Giving Back With My Business

Today we kicked of the Advent Conspiracy at our church with messages of hope. We heard from key people serving in our community with Boys & Girls Club of America, R.E.S.P.E.C.T., and Middleton Outreach Ministry. This is the fourth of fifth year we will be involved. It helps us, as a family, to refocus the commercialism of the season to the real reason - the birth of Jesus Christ and the salvation He came to give.
In my home business, I love to see those who have already been successful give back. Two weeks ago when one of my friends received the keys to her earned Mercedes Benz - we celebrated with her. She shared with us, James, the child they support through Streams of Mercy. Prior to her network marketing business her family could have never afforded "extras" such as this.
As in past years I am collecting Toys for Tots for the U.S. Marines. If you are in Cross Plains, Wisconsin - look me up on facebook for drop locations prior to December 7. I am also in process of organizing a community caroling event which will also collect non perishbables. I will keep you posted on this as arrangements are made.
I do have bigger dreams of making a difference...as an independent consultant for AB International - my greatest vision extends beyond providing transportation for my family that is safe and won't break down. My sister's family works with Lifeline - a mission focused organization and they volunteer in Haiti. I was once told that materials to build one of the small homes, made with homemade bricks, costs about $500. Wouldn't it be cool to provide $2000 and tell my sister's family to "go build 4 homes"? Years ago, with my back being in such bad shape, mission work was not even a question. But who knows...the way my health has turned around with Essentials and losing 85 lbs. - perhaps I will be called to travel with my daughter in the future, to serve together as a family on such a trip. With God, anything is possible!
One of my greatest desires, that stems from 1999, when my husband and I first considered adoption, has been to create a foundation that provides scholarships. Not to students or children, but to parents who desperately want to open their home and love a child, but have no financial means to adopt. This is a heart breaking situation to be in. If it were not for 911 and the huge drop in interest rates, we would have never afforded the loan that allowed us to adopt. It is an injustice, considering how many children are in homes either abused and unloved, or both.
I love that I can make a difference in work I am passionate about. For those of you who support me, thank you. I encourage you to find your passion, and make your own mark in the world - make a difference!

To your health,
Rita S.

Progesterone Effects on Bone Density & Osteoporosis

As this weekend draws to a close I would like to say hello to those I met at the Holiday Market Expo in Madison this weekend. Thanks for coming by!
My mother gave me a printout of a very interesting article today regarding a spinal infusion surgery using Medtronic's controversial bone morphogenetic protein-2, or BMP-2 (Amplify). Standford U studies are finding numerous links to cancer, and I was just reading other articles about this citing additional serious side effects including sterility, and more.
What does all this mean to me? It makes me thankful that I am using Prolief natural progesterone cream not only to maintain hormone balance, but have peace in knowing that progesterone cream increases my bone mass index and I am warding of osteoporosis before it gets started (not to mention countering excess estrogen in my body to help ward off cancer).

