You are what you eat

We all know this old adage and how true it is.  In today's age, we are all so busy, but healthy choices need not be inconvenient.  Spring has arrived!  And, this is the perfect time for us to focus on creating more health.  This month I have put together a great program to get us refocused on staying healthy: 

***On April 10^th join us for "Spring Eating" a workshop focusing on eating with the seasons.  As the weather gets warmer, we ditch the winter coats and we should also ditch our winter foods.  In this workshop, Cindy Klein, HHC will discuss the importance and value of seasonal eating, give you some sample spring menus, and have a cooking demo (snacks provided). If you're considering a spring cleanse, Cindy will share some of her favorite gentle spring detox options to help you create a plan that will have you feeling great this season.  Visit Cindy on the web at www.boundlesswellness.com

***On April 17^th "Detoxification:  Meditation/Yoga Workshop." This will be a guided meditation with some gentle yoga postures focusing on detoxification of our bodies, minds and spirits.  This Meditation will be led by Alex Paraskevas, director of YogaChai -- a non-profit yoga organization.  No experience or props are necessary, just a willingness to participate.  Visit Alex on the web at www.YogaChai.com

***On April 24^th "Journey to Wellness Workshop" Dr. Anthony will give a talk on health, wellness and how to improve the quality of you life.  Learn about the human body, and how  to take an active role in your healing. 

***Starting in April, Noya Chiropractic will carry Standard Process Vitamin Supplements.  In the past many of you have asked for my advice on nutritional supplements.  For your convenience, I will now stock what I consider the best available nutritional supplement products. Standard Process vitamins are available only through health care providers.  Since 1929, these whole food supplements have been grown organically in Wisconsin.  For more information visit www.StandardProcess.com  

This is the third article in a series meant to help guide you and your family as you make choices to be healthy.  There are thousands of chemicals and fragrances added to shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, and other beauty products.  Companies are required to list all the ingredients in order of use, but they're not required to test products for safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can only act if they have strong scientific knowledge that a product is dangerous.  This is particularly disturbing because chemicals from beauty products don't pass through your digestive system where they might be filtered; instead, they head right into your bloodstream.

It can be difficult to determine which products are safe.  The best place to start is by looking at the ingredients.  Here are some tips to get started:

Avoid Cologne, Perfume, and Products with Fragrance

Beware of the word "fragrance."  It's impossible to know exactly which chemicals are in a fragrance.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are more than 5,000 different fragrances used in cosmetics and skin care products.  Manufactures can list "fragrance" without listing the actual chemicals in use.  Fragrances can contain neurotoxins and are among the top 5 allergens in the world.  Be careful to check to make sure "unscented" products aren't simply using additional chemicals to mask a scent.

Avoid Phthalates and Scrutinize Nail Polish

Scientists have been studying this group of chemicals for over 20 years.  The European Union and at least 14 other countries have banned certain phthalates in products for young children after studies found that they can interfere with hormones and might lead to early puberty or cause reproductive defects and other health problems.  Phthalates are used widely in nail polish, deodorants, hairspray and fragrance.  They may be hidden under "fragrance" so it is difficult to determine whether a product contains it or not.  [For additional information see http://www.safecosmetics.org

Choose Shampoo & Soap Carefully

Be especially wary of dandruff shampoos, because they often contain selenium sulfide -- a neurotoxin and possible carcinogen.  If you can, avoid shampoos that list ethanolamine or diethanolamine -- called TEA or DEA on the label. These are nitrosamines, which are thought to be carcinogenic. The FDA has also been monitoring the contaminant 1,4-dioxane, which on a label could be called "PEG," "Polyethylene," "Polyethylene glycol," "Polyoxyethylene," "-eth-," or "-oxynol-."  This chemical readily penetrates the skin --  the Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as a probable human carcinogen and the National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen.  It is a common ingredient in baby soaps.

Simplify & Check Your Products

Once you start reading labels, you may choose to reduce the number of products you're using.  Consider skipping a step in your daily routine, or alternating every other day.  Look for fragrance free whenever possible and always look for products with less ingredients.  Consider that pregnant women, infants, and children may be particularly sensitive to chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization educating consumers about chemicals in products, created Skin Deep a searchable database cross referenced against 50 toxicity databases that analyzes about 25,000 beauty products and 10,000 different ingredients.

:: Thursday April 10, 2008 8:00pm-9:00pm
Spring Eating
As the weather gets warmer, it's time to ditch the winter coats and the winter foods. In this workshop, Cindy Klein, HHC will discuss the importance and value of seasonal eating, give you some sample spring menus, and have a cooking demo (snacks provided).  And if you're considering a spring cleanse, Cindy will also share some of her favorite gentle spring detox options to help you create a plan that will have you feeling great this season.  The workshop is FREE.  Please register with Dr. Anthony as space is limited.  Visit Cindy on the web at www.boundlesswellness.com

1 large bowl fresh mixed greens or 1 head washed and torn red leaf         lettuce
1/3 head raw green cabbage sliced into ¼ inch         strips
2 oranges or 4-5 clementines, sectioned and cut     into pieces
½ pound pitted, chopped medjool dates
¼ cup grated black radish, if available
¼ cup raw pumpkin, sunflower, flax or other seeds

Mix all ingredients together and serve with your favorite dressing - I prefer a sprinkle of olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon, salt and black pepper.