The Importance of Magnesium…things you may not know!

Magnesium deficiency triggers or causes these 22 conditions; the introduction of magnesium either by a high magnesium diet, with green drinks, or magnesium supplements, can help eliminate these conditions. This is according to Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.
1. Anxiety and Panic attacks
2. Asthma
3. Blood Clots
4. Bowel Disease
5. Cystitis
6. Depression
7. Detoxification
8. Diabetes, Syndrome X, and Metabolic Syndrome
9. Fatigue
10. Heart Disease
11. Hypertension
12. Hypoglycemia
13. Insomnia
14. Kidney Disease
15. Liver Disease
16. Migraine
17. Musculoskeletal conditions
18. Nerve problems
19. Obstetrics and Gynecology- Premenstrual Syndrome; dysmenorrhea (cramping pain during menses); infertility; premature contractions, preeclampsia, and eclampsia in pregnancy; lessens the risk of cerebral palsy and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
20. Osteoporosis
21. Raynaud’’s Syndrome
22. Tooth decay

Science finds magnesium too difficult to measure, as it is responsible for the correct metabolic function of over 350 enzymes in the body. The creation of ATP-adenosine triphospate-the energy molecules of the body; the action of the heart muscle; the proper formation of bones and teeth; relaxation of blood vessels; and the promotion of proper bowel function are all in the domain of magnesium. Medicine has turned its back on magnesium because most of the funding for medical research now comes from drug companies. Magnesium is not a patented drug and therefore will not be studied by drug companies, except to try to disprove its action.

While researching her book, “The Miracle of Magnesium”, Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D. found that doctors have been prescribing magnesium for heart disease since the 1930’s. A review of seven major clinical studies showed that IV magnesium reduced the odds of death by more than half in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). One study, LIMIT-2 developed a protocol for giving magnesium as soon as possible after onset of the heart attack and before any other drugs. If those criteria were followed, heart muscle damage was greatly reduced, and neither hypertension nor arrhythmia developed.

Magnesium is able to dilate blood vessels; prevent spasm in the heart muscle and blood vessel walls; counteract the action of calcium, which increases spasm; help dissolve blood clots; dramatically lessen the site of injury and prevent arrhythmia; and act as an antioxidant against the free radicals forming at the site of injury.1-4 One of the main reasons that heart drug, digoxin, becomes toxic is because there is not enough magnesium in the body.5

In spite of the fact that heart drugs, mainly diuretics, have the bad habit of depleting magnesium-along with potassium and even though magnesium is absolutely required for stabilizing heart muscle activity – magnesium is not utilized properly by conventional medicine.

A small group of international magnesium researchers, however, have continued, against all odds, to prove the importance of magnesium – not only as a nutrient for thousands of body processes-but also as a medicine to treat magnesium-depleted health conditions. Drs. Bella and Burton Altura are two hard-working magnesium researcher who have performed laboratory research and clinical research to the tune of about 1,000 studies over the past forty years. The Alturas personally confirmed that the 22 magnesium-related conditions, listed above, have a solid basis in science.

A reason that Dr. Altura felt magnesium was not given its due is because there has been no lab test that will give an accurate reading of the magnesium status in the tissues. Only one percent of magnesium of the body is distributed in the blood, making a simple sample of magnesium in the blood highly inaccurate. That’s why most doctors who rely on blood tests for magnesium and not magnesium deficiency signs and symptoms and realization that up to 80 percent of the population is deficient, will miss an important diagnosis.

The Alturas took it upon themselves to develop and research a method that would test specifically for magnesium ions. It came about in 1987 and is called the Blood Ionized Magnesium Test. Its accuracy has been confirmed countless times with sensitive digital imaging microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy and the magnesium fluorescent probe. With this test it is now possible to directly measure the levels of magnesium ions in whole blood, plasma and serum using ion-selective electrodes.8 The Alturas have used the ionized magnesium test in hundreds of research trials on dozens of different conditions proving, for example, that the 22 conditions listed above are related to magnesium deficiency.9-15

If there is enough magnesium in the soil where green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds are grown, then we have a chance to obtain magnesium from our diet. Organic foods may have more magnesium, but only if farmers replenish their soil with magnesium-rich fertilizers. Growers should be required to use top-quality fertilizers and should test their crops for the long list of nutrients we need to stay healthy.

