Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Vitamin D deficiencies spell trouble for adults ov...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Vitamin D deficiencies spell trouble for adults ov...: According to a recent study, by Oregon State University’s Dr. Ellen Smith (http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2012/jul/lower-vitamin-d-...

Vitamin D deficiencies spell trouble for adults over 60

According to a recent study, by Oregon State University’s Dr. Ellen Smith (http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2012/jul/lower-vitamin-d-could-increase-risk-dying-especially-frail-older-adults), nutritional epidemiologist, statistics now point to increased risk of death in 30% of adults over 60 with low vitamin D.

The more concerning news is this statistic is growing, rapidly, amongst adults as they age and especially those adults considered “frail” (unintentional weight loss, muscle weakness, slow walking, low fitness levels and exhaustion), doubling that statistic to an even higher number. Even having at least one to two of these symptoms can put those individuals into the “pre-frail” category, thus being even more of a reason to be aware of the overall effect of low vitamin D’s impact on their overall wellness as they age.

Most older adults lack significant amounts of vitamin D in their diet due to two primary reasons: Milk and exposure to the sun. Many adults reduce their milk consumption as they grow older, not realizing that it is a primary source of vitamin D in their diet during their younger years. Most aging adults avoid too much contact with the sun for fear of melanoma (skin cancer) and the effects of aging on their skin. While over exposure can put anyone at greater risk for melanoma (skin cancer), limited amounts of exposure to the sun will help synthesize vitamin D and can prove to be beneficial to overall health.

“Vitamin D itself is biologically inactive, and it must be metabolized to its biologically active forms. After it is consumed in the diet or synthesized in the epidermis of skin, vitamin D enters the circulation and is transported to the liver. In the liver, vitamin D is hydroxylated to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol; 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the major circulating form of vitamin D.” (http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminD/index.html)

The benefit of vitamin D impacts strength and bones, thus being an even greater reason why we must maintain healthy levels of “D” as we age.

“If you have both, it may not really matter which came first because you are worse off and at greater risk of dying than other older people who are frail and who don’t have low vitamin D.” (Dr. Smit)

The study comprised four groups: Less than 50 nanomole per liter to those with 84 or higher. Those who fell into the lower vitamin D levels were likely to be frail, thus underscoring the relationship between the two (frailty and low vitamin D levels). Combing regular exercise (walking, jogging, etc) with sun exposure provides two needed benefits, the body naturally requires to stay balanced and healthy.

Vitamin D screening
Low levels of vitamin D can go unnoticed without proper screening/assessment tests. According to Dr. Smit, the benefit of assessing can help balance the scale in favor of the patient and perhaps outweigh their future health problems if caught in time:

“What this really means is that it is important to assess vitamin D levels in older adults, and especially among people who are frail,” said lead author Ellen Smit of Oregon State University.”

According to the study, early intervention, through proper nutrition and exercise, with those who fall into the “pre-frail group” could help increase the quality of their life, helping them to live more independently as they age.

Those adults living in cooler northern climates have an even greater risk due to the lack of exposure to the sun during longer winter months. Current estimates have 70% of Americans suffering from low vitamin D levels. The current Federal guideline for vitamin D is 600 IU for adults and 800 IU for those over 70.

However, OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute recommends adults take 2,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D daily. Milk and fish are two easily accessible choices for obtaining naturally Vitamin D. If your diet does not deliver naturally enough vitamin D, supplements are a healthy alternative but should not be used as a substitute for nutrition. Combining the three (nutrition, exposure to the sun and supplements) can create a health combination for your overall wellness.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Increase your vitamin D naturally through your daily diet and exercise.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved

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Man Aisle at the grocery store is modern convenience for “shopping challenged”

Hey dude: Would an aisle designed for you be a God-send or an insult? It seems a grocer from New York wants to make it easier for the “dudes” amongst us to get their stuff in a painless and easy to find lane at their local grocery store.

Chocked full of testosterone filled supplies the man aisle separates the sex’s right down the middle of the store. From steak sauce to six packs, the man-aisle assumes men only want the “bare necessities” and a quick get away, before they are spotted next to the wrong supplies. Problem with the idea is this: The “Man Aisle” is filled with unhealthy choices, over priced conveniences and assumes men won’t take the time to learn how to buy efficiently.

