SB412 Complementary Integrative Medicine:

No vote was taken in Committee so it appears to be dead.

Herb sales up 3.3% in United States in 2010.

A new report published in the current issue of HerbalGram, the nonprofit American Botanical Council’s quarterly journal reveals that the sales of herbal dietary supplements in the United States increased by 3.3 percent in 2010, reaching a total estimated figure of more than 5.2 billion dollars.

Derma e wins Better Nutrition’s best moisturizer award

Better Nutrition magazine presented derma e Natural Bodycare with a 2011 Best of Natural Beauty Award for their Vitamin A and Green Tea Crème, Advanced Wrinkle Treatment.

Jamba Juice introduces Fruit Refreshers with coconut water

Jamba Juice Company announced the launch of their new Fruit Refreshers beverages with coconut water. The three new beverages are available in over 700 stores.

Lebrillenc skin brightener

promotes healthy, younger looking skin Lebrillenc skin brightener is a revitalizing concentrate that helps the skin rediscover radiance and brightness by combating dull skin, age spots and other skin blemishes. After 4 weeks of using Lebrillenc the skin looks radiant, brighter and lighter.

Press release

The Institute For Vibrant Living has announced that Pain & Brain is now 20 times better. Since 2005, the Institute for Vibrant Living’s (IVL) Pain & Brain rescue formula has been one of their most popular formulas because of its highly effective proprietary blend of Ayurvedic herbal extracts.

Round-up weed-killing spray and Genetically Modified Round-up Ready seeds are quite possibly the most threatening substances to the world’s ability to continue growing healthy food. While Monsanto, the makers of Round-up, claim that any damage caused by Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Round-up, is primarily sustained by the weeds it is intended to kill; with any remaining chemicals breaking down quickly in the soil, there is emerging evidence to suggest that the consequences of using Round-up may be devastating to plants, animals and humans alike.

“Round up-Ready” seeds have been genetically modified to resist the weed killer. This means, if you plant a field of “Round-up Ready Corn” you can spray the whole field down with Round-up, and everything that is not corn, i.e. weeds, will die. As usual, there is a cost to this conscience-less convenience. Round-up essentially attacks the immune system of the plant, similar to how the AIDS virus affects humans. It makes the plant unable to protect itself against certain micronutrients in the soil. The overuse of Glyphosate created severe deficiencies in micronutrients normally present in healthy soil, and an over abundance of new organisms previously unknown to science.

Recently, a team of US scientists discovered an organism associated with a rise in plant diseases in Round-up Ready corn and soybean crops, which are commonly used for animal feed as well. On January 17th of this year, internationally recognized plant pathologist Dr. Don Huber, a retired Colonel with over 50 years of experience studying plant diseases and who spent 35 years as a Professor Emeritus at Purdue University, wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsak. In this letter, Dr. Huber warned Vilsak of the discovery of a new pathogen and a possible link between Round-up, Round-up Ready Seeds (RR), and severe reproductive problems in live stock and widespread crop failure. It is rare for an infectious agent to promote diseases in both plants and mammals. The pathogen was found in high concentrations in RR soybean meal and corn, fermentation feed products, distillers meal, pig stomach contents and pig and cattle placentas. The organism is prolific in failed crops in many US Midwestern farm lands that have been treated with the herbicide, or were planted with RR seed. Diseases such as Goss’ wilt for corn, and sudden death syndrome of soybeans were light-to-non-existent in non-GMO crops in the same area, but commonly observed in RR crops. Livestock that fed on the GMO RR corn and soy also saw an increase in infertility, miscarriage, still birth and other fertility issues. As a startling example, 450 of 1,000 heifers who were fed wheat grown and treated with Round-up experienced spontaneous abortions. Over that same period another 1,000 heifers from that same herd, who were raised on hay and not exposed to Glyphosate, had zero abortions–ZERO. Remember that humans are mammals too; meaning that exposure to Glyphosate is not any less dangerous for us.

