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Spice Up Your Autumn Days!

2011-10-23T04:30:50Z

Turn up the flavor and keep sore throats and sinus congeston at bay with a dash of this

Fiery Spice - Cayenne!

Did you know that cayenne hampers pain signals headed fro the brain?

Cayenne spice is made from dried ground cayenne chilies. Cayenne pepper is one of th emost readily available, easy-to-use sources of capsaicin, a healing substance that gives all peppers their fiery heat. The capsaicin in cayneen has the capacity to soothe a sore throat (even better than lozenges, which can dry tissues, increasing irritation). Cayenne also makes an excellent expectorant: a small taste releases fluids in the mouth, throat, and nasal passages that thin mucous, break up congestion, and flush out irritants, helping to stave off bacterial infections. used topically in ointments, capsaicin provides significant relief from muscle and joint pain.

How to Use It:

Cayenne pepper adds zip to foods ranging frm ot cocoa to chili and from peanut brittle to your favorite curry dish. It's potent, so start small and taste as you go, leaning tward mild heat- some foods seasoned with cayenne become spicier over time.

The Known Benefits of Vitamin D

2011-10-19T03:44:16Z

Help End the Government’s Shameful Silence About Vitamin D—the Natural Way to Prevent and Treat Flu Including Swine Flu!

Overview

With hundreds of thousands of seasonal flu-related complications, thousands of deaths from the flu, ANH-USA asks the obvious question: What are the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Health and Human Services (HHS) doing about it? The answer: Not much!

Those practitioners in natural health know the benefits of Vitamin D. But unfortunately for those in the CDC, FDA, NIH and HHS are still dragging their feet to let you know about Vitamin D. Could it be because it's not a pharmaceutical money maker?

I ask you to take action about this Vitamin and its benefits. Below is an blog from Alliance for Natural Health (http://www.anh-usa.org/vitamin-d-for-flu/). This is a great site to find out what goes on in government that will so greatly affect our future health and well-being for us and for our next generations. Please pass this information on to your family and friends. With your help we can do a revolutionary act for healthcare.

Our goal is to persuade the CDC, FDA, NIH, and HHS to step up to the plate and help educate the public about the critical role Vitamin D plays in preventing and treating the seasonal and H1N1 flus along with many other health problems. In particular, we are asking the CDC, FDA, HHS, andNIH to issue statements outlining the immense benefits to be gained from supplementation during the flu season. In addition, HHS should update the government’s web site,www.flu.gov to include well established facts about Vitamin D.

Studies show that least one-third of Americans are wholly deficient in Vitamin D. We all need to maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D year-round, not just during flu season. The government has an important role to play in getting this message out, but says nothing at all.

In anticipation of the government’s programmed response – that even more research needs to be done – we are also asking the CDC, FDA, NIH, and HHS to support and fund additional research on the importance of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D, including the link between Vitamin D and flu prevention and treatment.

Why is the government utterly silent about Vitamin D and its benefits? Could it be because big corporations are not pushing such an inexpensive and readily available form of prevention and treatment? Whatever the reason, the government’s silence is shameful. Please sign our petition to these agencies now.

Vitamin D: The Super Supplement

Vitamin D is safe and effective for the prevention and treatment of seasonal and H1N1 flus. The scientific research is clear. Yet CDC, FDA, NIH, and HHS continue to tow the vaccine only line, working in close partnership with vaccine manufacturers who will make billions of dollars and who have been shielded from any liability by Congress.

This obsession with a vaccine approach makes little sense given the lack of time to test the vaccine for safety and efficacy and the challenge of producing enough vaccine on time. It makes even less sense when there are natural ways to prevent and treat the illness that have been thoroughly validated by science.

We are all familiar with the adaptive immune response. Our bodies mount a defense against a new invader and then maintain antibodies against future attacks by the same invader. This is exactly how vaccines are meant to work. But for such an immune response to work, your own immune system has to be primed and ready to do its job. Good nutrition is critical for this. Vitamin D-3 is especially critical. Your immune system will not work without it.

