Ideal Health Solutions

Vitamin D From Sunlight

2011-03-23T10:39:00.001-04:00

Spring is here for most of us and with the onset of spring comes the opportunity to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Often we equate that to more activities, acquiring a suntan, planting flowers or a garden.

Another way to enjoy the sunshine comes with the added bonus of enjoying better health.

Studies continue to show that absorbing even a few minutes of sunshine each day is the ideal way to boost Vitamin D levels.

Experts agree that this FREE vitamin is crucial to enjoy good health and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. We are all aware it promotes good bone health, but it's also been shown to combat both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. An added bonus is that regular doses of sunlight has been show to greatly reduce depression.

Worried about the warnings of skin cancer? Some believe the warnings have been overstated, but that aside, it's believed that short doses of sunlight will produce a high enough level of Vitamin D without overexposing the skin to harmful damage from the sun.

So take a few minutes today and feel the warm sunshine on your skin. At the same time feel yourself getting a little closer to ideal health!

Want to read more about the benefits of Vitamin D from sunlight? Visit:
Time in the Sun: How Much Is Needed for Vitamin D?

Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

2011-03-21T20:19:00.001-04:00

Home remedies and natural treatments are becoming more popular for those seeking alternative health solutions as well as both a strained economy health care system and economy.

Often simple home treatments are found right in our kitchen cupboard and have a plethora of uses as well as effective results.

While ACV has long been used over time to treat a host of ailments, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is becoming an increasingly popular natural supplement or treatment.

Apple Cider Vinegar is creating through a two step fermentation process. The first step is the apple fermented into hard apple cider and the second fermentation creates Apple Cider Vinegar complete with enzymes and extra acids. It's the two step fermentation along with using organically grown apples that made the difference between a high quality ACV and a inferior substitute.

A few of the ailment Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown to be effective on are:

Acid Reflux
Acne
Athletes Foot
Blood Pressure Reduction
Constipation
Improved Digestive Health
Night Sweats/Hot Flashes
Weight Loss
Yeast Infection

These are just a few of the ailments ACV is effective on. Want to learn more? Visit Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for a more detailed list of ailments you can help or eliminate with this all natural treatment.

Take it every day with honey and see for yourself how beneficial Apple Cider Vinegar is to improve your overall health.

Plantars Wart Home Remedy And Relief From All That Pain

2011-03-04T21:57:00.001-05:00

First let me begin by saying I'm not a health care professional, just someone who is passionate about pursuing home remedies and natural cures to keep myself and my family healthy, out of the doctors office and away from pharmaceuticals.

Recently my husband discovered a small, tender spot on the bottom of his foot. At first he thought it was the result of a glass lid I managed to drop on the kitchen floor and shatter into approximately a millions or so glass slivers. That would have been preferred to the large and extremely painful planters wart he suffered from for over a month.

If you have landed on this page, perhaps you are experiencing similar agonizing pain yourself. We tried OTC "cures" from the local pharmacy and a few home remedies that didn't do much good.

I decided to get serious with this and find a remedy that would send this nasty thing away for good. Here is what first ended the majority of the pain and then eventually eliminated the Plantars Wart

First we soaked his foot at least once per day in hot water in a foot bath. I then added about a quarter cup of sea salt, a quarter cup of baking soda and 8 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to the foot bath. He soaked his foot as long as possible, but a minimum of fifteen minutes each time.

While a foot bath probably wouldn't be absolutely necessary, it sure did help to keep the water moving and these three pain saving ingredients circulating to work their wonders on his foot!

Jason Natural Organic Oil, Tea Tree, 1 oz

The purpose of using the Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) is because of its anti-virual properties as Plantars Warts are caused by the HPV virus.

Sea Minerals Dead Sea Bath Salt - 1 lbs

My reasoning behind using the sea salt is it's believed that sea salt draws toxins out of the body. I use it regularly in our bath water for that purpose as well as its ability to act as an antiseptic. The baking soda raises the alkalinity of the water. It's believed that viruses do not thrive in an alkaline environment. Baking soda and sea salt have been used together for hundreds of years to create a detox bath, surely it would help with this? My husband swears that the unbearable pain began to subside once we began these foot baths and after a couple of days he would remain almost pain free until he was on his feet for an extended length of time.

After each foot bath, I applied Bee Propolis directly to the Plantars Wart, covered it with a large bandage and wrapped tape around his foot to ensure the bandage stayed put until we were ready to change it again.

Bee Propolis is a sticky substance that is naturally produced by bees to protect the bee hive from the elements as well as to protect from bacteria, disease and parasites from entering the hive. The health benefits that we can reap from bee propolis are many, including success in eliminating Plantars Warts for good!

Montana Big Sky Propolis - Extra Thick Tincture, 0.5 oz

Slow Down The Aging Process

2011-01-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

If you are like me, you are constantly checking your watch. Not the one on your wrist but your life watch. The years creep up on us and then one day they are no longer creeping, but instead they are flying by.

Since you are checking your life watch, you are probably looking for ways not only to improve your health, but to slow down the aging process so that life watch keeps ticking long into triple digits!

This is the reason I got excited when I discovered: Reset Your Biological Clock, written by Dr. Al Sears, M.D. Maybe, if you are in fact like me, you will likely get excited about it too! If so, read on......

Stay Active, Vital & Energized

Work hard, play hard and keep doing what you love well into your 80s, 90s or 100s.

That’s not wishful thinking – it’s a medical reality. With new breakthrough technology, you can stay active and keep moving like a 50-year-old right through the age of 100.

You’ll find the keys to this rejuvenation in Reset Your Biological Clock, the revolutionary new book from renowned integrative physician and natural health expert Dr. Al Sears, M.D.

He reveals an exciting breakthrough that can enable you to turn on your anti-aging genes and reduce the effects of 10 to 20 years of aging. Find out how you can look 30% younger … reverse your genetic clock and recreate the body you had in your 20s …

If you want to stay independent and do more than you ever thought you could, click here to get started…Last year, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for something you probably haven’t heard about. Researchers discovered the primary cause of human aging – the long-sought-after “genetic clock” – and how to halt aging in its tracks.

Dr. Al Sears has been involved in this cutting-edge technology since its beginning.

You can now use this Nobel Prize to knock years off your age and live healthier and longer than ever before. Read below to discover how to turn back your genetic clock, reverse the aging process, overcome fatigue and look years younger...

Stretching For Ideal Health

2011-01-04T08:55:00.000-05:00

New year, new methods to explore in regards to getting in shape. First, let me say I've never been a fan of "going to work out". I've got nothing against the gym or health clubs for others, my husband goes religiously, and loves it. For myself, however, give me the great outdoors or if the weather says otherwise, the privacy of my own home.

I also prefer something easy. Not easy as far as physical exertion, but easy meaning not a lot of equipment or gadgets to mess with. I prefer to stretch, do some yoga and then exert myself either in an outdoor activity or workout.

I recently discovered a method of working out primarily using stretching to leverage maximum results in your work out. This coincides with my belief that everything feels better after stretching. The first thing I do in the morning is stretch and begin my day better because of it.

In this DVD by Naturecast Products stretching is the basis of the workout. It teaches you how to maximize your work outs using stretching as opposed weight resistance, but at the same time building strength, muscular definition as well as range of motion and flexibility. Another advantage that appeals to me is the relaxation and peace of mind that results from stretching.

The program is written by and taught a personal trainer, I thought it would be kind of nice to have a personal trainer in my home from time to time, without paying those fees, of course!

I signed up for the free newsletter from Naturecast Products and look forward to reading more about improving my health.

Are New Year's Resolutions A Waste Of Time?

2011-01-02T21:53:00.006-05:00

Approximately 40 to 45% Americans take a stab at making at least one New Year's Resolution each year.

Not surprising the most common resolutions are weight loss, smoking cessation and more exercise.

Unfortunately almost half of these resolutions are all but forgotten once the six month mark approaches.

Improved health, what ever your perception of that may be, is often achieved by taking baby steps and setting goals at the beginning of a brand new, fresh year is a great time to start.

Sometimes baby steps, while making the task of reaching a specific goal more time involved, can in fact ensure that a goal is reached simply because it no longer appears as an overwhelming, daunting task.

I have set several resolutions to achieve a better level of ideal health and while each year I might slide back on some of my resolutions, I really feel that at the conclusion of each year I come out healthier, more balanced and a better me than when I started.

When I don't fulfill my full resolution, do I feel like I fail? Nope. The only time I feel like I fail is when I quit trying to improve anything about myself at all.

Where do you stand on New Years Resolutions? I'd love to hear from you.

Hotel Health Traps

2010-02-09T18:02:00.005-05:00

Being as I am a previous general manager of both a hotel and a pool and hot tub business, I recently read an article that peaked my interest.

It's titled: 10 Hotel Health Traps You Should Really Be Aware Of

I can personally attest that very item listed in the article is spot on. While most reputable hotels take precautions to ensure the health of their guests, you should always be aware that these health traps exist at the least some of the time in virtually every hotel.

Here is the article, republished from RN Central.com

Getting away from it all, having someone else clean up after you, and not having to worry about the daily grind all seem like awesome reasons to spend a few nights in a hotel. Or maybe you travel for business and are a regular visitor to hotels. No matter the reason you are staying in a hotel, there are important health traps you should know about in order to protect yourself. From ice buckets to swimming pools to filthy carpet, there arehealth dangers lurking in places you might not have expected. Read on to find about these hidden health hazards.

Ice buckets. These little gems are often overlooked for cleaning. Apparently, it is common for hotel guests to use the empty ice buckets for a vomit container, then they are simply rinsed with water and put back on the counter top. Housekeeping staff may glance at the bucket and think it is clean, but in reality, it is not. These containers with remnants of vomit can spread norovirus, among other diseases.
Bed bugs. The prevalence of bed bugs at hotels of all caliber has become a recent concern. Bed bugs live in mattresses, carpet, and wooden furniture and are easily introduced into the room via guests' luggage and clothing. They feed on human blood and leave itchy welts. While these bugs don't necessarily transmit disease, they are extremely difficult to eliminate and are easily brought home. Check your room for tale-tell signs of bed bugs such as dark spots on the sheets or on furniture and pay a visit to sites such as the The Bedbug Registry, which tracks bed bug infestations.
Hot tubs. The warm, moist environment of a hot tub acts as a perfect breeding ground for a number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While most hotels do keep the water clean and chlorinated, the problem comes in when the pipes themselves are not regularly cleaned, leaving a perfect place for these infection-causing agents to thrive. Skin problems, and sometimes, lung infections can result from spending time in an infected hot tub.
Buffet. Buffets provide a convenient way to serve lots of hotel guests with fewer servers than in a typical restaurant setting. Despite the convenience, there are some risks inherent in leaving food sitting out. If cold food is kept properly chilled and hot food properly warmed, the risk of food-borne illness is reduced. However, the recommended times for leaving warm food out include 15 minutes for vegetables and 30 minutes for meat, poultry, fish, and casserole foods. Chances are good, especially if you are visiting the buffet during an off time, that the food on the buffet has been sitting out longer than those recommendations. Another risk with buffet foods is when guests who may be ill sneeze or cough on food, leaving behind germs that can easily infect the next person who comes in contact with that food.

To read the remaining 6 Hotel Health Traps, click here..

Whatever Happened To The Swine Flu?

2010-01-04T15:32:00.002-05:00

It wasn't so long ago that no matter which TV station we turned on, we were plagued with horror stories of the Swine Flu in an attempt to stir up irrational fear in us, the desired result that we run to the nearest clinic to be vaccinated in order to live another day. Remember that?

Well what happened that we went from our daily fear driven brainwashing to never hearing about the Swine Flu? Did all the vaccinations result in eradicating this "deadly" disease forever?

Hardly. Following is an article found at Healthy Again that discusses the demise of the dreaded H1N1 virus and it's useless vaccination.

H1N1 vaccine liquidation sale now on: Hurry while supplies last!

(NaturalNews) All of a sudden, H1N1 vaccines are available all across America. Walgreens and other pharmacies are pushing the vaccines as if there were an "everything must go" liquidation sale under way. Hurry, get your swine flu vaccine today before everybody figures out they're useless!

The marketability of vaccines has a strict time limit. They're only in demand during the fear phase of a pandemic, and that fear phase has long since faded for H1N1. Virtually everyone who wants an H1N1 vaccine has already received one, and the rest of the population is beginning to notice something quite curious: People who got the vaccine are no better off than those who skipped it. In fact, there's no difference in mortality between those who were vaccinated and those who weren't, indicating yet again that the swine flu vaccine was a medical hoax to begin with.

Living Healthy But No Energy?

2009-12-30T20:05:00.009-05:00

We are repeatedly told if we eat right, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly we will have plenty of energy.

So in the spirit of self improvement and our effort to seek ideal health, that's exactly what we do.

And then we discover we are exhausted. Our energy levels are not registering or if they are they are found on the negative side of the scale.

