By Michael Masterson
"If I had more time, I'd have more fun," we tell ourselves. Or, "If I had more time, I'd knit/ paint/ write a novel/ [fill in the blank]."
Time is an equal opportunity provider. Every one of us, regardless of age, sex, race, or religion, has the same 24 hours a day. How we use those hours determines our success.
On the one hand, we know that working long, hard hours is a characteristic of most successful people. On the other hand, we understand that working that way gives us little pleasure and less time to pay attention to family, friendship, intellectual stimulation, etc.
"Workaholism is an addiction," Julia Cameron says in The Artist's Way, "and like all addictions, it blocks creative energy." Cameron's concern in the book is to find time for creative writing. But her advice is useful for anyone who is fighting his or her workaholic streak.
You can be successful in business without sacrificing personal relationships. You can make money and art too. You can accomplish your major goals in all of life's four most important dimensions:
1. Your health-building goals
2. Your wealth-building goals
3. Your social responsibilities
4. Your personal aspirations
To do so, you've got to follow a productivity plan that recognizes (1) achieving any important goal takes time, (2) at any specific period of time in your life you must establish priorities and give primary attention to your top goals, (3) many of the problems prioritizing may cause can be limited by respectful scheduling and thoughtful communication, and (4) as opportunities change, so must your objectives.
You must also recognize that the way you work right now may be working against you. A workaholic pattern might help you accomplish your primary goal, but will usually leave your other goals in a shattered heap.
Begin, today, with this self-administered evaluation - from Julia Cameron - to help you figure out if you have workaholic habits. Answer "seldom," "often," or "never" to the following:
I work outside of office hours.
I cancel dates with loved ones to do more work.
I postpone outings until the deadline is over.
I take work with me on vacations.
I take work with me on weekends.
I take vacations.
My intimates complain that I always work.
I try to do two things at once.
I allow myself free time between projects.
I allow myself to achieve closure on tasks.
I procrastinate in finishing up the last loose ends.
I set out to do one job and start on three more at the same time.
I work in the evenings during family time.
I allow calls to interrupt - and lengthen - my workday.
I prioritize my day to include an hour of creative work/play.
I place my creative dreams before my work.
I fall in with others' plans and fill my free time with their agendas.
I allow myself down time to do nothing.
I use the word "deadline" to describe and rationalize my workload.
I go everywhere, even to dinner, with a notebook or my work numbers.
"There is a difference between zestful work toward a cherished goal and workaholism," says Cameron. "That difference lies less in the hours than it does in the emotional quality of the hours spent. There is a treadmill quality to workaholism. We depend on our addiction and we resent it. For a workaholic, work is synonymous with worth, and so we are hesitant to jettison any part of it."
Your answers to Julia Cameron's self-evaluation questions will give you a quick sense of whether you have a problem with workaholism. But don't just test yourself. Do what I did. Ask a few members of your family, or a few friends, to answer those questions for you. You may be surprised by what you find out.
It can be hard to make time for your personal life when you're trying to prove to your boss that you deserve a raise... when you're busy building your business... or when you just plain love what you do. But don't work so hard or so long that you neglect your family and friends. If you do that, you will eventually regret it.
Here's how I keep myself from falling into that trap:
I don't take work home at night. I put in my time at the office, and then I come home... without my laptop and papers.
I don't take work home on weekends. If I want to put in a few extra hours on Saturday, I clear it with my family in advance. But, again, I don't pull out the computer or papers in front of them. It sends the wrong message.
Away from work, I try my best to stay "in the present." For me, this was the hardest lesson to learn, because my mind is always jumping from one topic (the story someone is telling me) to another (something related that happened at work). When I feel myself drifting - and it happens frequently - I pull myself back.
When I follow these rules, I am happier twice - at work and at home. I recommend that you do the same.
This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Study Finds Lack of Sleep Impacts Weight
What can happen when you don’t get enough sleep? A study of 30 Greek women shows less sleep means more body fat. There was an almost 3 % increase in body fat when there was a one hour cut in the number of sleep hours.
There wasn’t any association of weight gain with increased calorie intake. Why the weight gain without an increase in calorie consumption; still waiting to find out.
So, if you’re wondering why those pounds aren’t coming off then look to getting more sleep. It may help with the challenge you’ve been facing.
Update Lack of sleep may result in
There wasn’t any association of weight gain with increased calorie intake. Why the weight gain without an increase in calorie consumption; still waiting to find out.
So, if you’re wondering why those pounds aren’t coming off then look to getting more sleep. It may help with the challenge you’ve been facing.
Update Lack of sleep may result in
Saturday, November 3, 2007
IF WE COULD GIVE..
