New Hemp Products from Bob's Red Mill

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to let you in on a little update with the wonderful world of Bob's Red Mill Products. If anyone is looking for a quality hemp product I can guarantee Bob's quality!

Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods Launches Hemp Products

Hulled Hemp Seed and Hemp Protein Powder derived from nature’s most “perfect” food

Portland, Ore. – November 4, 2008 – Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods announces the launch of Hemp Protein Powder and Hulled Hemp Seed, both derived from one of the world’s most nutritionally complete food sources.

“The hemp seed may be one of nature’s most perfect foods,” said Bob Moore, Founder of Bob’s Red Mill. “And like all of our hundreds of products we wanted to provide our customers with something that is fully nutritious and delightful to eat.”

Hemp contains all 20 known essential amino acids, including the 10 amino acids that our bodies cannot produce and must be supplied through food. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue and are vital to the maintenance of a healthy immune system.

Hemp Protein Powder from Bob’s Red Mill is high in protein (43%), fiber, and it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs. Adding hemp protein powder to smoothies, shakes and yogurt is also a simple way to make a quick meal – and to boost energy.

Hulled Hemp Seed from Bob’s Red Mill is high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, and is also an excellent source of protein. Hemp seed is a nutritious addition to cereals, salads, and baked goods.

The hemp plant is one of the world’s fastest growing plants. The hemp sourced by Bob’s Red Mill is grown in Canada under the supervision of farmers well-versed in its cultivation. According to the Hemp Industries Association, hemp food sales in the United States have averaged 41 percent annual growth over the past three years. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Statistics Canada data have also shown the quantity of hemp seed exports increased 300 percent from 2006 to 2007.

ABOUT BOB’S RED MILL

Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, a distinctive stone grinding miller of whole grains, was founded in 1978 with the mission of moving people back to the basics with healthy whole grains, high-fiber and complex carbohydrates. Bob’s Red Mill offers a diverse line of all natural, organic and gluten-free flours, cereals, meals and mixes for pancakes, breads and soups, with more than 300 products available throughout the U.S. and Canada. With its dedicated gluten-free manufacturing facility and strict organic protocols, the company has emerged as a leader in providing safe and delicious natural, organic and gluten-free products. For more information visit www.bobsredmill.com.

New Hemp Products from Bob's Red Mill

Healthy Home...Happy Family

As the writer of a wellness oriented blog I am constantly subscribing to and/or receiving emails, newsletters, research studies, and more on health related topics. Today as I "thumbed through" my exciting list of new emails from health related, wellness related, diet related, and environmental related agencies and groups I came across a simple yet useful article from EWG (Environmental Working Group) for parents, and parents to be. From that article here is a list of 11 effective things you can incorporate in to your daily life/routine to create a healthier and greener home environment for you, your children (who are especially prone to health problems from household toxins and more), your pets and more. I found this list helpful not only because it is very informative and concise, but also because it is easy to follow. Just read it and you will most likely agree:

1. Choose better body care products. Just because a label says "gentle" or "natural" doesn't mean it's kid-safe. Look up your products on CosmeticsDatabase.com, to see if they are truly safe and effective Read the ingredients and avoid triclosan, BHA, fragrance, and oxybenzone. See the previous article in my blog titled Organic Beauty for an online source of natural cosmetics!
   
2. Go organic & eat fresh foods. Opt for organic fruits and veggies, or use FoodNews.org to find conventionally grown produce with the least pesticides. Choose milk and meat without added growth hormones. Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings contain bisphenol A (BPA).
3. Avoid fire retardants. Choose snug-fitting cotton pajamas for kids, and repair or replace worn out foam items.
4. Pick plastics carefully. Some plastics contain BPA, which is linked to cancer. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles marked with a "7" or "PC" and choose baby bottles made from glass or BPA-free plastic. Don't microwave plastic containers. Stay away from toys marked with a "3" or "PVC." Give your baby a frozen washcloth instead of vinyl teethers.
5. Filter your tap water. Use a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter pitcher to reduce your family's exposure to impurities in water, like chlorine and lead. Don't drink bottled water, which isn't necessarily better. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water. We reccomend the in home Multi-pure system.
   
6. Wash those hands. In addition to reducing illness, frequent hand washing will reduce kids' exposure to chemicals. Skip anti-bacterial soaps, since they can be bad for the environment, aren't any better than soap and water, and can contain pesticides that are absorbed through the skin.
7. Skip non-stick. When overheated, non-stick cookware emit toxic fumes. Cook with cast iron or stainless steel instead.
8. Use a HEPA-filter vacuum. Kids spend lots of time on the floor, and household dust can contain contaminants like lead and fire retardants. HEPA-filter vacuums capture the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens. Leave your shoes at the door so you don't bring more pollutants inside.
9. Get your iodine. Use iodized salt, especially while pregnant and nursing, and take iodine-containing prenatal vitamins (I recomends whole food supplements and vitamins from Standard Process). Iodine buffers against chemicals like perchlorate, which can disrupt your thyroid system and affect brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
10. Use greener cleaners & avoid pesticides. Household cleaners, bug killers, pet treatments, and air fresheners can irritate kids' lungs, especially if your kids have asthma. Investigate less toxic alternatives. Use vinegar in place of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. You can even find some green cleaners in Target (see Method cleaners website).
    
11. Eat good fats. Omega-3 fatty acids can offset toxic effects of lead and mercury. They're in fish, eggs, nuts, oils, and produce. Choose low-mercury fish like salmon, tilapia and pollock, rather than high-mercury tuna and swordfish, especially if you're pregnant. Breast milk is the best source of good fats (and other benefits) for babies, and protects them from toxic chemicals.

Before I close let me just say one thing. I always say that "one change at a time is better than no change at all." Don't feel obligated to incorporate every one of these 11 suggestions in to your life today, that may be unreasonable, depending on how you currently live. Make one change at a time until you feel comfortable with that, then move on. Eventually your life will be healthier, happier, and greener and you won't feel like you had to do a lot of work to get there!



Before You Go....please check out the CCW website's December Wellness tip on How to Create an All Natural Medicine Cabinet Especially for the Cold/Flu Season by Clicking Here

Healthy Home...Happy Family

Organic Beauty

Hello all,

I hate to be the 111th person to remind you, but the holidays are quite literally right around the corner and we all know what that means....time to PARTY...or at least time to go to a couple parties you are really excited about and several you aren't so happy about but feel committed to attend...Either way, when the holiday parties start to roll around so does the pressure to put that twinkle in your smile, that spark in your step, and that glimmer on your cheeks. In short, holiday parties, like most festive occasions, bring on the pressure to look good honey.

So what is the big deal you may ask. Sure it is a little annoying to have to get the perfect shade of lip gloss to go with that cocktail dress but why are you discussing it on the Wellness Blog? What does makeup have to do with overall wellness?

