On NYTimes.com you can find another fact that “Barack is a smoker and to fight the habit he chews a lot of gum. His favorites are Nicorette and Dentyne Ice.”  Hmm…  Nicorette is a medicated gum–a chewing gum acting as a delivery system to introduce medicine substances into the saliva and thus into the bloodstream faster than pills. Some people believe in that. Does really our President-elect trust this product? Can he avoid it and choose a healthy alternative for a sake of “kicking the habit?” What about his famous, “Yes, We Can!?”

It is understandable that cravings for cigarettes are actually your brain craving for nicotine. “That’s the forgotten side of “kicking the habit.” Nicotine addiction drives your smoking habit.”, as explaned at www.nicorette.com.  Unless you can beat your cravings coming from nicotine addiction, you can’t beat the habit, as a matter of fact.

Over 35 million smokers try to quit each year using Nicorette  and other different methods.  Less than 5% reach their one-year anniversary. I spoke with some of them who used to chew Nicorette during one year, but they are still dependent on tobacco.  The facts of nicotine addiction are no mystery today.  Clever Philip Morris guys know it better than anyone else. However, they continue to produce zillions of cigarettes every year. By the way, many of them don’t smoke and never did.  They inderstand negative health consequences and how much time can be lost during smoking breaks.  I doubt that Nicorette gum is a solution to the problem, but to quit smoking is definitely beneficial.

Dentyne Ice made by Cadbury-Schweppes is a sugarless gum available in several flavors–”intense mints,” such as Peppermint, Arctic Chill, Spearmint, Shiver Mint, Vanilla Frost, Wild Winter. Dentyne introduced Dentyne Ice recently and became a favorite mouth-refreshener of our President-elect. I am not sure that this product is so great after I read a long list of its infredients: Sorbitol, Maltitol, Gum Base, Mannitol, Artificial and Natural Flavoring, Acacia less than 2%, Potassium less than 2%, Aspartame less than 2%, BHT less than 2%–to maintain freshness, Candelila Wax less than 2%, Soy Lecithin less than 2%, Sucralose less than 2%; Titanium Dioxide less than 2%–Color

Nutritional Facts briefly: serving size 2 pieces; calories from fat: 5; total carbohydrates: 2g; sugar alcohol: 2g  

My head is “swimming” just by reading a list of these ingredients. Let’s experiment. Try to pronounce these words like “phenylalanine,” etc. You can “break” your tongue and never remember any of these ingredients. The golden rule: If you cannot pronounce or remember a word-ingredient, it is one of the thousands of harmful chemicals cheaply produced by numerous labs around the country and included in our foods and medicines. Chemistry is a queen today for pharmaceutical and food companies. So, the smart thing to do is not only to read all ingredients but understand them, too.

Back to Dentyne Ice, one of favorite products of our President-elect. There is  Warning about one important ingredient :phenylketonurics. It contains phenylalanine (Phe or F). Do you know that phenylalanine is an essential amino acid? It means that it is necessary for human health, but the body doesn’t produce it.  If your body doesn’t get sufficient amounts of phenylalanine, its deficiency can provoke the following symptoms, such as apathy, confusion, decreased alertness, lack of energy, loss of muscle, lowered appetite, loss of memory, weakness.

Dentyne Ice contains artificial phenylalanine, as  well as artificial colors and other chemicals. So, why to poison yourself voluntarily?  Mother Nature comes again to help you. Since phenylalanine (one of the twenty common amino  acids) is not produced by  the human body you can obtain it through your healthy diet instead of chemical substitutes.

Here is a Healthy Diet List of some products rich in phenyllanine you can obtain instead of getting it through supplements or different gums:

Cottage cheese, Goat, sheep, soy, mother’s milk

Egg (yolk, white, whole)

Beef, chicken, fish, meats, pork, poultry, wild Alaskan salmon, seafood, shrimp 

Vegetables, seeds, beans, nuts: Asparagus, Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), Cowpeas (raw), Hummus, Soybeans (raw), Lentils (dry and whole), Flax seed, Sesame seeds, Peanuts (roasted with skins), Brazilian Nuts, Walnuts.

Source: http://www.nicorette.com ; http://www.aolhealth.com; http://www.NYTIMES.com; http://www.omdict.net

Copyright 2008.

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by Svetlana Konnikova

Obama’s Success from a Different Angle

“The Druids, the wise priests of ancient Gaul, Celtic Britain, and Ireland, believed that trees transfer vital energy to us. The degree to which trees give us energy is determined by our birth date. The Druids believed that each of us has our own biological field and that everyone corresponds to a tree that is similar to the chracteristics of his or her own bioenergetics. This particular tree is your friend, talisman, and a guardian of your health.”

