Your Life-Your Choice ISSN 1488-0253 August,2000 Issue 60 Letter From the Editor Well, it's that time of year again where we get ready to send our children off to school. I just saw my oldest manchild off to his 3rd year in college. At age 22 he's really a man, but he'll always be my child. So I lovingly refer to him as my "manchild". One thing Bible College has taught him, is to be tolerant of his mom's silly expressions. His move is a week early because he volunteered to be "Den Mother" for the dorm. So he has to be there in advance for preparation meetings and to help the first year students settle in. Because of this new responsibility, he won't be able to come home very often. So this is really the last step before he's officially "flown the coop". As many of you can relate, that makes mommy kind of sad... but also proud because he has turned into a fine young man with confidence, conviction, and enthusiasm. Because he won't be home regularly, we had to make up a special care package. A 3 month supply of a good multi-vitamin is a must, because I know he won't eat right. Lots of Echinacea to build up his immune system and help ward off the colds he's likely to get because I know he won't eat right. A supply of Garlic capsules to take when he catches a cold because he forgot to take Echinacea to prevent it because I know he won't eat right. Lavender oil so he can put 1 drop on his pillow case just before going to bed for the night. This will help him fall asleep easier. He'll need that, especially since he'll be studying so hard and he'll likely be run down and feeling miserable with all the colds he'll get because he'll forget to take his Echinacea and I know he won't eat right. A bottle of White Willow (herbal aspirin) to take care of odd little pains and the headaches he may get from being overly stressed because he feels miserable with his cold that he got because he forgot to take his Echinacea because I know he won't eat right. Then, of course, there's the care package of food containing a 2 week supply of all the major food groups. This is because he'll be so busy when he gets there that he likely won't have time to get to the store, and I don't want him to have an excuse to "not eat right". :) There's one last thing that I included in his special care package. An aromatherapy candle that he can light while he does his homework. It will help him relax so he can soak up all the information he's studying and remind him that all is right with the world. Best of health to all of you and your children. Especially those who are going away from home. Brigitte Synesael Editor of Your Life-Your Choice Make it your business to be informed! 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Children, Moods and Sugar by June Kaminski, RN MSN 2. Iron: Who Needs More, Who Needs Less, How and Why by Dr. John Maher 3. Pounds and Predators by Danielle Carrie 4. Talk to Garlic 5. Have You Eaten Your A B C's Today? by Kathy Jimenez =========================================== Section 1 Children, Moods and Sugar by June Kaminski, RN MSN http://www.visionsofadonai.com/ Having a "sweet tooth" is considered a problem for many reasons. Sugars have been linked with health risks as varied as weight gain, diabetes and bizarre behavior. Sugars are also recognized as one of the building blocks of life. There are both simple or complex sugars. All complex sugars are broken down in the body into simple sugars, and used for a number of different metabolic and nutritional tasks. There is no doubt about it, sugars are an important part of people's diets. It's just a question of how much, what kind and whether there are health risks from eating it. The most common sugars are glucose, sucrose, lactose, fructose and maltose. These can be found in foods as diverse as vegetables, fruits, grains, refined foods, milk and their products. We also tend to eat concentrated sugar in white or brown sugar, honey, molasses, and corn, maple or other syrups. Linked to Hyperactivity? In recent years, sugar has been linked with hyperactivity in children. Hyperactivity is seen as restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness, poor sleeping and short attention spans. Some studies do seem to suggest this, while others refute the claim. Researchers for the US FDA found that sugars were important for brain activity and could even calm children. This is not to say that parents should give their child a candy bar to calm down. But a natural sugar source such as a sun-ripened piece of fruit, or wholesome grain product could be just what they need to lose their 'edgy' feeling and relax. Often, aggressive or "hyper" behavior is a sign of low blood sugar. Carbohydrates, including sugars are our bodies' main source of energy. Naturally occurring sugars are vital for our health. What is not vital is the consumption of highly processed foods that contain large amounts of added sugars and other additives. When only refined processed sugars are eaten, the blood glucose tends to fall more quickly after a meal. As a result, our adrenaline kicks in to compensate. People who are sensitive to lowered blood sugar may show a tendency towards shakiness, and nervous, erratic behavior. They are irritable until the crisis is met. In other words, until they restore their sugar supply. If natural sources of sugar are eaten, this crisis is less likely to happen. The