Heal Your Mind and Body with Pure Fresh Water

Photo by Mike Kelly

     One of the best things you can do for healing and detoxing your body is to drink plenty of water.  Dehydration can lead to many diseases that could easily have been prevented. Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water which needs replenishing every day. Not only will you feel better when your body is hydrated, but your skin will reflect a clear and healthy glow.  Also, you will find yourself thinking more clearly.  That's because our brains are made up of over 90% water.  Think about it.  A dried up, shriveling brain won't do you much good in the middle of an exam or when you are trying to remember where you left your keys.

     An estimated 75% of the U.S. population suffers daily in varying states of dehydration.  Often the symptoms go unnoticed until the mouth becomes dry signaling a need for water.  Unfortunately, by the time the tissues in the mouth become dry, the person is already 2-3 glasses of water below what their body requires to sustain and heal itself.  Dry mouth is one of the last symptoms.  Taking a few sips of water relieves the dryness in the mouth, but accomplishes nothing in alleviating the damage being done to the cells in the body.  When trying to figure out how much pure water your body requires to stay hydrated the following formula works for most people.  Just drink a little more when exercising or perspiring excessively, or when drinking dehydrating liquids like coffee, tea or alcohol.

                                                         Your body weight divided by 2 =
                                                         the number of ounces of pure water 
                                                         you should drink every day in addition
                                                         to other beverages. 

                           Example:  200 lbs. divided by 2 = 100 oz. water per day

Metric:

33 ml. per kg. of body weight

                        Example:  90 kg. x 33 ml. = 2970 ml. water per day

     Choosing more flavorful drinks over water only aggravates the problem.  Coffee, tea, sugar-laden sodas, and alcohol all serve as diuretics and lead to further dehydration.  Some medications are diuretics and can cause dehydration.  Though the brain takes priority over other parts of the body when it comes to water, that minor nagging headache may turn into a migraine as the brain starts to dehydrate from further lack of water. Fatigue increases along with anxiety and lightheadedness.  Dehydration is not only fluid loss, but valuable salt and nutrient loss as well.  Pure water contains the minerals we need to fire up electrical impulses required by the cells in our bodies to survive.  

     These electrolyte minerals are necessary because cells (especially nerve, heart and muscle cells) use them to maintain electrical charges across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions, etc.) across themselves and to other cells.  Cell membranes surround each cell, enclosing their contents.  Water delivers nutrients and carries wastes away from these cell membranes. When dehydration occurs, toxins build up inside the membrane.  Excessive toxins are suspended in a sludge-like state waiting to be carried away.  Blood begins to thicken and cannot flow freely.

     Progressive dehydration can trigger the onset of a host of other diseases which left unchecked can lead to irreversible damage to the cells and body as a whole. When the body runs out of emergency water storages it goes into repair mode in an attempt to undo the damage caused by dehydration.  This can lead to an over production of cholesterol which the body uses to repair cells.  Suddenly the immune system goes into a state of alert causing a rise in the production of histamines.  The brain is no longer able to produce hormones efficiently and they become unbalanced.  Lower heart rate proceeds to higher heart rate in a desperate attempt to pump the thicker blood throughout the body.  Insulin levels begin to rapidly fluctuate creating low blood sugar which further progresses to high blood sugar levels as dehydration continues to assault the entire system.  So now we've managed to trigger the start of high cholesterol, angina, heart disease, asthma and allergies, diabetes and hormonal imbalance.  If allowed to continue long enough, it will eventually affect the brain, causing possible dementia, worsening Alzheimer's, as well as other memory disorders and depression.  In extreme cases kidney failure, seizures, coma and even death can occur.

     All of this trauma to the brain and body because that glass of water seemed just too boring sitting next to that cup of coffee or soda pop.  Well guess what? That glass of water doesn't have to be boring.

     There's lots of things you can do to jazz up your water.  Instead of buying artificially flavored soda pop laden with sugars and artificial sweeteners, why not squeeze your own real fruit into a glass of cool, fresh water.  Just be sure you are using water from a trusted source or filter your own.  Add a couple slices of lemons, limes, or oranges or mix it up.  Even though they are acidic, citrus fruits actually help to maintain an alkaline body.  Cucumbers sliced in the water are so refreshing.  Add a sprig of fresh mint for even more flavor.  

     Better yet, buy yourself an inexpensive water infuser and cut up the fruit of your choice, a different flavor every day.  Mango, papaya, grapefruit, or watermelon on a hot summer day etc.  When you drink the water it is drawn through the fruit in the infuser and gives the water a naturally enhanced fruit flavor that refreshes so much more than heavy, sugary sweet drinks.  Infusers and recipe books available online are shown at the end of this article.

     So you're feeling the urge for that cup of coffee, tea, or soda, or even a glass of wine in the evening to relax.   There's nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite beverages.  Just do your mind and body a favor and drink down an extra glass of water before or in between that next cup of coffee or glass of wine.  And don't skip your daily water requirement.  Remember to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  Your body will love you for it and will reward you with better health and vitality.  Not to mention, next time you'll know exactly where you left those keys, and you might just be on time or score an 'A' on that exam.