A recent study, by ratings expert Neilsen, revealed a steady trend: Due to the rise in unemployment men now shop more than they use to. One grocer thought that trying out a “male only” lane in the middle of the store might ease the pain for those testosterone shoppers who despise the navigating dilemma found when looking for the items they came to buy.

According to the ratings and tracking expert Nielsen, U.S. men are shopping more than ever:

“The stats still show that women do the majority of shopping in the U.S., but with men facing a higher unemployment rate than women (8.8% compared to 7.9%, according to a February 2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report), more men are at home than in the past, and in many cases, they are taking a more active role in household duties. While women continue to dominate shopping trips in all retail channels except for convenience stores, men have increased trip shares between 2004 and 2010 in all retail channels but drug stores.”

http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/in-u-s-men-are-shopping-more-than-ever-while-women-are-watching-more-tv/)

The study revealed one major factor that most of us already knew: Women make planned trips versus men make quick trips in and out of the grocery store. Women spend about $44.43 per trip versus men spending $34.81 per trip. While the average trip investment is only a few dollars apart, the lack of planning may leave men spending more dollars per item on the average due to their lack of planning. Women may spend more per trip, but save more on their overall grocery bill due to planning and budgeting(coupons)ahead of time.

Personally, I rarely see men using coupons or grocery store shopping lists. However, I do see a lot of them grabbing and going through the store with lightening speed. Most men want to get-it-and-go when it comes to shopping, and I can’t say I blame them. In fact, whenever I look for a line at the checkout-stand I purposefully find one filled with men because I know they will get-it-and-go!

Where both genders, fairly, fall in-line is in their shopping habits during the week versus the weekend. Most prefer to avoid the toxic rush of a Saturday or Sunday trip to their local “big box” or discount department store. If you’ve ever gone shopping at Walmart on a Sunday, you know what I mean.

But I wonder….is there’s room for a girl aisle in the near future?

Quick Tips for Wellness: The “man-aisle” may spell convenience but will probably be overpriced and less healthy choice items, as well.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Nutritional truth: No sugar added ice cream isn’t...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Nutritional truth: No sugar added ice cream isn’t...: If you are watching your waist line and counting calories, then every morsel counts, right? But how about the nutritional values in food; ...

Nutritional truth: No sugar added ice cream isn’t much better than regular ice cream

If you are watching your waist line and counting calories, then every morsel counts, right? But how about the nutritional values in food; aren’t they equally important? Something as vague as the words “no sugar added” may make us save a few pennies per pound, but mostly the difference is minute.

Calories per scoop
*The difference between no sugar added and regular ice cream only saves at the most 40 calories per half cup and at the least 15

Fat per serving
*The average “No Sugar Added” or low fat ice cream has about 2-3 saturated fat grams per ½ cup serving. Maximum saturated fat in our diet should be limited to no more than 10% of our total daily calorie intake

Carbs from sugar
*No sugar added contains 14-18 carbs per serving versus an average of 15 carbs in regular ice cream

Protein plus
*No sugar added has between 2-3 grams of protein per serving. The daily recommended allowance for most adults is around 46 grams/women and 56 grams/men

Calcium counter
*Around 10% of our daily calcium requirements (1000-1200 grams daily) can be found in a single serving of ice cream (around 1/2 cup)

Ice cream in moderation (1/2 -3/4 cup serving) won’t ruin your diet, but it won’t give you the needed nutritional benefits your body requires from healthy whole food. Discipline yourself to “think” before you eat, “read” the label before you buy and your “wellness” will follow you.

Quick Tips for Wellness: No sugar added is a small step in a better direction but it's not a completely healtheir choice.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: What that drink cost you: Alcohol in moderation n...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: What that drink cost you: Alcohol in moderation n...: Could it be that your “moderate” consumption of alcohol will pay it forward in your future? Scientists and researchers are now saying “ye...

What that drink cost you: Alcohol in moderation now linked to Dementia

Could it be that your “moderate” consumption of alcohol will pay it forward in your future? Scientists and researchers are now saying “yes” to that question as they unveil the long term effects of alcohol. Studies by the “Alzheimer’s Association International” now show that Dementia, a disease that robs our ability to mentally function as we age, is linked to moderate alcohol consumption. (http://www.alz.org/aaic/wed_130pmct_nia.asp)

The target of the 20 year study surveyed women, in their ‘60s and their alcohol use and the later effects it had on their lives. The increase of alcohol equally increased the long term damage to the brain. Even the women who went from abstinence to regular consumption found themselves at risk, as well. Even as little as 1-2 drinks a day put those in the study at risk.

