Tune In!!!

I received a very important email update from Healthy Child Healthy World. Please join me and tune in to watch CNN's special, Toxic America!

Wednesday and Thursday, June 2nd and 3rd, at 8pm EST, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be airing an eye-opening investigative story: Toxic America. If you care about public and environmental health, it's must-see TV.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosts the two-part program, revealing devastating results from a year-long investigation.

Wednesday night highlights “Toxic Towns” and will delve into the environmental health and justice problems plaguing the community of Mossville, Louisiana. Mossville is not an isolated example, but instead a poster child for a broken chemical safety system.

Thursday night highlights the “Toxic Childhood” and features Healthy Child founders, Jim and Nancy Chuda; Scientific Advisor, Dr. Phil Landrigan; and our “A Wake-Up Story” video. This second part of the series reveals the effect toxics have on unborn babies.

Here's what you can do:

• Have your friends over to watch the show on June 2nd and/or 3rd or record the series to share with others in the future.
• Tell other to watch by using these suggested status updates:
• Facebook: Will be watching America’s toxic little secrets revealed by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta on June 2 & 3 at 8pmEST/5pmPST. If you care about public and environmental health, it’s MUST SEE TV!
• Twitter: MUST SEE TV: CNN special on Toxic America – June 2-3 at 8pmEST/5pmPST – Watch and learn! Plz RT
• Take Action to help prevent these tragedies by emailing your members of Congress and asking them to support a strong Safe Chemicals Act.
• Get your friends to stay involved and informed by having them sign-up for the Healthy Child newsletter.

Please join us in tuning in!

Ear Bud Alert

Here is a quick tip for the day. I read this in Parents Magazine a while back.

Listen up! New research results that frequently using headphones for 30-plus minutes at a time significantly increases the amount of bacteria in the ear. "We think buds raise temperature and humidity in the ear canal, making the environment favorable for bacterial growth, " says study author Chianjay Mukhopadhyay, M.D., of Manipal University, in India. Though generally harmless, the bacteria could lead to infection if the buds irritate your skin enough to tear it, so make sure yours are comfy.

In addition, it can be common for family members to share iPods, etc. It is a good idea for each individual to have their own ear buds. And be sure to sanitize ear buds between uses. I simply spray mine with Clean Well sanitizing spray. It is a quick and easy way to prevent bacteria from building up on those buds. If you have young children, pick up a pair of kid ear phones that are designed just for kids, producing sound in a lower decibel to prevent damage to little ears. It is best if those fit over the ear, and not in it. Check Target or other stores in your area for kid-friendly headphones.

Here's to rockin' out with healthy ears!

I Use Lace on My Face!

When it comes to your skincare regimen, skip the scrub and grab the lace. Lace For The Face, that is! What is it and how do you use it? It is a beautiful little terrycloth washcloth with a lace overlay that is used for daily cleansing with your facewash. It is dermatologist recommended, suitable for sensitive skin, and hypoallergenic.

I bought my Lace For The Face recently at my local health food store and I LOVE it! I use it every other day (though it can be used every day) to exfoliate my skin. It gently sloughs away dead skin, while lifting dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells out of your pours. My skin feels silky smooth and my pours are visibly smaller.

Lace For The Face can be used on your entire body. No need to buy expensive scrubbing products. Use it on your entire body to help with rough skin, sun damage, ingrown hairs, and blemishes. The packaging actually states that you can use it to "spot treat" pimples. Oh how I wish that I no longer dealt with the occasional zit, but I still break out at least...um, once a month. I recently tried using it on my blemish, and it worked. Unlike popping pimples, which is bad for the skin, applying a little bit of pressure with this exfoliating cloth can safely open it up!

I'm done with scrubs. Its just Lace for my face! Find this natural microdermabrasion cloth at your local health food store or go to http://www.lacefortheface.com/.

Package warning: If you have had painful, bleeding, scaring acne, or any other serious or painful skin condition, consult your dermatologist prior to use of any microdermabrasion product. Do not use around eye area."

Here's to beautiful skin, and here's to your health!

Nissan LEAF - Public Drive Reaction

Check out the new Nissan LEAF, a 100% electrical, zero emissions vehicle that seats up to five and boasts speeds up to 90 mph. Click the link below to see what people are saying about it.

