Guest Line Testimonials

Please feel free to call 214-615-6505, extension 3200
to leave your audio Facial Magic and Luscious Lips testimonials.

Think Soy and Corn Products are Safe?
Mike Adams - The Health Ranger & Editor of Naturalnews.com

More than 90 percent of all soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified (GM) for herbicide resistance and are consequently sprayed with massive quantities of those toxic chemicals. Fully 85 percent of all corn grown in the country is also genetically engineered, either for herbicide resistance or to produce pesticides within its tissues. Since farmers sell their corn and soy to large distributors who mix the product together for processing, this essentially means that 100 percent of non-organic corn and soy products on the US market are GM.

And since soy and corn derivatives are so ubiquitous in packaged food, the Grocery Manufacturers of America has estimated that as much as 80 percent of processed food on US shelves contains GM ingredients. This includes breakfast cereals and other products labeled "natural" or "all natural.")

GM crops are simply unsafe. They expose people to novel and potentially dangerous allergens and to higher levels of pesticides. Animals grazing on GM crops have died from ruptured internal organs. Yet this is the type of food making up 80 percent of packaged food today, and the only way to avoid it is to buy organic food or grow your own.

Tip: Foods labeled USDA Organic do not contain any substantial level of genetically engineered ingredients, but due to cross-contamination of crops, even organic products almost always contain trace levels of GMOs.

Source: 25 Amazing Facts About Food, authored by Mike Adams and David Guiterrez. This report reveals surprising things about where your food comes from and what's really in it! Download the full report (FREE) by clicking here. Inside, you'll learn 24 more amazing but true facts about foods, beverages and food ingredients. Instant download of the complete PDF. All 25 facts are documented and true.

There's more! Dr Mercola says we could boycott GMOs. Here's his latest information on how to live younger longer. See this! Download his shopping guide, too.

 

Walking Improves Memory and Weight Loss!
Charles Runels, MD recently wrote the following email:

Without exception, the people I see who abused their health (and now suffer), look to medicine for the "big fix." They want the magic pill or the fancy surgery to make them and to keep them healthy. 

But, a wise and wealthy man had just one question for me when I asked for advice: "What is your daily practice?"  The people I know who enjoy excellent health pay close attention to daily practice (what it should be and if they are actually doing the practice)

Last week, I poured over a year's worth of medical journals looking for what new knowledge came out in 2011 that I thought should change my daily practice.

One of the top reports (found in the New England Journal) discussed how to keep the brain functioning. For "mild cognitive impairment" (thought to indicate an increased risk of dementia), all drugs came up short with zero benefit.

The two actions found to improve memory (nothing else worked that was studied) were:

1. Walking
2. Using the mind 

If you don't have it (or haven't listened lately), here's a recording of my best tips for keeping the walking habit going.  Done the way I describe in this recording will help most lose 30 pounds and keep it off with no change in diet.

 

Baking Soda is a Beauty Treatment
Mike Adams - NaturalNews.com

(NaturalNews) The lowly box of baking soda hasn't been given the credit it's due. Baking soda is for more than baking or deodorizing the refrigerator. It's great for health and beauty needs, and everyone should consider using it for multiple reasons. It's inexpensive and a great alternative to chemical beauty and cleaning products. Most people should consider using this product more than they do now.

Cleaning: Baking soda is great when it comes to cleaning. Its abrasive action combined with its environmental friendliness makes it a great alternative to cleansers that use harsh chemicals. Instead of using a harsh scrubbing powder filled with toxic chemicals (like chlorine bleach), why not use baking soda to scrub the ring in the tub? It works just as well but leaves no chemical smell behind; best yet, people won't feel guilty about baking soda washing down the drain. A lot of people also add a tablespoon or two to the dishwater for its grease-cutting action.

Baking soda is also known for its effectiveness in fighting odors. Many people sprinkle it on the carpet before vacuuming to help absorb odors, but it can also be sprinkled in the bottom of the trashcan or in the garbage disposal for the same purpose.

Beauty: Yes, baking soda can be used in one's beauty routine! It can be added to toothpaste for extra cleansing (and for whitening too), and it can also be rubbed under the arms as a healthy alternative to antiperspirants. It can also be used as a safe but effective body and facial scrub, and it can be used as an alternative to chemical-laden shampoos. And, again, because of its deodorizing properties, it can be sprinkled in a pair of smelly sneakers or kept in the closet to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

Other uses: Wash fruits and vegetables in a baking soda bath. Just fill the sink with water and a tablespoon or two of baking soda and scrub the dirt off. It's safe and effective. And you can keep your drains clean by pouring some baking soda down the drain followed by either hot water or vinegar (which will give it some bubbly action).

Baking soda can be used for a lot more than baking, so pick up an extra box at the supermarket. There are so many ways it comes in handy.

If you want to learn how to live life more fully, subscribe to Mike Adams site.

Healthy Breakfast Tips
By Jackie Silver, AgingBackwards.com

Breakfast has been called "the most important meal of the day," yet millions of people consistently skip breakfast only to find themselves ravenous the rest of the day. Here are some breakfast tips to start the day off right.
 
1) It's probably been 10 to 12 hours since you last ate, so use the first meal of the day to refuel with healthy food choices. Some studies have shown that having breakfast can actually boost your metabolism.
 