Barack Obama must be thankful not only to his lucky stars, but to one very special friend too, when he swept to victory as the nation’s first black president Thuesday night in an electoral college landslide and overcame racial barriers reigning in America for more than 200 years. The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, raised in Hawaii and educated at Columbia and Harvard Universities, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his historic triumph by rising in just four years to president-elect. Obama’s trademark, call for change, raised new hopes that his victory would bring in a more inclusive, internationally cooperative U.S. approach across the globe; and a new spirit of patriotism, inspiration, responsibility and better life for the American people.

Obama may not know about his lucky talisman that was one of many factors supporting  his meteoric rise from mere state senator to a U.S. president and America’s first black commander in chief who firmly promised to bring positive changes and create a less confrontational America.

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, during the days of the cypress. Usually the “cypress people” are able to overcome even terrible misfortunes with dignity, calmly and to learn from them. They know how to find the way to freedom from troubles in their motherland and the world. According to the Druids, if you were born during the days of the cypress, between January 25 and February 3, and between July 26 and August 4, you correspond to the cypress tree.

The cypress is Obama’s  specific tree, predestined by Mother Nature to be his lucky talisman, helper and a guardian of his health. Was he attracted to the cypress tree once in his life? Does he know about his talisman, helper and a special, green friend? Had the cypress tree ”called” him to it, at least once?  Obviously, yes. You could see during a presidential election campaign his cool attitude. You could feel his self-confidence and strong spirit to win. When he stood on the podium making a speech about “Changes to come”, he raised great hopes, marked important turning points, and trasferred his positive emotions, beliefs and intense energy to the crowd of voters.

“I’m asking you to believe. Now just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington… I am asking you to believe in yours, ” Obama said.  And you trusted him with your votes. “I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to–it belongs to you,”  He said on Election Night 2008. Now you have a new hope for your well-being, America’s and the rest of the world.

Just like the tree, people born during the days of the cypress usually have a need for plenty light and sunshine, and are correspondingly affected by a lack of sunlight. It seems that Barack Obama is not affected by the cold climate of Illinois, the windy Chicago city and a lack of sunlight  there. Traditionally, people who are striving for the clarity of autonomy, independence and desire to go to the top are associated with sun and light. Many, very busy self-employed people belonging to those who were born during the days of the cypress, choose good cause or a smart idea and pursue it to victory involving their clever fellow men.

“Cypress people” are hungry for light, and it’s means they battle for recognition or are willing to sacrifice everything for freedom and good deeds. “In any event,” says Swiss writer Michael Vescoli, “it is difficult to find a ‘cypress person’ who doesn’t stand out, both for his buoyant sense of purpose and his equally ebullient happiness.”

Barack Obama succeeded because he was holding his own individual line between highly praised positive thinking and proscribed negative thinking. Holding together his team of experienced and understanding advisors, he was able to find a right solution relatively quickly. These qualities also belong to the “cypress people.”

As all other green giants, this particular tree, the cypress, deserves to be admired. Most people enjoy these evergreens as ornamental–a decoration, as an attribute to resorts; or as a material with which to build furniture, boats, or cedar chests. The cypress can be admired for another reason. Pride and a strong spirit emanates from this tree and accordingly from the ”cypress people.” The dynamic intensity coming from the cypress was one of the factors which supported Obama’s political career, and propelled him to accomplish his dreams and goals.

I was also born during the days of the cypress, the tree of freedom, recognition and ressurection. Many years ago I planted a special, good-looking, fresh and slender cypress in my backyard. This tree grew up as tall as a pyramidal tower of a grand castle. His upper branches stretched like crooked arrows to the sky. His unusual dark green overlapping leaves formed a pattern against the blue sky that would have rivaled the most delicate Venetian lace. Some days I enfold this tree with my arms as much as I could to feel his intense energy. The tree’s fragrant bark is slick with rainwater. An easy, relaxed mood and confidence returns to me as I receive from this tree a new supply of energy along with a positive emotional state that had been nearly depleted by all the hard work I had done during last several months.

If your tree is the cypress, try to find it where you live or plant it near your house. Approach this tree with your good intentions and your green friend will pass on to you its healing energy. The scent of its crumbled leaves will increase your concentration. Put your arms around the tree and hug it with all your heart. You’ll feel its vibrant, warm biological field. You will feel energized and rejuvenated. And who knows, you can win big one day too, as Barack Obama did together with the American people–a remarkable flight from dream to victory.

