Daily Survival Kit

DAILY SURVIVAL KIT
Items Needed:

Toothpick

Rubber Band

Band Aid

Pencil
Eraser
Chewing Gum
Mint

Candy Kiss

Tea Bag

Why?????

TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others.
- * Matthew 7:1

RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want,
but it will work out. - * Romans 8:28

BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours

or someone else's.
- * Colossians 3:12-14

PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday.
- * Ephesians 1:3

ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay.
- * Genesis 50:15-21

CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything.
- *Philippians 4:13

MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint.
- * John 3:16-17

CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday.
- * John 4:7

TEA - to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings.
- *1 Thessalonians 5:18

* Relevant Scriptures

--Author Unknown

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

With the events of the past couple of days (all the media about the deaths of celebraties Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson plus others I have heard about), I just had to share one of my favorite Gospel songs that describes my thoughts about the future...


I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
by Ira F. Stanphill

I don't know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future for I know what Jesus said;
And, today, I'll walk beside Him for He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand.
But, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!

Every step is getting brighter as the golden stairs I climb.
Every burden's getting lighter; every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining; there no tear will dim the eye.
At the ending of the rainbow where the mountains touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand.
But, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!

I don't know about tomorrow; it may bring me poverty.
But, the One who feeds the sparrow is the One who stands by me.
And, the path that is my portion may be through the flame or flood,
But, His presence goes before me and I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand.
But, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!





Do you know who holds your future?





[Video below from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wiFCjeqOvM]

Eating Your Veggies: Not As Good For You?

Eating Your Veggies: Not As Good For You?

How Do You Know Your Dietary Supplement Is Really Regulated?

Is Your Dietary Supplement Really Regulated?
Dietary supplements – vitamins, minerals, botanicals, sports nutrition, weight management and specialty supplements (such as glucosamine/chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids, to name just a few) – are regulated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and state agencies have clear authority over dietary supplements through the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and the FTC Act. FDA is charged with inspecting manufacturing facilities, reviewing labeling and monitoring products for safety. FTC pursues deceptive, false and misleading advertising. Claims that dietary supplements are not regulated or are “loosely” regulated are inaccurate. Dietary supplements have always been regulated, and are more rigorously regulated today than they were even five years ago.

How Do You Know Supplements Are Safe?
The FDCA, as amended by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), established that dietary supplements that were in commerce prior to 1994 have a history of safe use, and therefore, can remain on the market without additional safety review. All new ingredients marketed after that date, however, must submit a formal 75-day notice along with evidence that the product is reasonably expected to be safe. This is referred to as a new dietary ingredient (NDI) notification. If FDA has concerns about the ingredient or its safety profile, the agency has clear authority to request more information or to reject the notification and deny the product’s entry into the market. Since the passage of DSHEA, FDA has rejected approximately 70% of the NDI notifications filed. It is patently illegal to add a prescription drug or an anabolic steroid to a product and call it a “dietary supplement.” Once a dietary supplement enters the stream of commerce, the FDA may remove a product if it is “adulterated” or “misbranded.” A product is considered adulterated if it contains unlisted ingredients or is not prepared or packaged under good manufacturing conditions. It is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading. In either case, the agency has enforcement authority to seize and destroy the product, impose fines or even imprisonment. In addition, FDA can remove a product from the market if it “presents a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury” under conditions of use recommended in its labeling. A separate provision gives FDA authority to declare a product “an imminent hazard to public health or safety.” In lesser dramatic situations, FDA can request manufacturers to modify products and claims or to provide warnings to consumers. While mandatory recall authority is not currently available, a request from FDA to recall a product from the marketplace voluntarily is viewed seriously by manufacturers and is usually implemented quickly.

How Do You Know Supplements Do What the Label Says?
Some people think a supplement producer can put whatever they want on a label – that’s just not true! Providing consumers with information about a product’s uses is an important aspect of consumer education, but it is equally important that manufacturers and marketers ensure that the claims they make about their products are truthful, and not misleading. Dietary supplements are required to have a standard Supplement Facts box on the labeling that describes the suggested use, serving size, amount per serving, percentage of the daily value and list of ingredients. If the label does not provide this information along with the quality and quantity of ingredients, then the product is misbranded and subject to penalties.

When describing a dietary supplement’s benefits, the law permits products to use certain claims, provided there is appropriate scientific support. The FDCA allows products to make nutrient content, structure/function, and health claims.

• Nutrient content claims characterize the level of vitamins and minerals in the product.
• Structure/function claims describe effects of the product on the body. However, the law requires these claims must have substantiation (i.e., scientific support) that the claim is truthful and not misleading; FDA must be informed of these claims; and it may request to review the substantiation. A disclaimer must be added to a product’s label stating that the structure/function claim “has not been evaluated by” FDA.
• Health claims describe the relationship between a substance and a disease (e.g., folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects). These claims must be submitted to and approved by FDA and be supported by “significant scientific agreement.” FDA has approved a handful of health claims for key ingredients like calcium and vitamin D, folic acid, and psyllium (fiber). FDA may also consider granting qualified health claims when there is some evidence of a health benefit, but not complete scientific agreement, if qualifying language can be developed that truthfully describes the state of the evidence.