Common sense tells us that what we eat will strengthen or weaken our immune systems. But even the best diet will not give us the amount of Vitamin D needed for the immune system to reach its full potential.

What Exactly Does Vitamin D Do?

When Vitamin D is lacking, we become a prime target for flu. By contrast, those with sufficient levels of Vitamin D are able to fight off or throw off these attacking pathogens. Vitamin D boosts the innate immune response in many ways, but in particular by turning on an antimicrobial protein.

Vitamin D also balances the immune response, preventing inflammation that can lead to flu-related complications such as bacterial pneumonia or lung infection. Inflammation was the leading cause of deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Our Vitamin-D mediated immune response has been with us through more than 60 million years of pre-human and human evolutionary selection. It must be critical to our survival, according to researchers at Ohio State University .

Flu is at least in part a Vitamin D deficiency disease. But the benefits of this wonder supplement go far beyond the flu. As John Cannell, MD, founder of the non-profit Vitamin D Counsel, has noted: “Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more.” We join the Vitamin D Council in urging our government to break its silence about this wonder supplement.

The Best Offense is a Good Defense

2011-10-19T03:38:33Z

As promised, here is Part 3 of our series for Fall Season Changes.

I couldn't help but use the quote "the best offense is a good defense". We could even turn it around and use Vince Lombardi's version, "the best defense is a good offense". Which actually might be more appropriate.

During times of stress our body is bombarded with external and internal forces that cause our system to create adaptation. For example, if it is cold outside and we are still dressed in our summer garb, our body starts to increase it's own natural body heat to try to keep us warm against the elements. That may be okay for a quick dash to the heated car but if we are left outside for an extended period of time it creates a stress on our system that weakens it and therefore leaves us more suceptible to other stressors. During the fall we spend more time indoors which can diminish out vitamin D levels and expose us to more germs, our schedules become more hectic with all the holidays, which also create more emotional stress as well as financial stress. We can also be less active and tend to eat more fat containing comfort foods. During the holidays we also tend to over eat and drink more alcoholic beverages than other times of the year due to parties and gatherings. Many of us travel during the holidays to visit family. Flying can be an extremely stressful event - preparing, packing, standing in long holiday lines at the airport, delays and then, of course, being contained in a "flying tube in the air" with, goodness only knows, how many other people and whatever illness they brought with them!

Okay, so you get the picture... So how can we build our defense system - the immune system, to be at the top of it's game amidst so many different stressors.

There is one particular product that I really love for building the immune system and it can be taken for several months at a time without fear of diminishing our own systems defense.

The product is Immunitone Plus®. It contains Goldenseal Root, Green Tea, Astragalus, Reishi mushroom, Monolaurin (Lauric acid), Beta 1,3 Glucan, Elderberry, Andrographis, Larch Tree, and Cordyceps and Shitake mushrooms. It is a great defense against bacterial assaults on the body as well as viral.

A number of immunomodulatory effects have been attributed to the medicinal plants Echinacea augustifolia and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Scientific studies suggest that the medicinal plants of Echinacea and Goldenseal may enhance immune function by increasing antigen-specific immunoglobulin production.

Green tea has been used for anti-tumor effects as well as cellular immune function adn the inhibition of tumor growth. The natural killer cell's activiity of a treated group was raised from 10.7% of the control group to 41%.

Astragalus extract improved the memory, raised SOD activity in brain and liver, decreased the Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver and kidne, decreased the creatinine level in blood, and promoted the activity of NK cells.

Another great product to keep Vitamin D levels up in fall and winter months is Emulsi D. In a single drop it delivers 2,000 i.u. of Vitamin D.

Fall Changes Part 2: Avoiding the Flu and Cold Season

2011-09-27T21:40:00Z

The Truth and Nothing but the Truth about the Flu Shot!

