Reality Check: Excuse Me…

By Leif Smith

I recently had a consultation in my office with a woman who had found me on the Internet. She was familiar with some of my work with sports teams, and was impressed enough to pursue a consult for one to one work.

From the moment we sat down together, however, I knew that there was no way I could work with this woman. She wanted help, but had to explain every situation and obstacle she was facing in excruciating detail, to the point that I couldn’t even respond. None of her problems were of her own doing. Not her divorce twenty-one years ago. Not her failure to leave her church after feeling criticized by her pastor, nor her failure to keep a job longer than two months, and certainly not her inability to maintain a relationship with anyone for longer than a couple of months.

After fifty minutes of listening to her explain how her predicament was not of her own doing, I suggested that we would not be a good fit for working together, given my penchant for pushing my clients a bit further than they are used to being pushed. It then took her ten more minutes to leave my office, even after I explained to her that I had another client waiting. She didn’t care that she made me late to see this client, and she didn’t care to hear a thing I had said during our hour together.

Lesson here: Nobody controls your life but you. Some situations and events are outside our sphere of influence, certainly, but in the end, it is you that controls how you react to things around you. You are directly responsible for the quality of your daily life, and for the quality of your relationships.

So, before you begin complaining about your lot in life, stop for a moment and figure out what it is that you have done to bring about these consequences. You may not have had a choice in being fired, or divorced, or any other unfortunate event, but you certainly had a choice in how you responded to that event and portrayed it to others. Work to eliminate excuses. You’ll find that you actually have more influence over your life than you previously thought. You’ll also be a more productive and well-adjusted individual.

Now, if you’ll excuse me…

Leif Smith, Psy.D., President of Personal Best Consulting, LLC, has worked with athletes and coaches from The University of Iowa, The Ohio State University, and the College of Wooster. He specializes in improving performance and production, and has also worked with corporations such as America Online. Subscribe to the free monthly email newsletter, "Personal Bests: Techniques for Living an Extraordinary Life" when visiting his Web site at www.personalbestconsulting.com.

Don’t Stress About Stress During Times of Stress

By Mark Vockentanz

The devastating part about stress can simply be your response to it. In other words, some stress is inescapable, which means you have no choice but to confront it. Your best approach is to deal with it in a healthy and responsive way. That is, your response is not reactive or destructive.

The formula for stress management is: stress + your response = outcome. Therefore, you still have a chance to adjust your response so it will result in a positive outcome.

Tip #1 Make a list of all the things that make you feel stressed. Identify those that you can control and those you will need to prepare yourself for.

Tip #2 Try to minimize your to-do list by identifying a few manageable tasks. This will lessen your load.

Tip #3 Take time to recharge your batteries. Take scheduled breaks and know your limits.

Tip #4 Open up to family and friends sharing your ups and downs. This will help you gain a better perspective on things.

Tip #5 Laugh and smile more often finding humour in yourself and life. Laughter has a therapeutic effect.

Tip #6 Integrate some form of solitude and relaxation in your day. Yoga, tai-chi, meditation, and prayer are a few examples.

Tip #7 Take part in both cardiovascular and strength training exercises on a regular basis.

Tip #8 Take the time to enjoy soothing forms of music and get your daily dose of nature. A walk in the park will do just fine.

Tip #9 Give your body the opportunity to repair, recover, and rejuvenate by making sure you get adequate sleep each night. No less than 7 hours (no more than 9) of quality sleep.

Tip #10 Nourish your body, mind, and soul. That is, healthy food, healthy thoughts, and healthy behaviours.

Don’t let stress scare you. You have more control over it than you think.

Mark Vockentanz, BHK, CMTA, CHLC is a Wellness Coach and founder of V3 Life Transformations – for Vision, Vitality, Victory. With more than 20 years industry experience, Mark offers one-on-one coaching to help individuals find an alternative path to true health and vitality. Mark can be reached at 519.777.6811 or email v3lifetransformations@sympatico.ca. www.v3lifetransformations.

Published in Networking Today October 2008

Don’t Treat It…Beat It!

By Mark Vockentanz

Is the answer in a pill? Do all of our aches, pains, ailments and dysfunctions simply disappear when we pop the magical pill? The answer is an unequivocal “no,” yet it doesn’t appear this way if we look at the natural health product industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Actions speak louder than words. Our intuitive mind tells us one thing, but our cognitive mind says another. That is, this perceived path of least resistance is sometimes just too much to resist for people. This is how these products are marketed to the public… “Simply swallow this pill and your problems will melt away.” From headaches to hemorrhoids they will have you believe that the fix is a lotion, potion, or pill.

In Canada, it is projected that the Natural Health and Pharmaceutical sectors will generate a whopping $12 billion in sales this year. This enormous economical wheel has gained tremendous momentum. And it is perpetuated by the demand of an ever-increasing diseased population.

But the solution does not lie in a pill, potion, or lotion. The answer lies in the understanding of how our body functions in relation to the environment we create for it to exist in. Essentially, we become our environment. That is, if you create a polluted environment, then you become polluted. If you exist in a destructive environment, then you become destructive and if you live in an unhealthy environment, then you become unhealthy.

It almost seems too simple to be true, but most things are quite simple. We too frequently over-complicate things. The basic premise is to create an environment that is healthy and complementary to life itself. In addition, you should disengage from methods that are reactive and engage in lifestyle habits that are proactive.

Most “remedies in a bottle” treat symptoms and rarely are preventative in nature. The assumption is that you’re already dysfunctional. In reality, you want to beat disease to the punch by creating an environment that inhibits disease, constructing a terrain in your body, mind and spirit that will not let illness reside there.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Mark Vockentanz, BHK, CMTA, CHLC is a Wellness Coach and founder of V3 Life Transformations – for Vision, Vitality, Victory. With more than 20 years industry experience, Mark offers one-on-one coaching to help individuals find an alternative path to true health and vitality. Mark can be reached at 519.777.6811 or email v3lifetransformations@sympatico.ca. www.v3lifetransformations.

Published Networking Today September 2008

The “Skinny” on Exercise

By Mark Vockentanz

So, let’s talk about exercise! After all, it always seems to be the topic of discussion whenever someone wants to lose weight or get healthier. The problem that can arise with exercise is multi-faceted. That is, before you jump on the exercise “treadmill” you should really understand, and apply a few important principles.

1. Exercise should be invigorating...not exhausting. Too many times, people truly buy into the concept of more is better or no pain, no gain. The truth is that for most people placing too many demands on the body too soon will simply burn you out emotionally and physically. On average, about 50% of individuals who start an exercise program are not adhering to it three months later!
   