2) Think out side the (cereal) box. Dr. Al Sears, MD, a Florida-based physician, says that eggs have gotten an unfairly bad reputation over the years. "Eggs are one breakfast super food not to be overlooked. One single egg yolk has 3 µg of choline, a vital nutrient that regulates the cardiovascular system, nervous system and brain. Eggs are also one of the only foods that naturally contain vitamin D," explains Dr. Sears.
 
"Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption to improve bone health and enhance the structure of healthy skin cells. Calcium will stimulate cell renewal and support antioxidants in the skin to protect healthy cells from DNA damage. Eggs are also an excellent source of amino acids to strengthen the skin, hair and nails. Amino acids are essential to naturally moisturize the skin, too, leaving it silky, soft and balanced."
 
3) Feed your brain. Researchers at the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School did a study that compared three groups of normal weight adults. One group ate no breakfast, one group ate a healthy breakfast and the third group ate what is considered an unhealthy breakfast. Participants were tested for cognitive performance 30 minutes after mealtime, and then two hours and four hours later. Results confirmed that eating breakfast of any kind, even the unhealthy breakfast, was beneficial. Skipping breakfast consistently caused hunger and led to performance difficulties on tasks requiring concentration.
 
4) Wake up 10 minutes earlier. Many people cite lack of time as an excuse for skipping breakfast. Setting your alarm to wake you up just ten minutes earlier may give you the extra time you need to jump-start your day.
 
5) Variety is the spice of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy breakfast should consist of a variety of foods. Including whole grains, protein or dairy sources and fruit in your first meal of the day can provide complex carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat — a combination that delays hunger symptoms for hours.

Sign up for Jackie’s FREE newsletter:
AgingBackwards.com - http://agingbackwards.com/

Follow her on Twitter:
@AgingBackwards - https://twitter.com/#!/AgingBackwards

Like her Facebook page:
Aging Backwards with Jackie Silver - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aging-Backwards-with-Jackie-Silver/106914504520
 

DR MERCOLA:

KEEPING YOUR HOME CLEAN WITHOUT CHEMICALS

I also encourage you to ditch all of your chemical household disinfectants, such as antibacterial dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and bath and kitchen cleansers, in favor of more natural alternatives.

As demonstrated in the studies mentioned earlier, disinfecting your home does not lead to any measurable reduction of illness. On the contrary, if anyone in your household has a chronic illness like diabetes or asthma, for example, they may be at a slightly increased risk of infections when they're exposed to antibacterial soaps and detergents.

Aside from mild soap and water, which you can use on most surfaces, another all-purpose cleanser that works great for kitchen counters, cutting boards and bathrooms is 3% hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Simply put each liquid into a separate spray bottle, then spray the surface with one, followed by the other. In tests run at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, pairing the two mists killed virtually all Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli bacteria on heavily contaminated food and surfaces when used in this fashion, making this spray combination more effective at killing these potentially lethal bacteria than chlorine bleach or any commercially available kitchen cleaner.

The best results came from using one mist right after the other—it's 10 times more effective than using either spray by itself and more effective than mixing the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in one sprayer. As an added bonus aside from the health benefits, using this type of natural homemade cleanser is much less expensive than commercial varieties.

Sunlight is another powerful disinfectant, and drying your laundry in the sun is one of the best ways to save energy and wind up with fresh, clean linens and clothing.  READ MORE

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BLOATED?
Cynthia Rowland

Do carbs make you bloat? I recently read an article that described foods that are purported to cause bloating – the usual suspects included broccoli, soft drinks, cabbage, chewing gum and even artificial sweeteners was listed as a culprit but I find there are other foods that not only make me look and feel bloated but I think they might produce swelling in my hips, thighs, hands and yes, my stomach. 

I’m talking about carbs like bread, potatoes, rice and pasta; I don’t know if it is the bleach in the products, the pesticides from the fields or the fact that these foods are glycemic rich but you, too, may realize that eating white carbs can increase your girth.

Learning to discern the truth when you’re label reading can keep unwanted calories and carbs in check. By now you probably understand that the words “lite” and “lean” are more likely to describe your wallet when you purchase these expensive pre-packaged meals rather than provide a health benefit. Buying and eating food from the organic produce section rather than sodium laden, high calorie, overloaded carb-fest foods will fill you up and keep you leaner. The Food and Drug Administration wants to revise the nutrition facts label on packaged food to give consumers more useful information to fight the national obesity epidemic but rather than rely on ready-to-eat meals, simply incorporate organic salad greens with lots of colorful veggies twice a day. Like Jackie Silver, AgingBackwards.com says, “Supersize your veggies and half-size everything else!  Eat more asparagus - Asparagus is a natural diuretic; eat it every day and you won’t be bloated.”

Eating too much, too often also packs on the pounds. The more calories consumed can mean that you will likely gain weight. Until you faithfully write and record every morsel and beverage that goes into your mouth, you are likely to be shocked at the amount of food/calories that are ingested daily. Little bits add up quickly. Whether it’s an extra handful of nuts, two pieces of fruit instead of one or even that half doughnut eaten at lunchtime, everything counts when you’re hoping to look slimmer in your clothes.

Sleep habits have an impact on your waistline. If you are robbing yourself of sleep, you may be consuming little snacks when you could be in dreamland. Eating in bed counts.  My sister had a habit of lying in bed with her television on while she read and nibbled on chocolate kisses, she would drink a couple of glasses of wine and allowed herself other goodies. Sometimes her coverlet positively gleamed with the silver, red and green sparkly foils from the kisses. The combination of light from the tv that she typically left on all night, light from her reading lamp, chocolate and wine before bedtime impeded her ability to have sound sleep. She gained 60 pounds in about four years. Finally, she didn’t like her body shape and set out to make major changes, especially at night. Learning to sleep without interference of electrical items such as a clock, tv, lamps and phones can make a difference – a darkened, quiet room invites deep sleep.

