News & Views : Archive

Confused About Water:
How Much Should You Drink??
Bottled vs Tap??

I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the conflicting information about water - one article suggests 8-10 glasses is not enough, the next says more than 8 is unnecessary or even harmful. Well I decided to do a little research of my own to clear up my confusion, I hope what I have learned will help you to make an informed choice for yourself.

Some facts about water:

• According to the British Dietetic Association (BDA) 72% of our weight is water, most of which is contained in our cells, the rest is fluid surrounding cells and plasma.
• Water is at work 24 hours per day: carrying nutrients to cells, carrying away waste, helping chemical reactions take place, keeping temperature regulated, keeping the eyes healthy, and lubricating joints, digestive and mucous tracts.
• Even a small change in fluid balance can cause us to feel unwell or make us ill according to Rachel Cook of BDA.
• Symptoms of too little water are headaches, fatigue and constipation.
• By the time you feel thirsty you may already be dehydrated, and thirst is the first symtom of dehydration.
• We can lose 2.5 litres of water per day mostly through urine (50%), as well as the skin (47%).
• When you lose water you are also losing electrolytes - minerals like calcium, postassium and sodium - which help maintain the body's fluid balance.
• Another indicator you need to drink more water is urine color - it should be a light straw color...if it is dark or has a strong smell you are probably dehydrated.

So how much water should you drink? It looks like 8 glasses a day is recommended most often, so that is a fairly safe bet. But if you notice any of the above symptoms of mild dehydration, particularly in the warmer months, it is probably a good idea to up your water intake. And keep in mind that coffee, tea and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, so pure water is always your best bet to stay well hydrated.

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water

Bottled water consumption has tripled in 10 years and more than $4 billion is sold annually. According to Community Water Company in Arizona the standards for bottled water vary from tap water. Bottled water is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Click here to view Community Water's comparison chart which compares the different standards used by each agency, and their requirements for water safety. It appears that the EPA standards are much more stringent, and that the bottled water industry is far less regulated. For years I wouldn't consider drinking tap water, even if it was filtered, but with all I have been reading about the dangers of plastic (toxic chemicals are used to produce the bottles), and the environmental impact of using plastic bottles, I am now considering switching to filterd tap water. Of course the question then becomes what is the best way to filter it? I am in the process of researching that now and will let you know what I find.

LYME DISEASE IS CAUSED BY TICK BITES!!

Every summer I post this warning as I have known several people who had an "undiagonsed illenss" only to find out it was Lyme Disease. So use caution this summer when camping or hiking, or if you have an outdoor animal, because if bitten by a tick you can develop this bacterial infection. Often misdiagnosed, its debilitating symptoms can lead to more serious health problems, so it is important to protect yourself.

Some facts about Lyme Disease:

• Symptoms include extreme tiredness, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs, depression, and Bell’s palsy (temporary paralysis of one side of the face).
• The classic sign of a Lyme infection is a bull’s-eye rash, but this appears on less than 50% of patients.
• The ELISA and Western Blot are tests given to detect the disease.
• The average person sees more than 12 doctors before receiving the correct diagnosis.
• Antibiotics are highly effective in treating Lyme disease in its early stages (make sure you take a probiotic whenever taking antibiotics!).
• Immune-boosting supplements like CoQ10 and Glutathione can be very helpful.

Some natural tips to protect yourself from ticks:

Consume Garlic – According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people who took 1200 mg of garlic capsules for eight weeks were less likely to be bitten by ticks than those who didn’t. Researchers believe the odor released through body sweat is repulsive to bugs.

Natural Repellent – you don’t have to use toxic DEET to repel ticks and other bugs, your health food store probably has several natural products to choose from…the Centers foDisease Control recommends picaridin (Bayrepel) as an alternative without DEET’s side effects. For more information visit: www.lymehelp.org. and www.healthtouch.com

I live in the space of thankfulness – and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.

July 2008

Eco-friendly Ways to Stay Cool this Summer!

Here are some great tips from Viva Terra catalog and online retailer for keeping cool this summer without harming the environment or your pocketbook! For more ideas visit www.vivaterra.com

Preventing Food-Borne Illness

It seems as though we are hearing more and more about fruits and vegetables that are causing illness. The most recent scare involves tomatoes which may have been the cause of salmonella poisoning involving several hundred people. A few months ago spinach was a suspected culprit. Healther McPherson the food columnist for the Orlando Sentinel offers these tips to help protect yourself and your family from illness:

• Purchase produce that is not buised or damaged.
• Always rub firm-skin fruits and vegetables under running tap water. Dry with a disposable paper towel.
• Remove the outer leaves of leafy greens.
• Refrigerate all cut, peeled or cooked fresh fruits and vegetables within two hours.
• When selecting fresh-cut produce, such as a half watermelon or bagged mixed salad greens, choose only those items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
• Bag fresh fruits and vegetables separately from meat, poultry and seafood products when packing them to take home from the market.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry and seafood products, and the preparation of the produce that will not be cooked.
• For added protection, kitchen sanitizers can be used on cutting boards and countertops periodically.
• If you use plastic or other non-porous boards, run them through the dishwasher after use.