So why do doctors tell us a “drink or two a day” is acceptable? Is it the poor information being taught to them, ignorance of the effects or maybe keen marketing by the alcohol industry? Probably a little of each, but here are the facts:

*As we age, so does our brain. Our brain’s ability to recover from ongoing alcohol use slowly becomes impaired.

*As we age, our sleep patterns change. A lack of sleep = a lack of our brains ability to regenerate, repair and restore cells and tissue.

*As we age, our nutritional needs change. Our bodies need Omega 3 Fatty Acids (think oily fish, avocados, etc.) to help our brain recover/rebuild/renew. (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm/, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84)

Most of us develop “habits” at a younger age, between ages 20-30, which continue on as we grow older. Depending upon our exposure to information, our circle of influence and our culture, our habits are formed. Not only are we "under the influence" from what we believe to be true, we’ve been told by those who should know more than we do (doctors) that 2 drinks a day are not going to adversly affect our health, until now. Even a small glass of wine a couple times a day has now been determined to put a women at risk and three or more a day for a man have an equal effect.

Another study covering 5000+ men and women, who practiced binge drinking at least once a month, were also at risk to later suffer from Dementia. When alcohol enters the brain our cholesterol levels and blood pressure both rise damaging the blood vessels to the brain leading to vascular dementia. The safe limit for alcohol consumption is:

(1) glass = 14 grams (about 7 oz) a day for women
(2) glasses = 28 grams (about 14 oz) a day for men

The percentage of "alcohol" is more important that just the amount. If you're drinking "shots" then you're playing games with your brain!

However, if you're an alcoholic or have a pre-disposition for addiction, zero glasses a day is your limit.

So what do you do if you’ve been a “drinker” and want to quit but can’t before it’s too late? Most people cannot quit “cold-turkey” and need some type of support, help and medical intervention. But before you seek help you must want to quit and stop completely. Even reducing the consumption doesn’t reverse the damage you've already done or their long term effects.

Quick Tips for Wellness: The long term effect of alcohol isn’t worth the short lived enjoyment.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopl...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopl...: In a world where most of us are stretched, stressed and trying to balance it all (use to be we were trying to have it all….now we’re just...

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People taught us “life giving” lessons that keep giving long after we’ve stopped living

In a world where most of us are stretched, stressed and trying to balance it all (use to be we were trying to have it all….now we’re just trying to balance what’s left), Stephen Covey left an indelible mark on our busy lives. He taught me some very simple, principles about how to stay balanced, keep focused and attain what seemed like dreams turned into reality. To this day, I still embrace Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and can attest to how they’ve changed my life, put feet to my dreams and guide my thinking, daily.

Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “25 Most Influential People in the World”, Dr. Covey’s leadership training crossed every personal boundary and discriminated against no one as he birthed a movement that can still be felt around the world, today. Selling over 20 million copies of his highly acclaimed life changing leadership guide, Covey brought new meaning to old paradigms while shifting our thinking to go outside ourselves and see our “world” from a broader perspective.

In case you never studied the 7 habits, here they are in a nut shell (and what I learned from them in the italicized print):

1) Be proactive (versus reactive). One guides you to the answer while the other distracts you from your purpose.

2) Begin with the end in mind. Create a “visual” of what your goal will look like. Seeing helps facilitate believing.

3) Put first things first. Manage your life at the beginning of each day and your problems/obstacles will become more manageable. Prevention, relationships, recognizing opportunities, planning and recreation. Each one builds upon the other.

4) Win/Win. To “get in the flow” of your purpose you must discipline your thoughts, actions and attitudes to work for the benefit of everyone. When you’re the only one who benefits, you work alone. When everyone “wins” you build synergy.

5) Seek first to understand than to be understood. When you genuinely take an interest in someone else’s needs, goals and purpose you build upon your own integrity and more people will follow your leading, helping you reach your destiny.

6) Synergize. True leaders grow stronger when they recognize and utilize the strength that surrounds them.