In his letter, Dr. Huber charges, “It is urgent to examine whether the side-effects of Glyphosate use may have facilitated the growth of this pathogen, or allowed it to cause greater harm to weakened plant and animal hosts. It is well-documented that Glyphosate promotes soil pathogens and is already implicated with the increase of more than 40 plant diseases; it dismantles plant defenses by chelating vital nutrients; and it reduces the bioavailability of nutrients in feed, which in turn can cause animal disorders…We are now seeing an unprecedented trend of increasing plant and animal diseases and disorders. This pathogen may be instrumental to understanding and solving this problem. It deserves immediate attention with significant resources to avoid a general collapse of our critical agricultural infrastructure.”

Dr. Huber requested a moratorium on the deregulation of further RR crops. These requests were ignored, and Round-up Ready Sugar beets and Alfalfa were approved by the U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA) a few months later. Instead of taking Huber’s concern’s seriously, they were ignored and attempts were made by the mainstream media to discredit and distort his research. Since then, Huber has released further evidence that was not yet complete or published, which support his claims, as well as research from other studies on GMO crops that have already been published in peer review journals.

If the USDA and our own government refuse to take Dr. Huber’s claims seriously, we as conscious consumers still have the ability to vote against GMO crops and poisonous Monsanto products, every time we go to the store. Every time we purchase organic produce, we are eating food that has not been exposed to Glyphosate. When we purchase grass or pasture fed, organic meat and dairy, we are eating food that has not been exposed to Glyphosate. When we refuse to purchase or use Round-up in our own back yards, we not only protect ourselves and our loved ones from Glyphosate, but we protect our neighbors from exposure as well. If we as business owners refuse to carry Monsanto’s products, we are doing a great service to our community. As responsible citizens, we must declare that Round-up and Round-up Ready crops can have no place in our gardens until we can be satisfied that they do not pose such dangerous risks on our food system. For more information about what you can do to aid the effort to ensure a more sustainable food system, see the links below.

References:

1.http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/sign/dr_hubers_warning/?akid=314.257217.t1iP73&rd=1&t=6#research

2. Dr. Huber’s Letter: http://www.lavidalocavore.org/showDiary.do?diaryId=4523

3.http:/alternet.org/story/150733/why_is_damning_new_evidence_about_monsanto%27s_most_widely_used_herbicide_being_silenced?page=1

Protecting yourself in the event of a serious radiation event involves much more than simply loading up on potassium iodide and various other iodine supplements. While high levels of iodine do protect the thyroid and glandular systems from radiation poisoning, they do not necessarily protect the rest of your body from the devastating and deadly effects of nuclear radiation. Two amazing superfoods — Spirulina and Chlorella — offer substantiated protection against harmful radiation. They also help to detoxify the body of harmful radiation after exposure, effectively protecting organs and other areas not protected by iodine.  Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031779_spirulina_radiation.html#ixzz1HFldM492

Spirulina, the incredible medical food used to treat child victims of Chernobyl

But little known is the incredible radioprotective power of Spirulina. Numerous studies have found that Spirulina protects the body against — and even heals it from — the damaging effects of harmful radiation. A 1989 study put forth by researchers from Zhongkai Agriculture and Technology College in China found in tests that Spirulina significantly reduces the gamma radiation-induced micronucleus frequencies in the bone marrow of affected mice. Bone marrow, of course, is responsible for producing new blood cells and maintaining the lymphatic system (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/…).

Chlorella, the detoxifying superfood with amazing radioprotective benefits.

Much like Spirulina, Chlorella is loaded with an astounding array of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help detoxify the body of heavy metals and other contaminants. The single-cell algae also helps to prevent and repair DNA damage, balance the body’s pH levels, fight inflammation, improve digestive health, and boost immune function (http://www.naturalnews.com/027894_c…).

A 1989 study put forth by the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences demonstrated that Chlorella effectively increases production of bone marrow and spleen stem cells. And in tests, Chlorella greatly helped improve survival rates among mice irradiated with a lethal dose of radioactive gamma rays (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/…).

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031779_spirulina_radiation.html#ixzz1HFlY9FSb

“If accepted [S510] would preclude the public’s right to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one’s choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God.”
– Dr. Shiv Chopra, Canada Health Whistleblower

It is similar to what India faced with imposition of the salt tax during British rule, only S510 extends control over all food in the US, violating the fundamental human right to food.

