tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37007105752292685342024-03-05T01:23:39.352-08:00Health By DesignCreating good health one family at a timehealthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-33434858942752230002016-09-24T13:20:00.000-07:002016-09-24T13:20:23.668-07:00<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana, geneva;" style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva";"><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Keepi</b></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><b>n</b></span><b data-mce-style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: large;" style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: large;">g Kids Healthy</b></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva"; font-size: medium;"><b>Through Flu Season <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva";">&</span> All Winter Long .... </b></span></div>
<br />
<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/healthykids_zps7a594e33.jpg" data-mce-style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: text-top;" height="104" src="https://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/healthykids_zps7a594e33.jpg" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="healthy kids" width="167" /><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">1. </span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">To
give a good nutritional foundation to the brain and nervous system and
to the whole child, a good should always begin with a quality
multivitamin/mineral, like </span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"><a data-mce-href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20002" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20002" target="_blank">Shaklee's Incredivites</a> <img alt="" data-mce-src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/Incredivites_zps03c33667.jpg" data-mce-style="margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; float: right;" height="150" src="https://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/Incredivites_zps03c33667.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;" title="Incredivites" width="150" /></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> 2. Then add: </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <a data-mce-href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20096" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20096" target="_blank">Chewable Vita C</a> - essential for a healthy immune system. Take extra at the onset of a cold or virus.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;"> <a data-mce-href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20639" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20639" target="_blank">Optiflora</a> (probiotic) - Essentail for any child who's ever been on an antibiotic..restores essential flora where 80% of the immune sys</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif;">tem resides.</span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <a data-mce-href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20962" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20962" target="_blank">Nutriferon</a>
- Yet another recent clinical study from Cornell Medical School proves
its effectiveness against flu viruses. Immune support at the cellular
level.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">3. Keep handy:</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <a data-mce-href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20613" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20613" target="_blank">Defend & Resist Complex</a> - Echinacea plus herbs increase activity of white blood cells to gobble up viruses and bacteria.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <a data-mce-href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20153" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20153" target="_blank">Alfalfa Complex</a> - natural decongestant; excellent for children reluctant to eat vegetables.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And follow these healthy habits:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">10 hours of sleep for children; 9 for teens; 8 for adults</span></li>
<li><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Most important; Plan meals to incorporate 6-9 vegetables/day - like celery, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, carrots</span></li>
<li><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Avoid
(or minimize) SUGAR & baked goods - we know this is tough, but is
seriously damaging to the immune system & especially the brain.
Sugar and white flour are called the anti-nutrients becasue they
deplete B vitamins & other essential nutrients.</span></li>
<li><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% </span></li>
</ul>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: large; color: #ff0000;" style="color: red; font-family: "comic sans ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Wishing you and your family a happy & healthy fall and winter!</span></div>
healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-16127193899971777002016-08-24T13:17:00.000-07:002016-08-24T13:20:07.226-07:00<h2 class="purple">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">Skip the Triclosan and Other Antibacterial Products</span></h2>
<div class="date">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="purple">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/triclosan_zpsfbcd6106.jpg" data-mce-style="margin: 7px 8px; float: left; vertical-align: middle; border: black 2px solid;" height="169" src="https://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/triclosan_zpsfbcd6106.jpg" style="border: black 2px solid; float: left; margin: 7px 8px; vertical-align: middle;" width="299" /></span><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;"><a data-mce-href="http://healthychild.org/about-us/our-team/staff/" data-mce-style="opacity: 1;" href="http://healthychild.org/about-us/our-team/staff/" style="opacity: 1;" target="_blank">By Alexandra Zissu, Editorial Director</a></span></h2>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">America
is in the midst of a serious antibacterial craze. From soap and
toothpaste to playing cards and kitchenware, it’s a challenge to find a
product that isn’t currently available in an antibacterial version. The
majority of these products rely on an antibacterial agent called
triclosan to make them hyper-hygienic.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">Though
it may seem wise to abolish germs at every turn, according to experts,
surrounding your family with antibacterial everything is not actually a
good idea. For one thing, living in an ultra-sanitized environment may
ironically be quite unhealthy. A theory called the Hygiene Hypothesis
says that when our bodies cease encountering a lot of bacteria and
viruses in daily life, our immune systems stop getting the workout they
need to stay in proper shape. When that happens we face an increased
risk of allergies, asthma, and other illnesses.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">There’s
also the issue of triclosan itself. Exposure to this synthetic
pesticide, which is currently found in the urine of 75 percent of all
people tested, has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver
damage, and other health problems. Triclosan is also a serious pollutant
that breaks down in the environment into extremely toxic chemicals
including a form of dioxin and carcinogenic chloroform. And there’s
evidence it may be contributing to the creation of new
antibiotic-resistant “super germs.”</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">Clearly
triclosan is not a pesticide we want in our homes, around our children,
or in our bodies. It’s also not one anyone needs in order to practice
good hygiene. Studies have shown that simple handwashing with ordinary
soap is just as effective at removing bacteria as using an antibacterial
soap. Many groups, including the American Medical Association and
Physicians for Social Responsibility, have come out against the use of
triclosan.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">To
keep triclosan out of your home, avoid the use of anything labeled
antibacterial. Read claims on everything from socks to personal care
products to toddler training potties to cleaning products. Skip any that
contain triclosan or claim that they are antibacterial or odor
fighting.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: small;">Still
concerned about germs? Teach your kids to frequently and properly wash
their hands. After soaping up with warm water, they should rub
enthusiastically for 20 seconds, paying attention to their fingernails,
wrists, and spaces between fingers. That will keep them healthier at
school, day care, and other places where germs congregate. One study
found that frequent handwashing results in 45 percent fewer cases of
respiratory ailments, no pesticide needed.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: x-small;" style="font-size: small;"><b>Article courtesy of healthychild.org</b></span>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-72522058631346382382016-08-24T13:10:00.003-07:002016-08-24T13:10:42.892-07:00<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
August 24, 2016</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stay Hydrated!</span><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a data-mce-href="http://www.fhcp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girl-drinking-bottled-water.jpg" href="http://www.fhcp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girl-drinking-bottled-water.jpg"><img alt="Girl Drinking Water" data-mce-src="http://www.fhcp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girl-drinking-bottled-water-150x150.jpg" data-mce-style="margin-left: 20px; vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 20px;" height="150" src="https://www.fhcp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girl-drinking-bottled-water-150x150.jpg" style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; vertical-align: middle;" width="150" /></a></i></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;">We all know that water is important, but do you know just how beneficial drinking water can be? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;">Water
has been shown to help out when it comes to weight loss, fatigue,
hunger, headaches, skin issues such as acne….and so much more. Our
bodies are made up of mostly water — 70% of our brain and nearly 90% of
our lungs, for example — so it is no wonder they need replenishing all
day long.</span></span><br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Here are some more easy tips for incorporating water into your regular activities:</b></i></span></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><b>Water First. </b>Instead of grabbing your usual soda or a Cup of Joe, look to water as your regular beverage of choice.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><b>Top Of The Morning. </b>Make
it a habit to hydrate first thing in the morning when you wake up. Keep
a glass of water right by your bedside so it is the first thing you
think of as you start your day.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><b>AHW…Always Have Water.</b> Be sure to always have water with you or have access to it at work, when you are driving, while running errands and elsewhere.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><b>A good rule of thumb:</b>
Some experts recommend taking your body weight and dividing it by two
to get a baseline amount of how much water you need each day. If you
live in a hot climate, drink diuretics such as coffee or exercise daily,
be sure to add in more H2O!</span></span><br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;">For more Health and Wellness Tips, be sure to “Like” us on Facebook! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://facebook.com/healthdesigner" target="_blank">http://facebook.com/healthdesigner</a></span></span><br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-20805154432612424702013-11-07T15:01:00.004-08:002013-11-07T15:01:57.587-08:00Flu Viruses Live Longer on Surfaces Than Cold Viruses <a href="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/doorknob_zps6591aef1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/doorknob_zps6591aef1.jpg" width="240" /></a> Most people know that cold and flu viruses can contaminate doorknobs, faucets and other surfaces. But for how long?<br />
<br />
Studies have found that the survival time for both kinds of viruses varies greatly, from a few seconds to 48<br />
hours. The reasons have to do with a number of factors, including the type of surface, humidity and<br />
temperature.<br />
<br />
For example, cold and flu viruses survive longer on inanimate surfaces that are nonporous, like metal, plastic and wood, and less on porous surfaces, like clothing, paper and tissue. Most flu viruses can live one to two days on nonporous surfaces, and 8 to 12 hours on porous surfaces. But a 2006 study found that avian influenza seemed particularly hardy, surviving as long as six days on some surfaces.<br />
<br />
Cold viruses, however, deteriorate quickly. A study in 2007 found that when objects in a hotel room - light switches, telephones - were contaminated with a cold virus, 60 percent of healthy volunteers picked up the virus when they touched one of the objects an hour later. Eighteen hours later, the transmission rate was cut in half.<br />
<br />
On skin, cold and flu viruses generally last less than a few minutes, but that can be plenty of time: studies show that most people touch their hands or mouth several times in the course of daily activities - enough to cause infection.<br />
<br />
THE BOTTOM LINE Flu viruses tend to survive longer than cold viruses.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for a a good disinfecting wipe, take a look at <b><a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00322" target="_blank">Germ Off Fragrance Free Disinfecting Wipes.</a> </b>Kills odor-causing bacteria* found on hard,non-porous household, kitchen, and bathroom surfaces. Great for cleaning around the toilet. Leaves your bathroom and kitchen fresh and clean. The smart way to clean and disinfect.<br /><br />*Kills 99.9% of Salmonella choleraesuis(ATCC*10708), Escherichia <br />coli(ATCC*11229), and Escherichia Coli 0157:H7(ATCC*43895).<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<h3>
Germ Off Fragrance Free Disinfecting Wipes</h3>
Kills odor-causing bacteria* found on hard,non-porous household,
kitchen, and bathroom surfaces. Great for cleaning around the toilet.
Leaves your bathroom and kitchen fresh and clean. The smart way to clean
and disinfect.
*Kills 99.9% of Salmonella choleraesuis(ATCC*10708), Escherichia
coli(ATCC*11229), and Escherichia Coli 0157:H7(ATCC*43895).
