Interesting Articles on the FDA and Alternative Medicine

Here are a couple of articles that you might find interesting:

FDA scientists complain to Obama of 'corruption' By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR

'Alternative' Medicine Is Mainstream- By DEEPAK CHOPRA , DEAN ORNISH , RUSTUM ROY and ANDREW WEIL The evidence is mounting that diet and lifestyle are the best cures for our worst afflictions.

Sleep Disorders

Dr. Oz (you know- "Oprah's doctor") is talking about people who have trouble sleeping this week. I can't imagine suffering from a sleep disorder, as I've dealt with a few from time to time for just a short period and they almost drove me mad. As a child, I would sleep walk often. But not being able to sleep is probably one of the worst feelings in the world, and NOT something I could deal with easily.
I'm one of those that falls asleep practically as soon as my head hits the pillow. But sometimes, for whatever reason, I can't sleep! Usually it's because I've got too much on my mind. I try to keep a stress-free life, but things creep in and get to me, and chip away at my sleep.
At one point in my life, I thought I had to get everything done before I could go to bed, so I was up until 2 am some nights. Then I would sleep until 10 am. Recently, I reversed that habit and get up at either 4 am or 6 am (depending on how much I have to do) and go to bed much earlier. This schedule has also helped me get some alone time, which is VERY helpful since I am a single mom who also homeschools. I had read somewhere that going to bed earlier and getting up earlier is a more natural schedule for our bodies and I think this is true. I feel much better. And I know if I don't finish something, I will have time in the morning to do so. Just changing the timing seems to have given me three extra hours in the day. It's wild! If you have control over your schedule, it might be something you want to look into if you aren't doing it already.
In any case, this might help you get the sleep you need if you are lying awake at night, tossing and turning, and watching the hours go by. Happy sleeping!

Yoplait and rBGH Drama - Breast Cancer Cause

Yes, you read that title correctly! The Yoplait/rBGH drama is enough stress by itself to cause breast cancer! So here's the deal. I received a couple of emails from two different organizations. Here is one:

Dear Citizen Activist,
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you may have already seen the ads touting Yoplait's campaign against breast cancer, called Save Lids to Save Lives .
The company plans to donate 10 cents to the fight against breast cancer for every cup of yogurt with with a pink foil lid that consumers purchase.
Yoplait touts its yogurt as being healthy for women, but what's inside is anything but.
The reality is that Yoplait yogurt is made with milk from cows that have been injected with a synthetic hormone called recombinant bovine growth hormone (called rBGH or rBST). Research indicates that there are numerous health concerns linked to the consumption of dairy from cows injected with rBGH - and breast cancer is one of them.
The bottom line is that rBGH is unsafe - and unnecessary. In fact, the use of rBGH has already been banned in Australia, Canada, Japan, and all 27 countries in the European Union. In addition to the many companies that offer rBGH-free products, big-box stores and food and beverage chains like Wal-Mart, Publix, Kroger, Starbucks, and Chipotle have committed to reducing or completely eliminating dairy products made with rBGH from their stores. If these companies can do it, Yoplait can too. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in solidarity with millions of women, ask Yoplait to do the right thing and put a lid on rBGH.
Thanks for staying involved,
The Citizens for Health Team

So of course, I clicked on the button so that my "voice would be heard," and got this response from Yoplait:

Thank you for contacting General Mills concerning BST.

BST (bovine somatotropin) is a hormone naturally found in cows. The synthetic version of this hormone (not to be confused with a steroid hormone) has been subjected to extensive testing. The Food & Drug Administration, American Medical Association, National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture along with a number of other science-based organizations have concluded that there are no food safety issues in conjunction with milk produced by BST-supplemented cows.

Because BST is naturally found in all cows′ milk, there is no scientific way to test the milk to determine if the BST present is from synthetic sources or natural sources. The amount of BST present in milk will not be greater from a synthetic source than it would be occurring naturally.

For more information about Bovine Somatotropin (BST) or Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) you may wish to visit the United States Department of Agriculture′s website at www.usda.gov.

We hope you will continue to enjoy our products.

Sincerely,General Mills Consumer Services

In response to THEIR response, I received this in my inbox today:

YOPLAIT FOLLOW-UP!
Were you surprised to get a response from General Mills?
We weren't. It's just that their tidy little response was one that only a lawyer or a politician could love. As many of you pointed out to us, General Mills didn't even address the issue! If you go back and connect the dots, you'll see that our Action Alert was about rBGH, and General Mills' response was about BGH.
What's the difference between BGH and rBGH?
To reiterate, Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) is a natural protein hormone produced in a cow's pituitary gland. Recombinant BGH (a/k/a rBGH) is a synthetic, unnatural hormone injected into the cow so she'll produce more milk - unnaturally!
Why did General Mills only mention BGH and not rBGH?
Because if General Mills dealt with rBGH straight up, they would have to acknowledge that it's banned in Canada, Australia, Japan and all 27 countries in the European Union. And Starbucks and Safeway stores in the northwest (among others) have voluntarily banned it in their products.
Why should you care?

Again, rBGH is not only synthetic; it also increases production of the hormone Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which in excessive amounts in humans beyond infancy is a cancer accelerator associated with breast, prostate and colon cancers.In lawyer-land, we call this kind of reply by General Mills sophistry, which is a fancy term for deceitful bull****. We need to make sophistry a thing of the past when it comes to the governance and business of our health.

So there it is in a nutshell. Don't buy into the Yoplait bullpoop. For years I've run from anything "pink" so this is no different for me. As a matter of fact, we only buy organic yogurt anyway, and raw yogurt 99% of the time. But I have not been pinkwashed, and every October I try to reach more converts. For more information, visit Think Before You Pink.

Eliminate Fear of Failure

Here is a great letter from Mike Brescia that I wanted to share because it came to me JUST after I realized these things on my own. Perhaps it will help someone learn much earlier what took me 37 years to learn!

Yesterday, I was asked by a client how he could get the stressors in his life to go away. He said that he was smart, talented, outgoing, hardworking and ambitious, but that he would frequently get overwhelmed with all the responsibilities and all the directions he was being pulled in each day.

I told him that his request is an unreasonable one.

The stressors -- responsibilities -- will not go away, nor should they.

Because to get rid of one, another one will probably, as if by magic, replace it.

This is a good thing, because no responsibilities means that you are either dead or a complete burden to others.

I told him to not wish them to be gone, but to give them new labels and meanings instead. Because when nothing on the outside can or should change, it is on the inside where the only good can be done.

Many parts of your life are literally about jobs, tasks, responsibilities... so when you can experience the joy built into each one of them, instead of seeing them as your curse, you will not feel any negative stress, even though nothing on the outside of you has changed at all.

Our duties are the DOINGS of our lives.

Without them, there is no life at all.

Even play is filled with tasks and duties and rules. What would our favorite games be without rules that all players must adhere to.

I told him that he must change the meaning that he gives to his chores in all areas of his life.

When he does this, what he calls stress will melt away.

He now calls them stressors...

So I told him to call them things he gets to do, vows, promises or pledges.

Instantly he felt great.

He said they didn't seem scary any more.

That is the power of labels. That is why people will work hard and long for a title even when no additional compensation (or any compensation at all) goes with it.

Now, of course, his emotional change was in the moment. And emotions can work quickly for you. But they can just as quickly turn negative again when your lifelong patterns get back in control...

And they WILL take over again even after profound emotional breakthroughs occur.

Life-long conditioning is what put our long-time fears in place. Conditioning over a lifetime is what makes us give the meanings we put on things.

To one person, a sunset is the most beautiful thing in the world, but to another it only means that a dreadful tomorrow is that much closer.

Those viewpoints weren't developed overnight.

Everyone has fears due to unsupportive meanings and viewpoints.

So when I myself feel less than some task I have before me, I now use 'Releasing Fear Of Failure Now!' to give me strength. When I read the words, and affirm to myself silently or out loud, I begin instantly to feel bigger, more capable. Smarter, even though I didn't grow smarter in seconds. Stronger, even though I am no stronger than I was moments before.

And the challenge (responsibility) seems smaller somehow, and easier.