blood glucose stays more stable until the next meal. Children are more susceptible to falling blood sugars than adults are. Thus they need high quality, natural foods in their diets even more. Sugar as a Comforter It is quite common for food to be seen as a way to make us feel better. For children and adults alike, the more coping skills we have to deal with distress and moody feelings, the less likely that food will be used as a source of comfort. Carbohydrates are especially soothing, since they help the brain to receive tryptophan and convert it to serotonin, a brain chemical that makes us feel sleepy and comforted. The more rapidly the sugar in food is absorbed, the faster it raises the serotonin which improves the mood. Glucose and sucrose, common in candies and refined foods are the most rapidly absorbed sugars, while fructose is the slowest. Fructose, abundant in ripe fruit is therefore the best choice for long-lasting comfort and calming. Nutritious conscious child experts suggest that parents help their children learn to self-quiet themselves by giving them ample soothing and comfort in loving ways. To keep their sugar levels in balance, give plenty of fresh fruit, whole grain baked (versus fried) products, and keep the diet as natural and unrefined as possible. Not only for their moods, but their general growth and development as well. Sugar is important, but keep it as simple and natural as possible. Your child will thank you for it! Resources: Sweet Facts About Sugar and Health by the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) offers an overview of the body's need for sugars, and current research findings, available at: http://ificinfo.health.org/review/swtfact.htm The Relationship between Sugar and Children's Behavior at Dr. Greene's Housecalls, gives some brief but sound advice on feeding your child sugar, at: http://www.drgreene.com/960303a.asp Does Sugar make Kids Hyper? from Nutrition Science News Online (May, 1998) shows that sugar does seem to promote aggressive behavior especially when taken alone. If combined with a balanced diet, the effects are much less. http://exchange.healthwell.com/nutritionsciencenews/NSN_backs/may_98/hyper.cfm Sugar n' Spice and Everything Nice by Dr. Nancy Appleton offers guidelines for parents to watch the amount of refined sugars and other processed foods in their children's diets. http://www.healthychild.com/database/sugar_n_spice_and_everything_ nice.htm Sugar Myths - A Trick or Treat? from the American Dietetic Association addresses the controversy on whether sugar predisposes children to hyperactivity and hypoglycemia, at: http://www.eatright.org/feature/100198.html ~~~ Read about June Kaminski on our Meet the Team page; http://www.Life-Choices.com/team.html ****************************************************** Our sponsors make this newsletter FREE to subscribers. Please take a moment to visit them. **************************************************** Get motivated! Become inspired to live life to the fullest with UnCommon Courtesy & Coaching's FREE motivational newsletter & quote service! Subscribe to our newsletter at mailto:ucc-newsletter-subscribe@egroups.com . Learn more about more than 50 inspirational quotation lists at http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com/motivati2.htm . Check out the 5000+ motivational books in our bookstore at http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com. *************************************************** Be Amused And Entertained by reading one of the most popular and fascinating newsletters on the Internet. The "Bizarre Police Chronicles" features those really dumb criminal acts, bizarre 911 calls, strange and unusual laws, plus plenty of cop jokes and humor! Get your weekly dose of the "Bizarre." Subscribe by sending a blank email to: mailto:bizarrepolicechronicles-subscribe@topica.com *********************************************************** Section 2 Iron: Who Needs More, Who Needs Less, How and Why by Dr. John Maher http://www.RxforWellness.com In America iron deficiency is surprisingly common. However, it is mostly among children, teenage girls, women with excessive menstrual flow and the aged. Indeed among most mature healthy adults, especially men, iron EXCESS is the problem. This is because iron is a PRO-oxidant as compared to an anti-oxidant. Indeed, one reason to give blood is to LOWER your iron count as an anti-aging measure! This is why in my online anti-aging course I recommend an IRON FREE multivitamin/mineral. Let me mention why the very elderly tend to get anemic. Some common reasons are poor appetite, loss of taste/smell, difficulty preparing foods, poor digestion and poor dentition. The best iron food group is meat. Animal heme-iron is much more absorbable than vegetable non-heme iron. (Heme means blood which is what helps makes red meat red.) Oysters, beef and chicken livers, beef kidney, shrimp, herring, sardines, tuna, dark turkey and red meat, in that order, are the best sources. Among the grains; bran flakes, wheat germ and bran and oats flakes are best. Pumpkin and almonds are the best nuts and seeds. Lima and pinto beans are quite high, as are spinach, parsley and peas. Apricots, figs, watermelon, raisins and prunes are the best fruits. Most vegetables are a poor source with carrots, asparagus and beets the best of the rest of the group. Brewers