I have done much reading regarding the Flu Shot and vaccines and have found one of the most comprehensive and scientific research information to come from Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, DO. I think it is the best information that you will ever read on the flu shot - so rather than trying to recap her information, I will simply post this link to her website regarding Flu Shots.

The Truth About the Flu Shot

So now the question is how to avoid and diminish your exposure to influenza and cold "germs".

Okay first the simple, no-brainer tips -

1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. A quick rinse will not do the trick. Wash with warm water and soap for about 15 to 30 seconds - about as long as it takes to hum a verse of "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Don't just wash the palms of the hands, make certain you wash all around the backs of the hands as well too.

2. Keep your hands away from your face to reduce the chance of delivering viruses directly to your eyes, nose and mouth. This may be harder than you think, one study found that people typically touched their face fifteen times in an hour.

3. Avoid contact with sick people AND by the same token, if you are the one who is sick - stay home from work, school or social activities until you are well. This is how most epidemics spread. Simply staying home and taking care of yourself at the first sign of a cold or flu is the best thing you can do for a speedy recovery or even possibly heading it off at the pass.

One particularly helpful homeopathic for heading off cold or flu is Aconite. Aconite 30c is an excellent remedy for sudden illness, aches, colds, coughs, sore throat, flu, chills and fever. Keep Aconite on hand for quick recovery after becoming ill following exposure to weather changes, such as very cold or very hot weather, exposure to dry winds or inclement weather. Other symptoms that Aconite can help include sneezing, croupy cough, and red, swollen, sore throat.

Another great way to get the "jump" on the flu is to take the homeopathic remedy "Oscillococcinum". This homeopathic is typically prescribed to take at the sign of flu or cold, however, I recommend getting a 6 dose box and taking one dose at the beginning of each week for six weeks. This helps to build your immune system against all types of flu strains.

Facts about Oscillococcinum: It has a long history of efficacy and safety. Four clinical studies, including two which have been published in peer-reviewed journals, show that Oscillo reduces the severity and duration of flu-like symptoms such as feeling run down, headache, body aches, chills and fever.

4. Get a Good Night's Sleep. Lack of sleep may profoundly inhibit your immune system. For some of you this may be a regular nightly struggle - falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Relaxed breathing before bedtime can do wonders to help relax and de-stress your body. Magnesium is a great muscle relaxer and stress buster. The product Calm is wonderful for de-stressing your system. Melatonin can often help with getting a good night's sleep. And if it is a habitual problem I would recommend Neurotransmitter testing and then therapeutic supplementation to help bring balance back to the body and brain.

5. Stay Hydrated. Increasing your water intake will help you stay healthy and lessen the chance of you coming down with the flu. When you are feeling under the weather, drinking extra fluids prevents dehydration caused by fever, loosens mucus, and keeps your throat moist. Warm liquids are preferable - try green tea. It is a great antioxidant.

6. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise lowers stress which in turn lowers cortisol levels. But exercise can also stimulate your immune system and promote healthy sleep. In a recent study reported in Medicine and Science in Sorts and Exercise, scientists found that modest exercise may prevent the elderly form getting colds and flu. So bundle up appropriately and go out for a nice walk in that brisk fall air.

7. Listen to Your Body. As I already stated in #3 - If you do come down with a cold or flu, take it easy. Even attempting to perform normal activities at work or school may be too much. Besides, if you believe you're coming down with flu, the best thing you can do for friends and family is to not expose them unnecessarily to the virus.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's tips - The Best Offense is a Good Defense!

Fall Brings Many Changes -

2011-09-26T18:35:38Z

I love the Fall Season - cooler weather that let's me bring out of storage those lovely warm sweaters and funky scarves, donning my embroidered Uggs, visiting Julian for apple picking and sipping unfiltered apple cider, warming by the fire, creating culinary delights from seasonal foods such as pumpkin, apples and squash, riding my bike on a brisk afternoon and watching Sunday football! And, of course, who can forget Halloween and Thanksgiving - two of my favorite holidays.