“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” Hippocrates
Health and Wellness Glossary
ACE (American Council on Exercise)
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective physical activity. As America’s Authority on Fitness, ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness products, programs and trends through its ongoing public education, outreach and research. ACE further protects the public by setting certification and continuing education standards for fitness professionals. For more information, visit http://www.acefitness.org/.
Acute Pain
A pain that comes on quickly, can be severe, but lasts a relatively short time. It is not ongoing or constant (chronic).
Acupressure
An ancient Chinese healing technique, acupressure uses similar principles as acupuncture but without the needles. Specific points on the body receive pressure with fingers. The goal is to relieve a variety of symptoms including tension, stress, aches, pains, menstrual cramps, or arthritis. This can also be done on a preventative measure for general, ongoing health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture
Also practiced in China and several other Far East counties for centuries, this form of therapy applies needles to specific body points to relieve or treat symptoms. The goal is to release trapped or blocked “energy” known in Chinese philosophy as “Qi”. The needles are placed by a trained acupuncture therapist in a series of meridians in the skin. The puncture into such meridians, or channels, in the body should invoke a healing response and help the individual regain natural balance.
Aikido
A Japanese martial art, this is both spiritual in nature and a self-defense technique. The goal is to synchronize and balance one’s chi (vital energy) with that of one’s opponent, so that the opponent’s strength and weight are used against him or her. Many of the moves are flowing, fluid and graceful — similar to those of tai chi.
Alternative Medicine
Typically complementary techniques that include therapies, herbs and remedies. N ot mainstream, standard or generally recognized by the medical community. Often viewed as unconventional treatments.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be used as a holistic healing practice (for preventative care) as well as to help relax the body. Aromatherapy involves the use of volatile, pungent plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing. The aromas emitted from the oils are a natural, non-invasive way to address the entire person, and not one specific symptom or problem. The goal is to help the body’s natural ability to balance, heal and maintain itself by the correct use of essential oils.
Ayurveda/Ayurvedic Medicine
Practiced in India for more than 5,000 years, Ayurvedic tradition holds that illness is a state of imbalance among the body’s systems that can be detected through such diagnostic procedures as reading the pulse and observing the tongue. Ayurveda is a holistic approach of medicine and -the balance and harmony of the body, resulting in self-healing, good health and longevity.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy pain-free, safe and non-surgical medical procedure used to help remove unwanted heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel, copper, cadmium, and others from the body. More recently Chelation Therapy has also been used to reverse symptoms of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) by removing the obstructive plaque that has built up in circulatory system.
Chinese (Oriental) Medicine
This includes the use of a variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods — including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, moxibustion (heat therapy), and nutritional and lifestyle counseling — to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain may be defined as a pain that ranges from mild to severe but is present for long periods of time – from months to years. Chronic pain has many causes such as injury, infections, illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, and nerve damage. Treatment for chronic pain includes medication, acupuncture, physical therapy, mind-body therapies such as hypnosis and meditation, massage, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and Reiki . It is not a short, sporadic pain (acute).
Dietary (Nutritional) Supplements
Nutritional or dietary supplements come in a variety of assortments and often contain minerals, vitamins, and sun dried herbs. The delivery method of supplement can be tablets, capsules, sub-lingual drops, or teas. The purpose is to give your body something extra that is beneficial in addition to the nutrients from regular food. Supplements are developed to aid in a variety of ailments including joint problems, healthy skin, weight loss, energy, sexual performance, and more. They are not regulated by the Food or Drug Administration (FDA).
Feng Shui
Feng shui (fung shway) is the ancient Chinese practice of configuring your physical space or environment (i.e. home or work) into a place that promotes health, happiness, and prosperity. This could involve color selection or furniture placement that’s conducive to a healthy flow of chi, or vital energy.
Healing Touch
Typically done by a R.N. (registered nurse), this technique aims to help accelerate wound healing, relieve pain, promote relaxation, prevent illness, and ease the dying process. The practitioner uses light touch with his/her hands near the client’s body in an effort to reinstate balance to the client’s energy system.
Herbal Therapy
Another form of ancient Chinese therapy (based on Taoist principles), herbal therapy includes diet and nutrition and is the oldest and most widely used method in the Chinese system of health care. Herbs are categorized according to their basic biochemical structure and therapeutic effects, which determine their gui-jing or “natural affinities” There are numerous methods for administering herbal remedies including one of the most common forms, tea.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine promotes the healing philosophy that views the patient as a whole person, not as just a disease or a collection of symptoms. During treatment, holistic medical practitioners may address a patient’s emotional or spiritual dimensions as well as other factors that can affect ones health including nutrition, environment, and lifestyle. Many holistic medical practitioners combine conventional forms of treatment (such as medication and surgery) with natural or alternative treatments.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the principle that substances, which are poisonous in large doses, can be very beneficial in small doses. Homeopathy is a form of medicine that treats the body as a whole and helps it to heal itself. It can be used for acute and chronic illnesses. The objective is to prevent the patient from getting the illnesses again. Homeopathy looks at each patient and develops an individualized remedy or treatment plan. Homeopathic remedies are made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances.