                                           

Drugs in Our Tap Water

     Drugs have become a major source of toxic pollution to our drinking water resources. It's no wonder as we've become a pill-popping society.  It seems there's a pill or drug available for every ailment out there.  New and debatable drugs come to market every day. Whether or not they assist in treating the majority of our maladies is questionable. Nonetheless, we continuously seek new pharmaceuticals in the hope of being miraculously cured.  If there was a drug to prevent a hangnail, you can be sure someone out there would take it.

     We all make choices.  People are free to ingest whatever their physician might prescribe or even more freely to take over-the-counter drugs at will.  Pharmaceutical companies are making sure we have plenty of choices to make.  Analgesics, antibiotics, statins, steroids, antidepressants, anticoagulants, contraceptive pills and the list goes on.  The problem is that maybe the guy down the street isn't worried about hangnails and you aren't seeking antibiotics to fight infections you don't have or antidepressants for depression you're not suffering from. Worried about your cholesterol levels?  Maybe you should drink more tap water.

     The problem is that more and more drugs are turning up in our drinking water because most water municipalities don't have the capabilities of filtering them out of our water.  Could they be filtered out?  Most certainly.  But being cost prohibitive, it isn't likely to happen anytime soon.  Once again, we're forced to take matters into our own hands.  Residential water filtration for pharmaceutical drugs comes at a high cost. Bottled water is an option, but only if you can be certain of the safety of the source.

     The most highly recommended method of filtering tap water is reverse osmosis in combination with activated charcoal.  This will filter out just about anything that might be lurking in your water.  The problem lies in the expense. The initial installation of a reverse osmosis filteration system is simply not affordable for everyone, and the need to replace charcoal filters fairly frequently further adds to the cost. However, those purchasing bottled water by the case every week would quickly recoup their cost.  This would also prevent a lot of empty water bottles landing in our lakes and landfills creating their own set of problems and pollution. There is one other major drawback to some reverse osmosis water filteration systems.  Many older and less expensive RO systems waste incredible amounts of water to attain adequate purity levels.  As much as three gallons of water are wasted to achieve one purified gallon of water.  Newer RO systems have recently come to the market that promise zero waste. Something to look into if you are paying a water bill, not to mention the fact that potable water is swiftly becoming a precious commodity.  We don't need to be unnecessarily wasting it.  There are a couple examples of zero waste RO systems shown at the bottom of the page as well as one that can be retrofitted to older systems to conserve water.

     Unused drugs should never be flushed down the toilet.  Proper disposal of unused drugs would go a long way to prevent some of the contamination of our water supply.  Simply return any unused over-the-counter or prescription medications to a participating collection pharmacy.  They are then sorted for proper disposal or redistribution to third world countries in need of them.

     Drugs for pain, infections, high cholesterol, seizures, allergies, asthma, heart ailments, birth control are all showing up in our lakes, rivers and streams and finding their way into our drinking water supply.  More and more drugs are being prescribed not only for humans, but for farm animals and pets as well.  From snails to whales, hormonal drugs and other chemicals that mimic estrogen are affecting egg and sperm production in fish and other aquatic life.  In many areas around the world male fish are becoming feminized and producing eggs instead of sperm.  These gender-bender hormonal drugs and chemicals are affecting other wildlife as well.  Increasingly, many species of mammals are being found with both male and female sex organs or hermaphroditic traits.

     A wide variety of pharmaceuticals are being discovered in the drinking water supplies of major metropolitan areas.  The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed in 1974, requiring cities  to report contaminants in drinking water to their citizens.  Pharmaceutical drugs are not covered by this act as they are not yet on the EPA's list of hazards.  Private wells serving 25 or fewer individuals are not regulated.  It is up to the individuals to have them tested.  Some of the larger cities tests results can be researched online. Many cities don't test for pharmaceutical drugs or don't release results for fear of causing panic that may or may not be justified.  Risks are as of yet unknown for low levels of pharmaceutical drugs ingested over lengthy time periods or possibly even several decades.  Many prescribed drugs are intended for short time periods.  Some scientists believe they are harmless while others believe the possible risks justify further research.

     

                               

Clouds, Contrails, and Chemtrails in Our Sky

     Is it a cloud?  Is it a contrail from a jet airliner?  Is it a chemtrail? Or perhaps you didn't even notice.  It's a known fact that the vast majority of people generally don't look up unless there's a reason to do so. The average person pays no attention to the sky unless they're going on an outdoor excursion and the sky grows dark.  And it's no wonder.  In today's busy world of multi-tasking we never seem to run out of eye level tasks whether it be the computer, the children or preparing meals.  So the next time you're outside take a quick look at the sky.  You might just catch a glimpse of those 'clouds' streaking or crisscrossing the sky like a tic-tac-toe board.   They've been seen all over the world since the early 1990's.  Cloud, contrail, chemtrail.  Contrails aren't something that can be turned on and off as shown in this video.  Read on and decide for yourself if you really want to be outside when this is occurring.