7) Sharpen the saw. Never neglect your need for balance in your life. Invest in your body, mind, spirit and relationships. Each one “feeds” our purpose and enables us to realize our fullest potential. When we understand what makes us who were are then others will too.

Do I suceed everyday at each one of these principles? Probably not....but my goal is to strive towards them and allow my heart, mind and spirit to be open to them, everyday!

Quick Tips for Wellness: Want to practice wellness and reach your life’s fullest potential? Study “The 7 habits of highly effective people” and start seeing your life from a broader perspective.


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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Scary side effects of a well known sleeping aid: ...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Scary side effects of a well known sleeping aid: ...: The Kennedy family has become the unwanted "poster child" of drug and alcohol abuse for many years, but this time it is a member whose pas...

Scary side effects of a well known sleeping aid: Ambien users beware

The Kennedy family has become the unwanted "poster child" of drug and alcohol abuse for many years, but this time it is a member whose past does not seem to line up with her current problem.

Kerry Kennedy’s recent arrest for driving while impaired is the likely result from the sleep aid Ambien (aka Zolpidem) taken earlier that morning, many hours before she got behind the wheel. Known as a responsible mother and wife, Kerry had taken the drug Ambien shortly before her hit and run accident (she collided with a tractor/trailer and then left the scene of the accident) later discovered asleep in her car by police. Initial drug and alcohol tests revealed no trace of anything that would have caused the accident. It was only Kerry’s confession to taking Ambien the morning of the accident that possibly pointed to the cause. (http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-kerry-kennedy-ny-govs-wife-arrested-16775957)

Is it possible that Ambien could be the culprit behind this accident? Why would so many hours pass between ingesting and responding to this drug? Could it be that Ambien has a delayed reaction that causes the person taking it to fall into a “sleepwalking” state of mind instead of falling asleep immediately after ingesting? Patients of the drug say the latter might be a more accurate statement than the former of these two thoughts.

Before anyone blames the drug, they should review the clearly written prescribed method the drug was to be used:

“Zolpidem comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Zolpidem also comes as a sublingual tablet to place under the tongue and an oral spray which is sprayed into the mouth over the tongue. This medication is usually taken as needed, no more than one time a day, immediately before bedtime. Zolpidem will work faster if it is not taken with a meal or immediately after a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use zolpidem exactly as directed.

You will probably become very sleepy soon after you take zolpidem and will remain sleepy for some time after you take the medication. Plan to go to bed right after you take zolpidem and to stay in bed for 7 to 8 hours. Do not take zolpidem if you will be unable to remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours after taking the medication. If you get up too soon after taking zolpidem, you may experience memory problems.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000928/)

Sleep aids often have lingering effects, even after you’ve awaken from taking them. The efficiency they will have on an individual can be equally affected by weight, age, and health conditions. If you plan to take a sleep aid, then you need to plan to stay home, sleep and not be active for at least 8-12 hours. If you’re taking sleep aids on a regular basis, that could be a sign of another problem like nutritional, hormonal imbalances, stress or some other health condition.

The side effects listed on the National Institute of Health include:
Zolpidem may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• headache
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• 'drugged feeling'
• unsteady walking
• difficulty keeping balance
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn
• stomach pain or tenderness
• changes in appetite
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• unusual dreams
• redness, burning, or tingling ofr the tongue (with sublingual tablets)
• dry mouth or throat
• ringing, pain, or itching in the ears
• eye redness
• muscle aches or cramps
• joint, back, or neck pain
• heavy menstrual bleeding

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• feeling that the throat is closing
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• vomiting
• pounding heartbeat
• chest pain
• blurred vision or other vision problems
Zolpidem may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Quick Tips for Wellness: The purpose of a sleep aid is to help you return to a regular sleep pattern. It isn’t intended to be a substitute for other health conditions which may be the underlying problem. Read the label and research any medicine prescribed or over the counter drug before taking.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Propecia: The battle against baldness wages a ne...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Propecia: The battle against baldness wages a ne...: Over 1 million men annually receive a prescription for a drug that may grow back their hair while robbing their health and wellness resul...

