BPA Found in Canned Foods

In a recent article in Consumer's Reports, BPA was found in several canned foods. Consumer's Report tested 19 different products and found all contained bisphenol A, a chemical used in the epoxy resin linings of most food and beverage cans.
According to an article in Natural Foods: “The findings are noteworthy because they indicate the extent of potential exposure,” said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, director of technical policy at Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, in a release. “Children eating multiple servings per day of canned foods with BPA levels comparable to the ones we found in some tested products could get a dose of BPA near levels that have caused adverse effects in several animal studies.”
Some studies have linked BPA with infertility, weight gain, behavioral changes, early onset puberty, prostate and breast cancers and diabetes. According to Consumer Reports, Canada and some U.S. states and cities have restricted BPA use because of potential health risks, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet recommended that people stop using products containing BPA.
For more of the reports, see Consumer's Reports. It is important to know the extent of BPA in our foods since children are more susceptible to the consequences of ingestion than adults. But the bottom line is that BPA is not good for humans! Stay Well!

H1N1 is Here--Again!

Yes, Novel H1N1 is still here, I guess it never went away. As of the end of last week, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 is widespread throughout most of the USA. The exceptions are South Carolina and Washington DC, where the flu is more regional or local. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu. The number of visits to the doctors for influenza like symptoms have increased drastically. And the number of influenza hospitalizations have increased, being higher than expected for this time of year. There is also a correlating increase in the death rate from influenza and pneumonia related symptoms. Sadly there were 19 confirmed pediatric deaths from H1N1 during the week of October 18-4, 2009.
So what do we do to help protect our families from this influenza? The same suggestions from earlier this year still work. One of the main things to keep in mind is to STAY HOME when you have a fever! People who are determined to go to work or school when they are ill are not helping anyone! So stay home when you have a fever and fell bad. With this flu, it has been found that you can be contagious for more than 7 days after your fever goes away!
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub such as Purell. The Purell site has lots of tips too!
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Keep yourself healthy by taking care of your diet, exercise and vitamins!

Images for the Future

After returning from my visit to Alaska's Southeastern coast where I got to once again see magnificent tidewater glaciers calving, black bears catching salmon, Bald Eagles soaring down mountain sides to the ocean, I have been looking at the images from the trip.
One of the advantages of digital photography is the ability to capture images on my CF card as opposed to the film I used to buy. This trip I shot about 6,000 images. Yes, that is six thousand.
Often the best image comes down to what was depth field in each image and sometimes it is the angle of a tree or plant as the wind has tossed them. Sometimes it is simply the light streaming through the canopy, highlighting the height of the canopy. Like the Black Bear With Salmon shown here, it was the motion of the water and the bear that makes this one a keeper!
Being a photographer is a blessing. I get to take images of God's work "now" for others to see in the future. Glaciers and rainforests change. Glaciers advance, trees grow, age, loose limbs and such. My "now" images record the now, and remind me that the only constant in my life is God's love and his glorious works all around me. Alaska Geographic can give you great resources for Alaska's beauty.
Stay well and enjoy God's beauty.

Serendipity!

Sailing into 60 mile per hour winds is not my idea of great fun, and the captain of Holland America's ms Westerdam had the same idea! So our ship set off on a new adventure, sailing Tracy Arm, part of the Tongass National Forest, south of Juneau Alaska. Serendipity!
Fed by the Stikine Icefield, the North and South Sawyer Glaciers calve frequently as tidewater glaciers. The fjord is a narrow, granite lined 30 mile or so, corridor to 2 beautiful glaciers.
Rain on the day of our visit only enhanced our amazement at the steep walls. Since the rain had no soil to stop its flow, instant water falls filled the area with the sound of rushing water. The fjord is known for having many wonder falls year round, but during rain, many more are created.
The ice flows are often the size of 3 story buildings. So maneuvering a ship in such waters is a tentative task. Motion is slow, so we enjoy the views as they drift by. The different colors of the glacier ice is amazing. Ranging from white to a turquoise blue, to a deep green blue, the colors are those that make you want to learn to paint.
So take a chance, change your path and see what Serendipity might cross your way.

Rainforest and Persistence

After a recent trip to Alaska's Temperate Rainforest, I was enthralled with the relationship between the rocks and the trees. Since the rocks are a predominate part of the landscape, the trees have little soil in which to plunge their delicate roots. I was amazed as I rode up a very steep mountain side to a boardwalk that wound through the delicate rainforest. The trees seemed to grow right out of the rocks as you look at them! Amazing...
I had the pleasure of talking with a Tlingit guide while I was in part of the Tongass National Forest which is part of the largest temperate Rainforest in the world. My guide spoke with great knowledge and passion about the rainforest as we maneuvered carefully down the steep mountain trail. She pointed out the different stages of the forest, as the trees went from new to old and then after they had fallen, lived on in a way as a nursery tree, supporting the life of a new tree!

