The Natural Power

The Stresses of Motherhood (Health Letter – May 2012)

Nadya — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:38:50 +0000

Mothers are the world’s best jugglers: arranging family schedules from soccer to band practice to doctor’s appointments, planning meals, and dealing with money issues, childcare and work — they seem to do it all. There is a price to pay, however—the evidence is mounting that women today are experiencing more stress at every stage of their lives than ever before. With all that responsibility, many moms are left feeling tired and stressed out. That stress contributes to poor sleep habits which in turn can contribute to emotional issues, job issues and weight gain. According to a 2006 survey by the American Psychological Association, women are more affected by stress than men and report engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as comfort eating, poor diet choices, smoking, and inactivity to help deal with stress. The same survey showed women report feeling the effects of stress on their physical health more than men. So, in honor of Mother’s Day this month, it’s a good time for moms and their families to recognize the importance of addressing stress and learning to manage it in healthy ways.

The Stress Response

The stress response, often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, is an inborn part of your autonomic nervous system, and, as such is a rapid and automatic response to a physical (or emotional) threat. It provides you the energy, speed and concentration you need to protect yourself or to run as fast as possible. When you encounter such a threat, a tiny region of the brain (the hypothalamus) sets off an alarm system in your body. Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this alarm stimulates your adrenal glands to release the stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and mobilizes energy nutrients (glucose, amino acids and fatty acids) from body stores to meet energy needs. Cortisol, your body’s primary stress response hormone, increases blood sugar, enhances the uptake of sugar into the brain and increases the availability of amino acids for repairing body tissues. Cortisol also works to inhibit body functions that are nonessential during times of acute stress, like the body’s immune response, digestive processes, reproductive system and growth processes.

Ordinarily, the stress response is self regulating and once the crisis has passed, hormone levels drop, heart rate and blood pressure normalize and other systems resume their regular activity. However, acute physical threats aren’t the only events that trigger the stress response. Chronic psychological threats, such as stress at work or home, conflicts with family and friends and major life changes (divorce, death in the family) can all activate the same alarm system. Even the typical demands of daily life such as driving in traffic and normal parenting demands can contribute to your body’s stress response. It is this chronic activation of the stress response that’s problematic and can be exceedingly detrimental to your health.

Stress and Your Health

Digestive Function

When you’re feeling stressed, it’s not uncommon to develop a stomach ache, diarrhea or constipation. That’s because when you’re under stress, blood flow to the digestive system is reduced, stress hormones slow the release of gastric acid and slow gastric emptying. These same hormones can also speed up the action of the intestines. In fact, stress appears to play a role in the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a cluster of symptoms, consisting of abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. IBS is among the most common gastrointestinal disorders for which women seek medical attention. While the disease itself is not inherently different in women than in men, it is much more common among women by a ratio of 3 to 1.

Immune Response

The immune system is a complex balancing act between systems that respond to a physical or emotional threat as well as the more specialized components that deal with responding to infection or cellular damage. To deal with acute physical threats, like let’s say a puncture wound or cut, the immune system reacts quickly by creating inflammation around the wound. However, when you experience chronic stress the same acute immune responses may not be beneficial in the long run. In fact when you’re under chronic stress, some features of your immune system are actually suppressed, increasing your susceptibility to infections. Other features of the immune system are permitted to run unchecked, increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders, conditions where your own immune system attacks your body’s own cells. Autoimmune diseases (i.e. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and thyroid diseases) occur more often in women, usually striking in the child-bearing years. For example, compared to men, two to three times as many women get multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis each year, and when it comes to lupus, women outnumber men 9 to 1.

Cardiovascular and Nervous System Effects

Chronic activation of stress hormones also raises your heart rate, increases your blood pressure and blood lipids (i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides), all of which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Remember that heart disease is the number one killer of women. If your “fight and flight” response never turns off, the by-products of cortisol may contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety. Forget where you parked the car, or set your keys down? Chronic stress also affects the operation and structure of brains cells involved in memory functions.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is essential to good health but unfortunately, chronic stress and feelings of anxiety can often lead to sleep disturbances. This is especially true for moms with young infants and children, who already experience sleep challenges due to “middle of the night infant feedings” or disruptions in sleep due to young children waking in the middle of the night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. In addition, more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. Studies also suggest that women are also at greater risk for developing insomnia than men.

Obesity and Weight Gain

Another major down side chronic stress and sleep deprivation is the effect both of these can have on your weight. Cortisol levels appear to play a role in the accumulation of abdominal fat (central obesity) which gives some people that “apple” body shape. Carrying excessive weight around your middle appears to increase the risk of both heart disease and diabetes. Sleep deprivation may also have a direct effect on metabolic hormones that control hunger and satiety. In a 2004 study, researchers at Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin found that subjects who consistently slept for 5 hours compared to those who slept for eight, had a 15% increase in ghrelin, a hormone produced in the stomach that triggers appetite, and a 15.5% decrease in leptin, another hormone produced by fat cells, which serves as a signal indicating insufficient energy stores and the need for consuming more calories. Lack of sleep also appears to increase the risk of weight gain. Data collected from the Nurses Health Study, revealed women who slept for five hours a night were 32% more likely to experience major weight gain (an increase of 33 lbs or more) and 15% more likely to become obese over the course of the 16-year study compared to women who slept seven hours. Scary!

Find Healthy Ways to Manage Stress

While motherhood has its challenges, the rewards definitely make it well worth it—right, Moms? Think of those adorable Mother’s Day cards or the very special breakfast in bed served by your 8-year-old—who wouldn’t sign up for this? So, be the best mom you can be by finding healthy ways to deal with whatever stresses you have in your life.