   So, the trick is to make exercise intensity modest initially and work on your consistency. You also want exercise to be functional and have a positive carry-over effect into your every-day life. Furthermore, you must clearly identify your goals.
   
   
2. Make sure you have a proper physical assessment before you start an exercise program. Once again, too many times individuals will start a program without having a clear understanding of their limitations as it relates to posture, muscle imbalances, weaknesses, dietary issues, and a variety of other factors that can potentially impede the success of your program. In fact, if you begin an exercise program with a physical dysfunction you will only magnify it when exercising with resistance. Therefore, it is vital that you remedy the dysfunction before commencing. It is always a good idea to get your physician’s approval before beginning an exercise program, particularly if you are taking prescription medications.
   
   
3. If you really want to get the most out of exercise you will need to thoroughly augment your routine with the proper nutritional program. When eating improperly, every step you take forward will be met with two steps backwards. As a result you will often become discouraged. In contrast, if you nourish your body properly, you will feel fully energized and your body’s ability to benefit from exercise will be optimized.
   

Mark Vockentanz, is a wellness coach and owner of V3 Life Transformations, for Vision, Vitality, and Victory. He is based out of London, Ontario and can be reached at 519.777.6811 or email v3lifetransformations@sympatico.ca. For more information about his fitness and health programs, visit www.v3lifetransformations.com.

Published in Networking Today August 2008

You Can Run…But You Can’t Hide

By Mark Vockentanz

Toxins are virtually everywhere! They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, in our homes, in cosmetic products, and in skin and hair products. Thankfully, our body is equipped with extraordinary mechanisms to deal with this toxic exposure. However, we need be nourishing our bodies adequately so that these systems/organs (lungs, skin, digestive system, kidneys, liver, lymph) can do their job!

That is where the problem starts...so many people today are not adopting healthy diets so the cells cannot be properly fueled and therefore cannot effectively engage tissues, organs and in turn, systems.

This leaves our bodies vulnerable to the cumulative effects of these toxins. One of the biggest culprits in shutting down many of these systems is sugar. We consume too much sugar – in other words, too many carbohydrate-rich foods.

Too much sugar will impede the body’s ability to repair and regenerate. Furthermore, it will lower your defenses against disease. Low starch vegetables, like cauliflower for example, have little effect on blood sugar.

Start by considerably reducing your starchy carbohydrates (pastas, cereals, breads, potatoes, etc.) and increase your low or non-starchy vegetables. The second factor in minimizing the effect of toxins is by reducing your exposure. Another way of saying this is simply; a reduction in your toxic load. By examining your points of contact you can then begin to determine strategies to reduce and/or eliminate these repeated exposures. Here is a list of things you can do today to help.

• Use only natural, biodegradable cleaning products
• Eat fresh organic food
• Use only natural skin and hair products
• Ventilate your home
• Use of house plants, air filters, and ionizers
  

Good for NASA, Good for Us…

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is often more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest, dirtiest cities. And the bad news gets worse: most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors.

During the 1973 Skylab III mission, NASA identified 107 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitting (off gassing) from synthetic materials inside the spacecraft. They started researching various solutions and found that certain plants improved air quality by producing oxygen while removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. They can’t cure all indoor pollution but they can offer an antidote for minor contamination and help lower the risk of asthma, allergies, and "sick building syndrome."

Lead NASA scientists, Dr. Wolverton, recommends at least one potted plant per 100 square feet, placed within 1.83 to 2.44 meters (six to eight feet) of your work, sleep, or leisure space in order to see results.

Pollutant: Benzene
Sources: inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, tobacco smoke, and synthetic fibers.
Plants: Chrysanthemum, Dracaena, Massangeana, Janet Craig, Marginata, Warneckei, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum, and Golden Pothos.

Pollutant: Formaldehyde
Sources: foam insulation, plywood, grocery bags, waxed paper, fire retardants, carpeting, cigarette smoke, and natural gas.
Plants: Azalea, Bamboo Palm, Chrysanthemum, Corn Plant, Devil's Ivy, Ficus Trees, Golden Pothos, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Philodendron, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Gerbera Daisy, and Dwarf Date Palm.

Pollutant: Trichloroethylene
Sources: printing inks, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, typewriter correction fluids, paint strippers, spot removers, and rug-cleaning fluids.
Plants: Chrysanthemum, Dracaena, Marginata, Warneckei, Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily.

Pollutant: Toluene/Xylene
Sources: gasoline, adhesives, ceiling tiles, computer screens, paints, inks used in photocopiers, stains and varnishes, and upholstery among other common household products and materials.
Plants: Areca Palm, Moth Orchid, and Dwarf Date Palm.

Pollutant: Carbon monoxide
Sources: Gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, gas powered generators, auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages.
Plants: Philodendron, Spider Plant, Golden Pothos, Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum (mum), Peace Lily, English Ivy, Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm, Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), Dracaena, (marginata) Corn Plant, and Janet Craig.

If you have small children or pets, check with your local garden center to choose plants that are non toxic or contact your local poison-control center for guidance.

Mark Vockentanz, is a wellness coach and owner of V3 Life Transformations, for Vision, Vitality, and Victory. He is based out of London, Ontario and can be reached at 519.777.6811 or email v3lifetransformations@sympatico.ca For more information about his fitness and health programs, visit www.v3lifetransformations.com.

Published in Networking Today June 2008

Healthy Breasts for a Lifetime

By Dr. Priya Joshi

We all know someone affected by breast cancer. One in nine women will develop breast cancer. As women, what can we do to prevent this and other breast tissue diseases?

Early detection is key to prevention. Digital infrared breast thermography is a medical diagnostic tool that has been used for years in Europe as a first step screening procedure. It has been offered in Canada for the past ten years, with clinics across the country.

Breast thermography is a sensitive, non-invasive method of detecting early functional changes in breast tissue. Functional changes are the abnormal cell activity demonstrated by cancer cells and other breast tissue diseases. Abnormal cell activity tends to release more heat to feed their rapid growth. Thermography is able to measure the heat radiating from the breast, chest, and armpit areas.

The main difference between thermography and mammography is that the latter detects structural changes. A lump or mass is already present in breast tissue by the time it is detected. It is important to note that it takes about ten years for breast cancer to grow to a detectable size. Breast thermography is able to detect tissue abnormalities five to eight years before an abnormality can be seen with a mammogram or detected by clinical exam. This ability for early detection makes thermography extremely useful and cost-effective as a screening tool. Thermography is done without the risk of radiation, contact, squeezing, pressure, or needles.

