The Fuel Film

Many are looking forward to this film making it to the local theaters! The documentary provides more information and insight about our country's use and misuse of fuel resources. It also presents more sustainable ways to fuel the country's needs with alternative fuels.

The Fuel Film was a Sundance Film award winner for "Best Documentary". Watch the video below as well as check out the film's website.

Then, check your local theater listings and if you can't find it on their calendar, call or email them and tell them you're waiting to see it!



The Choice is Ours!

Green Power Purchase Award Given To Shaklee Corporation

I have to admit, I'm feeling pretty proud today. The company, who's products I proudly distribute, received a prestigious award yesterday from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is just one of many achievements, that Shaklee Corporation has made, in their quest to preserve and improve our planet.

This week, the 2009 Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Atlanta, Georgia is being held. During this conference, the EPA awarded ten companies with a 2009 Green Power Leadership Award. Shaklee Corporation was in that list, and deservedly so. Because, this award is bestowed upon companies that distinguish themselves by purchasing substantial amounts of alternative or "green power".

Currently, Shaklee purchases close to 7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power, each year. That total, exceeds the companies annual power usage, at about 108 percent. "Green power" is electricity that is created from sources that are more environmentally friendly, such as; geothermal, wind, solar, etc.

And "Green" is what Shaklee Corporation has been all about for over 50 years. They have actually received many awards for their sustainable heritage, but that's not what they want in the end. Shaklee's ultimate goal, from the CEO all the way down to the customer, is to model sustainable ways of making less of a carbon footprint on the planet and make better lives for anyone.

I'm proud to say that I distribute products from the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S. And, that it's a company that takes steps EVERY DAY to improve others and our beautiful planet.

Walking what they talk....Shaklee!

Foods That Can Be Beneficial to Mesothelioma Patients

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos. The cancer develops in the mesothelial cells that make up the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. Like many types of cancer, it is most treatable when caught early. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to become noticeable and by the time the cancer is diagnosed, it is usually in advanced stages making it more difficult to treat.

A balanced and healthy diet is essential to help prevent cancer and other health problems. Although malignant mesothelioma is not a type of cancer that can be prevented by good nutrition, mesothelioma patients can certainly benefit from a more balanced and healthy diet in a number of ways. Better nutrition can not only alleviate mesothelioma symptoms and treatment side effects, but also fight the cancer itself.

One of the most common side effects of mesothelioma treatment is nausea. There are a number of dietary changes that can be made to help this problem. Dry grain products like crackers and toast can help calm an upset stomach. Bland foods will also help with nausea, as well as acid reflux problems.

Garlic can be useful for mesothelioma patients as it generates a chemical called allicin. Garlic appears to have the most affect on stomach cancer and prostate cancer in men, but affects have been noted in all types of cancer and on different carcinogens. Animal trials have been performed with positive effects. In one such study, a number of mice with cancer were injected with allicin. The control group (those not injected with the compound) lived an average of two months, while those receiving the injection lived an average of six months or longer.

Fruit is also a must. There are many types of berries mesothelioma patients can fit in into your diet to benefit from the cancer-fighting nutrients they contain, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, loganberries, cranberries. Berries contain a number of cancer-fighting phytonutrients like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, pterostilbene and resveratrol. In one study, extracts of six types of berries were tested for their ability to prevent the growth and spread of different types of cancer cells. Amazingly, each different type of berry was found to have an entirely unique combination of phytonutrients, and all six varieties of berry extract were able to kill cancer cells in the laboratory.

Low white blood cell count is another trait found often in cancer patients. This raises the risk of contracting an infection. To avoid this side effect, a number of changes can be made in the foods you eat. It is most important to avoid “bad” bacteria, which is common in foods that are spoiled or not prepared well. Avoid buffets when eating out, wash your hands before preparing meals, avoid raw meats and fish (like sushi), and throw away any foods that are bruised or damaged.

Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from a healthy diet in a number of ways.

