A Silver Lining in the Housing Market

     The media always loves to focus on the negative, and it may get you doing so as well-well, don't.  The book and DVD called The Secret show pretty conclusively that whatever you focus on becomes your experience, i.e., whatever your worry about ends up happening. You know me, I always focus on the positive-well, here it goes:

POSITIVE #1:  Since the housing market has slowed down, more people are saving.  More savings provide more funds for banks to loan to homebuyers.

POSITIVE #2:  Since the increase in gas prices, people are driving less, buying more energy-efficient cars, and starting to install more solar features in their  homes-all good for the environment. People also are starting to move to the inner city, great for revitalizing downtown areas and giving families more time to spend at home with one another.

POSITIVE #3:  The fall in the dollar is helping our economy because foreign consumers are buying more of our products, taking more vacations here, and helping our trade imbalance.

POSITIVE #4:  The subprime lenders had sold homes to people who could not afford them anyway.  Now those less-expensive foreclosures are being bought by people who otherwise could not have afforded a home.

POSITIVE #5:   The slowdown in the housing market is confined to those areas that went up too fast, anyway-i.e., Florida; Washington, DC; New York; California; Las Vegas; and Arizona.  Now the locals there once again can afford to buy a home.  

     So savings are up, we are using less gas and moving back to the inner city, more people are concerned about conserving energy, our trade deficit is improving, and more deserving Americans are able to afford a home.  We also live in the best place in the world-what could be better? 

     Be grateful and enjoy your Thanksgiving.   God bless you all.

SOURCE:  "Housing Prices are Down, Oil is Up, and That's Not Really So Bad,"  New York Times, November 14, pp. A1 and A20.

Our choices for safer products are growing.  For hair and body care, consider using Burt's Bees (with the exception of their Poison Ivy soap which contains coal tar).  Their line is affordable, easy to find, and does not contain many of the potentially harmful chemicals found in most products.  For the face, a preservative-free skincare line that uses both nutrient and bacteriostatic water is best. 

EWG.org is an excellent site to learn more about products and ingredients to be aware of. 

Shampoos
Diethanolamine (DEA or TEA), Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Benzyl/Benzene.

Conditioners
Diethanolamine (DEA or TEA), Propylene Glycol.

Toothpastes
Flouride, Sodium Flouride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

Mouthwashes
Alcohol, Flavoring, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Deodorants
Aluminum, Butane, Propane, Propylene Glycol, Talc.

Shower Bars/Gels, Soaps
Diethanolamine (DEA or TEA),
Bentoic/Benzyl, Sodium Luryl Sulfate (SLS),
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

Shaving Cremes/Gels
Diethanolamine (DEA or TEA), Propylene Glycol,
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

Bubble Bath
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate
(SLES), Bentoic/Benzyl, Diethanolamine (DEA or TEA).

Cosmetics & Fragrances
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Feminine Products & Color Cosmetics
Talc, Toulene.

Nail Polish
Toulene

Ingredients by Name ...

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
It's cheap...It foams a lot...It thickens with salt.

Industrial Uses:  Harsh Floor Cleaners, Engine Degreasers, Car Wash Detergents, Laundry Detergents.

Personal Care Products:
Toothpaste, Shampoos, Body Gels, Bubble Baths, Facial Cleansers,
Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoos & Bubble Baths.

SLS can damage the immune system; causing separation of skin layers
and inflammation of skin.
-Journal of the American College of Toxicology; Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983

SLS penetrates into the skin and into the eyes, and is also held in the brain,
heart and liver. A single drop stays in the brain and body for a few days -   
       Doctor's worry: Is your baby safe?
-By David L. Kern, New health and longevity

SLS is a mutagen. It is capable of changing the information in genetic material
found in cells. SLS has been used in studies to induce mutagen in bacteria.
-Higuchi, Araya and Higuchi, school of medicine, Tohoku University: Sendai 980 Japan

SLS is a potent carcinogen when contaminated with a nitrosamines.
-FDA Report 1978

Propylene Glycol
Industrial Uses:
Anti-Freeze, Brake and Hydraulic Fluid, Paint, Floor Wax.

Personal Care Products:
Shampoos, Hair Conditioners, Hand and Body Lotions,
Skin and Beauty Creams, Deodorants.

Implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities;
can inhibit cell growth in human tests and can damage membranes causing
rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
-From Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Propylene Glycol causes significant number of reactions and was a
primary irritant to the skin in low levels of concentrations.
-The American Academy of Dermatologists Inc, Jan 1991

May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye irritation. Exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, central nervous system depression.
-From Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Fluoride
Flouride is linked to 10,000 cancer deaths yearly.  Flouridation is also
responsible for 40 million cases of arthritis, dental deformity in 8 million
children and allergic reactions in 2 million people.
-Dr. Dean Burke and Dr. John Yiamouyiannis, National Cancer Institute, USA, 1997

Research from St. Louis University, the Nippon (Japan) Dental College and
the University of Texas show that fluoride has the ability to induce tumors,
cause cancers and stimulate tumor growth rates.
-from Spotlight, May 1992

The NTP (National Toxicology Program) tests comfirmed what the Burke -
Yiamouyiannis tests showed - fluoride is carcinogenic. Flouride causes
bone cancer and increases the rate of oral cancer.
-from Spotlight, May 1992

Alcohol
Mouthwash Danger
Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% of higher have been
implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancer.
- Winn DM et al. Mouthwash in the etiology of oral cancer in Puerto Rico.
        Cancer Causes Control 2001 Jun;12(5):419-29.

Alcohol acts as a solvent in the mouth making tissues more vulnerable to carcinogens.
- Blot WJ et al. Oral Cancer and Mouthwash.
  Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 70. 1983.

Men had a 60% higher risk and women a  90% higher risk of these cancers
compared to those not using the mouthwash.
- National Cancer Institute 4/22/91

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
Phthalates were found in every fragrance tested and approximately 70% of all cosmetics tested. A study by the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, discovered that phthalates were present in every single person tested for the compound.  Phthalates are believed to cause major reproductive damage to women and especially to the male fetus of pregnant women.  Kidney and liver damage can also be the result of exposure to phthalates.

Talc
Talc is a very fine substance, so fine it can be used as a "dry" lubricant.Talc is a chemical similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. Talc is found in many "baby and body" powders, feminine powders and many cosmetics. It's also used as a lubricant on condoms! While it makes your skin "feel" slippery smooth, talc does so much more.How does talc keep babies and your private parts so "fresh"? Presumably by clogging the pores that secrete those necessary fluids. Also, those fine little particles manage to get into the system. And being similar to asbestos is not comforting, especially when used on babies and genital areas.Talc's harmful effect on human tissues has been known for quite some time. Long ago, its dry lubricating properties were used as a glove-donning powder (easy to slide on) for surgical gloves. As early as the 1930's, talc was linked to post-operative granulomatous peritonitis and fibrous adhesions.
-from Candace Sue Kasper, MD and Dr. P. J. Chandler
 
Talc ... (on condoms) ... may result in fallopian tube fibrosis with resultant infertility.
Question raised by Doctors Kasper and Chandler in Journal of the American Medical
Association. (JAMA) 3/15/95-from Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73p8(1)

"A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, long suspected because of talc's chemical similarity to asbestos, was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among women who used feminine deodorant sprays. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and women who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increased risk."
In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not
find enough of a casual link to justify even a consumer warning.
-from The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 1993 v9n7p1(2)

Aluminum
Found in Deodorants - Aluminum is a metal, the third most common element in the environment and a toxin in the body. You'll find it in processed foods, antiperspirants, antacids, paper products, beverage cans, foil and cookware.
World Health Organization conducts studies on chemical pollution and the elderly... "There is a suspected link between Alzheimer's disease and the toxicity of aluminum... autopsies have found high concentrations of the metal in the brain of people who had suffered from the disease."
-from Public Health Reports, Nov-Dec 1993 v108n6p798(2)

Studies linking aluminum to Alzheimer's disease... "The evidence is strong enough that the prudent person will eliminate all food and cosmetic sources of aluminum and will use aluminum cooking utensils only if they are coated," suggests Gary Price Todd, MD, author of Nutrition, Health and Disease.
-from Natural Health, May-June 1993 v23n3p54(2)

Dr. Daniel Perl, Director of Neuropathology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, suggests "...avoid aerosol antiperspirants. Aluminum in aerosol may be more readily absorbed into the brain through nasal passages."
-from The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 1993 v9n7p1(2)

"Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as three-fold. (also)...municipal water supplies treated with alum (aluminum sulfate)
...at least 7 studies show that people drinking water high in alum are
more likely to develop Alzheimer's"
-from Natural Health, May-June 1993 v23n3p54(2)

That’s how MIT describes the newly emerged science of Glycomics research on sugars and their impact on human health.

An increasing number of scientists believe that certain carbohydrates represent the next frontier in the search for non-toxic treatments for various degenerative conditions.

• Glycomics is the total body of knowledge about sugars and how they function.
• Glycobiology is the study of how sugars impact living systems.
• Glycoscience is the study of the structure and function of carbohydrate or sugar molecules.
• Glyconutrients are natural plant sugars.
• Glyconutritionals are products that contain glyconutrients.

The eight known saccharides essential for healthy structured functioning cells are:

1. Fucose (not to be confused with fructose)
2. Galactose
3. Glucose
4. Mannose
5. N-AcetylGalactosamine
6. N-AcetylGlucosamine
7. N-AcetylNeuraminic Acid
8. Xylose

Each of these glyconutrients is associated with a specific health benefit. To understand the purpose of each of these glyconutrients it is essential to understanding the overall health benefits.

