Berries protect the brain in several ways

The 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society held this week in Boston was the site of a presentation by Shibu Poulose, PhD, of the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, of new findings for berries in protecting aging brains.

A reduction in the ability to protect oneself from inflammation and oxidative damage can result in degenerative brain diseases, as well as heart disease and other disorders, notes Dr Poulose. In previous research conducted by Dr Poulose and laboratory director James Joseph, PhD, aged rats given diets that contained 2 percent strawberry, blueberry or blackberry extract for two months experienced a reversal in the age-associated decline in nerve function and behavior that results in impairment of memory and learning. "The good news is that natural compounds called polyphenolics found in fruits, vegetables and nuts have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect that may protect against age-associated decline," Dr Poulose remarked.

For the current research, the duo studied the brain's natural "house-cleaning" process, which involves autophagy by cells known as microglia. These cells remove and recycle toxic proteins that can interfere with brain function. "In aging, microglia fail to do their work, and debris builds up," Dr Poulose explained. "In addition, the microglia become over-activated and actually begin to damage healthy cells in the brain."

In experiments with cultured mouse cells, Dr Poulose found that blueberry and strawberry extracts inhibited a protein that interferes with autophagy. "The results strongly suggest that the benefits of both berries extend beyond the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to cellular toxic clearance through induction of autophagy in brain," concludes a written summary of the findings.

Dr Poulose commented that the study adds evidence to the benefits of consuming polyphenolic-rich foods, including berries and walnuts. "Our research suggests that the polyphenolics in berries have a rescuing effect," he stated. "They seem to restore the normal housekeeping function. These findings are the first to show these effects of berries."

Green Tea may significantly decrease chances of lung cancer

NaturalNews) Drinking at least a cup of green tea a day may significantly decrease a person's risk of lung cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers from Shan Medical University in Taiwan.

Cancer rates are significantly lower in Asia than in other parts of the world, and high consumption of green tea has been suggested as one of the potential explanations. Laboratory studies have suggested that the polyphenols in green tea can halt the growth of cancer cells, but the results of human studies have been mixed.

In the current study, researchers analyzed green tea consumption, smoking, genetic factors and lung cancer risk in more than 500 people. They found that among non-smokers, those who did not drink tea had five times the lung cancer risk of those who drank at least one cup per day. Among smokers, not drinking green tea was linked to 12 times the cancer risk of those who drank at least one cup per day.

A genetic analysis of all the study participants revealed that a specific variant of the gene known as IGF1 was associated with the correlation between higher tea consumption and lower cancer risk. Among those without this variant, green tea consumption had little effect on cancer risk. This could explain the inconsistent results of prior studies.

Health experts warned that whatever the benefits of green tea might be, they do not outweigh the danger posed by smoking.

"Smoking tobacco fills your lungs with around 80 cancer-causing chemicals," said Yinka Ebo of Cancer Research U.K. "Drinking green tea is not going to compensate for that. Unfortunately, it's not possible to make up for the harm caused by smoking by doing other things right like eating a healthy, balanced diet. The best thing a smoker can do to reduce their risk of lung cancer, and more than a dozen other cancer types, is to quit."

Sources for this story include: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8453628.stm.

Resveratrol suppresses inflammation in human trial

A report published online on June 9, 2010 in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals the finding of a trial conducted at Kaleida Health's Diabetes-Endocrinology Center of Western New York of an anti-inflammatory benefit for resveratrol.

"Resveratrol has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effect in vitro and in animal models," Husam Ghanim, PhD and colleagues write. "Resveratrol has also been shown to prolong life expectancy and to reduce the rate of aging in the yeast and lower animals like yeast, Caenorhabtidis elegans and Drosophila. Resveratrol actions are thought to be mediated by increased expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), a gene associated with longevity."

Twenty healthy participants were randomized to receive Polygonum cuspidatum extract containing 40 milligrams resveratrol per day or a placebo for 6 weeks. Blood samples collected at the beginning at the trial and at 1, 3 and 6 weeks were analyzed for indices of oxidative and inflammatory stress in addition to other factors. "Since there are no data demonstrating the effect of resveratrol on oxidative and inflammatory stress in humans, we decided to determine if the compound reduces the level of oxidative and inflammatory stress," explained senior author Paresh Dandona, MD, PhD, who is a distinguished professor of medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo. "Several of the key mediators of insulin resistance also are pro-inflammatory, so we investigated the effect of resveratrol on their expression as well."

The research team found a reduction in reactive oxygen species, which are unstable molecules that provoke oxidative stress and inflammation, in participants who received resveratrol. The resveratrol group also experienced a decrease in the inflammation protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as inflammation markers interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, intranuclear binding of nuclear factor kappa-beta, the major pro-inflammatory cytokine, was suppressed. "These actions, demonstrated for the first time, in vivo, are consistent with potential anti-atherogenic and anti-aging effects," the authors write.

"The product we used has only 20 percent resveratrol, so it is possible that something else in the preparation is responsible for the positive effects," Dr Dandona noted. "These agents could be even more potent than resveratrol. Purer preparations now are available and we intend to test those."

Dr. Roland Cayer

In the last few weeks, I have been under the care of an amazing doctor in the Celebration area by the name of Dr. Roland Cayer.  It is a blessing to have found someone   so talented, well balanced, honest and last but not least, skilled enough to have made a huge difference in my overall health and well being.

Dr. Roland Cayer is a licensed Chiropractor and utilizes a unique approach to wellness that only a hand full of Doctors use in the entire Florida region.  Dr. Cayer uses a "whole person approach". This approach to wellness means looking for underlying causes of any disturbance or disruption (which may or may not be causing symptoms at the time) and make whatever interventions and lifestyle adjustments that would optimize the conditions for normal function.

Using this unique approach, Dr. Cayer is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.  As a Chiropractor with experience, Dr. Cayer is committed to promoting optimal health and well being of his patients.  The end results are what count and it is well worth it for me to "pay it forward" and share this information with everyone.

I encourage everyone who seeks pain relief, has specific medical issues/ health concers, or is simply interested in feeling better and being healthier, to go on Dr Cayer's website, and see what he has to offer.  His site alone is very informative and explains specifically what techniques he utilizes.

Dr. Cayer is a man of character and integrity and I recommend him highly. The theme of this blog has always been about wellness and I am very happy to share my experience and praise.  Here is Dr. Cayer's website and contact info.  God Bless,

Ben

Dr Roland Cayer http://threekingschiropractic.com/

660 Celebration Ave, Suite 120
Celebration, FL 34747
office: 321 939 3180
mobile: 407 376 3068

TKC.Roland@gmail.com

Blueberries protect against cardiovascular disease risk factors in metabolic syndrome patients

An article published online on July 21, 2010 in the Journal of Nutrition describes the outcome of a trial of obese men and women with metabolic syndrome which found a protective effect for blueberries against several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Metabolic syndrome is a group of factors that include reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity, and greater oxidative stress and inflammation. Having several of these risk factors increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Researchers at Oklahoma State University randomized 4 men and 44 women to receive a beverage containing 50 grams freeze-dried blueberries (equivalent to 2.3 cups fresh blueberries) or an equivalent amount of water daily for 8 weeks. Weight, blood pressure, dietary assessments and blood sample analyses for various factors were conducted at the beginning of the study and at 4 and 8 weeks. Continue Reading

Resveratrol may prevent eye disease, blindness and Cardiovascular disease

(NaturalNews) Resveratrol -- a natural compound found in red wine, grapes, blueberries, peanuts and other plants -- has been found to promote longevity and health in a variety of ways. For example, scientists have found evidence it prevents heart disease, helps keep weight under control, normalizes cholesterol levels and may prevent diabetes (http://www.naturalnews.com/027420_r...). Now there's another benefit to add to this remarkable list of benefits: it could prevent some of the top causes of blindness.