What you can do:

1) Identify the stressors in your life. These may be marital problems, conflicts at work, family illnesses or just the day-to-day schedule you keep. Once you’ve identified what the primary causes of stress are for you, you can begin to figure out how to either change your stressors or learn to manage them better.

2) Schedule personal relaxation time. Although the demands of your “juggling act” place major obstacles to finding some “down time”, setting a side a few minutes a day just to breathe, collect and organize your thoughts, can work wonders. Start small. Schedule 10 minutes a day to simply do nothing but sit and breathe. Deep breathing can help bring your heart rate and breathing back to normal, so you can clear your mind. Once you’ve accomplished that on a regular basis, consider taking up yoga or meditation.

3) Good nutrition through healthy food choices plays a crucial role in your ability to withstand times of extra stress. Carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are all important for energy, mental concentration, and emotional stability. Along with the stress induced effects on digestion and your immune system, stress may increase your body’s need for certain nutrients so you may need an extra healthy diet to stay focused, alert, energetic and to ward off colds and flu. So choose a variety of foods and be sure to eat complex carbohydrates from whole grain breads and cereals, beans and legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein from fish, chicken, soy and nonfat or low-fat dairy and select heart-healthy omega-3 fats from fish, avocado, nuts, olives and seeds. Cut back on junk foods, sodas, alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages.

4) Get some extra sleep. Sleep deprivation not only contributes to weight gain and feelings of fatigue, it can also increase medical expenses, sick days and accidents. When you sleep well, you wake up feeling refreshed, alert and ready to face your daily challenges. To help you get a better night’s sleep try to maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, even on the weekends; establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine; create a sleep conducive environment (dark, quiet and comfortable); and try not to eat a meal, drink alcohol and caffeinated beverages or exercise within a few hours of bedtime.

5) Although exercise right before bed time can disrupt sleep, an active lifestyle can actually help control stress and improve sleep patterns. Exercise can not only help reduce anxiety and increase productivity which can help you handle stress better, but also helps control your appetite and burn calories which can help you maintain a healthy weight. And let’s not forget about the cardiovascular benefits of exercise – it not only strengthens your heart, it can help lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglycerides which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.

6) Supplement your diet.

Shaklee Vitalizer - 80-bio-optimized nutrients

Fill in nutritional gaps with a well-balanced, high-quality multivitamin/mineral supplement. Look for one that provides at least 100% of the daily value for 21 essential nutrients including the B vitamins folic acid, B12 and B6 to help promote heart health, the antioxidant nutrients, vitamin C and E which support immune function and protect against free radical damage and key bone health nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. Supplement the omega-3s in your diet with a top quality, pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. For digestive health, take a probiotic supplement to help maintain healthy intestinal microflora and for additional stress relief, try botanical ingredients like Ltheanine from green tea and ashwaganda. L-theanine has been shown to facilitate the generation of alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed yet alert mental state, and ashwaganda is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used in India to enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress. And lastly, if getting to sleep remains a challenge, occasionally try herbal ingredients like valerianwhich can help you maintain a calm state and promote restful sleep.

We all know that being a mom takes an extraordinary amount of patience, love and discipline. That’s what makes moms so special! But juggling family, finances and work commitments can really be stressful, so remember this Mother’s Day to keep things in perspective –prioritize wherever you can, delegate responsibilities, eat right, stay active and TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS!

But, most of all, make time for what’s really important –

taking care of yourself, so you can be the best mom ever!

Printer Friendly Newsletter May 2012

Spring Cleaning for Better Health, Energy and More!

Nadya — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:13:58 +0000

by the Shaklee Health Sciences
e-Bulletin

April 2007

Spring, the season of freshness, renewal and cleaning out those closets, seems a fitting time to talk about how to help you optimize your own internal cleaning system—otherwise known as the digestive system. You may have heard the term “detoxification” and associate that with an improvement in your health as a result of better nutrition and the use of certain supplements. But, the reality is that we detoxify our bodies on a continuous basis via our breathing, our skin, our urinary system as well as our digestive system.

Every time you put food or drink into your system, you set in action a chain of events that leads to the breakdown of the food or drink into digestible components—amino acids, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals etc. What our body cannot absorb is passed on through our intestines to our colon and processed into waste. Our kidneys, lungs and colon process and excrete metabolites on a continuous and daily basis. The skin “breathes” out metabolites as well. Because the great majority of detoxification of our bodies occurs via our digestive system, we will focus on dietary and supplement strategies that can optimize your digestive function—and help you feel better every day! So, for a healthier digestive system:

#1 Drink Water!

The most important recommendation for optimum detoxification via all “channels” is an adequate intake of fluids, in particular good old water. While dietitians, nutritionists and trainers make a standard recommendation that adults consume 8 glasses (64 fl. oz.) of water per day, there are widely varying individual needs determined by time spent outdoors, climate, activity level and genetic factors. Also note that fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, juices and other beverages all make significant contributions to your fluid intake. I recommend at least 3 to 4 glasses of plain or sparkling water per day separate from other fluid intake, more if you tend towards constipation.