My guide told us that the trees depended on each other during the winds that plague the area. Without their neighbors, the trees would fall easier in the winds since their roots are shallow. In the rainforest, the trees intertwine their roots and grow close to each other to help keep each other strong. As a tree ages, its roots spread over more and more of the forest, reaching out to more and more trees.
Reminded me of how we have to live our lives, interacting with others and supporting each other. When we face a challenge alone, we are not strong enough. But with friends and family, and of course our God, we can face any obstacle. Even in death, the forest gives back life, just as we do when we leave our legacy for others to follow.
Please help the Audubon Alaska Group, Alaska Sierra Club, the Alaska Wilderness League and others keep our temperate rainforest free from logging. Each time one of the old growth trees is cut down, part of the forest dies. These trees cannot be replaced. The forest starts to dry out and we, as citizens of the USA as well as the world, loose something precious and vital to our survival.

Diamonds! Where you Least Expected Them!

I was reading about Mount Edgecomb in the Sitka Alaska area, and found that there had been a Diamond rush back in the days of the Gold Rush! As early as 1895, folks were finding Diamonds as they panned for gold in the Mt Edgecomb area. There was an article in the Tacoma WA newspaper about prospectors waiting for snows to melt on Mt. Edgecomb so they could scour the lava fields in hopes of finding more of the brilliant stones. This image Copyright 2002 by Michael A. Kyte.

Mt Edgecomb is an inactive volcano near Sitka AK, and has not erupted in over 10,000 years. It and its sister volcano, Crater Ridge, are part of a complex of several volcanic vents in that part of southeastern Alaska. There are few volcanoes in that part of Alaska due to the lack of direct subduction of the ocean crust.
Finding this out made me consider how many other "Diamonds" we might have in our lives. Even in out of the way places where you might least expect to find a "Diamond", there might be one waiting to be discovered.
Look around you today and see if you find any "Diamonds" waiting for the snow to melt around them so they can be discovered and converted into prosperity and fulfillment.
These diamonds may be an opportunity to help a family in need, or to start a new business, or to start a mentoring group for your local high school students, or to teach English as a 2nd Language or whatever else might be out there. That "Diamond" might have the power to lead you on a new adventure in these new times! So as we are waiting for the snows to melt, start planning to find those "Diamonds"! Challenge yourself to new growth and activities that are new for your personal health as well as the betterment of the neighborhood.
Enjoy the Journey! The adventure is only just begun.

Caddies and Learning, Keeping Your Brain Healthy

At the end of summer we start thinking about going back to school and embracing learning again. Well, as I grow older, I realize that learning never stops! I try to learn something new each day. Keeping my brain active and curious is important for a healthy life.
Today I read Donald Trump's blog and learned something new! Mr. Trump was writing about how the game of golf got Caddies! I have been around the game of golf for over 35 years and never thought about the origin of caddies. Turns out the origin was from a visit of a young Mary, who later became Queen of Scots, to France and Louis, King of France. Seems Louis knew that Mary loved the game of golf and he wanted to make her visit memorable. So he had a golf course built especially for her visit. Now that is a nice touch.

However, Louis was concerned about her safety while she was on the course. To allay his concerns, he assigned Cadets from a military school to accompany Mary for protection as she played. Mary liked the idea and carried it back to the home of Golf, Scotland and the Caddies became a integral part of the game. Cool!

So now that you have learned something new too, continue the practice each day to help keep your brain healthy. The AARP website has many options for a healthy brain. Some suggestions include good nutrition with Omega 3's ( and you know I am into good nutrition!), participating in social activities, exercise and more.

Brain health. It is what keeps us going!

Benefits of Summer Travel

Summer travel is always a fun time for me. Memories of going to Florida, pre-Walt Disney World, staying in a 2 bedroom cottage on the beach near New Smyrna Beach, watching the waves crash on the sand after a rain storm, being stung by a jelly fish in several places, OUCH, and feeling the sand between my toes even now. Gritty.
We would pile all we could in the Chevy Station Wagon, light blue in color and no air conditioning, and head south. Mom and Dad would leave very early in the morning, putting blankets down in the back so my sister and I could sleep for a few more hours. Didn't really work, but the thought was there.

We picnicked along the route in a way-side park, with cement benches and cement tables under big pine trees for shade. Now you must remember that this was pre-Interstate travel! No I-75 or I-95 heading in the fast lane to the Magic Kingdom. No, this was small 2 lane highway, Hwy 441, heading through fields of corn, pastures with cattle and swamps.
Sandwiches were had from the big red metal Coca Cola Cooler filled with block ice and pimento cheese, cereal, milk and a jug of fresh brewed sweet tea. Not too sweet and no lemon.
With the windows rolled down, we headed into the late August heat to spend 2 weeks on the beach and celebrate my 8th birthday. A friend of Mom's made my cake, not as good as Mom's but good. For some reason she put white sugar birds on the cake. Have never known why, but there they were in all their sugary glory with 8 candles between them.

Good memories of a more relaxed time. No waiting in airports, no flying down the intestate at break-neck speeds, no hurrying through fast food places for hamburgers and cokes. So now when I head to Florida, I think of that trip in 1959 and smile as I remember the fun we had playing games in the car, sweating with no a/c and loving the taste of the pimento cheese sandwiches followed by homemade brownies and Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum as a special treat.
Create your own family memories today. It's the journey that counts not the destination. Have fun and roll the windows down on the back roads. Watch out for the mosquitoes!

Water is You! You is Water...