     Those in authority would have us believe these streaks in the sky are nothing more than normal contrails from airplane engine exhaust.  Unless there's a scheduled air show in your area, it's not likely.  If it were an air show you would see their trails dissipate rapidly, not hang in the air and spread over the course of several hours turning the sky into a murky haze.  Pilots in air shows normally fly straight in unison to avoid crashing.  Seems logical to me.  So why are these streaks all over the place going in every direction?  Well anyways, that's their side of the story.  Next theory please.

     Now on the chemtrail side we have many suggestions.  We'll start with weather modification.  Nowadays they like to call it 'Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering' or 'persistent contrails'.  Many countries are now admittedly involved in weather modification.  Unfortunately, it's mostly used for their own dire purposes rather than the benefit of mankind as indicated by the chemicals dispersed.  Metals such as silver and aluminum oxide, chemicals such as barium, sulfur dioxide, and calcium chloride, as well as polymers, fungi and bacteria are found in these dispersals.  Chemtrails are identified by their high degree of persistence and slow spreading.  Some people have even witnessed them containing a rainbow when sunlit.  Perhaps the most well known incidence of weather modification through seed clouding is the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Seed clouding was accomplished from the ground by the firing of rockets packed with silver iodide crystals into rain clouds which created downpours in the surrounding suburbs.

     As you can imagine this type of weather modification can have detrimental effects on one's health.  For those already afflicted with asthma, outdoor activities during heavy spraying can further aggravate their condition.  Furthermore, some medical professionals have drawn the conclusion that inhaling these varying particles may be contributing to the upsurge in the number of asthmatics by those who never previously experienced symptoms of respiratory distress.

     Lawsuits are popping up everywhere by those who believe their rain is being 'stolen' by weather modification and seed clouding especially by those in the farming industry.  After all, there is only so much precipitation available.  If you make it rain heavily in one area it is bound to be dry in the surrounding areas. There is even much speculation that those in charge of modifying weather patterns are either purposely or inadvertently causing the extreme weather conditions around the world.  This would include everything from droughts and flooding to tornadoes, hurricanes and hailstorms.  Perhaps even the record snowfalls being recorded as well as earthquakes.

     Another theory is the need to slow down or halt the escalating temperature of our planet known as global warming.  Studies are currently underway, termed 'solar radiation management' (SRM), where particles of sulphate are pumped into the stratosphere in an effort to reflect incoming sunlight away from our planet.  Ongoing studies are also investigating ways of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere. Sulfate aerosol spraying could have negative effects on all living organisms as it is a known environmental hazard. Those with sulfur allergies are especially at risk and it can be an eye and skin irritant to anyone. Although it has been in use for decades, further studies are needed to investigate the global impact as well as the actual influence on the temperature of our planet overall.  Other particulates being used to reflect sunlight include aluminum oxide, barium and strontium.  Aluminum toxicity is being investigated as a possible cause of autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer's.  Barium and strontium are toxic to life as well.

     Just changing our beautiful blue sky into an overcast murky gray can have serious consequences. Depending upon the quantity dispersed, filtering sunlight can also effect plant growth negatively. Plant life depends on photosynthesis.  Soil composition is being radically modified.  Water is being poisoned.  People who suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), will experience further depression.  What can we do about it? 

Swimming Pool Sanitation Techniques & Health Issues

     There's nothing quite like a dip in the pool on a hot summer day to cool you off. Temperature's high.  Humidity's high.  And, according to the weatherman's prediction, no relief in sight for the next several days.  Especially after a grueling day of yard work that could no longer be put off.   Or perhaps you just finished a round of golf or a baseball game.  Maybe even just sunbathing got your internal temperature soaring.  Not to worry.  A dip in the pool is just what the doctor ordered. Or is it?

     Chlorine is a popular sanitizer for pool water because it kills bacteria and germs.  It also oxidizes organic debris and helps to keep algae in check.  Unfortunately, chlorine is rapidly absorbed through the skin.  You can test this for yourself if you have a pool test kit.  Fill a small glass with chlorinated tap water or chlorinated pool water and test the chlorine content.  Now swish your finger in it for 15-20 seconds and retest.  Virtually no chlorine remains.  Children's skin is even more vulnerable as it absorbs toxins more quickly.

     Chlorine and its byproducts negative health effects are determined by multiple variables.  Overly chlorinated pools will of course cause more negative chlorine effects than a pool that is properly balanced. Absorption of chlorine occurs from breathing pool water vapors, swallowing pool water or skin contact with pool water.  One of the main variables would be time spent in the pool. Although an occasional dip in the backyard pool is most likely harmless in a well balanced pool; those who spend more time in commercial pools, especially swimming athletes, are more susceptible to health issues.  Anything from red eyes and skin irritations to miscarriages, birth defects and cancer are being blamed on chlorine these days. But chlorine itself isn't the only culprit.