In my nutritonal and homeopathic practice I have watched many of my clients start getting sick in the fall and winter seasons and then don't return to great health until the summer months. I have found several ways that really help them with keeping their immune and mental health strong during what many have found the most stressful of seasons. I have written a series that I will post over the next few days that give tips on how to stay in great health during the Fall Season. Hope you enjoy it and find it helpful as well as health-ful.

To your good health,

Keverne

Part 1: Keep Your Sunny Side Up!

The warm, sunny summer months have slowly diminished into cool evenings and hazy mornings of fall. Reminding us that we are in for a change. While fall seasonal changes can be fun and exciting it can also bring with it some changes that might affect our health.

Here in Southern California we don't see the dramatic fall foliage changes like the Northeast States do but we do experience a change in the amount of sunshine that we have been receiving and that change can make a BIG difference on our mental outlook and immunity. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) also known as winter depression, winter blues, or seasonal depression is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter. It is thought to occur due to the lack of exposure to sunshine. Vitamin D is known as the "Sunshine Vitamin". Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to sunlight.

Did you know that Vitamin D was essential for bone density, immune function, nerve protection as well as mood stabilization? In the fall and winter months we receive less sunlight and stay indoors more due to the cooler weather. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are getting a proper intake of Vitamin D and whenever possible find some time to get what precious little sunshine we get on those fall and winter days. Also increasing intake of foods rich in Vitamin D such as fish or fish oil, egg yolks, butter, mushrooms, and dark leafy greens. Taking Vitamin D with Vitamin A has been shown in some studies to reduce the incidence of colds.

How do you know if you are getting enough Vitamin D? A simple blood lab test can determine your Vitamin D levels. Therapeutic dosages can be determined from those lab results.

If interested in knowing if you are Vitamin D deficient or would like a quality high therapeutic Vitamin D supplement that is right for you, contact me via email or call the office.

Escalen Massage

2011-08-23T08:31:53Z

I am excited to announce that I am attending the Esalen Massage Institute to learn their technique of massage. As many of you know, I have been a massage therapist for years and since opening my nutrition and homeopathic practice I have not had many opportunities to utilize massage in my office.

In working with many of my clients I find that what most of them need is just a little down time to pamper themselves and mainly relax and unwind from all the pressures of life. I have been wanting to learn the Esalen massage for almost 13 years, and decided to finally take the opportunity this year and learn the technique so that I can help many of you that are in need of that down time. The Esalen massage is mainly long strokes and passive joint movement that is in a flowing and nuturing pattern. The following excerpt is a full explanation of the Esalen massage. It is taught at the Esalen Massage Institute in Big Sur - overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the sound of the waves in the background.

"The ocean provides a slow-moving rhythm very much akin to the internal rhythms of the body. The receiver rests on the massage table, draped, and the practitioner's hands begin quietly, with presence, attending to breath, allowing the receiver to drop inward. The long, slow, t'ai chi-like strokes awaken awareness, and as the tissues open to the warm of touch, the contact deepens, nudging bound-up muscles, drawing forth expanded movement. A relaxing sigh resounds through the body, and the practitioner responds with integration strokes into related areas. The massage continues, seamlessly, wrapping the torso arms, legs, hands, feet, neck, and spirit into a united whole.

The practitioner brings a knowledge of strokes (many have roots in Swedish Massage), of muscles and bones, of movement, of listening to the body as well as the words. Prior to the session, he/she pays attention to his own physical comfort, and quiets down internal chatter to welcome inner guidance, or intuition. As he massages, the practitioner responds to the signs of relaxation: deepened breath, enhanced circulation, a sigh, perhaps flutters of the eyelids. Each session is unique, tailored by personal requests, comfort level, physical tension and release, the felt sense of intuition.

The effects of this intentional touch, loosely categorized as "wellness/stress management massage", range widely. For some, it brings a renewed sense of health and vigor, others may regain a sense of safety with regard to touch. Often old tension patterns break free and old emotions are released. It signals a return to one's nature, a switch from everyday consciousness into a calmer, more colorful space less inhabited by the constraints of time and place. An out-of-ordinary reality.

