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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.

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Unfortunately this is only for North America!
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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.

One of the benefits of working with a friend who's a realtor and understands the finance side of the purchase is she's upfront about the difference between affording and qualifying. Property tax, maintenance, utilities, and other general living expenses, plus having enough to invest in either other ventures or the market allows us to expand our portfolio and make more investments.

One of our friends from Oklahoma sent us the most heavenly pieces of dark chocolate truffles! I would not be able to describe how decadent and delicious they are. They arrived in a modest looking pale wood box and were set in a gold foil tray wrapped beautifully in red tissue. Each of the 15 pieces of chocolate were well dusted with cocoa powder and melted almost instantly on the tongue. Every bite flooded the mouth with the most intense rich chocolate taste.

Yes, if I ever had to choose death by chocolate, I would choose to do so with these tiny pieces of happiness... (I'm speaking figuratively and not literally, of course.)

When I was younger, my friend's mother used to make the most amazing homemade chicken soup and used these types of dates to give it a touch of sweetness. The dates also flavor tea in the most remarkable way too. What's special about the dates we received is that they're organic, do not contain sulphur, and their huge size. Most of the ones sold in markets are small and have a tiny seed, whereas you can tell that these were allowed to grow to full size before harvesting.

Please contact me via email if you would be interested in ordering any of these dates. You can learn more about these special fruit (sometimes known as "jujube" Chinese, "daechu" Korean, or "natsume" Japanese) on Wikipedia!

--------------------
Gerald Ellison, Ph.D., director of Psychoneuroimmunology Services at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is another proponent of friendship for managing stress. He observed,

"Friends keep us from becoming isolated and lonely; they offer encouragement and support; and they help keep our thinking in line with the real world... When we're missing friendship, we experience isolation and loneliness. These feelings are associated with illness, discomfort, and general ineffectiveness as a person... Having friends can also be especially helpful if you're already seriously ill... Friends--if supportive and encouraging--can increase our hope when dealing with illness and trauma. And increased hope is associated with higher levels of immune system functioning."

Summary:
Friendship is a sound prescription in times of stress, for both our emotional and physical health. Dr. Ellison's statement seems a fitting summary:

"Friends--if supportive and encouraging--can increase our hope when dealing with illness and trauma. And increased hope is associated with higher levels of immune system functioning."

oh geez, I think I'm turning into one of those crazy bird people... This is Lucky taking a bath in Naoki's hands. He seems to prefer that over using the bird bath we purchased for him at a recent birdshow.

He usually takes a little time to psych himself up a bit by walking back and forth before he goes in for the plunge. It's really cute to see him close his eyes and stick his tiny face under the water, all the while flapping his wings to get them wet as well. When he's finished, he'll keep looking up at the white tube (see pics) to be set upon it to dry off.

Lucky Rupert Hada is a Fancy Yellow-sided Greencheek Conure. He is the smartest and best bird I've ever had.

This documentary-style movie stirred up a lot of buzz within our group of friends, colleagues and also online with many of the Yahoo Groups I'm a part of. If you haven't seen it yet, it's something I would highly recommend be watched to my family and friends.

If you live nearby me (in San Jose, California) and are interested in watching it, please let me know. You can also go online and view it yourself for $4.95 at http://www.theSecret.tv or purchase it via that site or at Amazon.

The following is an article by Tony Mase on why you/we should should always buy the best and surround ourselves with the best...

Enjoy.

------------------------------------
Why You Should Always Buy the Best

- by Tony Mase

© Tony Mase - All Rights Reserved
==================================

One of the single, biggest mistakes people make in their
quest for wealth is buying things because they're cheap
rather than buying things because they're the best.

Surrounding yourself with cheap things is not in any way
conducive to developing and maintaining the mental attitude
that's absolutely necessary for you to become wealthy.