June 2008:
~IT'S TIME TO GET READY FOR SUMMER~

SUN PROTECTION TIPS:

The National Cancer Institute estimates that up to 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the primary cause. The good news is that most skin cancer can be prevented if detected and treated early.

Sunscreen is of great benefit for protecting the skin if you will be outdoors for more than a few minutes or at midday. Consumer Reports recently studied a variety of sunscreen products and cautions that you should look for a product that protects against both UVA (these are the rays that can cause wrinkles/aging) and UVB (the rays resposible for burning). A product that received their highest rating was Neturogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen. I must add a note of caution here as there are many who suggest that sunscreen, as well as other personal care products, contain cancer-causing toxic chemicals. One suspect ingredient is oxybenzone, which is found in almost 600 sunscreen products. Natural News.com is a great website with lots of information about this and other health topics: http://www.naturalnews.com/l.

According to Healthy Edge magazine adding antioxidants and protective phytochemicals can help prevent skin cancer and keep the skin firm and healthy. They suggest that one of the latest breakthrough ingredients to hit the kun care market is astaxanthin. This antioxidant is supposed to provide the same benefits as eating one to three pounds of salmon a day. Dermatologists compare it to a sponge as it can help to absorb damaging UV rays, and reduce the pain and inflammation that occur with sunburn.

Other supplements they suggest may be beneficial include:

May 2008:

~SYNCHRONIZING YOUR DAY WITH THE SUN~

a blog post by Lynne McTaggart* - May 1, 2008

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Franz Halberg of the University of Minnesota discovered that many biological processes appear to run according to an in-built clock. Later experiments showed him that living things respond to the same 24-hour rhythm, in tandem with the earth’s rotation. Dr. Halberg also discovered that living things keep in time to many other periodic rhythms; half-weekly, weekly, monthly and yearly cycles govern virtually every biological function. The human pulse and blood pressure, body temperature and blood clotting, circulation of lymphocytes, hormonal cycles and other functions of the human body all appear to ebb and flow according to some basic, recurring timetable.

Initially scientists believed that the master switch for these biological rhythms was located in certain cells of the brain or adrenal glands. But in his eighties, Halberg made his final breakthrough discovery: The synchronizer within every living thing is not internal but resides in the planets – particularly the sun and solar activity. In a sense, the sun is our metronome. These rhythms are a ready-made feature of organisms, not simply something learned or acquired – an inherent property of life. Because of this, we have biorhythms for everything in our lives – times when it is better to do one activity than another. For instance, having a glass of wine at lunchtime makes you more woozy than in the evening because your liver is three times better at detoxifying the alcohol in the evening than at midday.

Here are the best times to carry out activities in your day:

7 am: The optimum time to have sex, when the body produces a surge in hormones and adrenaline. Testosterone levels rise during sleep and reach a peak in men after a night’s sleep.

8:30-9 am: The best time to eat, since blood pressure and your metabolic rates are at their highest. Hence, the old adage to ‘eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper’. A huge meal will put on less weight in the morning than later in the day.

9:30-11:30 am; The optimum time for test taking, when your short-term memory and brain power are at their sharpest.

2 pm: The perfect time for a nap. The worst time to drive or operate equipment, as it is most likely time for an accident.

2:30-3: The best time for recall or reminiscing; long-term memory peaks.

4-6 pm: The best time to exercise – your muscles are at their warmest of the day, your reaction time, hand-eye coordination reach their optimum.

6-8 pm: The best time for mindfulness meditation, when sensory ability is at its most acute, and also problem solving, as the blood flowing to your brain peaks.

7-9 pm: The best time to share with friends and loved ones, as cortisol – the stress hormone – and blood pressure drops.

10-11 pm: The best time to sleep, when production of melatonin, the hormone inducing sleep, surges, and heart rate, body temperature begin to wind down.

*To read more of Lynne's blog postings, or to learn more about her books,The Field and The Intention Experiment, visit her website: http://livingthefield.com

FOOD CHOICES THAT HELP REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF AGING...

Is it possible that the food we eat can help to slow down the aging process?

In an Orlando Sentinel article, Dr. Michael Roizen (author of You Staying Young:The Owner's Manual For Extending Your Warranty) says that food and lifestyle choices can add years to your life, and that it is never too late to begin,
"Aging is reversible, it's never too late until you are 6 feet under!"
and believes positive changes take place within a matter of months.
A recent study affirms this as they found that people who eat
five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, drink moderately, exercise
and quit smoking live an average 14 years longer than people who
adopt none of these behaviors.

So what should you be eating? Here's the list of foods that will help you to improve your health and slow down the aging process:

• Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help decrease inflammation and may lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. These good fats have been found to reduce depression and boost the production of a protein known to destroy the plaques associated witIh Alzheimer's disease. Aim for at least two servings of fish per week or consider omega-3-fortified foods and fish oil supplements.
• Whole Grains can potentially reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers as they are high in fiber and other disease-fighting nutrients. The Iowa Women's Health Study found that at least one serving of whole grains a day (such as oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa) lowered the risk of dying by 15% during a nine-year period.
• Broccoli and other dark-green vegetables offer carotenoids, folate and viatamin C. Carotenoids might be a powerful weapons against cancer. Folate is good for your heart and brain. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce stroke risk by as much as 42%. Some studies indicate that Vitamin C might slow skin wrinkling.
• Tumeric is a spice that contains a compound called curcumin that might help keep the brain young. Older adults in Singapore who ate turmeric-rich curry often were half as likely to suffer from mental decline. Other studies suggest tumeric helps improve memory.
• Cinnamon appears to have insulinlike properties that might help control blood-sugar levels. Just as little as 1/4 teaspoon a day was found to be beneficial.
• Beans, peas and lentils are packed with soluble fiber that soaks up cholesterol like a sponge and escorts it out of your body. Low in fat, legumes are loaded with protein and folate, a B vitamin that helps lower blood levels of homocysteine, a type of amino acid linked to heart disease and stroke. Tulane University researchers found that people who ate legumes at least four times a week or more had a 22% lower risk of heart disease.
• Berries and cherries bright blue and red colors are responsible for the health-promoting properites of these mighty fruits. The hue signals hte presence of anthocyannis, powerful phytonutrients that may reduce inflammation and offer protection agains heart disease and cancer. Some studies show that they can help slow the decline in brain function as we age.
• Calcium and Vitamin D are vital to maintaining bone density that declines as we age. Vitamin D helpf the body absorb calcium, but newer studies also suggest that this "sunshine" vitamin also lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. A genetic study found that people with the lowest levels of Vitamin D experienced changes equivalent to five years of aging.
• Red Wine in moderation may be beneficial due to a compund called resveratrol that is found in red-grape skin. Some studies indicate it has anti-cancer effects and makes the immune system younger. "Moderate" drinking is considered to be one glass a day for women, two for men.
• Almonds are paced with protein, Vitamin E and good fats Studies indicate that an ounce a day (about a handful) can help lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels.

There have been a number of news stories lately about the potential toxic properties that may be found in plastic. In an article for The New York Times,Tara Parker-Pope reported the following information on this subject:

A chemical used to make baby bottles, water bottles, and food containers is creating increased scrutiny by health officials in Canada and the United States.

The substance in question is bisphenol-a, or BPA, which is widely used in the marking of the hard, clear and nearly unbreakable plastic called polycarbonate. Studies and tests show that trace amounts of BPA are leaching from polycarbonate containers into foods and liquids.

The concern is not only for children's products like clear plastic bottles and canned infant formula, but also for food-storage containers, clear plastic pitchers used for filtered water, refillable water bottles and the lining of soft-drink and food cans.

FAST FACTS ABOUT BPA:

• All of the evidence that BPA is harmful comes from animal studies. Rat pups exposed to BPA through injection or food, showed changes in mammary and prostate tissue, suggesting a potential cancer risk.
• BPA migrates into food from polycarbonate plastic bottles or epoxy resin coatings that line canned food.
• The 2003-04 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of urine samples collected from more than 2,500 adults and chilren older than 6.
• The typical adult ingests an estimated 1 microgram of BPA for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight.
• Babies who use polycarbonate bottles and formula from cans get more, an estimated 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight.
• Any product made of hard, clear plastic is probably made from polycarbonate unless the manufacturer states specifically that it is PBA-free. One way to check is to look for the triangle stamp on or near the bottom - polycarbonate plastics shoudl have the numeral 7 in the triangle, sometimes with the letters PC. Unfortunately 7 can also be a catchall "other" category for a variety of plastics.
• Most exposure occurs through the lining of canned foods. Canned beverages appear to contain less of the chemical than canned foods such as soup, pasta, fruits and vegetables, which are often processed at high temperatures. Almost every canned product, even those labeled organic, has a liner with BPA. One brand, Eden Organic Baked Beans, says it uses a BPA-free can.

EARTH DAY 2008: APRIL 22nd
Mark your calendar for the 38th anniversary of Earth Day!

FAST FACTS:
~Earth Day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin,
who wanted to create a grassroots movement as he was frustrated by the
government’s lack of action in preserving our environment
~On April 22, 1970 more than 20 million American celebrated the first Earth Day.
~Earth Day has since become a worldwide campaign to protect our global environment

WAYS YOU CAN HELP TO PROTECT OUR PLANET:

• Recycle
• Conserve Water
• Buy energy efficient products
• Drive energy efficient vehicles
• Raise thermostat in summer/lower it in winter
• Limit or stop personal use of pesticides
• Eat organic food & wear organic clothing
• Use chemical free cleaners and detergents
• For more information & tips go to www.epa.gov/earthday
• For Earth Day events, to sign the Sky Petition or register to vote visit: http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday/
  
  CELEBRATE EARTH DAY:

• Plant a tree
• Organize a community clean-up
• Volunteer to clean-up rivers, lakes, and beaches
• Take a hike or walk, visit a park, or go to the beach to appreciate the miracle and beauty that is nature’s gift

Tips for Saving $$$ on Organic Food:

Marshall Loeb with Marketwatch recently wrote a great article with several good ideas for saving money on organic foods:

• Search the Web for Coupons: Many major organic brands like Stonyfield Farm, Annie's Homgrown, Organic Valley, Earthbound Farm and Health Valley offer coupons at their Web sites.
• Shop at Discount Stores: Large discount chains such as Sam's Club, Costco, Wal-Mart and Target now carry organics and claim their prices are lower than those of many other retailers. Many grocery stores are now carrying organic rice, flour, beans, granola, nuts, pasta and peanut butter for less in bulk bins.
• Look for Store-brand Organics and Bulk Packaging: Examples are Whole Foods Market's 365 Organic Everyday Value (I save almost $5 on each jar by buying their brand of organic almond butter!), Safeway's O Organics, Stop & Shop's/Giant'sNature's Promise, Kroger's Private Selection Organic, and Costco's Kirkland Signature organics, andTrader Joe's. They often cost less than national name brands.
• Join a Food Co-Op: They are independent grocery stores that usually offer local and organic foods. Some have a memembership fee and may require members to volunteer at the co-op a few hours each month. Members get a discount when they shop. To find a local co-op go to www.coopdirectory.org or www.localharvest.org/food-coops.
• Buy Produce in Season: That's when prices are lowest. Tos see what produce is in season near you, clcik on your state at www.sustainabletable.org/shop/eatseasonal. If possible, freeze or preserve produce for later. You may be able to get a discount from local farmers by buying a membership in a community supported agriculture progarm and sharing it with friends.

Other suggestions include: Learn to spot organic rip-offs...grocers are legally required to stack organic fruits and vegetables where they won't be exposed to water runoff from the misting of conventional produce, which could contaminate them with pesticide residue. So if you see organic produce stored below conventional produce, find someplace else to shop. He also reminds us to read labels carefully - products labeled "natural" does not mean the same as organic!

If you are still trying to shed those extra holiday pounds, or already starting to think about bathing suit season, Parade Magazine offers these steps for losing weight:

Step 1: Buy A Scale
A recent study by Brown University Medical School showed that daily weigh-ins are key. Place your scale on a flat, uncarpeted surface and weigh yourself at the same time every day (first thing in the morning is best). Use the number as a way to track your progress. A realistic goal is a weight loss of one to two pounds a week.

Step 2: Clean Out Your Cupboards
Toss all of those naughty goodies that might prove too tempting when you're tired or hungry. Or put them in the back of the cupboard or refrigerator so you won't be faced with them every time you open the door. And divide large bags of snacks into single-portion baggies or buyrepackaged 100-calorie options.

Step 3: Keep A Journal
Write down your weight each day, plus everything you eat. You're the only one who has to see this - so be honest. Estimate the calories of each entry as you write it down. (You can buy a calorie count book or visit Parade.com).

Step 4: Tell Everyone
Sit your family down and tell them your goals. Be clear that losing weight is important to you and that you would appreciate their support. A weight-loss buddy can also improve your chances of success. If you don't know anyone who fits the bill, consider joining an online support group.

Step 5: Eat Several Small Meals A Day
It is natural to be a little hungry during the first few days of any diet. Remind yourself that it is just a physical sensation and you can handle it. Still, any diet that leaves you hungry all of the time will lead to overeating. Many people find that having 5-6 small meals work best for them.

Step 6: Give Yourself Treats
If you deprive yourself endlessly, you'll end up going on a binge at some point. Consider adding a treat to your daily or weekly plan, but pay attention to portion size and calorie count. A 1/2 cup of low-fat ice cream or 3 pieces of chocolate can work as long as you limit yourself to that

Step 7: Start An Exercise Plan
Besides burning calories, exercise also builds muscle and boosts your metabolism as you progress. One of the best things you can do is walk. Invest in a pedometer and aim for a goal of 10,000 steps or more a day. This is the only number you want to see go up, up, up!

~ Michael O'Shea

Note: Go to Parade.com to talk with other people trying to lose weight, as well as calorie-counters, body-mass index calculators and other weight loss tools.

"Consumer Alert on Soft Drinks"

As Daniel Reid, author of The Tao of Detox, explains, the sugary sweet, fizzy 'soft drink' is actually an 'acid bomb'.

A 350 ml serving of Coke, Pepsi or similar drink delivers a sugar fix equivalent to about 9 teaspoons of sugar straight into the blood stream. This instantly acidifies the bloodstream to the extreme point that without an immediate emergency response from the body, it would kill you in a mater of minutes. To counter act this rise in pH, you'd have to drink 32 glasses of alkaline water to netralize the blood pH.

Soft drinks contain carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of human metabolism and a primary contributing factcor to blood acidosis. In addition, soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, which has a very high pH of 2.8. Since blood must be maintained at a slightly alkaline ph of 7.35 at all times, this causes a further drain on your bdies calcium resources.

Soft Drinks are extremely acidic and can eat through the bottom of a liner of an aluminium can. This can leach aluminium from the can into the drink if it sits too long on the shelf. Alzheimer patients who been autopsied ALL have high levels of aluminium in their brains. Heavy metals in the body can lead to many neurological symptoms and other diseases.

Soft Drinks have a pH of about 2.5, bellow pH 6.5 means Acidity which in turn means you are putting something into your body that is thousands of times more acidic than your body is designed to cope with. Critical pH is 5.5 at which tooth and mineral will dissolve! Unhealthy cells flourish in an acidic environment. Soft Drinks and acidic foods deposit acid waste in the body which accumulates over a period of time. These wastes manifest themselves as joint problems and organ dysfunction. The Body pH of cancer or arthritis patients is always low/acidic.