In addition, the FTC regulates advertising for dietary supplements. It imposes a similar standard, asking if the claims in an ad are truthful, not misleading and adequately substantiated. Armed with the ability to impose civil fines, disgorgement of profits, and restitution to consumers, FTC frequently brings enforcement actions against dietary supplement ads that go too far. The FTC’s efforts are supplemented by a voluntary industry program of the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB), funded by CRN, that reviews supplement advertising and makes recommendations for modification or withdrawal of ads that may be deceptive.

How Do You Know the Ingredients Are Pure and Uncontaminated?
Good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements are specific rules for the manufacturing processes of vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, amino acids and all other supplements. Finalized in 2007, these rigorous practices impose higher standards on dietary supplements than food GMPs applied to conventional foods. Dietary supplement GMPs include thorough requirements for identity testing for all ingredients as they arrive at the manufacturer’s site. Manufacturers must qualify their suppliers before receiving goods, incoming ingredients must be quarantined until their identity is confirmed using scientifically valid methods of analysis, and all components of dietary supplements must meet specifications established by the manufacturer regardless of where the ingredient was sourced. Manufacturers are accountable to FDA for the manufacturing process as well as the ingredients. During an inspection, FDA has access to all the manufacturers’ records, including access to the country of origin of all supplement ingredients. The existing bioterrorism law already requires all parties in the production and distribution of dietary ingredients to keep records of suppliers and customers (“one up and one down”) that permit the agency to trace the pedigree of ingredients back to their original source. In addition, the GMP rules examine sanitation, batch records for production, employee training, validation of the manufacturing procedures, and testing final products for conformance with the label.

If There Are Problems or Concerns, How Does FDA Know?
It’s important to note that pre-market approval is no guarantee of safety, as witnessed by other FDA-regulated products that have been approved by FDA, only to be later recalled due to safety concerns. That’s why postmarket surveillance is so important. Dietary supplements do not undergo pre-market approval, but a law enacted in 2006 requires manufacturers to report information they receive about all serious adverse events to FDA. A “serious adverse event” is a negative health-related experience such as hospitalization This information alerts FDA to possible signals of a problem and could identify concerns with ingredient safety, manufacturing issues, contamination (of either raw ingredients or finished products), tamperings, and bio-terrorism. The fact that there are relatively few adverse events reported for dietary supplements (compared to other FDA-regulated products) demonstrates the wide margin of safety for this category of FDA-regulated product. But if there is a concern, adverse event reporting gives FDA an early warning of the potential problem.

FDA states that dietary supplements are regulated under a “different set of regulations from those covering ‘conventional food’ and drug products” but this does not mean they are unregulated. In fact, with over 150 million Americans using dietary supplements annually with little problem, it is clear that supplements are held to strict requirements, ensuring their safety and efficacy. 060509

# # #

Lessons We Learn From Geese

Lessons We Learn From Geese

Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.

Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: We need to make sure honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we, too, will stand by one another in difficult times and help the one who has dropped out regain his or her place in the formation.

Source: Dick E. Bird News cited in Ann Landers, date unknown

And you thought you knew about plastic

Could you give up plastic purchases for one entire week?
[Like not one single thing - including sliced bread bags (just try and buy sandwich bread without 'em) and those teeny things that attach price tags to new clothes. A challenge for this mostly mainstream family, to say the least.]

Want to know more about plastic?

*****

ADDICTED TO PLASTIC
There are more things we don't know about plastics, than things we do...

From styrofoam cups to artificial organs, plastics are perhaps the most ubiquitous and versatile material ever invented. No invention in the past 100 years has had more influence and presence than synthetics. But such progress has had a cost.

For better and for worse, no ecosystem or segment of human activity has escaped the shrink-wrapped grasp of plastic. Addicted To Plastic is a global journey to investigate what we really know about the material of a thousand uses and why there's so darn much of it. On the way we discover a toxic legacy, and the men and women dedicated to cleaning it up.

Check out the upcoming video at: http://www.crypticmoth.com/plastic.php
ADDICTED TO PLASTIC is a feature-length documentary about solutions to plastic pollution. The point-of-view style documentary encompasses three years of filming in 12 countries on 5 continents, including two trips to the middle of the Pacific Ocean where plastic debris accumulates. The film details plastic's path over the last 100 years and provides a wealth of expert interviews on practical and cutting edge solutions to recycling, toxicity and biodegradability. These solutions - which include plastic made from plants - will provide viewers with a hopeful perspective about our future with plastic.

WATCH IT ON Sundance Channel USA - Premieres April 28, 2009, at 10PM (http://www.sundancechannel.com) -- also shows again on April 29, 2009 at 3:45AM

*****

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PLASTICS

Take a moment to count all of the plastic things in your house.
How many things can you find?
________________
Does our trash have to sit in a landfill? Or can we get more use out of it?

List five things you can do with your plastic waste (other than throwing it away).

Plastic Bag Treasure Hunt!

What does your family do with their shopping bags after they get home from the store?
==============================

What YOU can still do!

Reuse your plastic shopping bags:

• use them as trash so as not to buy others that are more energy wasting;
• use them for storage;
• use paper bags rather than plastic bags when you are given the choice, but keep in mind that paper bags generate 70 percent more air and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic bags, and it takes more than four times as much energy to manufacture a paper bag as it does to manufacture a plastic bag.

*****

PLASTIC CONTAINERS BUYING GUIDE
[from http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/plastic-containers]

Environmental Impact
Pollution
Considering that plastics are made from non-renewable petroleum and natural gas, it's not surprising to know that plastic manufacturing is a major source of industrial pollution. Producing a 16-oz. #1 PET bottle, for instance, generates more than 100 times the toxic emissions to air and water than making the same size bottle out of glass. Major emissions from plastic production processes include sulfur oxides and nitrous oxides (both of which contribute to global warming) and the chemicals styrene, benzene and trichloroethane.

