When I was younger….I never used sunscreen!  I would bake in the sun for hours with nothing but baby oil to get the maximum suntan possible.  Now, several mole removals later, I never go out for extended amounts of time unprotected. However, there is growing concern with the safety of our sunscreens.  Many studies are revealing that the ingredients contained in these lotions (and especially those convenient sprays) may be blocking harmful UV rays but are contaminating our body (and blood) with dangerous chemicals that are even being associated with increased risk for skin cancer!

We need sunlight! It is my personal belief that we need sun exposure, especially as our main source of Vitamin D.  However, the amount of sun exposure is the key.  I try to get 15 minutes in the sun a day….even in the winter months on those occasional warm days.  Once that 15 minutes is up, if I am going to remain outdoors, then I apply my sunscreen.  This allows me to absorb some of that beneficial Vitamin D. I do recommend supplementing with Vitamin D3 in addition to sun exposure as most people have been found to be deficient.  I take 2,000 IU’s of D3 in the summer and 4,000 IU’s in the winter months.

What to look for~Here is a list of potentially dangerous ingredients found  in most sunscreens:

Para amino benzoic acid, octyl salicyclate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, cinoxate, padimate o., dioxybenzone, phenylbenzimidazole, homosalate, sulisobenzone, menthyl anthranilate, trolamine salicyclate, octocrylene, retinyl palmitate.

The most common one you will see is the oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, both showing links to an increase in skin cancer when used in conjunction with sunlight.  Retinyl palmitate is Vitamin A so how could a vitamin, something good for you, be related to skin cancer?  Apparently, it’s been shown to accelerate skin tumors and lesions….those that may already be cancerous. So the Vitamin A is not necessarily the problem unless it is used in conjunction with sun exposure.  My theory is that it’s combination with these other chemicals may be the source of the problem, as well. These ingredients found in our sunscreens may explain the rising numbers of skin cancer that we are seeing in the US today in spite of an increase in sunscreen use and SPF ratings.  I personally know of someone who was an avid sunscreen user and ended up with stage 3 skin cancer.  Of course, there can be  other factors involved such as skin type, exposure, etc.

What Sunscreen do I use? I made the switch to natural sunscreens two or three years ago and I must say, there are good ones and bad ones.  My biggest complaint is that most of them leave you with that unattractive, white coating on the skin due to the amount of Zinc used to block the sun.  I have broken down on occasion at the beach and used a spray sunscreen when it was convenient but with more studies coming out, that won’t be happening anymore.  My favorite sunscreen, that does not leave you looking like a ghost, is by Image Skincare called “Sun”. It’s an organic sunscreen that I use mainly on my face and chest as it is rather expensive….a 4 ounce tube will run you about $34! You must also purchase it through a licensed esthetician.  Dr. Mercola has a sunscreen that is pretty good, as well, and it comes in a variety of SPF.  For a list of sunscreens (many available at Whole Foods) and their safety ratings, click here for EWG’s Sunscreen Guide.

As with anything, I always encourage my clients and readers to do their own research as there is endless amounts of information out there and I believe you will continue to see more studies being done on this topic.

Until next time, enjoy your summer and be safe!!

One of the most entertaining things I have begun to experience in my 40′s is the decline of my memory.  This most often happens as our hormones begin to take on a mind of their own, not to mention the fact that most of us are overwhelming our poor, old brains with an exceptional amount of information, commitments and “to do” lists!

So I have to share my latest in the thrills of aging.  Last week, I was on my way to work.  It was a rare, beautiful morning as I drove through the lovely West Meade neighborhood in my typical morning daze.  I approached a stop sign and rested my car there, just behind the white line….ok….just over the white line.  Ahh….what a beautiful morning!  It wasn’t until I looked in my rear view mirror at the car who had approached and was waiting behind me that I realized something very important.  I was NOT at a traffic light…..I was at a STOP SIGN.  Yes, I had been waiting there so patiently for the LIGHT TO TURN…LOL!  I quickly punched the gas and went along my merry way….laughing….and laughing some more!

Now I have done some crazy things in my 40′s such as tearing the house apart looking for my glasses only to have my husband tell me that I was WEARING THEM!  And then there was that time that I was on the phone with my best friend and she could tell that I was becoming very frustrated and asked what was wrong.  As I began to tell her that I couldn’t find my @*&# phone….. it was at that same moment that I realized  I was TALKING ON IT!

