A Queen

A Queen is proud of herself. She respects herself and others.
She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from
the person she is with, or does she expect them to
read her mind. She is quite capable of
articulating her needs.

A Queen is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her
dreams come true..... She knows love, therefore she
gives love. She recognizes that her love has
great value and must be reciprocated.
If her love is taken for granted,
it soon disappears.

A Queen has a dash of inspiration, a dabble of endurance.
She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others
to reach the potential God gave them. A Queen knows
her past, understands her present and
moves toward the future.

A Queen knows the Creative Energy. She knows that with
this the world is her playground, but without she will just
be played. A Queen does not live in fear of the future
because of her past. Instead, she understands that
her life experiences are merely lessons, meant
to bring her closer to self knowledge
and unconditional self love.
Queen,

~Author Unknown

Women and Heart Health

The first Friday in the month of February marks National Wear Red Day. This campaign was designed to encourage women (and men) to wear red in support for the awareness of heart disease in women.

Did you know...

• Eight times as many women die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer. 41% of all Canadian women's deaths are due to heart disease and stroke, compared to 37% of men
• A women's risk of death from heart disease increases 4 times after menopause
• Women with diabetes at any age are at more risk of developing heart disease and stroke than men with diabetes.
• Compared to active women, inactive women are twice as likely to die from heart disease and stroke
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death followed by Cancer, Stroke, Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases, Alzheimer's and Unintentional Injuries

Prevention Tips...

Manage your weight: eliminate processed foods, white flours, white sugars. Incorporate green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, and supplement with essential fatty acids. Exercise everyday, minimum 20-30 minutes cardiovascular activity. (Make sure to first consult your practitioner before hand should you have any health issues)

Reduce Stress: Bringing balance between work and family life can be difficult at times. Taking the time to relax, unwind and enjoy life is important. Take time for yourself, do something you enjoy. Take a moment out of your day to "be still", finding quietness and peace for reflecting and meditating.

Choose a healthier lifestyle: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Women are known as the care-givers, the nurturer's that wears her heart on her sleeve. Well it's time to put ourselves first to ensure we live a long, healthy and enjoyable life. Afterall, who wants to die of a broken heart?

NEW

A NEW year, a NEW month, and a NEW day. Most people, this time of year, have made lists of resolutions they will work to accomplish within the next twelve months. Some may even dig deeper and make their goals S.M.A.R.T (Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time frame) to achieve a higher chance of accomplishing them. In the end the pressure of ending one calendar year to the beginning of another is inevitably gonna to cause this.

It is good to reflect and plan ahead, and it is also good to feel the freedom to do this any particular time of the year and not just because it's the "new year."


So I will continue living in gratitude now. Where I am right now, giving thanks. I will continue working on being a person with qualities that will help me grow and nurture what lies within. I will keep educated about things that contribute to a healthy mind, body and soul. I will focus on my energy, to give and receive positive energy. I will love my family and consider them first with my intentions. I will embrace and support my genuine friends. I will volunteer my time for helping others. Most importantly, I will pray and keep faith that my goals will be continuous and magnify to a higher platform as I grow.

I believe that my goals will lead to that weight loss challenge, financial freedom, a strong portfolio, a successful career, a beautiful house (and many property), a new vehicle, family vacations and all other wonderful things that put the frills on living the "dream". And that would be because I first looked within. xox

So what goals do you have? And why? Feel free to comment because I care and want to hear about you... plus I feel nauseous blabbing about myself.

Cheers to 2011! Let's make it count!


"Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner." ~Les Brown

positive thursday

"When one woman honors who she is, all women collectively move closer to becoming what they are capable of being."



I've grown up seeing my mother work hard, raising 4 children all on her own. Her strength amazes me til today. The strength of a woman. I've learned to identify that strength within myself. There is a lineage of resilient woman in my life that are apart of me. Without a shadow of a doubt, my capabilities have made achievements and my potential is continuous.

