Happy Tax Day? It is possible!

This story came across my computer this week, and I thought it quite appropriate to share with you.

"I'm an RN and I love to help people get healthier. The problem is that prescription drugs have lots of side effects.

When I started using [this brand] natural products my own health improved so dramatically a big light bulb went off in my head.

Now I help people get healthier without drugs and have a business that lets me work from home. No boss! Nobody tells me WHEN to work. It's fantastic! My husband is thrilled with the tax benefits. He actually gets excited over April 15th!

Do you know of anyone who might like more information about these products or this opportunity?"

~Harriet G., Wisconsin

If you would like to start looking forward to tax day, just as Harriet does, contact me through my website.

Myth: Our Body can Handle Whatever We Dish Out

We Can Handle the Body Burden

“Mainstream physicians and toxicologists assure us that a frontline defense of healthy livers and kidneys will keep us safe from nearly all levels of toxic accumulation” (pg 28).

“Unfortunately our bodies were never designed to protect themselves against this chemical onslaught,” observes Paula Baillie-Hamilton, a British authority on the health effects of toxic chemicals.

“As a result, our systems usually fail to process and remove most of these chemicals once they have entered our bodies, so their levels start building up inside us. Consequently, every single human on the face of this earth is now permanently contaminated with these modern synthetic chemicals” (pg. 28)

-From The 100-Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald

Not exactly the news I wanted to hear, right? However, you can take steps to limit your chemical exposure and reduce the toxic load your body is carrying.

First, I would recommend switching brands. That easy, simple step can immediately limit your toxic exposure. I recommend Shaklee brand - it's a company you can trust for non-toxic products that are safe for you and your family. Switch cleaners, personal care products (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), skin care and makeup too.

Second, I would recommend high-quality supplements - and even a detoxification program. There are many books you can read about detox programs, but remember to never start a detox program unless you are under the care of a medical professional.

Third, make sure you are breathing clean air. The products we surround ourselves with are drenched with chemicals... and those chemicals don't stay where they're put. They release into the air we breath... filling our bodies with more toxins. I recommend this air purifier. It's made a tremendous difference in my health.

Fourth, make sure you drink clean water. Water, too, is full of toxins and poisons - and our body can be affected by even the smallest dose. You never know what can or will trigger a reaction. The best purification system for water is reverse osmosis, and can be quite expensive. I recommend this reverse osmosis system. It's a counter-top system and easy to use. No plumber needed!

Fifth, start changing the foods you eat and the cookware you cook with. There are simple steps you can take to start switching over to less-processed, more nutritious foods. For example, switch from iodionized salt to real salt. Simple, yet it can make a big difference. For more information, contact me.

Myth: Low Doses don't Matter

The Poison is in the Dose

“We are told by mainstream science, medicine, and industry that we shouldn’t be concerned about our toxic body burden because “the poison is in the dose,” a mantra that is the foundation for our public health standards” (pg 27).

However, that’s not true when it comes to chemicals in our bodies. “New chemicals and new mixtures of chemicals that have never entered the human body before are being absorbed” (pg 27). “Many synthetic chemicals are biologically active at incredibly low levels” (pg 27).

-From The 100-Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald

I wonder how many of us have trouble controlling our weight, fighting illness after illness because of the toxic levels of chemicals in our bodies. I don't have an answer - but it certainly is food for thought. And a good reason to consider a detoxification program - and certainly to switch brands of cleaners, personal care products, makeup and skincare products. It's also a good reason to switch brand of vitamins - because you never know what other companies have included in their vitamins that aren't on the label (see Myth of Product Label).

Myth of Product Labels

There is Truth in Labeling

“The only “truth” in labeling today is the fact that there is widespread secrecy. Of forty common consumer products tested by the National Environmental Trust in Washington, D.C., during 2004, more than half contained toxic chemicals not listed on the product labels” (pg 24).

“Toxins expert Doris J Rapp claims that at least two hundred chemicals classified as “inert” are environmental pollutants hazardous to human health” (pg 26).

