Paper or Plastic? Shoppers are confronted by the same question every time they make a trip to the grocery store. When it comes to paper and plastic, the answer is neither. The best choice is a reusable bag – a solution that is in the hands of every consumer.
As you have probably seen at most major retailers, the choice is now yours. The shift has already occurred in some other parts of the country and in other parts of the world. Last year, San Francisco banned non-biodegrable plastic bags at large retailers and chain pharmacies. Other cities are considering adopting the ban or instituting surcharges as high as 15¢ for each paper or plastic bag used.
It's been reported that Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags annually and that only 1 - 2 % get recycled. Most bags are used for an average of just 20 minutes before being dumped and carted to vast landfill sites. That's a lot of trash taking an awfully long time (meaning, in many cases, an eternity) to biodegrade. Millions spread like urban tumbleweed to pollute the roads, rivers and oceans with deadly consequences for wildlife, including thousands of birds, turtles, seals, and other marine life. Stray plastic bags can clog sewer pipes, leading to stagnant, standing water and associated health hazards.
So the next time you visit any store, think of how your answer will environmentally impact your community, your world and the future when the cashier asks you, “Paper or plastic?”
Plastic Bags:
PROS:
• Use 40% less energy in production than paper bags.
• Far lighter and more compact to transport, saving on fuel.
• Use less landfill space.
• Can be recycled, though few are. Rates are 5.2% nationally.
• Cost a penny or two to produce.
CONS:
• Made from non-renewable oil and natural gas.
• Can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
• An estimated 500 billion bags are used worldwide each year.
• Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine life die yearly from swallowing plastic bags, which they mistake for jellyfish.
• Build-up of plastic bag litter was blamed for flooding in India that killed 1,000 people.
Paper Bags:
PROS:
• Made from a renewable resource.
• Generally contain at least 25% recycled content.
• Are recyclable and compostable. More than 1 in 5 make it to the recycling bin – far higher than for plastic bags.
CONS:
• Trees must be cut down, removed by truck or helicopter and transported to pulp plants at a high cost in fossil fuels.
• Production generates 70% more air pollution than plastic bags and 50 times more water pollution.
• Bulky and heavy, paper and cardboard products are the single biggest user of landfill space.
To Change ANYTHING:
First, BELIEVE in yourself!
Believe that you do have EVERYTHING you need within and an untapped potential that you are unique and different and that you can develop and grow and achieve.
Second, EXPECT to succeed!
Living life with positive expectancy produces great rewards. Remember, the only limitations you will ever have are those you place on yourself.
Third, VISUALIZE yourself succeeding!
Never see yourself as you are now, but only how you would be if you wake up the giant within and develop your hidden potential. Knowing each success draws you closer to the mental picture that you have of your new future, and the satisfaction that comes from accomplishing the step-by-step goals that you have set.
Fourth, pursue these new goals of personal development WITH EMOTION!
Get emotionally involved!
Become passionate!
Get excited!
Become enthusiastic!
Feel your adrenaline pump!
And feel yourself awaken to who you really are!
Isn’t it time to get excited about YOUR life?
Are you ready to explore the Journey of Change?
If your answer is yes, I invite you to call for a complimentary coaching session.
Robyn Harakal Janis
Abundant Life Coaching
Shining a Light on the Wisdom Within
Nourishment of Mind/Body/Spirit
724-941-3363 robynjanis@hotmail.com
DEAR SUNNY
Q: Any advice as a natural health advocate for something we can all do to help the environment? - Mindful in McMurray
A: Good question, Mindful. Herbs and supplements are not often though of as being helpful to the environment. Let me explain:
Did you know that Americans fill more than 3 billion prescriptions a year? These drug residues end up on our lakes and rivers. Hospitals and nursing homes flush away unused and expired prescriptions and consumers are told to do the same. Not to mention the medications that pass through the pill taker without being absorbed.
In drought conditions, rivers and streams provide less water for aquatic life, making the drugs more concentrated, bringing more detrimental effects. Antidepressants have been found in the liver and brain of catfish. Ibuprofen, steroids and antibiotics block fin regeneration in fish. What effect this will have on humans remains to be seen.
My advice would be to use as few pharmaceuticals as possible. Ask if your pharmacy will take back unused or expired drugs. Request that they begin a program to dispose of them safely. Try to use natural remedies whenever possible with the guidance of your health care provider.
How about Heartburn Free instead of that purple pill? It works just as well and is made from citrus. Skip the drugstore painkiller and match your symptoms to a non-toxic homeopathic remedy. They are effective and better for your stomach and liver too! Why rush out for an antibiotic for cold and flu? Use colloidal silver, Esberitox or Sambucol instead, to name a few. The list is endless. The staff at Sunny Bridge will be happy to direct you to the products you need.
Don’t discontinue use of any medications without consulting your doctor. Sometimes prescriptions ARE necessary and very appropriate. But for the sake of your own health and the health of the planet, try the natural solutions whenever you can.
Beaming with Health,
Sunny
Lessons from Nature
There is no time that I learn more about myself or life than when I am hiking. So, for me, the greatest way to honor Earth Day is by letting this awesome planet speak its great lessons. Here are two of life’s lessons drawn from the simple act of being in nature:
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, my husband and I had determined our path through the canyon. But as we hiked, we found new ways that offered adventure and challenge and ultimately, exploring unknown paths proved exhilarating. Looking back over the path we chose, we noticed other hikers taking different paths. We realized that in life, one should always have direction, yet allow for opportunities that will reveal themselves and prove to be the greater path. At the same time always asking, “What is the right path for me?” What is right for us may not be right for others (and vice versa!!). Is the path you’re on the right one for you? Are you going in the direction of your life’s dream?
On another hike, in Ohiopyle, we came upon a tree at the edge of a hill. I noticed that all of the roots of the tree had turned and twisted to find fertile earth rather than making an attempt to grow where there was no ground to develop a root system. Looking at this tree, I pondered, “How smart is nature; this tree knew it wouldn’t survive if it didn’t keep its roots planted where there was fertile ground.” How often do we try to plant our roots where there is no “fertile ground” for us to grow?
Learning to let the earth speak to you has great rewards. Ask, “Am I on the right path for me?”; “Am I planting my roots where I will grow?”
As John Muir said in 1913, “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” Go out for a walk; you just might find yourself “going in.”
Lisa Mason DiSalvio,
Motivational Speaker and Coach
CARTRIDGE WORLD REFILL THE CARTRIDGE, NOT THE TRASHCAN
Refilling empty ink and laser cartridges is the environmentally friendly alternative to throwing them away. Recycling helps preserve the earth’s limited natural resources.
Did you know…
*More than ¾ gallon or oil is needed to produce one new laser cartridge?
*A printer cartridge thrown into a landfill can take up to 450 years to decompose?
*If the world’s discarded cartridges from one year were stacked end-to-end, they would circle the earth over three times?
*In North American alone, over 350 million cartridges per year are discarded in our landfills and that number increases by 12% annually?
Cartridge World is convenient and cost effective. Black and color laser and ink cartridges for most printers, copiers and fax machines can be refilled. Comparable print quality in refilled cartridges to the original cartridges can be obtained at up to 50% less than the cost of a new cartridge .
Visit Cartridge World in Waterdam Plaza in McMurray.
Clean Green
Many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals or powders that become toxic when mixed with water. They are dangerous to breathe and harmful to our waterways. Try this homemade eco-friendly bathroom cleaner for a change:
Ingredients: ½ c. liquid soap or detergent, 2 cups baking soda, 2 Tbsp. white vinegar, ½ tsp (50 drops) tea tree oil and ¼ c. water. You’ll need a 22 oz. squirt bottle and a metal measuring spoon.
Mix the liquid soap and baking soda together. Dr. Bronner’s peppermint or eucalyptus soap works well. Or try Miracle 2 soap. Dilute with ¼ c. water and add 2 Tbsp. vinegar to make it foam. Add ½ tsp. of tea tree oil (use metal measuring spoon here). Mix and pour solution into a 22 oz. squirt bottle. Shake the bottle well before using the cleaner. You can even scent your baking soda:
LEMON BAKING SODA
Lemons are naturally great cleaners; the essential oil is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.
For 2-lbs of baking soda, add 50 drops of lemon oil (1/2 tsp). Add an equal amount of lime oil if you like.
LAVENDER BAKING SODA
Lavender is antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral. It also repels lice and moths and is a muscle relaxant and mood enhancer for the humans doing the cleaning!
For 2-lbs of baking soda, add 10 drops of lavender oil (1/8 tsp).
Clean-Up Day – April 19
Tired of looking at the debris along area roadways and parks? Show your Earth Day spirit and help keep your township clean! Peter’s Township’s annual Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 from 9am to noon.
Just show up at 9am at the Community Recreation Center parking lot in Peterswood Park. Donuts, coffee, juice, safety vests, garbage bags and gloves will be provided. For more information or to request a particular road, please call the Public Works Department at 724-941-6161.
Arrangements can be made to provide alternative dates for groups wanting to clean up area waterways. You or your group may request an area or wait to be assigned one on April 19th.
It CAN BE easy being green!
ASPARAGUS!
The arrival of this delicious vegetable is typically associated with the coming of Spring. Their peak season is generally considered to be March and April.