#2 Eat your veggies

I will again remind you of the importance of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables—both for its phytonutrients and antioxidant content as well as for its delivery of soluble and insoluble fiber. People who eat the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day rarely have a problem with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other functional bowel disorders. Soluble fiber is critically important for bowel function, proper digestion as well as binding to the cholesterol your body produces in the liver, and then is secreted into the gut. Increasing intakes of soluble fiber helps prevent the reabsorption of the cholesterol into the bloodstream. People with elevated cholesterol levels may benefit greatly from increasing the amounts of soluble fiber in their diets. In fact, incorporating psyllium, inulin, and/or fructooligosaccharide -rich foods and supplements containing 4 to 5 grams per serving over a few months can lead to reduction in cholesterol levels and improvement in bowel function without pharmaceutical intervention.
While fruits and veggies are a rich source of soluble fiber, remember your whole grain foods for the insoluble fiber they deliver. Look for whole grain cereals and breads that provide at least 3-4 grams of fiber per serving—this will largely be insoluble fiber. Humans benefit most from both soluble and insoluble fiber. While we have accepted recommendations for total fiber intake, there is not general consensus as to the optimal breakdown between soluble and insoluble fiber. Aim for a total fiber intake of 25 grams per day for women and 35 grams per day for men *(Institute of Medicine guidelines 2004). The average American diet provides barely half the recommended intake per day, so the addition of fiber supplements is prudent for many—especially those who aren’t consistent with their intake of high fiber cereals, breads, and other grains.

#3 Supplement Wisely

When we eat, our bodies produce free radicals as a by-product of normal metabolic processes—again raising the importance of eating your fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals so that they are not harmful to our cells. In addition to a healthy diet, the addition of a nice variety of antioxidants, from vitamin sources (such as Vitamins C and E) to mineral (selenium) and to herbal sources (lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, green tea, quercetin and many others) just makes good sense!

So, let’s talk about other healthy supplements for optimum digestive function and detoxification. Our bodies are host to vast amounts of microorganisms, which reside in the digestive tract. The balance of these beneficial and potentially harmful sub-types of bacterium affects the health of your colon both from a short term perspective (flatulence, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome) as well as contributing to the long-term health of your immune system, colon and urinary system.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms, as well as the benefit of probiotic supplementation—to support immune function as well as digestive health.

Probiotics refers to a class of “friendly bacteria” that are necessary to provide a balance with less friendly bacteria that are a part of normal metabolism. The use of antibiotics, poor dietary habits, and age are among many factors contributing to an unhealthy imbalance.

Constipation and Irritable bowel disorder are among the most common reasons people visit doctors and alternative health care practitioners. My patient experiences definitely confirm the importance of adequate fiber and water intake, but for many individuals, this may not be enough. There are some herbal and botanical ingredients with laxative effects, including senna leaf (Cassia angustifolia), cascara bark (Cascara Sagrada) Psyllium (Plantago ovato ), anise seed and others that may be helpful, but should generally be used on an intermittent basis.
One of my favorite supplements for digestive health is a juice made from the aloe vera plant.
Aloe vera (or true aloe) is a thorny succulent plant that has been around for thousands of years and has been used medicinally in cultures from ancient Egypt to the Incas to the Greek and Roman doctors Aristotle and Hippocrates. The most inner aspects of the thorny leaves yield a clear pulp that is rich in enzymes and polysaccharides that are used in soothing topical salves as well as digestive tonics. Aloe vera juice can be very helpful for people who have hyperacidity, esophageal reflux as well as irritable bowel tendencies. People who are taking prescription medications for digestive issues should not discontinue them without a discussion with your physician.

The liver is a key component of the body’s digestive (and detoxification) system, providing an elegant filtering system, performing thousands of biochemical functions. Liver function tests may provide early warning of a variety of toxins in your system, from microbial infections to excessive use of alcohol, to reactions to pharmaceuticals to obesity. Yes, being overweight can lead to fatty infiltration of your liver and ultimately chronic liver disease—called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or fatty liver disease. So, keeping your liver functioning well includes judicious (if appropriate) use of alcohol and prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals (and checking intermittently with your physician to be sure you still need to use any and all medicines that you may take), and losing weight if necessary.

Schizandra

If you have any chronic liver conditions, you may want to consider the addition of milk thistle extract (silybum marianum) to your dietary supplement regimen. It has been used for over 2000 years in Europe to protect liver health and as a treatment for liver disorders. We now know that silymarin has a variety of therapeutic applications including toxic metabolic liver damage and may have restorative effects in chronic hepatitis. Schizandra (schizandra chinensis) is an adaptogenic herb from magnolia vine that also can have regenerative effects upon the liver in people who have chronic hepatitis and even cirrhosis. When using any herbal remedy that may improve liver function, be sure your physician is aware so he or she can be monitoring any need to adjust medications, which are largely metabolized in the liver.

So, the old adage comes to mind: “You are what you eat”. Remember to drink plenty of water, eat as many servings of fresh fruits and veggies as you can every day, with extra antioxidants in supplement form to provide you nutritional assurance. Add a broad spectrum probiotic supplement, as it is difficult to get these in the diet other than from organic yogurts that provide live cultures.

For best health, you want to be carrots and blueberries—not French fries and a cherry cola!

Be well.

Me, Nadya Tatsch

Dr. Jamie McManus MD,

FAAFP Chairman, Medical Affairs,

Health Sciences and Education

Printer Friendly >>

References:

1) Bennett WAG, Cerda JJ. “Benefits of Dietary Fiber” Postgraduate Medicine 1996;99 (2), 153-72

2) Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids
(Macronutrients) 2005.

3) Rose DJ et al. Influence of dietary fiber on inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer: importance of fermentation pattern. Nutr Rev 2007;65(2):51-62.