Life Coaching
People hire a coach when they are making a career transition, starting a new business, feeling dissatisfied, re-evaluating life choices, or simply looking for personal and professional breakthroughs. This isa professional service that offers clients feedback, insights, and guidance from an outside viewpoint. Similar to the practice of a physician, attorney, or psychologist — the major difference is that coaching is an on-going collaborative partnership built on taking action.
Meditation
Meditation is the art of relaxing your mind and body in an effort to relieve stress and feel calm and at peace. There are different forms of meditation including prayer, TM (Transcendental Meditation), mindfulness meditation, Zen meditation, Buddhist meditation, and Taoist meditation. The main focus is to “free the mind” of busy thoughts. To relax yourself through one image in your mind, restful breathing, or a tranquil sound. Some people also may repeat a mantra to themselves – saying a word or phrase of peace over and over again.
Naturopathy
Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a practice of preventing, assessing and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient’s mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect. Naturopathic practitioners aim to restore and support the body’s own healing ability using a variety of modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and oriental medicine.
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Like medical doctors (M.D.’s), a doctor of osteopathic medicine or an osteopathic physician provides comprehensive medical care, including preventive medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription medications, and hospital referrals. In diagnosis and treatment, they pay particular attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves and are specially trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment — using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Pain Management
Pain-management could entail everything from physical therapy, exercise and mental-health counseling — to surgery and medication. Patients seeking this type of treatment are typically looking to relieve a chronic pain and may seek practitioners such as physical therapist, chiropractors, podiatrists, psychologists, acupuncturists, and occupational therapists.
Reflexology
This touch technique is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. The practitioner (typically a massage therapist) applies pressure to these points of these areas using hands, fingers, and thumbs to treat a wide range of stress-related illnesses and ailments as well as provide relieve to related muscles.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu has been used in Japan thousands of years and is the most common form of acupressure. This technique aims to relieve pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi, or vital energy.
Stress Management
Stress management encompasses a range of modalities designed to treat the physical and emotional toll of stress. The approaches used can include bodywork, meditation, counseling, energy work, and education.
Tai Chi/Martial Arts
Although many of the martial arts assist in self-defense, practicing these techniques can also improve your body, mind and spiritual self. Each movement is disciplined and aims to bring balance to the body and mind. "External" methods (such as Karate or Judo) focus on endurance and muscular development, while "internal" methods (such as Tai Chi and Aikido) focus on relaxation and control. These techniques have also been used to help relieve back problems, ulcers, and reduce stress.
Watsu (Water Shiatsu)
Watsu is a form of massage performed water. It involves a combination of slow, flowing movements with shiatsu massage techniques. The purpose is to release blockages in the body’s energy pathways (or meridians). Watsu is commonly used to release tension, reduce stress, relax muscles and aid in treatment for a variety of physical and emotional problems.
Yoga Therapy
Practiced for thousands of years in India and the Far East, yoga aims to relax the mind and body with the goal of enlightenment. There are several different types of Yoga including Karma Yoga (which emphasizes action and relationships with others); Bhakti Yoga (which focuses on love of God); Jnana Yoga (which focuses on the pursuit of intellectual); Raja Yoga (focusing on techniques for controlling mind and body) and Bikram Yoga or “hot yoga” (where the room temperature is heated to assist in cleansing the body and involves a variety of poses/positions and controlled breathing). Each of these types offer benefits to the body including flexibility, balance, discipline, relaxation and meditation.
This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com.
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective physical activity. As America’s Authority on Fitness, ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness products, programs and trends through its ongoing public education, outreach and research. ACE further protects the public by setting certification and continuing education standards for fitness professionals. For more information, visit http://www.acefitness.org/.
Acute Pain
A pain that comes on quickly, can be severe, but lasts a relatively short time. It is not ongoing or constant (chronic).
Acupressure
An ancient Chinese healing technique, acupressure uses similar principles as acupuncture but without the needles. Specific points on the body receive pressure with fingers. The goal is to relieve a variety of symptoms including tension, stress, aches, pains, menstrual cramps, or arthritis. This can also be done on a preventative measure for general, ongoing health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture
Also practiced in China and several other Far East counties for centuries, this form of therapy applies needles to specific body points to relieve or treat symptoms. The goal is to release trapped or blocked “energy” known in Chinese philosophy as “Qi”. The needles are placed by a trained acupuncture therapist in a series of meridians in the skin. The puncture into such meridians, or channels, in the body should invoke a healing response and help the individual regain natural balance.