yeast and blackstrap molasses are old standbys for vegetarians. Taking just 100 mg of Vit C with your meals can increase your iron uptake by 250%! Tea, and worse coffee, can prevent 50% to 80% of the iron from being absorbed. In the elderly, supplementing with HCL (hydrochloric acid) is sometimes needed in order for assimilation of iron to be possible, especially iron pills. Many antacid medications interfere with iron digestion by making the stomach "less acid". It should be noted here that "acid stomach" is almost never a stomach that is too acid, rather a stomach lining that no longer protects against acid like a healthy stomach does, or it is acid "refluxing" up into the unprotected esophagus. Your doctor can measure your iron status quite easily. However, early anemia symptoms will show before a simple iron test shows anemia. Special iron binding capacity tests, and iron transferring tests are more accurate. The earliest detection will come from darkfield microscopy, a special microscope used mostly by alternative practioners. Iron from a multivitamin can be very difficult to absorb, especially the inexpensive brands. So if your fatigued and not eating wisely, don't count on your ONE A DAY to bail you out. Iron peptonate and glycinate are two of more easily assimilated forms. They are also less likely to cause nausea and constipation, two problems with iron pills. ~~~ Read about Dr. John Maher on our Meet the Team page; http://www.Life-Choices.com/team.html ****************************************************** Our sponsors make this newsletter FREE to subscribers. Please take a moment to visit them. **************************************************** SIDS Protection Certain fungal organisims, commonly found in baby mattresses, can produce poisonous gases from chemical compounds containing antimony and arsenic. Virtually all baby mattresses and bedding manufactured in the United States contain these chemicals. These gases have been implicated in SIDS. Therefore baby mattresses, especially those that have been previously used and likely contaminated with mildew, significantly increase the risk of SIDS. The Babesafe Cover-designed by a New Zeland chemist to fit and completely enclose standard crib and bassinet mattresses- has been slept upon by over 100,000 babies, over the past five years without a death. The babesafe Cover is safe, inexpensive, washable and reusable. Price $29.95/cover plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Contact Denton Davis, M.D. for more information mailto:drd@criblife2000.com or 1-800-951-9255. ************************************************ You have heard about the healing qualities of magnets. Magnets have been shown to relieve discomfort from these symptoms and more: Arthritis** Joint Pain** Diabetes** Depression** Wound Healing* * Insomnia** Hormonal Imbalances** and other ailments: GO TO http://www.MagnetTherapy.com For all your MAGNET THERAPY product needs, SHOP ONLINE at MagnetTherapy.com ********************************************************** Section 3 Pounds and Predators by Danielle Carrie When do I get labeled fat, overweight or obese? It is common knowledge that a certain amount of body fat is needed for heat insulation, energy, shock absorption, and to fulfill other important roles in the human body. In many ways men and women are different and weight is just another one of our many differences. It is more common for a woman to have more fat than a man. Generally speaking doctors agree that men exceeding more than 25 percent body fat and women exceeding more than 30 percent body fat are considered to be obese. You will find that a woman will typically collect fat around the hips and buttocks making her body shape similar to the shape of a pear while men tend to build fat around the belly area making their body shape more like an apple. However this is not carved in stone. Some men are heavier in the hips and buttocks and some women become heavier in the belly. After menopause it is common for women to become more apple-shaped. When is too much weight dangerous for me? Health problems associated with obesity have a lot to do with where the fat is located. Fat located mostly in the abdomen is a warning sign of future health risks. How do I determine this? There are ways to measure someone's body shape. It is called "waist-to-hip ratio". In order to determine "waist-to-hip ratio", you must measure the waist at its smallest point, then measure the hips at their thickest point. When you have the measurements for the waist and hips divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. Women with "waist-to-hip ratios" higher than 0.8 are at an increased health risk. Men with "waist-to-hip ratios" higher than 1.0 are also at an increased health risk this is because of their fat formation. Am I stuck like this forever? Of course not! However, weight is a very sensitive issue and it can be mentally and physically draining leaving a person feeling depressed, stressed and very low in terms of their own self esteem. These are just some of the toughest obstacles while dealing with weight loss. Try to be honest with yourself on what you have eaten and how much exercising you have done and how you are feeling today. I strongly believe that with weight loss you are the deciding vote. Be careful of the weight loss industry. Weight loss does not have any quick