Healthy Homes e-news from November 2006

Greetings from Wauconda, Illinois, where it is cloudy and drizzling. It’s supposed to be nicer tomorrow and Wednesday and I’m hoping to give my windows a good washing. They’ve not been washed for years (we’ve only been here a year) – and I think I’d be able to manage winter better with them clean. We also need to start working on the front yard, which is blanketed with the yellow leaves from our maple tree. It seems they all dropped last night in the night. My kids are looking forward to playing in the leaves – but I’m afraid they’ll be too damp.

As we look forward to the holiday season, here’s some news to keep in mind:

1. Be a Smarter Spectator
2. Can the Cola
3. Shaklee Tip of the Month
4. Plant a Tree in Memory
5. Secret Santa – and other stuff

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1. Be a Smarter Spectator (USA Weekend 10/27-10/29)

OK – I’ve arrived at that “soccer mom” status – although my sons are not in soccer at this moment in time. I suppose I’m a typical suburban mom. My girls are in ballet, my oldest son is in basketball camp this fall and looking forward to basketball league in the winter, and we are counting the days until we can enroll our three-year-old in something that will keep him running and burn up his energy.

As I work to build a relationship with my children, I think Jorge Cruise had some helpful hints in last weekend’s USA Weekend – especially when those children are involved in sports. Hey – it might even help with my relationship with the other men in my life.

He quotes John Pelletier, president of MomsGuide.com: “ ‘It’s important to know the rules to more actively engage with a child before and after a game, not to mention knowing what to cheer about during a game. … that can be a bonding element in the relationship.”

Are you like me, and not quite so sports-savvy? The internet is a wonderful tool. Check out sites like MomsGuide.com and SportSpectator.com. You can also purchase booklets with more detailed information and field diagrams on the sites.

Jorge also makes another good point. “With childhood obesity on the rise, getting our kids engaged in activities that keep them healthy and fit is essential.”

I’ll heartily second that, and pass along some current statistics courtesy of Rick Seymour.

Between the ages of 3-14:

70 % have elevated cholesterol

40% are overweight

In 1996, 1 million with ADHD -- in 2004, 5 million with ADHD

13% on at least one prescription drug more than 3 months at a time

More children die of cancer than any other disease - 30 years ago childhood cancer was unheard of!

12% have allergies – 12% have asthma, which has doubled in 10 years

"This may be the first generation in the history of mankind to have a shorter life span than their parents."

Alarming, isn’t it? Since we homeschool our children, I find I have to make an extra effort to make sure my children are moving. Well, maybe not that big an effort. They still have a tendency to run, run, run around the house chasing each other. Noisy, but good exercise.

However, I find myself signing them up for more activities at the park district than I might have otherwise, since they don’t have a daily gym class.

I also make sure to have healthy snacks on hand – our favorites are baby carrots, bananas, apples, and whole wheat crackers or rice cakes with hummus. Honestly, I’m not the best at remembering to make vegetables at dinner, so I make sure all the bases are covered with this great childrens chewable and, because they’re growing so fast a chewable calcium - it really helps ward off those growing pains.

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2. Can the Cola (US News & World Report 10/16/2006)

Women who drink any kind of cola may be putting themselves at risk for osteoporosis. Researchers in one study looked at the diet and bone strength of more than 2,500 people and found that, in women, daily cola was linked to lower hip bone density – no link showed up in men (not fair, right ladies?!)

Researchers believe the culprit is phosphoric acid – which prompts the body to pull calcium from the bones. The connection is not proven, but still, we ladies need to rethink that daily cola.

And also consider this new calcium product. It’s a complete source of calcium (taken with this multivitamin), and contains other nutrients and minerals essential to building those strong bones (the mortar that holds the bricks of calcium together).

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4. Plant a Tree in Memory…

(from Arbor Day Foundation http://www.arborday.org/join/tictim/)

Or in celebration...

Trees in Celebration http://www.arborday.org/shopping/tictim/TICSample.cfm

Trees in Memory http://www.arborday.org/shopping/tictim/TIMSample.cfm

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees in Memory and Trees in Celebration programs plant lodgepole pine and Douglasfir trees in national forests which have been destroyed by fire, disease or insect. When you plant a tree in memory of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion, you contribute to a healthier environment and provide for future generations.

You can plant trees to celebrate: New births and birthdays Baptisms and Confirmations Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs Graduations Engagements and Weddings Anniversaries New Jobs and Retirements Holidays Special Occasions For each $10 donated, 10 trees will be planted and you will receive a certificate which you can send or personally present to the person or family you have chosen to honor.

A vibrant, beautiful tree benefits everyone in this and future generations and is perhaps the most fitting memorial of all. Planting a tree is an act of direct benefit to all. It can inspire energy, faith, devotion, and courage and carry forward the name of those memorialized in a living, vital way that grows grander with the years. For each $10 donated, 10 trees will be planted and we will mail a thoughtful card to the family of the person whom you have chosen to honor.

As the trees grow and prosper, so does the meaning of your gift.

Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.