<br />
- See more at: http://www.wellnessnewsonline.net/a2wellness/article_b.html#sthash.wCIroHSQ.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Most
people know that cold and flu viruses can contaminate doorknobs, faucets and
other surfaces. But for how long?<br />
Studies have found that the survival time for both kinds of viruses
varies greatly, from a few seconds to 48 hours. The reasons have to do with
a number of factors, including the type of surface, humidity and
temperature.<br />
For example, cold and flu viruses survive longer on inanimate surfaces that
are nonporous, like metal, plastic and wood, and less on porous surfaces, like
clothing, paper and tissue. Most flu viruses can live one to two days on
nonporous surfaces, and 8 to 12 hours on porous surfaces. But a 2006 study found
that avian influenza seemed particularly hardy, surviving as long as six days on
some surfaces.<br />
Cold viruses, however, deteriorate quickly. A study in 2007 found that when
objects in a hotel room - light switches, telephones - were contaminated with a
cold virus, 60 percent of healthy volunteers picked up the virus when they
touched one of the objects an hour later. Eighteen hours later, the transmission
rate was cut in half.<br />
On skin, cold and flu viruses generally last less than a few minutes, but
that can be plenty of time: studies show that most people touch their hands or
mouth several times in the course of daily activities - enough to cause
infection.<br />
THE BOTTOM LINE Flu viruses tend to survive longer than cold viruses. <br />
- See more at: http://www.wellnessnewsonline.net/a2wellness/article_b.html#sthash.wCIroHSQ.dpuf</div>
healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-78050561731901036152013-10-21T13:52:00.001-07:002013-10-21T13:52:48.469-07:00You Can't Believe Everything the Ads Say!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9YzKaZkYuiBzb267TT6Zn5EANcTWxH2wbRQY4GSYdikDNjdJb9ecsicExkheTOkXxQLYF5CZ_uw6W0eWDJa0oL5dP5QdXupEcYnRaEtEtst15-QZAAm4Y2zCXfQ3jtrvsj65zbbdMac7/s1600/pediasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9YzKaZkYuiBzb267TT6Zn5EANcTWxH2wbRQY4GSYdikDNjdJb9ecsicExkheTOkXxQLYF5CZ_uw6W0eWDJa0oL5dP5QdXupEcYnRaEtEtst15-QZAAm4Y2zCXfQ3jtrvsj65zbbdMac7/s1600/pediasure.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am often leery of the products I see advertised on TV for
kids. One of them I have seen a lot lately is for PediaSure. So I
decided to check the ingredients list and nutrition label. It was at that
point that I asked myself, why would anyone give this stuff to their
kids? Answer: Because advertisers do a great job of marketing.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PediaSure is basically water, milk and sugar with some chemicals
and other nasties. Here's the ingredients list for PediaSure Strawberry Ready
to Drink:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Water, Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin, Milk Protein Concentrate, High
Oleic Safflower Oil, Canola Oil, Whey Protein Concentrate. Less than 0.5% of
the Following: Soy Protein Isolate, Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides,
Cellulose Gel, Magnesium Phosphate, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Potassium
Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium
Phosphate, Tuna Oil, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Choline Chloride, Ascorbic Acid, Soy
Lecithin, Monoglycerides, Potassium Hydroxide, m-Inositol, Carrageenan,
Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, L-Carnitine, Zinc
Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacinamide, FD&C Red #3, Manganese Sulfate,
Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Lutein,
Cupric Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Chromium Chloride, Biotin,
Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molybdate, Potassium Iodide, Phylloquinone, Vitamin D3,
and Cyanocobalamin.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whew! Notice the artificial flavors, FD&C Red #3 (food
dye), and dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl (synthetic Vitamin E). Since I am not an
expert at reading food labels, I can only assume that if the Vitamin E is
synthetic, so are the other vitamins. This list is enough for me to know
that I would never feed Pediasure to my grandchildren.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5u5OveFKi2yd-uPZEgcZTDHLksn2CtZlUBQqgIVs5WrkzJG7-MtTvQNPcbNO0SYTbMeS79TE1xSBB9vj3DoUWeU1QCfeidg3JHThWoubupWv74wFvGPoVPv8s82ijwpZ-nAVwCgsmsN_/s1600/meal+shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5u5OveFKi2yd-uPZEgcZTDHLksn2CtZlUBQqgIVs5WrkzJG7-MtTvQNPcbNO0SYTbMeS79TE1xSBB9vj3DoUWeU1QCfeidg3JHThWoubupWv74wFvGPoVPv8s82ijwpZ-nAVwCgsmsN_/s1600/meal+shake.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026"
type="#_x0000_t75" alt="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/mealshake_zps9b939086.jpg"
href="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/mealshake_zps9b939086.jpg"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:351pt;margin-top:1.5pt;width:123pt;
height:105.75pt;z-index:-2;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text' wrapcoords="-263 0 -263 21447 21600 21447 21600 0 -263 0"
o:button="t">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Marti\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"
o:title="mealshake_zps9b939086"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fortunately, I have found an excellent meal supplement. It's
called Meal Shake and it's </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;">from </span><span data-mce-style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20322" target="_blank">Shaklee</a>. You won't find artificial flavors, dyes or
synthetic vitamins in this product. It comes in Vanilla and Bavarian
Cocoa (very yummy) flavors. I gave it to my boys when they needed extra
calories during their sports seasons. It's also excellent for picky eaters,
providing 19 essential vitamins and minerals.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
have said it before and I will say it again. Advertisers get paid to sell
stuff. And they are very good at it. So it's up to us as wise
consumers to really listen to what they are saying and then check it out.
Don't be fooled by terms like "for baby" or "pediatrician
approved." Take a look at the "#1 choice of
pediatricians" (AKA Dreft.) It contains chemicals like Propylene Glycol;
which is an immune system toxin, neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, respiratory
toxin, and skin toxin. But I digress... </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By
now I am sure you get my point. I just want us all to be smart shoppers,
especially when it comes to making safe & healthy choices for our kids!</span></div>
healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-43699249089442442592013-04-02T09:46:00.000-07:002013-04-02T09:46:46.250-07:00What Is Lactoferrin?<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"></span></strong></span></span></span></strong></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">By: Dr. Stephen
Chaney, PhD.</span>
<a href="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/Incredivites_zps03c33667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/Incredivites_zps03c33667.jpg" height="185" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/healthdesigner/Incredivites_zps03c33667.jpg" width="194" /></a><span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">Many of you have
been asking me "What is lactoferrin and why did Shaklee add it to <a data-mce-href="products.php?sku=20002" href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20002">Incredivites</a>, their new Children's
multivitamin?</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">Simply put,
lactoferrin is an iron-containing protein found in mother's milk that is very
important in developing and strengthening the infant's immune system.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">Let's look at
the science behind lactoferrin and why it strengthens the immune
system:</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">1) Iron is an
absolutely essential nutrient for your child's immune system. In fact, a
weakened immune system is one of the first signs of an iron deficiency. It
turns out that lactoferrin is an easily absorbed form of iron. In fact there is
a special transport system in the intestine for lactoferrin. Because the iron in
lactoferrin is much more bioavailable than other forms of iron, the lactoferrin
in Incredivites assures that your child's immune system gets the iron that it
needs to function optimally.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">2) Lactoferrin
also increases the number of nutrient- absorbing cells in the intestine, so it
enhances the absorption of the other nutrients your child needs for a healthy
immune system.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">3) Finally,
lactoferrin suppresses the growth of bad bacteria in your child's intestine.
That's important because 80% of your immune system originates in the intestine.
Simply put, when those immune cells in the intestine have to spend their time
fighting off bad bacteria in the intestine, they are unavailable to fight off
bacteria and viruses elsewhere in the body.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">So lactoferrin
helps strengthen your kid's immune system in several different ways and
Shaklee's Incredivites is the first children's multi to contain this important
immune-enhancing ingredient.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">The other two
questions that I frequently get are:</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">(Q):If
lactoferrin is only found in mother's milk is it really needed by anyone beside
infants?</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">(A): Lactoferrin
is, indeed, very important in helping infants develop a healthy immune system. I
suppose in an ideal world once the immune system was developed we wouldn't have
to worry about it again.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">But we don't
live in an ideal world. We live in a world of Happy Meals, french fries &
soft drinks. We live in a world of artificially colored, flavored &
preserved snack foods. We live in a world where antibiotics are used at the drop
of hat!</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">Several clinical
studies have shown that lactoferrin can play an important role in strengthening
the immune systems of children who are no longer breast feeding.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">(Q): My child is
allergic to milk. Can he use a supplement containing lactoferrin?</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">(A): Most milk
allergies are caused by an allergy to whey protein, the most abundant milk
protein, or lactose, the most abundant milk sugar. Lactoferrin, on the other
hand, is a very minor component of milk, and it is very unlikely that your child
will be allergic to lactoferrin.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">However, if your
child has a very severe milk allergy, it is always a good idea to check with
your pediatrician before giving them any food containing an ingredient derived
from milk.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">To your
health!</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;" style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;">Dr. Stephen
Chaney, PhD</span>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-41801006654023267162012-12-29T15:39:00.000-08:002012-12-29T15:39:28.259-08:00How Friendly Are Your Bacteria?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdk16PqIGvLrAYuZnAzpHr22g683n0Upc-3FZlRlTFZcVsckz4HtRbAph4tcq-L_IhiFJyGeAzkrIlSAXBwxrCU8zt4P-JUaXvRpnaCufZFvwRP3rg79kD8iCbqpeAZg9RbfdCUIj_vkG/s1600/probiotic-bacteria-benefits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdk16PqIGvLrAYuZnAzpHr22g683n0Upc-3FZlRlTFZcVsckz4HtRbAph4tcq-L_IhiFJyGeAzkrIlSAXBwxrCU8zt4P-JUaXvRpnaCufZFvwRP3rg79kD8iCbqpeAZg9RbfdCUIj_vkG/s320/probiotic-bacteria-benefits.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>When we are born, our gut is pure - free of
any bad bacteria - like a garden free of weeds. But as we grow and are exposed
to “life,” a lot of the good bacteria is replaced with bad stuff. Like an
untended garden where the weeds take over, bad bacteria can take over in our
intestines, creating all sorts of problems.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span>Where do the bad guys come
from?</span></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>As you mature, you're faced with many threats
to the beneficial bacteria in your gut... from chlorinated drinking water... to
overly-processed foods; antibiotics, steroids, birth control, chemotherapy,
diabetes, stress, low thyroid and much more. As these enemies infiltrate the
gut, they destroy the good bacteria and can result in many health challenges.