Monsanto says it has no interest in the bill and would not benefit from it, but Monsanto’s Michael Taylor who gave us rBGH and unregulated genetically modified (GM) organisms, appears to have designed it and is waiting as an appointed Food Czar to the FDA (a position unapproved by Congress) to administer the agency it would create — without judicial review — if it passes.  S510 would give Monsanto unlimited power over all US seed, food supplements, food and farming.

For more info go to www.usahitman.com/senate-bill-s510

Written by Ffjorren Zolfahgar |

Picture this print ad: a young woman is smiling a wide, toothy grin and she is happy to be alive. Of course, she is also donning an adorable outfit. Pretty swirls of blue, pink and brown flowers adorn the page. She is quoted saying things like, “I’ll do everything I can to help my dreams come true,” referring to her choice on getting vaccinated. The vaccine is Gardasil, which protects its recipients from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Apparently, it’s trendy, it’s cool and it will help you achieve your dreams.

Marketing is great if you’re looking to sell something. A nice photo and a few digitally created flowers can make any subject seem dreamy. But the reality is that many girls are getting sick from their Gardasil injections.

These injections are filled with ingredients like yeast, salt and water. Nope, they’re not making bread dough, that’s just the base. The other parts of the recipe include a compound of aluminum, used to jump-start the immune system. They also add a dash of Polysorbate 80, which has its very own list of allergic reactions and negative side effects. Don’t forget the pinch of Sodium Borate, the main chemical in boric acid, which is found in roach powder. Alas, the star of this FDA approved recipe, Protein types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of HPV.

This is how Merck & Co. creates the perfect vaccine, a series of three injections that will “gard” our daughters against HPV. According to Merck & Co. and the FDA, this vaccine will safeguard girls from cervical cancer and other HPV diseases. This could be a fairly true outcome, as it should protect them from four strains of high and low risk HPV. However, HPV is a group of over 100 related viruses and more than 30 of them are passed from person to person through sexual contact.

Therefore, boys have the same chance of contracting and carrying these viruses as girls do. However, Gardasil is marketed as a cervical cancer vaccination. It is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26. The hope is to limit or eradicate repeated HPV infections among women, as repeated infections can cause abnormal cell growth. This increases a young woman’s risk for cervical cancer. Most HPV infections go away on their own, however high risk strains have a higher chance of leading to cell abnormality.

It is obviously important for girls, women and men to be aware of HPV. It is also important to take certain precautions. Gardasil may seem like a great answer to a nagging question for some, but it is currently under scrutiny from the media, the FDA, CDC and more importantly, parents. This examination will persist as long as girls continue to get sick.

According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, as of December 31, 2008 more than 23 million doses of Gardasil were distributed in the U.S. Of those doses, the CDC received 11,916 reports of adverse affects that were linked to Gardasil vaccinations. There have also been 32 reports of U.S. deaths among females who received the Gardasil vaccination. Some of the illnesses that have been reported to the CDC, include, but are not limited to, lupus, fibromayalgia, seizures, massive wart outbreaks, rashes, paralysis and blood clots. At this point, long-term side effects have not been established due to lack of scientific studies.

If you’re concerned about HPV but do not want to receive a vaccination, you can lower your risk naturally. If you’re having sex with more than one partner, make sure to use condoms. Although studies are not linked directly to HPV, they have found lower rates of cervical cancer among women who use condoms. Also, pap smears are a must. Doctor’s are able to detect high risk HPV viruses early on. Unfortunately, there are no approved HPV screening tests for men at this time. For more information on HPV and cervical cancer, go to www.cdc.gov.

References:

1. www.gardasil.com

2. www.fda.gov “Patient information about Gardasil”

3. www.howstuffworks.com – Medical encyclopedia “Sodium Borate poisoning”

4. www.cancer.gov – The National Cancer Institute – “Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer”

5. www.cbsnews.com “Vaccine Watch – Gardasil Side-Effects?”

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix and rectum. You cannot see HPV – most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.

