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Are You Actually Getting Omega-3s?

It’s a real shame. More than that – it might be considered a national health hazard. 90% of Americans
are deficient in this essential nutrient. While it is hard to quantify the effect of this lack, the rise of
brain-based diseases such as Alzheimer’s and seeming increase in heart disease may be a result.
But, let’s look at the personal implication getting enough Omega-3. It is essential for brain health and for proper
cell and nerve function. It also supports memory, focus and attention spans. Further, it reduces ever-
dangerous inflammation in the body. In fact, DHA Omega-3comprises two-thirds of the brain. This is called an ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID because it is essential.

Here’s the biggest issue – the body does not make this naturally – it must come from the foods we eat.
The most common source is fish. That’s why everyone touts the benefits of fish oil. But stop for a
minute. Before you run out and buy some fish oil at the grocery store, know that all Omega-3 fish oil
products are not the same.
Some things to avoid:
1. Heavy metal contamination
2. Synthetic oils
3. Artificial color
4. Caramel color
5. Dioxins
Eating fish directly can work, but today, we must be aware of mercury and other heavy-metals in fish.
So, look for a supplement considered a long-chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA. These are most abundant in
fish and shellfish, particularly fatty fish such as salmon, rainbow trout, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines,
and pilchards.
Synthetic products are artificially produced ethyl ester fish oils. Thus, they are cheaper and easier to
produce. Avoid them. If you can’t tell the difference from the label, then do your homework.
Do look for:
1. Omega-3 source
2. Total Omega-3 content
3. High EPA and DHA
In closing, some important research has determined that babies have higher IQ’s when their mothers consumed substantial Omega-3’s, there was substantial consumption of Omega-3’s which can reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and Omega-3’s contributed to healthy joints, heart health, and eye health. These reasons make it imperative that you supplement with Omega-3’s. A green manufacturing company, based in the United States, has produced an Omega-3 formula called Vitality Cold Water Omega-3. It uses cold water fish – a better source. Plus, it has been filtered and purified to ensure no contaminants such as mercury or other metals. It is a perfect, yet affordable, source of Omega-3’s. Ask about it today.

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The Real Story Behind Skin Lotions

Finding safe, reliable skin care products can be a challenge. In the case of skin lotions, often called skin
therapies and other exclusive sounding names, it is important to look at the ingredients. And more may
be needed for you to be the type of informed consumer you wish to be. Why? Most ingredients are
unknown items, with scientific labels. So, unless you are a chemist, you may need to do some research.
We recently did some label research on skin lotions. A bit scary, to be honest.
Did you know that most leading skin lotions, even one called a ‘baby lotion’ have parabens? Parabens
are common preservatives found in skin and cosmetic products. They provide protection against micro-
organisms. To be fair, the Food and Drug Administration has no opinion or regulations on the use of
parabens. But, concern is growing over potential health side effects. This is worth checking out.
According to Cosmeticsinfo.org, data indicates that certain types of parabens may interfere with the
functioning of the endocrine system. It may be that they disrupt glandular activity and hormone
production. And this may especially be true of infants and children.
As another concern, research has found that parabens accelerate the aging process. It’s ironic that they
are in products designed to enhance the youth and beauty of the skin.
Another ingredient found in a major body lotion product is myristyl myristrate. It is a thickening agent,
which, according to the Environmental Working Group, can irritate skin, lung and eyes.
This is not to scare you, but to increase your awareness of chemicals found in common, popular skin
lotions.
Take heart, there are healthy options. One product, called Renew™, is free of these chemicals. Further,
it has been clinically tested for safety and purity. The USA based green manufacturing company that
makes it, claims that this lotion is also good for treating eczema and relieving psoriass , rosacea and
diabetes skin problems. And there are many anecdotal claims to support this. Historically, steroid
creams have been used for treatment of these conditions. While such creams reduce inflammation,
they also interfere with the immune system – making them potentially dangerous.
Take a close look at what you are using in and on your body. And in this age of concern for the
environment, it is essential that we start with our bodies and our home.

