Archive for the ‘Your Environment’ Category
Environmental Causes of Disease? Simple Ways To Eliminate Pesticide/Toxins from Your Body!
Environmental causes of disease.
One of the primary perpetrators? Pesticides. Pesticides are continuously used in today’s farming methods. With the thousands of pesticides in use today, it’s easy to think there’s nothing you can do to safeguard yourself. But a study conducted at Emory University in 2008 paints a much more positive picture.
Researchers recruited Seattle-area school children for a year-long study.1 The study looked at the role of dietary produce in pesticide exposure. When the study began, the children were eating traditionally grown fruits and vegetables. Based on urine samples, all the children had considerable levels of one type of pesticide, organophosphorus pesticides (OP). Researchers chose to look at OPs because they’re so extensively used today.
During the course of the experiment, the children were given organic produce for one to two weeks instead. After eating organic instead of conventional produce for just five days, the results were spectacular. There were no detectible residues in the children’s urine. When they changed back to conventional produce, OP levels rose again. The switch was repeated several times during the year. The results were consistent; after just a few days of consuming organic instead of traditional fruits and vegetables, pesticide levels were no longer detectable.
References:
Lu C, Barr DB, Pearson MA, Waller LA. Dietary intake and its contribution to longitudinal organophosphorus pesticide exposure in urban/suburban children. Environ Health Perspect 2008; 116: 537-542.
Additional Environmental Causes of Disease
The primary ingredient in Simple Green is 2-butoxyethanol, a possible human carcinogen specifically prohibited in certified green products. When used at full strength, this product released 93 air contaminants, the second highest number released by any product tested.
The ” Simple-Green” is not so simple after all. I hope this doesn’t surprise anyone because it was published a while back that most of the so called “green-products” were not really green.
How embarrassing does it get?
I am disgusted! This information is from Environmental Working group. Be sure and read the whole thing… read what they say about the product at the bottom of the post or better yet… go to the website at http://www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/cleaningsuppliesoverview?id=209
Consumers like you have the right to know what’s in your cleaning supplies. As little as $5 can help EWG continue important research just like this.
Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner/ Degreaser/ Deodorizer
The primary ingredient in Simple Green is 2-butoxyethanol, a possible human carcinogen specifically prohibited in certified green products. When used at full strength, this product released 93 air contaminants, the second highest number released by any product tested.
Made by: Sunshine Makers / Sunshine Makers, Inc.
Green Certification: None
Ingredients
Disclosed on the bottle label: No ingredients were disclosed on the label.
Claims
Concentrated, all-purpose cleaner. Non-toxic. Biodegradable, and safer alternative to toxic cleaners, solvents and bleaches. Removes grease, oil carbon, dirt, pet stains, coffee and juice stains, lipstick, food, soil, wet nail polish, soap scum, inks, crayon, blood, smoke, soot, adhesives, chocolate, and much more from any washable, indoor/outdoor household surface. Saves you money- Bottle can make 5 gallons of general cleaner. Product is safe and non-toxic for general health. Bottle 100% recyclable.
Warnings
Irritant. May Irritate eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eye contact. Mild eye irritation after contact may occur associated with polyethyleneglycol ether derivatives. Use in well ventilated areas. Individual with with sensitive skin should take appropriate precautions. Do not dispose of degreasing rinseates into or near storm drains, oceans, lakes or streams.
