So, winter’s nearly here and many are fighting off that first seasonal cold and some are dreading the flu.  I have many friends that get it every year, sometimes more than once and some are constantly battling sicknesses throughout the autumn and winter seasons.   With my friends in mind and for those looking for a more natural way to boost your immune system without getting vaccines,  I’ve collected a few lists from reputable sites sharing foods that are known “Immunity Boosters”.  Remember to always eat the best foods possible, organic farmed produce, wild fishes and like, grass-fed beef, bison, free-range chickens and eggs and cook the food as little as possible.

This first list is from Mercola.com.  It contains a few items that are a bit more difficult to find in some areas but try your best for they are by far the most effective.  You can read the full article with complete explanations here: Top 12 Foods for Healthy Immune Response

1. Unpasteurized Grass-Fed Organic Milk; or Whey Protein as an Alternative

2. Fermented foods such as kefir, natto, kimchee, miso, tempeh, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt (watch for sugar), and olives.

3. Raw Organic Eggs from Free-Range Chickens

4. Grass-Fed Beef or Organ Meats

5. Coconuts and Coconut Oil

6. Locally Grown Organic Vegetables Appropriate for Your Nutritional Type the amount and type of vegetables you should eat daily will depend on your nutritional type.

7. Blueberries and Raspberries

8. Mushrooms

9. Chlorella [Chlorella water..Yum!  Seriously, I enjoy it a lot]

10. Propolis

11. Teas [Green and Tulsi]

12. Herbs and Spices [click here for the list]

The 15 best foods for your Immune System from AlterNet.Org. This list may be a bit more practical for most.  I myself find that my daily diet incorporates items from both lists.  Again, follow the link for the full article and explanations. 

1. Oysters; Yep.  Oysters produce cytokines, a protein that’s known to ward off illnesses.

2. Yogurt

3. Green Tea

4. Oranges

5. Crab; Like oysters, crab meat is rich in selenium, a nutrient that strengthens your immune system.

6. Garlic

7. Carrots

8. Spinach

9. Sweet Potatoes

10. Mushrooms

11. Salmon

12. Kiwi

13. Bell Peppers

14. Broccoli

15. Oats & Barley

Ok, before you read this, stop.  Go and get your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial cleaner, shaving cream and toothpaste.  Go ahead, I’ll give you a few minutes.  Look at the ingredients.   Do you see either Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) listed? Or one of their cousins: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, etc.?  Did you know SLS is so strong that it’s also used to scrub garage floors?  It caught my attention too.

Nearly two years ago now, my husband and I started removing anything in our personal care items that contained SLS (or its relative SLES).  We had read numerous reports that they are cheap chemicals found in our personal care products that are exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines-just a lower percentage is found in our personal products.  Earlier this year we noticed it was even in our ‘natural’, ‘safe’ toothpaste to our surprise.

I sat down earlier this week to write this article but I wanted to research both sides of the story for I found it amazing that this toxic chemical would be found in so many everyday beauty/health products, even in “green” products.  So, I began my search and wow, what a whirl wind of confusion for a few hours.  Whom does one believe?  Some sources make outrageous claims to scare you one way or another, some try to give you just the “facts” to support their claims and others are clearly trying to sell you a product.  What I found even more frustrating was that to my surprise many of the trusted sources I usually turn to had completely different outlooks on the subject.

So, I am not going to tell you it is terrible for you NOR am I telling you to continue to use it.  I want you to do the research yourself and make up your own mind. But here is what I have decided on.  SLS and SLES will NOT be allowed into my home again.  We decided as a family earlier this year to live as toxin free as we could.  We are not willing to knowingly put anything that ‘could’ be hazardous to our health into or onto our bodies, especially when there are safe alternatives.   I have gathered the more complete sources, a few with additional links you should review, and have posted them below for you to begin your research.  Here’s an excerpt [and my main argument for not bringing these chemicals into my home] from the first source listed below:

“SLS and SLES are esters of Sulphuric acid – SLS is also known as “Sulfuric acid monododecyl ester sodium salt”, however there are over 150 different names by which it is known – see them here. In fact, SLES is commonly contaminated with dioxane, a known carcinogen.