Asparagus, a perennial and a member of the lily family, which also includes onions, leeks and garlic, can produce spears year after year. One plant may produce spears for up to 25 years! Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and vitamin A. It is a very good source of numerous B vitamins - including vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6 - as well as dietary fiber, manganese, copper, phosphorous, potassium and protein. All of this and it contains very few calories.
When selecting asparagus, look for firm, thin stems with deep green or purplish closed tips. Store your asparagus in the refrigerator with the ends wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Stop in and enjoy of little taste of spring!
Spring into Heart Health
You may be one of those individuals who runs marathons, meditates and eats oatmeal each morning, but does your heart still need a boost from supplements? Unfortunately a lot of people don’t get adequate nutrition from their diets and some nutrients are depleted by the very medications prescribed to treat cardiovascular concerns. So whether you are looking to reduce heart disease risk or treat an existing condition, certain herbs and supplements can make a difference.
*CoQ10 – helps treat congestive heart failure, heart arrhythmias and high blood pressure. A side effect of statin-lowering drugs depletes the body of CoQ10 resulting in fatigue and muscle pain.
*Fish oils – reduce blood triglycerides and the formation of plaque so that blood flows freely through the arteries and mildly lowers blood pressure.
*Flax oil or Flaxseed – provides the same benefits as fish oils but for women, it will lower estrogen therefore protecting against cancer.
*Garlic – lowers blood pressure, stops plaque growth and may slightly shrink any build up.
*D-Ribose – a building block of the fuel that powers the body’s cells, including those in the heart, has shown that this unique form of sugar helps improve heart function after a heart attack and is specific to those with congestive heart failure.
*Niacin – lowers LDL cholesterol, raises HDL cholesterol and lowers lipoprotein which may serve better than any statin drug.
*Magnesium – a common deficiency of this mineral in the blood has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
There are many other supplements to consider. But remember - lifestyle modifications of non-smoking, reduced stress, maintaining a normal weight with healthy foods and adding exercise also keep your heart ticking to a healthy beat!
Changing More Than Just Our Minds
Science is beginning to catch up with ancient wisdom. What a great time to be alive!
Wisdom traditions—Buddhist, Native American, Old and New Testaments—have been saying it for thousands of years. Our bodies are much more than receptacles that carry our brains from place to place. The very cells of our body have intelligence - and now, we are learning - receptors for emotions too.
The latest work in Psychoneuroimmunology (bless their hearts, did they have to call it THAT?) is now showing that there are receptors for emotions in every cell in the body—in stomach cells, in foot cells, in blood cells. When we feel happy or sad, it’s not just a feeling in our heads, it’s a feeling in the very cells of our bodies.
When we have a gut feeling, it truly resides in our guts as well as in our brains. Our broken hearts reflect the pain in our physical hearts as well as in our spiritual ones. When we’re in love—with a lover, a child, music, a craft—all parts of us are involved.
You’re agreeing but asking, “So, what do we do with this knowledge?”
Perhaps the first thing is to include our bodies in healing emotional hurt the way we’ve begun to include the mind in curing physical problems. We take for granted what science didn’t know 50 years ago—that a good mental attitude is instrumental in someone’s recovery from surgery or a serious accident.
Now we know that even more is true. Healing in our bodies leads to healing in our minds. Perhaps therapies that include the body as well as the mind just may be more effective in reaching the whole person than talk therapies alone. Perhaps therapies in which we experience with our bodies as well as with our minds allow us to heal more quickly and more fully!
Connie Donaldson is a Family Constellation therapist, writer and teacher. Her website is: www.integrityoflove.com
Probiotics A Foundation for Well-Being
Why Do We Need Probiotics?
Research states that they enhance immune function, produce antioxidants, improve nutrition through the enhanced breakdown and absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids and they synthesize B vitamins, which are necessary for a healthy nervous system. They reduce instances of constipation, and diarrhea (including infantile, traveler’s and antibiotic induced diarrhea). They inhibit food poisoning, and produce substances that contribute to cholesterol reduction, management of blood sugar levels, normalization of skin conditions and maintenance of bone health. Probiotics are widely recommended for fungal and yeast infections, such as Candida, because they establish large, healthy populations of friendly bacteria that compete with the harmful yeast that is trying to take up residence. Supplementing your diet with a probiotic blend properly formulated to reflect the composition of healthy gut flora diversity at different stages of life will ensure the re-population of the intestinal tract with the strains most useful to your age, lifestyle and condition.
Over 400 different species and more than 100 trillion total bacteria live in the human intestinal tract. While human beings usually start life with a healthy intestinal tract, age and lifestyle & environmental factors such as caesarean delivery, poor eating habits, chlorinated drinking water, stress, disease, the use of antibiotics in food production as well as in medical treatments, bacterial infections, traveler’s bugs, alcohol consumption and a number of other factors can greatly reduce the number of friendly bacteria. When the ratio of good bacteria to bad is lowered, problems begin to arise such as excessive gas, bloating, diarrhea, yeast overgrowth, intestinal toxicity, constipation and poor absorption of nutrients. If this imbalance is left untreated the symptoms can become chronic and can compromise the immune system and lead to other serious illnesses such as IBS.
When Should We Take Probiotics?
The latest research shows that probiotics work best when consumed on a full stomach when the acidity of gastric juices has been neutralized by food. The best results are obtained if probiotics are taken regularly, preferably daily, in order to replace bacteria lost via damaging lifestyle and environmental factors.
Dewey Thomas, Flora, Inc
THE THOUGHTS OF WELLNESS Robyn Harakal Janis
Your power lies in your thoughts. Are you feeling frustrated? Where are you focused? Turn your attention to what you want and hold it there.
If your desire is to feel vibrant, healthy and fit, focus on the things that are going to give you that outcome. Immerse yourself in a lifestyle that will help move you towards your goal. If you find yourself spending time with people who do not share your vision and you slip into what you don’t want, it’s time to prioritize.
Limit the energy you give to these people (you work with them, do you HAVE to eat with them?).
Focusing on YOU takes daily conscious effort. It’s the key to gaining back your power so you can be with people and not be affected by what they do or say. You won’t be affected because you’re going to be shining at the higher conscious level of what is true for you.
Making this daily effort is crucial to the success of higher thoughts and positive energy. Don’t You owe it to yourself to be empowered and take responsibility for your health and well-being?
Have you ever said to yourself, “That person makes me so______?”(Fill it in). When you do this, you are giving away your power, while feeling the negative emotion in every part of your body. You may be telling yourself that you need to wait until all negative people leave the earth, then you’ll have peace (How is that working?). Peace comes with the daily conscious practice of loving yourself so much that you’re not bothered by what people do or say. It’s really very simple but it takes daily conscious practice! (Have I mentioned DAILY PRACTICE?)
Today, make a commitment to the daily focus of you. This is where your power lives.
Daily conscious focus includes:
Gratitude, appreciation, exercise, nutritious foods, being joyful, meditation, prayer, and taking the time to BREATHE.
YOU ARE the most important person in the world. The greatest gift you give is the gift of YOUR happiness.
Are you ready to create a path of wellness and joy? If the answer is yes, please contact Robyn at:
ABUNDANT LIFE COACHING
Robyn Harakal Janis
Certified Personal Life/Wellness Coach
Nourishment of Mind-Body-Spirit
724-941-3363 / 724-809-7662 robynjanis@hotmail.com
Sparkle and Shine
As I write this article it is snowing outside. Still, I am hopeful that spring is around the corner. I know my husband, myself and our two dogs, Daisy and Baby are grateful that spring is coming soon. For me, spring means renewal.
The phrase “It is your time to sparkle and shine” comes into my mind. When we take time to experience joy, fun, love, gratitude, and unconditional acceptance of ourselves and others we sparkle and shine. It is easy to sparkle and shine. Place both hands on your stomach and take a deep breath. Now place one hand on your stomach and one hand over your heart, take a deep breath and think of the love you have for your child, your pet, a dear friend or your significant other. Guess what - you are sparkling! Now put one hand on your stomach and one hand on your forehead, take a deep breath and think of your favorite food or last fun thing you did with your family – now you are shining. You are now the jewel that you are meant to be. Keep sparkling and shining this spring and all year through.
Sincerely,
Joan Kaylor, MSEd, Licensed Professional Counselor www.JoanKaylor.com
724-942-5477
VALENTINE’S HISTORY
There are varying opinions as to the origins of Valentine’s Day. One favorite story began in Rome during the 3rd century. Emperor Claudius II fought in many bloody, unpopular war campaigns and could not get soldiers to join his military. He believed men did not want to leave their wives and families so he outlawed marriages and engagements.
A priest by the name of Valentine began to secretly perform marriage ceremonies. Eventually he was caught and jailed. Many threw flowers and notes up to his window. They believed in love. Valentine became friends with the daughter of a prison guard. On the day of this death he left a note thanking her for her friendship and signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”
FDA BANS CHILDRENS’ COUGH AND COLD DRUGS
Recent announcements by the FDA about children’s cold medicines have left many parents wondering what options they have. Now is the time for us to work together to help you find the product you’re looking for.
On October 19, an advisory panel convened by the FDA recommended that the agency not allow many common over-the-counter medicines to be given to children younger than six years old. This hearing came in response to a petition raising concerns about overdosing, citing confusion with directions or accidentally giving the same ingredient when administering multiple products. Many kids’ cough and cold medicines are multipurpose, but parents may not realize this and may combine the formula with a cough medicine, double-dosing their children. In rare cases these actions may cause serious harm. Decongestants can be stimulants which is bad for the heart or a child who needs rest. Antihistamines can make the child drowsy which can interfere with breathing.