Mannose is a major player in tissue remodeling and intelligent interactions between cells. The addition of mannose to your diet can accelerate the process of cellular communication and healing; inhibit tumor growth and spread; and prevent bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Cytokines are the chemicals that make the body feel achy when we have a cold or flu. Mannose plays a very essential role in the production of cytokines. Mannose is found in the inner leaf gel of Aloe Vera plant.

If you are at all familiar with any saccharide it is probably glucose. Combined with another saccharide, fructose creates what we know as table sugar. This saccharide is found in items such as candy bars, cupcakes, and ice cream as well as foods as bread, rice, pasta and some vegetables. Glucose is a potent, quick energy source that can be absorbed directly by the blood stream. Memory enhancement, calcium absorption and cellular communication are some of the central health benefits of this saccharide. One down side to Glucose is that to much intake of this saccharide will raise your insulin levels which can lead to obesity and diabetes.

Galactose is another widely known saccharide, though usually heard of only when found in combination with glucose. If you are familiar with the term lactose intolerant then you may be vaguely familiar with this glyconutrient. Together with glucose it forms a disaccharide (two monosaccharides connected) by the name of lactose. Galactose is found mainly in dairy products. Health benefits include inhibiting tumor growth and spreading especially in the liver. Healing of wounds and decreasing inflammation are other benefits along with enhanced cellular communication.

Xylose is an antibacterial and anti fungal carbohydrate. Research has given us evidence that Xylose may help prevent cancer of the digestive tract. Certain manufacturers will substitute xylose for ingredients such as sucrose and corn sweeteners in products like chewing gum or toothpaste. Unlike table sugar and corn sweeteners. Xylose does not cause dental problems.

Fucose is abundant in human breast milk and certain mushrooms. Research has linked this glyconutrient to a wide variety of activities in the brain including brain development and the ability to create long-term memories. An immune modulator, Fucose inhibits tumor growth and its spread. Fucose has been found at the junctions between nerves, kidneys, and even in the testes. In diseases such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and certain cancers, metabolism of fucose is found to be at abnormal levels. Another benefit found with fucose is its ability to guard against respiratory tract infections while inhibiting allergic reactions.

N-acetylglucosamine is not only hard to pronounce but is also difficult to find in our modern day diets.
In the immune modulator class along with Fucose, N-acetylglucosamine has anti-tumor properties and has been shown to produce activity against HIV. Glucosamine, which is used for cartilage in our knees, elbows, and other moving parts, is a metabolic product of this glyconutrient. Repairing cartilage, decreasing pain and inflammation, and increasing the range of motion in osteoarthritis are all benefits of glucosamine. Some symptoms of diseases such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and interstitial cystitis have been shown to improve with the use of N-acetylglucosamine. The most abundant supply of this glyconutrient is found in mother's breast milk.

Although N-acetylgalactosamine has not been researched to a great extent, it has been shown to inhibit tumor spread and help with the cell-to-cell communication process. Some studies have shown that people with heart disease have lower-than-normal levels of N-acetylgalactosamine. This is also found in the mother's breast milk.

N-acetylneuraminic acid is vital for brain development and learning. Some of the benefits that have been associated with N-acetylneuraminic acid are brain development, blood coagulation, lowering the LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol, and prevention of strains of influenza A and B. Those diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome as well as alcoholics have a hard time with the processing of this sugar. As we age, the levels of this saccharide decrease, causing the risk of problems in our health. One of the most predominant places that this nutrient is found is also with the above two glyconutrients in the vital breast milk.

"The missing link" as some health officials would call these eight essential saccharides is found in many different plants and fruits. Unfortunately their sources are not as saturated with these vital glyconutrients as they once were. Due to green harvest, soil depletions, and our utilization of processed foods, our bodies are not receiving these glyconutrients in the amounts that we need to maintain optimal health. Research is beginning to create the like between the epidemic of the breakdown of the bodies systems resulting in the illnesses that are so common today and the profound lack of glyconutrients in our daily diets.

If you are interested in maintaining the health that will enable you to live longer and disease free, please research these vital glyconutrients and find out how they can provide a life of wellness.

Glyconutrients are NOT synthetic drugs, nor are they vitamins, minerals, or herbals, nor a cure for specific diseases. They are essential nutrients for human cells to communicate properly, thereby giving the body and the immune system a healthy environment for the natural healing process to occur.
]]> http://blog.hada.org/jeanette/2007/10/glyconutrients-1.html http://blog.hada.org/jeanette/2007/10/glyconutrients-1.html Glyconutrient Information & Experiences Sat, 13 Oct 2007 22:27:16 -0800 Glyconutrition helped my Graves Disease (Hyperthyroidism)

People often ask how or what influenced my decision to become involved with glyconutrition. In addition to losing many loved ones to cancer and diabetes, my own health became a concern not so long ago.