Although SLES is somewhat less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, it cannot be metabolised by the liver and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting.

A report published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that concentrations as low as 0.5% could cause irritation and concentrations of 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. National Institutes of Health “Household Products Directory” of chemical ingredients lists over 80 products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Some soaps have concentrations of up to 30%, which the ACT report called “highly irritating and dangerous“.  Read more about the potential implications of SLS and SLES on Human Health

So please, follow the links in this article, do your research and decide for yourself what you are comfortable with.  All I wish for is that you and your family live as healthy as possible and you can only do that by making intelligent decisions, not by just doing the ‘norm’, convenient or expected behavior.

Natural Health Information Center

Hall Gold

Mercola

The Natural Skin Care Company

Ingredient Myths

Seventh Generation Q&A

American Cancer Society

Snopes

NICNAS of Australia

So, it’s that time again…spending your hard earned money ON SOMEONE ELSE! Oh, I’m just joking. It can be very rewarding to find that perfect gift for someone else and to see their faces light up. So, this season I’ve put together a collection of shopping guides, stores and holiday specials for you. A few will change after Black Friday or Black Monday so, be sure to come on back and take a look at the new items.

Read Up First

First, start with this quick article from the Environmental Stewardship Committee at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It has tips for shoppers who want to help the environment by conserving resources. It contains gift ideas, shopping tips, and wrapping, decorating and entertainment ideas. The article is a bit old, but the information is still quite relevant.

Buying Guides

National Geographic’s official Green Buying Guide

The Holiday Green Guide
This unique and interactive online coupon resource is COMPLETELY FREE for consumers who are looking to save HUGE dollars on eco friendly products from online retailers. The publication is filled with thousands of dollars in savings to make the holidays a little greener for shoppers, retailers and the environment.

The Holiday Green Guide is live and available to consumers from November 2– December 31 2009.

Stores and Discounts

UncommonGoods.com
UncommonGoods is one of my all time places to shop, for others as well as myself!  I’m sure you’ll find something fun and unique this year here.  “We have worked hard to build an online marketplace offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. We are combining the treasures of a specialty boutique, the great finds of a craft show, discoveries from a faraway bazaar, along with some enduring classics.”

Hay House Inc.
Hay House is offering stunning new gifts items, discounts up to 70% and free gifts to celebrate the Christmas Season. With the economy the way it is, everyone could use a little inspiration and Hay House products provide just that! During these difficult times, we are excited to pass along more savings to your customers.  Click the picture for the link.

SPECIAL OFFER: Free Shipping* Site Wide!
One Day Only – Cyber Monday, Nov 30th
We will kick-off the online holiday shopping season with free shipping site wide with no minimum purchase. *Offer will be valid one day only and expires on Monday 11/30 at midnight Pacific Time. Valid for online purchases only shipped within the continental U.S.  CLICK HERE ON MONDAY, NOV. 30TH.

EcoExpress.com
I enjoy finding nice, appropriate gifts for people I either don’t know very well or that I just can’t figure out what to get for them. EcoExpress creates natural and organic gifts that are unique, memorable and high quality. You can send beautiful gifts and support the environment with their wide assortment of earth friendly gourmet, fruit, spa and rainforest green gifts and baskets.

iHerb
You’d be amazed at all of the products iHerb has to offer. Here I purchase supplements, home cleaning products [when needed], pantry items and bath and cosmetic products from time to time. If you shop with them, remember to SAVE $5 on your first purchase by using my COUPON CODE: OMA603

Lavera
Lavera is having a TON of various sales, but this one is by far the biggest saver. Keep in mind the page will not be available until BLACK FRIDAY, 12:01AM NOVEMBER 27TH.   I will have updated links to other holiday specials as soon as Sunday, November 29th.  Click the picture for the link.

Beautorium
I enjoy the variety of higher end organic/natural products available with Beautorium. I can not get these locally and shopping with Beautorium has been terrific. Check them out and find amazing lines such as Dr. Hauschka, Trilogy, Saaf, John Masters and Red Flower. Save 15% on all featured lines until January 1st, 2010.  Click the picture for the link.

