World Concerns

Weight Loss Supplement Dangers Exposed

The Horrible Truth

While surfing my Dish network channels, I immediately paused on a station airing The Dr. Oz Show.  He was talking about a frightening issue with some weight loss supplements.  Though, I don’t personally take weight loss supplements, I suddenly thought of all the people who have, who are, and who are thinking about it.  The shocking expose pushed me to write this post and spread the word about what is really found in those little diet pills.  First of all, Dr. Oz did not condemn all supplements; in fact, he said that “most” weight loss aids are safe.  But the problem is the masses don’t really know what they’re purchasing without any FDA regulations and solid research reports in place.

Jim Neal-Kababick, director of Oregon-based Flora Research Laboratories, which conducted the tests for the Dr. Oz show, reported that this problem is “worse than it’s ever been.”  Millions of unsuspecting consumers are at risk for obtaining these “spiked” products.  Among the additives found by the Flora Research Lab were antidepressants, recalled prescription drugs (Phen-Phen), and antibiotics.  I know, right?  How in the hell does this happen.  His guest explained that some of these companies do not practice general precautions to prevent cross-contamination between the various products they produce.  And, if these manufacturers are producing illegal versions of drugs, they are likely not spending a lot of time keeping there labs and production lines safe and clean.

How To Protect Yourself From Tainted Supplements

You owe it to yourself and your family to be extremely cautious about what supplements you take, especially in this category.   Here are some tips for purchasing quality products in the future.

1. Don’t use them at all, instead rely on good eating habits and exercise to produce safe weight loss.  There are other vitamin supplements that give energy and help you to maintain good metabolism; such as, B vitamins, Chromium, and green supplements. (Be sure to talk to your doctor about any supplements before taking them.)

2. Don’t ever purchase anything that claims it has prescription strength ingredients.  Wow, that’s a HUGE red flag!  If you are looking for or really need a script to help you lose weight, ask your doctor.

3. Remember, there is no super-sonic way to lose weight!  Those companies that proclaim outlandish “miracle” results are simply not telling you the truth.  Don’t fall for the hype…ever!

4. OK, now this is really important.  If you can’t read the label, don’t buy it!  Some of these manufacturers are not in America or English-speaking countries.  The labels put on their products are likely in a native language.  Be especially cautious of online distributors that offer translation in English.

5. Do some research about companies and products first before you buy.  The FDA website is a vital source for product regulation and reports of manufacturing violations.

 

This article is just a surface “heads-up” of what is happening out there in the world of weight loss supplements.  Please continue to find answers for your questions through reputable sources like Dr. Oz, FDA, and The Flora Research Laboratories.  Also, do pass along this article to your friends and social media contacts.  We need to get this message out before other people get hurt or even die from spiked supplements.  Thanks for your help.  Have you ever taken weight loss supplements?  Please share your experience with us!

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

Related articles:

FDA Steps Up Crackdown on Tainted Supplements

 Obesity Problem

Natural Products Buying Guide

One Creative Young Lady Changing The World

Photo by Poet Banana

 

I was recently sent a press release about a young girl who is using her creative ideas and huge heart to change the world. Nine-year-old, Lizzie, is folding her way to raise $1,000  for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and she’s already almost halfway to her goal.  Her simple idea challenges adults to use talents and creativity to serve mankind in some way.  The fact that she’s spending her time working for this worthy cause is also a reflection of how she’s been raised…praise to you Jennifer for teaching Lizzie the power of thinking outside the box and giving!  My hope is that Lizzie surpasses her goal in a big way and even gets opportunities to help on a larger scale.

 

Help Lizzie make a difference by reposting this article or sharing it on your social networking pages. If you have your own blog, please write a post about her and what she’s doing. See another way you can help at the bottom of the post!

