Here I am again in beautiful Clearwater, Florida. No relaxing on the beach but another mid-night arrival on Wednesday followed by classes from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday and Friday, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday. It is now 10:37 Friday night and I need to update you on my progress in Advanced Clinical Training in nutrition. I did it again! I scored 100% on the practical portion of the second module test, and I believe (they did not return the graded tests yet) I scored a 97% on the written.

I am learning so much each month, although it is very time consuming (I have a very understanding and wonderful family!) with the study, travel, and classroom requirements. But as I say again and again, it is my "Joyful Obligation" because I will be able to help even more individuals who aren't receiving any help through our current medical system. Please watch this compelling Generation RX trailer.
 

Those of you who keep up with the latest consumer news know there have been a number of contaminated products manufactured in China and imported into the U.S during the last year. The most recent Chinese debacle actually affected their own citizens. A highly toxic chemical called melamine was found in infant formula and was directly linked to the unfortunate and unnecessary deaths of three infants.

What's worse is this highly toxic chemical has been found in the U.S. The manufacturers of 90% of all the infant formula in this country (Abbott Labs, Nestlé, and Meade Johnson) have tested positive for melamine at some level. Believe it or not the FDA resisted efforts to release the names of the manufacturers of this tainted formula until the AP forced the release using the Freedom of Information Act. Makes you wonder about who is watching the hen house?

There has not been a product recall, or even a warning of the potential danger. So you and I need to do our own personal recalls, use alternatives, and inform others. Those of you raising infants have to decide if the risks outweigh the benefits. I do not see any benefit in feeding an infant a soy-based (phyto-estrogen laden) product. This is not a food by our definition, it is merely a product.

Okay, do I even need to mention BREAST MILK as the optimal choice? I hope the information provided in this article brings breast feeding to the forefront. There is a plethora of information and support available to help every mother be successful. And remember that expressed breast milk can be frozen or refrigerated and used at a later date for added convenience. More information on breast feeding here. Other alternatives include goats milk; and raw or grass fed, hormone-free dairy. I am not a big advocate of dairy unless it is grass fed, raw, and organic.

In closing, I want you to know the FDA's rationale for its actions, or lack there of, is that the trace (even though they have not all been assayed) amounts of melamine in these infant formulas are below "toxic" levels. I want you to consider that they are not accounting for likelihood of a bio-accumulation of this poisonous chemical that occurs in the tissues of the infants that consume it. We don't have any idea how these accumulated levels of poison will affect these innocent infants 10 or 20 years from now. THINK ABOUT IT!
 

Think Right: a new year

It's hard to believe 2008 is almost over. Very soon your friends, co-workers, and relatives will be asking if you have made your "New Years Resolution". My question; however, is to ask you to try something new for 2009. Make a "Belief System Change"! Many of you have heard me use this term before. This is how our patients in the Center change their health, their bodies, and their lives.

As soon as you are through reading this edition of Health Hints tm, begin to think about a concept or idea that I spoke about this past year that caught your attention, but you never implemented. Which one (or two) can become part of your new "Belief System"? Let's briefly review what some of these changes could be. Perhaps you now realize that sugar is killing you (which it is), and you are ready to make one change to begin the process of decreasing your sugar intake. You could start by drinking one less soda per day. This could also take the form of eating one less slice of bread per day. These little steps will become bigger and bigger as you see and feel the changes. Drink an additional 8oz. of water each day. Park your car as far away from the store entrance as possible and enjoy the walk and fresh air.

This is the year for change for so many of you! I have confidence that by conceptualizing the significant health benefits of a few simple changes, you will see positive health changes. You will then build on those changes each year. You will learn more and more about how you truly control the future of your Health and Wellness. I want every one to have Health Care, not disease and sickness care. It is your responsibility so take the first step right now. Make your "New Years Belief System Change" today. I know that you can do it! I anxiously await your results. Share them with us please.
 

Organic Corner: antibiotics in our foods
 
Here is a new one for those of you in my Inner Health Circle tm who are beginning the journey into the organic, hormone free, antibiotic free, range fed world. As I have mentioned in previous Health Hints tm, you must be cautious about the source of your "organic" foods. Just because it has the USDA stamp doesn't mean that it is truly organic.

In a recent court battle between food giant Tyson Foods and the USDA, Tyson asserts that the substances they inject its eggs with, ionophores, are not antibiotics. The USDA; however, does consider ionophores to be antibiotics. The issue may be mute since Tyson was also found to be injecting their eggs, which will eventually hatch and be raised as "antibiotic free" chickens, with gentamicin, an antibiotic which has been used for over 30 years. This seems to be the proverbial "chicken or the egg" question.

The point is that YOU, the potential consumer of these products, must be on guard at all times. Take ownership of your health and wellness. I stress that you cannot leave this responsibility to an individual in a white coat who knows very little about you. Begin reading labels and studying issues like this so that you will become not only informed consumers, but informed health and wellness advocates. Please see the list of must-buy organic produce.

Just in case you missed our Exclusive Offer for "Brother Jeff's" organic oranges and are interested in sampling some of these luscious organic delights, we will be taking requests through Monday, December 22. We are excited about the amazing response to this first time offer! If you have already emailed us with your interest you can expect more information regarding quantity, cost, and anticipated delivery dates, coming soon. Remember, you are not obligated in any way; we just need an idea of how many people are interested. Email our office today so that you don't miss out on this first time special offer.