Beware of these 6 common household items that cause cancer

(NaturalNews) Most people probably live under the assumption that their place of dwelling is a safe haven from all the dangers that lurk "out there." But little do they know that many common household products contain deadly chemicals that are known to cause cancer, reproductive harm, birth defects and other health damage. Here's six of the most popular categories to avoid for the safety of you and your family:



1) Air fresheners. They're a staple in many American households, but conventional air fresheners are a hotbed of poisonous substances that could leave you and your loved ones infertile, brain-damaged or chronically ill. Tests conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that most air fresheners contain phthalates, which among other things interfere with male hormone production.

Most air fresheners are also loaded with other cancer-causing volatile organic compounds as well, which interfere with reproduction, respiration and cellular regeneration. A 2008 study conducted by Anne Steinemann at the University of Washington found that all air fresheners tested emitted chemicals known to be carcinogenic, meaning they cause cancer.

Instead of toxic commercial air fresheners, stick with all-natural essential oils, which can be applied to the skin or released into the air from a diffuser.

2) Candles. Similar to commercial air fresheners, many scented candles are also toxic. A study pioneered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that nearly half of all scented candles on the market contain lead wiring in their wicks, which is released into the air upon burning. This lead might make the wicks more stable, but it also leads to hormone disruption, behavioral disorders and various other health problems.

Many candles are also made of paraffin wax which, when burned, generates two highly toxic compounds, benzene and toluene, both of which are carcinogenic. Artificial fragrances and dyes are also present in many scented candles, which when burned end up in your lungs.

3) Art supplies. Cultural enrichment and creativity are both positive aspirations in life, but not when they involve many conventional art supplies. Many of the epoxy materials, glues, acrylic paints and solvents, drawing utensils and other supplies used to create art contain chemicals linked to allergies, organ damage and cancer.

The federal Labeling Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA) requires that all art supplies sold in the U.S. bear warnings if they cause any acute hazards. But manufacturers are not required to provide an ingredients list, which is why it is recommended that users of such supplies purchase only products that are certified by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).

ACMI-certified products undergo rigorous evaluations by independent toxicologists to make sure that they are safe for everyone, including small children.

4) Shampoos and conditioners. Toxins in cosmetics is a huge issue today, with many conventional consumer products -- including some labeled as "natural" or "organic" -- containing ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate that generate cancer-causing byproducts when used. Other carcinogenic additives commonly used in hair care products include polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cocamide DEA.

Safe Cosmetics has put together a list of the safest and most eco-friendly shampoos on the market, which are free of most or all of the chemicals listed in its "Skin Deep" database, which you can access here: SafeCosmetics.org.

5) Antiperspirant deodorants. Millions of people use them daily to cover up foul body odor and reduce armpit perspiration. But antiperspirant deodorants are a no-go if you want to avoid chemicals like aluminum chlorohydrate, which can absorb directly into the skin and promote the formation of breast cancer. Aluminum from antiperspirants is also believed to contribute to brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

Other toxic additives in antiperspirant deodorants include parabens, a class of artificial preservatives that mimics estrogen in the body and promotes the growth of cancer cells. Parabens are also linked to gastrointestinal damage, nausea and central nervous system depression.

6) Shower curtains. They might help prevent water from spraying all over the floor, but your average plastic shower curtain acts something like a radiator for toxic chemical release. Many shower curtains, it turns out, off-gas harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are known to damage the respiratory tract, central nervous system, liver and kidneys.

If your shower curtain has that unique "new shower curtain smell," it is likely releasing deadly chemicals -- potentially upwards of 108 different VOCs, in fact -- that are harming you and your children. For this reason, it is important to stick with only non-toxic, PVC-free shower curtains made without these harmful chemicals.

Some of the best options include shower curtains made from hemp, linen, birch, organic cotton or PEVA, which you can learn more about here: RonAndLisa.com.

Sources: http://www.naturalnews.com/048482_household_items_cancer_carcinogenic_chemicals.html##ixzz3QZK5ZD2m

5 Foods to Fight Inflammation

By Rachel Zachar

You probably hear the term "inflammation" often, but you might not be quite sure what exactly it means. Inflammation is defined by Medical News Today as a mechanism your body uses to protect itself. More specifically, inflammation plays a key part in your body's immune and healing responses, as it works to remove harmful stimuli.