Alkalosis is another scenario, in that your body could have a very high pH, this is caused by an acidic cell base. However, as a rule of thumb the more ill a person is the lower their Body pH. Soft Drinks are one the most acidic forming substances that you can possibly put into your body, especially avoid these when you are ill, even with a cold, flu or something that may be worse, the acidic content of the drink will help to maintain the condition.

• It will be much harder for your body to ward off any illness whilst it is also trying to correct your pH.
• If you have amalgam fillings and drink soft drinks then having a soft drink will bring about what is known as an acid attack on the fillings and so leach out more of the mercury vapour in your amalgam fillings.
• Combine this with the possible leakage from the aluminium of the can and you have a potent cocktail of acidity and heavy metals attacking your precious pH levels, as well as enabling disease processes that may be going on to consolidate or proliferate

Soft Drinks acidity can remove rust from a car bumper or other metal surfaces like coins. Can you imagine what it's doing to your digestive tract as well as the rest of your body?

Soft drinks steal water from the body:They work very much like a diuretic, which takes away more water than it provides to the body. For your body to process the high levels of sugar in soft drinks it uses a considerable amount water, which is required for other bodily functions.

In order to replace the water stolen by soft drinks, you need to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water for every glass of soft drinks that you consume. Soft Drinks never quench your thirst, certainly not your body's need for water, in fact they make you want more of the same especially diet drinks. The elevated levels of phosphates in soft drinks leach vital minerals from your body.

Soft Drinks are made with purified water that also leaches vital minerals from your body. A severe lack of minerals can lead to Heart Disease (lack of magnesium), Osteoporosis (lack of calcium) and many other diseases. Most vitamins can not perform their functions in the body without the presence of minerals.

Constantly denying your body an adequate amount of water can lead to a Chronic Cellular Dehydration, a condition that weakens your body at the cellular level most symptoms are DRYNESS e. g. dry skin, dry mouth, constipation etc. This can lead to a weakened immune system and all your system really needs is hydrating with WATER.

Soft drinks lead to a sugar crash: the high amount of sugar in Soft Drinks causes your pancreas to produce an abundance of insulin, which leads to a "sugar crash". This abundance of insulin removes too much sugar from the blood stream leaving you with low blood sugar level. You feel tired, get forgetful, can't concentate and need a sugar fix! You then repeat the process. Chronic elevation and depletion of sugar and insulin can lead to diabetes and other imbalanced related diseases. This is particularly disruptive to growing children and can lead to life-long health problems.

Soft drinks shut down the digestive process: Soft Drinks severely interfere with digestion, the caffeine and high amounts of sugar virtually shut down the digestive process. That means your body is essentially taking in NO nutrients from the food you may have just eaten, even food that was eaten hours earlier. Soft drinks consumed with french-fries can take WEEKS to digest. This can also lead to a syndrome where large proteins pass into the blood via the small intestine and cause allergic reactions.

Diet soft drinks and Aspartame: Out of the frying pan, into the fire! Diet soft drinks contain Aspartame, which has been linked to depression, insomnia, neurological disease and a plethora of other illnesses. The FDA has received more than 10,000 consumer complaints about Aspartame, that is 80% of all complaints about food additives. Soft drinks with Aspartame left in the sun/heat can turn the drink into Formaldehyde. Ask anyone who drinks diet drinks how much they consume they think they are being healthy but in fact the opposite is true and these drinks also make you gain weight! Formaldehyde is a very toxic substance. There is an increase in sensitivity to formaldehyde when there is a disruption in the methionine (sulfur) pathway. It has been listed as carcinogen by EPA, its vapours intensely irritating to mucous membranes. Topical application (ie on the skin) may produce an irritant dermatitis. Ingestion may cause severe abdominal pain, hematemesis, hematuria, proteinuria, anaemia, acidosis, vertigo, coma, and death.

Thanks to Healthy Chef Creations (www.healthychefcreations.com) for sharing this important information.

March 2008:

AN EMAIL WORTH SHARING...

"Attitude"

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did, and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only
two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M," she said, I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did, and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had
only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there
wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly...
Leave the rest to God.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Do you have an inspirational email or quote you would like to share with others? Email me at: andrea@healwithhope.com

Have You Heard About BodyTalk??

If you are struggling with health issues and can't seem to get to the bottom of what is going on, you may want to look into Body Talk. Debbie Larson Catron, a BodyTalk practitioner, provided the following information about this unique technique:

"The body is always trying to restore homeostasis. Whether it is what we eat, emotions that we store, or the stress from daily living, our body has a large task trying to retain this state of healthiness. As with any team, good internal communication is needed to keep the body functioning properly.

Following the BodyTalk protocol and testing for the priority of items to be addressed, a BodyTalk session uses light non-invasive hand contact and a gentle tapping technique to help focus the internal awareness of the body-mind and allow the body’s energy systems to communicate and become synchronized, enabling the body to heal itself naturally.

BodyTalk is a stand-alone system or can be combined with other health care systems to promote faster healing and a healthier lifestyle. As a licensed massage therapist, I was intrigued by what BodyTalk could offer my clients. It has proven to exceed my expectations and improve my health on an emotional, spiritual, and physical level. Be open to the changes BodyTalk can create in your life.

Dr. John Veltheim, founder and author of The BodyTalk System, is a chiropractor, traditional acupuncturist, philosopher, and Reiki master. He ran a successful clinic in Brisbane, Australia for 15 years before relocating to Sarasota, Florida."