Vision researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have documented that resveratrol stops out-of-control blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) in the eye. This discovery means resveratrol could preserve vision in three major blinding eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50); diabetic retinopathy, which causes vision loss in about 20 percent of people with diabetes; and retinopathy of prematurity which occurs when premature babies experience an obstruction of blood flow into the retina -- a condition that blinds 50,000 infants each year.

"A great deal of research has identified resveratrol as an anti-aging compound, and given our interest in age-related eye disease, we wanted to find out whether there was a link," Washington University retina specialist Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the study's senior investigator, said in a statement to the media. "There were reports on resveratrol's effects on blood vessels in other parts of the body, but there was no evidence that it had any effects within the eye."

So Dr. Apte's research team decided to test resveratrol on mice that develop abnormal blood vessels in the retina after laser treatment. Their findings, published in the July issue of the American Journal of Pathology, showed that when the rodents were given resveratrol, the phytochemical prevented the growth of abnormal blood vessels. In fact, abnormal blood vessels that already existed actually began to disappear.

When the scientists examined cells of the animals' blood vessels in the lab, they found a new pathway -- known as a eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2) regulated pathway -- that is behind resveratrol's eye-protective power.

"We have identified a novel pathway that could become a new target for therapies. And we believe the pathway may be involved both in age-related eye disease and in other diseases where angiogenesis plays a destructive role," Dr. Apte stated. "This could potentially be a preventive therapy in high-risk patients. And because it worked on existing, abnormal blood vessels in the animals, it may be a therapy that can be started after angiogenesis already is causing damage."

What's more, the resveratrol-mediated pathway Dr. Apte's laboratory has identified may be active not only in several blindness-causing eye diseases, but in cancers and atherosclerosis, as well. That means it might be possible to use resveratrol to not only protect and improve eyesight but to prevent cardiovascular disease and some types of malignancies, too, according to Dr. Apte.

Antioxidants improve insulin resistance and Diabetes

(NaturalNews) According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD), insulin resistance is a condition in which the pancreas eventually can't keep up with the body's demand for insulin (a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy). Eventually, an excess of glucose builds up in the bloodstream -- and that sets the stage for type 2 diabetes.

New research just presented at the Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting, held in San Diego, shows that natural antioxidants in the diet can be a powerful way to improve insulin resistance -- even in people who are obese and suffering from metabolic syndrome. A precursor of diabetes associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions (including high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels) that raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes.

"The beneficial effects of antioxidants are known, but we have revealed for the first time one of their biological bases of action -- improving hormonal action in obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome," lead researcher Antonio Mancini, MD, an endocrinology researcher at Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy, said in a statement to the media.

Read more here... A diet loaded with antioxidant rich foods improves insulin resistance

Leadership talk from an amazing friend and mentor, Claude Hamilton

Claude Hamilton is an amazing business and leadership guru who talks about what champions are made of in this quick video. We appreciate him so much for all the lives he has touched. He and his awesome wife Lana, are true servant leaders. Enjoy and God Bless. Ben

Study: Busy Social Life the Key to Beating Cancer

(NewsCore) - An active social life may help patients fight cancer with a new study linking the stress of relationships to reductions in the size of cancerous growths, The (London) Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Experiments found that moving cancer-stricken mice from private lodgings into more spacious shared accommodation led to an average reduction in the size of tumors of 77 percent.

After three weeks, five percent of mice in the experiments showed no evidence of cancer. Matthew During, of Ohio State University, told The (London) Daily Telegraph the findings suggest cancer treatments should focus on living a "richer life, socially and physically" rather than minimizing stress.

"This paper really suggests if we look at people more in terms of their perceptions of disease, their social interactions and environment, we could realize a profound influence on cancer," he said. The findings differ to those of other recent studies that suggest high stress levels reduce the survival rate of cancer patients.

Although the points in this article may seem obvious, its worth sharing because sometimes its important to be reminded of the truths we already know.  As I continue to share and write blog articles, I know it has helped many based on the feedback I receive.

For me personally, I know that a life full of purpose, having solid relationships and a desire to make a difference in other people's lives, makes a huge difference in our health, both physically and emotionally.  What are you doing on a daily basis to flourish your relationships and accomplish your goals and dreams?  Once you know what you want, go after it with everything you got. 

Don't leave this earth with regrets.  As a result of your passions and your pursuit of excellence, using your God given talents, you will live a healthy, happy life. We are only here on this planet for a short blip in time. In the end, you only have one body, one mind and one soul.  Do everything you can to protect all three!  God Bless, Ben

Fungus, the cause of cancer?

Words of wisdom from Chris Brady.. He who Laughs, lasts

Here is a re-post from Chris Brady's blog:

http://www.chrisbrady.typepad.com/#


Leadership is about the influence one has with others. To gain that influence, one must be an effective performer, trustworthy, visionary, and a whole host of other things we described in Launching a Leadership Revolution. There are some "soft" side considerations, too. One of these, often ignored, is humor.

Both the ability to inspire mirth and the quickness with which one laughs are effective skills in gaining influence. Why? Because people like to be around those who are fun and make them laugh.

Below are ten ways to increase your ability to both appreciate humor and to contribute to the laughter:

1. Don't take yourself too seriously - the world is overstuffed with people puffed up with their own self-importance. Distance yourselves from these bores by taking everything seriously except yourself.

2. Have an attitude of gratitude - one of the things holding many people back from humor is their bad attitude. They are in too bad a mood to see the funny side of anything. You won't appreciate the subtly that is humor unless you are appreciative to begin with.

3. Make your foibles the subject matter - the most enjoyable people to be around are those who are able and quick to laugh at themselves. Conversely, the worst kind of people to be around are those who laugh at others.

4. Stay away from sarcasm - humor is dangerous, especially when it is biting or berating. Tread carefully, and especially when it comes to your "humor style." Sarcasm may be fun to dish out, but it is never enjoyable to receive.

5. Be good-hearted - one of the things most endearing about someone is their good heart. It comes through in everything they say. When people intrinsically feel that you mean no harm and are instead only interested in their well being, they will be unguarded around you and open to your every statement. This relaxed posture makes everything you say more funny.

6. Tell stories - some of the merriest moments occur naturally as we live our lives. Capture those moments in your mind in story form and save them for later. Being able to tell good, humorous stories is always a skill in demand.

7. Become a prodigious noticer - Mark Twain first coined that term, giving away the secret of his mirth. Comedy comes from noticing the small and subtle things about this life we share together. It is this prodigious noticing that will give you the stories to tell in #6.

8. Techniques - there are some skills that enhance humor, such as timing, delivery, facial expressions, dramatization, gestures, and the like. Over time and with practice, develop a style all your own.