93 Air Contaminants Detected
1 Ingredients disclosed by manufacturer
Concerns of the chemicals detected
Key health concerns highlighted by major agencies (Study Methodology)
1 Chemicals cause asthma FORMALDEHYDE
3 Chemicals on California’s Prop 65 List for cancer and reproductive toxicity FORMALDEHYDE, ACETALDEHYDE, ALLYLANISOLE
3 Chemicals linked to cancer 2-BUTOXYETHANOL, FORMALDEHYDE, ACETALDEHYDE
0 Chemicals linked to reproductive toxicity
2 Chemicals that disrupt hormones ETHYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOL
1 Chemicals toxic to the brain and nervous system PHENOL
No Corrosive concentrate or dangerous pH
The chemicals detected
Chemical: EWG’s Skin Deep Toxicity Score: Disclosed / Detected: Further Toxic Concerns noted in EWG’s Skin Deep database (2009):
FORMALDEHYDE 10 detected Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
PHENOL #† 9 detected Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Neurotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
ACETALDEHYDE 9 detected Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
PROPYLENE GLYCOL # 7 detected Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption
2-BUTOXYETHANOL # 6 detected and disclosed Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
BUTYL ALCOHOL # 6 detected Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
LIMONENE # 6 detected Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
ETHYLENE GLYCOL #† 5 detected Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER, METHOXYETHANOL), Occupational hazards
BENZALDEHYDE # 5 detected Neurotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER # 4 detected Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
PROPIONALDEHYDE 4 detected Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
OCTANAL #† 3 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
EUCALYPTOL ** 2 detected none identified
ALLYLANISOLE # 2 detected Cancer, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
alpha-PINENES # 2 detected Persistence and bioaccumulation, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
DECANE # 1 detected none identified
PROPYLENE GLYCOL BUTYL ETHER # 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
BUTYL FORMATE ** 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
BUTYRALDEHYDE # 1 detected Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
DIPROPYL KETONE ** 1 detected Occupational hazards
DIHYDROANETHOLE * 1 detected none identified
DODECANE # 1 detected Persistence and bioaccumulation, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
HEXADECANE # 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
PENTADECANE # 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
MYRCENE # 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
TETRADECANE # 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
TRIDECANE # 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
gamma-TERPINENE ** 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
TERPINOLENE ** 1 detected Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
PROPANE, 1-(ETHENYLOXY)-2-METHYL * 1 detected none identified
BENZENE, 1-ETHYL-4-METHYL (4-ETHYLTOLUENE) # 1 detected none identified
HEXENAL, 2-ETHYL- * 1 detected none identified
Laboratory Data Qualifiers
#† Denotes quantified using multipoint authentic standard curve (post-calibration). Other VOCs quantified relative to toluene.
# Indicates AQS database match with a probability greater than 99%.
**** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 95%.
*** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 90%.
** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 85%.
* Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 80%.
HEADQUARTERS 1436 U Street. NW, Suite 100 | Washington, DC 20009 | (202) 667-6982 | Contact Us
CALIFORNIA OFFICE 2201 Broadway, Suite 308 | Oakland, CA 94612 | Contact Us
MIDWEST OFFICE 103 E. 6th Street, Suite 201 | Ames, IA 50010 | Contact Us
SACRAMENTO OFFICE 1107 9th Street, Suite 340 | Sacramento, CA 95814 | Contact Us
Copyright 2007-2009, Environmental Working Group. All Rights Reserved.
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And that was just one supposedly “green” product. I haven’t even touched on all the traditional cleaners out there that are NOT considered “green”. There are health solutions to better, safer products than the so called “traditional” types of household cleaners.
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One thing is apparent. We just are not aware enough concerning the health problems of the countless amounts of chemicals in extensive use today. Here’s why:
Over 80,000 artificial chemicals are approved to be used in the united states. Items include pesticides, fertilizers, plastics, paints, coatings, fire retardants, and also oil dispersants (Gulf oil spill, anyone?).
Just a few hundred of the 80,000 chemicals are actually tested for safety.
Numerous chemicals used today are known and suspected carcinogens. Carcinogen means cancer causing.
Even with this identified poisoning, the vast majority of chemicals remain unregulated.
Chemicals generally are studied for safety individually. This tells us nothing at all about the harm to health that may result from being exposed to multiple chemicals at once.
Additionally, single chemical testing doesn’t represent reality. All of us are exposed to dozens, and even hundreds, of chemicals at a time.
What little regulating oversight that does exist for these chemicals uses the platform that chemicals are safe unless proven otherwise. This is one time when “innocent until proven guilty” is not a wise strategy.
Exposure to chemicals while pregnant and childhood is extremely damaging to health.