Beneficial bacteria are necessary to re-establish or rebalance intestinal
microflora. This is where probiotics can have a profound effect... not just on
your GI health, but on your overall health as well.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Since 70% of our immune system lives in the
gut, it behooves us to be sure that we are keeping a healthy supply of the good
guys in there.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span>What do friendly bacteria do for
us?</span></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>First of all, they keep our immune system
strong. They also are helpful for yeast infections, infections of any type,
immune issues, digestive issues, bowel health (constipation/diarrhea, IBS,
Crohn’s), skin issues and much more. They should also be taken along with
&/or after antibiotics to replenish “good” bacteria destroyed by the
antibiotics. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span>Where do we get beneficial
bacteria? </span></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I am sure you have heard the term
“probiotics”. It seems to be all the buzz these days. The term probiotic
literally means "good for life." Probiotics are live microorganisms that are
similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are the
“friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria” that benefit the colon and therefore the
immune system. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>They are produced for human consumption most
often in dairy products containing two types of microbes, lactobacilli and
bifidobacteria. More recently, probiotic dietary supplements are becoming
popular as a way to balance and promote a healthy digestive system.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>However, there are a few things to be aware of
when talking about adding probiotics to your diet. There are a lot of ads on TV
promoting the use of probiotics in such products as Activia, or the supplement
TruBiotics touted by Erin Andrews. In fact there are many products on the
market that contain good bacteria. However, in the case of yogurt for example,
you would have to eat a lot of it to see any benefit.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>At the TruBiotics web site, it says that they
“assure the number of probiotic bacteria are live and active up to the product
expiration date, so you know how many good bacteria you’re putting in your body
with every capsule.” It sounds good, but they really have no idea how many are
still alive when the product is consumed or how many actually make it to the
colon; moreover, while we know probiotics absolutely have nutritional value,
what you see on the label may NOT be what you get. In fact, two researchers at
Bastyr University in Washington recently tested a wide variety of probiotic
supplements and found that in four out of twenty products no sign of living
friendly bacteria was present.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The unfortunate truth is that too many probiotic supplements vary widely in
quality and potency and cannot survive harsh stomach acid in order to get to
your intestines.</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The key to an optimal probiotic formula is
through science-backed research by a qualified non-biased laboratory... and
through a manufacturer with rigorous high-quality process standards in
place.</span>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The most important fact is that when you
consume probiotics in a form that is not protected from the hydrochloric acid
and digestive enzyme pepsin of the stomach, such as in yogurts or non-enteric
coated capsules, as much as 90% of the probiotic is destroyed.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>But, do not despair! There are some good
probiotic products out there. And I am not saying that you shouldn’t eat
yogurt. But I believe supplementation with a good-quality probiotic is the best
way to ensure that you are getting enough of the good guys to make a
difference. Look for a company that uses science-backed research, conducts
their own quality tests and has a product that is properly encapsulated to make
it through the stomach and into the intestines.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Here’s to a happy colon! </span><span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Marti</span></span></span>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-45297571600459983712012-12-27T04:27:00.001-08:002012-12-27T04:27:31.643-08:00Shaklee Videos: Shaklee 180: You're Invited<a href="http://content.shaklee.com/shaklee/video/show.php?video=shaklee180&campaign_id=180teaser%3Avideo">Shaklee Videos: Shaklee 180: You're Invited</a>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-1391085639126018092012-07-04T11:54:00.000-07:002012-07-04T11:54:57.065-07:00A Primer on Immune System Function & Dysfunction<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6MuFUZQ7uVGpM93nbiUvw4RbZ4agrTGlJUqVKbmBtWi5CXwY-qrec9wf5HO9tCNwsa86WUxGm9cBGzPoMcz3G0RjGUzs15-twzXNUknD5KrUzhaI0M_M0nXSWEm2pXv5WF13eKs3Jmnv/s1600/Immune+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6MuFUZQ7uVGpM93nbiUvw4RbZ4agrTGlJUqVKbmBtWi5CXwY-qrec9wf5HO9tCNwsa86WUxGm9cBGzPoMcz3G0RjGUzs15-twzXNUknD5KrUzhaI0M_M0nXSWEm2pXv5WF13eKs3Jmnv/s200/Immune+system.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You probably know people who are sick all the time and others who never get sick. Why is that? We are all exposed to the same viruses and bacteria, yet our immune systems handle these exposures quite differently. The mystery surrounding the differences in our immune systems is found at the cellular level of the body. There are several factors that affect immune function:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Genetic composition – we all have different genetic material making up our immune systems</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Cell care – cells require proper nourishment and environment to stay strong & healthy. Good foods, water & air strengthen cells; also vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbs and essential fatty acids are required. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Protection – from environmental pollution, poor diet, stress which damage cell function. (and thus weaken immune function)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What causes immune failure? I have alluded to it above, but will explain it more fully here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immune cells operate at a very high metabolic rate which enables them to react quickly to invaders (bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc). They must, therefore, reproduce more frequently and accurately to replace the damaged and exhausted cells – our soldiers. To accomplish this recurrent demand, we must maintain optimum levels of nutrients in our blood at all times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The things we eat, drink and inhale can depress our immune system. It is well proven that alcohol, sugar and second-hand smoke all depress immune cell activity, and they also deplete many of the nutrients in the blood stream. These two events are closely associated. This interaction is a key to explaining why supplementation provides such dramatic support for a strong immune system.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">High cholesterol levels suppress immune function; emotional stress is also a major contributor. There’s another kind of stress – environmental stress – which is wreaking havoc with our immune system health. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our environment is saturated with chemicals and the numbers are growing every day. We live in a toxic soup! Pesticides, food additives (artificial coloring, nitrites, artificial sweeteners), fragrance, phthalates and other chemicals in personal care, toxic cleaning products, indoor air…the list goes on and on! These are all enemies of the immune system.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends of the Immune System: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Diet & Nutrition – you probably already know about eating a healthy diet. Eliminate the white stuff and eat whole grains instead; eat healthy fats, lots of fruit & veggies, plenty of pure water and lean proteins. This is where supplements come in as well. Diet alone – no matter how good it is – can’t supply everything our cells need to stay healthy. Supplementing with good quality products is essential.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Air & Breathing – air purifiers if necessary and deep breathing. Cells need oxygen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Exercise – regular exercise, including cardio and weight workouts, is important for immune system health. Exercise impacts our physical and emotional wellbeing; both of which affect our immune system.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Sleep – the body needs rest to allow energy to be concentrated on regeneration. 7-9 hours is optimal for adults. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personal Testimony: Fifteen years ago, I suffered from sinus infections and frequent colds. I also had seasonal allergies. At the time, my diet was good, and I exercised. Maybe I didn’t get quite enough sleep, but I did take vitamins that I purchased from the drug store. Even though I was “sick” a lot, I thought I was pretty healthy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day, a friend came to me and asked me if I would take a look at the supplements she was using since they had worked so well for her and her family. I did and within six months my allergies were gone. No more meds! And the most amazing part is that I haven’t had a single sinus infection since switching brands. What I learned was that by taking better quality products that actually worked at the cellular level, I was building up my immune system; I increased the strength of my soldiers who were better able to outmaneuver the enemies - allergens, viruses and bacteria.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeding the cells what they need to stay healthy, breathing clean air, getting plenty of exercise and sleep will go a long way to keeping our immune function in tip-top shape. What are you doing to keep your body’s army strong against the enemy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Immune System Handbook (Your Owner’s Manual) by Charlene A. Day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Health Quest Newsletter, volume 24, Number 2 by Dr. Frank M. Painter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-66134211715370730852012-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:002015-02-04T03:33:44.207-08:00February Is Heart Health Month<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUQa56avYbBaxDhEsLvwB0gsMn01Sydh6Z0lYPNiHje6ZJTw5Gt9hDNdprFzMeLED8pZ9i0LxreaohOwpJoY4HbdkfJdQ7FRvfyI6BouyzTCudeBH6lxrpxrq2GLb5CrT58qnPf_9_chV/s1600/heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUQa56avYbBaxDhEsLvwB0gsMn01Sydh6Z0lYPNiHje6ZJTw5Gt9hDNdprFzMeLED8pZ9i0LxreaohOwpJoY4HbdkfJdQ7FRvfyI6BouyzTCudeBH6lxrpxrq2GLb5CrT58qnPf_9_chV/s1600/heart.png" height="197" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart disease is still our #1 killer disease in America. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">80 million Americans have high cholesterol. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 420px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0" height="245" id="msnbc5be634" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=46183154&width=420&height=245" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc5be634" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" FlashVars="launch=46183154&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></div>