The thing to remember is that nothing has any meaning except the meaning we give it.

And those meanings create emotions, which guide decisions.

To be free of fear and negative stress is to automatically-- without having to think -- view what is in front of you as a grain of sand that can be walked upon and passed by without conscious effort.

Do that and your life will be a smooth, enjoyable flow, no matter what "difficulty" or "deadline" you have in front of you.

'Releasing Fear Of Failure Now!' can do that for you.

It will internalize and condition into you empowering emotions relating to the things that frighten you and that stop you from living fully and being as adventurous as you once dreamed of being and still dream of being.

Fearlessly,

Mike Brescia

PS: The introductory 25% discount on 'Releasing Fear Of Failure Now!' is ending soon. You do not want to miss out on this remarkable price reduction!

I have purchased many of the Think Right Now! programs and can attest to their effectiveness. If everyone used these programs, there would be LOTS of useless books removed from circulation!

Is Your Organic Food Really Organic?

When you buy food with a "USDA organic" label, do you know what you're getting? Now is a good time to ask such a question, as the USDA just announced Monday it was putting 15 out of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers they audited on probation, allowing them 12 months to make corrections or lose their accreditation. At the heart of the audit for several certifiers were imported foods and ingredients from other countries, including China. read more...

Is Gardasil Killing Our Teens?

This is a MUST read article regarding the HPV vaccine and its effects on the young girls who have received this deadly, worthless vaccine.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/08/02/hpv-vaccine-blamed-for-teen-s-paralysis.aspx?source=nl

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SUGAR TO HIT SUPERMARKET SHELVES THIS YEAR

ALERT: OCA LAUNCHES KELLOGG'S BOYCOTT

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SUGAR TO HIT SUPERMARKET SHELVES THIS YEAR

The Organic Consumers Association's (OCA) and allies are calling for a boycott of all Kellogg's products after Kellogg's refuses to source only GE-Free Sugar. Monsanto's RoundUp Ready Genetically Engineered Sugar is due to hit stores this year, exposing millions of consumers to untested and unlabeled "Franken Foods" that threaten human heath, the environment and farmers' rights everywhere. Take Action-Join the Boycott!

http://organicconsumers.org/kelloggs.cfmSign OCA's Petition to Kellogg's http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1300

Make a Free Call to Kellogg's and let them know how you feel http://organicconsumers.org/ge/CallKelloggs.htm

Send a Letter to the Editor of you Local Newspapers about the Boycott http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/letter/?letter_KEY=1009

Komen Gives Money to Planned Parenthood

This article just blew me away. I've already stated where I stand on the whole pink ribbon campaign, but even knowing what I know about the cancer industry, this still totally shocked me. Apparently, some Komen affiliates are donating thousands of dollars, over $700,000 in all, to local Planned Parenthood offices. While Planned Parenthood says that the donations are earmarked for breast exams, if you know anything about money you know that it just freed up money for other procedures such as abortions. (I remember back when the Georgia Lottery was being discussed and how they brainwashed people into believing that it would bring more money into the schools. Sure it brought money into the schools, and the money that was already being spent on the schools went somewhere else. Nice, huh?)

Anyway, we're all adults. Let's be real. I guess I can't double-boycott the Komen Foundation, but this is just another reason why you should if you haven't. Use your money for your own prevention strategies and do your due diligence when it comes to cancer and cancer research. While I once supported them all, including the American Cancer Society and their famous "Relay for Life," I now go out of my way to avoid giving any cancer research company my money. If a product has a pink ribbon, I will not buy it. I will either go without or use a different brand. For more information, you can visit http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/

Here's the article: http://www.lifenews.com/nat3849.html

FDA Action Against Raw Milk

Being consumers of raw milk, articles like this catch our attention. It is amazing that we live in a "free" country, yet we cannot easily obtain and consume what WE feel is a nutritious food. How is it that selling raw meat - parts of a dead animal- is not questioned, but selling raw milk is under intense scrutiny? Does that make any sense at all?

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/04/08/fda-action-against-raw-milk.aspx

What are you doing for Earth Day?

As my kids have gotten older, I try to teach them why conserving resources is important to me, and why I do things a little differently than others might. My son just happened to be born on Earth Day, and I have an earth tattoo from my "just want to see what it feels like" early twenties. I also have to admit that I am somewhat of a tree hugger, but not so much that I wear sandals in the winter. Even I catch myself doing things that are wasteful, and smacking myself on the head with a "do'h!" Like having reusable bags, but leaving them at home. Or not taking the time to learn more about recycling in my area and throwing it all in the trash. We've lived in our town for two years, and this Earth Day I made the committment to learn about recycling and where we take our recyclables. I'm also considering putting this "green" information together for new residents so that they know what's what. Since I homeschool, our science and social studies lessons during the month of April are ALL about things that we can do in our homes to help make our community and planet a little better for us all. We will be visiting the recycling center as well as our new state of the art landfill that was put in two years ago, and hopefully they will get an idea of the impact of what we throw away. Here are some things that other work at home moms are doing to keep our planet healthy:

"We are now using a 3 bag system (often used for sorting dirty clothes) to recycle. One bag is for pop cans/bottles, one bag is for other type cans and the last bag is for plastics. We are keeping it in our garage very close to the door which is close to the kitchen for ease of use. We already recycle newspapers, phone books magazines, etc. We are also being more diligent with electricity. Turning off lights when not in use. My 4.5yo loves joining in. We try and make it fun for her to be able to participate and learn how to help our environment." Photo Bug Baby - Toni Saussele

"Our family doesn't leave the water running while brushing our teeth as this seems such a waste of water. We also recycle paper, plastics and tin/metal every day. We reuse our plastic water bottles that we have bought from the store when we were "on the run". Plus, when we are done using the water bottles, we recycle them. (We try not to have the need for purchasing water from the stores). When possible we try to purchase paper products that have been made out of recycled paper.

We also have a compost. This cuts down on the trash that is going into our landfills and the compost can be used as a natural fertilizer in our garden. Our family use "green" products when ever possible. This includes all types of cleaning products to bath and body products. This not only helps the earth by not using harmful chemicals but also helps better our health at the same time.

Our family business reuses packing materials/containers whenever possible to cut down on waste as well as passing savings onto our customers. The bulk of our products are made from a renewable resource that is natural and non-toxic to the earth and humans (or animals)." SeaGlass Candles - Kelly

"Businesses and consumers today can choose from a wide range of high quality products that are equal in performance to traditional products, but can result in lower waste, fewer chemicals, lower energy use and less material use. At Dezigns by T we go for the greener options when purchasing products and materials for our homes and office. From printing on post-consumer recycled content (PCR) paper to switching from incandescent bulbs to energy efficient compact fluorescents to packaging our products with recycled materials we believe in making more personal decisions with the environment in mind.

In our quest to further reduce our carbon footprint Dezigns by T has partnered with TerraPass to sponsor clean energy and carbon reduction projects that result in a verified, measurable reduction in carbon emissions. We invite you to visit our TerraPass partner page to learn more about the projects that Dezigns by T and TerraPass support and to find out how your organization can balance its carbon emissions."

"I saw a show about climate change on Oprah awhile back, and I ran straight out to Home Depot to get my water heater insulation, programmable thermostat, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. It took me about six months to take the time to install the thermostat and wrap my water heater. At least they are both done now! No more forgetting to turn down the thermostat at night in the winter. I don't use those light bulbs in the most used lights, rather I use them in the most left on lights—places where the light bulb will be on for a long time if left on because I don't frequent those rooms very often—the pantry, laundry room, garage, and the one walk-in closet. In the bedroom light fixtures that have three light bulbs, I use one CLF and two incandescent bulbs. That way I still get the look of incandescent light. For the other lights, I buzz around the house shutting off lights all the time now. I have turned into my mother! Since 12 months ago, our natural gas bill has gone down $42 USD/month, and our electricity bill has gone down $20 USD/month. And I have also finally purchased reusable grocery bags and produce bags. Slowly we're starting to remember to bring them from the car to the store for actual use." Modest Clothing Directory - Dara Becker

"The Green Path Company is a family owned-company and we all made a commitment to make some simple, inexpensive changes to our lives such as reducing junk mail and unsolicited catalogs, unplugging electronics to cut down on energy consumption, and conserving water through the installation of low-flow shower heads. Our website features a “Green Tips” page as well as a FREE packet outlining some easy changes to make around the house. The packet contains 10 tips you can incorporate into your daily or monthly routine that help us conserve energy and protect the environment. If you are interested in receiving this FREE information you can contact us at The Green Path Company and we will send the packet out to you!" Regionz Kidz - Lisa Smith

Earth Day Specials and Coupons

Earth Day is April 22, and in celebration of this important date, we will be having a promotion at Eve's Best. During the month of April, we will give a FREE GreenBag with every Showerwise shower filter purchase. In addition to the GreenBag, you will save $10 on the Showerwise, which will be going up on May 1.