fixes especially if you want to lose the weight naturally, permanently, and safely. This is not to say that it cant be done. Believe and you shall achieve! I welcome any comments or questions you have related to diet or weight loss mailto:research@life-choices.com and put "Diets Don't Work" in the subject heading. Danielle Carrie http://www.thriveonline.com/weight/obesity/whatis.html ~~~ Read about Danielle Carrie on our Meet the Team page; http://www.Life-Choices.com/team.html *********************************************** Section 4. Dear Garlic, My husband insists I look good when we go out together. This is no problem you would think. I make sure I am colour coordinated, make up is perfect and take lots of time choosing ascessories, but he doesent like the colours I am wearing or the jewlery or my shoes. He goes on and on about it. I ask him what he would like to see me in and he says. "I dont know but I dont like your choices!" Meanwhile I have closets overflowing with outfits shoes etc. He is making me crazy and plain broke. What can I do with him he is so hard to please. Signed Well dressed and fed up! ~~~ Dear Well Dressed and Fed Up! Well, you have choices. First and foremost, it is best to dress for you and you alone. You are the one who has to feel confident and comfortable in the clothes you are wearing. You could just tell him wear to put it! If you decide to be more submissive and please your man (which a lot of us do), you could sell all your clothes, and make him shop with you and find clothes you both like together. That way he would be invoved in the selection which may be the whole problem to begin with. Frankly if none of that works, I suggest you start wearing his clothes, he is bound to like them! ******************************************** Like to talk to Garlic? Yes, men are welcome too: mailto:admin@life-choices.com put "Dear Garlic" in the Subject line. We can talk about *Note that the Dear Garlic segment of Your Life-Your Choice is for entertainment purposes only. The advice is intended to tickle your funny bone so put your Sense of Humor hat on and let's take a look at the "lighter side" of life. After all, LAUGHTER is supposed to be the BEST medicine. *********************************************** Section 5 Have You Eaten Your A B C’s Today? A Basic Guide to Essential Vitamins by Kathy Jimenez http://www.allhealthnet.com Vitamins are organic substances that assist essential biochemical reactions within your body. Together with enzymes, co-factors,and other substances they are responsible for normal metabolism,growth and development and regulation of cell function. There are 13 known vitamins each of which has a specific function that is vital to ones health: four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) which your body stores in amounts large enough to last for months and nine water soluble vitamins (C, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid)which your body is able to store enough to last for weeks. Vitamin A helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, vision and skin. A deficiency of vitamin A can result in impaired growth and development, visual acuity, night vision and reduced resistance to infections. Yet, excess intake of vitamin A can be severely toxic; causing bone pain and loss of bone density, decreased appetite, poor weight gain, hair loss, vomiting and anorexia. Infants may develop symptoms for example resembling a brain tumor such as bulging fontanel (soft spot lying between the cranial bones of the skull of an infant), abnormal softening of the actual skull bones, swelling of the optic disc and double vision. Vitamin D promotes the body s absorption of calcium and phosphorus (minerals), which are essential for healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain the adequate levels of minerals in the blood. A deficiency of vitamin D causes imperfect skeletal formation, bone diseases and rickets. Unnecessary ingestion of vitamin D causes excessive amounts of calcium in the blood, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, extreme thirst, weakness, anxiety and altered renal function. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is important in the formation of red blood cells and in the use of vitamin K. There are no known dietary deficiencies of vitamin E or toxic effects to mega doses of vitamin E other than an occasional headache. Vitamin K is responsible for the coagulation of blood. Its deficiency prolongs blood-clotting time and causes hemorrhages. Large doses of vitamin K may cause destruction of the membrane of red blood cells thereby releasing hemoglobin, which spreads into surrounding fluids and can result in death. In newborns it may lead to anemia and severe jaundice, which if left untreated can result in death as well. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is necessary in the formation of collagen and maintenance of connective tissue. It promotes healthy teeth and gums, aids in the absorption of iron and helps the body's immune system. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, anorexia, anemia, imperfect prenatal skeletal formation and leads to injury to bone, cells and blood vessels. High levels of vitamin C are toxic and can significantly increase the levels of iron, which can increase the risk of heart disease. B1 (thiamine) helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is essential for the functioning of the heart and for healthy brain and nerve cells. A deficiency of vitamin B1 can leads to fatal diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, brain disorders and heart failure. As of yet, there are no known toxicities. B2 (riboflavin) aids the body in digesting carbohydrates, fats, proteins and iron as well. It is important for body growth and red cell reproduction. Lesions around the mouth, nose and eyes as well as sensitivity to light can indicate a deficiency. No symptoms of overdose have been reported. B3 (niacin) assists in the conversion of food to energy, functioning of the digestive system, skin and nerves. A disease called Pellagra may develop due to a deficiency or malabsorption of B3. The disease is characterized by scaly skin sores, diarrhea, mucosal changes, and mental symptoms (especially a schizophrenia-like dementia). Niacin toxicity may cause changes in liver function, fatigue, nausea, anorexia and decreases functioning of cells in the body. B6 (pyridoxine) acts in production of antibodies in the immune system, maintenance of normal brain function, and functioning of red blood cells. A deficiency of B6 is extremely rare, however, large doses of B6 cause neurological disorders and numbness. Vitamin B12 assists in the formation of red blood cells, metabolism and maintenance of the central nervous system. There have been no reports of B12 toxicity, however, malabsorption and/or insufficiency of B12 may result in a fatal form of anemia known as pernicious anemia. Biotin is essential for the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates. Children with biotin insufficiency have retarded mental and physical development, hair loss, impaired immunity and anemia. In adults, biotin deficiency may result in anemia, hair loss, lethargy, high cholesterol, nausea, tingling and numbness of the hands and feet in addition to mental symptoms such as depression, sleeplessness and hallucinations. No symptoms of toxicity have been reported. Pantothenic acid contributes to the synthesis of cholesterol and hormones and is necessary in the metabolism of foods. Deficiency is highly unlikely because it is found in abundance in a variety of foods. The only reported toxicity is diarrhea. Folacin (folic acid) acts as a coenzyme with vitamins B12 and C in the breakdown of proteins and synthesis of new proteins. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA (chemical basis of heredity and the carrier of genetic information), as well as tissue growth and cell function. Folacin deficiency may cause poor growth, graying hair, inflammation of the tongue, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcers and diarrhea. It may also result in some forms of anemia. High doses of folacin may mask a serious condition such as pernicious anemia. A healthy well balanced diet will ensure adequate vitamin intake, unless there are impeding health factors involved. Vitamins derived from sources other than foods such as a vitamin supplement need to be taken with caution. Excessive or unnecessary amounts can result in an overdose, which can be hazardous to ones health and even fatal. Cardiologist Isadore Rosenfeld of New York City says, Vitamins (vitamin supplements) are medicines like anything else and in every medicine there is a little poison. Most specialists feel that a daily multi-vitamin supplement is safe to take being that it has controlled levels of vitamins. However, the American Dietetic Association recommends skipping pills altogether and suggests getting vitamins through a low-fat diet high in fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Make sure to visit your doctor for a medical evaluation if you feel that you may have a vitamin deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin deficiency alone do not confirm a deficiency. There are certain tests that need to be performed in order to determine whether a vitamin deficiency indeed exists. Eating a well balanced diet will ensure that you have all of the vitamins your body needs. If you wish to have a little extra assurance, take a multi-vitamin. However, always ask your doctor or certified nutritionist first. ~~~ To obtain further information about vitamins and vitamin supplements, you can go to http://www.allhealthnet.com. This is a global health and medical search engine, which contains numerous links pertaining to quality health and medical information regarding vitamins and much more. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Disclaimer All material appearing in this newsletter is provided for educational purposes only. It is provided with the understanding that authors and contributors are not offering medical advice or services. We strongly encourage you to consult with your own physician regarding any recommendations with respect to your own medical condition. Advertisement in the Your Life- Your Choice newsletter does not indicate endorsement on our part. 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Unsubscribe: You can unsubscribe by using the form at the Newsletter Headquarters: http://www.life-choices.com/subscribe.html or mailto:admin@life-choices.com with "Unsubscribe" in the body. Copyright 1997-2000 by Brigitte Synesael All rights reserved ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// This Ezine Is Listed At FreeZinesOnline.