Let me know if you decide to participate, and how many trees you planted. The company I represent is keeping track of all trees planted this year for their “Million Trees, Million Dreams” Initiative – in partnership with Wangaari Maathai – the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2005. Let’s include the trees you plant!

Read more about “Million Trees. Million Dreams.” here.

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A friend of mine gave me a copy of a thankful list she had from the November 1999 issue of Family Circle. I love the persepective on life expressed in these pages. Today, laundry day at my house, I am “thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.”

Healthy Homes eNews for October 2006

I’ve been noticing the leaves are changing their colors as I drive around town. We have a couple of gorgeous sugar maple trees in Wauconda – the kind that turn that brilliant orange-yellow and light up the entire street. I just revel in their color and beauty every time I see them – and wish I had one in my yard! I might have to make that a condition for removing some overgrown apple trees in the backyard…. We’ll see.

I, for one, cannot believe it’s October already. These days are going by so quickly! I’m already in the 6th week of home school, and it’s time to start thinking about Christmas! Our family tradition is to make a calendar for our immediate family members for Christmas. We all work on it – the children make the artwork for the months, I input everyone’s birthdays into my Excel file and make color copies of the artwork, and Glen takes care of all the printing. Our families have come to expect it – and I hear that it gets an annual review by an advertising agency’s art department. The pressure is on! Guess we’d best get started!

In this month’s newsletter:

1. Healthy Home Tips
2. Stay Healthy as You Go Out
3. Big Companies Find Going Green Saves Big Cash
4. Get Clean Cost Comparison
5. Shaklee Tip of the Month
6. Want to Cinch an Inch or Two?
7. Save Money This Month
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1. Healthy Home Tips (Daily Herald, September 18, 2006)

We’re going to be spending lots of time in our houses this winter, so here are some tips to keep you healthier.

Living Room:
*display nature shots and family photos to reduce stress, anxiety and boost your mood.
*choose leather or “pleather” furniture to reduce allergens such as dust & pollen.
*chose wood, tile or linoleum to reduce allergens – which love carpet. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, vacuum weekly with a HEPA-filter equipped vacuum cleaner.

Bedroom:
*avoid down-filled bedding as it’s a sanctuary for dust mites and other allergens
*chose natural fabric sheets instead of synthetic. They absorb sweat better, reducing your risk for acne.
*banish the TV – just one hour of the TV or computer screen glow can upset your sleeping rhythm, making it harder to get to sleep.

Kitchen:
*a well-lit kitchen prevents overeating. (personal testimony here: The bulb in our main light blew out this week, we haven’t had the time to replace it. I’ve been struggling with the munchies this week like I did before I started Cinch. Guess I’d better get that bulb replaced soon!)
*Post the Poison Control Center’s number next to your phone: 800.222.1222.
*Soap and water will kill the germs that help prevent colds. Avoid anti-bacterial soaps as they could promote antibacterial resistance. A good option is this new hand wash. It's a non-antibacterial cleanser - which is really hard to find right now. It comes in the starter kit, or you can order it separately here. Of course, this non-toxic cleanser will tackle all your cleaning needs too.

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2. Stay Healthy as You Go Out (Daily Herald 10/2/2006; www.webmd.com)

Dodge colds and flus this winter by using your own pen, instead of the germy pen handed to you by the checkout clerk, waitress, or especially the doctor’s office receptionist.

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A small study done by a doctor in Virgina shows that hotel rooms harbor germs.

“To my surprise, in a hotel room occupied overnight by an adult with a cold, everything from television remote controls, telephones, light switches, and faucets were contaminated" with cold viruses, says J. Owen Hendley, MD, in a University of Virginia Health System news release.

The participants in the study had colds and checked into hotel rooms. They used tissues and washed their hands, yet the researchers found the virus germs (rhinovirus) on all sorts of surfaces in the hotel room.

Remember, that rhinovirus is most easily spread by hand-to-hand contact, but it can be passed less efficiently from surfaces for "at least one day," Hendley's team writes.

So, no need to panic, but a good reason to pack non-toxic cleansing wipes and an mobile air purifier when you travel.

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3. Big Companies Find Going Green Saves Big Cash (www.usnews.com)

Big business is now realizing how saving the earth can not only save them money, but also make them money too. In a recent issue of US News & World Report, chemical company DuPont was featured as one company who has voluntarily slashed energy usage and green house gas emissions, which are now 72% below 1990 levels.

This has saved DuPont $3 billion (yes, with a ‘b’), and has increased their business by 30%. DuPont’s chief sustainability officer, Linda Fisher explains it was a long process that required them to analyze every plant and every process to become more efficient. However, the end result has been worth it – the money saved, the increase in efficiency and business, and less harmful effects on the environment.

As the big businesses realize that environmental stewardship is good for business, we’ll see more and more stories like this one.

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4. Cost Comparison between chemical cleaner, and non-toxic cleaners

You and I may not be emitting the kinds of green house gases that a company like DuPont used to, but we can each do our part to take care of our environment. The cool thing is that we can follow DuPont’s model, and not only save money, but make money as well! It may not be quite $3 billion saved, but what about saving $3,000? Would that make a difference in your bottom line?