~ Debbie Larson Catron,
Certified BodyTalk Practitioner
massagesbydlc@aol.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found additional information about BodyTalk at the official website, www.bodytalksystem.com:

BodyTalk in Detail:

"The body is a complex and amazing mechanism, with each of its systems, cells and atoms in constant communication. Unfortunately, the stresses of everyday life can compromise these lines of communications or overload the energy circuits. To address this, the BodyTalk System provides a simple and effective form of therapy that allows the body’s systems to be re-synchronized so they can operate as nature intended – and effectively respond to injury and illness.

The BodyTalk System works by first identifying the weakened energy circuits within the body. The practitioner relies on the body’s inherent knowledge of itself to locate the energy circuits that need repair by using a form of biofeedback, which is a subtle muscle-testing technique.

For every malfunctioning energy circuit found, the practitioner or client contacts the corresponding “points” with his or her hands. The practitioner then lightly taps the client on the top of the head, which stimulates the brain center and causes the brain to re-evaluate the state of the body’s health. The result is that the general energy balance of the body is greatly improved.

The practitioner then taps the client on the sternum to “announce” the corrected energy flows to the rest of the body. This is beneficial because the heart is responsible for communicating the state of the body’s health to the rest of the body. Stimulating the heart by tapping the sternum forces the heart to store the corrected energy patterns in the body’s cellular memory. This means that the body will remember these changes after the treatment.

The BodyTalk treatment protocol is straightforward and requires no diagnoses. The practitioner relies on the guidance of the body’s natural wisdom to not only locate the weakened lines of communication but also to find the proper order in which they are to be addressed.

Just as the body heals a wound with a particular sequence of chemical reactions, thebody wants to address all healing in a certain order. This concept is paramount in the balancing process to initiate the body’s ability to heal itself. The healing process usually follows rather quickly."

This three hour session will provide information about German New Medicine, which is fast becoming the "ultimate preventative medicine". You will learn the 5 natural biological processes that are controlled by emotion and thinking. Also, learn energy enhancing techniques, and a simple conscious eating plan that will support the healing process, and also energize and strengthen the body. Each participant will receive a personalized Bach Flower remedy to support emotional healing.

Cost is $40 per person

For information contact Jan Keifer at Lotus Yoga Center in Apopka, Florida.

Phone: 407-767-6437or Email: JanKeifer@cfl.rr.com

On March 19, 2007 Heal With Hope went live on the worldwide web. My goal then, as it is now, was to share all that I know about healing. Judging from the emails I receive, it would appear that there are many others who are also struggling to find balance, health and harmony in their lives. I don't have all of the answers, but what I can tell you for sure is that life's struggles and challenges can transform you in the most wonderful ways. Darkness can turn to light...in the midst of turmoil you can find peace...despair can lead to hope. I pray that you will continue to find new ideas and inspiration as you journey to wellness. Andrea ~ March 2008

RECOMMENDED READING UPDATE:

If you have had a chance to read Oprah's Book Club pick, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle you are already aware that it is an enlightening and eye-opening read. It has provided insights into human behavior that has helped me to identify ego actions and pain-body emotions that have created roadblocks to my healing. If you are searching for ideas and inspiration that will offer spiritual growth and awakening, this book is a must-read. For information check with your local bookseller or visit www.amazon.com. Oprah and Eckhart Tolle are joining forces to offer a free online course based on the principles of the book, described by the author as "a course in self-exploration and awakening". For more information go to www.oprah.com.

Following are some of my favorite passages from the book:

"The fire of suffering becomes the light of consciousness."

"The truth is that you need to say yes to suffering before you can transcend it."

"To see one's predicament clearly is a first step toward going beyond it."

"Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment."

"The ego tends to equate having with Being. I have therefore I am. And the more I have, the more I am. The ego lives through comparison. How you are seen by others turns into how you see yourself."

"How do you let go of attachment to things? Don't even try. It's impossible. Attachment to things drops away by itself when you no longer seek to find yourself in them."

"If you are not familiar with 'inner body' awareness, close your eyes for a moment and find out if there is life inside your hands. Don't ask you mind. It will say, 'I can't feel anything'....So instead of asking your mind, go to the hands directly. By this I mean become aware of the subtle feeling of aliveness inside them. It is there. You just have to go there with your attention to notice it. You may get a slight tingling sensation at first, then a feeling of energy or aliveness. If you hold your attention in your hands for a while, the sense of aliveness will intensify...Then go to your feet...then incorporate other parts of the body...until you are aware of the inner body as a global sense of aliveness."

"Resistance is an inner contraction, a hardening of the shell of the ego. You are closed. Whatever action you take in a state of inner resistance (which we also call negativity) will create more outer resistance, and the universe will not be on your side; life will not be helpful. When you yield internally, when you surrender, a new dimension of consciousness opens up....Circumstances and people then become helpful, cooperative. Coincidences happen. If no action is possible, you rest in peace and inner stillness that come with surrender. You rest in God."