About four or so years ago at age 28, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and was given the options of either taking medication for two years, have surgery, or take the radioactive iodine treatment. Of course, I chose to take the medication (Tapazol) for two years. Six months later I had gained over 20 pounds, was cold all the time, and dealing with muscle spasms in the chest, backside, arms and legs. Somewhere along the way I had also developed a heart murmur. For that they prescribed Propranolol, a beta blocker.

My endocrinologist retired around this time and I was reassigned to a different doctor. This doctor informed me that the medication was working as it should and the point of it was to destroy my thryoid, making me "hypo" instead of hyper, then I would be placed on the synthetic thyroid hormone for the rest of my life. This was news to me. My previous doctor had told me that Tapazol would regulate my thyroid and get it back on track. I was fed up, uncomfortable and depressed so I decided to stop taking all medication.

My husband, Naoki, had found out about glyconutrition two years ago and wanted us both to take it. Symptoms from the thyroid problem were coming back (temperature sensitivity to heat, constant sweating, tremors, blurred vision, weightloss, frequent colds, moodiness) and I was just tired of feeling terrible. About three and half months on the products I noticed the tremors disappeared and I could sleep better, as well as wake up refreshed.

After four months my weight evened out to 110 and has stayed there. I don't experience sensitivity to heat anymore, and the best thing is that my vision has improved. Stress has a lot to do with things too, so in addition to taking the products I looked for ways to relax (knitting, turning off the tv and reading, etc.)

I currently take the following products on a regular basis:

Glyconutrient(original formula) - 5 capsules twice daily
Antioxidant (highest avail on ORAC-O) - 3 capsules twice daily
Phytosterol - 3 caplets twice daily
Whole Food Multivitamin - 2 caplets twice daily (the recommended use)
Heart/Cardio Supplement - 1 capsule twice daily

Avoid: kelp, heavily salted foods, kale (the small quantity in the antioxidant product is ok), seaweed/iodine bodywraps (spa treatment)
------------------------------------------------------------

If you or someone you know has Graves Disease / Hyperthyroidism and would like to learn how I became asymptomatic and normalized my TSH levels, please contact me before you consider radiating, cutting (surgery), or poisoning through medication. To comply with certain regulations I gave generic terms to the what products I've been taking. Feel free to email or call me for names of the specific products.

As far as glyconutrients go, there is only one company that follows strict guidelines (GMP - Good Manufacturing Practices) to insure you're getting the same active ingredient in every container and serving. They also hold worldwide patents on this technology. I am aware that there are places to purchase those supplements cheaper, but from what I've read tests have shown that they don't come close in quality or effectiveness.

My life and lifestyle has changed so significantly since using these products. Whatever your health condition currently is, I hope you also find improved health and happiness with glyconutrition as I have.

The tea I had this evening was made with ginseng and dried pink rose hips. I was a little put off when I first opened the teabag as it smelled like potpourri, but after brewing it for a few minutes it made the prettiest and most aromatic cup of tea. Rose hips are high in vitamin C and can also be eaten. The ginseng teabag that you add separately has a flavor that takes getting used to. It's definitely an earthy tasting brew.

This is my favorite product out of the wellness preservative-free skincare line (containing no parabens, fragrance, animal products, harsh chemicals, or preservatives). I've blogged about this eyecream before and still love how well it works at reducing the puffiness and dark circles underneath my eyes. A few of my friends also use is as a firming cream for their neck and face. A little goes a long way and if you use it for your eyes alone, it should last for 2 - 3 months.

I went a little crazy and stocked up while in Japan (no shipping to pay!). If you'd like to purchase a jar, please contact me directly at healthluxe at gmail.com. Retail this product sells for $106.43 USD, but while I have a few on hand, you can purchase it at the Member price of $83.37 USD. Purchase more than one and I will include a bonus 4-piece travel set Free ($20 value).

Most preservative-free products require refrigeration or have a short shelf life, this line uses a special water formulated to prohibit bacteria growth without introducing harsh or possibly harmful chemicals. 60% or more of what we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. I recommend this eyecream to everyone, especially to women who are expecting and have heightened sensitivity to what goes onto their skin and into their bodies.

Ever since returning from Japan a few weeks, I'd been craving the simmered pumpkin that Naoki's mother made many times while we were there. Luckily, I found that Nijiya, our local Japanese food market carries organic Kabocha! The first time I purchased one, I selected the smallest (in case I made any mistakes in cooking it).