Cough and cold symptoms that medications are made to suppress are actually ways that our bodies work to fight infection.
Here are a few suggestions for children older than 2 years:
*Avoid sugar which depresses the immune system;
*Opt for warm or cold tea instead of juice, which is high in sugar;
*Keep the child home to rest;
*Take probiotics which help boost the immune system;
*Vitamin C and zinc lozenges can reduce the length of severity;
*Homeopathic remedies provide safe and effective relief for many symptoms;
*Use eucalyptus in a warm bath or on a hot washcloth to relieve congestion;
*Provide antioxidant-rich foods.
Cold remedies for children younger than two years should be administered under the guidance of a physician.
HEART HEALTH
Odds are that you or a loved one is concerned about losing weight or lowering cholesterol – two key players in heart disease. The good news is that wise food choices can actually help maintain and build a strong heart.
*Fish – fats (yes, fats!) called omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish such as salmon, anchovies, herring and tuna, not only reduce inflammation in arthritis sufferers and promote brain development in babies, but also support circulation and improve blood vessel function.
*Flaxseed – another supplier of omega-3 fatty acids that when ground, also provide fiber helping to lower cholesterol.
*Oatmeal – picture the gel oatmeal forms as it cools in your bowl. This gooey soluble fiber, beta glucan, binds to bile acids in the intestines and stomach and excretes them as waste. To make more bile acids, the liver needs cholesterol which it takes from the blood resulting in lowered cholesterol.
*Low-Glycemic Whole Grains – choose whole grains including brown rice, quinoa and barley. Refined high-glycemic foods such as white bread and potatoes increase the risk of diabetes. They also make you hungrier causing you to possibly eat more and gain weight. People with excess fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even without other risk factors.
*Beans – provide soluble fiber to reduce cholesterol and keep arteries free and clear.
*Berries – the more vibrantly colored a fruit or vegetable, the more disease-fighting phyto-chemicals or bioflavonoids it contains. Brilliant blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are low in calories and high in fiber.
7 Steps To A Healthy and Happy Doggie By Dr. Ed Sulkowski, DMD
STEP 1 - Quality food is important - fresh meat protein such as beef, chicken, and fish provide what is needed for cell division and development. Hormone and antibiotic-free meat is a must; organic is favorable. Fresh fruits and greens like carrots, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, apples, cantaloupe and berries help provide nutrients and fiber to balance a diet.
STEP 2 - Avoid corn, peanut, wheat, barley, oats and their by-products, as the fungus and mycotoxins may be a root cause of the disease process.
STEP 3 - Use water free of cancer-causing chlorine and fluoride as both can kill the natural intestinal flora needed for digestion and immune support. Avoid toxic preservatives such as BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin.
STEP 4 - Supplementation with quality vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, fish oil and probiotics help with cell development, digestion and immune system support. Having the ability to fight off illness before it takes hold is key.
STEP 5 - Exercise on a daily basis is important for bone and muscle support. Brisk movement such as walking helps detoxify by means of breathing and activating the lymph system so elimination of poisons occurs.
STEP 6 - Dental care is important for good health. Teeth aid in digestion. Gum disease leads to tooth loss, bacteria and fungus that can affect other areas such as the heart and lungs. An annual veterinarian check-up is important.
STEP 7 - Administer love, companionship and hugs!
Remember, we are “Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive”.
*This not meant as diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding pet health conditions. Healthy Pet Talk and Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive are trademarks of Healthy Pet Systems.
Food For Life Kripa Watts-Robb – B.Sc., Nutritional Consultant
MegaFood
“Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another” ~ Juvenal, Satires
Humans have been successfully obtaining the nutrients needed in order to perpetuate life since the beginning of existence. It is only since the 1920’s that we have been trying to replace our diet with isolated substances that have been extracted from food or created in a laboratory.
In 1931, Albert Szent-Györgyi isolated "hexuronic acid" (which came to be known as ascorbic acid, a term now commonly used for vitamin C). He noted its anti-scorbutic activity and in 1937, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery. In his Nobel lecture he stated, “At the time that I had just detected the rich vitamin content of paprika. A colleague suffered from a serious hemorrhagic diathesis, and since I still did not have enough hexuronic acid at my disposal
then, I sent him paprika. My colleague was cured. But later we tried in vain to obtain the same therapeutic effect with pure vitamin C.” What is clear from this story, and from hundreds of research studies since, is that isolated, synthetic ascorbic acid cannot replace the multifold activities of Vitamin C as it exists in food.
Whole food nutrients are ‘intelligent’ in a way that the body recognizes and is able to communicate with. Regular “natural” vitamins and minerals, as found in most supplements, are very simple structures. They lack the enzymes and synergistic phytonutrients which make them complete. They are fractions of their natural form and they can therefore only offer a fraction of the benefit. To paraphrase Dr Deepak Chopra, “it is like taking the intelligence and leaving the wisdom behind”.
Look for a supplement which states clearly on the label that it is 100% whole food – this assures that the nutrients in the formula are delivered in the form nature intended. Ideally this is a balance one would normally find in nature.
Whole food supplements should be created with minimal processing, using low temperatures and nominal pressure. This will help preserve the natural balance of phyto-nutrients. In this way, the fragile connections between the nutrients, enzymes and other co-factors will remain unharmed.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
A big THANK YOU goes out to all of our friends who took the time to donate a shoebox of goodies to local children! We received a very grateful letter from Christ United Methodist Church and the residents of Healthy Start House, a program for homeless children in Duquesne.
Thank you all for your altruism and compassion. You have put smiles on the faces of those who need it the most. You are greatly appreciated !!
VALENTINES DAY
While “traditionally” for couples, this year why not take the time to appreciate someone who rarely gets your attention? Someone who truly deserves a gift or a few kind words? Someone like YOU. This is a wonderful day to give yourself the gift of thanks and appreciation. Give to yourself in the same way that you would give to a partner or a special friend. So how will you celebrate you? Maybe a massage or a new haircut. How about a journal to record all the things you are grateful for or that book you have been wanting to read? Pick up some flowers and enjoy their beauty. And to be your own Valentine, remember to send yourself a card. Write a thoughtful note listing all the things you love about yourself. Make this day a time to pay special attention to your own needs and desires, and breathe in how truly wonderful you are.
Happy Valentines Day!
Robyn Harakal Janis
Abundant Life Coaching
Shining a Light on the Wisdom Within
Nourishment of Mind/Body/Spirit
724-941-3363 robynjanis@hotmail.com
NETI POTS
One of the simplest yet powerful techniques for chronic sinusitis is the use of the neti pot. As seen on Oprah and promoted by Dr. Oz, the neti pot has gone from “There’s no way I’m using that!” to “I’ll never go a day without it!”
Millions of people suffer from allergies, asthma and sinus issues and are prescribed steroids, antibiotics or other medications, usually with side effects. It may look strange, but Dr. Oz says this treatment may be more effective than medication. "The [ear, nose and throat] doctors who are specialists in this area will often say this is a better treatment than a lot of the other drugs that we try to offer folks, because it mechanically cleans out the problem," he says.
You will be pleasantly surprised at this simple and effective method of health maintenance. This practice takes about three minutes and can be easily integrated into your daily morning rituals.
Try the neti pot and treat your sinuses naturally!
LOVE STREET CHOCOLATE
Love Street’s exquisite chocolate is crafted with organic, raw 70% cacao (usually roasted in most chocolate bars) without processed sugar, hydrogenated fats or chemicals. Made using a low temperature process, the chocolate contains no fattening, empty calories. It is a superfood with a high enzyme and antioxidant content – dense and powerful in taste!
Love Street Living Foods Signature Chocolate – a delicious, beautifying, health-enhancing Valentine treat!
Made in the South Side of Pittsburgh!
Are you getting enough Vitamin D?
During the chilly season it may be more than your favorite bikini that doesn’t see the light of day. Studies have shown that most people do not get an adequate amount of Vitamin D, especially during the winter and early Spring months.
Why is Vitamin D so important?
More health benefits have been attributed to this vitamin than formerly believed.
Vitamin D is vital for many functions in our bodies, including the promotion of a healthy mood. It also helps to fight infection, strengthen muscles (including the heart), and maintain calcium levels in bones.
In fact, many researchers are now calling for the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin D to be raised and for good reason. Clinical reports exemplify the need to supplement our current diets and often the results indicate that dietary intake of more than 400 IU per day are needed. Studies in infants have shown that supplementing with Vitamin D reduced the risk of diabetes. Another report concluded that people should take 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day to reduce colon, prostate and ovarian cancer risks.
Our evolution has designed us to live in the presence of far more vitamin D that most of us receive now. Studies indicate that one full-body exposure to sunlight (enough time to just start a sunburn) can be equivalent to an oral Vitamin D intake of 10,000 IU.
Our bodies can make Vitamin D3, but only when our skin is exposed to sunlight under the proper conditions. This production is dependent on the season, where we live and the time of day. For those people with limited sun exposure, optimal Vitamin D must be obtained from dietary supplements or foods.
How much is too much?