Did you know that most of your common household cleaning products contain potentially toxic chemicals?  The website EnvironmentalHealthNews.org states that the typical American home contains 3-10 gallons of hazardous materials and uses and stores more than 60 hazardous household products.  Most of these toxic chemicals can be easily absorbed through your skin and you can breathe them into your lungs and these toxins build up in your system over time.  Some of the health effects of ingredients in common household products are:

     Respiratory problems
     Eye irritation
     Cancer
     Disruption of the endocrine system

With the holidays approaching most of us will be hosting guests for parties or for extended stay in our homes.  This means…it’s time to roll up the sleeves and get to scrubbing.  This year do your holiday cleaning with safer, time-tested ingredients you already have in your cupboards and closets while avoiding toxic products that cause indoor air pollution, endanger children and disrupt the environment.

EnvironmentalHealthNews.org is a fantastic site that has fact sheets, science journals and news articles on chemicals in household products including guides to safer home cleaning recipes, expert contacts and a plethora of resources for additional information.  It can be a bit overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with research online but just dig in and stay persistent.

Here’s a head start…Go to: household toxic cleaning products

Using home cleaning recipes, such as those found at EarthEasy.com, can reduce numerous environment impacts.  Your home cleaning recipes will reduce the manufacture, packaging and shipment of commercial products, since home cleaning recipes use ingredients which are safe to buy in bulk and which ounce for ounce go a lot farther than commercial products.

For example:

All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda
(or 2 teaspoons borax) into
1/2 gallon (2 liters) water.
Store and keep.
Use for removal of water deposit stains
on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome
fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

You can find this recipe and many, many more here: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

Here’s a simple starter list of what you need to make your own natural cleaning products:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Lemon Juice
Hydrogen peroxide
Liquid castile soap
Organic essential oils [optional]
Mixing bowls
Spray bottles
Micro fiber cloths

Well, perhaps you simple prefer to use a manufactured, store bought product, which is an alternative, but beware!  Not all “green” or “natural” cleaning products are as safe as they lead you to believe.

The terms “green” and “natural” are becoming more and more common but they are nothing more than a marketing trend and they do not automatically equal safety.  The market is still very much unregulated and have you ever noticed how very few manufacturers list the ingredients?  Cleaning product manufacturers are not required by law to disclose all of their ingredients on their labels.

Many responsible manufacturers [like Seventh Generation and Ecover] will put as many ingredients on their packaging as possible or provide you with contact information on where to find out more.  If you should find a label, dangerous ingredients to look out for include:

*petroleum distillates like “benzene” or 1,4 dioxane – both can cause cancer and 1,4 dioxane is a suspected kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant.
*phospates – cause algae proliferation in bodies of water, killing marine life
*nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE’s) – cause reproductive defects, liver and kidney damage
*volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) including 1,4 dichlorobenzene – cause nose and throat irritation, dizziness and asthma
*glycol ethers
*ammonia
*chlorine
*ethanolamines

Natural chemicals that can cause allergic reaction and should be avoided include:

*limonene (a citrus based oil)
*pine oil
*coconut diethanolamide

I agree all of this can be overwhelming and I admit that it took me a while to “give in” and try the home recipes but I [and my wallet] am so thankful I have.  I think you will be to.

I wish you luck in your endeavor to remove the GALLONS of unnecessary toxins from your home by finding alternatives to standard cleaning products and for further research I have listed a few links below for you.

Sites for research:

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/

EarthEasy.com

Debra Lynn Dadd http://www.dld123.com/homesafehome.html

Quick reviews on in-store Eco-friendly/natural cleaning products:

House and Home [Local to this site]

Articles on topic:

“Natural doesn’t always mean safe” – EWG

“How Safe Are Green Cleaning Products?” – Mercola.com

“You Can Avoid Hazardous Chemicals” – Washington Post

“Some skip commercial cleaners for those made from pantry” – USA Today

“Going Green When You Clean” – CBSNews

“Can you clean and still be green?” – Santa Cruz Sentinel

A personal message:

I wanted to take a moment to share this information with you.  Vaccination, whether for yourself or your children, is a very personal decision.  Many Americans today are comfortable getting medications and vaccinations without a second thought, but there is a growing number of citizens and medical professionals that are finding reasons for everyone to stop and take the time to do research on what is being put into your body.  There are two very different opinions on the current H1N1 vaccination and on the actual flu itself.  One from the general mass media that is in many ways terrifying Americans.  The other from natural health specialists and a growing number of scientists that are trying to inform the public of the downfalls of the vaccination and to shed light on the actual H1N1 flu.  I am not suggesting you get the vaccine, nor am I suggesting that you not get it.  I am asking that before you make your decision you take the time to research the topic thoroughly.  Here’s a fantastic place to start, a recent article from from Mercola.com entitled “Common Links in Swine Flu Deaths.”  You can read the website of the doctor featured in the article here: Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/31/CDC-Says-Kids-That-Die-From-Swine-Flu-Have-Coexisting-Bacterial-Infections.aspx

The article has numerous links to additional sites for more information, but here are a few more to help with your research:

ALERT: Special Swine Flu Update

NPR: Debate Over H1N1 Vaccine

CBS News: Unplugged H1N1 Vaccine Dangers

World Health Organization [WHO]

60 Minutes: Swine Flu

British Medical Journal

CDC

Maximizing the peace in your life and relationships is an area not many people take very seriously in their overall wellness. Usually because they do not realize how much of an impact is has on our physical health. True wellness focuses on body, mind and spirit, the total package of your life.

In our society today, the greater majority is overworked, overstressed, overwhelmed, over-stimulated and overfed. Come on, this is America after all…we want more, we want it bigger and better and we want it NOW. We, as a whole, are also undisciplined, under-motivated and unable to move forward in areas of our lives that are not ‘easy’ or are areas of our lives that require long term attention. How many family members or friends of yours are on antidepressants? How many children? Use of antidepressants has become a true epidemic in America.

Without peace of mind and strong relationships, neither life nor health can be maintained at optimum levels. Numerous studies have proven that poor relationships cause stress and we are constantly reminded that stress leads to poor health. It’s been shown that people with more negative aspects in their close relationships had an increase in the risk of heart problems and poor blood pressure. Those with poor relationships are also much more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mood disorders due to inflammation which can damage our brain cells (even after taking weight, social support and other factors into consideration). [Many of these studies can be found on WebMD and ScienceMag.org.] How is this happening? Any time you think a thought or say a word, little messengers called neuropeptides, travel all through your bodies, touching every cell and depositing a bit of that chemical in it. If your thoughts are negative in any way, then the chemicals that these messengers deposit depress your immune system. If your thoughts are loving, optimistic, and positive, then the different chemicals that these messengers—or neuropeptides—deposit will enhance your immune system. [To learn more about neuropeptides and how they effect your body pick up a copy of "Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d"
by Dr. Candace Pert.]

Moment by moment, we’re consciously or unconsciously choosing healthy thoughts or unhealthy thoughts. These thoughts affect our bodies. One thought by itself doesn’t have much influence over us. However, we all think more than 60,000 thoughts a day, and the effect on our thoughts is cumulative. Poisonous thoughts poison our bodies. [So you can see how important it is to have people in your life that have a positive effect on you.] Science is now confirming that we can’t allow ourselves to indulge in negative thinking. It’s making us sick and it’s killing us.

Personal note:

I, like many, went through many years of troubled relationships and as a result suffered small, annoying health problems and bouts of depression and anxiety attacks. In 2004 I was introduced to the works of Dr. Wayne Dyer through the book, “The Power of Intention“.  I found the views and perspectives of Dr. Dyer so refreshing and it taught me to start thinking in a different way.  I started trying to implement some of his teachings into my lifestyle. On one hand it was easy and on the other, rather difficult.  When I was focused on bettering my relationships and life I noted numerous changes in my overall mood, quality of life and outlook, but I had to stay focused on such changes and I would always fall back into my old habits after awhile. Being a fan of Dr. Dyer, I began reading each new book Dr. Dyer published and in doing so, stumbled upon Louise L. Hay and the book “You Can Heal Your Life: Gift Edition“.  I can not say enough about this book. I read it [or listen to the audio book] quite often.  It helps me learn to deal with and release so many negative aspects in my life and relationships. By letting go of so much, I began realizing what my life could be and a whole new world opened before me. I started branching out my reading even more and found many wonderful authors; some effective and beneficial, some not so much. It all depends on you, your state of mind and where you are in your life at the time of your readings. I found that though I have interest in reading new authors and evaluating their ideas, I relate to Dr. Dyer and Louise Hay best. This year I read Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book “Excuses Begone!” I have never slept better [and I often suffered from bouts of serious insomnia]. This too will be a book I turn to on a regular basis. I’m always wishing for friends and family members to read Louise L. Hay. In one year I gave away 5 of the books “You Can Heal Your Life”. Now I wish to add Dr. Dyer’s new book “Excuses Begone!” to my constant recommendation list. There are many different ways people find to release the negative aspects in their lives, bad habits, poor relationships, terrible work environments. For me I found it simply in making major life changes, meeting my amazing spouse and reading the works of authors with positive messages. Friends I know find solace in going to church regularly, attending meetings with groups that share similar life ideals, staying active as volunteers-the options are endless and are personal for each person. I hope that if you find a way to improve or remove any negative relationships in your life…it’s not always easy-but the peace and joy it will bring to your life will be more than worth it.

Additional reading online:

MedicineNet.com
HealthMatrix.net
Code For Living Life
Prevention.com
The Secret by author Rhonda Byrne

My Book Reading List:

Deborah McIncrow
Women’s Health & Wellness Coach

The Wonders of Weight Loss

Losing weight and feeling healthier can be a constant challenge in your life. There are certain steps that you can put into action that will continue to promote your forward motion and successful endeavors on your lifelong journey toward healthier and lighter living. They are not out of your range and you have to believe in yourself and persevere toward their endowment and bequest. For it is only when you strive for continued involvement in these essential elements that you begin to see the results that you are longing for.

Let’s take a look at five essential elements that promote success, and provide a pathway lined with achievement. Let’s see how many of the elements find their way into your daily line up:

Healthy Food Selection: Fueling your body with a gracious amount of fruits and vegetables and other powerful choices is the responsibility of you. You must limit unwise food choices and establish new, more beneficial ways of fueling your temple.

Portion Control: Being aware of your need for energy is priceless in your ability to fuel your body with the correct amount of food. Listen to yourself. Pay attention to your mind, body and soul when it gives you signals to stop eating.

Exercise: You have to move; you must get physical to fully reap the potential that your body has to offer. Each element of this lifestyle is a building block for the next. If one area is lacking, all progress suffers. Get moving and start reaping the payoffs.

Journaling: the power of the almighty pen to paper is truly amazing. It allows you the gift of reflection, it gives you the power to monitor and adjust. Not to mention it provides you with the presence of self to be accountable to you, granting you the awareness of your actions.

Hydration: Water does a body good. Water maintains hydration, creates efficiency and provides energy for movement. Not to mention it wards off false hunger and creates the opportunity for greater rewards in the weight loss department.

These essential elements have been around the block for many, many years now and they continue to surface with every Tom, Dick or Deborah’s words of advice. They are the proven building blocks of how to live a lifestyle that promotes good health, living a healthy weight and overall greater wellness. Nothing worth it’s weight in gold comes with the snap of your fingertips; everything worth working toward takes diligence and perseverance.

Creating habits that promote your healthy, lighter ways of living provide you with a foundation in which to continually practice your chosen way of life and remind you on a regular basis what it takes to be successful on your weight loss journey. Each and every day you step out of bed you must make the conscious decision to take the steps to improve your lifestyle. No one can do this for you, it is your granted right to follow through, create a change in your chosen pathway and you will, there is no doubt in my mind, reap all the fantastic benefits of living a healthier, lighter way of life. Be willing to create the change and in turn you will alter your future for the rest of your life. Below you will find a wonderful array of tactics and everyday activities that you can involve yourself in that foster greater well-being and weight loss.

Eat breakfast. It is a well known fact in the weight loss department that women who feed their bodies when they rise are more successful at losing and keeping weight from returning.