In general, to get as much magnesium as possible in the diet, eat plenty of organic leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds every day. Adding green drinks to your menu will help you achieve a higher magnesium status. However, if you are suffering from the following symptoms you may need supplemental magnesium: muscle twitches, tics, or spasms; “Charlie horse” (the muscle spasm that occurs when you stretch your legs); insomnia or restless sleep; stress; back pain; headaches, cluster headaches, migraines; stiff and aching muscles; bones and joints that need continued chiropractic treatment; weakness; hypoglycemia; diabetes; nervousness; hyperactivity; high blood pressure; osteoporosis; PMS; constipation; angina; kidney stones; aging; depression; heart attack; irregular heartbeat; attention deficit disorder; aggressive behavior; chronic fatigue syndrome; stroke; anxiety; confusion, muscle weakness; hiccups; seizures; high-strung; exhaustion from exercise.

Supplementing with magnesium must also take into account the balance between calcium and magnesium. Finland, which, from 1973 to 1999 had the highest recorded incidence of heart attack in middle-aged men in the world, also has a high calcium to magnesium ratio in the diet at 4 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium.16-17 Americans, in general, have a high calcium to magnesium ratio in their diet and consequently in their bodies; the U.S. ratio is 3.5-to-1. Our dietary emphasis on a high calcium intake without sufficient magnesium and because of the excessive emphasis on women taking high doses of calcium for osteoporosis, we are creating more imbalance between the two minerals.

(Excerpts taken from http://www.calmnatural.com/miraclemagnesium)

Dr. Carolyn Dean is a medical doctor and naturopathic doctor. She is a writer, researcher, and health advocate. Her most recent book is Death by Modern Medicine written with Trueman Tucks. She is a health advisor to yeastconnection.com and curesnaturally.com. Her website is carolyndean.com. The Miracle of Magnesium is written for both the lay public and practitioners. It is packed with hundreds of journal references that will convince doctors of the importance of magnesium and its efficacy in dozens of conditions—before reaching for the prescription pad.

Resources

Blood Ionized Magnesium Test
Drs. Bella and Burton Altura. State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York, New York 11203, USA. (718) 270-2194 or (718) 270-2205.
Intracellular Magnesium Test
Dr. Burton Silver at www.exatest.com