Water is important. It is as important to our bodies as it is to the environment. We need to stay hydrated each day, even in the winter. Turns out our body relies on water to help keep our temperature regulated. So to stay warm in the winter, drink water. Personally I heat my cup of water just a little to take the cold off, since I use a filtered water pitcher that I keep in the refrigerator. I use a Shaklee BestWater Perfect Pitcher and it performs well.

Carry a non-BPA bottle of water with you when you travel to work or run errands. Metal travel cups wash easily, and keep hot beverages and cold beverages cold. Other options are in stores and online. Bottled water is popular since it is “easy” but it is also expensive.

Drink water throughout the day, don’t wait until you feel thirsty. So get in the habit of drinking water all day long.

Studies show that we lose water as we sleep, so drink a glass of water before you go to bed and then again when you awake.

And of course we lose water when we exercise, so maintain that habit of hydration. You may also want to look into sports drinks ,to add the salts and minerals your body looses during exercise. Shaklee has Performance that helps keep you hydrated during and after a work out.

So as you can see, Water is You! And you is water.

Study Reveals Supplements Can Lower Health Care Costs

Lewin Group Issues Health Impact Studies Indicates Billions Could Be Saved in Health Care Costs through the Use of Selected Supplements

"Over the past several years, the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau has commissioned The Lewin Group, a highly-respected health care and human services consulting firm, to conduct a series of "Health Impact Studies" relating to potential health care cost savings from the use of dietary supplements.

These studies examined the results of existing scientific research on selected supplements to calculate their health benefits, then applied this information to current health care statistics, determining how much money could be saved with a lower incidence of diseases and ailments that could be avoided through the use of the select dietary supplements. The results of these studies were very encouraging, showing that for several of the supplements tested, billions of dollars could be saved over a five year period.

The first Health Impact Study examined five supplements: calcium (with vitamin D), folic acid
omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and saw palmetto. The results were staggering: the reduction of hip fractures through calcium intake alone could save the health care industry approximately $13.9 billion through a reduction in hospital, nursing facility and physician expenditures. Folic Acid intake for sufferers of neural tube defects (NTD) over five years could save approximately $1.3 billion in lifetime costs. Research on the other supplements was similarly promising."

So start now with Shaklee's great products, save the one time Membership fee with qualifying order of 50 PV, now through August 8, 2009, and save health care costs too! Stay Healthy!

Summer Travel: Cruises, Planes & Automobiles

Summer Travel involves trains, planes, automobiles, trucks, RV’s, motorcycles, bikes, ships and buses! I probably left out some forms of transportation, such as camels, but those aren’t going to cross most of our paths as we venture to see the family this summer! But if you do use a camel or an elephant as transportation, let me know how it works. Of course some folks like to hike or walk, but not this Southern Belle!

As I travel during the summer, I plan my food intake carefully. As you might know, I do like to eat, so snacking is a challenge.Weight Management becomes an issue if I don't pace my food intake along with my exercise. Snacks can be a good way to keep energy levels up as you travel, especially if you are on a plane and your normal meal schedule is disrupted. Keeping my energy level up, while not adding too many carbohydrates is my goal. That is why I like the Cinch Bars from Shaklee along with the Cinch Shakes. These fill me up, give me good vitamins, minerals and lots of good soy protein balanced with carbs for energy. Lemon Cranberry Bars are my favorites. Even on a Cruise, I take along my Cinch Shakes for the extra energy as I tackle my next round of photos!

When flying, I make certain I have several snacks with me. You never know when the flight will be delayed and you will be eating your hat from hunger. Having had several long “sits” on tarmacs I now take almonds with me to eat, Cinch Snack Bars and a few servings of the Cinch Shakes just in case! Using my Tupperware Quick Shake as a mixing area, the Cinch Shakes mix easy with water . Along with the Cinch Shakes, I enjoy my Cinch Energy Tea, known as Liquid Ooomph! Easy to add to a serving of water. A mix of Green, Red and White Teas, in an easy to use “stick”; just open and pour. Good hot or cold.

So, remember when traveling: Drink lots of water, keep moving, keep your energy levels up, keep your immune system up and have fun as you travel this summer!

Summer Travel and Work Outs!

Traveling in the Summer brings all sorts of adventures and opportunities for foods, treats and the subsequent weight gain. As we travel, we venture into new areas of the world and find new foods, wonderful fruits, vegetables, local delights that tempt us and rightfully so!

Traveling affords many occasions for working out. Think about it: Hotel corridors, city streets (use your common sense in a new city), and parks, fitness centers, walking trails and jogging in place offer alternative places for walking. Keep moving, that is the key.

Sitting for long periods in not good for your circulation and adds to that “fatigued feeling “ we often experience. Moderate exercise keeps your spirits up along with your weight down. Remember 30 minutes at a minimum for adults and 60 minutes a day for children will keep you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your travels.

As I travel by airplane, I like to take advantage of all opportunities to get some walking in, even in the airports! At the airports, with the need for early arrival, there is usually a long wait period between arrival at the airport and the plane departing. Once I have cleared security, I find my gate, then walk up and down the concourse in that area. Since I have a rolling travel bag along with a large (really large) purse I use for traveling, I attach the purse to the handle of the rolling bag and off I go! Never leave a bag sitting unattended at an airport! Getting in a 30 to 45 minutes of walking, pulling the rolling bag with purse is a good bit of exercise.