The sources of this rich work are endless: it was informed by sensory awareness, Swedish massage, oriental medicine, meditation, gestalt practice. The influence of deeper work borrowed from Ida Rolf's teachings, Moshe Feldenkrais' sense of neural co-ordinates, Milton Trager's passive movement to awaken the mind, yoga stretches, somatic mind-body psychology, and more energetically based polarity massage and cranial-sacral work continue to "grow" the work. Each practitioner translates this into his/her personal art form.

At the heart of the session is a sense of empowering each individual to regain a sense of harmony, reverence, and balance, and to awaken inner resources for healing. It is not unusual to hear, "That was the most amazing massage I've ever received."

I hope that you will take this opportunity to set up an appointment to experience this most amazing massage and rejuvenation session

Mind, Body, Spirit

2011-04-04T06:51:00Z

So many times I have clients that are so run down and worn out. They take gobs and gobs of supplements and still no changes. I have often wondered what is causing so much stress in the body that supporting through nutrients is not getting to. Well, now I have an answer.

We often refer to our life as stressful - I would like to think of it that there are stressors outside of us and our body creates a balance between the external stressors by "pushing back" with it's own stress. For example, you come down with the flu. The external stressor is the influenza virus that is causing your body to lose it's perfect balance (which is known as homeostasis). Your body will try to regain it's balance by getting a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, aches and pains, etc. This will rid your body of the virus and then, once again, you have balance. The fever, vomiting and other responses are stress from your body to get rid of the stressor.

But what if you had a stressor that was merely perceived? Such as worry or projecting that something will happen? What if we have a situation that we attach more emotional emphasis than it really is warranted? These perceived threats or stressors can cause the body to react in ways that are not really necessary. What if we could reframe those stressors and alleviate the pain and diminished well-being that it causes?

Well, now we can. With the EVOX we can reframe perceived stressors so that your body can only have to deal with the identifiable external stressors that are truly causing your stress response.

Visit our website and the Zyto EVOX page for more information on this wonderful experience.

Fall Foods Provide Protection

2010-11-11T03:25:00Z

This Halloween, don't forget to save those pumpkin seeds after you scoop them out. Pumpkin seeds are not only delicious but also provide many health benefits. Here are ten:

Prostate Protection
They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

Improved Bladder Function
In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.

Depression Treatment
They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention of Kidney Stones
They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.

Treatment of Parasites
They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.

Great Source of Magnesium
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.

Lower Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention
The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.

Detox your personal care

2010-11-11T03:20:00Z

Quell body odor with deodorants that use natural mineral salts to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, rather than relying on synthetic fragrances and harsh antifungals such as triclosan and aluminum, which are linked to endocrine disruption; organ toxicity; and skin, eye and lung irritation. TRY: Crystal Essence Body deodorant

If anyone has other great deodorants that have worked for them please post a comment.

Intro to Workshops

2010-10-21T05:07:00Z

American Diabetes Month

2009-11-12T07:26:00Z

How appropriate that we look to blood sugar health issues after Halloween and all the candy it brings us and bring our awareness right around Thanksgiving when most of us are stuffed well past what the turkey ever was for dinner.
The following is an excerpt from the American Diabetes Foundation to bring awareness regarding diabetes in America in the month of November.

This November, join the American Diabetes Association in a national movement to Stop Diabetes^SM.

November is American Diabetes Month®—a time to shine a spotlight ona serious disease that leads to potentially life-threateningcomplications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness,and amputation.

This year, we need to take a bolder, more audacious approach to American Diabetes Month. Consider that:

24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes
57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes
1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue

As a clinical nutritionist I see more and more clients with blood sugar related illnesses. There are simple dietary and lifestyle changes that can be made in order to avoid diabetes and even reverse the effects of blood sugar gone awry. Let's examine some of these.