Propecia: The battle against baldness wages a new war against a man’s wellness

Over 1 million men annually receive a prescription for a drug that may grow back their hair while robbing their health and wellness resulting in decreased libido, mental fogginess and depression (who would not be depressed from just the first side effect?). A study of 54 men under 40 years old by researchers at George Washington University (http://www.gwu.edu/explore/mediaroom/gwinthenews/researchspotlight/gwstudyshowsmenreportpersistentsexualimpairmentafteruseofcommonhairlossdrugs) revealed a troubling result: Loss of sex drive that lingered after they stopped taking the drug.


The participants for the GWU study came from an online forum, PropeciaHelp and may not reflect all users of this product. However, 94% of those studied were reportedly healthy prior to using Propecia and without any of the reported side effects.
Did the FDA know about the problems with Propecia?

Other lesser known victims of the side effects may remain unknown. Men like Kevin Malley was a typical 30 year old healthy male who later had a serious, lingering reaction after he decided to follow his doctor’s advice and take the prescribed drug Propecia to remedy his problem. However, within six months after taking Propecia his sex drive, mental and emotional state declined drastically. Malley’s experience ends up not being so uncommon amongst otherwise healthy men using the drug.

Journey of Sexual Medicine Report

The Journal of Sexual Medicine’s study (released March 18, 2011) suggests that the side effects after a patient has stopped using the drug can linger longer than a year and according to some, may have caused permanent damage.

The history of Propecia (originally called Proscar), dates back to 1992, when first introduced as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. By 1997, Propecia made its way through the FDA approval process even though the drug’s producer, Merck, knew some men were already reporting the same side effects after they stopped using the drug. However, those side effects appear to be more common and longer than what anyone had expected.

Over 400 men reported having problems with Propecia when finally in 2011, the FDA stepped in demanding the label reflect a warning. Even with the known complaints, Merck still stands behind their product, declaring its safe use:

"Merck believes that Propecia (finasteride) has demonstrated safety and efficacy profiles and that the product labeling appropriately describes the benefits and risks of the drug to help inform prescribing".


The most troubling part to the lingering effects is the “head in the sand” response influential companies like Merck take when their victims begin voicing their experiences. The warning at Merck’s website reflects a startling statement in comparison to the resounding complaints of those men now voicing their experience after using the drug:

“In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.
In general use, the following have been reported: breast tenderness and enlargement (tell your doctor about any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge); depression; decrease in sex drive that continued after stopping the medication; allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation that continued after stopping medication; testicular pain; difficulty in achieving an erection that continued after stopping the medication; male infertility and/or poor quality of semen; and, in rare cases, male breast cancer. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your health care provider that you are taking PROPECIA because PROPECIA decreases PSA levels. Changes in PSA levels will need to be evaluated by your health care provider. Any increase in follow-up PSA levels from their lowest point may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if the test results are still within the normal range for men not taking PROPECIA. You should also tell your health care provider if you have not been taking PROPECIA as prescribed because this may affect the PSA test results. For more information, talk to your health care provider. There may be an increased risk of a more serious form of prostate cancer in men taking finasteride at 5 times the dose of PROPECIA.”


The question now is, “How many men have allowed their symptoms to go unreported?” If you have experienced side effects from the use of Propecia report them immediately to your doctor.

Visit “PropeciaHelp” to learn how you can voice your experience and concerns (http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6237)

Quick Tips for Wellness: Before you take any drug, fully investigate it yourself. If you begin experiencing side effects report it immediately to your doctor.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved
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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Organic versus nonorganic lawn care: Is your lawn...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Organic versus nonorganic lawn care: Is your lawn...: For over ten years, I used a national lawn care service to treat my yard. At least 5, if not 7 times a year, they treated my yard, sending...

Organic versus nonorganic lawn care: Is your lawn care application and treatment making you sick?

For over ten years, I used a national lawn care service to treat my yard. At least 5, if not 7 times a year, they treated my yard, sending me a $75-$125 bill for their services. Over time and many treatments, my yard began improving. However, I began questioning if all those lawn care treatments were truly necessary? I also wondered when I would be able to stop needing so many treatments a year if my lawn ad “improved” as the lawn care provider ensured me. When something improves it should not need the same “medicine” over and over again, right? More importantly I wondered what those chemicals they were using to treat my lawn were doing to me, my family and pets. When I would ask I would be told “they’re safe”. However, once I started looking into their definition of “safe” and mine, I began realizing the two were starkly different from one another.