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

 

This is what Lizzie had to say about her plan to make a difference:

My name is Lizzie, I’m 9 years old and in the 3rd grade.  I like origami and drawing, and littlest pet shop. I love Hello Kitty too. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. My little sister Becca gets her finger poked sometimes to make sure her sugar level is ok. My mommy has some friends whose kids are sick with diabetes, and I wanted to do something to help, so my mommy and I came up with the Cranes 4 a Cure. I want to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. My sister is lucky, she doesn’t have diabetes, but a lot of kids do, and it isn’t fair. Anyone can get juvenile diabetes, you don’t have to have a family history. I think they need to find a cure fast so the kids who have it can be needle free, I don’t like needles.So I guess you want to know what Cranes 4 a Cure is. It is said that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish. Sometimes relatives or friends fold the cranes for someone who has an illness in hopes for recovery or a long life.

 

My goal is to raise $1,000.00. For every dollar I raise, I am going to make an origami crane and put the name of the person who sent me that dollar on the wing. Then I am going to string all the cranes together and give it to the juvenile diabetes foundation with all the money I raise. Then my wish will be to find a cure. Please help me help those kids with this bad disease. My mommy says she will take a picture of every crane I make and post it here for everyone to see. For more information, please email my mommy, her name is Jenny. A dollar isn’t a lot, but it can make a difference. I hope to get some pictures of kids you can help soon.

See Lizzie’s news interview HERE!

Thank you.
****Lizzie and her mom, Jennifer, can be contacted at Cranes4acure@gmail.com.  Donations can be made on the Cranes4acure.com site. 


A Little Earth Day Controversy

Photo by HA91

 

Striving to “save the planet” is the passion of many individuals and corporations all over the world. And with good reason, considering the crisis of sustainable energy, clean water, declining supply of quality foods, and the senseless extinction of countless animal species.  Though not everyone knows and understands the problems and how to solve them, at least some are trying to make progress with physical intervention and education.

 

But what about the people issues…the greed issues…the “I don’t care as long as I get paid” issues?

 

These won’t go away with “Go Green” campaigns and PBS broadcasts of Earth-friendly shows. No, the problem is in humanity and its need to succeed financially.  Greed is killing our planet and its population, not pollution and waste.  If someone could come up with a way to change the ideals of the business world and the backbone of the financial system, the abuse would cease and the planet would heal.  For example: Instead of there being a need to recycle, the unnatural products that are poisoning us and the planet would never be produced in the first place.  Instead of needing more and more physicians and hospitals to corral the people who are diseased from the poor quality food and water, the world would never allow the production of the garbage that fills our supermarkets and ends up in the landfills and water supply.

 

Oh, but wait, it’s too expensive to produce natural food and Earth-friendly products, right? Wrong.  That’s just what the blockbuster companies want us to think.  If those “companies” just by chance give a little to the “green” cause, it’s because they need a tax write off. You know how you know if caring about people and the environment is a focus of a company, it has been doing it since its beginning, not suddenly wanting kudos for their role in the “save the Earth” movement. Although, there could be some that have been educated and truly do want to change, the majority are corrupt and care only about the bottom line.

 

It’s the norm for the population to want unnatural foods and products because we have been brainwashed by the media, government, and the education systems. If you go all natural in your diet and only purchase “green” items for your home, you will not only go broke trying but you are practically considered an outcast by mainstream society…tree hugger, extremist, crazy, environmentalist, animal activist, I believe are the staple titles given to those who just want to break free from the par course.  Have you ever wondered why healthful living costs so much?  Again, it’s all a part of the corruption.  Can you think of any companies that might want the masses to stay sick and uneducated about true health?  I can.  Every pharmaceutical and OTC drug company out there.  Every processed food manufacturer.  Every company that produces medical supplies for the chronically ill.

 

Well, I could go on here, but I won’t. You get the point.  Anyway, I am thankful for the “green” awareness that some have brought to the forefront, but I wish for an army of leaders who would target the real problems!



What do you think about the state of the environmental crisis and the way in which corporations do business?

Be well-be beautiful-be happy!

 

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love these:

Message From The Future

What “Change The World” Campaigns Would You Start?

A Surge Of Feminine Energy

Why Does Healthy Food Cost So Much?

What The Drug Companies Don’t Want You To Know…

Photo by Lumin01

 

One more thing…after watching it, please post it to your social media pages and/or forward this link on to those who have interest in health and the truth.  Thanks.