This is interesting to know:

• Famous people who were born during the days of the cypress: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, George Orwell.
• Gem Stone: Tanzanite, which helps to maintain independence is gem stone.
• Number: 8 is the lucky number for a ‘cypress person.’
• Motto is simple and meaningful: He who will be free must free himself from the demand of freedom.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Source: Svetlana Konnikova, Mama’s Home Remedies, Aurora Publishers, Copyright 2008;

            Michael Vescoli, The Celtic Tree Calendar, Souvenir Press, Copyright 1999

Photo Sequoia semperivens in Redwood National Park: http://www.nps.gov/redw/

Photograph by M.D.Vaden of Oregon–At Simpson Reed Discovery Trail in front of a redwood tree trunk in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park of Northern California

Photo: Cupressus semperivens, Mediterranean Cypress ‘Stricta’ planted in Hawaii, USGS photo

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued this month a Statement following CHPA’a Announcement on Nonprescription Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicine in Children. CHPA is the Consumer Healthcare Products Association that represents many of the makers of nonprescription over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines in children, recently announced that its members are voluntarily modifying the product labels for consumers of OTC cough and cold medicines to state “do not use” in children under 4 years of age. Additionally, the manufacturers are introducing new child-resistant packaging and new measuring devices for use with the products.

If CPHA members started this action to help prevent and reduce misuse and to better inform consumers about safe and effective use of these products for children, something is wrong there. It tells you again that chemical drugs harm our children and provoke other health complications.

FDA supports CHPA in the voluntary actions “to prevent and reduce misuse” of these drugs and continues to assess the safety and efficacy of these products is revising its OTC monograph where list of approved ingredients and amounts for these medicines is displayed. Although the new labeling doesn’t match the current monograph. At least, FDA will not object the new label stating “do not use in children under 4,” which reflects a more restrictive use of the drugs in children.

Do you think the new label will appear overnight? It is not how bureaucratic institutions work. They have to go through a transition period. Then new instructions for use of some OTC cough and cold medicines in children must be written. Some medicines will have the new recommendations “do not use” for children under 4 years of age, while others will give instructions for children under 2 years old.

The safe use of nonprescription OTC cough and cold medicines in children remains a big concern today. Of course, FDA understands it. So, while it is proceeding with its rulemaking and until these issues will be resolved, the Agency gives 8 recommendations to parents and caregivers:

1.Do not give children medications labeled only for adults.
2 Talk to you healthcare professional if you have any questions about using cough and cold medicines in children.
3. Choose OTC cough and cold medicines with with child resistant safety caps, when available. After each use, make sure to close the cap tightly and store medicines out of the sight and reach children.
4.Check the “active ingredients” section of the DRUG FACTS label of the medicines that you choose. This will help you understand what symptoms the “active ingredients” in the medicine are intended to treat. Cough and cold medicines often have more than one active ingredient (such as an antihistamine, a decongestant, a cough suppressant, an expectorant, or a pain reliever/fever releiver reducer).
5.Be very careful if you are giving more than one medicine to a child. If you are giving more than one medicine to a child make sure that they do not have the same type of “active ingredients.” If you use two medicines that have the same or similar active ingredients, a child could get too much of an ingredient and that may hurt your child. For example, do not give a child more than one medicine that has a decongestant.
6.Carefully follow the directions for how to use the medicine in the DRUG FACTS part of the label. these directions tell you how much medecine to give and how often you can give it. If you have a question about how to use the medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Overuse or misuse of these products can lead to serious and potentially life threatening side effects such as rapid hearbeat, drowsiness, suppression of the respiratory system, seizures and other adverse events.
7. Only use measuring devices that come with the medicine otr those specially made for measuring drugs. Do not use common household spoons to measure medicines for children because household spoons come in different size and are meant for measuring medicines.
8.Understand that using OTC cough and cold medicines does not cure the cold or cough. These medicines only treat your child’s symptom(s) such a runny nose, congestion, fever and aches and do not shorten the lenght of time your child is sick.

As a parent myself, I found that in all the Agency recommendations only No.6 and No.8 can help consumers with Warnings of life threatening side effects and Precaution that use of cold and cough medicines will not help your child to recover faster from flu or cold.

Is it not better no use natural home remedies? Read the following posts: “Myths, Research and Hypotheses About the Flu and Colds” (Feb. 19, 2008); “Treat Your Colds With 12 old Eastern European Remedies” (Feb, 21, 2008) and :Old Eastern European Herbal Remedies Force the Flu to Fly Away”(March 16. 2008). And, of course, check the book, Mama’s Home Remedies, there is a whole chapter for your perusal titled “Stop Sneezes and Sniffles and Stifle a Cold.”

Your comments and replies are welcome.