Visit msnbc.com for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/" style="border-bottom: #999 1px dotted; color: #5799db !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="border-bottom: #999 1px dotted; color: #5799db !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="border-bottom: #999 1px dotted; color: #5799db !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">news about the economy</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone understands the importance of a healthy heart, but maintaining one can prove difficult. Cardiovascular health can be compromised by diet, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and an array of other factors. Moreover, our bodies are often deficient in substances critical to healthy </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">heart function. </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following a good prevention program of exercise, a diet high in fiber, low in fat, and keeping our cholesterol level at 180 or below, can significantly reduce our risk. Including 6 to 9 fresh vegetables (in soups and salads) every day ... nature’s primary source of vitamins and minerals, especially antioxidants ... is essential for heart health. The following supplements may also help:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><i>Top 10 Supplements for a Healthy Heart</i></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>CoQ 10</i> - which supports energy production in the cells and is especially important for heart health. Increases oxygenation of heart tissue. Strengthens the heart muscle. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Omega-3 Fatty Acids</i> – reduces clots in blood vessels, lowers triglycerides, and raises HDL (good cholesterol). Helps prevent hardening of the arteries.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Probiotics</i> – lower cholesterol in three ways: limit cholesterol production in the liver, the probiotics create an acid environment which converts cholesterol into a form the body cannot absorb, probiotics consume the cholesterol (like pac-man).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>B-Complex</i> - The New England Journal of Medicine reports that high homocysteine levels create a 30 times greater chance of heart attack, no matter what our cholesterol level is. B-complex with folic acid protects from having high levels of homocysteines. 90% of Americans are deficient in B-complex. Stress, sugar and processed foods rob the body of B vitamins. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Vita-E</i> – Heart disease risk factors are reduced by 30%-40% when taking 400 IU of vitamin E. (That’s four pints of peanut butter). Strengthens the immune system and heart muscle, improves circulation, and destroys free radicals.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Calcium-Magnesium</i> – Studies show that calcium & magnesium help balance the delicate ratio of minerals in our cells that affect blood pressure and proper heart function. Vital for a healthy heart.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Vita-C</i> – Tufts University recently reported that higher levels of vitamin C relate to higher HDL (the good stuff). Extremely important as a regulator of high blood pressure. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Garlic</i> – It lowers cholesterol and has been shown to lower blood pressure, triglycerides and blood glucose in diabetics. Promotes good circulation.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last two products are specific to Shaklee. Although I always recommend the Shaklee products, I am sure there are other high quality products out there (not drug store brands), that would produce the same results. But these two products are very unique and highly effective:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=21219" target="_blank">Cholesterol Reduction Complex</a> - a proprietary formulation with clinically proven ingredients that help prevent the absorption of cholesterol and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It contains plant sterols and stanols that, when added to a healthy diet, have been shown in numerous studies to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20307" target="_blank">Fiber Plan Drink Mix</a> – has been clinically tested and proven at Stanford University School of Medicine to lower cholesterol. One serving is the equivalent of 20 slices of whole wheat bread, 6 apples, or 3 1/2 bowls of oatmeal.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the ten supplements listed above, You also want to be sure that you are taking </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a good-quality multi vitamin/mineral product - shortage of levels of basic nutrients will put blood lipids out of balance.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a high-quality soy protein powder - the heart is a muscle and muscles need protein. The American Heart Association, in a November 13, 2000 press release, recommended using soy protein to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you find this information helpful. If you would like to discuss a program specific to your goals, please feel free to contact me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are some of the things you are doing to maintain heart health?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
</div>
healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-81054276566739545062011-11-20T11:58:00.000-08:002011-11-20T11:58:09.415-08:00Dr. Greene on Multiple BackupsParents, I believe that, even though we feed our kids well, it is hardly possible for them to get all the nutrients they need from diet alone. See what Dr. Greene has to say on this topic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.drgreene.com/article/multiple-back-ups?tid=145">http://www.drgreene.com/article/multiple-back-ups?tid=145</a><br />
<br />
After reading the article, if you are looking for a high-quality product for your infants, toddlers and kids, please let me know.healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-65280220542376705322011-08-28T12:13:00.000-07:002011-09-08T13:26:25.377-07:00ATTENTION CHILDREN: DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNqoD6e2sPju11iJwqWr30vlSpGQ63KodxqPy5ZylobB2BfgxpM08cvxil3M8-OC2oyeDfX8AEQrFbupwlwC8KeGVxs7ii4rJxHqQ8s92-nmtdhMbVtQCB7UrmmmqO2R3GLzksIGthoP-/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNqoD6e2sPju11iJwqWr30vlSpGQ63KodxqPy5ZylobB2BfgxpM08cvxil3M8-OC2oyeDfX8AEQrFbupwlwC8KeGVxs7ii4rJxHqQ8s92-nmtdhMbVtQCB7UrmmmqO2R3GLzksIGthoP-/s1600/breakfast.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...or your grades could pay a price. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evidence suggests that eating breakfast really does help kids learn. After fasting all night, a developing body (and brain) needs a fresh supply of glucose — or blood sugar. That's the brain's basic fuel. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Without glucose," explains Terrill Bravender, professor of pediatrics at Duke University, "our brain simply doesn't operate as well. People have difficulty understanding new information, [they have a] problem with visual and spatial understanding, and they don't remember things as well."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dozens of studies from as far back as the 1950s have consistently shown that children who eat breakfast perform better academically than those who don't. In a recent study of 4,000 elementary school students, researchers measured the effects of eating breakfast by administering a battery of attention tests. Across the board, Murphy says, the breakfast eaters performed better than those children who had skipped breakfast.¹</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other studies show that children who skip breakfast have slower memory recall, make more errors and are more likely to be absent or tardy. Eating breakfast helps children perform better academically, reduces behavioral problems in class, and sets the stage for healthy eating for life. Research studies find that children who eat breakfast perform better on standardized tests, make fewer mistakes in math, and show a general increase in math and reading scores. They also have fewer discipline problems and visit school nurses’ offices less often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now that we know breakfast is important, here’s the next question: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>DOES IT MATTER WHAT KIDS EAT FOR BREAKFAST</u></strong>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The answer? Most definitely YES!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Foods with a high sugar content, simple carbohydrates and processed foods are absorbed quickly and cause a peak in blood sugar. But the levels then fall dramatically in a few hours. So the kids come into school all bubbly and lively and about 10:30 they “crash.” Whole grains (think oatmeal or whole grain toast) are absorbed slowly so blood sugar rises slowly and gives kids enough energy to last all morning. That’s the goal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition, experts believe that a good breakfast should be packed with protein. The combination of protein and good carbohydrates powers up the brain and keeps kids feeling full until lunch time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good nutrition is important for good learning.</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHAT MAKES A GOOD BREAKFAST FOR CHILDREN?</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First let’s talk about what foods to avoid at breakfast: things like sugary breakfast cereals, white-flour pancakes and syrup, bagels, donuts, coffee cake, and pop tarts. Fruit juice is okay if it is consumed with a whole-grain carbohydrate source.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are several ideas that I like to call the Breakfast of Scholars:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 slices of whole-grain toast or whole-wheat English muffin or toasted whole-grain waffle topped with peanut butter, milk and fresh fruit </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast burrito: whole-wheat tortilla or pita pocket stuffed with scrambled egg mixed with salsa</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whole-grain cereals, hot or cold, with low-fat milk or yogurt and 1-2 tablespoons of slivered nuts on top. If the cereal box label says there are 3 grams of fiber or more a serving, that means there is significant fiber.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whole-wheat toast, 1 or 2 eggs, milk, fresh fruit</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whole-grain cereal like oatmeal or shredded wheat with low-fat milk, topped with fresh or dried fruit and honey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And last but not least...One of my favorites is a sliced apple sprinkled with cinnamon, topped with vanilla yogurt, oatmeal (right out of the box - it’s OK to eat it uncooked) and some chopped walnuts...yummy!</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>It's Your Turn</u>: What do you serve for breakfast? We'd love you to tell us your favorites for a healthy start to the day. Share your ideas in the comments box below.</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span> </div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. NPR.org: A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child’s Brain Power by Allison Aubrey</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-9615568865811750802011-08-03T14:20:00.000-07:002011-08-03T14:20:28.218-07:00Raising Healthy Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPIJI9UUdW5Cx1MJwncGT2xavGPx_KHOTsGlg098OK5sx3ZJ0iHg-NwpWwxjv1Aey7US0ebeUmq5LKWaczJOHaJV2RuNoQFQdqaAegftrXfeGW6xmxQNz17a7A72pxc4g_EbeMZQUrYc_/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPIJI9UUdW5Cx1MJwncGT2xavGPx_KHOTsGlg098OK5sx3ZJ0iHg-NwpWwxjv1Aey7US0ebeUmq5LKWaczJOHaJV2RuNoQFQdqaAegftrXfeGW6xmxQNz17a7A72pxc4g_EbeMZQUrYc_/s200/kids.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong><em><u>Our Children’s Health is Suffering:</u></em></strong> Allergies & asthma, chronic ear & sinus infections, obesity, learning disabilities, blood sugar disturbances, and high levels of cholesterol – these are all on the rise in children today. <br />
<br />
According to the CDC, approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled. <br />
<br />
The prevalence of asthma is increasing, especially in children. Approximately 500,000 annual hospitalizations (34.6% in individuals aged 18 years or younger) are due to asthma.<br />
<br />
Between 3% and 7% of school-aged children currently have a diagnosis of ADHD, according to the <a href="http://www.psych.org/">American Psychiatric Association</a>. However, nearly 1 in 10 children (9.5%) aged 4 to 17 have had an ADHD diagnosis at some point in their childhood and rates of ADHD diagnosis are rising, especially in older teenagers.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Children Are Exposed to More & More Toxins:</u></em></strong><br />
We are frequently told "A little bit won't hurt you" when it comes to chemicals in our food and environment. That may be true, however a little bit here and there eventually adds up to a lot.<br />
<br />
Let's look at the potential sources of chemical contamination that our children are bombarded with on a daily basis. There is chlorine in our water supply and often fluoride as well. Fluoride is added to tooth pastes and mouthwashes. Many imported fruits and vegetables have been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that are illegal in the US. <br />
<br />
Meat and dairy products are loaded with residues of antibiotics and hormones from factory farming operations. Look at the ingredients on the label of nearly any prepared food in the grocery store, and you will see a list of chemicals as long as your arm.<br />
<br />
Add to this list the chemicals in topical preparations such as body lotions and shampoos. Did you know that your skin will absorb up to 60% of anything you put on it? And then there are environmental toxins such as lawn chemicals and pesticides and household insecticides. The American journal of Public Health has reported a link between bug killers and childhood cancer. In a study of children in Colorado, those who lived in homes where the lawns had been treated with herbicides had a four-fold increase in the risk of developing a tumor.<br />
<br />
Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related deaths in children under the age of 20. Leukemia, which is the most common childhood cancer, increased by more than 15% over the last 20 years.<br />
<br />
Parents need to become proactive and lobby against the use of dangerous pesticides and chemicals in this country. And at the same time, they need to do everything they can to eliminate toxins in the home and in the schools their children attend. Two great resources regarding children and toxic chemicals are <a href="http://healthychild.org/">Healthy Child Healthy World</a> and <a href="http://www.saferchemicals.org/">Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Our Kids Immune Systems Need Help</u></em></strong><br />
One of the most important jobs parents have is to help their kids develop healthy immune systems. A strong and healthy immune system enables a child to fight off anything that invades the body or threatens it from without or within, including bacteria, viruses and cancer.<br />
<br />
The key to a healthy immune system is optimal nutrition. Dr. Leo Galland says in his book, <a href="http://mdheal.org/books.htm">Superimmunity for Kids</a>, “Optimal nutrition in childhood is a gift that lasts a lifetime.”<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>How To Build A Healthy Immune System</u></em></strong><br />