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

 



You may also enjoy these other articles:

Going Off Of Antidepressants Successfully

Is My Mind Connected To My Body?

Message From The Future

Another amazing video came to my attention today. The following message is universal and powerful.  No matter what your spiritual beliefs are, you can glean from the content.  I felt so peaceful and full of joy after watching it….something I need right now.  As a woman who cares about helping others and sharing quality resources to my readers, I had to post it!

 

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” ˜Albert Einstein

 

I’m interested in what you spiritual ladies think and feel about this kind of message.  Please leave a Life Link below to express your opinion.  What would you add to this message?  What would you delete?

 

Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!

 

 

What Do You Think About “Dear Woman”?

A  blogger friend of mine posted this video on her site (3 Shared Paths) today, and I was blown away by the sincerity and vulnerability of the men who put it together.  It is a must see for every woman!  Please let us know what you think about their message to women and where you think this type of masculine attitude will lead.

Be well-be beautiful-be happy!

 

What “Change the World” Campaign Would You Start?

Let’s focus for a moment on all the campaigns that affect our lives, how they help, how they hurt, how they need to be changed.  Ask yourself this: what campaign would I start if I had the chance?  Really.  You ladies are smart, vital contributors to our world; I have confidence that you could make a difference in your chosen topic or need-based project.  Here’s a couple “dream” campaigns written as though they had already made an impact on the country. 

Pro-Dad

By Maryanne Comaroto (Relationship Expert, Author, Coach)

“In an effort to create a situation where children are raised by parents who understand their roles and work together equally to teach children how to get along in the world and love themselves, men and women all over the country are embracing their responsibility on being honest and clear about why they are having sex.  Men are coming to realize how their role is to be present to help their children understand the world around them, how to survive, and how to get along with others, while the mother teaches the kids about loving and respecting themselves.  It is only by working together that parents can give everything that the child needs, both emotionally and physically, and as people are suddenly becoming aware of this, the abortion rate has plummeted.” More Maryanne at Maryannelive.com.

Get A Clue: Real Healthcare Reform

By Kellie R. Stone (Journey Coach, Writer, Blogger, Mom)

“The amazing changes in our health/disease statistics are nothing short of a miracle since the “Get A Clue” campaign started a revolution in the healthcare industry.  We are experiencing a new America where people are living longer, doing more, taking less medication, eating wholesome, chemical-free food, and making lifestyle changes that make a difference.  At the grassroots of this incredible movement are families, physicians, educators, farmers, and brave media professionals who spent countless hours, even months, to make sure that the country received the proper education in true health practices.  When millions took a stand against the obsolete healthcare system, the wheels turned quickly, driving a following of virtually every health-oriented company.  It’s made the whole industry take notice and change that which previously only kept American citizens ill and in the dark.  Now, we can look forward to healthier generations and the best America to date.”

Here are some links for more ideas…

End Homelessness

Combat Gender Bias On National Women’s Health Week

More and More Young Girls Using Makeup

I’d like to see this be an ongoing topic for Women’s Life Link.  Please tell us about your “Change the World” campaign.  Even if it’s just an idea, we’d love to hear it.  Be well-be beautiful-be happy.

Photo by Schwester-von-2

Tomorrow’s Leaders

Fortunate Friday

My daughter showed me this today…so worthy of our attention.  Let’s be thankful for the generation of young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow.  Be well-be beautuful-be happy.

Photo by Dianachrysalis

Girls Going Green

This and That Tuesday

In honor of Earth month, I wanted to share a couple of ways in which we can be mindful of our planet…notice the Green titles, just for fun.  I know it gets overwhelming thinking about changing your lifestyle to suit the “Earth-friendly” buzz that’s flying around these days.  My approach is to do what I can, not trying to change everything all at once.  Here’s a few products, sites, and resources that might help you care for the environment as they did me.

Ecostore USA

I recently received a couple of complimentary products from an environmental-friendly company called Ecostore USA.  I’ve given them a fair trial and wanted to share my honest opinion of them with you.  First, the Manuka Honey & Kelp Soap came at a great time, as I was just finishing up a bar of natural soap from another company.  I found the scent immediately appealing, sort of sweet and spring like.  The thing I like the most about it is the tiny granules throughout the bar that act as an exfoliant when used as a body cleanser.  I didn’t try it on my face, but I’m pretty picky about what goes there.