9. Circular - bringing something back around into a conversation that occurred earlier can be hilarious. Watch for ways to apply earlier humor to new situations.
10. Be a good laugher - one of the keys to reducing tension in a room is to be a good laugher yourself. Laughter is actually contagious. Be quick to enjoy others and their stabs at humor and their own moods will lighten and be more prepared to receive your quips, as well.

I could go on all day here, but one final piece of advice about humor: know when to quit!

Energy Drinks and Palatinose, a new natural healthy energy source

Today, energy drinks play a vital role in everyone's busy and hectic lives. The main purpose of consuming energy drinks is to gain instant energy and also save time that is spent in having food. But there are some dangers involved in consuming certain energy drinks. Read on to know more about the dangers of energy drinks and some alternatives worth considering.

Energy drinks are actually soft drinks or simple beverages that claim to boost the energy levels of the consumer and speed up physical activities. Energy drinks are meant to improve the mental and physical abilities of an individual. Caffeine is the most common ingredient of many of the energy drinks. Other energy drink ingredients include carbonated waters, guarana, acai, ginseng and many more. Some energy drinks also contain added sugars and flavors. They also add niacin for a quick flush feeling that some compare to getting hot flashes.  Most give you nothing but stimulants and very little true energy.  Within a short time, most drinks wear off quickly and the consumer crashes.  What next?  Consume another!!!

Excess of it, say 2 bottles every day, would prove harmful for your health. Over 400 people a day go to the hospital with health issues due to certain energy drinks.Considering the dangers of energy drinks, it is time to think twice whether one should consume it.

There are alternatives however that have no artificial flavors, colors or sweetners. Here is a Doctor explaining what Palatinose is, a new energy source, and where you can find them. Watch the video!!!

http://video.o2mediainc.com/videolib/2010/BRND/beneo/

Cholesterol and the benefits of fruits and Plant Sterols

If one of our ancestors was alive today and we asked about what he ate in his day, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that most of the ancient men and women survived on plants - fruits, vegetables, nuts and berries. That is a healthy diet that our bodies have evolved on.

With the advent of industrial revolution and technology, humans started to lean more towards tasty food rather than healthy food. We have forgotten about eating natural fruits and vegetables with antioxidants and phytonutrients that have kept us healthy for ages.

As a result, we developed all sorts of diseases and problems. One of the major issues that have plagued our health is the presence of excess cholesterol in our body.

Good cholesterol is required for the processing of fat-soluble vitamins. However, the bad cholesterol that comes from the greasy oily fast food and microwave dinners we eat isn't really good for anything (no wonder it's known as bad cholesterol). People gorge themselves on these delicious but empty calories only to get a high level of triglycerides in their blood. This bad cholesterol and triglycerides team up and cause plaque deposits in the veins and arteries. This results in atherosclerosisis and many other problems.

Over time these deposits tend to break up and go to strategic locations in the cardiovascular system. The result? Heart disease, strokes, myocardial infarctions and many other cardiovascular problems. You name it, you got it! Then you have doctors prescribing a variety of statins that come with their own side effects and issues. So, all these modern day foods and medicines really make your body a battlefield of sorts! So, how do you get rid of all these problems?

Switching to some good plant sterols or "phytosterols" can help in reducing cholesterol in an effective way. What are really plant sterols? These are also known as phytosterols and form an integral part of the cellular membranes in plants. According to the recent researches, these sterols help in reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines that causes a reduction in cholesterol levels in the body.

A regular consumption of these phytosterols according to some studies can help in lowering the risk of heart diseases in the body. A recent study indicated that when a person consumes about two to three grams of plant sterol every day, a reduction of up to 15 percent is seen in the LDL cholesterol levels. Besides reducing the risk of heart related ailments, plant sterols also aid in preventing many kinds of cancers as well.

These sterols are beneficial for diabetics as well and help in reducing their blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels. There are many foods that contain these plant sterols like wheat germ, rice, and corn. Oils like peanut, soybean and olive oil are also rich in such sterols. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also rich sources of phytosterols.

Excess cholesterol can not only just kill us but also cause paralysis and strokes as well. Regular consumption of natural plant sterols or even supplements containing these sterols can help in preventing such problems!

This is your brain on fruit, any questions?

At one point or another in our lives, we have been told that fruits and vegetables are a necessary part of a well balanced and healthy diet which is essential to good health. Why is it that less than 17 percent of the population consumes 5-7 servings of fruits a day? Is it price? Is it inconvenience? Is it a lack of understanding of why fruit and vegetables are important? Maybe it is all of the above.

There is no question that our world has changed. The challenges we face today are much different than what our grandparents faced. Specifically, we now live in a world where fast food, prescription drugs, fast paced life styles dictate our health.

When your parents picked fruit off the tree in the back yard, it was the freshest, most delicious tasting fruit you probably ever had. Today, despite the Organic labels on fruit, we simply are not getting the same quality of fruit we used to. In fact, based on the method of harvesting fruit in our modern society, fruit is typically picked before reaching it's ripeness, thrown into a gas chamber and subjected to all kinds of herbicides, pesticides, and sprayed, thus modifying and compromising the nutritional properties of the fruit. All processed fruit are grown and cared for under perfect environmental conditions.

So, not only are we not typically consuming 5-7 servings of fruit a day, we are potentially consuming processed fruit that may even be harmful to you. Is it no wonder that cancer, disease and obesity are rampant in our society. So what are fruits and vegetable so important? In one word, Antioxidants.

Our bodies are rusting like a car. Fruit is like rustoleum. It prevents free radicals from causing harm to your cells. Over time, inflammation and oxidation stress causes health problems, rapid aging, disease and cancer. This doesn't happen overnight but it is accelerated by the life styles we live. Quality fruit is essential and is the only source of phytonutrients necessary to fight free radicals. Those are the facts.

Now, here is the reality. If we now know this or already knew this, then with this critical information, why are people not consuming enough fruits and vegetables? Even worse, quality fruits and vegetables? Fruit has a shelf life too. How is it possible to get the quality you need? The answer is that it is extremely difficult to do. When your parents told you to eat your fruits and vegetables years ago, they had the right idea and still do.

But, today, we are facing a battle against fast food, processed food, prescription drugs that deplete your body of proper nutrition, environmental conditions, stress, pollution and other health threats. Our bodies are so malnutrition that they simply cannot do what it was intended to do, which is repair itself and fight against disease and harmful oxidation. If you look at other cultures around the globe, you will find that disease and health issues are almost non existent.

The Price of success, By Chris Brady

Chris Brady, along with Orrin Woodward, our mentors, are ranked #25 and #8th most influential leaders and business gurus on the planet. We appreciate them so much as they tirelessly and selflessly lead the way towards everyone's success in personal development and business. They are amazing.

Breast cancer cells destroyed by peach and plum extracts

Breast cancer cells destroyed by peach and plum extracts

My sister Linda

I wanted to change gears a bit and share with everyone the memorial site i created for my sister who passed away from cancer a while ago.  She was my inspiration for starting this health blog and over the course of time i have received a lot of feedback from people who found this site useful and informative.