What in the world are we doing wrong? Are we wasting our time doing what we are told?

No, you are not wasting your time. Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise does, in fact, bring us countless benefits that go towards enjoying ideal health. However.....

As far as energy levels, there are other factors to consider. What could be the source of your energy level resembling that of, say a tortoise, is that you are deficient in Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the production of the chemicals that determine, among other things, your energy level!

You see, as we age it becomes more difficult for our body to absorb the necessary amount of B12 through digestion. Overtime, our B12 level decreases and one symptom that reveals this is a decreased energy level no matter how healthy we are living.

The good news is, there is an effective B12 supplement that is calls B12 Sublingual. The word sublingual means literally "under the tongue" and that is where this tiny little supplement is placed and left to dissolve. By dissolving as opposed to swallowing and left for the stomach to digest, the energy boosting B12 is absorbed much quicker into your system.

Country Life Superior B12 Sublingual, 50 tab

Once you begin taking B12 Sublingual, you'll be amazed at how great you feel.

Read This Before You Take Yet Another Antibiotic

2009-12-09T20:13:00.004-05:00

Deadly MRSA superbug has 50 percent mortality rate in hospital patients
A recent Henry Ford Hospital study revealed that a new strain of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the deadly bacterial "superbug" that becomes resistant to many antibiotics, is five times more deadly than other previously-seen strains. Fifty percent of patients who become infected with the new virulent strain die within 30 days; other MRSA strains kill only about 11 percent.

Called USA600, the new strain possesses uniquely noxious characteristics that researchers are linking to the significantly higher mortality rate. Study findings were presented at the 47th annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America in Philadelphia.

Typical MRSA strains are problematic because they are resistant to virtually every available antibiotic drug. Most MRSA infections are allegedly treatable with vancomycin, a powerful intravenous drug, but the new USA600 strain has proven itself to be nearly impervious to the drug.

Deadly MRSA strains typically take hold on a person through skin and blood infections, as well as through surgical wounds. While predominantly contracted in health care facilities like hospitals and clinics, the disease is now starting to make the rounds in otherwise healthy people in the outside world.

Experts are associating the increased resistance of deadly MRSA strains to the over-prescription by doctors of antibiotics for all sorts of conditions that do not need them. According to Joel Fuhman, an M.D. from New Jersey, studies show that 90 percent of antibiotics are prescribed for viral diseases, against which they have no effect.

When antibiotics are prescribed needlessly for conditions like a child's ear infection, which is viral rather than bacterial, they do more harm than good by killing off the child's beneficial bacteria. As a result, the child's immune system is weakened making them more susceptible to developing other illnesses and being prescribed more antibiotics.

Europe's Centre for Disease Control warns that if excessive antibiotic use is not curbed, antibiotics will become all but useless and modern medical procedures like organ transplants and neonatal care for babies will no longer be possible.

Modern medicine must also reawaken to the incredible power of colloidal silver in stopping harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Studies show that there is virtually no bacterial strain resistant to silver's powerful antibacterial effects. When developed properly for therapeutic use, colloidal silver packs a punch unlike any other antibiotic.

Visit Healthy Again For More Stories Like This One

Immune System Facts

2009-11-21T21:35:00.001-05:00

Your Immune System Explained.

Your immune system is a complex, intricate system made up of cells, organs, proteins and tissues that team up to provide a natural defense to protect you from bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, which from here on throughout the article will be referred to as germs.

There is literally no way to escape these four villains from coming in contact with your body. What you can do is manage your body in a way that enables it to operate at optimum performance to ward off an invasion.

Immune System Facts - What Causes Problems?

Have you ever wondered when there is some type of "bug" going around why some people "catch it" while others remain healthy and unaffected? When your body is weakened by outside influences, it becomes vulnerable to invasion from germs. Many factors, either by themselves or combined contribute to a weakened system. Some examples of this are:

• Unhealthy Eating Habits - Processed and Fast Food
• Drug Abuse - Including Prescription & Over The Counter Drugs
• Alcohol Abuse
• Lack of Sleep
• Negative Emotions
• Stress
• Environmental Issues

When these factors get "the best" of us, the immune system is an open door to invasion by germs. When we get to this state, we are sure to lose the battle to the outside forces and usually do.

Immune System Facts - What Are The Components?

Cells, tissues, proteins and organs team up to create this amazing defense system.

Cells - White blood cells called lymphocytes are made in your bode marrow. These cells move through the bloodstream to overcome germs before the germs overcome you.

Proteins - Proteins or antibodies are produced by the immune system to assist in neutralizing toxins produced by some germs.

Lymphatic System - Made up of lymph nodes to trap germs in the spleen which then filters the blood to be free of germs.

Thymus - Made up of lymphatic tissue and promotes the development of antibodies.

Tonsils & Adenoids - These two sample bacteria and germs that enter either the mouth or nose and will become infected themselves rather than allow invasion to the rest of the body.

Appendix - A "safe house" for good bacteria to aide the digestive system.

Peyers Patches - Are follicles in the small intestine that destroy bacteria that could potentially enter the bloodstream.

Fever - A Misunderstood Natural Weapon

Fever is a natural response to a problem within the body. A rise in body temperature can actually kill some germs. An increased body temperature will also begin the body's process to repair itself. If a fever is a natural response to a problem, why are we told to "get a fever down" before it rises too high?

Immune System Facts - The Results Of A Weakened System

Allergies - The body is reacting to a something harmless as if it were in fact harmful; dust, pollen, animal hair etc.
Autoimmune Diseases - These diseases are defined as diseases where the immune system turns on the body and attacks healthy cells by mistake.
Some autoimmune diseases are:

• Graves Disease - an over active thyroid
• Hashimoto Thyroiditis - an under active thyroid
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• HIV/Aids

Immune System Facts - How to Protect Yourself

• Eat fresh foods, especially fruit and vegetables and avoid processed and fast food.
• Get plenty of sleep consistently.
• Manage stress, think positive and laugh often.
• Breathe plenty of fresh air.
• Drinks purified or bottled water and eliminate soft drinks from your diet.
• Take a natural treatment to boost your immune system to fight off disease before it strikes.

Does Colloidal Silver Prevent The Flu?

2009-11-16T20:00:00.003-05:00

Depending of the current season, the flu seems to monopolize much of the media headlines no matter where we turn. We are constantly told to immunize, in come cases, multiple times. What the media doesn't give us enough information on is how to prevent the flu.

Prevention - What's The Big Secret?

It's a topic that seems to be danced around in every interview. Why can't the powers that be give us the secret on how to prevent the flu? Sure, they tell us to wash our hands, cough into our sleeves, but where is the well researched information? Why aren't they telling us about natural treatments, vitamins and supplements? Why isn't there a media onslaught about building and maintaining a strong, healthy immune system?

Unfortunately the answer is simple. Natural treatments, vitamins and supplements are not a money maker for pharmaceutical companies. Also, millions of healthy people don't make good business for the health care industry, but millions of sick ones do.

The Immune System - The Bodies First Line Of Defense

It's no secret the immune system fights off all things foreign that want to invade your body including germs, bacteria and flu viruses. The question for many is how to build up the immune system to work effectively and efficiently to fight off illness like the flu.

There is quite a selection of natural treatments, vitamins and supplements to aid you in building up your system. One choice in particular is to use a good colloidal silver product. A quality colloidal silver is lethal against up to 650 various strains of bacteria and viruses, including flu viruses. It's job when working side by side with the immune system is to eliminate these viruses before they invade the body. That way the immune system remains strong, healthy and actively protecting you against illness and a plethora of ailments.

The Side Effects Of Flu Shots

2009-10-08T16:23:00.004-04:00

The flu vaccines are here, particularly the Swine Flu vaccine and the media is blitzing the subject every where you look. Each time I turn on a news show, there is yet another government official, spokes person from the CDC or a hired "authority" speaking to us about the necessity of receiving a flu shot.

Scare tactics are used left and right, statistics are skewed, images are shown of schools looking abandoned, veritable ghost towns. We are left to believe the worst if we don't rush off to the doctors office or clinic to get poked with a needle or sprayed up the nostrils.

The schools here where I live have remained opened, full of students, all activities happening as planned, even though the media says my state has been very hard hit. I'm puzzled by this.

Another part of this topic that puzzles me is how all of the experts I see on TV and read about in the newspaper and online are claiming the "total safety" of the flu shot. I'm sure you have read how the vaccine was rushed through products with little to no testing, so how do we really know it's safe?

Here are some of ingredients that can be found in flu vaccines:

Thimerosal (a mercury derivative)

Ethylene Glycol (Anti freeze)

Aluminum

Benzethonium Chloride (a disinfectant)

Phenol (a disinfectant die)

Formaldehyde (a preservative & disinfectant)

Chicken Embryos

Thimerosal, which contains mercury has been known to induce membrane damage and cell death. It has been linked to a possible cause of autism. This possibility resulted in the use of Thimerosal to be reduced or eliminated from pediatric vaccines, however not from the flu vaccine.

I don't know about you, but I am not anxious to have even one of these "ingredients" injected into my body. I am happy to say that I have never had a flu shot and never plan on getting one. Ironically, I don't believe I have had the flu either, thanks to my healthy immune system. However from what I understand, it is often mistaken for a cold and sometimes people don't even realize they have the flu. I prefer to live with the discomfort of a cold and/or flu than to have myself injected with who only knows what.

More Swine Flu Vaccine Information

2009-09-08T09:39:00.003-04:00

The news continues to grow about the underlying dangers of the Swine Flu vaccine. It has become increasingly clear the vaccine is far more deadly that the Swine Flu. Following is an article written by Dr. Russell Blaylock about more truths of the dangers to you and I, as well the deceptions practiced in order to market this "life saving" vaccine.

An outbreak of swine flu occurred in Mexico this spring that eventually affected 4,910 Mexican citizens and resulted in 85 deaths. By the time it spread to the United States, the virus caused only mild cases of flu-like illness.

Thanks to air travel and the failure of public health officials to control travel from Mexico, the virus spread worldwide. Despite predictions of massive numbers of deaths and the arrival of doomsday, the virus has remained a relatively mild disease, something we know happens each year with flu epidemics.

Worldwide, there have only been 311 deaths out of 70,893 cases of swine flu. In the United States, 27,717 cases have resulted in 127 deaths. Every death is a tragedy, but such a low death rate should not be the basis of a draconian government policy.

It is helpful to recall that the Centers for Disease Control with the collusion of the media, constantly tell us that 36,000 people die from the flu each year, a figure that has been shown to be a lie. In this case, we are talking about 300 plus deaths for the entire world.

This virus continues to be an enigma for virologists. In the April 30, 2009 issue of Nature, a virologist was quoted as saying,“Where the hell it got all these genes from we don’t know.” Extensive analysis of the virus found that it contained the original 1918 H1N1 flu virus, the avian flu virus (bird flu), and two new H3N2 virus genes from Eurasia. Debate continues over the possibility that swine flu is a genetically engineered virus.

Naturally, vaccine manufacturers have been in a competitive battle to produce the first vaccine. The main contenders have been Baxter Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the latter of which recently acquired the scandal-ridden Chiron vaccine company. Both of these companies have had agreements with the World Health Organization to produce a pandemic vaccine.

The Baxter vaccine, called Celvapan, has had fast track approval. It uses a new vero cell technology, which utilizes cultured cells from the African green monkey. This same animal tissue transmits a number of vaccine-contaminating viruses, including the HIV virus.

The Baxter company has been associated with two deadly scandals. The first event occurred in 2006 when hemophiliac components were contaminated with HIV virus and injected in tens of thousands of people, including thousands of children. Baxter continued to release the HIV contaminated vaccine even after the contamination was known.

The second event occurred recently when it was discovered that Baxter had released a seasonal flu vaccine containing the bird flu virus, which would have produced a real world pandemic, to 18 countries. Fortunately, astute lab workers in the Czech Republic discovered the deadly combination and blew the whistle before a worldwide disaster was unleashed.

Despite these two deadly events, WHO maintains an agreement with Baxter Pharmaceuticals to produce the world’s pandemic vaccine. Novartis, the second contender, also has an agreement with WHO for a pandemic vaccine. Novartis appears to have won the contract, since their vaccine is near completion. What is terrifying is that these pandemic vaccines contain ingredients, called immune adjuvants that a number of studies have shown cause devastating autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus.

Animal studies using this adjuvant have found them to be deadly. A study using 14 guinea pigs found that when they were injected with the special adjuvant, only one animal survived. A repeat of the study found the same deadly outcome.

So, what is this deadly ingredient? It is called squalene, a type of oil. The Chiron company, maker of the deadly anthrax vaccine, makes an adjuvant called MF-59 which contains two main ingredients of concern—squalene and gp120. A number of studies have shown that squalene can trigger all of the above-mentioned autoimmune diseases when injected.