It seems to be holding up well in the shower, not dissolving like some natural soaps can.  I personally feel overall it’s a quality product that the whole family can use.  They offer several other scents like, coconut, lemongrass, vanilla, and one for babies, all for the affordable price of $4.00 each.

The other product I tried was the aromatherapy Baby Massage Oil.  Though I thought it had a nice consistency, I found the scent fresh but a little strong for my taste.  I love aromatherapy care products, but I think this one could be toned down a little, maybe just the concentration diluted a bit.  I do like the fact that their entire line is chemical free and not tested on animals though; sometimes it’s hard to find that quality.  They do also offer other baby products; such as, balm, shampoo, wash, and the soap I mentioned above.  As with all products you use on yourself and your children, read the ingredients carefully for anything you might be allergic or sensitive to.  So, check out their site for the full story on the company and the entire Ecostore USA line.  And if you’re not an Internet shopper, you can pick up the line at any Duane Reade Store on the East coast or Meijer located in five states.  I give them a thumbs up!

Household Care

I think it’s important to know that there are alternatives to the mainstream products that most people use to clean and spruce up their homes.  One of the most unhealthful things any of us can do is use paint that is loaded with toxic chemicals and solvents.  Many of the top paint companies are getting a clue, however.  Benjamin Moore now offers a eco and human- friendly paint called Natura®.  This high performance paint is a waterborne, odor-free product that actually exceeds the criteria for environmental safety put forth by LEEDS (Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design).  You can purchase the Benjamin Moore products online or locate a store near you from their website. 

A Few Odds and Ends

Here’s a link to an article I did on some wonderful natural cleaning products.

You might also enjoy this article about what classifies a product as “natural”.  Easyecoblog.com has many tips on how you can care for your home in a environmentally friendly way.

Join Aveda on their crusade to help raise awareness and funding for global clean water projects.  For more info on how you can be a part of this month long effort, click here.

Remember to do something this month to help keep our planet healthy and thriving.  Make sure to check out the Life Link Store for some great deals on healthful products.   Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Girlymonkey

Chocolate, Charity, Chillin’ with a Good Book

This and That Tuesday

Just so you know, this is one of my favorite blogging days.  I get to talk about all kinds of things, people, links, blogs, tips, and even great products, and it’s all for you!  This week I have some great things to share! 

 

My Article at Chic-Critique

Head over there to read about a stellar product that will get your chocolate-loving blood pumpin’!  While you’re there, the site has up-to-date- information and honest consumer reviews to help you choose the best beauty products and fashion.  I love that a group of women (including me) give their opinions on so many different kinds of self-care items.  Enjoy!

Bloggers/Designers Give Back

I was recently asked by blogging friend, Colleen, from Designing DNA to help with an upcoming charitable event that she has put together to aid those still homeless from recent disasters.  I really wanted all of you to know about the cool Flea Market Round Up that will be a fabulous shopping event for anyone who loves beautiful things at low prices.  I will give any further details as I get them over the coming weeks.

What: Flea Market Round Up: Door prizes, interactive events and games, auction, hostesses featured, flea market sale.

When: March 20 and 21.

Where: designing dna

Who’s coming? ddna’s allies in design, both old friends and new, who are donating a percentage of their sales for the weekend or specific items. And as many visitors and shoppers as we can get!

Why:Fun, shopping, benefit for Samaritan’s Purse Re-build program. It’s win/win for all! Buyers find treasures and new websites, sellers find new customers and business, bloggers find new friends and followers, businesses who come on board get great PR, and most importantly, some of those left homeless after disasters, have a home built for them.

Featured Book of the Week

I have been on a real aromatherapy kick lately, so I thought I’d tell you about one of my favorite books that gives comprehensive information and recipes for just about every scent out there.  Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty/a Practical A to Z Reference of Aromatherapy Treatments for Health, Skin, and Hair Problems Using Essential has been a rich source of healthful tips and understanding of the healing art of aromatherapy for me.  Practicing this type of natural therapy gives you a new perspective on how wonderful your body is and how easily it responds to nature’s bountiful offering. 