According to the National Academy of Sciences, no known health risks are associated with intakes of up to 2,000 IU/day.
So while it may not be as fun to replace your bikini with a vitamin supplement this winter season, think of the benefits you’ll be reaping while still in your warm PJs!
Life Changes on a Dime
I have a rhythm—one I’m not proud of—with New Year’s resolutions. I make them; I break them; I regret them; and then I forget them. And, if I‘m really on my game, I can do it all before the second week in January.
For me, resolutions feel like a steep, wintry, mountain. I know that eventually I’ll slip on the icy path, so I brace myself for the inevitable and prepare to live with the failure.
During the last several years, however, I’ve discovered something new. I’ve discovered that a small step, taken in a new direction that I’d never considered, has caused the ground to shift under my feet. And, without much thinking or planning on my part, the avalanches caused by that change have brought me to places far more enchanting and rich than any I could have planned for.
One such step was opening to the possibility that I—a mother and a grandmother—should honor my mother. Such an interesting concept. So much in keeping with traditional wisdom, yet so opposed to the conventional wisdom of our culture. And for me, with my carefully recorded list of her slights and failures, a seemingly impossible shift. Yet, simply by taking that step, my world changed.
Before I spoke any words to my mother, my heart changed. When I spoke words of acceptance and love to her, our lives changed. In the last years of her life, we found a relationship. In the year since her death, I’ve found a peace and self- acceptance I was unaware I had the capacity for.
Many times since that decision I’ve thought of the old cliché “Life changes on a dime.” When we hear it, we usually think of accidents, deaths, or natural disasters that change the course of a person’s life in an instant. Now I wonder if the same can be true of changes made intentionally.
If, like me, New Year’s resolutions haven’t worked for you, it may be time to try another way. It’s your choice. It’s your dime.
Connie Donaldson is a Family Constellation therapist, writer and teacher. Her website is: www.integrityoflove.com.
CREATING THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE
Every year most of us partake in the ritual of making a New Year’s Resolution: a resolution to change some part of our lives, or to do something different. Perhaps it’s embracing a healthy lifestyle and losing weight, or enhancing a current relationship, maybe finally going after that job promotion, or improving our finances. So what happens? Why do we fail to accomplish what we set out to do? Have the goals changed? Or do we give up because we never put into place the plans, format and tools
needed to succeed?
But this year, what if you lived with a solid, focused intention on what you want? No matter what happens or what is going on outside of yourself this time you realize that what you want is in your hands - that you have the power to create your reality. It is about creating and embracing the VISION of your best possible self, then developing the QUALITIES that will take you there.
In the same way the artist reveals the sculpture that is already within the marble, you must be willing to break through the layers that keep you from seeing and becoming all that you can be.
Today you get to choose what actions you will take, or discover the limiting beliefs holding you back. You get to choose the thoughts you think, and how you react to the situations around you. Are you ready for the best year of your life?
If you are ready to explore the journey of change, I invite you to call for a complimentary coaching session. Together we unveil the wisdom within you.
Have a happy and blessed New Year.
Robyn Harakal Janis
Abundant Life Coaching
Shining a Light on the Wisdom Within
Nourishment of Mind/Body/Spirit
724-941-3363 robynjanis@hotmail.com
Transformation
The holidays are over. Welcome to the New Year. 2008 promises to be exciting and rewarding. What do you want this year? How do you want your life to be different? How are you going to keep your New Year’s resolutions?
Transformation comes one minute at a time, one hour at time, one day at a time. Transforming one’s life is making the conscious decision to change – gently, lovingly and easily. It does not have to be painful unless you choose it to be. Make small, attainable goals. “I will eat a cup of cooked oatmeal with honey and almond milk for breakfast instead of running out the door with a cup of coffee and bagel. I will drink a class of lemon water instead of my usual diet coke. I will call a friend and start a walking club. I will hire a personal trainer to teach me how to exercise”.
Transformation happens slowly. Habits can be changed in 21 days but change happens over the course of a year. Give yourself the gift of patience. Sometimes we don’t give ourselves credit for the changes we have already made unless someone reminds us with a compliment. Keep your New Year’s resolutions one day at a time by setting small, attainable goals and being patient. You will experience success!!
I am available to assist you if you need help on your path of transformation. Warmest best wishes in the New Year.
Joan Kaylor, MSEd, Licensed Professional Counselor www.JoanKaylor.com 724-942-5477
FOCUS
Freely Organizing Circumstances & Understanding of Self. This is what is meant by FOCUS.
Learning to stay flexible in any given situation. Organizing not just what is around you but more importantly, organizing you. Remember there is nothing outside of you that does not already exist inside of you. Things like the internet can easily be seen in the body as the nervous system and just like a lost connection online will limit the availability of information to your computer, a lost connection on the inside will also create disarray and at times even confusion and pain. So remember to begin with you and the circumstances that surround you will begin to look a lot differently. This is best understood in the saying “When we change the way we look at things the things we look at change”. Understanding is needed for this entire process to be effective and process is the important word here. For there is no process that does not require time.
Lastly is self. Self is the object of our focus in the first place. This is a new beginning. In fact you replace every atom in your body or self every 13 months. That means, no matter what you are changing. The question to ask yourself is “Will I change into the same thing I was yesterday, or will I endeavor to become something new through greater focus and effort?”
The choice is yours.
God Bless you and may you enjoy a healthy and focused
New Year. –Dr. Jonas E. Marry
* Dr. Marry of Family First Chiropractic incorporates the philosophy of positive thought as the core of his chiropractic practice as well as helping his patients become the maximum expression of life. For more information on chiropractic and veterinary orthopedic manipulation, please call Dr. Marry’s office at (724)941-9507.
Hormone-Free?
Beginning January 1, 2008, it will be illegal to advertise on a label that the milk, cheese, yogurt, or butter therein has been produced without the use of synthetic hormones, unnecessary antibiotics, pesticides or any other compound or substance that might tend “to indicate the superiority of one manufacturer’s product over another.” This begs the question, why are performance-enhancing drugs banned in other aspects of our daily lives, but not in food production?
Cows treated with rBST (recombinant Bovine Somatotropin) have higher rates of mastitis (infected & inflamed udders) and shorter lives in general. An overabundance of this hormone has been known to cause early puberty in children, even as young as 8 years of age.
So where do we go for healthy milk?
Turner Dairy Farms is known for bringing the highest quality milk and dairy products from local farms to local families. They work with 55 local family dairy farms who have pledged not to treat their cows with the rBST hormone, and have won a variety of prestigious industry awards including First Place at the World Dairy Expo!
So choose local and support companies that that say no to growth hormones.
It’s your body, take care of it!
“The Best Milk..Right From Your Own Backyard!”
Are you S.A.D.?
Are you one of the 4% to 6% f the US population that suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)?
S.A.D. is a type of depression that begins in the fall as the days grow shorter and the temperature drops. It will begin to subside as the days grow longer. This type of depression is more common in women between 20 and 40.
You may feel tired or go through “crying spells.” You may have trouble concentrating or have body aches every day. You may experience a loss sleep or libido. Many people overeat, especially carbohydrates resulting in weight gain.
We just don’t get enough sun living this far from the equator. Most research is focusing on the way light triggers messages to the hypothalamus gland. This gland regulates mood, sleep and appetite. Seratonin, a critical neurotransmitter, may not be working properly in people with S.A.D.
Don’t despair, there are some things you can do to increase your serotonin. Light boxes (Phototherapy), or massage therapy can be helpful. Or try foods such as apples, grapes, plums, grapefruit, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes among others.
The amino acid L-Tryptophan can also increase serotonin levels. Numerous people also find Omega 3 fatty acids, B-Complex vitamins, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium helpful.
Also, go out in the winter sun everyday. Plan activities with friends, incorporate more laughter into your life. Practice deep breathing, yoga and meditation. Above all else, think positively!
- Vicky Thompson
Holiday Agony: The Solution to Pulling Your Hair Out this Holiday Season By D.L. Winter, MA Counseling Psychology
Recently, I was chatting with my mother, and the first stirrings (actually, rumblings) of the holidays reared its ugly head. Let me explain what I mean: trying to figure out which part of my family to spend the holidays with is like trying to pluck my eyebrows: it really hurts and my eyes always tear up. Since my parents have been divorced, my mother and father each like to hold their own event. Then, extensions of my family will want to know if we'll join them. I got married last year, so add my in laws on top of the pile. These people all add up to one word: AHH! Do I travel to Wexford this year or Greensburg? Do I stay home if my brother will be visiting from Harrisburg, or do I drive to Evans City to see Grandma? If you are child of divorce, or even just have a big family, you'll know what I'm talking about.
While I struggle with the logistics of where to go for the holidays (I've considered cloning or teletransport), I realize how blessed I am to be "cursed" with such a problem: too much family that wants me around. I'm an addictions therapist; I counsel people who choose recovery from drugs and alcohol. At best, their family relationships are pretty fragile, contingent upon their loved one staying clean "for good this time." At worst, their families are still around but won't associate with them at all. My patients teach me time and time again to be grateful for my blessings in life, and my family is definitely one of them. So when I find myself agonizing whether to go here or there for the holidays, I remember to stop, take a breath, and just be grateful.
D.L. Winter is a therapist for Gateway Rehabilitation Center. For more information on treatment for addiction, call 724-941-4126.