Fear will no longer hold dominion over me, and Faith will extend me. I honor all the women in my life, the mothers, the teachers, the students, the professionals, the friends... my sisters. We as women need to edify each other consistently, reminding each other to take care of ourselves first. To dream and live now. We need to realize that our own aspirations and will to push is what teaches our communities and children to aspire and push. So cheers to Sisterhood, our Mothers and all Women.


"A Nation Can Rise No Higher Than The Woman"

Waking Up

@CamNatural -- Something in you is waking up to something more! Congrats! (by @crystalandrus)

Have you ever ran into someone that you haven't seen for a long time and they say something light to you that leaves you shaken to your core? Ever read a blog post, a Facebook status message, or a tweet and you feel that it's speaking directly to you? What about just spending time in a quiet place with no distractions around, and hearing the still voice of your inner being giving you answers to the questions you may have asked externally only to come up short of no solution. Have you?

I was scrolling through my Twitter timeline this morning and was able to have a brief connect with an inspiring professional who knows what she's talking about. She 'tweeted' to me, "Something in you is waking up to something more.." that little tweet left me with goosebumps. It addressed some concerns and thoughts I've been having about my future, especially after facing an adverse situation at work this past week. Another snippet and reminder that God will send people to give you a message that you need at the right moment. So I am thankful that I'm able to pay attention to those messages and be ok. I know that I am on the right path.

I am sharing this inspiring video (above) with you by Crystal Andrus, hope you enjoy :)

Cheers!

Sweet Cinnamon

Along with salt and pepper, I think that cinnamon should be added as common condiments you'll see on a table at a restaurant.
Inhale deeply as the yummy aroma is known to enhance and boost memory and cognitive function.
People that suffer from Type 2 Diabetes can consider cinnamon for therapeutic remedies with approval from their treating Physician. This ancient herb has been found to assist with lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body. It can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Cinnamon can aid in digestion, especially when eating fruits with sources of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.
Cinnamon contain antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. It can combat vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and even head lice.

So how about considering cinnamon as a enjoyable and healthy flavor to your dish!

The Curse and The Cure

From the beginning of time women have been cursed. Eve sinned along with Adam and both were cursed for disobedience. I read an article this author wrote that gives some deep perspective that I would like to share...

"Ever since man chose the way of sin (as all have, except Jesus Christ), men have not rightly respected women, not even their own wives (when married), and have instead ruled “over” women in a wrong manner that is authoritarian, controlling and demeaning (looking down as being lesser). This is what constitutes a large part of the curse upon women that has existed from the beginning. Over the centuries, even within the Church, that curse has only partially been lifted to the degree that individuals have repented of mistreatment of others and have truly sought to “change” self and become more God-like in character and thinking (in harmony with the truths and laws of God). But women have still been suppressed by being morally mistreated, demeaned, and held to an inferior state by men. And most sad of all, this has been perpetuated by husbands because of male ego, lust and pride."

"God is now starting the greater process (which only partially started in the Church over the centuries) of restoring the dignity and honor that He intended women should have from the beginning. This is part of the “healing” process that is prophesied to fill the earth in the Millennium, as Satan and his demons are removed from the presence of mankind, and as Jesus Christ receives rule of all the earth. This healing process is now beginning to be restored in God’s Church as we accelerate toward that new age for all mankind. In this context, this is the greater fulfillment of the prophecy that states, “And those from among you shall build the old waste places and you shall raise up the foundations of many generations, and you shall be called, ‘The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in’” (Is. 58:12)...."

"...The liberation of all races and nationalities is rapidly approaching, and at the top of that list is the true liberation of women from the demeaning state in which they have been “ruled over.” This also produces a liberation for man that yields a more fulfilling and rewarding life, a greater unity and oneness with God, and the greater experience of what true masculinity was intended to be from the beginning."

Now this article has truly grabbed my attention so much that I've shared with close friends and discussed our views. We all know a woman that has been disrespected and under valued in a relationship and even marriage, all too well. Some of us have even grown up seeing it happen to our mothers. It's now become such common behavior that society have become desensitized to it. Within my circle, it's obviously a common denominator in marriages/relationships of some form or the other.