4) Coats, B. Aloe Vera, The New Millennium, CCN iUniverse, Inc., 2003 pp 9-34.

5) Gorbach SL. Probiotics and gastrointestinal health. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000; 97(1 Suppl):S2-4.

6) Goldin, BR. Health benefits of probiotics. Br J Nutr 1988;80(4):S203-7.

7) Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). In: Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:467-482.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Milk thistle fruit. In: Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:257-263. 9) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment no. 21. Rockville, MD: 2000. 01-E024.

Be Careful. Face Painting Make-Up May Contain Toxins.

Nadya — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:57:55 +0000

Have YOU or YOUR KIDS ever had FACE PAINTED?

Be Careful

The truth is that face paints can contain toxins that can cause skin irritation such as rash. The child in the picture was painted with acrylic paint. (The picture used with the permission) Do you really want your child suffer after such a fun day?

Skin irritation (shaped as a lady bug)

Before having a face painted or when choosing a make-up artist, please make sure to ask what make-up brand the artist uses and how much experience he/she has. The artist must use FDA approved make-up that has a child safety rating.
Read more about phthalates in cosmetics >>

The Natural Power recommends Michael Susko, a great individual with an amazing experience.
“Our entertainment is suitable for children and adults alike. Michael has over 30 years of experience in entertaining. He is an award winning magician who has performed internationally. As a Face and Body Artist his art is adapted to each individual and is age appropriate.”

Contact info:
Michael Susko
Susko Entertainment, LLC
214-597-2624
yourfacepainter@me.com
about.me/suskoentertainment

Have a fun safe day!!!!

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. FACTS. HEALTH ISSUES. (Health Letter – April 2012)

Nadya — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:45:21 +0000

HOUSEHOLDS. Health Issues. ASTHMA Statistics.

1. Approximately 20 million Americans have asthma.
2. The prevalence of asthma increased 75% from 1980-1994.

CHILDREN

1. Nine million U.S. children under 18 have been diagnosed with asthma.
2. Asthma is the most common serious chronic disease of childhood.
3. An average of one out of every 13 school-aged children has asthma.
4. Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children under 15.

AFRICAN AMERICANS

1. Asthma prevalence is 39% higher in African Americans than in Caucasians.
2. African Americans have highest asthma rates of any racial/ethnic group. Compared to Caucasians.

WOMEN

1. The prevalence of asthma in adult females was 42% greater than the rate in adult males according to a 2004 survey by the Center for Disease Control.

HOUSEHOLDS. Vulnerability of CHILDREN.

1. Children are highly vulnerable to chemical toxicants. Pound for pound of body weight children drink more water, eat more food and breathe more air than adults.
2. Carcinogenic and toxic exposures sustained early in life including prenatal exposures appear more likely to lead to disease than similar exposures encountered later.
3. Faster metabolisms in children speed up their absorption of contaminants.
4. Babies don’t excrete contaminants or store them away in fat in the same ways that adults do, making the poisons more available to affect rapidly growing bodies.
5. Children exposed in the womb are at greatest risk of all.

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS and ASTHMA.

1. Common household cleaners and appliances give off fumes, which can potentially increase the risk of developing asthma in children.
2. Environmental exposures early in life, including the womb, may influence the development of wheezing and asthma.
3. Strong links have been found between the use of domestic and industrial cleaning products and the risk of asthma.
4. Using household cleaning sprays and air fresheners as little as once a week can raise the risk of developing asthma in adults.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS

Many all-purpose cleaners contain neurotoxins and nasal irritants that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Synthetic solvents may cause hormone disruption. Maternal exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy can disrupt development or even cause the death of the fetus. Effects can include birth defects, low birth weight, biological dysfunctions, or psychological or behavioral deficits that become manifest as the child grows.

Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1998). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1999); Scorecard (2007).

Butyl Cellosolve

(2-butoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol acetate or Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether)

Butyl cellosolve is a high volume chemical with production exceeding 1 million pounds annually.

The general population is exposed to 2-butoxyethanol and 2-butoxyethanol acetate mainly by breathing air or having skin contact with liquids, particularly household cleaners, which contain these compounds.
Butyl cellosolve is a toxic glycol ether chemical used in cleaning solutions. Material Safety Data Sheet reports potential irritation and tissue damage from inhalation, ingestion, cutaneous, and/or ocular exposure.
People who swallowed large amounts of cleaning agents containing Butyl cellosolve experienced breathing problems, low blood pressure, low levels of hemoglobin, acidic blood, and blood in the urine.

Butyl Cellosolve may be also contained in jewelry and electronics cleansers, all purpose cleaners, carpet stain removers.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative found in many household products.

Formaldehyde is an anticipated carcinogen.

Low levels of formaldehyde cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
People with asthma may be more sensitive to the effects of inhaled formaldehyde.
Drinking large amounts of formaldehyde can cause severe pain, vomiting, coma, and possible death.
In animal studies, rats developed nose cancer from formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde may be also contained in body washes, hand soaps, and baby products.

LAUNDRY DETERGENTS

Monoethanolamine (MEA)

Very hazardous irritants to eyes characterized by redness, watering, itchiness and inflammation.
Inhalation may produce severe irritation and tissue damage to eyes, mouth and respiratory tract.
Linked to ASTHMA.
Ingestion may cause chemical burns or mouth and esophagus, dizziness, vomiting & COMA.
Leads to kidney and liver damage.
Skin contact may produce pain, swelling and burns.

Monoethanolamine (MEA) may be also contained in all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners.