Nissan LEAF - Public Drive Reaction

Earth Day Special

I love Green Toys. Green Toys turns recycled milk cartons into adorable, high quality, safe toys. They are BPA free, environmentally friendly, and made in the USA, so you can feel great about buying these awesome toys for the special little ones in your life. Right now, Diapers.com is having a great Earth Day special in support of Healthy Child Healthy World.

Click HERE for details!

Virus, Virus, Go Away!

I must apologize that I am slacking off just a bit lately. A few days before Easter, my little one caught a little bug-a virus, that is. I immediately started loading her up on my Go-To List of natural remedies...and a couple days later she was feeling great. Then I woke up with a nasty sore throat, so of course I too, reached for my Top Immunity Boosters.

I fought off the virus for a couple days, and all seemed just dandy. Ah, but a few days later...it was back with a vengeance! So, I had to change things up a bit. You see, sometimes even your most trusted regimen may not work against all illnesses. If one thing isn't working, you may want to switch it up. Thankfully, I have a lot of natural remedies to turn to. I loaded up on a few super-duper remedies, and within 24 hours, I am now feeling just on the verge of normal.

So add these to my list of favorites...and then add them to yours!

Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries and is proven to suport the immune and cardiovascular systems. I often cook with garlic, and incorporate it raw into sauces and salad dressings. If you really want to boost your immunity, especially while fighting off those nasty viruses, a little garlic just won't cut it. Unless you want to smell like an Italian kitchen, concentrated garlic tablets are the way to go. I recently found Garlic Factors by Natural Factors. It is a highly concentrated dose of garlic, odor controlled, and enteric coated (which means it will only release in your stomach, and not on it's way down). After taking just one dose, I immediately saw improvement. Keep this one handy at all times!

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract has been getting a lot of attention lately. Many natural lifestyle followers have been swearing by it for years. "Medical use of olive leavesdates back to ancient Egypt and is referenced by Hippocrates and now in modern medical texts. Olive leaf is used around the world as a health tonic and powerful antioxidant." It supports a healthy immune system, healthy blood pressure, healthy cardiovascular system, and healthy joints. And it boasts more antioxidant power than Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin E, Green Tea, and many others. You can buy it in the pill form, but I highly recommend Barlean's Olive Leaf Complex. Barlean's Organic Oils is a trusted source of superb natural products.

Colloidal Silver

Another great immune support getting lots of attention in the health industry. The most popular brand and the only choice for me is Sovereign Silver. It has no odor, almost no flavor, is easily absorbed, and is a safe and effective way to boost immunity. You might be wondering a bit about this one...silver? For more information on how it works, visit www.soverignsilver.info.

UMKA

Once you are sick, boosting your immunity is very important, but it is also nice to have a natural product to sooth those uncomfortable cold symptoms. The sore throat, the cough, congestion, etc. I recently tried Umka Cold Care, by Nature's Way, and I am impressed. Umka is made from Pelagonium sidoides roots and has its origins in traditional Southern African folk medicine. A leading remedy in Europe, Umka works differently than other over-the-counter cold medicines. It doesn't just mask symptoms. It shortens the duration and speeds recovery. And the best part? It is all natural, sugar-free, and absolutely safe for kids.

Being sick is no fun. When you feel the symptoms of an illness coming on, be sure to get lots of rest, hydrate, and boost your immunity. If a sore throat persists, it may be a sign of infection, and you should seek proper medical attention. Always consult a physician or holistic health practitioner before something new and especially before giving it to a child.

Here's to kicking that virus, and here's to your health!

Flashback Friday

Happy Good Friday! Easter is just two days away, and whether you are having a small family gathering or a big feast, here is a salad recipe I posted for Thanksgiving. It's so simple and delicious, a great dish to serve at your table or bring along to a potluck for sharing.

Blue Cheese & Granny Smith Salad

organic mixed baby greens
Granny Smith apple
crumbled blue cheese
candied pecans
balsamic vinegar
olive oil

Use desired amount of ingredients listed. We like our salads hearty, and I often say that we added a little lettuce to our salad :) Make it how you like!