Sometimes, it is easy to get wrapped up in our daily endeavors and forget the things that are truly important.  I received a condolence from one of my sister's friends today.  As I sat back to read it and watch the memorial site, tears came to my eyes.  Times like this give me the courage to continue the fight to help and serve others who are in need of help, especially in the areas of health, finances and relationships.  Here is my sister's site should anyone want to see it.  God bless.

http://linda-lamori.last-memories.com/index.php

Pesticides tied to ADHD in children

According to an article written by Reuters Health, pesticides are once again a major topic of discussion.  Every day you hear something new on the health front and over time, I believe people become desensitized by the information they hear.  Ive heard some say, "just get used to it, thats the way it is"  Hmm, is this the right attitude?  Or, instead, should we get some new information, make some educated choices and not ignore what is clearly a trend in our health and environment? This is happening to all of us, not just our neighbors or others we read about! It is a silent, perhaps subtle, attack on our everyday life.  Most of the time, we know about it after it is too late.  Just look at all the people with cancer and disease.  It didnt happen overnight!

As I read the article below, i have no doubt that pesticides are dangerous as I have posted several articles about the hazards in our food.  My conclusion is that we must make sure our immune system is running at its peak. We cannot guarantee that the foods we eat are always safe but we can protect ourselves in other ways. Even after washing fruit, keep in mind that pesticides often seep into the fruit and even remain on the fruit due to the beautiful wax utilized to protect the fruit. 

So, high quality fruits are hard to come by, they often contain very little nutrition based on how they were processed and may even be dangerous if not washed properly.  Our body needs fruit to survive and it is one of the only sources of antioxidants required to protect us from oxidation.  There are great alternatives to protect ourselves.  Over time, doing the right thing helps us and doing the wrong thing hurts us.  It takes information, knowledge and action to live a long healthy life.  Isn't it worth it?  Here is the article below:

Researchers tracked the pesticides' breakdown products in children' urine and found those with high levels were almost twice as likely to develop ADHD as those with undetectable levels.The findings are based on data from the general U.S. population, meaning that exposure to the pesticides could be harmful even at levels commonly found in children's environment.

"There is growing concern that these pesticides may be related to ADHD," said researcher Marc Weisskopf of the Harvard School of Public Health, who worked on the study."What this paper specifically highlights is that this may be true even at low concentrations."

Organophosphates were originally developed for chemical warfare, and they are known to be toxic to the nervous system. There are about 40 organophosphate pesticides such as malathion registered in the United States, the researchers wrote in the journal Pediatrics.

Weisskopf said the compounds have been linked to behavioral symptoms common to ADHD -- for instance, impulsivity and attention problems -- but exactly how is not fully understood. Although the researchers had no way to determine the source of the breakdown products they found, Weisskopf said the most likely culprits were pesticides and insecticides used on produce and indoors.

Weisskopf and colleagues' sample included 1,139 children between 8 and 15 years. They interviewed the children's mothers, or another caretaker, and found that about one in 10 met the criteria for ADHD, which jibes with estimates for the general population.

After accounting for factors such as gender, age and race, they found the odds of having ADHD rose with the level of pesticide breakdown products. For a 10-fold increase in one class of those compounds, the odds of ADHD increased by more than half. And for the most common breakdown product, called dimethyl triophosphate, the odds of ADHD almost doubled in kids with above-average levels compared to those without detectable levels. That's a very strong association that, if true, is of very serious concern," said Weisskopf. "These are widely used pesticides."

Can Foods forestall aging?

Studies at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain.

ORAC--short for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity--measures the ability of foods, blood plasma, and just about any substance to subdue oxygen free radicals in the test tube.


Early evidence indicates that this antioxidant activity translates to animals, protecting cells and their components from oxidative damage. Getting plenty of the foods with a high-ORAC activity, such as spinach, strawberries, and blueberries, has so far:

raised the antioxidant power of human blood,

prevented some loss of long-term memory and learning ability in middle-aged rats,

maintained the ability of brain cells in middle-aged rats to respond to a chemical stimulus, and

protected rats' tiny blood vessels—capillaries—against oxygen damage.

These results have prompted Ronald L. Prior to suggest that "the ORAC measure may help define the dietary conditions needed to prevent tissue damage."

Prior is coordinating this research with Guohua (Howard) Cao, James Joseph, and Barbara Shukitt-Hale at the Boston center.

Science has long held that damage by oxygen free radicals is behind many of the maladies that come with aging, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. There's firm evidence that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of cancer and that a low intake raises risk. And recent evidence suggests that diminished brain function associated with aging and disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases may be due to increased vulnerability to free radicals, says Joseph, a neuroscientist. 

READ REST HERE:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb99/aging0299.htm

New research shows grapes reduce risk for heart disease and diabetes

(NaturalNews) The millions of Americans with heart disease and type 2 diabetes didn't develop these diseases out of the blue. Their disorders are the result of a cascade of problems including high blood pressure, insulin resistance, abdominal fat and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Now University of Michigan (U-M) scientists say they've found something that could help put the brakes on this downward spiral of ill health. It's not a new drug but a delicious and easy lifestyle change: just eat grapes.

The U-M research findings, announced April 26th at the Experimental Biology convention held in Anaheim, California, showed grape consumption lowered blood pressure, improved heart function and reduced other risk factors for heart disease and metabolic syndrome, a condition affecting an estimated 50 million Americans that often leads to type 2 diabetes. The scientists stated the beneficial effects of grapes appear to be due to the rich supply of phytochemicals in the fruit.

The research team tested a mixture of green, red and black grapes on laboratory rats that are prone to being overweight. For three months, one group of the animals ate powdered grapes mixed into their regular feed, which was devised to imitate a typical high-fat, American style diet. A control group of similar rats received no grape powder in their food (which was supplemented so it had the same number of calories as the grape-added diet).

The results of the experiment showed the rats eating the grape-enriched diet had lower blood pressure, better heart function, and reduced indicators of inflammation in the heart and the blood than rats who received no grape powder. What's more, the grape eating rats had lower triglycerides and improved glucose tolerance even though there was no change in their body weight.

"The possible reasoning behind the lessening of metabolic syndrome is that the phytochemicals were active in protecting the heart cells from the damaging effects of metabolic syndrome," Steven Bolling, M.D., heart surgeon at the U-M Cardiovascular Center and head of the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory, said in a statement to the media.

While this was an animal study, the scientists noted there's good reason to think eating grapes -- along with tried-and-true natural strategies such as eating little saturated fat, keeping weight under control and exercising regularly -- could have broad effects on the development of heart disease and metabolic syndrome in people.

"Reducing these risk factors may delay the onset of diabetes or heart disease, or lessen the severity of the diseases," said E. Mitchell Seymour, Ph.D., lead researcher and manager of the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. "Ultimately it may lessen the health burden of these increasingly common conditions."