Sulfuric Acid

Low concentrations can cause dermatitis with repeated exposure.
High concentrations may cause redness, irritation and burns with prolonged skin contact.
Can cause severe irritation and burns, which may result in scarring to skin and eyes.
Can cause permanent blindness.
Extensive acid burns may result in DEATH.

AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER DETERGENTS

Chlorine

Some products contain dry chlorine that is activated when it encounters water in the dish dishwasher. Chlorine fumes are released in the steam that leaks out of the dishwasher, and can cause eye irritation.

CARPET CLEANERS

Can be extremely toxic to children; who tend to play and crawl around on carpets. The fumes given off by carpet cleaners can cause cancer and liver damage.

Naphthalene

Possible human carcinogen found in moth balls and metal polishes.
Exposure to large amounts of napthalene may lead to hemolytic anemia.
Napthalene may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and a yellow color to skin.
Mice that breathed naphthalene vapors daily for a lifetime developed lung tumors and some developed nose tumors.

Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2005).

Bleach

The chemical known as hypochlorite in bleach causes more poisoning exposures than any other household cleaning substance.

May cause reproductive, endocrine, and immune system disorders.

Source: Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poisoning and Exposure Database (2005).

DEGREASERS

Many degreasers contain petroleum distillates and butyl cellosolve.

Can damage lung tissues and dissolve fatty tissue surrounding nerve cells.

DRAIN CLEANERS

Often contain lye or sodium hydroxide

Strong caustic substances that cause severe corrosive damage to eyes, skin, mouth and stomach, and can be fatal if swallowed.

Also may be contained in vegetable rinses, baby products, hair sprays, skin creams.

GLASS CLEANERS

Ammonia

Exposure to high levels of ammonia in air may be irritating to your skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and cause coughing and burns.
Asthma sufferers may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.
Swallowing concentrated solutions of ammonia can cause burns in your mouth, throat, and stomach. Getting ammonia into the eyes can cause burns and even blindness.

OVEN CLEANERS

One of the most dangerous cleaning products, oven cleaners can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, mouth and throat.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry.

Sodium hydroxide

Very corrosive and can cause severe burns in all tissues that come in contact with it.
Corrosive impact of a tooth paste
Odorless; thus, odor provides no warning of hazardous concentrations.
Inhalation of sodium hydroxide is immediately irritating to the respiratory tract.
Swelling or spasms of the larynx leading to upper-airway obstruction and asphyxia can occur after high-dose inhalation. Inflammation of the lungs and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs may also occur.
Cancer of the esophagus has been reported 15 to 40 years after the formation of corrosion-induced strictures.
Ingestion of solid or liquid forms of sodium hydroxide can cause spontaneous vomiting, chest and abdominal pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Corrosive injury to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach is very rapid and may result in perforation, hemorrhage, and narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract.
Skin contact with sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns with deep ulcerations.
Sodium hydroxide contact with the eye may produce pain and irritation, and in severe cases, clouding of the eye and blindness.
Long-term exposure to sodium hydroxide in the air may lead to ulceration of the nasal passages and chronic skin irritation.

Sodium hydroxide may be also contained in all-purpose cleaners, stain removers, tooth pastes, disinfectants, water softeners, baby lotions, body soaps, teeth whiteners.

SCOURING CLEANERS

Some cleaners may contain sodium hydroxide (see above) or bleach that can irritate mucous membranes and cause LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE.

SCALE OR LIME REMOVERS

These are products designed to remove mineral buildup like lime, scale and soap scum.

Source: ScienceLab.com.

Sulfamic Acid

Toxic to lungs and mucous membranes.
Direct skin contact with sulfamic acid is corrosive and causes irritation, dryness or burning.
Eye contact can result in corneal damage or blindness.
Inhalation of sulfamic acid will produce irritation to gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract with burning, sneezing or coughing.
Severe over exposure of sulfamic acid can produce lung damage, choking, unconsciousness or death.

Sulfamic acid may be also contained in dishwasher powders, coffee maker cleaners, scrubbing bubbles.

TOILET BOWL CLEANERS

Can contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid. Harmful to health simply by breathing during use.

Hydrochloride / Hydrochloric Acid (HCI)

Can cause severe damage to skin and eyes.
Brief exposure to low levels of HCI vapor causes throat irritation.
Exposure to higher levels of HCI can result in rapid breathing, narrowing of the bronchioles, blue coloring of the skin, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and even death.
Exposure to even higher levels of HCI can cause swelling, spasm of the throat and suffocation.
Some people exposed to HCI may develop an inflammatory reaction called reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), a type of asthma caused by some irritating or corrosive substances.
Swallowing HCI causes severe corrosive injury to the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.

NON-TOXIC CHOICES: SHAKLEE GET CLEAN

Always Safe

Nontoxic cleaning choices

Does not contain the following chemicals:

Phthalates 1,4-Dioxane
Volatile organic cleaning compounds
Hydrochloric acid
Ammonia
Sodium hydroxide
Butyl cellosolve
Formaldehyde
Harmful fumes
and More

Always Works

Outperforms or rivals 15 national brands
100% money-back guarantee
Dish Wash Liquid Concentrate is twice as effective on grease as Method® Dish Soap and Seventh Generation® Dishwashing Liquid*
Fresh Laundry Concentrate HE Compatible is 30% better at removing dirt and stains than All® Small & Mighty Liquid® Laundry Detergent in HE machines**
Nature Bright Laundry Booster is 60% more effective on grass stains than OxiClean® ***

