Mice!

One of my favorite magazines (this was online though) recently had an article that I thought I would share. http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/how-to-get-rid-of-mice-zm0z10zhun.aspx

I know that many people have mice and would love to keep them away, I know we sure do. I would love it if I never had to see little signs that a mouse has been in our house, never have to clean up after one, and never have to be surprised by the occasional sighting.

I have tried quite a few things and have to say that peppermint oil like this short article suggested does seem to work the best. Just an FYI though, I have to refresh the peppermint once every week or so. If I forget or get kind of lazy about it then it doesn't usually take long and another little house guest is back :(

But after trying all kinds of non toxic ideas, this by far worked the best.

Just thought I would share for those of you that might be looking for a little relief from the unwanted house guest :)

10 Truths I Totally Agree With!

I recently came across this website http://www.revolutionaryact.com/ and their list of 10 Revolutionary Truths.
I couldn't agree more with what they are saying and wish that everyone could/would read this list and make small changes to help themselves be healthier and in turn we would all be part of a healthier world!
I know sometimes trying make healthier choices definitely seems harder or out of the norm but this list just re-inspired me to keep trying and that small changes really do make a big difference!! It is important for not only me but my family and the best gift I can give my kids is the gift of good health!
So check out the 10 Revolutionary Truths, it will give you a good place to start or if you are already on the road to good health it might just keep you motivated! :)
http://www.revolutionaryact.com/10truths

November 2010 Newsletter

Check out this month's newsletter!!

There's great information about controlling diabetes naturally, low glycemic foods, and more!!

Read all about it here!

Advice On Vaccines From A Mom Who's Have Been There

I have recently been asked many question about vaccination.

Parents, grandparents, and others are concerned about safety, effectiveness, and their rights.

This blog post is FAQ's about vaccinating and my best answers. I am not a doctor so please do not take this as medical advice. These are opinions and advice from myself (and others) who have had to make hard decisions regarding vaccination.

*But before I get too far into this I want to make it very clear that this is a very personal issue and I believe everyone should have the RIGHT to information and be able to make the choice that they think is the best for their family without fear of being judged, refused services, threatened with visits from social services, and made to leave doctor's offices.

Whether you agree or disagree your comments are welcome as long as they are kept respectful.

Thank you!

Ok, now onto the questions.....

1. Q: I'm not sure about vaccinating my children, how do I tell my doctor?

A: My advice, if you aren't sure then keep reading and researching! You can always give a vaccine later if you choose but you cannot take it back once given. Don't overload yourself with research if you get overwhelmed easily. Find out which vaccines your child is scheduled to get next and read up on those. Tell your doctor that you are still researching and you need more time to make a decision. If they want to have a civil conversation, try it. But keep in mind you probably won't change their mind. If they vigorously try to change your mind, berate or belittle you, tell you they will call social services, or are not at least open to the idea of you doing some research then I would say you hire them, feel free to fire them! You and your doctor should be partners in health. If these kinds of behavior are occurring then your doctor is not treating you like a partner. They should be glad that you are educating yourself but that is not always the case. So if your doctor is not supportive, look around and find one that is.

One more piece of advice, I always had better luck when I took someone with me to my daughter's appointments. For some reason if my husband, mom, or sister went the doctor's didn't seem to give me as many problems.

2. Q: I was told that if I don't want to vaccinate I have to sign a waiver, is that true?

A: Your doctor may want you to sign a waiver (school or daycare may too) or something stating that they have informed you of the risks and benefits you are taking and are refusing to vaccinate. Be sure to read the entire form VERY CAREFULLY!! (It also helps very much to know the laws regarding vaccination in your state, you can find these at http://www.nvic.org/ ) In the State of Michigan form, right about the place when most people stop reading it says "By signing this waiver, you acknowledge that you are placing your child and others at risk of serious illness should he or she contract a disease that could have been prevented through proper vaccination"

I see what they are getting at, they don't want to take responsibility but personally, I would not sign that form. Or at the very least I would use a permanent marker and cross out any and all parts that I did not agree with. My line of thinking is that if I thought my child or others were at risk from not vaccinating why would I have made the choice not to vaccinate? Why would I put my child at risk?? And I certainly don't want to sign a form taking responsibility for others illness! You can contract disease whether you have been vaccinated or not! The form I use and like is here http://www.momvaccines.org/forms/vaccination-exemption.pdf.

Just so you know... There are many, many people that do not realize you do not have to vaccinate and there are many in doctor's offices, schools, daycares,etc. that do not know the actual laws. This is why it is very important to know your rights!

3. Q: I am in the process of reading and it seems like all of the information I find is conflicting. I don't know who to believe? Do I believe those that say vaccines are safe and effective or those that say they are dangerous and don't really work?

A: This can be really difficult and very confusing :(

For me, I had to read information from all sides, I looked at the ingredient list of each vaccine, checked the number of cases of each disease in my area (you can get that info from the local health dept.), took into consideration who was giving the information-do they have something to gain by swaying people a certain way (like making more money), and ultimately, after reading and researching I had to go with what seemed right to me.

I also did a lot of reading from Dr. Mendelsohn,Dr. Eisenstein, Dr.Mercola, Dr.Tenpenny(you can find all of them online) along with information from our pediatrician, the CDC and many others.

Thanks for the questions, keep them coming!!

Next post we'll answer a few more :)

November Massage Special!

Every year when Thanksgiving is near I start thinking about the year that is almost over and how much I am thankful for.

It is a long list, as I am a truly blessed person!

And one of the things I am thankful for is that I have a job that I truly love!

I love meeting people, getting to know them, and being able to help them feel the best that they can.

I want to thank everyone who has given me the opportunity to work with them!

Thank you so very much!

And in appreciation I would like to let you know about this month's massage special

Enjoy a one hour massage

for only

$35!

