Green Moms 4 Kids

Health Talk: Shaklee 180: It's Not Just For Weight Loss

2015-01-27T16:20:00.002-05:00

On tonight's health talk, you will hear stories of OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS FROM SHAKLEE 180 PROGRAM: IT'S NOT JUST FOR WEIGHT LOSS!!!

8:45 PM Eastern Time / 7:45 Central Time
6:45 Mountain Time / 5:45 Pacific Time

The dial-in number is: (212) 990-8000 pin number 6262#

All Product Talks are archived at www.shakword.com (PW & ID both: shaklee)

In our experience, we have seen people have the following benefits as a results of using the Shaklee 180 Protein Smoothees:

MS symptoms improved!
blood glucose levels stabilized in Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetics
Reflux / GERD often goes away
cholesterol comes down
blood pressure improves
inflammation overall reduced
restless leg symptoms minimized or gone altogether
extra energy
improved clarity in thinking
sleep better
great for bariatric patients, too!
Pregnancy, great for pre-pregnancy, during and post pregnancy!!!

Speakers and their comments will include:

Tammy Taylor Woolard, how it helps keep her Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis at bay (no symptoms!)

Karen Bailey, how it helped improve her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) symptoms

Dale Baker, after suffering a major heart attack, having 5 bypasses and 2 stints, the 180 helped her get her life back

Ellen Roles and her husband, how they stabilized blood sugars and got rid of reflux / GERD

Julie Veenstra, previous suffered with PCOS and infertility, has just had 3 babies in 4 years, how she utilized it before, during & after pregnancy

Upcoming Talks:

Feb 3 Dr. Frank Painter ~ A Conversation About Heart Health

Feb 10 Fredda Shuquist ~ Fish Away the Pain- Ed’s Amazing Omega Miracle

Health Talk: Nutrition, The Environment and Autism

2015-01-12T18:25:00.001-05:00

Please join Dr Laurence Becker, PhD this Tuesday, January 13^th on Health Talk

for a call titled: From the Beginning: Nutrition, the Environment, and Autism

8:45 PM Eastern Time / 7:45 Central Time
6:45 Mountain Time / 5:45 Pacific Time

The dial-in number is: (212) 990-8000 pin number 6262#

All Product Talks are archived at www.shakword.com (PW & ID both: shaklee)

We will explore various approaches to combating the increasingly dangerous toxic environments that we are passing on to our children. We will emphasize the effect on our unborn children which may well contribute to the astounding, epidemic. (see outline below, and attached.)

Or cleverly stated as Haiku: The gut as a brain.

Today, toxins everywhere.

Other options here.

Below is the outline for my Jan 13^th talk. I can also send several documents if you contact me in the comments... a list of books & films on autism and education and a bio of Dr. Becker.

Also, there are 3 seminars coming up soon that I will want to let you know about.

THE OUTLINE: A. The Health of the Gut B. Toxins in the Environment C. Nutritional Supplements D. Other Approaches

People often ask me, “What led you to work as an educator/aqueduct within the field of autism?”

Context

We have come a long way from Bruno Bettelheim’s psychological description of “refrigerator mothers.” But we still have a long way to go because the numbers are dramatically rising. We have a significant cultural and environmental problem right up there with global warming. The numbers of children diagnosed with autism have gone from 1 in 10,000 births to 1 in 68 (1 in 50 boys) and are still rising. We must find a better explanation than “it is just better—more accurate—diagnoses.” The challenge is dire—too many lives are at stake. “Houston, we have a problem.” We are in a cultural, societal war, and we must take the threat seriously and not just stick our heads in the sand, but take bold, aggressive action like several mothers have done. The stage for a paradigm shift was set in 1964 by Bernard Rimland, PhD in his book, INFANTILE AUTISM. He turned the focus from psychological and behavioral to bio-medical. He founded the Autism Research Institute that continues under the leadership of Steve Edelson, PhD. Dr. Rimland helped develop the DAN (Defeat Autism Now) approach. He was heard to say, “The major advances in autism research over the past 40 years have not come through men in white lab coats, but by mothers.”

My journey as an educator/aqueduct has been incredibly blessed over the past almost 40 years to know personally many of these fierce, determined mothers who have refused to accept the solitary confinement sentence for their children when the diagnosis of autism was delivered by an “expert.”

I will introduce you to the work of some of these remarkable mothers and provide you with numerous published recent research so that you can begin or further your own journey or the journey of someone you know and love. (see the attached list of interviews, articles, books, and research references) My world has been expanded through numerous articles and 3 conferences I attended in 2014. One was the three day 5^th Integrative Medicine and Mental Health Conference in San Antonio in September sponsored by the Great Plains Laboratory. Second was a conference near Austin of the 8^th Biennial Symposium sponsored by the Children’s Environmental Health Institute. The topic was “Prenatal Environmental Exposures as a Determinate of Early Childhood and Adult Diseases.” Third was a one day conference sponsored by the Great Plains Laboratory on the Organic Acids Test (74 measurable markers are used to discover the underlying causes of chronic illness).

SOME OF MY ASSUMPTIONS

1) “A diagnosis should be a ladder, not a lid.”

2) Knowledge and experience have the power to make a difference.

3) You know your child better than any other person.

4) You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

5) There have been various approaches to navigate the chaotic waters surrounding “Autism Island” that have resulted in a return home for children, parents, and families.

Rosanne & Laurence A. Becker, PhD

Creating Environments for Healthy Living

~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Product Talks:

Jan 20 Nedra Sahr & Bruce Homstead ~ Managing Thyroid Conditions Naturally

Jan 27 Tammy Taylor Woolard ~ Shaklee 180: For LOTS MORE than Just Weight Loss!

Feb 3 Dr. Frank Painter ~ A Conversation About Heart Health

Please pass the word; you never know who may be helped!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Dennis Bowsher’s fall fitness tips

2014-12-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

“I’m not going to win any of the five events,” Shaklee Pure Performance Team member Dennis Bowshersaid, “but I’ll place in the top ten of all of them. That consistency should put me in medal contention.”

Those five events make up the modern pentathlon: pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding, and running. While this 2012 Olympic athlete doesn’t claim any of the events as his strength, he knows that his strength as a competitor is turning in consistently good performances in the true spirit of an “all around” athlete.

Training to perform at a world-class level in five events is a full-time endeavor, so he can’t let the change in seasons reduce his workout time. Dennis knows many of us face the challenges of reduced daylight and temperatures, so he offers these five suggestions for maintaining fitness in fall and winter.

1. Remember that shorter days don’t mandate shorter workouts: “Really, fall and winter are perfect for even longer workouts—long, easy runs or swims, full workouts without some of the distractions of summer,” Dennis said. “I work on my endurance and strength in the winter so I can hit the sprints and skill events when the weather improves.”

2. Keep your workouts comfortable and enjoyable: “If it’s cold outside, you’ve got two easy choices: work out inside or dress warmly enough to keep it enjoyable. You’ll eventually adjust to the weather, so don’t risk dropping a workout just because it’s cold.” Dennis frequently hits the treadmill, and most gyms offer a variety of workout options.