This non-toxic cleaner starter kit replaces $3400 worth of products for only $135 (member price). Does that sound a bit incredible? It did to me, so I went to my local Wal-Mart – with my four children in tow – and did some cost comparisons. Here are my results (equivalent number of bottles are based on the Get Clean Product Bulletin):

Fantastik: 60 bottles @ $1.78 = $106.80
Windex: 728 bottles @ $4.44 = $3,232.32
Cascade: 2.5 boxes @ $2.38 = $5.95
Downy: 3 bottles @ $4.28 = $12.84
Woolite: $4.74
Clorox Wipes: $2.33
Soft Scrub: $2.66
Bounce: $3.24
Tide: $6.64 (100oz)
Mr. Clean (couldn't find MopNGlow)= 25.5 bottles @ $2.47 = $63.23

Total Wal-Mart cost = $3,441.75

How incredible is that? Obviously, the biggest money savings is with Windex. But, even if you paid just $1 a bottle for an off-brand of Windex, you’d still save over $600 – that’s pretty significant money.

And, by the way, the comparison doesn’t even include the hand wash or the dish wash. Those are a bonus savings, included in the kit. Plus, in the kit you get all the tools you need to get started using the super-concentrated cleaners – including spray bottles, soap dispensers and microfiber cleaning clothes & sponges – my favorite!

As I was dragging my kids around the store, I realized other intangible benefits to buying my favorite brand instead of Wal-Mart (besides the obvious – non-toxic, safe cleaners).

1) The smell near the fabric softeners nearly knocked me over – literally. I’m sensitive to scents, and I was lucky to get out of that aisle without a headache of the worst kind.

2) I had to make a special trip to Wal-Mart to check out prices. Why? Because I only go there once or twice a year. I don't need to because all my personal care products are delivered right to my door. Convenient? Yes. But with four children with me, it also saves me the aggravation of the whining and begging that Wal-Mart inevitably brings about, and the money I would be tempted to spend (that I know some of my friends are spending) to buy their kids something just to stop the begging.

3) Buying a starter kit is the equivalent of planting 10 trees. I know I don’t have the space to plant 10 trees in my yard – so this is really cool. (Click here to see how they figured that out!)

While you’re saving money by “going green,” tell your friends about these great starter kits and you will start making money too. It’s simple.


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6. Want to lose an inch or two?

I cannot tell you how much I love this new weight management program. It’s so easy to use and tastes so good – I actually look forward to my shakes & bars each day!

So far, I’ve lost 10 pounds and 2.5” on my hips, 1.5” on my waist. I’ve also lost some on my thighs and chest, but haven’t measured to see the difference. Even though I’ve not lost as much as some of my friends who are on the program, I’m still thrilled with it, because I feel so much better since I’ve been on it. This past week has been a bit more difficult – not enough sleep, combined with a trip out of town doesn’t bode well for losing weight on this or any other diet!. However, I can tell you I’ve at least maintained my weight loss, and haven’t gained any back. How amazing is that?

Intrigued, but still not sure?

*call 925.924.3030 for a 3-minute call that explains why the difference between this weight loss program and any other program on the market today.

*visit this site to read up on this easy weight loss program, and see actual results (I met some of these people in San Francisco – they really exist!)

Healthy Homes e-news from September 2006

Hello! I trust you had an enjoyable Labor Day. We spent the weekend finishing up some projects around the house – some of which I’m still working on. Painting mostly. However it will be good it have it finished!

Most of you know I went to San Francisco for a convention last month. What a great time! I want to thank you for helping to attend – your loyalty allowed me to be promoted to Director. I was able to walk the stage, received a special engraved silver star key ring from Tiffany’s, and a pin designed by famous jewelry designer Lorenz Baumer – and set with Swarovski crystals. What a treat! Again, thank you!

I have a lot to cover this month, so let’s get to it! In this issue:

1. Think ‘Light’ Going Back to School

2. Better to Watch your Waistline

3. What’s Dirtier, Cell Phone or Toilet Seat?

4. Environmental Stewardship

5. Shaklee Tip of the Month **NEW feature**

6. Special Invitation

7. Monthly Promotions

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1. Think ‘Light’ Going Back to School (www.healthdaynews.com)

Parents: watch the weight of your kids’ backpacks to prevent back injuries.

The North American Spine Society (NASS) offers the following tips on how to prevent backpack-related problems and injuries:

• Pack light. The loaded pack should not weigh more than 10 percent to 15 percent of the child's body weight. As a general rule, backpacks should weigh about five to 10 pounds for elementary students and no more than 15 pounds for older students.
• Organize the pack so that heavy items are close to the wearer's back. Use the pack's smaller compartments to store loose items. Distribute the weight evenly.
• Always use both straps and adjust them snugly on the shoulders. Readjust the straps every time the pack is loaded in order to ensure that the weight is properly supported.
• Educate children about backpack safety and the risk of neck and spine injuries due to improper backpack use.
• Encourage children to practice proper posture while they're wearing a backpack. In addition, children should be active in order to strengthen the muscles in and around the back and neck.