I’m not sure how long I would have sat at the stop sign that morning if it were not for the car that had approached and waited behind me.  I’m sure they were wondering what in the world I was doing just sitting there.  It was, however, a great start to my morning as I laughed all the way to my office.

So don’t forget to remember to laugh!  (What?) All you aging women out there know what I mean.  Enjoy the ride!

My little book, “Be Well: A Simple Guidebook for Healthy Living”, has been updated with 20 more pages of nutrition and wellness information designed to educate and empower you to eat better, think better and live better!  It will be offered as part of each new consultation session, and available for purchase.  Stay tuned!!

Spring brings about new beginnings so keep your eyes open for more exciting changes to come!

Years ago I gave up Diet Dr. Pepper….it was my favorite beverage!  I probably drank at least 4 or 5 a day.  I also loved Crystal Light when it first hit the market and chewing sugar free gum was a must.  I was so proud of myself for making such “healthy” choices and avoiding “sugar”.  It was during this time of my life when I suffered terrible headaches.  I kept a headache log and one year I experienced a headache EVERY SINGLE DAY!  I am convinced that the diet drinks and other low sugar/no sugar foods I was putting into my body….along with substances such as MSG and even cow’s dairy, were the main sources of my pain. Little did I know that I was poisoning my body.

We’ve all heard the connections to physical illness and aspartame but many of us don’t realize how much we continue to be exposed.  It’s in most anything that is sugar free or low in sugar.  I even found it on a label for pickles!  It’s commonly known as “Nutri-Sweet” and “Equal” but is hidden in many beverages and foods, even some supplements.  Since it’s addition into our foods back in 1983, there has been a significant rise in brain tumors, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Depression and auto immune diseases such as MS and Fibromyalgia.  It is also a VERY common trigger for all types of headaches, especially migraines.

Aspartame can be found in products such as:

instant breakfast, breath mints, cereals, chewing gum, cocoa mixes, coffee drinks, gelatins, puddings, juices, milk drinks, vitamin/mineral supplements, soft drinks, table top sweeteners, wine coolers, topping mixes, yogurt.

SO what do I drink? For those of you who are Diet soda drinkers, if you MUST have a soda, just drink the real thing.  It’s still full of nasty chemicals and incredible amounts of sugar but at least it doesn’t contain aspartame.  Use safer sugar alternatives such as honey, agave nectar, xylitol, dates, or molasses to sweeten your beverages and foods.  Don’t buy packaged jello and puddings and read your labels to check for any signs of artificial sweeteners.  MOST gum now has aspartame….even if it’s not labeled “sugar free”.  Many companies are now adding Xylitol to gum because of it’s healthy affects on the gums but this doesn’t mean that it has left off the aspartame.  I have not found a gum in the store yet, that doesn’t contain this substance!

Can’t live without gum? Try Xylitol gums, mints and chocolate bars from Nature’s Sunshine….they are all very tasty and free of any harmful chemicals!!

The video below is full of shocking information that will shed more light on the dangers of this sugar alternative.  It is 90 minutes long but worth the time to watch so pour your self a cup of hot tea (preferably sweetened with honey or agave nectar) and empower your self with this information.  It could make all the difference in your health!

Be WELL!

Aspertame: Sweet Misery A Poisoned World

http://www.infowars.com/aspartame-sweet-misery-a-poisoned-world/

CLEANSE IN 2010!!

At the stroke of midnight and the beginning of the new year, many of vowed the yearly January vow to lose weight!  Whether you have just 5lbs to lose or 55 lbs, it is important to consider cleansing to assist the body in letting go of that unwanted fat.

Cleansing the body of toxins helps it to release weight and keep it off.  We are constantly exposed to toxins such as artificial sweeteners, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, white sugars and flours, pesticides….just to name a few!  By cleansing the body of these harmful toxins, you will have a much better response to your weight loss program.  There are many types of cleanses on the market so make sure to do your research.  I’m not a huge fan of the starvation type cleanses but I do recommend avoiding certain foods while you cleanse such as white sugars, white flours, artificial sweeteners and alcohol. Here are a couple of my favorite cleanses!