If you're experiencing inflammation in some part of your body, it might manifest through symptoms of irritation like swelling and redness. While inflammation is necessary for healing your body, sometimes inflammation can become chronic or persist well beyond its typical length of staying time. Once you've visited your doctor and had your inflammation issue properly checked out, you can decide if you'd like to try some anti-inflammatory options.

Certain foods can help reduce inflammation, which sometimes may be a catalyst in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, many cancers and aging diseases. Keep reading to find out some foods that can contribute anti-inflammatory support into your diet.

1. Cinnamon
In a study performed on mice in 2012 in the journal BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, the results showed cinnamon extract lowered substances that caused inflammation and tissue damage; these results may carry over into humans, but more research is needed. Try sweetening your coffee or plain yogurt with a dash of cinnamon instead of sugar or other artificial sweeteners.

2. Olive Oil
While not technically a "food," olive oil holds a lot of power when it comes to providing anti-inflammatory support. Its antioxidant properties and polyphenol content make olive oil a great choice in combating inflammation. Antioxidants are essential in helping with cellular repair and preventing against free radical damage. According to research from the Institute of Human Nutrition, antioxidants can also provide protection from cytokines and oxidants that can damage healthy cell tissue by unnecessarily inciting the inflammatory response.

3. Sardines
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, sardines can help ward off inflammation. In addition, the omega-3s in sardines and other types of fish can help reduce joint stiffness and pain -- two common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammation disease. If you’re not big on sardines or fish, taking fish oil supplements can help restore your omega-3 levels and rev up your inflammation defense.

4. Walnuts
As the powerhouse in the nut family, walnuts contain a high level of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that works to stop inflammation in its tracks; it can also provide benefits for the health of your heart, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood vessels.

5. Pineapple
While one of the key selling points to eating pineapple is its high vitamin C content, it is also rich with bromelain, an enzyme that aids with digesting protein. Whole Health Chicago states that bromelain contributes anti-inflammatory effects by preventing the production of inflammation-causing compounds; in addition, bromelain can aid with breaking down a specific protein involved in blood clotting, which makes for healthier circulation and proper tissue drainage.

It’s possible to experience excessive inflammation without being aware of it, so if you suspect it even in the slightest, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. These foods are only intended to be used to enhance your diet and provide support for reducing minor inflammation. Excessive or chronic inflammation, or diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, for example, may require medication for treatment. Don’t depend on these foods as the sole method of fighting inflammation.

We hope that incorporating these foods into your diet is able to provide you with some anti-inflammation support. Check out our selection of wellness essentials and supplements at eVitamins, and have a great day!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/5-foods-fight-inflammation-1074#.VHkspmfaIyk

FluGo^™

Homeopathic medicine for flu and common cold symptoms

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What is FluGo?

FluGo is a safe, non-addictive, 100% homeopathic remedy containing ingredients especially selected to temporarily relieve symptoms of the flu or common cold like cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and fatigue. FluGo should be taken at the first sign of a blocked nose, sneezing or sore throat to temporarily decrease the severity of flu or common cold symptoms. This natural remedy works quickly to support the immune system. FluGo is a natural flu remedy taken internally and presented in small dissolving tablets. It is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or preservatives. As a result, FluGo can make all the difference, without compromising health. All Native Remedies homeopathic products and biochemic tissue salts are manufactured in an FDA-registered and cGMP-compliant pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of qualified homeopaths and responsible pharmacists. Individual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).

The natural way

There is a lot that can be done to support your immune system. Drinking 8 glasses of fluid per day to flush out the system, getting enough good quality sleep, eating a healthy diet with adequate quantities of Vitamin C, vegetables and fruit are all important to help your body to restore balance and help to support the immune system.

MindSoothe Jr.^™

Herbal supplement for emotional wellness and a balanced mood in children

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What is MindSoothe Jr.?

MindSoothe Jr. is a 100% safe, non-addictive, natural herbal remedy formulated for children’s emotions. It supports the brain’s natural ability to regulate mental and emotional health in children – maintaining production of essential brain hormones and chemicals related to nervous system health and emotional well-being, thereby helping to support a balanced mood and behavior. MindSoothe Jr. may been used to safely support healthy children's emotions, well-being and naturally support health and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system – without any harmful side effects or risk of addiction. It is also a great complementary remedy to herbal Serenite Jr.™, which further supports calm moods as well as healthy, restful sleep in children.