Women of all ages and all breast types – puberty, fibrocystic breasts, during pregnancy or breast-feeding, with breast implants, on hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills – can be screened using thermography. Known risk factors for breast cancer account for only 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The remainder is related to lifestyle choices, many of which can be controlled.

Naturopathic medicine plays an important role in encouraging healthy breast function and healthy lifestyle choices, and help in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and other breast tissue diseases.

Dr. Priya Joshi is a Naturopathic Doctor practising in London. She has a well-respected practice with a special focus on children’s and women’s health especially breast health, hormonal health, and infertility. For more information on breast thermography or naturopathic medicine, please contact Dr. Priya at (519) 471-1917 or at doctorpriya@rogers.com.

Published in Networking Today, October 2006.

The Meaning of Hunger

By Mary Desaulniers

In the weight-loss industry, hunger is a dirty word, the villain that must be stopped in its tracks. It is this determination to eradicate hunger that has created the worst propaganda for diets. “Diet” has become a dirty word. Diet is associated with pain, starvation, and all things "undo-able." If we look at hunger more closely, we will see that villainy is only part of its heritage. Hunger can be viewed more appropriately as an interim stage, part of a process of transformation. What we learn from our hunger is the key to long-term success in weight management.

There are different kinds of hunger. An example is the real hunger for sustenance that comes after a hard day's work. This hunger is necessary for our survival as it tells our body that it needs to replace the energy that has been expended.

Another is the hunger we feel when we are bored—the Sunday afternoon variety that creeps into our bones like a bout of flu. You feel hungry even after a meal and you can't seem to shake it off.

A more insidious form is the hunger we feel at the end of the day; a hunger that is ravenous. Partly because we are hungry, but mostly because we are carrying the ravages of the working world home and we have no other avenue to tame the beast. This is the form of hunger that leads to unbridled bingeing and weight gain. As long as the issues (at work or at home) remain unresolved, the body will deposit layers of subcutaneous fat much like an armor to shield itself against what it feels to be an unjust grievance.

This hunger is the most redeeming of the three as it places in our path a problem that is actually an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. Change is inherent to the nature of the body; it is through change that we evolve; through change that matter is transformed into light. "Many physicists believe that all matter is ultimately composed of trapped light," so claims physicist Fred Allan Wolf in his book "Mind into Matter."

We are "trapped light" when we are confined by the "unconscious ideas that we've been taught" such as:

• I am this or I am that.
• I am not good at this.
• I am meant to be fat or slow or lethargic.
  

These are all part of the armor that keeps us tied to the ground.

This trapped light can be released when matter is brought into motion. We are not only talking about physical motion like exercise; but creative motion—the meaningful activity, which we all know is capable of birthing the unknown or suppressed self. The self trapped by inertia and fear, the self that sees no way out of its misery other than bingeing to oblivion. Jungian analyst, Marion Woodman, calls this inertia "the Great Mother crocodile," that prefers "sleeping in the mud to transforming in the fire" ("Dancing in the Flames").

It is with us as well. We need to find out what the source of our hunger is.

• What is the grievance that is eating us?
• What unrealized dreams lay dormant under our cold spell?
• What possibilities for growth and spiritual awakenings have we stifled because of work, relationships or fear?
• What changes need we make to resurrect those dreams and desires?
  

Will the path be difficult? Yes! Will it be fraught with danger? Yes! Need we fear it? No! We have the power within us to "birth" this new self. As long as we keep our vision steady before us, we will succeed. Moreover, there are guides along the way—weight loss coaches, well-meaning friends and family, our own intuitions. These can provide us with the tools to make the journey successful.

It is far more dangerous to keep things the way they are. The armor of fat and denial we have built around us becomes more impenetrable with time. Unless we choose to see and create a new reality, “the great Mother crocodile” prevails.

It is so important for us to understand the meaning of hunger. Sometimes hunger is not simply hunger for food. It is hunger for the emergence of a new self. Hunger for a birth that, like any other birth, is a labor in progress. Are we serious enough about our well-being to confront our hunger? Turn its energy around so that it serves, rather than stifle us!

A runner for 28 years, retired schoolteacher and writer, Mary is helping people reclaim the wisdom of their bodies. Nutrition, exercise, positive vision and purposeful and creative engagement are the tools used to turn bodies into creative selves. You can visit her at http://www.greatbodyat50.com/ . Tune in to her new Internet Radio Show Reclaiming the Body’s Wisdom.

Published in Networking Today, October 2006.

Say Good-bye to Toxins

By Mary-Anne M. MacPherson

Detoxing your way to health…as simple as 1, 2, 3.

In today’s hectic dine-and-dash world of burgers, fries, and other trans foods, it seems what’s paramount is what’s pleasing to the palate. But beware; over time, fast food can and will take its toll.

Plus, chemicals enter the body through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the surfaces with which we come in contact through our skin. The average Canadian gulps down five to six pounds of hidden chemicals annually, chemicals that are known to interfere with thyroid function or damage the liver, adrenals, and pancreas.

The performance of the body may also be hampered by a lack of specific nutrients. There is a way to restore and replenish bodily functions marginalized by poor diets and the onslaught of toxins caused by daily living. It’s called detoxification, giving your digestive system a needed break from eating the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.). This kind of cleansing process flushes away poisonous toxins that accumulate over time by promoting an increase in energy, better memory function, and weight normalization. People have also reported a reduction in their disease and elimination of pain.

Experts suggest detoxing every calendar season to keep the body in optimal health. Why? According to master herbalist, Louise Tenney, it cleanses the intestinal track and internal sewage system, which is responsible for more than 90% of diseases. As old plaque is removed from the intestinal wall, nutrients are then absorbed more effectively into your system, bringing about a greater level of health and vitality. Detoxing cleanses organs, cells, and the blood stream, and has a positive affect on well being in general. But before beginning this type of program, it is important to re-stock your kitchen and mentally prepare for success.

The process can last as little as one week or as long as two months. Many notice a difference in as soon as three weeks; some have reported feeling an energy surge in as little as seven days. Steps to detoxing for health:

STEP 1: CUT THE CRAP

Carbonation and Caffeine
Refined Foods
Alcohol & Aspartame
Processed Foods

STEP 2: EAT LIKE THE HEALTH PRO’S

Protein in the way of organic lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and seeds
Raw fruits and vegetables
Oils rich in Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids
Starches in the form of nutrient-rich brown rice, millet, and quinoa

STEP 3: FLUSH THE TOXINS

Toxins (poisons) need to be expelled from the body. They are carried away through urine, feces, breath, and skin pores. There are two methods for flushing toxins. The first is exercise, which cleans out the lymph system (small storage tanks located in strategic areas of the body that hold toxins until they are naturally pumped out). The second method is as simple as drinking water, which helps flush poisons from the body.