This also includes a warm rice bag and scent of your choice to make your hour as relaxing and rejuvenating as possible!!

Call 989-386-7661

to make your appointment today!

*Don't forget! The holidays are just around the corner!*

*We offer Gift Certificates in any amount!*

Sickness-YUCK!

My family has been sick for the better part of a week with a cold, and just as I was starting to think I might miss this one, I got hit with it!

I suppose it is the time of year and I have definitely heard of tons of people coming down with a cold or flu but still.... I was hoping I would miss it just this once. I think that's hard to do when you give your husband a kiss goodnight and then immediately remember that he's sick, or when you are talking to your beautiful daughter (who has a constant stream coming out of her nose) and she sneezes right in your face. I guess thinking logically about this, I was bound to get it even though I was eating well, exercising, taking my vitamins and supplements, there is just sometimes when a body gets wore down from work, stress, or any number of everyday issues.

So now that I'm not feeling great here is my plan-

1. Rest as much as possible (at least for today!)

2. Drink plenty of Echinacea/Elderberry tea, water- maybe I'll put a little Apple Cider Vinegar and a tiny bit of (organic, raw) honey in it and warm it up!

3. Take plenty of Vitamin C, cold and flu homeopathic remedy, and of course my regular vitamins and supplements which includes a good dose of Vitamin D.

4. Rub oregano oil on my throat, glands, and chest

5. Eat delicious homemade chicken soup and other very healthy foods!

That's pretty much the plan for today, we'll see how the rest of the week goes :)

Have any tried and true things that help you or your family when sickness comes to your house?

We'd love to hear them!

Does It Cost A Fortune To Eat Healthy?

It's a common thought held by many that it costs too much to eat healthy.

Although we ate semi-healthy, when my daughter was born we started eating as much fresh, organic, local, and healthy food as we can get our hands on (It seems having children changes you in more ways than you can even think of :), and it seemed like my grocery bill was getting higher every time I left the grocery store! I knew I had to figure something out because I wasn't willing to give up healthy food but I was spending more in groceries than my budget was allowing. It took some time to find different recipes, learn about foods I wasn't familiar with, and slowly but surely get away from packaged foods that I thought were convenient. Even though they were mostly organic, the packaged foods are still not fresh or cost effective!

For those of you that are interested in food that is good for you and doesn't break the bank you may want to read this article. http://www.naturalnews.com/030058_food_costs.html

It has some basic ideas that can give you a starting point.

Keep in mind also that it may take some time to totally change your way of eating and grocery buying. Any thing you want to change will be a journey and sometimes you will take baby steps, sometimes leaps and bounds. Either is ok as long as you keep learning and moving forward! :)

P.S. A great website to help you find health food stores, farm markets, and farmers in your area is www.localharvest.org

October 2010 Newsletter

This month's newsletter is all about dental and breast health.

Click here to learn more!

Things To Ponder Before Baby-Week 4

This will be the last week in our Things To Ponder Before Baby series. After going over the birth plan, Vitamin K shot, eye ointment, Hepatitis B vaccine, and circumcision, we will end with feeding.

There are two choices breast or bottle.

Most know that breast is best for so many reasons!

In fact if you are interested in reasons here are 101 of them!!

http://www.notmilk.com/101.html

Here is a great place to start if you are looking for breastfeeding help, The Le Leche League!

http://www.llli.org/resources/assistance.html?m=0,0

There's nothing like milk made just for your baby but if you choose not to nurse for whatever reason you may want to look into organic or homemade formula and glass bottles or at least bottles that do not contain BPA.

You can find some here

http://safemama.com/2007/11/22/bpa-free-bottle-and-sippy-cup-cheat-sheet/

Organic formulas are available commercially although you may have to look a little for them. You can do a search for organic baby formulas and quite a few come up. *Just something to consider* Read about soy very carefully before deciding to use this as your baby's food.http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/18/soy-can-damage-your-health.aspx- this article has a lot of info about soy but if you scroll down you will see the section on soy infant formula.

An even better option is to make your own. This way you know all of the ingredients and how it was made. The only down side to this choice is that it can be more work than nursing or just buying organic formula.

Interested in making your own formula??

Here are some recipes

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/3/t032401.asp - goat milk recipe (goat milk is tolerated better by some babies, this is the one we chose.:)

http://www.naturodoc.com/library/children/formula.htm

http://www.raw-milk-facts.com/babyformula_T3.html

There are more recipes out there, those are just a few that I have come across.

*Be sure to check with your doctor, dietitian,or nutritionist if you are at all unsure of your baby's nutritional needs.*

Well, hope that helps!

Having a baby is exciting, scary, confusing, and life changing!

Hopefully we have given you some helpful information to read about and research so that you are as prepared as possible before the big day!!

Things To Ponder Before Baby-Week 3

Circumcision

Now here's a delicate subject!

Circumcision is not something I gave a thought to before being pregnant. I remember when we were filling out the birth plan and were asked if we had a boy would we want him circumcised. After a brief discussion, my husband and I decided that's what we would want.

I'm so glad we didn't have a boy! He would have changed him forever, and not necessarily for the better, right after being born :(

I understand that circumcision is considered by many to be a rountine practice and there are those that choose circumcision for one reason or another. Some choose that route because of religious reasons, thinking it's cleaner, they were told there's less of a chance of STD's (which isn't true by the way), and some think they just don't want their sons to be different. I think the important thing to do in any situation, including this one, is read and research as much as you can before hand. That way when the situation arises you can confidently state your decision and rest easy knowing you made the best decision possible.

By now you may be wondering why at one time I would have chosen circumcision for a son and now I wouldn't. Wondering what changed my mind?

Reading and research!

Here is an article that explains it all and from a doctor's perspective!