Source: FDA Statement; http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW00899.html

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Eat one banana or several, drink a glass of room temperature water for breakfast. Eat anything you like for lunch and eat your dinner by 8 p.m. Snacking at 3 p.m. is OK, but don’t eat any desserts after meals. Don’t go to bed late, just before midnight. Simple and easy-to-do-it, a brand new “Morning Banana Diet.”

Don’t hurry to jump-start on bananas. Something is not clear here. Why should you eat your snack at 3 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m.? What is wrong with eating desserts after meals? Some people have a “sweet tooth” and will finish their dinner with sweets. Dark chocolate is allowed and can act as mood stabilizer which could help reinforce correct nutrient intake. It looks like creators of banana diet concerned not only with sweets, but with calories eaten after 8 p.m. that can turn into fat. False or true? This is another myth.

It is a well known fact that you should eat as many calories in balance, as your body can burn in a day. If you consume more calories than you should, the excess of them will be stored as fat. What can be as simple as that? Time you eat your food doesn’t matter because the clock and calories are not connected. What you do after you meal is important. Are you sitting on a couch and watching TV or you exercise or go for a walk. If you are active after meal, you burn fast the excess of the consumed calories.

Unfortunately people prone to dieting fads often ignore any reasonalble advices and follow the crowd fueled by a masterful advertisement. As a matter of fact, a new diet craziness just imported from the land of the rising sun, Japan. It’s spreading the U.S. with a speed of a light. This craze is so powerful that if you’ll google “Morning Banana Diet” you’ll get thousands of hits. This fad diet became such a hit in Japan that bananas are flying off the shelves of the hundreds of supermarkets there. Banana prices have risen about 20% as a result of supply shortages of bananas due to a new diet fad.

With the hype around the banana diet, expect shortages in our supermarkets, too. In a month or two it will change. It will be forgotten as other diets’ craze. But now the “Morning Banana Diet” is traveling like a virus. It spreads fast and far from the country it was originated, Japan. Are there some results of loosing weight?

Millions already claim they are loosing weight just by eating in the morning a banana and drinking a glass of room temperature water. What a pity! I could invent the same diet before Sumiko Watanabe, a pharmacist in Osaka, did. I just did not have any motivation because no one in my family is overweight. But Sumiko had a drive because she wanted to help her overweight husband to increase metabolism and loose weight.

Just recall, many times you did the same. Don’t you grab one-two bananas in the morning and drink a glass of spring water when you are in a hurry for work? Sure, you do. It is the easiest and quickest way to eat something in the morning and forgive yourself because you “never have enough time.” People did it for years. Did you see them loosing weight?

You can loose weight without going bananas. If you’ll find time to start early your day with
-drinking one glass spring water with 2 pieces of lemon or lime
-a quick walk and/or exercise (15-30 minutes)
-taking a hot-cold shower
-making a bowl of hot organic oatmeal or buckwheat for breakfast
-a cup of hot delicious green tea with jasmine or black tea “Earl Grey”
-add a teaspoon organic honey and a piece of lemon.

You’ll be in a good shape. Breakfast is very important. It fuels you with vital energy for a whole day. Our body has three essential ingredients–carbohydrates, protein and fat. All three nutrients and a daily calorie intake must be balanced. Once you understand this rule, you’ll be not fooled by any fad diet promising miracles to make you thin and beautiful.

Copyright 2008, Svetlana Konnikova

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Did you know that you have a specific tree? Yes, it’s true. In Eastern European tradition, each person has a tree specifically designated to look after you. This tree was predestined for you by Mother Nature to be your friend, your talisman and a guardian of your health. You just need to know which tree is yours, how to invite your tree into your life and become close friends with it.                                                              

Plants and trees are sponsors and amulets on the thorny path of our lives.

                                        In golden times, it is said, verbena gave people love and joyful mood.

The leaves of a fig tree were used for fortune-telling and its branches saved matadors from angry bulls.

The black mulberry tree is said to support success in business and is ruled by the planet Mercury, a sponsor of entrepreneurial people.

It is believed that the ash tree brings happiness to the home.

 Aloe gives prosperity and long life to the people who keep this plant in their houses. Do you know why?

Aloe can live and blossom without water for several years. Ancient physicians knew lots of healthy, natural tricks that we just started learning now. The tradition to hang aloe on the doors or windows was popular in ancient Egypt.

Cyclamen was known as the plant amulet and a guardian from all troubles. This belief came from the ancient Rome. From Hippocrates’ time, cyclamen was said to heal nervous  diseases, stomach and intestinal disorders, colds, and rheumatism. Used in homeopathic preparations. Consult your doctor or naturopath about this flower. Now I want to ask you, “Is it not easier to try the plants’ beneficial properties and heal your nervous system than to go to the shrinks (like they are your priests!) to confess and spend tones of money just for listening about your problems?”