STEP 4: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

There are a couple of extra things to keep in mind in order to do an efficient detox. It is important to be faithful to a quality vitamin and mineral supplement that adheres to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of a pharmaceutical-grade product. Also, ensure that its potency is guaranteed.

The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) recently reversed a long-standing anti-vitamin stance by publishing two scientific review articles recommending multivitamin supplements for all adults. Research indicates that we are no longer receiving enough nutrients from the foods we eat.

Stay positive. This upbeat attitude goes a long way in making people feel happier and more balanced, whether focussed on health, career, relationships, and/or financial wealth. This is a great step to incorporate and use in every life as a tool in creating infinite success.

The final step is to get plenty of sleep (eight hours each night is optimal). The body heals while resting, whether the goal is to wake up refreshed, remove disease from the body, keep the immune system strong, and/or to assist in the detoxifying process. Meditation counts as rest, and is proven to be one of the best tools to integrate into a health program for lifelong success.

Mary-Anne M. MacPherson, R.N.C.P., is a health and empowerment coach and owner of Creating Infinite Success. 519-668-3037 or email mary-anne@creatinginfinitesuccess.com.

]Published in Networking Today, May 2006.

IonCleanse for Good Health

By Cindy Knight

When my husband had a heart attack two years ago, he was forced to quit smoking. I was happy that he recovered, and equally happy that he was quitting smoking. But I didn’t expect to wake up every morning around four o’clock coughing. I thought my lungs would gradually release twenty years of built up toxins. It became obvious that this was not going to happen.

While trying to decide how best to detox my lungs a friend dropped by with her new Ion Cleanse Foot Bath, and offered me a session. After just one relaxing session I went an entire week without waking up and coughing in the night. After six sessions, the water that had started out as dark brown and black had turned to orange and my middle of the night coughing spells had stopped completely.

How does it work?

The Ionizer is a safe, effective way to help your body detoxify naturally. Toxins that build in the body are left to be cleaned by the blood, lymphatic system, and vital organs. Those which cannot be cleaned, attach themselves wherever they can. These acidic toxins may build up in the fat cells, joints, muscles, and organs such as the liver and kidneys. The Ionizer helps to eliminate these toxins by allowing them to escape through a unique process.

Similar to a foot bath, the Ionizer uses water as the conductive medium. The conductivity of ions in the water allows for a mild field of energy to flow from an array in the bath through the feet and around the whole body. The field created by the Ionizer gradually attracts toxic ions from the body. These toxic ions migrate toward the feet and through the skin by a process called osmosis, where they enter the water.

Essentially the Ionizer functions as a magnet to help your body detoxify by trapping toxic particles in the water. The process is painless, non-invasive, and requires no pills, supplements, or medications to work effectively.

Studies show that an overall balancing effect occurs along with a feeling of well-being as a result of toxins being released from the body.

Benefits may include:

• Heavy metal removal
• Faster recovery times
• Increased oxygen levels
• Pain relief
• Improved sleep
• Reduced fluid retention
• Headache relief

Who needs to detoxify?

If you eat, drink, and breathe, there is a good chance you need to detoxify. With today’s processed acidic foods, air pollution, water pollution, and stresses it’s hard to comprehend how much toxicity we expose ourselves to on a daily basis.

Toxic, acidic bodies are the ideal environment for viral and bacterial infections, and many diseases thrive. These infections and diseases are unable to thrive in clean, alkaline bodies.

The IonCleanse footbath sessions will support any cleansing modality and reduces discomfort that may be associated with other detoxification methods.

An Ion cleanse typically takes thirty minutes and can be repeated on a weekly basis until you have removed the toxins that contribute to your symptoms.

Maintenance cleansing on a monthly basis will help your body continue to detox itself.

Contraindications:

• Anyone with a pacemaker or other battery-operated or electrical implant
• Those on heartbeat regulating medication
• Organ transplant recipients
• Any person who is taking medication, the absence of which would mentally or physically incapacitate them (psychotic episodes, epileptic seizures, etc.)

• Ladies who are pregnant.

The following recommendations should be considered:

• Many medications require that a blood level be maintained in order to be effective (blood pressure regulating medication). An IonCleanse session should be scheduled prior to taking medications.
• Clients with low blood sugar will need to have eaten before beginning the session.
• While pregnant or lactating women have used the IonCleanse without harm we recommend not bathing these clients.
• As a general rule, you can use the IonCleanse with patients on dialysis, taking insulin, or experiencing congestive heart failure. Gentle detoxification will help the body to eliminate the toxins that the kidney and heart cannot eliminate on their own and will not interfere with medications or deplete insulin levels.
• Clients who have had a metal joint implant may find the exposure to an electromagnetic field uncomfortable.

---

Cindy Knight, RHN, CR. is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, Colour Therapist, and Mannatech Glyconutritional Supplement Distributor. Her company, Feel Better Therapies, provides a relaxing environment where every client can prolong their feeling of well-being. Cindy can be contacted at (519) 319-0096 or by email at cmknight@feelbettertherapies.com.

Published in Networking Today, April 2006.

Nine Holiday Foods That Can Kill!

By Debra S. Holtzman

Everyone loves to eat and drink during the holiday season. But some holiday foods can be very dangerous and can even kill. The statistics are shocking! Each year in this country an estimated 76 million Americans will suffer from food-borne illness and 5,000 will die. Children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms of food-borne illnesses include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, blood in the stool, headache, vomiting, and severe exhaustion. Sometimes symptoms may appear as early as a half an hour after eating; other times it could take several days or weeks.

One solution is to keep close tabs on what your kids are eating. Use these tips to keep your family, friends, and pets eating safer this holiday season.

Eggnog: The best way to serve eggnog is to buy it in carton. The store-sold product is pasteurized and is safe. If you make your own eggnog, use only pasteurized eggs and not raw eggs.

Pies: Custard-type pies, including homemade pumpkin pie, need to be refrigerated. Pies at room temperature can grow dangerous bacteria.

Candy canes: Hard candies and candy canes present a choking risk to small children. Keep out of reach of small children.

Cookie dough: If you use raw eggs in the cookie dough batter, eat your homemade cookies cooked! Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, a food-borne illness that can prove fatal if untreated.