Read more in The 100-Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald.

Do you know what chemicals you're using in your home? In your garage? On your lawn? Do you know what those chemicals are doing to you? Your family? Your pets? Your world?

I know what products I'm using - and I know what they're NOT doing to me or my family. They are NOT making me sick. They are NOT full of toxic chemicals. They are from a company I CAN trust.

Is it time for you to switch?

Another Myth We Cherish

The Government Knows What is Safe

“Toxins expert Doris J. Rapp warns us that the rules have been written in such a way that we can never know what is safe until people or animals in the wild begin suffering. ‘The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 allows chemicals to be sold and used unless they are proven to be a risk. The EPA, however, does not conduct its own safety tests, but relies on research conducted by manufacturers. Yes, you read it correctly. Is the fox in charge of designing the chicken coop?” (pg 23)

With all the chemicals made today, there’s no way to be able to test them all alone, let alone how they interact with all the other chemicals on the market (pg. 23-24).

I am so thankful to have found a company which I can trust - and won't sell something that is not safe for me or my family. This company has spent $250 million on research and development - unheard of in the industry. No other company can come close, because this company has been researching for over 50 years. To match the level of research, a new company would literally have to spend billions of dollars. Do you know of a new company - or even an established company - who has that kind of money to enter a market?

Now, more than ever, it's time for change and take responsibility. Let's take responsibility for what we clean our homes with, what we put on our skin and in our bodies. Let's take responsibility for cleaning our air and our water. Only then can we truly take responsibility for the earth on which we live. And, when each one of us takes that step - sometimes just changing the brand we buy - we can not only create a healthier home for ourselves and our families, but also create a healthier world for all of us.

Myths We Cherish

Toxicity is Some Else’s Problem

“While it may sound rather harsh to label each and every one of us a living toxic waste dump, the reality of the body burden of toxins we each bear does support that description. We absorb so many synthetic chemicals during an average lifetime that, according to some reports, when we die our bodies decompose more slowly today than if we had died just three decades ago” (pg. 20).

“’The chemical threat is the ultimate threat to mankind, worse than bombs and war. You cannot hide from it. It reaches everywhere in the world’” (pg. 22)

- Taken from The 100-Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald.

The chemical threat reaches everywhere in the world, yet we can do something about it. One way to stop, and even reverse, the toxic trend is to switch our household cleaners. Stop buying the chemical-laden cleaners pushed by Madison Avenue, and start using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners. You can find them at the local health food store, at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. However, the most economical non-toxic cleaners on the market today are these cleaners.

This company created the first non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner in 1960... and has continued its commitment to our environment by expanding its non-toxic cleaning line to include a scouring paste, laundry cleaners and dish cleaners.

You can learn more about non-toxic cleaners here.

Healthy Homes e-News for April 2007

Happy Easter! I would say “Happy Spring,” but I think something frightened spring away this week. Monday and Tuesday were pretty nice days, but then Tuesday night hit, and wham! We’re in winter again.

Don’t tell my girls though. They are insisting on wearing their new (to them) summer dresses – much to my chagrin. I feel like putting a sign on their backs saying, “I told them it was cold!” Some battles are not worth fighting – I asked them to please put on a sweater. Thankfully, they obliged me.

The little taste of spring did inspire me to do some spring cleaning. Did you feel it too? I was surprised to see this article on the front of my hometown newspaper. Titled Danger within reach, it focuses on the danger of household products – from makeup and lipstick to expired prescriptions and household cleaners. It made me thankful that I’ve switched brands to this brand – no danger there!

(You can find the article, and most others mentioned here if you just scroll down a bit.)

I’m not the only one – Colleen loves her non-toxic cleaners too.