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2. Better to Watch your Waistline (www.usnews.com)

Body mass index (BMI) correlates weight with height. It has long been considered an indicator of heart attack risk. However, a new paper in Lancet analyzing studies going back 40 years finds little tie between a high BMI and heart problems.

A better indicator? Your waist-to-hip ratio. Excess abdominal fat is a better warning sign for heart problems. Men – if your waist is 40” or more; women – if your waist is 35” or more.

Do you fit in that category? I do! I’ve decided that the time has come to do something about it too. I started on a new weight management program – that focuses on losing inches. It’s very tasty, easy to follow, and you see results quickly. I’ve lost 4 pounds in 1.5 weeks – not too many inches because I’ve not exercised. I’ve started exercising so I can see more inches dropping sooner – like my friend Kristi.

“I have struggled this weekend with cravings, but like you, have managed not to overindulge in my treats! I really wanted to make cookies last night so bad, but settled for a serving of oatmeal to satisfy my carb craving, which seemed like a good alternative :) Good news is despite my shortcomings this weekend I am continuing to lose weight and inches. I am now down a full 5 pounds over 2 weeks and have lost almost 2-1/2 inches on my waist! I have lost almost an 1-1/2 off my hips and my clothes are already feeling much better!!! I KNOW exercising has helped.”

What kind of exercising is Kristi doing? Mostly walking. This program encourages everyone to walk about 10,000 steps a day. Depending upon your lifestyle, that could be quite a stretch (like for me), or just an additional evening walk with your family (like Kristi). The point is – once you start seeing results, it’s more motivating to start making other changes in your life (like adding exercise or changing eating habits).

Four ways to learn more:

· online;

· call 924-925-3030 for a pre-recorded call;

· attend a Better You, Better World gathering (more info later).

· join me on my group’s weekly product call on Thursday night at 9:15 central time. The phone number is: 347.534.1701 pin: 6437#

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3. What’s Dirtier, Cell Phone or Toilet Seat? (www.abcnews.com)

Did you guess the toilet seat? Well, of course, if that was the case, then it wouldn’t be news, would it? So, the answer is your cell phone.

Why? Germs multiply in warm places. Between the heat the phones generate and the germs on faces & hands, you’ve got a bacterial breeding ground.

So, what to do? You can buy a phone like the ones from Motorola which have an anti-microbial coating, which prevents bacteria from growing.

Or, keep your phone to yourself and clean it frequently.

I’d recommend these great new wipes. I also use this concentrated disinfectant - diluted 1 tsp in 16 oz of water. I spray it on a paper towel and wipe down my phone or the floor or the kitchen counter. For best results, allow to set for 10 minutes, then wipe with a paper towel sprayed with All-Purpose Spray (1 tsp general cleaner in 16 oz of water).

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4. Environmental Stewardship

Perhaps it’s all semantics, but words are powerful, and need to be chosen well.

I was just reading an interview with Edward O. Wilson in my US News magazine. Personally, I’ve never heard of Wilson – in case you haven’t either here are his credentials: 2-time Pulitzer Prize winner, leading entomologist (he studies bugs!) and professor emeritus at Harvard. He’s just published a new book “The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth” – which merits him an interview this week.

I’ve not read the book, but the article here says it’s “written as an open letter to an evangelical pastor, arguing that no matter what your belief system, the Earth’s countless life forms are worth saving.”

So, why am I bringing this up? It struck me that many, many people can agree with this argument, for many different reasons. If you believe, as I do, that God created the earth and everything in it, it makes sense to take good care of it. God gave it to us, we live here, so let’s do the best we can, right?

If you believe differently than I do, it still makes sense to take care of the earth. Again, we live here, so let’s do our best.

If you’ll allow me, here’s what I see is the struggle. Semantics. Most environmental activists – at least the ones who get media coverage - can get pretty radical about “saving the earth.” They talk about “Mother Earth” and some literally worship the earth. I don’t know about you, but that kind of turns me off. Frankly, it offends my beliefs to say that people can save the earth - God created it, God (through Jesus) saves it. Not me. And my desire is to worship the Creator, not the created.

But, step back from the radical wording. Let’s call it stewardship. We need to be stewards of all sorts of resources – our finances, our time, our talents & skills. So, why shouldn’t we also be good stewards of the environment? We should! Those who believe in the Bible, look again at Genesis 1:28 “…fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

We are to rule over the earth. Looking back over the past few hundred years, it seems that we (humanity) have been more of a dictator, stripping the world of its resources, than a benevolent ruler, using what we need, with as little waste as possible and with an eye toward the future.

That’s starting to change, but is it because of Christians crying out over the abuse of God’s creation? No, it comes from other environmental activists who we (Christians) tend to dismiss because we don’t agree with the religion behind their reasoning.

I do not want to “save the world.” I want to be a good steward of what’s been given me. That’s why I recycle and do my best to limit my waste (wasting water, electricity, food, etc.). That’s why I tend to agree with environmental activists that we need to be gentle with our earth, not harsh (while not agreeing with their religion). What about you?