The formula remains true to the full spectrum method of herbal extraction, ensuring the bioavailability and balance of all the active ingredients contained in the remedy. This manufacturing method also significantly reduces the likelihood of side effects and ensures that all active ingredients are in perfect balance. All Native Remedies products are manufactured in a FDA-registered and cGMP-compliant pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of an expert team of herbalists, naturopaths, homeopaths and responsible pharmacists.

Big worries for small minds

All children can feel a little insecure and may worry about certain issues in their personal lives. In fact, worry is a routine emotion at particular developmental stages for children. Some children are born with a predisposition for worry, and their emotions can go through ups and downs in the normal course of events. However, even a well-equipped child may battle child emotions and inner struggles due to life circumstance. Also, children may not voice their concerns – or have the vocabulary to do so – meaning that mood changes could be the medium for expression of their emotions. The demands faced by children in today’s world make it all the more important to help them to maintain emotional and mental health and to bring them up in a secure and loving environment.

The natural way

It is a good idea to keep your child’s mind functioning at its peak by serving a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods, and ensuring plenty of fresh air, sunshine and regular play or exercise. Early years are the years to be enjoyed, as they are full of fun and excitement. Childhood is the time to be a free spirit and take a happy-go-lucky approach to life! Keep your child’s mind as active as possible – children should enjoy life to its fullest and find things to laugh about every day! Growing up should be a natural process and worry free! Natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to gently and safely support the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system, helping to encourage a normal and efficient balance of children’s emotions.

Homeopathy Proven Successful for ADHD

Dr. Randal Neustaedter has practiced holistic medicine for more than thirty years in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in child health care. He is a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
Dr. Neustaedter graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1971 with a major in English literature and creative writing, and completed medical training at the San Francisco College of Acupuncture in 1983. His postgraduate education includes homeopathic training at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital (1972) and an Oriental medicine doctoral degree in Hong Kong (1988). He was director of the Department of Homeopathy at the Pacific College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1980, and has lectured at homeopathic colleges and numerous conferences of homeopathy and Chinese medicine. He founded both the Hering Family Health Clinic in 1975, the first full-service clinic in the United States to revitalize homeopathic medicine, and the Classical Medicine Center in 1983. 

Homeopathy Proven Successful for ADHD

The number of children put on drugs for attention problems is staggering, and school authorities pressure parents to use dangerous stimulant medications and antidepressants to keep children behaving in specific desirable patterns in the classroom. The approach of holistic pediatrics offers an effective management system for attention problems (so-called ADD and ADHD). An important component of this system includes the prescription of constitutional homeopathic medicines according the principles of classical homeopathy.

Clinical Study Design

Now a carefully controlled clinical trial has shown that homeopathy does significantly improve attention. This study was published in the July 27, 2005 online edition of the European Journal of Pediatrics. The study, conducted in Switzerland, followed 62 children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All children were carefully diagnosed with a number of screening instruments to verify the diagnosis of ADHD, excluding other diagnoses. The study involved three phases. First the children were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine individualized to their case. Only the children who improved by at least 50 percent on an ADHD rating scale were included in the second phase of the study, a crossover trial with a placebo group. Following that crossover phase, the children were then treated again with their homeopathic medicine in an open label phase.

The primary device for measuring improvement was the Conners Global Index (CGI), a 10-item rating scale containing the most important ADHD symptoms (temper outbursts, excitability, impulsivity, overactivity, crying often, inattentive, fidgeting, disturbing other children, easily frustrated, failure to finish things, quickly changing moods). Rating: 0= never, 1= occasionally, 2= often, 3= very often. Therefore the higher the score the more prominent and severe the symptoms. Other assessment instruments included standardized achievement and intelligence tests.

The medicines used included Calc-carb (15), Sulphur (8), Chamomilla (5), Lycopodium (5), Silica (5), Hepar-sulph (4), Nux-vom (4), China (3), Ignatia (3), and Mercurius (3). Each of the following were used in one case only: Capsicum, Causticum, Hyoscyamus, Phosphorus, Phosphoric-acid, Sepia, and Staphysagria. Each was used on a daily bases in the Q3 to Q42 potency (LM). No other treatment of any kind was permitted during the course of the study.

The progress under homeopathic treatment was assessed with the parents only at intervals of 4 weeks. After an unlimited period of observation, children eligible for the crossover phase of the trial were randomly assigned to either receive the appropriate homeopathic medicine or a placebo in a blinded trial. During the second period of the crossover phase, the groups were switched. Following the crossover phase, the children were then treated with their homeopathic medicine in an open label phase of the trial.