Once on the airplane, I make several trips up and down the aisles to get some exercise while in the air. I also do some stretching while seated. I remove my shoes, then lift my toes towards the ceiling while my heels are on the floor. Bringing my knees up toward my chest, while keeping my toes on the floor, is good too. Rolling my shoulders forward and back, then stretching my arms forward and up also helps. You can repeat these several times during your flight to add to your circulation. NWA has several good exercises to follow on their site.

Have a great trip and keep in Shape! Enjoy Summer Travel!

Working-In Your Summer Work Out!

Summer means great opportunities to have cook-outs with family and friends, picnics on the lake, family reunions, Memorial Day, 4th of July celebrations, Labor Day celebrations, summer Cruises and many more. Even though we are more active in the summer in some ways, because of the heat, we often avoid the long walks and moderate exercise that helps keep our weight down. It is hard to work-in your work out!

We have to be careful in the summer because of the possibility of Extreme Heat Related Illness and Death. So as we go about our summer activities we need to stay out of the heat in the middle of the day. Weight management is possible and necessary.

Keep your exercise fun and varied during the summer. Swim one day, walk the next, play a game with the kids on another. Adults need to have about 30 minutes a day in moderate exercise while children need about 60 minutes. Wear comfortable lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses when doing any work out outside along with a wide brim hat.

Walking is a great way to keep moving in the summer heat. You can walk in the early mornings, late evenings, and even at the local mall. Some of my friends combine shopping at the big warehouse stores with a bit of exercise! Just grab a buggy/shopping cart/basket and walk the aisles for half an hour before you begin your purchases. Drop in a heavy bag of cat litter or dog food to add some resistance as you get your exercise. Grab some water on your way out and pop in a Cinch Tea packet for an afternoon boost! Stay hydrated.

Now, remember a little sun is good for you, you need the Vitamin D, so don’t apply Sunscreen for about 15 minutes each time you go out so you get a small amount of sunshine several days a week. But don’t Sunburn, since according to the CDC, sunburn is bad for your skin as well as makes it hard for your body to regulate your temperature as you go about outdoor activities.

Even on that summer Cruise with all those tempting meals 24/7 you can keep a weather eye on your weight. You don’t have to deny yourself those special treats while you are on that once a year vacation or cruise. Just take advantage of the gym and the promenade deck on the ship for walks and jogs. The gyms at sea are really sophisticated now, with state-of–the art work out equipment. Many ships offer instruction in Yoga, Palliates, low impact aerobics and dance. Take advantage of shore excursions that have moderate to higher excretion involved. And push outs work too. Push out from the dessert table! I know that is hard to do, but enjoy your meals, just don’t overdo! Moderation is rewarded.

So enjoy your summer! Eat those favored summer foods; add some more salads and fresh home grown tomatoes and fresh fruits for great meals. Stay healthy and safe by following common sense and keep moving!

Hurricane and Severe Storm Preparedness Part III

We have gotten the items on our lists done and ready for the next storm. But there are still a few things that can only be done just before the storm hits. These last minute storm preparedness tips are vitally important since they are the linchpins to your plan!

Now, before the storm hits, clean your bathrooms very well. Scrub your tubs particularly well with Shaklee's Basic H2 and Basic G to get rid of all those germs in a safe manner. You want to get rid of soap scum and any mold or mildew. Now that the tubs are clean, find a plastic coffee can top, or a Tupperware Seal that will fit over the drain. Close the drain, and place the seal over the closed drain. Now turn on the cold water and fill the tub as far as you can.

Fill any extra buckets and containers you have also. This water can be used for flushing toilets should the water supply be shut off in a power outage. In many areas electricity is used to pump water and sewage. Also, you can use this water in a pan on a charcoal stove or gas camp stove to boil and wash dishes or use for bathing water. Do not pour hot water into the plastic buckets!! Use your senses and be safe. Keep that cook stove OUTSIDE!!

If the worse happens and you loose the sewage in your home, you can always use the buckets for human waste with a little water in the bottom and maybe some of that cat litter! You will need a place in the yard to properly dispose of the waste, so use this option with care. Check with your local governments for their suggests and rules on proper disposal.

Use GermOff Disinfecting Wipes- Fragrance Free to keep the yucks at bay, but they are not a Baby wipe! Basic G is great to use in a spray bottle to keep the kitchen area clean as well as the bathroom as it tackles over 40 microbes and and several animal viruses.

Basic H2 can be wiped on the bottom of your cook pans before you put them on a camp stove or charcoal fire for cooking. The Basic H2 helps keep the soot off the pan when you are ready to wash up!

Stress Relief* is a must have before, during and after a severe weather event. To keep your family healthy in the days after a Severe Storm, keep their regular Shaklee Vitamins* handy along with some extra Sustained Release Vitamin C and Alfalfa, Cinch Shakes, Protein Shakes, Cinch Meal Bars, Cinch Snack Bars, Performance, Physique and more!