I think it sums it up pretty well :)

http://www.owningpink.com/blogs/owning-pink/case-against-circumcision#comment-7035

Here are a few sites if you are interested in more information on circumcision:

http://www.nocirc.org/

http://www.mothersagainstcirc.org/

http://www.intactamerica.org/

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/t012000.asp

Be sure to check back next week for more Things To Ponder Before Baby!

Things Ponder Before Baby- week 2

Last week was all about the birth plan and some issues to think about before baby.

Hopefully your pregancy was wonderfully healthy, you had/have a good birth plan and support and delivery went/will go as smoothly as possible.

That brings us to what will probably happen next.... vaccines and eye antibiotic for your newborn.

As soon as your little bundle of joy is born the nurses will want to take him or her to check them over and make sure they are breathing right, weigh, measure, wipe them down and wrap them up. This is usually when they put the ointment in their eyes and give the Vitamin K shot and sometimes the Hepatitis B vaccine. (this is sometimes given later or at your first doctors appointment but usually within 48hours after birth)

These practices are fairly normal, conventional, and mainstream but what if you aren't sure about them? Well, that's why you're reading this and hopefully other books, websites, and information!

You should definitely look into antibiotic eye cream and vaccines BEFORE you have the baby and if you want something different than the norm you need to make sure that the doctor or midwife, nurses, and everyone else knows because you may be overwhelmed, tired, or generally not with it right after delivery. *This is also when your support person can come in as helpful. If you don't want eye ointment, vaccines, or anything else that may not be exactly routine, they can be with baby at all times and make sure nothing is done or given on accident.*

Ok, so by now you may be asking why not get eye ointment, Vitamin K shot, or Hepatitis B vaccine?

Well lets start with the antibiotic eye ointment.

Those who believe in using this say that it is important because infection can be passed from mother to baby during delivery and can affect the eyes.

Unless you have an STD that can be passed onto your baby, the eye ointment isn't really necessary. In fact if you read the information given here you will find that the antibiotic ointment didn't prevent infection in most cases anyway, so it seems an unnecessary procedure for most but read, research and decide for yourself.

Next is the Vitamin K shot.

If you tell your doctor or midwife that you don't want the Vitamin K shot they are likely to tell you that it is very important because when babies are born they don't have enough Vitamin K and there is a (small) risk of hemorrhage. Some things that could cause or increase risk includes:

*difficult birth

*use of forceps or vaccuum during delivery

*circumcision

*long labor and more

This definitely sounds kind of scary but here are some things to think about before you agree to the Vitamin K shot-

According to http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ this injection is 20,000 times the dose needed! No wonder there has been an increased risk of leukemia that is linked to this injection!! Also, in addition to being 20,000 times the dose, be sure to read the ingredients, you can read about the ingredients and more here http://www.vaccinetruth.org/page_7.htm

Large doses (which is routinely given) can cause jaundice, and Vitamin K is normally absorbed in the gut from the foods we eat so injecting Vitamin K bypasses the bodies natural process.

Not comfortable with the Vitamin K shot but worried about the risk of hemorrhage?

There are things you can do!

You can opt for oral Vitamin K. This lessens the risk of bleeding and jaundice without an injection and some of the yucky preservatives. Just make sure you tell your doctor or midwife ahead of time so they are sure to give the correct dosage.

You can also load up on foods rich in Vitamin K at the end of your pregnancy and nurse immediately after birth.

Ok, last but not least the Hepatitis B vaccine.

This vaccine is usually given within 48 hours of birth and if you refuse at that time it will be recommended at later appointments.

Hepatitis B is spread by coming in contact with the blood of an infected person and affects the liver and although it can cause many problems, 95% of people who contract it recover completely, usually within 8 weeks with no lasting side effects.

So you may be wondering why give this vaccine to a newborn? Good question! Unless the parents are infected this is a question many people are asking. Babies are not IV drug users, sexually active, in a high risk profession or any where else they would come in contact with anyone's blood so why give this vaccine??? Another thing to consider, according to Dr. Tenpenny ( http://drtenpenny.com/why_hepatitis_b.aspx) if your child develops antibodies after vaccination, most will not retain a measurable amount of antibodies by the time they are seven years old.

A few other reasons that may cause concern....

The ingredients can contain everything from aluminum, thimerosal (mercury), yeast, soy, salts, latex and more depending on which vaccine is given. You can look at package inserts here . Not only are these ingredients not good for a body(especially a tiny one) but with a newborn you can't be certain that there is no allergy to any of the ingredients.

One more thing to think about, like the Vitamin K injection, this is not how the body normally comes into contact with disease, therefore vaccination is bypassing the bodies normal processes.

*Vaccination is a very personal issue and you are the only one who can make the right choice for your family. If you do decide to vaccinate please be sure to read the actual package insert, write down the lot number and expiration date and any other information you can get. Ask your doctor any and all questions and if you aren't comfortable for any reason you may want to consider delaying and researching more until you can feel comfortable one way or the other. Remember, you can always give a vaccine later but you can't take it back once given. If your child has an adverse reaction you need to have that information and definitely report it!! If your doctor won't report it to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) http://vaers.hhs.gov/index you should. It has been estimated that only about 10% of vaccine reactions are reported!

Oh! By the way, an important thing to be familiar with is the laws regarding vaccination in your state. You can look into that here, you may also want to read their page on recommendation vs. laws http://www.nvic.org/vaccine-laws.aspx

Hopefully some of this information has been helpful to you!

Check back next week to read more not so mainstream information :)

Things To Ponder Before Baby

Is there a baby boom happening? I don't know if there really is or not but it seems like I know a lot of people who have recently had babies or are planning to soon. So that got me thinking about all of the issues you are faced with as a new or soon to be parent and I thought I would write on a different subject each week for a month or so and help those that are looking for healthy, maybe not mainstream information. Even if you plan to do everything very mainstream or conventional you may be interested in just seeing what's out there :)

This week I thought I would talk about the birth and things to think about before the blessed event.