Here are some more Earth Day specials provided by other small businesses and work at home moms:

During the month of April, Karen Clark, a rep with Story Time Felts, Inc. is offering sales on the following felts:
76147 Rain Forest
6030 Bug Book
6318 Farm and Zoo Toggle
3230 Creation Set
On April 1, these specials will be listed here: http://www.funfelt.com/specials.html But feel free to visit her store now and decide which items you want!

Tara, at http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/ is offering 15% off with coupon code earthday2008. Coupon is good April 21st through midnight EST April 23rd.

Karen Tracy with Shaklee is offering FREE Preferred customer membership with qualified purchase from April 21-29.

LaKeshia Snyder with Tupperware is offering 15% off orders emailed to her; free gift for those who place their orders through her website. Offer valid April 21-25.

Kandi Tobin with Shaklee is offering FREE membership ($19.95 value..I will reimburse this fee) with any $50 or more purchase of any product April 1-30. Email tobinjewels@gmail.com or call her at 501-593-7127 for details and instructions.

Jennifer at Little Piddles is offering 15% off all purchases with coupon code EARTHDAY. Coupon is valid April 20-27.

Kelly Mitchell of SeaGlass Candles is offering a 10% discount on all purchases for the entire month of April (coupon code: cleanearth) to celebrate Earth Day.

Ann Tillage with Sharmooz is offering 15% off your entire purchase with coupon code Baby15. "The Sharmooz Company proudly presents our Eco-Friendly Line (coming out on Earth Day) with the same great benefits of the Original Baby Sharmooz. We searched and found the finest Earth Friendly Hemp Silk Satin which uses less unnatural resources to produce. Remember, not only your baby - but the Earth- deserves the ROYAL treatment!" Coupon code will be good through December 2008.

Cyndi McGregor with Greenbaby Gifts is giving either an organic baby shampoo and wash, or an organic cotton infant toy FREE with every purchase during the month of April. She will also be donating 10% of her profits for the month of April to the Environmental Working Group.

Kara Kelso with Prairie Soy Candles is offering 10% off with coupon code "earthday" on April 22 (excludes Etsy purchases, good for store products ONLY).

The Green Path Company is offering a discount on our Organic Cotton tote bag in April! Save $2.00 on each bag AND receive a FREE Simple Green Living Tips packet filled with information on simple, inexpensive things you can do everyday to live a greener life, simple, inexpensive ways to eliminate junk mail and some great water conservation ideas. The packet also contains a "reminder" calendar that will help you incorporate these tips into your routines. You can also sign up for our blog and newsletter to learn about companies and products that are making the change to go green!

Please visit these stores and take part in their Earth Day celebrations as you see fit. And as we all should every Earth Day, take a little time to contemplate a change that you can make to lighten your footprint on our planet!

Calcium supplementation increases bone mineral content in adolescent girls

A new clinical trial (reported in the February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) found that supplementing adolescent girls with calcium led to significantly increased bone mineral content in the short term. However, long-term benefits were only maintained with continual use.

A recent meta-analysis raised doubt as to whether calcium supplementation in children benefits spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD). A recent study had a different conclusion. The trial was an 18 month trial of calcium supplementation (792 mg/d) with follow-up two years after supplement withdrawal. Subjects included 96 adolescent girls with low calcium intakes. State-of-the-art measures of bone were used to determine the change in total-body, lumbar spine, and total hip bone mineral content (BMC) during supplementation and then two years after supplement withdrawal.

Over the eighteen-month period, girls who received supplemental calcium showed significantly greater gains in bone mineral content (with the exception of the hip), and bone mineral density was greater at all sites compared with the group that received a placebo. Indicators of bone loss were significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the control group after 18 months. However, after 24 months (or two years without supplements), the differences between groups were no longer observed.

Contrary to the conclusion of the recent meta-analysis, this study indicates that calcium supplementation does indeed enhance bone mineral accumulation in teenage girls, but the effect is short-lived. The likely mechanism for the effect of the calcium is suppression of bone turnover, which is reversed upon supplement withdrawal. Therefore, calcium supplementation must be consistent and life-long to achieve full bone health benefits.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 2, 455-462, February 2008

Fluoride May Damage the Brain, New Report Says

New York – February 26, 2008 -- "It is not clear that the benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water outweigh risks of neurodevelopment or other effects such as dental fluorosis," according to an Institute for Children's Environmental Health report. (1)

Fluoride chemicals are added to 2/3 of U.S. public water supplies ostensibly to reduce tooth decay. Fluoride is found in dental products, supplements and virtually all foods and beverages (2).

"Excessive fluoride ingestion is known to lower thyroid hormone levels, which is particularly critical for women with subclinical hypothyroidism; decreased maternal thyroid levels adversely affect fetal neurodevelopment," reports a prestigious committee of scientists and health professionals in a “Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.”

Studies they reviewed and others link fluoride to brain abnormalities and/or IQ deficits. (3)

"The question is what level of exposure results in harmful effects to children. The primary concern is that multiple routes of exposure, from drinking water, food and dental care products, may result in a high enough cumulative exposure to fluoride to cause developmental effects," they write.

"Given the serious consequences of LDDs [learning and developmental disabilities], a precautionary approach is warranted to protect the most vulnerable of our society," the authors caution.

"It's time to stop water fluoridation," says lawyer Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation. “With many neurological diseases, such as autism and ADD, afflicting too many American children, fluoride's dubious promises of less cavities no longer outweigh fluoride's serious health risks," says Beeber.

The National Research Council reviewed fluoride toxicology evidence and reported in March 2006 that studies linking fluoride to lowered IQ are plausible.(3a)

"The real dental dilemma facing American children today is their inability to get dental care," says Beeber. “Eighty-percent of dentists refuse Medicaid patients (4) and 108 million Americans don’t have dental insurance (5),” says Beeber.

Studies show that when fluoridation ends, cavities actually go down. (6)

Please sign the petition urging Congress to end fluoridation and hold hearings about why federal officials continue to promote water fluoridation in the face of growing scientific evidence of harm at http://www.FluorideAlert.org/Congress .

Dr. Phyllis Mullenix was the first U.S. scientist to find evidence that fluoride damages the brain. She published her study in a respected peer-reviewed scientific journal (7) and then was fired because she wouldn’t squelch it.(8)

Contact: Paul Beeber, Esq. nyscof@aol.com
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof

or

Paul Connett, PhD, Executive Director, Fluoride Action Network paul@fluoridealert.org
http://www.FluorideAction.Net

References:

1) Institute for Children's Environmental Health, “Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents
Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders,”
Developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment’s
Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative
November 7, 2007 released February 20, 2008
http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIStatement.pdf
2) USDA National Fluoride Database of Selected Beverages and Foods - 2004 http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Fluoride/Fluoride.html
3) http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/brain/index.html#human

3a) The National Academies of Science, Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, National Research Council, "Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards," March 2006
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11571.html?onpi_newsdoc03222006

4) Slate, “Hidden Rations Why poor kids can't find a dentist,” by Anne AlstottMay 29, 2007 http://www.slate.com/id/2167190/

5) American Dental Education Association/American Association for Dental Research Testimony presented by Dr. Nick Mosca
March 27, 2007 Before the House Energy and Commerce Committee

http://www.iadr.com/files/public/LA07testimonyMosca.pdf

6) http://thyroid.about.com/cs/toxicchemicalsan/a/fluoridepr.htm

7) Mullenix P, et al. (1995). “Neurotoxicity of Sodium Fluoride in Rats,” Neurotoxicology and Teratology 17:169-177)

8) Dr. Phyllis Mullenix interview:
http://www.fluoridealert.org/mullenix-interview.htm

Videos: Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9daqPRUWpMc

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4QrTcyrrvw


SOURCE: NYS Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc
PO Box 263
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof

Past News Releases http://tinyurl.com/6kqtu

Developing a Healthy Eating Plan

So you are ready to develop your own healthy eating plan. Congratulations! (Before you run for the “back” button, check this out…)

When "healthy eating plan" comes to mind, probably your second thought is "diet." Let me assure you, that is not what we’re going for here. You will be changing your diet, but not going on a diet. See the difference? You are not going to go hungry, you are not going to starve yourself, you are not going to be a prisoner. As a matter of fact, no one will be pushing you to do something that you don't want to do. You will WANT to do it yourself.