Good health is no accident

Wow, here is a hard hitting article which i believe speaks the truth.  It's not that we haven't heard this before, its that we need to be reminded of these truths.  Information leads to a change in perspective, which leads to action. The little things we do over time are truly what makes the difference down the road.  Ben

NaturalNews) Those who seek answers for their health outside the realm of their own decisions are looking in the wrong place. Health is no accident. Lasting health can only appear as the result of a lifetime of informed, deliberate decisions aligned with nature's principles of health, not the distorted version of health promoted by our backward system of mainstream medicine.And yet many people still believe that health is something that is bestowed upon them by some mysterious exterior force. The whole effort to raise money to find "the cure" for cancer, for example, is a powerful demonstration of misplaced faith in external healing. This idea that a cure for cancer must come from outside one's self rather than from within is perhaps the greatest conceptual sleight of hand that has yet been pulled off by the sick-care industry.The cure for cancer is already programmed within. Each person is born with a highly-advanced cellular nanotechnology that already knows how to cure cancer. Activating this inner healing potential is all that's necessary to prevent and cure cancer everywhere around the world, starting right now.

Health happens through you, not to youAnd yet the masses continue to eat cancer-causing foods and pursue cancer-causing lifestyles even while blindly handing over their money in the form of donations to organizations that they naively hope will come along and "save them" someday.Think carefully about this dynamic: The person believes health is something that happens TO them rather than something that happens THROUGH them. And so they remain stuck, floundering in a pattern of self-inflicted sickness and disease while hoping that some other organization, government or health care plan will somehow save them.While they wait for that external solution, disease and sickness creeps up on them.Obesity is what happens when a person spends each day imagining how much they're going to start exercising tomorrow.Cancer is what happens when a person spends each day eating cancer-causing foods and donating money to Komen for the Cure rather than just getting some sunshine to boost their own vitamin D.Disease is what happens when people believe they have no role in their own health outcome. So they eat for entertainment rather than for nourishment, and they live for product-induced external stimulation rather than internal fulfillment.

http://www.naturalnews.com/028647_health_literacy.html

Cellular Inflammation- The cause of every major health problem

(NaturalNews) Cellular inflammation has been shown to be the underlying marker in nearly every major health problem. Every single day our body is attacked by free radicals; cells are damaged; and inflammatory mediators are produced and triggered throughout our body. Fortunately, God gave us an incredible ability to heal and regulate abnormal cells. He also provided us with a way of life to minimize the negative effects of lifestyle stress.

From a nutritional perspective, one of the simplest things to do is add some of our Creator's most nutritious foods into our diet. Foods that have an incredible array of health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered "super-foods." Here are a couple amazing superfoods that are particularly useful for reducing inflammation, destroying free radicals, and detoxifying cellular pollution. Here are some of nature's most powerful secrets to health and healing:

http://www.naturalnews.com/

Seasonal flu vaccines increase risk of pandemic H1N1 flu, stunned scientists discover

NaturalNews) I remember the H1N1 "swine flu" season of 2009 very well. People were rushing out to get vaccinated, scared half to death by the mainstream media which was pushing false reports that the swine flu would kill tens of millions of people and that only a vaccine could save you. The CDC and health authorities were pushing a double-barreled vaccine strategy that demanded people get both a seasonal flu shot as well as an H1N1 pandemic flu shot.

Those who questioned the sensibility of vaccines for fighting the flu were attacked as "baby killers" for not kow-towing to the vaccine mythology that drives Big Pharma's profits to record profits nearly every flu season.I specifically remember writing an article here on NaturalNews, warning people that taking a seasonal flu shot actually weakened your immune system and made you more susceptible to H1N1 swine flu

Seasonal flu vaccines increase risk of pandemic H1N1 flu, stunned scientists discover

Fresh produce often contaminated with pesticides

I came across an article on how dangerous, unapproved pesticides have been found in non organic fruit. This article is interesting because most people believe that anything put on a store shelf must be safe. This is not necessarily true. The article even references the potential for organic fruit to have dangerous pesticides because they are grown next to neighboring Non organic crops which get sprayed with pesticides.

These pesticides are toxins. In many cases, even when you wash the fruit, the toxins permeate the fruit and once they seal the fruit with wax, the pesticides are potentially encased in wax and cannot be fully washed off. They even found certain pesticides and chemicals that were not approved and the onss that were approved, but registered higher in volume than what is safe for consumption.

If we need 5 to 9 servings a DAY to maintain optimal health, it is difficult, inconvenient and expensive to get the necessary fruits we need in our diet. These fruits are critical in our diet and unfortunately, fruit gets processed in such a way that contributes to a lack of nutrition, specifically antioxidants and phytonutrients. If they pull the fruit off the tree before they get ripe, gas them, and then stick them in a warehouse before reaching your mouth, it is a safe bet there is very little nutrition available. The last 10% of the ripening process provides 90% of the nutrition. Something to think about.  Read more below:

Fresh produce often contaminated with pesticides

Food Matters website

I love this website, Food Matters and recommend it highly. There is a saying, you don't know what you don't know. When people get sick, they search for answers and it is critical to get the proper information to make an informative decision. Blindly following your doctor's advice ( in my experience and opinion) is not a comprehensive solution. Get the facts, get educated and from the right sources.

I trust this site and the information contained within. As many of you know, I have dealt with cancer and disease in my family for many years. Since 1999, most of our experience and research came directly from learning the hard way. This blog has always served as a way to share information that I am glad to say has helped many people. I appreciate everyone's feedback as it motivates me to continue sharing what i believe to be critical information. God Bless

Over 130,000 cases of diabetes now linked to soda consumption, HFCS

NaturalNews) For years, advocates of natural health have been hammering away at the message that soda causes diabetes and obesity. The soda industry, meanwhile, has remained in denial mode, mirroring the ridiculous position of the tobacco industry that "nicotine is not addictive." Soda doesn't cause diabetes, the industry claims, and it's perfectly safe to consume in essentially unlimited quantities.

The Corn Refiners Association has joined the denial with its own spin campaign that seeks to convince people High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is totally natural and completely harmless. HFCS is, of course, the primary sweetener used in sodas and soft drinks.

Now comes new research presented at the American Heart Association's Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention annual conference in San Francisco. This new research reveals that over the last decade, soda consumption has conservatively caused:

• 130,000 new cases of diabetes
• 14,000 new cases of heart disease
• 50,000 more "life years" with heart disease over the last decade

"The finding suggests that any kind of policy that reduces consumption might have a dramatic health benefit," said senior study author Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo (associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco).


Over 130,000 cases of diabetes now linked to soda consumption, HFCS

The key to success is "just do it"

This video is awesome. Art Williams is a coach who talks about leadership, business and life, summed up in a popular speech called "just do it" I love this speech. Enjoy!

Why pharmaceuticals might be called Weapons of Mass Prescription

Hello all,

I read this article and thought you would find it interesting.


Why pharmaceuticals might be called Weapons of Mass Prescription

Interesting article in USA Today by Robert Kiyosaki on our school system

Hello all. I found an intersting article posted in the USA TODAY by multi billionaire Robert Kiyosaki. He talks about our school system.  This article is an eye opener! I am currently re reading his latest book, "Conspiracy's of the Rich, the 8 new rules of money" and it is fantastic.  I recommend it highly. Here is an excerpt from the article," We need two school systems"

In the summer of 1932, presidential candidate Franklin Delano Roosevelt promised, "I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people."
Today, it is time not for a "New Deal," but a "New Mission."

America's schools need to take a page from the businesses that have been created by entrepreneurs over the past decades. Henry Ford, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Sergey Brin and Larry Page have all given us the road map, but the path toward entrepreneurship is often the road less traveled America's schools.