Genital HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. A person can have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex. Most infected persons do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus to a sex partner.

Very rarely, a pregnant woman with genital HPV can pass it to her baby during vaginal delivery. If it is passed from mother to child during delivery, the child may develop warts in the throat or voice box – a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. But sometimes certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in men and women. Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer and other less common cancers, such as cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus and penis. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer.

In 90 percent of cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. Yet, the body will remain a carrier even if HPV lies dormant. This is true of both high-risk and low-risk types.

Genital warts usually appear as small bumps or groups of bumps, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. Warts may appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected person. Or, they may not appear at all. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number. They will not turn into cancer.

• There are over 100 HPV strands of the virus.

• About 30 of these types are sexually transmitted and cause genital HPV.

• Genital HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not through an exchange of bodily fluid.

• Genital HPV cannot be entirely prevented by condom use.

• This virus is often asymptomatic – people usually don’t know they have it.

• About 5.5 million new genital HPV cases occur each year – this is about 1/3 of all new STD infections.

• About 20 million people – men and women – are thought to have an active HPV infection at any given time.

• Nearly three out of four Americans between the ages of 15 and 49 have been infected with genital HPV in their lifetime.

• HPV can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant, and then later be unknowingly transmitted to another sexual partner, including a spouse.

• Though usually harmless, some types cause cervical cancer.

• About 14,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year.

• Over 5,000 women each year die of cervical cancer in the United States.

• The best way to screen for cervical cancer is a Pap test, which may be done alone or in combination with an HPV DNA test.

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that sexually active women and women age 21 and older should have an annual gynecologic exam in addition to Pap tests at regular intervals (the frequency of Pap tests can vary depending on a woman’s age and the type of Pap test being done).

References:

1. http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_hpv_facts.cfm

2. http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm

Respect Your Liver – Your liver is critical to how well you age. It is an amazing organ. Located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, the liver is the largest and most complex organ of the body. It is responsible for:

• Cleansing and filtering the blood stream.

• The production of bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. When released, bile aids in the digestion of fats while helping to rid the body of harmful substances.

• Producing other important chemical compounds such as albumin, blood clotting factors, cholesterol and vitamin E.

• Converting amino acids and lipids into glucose, a simple sugar. This requires a complex process catalyzed by a series of     enzymes.

• Storing glucose in the form of glycogen, playing a critical role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

• Proper metabolism of proteins and fats.

• Metabolizing many medications, alcohol, and other ingested chemicals such as caffeine.

• The storage of vitamins A, B12, D, several of the other B vitamins, and minerals like copper and iron.

• Detoxifying the body from numerous substances like ammonia and metabolic wastes.

Over 500 chemical and metabolic functions take place in a healthy liver. It filters about 2 quarts of blood per minute making it the “garbage disposal” of the body. A healthy liver is involved in diet, metabolism, blood sugar control, digestion, detoxification and elimination. It is critically important to understand how the liver works and what you can do to support the liver properly. Your overall health and wellness, as well as how you age and fight disease, will be impacted by a healthy liver.

In Our Overly Medicated and Chemical World!

We live in an environment that has seen an increased use of chemicals and medication to process foods and treat symptoms. It is estimated that 80 percent of U.S. livestock and poultry receive some form of drugs/hormones/antibiotics during their lifetime. Pesticides, herbicides and other chemical storage methods are commonly used in food production. Add environmental toxins, chemical additives, certain processing and refining practices, coupled with substance abuse and you can see why today’s liver is under so much stress.

Additionally, the typical American diet creates an acidic environment. This acidic environment stresses a healthy liver, as well as other systems in the body. Is it any wonder why we are seeing so many people living lives compromised by degenerative diseases?

Part 2 will be continued in the May issue….

References:
1. http://www.aging-no-more.com/healthy-liver.html

2. http://maxenergy4ever.com

For more info, contact Tonja Park with Max GXL at (775) 848-8083.