Keeping your family safe during and after a Severe Storm or other natural event, requires planing and preparation. Think from the end, how you will live in the days after a storm, what will you need and what will keep your family healthy while they wait for conditions to return to normal. Remember your Shaklee products and vitamins as you prepare. Be Safe and Stay Well!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hurricane and Severe Storm Preparedness Part III

Being prepared for any severe weather event takes planning and preparation. Cold Weather Severe Storm Preparedness has a few more necessities such as more clothing for warmth, more fuel options for warmth, snow blowers, snow shovels and snow mobiles.
This Check list is just a Reminder and Guideline for what you need to think about each year. Since your area and home is unique, make additions and changes as needed. But DO SOMETHING! Don’t wait till the storm is coming. Prices go up, availability of materials diminishes, panic sets in and time is too short to really get it all completed before the storm hits.
Yearly Check List Part II:
Always Hire Professionals if you are dealing with roofs, fireplaces, chimneys, gutters, trees, electrical issues and more. BE SAFE.
Check your Roof and Patio Covers: Give your roof a good once over to make certain the shingles are laying flat and not curling up in places. The NOAA site has several good ideas for securing shingles that are not adhering properly to the underlayment. But the main thing is to get a professional roofer to do any repairs or replacements on your roof!
Clean out Gutters: Since rainfall is going to be an issue get them cleaned out. Clogged gutters cause other problems such as leaks into attics, walls, living spaces and more. Professionals again can be your best option here.
Check your Fireplace and Chimney: Clogged flumes can cause house fires; smoke damage and roof damage so play it safe and call a chimney sweep in to care for your chimney.
Garage Doors: Make certain your garage doors are rated for winds. If not there are kits your can purchase to make them more secure in high wind situations. Reinforce doors at their weakest points.
Doors: Entry doors can be weak if they are not properly installed. Make certain that double doors have one of the pair fitted with head and foot bolts as well as a dead bolt lock 1” long or longer. Each door needs at least three hinges for more security.
Vehicles: Are they ready for a long trip in slow moving traffic? Are they fueled and ready to go on a moment’s notice? Well, what are you waiting for?
Final post coming with more tips & information! Be Safe!

Hurricane and Severe Storm Preparedness Part II

Now that you realize that Severe Storm Preparedness is a complicated process, let’s get started. The sooner you are prepared this year, the quicker you will be able to relax knowing you are ready for any severe storm. And, once the major items are out of the way, they don’t have to be done each year from scratch. Use the following list for reminders as you go through the year.

Yearly Check List Part 1:

Replenish Personal Emergency Kits: Add fresh water, medications and food, snacks, games, personal toiletries, wipes, and whatever your family wants to have for a few days. Freshen and fluff pillows, blankets, and clothing. Children may need new supplies since they grow so quickly! Don’t forget diapers and such too. While you are in the emergency kits, update your important papers with any changes that have occurred. Have you gotten your pet supplies replenished?

Check Shutters: Each year you need to double check your shutters and storm doors. Make certain they are is good working condition, not bent or damaged from a previous storm. Flying debris can bang into shutters at amazing rates and can do damage. Check also to make certain that the locking mechanisms are still working properly. Do this before severe weather approaches. You don’t want to have to be in a rush to get a shutter working properly.

Replace or replenish Fuel and Batteries: Check Flashlights, Radios and lanterns as well as cook stoves and grills. Do you need new bulbs for the lights and lanterns? Fresh batteries will last longer as will fresh charcoal and new matches or cooking fuels. Store in watertight containers in a cool place. Store Matches and fire lighters separately from fuel sources.

Look around the Yard again: How many flowing pots do you have this year? Hanging baskets? Fountains, Orbs, Statues or Firepots? Portable Gazebos, children’s swings, play houses, dog houses, and other out buildings? Remember, if two (2) people can move an object, so can wind! Have a plan on what is going where when Severe Weather approaches.

Trim Trees: My neighborhood in Florida had a tree service come out each year to lighten and trim our oak trees in our village. The oaks still had plenty of branches and leaves for shade, but the old, dead limbs were removed and the trees shaped each year. When we went through Charlie, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan, our trees were not so top heavy and were able to sway in the 100+ Mile per Hour winds and not fall over. Also, fewer limbs and branches came down meaning fewer flying objects to bang into houses.

More to come next post! We are going to be Prepared for Severe Storms!

"Easy Open" is an Oxymoron!

I know this has nothing to do with being prepared for a severe storm, flood, earthquake or such; however I just had to make this comment! But, on second thought, maybe it will help us be prepared for those storms after all.
My quandary is that I just don't understand why packaging has to be so hard to open. Today I purchased some Popsicles from a large dairy company with a regional reach. On the side of the box, near the top, there are directions telling you to press the little crescent shaped area to "open". Really? Have they ever tried to open their own box this way? I don't think so, unless they had a sharp knife or razor blade.
I was sitting at red light on the way home, wanting to enjoy a banana popsicle on the short drive home. Should be simple enough; just "press here to open". Well, I got a ball point pen out after pressing did nothing but hurt the tip of my finger. The box did not look any worse for the pressing.
Now I am pounding on the little crescent where the perforations are with the tip of the ball point pen. Nothing would give! Had to tear open the box from the top! All that physical effort to get a banana popcicle. Wow. At least the light was long enough for me to do my breaking and entering.
Which leads me to other packaging that is hard to open:
* Those single serving snack chips or cookie like crackers. Every time I try to open those, I get chips everywhere but in me!
* Small packages of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and the like are impossible for me! If my hamburger doesn't come with condiments already applied, I eat mine dry or end up wearing ketchup.
* Ever tried to open the peanut packages you get on airplanes? You know, the one with the 21 peanuts. I use more energy opening the package than the protein I get from the 21 peanuts.
* And don't get me started with those blister packages that encase your electronics in clear plastic so you can see it but can never get to it!
* My pet food comes in a 16 pound bag with a plastic "string" that is supposed to be pulled along the top seam to open the dry food package. I just tear at the top seam now, or get my scissors out and cut.
* When I see the words "Tear Here" I look for another area, knowing from experience that the "tear here" area is the strongest area of the package! And forget "Easy Open"! Not happening in this lifetime.