Do you see what is going on now in our life? Politicians, the Wall Street, experts, television and other media–all are looking for magic answers how to live further and what future awaits our nation. They talk, talk and talk. So far, there is no a bit positive in economic news, and Main Street is in Crisis. While this talking is going on and on, stay put and take better care of your health–your main wealth. In my next post I’ll give you information about your special tree-friend that can give you energy and rejuvenation.

Source: S. Konnikova, MA, AN, Mama’s Home Remedies, Copyright 2008

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Several other dynamic women appeared on the podiums and television. They initiated a powerful talk about the challenges and problems facing working and stay-at-home Moms. They discussed  important life issues that women are interested today.

Cindy McCain, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden shared with public their unique personal stories and views. But no one of them struck a chord better with everyday women as a female political candidate, Sarah Palin. She is tough and dedicated to being a leader at home, in Washington and abroad, as media commented.

• A leader at home. Is she at home now? I thought she was traveling and telling you about how important are the family issues. Maybe I am wrong? Are you curious about who does take care of her five children, especially her infant son, Trig? If Mom is away, who tend to a baby?  Sorry, Mom, your children are the most amazing miracles given to you. They need your love and attention. If you are not there, you can miss one in a lifetime opportunity to raise good, bright, smart and healthy kids you brought into this world. Business of politics is exciting and powerful, but family comes first.

Creative designers at www.cafepress even made this cute ringer tee featuring Sarah Palin as Rosie the Riveter to demonstrate your true spirit and devotion: with “Yes, She Can!”

So much to do, so little time…  This versatile, spacious messenger bag is a perfect match with the tee. It is practically all you need to get through every stage of your life.  

A leader in Washington. Don’t get me wrong, but If  she’ll win, hope that this ambitious lady  will not modify our Constitution and Congress will not give her,  as (maybe) VP, more power.

• FYI: There is another offer at www.cafepress.com. “Wake Up America!,” an adult favorite 100% cotton hoodie, designed with pride and care to keep you warm and looking casual-cool. Price is $21.99. Just one click away to buy it.  Maybe it makes sense to buy for the whole family and protect your loved ones from “getting slammed by a bad weather in Alaska?”  While the gifts are on the way, hopefully Mom will arrive, too.
• A leader abroad. Your experience in foreign politics is impressive. If you can see Russia, the biggest country in the world from your house in Alaska, you already have seen plenty. Some people may think that you are well-travelled.  Who said that you need to travel extensively anywhere? One 5th part of the world is right there, in your own backyard. Remember a wonderful classic book, the Wizard of Oz? We all grew up with it. Dorothy learns the hard way that “There’s no place like home!” It is a great lesson, isn’t it?

Sarah Palin’s image and  merchandise is sweeping the Internet with a breakneck speed following her speech at the Republican National Convention and other cheerful appearances. There are over 3000 products on www.cafepress.com alone. No one designer there came up with an idea to produce… lipstick. But other creative people  on the Web paid attention to what Sarah Palin, a hockey Mom, (as she described herself), had to say, “I love those hockey Moms. You know, they say the difference between a hockey mom and a pit-bull–lipstick.”

So, now you need this mentioned above product. It is just a click away  at http://lipstickforpitbulls.com Palin Pink Classic Lipstick cost $9.99. Only I am not sure pink is her favorite color. Never mind. Price is reasonable and lipstick is absolutely special: fragrance free  with “exceptional pigment to wax ratios that promote color to have staying power that will not feather or fade.”

Bargain shopping to you!

Your comments are welcome!

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In the meantime, we read and hear there are new findings of the melamine-tainted products. As was reported by The Local News agency in Germany, the first melamine contaminated food products have been discovered across Germany for the first time.

At an Asian markets in Stuttgart, in Karlsruhe, Goppingen and Cottbus the tainted Chinese “White Rabbit” brand soft milk candies were first found. Analysis showed that the candies contain only trace elements of the substance that sickened more than 50,000 children and has killed four babies in China last month. Food regulation officials in Germany adviced people do not eat “White Rabbit”candies because milk is listed as one of the main ingredients.

This bonbon is just one of the 31 milk products containing traces of the chemical that can cause kidney stones. Good news, it has been recalled worldwide. According to news agency AFP, the Chinese government has assured consumers that all contaminated products were packaged before September 14, and anything produced after this date is pure.