Written by Rita Shurtliff |

There are many personal care products including deodorants and antiperspirants on the shelves today. The trend is to make deodorants and antiperspirants that smell like perfume. Have you ever considered what makes up the gel or white colored paste we slather under our arms to stay fresh and sweat free?  Remember the commercial “Never let them see you sweat;” sweating is actually very healthy for you. It is our body’s way of getting rid of unwanted toxins. Toxins are also known as chemicals in body waste, and the by-product that is produced when organs metabolize what is ingested or topically applied.

Unfortunately all products are not created equal and many health and beauty items are full of toxic ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients found in deodorants and antiperspirants are: parabens, zirconium and aluminum.

Over the last eight years, several research studies have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogen when introduced to animal tissue cultures. Estrogen has been known to drive the growth of cancer cells.

Research at Reading University has suggested there may be a link between the increase in breast cancer in the last 25 years which coincides with the introduction of antiperspirants. Breast cancer tumors in men and women tend to occur in the upper-outer section of the left breast, which could be because right-handed people apply more deodorant into their left armpit.

Some researchers think that by preventing sweating, you block the excretion of toxins which can build up in the lymph glands. Zirconium and aluminum in antiperspirants have also been found to enter cells and mutate DNA, which may lead to cancerous growth as well as disrupt hormone levels.

In addition to the above mentioned ingredients, there are several other ingredients that are not listed on deodorant and antiperspirant labels. Fragrances and or scents for instance; are they synthetic or are they natural oils?  Over the past decades more fragrances have been added to deodorants and antiperspirants. The scent of spice, the great outdoors, and lavender, to mention a few, may enhance the smell of deodorants but do they contribute to the effectiveness of the product? Are they toxic to our health?

There is of course a natural route; mineral salts have proven to be effective in stopping body odor and have been used to eliminate unpleasant body odor dating back to ancient civilizations. Mineral stones are available today in sprays, gels and bars.

Look for other “safe” choices, such as: deodorants made with vegetable glycerin, lichen, herbs or herbal extracts, de-ionized water or distilled water, green tea, aloe Vera, baking soda and essential oils. All of these ingredients may be found in stick, spray or in a roll on format.

Remember, good health is a result of choice – choose wisely!

References:

1. Top 7 Ingredients to Avoid by Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. “The Ingredients Investigator.” Dr. Farlow has been researching ingredient safety since 1991.

2. EPA & FDA Websites: Dr Samuel Epstein, University of Illinois, Chicago; Philippa Darbre, Journal of Applied Toxicology.

For more info, contact NatureRich at (775) 331-6490, specializing in mineral-based, pH balanced products.

NEWSALERT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon decide the future of a low-calorie, natural substance derived from the stevia plant. Stevia is of the sunflower family and native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America. The strain of stevia isolated and awaiting a possible stamp of approval is called Rebaudioside A – a pure compound derived from stevia and responsible for stevia’s sweet taste.

The natural sweetening capacity of this pure compound makes it ideal for the food and beverage industries. If rebaudioside is approved, consumers will find it more and more on the ingredient labels of processed foods and beverages.

Currently, FDA only approves stevia-derived sweeteners as a dietary supplement. In the past, FDA has not approved stevia outside this specific purpose because, as the FDA stated, “Available toxicological information on stevia is inadequate to demonstrate its safety as a food additive.”

Though not commonly used in the U.S., stevia originates from Brazil and other areas of South America where it has been used for centuries. Japan’s food regulations have also approved the alternative sweetener, increasing in popularity over the past few decades.

References:

1. www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=6374075&page=1

2. www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia4506.html

New noninvasive test may identify breast cancer up   to eight years earlier – now available at Tahoe Women’s Care

South Lake Tahoe – Revolutionary new test detects breast cancer cells eight years earlier. And Tahoe Women’s Care is the region’s only OB/GYN practice to offer this new HALO® breast test.

Women rank breast cancer as a top concern because many breast cancers are found after the disease has been growing for years. Designed to detect abnormal cells, a HALO® test may identify precancerous breast disease up to eight years earlier than a lesion might be found on a mammogram.

Breast cancers typically originate in the ductal system. According to a recent “New England Journal of Medicine” article, “benign breast disease, which begins as abnormal cells, is an important risk factor for breast cancer. A woman with atypical cells has a four to five times greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not produce fluid.”