There are lots of articles and lawsuits out there right now on Medtronic's Amplify. Basically Amplify allows surgeons to do a bone graft without using bone from the actual patient. As we have already learned with synthetic hormones - introducing foreign substances to the human body that do not match molecular structure of what God has created only causes problems. You can read more about Amplify here.
To help my parents out with their failing eyesight, I retyped Dr. Bean's hand out she had provided to consultants with instructions for using Prolief progesterone cream in a larger type size. I was feeling a bit lazy in regards to typing all the text, and wanted to find the information Dr. Bean had provided at the bottom of the page regarding osteoporosis, but could not find the exact excerpt from his book, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause” by Dr. John Lee.
However, I did find information that you will find interesting no doubt - as I did...
Patients of Dr. John Lee have found relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, and they also reported relief from a wide array of other symptoms as diverse as dry eyes, bloating, irritability, gall bladder problems, osteoporosis pain, hair loss, and lumpy or sore breasts, for example.
Lee has documented research from around the world noting the positive effect on bone health with progesterone use, and began to get bone density tests for his patients on progesterone. Within a few years Lee realized that these women were gaining significant bone density - particularly those with the worst bone density to begin with.
Lee recommends patience: “If a woman has not been making progesterone for a number of years her body-fat progesterone ratio is probably very low. Since progesterone is fat soluable, it is likely that during the first month or so, much of the progesterone that is absorbed will be taken up by body fat." For these women Lee recommends 2 oz. of the cream each month (Prolief is a 2.5 oz bottle) for the first two months. (Essentially this is approximately 3-4 pumps per day rather than the recommended two). After this period one ounce should be sufficient.
This is one of the reasons why I tell many premenopausal woment that it may take 3-4 months for their symptoms to subside.
Since prevention or reversal of osteoporosis is a goal, Lee recommends a serial lumbar bone density (BMD) test to monitor improvement. If BMD rises one-half jar per month for 10-12 months, then one knows the dosage of progesterone is sufficient. Individual needs vary - the correct dose is the dose that works.
Previously I have blogged about studies indicating many positive attributes of progesterone cream for brain function. I came across this today as well...
Progesterone and Brain Health: Brinton RD, Thompson RF et al, “Progesterone receptors: form and function in brain,” Front Neuroendocrinol 2008 May;29(2):313-39. Epub 2008 Feb 23. Research is coming out almost weekly showing how important progesterone is to brain function. “…progesterone has multiple non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system to regulate cognition, mood, inflammation, mitochondrial function, neurogenesis and regeneration, myelination and recovery from traumatic brain injury.” Furthermore, progesterone is everywhere in the brain: “Remarkably, PRs [progesterone receptors] are broadly expressed throughout the brain and can be detected in every neural cell type.” I have downloaded a PDF of the abstract of this entire study and will be happy to email it to you if you wish to learn more.
Dr. Lee stated he would apply progesterone cream to his parent’s foreheads if either were to have a stroke. That statement resulted in many colleagues from all over the world contacting him to learn more. It wasn't too long ago I had shared a news story of a young man in a tragic accident and in a coma for months. He was predicted to be brain dead. However, every day his mother applied progesterone cream to the young man's forehead, and when he came out of his coma he had 100% brain function. The man stated how grateful he was to his mother for her diligence and knowledge so that he can live a full life, as he has a long journey ahead to learn how to walk again.
Knowing this ...it is one reason that I make sure every week I apply my progesterone cream to my forehead at least once a week. I am fully aware of the importance towards brain function on many levels, and benefits in stroke prevention. I will close today with one more quote by Dr. Lee:  “Over the past 15 years I have been struck by the fact that patients on progesterone (without estrogen supplements) have been remarkably free of heart disease.”
I began my business because of a $34 bottle of progesterone cream that can change lives and save lives. It allows me to help people and I am passionate about doing so. And although it took awhile, what is especially fulfilling for me is that my message is getting through to my parents and in-laws, and they are using natural progesterone cream. Protecting my loved ones means everything!
To your health!
Rita S.

A great resource site for cancer

Hi All,
I have had such a busy month - doing more class presenations and getting the word out on steps one can take to help live healthier and hopefully cancer free; rather than post each day as I had hoped.
Just a bit ago a cancer survivor friend from the warm southwest sent me an email. She was thrilled to stock up on her Re9 products so she could feel good about what she was putting on her skin - I remember when she first started using the products and how they helped revive her dry and damaged skin ...after effects of chemo and cancer treatment.
She also sent me a link to an on line article, from a site that she as a cancer survivor must frequent for the latest updates and news on overcoming cancer. For these remaining hours in October, I thought I would share the link here. I encourage you to poke around the site and read up on the various articles, especially the one on progesterone.
I hope to look into the mission statement and organization of this group a bit more and find out if it may be another consideration for prevention donation.
I hope you find useful info on this site as I did!
To your health,
Rita

Healthful Butternut Squash Soup!

A few weeks ago my parents brought me some fresh butternet squash from their garden...and I have been itching to experiment with making soup. When our bible study cancelled due to the "Come to the Well" tour, it provided me an opportunity to do just that.
It's important to know that I am the ONLY one in my family who likes squash. So when my husband and son both say "it's not my favorite, but I would eat it again", I consider that a victory. I even worked turmeric into this as it has so many anti-cancer fighting properties, and decided to extol the benefits of many of the ingredients below.
Overall I thought my soup turned out well, although not as thick as it was when I had it this fall at a little diner. I am not sure what was used to thicken the soup, but do know that the things I used to use to make creamy soups, aka "cream of ___" this or that, are processed cans of unhealthiness and I steer clear of them now. Primarily we now have only broth based type soups at our home. This soup, however, is creamy and delicious.
I will add that when I googled a recipe for butternut squash soup - there are lots of varieties and comments. I tend to read the comments and take note of the things I would like. I also substituted healthier choices in my ingredients...and just for my readers, here it is:

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
1/2 large onion
1/2 red bell pepper
1 T extra virgin olive oil
16 oz organic chicken stock
12 oz almond milk
4 cups cooked butternut squash
1 t. ground ginger
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. turmeric
1/2 t. nutmeg
3/4 c. plain probiotic yogurt (optional)
Grated Parmesan Reggiano (optional)

Chop onoin and pepper fine in food processor, saute in EVOO, with turmeric, until onions are translucent. Set aside.
Add broth to soup pot.
In blender pureee 2 cups cooked squash with 6 oz. almond milk, add to soup kettle. Repeat.
Stir in onions and peppers, as well as spices. Simmer until heated through.
Add 3/4 cup plain yogurt. Stir. Heat through once more.
Serve - garnish with grated cheese or red pepper slice, or a few sprigs of thyme.
Note: Omit dairy if lactose intolerant.

Nutritional Info:
Turmeric and onion both have anti-cancer nutrients. Onion can help relieve abdominal pain. Studies show that the antioxidants in turmeric kill cultures of cancer cells from the skin, bloodstream, and ovaries (but note that it must be mixed with extra virgin olive oil for the body to untilize those anti-oxidants).
EVOO prrovides beneficial Omega 3s for brain, heart, circulation and joint health.
Almond milk provides an abundance of magnesium (which most Americans tend to be deficient on), calcium, Vit. B12, D, zinc and more (with no cholesterol)
Butternut squash, rich in carotenes, provide a very good source of vitamins B1, B6 and C, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, fiber, and potassium.
Red bell peppers also provide carotenes and much of the same nutritents as the squash, but in addition provide important phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acid, zeaxanthin, and coumeric acid. In addition, red bell peppers have one of the highest concentrations of lycopene which protects against cancer and heart disease, and even cataracts.
Cinnamon helps control insulin
Ginger contains properties to help lower cholesterol levels, and relieve allergies, asthma, arthritis, colds, and nausea. Nutmeg helps relieve or prevent flatulence, and to break up chest congestion
Probiotic live culture yogurt can help aid in digestion.

Hope you have a chance to make this while the squashes are most fresh! I baked my squash, scooped out the good stuff and froze it for soup making this winter as well.

To your health!
Rita S.

Chicken & Cancer Fighting Spices

Our family had a delicious dinner this evening...Chicken Korma. I found a recipe and adapted it for the slo cooker to accomodate our Tuesday evening of Stephen Ministry, piano lessons and Girl Scouts - run, run, run! (LOL)
Because I adapted it for the slo cooker organic chicken broth was added to the original recipe. I have already mentioned in previous blogs, the cancer fighting properties of curcumin and turmeric, both of which are included.
I will provide my slo cooker version, since I have not tried and tested the original, for which I made a few adaptions.

Easy Chicken Korma
In a slo cooker pour 2 cups of organic chicken stock or broth. (although I think one cup may have been enough)
1 large onion coarsley chopped

Brush 6-8 organic chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil, and lay on top of onion

On top of chicken:
5 T. mango chutney (I incorporated my peach/mango salsa from Costco)
4 large garlic cloves, pressed
1 t. coarse sea salt

Spices to make garam masala:
1 t. black pepper
1 t. curcumin
2 t. cardamom
2. t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ground cloves
2. t. turmeric
1/4 t. chili powder

Blend spices in a small bowl and sprinkle over top of chicken breasts. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8-10 hrs.

About one hour before serving add in PLAIN yogurt - approximately 6 T., stir. Use two forks to pull apart chicken breasts into chunks.
Serve over a bed of brown rice, top with sliced almonds if desired.
This dish packed a lot of flavor. If you enjoy heat, simply increase chili powder. Because it was cooked in the slo cooker there is a lot of flavorful liquid remaining. I recommend saving the broth as a base for a pot of chicken soup because it is so delicious!
If you have recipes that incorproate turmeric or curcumin, both packed with anti cancer cell properties - please feel free to share them with me!
Enjoy!
To your health,
Rita S.