To order go to www.mynsp.com/offeringhope

Benefits:
•Supports the natural, everyday cleansing of toxic waste from the body.
•Works without posing dangerous side effects.
•Improves energy and promotes a feeling of well-being.
•Helps protect the body from disease.

CleanStart- this is a great 14-day colon cleanse that’s easy to use and tasty too.  It also includes and environmental detox that helps the body clean out those daily toxins.  Make sure to get the Berry Flavor!

Benefits:
•Promotes natural, healthy elimination.
•Supports normal glandular function.
•Supports the liver and digestive system.

Dieter’s Cleanse~A great 14-day cleanse to prepare your body for losing weight or just rid it of all those stored up toxins. Includes liver and bowel detox.

**Remember, when cleansing ALWAYS DRINK PLENTY OF WATER to help push the toxins out of the body and keep the bowels moving……you don’t want those toxins hanging around.  Make sure your bowels eliminating every day! Each of these cleanses contain LBS II which is an awesome blend of herbs that assist the bowels in pushing those toxins through.

Weight Loss~ Stay tuned for my next blog entry on weight loss.  I encourage you to AVOID DIETING and EMBRACE LIFESTYLE changes……this is the key to a healthier you!

Happy New Year and Happy Cleansing!!

Click HERE for more information or to order cleanses

As we age, many of are waking up each day to discover some new, uninvited friends.  While we are all concerned about hiding those unwanted wrinkles, these guys create an entirely different nightmare.  Men, we won’t leave you out on this topic.  As many of you are losing your hair, you are finding it appearing in other places…..your ears and your nose!

There are a couple of reasons for these unpleasant and annoying additions.  The most common reason for unwanted hair growth in women is hormonal imbalances.  As we age, our hormones begin to shift and certain hormones get depleted causing side effects such as hair growth…..or hair loss….depending on what part of the body you are looking at.   Low progesterone, higher production of androgen (male hormones) and other causes such as  thyroid disorders, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), certain medications and of course…. genetics!

So how do you get rid of these guys?  There are several options.  Tweezing and shaving are often what we resort to but not the best choice.  This only increases the thickness of the hair.  Waxing can be painful and cause yucky ingrown hairs that can lead to scarring.  I’ve personally tried electrolysis and unless you have an extreme tolerance for pain, I don’t recommend it!  If your hair growth is hormone related, working with a practitioner to balance the hormones is helpful.  However, it will only help to reduce or stop new hair growth but the old hair growth generally remains.

Laser Hair Removal is the most popular form of getting rid of those unwanted hairs.  I tried this a couple of years ago and found it to be rather painful and ineffective.  Even after a few treatments, I was continuing to get quite a bit of hair growth and resorted back to other, even less effective….but less expensive means.  Recently, however, I had the pleasure of meeting a skin expert in the Nashville area, Tracey Harris.  She is the owner of Trace Skin Care, a state of the art skin care clinic offering a variety of anti-aging treatments, as well as laser hair removal.  I got to experience a more advanced form of laser hair removal.  Not only was it much less painful, but faster and more effective!  While the laser is working to burn away those unwanted hairs, a cool breeze of air is blown across the skin to help cool the area and eliminate pain….it was wonderful!   So don’t let these pesky little guys get you down.  Zap them away and enjoy that silky, smooth skin of your youth!

Visit Tracey’s website for more information:  www.traceskincare.com

“Hairs” to a better you!

Tis the season when many of us begin to experience those all familiar feelings of depression, anxiety, or just an overall feeling of “blahness”! The winter blues can be frustrating and definitely put a damper on our lifestyle and relationships.

There are several reasons people get the winter blues.  My personal challenge is the time change — a lack of sunlight and warmth.  Winter days are shorter in sunlight and in most parts of the country much colder.  I know that here in Tennessee, we tend to get a lot of rainy or overcast days so that warm, happy sunlight is few and far between.  Another reason we may feel down is from the stress of the holidays. For some, holidays are filled with love and laughter while others may dread that time with fighting family members and busy, multi-family schedules. Whatever your reason for the blue season, there is help!