The company I represent attracts all people who are committed to the environment – no matter the beliefs behind that commitment. It has been a steward of the environment for 50 years. Just a few of the ways they’ve worked to protect the environment: developed the first biodegradable household cleaning product in 1960, Certified as a Climate-Neutral Company, and most recently, conducted the first carbon-neutral conference in the history of San Francisco.

Are you committed to being a steward of our environment? Do you not want to pay a fortune for those non-toxic cleaners at the stores, which may or may not work? Check out these wonderful green cleaners that really work.

Healthy Homes e-news from August 2006

Greetings! I trust you are weathering the “dog days” of summer. We’ve survived the recent 100 degree heat in the Chicago area. Our poor, 30-year-old air conditioner is running constantly. Fortunately, it’s still running, although it’s not very efficient. I’m sure we’ll have to replace it soon.

The end of summer is almost upon us and with it, time for school! As a homeschooling mom, I thought I would school year-round, but this summer decided taking a break would be good. We’re going to start schoolwork at the end of August, or after Labor Day, I haven’t quite decided yet. However, we are taking advantage of the Back-to-School specials to stock up on notebooks and crayons.

While you stock up on Back-to-School specials, consider stocking up your “Shaklee” shelf to ward off those back-to-school germs. See the article below for recommendations.

In this month’s issue:

1. Eating fish seems to protect against macular degeneration

2. Fish oil helps weight loss

3. Calcium helps women keep weight in check

4. Ward off back-to-school germs with Shaklee

5. Last Month to start Three for Free

6. More Ways to Save Money

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1. Eating fish seems to protect against macular degeneration. (www.cnn.com)

Two new studies give one more reason to eat a diet rich in fish: prevention of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in old age.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are already known to help the heart and brain stay healthy. Two new studies (published in the Archives of Ophthalmology) add to evidence that fish eaters also protect their eyes.

One study of elderly American men showed that those who eat fish twice a week had a 36% lower risk of macular degeneration. The other study, from Austrailia, followed men and women for five years. It found that people who ate fish just once a week reduced their risk by 40%.

The U.S. study also found that smokers nearly doubled their risk of macular degeneration compared with people who never smoked.

Macular degeneration starts with blurring in the center of what the sees. It progresses to blindness, slowly or quickly, depending on the type of disease.

Researchers don’t yet know why eating fish seems to protect the eyes.

Omega-3 is not the only supplement which helps protect your eyes. Read on:

“My vision had gotten progressively worse. My eyes fatigued easily and my vision in my left eye was blurry. I have had laser treatments on my eyes and have Type 2 Diabetes. I was diagnosed with macular degeneration. My daughter, Peg, had me start on Beta Carotene. I took two capsules daily. In less than three weeks, I noticed a difference in my eyes. I woke up at 2 am one night and could see clearly out of my left eye. I could not believe it. I went to the eye doctor and could read the second line from the bottom. I never read that line and am going to be 85 years old. I do take 2 teaspoons of liquid mult-ivitamin, 2 B complex, 2 GLA and 1 zinc every day. But, most of all, I love my Beta Carotene.” –Ronnie G.

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2. Fish oil helps weight loss (www.reuters.com)

Fatty acids, which are found in fish, can help in weight loss when combined with moderate exercise, an Australian study found.

The University of South Australia study found that daily doses of fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids helped obese people burn off excess weight.

"The omega-3 found in fish oil increases fat-burning ability by improving the flow of blood to muscles during exercise," university researcher Alison Hill told Reuters.

The university's study monitored 68 overweight and obese people, divided into four groups, over three months.

One group took small daily doses of fish oil and another was given sunflower oil with no other alteration to their normal diet. Both groups undertook moderate exercise programs of a 45-minute walk or run three times a week. Another two groups received either fish oil or sunflower oil but did no exercise.

The study found that those who took the fish oil doses and exercised lost an average of 2 kg (4.5 lb.) over the three months.

The groups that took sunflower oil, which does not contain omega-3 fatty acids, and exercised did not lose any weight. The two groups that did not exercise also lost no weight, the study found.

"We were very surprised to see it was so effective, especially since these people were still eating whatever they wanted," Hill said.

The more I read, the more I understand how important it is to supplement my diet with fish oil – especially since I don’t like to eat fish! Even if you are a fish-eater, you should be careful to eat fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids only once a week because of the high risk of heavy metal (like mercury) poisoning. Supplementing with this brand omega-3 fatty acids is a smart choice. This company takes pharmaceutical-grade fish oil and purifies it even further, so there is absolutely no trace of heavy metals in the fish oil. It certainly wouldn’t do to protect your brain, heart & eyes with Omega-3, only to suffer the effects of heavy metals in your body!

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3. Calcium may help women keep weight in check (www.reuters.com)

Getting plenty of calcium might help fight middle-aged spread, a new study shows.

Women in their 50s who took in more than 500 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily in supplements gained 4 pounds less over 10 years than women who didn’t use supplements.

There is evidence that calcium can help people stay slimmer, but it’s not conclusive. The most convincing explanation for how calcium might exert such effects, says the study’s head researcher, are studies showing that low calcium intake boosts the amount of calcium contained within cells, which in turn switches on genes involved in fat formation while inhibiting fat breakdown.