Unfortunately, over 300 chemicals is found in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies. We are all “pre-contaminated.”
Simple measures, Big Payoff
Hence the cat is out of the bag. We are all subjected to countless potentially toxic chemicals from the day we are conceived to the day we die. There is some good news in this otherwise grim picture. Based on the PCP report1, several simple, but effective measures can significantly reduce our contact with synthetic chemicals along with other environmental hazards.
Whenever possible, eat foods grown without fertilizers, pesticides, and growth hormones the vast majority of time.
Store drinking water in stainless steel or bisphenol-A (BPA) free containers.
Microwave foods only in ceramic or glass containers, not plastic. Do not put very hot foods into plastic containers.
Choose foods, home and garden products, and toys in a way that minimizes your child’s exposure to potentially toxic substances.
Filter your drinking water. Use bottled water only if tap water is known to be contaminated with substances or microbes that are not filtered out.
Avoid secondhand tobacco smoke in the home, car, restaurants, bars, stores, and other public places.
Avoid exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and known or suspected carcinogens when planning to get pregnant and throughout pregnancy. This includes BPA, a known endocrine disruptor.
Properly get rid of household chemicals, paints, cleaning supplies and other materials.
Make informed decisions about products you purchase and use. Visit Household Products Database
When a job exposes you to chemicals, remove shoes before entering your house. Wash your work clothes separately from the family’s regular laundry to minimize kids’ exposure.
Check radon levels in the home. Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate in confined spaces, such as basements. Exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer-related deaths in non-smokers.
Make certain your health care provider keeps accurate records of medical tests that may result in harmful exposures, such as radiation from x-rays or scans. If these records aren’t being kept, keep them yourself. With this information, you can make better decisions about the benefits and risks of medical tests.
Wear a headset when using a cell phone, text instead of calling, and keep calls brief.
Avoid ultraviolet light by applying sunscreen and proper sun-protective clothing. Never use tanning beds.
Conflict Dispute
Despite what appears a slam dunk on environmental hazards and cancer, this report is not without dispute. Michael Thun, MD, a respected physician and epidemiologist with the American Cancer Society points out that there is no doubt that environmental pollution is of profound importance to human health and the health of the planet. But he fears that the report may minimize the focus on other known, modifiable causes of cancer that currently offer the best opportunity for cancer prevention.2
The scientific evidence most solidly supports the major causes of cancer as being tobacco use, obesity, alcohol, infections, hormones, and sunlight. According to Thun, the report implies that pollutants are the major cause of cancer, but this is far from a settled issue.2
Go that one step further
The best approach is to hedge your bets in all areas of cancer and other disease prevention. It makes sense to take the precautions (detailed above) presented by the PCP. But it also makes a whole lot of sense to tackle the things we can control in our daily lives.
There is no doubt that obesity is a leading cause of cancer and other chronic diseases in this country. Make your body a priority and make sure you’re not among the two-thirds of Americans who are overweight and obese. Exercising regularly is another known cancer prevention technique, so lace up those sneakers and get moving. Always avoid tobacco in any form.
And don’t forget about food. Simply put, the right foods can be used to your advantage to “cancer-proof” and disease-proof your lifestyle. Plant foods are your ticket to detoxifying from a toxic lifestyle. By plant foods I mean the vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, peas, nuts and seeds free from toxins/pesticides. From antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, to the nutrients known to aid with detoxification, plant foods are a must.
References
President’s Cancer Panel 2008-2009 Annual Report. Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk. What We Can Do Now. Available at http://pcp.cancer.gov/. Accessed May 24, 2010.
Nelson R. President’s Cancer Panel: Environmental Cancer Risk Underestimated. Medscape Oncology. Accessed June 1, 2010. Available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/721766.
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To get the best natural/organic fruits/vegetables, probiotics, necessary enzymes that have NOT been processed with high heat (uses a very special proprietary insta-fresh process), visit Nuriche at http://www.mynuriche.com/connieclark to learn more.
