The Doctor’s Chocolate – Healthy Dark Chocolate

Our dark chocolates do things no candy can do: Weight loss, suppresses appetite, relaxation, loss of PMS, increased focus, better sleep rhythms and a more cheerful mood are just some of the many “side effects” we have been noticing consistently with our Dark Healthy Chocolates.

The Doctor’s Chocolate

…is a rich, all-natural, raspberry dark chocolate truffle. The Doctor’s Chocolates can lower daily stress and tension, increase mental alertness and focus, reduce sugar cravings, has only 20 calories and 3 carbohydrates per serving and are safe for diabetics and children.

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True Healthy Dark Chocolate

…is a rich, dark chocolate with 71% cocoa. True Healthy Dark Chocolates are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, they helps stabilize blood sugar, they contain no sugar or artificial sweeteners, they help keep hunger pains away and are safe for diabetics and children.

Click here to learn more about True Healthy Dark Chocolates >>

The Doctor’s Chocolate – A rich, all-natural, raspberry dark chocolate truffle

The Doctor’s Chocolate Has only 20 calories and 3 carbohydrates per serving!

Discover why your Doctor would want you to eat “Dark Chocolate” every Day!

Play The Video Below Now!

Unprocessed, dark chocolate has been clinically proven as an anti-oxidant far superior to even green tea or blueberries. Benefits for your heart and for lowering our sugar cravings are exciting news for you or any chocolate lover interested in the health benefits of eating luscious, unprocessed chocolate.

Visit The Doctors Chocolate Here >> www.thedoctorschocolate.com

The key word and idea here is ‘unprocessed.’ This means that the chocolate must be of such superior quality that it does not require the ‘Dutch Process,’ using Alkali to enhance the color but stripping out the important flavanoids. It is sad to note that most of the current marketing hype surrounding so-called ‘healthy dark chocolate’ products is so much rubbish. ‘Healthy chocolate,’ if it has been processed, is simply an oxymoron!

Getting Rid of the Unhealthy Sugar & Chemicals and ‘Fillers’
Unfortunately unprocessed chocolate, in its natural state with all of its health promoting qualities intact, is usually an unpleasant, bitter tasting thing. It’s the sugar and fat that brings forth the rich flavors and textures that give chocolate such a wonderful mouth feel!

As a doctor, with a lifetime of experience in food allergies and nutrition, it has long been a dream to find a way to replace all or most of the sugar and, a tiny bit of the fat without using the popular artificial sweeteners that so often pose equally troublesome health challenges.

Now, after many years seeking answers and experimentation by a wonderful team of innovative food scientists, I am delighted to announce an all-natural dark chocolate treat, The Doctor’s Chocolate™ that I am pleased and proud to recommend to you without reservation.

Low Glycemic Index – Safe for Diabetics
The Doctor’s Chocolate™ goes far beyond just using healthy dark chocolate in our formulation of wonderful, all-natural ingredients. Our chocolate is in the form of raspberry/chocolate truffles. There is a tiny bit of natural sugar contained in the natural raspberry flavoring and in the fruit. However, the amount and the glycemic index is so low as to be safe even for diabetics.

Wild Plum Tonique for Mature Skin

Eminence Skincare’s Wild Plum Tonique is an oxygenating toner designed to revitalize dull and dry skin, and also stimulate circulation. The toner is made with wild plum juice which supplies essential mineral nutrients to the skin, and the salicylic acid in the product helps to remove surface impurities.

Eight Greens Youth Serum for Mature Skin

Eminence Organic Skincare’s Eight Greens Youth Serum is designed to balance out hormonal skin and also reduces the risk of breakouts. The energizing serum contains Omega 3s, hop extract, yucca extract and paprika to stimulate the skin and increase oxygen to the pores. It also contains anti-aging ingredients that will help to give mature and dry skin that much-needed boost.

Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer for Mature Skin

If you’re looking for a natural skin-brightening solution, try the Eminence Organics Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. This intensive moisturizer contains bioflavanoids, corn germ oil, lemon juice and stone crop to nourish the skin and prevent pigmentation. It contains an antioxidant booster of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid to replenish and restore dehydrated and devitalized skin.

Raspberry Pore Refining Masque

If you have large pores or loose and sagging skin, the Eminence Organics Raspberry Pore Refining Masque can help to restore, firm and tighten mature skin. You can use it once or twice per week after cleansing to tighten the pores and firm up the skin.

Click Here to Learn More About Eminence Organic Skin Products ».

Many of the cleansers, toners and moisturizers in the Eminence Organics skin care line contain ingredients rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and can help to improve the texture and tone of your skin.

Try the Eminence Organics skin care Pear and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher to gently exfoliate dead skin cells while soothing and softening the skin. This skin polisher contains bioflavanoids, antioxidants, and fresh fruits including pear and green apple that help to correct an uneven skin tone and clear up congestion.

If you want to tighten up and refine the pores, try the Eminence Organics skin care Blackberry Pore Refining Serum. This serum contains phyto-nutrients and antioxidants including blueberry juice, pomegranate extract, hop extract and blackberry juice. It also contains several antioxidant boosters, including alpha lipoic acid and Coenzyme Q10 which can help to revitalize dull and tired-looking skin.

Use the Eminence organics skin care Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and nourish the skin from inside out. This age-defying moisturizer contains skin-lightening agents which help to not only brighten the skin tone, but can also prevent pigmentation. You can use this moisturizer day and night to reap all of the benefits.

An exfoliating cleanser can be a great match for dull or tired-looking skin, because it helps to clear up congestion and gets rid of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. Use the Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser from the Eminence Organics skin care line to refine and cleanse the skin, and create a more youthful appearance.

Click Here to Learn More About Eminence Skin Products ».

There are thousands of vitamin and mineral supplements on the market, but only some are actually absorbed by the body and will support your health. Here are some of the key reasons to choose organic vitamin and mineral supplements, instead of synthetic supplements that are readily available on the market:

1. Organic vitamin and mineral supplements will be absorbed by the body within minutes. Your body doesn’t need to work very hard to digest and assimilate the nutrients from organic sources. Choosing an organic vitamin or mineral supplement over a synthetic version provides your body with a healthy dose of nutrition.

2. Organic vitamins and minerals support a healthy lifestyles. Increasing your intake of organic vitamin and dietary supplements can support a healthier lifestyle by delivering a high dose of antioxidants, minerals and other essential nutrients.

3. Organic vitamin and dietary supplements are free of synthetic chemicals. Choosing organic vitamin and mineral supplements such as 9 A Day Plus ensure means that you won’t be consuming toxins and artificial ingredients that can compromise your health. 9 A Day Plus is free of any synthetic compounds, fractionated vitamins and inorganic substances, so you won’t be experiencing any harmful side effects from your supplementation program.

There are several reasons to choose organic vitamin and mineral supplements. The 9 A Day Plus formulation contains essential nutrients, minerals and supplements you need to support your healthy lifestyle.

Click Here to Learn More About 9 a Day Plus »

1. All natural health food vitamin supplements can improve brain functioning. Health food vitamin supplements that contain essential omega fatty acids and essential plant digestive enzymes can support a healthy metabolism and also promote healthy brain functioning.

2. Health food vitamin supplements are readily absorbed by the body. All natural health food vitamin supplements are easily processed by the body, which means your body will begin to function at its optimum level. Choosing organic, natural health food vitamin supplements means you will be enjoying health benefits that are equivalent to eating all natural fruits and vegetables. The 9 A Day formula contains the equivalent of nine servings of fruits and vegetables, and contains potent phytonutrients that support your healthy lifestyle.

3. Natural health food vitamin supplements can increase energy. Many natural health food vitamin supplements, such as the 9 A Day Plus formula, can increase energy and mental alertness. This is because the supplements are being absorbed and used by the body efficiently, which means your cells are getting all the nutrition they need to function at their optimal level.

When you are selecting a health food vitamin supplement, look for an all-natural, organic formula that is free of synthetic compounds and inorganic substances. Health food vitamin supplements that are free or pesticides, herbicides and harmful chemicals will be better absorbed by the body and can deliver the nutrition you need.

Click Here to Learn More About 9 a Day Plus »

Taking a whole food supplement ensures optimal absorption, and can provide a number of health benefits. Here’s a close look at some of the key benefits of taking a whole food supplement instead of a synthetic nutrition supplement:

Whole Food Supplements Are Readily Absorbed by the Body

A whole food supplement has better bioavailability – the ability to be absorbed and assimilated by the body – than synthetic supplements, because the vitamins and minerals have the same molecular structure as those found in real fruits and vegetables. Your body recognizes these compounds as real food, so they will be absorbed and assimilated quickly. Synthetic supplements can take longer to process and may leave behind byproducts and trace toxic compounds that can damage your health in the long run.

Whole Food Supplements Can Increase Energy and Improve Health

Since a whole food supplement delivers more nutrition per serving than synthetic supplements, you’ll start noticing many improvements to your health. Whole food supplements, such as the 9 A Day Plus formula, contain essential nutrients and ingredients that can increase energy and alertness, strengthen the immune system, and also improve digestion.