Plastics Are Forever
When the plastics we throw away escape from garbage trucks or landfills, they get blown into trees and waterways where they're eaten by animals that mistake them for food. In the North Pacific, a floating island of plastic waste the size of Texas has accumulated, doubling in size over the past six years. Some estimates place the load of plastic floating in that area, killing both birds and aquatic life, at 3 million tons.

Nothing in nature, not even sunlight and oxygen, can break apart the bonds that hold plastic together, so it lingers on our planet indefinitely. Rather than biodegrading, plastic photodegrades into dust, winding up in soil and in the air. In bodies of water, the plastic particles absorb other harmful chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the pesticide DDT. Those particles then get eaten by fish, which wind up back on our dinner plates.

Recycling
Despite the problems with plastic, virtually all types can be recycled a few times before becoming too weak. However, confusing municipal recycling laws and limited access to recyclers who accept all types of plastic have kept recycling rates low; in 2006, a mere 6.9 percent of plastic garbage we generated was recycled.

Personal Health Issues
From production through use and disposal, plastics can expose us to chemicals that are hazardous to our health, including dioxins, phthalates and bisphenol A.

Phthalates: Most cling-wrapped meats, cheeses and other foods sold in delis and grocery stores are wrapped in PVC. To soften #3 PVC plastic into its flexible form, manufacturers add "plasticizers" during production. Traces of these chemicals, known as adipates and phthalates, can leak out of PVC when it comes in contact with foods, especially hot, fatty foods. Adipates and phthalates have been shown to cause birth defects and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in mice. Phthalates are also suspected of interfering with hormones and the reproductive development of baby boys.

Bisphenol A: Many #7 polycarbonate bottles (including baby bottles), microwave ovenware, eating utensils and plastic coatings for metal cans are made with bisphenol A (BPA). Many studies have found that BPA interferes with hormones, as phthalates do, and a March 1998 study in Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) found that BPA simulates the action of estrogen when tested in human breast cancer cells. A growing number of scientists are concluding, from animal tests, that exposure to BPA raises your risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and childhood behavioral problems such as hyperactivity.

Plastic Containers-- What to Look For
Plastics are classified by their "resin identification code"—a number from #1 to #7 that represents a different type of resin. That number is usually imprinted on the bottom of your container; flip it upside down, and you'll see a recycling triangle with the number in the middle.

Here's a quick breakdown of plastic resin types:
#1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)Examples: Disposable soft drink and water bottles
#2 high density polyethylene (HDPE)/Examples: Milk jugs, liquid detergent bottles, shampoo bottles
#3 polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC)Examples: Meat wrap, cooking oil bottles, plumbing pipes
#4 low density polyethylene (LDPE)Examples: Cling wrap, grocery bags, sandwich bags
#5 polypropylene (PP)Examples: Cloudy plastic water bottles, yogurt cups/tubs
#6 polystyrene (PS)Examples: Disposable coffee cups, clam-shell take-out containers
#7 other (plastics invented after 1987; includes polycarbonate, or PC, and polylactide, or PLA, plastics made from renewable resources as well as newer plastics labeled "BPA-Free")Examples: Baby bottles, some reusable water bottles, stain-resistant food-storage containers

What To Buy:
#2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP: These three types of plastic are your best choices. They transmit no known chemicals into your food and they're generally recyclable; #2 is very commonly accepted by municipal recycling programs, but you may have a more difficult time finding someone to recycle your #4 and #5 containers.

#1 PET: Fine for single use and widely accepted by municipal recyclers; avoid reusing #1 water and soda bottles, as they're hard to clean, and because plastic is porous, these bottles absorb flavors and bacteria that you can't get rid of.

PLA: plastics made from renewable resources such as corn, potatoes and sugar cane and anything else with a high starch content; although you can't recycle these plant-based plastics, you can compost them in a municipal composter or in your backyard compost heap.

Plastics to Avoid:
#3 PVC: Used frequently in cling wraps for meat, PVC contains softeners called phthalates that interfere with hormonal development, and its manufacture and incineration release dioxin, a potent carcinogen and hormone disruptor.
#6 PS: Polystyrene-foam cups and clear plastic take-out containers can leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food.
#7 PC: The only plastic made with bisphenol A, polycarbonate is used in baby bottles, 5-gallon water-cooler bottles and the epoxy linings of tin food cans. Bisphenol A has been linked to a wide variety of problems such as heart disease and obesity.

Shopping Tips
Plastics are classified by their "resin identification code"—a number from #1 to #7 that represents a different type of resin. That number is usually imprinted on the bottom of your container; flip it upside down, and you'll see a recycling triangle with the number in the middle.

When purchasing cling-wrapped food from the supermarket or deli, slice off a thin layer where the food came into contact with the plastic and store the rest in a glass or ceramic container or wrap it in non-PVC cling wrap.

Usage Tips
Avoid storing fatty foods, such as meat and cheese, in plastic containers or plastic wrap.

Hand-wash reusable containers gently with a nonabrasive soap; dishwashers and harsh detergents can scratch plastic, making hospitable homes for bacteria.