William Campbell Douglass, MD writes, “Cool temperatures are already known to help people sleep better, and even hardcore insomniacs can get some relief when they turn the thermostat down.” If you keep your bedroom windows closed that stuffiness might add to your lack of sleep; think about it…pet dander, human dander, no circulation, central heat, bed covers…all can interrupt sleep. Open a window to let cool, refreshing air lull you to sleep. You’ll awake energized and possibly feel slimmer, too.

I believe another culprit for weight gain is stress. Just the other day a friend called saying she was having a rotten day and that she could feel the cortisol enlarging her tummy as we spoke. While I did my best to assure her that tomorrow could be a better day, she was already reaching for her favorite comfort food that she usually has on hand. I’ve seen her eat/inhale six black and white cookies in hardly any time at all and this time was no different. Comfort food can upset your best laid plans for healthier eating because most foods that we choose when we’re upset are laden with fat and sugar…mmmmm….like doughnuts. But once you start eating processed carbs, your eating plan suffers, you gain weight, feel bloated and pretty mad at yourself.

Many foods and moods can wreck our serenity but just gently guide your thinking back on track and reach for your mate instead of your plate.

IS ORANGE JUICE SAFE?
Christine O'Brien  NutritionandHealing@newmarkethealth.com

If you happen to be drinking a glass of orange juice right now, consider this a warning: You might want to put it down for a minute. Or just pour it down the drain. Because I have a feeling you're not going to want to finish the glass after reading this.

Most people think those three words, "not from concentrate," are a seal of quality--that the orange juice in that bottle is fresh, natural, and healthy. Unfortunately, that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Fresh? Nope--that orange juice could have been sitting in a giant vat for up to a year, with all of the oxygen removed. Doing this allows manufacturers to preserve the juice and send out bottles throughout the year.

Natural? Strike two. Taking out all of the oxygen also takes out the flavor. How do they overcome this? "Flavor packs" that are chock full of chemicals including ethyl-butyrate get dumped into the juice before it hits the stores and your breakfast table. You might be thinking, "But that's not on the label!" Yep--it doesn't have to be. Because these flavor packs are "technically" derived from orange oils, the manufacturers are free and clear to withhold this little bit of information.

Healthy? I think we've already answered that question. Not only is orange juice absolutely full of sugar, it turns out it's also full of chemicals (the "flavor pack" people are the same ones who create perfumes, out of much of the same arsenal of chemicals).

If you really must get your juice fix, shop in May and June--that's when most of the juice is actually from fresh oranges. Better yet--buy some organic oranges and squeeze some juice yourself. Best yet--eat a whole orange--that way you're getting the benefits of the whole fruit!



The 100 Circle Exercise
by Cynthia Rowland

So many men and women display not only dark circles but crows' feet and wrinkles around the eyes when they smile. Take a look in your mirror, smile and see what you think. Exercise #16 for crows' feet can strengthen the muscle and skin at the edge of the eye but you really need more if you're seeing those lines and wrinkles every time you smile.

Here's how to further strengthen the delicate eye tissue: First ONLY USE YOUR RING FINGERS when you apply eye treatments and when you perform this exercise. Dot Facial Magic UnderEye Nourisher, a rich eye treatment, under your eyes. Begin at the outer edge of both eyes using your ring fingers; bring the fingertips under the eyes now up and around under the brow until a full circle has been made. Continue around the eyes about 100 times making sure that the area remains well lubricated.

Now, pick up that mirror and smile. Do you see how the smile lines have dissipated? Do this every day for six days and let me know what you see.
 

Avocado - The Wonder Fruit
by Jackie Silver

The avocado has been misunderstood in the past because of its high fat content, but avocados provide more than 25 essential nutrients. A serving of avocado, which is one-eighth of the fruit, has only 5 grams of fat per serving, but that fat is the monounsaturated kind, which is heart-healthy and may help to lower cholesterol. Avocados are also rich in omega-3s, another heart-healthy ingredient. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the avocado is the potassium content. Compared to bananas, avocados have 60 percent more potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke. Remember, though, everything in moderation. A whole avocado has 520 calories and 40 grams of fat. Even though it's "good" fat, it can still add up to weight gain.

According to the California Avocado Commission, the avocado (Persea americana) originated in south-central Mexico, sometime between 7,000 and 5,000 B.C. But it was several millennia before this wild variety was cultivated. Archaeologists in Peru have found domesticated avocado seeds buried with Incan mummies dating back to 750 B.C. and there is evidence that avocados were cultivated in Mexico as early as 500 B.C. Find out more about avocados at the California Avocado Commission ( http://www.avocado.org/).

Here are some creative ways to enjoy avocado:

1. Instead of slathering mayo on your sandwich, why not mash up some avocado and spread it on your sandwich? One tablespoon of mayonnaise has about 110 calories of pure fat. One-fifth of a medium California avocado has 50 calories, with 35 calories from fat, but remember – it’s the “good” fat.

2. In a food processor, mash one half of an avocado with a half cup of organic cottage cheese, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top, sprinkle with black pepper and use it as a dip with cut vegetables for a protein-rich, tasty, healthy meal or snack.