> It was simple to cut, scoop out the seeds, and slice into 1 1/2 inch or so pieces.
> To finish, place pieces of the pumpkin into a large pot, fill one third of the way with filtered water, soy sauce, and mirin (Japanese cooking wine).
> Sugar is optional, but I usually leave it out, as this vegetable is sweet enough (to me).
> Heat on high until boiling, then reduce to a simmer until the pumpkin is easy to cut through.
> Add a small drizzle of olive oil towards the end (my mother-in-laws suggestion) and serve hot or cold.

* My dear friend, who has the most amazing cooking skills, recommends adding butter. I have to agree that I love that richness it adds, but can do with out the extra fat, salt and calories.

* This lovely little dish makes a welcome addition to a packed lunch. It is rich in beta carotene, with iron, vitamin C, potassium, and smaller traces of calcium, folic acid, and minute amounts of B vitamins. <= last part pinched from Wikipedia.com

I've never seen fireworks as breathtaking as the ones in Japan!! Please be amazed at my remarkable picture taken with my low-res camera phone...

Tuesday and Thursday evenings were spent watching the summer hanabi/fireworks show in two different locations by the river. We had the best seats that gave us an upclose view right near the launch pad. Fiery ash and debris rained downed upon us and those unfortunate enough not to wear glasses got an eye full of soot. Naoki's camera equipment has scorch marks and we both sustained a few burns. There were also a variety of flying/biting creature near the water. Luckily I had a paddle fan to swat and smash with.

Since our business meeting was rescheduled for Saturday, we set out to visit some local shrines in Ise, which is approximately an hour and a half away. All together we went to three different places and walked through lush green gardens that have over a thousand years of history. The crown prince of Japan was set to visit the following day so the shrines were exceptionally clean and in order.

The first place was hidden within the city and appeared to be well kept. Naoki informed me that they move and rebuild the shrines at the particular place every 20 years as the gods tend to get bored of staying in one place. To me, I guess any change after two decades in one place would be good.

The second location we went to next was my favorite. It was so vast and had a river running through it. To enter, a long wide wooden bridge needs to be crossed and lengthy pebbled walkways surrounded by trees and foliage of various hues of green shaded lead you to each god's shrine. When you approach, you make an offering (a coin or paper money will do), bow two times, clap twice, then give your thanks. Oh, I almost forgot. Every entrance to a shrine has a well or fountain with ladles to cleanse your hands (some people also use the water to rinse their mouths) before entering. Aside from the amazing scenery, I loved that this place was next to a shopping area. We had a delicious lunch (see photo) of marinated tuna over rice, a smoky flavored miso, cold noodle w/ half cooked egg (somen), pickled daikon, and a tiny seasoned tofu patty, scallop, and what appeared to be a small purse of tofu stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables. Yes, all of it was super delicious!

Our third place to visit was a shrine for a moon god. I'm not sure what that exactly means, but this was a very hidden location. Due to the overcast weather conditions, it was really dark and difficult to see. Four shrines in a row were set up. After Naoki and my in-laws attended each one, we left for home.

We just arrived in Japan yesterday after a long journey by car, plane, speedboat, and minivan!

Our first place to visit was my in-laws in Mie. My lovely mother-in-law, Misako-san, prepared a wonderful assortment of dishes of different types of sashimi, homegrown edamame (soybeans), lots of fresh vine-ripened veggies from their garden, and mixed rice loaded with yummy bits of shitake mushroom, tofu, and other greens. In addition to their green tea, they also have a huge garden of tomatoes, cucumbers, shiso (a type of basil), grapes, and much more.

For breakfast this morning, we had grilled mochi (rice cakes) wrapped in seaweed, miso (w/tofu, seaweed, and more mushrooms), fishcake stuffed with cucumber, and more melon and white peaches...yum!

It's around 9:30 in the evening and I'm enjoying the view of the early fireworks show from our room at the Hotel New Otani in L.A. We arrived Thursday morning to meet with friends who live here and one who just returned from two and half months in Japan. My first meal was omurice from Blue Marlin in Santa Monica. It was steeped in a pool of demiglace sauce and decorated with a squiggle of ketchup. Honestly I think they used five eggs to make the dish. It was that huge!

The first three nights were spent in Costa Mesa where we took a short visit over to Mission Viejo for a MannaDay barbeque. So far this trip has been full of business and product updates as well as an overload of food. SoCal has an abundance of great places to eat, especially Japanese restaurants! I'll include some photos on my jeanette.hada.us page.

Most of the people we've seen in Southern California are thinner and more fit than in the Bay Area; however, I see a lot of smokers and sun-lovers here and it's reflected in their skin. The traffic here is overwhelming. I cannot imagine having to deal with the daily commute on a regular or part-time basis.

Ok, back to talking about the food, which is the my favorite part of traveling...

"All the things you wanted to know and understand about natural health care for pets but didn't know who to ask".

GLYCONUTRIENT VET EXPERT
Dr. Arthur Young, DVM

5PM PT / 8PM ET
865-362-4150 1027#

On this call Dr Young will be speaking about Glyconutrients and their role in dealing with the epidemic of immune mediated diseases in pets. To ask questions, please visit his web site at http://www.homeopathyanimals.com and click on the Ask the Dr. page.