A "microwave-safe" or "microwavable" label on a plastic container only means that it shouldn't melt, crack or fall apart when used in the microwave. The label is no guarantee that containers don't leach chemicals into into foods when heated. Use glass or ceramic containers instead.

World's Largest Crazy Cake Walk

World's Largest Crazy Cake Walk

No foolin...have your cake and eat it, too!

Host: Daneen Rabideau
Type: Causes - Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Fair Haven Ministries
Street: 2900 Baldwin St.
City/Town: Hudsonville, MI

VIEW MAP http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2900+Baldwin+St.,+hudsonville,+mi&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.494074,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=42.909417,-85.854292&spn=0.032061,0.076904&z=14&iwloc=A

Phone: 616.862.5842
Email: neenr4jesus@hotmail.com
Description Pretty much just like the name says...we are trying to have the world's biggest cake walk. It's not Guiness, but it's going to be GINORMOUS. Come help us try to beat an unofficial record.We have WJQ doing a live remote. We have a CRAZY walk planned. AND...WE HAVE CAKE!!! ALL of the proceeds go to help these organizations: Children's Hunger Fund, Love Inc., and Hand 2 Hand Ministries.

Want to help by bringing a cake or two?

Contact Daneen

[Phone: 616.862.5842 or Email: neenr4jesus@hotmail.com]

NEW! A 'Shakleebaby' product line!

NEW LINE OF SHAKLEE BABY PRODUCTS, AVAILABLE 1st of MAY!

Exciting news!
The Shaklee Corporation is holding a conference call

this week for its business leaders to

officially announce

its newest product line, Shakleebaby!

We are so excited!!

Gather up the “Green”

Good for the entire family - It’s Springtime!

Gather up the “Green” . . . many older generations remember “picking greens” in the spring to give their families a needed nutrient boost after a long gray winter. But you do not have to pick dandelion greens, etc—here is a great idea for you:

ALFALFA is the perfect SPRING TONIC! Provides so many trace
minerals you don’t even know are needed by your body—so many benefits:

• copper & Molybdenum for red blood cell buildup,
• nickel to trigger enzymes,
• tin for protein and other growth factors,
• thyroid regulation by iodine,
• and more!
  

ALFALFA is a natural source of dietary fiber and chlorophyll…
SHAKLEE ALFALFA is organically grown:

• NO fungicides,
• NO bactericides,
• NO synthetic hormones or growth regulators,
• NO chemicals.

ALFALFA provides a wide range of nutrients—
many people find allergy relief since it acts as an
antihistamine & decongestant.

Start today for maximum benefits this springtime!

Deeply Rooted Nutrition. As a product and a plant, alfalfa has deep roots. Alfalfa Complex, developed in the 1950s, was one of Dr. Shaklee's original formulations. A half a century later, it continues to be among Shaklee's top sellers. Reaching as deep as 20 feet into the soil, the roots of the alfalfa plant, A.K.A. the "father of all foods," brings forth minerals in their most natural form. Recognized for centuries for its healing properties, alfalfa offers a wide range of nutrients: calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, chlorophyll, bioflavonoids, trace minerals, and vitamins.*

*FROM http://www.shaklee.net/babyboomerhealth/product/20160

The Great-Skin Diet

The great-skin diet
All sorts of supplements, special eating plans and complexion drinks promise glowing skin from the inside out. But not everything that is being dished out is based on science. SELF digested the research and polled experts to determine which foods to add to your diet to truly benefit skin, which may be worth an occasional munch and which to pass up. Get ready to eat, drink and be beautiful!
By Beth Janes
From the October 2008 Issue (SELF)


Proven complexion perfecters
Pile these on your plate.

All pack nutrients essential for healthy skin.
Strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli

Beauty benefit: a smooth texture
Eat-right evidence: Vitamin C, plentiful in this produce, is vital for the production and formation of collagen, skin's support structure, says Toby Amidor, R.D., director of nutrition for DietTV.com in New York City. And a strong support layer helps smooth what's on top and prevent wrinkles, she says.
Aim for:

• two 1-cup servings of fruit and
• 1 cup of red peppers and/or broccoli a day
• Sunflower seeds and almonds

Beauty benefit: sun protection
Eat-right evidence: These seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamin E. Collectively, antioxidants act like an army, protecting skin from UV-spawned free radicals. But E is on the front lines; skin's top layers contain high levels that guard cells' outer membrane so cells stay healthy. Plus, strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated.
Aim for:

• 2 tablespoons hulled seeds or 23 almonds daily
• Dark orange, leafy green and red veggies

Beauty benefit: a fresh complexion
Eat-right evidence: Squash, sweet potatoes and spinach are full of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Your body converts it to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover so skin's surface is smooth, says Valori Treloar, M.D., coauthor of The Clear Skin Diet (Cumberland House Publishing). Carotenoids may also decrease skin's sensitivity to sun.
Aim for: three 1-cup servings a day

• Fortified cereal,
• lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters

Beauty benefit: a youthful glow
Eat-right evidence: You'll get zinc and iron, minerals key to skin functioning. Zinc contributes to cell production, plus natural cell sloughing, which keeps dullness at bay. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin, helping give you a glow, says David Bank, M.D., a derm in Mount Kisco, New York.
Aim for:

• 1 serving of cereal (a cup),
• 1 palm-sized serving of meat or poultry or 3 oysters per day

Water
Beauty benefit: dewy skin
Eat-right evidence: Skin cells contain mostly water, and if you're dehydrated, skin will look and feel parched, too. But you needn't chug 8 cups a day; University of Pennsylvania researchers found no studies to back up the recommendation. Simply ward off dehydration—and dryness—by drinking when you're thirsty.
Aim for:

• 6 cups a day.