I have positioned my attitude so that my thoughts, my words and my actions will rebel from this "curse" and liberate my spirit to receive what's right and deserving. And I encourage all women to do the same. We need to step back onto our throne and teach men that should be Kings to act the same. We are beings of wisdom, teachers, holding the very essence of God to bring life. You see we are much more than a sexual desire, a pretty face. We contain the ability to carry unbelievable amounts of pressure upon our shoulders and continue on in life with a gentle smile. So why is it so hard to see this truth in a woman and appreciate her? I just believe this is part of our natural path of living, love and be loved. Period. And don't settle for anything less.


"Hurt people hurt people" ~ RevRunWisdom

Water

If you consider timing to drink water, it will maximize its effectiveness to your body.

• two glasses of water, after waking up, helps activate internal organs


• one glass of water, 30 minutes after a meal, helps digestion


• one glass of water, before taking a bath, helps lower blood pressure


• one glass of water, before sleeping, can avoid stroke or heart attack

It's always important to consider 8-10 glasses of water per day for complete effectiveness and optimum function.

Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen is a dust sized seed found on the stamen of all flower blossoms. The pollen collects on the legs of honeybees as they move from flower to flower looking for nectar. The bees secrete nectar and special enzymes into the flower pollen to create what we know as “bee pollen”. The pollen is usually collected by placing a special device at the entrance of beehives that brushes it from the hind legs of the bees into a collection vessel.

Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes, and hormones. It is especially rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, including lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several flavanoids. It is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances. Overall, it's one of the most nutritionally complete natural substances found on earth.

When you first start taking bee pollen you may feel a significant increase in your energy right away, definitely within a week or so. Over time the consistent use of pollen will improve your energy, stamina, and endurance. You'll also probably notice a greater feeling of general well-being. Over the long-term, regular consumption of bee pollen will help alleviate many different health problems, slow down the aging process, and improve your quality of life.

Bee pollen has been shown to help people:

• lose weight
• increase energy, vitality and stamina
• enhance the immune system
• relieve allergy and asthma symptoms
• improve sexual function
• correct digestion problems
• slow the aging process
• prevent cancer and other diseases

Bee pollen is one of nature’s healthiest and most powerful “superfoods.” It’s been used as a dietary supplement for thousands of years. The early Egyptian and early Chinese civilizations both used it as a physical rejuvenator and medicine. The Greek physician Hippocrates, recognized as the father of modern medicine, used pollen as a healing substance over 2,500 years ago. Today natural health practitioners often refer to bee pollen as an herbal “fountain of youth” that can be used for everything from weight loss to cancer prevention. It may be nature's most perfect food...

"The conservation of our natural resources and their proper use constitute the fundamental problem which underlies almost every other problem of our national life." ~Theodore Roosevelt

Black Health Awareness

The 10 most serious health problems threatening blacks vary in impact by gender and age. The first three: heart disease, stroke, and cancer are primarily conditions of the aged, and account for two-thirds of all deaths in the Black community. The other seven major health threats include hypertension (high blood pressure), cirrhosis, diabetes, AIDS, homicide, accidents and infant mortality-account for 80 percent of all Black deaths.

• The prevalence of diabetes among African Americans is about 70% higher than among white Americans.



• Infant mortality rates are twice as high for African Americans as for white Americans.



• The five year survival rate for cancer among African Americans diagnosed for 1986-1992 was about 44%, compared with 59% for white Americans.

Heart disease, a leading killer of Blacks, frequently culminates in heart attacks which occur when the heart's supply of oxygen-rich blood is drastically diminished or cut off because of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. Patients should be advised to address any weight concerns. Eat foods that are prepared in a healthy way, consisting of whole grain, fish and lean white meats, fruits and fresh vegetables. Avoid stressful situations and exercise, meditate and yoga. Most importantly, for smokers to quit!

