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SEPTEMBER 2013
Issue 40
Wellness Matters
 
  
Welcome
  from Vantage Business Support & Insurance Services

As an added benefit to our customers and associates VANTAGE is publishing a semimonthly newsletter with information, interactive tools, podcasts and other resources to help you live healthier. We will explore topics on total health and resources for you and your family, including fitness, nutrition, mental and physical health, weight management and more.

Thank you for being part of the VANTAGE family.
Please view our products list in the right sidebar.

This is just a sampling of what we feel would be important to you. We have much more to offer. If you have any questions or need more information please contact us at  877-886-8277  or click the link below.

Natural Flu Fighters

Sadly, Labor Day has passed, and back-to-school is in full effect. Unfortunately, this also means we're embarking upon cold and flu season. Individuals are thought to develop colds more frequently during the fall and winter months because of the increased time spent indoors. This close contact with others allows for the spread of viruses and creates a great environment for them to survive. Adding a few natural immune boosters to your daily diet can protect you and your family from falling ill this flu season.

Astragalus:  The root of this plant is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Astragalus is known to protect the body against immune stressors. It is also thought to help boost the immune system and prevent the flu and upper respiratory infections. It has a particularly potent anti-viral effect, therefore it is recommended to protect against the flu. Taking 200mg up to twice a day can help you avoid cold and flu symptoms. Check with your physician before taking this supplement, because it can affect the metabolism of certain other medications. 

Vitamin C: During periods of stress and infection, vitamin C stores are depleted throughout the body. Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the duration of respiratory infections and cold symptoms, and also supports the immune system. Adding oranges, kiwi fruit, and bell peppers to your diet can give you a little extra vitamin C, and taking a supplement at the first sign of a cold can keep you from being stuck in bed for several days. 

Zinc: This mineral is essential for cells in the body to fight off infection. Based on a recent Cochrane Review, when Zinc is taken within the first 24 hours of cold symptoms it can shorten the duration by several days.  Foods such as oysters, spinach, chicken, nuts, and beans are good sources of zinc. Beware that too much zinc is also harmful and can have the opposite effect. 

Green Tea: Green tea contains catechins and theanine. Catechins are known for their ability to fight oxidation, a process that damages cells.  Research suggests that these ingredients can be potent flu fighters. One study showed that individuals receiving green tea extract had a significantly lower instance of influenza than the placebo group. Among other things, green tea is also known for its potent immune boosting, antioxidant powers.  Consuming 2-4 cups daily can help you stay cold free.


SOURCE: Shilpi Agarwal, MD 
 
DID YOU KNOW???

           Avocados and Cancer

    
 
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Avocados are known as a superfood because of the high levels of nutrition and health benefits that they have to offer. In fact, studies have found that avocado consumption may help to prevent and treat several different types of cancer.


Oral Cancer 
A study done at Ohio State University and published in "Seminars in Cancer Biology" found that Haas avocado extracts destroyed existing precancerous cells that would eventually lead to oral cancer and also prevented new ones from forming.

Prostate Cancer 
A study done at UCLA in 2005 found that extract from Haas avocados inhibited the growth of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells in vitro. Researchers believe part of the reason that avocados were so successful in destroying cancer cells is because the high level of monounsaturated fat they contain helps cancer-fighting nutrients within the avocado such as bioactive carotenoids and other phytochemicals to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Breast Cancer 
Avocados are high in oleic acid, which several studies have found to prevent breast cancer while other studies have found to increase the risk of breast cancer. Researchers at the University of Granada in Spain found that avocado oil and olive oil, which are both high in oleic acid, lower the risk of HER2-positive breast cancer, which accounts for about 1 in 5 cases of breast cancer. They believe this is why there were conflicting results in previous breast cancer studies.

Avocados are a good source of vitamin E, which has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Over 80,000 women were studied during the Nurses' Health Study, which looked at breast cancer occurrence in participating women. This study found that women with a higher consumption of vitamin E had lower risk of breast cancer, especially if breast cancer was prevalent in their family history.

Fiber 
Avocados, like many other fruits and vegetables, are a great source of fiber. Increased fiber intake is associated with lower cancer risk.

Antioxidants 
When you eat an avocado, you are getting a high level of antioxidants, which are very beneficial for overall health. Antioxidants work to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body, which in turn helps to prevent cancer and other diseases. Reducing free radicals prevents cancer cells from growing and spreading throughout the body.

Anti-Inflammatory 
The antioxidants as well as other compounds within avocados help to reduce the amount of inflammation within the body. Lower levels of inflammation have been linked with a lower risk of cancer.


SOURCE: healthdiaries.com 

 
          
    Here's your "QuoteAction" for this issue:

 

 

"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."
Author, Catherine Aird

 

Your action for today is to reflect on what kind of example or warning you are sending based on how you take care of your health.

 

Have an extraordinary day!

 

 

SOURCE: Betty Jo Waxman
Productive Learning & Leisure, LLC

 
Disclaimer of Liability
 
Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
 
Health & Wellness Products





VANTAGE has a wide range of products designed to aid in health & wellness for both your personal and business life.

These products include:

Health Insurance Exchange
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Business Interruption
Small Business Tool Box
Workers' Compensation
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Employee Theft
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Property
Product Liability
Start-up Assistance
Business Formation
Legal Assistance
Human Resources
Marketing
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CONTACTS

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Please contact one of our VANTAGE professionals for assistance or click on the help picture.


Paul White
510-595-0904
paulw@vantagebss.com

Steve Cannon
510-595-0906

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Vantage Business Support & Insurance 
2363 Mariner Square Dr., Ste. 240 / Alameda / CA / 94501 
30251 Golden Lantern, Ste. E376 / Laguna Niguel / CA / 92677

P. 510.595.0900 / F. 510.522.1906

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