1. Cut desired amount of apple into small chunks
2. Add blue cheese and pecans
3. Toss all ingredients with baby greens, balsamic, and olive oil
4. Add just a bit of black pepper and cinnamon for extra flare (optional)

I often make this salad with raw pecans, or with Trader Joe's lightly sweetened pecans. (I stock up on these when we visit the mainland). But if you want to make them yourself, here is a nice recipe for candied pecans from my favorite gluten-free blog, Elana's Pantry. I made them tonight. I was out of yacon syrup so I used agave nectar. These nuts offer just a hint of sweetness to your salad or enjoy them all by themselves.

Candied Pecans

2 cups pecans
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons yacon syrup (or agave)
½ tsp sea salt

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl
Place in a pyrex baking dish
Bake at 350° for 15 minutes
Cool and serve

Also, if you are looking for healthier goodies to fill up those Easter baskets, click HERE for a few ideas :)

Here's to great food. Here's to a blessed Easter celebration! Here's to your health!

Dye Your Eggs With Vegetables!

If you're looking for a fun little science experiment to do with your kids, here is a truly natural way to dye eggs this Easter. I was reading Clementine Art's blog and found this recipe for natural egg coloring quite intriguing. I am always looking for interesting projects to do with my daughter. She would just love this! A while back I wrote a review for some of Clementine Art products. They are great quality, natural art products for kids. Check out their blog, Darling Clementine, for more creative art ideas, at www.clementineboulder.blogspot.com.

For the egg dying recipe, click HERE

A Toxin-Free Tub

A while back, I started a series of posts regarding "everyday toxins". It has been a while since I have posted in this subject area, but I felt compelled to do so today. I have wanted to address one particular everyday toxin for some time now. This is one commonly found in houses across the nation and around the world. CHLORINE.

Here is a description I found online for chlorine:

Chlorine is a highly poisonous, greenish yellow gas, about two and a half times as dense as air, and with a strong, sharp, choking odor. It was, in fact, one of the first poisonous gases used in warfare—in 1915 during World War I. In spite of its disagreeable nature, there are so many everyday products that contain chlorine or are manufactured through the use of chlorine that it is among the top ten chemicals produced in the United States each year. In 1994, more than 24 billion lb (11 billion kg) of chlorine were produced.

Did you note the part about it being a poisonous gas used in warfare? How about the "choking odor" part? Actually, that description is absolutely accurate, as it was used for that very reason.

So why is it that we find this chemical so widely used today? We know that chlorine is highly effective in killing bacteria. It is used in common household cleaners, in pools, and in our water supply. But through the years, sanitation has improved and alternatives to chlorine exist, though they are not widely used.

I am not writing this post to address alternatives to chlorine, but to share with you, if were not already aware, that chlorine is in fact, a poison; to let you know that your exposure to this toxic chemical is likely far higher than you think; and to show you a simple way to reduce it.

So, you may be thinking that you don't go swimming very often, and that you don't need to worry about chlorine exposure, while in fact, you are at risk every day. You see, since chlorine is added to the water supply to kill bacteria, you are literally bathing (and possibly drinking) it each and every day.

You might also be thinking that this is no big deal, and that you don't seem to notice any effects of this. But when it comes to toxic chemicals, there is often a cumulative effect that happens over time. You wouldn't reach for a household cleanser and sprinkle it into the water, just before you climb into a nice hot bath, would you? In reality, you're kind of doing this just by turning on the faucet.

Here's the problem: When you take a toxic chemical and heat it up in your bath or shower, not only are you absorbing it through the pores in your skin, you are also breathing in the steam, taking it right to your lungs and into your bloodstream.

So what can you do? A simple solution is to add a filter to your shower. Shower filters are inexpensive and require little maintenance, just a filter change about six months to a year. Easy enough, right? You can type in "shower filter" on Amazon or other sites, or search Gaiam Living for different types of these filters. They are very effective at removing chlorine, and other water contaminants.

Now for the bath. This is very important parents!! Protect your little one from the harmful effects of chlorine and other contaminants. Their little bodies are still developing, and the effects of everyday toxins are much more damaging to these precious ones. A simple solution for the tub is what is called a "bath ball". You can purchase one of these balls on Amazon or check your local health food store. By swirling it in the bath water for about one to two minutes, you neutralize the chlorine and it changes the chemical compound into one that is harmless. I keep one of these balls handy for travel.