With over 56 years of experience, Dr. Young has observed the price our pets have paid because of the effects of over-vaccinating and excessive use of steroids and antibiotics, in addition to the questionable quality of most processed, commercial pet foods.

Dr. Young will provide alternative solutions that are non-toxic, natural ways to treat animals—even animals who are seriously ill—including preventative steps that you can take to ensure your pets’ health and increase their quality of life.

This call will take place every first Thursday of the month.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Unfortunately this is only for North America!
--------------------------
VERY INTERESTING INFORMATION

I didn't know until I read it that the little stickers on loose fruits and vegetables have valuable information on them! According to a letter from 'a scientist knowledgeable in the field of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)' in the October 2003 issue of Gourmet magazine:

"A useful tip to the consumer [would be] a primer on how to read the little stickers on loose fruits and vegetables. Besides providing the store's cash registers and computers with product identification and price information, these stickers can tell you a lot about the food you are buying. A label with four digits indicates conventionally grown food. Labels with five digits starting with an 8 indicate that the food is genetically modified. Labels with 5 digits starting with a 9 indicate that the food is organically grown."

Well as soon as I read this I looked at all my little stickers and it's true! All my organic food had stickers with 5 digits beginning with 9 and all the conventional food had stickers with four digits. There were no five digits beginning with 8, nor do I plan for there to be, but what a great thing to know! Am I the last one to know this?

This year humans will generate around 26 billion metric tons of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) – that’s 4.3 tons per person. All that extra CO2 precipitates global warming and leads to severe human and animal respiratory problems.

The average European emits close to 10 metric tons of CO2 per year. Not to be outdone, the average American emits over 20 metric tons - more than 6 times the world average. Worldwide, idle computers alone generate 45 million metric tons of CO2, enough gas to fill 810,000,000,000 (810 billion) balloons. But while much discussion focuses on the need for government regulation, little has been said about the very practical things we can do in and around our homes to reduce our own carbon footprint.

There is a temptation to feel that as individuals we can't do much to fix the problem of carbon emissions - this is simply not true. Just by making the 20 simple changes outlined in this article, you can reduce CO2 emissions by 40 metric tons per year, enough to entirely offset the global warming effects of you and another person. So without further ado, here are 20 things you can do in and around your home to help decrease CO2 emissions.

A friend of mine sent a "Funky Sock Exchange" letter to me a few weeks ago. It was reminscent of the "Dish Towel Exchange" many of our mothers did during the 70's and 80's. Similar to a chain letter without the threat of bad luck, death, or involving money of any sort, this exchange, should someone decide to participate (optional, of course) would yield 36 pairs of funky socks from all over the place within a few weeks.

So far I've received two pairs of socks - one from San Antonio, Texas and another from San Ramon, California. This is the first time I've ever participated in one of these and it's been surprisingly fun!

If you'd like to participate, please send me an email at jeanette337 at gmail.com. Please keep in mind that funky is meant to mean "cool" or "stylish", not foul in odor.

------------------------------------------------------
funky

adjective
1. offensively malodorous; "a foul odor"; "the kitchen smelled really funky" [syn: fetid]
2. (of jazz) having the soulful feeling of early blues
3. stylish and modern in an unconventional way; "she likes funky clothes"; "we did it all in black and white in a very funky sixties style"
4. in a state of cowardly fright

For the past few months there have been numerous (but not new) reports on the benefits of drinking tea, especially the green kind! Naoki's family has a beautiful green tea farm in Mie, Japan and they are ready to ship 2007 spring leaves. The cut off date to order will be this Thursday, May 10.

This green tea tastes different and has a sweeter and fresher flavor than what is available in most stores here. It can be cold brewed as well as served hot. Please allow boiled water to cool for a few minutes before adding the delicate tea leaves to prevent burning, which can alter the taste. Hadaseicha's tea is dark green in color, has a bold taste and was carefully harvested by Naoki's parents. Orders are available only once a year and large orders can be stored in the freezer to preserve freshness. My mother likes to order the teabags in bulk and repackage them to give as gifts to her health-conscious clients.

Last night I found two teabags of my favorite organic mulberry tea and enjoyed it alongside my pastries filled with spicy fish roe (mentaiko) this afternoon. The flavors brought back memories of our travels to Taiwan and Japan two years ago. Taipei is where I purchased this wonderful tea. Naoki and I often ate Japanese style pastries/bread while we were running around Japan hosting presentations and promoting our business.

The movies and dramas I enjoy most involve food. I love stories that center around cooking and people coming together to eat. It's even better when they take time to admire the dishes or ingredients.

