Health and Wellness

Name: Gerald Gjerde & Bernie Winter
Location: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Protecting Your Heart

RM Barry Publications

Research Report

Protecting Your Heart

Researched and Written by Karen MacKenzie

This report is on Omega-3 fatty acids, Phytosterols, and Bromelain, all key ingredients in Melaleuca's Phytomegaâ„¢.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially from fish oil are essential to good health. They are classed as polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the two most potent omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This pdf file on Fish Oil is a fully referenced monograph of omega-3 (DHA and EPA). It references that Omega-3 Fatty Acids prove beneficial not only with heart health, but also to help in the prevention and/or treatment of depression, diabetes, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Andrew Weil offers a general description of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and supported by the Heart, Lung and blood institute suggests that a high intake of both DHA and EPA fatty acids can guard against fatal ischemic heart disease, particularly in older adults. It just goes to show that it is never too late to start looking after your heart.

This article notes that a regular intake of DHA and EPA can guard against thrombosis while protecting certain areas of the cardiovascular system. The use of marine products in the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases of the heart and brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have good effects on an irregular heartbeat and appear to reduce instances of sudden death. Vitamins, supplements, herbal medicines, and arrhythmias.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Although official guidelines state that we should all eat two meals of fatty fish per week, other countries, including the UK, have advised that fish should not be eaten more than once a week. This is because most fish are now contaminated with mercury and PCB's, which have a very detrimental effect on our health. Mercury, fish, fish oil and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Phytosterols:

Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol, but the way the body metabolizes each of them is completely different. Phytosterols can actually block the absorption of cholesterol and help it to be eliminated naturally, through the system, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood stream. This mini-review, from the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, at the State University of New York outlines the cardiovascular benefits of combining phytosterols with omega-3 fatty acids. Combination of Phytosterols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Potential Strategy to Promote Cardiovascular Health

Phytosterols are important for lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing coronary heart disease. Phytosterols in human nutrition.

This is a favorable review of the benefits of phytosterols. Dietary phytosterols: a review of metabolism, benefits and side effects. Dietary phytosterols: a review of metabolism, benefits and side effects.

Phytosterols are also good for regulating the immune system. Plant Sterols and Sterolins: A Review of Their Immune-Modulating Properties

Bromelain:

Bromelain is an enzyme that is extracted from the stems of pineapples. It has many health giving properties, especially for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

This literature review by Gregory S. Kelly, N.D. and published in the Alternative Medicine Review, lists many compelling reasons why we should take supplements containing bromelain. PDF format: Bromelain: a Literature Review and Discussion of its Therapeutic Applications
Fibrinolytic and antithrombotic action of bromelain may eliminate thrombosis in heart patients.
Dr. Andrew Weil discusses the health benefits of pineapple (Bromelain) .

Comments From Your Researcher

At the onset of any illness a medical diagnosis is important. Prescribed medication should not be stopped without medical advice. This report is for information purposes only.

Karen MacKenzie

I would love to know what you think about this report. Please e-mail me at karen@rmbarry.com with your comments or suggestions.

Preventing Tooth Decay

RM BARRY PUBLICATIONS RESEARCH REPORT

Sugarless Gum for Optimal Dental Health

Who would believe that chewing sugarless gum sweetened withxylitol can reduce the risk of cavities and dental decay byas much as 85 percent? It's hard to believe, but it's true.Several studies indicate that xylitol, one of the sweetenersin Melaleuca's sugarless gum, can dramatically reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

This month's report focuses on xylitol, propolis, green teaextract and tea tree oil which are all the key ingredients in Melaleuca's Hot Shot and Cool Shot Sugarless Chewing Gum, andall have beneficial effects on dental health.

Please go to the following web address for this Research

Report:www.rmbarry.com/research/dental_gum.html
www.rmbarry.com/research/dental_gum.html

As always, I hope you find this report to be useful.

Sincerely,
Richard M Barry
RM Barry Publications

Thursday, February 17, 2005

URGENT -URGENT - DRUG RECALL

Note: To submit a story go to the "View Profile" link. To make a comment click on the link at the end of each article. Please use first names or initials only, no phone numbers, or products by name please.

I have check the FDA web site ...the URL link is at the end of this report... this is real ...please confirm it for yourself and then pass this on ....Please!

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE
All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know.

STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, however, the FDA
recommended that everyone (even children) seek an alternative medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acu trim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine

Effervescent

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day &Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expectorant Ches t & Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold &Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold &Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund.

If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!

DO PASS THIS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.

To confirm these findings please take time to check the following:

URL: Phenylpropanolamine Information Page

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Cleaning Products - What we don't Know!

from "Let's stop poisoning our children! By Debra Lynn Dadd

Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are among the most hazardous substances you will find in your home. They are so toxic that they are the only household products regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Unfortunately, it's next to impossible to be sure about the safety of a particular product because there is no federal law requiring premarket safety testing by the manufacturer, so the hazards of some products have not been revealed until after consumers have been injured. (feeling like a guinea pig again?)