It's a good starting point, says Keri Gans, R.D., of NYC.

Smart skin suggestions
New research hints at these foods' beauty power, but effects aren't totally proven yet.
No need to wait, though; the goodies are part of a healthy diet.
Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts
Beauty benefit: fewer wrinkles
Eat-right evidence: These fish and nuts, plus fortified eggs, are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. "Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen," says Susan Taylor, M.D., a dermatologist in Philadelphia. But research still needs to connect the dots definitively and show that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s translate to younger-looking skin, she says. One study did find that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. The research didn't focus solely on fish, however; vegetables' antioxidants, for example, may have been a factor.
Aim for:

• two 5-ounce servings of fish per week;
• on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3 eggs

Whole wheat and grains
Beauty benefit: clearer skin
Eat-right evidence: In the past, derms have maintained that unless you wipe greasy fingers on your face, food doesn't cause zits. But some are rethinking the party line: Australian researchers found that a low-glycemic diet (more whole grains, protein and produce versus refined carbs such as white bread) may reduce acne. One explanation: Low-glycemic foods keep insulin steady, and refined carbs and sugar spike it. The surges may boost production of androgens, hormones that, when elevated, can cause zits. After 12 weeks of a low-glycemic diet, subjects' pimple counts dropped 20 percent, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. More studies are needed to prove the link, but no doctor will discourage you from eating whole grains and veggies!
Aim for: 3 servings a day (one serving equals a slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains)
Today's special: gorgeous skin
If your complexion could choose everything you ate for the day, here's what would be on the menu, says Keri Gans, R.D., who put together this plan.

• Breakfast
  1 cup whole-grain, fortified cereal such as Total
  1 cup skim milk
  1 cup sliced strawberries or 1 medium grapefruit
  1 cup green tea
• Lunch
  Grilled chicken sandwich
  5 oz chicken breast
  2 slices whole-grain bread
  2 slices tomato
  1 leaf lettuce
  1/8 of avocado
  1 tsp mustard
  1 medium apple
• Dinner
  5 oz wild salmon
  Spinach salad
  2 cups fresh spinach
  1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
  1/2 cup chopped tomato
  1/2 cup broccoli
  Toss with 1 tbsp each olive oil and balsamic vinegar
  1 medium baked sweet potato
• Snacks/dessert
  8 oz nonfat plain yogurt or 1 part-skim string cheese
  1 oz sunflower seeds
  1 small orange or 1 cup baby carrots
  1 oz dark chocolate or 1 glass red wine
  

Beauty treat? or trouble?
Guess which foods are good or
bad for your skin — and find out why

1. Sweets
   __Treat
   __Trouble
2. Dark chocolate
   __Treat
   __Trouble
3. Milk
   __Treat
   __Trouble
4. Spicy foods
   __Treat
   __Trouble
5. Wine
   __Treat
   __Trouble

ANSWERS

1. Sweets Trouble. Chowing candy and other sugary snacks may make you feel like a kid, but it’s likely aging you. The rush of glucose into your bloodstream sets off a process known as glycation, in which sugars attach to proteins and form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These molecules naturally build up in skin as you get older, but the more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you have. Bad news: They cross-link with collagen and elastin fibers, making the normally resilient tissues weak or inflexible, Dr. Bank says. And skin that doesn’t bounce back easily leads to wrinkles and sagging. In fact, the study showing fish lovers had fewer wrinkles revealed the opposite for those with a sweet tooth.

2. Dark chocolate Treat. Although there might be some truth to the claims that sugar-laden chocolate contributes to acne (and wrinkles), the high-quality, dark variety — 70 percent or more cocoa — may actually be good for your skin. Preliminary studies found that cocoa's flavonols (a potent type of antioxidant) can help increase blood flow, supply skin with oxygen, improve skin hydration and reduce sun sensitivity. But dark chocolate is high in calories, so treat yourself to only 1 oz a day.

3. Milk Trouble. Got acne? Milk may not be doing your skin good. Three new studies have found a connection between teens’ milk intake and pimples. This could potentially translate to adults; however, it’s not been proven. More research is under way, but the probable explanation is hormone-related. Androgens naturally found in milk (even organic versions without added hormones) may add to a drinker’s own level of androgens, which are associated with oily skin and acne. Milk also raises insulin levels and contains growth factors that act like insulin, Dr. Treloar says. Both may lower the production of molecules that bind to and deactivate hormones—meaning there may be more free-roaming androgens able to cause pimples. It’s too early to prescribe a dairy ban for anyone zit-plagued. But it may be worth experimenting with a milk-free diet if you have excessive, stubborn breakouts, Dr. Treloar says. (Be sure, however, to take a calcium supplement with vitamin D.)

4. Spicy foods Trouble. Rosacea sufferers know to avoid five-alarm meals. But if you have fair, sun-damaged skin, hot-and-spicy foods may lead to the condition or to a red, blotchy complexion. “UV exposure weakens blood vessel walls. If your skin then repeatedly flushes, which swells vessels, they may not be able to shrink back down,” Dr. Treloar says.