The U.S. unemployment rate is currently 9.7% in what many call a "jobless recovery." So what should we do? The problem and the solution can be found in America's educational system and its current mantra: "Go to school and get good grades, so you can get a good high-paying job." In simpler terms that means, "Go to school to become a good employee." But there are too many employees, which is why we have an unemployment problem. Today, kids just out of school aren't finding jobs. At the same time, many of their parents are going back to school for retraining. But they're not finding jobs, either.

The idea of a high-paying job for life is truly an American dream — but no longer a reality. With low-priced labor and lower-priced, higher-performance technology, high-paying American jobs will be disappearing at greater speed as they move overseas.


Read the rest here. http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/02/column-we-need-two-school-systems-.html

Blueberries, Concord grapes and other Fruits and Vegetables Helpful for Slowing Memory Decline in Older Adults.

Here is a great article from the website http://www.knowthecause.com/. I trust this website by Doug Kaufman and believe he is one of the best resources for fighting cancer, disease and cronic health issues.

A number of studies with older humans have reported that eating 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily significantly reduces risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of loss of memory and mental function. Animal studies have reported that consumption of blueberries, red or purple grapes or grape juice, pomegranates and walnuts provide considerable protection against the development of Alzheimer’s. All 4 of these foods are rich in plant produced chemicals called phytochemicals, while walnuts are also fairly high in omega 3 fats.

Some recent studies have reported that daily consumption of either blueberry juice or Concord grape juice can improve mental function in elderly humans. An Ohio studied the effects of consuming either about half a liter (a little more than a pint) of blueberry juice or a non juice containing placebo beverage. The subjects were over 70 years of age (average age 76 years) in good general health but with some memory decline. After 12 weeks, several forms of memory were significantly improved in the 9 subjects receiving the blueberry juice but memory remained unchanged in the 7 subjects given placebo. A similar study reported that consumption of half a liter of Concord grape juice for 12 weeks significantly improved memory in older adults, while those who consumed a placebo beverage had no improvement in memory. Both blueberries and Concord grapes are rich in phytochemicals which may improve and preserve mental function.

While blueberry juice and Concord grape juice are very nutritious, they also contain a fair amount of simple sugars. Eating the whole blueberry or Concord grape fruits would probably also result in memory gains. Eating the whole fruit would probably be better for the Kaufman phase diets since the whole fruits have more fiber and lower concentrations of simple sugars as compared to juices.

This research was conducted by Dr. Krikorian and colleagues at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. The work is now in press at the British Journal of Nutrition and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

A new Study reveals the link between fruit and breast cancer

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Enzyme-blocking chemicals in pomegranates may reduce the risk of estrogen-fueled breast cancers, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

An acid found in pomegranates appears to block aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen, a hormone that plays a role in the development of breast cancer, the researchers wrote in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.

"We identified some of these chemicals in pomegranates that actually have properties that can suppress aromatase," researcher Shiuan Chen, of the City of Hope cancer research and treatment center in Duarte, California, said in a telephone interview.

Many women who have had breast cancer take medicines called aromatase inhibitors -- such as Pfizer's Aromasin, Novartis' Femara and AstraZeneca Plc's Arimidex -- to keep estrogen from feeding tumors.

Chen and colleagues studied whether compounds, or phytochemicals, in pomegranates can suppress aromatase and ultimately block cancer growth. They found that 10 natural compounds in the fruit may potentially prevent estrogen-related breast cancer.

Chen said the compounds would not be a replacement for aromatase inhibitors.
"We do not recommend people start taking this as a replacement for the AI's," Chen said. "They (pomegranate compounds) are not as potent as the real drugs so we think that the interest probably is more on the prevention end rather than in a therapeutic purpose."

Other researchers not associated with the study told the journal that the results are promising, and suggested more studies involving animals and humans were needed to confirm the findings.

"It's not clear that these levels could be achieved in animals or in humans because the (compounds) are not well absorbed into blood when provided in the diet," said Gary Stoner of Ohio State University.

Dr. Powel Brown, an oncologist at the University of Texas, said in a statement that future studies should focus on testing pomegranate juice for its effect on estrogen levels, menopausal symptoms, breast density or even as a cancer preventive agent.

More than 400,000 women die from breast cancer globally every year. About 75 percent of breast cancers are estrogen-receptor positive, meaning they are fed by estrogen.

Previous research has shown that pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants -- vitamins and other substances -- that may help prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. (Editing by Xavier Briand)

Window cleaning chemical injected into fast food hamburger meat

Nice to know. I may think twice about ordering a number 1 special!

(NaturalNews) If you're in the beef business, what do you do with all the extra cow parts and trimmings that have traditionally been sold off for use in pet food? You scrape them together into a pink mass, inject them with a chemical to kill the e.coli, and sell them to fast food restaurants to make into hamburgers.

That's what's been happening all across the USA with beef sold to McDonald's, Burger King, school lunches and other fast food restaurants, according to a New York Times article. The beef is injected with ammonia, a chemical commonly used in glass cleaning and window cleaning products.

This is all fine with the USDA, which endorses the procedure as a way to make the hamburger beef "safe" enough to eat. Ammonia kills e.coli, you see, and the USDA doesn't seem to be concerned with the fact that people are eating ammonia in their hamburgers.  Read More....Window cleaning chemical injected into fast food hamburger meat

Cupuacu- "A Pharmacy in a Fruit"

The Cupuacu Fruit - When foreigners visit the rainforest, native Amazonians will often offer them Cupuacu - the "taste of the Amazon." However, this delicious fruit also happens to be a potent health resource. It contains unique antioxidant phytonutrients called polyphenols. The marvelous discovery about the polyphenols in Cupuacu (theograndins) is that they are totally unique, and have never been seen before. Like Acai, Cupuacu is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, and is traditionally known for its nutritive, energizing, and tonic properties.

Aside from its wonderful taste, Cupuacu has some amazing health properties, and scientists are very excited about its potential to deliver a superb boost to human health. Some call it "A Pharmacy In A Fruit." Further analysis of this amazing fruit has revealed that, in addition to the health boosting theograndins (superior antioxidants), it contains at least nine other antioxidants, including the powerful vitamins C and A. This makes the Cupuacu a real "one stop shop" for antioxidant replenishment. It is also rich in Vitamins B1, B2, B3 (Niacin), as well as essential fatty acids and amino acids.
 
Some of the reported benefits of Cupuaçu include: Increases libido,Boosts immune system, Reduces the signs of aging and promotes younger-looking skin, increases energy and stamina, Increases your body's ability to fight disease and cancer cells, Helps to lower cholesterol levels, Destroys free radicals.

The antioxidants in Cupuaçu are extremely potent and provide outstanding cardiovascular and immune system benefits. This is because antioxidants are essential to help us neutralize free radicals, the compounds that often cause the body to grow wrinkled and develop degenerative disease. Powerful antioxidants are also an excellent way to strengthen your cardiovascular system as they protect artery walls from the damage that can lead to heart disease by destroying the damage free radicals cause.

The marvelous discovery about the polyphenols in Cupuaçu is that they are totally unique, and have never been seen before. This new revelation is causing a stir in scientific circles and has prompted experts to give the new polyphenols in Cupuaçu their own name. These theograndins are excellent antioxidants, and can help you achieve optimum health the natural way. Theograndins found in Cupuaçu were uniquely effective at possibly destroying colon cancer cells, among others.