Easy Darlin'...Generic Makeup=exposure to heavy amounts toxins. Hows that for a "Happy Holiday?"

In fact, the average women uses nine products everyday that can easily put her in contact with about 168 chemicals. And until fairly recently these products were completely inorganic and non-natural. Fortunately, however, there is now a new option: Organic Beauty Products. In fact, you can save yourself some holiday shopping time buy ordering these safe and beautiful products from your home by flipping on your computer and revving up that "oh so handy" internet because now there's a one-stop shop that does all the homework for you. Introducing OrganicDivas.com, a web resource dedicated to promoting safe ingredients in beauty products.



Organic Diva standards for personal care products are high. They buy only from companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. (The pledge to not use cancer-causing or hormone disrupting ingredients in products). Second, they only use products that earn a rating between 0-3 on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Report. (The report rates products on a 0-10 scale. 0 being least hazardous, 10 being the most hazardous). Lastly, the products must be effective. As Ann E. Garrity (founder of Organic Diva) states "Being back on the market at 41 means I’m in no position to sacrifice product efficacy. It’s a jungle out there!"

Another great thing about this amazing online company is that they sell everything from cosmetics to shampoo to body lotion. In fact, they even have an entire line for children based on the same principles as the adult line. Some cosmetic companies argue that the level of harmful chemicals in any one product is not enough to harm you. They say, DON'T BUY IT DIVA! Even small doses of some chemicals can have serious consequences in children and young women. And since you reach for the same product every day, several days a week for months or years, that “small exposure” can add up to major exposure over an extended period of time. Why Risk It?

Finally, I found it interesting that Anne Gerrity and Organic Diva are not only in the business to make a profit, they are also adamant educators. This is something that we at CCW find admirable as we try to do the same thing for our patients and their friends and family with our educational seminars, newsletters, this blog, and much more. It's nice to find a kindred spirit even if it is online :o)

Please visit www.organicdivas.com to peruse the site, and if nothing else at least learn a little about what the face cream, blush, eye shadow, and perfume are putting you and your loved ones at risk for. Knowledge is contagious after all!

Organic Beauty

The Infinite Value of Health...

Hello Stranger?

I'm sure that is what you are all thinking....as I haven't had a personal post since July :o/

Well after some thought about the circumstances that created my unfortunate hiatus i've decided to use what I have learned in the past two and a half months as the subject for my return post...so here goes.

For those of you who are unaware, I have battled a disease known as Crohn's disease for the past 6.5 years of my life. Crohn's involves inflammation of the intestine (either the colon, the small intestine, or both including the ileum). Inflammation refers to swelling, redness, and loss of normal function. There is evidence that the inflammation is caused by various products of the immune system that attack the body itself instead of helpfully attacking a foreign invader (a virus or bacteria, for example). The inflammation of Crohn's disease most commonly affects the last part of the ileum (a section of the small intestine), and often includes the large intestine (the colon). However, inflammation may also occur in other areas of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the mouth, esophagus, or stomach. Crohn's disease differs from ulcerative colitis, the other major type of IBD, in that the inflammation of Crohn's disease affects all the layers of the intestinal wall, while ulcerative colitis affects only the lining of the intestine.
In my specific case, the crohn's continuously attacked my entire colon, ileum, and began to spread into the nourishment absorbing section of my small intestine. For years, I hung on by a thread with the use of various synthetic prescriptions including pills, sub-cutaneous injections, and IV infusions. The quality of life I experienced throughout these years (including the precious college years that were unfortunately un-enjoyable) was sub par to say the least. I suffered through pain, nausea, weight loss and gain through steroid use, mood swings, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, anemia, malnutrition, and years of an eating disorder that resulted from many of the afore mentioned aspects. My life went from one of constant activity, joy, and health that I took so much for granted to one of basic fight or flight....Survival.

Luckily in the past year I was lucky enough to graduate despite my struggles. With all that I have been through it has been my passion to go back to graduate school for psychological counseling. However, with the condition my body was in I knew I needed to take a break from school, so in August of 2007 I applied for a job with Center for Chiropractic & Wellness. I figured that the position would be enjoyable and low stress enough for me to try and focus on my health and some form of recovery...something I hadn't experienced for the past >6 years...

Within a month of working with the incredible staff and doctors here at CCW however, I realized that this job was more than just a job...it was a part of my destiny and my path to recovery. Dr. Greenfield used her chiropractic applied kinesiology (AK) techniques to find serious gluten and corn issues that no MD had ever thought to test me for. Simply exluding these two foods from my diet made life so much more manageable. I actually began to have some random "good" days! I was so amazed at the effects of this and other holistic techniques such as acupuncture, myofascial release and more that my job transformed into a lifestyle. My job incited a passion deep within my previously apathetic and jaded self for whole body wellness....and giving that gift to others. I began researching, reading, and exploring different forms of natural medicine, psychological healing and much more. I helped my mother to tackle her lifetime battle with constipation and "IBS" in a natural manner with whole food supplementation and detoxification, I gave suggestions to my father on how to decrease his blood pressure without relying on dangerous prescription drugs, I began to stear my boyfriend away from McDonalds double cheeseburgers and diet cokes by slowly introducing in tasty but whole and healthy alternatives and slipping articles on aspartame and preservatives' relations to cancer and diseases in his breifcase. In short I began to affect the people around me with my growing interest. I began to feel emotionally fulfilled. I carried this over to my job as well as I was promoted from Chiropractic Assistant to "Wellness Coordinator" in December of 07' and began to spread awareness among patients as part of my job through private meetings, patient education series, online assistance and more. Life felt on the up swing for once...

However....

...I still had the residual affects of the past 6 years of Crohn's weighing heavily on my body. 6 years of disease without any sort of remission really takes a toll on ones body and despite the fact that I had finally found a way to halt the destruction this disease placed on my intestines, the damage that was done previously was irreversible and serious enough to become, eventually, life threatening. After months and months of ignoring this fact, my body finally started to give out at a rapid rate.

So what did I do? Well of course being a wellness coordinator for a prominent holistically based office you would think that I would STOP and LISTEN to my body....Right?

Wrong. While I was enveloped in the importance of whole body health, I also battled another lifelong disease....perfectionism.
Because I wanted to impress my co-workers, my family, my friends, and myself in a sense I ignored my pain. Instead of taking direct actions for my well being, I pushed and pushed for months....each day getting harder to get through, harder to wake up to, and harder to approach with efficiency and motivation. Finally, however, my body did some things that forced me to go to my IBD doctor for a serious conversation about my state of being. Within two days I was scheduled for a complete removal of my colon and procedures that left me with a huge incision across my lower abdomen and a stoma covered with a bag...details are unimportant, other than to say that this was my worst nightmare realized. Ever since my diagnosis I had feared that such an event would be inevitable and when it finally happened I was devastated.

