filled with people that are not sick and/or should not be there. They have closed schools in my area for a week due to ONE child being sick. In the past children have gotten what they call the regular flu, a severe cold or chicken pox (all of which can be transmitted to one another) and they have not closed a school.

The CDC reported that this new flu is a variation of the Swine flue and then also reported that it is a variation of the normal human flu. Every new out brake of the flu is a variation of a previous flu. Bacteria and viruses are constantly changing, they adapt and unlike most people would like to believe, they are everywhere. Most people carry Streptococcus in their throats, yet rarely experience Strep Throat. People carry Staph or MRSA on their skin yet never show signs of infection. The common cold is also carried around like a hand bag and not everyone gets sick.

My point is that people need to be taught or informed that there are things they can do to prevent getting sick or at least lessen the degree of illness. This should be common knowledge as there is always viruses and bacteria out there and they are always changing.

At one point last night while watching the news I was some what impressed. They reported that this new strain of Swine flu is really, "no worse than the usual flu" and that if you get sick, stay home. Do not expose your self to others, drink plenty of fluid and wash your hands frequently. They also said do not go to the emergency room unless you are extremely ill (like a temp. over 101) and should call your primary physician first.

Now realize I said somewhat impressed, because not once did they offer suggestions for preventing illness. They would not tell you to take extra Vitamins, Antioxidants or Probiotics because they have Big Pharma in their pocket. Big Pharma is looking for a new vaccine and this means lots and lots of money. They really don't mind if you get sick as long as they can give you a drug and make money.

This being the end of my rant, I want to leave you with some thoughts for prevention. The information below can be found at Natural News and I couldn't agree with it more. I have always been one that believed in the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

DIGESTION
Some say that the flu "begins in the gut and ends in the gut". This means that if you have good digestion, you will increase your resistance to this and other flu strains. Take a probiotic daily. Live probiotics are available in natural food stores, and probiotics are now more widely available in grocery stores, in yogurt culture and even in chocolate.

HOMEOPATHY
The homeopathic remedy Anas Barbariae is made from the liver of migrating geese. Because they travel the world, they build immunity to many viruses years before humans do. Be sure to get the 2009 version by checking the expiration date. It has been found that the remedy Ferrum phos is effective in treating the early stages of the flu, when used in the first 24 hours. Also the remedy Influenzinum can be taken as a prophylaxis. This remedy is made from the same disease strain as the CDC uses to make each season's flu vaccine.

1. Get Plenty of Sleep
2. Hydrate
3. Exercise
4. Spend time outdoors

HERBS TO BUILD PROTECTION AND NATURAL IMMUNITY

1.Echinaea--Echinacea is best taken in advance of getting sick.
2.Olive Leaf
3.Elderberries
4 Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants that have the ability to resist chemical and biological stressors and to pass that ability on to humans. Eleutherococcus research has shown a 30% to 50% decrease in influenza in Russian workers. Shisandra has long been used in Chinese medicine to improve immune function through its healing action on the liver. In recent research, Shisandra proved curative to the viral hepatitis. Codonopsis is another adaptogen used in Chinese herbal medicine. It increases the red and white blood cell counts and strengthens the immune system.

VITAMINS
1. Vitamin A is one of the main components of the skin. To strengthen the skin's protective ability, take vitamin A daily. Vitamin A also increases the white blood cells that fight disease.
2. Vitamin C --Research has shown that vitamin C improves resistance to disease and prevents flu symptoms when 1,000 mg doses are taken every six hours.
3. NAC is an amino acid that has been shown to raise immunity to the flu in clinical trials.
4.Probiotics. Healthy flora in the gut supports immune function.

By improving your lifestyle, your diet, and supplementing with natural herbs, homeopathy, and vitamins, you can improve your immune system and your overall vitality.

Your Daughter, Sister Or Friend Could Die. Gardasil , Get The FACTS!!

2009-04-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

As a mother of two girls and the grandmother of five, I worry about their health and mine.

I worry about what what this world is going to put upon them and what little say, we may have when it comes to our own health. Mandating vaccines like Gardasil, and the push (or maybe the Big Shove) by pharmaceutical companies with little, no, incomplete, or false information only proves that people need to be more informed, more active, and more concerned about their health.

Spain pulled 76,000 doses of Garasil after girls became ill, yet America pushes for the drug and may even make it mandatory for your daughter to go to school.

The videos below are offered as a starting place to become more educated. If you watch them and you learn something, that is Great. If you watch them and they scare you or you pass the information on to someone you care about, that is even better.

FDA, New Black Box For Reglan

2009-04-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Upset stomach, heartburn and stomach acid might be the least of you concerns.

The FDA announced this month that it is putting a black box warning on all drugs containing the pharmaceutical ingredient, metoclopramide (Reglan).

Now first you should know what and where the “Black Box” is.
Wikipedia states: In the United Staes, a black box warning (also sometimes called a black label warning or boxed warning) is a type of warning that appears on the package insert for prescription drugs that may cause serious adverse effects. It is so named for the black border that usually surrounds the text of the warning.
A black box warning means that medical studies indicate that the drug carries a significant risk of serious or even life-threatening adverse effects…

Reglan is a prescription medication that is used to treat common and everyday reflux. It does this by increasing the contractions in your upper digestive system which in turn speeds up how fast your stomach empties.

The FDA reports that approximately 2 million people take drugs containing metoclopramide and it may be causing more harm that good. What they consider long term (more than 3 months) makes your risks even higher.

But what was the big, bad side effect the pushed the FDA to post the newest Black Box?
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) seems to be the monster and it is characterized by symptoms of involuntary or repetitive movements of the extremities. This would also include; lip smacking, grimacing, tongue protrusion, rapid eye movements, puckering of the lips and impaired movements of the fingers. But what’s even worse, these symptoms don’t seem to go away after the medication is stopped.

The FDA does report that these symptoms are directly related to the length of time a person takes the medication. But as I recall Acid reflux is normally a chronic problem and they report that any thing over 3 months is long term. So why would anyone subject themselves to TD for only 3 months of an acid free stomach. There has got to be a better way. Oh, and those at greatest risk are the elderly, especially elderly women.