Before agreeing to a lawn care treatment program, ask the provider for a complete list of ingredients their product contains. Beware of products that contain the following:
*Nitric acid
*Phosphoric acid
*Sulphuric acid
*Ammonia

Unfortunately, these chemicals will not fully dissolve or wash away, and overtime link to certain cancers. Many of these toxic chemicals are odorless and colorless. The safest fertilizers to use are certified organic (versus “natural”) products.

When using anything other than organic products, wear a mask, gloves, shoes and cover as much of your body as possible. Also, remove the shoes worn during application before entering the house and wash all clothing separately.

Organic lawn care products
Organic lawn care seemed a natural and healthy choice. As I began investigating the why, when and how behind the lesser known application, here’s what I found:

*Bladder cancer in dogs – Perdue University performed a study on the use of chemical applications for lawn care and found that lawns treated with nonorganic products produced significant evidence of bladder cancer in dogs.

“A significantly increased risk of TCC was found for dogs exposed to lawns or gardens treated with herbicides and insecticides or herbicides alone. In fact dogs exposed to treated lawns were seven times more likely to develop TCC.” (http://www.vet.purdue.edu/pcop/files/docs/CanineUrinaryBladderCancer.pdf)

*From allergies to immunities, birth defects, Cancer, ADHD, Autism, and BPA’s nonorganic lawn care treatments have been linked to various diseases/illnesses for quite some time. The following link covers this topic and more. (http://ecologicallawncareblog.com/2012/04/30/common-chemicals-that-trigger-allergies/)

A recent conversation with one of the owners of Green Cardinal Organics changed my mind about using typical lawn care applications. A few of the benefits for using an organic product was their environmentally friendly composition along with being harm free for animals and humans. Another, was their sustainability feature for the lawn, allowing the ground to absorb the nutrients while naturally replenishing back into the lawn over time. Anytime “Mother nature” needs a constant reapplication (kind of like a steroid) to sustain itself, something is wrong.

Why? The soil, at some point, should be absorbing the needed nutrients from the application. If the soil is nutritionally poor, then the application should be helping it to become enriched over time, slowly reducing the amount of treatment to bring the lawn up to a healthier condition. Just like healthy eating should help your body perform and improve, any application applied to your lawn should do the same.
An even better reason to use an organic lawn care treatment plan is the financial savings: The number of applications should reduce (versus continue at the same number of times per year) saving the consumer money. There certainly are seasons and reasons behind the why/when of an application, but the bottom line is this: If the lawn (at some point) is not gradually sustaining then the application is not performing as expected.

Very many lawn care products use the wording “natural” or “safe”. Some may even state their products are “organic”. Before buying an application applied to your lawn visit, “Organic Materials Review Institute” to see if your product is verified as an organic product (http://www.omri.org/omri-lists). Being a “safe” or “natural” product is a discretionary term that could represent a variety of opinions. However, organically certified products are truly the safest method to use.

If you are looking for a verifiable Organic Lawn Care company, I highly suggest starting with smaller locally owned businesses in your area. Why? Most national lawn care services gear their staff to increase lawn care services, repeating treatments and add-ons to your service needs. If you use a national chain, ask for if they use tested and verified organic products. However, I highly suggest using local small businesses. Best of all when employing a small business help your local economy grow. The following list will supply you with two locally owned (not franchised) lawn care businesses I found in Hampton Roads:

*Green Cardinal Organics (http://greencardinalorganics.com/)

*My sisters garden organic (http://mysistersgardenorganics.com/)

If you live in Virginia, the following link will take you to the organic provider in your area:
(http://www.novativemedia.com/organic_gardening/virginia-organic-landscapers.php)

If you prefer to use a national franchise, below are some suggestions for organic providers across the United States. Usually, these businesses offer both organic and nonorganic lawn care treatment based upon your preference:

Natural Lawns (http://www.naturalawn.com/). This company is truly “organic” even though their name says “Natural” (natural and organic are not always necessarily equal terms).

Lawn Doctor (http://www.lawndoctor.com/organic_lawn_care.html). This national franchise offers both organic and nonorganic treatments.

If you are a “DIY” (Do-it-Yourselfer) check out “Safer Branch” and follow this link to find organic products for your lawn care (http://www.saferbrand.com/store/organic-lawn-care/)

Quick Tips for Wellness: Organic lawn care = healthier living.