3. Don’t let the “dark ages” isolate you: “Let’s face it,” Dennis explained, “working out is generally easier with friends. Your workout partners may not be as available in the winter months, but finding a way to get together can really boost the motivation and funon dreary days.”

4. Advanced planning will help you stay on track: “Whether you’re trying to link up with friends, finding clear roads to run on, or avoiding a winter storm, your planning can keep you active when other people are hunkering down,” Dennis said. “And don’t forget to plan for a workout if you’re traveling!”

5. Remember that fitness is forever and at all times: “An active lifestyle isn’t just a summer lifestyle,” Dennis said. “I build my base of fitness in the offseason so that I don’t need to diet or fitness-surge when the competitive season rolls around in March. I keep my weight within a few pounds all year long. Of course, with five events to practice I don’t have to worry much about weight gain!”

Dennis usually knocks down a Shaklee Physique® drink after a workout. “I like to get good nutrients back into my system right away, and it helps with my energy and muscle tone,” Dennis said. “After all, we’ve all got another workout coming up, right?”

Do you have any workout tips for the fall or winter? Comment below and inspire our readers.

Shaklee athletes are either Distributors or dedicated users who have received compensation for their partnership and/or complimentary Shaklee products.

Orginally posted on Shaklee Health Wise Blog.

Natural Support for your Immune System

2014-11-20T18:36:00.000-05:00

Supporting your immune system with great nutrition is one of the best ways to get a leg up in keeping you well.

Start at the grocery store

The first place to start is to ensure your body is getting enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein is especially important and essential for the health of the immune system. Healthy fats (EPA and DHA) are important to the immune system as well.

When choosing foods, make sure you focus on fruits and vegetables because they contain nutrients your body needs like antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals such as zinc and magnesium.

Many foods have medicinal properties, make sure you include as many as possible:

Mushrooms (shiitake, matsutake, and others) have a long history of helping support the immune system, especially the reishi mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern science has shown that mushrooms contain substances (such as beta-glucans and others) that can enhance immune system function.
Garlic and onions not only taste great but research suggests they have the ability to modulate immune function.
Herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and others have long been used as spices and to preserve foods; these herbs also have benefits for our immune system.

Supplement

A good multivitamin is always a great place to start because almost any vitamin or mineral deficiency can affect a healthy immune system. Vitamins B6, B12, folate, C, E, and minerals zinc, copper, and iron all support a healthy immune response.

After a multivitamin, you may want to consider adding in some additional support with the following:

Beneficial bacteria: Since 80 percent of your immune system is located around your digestive tract, it makes sense that having good gut flora would benefit the immune system. Research supports there is a relationship between probiotics and general immunity.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D, in particular, has been the focus of much research on optimal immune system functioning. Vitamin D plays a role in the improving mucous membrane barrier functioning, the production of antimicrobial peptides (small proteins), and overall immune support.
Vitamin C: While there has been some controversy regarding the usefulness of vitamin C, a recent review of evidence suggests vitamin C may help the immune systems of people who are exposed to extreme physical stress.
Herbs: There are a number of herbs that have been used traditionally for immune system support. Research indicates there are immune modulating properties ofEchinacea, larch, elderberry, and others.

Your immune system is complex and has many moving parts that all need the proper nutrition in order to function well. Give your immune system strong nutritional support for the best chance of being well prepared.

I would love to hear about what are you doing to support your immune system. Use the comment section below.

Be well,

Dr. Jamie

Jamie McManus, M.D., FAAFP

Chair of Medical Affairs, Health Science, & Education

Originally posted on Shaklee Health Wise.

For more information on nutrition support to keep your immune system healthy, send me a message or contact me in the comments.

Exercise For Your Brain Health

2014-10-04T18:40:00.000-04:00

If you are looking to banish “brain fog,” forget your forgetfulness, and even support a better mood, then look no further than your running shoes. Exercise, it turns out, is an outstanding way for you to protect (or even enhance) your brain’s health.

Exercise is so powerful at helping the brain, scientists are suggesting that exercise can decrease cognitive decline, and it may even help you recover some function that you might feel you have lost. So, if you find yourself searching everywhere for your keys, struggling to remember names, or just feeling that you aren’t as sharp as you once were, then your first stop should be your local gym.

When you are looking to keep your brain fit and functional, then make sure you include both physical and mental exercise.

Physical exercise

For optimum brain health, you need both regular and moderately intense exercises.

Regular exercise means doing something aerobic (such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking) at least 3-4 times a week (more is better) and moderate-intensity exercise is the type of exercise where you push yourself to new limits. For example, when walking, instead of a leisurely stroll, try to push yourself and pick up the pace. The key here is to breathe a little hard, but not hard enough that it is difficult for you to carry on a conversation.

As always, if you are starting an exercise program, check with your health care provider and start slowly.

Regular exercise improves circulation throughout the body, including the brain. More blood means more nutrients and oxygen-rich blood going to your brain. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that exercise influences the synthesis and release of several neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, and acetylcholine) and enhances the production of a growth factor called brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF).[i]

Exercise is good for the whole body and it helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, improves energy, helps lower stress and anxiety, improves mood, is good for heart health, and helps you maintain a healthy weight—all of which are beneficial for YOU and your brain.

Mental exercise

Your mental capacity is no different from the rest of your body: you have to use it or lose it.

Part of creating your own brain fitness program is to stimulate your brain on a regular basis. When you do this, you increase and strengthen neural connections inside your brain, a process known as neuroplasticity.

What can you do to stimulate your brain?

Social engagement, crossword puzzles, completing challenging tasks, trying brain games or anything new, doing something differently, all stimulate your brain. You can even try brushing your teeth or eating with the opposite hand.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs your attention to keep it performing well throughout your whole life.

Use the comment section below to let me know your favorite way to stimulate your brain.

Be well!

Dr. Jamie

Jamie McManus, M.D., FAAFP
Chair of Medical Affairs, Health Science, & Education

Bike To Work Day 2014

2014-05-15T17:35:00.000-04:00

May is National Bike Month and Friday, May 16th is National Bike To Work day. According to Bikeleague.org, more than half of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles of their workplace. That makes it easy for a large group of people who are growing more concerned about their health and sustainable ways of transportation. Whether they are worried about the added pollution they are eliminating or maybe the extra money they are saving, it is a fun way to get in some exercise.

If you live in Noblesville, Indiana, make sure you check out this flyer with details for Bike To Work Day and a breakfast planned for the riders. There is an online bicycle map you can access at CityofNoblesville.org.

If you plan to ride to work Friday or maybe just down the street to the corner market, please share in the comments section and include pics when you have them.

Earth Day 2014

2014-04-22T21:25:00.000-04:00

Today is Earth Day and as everyone thinks about the choices they make today, I believe it is important to make smart choices all year long.

