Thursday, June 11, 2009

BPA's

Hello Everyone,

From time to time there's things that come across my awareness that I feel are important for you to become aware of, as well.

Today's topic is BPA's. You can click on the link and learn what BPA's are and what they are used in. For our discussion, they are primarily used in plastics - enormous quantities of them and they are ubiquitous. According to Wikipedia:

"Bisphenol A is used primarily to make plastics, and products containing bisphenol A-based plastics have been in commerce for more than 50 years. It is used in the synthesis of polyesters, polysulfones, and polyether ketones, as an antioxidant in some plasticizers, and as a polymerization inhibitor in PVC. It is a key monomer in production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins.[4] Polycarbonate plastic, which is clear and nearly shatter-proof, is used to make a variety of common products including baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental fillings and sealants, lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics.[5] Epoxy resins containing bisphenol A are used as coatings on the inside of almost all food and beverage cans.[6] Bisphenol A is also a precursor to the flame retardant, tetrabromobisphenol A, and was formerly used as a fungicide.[7]

Global production of bisphenol A in 2003 was estimated to be over 2 million metric tonnes (t).[8] In the U.S., it is manufactured by Bayer MaterialScience, Dow Chemical Company, General Electric, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, and Sunoco Chemicals. In 2004, these companies produced just over 1 million t of bisphenol A, up from just 7,260 t in 1991. In 2003, annual U.S. consumption was 856,000 t, 72% of which was used to make polycarbonate plastic and 21% going into epoxy resins.[5]"

For you to do: switch to glass or stainless steel, but stop using those water bottles. That's for starters. Change the containers for your children, as well.

Since they are used on the inside of almost every packaged food, stop buying and using packaged foods. When you microwave something, do it in glass, take it out of the packaging or trays.

These are only starters, but the more you are aware, the more you can avoid them.

They are endocrine disruptors. This is the most insidious of preys, as the endocrine system: your hormonal system runs your body - all of it. This means not just your reproductive system, your adrenals, your heart beat; the endocrine system is your master switch.

Folks, what you can do is weed the toxins out where you can as you become aware of the. Don't go into fear, just simply choose again and move on.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Drugs: No Substitute for Nutrition

Hello Everyone,

Another news item today in McClatchy News today that caught my attention, further strengthening my case that here is no substitute for proper Real Food Nutrition.

Women who are experiencing bone density loss are often perscribed several drugs, including Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel. Side effects of these drugs is a condition called,osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ, a condition in which the gums become painful and infected, exposing underlying areas of dead bone in the jaw.Let's look at the definition of the word osteonecrosis. Thanks to 4 years of Latin, osteo = bone and necrosis = dead. Therefore, the word, the disease is dead bone in the jaw. Yee gads.

Have we become such a nation of sheep that whenever a doctor says we need something, we don't ask the question: What else can I do?

Friends, every dis-ease can be traced back to two things: nutrition and misalignment with Source. Both are completely within the control of the individual. Proper nutrition comes from eating a wide variety of Real, Whole, Fresh Whole Natural or Orgtanically grown foods, not processed, packaged, canned, or fast foods. It means cooking. It means taking the time to nourish and nurture your body with the bounty that Nature has provided us. It means being an aware consumer, and only buying those foods that are free from pesticides, herbicides, and non-GMO.

Folks, we have to pay attention and take full responsibility for our health. Instead of looking to Congress and the President for rescue with a National Healthcare Plan, why not start today by consuming the foods that give your body the raw materials to create new, healthy cells? My friends over at Women to Women have posted a much more indepth article for you to read. I highly recommend you read it very closely.

And coming into alignment with Source? That, dear reader, is in your control as well. It is called Free Will. You, get to choose, where you focus your attention. Are you focusing on the negative stuff that makes you sick with hours of CNN and listening to the latest episode of who's got what? Or, are you focusing on things that are Life affirming and beautiful, uplifting and creative? This is your choice, entirely. If you want to learn more about how to do this, go to my other website at http://www.appliedspirituality.com. Sign up for the newsletter and get weekly messages that you can begin today applying to your life to change your view to Well Being.

We are being called to wake up from our slumber, malaise, and giving away our own authority to some other agency. Pick up your own bed and start walking.

There's always another way. Besides, eating lovely food and focusing on creative projects that make your heart sing is the Way to live a wonderful life.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Friday, January 30, 2009

Eliminate Toxic Chemicals Wherever You Can

Hello Everyone,

A news story on Yahoo News yesterday caught my eye. It's titled Common Chemicals May Delay Pregnancy, by Steven Reinberg. The original story was reported in HealthDay.com on January 29, 2009 from a report in Human Reproduction, online edition. [Whew! researching the veracity of a report is exhausting]

The study concludes that perfluorinated chemicals, commonly found in food packaging, pesticides, clothing, finishes used in upholstery and carpeting and personal care products, may delay pregnancy.

