Miatake, Sheep's Head or Dancing Mushroom

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

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

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

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

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!!

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?

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

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

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 !!

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

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

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

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

Verizon Wireless Keith Urban

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Endometriosis, The Pain From Within

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

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

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?

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

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

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