<br />
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months. The advantages of breastfeeding are numerous. Breast milk is ultimately the best source of nutrition for a new baby. Many components in breast milk help protect your baby against infection and disease. The proteins in breast milk are more easily digested than in formula or cow’s milk. The calcium and iron in breast milk are also more easily absorbed. <br />
<br />
Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. There is nothing better for the health of your baby. Some of the nutrients in breast milk help the immune system mature into a fully effective fighting machine. Leukocytes are living cells that are only found in breast milk. They help fight infection. It is the antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones that make breast milk ideal. These cannot be added to formula. <br />
<br />
2. Provide a wholesome, balanced diet focusing on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid sugar, processed foods and partially-hydrogenated oils. Eat organic when possible.<br />
<br />
3. Supplement daily with <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=Nutrition&sub_cat=ChildrensHealth">immune-building vitamins, minerals, trace minerals essential fatty acids and antioxidant supplements.</a><br />
<br />
4. Remove the toxins from your child’s food, water, air, home and school. Replace cleaners & personal care products with <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=HomeCare">non-toxic alternatives</a>. <br />
5. Encourage regular physical exercise and plenty of good sleep<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Do You Really Need To Supplement Your Child’s Diet?</u></em></strong><br />
In a paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was stated that most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone. Because of such things as over-processing, early harvesting, soil depletion, chemicals, preservatives and hormone usage, food today isn’t what it used to be. Additionally, in this fast-paced world, we are eating on the run (and it’s not home-made). Our kids’ are not consuming the recommended daily servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy, and thus their diets fall short of many critical nutrients. The solution is to supplement.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>How Do You Know You Are Getting a Good Quality Supplement?</u></em></strong><br />
Several years ago, I learned the hard way that vitamins are not all alike. I took lots of different supplements which I purchased at the local drug store. And still I suffered with seasonal allergies and several sinus infections a year. It wasn’t until I changed brands to a better quality line that my health improved. That line was Shaklee and it is what I recommend to my clients today. <br />
<br />
There are a few things you want to look for in a good quality supplement:<br />
<br />
<u>Bioavailability</u> – a big word for “am I digesting and absorbing my vitamins?” Be sure the company you buy from does these tests. Otherwise how will you know if you are even benefitting from your supplements?<br />
<br />
<u>What’s in my vitamins? Can I trust the label?</u> – Unfortunately there is very loose regulation in this area. Some companies formulate to only 60% or less of the label claims. That means that what you see isn’t necessarily what you get, and poor quality products may contain ingredients and impurities never listed on the label.<br />
<br />
<u>What should I look for in a multivitamin?</u> Above all look for a reputable company. “Reputable” means they have their products analyzed and tested by third-party independent labs and that they have developed their products with quality and optimal health (vs. high profit margins) in mind. Don’t assume that just because a supplement is a bestselling brand and shows 100% of most Daily Values that it is a good product. Believe it or not, some of the very expensive brands offer poor quality formulations and use cheap ingredients.<br />
<br />
Shaklee products pass all of the above criteria. Your best bet is to buy from a company you trust and educate yourself about the products you buy. Watch out for marketing hype vs. solid and useful information. And don’t believe everything you read on the internet.<br />
<br />
I hope you have found this information helpful. I would love to hear your comments below. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Shaklee products please feel free to contact me.healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-68598800444312215372011-07-13T10:01:00.000-07:002011-07-13T10:38:49.995-07:00Childhood Asthma - An Epidemic<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xAM7rA8V792uL7BxfhBbd505n1xVnpVERuB-ONBtpNRhFY3OTILYrUZG41BAM9qcCDphsBAsjQvC8atyLnwg40Fqeyk7iHKwHbz2LAgfeaMGwHJj5gpdt-MD-O4yHoyFMvC7BMudksf4/s1600/asthma+attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xAM7rA8V792uL7BxfhBbd505n1xVnpVERuB-ONBtpNRhFY3OTILYrUZG41BAM9qcCDphsBAsjQvC8atyLnwg40Fqeyk7iHKwHbz2LAgfeaMGwHJj5gpdt-MD-O4yHoyFMvC7BMudksf4/s1600/asthma+attack.jpg" /></a>Asthma is a chronic and inflammatory disease of the lung. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When your airways react, they get narrower and your lungs get less air. This can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night.</div><br />
When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it's called an asthma attack. These attacks may start slowly, with increasing signs of respiratory distress and tightness in the chest. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that your vital organs do not get enough oxygen. People can die from severe asthma attacks.<br />
<br />
Asthma is the most common chronic disorder of childhood. According to the NIH, nine million children under the age of 18 are currently diagnosed as asthmatic—a more than 200% increase over the last 30 years. Roughly six million—or nearly one in every 10—school-aged children suffers from asthma, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And if yours is one of those children, then you know the terror of watching them gasp for breath in an asthma attack. Children have smaller airways than adults, which makes asthma especially serious for them. One in 12 Americans of all ages is affected.<br />
<br />
<div></div><div>No one knows why some people get asthma and others don’t, but, hereditary factors do play a role. People with asthma usually have “triggers” which make them wheeze. Knowing your triggers can help you control your disease. Some of these triggers include</div><br />
<div><br />
<ul><li>Allergens - mold, pollen, animals</li>
<li>Irritants - cigarette smoke, air pollution</li>
<li>Weather - cold air, changes in weather</li>
<li>Exercise</li>
<li>Infections - flu, common cold, respiratory infections</li>
<li>Food allergies</li>
</ul><br />
<div>Environmental pollution may be one of the leading causes of this growing epidemic. Exposure to a wide variety of chemicals has also been linked to increased risk of asthma. Food allergies and sensitivities are identified in three-fourths of asthma sufferers.</div><br />
<div></div><div>The most common asthma symptoms in children are coughing and wheezing. Other asthma symptoms in children include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) and chest tightness</div><br />
<div></div><div>We have known for a long time that asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, the primary reason why kids with chronic diseases miss school days and among the top three reasons why children end up in emergency rooms or are admitted into hospitals. Floyd J. Malveaux, M.D., Ph.D. </div><br />
<div></div><div>According to the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-asthma/DS00849">Mayo Clinic staff</a> respiratory infections such as colds and the flu are one of the most common causes of asthma flare-ups, especially in young children. A stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever or other signs and symptoms caused by a cold or flu (influenza) virus can be a nuisance. But if you have asthma, even a minor respiratory infection can cause major problems. Asthma signs and symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness may not respond as well to regular asthma medications. Also, asthma symptoms caused by a respiratory infection may last for several days to weeks. </div><br />
<div></div>There's no sure way to keep yourself or your child from getting a cold or the flu. But taking steps to avoid getting sick — and taking the right steps when you do — can help. <br />
<br />
<div></div><a href="http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/Antibiotic_Use_In_Infants_Linked_To_Asthma.shtml">Antibiotic Use In Infants Linked To Asthma</a><br />
<br />
<div>Research indicates that children who receive antibiotics before their first birthday are significantly more likely to develop asthma by age 7. The study, published in the June (2007) issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), reports that children receiving antibiotics in the first year of life were at greater risk for developing asthma by age 7 than those not receiving antibiotics. The risk for asthma doubled in children receiving antibiotics for nonrespiratory infections, as well as in children who received multiple antibiotic courses and who did not live with a dog during the first year.</div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div><strong><em>Nutritional Support for Asthma</em></strong></div><br />
<div>Based on the above study, my first recommendation is to keep your child’s immune system strong to ward off colds and infections. Another important suggestion is to clear the home of all toxic cleaners and laundry products and replace them with safer, <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=HomeCare&sub_cat=GetCleanStarterKit">non-toxic alternatives</a>.</div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div>To build up the immune system, in addition to a healthy diet I would recommend the following supplements:</div><br />
<ul><li>Multivitamin</li>
<li>Soy protein</li>
<li>Chewable Vitamin C</li>
<li>Probiotics (key)</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
</ul>After taking all sorts of different supplements, I finally found that the supplements from <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html#">Shaklee</a> were the only ones that improved my health. That’s why I made the decision to market them 14 years ago. So those are the products I would recommend for a natural approach to asthma. If you decide to try this program, just be sure that you select supplements from a reputable company that does a lot of research and testing. And if you have any questions, please be sure to contact me.<br />
<br />
<div></div><br />
<div>To your health,</div><br />
<div></div>Marti<br />
<br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><br />
<div></div><div></div></div>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-54162854013196996202011-03-29T13:46:00.000-07:002011-03-29T13:51:18.122-07:00Know The Ingredients In Your Personal Care Products<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From the Environmental Working Group (EWG) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU0IIDo9aEFcI0qRMgsHGQOdoyEPypbMHZ1d5JzyvPE3TXOG_ineBGW8Rwy7k9n60G_hWC2rNtIsajGNXoL1G-ajK5dwodnupasRV3u6cYlv-1OL3BKv0RuPq7N56v5zgDDmxR9zt3Ol2/s1600/baby-bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU0IIDo9aEFcI0qRMgsHGQOdoyEPypbMHZ1d5JzyvPE3TXOG_ineBGW8Rwy7k9n60G_hWC2rNtIsajGNXoL1G-ajK5dwodnupasRV3u6cYlv-1OL3BKv0RuPq7N56v5zgDDmxR9zt3Ol2/s200/baby-bath.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Better products are truthful in their marketing claims and free of potentially worrisome ingredients. Some products might make claims like "gentle" or "natural," but since the government does not require safety testing, personal care product manufacturers can use almost any chemical they want, regardless of risks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><br />