"How is that?" you ask. If you are like most people, you have tried to eat better; for a day- maybe two. It wasn't any fun. Losing the extra pounds for swimsuit season which was months away didn't seem urgent enough to change your diet today, so you put it on the back burner. And there it still is. Swimsuit season is only months away, and THIS year is going to be different!

"How is that?" you ask again. (Boy, you ask a LOT of questions!)

It’s understandable that you have your doubts. You were never able to stay the course, so why should now be any different? Now is different because you now have access to a tool that you did not have before. Here is what we know about eating and food:

• We eat to make ourselves happy.
• We do not eat for life.
• Food is the drug of choice for overweight people.
• Food either kills us or gives us life.
• We know what to eat, but we like to eat what makes us happy instead.
• We don’t feel we are worth eating the right foods, so we sabotage ourselves.
• People who eat healthy feel they are worth it.
• We eat when we are bored. Or tired, lonely, depressed, anxious, etc.
• Food is not the enemy. Our inner dialogue is.

“What the heck is ‘inner dialogue’?” (Again with the questions!)

Simply put, every time we put food into our mouths that we know is not healthy, we have made the decision that it is what we deserve. We are not worth the healthy food. While you may not consciously converse in your mind, there is a thought process that says: “I suck and I don’t deserve the good stuff. I don’t deserve to be healthy. I deserve illness and disease and death.”

That is why diets don’t work. Because changing what you eat does not change the inner dialogue that got you where you are. The good news is that you don’t have to go through years of counseling to change that inner dialogue!

“Well how do I change it?!” you ask anxiously.

You listen.

You don’t need to read a self-help book. You don’t have to follow steps that you know you’ll never get through. All you have to do is listen.

The tool that you will use to REALLY change your eating habits is Eating for Excellent Health Now! from Think Right Now! International, Inc. An audio CD, Eating for Excellent Health Now! is the complete mental conditioning program for developing lifelong healthy eating habits. All you do is pop it in your CD player at home, in the car, or in your computer, and listen. As a matter of fact, you don’t even really have to listen. You just play it in the same room, as much as possible, and your thoughts will begin to change. Maybe this sounds kind of kooky to you. Maybe too kooky. Maybe even kooky enough to work!

The CD does not use subliminal messages. You can hear everything on the CD. It is very easy to listen to while working, cleaning, or just relaxing. To learn more about the program, go there now. Some great things to know is that you will have the CD in hand within days; shipments are sent out immediately. Also, you have a 6 month money back guarantee. Having used this very program myself, I can tell you that instead of returning the program, you will come back for more and buy them for friends and family!

Think Right Now 3 Day Super Bowl Sale

I have some great news that I think you'll appreciate.

Many of you are very familiar with Mike Brescia and Think Right Now's line of Accelerated Success Conditioning Programs. They are phenomenal products that use the technology developed by the famed psychotherapist Georgi Lozanov that allowed people to learn information from 5 to 10 times faster than normal teaching methods.

And so you may already be aware that these programs actually teach you the unconscious empowering thought patterns found in people who are the best at a variety of different life disciplines. In other words, they don't just give you information and leave you on your own. No, they actually install the knowledge into your long-term memory.
So you actually learn to think on a moment-by-moment basis like the people you want to be like, so you automatically make similar decisions and thus, get similar results.
Plus, the whole process is the model of simplicity.

The success stories they've got are absolutely astounding.

And the REALLY interesting part today is that Think Right Now is running a 3 day sale.

All their Think Right Now and Instant Inner Power programs are 20% off until Thursday at 2pm U.S. Eastern Time.

If you want to experience some truly profound positive change in your life and you love saving money, you should check it out now.

To save 20% on all Think Right Now programs, go here

To save 20% on all Instant Inner Power programs, go here

And remember, on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 2pm U.S. Eastern Time, they are shutting off the discounts, no exceptions.

I recommend you find out about these products now and use them. I have some of their programs and I love them.

I believe you will love them, too.

Especially since you'll be saving 20%.

All the best,

Evie

P.S. Remember, this sale ends this Thursday (Feb 7th) at 2pm U.S. Eastern Time.

Digestive System Help

If you are looking for answers to your gas, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, a drug-free, supplement-free solution is right at your fingertips. Stop suffering immediately!

You must check out Digestive System Help for information on digestive system solutions. Stop taking drugs, and most importantly, stop the pain!

The Story of Stuff

It may take a while to download, but it's well worth the wait. It's a little over 20 minutes long, but you've GOT to watch it all! This video is excellent, and puts into words what I've been thinking for years (without all the data). We shop at Goodwill, garage sales, and thrift stores, and we sell our used clothes in our Bargain Basement, or donate them. We do sometimes buy things new, and I grimace, but slowly my children are learning that the commercials play up toys that often end up not being as fun as they look. I consider this an investment in helping them learn through doing rather than me lecturing them. Anyway, here's the video. Hope you get something out of it!

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

Watch This if You Ever Stay in Hotels

Oh this is so gross. I'm already fairly leery when I enter a hotel room, but I never thought about the drinking glasses! Here is a video about hotels in/around Atlanta, GA that were not properly cleaning the drinking glasses, even when the next user would be a new guest. Unfortunately, the solution seemed to be providing plastic cups, which is just adding to our landfills, but I guess it's better than drinking from a glass that can give you a number of diseases.

Here is the video: http://tinyurl.com/2f8r2n

If you do frequent hotels, keep the bacteria and viruses at bay (not to mention allergens!) with an Airwise Air Purifier. And don't forget to pack your slippers!

Victory on Avastin

Breast Cancer Action (BCA) applauds yesterday's recommendation by a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee to deny approval of Avastin as a breast cancer drug for metastatic patients.

In a letter to the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC), BCA urged denial based on the fact that the drug's maker, biotech giant Genentech, did not provide data indicating that Avastin improved overall survival or quality of life.

By a 5-4 vote, the committee agreed, indicating that the toxic side effects outweighed the potential benefits of the drug. ODAC member and patient advocate Natalie Compagni Portis told the New York Times that she voted no because while it's painfully true that metastatic breast cancer isn't curable, "I don't think that means that we should just say, 'Well, here, try this,' if there isn't meaningful data to support it."

BCA Executive Director Barbara A. Brenner told the San Francisco Chronicle, "It's not necessarily a bad drug. We just don't know if it's a good drug." Brenner also criticized the estimated $100,000 a year price tag for Avastin.

BCA believes that a drug should increase overall survival or improve quality of life before being approved. Additionally, it should be more affordable than the available alternatives.The recommendation now goes to the FDA commissioner, who will make a decision in February. We will continue taking action--and asking you to do so--on the issue, so stay tuned.

Sign up to receive future emails from the BCA.

December at Eve's Best

December is here, and I just can't believe that the year is almost over! Where did it go? I remember adults telling me when I was little that when I grew up, time would fly. And I find myself telling my kids the same thing! It's so true!

The past few months, sales have skyrocketed, and I'm very grateful for each and every customer. It has been difficult keeping some items in stock, and while it's frustrating, it makes having a business so worth it!