3. Make an avocado boba drink. Boba drinks usually contain soft, chewy tapioca balls in the bottom of a drink such as tea or coffee, but here’s a creative twist: Using a small melon scoop, make avocado balls and add them into tomato or vegetable juice for a new, healthy spin on boba.

4. Cut up avocado chunks and put them on top of gazpacho, the cold Spanish tomato soup, for a filling snack that’s veggie-licious.

5. Add avocado on top of any omelet for a burst of extra flavor.

Jackie Silver is the founder and president of Aging Backwards, LLC and author of “Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young.” Send your questions or comments to: jackie@agingbackwards.com. Sign up for her free newsletter at: http://agingbackwards.com/ and follow her on Twitter, @AgingBackwards.

 

What Do You Think of Chemtrails?

http://www.naturalnews.com/032572_chemtrails_health.html

Is it possible that contrails are harmless and evaporate quickly while chemtrails linger and spread outwards forming streaky cloud like fingers throughout the sky? Chemtrails are loaded with heavy metal toxins that have been measured in water and air at several different locations; these toxins are showing up in blood results. How and why are they here?

http://www.naturalnews.com/032572_chemtrails_health.html
 

14 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

By Dr. Edward Group

Modern society has created a sad state for our over-processed livers. Anytime we overeat or eat processed or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes overworked and overloaded.

When the liver is taxed, it can’t process toxins and fat in an efficient way. There are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating the natural ability to clean toxic waste from the body.

1. Garlic

Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that helps your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

2. Grapefruit

High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increase the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

3. Beets and Carrots

Both extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene, eating both beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

4. Green Tea

This liver-loving beverage is chock-full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a constituent known to assist the livers overall functions. Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea.

5. Leafy Green Vegetables

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens literally suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.

Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

6. Avocados

This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, which is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins. Recent studies indicate improved liver health when avocados are eaten regularly.

7. Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents needed for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

8. Olive Oil

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flaxseed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload that many of us suffer from.

9. Whole Grains

Grains, such as brown rice, are rich in B-complex vitamins, nutrients known to improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver decongestion. If possible, do not eat foods with white flour [1], instead try eating whole wheat alternatives.

10. Cruciferous Vegetables

Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body, which significantly lowers our risk of cancer.

11. Lemons & Limes

These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of the vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic material into substance that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.

12. Walnuts

Holding high amount of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids [2], which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.

13. Cabbage

Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.

14. Turmeric

The liver’s favorite spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric [3]helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out known dietary carcinogens.

Tips For Doing a Liver Cleanse

Other liver-cleanse foods not listed above are artichoke, asparagus, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Eating the foods listed above is a great way to keep your liver functioning properly. However, for the best results, I would recommend doing a liver cleanse at least twice a year to eliminate any foreign substances that may be trapped in your liver. From www.healthiertalk.com

 

How to Care for your Toothbrush
Press Telegram, LB via McClatchy Newspapers

Don’t cover up brushes between uses.  Allow them to air-dry instead.  Bacteria and other organisms will grow faster on bristles kept in a closed, damp environment.

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly.  After each use, hold brushes under running water until you’ve cleaned off all remaining toothpaste and visible debris.

Store them correctly. Place brushes in a un upright position to best air them out. Also keep them at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid contamination with (yuck) airborne particles after a flush.

Don’t share brushes.  You’ll be swapping germs with the other user, which can make you sick. If you store more than one brush in the same container, keep their heads completely separated.

Replace them often.  Get a new brush at least once every three or four months, and after each time you’ve been sick, according to the American Dental Association. If bristles look worn or frayed, the brush needs to go. Children may need replacements more often than adults.

Consider disinfecting them.  Some dentists recommend soaking brushes in an antibacterial mouthwash such as Listerine for five minutes a day. You can also buy an ADA-approved sanitizer machine, which uses ultraviolet lamps or steam and dry heat to fry nearly all bacteria viruses. Just note:  Studies to date haven’t confirmed a health benefit, and not all dentists believe frequent disinfecting in necessary.

Beauty Can Hurt

Potentially Harmful Cosmetic & Beauty Products

By Robin Westen - Posted January 28, 2011 7:56 PM

Can a bubble bath be dangerous? Definitely! And so can eye and face makeup, hair color, dyes, permanents and straighteners, nail polish and remover, shaving preparations, suntan lotions, beauty masks, face and body powders and lotions, skin creams, deodorants, and perfumes.

There are over fifty thousand cosmetic formulations on the market today. Consumers snap them up at the tune of nearly $50 billion a year. The consumer products safety commission estimates that each year they cause more than 70,000 injuries to user’s hair, skin and eyes.

The Food and Drug Administration is charged with overseeing cosmetics. But unlike its authority with relation to drugs, the agency is not empowered to demand of manufacturers proof that the products are safe. Nor can the FDA require cosmetics makers to disclose their exact product formulas. Still, the agency and manufacturers say that most cosmetics are safe for most people when used properly.

Two products account for most of the injuries. Bubble baths can cause a host of problems, minor and serious, including itching and skin rashes, urinary tract, bladder, kidney, and genital disorders, eye irritations and respiratory problems. Children are particularly susceptible – so don’t suggest your grandkids take a bubble bath. Cosmetic experts’ advice? You should follow instructions on the products and don’t use the sudsy powder and liquids to excess.