Let's assume that you took good care of yourself. Took a good (natural, not synthetic) prenatal vitamin, no smoking or drinking, ate healthy, got some exercise,etc.

Good job! Hopefully all went well having a great pregnancy experience :)

One thing I would suggest is a good birth plan!

There is always the unexpected. You can't plan for every situation but in general you can let your preferences and wishes be known and hopefully the doctor and staff with follow those wishes.

You can google birth plan and about a million choices come up, look some over and find one that works for you. You can even make your own :)

Ok, you have that magical day circled on the calender, you have your support (like your significant other, mom, sister, doula, etc.) lined up and ready to go at a moments notice. Good support is really, really important by the way :) They can help you, make sure your wishes are followed and anything else you need.

What if you go over your due date?

Do you plan to induce or do you have a c-section scheduled?

Personally, having been induced, I say never again!!! (Unless of course there is some serious emergency) I have never heard of a baby not being born. They tell you that the placenta can start to break down or not work well but this can be monitored and appropriate action taken if needed. What you also need to keep in mind is that your due date is not an exact science.

I can't say induction and c-sections are wrong for every situation but I would strongly urge you to look into those procedures and do some research before hand so you are not making an uninformed decision at the hospital when you are maybe not thinking clearly!! For some interesting information about c-sections you may want to check out this website http://www.childbirth.org/section/section.html ( they have birth plans and other info too!)

Find what you are comfortable with and let your doctor or midwife know what you are willing and unwilling to do and be firm. This is the birth of your child (and your body) so don't feel bad having a strong opinion! Let them know if you want to be free to move around, not stay continually monitored, eat and drink, listen to music, or whatever else you can think of. This is where the birth plan can help :) One piece of advice.... if your provider is not supportive of your wishes, find someone who is!!! This is REALLY important. If you don't feel comfortable this won't be the birth experience you are hoping for and if you and your provider don't see eye to eye on matters then there could be more stress than you want to deal with when the big day comes :(

There are many other things to consider when preparing a birth plan.

*Are you considering pain medication? If so, do you know which ones would be ok if you are planning on nursing, do you know about the side effects related to those medications?

*Do you want the umbilical cord clamped and cut right away or would you like to wait until it stops pulsing? Some say that if you wait the baby gets all of the beneficial blood and nutrients from the placenta.

*If you have a son are you planning on circumcising?

That is definitely a personal decision, I think most people lean towards circumcision, although that is beginning to change. For some circumcision info that is not as mainstream you can check out http://nocirc.org/

*Would you like the baby to stay with you at all times or taken to the nursery?

*Are you going to breastfeed or bottle feed?

*Cloth or disposable diapers?

*Are you planning on vaccinating at the hospital, waiting, or not vaccinating?

*Antibiotic eye gel/cream? Look into it b/c it's not really necessary unless you have an STD.

*Vitamin K shot?

There are other topics that may be important to you that you would want to include. Just remember to take your time, do some reading and make the best decisions you can. Then make sure your support people know your wishes and pass those on to your doctor, nurses, or midwife and hopefully you will have a wonderful birth experience!!

I will be offering information and suggestions on some of these topics in the coming weeks so be sure to check back!

Arnica For Arthritis Pain

Good news for arthritis sufferers!

The homeopathic remedy, Arnica, has been shown to be more effective against arthritis pain than ibuprofen. In a Swiss study, 204 people applied one remedy or the other in a gel form to arthritic hands and the arnica users reported greater levels of relief!

This is wonderful news not only because people can find relief from pain but also because homeopathic remedies are safe, effective, and non toxic!

If you are interested in trying arnica for your arthritis or pain you may be glad to know that it is available in gel, cream, spray, and can also be taken in a small pill form.

Arnica is also great for just about any other type of pain, bruising, over exertion, or trauma so it is a definite must for any one's medicine cabinet, first aid kit, purse or anywhere else :)

August 2010 Newsletter

If you or someone you know has Celiac disease,

gluten intolerance, or RA then this month's newsletter is for you!

Read more here!

Sanitizers For Back To School

School will be starting in about a month and it's time to get everything your child(ren) will need. For most it also includes a request from schools or teachers asking parents to send bleach, Lysol, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer.

It's no secret that germs spread quickly and being able to wipe desks, toys, and other surfaces can cut down on sickness. (Along with good handwashing)

And while bleach, Lysol, and other products do seem to kill germs they are also chemicals that don't need to be used. They are bad for our environment and our children. The good new is that there are healthier options that work just as well!!

This year why not send all natural disinfecting products?!

Here are some suggestions:

*Plain white vinegar has been shown to kill germs and is a deoderizer

*Hydrogen peroxide

If you are looking for an easy, effective option check out Seventh Generation

they have disinfecting wipes and spray that kills 99.9% germs without nasty, toxic chemicals!

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Disinfectants

Looking for a great hand sanitizer that works?

Check out CleanWell, they have wipes, sprays, and foaming desk top bottles that are botanical based!

http://www.cleanwelltoday.com/#/handsanitizer/

Hopefully everyone can start the new school year a little greener and less toxic! :)

Cloth For Your Cutie?

Believe it or not cloth diapers are making a come back. These aren't like the diapers your mothers or grandmothers used. You may have the image of a white cloth diaper with big pins and the word inconvenient may pop into your head but today's cloth diapers are much different!

Think cute, stylish, and healthier for baby and planet :)

You may be asking why someone would choose cloth when disposables are available everywhere, convenient, and when dirty you roll it up, re-tape and throw it out.