Stroke often signals an already existing condition that affects blood flow to the brain. If that flow stops, brain cells lose their only energy source and begin to die. The result is a stroke. Certain rare blood diseases, inherited disorders, and birth defects can also cause stroke.

Cancer, despite medical science's significant advances in therapy which have resulted in drastically improved survival rates, is still a major health problem among Blacks as well as Whites. Until such time that the disease has been eradicated, doctors stress that early detection, which dramatically increases the chances for successful treatment, is still the most effective anti-cancer weapon. Symptoms of common cancers include:

Lung :: Coughs that linger indefinitely; coughing up blood; shortness of breath.

Breast :: Lump in the breast; change in breast shape; discharge from the nipple.

Colon and rectum :: Changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the rectum; blood in the stool which appears bright red or black.

Prostate (men) :: Difficulty or pain while urinating; the need to urinate often, especially at night.

Uterus, ovary, and cervix (women) :: Bleeding after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, abdomen enlargement, pain during intercourse.

Skin :: Sores that do not heal; sudden appearance of a mole; changes in shape, size or color of a wart or mole.

Our bodies communicate through symptoms, telling us something needs attention. We must be vigilant and research for the cause and not only treat the symptoms. Maintaining an annual physical is also essential for any early detection. We are a resilient race, and keeping our health at the forefront in our day-to-day lives will ensure many years ahead.

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied." ~Herophilus

*Reference/Ebony/Nov.1991

Birth Control

Natural birth control methods teach women to determine the fertile phase (typically 7 to 10 days long) of their menstrual cycle. To avoid pregnancy, women avoid intercourse on fertile days.

There are many variations of natural birth control. The most effective methods teach women to chart the signs of fertility that ebb and flow with the natural hormonal changes of each menstrual cycle. There are two main approaches 1) the sympto-thermal approach where waking temperature and cervical mucus are charted, and 2) the mucus approach where only cervical mucus is charted.

It is helpful for women and their partners to know about the two most common methods:

1. Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) refers to a natural birth control method outside of a religious framework that supports the use of barrier methods (condom, diaphragm, and spermicide), emergency contraception, and abortion. Justisse is a Canadian developed variant of FAM that teaches both the mucus only and the sympto-thermal approaches.

2. Natural Family Planning (NFP) typically refers to natural birth control that is taught and practised within a religious framework, most commonly Catholic centred organizations. It does not support the use of barrier methods, emergency contraception, or abortion. Billings Ovulation Method teaches only mucus observations. Serena and Couple to Couple League methods are sympto-thermal NFP variants. The Creighton Model will teach both mucus only and sympto-thermal approaches.

Sympto-thermal teaches a woman how to observe, chart and interpret her waking temperature (basal body temperature or BBT) and cervical mucus to understand what days she is fertile and what days she is not fertile. She then knows when she is likely and when she is less likely to become pregnant from intercourse.

A woman who has a regular menstrual cycle will usually experience the following sequence of events:

• 3 to 7 days of menstruation
• several days where she does not feel or see mucus in her vagina or on her vulva
• several days of a ‘wet’ or ‘slippery’ sensation at her vulva or in the vagina where she sees and/or feels mucus, which becomes progressively more slippery, stretchy, and clear as ovulation approaches
• after ovulation her waking temperature rises, mucus disappears from the vulva, and the vulva and vagina feel “drier

Fertile days begin with the first sensation of mucus at the vulva and continue until both the mucus has dried up and the waking temperature has been high for 3 days in a row. With days of higher fertility and lower fertility determined, a woman can time intercourse to avoid or achieve pregnancy.

If a woman’s cycle does not follow a typical pattern, using natural birth control will be more difficult. However, she can still use natural birth control but she is advised to seek consultation with a trained FAM/NFP instructor in order to use the method most effectively. In general, FAM/NFP are not recommended for women with the following difficulties: irregular cycles, inability to interpret the fertility signs correctly, or persistent infections that affect the signs of fertility.