The fruit also contains essential fatty acids, such as the Omegas 3 and 6. These fatty acids help to reduce 'bad' cholesterol and keep the good cholesterol intact. This mix of antioxidants and essential fatty acids makes it an essential ingredient in the fight to maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

The Tikuna tribesmen of the Amazon have used Cupuaçu fruit and pulp as a natural source of energy, much like the energy found in caffeine in dark chocolate. Cupuaçu juice has even been used by Shamen to help with abdominal discomfort and midwives to help ease strong labor pains.

The fruit provides a host of healthy benefits for the body, especially for those who live in our stressful, fast paced world. It stimulates the immune system naturally, while increasing both energy and stamina without the nervousness or "jitters" that can be caused by other, synthetic caffeine sources.

What you should know about heart disease

Over the last year and a half, I have received many, many kind emails from individuals who found this blog helpful.  I know from first hand experience that when we get sick, our priority is to search for answers and solutions. Everything else in our life takes a back seat.  In the information age, there are millions of sources for information so who do you trust?  That is what we wondered.   It has been a blessing to share information with everyone and I believe Networking information is critical. With a family history of cancer, it became my mission to help others who are searching for answers. Through a combination of real time experience and information from trusted sources, I have shared as much as possible from the heart and have seen it make a difference. There are alternatives to drugs, medications and other harmful procedures. If our society is overwhelmed with Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease, high Blood Pressure, etc, obviously we are NOT doing something right. This epidemic has only occured over the last 50-60 years. We must swing the pendulm the other direction and I believe that starts with knowledge, information and awareness.

Last year, I posted a few articles on Heart Disease. I found an excellent video on the subject and is worth watching. Education and knowledge is important but applying this knowledge is critical. My hope is that this information helps everyone evaluate their own lifestyle habits and make some changes that WILL save them pain later. I know some people that think it wont happen to them. Maybe they are young and invincible. Maybe they are unaware. Maybe they just don't care. In any case, I have seen loved ones go thru pain and suffering. It doesn't have to be that way. We will all pass away but the question is how that happens. Laying in a hospital hooked up to tubes, having to endure Chemotherapy and Radiation, is not my idea of fun. Unfortunately, that is the staple of our Health Program today. If we want to live a long healthy life, it is up to us. I preach prevention and prevention begins by learning and understanding.

New Years Resolutions

Is it just me, or did this year fly by fast? It seems like life is a recorded TV show and we hit the fast forward button to bypass all the commercials.  I clearly recall what many of  us were discussing last year which was the subject of New Years resolutions.  I've made a few in my life but for many, it seems to be a yearly tradition to make resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, get out of debt, work harder, exercise more, eat better, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, Improve their finances, save money, Improve their career, get a better job, Improve their education, improve grades, learn something new (such as a foreign language or music), get more organized, reduce stress, be less grumpy, manage time, be more independent, volunteer to help others, etc, etc.  The list goes on and on.  As we live and grow older, we should all strive to get better, make changes for the better, improve our health, finances and relationships.  Why do most of those never happen?

Why do some start out with good intentions and then give up?  In short, like most things in life, if you don't know why you are seeking to accomplish these goals, then the how part doesnt matter.  All of those resolutions require guts, courage and commitment, to follow through on and accomplish. In some cases, it requires time because as creatures of habit, it is difficult to change bad habits engrained in us.  We can't change our destination overnight but we can change our direction overnight.  The most important thing is to define what it is you want, understand why you are doing it and then commit to doing it.
 
Here is one great example.  Within the context of my blog's title, Health, Wealth, Wisdom, I believe we should all strive to acheive better health.  We are fighting an uphill battle everyday.  Our soceity is overwhelmed with easy access to fast food, pharmecutical drugs, pollution, fast paced careers, chemicals, stimulants, etc.  It is extremely difficult to eat well and maintain opptimum health.  Its been said that 20% of what you eat keeps you alive and 80% keeps your doctor alive.  So what can we do? 
 
My first suggestion is to read.  There is an abundance of ignorance on health, what we are eating and what the true causes of cancer, disease and illnesses are.  Some simply dont know what they dont know. One of my missions with this BLOG, is to help inform, educate and inspire everyone to take a look at their habits before it is too late.  Life is too short as it is- Why do many have a mission to make it even shorter?  It may be ignorance or for some, they simply don't care until they get sick. Then, traditionally, they go to the doctor and find that they don't have many options.  As I have witnessed first hand with family members who were terminally ill or sick, the minute you are diagnosed, life changes forever and your priorities change.  Nothing else matters.  That's not the way i want to go out.  The key is that most things that happen to us and our loved ones are preventable. 
 
Here's an option- preventative maintenance.  Make the New Years resolution to make some changes that may save your life, may help you live life with more energy, vitality and vigor. For many, small changes can make a huge difference.  The key again is to know why you are doing what you are doing.  Regrets are avoidable. Excuses should be your reasons.  If you make any kind of resolution, the way to keep it is to visualize your goals or resolutions, write them down, have someone hold you accountable and commit to them.  If not, it is easy to go back to the way it was.  The results you have, whether it be in your health, finances or relationships, are based on your thoughts and actions to this point.  It is easier said than done but everyone has the ability to do whatever they set their mind to.  It takes a new way of thinking, commitment and discipline to accomplish anything worthwhile.  It can be done and the results are worth the effort.  Happy New Year!

A new Super fruit to be excited about...

A new superfruit called the Maqui berry has peaked the interest of many in the wellness industry.  Here's a quick glimpse of where the Maqui berry comes from as well as some of it's potential benefits.

In distant Patagonia located in Southern Chile, there is s a deeply purpled berry like no other berry before. It thrives in a harsh climate where few would survive. Power packed with anthocyanins and polyphenols... powerful antioxidants protect this berry from UV sun radiation, disease, and biological enemies. This sacred berry has been used by the native Mapuche warrior to give them their legendary strength and stamina.

The Top 20 Maqui Berry Benefits


-The Maqui Berry Benefits Us By Having Very High Levels Of Polyphenols And Anthocyanins
-Maqui Berry Benefits Our Bodies By Supporting Healthy Aging
-The Maqui Berry Benefits And Helps Protects Cells From Oxidative Stress
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Bodies By Neutralizing Free Radicals
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Cardiovascular Health
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Us With Being An Excellent Source Of Vitamin C, Iron & Potassium
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Daily Energy Levels
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Immune System By Providing Strong
-Levels Of Antioxidants
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Skin And Promotes A More Healthy,
-Youthful Appearance
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Weight By Contributing To Healthy Weight Loss
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Body By Helping To Flush Out Toxins & Chemicals
-The High Antioxidant Value In The Maqui Berry Benefits Overall Wellness By Protecting The Body Against Disease & Infection
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Us Through Many Positive Anti-Imflammatory Properties
-The Maqui Berry Benefits The Natural Metabolism Of Our Body
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Us By Supporting Healthy, Natural Strength & Stamina
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Heart By Protecting Against Heart Disease
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Our Blood Vessels By Protecting Against Oxidative Damage
-The Maqui Berry Benefits The Treatment Of Ailments Such As Sore Throat, Diarrhea, Ulcers, Fever,   Tumors, Diabetes, And Many Others
-The Maqui Berry Benefits The Bones And Joints Of The Body
-The Maqui Berry Benefits Overall Health And Positive Mood

More details to follow on this superfruit.  Wow, Wouldnt it be amazing if the Maqui berry could somehow be combined with the ever popular Acai Berry ( Freeze dried)?  That would be an awesome combination to help the immune system fight the never ending bombardment of viruses, flus, and dangerous diseases.