Other side affects of Reglan include but may not be limited to: tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements, fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, seizure, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

OK, so lets look at some other things we can do to prevent or treat acid reflux.

1) Add acidophilus to your regular regimen. The acidophilus will help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. This will aid in the overall digestion of your food. This is really good for everyone.

2) Add “full spectrum” digestive enzymes to your regimen. These help the body break down all food types (proteins, fats, and carbs). Again, these are good for anyone that eats.

3) DGL, a form of licorice root that has one component removed (DGL means De-Glycerrhizinated Licorice) may help in sever cases.

4) Aloe Vera Juice may help promote healing and calm the digestive tract.

5) Eat small frequent meals instead of three “all you can eat” meals

6) Avoid foods that increase the acid production in your stomach, like: tomatoes, chocolate, alcohol, refined sugar, greasy foods, processed foods, etc.

7) Drink plenty of pure, clean water

And once again, if you take any medication and begin to experience adverse affects contact your doctor immediately. PLEASE also report symptoms to the FDA’s MedWatch program at MedWatch

Pull The Plug & Save

2009-04-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I pulled the plug. Appliances plugged in and in standby were supposed to make things easier and be more convenient, but now I have realized I don't even think twice about plugging things back in.

It was easy to get started and cost me nothing in the first swipe of the house. First I went around to each room and unplugged things that I only use on occasion. Things like: the microwave, toaster, coffee pot, cell phone chargers, computer printer and computer, when I not sitting in front of it. Also the heating pad, hair dryer, Zune charger and portable radio.

Then on the next shopping trip I purchased three power strips. These went to the three Entertainment systems in our home. They even have new strips out now called; Smart Power Strips. This strip is revolutionary in its design as it knows when power is not needed and can turn itself off. There are three outlet types on the Smart Power Strip; the Control, Constant Hot and Switched. The Control is where you plug in your computer or TV. The Constant Hot outlets are always on, and here is the fascinating part. The Switched outlets are tied to the Control outlet. When the electronic device that is plugged into the Control is off...the Switched outlets are automatically turned off...saving electricity.

So what have I saved by pulling the plug.

It is reported that the savings are relatively small, about 5%.
But, a four-person family with two cell phone chargers, two computers, a microwave, a stereo, a DVD player, and two televisions: could have a total phantom energy load of 30.1 watts. This equates to .7224 kWh of energy per day or 264 kWh a year. In dollars that adds up to approximately $60 a year at the average current electricity rate.

For the entire United States, this could add up to 65 billion kWh/year, which equals $5.8 billion in savings as well as eliminating 87 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Hmm, my car cost $20 to fill and I can go two weeks on a tank. Kind of like getting 1 1/2 months of free gas. Or maybe it's lunch and a movie or four months worth of hair cuts. At any rate, it's kind of like getting paid to lower my carbon footprint and I like that.

Huge giveaway of high-end children's vitamins ready to be claimed (your help needed)‏

2009-04-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel the need to pass on information from people that I feel Great Respect for. Today is one of those days and Mike Adams, the Health Ranger is one of those people. Please read the attached info and check out this amazing company and their products. As like Mike, I make no money from any sales of these products and have no connection with this company. I do believe information is of up most importance and the health of our children hangs in the balance.

This email is not a joke or a hoax. You can verify the authenticity of this NaturalNews announcement here: http://www.naturalnews.com/026060.html

(Please forward this to every schoolteacher, administrator, non-profit group and public service organization you know so that they can take advantage of this huge giveaway of New Chapter whole food complex vitamins for children.)

The health of American schoolchildren is declining rapidly. Diseases that once used to affect only adults (type-2 diabetes, heart disease, etc.) are now happening in pre-teens! And instead of giving our children real nutrition, our medical system seems focused on screening children for mental disorders and putting them on yet more synthetic chemical drugs!

Our children need REAL nutrition. And today, you have an opportunity to make a huge difference in their lives.

How? NewChapter, Vitacost, the Consumer Wellness Center and NaturalNews have teamed up to announce a huge giveaway of hundreds of thousands of servings of NewChapter's EveryKid whole food complexes (multivitamin powders made from real food, not from synthetic chemicals).

The offer is valid for any public or private school, non-profit or social service organization in the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska, of course). Organizations simply pay a nominal shipping charge and must order these EveryKid products in quantities of 108 boxes (each containing 7 servings). The product itself costs you nothing. Quantities are limited, so if you want to take advantage of this, hurry to get your request in.

Instructions: To take advantage of this offer, simply email consumerwellness@vitacost.com with your name, organization's name, street address, telephone, email and shipping address. Put "EveryKid Offer" in the subject line. (Valid only in the United States.) A Vitacost representative will provide you with further details on payment for the shipping & handling (which is very reasonable).

You may also wish to read the full announcement here: http://www.naturalnews.com/026060.html

This is a very big deal that you will likely never see repeated. Supplies are limited so if you know of a school or organization that should be getting in on this, let them know right away!

Please forward this email to anyone you know who works for a school, non-profit or public service organization that serves children. Through this unique offer brought to you by NewChapter, Vitacost, the Consumer Wellness Center and NaturalNews, they can take advantage of this and acquire large quantities of high-end whole food complex vitamins (made from real food!) for their children, at virtually no cost (just the shipping cost, which is quite low).

I'm thrilled to be able to take part in this announcement, and I personally want to thank NewChapter and Vitacost.com for stepping up to the plate and making the decision to do what's right for America's children. This is an announcement that makes no money for any of us, but it's the right thing to do for America's children, and both NewChapter and Vitacost deserve tremendous recognition for their role in making this happen.

How to get EveryKid whole food complexes for your family:

If you're not part of a non-profit or school, and you still want to get these EveryKid whole food complexes for your own children, you can still contribute to the non-profit effort! How? When you purchase a 28-count box of EveryKid whole food complexes from Vitacost.com (which are 55% off retail price!), use coupon code NatNews3 and Vitacost will donate a 7-count box to our non-profit Consumer Wellness Center! We will then take those 7-count EveryKid products and distribute them to schoolchildren, helping them improve their nutrition and experience the health benefits of whole food complexes in a great-tasting format!