Aikido
A Japanese martial art, this is both spiritual in nature and a self-defense technique. The goal is to synchronize and balance one’s chi (vital energy) with that of one’s opponent, so that the opponent’s strength and weight are used against him or her. Many of the moves are flowing, fluid and graceful — similar to those of tai chi.
Alternative Medicine
Typically complementary techniques that include therapies, herbs and remedies. N ot mainstream, standard or generally recognized by the medical community. Often viewed as unconventional treatments.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be used as a holistic healing practice (for preventative care) as well as to help relax the body. Aromatherapy involves the use of volatile, pungent plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing. The aromas emitted from the oils are a natural, non-invasive way to address the entire person, and not one specific symptom or problem. The goal is to help the body’s natural ability to balance, heal and maintain itself by the correct use of essential oils.
Ayurveda/Ayurvedic Medicine
Practiced in India for more than 5,000 years, Ayurvedic tradition holds that illness is a state of imbalance among the body’s systems that can be detected through such diagnostic procedures as reading the pulse and observing the tongue. Ayurveda is a holistic approach of medicine and -the balance and harmony of the body, resulting in self-healing, good health and longevity.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy pain-free, safe and non-surgical medical procedure used to help remove unwanted heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel, copper, cadmium, and others from the body. More recently Chelation Therapy has also been used to reverse symptoms of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) by removing the obstructive plaque that has built up in circulatory system.
Chinese (Oriental) Medicine
This includes the use of a variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods — including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, moxibustion (heat therapy), and nutritional and lifestyle counseling — to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain may be defined as a pain that ranges from mild to severe but is present for long periods of time – from months to years. Chronic pain has many causes such as injury, infections, illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, and nerve damage. Treatment for chronic pain includes medication, acupuncture, physical therapy, mind-body therapies such as hypnosis and meditation, massage, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and Reiki . It is not a short, sporadic pain (acute).
Dietary (Nutritional) Supplements
Nutritional or dietary supplements come in a variety of assortments and often contain minerals, vitamins, and sun dried herbs. The delivery method of supplement can be tablets, capsules, sub-lingual drops, or teas. The purpose is to give your body something extra that is beneficial in addition to the nutrients from regular food. Supplements are developed to aid in a variety of ailments including joint problems, healthy skin, weight loss, energy, sexual performance, and more. They are not regulated by the Food or Drug Administration (FDA).
Feng Shui
Feng shui (fung shway) is the ancient Chinese practice of configuring your physical space or environment (i.e. home or work) into a place that promotes health, happiness, and prosperity. This could involve color selection or furniture placement that’s conducive to a healthy flow of chi, or vital energy.
Healing Touch
Typically done by a R.N. (registered nurse), this technique aims to help accelerate wound healing, relieve pain, promote relaxation, prevent illness, and ease the dying process. The practitioner uses light touch with his/her hands near the client’s body in an effort to reinstate balance to the client’s energy system.
Herbal Therapy
Another form of ancient Chinese therapy (based on Taoist principles), herbal therapy includes diet and nutrition and is the oldest and most widely used method in the Chinese system of health care. Herbs are categorized according to their basic biochemical structure and therapeutic effects, which determine their gui-jing or “natural affinities” There are numerous methods for administering herbal remedies including one of the most common forms, tea.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine promotes the healing philosophy that views the patient as a whole person, not as just a disease or a collection of symptoms. During treatment, holistic medical practitioners may address a patient’s emotional or spiritual dimensions as well as other factors that can affect ones health including nutrition, environment, and lifestyle. Many holistic medical practitioners combine conventional forms of treatment (such as medication and surgery) with natural or alternative treatments.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the principle that substances, which are poisonous in large doses, can be very beneficial in small doses. Homeopathy is a form of medicine that treats the body as a whole and helps it to heal itself. It can be used for acute and chronic illnesses. The objective is to prevent the patient from getting the illnesses again. Homeopathy looks at each patient and develops an individualized remedy or treatment plan. Homeopathic remedies are made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances.
Life Coaching
People hire a coach when they are making a career transition, starting a new business, feeling dissatisfied, re-evaluating life choices, or simply looking for personal and professional breakthroughs. This isa professional service that offers clients feedback, insights, and guidance from an outside viewpoint. Similar to the practice of a physician, attorney, or psychologist — the major difference is that coaching is an on-going collaborative partnership built on taking action.
