Over heated

Summertime is here and all the frills that come along with it. One of those can be extreme heat. Here in Toronto, we are entering our second week of extremely high temperatures rising up to the mid forties Celsius. Coupled with a dry summer thus far, you can see that this is a recipe for illness' like heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It's when the body is exposed to an excessive amount of heat and cannot sweat or cool down. Within 10-15 minutes, body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If emergency treatment is not provided, heat stroke can cause premature disability or even death.

It is important to be aware of prevention to heat stroke, and identifying the symptoms.

Prevention is cure...

• keep hydrated with plenty of liquids (preferably water)


• avoid or minimize sweet, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages


• take frequent breaks in shaded areas


• wear a hat, lightweight clothing


• try avoiding the outdoors while the sun is at its peak


• stay indoors with a fan, air conditioning, or in the basement

The following symptoms of heat stroke may include the feeling of confusion, dizziness, throbbing headache with a temperature over 103 degrees. The person's skin can get red, hot, and also dry to the touch. They may also experience nausea or lose consciousness.

By treating heat stroke, get the person to a shaded area right away. Keep them cool by giving them sips of water, fanning them, wrapping them with a damp cloth or spraying their body with water. Try monitoring their body temperature with a thermometer if available, to lower temperature to at least 101 or 102 degrees. Call 911 immediately as they can assist with further direction or until medical help arrives.

As summertime is desirable for enjoying the summer weather, which you should, just be cautious and keep in mind to avoid becoming 'over heated'.

Cheers

Go Green

Green. Not only is it a color, which happens to be one of my favorites, it can be a way of living. Green can represent our concept to thinking, living, and eating. Our environment is affected by our personal impact and carbon footprint that we leave behind.

The carbon footprint is a way to measure the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, like carbon dioxide. Ultimately, it is a useful way for people to conceptualize their impact in contributing to global warming.

We have to take the time to think about ways to lighten our carbon footprint and preserve our planet from further damage. Our generations after us are inheriting mother Earth and need to enjoy it in its most natural form. There's a lapse between awareness and action. People will know what they should be doing, but they just don't do it, either because they are waiting for more information, trying to get their minds in the right place to commit, or have excuses as to why they'll wait until Monday, or after the holidays, or until some other vaguely reasons rather then begin making changes in their lives. But the state of the planet is now at a tipping point. The world is in crisis, and there are no excuses to sit on the sidelines anymore. Our current choices and behaviors are warming this planet, and you can do something now to have a significant impact on cutting your carbon footprint. THINK ABOUT THIS.

Put plan into action, take accountability for your personal footprint and live green. Some steps listed below to cut down your carbon footprint:

• become a sustainable shopper and use a cloth grocery bag when shopping. If you purchase few items opt to carry them in your personal bag instead of buying a plastic bag. Consider transportation and distance used for shopping when your items can also be conveniently sold in one general area, instead of traveling to get to a store that has that one item for sale.
  
• reduce, reuse, reuse, reuse some more... then recycle
• remove unused cords from the electrical socket and turn lights off when leaving the room
  
• make sure your appliances are energy efficient ho hum, sounds boring right? One of the biggest hotspot to determine a person's personal "footprint" is that household food storage and preparation account for 25-30% of the total carbon load of that food.
  
• eliminate overprocessed, overpackaged, oversized, nutritionally empty foods that are currently hogging up space in your fridge, pantry, and daily food jaunts. Replace these with sustainable, fresh whole, delicious foods that are much healthier for you and the planet. This will clear out a bunch of unnecessarily calories that are keeping you from moving towards ur personal best health.

Green eating is paramount to attaining a healthy clean body. Eating foods that have no labels, and is in its whole state can assure you will feel better, look better, and function better. You can replace flesh protein with green protein. Foods like lentils, split peas, black-eyed peas, beans, and tofu. Also nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, peanuts, cashews, pecans, and soy nuts. These are nutrient powerhouses that are portable and last relatively long. They are considered high in protein, monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and many trace minerals. They can also provide excellent source of Omega 3 EFA's that promote protection from free radical damage to a cellular level, promote better cognitive function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Nuts and seeds are a winning combo of heart healthy fats and proteins that curb cravings and keep blood sugar and energy levels stable for hours.

It's not difficult to incorporate this ideas into practice. These steps can leave a lasting impact that you will benefit from immediately and consistently, and will impact others positively. Ready. Go!