Although there is a lot of attention on Earth Day to conserve and recycle, I feel it is even more critical to focus on reducing and eliminating chemicals in our homes and our food. Many stories talk about what the government is or is not doing in this arena. Although I agree our government is not taking the necessary steps to protect us, we have to make choices for ourselves. Ultimately we can create change without legislation by voting with our dollars when we buy organic, buy from local farmers, buy green and safe/non-toxic products for ourselves and families. For me, being green is more about being healthy. Yes, we recycle and reduce plastic products when possible but if I had to list my #1 most important thing we can do for Earth Day, I would say hands down... eliminate chemicals in the things we buy whenever possible. I admit, it is a challenge to keep up with all the latest from BPA, VOCs, PFCs... you need a dictionary to keep up. But I hope we will all decide to go beyond recycling this year and be aware of the ingredients in products and remember we really can make healthy choices and changes to be Green and Healthy.

March National Nutrition Month - Health Quiz

2014-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

March is National Nutrition Month and as we wrap up March today, I thought it would be entertaining to find out what we know about diet and nutrition in a fun way.

Go to www.Medicinenet.com/diet_and_nutrition_quiz/quiz.htm

There you will take a short quiz with 15 questions. I will let you know that I got 14 out of 15 with a 93% score (I guessed on the calories question and was wrong). There are a couple questions that you may want to think about but I hope you will agree.... no looking up the answers in Google. The average score is 54%.

Have fun and share your score in the comments.

UNESCO Fair Play Award for Tracy Barnes

2014-03-19T16:20:00.001-04:00

Some of you may have seen Tracy and Lanny on the Today Show when the story broke about Tracy giving up her spot on the Olympic team for her twin sister Lanny. It was a selfless act for someone who had worked so hard and long for that goal. According to the Today Show, " The sisters from Durango, Colo., have trained together for the last 15 years, and both competed at the 2006 Olympics in Torino. Lanny, who is five minutes older than Tracy, was the only one to make the team for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. She finished 23rd in the 15-kilometer event in 2010, which marked the best finish by a U.S. athlete in that event since 1994." It is great to see Tracy recognized for her sacrifice for her sister. Here is the highlight from the Shaklee Healthwise Blog.

Tracy Barnes receives United Nations UNESCO Fair Play Award

The biathlon may not be a very popular sport in America, but thanks to Tracy Barnes’ incredibly magnanimous act of giving up her spot on the U.S. team for her twin sister, Lanny, both she and her sport have received worldwide recognition in the glow of the Sochi Games.
Tracy, a Shaklee Pure Performance Team member, has received yet another honor, this time from the International Committee for Fair Play. She received the United Nations UNESCO Fair Play Award and was presented with the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy.
“I think sportsmanship is a way for people to go beyond the playing field,” Tracy said, “and recognize that there is more to sports than just a win. Sportsmanship is about creating champions, both on and off the field. And while I am not a champion in my sport, I do strive to be a good person and do the right thing … I didn’t compete in these Games, but I feel I have won. I had the most incredible experience of cheering for my twin sister and best friend in the greatest sporting event in the world. And I couldn’t be more proud of her effort.”
A 2006 U.S. team member and long-time Shaklee advocate, Tracy has provided motivation to numerous athletes at the Games and sports enthusiasts around the world. But she is also quick to recognize the powerful influence others have had in her life and competitive career.
“I for one have been surrounded by incredibly inspiring people my entire life and I have to say that their selflessness has rubbed off on me,” she said. “Both my grandparents were in the Army and Air Force and served their country. Both my parents were school teachers and their selfless dedication to their students and that of all teachers continues to inspire me. And my older sister is a doctor and surgeon. Their dedication to helping others is a model I will continue to strive for in my life.”
While it remains to be seen if the biathlon will gain more popularity and participation in the United States now that the 2014 Games are over, the tremendous impact that Tracy has had in the sports world is undeniable. “I hope that my story will help to inspire people to do something good for the people they care about,” she said.
Indeed, Tracy’s story has captured the true spirit of sportsmanship and of the Games, and we’re proud to claim her in the Shaklee Family.

March Challenge: Give Up Soda Pop

2014-03-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

If you are making healthy changes this year, let me challenge you to give up soda pop.

Would you pour 7 to 9 teaspoons of sugar in your coffee or tea? Of course not but that is how much sugar is in a 12 ounce can of Coke, Pepsi and most other brands of sugary soft drinks.

Sugary soft drinks provide no nutritional benefit and are actually harmful to our health. Many doctors and health leaders have been warning that Americans drink too many of their calories and say that soft drinks may be a leading cause of America's expanding waist lines. Drinking one can of soda as a treat occasionally isn't the problem. But drinking soda on a daily basis adds a lot of empty calories. For example an extra 150 calories a day can give us a 15 pound weight gain at the end of a year if those calories are not cut back somewhere else or off-set by exercise.

High sugar diets also make your pancreas work harder pumping more insulin and that can lead to diabetes. Most traditional soda companies use high fructose corn syrup to sweeten their drinks. This simple sugar triggers a fast spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. When you trigger this response multiple times a day with soda, other sugars and simple carbs, over time your body can become resistant and the next thing you know... you have diabetes.

What about calorie free or diet soda?

Many people who are cutting calories turn to these options to jazz up their beverages. Are they safe? I used to drink a lot of diet drinks, Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper were my poisons of choice. But someone close to me challenged me to quit. I was researching chemicals in the home and I began to look into aspartame which was the main artificial sweetener at the time. Since then I have followed some of the research on aspartame and I encourage everyone to research it as well. It is in over 6,000 food products and millions digest it every day looking for a "healthy option" and have no idea how dangerous it is. Some links you may want to look up:

Sweet Misery is a documentary on aspartame which includes interviews and tells the whole story of what aspartame is, how it was approved and why it is so bad for your health.

If you want to learn more about artificial sweeteners, you can go to http://aspartame.mercola.com where Dr. Mercola has compiled a list of articles.

Even the FDA website has information: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/03/jan03/012203/02p-0317_emc-000199.txt

But even without the research, we know that our bodies are optimal when we eat real foods as they are found in nature. Without chemicals.

Shaklee Pure Performance Team at Olympics in Sochi

2014-03-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

How many of us were watching the Olympics in Sochi? My family was cheering for every Olympic athlete but especially the U.S. athletes. Many large companies pay athletes with large contracts to use their products and promote their brands. Shaklee, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., sponsors athletes by providing Shaklee products to help fuel their success. The Shaklee Pure Performance Team is made of Olympic and elite athletes who want to perform at their highest level possible using natural products without sacrificing peak performance or risking their career. That is why Shaklee has been trusted for over 20 years by Olympic athletes and have been part of over 100 Olympic medals. Here is a update of the Shaklee Pure Performance Team in Sochi 2014 from the Shaklee Healthwise blog.