References
1. Woods KL, et al, The Second Leicester Intravenous Magnesium Intervention Trial (LIMIT-2) Intravenous magnesium sulfate in suspected acute myocardial infarction: results of the second Leicester Intravenous Magnesium Intervention Trial (LIMIT-2). Lancet, vol 339, pp 1553-1558, 1992.
2. Woods K.L., Fletcher S, “Long-term outcome after intravenous magnesium sulphate in suspected acute myocardial infarction : the second Leicester Intravenous Magnesium Intervention Trial (LIMIT-2),”Lancet, vol 343, pp 816-819, 1994
3. Ravn HB. Pharmacological effects of magnesium on arterial thrombosis–mechanisms of action? Magnes Research, vol 12, no 3, pp 191-9, 1999
4. Young IS, et al, “Magnesium status and digoxin toxicity.” Br J Clin Pharmacol, vol 32, no 6, pp 717-21, 1991
5. Lewis R, et al, “Magnesium deficiency may be an important determinant of ventricular ectopy in digitalised patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.”: Br J Clin Pharmacol, vol 31, no 2, pp 200-3, 1991
8. Altura BM, Altura BT. “Role of magnesium in patho-physiological processes and the clinical utility of magnesium ion selective electrodes.” Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl, vol 224, pp 211-34, 1996
9. Altura BT, Altura BM, “A method for distinguishing ionized, complexed and protein-bound Mg in normal and diseased subjects.” Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl, vol 217, pp 83-7, 1994
10. Altura BT, et al, “Comparative findings on serum IMg2+ of normal and diseased human subjects with the NOVA and KONE ISE’s for Mg2+.” Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl, vol 217, pp 77-81, 1994
11. Altura BT, et al, “Characterization of a new ion selective electrode for ionized magnesium in whole blood, plasma, serum, and aqueous samples.” Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl, vol 217, pp 21-36, 1994
12. Altura BT, et al, “A new method for the rapid determination of ionized Mg2+ in whole blood, serum and plasma.” Exp Clin Pharmacol, vol 4, pp 297-304, 1996
13. Altura BT, Altura BM, “Measurement of ionized magnesium in whole blood, plasma and serum with a new ion-selective electrode in healthy and diseased human subjects.” Magnes Trace Elem, vol 10, no 2-4, pp 90-8, 1991-1992
14. Altura BT, Altura BM, “A method for distinguishing ionized, complexed and protein-bound Mg in normal and diseased subjects.” Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl, vol 217, pp 83-7, 1994
15. Altura BM, Altura BT. “Role of magnesium in patho-physiological processes and the clinical utility of magnesium ion selective electrodes.” Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl, vol Vol 224, pp 211-34, 1996
16. Karppanen, H.; Neuvonen, P.J. Ischaemic heart-disease and soil magnesium in Finland; water hardness and magnesium in heart muscle. The Lancet. Dec 15, 1973
17. Tunstall-Pedoe H, Kuulasmaa K, Mahonen M, Tolonen H, Ruokokoski E, Amouyel P. Contribution of trends in survival and coronary-event rates to changes in coronary heart disease mortality: 10-year results from 37 WHO MONICA project populations. Monitoring trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease. Lancet. 1999 May 8;353(9164):1547-57
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And, of course, if you add a glutathione accelerator to your health regimen, you will be optimizing your health even more. Glutathione is widely recognized as the most powerful of all antioxidants, and one scientist has referred to it as “the great multi-tasker” in a 2006 article. MaxGXL® is not a glutathione supplement, but rather provides the body with the precursors it needs to manufacture and absorb glutathione.

Get your health up to the MAX and keep it that way with good, high quality health products:
Glutathione Accelerator: MaxGXL
Whole Live Foods: Nuriche Live
Wellness Company: Toxic-Free Living Products (contact me to learn how to SAVE 30% to 40% on cost)
Miracle Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera 5000

Warmly,
Connie
303-770-3180

Tags: aging, allergies, Aloe Vera, alternative health, alzheimers, anti-aging, antioxidants, arthritis, auto-immune disorder, chronic diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, detoxify, elderly, energy, Glutathione, health solutions, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, liver support, toxins

Beat the January Blues

Many psychologists worldwide theorize that January is the most depressing month of the year. Some even say it can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. So how can you celebrate the Holidays in usual fashion without feeling a little let down when it’s all over?

Hey, December was a blast! Driving life down a happy highway of gift-giving and present-unwrapping, tickling scents and tasty treats, friends and family gathered together for a special time that comes but once a year.

In the heap and hype of the holidays, you ignore your thinning wallet’s starvation and splurge on your loved ones–or yourself–in a manner likely unequalled by any other time of the year, and all during the heat of an economic downturn. Your soul’s warming cheer makes the cold weather seem like perfect holiday weather. And to top off your New Year’s celebrations, amid your Holiday Season high, you set exciting resolutions that’ll improve your life ten-fold once they’re achieved.

Then your holiday season high ends abruptly when you wake up New Year’s Day.

All the traits that created your holiday cheer suddenly turn on you to create a feeling of January dejection.

While it may be too late to prevent over-eating, over-spending, and over-expecting, it’s never too late to repair the damage. Here are a few suggestions to help you dig yourself out of January depression or steer clear of it altogether.

Be Grateful
One of the best ways to cheer up is to count your blessings. Make a written list of the things you have and how much better life is with them. Though deceptively simple, the act of writing out the things you’re grateful for activates a different part of the brain than just thinking about them. Plus, your list may come in handy later down the road on other blue days.