Truly stunning and breathtaking! Some pieces really stood out amongst the others and I wish I could have taken photos. I spotted at least two suits, five dresses, and a handful of corsets that I would love to own to admire.

My favorites in particular were her Barbarella corset and tutu, Armour outfit (Time Machine Collection 1988), Love Suit (Harris Tweed Collection - Autumn/Winter 1987), Boulle print dress (Portrait Collection - Autumn/Winter 1990) <= Inspired by The Wallace Collection/London Museum, Applicator Jacket (Anglophilia Collection 2003).


"You have a much better life if you were impressive clothes."
-- Vivienne Westwood

Next on the list to visit: Masterpieces of French Jewelry at the Legion of Honor

Diet and managing stress is important, but most of all I owe my current health to taking glyconutrients, phytosterols and a good line of supplements. I think I'm one of thousands (possibly more) that feel a sincere sense of gratitude to this particular company for developing this technology and making it accessible to people like me .

I am thankful that I was not deterred by any of the negative things written by a few people who were not knowledgable in this field. Had I listened, I may not have been fortunate enough to have found my health again and would still be struggling with the side effects of the medications I was taking. I often wonder how many miss a chance at finding something that might help improve their quality of life after reading or listening to someone's opinion.

This is the recent video release that features the new preservative-free skincare line. Personally, I like the Japanese version better; however, this was well done also. If you're local to me, live in the Bay Area (California), and would like to view the Japanese DVD, please contact me at HealthLuxe at gmail.com.

Wait 90 minutes or more to drink coffee, tea or milk,
after taking the iron.

Imagine being one of the first to join a successful company before it became a success? That would be positioning yourself in the perfect place at the perfect time.

We are now able to provide that chance as our company is in it's prelaunch mode to kick off a new technology in the form of a specialized skincare line. It has already proven successful in Japan and has been quickly selling.

We've just launched at the beginning of this month and will soon open in Taiwan and England. This is a well established, publicly traded, debt free company with exclusive rights to this new paraben and preservative free skincare that uses advanced water and nutrient technology.

There are a few ways to get started.  Contact me today at healthluxe at gmail.com for more information.

Did you know that there are a number of indoor plants that can help improve the air quality of your home?

NASA, along with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) conducted a clean air study on plants that may provide a natural way of removing certain toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde that often come from a number of manufactured items we place in our homes and offices (carpets, mattresses, etc.). The study looked at ways these plants might be effective at neutralizing the effects of sick building syndrome (SBS).

SBS has a lengthy list of symptoms such as the following -

* Headache
* Eye, nose, or throat irritation
* Dry cough; dry or itchy skin
* Dizziness and nausea
* Difficulty in concentrating
* Fatigue
* Sensitivity to odours
* Increased incidence of asthma attacks/appearance of asthma in non-asthmatics
* Personality changes such as rage/weeping/paranoia/depression
* Putative cases of bronchitis or pneumonia which do not respond to antibiotic treatment
* Symptoms resembling Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This is just a shortened list of the 50 symptoms usually associated with SBS. Indoor pollution does take a toll on our immune system and overall well-being. With the recent concern over the use of ionic air filters and the issue that they may cause ozone pollution, it may be worth it to invest in plants that will not only help clean the air but make your home beautiful.

If you have pets that like to nibble on greens, please make sure you purchase safe/non-toxic plants.

It's been almost a year since these paraben / preservative - free skincare products were launched in Japan and they are continuing to sell extremely well.

The most significant difference I've seen since using this line is the reduced puffiness under my eyes and the evening of my skintone and texture which is smoother. I have a friend who had purchased Hylexin for $99 and said the undereye cream from this line worked faster and better than that product. Another friend of mine told me that the mole on her right cheek has gotten smaller since she's used the line (it's been about three months).

If you would like to try the four main products before investing in the full-sized line, please send me an email (HealthLuxe at gmail.com) and you can order a one week travel / trial pack for $20. This includes the cost of shipping and tax.

Here's what you'll receive -

Face Cleansing Cream (12g)
Skin Lotion (10ml)
Skin Serum (5ml)
Eye Cream (5g)

Please use a q-tip/cotton swab when using the eye cream. Though the products are free from preservatives, it's beeter to avoid dipping your fingers into the product. This versatile cream works beautifully for the fine lines around the lip area as well!

As a bonus - we'll include a sample of our family's natural green tea (also from Japan)! It can be brewed in cold and hot water.

Lots of fun stuff going on, most of it tied into work. The best part is learning new things and meeting interesting people along the way. aahh, I forgot to mention I finally completed my certification in glyconutrition. yipee, finally.

As you grow your web application and become successful, conferences and other venues might ask you to speak about yourself, your site and your success to their audiences. As I have sat through thousands of presentations both at work and at events, I thought I would share 10 tips for presentation effectiveness. This is not an exhaustive list but by doing these 10 things, you will absolutely increase your effectiveness of giving presentations. Some of this comes from listening/watching CEO presentations where they have only mere minutes (5-7) to get their audience engaged and excited.