Melaleuca is a longtime company that provides very good, safer products for our home and our personal care. Visit http://www.saferforyourhome.com/ to learn more and get your household cleaners and personal care products at a great savings (30-40% savings as a preferred customer).
And I would so remiss if I didn’t tell you one of the very best ways to eliminate toxins/pesticides/heavy metals/poisons from your body on an ongoing basis. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating….utilize a glutathione accelerator to keep your body functioning in the most healthful way possible. Visit MaxGXL to learn what you need to know in order to optimize and safeguard your health.
Warmly,
Connie Clark
303-770-3180
Tags: aging, alternative health, anti-aging, antioxidants, cancer, chronic diseases, chronic illness, detoxify, energy, Glutathione, health solutions, live whole foods, natural whole foods, total wellness, toxins
Vital and Significant Key to Optimized Antioxidant Activity
Suppose you were told you weren`t getting enough cellular oxidation or toxin protection, despite consuming each and every high antioxidant food and the best antioxidant supplements available? Do you wonder how that is possible, or would you simply ignore it? Please read on. How it could be, as reported by many health experts, is that
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your glutathione levels are too low.
This is a very common situation with all the oxidation stress our toxic environment provides, along with a little assistance from our very own personal stress.
What makes Antioxidants Necessary?
Oxidation occurs at the cellular level during the body`s efforts to create energy and fortify cells metabolizing oxygen. The oxygen molecules that aren’t fully absorbed become toxins, unstable atoms missing an electron, which begin robbing cells of electrons to balance and stabilize themselves. Then the atoms robbed of the electron become poisons and continue the oxidation process, stealing electrons as required from other sources.
A sequence of events then occurs. This changes the identity and function of those atoms as they combine in abnormal ways, ultimately causing cellular and DNA damage. And eventually, countless medical concerns and disease will breed freely. It is the negative effects of oxygen, similar to the way metal becomes rusty with exposure to air. We must continue to breathe, so you’ll encounter some free radicals shed from just that.
Moreover, the air we breathe is loaded with toxins and pollutants, as well as in the majority of the foods we eat, and any pharmaceuticals that may have been taken. Every one of these create more free radicals while stressing the body with poisonous matter. Add this to the immune system`s damage from psychological stress with our current lifestyle and the craziness around us. Well then, it truly is amazing that so many of us still remain ambulating and communicating!
But we need so much protection from all this in order to move and converse better and longer and stay away from hospitals meanwhile. So whatever can neutralize the free radical oxidation process while eradicating toxins is critical. Enter antioxidants, comprising the most overlooked yet most critical one of them all: glutathione, the main element to maximum oxidation protection and detoxification while building a strong immune system.
Several Glutathione Details
Glutathione has been labeled as the master antioxidant. It is an intracellular antioxidant essential for greatest antioxidant activity from all other antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, and all the blueberries you can eat. It removes toxins from cells, and protects against radiation.
There is however a problem. Purchasing something that says it is glutathione is a waste of supplement popping money. The body`s digestive system is quite poor at taking glutathione into where it needs to go. There is hope, there are other solutions to raise the body`s glutathione, which are disclosed later herein.
It is the body`s intracellular function to produce glutathione in the liver and body cells from three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycene. Sufficient amounts are needed to catalyze and retain all the antioxidant`s you consume for your protection. It even serves as protection to prevent antioxidants from becoming free radicals (poisons) themselves, regenerating and recycling them. As you get older, your body`s ability to produce glutathione slows down.
Many now consider reduced glutathione production as the real cause of rapid aging and ailments that are considered “normal” from aging, including Alzheimer`s, inflammatory conditions from allergy to arthritis, asthma, COPD, Parkinson`s Disease, and coronary and autoimmune diseases. DNA damage resulting from toxins frequently leads to cancer. This is a standard scheme that goes askew as we age. If one can enhance internal glutathione production, the energized immune system will create a strong basis of good health, regardless of age.