But what happens to the hundreds of thousands (or more) of diapers that get thrown away each year? They don't break down in landfills for many years if at all. And what about the chemicals that are used to make disposable diapers? Considering babies are usually in diapers all day it definitely concerns me.

I realize that cloth diapers are not for everybody but for those of you that are interested there are a lot of companies and individuals that make diapers. Some, like gDiapers, call themselves hybrids. They have flushable inserts that are biodegradable and have cute breathable covers. The best of both worlds! (They also have other options, be sure to check out their site for more info) And of course there are numerous others available. There are so many options when it comes to cloth diapering and the new styles on the market usually have Velcro, multi layers, are almost as easy as disposables, and only add 2 loads of laundry per week on average.

If you have a baby, are pregnant or thinking of babies you may want to consider cloth.

Here are a few places to start:

http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/newmom.htm

http://www.gdiapers.com/

http://www.bumgenius.com/

http://www.fuzzibunz.com/

http://www.etsy.com/ - you may want to check here too!

Fertility, Trying To Conceive, and Natural Contraception

One of the books I have read recently was called Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH and I have to say that I think it's a good read for every woman.

I think almost everyone will learn something. With so many side effects from the pill and other hormone based birth control options, I think this could help many women/couples with a natural option.

Fertility Awareness Method can be used to when trying to learn more about your body and cycle, when trying to conceive, and as natural contraception.

If you would like to learn more you can go to http://www.tcoyf.com/ or check out the book!

July 2010 Newsletter

Buzz Off Mosquitoes
A beautiful summer evening can be ruined quickly by mosquitoes and other flying pests, but you may have some reservations about turning to potentially harmful insecticides. DEET, an active ingredient in many repellants is effective, but also carries health risks. Studies published in Experimental Neurology (2001, vol. 172) and the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (2001, vol. 64). found prolonged exposure, equal to about 2 months of typical use, caused nerve cells in the brain to die leading to memory and coordination problems. The researcher involved in the studies noted children are at an increased risk to the effects of DEET because their young nervous systems are still developing. Read More

How to Soothe an Itch
If you've ever had a serious case of itching you know how uncomfortable it can be. Whether it was from a mosquito bite or skin irritation from poison ivy, itching skin can deprive you of sleep and even your sanity. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to stop itching and help you get a good night's sleep. Details Here

Lighten Up Your Summer Menu
Summer rules! Time to wind down, wear shorts on weekdays, dine outside and declare a free zone away from all the fuss. Foods lighten up, too. Summer issues a new crop of restaurant menus featuring more salads, grilled entrees, cold soups, frozen drinks and fruit for dessert. The problem is that "light and fresh" don't always mean light in fat and calories.Read More

Grill More Produce
Dietitian Vicki Piper of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston encourages those doing cookouts to grill plenty of fruits and vegetables -- and less meat. Diets high in plant foods can lower the chances of developing several cancers... Get Information

Cut Out Beverage Calories
When it comes to losing weight, what you drink may be more important than what you eat, according to new research; it shows that cutting back on sugar-laden drinks is associated with weight loss and seems to have a bigger impact on weight than cutting back on solid foods. Full Story Here

Ant Problem?

I don't know about anyone else but we have had ants this year (eeeeek!!) and I am not impressed!!

This is not something I want in my house and I don't use nasty chemicals inside or outside my home so what is a girl with ants to do?

Well I looked around and found a recipe for a natural way to get rid of ants and I thought I would share in case anyone else could use it.

All you need is Borax and powdered sugar. Just mix equal parts, put in an out of the way place (I put the mixture on a paper plate for easy clean up) so kids or animals cannot get into it and presto! An easy, effective, natural solution to ants.

I recently tried this and within 2 days I did not see any more ants!

I love it when I find an answer that is easy and natural :)

Local and Sustainable

Recently I have been thinking about how important it is to buy local and sustainable products and support the local community and economy.
I learned that there is a community garden in the area and the produce goes to people and families in need. I think this is great!
I also learned that there is no longer a farmer's market in Clare :(

That's really too bad because people in this area could really use fresh, healthy, and maybe even organic products. It is really sad that Clare county was named the least healthy in all of Michigan!!

That concerns me.
I do think that there is so much that could be done to change that though and the community garden is a great start!
I was just reading about a town in Vermont that was struggling and found a way to not only survive but reinvented themselves has become a model for local,sustainable living. They have grown, created jobs, and helped their local economy!
I was inspired just reading about this town!
I know that many in this area are struggling but I truly believe that the same could happen in this area.
Eating locally and sustainably is not only healthy but contrary to some beliefs, it can be affordable, and it helps the local economy.
It's a win-win situation!!

Here is the link to a story about the town of Hardwick Vermont-
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/how-food-saved-town



If you would like find resources for local and sustainable living check out
www.localharvest.com
www.greenpeople.org

June 2010 Newsletter

Terry Talks Peak Physical Performance
Today’s fast paced lifestyle has everyone on the go and there is little time to think of the impact that diet has on our body functions. In the last few decades, our ability to perform physically at its peak level has dropped drastically. In this article I will offer you solutions how to improve physically and build a healthy body. These solutions include concentrated and standardized fruit and herbal extracts that can make a significant difference in how you perform. Read More

Don't Let ED Get You Down

If you knew that eating more fruits and vegetables and getting more exercise could help improve your love life, would that motivate you to adopt healthier habits? Poor vascular health caused by a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and a poor diet can really put a damper on a man’s ability to perform. Fortunately actions can be taken to help improve blood flow allowing these men to fully rise to the occasion. Details Here

Flaxseed Lowers Cholesterol in Men
Here's some hope for men who prefer a more natural route to lowering high cholesterol: an Iowa State University study shows flax seed might do the trick. Results showed that consuming at least 150 milligrams of flax seed lignans per day -- about three tablespoons -- decreased cholesterol for men by just under 10 percent over the three months of the study.Read More