Breast fluid cytology – the science of studying cells – has been used for years to identify high risk women in research. Before this system was developed, there was no practical way to test the general population. This is the first noninvasive tool to collect breast fluid in minutes.

Tahoe Women’s Care recommends all women age 25 and older have this test. Using a combination of warmth, massage and suction, the HALO® test uses adjustable breast cups to collect fluid.

The HALO® test does not replace mammography, thermography or self exam, but identifies high risk women. About half of all women won’t secrete fluid, which puts them in the lowest risk category. For those who do have abnormal cells, Tahoe Women’s Care will monitor them closely and counsel them on lifestyle changes, and may recommend imaging options such as an MRI, ultrasound, thermography or diagnostic mammogram, or discuss other options.

A HALO® test costs $75 and is not covered by insurance. Depending on your insurance, some or all of the resulting lab tests may be covered.

For more information, call Tahoe Women’s Care in South Lake Tahoe at (530) 544-8333, in Carson City at (775) 267-6700 or visit www.bartonhealth.org/HALO. Tahoe Women’s Care is located at 1067 Fourth Street in South Lake Tahoe and at 973 Mica Drive, Suite 200 in Carson City, NV.

By Sara Piccola |

There is no evidence as to why Nevada has the second highest suicide and depression rates, the highest divorce rate, and is a state with the highest drug use in the U.S.  The one thing we do know is we are all living here and are surrounded by these issues whether we are directly affected or not.

Statistics can be scary, sometimes unbelievable, but true. By 2020, depression is estimated to be the second largest health problem in the United States. Today, pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market segment for prescribed antidepressants. Who ever thought that over a million children under the age of 10 would be clinically depressed?  Depression is also linked to suicide. You might be surprised to learn that Nevada seniors, over the age of 60, have the highest suicide rates in the nation.

The worst part is, someone in your own home or who is close to you could be suffering without your knowledge, or even worse, you could be reading this right now and be suffering from depression yourself. People often feel ashamed to be suffering from depression or view it as a sign of weakness. This is not the case; depression can be the result of a small trauma, too much stress, or even learned beliefs or behaviors.

Depression has also been linked to wheat and related grain allergies, dairy and other food sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and the list goes on.

The good news is depression is one of the most treatable illnesses. Over 80% of people who seek treatment get relief. Treatment for depression must include healing the relationship environment as well as the whole person. However, nothing is possible without personally accepting the illness and then actively seeking treatment. A good treatment counselor does not focus on using anti-depressants as the cure-all, yet instead uses a variety of healing modalities.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of; there are numerous treatment options and support groups available, though, acknowledging the problem must be the first step on the path to healing.  The best thing about acknowledging a potential problem is the hope for improving the quality of your life. Like anything we do in life, the choice has to be ours. We only have one life, choosing to live happily can only afford us a fulfilled journey.

References:

1. www.upliftprogram.com/depression_stats.html

2. www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/pdf/dep_stats.pdf

For more information, contact Sierra Behavioral Solutions at (775) 348-5800.

From MOTHER EARTH NEWS, June 2008 |

Consumer opposition to artificial hormones in milk is rising, but Monsanto just won’t give up. Injecting cows with Monsanto’s genetically engineered rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) is like injecting human athletes with illegal hormones and steroids. It may have a short-term performance-enhancing effect (in the cows’ case, 5 to 15 percent more milk per lactation cycle), but cows treated with rBGH suffer from higher rates of mastitis (inflammation of the udder), birth disorders, hoof problems, diarrhea and other ailments. Because of these concerns, rBGH is prohibited in most industrialized nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all of the European Union members.

For more info: www.organicconsumers.org/action.cfm

By Frank Shallenberger, MD, HMD |

Phthalates: Consider what you put on your child’s body & your own…

Here’s a good parlor question: “Anyone know what a phthalate is?”  Three years ago, the answer would have been short. “What in the world are you talking about?”  Well like so many other new words we battle with, you might as well get used to this one. You’re going to be hearing a lot about phthalates in the years to come.

Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals that virtually all of us are exposed to everyday. They are used in plastics to keep them soft. So, every time you drink water from a plastic water bottle, you are also drinking the phthalates that have leaked out of the plastic. The same is true for foods wrapped or packed in soft plastic wraps. The “new car smell” that you smell in a new car is partly from the pungent odor of phthalates leaking out into the air so you can breathe them. And recent research is now showing that another way to get phthalates into your body is through creams and lotions that come in plastic containers. This fact has grave implications for our children.

Researchers at the Division of General Pediatrics, at the University of Washington in Seattle just published a study that shows how serious the problem is. They were curious about the many phthalates that are in the plastic bottles containing the creams and lotions that mothers use on their infants. They wanted to know if the phthalates were able to leak out from the bottles into the lotions and then find their way into the babies’ systems. What they found out was not reassuring.

They selected 163 infants between the ages of 2 months and 28 months who were born in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Columbia, Mo between 2000-2005. They examined the babies’ urine for nine different phthalate metabolites. All of the babies, every single one, had detectable amounts of at least one type of phthalate. And when they specifically looked at babies who had been exposed to the products within the previous 24 hours, they found that more than 80% of them had seven or more types. The highest levels were found in babies exposed to the most products.

And it looks like certain products are more to blame than others. The levels in babies exposed to lotion, shampoo and powder were more than four times higher than babies who did not use those particular products. No link was found to baby wipes or to diaper creams. The highest levels were found in babies who were exposed to lotions, who were younger than nine months.

The researchers concluded that, “Phthalate exposure is widespread and variable in infants. Infant exposure to lotion, powder, and shampoo were significantly associated with increased urinary concentrations of monoethyl phthalate, monomethyl phthalate, and monoisobutyl phthalate, and associations increased with the number of products used. This association was strongest in young infants, who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates given their immature metabolic system capability and increased dosage per unit body surface area.” Those are sobering words for 100% of all babies!

Previous research in animals and humans suggests that early exposure to some phthalates could reduce testosterone and alter reproductive organs, particularly in males. The three phthalate compounds found in the highest concentrations in babies in the study were linked to reduced testosterone in a 2006 study of newborns in Denmark.

Many scientists are concerned that such changes in hormones could lead to fertility problems and male reproductive disorders when these children grow up. Another potential consequence of high phthalate levels is premature breast development in young girls.

But the problem extends beyond products that babies are exposed to directly. What about exposure to phthalates while they are still in the womb, or during breast feeding? The phthalates dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) produced dramatic changes in male sexual characteristics when the exposure took place in utero. And these exposures were at levels that were much lower than what had previously been thought to be a concern.

Manufacturers do not list phthalate ingredients on labels, so we do not know which products contain them. But according to spokesmen for the industry, they are very rarely used in children’s products. So where are the kids getting them? The answer is that phthalates are probably coming from the plastic containers that the products come in. Previous studies have already shown that children absorb phthalates from sucking on plastic pacifiers, baby bottle nipples, and soft vinyl toys. A recently passed California law will ban the use of six types of phthalates in children’s toys and feeding products, beginning next year. But no federal or state law in the United States prohibits phthalate use in personal care products or cosmetics.

And why are children whose mothers don’t use the products still showing up with exposures? Probably from eating them. Perhaps breast feeding from mothers who drink liquids or eat foods stored in plastic wraps, or who are using phthalate-containing skin lotions, creams or hair products. Or maybe they are getting them directly from foods packed or stored in plastic wraps. Anything’s possible, because these products are everywhere. This study is the first to clearly show how easily phthalates can be absorbed through the skin, so watch for more updates about phthalates.

References:

1. www.ourstolenfuture.org/NEWSCIENCE/oncompounds/phthalates/phthalates.htm#health

2. Sathyanarayana S, Karr CJ, et al. Baby care products: possible sources of infant phthalate exposure. Pediatrics 2008 Feb;121(2):e260-8.

For more info, contact Dr. Shallenberger at The Nevada Center, 775-884-3990 or www.antiagingmedicine.com, specializing in comprehensive alternative medicine.