This article was generously provided by Richard Moyle of The Mesothelioma Center:

Richard Moyle
National Awareness Coordinator
Mesothelioma Center
Asbestos.com

Idaho Green Expo

Had a great time at the 2009 Idaho Green Expo in Boise, Idaho. They had a fabulous turn out, and the quality & variety of vendors was great! That's me on your left with Mrs. Gem State, Colleen Fletcher. She's competing for Mrs. Idaho this year. What a fantastic lady to visit with!

I was able to spend 2 entire days sharing with others about the great non-toxic cleaning products that I distribute and believe in. Plus, with the help of my trusted assistant, Riley Hoobery, I was able wander the Expo and pick up some great resource information about other environmental options.

Please feel free to check out other pics from my booth area here. And, for a listing of all the great exhibitors at the Green Expo, this attached link will get you to all of them.

Easy Steps To A Healthy Diet

Sharing a great article from my friend, Irina Wardas, website. Please click on the hyperlinks below each topic, for more great info from her website.

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.-- Annie Dillard

1. COOK AT HOME

The food we take into our mouth goes into our stomach where it gets digested and eventually assimilated into the bloodstream. Our blood is what creates our cells, our tissues, our organs, our skin, our hair, our brains and our thoughts and feelings. Learning to cook high quality food for yourselves and those you love can change everything.
Healthier Substitutions for Your Recipes
Soup Time to Feel and Look Fabulous
Asparagus, Beets and Chicken Salad Recipes
Sweet Eats for More Energy

2. EAT THE RIGHT FOODS

- drink more water;
One Extra Glass of Water to Drink and Extra 500 Calories to Burn the Easy Way
- start with a breakfast
Video Tip: How to Make a 3-min Nutritious Breakfast to Feel Fabulous All Day
Healthy Breakfast to Feel and Look Fabulous
Healthy Pancakes
- incorporate more fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices into your diet;
4 Reason to Eat Apples
"11 Reasons to Eat Beets
Eight Reasons to Eat Squashes
Detox, Weight Loss, Glowing Skin and Other Reasons to Eat Radishes
Heart Healing Foods
Immunity Boosting Spices Recipe
Simple Detox with Cleansing Herbs
Lentils Recipes to Fight Seasonal Depression
- switch to only healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids you can find in olive oil, salmon (chose fish carefully because it can be highly contaminated with toxic chemicals like mercury and PCBs), walnuts, flax seeds;
Salmon and Avocado Recipes

3. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Avoid super unhealthy processed foods which add more stress on our system and are super harmful for our health.
Super Foods to Avoid in Order to Stay Healthy
Listen to Your Body and Be Crave Smart

4. READ LABELS

We read all labels carefully looking for ingredients we cannot pronounce or don’t know the meaning of. There are too many preservative, chemicals, artificial colors we must avoid in order to stay healthy. Even more careful we have to be with labels on meat and diary products because most of the terms mean not exactly what we think.
Sugar and Caloric Overload Foods
How to Read Labels and Find Hidden Sugar
Video Tip: Sugar Surprise – How Much Sugar You Think You Eat

5. GO U.S.D.A. ORGANIC

Did you know that the worst toxins we can ingest are put into our foods as additives and preservatives? Organic foods are supposed to be produced without synthetic growth hormones, genetically engineered organisms, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
Why Strawberries, Peaches and Cherries Can Be Dangerous for Our Health
Is Your Mouthwash Cancer Proof
How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

6. GO LOCAL & EAT IN SEASON

To eat local and in season means that food was stored for less time and traveled not far. You get it fresher and more nutritious. Did I mention, that it will be cheaper?
Go local and find Farmer’s Markets near you at www.LocalHarvest.org

7. DE-STRESS

Stress is #1 cause of all our illnesses. If we want to be healthier, sleep longer and feel better we need to take care of out stress overload first.
Video Tip: Simple Exercise for Detox, Weight Loss and Better Sleep-Part I
Foot Massage for Detox, Stress, Sleep, Constipation and Headaches
Instant Mood Boosters – MP3 mini-class
Video Tip: How to Fall Asleep Faster and Sleep Longer
What Sex, Garlic and Swearing Have in Common
Video Tip: Three Instant Mood Boosters that Work