Recently the World Health Organization informed consumers that this harmful chemical has also been found in a frozen yogurt and a canned coffee drink Made in China. Fortunately these “healthy” products did not get their way to the American consumers. The International Food Safety Authorities Network, an arm of WHO, is actively working to track the exports of suspected products. It has a mission to prevent further harm to consumers and inform on time recipient countries.

Just last week Chinese contaminated products were discovered beyond the mainland China, in Hong Kong and Macau. Now melamine-tainted candy found in Germany. Who is a next recipient on the Melamine List?

So, what Moms in the USA should do? How can they be sure that they feed their infants a safe formula? The Food and Drug Administration issued a statement telling us that infant formula sold in the U.S. is safe. According to the FDA, Moms in the U.S. should not be worried if they will buy Similac or Enfamil produced milk-based formula. These companies met all FDA standards which has examined what goes into the formula, how it is made and where the formula makers get their ingredients. It was determined that none of the ingredients came from China. Are you sure? It’ll be great if FDA will trace all ingredients and make sure they are safe. 

“This is not the way we usually think of milk–as fresh cow’s milk. It’s derivatives and powders that get reconstituted as milk products,” says the FDA spokewoman Judy Leon. Further the FDA advices do not eat that if it’s made in China and contains dairy products. That’s the safest position we can take right now.

Find Real Milk, fresh cow’s or goat milk produced by grass-feed animals. The fresh natural milk! Bring it to boil, cool it, refirigerate and consume during two-three days only. This is what the real fresh milk is all about. It lasts only two-three days because it’s fresh. Did you see Organic Milk that has shelf life almost one month or more? Of course you did and bought it in belief that it was real milk. Think again and look at the ‘Best Before’ date. This date tells you that you can use  and keep it in your refrigerator for one month, at least. How can fresh milk last so long? There are too many answers like preservatives are added to give this product an extended shelf life, homogenization, pasteurization and many other reasons. You find useful information about real milk at http://www.realmilk.com; http://articles.mercola.com; www.nutritionwithjoy.com

Source: http://www.fda.gov

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Located in the pictoresque area of Green Mountains, Lake Champlain and the Andirondacks in Shelburne, Vermont, this company, starting with its building, is full of color, creativity and activity. More than 20 years the factory there are producing thousands and thousands of teddy bears for all ocassions in our life: for Birthday, “Get Well,” New Baby, Love, for Him, for Her, for Mom, for Grandma, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Sports Bears, Health and Hope, and many other.  If you you are not sure which one to choose, call a Bear Counselor at 1-800-829-Bear.

 I did research the company’s website trying to locate “the cuttest teddy bears I have ever seen,” and finally I found. The Fall Trend No. 1 in Teddy Bears’ Trade.  Vermont company is selling political bears: Palin and McCain, Obama and Biden. One of our readers send me a helpful tip: ”Palin and Biden teddies (guess which costs more)?” Thank you.  I thought they should be priced the same…

Forget about that these prominent political figures are still candidates in the most exciting Presidential (and Vice-Presidentia)l election in the American history.  They bravely fight to be there, and  for the moment they are popular politicians, no matter what media will say.  Teddy bears are selling well. So far, everything seems to be all right. But what about price?  Now it’s up to you to decide and choose.

Kristi Gustafson, a writer, Times Union in Albany, New York, said in her blog (http://blogstimesunion.com/kristi/?p=3129) that  ”…the odd thing about VP candidate bears–Mrs. Palin’s ($125) likeness costs $15 more than J.B. ($110).” You might ask why one teddy bear costs more than another? Don’t you know that everything for women, costs more because you worth it?!

                       The tiara for Princess is attached. A hockey stick is added too,  just in a case. What if there is a need  to defend herself… from media? Don’t you see? It is as good as it gets. The cute teddy bearess is in a fine mood to play with you!  Do you have the same reserve of energy and determination?                                                                 J.B.’s business suit is only elegant and formal, so the price is $15 less. Don’t rush to buy these teddy bears. At the beginning of November they’ll definitely be on sale.  But for now, if you want to do something nice to your children and give them a gift for the holiday season, you can buy the Health and Hope, Good Wishes Fairy Teddy Bear  for about $89.  Well, you see? Fairy has expensive accessories, too. Angel wings and  an adorable, tiny purse are in place. It is a bargain in comparisson with political teddy bears.  And the meaning: Health and Hope! We all need it, especially now when our country is not in the best shape.                          

                                    SOO CUTE! But there is a really funny one for the Sweetest Day, “I’ve Fallen For You Bear” for a bargain price of $69.95 Check http://www.vermontteddybear.com

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                                          Last month I researched several American and European companies making eco-friendly toys. I know from my childhood (growing up in southeastern Europe) that the European toymakers carefully select natural materials and design many healthy and safe toys for children.    