The MF-59 adjuvant has been used in several vaccines. These vaccines, including tetanus and diphtheria, are the same vaccines frequently associated with adverse reactions. I reviewed a number of studies on this adjuvant and found something quite interesting. Several studies done on human test subjects found MF-59 to be a very safe immune adjuvant. But when I checked to see who did these studies, I found—to no surprise—that they were done by the Novartis Pharmaceutical Company and Chiron Pharmaceutical Company, which have merged. They were all published in “prestigious” medical journals. Also, to no surprise, a great number of studies done by independent laboratories and research institutions all found a strong link between MF-59 and autoimmune diseases.

Squalene in vaccines has been strongly linked to the Gulf War Syndrome. On August 1991, Anthony Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs admitted that soldiers vaccinated with the anthrax vaccine from 1990 to 1991 had an increased risk of 200 percent in developing the deadly disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. The soldiers also suffered from a number of debilitating and life-shortening diseases, such as polyarteritis nodosa, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, transverse myelitis (a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord), endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s inner lining), optic neuritis with blindness and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disease).

Because squalene, the main ingredient in MF-59, can induce hyperimmune responses and induce autoimmunity, a real danger exists for prolonged activation of the brain’s immune cells, the microglia. This type of prolonged activation has been strongly associated with such diseases as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and possibly vaccine-related encephalitis. It has been shown that activation of the systemic immune system, as occurs with vaccination, rapidly activates the brain’s microglia at the same time, and this brain inflammation can persist for long periods.

So, how would the gp120 get into the brain? Studies of other immune adjuvants using careful tracer techniques have shown that they routinely enter the brain following vaccination. What most people do not know, even the doctors who recommend the vaccines, is that most such studies by pharmaceutical companies observe the patients for only one to two weeks following vaccination—these types of reactions may take months or even years to manifest.

It is obvious that the vaccine manufacturers stand to make billions of dollars in profits from this WHO/government-promoted pandemic. Novartis, the maker of the new pandemic vaccine, recently announced that they would not give free vaccines to impoverished nations—everybody pays.

One must keep in mind that once the vaccine is injected, there is little you can do to protect yourself—at least by conventional medicine. It will mean a lifetime of crippling illness and early death. There are much safer ways to protect oneself from this flu virus, such as higher doses of vitamin D3, selective immune enhancement using supplements, and a good diet.

Swine Flu Vaccine Linked To Guillian-Barre Syndrome?

2009-09-01T07:48:00.004-04:00

The organization that oversees the public healthy system in the UK, the Health Protection Agency is demanding an explanation from neurologists in the UK as to why the public has not been warned of the risks of the swine flu vaccine. The risk of concern is an increase in the nerve disease, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, a disorder in the brain that attacks the lining of the nerve, causing paralysis, inability to breathe and often death.

The Health Protection Agency references in a letter the swine flu vaccine that was released here in the US in 1976 where more people died from the vaccine than the flu.

Read more from: The Daily Mail - August 15, 2009

Natural Treatments For....

2009-08-31T19:54:00.009-04:00

The New Silver Solution, a colloidal silver product, has a plethora of uses, many of them I write about here on this blog.

Additionally I have begun publishing individual pages for specific uses on a website called Squidoo. I wanted a means to highlight each use on a "permanent" type page and Squidoo allows me to do that.

Please be my guest and visit my new lenses (pages). I will continue to add more in the future.

Here are the links:

Natural Treatment For Immune System Boost

Natural Treatment For The Flu

Save A Child From Malaria

I hope you enjoy your visit while you are there.

Thanks for reading.

Swine Flu Deaths

2009-08-19T10:09:00.006-04:00

We continue to see the panic button pressed daily on the Swine Flu.

The vaccination that may or may not be mandatory.

Whether this wonder vaccination will be ready in time. (Ready for what?)

Is it safe to travel here...or there?

The Obama administration is using terms like "Preparing for the worst."

No matter what form of media you read or watch, the Swine Flu or H1N1 is everywhere. It's no wonder we aren't all running in terror through the streets over this alleged Super Killer.

Well how about we give it the attention it deserves?

Here are some statistics that may help you see a little clearer what is happening with the Swine Flu:

In 1967 the Hong Kong Flu killed 700,000 people worldwide. This was the last time the World Health Organization declared a flu pandemic until....

Now. A flu pandemic has been declared even though the Swine Flu has only killed 1462 people globally to date. Hmmmm.

Millions and millions of people get some variety of the flu every year. Statistically a relatively low number die from it, especially directly from it. For example, in 2006 in the US, 56,326 people died from the flu, however 55,477 of those people died from underlying complications they had before contracting the flu. In other words, their immune systems were already weakened when they contracted the flu. The number of people in the US who died from the flu in 2006 was 849.

The number of people who have died here in the US from Swine Flu to date is 447.

There are those who argue a vaccination is necessary even with this ridiculously low number because if we had an outbreak of the Flu, our health care system may not be equipped to deal with all the people suffering from underlying conditions and have weakened immune systems. Therefore the fix is to vaccinate them with an newly developed, under tested vaccination. I guess we can all be the test study for this vaccination and just see what happens.

Not me. I prefer to have a healthy strong immune system that can fight off the flu and countless other health villains, so I can go on about my life without missing a beat. Fortunately I'm not alone in my belief as thousands of others are beginning to educate themselves about the Swine Flu and other health issues thus taking the responsibility of their health into their own hands.

Which side of the fence are you on?

Buy Silver - Get Gold

2009-08-11T16:10:00.011-04:00

We continuously read in the media how the value of silver and gold is on the rise and the value of the dollar is steadily sinking and according to some, at risk of becoming valueless.

We are encouraged to protect our financial foundation by buying both silver and gold as an investment for the future in the event of financial disaster.

I used the title in this post as a metaphor as to how I look at colloidal silver use.

By purchasing and using Silver Solution, a colloidal silver product, you get the Gold. Gold being first prize and that's great health. Great health can not be purchased, it has to be practiced.

By using Silver Solution as a first line of defense for an immune system boost, you are guiding your body to become strong enough to prevent sickness, ailments and disease from ever striking. You are building this strong body naturally with no side effects or toxic build up.

Back to my earlier metaphor of buying silver and gold, when you buy colloidal silver or Silver Solution, and invest in yourself by building up your immune system, you are laying a foundation much like your financial foundation. If disaster strikes, you are already strong and unaffected by this disaster, similar to owning silver and gold in order to not be affected should the dollar collapse.

Once your health is in jeopardy, you are relying on medication to treat the symptoms until your body can restore itself back to it's original level of good health. If it can. Often we become victims of the medication, relying on it to mask illness and disease, only to be held hostage by it's effects and contribute to our declining health.

By working from a position of strength and warding off illness and disease by building a strong immune system, we win the battle without ever going off to war.

Discover More Benefits Of Silver Solution and Immune System Support

Educate Yourself About Swine Flu

2009-08-11T06:39:00.005-04:00

Educate yourself about Swine Flu and particularly about a vaccination to prevent Swine Flu. This is especially important when there is talk about instituting a manadatory vaccination for some. A mandatory vaccination that has been developed and tested all in a matter of a few short weeks.

Watch the video below and read the excerpt from Mercola.com on this extremely important topic.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Following is an excerpt from a post from Mercola.com. To read the entire post, please click the link at the end of the excerpt.

By Dr. Mercola

You’ve probably noticed the escalating hype and hysteria surrounding the swine flu pandemic as colder months approach and the number of worldwide cases climbs.

It’s true the virus is spreading.

Much more important, however, is the fact that reported cases continue to be symptomatically mild, requiring little or no medical intervention. And deaths from the H1N1 virus remain extremely low, at less than one half of one percent of reported cases as of July 6.[1]

Despite this fact, the United States has committed to spending another $1 billion on ingredients for an H1N1 vaccine, according to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, with plans for a mid-October vaccination program intact.[2]

Plans are also underway to implement vaccine programs around the world. In Germany, for instance, the health ministry announced the government had plans to order 50 million vaccine units and up to 22.5 million people may be vaccinated in the first stage of the plan starting in September (even though no fatalities have occurred in the country to date).[3]

The cost of the vaccination program is estimated at two billion euros -- even though only 800 infections, none of them fatal, have been reported in the country.
The White House Speaks About Swine Flu

If you’re on the White House email distribution list, you received an email recently announcing the “H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit” held on July 9. The note was signed by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security, and Education.

The message said, in part:

“We are working together to monitor the spread of 2009-H1N1 and to prepare to initiate a voluntary fall vaccination program against the 2009-H1N1 flu virus, assuming we have a safe vaccine and do not see changes in the virus that would render the vaccine ineffective.”

Two things in this paragraph stand out. Number one -- the vaccination program is still voluntary. A plan for mass swine flu vaccinations is not good news, but it appears that at least for now, the choice is still up to you.

The other item which stands out in that paragraph is the phrase, “... assuming we have a safe vaccine.”

How safe is a vaccine that has been developed, “tested,” and shipped for mass distribution in a matter of weeks? The answer -- it isn’t.

Unfortunately, President Obama is fully onboard with the prospect of mass injections of inadequately tested, potentially deadly vaccines.

"We want to make sure that we are not promoting panic, but we are promoting Read More

Save A Child From Malaria

2009-07-15T20:38:00.019-04:00

Believe it or not, Malaria is alive and well in many parts of the world. So well it kills approximately 2.7 million people each year and between 350 and 500 million new cases are reported each year.

It's sad that this entirely preventable disease is flourishing primarily because of economics, a lack of the necessary funds to eradicate this often lethal parasite.

The areas of the world that are primarily affected are the sub-Saharan areas of Africa. The most impoverished countries in the world. One country in particular, Ghana, shares some startling statistics:

Malaria is the number on cause of death in Ghana

25% of children who die in Ghana before their 5th birthday, die from Malaria.

The good news is there are programs and efforts out there to help eradicate the devastation of Malaria.

Great strides had been made in the use of mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide. Like anything else, the nets come at a cost and unfortunately countries like Ghana don't have the economy to sustain a full out assault to supply enough nets for those who need them. To learn more about helping those less fortunate with mosquito nets, please visit this website:

Fight Malaria

Another area that has been extremely effective in actually eliminating Malaria is the use of colloidal silver, particularly The New Silver Solution. Because of the effectiveness of colloidal silver use to eradicate Malaria, Nutronix International has spearheaded a campaign called Save A Child.

Through its relationship with Nutronix International, the "Save A Child" campaign will get the New Silver Solution, to the people in the world who need it the most, the children in Africa, beginning in the country of Ghana. As far as can be determined, The New Silver Solution is the only product available in the world today that eliminates the disease causing parasite from the blood and does not just put the disease in remission.

You can purchase a bottle of The New Silver Solution for $10 and donate it to the "Save A Child" campaign. Nutronix International will match your purchase with a second bottle, so your gift will save the lives of at least two children.If you would like to help Save A Child from Malaria, after you click on the link below, go to Products, then Save A Child. Thank You for participating in this very necessary program.

Please Link Me To "Save a Child"

To learn more about Malaria, please visit: Save A Child From Malaria

An Alternative Approach

2009-06-22T20:27:00.006-04:00

Alternative Medicine or Naturopathic Medicine is based on the belief that the body can heal itself. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?

Yes, the body can certainly heal itself if it's in a natural state or environment, but can it heal itself when it's in an unnatural state?

When we routinely pump unnatural substances like soda's, artificial sweeteners, nicotine, processed foods, over the counter and prescription drugs (all are synthetic), refined sugar and flour, tap water that is chlorinated, air that is polluted....

Wait let me catch my breath...never mind I can't my lungs are too full of well...everything that shouldn't be there and not enough of what should be...like oxygen.

Think about it.

Do our bodies really stand a chance if we continue to put garbage in and no garbage is coming out?

When I first began thinking about this concept I was confused. Afraid. Definitely unsure where to turn. Until I began to really research. I mean really look beyond TV ad's and "news" shows.

You can too.

Don't rely on the news you are fed. Go looking for some answers.

Ask yourself some thought provoking questions.

For example: If drugs really cured us of our illnesses, where would be drug companies be besides out of business? Do they really want us to get better?

What about doctors? If we weren't stacked up in their waiting rooms waiting to be cured and "treated" with drugs, would they have enough business to sustain the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed?

If we were healthy with simple cures and best practices that helped us lead a natural life would insurance companies be profitable?

Ask yourself who turns the wheels of your health? Is the answer the bottom line on a profit and loss statement?

Think about it. Is that who you want holding the end result of your good health in their not so objective hands?

So what can you do?

Well, first read. Your curiosity to something brought you here, didn't it? Read and read some more.

Here are some best practices to start with:

Eat raw, fresh foods as much as possible.
Read labels on processed food, educate yourself as to what some of this "stuff" is.
Drink filtered or bottled water, then drink some more.
Look for alternative natural solutions to the synthetics you have become used to.
Think about cooking from scratch instead of a box, microwave container, or eating fast food.
Read and research a little more every day.
Find the right natural supplements so you may obtain a higher level of ideal health.
Build a healthy immune system to prevent your body from becoming sick.