     An under chlorinated pool is releasing toxic gases into the air.  That overwhelming smell of chlorine isn't what you think it is.  When a pool smells strongly of chlorine it's a reaction of the chlorine with bacteria, urine, sweat, and fecal contaminants, which creates chloramines and releases other noxious gases at the surface of the water.  Leaves and other organic materials that fall into an outdoor pool over burden the sanitation system as well.  It actually means the pool is exceptionally dirty and needs to be rebalanced.  This is achieved through mega dosing of chlorine, shocking, ionizers, and repeated testing.  A perfectly balanced pool is odorless.  Toxic gases are released when a pool is out of balance and can cause eye and respiratory irritations, dermatitis, and even eventually asthma after repeated exposure.  Not to mention Giardia, E. Coli, and Cryptosporodium are just some of the parasites that spread rapidly in pools with low pH levels and insufficient chlorine to sanitize the water.  Symptoms of these illnesses include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration and stomach cramps.

     Another factor to consider is the number of people in the pool.  An over crowded pool is is a heavy burden on the amount of chlorine or other sanitizing methods employed.  The more organic and inorganic debris brought into the pool, the quicker the sanitizing set up becomes over burdened.  So if you see a pool that seems overcrowded, you should probably avoid it.  A commercial pool that doesn't require showering before entry is bringing in unnecessary contaminants such as lotions, hair spray, perfumes, deodorants, and additional sweat.  Of course, an outdoor pool on a sunny day can expect a heavy load of suntan lotions. 

     So the level of chlorine dosing is important, but another huge variable is whether or not the pool is located indoors or outdoors.  When a pool is located indoors, even those who never enter the pool are being exposed to these toxic gases.  Trapped indoors without adequate ventilation and low ceilings, pool attendants are at risk as well as those lounging around the pool.  High peaked ceilings are preferable to low ceilings which trap gases closer to the surface of the water.  Adequate ventilation systems should be employed at all times.  Children under the age of six become even more vulnerable when placed in the shallow areas of pools which are often times even hotter and more heavily polluted than larger ones.  The warmer the water, the more quickly the chlorine dissipates.  Also, children's areas are usually smaller; therefore, more likely to be overcrowded.  So an outdoor pool is an obvious choice for avoiding heavier concentrations of chloramines.

     Bromine is another chemical sanitizer for pools.  Though similar to chlorine for sanitizing pool water, it is considerably more expensive than chlorine for obtaining the same results.  Nowadays, it is mostly used in spas because it takes longer to break down than chlorine in the higher water temperatures of hot tubs and has less of an odor.  Unfortunately, it is considered even more carcinogenic than chlorine.

     Saline or salt water pool sanitation has really moved to the forefront of pool sanitizing techniques. Perhaps it sounds natural or 'green'.  Whatever the reason, people are jumping on the bandwagon looking for salt solutions to eliminate chlorination.  The funny thing is, this process uses a chlorine generator or salt cell which utilizes electrolysis to break down the salt creating a chemical reaction which produces chlorine. So salt water pools are not chlorine free pools.  On the upside, the constant delivery of the salt in a well maintained and balanced pool eliminates harmful chloramines.  The downside is the initial cost, high maintenance, and expensive salt cell replacements.  Without careful maintenance, salt cells are easily damaged and too much salt can cause corrosion and damage to pools and improperly sealed cement and pavement.  Pool builders require liability wavers for salt corrosion damage.

     Ionizers are becoming a popular method for sanitizing pools and spas.  This method uses copper and/or silver to kill germs in pools.  Though it works well as a sanitizer you will still need an oxidizer against organic particulates such as chlorine or shock.  Also, unless kept perfectly balanced, the metals from the ionizer can stain the inside of the pool and accessories as well as plaster and cement.  They also have the disadvantage of contributing heavy metals into the environment during water exchanges and have been banned in some areas.

     Another popular method is the use of an ozonator.  Although useful as a sanitizer, they also cannot be used as a stand alone solution and are somewhat more expensive.  On the plus side, dramatically lower levels of chlorine are required, and chloramines are completely eliminated.  Some people claim the water has a crisper, brighter look to it. There are two types of ozone generators used in the pool industry.  UV in which ultraviolet light is used to create ozone; or CD which uses corona discharge or electricity, much like a thunderstorm, to create ozone.  The CD ozone generators are preferable as they are much more powerful than UV types.

     UV treatment of pool water without creating ozone is becoming more popular, but is as yet cost prohibitive.  Depending upon the size of the pool a good UV pool unit can cost from just under a thousand dollars to as much as $3,500.  The use of chlorine is greatly reduced, and unlike chlorine alone, provides consistent oxidizing of organic materials as the UV light is continuously cleaning the water.  Small amounts of chlorine are still required for residual sanitation.  With chlorine alone, the levels swing up and down depending on how quickly the chlorine is used up before the next dose.  (Studies are being done in several countries on UV treatment combined with chlorine that may cause the release of an even more harmful gas, cyangen chloride or mustard gas.)