Glutathione in our bodies can go inactive when it becomes saturated from doing it`s work, but it tends to replenish itself. Under ideal environmental conditions, 10% of the glutathione remains inactive, or oxidized, while the other 90% is active, or reduced, and continues to stabilize cell molecules and other antioxidants, plus remove toxins. This is the function of normal metabolism`s waste removal of poisons by glutathione. But the battering of additional toxins from our environment is too much to maintain that 90/10 ratio.
As active glutathione drops below 90% and allows the inactive to grow beyond 10%, the fight for the best possible total wellness becomes a losing struggle. It becomes too complex to remove toxins naturally. As they build up, active glutathione lessens even more. Active or reduced glutathione is also known as GSH, while inactive or oxidized glutathione is known as GSSG. When GSH falls below 70%, one`s health begins serious declining. It`s a major time of trouble.
How to Enhance GSH
Since supplements labeled glutathione are virtually worthlessbecause the digestive system won`t take it in, what distribution systems can enhance the body`s ability to create and maintain the proper level of GSH? Well, intravenous glutathione will have immediate results for extreme situations, but cannot contribute to the cycle of circulating GSH. Plus, it is extremely expensive. It`s like recharging a car battery with a broken alternator. The instant the battery empties, the car quits running.
For continual, permanent protection, it`s necessary to utilize precursors that energize the cells to create their own GSH glutathione, as required internally, via the liver and body cells. So it`s important to supply the body GSH precursors. Of the three amino acids that generate GSH (active glutathione) in the liver and cells, cysteine is considered the most critical link. It has been identified that cysteine, balanced properly with glutamic acid and glycene, stimulates GSH production.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and supplements made from unadulterated, whey protein elevate cysteine levels. Whey protein products that specialize in boosting the liver`s GSH production have become the easiest and most common choice. Whey is a by product of cheese or yogurt processing. Unadulterated means the whey comes with no additives or preservatives. Additionally, the milk sources are non-hormone injected organic fed cows or goats. There are a small number of whey protein products that promote GSH production with cysteine. However, the glutathione levels are not significantly increased and are not recycled.
But finally, there is a nutritional supplement that does provide the necessary precursors to the cells to produce their own GSH glutathione, internally, via all body cells. Because of the research and breakthrough discovery of glutathione’s importance to total wellness, Dr. Robert Keller, having spent many, many years perfecting a glutathione accelerator, formulated and introduced MaxGXL, which
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allows the body to manufacture its very own cellular glutathione and improves your overall total wellness of your body.
On average, the increased level of glutathione is 200%. This one and only breakthrough total wellness product is science-based, with double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical studies and has a composition patent (typically reserved for only pharmaceutical products). You can’t get better than this and it is the only proven product that raises your glutathione levels significantly. You can learn more about this important, vital nutritional supplement at http://www.connielclark.com and become focused on your very own total wellness regimen.
In addition to the supplementation you end up using, or instead of using a supplement, here are some foods that are useful toward the GSH, glutathione circulating process. It is important to consume organic foods as the toxins added to conventional foods minimize the GSH levels. Unfortunately, you need to eat so much of these foods that it is literally impossible to do so to significantly raise your levels of glutathione. But these foods certainly are beneficial to your total wellness.
All meats are high in cysteine, but unless you can go truly organic, the hormones and toxins will virtually neutralize GSH. Watermelon, walnuts, avocado, asparagus, broccoli, and tomato are good choices for glutathione enhancement, as are many dark green leafy vegetables. Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, wheat germ and oat flakes fill out this list.
The investigation and finding of glutathione`s importance, and the process to manufacture it within the body for proper distribution is relatively recent. GSH glutathione`s importance as an essential antioxidant is indisputable. The health implications for just this one single agent, internally promoted by proper precursors, are thorough and all-encompassing.