I was even more scared however, when they showed me images of my diseased and now removed colon and portion of small intestine. I was informed that it was the worst they had seen in a long time, if not in their entire career. They were surprised that I had made it the past year...I said a silent prayer at that point for my job at CCW and all the hard work of the practitioners on my health.
After 35 days in the hospital in severe pain and mental turmoil, however, I realized that I now had a second lease on life. "I now know how to maintain my health," I reminded myself...the key lay in the past year of learning I had taken part in. Now that the diseased sections of my body were gone, all I had to do was diligently work on creating that sense of whole body health and wellness in my self once again both physically, through natural whole food supplementation and balanced diet, and mentally, through Neuro-Emotional Technique, mantras, and positive thinking and therapy.
My problem became my salvation.


I have now been out of the hospital for a month and back at work for a week and if I have anything to share with you all about my experience it is this....

Value Your Health
Value Your Life
Treat Yourself Kindly
...and Never Underestimate the Power of Natural Healing.

Remember...it wasn't the perscriptions that kept me alive for the past year, it was the mental and physical learning and actions I found through my job at CCW, and all that the staff here have inspired in me...I now have a new life, not just another basic life saving procedure.
I have a quality of life now... not just an existance.

The Infinite Value of Health...

Basic but Informative

While "surfing" the waves of my usual health related websites this morning I veered off the beaten path and came across a new source that I can't believe has not been on my radar screen. Dr. Lawrence Wilson, a Medical Doctor with extensive experience in natural medicine and hair analysis testing has an amazing site. Granted, it isn't fancy, aesthetically titillating, or all that eye-catching but the information provided is immense and very helpful. One article I came across when delving through his archives is entitled "Willpower and the Will to Live". I find the information given in this article extremely enlightening, easy to read, and gripping. I encourage all of you to read the article, as it pertains to the process of healing on so many levels. Below is a brief take home synopsis:

Developing a strong, positive will is important to healing. This article discusses the four steps to developing a strong will:

1. Desire: Desire is the motivating force for everything. A strong desire for healing, no matter how it is felt, for example, is absolutely necessary for healing to take place. The best treatment or doctor in the world will help nothing if the desire for healing is not present.
   
2. Intention: Intention is about maintaining your desires in a consistent way, no matter what happens, over an extended period of time. It may also be called persistence or stick-to-itiveness.
3. Allowing: It is often necessary to allow symptoms as healing crises to play out as part of healing. It is also necessary to allow emotions to surface, or to allow oneself to undergo unusual or uncomfortable experiences or therapies.
   Allowing also has to do with permitting a process of healing to occur, when the mind is looking for healing to be simply an event.
   
4. Surrender: This is the most mysterious of the four steps. In a way, it is the outcome of allowing. In other ways, it is a very active process. In part, it is saying that I am not sure what the outcome will be, even though I have faith. It is admitting that one cannot know all the facts on this earth plane of existence. God or the higher self may have plans for me of which I know nothing. Therefore, I surrender, in the end, to the will of the high self or God. This applicable across faith boundaries.

Much more information and keys to success on each step are given in the article. That is why I encourage everyone to check out this article. I know that it really gave me a boost of will reading this article. It is always good to remind ourselves of how complacency and lack of action can affect our health both mentally and physically.


While you are there check out some of the excellent articles on the benefits of hair analysis...a procedure that we prescribe to at CCW due to it's MANY benefits in diagnosis and analysis of health problems.
http://drlwilson.com/

Basic but Informative

Metal Toxicity: Why you STILL feel ill

I am a subscriber to Mercola.com's excellent newsletter. Today I received an email about the effects of toxic metals on our health and it inspired me to share some basic knowledge around this topic with you all.

Often times, even when poeple follow healthy dietary guidelines, engage in meditative and relaxation techniques, and stay regularly adjusted there continue to be reoccuring health problems. In cases such as this, where no pre-existing condition is evident, the culprit is usually heavy metal toxicity. Metals such as Mercury, Aluminum, Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead, Nickel, and others are prevalent in our environment. Environmental exposure to these metals in amounts as small as one part per billion can be extremely toxic especially with Mercury and Arsenic.

You may think you are safe from this type of poisoning but consider the following. Do you use anti-perspirant? It is riddled with aluminum. Do you cook with aluminum foil or aluminum cookware? This can leech in to your food. Do you have mercury fillings in your teeth? Those disintegrates over time and enter your blood stream in toxic quantities. Do you drink tap water? Many sources have high levels of toxins such as copper and aluminum due to the "purification" process and water supply pollution. Do you use general household cleaning supplies such as clorox, windex, kaboom, generic brands, lysol, etc.? These are FULL of chemicals with lists too long to name in a blog...in short we are all exposed on a continual basis.

How do you know if you have heavy metal toxicity?
Symptoms include but are not limited to sudden sever cramping or convulsions, nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, difficulty breathing, impaired cognitive, motor and language skills, fatigue, digestive distress, aching joints, depression, impaired blood sugar regulation, reproductive problems such as menstrual difficulties and pregnancy risks.

So what do we do about it???!

First of all there are many adjustments you can make to your daily life to avoid these toxins. If you drink tap water or even water filtered by a basic brita or pure style system, switch to water purified by reverse osmosis (you can get this for ~43 cents a gallon at health food stores). If you have tooth fillings, have them removed. If you use antiperspirant, switch to a natural deodorant without antiperspirant effects such as Tom's All Natural Deodorant. If you cook with Aluminum ware switch to stainless steel. If you drink out of plastic water bottles on the go switch to glass mason jars or a safe plastic water bottle such as Nalgene bottles. If you use typical household cleaners check out the link on natural cleaners in the side bar for effective ways to clean with baking soda, vinegar, and more.

These steps may be essential to your health progression. If your body is highly toxic however (a more and more common occurrence in our industrialized era) additional action may be needed. At CCW we have several options that can help you detox effectively.

1. First of all our Ionic Cleanse Foot Bath is a detoxification method in a 30 minute treatment. The ion array splits the water molecule to very positive H+ ions and very negative OH- ions. These then have a magnet effect on the toxins in your tissues and organs by entering through your skins pores and attaching to contrastingly charged toxins (or ions) in your body. Treatments can be done once a week until results are felt and then on a maintenance basis. Please call our office at (919) 845-3280 for specifics and scheduling information.
2. Second of all we have a very effective detoxification nutritional protocol that we often times implement with patients in need of intense purification. This program is the Standard Process Purification Program and it consists of purely whole food and herbal supplements, in conjunction with a specified whole food diet for three weeks, that attach to all toxins in your body, create the pathway for exit and then expel all toxins through your main detoxifying organs: liver, GI tract, skin, urinary tract etc. This program will help you eliminate cravings for toxic foods, lose weight if necessary, help your skin, give you consistent energy, get you on a consistently healthy pattern of eating and activity, and much more. It is truly an amazing program. Our front desk staff or myself (the Wellness Coordinator) can speak with you specifically about this program and how it may apply to your life and then direct you to the necessary practitioner to begin.
3. Another excellent detoxification therapy is through Oriental Medicine. Our Acupuncturists, Andre Tse and Brian Kramer can utilize needling therapies, herbal remedies, and oriental medical massage to move the energies of the body and create the pathways for organ and tissue detoxification. Please call our office to schedule a health screening if interested in trying this time tested and proven effective method of whole body health care.