Apple Cider: Pasteurization kills bacteria. If you aren't sure if a product is pasteurized, boil it for a minute. Unpasteurized products have been linked to salmonella, E. coli, and listeria – all can lead to death.

Turkey and stuffing: Cooking stuffing in a turkey or chicken should be avoided. The bird cooks both from the outside and the inside. When you stuff the bird, it reduces the heat penetration. Your best bet is to cook the turkey and stuffing separately. If you do choose to cook them together, make sure the temperature reaches at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the innermost part of the thigh, while the center of the stuffing inside the turkey reaches 165 degrees. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that hasn't reached that temperature.

Caesar salad: Many homemade recipes call for raw eggs in Caesar salad. Do not use raw eggs in the dressing. Use a pasteurized egg instead.

Perishable foods: Never leave perishable food at room temperature over two hours. Perishable foods include raw and cooked meat, poultry, and seafood products. Once fruits and vegetables are cut, it is safest to also limit their time at room temperature. If perishable food is left at room temperature for over two hours, bacteria can grow to harmful levels.

Alcohol: Alcohol affects children more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to children. Spiked holiday punch and eggnog should be kept out of the reach of children. Remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible. Store alcohol in a locked cabinet out of reach and sight of children. Don't store it in your refrigerator where a child could have easy access. Remember, children imitate adults and may drink the beverages they see adults drinking.

Bonus Tip: Pet owners beware! Chocolate is toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals! The toxic substance which chocolate contains is called theobromine, a compound that is similar to caffeine. Baker's chocolate (pure, unsweetened chocolate, or cocoa powder) is the most dangerous.

Debra Smiley Holtzman is an internationally recognized safety and health expert and award winning author. She has been featured on NBC's The Today Show, CNBC, MSNBC, in USA Weekend Magazine, Reader's Digest, First For Women Magazine, Parenting Magazine, Family Circle Magazine and Fit Pregnancy Magazine. Debra is also the safety expert on Discovery Health Channel’s Make Room for Baby. The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005) is in bookstores everywhere. For more information, please visit www.thesafetyexpert.com.

Published in Networking Today, December 2005.

Breast Exams Without the Squeeze!

By Dr. Priya Joshi

Digital Infrared Breast Thermography is a sensitive, non-invasive method of effective screening for detecting early functional changes in breast tissue. Thermography measures heat radiating from the breast, chest, and armpit areas. Usually, abnormal cells like cancer cells, release more heat to feed their rapid growth.

What can Breast Thermography provide that Mammography cannot?

Mammograms detect structural changes. A lump or mass is already present in breast tissue by the time a problem is detected. The lump is further investigated by ultrasound and/or biopsy to diagnose the nature of the lump.

Breast Thermography detects functional changes in the breast tissue without radiation, compression, contact, or needles.

Thermography can be used for women of all ages, and all breast types – young, fibrocystic breasts, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, if the woman has breast implants, and if she is on hormone replacement therapy or the birth control pill.

Thermography has the potential to detect problems five to eight years before an abnormality can be seen with mammography. The early detection of abnormal tissue activity makes breast thermography extremely useful and cost-effective as a screening tool. The non-invasive nature of thermography, as well as the absence of harmful rays being emitted, allows for repeated scans.

Dr. Priya Joshi is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the London West Health Centre. Priya has a well-rounded practice with a focus on children's and women's health, breast and hormonal health, infertility, and pre- and post-natal care. Dr. Joshi can be contacted at (519) 471-1917 or email doctorpriya@rogers.com.

Published in Networking Today, September 2005.

Mental Health is a Bottom Line Issue

By Barbara Bartlein

When Philip Burguieres first noticed symptoms of depression he was CEO of Weatherford International, and at the top of his game. He had a beautiful family, nice house, and the respect and admiration of his peers. What he didn’t have was peace of mind and joy in everyday living.

Mr. Burguieres, Chairman and CEO of EMC Holdings and Vice Chairman of the Houston Texans NFL team, was the keynote speaker at the recent Mental Health Association event; “Creating Workplaces That Thrive: An Employer Symposium on Mental Health and the Bottom Line.” Burguieres talked about his own battle with depression and his experiences with the health care delivery system.

“At least a quarter of all CEO’s suffer from depression, but they won’t admit it,” according to Burguieres. “They hide it. They know all the tricks. They see their psychiatrists at six in the morning, and they pay in cash.” He insists that corporate executives must be willing to face their own mental health issues, or they will not be able to help employees maximize health, well being, and productivity in the workplace.

There remains a stigma related to mental health that does not exist for other medical situations. Yet mental illness drains billions of dollars a year from businesses bottom line. Consider:

• Lost productivity and absenteeism due to mental illness cost business $63 billion dollars last year according to New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. This figure represents an increase from $43.7 billion just two years ago.
  
• Depression tends to affect people in the prime of their careers when they should be most productive.
  
• A RAND Corporation study found that patients with depressive symptoms spend more days in bed than those with diabetes, arthritis, back problems, or gastrointestinal disorders.
  
• More than $11 billion in additional costs resulted from decreased productivity due to problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
  

Bill Herman from Highsmith, Inc. also presented at the symposium, outlining the comprehensive approach to wellness at Highsmith to fight the high costs of healthcare. Located in Ft. Atkinson, WI, Highsmith is a privately owned distributor of supplies, furniture, and equipment. In 1989, they experienced a 53% increase in insurance premiums and initiated a multifaceted program to create a “culture of choice” where “wellness” and “employee development” are interchangeable.

While the Highsmith wellness program is voluntary, participants receive a discount on health insurance premiums if they participate. They must also be non-smokers and participate in annual health screenings. Employees have access to a comprehensive array of classes including weight management, healthy cooking, parenting, tobacco cessation, mental health screenings, and diabetes awareness. There are also stretching programs throughout the facility where employees stretch and flex to prevent injury. There is a 24/7 access to an employee assistance program, with resources for dependant, financial, and elder care coordination. With on-site exercise classes and a walking path, the expectation is that employees will actively participate in maintaining good physical and mental health.

The efforts at Highsmith have paid off. Their insurance premiums have risen only 4.9% per year versus the national average of 12.6%. The worker’s compensation discounts and dividends average 31% less than the base rate over the last ten years. They have also seen a reduction in health risk factors such as total cholesterol and hypertension decrease by 53% in the last four years. And turnover is only 8.6%, further cutting costs.