5. Wine Treat. Reds are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help fight skin-damaging free radicals. But sip no more than one glass a day, says Katherine Brooking, R.D., of NYC. Excessive alcohol halts your body's release of its antidiuretic hormone. As a result, you make extra visits to the ladies' room and end up not only feeling dehydrated, but having skin that looks dry, with a dull tone and more visible wrinkles. So enjoy wine in moderation — and make a toast to great skin!

— Beth Jane, SELF magazine

Tree Planting Tips

EARTH DAY 2009 is soon upon us. Are you ready?


This is a United Nations Environment Programme [from Tree Planting Tips link above]

Tree Planting Tips
The ideal time to plant a tree is during the rainy season, in the tropics and subtropics, or the dormant season, in temperate zones, after leaf drop or before bud break. Trees that have been well cared for in a nursery can be planted throughout the growing season.

Proper handling during planting is essential to ensure healthy growth. Proper site preparation before and during planting, coupled with good follow-up care, allows the seedlings to quickly establish roots in the new location and overcome what is known as transplant shock, a phenomenon that can slow the growth and reduce the vigour of the tree.

Seeds can be sown in seed beds or seedling containers (preferably biodegradable) prepared with a mixture of sand, compost and soil. The plants will need watering before and after germination. Reduce the frequency of watering as the seedlings grow. Shade the seedlings and gradually reduce the shade as they grow.

If you decide to plant seeds, collect them from an area that enjoys similar climatic conditions to where the trees will be planted. Collect the seeds from a number of healthy mature trees.

To Plant a tree

1. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball to allow the roots to spread out. Remove the tree from its container, carefully cut off broken roots, and slightly loosen the root ball.
2. Place the tree in the planting hole. Always lift the tree by the root ball and never by the trunk. Spread periphery roots outwards. Avoid planting the tree too deep. Make sure that the soil line of the young tree is higher than the surface of the surrounding hole.
3. Shovel some soil into the planting hole. Check the planting depth and adjust if needed. Confirm that the tree is straight. Fill the hole gently but firmly. Pat the soil around the base of the root ball.
4. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting. Water the seedling thoroughly with a slow stream of water to settle the soil. Do not stake the tree. The sooner the tree can stand alone, the sooner it will become strong.
5. Provide follow up care. Protect the tree from pests and diseases by removing plants nearby which are likely to affect it. Remove weeds as they will compete with tree roots for moisture and nutrients. Protect the tree from destruction by livestock.
6. If suitable, space trees well to avoid competition for air and soil nutrients, and to encourage the growth of branches. Watch out for drought conditions and provide water if needed, especially during the first few months. Watch out for yellowing of leaves. Always maintain good air circulation in the tree by pruning to avoid pests and other diseases.

Contact an arborist or a nearby environmental non-governmental organization for advice on caring for your tree. For further information consult the following web sites:

http://www.greenbeltmovement.org

http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

-- Author Unknown (This version slightly revised to adapt to current economy) --

There was a man who lived by the side of the road
and sold hot dogs.

He was hard of hearing so he had no radio.

He had trouble with his eyes so he read no newspapers.

But he sold good hot dogs.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.

He stood on the side of the road and cried,
“buy a hot dog, mister?"

And people bought.

He increased his meat and bun orders.

He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.

He finally got his son home from college to help him out.

But then something happened.

His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio?

Haven’t you been reading the newspapers?

There’s a big recession.

The current business situation is terrible in this country -we have problems with unemployment, high living costs, strikes, pollution, the influence of minorities and majorities, the rich, the poor, drugs, alcohol, capitalism and communism."

Where upon the father thought, “well, my son’s been to college, he reads the papers and he listens to the radio, and he ought to know.”

So the father cut down on his meat and bun orders, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand out on the highway to sell his hot dogs.

And his hot dog sales fell almost overnight.

“You’re right, son” the father said to the boy.

“We certainly are in the middle of a great recession.”

* * *

Another story that CNN's Bob Conklin used to tell that relates was about the shoe company that sent a new salesman to Africa. When he arrived, he immediately wired back, “Returning on the next flight. They don’t use shoes here.” They sent another salesman who, upon arrival wired back, “Start shipping shoes of all sizes and styles immediately. There’s no competition!” More millionaires were created in the U.S. during the depression than at any time since. While most people are sitting at home being depressed those of us out there have no competition.

Don't share your dreams with negative people.

Go ahead and imagine yourself successful.

For your dreams to come true, create a success team.

(Isolation is a dream killer).

You need a team to help you brain-storm

and to boost you up after any set backs.

Be sure the ones you share your dreams with

believe in your dreams.

Save Money Personal Economic Stimulus Package – Go Green Save Money - thedailygreen.com

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The 6 Biggest Weight Loss Mistakes
by Dr. Stephen Chaney, PhD

While most of my material for "Health Tips From the Professor" comes from scientific journals, I do read the popular nutrition magazines as well. And every so often I find an article that is so useful, that I feel that I just have to bring it to your attention. The February issue of Environmental Nutrition had just such an article. It talked about the 6 most common eating mistakes that trip up almost everyone trying to lose weight. Here they are (with my comments, of course).

Mistake #1: Going too long without food. Many of the overweight people that I know skip breakfast and really eat very little until dinner time. They can't understand why they keep gaining weight when they are skipping all those meals early in the day. The problem is two-fold. You need that breakfast meal first thing in the morning to rev up your metabolism. In addition, the nagging hunger resulting from not eating early in the day leads to poor food choices latter on. Little known fact: 100% of people who have lost significant weight and kept it off 5 years or more eat breakfast!