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

Hemp

Hemp seed is a "complete protein" containing all the essential amino and fatty acids. The globulin edestin, found in hemp protein, closely resembles the globulin found in human blood plasma, and is easily digested and utilized by the human body. In fact, it is so compatible with humans' digestive tract that a 1955 Czechoslovakian study found Hemp seed to be the only food that can successfully treat the consumptive disease tuberculosis, in which the nutritive processes are impaired and the body wastes away.

Hemp is of special importance for People of Colour, for it effectively helps those suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia. Hemp herb, seeds, and oil (especially) greatly oxygenates the blood and decreases blood pressure. Hemp has been used to treat female disorders: morning sickness (though no one will endorse the smoking of marijuana, or any other substance, by pregnant women), uterine dysfunctions, menorrhagia (excessive uterine bleeding), and menstrual cramps. Hemp has also been used to treat countless dis-eases, including asthma, respiratory diseases, whooping cough, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, neuralgia, migraines, depression, insomnia, malaria, inflammation, digestive disorders, alcoholism and even drug addiction... which brings us to another amazing property: Hemp is not addictive nor habit forming! Smoking marijuana does not lead to addiction, nor to heroin and cocaine addiction, according to studies. Cannabis is nontoxic. No deaths from an overdose have ever been verified.

Hemp has anciently been used for spiritual purposes in cultures around the world. The waterpipe was developed in North Africa. Known as dagga, hemp is a sacrament and medicine to many African peoples including the Twa-humanity's ancestors. In ancient times, Ethiopia was known as the "Land of Incense" and is still renown for its potent hashish.

In addition to feeding, healing and "enlightening" Humanity, Hemp can save Earth and solve many of our ecology problems, including deforestation. Hemp is incredibly versatile. It makes the best, most durable, safe "plastic", glue, wood, fiber, paper, nontoxic varnishes and paints and even bio-fuel. Continuously, it purifies the air (no pun intended), removing detrimental positive ions.

Side Note: The natural chemical in hemp that makes you "high" has great medicinal value. Called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it activates when hemp is heated (cooked). For those who smoke hemp, it is safest to smoke it using a waterpipe. When the fumes are drawn through the water, the "bad stuff" (burnt substances) is left behind in the water while the THC escapes.

Reference - Drugs Masquerading As Foods, Suzar

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.

Combat That Hangover

Leading Causes of Hangovers

• Drinking more alcohol than your body can metabolize efficiently causes the toxins in the alcohol to build up in your body. A chemical known as acetaldehyde is an alcohol by-product and is responsible for the severe symptoms of a hangover.
• The ethanol found in alcohol has a dehydrating effect which is responsible for your raging headache, dry mouth and tiredness.
• Dark spirits such as red wine, brandy and whiskey contain more congeners (by-products of the process of alcohol fermentation) which increase the symptoms of a hangover. Cheaper spirits are also known to cause a worse hangover because fewer impurities have been removed.
• Body weight can be a key factor: A smaller body weight usually means a greater hangover.
• Mixing your drinks is a sure way to become inebriated and lead to a hangover. When you mix your drinks, for instance tequila and whiskey, you are actually mixing the different poisons of the alcohol together. More pressure is then placed on the liver to get rid of the toxins and cleanse the system by flushing them out...causing more dehydration.

To treat a hangover the natural way and cleanse and detox the body of toxins will serve to flush out the system, rejuvenate liver functioning and eliminate bloating.

Water is vital during this time as alcohol dehydrates the body. Migraine headaches from a hangover is also a key indication that you are dehydrated. Drinking water at room temperature will ensure the body to absorb quicker and rehydrate. Water is also an important vehicle to flush the poisonous alcohol toxins out the body, cleansing kidneys and liver. Vitamin C stimulates the liver to breakdown the alcohol. Start at 1,000mg per hr and watch for bowel tolerance as excess amount can lead to diarrhea which you want to avoid as your body needs to hydrate itself. B-vitamins aid in metabolizing carbohydrates (alcohol) and dilating blood vessels. Taking 50-75mg of B-Complex twice daily will also ensure the energy level is restored. Peppermint herb will cool and relax the intestines. As well as remove accumulated gas away from the stomach and intestines. Boil the herb and drink 1-2 cups. Ginger root is also a good agent in soothing and settling down the stomach from feelings of nausea. Take 500mg every few hours or boil root as a tea and drink. Eat a balanced diet comprised of whole grain carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and protein even if you don't have an appetite. Your body needs the essential nutrients like fibre and antioxidants to protect and remove unwanted toxins.