To take advantage of this, simply order from Vitacost at one of these URLs:

http://www.vitacost.com/New-Chapter-EveryKid-trade-Brilliant-Berries-Natural-Mixed-Berry

or

http://www.vitacost.com/New-Chapter-EveryKid-trade-Awesome-Apple-Natural-Apple

Use coupon code NatNews3 to automatically generate the donation to the Consumer Wellness Center. Thank you for your support!

To your health,
- Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Editor of NaturalNews.com

Doing My Part For Earth Day 2009

2009-04-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

This seems to be a Great Website with an even Greater purpose. I have signed up, am passing the word and encourage others to do the same.

Raptiva: A Drug for Psoriasis Recalled

2009-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Another so called medical advance has been brought to an end.

Raptiva, a once a week injection for Psoriasis will be totally off the US market in June 2009.

Psoriasis is a common, incurable, non-contagious, autoimmune disease
where skin cells replicate to quickly. The body produces new skin cells at about 10 x’s faster than it’s normal rate, but then sloughs then off at the normal or slower rate. When this happens the skin piles up on the surface, becomes red, swollen and often appears patchy looking. Psoriasis can happen anywhere on the body but usually appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, buttocks, or back of the wrist. Psoriasis is know to come and go in cycles.

Raptiva was approved by the FDA in 2003 after what I personally would call a short trial. The trial was 24 weeks long and involved 2700 people.
At that time it was reported that: “Raptiva was well tolerated in Phase III studies. Adverse events that occurred in at least five percent of patients treated with Raptiva and one percent more frequently than in the placebo group included headache, chills, pain, flu syndrome, fever, asthenia, nausea myalgia (muscle pain) , and pharyngitis. Five of these events (headache, chills, fever, nausea and myalgia) were predominantly acute adverse events, principally seen following the first two injections of Raptiva. For the third and subsequent doses, the incidence of acute adverse events was similar between the Raptiva and placebo groups. Less than three percent of patients were discontinued from treatment due to adverse events. Infrequent serious adverse events included psoriatic recurrences (most of which occurred after treatment was stopped)and Thrombocytopenia”

Raptiva was designed to selectively and reversibly block the activation of T-cells that cause psoriasis or what you might call, suppresses the immune system.

Now, I’m no genius but I would think that in this day and age when our immune systems need all the help they can get to stay healthy from toxin, chemicals, radiation, etc. that maybe there could be a better way to treat Psoriasis.

Here’s a little history.
October 2008: FDA updates it’s warning label for Raptiva and it got the “Black Box” warning
December 2008: US sales for Raptiva were reported at 108 million in it’s last full year on the market.
February 19th 2009: The use of Raptiva should be suspended in the European Union
February 21st 2009: The marketing of Raptiva in Canada was suspended.
March 2009: FDA approved a Medication Guide for Raptiva and included additional information in Raptiva's labeling regarding PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy)
April 2009: Manufacturer does voluntary drug withdrawal and sends out “Dear Doctor Letters”
June 2009: Drug off the market for good in the US.

Now a website called Defective Drugs reports;
Despite being an effective psoriasis treatment, Raptiva is known to have some severe, potentially fatal side effects including:
• Bacterial sepsis, an infection of the blood
• Lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymph nodes (the glands located throughout the body that filter bacteria and malignant cells from the body)
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), swelling of the brain's white matter
• Viral meningitis, an infection that results in brain and spinal cord inflammation.
While some of these Raptiva side effects, such as lymphoma, are incurable, all are life threatening and will result in death without immediate medical care.
Raptiva patients should seek emergency medical attention, should they develop any of the following symptoms of Raptiva drug infections:
• burning or difficult urination
• chills
• congestion
• coughing
• fever
• pain
• redness
• sore throat
• swelling

Since 2003 it is reported that approximately 46,000 people have been treated with Raptiva and that at the time of recall 2,000 patients in the US are still receiving this treatment.
Guess once again the guinea pigs have proved Big Pharma and the FDA wrong.

Here are some alternative recommendations for people that suffer from Psoriasis that have NOT been shown to provide any of the above side effects.
* Increase fiber intake.
* Increase Fatty acids which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of Psoriasis.
* Many people have been found to be deficient in Zink and Vitamin A (pumpkin seeds contain Zink, and orange, yellow and green vegetables contain vitamin A)
* Increase water intake to help flush toxins and reduce inflammation
* People with Psoriasis have been found to have difficulty digesting protein so one may need to avoid red meat, poultry and dairy products.
* Avoid other foods that are hard to digest such as fatty, fried and refined sugars.
* Alcohol can cause inflammation and trigger flare-ups.
* Flaxseed and Fish oil supplements have been shown to reduce symptoms
* Digestive Enzymes with each meal can help with digestion
* Milk thistle to help with liver detox

Now if you, someone you know or love has been on, or is on Raptiva please check out Defective Drugs and contact a Raptiva attorney. One day the FDA may learn that drugs are not the best way to go.

Video - The Truth about Soy

2009-04-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Pollypill, Who's Better Off

2009-04-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

A blue pill, a red pill and a yellow pill. Oh so this one must be a rainbow pill?

What do you get when you cross an aspirin (to thin the blood), two anti-hypertensive drugs (to lower blood pressure), and a statin drug (to lower cholesterol)?

Well according to Dr Reddy’s Pharmaceutical company which boasts; “Headquartered in India, we are a global pharmaceutical company with a presence in more than 100 countries. We have wholly-owned subsidiaries in the US, UK, Russia, Germany and Brazil; joint ventures in China, South Africa and Australia; representative offices in 16 countries; and third-party distribution set ups in 21 countries”. (found on their “about us page”) You get a Polypill.
But, I say you get Big Parma with even BIGGER pockets.