Eye makeup is the other big danger. Mascara, eye shadow and eye liner contain preservatives to prolong their shelf life, but eventually these protective chemicals break down, making the products ripe for contamination by bacteria. Continued use of the cosmetics can irritate or cause permanent damage to the eye. To protect yourself, follow these rules:

·         1)  Replace your eye makeup every three to four months if you haven’t finished using it up.

·         2)  Wash your hands before making up

·         3)  Never use friends’ eye makeup and avoid eye (and face) makeup testers at cosmetic’s counters. If you do, be sure to use the disposable q-tips and mini-spatulas provided. Even so, one recent study showed that more than half the demonstration supplies at the display counter were contaminated.

·         4)  Be especially careful to avoid scratching the cornea, which can cause serious damage.

Some general cosmetics safety tips include:

·         Keep containers tightly closed and store them in a cool place. Creams and lotions can be refrigerated to prolong their shelf life. Check the list of ingredients on packages to see if the product contains a substance to which you know you are allergic. With hair coloring and depilatories, do a patch test. Don’t use cosmetic on already irritated skin.

·         Don’t smoke while applying cosmetics. Some products, for example, hair sprays and nail polish, contain alcohol, which is flammable.

·         Don’t mix half-used cosmetics or add water or saliva.

·         Buy cosmetics in the small size. Date the container and use only for the next twelve months, maximum.

Cosmetics can be a beautiful thing – just use them wisely.

Robin Westen writes about health for national magazines. Read more here.

Foundation and Concealer - Vincent Lee

Vincent Lee, a national makeup artist for Dior cosmetics, says many women don't realize makeup mistakes can make a dramatic difference in how old they look. The Hong Kong native has been in the beauty business for years, working in fashion shows, television and music videos. Here is his advice regarding foundation and concealer:

Foundation shouldn't cover your skin or turn it a different color. It's meant to even out your skin tone and give you a luminous look. Choose a foundation that disappears on your face. Liquid foundation works best on mature skin because it doesn't settle into wrinkles, Lee says. And to get the sheerest coverage, don't use a makeup sponge or your fingers; use a foundation brush. Additionally, women should apply concealer after their foundation so they can see the areas that need extra coverage. Lee says women often make a mistake of attempting to cover dark circles under eyes with concealer that is too light or too dark. The concealer should be as close to your foundation as possible. Lightly press the concealer around the eye area for a natural look. To read more click here.

10 Wacky Beauty Tips That Work - Eleanor Langston

1) Powder Your Roots
If your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip it into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove the excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn't shower.

2) Scent Strands with Perfume
Spray a light shot of fragrance into the bristles. Run it through strands from roots to ends and your hair will smell amazing throughout the day.

3) Cure Calluses with Vaseline
Slather on the petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight.

4) Spot-Treat Smudges
Dip a cotton swab in eye-makeup remover, and trace it along your lids to erase any slipups or goofs when there's no time to redo your whole look.

5) Fix a Flushed Face
If you turn red and stay that way after exercising (like seriously red for hours, even though you're healthy and hydrated), take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce redness.

6) Soften Your Bod with Avocado
Take a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be sooo soft — avocado is a natural moisturizer.

7) Super-Glue a Nail
Instead of tearing off your nail when it breaks, put a tiny dab of Super Glue over the split, and paint a generous layer of your favorite nailpolish shade over it. Go for an opaque option (like red, purple, or coral) to camouflage and seal the crack.

8) Use Makeup Remover on Stubborn Lipstick
Don't try to rub off red lipstick (which makes it smear across your mouth — not so sexy). Instead, take a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in makeup remover, and just dab to erase the dark stain fast.

9) Tame Brows with Eye Cream
Pat any kind of rich eye cream over brows to help keep them hydrated and banish those icky white specks that look like dandruff.

10) Buff with Baking Soda
If you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.

From Cosmopolitan.com
 

How Many People Have Died From Taking Vitamins?

I've been taking vitamins for over forty years after being introduced to them when I worked at President's First Lady's Health Spa, later Jack LaLanne's President's First Lady's Health Spa, in the late 60's. My mother sold Shaklee but I didn't take supplements regularly until I saw the body builders gulping down lots of them on a daily basis. I believe vitamin therapy is essential to our good health. One newsletter that I look forward to receiving is from Orthomolecular.org; I appreciate their good information and thought you might want to know that ZERO people have died in the last ten years from taking vitamins. Here is a link to more information that you might find helpful. Oh, and if you're interested in knowing the Annual Causes of Death, here's the chart.

http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/30

Keep the Toy - Toss the Meal!

Put a McDonald's Happy Meal on a shelf.

Come back one year later.

It's going to be disturbing, right?

Absolutely. And here's what's so disturbing: It looks almost exactly the same as it did one year earlier.

This casual experiment was conducted by Nutritionist Joann Brusco in her office--March 2009 to March 2010.

Joann's conclusion: No mold = preservatives galore.

More importantly, Brusco notes that if the hamburger, bun, and fries won't yield to microbes, then a child's digestive system can't properly metabolize the "food."

Fortunately, most parents know that what kids really want in a Happy Meal: the toy. So keep the toy. Toss the Meal. Then head on home and stir fry some veggies.

See more of this with a video from Dr. Mercola
 

Vinegar to Lose Weight (Lower Blood Sugar, Too)

Vinegar has been used as a folk medicine for such things as headaches and indigestion. Now several studies reinforce its benefit for weight management and blood sugar control. Researchers believe that it is the acetic acid in any type of vinegar (apple cider, balsamic, white or red wine) that produces this effect, interfering with enzymes involved in the digestion of carbohydrates and those that alter glucose metabolism (so that insulin does not spike).