While children are not usually the ones doing the cleaning, preschool-age children are often near a caregiver who is using chemical cleaning products. Here's a short list of some of the dangers associated with common household cleaning products:

  • Air Freshner - toxic; may cause cancer; irritates nose, throat, and lungs.
  • All-purpose cleaner - causes eye damage; irritates nose, throat, and lungs.
  • Bleach - toxic by swallowing; vapors are harmful, causes central nervous system disorders.
  • Carpet Shampoo - toxic; may cause cancer; causes central nervous system and liver damage.
  • Dishwasher detergent - toxic; causes eye injuries; damage to mucous membranes and throat.
  • Disinfectant - very toxic, causes skin, throat, and lung burns; causes coma.
  • Fabric softner - toxic; may cause skin burns, causes liver and kidney damage.
  • Furniture/floor polish - toxic; causes central nervouse system disorders; may cause lung cancer.
  • Laundry detergent - toxic; irritates the skin and lungs.
  • Window cleaner - toxic; causes central nervous system disorders; causes liver and kidney disorders.

I was even more shocked to learn that manufacturers of these hazardous products are not required to list exact ingredients on the label! You can't look at a label and be sure, for instance, that a mold or mildew cleaner doesn't contain pentachlorophenol, a substance that can kill. Some products are protected by "trade secrets" - not even the government, Poison Control Centers, or your doctor can find our what is in them when an antidote is needed.

Perhaps the most disturbing fact about cleaning products is that most of them can be harmful during use, even when you follow the instructions exactly, and mention of this danger isn't required by law! Labeling only considers danger of ingestion. Inhaling toxic fumes from these products may produce reactions such as headaches, fatigue, burning eyes, and runny noses. Allowing cleaning products to touch bare skin on your hands not only produces skin rashes, it allows the toxic chemicals to go strait to the bloodstream. Even if you don't have immediate symptoms, years later you or your children may suddenly get cancer, heart disease, lung problems, or damage to the liver or immune system, etc.

For a list of toxic products in your home visit www.bwgg.toxicfreehomes.com

Monday, February 07, 2005

ADD and other Learning Disorders

By Debra Lynn Dadd. From her booklet "Let's Stop Poisoning our children!"

It is estimated that nearly 12 million children in the USA suffer from one or more learning, developmental, or behavioral disabilities. According to the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, "An epidemic of developmental, learning, and behavioral disabilities has become evident among children," and environmental neurotoxins are to blame. "Neurotoxins are not merely a potential threat to children," they say. "Adverse impacts are seen at current exposure levels."

Neurotoxins affect the nervous system and brain development. Of the top 20 chemicals reported by the Toxics Release Inventory in 1997, almost three-quarters are known or suspected neurotoxins. They include ammonia, chlorine, toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone - all common in cleaning products.

Dr. Doris Rapp, and expert on the treatment of environmental illness, has treated hundreds of children for learning problems and behavioral changes caused by exposures to neurotoxins. One of Dr. Rapp's young patients, Linda, showed a dramatic change of personality and ability to think in response to chlorine, a chemical found in the laundry rooms of most American homes, as well as in other cleaning products such as scouring powder and dishwasher detergent. The problem was first discovered when Linda was about 4 years old. Her mother noticed that, after Linda swam in a chlorinated pool, she would cry much more easily than normal and would complain of a headache and leg cramps. Even thought she was very bright and did well in school, she could not follow even simple instructions after swimming class. This problem happened so frequently that she eventually had to end her swimming lessons.

When Linda was 13, the chlorine problem recurred. One afternoon she was doing her homework in her brother's room, and, as she wrote, she became extremely irritable and tearful - both the content of her composition and her hand writing suddenly began to deteriorate. Her mother found that there was a duct leading directly from the basement laundry room into the area where Linda was writing. At the time Linda's behavior changed, her mother had just used chlorine bleach in the laundry room. Even a trace of the chlorine odor had affected Linda's brain.

There is clear evidence that neurotoxins can cause permanent damage if children are exposed to them while their brains and nervous systems are still developing. At high doses, neurotoxins can result in coma, convultions, respiratory paralysis, and death. At lower doses, neurotoxin exposure can show up as disturbed mood, altered behavior, impaired thinking, and attention problems.

It is important to remember that only 10% of the chemicals that appear in household products have been tested for their ability to cause nervous system disorders, which can range from headaches and dizziness to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease.

We know little about the long term affects of exposure to these chemicals, but doctors have identified a condition known as toxic encephalopathy, which is brought on by repeated exposure to solvents, such as those found in cleaning products, over several years. Symptoms include memory loss, behavioral changes, emotional instability, confusion, inability to concentrate, neurological and personality changes, and problems with manual dexterity.

Do you have or know a child on Ritalin? The numbers are rising. In 1993, 4.5 million children took the drug Ritalin so they could sit still long enough to learn to read and write. By 1998, 11.4 million children were being drugged with Ritalin. Ritalin is a "class-2" narcotic! What are we doing wrong! Why is such a powerful drug being used to control our children's behavior?! Most veteran teachers will tell you that the increased use of Ritalin is not the result of an increased awareness of ADD, as some would argue, but an increase in the increase in the actual number of cases. Think back to when you were in school. Was half of your class out control? Were most of your friends taking medication for hyperactivity?

Dr. Rapp says that many of these children are being misdiagnosed. She believes as many as two-thirds of the millions of children on Ritalin are actually suffering from acute allergic reactions to environmental agents found at home and in schools. These children do not need powerful drugs. Removal of certain chemicals, and a change of diet often solve the problem, and Dr. Rapp has proven this over and over again.

To learn more about toxins in your home go to our site www.bwgg.HealthyHomeTour.com

Saturday, February 05, 2005

The Price of Progress!

By Vice President Al Gore, Earth in the Balance

"Unless we stop our dependance on toxic chemicals, our way of thinking about the relationship between human kind and the earth, the ultimate price of progress may be paid in human health, and our children will inherit a wasteland"