So to be prepared for a storm or to open a box of banana popcicles, you will need to have a set of sharp knives, scissors, chain saw, axe, hacksaw or other sharp implement. These will work on Popcicle boxes as well as tree limbs and other debris from a storm. Stay safe!

Are you Ready for a New Hurricane Season?

Well, Hurricane Season is here again and will be here until November 31st! Are you prepared for a hurricane or any other severe storm? Hurricanes are not the only storms that cause damage and changes in our lives for days or even years! So now, think ahead if you live in a northern climate with snow and ice storms, or in the mid-west with Tornadoes and floods. Whether it is an earth quake or a severe thunder storm, we all need to have some advance preparation.

Do you have a storm survival kit for each member of your family including the pets? Do you have a severe storm evacuation plan for your home in case of storm damage? How about a plan of what to do in case of an mandatory evacuation of your area due to storms? Where will you go? What about your pets? Do you have a horse?

Do you have your important documents in a safe location? Do you have copies of these papers with a family member or friend in another area of the country?

Do you have medical needs that require medications on a daily or weekly basis? Do you have medical needs that require electricity? Do you have a generator? How is it fueled? What can it support? How long will your fuel last? Do you have an outside place to keep the generator?

Do you have a portable cook stove for boiling water & making hot food? Flashlights? Batteries? Solar lights?

Do you have a food supply that does not require refrigeration? Do you have a well or other source for water?

Do you have a chain saw, axe, clippers and such that are not electric? Do you have shutters for your windows and doors? Do you know when to put them on your windows?

Do you know where the safe place is in your home in case of high winds? Does the family know?

Do you have neighbors that might need your help? Do you need help with heavy items?

Did you know that if two people can pick up an item in your yard, so can wind? So where are you going to store all that lawn furniture and hanging baskets and such?

I know this sounds like a lot of things to think about, but having lived through 4 Hurricanes in Florida during 2004, I have a good feel for what happens during severe weather. Being prepared is the only way to enter storm season. Don't wait until the last minute to get your supplies! Do it now and rest easy the rest of the season!

Lower Energy Bills Part IV Breaking Old Habits To $ave $$$

Electricity is one of those things we don’t even think about until we get one of those bills that break the bank! Then we start to pay attention. We run about for a few days turning off lights and TV’s when we leave a room. But after a while, we seem to forget and go back to our old ways. Well, now is the time to break those old Habits and save some money while doing so good for the planet we love so much! How do we save money while maintaining our cushy lifestyles, you ask? Simple little things that don’t leave you in the dark, but can save your money each day, I respond!

One easy Habit to break is to unplug your gadgets while not using them. Chargers use power even when not being used, so unplug your laptop, iPod, MP3 and cell phone chargers when not in use. Now that doesn’t hurt at all!

TVs, DVRs and such all use power when in the “off” position, so you might want to consider plugging them into a power strip and turning the strip off and on when you need to watch TV. It might take a few moments for the TV to reset, but you will save money over the course of the day. If you are not watching TV for 19 or so hours a day, why do you want to pay for the power?

Another Habit to change is our light bulbs. Of course we all know to replace our usual light bulbs with compact fluorescents(CPL). According to Popular Science, CFLs require about 25% of the power that incandescent light bulbs use for the same amount of light. So cut your power bill without cutting your light. Also, dust your fixtures frequently. And turn them off with the ceiling fans!

Look at your kitchen appliances. Are there counter top items that can be put on a power strip or just unplugged until needed? What about your refrigerator/freezer? Are the coils cleaned frequently? Read your manual for the refrigerator to learn the most energy saving temperatures to use.

Break the Oven Habit: consider using the microwave or toaster oven when baking smaller items. And remember to unplug them too! Just how many clocks do you need in one room? When replacing appliances, look for Energy Star ® to save more money.

Now none of these $$$$ $aving tips will hurt! And you will $ave $$$$. Enlist your family’s help, turn the children into the Energy Spies and reward them for saving energy. Compare your power bill after a month of being conscience of your energy usage and see the difference a few moments of thought can make!

Lower Energy Bills Pt III, Using the Sun!