     All of these methods of pool sanitation need researching when deciding upon building a pool.  They all have pros and cons.  Thoroughly researching all methods before deciding could save a lot of time and money, not to mention preventing some health issues.  But for those just looking to swim occasionally at your local pool there are just a few things to consider.  Is it an indoor or outdoor pool? Outdoor pools have the benefit of freely off-gassing into the atmosphere.  If it is indoors, can you still smell the chlorine 60 seconds after entering the building or do your eyes burn?  If the answer to either of these is yes at any pool, you should leave immediately, especially if you have young children with you.  Maybe a picnic would be better choice for today.  At least until you find a pool that is better maintained.  Or maybe even better yet...

 GO JUMP IN A LAKE!!!

Summertime Sunshine Safety Precautions

     It's summertime again and everyone wants that great looking bronze skinned suntan look, not to mention a good healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun to protect us from all kinds of diseases. But we need to look into how to do this without causing more harm than good.   Chemical sunscreens have been around for a long time, but more and more natural sunscreens and sunblocks are coming onto the market as more people shy away from harmful, even cancer causing chemicals found in today's sunscreens.  It's best to avoid chemically laden endocrine disrupting sunscreen products.  When sunbathing the goal is to reflect the harmful UVA rays and absorb the beneficial UVB rays that provide our bodies with vitamin D.  The only way to accomplish this is through the use of sunscreens that provide UV protection without blasting our bodies with an overload of chemicals easily absorbed through our skin.

     The middle of the day is the most likely time to get a sunburn when the sun is at its highest position. Somewhere between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. depending on where you live.  The closer you are to the equator, the stronger the suns rays.  Also, altitude plays a role as well as reflective surfaces like water, concrete and those white sandy beaches we all love.  Even snow reflects more of the suns rays, but hopefully not too many people are exposing a lot of skin wearing bathing suits in snowy regions.  Of course, skiers and snowmobilers need to protect their faces.  The UV index of the day can be helpful as well.

  

     There are all kinds of recipes on the internet for making your own chemical free sunscreens.  You should be aware of some of the suggested ingredients.  One common recommendation is to use coconut oil alone. This may work for some people and not for others.  It depends on your skin type and whether or not your skin is conditioned to being in the sun.  The duration of sunbathing is important as well.  Not very many tanning products allow for anyone to be in the sun for hours and hours unless it is reapplied often.  Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours at minimum. Even at that you could still suffer some skin damage from the sun if you stay out all day without taking a break in the shade once in awhile.  The time of day matters again as well.  The type of coconut oil is important as well.  It must be unrefined, virgin coconut oil.  Refined, heated coconut oils have lost their beneficial properties for the skin.  Also, coconut oil has a very low SPF rating. So unless you're already a 'seasoned' sunbather, I wouldn't rely on coconut oil alone.  The following ingredients can be added to the coconut oil or other safe oils like virgin olive or avocado to create pleasantly scented and safer sunscreen.  When making your own sunscreen, you can add an ounce or two of beeswax to provide some waterproof protection.

     Some sunscreen recipes suggest the use of essential oils to scent the lotion.  The use of the wrong essential oil can be a grave mistake.  Photosensitizing essential oils such as those in the citrus family can cause permanently darkened skin spots and other discolorations of the skin.  If you have recently used any of those oils on your skin it's best to stay out of the sun for 12 or even 24 hours just to be sure.  Some steam distilled citrus oils are okay such as orange, but lemon and lime remains photo toxic whether cold pressed or steam distilled.  Bergamot oil is another nicely scented oil, but is photo toxic unless certified bergaptene-free and labeled as Bergamot FCF.  So if you're going to scent your lotion it's best to do your homework and be sure you are using a safe essential oil such as lavender.  Or you can add some lemon eucalyptus for the added benefit of bug repellent.  It's non-photosensitizing and it only takes a few drops.

     Some oils extracted from seeds and nuts, such as those in raspberries or macadamia nuts, provide varying amounts of UV protection and can be used as the base oil in sunscreen recipes. Some examples are  red raspberry seed oil (SPF 28-50), carrot seed oil (SPF 38-40), soybean oil (SPF 10), wheat germ oil (SPF 20), jojoba oil (SPF 4), macadamia nut oil (SPF 6), and soybean oil (SPF 10).

     And last but not least, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two natural mineral ingredients used to block the harmful rays of the sun.  Even these ingredients warrant investigation when it comes to nano particles.  Whereas the use of these minerals in sunscreens previously left a pale, ghostly look when applied to the skin, newer manufacturing technology resolved this issue. Through the use of nano technology the particles are broken down very small.  This process not only provides better UV protection, but alleviates the chalky look to the skin after application as well.  Sounds good, but now the safety of nano zinc oxide and nano titanium dioxide are being questioned.  So far it 'appears' to be safe when applied to 'healthy' skin.  When used in powder or spray products the safety is definitely being studied as a respiratory toxicant.  For those with allergies and asthma, it's not worth the risk.  So you might just want to play it safe and look for products with non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide. Of the two, regular zinc oxide still appears the safest because it reflects and scatters UV rays rather than absorbing them like titanium dioxide.  Both are available online in non-nano formulations for making your own sunscreen.