Shaklee Pure Performance Team in Sochi 2014

“It’s heavy!”
That’s how Team USA’s Chris Creveling described the silver medal he claimed at the 2014 Sochi Games in the 5000-meter relay in short track speed skating. “Of course the physical medal is great, and I dreamed of standing on the podium with a medal all my life,” the elite athlete explained, “but nothing can compare to the feeling of pride and accomplishment after you’ve overcome so many challenges to meet your goals.”
Joining Chris on the relay team was Jordan Malone, another Shaklee Pure Performance Team member.
These Shaklee Pure Performance Team members were two of the 10 athletes sponsored by Shaklee who came home with medals. Those 10 athletes, along with 14 more Shaklee Pure Performance Team members who competed in Sochi, engaged in some of the most hard-fought competitions on the world’s stage. “It was the most aggressive racing I’ve ever seen,” Chris said. “Even the qualifying heats were a brawl, a four-hour scrap-fest.”
Indeed, each of the 10 medal winners fought valiantly for every centimeter, one-thousandth of a second, or goal they could scrape out, and Americans—including the Shaklee Family—could not be more proud of them. Here are our medal-winning Shaklee Pure Performance Team heroes:

Kacey Bellamy: Silver medal, Women’s ice hockey
Megan Bozek: Silver medal, Women’s ice hockey
Chris Creveling: Silver medal, 5,000-meter relay, short track speed skating
Brianna Decker: Silver medal, Women’s ice hockey
Jamie Greubel: Bronze medal, Women’s bobsled
Jordan Malone: Silver medal, 5,000-meter relay, short track speed skating
Brianne McLaughlin: Silver medal, Women’s ice hockey
Molly Schaus: Silver medal, Women’s ice hockey
Kelli Stack: Silver medal, Women’s ice hockey
Curt Tomasevicz: Bronze medal, Four-man bobsled

Talk about heavy expectations: The USA women’s ice hockey team garnered much attention for their epic battles with the Canadian team, and no one placed more pressure on the team than its own members.
“This moment in these Games has been our driving obsession since Vancouver in 2010,” explained goaltender Brianne McLaughlin, “and although we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, we know we skated an amazing game and played incredibly well.”
Brianne noted that Team USA had defeated Canada four straight times in the seven months leading up to Sochi, so the team was confident coming into the Games. “Our preparation was fantastic; compared to 2010 we changed the attitude and atmosphere on the team, changed our training, our structure, and everyone bought into it,” she said. “We wanted to be the best, so we knew we needed to play the best opponent and never back down. Although we’re still hurting at the loss, we realize we achieved an incredible feat and we are proud of each other’s commitment to the team.”
While all the Shaklee Pure Performance Team members represented themselves admirably, not all carried away a medal. Erika Brown, the “skip” (team captain) for the women’s curling team, had high hopes for her team in Sochi, but the Americans could only claim one victory in nine matches. Still, participating in the monumental spectacle of the Games was an honor she’ll relish forever. “All the grandeur you might imagine about the Games is true—the world gathers in a peaceful but rousing event that helps us realize there are things bigger than ourselves,” she said. “It was awesome to be on our own small team, and an even greater honor to be a member of the ‘big team,’ Team USA. And everyone simply wanted to do their best.”
Bronze medalist bobsledders Curt Tomasevicz and Jamie Greubel might be on the back end of their competitive careers, but in Sochi they were leading the way for the U.S. bobsledders. Jamie finally won her medal in women’s bobsled after narrowly missing the U.S. team in 2010, and after a sterling World Cup season that gave her the confidence in her abilities heading into Sochi. Curt’s bronze medal in the four-man bobsled marked the second consecutive Games that he earned a medal, having been a member of the team that won gold in 2010, breaking a 62-year drought in that event for the Americans.
Even if he steps away from the sled as he claims he will, Curt will do so with no regrets. “I feel great about this medal, and our years of hard work really paid off,” he proclaimed.
Complete results for all Shaklee athletes and events in Sochi are available at this link. What you won’t find on that website are the numerous inspirational stories of the athletes who stood tall and charged forward with weighty expectations of all types, from the opening ceremonies to the challenges of every competition to the extinguishing of the flame. We’ll relate several of those stories from our Pure Performance Team members in upcoming reports on this Health Wise blog page, so check back frequently and on the Shaklee Corporation Facebook page. In the meantime, we offer our most heartfelt congratulations to all the Shaklee athletes in Sochi who stirred a rousing flame within each of us:

Lanny Barnes , Biathlon (15 km Individual)
Craig Brown, Men’s Curling
Kris Freeman, Cross-country skiing (Skiathlon, 15 km classic, 50 km)
Peter Frenette, Ski jumping (Normal hill, Large hill, Team event)
Kelly Gunther, Speed Skating (long track – 1,000 m)
Brian Hansen, Speed Skating (long track – 500m, 1,000 m, 1,500 m, Team pursuit)
Jeff Isaacson, Men’s Curling
John Landsteiner, Men’s Curling
Debbie McCormick, Women’s Curling
Jilleanne Rookard, Speed Skating (long track – 3,000 m, 1,500 m, Team pursuit)
Jessica Schultz, Women’s Curling
John Shuster, Men’s Curling
Jared Zezel, Men’s Curling

Shaklee is committed to fueling excellence in any endeavor, whether you are an elite athlete, a business professional, domestic engineer, or student aspiring to your own weighty and lofty goals. How have these Pure Performance Team members motivated or inspired you? Comment below and take a shot at inspiring other dreamers and achievers!

Shaklee athletes are either Distributors or dedicated users who have received compensation for their partnership and/or complimentary Shaklee products.

Urgent Call To Action: Tell USDA to reject "Agent Orange" GMO corn and soy

2014-03-05T06:30:00.000-05:00

Tell USDA to Reject "Agent Orange" GMO Corn & Soy

Submit Comments on 2,4-D Herbicide-Resistant Seeds from Dow

Extended Deadline: midnight Tuesday - March 11, 2014

2,4D-resistant crops will mean use
of more herbicides, health issues
and environmental problems

Submit Comments by Mar. 11, 2014

Action #1 - How to Comment

Action #2 - Spread the Word

Talking Points

Remember Agent Orange, the chemical from the Vietnam War that caused so many health problems and birth defects? If Dow AgroSciences has its way, one of the main ingredients of Agent Orange will be sprayed in massive amounts all over the U.S.

Tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture to say NO to "Agent Orange" corn and soy!

Dow has genetically engineered corn and soybeans so that the plants can withstand the application of 2,4-D, half of the notorious Agent Orange chemical cocktail. Studies show that 2,4-D disrupts hormones, damages the nervous system, lowers immunity to illnesses, and causes reproductive problems.

Unfortunately, this chemical is already being used in industrial agriculture. But its use is limited because it kills so many plants; farmers have to be careful about how and when they spray it. If Dow's GMO crops are approved, however, farmers will be able to spray 2,4-D throughout the growing season to kill weeds without damaging the GMO crops. This means a lot more 2,4-D in the environment and as residue on food!

"Agent Orange" corn and soy are making their way through the approval process, and this is the last chance the public has to submit comments to the USDA. We need to submit more comments than ever before to stop these crops from unleashing a new toxic assault on our health, our communities, and the environment.

Take a moment to tell the USDA to reject these new GMO corn and soy crops!

Dow and Monsanto are requesting approval from USDA on herbicide-resistant seeds; there's an opposition statement and hardcopy petition you can share with others at farmers markets, conferences, etc.

EXTENDED DEADLINE:
Submit comments to USDA by midnight Tuesday, March 11 (11:59 p.m. Eastern)

Please share this alert with family and friends,

Urgent Call To Action - Tell USDA to Protect GMO Free Farmers

2014-03-03T14:09:00.003-05:00

If you buy organic food or are at all concerned about our food supply, this is an important issue and we need to let the USDA know we are paying attention and want them to protect GMO free farmers and us as consumers.