For those of you who suffer from seasonal depression which is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, try purchasing a sun lamp or full spectrum light boxes to help give you that much needed light therapy.  Exercise is a great way to increase endorphins in the brain.  Since it is harder to exercise out doors, you may consider joining a gym for the winter months and participate in more group exercise classes to help keep you motivated.  Instead of trying to do all of the cooking at Thanksgiving, have family members pitch in and bring their favorite dishes so one person isn’t doing all the cooking….. or better yet, hit your favorite Cracker Barrel for lunch that day!  Christmas shopping seems to bring the most stress during the holiday season so try drawing names this year.  Everyone has been impacted by the stressed economy so this is a perfect opportunity to start some new family traditions.

I must mention good nutrition and some helpful herbs that can support your body during this stressful time.  Watch your sugar intake.  Holiday seasons bring reasons to eat more sugar!  Instead of eating a slice of every pie on the table, take smaller bite sizes of each one and quickly walk away!

Here are some suggestions from Nature’s Sunshine Products:

Vitamin D3- make sure you are getting plenty of D3 as our levels tend to drop more during the winter months.  Vitamin D3 helps prevent colds and flus by boosting the immune system.

Nutri-Calm- this is my favorite supplement for supporting the body during stress and anxiety.  It is full of vitamin B’s and some calming herbs that will help to “take the edge off”….it is a favorite among my clients.

Mood Elevator- this is a great herbal supplement to support depression and low moods.  It is a blend of Chinese herbs that have shown to be effective in turning that frown upside down!  It is also available in TCM (concentrated form for those who prefer taking it once a day)*not recommended  if taking anti-depressants or with bi-polar disorder

Nervous Fatigue Formula – another favorite Chinese herbal formula that is great for those who are feeling “burned out”, exhausted, or overly stressed.  It’s helpful for those who wake up during the night with a racing mind.  It helps to nourish the adrenals and support the body during times of fatigue. Also available in the TCM formula.

Clean Start- this is a great, overall cleanse for the body.  It contains Environmental Detox to help rid the body of those daily toxins we are all exposed to, as well as cleansing formulas to support intestinal health.

For product orders visit www.mynsp.com/offeringhope

And most of all, remember to find something each day to be thankful for and focus on those things. Find reasons to laugh and smile…..make your own sunshine and be a light to others.

May you all have a healthy and happy winter season!

If you’ve watched the news in the last week then you are aware that the Swine Flu (H1N1) has emerged.  Unfortunately, children and adults die every year of the flu virus but the news media has targeted this particular strain as more dangerous.  Our government’s answer is a vaccine which is not even going to be available until mid-October.  PLEASE do your own research on this vaccine.  I am not going to discuss the dangers of the flu vaccine in this article but urge you to do your own research before choosing that particular method of flu prevention.

There IS another answer!  You and your family can be protected from flu and cold viruses and I am going to share with you how to do that.

Many of you have heard me talk about the new form of Silver known as Silver Sol (Nature’s Sunshine’s Silver Shield).  I have been using this form of silver for almost two years and have had amazing results.  This is a completely SAFE way to kill bacteria, virus and mold.  This is a new patented form of silver with tons of research behind it, not to mention testimonials from around the world of it’s effectiveness in killing pathogens such as influenza, malaria, Staphyoccocus and more.

Claims Found in US Patent #7135195

Silver Sol has hundreds of approved claims in the patent.  Some of the most significant pathogens killed include:  MRSA, SARS, malaria, anthrax, gram negative bacteria, gram positive bacteria, nosocomial infections, viruses including hepatitis B, influenza, and over 143 individual uses covering bacteria, viruses and fungus. Silver Sol can be used as an internal and external disinfectant because it passes through the body unchanged, so it produces no dangerous metabolites and is cleared 99% by the next day.

I have personally used Silver Shield for conjunctivitis (pink eye), ear infections, bacterial infections, strep throat, bladder infections, skin staph infection and more.  It is safe to use with children, in pregnancy and in animals.  I could literally spend an hour telling you about testimonial after testimonial from my family and my clients on how they have used Silver Shield to fight off numerous infections….including MRSA!

Now let me just state here that there are no guarantees against the flu virus….especially with the flu vaccine.  However, I am certain that Silver Sol (Silver Shield) is your BEST defense against the Swine Flu and other pathogens. I ALWAYS have Silver on hand wherever I go and it has stopped many colds within the first day….often within the first couple of hours.