8. DETOX

Toxins can be poisons, heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, cleaning solvents, smog, and many substances that we don’t even know are leeching into our bodies via our clothing our furniture, and even out carpets. We need to detox with the seasonal fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. It is also very important to avoid chemicals and pesticides not only in foods but also in skin care products, make up, cleaning products, etc.
Simple Detox with Cleansing Spices
Spring Detox and Beauty Recipes
Three Detox Recipes
Video Tip: Detox Recipe: Super Simple and Healthy Turmeric Dressing
Detox Recipe: Kale with Cranberries and Sesame Seeds
Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.–Winston Churchill
If you feel you might need help with one of my Holistic Health and Nutrition Programs for Women, let me know, and let us talk…

And don’t forget to always breathe, smile and try to be happy.
© Irina Wardas, HHC
Women’s Holistic Health, Nutrition and Relationship Expert
NaturalCounselor.com

Food Standards & Integrity Addressed In Food, Inc., The Movie

On July 20th, I posted about the documentary, Food, Inc. I was finally able to get to the Flicks last week and watch the film. It was definitely more than I expected. In fact, I might even say that I almost got more on my plate, than my stomach could handle.

The documentary is a MUST SEE for anyone who consumes any meat products. Yes, I am currently a carnivore, but have been 98% pork free for about 2 years. Now, after watching the food handling standards and exposures for food contamination in Food, Inc., I have begun to plan my fazing out, of any and all commercially processed meat products. In addition, I have embarked on some serious research in a vegetarian diet for my family. (No, I haven't told the husband yet, SSHH, don't say anything!).

Watching the "hidden camera" clips of food handling in the meat processing plants in this country and chicken farms, was stomach wrenching. Now, I'm no sissy when it comes to watching the processing of meats and foods. But, when I find out how the recent salmonella poisonings and other food contamination crisis' occurred, and could have been prevented, then I do begin to feel ill.

I also learned about Monsanto's role in the control of farmers and what they can and cannot do, once the farmer has acquired Monsanto's "patented" seeds. Today, I also read an article about Monsanto's negligence right here in my home state of Idaho. Basically, they (Monsanto), have already caused much environmental devastation in Southeastern Idaho's high country, and want carte blanche to start another mine, without cleaning up their earlier messes. The scary thing is, that many EPA & FDA officials, were previously employed by Monsanto, at one time or another. I don't see any conflict of interest there, do you?

There were numerous facts & disclosures discussed in the documentary and the narration by Michael Pollen was fantastic. I can't do justice to the film by giving you the below tidbits, you'll have to see the movie for yourself. But, here's a few things I wanted to share:

1. Just a few years ago, apx 80 meat processing plants provided 20% of the meat that Americans consumed. Today, 13 meat processing plants provide 80% of the meat that we consume.

2. It takes 75 gallons of diesel to bring a steer to slaughter.

3. It is illegal to make disparaging remarks about the beef industry in Colorado. (Remember Oprah?).

4. One American farmer used to feed apx 628 people. Now, he feeds apx 128 people and huge companies/subsidiaries feed the rest.

5. One in three people born after the year 2000, will get diabetes.

The final message of the film was that we, as consumers, have a vote by what we do and do not purchase. One farmer that was interviewed, pled with the viewing audience to make our voices heard. He said that the farmers want to do the right thing, but so many hands are tied by big industry, that they can't do it by themselves.

Some of my votes will include a more conscientious effort to purchase food products grown/manufactured within a 150 mile radius of where I live. Farmers markets; here I come! I also need to start my plan for my raised bed gardens. Also, I've made my feelings clear to my husband about Monsanto products in our home/property.

My list continues, but I'd like others to share what they are already doing or planning to do, to cast a vote for improved food handling and standards by the food industry and within our own homes.

Vitamin D Supplements For Kids Health

It's no secret these days, that Vitamin D Supplements are quickly becoming recognized as a necessary ingredient for kids health. Researchers have found that 9 percent, or 7.6million children across the country, were vitamin D deficient and another 61 percent, or 50.8 million, were vitamin D insufficient.