"All that is required to become free of the ego is to be aware of it, since awareness and ego are incompatible. Awareness is the power that is concealed within the present moment. This is why we may also call it Presence. The utimate purpose of human existance, which is to say, your purpose, is to bring that power into this world. Only presence can free you of the ego, and you can only be present NOW, not yesterday, not tomorrow. Only Presence can undo the past in you and thus transform your state of consciousness."

"The recognition of the false is already the arising of the real."

"Whenever you feel superior or inferior to anyone, that's the ego in you."

"...an active pain-body...is emotional pain from the past that wants to renew itself through experiencing more pain."

"The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware that what you think, to a large extent, creates the emotions that you feel."

February 2008:

CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS AND CHANGE YOUR WORLD

If you have read either of Lynne McTaggert's books, The Field or The Power of Intention, you may be familiar with the organization she founded based on her books. Living the Field.com is a fascinating website (www.livingthefield.com), that offers a variety of information on the latest discoveries in the field of mind/body energy, as well as opportunities to participate in experiments, learn about study results, take online classes, as well as information about Lynne's live lectures. A recent newsletter I received contained two articles that I thought you would find of interest:

"CHANGING YOUR SCRIPT"

Evidence shows that the mind-over-matter effect of thoughts works similarly, whatever the target. In other words, the scripts we write about others have the same power as those we write about ourselves.

When we think of our husband as uncaring or our children poor at math, are we unconsciously writing their script for them? Do our thoughts have the same effect on others that we do upon ourselves?

Psychologist William Braud is one of the few scientists to have examined this question. He gathered a group of volunteers and asked them to carry out biofeedback on themselves. After pairing off the group, he attached one member of each pair to the biofeedback equipment, but asked the other partner to respond to the readings and carry out the sending of mental instructions.

According to Braud’s evidence, the results were equivalent to those achieved when the patient on the equipment used biofeedback on himself. In other words, the mind-over-matter effect of thoughts had the same physical effect, whether used on the thinker’s own body or somebody else’s.

This suggests that another person’s intentions about you, and even their daily thoughts about you, your habits and capabilities, may become a self-fulfilling prophesy, and indeed be just as powerful as your own ‘script’ about yourself.

Even our casual thought about others, as well the ‘script’ we’ve written about them, may become an intention, and so should be approached with care.

In working out your life’s script for yourself and others, it’s important to slow down long enough to study your thoughts.

• Create a ‘life’s script’ journal for yourself and begin making entries about yourself and each member of your family.
• Write down the judgements you make about yourself or your family members about their work, performance at school, appearance, neatness, personal habits, manners and the like.
• Now in a separate column, note how many of those judgements have become reality. Also note how many you’d like to change.
• Now, begin writing a new script. See your husband and children performing well on the job and at school, and being more loving, demonstrative and helpful at home.
• Start sending daily intentions for them to embody that script. Visualize your children doing well at school and helping with the chores at home.
• Begin taking note of any changes that occur, both in your perceptions and in your loved ones.
• Now consider your present life’s script. How is it sabotaging your own happiness and that of your loved ones?
• What about the life script you have for others in your environment—your office workers, boss, friends and distant family? Study your views of them and, if need be, change the script.

"BLESS THE WORLD"

Try to transform your anger and hate into blessing.

Swiss entrepreneur Pierre Pradervand, discovered the power of blessing and wrote about it in his book The Gentle Art of Blessing (Llandeilo: Cygnus Books, 2005). After being ousted from his company, he was consumed by anger and hatred for the people who’d removed him from his highly satisfying job – even though he knew that preoccupying himself with these negative thoughts were only doing himself harm. It was when he stumbled onto the phrase from the Sermon on the Mount that he discovered the technique that would later transform his life: “Bless those that curse you”.

“Suddenly, everything became clear,” wrote Pradervand. “This is what I had to do. Bless my former ‘persecutors’. Right then and there, I started to bless them in every way imaginable: in their health and their joy, their finances and their work, their family relations and their peace, their abundance and their goodness.

“By blessing, I mean wishing from the bottom of the heart, in total sincerity, the very best for that person—his or her complete fulfillment and deepest happiness. It is the most important dimension of blessing: a sincerity that comes from the heart. This is the power that transforms and heals, elevates and restores.”

Before long, Pradervand began blessing anyone he encountered during every day: people on buses or in the supermarket.

Pradervand discovered immediate benefits; life became filled with joy and his hatred disappeared. However, he also discovered other, more subtle changes —long-standing obstacles seemed to dissolve, and people who resented him often demonstrated an immediate change of heart.

At a benefit concert he was helping to organize, the technician at the concert hall took an inexplicable dislike to him and refused to handle the sound system and lighting — and indeed removed all the microphones off the stage just two hours before the concert was due to begin. Pradervand quelled the anger that surged up and silently started blessing him – in every way he could imagine.

After just two sentences of blessing, Pradervand was stunned by a complete transformation in the man. “Where a few seconds earlier we had seen a hate-filled expression, suddenly a beautiful smile appeared. He went to his lab, came back with a pile of mikes, recommended the best ones to my friend, and wished us a wonderful evening.”

Note:The above articles were modified slightly to accommodate the date of publication (they were originally written as part of New Year Resolution articles).

A Healthy Immune System

By: Rebecca Gerard, Licensed and Registered Dietitian

It’s that time of year again and it seems like everyone around us is sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. As the outdoor temperatures and humidity drop, viruses begin to thrive and it is important to pay close attention to your immune system. A healthy immune system is vital for maintaining overall health. Here are a few tips to keep you on the “healthy” track.