Heavy metal toxicity is a spreading issue in our current society. If you feel you are at risk of acute toxicity and/or persistent exposure please make the necessary changes. If you are a current patient come talk to me and we'll discuss your daily practices that could be contributing to toxicity and then help you to find treatments and lifestyle adjustments that WILL help.

In the spirit of wellness,

Jennifer Campbell

Metal Toxicity: Why you STILL feel ill

Guest Post: Chiropractic for Migraine Releif

This week our office has the pleasure of receiving a guest blog post from the content director at rvita.com a site that provides trusted information on natural healing. Below you will find her article on Chiropractic care for Migraine Releif.

Pain in the Head? Consider Chiropractic

By Danielle Grilli, Content Director rvita.com

Nearly everyone experiences a headache or migraine at some point in his or her life. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE), nearly 95 percent of women and 90 percent of men will have at least one headache within their lifetime. Additionally, over 25 million people in the United States suffer from chronic migraines; the manifestation of which results in more than 112 million bedridden days per year and a loss of over $13 billion to employers. Statistics and financials aside, migraines and headaches aren’t fun; it’s almost, if not strictly, impossible to go about one’s normal life when suffering from one.

Of course, there are options. When considering a treatment, many people choose the pharmaceutical approach although almost all of these individuals find themselves unhappy with their decision; dissatisfied with the both immediate and long-term benefits as well as the accompanying side effects. As with most chronic conditions, there are, however, several natural, alternative treatment options. Chiropractic care, for one, has proven to be most successful both in the reduction and the elimination of headaches and migraines.

There have been several clinical trials to support this claim. One such prospective study, performed by researchers at the Chiropractic Research Center of Macquarie University, found that 72 percent of the participants reported a significant reduction in migraines after only 2 months. 72 percent!! In addition, participants continued to show statistically significant improvement after a six month follow up. Subsequently, these same researchers performed a randomized, controlled trial which found the initial results to be accurate. In another poignant study, researchers at the Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Center for Clinical Studies, found that, when compared with Amitriptyline, a drug commonly used for migraines, chiropractic care showed greater sustained benefits and fewer side effects than the pharmaceutical alternative. These are only 3 of the many trials which have been performed to date.

Given the stellar results, I’d say that chiropractic is a good treatment option; so if you’re one of the unfortunates who suffers from a chronic nagging, aching pain in the head, you may want to consider a visit to your local DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) - It’s proven to work.

References

1. rVita: Alternative Medicine
2. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 23, Issue 2, Pages 91 – 95. P. Tuchin, H. Pollard, R. Bonello.
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17987194
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7790794
5. Hu XH, Markson LE, Lipton RB, Stewart WF, Berger ML. Burden of migraine in
the United States: disability and economic costs. Arch Intern Med. 1999;159(8):813-818.

Guest Post: Chiropractic for Migraine Releif

Product Updates

Hello folks,

As you know I very often receive products from all natural/organic/holistically focused companies to try and review. Below is a brief rundown of a select few of the products i've received that I actually see value in:

Cell-nique Super Green Drink

"Cell-nique, is the first delicious organic Super Green Drink made from a blend of natural whole Super Foods and herbs that support the rejuvenation of your cells by bathing them in pure phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants.

Cell-nique is an exclusive proprietary blend of organic and natural whole foods, physician-formulated to provide you with the essential daily requirements of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to succeed!

Cell-nique quenches your body's thirsty cells reviving them with the proper acid/alkaline balance, which strengthens your immune system, increases energy, and improves metabolism, digestion, and mental acuity.

Cell-nique supports and promotes detoxification, rejuvenation and replenishment of cellular regeneration by bathing your cells in pure phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants which helps to counteract cellular damage from years of less than ideal eating habits and residual toxins in the body."

Cell-Nique SUPPORTS & PROMOTES:

• DNA Cell Integrity,
  
• Anti-Wrinkle,
  
• Aging,
  
• Digestion,
  
• Alkalinity,
  
• Hydration,
  
• Cellular Detoxification,
  
• Cellular Anti-Oxidation,
  
• Brain Memory Function,
  
• Healthy Hair, Skin, Nails,
  
• Optimum Organ Function,
  
• Immune System Booster

Funky Monkey Snacks

For all you mothers and fathers out there with "picky" children this review is for you. Funky Monkey Snacks are an all natural, VERY CRISP, freeze dried fruit snack. On top of being an all natural (USDA ORGANIC) healthy snack with NO added sugar, artificial Ingredients or preservatives, they taste GREAT.
The ingredients are simply freeze dried fruit, nothing more, nothing less, but they have the satisfying crunch and sweetness of a typical kid friendly snack. I hate to have to say it but the taste brings back the nostalgic taste of Fruit Loops cereal without all the additional "junk." In addition, the packaging is bright, fun, colorful, and kid friendly and doesn't look like a typical "health food." I definitely recommend trying them out. My favorite flavor was the carnaval mix. I wasn't a huge fan of the bananamon or the Purple Funk but I did like the Jivealime a lot with its big crispy chunks of zesty pineapple goodness!

More information to come!
Have a happy Wednesday!

Product Updates

Congratulations all around!

Congratulations are most definitely in order for many of the practitioners here at CCW and I couldn't resist sharing all the exciting news with all of you!

First of all WELL DONE to Dr. Thomas Young for his recent certification as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) ® . With a background in physical therapy, myofascial work, manual chiropractic, sports, and more Dr. Young truly is "promoting the highest standards of excellence and clinical competence [of] chiropractors specializing in sports medicine and physical fitness," the motto of the ACBSP. We are very pleased to have him as an associate.

Next a HUGE PAT ON THE BACK to Dr. Jennifer Greenfield for her recent award as one of the top chiropractors in the triangle through the Independent Weekly. We know how amazing she is but it sure is nice to have it recognized by the public, so thanks for your support!

In addition Andre Tse, L.Ac has made us PROUD once again with his formulation of a revolutionary integrative therapy combining the healing and pain relieving effects of both the ML830 non-thermal laser and acupuncture therapies into one treatment. This therapy has shown promise in increasing cellular metabolism at an incredible rate for cellular regeneration (healing) and increased desensitization of nerve pain endings or nociceptors (pain relief). Please call the office for more information or to set up a consultation at (919) 845-3280.