1.     One recent study found that mice fed a high-fat diet -- and given acetic acid -- developed up to 10% less body fat than those not given acetic acid. Another 2007 study found that having small amounts of vinegar at bedtime seemed to reduce waking blood glucose levels in people.

2.     More studies need to be done on vinegar, but it does seem that people can benefit from sprinkling vinegar on salads... adding a teaspoon to marinades... and adding a few drops to mustard. For blood sugar balance (for those with diabetes or on diabetes medication) or weight loss, dilute one to two tablespoons (some people start with teaspoons) in an equal amount of water -- and drink it at the beginning of a meal.

3.      Source: Mark A. Stengler, NMD, a naturopathic medical doctor and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. Dr. Stengler is editor of the Bottom Line Natural Healing newsletter, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Bottom Line Books), director of the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic in La Jolla, California, and adjunct associate clinical professor at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about his work, visit www.drstengler.com.

Savor this snack. Dieters who noshed on almonds daily shed 62 percent more weight and 56 percent more fat than those who didn’t, a study from Loma Linda University in California finds. “The fiber in nuts may prevent your body from absorbing some fat, speeding weight loss,” says lead author Michelle Wien, R.D. Almond eaters also lowered their blood pressure, and the vitamin E in these nuts may keep skin supple.

How Not to do Your Makeup!

Makeup can be fun and if you're like me, you probably have tons of it stashed in your bathroom and vanity. Do you ever go overboard with eye shadow and liner? Well, you're not alone!  Check out these photos of gals who have over done their makeup with raccoon eyes and more. click here

Just How Bad are Hotdogs?

My Dad was in the cattle business and we grew up having only certain types of meat available to us. We were never allowed to eat at fast food restaurants and hot dogs were basically forbidden food. Perhaps we were deprived but I am very thankful that those eating rules were in place. I subscribe to Orthomolecular Medicine News Service written by Andrew W. Saul and their recent post outlines how putrid hotdogs really are. Here are a few statistics you will appreciate: 155 million hotdogs are eaten over the 4th of July holiday, children who eat one hot dog a week double their risk of a brain tumor and in landfills whole hot dogs have been found, some of them in strata suggesting an age upwards of several decades. EWWWW!  To read the entire piece, click here

Broccoli Sprouts

Reason #1: A diet rich in broccoli sprouts can reduce H. pylori infection, which is thought to contribute to peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.

Reason #2: Broccoli sprouts may reduce the risk of skin cancer in people who have overdone it in the sun. Researchers found the carcinogenic properties of ultraviolet light exposure were counteracted by sulforaphane in an animal study.

This is certainly more than enough evidence to encourage everyone to add a heap of them to a daily salad. Sulforaphane is also available in supplement form, for those of you who can't find them at the grocery store.

http://www.broccosprouts.com/health/health.htm

What You MUST Know About Triclosan

I received two newsletters from Al Sears, MD, outlining the dangers of Triclosan. It's usually found in toothpaste, hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps.

Jackie Silver - my Ageless Sister of Agingbackwards.com and I looked at her toothpaste and sure enough the toothpaste had a healthy dose (.30%) of Triclosan which is a pesticide.

Dr. Sears states, "There’s no benefit to putting an antibacterial in toothpaste. And it may even be harmful because it allows bacteria to grow stronger and more resistant to medication. So, the next time you get an infection, your body might not be able to fight it.₁

As bad as triclosan is in a hand sanitizer, it’s even worse when you put it in toothpaste because triclosan is easy to absorb in your mouth. And researchers have identified it in deep tissues within 3 hours.₂ Once it gets there, it disrupts your thyroid gland. It can also make testosterone drop by over 30 percent._3,4 Even worse, I’ve seen scientific studies that concluded that tricolosan increased cancer risk."

I asked Jackie to show me her toothpaste again when I was writing this piece - She had already thrown it away!

PS I use an all natural Oral Hygiene Program called OraMD.

10 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

We hear that inflammation plays a huge part in our heath so if you have ever wondered which foods could trigger it, this info from Andrew Rudman, ND, might help.

These findings appeared in the December 2009 issue of The Journal of Nutrition.

Now, here are Dr. Rubman’s picks of the best and worst foods if you want to reduce inflammation in your body...

      Wild salmon, mackerel and other omega-3-fatty-acid-rich fish.

 Berries.

Green, leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach and kale).

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, etc.).

Deeply pigmented produce, such as sweet potatoes, eggplant and pomegranate... along with carrots, plums, oranges, peppers, peas and red grapes.

Nuts.

Whole grains.

Tea -- specifically black, green and white teas.

Cold-pressed fresh oils, including avocado, flaxseed and olive oils in particular.

 Spices (specifically, garlic, ginger, turmeric, saffron).

10 WORST INFLAMMATORY FOODS

      Desserts made with lots of sugar (cookies, candy, ice cream and so on).

Sweetened cereals.

 "White" carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, white potatoes, English muffins, etc.).

 Non-diet soft drinks.

Anything containing high-fructose corn syrup.

Processed meats (bologna, salami, hotdogs, sausage and others made with preservatives and additives).

 French fries, potato chips and other fried snack foods.