Whole Food Supplements Are Nutritionally-Rich Formulations

Whole food supplements that contain whole food derived vitamins, probiotics, essential Omega fatty acids and plant digestive enzymes provide more nutrition than synthetic supplements, and are therefore more nutritionally rich. Even when you are eating several servings of fruits and vegetables each day, a whole food supplement can provide additional phytonutrients to support your healthy lifestyle.

Click Here to Learn More About 9 a Day Plus »

Here are some tips for choosing the right Eminence organic products for your skin type:

1. Use a hydrating cleanser if you have dry or normal skin. Eminence Organics Sweet Red Rose Cleanser is made with real red rose petals and sweet red rose oil, and will hydrate, enrich and protect your skin from inside out. You can use this type of cleanser day and night to purify and tighten the pores, and reduce irritation.

2. Use an exfoliating cleanser to tighten pores. If you’re noticing the signs of aging and want to achieve a more youthful appearance, try the Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser that refines and cleanses the skin. This cleanser is made with pineapple extract, grape extract and blueberry juice, and contains several vitamins and minerals that will restore the skin to a more youthful state.

3. Soothe irritated skin with a hydrating toner. The Stone Crop Hydrating Mist is ideal for healing irritation and reducing pigmentation. It is designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can help protect skin against further pigmentation.

4. Exfoliate dull or dehydrated skin with a polisher. The Eminence Organics Pear and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher is a good match for all skin types, and works by gently exfoliating the skin and softening congested pores.

5. Calm and tone sun-damaged skin with a purifying gel. The Eminence Organics Pink Grapefruit-C Gel stimulates and tones the skin, and infuses the pores with a rich dose of antioxidants. It also contains aloe, a light moisturizer.

Click Here to Learn More About Eminence Organic Products ».

Many Eminence facial products, including the Sweet Red Rose Cleanser and the Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser contain the Eminence Biocomplex™, a set of antioxidant compounds including Vitamins A, Ester-C, E and Conenzyme Q10, as well as Alpha Lipoic Acid. Together, these compounds help to combat free radicals and can deliver antioxidants deep into the pores.

Congested pores can cause a dull complexion, and many Eminence facial products contain salicylic acid which helps to remove surface impurities. This ingredient is a natural exfoliating agent, and can help to cleanse the pores at a deeper level, and kill any bacteria that may be causing acne or breakouts.

Green Tea is a rich antioxidant, and Eminence facial products including the Microderm Polisher and Lime Refresh Tonique can help to revitalize and nourish your skin. Green Tea is high in polyphenols, which help to improve the texture and tone of the skin to create a refreshed, revitalized appearance.

If you want to calm and soothe irritated skin, choose Eminence facial products that contain peppermint or hop extract. The Eight Greens Youth Serum is particularly effective for energizing the skin with revitalizing dull-looking skin. It contains hop extract to calm and soothe inflamed skin, and also contains anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients such as Vitamin A, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitex Agnus Castus to prevent further skin damage.

When you want to achieve a more youthful look, you can choose from several Eminence facial products to restore and revitalize dull skin. Consider adding some of these antioxidant-rich products to your daily regimen to improve the texture and tone of your skin.

Click Here to Learn More About Eminence Facial Products ».

ANSWER: The more-common kind of macular degeneration, the dry kind, doesn’t usually lead to such profound loss of vision in one day. I believe your mother is drawing some premature conclusions about what she faces. The macula is a small area on the retina, the back part of the eye that turns incoming light signals into electrical signals that are sent to the brain to allow us to see. The macula is about the size of a newsprint capital O. Small as that retinal area is, it carries on one of the biggest vision jobs. It’s responsible for clear central vision, the kind needed to read, to watch TV, to recognize faces and to drive. Age is one important factor in developing macular degeneration. The condition is formally called age-related macular degeneration. Genes have a role. So does cigarette smoking.

Wet macular degeneration comes about from the sudden sprouting of fragile blood vessels in the macular area. Those vessels leak fluid, which interferes with macular function. This kind of macular degeneration can progress rapidly. There are more ways of handling it than there are of handling the dry variety.

Slow your mother down. She is acting far too prematurely. Her vision might never progress to the point where she has to give up driving and is dependent on others. A combination of high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene (a vitamin A relative), zinc and copper can slow the progress of dry macular degeneration. People shouldn’t treat themselves with this vitamin mixture. Their doctors will tell them when it is appropriate. Currently, more studies are ongoing to determine the place of folic acid, vitamins B-6 and B-12, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of this common eye condition. The booklet on macular degeneration answers questions on it in greater detail. To order a copy, write: Dr. Donohue – No. 701, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Nine A Day delivers powerful nutrients your body needs for excellent eyesight. To learn more click here>>

Health Benefits Of Copper

(THP) The health benefits of copper include proper growth, utilization of iron, enzymatic reactions, connective tissues, hair, eyes, aging and energy production. Apart from these, heart rhythm, thyroid glands, arthritis, wound healing. RBC formation and cholesterol are other health benefits of copper.

The health benefits of copper are crucial for healthy existence, as this mineral enables normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins. Copper cannot be produced within the body and hence needs to be sourced from external food sources. Copper is the third most prevalent mineral in the body and it is mostly carried by the blood plasma protein, Ceruloplasmin. In order to enjoy health benefits of copper, it must be included in diet of an individual.

Deficiency symptoms: Deficiency of copper can have the following symptoms in human beings:

• Anemia
• Low body temperature
• Brittle bones
• Osteoporosis
• Dilated veins
• Low white blood cell count
• Uneven heartbeat
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Low resistance to infections
• Birth defects
• Low skin pigmentation
• Thyroid disorders

Some of the other symptoms include lethargy, paleness, sores, edema, stunted growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea, bleeding under the skin and dermatitis. In infant boys, inherited copper deficiency of Menkes’ syndrome can happen rarely, where natural absorption of copper becomes impossible. Early medical intervention is vital in such cases.

Important Sources: Copper is present in various food sources such as liver, meat, seafood, beans, whole grains soy flour, wheat bran, almonds, avocados, barley, garlic, nuts, oats, black-strap molasses ,beets and lentils. Copper also reaches human body by drinking water from copper pipes and by using copper cooking wear. Oysters are the richest sources of copper. Copper content is lost because of prolonged storing in tin cans and in food materials that are high in acid content.

Benefits: Copper has many important roles to play in maintaining a healthy body and some of its benefits include:

• Arthritis: The health benefits of copper relate to its anti-inflammatory actions to assist in reducing the symptoms of arthritis. Market is also flooded with copper bracelets as well as other accessories for the cure of this disease. Copper also works as a home remedy for arthritis i.e. water stored in a copper container overnight accumulates copper traces which are beneficial to strengthen the muscular system.
• Proper growth: Copper is highly essential for normal growth and health. Thus, it is definitely important to include this mineral in balanced form in regular diets of an individual. It is helpful in protection of skeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems.
• Pigmentation to hair and eyes: Copper is a vital element of the natural dark pigment, melanin, which imparts coloration to skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin can be produced by melanocytes only in the presence of the cuproenzyme called tyrosinase. Intake of copper supplements helps in protecting the graying hair.
• Connective tissues: Copper is an important nutrient that has a significant role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, myelin, body pigment melanin and collagen. It helps to protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves. It is also actively involved in the production of an element of connective tissue, elastin.
• Brain Stimulation: Copper is widely known as a brain stimulant. It is also otherwise called “Brain food”. However, copper content in the diet has to be in right proportions. Too much of copper is also not healthy for the brain. Copper has a control function to play for the brain and hence the extent of copper supplement intake has to be balanced.
• Utilization of iron and sugar: Copper helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and release from its primary storage sites like liver. It also helps in the utilization of sugar in the body.
• Enzymatic reactions: Copper is either an element or a co-factor of as many as 50 different enzymes that take part in various biological reactions within the body. These enzymes can function properly only in the presence of copper.
• Helps in stalling aging: Copper is a strong antioxidant, which works in the presence of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, to safeguard the cell membranes from free radicals.
• Increases energy production: Copper is essential for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, which is an energy storehouse of the human body. The cuproenzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, affects the intracellular energy production. It acts as a catalyst in the reduction of molecular oxygen to water, during which the enzyme produces an electrical gradient used by the mitochondria to synthesize the vital energy-storing molecule, ATP.
• Bactericidal properties: Studies have shown that copper can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacterial strains such as E Coli.
• Thyroid glands: Copper has an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of thyroid glands.
• RBC formation: Copper helps in the production of red blood cells hemoglobin and bone.
• Immunity: Copper has an important role in the healing process and thus, ensures better wound healing. Copper acts as an extremely good immunity builder. It also works as a cure to anemic problems.
• Reduces cholesterol: Research studies have shown that copper can reduce bad cholesterol level and helps in increasing beneficial cholesterol.

This article was contributed by Seema Adnani

9 a Day Plus Vitamins, are an all natural supplement that deliver copper for optimum health. To learn more click here>>

Additional Vitamins to consider:

* Vitamins E and C, which can be vital in the formation of collagen and elastin, help strengthen and maintain the skin. Vitamin E prevents cell damage by decreasing the oxidation of fats and its byproduct in free radicals. Vitamin C helps fight bacteria and infections, and is vital in maintaining the immune system. Great sources of vitamins are fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and cantaloupes, while vitamin C source from vegetables may come from broccoli, peppers and many more. Daily recommended does for each:and Vitamin C 1000mg 3 times daily.