In an article titled "The Constructive Attitude", the fifth
article in his "Lessons in Constructive Science" series,
Wallace D. Wattles, best known for his classic masterpiece
"The Science of Getting Rich", said this on the subject:

"... if you wear cheap clothes, eat cheap foods and surround
yourself with cheap things to "save money" you will put
yourself in the mental attitude of cheapness and
inferiority. You will think of yourself in connection with
cheap and inferior things, and so will see yourself as a
cheap and inferior person. The cheap and inferior within you
will be brought to the surface, and you will never do your
best. You will be incapable of exerting your whole power,
and by the law of reaction, cheap and inferior things will
move toward you."

On the other hand, in the same article, Wallace D. Wattles
said this:

"If you wear the best, eat the best and have the best in
your home, it puts you in the right mental attitude. You see
yourself as one who has the best, is of the best, as IS the
best; and the best there is in you will come to the surface.
You will take the mental attitude of faith, confidence and
power, and your success will be assured. You will take hold
of your work with conscious power, and your work will be
well done. You will BE the best, and by the law of action
and reaction, the best will move toward you."

Now...

Before you run out the door and go on a spending spree...

In addition to glyconutrients, I regularly take a plant-based phytosterol, an antioxidant that ranks highest on the ORAC-O* test, and a multivitamin/mineral. For the past week, I've been taking a new multi that is 100% plant-based, including it's minerals. My energy levels have surprisingly gone up and it feels as though my eyesight has improved as well.

Most of the better quality supplements sold on the market currently chelate (coat/roll) their minerals in protein or other matter so the body will readily digest them. Occassionally though this is not enough and some of us that are sensitive may experience nausea or an upset stomach. During the digestive process many of the minerals we take in supplement form are flushed from our system once the body recognizes that they aren't in food form.

How the system of consuming vitamins and minerals is supposed to work -
Plants consume vitamins and minerals from the soil => Humans in turn consume the plant to get these essential nutrients. Of course this is a simplified explanation, but the fact is 97% of the multivitamin/mineral supplements sold are not fully assimilated in our bodies.

When we recently visited the supplement aisle at Wholefoods, the only wholefood supplements on the shelf were ones that incorporated spinach or another vegetable along with their chelated or non-chelated minerals.

You can click here to order this wholefood supplement or email me at jeanette337 at gmail dot com for more information.

* Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity

I used two containers of fresh cranberries, one navel orange cut into small pieces, xylitol, and pure blackberry honey. All of the fruit and honey is organic. After using the chop feature on the blender, I stored the contents in a jar for this Thursday's Thanksgiving dinner. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or a light dash of ground clove can be added.

To keep from overeating during the holidays, I'll usually have a light meal two hours before consisting of food that I'm used to eating on a daily basis, such as brown rice, fish or chicken and a dark green veggie on the side. When we arrive at my family's place, I'll use a small plate to keep portions under control. If I'm too lazy to fill a second serving, I've probably had enough to eat.

My sweet-loving family also always have a variety of desserts to gorge upon. Mom's pecan pie is my weakness, so I'll have a sliver and a nice hot cup of cinnamon tea to accompany it. This time I'll bring a lovely chocolate port from Sonoma Port Works (I blogged about this earlier) for my sister. It's heavenly drizzled on vanilla bean ice cream.

This weird, but interesting looking citron is called a "Buddha's Hand" and was purchased at today's farmers market at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. It's scent is similar to a Meyers lemon, but more intense and slightly sweeter. I brought one home to show Naoki, since he has an interest in photographing strange things (you'll probably see it on his blog later)

Along with my buddha's hand lemon, I picked up one "pain epi" wheat bread (it's shaped like a stalk of wheat) at Acme Bread Company, and two organic oranges to make cranberry/orange relish. While walking back to the office, I broke my bread in half to share with someone on the street and stashed the other half in my bag containing the buddha's hand. The aroma of the fresh baked bread and citrus together created a wonderful smell!

The best part of eating that bread this evening was the light lemon taste it took on from the oils in the citron. It was perfect alone, though I did eat it with a small piece of pepper jack.