 Fast foods, most specifically the ones that are high-fat, high-calorie, high simple carbohydrate -- which describes most of the inexpensive offerings at quick-serve restaurants.

 Margarine, because it contains processed sterols called stanols that have been implicated in both atherosclerosis and various fatty-deposit diseases.

Organ meats such as liver, because these often contain undesirable products including antibiotics, fertilizer and other unwanted residues.

 How to Feel Better Fast

        While on the topic, Dr. Rubman added one more bit of information to this "highly inflammatory" list. "It should also include almost any food eaten quickly, especially if you drink a lot of liquid while eating," he said, noting that this is all the more true for people who then end up soothing their predictable digestive distress by taking anti-heartburn medication. His advice is to eat slowly... chew thoroughly... avoid liquids during a meal so that you don’t dilute the stomach acid and reduce its ability to help digest food... and include items from the "best" list in every meal, every day, while eliminating those from the "worst" list or at least reserving them for an occasional treat. "Within weeks, you will decrease your risk for disease, improve your digestion, enjoy more energy and feel better overall," he promised.

Prepare a Heart-Attack/Health "Emergency Kit"
Jennifer Mieres, MD

New York University Department of Medicine

hat it shoould contain: A bottle of uncoated aspirin... a contact list of your physicians and key famil key family members and friends as well as the hospital to go to in an emergency... a list of medications you are currently taking... notes on any allergies or adverse reactions to medications... medical-insurance plan information and the procedures to follow for using your hospital of choice. Make sure your family members know where you keep the "kit" in the event that they need it in an emergency when you are disabled.

Ungie Bits - Custom Made Cereal

What a wonderful gift I received from a special friend - custom made cereal without any chemicals and just the things I like. 

Yes, from www.meandgoji.com came a most delicious mix of 5 grain muesli, ground nutmeg, Goji, raspberry, macadamia nuts and walnuts. I named my cereal Ungie Bits and you can choose any name you like along with ingredients that suit your palate. Served either heated or cold, it is a filling and delicious meal.

A one-half cup serving of Ungie Bits has 166.5 calories, 5.3 grams of total fat, and 27.3 grams of carbs, 5.8 grams of protein.  Each canister (yes, round cylinders take up lots less room on the shelf) contains about 21 servings.

Avoid These Five Aging Blunders

 http://budurl.com/aczv

Who knew?  Little, everyday gaffes can add up and then all of a sudden, you can look dated, matronly, even old...

Boswellia

I must admit, I had never heard of Boswellia until I read about it on the HSI Baltimore newsletter.  Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory herb that offers impressive results if you suffer from osteoarthritis, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and even colitis.  It has been used for 2,000 years by Ayurvedic physicians without harmful side effects. 

Boswellia reduces not only the pain but it also stops the degenerative actions that erode cartilage and joint tissues.  Boswellia extracts have also been used in the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory ailments, reducing mucus production and facilitating breathing, reducing bronchial congestion.

http://www.herbal-provider.com/boswellia.html

http://www.healthherbs.com/product.php?pid=3390

4 Things You Must Do Immediately to Avoid the Flu!

Nature's Answer to Soda Pop®

Zero Calories and 100% Natural - What could be better?

I have been a fan of Diet Rite® soda for a long time.  It has zero calories, zero sodium but is sweetened with Splenda, the ugly step-sister of Aspertame.  Zevia® is different because it is sweetened with Stevia!  There was a hip teenage guy visiting my home; I asked him if he would like to try a new zero calorie soft drink and give me his honest feedback regarding taste.  Long story short - he told me he liked the Cola taste and said it tasted much better than Diet Pepsi®.  I found Zevia at Whole Foods Market and it comes in six flavors:  Cola, Twist, Black Cherry, Orange, Root Bear, and Ginger Ale.  UPDATE:  Zevia sent us complimentary cans and we love Orange, Black Cherry, Cola and Ginger Ale.

Vintage Jewelry

The ladies at my church have such style and grace particularly when it comes to their fabulous clothes and choice of jewelry. 

Red Hat Sunday is certainly spectacular; these gals in their purple outfits and red hats are bedecked in splendid jewels.  Recently I wore a bauble that the Red Hatter's just loved and they were happy to learn that eBay was the source.

From eye popping brooches to flashy Swarovski bracelets and rings, the array of vintage jewelry is heart stopping and stunning.  Using eBay to add to your jewelry collection is a very smart idea.

So the next time you want to update your jewelry wardrobe and you don't want to break the bank, go to eBay.com and type "vintage jewelry" in the search box and spend a few minutes considering your options.  I bet you will have as much fun as I do and who knows what treasures you will find!

Shape-wear Body Armor

 When I visited Dubai my girlfriend was complaining that wearing a particular t-shirt made her look lumpy.  Haven't we all seen that look?  Well, maybe Nina hasn't, but the rest of us have probably had the desire to slice off a few pounds to appear less bulky in our clothes.

I just happened to have the right lingerie piece in my suitcase and gladly gifted that to my darling friend.  She was delighted by the underwire bra that was built in to the tummy trimming seamless slimmer. 

There are many brands in the market today and in many price ranges.  What I recently discovered is that discount stores like Ross offer a wide selection for a fraction of the cost.  Who wants to pay full retail??? 

So if you are into comfort and sleekness these lingerie items (invisible bras, torso cinchers, butt enhancers and more) will tickle you pink.

 Bad Circulation?