Start making small changes every day. Before long you just might see those timid baby steps you started out with become long confident strides moving toward ideal health, naturally!

Are All Colloidal Silvers The Same?

2009-06-12T22:19:00.001-04:00

Considering the tremendous increase in people turning to alternative natural healing for a huge number of illnesses and ailments, it’s important to research the various products available on the market today.

Colloidal silver is no different. There are many different brands of silver to choose from and not all solutions are created equal.

While some solutions might be available in the same concentrations, the results they produce often vary dramatically. For example, one silver product might claim their silver can inhibit the growth of E.coli, but yet another silver (The New Silver Solution) has been shown to kill E. coli. Considering the effects E.coli has on the human body, up to and including death, it appears most of us would want to choose the silver solution that kills this nasty, often lethal bacteria.

Another important area to consider is the tests that have been (or not been) performed.

Have these tests been conducted by the company producing the product or have they had extensive independent testing?

Has a product been tested for toxicity and if so up to what dosage?

Is the product patented?

Has the product been approved by any outside associations or government agencies?

Testimonials are another way to find out about a product. What success have others had using colloidal silver and for what issues.

Our health, particularly our good health, is imperative to living a quality life. Pursuing alternative solutions to achieve good health is a huge step. It’s crucial to make wise informed choices when selecting which products to use.

Swine Flu Update

2009-06-11T10:47:00.004-04:00

BY MARIA CHENG and FRANK JORDANS, Associated Press Writer Maria Cheng And Frank Jordans, Associated Press Writer

GENEVA – The World Health Organization told its member nations it was declaring a swine flu pandemic Thursday — the first global flu epidemic in 41 years — as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.

In a statement sent to member countries, WHO said it decided to raise the pandemic warning level from phase 5 to 6 — its highest alert — after holding an emergency meeting on swine flu with its experts.

The long-awaited pandemic decision is scientific confirmation that a new flu virus has emerged and is quickly circling the globe. It will trigger drugmakers to speed up production of a swine flu vaccine and prompt governments to devote more money toward efforts to contain the virus.
"At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity," WHO said in the statement, urging nations not to close borders or restrict travel and trade. "(We) remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers."

On Wednesday, WHO said 74 countries had reported nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths. Read More

What Is Colloidal Silver?

2009-06-09T20:25:00.002-04:00

Considering all the media coverage of the Swine Flu or it's more recent name of H1N1, the growing threat of the Superbug MRSA's resistance to antibiotics. Combine this with the fact an estimated 43 million people are living without health insurance, it's no wonder so many of us are turning to alternative natural healing.

An increased interest has been realized in the use of colloidal silver to treat bacterial infections as well as a plethora of viruses.

The first question many people ask is: "What exactly is colloidal silver?"

Well first, plain old silver itself kills bacteria. Think of the silver pails that cow's milk goes into or a silver spoon that goes into the proverbial wealthy baby's mouth which actually happened in Europe during the plague. Even early settlers in America would throw silver coins into their wells to keep the water bacteria free and potable. Now fast forward this thinking and picture Band-Aids recent marketing campaign. Yep, silver is the solution to fighting bacteria. Just Google Curad + silver and see the results.

Now you see from very early times to current times silver has amazing healing qualities. The good news is we don't have to stop at bandages. Colloidal silver is simply nano (massively small) particles of silver suspended in water. These particles are so small they don't settle, or loose their molecular identity. They just hang suspended in the water or solution waiting to go to work providing you with natural healing.

When ingested, these particles go to work in our bodies killing bacteria and viruses so we may enjoy health naturally. Bacterial organisms need a supply of energy to live, the silver blocks this energy supply and the bacteria or virus is no longer able to survive.

Colloidal silver kills an astounding 650 or so strains of bacteria and viruses. A conventional antibiotic kills approximately a half dozen or so. Not much of a comparison is it?

Combine these advantages with the fact that some colloidal silvers are non toxic even when tested thousands of times above the normal dose with no adverse side effects. Perhaps you can now see how using colloidal silver to treat countless varieties of bacteria and viruses allows us to enjoy good health naturally.

Cruise Ship Passenger Dies From Flesh Eating Bacteria

2009-05-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

by Scott Carmichael on May 7th 2009 at 2:00PM

Have you had your breakfast/lunch/dinner yet? Because this story is bound to upset your stomach.

While on a Mediterranean cruise, 58 year old Raymond Evans hurt his knee during a fall. The injury was nothing serious, but the ships doctor put Mr. Evans on an antibiotic regimen, just to be safe.

Despite the shots, his widow said his condition started to deteriorate, and that the back of his knee was turning black. This developed into a "blotchy blackness" that spread to his chest, elbow and fingers, and he was admitted into the ships hospital.

When the ship docked in Alexandria, Egypt, Mr.Evans was transported to the intensive care unit of the city's hospital where he died hours later. The total time from noticing the blackness on his knee till death was just 24 hours.

A pathologist told the official inquiry that Mr.Evans had been infected by the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis (warning: graphic images on that page!).

The pathologist concluded that Mr.Evans had not caught the bug during his fall, because the symptoms of the flesh eating bug usually start hours after being infected, so the most probable source was something on the cruise ship that entered through his wounds.

This is of course just another example of the health risks involved with cruise ships. For years, cruise lines have struggled with the norovirus as we previously covered here, here and here. Still, common sense and basic hygiene precautions should help keep you perfectly safe when you get on board.

Swine Flu Continues To Spread

2009-05-17T10:52:00.010-04:00

By VOA News
13 May 2009

The swine influenza A-H1N1 virus is still spreading around the world.

Belgium on Wednesday confirmed its first case, becoming the 34th country to report an infection of swine flu. The World Health Organization says worldwide, the number of confirmed cases stands at more than 5,700.

Almost all the deaths from the virus have been in Mexico. Mexican authorities on Wednesday raised the death toll there to 60, though authorities say the outbreak in Mexico is declining.

Swine flu has also killed one person in Costa Rica, one in Canada and three people in the United States. On Wednesday, the U.S. said it had confirmed more than 3,300 cases of the virus. U.S. officials say they expect more.

On Tuesday, Finland and Thailand each confirmed two cases, the first for both countries. Authorities say each of those four patients had recently traveled to Mexico.

China also confirmed its second case on the mainland, while Hong Kong confirmed two as well.

Other swine flu cases have been confirmed in Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Austria, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

The WHO has released a report warning that although a flu virus may be considered mild, it can change over time as it spreads around the globe.

The New Silver Solution - Safe to Use

2009-05-03T12:18:00.006-04:00

Patented:

This is the only colloidal silver producer with a product so unique and effective that it was deemed a new product, and therefore approved for patent by the United States Patent Agency.
The New Silver Solution has the Only 2 Patent Approvals on a colloidal silver product in the last 80 years. The patent has also been filed internationally, as well as specifically in Japan.

To View The Patent Click Here

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Poison Control Center, colloidal silver is considered harmless. Dr Samuel Etris, a senior consultant at The Silver Institute, reports that there has never been any allergic, toxic, or carcinogenic reactions to colloidal silver. The U.S. Government's Center for Disease Control confirmed that fact in 1995.

Even when it was tested at 200 times the normal adult dosage, the NEW Silver Solution® was found to be completely non-toxic - unlike many antibiotics and other silver products.

Testing

There are numerous independent universities and private laboratories that have been and are currently doing test work on the The New Silver Solution. Test work completed so far includes: antibiotic test comparisons; bacteria work; yeast work; safety and toxicity data; independent tests against other colloidal silver products; water treatment tests, etc.

New Data

We are constantly striving to gain new and important information on the effectiveness and uses of its product. We currently have four new studies and a double-blind clinical trial currently underway, with several more studies already in the planning stages. The new studies include: major disease studies at independent universities and laboratories, a double blind clinical trial on mouth sores, an EPA surface disinfectant study for our EPA surface disinfectant filing, and a new series of water disinfectant tests from an independent certified water purification laboratory. Dr. Bjorn Nordstrom, of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, has used silver in his cancer cure method for many years. He says the whole thing is very simple. This brought rapid remission in patients given up by other doctors.

Humanitarian Aid

The New Silver Solution is the only colloidal silver approved by an international health consortium as an antibiotic alternative, for use in its hospitals and water treatment units in Africa, South America, and Asia.

Source:

Nutronix International

Treat or Prevent?

2009-04-26T14:17:00.006-04:00

It appears the Swine Flu is stubbornly pushing it's way into cities, towns and countries around the world as well as into the limelight of the media.

As of today, the cases in the US have risen to 20 and are scattered throughout the lower 48. It seems that some of those fallen to the virus have recently returned from Mexico where the virus seems to have sprung from while some have not.

It is said that this particular strain of flu originates from pigs, hence the name, and is typically transferred by pig to human contact. It is, however, capable of transferring from human to human contact where it allegedly mutates and becomes stronger, thus making it more difficult to both treat and fight off. Swine Flu is not believed to transfer to us by eating pork.

In the event we are struck by this virus, the medical community as well as big pharma are quick to tell us there are antiviral drugs available to treat us once we are sick.

My personal plan, not giving advice here, but rather sharing my best practices which haven't let me down for quite some time, is as follows. I prefer to prevent the onset of any flu, virus, bacteria or germ, rather than trying to treat it after it attacks me. A strong immune system will prevent disease, bacteria and virus from entering your body in the first place.

My personal arsenal for a strong immune system?

One Tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with honey twice per day.
A Green Superfood once per day, usually with a home made smoothie.
One Tsp of Silver Solution once per day.
A whole food multiple vitamin, my choice is an Acai vitamin.
An Omega 3-6-9 supplement.
Fifteen minutes of direct sunlight every day.
A minimum of ten 8oz. glasses of water per day.

To your ideal health!

swine flu

2009-04-25T21:08:00.006-04:00

Below is an article reprinted from CNN.com. It's discussing the potentially "pandemic virus" that has recently popped up seemingly out of nowhere, the Swine Flu Virus. While I don't think it's a cause for panic, it surely indicates we need to educate ourselves on the possibility it could visit our respective neighborhoods. I'm interested in hearing what you think.

More cases of swine flu reported; WHO warns of 'health emergency'
(CNN) -- A potentially deadly new strain of the swine flu virus cropped up in more places in the United States and Mexico on Saturday, in what the World Health Organization called "a public health emergency of international concern."

The most recent reports Saturday afternoon were of two confirmed cases of the virus in Kansas -- bringing the number of confirmed U.S. cases to 11.

Those joined nine confirmed cases in Texas and California and an apparent outbreak at a private school in New York City, where officials say eight children likely have the virus.

Mexican health officials say 81 deaths are now "likely linked" to the swine flu virus.

President Felipe Calderon on Saturday issued an executive decree detailing emergency powers of the Ministry of Health, according to the president's office.

The order gives the ministry with the authority to isolate sick patients, inspect travelers' luggage and their vehicles and conduct house inspections, the statement said.

The government also has the authority to prevent public gatherings, shut down public venues and regulate air, sea and overland travel.

The WHO's Gregory Hartl said the strain of the virus seen in Mexico is worrisome because it has mutated from older strains.

"Any time that there is a virus which changes ... it means perhaps the immunities the human body has built up to dealing with influenza might not be adjusted well enough to dealing with this new virus," Hartl told CNN.

In Mexico, otherwise young and healthy people have been hit by the virus -- "one of the pieces of the puzzle that is worrying us," he said.

Mexico City has closed all of its schools and universities because of the virus, and the country's National Health Council said all Saturday's soccer games would be played without public audiences.

WHO has sent experts to Mexico at the request of the country's government, Chan said.

Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, was expected to officially announce the two cases later Saturday, a written statement from the state said.

All of the eight U.S. patients in Texas and California have recovered, Dr. Richard Besser, the acting director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Friday. Two of the cases were in Texas, near San Antonio, and six of the cases were in southern California, the CDC said.

More than 1,000 people have been sickened in Mexico, and officials are trying to determine how many of those patients have swine influenza, the country's health minister, Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos, said.

U.S. health officials said Friday that some cases of the virus matched samples of the deadly Mexican virus.

On Saturday, New York's Bureau of Communicable Diseases said preliminary tests from a Queens school suggest that eight out of the nine cases of the virus found there are probably swine flu.

Dr. Don Weiss said the samples will be sent to the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, to determine the subtype of the strain. The results will likely come back either Sunday or Monday.

He said the samples, which were taken from oral and nasal swabs from nine students at St. Francis Preparatory School, came back positive for "Type A" flu and the tests will need to determine the samples' subtype -- which could be swine flu.

He said up to 200 students at the school reported feeling ill.

"What's concerning about this is, first, that it's likely swine flu; second is that at this time it is spreading from person to person," Weiss said.
When the flu spreads person-to-person, instead of from animals to humans, it can continue to mutate, making it a tougher strain that is harder to treat or fight off.