Meditation
Meditation is the art of relaxing your mind and body in an effort to relieve stress and feel calm and at peace. There are different forms of meditation including prayer, TM (Transcendental Meditation), mindfulness meditation, Zen meditation, Buddhist meditation, and Taoist meditation. The main focus is to “free the mind” of busy thoughts. To relax yourself through one image in your mind, restful breathing, or a tranquil sound. Some people also may repeat a mantra to themselves – saying a word or phrase of peace over and over again.
Naturopathy
Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a practice of preventing, assessing and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient’s mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect. Naturopathic practitioners aim to restore and support the body’s own healing ability using a variety of modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and oriental medicine.
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Like medical doctors (M.D.’s), a doctor of osteopathic medicine or an osteopathic physician provides comprehensive medical care, including preventive medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription medications, and hospital referrals. In diagnosis and treatment, they pay particular attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves and are specially trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment — using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Pain Management
Pain-management could entail everything from physical therapy, exercise and mental-health counseling — to surgery and medication. Patients seeking this type of treatment are typically looking to relieve a chronic pain and may seek practitioners such as physical therapist, chiropractors, podiatrists, psychologists, acupuncturists, and occupational therapists.
Reflexology
This touch technique is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. The practitioner (typically a massage therapist) applies pressure to these points of these areas using hands, fingers, and thumbs to treat a wide range of stress-related illnesses and ailments as well as provide relieve to related muscles.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu has been used in Japan thousands of years and is the most common form of acupressure. This technique aims to relieve pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi, or vital energy.
Stress Management
Stress management encompasses a range of modalities designed to treat the physical and emotional toll of stress. The approaches used can include bodywork, meditation, counseling, energy work, and education.
Tai Chi/Martial Arts
Although many of the martial arts assist in self-defense, practicing these techniques can also improve your body, mind and spiritual self. Each movement is disciplined and aims to bring balance to the body and mind. "External" methods (such as Karate or Judo) focus on endurance and muscular development, while "internal" methods (such as Tai Chi and Aikido) focus on relaxation and control. These techniques have also been used to help relieve back problems, ulcers, and reduce stress.
Watsu (Water Shiatsu)
Watsu is a form of massage performed water. It involves a combination of slow, flowing movements with shiatsu massage techniques. The purpose is to release blockages in the body’s energy pathways (or meridians). Watsu is commonly used to release tension, reduce stress, relax muscles and aid in treatment for a variety of physical and emotional problems.
Yoga Therapy
Practiced for thousands of years in India and the Far East, yoga aims to relax the mind and body with the goal of enlightenment. There are several different types of Yoga including Karma Yoga (which emphasizes action and relationships with others); Bhakti Yoga (which focuses on love of God); Jnana Yoga (which focuses on the pursuit of intellectual); Raja Yoga (focusing on techniques for controlling mind and body) and Bikram Yoga or “hot yoga” (where the room temperature is heated to assist in cleansing the body and involves a variety of poses/positions and controlled breathing). Each of these types offer benefits to the body including flexibility, balance, discipline, relaxation and meditation.
This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet’s most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Back to Basics
Helping the Environment Through Back to Basics
Here's a link to an article about using basic pantry items for cleaning and what is being done about cleaners that people question: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21038670/
Want to know more about what is going on with 'cleaning up' from an individual level to the national ? This article has a link to greenerchoices.org for ‘how to's’. The link takes you to the ConsumerReports.org which offers information on consumer products. You can sign up for newsletters or just sign up to view on their site.