* Vitamin B supports development of skin cells and aids in the stress management of the body. Vitamin B5 in particular was the center of a study conducted by Dr. Lit -Hung Leung of Singapore. In the study, participants were given large doses of Vitamin B with results showing increase in sebum metabolism with decreased pore size. Unlike vitamin A, Vitamin B acts mostly on the sebum, and as a result, the dry skin side effects are avoided. Vitamin B5 is contained in meat, broccoli, whole wheat, and eggs. Daily recommended doses of vitamin B 5 is 4 mg for acne.

* Zinc supports immune system tissue healing and decreases scarring. It also regulates the oil glands in preventing excess oil and development of acne. Daily recommended dose of zinc is 25-30mg.

Remember stress is a big factor along with other triggers that vary from person to person. If you notice a pattern in food, or conditions that may lead to your acne flare up, try to eliminate them, and make note of any improvements. This vitamin regimen my take months before you notice improvements; give it at least a chance and some time before you decide it is not working for you.

- By Kevin Pak

People who take 9 A Day Plus vitamins have reported healthier, younger looking and clear skin. To learn more click here>>

(THP) Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the United States. According to the latest data from the CDC, more than 141,400 Americans were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005, and more than 53,000 died from the disease that same year.

Fortunately, it is also one of the few cancers that can be successfully treated if precancerous growths are found and removed early enough. Better yet, I believe colon cancer is completely preventable with certain lifestyle changes, of which vitamin D is a vital part.

More Evidence Showing the Cancer-Busting Power of Vitamin D

In this latest study, people with colon cancer who had the highest average levels of vitamin D had half the mortality rate of those with the lowest average levels, indicating that optimizing your vitamin D levels can improve your survival rate even if you already have the disease.

These findings add to a veritable mountain of studies that have found vitamin D to generate astounding powers of protection against a wide variety of cancers. In fact, there are well over 800 studies showing vitamin D’s effectiveness for cancer prevention and treatment!

One 2003 in JAMA found that men who consumed higher amounts of vitamin D significantly reduced their risk of developing colon cancer.

Another study dating back to 1989 studied more than 25,000 people for eight years and discovered that people with vitamin D levels of 33-41 ng/ml, which is not even close to a great vitamin D level, reduced their risk of colon cancer by a whopping 80 percent!

Considering the fact that anything below 50 ng/ml is now believed to be sub-optimal, just imagine the worldwide impact on colon cancer (and other types of cancer) might be if everyone raised their vitamin D levels to the recommended 50-65 ng/ml.

For cancer treatment, the recommended level is now as high as 65-90 ng/ml.

I can’t stress enough how important I believe it is to optimize your vitamin D levels. It’s such a simple, inexpensive strategy, yet it can help prevent countless chronic ailments and deadly diseases.

For dosing guidelines, please read through last week’s article which addressed this in detail: “Vitamin D Experts Reveal the Truth About Vitamin D Dosing for Children and Adults.” I also recommend you review “Test Values and Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency” if you have not done so already.

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

Cancer can be a terrible disease, but please understand that you can easily avoid cancers of nearly every type by implementing some basic healthy changes.

There are several dietary factors that appear to play a protective role, and as discussed above, one of the most important and simplest ones is to optimize your vitamin D levels. The best way to do that is by getting plenty of appropriate sunshine exposure on a regular basis, or by using a safe tanning bed.

If you’re still holding onto the myth that sun exposure equals deadly skin cancer, my book, Dark Deception, reveals why listening to that advice can literally kill you in more ways than one.

Other proven preventive measures for colon cancer include:

• Exercise
• Eat plenty of fresh raw vegetables, ideally based on your body’s unique nutritional type
• Rebalance the ratio of omega-3 fats you consume by taking a high-quality fish oil or krill oil
• Avoid sugar
• Avoid processed meats
• Maintain normal iron levels
• Have your inflammation levels checked, and reduce them, if necessary
• Be wary of water soluble fiber as it may actually increase your risk of colon cancer. This was quite surprising to me, who was known as Dr. Fiber in medical school.
• Maintain ideal body weight

Nine A Day Plus Vitamins contains quality nutrients derived from organic sources, and has everything you need to improve your health. To learn more click here>>

(THP) Lynn Kerew Chiropractic is a Santa Monica Chiropractor that specializes in treating a variety of symptoms caused by improper ergonomics or a lack of vitamins.

A recent Public Relations study for vitamin C products found that high blood pressure is a heavy contributor to strokes and heart attacks all over the world. While not everyone dies from it, this doesn’t mean it’s not potentially fatal. High blood pressure is in most cases caused by hypertension; by treating that disease, the blood pressure will usually turn to normal. There are a few things that cause it, among which are thyroid disease, alcohol, pregnancy, and obesity.

The aforementioned, are factors that can be averted through medication or discipline, but then there are the factors that cannot be averted in any way at all. They include gender, race, and age, among other things. They cannot be changed; they simply have to be lived with. There are medications however, that will reduce blood pressure. There are various pills, treatments, and other assortments of clinical remedies such as beta-blockers, which are usually prescribed after a heart attack. Unfortunately, while beta-blockers work wonders in reducing blood pressure, they also tend to cause Type 2 diabetes through the decrease of insulin sensitivity, which actually adds to the problem, since people who are insulin-resistant have been found to have extremely high blood pressure. It is amazing how much insulin has to do with blood pressure! So if you do have hypertension, make sure to have your blood sugar checked constantly, the ability to normalize your blood sugar will go a long way in preventing high blood pressure.

All medications have a side effect of some kind, there’s no getting around it, and there are no exceptions. Yet some people believe that drugs are the only way, after all, that is what most hospitals will tell you. So what do you do? Once again, nature provides.  You can eat fruits and vegetables, which help a lot with high blood pressure due to the vitamins in them.

A recent study has shown that vitamin C is capable of reducing blood pressure. The study consisted of about 250 women, from the ages eight to eleven years old, and the study lasted for about ten years, it was shown that vitamin C did indeed reduce their blood pressure. It has been noted that vitamin C is best used with other blood pressure reducing remedies such as green tea, and some tea is made with vitamin C in it already.

This is an excellent discovery, when you consider the damage drugs can do to your body. If you have ever watched a drug commercial, you’ve probably heard them list the side effects, and the list they give causes more problems than the drug is supposed to cure, making it not even worth it. But if a cure can be found within nature, then such things can be avoided, and good health can be obtained in our own backyards. Meaning that while age, gender, race, and social status cannot be changed(yet), the high blood pressure that accompanies them can be kept in line, and help you to live a happy, stroke free life with your friends, family, and loved ones for many years to come.

Vitamin C, which is found in Nine A Day Plus Vitamins, and derived from organic sources can help lower your blood pressure and improve health. To learn more about quality vitamins  click here>>

Protein Power Mix delivers quality protein in a palatble shake

Q: I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and was wondering what your recommendations are for a healthy diet, since most treatment leaves me nauseated and with no appetite.

A: My first recommendation, which will benefit how you feel during and after your treatment, is to avoid caffeine, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, greasy food, fried foods and use of your microwave oven. All are toxic to your system. Wheat grass is most beneficial. Simply consuming 1 ounce provides the nutrients of 2 -pounds of organic green vegetables.

It is very important to take in more protein during chemotherapy than in your usual diet, since the treatment kills cells resulting in a large protein turnover in your body. Eggs, lean meats, nuts, beans and legumes are excellent sources of protein.

It is very important to cook your food well, since your body’s defenses against infections may be lower during your treatment. Cooking kills bacteria and can reduce the risk of developing bowel infections. Raw food may be difficult to digest and may worsen your appetite.

Since nausea and poor appetite may prevent you from eating in large quantities, try to consume smaller meals more frequently. Also, eating with friends is a social event and much better than eating alone. If your treatment leaves a bad taste in your mouth, try sucking on a sugar free mint, candy or chewing gum.

A recent study by the British Journal of Cancer suggest that consuming fish oil helped the chemotherapy drug work more effectively and reduced intestinal damage caused by the drug.

Protein Power Mix can be mixed with a variety of liquids, and fresh fruits to please the pallette, while offering the protein nutrition your body needs. To learn more click here>>

Phylis B. Canion is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and is a certified nutritional consultant, e-mail her at doc.phyl@yahoo.com. This column is for nutritional information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure.

By Martica Heaner, Ph.D., M.A., M.Ed., for MSN Health & Fitness

Q. My family has a history of osteoporosis and I’d like to strengthen my bones to avoid it. Which exercises are best?

A. There are many misconceptions about which activities improve bone density. Although most any exercise can help with the problems that occur with declining bone mass, some types and intensities of exercise are much more effective at building stronger bones. Here’s why:

Bone health and the problems associated with it occur in a cascade. It all starts with how much bone density you have at your peak levels during your early 30s. The amount of bone mass you have is mostly determined during your childhood and teen years. Around 90 to 95 percent of the bone mass that you will have for life is developed by the time you are 20 years old. The remaining 5 to 10 percent is built during your 20s and early 30s, but generally no later than 35 (research is unclear as to exact cutoff date).