Peace Be With You
By Joan Kaylor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
The holidays are here. Let us celebrate the peace of the season. After the rush of shopping, cooking, parties, family, friends and giving and receiving gifts, what we all long for is peace. Peace for ourselves and peace for the earth. Peace is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if we allow it. Peace is my theme for this article. PEACE stands for Please – Enjoy – Acceptance - Calm and Each Other this season and all throughout the year. Acceptance of others even if they don’t behave or think the way we think they should. Accepting others for who they are creates a sense of calm and well being in ourselves. As in the serenity prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” You will be so much calmer when you accept people for who they are and accept what you cannot change. Also, accepting ourselves for the awesome person we are. Finally, enjoy each other. Enjoy friendship, family, our beloved animals friends and the season.
Blessings to you this season and all year through!
Question: What are some good, healthy treats for my dogs?
Answer: Treats are a reward and as such they are not intended to provide essential nutrition. I do not favor treats that contain wheat flour, corn flour or bone meal. The mycotoxins, a poison that may be in these products, are difficult to eliminate once introduced into the body. The carbohydrates they provide, along with the yeast, may be why weight problems and other medical conditions present such allergies, skin issues and even diabetes.
Other ingredients often found are preservatives, like butylated hydroxanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxtoluene (BHT) and Ethoxyquin. While these are FDA approved, they are well known carcinogens and should be avoided. Stay away from dyes that can cause bowel issues. Does your dog really care what color the treat is? Watch out for propylene glycol, a relative to ethylene glycol (toxic antifreeze), often included in soft, moist foods. I avoid flavor enhancers like MSG (monosodium glutamate), a yeast-derived excitotoxin that has many negative side effects, including rapid heart beat.
A cut of raw carrot, broccoli, cauliflower and a raw piece of chicken neck are excellent treats. I also give my dogs a grain-free treat made by EVO that is free of toxins.
Please remember, we are “Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive”. *This not meant as diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding pet health conditions. Healthy Pet Talk and Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive are trademarks of Healthy Pet Systems.
YOU ARE THE GIFT
By Robyn Harakal Janis, Certified Life Wellness Coach
Recently I attended a seminar and was asked this question:
What monetary value do you put on your health? Take a minute and think about this. You put a monetary value on your home, car, jewelry, furniture, and a host of other things which can all be replaced, but what about your health? It is priceless and irreplaceable. But what IS priceless in terms of health?
Think about an heirloom. Something passed down, to cherish; its personal value is irreplaceable. Your focus of this heirloom is one of utmost care to keep it in pristine condition in order to preserve its meaning for all who may care for it in years to come.
Well if our health is priceless, shouldn’t we be treating it in the same manner as an heirloom? Doesn’t it make sense to preserve our health and love our bodies so that our family and friends get the benefit of the meaning they have in our lives? Yet how many of us do this on a daily, conscious level? Most of us do not take the time nor invest in ourselves monetarily, choosing the things that will affirm nurturing, love and respect for our most valuable heirloom: OURSELVES! Giving to ourselves daily and investing in those things that affirm wellness is the most valuable thing you can give to those you love. Which would you rather give to your family? A necklace passed down from a grandparent, or a healthy, vibrant YOU filled with love for yourself and a passion for life? Which one do you feel has more lasting value to pass down? What is more valuable than teaching our children how to love and value themselves? What greater gift is there?
So how do I take care of my greatest heirloom? I express gratitude and appreciation everyday, eat nutritious foods, exercise, see my chiropractor, meditate, breathe, read and listen to inspirational material, commune with God and practice living in the moment.
As you think about “gifts” this holiday season, why not give yourself the greatest gift of all… the gift of Health and Wellness!
Blessings,
Robyn Harakal Janis
Abundant Life Coaching
Shining a Light on the Wisdom Within
Nourishment of Mind/Body/Spirit
724-941-3363 robynjanis@hotmail.com
CREATE BALANCE WITH TAI CHI
Tai Chi is an ancient art. Slow movements using every muscle teach us to build energy for later use. The body will get a full workout including muscle toning, lung capacity and expanding of the mind. Breathing and focus are stressed in addition to balance and control. You work at your own speed.
Instructor: Tracy Gomez
$96 for 8 classes
beginning January 25 and held at both
Changing Seasons Learning Center
and
McMurray Academy of Martial Arts.
Private classes also available.
Please call for details: 724-263-0304
Tracy was awarded the title of overall grand champion at the 2005 PA State Karate tournament where she won 1st place in kata with the Tai Chi Chuan form that she teaches her students. She is ranked 5th in the nation in kata (forms) and 4th in Kumite (fighting).
Look for Tracy’s Tai Chi video to be released in December!
HEALTHY PET TALK
By Dr. Ed Sulkowski, DMD
Question: Dr. Ed, what natural supplements would help my dog with her diabetes?
Answer: Diabetes in dogs can be as serious for them as for us. This condition can lead to kidney, eye, nerve and neuromuscular issues and ultimately, death. A good quality vitamin with minerals and amino acids is always a must for nutritional support. Small doses in supplements such as chromium piccolinate, coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, fish oil, probiotics and garlic all work synergistically in controlling glucose levels.
A low carbohydrate diet is necessary so that foods containing corn, wheat, oats, barley and white rice should be avoided. Rats and mice are genetically immune to diabetes. Scientific studies have induced this disease to them by giving them mycotoxin injections – a metabolite made by yeast from the above grains. Antibiotics are also made from yeast and are mycotoxins. I wonder if there is a connection here? So try to avoid foods and anything else containing yeast and/or mycotoxins.
The addition of fiber will help slow the absorption rate of both carbs and proteins. I especially like raw pumpkin puree added at feeding.
Looking for the cause should be our focus. Treating the symptoms only covers up the condition. Mild exercise such as a good daily walk is important. Quality food and supplements that support and control blood sugar levels and build the immune system will all help with quality of life. If there is kidney damage present, the amount of protein should be controlled.
Please remember, we are “Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive”.
*This is general information and not meant as a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding all animal health conditions. Healthy Pet Talk and Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive are trademarks of Healthy Pet Systems.
How to Prevent or Delay Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. A recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to a normal range.
While the DPP also showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise worked better. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association is developing materials that will help people understand their risks for pre-diabetes and what they can do to halt the progression and even to, "turn back the clock." In the meantime, ADA has a wealth of resources for people with diabetes or at risk for diabetes that can be of use to people interested in pre-diabetes.
For more information, visit The American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org
BAKING THE PIE OF YOUR LIFE!
By Robyn Harakal Janis – Certified Life/Wellness Coach
I owned a bakery for about 15 years. Sometimes on a crisp fall day, I can still smell the fragrance of Dutch apple crumb and pumpkin pies filling my house!
Creating - it was all in the creating of delicious things. I would get out the ingredients for the different pies, cakes and breads that had been ordered and would go to work.
It always makes me smile how the biggest life lessons come from the most unexpected places. The baking of the pies was one of my best life lessons because I CHOSE what I would put in my pie (and what I would not). If the outcome of the pie was not what I thought it would be, I just got busy and thought about WHAT WOULD MAKE IT BETTER? I did not spend time in the middle of the “old filling” trying to figure out what went wrong - I just started making it better! Believe me, A LOT of experimentation went on in that bakery, but none of the pies were less perfect than another. They were just different. They gave me the contrast that I needed to find the clarity of what I WANTED in a pie.
Are you beginning to see the life lesson here? Your life is as you create it to be. Perhaps it’s time to take a look at YOUR pie. What kind of creation are you making in the kitchen of your life? Are the relationships in your life creating a sweet filling or leaving too much of a tang? Is the work you do leaving you satisfied or always craving more? Are you taking time for yourself and finding a tender crust or has too much “doing” made it too tough to chew?
Are you ready to bake the best pie of your life? If so, I invite you to call for a complimentary coaching session. Having a personal coach is a wonderful way to help you choose the best possible ingredients, and learn the “baking techniques” that last a lifetime. HAPPY BAKING! Open your mind and change your life!
Robyn Harakal Janis
Abundant Life Coaching
Shining a Light on the Wisdom Within
Nourishment of Mind/Body/Spirit
724-941-3363 robynjanis@hotmail.com
The Bible, The Buddha, The Beatles and Broadway
By Connie Donaldson
No matter what the source, no matter how sacred or profane, we humans seem to know one thing for sure. Love is the most important thing in life. It’s at the heart of all of our wisdom traditions. We certainly crave it. We rejoice when we have it. Yet it often eludes us.
But as humanity evolves, this may be changing. And one of the ways may be through a new understanding of what love is.
Three years ago, I came across some information—on how love is expressed in the family across the generations—that changed my life. The knowledge came from participation in a Family Constellation, based on the work of Bert Hellinger.
Hellinger, a German psychotherapist whose work has revolutionized psychology in Europe, discovered that, just as trauma stays in the human body long after a trauma is over, family suffering and pain remain in the family system long after an event is forgotten. Deaths, wars, suicides, and still-born children, for example, affect a family so deeply that their effects can be felt by future generations—even by those who may be totally unaware of them.
As he worked to bring healing to present and future generations, he discovered certain Orders of Love that seem to govern this process. Through Family Constellation Work, Hellinger found that helping a person to understand and respect these orders brought deep healing and joy to the participants and often to other family members.