The people sickened in Kansas are a man who traveled to Mexico on business and his wife, Eberhart-Phillips said. The man had flu-like symptoms when he returned and went to his doctor, and his wife got sick about three days later, officials said.

Neither of them was hospitalized, and one is still sick, he said.

The United States had not issued any travel warnings or quarantines by Saturday afternoon.

The Canadian Public Health Agency had issued a travel health notice, saying, "The Public Health Agency of Canada is tracking clusters of severe respiratory illness with deaths in Mexico."

Symptoms of swine flu include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the CDC said.

Besser advised people with flu-like symptoms to stay home from work or school and to see a doctor.

Antibiotic Threat

2009-04-14T12:26:00.010-04:00

There was a time when the question, "When will infectious disease be wiped out?" was a realistic, seemingly achievable question.

Now the new realistic question seems to be, "When will the next deadly plague occur?"

We have read about and feared AIDS and MRSA. Super bug is now a part of our vocabulary as often as the "24 hour bug" was twenty years ago. We find E. coli and Salmonella in our produce and peanuts and who knows what else on an alarmingly regular basis. Old diseases like tuberculosis are "making a come back".

Many infections are able to withstand most, if not all antibiotics. We, however, continue to take antibiotics for the most minor ailments thus causing a plethoa of bacteria and viruses to develop immunity to the drugs that were ironically created to eradicate infections in the first place.

According to the NY Times, there is a "new" bacteria to add to the list. It is Clostridium difficile, an infectious bacterium that attacks as a stomach bug. It causes an estimated 350,000 cases per year in hospitals alone and kills an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people per year.

The disturbing problem with this bacteria is that antibiotics can actually trigger this bacteria to strike. Because antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in the body, often times upon completion of an antibiotic our immune system is missing the healthy bacteria. If we come in contact with C. difficile, it can create an opportunity for this bacteria to flourish.

The article further states that in some cases the only treatment for C. difficile is to remove the patients colon, and relapses are not uncommon once a patient has recovered.

To read the article in it's entirety, please click here.

Stories like this continue to reinforce to me the importance of a healthy immune system, in addition to thinking twice about taking antibiotics as well as any other pharmaceutical drug unless absolutely necessary.

It also provides yet again incentive to explore the many choices available to us for alternative antibiotics and many other products that help us live healthy and naturally.

7 Rules For Healthy Eating

2009-04-02T10:12:00.005-04:00

7 Rules for Eating

Choose Food Over Food-Like Substances,
Food Writer Michael Pollan Tells CDC

By Daniel J. DeNoonWebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

March 23, 2009 -- We Americans suffer a national eating disorder: our unhealthy obsession with healthy eating.

That's the diagnosis delivered by food author Michael Pollan in a lecture given last week to an overflow crowd of CDC scientists.

As part of an effort to bring new ideas to the national debate on food issues, the CDC invited Pollan -- a harsh critic of U.S. food policies -- to address CDC researchers and to meet with leaders of the federal agency.

"The French paradox is that they have better heart health than we do despite being a cheese-eating, wine-swilling, fois-gras-gobbling people," Pollan said. "The American paradox is we are a people who worry unreasonably about dietary health yet have the worst diet in the world."

In various parts of the world, Pollan noted, necessity has forced human beings to adapt to all kinds of diets.

"The Masai subsist on cattle blood and meat and milk and little else. Native Americans subsist on beans and maize. And the Inuit in Greenland subsist on whale blubber and a little bit of lichen," he said. "The irony is, the one diet we have invented for ourselves -- the Western diet -- is the one that makes us sick."

Snowballing rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in the U.S. can be traced to our unhealthy diet. So how do we change?

7 Words & 7 Rules for Eating

Pollan says everything he's learned about food and health can be summed up in seven words:

"Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Probably the first two words are most important. "Eat food" means to eat real food -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and, yes, fish and meat -- and to avoid what Pollan calls "edible food-like substances."

Here's how:

1. Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. "When you pick up that box of portable yogurt tubes, or eat something with 15 ingredients you can't pronounce, ask yourself, "What are those things doing there?" Pollan says.

2. Don't eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.

3. Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store. Real food tends to be on the outer edge of the store near the loading docks, where it can be replaced with fresh foods when it goes bad.

4. Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot. "There are exceptions -- honey -- but as a rule, things like Twinkies that never go bad aren't food," Pollan says.

5. It is not just what you eat but how you eat. "Always leave the table a little hungry," Pollan says. "Many cultures have rules that you stop eating before you are full. In Japan, they say eat until you are four-fifths full. Islamic culture has a similar rule, and in German culture they say, 'Tie off the sack before it's full.'"

6. Families traditionally ate together, around a table and not a TV, at regular meal times. It's a good tradition. Enjoy meals with the people you love. "Remember when eating between meals felt wrong?" Pollan asks.

7. Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline. In the U.S., 20% of food is eaten in the car.

Tainted Vaccines - A Conspiracy?

2009-03-28T09:30:00.013-04:00

This article is reprinted from Mercola.com
Were Tainted Vaccines a Conspiracy to Provoke a Pandemic?

Last month vaccine maker Baxter International sent a mix of flu vaccine and unlabelled H5N1 virus (the human form of bird flu) to an Austrian research company. Expecting the shipment to contain only flu vaccine, the Austrian company then sent portions of the contaminated product to the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Germany.

It was only when researchers at a Czech Republic laboratory injected ferrets with the vaccine, and they unexpectedly died, that the contamination mistake was discovered.

But is “mistake” really an accurate term to describe this?

If this batch of live bird flu and seasonal flu viruses had reached the public, it could have resulted in dire consequences. Even though H5N1 doesn’t easily infect people, the flu virus does. So if people were exposed to both of these viruses, they would have become hosts for the combined viruses, and would have become highly contagious and able to transmit the deadly bird flu virus to others.

There is actually a name for this mixing of viruses; it’s called “reassortment,” and even The Canadian Press has pointed out that it is one of two ways pandemic viruses are created.

Could the Contamination Have Been a Plot to Start a Deadly Pandemic?

A spokesman for Baxter said the virus material was supposed to contain a seasonal flu virus and was contaminated after “human error.”

Yet, other sources say Baxter International adheres to something called BSL3 (Biosafety Level 3). This strict set of laboratory safety protocols is in place to prevent the cross-contamination of materials, and according to some may have made it virtually impossible for the live bird flu virus to contaminate a flu vaccine by accident.

Czech newspapers are among those questioning whether this was a deliberate act to start a pandemic, and there’s even been talk of plans to use the vaccines to carry out a form of population control.

But then there’s the issue of motive. Would Baxter have had any reason to carry out such a malicious and deadly scheme?

Well, if a bird flu pandemic suddenly broke out, the demand for bird flu vaccines would certainly skyrocket … and the profits from such a mass vaccination program would be astronomical.

Does the Past Give us Any Clues?

You may be thinking that such a conspiracy is too far-fetched to be accurate. But it is worth mentioning that some scientists say the most recent global outbreak -- the 1977 Russian flu -- was started by a virus leaked from a laboratory.

Further, drug companies are certainly not best known for their sterling moral values.

In 2006, for instance, it came out that the drug company Bayer sold millions of dollars worth of an injectable blood-clotting medicine to Asian, Latin American, and some European countries in the mid-1980s, even though they knew it was tainted with the AIDS virus.

So while it is unthinkable that a drug company would knowingly contaminate flu vaccines with a deadly bird flu virus, it is certainly not impossible.

How to Prevent All Flu’s, Even the “Deadly Ones,” Without Vaccinations

Whether or not the conspiracy theory is true, this whole scenario brings up two very important points:

1. Vaccines can be contaminated with dangerous substances (even above and beyond their already dangerous components)
2. Vaccines are not the answer to protecting yourself from flu outbreaks of any kind

Remember back in 2005, when headlines warned that the U.S. was facing a cataclysmic extermination event, with a calculated 2 million Americans succumbing to the bird flu, and the best-case scenario taking only 200,000 lives?

The case of “the impending pandemic of the Avian Flu” might as well have been a fictional mini-series, as it never materialized. What was really going on was a scenario filled with greed and political corruption.

By igniting fear in the public and massaging some key statistics, the powers-that-be were able to justify the expense of a massive vaccine stockpile to ward off the bird flu.

At $100 per dose, the United States used taxpayers’ dollars to purchase some 20 million doses of the highly questionable Tamiflu, lining the pockets of then Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who was president of Gilead Sciences when they created the drug.

But I digress. If you want to read more about all the lies and corruption surrounding the avian “super-flu” that never was, read my book The Great Bird Flu Hoax.

For now, my point is that there are always going to be threats of flu pandemics, real or created, and there will always be potentially toxic vaccines that are peddled as the solution.

But you can break free of that whole drug-solution trap by following some natural health principles.

I have not caught the flu in 20 years, and you can avoid it too, without getting vaccinated, by following these simple guidelines, which will keep your immune system in optimal working order so that you’re far less likely to acquire the infection to begin with.

• Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels. Getting appropriate amounts of sunshine (or taking a vitamin D supplement when you can’t get healthy amounts of sun exposure) is one of my KEY preventive strategies against the cold and flu, as it has such a strengthening effect on your immune system.

• Avoid Sugar and Eat Right for Your Nutritional Type. Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately, and as you likely know, a strong immune system is key to fighting off viruses and other illness. Be aware that sugar is present in foods you may not suspect, like ketchup and fruit juice.

• Get Enough Rest. Just like it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if you're tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight the flu.

• Deal With Stress. We all face some stress everyday, but if stress becomes overwhelming then your body will be less able to fight off the flu and other illness.

If you feel that stress is taking a toll on your health, consider using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), which is remarkably effective in relieving stress associated with all kinds of events, from work to family to trauma.

• Exercise. When you exercise, you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it spreads.

• Take a Good Source of Omega-3 Fats Like Krill Oil. Increase your intake of healthy and essential fats like the omega-3 found in krill oil, which is crucial for maintaining health.

• Wash Your Hands. Washing your hands with plain soap and water will decrease your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. But don’t overdo it. Washing your hands too much can actually remove much of the protective layer on your skin and increase your changes of acquiring an infection.

• Eat Garlic Regularly. Garlic works like a broad-spectrum antibiotic against bacteria, virus, and protozoa in the body. And unlike with antibiotics, no resistance can be built up so it is an absolutely safe product to use.

FDA Reform

2009-03-21T11:17:00.007-04:00

My last post discussed the growing need to reform the FDA. While the majority of the media does an adequate job of supplying us with current news about the FDA, it's often fleetingly vague, then off to the next story.

There are organizations, however, that do a thorough job of supplying us with information that is not glossed over. Some organizations have dedicated themselves to just this subject and are focusing on bringing about the reform that is desperately needed.

Below are some links to articles and websites that will provide you with information to educate yourself on this growing issue.

Please take a few minutes and visit these informative sites. Your life may depend on it.

http://www.reformfda.org/FDA_Reform

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/mar2009_FDA-Ending-the-Atrocities_01

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123142562104564381.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/News_000554_melamine_infant_formula_FDA.html

My Story

2009-03-16T20:06:00.008-04:00

I began blogging to share my frustration with the health care system here in our country. My first post on my other blog, Angellviews, was about a health nightmare I experienced. While never life threatening, it was none the less a major ordeal and something that I believe was entirely preventable, perhaps without the need for prescription drugs, definitely never to the degree I was prescribed. Since no health care provider could determine my situation, I decided to give it a name, Mad Dog Itch. To read more about my dilemma and the simplicity of the "cure", please pay a visit here.

So began my need to express myself; hence the blogs, as well as embarking on a career in the Wellness Industry. I've learned much this past year or so, and have even more knowledge to gain. That part will never end, the need for education and knowledge. There is so much we are told in this country that pertains to our health that is either half truths or far too often just outright lies. What concerns me is the shear number of people who are living with blinders on. I surely was. These same people often are heavily medicated with prescription drugs, frequently drugs they don't need or the wrong drugs prescribed in error. The reasons behind this are many, but one common thread prevails, greed. Greed usually at the hand of pharmaceutical and insurance companies, but they wouldn't be there without the helping hand of the FDA.

The FDA was founded to protect you and I, to determine what was safe for us to take as far as prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, as well as the food we eat every day. They were to be our big brother, our check and balance system. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. They have become fat, incompetent and yes, even corrupt. It is time, actually past time, for the FDA to reform.

Please click on this link to educate yourself about the state of the FDA, your life seriously could depend on it. Sign the petition that will put this necessary action into motion. Health care reform needs to happen in many different ways.

This is one where you can easily do your part.

Splenda in the News

2009-03-11T09:27:00.013-04:00

I recently posted about the dangers of artificial sweeteners. Following is an excerpt from an article with yet more information, particularly pertaining to the artificial sweetener, Splenda, which is commonly used in many products consumed by you and I each day.