I'm not sure how clearly you can see these photos (taken with a Treo phone), but the tiny dinosaur looking creatures in the first photo are parrotlet hatchlings and the second is of Green Cheek Conures. They're different than Lucky, who is a "Yellow Sided Fancy Green Cheek Conure". His coloring is a mutation (a good kind of mutation that is..).

After spending time at the birdshow, we came home with Lucky's new toys and immediately showered and washed the clothes we attended the show in. We then washed all of his goodies and set them outside to dry.

Our friend Chie purchased a conure of her own. She found Takeshi, a Rosie Fronted Conure, from one of the breeders at the show. We helped her find a suitable cage, which needed to be large enough for him to roam around in, a large play gym made from a manzanita tree branch, and a Happy Hut for him to sleep in.

--------------------------------------------
PURSE BOTTOMS
Who'd a thunk?

Have you ever noticed gals who sit their purses on public restroom floors -that go directly to their dining tables? Happens a lot! It's not always the 'restaurant food' that causes stomach distress. Sometimes "what you don't know 'will' hurt you"!

Read on...Mom got so upset when a guest came in the door and plopped their purses down on the counter where she was cooking or setting up the buffet. She always said that purses are really dirty, because of where they have been. Smart Momma!!!

It's something just about every woman carries with them. While we may know what's inside our purses, do you have any idea what's on the outside?

Shauna Lake put purses to the test - for bacteria - with surprising results. You may think twice about where you put your purse. Women carry purses everywhere; from the office to public restrooms to the floor of the car. Most women won't be caught without their purses, but did you ever stop to think about where your purse goes during the day? "I drive a school bus, so my purse has been on the floor of the bus a lot,"says one woman. "On the floor of my car, probably in restrooms." "I put my purse in grocery shopping carts, on the floor of bathroom stalls while changing a diaper," says another woman and of course in my home which should be clean."

We decided to find out if purses harbor a lot of bacteria. We learned how to test them at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake, then we set out to test the average woman's purse.

Everybody is beautiful in one way or another.

http://www.katespade.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2130331

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

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science EditorTue Nov 14, 6:38 PM ET

They were so addicted, they just could not give up their favorite daily snack -- not even in the interest of science.

But chocolate lovers who flunked out of a Johns Hopkins University study on aspirin and heart disease helped researchers stumble on an explanation of why a little chocolate a day can cut the risk of heart attack.

http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html

If you're a part of the 7% of women who never miss a meal or make unhealthy food choices, maybe you don't need supplements. For the rest of us, supplements are a great way to fill in what's missing from our diets and may even prevent against disease. But with all the pills and potions on the market, which ones do you really need? The following guide will spell out which nutrients we should be taking every day based on the latest safety and efficacy research, which forms are best absorbed, and optimal doses.

The ground rules - Unless otherwise noted, all the nutrients on this list should be taken in a daily multivitamin with a meal. A multivitamin saves you money compared with buying dozens of individual bottles, and the nutrients will work better as a team. Also, recommended amounts are for adult women, not men or children. (It is specified if doses are different for pregnant, breastfeeding, or menopausal women). Bring this guide with you when discussing supplements with your doctor or when shopping. Most important, please remember vitamins cannot replace a healthy diet, but they can help compensate for what's missing - and provide you with peace of mind as well.

On that note, I'd like to interject and state that a wholefood, natural food multivitamin can be taken without food and without worry of nausea and stomach upset. Oftentimes multivitamin/mineral supplements contain minerals which are essentially dirt chelated in either protein or another matter that will trick the body into digesting it as food. The issue is that most of it isn't properly absorbed. The best way to get these necessary nutrients into the system is to take a multi that is made from natural plant matter that the body recognizes as food and is able to assimilate.

It seems a million dollars doesn't get you very much in the Bay Area these days. That's not exactly our budget, but it's the going rate for many of the plex properties in the 40 year old range in the South Bay.

Please read on if you would like a list of valuable real estate resources.