<u><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">HOW TO READ A LABEL </span></strong></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Every personal care product must list its ingredients. Here's how to navigate the label:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Start at the end, with preservatives. Avoid:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Words ending in "paraben"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">DMDM hydantoin </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Imidazolidinyl urea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Methylchloroisothiazolinone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Methylisothiazolinone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Triclosan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Triclocarban</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Triethanolamine (or "TEA")</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Check the beginning of the ingredients lists, where soaps, surfactants, and lubricants show up. Try to avoid ingredients that start with "PEG" or have an "-eth" in the middle (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Read the ingredients in the middle. Look for these words: "FRAGRANCE," "FD&C," or "D&C." </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">FOR GROWN UPS </span></u></strong></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many parents pay more attention to their kids' environmental health than their own, but adult bodies can be affected by toxic chemicals, too. EWG's Safer Shopping List has nine common-sense tips to reduce everyone's exposures. For instance, buy fragrance-free, skip the nail polish and use fewer products.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">JUST FOR KIDS </span></u></strong></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Extra caution is in order for kids because, pound for pound, they are exposed to more contaminants in everyday products than adults. Their immature metabolism and organ systems are typically less capable of fending off chemical assaults. Even subtle damage to young bodies can lead to disease later in life. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Follow EWG's top five tips for kids: </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1.Use fewer products and use them less often.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2.Don't trust ad hype. Check ingredients.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3.Buy fragrance-free products.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4.Avoid the use of baby powder.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5.Always avoid EWG's top six chemicals of concern for kids: </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">•2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3 Diol </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> •BHA </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> •Boric acid and sodium borate </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> •DMDM Hydantoin </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> •Oxybenzone </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> •Triclosan</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-73366200696179177812011-02-26T15:08:00.000-08:002011-02-28T09:47:06.590-08:00Ear Tubes: Should You or Shouldn't You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwbEv1WF52FJYt7F9Kw57C-Ebo0PU7_Jh71wnn45XmtUmrsATa9yusZSV1komHTKL_YSFueqcwwoUyRHkIvavNz2mMACEKesCm0hGjvF9VjCZX6oFmxVj2rN8RyoLLRjQ72OfS05ICil2/s1600/earache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwbEv1WF52FJYt7F9Kw57C-Ebo0PU7_Jh71wnn45XmtUmrsATa9yusZSV1komHTKL_YSFueqcwwoUyRHkIvavNz2mMACEKesCm0hGjvF9VjCZX6oFmxVj2rN8RyoLLRjQ72OfS05ICil2/s200/earache.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children between the ages of six months to two years of age commonly get middle ear infections also known as otitis media. These infections involve the space on the inner side of the eardrum and can occur initially as a result of a cold or upper respiratory infection.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When this area is infected, it fills up with fluid which pushes upon the eardrum or tympanic membrane. Infections can be either bacterial or viral. Usually viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, and with time, they will usually resolve on their own.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the infection is bacterial, the middle ear space will fill up with fluid, putting pressure on the eardrum, thus causing pain. During this period of infection, the child may have a temporary loss of hearing, but usually it is not permanent, unless there is structural damage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doctors will suggest ear tubes for children under these circumstances:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• If a child has had fluid behind the eardrum in both ears for more than 3 months and has significant hearing loss in both ears. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• If a child has repeat ear infections and antibiotics aren’t working</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A specialist called an otolaryngologist places the tubes through a small surgical opening made in the eardrum (myringotomy or tympanostomy). The child is unconscious under general anesthesia for this surgery.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tubes can help with ear infections because they:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Allow air to enter the middle ear </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Allow fluid to flow out of the middle ear through the tube into the ear canal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Clear fluid from the middle ear and restore hearing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Prevent future buildup of fluid in the middle ear while they are in place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Decrease the feeling of pressure in the ears, which reduces pain.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tubes normally remain in the ears for 6 to 12 months. They often fall out on their own. If the tubes don't fall out on their own, surgery may be required to remove them. After the tubes are out, the child should be watched for signs of ear infection or fluid behind the eardrum.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How Well Do Tubes Work?</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ear tubes often restore hearing. While the tubes are in place, they often prevent buildup of pressure and fluid in the middle ear. And they can reduce pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tubes may keep ear infections from recurring while the tubes are in place. But infections may return after the tubes are gone.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Risks</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minor complications occur in up to half of the children who have tubes inserted. Usual complications include:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• A thickening of the eardrum over time. These changes in the eardrum may affect hearing in a very small number of children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Discharge of pus (otorrhea) from the ear. This is common and can become an ongoing problem in some children.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other possible complications:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The tube may become blocked, allowing ear fluid and infections to return.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The tube may slip out of place, possibly falling into the middle ear (rare).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Tissue may form behind the eardrum (cholesteatoma). This is also rare.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, tubes may scar the eardrum which may then lead to minor hearing loss.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Information above compiled from Web MD and Dr. Leia Melead)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I would like to add my two cents:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are other avenues that can be pursued that are much less invasive than antibiotics and ear tube surgery. (Putting a baby under general anesthetic if it isn’t necessary?) The goal is to build up your child's immune system and get rid of the infection once and for all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might want to try the elimination of highly allergenic foods such as wheat, corn, milk, and soy from your child’s diet. Dairy can be very mucous forming. Also, avoid sugar.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other factors that can contribute to ear infections include taking the bottle to bed and second hand tobacco smoke. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FACT: There are 4000 or more chemicals in cigarette smoke, and research shows that secondhand smoke increases a child's risk of developing ear and respiratory infections, asthma, cancer and sudden infant death syndrome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would also suggest the addition of certain high quality supplements. In the fourteen years I have been with my company I have seen many children’s ear infection clear up completely just by making some of the lifestyle changes noted above and adding the following nutrients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20096">Vitamin C</a>, <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20084">garlic</a>, and <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20639">probiotics</a> for the infection</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20002">Multivitamin/mineral supplement</a> and a daily <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20322">protein drink</a> to maintain good health. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Moms, let me know what your experience has been with ear tubes. I'd love to hear from you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, as always, I can’t promise that the above suggestions will be the answer for your child, but these are all positive, healthy steps...and what if it does work?</span><br />
<br />
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health By Design disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-7340528201711509512011-01-29T14:51:00.000-08:002011-01-29T14:51:41.688-08:00The Building Blocks of Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZKmBrqH_h4t1mBQtsKS8dn5YsRiBN1KHnud5j-4Vd-KkAA4K69YP_Qt10YN-J9FKHLn8kpIyHUXfIv2QaCnTkxYYtceXap24ccrFze0EDlpm7M9O2NoCRYIRYeVRy7oQDy6C48O3jvdE/s1600/building_blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="186" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZKmBrqH_h4t1mBQtsKS8dn5YsRiBN1KHnud5j-4Vd-KkAA4K69YP_Qt10YN-J9FKHLn8kpIyHUXfIv2QaCnTkxYYtceXap24ccrFze0EDlpm7M9O2NoCRYIRYeVRy7oQDy6C48O3jvdE/s200/building_blocks.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Source: Health Quest Newsletter <br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1078813504">Dr. Frank M. Painter, Editor<br />
<br />
</a><br />
<br />
It’s sad but true – most Americans fail to meet the basic requirements of good health. Statistics gathered by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) are frightening:<br />
<br />
Only 27% of adults eat three servings of vegetables per day (3 – 5 are recommended)<br />
<br />
Only 13% of students meet the vegetable goal<br />
<br />
Only 33% of adults eat two servings of fruit day (2-4 are recommended)<br />
<br />
Only 32% of students meet the fruit goal<br />
<br />
Even worse, these numbers are artificially inflated, because foods like sugared fruit drinks and French Fries are still counted as servings.<br />
<br />
The next nutritional issue comes from the fact that industrial farms force-grow crops, with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The measured vitamin levels in “conventional” crops are continuing to decline. And it gets worse. More and more American staple crops are grown from genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), which have no established track record of health effects or benefits. European clinical trials, that only fed animals GMO foods, have under-reported subject deaths, damage found in their intestinal tracts, and second- and third-generation sterility.<br />
<br />
<b>All the problems in the food chain, and the dietary habits of most Americans, emphasize why it’s important to adopt a basic nutrition program that provides all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants we require to maintain our health.</b><br />
<br />
When selecting health products, you want to look for ones that are made from non-GMO crops that are completely free from pesticides, heavy metal residue or other toxic contaminants, and are guaranteed to be bacteria and virus free. <br />
<br />
Selecting vitamin supplements can be a daunting task. There are so many out there, how does one know which brand is going to be effective and actually work? You may want to refer to my blog post on <a href="http://healthdesigner.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-do-you-select-good-quality.html">selecting good quality supplements</a> for guidance. <br />
<br />
<b>The Basic Nutrition Program<i></i></b>:<br />
<br />
1. The core of any nutrition program starts with a multi-vitamin. We require vitamins everyday to maintain our immune system, energy levels, detoxification systems, and for managing billions of cellular processes, from producing hormones to cell repair and reproduction. Many diseases occur when we lack a particular vitamin, mineral or amino acid. These are referred to as nutrient deficiency diseases. Researchers are discovering that suboptimal levels of these nutrients, along with exposure to xeno-toxins (chemicals that are foreign or poisonous to the body) seem to be associated with the onset of many disease processes.<br />
<br />
2. The second building block of health is protein. The average healthy person requires at least 180 grams of protein per day (1800 calorie diet). The ideal, fat-free source of plant-based protein is soy. A word of caution – most soy powder manufacturers use the alcohol extraction process, which leaches out the two most important isoflavones – (Genistein and Daidzein). You want to find a company that uses the water-wash method, because it retains the critical soy isoflavones most associated with soy’s reported health benefits.<br />
<br />
3. The third building block of health is antioxidants. The classic antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E. Every time scientists discovered a new photochemical in plants, it invariably displayed powerful antioxidant properties, sometimes ten to hundreds of times more powerful than the classic antioxidants. Phytochemicals (also called phytonutrients), are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventing properties. It is understood that plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves. Recent research suggests that they also protect humans against various diseases. Some of the best known phytochemicals are lycopene, (think tomatoes), isoflavones from soy, and the flavenoids from fruits. There are many health databases that clearly demonstrate that those individuals who eat the most fruits and vegetables also have the lowest incidence of the deadly diseases: cancer, vascular disease, and diabetes. <br />