I prepared for you a list of the companies making their products for children with a thought and understanding that the toys are the leading activity and play helping your children to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Say No to junk, unsafe toys once and for all! Good toys (you see on the picture) made of natural materials and innovative design are much better for children; develop intellect and positive emotions, and keep an environment and your house clean and green. 

Here are the toy companies I like.

American-Made Toys Companies:

• Vermont Teddy Bear, the famous teddy bear company
• Roy Toy, log cabins and other wood toys made in Maine with materials from sustainable forests
• K’Nex, construction set pieces with factory in Pennsylvania
• Stack and Stick, company in Indiana makes solid educational toys, www.stackandstick.com
• Camden Rose, beautiful wood toy kitchen for young hostesses handmade in USA
• Elves and Angels, toys-kitchens and accessories, handcrafted on Maine

European-Made Toys Companies:

Haba, the manufacturer with factories in Bad Rodach, Germany that makes its creative, quality toys for children. I like this toy company because her people take pride in the fact that they would never make a toy that they will not give to their own grandchildren and grandchildren to play.

• Debresk, company in Sweden. Its old fashioned toys designed and made of solid, natural wooden pieces and classic sense of style and craftmanship that remind us of our grandfathers playing many years ago near fireplace.
• Bajo, company in Poland, making funny wooden toys for babies, cars, furniture that are hand-finished in a small village near the Carpathian Mountains. These beautiful toys made of locally grown alder, maple, beech, birch, walnut, cherry and apple wood and finished with child-safe, non-toxic lacquers.

Selecta Spielzeug, the German company making quality small wooden toys, especially for infants. The designers at Selecta design their toys using selected, best quality wood because they believe that it stimulates all of child’s senses and inspires creative play. Water-based color and the beeswax finishes on Selecta toys makes them safe for playing and ‘tasting’ or taking into the mouth.

These are companies making wooden baby toys that our children deserve to have and to play.

Check the sites where child’s play is a magical adventure and natural toys are an important part of a beautiful childhoood treasure: www.besttoysquide.com for the best toys 2008; www.haba.de; www.ape2zebra.ca; www.oompa.com; www.blueberryforest.com; http://ecochildsplay.com; www.buyamericanmart.com; www.threesistertoys.com; www.thewoodenwagon.com; www.barclaywoods.com; www.blueforesttoys.com

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved

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My world is clean and green! What about yours?

Biting irony, isn’t it? Now we have to protect our babies and ourselves from deadly industrial chemicals. At first was lead found in children’s toys, then melamine in pet food. This time baby’s formula is “enriched” with the same dangerous chemical.  What are these two chemicals that attracted the whole world’s attention?

• Lead is  a poisonous metal. It can damage the brain and other parts of the body. Anybody can be exposed to this toxic metal. There is no safe age to be exposed to it. You or your children can eat or drink lead contaminated food or water. You can be breating dust containing lead or it can come in contact through your skin. As the experts say, lead is the most harmful to children especially those younger than age 3 because it can permanently affect their growth and development. If a pregnant woman is exposed to lead, she can pass it to her unborn child (fetus). Lead can be passed to a baby through the mother’s breast milk.
• Melamine is a nitrogen containing molecule that has several industrial uses. In some parts of the world it has been used as a FERTILIZER.  In other countries melamine and polyacetal formaldehyde based resins are used as ADHESIVES in plywood, surfacing coatings and molding compaunds. Can you imagine the strenght of these ingredients? Consumer First Aid and Health Information (www.emedicinehealth.com) reported, animals that have been fed with melamine-tainted food made from Chinese ingredients may be present in fish, pork and poultry. FDA says that health risk to humans is low. How health risk to humans can be low if this chemical has been used as fertilizer in agriculture and adhesives are part of construction materials? It doesn’t make any sense, does it? Obviously FDA can play its card by telling the American public that melamine isn’t registered fertilizer in the U.S. Another irony of fate. So, why we still have here food products with added melamine, which is another myth created by Chinese suppliers who try to insure the world that this toxic ingredient (melamine) is high in nitrogen and can artificially boost protein content.  You don’t need this artificial boost of protein. You can safely get your protein content by eating natural, whole foods.