Sources:
http://www.smilin2themax.com/articles
What Is Glutathione? – http://www.wisegeek.com
Pub Med – Glutathione research documents (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed)
Glutathione Benefits – http://www.evolutionhealth.com
Natural News – http://www.naturalnews.com
To your very best Total Wellness,
Connie
303-770-3180
Tags: aging, alternative health, anti-aging, antioxidants, auto-immune disorder, cancer, chronic diseases, chronic illness, detoxify, Glutathione, health solutions, healthy immune system, liver support, science-based, total wellness, toxin protection, toxins
My Mom / My Dad and Alzheimers
Hi everyone, as Mother’s Day approaches, my Mom is more and more on my mind. I miss her so much. She died 2 years ago on Good Friday. Why is it that you need someone so much more after they are gone? Supposedly, as you get older, you expect to get some wisdom, but sometimes I think that I just don’t even come close to wisdom.
Anyway, Mom has been gone now for 2 years (and Daddy has been gone for 1 year) and I still firmly believe that we can fight off Alzheimers. I still firmly believe that if Mom had had a real chance of surviving the nursing home accident and the subsequent negligence, we would have had a very good chance of getting Mom back some from the abyss of Alzheimers. There are so many alternative health solutions to help with these kinds of diseases, especially if we eliminate toxins from the body and eliminate toxic products from our homes. And that is just two alternative solutions.
Mom and I enjoyed our last years together, maintaining her beautiful roses on the side of their home. She and I would go down the row of rose bushes and “ooh and aah” over the beautiful variations in colors…she had green, purple, white, red, yellow, peach, pinks and a few others that I can’t remember. They were gorgeous. We trimmed out some of her great Hosa ground cover and then planted those cuts in my flower bed right in front of our home. It all took just great and I get beautiful blurple (blue purple) colored flowers with the Hosa every spring/summer.
Mom helped me out (supervising) when I painted my kitchen and my bathroom. We giggled a lot but had fun being together. She also helped me pick out beautiful fabric to cover the kitchen chair cushions. It was perfect.
One of the most favorite things Mom and I did together was to go to the Le Peeps close by my house for brunch. We frequently did this and the waitresses there got to know Mom very well and also understood that she had Alzheimers. They were so wonderful with Mom and she delighted in their attention. Mom was a very tiny woman but she could really put away the good food at Le Peeps. She almost always got their Le Petite French Toast with strawberries and ate every bite.
I know that I mentioned in previous blog articles of Mom that she was not a particularly nurturing person but that with Alzheimers, she became the sweetest and most loving Mom I could ever have hoped for. When I would walk into the room where she was (her home, the secured Alzheimers assisted living facility or anywhere she happened to be), her face would light up with the greatest delight in seeing me. It would always make my day. She would then do everything in her power to make sure I had food to eat, or a blanket to cover me up if I stayed overnight in her home, or take me out on the patio to sit with her and enjoy the day and her roses or whatever she could do that might make me happier. She would constantly ask me if I was happy. I would constantly reassure her that I was happier than I ever thought possible and she would just laugh with glee. Throughout her Alzheimers time, she was always making sure that I was happy or checking to make sure that Daddy was alright. It was amazing to watch her and love her.
When my sister, Pattie, would drive out during the year 5 or 6 times (she came out as often as possible and she was a deaf ed teacher so it was not always easy for her to come out to visit), she and I would take Mom for drives in the mountains and Mom was always so pleased. Pattie and I would frequently take Mom to lunch at Le Peeps, Village Inn or somewhere special and Mom was always thrilled.
One of my favorite places to go with Mom was to the Goodwill Center on Broadway. We would walk up and down all the aisles and Mom would pick out things to show me. We always came home with clothes for her and clothes for me. It was fun and she loved it.
One of my very favorite pictures of Mom and Dad is below. I miss them both so much.
As you can see, Daddy was about 5′8″ and Mom was about 5′. This was early in Mom’s Alzheimers diagnosis. It was a terribly difficult time for my Dad. I lived only 10 minutes away from Mom and Dad so Daddy often called me to come over when he couldn’t get Mom to stop crying. Of course, in the early days of Alzheimers, Mom understood very well that she was losing everything: her memories. Eventually, she did not know who Daddy was. She always seemed to know me though…which was a blessing for me and hopefully, for her! I would always go over when Daddy called and climb into bed with Mom. I would hold her and rock her, telling her that I would never leave her. Eventually, she would calm down some.
