OCTOBER - The Many Colors of Fall, and Cancer

October….fall colors are really setting in and it is my favorite month of the year. My kids were both born this month, I married my best friend…it is a month to celebrate lives and love. It is also a month to which many focus on cancer awareness. The pink ribbons come out, fundraisers abound…
Speaking of which, on October 22nd there is a Holiday Stop N Shop at Crossroads Coffeehouse at 2020 Main St., Cross Plains, Wi. The event is being held from 2-5 p.m. Men are especially encouraged to come on down and shop for their wives, girlfriends, employees. Companies represented at this event are ‘rbonne International, Pampered Chef and Silpada jewelry. Each company has agreed to give a portion of their proceeds to benefit cancer research.
The AI ladies are offering free gift wrapping on gifts ordered, there will be cancer prevention information, and of course Crossroads always serves up super lattes, mochas and coffee!
Although October is known as “pink ribbon month” - I think we all agree that there are many colors to cancer. Light blue, green, yellow, lavender, and more… cancer affects many and is not prejudiced against age or gender.
During this month it is my sincere hope, and plan, to share with you one tidbit a day on this blog that that will either help you fight those pre-existing cancer cells, or that will help you make smarter choices with a goal of prevention.
We DO KNOW what causes cancer, or at least many types, and armed with that knowledge, we can make conscience choices to contribute to the well-being of our bodies. Being and staying healthy really is a choice. God designed us to live with vitality, not diesease. I firmly believe that.
Stay tuned…

To your health,
Rita S.

Effective Safe Disinfectants For You & The Home

Recently myself and others in my family have experienced the benefits of a drop or two of 3% hydrogen peroxide in each ear to help cut through the muck with recent head colds. Hyrdogen Peroxide has so many uses , and today I thought I would share a simple, safe and effect cleaning method. Per the directions, keep the two products separate for effectiveness, AND to avoid a bubbling reaction. This duo offers quick disinfection of your kitchen countertops, cutting boards, bathroom sinks, etc.
Inexpensive, effective: 3% hydrogen peroxide and white distilled vinegar
Simply put each liquid into a separate spray bottle, then spray the surface with one, followed by the other.

Regarding Hand Soap Toxicity

• The following has to be credited to the Natural Progesterone Advisory Network which is dedicated to education on all matters of health:
  Triclocarban is particularly concerning because it has been shown to artificially amplify the effects of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which could promote the growth of breast and prostate cancers, according to health experts at Natural Resources Defence Council.
  Dr Mercola writes, “For starters, a child raised in an environment doused in disinfectant soaps and cleansers, who is given antibiotics that kill off all of the good and bad bacteria in his gut, and kept away from the natural dirt, germs, viruses and other grime of childhood, is not able to build up natural resistance to disease, and becomes vulnerable to illnesses later in life. This theory, known as the hygiene hypothesis, is likely one reason why many allergies and immune-system diseases have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled in the last few decades. But it doesn’t end there. One of the most common antibacterials is triclosan, a chlorinated phenolic compound. Triclosan has been found to have both estrogenic and androgenic activity and has been linked to hormone disruption in animals.”
  According to Dr Sarah Janssen, “The public deserves to know that these so-called antibacterial products are no more effective in preventing infections than regular soap and water and may, in fact, be dangerous to their health in the long run.”
  There’s really no need to expose your family to dangerous chemical disinfectants. As an added bonus aside from the health benefits, using this type of natural homemade cleanser is much less expensive than commercial varieties.
  

So here is a question for you, my readers....have you read the labels of soaps lately? I have, and can tell you it is quite difficult to find one that has not hopped on the "anti-bacterial bandwagon". Triclosan is abundantly marketed. Not only is it in soaps, but in hand sanitizers - that which our school supply lists are seeking. I did my best to find sanitizers for class donations taht contained alcohol versus Triclosan (although I have some reservations about that ingredient as well). Someday I would love to see teachers request hand sanitizers that do not contain Triclosan - but it begins with public awareness. Our teachers are so busy caring for and teaching our children. Do you want to join me in an awareness campaign? Send your student's teacher(s) to this blog, or have them check out this link.

To your health!

Rita S.