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Referral Marketing – Power and Promise

Referral Marketing is the future. But please don’t confuse it with MLM (multi-level marketing), also
known as Network Marketing. Sure, there are similarities, but there are significant distinctions. And
these differences make a great deal of difference to those who are involved in these business models.
Both Referral Marketing and MLM use a direct form of marketing which bypasses expensive advertising
and promotion. And both encourage building a team for mutual support and revenue sharing. But the
similarities end there.
The most important differences between Referral Marketing and MLM’s are:
1. In MLM’s those who market are called distributors and, in most cases, they buy and resell
products to consumers. This can result in the distributor maintaining high inventories. Referral
marketers are just that, they refer people to a company, which then serves and supports the
individual. All the referral partner has to do is help set up the new person’s account.
2. MLM’s often have a big ‘buy-in’ in terms of fees or products on the front end. Referral
marketing is different – there is no huge up-front expense. It is simple and easy to become a
referral partner.
3. MLM cost of goods and services are often inflated to provide big commissions to the
distributors. It is expected and understood that goods are priced above what other similar
products cost in the retail marketplace. On the other hand, Referral Marketing has competitive,
if not less expensive, pricing.
4. MLM attrition rate is high, as inflated claims of profits are not realized and costs to be involved
can be extreme. Many distributors leave, unhappy with their results. Referral marketing enjoys
remarkable retention for several reasons. First, the products are excellent and appropriately
priced. Second, products are guaranteed, so risk to the consumer is covered.
5. Finally, an important distinction is how government defines an MLM, for these companies have
strict guidelines as to how they operate. Recently, some have come under scrutiny and received
major fines for non-compliance.
Considering getting involved? Ask about these issues before you decide. You will find Referral
Marketing is superior and offers the greatest benefit to you and your family.

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Is Your Company Next?

The Federal Trade Commission is on a rampage. Why? MLM (multi-level marketing) companies are
coming under scrutiny for improper and illegal practices. In fact, two large established companies have
been fined $200 million and $238 million, respectively, in the past year. This is more than a slap on the wrist.
Other companies across the nation are scrambling – some to cover their tracks and others are genuinely
seeking compliance with the FTC. The simple truth is that people invested in these programs are at risk
– not only for the money invested, but for future earnings. Then how do you avoid getting trapped in one of these schemes? Consider these warning signs…
1. Does your company or distributors suggest that people quit their jobs and go full time in the
MLM business?
2. Does your company require large purchases to qualify for bonuses?
3. Are less than 33% of purchases of products made by those who are just customers versus
business builders?
4. Are the products priced significantly higher than similar products sold in the marketplace?

5. Do you see the company’s products being sold of eBay or Amazon for discounts?
6. Does your company market a miracle product that cures or prevents diseases or ailments?

7. Does your company or distributors suggest the ability to live a lavish lifestyle?
These are just a few of the negative signs you may be in the wrong company – one that may be subject
to government oversight and fines and, more importantly, loss of livelihood.
Your best bet is to seek an established referral marketing company. This is a company with an
established track record and excellent, well-priced products.
Also, make note of the difference between an MLM and a referral marketing company. While the
structuring may seem similar, the referral business is the way to go. You do not need to make excessive
purchases or keep inventory. And your products are good, without higher than market pricing.
If you feel you have to make extra purchases to qualify for a bonus or if you have to hold inventory, then
you are likely in the wrong place. Good companies have a substantial (66%+) customer only base and
keeps track of sales to customers, separate from business builders.
Unfortunately, this business model has been misused by some. And it has cast a shadow over the entire
industry. This kind of marketing is legitimate and affords the individual the opportunity to make passive
income – an essential in creating any kind of ongoing wealth. Just make sure you are with an honest and
compliant company, preferably one that does referral marketing.

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Does Talcum Powder Causes Cancer?

Just think, products we have used for years, even generations, may be dangerous. That’s what a California jury determined in a recent case against drug company Johnson & Johnson. The case was one of thousands of lawsuits brought nationwide alleging the company failed to warn consumers of the risk of cancer from talc in its products.

Eva Echeverria of East Los Angeles is one of thousands of women who have sued the consumer products giant claiming baby power caused her ovarian cancer. In fact, the jury awarded punitive damages of $417 million in this case. She had been using the product for decades.

Baby power is used not only for babies, but by women to prevent chafing and for its freshening effect. This is one of the most used and trusted products ever sold.

And this law suit is not the only one. Other legal claims have been made against Johnson & Johnson, such as those in Missouri and South Dakota. Most of the decisions have gone against the company, the Missouri one resulted in damages of $307 million. More than 1,000 other people have filed similar lawsuits. Some who won their lawsuits won much lower amounts, illustrating how juries have wide latitude in awarding monetary damages.

Of course, the company is appealing, but the number of lawsuits is piling up, with only some having gone to trail, so far. In fairness, several suits have been dismissed.

But the significant success of suits, to the tune of millions of dollars in damages, raises serious questions about the product.