SCOUR-OFF works! I can hardly believe it! I was finally getting around to using my new Shaklee stuff last night and was getting ready to tackle the shower. It was almost completely rust red and I was dreading the hour of scrubbing and harsh chemical smell. THEN I used the stuff you gave me and WOW WOW WOW it came right off! Last time it took me forever to scrub the darn thing clean. This stuff smelled like strawberries and wiped it clean right away. I am sooooooo impressed. Also did some cleaning with the Basic H and it worked too. Getting ready to do my car windows with it later tonight. Thanks for introducing me to these products. Now what do I do with the CLR and LimeAway under my sink? Cleaning was never so easy and pleasurable. Gotta love not having that awful smell!

(note from Michelle – the CLR and LimeAway are considered hazardous waste, so please dispose of them properly!)

Spring cleaning does stress me out a little. It’s difficult to work hard on getting one room cleaned and move on to the next – only to turn around and find the children have destroyed the room I just cleaned. I’m sure I’m the only one who’s experienced that! That’s why I like Don Aslett’s tips for cleaning house – a little every day and there will be no need for a big spring clean.

I’ve started taking his tips to heart – and enlisting my children’s help. So far, so good. It’s wonderful to walk into a bathroom that is always clean (the older two take turns cleaning it every morning – which is perfectly safe for them because we’re using non-toxic cleaners).

Besides cleaning, one thing I’ve been working to teach my children is conservation – in all areas of life. My grandmother is wonderful at this – saving water in ways that I never dreamed, reusing containers instead of just recycling, and more. Here are some simple tips on conserving water in your house this spring.

If you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint (my what? Read about carbon footprints here.), you might want to read what others are doing. Will Steger’s team wrote out their list here. (You can read more from Will Steger here.)

Tips for Conserving Water at Home

from a brochure produced by American Water Works Association

• Check your toilet for leaks - and save many gallons of water per day.
• Time yourself in the shower. A short shower uses less water than a full time, but a long shower uses more water than a partially filled tub. So, take short showers.
• Don't let the water run when you are shaving or brushing your teeth. I admit! I'm guilty. This is a hard habit to break, but worthwhile as it saves lots and lots of water each year.
• Only run your dishwasher if it has a full load. Dishwashers use 7-14 gallons of water each time you run them.
• Same with your washing machine. Washing machines use 40 or more gallons of water each time - so save water and electricity by running it only when it's full (or as near full as you can get it).
• Check your faucets for leaks too! A slow drip can add up to 15-20 gallons in a day... a small faucet leak can wastes 100 gallons in 24 hours! (If you're on city water, who wants to pay for that?? Even if you're on a well, it adds up in wasted electricity to run the pump.)
• Of course, with summer almost here - watch your water use outside too. Wash your car on your lawn (use this general cleaner, and you'll condition the soil as well as wash your car); water your plants or grass only when it shows signs of needing it; don't use water to clean off driveways or sidewalks. Use a broom instead.

Danger Within Reach

Simple knowledge of household poisons could save lives.

-from the Daily Herald, Monday, March 26, 2007

I would add: simply switching brands could save lives

Most Americans have cosmetics, cleansers, personal care products, plants, pesticides, art supplies, alcohol or toys in their homes. Yet many may not be aware that these common items are the cause of 91,000 accidental poisonings among children each year.

What can you do to keep your children safe? Here are some tips from Safe Kids Worldwide.

• Don't refer to medicine or vitamins as candy to children
• Do not flush expired medications down the toilet. They can contaminate soil & groundwater. Most pharmacists will dispose of old medication.
• Discuss these precautions with grandparents and relatives who may have medications that can harm children
• Get your home tested for lead. An estimated 890,000 children ages 1 to 5 have too much lead in their blood.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in every sleeping area (it's the law in Illinois now).
• Stay alert while using cleaning products or other potentially harmful substances. A child can be poisoned in a matter of seconds.
• Never leave children alone with an open container of something you wouldn't want them to ingest.
• Learn which household plants are poisonous and keep them out of reach of children.

Did you know:

91,000 - children ages 14 and younger are treated in emergency rooms for accidental poisoning each year.

100 - approximate number of children who die from accidental poisoning.

90 - percent of these toxic exposures occur in the home.

40 - percent of the time, these poisonings involve medications.