The KEY is catching things EARLY.  At the very FIRST SIGN of illness (ie, sore throat, scratchy eyes, fever, headache) begin taking Silver Shield.  Any natural supplements work much more affectively if taken immediately as opposed to waiting until the virus is full blown.  Below you will find the recommended protocol for viral and bacterial prevention and support.

PREVENTION:

~Wash your hands in warm water and soap as often as possible during the height of the flu and cold season

~If you are exposed to the flu virus, immediately take 1 tsp of Silver Shield (children take ½ tsp) and use the Silver Shield Gel around nostrils and on hands.

~Additionally, you can take a dose of Nature’s Sunshine’s Fizz Active Immune for even more protection.

~Vitamin D3- very important!  Studies have shown that those with low levels of Vit D are much more prone to contract flu and cold viruses.  Adults take up to 4,000 IU’s of Vit D3 along with your Super Omega 3 (fish oils) during the winter months.  Children can now get their Vit D3 in the new Super Heroes Calcium plus D3 supplement, as well as the Super Heroes Omega 3 and DHA chew…..they are yummy!

EVEN BETTER ADDED PREVENTION is the new air and surface sanitizer Boomerang!!  One unit covers 2,000 square feet and kills airborne and surface viruses, bacteria, and mold!!

Click here for info video

FIRST SIGN OF COLD OR FLU:

~Adults take 2 tsp of Silver Shield three times a day. Children over 75 lbs take ½ the adult dose.  Children under 75 lbs take ¼ of adult dose.

** Dose may be doubled and tripled during the first two or three days of a cold or flu.  I have taken as much as one whole bottle in a day and the recommended adult dose for serious diseases is one bottle throughout the day for 14 days.

~Silver Shield can also be inhaled into the sinuses to relieve sinus infection, as well as gargling for throat infections, and using the gel to brush your teeth for gum infections.  Remember, both the  liquid and the gel can be used in ANY orifice of the body!

~For coughs, take Nature’s Sunshine’s homeopathic cough syrups (three different kinds available).

~At the first sign of illness also add in the Fizz Active Immune a couple of times a day for adults and for children Elderberry Defense Chews

To order Silver Shield Liquid or Gel, Fizz Active Immune, Elderberry Defense Chews, Super Heroes Children’s supplements go to

http://www.mynsp.com/offeringhope

I am available for home health talks, “lunch and learns” at your place of business, churches, schools and training for health care practitioners and staff.  Contact: Leslie at leslie.wellness@yahoo.com

BE WELL!!!

One thing I’ve noticed about being a woman is that we get the opportunity to really get in touch with our own bodies….whether we like it or not!  Most any day of the month, we are aware of the complexity of the female body and rarely can we just ignore the things that are taking place so we must choose to embrace the constant “body chatter” and make the best of our extremely, unpredictable, hormonal existence!

Have you ever experienced that irritating, itchy little yeast factory brewing down south?  What about the cayenne pepper water fall that seems to have no end? (I’m referring to those painful UTI’s).  Does your intestinal plumbing seem to get clogged up just before “Aunt Flow” comes into town?  If so, how would you like to learn some basic natural prevention and home remedies to not only save you some suffering, but help you avoid that dreadful trip to the gyno?!

There are some great ways to prevent things like yeast infections, bacterial infections and UTI’s.  I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing all of these not just once…..but many times over the course of my life.  After multiple trips to doctors for creams and salves and antibiotics, I decided to search for ways to prevent these nasty little creatures from terrorizing what should be the most happy place in a woman’s body!

Come and join me for a night of valuable information and a whole lot of laughter as women of all ages join forces in standing together to claim “the year of the happy Va jay jay’s!!”  KEEP YOUR WHOLE BODY SMILING

Women’s Issues Health Talk

Thursday, August 20^th

6:15-7:30pm

@ The Herbal Heart

2811 Bransford Ave

(near 100 Oaks Mall)

Come learn about natural solutions for

Yeast Infections

Bacterial Infections

Bladder Infections

and more….

Keeping your whole body smiling!!

It’s FREE so bring a friend but PLEASE RSVP to:  leslie.wellness@yahoo.com

Or Leslie @ 579-0467 Space is Limited!!