Another group mentioned that is taking action to reduce chemicals is http://www.womenandenvironment.org/. Here's a press release:
Tuesday, July 24, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST Alexandra Gorman, Women’s Voices for the Earth, 406-396-1639 (cell),alex@womenandenvironment.orgSian Wu, Resource Media, 206-374-7795 x102sian@resource-media.org
MISSOULA—A new report ‘Household Hazards: Potential Hazards of Home Cleaning Products’ released today points to mounting evidence that links exposure to chemicals in cleaning products to a rise in health problems, particularly asthma and reproductive harm. A staff scientist with the national women’s environmental health group Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) drew information from over 75 reports and scientific studies, exposing a valid reason for concern about the ingredients in these products. The report highlights the pervasiveness of these health concerns associated with household cleaning products, and the need for companies to label their products with a list of currently “hidden ingredients” which pose potential risks to human health. The group sent a letter to 23 major manufacturers of cleaning products including Proctor & Gamble and S.C. Johnson, (for full list, please see: www.womenandenvironment.org) requesting full disclosure of chemicals of concern to consumers through product labels. None have responded with a willingness to list these particularly harmful chemicals on its product labels. In the letter WVE states that “individuals affected by conditions such as asthma or allergies often look to avoid substances that may trigger or exacerbate their symptoms. Similarly, women who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, take extra precautions to avoid exposures that may impact the development of their child. Individuals with chemical sensitivities or various other diseases are also concerned about controlling their exposures to certain substances.” Some companies have said that they cannot list ingredients due to the risk of divulging trade secrets to their competitors. WVE has stated that food companies have to label ingredients despite their need to protect "secret recipes,” and this system works quite well in alerting shoppers ingredients they wish to avoid, for allergy reasons or otherwise. The group also notes that if company competitors wanted to steal a formula, they could always take it to a laboratory and determine its ingredients, with much greater accuracy than they would get off an ingredients label. “The public good from making this information readily available clearly outweighs the risk to the company,” says Alexandra Gorman, report author and Director of Science and Research at WVE. The report ‘Household Hazards’ points to several studies that reveal a higher incidence of asthma in populations, such as janitorial workers, who have high exposure to certain cleaning chemicals. It was also found that frequent use of certain chemicals in household products is associated with persistent wheezing among pre-school children, and increases the likelihood of asthma among children. An estimated 9 million children (12.5% of children) aged 18 or less living in the U.S. have had asthma diagnosed at some time in their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control, asthma affects 20 million people in the U.S. and is the most common serious chronic childhood disease. “The epidemic rates of asthma among children under five in our country is frightening,” says Julia Earl of Minneapolis, a mother of a seven year old son with asthma. “The link between asthma and these chemicals in household cleaning products has me extremely concerned. Asthma is a serious condition, and this should be taken seriously by those who have the power to restrict these chemicals when effective alternatives exist.” The report found that the presence of these chemicals in our daily lives is more pervasive than previously thought, and that children are disproportionately impacted by cleaning chemicals, both at home and at school, being more vulnerable due to underdeveloped immune systems. Infants’ exposure can be particularly high because they crawl on the ground, frequently putting their hands in their mouths, transferring chemicals from floor and carpet finishes and cleaners directly into their bodies. Women are also receiving more chemical exposure than men, since they are still doing over 70% of the housework in the average home. The more time women spend at home, the higher their exposure to potentially hazardous cleaning chemicals, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), glycol ethers and benzalkoniumchloride. “Food manufacturers have to list ingredients, so why shouldn’t cleaning product manufacturers? These chemicals also go into our body via our skin and our lungs. The Made in the USA label is not enough to give us confidence that our children’s health is being protected. The standards for full disclosure of ingredients should be the same, whether a product is made in the U.S. or is made in China,” said Gorman, referring to scandals around toothpaste, pet food and other products made in China. State, county and city governments have paid increasing attention to this issue, and many have developed purchasing regulations for use in public buildings, which specify changes to milder cleaning products for daily maintenance and avoiding products that are flammable, corrosive or highly toxic. A list of government regulations and guidelines can be found here. Many consumers are already taking action to prevent overexposure to potentially toxic chemicals in their home. Some of the tips offered in the report include avoiding products that contain these chemicals of concern, using fewer products, buying products that disclose their ingredients, and never mixing products. The release of ‘Household Hazards’ signifies the launch of a new national initiative by Women’s Voices for the Earth to tackle the rising incidence of chronic diseases among women and children linked with exposure to chemicals in consumer products. WVE’s campaign will call on major manufacturers of common household cleaning products to help protect public health by disclosing and ultimately removinghazardous ingredients from their products. To download a copy of the report, please visit www.womenandenvironment.org on July 24. To receive acontact list of scientists who have reviewed the report, organizations working to “green” the cleaningproducts industry, and concerned mothers, housecleaners and others in different states across the country,please contact Alexandra Gorman at Women’s Voices for the Earth, 406-396-1639,alex@womenandenvironment.org.
# # #
These are just a few of the growing number of individuals and groups who are taking action toward a more 'friendly' environment.
Monday, October 1, 2007
FDA Suggests Toddlers Don’t Use Cold Medication
The movie Sicko came out and exposed what people already knew. The healthcare system is troubled. Sicko gave a voice to individuals dealing with difficulties. What does it take for medicine to change? What can you do until it does?
The FDA released a 356 page document as part of a broad and ongoing FDA examination of approximately 800 medicines. The goal is to see if the medications for children are effective for treating colds and coughs. The immediate call for action is ‘don’t give toddlers a multi-symptom cold medication’.
So what do parents do? Preventative care is a good place to start. Preemptive measures make it possible for the body to fight off so many ‘bugs’. But it’s not just the viruses and bacteria.
Of course there are also the common sense steps to take in order to keep things germ free. But a word of caution, it has been learned that keeping all dirt away from children keeps them from developing immunity at a young age.
By providing the body with quality nutrients through food, water, and air, and enjoying exercise you provide your body optimum care. If you want the body to ‘run’ well then you must strive for a good balance in all areas of life.