Meat Heavy Diet a Health Risk for Men
Men who eat more red meat (mostly beef and pork), processed meat (bacon, sausage, cold cuts, ham, and hot dogs), and grilled or barbecued meat have a higher risk of advanced prostate cancer. Get Information

Veggies Protect The Prostate
A diet high in vegetables can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, researchers in China suggest. Ruth Chan of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and colleagues examined more than 100 studies and concluded that the primary mechanism of this positive vegetable effect is antioxidant protection against DNA and cell damage.
Full Story Here

Cultivating A Gardening Habit

Discover the Health Benefits of Yard Work

(article from ABMP)

Feeling the need to exercise, clean up your diet, meditate?
Want to be more creative, get out and meet people, enjoy the outdoors and slow down? There's one activity in which you can accomplish all of these objectives: gardening!

Encouraging Exercise
Studies show that vigorous digging burns 500 calories an hour, weeding burns 210 calories, and mowing the lawn burns 400 calories. As a moderate exercise, gardening has been found to decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and a study at the University of Arkansas found that gardening was almost as effective as weight lifting in reducing the risk for osteoporosis in women. So instead of taking that indoor aerobics class this summer, try mowing the lawn or planting an herb garden.
As with any exercise regimen, the key is to start at a comfortable pace and gradually work your way up to longer, more difficult activities. Your heart rate should be about the same as when you take a brisk walk.

Improving Your Diet
Gardening will also likely help you eat better. Research shows that people who grow gardens eat more vegetables and fruits than those who don't. Growing fresh herbs, even in a container on the deck or balcony, is another great way to add flavor and freshness to home-cooked meals and an incentive to try new recipes.

* Keep in mind that organic gardening with heirloom seeds, no chemicals or pesticides is the healthiest!

Boosting Your Social Life
Gardening can also be quite social. Whether at a garden club, a community garden, or an online forum, people love to share ideas, solve common problems, and connect through mutual interests.

Easing Stress
And finally, gardening is a great way to manage stress. Spending time outside and tuning in to the rhythms of nature, we're reminded to be patient, slow down, and breathe the fresh air. Whether growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, a garden reminds us of our connection to life and the abundance that nature fo freely gives.

Help For Fibromyalgia

Help for Fibromyalgia

If the aches, pains, and sleeplessness from Fibromyalgia are getting you down, consider massage therapy.
Massage is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for people with fibromyalgia. It can increase blood circulation to the muscles, increase flexibility, increase range of motion, decrease stress and depression, reduce pain, reduce stiffness, and improve sleep.
In a 1996 study, fibromyalgia sufferers reported a 38% decrease in pain, and sleeping difficulties. They began sleeping for longer periods and had less difficulties. These benefits were noticed after only ten thirty minute massages. (According to http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/)
There are many different types of massages that may be of benefit such as swedish massage, deep tissue, and myofacial release. The important thing to remember is

1. Find a massage therapist who has some experience working with people with fibromyalgia.

2. Take it slow- if you are experiencing a flare up it's best not to use deep tissue.

3. Be open to new types of massage, but be sure to tell your therapist if you experience pain, soreness, etc. Don't be afraid to speak up!

If you are looking for ways to relieve the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia, give massage a try!

May 2010 Newsletter

Check out this month's newsletter!

There is a lot of good information about skin care and protection, nutrition, and pet health!

Read more here:

http://www.healthhutch.com/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&sid_store_news=54&storeID=E4BAEB362D3D435695068E7F94C474A9

Information For Cancer Prevention

Here is a website we came across recently and thought it was important to share the info!

I don't know anyone who isn't concerned (at least a little) about cancer. Cancer rates have increased steadily over the years and most of us have lost someone to one kind of cancer or another. Well here is a website that gives information about how to cut your risk of cancer by giving information so you can make smart lifestyle changes.

There is information about cosmetics, household cleaners, pesticides, food and so much more! It is definitely something you will want to read through well, maybe even a few times, so that next time you buy any of these products you can make smarter choices, help reduce toxic chemicals in your home and our environment, and reduce your risk of cancer (and other diseases and disorders). Remember, every time you buy something you are voting with your dollar so vote for health and a non toxic environment :)

Learn more at http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/

Toothpowder

Here is something that may be of interest to you.... toothpowder!

I learned about toothpowder a few months ago while reading about toothpaste and how to make your own. I was intrigued with the idea of homemade toothpaste because regular toothpaste has fluoride and other undesirable ingredients so I thought I might try making my own. Then I came across toothpowder and learned quite a bit. I especially like that it actually remineralizes and strengthens enamel!!

Here are some of the benefits I found interesting:

(taken from www.eco-dent.com)

*DailyCare Toothpowder. Ounce for ounce, and brushing for brushing, contains more minerals essential for strong, healthy teeth than any other dental care product.
*Naturally effervescent.
*Less abrasive than brushing with just a wet toothbrush
*Cleans and polishes teeth
*Hardens and remineralizes tooth enamel without potentially toxic fluoride.
*Leaves your entire mouth feeling fresh and tingly.
*Up to 200 brushings per 2 oz. bottle. Lower cost and less environmentally-polluting packaging waste.
*Contains myrrh to support the gums
*DailyCare comes in Mint, Cinnamon, Anise and "mint-free" Lemon Lime flavors.
*SpecialCare Toothpowders: Including TartarGuard and ExtraBrite for those who have special needs. These special toothpowders contain additional ingredients such as Enzymes, Zinc, and Peroxide for enhanced health and cosmetic benefits.

For more info on toothpowder check out Eco-Dent's website http://www.eco-dent.com/

Or stop into the store, we have tried it, carry it and love it :)

April 2010 Newsletter

Check out this month's newsletter

There is great information on spring cleaning inside and out!