They claimed that such a pill could prevent 80% of all heart attacks and that anybody with cardiovascular disease could take it, as could everybody over 55. ‘‘It would be acceptably safe and with widespread use, would have a greater impact on the prevention of the disease in the Western world than any other single intervention,’’

Reports also state that 2053 patients aged 45 to 80 years without cardiovascular disease but with one risk factor—type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, smoker within past five years, increased waist-to-hip ratio, or abnormal lipids—at 50 centers in India were enrolled. They also report that those who took the Polypill in the study had no more adverse effects than eight other groups enrolled who were taking one of the components of the Polypill.

Points to think about;

1)“No more adverse effects”. Well we all know these drugs have adverse effects, so how about something that has NO Adverse Effects.

2)This study was funded by the pharmacy company that wants to sell it.
3)It was conducted in a low income country where fewer lawsuits would result from harm or deaths and the testing cost less. Guess this is more cost effective than American guinea pigs.

4)The people tested had one risk factor, but did they actually live longer, did they suffer fewer heart attacks or have better blood flow? They never studied this because they are only concerned with numbers that over simplify a disease. Remember elevated blood pressure is not a disease but a symptom of some other problem. Elevated cholesterol is not a disease but a by-product, remember the liver makes cholesterol because the body NEEDS it.

5) March 2009: Polypill Coming To America

6)Moral of this study per big Pharma is: The more medications in your system the better.

My thoughts on this is, It’s HOG WASH. I’m trying to help clean up this world, get the toxins out the the air, eat organic foods with less chemicals. I buy Eco-friendly cleaning products to save the ozone and decrease pollutants in the water and soil. Even the President is supporting solar and wind power yet the FDA could OK a Pollypill that incense pushes legal drug use for anyone over 55 and with a risk for something. Did they forget about or just choose not to acknowledge all the drugs already found in city water, lakes and fish.
Push for chemical free foods, clean water, no irradiated foods, fewer toxins and exercise. Then I bet everyone's blood pressure, cholesterol, and quality of life would be better.

Irradiated Foods Cause Severe Neurological Damage

2009-04-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Being one that was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis five years ago I always wonder why I see and hear about the diagnosis so much more now, than when I was growing up. What has changed so much, what was I exposed to, or was it all those years of drinking diet soda and eating altered foods. No one in my family had it or even had symptoms like it.

When thinking that I was born in 1964, Aspartame was approved in 1974 (my favorite drink was Tab) and they have been pushing irradiated foods for the last 30 years I often feel I have to look no further. I do however read, learn and share information as it come to light.

Below is a partial article from someone whom I have great respect for; Mike Adams. The web address is posted below for completion of the article.

(NaturalNews) In a study just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) report on cats developing severe neurological symptoms due to a degradation of myelin, the fatty insulator of nerve fibers called axons. Because myelin facilitates the conduction of nerve signals, when it is lost or damaged there can be impairment of sensation, movement, thinking and other functions, depending on what particular nerves are affected. This loss of myelin is found in several disorders of the central nervous system in humans -- the best known being multiple sclerosis (MS).

So what caused the cats to develop neurological problems? Although the researchers' statement to the media practically buries the fact, a close read shows the animals were fine until fed irradiated food. What's more, when they were taken off the irradiated diet, the animals' nervous systems began healing.

The new study took place when the researchers were faced with reports of a mysterious illness in pregnant cats. A commercial company had been testing various diets on the animals to see how the food impacted growth and development in the felines. The food used, it turns out, had been irradiated. Irradiation, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for many human as well as animal foods, involves exposing foods briefly to a radiant energy source such as gamma rays or electron beams in order to kill bacteria.

Some of the cats eating the irradiated cat food exhibited very severe neurological symptoms, including movement disorders, vision loss and even paralysis. "After being on the diet for three to four months, the pregnant cats started to develop progressive neurological disease," said Ian Duncan, a professor of medical sciences at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and an authority on demyelinating diseases, in a statement to the media.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025971.html

A Baby Bath With....Formaldehyde?

2009-04-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

It was found that many children's bath products contain chemicals which could cause cancer and skin allergies, according to a report released in March by the CSC (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics).

Of the 48 baby products tested the CSC found that 32 of them (66 percent) contained trace levels of 1,4-dioxane, and 23 of them (47 percent) had levels of formaldehyde. Seventeen of the products (35 percent) actually had detectable levels of BOTH of these chemicals. For a full list of products tested go to http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-12-formaldehyde_N.htm#table

Now according to Wikipedia: “Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency”.
Makes me wonder why only Japan and Sweden have banned formaldehyde from personal care products.

Wikipedia also reports that 1,4-dioxane; “is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant. It is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Accidental worker exposure to 1,4-dioxane has resulted in several deaths. Dioxane is classified by the IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly carcinogenic to humans because it is a known carcinogen in animals”
California listed 1,4-dioxane as a know cancer causing agent in their proposition 65 (The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act) way back in 1986.

It seems that these companies aren't putting these chemicals into the products intentionally. Instead, they're byproducts of the manufacturing process. I don't know about you, but I don't care HOW they got there. The point is that there are detectable amounts of these potential carcinogens in products many parents are exposing their children to on a daily basis. It has also been reported that companies like Johnson & Johnson state that they have done nothing wrong and are within the guidelines set by the FDA.

So if California can go out of its way to alert us of potential danger with it’s strong consumer labels, and Japan and Sweden can ban the chemicals altogether what makes the FDA all knowing. As I have said before the FDA does not have our best interests at heart.

On the bright side there are companies looking out for us. Products bearing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic seal, such as Dr. Bronner's, Intelligent Nutrients and Terressentials were 1,4-dioxane free. And other companies are stepping up to sharply reduce the amounts of chemicals in their products.

Cocoa Mulch; Bad For My Pets

2009-03-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Being someone that watches what is good for the planet, myself and my animals I get plenty of emails. I have news from leading Doctors, scientists and concerned friends. The latest yesterday was about my yard and of concern for my dogs health.

The email was a warning about Cocoa Bean Mulch and the death of dogs. I have always had dogs and usually some other type of animals too, but I had missed this warning. From the articles (back to 2003) I read, Cocoa Bean mulch has been out for quit some time.