Cervical changes are a third fertility sign that a woman may find useful in determining her fertility. She checks for variations in the position, firmness and openness of the cervix that relate to fertile and infertile days.

In order to effectively use FAM/NFP a woman needs to accept responsibility for charting and interpreting her fertility on a day-to-day basis. The possibility of an unplanned pregnancy should not represent a devastating occurrence in order to use this method of family planning. As with all forms of birth control, motivation, intention, and cooperation between partners are the key to effective, successful use.

Benefits

• Effective method of birth control
• Has no negative health side effects
• An alternative for women who cannot or do not want to use hormonal methods
• Promotes positive body awareness
• Consistent with many religious beliefs and lifestyles
• Alerts women to reproductive health and fertility concerns
• Fosters communication between partners
• Encourages partners to enjoy a variety of romantic or sexual activities as alternatives to vaginal intercourse during fertile periods
• Encourages male involvement

Disadvantages

• Provides no protection from sexually transmitted infections
• Often difficult to find trained FAM/NFP instructors
• Requires time to learn (usually 3 to 6 cycles)
• Requires discipline and commitment to chart fertility signs and follow the rules to avoid pregnancy
• Times of abstinence from intercourse may be a challenge for some couples

::For more information about Fertility Awareness Methods and a listing of certified instructors throughout North America please visit Justisse (http://www.justisse.ca/).

References

Strauss, J., & Barbieri, R. (Eds.). (2004). Jen and Jaffe's reproductive endocrinology (5 ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Elsevier Saunders.

Metabolic Boosters

• Frequent Eating - eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day helps to increase your metabolism
• Muscle Boosting - resistance training helps shape your body with lean muscles, and continues to burn calories while at rest
• Aerobic Exercises - cardiovascular training for 30mins, 3x's a week
• Water - drink half your body weight in ounces (ie. weighing 160lbs would drink 80 ounces)
• Sleep - body needs 7-8hrs of sleep for optimal function
• Sauna - try to enjoy time in a sauna 2-3x's per week, 30mins is like running a 5 mile race
• Cleansing and Detoxification - assists the body to refresh and reset the organs and systems to function efficiently

"Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live"

Gray hair already?!

Is it true that if you pluck one gray hair, two more will appear in that same spot? Well, I can say that's happened to me...I just couldn't understand why I was starting to see gray curly strans sitting there, chilling, on the top of my head...I mean in my 50's, sure I can agree it's natural to happen, but I'm not 50!!! And I know I'm not alone here, there's some people out there that are sailing with me on the same boat.





So what is gray hair anyway? Everybody is different but the pigment of our hair is generated in the same way. Initially, hair is white. The cells in our hair follicles called “Melanocytes” generate pigments the main one being Melanin. This gives our hair its “Colour”. In general, the more melanin present, the darker the hair colour; the less melanin, the lighter the hair colour.
When these Melanocytes stop producing the pigment the result is a transparent hair. The transparent hair against your healthier darker hair gives the appearance of Gray hair. In reality the hair is not Gray but transparent. Some people start to gray in their early 20's or 30's; this is called premature graying. Heredity plays a major role in premature graying, if your mother or father had gray hair at a young age, than chances are you will too.





What else can cause gray hair?

• Thyroid disorders. Conditions such as Grave's disease, Hashimoto's disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism have been linked with premature gray hair.


• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. It can be due to a diet low in vitamin B12. It can also occur if the stomach can't absorb vitamin B12.


• Vitiligo. A condition in which your skin loses melanocytes, resulting in very light patches of skin and possibly premature gray hair.


• Early menopause


• Smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to premature gray hair.

I also believe it to be a symptom of undergoing a weight of stress.

In traditional Chinese Medicine, premature gray hair reflects an underlying disturbance. Hair represents the quality of blood and strength of the kidneys.

Foods that are thought to strengthen the blood and kidneys are:

• Hijiki seaweed


• Blackstrap molasses


• Black sesame seeds


• Nettles


• Wheat grass


• Chlorophyll

Keep in mind though that consuming excessive amounts of these foods is not recommended. For example, excessive amounts of iodine (from seaweed) may increase the risk of developing thyroid problems, which itself is a cause of premature gray hair.