It may be too late to do anything about building the bulk of your bone bank now, but you can get an indication of where you stand by assessing your behaviors when you were younger. The 2004 report from the Surgeon General on Bone Health and Osteoporosis points out the factors in your younger years that likely lead to optimum bone mass: an active lifestyle, especially participating in sports that involve jumping like basketball, volleyball or gymnastics; normal weight (not underweight or under-eating); a diet with a good amount of calcium-rich foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If you were an inactive and/or underweight teen, and if you ate more junk than nutritious foods, your bone mass may be lower than ideal. If you were ever underweight, experienced irregular periods, smoked, drank excessive amounts of alcohol and/or have taken steroid medications for an extended period of time, then your risk of having less-than-optimal bone density is higher.

But all women, regardless of their bone density at its peak, start to lose it in their mid-30s due to bone changes. So it’s crucial to optimize bone health with the right lifestyle behaviors in your 20s, 30s and beyond.

During your 20s, and possibly early 30s, the cells that build bone—osteoblasts—are active and working more than the cells that break down bone—osteoclasts. After your early to mid-30s, osteoblasts slow down and osteoclasts rev up. At this point, you may still be able to increase some types of bone tissue, particularly the cortical type in the middle of the bone. Also, the outer surface of the bone may strengthen, even if the internal area is weakening. Plus, you can slow down the rate at which you are losing bone.

All exercises can help, but activities that actively promote bone growth are those that pound or pull on your bones, such as high-impact exercises that produce strong muscle contractions. Walking is low impact and not that beneficial for bone density, although it’s great for all-around health. Jumping, on the other hand, provides a stimulus to the bone cells that improves bone strength. Lifting a weight that is heavy enough to produce a forceful muscle contraction results in the muscle attachment pulling on the bone it’s attached to. That stimulus also activates bone cells. Light weights do not require enough muscle fiber to contract with enough force to produce this effect.

Here are some things you can do to improve bone density:

1. Jump

Even a small amount of jumping appears to be helpful. Some research has found that post-menopausal women who jump rope one to two minutes a day experience bone benefits. Running also provides a helpful impact, as does high-impact aerobics, kickboxing and certain calisthenics such as jumping jacks. But this pounding for too long—such as running a marathon—may have a minimal effect on bone because after a certain period bone cells may become desensitized to additional impact.

Impact sports that include jumping, such as basketball, tennis, volleyball and gymnastics, are beneficial as well. Research on those who perform racket sports have found that people tend to have greater bone density in the arm that swings at the ball than in the non-swinging arm.

If you have joint issues or a physical condition that warrants limiting the amount of impact you do, check with your doctor or physical therapist. There may be alternative moves or modifications you can make to sneak in a little impact.

2. Lift heavy weights

Women often lift weights that are too light to experience the maximal benefit of weight lifting. Work with a personal trainer or trainer in your gym to build up to heavier loads. Some body-weight moves, such as climbing or doing pull-ups on bars lifting your own body weight, may produce enough pull on the bone. Lighter resistance training, like yoga and Pilates, does not appear to produce forceful enough contractions to build bone.

3. Include other bone-health promoting activities

Some activities that do not actually build bone can still improve bone health by preventing falls and their resulting fractures. You can protect against falls by including balance exercises such as standing on one leg during certain yoga or Pilates moves, practicing Tai Chi or by improving stability during dynamic balancing moves (such as when doing lunges). Building muscle mass all over by lifting weights can also help you develop better muscle control and pad you if you do fall.

4. Eat for bone health

Eating a nutrient-rich diet is vital. And that doesn’t mean focusing only on calcium, which is found in all plant foods as well as in dairy. Also eat lots of plant foods that are high in other bone-promoting nutrients such as vitamin K. Get adequate vitamin D, either through sunlight or enriched foods. Although supplementation is advised, it’s always better to meet nutrient needs through food sources. Get your calcium from plant foods like kale, collard and other greens, broccoli and spinach; other sources are oranges, beans, soy products like edamame and tofu, almonds, tortillas, dairy foods and sardines. Egg yolks and salmon contain vitamin D. Milk and soy milks are usually fortified with D. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies will boost your intake of other bone-boosting nutrients including vitamin K, magnesium and trace minerals.

Stemulite Fitness Formula For Women helps create new muscle quicker after an intense strength training workout, which enables muscle growth and stronger bones. To learn more click here>>

Nine A Day Plus Vitamins contains the finest nutrients derived from organic sources like apples, cherries, and soy. People who take 9 A Day Plus have reported feeling mentally clearer, healthier skin, and more vitality. To learn more click here>>

Resource

Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General

Diarrhea claims more under-five children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined, yet remains a neglected disease, according to World Health Organization diarrhea specialist Olivier Fontaine. “We made huge progress in the 1980s, but donor investment decreased in the 1990s as attention was diverted to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.”

Diarrhea received less than 5 percent of total disease research and treatment funding in 2007, a fraction of the funding put toward other diseases that claimed far fewer lives.

The most severe forms of diarrhea – which can lead to dehydration – kill an estimated 1.5 million under-five children every year. Most children recover from milder forms – more than four billion children get diarrhea every year. “There is no reason for these deaths,” said WHO’s Fontaine. “There are 20th-century revolutionary medical miracles that should have [ended diarrhea] by now.”

Zinc

But treatments like oral re hydration therapy (ORT), salty liquids, reach less than 40 percent of children who need them in Asia and Africa, according to UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Why the deaths?
	Zinc costs less than 2 US cents per tablet, 15 cents for full  treatment
	39 percent of children with diarrhea in developing countries get proper treatment
	Diarrhea gets less than 5 percent of international research and treatment funds
	1,400 children die from rotavirus infections every day, common cause of diarrhea
	Home solution of salt, sugar, water can save 90 percent of child deaths from diarrhea dehydration
Source: UNICEF, George Institute for International Health, WHO

In recent years zinc tablets have been proven to boost ORT’s efficacy. “Zinc is the most ubiquitous mineral in the body,” said Fontaine. “It is responsible for activating more than 300 enzymes. Every level of metabolism needs it and the immune system is dependent on it.”

Recommended five years ago by World Health Organization to accompany ORT, the zinc tablet – costing less than 2 US cents – has been studied in diarrhea treatments since 2007 in countries from Bangladesh to Brazil, said Fontaine. In Mali, US-based Johns Hopkins School of Public Health is carrying out a three-year study on zinc scheduled to finish in June 2010.

But despite a donor push to get zinc into at-risk communities – UNICEF purchased almost 160 million zinc tablets in 2008 – the agency said that need outstrips supply and that both zinc and ORT have been slow to roll out in some of the worst-affected areas.

Director of nutrition services at Mali’s Health Ministry, Racky Ba Samaké, told IRIN that while zinc is used to treat diarrhea in Mali, it is not yet distributed widely as a supplement because of cost.

But WHO’s Fontaine told IRIN zinc can be a money-saver, and has helped cut the cost of treating diarrhea by one-fourth in India. “In Mali we have parents who actually complain to us that their children have too much of an appetite. Zinc boosts appetites and [helps avoid] unnecessary drugs and long hospital stays.”

In a recent report on diarrhea, UNICEF outlined a seven-point plan to treat and prevent childhood diarrhea that includes the rotavirus vaccine – which can help prevent one of the most common viral causes of diarrhea; exclusive breastfeeding and Vitamin A to boost children’s immune systems; hygiene through hand-washing, safe water and a clean environment; and oral re hydration therapy and zinc to nurse children to health.

Nine A Day Plus vitamins contain zinc, an essential mineral that supports optimum functions in the body, and is derived from all natural sources. To learn more click here>>

More than 38.3 million sleeping pill prescriptions were dispensed last year according to one research firm that tracks health-care data. Sleep disorders cost a lot.

There are alternatives to taking potentially dangerous prescription drugs, including the non-invasive approach of supplements and herbs, homeopathics, and other alternative therapies.

Studies suggest that supplements can hasten sleep, ease jet lag, and provide improved quality of sleep without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills.

Three of the most promising natural solutions are valerian, melatonin and 5-HTP, all available in supplement form.

Valerian is a naturally sedative herb that has been used for thousands of years.

It increases GABA, a neurotransmitter that relieves anxiety and enhances relaxation, thus minimizing the time it takes to fall asleep. Valerian has minimal side effects.

The response rate can range from immediate to two to four weeks of regular use before experiencing effects.

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the pineal gland. As we age or experience excess stress, our hormone production decreases, lowering naturally occurring melatonin.

Melatonin slows the mind and lowers body temperature, natural effects associated with a healthy sleep cycle, and thus helps one fall asleep faster, reduces night awakenings, and helps regulate sleep cycles.

Melatonin also has been reported to strengthen the immune system by reducing free radical damage.

Stemulite Fitness Formula, contains melatonin, which helps induce REM sleep.

Five-HTP stands for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, an important, naturally occurring amino acid which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It has been used in Europe for decades as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid.

It increases REM sleep significantly (typically about 25 percent). It is naturally found in many foods and most commonly extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant.

Additionally, here are some tips that you might not have heard about. They are intended for the average adult, but not necessarily for children or persons experiencing medical problems:

Imaging. Think of a hammock—you’re up off the ground, wrapped in a cocoon of comfort, swaying gently in the open air. The sun is warm on your face and there’s a breeze blowing you back and forth.