Even more importantly, these cases undermine public confidence in well-known and popular consumer products. It begs the question, who is looking out for the safety of people who rely on honest companies and government oversight to put safe, reliable and healthy products on the shelves?

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Beware – Your Home May be Dangerous to Your Health

For years we have been buying the same household cleaners from the same big-name brands. They are literally a part of our lives.

But, did you know that these familiar names are not selling products with our best interests in mind? Yes, sadly, it’s true. Now this is not to disparage the effectiveness of these products in cleaning and producing results, but – and that’s a big BUT, these same effective cleaning products are not always safe for people. Some of them contain downright dangerous toxic chemicals to which no one, not even our pets, should be exposed.

According to Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., “Many common household chemicals are dangerous. They may be reasonably safe when used as directed, yet contain toxic chemicals or degrade over time into a more dangerous chemical.” It’s enough when we must confront known harmful chemicals, but to find that they can degrade into even more dangerous forms is downright scary.

 

Let’s look at some examples…

Ammonia – Ammonia is a common ingredient we have all used. It is especially common in glass cleaners and wipes. It is a volatile compound that can irritate the respiratory system and mucous membranes if inhaled and it can cause a chemical burn if it is spilled on skin. Ammonia will react with chlorinated products (e.g., bleach) to produce deadly chloramine gas. Yet, this has been a home standard for years.

Laundry Detergent – Laundry detergents contain a variety of chemicals, such as alcohol ethoxylate, alkyl ethoxy sulfate, amine oxide, ethanol and hydrogen peroxide. Few know what these are and what they mean to our health. Ingestion of cationic agents may cause nausea, vomiting, convulsion, and coma. Non-ionic detergents are irritants. Also, many people experience chemical sensitivity to dyes and perfumes present in some detergents.

These are just two of the many product types we use on a regular basis.

It’s time to read the fine-print – check all labels for ingredients and warnings. Better yet, select products that are known to be safe, i.e. non-toxic, green, bio-degradable. Your family will appreciate it and Mother Earth will too.

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How To Remove Migraine Triggers From Your Home

Determining how to remove migraine triggers can be a painful subject.

We wouldn’t wish them upon our worst enemy.

They’re that bad.

There’s different levels of migraines, some more severe than others. All of them, however, are just different levels of miserable. The pain associated with migraines is, in part, what keeps us from talking about them. The fear that merely mentioning migraines could trigger the onset of one has kept communication constrained. That’s a myth, but there are real migraine triggers.

What Can I Do About Migraine Triggers

Some common triggers include:

• alcohol

• caffeine

• smoking

• cleaning chemicals

• food allergies

• stress

Removing these real migraine triggers can be life-changing–in a good way. Only one of these triggers can be identified quickly, however, and it doesn’t require a lifestyle change to eliminate it. It’s time to shed some light on that subject. Not to mention that we’re in an era that’s learning how to responsibly communicate the increasing waves of information available. So which of the migraine triggers out there are actually quite simple to remove?

The Bad News & Good News About These Migraine Triggers

The bad news is that you may have been triggering migraines in yourself or a loved one without even knowing it. The good news is that there’s something you can do about it–today.

There’s a lot of people online that are reporting that certain household cleaners were found to be the culprits. The guilty products range from Windex, to 409 Cleaner, to CLR, and so on. The common thread among them is that they’re all chemical-based, synthetic household cleaners. Most of these big-business companies could care less about the potential side-effects of their products. That being said, why should we show them any loyalty by buying their products?

Remove & Replace Action Plan

You can remove every single chemical cleaner from your home, if you want. In fact, many people suggest that you do just that.

However, you’re still going to need to clean your home, right? You’ll want to come up with a “remove and replace” plan of action.

Just make sure that the new items you choose to replace the old migraine-triggering common household cleaners are healthy, safe, and chemical-free.

Moving Forward Against Migraine Triggers

If you or anyone in your home suffers from migraines, there’s a strong chance that they could be triggered by these common household cleaners. Now that you know that migraine headaches can be triggered by the chemicals floating in the air, as well as on the surfaces of your home, it’s up to you to decide what you want to do about it.

If you’re like many people that have already found this quick, and unexpected, relief–you’ll want to develop your own “remove and replace” action plan as soon as possible.

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What is the Most Efficient Way to Naturally Treat Head Lice?

Can I Naturally Treat The Lice My Child Brought Home?

Back to School time is great, right? Kids are out of the house, they are learning new things, meeting new friends, and bringing new stories back home every day. Unfortunately, for many of us, that’s not all our kids brought back home. 