<br />
These are the three basics of a sound nutritional program. There are many other types of products that can boost your immune system, increase energy or memory, improve stamina in sports, etc. But they should all rest upon these three basics. To your good health!healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-67938332094872427212010-11-02T09:08:00.000-07:002010-11-02T09:08:36.859-07:00De-stressing Through The Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolGmyXsO_59NIlMytwdOlfXmWfu3V6-RbVFyfuvVCQNXDUyZzAt7UfuKMVw2gkKdJa8cTQVngdI8UxHcFLMSV8BbWtMra8fQYBv8NEh8gFN_r6ak5v_etf9-HisT_njqqQPoERZiSTI5_/s1600/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolGmyXsO_59NIlMytwdOlfXmWfu3V6-RbVFyfuvVCQNXDUyZzAt7UfuKMVw2gkKdJa8cTQVngdI8UxHcFLMSV8BbWtMra8fQYBv8NEh8gFN_r6ak5v_etf9-HisT_njqqQPoERZiSTI5_/s200/stress.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The holidays are coming...eek! Here are a few ideas on how to breeze through them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Can Food and Supplements Help You De-stress??</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mental stress is a normal reaction to upheaval, emotional upset or just too many demands on your time. Whether it’s a result from something good, like getting married or a big promotion or from something negative, like a divorce, death in the family or losing a job – stress can wreak havoc on your physical well being.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the body, chronic stress kicks the hormone cortisol into high gear. Cortisol then triggers a hike in insulin levels. (Wonder why you crave sweets when under stress??) At the same time, blood levels of serotonin drop. Serotonin is the mood regulator manufactured in the brain from tryptophan and those wonderful B vitamins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The end result? Stress can make you fat and sick. Stress, all by itself, can cause overeating of the not so good foods and exacerbate conditions such as high blood pressure, insomnia, chronic pain and gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO – What can you do to ease the stress???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most important thing to do when under stress is remove the stressor from your life. Try to manage stress by adapting or adjusting to the cause of the stress. Some good ideas:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exercise regularly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get plenty of sleep</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try meditation or yoga (I just started a yoga class - it's great!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get the right nutrients in your diet</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20269">good-quality multivitamin/mineral</a> daily just makes sense. Stressed people tend to have poor diets, so a multivitamin/multimineral supplement is a great insurance policy for getting the nutrients you need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another great option for stressed out lives is a product from Shaklee aptly called <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20656">Stress Relief Complex</a>. The primary ingredients are: </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea that helps to promote a relaxed, yet alert mental state;</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashwaganda, an ayurvedic herb that enhances the body’s ability to adapt to stress; </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">L-tyrosine, an amino acid used by the body to make norepinephrine </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol, helps to blunt the response of cortisol. </span></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite supplement for chronic stress is <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20186">B-Complex</a>. Remember, B-Vitamins help transport and move nutrients throughout the body. They also help to produce serotonin. I like to call the “Bs” the happy vitamins. Come on – get happy and get yourself a bottle of B-Complex!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just remember this – reduce your stress and you’ll feel (and look) a whole lot better! And you will enjoy the holidays a whole lot more, too. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like further information on a natural approach to stress management, please fill out the information form on the upper right of this page, indicating your areas of interest.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-34406379387756369592010-10-20T15:57:00.000-07:002010-10-20T16:15:00.233-07:00Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFRrAABwPvA1X1rerwBZZgcb95SEB3wz-EELDHibMqvZFG3u7JHes3YozMJ8JZzM-kcv8P_OoqzWc-hD_SNt8YEohX6CLas6yu9NLmw6jlAHB4xlkb7UasHA4wVLnQbZcqQ5hbZRy7DoP/s1600/ghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFRrAABwPvA1X1rerwBZZgcb95SEB3wz-EELDHibMqvZFG3u7JHes3YozMJ8JZzM-kcv8P_OoqzWc-hD_SNt8YEohX6CLas6yu9NLmw6jlAHB4xlkb7UasHA4wVLnQbZcqQ5hbZRy7DoP/s1600/ghost.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a terrific article that talks about the ghosts and goblins (i.e. toxic chemicals) lurking in our families' food and water; what they can do to our health; and tips to keep your family safer. Please take the time to read it and then share it with your friends. I always say "knowledge is power."</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="http://awakeningcharlotte.com/content/2010/10/02/learn-how-to-avoid-the-real-goblins/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Learn How to Avoid the Real Goblins</span></a></div>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-29397336614137570572010-09-21T12:15:00.000-07:002010-09-21T12:15:49.011-07:00Low Fat vs. Low Carb...again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRKErzkAMGzoNYIdG924t50rjMp6XYWZ3Ooyx-aBtWXr0XjxQfqx2SCDu1YzgC5X6llYYLhGc3zfnSmGztsy2OhpQmdusQRm2M11278ZFIw9HH0ubsjQHaGJaoPY7vyxR3pDUerys7uIg/s1600/diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRKErzkAMGzoNYIdG924t50rjMp6XYWZ3Ooyx-aBtWXr0XjxQfqx2SCDu1YzgC5X6llYYLhGc3zfnSmGztsy2OhpQmdusQRm2M11278ZFIw9HH0ubsjQHaGJaoPY7vyxR3pDUerys7uIg/s1600/diet.jpg" /></a></div>Dr. Chaney takes another look at the Low Carb vs. Low Fat diet debate:<br />
<br />
By <a href="https://socialmarketingconnection.com/aboutus/">Dr. Stephen Chaney</a>, Phd<br />
<br />
You would think the question of low carb versus low fat diets would be settled by now. Literally dozens of studies have been published on the subject and they are all in pretty much agreement that initial weight loss (mostly water) is faster on the low carb diets but that weight loss at one or two years is essentially the same on the two diets.<br />
<br />
The unique feature of the study just published in Annals of Internal Medicine (153: 147-157, 2010) was that it included an intensive behavior modification program to optimize the weight loss over the two year period of the study.<br />
<br />
Here is how the study was conducted:<br />
The low-carbohydrate group was instructed to eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrate per day for 3 months and then to increase the carbohydrate by no more than 5 grams per day each week until they achieved their desired weight.<br />
<br />
The low-fat group was instructed to decrease calories and restrict fat intake to no more than 30% of calories. All of the patients were enrolled in a lifestyle program designed to help them improve their physical<br />
activity and other lifestyle factors.<br />
<br />
The program met weekly for 20 weeks, every other week for another 20 weeks, and then monthly for the rest of the 2-year study. In short, this was a very good behavior modification program. Weight, blood pressure, blood lipid levels and side effects were measured at the beginning of the program and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.<br />
<br />
Considering the enormous effort put into behavior modification, the results of this study were somewhat<br />
disappointing. The participants lost an average of only 22 pounds and the end of year one and had gained back 7 of those pounds by the end of year two. And that only included the ~50% who stayed with the<br />
program for the whole two years. Who knows how much weight was gained by the people who dropped out of the study?<br />
<br />
Since the behavior modification program used in this study did not significantly impact either weight loss or weight maintenance, it's perhaps not surprising that the other findings of this study are pretty much the same as the findings from previous studies. Weight loss was slightly greater in the low carb group at 6 months, but did not differ significantly between the two groups at either 1 year or two years. Triglyceride levels and blood pressure were lower for the low carb group at 6 and 12 months, but were the same for both groups at 2 years.<br />
<br />
The only significant differences between the two groups at 2 years were LDL (bad) cholesterol levels - which<br />
were significantly lower in the low fat group - and HDL (good) cholesterol levels - which were significantly<br />
higher in the low carb group.<br />
<br />
Ironically, I've already seen blogs from proponents of the low carb diets trumpeting the increase in HDL levels as "proof" that low carb diets are better for your heart. But, it's not just HDL or LDL that's important, it's the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol that determines your risk of heart disease. And at two years the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was virtually identical on the two diets.<br />
<br />
As for side effects, the patients on the low carb diet reported more constipation and more problems with bad<br />
breath. If you've beeen on a low carb diet before, that's probably not news to you.<br />
<br />
So what is the take home message from this study?<br />
1) The laws of thermodynamics still work. It's all about calories in versus calories out. Low carb and low fat diets work equally well for weight loss.<br />
<br />
2) If you just focus on blood lipid levels and blood pressure there is also no significant difference between the two diets.<br />
<br />
However, I still recommend against high fat (low carb) diets as a long term lifestyle strategy. We know that high fat diets are much more likely to cause inflammation - which is a risk factor for<br />
multiple diseases. We also know that long term consumption of high fat diets is associated with increased risk of heart disease, certain types of cancers & diabetes.<br />
<br />
To Your Health!<br />
<br />
Dr. Stephen G Chaneyhealthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-3985398005779619622010-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:002010-08-15T13:41:15.331-07:00Effectiveness of Statins Called into Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKrnU_ywO_KgG_4rghuHGL0wFwnsHKpK62XUpJBKwNq1-5n_tvyubF2cuYPmqNj0LCdcRKzZpKkyS1125P3JwcH1onB6APHK_-p4DHDPi81UgWlXHmwtGK-hI557QH4THnPaDzJYV21iz/s1600/statins.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKrnU_ywO_KgG_4rghuHGL0wFwnsHKpK62XUpJBKwNq1-5n_tvyubF2cuYPmqNj0LCdcRKzZpKkyS1125P3JwcH1onB6APHK_-p4DHDPi81UgWlXHmwtGK-hI557QH4THnPaDzJYV21iz/s200/statins.bmp" width="200" /></a></div>Who really benefits from taking statins? There are <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/#/pop_cholesterol">natural approaches</a> for lowering cholesterol that may be much safer for certain people. The information revealed in this article is alarming and should be shared with anyone you know who is currently on a statin. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-he-statins-20100809,0,934659.story">Effectiveness of statins is called into question - latimes.com</a><br />
<br />
If you are currently taking a statin and have not already had a heart attack, you might want to <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/#/pop_cholesterol">explore other possibilities</a>. Always be sure to discuss these issues with your doctor.healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-22994052860763779792010-08-04T18:27:00.000-07:002010-08-04T18:30:43.917-07:00Do You Know What You're Drinking?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.”<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Rime of the Ancient Mariner</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>THE SCOOP ON WATER</em></strong></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water has become a popular topic these days on many levels; bottled water - is it really pure? What about all the plastic? Tap water - what’s really in it? Should I drink it or not? I am so confused!!</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>The Water In You:</em></strong></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water is of major importance to all living things; Up to 60% of the human body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs are nearly 90% water. Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight; body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. About 83% of our blood is water, which helps digest our food, transport waste, and control body temperature. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cells in our bodies are full of water. The excellent ability of water to dissolve so many substances allows our cells to use valuable nutrients, minerals, and chemicals in biological processes. The carbohydrates and proteins that our bodies use as food are metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream. No less important is the ability of water to transport waste material out of our bodies. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every body system depends on water. We also need it for:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mental function and clarity </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To moisten eyes, mouth, nasal tissue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Temperature regulation </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Appetite/hunger management</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joint lubrication </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increase nutrient bioavailability</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Promote regularity </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protect body organs</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOW MUCH DO WE NEED? Experts pretty much agree that we can go by the 8 x 8 rule: 8-8 ounce glasses per day. Plus extra for hot weather and exercise.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what’s wrong with <strong><em><span style="background-color: orange; color: black;">tap water</span></em></strong>? We assume it’s safe, but is it? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found more than 300 industrial and agricultural contaminants in the tap water of 45 states. We can’t see them and often can’t taste them, but these are chemicals that can be harmful to our health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Heavy Metals</em>: (lead, mercury, cadmium) - behavior and learning disabilities</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Disinfection By-Products</em>: (ex - chloroform, bromoform) - variety of cancers; also affect liver, kidney & nervous system </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div align="left"><br />