Lifestyle Recommendations:
1. Avoid stress and extra obligations.
2. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
3. Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer to ensure that
you collect steps and move more. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the
day is recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that
works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week).
4. Check blood vitamin D levels. Supplement with Vitamin D Synergy, 2 or more per day, until
optimal levels are reached: 50-100 ng/ml.
5. Practice good sleep habits and get between 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Take the "Are You Getting
Enough Sleep?" questionnaire and follow Insomnia Nutritional Support Protocol if needed. Email our office
for your copy of the questionnaire and Insomnia Nutritional Protocol.

Dietary Recommendations:
1. Avoid all sugars. Replace sugar with the polyol sugar xylitol.
2. Avoid white flour and all refined carbohydrates including cereals and pasta.
3. Get a balance of omega 3's (salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna) and omega 9 fats (olive oil, olives,
almonds, hazelnuts, avocados).
4. Choose lean, clean quality protein at each meal such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef,
fish (especially salmon and tuna), eggs and whey protein.
5. Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils and fried foods.
6. Cook with olive oil at a low heat.
7. Snack on vegetables and small amounts of nuts, olives or avocado.
8. Eat 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily (fruits must be limited to 1 -2 per day due to
sugar content) OR add one heaping tablespoon of PaleoGreens and PaleoReds to your favorite
drink.
9. Carry PaleoMeal Packets and/or PaleoBars with you to prevent missing meals or snacks. We carry a
delicious variety of low glycemic bars and the PaleoMeal Packets in the office.

Supplement Recommendations:
In addition to the core nutrient program recommended by your Health Care Professional and/or from
the results of your most recent Designs for Health Metabolic Profile:
Metabolic Synergy: 2 with each meal, 6 per day
Genuine Norwegian
Cod Liver Oil: 1 tablespoon per day
PaleoFiber: 1 tbsp in water with each meal
CLA: 1 with each meal, 3 per day
Lipoic Synergy: 1-2 capsules daily with a meal

Lipoic Synergy contains lipoic acid, biotin, andtaurine which all support blood sugar and insulin balance, making agreat combination. Lipoic Acid has been extensively researched for itsapplications in diabetes, blood sugar metabolism, heavy metaldetoxification, liver health, hepatitis, and diabetic neuropathy.Lipoic acid has also been studied for its effects on the aging processand in the prevention of wrinkling by protecting collagen in the skin.Most importantly, it has been found to be an essential nutrient fordiabetics to optimize the function of the insulin receptors

Presidential Green Thumb

2009-10-16T18:58:00Z

Have you heard?
Not only is the White House growing its own organic vegetables and setting up compost bins for kitchen waste, President Obama has hinted at organizing a farmers' market just outside the White House gates! If the plans come to fruition, you may be able to buy a bunch of Presidential Organic Produce. But why travel that far for organic produce when it is here locally?
Did you know that organic produce contains more nutrients than conventionally grown? This means that you can get more of your daily requirements from your food sources and less from supplementation.

First Lady Michelle Obama and students from Bancroft Elementary School came together Tuesday afternoon to harvest the White House's vegetable garden.

"Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work," Obama said in a speech to the students.

The students not only picked vegetables from the garden, but joined the first lady and White House chefs in the kitchen to prepare a meal from the produce. Obama is seen splitting peas with some students.

Planted back in March, the South Lawn garden provides organic vegetables for the first family, as well as formal dinners. According to Obama, the garden is also a "fun and interesting way" to teach children about nutrition and eating healthy.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

"The planting of this garden was one of the first things I wanted to do as first lady at the White House,” she told the students, adding: “You helped make this dream a reality.”

In her comments, Obama discussed the importance of regulating diet in order to eat healthy. She said that nearly one third of all children are obese and that roughly the same percentage will eventually have diabetes. She said "those numbers are unacceptable."

The first lady also said that medical experts predict that the current generation of children will live shorter lives than their parents due to dietary factors. Talking about her own life growing up, Obama said that eating habits have changed "substantially since I was a little girl."