     

Give Your Dad a Smile for Father's Day

     

     Everyone knows it's better to smile than to frown, but did you know it can be a holistic approach to better health overall as well?  Not only can it improve your mental health but also your physical body by reducing tension and releasing endorphins.  It even increases blood flow for cardiovascular protection.  Laughing makes you feel better and gets you through those tough times.  Smiling and laughing actually boosts your immune system. So smile and laugh your cares away.

     

Need a reason to smile?

                                     Watch a funny Youtube:

                                              Dentist dad-Wisdom teeth removal
                                              Golfer dad-Fox chasing golfball
                                              Olympic swimmer dad-High diving giraffes

                                              Cat owner dad-Paralyzed cat
                                              Auto repair dad-Changing flat tire

                                         

                                     Download a free animated smiley screensaver or funny wallpaper.

                                     Watch a good comedy together on Father's Day.

                                     Buy your dad a good joke book or joke-of-the-day calendar.

                                     Take your dad to a comedy club.

                                     Try some 'laughing yoga' classes.

     So think of something pleasant while working, driving or relaxing and work those smile muscles. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.  You'll find your mood improving along with your zest for life.  Laughing even helps to reduce pain.  Melt away that tension and soon you'll find yourself 
laughing away life's little stressors and feeling better overall.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! 

Earthing: Grounding Ourselves to Mother Earth to Improve Our Health

    

     So now that you've decided to go with a healthy, organic lawn after reading about the benefits in last week's article, you're ready to learn about the health benefit of grounding oneself.   Stepping on the ground barefoot electrically balances you.   Ever wonder why strolling along a sandy beach seems to energize you.  The same thing happens when you walk barefoot through the grass.  This is also known as 'Earthing'.  So kick off those shoes and let Mother Earth ground you and restore your natural energy and well-being.

     Earthing balances the electrons in your body.  Grounding yourself may also minimize the consequences of disruptive electrical fields known as 'electromagnetic pollution' or 'dirty electricity'.  When you are barefoot, free electrons flow from the surface of the earth throughout your body, extinguishing free radicals along the way.

The earth=a free radical neutralizer=a powerful antioxidant

     Historically, humans went barefoot most of the time.  And when shoes were worn, they were made of natural materials such as animal skins which can conduct electricity.  Shelters and 'homes' were made with dirt floors. It's only in modern times, when synthetic materials were developed, that we are no longer naturally grounded on a regular basis.  Shoes constructed with plastic and rubber soles and synthetic flooring materials such as carpets and linoleums, prevent direct physical contact with the Earth.  This in turn prevents us from reaping the many benefits of nature's electrical balance.  We are not grounded when traveling by airplanes, boats or automobiles either. The only time we are really grounded in these modern times is when we are in the shower or bathtub, and only then, when metal plumbing is used.

     Some studies on the health effects of grounding claim reduced stress, better quality of sleep, reduced inflammation and pain, reduced allergy symptoms, and even improved viscosity of the blood and reduced cortisol levels,  for preventing disease.  You can research these studies for yourself at  Earthing Institute.

     Several variations on grounding oneself during sleep are available.   From a simple, inexpensive anti-static wrist strap to the more expensive conductive grounding sheets and mattress pads. There are also pads to place under your feet during time spent at a computer. All of these are either plugged into a grounded outlet in your home or office or wired to a copper rod placed in the ground.

     Whatever method you might choose, the simplest method is to just go barefoot whenever possible and at no cost to you.  That might be when doing yard work, a fun afternoon at the beach or even exercising while barefoot in the grass.  Grass is  more conductive in the morning because of the dew.  Or just go for a dip in a lake or the ocean to immediately wash away all the negative energy in your body and regain that invigorating sense of balance and harmony with our planet. Even a few minutes to an hour a day is better than never being grounded at all.  Try it for yourself. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.

Turning the Dream of a Perfect Organic Lawn into Reality

     The perfect lawn.  Every homeowner's dream or shall we say obsession.  Obsessing and stressing over every weed that pops through that thick, lush green carpet of grass, the plot thickens.   What to do next.  Who to call.  What's the next attack?  More fertilizer.  More herbicide. More pesticide. How many people have become brainwashed into thinking they have to maintain the perfect lawn no matter the cost.  What will the neighbor's think? Maybe you should stop worrying about the neighbors and start worrying about yourself and your family.  All those chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides you or the lawn service you've hired, are dumping on your lawn year after year, are creating your very own personal toxic waste dump.  And no, they don't just magically disappear after a few days of working their magic on your lawn.   You're not just disrupting the life cycle of a few beneficial bacteria, and earthworms in the soil, and killing off a few more beneficial insects and birds.  As we are now sadly finding out, yourself, your children and your pets are being harmed as well.  And for what?  To out perform the neighbors. Instead of creating a toxic waste dump, why not turn your backyard into your own little paradise.  Stop spraying and start relaxing.