If you mainly eat junk food, what does you body have to build upon? It will get what it can from the food, but what kind of structure is built? After all, your body rebuilds itself once every seven years. You could look at it this way, that if you want to save money on health care costs, then invest in quality food. The same goes with water and air. All stress and systems within your body just can’t maintain a high pace. It’s like driving a car at a high speed, for a long time and not maintaining it. Something is going to give. There are lots of medications out there for many different conditions. But what good does it do if the system is out of whack?
As for the children’s cold medicine situation, Dr. Joshus Sharfstein, the Baltimore Health Commissioner said, “It does not make sense, in the absence of information, to say ‘consult a physician’, because they do not have superhuman powers. They cannot make a product safe or effective.” Sicko is about taking action. What action will you take?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Perception In Advertising
Perception In Advertising isn't always what you think. Here's a video from Dove....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Consumer Beware
The Colgate toothpaste you’re using may not be what you think it is. Just like there are imitations of designer clothes now there is a faux toothpaste. The fake Colgate however is harmful to your health. It contains harmful bacteria was an announcement made on Friday as announced by Health Canada officials. "Consumers who have this counterfeit product are advised to discontinue use immediately and not to use their toothbrush," a Health Canada statement said of the toothpaste.
The first warnings about this product came out in June when diethylene glycol was found at levels that are harmful to people. What is it? If you want an industrial solvent found in some antifreeze products you’d have a supply.
How can you spot a fake? Look for “Manufactured in South Africa”. There are misspellings: isclinically, South Afrlca, and South African Dental Assoxiation.
These fakes were found in Canada and Massachusetts. More were found this month in Massachusetts, even though an initial announcement was made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, was in June.
Officials are urging consumers to avoid toothpaste with a label with “Made in China”, “Colgate’ manufactured in South Africa and toothpaste without English labeling.
The Colgate-Palmolive Corporation announced it is working with the Food and Drug Administration to locate the source of the fakes.
Prior reports of contaminated products from China have been in the news over the last year. There have been recalls and bans on items from children’s toys, which were painted with lead paint, medicine that turned out to be drywall, and then this toothpaste.
China is working to stop the manufactures of poor quality items. In June there was a Chinese government agency announcement stating that 152,000 food processors were shut down in 2006.
What to do? Make sure your local provider checks the quality of what they offer and pulls items off the shelf if there is a warning issued. Ask about the source of products whether food or other items.
The first warnings about this product came out in June when diethylene glycol was found at levels that are harmful to people. What is it? If you want an industrial solvent found in some antifreeze products you’d have a supply.
How can you spot a fake? Look for “Manufactured in South Africa”. There are misspellings: isclinically, South Afrlca, and South African Dental Assoxiation.
These fakes were found in Canada and Massachusetts. More were found this month in Massachusetts, even though an initial announcement was made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, was in June.
Officials are urging consumers to avoid toothpaste with a label with “Made in China”, “Colgate’ manufactured in South Africa and toothpaste without English labeling.
The Colgate-Palmolive Corporation announced it is working with the Food and Drug Administration to locate the source of the fakes.
Prior reports of contaminated products from China have been in the news over the last year. There have been recalls and bans on items from children’s toys, which were painted with lead paint, medicine that turned out to be drywall, and then this toothpaste.
China is working to stop the manufactures of poor quality items. In June there was a Chinese government agency announcement stating that 152,000 food processors were shut down in 2006.
What to do? Make sure your local provider checks the quality of what they offer and pulls items off the shelf if there is a warning issued. Ask about the source of products whether food or other items.
Fruit of Summer
Fruit of Summer
It is summer time and farmers markets are overflowing with produce that is fresh and organic. What to choose? A variety is always fun. berries, melons, plums, all offer you good taste, a variety of colors, and nutrition that can be added to any meal.
It is summer time and farmers markets are overflowing with produce that is fresh and organic. What to choose? A variety is always fun. berries, melons, plums, all offer you good taste, a variety of colors, and nutrition that can be added to any meal.
Berries with red, blue, or purple skin contain bioflavonoids which are antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the damage from free radicals. Anthocyanin is a bioflavonoid which helps reduce inflammation.
Blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants. They also have neuroprotective properties that help to protect cells from chemical, trauma, and plaque damage. Along with that they help slow age-related memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and senility.
Cherries contain anthocyanin compounds. These act to stimulate the pancreas so that it produces insulin. In Chinese medicine it has been observed that cherries help keep diabetics healthy. Other dark fruit also helps to maintain balanced blood sugar.
Anthocyanin compounds also act to protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol. And they also protect against cancer and arthritis.
Of course there are strawberries which have vitamin C and apricots with A.