Chairman of Citizens for Health Declares FDA Should Review Approval of Splenda
New Study of Splenda and Sucralose Reveals Shocking New Information About Potential Harmful Effect on Humans
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James Turner, chairman of the national consumer education group Citizens for Health expressed shock and outrage after reading a new report from scientists at Duke University. "The report makes it clear that the artificial sweetener Splenda and its key component sucralose pose a threat to the people who consume the product. Hundreds of consumers have complained to us about side effects from using Splenda and this study, published this past week in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A, confirms that the chemicals in the little yellow package should carry a big red warning label," said Turner.

Among the results in the study by Drs. Mohamed B. Abou-Donia, Eman M. El-Masry, Ali A. Abdel-Rahman, Roger E. McLendon and Susan S. Schiffman is evidence that, in the animals studied, Splenda reduces the amount of good bacteria in the intestines by 50%, increases the pH level in the intestines, contributes to increases in body weight and affects the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the body in such a way that crucial health-related drugs could be rejected. Turner noted that the P-gp effect "could result in crucial medications used in chemotherapy for cancer patients, AIDS treatment and drugs for heart conditions being shunted back into the intestines rather than being absorbed by the body as intended."

Turner said, "This report followed accepted policies and procedures and the results make clear the potential for disturbing side effects from the ingestion of Splenda. It is like putting a pesticide in your body. And this is at levels of intake erroneously approved by the Food and Drug Administration. A person eating two slices of cake and drinking two cups of coffee containing Splenda would ingest enough sucralose to affect the P-glycoprotein, while consuming just seven little Splenda packages reduces good bacteria."

To read this article in it's entirety, please go here.

If you are like me, reading, educating and making positive strides to improve your health, please think about putting artificial anything into your body. While difficult to eliminate everything bad from our diets, small steps will make big improvements over time.

Another Apple Cider Vinegar Testimonial

2009-03-08T10:03:00.009-04:00

I am compelled to provide a left handed testimonial for Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). I have previously posted about the wonders of ACV and feel the need to do so again.

My daughters and I were having our hair done a couple of days ago. The lady who takes care of us asked me if I knew any alternative ways to take care of acid reflux as she knows about my "natural" obsession. She told me she has struggled with acid reflux for years with no good solution to correct the misery created by this chronic condition. She has taken both over the counter as well as prescription medication. While both would give her some relief after a period of time, she had to take the medication all the time to prevent occurrences and didn't like the side effects of either medication.

I told her about ACV and she told me about a friend who sent her to the grocery store to buy some. When she did, she told me the taste and resulting burn confirmed she would never try that again. I explained the difference of organic versus the distilled, pasteurized grocery store variety. The organic version is alkaline versus acidic with all the natural health miracle's of the "mother" due to not being pasteurized.

She seemed skeptical so while she was attending to my daughter's hair, I scurried to a nearby health food store and picked her up a bottle. Yes, I am that cool and thoughtful, but that's another post.

Today, two days later, I was near the salon so I dropped in and guess what? Her acid reflux is gone, not a hint of it remains. She hugged me and declared her amazement.

It really feels good to help someone. I hope this post reaches someone who is suffering from the same condition. If you are that person, I too, was one who felt the burn of acid reflux as well as my husband and we can both tell you ACV definitely stops it in it's tracks.

To read more about the wonders of ACV go here.

Or here.

In The News

2009-03-05T07:20:00.008-05:00

Docs seek gag orders to stop patients' reviews

Lindsey Tanner, Ap Medical Writer – Wed Mar 4, 12:14 am ET

CHICAGO – The anonymous comment on the Web site RateMDs.com was unsparing: "Very unhelpful, arrogant," it said of a doctor. "Did not listen and cut me off, seemed much too happy to have power (and abuse it!) over suffering people." Such reviews are becoming more common as consumer ratings services like Zagat's and Angie's List expand beyond restaurants and plumbers to medical care, and some doctors are fighting back.

They're asking patients to agree to what amounts to a gag order that bars them from posting negative comments online.

"Consumers and patients are hungry for good information" about doctors, but Internet reviews provide just the opposite, contends Dr. Jeffrey Segal, a North Carolina neurosurgeon who has made a business of helping doctors monitor and prevent online criticism.

Some sites "are little more than tabloid journalism without much interest in constructively improving practices," and their sniping comments can unfairly ruin a doctor's reputation, Segal said.

Segal said such postings say nothing about what should really matter to patients — a doctor's medical skills — and privacy laws and medical ethics prevent leave doctors powerless to do anything it.

His company, Medical Justice, is based in Greensboro, N.C. For a fee, it provides doctors with a standardized waiver agreement. Patients who sign agree not to post online comments about the doctor, "his expertise and/or treatment."

"Published comments on Web pages, blogs and/or mass correspondence, however well intended, could severely damage physician's practice," according to suggested wording the company provides.

Segal's company advises doctors to have all patients sign the agreements. If a new patient refuses, the doctor might suggest finding another doctor. Segal said he knows of no cases where longtime patients have been turned away for not signing the waivers.

Doctors are notified when a negative rating appears on a Web site, and, if the author's name is known, physicians can use the signed waivers to get the sites to remove offending opinion.

RateMd's postings are anonymous, and the site's operators say they do not know their users' identities. The operators also won't remove negative comments.

Angie's List's operators know the identities of users and warn them when they register that the site will share names with doctors if asked.

Since Segal's company began offering its service two years ago, nearly 2,000 doctors have signed up. In several instances, he said, doctors have used signed waivers to get sites to remove negative comments.

John Swapceinski, co-founder of RateMDs.com, said that in recent months, six doctors have asked him to remove negative online comments based on patients' signed waivers. He has refused.

"They're basically forcing the patients to choose between health care and their First Amendment rights, and I really find that repulsive," Swapceinski said.

He said he's planning to post a "Wall of Shame" listing names of doctors who use patient waivers. Read More..........

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Since doctors run their practices as businesses, shouldn't we, the consumers, be free to voice our opinion good, bad and otherwise, regarding the service we received? We are not tracked down by any other type of business and demanded to retract our statements; are doctors exempt and if so for what reason? The only reason sited in the article is that bad comments could potentially ruin a practice. Yes, I suppose if you continually provide shoddy service, perhaps you are in the wrong business.

The Diet That Works.....Really

2009-03-04T11:34:00.027-05:00

I have never been a believer in diets. The Adkins, South Beach, grapefruit, low fat, low carb, no carb, this pill, that pill. Find me the diet that is both effective and SAFE.

Well, it appears the New England Journal of Medicine and Frank Sacks of the Harvard School of Public Health actually agree with me (that's a joke in case it slipped by you).

The study led by Frank Sacks followed 800 overweight adults for two years. The group was placed on four different diets ranging from low-fat/high-carb to low-carb/high-fat diets. Regardless of which diet group members were placed into, they all lost the same amount of weight, which was 13 pounds the first year and 8 pounds the second year.

One could conclude from reading this study that the common sense approach of Consume Fewer Calories Than You Burn really works.

Just think of all the money that can be saved not to mention the self deprivation from foods truly enjoyed that we can still consume on a moderate basis.

To read more about common sense diet strategies that really work, click here.

One final bit of advice that is key to weight loss: don't forget to exercise.

Sugar, Oh Sweet Sugar

2009-02-20T16:07:00.006-05:00

One of the components I have focused on in achieving ideal health as naturally as possible is to reduce the amount of sugar that myself and my family consumes. Now taking away sugar from children who have always had a love for it has not been easy. Please keep in mind I'm not eliminating anything, just reducing in practical amounts. Sugar is in everything they like it seems. In fact sometimes there is a look in their eyes that translates into something like the need to inflict bodily harm on me. But I still push forward, brave in my quest to get us healthy. Even if they hate me. At least I have more quiet, "me" time while they think they are punishing me. Everyone wins, right? I have had some success, the youngest with the largest sugar dependency now compares cereal boxes and chooses the one with the least amount of sugar...baby steps but we are going in the right direction. The oldest has almost eliminated soda and "energy drinks" from his diet and he was an addict, however his choice is because his football coach told him to, not his all knowing mother......sigh, I guess whatever works.

Here are just a few of the effects sugar has on our bodies. It is devoid of minerals and vitamins and interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium. It raises insulin levels, depresses the immune system, provokes mood swings, feeds nervous disorders, contributes to weight gain, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and can help bring on depression. It has the power to aggravate asthma, and is a major contributor in bringing on diabetes and heart disease. And these are just a few of it's favorite things......

Here’s what happens in your body when you assault it with a Coke, the epitome of sugar intake:

Within the first 10 minutes, 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. This is 100 percent of your recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit as a result of the overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor.

Within 20 minutes, your blood sugar spikes, and your liver responds to the resulting insulin burst by turning massive amounts of sugar into fat.

Within 40 minutes, caffeine absorption is complete; your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.

Around 45 minutes, your body increases dopamine production, which stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain – a physically identical response to that of heroin, by the way.

After 60 minutes, you’ll start to have a sugar crash.

Sources:
Nutrition Research Center October 24, 2007

Wow. Let's face it, sugar is a real bad guy who invades our lives and health more and more. I recently read where twenty years ago the average American consumed approximately 26lbs of sugar per year. The amount of sugar consumed now has risen to 135 lbs per year.

I salute and applaud those of you who eat completely healthy. You are the leaders, the setters of the standard I hope to live up to one day. But what about those of us who are evolving from a certain degree of unhealthy to becoming better at managing our health? Do we pull the plug on our bad habits and switch it up overnight? I don't know about you, but I would be somewhere between a mutiny and a full blown strike in my house. I guess it all comes back to the Balance.

For myself and my family that means no more soda, buying healthier cereal while reading boxes for sugar content, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and eating less processed and boxed foods. Will I give up my homemade brownies and cheesecake? Never!

hold the diet in my soda

2009-02-17T14:01:00.011-05:00

We are led to believe as consumers that diet soda's are a healthy alternative to their sweeter sugar laden cousins. If it's approved by the FDA, then the it must be both safe and healthy. Guess again.

Diet soda is sweetened with artificial sweetener, and depending on the brand of soda, the type of sweetener varies, but not necessarily the hazards to our health.

Splenda

A common sweetener is Splenda. Splenda is made from sucralose, a chemical that was "discovered" by British scientists in 1976 looking to create a new pesticide. Yummy. Part of sucralose's chemical make up is chlorine. Chlorine is safe when used accordingly, but not recommended to be ingested in large doses. A major concern of Splenda is that no long term studies were performed on the harmful side effects of Splenda before it was approved by the FDA. Approximately 110 studies were performed before FDA approval however only two of these studies were performed on humans with the longest study lasting a mere four days.

The short term studies concluded that Splenda causes enlarged livers and kidney's and shrunken thymus glands. Studies also found that Splenda can reduce the amount of good bacteria (probiotics) in the intestines by 50% which can lead to a host of health issues and disease.

Actually a long term study is currently going on, all of us consumers who are buying and using products containing Splenda are the lab rats for determining the dangers of Splenda for the companies manufacturer, McNeil Nutritionals. How cost effective for McNeil.

So despite marketing slogans that claim Splenda is a sugar, it is not, it's an chlorinated artificial sweetener. Not only is it found in soft drinks, but is commonly used in juices, chewing gum, baked goods and much more.

Nutrasweet

Another artificial sweetener is aspartame, AKA Nutrasweet, used in Pepsi products. Aspartame has been in the news for some time and has a villanous reputation for causing a plethora of diseases including cancer and neurological diseases. For sixteen years, the GD Searle Group attempted to get FDA approval for aspartame with no success. In fact, the FDA's own toxicologist, Dr. Adrian Gross testified before congress that:

“without a shadow of a doubt, aspartame can cause brain tumors and brain cancer…”

Even with that, in 1981 a new FDA commissioner, Arthur Hays, was appointed by Donald Rumsfeld and before you know it this proven sweet poison had the coveted FDA approval stamp on it. So what has this deception cost us, the unknowing consumer?

For many years, there has been an increasing number of diseases on the rise, some being previously relatively unheard of. Diseases such as, fibromyalgia, MS, lupus, ADD, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, chronic fatigue, and depression. You see, studies have shown that the toxin, aspartame heads straight for cells within the nervous system and attacks them. Aspartame also likes to interact with a number of other chemical substances, like insulin, antidepressants, vaccines and even other artificial sweeteners, to name a few. Also, aspartame, like it's cousin Splenda, is found in a large variety of other products like dairy, juices, baked goods, candy and so on.

And guess what else? Studies have shown that artificial sweeteners cause us to feel hungry and crave sweets. It is believed that those who regularly use products containing artificial sweeteners actually gain weight as a result. Isn't that defeating the purpose?

What are sugar lovers to do?

The truth is sugar is bad period. Especially large amounts on a regular basis. Some experts agree that plain old sugar is better that chemically produced, artificial sweeteners. It seems to me the real deal is certainly the lesser of two evils. Eating healthier overall will reduce those sugar cravings, once your body becomes more balanced.