Get Outside
It may be cold, but going for a walk and breathing in fresh air can refresh your mind and body. Besides, indoor air quality is at its worst during the Winter.

Exercise
Depression, especially in seasonal situations, has been linked to chemical imbalances inside the brain. Exercise is scientifically linked to your brain’s neurotransmitters, which help balance the brain’s chemicals. Though exercise has not been proven to completely cure depression, mental health experts agree that going for a daily jog or hitting the weights can help you work out your worries or subside your struggles.2

Talk
It always helps to talk–to a friend, to a family member, to a loved one. Anybody who will listen will help just by listening. And it never hurts to listen to their struggles, too.

Do What Makes You Happy
It’s a pretty simple concept. If you’re not happy, do something that will make you happy. But don’t indulge in destructive activities that may make you feel good now, but may hurt later down the road like overeating, alcoholism, over-spending, or using drugs. Instead, try to engage in activites that’ll make you happy in short-term and long-term respects. Uplifting activities like playing, reading, exercising, chatting, serving, watching movies, and the like might be the right way to go.

Try Our All-Natural Luminex
The Wellness Company offers an all natural, patented supplement that can give you a more positive outlook on life. Luminex® helps regulate the key neurotransmitters in your brain linked to depression. It’s not an antidepressant prescription, but a vitamin supplement that includes St. John’s Wort, Griffonia, and vitamin b12, all proven to aid your brain’s neurotransmitters.

Consider the Circumstances
Depression in January is often a phase. You made it through last January. Rediscover the tools that helped you through last year’s phase and put them to work.

Seek Help
If you can’t seem to climb out of the hole with any of these suggestions, seek help. There are literally thousands of support outlets online. Just search for “depression support” and you’ll find a myriad of help. There’s a lot of help out there because you’re not alone. Depression is a common struggle, especially in January. And if you’re still struggling, visit a doctor or counselor. Medication may be the solution.
(from Melaleuca Article archives)
1: “Jan. 24 Called Worst Day of the Year” – www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6847012/
2: “Exercise Helps Treat Depression, Many Mental Health Experts Agree”
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/03/17/health/main681456.shtml

Contact me at optforsuccess@msn.com if you would like to know how to order from the Wellness Company at a substantial savings.

Warmly,
Connie
303-770-3180
Glutathione Information: http://www.connieclark.max4u.com
Wellness Company Information: http://www.melaleuca.com

Tags: alternative health, chronic fatigue syndrome, energy, Glutathione, healthy immune system, inflammation, toxins

Toxin Alert: Are Your Baby’s Bath Products Safe?

My granddaughter, Maya!

In this article:
Coming Clean About Dirty Ingredients
Ban the Bubble Bath?
Tips for Picking Safe Bath Products
Avoid Toxins Outside the Tub
A Less Toxic Tomorrow

Bath time for Baby should be fun, relaxing—and most of all—safe. but news reports about toxic chemicals found in popular children’s bath care products have put many parents on edge. Should you be concerned? Before you touch that tap, here’s what every parent needs to know.

Despite labels carrying such reassuring claims as “extra gentle” and “safe for Baby’s delicate skin,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath care products contain trace amounts of the toxins 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, according to a buzz-worthy report from consumer watchdog group, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Far from safe and gentle, both substances are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans.”

Coming Clean About Dirty Ingredients
Spurred by a previous investigation that detected toxic chemicals in bath products marked “all natural,” this time the Campaign decided to round up a sampling of mainstream children’s bath products. From baby shampoo to bubble bath, lotion to body wash, 48 well-known products were independently tested for 1,4-dioxane; 28 were also checked for traces of formaldehyde.

Lab result highlights?

61 percent of the products tested (17 out of 28) contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. These included some big names:
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Sesame Street Bubble Bath
Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash
Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash

82 percent of products (23 out of 28) contained formaldehyde at levels ranging from 79 parts per million (ppm) to 610 ppm. Exposure to formaldehyde concentrations as low as 250 ppm may cause skin rash in children with chemical sensitivities; the product with the highest level of formaldehyde—Baby Magic Baby Lotion—would require a warning label if sold in Europe (where the formaldehyde cut off is 500 ppm).