This new calcium product is proven to not just prevent bone loss, but build new bone – in independent clinical studies. Here’s the added bonus – take your calcium, and it may help you maintain your weight over the years. Read more about the new calcium here.

Speaking of weight management, remember to check out this brand-new weight management system! The people who’ve tested it are loving it. Here’s what Suzanne from Indiana says:

"I started this program two weeks ago, and I have now lost 13 lbs.** I know I have also lost inches because I tried on my new skirt for the 50's party at August Convention, and it was TOO BIG! I had to take it back and get the next smaller size! The clerk remembered me and asked if I was on Weight Watchers. I said 'No, it is a new program', and she asked for my business card. The trainer at my health club wants information right away, too." **Results not typical

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4. Ward off the Back-to-School Germs

It’s that time of year again! The children go back to school, excited about the new year, and bring home the germs and colds - and pass them on to you!

What should be in your arsenal this fall to combat those awful germs?

children's chewables multivitamin (for children 12 & under) or adult multivitamin with Iron (12 & over)

chewable vitamin C and/or a sustained-release vitamin C

beneficial microflora

Also helpful are: garlic and zinc

I’ve found that when my children are sick, they need extra “ammunition” in the form of supplements to help fight it off. I usually give a second dose of children's chewables in the evening, and chewable vitamin C too. If they’re extra sick, I’ll give an extra dose of beneficial microflora in the evening as well. (I would NOT recommend this with any other brand but this one.)

Many people have asked if I’m concerned about overdosing. In a word, “YES! If they were taking anything but this company!” I know this brand's vitamins are food in an easy-to-take form. On a normal, healthy day, I wouldn’t want to give them a double dose of vitamins, but when their bodies are under attack, they need more. They generally get over their colds pretty quickly, and generally don’t pass them around the family either.

Healthy Homes e-News for July 2006

Happy July 4^th! I trust your holiday was enjoyable and relaxing. My husband and oldest son went to his parents this past weekend to help them around the house. They enjoyed the fireworks as they drove home last night.

The other three and I enjoyed the day at my parent’s house here in town. We were at the beach most of the day – with a break for lunch & naps. We got home last night to a firecracker/fireworks display put on for us by our neighbors. We watched out our back window for about an hour, until they were too tired to stand up. Then we all piled into my bed to rest, because none of us could sleep with all the noise. It was a nice holiday – in spite of being separated.

It was made all the sweeter by the realization that at the end of last month, I was promoted! I’m so excited – and want to thank you for being faithful members and customers. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you as your link to this company and its wonderful products.

In this month’s issue of e-News:

1) How to Make your Bedroom an Allergen-Free Zone

2) A Plan to Beat Allergies is Worth the Cost

3) Commentary on a Commercial

4) Keep Your Radar Tuned…

5) Ways to Save Money

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1) How to Make your Bedroom an Allergen-Free Zone (Chicago Tribune)

Did you realize that if you’re getting a healthy amount of sleep, you will be spending about one-third of your day in your bedroom? To get good sleep, here are steps you can take to keep the allergens out of your bedroom.

1) Take off your shoes before walking in your bedroom. 85% of household dirt, dust and allergens come from the bottom of shoes.

2) Get rid of the dust. Clean light fixtures and electronics – and all other surfaces – with a reusable microfiber cleaning clothes. The rags I used as a kid just push the dust around, while microfiber cloths grab dust and dirt, which removes many common allergens from your room. (Personally, my kids and I like the clothes from www.cleanreport.com – look under “General Cleaning,” then “Cloths.” We’ve been using these for years.)

3) Wash and Protect your bedding. Buy protective covers for pillows & mattresses, and wash all your bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees) each week.

4) Don’t let pets sleep in your bedroom – this will keep out extra dander, pollens and allergens.

5) Check your air supply. Keep humidity levels below 50% (you can buy a humidity level reader at home supply stores). Keep your a/c set at a lover temperature and try to keep windows closed during high pollen seasons. (You can sign up for a daily pollen level e-mail report at www.pollen.com.) Also, take a shower and change clothes if you’ve been outside on a high pollen day (I’ve found this SO helpful!) – it also helps to keep your laundry bag in another room.

I would also add to this article – get an air purifier. Glen, my husband, will testify to what a difference it made in my allergy reactions on high pollen days. I’m not the only one who has found the air purifier helpful. Donna Paterson says this:

“[This air purifier] made a significant improvement in my daughter’s life. Hope had her first bout with pneumonia in ’99. She was diagnosed with asthma after three weeks and put on steroid-based medicines to control it. Her activities were limited. The following two winters she again contracted pneumonia. She lived in constant fear of not being able to breath and worried herself and me to death. I purchased an [air purifier] in 2002. It lives in Hope’s bedroom and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Her room smells like clean seaside air. Not only did she make it through the next winter pneumonia free, her need for asthma medicine seems to be lessening. Her reactions to allergens and pollutants are almost non-existent. In fact, when her best friend who has asthma came to our house to stay for several days, she improved, too. Just sleeping over and playing in Hope’s room during the hottest part of the day was enough to strengthen her breathing. Now I don’t worry about her as much. She can even keep her cat now since it doesn’t bother her anymore. The [air purifer] has freed her to play, run and just really live.”