This visualization helps get you in the mood to sleep. Visualization has proved helpful in developing the appropriate brain wave patterns for sleep.

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is part of bones and cells. Over 300 enzymes need magnesium to function properly. It is so important that the brain stores a safety supply. A little extra before bedtime can be helpful.

Nutmeg has a tranquilizing effect. Grind it fresh and drink with warm (organic if possible) milk and honey. Milk is naturally high in calcium and rich in tryptophan; all together they can be a lovely sedative.

Hot foot baths draw blood from the brain to calm a racing mind. Try soaking your feet in a hot foot bath with a cupful of Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil, which will soothe you. Your feet absorb the magnesium from the Epsom salts and relax you further.

Toe wiggling. Lie on your back and wiggle your toes up and down 12 times; do both feet at the same time. Your entire body relaxes.

According to the science of reflexology, your feet are a kind of master control panel for the rest of your body. Meridians in the body -those channels of energy treated by acupuncture -end up in the feet and connect with every part of the body.

Stomach rub. This soothes the digestive system and helps bring about relaxation. Lie on your back and place your hand on your navel. Begin to make small circles in a clockwise direction as you gently glide your hand over your stomach. Let the circles gradually become bigger.

When your circles reach the outside of your stomach, gradually reduce their size until you are back at your navel again. Reverse the direction; repeat the whole series with your other hand.

Listen to an audio book. The brain works like a tape player, with one main auditory loop that processes words. If you fill that loop with an interesting book, there’s no room for your own worrisome internal narrative.

When we sleep and dream more deeply, we wake with our batteries fully charged, and a brighter attitude toward life!

People who have taken Stemulite, have reported falling asleep faster, naturally, and waking up feeling refreshed. To learn more about this all natural supplement, click here>>

Author:  Samaya Jones

Who Uses Herbal Cellulite Body Wrap?

Celebrities have recently brought detoxifying products into the limelight as the new trendy way to lose weight. Herbal Body Wraps is just one of the many products that are intended to allow dieters to afford to detoxify the body. Herbal Body Wraps makes lofty claims that you will actually experience instant weight loss and lose several inches in less than one hour.

Herbal cellulite body wraps have been marketed to be and effective way to firm the skin, slim the body, treat cellulite, clear the skin, detoxify the skin, and help the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The weight loss benefits of body wraps have been shown to be temporary. Other than Dead Sea clay, there are no other ingredients found to be in any of the Herbal Body Wraps mentions in this review.

What are the benefits?

• May be effective for short term weight loss.

Are there any draw backs?

• The full list of ingredients in Herbal Wraps is unknown.
• The weight loss benefits of body wraps have been shown to be temporary.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of an herbal cellulite body wrap, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the skincare and massage specialist.

More than just a sweet treat, a sugar scrub can improve health of your skin

(THP) Exfoliation is the key to glowing, healthy skin. Using an exfoliating body sugar scrub can help you achieve smooth skin and more. The benefits of a natural sugar scrub go beyond just cleansing skin – the healing, hydrating properties found in a sugar scrub are perfect for all skin types. Read on for more reasons to use a sugar scrub as part of your skin care routine.

Why Use a Sugar Scrub?
Sometimes just using soap to cleanse skin is not enough to remove all the excess oil and dead skin cells – that’s where a sugar scrub can be extremely useful. Using a sugar scrub can help clean the skin’s surface and unclog pores which then helps with cell turnover. By using a sugar scrub weekly, you will see a huge difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

Why is a Sugar Scrub Different Than Other Body Scrubs?
Since a sugar scrub is all natural, there are no harsh side effects – this means you can use a sugar scrub no matter if you have oily, dry, combination or mature skin. The sugar scrub can contain other ingredients to help hydrate skin such as essential oils of sunflower, lavender, jojoba oil and organic oranges.

How To Use a Sugar Scrub
For the best results, use a sugar scrub while taking a shower. After rinsing the skin with a body wash, use a sugar scrub to exfoliate and condition the body.  Apply a handful of sugar scrub to wet skin and massage in circular motion over the entire body. After rinsing off your sugar scrub, all of the dead skin cells and dirt will be removed and your skin will feel refreshed and healthy.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of a sugar scrub for glowing skin or massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

Massage is meant to alleviate pain and enhance the body’s health.

Swedish massage is considered to be among the most basic methods of massage and is among the first styles of massage that new masseurs get to study. Developed by Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1700s, Swedish massage is particularly to allow the body to absorb more oxygen, thereby rejuvenating the body. Swedish massage is also geared towards detoxification by increasing the speed by which the cells of the body eliminate their waste materials.
But more than these, Swedish massage brings to the receiver an immense feeling of satisfaction and relaxation.

There are six techniques used in administering Swedish massage. These techniques are the following:

1. Effleurage. Effleurage is the technique most people associate with massage in general and Swedish massage in particular. In doing effleurage, the masseuse makes use of long and sweeping strokes that cover more than just one area of the body. Though it makes the client feel like his muscles are being broken down, the purpose of effleurage is actually to connect one part of the body to the others.

2. Friction. Heat makes the muscles relax and friction is used to make the area to be treated warm up. A masseuse would make use of the friction technique by rubbing the palms of her hands vigorously on the surface of the client’s skin. She can also do this by rubbing her palms together and then laying them on the skin of the client.

3. Petrissage. Petrissage is the act of kneading and squeezing the muscles of the body. Petrissage does not target or focus on any particular part of the body, but the process of kneading the body’s muscles allows for deeper and more penetrating effects of massage.

4. Tapottement. Tapottement are strokes that aim to energize the area of the body that the masseuse is treating. This is done by chopping the area with the sides of the hands. It can also be done by hitting the area being treated rhythmically with cupped or fisted hands. Tapottement is aimed towards energizing the area being treated, yet at the same time making it loosened and relaxed.

5. Traction. Traction involves pulling at the arms and legs of the client, and sometimes also the head. The act of pulling stretches the muscles of the client. Traction is always done as part of the last portion of the massage routine because pulling needs to have the muscles relaxed; otherwise, it would hurt.

6. Vibration. The vibration technique is used by the masseuse to shake up the area of the client’s body that she is treating. This is done by moving the heel of the hand, or sometimes the side of the hand, or even the fingertips, forward and backward across the skin to loosen the muscles of that particular area.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

(THP) If you’re carrying a little too much weight around the middle, you may want to give blueberries a second look. Studies show it could be a natural remedy for belly fat.

Looking for a solution for a fat belly? Carrying around excess fat in the abdominal region isn’t a positive when it comes to overall health. Not only does it increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, it also has social implications. This is why an entire industry has been built around marketing solutions for a fat belly. Aerobic exercise helps to some degree by reducing overall body fat, but it, by itself, may not be an effective remedy for belly fat. Dietary changes, particularly eating fewer simple carbohydrates, may help because it reduces blood sugar and insulin spikes which increase abdominal fat storage. Could there be another solution? According to a new study, eating blueberries for belly fat may be another strategy for slimming down the waistline.

Eating Blueberries: A Remedy for Belly Fat?

An animal study showed that rats that were given blueberry powder, equivalent to two ounces of blueberries per day for a human, not only lowered their cholesterol and triglycerides but also reduced overall abdominal fat. Even more surprising was the fact that this reduction in abdominal fat occurred while the animals were being fed a high-fat diet. Rats that were given the blueberry powder along with a low-fat diet fared even better with greater reductions in abdominal fat, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as a reduction in liver size which can be indication of a fatty liver related to obesity. Both groups of rats given the blueberry powder had improvements in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

How It Might Work

Researchers believe it could be due to the phytonutrients, particularly the anthocyanins found in blueberries. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give blueberries their distinctive purple color. Previous studies have suggested that the anthocyanins found in some plants such as berries can alter fat cell function and reduce fat storage. Another study showed that the anthocyanins in black soybeans had similar belly fat reducing effects in rats. Other foods that are rich in anthocyanins are cranberries, blackberries, acai berries, and red currants. Although eating blueberries may be effective for abdominal obesity, these other anthocyanin rich foods may also prove to be a natural remedy for belly fat.

The Other Benefits of Eating Blueberries

Eating blueberries for a fat belly can also benefit health in other ways. The anthocyanins abundant in blueberries are being studied for their role in preserving brain health and preventing memory related problems due to aging. Anthocyanins are also strong antioxidants and may lower the risk of other chronic diseases as well.

The Bottom Line

Although eating blueberries is unlikely to be a complete solution for a fat belly without an overall healthy diet and a regular exercise plan, it could be another small dietary change that“tips the scales”. So, instead of reaching for that piece of chocolate cake, help yourself to a bowl of blueberries instead.

Nine A Day plus contains nutrients derived from organic blueberries, which can help reduce belly fat and promote health. To learn more click here>>

Learn about how others are dropping up to a pound of fat per day with an all natural homeopathic protocol called the HCG – Fat Release System here>>

True Healthy Products, LLC

915 N Courtenay Parkway

Merritt Island, FL 32953

USA

Email: support@truehealthyproducts.com

Toll Free: 888-400-2920

Fax: 321-821-1310

All of us at some point in our lives must have wished for naturally healthy and glowing skin. Some are blessed with naturally beautiful skin where as others have to work hard to achieve it.