What the heck are Perfluorinated Chemicals?
The link takes you to a site that has documents, but nobody is credited or discredited with the authorship of the document, and likewise, nothing is documented, not even the "quotes". So whatever you read there is very unreliable and unprofessional, but also very inflammatory. Could be true, maybe not. This illustrates the need to use your own common sense all the time.

However, in the spirit of 'where there's smoke there's fire', my point in even bringing this to your attention is this: if ever there were an argument for buying organic as much as possible, and certified organic whenever you can, or buying from a local farmer that you know his farming practices are natural/organic - this is more encouragement.

We live in a time of "pick your poison". Eliminate whenever and wherever you can. Period.

Years ago when Teflon first came out - this is a true story - I picked up a fry pan with this new finish. Wow, look how easily that burnt on food just washed away! But, something inside of me said, "NO." It was that simple and that clear, instantly. I had a gut reaction to it. My own Inner Guidance telling me to stick with the stainless steel - pain in the butt to clean, but stay the course. Of course, my Dad worked for a steel company, so I really knew and understood stainless steel.

Read the information for yourselves, folks. Then, feel the veracity of anything in your own gut.
You have the same Inner Guidance that I do.

One more thing. There are lots of "organic" and organic wanna be's out there.

My recommendation for personal health care products still stands with only one: One Group, makers of Miessence and MiVitality and MiEnviron. They have set the bar for anyone who aspires to be certified organic. Their personal care products are made to FOOD GRADE standards. No one else comes close. Honest Skincare.

When I recommend something, it is because without a doubt I know that these products will do no harm, and they will do lots of Good.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Water, Water Purity and Water Filters

Hello Readers,

Recently I moved from San Diego to Medina, Ohio. I'm now on City water and no longer have the privilege of drinking my own delicious well water from 860' down. Sigh.

I noticed right away that the water here was heavily chlorinated, so I did some research. I went to the water and power site to see the water reports. Mostly they say things like "within acceptable limits". Yikes, I thought. This is what we settle for, "acceptable limits" of poison. So, I got busy researching water filters. Do what you can...

As you know the skin absorbs as efficiently and effectively as the intestines. Therefore, living in an apartment, I needed to filter my bathwater as well as my drinking and cooking water at the sink.

Doing research on water filters can be mind boggling. The reason is that you have know first what you are filtering for: is it biological, mineral, metal, chemical? And each of these "contaminants" requires a different type of filter or filtering system. Lots to know and lots to decide. So, I'll take you through the really basic beginners method. Here's what I did.

1. Get a report on the water in your area. What is the source of your water? Here, the source is Lake Erie. See what they report and what you may need to filter. Chlorine is a given, but not every municipality treats the water with fluoride. Medical waste, chemicals from agricultural processes, heavy metals are all quite normal. (Yikes.)

2. Once you have a handle on this, you'll want to go shopping for the appropriate filters. This is like falling through the looking glass into a whole new world. But the good news is that lots of others, who have made clean water their business, have done much of the work for you already.
Do read the research and match the type of filtering up to your particular requirements.

3. If you live in a home, you might well consider doing a whole house filter including your garden spigots for growing your ORGANIC food. If you live in an apartment, you will want to be sure to filter your cooking and drinking water at the kitchen sink, and your bathing water. You can accomplish the kitchen easily with either a counter top filter or faucet filter. The bath can be filtered through a shower head, which you can either shower with or fill the tub with.

4. Match the type of filtering you need to the cost. Make sure to include in your evaluation of the cost how much you will save just by NOT buying bottled water anymore. And if you can, be far-sighted and think about how you will be avoiding all those chemicals and pollutants, and therefore enjoying good health. That's priceless.

I'm including some links here for your reading, so you can make informed choices about filtering your water - both bathing and drinking.

This is important folks. Remember, do take action and filter out the contaminants and toxins you do have control over: your personal care products, your water, etc as you will still be bombarded throughout your day with plenty of contaminants that you don't have much choice over. Take action where you can and be at peace with that.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Three Rules to Healthy Skin via A Healthy Life

Hello Everyone,

Here we are just about two weeks away from Christmas. How the heck did this happen? The year has flown by, hasn't it?

I've been in Ohio in preparation for moving back here at the first of the year. Yes, I am really leaving San Diego and moving to Ohio. Most people give me a cross-eyed look and their whole face contorts into a giant question mark. Why, would someone do this?

Well, lots of reasons for me, but mainly it rains here. Yep. Rain and earth worms. Not to mention my parents live here and I want to play with them. It is interesting spending time here to see where the consciousness is relevant to organics. Right now it is in the infant stages. Most folks are still eating canned and prepared, packaged foods. Choices in restaurants are definitely interesting. For example yesterday I was just about to order a quesidilla and asked what kind of cheese they used - cheddar. And to be honest it was not Real cheddar, it was some food product. Run, Forrest, run.