Mistake #2: Banking Calories. You know the routine. You know that you've got big party coming up tomorrow, so you'll just eat a little less today to "even it out". That comes under the category of wishful thinking. The calories that you save today almost never equal the calories that you consume at the party. The key is to employ healthy eating strategies at the party: eat a little bit of high-protein, low-calorie food ahead of time so you don't go to the party hungry; consume alcohol sparingly - it has lots of calories and it revs up appetite; eat small portions. The bottom line is that those strategies work. Skipping meals beforehand so you can eat whatever you want at the party doesn't work. It's that simple!

Mistake #3: Skimping on protein. Protein is metabolized more slowly, which keeps those hunger pangs at bay. One study showed that people who started the day with two eggs consumed 300 calories less during the day than someone who started the day with a bagel suppplying the same calories as the eggs. Adequate protein also helps preserve muscle mass. Of course, when we talk about preserving muscle mass Cinch is the all time champion because of its added leucine.

Mistake #4: Drastically cutting calories. You can lose weight fast on a very low calorie diet, but you make yourself so miserable in the process that you are almost certain to go back to your old eating habits. In addition, the very low calorie diets almost always lead to a loss of muscle mass, which lowers metabolic rate and makes it almost inevitable that you will regain all of the lost weight - and then some. Experts tell us that slow and steady weight loss is best. They also tell us that it is important to follow a "diet" plan that you can stick with for the rest of your life. The Cinch Inch Loss Plan excells on both of those points. If you make those delicious protein shakes and healthy eating plans a permanent part of your life, you will not only loose the weight, you'll keep it off too. And, don't forget that the Cinch protein shakes help you preserve your muscle mass.

Mistake #5: Denying yourself treats. You will almost never succeed at giving up your favorite foods forever - so don't set yourself up for failure. If you've got a favorite snack just divide it up into reasonable severing size packets as soon as you bring it home. Enjoy your favorite foods, just enjoy them in moderation.

Mistake #6: Taking weekends off. The reasoning here is essentially the same as the advice not to "bank" calories in anticipation of that big party. The problem is that some people are very good during the week and then treat the weekend as one big party. If you overeat on Saturday and Sunday, you're overeating 29% of the time. It's almost impossible to make up for that by sensible eating during the rest of the week.

Well, there they are. Six common mistakes to avoid if you want to control your weight. Some of them are just common sense, but others may not be so obvious to the average dieter. Avoid these six deadly mistakes and make the Cinch Inch Loss Plan a part of your daily life. That's a winning combination for permanent weight loss.

Want more information about Cinch Inch Loss Plan--a leucine-powered weight management program which helps you retain muscle while you burn fat ? Click on the link below.
http://www.cinchplan.com/babyboomerhealth

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Shift Your Body Back Into Its
Alkaline Comfort Zone.

Here are ten simple dietary tips for shifting your body back into its alkaline comfort zone.

You can also take a look at our chart and the Acid-Alkaline Food Guide to see where some common foods fall on the acid-alkaline spectrum.

Eat more veggies and fruits. This is the most important step of all — even if you can get no further down the list than this, you can instantly make a huge difference to your bones. Plant foods contain abundant organic anions (negatively-charged “basic” particles) that combine with cations (positively-charged, or “acidic” particles) when metabolized, in turn reducing our net urinary acid load and naturally creating alkaline balance in the body. Again, keep in mind that the mineral deficits in our topsoil and water reduce the availability of minerals in the conventional food supply. If you want better bones, we suggest more than the standard “five-a-day” servings of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds — nine to ten is better. As an aside, our perspective on plant foods follows the adage that “fruits are cleansing, vegetables are building” — fruits definitely have a place in the diet, but if you want to build bone, we suggest you focus on the veggies!

Reduce soda intake, or eliminate it altogether. Clearly my example above should demonstrate why soda pop isn’t good for your bones. Aside from the overwhelming amounts of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, or other chemicals of little to no nutritive value that soda contains, its high phosphoric acid content requires your body to sacrifice a great deal of alkaline buffering salts so it can excrete the acid without damaging your urinary tract.

Replace refined carbs with tasty roasted roots, tubers, and gourds. Most grains are somewhat acid-forming — particularly when they are ground, bleached, and otherwise refined. Root, tuber, and gourd crops like sweet potatoes, yams, potatoes, parsnips, beets, carrots, squash and potatoes are super-rich in minerals that will alkalinize your blood, plus they’re loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. So instead of eating pasta, pizza, pastry, rice or bread, try substituting with root crops a few days a week. While they are higher on the glycemic index than many other vegetables, they are satisfying and again, micronutrient-rich.

Add fresh lemon and lime to your water. Though we typically think of citrus fruits as acidic, they’re highly alkalizing in the body (limes especially). This is due to the conversion of citric acid to citrates on digestion. Help balance your acid load by squeezing a wedge of fresh lemon or lime into your water bottle or glass throughout the day. For that matter, get into the habit of giving your cuisine a squirt just before serving: lime is delicious on papaya, melons, salads, Mexican and Asian dishes, and lemon juice can really make a soup, curry or fish dish sing!