We should all embrace not try to erase, and recognize this as a sign of experience and wisdom :)

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life"

(Prov 16:31)

Energy Concepts

The chakra system is a model of consciousness. Though we all understand the word, few can describe what it is. We know how to use it, alter it, enhance it or talk about it - but we cannot define it. One definition might be the structure that perceives, analyzes, stores, retrieves and creates information about any subject whatsoever, whether it is internal, external, real or imagined.

Energy, matter and consciousness intertwine to form all that we experience. Knowing the various components of the chakras allows us to achieve a greater understanding of ourselves.

Energy flows in 2 ways in the chakra system: vertically, as it passes through all the chakras, and horizontally, as it passes through each chakra. The vertical channel can be thought of as the basic source; the horizontal flow is the expression of that source.

What blocks a chakra? Generally speaking, programming from childhood experiences and cultural values cause our chakras to be blocked. A child who is physically beaten by his parents learns to shut out his body sensations. A child who is emotionally neglected shuts down the emotional second chakra. A culture that denies sexuality and promotes obedience to authority forces us to shut down our second and third chakras, accordingly. Noise pollution, unattractive surroundings or lies make us shut down our fifth, sixth and seventh chakras, respectively. The pain of unrequited love teaches us to close our hearts. Basically, past pain or stress, whatever its source, affects the healthy functioning of our chakras.

The chakras can be opened through various exercises, meditations, acupuncture points, biofeedback and general understanding. Opening chakras leads to a more profound state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is obtainable by anyone.

Chakra 1. Root, Base, or Earth Chakra. It's seated at the base of the spine. Its colour is Red. It's qualities are physical body, grounding, courage, stability and patience.

Chakra 2. Sacral Chakra. Located at the small of the back, upper lumbar. Its colour is Orange. Qualities include giving and receiving, sexual love, new ideas, harmony and creativity.

Chakra 3. Solar Plexus Chakra. Located above the navel, below the chest. Its colour is Yellow. Includes personal power, authority, energy, transformation, laughter, fear.

Chakra 4. Heart Chakra. Located in the centre of the chest. Its colour is Green. Qualities are devine unconditional love, forgiveness, balance, peace, acceptance.

Chakra 5. Throat Chakra. Located at throat area. Its colour is Blue. Qualities are communication, true creative expression.

Chakra 6. Third Eye or Brow Chakra. Located in centre of forehead between the eyebrows. Its colour is Indigo. Includes intuition, imagination, peace of mind, wisdom, intuitive centre.

Chakra 7. Crown Chakra. Located at top of the head. Its colours Violet, White. Includes Oneness with the universe, spiritual will, inspiration.

*Can-Fit-Pro NWS

Probiotic Care

There are over 500 different types of bacteria in the digestive system; the two most prevalent are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium.
Bifidobacterium are the most prevalent bacteria in the large intestine, while Lactobacilli are the most prevalent in the small intestine. As we age, studies show that our levels of Bifidobacterium decline, while harmful pathogenic bacteria increase. This is one of the main reasons that
intestinal ailments increase as we age.

Did you know!!!

• That 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system!
• Beneficial bacteria help the body to produce vitamins, digest foods, and control overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungus and keep your immune system strong?
• That there are two types of probiotics?
  Resident strains are naturally found in the human intestine. They re-establish and adhere to the intestinal tract to repair the body's intestinal flora (beneficial bacterial balance).
  Transient strains are found outside of the human intestinal system, but are extremely beneficial in maintaining its health. They are found living symbiotically on plants including many vegetables (if they have not been destroyed by pesticides). They do not re-establish in the intestinal tract, therefore it is necessary to consume them by either eating organic vegetables or take supplements.
  They provide numerous health benefits as they pass through the digestive tract.