For me, after years of working with blame and forgiveness, a single constellation led to a new relationship with my mother that was unparalleled in my adult life—and one that made her last two years of life joyful for both of us. Constellation Work has deepened my relations with my husband and children and enriched my life as a Grandma. For others, this shift in perception has led from depression and anxiety to peace and fullness.
Our knowledge of love is expanding. Quantum physics, psychoneuroimmunology, and brain research are expanding our horizons. Constellation Work is enriching our knowledge.
WHAT’S THE MAGIC PILL?
By Stacy Ball, BA, CPT, AFAA
Are you at risk for any of the following: heart disease, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, diabetes, back problems, osteoporosis, cancer, depression or obesity? What if I told you that you have a very high percentage of deleting your health issue by a pill that has no side effects and actually will help prolong your life and good health? I bet you would call your doctor and ask if you could get the prescription ASAP!
Well, sorry, there is not a pill to prescribe, HOWEVER, don’t give up hope yet either! There is a solution to your health issues that will prolong good health. It is called “exercise”. I realize that this word may not be in your vocabulary and you might consider it a “bad” word. Before you stop reading this article, please hear me out.
Let’s start first with a few facts. Three out of five Americans struggle with being obese or overweight. Diabetes affects approximately 18.2 Americans a year. One of the main factors of developing Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Diabetes is one of the most expensive preventable healthcare issues. People between the ages of 18 and 44 with Type 2 diabetes are 14 more times likely to have a heart attack and 30 times more likely to have a stroke. There is substantial evidence that most obesity is caused by an energy imbalance. Physical inactivity has a significant impact on the health of Americans. Only tobacco causes more preventable deaths in the U.S. annually than physical inactivity and poor diet combined. I decided to touch on facts about obesity and diabetes because they seem to be the culprit that leads to most of the other health risks. Diabetes and obesity can be prevented by a healthy diet and exercise program.
“I don’t have time to exercise” is the most common excuse people use. Do you have time to be sick? A good place to begin is by changing our behavior through planning and preparation. We are creatures of habit and we rely on our routine to get through the day. It’s important that you prepare yourself psychologically. You will more likely change a routine by feeling the NEED for change. Weigh out the pros and cons of taking time to exercise. Ask yourself what you would like to achieve by exercising. What health problems run in the family? What health risks are you hoping to reduce? Focus on the benefits you can achieve: feeling less stressed, sleeping better, feeling more energetic to name a few.
Now that you’re convinced and ready to start exercising, here are a few tips: 1) baby steps: start slowly and gradually progress; 2) day planner: carve out a time slot for exercise; 3) strength training: 2-3 times per week; 4) cardiovascular: 4-5 times a week; 5) hydrate: drink water before and after exercise; 6) food: have well-balanced and nutritious meals with small portions; 7) prioritize: your health should be a top priority; 8) boredom: instead of thinking of exercise as a “diet”, think of it as a “menu” with many exciting and pleasurable offerings; 9) no quick fix: make exercise part of your lifestyle; 10) savings: less money spent at the doctor’s office or hospital; 11) invest: hire a personal trainer to help motivate you, teach you and personalize a program for you.
*Get the ball rolling with Stacy Ball! You can contact Stacy at (724)207-0052 and if you mention Sunny Bridge, you will receive a free consultation!
YOU ARE AMAZING – YES, YOU! By Joan Kaylor, MSed, NCC, LP
You are amazing. Have you listened to yourself lately? Not your parents, family, friends, but you! You have wonderful information inside yourself. The secret is to quiet yourself through breathing to learn what wonderful things are inside you.
Find a quiet place to sit without being disturbed. Start with one minute, then five minutes, then eventually you will enjoy a ½ hour or longer. Focus on your breath. Busy thoughts will clear after a couple minutes. You may enjoy saying certain sounds like “chi” or repeat phrases to yourself like “I am peace”, “I am joy”, “I am complete”, “ I am calm”, “I am awesome”, “I am connected to God and myself.” Whatever you choose to say have it be loving. As you feel your mind and body relax, allow yourself to listen to your own wisdom. If you are spiritual, allow yourself to listen to God’s love for you. It is there for you whenever you choose to listen. By listening you will discover yourself. You will discover how unique and amazing you are. Thus you will know peace and health.
What is Celiac Disease? by Mary Neville, President, Greater Pittsburgh Celiac Sprue Support Group
What is Celiac Disease? Celiac Disease is a sensitivity to gluten and is estimated that 1 in 130 people – men, women and children – suffer from this condition. Five (5) out of six (6) people with the disease have yet to be diagnosed by their physician, and are unnecessarily suffering uncomfortable, and sometimes downright embarrassing, symptoms including bloating, weight loss, mouth ulcers, fatigue, diarrhea or anemia. A gluten sensitivity significantly reduces the body’s natural ability to absorb nutrients and, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to more serious illnesses such as osteoporosis and intestinal cancer.
Once diagnosed, a diet free of wheat, barley, oats, and rye will alleviate the symptoms, usually within weeks, and will help to prevent the onset of related illnesses.
YOU ARE ENOUGH by Robyn Harakal Janis – Abundant Life Coaching
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and for this moment, imagine that you are enough. There is nothing that you need to be better at, nothing that you need or should do. You are in perfection in this moment. You are ENOUGH.
Wayne Dyer said so beautifully, “Everything you need you already have. You are complete right now; you are a whole, total person, not an apprentice person on the way to some place else.”
You are always in perfection – how can it be any other way? How can you not be perfect in this moment? You are in this moment as you are, with the knowledge you have. How can that not be perfection? What would it be like for you to truly accept this in your heart? Feel the peace that this new perspective brings to your life. Feel the lightness, the freedom that this brings. You are simply enough right now.
What would it be like to bring this new perspective to a present situation or challenge you are experiencing? Realize that you are doing the best that you can at this moment with the information and thoughts you currently have.
On a personal note, this simple awareness changed the course of my life completely. After spending 32 years using food as a comfort for every situation in my life, and then “beating myself up” and feeling shame and guilt for every situation, I began to realize that I was doing the only thing I knew how to do at that moment. The awareness of this was the beginning of seeing the things that no longer served me. I then began to challenge the limiting beliefs I HAD BEEN HOLDING for so long. As I began to change my thoughts, my feelings and actions began to change – again, in perfection with the new information I now had.
As you continue to grow and accept who you are with compassion and love, you open yourself to the knowing that you can CHOOSE to create the life you truly desire.
It is my passion to assist you in EMBRACING your power to change your life!
When you are ready to explore the journey of change, I invite you to experience a complimentary coaching session.
Abundant Life Coaching
Robyn Harakal Janis, CLC
Certified Life/Wellness Coach
Nourishment of Mind-Body-Spirit
(724)941-3363 robynjanis@hotmail.com
The mind changes…the body follows.
CONTRAST TO CLARITY (KICKIN’ IT UP A NOTCH)
By Robyn Harakal Janis, CTA, CLC
My son came home on Mother’s Day weekend, turned on the television and said, “I cannot believe you are still watching GREEN TV.!” I sat and thought about that and how we can get USED to things staying as they are. There was nothing stopping me from buying a new TV.
Money was no object, I was certainly capable of picking out a new one, bringing it home and hooking it up. It was not that I had not THOUGHT about it from time to time. About 6 months ago, I actually went and LOOKED at TV’s. So what was the issue with me and a new TV? The issue then became crystal clear. The issue was that it just was not a top PRIORITY in my life and without it being that important there was not reason I could think of to change what was, yes, it would be nice to see flesh-colored faces instead of blue and red ones, but was it really that important for the amount of television I actually watched? Evidently not, so where am I going here? Good question?
If you want a better answer, ask a better question! What I love the most about being a Life Coach is the privilege of shining a Light on the wisdom within each of my incredible clients and being able to watch the answers come to surface. The answers that are always there if we are willing to look! The AH HA moments!
What do you truly WANT? Is it a top priority or just a passing thought? Are you ready to move in a forward direction? Or are you still in a contemplative state? Defining WHAT you want and WHY you want it is the place you MUST begin. Begin to SEE this clearly. Then begin to ask yourself if you are willing to DO what needs to be done to bring about the changes you seek! People make changes at different rates and speeds. You must find what works for you, but YOU must define what direction you are going.
Back to the TV. I am now the owner of a 37” HD flat screen TV! Priority? Not really, though my friends seem a lot happier, and I have to admit, I had no idea what I was missing!
It is my passion to assist you in EMBRACING your power to change your life!
*Robyn Harakal Janis, CTA, CLC
Abundant Life Coaching
Mind-Body-Spirit
(724)941-3363 robyn_janis@hotmail.com
The mind changes…the body follows.
Discover your path to thinner peace!
*If you are ready to explore the journey of change, please contact Robyn for a complimentary coaching session.
HEALTHY PET TALK
By Edmund A. Sulkowski, DMD
Question: Can dogs and cats get glaucoma?
Answer: Dogs, and cats as well, can and do get glaucoma. Fluid inside the eye builds up causing increased ocular pressure. This can be acute, a medical emergency, or chronic. Often signs and symptoms go unnoticed until the disease progresses. Some of these may include bloodshot, glassy or bluish, cloudy eyes, large and hard eyeballs, watery discharge, rubbing of the head/ears or vomiting. Treatment sometimes requires surgery. Fortunately, a diagnostic test can be done at your veterinarian’s office.