Tell USDA to Protect GMO-Free Producers

Submit Comments on Proposed Coexistence with GMOs

Deadline midnight Tuesday - March 4, 2014

Farmers who don't want to grow
GMO crops must establish wide
buffer zones to protect their crops.

Submit Comments by Mar. 4, 2014

Take Action - How to Comment
Talking Points

It's a fact: farmers' crops have been contaminated with genetically engineered crops, also known as GMOs. And as long as the U.S. allows GMOs to be planted, this will continue and likely increase.

Farmers who don't want to grow GMO crops face significant burdens. To protect their crops, farmers must establish wide buffer zones, losing the use of significant amounts of land. They spend time and extra money to find non-GMO seeds. And if they are contaminated despite their efforts, they lose sales in organic and non-GMO markets.

Who is responsible for GMO contamination?

In 2011, the USDA convened an advisory committee to discuss the issue. The topic was labeled "coexistence," based on the assumption that GMO and non-GMO crops can coexist in the same area. But that's already been proven false: non-GMO farmers are inevitably harmed by pollen that is blown or carried onto their farms, GMO material caught in harvesting and cleaning equipment, and the numerous other ways that contamination occurs.

The advisory committee recommended that farmers buy crop insurance to cover the costs of unwanted GMO contamination. How is this fair? Organic and other non-GMO producers would have to spend even more money to protect themselves, while the companies that profit from GMOs would continue to escape their responsibility for GMO contamination prevention and compensation.

USDA is now asking for comments from the public on the issue of coexistence. Tell them it's time to take steps to prevent contamination and put the costs where they belong!

Submit comments to USDA by midnight Tuesday, March 4 (11:59 p.m. Eastern)

Please share this alert with family and friends.

For more info and links to directly respond, go to http://www.farmtoconsumer.org

Colds and Flu: are you con-FLU-sed?

2014-02-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

Understanding cold and flu symptoms: are you con-FLU-sed?

Guest Post: Dr. Jamie McManus

This year’s flu is turning out to be a nasty one. One of the primary strains we are seeing in folks this year is called H1N1 (also known as swine flu) and is the same strain that caused such a bad flu season in 2009. H1N1 is thought to be the same strain that was responsible for the global pandemic of 1918. Because the flu can be dangerous and the fact that most people cannot distinguish between a cold and the flu, I thought it might be helpful to give you some of the differentiating features.

I’ve made up a little cheat sheet, which I think will be helpful. (See below.)

Enough sickness to go around

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Americans suffer from a staggering one billion colds every year and, on average, each of us has a 20 percent chance of getting the flu. Adults average 2-4 colds a year; kids typically get more (with some getting as many as 12 colds every year).

Colds rarely cause serious complications; only about one percent of cases lead to complications (mostly sinus or ear infections). The flu, on the other hand, is responsible for around 35,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations every year.

A virus is the cause of both colds and flu and though they share many symptoms, each illness has unique telltale signs.

Flu versus cold

In general, flu tends to come on quickly—meaning you go from feeling fine to bed-ridden in 24 hours or less. Most people will have a high fever, feel extremely achy and chilled, usually have a dry cough, and little appetite. The good news is that most people with the flu will have their symptoms resolve in a few days, while a cold can linger on. People with underlying health issues are much more likely to have complications from the flu—including pneumonia.

Colds, on the other hand, start with a runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat that you have probably felt coming on for days. When you have a cold, you rarely will have a fever, or it is very mild.

If you are coughing, sneezing, feeling a little run-down, with a scratchy throat, then you are more likely to be in the cold camp. If you are achy all over with a strong headache, you probably have the flu. Allergies can sometimes be mistaken for a cold or flu. Allergies typically present with itchy eyes, nasal congestion, or runny nose and sneezing—with no sore throat or fever.

Take a look at this cheat sheet to help you determine if it is a cold or flu:

Cold or Flu?
Questions	Flu	Cold
How fast was onset?	Sudden	Gradual
How tired do you feel?	Severe	Mild
Do you have a fever?	Yes, high fever	No (or mild) fever
Do you have cough or congestion?	Non-productive cough	Nasal congestion
How are your muscles?	Achy	Fine
Do you have the chills?	Usually	No

Prevention is the key

As with almost any illness, prevention is your best strategy. Remember to eat especially well, take your vitamins, get some regular exercise, and get enough sleep. The number one prevention tool you have is to wash your hands frequently.

When to seek help

The big concern about colds and flu is not the illness itself, but what occurs afterwards.

Bacterial infections are more likely to happen in someone with the flu, but can occur as complications of a regular cold as well. If your cold progresses to facial or ear pain or you develop a persistent fever, it may be best to see your doctor.

Severe flu, like the Swine flu, can have intestinal symptoms, including persistent vomiting and diarrhea. If you are feeling increasingly weak, with a worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, you should probably be seen by your doctor.

Most colds and flu come and go without any severe problems and are easy to take care of on your own. Paying attention to your symptoms will help you determine if you need to seek further medical advice.

Use the comment section below to let me know what you are doing to prevent getting sick this year.

Stay well, my friends.

Jamie McManus, M.D., FAAFP

You Are What You Drink

2014-01-25T19:10:00.000-05:00

One of my New Year goals is to drink more water. When we were in school we learned that our body is largely made up of water. Did you know that pure water is the only fluid that hydrates our cells. Did you know that being dehydrated can cause symptoms like... lack of energy, moodiness, headaches, constipation and can lead to kidney stones.

Many people get side-tracked and only drink when they are thirsty. But our thirst isn't a very good guide because by the time we are thirsty, our fluid can be very low... especially if we are working out or if the weather is hot (but we don't have to worry about hot weather in the Midwest this time of year).

How much water should you drink? Most of us have heard 8 glasses of water a day. But we are all different and have different needs. Most experts now say to drink half your body weight every day in ounces. So if you weigh 100 lbs, you need to drink 50 ounces. But did you know that for every beverage you drink with caffeine, you have to offset that same amount in pure water to counter the caffeine?

Our body needs clean pure water. Dehydration can speed up the aging process. Imagine a grape as it sits out and becomes dry.

Here are some tricks I use to drink more water...

#1 Drink several glasses of water when you wake up. Drinking water first thing in the morning is a good detox for your body after slowing down while you sleep through the night. Adding fresh squeezed lemon juice and a dash of Cayenne Pepper is good for your digestive track. This will give you a head start for your day.

#2 Eliminate all soda. Soda was not meant to be a main source of what we drink. If we go back to "You Are What You Drink"... consider the science projects in school. Children take cola and show that it can corrode teeth, dissolve raw meet and shine a penny. Imagine what it is doing to our bodies? I also have a big issue with diet drinks because of the artificial sweetners.

#3 Jazz up your water the natural way. Artificial anything isn't good for us but I agree that drinking plain water can get boring. So, I like to add things like cucumbers, lemons, limes, etc. to a picture of water. It is a great way to enjoy water and you will be surprised how easy it is to drink water this way.