Making a Difference One Person at a Time

The Starfish Story:

There once was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore, as he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man, and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something, and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer he called out, “Good morning, what are you doing?” The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I guess I should have asked; why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?” “The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them then they’ll die.” “But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely, then bent down, picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”

-Author Unknown-

There is something special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions, the power to shape the future. We must each find our starfish, and if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.

There's something about the sound of laughter that's contagious, especially when it comes from a baby. Have you ever laughed so hard it hurt? The worst/best is when you can't stop laughing. I don't know how that affects health, but some of my favorite memories are of times like those. A few of my good friends have the best laughs, which are sometimes peppered with snorts as they try to catch their breath.

I love it when people laugh with abandon!

Interested in trying a sample kit? They're $25 including shipping. That's how much I'm purchasing them for, so there's no added costs. You can email me at jeanette337 at gmail dot com for info and/or a sample kit! There's also a prelaunch business opportunity, which I can provide more info on as well if requested.

For current glyconutrient associates - My sincerest apologies, but I am unable to market/retail products to you according to our company's legal compliance department.

There are always treasures to be found at each of the local farmers markets in the Bay Area. Today was our first time exploring the one held in downtown Campbell. We decided last Sunday while at Santana Row's Farmers we'd follow one of the friends we made at the Twin Girls Organic Fruit Stand to his new location and purchase some of their fresh pressed, organic pomegranate juice. As usual, we arrived 30 minutes to closing. We found our friend, Isaias, and puchased a bag full of Fuyu persimmons, red/black pluots, two pomegranates (cracked, how Naoki likes them), and two bottles of the pom juice.

If you've ever tried and liked POM at your local grocers, you will LOVE Twin Girls freshly pressed pomegranate juice! The first sip will make you pucker, but after your initial taste it really becomes so deliciously sweet. It would make for a wonderful popscicle, drizzled atop vanilla ice cream or even a fruity vinegarette dressing. One thing to keep in mind though, it's best to drink it in a small glass. While it is preferable to drink after it's just been pressed, it does contain a high amount of sugar. There's also a potent amount of antioxidants, but a little does go a long way.

More on the health benefits of these jeweled fruit -

- High in potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, fiber and polyphenols
- lowers risk of heart disease by preventing the formation of plaque
- preserves nitric oxide, a chemical that regulates blood flow and maintains healthy blood vessel health
- combats free radicals that may cause stroke, hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease
- high levels of antioxidants may prevent premature aging
- polyphenols may slow or even prevent the development of cancer

The cover of the program featured a DNA strand interlaced with fruits and vegetables, quite similar to a recent Newsweek cover that discussed the same topic.

Can what we eat/consume influence our genetic makeup and can we take a preventative approach to developing the diseases that are coded in our genes?

Westfield has really outdone itself and created an amazing shopping center in downtown San Francisco. The interior of the mall is beautiful with all the glass letting in natural light, especially through the glass dome preserved from the original building. It really did take my breath (and a good portion of my savings) away!

My good friend, Michelle, remarked that it reminded her of the malls in asia, specifically Korea (South, of course). After having the chance to visit it myself, I absolutely agree. In Taiwan and Japan, many of the higher end designers have boutique/stores within the center and the casual or less pricey shops are on the street, such as Gap, Benetton, etc.

So far I've checked out Mango (from Spain), Zara (from Italy), Juicy Couture (from England), Aldo, Adidas (they have the Stella McCartney line in stock), Bloomingdales, and a variety of the eateries. I did a little dance (internally) when I found out they would have a Beard Papa cream puff shop set up there. They have the tastiest shu creams filled with fresh custard cream flavored with Madagascar vanilla...yum!

Tomorrow, I may head over there with friends to hit the Dior cosmetic counter. The manager invited us to get makeovers. Everyone at the that particular counter was extremely nice without being pushy. She was most helpful in assisting me with finding the perfect birthday gift for two of my friends. I can't say what it was, as they may be reading this... Anyway, the Dior department is offering a sweet gift bag and makeover with a two item purchase. It's way too easy to go crazy, so I'll need to decide before heading there.