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5 troubling truths behind Obama-Care: Taxation without representation or an accessible health insurance resolution?

Unless someone has painstakingly read each page of the Affordable Care Act, no one will be able to comprehend all of the complexities of it or what it will mean to the average American. Politicians, Legislatures and governmental bureaucrats are infamous for being confusing and manipulative with the information they share and dodge responsibility once the problems begin to haunt us. So how will the average “Joe and Joanne American” know the full impact of this bill and its effect on their daily lives, once enacted in 2013?

Fox News 43 recently covered the ACA Obama Healthcare plan, outlining 5 items we should all be paying attention to (http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/07/05/five-major-obamacare-taxes-that-will-hit-your-wallet-in-2013/#ixzz1zw9sWUUe)

*From Pacemakers to operating instruments, the “Medical device tax” will slowly disintegrate an already small surviving number of “Made in America” manufacturing plants likely sending these jobs overseas to China or some other foreign country once this tax kicks in:

“This 2.3 percent tax on medical device makers will raise the price of (for example) every pacemaker, prosthetic limb, stent, and operating table. Can you remind us, Mr. President, how taxing medical devices will reduce the cost of health care? The tax is particularly destructive because it is levied on gross sales and even targets companies who haven’t turned a profit yet.
These are often small, scrappy companies with less than 20 employees who pioneer the next generation of life-prolonging devices. In addition to raising the cost of health care, this $20 billion tax over the next ten years will not help the country’s jobs outlook, as the industry employs nearly 400,000 Americans. Several companies have already responded to the looming tax by cutting research and development budgets and laying off workers.”


*Medical expense deductions are allowed after 7.5% of adjusted gross income. That figure will rise to 10% with ObamaCare

“Currently, Americans are allowed to deduct medical expenses on their 1040 form to the extent the costs exceed 7.5 percent of one’s adjusted gross income. The new Obama Care provision will raise that threshold to 10 percent, subjecting patients to a higher tax bill. This tax will hit pre-retirement seniors the hardest. Over the next ten years, affected Americans will pony up a minimum total of $15 billion in taxes thanks to this provision.”

*Flex Spending Accounts will cap at $2500 (there is currently no cap). Those hit hardest by the reduction on the “spending cap” are children who have “special needs” (i.e. education to medication) to those kids with everyday needs (i.e. braces to glasses).

“The 24 million Americans who have Flexible Spending Accounts will face a new federally imposed $2,500 annual cap. These pre-tax accounts, which currently have no federal limit, are used to purchase everything from contact lenses to children’s braces. With the cost of braces being as high as $7,200, this tax provision will play an unwelcome role in everyday kitchen-table health care decisions.

The cap will also affect families with special-needs children, whose tuition can be covered using FSA funds. Special-needs tuition can cost up to $14,000 per child per year. This cruel tax provision will limit the options available to such families, all so that the federal government can squeeze an additional $13 billion out of taxpayer pockets over the next ten years.

The targeting of FSAs by President Obama and congressional Democrats is no accident. The progressive left has never been fond of the consumer-driven accounts, which serve as a small roadblock in their long-term drive for a one-size-fits-all government health care bureaucracy.

For further proof, note the ObamaCare “medicine cabinet tax” which since 2011 has barred the 13.5 million Americans with Health Savings Accounts from purchasing over-the-counter medicines with pre-tax funds.”


*The average American may not find it too easy to empathize with those who have enough money to invest in the economy, but realize this before you start to yawn: Investment in the economy is what makes our financial world spin in a full circle. When we stop an investor, through taxation, we stop the flow of money back into the economy. Those same dollars that could be invested in America will now go overseas or will stay in the pockets of the investor through other investment strategies that will not see the light of day in the everyday lives of their fellow Americans:

“Under current law, the capital gains tax rate for all Americans rises from 15 to 20 percent in 2013, while the top dividend rate rises from 15 to 39.6 percent. The new ObamaCare surtax takes the top capital gains rate to 23.8 percent and top dividend rate to 43.4 percent. The tax will take a minimum of $123 billion out of taxpayer pockets over the next ten years.”


*3.8% Medicare Tax Rate increase = Employers downsizing and outsourcing jobs. The government can not keep nickel-dimming the employer and expect them to survive.