A surefire way to exfoliating your skin is the use of salt scrubs. Well, there are many benefits to using salt scrubs and they can truly restore the natural glow of your skin within a few weeks.

Benefits of using Salt Scrubs:

• Scrubs are basically used to remove the dead skin, which is achieved because of the gentle exfoliation that is caused by the ingredients used in the scrubs. It is their rough texture that helps to remove the dead skin and renew it, causing it to look more youthful.
• Using a salt scrub helps to remove the toxins that block the pores of the skin.
• Homemade salt scrubs are extremely beneficial as compared to products sold over the counter due to the absence of certain chemicals.
• Sea Salt scrubs even help to facilitate the blood circulation. This causes a natural glow.
• The exfoliating process caused by the salt scrubs also helps the skin breathe freely.
• This is beneficial for all types of skin.

To make an appointment, or request more information, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the skincare and massage specialist.

By Kashmira Lad
Published: 2/29/2008

-By Brenda L. Griffith, President, American Massage Therapy Association

A growing body of research shows massage therapy can be an effective part of pain relief and management.  This research data, and the experience of physicians, massage therapists and patients, should encourage pain specialists to consider incorporating massage therapy into their pain management programs.

Some base findings about the value of massage therapy for pain relief have included the following:

• According to Cherkin, Eisenberg, et. al. in the April 2001 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine,¹ massage is effective for providing long-lasting relief for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
• Data collected nearly 10 years ago indicates that therapeutic massage promotes relaxation and alleviates the perception of pain and anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients.² Recent studies have confirmed the findings and others indicate positive effects for massage in decreasing pain intensity among cancer patients.³
• In 1990, Jensen et al. published data indicating that massage was better than cold pack treatment of post-traumatic headaches.⁴ The October 2002 issue of the American Journal of Public Health reports that new research by Quinn, Chandler and Moraska showed muscle-specific massage therapy is effective for reducing the incidence of chronic tension headaches.⁵
• A pilot study in 2000, conducted by Gregory P. Fontana, MD at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, found that massage reduces pain and muscle spasms in patients who have multiple incisions.  When surveyed, 95 percent of patients felt that massage therapy was a crucial part of their hospital experience, while need for medications dropped on days they received a massage.

In their Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals: The Official Handbook, updated in August 2000, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) suggests massage as a non-pharmacological therapy that can be used successfully in pain management. Some hospitals are including massage therapists in patient care teams to fight pain. Their teams may include a physician, several nurses, a nutritionist, a yoga instructor, a chaplain, and a massage therapist.

Often, the hospitals are including massage because of public demand.  More research needs to be done to evaluate not only the effectiveness of such teams, but of the various elements within them, to determine which combination of therapies works best for different types of patients and different types of pain.

The effectiveness of massage lies in a simple and direct strategy: working from the external, outer mechanisms of pain to the primary, root cause. Massage therapists utilize a holistic approach, focusing on the entire body system and its relationship to soft tissue.  Their care isn’t focused only on the site of pain.

Another benefit of massage therapy from a patient perspective is how it helps patients become more aware of their bodies and better familiarize them with the pain they experience.  The massage therapist not only helps relieve muscle and other soft tissue pain, but also has an impact on the patient by virtue of human touch.  This is especially pronounced for women facing mastectomies and dealing with the outcomes of that surgery.

Massage helps them feel comfortable once again with their bodies.  This comfort level improves their confidence and allows them to better deal with pain, while benefiting from various other forms of massage that focus on lymph drainage and muscle pain, as well as other pain management therapies.

Although more research is needed to confirm the best uses of massage, the potential for a positive impact on patients with acute or chronic pain is clear. As it stands, enough research exists to encourage pain management specialists and massage therapists to forge professional relationships.  These pain management relationships should exist in the hospital, in clinics, in private practice offices and in home care.

Certainly, it can be a challenge for physicians and other medical professionals to know how to find qualified massage therapists.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

¹ Cherkin D.C., Eisenberg D., et.al. Randomized Trial Comparing Traditional Chinese Medical Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, and Self-care
Education for Chronic Low Back Pain. Arch Intern Med. 161(8):1081-8; Apr 23, 2001.
² Ferrell-Torry A.T. and Glick O.J. The Use of Therapeutic Massage as a Nursing Intervention to Modify Anxiety and the Perception of Cancer Pain. Cancer Nurse. 16(2): 93-101; Apr 1993.
³ Smith M.C., Kemp J., Hemphill L., Vojir C.P. Outcomes of Therapeutic Massage for Hospitalized Cancer Patients. J Nurs Scholarsh 34(3): 257-62; 2002.
⁴ Jensen O.K., Neilsen F.F., Vosmar L. An Open Study Comparing Manual Therapy with the Use of Cold Packs in the Treatment of Post-traumatic   Headache. Cephalalgia (Norway). 10(5): 241-50; Oct 1990.
⁵ Quinn C., Chandler C., Moraska A. Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches. Am J Public Health 92(10); 1657-61; Oct 2002.

Eminence Organically Harvests The Finest Ingredients Available – True Healthy Products Brings It To You

(THP) After harvest, the ingredients are stored in temperature-controlled conditions for four months, during which time all traces of bacteria die off. They are next blended with a rare and completely unique thermal water sources rich in minerals and potency.

Research revealed that the combination of salt and fresh waters in the ancient sea contained plant and animal life trapped for thousands of years by the earthquake, which submerged the lake.

The resulting properties, including mineral salts and trace elements, produced rare and unique ingredients, and the 9.5 pH level of this lake proved soothing and good for dry skin. The layers of earth through which this water emerged also provided rich ingredients that had been fermented, heated (at approximately 73 degrees Celsius) and preserved for centuries. As a result, our line of Spa products contains many ingredients previously unavailable to the beauty professional.

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

To combat this, a regular skin care regimen should be adhered to that includes daily skin care as well as periodic deep cleansing facials. Deep cleansing facials are ideal for rejuvenating the skin to make you appear more youthful.  In addition to the positive skin care benefits, the process is also very relaxing and can make you look and feel better immediately.

You should also continue with this at home by using one of the great products offered by True Healthy Products.

A skin care specialist at a spa can determine your particular skin type and any specialized issues you may have to customize a deep cleansing facial program for you. The skin will be cleaned from dirt and toxins leaving your skin revitalized and healthy. Dead skin cells are removed to promote production of new skin cells with stronger elastin and collagen contents. Your skin will feel fresh and clean. It will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help treat any acne or blemishes currently on the skin. The treatment will also make your skin more able to fight off any future break outs.

The skin will also be moisturized with products that contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the skin. The process will allow your skin to better ward off the elements that it is exposed to daily and there will be a reduction in blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. When used regularly you will see a drastic improvement in the vitality of your skin, wrinkles will diminish, you will be less prone to breakouts and your skin will be stronger and more elastic.

To make an appointment for a facial, or request more information on Eminence Biodynamics Skincare line, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

1. Pick Your Spot: You don’t have to massage the part of the body that hurts most. If you’re shy about letting a friend touch your aching lower back, for instance, she could help by massaging your shoulders instead. This is because massage creates chemical changes that reduce pain and stress throughout the body. One way it does this is by reducing a brain chemical called substance P that is related to pain. In a TRI study, for example, individuals with a form of muscle pain called fibromyalgia showed less substance P in their saliva (and they reported reduced pain) after a month of twice-weekly massages.

2. De-Stress, Stay Healthy. Massage may boost immunity. Several studies have measured the stress hormone called cortisol in subjects’ saliva before and after massage sessions, and found dramatic decreases. Cortisol, which is produced when you are stressed, kills cells important for immunity, so when massage reduces your stress levels and hence the cortisol in your body, it may help you avoid getting a cold or another illness while under stress.

3. Blood Pressure Benefits: Massage reduces hypertension, suggests a good deal of research. This may be because it stimulates pressure receptors that prompt action from the vagus nerve, one of the nerves that emerges from the brain. The vagus nerve regulates blood pressure, as well as other functions. In a 2005 study at the University of South Florida, hypertension patients who received 10 massages of 10 minutes each over three weeks showed significant improvements in blood pressure compared to a control group who simply rested in the same environment without any massage.

4. Technique Tactics: There’s little evidence to support one kind of massage over another, says Field, so don’t worry about whether your therapist is schooled in Shiatsu, Swedish or some other technique. The key is pressure firm enough to make a temporary indentation in the skin. If you try massage with a partner, use massage oil, which you can find in a health-food store or pharmacist, but test a little on your skin first to make sure you are not allergic.
To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

]]> http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/2879/health-benefits-of-massage-true-healthy-products-wellness-spa-in-merritt-island-fl/feed 0 http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/2783/benefits-of-parrafin-wax-therapeutic-treatment-true-healthy-products-wellness-spa-in-merritt-island-fl http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/2783/benefits-of-parrafin-wax-therapeutic-treatment-true-healthy-products-wellness-spa-in-merritt-island-fl#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:41 +0000 THP http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/?p=2783 (THP) Rehabilitation specialists, massage therapists, and the spa industry have endorsed paraffin therapy for its therapeutic properties. Physicians have long known that paraffin therapy is a veritable way to speed healing and soothe muscle and joint pain.  In fact, the healing qualities of paraffin wax therapy have been known for centuries.