Whenever we plan on going shopping, window or otherwise, we usually try to fit time in to eat first then walk off the meal as we peruse the different shops. Moving after a eating aids in digestion, helps us fight off the grogginess that sometimes accompanies a carb-laden meal, and gets our circulation going. If I'm shopping for clothes on that particular day, I'll also refrain from overeating, as trying to squeeze myself into an outfit is an uncomfortable experience. Taking a two enzyme tablets prior to eating has helped speed up the breakdown of foods which I also find very helpful!

Can you imagine how gorgeous this place will be during the holidays?

Fresh and delicious, but not so pretty to look at, Artic White Nectarines were had at this past Sunday's farmers' market in Santana Row. We arrived for the last 30 minutes and most of the more asthetically pleasing fruit had been taken. Still those yummy, organic white nectarines from Kashiwase Farms hit the spot! They were sweet and still firm, although they were a little bruised. I've heard (and I don't know if it's true) that the ugliest fruit are often the tastiest. In this case, it was true. The two red pluots I purchased from them were also excellent and still lovely to see.

In my earlier posts, I showed a chart from EWG. When purchasing peaches and nectarines, going organic is best, as they absorb the most pesticides in conventional farming. These fall into the medium/moderate category on the the glycemic index. Consuming fresh fruit is often preferable over drinking fruit juice, which can raise blood sugar levels. Fiber from fruit can help time-release the sugars found in natural fresh fruit, making it easier for the body to digest and keep blood sugars at a healthy level.

This is Lucky, formerly Rupert, and he is a 3 month young Green Cheek Conure. This little guy has the best personality and is really energetic! I almost couldn't leave PetCo earlier today, but we had to return home to place our new purchased guppies into the fish tank before they ran out of oxygen. (yeah yeah, they're sort of cute too.). As soon as we arrived home, both Naoki and I jumped online to check the lifespan, care and noise-level of this breed of bird.

The Green Cheek Conure (which doesn't have green cheeks, go figure) has a lifespan of 25 - 30+ years with proper care, is the smallest of the Conure breeds, and makes the least amount of noise. That's not to say they don't scream or squawk - it's just not as loud.

So far, he has walked around the condo, shared a pluot, pear, and apple with Naoki, gotten familiar with his huge cage, and is now relaxing in the office. I will purchase a few toys for him tomorrow. A few sites mention that they love baths, so I might look for a large bird bath for him as well. Melanie, the one that did a wonderful job of raising him at Petco for the last month, told us not to overstock his cage with play items or let him ride on our shoulders, as he might develop dominance issues. The last thing I'd want is a spoiled and bossy bird, so we'll probably follow her advice.

Wish us luck on taking care of this sweet tiny bird!

Good nutrition and supplements make a positive difference in our health and for most of us, without our health often not much else matters. Mothers-to-be can really impact the future health and lives of their children by making sure their bodies are well nourished, rested, and avoiding substances and environments that can be harmful to both them and their growing fetus.

Steer clear of these - alcohol, smoke, sugar-free foods containing aspartame or saccharine (such as diet sodas, candy, gum, etc.), too much intake of high-glycemic foods (such as white rice, bread, and potatoes).

Instead consume plenty of these - organic produce (fruits and vegetables), brown rice (Nijiya Japanese Market carries the best tasting organic brown rice we've tried), sprouted wheat bread, and proteins purchased from trusted places such as Whole Food Market, Prather Ranch Meats, etc.

For several years, the medical community disputed that supplements were necessary. It wasn't until a recent publication from JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) stated otherwise. Vitamins/minerals, amino acids, phytonutrients, glyconutrients (saccharides), fatty acids, and phytogenins should be supplemented into everyone's diet.

From the American Heritage Dictionary -
sup·ple·ment (spl-mnt) n.