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2) A Plan to Beat Allergies is Worth the Cost (US News & World Report, October 24, 2005)

“Allergies often spark asthma attacks, so reducing exposure to allergens like dust mites, mold, and cockroaches is a big goal. A customized plan drawn up by an environmental counselor can help. But at $1,469 per household, is the intervention cost effective?

Yes, say researchers who folled 937 inner-city children and reported their findings in the October (2005) Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Savings included a 19 percent drop in unscheduled medical visits and fewer missed workdays by parents of sick kids.” (emphasis mine)

That’s good news, but still $1400 is a lot of money! If you or someone you know is facing allergy or asthma issues, it just makes sense to try this air purifier first – at $699 retail price, it’s much less expensive than a personal plan mentioned above.

If you spend most of your time on the road, consider an mobile air purifier. “I overheard Jessie Seaton, a tour bus driver, complaining about catching colds from his passengers on the bus. I offered him a [mobile air purifier] to try. Three weeks later, he saw me and said, “I like it and I want to keep it.” He’d placed the mobile unit on the back of his seat, close to the air conditioning fan. He said it completely stopped his constant sneezing. He also used it inside his hotel rooms. The disinfectant smell disappeared after a couple of hours.” –Judy Loretan

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3) Commentary on a Commercial

The other evening, I treated myself to a TV show while I read the newspaper. A commercial with a mother and baby caught my eye. The little girl was sitting in her high chair, and the mom was playing with her, tickling her toes to make her laugh. It was a really cute moment. Then, it cut away to the mom grabbing a Clorox Cleaning wipe, her wiping up a spill off the table, then getting right back to playing with her child, without skipping a beat. No need to wash her hands, wring out a rag, etc.

My heart just sank at the message of that commercial – that these cleaning products are safe for frequent, everyday use for everyone – even around tiny children. I’ve never checked the label of the Clorox wipes, but I’m assuming it has bleach in it, since Clorox is known for bleach.

Bleach can be so harmful to children! The fumes can cause their brains to “malfunction” (for lack of a better word). As an experiment, a bottle of bleach was opened in the back of a school classroom while the children worked on a writing assignment. Their writing was compared before & after the bottle was opened. In a short amount of time, not only did the quality of their handwriting diminish (the worst being the children closest to the back of the room & the heaviest fumes) but so did the quality of their writing and vocabulary.

Terry wrote: “I have a friend who is a nurse. Her son was a bedwetter, so she would always clean his bedding in Clorox bleach. He is 7 and has bone cancer. The facility they took him to find out how he got the cancer asked how he was exposed to bleach consistently enough that he got cancer from it?” (emphasis mine)

If you are bleach user, please consider switching all your household cleaners to true green cleaners. They are non-toxic and biodegradable, safe for children and for our environment – and they work!

More about non-toxic cleaners here.

Healthy Homes e-News from June 2006

Warm June greetings! We’ve been enjoying beautiful weather this month. This weekend, the children played in the blow-up pool on Saturday, while Glen and I tried our hand at planting a garden – both vegetable & flower. I was very glad to have Glen helping, because I’ve never really planted a garden (that I remember). Glen has much more experience than I do. I’ll let you know how it progresses!

This month we honor the men in our lives – particularly the dads. While my news focuses on men’s health, I couldn’t resist an item for the ladies. : )

In this issue:

1. Poor Diet as Bad as Smoking for Health
2. Is Your Belly Killing You?
3. Sports Nutrition for the Weekend Athlete, Outdoorsman or Gardener
4. Black Cohosh Supplements Don’t Always Live up to Label Claims
5. Spring Specials End This Month!
6. Free Membership with 50 points – end This Month!
Try AutoShip and save

1. Poor Diet as Bad as Smoking for Health (reuters.com)

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Insufficient consumption of fish, fruit and vegetables is as bad for human health as smoking, a Dutch report said.

The study, which the European Food Safety Authority says it will use when analyzing food and diet risks, concludes that most cases of serious illness and death in the Netherlands is caused by poor diet.

"Taking into account not just deaths but also years spent living with serious disability, unhealthy dietary habits cause as much health loss as does smoking," said the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

Some 75 percent of the Netherlands' 16 million people eat fruit and vegetables below the recommended level, said the report, which is a result of an extensive research into the effects of current food trends in the country. (If my household is any indication, probably more Americans eat fruit & vegetables below the recommended level. And, no, French fries don’t count!)

Each year in the Netherlands, poor diet causes about 13,000 deaths due to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, while obesity claims 7,000 lives by causing heart disease and cancer, it said.

Although this study was done in the Netherlands, I think it easily could represent American health as well. If you’re concerned about your poor diet, let me recommend these supplements:

All your basic nutrient needs in a form which your body can use. It doesn’t replace a healthy diet, but can fill in the gaps of what your body needs to be at it’s best.