Consider adding sea vegetables to your culinary repertoire. For some of you, I know this is “out of the question!” Others of you will have already adopted this practice at one point or another in your lives, or it may be part of your heritage. For others who are willing to try new things, why not experiment with packaged sea veggies available in the macrobiotics section of your health food store or Asian supermarket? Or, if you’re lucky enough to live near a pristine beach, forage around and harvest a sample or two of your own. Consider the fact that just a hundred years ago, much of the seaboard here in Eastern North America was actively engaged in the harvesting of sea vegetables. While delicious seaweed dishes are still regularly enjoyed throughout much of Asia, it wasn’t so long ago that many people on both sides of the Atlantic were also enjoying dulse, agar agar, and other mineral-rich seaweeds in soups, stews, and puddings (blanc mange).

Drink 64 ounces of high-mineral spring water daily. So often our public drinking supply has been processed, stripped of the health-enhancing minerals water naturally picks up from the earth as it percolates through the ground. Then it’s doctored with minerals like chlorine and fluoride which — despite conventional wisdom — are present at levels that many scientists feel are not healthy for teeth and bones. “Mineral waters” contain dissolved minerals and trace elements in widely varying amounts as they emerge from their sources in the ground. These include calcium, magnesium, and potassium salts, so it’s an easy way to replenish your alkaline reserves. Since our diets are for the most part high in sodium, I’d avoid the ones that contain sodium unless you’re living in a hot climate or working out and sweating a great deal. We like brands such as Essentia and Pellegrino, but many people develop an allegiance to this or that label, so I’d encourage you to sample a few and find your own favorites.

Reduce animal protein to 60 g or less per day. Animal proteins, which are high in the sulfur-containing amino acids cystine, cysteine, and methionine, are particularly acid-producing as your body metabolizes them. Protein is absolutely required for your bones and just about every other body tissue, but you can limit your animal protein sources (beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and dairy products) to 60 grams or less per day and upping plant-based protein sources. As recently as one or two generations ago people ate beans nearly every single day, sometimes at every meal, and in many places in the world legumes remain the number-one source of protein. Lentils in particular have a super alkalizing effect on the body compared to other protein sources, they cook more quickly than most other dried beans, they’re versatile, and they’re also more digestible for many people. Soy is another high-protein option you can try that’s high in calcium and good for the bones.

Add cinnamon, ginger, and other herbs and spices. Cinnamon is a wonderful alkalizing spice that you can add to just about anything. It’s great with sweet potatoes, apples, or sprinkled in hot tea. Ginger root is a great alkalizer and detoxifier that spices up many dishes and makes a tasty, warming winter tea. Experiment with your spice cabinet — herbs and spices don’t just make things taste better, in most cases they’re good for your health.

Monitor your urinary pH. Tracking your first morning urine pH (after at least 6 hours of sleep) is a simple and convenient way to keep track of how your nutritional changes are affecting your body. When this number is between 6.5 (slightly acidic) and 7.5 (slightly alkaline), it indicates that your overall cellular pH is likely where it should be — slightly alkaline. Results in an acid range can suggest that your bones are being depleted of minerals to offset the excess acid in your system. Super-sensitive and highly accurate, our own pH paper is designed specifically to test either saliva or urine. For specific details on my recommendations for measuring your pH, see our pH Kit page (http://www.womentowomen.com/products/betterbonesphtestkit.aspx).

Supplement your diet with a high-quality multivitamin–mineral complex. No matter how attentive we are to what we eat, where it’s grown or harvested, and how we dish it up, we just can’t always have a perfectly balanced diet. You still have lots of options when it comes to making up for that fact of life, one of which is the peace of mind a top-notch bone-healthy supplement provides, like the ones we offer in our Personal Program for Better Bones . These formulations are designed to enhance pH balance through an alkalizing nutrient base, plus they provide a potent dosage of the key nutrients required for deep bone nourishment. Should your pH stay low after several weeks of this, you may have a greater need for alkalizing mineral complexes — so feel free to contact us for help*.

*This post is an excerpt from http://www.womentowomen.com/bonehealth/alkaline-bones.aspx

Weathering Changes
Winner's Circle Network with Lou Tice
- 1/12/09 - "Weathering Challenges"

The economic news of the last couple of months
has been quite the challenge for a lot of people,
all over the world. Let's spend some time this week
talking about these challenges and what we can do,
as individuals and communities.

One of the traps we, as human beings, can get caught
in is looking at our economic and financial situations
as happening "to" us. We see things from an external
perspective, and believe we are powerless to do anything.
If you can visualize a leaf traveling at the mercy of the
wind, you get a pretty good picture of someone who sees
life happening "to" them. This is an external "locus of
control" and puts us in the mindset of a victim.

Now, what would happen if we changed our perspective
to one of an internal locus of control? What if we asked
ourselves the question, "What can I do 'for' me?" How
does that change the way we look at ourselves and our
abilities?

Well, for one thing, we take back control of our lives and
our decisions. It's like adding a rudder and a motor to
that leaf blowing in the wind, and plotting our own course
through the breeze. We give ourselves the power to
determine the direction in which we travel through
challenges. You are only a victim if you allow yourself
to be a victim.

The various forms of media are having a field-day
painting "the public" as victims of the economic
downturn. But keep in mind that "disaster" headlines
are meant to sell papers and magazines to keep
advertising dollars. Televised media is not just
reporting the news, but sometimes making the
news in order to get ratings and advertising dollars.

In these uncertain economic times, it is easy to fall
prey to the "bad news" constantly being reported in
the media. If you are wise, and I believe that all of us
have access to untapped wisdom stored in our minds,
you will be a skeptical listener and reader, and take
charge of your own decisions about your future.

Lou TiceThe Pacific Institutewww.thepacificinstitute.com