Often I would spend the night on the couch and she would sneak out all night long to be sure that I was covered up with a warm blanket. I reassured her and led her gently back to bed each time. But 15 minutes later, she would be sneaking out to the living room again to check on me. She was so cute.
I have a special Whispers From Heaven windchime hanging in my front room that holds a tiny picture of my Mom and Dad. It also has a very special message hanging with it that reads like this:
When I left this world without you
I know it made you blue.
Your tears fell so freely,
I watched; I know this is true.
While you were weeping,
Days after I passed away -
While all was silent within me,
I saw you kneel to pray.
From this wonderful place called heaven
Where all my pain is gone,
I send a gentle breeze to whisper,
“My loved ones, please go on”
The peace that I have found here
Goes far beyond compare
No rain, no clouds, no suffering —
Just LOVE from everywhere.
You need not be troubled
Just stay close to GOD in prayer
Someday we’ll be reunited
My love, HIS love surrounds you always,
EVERYWHERE!
Blessing to all who read this blog with care and love! Be blessed with wisdom, love, peace and hope for all that is wonderful!
Warmly,
Connie Clark
303-770-3180
Tags: aging, alternative health, alzheimers, blessings, elderly, hope, love, loving Mom, Mother's Day, peace, wisdom
Benefits of Organic Aloe Vera
Healthy Systems (www.healthysystems.com/optforsuccess) is the home of the best tasting Organic Aloe Vera in the industry. It is said that a company is only as a good as it’s product line. At Healthy Systems we believe this. However, we also believe that the people have a lot to say about a company.
What are people saying about Healthy Systems US patented Organic Aloe Vera product line?
A sincere, unsolicited recommendation is the ultimate voice for our product line, our service, our company and about our thousands of dedicated affiliates and customers.
The simple truth is the products, (especially our Organic Aloe Vera line) makes our affiliates and customers very healthy. That makes them happy …and that’s what makes them keep coming back.
And to you …whether you found us by searching for information about arthritis, burns, yeast infections or you were referred to us by one of our many affiliates, we would like to welcome you to our home, www.healthysystems.com/optforsuccess. Look around, take your time and explore our site.
If you have a specific question or concern …just send us an email and we promise to get back to you within 24 hours.
We also promise you the “best tasting Aloe Vera” in the market place.
That said …here is a little basic information about our unique, organic, and US patented Aloe Vera.
Of the 240 species, four are recognized as having nutritional value, with barbadensis miller leading the group. Barbadensis is the type of Aloe Vera used in most commercial products available today.
The gel contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins. A high quality product, which uses only the nutritious inner gel …not the outer rind …the rind of the leaf, is one of the most nutritious drinks and best skincare products, available.
Aloe Vera is proven to increase new cell growth three fold and promotes rapid wound healing after skin resurfacing treatments using chemical and mechanical procedures. Aloe Vera is effective in treating a variety of dermatological conditions and diseases of the skin. Aloe Vera penetrates deeply without the aid of “heat.” Aloe Vera relieves pain, swelling and tightness associated with strains, sprains and burses while reducing inflammation in muscles, tendons (tendonitis) and joints (bursitis). Aloe Vera relieves itching and skin irritations resulting from many causes. It also promotes healing of chemical burns, minor sunburns, razor burns, floor burns and mat burns.
Taken internally, Aloe Vera acts as an aid in digestive, inflammation problems and combats yeast infections.
My very favorite flavor of Aloe Vera is Mango-Papaya…yummy!!!
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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 Clark
303-770-3180
Tags: acid reflux, aging, allergies, Aloe Vera, alternative health, alternative health product, anti-aging, antioxidants, arthritis, auto-immune disorder, cancer, chronic diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, detoxify, digestive problems, diverticulitis, diverticulosis, elderly, energy, Glutathione, health solutions, healthy immune system, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, liver support, science-based, toxins, ulcerative colitis, ulcers
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