What to do with them? Cover your cereal to start the morning with your favorite flavor of the day. Simply cut up a variety and mix together. Or if you like yogurt, mix chopped up fruit with organic vanilla yogurt.
If you want an elaborate ‘serving dish’ you can cut a watermelon or cantaloupe in half, either straight edge, saw tooth, or scallop and scoop out the insides. Cut up what you remove into cubes and add to your fruit salad. Fill up your dish and enjoy. Great for a picnic!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and & Wise!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise!
How do you become happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise when you don’t feel good? What do you do when you have a cold or feel achy or worse? Do you have chicken soup, lots of fluids, hot tea?
Looking to be healthy and happy?
People think it wise to go into the kitchen and find what they need to get better, physically and emotionally. Ok, so it could just be a drive through at the local fast food place. The point being, people naturally go to where they find comfort and generally comfort or relief is found in food. But then your favorite comfort food might not be the solution to what’s ailing you.
Of course there are different preferences
People over the ages found that natural cures can be most effective. After all, isn’t nature set up so we have the opportunity to become happy, healthy, wealthy and wise? Even though there are different names throughout the world for medicinal practices, the basic idea has always been: healthy eating and living. And with the ever increasing cost in health care, many people without health insurance, drug costs, drugs pulled off the market, what are your options?
What are the other ways of looking at medical problems?
What did Mom and Dad’s use as ailment cures for generations? They knew that it’s the body that heals itself. What you have to do is provide the body with what it needs to heal. How do you do that? Simple, look at what you eat. Look at your lifestyle. Look at what your goals are. Do you want to be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise? The first step is you deciding that you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
Natural foods are fundamental to good health
But you also have to look at your lifestyle. Eating all raw foods for their good nutrients won’t compensate for lack of sleep and exercise. Today, life is very complex. Stress can be found in many forms. By looking at a diversity of effective remedies and lifestyles, perhaps you can see a way to live a healthy life into old age.
Remember, getting to be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise, is a wise goal.
The way there comes with the very first step.
All the best to you!
How do you become happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise when you don’t feel good? What do you do when you have a cold or feel achy or worse? Do you have chicken soup, lots of fluids, hot tea?
People think it wise to go into the kitchen and find what they need to get better, physically and emotionally. Ok, so it could just be a drive through at the local fast food place. The point being, people naturally go to where they find comfort and generally comfort or relief is found in food. But then your favorite comfort food might not be the solution to what’s ailing you.
People over the ages found that natural cures can be most effective. After all, isn’t nature set up so we have the opportunity to become happy, healthy, wealthy and wise? Even though there are different names throughout the world for medicinal practices, the basic idea has always been: healthy eating and living. And with the ever increasing cost in health care, many people without health insurance, drug costs, drugs pulled off the market, what are your options?
What did Mom and Dad’s use as ailment cures for generations? They knew that it’s the body that heals itself. What you have to do is provide the body with what it needs to heal. How do you do that? Simple, look at what you eat. Look at your lifestyle. Look at what your goals are. Do you want to be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise? The first step is you deciding that you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
But you also have to look at your lifestyle. Eating all raw foods for their good nutrients won’t compensate for lack of sleep and exercise. Today, life is very complex. Stress can be found in many forms. By looking at a diversity of effective remedies and lifestyles, perhaps you can see a way to live a healthy life into old age.
Remember, getting to be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise, is a wise goal.
The way there comes with the very first step.
All the best to you!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Fun Children's Books
If you like children's book take a look at http://www.lulu.com/chillicothecottage! Yes, fun and interesting books about moving, sounds, and more! I had fun creating them and I hope you will enjoy them! Joan :)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Moving Art
Dutch kinetic energy artist and engineer, Theo Jansen, started in 1990 to create contemporary motion sculpture energized by the wind. I watched movies of his kinetic inventions several times and became more fascinated each time! The skeletal art reacts to the environment through wind and stored wind energy. Mr. Jansen also makes his compositions sense the edge of the water at the beach and react to an approaching storm.
Watch the video to see how the kinetic energy sculptures are made and work. The compositions of Mr. Jansen are fun to watch.
Leave a comment to let me know what you think.
Enjoy! Joan
Watch the video to see how the kinetic energy sculptures are made and work. The compositions of Mr. Jansen are fun to watch.
Leave a comment to let me know what you think.
Enjoy! Joan
Saturday, June 2, 2007
New--Start is About New Beginnings!
Hello,
New--Start is about new beginnings! All of us have experienced those times when you knew it was time for something new. Remember graduating from high school and thinking about all of the choices you had available? Well, you still do!
New--Start is about new beginnings! All of us have experienced those times when you knew it was time for something new. Remember graduating from high school and thinking about all of the choices you had available? Well, you still do!
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