67 percent of products (32 out of 48) contained 1,4-dioxane at levels ranging from 0.27 ppm to 35 ppm. American Girl shower products from Bath & Body Works contained the highest levels of 1,4-dioxane. The United States classifies the toxin as a “probable human carcinogen”, but has not set cut-off levels for its use. In contrast, Canada and Europe completely ban products containing any amount of 1,4-dioxane.

If these results have motivated you to scour the ingredients of your favorite baby shampoo, you won’t find 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde listed, even if you use one of products mentioned above. Both toxins are considered contaminants, meaning they ended up in the product as a result of chemical breakdown during the manufacturing process—and were not intentionally added.

As Stacy Malkan, a lead author of the Campaign’s report, points out, “because they’re technically not ingredients, formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are exempt from current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling laws.”

Ban the Bubble Bath?
Since the study’s worrisome findings were made public March 12, 2009, many manufacturers have stepped forward to defend their products. In a statement released by Johnson & Johnson, the company noted that “trace levels of certain compounds can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth. The FDA and other government agencies around the world consider these trace levels safe.”

Dr. Jim Sears, MD, author of The Baby Book and co-host of the new hit syndicated television show The Doctors, urges parents to remain calm. “Since this is the first study to look at these substances in baby products, it’s probably going to be a while before we see any big changes in the ingredient lists. I’m not too worried about these ingredients, since we don’t know for sure if their effects are harmful…. Hopefully, the FDA will take a closer look at these chemicals, and if there is a problem, there will be a change in regulations.”

And according to Dr. Sean Palfrey, MD, a pediatrician in the Boston area, “What parents need to know is that unless a child actually swallows the shampoo or lotion [ingesting the product directly from the bottle], there is no immediate risk of toxic poisoning from any of these products.”

But Malkan believes real risk is present, even when the amounts being debated are so small. “These results might seem insignificant to some—it’s just a little bit of carcinogen absorbed through the skin,” she says. “The problem is that the same toxic chemicals are found in many products and these small exposures can add up. For example, the same baby can be exposed to formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane from baby shampoo, bubble bath, and body wash—in a single bath.”

Dr. Greg Germain, BabyZone’s resident expert on pediatric health, understands why this report prompts parents to feel concerned—and he’s also a little confused himself. “Unfortunately, toxic exposure is complicated and somewhat controversial,” he says. “How much exposure is really toxic? What if animal data exists, but no human data? Does mouse data even apply to your baby?”

Tips for Picking Safe Bath Products
Malkan’s report also reminds parents that small babies do not require a tub full of cleaning products every time they take a bath. Unless they are dirty, infants do not require a daily head-to-toe bathing, and when they do, water and a tiny amount of mild soap are all Baby needs.

But what if you’re in the market for new baby bath care products? How can you be sure you’re choosing wisely? Labels can still hold valuable clues about the kinds of toxins a product may contain. According to Malkan, formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the container.
The ingredients that signify that formaldehyde may lurk within the bottle or tube include the following:
quaternium-15
DMDM hydantoin
imidazolidinyl urea
diazolidinyl urea
1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of a chemical processing technique called ethoxylation, in which harsh cosmetic ingredients are processed with ethylene oxide to become gentle enough for human use. Manufacturers can easily remove the toxic byproduct, but are not required by law to do so.

Common ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane include the following:
PEG-100 stearate
sodium laureth sulfate
polyethylene
ceteareth-20

Another toxin-avoiding tip? “Try to choose more ‘natural’ products with the shortest ingredient list possible,” recommends Dr. Sears.

Avoid Toxins Outside the Tub

Dr. Germain advises parents who aim to reduce their child’s overall chemical exposure to look beyond the suds: Cigarette smoke is a potent and direct source of both formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane. By taking such steps as not smoking around your child and not exposing her to second-hand or so-called “third hand” smoke (cigarette smoke sediment on clothing), you greatly reduce your family’s exposure to these potentially carcinogenic ingredients.