A study released by the University of Michigan’s Depression Center found that companies that initiated policies and practices addressing mental health had employees with a high level of job satisfaction. Satisfied employees are more productive and more likely to provide service to keep customers satisfied. For more information on mental health and well being in the workplace, please visit www.mhamilw.org

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Barbara Bartlein is the PeoplePro™. She helps businesses sell more goods and services by developing people. She can be reached at 888-747-9953, by email at: barb@barbbartlein.com or visit her Web site at www.ThePeoplePro.com.

Published in Networking Today, January 2005.

Calcium: How Much is Enough?

By Cindy Knight

Minerals are so called because they are found in the earth.

Of all the minerals in the body, calcium is the most abundant. The skeleton of the body depends on it. Osteoporosis, once thought to be inevitable is not. Evidence is accumulating that indicates osteoporosis is more frequent in people who have a low calcium intake.

How much calcium do you need, and where do you get it?

A quarter litre of milk contains approximately 300 mg of calcium. But did you know that some leafy green vegetables are also rich in calcium?

A cup of mustard greens (cooked) contains approximately 310 mg – more than in an equal amount of milk. Broccoli contains approximately 200 mg of calcium in a one cup serving. The richest non-dairy source is “lambs quarters” (once considered a weed in Europe and America). 1 cup of its leaves supplies 400 mg of calcium – more than is required by some people in a day. In India this weed is considered a crop and is one of the most popular vegetables eaten. Sesame seeds are often said to be rich in calcium, and a cup contains 1,000 mg, but how often do you eat a full cup of sesame seeds?

People ask: How much calcium do I need?

It is impossible to establish a calcium intake suitable for every one; some average requirements have been set which reflect trends for each age group.

• Adult men and women are estimated to need only 800 mg /day:
• Boys and girls between as eleven and eighteen need 1,200 mg/day.
• Infants require 360 to 400 mg/day
• Pregnant and lactating mothers require 1,200 mg/day.
  

The strange thing about calcium is that even though individuals consume the published RDA (required daily allowance) they may not absorb it.

One way of increasing calcium absorption is to have a glass of fruit juice after meals, particularly apple juice. Another way is to take Calcium Citrate, which has the highest rate of absorption. Unlike most vitamins and minerals, Calcium Citrate can be taken alone. This is not the case for Calcium Carbonate (which is not absorbed as well).

Actually, a number of factors have an affect on absorption and utilization of calcium The amount of protein that is taken in the diet is a factor. Too little protein will result in reduced calcium absorption, and too much will depress calcium retention.

Though 98% of the body’s calcium is in the bones, 1% is in the teeth, and the other 1% is in the rest of the tissues, including the muscles. If the muscles don’t have enough calcium you can get what is called a “muscle cramp.” One of the most common causes of cramping pains is a calcium deficiency. Calcium has also been helpful for people who are troubled by anxiety. Taking Calcium Citrate in the evening can relax the entire body and help you to sleep.

Normally your body regulates the amount of calcium you absorb, so that if you take more than you need, you will excrete the extra calcium. In a few people, this regulation process doesn’t work well and those people are susceptible to kidney stones. But Citrate makes calcium so soluble that when you are also getting the required amount of magnesium in your diet, it will not precipitate kidney stone formation, even if you are prone to them.

The calcium/magnesium connection

Calcium and Magnesium are often found together in the same capsule, even though you can get two thirds or more of the RDA for magnesium from seeds, grains, beans, and green vegetables. However, most North American diets do not routinely contain these necessary sources of magnesium.

Magnesium is important as a balance to your calcium intake. It is stored in your bones and it helps them to retain their calcium. If you are deficient in magnesium, you will lose more of the calcium you take in. This means that your magnesium to calcium ratio should be one part magnesium for every two parts calcium. If you take 1,000 mg of calcium each day, or get that much in your food, you should be getting 500 mg of magnesium.

Dr. Leo Gallad, in his book, “Super Immunity for Kids,” points out that it’s better to take a magnesium citrate supplement at lunch with food if you are not eating foods rich in magnesium, and the best time to take the calcium citrate is just before bedtime. He reasons that with the calcium/magnesium combination, like with other multimineral and multivitamin combinations, one mineral can block the absorption and utilization of another. Also, your blood calcium levels tend to fall over night, so you help your bones more by taking calcium just before sleep.

Cindy Knight, RHN, CR. is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, Colour Therapist, and Mannatech Glyconutritional Supplement Distributor. Her company, Feel Better Therapies, provides a relaxing environment where every client can prolong their feeling of well-being. Cindy can be contacted at (519) 319-0096 or by email at cmknight@feelbettertherapies.com.

Published in Networking Today, July 2004.

Is Success Hazardous to Your Health?

By Barbara Bartlein

The recent death of James Cantalupo, CEO of Mc Donald’s International, has cast new interest on the health of high level executives, especially those at the very top – the CEO’s. There have been a number of deaths and/or heart attacks of prominent executives in recent years. These include: Roberto Goizueta, chairman of Coca-Cola, Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, Mike O’Callaghan, Chairman of the Las Vegas Sun, David Barry, CEO of Triangle Pharmaceuticals, and Pierre Bonelli, CEO of Bull. In addition, Michael Eisner, CEO of the Walt Disney CO had emergency heart bypass surgery in 1994.

CEO’s have long been identified as hard-working and driven personality types: Type “A’s” with a constant diet of stress, rich foods, and sedentary lifestyle. Though it may look a life of luxury for those looking in, it is often 80 hour work weeks, exhaustive travel, and demands on free time for charity and community events.

While anecdotal evidence has been around for years that the CEO title may be hazardous to your health, there is new evidence that this may be true. For the past nine months, a CT scanning company in Florida, BodyView, has been offering free CT scans to CEO’s as a marketing tool in hopes that others in the company will also want to pay $2200 for a scan.

According to BodyView, over 155 CEO’s have completed the scan. The findings indicate that 38% had evidence of coronary disease, 10% had serious coronary disease, and 6% needed immediate surgical intervention. This compares to just 6% with severe coronary disease for all men tested in this age group, according to James Stannard, BodyView’s managing director.

Some things you can do to protect you and the organization:

• Skip the fancy meals. Most are fat laden, rich foods in large portions. Instead, consider the advice of Ira Lipman, CEO of security guard company Guardsmark. Lipman, who underwent triple bypass surgery in 1996, faxes his “Culinary Likes and Dislikes” to hotels and conventions. The fax includes a long list of fruits, vegetables, and fish and omits red meat, eggs, and butter.
  
  
• Schedule the yearly physical. The only way to truly know your own physical status is through routine blood work and a cardio work up. Make sure you know your key numbers; i.e., total cholesterol, LDH/HDL, and triglycerides. Monitoring these values will give you a lot of information about your risks. Early intervention through medication and lifestyle changes can prevent problems from ever becoming clinical issues.
  