Easy Steps to Weight Loss

2014-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Guest Post by Dr. Jamie

I’ve spent a great deal of time over the last twenty years helping people go from feeling helpless about their weight to feeling (and being) in control of their weight. What I have noticed is that people who are able to lose and maintain their weight use the same steps to achieve success.

Let me share with you five simple principles from the people who I’ve seen have weight loss success:

Make the Commitment: The first step for any change in your life is to commit to that change—and it seems to work best if it is a public commitment. Permanent weight loss takes a long-term commitment (really, for the rest of your life), but it also starts with the first step. So, decide what you can bite off—maybe that is two weeks or maybe you can commit to two months. I strongly urge you to try to commit to ninety days because that is a meaningful amount of time to change some habits AND to see results!
Remove Temptation: I don’t care how strong you are; no one can resist temptations all the time. There are simply too many tasty things around when you are tempted (a bad day at the office, not enough sleep, somebody’s birthday, etc.). The time to be strong is when you are at the grocery store, not when you are standing in front of your refrigerator after dinner. Start by having a protein bar before you go grocery shopping so you aren’t hungry, take a list of what you need, and stay out of the snack aisles!
Be Realistic: Who wouldn’t want to lose all their weight in one month? The truth is that it may have taken you a while to get to your current weight and it will take time to lose that weight. Set a goal of losing one to two pounds every week, which means, on average, six to ten pounds per month! That translates to 18-30 pounds in the next ninety days. That is realistic.
Veggies are Your Friend: One type of food that most of us don’t eat enough of is vegetables. It seems unfathomable to me because vegetables are my favorite foods! They are packed with nutrition and low in calories. Make sure to include as many veggies in your diet as possible. This means every meal should include at least one serving of vegetables with at least three servings of veggies at dinner. For example, try including a salad and/or steamed or sautéed vegetables as a side dish.
Exercise: You may lose weight without exercise, but research has shown that exercise is the single most important way to keep the pounds off once you’ve done the work to lose them! Exercise will help you burn more calories and maintain your muscle mass as you lose weight. Losing muscle causes your metabolism to drop, which increases the likelihood of the weight coming back on. So, MOVE more!

From my perspective, THE single most important step to better health is weight control. I am committed to making positive changes for my health in 2014—so commit with me to move more, eat better, and be conscious of things that you do that may be counter-productive to being healthier! Even if you aren’t in need of weight loss, what you may notice from all of these changes is long-term value to your health.

Let us all commit to new habits for better health in 2014.

Be well!

Dr. Jamie

Make 2014 A Healthy New Year

2014-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you set your New Year goals for 2014? How are you doing on them? We are a couple weeks into January and it is a good time to check in on your progress and make any adjustments needed. If you are in the Midwest... you may be a little behind because we have had some crazy cold weather but keeping yourself on track, even if you have an off day, is the key.

92% of all New Year resolutions are centered on becoming more healthy and losing weight. Many of us recommit to our goals multiple times during the year; every time determined to be successful. However, I believe setting realistic, achievable goals is an important part to being successful. For example... if you are just beginning to exercise, it may be unrealistic to set a goal to run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon in May. A first step goal might be to walk the mini or run a 5K.

Here are some of my goals for 2014...

* Drink more water - A few years ago I stopped drinking diet sodas after learning about aspartame and the long term health consequences of it. I do like coffee but usually have decaf and I also enjoy hot teas in the winter. I have been making an effort to drink water with lemon before anything else in the morning. This is a great way to get a jump start on your daily water intake and it helps flush your system and get things moving. Remember, if you drink something with caffeine, it cancels out water so for every caffeine beverage, you have to drink an equal amount of water to even out.

* Move more - It is recommended to get in 10,000 steps every day. I have tried pedometers in the past and they sometimes fall off or are just in the way. So for Christmas, I asked for a Fitbit which is a pedometer and more that you wear on your wrist. It is simple to use, wireless, gives me updates and the battery lasts for multiple days and can be worn in the shower. Pretty creative tool. So far, so good.

* Cook with my kids - When I grew up, my Mom made great meals and they were always from scratch. She would ask me to help her and that was something we enjoyed. Our schedules were so busy running to all the after school practices and events, that it became easy to lose that opportunity with my family. I have been taking advantage of the snow days (thanks to the fun winter weather we are having this year) and asking my kids to help me cook. They are still warming up to it but I think it will make great memories and also help them understand the importance of real food and sharing meals together.

These are a few of my health goals. I would love to hear what yours are and how you are doing on your path to achieving them so far.

Holiday Stress Busters

2013-12-17T14:31:00.002-05:00

Oh the holidays! They can be the best of times and the worst of times. On the good side, I absolutely love spending time with family and friends whom I don’t see regularly, and I love decorating our home and spending more time in the kitchen. But with these fun activities come long lines at the mall, traffic jams, and the general stress of shopping, cooking, and cleaning. So…keep reading to learn how you can learn to reduce stress!

When we should all be spending more time close to home and hearth, we are rushing with so many holiday-related activities on top of our already busy schedules. . And then there is the food; while it is wonderful to get invited to so many parties, your sister doesn’t always have your health or your weight management struggles in mind when she serves creamed onions, stuffed sweet potatoes, and that impossible-to-resist pumpkin cheesecake! And then there is the eggnog and all those appetizers!

All of this can add up to more stress, and that stress can have a big impact on your immune system. Yes, it is true; stress can weaken the immune system. In fact, there is a whole field of science (called psychoneuroimmunology) that studies just how powerfully our mind influences our health and what these scientists are learning is that what goes on in our minds can dramatically affect our bodies.

How do you know if you are stressed?

This may sound a little strange, but many of you may be more stressed than you know.

Typical signs that you are stressed include anxiety, feeling time pressure, forgetfulness, tight muscles, changes in appetite, changes in digestion, and insomnia. But you may also be stressed if you are noticing forgetfulness, anger, low libido, or even changes in your menstrual cycle.

Chronic stress is a bit of a vicious cycle where the hormones of stress tend to create more stress later on. So the more stress you feel, the more you feel stressed. Your immune system takes a big hit when you experience these chronic stresses, but you are also at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, and weight gain.

In order to survive this holiday season with your immune system intact, I recommend the following tips to reduce stress:

Focus on what is important: Your family and friends are what is important during the holidays, not the perfect gift. Nothing expresses love better than love; show them you care.
Take time for you: Don’t just fill your to-do list with errands for other people. Be a little selfish and remember to find time to relax and also try to set realistic goals on what you can get done each day.
Find time to exercise: Yes, it is cold outside, yes it is dark outside, yes you had too much to eat last night and want to stay in bed, but getting up and doing a yoga tape or going to the gym will not only help your mood and your energy, but also quells anxiety, lifts depression, and gives your immune system the boost it needs.
Practice mindfulness (also called thoughtfulness): Call it mediation, prayer, or just quiet time, but research supports the use of thoughtfulness as a way to reduce stress. Deep breathing is often the quickest way to send your whole body a relaxing message.
Don’t abandon your healthy habits: You know what you should be eating. There are many temptations and you might think that a sugary treat will help your mood, but that good feeling is fleeting and then will be followed by guilt or feeling bad when your sugar rush turns into a blood sugar drop. Check out this article for healthier holiday eating tips.