Having bad circulation is more than just dealing with cold feet and hands. Its a sign that your heart is trying hard to spread blood around the body. Take this as warning sign that you need more physical activity. Walk for at least 15 minutes a day, fast enough to keep your heart rate up, and you should sleep better and have better circulation. 

COFFEE TABLE FOOT REST

Anna McKenzie sent me a link that is the perfect go-together if you have a coffee table that is sometimes used as a footstool by the men in your household.  Now I'm not advocating that you allow just anyone to put their feet on your coffee table but hey, I know that it happens.  Check out this link:  www.comfyfootrest.com

LIFESTYLE LIFT

Those ads about the LifeStyle Lift are pretty compelling but do you ever wonder if the testimonials might fudge on the pain, recuperation time and the actual results?  Realself.com has some very interesting comments from those who have had this procedure.  Please keep in mind that surgical procedures are permanent but with temporary results.

PORTION CONTROL & BODY SHAPE

My walking partner, Marcia, and I frequently discuss our weight, eating habits and more and what we've learned about ourselves is pretty revealing.  Consuming comfort foods such as potatoes, bread, rice and pasta keeps our body shape heavy even though we are walking two miles per day.  It is only when we began to seriously address portion control, adding green veggies, chicken breasts and stopping those comfort foods did our weight begin to drop and our body shape change.  Here is an article that gives you more info.

ALMOND MILK

Almond Milk is a "living food" made from RAW almonds.  This delicious drink is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, phytochemicals from the brown skins, enzymes, and healthy omega fatty acids.  Eight ounces has 40 calories with 30 calories from fat, 2 grams carbohydrates.  Almond milk is lactose, cholesterol and casein free, it's made from real almonds and it costs less than most pre-packaged non-dairy beverages.

Make Your Own Almond Milk

I drank Almond Milk on a regular basis until I discovered, quite by accident, that most pre-packaged milks contained Soy.  Recent information has produced big questions about drinking soy milk and using soy products so reluctantly I gave it up.

Then recently I found a very easy Almond Milk recipe and decided to share it with you.  I hope you will try it and give me feedback.

Ingredients:

4 cups filtered water

1 cup raw almonds that have been soaked for 4 hours

Sweeteners or flavorings – nutmeg, Stevia, honey even dates

Preparation:

Soak almonds four hours and drain.  Place 4 cups filtered water and drained almonds into a blender and blend on high for one minute.  Strain with cheesecloth or a nut milk straining bag and voila!  You have fresh almond milk!

SMART WOMAN

SIGOURNEY Weaver, who famously battled a monster in "Alien" in her underwear turns 57 and says, "The idea of voluntarily getting injections near my eyes is so frightening."

Cancer Hormone Link

As a long-time fan of William Campbell Douglass II, MD, I admire him because he isn't afraid to share his concerns when something isn't quite on the mark.  For instance, he wrote recently of his belief about the correlation of certain cancers, primarily breast and prostate, linked to artificial growth hormone therapy in corn-fed US beef and passed to us via grocery store milk and meats.  Dr. Douglas alerts us that abnormal physiological and sexual development in children is probably tied to these same hormones because they drink milk and eat burgers, yogurt and ice cream from tainted, antibiotic, hormone bloated beef.   

There's more – he believes that synthetic hormone therapy (HRT) causes cancer.  In his words: " According to a recent Associated Press article summarizing the findings of a Harvard-affiliated analysis of more than 70,000 women enrolled in the famous Nurses Health Study, those who took one popular prescription hormone drug (a blend of estrogen and testosterone called Estratest) for relief from their menopause-related symptoms risked breast cancer at a far greater rate than those who did not take hormones."

In so far as eating beef, go ahead, just consider feeding you and your family hormone-free, organically, free range raised meat.  And, as for milk and milk products, look for the declaration that these products are from cows not treated with the Growth Hormone rBST.

To start receiving your own copy of the Daily Dose, visit:
http://www.douglassreport.com/dailydose/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the Daily Dose.

Mangosteen – It can't hurt!

They call it the Celebrated Fruit for a reason!  According to Albert Miller, MD, he believes the Mangosteen to be the single most powerful prevention supplement to us today. This tangerine sized tropical fruit, native to Southeast Asia, looks very different:  The hard purple rind has phytochemicals in it called Xanthones that are used as a natural remedy; the soft white edible center resembles an orange with juicy, slippery sections that seem to melt in your mouth.  I understand the seeds are bitter and should be avoided but the edible portion tastes yummy like a peach.

The juice tastes delicious!
 

A Facial Magic Face Feels Like No Other Face!

While in NY I had the opportunity to work with Roberta B’s face; it was evident that she frequently performs Facial Magic because her muscles are rock hard and so is her face.  Her toned forehead is unlined, she has no crows feet and she looks incredibly young.

In Los Angeles I worked out with Karen of Manhattan Beach and let me tell you that I could feel and see a remarkable tone in her skin and muscles; I learned she had been working out with Facial Magic for about eight years.  WOW!  Her appearance was deceiving because her face looked less than 35.

Neither of these women look their age – their faces have no sagging and their skin feels thick like a young person’s skin.  They don’t need Botox, fillers or plastic surgery because nothing sags – their faces are taut! 

Recently, an aesthetician who is now training for her Facial Magic certification told me that when she first gave me a facial, she could hardly believe how strong and powerful my face felt.  She was astounded that a face could look and feel so young; now her face is becoming like mine and she is convinced that Facial Magic is much more effective than a surgical procedure.