1. Limit processed/refined sugars: Research suggests that just 1 tablespoon of sugar suppresses the immune system for up to 6 hours. The average soft drink has 8 tablespoons of sugar. So count your sugar grams on the food label and try to keep daily sugar consumption to less than20 grams/day and not all at once.

2. Eat an adequate amount of daily calories: To learn your estimated daily calories multiply your weight by 10 and that is the minimum number of calories you should eat daily.

3. Limit processed/cooked fats: It seems to depress the immune system and increase you risk for infection.

4. Probiotics enables us to properly digest and absorb the nutrition in our food. I recommend either eating 8 oz of organic yogurt daily or taking a probiotic supplement before meals. Probiotics can include acidophilus, bifidus to name a few.

5. A balanced diet of plenty of raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein both animal and plant, and essential fats. I recommend all of these foods on a small plate at meals and make sure that you include the rainbow of colors. This will ensure all the essential vitamins and minerals.

6. Research is mixed as to whether isolated supplements like multi vitamins seem to support the immune system. In fact some of them may cause more harm than good. It is best to get your nutrition from whole food. If you find that you do not or can’t eat certain food groups then a whole food concentrate may be recommended like dehydrated fruits and vegetables.

If you find yourself with the above symptoms of the flu or a cold then here are a few things you can do to decrease the symptoms or get over faster:

1. Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm fluids like hot decaffeinated tea. Generally half your body weight in ounces or more is suggested. A small amount of lemon and honey can be helpful as well and it can soothe a sore throat.

2. Get at least 8 hours or more of rest a night. Take a nap as well.

3. Avoid foods that lower the immune system, like sugar.

4. Don’t skip meals. Even if you are not hungry try and eat something small that includes protein. Protein supports that immune system.

5. Take extra of your whole food supplement.

6. Zinc lozenges* can be soothing as well and can act as an immunostimulant.

For further support, please email or call Rebecca at 407.426.2691 or eathealthy@bellsouth.net.

*Note: My favorite zinc lozenge supplement in by Kal, called LoZincges. See Recommended for more information. ~ Andrea

I recently received this email said to have been written by George Carlin after the death of his wife. I thought you might enjoy his perspective on why we need to value each and every moment:

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies tha n ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you c a n give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

                        George Carlin

January 2008:

ADD 14 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE!!

According to a study published in the journal Public Library of Science Medicine (London) people who did the following lived an average of 14 years longer than those who did not:

• Don't Smoke
• Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
• Exercise Regularly
• Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Interestingly, the benefits of these behaviors were seen whether people were fat and what social class they came from. The study included more than 20,000 people aged 45 to 79 years, from 1993 to 2006.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

The latest issue of Sunshine Horizons (from the folks at Natures Sunshine - a high quality line of supplements and herbs) offers the following tips for a Healthy Immune System:

• Get enough sleep
• Wash your hands often
• Eat nutritious foods, especially those high in Vitamin C
• Avoid unhealthy foods, particularly those high in sugar and overly processed foods
• Get adequate exercise
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
• Avoid excessive sun exposure
• Avoid exposure to pollutants and toxic chemicals

They also suggest that according to experts the following eight factors are the leading causes of disease. Although the more health issues you suffer from, the higher your risk of disease...as you eliminate or address the causes your risk of disease is reduced.

1. Deficiencies
2. Immune Dysfunction
3. Injuries
4. Contaginons
5. Genetics/Age
6. Toxins/Free Radicals
7. Abnormal metabolism
8. Stress

Check out the various articles in Learn About for idease to help you create a healthier, happier life!

There is growing evidence that napping has health benefits, including being good for the heart. A study of 23,000 people in Greece showed a 37% reduction in heart attacks among people who napped at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Dr. Robert Downey, chief of sleep medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California suggested to increase altertness you should probably nap for 20 to 30 minutes. After 30 to 40 minutes the brain goes into still deeper sleep and you can awaken more groggy than rested.

Cooler, dryer air can contribute to dryer skin, and can result in itchy, flaky skin. To keep your skin looking and feeling good:

• Drink lots of water to flush toxins from the body and maintain skin moisture
• Keep your skin clean and moisturized
• Eat right...but if you don't take a good multivitamin
• Vitamins that are good for the skin include: Vitamin C, which supports the formation of collagen and Vitamin E which can help protect the skin from damage due to wind and environmental pollutants
• Ascorbyl Palmitate, a unique form of Vitamin C, can be used internally or externally, to support the upper layers of the skin
• Alpha Lipoic Acid has been shown to protect the skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and relieve under-eye puffiness...it can be used both internally and externally.
• EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) like olive oil, flax seed oil, fish oils and evening primrose oil help maintain skin moisture

A New Year, An Opportunity to Begin Anew…

The beginning of a new year is a great time to make the changes in your life that you have been thinking about making…a time to try new things, approach life with a new perspective. Words of inspiration and wisdom always help to motivate me... here are some new, and old, favorites that I hope inspire you to create positive change in your life in 2008!!

“If you want to succeed in your life, remember this phrase: The past does not equal the future. Because you failed yesterday; or all day today; or