Study Results

Results showed that children did not improve while taking placebo, but continued to improve while taking the homeopathic medicine during the blinded phase of the trial and in the post-crossover phase. The median Conners rating for ADHD symptoms dropped from 19 at the start of treatment to a median of 8 within 6 weeks after the crossover phase of the trial. During the blinded trial the children receiving placebo had a high CGI rating of 12 compared to the homeopathic group with a rating of 9. After all children were returned to their homeopathic medicine, both groups returned to the low symptom level they had achieved before the crossover phase (median of 8). The authors formed a definitive conclusion from this study. “The results of this trial point to the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of ADHD.”

HPA Attention Seminar

The Holistic Pediatric Association will be teaching a seminar on the Holistic Treatment of Attention and Autistic Spectrum Disorders on January 28, 2006. Practitioners can see details and register for this and all other HPA seminars at the website www.hpakids.org .

Excerpt from Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents, North Atlantic Books, 2005

Sources: http://www.healthy.net/scr/Column.aspx?Id=752

What is ADHD or ADD? : Homeopathic medicine for attention problems

 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting children and adults that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and overactivity.  It affects between 5-8 percent of school age children, and between 2-4 percent of adults. 

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the current diagnostic label for a condition that has been recognized and studied for over a century. Over the years, it has been known by several other names including "brain damaged syndrome," "minimal brain dysfunction (MBD)," "hyperkinetic impulsive disorder," and "attention deficit disorder (ADD)." The body of scientific literature documenting the reality of this condition is immense.  

ADHD or ADD?

"ADHD" (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is the term now used for a condition which has had several names over the past hundred years. Science recognizes three subtypes of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined).  A diagnosis of one type or another depends on the specific symptoms (i.e. the "diagnostic criteria") that person has. 

While some individuals, including many professionals, still refer to the condition as "ADD" (attention deficit disorder), this term is no longer in widespread use. For those who may have been diagnosed with ADD, the corresponding diagnostic category, using current terminology, would mostly likely be "ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type." 

Recognizing Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder

 
Separation Anxiety Disorder can really interfere with or restrict a child or teen's normal activities. He or she can become isolated from peers, and have difficulty developing and maintaining friendships. It can also lead to missed opportunities to learn new activities. School attendance and performance can drop. Many children and teens with Separation Anxiety Disorder appear depressed, withdrawn, and apathetic.
Key Points:

• Approximately 12% of children will suffer from Separation Anxiety Disorder before they reach age 18.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder has three peaks: between ages 5-6, 7-9, and 12-14.

Recognizing Separation Anxiety Disorder

Physical Symptoms include: stomach aches, dizziness, racing heart, shallow breathing and other common physical complaints associated with anxiety. Teens are also likely to complain of headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or having a panic attack.

Hint: The timing of these physical complaints is often a good clue to identify separation anxiety. For example, parents may hear these complaints on the morning of a school day, but not on the weekend.
Anxious thoughts include: a variety of different worries about separation or being alone. Younger children may not be able to identify any specific worries, and instead just say that they do not want to do an activity. Older children and teens may describe worries about something "bad" happening, either to them or to a parent/caregiver.
Common worries include:

• What if something bad happens to mom or dad?
• What if I get lost?
• What if grandma doesn't pick me up after school?
• What if I get kidnapped?
• What if I get sick and mom isn't there to help me?

Behavioural symptoms of younger children include: crying, clinging, or temper tantrums when anticipating or actually experiencing separation. They may have difficulty falling asleep alone, and have nightmares with themes of separation or death of loved ones. Often children with this problem will say things like:

• "Don't leave me alone!"
• "Where are you going?"
• "Mommy, don't go!"

Children with this problem might also refuse to:

• Be in a room by themselves
• Stay at school or participate in activities (such as swimming, sports, or other group activities) unless a trusted person stays with them
• Be at home with a babysitter when the parents are out
• Sleep alone

Behaviour symptoms of teens: Although Separation Anxiety Disorder is more common in elementary-school aged children, teens might experience separation anxiety when adjusting to a transition or a stressful situation (such as a divorce, or the death of a parent). For example, they suddenly may not be able to:

• Go for sleepovers with friends they know well
• Stay at school if a parent or trusted family member is not there
• Go on a school trip unless a parent comes along
• Use public transportation alone 

Sources: http://www.anxietybc.com/parent/separation.php