Poison Control's toll free number is: 800.222.1222.

But, if your child is choking, having trouble breathing, or having a seizure, call 911.

I would add - your home does not have to be a toxic place! Just by switching brands for cleaners, personal care products, makeup, skin care and vitamins, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning in your home.

No More Spring Cleaning!

If you do just a little bit here and there throughout the year, Spring Cleaning will be an event from the past.

Here are some techniques to avoid Spring Cleaning forever! (from Don Aslett's Cleaning Center)

Dust as you go- Instead of sitting while your favorite show is on a commercial break, keep a Microfiber cloth in each room and wipe down the surfaces that collect dust. Get the family to do the same when they are in-between things. The company I represent now carries microfiber cloths - I am thrilled with them!

Vacuum where needed- Quickly go over high-traffic areas often. You’ll be amazed how clean it keeps the room, and how long the carpet will last! Carpet in less traffic areas and under furniture need it less often.

Get spots quickly- The sooner you work on spots in the carpet, the easier they are to remove. This general cleaner removes most spots. If more power is needed, Fresh Laundry Liquid Concentrate also works well, as does Nature Bright. All three (plus more) are included in the environmentally-safe, non-toxic cleaning starter kit.

No time to Sweep or Mop? - Get one of our (Don Aslett's) Scrubbee Doo 2’s! With many heads to use for any type of mess, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Use the Dust Mop (#30-128) head to quickly keep your floor free of dust, hair and crumbs. Use the Absorbent Mop (#30-130) head to soak up those spilled drinks. The Damp Scrubbing Mop (#30-122) head will keep you floors sparkling with less rinsing needed. And each is made with Microfiber, so simply throw them in the laundry after each use. This was one of the best tools I ever purchased for cleaning my house - I highly recommend it!

Mats are a must! – We (Don Aslett) have said for years mats are one of the most effective ways to keep your house clean! Most of the dirt that comes into the house is from your shoes. With our mats, both exterior and interior, catch more than 80% of the dirt from coming inside. Our Astroturf Mats are the best defense at stopping dirt. Each blade of synthetic grass works like tiny little scrapers to clean every boot, shoe and paw that comes through the door. And don’t forget a good interior mat. They are better than an old piece of carpet by creating a static charge that attracts dirt and moisture into the fibers and away from your carpet. When any of the mats get dirty, just take them outside and shake or hose down and let dry. http://www.cleanreport.com/ad.cfm?code=MAT0207. These are on my wish list for my birthday this year!

Keep Everything together – It is easier and quicker to know where your cleaning tools are when a mess occurs. I've discovered it's so convenient to have a little cleaning caddy in each bathroom and under the sink. I keep full-strength bottles under the kitchen sink, so we all know where they are. A set of spray bottles there, and in each bathroom, makes quick clean-ups easy!

Clean Air is Essential to a Healthy Home

I know that my family and I are healthier because we have an air purifier that cleans the air inside our home. It kills mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses and destroys dangerous gases so that our bodies don't have to try to deal with them. It also takes the dust and other stuff out of the air.

I really notice the difference during pollen season - spring and fall. It's really helped me gain my life back during allergy season! I cannot imagine life without my air purifier.

Neither can Jan S. Here's what she says about her air purifier:

Michelle kept telling me that we needed this air purifier but it just seemed hard to justify the expense. Yet I seemed to feel like I was getting sick so often and then would need to take extra nutriferon, defend & resist, etc. While I could usually fight off the illness it did seem unnecessary to so often be fighting off the bug. We finally gave in and got the air purifier. I rarely feel like I'm getting sick now. This has to be because of the air purifier as nothing else has changed. Not only that, but our basement which always smelled moldy has absolutely no odor now. Several of our family members couldn't tolerate even stepping into our basement because of their allergies. Now none of them has any problem with being down there. It has made an amazing difference in our lives in so many different ways.

This spring, consider giving you and your family the gift of fresh, clean air. It really helps people with allergies and respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. It is worth the investment.

You can learn more here. Or here.