Eat multiple times throughout your day. Feed your body small, healthy choices before it even realizes it is hungry. Avoid being starving at all costs.

Engage a workout buddy. Having a friend to travel with enhances your journey and keeps you motivated when you feel like throwing in the towel. Having a support system is wonderful.

Do not bring any item into your home that has a tendency, more often than not, to sabotage your weight loss goals. Go out and purchase it if you need, but leave it at the door.

Do not banish any food or drink items from your life. This approach is unrealistic and cannot be maintained for any duration of time. It sets you up for failure every single solitary time.

Have a plan. If you do not adequately prepare for success it will not arrive on your doorstep. Make a list, create a calendar and be sure to schedule yourself in. Plan to be a winner.

As you strive to follow the elements of success and create a new pattern of beneficial habits that enhance your possibilities in the weight loss department, it is important to remember to be kind to yourself along your journey. Taking the time to be pleased with your actions, capturing your feelings of pride in yourself and being able to step back and reward yourself for fulfilling your goals is such an important task to complete. We need to observe our own successful accomplishments and take the valuable opportunity to acknowledge our greatness in our own lives. You know what they say, everyone loves compliments and everybody adores to be commended for a job well done; this includes you too. Unfortunately more often than not we are so enthralled with praising others and mentioning their wonderful accomplishments that we forget our very own good doings and triumphs. Taking the time to reflect on your successes breeds continued further success down the road. Not to mention appreciating your achievements builds your self esteem and gives you the motivation to continue taking steps toward your goals.

There are a number of steps you can initiate when stopping to soak up the admirable accomplishments of little old you:

Self Gratitude Journal: purchase a small notepad, one that will fit into your pocketbook. Each time you do something that is a step in the direction of your goals, quickly pull out your notepad and jot it down. It can be just about anything that makes you feel good about whom you are, steps you take and the way in which you conduct yourself, your thoughts and your actions.

Review: choose a designated day of the week when you will review your Self Gratitude Journal and reread all the wonderful steps you are taking and the super ways in which you are doing the best you can to support your hopes and dreams. Please feel free to go through your Self Gratitude Journal at any time to support your visions for you and your life.

Treat Yourself: rewarding yourself in whatever manner you see fit is essential to your continued enthusiasm and eagerness as you carry on taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Positive reinforcement isn’t just for children and when we take the time to acknowledge ourselves for all that we do, amazing things can happen.

Filling yourself up with positive vibes and optimistic oomph will enhance your journey and keep you traveling down your pathway at a steady pace. Treat yourself admirably and bring your patience along for the ride. Being consistent on your journey toward a healthier way of living is a wonderful attribute to strive toward while seeking your greatest life. So make yourself proud today and do the right things at the right time and relish in your strength to control your destiny. Believe in yourself and create the wonders of your life.

Message from Deborah:

Nothing brings me greater pleasure in life than to assist women on their journey toward better health, enhanced fitness and molding a lifestyle to one that meets their expectations.  Coaching Lovely Ladies is a enormous passion of mine and I am completely honored to be able to assist each and every Lovely Lady on their travels of a happy, organized, active, balanced lifestyle.  I coach real women who are willing to take real action and reap real results.  Visit my website today and let me help you work toward your wellness goals.

Deborah
Women’s Health and Fitness Coach

www.personalweightlosscoach.com
debby@personalweightlosscoach.com
607.435.3990

We know far too little about chemicals coming into the market. Manufacturers have far too little certainty about how chemicals they make are regulated. The EPA needs the tools to do the job that the public expects.
- EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

Environmental Working Group is a research organization based in Washington, D.C. that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment.  Many may have just learned of the EWG due to their amazing research on cell phone radiation that made the headlines a few months ago.  (You can visit their site on that topic by clicking here.) but I found them and the eye-opening research they do when I began researching living a toxin-free lifestyle.    Their sites like the Cosmetic Database (a.k.a. Skin Deep), The Kids-Safe Chemicals Act Interactive Magazine [to list a few] are nearly daily tools in my constant research for toxin-free products to use in my home and on my body.  On October 6, in a first-of-its-kind conference, EWG brought together more than 150 representatives of government, academia, the environmental community and industry. The subject was chemicals policy and everyone had one thought in mind:

The time has come for comprehensive reform of our nation’s outdated system for chemicals regulation. It has failed to ensure that the health of our children — and of all Americans — is no longer threatened by the thousands of chemicals encountered in daily life. As a result, consumers no longer trust that the products they are being sold are safe.