Renew Life's Ultimate Flora Critical Care is a 50 billion culture, 10 strain probiotic formula designed for treating chronic intestinal ailments in both the small and large intestine. Ultimate Flora Critical Care contains therapeutic levels of both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, making it the most complete and effective probiotic supplement on the market. Renew Life also carries FloraSMART Extra Strength (6Billion Bateria), and FloraSMART (2 Billion Bateria).

These and other Renew Life products can be found at your local Health Food store, or visit at http://www.renewlife.ca/

The liver plays an important role in our body. It's important to understand its many functions (over 500 of them), and what it takes to support it and facilitate its job.

• other than skin, the liver is the largest organ in the human body


• anything that you eat, breath or absorb through the skin, is processed through the liver


• after each heartbeat, 25% of the blood pumped is filtered through the liver


• without your liver, you would die within 24hrs


• those 500 functions I mentioned includes some making important substances as cholesterol, blood proteins, clotting proteins, lipoproteins


• blood filtration, bile production, the production and break down of hormones, regulation of blood sugar, and detoxification of endotoxins (produced internally) and exotoxins (environmental)

The livers role to detoxify the body is to take harmful toxins and change them into substances that can be safely eliminated from the body. Should toxins build up, the liver can become overloaded. Some symptoms of liver dysfunction can include;

• jaundice


• pale stools


• pain the right side


• depressed appetite


• loss of energy


• metallic taste in mouth


• skin problems


• chemical sensitivities


• allergies

Preventative care begins with improved lifestyle choices such as reducing body mass to a healthy range, regular exercises and living smoke free. Healthy eating it also key. Choosing more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and limit your cholesterol intake by reducing intake of saturated and trans fats. Also eating more fish like cod, tuna, halibut, salmon, mackerel and herring.

A liver cleanse is a great way to begin addressing needs for improvement and maintenance of the liver. Please consult a practitioner if you have any major health concerns before considering a cleanse.

Fibroid Health

What is it?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumor growth within and around the uterus.
While most common among black women, fibroids can occur from the beginning of menstruation up until menopause.
Uterine fibroids can exist without treatment, and if problematic can lead to surgical removal and/or hysterectomy.



What can help?

Healthy Herbs…

Burdock: A common plant found in Europe and the United States. Burdock is an especially good detoxifier for the blood, kidneys, skin, liver, stomach, and lungs. This plant includes minerals such as iron, which can purify the blood. Burdock is also known to have anti-tumor properties, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. It has been useful for diabetes and a variety of female problems, such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, PMS, and fibrocystic breast disease.
Burdock is safe: there are no risks, no side effects and no drug interactions. You can supplement in pill form, drink as a tea, and from a tincture.

Chastetree berry: Chastetree berry is one of the most important herbs used for female reproductive health. Some suggest this as the best treatment for PMS. Huge numbers of women found relief with this herb. A number of studies have proven a major impact of total or partial elimination of PMS symptoms. This herb helps more than just PMS, a whole range of menstrual irregularities from absence of periods to infrequent periods, too frequent periods to too heavy periods. In addition to menstrual problems and infertility, chastetree berry is also able to help endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, fibroids and corpus luteum insufficiency. It does not contain hormones. It regulates hormones by working in the pituitary gland. Specifically increases progesterone while decreasing estrogen and prolactin. Even thou prolactin is the hormone which stimulates breast milk; ironically, chastetree berry can still encourage breast milk production in mothers.
Chastetree berry is very safe with rare side effects. 1-2% of cases found minor rash with itching and mild upset stomach. This herb can be supplemented in tincture form, extract and pill form.

Wild yam: As an herb for women, wild yam has been used for normalizing hormones. It also helps with menstrual cramps, infertility, miscarriage, morning sickness, menopause, fibroids and endometriosis.
Wild yam is safe and has no side effects even when used long term. It can be taken in pill form, dried powder root, tea and tincture.


All material supplied by, Healthy Herbs by Linda Woolven, M.H., C.Ac. and Ted Snider
Please consult a practitioner first before taking any herbs.