A new product we have added recently is Stack and Stick Wooden Building Toys. These make perfect Christmas gifts for boys or girls. My daughter saw the pictures on my computer screen and immediately said, "I want that!" They are made in the USA, which is nice in light of the recent toy recalls. Feel free to use this coupon code to save $10 on your favorite set: CUST10. This coupon is only good through December 10, so don't drag your feet!

A couple of other products (that you can read about in older posts) include reusable bags and Tees for Change . You might also want to put some Soft Star Shoes under your tree this year. (I'll take some!)

But the most important thing we have to talk about this month is Think Right Now! International. Just visit Eve's Best and you will learn why this company is very important to what we do and our goal of living healthy. Start at the STOP sign, and read what we have learned that could change your life today in a BIG way. It has mine, and I'm excited about sharing it with others who are ready to live the life they deserve.

Oh! I almost forgot. We have a number of products on clearance and wanted to make sure that you grabbed a bargain or two. Here are some direct links to make it easier on you.

BabyLegs
bumGenius 2.0 One Size Diapers
GladRags
The Keeper Menstrual Cup
Knitted Washcloths
One Size Organic Cotton Diapers
Organic Cotton Nursing Top

We also have many items in our Bargain Basement for those TRUE bargain shoppers!

I think that is all for now, and I hope to keep up better in 2008! I'm sure it will zoom by just as quickly as 2007 did!

Reusable Grocery Bags

I am so glad that I was finally able to add reusable bags to our product line. I have been wanting to do this for so long, and I finally worked it out! We have both an organic cotton tote, and the famous "GreenBag" that works great, too. Once I loaded up the bags I was amazed at how much would fit inside! We also have lightweight organic cotton sacks for holding produce and other items. It is often difficult to market reusable items such as grocery bags and diapers, since most people don't have to live with or see on a daily basis where all that trash goes. Not to mention, grocery bags are "free" if you don't realize that you pay for it in other ways. But for people who care about the environment, (their environment and their children's environment) it makes sense to do what you can now. Not to mention, we are setting an excellent example for our children when we use reusable items. They often grow up to have the same habits their parents had, so why not teach them well? In any case, they will probably be required by law to furnish their own grocery bags, as I'm sure the next couple of decades will show the rest of the country catching up to the plastic bag ban in San Francisco.

Tees for Change

This company has a great idea: changing our attitudes, one tee at a time! Founded by Andreea in spring 2007, the idea came about when she was faced with negative responses to her desire for a home birth. "What if everything goes wrong?" she was asked over and over again.

"What if everything goes right?" she wondered.

Sharing a bit of her positive attitude on every tee shirt produced by Tees for Change, her positive impact doesn't stop there. Every shirt is made in "sweatshop-free" factories from 100% organic cotton, or 70% bamboo/ 30% organic cotton. Shirts are dyed using low-impact eco-friendly dyes and are screenprinted with non-toxic, water-based inks.

Whether you want to "choose happiness" or "seek balance" I'm sure you will find a t-shirt just right for you, or even for a gift! Share a little positivity and watch the world smile back at you!

Buying Used Items Conserves Natural Resources

I know this sounds really bad to some people, but I LOVE shopping in thrift stores! I don't get high from new, chemical laden clothes, and the next STEAL could be just around the corner! It's like a rush. Of course there are visits that produce nothing, even after hours of looking, but imagine the money that I save when I don't find anything.

I'm obviously not fashion conscious, and I'll never promise to boycott Old Navy or some of my other favorite stores, but when you stay at home for most of your existence, how fancy do your clothes really need to be? Comfort is key, and at thrift stores I've found some really nice Land's End, Gap, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, LL Bean, and other great brand name clothing that lasted me a few more years. I've also found a TON of clothing for my children. In Gwinnett County where we once lived, there were four Goodwill stores near us, and they had the BEST selection in children's clothes. I also shopped at Kidsignments twice a year, and boy, do I miss those sales!

Between thrift stores, consignment sales, and garage sales, our clothing needs are fairly covered. But don't think I'm just cheap! I also shop these sales because it is important to me that we conserve resources. Every time you buy something used, you prevent a new item from being created. You get a perfectly good product, where the chemicals have been long washed out, and you get a good conscience because you have saved some money and helped the environment as well. This is important, especially considering that cotton requires a TON of pesticides to grow (yes, "ton" is a scientific expression!)

Since I am no longer able to sell our children's clothing at the Kidsignments sale, I have set up a Bargain Basement on my website where I sell their clothes and shoes which are still worth selling! In addition to the toddler girl and boy clothes, I have also added baby items, homeschooling items, books, and other things just lying around the house. Stop by and support our cause, and feel good about the money you save and the resources you are helping to conserve!

It's time to get serious about your health!

That is what I groaned to myself, lying in bed one night, trying to get rid of the abdominal pain after eating a couple of slices of Pizza Hut pan pizza. We usually get the thin crust, but we decided to get adventurous for some stupid reason. The pain eventually went away, just in time to have another slice the next day for lunch. "How stupid can I be?!" I wondered a couple of hours later when the same pain appeared. So I wrote off pan pizza, but a couple of days later, my stomach was still not happy, and a new tell-tale pain overrode the original pain: gall bladder pain.

When I was pregnant with my first baby almost 6 years ago, I remember the horrible pain that I had them ultrasound, which they said was completely normal. It went away after delivery, so I didn't think about it again. But now it was back. And knowing what the amount of fat in pan pizza had already done to me, I was certain that it had really messed up my gall bladder.

Before you go making assumptions about my weight and our eating habits, let me clarify some things. When we don't eat out, I'm pretty neurotic about eating organic foods, pasture fed beef, raw milk, and all the other stuff that you would consider about a healthy lifestyle. I have never in my life been overweight. As a matter of fact, I've been called "anorexic" numerous times and before my gall bladder attack, weighed 120 lbs. (I'm 5'6"). I was a competitive swimmer most of my life, and exercise has always been an important part of my routine. UNTIL...

Well, first kids came, and then the fatigue practically crippled me. When my second child was about 18 months, I decided to get back into shape. I did great! Then, one day I couldn't get out of bed. It took me about 6 weeks to recover, so I decided I was not able to exercise. That baby is now 4, and yes, it was over 2 years before I started exercising again after curing my fatigue problem.

So why the gall bladder problem? For the most part, the lack of exercise is a huge factor. Then there is the food that I eat that I shouldn't. The two scoops of ice cream before bed didn't help! But mostly, it's genetic. My father and just about everyone in his family has had their gall bladders removed. I'm not planning on losing an organ, so fear of that has been very helpful in helping me to eat the right foods!

It's been a couple of weeks, I guess, and I lost 5 lbs the first week. I don't plan on losing more, but I do plan on sticking with eating tons of fresh veggies, green apples, pears, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, etc. If you are wondering if you have gall bladder problems, check out Gall Bladder Attack and you will learn everything you need to know! A friend of mine had her gall bladder removed after having classic symptoms for over a year that her doctor never diagnosed as gall bladder problems. Go figure!

Kraft is Sued for Falsely Calling Capri Sun Drink 'All Natural'

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_3753.cfm

This is just one more example of mainstream companies trying to fool unguarded consumers. I just don't know where this is going to end. Between cloned animals, "all natural" ingredients, and genetically modified foods, I am afraid to eat normal, everyday foods at this point. While we get our meat, raw dairy, and eggs from a local farmer, our fruits and vegetables come from other places and now more than ever I know I've got to start my own garden this spring. Be careful with your purchases and read those labels! (And it goes without saying, read between the lines and doubt the label as well...)

Merry Christmas from Eve's Best

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted a newsletter and I am very sorry! We started homeschooling in September and my time seems to just slip away more and more each month. I've had lots of things I wanted to share, but they have since slipped my mind for the moment.

I've just cleaned my desk off, so I will be starting the new year off with a fresh, clean slate, and plan on being more organized (and writing down things when they come to me!)