There is a natural sweetener called stevia that comes from the stevia plant. It is said to be 300 times sweeter than sugar. It can be found at your local health food store and is considered a dietary supplement and opposed to an artificial sweetener. That even sounds healthier to me.

sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/02/10/New-Study-of-Splenda-Reveals-Shocking-Information-About-Potential-Harmful-Effects.aspx

http://www.womentowomen.com/nutritionandweightloss/splenda.aspx

http://www.douglasreport.com/

Baby Steps to Better Health

2009-02-09T09:15:00.020-05:00

Have you been meaning to start working out....tomorrow? How about those extra pounds, been thinking about that too? Sometimes just following simple basic principles can go along way to improve and ensure better health.

While a full out assault is a great way to approach an exercise program or improved eating habits, for some lifestyle changes can be so overwhelming that we quit before we begin.

Following are some common sense practices that can start us on a path to ideal health.

Eating Healthier

Introduce new, healthier foods into your diet gradually.

What we eat is often times a habit and habits take time create. Begin by eliminating chips for lunch and instead adding one fruit or vegetable. Once this habit takes hold introduce another healthy item while banning an unhealthy one. Over time you will realize you really don't miss those chips and cookies after all.

Portion Control

Used to seconds on the mashed potatoes? Don't want to give them up? Then don't. Limit yourself to one serving and eat some extra vegetables. You are reducing some of your calorie intake and increasing your vegetable servings all at once.

Hydrate with Water and Only Water

It really works. If you are not drinking the recommended eight glasses per day, start today.

Soda Junkie?

Do yourself a favor and research what the stuff does to you. Also don't kid yourself and think about switching to diet soda, it's just as bad if not worse. Many so called "energy drinks" are just sugar in a bottle. Think water and start gradually eliminating soda, sugary juices and "energy drinks" from your daily drinking habits. You will see results fast.

Exercise

Whoever said "getting started is the hardest part" was absolutely right.

Whoever said "I'll start tomorrow" was telling a lie!

If this is you, and so many of us fall into this category, start slow, but start NOW.

Can't touch your toes? Keep trying until you do.

Can't make it to the mail box without getting out of breath? Take two trips a day, then challenge yourself to do more.

At every parking lot you go, park in the last parking place and walk.

Walk around the block. Then walk around the neighborhood.

Start an exercise routine, anything at all for 10 minutes at a time and increase that by 5 minutes increments over time.

Reward Yourself

With every accomplishment, no matter how small, celebrate your victory. Keep your rewards healthy!

Of course you have taken baby steps, but the steps have all been in a forward direction. Before you know it, you will see and feel the results. You'll be running full speed ahead in no time.

Drink Your Veggies

2009-02-02T12:13:00.006-05:00

Super food supplements and drinks have become a comprehensive way of getting much, if not all, of what we miss in our diets due to poor eating habits. Many people are either too busy and too entrenched in their life-on-the-go-fast-food-no-time-to-cook diets. Some folks just plain don't like their veggies and consequently miss getting the nutrients only found in whole, natural foods.

Sometimes if you are like me, you try to eat all the right things and do a pretty good job most of the time. I am always pushing myself to eat healthier, but a little help now and then would sure give me a boost. Which brings me to a super food I've been drinking, Berry Greens Boost. I mix one little scoop in a glass of water and drink the nutritional equivalency of eating eight salads. That is a lot of veggies in just a few gulps. A huge benefit is that it does not have the caffeine, stimulants or massive amounts of sugar that many of these drinks have. The ingredients are all natural, nothing artificial at all. The energy boost, however, after drinking my veggies is amazing. Just good pure energy without the jumpy stomach and shaky hands.

I did have an adjustment period while I got used to the taste. It has a berry taste, but you can taste the green stuff as well. I combine it (which is the only way my kids will drink it), with banana's, fresh pineapple, kiwi and orange juice. Now we get our fruit and veggies all in one delicious drink. I also add it to my daily drink of apple cider vinegar and for some odd reason the two flavors compliment each other. What I can't do is drink this after 6:00 PM or else I find I have a little trouble sleeping as soundly as I usually do.

If you are looking to enhance your nutritional intake each day, whether you already eat enough of the good stuff or if you need to improve your nutritional intake, this is definitely an effective way towards achieving Ideal Health.

Antibiotic Overkill

2009-02-01T15:25:00.004-05:00

After contracting the Mad Dog Itch and the resulting futile trips to various doctors who shook their heads and gave me a variety of ineffective prescription drugs, I made a commitment to take the correct vitamins and supplements, eat better, and make my body healthier to prevent illness from striking. In the event I got sick, however, I surmised would still go to the doctor and get an antibiotic. I have since thought otherwise. First let me say we are completely overwhelmed by antibiotics. We run for one at the first sign of a symptom. We demand one for every infection and every perceived infection, ear, throat, respiratory, tooth, cut, you name it. Then there are viruses, we want antibiotics for those too, but the reality is antibiotics do nothing for viruses. Now here's the scary part, many doctors will give you one, (just ask, you'll see) even when you have a virus....."just in case" they will say.

Allow me to share a little scenario on the vicious cycle of antibiotics. First of all, antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. This statement in and of itself is vitally important due to the major overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Let's say you scurry to the doctor in panic mode because your throat is sore and you had strep throat two years ago and you certainly don't want to go through that again. The doctor sees no sign of infection, but gives you a "just in case" prescription of antibiotics and after a few days of taking them you feel better. The reality is you actually had a virus that came and went all by itself. The antibiotic you pumped in your body had to do something, so off to work it went eagerly killing good bacteria right and left. So now you are enjoying a yeast infection because good bacteria that naturally corrects the overproduction of yeast has met it's untimely demise from the antibiotic. While you are busy fighting that nasty yeast infection, you realize you feel bad, downright awful. Before you know it you have a cold that turns ugly and evolves into a sinus infection. Since your body was depleted from good bacteria, it's worn out and just doesn't have the fight it used to. Ironically this is the same fight a healthy body would have to kill off this infection. So of course off you go to the doctor to get yet another antibiotic and this time it has to be bigger and badder than the last one because the first one is no longer effective as your body is now immune to it. And so on and so on.

Do the drug companies care? Heck no, they are selling you multiple drugs and after all that's what they are in business for, to sell lots of drugs. The more the better for them. Does the doctor care? Perhaps, but if we were all healthy and didn't run to his office for every little bug, how long would he continue to have enough customers to sustain the nice, cushy lifestyle he has become accustomed to?

So what to do? If you are sick, really truly sick and there is a drug that will save your life, will you take this drug? Of course you will, I will too. However, to back up a few dozen steps, the ideal scenario is to prevent your body from becoming sick in the first place. Build your body into a fortress of ideal health that bacteria and viruses can not penetrate. Rid your body of toxins to build up your immune system. A strong immune system is your first line of defense to combat bacteria and viruses. In the event you need to fight a virus or infection, educate yourself and consider some natural treatments before resorting to drugs. Alternatives are out there.

Milestones

2009-01-28T14:24:00.002-05:00

I want to give kudos and a shout out to my BFF, otherwise known as my husband.

He took the BIG STEP and quit smoking. He is on Day 11 and going strong. I am an ex-smoker, having quit almost twelve years ago and even though it's been a minute, I can well remember what it's like taking the BIG STEP. Like many people, it took me several failed attempts before I quit for good. The key to successfully quitting, in my opinion, is you have to be ready and in your mind know you are going to succeed. You can't do it because someone else is nagging you to do it, or giving you an ultimatum. You do it for you.

So my BFF after mentioning hundreds of times that "it's time to quit", but continued to purchase that last pack, casually asked me to pick up a box of "the patches" during my weekly grocery outing. And he quit. Just like that, because he was ready.

If you are a smoker, you too will know when your time has arrived. I truly hope that day comes for you. The health benefits and rewards are endless.

Read more........

MRSA - Not Just In Hospitals Anymore

2009-01-27T14:01:00.004-05:00

A Deadly Bug Invades Our Towns
By Dr. Ranit Mishori
Publication Date: 12/07/2008

A few years ago, I began noticing an unusual number of patients coming in with what they described as spider bites. In clinics and emergency rooms across the U.S., colleagues were seeing it, too: Young people and old, male and female, complaining about a skin sore not unlike a pimple, often red and swollen, sometimes oozing and painful. The only thing was, very few of these patients recalled being bitten by a spider or any other kind of insect.

That’s because, in most of these cases, it wasn’t an insect. But it was a bug—a bacterium called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known to most of us now as MRSA. These patient complaints were clear signs of what is now a MRSA epidemic.

According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, MRSA caused more than 94,000 life-threatening infections and nearly 19,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2005. One study in The New England Journal of Medicine found MRSA 59% of the time when adults came to emergency rooms with skin infections.

MRSA is not new. It has been plaguing our hospitals for decades. It kills by infecting the blood and lungs of very sick patients or those recovering from surgery. But at least doctors knew—o r thought—that if you weren’t a hospital patient in weakened condition, MRSA wasn’t going to find you.

“That is no longer true,” says Dr. Robert Daum, a pediatrician and infectious-diseases specialist at the University of Chicago. “Hospital transmission is not what’s driving the epidemic disease we see everywhere.” New strains of MRSA have been born outside hospital walls and are finding anybody and everybody. That includes, says Dr. Rachel Gorwitz of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “otherwise healthy people in the community, including children.”

Consider Susan Wagoner, 49, a businesswoman from Scottsdale, Ariz. MRSA first appeared as a small abscess on her upper leg. Even though she was treated with antibiotics, the abscess grew larger, and then another one developed elsewhere. The pain became excruciating. As weeks turned into months, her illness forced Wagoner to quit her job, and she says, “I began looking into funeral arrangements.”

Grant Hill, the NBA all-star, contracted MRSA a few years ago as a skin infection near his ankle, and he had to spend a week in the intensive-care unit. “I was lucky to survive,” Hill says.

Not so lucky was an 18-month-old in Chicago named Simon Sparrow, in good health before MRSA got into his lungs. Once it took hold there, even the most aggressive treatment could not rescue the toddler.

These new strains of MRSA—not all as deadly as the one that afflicted Simon—are showing up all over the community: Read More

MRSA In The News

2009-01-08T12:44:00.005-05:00

Click here to view a CNN Video about the Superbug, MRSA

Once again MRSA (staphylococcus aureusis) is in the news. CNN tells us that MRSA could soon kill more people annually than AIDS. Currently MRSA affects over 100,000 people annually in the US alone.

MRSA, a strain of staph infection, is resistant to antibiotics, therefore earning the title of Superbug. MRSA is typically contracted in hospitals and is highly contagious.

To prevent the spread of MRSA, health care professionals recommend washing hands often and to eliminate sharing anything that can transfer bacteria to others, for example soda cans, water bottles, wash cloths etc.

An alternative choice, colloidal silver, is available and has been clinically proven to kill staph infections including MRSA. Following is a portion of an article about a study that proved colloidal silver's ability to eliminate MRSA:

March 31st, 2006 - Brigham Young University, Salt Lake City, UT Noted Molecular Biologist and Microbiologist Dr. Ron Leavitt, Ph.D. has recently conducted tests to determine the ability of American Biotech Labs' nanoparticulate Silver Solution to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. His testing results against many of the world's most virulent pathogens were outstanding, including the scourge of institutional infections, staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureusis the bacteria that causes infections in millions of Americans annually, killing more than 100,000 every year. The nano-silver product killed this highly contagious bacteria in minutes. Dr. Leavitt's findings were so definitive that he stated, "There are no potentially pathogenic bacteria tested that this nano-particulate engineered Silver Solution has not killed."

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Silver Solution has been tested at 200 times the normal dosage rate and has not been found to be toxic even at this extreme dosage. This, combined with the bodies resistance to conventional antibiotics as well as the side effects experienced by some, makes colloidal silver a growing alternative choice to many people opting to live their lives more naturally.

Click here to read another article referencing studies on colloidal silver.