Prevention and treatment naturally is best provided with good nutrition and supplementation that includes vitamins A, C and E, chromium, zinc and B complex. Omega-3 fatty acids and alpha lipoic acid may also help. There are some homeopathic preparations that may help. Left untreated will most likely lead to blindness and possible infection. Prevention is always the most effective cure. Proper nutrition is key as garbage in does lead to garbage out.
Please remember, we are “Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive”.
*This is general information and not meant as a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding all animal health conditions. Healthy Pet Talk and Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive are trademarks of Healthy Pet Systems.
UNDERSTANDING OUR PETS THROUGH ANIMAL COMMUNICATION
By Renee Takacs, MA
When I receive a call from a client, I may hear, “My cat is peeing on my bed, my dog bit my husband or my horse isn’t eating. Can you help me?” My answers are yes, yes and yes! Although these troubles sound a bit like a country western song these are actual situations that happen when our pets are out of sorts. As an Animal Communicator, I have several approaches that I use to address your concerns and your pet’s concerns.
My intention is to assure your pet that his or her needs are being heard. You will also receive information that will help you to understand your pet’s imbalanced behavior and what can be done about it. Typical concerns range from foods issues, to activities, to why your pet doesn’t like the other pets or certain people.
When we are in a session together, whether it is over the phone or in person, I operate from a telepathic level with direct connection to your pet. I can also access information from an intuitive level which is different from telepathy and can be very helpful in understanding your relationship with your pet. I am able to connect with a beloved pet in spirit as well. I simply need the name of your pet or pets.
If I find there is a trauma or emotional imbalance, I offer a trauma release technique called T.A.T., Tapas Acupressure Technique, which takes only minutes and allows your pet to return to a peaceful state of mind. This leading-edge, energy meridian technique can help with any negative thought, trauma or allergy. Indicators for needing this technique may be fearful or shy behavior, aggression, fear of thunderstorms, chewing or licking incessantly, etc.
T.A.T. is also effective for people. You don’t necessarily need it because you’re peeing in the bed or biting your husband, but you can use this powerful technique to restore internal peace. This technique takes about 20-30 minutes for people and only five minutes for our pets. It resets your internal alarm clock. It switches you from constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system mode to allowing the parasympathetic mode to participate equally. A negative thought or trauma can cause you or your pet to get stuck in a continually revved up, anxious mode. You can easily shift, without reliving the trauma to a more peaceful state of mind and body.
*Renee Takacs has been doing intuitive consulting for both people and animals, offers workshops, is a member of the A.R.E (Association for Research and Development), has a masters degree in transpersonal studies and is a Healing Art Practitioner. For more information on the services she offers, please contact her at 724-625-6693 or visit her website www.intuitguide.com
CHIROPRACTIC FOR ANIMALS
By Jonas Marry, DC
Question: What is veterinary orthopedic manipulation?
Answer: Veterinary orthopedic manipulation, VOM for short, is a specific adjusting technique for animals specifically performed by a veterinary chiropractioner, chiropractor or veterinarian. It was designed by Dr. Bill Inman, a veterinarian specializing in orthopedic surgery. He found that by combining the chiropractic philosophy of adjusting the spine for the purposes of restoring normal function and not just normal motion with a veterinary approach to health, he could conservatively help many more animals than he previously thought. In fact, as he continued to research his new approach, he discovered that four-legged animals display very specific reflexes. These reflexes are only present when there is a subluxation, an interference of the nervous system that controls and coordinates all functions of the body usually caused when one or more of the bones of the spine move out of position and create pressure on or irritate spinal nerves. That small misalignment can affect the body’s ability to communicate and, as a result, function and heal. The best part of VOM is that it is a simple, safe and effective healing modality!
* Dr. Marry of Family First Chiropractic incorporates the philosophy of positive thought as the core of his chiropractic practice. For more information on chiropractic and veterinary orthopedic manipulation, please call Dr. Marry’s office at (724)941-9507 or visit the VOM website at www.vomtech.com
FLAX: A SUPERFOOD WHOSE TIME HAS COME AGAIN
By Mike Giordono
Much has been written about the benefits of flax seeds and oil in the diet. The astounding list of conditions for which flaxseed is helpful includes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, allergies, dry skin, psoriasis and eczema!
So what’s special about flaxseed? The lowly seed deserves a place of high honor because it is the richest commercial source of two vital nutrients. These are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in flaxseed oil, and lignans found in ground flaxseeds.
Essential fatty acids are major components of every tissue membrane in the body. Our body can not manufacture them so we must obtain them from our diet. Due to the consumption of vegetable oils high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 fats, the processing of foods for longer shelf life and the raising of livestock on grain rather than on green vegetation, the diets of most Americans have long been deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Because fatty acids have a powerful influence on cell functions, the restoration of omega-3 fatty acids can have profound health-replenishing effects on body tissues and organs. Lignans are plant phytoestrogens that support the structure and function of heart and hormonal health. They are anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and help with digestion. Research also suggests they may be helpful in the prevention of some cancers.
So consider the immense variety of actions in which omega-3 fatty acids are engaged. They serve as structural components of membranes, facilitate inter- and intra-cellular communication, regulate insulin production and endocrine hormones that influence blood pressure, inflammation, smooth muscle tonicity and other functions, and more.
The effects attributed to omega-3 fatty acids seem too good to be true. How can one small family of compounds have such wide impact? The answer is that their incorporation into key membranes of every cell in the body influences biochemical activities everywhere. The only other thing we ingest that influences cell functions more is probably pure water.
So flaxseed oil, with its rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, is truly an indispensable cornerstone of a health-promoting, disease-preventing diet.
Barleans –World’s Freshest Flax Oil * Pressed Fresh-Made to Order * Air Delivered-Arriving within Days *Freshness Dated *Pure, Unfiltered and Unrefined
HEALTHY PET TALK
By Edmund A. Sulkowski, DMD
Question: I heard you say that you make your own food for your dogs. What is your recipe?
Answer: Easy. If I can do it, anyone can. Ingredients are paramount, as, your pet is what it eats. Cats are strictly carnivores and should eat only quality meat protein and nothing else. Dogs are carnivores but can consume and process vegetables, fruits and some grains. I am not an advocate of corn and wheat in pet food due to mold and their metabolites, called mycotoxins. These toxins are yeast poisons and may be the root cause of many diseases. I also try to purchase organic ingredients and would advise you to do the same to avoid added hormones and antibiotics. “All natural” is not all that it is cracked up to be. There are many natural things that you would not want to eat! Please be aware of labeling as there is a difference between the terms “free of” and “nothing added”. I look for “free of”. I use the ratio of 80% meat protein to 20% non-meat protein.
OK, here is one of the recipes.
Approx. 10 pkg chicken - skinless, boneless mixture of breast and thigh
3 cups water
1 pkg baby carrots
1 pkg kale
1 cup brown rice
Bring chicken to a boil then simmer with lid till white in center.
Save broth.
Steam or boil carrots and kale and place with chicken in a food processor.
Cook rice.
Combine all ingredients with 2 cups broth and mix well.
Shape and place flattened patties in individual daily servings in freezer bags and freeze.
Supplementation is important. A good multi-vitamin, and for cats taurine, is an absolute must. Digestive enzymes help with absorption of proteins. Probiotics support the immune system and digestion. Fish oil is necessary to provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. When feeding pets add supplements with a tablespoon of canned raw 100% pure pumpkin. This provides fiber, moisture and carbohydrates.
Making your own food provides your companion animals with good nutrition and reduces the chance of contamination with poisons that may be in manufactured food, as we are suddenly made aware of.
Please remember, we are “Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive”.
*This is general information and not meant as a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding all animal health conditions. Healthy Pet Talk and Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive are trademarks of Healthy Pet Systems.
REBELLIOUS HELLIONS: SYMPTOMS OF SOMETHING DEEPER
By D.L. Winter, MA Counseling Psychology
How does rebellion apply to addictive behavior? People who are in active addiction will do almost anything to obtain their drug of choice – lie, cheat, steal, curse, damage or destroy. As a culture generally uneducated about addiction, we may look at those acts as rebellious, even unforgivable.
I propose another perception: that those seemingly rebellious acts, including the chemical usage itself, may be a symptom of the disease of addiction. But why use chemicals in the first place? Lots of folks with chemical dependence have been diagnosed with another mental health disorder such as depression, bipolar, anxiety and ADD/ADHD, just to name a few. These people may abuse alcohol or other drugs to relieve a psychiatric symptom they are feeling, not because they want to take the chemical but because they want to stop feeling the psychiatric symptoms they are experiencing.
This is where drug and alcohol treatment can help. In early recovery, people are taught concepts of addiction and recovery which include techniques a person can used to remain free of alcohol and drugs even when they feel triggered to use them. They learn they have a responsibility to take special care of their disease as would any other person with a medical condition. Addiction expert, Dr. Abraham Twerski, reminds those of us in recovery, “Easy does it. Keep it simple.” He is saying “Don’t beat up on yourself for the past. Live life in the present with uncomplicated actions.” Fine words for us all to adhere!
*D.L. Winter is a therapist for Gateway Rehabilitation Center. For more information about treatment for addiction, please call (724)9411-4126.
WHAT YOU SEE… IS WHAT YOU GET!