Preventative Care

Before going out for drinks make sure your stomach is not empty. Some starchy foods like bread are best as they slow down the alcohol absorption.

Its always better to drink slowly because less amount of alcohol reaches the brain when consumed slowly.

Do not mix your alcohol. The lighter the shade of alcoholic beverage (ie. white wine over red wine) the lighter the hangover.

Drink water during and before going to bed to avoid dehydration.

Cheers to the New Year and always remember to drink responsibly*

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." - Albert Einstein

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed childhood behavioural disorder. A child that suffers from ADHD is really hyperactive, struggles to focus and acts impulsively. Many children demonstrate this behaviours on occasion, while sufferers of ADHD behave this way continuously. Among children, boys are 3x's more likely than girls to be diagnosed. Parents are left feeling that they have failed at raising their children and desperate. They take their child(ren) to see their family doctor to explain these symptoms. Without treating the cause, they're focused on medicating those symptoms with prescribed drugs like Ritalin.

Ritalin has a structure similar to amphetamines and as such, has an amphetamine-like effect on the nervous system. Stimulants such as Ecstasy, Amphetamines, and Ritalin work by increasing amounts of dopamine in the Frontal Cortex, the area of the brain responsible for both focus (working memory) and reward (pleasure center). These compounds cause indirect stimulation by displacing dopamine from pre-synaptic vesicles. The result is either a massive rush of dopamine flow that can provide intense euphoria (MDMA, Ecstasy) or a more controlled release that assists working memory and attention span (Ritalin). However, due to the fact that the pleasure center of the brain is also located in the frontal cortex, the risk for addiction and potential for abuse is quite substantial. As such, Ritalin and Amphetamines are categorized as Schedule II Controlled Substances in the U.S. These medicines have the highest abuse and dependence potential for drugs with medicinal purposes. Other examples of Schedule II Controlled Substances include Morphine, Demerol, Speed, Opium, and Cocaine. Schedule I Controlled Substances are considered to be LSD and Heroin.

Here's what these children face after being put on Ritalin;

• if you take Ritalin as a teenager, you may not be hired to work in the US Government in a job that involves state secretes or national security. You can be elected but not hired


• According to the 2000 US Military Recruitment Manual, you may not join the Army, Airforce, Navy, or Marines if you are on Ritalin because you are a class II drug user. You must get a doctors note saying you've been off for 3yrs


• Insurance companies can turn you down for pre-existing condition of Attention Deficit or raise your rates as a schedule II drug user.

Natural Preventative Care

Aside from treating symptoms with Schedule II Controlled Substances, we can look at treating the causes. Watch this video for an idea. (right click on link, open new window)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvIq8WISUo

"The fish only knows that it lives in the water, after it is already on the river bank. Without our awareness of another world out there, it would never occur to us to change."

Prostate

The fact that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, and affects 1 in 6 men, and is a greater threat for those with a family history of the disease is alarming. With heredity factors, prostate cancer can also develop with dietary and environmental factors.

The anatomy of the prostate is divided into three internal zones: the peripheral zone, the transition zone and the central zone.

The peripheral zone is located in the back part of the prostate near the rectum. It contains the majority of the glands in the prostate and is the region where most prostate cancers develop. In younger men, the peripheral zone makes up over half of the prostate.

The transition zone, next to the urethra, is the zone that enlarges with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Beginning around age 40, the transition zone begins to increase in size and eventually becomes the largest zone of the prostate.
The central zone is involved in the connection of seminal vesicles to the prostate and contains most of the rest of the organs glands.

The prostate has three functions. It produces fluid for semen, which helps move sperm during orgasm; it makes prostate specific antigen (PSA); and it controls urine flow.

Natural Preventative Care

Garlic: Men who eat more foods in the garlic family - especially garlic, scallions, leeks and onions - have significant reduction in the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Green Tea: The flavonoids, or polyphenols in green tea are very powerful anti-oxidants that help prevent cell damage. People who drink green tea regularly have less cancer, including prostate cancer.

Maitake mushroom: The maitake D-fraction was tested in a laboratory against hormone refractory prostate cancer (also known as androgen independent prostate cancer). When prostate cancer progresses to this stage, conventional therapy has been ineffective. There was almost complete cell death when the cancer cells were treated with maitake D-fraction.

Milk thistle: Although milk thistle is an important herb for the whole range of liver disease, it may also turn out to be an anti-cancer herb. Silibinin, a component of milk thistle, has been shown to be a strong fighter of prostate cancer cells in test tubes.