Always Green

Natural and naturally derived ingredients from sustainable sources
Packaging is free of bisphenol-A, phthalates, and toxic inks
Biodegradable surfactants
Recyclable packaging, wipes, and dryer sheets
No chlorine bleach, phosphates, nitrates, or borates
Concentrated products save energy, eliminate excess packaging

Order non-toxic Shaklee cleaning products >>

Printer Friendly Newsletter April 2012

Data Related to Typical Household Cleaners

Partially Compiled by Shaklee Corporation, May 2008

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2004). Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web: Toxicological Profile for Ammonia; Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1999). Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web: Toxicological Profile for Formaldehyde.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. Volume III – Medical Management Guidelines for Acute Chemical Exposures. Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web: Hydrogen Chloride.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2005). Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web: Toxicological Profile for Naphthalene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, and 2-Methylnaphthalene
American Lung Association (2005). Epidemiology & Statistics Unit, Research and Program Services. Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality.
Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poisoning and Exposure Database (2005). Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.aapcc.org/Annual%20Reports/05report/2005%20Publsihed.pdf
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Facts and Figures. Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web: http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=42
Atmospheric Sciences Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, (2006). Indoor Air, 16(3), 179-191.
California Environmental Protection Agency, Air Resources Board, Chlorinated Chemicals in Your Home, (2001).
Centers for Disease Control. Surveillance for Asthma, United States, 1960-1995, MMWR. 1998; 47 (SS-1).
Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements, June 2000 v107 supplement 3.
EPA Asthma Facts. Retrieved Feb 2007 from the World Wide Web: http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pdfs/asthma_fact_sheet_en.pdf
Klepeis, N.E., Tsang, A.M., and Behar, J.V. Analysis of the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS) Respondents from a Standpoint of Exposure Assessment. Final EPA Report, EPA/600/R-96/074: Washington, D.C., 1996.
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Landrigan, P.J., et al, (2006). The national children’s study: a 21-year prospective study of 100,000 American children. Pediatrics, 118(5), 2173-2186.
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Zock, J. P., et al (2007). The Use of Household Cleaning Sprays and Adult Asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176, 735-741.

* These performance comparisons were done on June 6, 2007, and are valid only for the named products marketed at that time.

** These performance comparisons were done on August 9, 2007, and are valid only for the named products marketed at that time.

*** These performance comparisons were done on January 31, 2008, and are valid only for the named products marketed at that time.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Laws in 17 States Limit Phosphates in Automatic Dishwasher Cleaning Agents

Nadya — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:23:28 +0000

Laws in 17 States Limit Phosphates in Automatic Dishwasher Cleaning Agents

Shaklee Difference™

When Shaklee first launched our patented, phosphate-free Basic-D® in 1991, we were way ahead of trend in making available a high performing phosphate-free automatic dishwash concentrate. It wasn’t until 1994 that phosphates in laundry detergents were restricted nationwide, but until recently, automatic dishwasher detergent manufacturers could include phosphates without concern for environmental regulations prohibiting or limiting the use of phosphates. There simply weren’t any.

Well, that time appears to be coming to an end. As of this year, 17 states have enacted laws regarding phosphates in automatic dishwasher cleaners, 15 of them in 2010 alone.

Why the concern about phosphates?

Phosphates in bodies of fresh water like lakes, streams, rivers, and creeks, act as a nutrient to organisms like algae, encouraging their growth to an extent that they can harm or threaten plant and fish life.

Now is a great time to assure your consumers and prospects that Shaklee Get Clean® products do not contain phosphates, and never will. And for those who are concerned about performance, Shaklee Get Clean Automatic Dish Wash Concentrate is a patented, highly concentrated, phosphate-free automatic dishwash cleanser, backed by the 100% Shaklee Satisfaction Guarantee, and selected as a 2008 recipient of the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) seal of approval. Its enzyme-activated formula removes tough stains without
prerinsing, dissolving quickly and completely, without residue.

Here are the 17 states in which phosphates in dishwash detergents are now regulated. Is your state one of them?

Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Vermont, Virginia

And even if your state isn’t among these, shouldn’t everyone you know be using a phosphate-free dishwash concentrate?

http://www.thenaturalpower.com/shaklee-get-clean-fest-get-clean-testimony/

Hazardous Chemicals in Homes

Nadya — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:51:02 +0000

Natural Alternatives

Alternatives to Common Household Chemicals based on information from Natural Health Magazine

The Natural Power’s Choice: Shaklee Get Clean

Building Strong Immune System (Health Letter – March 2012)

Nadya — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 03:24:18 +0000

Every day our immune system is compromised by environmental challenges, pollutants, stress, lack of sleep. Taking medication, being overweight, eating poorly can also weaken our health. The most common indication of a weak immune system is allergies and asthma.

If you get sick more than once a year, consider that your immunes system is not strong enough.

What to do?