“This tax soaks employers to the tune of $86 billion over the next ten years.”


A comprehensive explanation of this tax is provided below by “The Tax Guy” Bill Bischoff (http://www.smartmoney.com/taxes/income/what-obamacare-may-mean-for-taxes-1335896160486/)

“Starting 2013, an extra 0.9% Medicare tax will be charged on: (1) salary and/or SE income above $200,000 for an unmarried individual, (2) combined salary and/or SE income above $250,000 for a married joint-filing couple, and (3) salary and/or SE income above $125,000 for those who use married filing separate status. For self-employed individuals, the additional 0.9% Medicare tax hit will come in the form of a higher SE bill."


When it is all said and done, many questions still remain: What has Federal Government done to tighten their own belts? Have the legislatures, congressmen and women, senators and representatives taken a pay cut, started paying for their own health insurance, and stopped receiving lifetime benefits for short stints in office? Have more jobs been brought back to America? Has the government’s spending been reduced to the same tune as what’s been proposed to pay for the Federal deficit?

More importantly, who will regulate the premiums charged by insurance companies? Everyone must have auto insurance or they are breaking the law; however, Federal Government does not regulate auto insurance premiums. If Obama-Care’s objective is to make health insurance affordable and accessible for everyone, than simply regulating insurance companies would be a much better solution.

Why not change the focus from what the government can do for us to what we can do for ourselves? What if each person took it upon themselves to practice wellness by becoming more personally responsible for their own health? That one act alone would save billions of dollars a year health care costs. Here is my proposal:

Personal Responsibility Health Care Act (PRHCA)

*Each individual is responsible for the choices they make when it comes to their health. Too many people destroy their physical/emotional lives and expect the rest of us to pay for it. If you are drinking, smoking, eating and physically destroying your life why should your fellow tax payer foot the bill?

*Allow taxpayers to deduct 100% of their healthcare costs. Healthcare is not a luxury it is a necessity. If I can deduct 100% of the mortgage interest on my home, why can’t I deduct 100% of my healthcare costs? Owning a home is an option; paying for my health is a necessity.

*Place a cap on premiums insurance companies can charge. The average family of 5 pays about $200 per person per month in premiums for private healthcare (with a $500-$1000 per person deductible). That’s $1000/month! No wonder people are avoiding buying health insurance.

Sounds to simple, doesn't it? Why? Because Obama-Care is more about lowering the deficit through taxing the American public than it is about providing healthcare for everyone.

If we shift from finger pointing to finding affordable answers for the average American, we can come up with a better solution than the one imposed upon us now. However, Obama-Care is just around the corner. If you are not “for it”, you better make your voice known in November. Otherwise, we will be “stuck” with it for another four years!

Quick Tips for Wellness: Taking the time to practice wellness every day is the best way to avoid the healthcare nightmare.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Backyard fireworks and the 4th of July: Is it saf...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Backyard fireworks and the 4th of July: Is it saf...: Who does not like waving a sparkler to celebrate their freedom or enjoy a little excitement in the backyard, while lighting off a few smo...

Backyard fireworks and the 4th of July: Is it safe and is it legal?

Who does not like waving a sparkler to celebrate their freedom or enjoy a little excitement in the backyard, while lighting off a few smoke bombs and bottle rockets? While both may sound less than concerning, they are at the top of the list for causing the most commonly related firework related injuries:

*Approximately 9000 injuries reportedly annually from fireworks with 21% related to eye injuries

*65% of those injured are men

*40% injured are under 15 years old

*50% injured suffered from burns

If you think fireworks are legal in Virginia, think again: It’s a first class misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail.

If the statistics sound low by comparison to those who may be exposed to fireworks, remember that most injuries go unreported. The best way to enjoy fireworks is through leaving it in the hands of the experts.

Dry weather + fireworks = Wildfires

Once a firework’s ignited it becomes an instant conduit for the spread of wildfire. There is no way anyone can control where the flame may spread once the fireworks released. Summertime is the primetime for uncontrolled fire to spread from seemingly safe fireworks. Before striking the match, check out the state’s law to understand the legal consequences. A quick state by state list can be found at the following link (http://www.americanpyro.com/State%20Laws%20(main)/statelaws.html).



The below map highlights the general laws, state by state:

Quick Tips for Wellness: Leave the fireworks to the experts.

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