According to Dr. Germain, there are countless ways parents can reduce toxic exposure in everyday life. Some of his favorites? “Avoid heating foods in plastic dishes and breastfeed your baby for as long as possible,’ he says. “Clean up mold around the house as soon as you see it, and don’t forget to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Also, keep your children’s vaccines up to date. Bacteria [from illness] release toxins, too.”

A Less Toxic Tomorrow
Finally, some good news! Even before the Campaign for Cosmetic Safety’s report rocked bathtubs across the nation, positive signs started to emerge that consumers, manufacturers, and state and local governments are newly committed to reducing toxins in our environment and in the lives of children.

Consumer demand for toxin-free baby products is higher than ever, and more than 1,000 companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to replace hazardous chemicals with safe alternatives. To pick up the slack for lax federal laws, in 2005, California passed the Safe Cosmetics Act, requiring companies to disclose toxic chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects. Other states have introduced similar cosmetics legislation.

“The onus should be on companies to fix this problem, because they already know how to fix it,” says Malkan. “In the meantime, we can reduce chemical hazards in our homes by choosing safer products. But we can’t just shop our way out of this problem; we also need to change the laws so parents can stop worrying about this stuff.”

The Wellness Company has been manufacturing safe products for families for over 23 years. They have a full line of kid friendly products guaranteed to be free from harmful toxins and carcinagins. (http://www.saferforyourhome.com)

Our handy Koala Pals Bath Time Pantry Pack combines your two favorite kid cleaners: Koala Pals Tear-Free Body Wash and Koala Pals Tear-Free Hair Wash. Koala Pals Tear-Free Body Wash gently and quickly removes the dirt young kids pick up so easily. In one easy step, Koala Pals Tear-Free Hair Wash tenderly cleans and conditions hair. The bright, attractive bottles and delicious fruity scents turn bath time into playtime.
Koala Pals Tear-Free Body Wash uses natural ingredients—coconuts and oats—to safely and effectively clean skin while vitamin E, aloe vera, and chamomile moisturize and soften. Using provitamin B, chamomile, and naturally derived conditioners, Koala Pals Tear-Free Hair Wash tames tough tangles stopping tears before they start leaving young hair soft and manageable for easy styling.

Remember…..these products are SAFER for your family, SAFER for your home, SAFER for the environment and SAVE you money on a monthly basis by simply SWITCHING stores.
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For information on how to order and save money, contact me at optforsuccess@msn.com or call me at 303-770-3180 and take MaxGXL, a glutathione accelerator to eliminate toxins from the body.
Warmly,
Connie Clark

Tags: 4-dioxane, alternative health, baby shampoo, body wash, bubble bath, carcinogen, children's bath products, contaminants, detoxify, formaldehyde, good health, health solutions, toxic chemicals, toxins

Caring for Mom and Dad with Alzheimers/Dementia/Cancer

It’s been almost 6 months now since Daddy died (March 11, 2009). I wasn’t even over my grieving for my Mom who died a year before Daddy (March 21, 2008). The past 8 to 10 years have been some of the roughest, and yet, some of the greatest times spent with my parents. I was chosen to be the caregiver for my parents and I am grateful.

Mom and Dad moved back to Colorado in 1998, after living in Texas for 10 years. Dad was feeling like their health was deteriorating (Mom had a breast removed) and he wasn’t sure that he could handle everything. I was so thrilled to have them back nearby.

We really enjoyed being able to visit often, going to dinner together, having holidays together again and just spending time with the whole family…my Mom, my Dad, my Mother-in-Law and our 4 children. Brothers and sisters came out to visit when they could….from MN, IL, CA and it was super.