1. Something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole.

The old nutrition paradigm was of a one-way process: "bad" foods gave you heart disease or cancer unless "good" genes intervened to protect you. New research suggests a continual interaction, in which certain foods enhance the action of protective (or harmful) genes, while others tend to suppress them. This supports what we know from observation, that some individuals are better adapted than others to survive a morning commute past a dozen doughnut shops. Individuals have widely varying responses to high- or low-fat diets, wine, salt, even exercise. Overwhelmingly, though, researchers expect that conventional dietary wisdom will hold for most people. [from MSNBC / Newsweek]

When our bodies are fed well and cared for properly, they are able to perform the most remarkable feats that we're often not aware of. In the first videoclip, you can see how the quickly Listeria bacteria infections can spread. In the second, you will see a macrophage cell the human body sends out to consume and kill the bacteria.

Many of us have issues with digestion, either with acid reflux (heartburn), gas of some sort, constipation and/or diarrhea. Going from an unhealthy diet of junk/fast food to a super healthy eating plan can also cause an "uproar" in our system. What may be lacking are the necessary and beneficial enzymes need to properly breakdown our food, as well as a quality probiotic supplement to assist with the complete digestive process.

I plan on attending Dr. Emoto's speaker event at the end of the month. Please send me an email if you would like to join me. It would be more enjoyable going with others interested in his research.

If you aren't familiar with his work, please take a moment to visit his beautiful site at http://www.hado.net The movie "What the #$*! Do We (K)now!?" touches upon his research and has earned him several admirers of his teachings. The water crystal I included in this entry was titled "A Prayer for Peace". It is worth visiting his site to see the different water crystals associated with different words used on them.

You can find more about his October 30th appearance in the Bay Area on my calendar posted at my Xoops site at http://jeanette.hada.us -or- just click on read more..

* All Natural Gelatin-free Gummy Bear Snacks - These contain a blend of freeze-dried fruits and veggies, along with other added essential nutrients. (No colors, fillers or preservatives) They are so tasty, I find them hard to resist eating by the handful.

* Natural and Super Fresh Tasting Japanese Green Tea - Brewed hot or cold, this is honestly the best green tea I've ever had. Most of the tea we buy at the supermarket has been sitting forever on the shelves or have been overprocessed. This tea is actually green and makes the perfect substitute to coffee in the morning. Does contain caffeine, but does not cause the jitters like coffee.

* Travel size Aloe Gel - Oftentimes most aloe products do not contain the active ingredients that fresh aloe does. This easy to carry gel is soothing to burns, cuts, and irritations. The healing ingredient of aloe has been stabilized in this product. Sunburns, papercuts, scrapes and bug bites are a few of the things we use this get on.

* Preservative/Paraben-Free Skincare - This line will launch in the U.S. in March of 2007; however, we are able to have our family ship it to us from Japan. It isn't anything like what is currently on the market and the results are remarkable! Did I mention I love the eye cream?

Please contact me directly via email at jeanette337 at gmail.com

We are currently using a new skincare line from Japan that does not contain the harmful parabens or preservatives. So far the results have been dramatic; however, I did experience a cleansing reaction that the creator of the products mentioned might happen. I'm so impressed by the eye cream still. Prior to this I used eye gels/creams from L'Occitane, Chanel, Roc, Benefit (this one was pretty good too), and something by Perricone. Nothing, and I mean nothing could reduce the puffiness. The darkness did lighten up with some of the products, but only this Japanese paraben-free eye cream did the job. I'm kicking myself and wished I'd taken before and after shots.

Dogs provide us with unconditional love, help lower our blood pressure (unless they're misbehaving), alert us when there's someone at the door, and keep us company when we're lonely. In a recent article in Prevention Magazine, there are dogs that have the ability to use their keen sense of smell to detect certain types of cancer. More research is being conducted to see how this can help early detection without the pain of invasive tests.

Most of us seem to be starved on sleep as much as we are on nutrition. Included in this entry are a few tips on developing good sleep habits and maintaining them.