Change Your Diet. Make sure you eat properly. Include plenty of fish oil and vitamin C in your diet.
Lose Weight. Keeping strong muscle mass will keep your metabolism running. Strong metabolism = strong immune system.
Get Rid of Toxins in Your Household.
- Read labels and watch for Chlorine Bleach (the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings in the U.S.), Sodium Hydroxide (Extremely harmful just by breathing the fumes and fatal if swallowed), Hydrochloric Acid (Extremely harmful just by breathing the fumes and fatal if swallowed), Butyl Cellosolve, Formaldehyde, Sulfamic Acid, Sulfamic Acid, Lye – Potassium Hydroxide, Monoethanolamine (MEA) (Linked to asthma. Hazardous irritant. Ingestion may case chemical burns, dizziness, vomiting & coma. Leads to kidney and liver damage.)
- Use fragrance-free products >.
Relax and Sleep Sufficiently. While your body relaxing, it’s rebuilding its strength. Find ways to relax for about 15 min every day. Watching TV is not included in the packageJ. Your brain is still active when you watch TV. Get enough sufficient sleep. It’s recommended to sleep from 7 to 9 hours a day. Shaklee Stress Relief Complex and Gentle Sleep Complex >
Supplement Wisely. Boost your immune system naturally with proper supplementation. Support your body with basic nutrients and use additional products according to YOUR needs. Look below what Shaklee offers.
Drink Plenty of Clean Water. 90% of our body is made of water. Replenish your main ingredient with clean/filtered water. Shaklee’s choice >

What’s the Natural Power by Shaklee?

Individual Needs
- Alfalfa and Vitamin C – natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory. Alfalfa minerals help to clear the mucus as well.
- Omega Guard – fish oil is anti-inflammatory.
- Garlic – antibacterial. Smells too bad? Guess what? If it doesn’t smell, it does not have active ingredients any more. Shaklee garlic complex has a precursor to the active ingredients, which are broken down in the digestive track. Therefore, it minimizes the odor of the product and still has the active ingredients.
Every Day Immune System Boost
- Nutriferon (40-years of clinical research) boosts immune system naturally.
First Tickle
- Defend and Resist – Echinacea. Use it when you feel something is coming up. And it tastes good. I’d say, “it’s an adult healthy candy.” Kids love it too.

For Questions, call 1-972-489-7449 (Nadya Tatsch)

Be Powered by The Natural Power

The Imported Food We Eat and Junk We Buy

Nadya — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:56:40 +0000

by Teri Norsworthy in Sharing Shaklee

This an Eye Opener

I thought this was very interesting. I was surprised by the “NO NAME BRAND” and “PRESIDENT’S CHOICE” I thought they would be both the same.

Please read this very carefully, and read to the very bottom. Its important for all of us.

How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper — than having it produced in Canada, or at least the U.S.?

FOR EXAMPLE THE “OUR FAMILY” BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN FROM CHINA … SO FOR ONLY A FEW MORE CENTS, YOU SHOULD BUY THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE BRAND WHICH ARE FROM CALIFORNIA .

ALL “HIGH LINER” AND MOST OTHER FROZEN FISH PRODUCTS COME FROM CHINA OR INDONESIA . THE PACKAGE MAY SAY “PACIFIC SALMON” ON THE FRONT, BUT LOOK FOR THE SMALL PRINT. MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS COME FROM FISH FARMS IN THE ORIENT AND THERE ARE NO REGULATIONS ON WHAT IS FED TO THESE FISH.

(Recently a Montreal Gazette issue had an article by the Canadian Gov’t on how Chinese feed the fish… they suspend chicken wire crates over the fish ponds, and the fish feed on chicken shxt. The Canadian Government recommended and stressed NOT to buy ANY type of fish imported from China . If you search the Internet on what the Chinese feed their fish you’ll be alarmed, e.g. growth hormones and expired anti-biotics from humans. So never buy any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries… Vietnam , China , Philippines.)

Check this out personally for yourself. I did.

BICK’S HAVE RECENTLY CEASED OPERATIONS IN CANADA — DON’T BUY THEM.

Many No Name pickles are made in Canada. Another example was canned mushrooms. No-Name brands come from Indonesia. Next to them were President Choice brand, produced in Canada !! (The P. C. went into my grocery bag.)

Also check those little fruit cups we give our children. They used to be made here in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years ago….Now they are now packaged in China !

While the Chinese, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the Obama Administration and the Harper Government for
perceived errors. Yet 70% of North Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended!! Well, duh. Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?

SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF CANADA /US!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product label you buy, and if it says ‘Made in China ‘ or ‘PRC’ (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on
Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Canadian Thermos bottles were made here for many years. Thermos sold out in the 1990′s and now the bottles, those that keep our food warm or cold are made in CHINA. We lost—about 200 jobs!

THINK ABOUT THIS:

If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that’s a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favour…fast!! The downside? Some Canadian/American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory but that will flow through in a week or two and not be a financial burden on them. Just one month of trading losses, will hit the Chinese for 8%, of their North
American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

START NOW and don’t stop!

Send this to everybody you know. Let’s show them that we are intelligent Canadians / Americans, and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can’t live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT
WE GET!

Pass it on… Click “Share”

Gosia Pisowicz: Just a suggestion to avoid all the processed/frozen food all together. In all of them there are so many toxins of any kind – its scary. I try to buy true organic food and fresh wild caught fish or grass fed meat. Go to sources you trust because we all know all natural or organic food is not created equal! You would be amazed what a difference it would make in your health and energy.

by Teri Norsworthy in Sharing Shaklee

Supporting the Hardest Working Muscle In Your Body – Your Heart (Health Letter – February 2012)

Nadya — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:40:46 +0000

Letter from Shaklee Health Sciences,

Dr. Jamie McManus MD, FAAFP Chairman,
Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education

Abbreviated by Nadya Tatsch

Your heart - it beats on average 100,000 times a day and pumps the equivalent of 2,000 gallons of blood each day. Imagine what a
workhorse our hearts must be! So vital to our life and yet not well taken care of by most of us. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming close to a million lives each year. Over 30 million Americans live with the burden of heart disease; 60 million Americans have been diagnosed with hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.