That’s right: head lice. Millions of kids are infested every year. It is horrible, as a parent, to have these repulsive bugs crawling around on our child’s head. Studies show that there are many more cases of kids coming home from school with head lice in the Winter season. Don’t think that you’re completely in the clear just because there’s no lice in your home after the first month or two back in school. 

If we’re not prepared, our initial reaction is to get rid of them ASAP. Careful though, we want to avoid “fighting fire with fire”, necessarily. What we don’t want to do is just dump a bunch of chemicals onto their heads. Oftentimes, the treatment is worse than the problem! 

Rest assured: you do have options. There have been several home-remedy-type solutions that have become popular through online sharing and word-of-mouth, but which one of these is the safest and most efficient way to treat lice naturally?

The Best Natural Treatment For Head Lice

The best, natural treatment to use is Tea Tree Oil. It’s also called Melaleuca Oil. There’s both types of products and several ways you can apply this child-safe head lice treatment.

  1. You can get a Melaleuca / Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, and have your child (and anyone else in the house!) begin using it for bathing.
  2. You can get the oil in its Essential Oil form, and either place drops directly onto your child’s scalp and/or use an Essential Oil diffuser to fill the room with the Tea Tree Oil vapor 

Which form of the Tea Tree Oil that you use is entirely up to your own personal preference, as their effectiveness is equal.

This will kill both the adult head lice, as well as their larvae and any eggs that they have laid.

Apply this natural treatment for head lice for as long as necessary.

Remember:

You don’t want these abhorrent creatures crawling back onto your child’s head and laying their eggs there again!

Like many of these completely safe, natural, no-side-effects-type of solutions: once your head lice problem has been eradicated, you can continue using the products as a means of prevention. 

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The Top Nine Chemical Nightmares Lurking in Your Household Products

A lot of the focus on the FDA lately has been about what is going into our food, but people are failing to see just how bad things have really become. If the regulation of consumable products has been lackluster, then the attention given to shampoos and soaps is virtually non-existent. Thousands of chemicals fill products that we use and absorb into our bodies every time we shower or even wash our hands! With no pre-product approval, it is impossible to tell just what chemicals we are exposed to, but here are nine that you certainly need to avoid!

Parabens: This nasty concoction has been used for quite some time under the guise of a necessary ingredient due to its ability to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast. However, it also contains estrogen-like properties that have shown correlation to the increased risk of contracting breast cancer and are commonly found in shampoos, washes, deodorant, etc.

Synthetic Colors: Watch out for ingredients like D&C Red 27 and FD&C blue 1. After all they are derived from things like petroleum and coal tar. It isn’t very surprising that it is suspected to be a carcinogen and skin irritant, but it is shockingly linked to ADHD in children!

Fragrance: Here is where this tour starts to truly get scary. Fragrance was originally a term used to protect a company’s secret formula, but in this day and age, at least the FDA should know what is making your shampoo smell. We know the identities of many chemicals that create mood-calming/refreshing scents, but if they don’t even have to list their “secret blend” on the bottle, how can we even know it is dangerous or not!

Phthalates: We commonly see phthalates in the form of dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and dimethyl phthalate in many hair care products, lotions, and perfumes. These compounds have a lot of evidence showing they increase the risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and even reproductive birth defects in men and women.

Triclosan: Get ready to visit yet another endocrine disruptor, except this one targets your thyroid as well as your reproductive hormones. Research is showing that excessive exposure leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. What makes it worse? The fact that most research shows it kills no more bacteria than natural hand-soap.

Sodium lauryl sulfate/Sodium laureth sulfate: These nasty chemicals can be found in pretty much any that foams up. It is a known skin, lung, and eye irritant, but a far larger concern is that SLS creates nitrosamines when combined with the wrong chemicals. This leads to all sorts of issues, but the kidneys and respiratory system take the hardest hit. Watch out for this ingredient in shampoo, body wash, mascare and acne creams.

Formaldehyde: A liquid that immediately makes us think of CSI and dead corpses, this embalming fluid is often found in products as a preservative, but it isn’t meant for the living. It was already deemed a carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens and it can have a harsh impact on your immune system. Common products containing this ingredient are nail polish, conditioners, washes, cleansers, nail polish treatments, shampoos, eye shadows, and the list goes on.

Toluene: Another petrochemical that comes from petroleum or coal, you will often find it in phenylmethane, benzene, toluol, methylbenzene. Seeing as this chemical is normally used as a paint thinner, you can imagine what it does to your skin and lungs. While the fumes are harmful to people of all ages, expecting mothers should especially beward since toluene is directly related to developmental damage in the fetus. To add to the fire, it can harm your immune system as well. Be careful when selecting items like nail polish, hair bleaching products, and nail treatment.