Rickets, a bone disease sometimes found in infants, is also caused by a Vitamin D deficiency.

What causes this deficiency? Most commonly it is poor diet and lack of sunlight. Again, it's no secret that the average American household, does not get enough natural vitamins and minerals to maintain the body properly. And then, there's the sedentary lifestyle of so many young people these days. With online networking and highly entertaining computer games, many people don't get too far from the sofa anymore.

There are Vitamin D sources that contain natural nutrients that young children need. Do the research and see for yourself. You will find that our daily intake of steak & potatoes, just isn't enough to feed our body and organs properly. Add safe baby and children's vitamins to improve kid's health...and yours too!

Is Perfume Toxic To You?

With continued research, scientists are continuing to correlate many common allergies, allergies to mold, migraine headaches, and breathing disorders to the "everyday" products used in our homes and offices.

From the perfumes we wear, to the construction materials in our furniture, we are exposed daily to small amounts of chemicals, which can ultimately be toxic for our bodies. Many cleaning products are widely known to contain ingredients that are associated with contributing factors of some forms of cancer to symptoms of allergies.

My favorite non toxic cleaner is Shaklee's, Basic H2. It's an organic, natural cleaning surfactant, that comes in a concentrated form. One 16-ounce bottle, can make over 200 bottles of all-purpose spray cleaner. The dilution levels of Basic H2, vary for the level of cleaning.

Two drops of Basic H2 in 16-ounces of water, will make over 5,000 bottles of window and glass cleaner. One & one-half teaspoons makes a degreaser cleaner, that easily tackled the grease film build-up, on the top of my kitchen cupboards.

Most of us can't remove ourselves from all the toxic chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis. One person that was forced to find a way to do this though, is Kathy Hemenway of Snowflake, Arizona. From childhood, she was sensitive to exposures of perfume, fabrics, cleaning products, etc. As she grew into adulthood, it only got worse.

Some of the modifications that Kathy Hemenway made to her home and environment, were pretty drastic. But, she educated herself and made the necessary changes to secure a better quality of life for herself.

Education is the key and that's one of the primary reasons for my blog. By sharing this information, I endeavour to bring environmental and health options to my readers.

I hope you'll take the time to read the L.A. Times article about Kathy Hemenway's search for a Non Toxic Home and also the useful link entitled Beware These Household Chemicals.

Also, for more safe cleaning options that are Safe for You, Your Home, and Your Planet™, please check out the Safe, Powerful, Green & Smart cleaning products offered by Shaklee.

Planting Trees - Building A Future

In my short journey of learning how to take better care of the environment, I learned of Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr Wangari Maathai. She had a vision to change the lives for Kenyans, and thus was born, "The Greenbelt Movement".

Planting trees for fuel, shade, and food is not something that anyone would imagine as the first step toward winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Yet with that simple act Wangari Maathai, a woman born in rural Kenya, started down the path that reclaimed her country’s land from 100 years of deforestation, provided new sources of food and income to rural communities, gave previously impoverished and powerless women a vital political role in their country, and ultimately helped to bring down Kenya's twenty-four-year dictatorship.

Shaklee Corporation has been a huge proponent of Dr Maathai. So in 2006, was birthed one of Shaklee's many environmental causes, "A Million Trees - A Million Dreams". Three years later, on Earth Day this year, she along with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger helped plant the one millionth tree at Shaklee's headquarters in Pleasanton, California.

I am so looking forward to seeing the documentary, Taking Root; The Vision of Wangari Maathai. She is more than inspirational !

Food,Inc., The Movie

Did you know that the average food product travels about 1,500 miles to get to your grocery store? And that transporting food accounts for 30,800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year?

The movie, Food, Inc., was released last month, but it hasn't come to my area yet :-( But, in looking over the website and checking out it's resources, I am very anxious to see it and learn more about our food supply and the food industry.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Be sure and watch the trailer for the movie, but please don't stop there. There's numerous recommendations on the website about getting involved in making positive changes with our food sources.