Cocoa Bean Mulch is a byproduct of chocolate production, is natural and has a great smell. The problem with the cocoa bean shell mulch is that it contains theobromine, a compound (like in regular chocolate) toxic to dogs. Content of this compound reportedly ranges from 0.19 percent to 2.98 percent.

Now depending on the size of your dog and how much they consume the adverse reactions would be the same as a chocolate overdose. Theobromine affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys. Toxicity signs and symptoms would include:
*Elevated heart rate and Arrhythmias
*Restlessness
*Stomach upset & Vomiting
*Diarrhea
*Frequent urination
*Muscle tremors & Seizures
*Death

Now if I didn’t put two and two together; cocoa mulch being made from the shell of the cocoa bean and the cocoa bean being used to make chocolate, hopefully someone would tell me. So, I called around to my local stores and asked associates in their lawn and garden departments.

Store #1:
Said; “We usually carry it, but we are out right now, try Walmart.” Then when asked if it would cause any harm to my pets; he said, “There is no danger, it just comes from the cocoa tree“.

Store #2:
Said, “Yes, we carry it but I haven’t heard of any problems”. She then checked the bag and told me, “It says it’s all natural so it should be ok.”

Store #3 (Walmart) said they didn’t carry it.

#4 (My Vet): Reported that they had not heard of any recent reports of animal illness due to cocoa bean mulch but that any product made from cocoa could cause harm to animals. They also told me that there is no treatment or antidote for Theobromine poisoning. Death could happen within 24 hours.

For safer alternatives try nontoxic shredded pine, cedar and hemlock bark or check with ASPCA at;
http://www.aspca.org

myLot User Profile

Reduce Footprints: How To Grow Your Own Air ...

2009-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Reduce Footprints: How To Grow Your Own Air ...

Today's Health Care is, NOT mine.

2009-03-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another day where I can honestly say, I am not proud to work in what America calls, “Health Care”. I took care of a almost 90 year old man (his birthday is next week) whom was transported to the hospital from Hospice because they were unable to get his pain under control. This man has lung cancer and only wants to die in comfort. He knows he is terminal, he knows he has very little time and that there is no cure. He only wants to spend what little time he has in comfort and with his family, which he had a lot of. I say BRAVO!! Take all the narcotics you want and enjoy this day.

What makes me angry, is that doctors have become “Gods”. They take this man and put him on IV blood thinners (a possible clot somewhere) and then wonder why they have to give him two units of blood. From there they order a CT of his brain with IV contrast because, “He might have cancer that has metastasized to his brain“. The doctors do little to explain why they are ordering this test or even to ask if it is something that is wanted. They just order it, get upset if it’s not done and move on to the next patient. Fortunately I had time to spend with this patient and his family. We went over what the test was, how doing the test itself would affect this elderly man. How laying flat on his back on a hard metal table would affect his breathing, which was hard enough sitting up with oxygen on. We talked about how the dye would affect his struggling kidneys and heart. And in the end we talked about what they would do if the test showed he now had brain cancer. The answer of course was nothing, he only wanted pain control and that we had already achieved.

One of the family members mentioned that the doctors order things (tests, meds, etc.) and they (the patients and family) really have little to control over what is done. This is where I got on my soap box. I reminded him that doctors are there for them, not the other way around. The patient is or should be the “boss” of what and how they are taken care of.

We use the term health care, which in all reality is false advertising. We are not taught how to take care of our health. We are not taught what to eat, what (toxins, chemicals, McDonald’s etc) to stay away from . Instead we are encouraged to do as we like and then a doctor will take care of us. This brings us to the next term I have heard used a lot in the recent months, “Sick Care” which after yesterday really doesn’t fit either. If we can’t honor a mans wish to die in comfort, in his own time, we have no compassion for the sick or their care.

The term Health care is in the news everywhere you look. We worry about who should have it, how much it should cost and what it shouldn’t cover. Doctors and Pharmaceutical companies want to poison us, and the FDA only wants to give us half the story. Maybe we should consider the fact that everyone has the right to be healthy, and remember as Ben Franklin once said; “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure“.

I say;
Put Health, Prevention and Compassion back in Health Care and give the control back to the individuals. Make it cheaper to pay for an organic orange compared to a package of ding dongs, cover my all natural vitamins instead of toxic medications if I choose and acknowledge my treatment from my Naturopath as being better or equal to any primary care physician.

E-Waste, Please Recycle Me

2009-03-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours stopped by last night for a visit, she had a tale to tell that wasn’t all to uncommon for this part of the country (Arizona). Last fall during one of monsoon storms a lightning strike struck a power pole near her home causing the power to be out for several hours. For one reason or another our local power company never repaired her pole before switching power on to full capacity, which in turn caused all electrical plugs in the house to malfunction. Power strips were melted and all electrical devices (TV’s, DVR’s microwave, radios, etc.) were fried. She was very lucky to arrive home in time to throw the breakers before her whole house went up in flames. Her next problem came when she tried to get rid of, or recycle the electronic equipment. She said, “It took some time, but I finally found a place”.
I had two thoughts;
1)What is in these electronics that can possibly be so bad that no one wants to take them ?
2)Where do I take them and why is it so hard to get rid of them when they are everywhere you look?

Electronics to be recycled are called e-waste.
Old televisions contain up to 8 pounds of lead, which was supposed to protect the viewer from radiation so most landfills will not take them.
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 82 percent of televisions (20.6 million units) were disposed of between 2006 and 2007 – and that occurred primarily in landfills. This means only 18%, or about 6.3 million sets, were recycled.”

It is reported that Americans throw out 130,000 computers every day, most of which almost all is recyclable. A circuit board contains copper, gold, silver, platinum and palladium, as well as lead. These are all chemical elements that when broken down or recycled should be worth money. Other components include glass and plastic. Printer cartridges also do not belong the landfill. Certain kinds of toner dust contains a hazardous material, as do inks used in inkjet printers. And don’t forget about the extras like keyboards, speakers, mice, cables, etc. You may even ask questions like; Where do you sent the parts to be recovered and what do you do with the materials? Do you wipe the data clean or can you give me information so I can do it.