Along with the use of hydrotherapy, the use of paraffin wax therapy can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire.  In those ancient times, the Romans would pour hot waxes on the body in preparation for massage therapy.  Later the French embraced paraffin therapy by melting paraffin wax and spreading it on wounds to accelerate healing.  In World War I, the British used paraffin wax therapy as a protocol to treat orthopedic disorders in military hospitals.  In modern times, paraffin therapy is quite common and widely used to aid in the treatment of conditions such as the following:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia
• Fibrositis
• Inflammation
• Muscle Spasms
• Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
• Psoriasis
• Scar Tissue
• Stiff Joints
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow
• And more…

Paraffin therapy is also widely used in the treatment of sports related injuries and other conditions where heat therapy and exercise therapy are needed.  One of the overlooked benefits of paraffin therapy is that it soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm in the patient.

A great way to use this therapy is by using a spot paraffin therapy bath.  Using such a modality will enable you to treat specific areas of the body and pinpoint the management of treatment.  Not only are such modalities increasingly being used in rehabilitation and therapy clinics, but they are now widely available to the public.  Using a paraffin therapy bath is easy and doesn’t take very long at all, but there are some guidelines to follow.  Be sure to remove all jewelry prior to treatment.  Thoroughly wash and dry the area that is to be treated.

When conducting a paraffin dip, relax the body part to be treated and immerse it gradually in to the warm paraffin wax.  While dipping the area into the paraffin therapy bath, layers of paraffin wax will build up.  Allow it to harden.  Once the treatment is complete, the wax is peeled off and the area is then ready for massage, stretching, exercise, or additional therapeutic measures.

Paraffin wax occurs naturally as a component of crude mineral oils.  Paraffin wax is produced by refining or separating the wax out of the crude mineral oils.  It is then purified through boiling and then chilled and pressed through a filter which creates a heavy oil, or paraffin wax.  Paraffin has been laboratory tested to be hygienically safe to use.  It is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and extremely heavy in molecular structure. Since paraffin is heavy in molecular weight, it increases the blood supply to the area being treated and traps moisture from underlying layers of the skin, resulting in rejuvenated and nourished skin.  Paraffin therapy reduces pain and stiffness around joints by removing excess fluid from surrounding tissue while providing lubrication.

Paraffin treatments are not recommended for people with the following conditions:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Varicose Veins

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line, relaxing massages in spa ambience, and parrafain wax treatments. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation, or massage call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare and massage specialist.

A facial can offer many benefits. The face is always subject to elements such as the sun, maybe smoke or an improper at home regime. Facials offer you the opportunity to work with a professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin, help you improve your complexion and show you how to take proper care of your skin.

A facial can give you a deep cleansing, deeper than the cleansing you will get at home. A facial includes cleansing as well as exfoliation which can help to unclog your pores. Extracting open comedones will also help rid the skin of acne. Your skin care specialist will help soften the skin with steam, hot moist towels, and enzymes or other exfoliants.

A skin care specialist or esthetician will choose the ingredients to help your skin type. The esthetician may choose a mask to detoxify your skin or hydrate your skin. By getting a proper analysis you will not only learn your skin type, but an esthetician will be able to create a facial experience that addresses your skin’s needs.

A facial helps increase circulation and stimulates the skin. It can also help slow down premature aging by custom-targeting your skin care. Facials are a great preventative treatment to help you beat wrinkles before they occur. Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep the skin moist and stop dehydration.

A facial may help you understand the proper skin care products for your skin. Most people are using the wrong products for their skin type; this causes the skin to become sensitized. A good esthetician will work with you to create a home care regime that will be both easy to use and work with your individual skin type. Skin type is determined by pore size, tone, and texture. It is also determined by oil production, called sebum.

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

The most sought after approach to organic skin care is the use of organic fruits and or vegetables. Cucumber, papayas, turmeric and apples are a few of the popular selections typically used for organic skin care. It has been known that these fruits and vegetables provide a refreshing and invigorating effect on your skin for some time. If you happen to read a book dealing with skin care, there is probably a section solely for organic skin care. With so many types of organic fruits and vegetables available, you can experiment with them until you find a combination that is suitable for your skin.

Milk products have proven to have good cleansing properties. Many modern products that have this ingredient advertise the excellent benefits. It is noted that a combination of ground oatmeal mixed with milk works as a great cleanser.

Ground oatmeal has become a very common product in the organic skin care process. It is known to do extremely well with oily skin, with various combination of sort. Ground oatmeal works well with a variety of other organic products such as: egg, milk, fruits, honey, and fruits. It can be used to provide an organic facial skincare pack.

Wheat germ has become a great source for organic skin care. Just like Ground Oatmeal, it has been known to do well in dealing with oily skin. With the richness of vitamin E, and the ability to exfoliate and moisturize, wheat germ is an organic skin care product to use. Wheat germ use with several of other organic products works fabulously as a facial mask for normal and dry skin. Another way to use wheat germ is as oil for organic skin care.

There are other organic products that can be used for many different organic reasons such as:

Sour cream and yogurt works together not only as a moisturizing agent, but also as a skin exfoliation agent.

Organic honey has become very popular, it helps retain moisture and gives a superb glow to the skin.

Organic skin care allows you to use a combination of many organic produce that work well together and even strengthen the effectiveness of each other. Additionally, these organic skin care properties can neutralize the possible adverse effects from other organic properties.

Organic skin care can yield phenomenal results and is cost efficient. Once you find the organic skin care properties for you, the issue concerning skin care is no longer an issue.

Bryan D. Parker
True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

Chemical Peels

Patients who have never heard of this treatment before will want to know, what are chemical peels? A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. Typically administered as a facial peel, a chemical peel enhances and smooths the texture of the skin. It is an effective treatment for facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation or if you simply want to rejuvenate your skin.

Chemical Peel Candidates
In general, patients with fair skin and light hair are the best chemical peel candidates. However, patients with other skin pigmentation and hair color can achieve good results as well. Ideal candidates for the chemical peel procedure are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their skin, have realistic expectations of their procedure, and do not smoke.

Cost of Chemical Peels
The cost of chemical facial peels varies from state to state and doctor to doctor. The current chemical peel price range is approximately $600 to $900. Possible additional expenses to keep in mind, especially with deep chemical peels, are the cost of anesthesia, use of the surgical facility, and a possible hospital stay. The final cost of your procedure will depend on the type of peel you want, the condition of your skin, and other factors unique to your case. Light chemical peels can cost as low as $150, while deep chemical peels are generally the most expensive, as much as $6000.

Risks and Benefits of Chemical Facial Peels
Chemical peels rarely result in serious complications, but certain risks do exist. These risks include scarring, infection, swelling, changes in skin tone, and cold sore outbreaks. You can reduce the risks associated with facial peels by following all of the doctor’s instructions completely and by providing your doctor with a complete medical history.

A chemical facial peel can provide several benefits to the skin. The procedure can restore a more youthful appearance to skin and reduce wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damage, and blotchy patches.

Light Chemical Peels
Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on the characteristics of your skin and your desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or fruit acids. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Medium Chemical Peels
For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This chemical works well for treating fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Similar to the light chemical peel, medium chemical peels require less downtime than a deeper peel. TCA peels are the preferred choice for patients with darker skin.

Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels are the strongest of the facial peels. The chemical used for deep chemical peels is phenol acid. Deep peels are used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by aging or sun exposure, and pre-cancerous growths. While a deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic, longest-lasting results, the procedure takes longer than other peels (one to two hours) and requires the most healing time. Phenol acid is typically used only for facial peels. Because a deep chemical peel may cause permanent lightening of the skin, prospective patients should seek advice from a qualified cosmetic dermatologist before undergoing the procedure.

Acne Chemical Peel
Certain chemical peel solutions are useful for treating acne blemishes and diminishing existing acne scars. Light chemical peels administered with a solution of alphahydroxy acids (AHA) can be beneficial for treating acne. A lower-strength AHA solution can be mixed with a facial wash as part of a daily skin-care routine.

Chemical Peel Side Effects
When performed by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon, chemical facial peels are safe. With light and medium peels, relatively mild chemical peel side effects such as redness, stinging, and crusting usually subside within a day or two after the treatment. The side effects of deep chemical peels are typically more pronounced, and recovery time is longer. More serious side effects, such as infection and scarring, are possible, especially with medium and deep chemical peels. However, serious side effects are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified doctor.

Chemical Peel FAQs
Before undergoing a chemical peel for the first time, patients often have many questions and concerns. Being well informed about every aspect of your chemical peel procedure can help ensure that you are satisfied with the outcome of your treatment.

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

But to be as healthy as you can be, you need to eat food that is rich in health-promoting “nonessential” nutrients, as well.

The best way to do this is to fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables, and the best place to get them is the Madison Farmers’ Market.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. The human body desperately needs vitamin C but has forgotten how to make it. So we need to get it from our food. If you don’t get any vitamin C, you will come down with a specific disease, called scurvy. That’s why vitamin C is considered an “essential nutrient:” it has to come from your food, and if you don’t get any, you come down with a specific “deficiency disease.”