Women’s Blogs to Love

A came across the woman-owned, self-titled Betty Ming Liu blog, several weeks ago that I was thoroughly impressed with.  The owner, Betty, shares from a beautiful heart her life-experience, wisdom, and random thoughts.  Her categories include, Body, Soul, Spirit, Love, and Money.  Please check out her unique insights; you won’t be sorry you did!

Well, that’s about it for today.  If you have anything that you’d like Women’s Life Link to share on This and That Tuesdays, please forward me an email via the contact page on the site.  Thanks for spending a few minutes with us!  Be well-be beautiful.

***FYI, we didn’t receive any money or free products to share what we like.  But, because we’re Amazon Associates, should you choose to order the Aromatherapy book through our link, we will get some pocket change.  Thanks for supporting WLL!

Photo by Jitendar

A Warning for Women and a Blog

This and That Tuesday

Just a couple things to make your life a little safer today.  We as women have a responsibility to be aware of potential dangers to ourselves and our families.  I for one don’t dwell on all of the horrible things that could happen, but I do take note of things that help us be safer.  A friend forwarded the following warning about a scheme that criminals are using to gain access to their victims.  Please read it and send the link to this article to every woman you know.  It’s that important!

A Rapist’s Trick?

Know what money you are carrying. You will see why as you read.

Be sure every woman is aware of this M.O. Share it with everyone. Know what money you are carrying. This was the first I have heard of a scheme like this. Criminals are coming up with craftier, less threatening methods of attack, so we have to be extra cautious.

I live in Alexandria , VA , but I often work in Lafayette , LA , staying with friends when I’m there. As you know from America ‘s Most Wanted TV program, as well as the news media, there is a serial killer in the Lafayette area. I just want to let you know about an “incident” that happened to me a few weeks ago, and could have been deadly.

At first I didn’t go to the police or anyone with it because I didn’t realize how serious this encounter was. But since I work in a jail and I told a few people about it, it wasn’t long before I was paraded into Internal Affairs to tell them my story.

It was approximately 5:15 a.m. in Opelousas , La. I had stayed with a friend there and was on my way to work. I stopped at the Exxon/Blimpie Pie station to get gas. I got $10 gas and a Diet Coke. I took into the store two $5 bills and one $1 bill (just enough to get my stuff). 

As I pulled away from the store, a man approached my truck from the back side of the store (an unlit area). He was an ‘approachable-looking’ man (clean cut, clean shaven, dressed well, etc.). He walked up to my window and knocked. Since I’m very paranoid and ‘always looking for the rapist or killer,’ I didn’t open the window. I just asked what he wanted. He raised a $5 bill to my window and said,  “You dropped this.” Since I knew I had gone into the store with a certain amount of money, I knew I had not dropped it.

When I told him it wasn’t mine, he began hitting the window and door, screaming at me to open my door, and insisting that I had dropped the money! At that point, I just drove away as fast as I could.

After talking to the Internal Affairs Department and describing the man I saw, and the way he had escalated from calm and polite to angry and volatile…it was determined that I could have possibly encountered the serial killer myself.

Up to that point, it had been unclear as to how he had gained access to his victims, since there had been no evidence of forced entry into victim’s homes, cars, etc. And the fact that he has been attacking in the daytime, when women are less likely to have their guard up, means he is pretty BOLD.

So think about it. What gesture is nicer than returning money to someone who dropped it?

How many times would you have opened your window (or door) to get your money and say thank you? Because if the person is kind enough to return something to you, then he couldn’t really be a threat, or could he?

Please be cautious! This might not have been the serial killer…. But any one who gets that angry over someone not accepting money from them can’t have honorable intentions. The most important thing to note is that his reaction was NOT WHAT I EXPECTED! A total surprise! But what might have happened if I had opened my door? I shudder to think!

Ladies, really DO forward this to EVERYONE you know. Even if this man wasn’t a serial killer, he looked nice, he seemed polite, he was apparently doing an act of kindness, but HE WAS NOT A NICE PERSON!!!