"When I was growing up, fast food was a rarity," she said. "It was a special treat and we had to beg for it. Eating out was a luxury."

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Obama also said that "limited access" to nutritious foods "is often a barrier to a healthy diet." Many people around the country, she said, rely on inadequate sources such as gas stations and convenience stores for grocery needs.

Additionally, she told the students the USDA feeds 30 million subsidized meals to children each year. Because these meals are their primary source of nutrition, Obama said "we need to improve the quality and nutrition of food in schools."

Students at Bancroft Elementary helped build and harvest the garden while learning about health and nutrition. Obama said these children have not only made an effort to eat healthier, they have educated their parents as well.

"This garden project has given us the opportunity not just to educate the children, but educate a few adults along the way," Obama said.

Christening the children her "little ambassadors," Obama called on them to lead the way by educating their friends, family and other Americans about healthier eating.

After her speech, the first lady led students to eat the products of the day. Obama is seen serving the children the vegetables they planted and harvested in the White House's South Lawn.

Raising the level of consciousness of an entire nation is never an easy task! Let's all join in and do what we can to eat healthier and feed our children healthier meals and teach them the importance of good nutrition.

Fat and the Human Diet

2009-10-16T18:11:00Z

Many of you responded to the blog on Healthy Oils by asking where to buy Rice Bran Oil. California Rice Oil Company is an excellent resource for purchasing this healthy oil. I love the fact that by purchasing from them you are supporting a local California business. Their oils are very affordable and ship quickly to your doorstep. Take a look at their website at: www.californiariceoil.com.
The owner's of the company Dave, Ellen and Kirk are real down to earth people and with their permission I am posting an excerpt from their site regarding fats and nutrition.
Rice Bran Oil is truly "The World's Healthiest" edible oil, containing vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and trans fat free. It's not just delicate and flavorful, it can help lower cholesterol, fight diseases, enhance the immune system, fight free radicals and more. Rice Bran Oil is extremely light, versatile and delicious. Use it to fry, sauté, in salad dressings, baking, dipping oils and where ever you use cooking oil. Once you use it you will be amazed cooking light and healthy is also the best tasting.
I personally use their product at home and love it! Try it and see if you do too!

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

2009-09-04T07:27:00Z

This statement is not only true in football but in taking care of ourselves during the cold and flu season.

Most of us have heard about the "swine flu" pandemic that the CDC is advertising will potentially sweep the globe this year. The CDC is advertising the dangers of this influenza strain almost daily in the news.
Many of my clients have asked what they can do to prevent and protect themselves from getting this flu. Let's start with a good offense -
1. building up your immune system to be at its peak so that if you come in contact with someone who is contagious with the "swine flu" or other undesirable bacterias or viruses, your body can fight it off. One great way to do this is by taking IMMUNOBERRY LIQUID. Strong immune support in a pleasant tasting liquid…

Research suggests that certain herbs, mushrooms and other natural compounds have potential antiviral and antibacterial ability, as well as the ability to stimulate natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytokine synthesis and the T-cell and B-cell mediated responses necessary for a strong immune defense. Research on compounds found in nature, and in ImmunoBerry™ Liquid, show improvement in an array of conditions such as influenza, respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, viral hepatitis,and various bacterial infections.

ImmunoBerry™ Liquid contains: Certified organic extractsof Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Wild Cherry Bark (Prunusserotina), Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), Maitake mushroom(Grifola frondosa), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), plus Beta 1,3 Glucan.

ImmunoBerry™ Liquid is sweetened with glycerin and tastes great, and is ideal for both children and adults.

It may improve immune response and provide additional defense against colds and influenzas.