VCR’s, DVD players and stereos fall into the groups above, all containing chemical elements, plastic, metal, etc. All of which can and should be recycled.

Two web sites I found to be very useful were:
http://www.thinkgreen.com/home
This is the Waste Management site which gives lots of info recycling Do’s & Dont's.
http://earth911.com
You type in what you need to recycle, where you live and it will give you all the closest places with address and phone numbers.

myLot User Profile

BPA, The TOXIN

2009-03-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

BPA (Bisphenol A) has been getting a lot of face time lately. And in all rights it should be. BPA is a chemical that mimics the neurotoxic actions of estrogen in developing neurons and most likely causes cancer, mood disorders, brain irregularities, etc.
BPA is found in plastic water bottles, plastic dental braces, food packaging, canned food linings and to no surprise (the FDA seems to care little about our future generations) even baby bottles. Now if you hoped that you could depend on someone (like the FDA) to care about us, we find out their studies on BPA were tainted. They were based on studies paid for by the plastic companies themselves.
Canada took the first step and removed water bottles, baby bottles and all products from the shelves last year due to a total ban on PBA. So, No more #6 plastic in Canada.
Where does that leave America? In the dust as usual.
The move in Canada adds pressure on U.S.
federal regulators to reexamine their position
on BPA, which is suspected of causing breast
and prostrate cancer, diabetes, hyperactivity and
other serious disorders in laboratory animals.
This week, a federal health panel in the United
States for the first time expressed concerns about BPA.
(The Washington Post)
Now maybe the FDA has come to it’s senses, but I wouldn’t put money on it. Under pressure by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal who asked or demanded, six larger manufacturers of baby bottles have announced they will stop making new baby bottles with the chemical BPA. But not one bottles is being recalled and not one is being removed from the shelf.
The six manufacturers are;
• Gerber
• Avent America, Inc
• Evenflo Co.
• Disney First Years
• Dr. Brown
• Playtex Products, Inc.
Remember the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found BPA in almost 95% of people ages 6 and up. The chemical is also often present in breast milk and pregnant womens blood.

Kicking Out One Toxin At A TIME

added links
http://blogs.babycenter.com/momformation/2008/04/30/bpa-concerns-you/

http://www.naturalnews.com/025804.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/18/AR2008041803036.html?sub=AR

http://blogs.babiesonline.com/baby/governments-report-on-bpa-may-be-faulty/

What Is Your Cup, Not What's In Your Cup?

2009-03-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

It was 6am when I started this. One light on, dog asleep by my side on the floor and my coffee cup steaming. Now I got to wondering, my coffee is in a refillable coffee mug, one that the hospital gave me. They said no more free drinks without the cup. I understand, they are trying to do their part to be "Green". They recycle paper and batteries, they give employee bonuses to people that share rides or use the bus. And the list goes on. But, what do I get out of this mug? I save over a dollar at the hospital cafeteria, and .50 cents at the local gas station, but there's got to be more. So lets look as some of the facts;

In 2006, it is estimated that paper cups accounted for 252 million pounds of garbage resting in landfills. Paper cup use in 2006 also accounted for 4 billion gallons of water wasted, 6.5 million trees cut down, and 4,884 billion BTU’s of energy used.

A report conducted jointly by the Alliance for Environmental Innovation and Starbucks found that 1.9 billion cups were used by Starbucks in 2000.[5] In 2006, Starbucks reported that this figure had grown to 2.3 billion cups for use at their stores

1,000 disposable coffee cups equals about 60 pounds of trash. So, 1,000 people saving a cup a day for one year reduces waste by more than 11 tons!

Starbucks’ Environmental Footprint Team estimates the chain would save 150,000 cups every day “If only 50 customers a day in every store were to use reusable mugs.”

OK, so I get the point and I have learned a lot. I can feel good about my refillable mug because at one cup a day I make a big impact and so can you.

Tell me what your cup or mug is, do you like it and would you tell other about it?

myLot User Profile

What's Your Score

2009-03-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was recently going through my emails and web sites from last year when I happened upon this wonderful web site. I do love the web and emails, it reminds me of how much paper we used to waste, writing letters, getting junk mail and of course printing stuff out to read again later.

Any way the web site was earthlab.com and you can get to it from their banner above. I pulled up the site, typed in my email and pass word and there was my score from last year. My ECP (earth conservation plan) score and my carbon output score. Now my score for last year was below the average for my city and for the US in general but could I be doing better this year. You bet, I re-took the test and dropped another 19 points. The nice thing about this is that it keeps your history and shows that you are making a difference.

It even has a place to enter your pledges. Things that will in the end lesson your carbon footprint. You can read other peoples pleges and then add your ideas for more. Below are three of the ones I entered with their tips.

#1 NO pesticide use in the garden;
Blend 1 garlic clove, 1 small hot pepper and a quart of water in a blender, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it on your inside and outside plants, and this recipe will help keep the pests away in a natural way.

#2 Seperate plastic lids from the bottle;
The cap on your recyclable bottle is not made out of the same plastic as the bottle, and is not recyclable. By leaving the cap on, the purpose is defeated because the entire bottle will be discared at the recycling plant. Make sure to remove the cap before tossing your bottle into the recycling bin.

#3 ?Recycle your dryer lint;
Yes, you can compost dryer lint! Just make sure that if you use dryer sheets, they're chemical-free.

This site just has so much to offer and the fact that you can check back every so often to check your progress is great.

Who's Getting Radiated?