Tip 1: Leave out the PowerPoint effects
This is probably the most important tip of all. Why? Because each of these effects take time and can provide severe distraction for your audience. The most recent example I have of this is at AlwaysOn in NYC when the CEO of Payperpost presented. He had 6 minutes for his presentation and clocking the effects, he lost 81 seconds waiting for the next screen to load. Are the effects cool? Sure, but leave them at home.

Tip 2: Verify your presentation works
When I give presentations, whether they are to my team, or to a large conference, I always have my presentation on multiple media formats. I am a bit over the edge but you can never be prepared enough. Just providing it to the conference planner is not enough. I usually store the presentation on a remote file server, and a usb stick drive as well. So total of 3 places including my laptop makes certain that I will always be ready. You should be ready too. Remember someone might want to ask you later about your presentation so having it locally will help afterwards.

Tip 3: Be relevant
Make sure the presentation fits the audience. If you are speaking to a group of young women entrepreneurs, tailor your presentation so they get excited. If you are speaking to young kids, don't bore them with a speech showing your service working with elderly folks. Remember that it is all about tip 4... engagement!

Tip 4: Engage the audience immediately
Two presentations at AlwaysOn did a good job of immediate engagement. Unfortunately I was unable to get the company name of the first but they used the ding-dong sound from the TV show 24 to get attendees to pay attention. Great job because when they showed the clock like on the TV show, they kept the clock accurate. 3-4 times overall for 10-15 seconds but the audience laughed and was engaged. The other presentation was from ClipSync's CEO. He brought in a story from his days playing basketball in Israel which drew in the audience. Once he moved to the discussion of his service, the person sitting next to me asked, "why did he talk about basketball, I don't get it?" So I am assuming more than just this one person didn't get it. Make sure they get it.

Tip 5: Provide multiple means for contact
Offer attendees multiple ways to contact you. Where possible stay after the presentation for on-site questions. Offer a phone number and an email address for other contacts.

I'm so excited about the opening of Nijiya here in San Jose! It will be the closest market to us that sells locally grown, organic produce, Japanese/Asian food items, delicious cooked lunch box sets, and yummy desserts!! We've been traveling to the Mountain View location to purchase their special organic brown rice and to Mitsuwa off of Saratoga Avenue to find other ingredients. This is so much more convenient.

Hopefully there will be other wonderful retail stores and restaurants that come to San Jose's Japantown!

I actually thought dinner was going to be a simple affair with everyone sitting down to a meal, but it was much more fun with all the different dishes to try, the diverse company and interesting conversations going around the table. I am really blessed to have such truly special people as friends.

To satisfy my fix, I blended two scoops of French Vanilla low-glycemic shake with one heaping scoop of naturally flavored orange fiber/energy mix (no, not Metameucil for those of you wondering!) along with a cup and a half of cold filtered ionic water and a handful of ice (also made from the same water). The taste and flavor was spot on, and the plus side was that this frothy drink was low-glycemic, high in protein and fiber.

This same concoction makes a lovely sorbet if blended til smooth then placed in the freezer for 30 minutes! Yum :)

One of the best places to visit while in Japan are the 100 yen shops! These stores blow away any of the $1 stores that I've visited in the U.S. They have everything from accessories, kitchenware, specialty gadgets, cute stationary, and so much more. I love the ceramic dishes they sell. They range from simple coffee mugs to beautiful glazed pottery.

Well for the longest time, we've had stores such as Kyun offering merchandise from these 100 yen shops at a small elevated price (to cover the cost of shipping, etc.). The one that we used to visit in Milpitas is no longer there; however, Daiso, a large chain from Japan has opened a huge store in Daly City. Their grand opening was in December 2006 and from what I've heard, it was a big success. They plan on expanding throughout the Bay Area and currently have locations in Seattle and other parts of the U.S.

Our friend, Nobuyo, a skilled interior designer, helped in designing the interior of the Daly City store (which was formerly a Good Guys). She and her company did an amazing job of placing everything, right down to the snack area positioned next to the cash register...dangerous :)

Another friend of ours who owns a successful Japanese restaurant in Monterey selects, purchases and ships most of his tableware and settings from the 100 yen shops while in Japan. The cost is less than what you'd find at IKEA and their prices are phenomenally low!

Most of the items at Daiso are $1.50 unless otherwise marked. Nothing that I've seen goes beyond $5. It's recommended to use one of their tiny shopping carts unless you're on a budget, then I'd suggest a basket. It's just too easy to go crazy in there. I was tempted to buy several of the cute vitamin holders and may go back soon to buy and use them in a promotion.

Please visit this store if you have a chance. It's across from Serramonte shopping center and accessible via 280.