What to do about Phthalates?

Try to avoid the following:

1. Nail polish: Dibutyl phthalate is used to make nail polish chip-resistant. Look for it on the ingredients list–it may be shortened to DBP.

2. Plastics in the kitchen: Phthalates may be more likely to leach out of plastic when it’s heated, so avoid cooking or microwaving in plastic.

3. Vinyl toys: Phthalates make vinyl (PVC) toys soft, so don’t give them to children. Opt instead for wooden and other phthalate-free toys, especially during that age when they put everything in their mouths!

4. Paint: Paints and hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents. Paint somewhere well-ventilated.

5. Fragrance: Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the “fragrance” in some products. Since DEP won’t be listed separately, use products that don’t have the word “fragrance” on the ingredients list.

6. Vinyl: Vinyl is everywhere:  lawn furniture; garden hoses; building materials; and items of clothing (like some raincoats). Try switching to a non-vinyl shower curtain. That “new shower curtain” smell is a result of chemical off-gassing, meaning your shower curtain is a source of phthalates in your home.

7. Air Fresheners: Just like fragrances in personal care products, most air fresheners contain phthalates.

8. Other common phthalates to check for on labels: DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate); DiNP (diisononyl phthalate); BBzP (benzyl butyl phthalate); DEHP (di 2-ethylhexl phthalate); DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate); DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate); DMP (dimethyl phthalate); DnOP (di-n-octylphthalate).

Learn More About Phthalates

Here are several Web sites you can visit for more information:

• The Phthalates, Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480

• Natl. Resources Defense Council: www.simplesteps.org/content/view//147/37

• Enviroblog:  www.enviroblog.org/2008/04/phthalateinduced-asthma-gaspin-1.htm

References:

1. www.enviroblog.org/2008/05/cheatsheet-phthalates.htm?gclid=CIamkvnS_JMCFSQbagodAWDgWA

2. Baby Center: www.babycenter.com/o_phthalates-what-you-need-to-know_3647067.bc

Prunes & Pears Found to Contain High Levels of

Acrylamide Chemicals

– Natural News, Feb. 2008 |

A possibly carcinogenic chemical found in starchy foods cooked at high heat is found in high quantities in dried fruit, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and presented at a symposium on the chemical that took place in Boston. In the Swiss study, scientists found that acrylamide, a possible carcinogenic among humans, formed in dried fruit, particularly plums (prunes) and pears, even under relatively mild drying conditions. This was the first time acrylamide formation in food had been observed at temperatures significantly below the boiling point of water.

6 Good Eating Habits That Will Help Prevent Cancer

The American Institute of Cancer

Research Finally Gets on Board

By Sarah Baicker |

Excess body weight, even just a little, increases your risk of cancer, according to a study released this week by the American Institute for Cancer Research. But staying active and following six rules for good eating can turn the odds back in your favor, researchers say.

Researchers analyzed more than 7,000 large-scale studies over five years and are now convinced, said Philip James, a member of the report’s panel of experts, that excess body fat increases risks for cancer of the colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus and uterus, as well as breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

But the report also found that “there are changes you can make in the way you live that will reduce your risk of getting cancer,” said Jeffrey Prince, AICR’s vice president for education.

Among the eight steps the 517-page report recommends are six that relate directly to diet. Top of that list: two-thirds of every meal should be made up of plant-based foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.

Other dietary recommendations include limiting intake of “energy-dense foods,” foods that contain high amounts of fat, sugar or calories, such as fried foods, hamburgers and soft drinks.

Consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meats were also linked to elevated cancer risk. The report advocates eating no more than 11 ounces of red meat per week, and no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, and two per day for men.

The panel specifically advocated abstinence from all processed meats, such as bacon, ham and other lunchmeats. They were unable to find a level of consumption that could be considered safe.

In addition to dietary restrictions, the report also recommended being physically active at least 30 minutes every day. Tobacco should be avoided altogether.

“Eat less and exercise more,” Frank said. “Everything else is a variant of just that — you cannot violate the laws of thermodynamics.”

WASHINGTON — Medill News Service, Nov. 1, 2007