We have looked at adding Window Film to your larger west & southerly facing windows. Then we got handy and put in a few Trellises to let those wonderful plants bring shade and fresh air to your world! Now we are exploring ways to use the Sun to save money!
--A new subdivision has been built outside of Phoenix by Habitat for Humanity that celebrates the sun! This new project uses panels on the homes to soak up the sun and turn that energy into electricity. The final 18 homes in this new subdivision that are built for the green and solar use are getting rave reviews.
--This is a trend that Salt River Project sustainability engineer Joel Dickinson would like to see take over the state and hopefully the country. Quoted recently in an article by the East Valley Tribune, Phoenix, Dickinson says the average cost for the panels on the homes is about $20,000. However, offsetting this initial cost are local as well as federal credits that can be as much as $8,000 locally & $3,600 on the Federal level. Also, savings in energy costs each month helps with the initial cost.
--One local resident who has been in her solar powered home since 2007, is excited about the cost savings she experiences each month. Colleen Hill stated that she recently had a $16 electric bill and has even gotten a monthly credit at times instead of a bill! Another neighbor had had similar results with his bill being as low as $20 even with 4 children in the home. This is in direct contrast to the $250 and $300 per month they had experienced before going solar.
--So even though we all don’t live in sunny Arizona, we can look for ways to use solar in our own areas. We we may not get our bills down to $16 a month, any savings would be good for our pocketbooks as well as the environment. The use of solar actively or passively can do a lot to alleviate environmental stresses. Check in your local areas about the alternative energies that are available in your neighborhoods.
Green, clean, environmentally friendly sources of power are good for all of us. Go Green! More to come in the next post!

Lower Energy Bills Part II

Last Energy Saving Post, we added Window Film to those large windows to provide protection from UV and Infrared energy as well as saving on our 2009 Federal Tax bill. Good stuff! The few posts will be simple things we can do without much trouble. Now for another easy energy and therefore $$$ saving tip!
Have you considered a Trellis covered with a lush green vine as a bit of shade on your deck, screened porch or a window/door that just gets too much sun? A is an easy solution, keeping the sun at bay while adding green to the landscape.
Should you be handy, you might make a simple trellis from 1x1’s or even some small copper pipes. Explore your local hardware store or Lawn & Garden store for materials to make your own trellis. Advice from your local hardware store owner or Lawn& Garden store owner will make your decision making so much easier. Local experts know which woods or pipes will last the longest in your area. So use your local experts! They know your area, what works best in your climate and are willing to share with you.
Now, if you are not handy or just don’t have the time, you can purchase one at your local Lawn & Garden store or local Hardware store. Pre-made, painted or stained, they come in lots of shapes and sizes.
Be certain to measure your location before you leave home, no matter how you acquire your trellis. Proper size makes a difference in having much needed shade or just a pretty bush!
While at your Lawn & Garden store, hunt for vines that grow well in your area. Living in the South, we have many vines that provide shade almost year round! I particularly like Confederate Jasmine as well as Clemantis. Again, your local Lawn & Garden expert can assist you with your plants.
So plant some green vines around a trellis to provide the shade you desire, add flowers for the hummingbirds to enjoy and leafy filters for cleaner air as they add decoration to your home.
More Energy Saving Tips Next Post!

New for Your Baby and Kids!

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Swine Flu! What is it and How to Reduce Your Risk

What is it? Swine Flu is a respiratory viral infection that seems to be very contagious to humans. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir(brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir(brand name Relenza).
Symptoms? Fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, body aches and headaches. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be present.
How is it passed in humans? Sneezing, coughing and touch are the most common ways. The swine flu virus can live on surfaces for 2 hours or longer! So cover your nose and mouth should you sneeze or cough. You may be infected and not know it!
How to reduce your risk of catching the flu: Simple common sense things are suggested for this as well as colds and the like. * Stay in good health, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, keep your nutrition up and drink plenty of fluids such as water or fruit juices. * Wash hands for 15 seconds, then rinse with warm water. Dry well on disposable towels. * Resist touching surfaces in public areas such as elevator buttons, door knobs, and phones. When greeting friends or business associates don’t shake hands. * Should you have to touch any surface in a public space, avoid touching your face or eyes or mouth till you can wash again. * Please stay at home should you begin to feel ill. Don’t go to work and infect others. * You are contagious about 24 hours before you begin to have symptoms and for at least 7 days or more after the symptoms appear. This means you can pass the swine flu on to others before you know you are sick as well as during the illness. * If you must sneeze or cough in public, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then discard the used tissue in the trash.

When to seek medical assistance:
Severe vomiting, dehydration, bluish skin color, fast breathing, trouble breathing , confusion, dizziness, fever and rash, sleeping a lot, symptoms that go away only to reappear with even worse fever or cough. In summary, keep your immune system healthy and able to fight for your health. Eat healthy meals, exercise, get plenty of rest and avoid going out in crowds till this passes. You can check with the CDC for updates.

Shaklee Corp. Plants One Millionth Tree on Earth Day 2009

Shaklee Corporation's CEO Roger Barnett, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr Wangari Maathai from Kenya, planted Shaklee's One Millionth Tree today at Shaklee Corp. Headquarters in Pleasanton CA. Shaklee’s One Million Trees, One Million Dreams program has planted enough trees to fill Disneyland 18 times, stated Governor Schwarzenegger. Think of all the people who participated in this program, the lives that have been affected by this program in the past 3 years. Governor Schwarzenegger had praise for Shaklee Natural Supplements since he has known the value of Shaklee Supplements, vitamins, minerals and protein from his body building days!
Roger Barnett stated that in using Shaklee’s Green Eco Friendly super concentrated cleaners, we have saved enough plastic bottles from going to the landfills to go around the earth more 19 times in the past 3 years alone. Shaklee has been green since it was started in 1956 by Dr. Forrest Shaklee. Shaklee is about make people and planet healthier. Shaklee is the first company in the world to be Certified Climate Neutral by totally offsetting its carbon footprint.