Finally, it should be noticed that both Brian Kramer, L.Ac and Dr. Young are in the process of creating personal websites that expand on their individual services in conjunction with our office. This is in an effort to increase information available to all patients and prospective patients, as well as to increase clarity around the individual practitioners and their backgrounds. We want you to be fully informed because you deserve to be! Check out their individual sites (which are still under construction) at:
www.krameracupuncture.com
www.activecareraleigh.com

Thank you all for your support and trust and we look forward to seeing you soon! Updates will be up soon about events for the rest of the summer, so be on the lookout :o)

Congratulations all around!

Elite Essentials: Natural Candles

I’m back with another great product to share with you all. As many of you know (and some of you don’t) I get a lot of people contacting me trying to get me to test out their products. Much of the time I am disappointed in the product or find that they are not in line with the holistic philosophy of CCW, however, the choice few times that I am pleased with what I am sent make all the weeding through worth it. This week I came across a fun product that fit in to the later category…Elite Essentials Candles.

Hand made entirely in the USA, these eco-friendly candles are both good for you, and good for the environment. Their clean, natural look is more than just looks.
These candles are made with therapeutic essential oils, contain no artificial dyes, (resulting in a natural crystalline off-white color) have100% cotton wicks and are made from 100% sustainable and renewable Palm Oil wax. In short they are entirely “clean burning” candle. In addition every purchase results in a donation to support sustainable farming through "Sustainable Harvest International"… which is an added bonus in my book!

What is so great about Palm Oil?

Elite Essentials candles are made of Palm Oil from the fruit of the oil palm tree. These trees grow well in hot, humid, tropical countries, and are a new world commodity. Per acre of land, three times more Palm Oil can be harvested than Soy Oil, making it eco-friendly, sustainable and an excellent alternative to soy. In addition, many people have been shown to have soy allergies that arise not only from soy ingestion but also from physical contact and respiratory action. Palm oil is a great alternative for anyone in this category.


What about the cost?

Another great aspect of these candles is the cost is very reasonable. Ranging from $3.99-$11.99 for individual candles and $12.99-$14.99 for gift sets these candles are a great gift or decorating idea. They have very clean lines and are very attractive. I plan on stocking up on them myself for the Holiday season. Gifting these candles is something that makes me feel I'm doing something good for the recipient, the environment, and the people that inadvertently get to experience the wonderful scent!


What Scents are Available?

The following scents are available:

• Citrus and Thyme
• Kaffir Lime and Tangerine
• Lavendar Balsam
• Lemon Verbena
• Peppermint Eucalyptus
• Wild Mint and Orange.

My favorite is the Peppermint Eucalyptus. It has a refreshing and rejuvenating scent that is not overwhelming. The Lavendar Balsam is also excellent for those who like a slightly more fragrant scent. My third favorite is the Mint and Orange. Everyone in the office has smelled this and has their own opinion but the general consensus is that the Peppermint Eucalyptus is the one to test out first.

If you'd like more information on this great product check out their website www.shopnaturalcandles.com

Elite Essentials: Natural Candles

Ca Clinic a Success!

Thank you to both Dr. Jennifer Greenfield, Dr. Darcy Ward, and all our guests for helping to make the Calcium Clinic a great event! We were able to administer many Calcium Cuff tests to measure the absorption of Ca in the body, several personalized consultations, and gave out a lot of great information. As always our goal is to treat the whole patient with knowledge, understanding, and compassion and part of that includes our desire to educate our patients as much as possible. We are constantly offering new learning experiences so please do take advantage!

WHAT'S NEXT?

June is full of more exciting activities for our patients and the interested public.

On Tuesday June 24 Dr. Thomas Young will be leading an interactive seminar on "Vacation Fitness and Nutrition" at 6pm in the American Cancer Society Conference Room. With a background in physical therapy, athletic performance, and nutrition this Chiropractor will help you to formulate a practical "game plan" for surviving the summer travel without expanding your waist line or risking your health.



Then on Friday June 27 at 5pm we will be having a free screening of "Supersize Me" in the American Cancer Society Conference Room. This documentary film by the famous Morgan Spurlock is a personal and tell tale account of the true health depletion related to the practice of eating fast foods. It truly will open your eyes! Refreshments will be available and the event will be followed by a brief and optional discussion.



Please call the office at (919) 845-3280 for more details and to RSVP to these events. July events are in the works and will be updated soon so watch for those!

Also if you ever have an idea for a seminar or something that you would like to see addressed on this blog or in our newsletter please email me at ccwwellness@gmail.com

Ca Clinic a Success!

Facial Rejuvenation with Oriental Medicine

Are you plagued by acne, rosacea, psoriasis, sallow skin, enlarged pores, dark circles below the eyes, or hyper/hypo-pigmentation? Do you refuse to be seen without a full face of makeup? Are you sick of layering lotions, serums, and masques on your face without results? If any of this applies to you then Oriental Medicine for dermal rejuvenation may be the right choice for you. Using either specific herbal formulas, acupuncture, diet therapy or a combination, traditional Oriental Medicine can help you achieve the healthy skin you’ve always desired in a natural and non-surgical way!

Cosmetic Acupuncture is an effective treatment used to reduce the signs of aging or persistent skin problems by the specific placement of very thin, disposable needles in both the face and corresponding body points. This insertion increases circulation to the face, which serves to stimulate collagen production, increase balance in skin pigmentation and pH and to eliminate blockages in the meridians (channels of blood and energy) to achieve dermal health and disease prevention. The movement of this energy (Qi) nourishes, hydrates, tones, and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. The results are amazing and ~90% of cases treated with cosmetic acupuncture have marked effects within the first treatment. Patients report improvements in the elasticity of their facial muscles, clearer complexions, softer skin, and more on a consistent basis. For additional improvement, if needed, the Acupuncturist may prescribe specific herbal therapies and diet recommendations to enhance the effects of the acupuncture and achieve a whole body balance of health.

The differences between oriental medicine and western therapies in efforts to heal and beautify the skin are many. Not only is Oriental Medicine natural and non-surgical unlike many Western therapies, which include a wide range of surgical and synthetic treatments, it also follows a holistic model of health care. While many Western therapies are solely focused on increasing the outer appearance Oriental Medicine is based on a model that enhances the outward beauty by working from the inside out. It works by treating the root cause of a problem instead of focusing on the mere symptom. For example the symptom may be Eczema but the root cause may be an intense amount of damp heat in the body that is unable to be cleared. Acupuncture uses points on the body to release that heat in addition with facial points to increase blood flow to the face that will both treat the immediate concern of facial eczema as well as the root cause of intense “damp heat” which in turn can help improve other related health issues such as urinary problems, jaundice, excessive phlegm, and body secretions. Additions of herbal therapies and dietary suggestions can increase health even more. To put it simply Oriental Medicine doesn’t just put a pretty face on the problem, it helps you to shine from within!

For more information on Acupuncture, Dermal rejuvenation, Oriental Medicine, and more please call our office at (919) 845-3280 or stop in and speak with one of our licensed acupuncturists (Brian Kramer or Andre Tse). We are located in the American Institute of Health Care and Fitness in Raleigh, NC off Forum Drive. For specific practitioner information and bios visit our website at www.carolinachirowellness.com

Facial Rejuvenation with Oriental Medicine

Animal Chiropractic Added to Our Services!