Say No To GMO Foods, Buy Organic

Yesterday I posted a list found at http://www.hormonewell.com/ - a list that can help you AVOID cancer. Now granted, there are some things on that list we cannot control... city parks departments spraying our children's play parks with herbicides, water treatment facilities inability to remove HRT chemicals from waste...or can we? Think about that one.
The first item on the list is BUY ORGANIC. Now, my intention today was to "skip over organic" as I have covered this previously, and focus on #2 and #3 from the list. However, information I received yesterday is too important to share. So on we go...to organics.
Yes, organics do cost more. If more of us would do it the law of supply and demand would bring the price down. Redirect your spending. If you cut back or eliminate the processed foods, that contribute to cancer in the first place, and use that money towards organic - it's a wash - and everyone in your family is healthier because of it.
Previously I have provided a recipe for a produce was that you can use for all produce, non-organic and organic. It's important to know that pesticides and herbicides often get beneath the skin surface of your fruit, and as was mentioned the other day, California grapes are predominant in fluoride, which is a contaminant in the fertlizer used on the crops.
Just yesterday Dr. Mercola's web site sent out a video informing us about genetically modified fruits and vegetables that are "manufactured" to resist Roundup herbicide. How can they do this? Per Mercola,"The vast majority of processed foods containing corn, soy, or canola, or any derivative thereof, are made from genetically modified 'Roundup Ready' crops, which have never been proven safe for human consumption."
The detrimental effects of Roundup are well documented. You can read more about one such report here. In fact, if you have ever used the product (yes, guilty!!!) the warning label speaks volumes. If you have it in your shed or garage - go read the label!
Argentina is a huge grower of Roundup resistant soy beans, a GMO food, andis a huge contributor to the U.S. processed food manufacturers. But GMO is not only found outside our borders... The report continues, "Unfortunately for American consumers, the United States is a major grower of genetically modified crops. For example, in the US, over 90 percent of all canola grown is GM Roundup Ready canola, as is about 90 percent of US soybeans, and about 70 percent of all corn and cotton. And according to the featured report, industry and regulators KNEW that glyphosate causes deformities as early as the 1980's, but withheld the information from the public…"
Common GMO foods include:
-Soy (clever "healthful" marketing has done a good job at deceiving us about his product, which goes beyond GMOs)
-Sugar from sugar beets
-Corn
-Hawaiian papaya
-Cottonseed (used in vegetable cooking oils)
-Canola (canola oil)
-Some varieties of zuchinni
-Crookneck squash

You can find a Say No To GMO shopping guide here.
In your own home, you can:
1. Avoid using glyphosate-containing weed killers on your lawn and garden, and...
2. Buy organic foods to avoid both genetically modified crops and agricultural chemicals like glyphosate.
I feel it is important for my readers to know that I have personally verified with the company I work for that NONE of the ingredients used in any of our products, whether it be nutrition or skincare, are dervied from genetically modified plants. I am proud to work for a company that was green before green was cool, 32 year history of GREEN.

To your health,
Rita

How To Avoid Faux Estrogens

This evening I am spending some time gathering links to articles and information that can be of benefit to a friend's friend who recently found "a lump" and is scheduled for a biopsy this coming week. In doing so, I came across a new resource that I wish to share with all my readers.
I encourage you to check out the site, and I wish to give this site credit for the information I am sharing below, as it is a direct cut and paste.
It has already been established that if you live in the United States or other industrialized nation, you are exposed to foreign hormones (xenohormones) every day. These can be absorbed into your system by digestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact.
There are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves from estrogen mimickers found in xenohormones (chemicals) and phytoestrogens (certain foods and plants). I recommend that you:
1. Buy organic foods when at all possible. If you can’t go all the way for any reason, avoid hormone treated meats and poultry at all costs.
2. Drink filtered water. Researchers worldwide have observed fish switching gender due to the high level of effluent estrogen in the water. The problem is attributed to high levels of synthetic hormones excreted by women using synthetic HRT or on birth control pills. Our water treatment facilities are not designed to remove hormonal pollutants.
3. Throw away all pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
4. Throw away all cosmetics that have toxic ingredients and switch to organic or “clean” cosmetics.
5. Throw away all nail polish and nail polish removers.
6. Use organic soaps and toothpastes.
7. Don’t use fabric softeners as they put petrochemicals right onto your skin.
8. Use only naturally based perfumes. Most perfumes are petrochemically based.
9. Do not drink beverages from plastic bottles. All plastic leaches xenoestrogens into the environment.
10. Do not microwave food in plastic containers and avoid using plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving.
11. Wash your food well to rid it of pesticides.
12. Beware of noxious fumes given off by carpets, copiers and printers, nail & hair salons.

Please check out http://hormonewell.com

To your health,

Rita S.