Learn more about spring cleaning, organic food, milk thistle and so much more.

Keep reading here.....

The Health Hutch Offers Zevia!

For Immediate Release


The Health Hutch Offers Zevia

Natural Diet Soda Alternative Now in Mid Michigan



Clare MI- The Health Hutch (http://www.healthhutch.com/ ) announced today that it now offers Zevia all natural diet soda. Zevia is the first and only all natural, calorie free, carbonated soft drink sweetened with stevia to be offered anywhere. The Health Hutch, in Clare, Michigan offers the largest selection of natural and health products and services in Mid Michigan.

Zevia has been rapidly gaining distribution since the diet soda alternative was launched in late 2007. Zevia stands alone in the marketplace with neither the calories of regular sodas nor the artificial ingredients of diet brands. Zevia is the first to market with a stevia product.

"Because Zevia is the first and only zer0-calorie brand that can claim to be truly all-natural, the company has been able to rapidly expand onto the shelves of high profile retailers, " says Jeff Taylor, Zevia's national sales manager. "We are thrilled to be featured at The Health Hutch."

The Health Hutch is located at 1434 N. Mc.Ewan Street in Clare Michigan


About The Health Hutch

The Health Hutch is a family run store operating for over 30 years, and offers the largest selection of vitamins, herbs, homeopathics, and specialty foods and services in Mid Michigan. Additional information can be found at http://www.healthhutch.com/ or by calling 989-386-7661.


About Zevia

Zevia is the only truly all natural diet soda and is available in six flavors (Natural Cola, Natural Lemon-Lime Twist, Natural Orange, Natural Ginger Root Beer, Natural Black Cherry and Natural Ginger Ale). Zevia is sold in health food and specialty grocery stores nationwide with new stores added daily.

Zevia contains stevia, an herb native to South America rain forests that is many times sweeter than sugar. For centuries, tribes there used stevia as a sweetener in native foods and medicinal teas. Now poised to have an important impact on the U.S. food industry, stevia is widely accepted as an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. More information is available at http://www.zevia.com/ .

No Need For Antibacterial Soap

Do you use antibacterial soap?

Most people who use antibacterial soap are doing so because they believe that it works better than regular soap. Truth be told there is no difference in effectiveness between antibacterial soap and regular soap and water. In fact, antibacterial soap can actually cause more harm than good. The chemicals in antibacterial soap have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and after washed down the drain a great deal of it does not break down and isn't able to be fully removed by water treatment plants. This means that these chemicals can be found in surface water and streams. Another problem with antibacterial ingredients- they can add to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

If you use antibacterial soap you may want to read the following article and next time you need soap, reach for regular soap. It works just as well!

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2006-10-01/Why-You-Dont-Need-Antibacterial-Soap.aspx

March 2010 Newsletter

Check out this month's newsletter!

It has information about digestion, fiber, whole grains and more!

Would you like our newsletter sent right to your inbox?

Just go to our website, www.healthhutch.com and sign up! It's that easy!

Shampoo, Lotion, and Sunscreen... Oh My!

Most of us use makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste and other personal care items everyday but how many people think about what ingredients are in these products? Sadly, not many. Not only do we not put too much thought into what is in these everyday products, even if we do, finding accurate info and healthy products can be incredibly confusing. Labels can be very misleading.

You may be wondering why it's important to know what is in the products you use. Well, an easy explanation... whatever you put on you may absorb. And you don't want to absorb nasty chemicals. This is concerning for anyone but especially those with little ones. Some of the soaps, lotions, and sunscreens available are full of chemicals that are not healthy! These chemicals can absorb through the skin, some accumulate in the organs, and some are even linked to cancer, and reproductive issues. These are not the products we should be using to have a healthy body.

It may take a little time to figure out what products are healthier but your body (and your childrens bodies) will thank you!

If you are interested in seeing how your shampoo, sunscreen, etc. rate and finding some healthier personal care products, a great resource is:

http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has so many benefits and uses, I don't know if I could include them all!

Over the last few years I had been reading about different oils and their health benefits and decided to try coconut oil. At the same time I was eliminating all of the shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other body care products that contain ingredients that are really bad for you. (More on that in our next writing) Then I came upon coconut oil. I love it. I use it for everything! Ok, not everything, but a lot! In our house we use this oil for cooking, as a moisturizer/lotion ( I have heard it can be soothing to those with eczema and psoriasis too!), in our hair to help with frizzies and make it look healthy, and recently I read that you can mix even parts of coconut oil and baking soda to make a homemade, non toxic deodorant you can even use a drop or two of your favorite essential oil if you would like a special scent. The more I learn about it, the more I love it so I thought I would share in case anyone else would like to learn more or try it for themselves :)

Here is an article from our website about coconut oil and places to look for more information

http://www.healthhutch.com/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&sid_store_news=3&storeID=E4BAEB362D3D435695068E7F94C474A9

What Really Causes Weight Gain?

We have been told that a healthy diet should consist of low fat foods, plenty of whole grains, limit meat, and use fats and oils sparingly. Also of course limit sweets and junk food. (See food pyramid above) If you are trying to lose weight you are not only to follow this way of eating but also limit calories. The sad thing is that this rarely works and if it does it is usually short term followed by gaining more weight back than was lost.

So you may be wondering how someone should eat for weight loss and overall health.

Well, instead of eating a higher carb, low fat diet full of grains, many are saying that just the opposite is the answer. Many doctors such as Dr.Atkins (The Atkins diet), Dr. Mercola, Dr. Al Sears and more are saying that we need to seriously limit our carbohydrate intake and not worry so much about fat (unless your talking about bad fats such as in fast and fried foods) . Fat (good fats) do not make you fat. In fact, good fat eats bad fat!