Stress can have a real and powerful affect on your immune system. What we do each day can either support your immune system or hurt it. Reducing your stress takes a bit of time (to meditate, exercise, etc.) but the payoffs are great for both you and your immune system.

How will you reduce your stress this holiday season? Share your own tips in the comments section below!

Guest post by,

Jamie McManus, M.D., FAAFP

Urgent - Tell USDA to Keep Apples GMO - FREE

2013-12-16T12:05:00.000-05:00

Time is Ticking! Tell USDA to Keep Apples GMO-free

Submit Comments by midnight, Monday, December 16

Keep apples GMO-free

The way they are meant to be!

http://farmtoconsumer.org/

Submit comments by

Monday, Dec. 16 at 11:59 p.m.

Now's the time! Tell USDA to keep apples GMO-free by midnight tonight!

I have had this conversation with my children and their friends multiple times. Just this summer in fact, we picked apples at our friends house and the apples were absolutely delicious but they didn't look perfect like in the store. The difference was they were fresh, grown without chemicals, radiation and wax. Explaining those differences is one thing, but now the biotech industry is wanting to add apples to a growing list of foods to grow genetically engineered. Their promise? Resistant to bruising and turning brown. But wait a minute, shouldn't we want food that has a limited shelf life? Don't we want food in the most natural form?

Below I am sharing with you a "Call To Action" email I received this morning from Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund. I hope you will respond today and share this with your family and friends and in your social media so we can stop this from being approved.

The old saying... An Apple A Day Will Keep The Doctor Away, may not be true anymore if it is approved.

_________________________________________________________________

The biotech industry keeps promising to solve major problems, from world hunger to malnutrition. Instead, they've given us herbicide-resistant and pesticide-producing crops, increasing Americans' exposure to toxic chemicals.

What's the latest genetically engineered crop that's heading for your plate?

Apples that never turn brown.

Like all genetically engineered crops, these new apples have not been proven safe for human consumption. Even worse, they use a troubling new genetic engineering technique, RNA interference.

A 2012 Cell Research study indicated that ingesting RNA material from certain plant-based foods can have unexpected effects in mammals.

Humans should not have to serve as the guinea pigs for this technology!

Although these GMO apples are primarily targeted to the fresh-sliced apple market, they could also find their way into juice, baby foods or applesauce at the processing level--all products frequently eaten by children and babies who are at increased risk for any adverse health effects.

Even the apple industry has opposed this genetically engineered product due to the negative impact they could have on farmers growing organic and non-GMO apples through contamination, and to the image of the apple industry as a whole. If the apple industry doesn't want GMO apples, and consumers don't want GMO apples, then who wants these apples on the market?

This product would only benefit the biotech industry and big food processing companies.

See more info and talking points.

Submit comments to USDA by Monday, December 16, 2013 at midnight.
Please share this alert with family and friends, http://bit.ly/FRN13434

What Is Diabetes?

2013-11-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tom Hanks recently joined Paula Deen and Sherri Sheppard in announcing that he too has type 2 diabetes. Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, I think it is a good time for us all to take a look at our diet and exercise routine and see if we are doing our best to avoid this all-too-common (and preventable) disease.

With 26 million children and adults diagnosed with diabetes and close to 80 million with pre-diabetes (that is almost 1/3 of all people in the United States) it is easy to think that this disease is unstoppable. But this is absolutely not true; in fact, type 2 diabetes is 100 percent preventable. Look at Sherri Sheppard; she now credits type2 diabetes with saving her life.

In her new book (How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes), Sherri tells how when she was diagnosed her doctor was blunt about her high blood sugar. She said, “Sherri, you love wearing those shoes, don’t you?” Sherri said, “Yes, I do.” Her doctor then said, “You won’t be wearing them with your foot cut off, because if you keep eating the way you are eating, that’s where you’re headed.” Sherri is now eating healthier, exercising, has lost a significant amount of weight, and feels better than she has in a long time.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes can be defined as having abnormally high blood sugar because the body either does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar), or because the cells of the body do not respond properly to insulin (or both).

There are two types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in young people, although it can occur in later life (up to around 40 years old) and is a condition where the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas stop producing insulin. The destruction of the insulin-producing cells is thought to be an autoimmune reaction. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10 percent of diabetics; type I diabetics will always require insulin.

Type 2 diabetes can happen at any age, although until very recently was quite rare under the age of 40. It develops first as insulin resistance in the cells of the body—meaning that the cells have a difficult time utilizing glucose from the foods you eat. This occurs as a result of eating a high-fat, high-sugar diet and becoming overweight or obese. If untreated, blood sugar levels will continue to climb until you are diagnosed with diabetes.

One of the biggest concerns with diabetes is that it is a silent disease in its early stages. Some estimates suggest that up to 1/3 of people with diabetes are not aware that they have it. You may be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:

§ • Are overweight or obese

§ • Don’t exercise regularly

§ • Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure

§ • Are Latino, African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander

§ • Have a parent or sibling with diabetes

Diabetes symptoms include fatigue, frequent urination, constant hunger, excessive thirst, blurry vision, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and slow wound healing. Diabetics have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputation, sexual dysfunction, and nerve problems.

Prevention is the key!

There is much you can do to prevent and even reverse diabetes. Recent research shows that an anti-diabetic diet is not only good for diabetics, but also for anyone. (So start now!) Take a look at the risk factors above and see what you have control over: exercise, diet, and your weight—make changes here.

§ • Eat smarter: Avoid all white foods (such as white bread, white rice.) Focus on a plant-based diet and include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Beans and other good proteins help support a healthy blood sugar. Avoid sugary drinks (especially soda) and all desserts other than fresh fruit. Fiber is another great way to control blood sugar, make sure to eat plenty of high fiber foods.

§ • Exercise: Exercise not only burns calories, but has been shown to improve blood sugar control. Exercise that builds muscle can also help with blood sugar control.

§ • Lose weight: Being overweight can definitely raise your risk of type-2 diabetes. As always, choose a weight-loss program that offers tons of support and helps you maintain your lean body mass.

To me, type-2 diabetes is the disease that shouldn’t be. It is the most preventable major disease we have and there is no way 1 out of every 3 of us should be setting ourselves up for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, loss of eyesight, and amputations that this disease will potentially cause! Yes, it will take effort on your part to make the changes outlined above, but those changes have far-reaching effects on your overall health. So, make a commitment and get started today.

If you want help getting started, there are National Diabetes Prevention Programs all over the country that will help you learn how to eat more healthfully and begin a reasonable exercise routine. You can even attend a program if there is one in your area: recognized programs.

Be Well!

Preventing and Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

2013-11-11T20:05:00.000-05:00

I think it is interesting that October 31st kicks off the holidays with sugary fanfare and then continues with over indulgences through Thanksgiving and Christmas but in the middle we have November as National Diabetes awareness month.

I have family and friends who have been diagnosed with "Type 2 Diabetes" and chances are high that you know one or more people with Diabetes as well. In fact, did you know that 1 out of 4 people either have Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes in the U.S? Previously called Adult Onset Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes became the common description because of the growing number of teens and children with Type 2 Diabetes in the U.S.