“You can flourish and do well by doing good at the same time”, according to Roger Barnett. He announced a new campaign to provide an economic opportunity for One Million Americans to become Eco-Entrepreneurs with Shaklee. Shaklee is waiving the entire cost of joining Shaklee for the next 30 days(till mid-May 2009) to help create an income opportunity for One Million People this year, said Barnett. So you can start a Green Business by sharing green and natural and healthy products with friends and family. Dr Shaklee once said that Shaklee might be the last opportunity for the little person to build a business without a lot of money.
Dr. Maathai has been instrumental planting 30 million trees in her home country of Kenya to deal with the de-forestation of the countryside. Her plan not only re-plants much needed trees it also employs women in need of jobs! Dr. Maathai is working with the UN to plant One Billion Trees in the world! She suggests that each individual plant 10(ten) trees in their lifetime. So if you have not planted a tree, now is the time to get started. Dr. Maathai was awarded Shaklee’s First Eco-Entrepreneur of the Year for 2009.

Lower Summer Energy Bills and Get a Tax Credit

Well, Spring is finally here! The sun will be out heating up things and raising your air conditioning bills in the process. While sunlight is important for our health, physically as well as mentally, it is not too good for our heating bills. But don’t despair, there are a few easy tricks to keep the summer sun at bay on those big windows. This is tip #1.

Palladium windows are beautiful, but south or west facing windows let in heat in the summer. Often putting blinds or shades over these windows defeats the purpose of the windows, the view that you paid so much to see! Adding Window Film can solve many problems. Search out local companies online for the products available in your area. The local installers will know which products work best for your location and can easily do the installation on those high windows. Get informed and keep yourself safe while getting a professional installation.
What to look for in a Window Film:
* Look for films that reflect 97% of the suns infrared light to keep your home cool. The energy coming through the windows is infrared in nature and will not turn to heat unless it bumps into people or furniture. So blocking the infrared light is important in keeping your home cooler. Only a few degrees in temperature reduction can reduce cooling costs by up to 25% according to Solargard.
* Search for films that block 99.9% of the suns UV rays since these cause fading and the risk of skin cancers according to the 3M site.
* Another positive to the window film is holding the glass in place after it has been hit by a tree limb or a burglar trying to enter your home. Check with your local provider to see if their product has this Security Property.
**Finally, a financial incentive to look at using window film this year is the Tax Credit you will receive on the purchase price of the film(labor costs are not part of the credit). The Federal Tax Credit applies to film purchased between Jan 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Homeowners can receive 30% credit on the costs of qualified window film products , up to a maximum of $1500. The tax credit comes directly off your tax bill! Check with your personal tax advisor for more information before you purchase.

Now you can save energy on cooling, save on replacing furniture because of fading, save of health costs by reducing the risk of skin cancers and save on your 2009 Federal Tax bill!
More Energy Saving tips Coming on the Next Post! Stay tuned!

Plastic: Friend or Enemy?

I grew up with Tupperware in my home as a child. I loved it since it did not break when I threw it at my little sister! Perfect. But today we have so many more plastic options in our kitchens: deli containers, plastic wraps, water bottles, microwave containers from pre-packaged foods, and so on.
Plastic is a product that has helped our lives in positive ways. Plastics are in our medical environments, our cars, homes, offices, printers, phones, cell phones, computers, credit cards, airplanes and more. Without plastic, so many of our common everyday experiences would not be possible.
However, plastic also has some qualities that makes it unfit for human consumption! Research is showing that we ingest parts of the plastics when we re-heat and reuse plastic containers. While some are ok, some are not. But how can we tell? There are labels on the bottom of containers that will tell you what the code is for this product and then you have to translate. Turn over the container, look at the number on the bottom and then you will know whether to keep that container in the kitchen or in the workshop. Most Tupperware is made of plastics that are safe to reuse and store food according to a recent article in Popular Science.
Here is the list of current options:
#1 Polyethyelene terephthalate (PETE) #2 High-density polyethylene (HDPE) #3 Vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) #4 Low -density polyethylene (LDPE) #5 Polypropylene (PP) #6 Polystyrene (PS) #7 Other (includes polycarbonate, acrylic, polylactic acid, fiberglass) Use these to help you know which are easy to recycle and which are here forever!

Avoid the #3 and #7 plastics since they are just bad for you! #3 is PVC and shows up in some plastic wraps since it helps improve the function of the warp. PVCs have the potential to cause cancer and other health problems according to researchers.
#7 plastics contain polycarbonate and those contain bisphenol A (BPA). There have been many reports on BPA in water bottles and baby bottles. This plastic compound has hormone leaching properties that can cause problems such as early puberty in young girls. (Laurine Brown Ph.D. in nutrition from Tufts University)
How to stay safe:
*Use waxed paper or butcher paper to wrap foods. *Bring out the glass and ceramic containers for storage. *Keep Plastic wrap from touching hot food since the plastic can migrate into the food and then into us! *Don’t microwave plastics. Even though they say “microwave safe” that only means that the container will not melt or warp when heated. It can possibly still leach into the food & then us!

So appreciate plastic for making our lives easier and lighter! But avoid eating it and leaving it in our landfills for eternity! Think and read the #'s.