In honor of Jim Rohn- Life is worth living if.....

In honor of Jim Rohn's passing on December 5th, 2009, i wanted to post a little piece of wisdom from his work titled, "Life is worth living if......" Mr Rohn was an American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker.  His work has been influential in launching or furthering the careers of many others in the personal development industry, including Anthony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Brian Tracy and Jack Canfield.


1) First, life is worthwhile if you LEARN. What you don't know WILL hurt you. You have to have learning to exist, let alone succeed.

Life is worthwhile if you learn from your own experiences, negative and positive. We learn to do it right by first sometimes doing it wrong. We call that a positive negative. We also learn from other people's experiences, both positive and negative.

I've always said it is too bad failures don't give seminars. We don't want to pay them so they don't tour around giving seminars. But the information would be very valuable – how someone who had it all, messed it up. Learning from other people's experiences and mistakes.

We learn by what we see - pay attention. By what we hear – be a good listener. Now I do suggest being a selective listener, don't just let anybody dump into your mental factory. We learn from what we read. Learn from every source. Learn from lectures, learn from songs, learn from sermons, learn from conversations with people who care. Keep learning.

2) Life is worthwhile if you TRY. You can't just learn; you now have to try something to see if you can do it. Try to make a difference, try to make some progress, try to learn a new skill, try to learn a new sport. Life is worthwhile if you try. It doesn't mean you can do everything but there are a lot of things you can do, if you just try. Try your best. Give it every effort. Why not go all out?

3) Life is worthwhile if you STAY. You have to stay from spring until harvest. If you have signed up for the day or for the game or for the project - see it through. Sometimes calamity comes and then it is worth wrapping it up. And that's the end, but just don't end in the middle. Maybe on the next project you pass, but on this one, if you signed up, see it through.

4) Life is worthwhile if you CARE. If you care at all you will get some results, if you care enough you can get incredible results. Care enough to make a difference. Care enough to turn somebody around. Care enough to start a new enterprise. Care enough to change it all. Care enough to be the highest producer. Care enough to set some records. Care enough to win.

Four powerful little words: learn, try, stay and care. What difference can you make in your life today by putting these four words to work?

What you should know about your Immune System

With all the reported cases of Swine Flu, H1N1 Virus, and other illnesses, I want to share some information on our Immune System.  I am not a fan of drugs, antibiotics, or vaccinations and with good reason.  More importantly, I believe preventative maintenance is the key.  If our health is our number one priority, which it should be, then there are some important things to know.  I've posted a great video here on the immune system, and how antioxidants affect the body.  Also, Below, I highlighten some facts and some suggestions to help boost your immune system.

The Immune System: The Body's Defense Department

The function of the human immune system is to defend the body against invaders. Microbes (germs or microorganisms), cancer cells, and transplanted tissues or organs are all interpreted by a healthy immune system as non-self against which the body must be defended. Although the immune system is extremely complex, its basic strategy is simple: to recognize the enemy, mobilize forces, and attack. Without a properly functioning defense mechanism, our bodies would be virtually overrun by various bacteria, viruses, cancers and other pathogens in hours to days and we will cease to exist


The immune system is not responsive to drugs for healing. Antibiotics used to fight infections actually depress the immune system when used long-term. Disorders in the immune system can result in disease. Immunodeficiency diseases occur when the immune system is less active than normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections. In contrast, autoimmune diseases result from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign organisms. Natural nutritive forces, like healing foods and herbal medicines can and do support the immune system. By rebuilding immunity, health is naturally restored and disease disappears

Most of us take our immune system for granted until we're sick. Because our bodies have an amazing ability to adapt and get by, chronic illness rarely happens overnight unless some unusual event pushes you over the edge—the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Instead, it happens over time and we don’t feel sick until it’s too late. Once your body is overwhelmed and falls into this downward spiral, it usually takes enormous efforts to begin to “spiral up.”

Because being sick is so common in our society, many people "perceive" they are healthy even though they get occasional colds, flu, headaches, fatigue, arthritis and allergies. But the facts are, chronic pain or sickness is not "normal" or you could be unhealthy even without experiencing any symptoms at all.

The good news is that you can prevent sickness and enjoy optimum health if you provide your body with the right tools. By providing your body with proper nutrition and eliminating the toxins in your body that harm your health, it can virtually heal, repair, regenerate, and restore optimal health without the use of expensive or harmful drugs.  For more information, please feel free to contact me or spend some time on my health blog.  http://www.gethealthwealthwisdom.com/ God bless.

How to prevent cancer with superfoods

Hi all.  I came across a good article today and wanted to share it with you.  There has been such an overwhelming amount of scientific studies over the last several years on the coorelation between what we eat and cancer.  After studying cancer for years and having first hand knowledge of what cancer patients go thru, it has been my mission to pass  information on to anyone seeking answers.  In my opinion, it's ashame that it takes a good dose of reality for some to make changes in their life style, often after its too late.  Even small changes can make a huge difference, not only in preventing cancer, but it how we feel everyday. Who doesn't want to feel good everyday? 

Despite our busy life style and easy access to fast food, processed food and chemically altered food, we CAN make some changes that will have a huge impact on our quality of life, now and later.  Remember this; Most people who are sick were once healthy!  It is what we do over time that hurts us.  My sister passed away at 47 from cancer.  My brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at 55.  My Dad passed away from cancer at a young age.  Bottom line, ignorance is expensive.  They didn't know what they didn't know. Get educated now, not when it is too late.  If you get some new information, it will change how you process things and how you do things.  That can make all the difference in the world.  Here is a quick article from from Caring.com

Can SUPERFRUITS help prevent cancer?  The short answer to this question is—drum roll, please—yes. They really do. While studies are ongoing, and in many cases experts still don't know exactly how these superfoods work, there's strong evidence that certain fruits and vegetables rich in plant-based nutrients can both prevent tumors from starting and halt their growth. Here, the top foods to work into the family diet if you'd like to cut cancer risk or help those with cancer recover. And who wouldn't?

Blueberries, açai berries, raspberries, and cranberries

The rich, dark colors of blueberries, Brazilian açai berries, raspberries and cranberries come from phytochemicals that protect against numerous types of cancer. Most recently, researchers at the University of Florida found that the active ingredient in açai berries destroyed cancer cells when tested in cell cultures. And blueberries and muscadine grapes contain compounds that recent research shows cause cancer cells in the liver to self-destruct. In studies particularly important to women, cranberries have recently been discovered to be an important weapon in the fight against deadly ovarian cancer. Studies reported at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society found that ovarian cancer cells that were becoming resistant to platinum chemotherapy—the standard of care for ovarian cancer—became six times more sensitive when exposed to a compound in cranberries.