Women’s Blog to Love

Since we’re on the subject of self-protection, I’d like to share a blog with you that deals with women’s self-defense.  I subscribe to this one for the latest techniques, testimonies, and news in the area of women’s safety. 

Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO & Founder of  Women’s Self-Defense Institute and has been teaching women’s self-defense programs for over 20 years. She is a tireless advocate of self-reliance and responsibility, encouraging women to actively protect life through awareness and education.  For more information, check out her blog Self-defense, Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Well, this week’s This and That Tuesday was a little more serious but necessary.  Be proactive and seek out a local self-defense class.  You can never be too prepared for the danger that lurks all around us.  Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Jacoaf

A Surge of Feminine Energy

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but women are shifting into higher gears and focusing more on life goals and dreams.  This may be a worldwide trend amongst humans in general; however, I feel a distinct feminine energy surrounding this front of powerful changes.  Most woman (and even some men) I know are acting on their passions and future goals by becoming more of who they are supposed to be.  This truly is a special time in history-a spiritul awakening.

The Giant Puzzle

I was speaking to a renowned spiritual teacher yesterday when he asked if I knew about the shift in the world.  I replied with the following analogy:

“I see a giant puzzle over the earth- one that is vastly unfulfilled.  People have been holding the wrong pieces and trying to fit them into the wrong places.  This realization is causing some to drop the “wrong” pieces and pick up the right ones.  They are finding the empty spots in the puzzle and placing their contributions; the result is they and the world is closer to being whole.”

He said that my metaphoric picture was accurate as many are finding their “place in the world” through personal, spiritual, and business changes.  He also said there was a vast feminine push to guide these remarkable shifts in our world.  This doesn’t surprise me.  I see many women moving toward their dreams with or without the help of a man or men.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a feminist or someone who denies that we need men in our lives.  I’m just saying that we are strong and ready to see this world be a better place and are willing to work for it.  Besides, this type of change is not just for women.  Men have a feminine side as well that is being affected by the energy that is moving around the world right now.

A Spiritual Connection

The major part of what is happening is spiritual whether you’d like to think so or not.  We are creatures who need to be connected to something greater than ourselves.  We need to be filled with life itself in order to survive and thrive.  It is this part of our beings that can make intuitive decisions based on hearing from God- women and men alike.

If you have been thinking about your dreams and goals more lately, it’s time to take some action.  Use this surge of vibrant energy to fuel a long overdue change or unrealized idea.  Tell us about any recent strides in your life.  Women are encouraged by other inspirational stories and testimonies. You may hold the key to another woman’s future.  Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Michelle Lynne

Should Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal?

Tip of the Iceberg Tuesday

(A little controversy for your day)

Should euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide be legal?
By Kellie R. Stone (Journey Coach)

 

Another loaded question for you ladies today.  I probably wouldn’t have given this topic much thought had I not seen my own mother die in great pain from a fourteen month bout with head and neck cancer. It’s hard to watch a loved one suffer, but it’s probably even harder for them to be the one who’s suffering.   As with our right to choose or refuse medical treatment, should we be able to decide to end our suffering when nothing else can be done to relieve it?  Some say yes; some say no. The line between what they call “assisted-suicide” and murder may be too fine to distinguish. 

From my perspective, as one who advocates health and wellness, I find it a difficult stance to take either way.  It might be something that can only be determined by the individual who is experiencing a situation that might bring up the option.  I remember feeling helpless watching my mother lie in bed at the Hospice unit  and even wishing that I could somehow make her pass more quickly.  I pressed the button on her Into_the_death_by_your_rainMorphine drip as often as I could to ease her pain, but it wasn’t enough.  When she slipped into a coma, I found myself relieved that her pain would stop, or at least she wouldn’t feel it.  If she had told me that she wanted to die, and I could have made it happen, honestly, I don’t know what I would have done.