</div><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Agricultural Pollutants</em>: (ex - Lindane, atrazine, alachlor) - cancer; also affect eye, liver, kidney, spleen, blood & nervous system</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div align="left"><br />
</div><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Industrial Pollutants</em>: (ex - benzene, toluene, styrene & many others) - cancer; also affect blood, nervous system, liver, kidneys</span></div><br />
<span style="background-color: orange; color: black; font-family: Arial;">According to the EPA our tap water is responsible for up to 20% of lead exposure in humans</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then there’s <strong><em><span style="background-color: orange; color: black;">bottled water</span></em></strong>. It may not be contaminant free either, and we pay considerably more for it than our tap water! The bottled water industry is not required to publicly disclose the results of any contaminant testing it conducts. The EWG found a total of 38 contaminants in the water of 10 popular brands. In 2007, out of 1.64 million tons of water packaging materials produced, only 34% were recycled.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So what are we supposed to do? The best way to be sure you are getting the purest water possible is to purify at your tap. A water-filtration pitcher system is an inexpensive way to accomplish this. There are several products out there; but Shaklee has just introduced a multipatented system that is worth a look.</span></div><br />
<object height="315" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8stWb1jnHy8&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8stWb1jnHy8&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean Drinking Water is no longer a luxury. It's a matter of health. Cheers!</span>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-7488672425627095072010-07-05T11:56:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:56:00.782-07:00Creating Healthy Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfm3b5jcL4cNNnvJcnxk75RtJ5lQ26Zrs7cylJWc7VSGHQ3rEYZFYbhNymeIehIa_8nec-ZwyFhB1S2DBClV-U_-xbmMjhs84fWMUTA8nkOQ5BtugYdIaCBHvxEgqXRqA0EOAaCtycTy1/s1600/babyin+hands2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfm3b5jcL4cNNnvJcnxk75RtJ5lQ26Zrs7cylJWc7VSGHQ3rEYZFYbhNymeIehIa_8nec-ZwyFhB1S2DBClV-U_-xbmMjhs84fWMUTA8nkOQ5BtugYdIaCBHvxEgqXRqA0EOAaCtycTy1/s320/babyin+hands2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skin is our largest organ. We should want to take good care of it—wouldn’t you agree?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What chemicals are you wearing?</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many ways we take in toxins, and one of them is by absorption through our skin. So it’s important to know what ingredients are in the products we use on our skin day-in and day-out. If you are using products that contain questionable ingredients you may be putting yourself at great risk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rachel Carson first introduced the possibility that chemicals may have a detrimental effect on human health when she wrote the book, Silent Spring in 1962. Theo Colborn in her book Our Stolen Future furthered the premise that synthetic chemicals that mimic natural hormones (also called hormone disruptors) are upsetting normal reproductive and developmental processes. And then in the year 2000 the book Hormone Deception by D. Lindsey Berkson was called “a wake-up call for the 21st. Century” by Ann Louise Gittleman. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We cannot make the assumption that a product is safe just because it comes from a well known company. Also, with so much information available on the internet, we must be careful that we are dealing with reputable sources when doing our researche. I am going to discuss a few of the many questionable ingredients commonly found in drug store and department store brands, but ultimately, it is up to each of us to due our own due diligence before choosing any products.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients we should avoid:</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Formaldehyde</strong>: a highly toxic substance. It is a known cancer-causing agent. It damages the neurological connectors in the body. It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Parabens</strong>: used primarily as a preservative in skin care. A chemical that can disrupt hormones and possibly a link to breast cancer and heart problems.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Triclosan</strong>: can disrupt hormones and remain stored in the body and eventually damage the lungs and kidneys. It is used widely in a number of household products. Also causes thyroid concerns.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1,4-dioxane</strong>: a contaminant produced during manufacturing, so the FDA does not require it to be listed as an ingredient on product labels. Found in products that create suds, like shampoo, liquid soap and bubble bath.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the other questionable chemicals that are routinely found in personal care products are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance...and the list goes on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To add to the confusion of reading labels - many of these chemicals are listed under other names. For instance you will not find “formaldehyde” on a label, but maybe methylene oxide. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How Does Skin Age?</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all, there is chronological aging or the natural aging process where skin gets older with the passage of time—Cellular functions simply slow down, skin elasticity declines, pigment becomes irregular. The result is wrinkled and sagging skin with uneven skin coloring. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is also a component of aging called accelerated aging. This occurs in part because of increased exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants, which create free radicals on the skin. Simply put: pollution plus UV radiation equals free radicals. When free radicals reach the skin a chemical reaction occurs that creates inflammation and genetic mutations at the cellular level. It is estimated that 80% of visible aging is from sun and environmental exposures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every day 73,000 free radical attacks on each skin cell trigger damaging enzymes...Skin you don’t even see already looks older! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So What’s The Answer?</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scientists have discovered that the same nutrients that keep us healthy on the inside also keep us healthy on the outside. To create a successful skin care line, each and every one of the biochemical reactions involved in the free radical damage process had to be identified and blocked – we are talking about antioxidant protection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You might be wondering “If I’m taking a lot of antioxidant supplements, wouldn’t that protect my skin?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good question. But it doesn’t work like that. Good nutrition is indeed essential for overall health, including the health of the skin. But there are free radical assaults from the outside of our bodies. Scientists know that effective amounts of antioxidants are very difficult to formulate into skin care products. There are plenty of products out there with vitamin C, E and B6 on the label but many of these ingredients are in forms that the skin can’t utilize and they’re often present at very low levels. At best they only address certain parts of the biochemical chain reaction and only the visible problems. They don’t address all of the causes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's only one company that I know of who has successfully been able to look at each destructive link in the chain of damage and then block that part of the reaction with the appropriate antioxidant. To do this took a unique complex of 7 ingredients which they called Vital Repair +®. This signature complex now has three patents on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is important to note that extensive research went into the formulation of this anti-aging skin care system, and after the products were developed, the company spent over one million dollars in independent clinical testing to insure safety & effectiveness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The company who developed these products is Shaklee - recognized as pioneers in the development of nutritional supplements for over 50 years; and the line, introduced in 1998, is called Enfuselle. In all Shaklee has 8 patents on Enfuselle - a rarity in the skin care industry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether you choose <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/about_featured_product.html">Enfuselle</a> or another line of anti-aging skin care, the most important thing is that you are sure the products contain no toxic ingredients and that the vitamins in the products actually penetrate into the skin layers to reverse past damage and prevent against future aging. Your skin will thank you, AND you won’t have to worry about the chemicals you might be wearing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here’s to your <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/about_featured_product.html">healthy skin</a>! (And don’t forget your sunscreen).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-76788923623963959922010-06-30T14:46:00.000-07:002010-07-01T07:36:05.376-07:00Do you want 1,4-dioxane in your personal care products?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtLiEQY_0I-IBlY4EmjIEBYoQk4ZGKK7KPiC3t41wELO69vOZ7AiaNE81Oen_s_oNH4RrVLi3fXruut-lsWzC_oIZz9XnmU857SZKMbkH75dlhED_KE8ulMqJf4YRMdJZ_EuCcCnSCOgH/s1600/1,4-dioxane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtLiEQY_0I-IBlY4EmjIEBYoQk4ZGKK7KPiC3t41wELO69vOZ7AiaNE81Oen_s_oNH4RrVLi3fXruut-lsWzC_oIZz9XnmU857SZKMbkH75dlhED_KE8ulMqJf4YRMdJZ_EuCcCnSCOgH/s320/1,4-dioxane.jpg" /></a></div>This is an eye-opening article. Especially when you read that "concerns about exposures at key points in development (such as pregnancy, infancy and puberty) are cause for concern." AND, that you won't see 1,4-dioxane on the label. Does that make you angry? Please read the entire article and be sure to share it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=288">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics : 1,4-dioxane</a><br />
<br />
I personally prefer these <a href="http://healthdesigner.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=Nutrition&sub_cat=ChildrensHealth">safe & natural baby products</a>.healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3700710575229268534.post-43131587400797585732010-06-24T07:09:00.000-07:002010-06-24T07:09:49.647-07:009 Tips for Cancer Prevention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA3eMrcU9j1vGPXatRcMOEiu1xF45wixTybKUW47PpC86p1KGUlDHK8gJYtNnzoc3yFSLmRIY8tFmAK3DTSRzkOxTxwmQoVlN1sym2dKzE3rivz5qh2AtZRfvc17Lpya0SUYzyNAZAMQ_/s1600/tapwater.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA3eMrcU9j1vGPXatRcMOEiu1xF45wixTybKUW47PpC86p1KGUlDHK8gJYtNnzoc3yFSLmRIY8tFmAK3DTSRzkOxTxwmQoVlN1sym2dKzE3rivz5qh2AtZRfvc17Lpya0SUYzyNAZAMQ_/s200/tapwater.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><br />
This is an excellent article and one that should be copied and posted on the refrigerator. It should also be shared with everyone you know.<br />
<br />
When you read that "Four of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and two of every 10 will die from it" this should raise some eyebrows and motivate all of us to take action.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/cancer_prevention_tips?utm_source=kids&utm_medium=email&utm_content=first-link&utm_campaign=hht">Cancer Prevention Tips Environmental Working Group</a>healthdesignerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18159136202986211640noreply@blogger.com0