Propylene glycol: We see this in most things we rub into our skin or spray onto ourselves, but there is only so much we can take. When making your purchase, make sure the propylene glycol levels are below 2%. Anything higher is already at risk for causing dermatitis and hives, so it is best to avoid it altogether.

While we use most of the products mentioned in this blog on a daily basis, we aren’t as doomed as it may seem. It is true that most of the well-known brands are chalked-full of nasty chemical combos that will demolish your system, but keep in mind there is a natural alternative to every one of these items listed. Whether you learn from us our take your own path, just know that when it comes to household products and personal care items, it is better to be able to read the ingredient list without a PHD in chemistry!

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The Secret to Burning Fat Every Workout

Reviewing Access Bars As A Fat-Burning Food

One of the most popular ways to burn fat is from a relatively new product: the fat-burning food called Access Bars. “Relatively” because it was initially released 20 years ago–and released at that time only after 18 years of research. What they sought after was whether or not people could lose weight while eating–was there such thing as a fat-burning food?

Access Bars’ History

The fact that a fat-burning food might be possible brought one of the best minds on the human body onto the research Team. The researcher was Dr. Larry Wang, a Professor of human physiology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He had been studying the hibernation in animals during the intensely cold Canadian winters. He noticed that many mammals would store up fat and then burn it off without having to go anywhere. For example, squirrels lower their body temperatures and then warm them back up during each hibernation process. As they warm back up, they use up the fat stored in their bodies each time, burning through a very large percentage of that fat. They can do this over 15 times during a long Winter season.

Dr. Wang discovered how they were doing this: through accessing a naturally-produced metabolic product called adenosine. Adenosine, however, serves as a kind of gateway: it guards the fat reserves in the body of many mammals. Dr. Wang began to wonder, “If squirrels can do this so effortlessly, over and over each year, could humans also do this or something similar?” He discovered that adenosine is naturally-produced in humans as well. It works in humans very similarly–only we don’t have any way to get through that “gateway” to the extra fat stored in our bodies. Dr. Wang persisted in his research, however, and discovered a way to access that extra fat.

He called this process “Access” because it enables humans to access the otherwise untouchable stores of excess fat. He perfected the process and the efficiency of its accessibility and made several products to deliver it in the most effective way into human’s systems.

One product, in particular, has recently earned a spotlight in several of the more prestigious social  circles. At first glance, it seems counter-intuitive: it’s actually a health bar that you eat. Yes, a fat-burning food.

 

Are Access Bars Really A Fat-Burning Food?

A common current question is something along the lines of, “Are these Access Bars really fat-burning foods and is their recent popularity due to actual results or just a hyped-up trend?”

Yes, the Access Bars–ideally, taken on an empty stomach, and about 15 minutes before starting your workout–works as a fat-burning food.Access Bars are similar to health bars, and probably are often categorized as one. Once you’ve tried them, however, you’ll realize how they’re so much more. They’re really a scientifically-tested, clinically-proven product with unarguable results. While some people report weight loss by doing nothing other than eating them, it’s really recommended that you compound their benefits with exercise. Plus, they stave off multiple cravings. Access Bars are the perfect fat-burning food.

The Access Bar Upgrade

In 2011, Access Bars were upgraded with a patented form of CLA  (conjugated linoleic acid), extracted from safflower oil. The Access process itself didn’t need any improvements. What they discovered in their long-term research is that, because many people were losing very large amounts of weight, a percentage of them would have episodes of “rebounding”weight gain.

Some of these people, with their newfound ability to workout, would experience lean muscle protein loss. Even though this natural side-effect occurred in only a portion of the people that lost a lot of weight, it was limiting people’s ability to completely change their lifestyles for the better. This CLA, by itself, is backed by 18 clinical studies across 75 publications and its effectiveness is unquestioned. Since the CLA agent was added, Access Bars have become one of the most sought-after fat-burning foods on the market.

The Final Verdict On Access Bars…?

While they are becoming more and more prevalent in areas privy to all of the research and successful stories surrounding this edible fat burner, their results speak for themselves. It’s well-documented that these bars are safe, healthy, and as effective as the similar hibernation process found in nature for any mammal coming out of a deep winter’s sleep.

Hype and hyperbole aren’t necessary. Access Bars are, mostly through word-of-mouth, becoming the best option for anyone looking for a fat-burning food that works.