Congratulations to Dr. Darcy Ward for her recent certification with the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Now not only will she be able to keep you "well adjusted" and happy she can also keep your entire family "in line" including horses, dogs, cats, and more!

For more information on her services and the benefits of Animal Chiropractic please call us at 845-3280. As always, if we don't have the answer, we will find it for you!

Animal Chiropractic Added to Our Services!

Updates, Congratulations, and More!

HAPPY SPRING!

Before I get to our updates and more let me just send a huge Congratulatory Shout Out to all the lovely ladies that finished the detox program in April! I know from experience that this program is really beneficial and seeing it have such staggering results in the mental and physical health of these dedicated ladies as well as their physical appearance has been so encouraging and uplifting. Many of you ladies have come in to tell me how well you have done and how good you feel and let me just say that it SHOWS! You are glowing! So thank you for being so dedicated to your health. We'll be having another detox bootcamp this year so I'll keep you posted. Maybe next time we can persuade some men to give it a try ;o)

Now for your much awaited updates.

To begin, let me just point out that I have added an exciting new section to this blog in conjunction with Dr. Greenfield. The title of the section is "Pearls of Wisdom from Dr. Greenfield" and the hope is that this section will contain a weekly "pearl of wisdom" from Dr. Greenfield's very capable and knowledgeable database of health related topics. The first post is a personal story of her journey out of Diet Coke addiction and how giving up artificial sweeteners has affected her life. I would definitely recommend reading this article and keeping an eye out for more as she is always eager to share her experiences and her education.

Secondly I would like to point out that updates are being made to our home website. Please bare with us as we correct some information, enhance some areas, and add some service options. If you feel that you need more information while this process is in the works please don't hesitate to call the office at (919)845-3280 or to email me at ccwwellness@gmail.com with questions or comments.

Also, I hope that all of you are keeping up with the weekly recipe section of this blog contributed by our very own herbanite and friend, Cindy Karas. She has some great spring time foods on the menu so don't miss out!

Now let me go on to the upcoming June Events which are posted in the right hand column.

• June 10th at 6pm CCW will be holding its first Calcium Clinic in partnership with Standard Process representatives. The purpose of this free clinic is to show why calcium is important, how you can most effectively get it into the body and how you can incoorporate other nutrients into your diet to increase absorption. Calcium is important for much more than just healthy bones and we feel it is essential that the public understand this fully. Please come join us in the American Cancer Society Conference Room on the Ground floor of AIHF to learn more. If you desire to attend we ask that you RSVP by calling the office at 845-3280 or emailing me at ccwwellness@gmail.com. The need for notification is due to the supplies we need to have on hand for our guests. It is very important, therefore, that we have an accurate head count.
  
• June 24th at 6pm Dr. Thomas Young will be presenting "Vacation Fitness and Nutrition" as part of the Learn it to Live it Series. This hour long presentation will focus on how you can enjoy your vacation without breaking your exercise and nutritional plan. Health is synonymous with a fun and relaxing break and Dr. Young will show you how. His extensive experience in physical training, chiropractic, nutrition, and whole body health has given him quite a bit of information to share. Please call or email to reserve a free spot.
  
• June 27th at 5pm we will wrap up June with a relaxing and fun movie night for all our patients and their guests. We will be showing "Supersize Me" in the American Cancer Society Conference Room along with some healthy snacks and a relaxed atmosphere. Please call us to reserve a seat for free. As always, please note that the Youth activity Center is open to everyone using a service here at AIHF so if you don't have a sitter, don't sweat it! Just call them 24 hours in advance to reserve a spot for child care. 919-847-2393

Before I end, I want to extend an invitation to every one of you to come see me in office with any questions, concerns, ideas, or other that you may have. My main role here at CCW is patient relations and I'm very happy it is! I love meeting new people, chatting with old friends, and helping everyone get the most out of their experience here with the CCW office and family. As a rule I meet with new patients to create awareness and comfort around our practice but I am not only limited to new faces. Anyone who needs me may get on my schedule. The service is complimentary to all patients and its fun for me so don't hesitate!

Hope to see you soon!

Updates, Congratulations, and More!

Eating Right... the Mediterranean Way

Ever wonder how the Greeks, Spanish, Italians, Libyans and Moroccans of the Meditteranean sea have such glowing skin, such svelt bodies, and such OLD family members? I'm sure Sun and sea doesn't hurt but studies have shown that at the core of their youth and longevity is the core of thier nutrition. The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating that is sure to get anyone on the right track to health.

Before I give you the following let me just draw attention to one thing. I do not promote fad diets. I find them to be, generally, unhealthy and often risky. What I do condone is general, tried and true, healthy eating. When I use the word "diet" it is in reference to your nutritional intake plan, not a sensationalized fad. So now let me introduce you to a diet I find to be very healthy and very tasty: the Mediterranean Diet.

The following diet will help balance blood sugar and hormone levels, help with Adrenal Fatigue, Prevent ups and downs in energy and mood, and promote weight loss and maintenance. It is also an extremely heart-healthy plan.

HOW TO EAT

1. Eat every two hours. This relieves the stress handlink glands from the job of maintaining normal blood sugar levels between meals (via epinephrine and cortisol).

2. Do not eat carbohydrates alone: always add protein to your meals and snacks. It is especially important not to eat a carbohydrate-only breakfast.

3. Avoid Stimulants--Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, etc. Stimulants work by provoking the stress handling glands into releasing epinephrine and cortisol to raise blood sugar and release energy

4. Avoid dead, devitalized and junk food. These foods cannot re-build a healthy body. They are also anti-nutrients--they rob any remaining nutrient stores from your body.

5. Avoid trans-fats and rancid fats. Cell membranes, nerve tissues, and steroid hormones (vitality hormones) all require healthy fats. Unhealthy fats interfere with these functions and structures.

6. Eat real, whole, fresh food. Minimize fruits and fruit juices. Most people will do well on a Mediterranean type diet, combining some carbohydrates, protein and fat at each meal.

7. Salt your food liberally with sea salt. Stress handling glands need plenty of salt for normal function. Research has proven that eating salt does not cause high blood pressure or heart disease. Only people with organ damage, like kidney disease, need to be concerned with keeping a low salt diet. In fact, low salt diets contribute to adrenal fatigue. Sea salt can be obtained from a health food store. It looks and tastes like regular salt but contains the trace minerals that have been refined out of regular salt.

8. Drink plenty of water (filtered, or a reliable source of spring water, NOT tap water).

WHAT TO EAT

1. Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fatty coldwater (not farm grown) fish, including salmon, tuna, trout, herring and mackerel. Eat walnuts, flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables. Or if you prefer take an Omega 3 supplement such as TUNA OMEGA-3 OIL (2 perles 2x/day)

2. Use monounsaturated oils, especially virgin or extra virgin olive oil as your primary oil/fat source. Note: Canola oil, although a monounsaturate, is a highly refined, genetically engineered oil with none of the benefits of olive oil.