It might be that not every situation of cancer or terminal illness would be right for considering physician-assisted suicide.  Maybe it isn’t right at all.  But then why do we put animals down when they are terminal or suffering too much pain?  Aren’t humans supposed to be more important than pets?  What do you ladies think about this delicate subject?  Please share your thoughts with us.  Be well-be beautiful

Photo 1 by Sprayspot; photo 2 by Your Rain

Healthcare In a Perfect World

Tip of the Iceberg Tuesday

(a little controversy for your day)

With healthcare at the peak of political discussion and debate right now, I thought it a good time to chime in my two cents about the subject.  First, let me explain that this post is by no means a political view or one that puts me at the feet of any party.  What I care about is women and their families getting healthy and staying that way.

So, if I had a magic wand, I would make the following things happen in our healthcare system.  If it resembles any one’s “plan”, it’s just a coincidence.

1.  All medical schools would have to teach alternative medicine as a viable alternative to surgery and pharmaceuticals.  They would even encourage the referral of such practices once the students graduate.

2.  If and when patients exhaust mainstream medicine to get better, and they still don’t, insurance companies would pay for alternative medicine therapies by credible practitioners.  Or even better, they would pay for them first.

3.  Insurance plans would cover good, everyday vitamin and mineral supplements like they do for prenatal care.

4.  There wouldn’t be such a partnership between the FDA, government, and the pharmaceutical companies.  (You know that you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours thing.)

5.  Children would begin to learn about true health as early as kindergarten.  The concepts of the body’s self-healing power, proper posture, anti-stress techniques, and even the difference between good water and bad water.

6.  There would be strict guidelines as to how our food is grown and our livestock is raised…to the point that money would not be the main concern, but instead, the health of humans would be the most important thing. 

7.  The western cultures would embrace the eastern methods of health more easily, realizing that there is credibility to the knowledge that comes from thousands of years of successful practice.

8.  Government grants would be given to organizations and individuals who promote natural health to the public.  The money would fund health fairs, websites, books, classes, and help low income families get care.

9.  Education and awareness would stop the vicious cycle of ill-health.

10.  Wealthy countries would not be allowed to waste the food and healthcare products that they do.

In my perfect world this would be the normal.  Tell us your ideas for a perfect healthcare system.  As in the photo above, do you feel that our hands are tied when it comes to facilitating these kind of changes?  What would you change if you could?  Be well-beautiful.

Photo by Lady Daisyx

Why Does Healthy Food Cost So Much?

Tip of the Iceberg Tuesday

(A little controversy for your day)

In general woman seem to hold the purse strings when it comes to the family food budget, just as they primarily make the food choices.  You may have noticed it a little more difficult to afford feeding your family lately, especially if you want healthy, organic food on your table. 

Why does good food cost more? 

Have you ever wondered why “being healthy” is the buzz about Washington and among other media giants but getting there is not affordable for most people?  Have you ever price-compared a regular chicken with a free range one?  Holy cow! You could buy three standardly raised for the price of one of the “healthier” varieties.  Something is gravely wrong with this- far to common- scenario.  I found the following video vague as to why “organic” food costs more.  Please watch it.

I understand the fuel costs rising and even the cost of farming, but this is nothing new.  It still doesn’t explain why there is no correlation between what the government says they want for the American people and what standards they are putting on our food production and its accessibility.  What gives?  Do we all have to plant our own gardens like in bygone years just to ensure that our families eat well?  And with the two income family norm (both parents gone from the home), how is something like that even possible?  I don’t work outside the home and wouldn’t have time to farm my own food. 

Do Something to Change It

This is something that is going to take a massive revolution on the part of the American consumer base to make a difference.  More people are wanting to eat healthy but their purchases are still going to be based on what they can afford, period.  Until we start boycotting the junk, they will not change a thing.  Try buying all organic, naturally grown and raised food for a week.  How much more do you think it will cost you?  I’m going to do it and write a follow-up post.  Let us know if you do the same. 

He’s Got a Point

I also found this video from a guy who made a dietary change and claims that he spends less.  It’s worth watching.  He has a valid point about how giving up fast food and eating out will cut your food bill in half.  He also states that by eating whole foods, you get more nutrients, which leads to less need and desire for large meals full of sugar and starch.  Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Blackdahlia911

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