Here’s what one of my new customers said this week:

“so I love the vitamins. … I definitely have noticed a dramatic difference when I take them and when I don't. My energy levels change, and I got over a cold the fastest I've ever recovered in my life!!! It was crazy!! I took a few extra vitamins of the ones I could take extra, and it was gone the next day!! WOW!!!”

2. Is Your Belly Killing You? (USA Weekend, June 2-4, 2006)

You don’t need “six-pack” abs, but doctors now know a fat gut is far deadlier than once thought, raising your odds for getting heart disease and diabetes.

The danger is visceral fat. It’s what gives you the “spare tire” or “beer gut.”

And the danger cannot be measured by the bathroom scale – instead use a tape measure. Guys, if your waist size (across the belly button – no cheating!) if 40” or more (gals: 35” or more), you need to take action now. (All honesty here – this includes me!)

Why is visceral fat so bad? First, it surrounds and inhibits the function of the most important organs in your body – especially your liver.

Second, it sets off a wicked metabolic chain reaction in your body that’s hard to reverse.

As the amount of fat around your middle increases, it slows down your body’s response to insulin – which results in your pancreas producing more insulin. This leads to high blood pressure and rising cholesterol levels. If the cycle isn’t reversed, your pancreas quits, and you have type 2 diabetes.

What can we do to stop this cycle?

1. Increase your fiber intake. Soluble fiber slows the entry of fats & glucose into the bloodstream, which means your body requires less insulin. Some high-fiber foods are: oatmeal, apples, berries & beans. Need more? Try any of the fiber solutions found here.
2. Be mindful of your caloric intake.
3. Switch from vegetable oil or olive oil in your cooking. Olive oil and avocados can help with insulin resistance.
4. Avoid anything made with white flour & sugar, which spike your blood sugar.
5. Exercise regularly - that almost goes without saying.
Consider a glucose regulator, which helps your body regulate glucose more efficiently.

3. Active Nutrition for the Weekend Athlete, Gardener or Outdoorsman

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to appreciate this brand's active nutrition products – although many do, including the US Olympic Ski and Snowboarding Team.

Find out why The U.S.S.A., Olympic Gold Medal winner Gary Hall (who, by the way, is diabetic), and other professional athletes choose this brand, check out the results of the clinical trials and find product tips here.

4. Black Cohosh Supplements Don’t Always live up to Label Claims (www.hon.ch)

THURSDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- Women taking black cohosh supplements to ease the hot flashes of menopause may not always be getting what they pay for, a new study reveals.

Black cohosh, a plant native to North America that has traditionally been used to treat fatigue, kidney problems and menstrual irregularities, has been used by menopausal women in the United States and Europe for the past 40 years. Some studies have reported that black cohosh improves menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood disturbances, palpitations and vaginal dryness, for up to six months.

But the compounds in black cohosh thought to alleviate hot flashes vary widely from product to product, if they are even present at all, say researchers reporting in the May issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry .

In this U.S. study, researchers analyzed 11 of the most popular black cohosh tablets and capsules available in New York City between 2002 and 2004. Using a process called high-performance liquid chromatography, they extracted, separated and identified the hundreds of different compounds within each black cohosh sample.

"We did anticipate some difference in the chemical profiles based on manufacturing and biological differences. But what was surprising was that three of the products that we evaluated didn't have black cohosh at all," said study author Edward Kennelly, of the City University of New York, in New York City. (emphasis mine)

These three supplements claiming to contain black cohosh instead contained an Asian species of Actaea . The Chinese herb is closely related to black cohosh but has not been proven effective in easing menopausal symptoms. To keep up with the increased demand for black cohosh products, supplement manufacturers may substitute Actaea for black cohosh, because it is less expensive to produce, the researchers postulated.

In their study, Kennelly and colleagues maintained that although Actaea is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is not clear whether exchanging it or using it in combination with black cohosh is safe or effective.

Kennelly points out that no one is sure which compounds in black cohosh relieve the redness, sweating and pounding heartbeat commonly associated with hot flashes. Triterpene glycosides and phenolic constituents are two of the compounds in black cohosh that experts think may be responsible, but the amounts of these compounds varied widely in the study.

Because of the variability in product quality and the lack of government regulation when it comes to dietary supplements, consumers interested in using black cohosh to relieve menopausal symptoms may need to try more than one brand to find one that works for them.

Or, you can go with a product you can trust – like this one. The quality control standards are so exacting, that the company rejects over one million dollars worth of raw material a year. Also, you can know what is on the label is in each and every one of the tablets/capsules inside. The label says it has 80 mg of Black Cohosh extract – and goes on to specify the latin name for the plant used (Cimicifuga racemosa), that they use the root of the plant, and that it’s standardized to contain 2.5% Triterpene glycosides as 27-deoxyactein. OK, honestly, I don’t understand what it means – except that the scientists are careful to include information on the label for those scientists/nutritionists or other knowledgeable people among us who are wondering exactly what’s going into the product.

Had the scientists above tested these products, they would have found exactly what was on the label. Which is true for every last one of this company's products.