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson joined the cause because she agrees that now is the time for change. Her keynote address signaled that the Administration is ready to take on chemicals policy reform.

Click here for blog updates, photos and video from the conference, including excerpts from Administrator Jackson’s keynote address.

Here’s a quick video from the meeting. 

If you haven’t had a look around yet, I am a big fan of many of the authors from Hay House, Inc. There is a retreat coming soon with many of them that I wish to see in person and possibly meet. It will be a fantastic weekend, and wow-they did a great job in creating reasonably priced packages for everyone. Here’s the scoop:

I Can Do It! Tampa 2009
The Mind, Body, Soul Retreat
November 19 – 22, 2009
Hurry! Preferred seating has sold out and general seating is going fast!

The I Can Do It! Conference gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a forum where each speaker offers the opportunity for spiritual and body enlightenment. There are a variety of conference packages available for every budget including Full Conference and Special One-Day Only packages. Experience I Can Do It! for a day or the weekend and attend lectures from over 35 of your favorite authors. From health, nutrition, and wellness to psychics and dream interpretation, this event will energize your mind, body and spirit. Plus, save 50% on a Pre-Conference Workshop with the purchase of a Full Conference Pass! Register Now >>

Despite the fact that most of us know that regular exercise is good for us, the greater majority of American’s don’t do it on a regular basis, or at all.  Our general excuses are what?  “I hate it,” “It hurts,” “I’m injured,” “It’s boring,” or “I don’t have the money.”  The biggest excuse of all is “I don’t have the time.”

A quick review from the post “The Fundamentals of Changing Your Health”; there are 4 basic fundamentals to experiencing true health and wellness.  To refresh your memory they were 1, to minimize the use of drugs, other toxins in our life and surgery-which we spoke about in the post “Stop Poisoning Yourself!”; 2, to eat as best we can to ensure ourselves quality nutrition; found in last week’s post “Stop Focusing on Weigh Loss” 3, this weeks’ topic: to maximize oxygen and lean muscle through regular exercise; 4, to live a life of peace with positive and strong relationships; and my 5th, maximize nerve supply through chiropractic maintenance.  Remember, each of these fundamentals is important and they all work optimally together.

“The most important element you need to survive is oxygen.  If a cell’s environment contains lowered levels of oxygen, it will accumulate toxins, develop disease, and eventually cause early cell death.” (Maximized Living)  Your body needs proper amounts of oxygen in every cell to keep them happy and functioning properly and the simplest way of doing this is to just get up and move.  In other words, exercise, and remember, exercise produces muscle.  The more muscle you have and the less fat you have, the healthier you are.

Here are a few examples of what exercise does for you:

1. Exercise improves your mood.
2. Increases stress tolerance
3. Exercise combats chronic diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis. It can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure.
4. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides which together, keep blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
5. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
6. Exercise helps you manage your weight by speeding up your metabolism. [This one's a no-brainer.]
7. It improves learning
8. Regular exercise slows and even reverses effects of aging
9. It raises energy levels
10. It can put the spark back into your sex life [Always a bonus]
11. It enhances and balances hormone production
12. Regular exercise aides in sleep
13. It eliminates toxins
14. Regular exercise also decreases the risk of injury to the muscles, joints and spine.

So, I say, enough with the excuses!
[You should read Excuses Begone! By Dr. Wayne Dyer.
Click here for more information.]

Read more on what surge training is here.

An example of a surge training program can be found here.

Here are a few additional websites to review for more interesting looks on exercise and finding something right for you.

Prevention Magazine [excellent site]

CBS News exercise personality quiz [found this interesting]

Beachbody.com [great site for support, programs and intense workouts]

Become Healthy Now [articles on types of exercises and their benefits]