3. Eat seven or more servings of vegetables and fruits every day. Fruits are minimixed during the first few months. Vegetables & fruits should be fresh or frozen (not canned). Vegetables can be slightly cooked, steamed, or eaten raw.

4. Eat natural sources of good protein, (not man made deli meats) and preferably organic meats (raised without estrogenic hormones and antibiotics).

5. Eat more vegetable protein including peas, beans, lentils, and nuts.

6. eat only organic whole grains (non-commercial). No refined carbohydrates (like white flour white rice, white pasta, white sugar).

7. The best breads are found in the frozen section of the health food store. Look for organic sprouted grain breakds ( sprouted grains have a higher protein and lower carbohydrate content than regular flour). These must be kept refrigerated.

8. Minimize oils that are high in Omega 6 fatty acids, including corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, and cottonseed oils.

9. Reduce or eliminate intake of trans-fatty acids (all hydrogenated oils), which are prevalent in margarine, vegetable shortening, and almost all commercially prepared packaged foods.

10. Make complex carbohydrates (such as breads, pasta, and grains) your smallest food group.

Eating Right... the Mediterranean Way

Jennifers Fantastic Finds

Great Products to Try and Love!

I thought i'd give you guys a fun post with some good information so I decided to give you guys some info on some great products that I like to use and would advocate you to try yourselves. I kept the list short... Beeceuticals Organics, FoodTees, and Hemp Products:

Beeceuticals Organics!

Burt's Bees is under fire from the public due to their buy out by Clorox, a company that is known to be avid animal testers. As someone who is opposed to this sort of testing I have stopped using Burt's Bees Products. However, I do miss my chapstick and balms...a LOT. But now i've found a valid alternative...BeeCeuticals Organics! Check out this information from their website:

The origins of the BeeCeuticals Organics® line of body care stems from wound-care doctors who sought natural solutions for skin problems that were unresponsive to conventional medicine. When specialists began working with unique forms of honey that began improving wounds and burns they also noticed that many of the formulations not only began to facilitate wounded and damaged skin, but helped healthy skin look even better by reviving, replenishing and promoting new cell growth.

BeeCeuticals Organics™ is dedicated to providing a range of products that enhance the health and well-being of our customers, community and the planet. Our products are based upon science, technology and the traditional therapeutical uses of bee products. We actively support research into solutions for the environmental challenges facing the global bee populations as well as programs to improve and eliminate these challenges. Our products are formulated for maximum efficacy from the highest quality, purest ingredients.

We select only the highest quality ingredients to include in our products. We use certified organic botanicals, extracts, oils and butters. Each of our products contains our healing Organic Holistic Honey Blend™. We never use sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, parabens or synthetic fragrances

PS this product is available at Harmony Farms on Creedmoor Road or online

FOOD TEES

Want to flaunt your Organic Style to the world? Check out these eco-friendly, health mefocused, funny funny funny tees in this article and online!

Healthy “FoodTees” Are on the Menu This Summer!

New Healthy Living Products That Are Cute, Creative, Stylish and Healthy!
(New York, NY, April 1, 2008) Fresh. Healthy. Real. Invigorating. These are words to live by. They describe the company we keep, the work we do, and the life we aim to lead. They should also describe the food we eat and the clothes we wear! Whether you love your fruits and veggies, or are fed-up and ready to tell someone, you can express it with a new FoodTee Market by DietDetective.com!
FoodTee products are a great look for a healthy life--the images speak for themselves. The FoodTee Market has more than 20 healthy designs, including long, short sleeve and tank shirts, for Women, Men, Children, Toddlers and Babies (onesies) – all clothing is also available with organic cotton. There are also Aprons, Totes, and Yoga Bags. All products from the FoodTees Market include FREE SHIPPING (international orders excluded) and prices start at $20. FoodTees are great for all types of people from foodies to gym rats to hipsters. These wearable food products are available at the FoodTee Market by going to http://www.foodtee.com/.

DietDetective.com donates a portion of the profits of FoodTees to: The Food Studies Institute, who is devoted to changing the health destinies of children through proper nutrition and education, Two Angry Moms, who are fighting for the health of America’s kids, and Better School Food, working with local communities to improve meals and increase awareness of the connection between good food, good health and a student's ability to learn effectively.

HEMP PRODUCTS

Check out some of the many reasons to try out hemp in one of many fantastic forms...

• Hemp seeds are drug-free and extremely nutritious. They can be eaten whole, pressed into edible oil like soybeans, or ground into flour for baking. They are one of the best sources of vegetable protein. They contain a full complement of essential amino acids, essential fatty-acids (EFA'S), and have been shown to lower blood cholesterol and dissolve plaque in coronary arteries.



• Hemp seed oil is perfectly suited for hair and skin care. Its nutritional value, combined with its moisturizing and replenishing EFA's, make it one of the best vegetable body care foundations. Hemp seed oil's EFA complement includes polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, linoleic acid, and gamma linoleic acids (GLA's). Although they are very effective in skin care maintenance, GLA's are rarely found in natural oils. Hemp is an excellent source of GLA's.



• Hemp paper is naturally acid-free. The oldest printed paper in existence is a 100 percent hemp Chinese text dated to 770 AD. Thomas Jefferson drafted both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution on hemp paper.
  Hemp's cellulose level is almost three times that of wood, so it makes superior paper and yields four times as much pulp per acre as trees. The hemp paper process also utilizes less energy and fewer chemicals than tree paper processing and doesn't create the harmful dioxins, chloroform, or any of the other 2,000 chlorinated organic compounds that have been identified as byproducts of the wood paper process.
  
  
• Hemp oil extract can also be used as an ingredient in nontoxic, biodegradable inks, paints, and varnishes. It is an ideal raw material for plant-based plastics such as cellophane as well as more recently developed cellulose-based plastics.

Check out fantastic hemp products online or in your local health food store. The options are multitudinous!

Jennifers Fantastic Finds

April-May Updates

Back again to fill you in!

Wow, how cheesy can I get? ;o)

Any hoo...thought i'd update you all on some upcoming events both office related and community related for your calendars. Be sure to check this out if you have the time to commit.

April 2nd: Kick off of our Detox Bootcamp. If you wish to join last minute or you would like information for the next session please call 845-3280, email me at ccwwellness@gmail.com, or call and set up a meeting with me (Jennifer Campbell) to discuss the program details and more.