Since (once again) we succumbed to the nasties this year and all that Christmas candy and sweets led to our puny immune systems, I wanted to remind you of some Cold and Flu Prevention Strategies. One not mentioned came in a Dr. Mercola newsletter just the other day. Basically you put hydrogen peroxide in both ears for about 10 minutes and it will prevent a cold from coming on. I am still stuffy, so when I get done writing this I will go try it and do it a few times today to see if it helps.

I hope that you are finished with all of your Christmas shopping and running around and are able to enjoy a peaceful weekend. We did almost all of our shopping on-line and I just realized today how weird it is that I haven't been to the store 5-6 times during the holiday, picking up little things along the way that we really didn't need!

Be on the lookout next month for my new eBook, which is one of the main reasons I have neglected my newsletter. Hopefully you will find it helpful and get something out of it.

Until next year...
Remember that Your Health Matters, even during the holidays!

Cancer Awareness or Cancer Prevention?

In response to what's coming next month- "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" (BCAM) I am contemplating the question of the motive of BCAM and pink ribbon campaigns. Have you ever thought about it? Why call it "awareness"? Do people not know about cancer? What are we supposed to become aware of during October? Why don't they call it "Breast Cancer Prevention Month?" The fact of the matter is that AstraZeneca (the main corporate sponsor of BCAM) who makes tamoxifen, (the top selling breast cancer drug), has no interest in preventing breast cancer. As a matter of fact, they push early detection because the sooner cancer is detected, the sooner we will be on their drugs.

How much do you know about the cancer industry, and how much time and money have you given them? Did you know that they already get millions of our tax dollars already? And they spend a majority of it on drug research and administrative costs. What about education? What about prevention? Where does that fit in?

Do some surfing around at http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org. I am certainly not the only one asking these questions, and they provide many of the answers along with literature that you can share with others. Just ask them!

Some more information on cancer can be found at http://www.eves-best.com/cancer-resources.htm. This information is critical for those newly diagnosed, and especially for those with "terminal" cancer. Another thing I wonder...how many people are alive and well, walking this earth who were diagnosed with terminal cancer YEARS ago? Have you ever wondered?

Keep your eyes and ears open! Search out information and you will find it.

What are you really eating?

You may think you are sticking to your diet, but unless you are making everything from scratch and eating whole, fresh foods, you probably aren't. It's no secret to many that the FDA has dropped the ball on protecting consumers. But instead of asking for more money, we should realize that it's not the government's job to protect us. They will always fail at that, no matter how much money is spent. Unless we educate ourselves and realize what's going on in the food industry, we will not be able to stop the lobbyists who have no concern for us and only care about the bottom line. This article is from 2004, so if you are hearing this for the first time, make it stick and change your shopping habits!

http://www.mercola.com/2004/may/22/food_labels.htm

Economics of Diabetes

This article appeared in Bottom Line's Daily News, date unknown. It is a must read by ALL Americans since it affects roughly 25% of us...even if we don't realize it yet!

Economics of Diabetes

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. This disease, characterized by high levels of blood sugar (glucose), has now reached epidemic proportions. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in three children born in 2000 could develop it if they don't change their ways.

Despite this rise, a series in The New York Times in early 2006 pointed out that dedicated diabetes care centers are shutting down -- not because they are unsuccessful in combating diabetes, but because they are not making money. So, what's a diabetic to do? If it's not profitable to stay well, are they forced to get very sick so that they can then be treated? Or, is it that staying well is a matter of personal choice and responsibility? It appears that the economics of wellness may indeed be sending the message of "do it yourself" health.

MEGABUCKS FOR CRISIS CARE, PENNIES FOR PREVENTION

The problem is that American health-care dollars flow mainly toward acute, last-minute, lifesaving crises, rather than toward primary care and prevention. While it is not profitable for the health-care industry to provide preventive care for chronic diseases such as diabetes, it is hugely profitable to treat their acute complications.

It has been reported that diabetes care centers lose tens of thousands of dollars per year teaching patients to monitor their sugar levels, follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise -- strategies that would keep diabetes under control and prevent complications. Conversely, $30,000 amputations -- which occur when diabetes spirals out of control -- are very profitable for hospitals.

According to Ray D. Strand, MD, author of Healthy for Life (Real Life), the US health-care system relies too heavily on money-making high-tech and pharmaceutical interventions. Conventional medicine is great at opening up an artery with a stent or curing a raging infection with penicillin... but when there's no operation or pill to cure a disease, individuals are left scrambling. When it comes to diabetes, he believes that modern medicine focuses too much on drugs and procedures to address its consequences, and pays too little (and sometimes no) attention to one of the underlying problems -- insulin resistance.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/097473084X/blpnet

INSULIN RESISTANCE: A PRODUCT OF POOR LIFESTYLE CHOICES

Insulin resistance -- in which the body can no longer make proper use of insulin and correctly process glucose and fat stores -- is the precursor of diabetes, when blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This condition is the result of poor lifestyle choices, primarily a diet of fast and processed foods, a lack of exercise and obesity. If you do nothing to make better choices, Dr. Strand warns that the scales will eventually tip and you will develop metabolic syndrome -- a devastating combination of prediabetes, abdominal obesity and high triglyceride levels, high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. It affects 25% of American adults.

There is no Food and Drug Administration-approved pill to cure insulin resistance, notes Dr. Strand. This may be why modern medicine largely ignores it -- it's the "where there's no pill, there's no disease" way of thinking. However, he stresses that in most cases you can reverse insulin resistance and prevent diabetes by changing your lifestyle and consistently making healthier choices. Even if you already have diabetes, positive strategies such as a proper diet and regular exercise will help you manage it more effectively and prevent complications.

THREE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

Type 2 diabetes doesn't develop overnight, observes Dr. Strand. It is the product of years and years of unhealthful lifestyle choices. The sooner you address and correct lifestyle issues, the better chance you have of reversing or avoiding insulin resistance and diabetes. Dr. Strand recommends...

* A healthful diet that does not spike blood sugar. Conventional doctors don't appreciate the science of the glycemic index, and feel that a carb is a carb is a carb, explains Dr. Strand. Not so. The glycemic index is a ranking of foods according to how rapidly there is a rise in blood sugar. (Read more about it in Daily Health News, September 20, 2004.) Dr. Strand recommends that you choose low-glycemic index foods, such as many fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils and oatmeal, which trigger only a modest rise in blood sugar and enter the bloodstream slowly. Likewise, avoid high-glycemic foods (potatoes, cornflakes, white bread, doughnuts, etc.) that send blood sugar soaring.

http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/blpnet/article.html?article_id=34128

* A moderate, consistent exercise program. To get started, just dust off your walking shoes and take a walk around the neighborhood. Over time, work your way up to 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise (for example, brisk walking or bicycling) five days a week. For consistency and accountability, it helps to buddy up with a friend or join an exercise group.

* High-quality nutritional supplements. According to Dr. Strand, most conventional physicians do not appreciate the use of nutritional supplementation, which has a great benefit in pre-clinical diabetes and diabetes. To boost cellular nutrition, he advises that you take a high-quality antioxidant (vitamins C and E are among his favorites) with each meal. Other helpful supplements include chromium, magnesium and selenium.

Note: Read more about Dr. Strand's program to reverse insulin resistance at www.firststeptherapy.com. He has just completed a clinical trial in which all 25 pre-clinical diabetic participants were able to reverse their insulin resistance within 12 weeks.

http://www.firststeptherapy.com


DO THE RIGHT THING

Instead of offering patients an opportunity to address their health with lifestyle changes, physicians are too quick to simply write a prescription, notes Dr. Strand. The bottom line is there's not much profit for the health-care industry with changes in diet and exercise. However, these lifestyle changes can return your body to health -- turning around insulin resistance, holding diabetes at bay and reducing or even eliminating the need for drugs and other interventions. As I have written about many times, the same holds true for many health challenges, from arthritis to allergy, and gastritis to heart conditions.

Medical science has done many great things for the health of our nation, but they are missing the mark when it comes to simple preventive measures. Individuals must take control of their own lives. Prevention and lifestyle changes are still cheaper no matter what, even if insurance doesn't cover them. And, while it's easy to get mad at the insurance companies for not covering some of those measures, keep in mind that insurance is really for "the big stuff" -- you don't need insurance to pay for you to eat right and take a walk each day.