  
• Lighten up. Experts have long held the belief that Type A personalities had more heart disease and cardiovascular problems. But researches have identified, in recent years, that it is not the hard-driving aspects of personality that cause the problem. All personality types that harbor anger and hostility are more likely to develop heart disease. It is critical that you handle frustration and stress in a positive manner using humor and a healthy perspective. As Charles Bell of McDonald’s was quoted last fall, “I don’t get stressed. I give stress.”
  
  
• Put exercise on the calendar. If you don’t schedule and measure it, it won’t happen. Ira Lipman exercised at least one hour on a treadmill at 3.8 miles per hour a total of 245 days last year. How often did you? Schedule exercise right in your calendar and count miles, calories, or repetitions to make sure you stay on task. One half hour per day is a minimum.
  
  
• Have a succession plan. A sudden loss of a leader can paralyze an organization. Just ask Coca-Cola. They have yet to re-establish their top management team after the death of Chairman and CEO Roberto Goizueta in 1997. While no one likes to think about the possibility, failure to plan can damage a company’s image, performance and morale. Establish the succession team and groom future leaders. Make sure they have the experience needed to handle changes.
  

Remember, there is no point in working your way to the top unless you are around to enjoy the view.

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Barbara Bartlein is the PeoplePro™. She helps businesses sell more goods and services by developing people. She can be reached at 888-747-9953, by email at: barb@barbbartlein.com or visit her Web site at www.ThePeoplePro.com.

Published in Networking Today, June 2004.

Why Focus on Nutrition?

By Cindy Knight

Researchers have found that there is a link between diet and learning capabilities, behaviour problems, violence in the schools, children’s self-confidence, obesity, and even bedwetting. It’s shocking that something as simple as changes in a child’s diet can affect all these issues.

Most North American children get more than 25% of their calories from sugar – in soft drinks, desserts, candy, and many prepared and highly processed foods. In fact, the average North American school-aged child consumes a handful of sugar daily.

Sugar is considered a non-food because it creates vitamin and mineral imbalances, which create cravings for more sugar, which further adds to the vitamin and mineral imbalance. It also interferes with insulin production, a precursor to diabetes. It’s a never-ending circle until, or unless, the sugar intake is reduced by modifying the child’s diet to include fresh, natural foods.

But be aware…

The withdrawal symptoms involved in reducing sugar are as strong as those an adult experiences when trying to quit smoking, so your child will not want to stop eating chocolate every day, drinking pop, or sneaking that cookie as an after school snack. As a parent you can make this easier by involving your child in the preparation of healthy snacks, packing his lunch, and making sure your child has healthy foods throughout the day.

What we do today affects our health for many years to come. The health care of the future will focus on prevention…made possible by healthy eating habits.

Cindy Knight, RHN, CR. is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, Colour Therapist, and Mannatech Glyconutritional Supplement Distributor. Her company, Feel Better Therapies, provides a relaxing environment where every client can prolong their feeling of well-being. Cindy can be contacted at (519) 319-0096 or by email at cmknight@feelbettertherapies.com.

Published in Networking Today, June 2004.

The Masks of MSG

By Cindy Knight

During those stormy days last winter, I researched a food additive that has wormed its way into the food chain and ultimately our lives. Many of you know it as MSG, and have first-hand knowledge that it can stimulate hyperactivity in children.

Are you aware when you are reading the labels of those quick and easy to prepare boxed foods that MSG also masquerades under the following names?

• Omega Protein Refined/Hydrolysed Fish Emulsion
  
• Steam Hydrolysed Feather Meal
• Hydrolysed Proteins
  

It’s also hidden in food ingredients listed as hydrolysed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast extract, soy protein isolate, and many other names. Just because the name MSG doesn’t appear on the label doesn’t mean that it isn’t there.

It’s also present in a product called AziGro WP Plant Metabolic Primer, which is sprayed on some of the vegetables our children eat, into the air, and onto the ground where it gets into the drinking water.

The following vegetables are sprayed with this product. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has the following crops registered for this product to be used:

• head lettuce
  
• pinto beans
  
• eaf lettuce
  
• grapes
  
• butter
  
• tomatoes
  
• bulb onions
  
• romaine lettuce
  
• potatoes
  
• bell peppers
  
• snap beans
  
• peanuts g
• reen peppers
  
• strawberries
  
• cucumbers
  
• jalapeno peppers
  
• watermelons
  
• navy beans
  
• iceberg lettuce
  

Autism & ADHD is now linked to the addictive food additive – MSG

For the last fifty years, the medical community has been baffled by the increase in cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Autism. These two diseases, unheard of before 1950, have been striking an increasing number of children.

MSG is used in almost every institutional setting in America – from hospitals to school cafeterias to elderly care facilities.

MSG is being added to mass-produced food to increase its palatability. Women are being exposed to a major toxin that can cause irreparable damage to their child even before they discover they are pregnant.

MSG and its related ingredients have been found in increasing amounts in processed and fast foods.

MSG has no nutritional value. Scientific studies show that food laced with MSG cause people to eat more of it and faster than food without it.

MSG and Obesity

Could there be a connection to the MSG added to our food and the fact that 60% of the world’s population is obese? Could this be a contributing factor in the obesity of our children?

BUT, never mind the weight connection – what is it doing to your child’s brain?

John Erb, a development disorder researcher and author of the boo, “The Slow Poisoning of America,” comments that the FDA has no limits on how much MSG can be added to foods, even though as little as two tablespoons of it has been shown to cause epileptic convulsion and death in animals such as dogs.

MSG is a highly reactive amino acid used by scientists in studies to purposely cause death to areas of the brain and is fed to rodents to make a strain of obese and pre-diabetic test subjects. MSG is classified as a neurotoxin. Too much of it introduced into the brain can cause rapid cell death. It is this kind of destruction that John Erb states is the cause of ADHD and Autism.

How does your school respond?

Many schools today are recommending drug intervention for children who suffer from ADD and ADHD. The drug of choice is called Ritalin. If your school has recommended medication, do a Google search and type in “dangers of Ritalin” to familiarize yourself with the effects of this choice.

You also need to know that there are alternatives such as improving the nutritional value of the diet, removing additives, and special learning techniques so that your child who is likely very bright to begin with, can get an education and take his/her place in our society.

Many children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD should be in classes for “gifted” children because of their high level of intelligence.