     What's the solution to toxic lawns?  Is there a solution?  Of course there is.  There's enough pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers being used in commercial agriculture already. There's no reason to use them in your yard or gardens.  Don't have the inclination or motivation to pull weeds out yourself?  There's a multitude of organic products on the market for maintaining your lawn, as well as flower gardens and vegetable gardens.  There are even lawn care companies going 'green'.  You just have to actively seek them out.  They may cost slightly more, but is your families health worth it?  Read on to find out.  You'll actually save money over time, because an organic lawn requires less treatments to maintain it.

     Glyphosate, Monsanto's Roundup, is used on their genetically-modified corn, soy, canola, and cotton crops.  It is also sprayed in parks and roadways, as well as used by many home gardeners. Glyphosate has now been linked to birth defects, neurological disorders, fertility issues, cancer, and now even possibly Parkinson's disease.  Pretty nasty for a product once touted as harmless as well as stating it quickly dissipates in the environment.  Many consumers fell for these lies without investigating for themselves.

     Atrazine is commonly used on corn in the Midwest.  It has now found it's way to many rivers and and drinking water sources.  Exposure to atrazine has been linked to an increase of birth defects, infertility, and possibly cancer as it is a known endocrine disrupter.  Manufactured by Syngenta, it is banned in Europe. Even Switzerland, home of the manufacturer, has banned its use. Yet, it is found in many brands of weed killers in the U.S.  Check out this full color, online booklet concerning atrazine.  Pass the butter and salt for my corn on the cob please.

     Chlorpyrifos, developed in the 1960's by Dow Chemical, has been widely used for home gardeners for many years.  Nowadays, it is also applied to almonds, oranges, apples, corn and cotton crops.  Even low-dose exposures of chlorpyrifos can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and blurred vision.  Some people have even suffered respiratory paralysis. Children have an increased risk of being born with lower IQ's as well as more potential for developing ADHD.

     Metolachlor is recognized by the EPA as cancer causing.  Side effects include breathing difficulties, nausea, jaundice and convulsions.  Widely used on crops, do we need more chemicals in our backyards?

     Metam sodium is often applied to potatoes in high concentrations as a fumigant and pesticide. The risks include nausea, breathing difficulties, thyroid damage and birth defects.  It's really easy to plant a crop of seed potatoes in your own yard that will last the whole year.  And you don't need any chemicals just an occasional  watering.  Oh, and this time could you please pass the sour cream along with the butter and salt for my baked potato.

     A fully organic lawn is the healthiest lawn both for the lawn itself and the surrounding environment.  When basic requirements are met, organisms work symbiotically to produce a healthy lawn.  Chemicals destroy this symbiotic relationship, requiring more and more chemicals each year to overcome the harmful effects.   Clippings should not be removed after cutting the lawn.  They provide a great source of nitrogen.  Fully organic lawns never need thatching.  Earthworms, beneficial microbes and insects eat the thatch producing healthy fertilizer.  Over-seeding the lawn with slow growing varieties of grass seed helps to crowd out weeds, as well as allowing more time between cuttings.  Grass blades should be left at a height of three inches to shade weeds and prevent growth.  Lawns only need about one inch of water per week.  Morning watering is best to prevent evaporation.  This also allows the lawn to dry out before nightfall when over saturation can cause disease and root rot.  And frequent daily watering causes roots to become lazy.  Occasional, deep watering encourages deep root growth.  You want the roots to grow long and deep into the soil for strength.  They are forced to do this when they have to seek out moisture.  Aeration every other year prevents compaction in the lawn.  A machine is used to pull finger-sized plugs from the lawn allowing water, nutrients, and air to reach the soil and roots.  And remember, a healthy lawn doesn't happen overnight.  It may take more than one season.
     
     You can do your own composting for a small yard for the best fertilizer.  You'll have to use the old fashioned wheelbarrow and pitchfork method to spread it.  Or just buy an organic granulated fertilizer for use with a spreader.  Blood meal makes an excellent non-toxic lawn fertilizer and can be found online for less than one dollar per pound.  Not only will your lawn look great, but blood meal will chase away critters from your flower and vegetable gardens.  Another great 100% organic fertilizer is, don't laugh, Chickity Doo Doo.  It is made from the waste of poultry laying hens and contains 9% calcium, another important ingredient for lawns and other plants.  If you can't find it locally, the best price I've found is on Amazon, at about one dollar per pound including shipping.  It is available in pellet form for flower and vegetable gardens or granulated for lawns.

     Skip the weed-and-feed and just incorporate organic fertilizer into your lawn maintenance program along with some chelated iron organic weed killer for your lawn.  It is safe and natural and kills a broad range of weeds.  If you can't find it locally several different brands are available online at Amazon.com including Whitney Farm's, Scott's organic brand and Ortho Elementals. Garden's Alive sells all organic products for your lawns and gardens.  Iron X is their chelated iron weed killer.