Okay, if you are highly sensitive to chemicals like I am, you also have the option of purchasing what is called a whole-house filter. You can contact a company in your area that provides water softening tanks. They usually offer whole-house filtering tanks as well as options for your drinking water. This is a more costly option, but highly effective in removing multiple contaminants (including chlorine, pesticides, petroleum byproducts, and heavy metals) from the water supply in your home.

Take the time to research. Know what's in your local water supply. We don't have much control over our exposure to environmental toxins. This is one time that you do. Stay tuned for more chlorine-free tips on To Your Health!

Here's to truly natural water and here's to your health!


*For Hawaii residents here on Oahu, you can contact AAA Best Water for all your filtration and softening needs. If you are in Orange County, California, try Water By Design.

Gone Bananas

I got this in an email today, so I am just pasting it here for you all. I love this kind of stuff...it encourages me to keep eating the amazing foods God has created for us, not only for us to enjoy, but most importantly, for our benefit. And this is just ONE of many natural, yummy foods to choose from!!....

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

PressureBlood : This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips.. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady..

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

**Want a quick shine on your shoes? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.

Wholly Organic??

Okay, I love Whole Foods. We are there every week, picking up our favorite gourmet cheeses, deli meats, and much, much more. But when a friend of mine emailed this to me a while back, I was disappointed, and of course, I knew I had to share this with all of you. Will I stop shopping at Whole Foods? No way. I will, however, be reading their store-brand labels with much more scrutiny. Click the arrow and watch this news report:

Another New Clean Well Product

Here is yet another new product from Clean Well, making it even more convenient to sanitize your hands, instantly. I can't wait to try this new hand sanitizing foam! This is a great one for teachers to have on their desks. Mommies, this will come in handy just about anywhere, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and nurseries.

Get 20% off a two pack of foam now through February 22! Click here for details.

Choose Fair Trade

Now is the time of year when more than 20 million Americans are buying sweets and flowers for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, these tokens of love aren't as sweet or pure as they may appear. Over 40 percent of the world's conventional chocolate (i.e. non-organic and non-Fair Trade) comes from Africa's Ivory Coast, where the International Labor Organization and US State Department have reported widespread instances of child slavery. Meanwhile, commercial flowers, most of which are produced in countries such as Colombia, are the most toxic and heavily sprayed agricultural crops on Earth. Supplying the global market, poorly paid workers in Third World countries put in up to 18 hour work days for poverty wages during peak flower buying times such as Valentine's Day. But don't let the bad news squelch your Valentine's plans. Show your love by choosing Fair Trade and organic flowers and chocolate for your Valentine's Day gifts.


Read more about this and other important stories here on the Organic Cosumers Association website.

Here's to your health!

Healthy Child Healthy World

If you wonder where I get my information for some of the issues I write about in this blog, here is a video clip from one of my resources. It is one of the best out there. You can receive their updates via email or visit their site anytime for the latest news and ideas for a healthier home. Here's to your health!

A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.

Surface Wipes, Powered by Clean Well!

You all know that I am a big fan of Clean Well. My bathrooms and kitchen are stocked with their soaps, and I carry my handy little sanitizing spray wherever I go. I am happy to tell you that you can now have the safe and natural, sanitizing power of Clean Well in your disinfecting wipes!

Seventh Generation has teamed up with Clean Well to give Clean Well fans what they have been asking for. They have produced great line of surface disinfectants for the home, which includes both surface sprays and wipes. So far I have only found them at Whole Foods here in Hawaii, but they are supposed to be available at Longs, Target, and other stores as well.

I recently bought the sanitizing wipes for our home and tried them out right away. First I wiped down the kitchen counters, then the bathroom counters, the door handles, the toilet seats...quick, easy, safe sanitizing. I used to use my Clean Well spray on surfaces, but now I can just grab a wipe.

I love that these wipes are safe and effective, and convenient. I was a bit worried about using them on my black granite counter tops. With careful examination, I saw only a hint of a few streaks here and there. What I really like most about the wipes is the mild, fresh scent. Unlike other brands I've tried, they are not at all overpowering. Just clean and fresh!

So, do you Clean Well?