So, Moms and Dads think twice before you buy “Made in China” toys for your kids or any other products produced there. The list of not safe Chinese products can go from powdered milk to tainted toothpaste, medicines, toys, pet food ingredients that killed and sickened people and animals in North and South America. These two facts that can tell you a lot and put you on alert:

• Recently the world was in shock. Now it is happened again. The dangerous chemical used in production of plastics, melamine, was found in pet food. Today it is present in baby’s milk.
• In August 2007 841 stores of Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us and 66 in Canada stopped selling lead-tainted bibs made in China with fancy names Koala Baby, Especially for Baby, Disney Baby. Do you want your children to wear the bibs “Especially for Baby” with lead? Of course, not! At least we hope that after recall of a million bibs the manufacturing companies disposed toxic bibs safely and retailers did not wait until some kids will chew on them.

Julie Vallese, a spokewoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission said, “I thought the action by Toys “R” Us was just the latest in a string of bad news about toxic toys, bibs, the toothpaste, who can we trust?” Good question!

Do you remember your wooden cubes, blocks, trains, cars and dolls that you played with as children? Where are these great, natural wood toys today? They are replaced with cheap bright plastic toys tied with some movie, Disney images or cereal character. If you’ll walk through the toy department of a big box retailer like Toys “R” Us, you’ll see hundreds of the toys on the shelves. Look for the country of origin of these toys. All are MADE IN CHINA. Where are the toys produced outside of this country? Where are the toys MADE IN USA? I did not find too many. Here are seven ways to buy and use the toys for your children that made in compliance with the U.S. product’s safety standards:

• Never buy low in price and poor in quality Chinese toys. Rule of a thumb: Buy less than more. You’ll be able to afford buying more expensive, high quality toys. What is the reason to buy cheap if these toys are not safe and don’t last more than a week because of poor quality and possible danger that comes with it?
• Spend more money and buy good quality, natural toys for your children produced by small manufacturers in the USA and several European countries. These toys are designed with love and tradition to foster your child’s imagination; to improve and make easier his learning process, especially to master his math and language skills, and develop his intellect through his play with safe, simple and smart toys.
•  Don’t let your children to “tongue test” their toys. As you know many of the toys are always wind up in childrens’ mouth. They taste the toys like we, adults, taste the food. Wash the toys before you give them to your child, even if they are natural and decnt quality.
• Never leave your children alone with any toy and monitor his play. You and your child will be safe and healthy.
• Avoid giving your child  to play with the plastic toys. There is no guarantee that these toys don’t contain lead, melamine or other dangerous chemicals.
• Don’t use any vinyl bib. It may  contain lead or other chemicals like melamine. So, instead of saving time on the laundry task, you can wind up in a hospital’s emergency room because your child can breath in lead or get sickened by chewing his bib.
• Look for natural toys not made in China at www.nmctoys.com the site that is founded and maintained by Mom and Dad who did their research and now can share with you.

Lately food and product safety scandals have been a scarry feature of Chinese life. It all started last year when exports of pet food, medicine and other products brought irreversible harm to people and animals on the American continent. Now is another scandal on the Chinese soil this time. 53,000 children become sick after given the baby formula contaminated with the chemical melamine. Media reported that 4 kids died, other suffer from kidney stones and kidney failure. In recent weeks 13,000 children two years old and younger hospitalized. Some are in serious condition.

Chinese News Agency Xinhua reported that a deadly chemical melamine was found not only in infant formula, but in other milk products. Dairy manufacturers added melamine after the milk was purchased from farmers who are also “genius” with business ideas. Some raw milk suppliers in China may have added water to their milk in order to increase volume and make more profit.  Then dairy manufacturer add melamine as another “innovation.” As Xinhua investigators concluded, melanine is byproduct and used to produce plastics, but can be used to mimic high-protein additives too. These products are produced by 22 China’s dairy products companies, including Sanlu Group Co, China’s biggest manufacturer of powdered milk. It comes as result that today China’s Food and Drug Agency, country’s product quality and safety watchdog, doesn’t apply strict monitoring of the industry. The World Health Organization demanded China’s Food and Drug Agency to apply stricter monitoring of the industry, consumer life depends on. So, what we’ll do with Chinese imports that run from liquid milk to instant coffee mix, and milk based candies, tainted toothpaste, toys, bibs, pet food and many plastic products and what else more you can find in the Chinatown markets? These products have been banned in Asia, they should be banned in the U.S.

I forgot to mention the pacifiers. I hope these tiny products are Not Made in China. Millions of infants grow up with pacfiers which are a part of their day or night activity. If this product is made in China, it can be dangerous and pose such a huge risk as the latest infant’s formula. And there is another important issue of our safety. If the industrial chemicals like lead, melamine and other toxics are added to the products for children, what is next? Should you trust Chinese sources in selling herbs, teas, vitamins and essential oils after these incidents? Until consumer’s confidence is restored, I am not going to buy “Made in China” anything for my family. My vote is for the clean, green world.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

This great photo is courtesy of Bethany Stone.

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