April 5th: The Wake Forest Farmer's Market will open for business!The Wake Forest Farmers’ Market will open Saturday, April 5, with a crush of vendors selling everything from porch furniture to cheese to rain barrels.
There will be strawberries from Vollmer Farm, the Friends of Wake Forest Library will be selling raffle tickets for a quilt, Paul Davis will provide the music and the children who were petting the baby rabbits and little chickens two weeks ago should be mesmerized by the observation bee hive Kiddliwink Apiary plans to bring.

April 7th-28th: Every Monday throughout this period will be the rest of the weekly meetings for the detox bootcamp. These meetings will serve as group support, progress tracking sessions, informational hours, and more. Please Email or call for more information.

April 8th: Shop at Whole Foods Market on Wade Avenue near downtown Raleigh Tuesday, April 8th, and 5% of their net sales for the day will be donated to Toxic Free NC.
Toxic Free NC advocates for alternatives to toxic pesticides by empowering people to make sound decisions about their health and environment.

April 18-28th: The Herbanites of Wake Forest will be hosting Herbfest 2008. This is an Herb festival in historic Wake Forest, N.C. featuring herbs and perennials for sale as well as entertainment, good foods, heritage plants and fun as a spring vacation destination. A lifestyle festival helping teach how to enjoy the moment as you go about your day to day life. Proceeds benefit the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment Fund, http:www//gjcae.org.

April 19th-20th: 13th Annual Piedmont Farm Tour. Celebrate Earth Day by touring small farms in the triangle area. For $30 dollars per car you can be part of this 35 farm tour with your family and friends. Just Gather up your friends or family into a car, locate each farm on the maps inside and decide which route you want to take! If you volunteer you can attend the tour for free. For more information call CFSA at (919) 542-2402 or email volunteer@carolinafarmstewards.org


May 5th: CCW presents Brian Kramer L.Ac in Solving Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), a "Learn It to Live It" Series Event. This one hour lecture (beginning at 6pm in the American Cancer Society Conference Room) will give you important information on treatment options for PMS through Oriental Medicine by helping you to identify the root cause and then discover how to eliminate it.

That's it for now folks, i'm working on another post for later on so stay posted!
Jen C

April-May Updates

DANGER!!! Chemical Synergies at Work…

Did I catch your attention with that one folks? I hope so because what I am about to convey to you is most definitely one of my more shocking and eye opening subjects so far…synergistic combinations of common place chemicals, additives, environmental toxins and more in relation to our personal health…or as it would seem, our continually declining lack thereof.

So what do I mean when I say that synergies are at play in your body? The definition of synergy is “the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual.” Now link that with human health and synergy specifically refers to the amplified negative effects our population experiences from the combination of (often) trace amounts of common chemicals that our bodies are exposed to on a continual basis. Many of these chemicals etc. are seen as minimally harmful to public health in and of themselves. However, research has shown that when chemicals combine in our bodies, whether through our blood, our tissues, our respiratory systems or other, the effect of one can be amplified exponentially and/or a new problem can arise that would not otherwise have existed from exposure to a singular component. Here are some examples that I find appalling from several reputable sources. (Remember this is a blog so I can’t go in to too much detail but I have attached a works cited so you can read the full article yourself)

• A study at the University of Liverpool showed the effects of combining four common food additives (aspartame, MSG, artificial colors yellow and blue) in trace amounts in our bodies. The two year study found that the interaction interfered with the normal development of nerve cells. In addition the neurotoxic effect of the combination of all four was up to seven times greater than that of any one of these components separately (Fitzgerald 37). These food additives are not only found in adult diets. In fact this combination specifically is found most often in the blood of children after a typical snack and drink!
• In the late 1990’s the small town of Brick in New Jersey began experiencing levels of autism in their children THREE TIMES THE NATIONAL AVERAGE out of the blue. A research team began studying the water supply which had a mix of three synthetic chemical contaminants that were originally thought to be in negligent amounts and were therefore left alone. Finally after more than a decade of research an article was posted in the Environmenal Toxicology and Pharmacology Scientific Journal which linked the synthetic chemicals to the disease…directly (Fitzgerald 35).
• In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 researchers reported that tadpoles suffered heavy mortality when exposed to a mixture of 9 common pesticides, even though mortality rates were low when tadpoles were exposed to any one of the pesticides by itself. Mortality resulted from the development of a bacterial disease not observed in any of the other treatment groups. Despite the fact that the levels of the pesticides were 10,000 times LESS the amount of exposure shown in other studies (individually) the effects of the combination (synergy) of these chemicals was actually higher than in the other test groups due to the combined effects (Hayes et al).
• Finally in a study published in Toxicology and Industrial Health in 1999 researchers found that the synergy of three common ground water contaminants found in waters around the USA had harmful effects on two different species of rats much higher than any one of the individual contaminants alone on behavior and immune system function. Both Hypo and Hyper thyroidism was shown in a high percentage of those exposed to the synergy of the three contaminants while a very small percentage of those only exposed to high and low levels of individual contaminants experienced effects. (Porter et al.)
  

These four abbreviated examples are only a pinprick on the mass of ever increasing research studies and information surfacing around this topic. The information is startling and, of course, discouraging. What do we do? How do we avoid these chemicals? How can we protect ourselves, our families, our children, our friends? The answer is not cut and dry. The solution is not set in stone. But then again, when it comes to most things in life not much really is. It is up to each and every one of us to rally, to object, to find as many possible avoidance tactics as possible to avoid contamination that could potentially lead to autism, cancer, endocrine disorders, behavioral issues, etc, etc, etc. I encourage everyone who reads this to continue to research this and other topics presented here on your own. Email me with questions and concerns. Continue to check up on my resources list for solutions to this and other problems and never discourage yourself from fighting for your health. One small step at a time can make a world of difference. Maybe today you stop drinking tap water and instead use water filtered by reverse osmosis. Maybe a month down the line you continue on your journey and you add a home filtration system for your shower and bathing water. Maybe next fall you stop cooking with plastics all together to avoid chemical breakdown. Next January you could make it your goal to eat 25% more organic foods than conventional to avoid pesticides and hormones. It is up to you…baby steps are doable and can help more than you may realize.

CCW is here to make the journey to health with you, as it is a continual learning process for us all. We genuinely care and encourage you to also!

WORKS CITED

Fitzgerald, Randall. The Hundred Year Lie. London, England: Dutton Books, 2006.

Hayes, TB, P Case, S Chui, D Chung, C Haefele, K Haston, M Lee, VP Mai, Y Marjuoa, J Parker and M Tsui 2006. Pesticide mixtures, endocrine disruption, and amphibian declines: Are we underestimating the impact? Environmental Health Perspectives, in press.

Our Stolen Future. Our Stolen Future. 9 March 2008 [http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/synergy/synergy.htm]

Porter, WP, JW Jaeger and IH Carlson. 1999. Endocrine, immune and behavioral effects of aldicarb (carbamate), atrazine (triazine) and nitrate (fertilizer) mixtures at groundwater concentrations. Toxicology and Industrial Health 15: 133-150.

DANGER!!! Chemical Synergies at Work…