While traditionally considered a “man’s disease,”heart disease has become a serious health challenge for women as well. Cardiovascular disease kills over 500,000 women each year, more than the next seven causes of death combined. To give you a perspective, 1 in every 2.5 women will die of heart disease and stroke, compared to 1 in every 30 women who will die from breast cancer. What may be the most important information is that heart disease in women presents with different symptoms and physicians tend to under-diagnose the disease in women. In fact, more than half of women who die of coronary heart disease have either had no classic symptoms, or have been misdiagnosed as anxiety, stress or musculoskeletal disorders. Part of the challenge comes from the fact that coronary artery disease in women tends to present with symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue rather than the classic “crushing” substernal pain that is more typical in men. Research conducted by NIH with 515 women surprisingly revealed that fewer than
30% of women reported having chest pain or discomfort prior to their heart attacks, and 43% reported have no chest pain at all during any phase of the attack. The most common symptoms they reported were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances and shortness of breath. So, whether you are male or female, today is the day to put your heart health on the radar screen.

So, let’s talk about what you can do. First of all, let’s assess your risk and then determine what you can do to lower your risks. Yes, there is much you can do to hopefully prevent a catastrophic event from happening to you down the road!

The seven major risk factors for coronary artery disease are:

Family history
Obesity
Hypertension
Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
Type 2 Diabetes
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle

Well, only one of these risk factors is not in your control. You cannot change your family history, but knowledge is good –so, if your family tree includes heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, it behooves you to look at the other 6 risk factors — because these are all modifiable risks that you have control over! Knowing your risk factors is the first step in preventing heart disease. Once you know your risk factors, you can begin to take the steps needed to reducing your chances of developing heart disease.

First, some general diet and lifestyle guidelines to support your healthy heart:

Lose weight. For the 2 out of every 3 Americans who are overweight or obese, losing weight is your first priority for lowering your risk of heart disease. Even modest weight loss can significantly improve blood cholesterol, blood pressure and risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (See Shaklee Cinch Weight Loss Program)
Eat a balanced diet with nutritious foods from all food groups, but especially concentrate on nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber whole grain foods. Plant foods are rich in nutrients and low in calories. Limit intake of alcohol and sodium. (See Shaklee Cinnamon Apple Fiber bars)
Eat oily fish rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week. The AHA recommends that individuals with heart disease should consider an additional supplement of 1000 mg EPA and DHA, and those with high triglycerides consider two to four grams EPA + DHA daily in consultation with a physician. (See Shaklee Omega Guard)
Ensure your nutritional intake of heart-healthy B vitamins, including folic acid, B6 and B12, vitamin D, antioxidants such as vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which is well studied for its effects on heart muscle function. (See Shaklee
Essential Nutrition)
Reduce intake of nutrient-poor foods including sugary soft drinks, sweets, and processed salty snack foods. These foods typically provide very little vitamin, mineral, dietary fiber, or phytonutrient value, yet often provide unnecessary and unhealthy calories from excess sugar and fats, including saturated and trans fats. If you already have high cholesterol, consider natural cholesterol reduction complex that can be taken along medication. It slowly wins off medication until the medication is not needed any more. Cholesterol Reduction Complex is a proprietary formula with clinically proven ingredients that help prevent absorption of cholesterol and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It is made with a powerful blend of sterols and stanols, which are found naturally in plants, fruits, vegetables, and grains. It’s often reported that Cholesterol Reduction Complex also lowers blood pressure.
Exercise. Expend at least as many calories as you take in. Regular physical activity is critical for achieving and managing a healthy weight, and to achieve cardiovascular fitness. Strive for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. (See Shaklee Cinch Weight Loss Program)
Take time to De-stress. There’s no denying we live in a stressful world, and most of us experience stress on a daily basis. Whether it is physical or emotional stress, your body reacts in the same way: it sets off its “fight or flight” response. As a result, stress hormones are released, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose in attempt to provide our body with an increased energy supply. Over time, this chronic stress response wreaks havoc—slowing digestion, weakening immune function and increasing the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. So take time to de-stress your life. Start by getting more sleep. Incorporate relaxation and deep-breathing techniques into your daily routine. Your heart will love you for it.
And of course, don’t smoke.

American Heart Month is our nation’s annual reminder to take care of the most important and perhaps most neglected organ in the human body. After all, our hearts beat 100,000 times a day and never have the luxury of a day away from the office. Celebrate and pay tribute to your healthy heart with a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise! At Shaklee, we continue to believe in and will continue to communicate our message that a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle should be a year-round, life-long effort, today and forever.

~~~~~

The American Heart Association launched its nationwide movement “Go Red For Women” in 2004 to raise women’s awareness of their risk for heart disease and to help them take action to reduce their risk. Shaklee supports this effort to link the color red and the red dress with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives. For more information on the Go Red for Women movement, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

~~~~~

Letter from Shaklee
Health Sciences,

Dr. Jamie McManus MD, FAAFP Chairman,
Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education

Abbreviated by Nadya
Tatsch

Supporting the Hardest Muscle (Health Letter – February 2012) (.pdf)

Love Works

Nadya — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:18:35 +0000

Oksana Cobb has inspired this FaceBook Note

“Love works.

It is life’s most powerful motivator and has far greater depth and meaning than most people realize.

It always does what is best for others and can empower us to face the greatest of problems.

We are born with a lifelong thirst for love.

Our hearts desperately need it like our lungs need oxygen.

Love changes our motivation for living.

Relationships become meaningful with it.

No relationship is successful without it.

- by one of my FB friends“

Oksana Cobb has inspired this FaceBook Note