Soy: High levels of genestein, an important anti-cancer compound in soy, are associated with low incidence of prostate cancer. This isoflavone in particular, is a strong anti-oxidant that protects cells against damage and inhibit tumor growth.

Turmeric: Turmeric is not only a valuable anti-inflammatory. It also has shown potential value and promise against prostate cancer. This powerful anti-oxidant starves tumor growth and kills cancer cells without harming healthy noncancerous cells around them.

These are some herbs that can contribute to preventative care and maybe even treatment. Always consult a practitioner prior to taking herbs. Another preventative measure is to get the prostate checked annually. Also, with eating a healthy clean diet rich in mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre and essential fatty acids (both omega-3 and omega-6) and protein. Exercises and stretching to relax and loosen the pelvic area is also helpful.

"The greatest wealth is health." -Virgil

H1N1 Checklist

The flu season and most popular H1N1 flu virus is in full effect. We may even have been directly affected by it, or know someone who has. Prevention is still key and important for protecting ourselves and those around us. Here is a reminder on tips to keep from spreading the virus.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available


• cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand


• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected


• Stay home if you are sick

H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. The symptoms include:

• Shortness of breathe


• Fever (body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)


• Extreme fatigue


• Lack of appetite


• Cough


• Muscle aches


• Severe headache and sore throat

Some people with H1N1 flu virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. If anyone is concerned about their health or well being should contact a health care practitioner to discuss their personal circumstances. The majority of cases to date have been mild. Keep vigilant when applying these tips, plus choosing to eat majority of foods in its natural state and not processed.

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn

Sunny D

It seems that the city is in a state of panic! Concerned citizens line up for hours to get injected, with hope to receive protection from this virus posing threat and disruption to our lives. If only they look up to the Sun and embraces its rays, is one sure way that the immune system can be strengthened and repellent from any foreign virus lurking to destroy. On a sunny day, an estimated 15mins with exposure to the face, arms, hands and back (without sunscreen) is enough to absorb and synthesized into vitamin D. Of course this method is perfect if everyday were sunny.

Supplementing with vitamin D is ideal. Its an easy way to ensure good health through the cold and flu season. Vitamin D has strong antibiotic properties and some studies have indicated that optimal blood levels will prevent the flu far better than a medicinal route (toxic flu shot). The lower the vitamin D blood level, the higher the chance of respiratory tract infections. Commonly, people become sick with colds and flus during the winter. Some physicians suggest supplementing with 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day and even to prevent from the H1N1 (swine) flu. Tests have found no toxicity issues with ongoing supplementing, so it is safe. There have been High Dose Vitamin D Therapies for chronic diseases, up to 50,000 IU daily.

So we can see vitamin D plays more roles to the body other than the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, with functions including the maintenance of healthy bones. Any formula aimed for the immune system should also include vitamin A, beta carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin B6 and zinc.

"The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." - Voltaire

Immune Booster

It appears dated to say that we are entering "cold and flu" season, since it seems continuous of the cold and flu virus saturated through all seasons lately. We have to focus on keeping the immune system strong and resilient to feel and look good. In addition to supplementing, make note to eating properly by reducing the intake of processed foods. Consider a health chart to categorize food groups into; fruits & veggies, grains, protein, and fats. A healthy immune system also relies on the amount of stress one endures. Keep it reduced with techniques like relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation.

We can use some additional items to help facilitate our immune system to function well..

Vitamin C : acts as an immuno-stimulant by promoting white blood cell production and antibody responses.

Garlic : when finely chopped, garlic produces a powerful antibacterial known as allicin which can help reduce the risk of a cold by 50 percent

Goldenseal : it helps restore a healthy flow of mucous to stagnant membranes. Goldenseal also contains astringent factors, and by increasing the healthy mucous with its own antibodies may become effective within days of the sniffles.

Echinacea : contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, essential oils, polyacetylenes and alkylamides that act as immune system stimulators, giving the herb antiviral and antibacterial properties. It's also been noted that it has the ability to boost white blood cell movement into affected areas of the body.

Zinc : may be essential for everything from growth to brain functioning, linking this to immune system-related disorders as well as increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Its antioxidant ability and anti-inflammatory properties have since made zinc lozenges a staple for cold and flu sufferers.

Oil of Oregano : contains about 70 percent carvacrol concentration, and also contains thymol. Its effective for cold and flu sufferers, and works best as an early defence before the symptoms kick in full force.


*Viva

"Despair is most often the offspring of ill-preparedness"
-Don Williams Jr.

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.