If you eat a diet of mostly carbs (especially processed carbs and sugar) you may have more problems than just extra weight. Excess carbohydrates have been linked to higher cholesterol levels, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, and for many this can also lend to heart disease. This is especially concerning because not only is this a problem for adults but children as well!

Here is an excerpt from an article in Mother Earth News that explains why when insulin levels are high, the body won't let go of fat and weight loss cannot happen.

"When insulin levels remain elevated, fat can’t escape from the fat tissue. It goes in, but it doesn’t come out, and we can’t use it for energy. "

To read this interesting article click here

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2008-10-01/Dietary-Fat-Health-Weight.aspx

So just to recap.... excess carbs, processed foods, sugar, junk food- bad.
Healthy fats, veggies (hopefully organic), some fruit, lean (preferably grassfed) meat and other proteins such as fish, chicken (eggs), and legumes, nuts-good!

That's not to say that you shouldn't have a certain amount of acceptable carbs such as a small potato, sweet potato, or the occasional bowl of oatmeal, maybe a piece of sprouted bread. The problem comes when people eat too many carbs and that is the bulk of their diet, not enough veggies or protein. What is considered excess carbs you ask? Well, that can be different for every person. One way to find out that I really liked was to take a metabolic typing quiz. Dr. Mercola has what he called Nutritional Typing and although I have never personally tried it, I have heard that it is very helpful. The most important thing when making any changes to your diet, exercise, or health program is to read and research as much as possible and find what works for you. It may take some trial and error but you will find what works for you!

Interested in more information?
http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/index.htm

http://products.mercola.com/nutritional-typing/

http://www.alsearsmd.com/

Healthy School Food

Healthy food in school is something we should all support.

It is incredibly important that children get healthy, well balanced meals in order to grow, learn, and play like children should.

There are more overweight, unhealthy children in the U.S. than ever before. There are more children with ADD/ADHD, diabetes, and other serious health issues that were virtually unheard of in children a few generations ago. There are other possible reasons for this, but for many, these health issues are directly related to poor nutrition.

With my own child being pre-school aged this issue is definitely coming to the front of my mind. While talking with others about this subject most people ask why this is an issue. They wonder why anyone would think much about it, just send a lunch and then you don't have any problem.

But the truth is there is a problem. While my child may not be eating the lunch provided by the school, what about the children that do? All children deserve fresh, healthy options!

There should be no place in our schools for candy, sodas, and other processed junk food.

This year my goal is to make an effort to find/buy what I need from local sources (as much as I can). While looking for local sources for food I came across a few websites that I thought were great resources for getting healthier food into our schools and generally making our schools a healthier place overall. There are great ideas on how to teach kids about proper nutrition, packing healthy lunches and lunch ideas, having a school garden, green cleaning, and so much more!! You can even read and get ideas for healthy fundraising :)

http://www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu/index.php?id=54

Interested in learning how to have healthy food options, green cleaners, and an overall healthier school?

Check out these great websites:

http://www.myhealthyschool.com/

http://www.sustainabletable.org/schools/

http://www.farmtoschool.org/

http://www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu/index.php?id=48

February 2010 Newsletter

Check out this month's newsletter!

It has great information about a healthy lifestyle, blood pressure, Vitamin D and heart health, and much more!

Would you like to receive our newsletter?

It's easy! Just follow the link to our website, enter your e-mail address in the box on the top right side and you will be signed up. Our monthly newsletter will be delivered right to your inbox!

http://www.healthhutch.com/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&sid_store_news=51&storeID=E4BAEB362D3D435695068E7F94C474A9

Healthy Valentines Day Ideas

Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away and for those who are looking for a healthier life, a day full of love is wonderful, it does a body and soul good, but the candy, well... not so good.

We all know why sugar is bad for us (and there are a lot of reasons). So this Valentine's Day why not skip the junk, feel the love, and enjoy a healthy, happy day with your loved one(s).

So this sounds great right? Not sure how to get started? Well here are some ideas!

Instead of going out to dinner, consider staying at home and making a wonderful, tasty, healthy meal for two (or more, you could invite friends and show them how delicious healthy can be!). Not only will it be better for your body, it will probably be better for your wallet too! You can make it as romantic as you want. Think candles, roses, music, maybe some organic wine, and the two of you. Or think relaxed casual night in with great food, great friends, great wine and great conversation!

That's the beauty of planning your own night in, you can do whatever you feel :)

Need some yummy dinner ideas?

Look on our website,

http://www.healthhutch.com/common/recipes/recipes_home.asp?storeID=E4BAEB362D3D435695068E7F94C474A9

or check out this one

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_valentines_day_recipes

Ok, you've got your dinner ideas now what about dessert?

You can actually pick almost any recipe that sounds good and replace unhealthy ingredients with healthier ones or you can go simple and easy and buy already made desserts that are on the healthier side, check out your local health food store :)

For dessert you can go simple like a cookie or brownie (these you may be able to buy already made) and then top with a little agave sweetened ice cream. It's delicious and not full of sugar.

Or maybe you feel like going all out and making something really special!

You can check out both websites above for delicious dessert recipes or you can find/use your own and modify them to make them a little healthier. We like to use raw, unfiltered honey, or organic agave instead of sugar for in baking. You may also want to skip the white processed flours and try something new! Brown rice flour, coconut flour and oat flour may not be familiar to you but they are usually pretty easy to use and work great as replacements.

Well now that you have a few ideas on how to have a healthier Valentine's Day, be sure to keep in mind that it's a day to show those you love just how you feel about them. So please let all of those in your life know how much they mean to you and how much you love them by spending time with them and enjoying it! It will be remembered much more than cards, candy, or flowers :)

Take advantage and cherish every moment you have with your loved ones and have a wonderfully Happy Valentine's Day!