In 2000, way too soon, my Mom began showing signs of forgetfulness. Alzheimers runs in our family and she had always worried that she would be like her mother with Alzheimers. And sure enough, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2001. I wish I had known about glutathione back then. What a dreadful disease…..helplessly I watched my Mom through the entire loss of her memories, her ability to form full sentences, her FEAR when she realized very frequently in the early stages that she was “losing everything” as she said so often. She began to wander a bit and Daddy would find her in some neighbor’s home. She would be frightened and not know who Daddy was so she didn’t want to go with him. She could no longer cook and Daddy had to always check the stove to be sure it was turned off. He would call me several times a week to come over because he couldn’t stop Mom from crying. I would go over, hold Mom in my arms and rock her, telling her that I would always be here for her whenever she needed me. Eventually, she would stop crying and I could coax a little laughter out of her.

Of course, I tried everything I could think of….medical treatments such as Namenda (I ordered it from Germany because it had not yet been approved here in the USA) and it did seem to help a bit. Mom couldn’t take the other treatments because they made her very ill physically. I made sure that Mom took vitamins, the very best that I could find at the time. I replaced all their chemically-laced toxic cleaners and personal care items with environmentally-safe products and I’m sure it was better for them, but probably way too late to do much good.

Mom complained about her leg hurting and she would cry asking us to please have her leg cut off. I would explain that we couldn’t cut her leg off but we would try to alleviate the pain. Her doctor gave her some arthritis med treatment but it didn’t do any good. He even gave her cortisone shots but they didn’t help at all. Finally, I tried one of my alternative health solution products and within a week, she no longer was complaining about the pain, her leg was no longer buckling under her and she was feeling just great.

I began looking for ways to keep her active and also secure. My Dad was becoming exhausted trying to take care of her and he needed breaks. I began contacting different kinds of senior care help, the Alzheimers Association, longterm health care, Adult Protection Agency and many others to learn what I could setup to help my Mom and Dad.

Watch for my next Post for this senior care help information. And please feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about Alzheimers and the solutions/hardships endured during this journey.

Be healthy and happy!

Warmly,
Connie

Tags: alternative health solutions, alzheimers, arthritis, caregiver, environmentally-safe, Glutathione, health, toxic cleaners

Environmental Risks to your Health

A survey commissioned on behalf of the American Lung Association Health House

Be part of the Solution!

program and 3M in April 2002 found that many of those questioned were not aware of the potential dangers associated with poor indoor air. With 540 homeowners nationwide responding to the survey, which has a +/- six percent margin of error, key findings were:

• More than 50 percent of Americans are not aware that poor indoor air quality is one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health, and nearly 25 percent of Americans are not concerned ab

out the air quality in their homes and the impact it can have on their family’s health.
• Less than 20 percent of Americans believe that the air inside their homes is more polluted than the air outdoors, even though the EPA found that levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher — and occasionally up to 100 times higher — than outdoor levels.
• More than 70 percent of Americans have forced air heating and/or central air in their homes. Yet nearly 50 percent do not change the filter in their heating/air conditioning unit every 2 to 3 months as recommended, and 10 percent have never replaced the filter in their heating/air conditioning unit.
• Nearly 75 percent of Americans live with someone who has allergies, asthma, emphysema or another respiratory illness.

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified indoor air quality as one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health. Among the most common causes of indoor pollution are chemicals found in household cleaning products – the very products we think are helping keep our families safe and healthy.

EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher – and occasionally 100 times higher – inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. According to the EPA, organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. While people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed, as well as continue the release of toxins when these products are simply being stored.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American home generates over 20 pounds of household hazardous waste every year. Cumulatively, it is a whopping 1.6 million tons – that is 3.2 billion pounds – of household hazardous waste per year, of which 176,000 tons is just from cleaning products. Those familiar, everyday cleaners, including tub, tile, shower and toilet cleaners; drain and oven cleaner; wood and metal polishes; laundry bleach and many more are designated by the EPA as household hazardous waste, and improper disposal can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.
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There are many safe solutions to protect yourself and your loved ones for a better quality of health and life.  I use as many non-toxic, environmentally-safe products in my home and for personal care.  The health of many is substantially impaired and will result in impaired quality of our lives as we age.  But there are solutions to protect yourself and your family.  They are not costly and can clearly make a significant impact on your life and our environment.  Be part of the solution; not part of the problem!

Warmly,
Connie Clark
303-770-3180

Tags: health