Many people are looking for ways to make themselves, and their families, healthier. When we think of being healthier we often think about what we eat, the exercise in our life and ways we can reduce stress. Another way to move towards a healthier lifestyle is to resolve to make your home as unpolluted as you can make it. You can make your family and yourself healthier by removing damaging toxins from your environment.

It's possible to live in a completely nontoxic home. Changing everything at once, however, can be a daunting and difficult task.

Start by making the commitment to reduce toxic exposures in your home. It's not about being perfect, it's about moving in a direction. When faced with a choice about a household product, ask yourself, "How can I do this in a nontoxic way?" Over time, you can transform your house into a healthy home.

Here are ten simple and inexpensive resolutions you can follow to reduce household toxics in your home.

1. NIX AMMONIA. Ammonia can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation and burn your skin. Instead, mix one part white or apple cider vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle for a nontoxic glass cleaner.

2. FORMALDEHYDE FREE. Polyester/cotton blend sheets and no-iron cotton sheets are typically treated with formaldehyde, which can cause insomnia and respiratory problems. Opt for cotton flannel or untreated cotton percale sheets.

3. INSTALL CARBON-MONOXIDE DETECTORS Homes with gas appliances or heaters should have carbon-monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen and can be fatal. Symptoms include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, flushed skin and disorientation.

4.REPLACE MOTHBALLS WITH SWEET SACHETS. Mothballs are made of paradichlorobenzene, a chemical that can cause headaches and irritation to nose, throat and lungs. Prolonged exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. Protect woolens by making sachets from dried lavender and equal parts dried rosemary and mint. Cedar products are also effective.

5. USE SOAP-BASED CLEANING PRODUCTS INSTEAD OF DETERGENTS. Soap is made from natural oils and minerals. Detergents are petrochemical-based products responsible for more household poisonings than any other substance.

6.REMOVE CHLOROFORM FROM YOUR SHOWER WATER. Hot water containing chlorine (which covers all municipal tap water) releases chloroform, which has been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a dangerous indoor air pollutant. Chlorine can be removed from shower water by using a water filter specifically designed for this purpose.

7. USE ORGANICALLY GROWN PRODUCE. Most food sold in supermarkets is sprayed heavily with pesticides, many of which can cause cancer. Buy pesticide-free, organically grown food. Purchase what looks good and is in season.

8. TAKE A BOTANICAL BATH. Many bath products contain detergents and artificial fragrances that can be irritating to sensitive areas. Instead, use natural substances such as fragrant dried or fresh herbs (lavender, rosemary, peppermint), a quart of buttermilk, or 1 cup of Epsom salts.

9. USE WATER-BASED PENS AND MARKERS. Dispose of permanent ink pens and markers, which contain toxic volatile solvents. Office and art supply stores carry water-based pens and markers in every size and color.

10. GET HOUSEPLANTS. They freshen the air by absorbing carbon dioxide we exhale and release the oxygen that is vital for us to breathe. Some plants, like the spider plant, also remove some air pollutants.

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most beneficial vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Densely-packed with energy and nutrients, they grow upwards towards the sky, absorbing the sun’s light while producing oxygen. Members of this royal green family include kale, collard greens, swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, watercress, beet greens, bok choy, nappa cabbage, red or green cabbage, spinach and broccoli. How do greens benefit our bodies? They are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, and are a powerhouse for vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed full of fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Their color is associated with Spring – a time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. In traditional Asian medicine, the color green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Greens aid in purifying the blood, strengthening the immune system, improving liver, gall bladder and kidney function, fighting depression, clearing congestion, improving circulation and keeping your skin clear and blemish free. Leafy greens are the vegetable most missing from the American diet, and many of us never learned how to prepare them. Start with the very simple recipe below. Then each time you go to the market, pick up a new green and try it out. Soon you’ll find your favorite greens and wonder how you ever lived without them.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1/2 pound of shiitake mushrooms
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1-2 cloves of crushed garlic
1 bunch of kale
pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1. Warm oil in pan on medium heat with minced garlic until aroma of garlic is released, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add chopped shiitake mushrooms, stir fry for 5 minutes.
3. Then add chopped kale, stir fry for a couple of minutes.
4.Add a splash of water and a pinch of sea salt to pan, cover and let steam for 4 minutes.

Would you like to learn more about the different ways our bodies accumulate toxins? Would you also like to have a better understanding of how toxins play a role in the increasing rise of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, intestinal diseases and weight gain? Come watch two interesting DVD's - one where a board certified gastroentenologist shares some interesting information on toxins and your health and another on toxic chemicals in the home. It will be followed by a discussion on some ways you can reduce toxins in your home and your diet. We will also discuss ways you can start helping your own body eliminate excess toxins. You will also receive some great handouts to support what you will learn.

WHEN: Thursday ,March 29, 2007
TIME: 12:30 - 2:30PM
WHERE: Simple Balance
ADDRESS: 249 Ayer Road, Suite 201, Harvard, MA
COST: $15.00 (Current clients no charge) REGISTER BY E-MAIL: simplebalance@charter.net
REGISTER BY PHONE: 978-400-6514

Cleanse your way to better health and a leaner body by following an Isagenix program. These programs are designed to support your body's ability to

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