If this article really hit home for you, and you have struggled to improve your diet, we have a tool that will help you control your cravings, improve blood sugar levels, and help you lose 5-10 lbs. in just 5 days. For more information, please visit http://www.eves-best.com/low-glycemic-meal-replacements.htm. Dr. Strand has done studies using the RESET program and has found that it helps people reverse insulin resistance and even diabetes. It has worked for others, and will work for you, too!

Fruits and veggies not enough, Mass-production affects content

Judy Creighton CP Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Eating five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day may not be enough if government nutrient tables can be believed.

"Almost everything in the produce fruit and vegetable section of the supermarket which we once assumed would be very healthy is anything but," claims Thomas Pawlick, author of The End of Food: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Food Supply - And What We Can Do About It, published by Greystone Books in Vancouver.

"For us to get the same amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that our grandparents or even our parents did," he says, "we would have to eat five times as much or more of some of those fruits and vegetables."

Pawlick, 64, an award-winning science writer from Kingston, Ont., says that much of his research data come from tables published by Agriculture Canada.

"Every three or four years Agri Canada does a fresh set of tables on the current nutritional value of various foods. They send people out at random to various supermarkets and they buy foods off the shelf, take them back to the lab and do analysis of their nutrient content and these are published," he says, adding that consumers can go online and look at the food tables themselves.

Pawlick says that a fresh tomato bought from the supermarket has 61 per cent less calcium than it did in the 1950s.

"Virtually across the board, some losses have been as steep as 70 per cent. And it's because of the way the crops are grown and raised."

Pawlick lays the onus directly on the large corporate farms that supply most of the grocery chains in Canada.

"They choose varieties of fruits and vegetables, and when they make that choice the question of nutrition or flavour never enters into the picture," he says.

"They select varieties of fruit for thickness so when it's in a truck going across the country it won't get smushed," he charges. "So they want hard rubbery fruit and vegetables for a longer shelf life."

Pawlick says the same corporate farms also select produce for appearance. "They have to have uniformity so that every tomato or strawberry looks like the other one, and they all have to be ripe on the same day so they can be machine-harvested."

Pawlick says that because imported produce is harvested prematurely, it is artificially ripened with ethylene gas.

"This decreases the amount of sugar and flavour in the fruit as opposed to allowing it to ripen on the vine." He cites the California strawberry as an example.

"They are beautiful, but they are selected and bred to look good - but not to give you any nourishment."

Pawlick says that where consumers can, they should buy local produce. "Usually if it is locally grown it won't be so bad because it isn't being shipped a long distance," he says. "And anything that is locally grown means you are supporting local people and family farmers and the produce is getting to the market faster to retain its nutrients. The less time there is between picking
and eating, the more nutrients will still be in the product."

Pawlick is so concerned about the decline of nutrients in our food that he urges consumers to stop supporting those at the root of the problem.

"The corporate food industry is not reformable, so go around them," he says.

"Stop buying from them or we will pay the price and so will our children."

For a revealing interview on the subject, go to: http://gremolata.com/pawlick.htm

Clean Water, Clean Air

Many times I have taken for granted what I know about environmental toxins. I remember back in the good ol' "ignorance is bliss" days I scoffed at people like me. But now I see people in my day to day life that are doing things that I just can't believe and I realize that they probably just don't know.

Six months ago we moved halfway across the country to a much smaller town. The socio-economic profiles of our former town and our new town could not be more opposite. There are many more families here in the lower socio-economic bracket. Incidentally, the cancer rate here seems very inflated. I think I've met more people here in 6 months that have had (or have) cancer than I've met in my entire life. I don't think this is coincidence.

Unfortunately, it is a matter of time before this fact comes to light for ALL people: The healthiest Americans will be those who can afford the necessary nutritional supplements, clean water, and clean air. Of course, there will be people who would rather have a slamming car stereo system than to worry about prevention measures. This is called "denial." But there will also be people who want to do everything possible for their health and they won't be able to afford it. This is called "poverty."

Our government would have us believe that our municipal water is adequate, that our air is not that bad, and that eating the right foods is enough to stay healthy. NONE of this is true. We are also convinced that improved health care systems will change our lives in some way, but the truth is that all it will do is make being sick more affordable! The government will never subsidize getting the BEST of anything, and when it comes to our health we MUST take action and do everything we can to afford clean air and water for our families.

What is so bad about our water?
There are so many things to worry about in water including "natural" contaminants from polluted streams and ground water, and added contaminants like chlorine and fluorine. Often times, people with well water think their water is safe to drink. That could not be further from the truth! Not only is well water as contaminated with toxins as our municipal water, it is not even tested unless you test it yourself.

The thinking is this: Your government officials do a great job "cleaning" your water. What they don't worry about is getting the "cleaners" out. They don't remove chlorine by-products because most of the water goes right down the toilet, on your lawn, or hosing things down. It is too expensive to remove chlorine, when only a small percentage of our water is consumed or bathed in. But they don't bother to tell you what to do to fix YOUR water...because they know that some of their community will not be able to afford it (or not want to)! Sure, many government officials are ignorant. But others are religiously consuming pure water without a care in the world whether or not their constituents know that the water they are drinking is killing them!

The problem with our water systems is that we all assume someone is keeping tabs on the water. But the truth is that there are MANY possible contaminants and our water is only tested for a small portion of them. Our new town has VERY hard water. It amazes me that people drink it right out of the tap. Recently I noticed in our city newspaper a warning that the water had tested for high levels of nitrates. It warned not to make baby formula or children's juices from this water. First of all, how many parents have time to sit down and read the paper? Secondly, why is it harmful for babies, but somehow okay for adults?

The thinking is that our bodies can "filter out" the bad stuff and will go right through. They are equipped to handle the toxins coming through in small amounts, unlike babies' bodies which are not yet fully developed, not to mention much smaller. Yet, most adults have numerous health problems and for some reason we don't look first to what we are eating and drinking! We go to the doctor to get a pill!

We spent years drinking filtered water, and then I learned about the fluoride problems. I quickly researched and settled on a water distiller. Distilled water is the only form of pure water available. We have been drinking it for over a year now and we are very happy with our decision. You can learn more about distillers at Eve's Best. The thing about distilling your own water at home is that you actually SAVE MONEY over bottled water. If you want more information about drinking water, we have some books that might help. You will learn about the different types of water and why distilled is better.

It is also important to note that SHOWERING IN CONTAMINATED WATER FOR 10 MINUTES IS WORSE THAN DRINKING THE SAME WATER ALL DAY! Not only are you breathing it in, it is being absorbed through the skin. You can get a shower filter and feel comfortable about the water you are bathing in.

What about Clean Air?

Similar problems exist for the air you breathe. Most of us don't realize that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. This is due to off gassing of carpet, furniture, bedding, and building materials as well as radon coming from the ground beneath your house (which is a leading cause of lung cancer). Many of our houses are also moldy. We have chosen Airwise Air Purifiers to keep our indoor air clean. Not only have they helped many with allergies, they oxidize odors, fungi, mold and other parasites, and toxic chemical gases; settle dust and other large particles out of the air; and destroy microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Having clean air is not cheap, and many find that getting prescription drugs every month for ailments such as allergies and asthma is easier to swallow than a chunk of money at one time for an air purifier. But which has the greater benefit? A drug that we all know has side effects, many unknown, or breathing clean air?

It is an unfortunate, but true tale. We are allowing toxins into our body on a daily basis through the air and water we breathe and consume. Many of us don't even realize it. And for those of us who do, we can only hope that we aren't one of the unfortunate who can't afford to change that fact.

Is Your Diet Killing You?

High glycemic index diets increase the risk of chronic degenerative disease

Long-term consumption of high-glycemic foods may increase oxidative stress and the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Leading U.S. researchers recently concluded that a low-GI diet, not a low carbohydrate diet, appearsto be beneficial in reducing the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the rate that the carbohydrates in a food or meal are digested and appear in the blood as glucose (sugar). Glycemic load is a way of measuring the total carbohydrates in a meal or diet with a mathematical adjustment for GI. These measurements can be used to simultaneously describe the quality (glycemic index) and quantity of carbohydrate in a meal or diet.