Diabetes means that your body does not produce insulin or enough insulin resulting in too much glucose in your blood. Type 1 is called Insulin Dependent Diabetes and commonly Juvenile Onset Diabetes. It usually requires that person to receive insulin to level out what can become dangerous "glucose or sugar" levels.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form, about 95% of all cases.... it is completely preventable and can be reversed with diet and lifestyle changes.

Unfortunately, many people living with Diabetes are eating a Standard American Diet (SAD) which only feeds the problem (literally). How many times have you heard someone say to a diabetic... "I made this sugar free dish"? Unfortunately, the issue isn't just sugar alone. It is also any food that your body turns into sugar and the more rapidly your body uses the food as sugar, the harder it is on the body and the more damaging. I have been researching this issue for over 15 years and it still comes down to basic fundamentals most of us know but don't always follow.

Here are some tips to help prevent and reverse Type 2 Diabetes:

* CHANGE YOUR DIET

Eliminate ALL sugar and carbs from grains. Unfortunately 100% whole grains, organic or not, should be avoided. This means cutting out bread, pasta, rice, cereal, anything made from flour/grain, and even potatoes and corn which are both a high carb starchy vegetable. Carbs should come primarily from vegetables and LOTS of them. Fruits should be limited if any, especially in the beginning, until your sugar levels are controlled. Heart healthy and plant based protein is another important piece to a healthy diet plan. Drink a lot of pure water and avoid "sugar free" marketing with artificial sweeteners.

* EXERCISE

Exercise is really important and should be included in some way every day. Some people have good intentions, set big goals and then get overwhelmed and give up. Setting aside 1 or 2 hours a day doesn't always fit into a busy schedule and a growing number of people are recommending a different approach. First, start by adding normal everyday activity like parking away from a building and walking... Let someone else fight for those front row parking spaces this holiday season. If you work in an office building, take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have kids or pets, go on a walk together.

Ready to step it up? Interval or burst workouts are believed to provide a more effective workout that engages your metabolism over a longer period, lasting hours beyond your workout. Sprinting and changing up exercises for different areas of the body can be effective. However, working with a certified trainer can be the most effective way to push yourself beyond what you are able to accomplish alone. I work with and recommend several trainers who I love to introduce people to and I am also a big fan of the burst workouts on the Shaklee 180 program app (getting a great workout under 20 minutes, that I can do anywhere).

Diabetes can be a gateway disease to other chronic health issues like heart disease, strokes and research is even pointing to alzheimer's. However making simple, yet not always easy, health and lifestyle changes can be the difference.

Want to learn more and talk with others?

You are invited to attend a local event in Fishers on Tuesday, November 12th, get details and RSVP at www.Facebook.com/TKMutter

South Harbour Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

2013-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

THIS SATURDAY at the South Harbour Clubhouse is the 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza, from 12-5 pm.

There will be great shopping from local artisans & vendors, food, gourmet coffee, and even mini-massages!

I would love to see familiar faces again this year and I am excited to have Keri Brown with Back to Basics Body Work, joining me again to offer chair massages. Last year we had some really great vendors and I am looking forward to see the fun things available this year and I will be one of the first in line for my mini-massage!

PLUS, there will be a shred truck available from 1-3pm, so bring all your papers that need to be shredded, and get rid of them safely, FOR FREE!

Admission is free. All shoppers will receive one raffle ticket to win one of the many door prizes available. Bring at least one canned food item, and you will receive a second raffle ticket.

The South Harbour Clubhouse is located at 1156 South Harbour Drive, in Noblesville, IN. — at South Harbor Clubhouse, overlooking beautiful Morse Lake.

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar

2013-10-31T10:54:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween! Today, for many children, is the sweetest day of the year–literally!

Children, dressed up in their favorite costumes, will go trick-or-treating and return home bouncing off the walls. That is not a surprise when we look at the nutrition labels in their little (or, more likely, overflowing) bags of goodies that can be enough to make a mom— not to mention their dentist, for that matter—want to cry.

The link between sugar and kids behaving badly or just wild, has been talked about for years. Just ask most moms and we can give you evidence (this may be one reason many schools have banned sugary treats. Scientific studies haven’t been concrete however, Researchers in Australia did find that adolescents eating a “Western” diet, including fast, processed, and high-sugar foods, had more ADHD than those who ate a “healthy” diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish.[i]

That’s enough evidence to show that kids are better off without too much sugar. Halloween is a special day but here are some nutrition facts to keep in mind on a few popular trick-or-treat items:

Kit Kat (mini)
Calories: 210
Fat: 11g
Sugars: 21g

Watermelon Jolly Rancher: (three)
Calories: 70
Total fat: 0g
Sugars: 11 g.

Snickers (mini)
Calories: 45
Total fat: 0.8g
Sugars: 4.5g

Milky Way’s chocolate bar (mini)
Calories: 190
Total Fat: 8g
Sugars: 25g

Peanut M&M’s (regular packet)
Calories: 250
Fat: 13g
Sugars: 25g

Chocolate, I admit a favorite of mine, can carry some high numbers and cutting sugar can be easier with hard candies. Some ways to cut down sugar overload is to set aside a smaller amount of candy for the kids and then donate the rest to the soldiers who are serving overseas. We have done that and it is a great opportunity for kids to experience giving back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[i]Howard AL, Robinson M, Smith GJ, Ambrosini GL, Piek JP, Oddy WH. ADHD is associated with a “Western” dietary pattern in adolescents. J Atten Disord. 2011 Jul;15(5):403-11. Epub 2010 Jul 14.

Health Talk "Avoiding Colds and Flu This Winter"

2013-10-29T11:48:00.002-04:00

The Cold and Flu Season is back again and runs primarily from November through April. CDC statistics reveal that the highest incidences of flu occur between January and March, so this is a good time to review the benefits of a natural prevention and treatment program. A good place to start is by reviewing the efficacy of the flu vaccine ...

Please join me tonight, Tuesday 10-29-13 at 8:45 PM Eastern / 7:45 Central time for a discussion about "Avoiding Colds and Flu This Winter". The guest speaker is Frank Painter, D.C.

The dial-in number is:

(212) 990-8000 pin 6262#

If you miss tonight's call, send me a message and I can give you the replay information.

Frank M. Painter, D.C.

Dr. Painter is a respected Chiropractor, dedicated to his patients and to continued research for optimal health. He has been a volunteer webmaster for the LINKS section of Chiro.Org since 1996, the world's largest, and most-visited non-commercial chiropractic website. He now maintains several other sections about Nutrition, Chiropractic Research, Pediatrics, Alternative Medicine, Case Studies, Clinical Documentation, Radiology, and Acupuncture.

Lunch or After School Snack Ideas with a Halloween Twist

2013-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some fun, yet healthy, lunch or after school snack ideas with a little twist for Fall and Halloween. Have some ideas of your own... post them in the comments.

Eye Balls on a Log...

swap traditional peanut butter and raisins for cream cheese and sliced olives or jalapenos.

Sliced Strawberries and Cream Cheese becomes....

Red Monster Sandwich

Sliced Banana with coconut on a graham cracker with Nutella can become...

Monster Eyes over chocolate on a graham cracker.