I know I'm supposed to be talking about skin care, and I am. So for today I'm going to revisit conscious eating and probably none to soon, considering we're heading into Christmas where all the goodies are laid out for our consumption.

Rule #1: Avoid the sugar and prepared, packaged foods. As much as humanly possible keep the tastes of the goods to just that, tastes. No need to insult your hostess by refusing to participate in her feast. However, let moderation be your uppermost thought. A sip, a taste, a tich. Meanwhile, go for the fresh stuff. The veggie plate, the real food. Have ONE cookie. Reach for the nuts and dried fruits.

Rule #2: Keep exercising and moving that body around. I have become convinced this year of the importance of using our bodies strenuously. If you live where it snows, make shoveling an adventure and exercise. Delight that your body can do this, actually gets to do this. Switch off sides so as not to strain only one side. Go for long walks on those starry, cold and silent nights. It is magic.

Rule #3: Appreciate every single little thing that is of the tiniest blessing to you. Did you notice that there was a parking space just opened up as you got to the store? Did you actually appreciate that? Did you notice that your neighbor shoveled your walk? Did you appreciate every bit of food that you got to eat today? Are you appreciating how good your body feels? When I say appreciate, I mean appreciate EVERYTHING and then, look for more things to love, adore and appreciate.

How does this affect your skin? When we are peaceful, content, happy, grateful, optimistic, and positive everything in the body responds, as well. This is exactly how beauty is achieved from the inside out.

Happy Holidays Everyone. Make it your new practice to appreciate, eat whole fresh foods, and look for the Good inherent in every single minute. You will be astounded at how much Good grows from simply following the Three Rules. Of course I hope that in this New Year you will expand your consciousness and give yourself the quality products you deserve, like Miessence.

Wishing for you, all that you wish for.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Giving and Receiving Quality

Hello Everyone,

It is Christmas and everyone is grappling with what to give to whom. I always think about Quality.

Quality is experienced not characterized by the price. Sometimes there is a correlation between Quality and price, but not always.

Quality feels Good. It is inherent in the product or service and the experience of that product or service. A Quality Experience is uplifting, life affirming and expansive. It can be delightful, joyful, and often times defies explanation with words. This is because this Quality I am referring to is Life, itself. It is Real, not real. Whatever the earthly manifestation - skincare products, services, a conversation, a card - it contains more Heart, more Love, more Good. It is manufactured with the highest intentions in mind, the highest quality raw materials, and the highest possible experience in mind for the recipient. This is Love.

When you are considering the perfect gift for anyone, including yourself, consider those things that are Good for all, feel the Heart in the product or service and the intentions of the provider.

A gift should convey love, Life and support the dreams and Life of the recipient. They need not cost a lot, but they do need to be Real and from your heart to theirs.

A gift sees who the recipient Really is and speaks to that. From the giver's perspective, it feels perfect. Giving is like a game of catch. It takes a pitcher and a catcher to complete the transaction. The pitcher throws the ball (the give of Love) and the catcher has to receive it (catch it). Make all your transactions gifts of love, Quality given, Quality received. This is giving Life, supporting Life, affirming Life. It is Who We Are.

Thanks for Reading!

Kath

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Aluminum A Toxic Health Risk

Hello Everyone,

When I was a little girl, my Gran used to pat baking soda under my arms before I went to school. This was my first antiperspirant/deodorant. I used it for years until they started making the commercial types you could purchase at the drug store. I have to admit that I never liked using them. First they made my clothes white with a powder and it just didn't seem natural to me. Baking soda, though, was a very benign substance.

Today, however, in our society, somehow all of our bodily functions have come to be regarded disreputable and despised. To this end of covering up what is natural, we risk our health for societal acceptance. Let me just say right here that most commercially prepared antiperspirants and deodorants are toxic to your health with direct links to both cancer and Alzheimer's. I couldn't possibly surpass the quality of research done by the website controlyourimpact.com on this subject. They have written a three part article which I encourage you to read entirely. For Part 1 click this link; Part 2;For Part 3.

In summary, most over the counter antiperspirants and deodorants use aluminum. It is absorbed into the skin and when it combines with the moisture in your body, swells and blocks the gland, thus the perspiration. Sounds pretty abnormal to me. At any rate, constant exposure to aluminum absorbed into the body is proven toxic.

There are many natural alternatives out there, but of course, I am partial to One Group's Deodorant. It works really well, and I've tried many other natural products out there.

And if you think the FDA is looking out for your interests, think again. However, the USDA has an opposing opinion to the FDA.

So, there you have it. Time to eliminate yet another toxin from your daily use. The good news is that there are alternatives out there that are actually good for you.

Thanks for reading!

Kath