By Robyn Harakal Janis – Abundant Life Coach, CTA, CLC
It can be no other way. So…choose your goal. Visualize what you want. See it. Feel it. BELIEVE IN IT. Think of your mind as your mental workshop. You can build anything you want in it. The beginning of your success is in your mind.
Make your mental blueprint and begin construction. See things as you would have them be instead of how they are. Use your imagination to perceive your new reality even when it is not fully materialized. Remember you must clearly see a thing in your mind before you can do it or have it.
Your imagination will show you how to turn possibility into reality. First think, then organize your thoughts into plans. Then transform your thoughts into reality by TAKING POSITIVE ACTION. See the things you want as already yours, as belonging to you, as the change you seek, as already in your possession. PICTURE YOURSELF AS HAVING ALREADY ACHIEVED YOUR GOAL!
What you see… is what you get! Success begins in the mind !
It is my passion to assist you in EMBRACING your power to change your life!
*Abundant Life Coaching
Robyn Harakal Janis, CTA, CLC
Personal Wellness Coach
(724)941-3363 / (724)942-5800 (Sunny Bridge Natural Foods) robyn_janis@hotmail.com
*If you are ready to explore the journey of change, please contact Robyn for a complimentary coaching session
HEALTHY PET TALK
By Dr. Edmund A. Sulkowski, DMD
Question: How should I clean my dog’s teeth?
Answer: Like you, daily brushing is the most effective method for maintenance of your animal’s teeth and gums. However, human toothpaste is ill advised due to the toxic chemicals that are part of their ingredients. There are toothbrushes designed for animals but I use a soft bristle children’s toothbrush. A folded 2” x 2” gauze wrapped around your finger will also work well as it is the mechanical action that cleans their teeth of food debris. These should first be moistened with water. If you want to use some type of solution, there are dog toothpastes or natural toothpastes but make sure that are free of Xylitol as this can cause acute liver failure in dogs. I use Miracle II gel to brush but there are other products that I am aware of but have not used such as Lebra III, Oral Health, PetzLife and OxyFresh Pet Solution among others. Some of these are applied d irectly to the teeth while others are mixed into the drinking water. While hard biscuits, chew sticks and bones are good for cleaning teeth, never give the last two while the dog is unattended. Chew sticks have caused issues with choking, indigestibility and blockage. As a rule, I do not give any to my dogs but I have recently found one that I like made from rice that I have been giving to them once a week and seems to be without issues. They are called Fresh Sticks and come in appropriate sizes for the size of your dog. I stay with them while they are chewing. Also, RAW chicken necks and wings in small pieces are also good for cleaning teeth, but again, you need to remain with your animal while they eat. Please take note that I said RAW. Finally, there may be a need for a professional cleaning and this usually involves a visit to the veterinarian’s office and the use of anesthesia. With this comes risks but there are also health iss ues from bacteria of infected
teeth and gums. If this becomes necessary, you should make sure the office is up to date with their anesthesia equipment and use of new mild anesthesia used on infants. This will minimize the risks.
Please remember, we are “Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive”.
*This is general information and not meant as a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding all animal health conditions. Healthy Pet Talk and Always Thinkin’ Pawsitive are trademarks of Healthy Pet Systems.
ENJOY MORE LIFE
By Shivani Taylor
Do you ever feel the need to slow down and relax a little more? Do you rush even while multi-tasking? Some of us live our lives as if we’re in a constant state of emergency. With such busyness, we seldom experience the present moment in its fullness. Even though we DO a lot, we actually miss a lot! The good new is – there is a remedy!
The remedy is to learn how to just “be” for an hour or more. Focus on breathing to learn to stay in the moment. Feel the body stretch and move in ways to release tension and tightness from the muscles…to let go of the stress from the day, or the week. Focus quietly inward to create balance from all the outwardly-focused tasks we attend to the rest of the day. Not only does this feel wonderful, it nourishes at very deep levels – physically, mentally and emotionally!
Just as a plant needs nourishment to grow and flower, people are nourished by a balance between the outward and inward flow of energy. When our lives are mostly focused outward, we can become like a withering plant with shallow roots in poor soil. Our connection with the deeper aspects of ourselves and that balance which nourishes us is lost. The time-tested practice of yoga asanas (postures) and breathing is a potent remedy that will give you the knowledge of how to get and hold onto your energy and let go of stress!
Yoga is an individual practice, progressing at one’s own pace. No competition, no expectations, just simply applying what works, leaving what doesn’t. Popular misconceptions exist: “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible enough”, “not thin enough”, or “too old”. Or “I don’t have time”. Yoga is not limited by any of these factors. As a matter of fact, we practice yoga because it gives us more flexibility, strength and balance – which makes us feel younger! We feel better and perhaps begin to make healthier food choices which in turn can reduce our weight. When we find positive ways to handle life’s stressors, we naturally become less dependent on the things that aren’t healthy for us. And if we don’t make time to create health, we may lose time trying to regain it.
*Shivani Taylor has taught yoga and meditation for over 18 years and her successful yoga studio in Houston, PA celebrated its 9th year in April! If you have yoga-related questions, please contact her at (724)746-1327 or find out about classes at www.ShambhavaYoga.net.
IS LOCAL REALLY THE NEW ORGANIC?
By Evan Verbanic, Cherry Valley Organics
These are exciting and confusing times for produce consumers – exciting to have so many choices, yet confusing to sort through similar-sounding terminology such as “sustainably produced”, “naturally grown”, “fresh and local”, “organic”, and “certified organic”. Recently, in particular, we’ve all likely seen the bumper stickers and T-shirts around town and read the national press coverage, all encouraging us to “Buy Local!”.
Indeed, supporting the bioregional (or “local”) system of food production is a key element of any effective community development effort. And the advantages of cultivating a personal relationship with the producer of one’s food are too numerous to cite here. However, in order to both minimize ecological impact and maximize health benefits, consumers must consider more than mere geographic location.
While it has become increasingly fashionable to equate “local” with “environmentally friendly” (or even “organic”), the informed consumer will discern that true organic crop production is unique in that it not only yields products that provide superior health benefits to consumers, but also builds the soil naturally and eliminates the use of toxic synthetic substances altogether.
The National Organic Program, administered by the USDA, maps out the methods, practices and materials for agricultural producers to attain this mode of production and, at the same time, provides the consumer with a high level of quality assurance.
Of course, when sourced locally, buying certified organic produce can also reduce fuel consumption and air emissions associated with transportation, as well as packaging materials.
So, buy certified organic AND buy local, and ensure the long-term health of southwestern Pennsylvania’s soil, its farmers and its consumers! You can’t get this
quality and freshness anywhere else!
*Owned and operated by Evan and Jodi Verbanic, Cherry Valley Organics is a USDA-certified organic farm located in Cherry Valley (near Hickory), Washington County. The farm produces over 400 varieties of flowers, herbs and vegetables as well as a line of body care products which are available at Pittsburgh-area restaurant, cafes, specialty foods stores and here at Sunny Bridge Natural Foods.
OMEGA-3 NUTRITION FOR HEALTH: CHOOSING THE BEST PRODUCTS
By Michael Hennessey
Fish oils and the vital Omega-3 nutrition they provide, have been dominating the nutrition landscape for nearly a decade. Consensus concludes that Omega-3’s may just be the single most important nutrient we can take. Omega-3 class supplements provide two primary nutrients, EPA and DHA, which our body uses for almost every essential body function. On-going research shows most humans to be deficient in these nutrients and a world of study concludes that adding these food-source products to your diet can only have demonstrative beneficial results.
Nordic Naturals is the world leader in manufacturing pure, fresh, safe and tasty fish oil products. Their innovation has literally changed the way the fish oil market views the manufacture of these products, though many inferior and potentially unsafe products continue to flood the market. Fish oils, though considered primary for optimal health, are in essence an animal fat. Therefore, great care has to be taken as to how they are handled to prevent rancidity and the source of the fish is important for concerns about environmental contaminants. Nordic Naturals leads the way on both accounts. In searching for a source for this important nutrient, it is wise to rely on a reputable company dedicated to the highest quality standards of sourcing and manufacturing.
Nordic Naturals EPA (eicosapentaenoic) formula provides one of the world’s highest concentrations of EPA from fish. This product offers a therapeutic level of 850 mg of EPA with the requisite companion co-nutrient, DHA, as a base of 200 mg per two capsules. EPA has been shown to be essential for cardiovascular health and joint mobility, especially in valid dosages. Most progressive doctors accept the importance of EPA for heart health. Recent studies suggest it may be exceptional in therapies for mood and depression. There is really no aspect of human health that does not benefit from the function of EPA and DHA in the body.
Nordic Naturals products surpass the levels established by the Norwegian Medicinal Standards which are the strictest in the world. Their production methods have been acknowledged to be the most environmentally friendly possible. Quality, freshness, purity – fish oils in their natural triglyceride form for easy and safe absorption: Nordic Naturals fish oils have proven to be the perfect choice for people seeking to improve their health with Omega-3 nutrition.
*Michael Hennessey has worked on the front lines in the natural foods industry for over 25 years. He now owns a consulting firm representing nineteen well-known nutritional supplement and body care companies and services over six hundred health food stores in the mid-Atlantic region. Michael also runs a non-profit educational organization called Wildberry Education that works to share information and empower individual responsibility for one’s own health. He lives in Washington, DC.