      Many organic pesticides are available for lawns as well.  If your lawn has been neglected, you may need to de-thatch it.  Mosts pests and fungi thrive in this dead layer of materials lying the surface of the soil.  When the layer of thatch exceeds one inch, it is recommended to remove it. Once your lawn is properly maintained, de-thatching becomes unnecessary.  Soil organisms will naturally biodegrade the thatch.  Compost or even a layer of soil spread over the lawn helps to break down the thatch layer as well. Too frequent watering is one of the greatest causes of lawn pests.  Most can't survive under dry conditions, so overwatering and maintaining a moist environment invites them to breed.  Grubs aren't considered a problem unless there are more than ten per square foot.  If you already have an infestation you will have to look into organic pesticides such as beneficial nematodes, milky spore, neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or diatomaceous earth to get them under control.  Japanese beetles can be slowed down with traps.

     Chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are now so widely used they are found in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Complete avoidance is next to impossible, but reducing our exposure reduces our risk of the many damaging health effects being discovered daily. Even after 50 years of studies on various herbicides and pesticides, we are often left with conflicting reports. So why take a chance and add to the problem.  Why not make your yard a place where you and your family can relax and not worry about walking barefoot in the grass or garden. By the way, I'll be discussing the many health benefits of going barefoot in the yard or when gardening in an upcoming article.  So get prepared and stop spreading those toxic chemicals in what should be your own private backyard paradise.

HAPPY BREATHING!!!

Pine Tree Pollen: Friend or Foe?

     Ahhh...springtime at last.  Mother nature's best show of all the seasons.  Days are longer.  Weather is warmer. Trees are blooming.  Flowers are blooming.   Time to shed those coats...and get out the antihistamines.  Yellow dust.  It's landing everywhere.  Everything is covered in it. Outside.  Inside.  On the furniture.  On the car.  In the car. In the air?  Nope.  Unless you're sitting in the middle of a field of daisies,  all that pollen you see is not the culprit of springtime allergies. It's pine tree pollen and really quite harmless if not even helpful.  It just happens that pine tree pollen is dominate in the spring season any time from March through May.

     The pollen from a pine tree is exceptionally large and heavy.  Though wind born, it quickly settles out of the air landing on everything nearby on calm days, and somewhat further away on windy days.  Even though pine trees produce enormous amounts of pollen, covering surfaces with yellow dust, it doesn't generally cause allergic symptoms.  There are two reasons for this.  The pollen doesn't linger in the air for inhalation as a respiratory irritant.  Also, pine tree pollen is not considered an allergen.  Oak, cedar, maples and elm trees as well as grass pollens, are the major allergen triggers in the spring.  People who might rarely be allergic to pine pollen are those with specific allergies to pine or those with severe reactions to bee stings.  The obvious pine pollen that we can see serves us well as an alert to other pollens lingering in the air as well as a reminder to keep windows closed during this time of the season.

     Pine trees have both male and female pine cones known as 'strobili'. Male pine cones, smaller than female cones, are long and thin.  Female pine cones are larger and rounder.  The familiar woody cone is the female cone containing ovules where seeds are produced when fertilized by pollen grains.  This seed or nut is famously known as the 'pine nut'.  Some refer to the caterpillar-like structure of the male cone as a flower or 'catkin'. These catkins contain many pollen sacs.  They only appear in the spring and once they release their pollen, begin to disintegrate.  The female pine cones are generally found in the upper branches in the crown of the tree above the male cones.  On a windy day, this release of pollen can be quite spectacular with dense, yellow smoke-like clouds of pollen rising from the trees and rolling across  a field or meadow.  Click the video below to see the pollen fall from the catkins.

     Pine trees have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.  The needles are used to make tea, while the bark, seeds and pollen are eaten for health benefits as well.  Pine tree pollen contains powerful antioxidants and many vitamins.  It is purportedly used to regulate hormone imbalances, reduce cholesterol, improve metabolism, regulate prostate function, protect the cardiovascular system, strengthen the immune system, and even touted as a preventative for the common cold.

     Pine tree pollen can be purchased in powder, capsule, or tincture form.  Why not collect your own during pollen season.  Don't collect pollen from trees near areas that have been sprayed with chemical fertilizers or herbicides.  Remember to look for the male small, flaky catepillar-like catkins. You won't find any pollen in the female pine cones.  You may want to wear disposable gloves in case there is any sap still around.  Just tap them over a bag or container to collect the pollen on a dry, preferably not windy day.  Be sure not to take it all from one pine  tree, but from several different trees as it does serve as their method of reproduction.  And finally, dry it out on a tray on a hot sunny day or on a low heat in the oven or food dehydrator.  Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in the freezer and it will last for several months.  Just sprinkle a little on cereal or salad or mix it in a smoothie.  See if you notice any difference in how you feel.  Check with your health care practitioner for concerns about ingesting pine tree pollen.  Remember not to ingest pine tree pollen if you are one of the rare persons allergic to pine or bee stings.

HAPPY BREATHING!!!