Antibiotic Alternatives

2009-01-03T21:23:00.005-05:00

Antibiotic's and more specifically antibiotic alternatives are of particular interest to many of us. We keep hearing about MRSA and it's resistance to conventional antibiotics as well as all the stories about salmonella and E-coli food poisoning in the news lately. It is becoming clear that we need to establish new treatments, not just for the likes of MRSA and food contamination, but the more common everyday bacteria like ear infections, strep throat, UTI's and candida to name just a few. I found the article below on the FDA's website:

Facts About Antibiotic Resistance

Disease-causing microbes that have become resistant to drug therapy are an increasing public health problem. Tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, and childhood ear infections are just a few of the diseases that have become hard to treat with antibiotic drugs.
Other facts:
Though food-producing animals are given antibiotic drugs for important therapeutic, disease prevention or production reasons, these drugs can cause microbes to become resistant to drugs used to treat human illness, ultimately making some human sicknesses harder to treat.
About 70 percent of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the drugs most commonly used to treat infections.
Some organisms are resistant to all approved antibiotics and must be treated with experimental and potentially toxic drugs. Some research has shown that antibiotics are given to patients more often than guidelines set by federal and other health care organizations recommend. For example, patients sometimes ask their doctors for antibiotics for a cold, cough, or the flu, all of which are viral and don't respond to antibiotics. Also, patients who are prescribed antibiotics but don't take the full dosing regimen can contribute to resistance.
Unless antibiotic resistance problems are detected as they emerge, and actions are taken to contain them, the world could be faced with previously treatable diseases that have again become untreatable, as in the days before antibiotics were developed.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/antiresist_facts.html

It's very nice the FDA recognizes we have a serious problem resulting from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. What's unfortunate is that there are effective ways to treat infectious bacteria and even viruses (which antibiotics are powerless to treat) and the FDA won't approve these alternatives or allow those that offer them the ability to sell them unless they attach a disclaimer indicating the product is not approved by the FDA. This doesn't mean a product isn't effective, it just means the FDA doesn't have their stamp of approval on it, which could translate to the fact there isn't enough money to be made from these products and more specifically the products can't be called drugs and marketed as such. And if there isn't mega money to be made, well it just doesn't fit into the grand scheme of things.

It's unfortunate that in order to find an effective natural treatment for bacterial infections as well as plenty of other ailments, we are on our own to find good reputable resources. Alternative natural treatments don't have the over saturation of TV commercials, print ads and even Internet advertising that we constantly see for conventional drugs. That leaves those of us who are searching for alternative choices wading through all the thousands of products and information out there in order to make an educated decision.

Another Great Home Remedy

2008-12-20T11:44:00.005-05:00

My youngest daughter is one of those little kids who immediately acquires a runny nose and nasty cough the minute the weather cools off. It drags on and on. One bout of flu like crud is almost gone and presto, there it is again. Bigger and badder than it's predecessor. And so we go, on and on.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading a blog, Heart Failure Solutions Carrie, the blogs author wrote a very informative post on the harmful effects of using cough medicine. When we cough, it is our bodies way of getting all the nasty stuff out. We then turn around and suppress it with cough medicine and defeat the bodies purpose of naturally curing itself. To read more about the harmful effects of cough medicine and more useful information, visit Heart Failure Solutions

Now back to my hacking daughter. In her post about cough medicine, Carrie recommends applying Vicks Vapor Rub to the bottom of your feet, putting socks on and getting a good nights sleep. We tried this and incredibly her cough was much improved after the first night and completely gone after the second night.....and hasn't returned. This child who has drug a runny nose and cough around with a box of Kleenex for as long as I can remember is now cough free.

No doctor visit, no prescriptions for drugs with multiple, harmful side effects and a healthy child at last. This home remedy is going to remain on my Top Ten Favorite List of Home Remedies for a very long time!

Cell Etiquette 101

2008-12-09T07:26:00.002-05:00

I talk and text literally thousands of minutes a month to my BFF, otherwise known as my husband, as he travels extensively with his job. Even with all this talking and texting, I am extremely considerate of others and exhibit proper Cell Phone Etiquette at all times. I have unofficially dubbed myself the "Miss Manners of Cell Phone Etiquette". OK, at least for today's post because poor cell phone etiquette drives me crazy.

Let me share some recent Cell Phone Scenarios. Please be honest with yourself and admit if you are guilty, even in part, of these inconsiderate cell phone behaviors. Remember, the first step to getting help is admitting you have a problem. Read More........

The Truth And The Next Big Killer

2008-12-05T09:26:00.004-05:00

I just read an article about the dangers of cell phones. Geez, I quit smoking, dramatically changed my diet, take vitamins and supplements, am trying to exercise more and now I have to quit talking on my cell phone? I know this isn't new news, but as time goes on and the cell phone generation gets older, I am certain we will hear about this more and more.

I'm afraid I am a cell phone addict. Now I practice extremely proper cell phone etiquette. Don't get me started, that is a whole other post in itself. No I'm an addict in that my BFF, also known as my husband, travels for his job. He is on the road all the time and we talk......all the time. When he pulls out of the driveway we are often already talking. It's how our relationship began as we lived indifferent states and it has always continued in that manner. So now I'm discovering the potential dangers of cell phone use and am in a stage of denial. Obviously, I don't want our relationship to change, it's what BFF's do. Talk and text. Literally thousands of minutes each month. But I only get one body in my life, so ignoring this subject isn't a good option.

The concern is of course that cellphones send out electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate the brain, thus causing brain cancer. There is debate to this as scientist's say that there have not been enough studies performed to found this as truth. However, an argument to that is there was a time when cigarette smoking was claimed to be safe by scientists. That was prior to performing those valuable studies that incriminated the tobacco companies as well as those same scientists who were often on the payroll. Oh yes, the truth.

Which leads me right to another point and that is, much like the drug companies and tobacco companies, telecommunication companies are making far too much money on cell phones to allow any truth to be told on the dangers. After all there are 3 billion of us using them and that number grows steadily each year.

So where does one obtain this education needed to make a choice about this important health issue? Can we find enough truthful information to make an educated decision? It's a tough question, but like so many other issue's concerning our health and the truth, the responsibility falls to us as individuals.

To begin, you can go to one of my favorite websites about alternative health: Mercola.com or click here to go directly to the article.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go call my BFF to tell him about this concern. Well maybe, I'll write a letter or send up smoke signals.

The Sunshine Vitamin

2008-11-22T19:00:00.004-05:00

Winter is here, for some it's been here for a while, arriving quite early this year. Winter brings many things, skiing, snow boarding, lighting a fire, hot cocoa, snow balls and snow men. It also brings less sun light.

Having grown up in Michigan I know what it's like to truly experience winter. I also know what it's like to high tail it south because of that experience. The hardest part of winter that I can personally relate to is the lack of sunshine. I remember days upon endless days of little to no sunlight. Endless gray and cold. The lack of sunlight and the depression that results from it has been discussed and studied for many years. More and more I keep reading that we can experience Vitamin D deficiency as a result of too little sun, most often occurring in the winter.

You see the most efficient way for our bodies to absorb Vitamin D is through sunlight as opposed to milk or even supplements as previously thought. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead not only to weak bones, but high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes and several auto immune diseases, particularly muscular dystrophy. Studies have revealed that cities with limited sunshine, Seattle WA, for example have much higher rates of those suffering from MS than cities that receive more sunlight.

So what do we do during these months of limited and often times non existent sunlight? Even those of us who live in milder climates experience limited amounts of Vitamin D absorption in the winter as UV rays are much weaker than in warmer months. Well the next best thing, researchers say, is supplements. The RDA for adults varies with the rule of thumb being 400IU per day, with many researchers and doctors claiming we need a much higher dosage, particularly during the winter. Do your research to determine the best amount for you.

In the spring when the sun reappears and regains it's warmth along with more intense UV rays, what about the risk of skin cancer? A good question no doubt with all the attention skin cancer has received in recent years. We have now been taught to slather on the sunscreen and cover up before exposing ourselves to the sun's harmful rays. Now we are discovering the sun is once again our friend. Well researches say that just fifteen minutes on your face, arms and legs each day can provide you with enough Vitamin D to sustain a healthy body and help prevent disease. So get outside, put your face to the sun and get yourself some Vitamin D. If you live in a climate that is suffering from sun deficiency, get outside as much as possible, take your Vitamin D supplements until our friend, The Sun, returns with the crocuses.

Resources: The Chicago Tribune Archives

Apple Cider Vinger, Natures Miracle?

2008-11-19T08:14:00.003-05:00

Even though I'm in the business of selling wellness products, I love a good old fashioned home remedy and am constantly searching for "new" old school practices before taking myself or family to the doctor or taking a drug whether it's prescription or over the counter. I have come to believe that a pillar of Ideal Health is to maintain an alkaline PH. Scientists believe an acidic body leads to many illnesses and disease. That is why I take Coral Calcium every day, and try to eat more alkaline than acidic foods. This prompted me to write the post "The Oldest Woman In The World" and share some of what I have learned.

Well I have to share another great way towards achieving an alkaline body as well as a plethora of other health benefits. Apple Cider Vinegar can help you on your way to a much healthier body. I was skeptical at first as I had previously believed that vinegar was very acidic, however Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has the opposite effect. A teaspoon one to three time per day can also help in the following ways:

Acid Reflux, Acne, Athletes Foot, Blood Pressure, Night Sweats/Hot Flashes, Water Retention, Hiccups, Weight Loss, Wart Removal, Ear Infections, just to list a few.

I can tell you in my household, in the couple of months or so we have been using it, it has stopped acid reflux in it's tracks, hiccups countless times, improved digestion, and cured a nasty case of swimmers ear. I'll have to get back to you on the weight loss. Studies indicate that Apple Cider Vinegar can assist in losing weight gradually. An example of what the studies revealed was an average height woman weighing 210 lbs, taking 2Tsp before each meal over a two year period lost 30lbs while changing little in her diet and exercise routine. While it's not clear how ACV helps us lose weight, it is believed that a combination of increased metabolism, reduced water retention and appetite suppression is what contributes to shedding stubborn pounds.

Don't think you can stand the taste? No problem, that strong, bitter taste can be mellowed by mixing with water, or mix it with 1 Tsp honey and a little water. Before you know it, it actually becomes quite tasty, although my kids don't share my opinion on that! It is necessary to use an organic ACV that has not been pasteurized, filtered, refined or distilled. Once processed, the vinegar looks pretty, but all the good stuff has been removed. Organic ACV can be purchased at a health food or vitamin store. This cost is very reasonable, especially when factoring in the health benefits. I spend just over $5 for for a quart which lasts my family of five about four weeks.

In my quest to achieve Ideal Health, in addition to adding Coral Calcium to my drinking water each day, taking the correct vitamins and supplements, making an effort to eat more alkaline foods, I also drink my yummy cocktail of ACV and honey. To read more about this amazing home remedy go to:
apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com

The Oldest Woman In The World

2008-11-15T16:02:00.005-05:00

I want live forever. OK maybe not forever, but at 52 I find comfort in thinking my life is no where near half over. So I'll settle for let's say 120 like Shigechly Izumi, who I will get back to in a minute.

One arena of Alternative Health that is getting more and more attention is our bodies PH level and more specifically achieving an alkaline state. It is believed that bacteria, viruses and disease can not live in an alkaline state.

Our diets play an extremely crucial role in this as foods are obviously either acidic, neutral or alkaline. Hence the more alkaline foods we consume, the more alkaline our bodies become. This concept sounds easy enough until you look at the number of acidic foods out there versus alkaline foods. To see a chart that lists both acidic and alkaline foods, go here. It is a challenge, particularly for those of us who are in the process of improving our eating habits. The good news is that in order to achieve a more alkaline body, you need to eat more alkaline foods than acidic foods rather them completely eliminating the acid foods. Even better news is in addition to improving your diet, you can more easily reach a state of alkalinity when you make the water you drink more alkaline by adding Coral Calcium to it.

Following is part of an article taken from Nutronix International about Coral Calcium and my role model on aging, Shigechly Izumi.

The Oldest Man in the World
The demonstrably oldest man in the world was Shigechiy Izumi. He lived on Tokonoshima, an island that
belongs to the Southern islands of Japan. In 1980, when the head editor of Guinness Book of Records visited
this man he also found that almost all of the old people were full of vigor, upright, fit and healthy. When Izumi
passed away in 1986 he was almost 121 years old.

Japanese researchers in the mid 1900's discovered the reason Okinawans live so long and are so healthy is
due to the unusually alkaline and mineral rich water they drink from birth. Okinawans have the longest life span
and one of the lowest incidences of chronic disease.

Medical Research has inspired 7 million Japanese to add Coral Calcium to their drinking water because of its
remarkable ability to boost the immune system and to help many ailments by balancing the body's pH level.

Some benefits of alkalizing the water you drink with Coral Calcium are:

Assimilate vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat and the supplements you take
Combat arthritis and heart disease
Cleanse the kidneys, intestines, and liver
Protect your body from free radical cell damage
Increase muscle and joint mobility
Increase your oxygen levels
Control digestive problems
Regulate blood sugar
Manage blood pressure
Neutralize harmful acids that lead to illness
Help in fighting the battle against cancer and other diseases

Since I began adding Coral Calcium to my drinking water each day and improving my diet, I have significantly improved my PH level. The benefits have been an improved digestive system, no acid reflux, a drop in my blood pressure and hopefully many more benefits that are unseen but will help assist in extending my life span to compete with Shigechly Izumi.

Coming Soon....

2008-11-12T08:43:00.004-05:00

Ideal Health Solutions has relocated. This blog is in a state of transition while Ideal Health's new home is constructed. Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Check back often to see our work in progress.

We look forward to bringing you the latest information to improve your health, naturally.