Recent data suggest that the sudden rise in blood sugar associated with a high glycemic load may increase free radical production and the risk of oxidative damage. This increased production has been implicated in many disease processes including chronic heart disease, accelerated aging, and type 2 diabetes.

Investigators from several leading U.S. institutions recently investigated whether a diet with a high GI or GL is associated with greater oxidative stress by taking specific measurements in nearly 300 healthy adults.

Participants with a higher GI and GL diet were found to exhibit increases in oxidative stress when compared to those eating a diet lower in glycemic index and load.

Researchers concluded that chronic consumption of high-GI foods may lead to chronically high oxidative stress, increasing the risk for several degenerative diseases. A low-GI diet, not a low carbohydrate diet, appears to be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 84, No. 1, 70-76, July 2006.

While this is not news to us, many have still not caught on to the low-glycemic food plan. Over a year ago, we discovered eating low glycemic foods and the weight just fell off. The same weight that I couldn't lose for over 18 months after having my second child! Then we found the Reset, a 5-day cleanse, which literally "resets" your body and diminishes carb cravings. We do this cleanse about twice a year to maintain our healthy diets year 'round.

Summer Dangers

There are a couple of things I've seen so far this summer which prompted me to mention these. Sometimes it is easy to forget that "mainstream" people don't think like us "weirdos." As a weirdo, I question EVERYTHING. I do not use anything without wondering about its safety. Two in particular are common, accepted products in just about every household, save us weirdos who have learned our lession:

1. Aspartame. I have seen about a million Diet Cokes this summer. These contain aspartame, as do many "diet" or "sugar-free" sodas and other foods. Aspartame is also found in products not labeled "diet" or "sugar-free." The best example of this is chewing gum. Since they contain both aspartame AND sugar, the fact that they contain aspartame is not apparent unless you look really hard. So what's wrong with aspartame? This says it all: http://www.sweetpoison.com/ If you consume this poison, please read the website!

2. Sunscreen. I've seen babies being slathered with sunscreen this summer. More and more doctors are realizing that safe sun exposure is much more healthy than the sunscreens. While many people consider sunscreen a benign product that helps prevent skin cancer, others realize that sunscreen itself is a free radical generator and that sunscreens are actually CAUSING cancer rather than preventing it:
http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
http://tinyurl.com/nkukc

Please take the time to look over this information and share it with friends as necessary. I understand that your friends will probably laugh at you and not listen to you. It happens to me all the time! But if we don't share vital information with our friends, they may not hear it at all!

Birth Defects Sharply Rise When Using ACE Inhibitors

This article from Mercola.com has lots of useful information that is not well-known in the general public. First, the obvious: that ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure can lead to birth defects if used in the first trimester. Second, that high blood pressure can be resolved fairly easily and that it is caused by elevated insulin levels. Third, it is actually healthy to allow your skin sun exposure instead of slathering on the sunscreen. Here is the article:

http://tinyurl.com/jlgl4

It's Bathing Suit Season!

When you looked in the mirror, what did you see? For many women, this Memorial Day weekend was a nightmare because they did not like what they saw glaring back at them. The winter weight was still there, and coupled with the winter weight gained 4 years ago and every year since, it's just not looking so good!

Each year that goes by, I get more and more worried about the fat/skinny war going on in the media. Yes, we all know that normal people are not that skinny. But to get back at the girls in the magazines, we pretend to be perfectly happy with our weight. We even rationalize it by finding women out there larger than us and figure as long as there are women larger, we are doing okay. There are organized groups out there who actually rebut "Fat Actress" Kirstie Alley for portraying a large woman who just does not want to be large anymore. Then there is Oprah, who claims the "disease" of obesity. Come on! The disease is that she doesn't stop eating when she knows she should!

The truth is, intelligent woman all over this country are eating foods that they should not be eating, drinking junk that does not belong in the human body, and they are not exercising. Plain and simple. And sadly, many of these women who influence our children like teachers, coaches, and school office staff hand down these horrible habits when they bring in fast food, dole out candy, and sip on soda all day. Where is it going to stop?

We have become a society that does not eat for nourishment. We eat for pleasure, and the foods that once gave us pleasure have been replaced by artificial colors and flavors, sugar, corn syrup, and white flour. We are killing ourselves and even scarier: our children are projected to be the first generation that does not live longer than their parents did.

You might not like the way you fit in your bathing suit, but it's more than weight. It's more than being happy in your body, no matter how big or small it is. It's about being healthy. And for all of the women who are pretending to be happy in bodies that are either suffering from or on the brink of suffering from high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes; THAT is not beautiful.

The time is NOW. NOW you must make a change. For your bathing suit, for your health, and for your children's health, you can not go on as before. You just can't.

I would like to share what I have done and what others have done who needed to lose over 100 lbs. First, you want to start with a RESET kit. And you are in luck, because they are on SALE!! After the 5-day RESET, you will continue to eat low-glycemic foods. As you continue to lose weight, you will feel more energetic and you will actually have the energy to exercise. You can have treats when you need them, but at least 80% of your diet will come from low glycemic foods. There are some very important things to note about this program:

• You will not go hungry. If you get hungry, eat.
• You will not eat 3 meals. You will eat 5-6 mini-meals.
• You must eat breakfast. Once you finish the RESET, you might want to purchase shake mixes so that you can have a shake each morning. If not, opt for eggs or long-cook oatmeal.
• You need to drink water. Stop drinking soda, especially "Diet" Soda
• While you will lose weight eating low glycemic foods alone, you should also incorporate additional exercise to your day.
• This "diet" will help those with 5 lbs. to lose, or 200 lbs.

Perhaps your doctor has thrown up his hands. He doesn't know what to tell people anymore. Patient after patient comes into his office, 20, 30, 50 lbs. overweight and he doesn't know how to help them. DOCTORS DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING. Wouldn't you LOVE to have lost 30 lbs. before your next doctor's visit? So instead of shaking his head, he will smile, pat you on the back, and YOU can educate him about weight loss and what he should already know. Not to mention, you can help all your friends lose weight, too!

(Here's where I say...consult your doctor before starting any...blah, blah, blah...) Hey- just do it and consult your doctor when you've got good news for her.

Reversal of Metabolic Syndrome through a Lifestyle Change Program involving a Low Glycemic Diet and Exercise

So you want to just look good in your bathing suit? The RESET will help you lose 5-10 lbs. the first 5 days, which is a great start. Depending on how much weight you need to lose, if you start now, you can wear that bathing suit with pride before the end of the summer! Have a great one and stop looking at those magazines!

Higher Antioxidant Intakes Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer in Male Smokers

Don't avoid antioxidant supplements if you are a smoker or former smoker. Research in the 1990's seemed to indicate that high dosages of beta-carotene supplements may increase lung cancer risk in smokers. However, a new analysis of dietary records from one of these studies came to a different conclusion. Male smokers with the highest overall antioxidant intake, including beta-carotene, actually had a reduced risk of lung cancer.

In observational studies, a high intake of individual antioxidants was related to increased lung cancer risk in male smokers. However, data from many experiments suggest that there are interactions among antioxidant nutrients; therefore, consideration of multiple antioxidants simultaneously may be important in terms of assessing risk.

Yale University researchers evaluated dietary records of participants in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC). A group of over 27,000 Finnish male smokers aged 50-69 had food records analyzed along with intakes of carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin C. After evaluating the overall intake of antioxidants in this group, the conclusion differs somewhat from the original study.

According to this new analysis, the men with higher overall intakes of antioxidants had lower relative risks of lung cancer, regardless of their assigned study group (beta-carotene or placebo). While researchers of the ATBC study concluded that high-dose beta-carotene supplementation may increase lung cancer risk in male smokers, these findings support the hypothesis that a combination of dietary antioxidants reduces lung cancer risk in men who smoke.

Am J Epidemiol 2004 Jul 1;160(1):68-76