2009-03-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Being in the health care profession and having Multiple Sclerosis I watch what I eat, what I put in and on my body. I also see patients every day at work that do the same. They are concerned about the chemicals put on their fruits and vegetables. They try to eat meat and dairy products that are not pumped full of growth hormones and antibiotics and in the same instance they never question the doctor that orders an ex-ray followed by a CT scan, and then if their really lucky an MRI (they expose you to no radiation).
The same is true for Mammograms, for years woman have been told once you reach a certain age it's time to have the boobies SMASHED. My partner was told that a few years ago and not once did the doctor tell her of alternative tests or the fact that mammograms are dangerous. Exposure to radiation has increased over 600% in the last three decades, could be because every time you are exposed to radiation it accumulates in your body.
So let me get this straight; the FDA says it is OK to irradiate beef, milk, cheese and other foods. FedEx irradiates our packages (our food, vitamins, etc.) but UPS does NOT. Doctors think it is OK to expose us to CT scans which is equivalent to several hundred ex-rays and of course mammograms which can lead to cancer, tissue damage and spread of cancer already present in the breast due to the extreme pressure put on the breast.
I myself am 44 years old, never had and never will get a mammogram, this is my choice. My advise here is to be informed, take an interest in your health. Be proactive, not reactive.
Below is some addition information with the attached web site.

Americans Exposed to Atomic Bomb Levels of Radiation through Medical Imaging, CT Scans, Mammograms

" A couple of CT scans can expose your body to as much radiation as standing a few miles from an atomic bomb explosion. This is a simple scientific fact."

"Thanks to the widespread use of medical imaging scans, hospitals are also becoming a major source of nuclear waste material."

"Most doctors have stopped using fetal x-rays since Stewart's work showed that a significant increase in leukemia was found in the children of mothers who had prenatal x-rays taken. She has said she believes that the effects of background radiation coupled with exposure to x-rays may cause most childhood cancers."

Americans Exposed to Atomic Bomb Levels of Radiation through Medical Imaging, CT Scans, Mammograms

Dog Food--What's In It?

2009-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

I am all about recycling, but I recently learned something in regards to recycling that turned my stomach.
I always had an idea that commercial animal food wasn't all that great. I assumed that it had scrap meat pieces, rice, wheat, corn, and other vegetables. Then you would have the ingredients to help hold it together, artificial color (why I don't know, they say dogs are color blind) and of course all the other additives that for some reason the government thinks we need.
I mean what else could there possible be?
OK, here's the kicker.
*Corn Syrup & Sugar--My dog needs this as often as I do, never.
*Coloring (red, yellow & blue)--Here again, my dog sees in black and white so this must be for
my sense of appeal.
*MSG--A neuro-toxin that adds flavor.
*Euthanized dogs and cats--Because they are protein and are listed as, "animal meat bi products
*Feathers, Hooves, Horns, and Recycled leather shoes--They are all 100% protein
*Nutria Swamp Rats--They grow to approx 2 ft long, weigh 18-25 lbs and are found in Louisiana. They are killed, thrown in a storage bin on the shore and when collected they are ground whole and added to pet food as protein (plus whatever disease they may have had).
*Road Kill
Rancid, putrefying and diseased meat is OK because according to the AFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines they can use; dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals.
You can even have a company that say their product is USDA inspected, but it never claims to have passed. AFOC says that's OK because it falls under their 4 D's (dead, Dying...).
Statistics are showing that dogs are having an increased rate of heart disease, diabetis, cancer and other fatal diseases. Seems as though they a following in their masters foot prints. If we don't want additives in our food, if we want it clean, fresh and pure than why would we want any different for our four-legged family members.
I used to be worried about my dog (Koda, above) eating table scraps because he might get fat or something. But I eat mostly organic and range fed animals with no hormones etc. Table scraps at my house beat dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals any day.
Just keeping people informed.
For additional information click on the link or pictures above.

myLot User Profile

Toxic Hairspray

2009-02-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes me madder than to think about all the chemicals we put into the atmosphere and into our bodies everyday. A lot of people never think about this and even more never look at an ingredient list of what they are using.
I pulled an old bottle of hairspray out of the cabinet today, one that had gotten pushed back into the unknown. It was there because a couple years ago I decided to find out what was in it and it made me sick. There were chemicals I couldn't pronounce and some that just by looking I knew were bad. Now, by knowing that my skin is the largest organ and every thing put on it goes right to my liver, my lungs, heart and everywhere else I had to stop. Then I thought how I was getting extra doses because the hair "spray" was being absorbed by my eyes and then of course I had to breathe while I was in the tiny bathroom, spraying my hair. Oh, and the dog got his dose too, because he has to go everywhere with me. Some of the ingredients are listed below but there are more. I could go on and on, but I hope you will get the point.
I also want to point out this fact; One chemical might not be to bad all alone but what happens when you mix it with something else?
What reaction do you get when you mix 8 chemicals in your shampoo with 15 chemicals in your mouse and another 15 in your hairspray?

Alcohol: acts as carrying and anti foaming agent, fast drying, water and oil solvent, if synthetically produced is carcinogenic, mutagen, toxic, adverse reactions

Benzyl acetate: carcinogenic, linked to pancreatic cancer, from vapours irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough, can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects, do not flush to sewer, used in perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorant.

benzyl salicylate; Irritant
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin.
May cause sensitization by skin contact.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Avoid contact with skin.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
Wear suitable protective clothing.

Best Hospitals Near You

2009-02-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
Being Eco-Friendly and saving the planet is more than just taking taking care of the world, is also involves taking care of yourself.
Unfortunately everyone needs to go to the hospital once in awhile and I know we wonder what kind of care we will get. I myself have worked in hospitals and know the ones I would be a patient in and I have an idea of who I would want as a doctor, but most people have very little info when it comes to who is good and who isn't. Your local hospital might be great for a total hip/knee but suck when it comes to heart care.
I found this web site that gives you a free listing of where to go for different kinds of situations. It is really kind of nice to know. You have a choice in where you take your car to get fixed and you should definitely have a choice in where you get care. Remember it is your health, be informed and know your options. Doctors are not gods, they make mistakes and they have their own opinions (right or wrong).

Click here to see the BEST Hospital near YOU

Health Concern

2009-02-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

This was just an interesting email I got from one of my friends. Being a nurse and into holistic treatment I am always on the watch for new medical information and treatments. I may not always agree with what western medicine prescribes but I do think people should stay informed. By the way over 1/2 of the nurses on the floor where I work had never heard of IBC.
komo2.wmv

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation
http://www.ibcresearch.org/

Send me a email at sengelmohr@gmail.com if you want the news clip as I think it is not posting right above

Saving Water

2009-02-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

There are several easy steps families can take to reduce their water consumption just in the kitchen alone.