Healthy Oils

2009-09-01T16:46:00Z

In our mother's kitchens anything that needed frying was done in butter, margarine or lard. But these fats are high in saturated and trans fats and are detrimental to health. Today we know that frying or sauteing should be done in oils much lower in saturated and trans fats. Gone are the days of reserving the bacon drippings in an old tin can.
A variety of healthy "nouveau" oils are now available to choose from, each with its own purpose and star qualities. Don't relegate yourself to using just corn or olive oil. Try any of these in your familiar receipes and get ready for a pleasant taste surprise.
Remember that oils can go rancid, so please remember to store in a cool dark place away from the stove or other heat. If you store oil in the refrigerator, it may solidify. Don't worry, just set it on the counter for an hour before using and it will return to its liquid state.
HAZELNUT OIL
Hazelnut oil is highly fragrant with a sweet, nutty taste. It works well in dressings, marinades and baked goods. It has a relatively high smoke point so it can be used for general cooking. It keeps well in the refrigerator or in a cool dark place.
WALNUT OIL
Walnut oil is cold pressed from dried walnuts. The flavor is fantastic! Use it mainly in cold dishes and dressings. Mixing it with a flavored vinegar is a heavenly salad dressing. Do not use walnut oil for pan frying because it has a low smoke point and goes rancid over heat.
PUMPKINSEED OIL
Austrian styrian pumpkin seeds have no shell, which makes them perfect for pressing into this intensely colored oil. The resulting liquid is dark green tinged with red, thick and fragrant. The oil is lovely in warm potato salad or drizzled over vegetables. Pumpkinseed oil cannot withstand high temperatures so do not use when frying or sauteing. It will burn and destroy valuable nutrients.
AVOCADO OIL
This bright green oil is a very versatile oil. It works well with lemon, chilis, salsas and strong herbs. If you are already cooking with olive oil then think of avocado oil in the same way., Avocado oil has a high smoke point - it will not burn or smoke even at 500 degrees Fahrenheit which is higher than olive oil. This verdant green oil is loaded with antioxidants including Vitamin D and E and a phytochemical called beta-sitosterol. This plant compound helps reduce levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and balances levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. Give it a try next time you plan to saute something.
RICE BRAN OIL
Rice bran oil is the new kid on the block when it comes to oils. This clear, almost colorless liquid possesses unique properties including an appealing nut-like flavor, many health benefits and a high smoke point, making it useful for frying. It is loaded with gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols. Gamma-oryzanol is a potent antioxidant and it helps to strengthen muscles. Best of all it converts fat to lean body mass! Tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E that helps protect against cellular damage and preserves youth. Those should be plenty of reasons to include rice bran oil in your kitchen pantry.

OIL SMOKE POINTS

Oils	Fahrenheit	Celcius
Flaxseed	225	107
Pumpkinseed Oil	225	107
Butterfat	350	177
Coconut Oil	350	177
Walnut Oil, Canola Oil	400	204
Almond Oil	425	218
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cottonseed Oil	420	160
Hazelnut Oil	430	221
Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil	440	227
Corn Oil, Palm Oil, Safflower Oil	450	232
Rice Bran Oil	490	254
Soybean Oil	495	257
Avocado Oil	520	271

Welcome to Balanced Vitality

2009-08-29T11:46:00Z

Do you have a foggy mind?

Do you forget easily?

Do you struggle concentrating on
tasks?

How happy are you?

Do you sleep well?

Do you frequently get anxious or stressed?

Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you came in?

Do you find it harder to remember what you did yesterday?

Maintainingoptimum cognitive function well into old age is absolutely paramountfor long-term health and quality of life. And yet statistics show avery worrying picture for brain health worldwide:

Thereare an estimated 24.3 million people with dementia worldwide, with4.6million new cases every year and 1 new case every 7 seconds.

It is estimated that by 2040, this figure will have increased to 81 million

More than 60% of people with dementia live in developed countries.

It is estimated that by 2040, this figure will rise to 71%
With these disturbing statistics, how can you assure that you will not be among these statistics? Starting in October Balanced Vitality will be hosting a Brain Wellness Workshop for FREE. Very important and practical information will be shared at this workshop that will transform your memory, sleep patterns, creativity, and sense of well-being. Space is limited so please call 949-729-9977 to reserve a seat.

Welcome

2009-08-27T23:43:30Z

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.