It helps to know that there are organizations that specialize in designing learning programs for children who don’t learn at the same rate or in the same way as the rest of the class. For information on resources in Ontario, refer to the Attention Deficit Disorder Foundation of Ontario at www.addofoundation.org.

Cindy Knight, RHN, CR. is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, Colour Therapist, and Mannatech Glyconutritional Supplement Distributor. Her company, Feel Better Therapies, provides a relaxing environment where every client can prolong their feeling of well-being. Cindy can be contacted at (519) 319-0096 or by email at cmknight@feelbettertherapies.com.

Published in Networking Today, August 2004.

Defining Pilates…and Its Benefits to You

By Michaela Sirbu

The Pilates Method of body conditioning has become one of the most talked about methods of fitness in recent years. Its popularity has spread from New York City, where the originator of the method opened his Pilates Studio in 1926 to Hollywood movie stars, and on to people from all walks of life. Featured on countless magazines, TV shows, and currently on the shopping network, Pilates is becoming a household name.

WHAT IS PILATES?

The Pilates Method is a complete philosophy of training the body and mind to achieve balance and control in the most efficient and healthful way possible. It is a dynamic, progressive system of stretching and strengthening exercises, which employs mat routines and specially designed equipment.

Joseph H. Pilates (1880 – 1967) developed this system in the early 1900’s to improve his health and to support the health of fellow World War I internees. Inspired by both Eastern and Western philosophies of training, Pilates combines the mental focus, stretching, and specific breathing of Yoga with the use of energy in Martial Arts and the physicality of gymnastics, swimming, bicycling, mountain climbing, diving, and other sports. Specific routines have been developed for all levels, from beginners to advanced, and most movements can be modified by a knowledgeable instructor to suit individual needs.

THE BENEFITS OF PILATES

Under the watchful eye of an instructor, you will experience a workout that progresses from the inside out and touches every muscle in your body. Low repetitions of controlled movements are performed with precision, concentration, and control, targeting specific muscle groups without reaching exhaustion. Breathing accompanies the movements and promotes circulation of freshly oxygenated blood, which contributes to the healing of muscle, tissue, and joints. When practised regularly, Pilates helps develop lean, toned and balanced muscles, incredible abdominal strength, improved posture, reduced stress, and a feeling of rejuvenation and vitality.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE PILATES METHOD?

Any one who wishes to improve his or her overall health and well-being can benefit from Pilates. Those in need of rehabilitation as a result of chronic pain or motor vehicle accidents are noticing tremendous improvement in their physical ability and general state of health.

At the other end of the spectrum, Pilates provides an effective training system for conditioning and performance for dancers and athletes from a wide range of disciplines. For example, members of the National Rowing team have attributed their improved performance to incorporating Pilates in their training regimen.

While gaining incredible popularity with adults, the Pilates Method is of equal benefit to children.

Michaela Sirbu is a certified Pilates instructor and the owner of Symmetria, 150 Kent Street, London, Ontario. Phone: (519) 642-2162 or email: info@symmetria.com

Published in Networking Today, August, 2003.

Ten Healthy Foods with Hidden Hazards

By Debra Holtzman

These days, eating healthy foods is a top priority for most people. But did you know that even some of the healthiest foods have hidden dangers?

According to the CDC, about 76 million Americans will suffer from food-borne illness and at least 5,200 will die this year. Children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are at the greatest risk. Symptoms of food-borne illnesses include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, blood or pus in the stool, headache, vomiting, and severe exhaustion. Sometimes symptoms may appear as early as a half hour after eating; other times it could take several days or weeks.

Make sure to follow these simple tips to safer eating:

Lettuce: Because it is grown so close to the ground, it can come into contact with manure or irrigation runoff. When you buy lettuce, first discard the outer leaves. Then separate the inner leaves and thoroughly wash. All raw fruits and vegetables could harbor disease-causing bacteria. Before eating any raw produce, it should be thoroughly washed under running cold water. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush. This is true even for organic fruits and vegetables.

Water: Contaminated water can be a major source of trouble, especially for those drinking from private wells or streams. The EPA recommends that private water supplies be tested at least once a year for nitrates, total dissolved solids and coliform bacteria, the presence of which (although it is generally harmless) may indicate other contamination. You may need to test more frequently and for more potential contaminants if a problem is suspected. People who are on a public water utility receive a consumer confidence report once a year that analyzes the water.

Raw Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts, and radish sprouts have all been associated with salmonella and E. coli. Cook sprouts thoroughly to kill off the bacteria.

Unpasteurized Juices, Milks, or Cheeses: Make sure you always purchase the pasteurized versions of your favourite products. Pasteurization kills bacteria. When you go to a juice bar, ensure that the juices being served are pasteurized. Unpasteurized products have been linked to salmonella, E. coli and listeria – all can lead to death.

Moldy Peanuts: Aflatoxins are byproducts of common, naturally occurring mold growth on certain agricultural products such as peanuts, wheat, cereals, and corn. Alfatoxins have been found to cause liver cancer in animal species. Check carefully for any sign of discoloration or mold.

Raw or Undercooked Shellfish: Shellfish, such as clams and oysters must be cooked thoroughly. Any animal protein consumed raw or undercooked has an increased potential for causing illness.

Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel, and Tilefish: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children not to eat these fish. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish have much higher levels of methyl mercury than other commonly consumed fish. Mercury is most harmful to the developing brains of unborn babies and young children affecting cognitive, motor, and sensory functions.

Caesar Salad: Many restaurants or home made recipes call for raw eggs in Caesar salad. Always ask if the salad is served with raw eggs in the dressing.

Honey: Never give honey to a baby under the age of one. Honey may contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the nervous system of young babies.

Wild Mushrooms: Some common species of mushrooms are capable of causing poisoning or even death. Only an expert with specialized training can distinguish the edible kinds from the others. Only eat mushrooms you've purchased in the grocery store or the ones you've raised at home from cultures bought from reputable sources.

Debra Holtzman, JD, MA, is currently the Honorary Co-Chair of the Florida SAFE KIDS Coalition. She has a master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health and is an attorney. Debra has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health field.
Debra was recently featured as a safety expert on The Today Show, The John Walsh Show, MSNBC, Associated Press, and in USA Weekend Magazine, Reader's Digest, Parenting Magazine, Washington Post and Family Circle Magazine.
Debra Holtzman's popular and highly topical new safety book, The Panic-Proof Parent: Creating A Safe Lifestyle for your family (McGraw-Hill) is in bookstores. Visit Debra Holtzman's Web site.


Published in Networking Today, April 2003.