Here are 8 easy tips to get you started.

1. Only run the dishwasher when its completely FULL. Half loads waste water and your machine runs more efficiently when fully loaded.

2. When handwashing dishes only fill the sink half full of water. You don't need to completely fill the sink to scrub the dishes or pans. Don't run the water as you wash the dishes. And don't rinse the dishes until you are done. Then rinse them all at once.

3. When cooking with water ( boiling eggs, pasta, or vegetables ) don't throw it out when you are done. Let it cool and use it to water your plants. The nutrients in the water are better for your plants and then you don't have to use fresh water from your faucet.

4. Do not run the faucet to get a few cups of hot water. It takes less energy to microwave a few cups of water than to waste gallons of water waiting for it to get hot.

5. Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so you always a cold glass of water without running the faucet.

6. Fix leaky faucets. If you have a faucet that drips you are wasting gallons of water every day. Usually, its something as simple as replacing a simple o ring in the faucet handle or tightening the screw that holds it together that can stop the leak. There are many online fix it websites that will show you step by step how to fix simple leaks.

7. If you live in an older home make sure your plumbing is kept up to date whenever possible as most leaky pipes are caused by poor plumbing maintenance or improper connections.

8. If you are planning to update your kitchen appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, etc) be sure to check their energy rating and buy the most efficient one possible. Most manufacturers have the ratings listed right on the door of the appliance so it is easy to comparison shop. It may cost you extra to buy a higher, more efficient model but you will save money over the long run.

These tips are all fairly easy to do and will help you conserve water and save money (if you pay for your water from a local municipality). Its not a lot of money but every little bit counts!

What to Recycle

2009-02-10T05:12:00.000-08:00

Today is just a reminder of materials we can recycle. Not everyone is expected to do it all, but every little bit helps. While listening to the radio the other day I learned a tip about pizza boxes. *Pizza boxes are recyclable unless they have grease on them, then they are contaminated.
Below is a partial list with the web site at the bottom, because the list goes on...

#1 PETE
#1 PETE Bottles: CRV
#1 PETE Bottles: Non-CRV
#1 PETE Wide Mouth Container
#1-#7 Narrow-neck Bottles
#2 HDPE
#2 HDPE Bottles: CRV
#2 HDPE Bottles: Non-CRV
#2 HDPE Film
#2 HDPE Sheets / Parts
#2 HDPE Wide Mouth Container
#3 PVC
#4 LDPE
#4 LDPE Bottles: CRV
#4 LDPE Bottles: Non-CRV
#4 LDPE Film
#4 LDPE Parts / Sheets
#4 LDPE Wide Mouth Container
#4 LLDPE
#5 PP
#5 PP Wide Mouth Container
#5 PP-Strapping
#6 PS
#6 PS- Foam Sheets - Reuse
#6 PS-EPS
#6 PS-GPPS
#6 PS-HIPS
#7 Other
ABS Plastic
Acetone
Acids & Caustics
Acrylic Plastic / Plexiglas
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol Cans: Empty
Air Conditioners: Non-working
Air Conditioners: Working
Aluminum Cans: CRV
Aluminum Cans: Non-CRV
Aluminum Foil & Pans
Aluminum Scrap
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cd/recycle/options/all.htm

On line bill pay

2009-02-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

I switched over about a year ago to online banking and bill pay. Once it was all set up I couldn't believe how much time it saved. Not only do I spend less time filling out my bills, I also save money and the environment. One never really thinks about all that goes into getting and sending back a bill. There is paper, ink, electricity, manpower, postage, gas, and the list goes on. This was a just a small insight that I found interesting.
"companies usually pay between 75 cents and $2 for each document generated and mailed. Meanwhile, the same companies end up paying another $1.25 for each paper check payment they must process, most if not all of which could be eliminated through online bill payment."
http://environment।about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/online_bill_pay.htm

The cost per bill must be significantly more when you add in paper, gas, utilities, etc.

Just enjoying doing my part.

Recycle Money

2009-02-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Recycle aluminum cans and make money.

We do a once a year camping trip in California with our family. We drive a full size pick-up and it is a nine hour drive, so gas costs can add up fast. The point is that we save our aluminum cans and get paid for them. Last year between our can money and our change jar we paid for the gas round trip.

Now we don't have a lot of storage space for cans but we do have room for two trash cans with lids and when we crush the cans we can get $30-40 per recycle trip. The scrap yard that we use is close by, in fact it is on the way to the grocery store so there is no added gas and very little time involved.

The point is; We are going to use the products in aluminum cans so why not get paid in the process. And while your making that spare change you are also cutting down on environmental waste.

Home Phones

2009-02-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Setting out to save money in this poor economy, my partner and I thought we would start by looking our home and the monthly bills.
One bill that we just paid every month and really never thought about was our home phone. Sixty dollars a month and what were we getting out of it? We both have cell phones and we even have family shared minutes, so what was the point. It must have been the fact that we liked getting hang up calls and volunteer programs calling for money. And please don't forget that this last year was election year and they do know how to ask for support.
Well in only three minutes the phone was shut off and we started saving $720 a year. Now maybe you do need a land line but make sure you are only paying for the features you use. And if you have internet sign up for online billing and pay online. You not only save a tree but save money in postage.

Buying Used

2009-01-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

I often hear people save it cost to much money to be green. This is so far from the truth.

Being green is really easy to start and you may be doing things that you never really thought about.

Starting Some Where:

Do you ever stop at a yard sale or swing into the local Good Will? Every thing you buy at these places is "recycled". Someone could have thrown these items in the trash and continued to build upon our massive piles of rubbish that contaminates our land, water and air. But you buy these recycled items, use them and in the end save money.

This makes me think of my father-in-law at Christmas. (now my in-laws have money and really want for nothing, but they are also smart.) He was oh so proud of his new electric knife as he cut the Christmas bird. The reason he was proud was because he got it for $1.25 (1/2 price) at the local Good Will on 1/2 price Friday.

Remember you don't have to do everything at once. Start small and work your way around the house.