In contrast, lycopene is not considered to be an essential nutrient. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red. Like vitamin C, it is an antioxidant. However, scientists can’t cause any specific disease by feeding people a lycopene-free diet. Nor can scientists cure any specific disease by giving lycopene to people who have little or no lycopene in their system. Nevertheless, lycopene seems to be very good for you. People who eat a diet that is naturally rich in lycopene tend to have a lower risk for cancer, heart disease, and a sight-robbing eye disease called macular degeneration.

In other words, you could prevent the known “deficiency diseases” by taking your vitamins in pill form, but you can achieve optimum health only by eating lots of vegetables and fruit. Fruit and vegetables provide all of the known vitamins except for vitamin B12, which is made by bacteria, and vitamin D, which your body can make for itself if you get even a moderate amount of sunshine on your skin in the spring, summer, and fall.

Vegetables and fruits also provide all of the essential minerals, which they absorb from the soil.

Plants use the same machinery and the same genetic codebook for making protein that animals do, so any reasonable plant-based diet also provides all of the protein that you need, including all of the essential amino acids. People who get enough calories from any diet based on vegetables and unrefined starches automatically get enough protein.

People who eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables tend to live longer, healthier lives. If they buy their “Jersey Fresh” produce at the Madison Farmers’ Market, they also help preserve the environment, burning a lot less fossil fuel. Regardless of whether you think that’s “essential,” it’s very nice.

To ensure you are getting your daily recommended intake of essential nutrients – quality all natural vitamins are another avenue to support your diet. Nine A Day Plus vitamins are derived from organic fruits and veggies. People who take 9 A Day Plus have reported feeling more vitality and glowing skin. To learn more click here>>

Editor’s note: The Madison Farmers’ Market is open for its last day of the season from 2:30 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 1, on Waverly Place at Main Street.

(THP) Studies show people who practice yoga often eat more mindfully and tend to be thinner.

Want to be less tempted by the Twinkies and naturally prefer the carrots? Try yoga. Sounds simple, but recent research revealed that people who practice yoga often eat more mindfully – and tend to be thinner. Eating mindfully means eating because you’re hungry, not because the person who sits next to you at the office keeps having meltdowns from the workload or because someone brought in chocolate cake today. It’s about recognizing, but not responding to, the gooey pizza ad; about noticing the flavors of your food; and about being able to identify when you’re not hungry or you’re full. What does that have to do with yoga?

It’s possible that the mindfulness skills taught in some yoga practices – including the focus on breath and meditation – carry over and help you detach from the tempting ads, the emotions or the smell of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, and tune in to your body. Focusing on mindfulness is different from how people usually diet (with a focus on weighing and measuring), and it’s worth a try. Even if your waist is fine the way it is, mindfulness training is smart; it helps you learn to manage stress and many other aspects of your life. Now are you ready for yoga?

Mindful practices of yoga can help you center in and focus on your eating habits. To complete your balance, nutrition and vitamins are essential to your health and well being. Nine A Day plus vitamins are derived from organic sources like cherries, apple and soy. People have reported feeling calmer, centered, and radiant skin from the nutrients in 9 a day plus. To learn more about healthy all natural supplementation click here>>

Most Americans do not eat healthy so says a government study released today. A report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday found troubling results for most Americans who don’t appear to be eating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables.

The goal for the Healthy People 2010 program is to attempt to get 75 percent of Americans to try to eat the recommended two or more daily servings of fruit and for at least 50 percent of Americans to consume three or more daily servings of vegetables.

The surveys from the CDC are showing that only 33 percent of adults have achieved this goal and only 27 percent eat the recommended amount of vegetables. But wait, the statistics get worse for high school students and only 32 percent eat the recommended amount of fruit and 13 percent meet the goal for vegetables.

“A diet high in fruits and vegetables is important for optimal child growth, maintaining a healthy weight, and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, all of which currently contribute to health care costs in the United States,” Dr. William H. Dietz, director of the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, said in a CDC news release. “This report will help states determine what is taking place in their communities and schools and come up with ways to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables,” Dietz said.

“We have seen the tremendous benefit of state and local officials, health professionals, employers, food store owners, farmers, school staff, and community members working together on food and nutrition issues,” CDC epidemiologist Heidi Michels Blanck said in the news release. “Their efforts can help to increase the availability of affordable healthier food choices such as fruits and vegetables.”

In another study it showed that that low-income Americans now would have to spend up to 70 percent of their food budget on fruits and vegetables to meet new national dietary guidelines for healthy eating and a second study found that in rural areas, convenience stores far outnumber supermarkets and grocery stores even though the latter carry a much wider choice of affordable, healthy foods.

This new study by the CDC showed that no U.S. state is meeting national objectives for consumption of fruits and vegetables, according to the first report to provide state-by-state data about fruit and vegetable consumption and policies that may help Americans eat more fruits and vegetables. What this study did show is Americans eat unhealthy.

One solution to make sure your body is getting enough of the nutrients it needs is to take a quality all natural vitamin supplement.

Nine A Day Plus Vitamins is derived from all organic source of fruits and veggies. To learn more click here>>

Materials from Health Day and U.S. News are used in this report about eating habits of Americans.

Author: Leslie Beck

Studies suggest that certain diets, foods and supplements may help ease arthritic pain – here’s a few strategies worth investigating.

(THP) Your doctor can order a host of complex tests to gauge the health of your heart, but I’d like to tell you about three new methods of predicting heart disease that are surprisingly simple and effective. One can be done with your eyes closed—literally. Another can be ordered the next time you have a blood test, and the third involves taking the temperature of your finger. Here’s a rundown of how each one works:

1. The sleep test

Answer this question: Do you feel drowsy during the day? If so, you may be harming your heart. Every extra hour of sleep middle-age adults can add to their nightly average reduces their risk of coronary artery calcification by 33 percent, according to a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. When you’re even a little sleep deprived, your body releases stress hormones that constrict arteries and cause inflammation. If you routinely wake up feeling tired or need an afternoon nap, then you’re probably sleep deprived. Try either changing your sleep habits (darker room, TV off, earplugs) or going to bed 30 minutes earlier until symptoms disappear. If your spouse complains about your snoring or if you often wake up with a headache, get checked for sleep apnea disorder.

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2. The vitamin D test

Low levels of vitamin D, found in nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults, can cause a rise in blood pressure and increased arterial inflammation. Fortunately, it’s easy to test for and remedy any deficiency. Ask your doctor to order a vitamin-D analysis as part of your next blood test. Optimal levels are 30 to 40 ng/mL, but some doctors contend 50-plus ng/mL is even better. If yours is low, get 10 to 15 more minutes of sunlight per day (without sunblock), eat more vitamin D-rich foods (salmon, tuna, fortified orange juice), or take a D supplement (as recommended by your doctor). It’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect your heart.

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3. The finger test

Lining all your blood vessels—even those in your index finger—is a single layer of cells, called the endothelium, that produce chemicals that affect the vessels’ function, causing dilation, constriction, clotting, etc. Negative changes in the endothelium occur years before any other measurable signs of heart trouble appear, so researchers have believed that if the health of the endothelium could be tested, we just might lick heart disease and stroke.

Now we have that test. The one I use, called Vendys, involves attaching a fingertip-temperature detector to your index finger and wrapping a blood-pressure cuff around your arm. As the cuff is inflated, blood flow to the hand decreases and finger temperature drops. After five minutes, the cuff is deflated and blood flow returns. The faster and more completely finger temperature rebounds, the healthier the endothelium.

The great thing about this test is that I can not only assess your vascular health but also partially monitor how well treatment is working. If a patient loses weight, lowers her blood pressure or begins taking medication, I can detect positive changes in her endothelial function almost instantaneously. With other methods—calcium scoring, for instance—I’d be waiting years. Eventually, this finger test could be an invaluable aid for monitoring heart health.

If you’re at risk of heart disease, discuss this and the other tests with your doctor. There’s a good chance that if you pay attention to what they tell you, they’ll help you keep your heart beating stronger, longer.

To learn more about how quality all natural supplementation can keep you healthier click here>>

Good news for your heart

Arthur Agatston, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the author of The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life. He maintains a cardiology practice and research foundation in Miami Beach, Fla.

(THP) In its direct form – retinol – vitamin A is found only in animal-based foods: fish oils, liver, egg yolk and even caviar are all excellent sources of retinol. A well-known antioxidant, it also protects us against cardiovascular disease.

But there is another source of vitamin A, or rather of pro-vitamin A – pro-vitamins are substances that our body is able to transform into vitamins – and this is something you are very familiar with: beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, red peppers and, in particular in lamb’s lettuce. Melon, mango and apricots also contain beta-carotene, as do blueberries and other dark berries such as blackcurrants – in fact allied pilots consumed large quantities of these during the Second World War as, in addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, vitamin A also helps improve night vision.

If you want to know whether you are getting enough vitamin A, check your eyes, skin and teeth. Red eyes, dry skin and fragile tooth enamel can be signs of deficiency, along with recurrent loss of appetite.

To learn how to supplement your diet with an all natural vitamin a supplement derived from organic sources click here>>