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A Mini Guide to Plastic Bottles

You’’ve been hearing all kinds of bad news reports about toxic chemicals leaching from plastic bottles and containers. If you heat these bottles or re-use them, you might be increasing your exposure to hormone mimics or any of a number of other chemicals. But plastic is all around us, and not all of it is hazardous to your family’s health. How do you know which types of plastics are worse, and which are not as bad? One clue is the number inside the recycling symbol on the bottom of the bottles or containers. The numbers indicate which are accepted by recyclers, but they also indicate the class of plastic and its chemical characteristics:

No. 1 PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
No. 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene)
No. 3. V (vinyl) or PVC
No. 4. LDPE (low density polyethylene)
No. 5. PP (polypropylene)
No. 6. PS (polystyrene)
No. 7. Other or miscellanous

To sum up, if the bottle has the number 1, 2, 4, or 5 on the bottom, it’s made from one of the safer plastics. If the number says 3, 6, or 7, there is a greater likelihood that the bottle will be leaving a chemical residue in your beverage. Category No. 3, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, is the worst, followed by No. 7, which may contain polycarbonates (bisphenol-A).
Another rule of thumb is that the softer the plastic the more likely that leaching can occur. You can also use your nose. If you sniff a hint of plastic, find another container. Of course, your best bet is to avoid plastics for food and beverage altogether, and use glass, metal, or ceramic refillable containers whenever possible.

To Your Health

Dotty

Volunteering has given me back my sanity

Well maybe not my whole sanity…

I have been a little down lately. I discovered something today - volunteering has greatly improved my mental state. I do not know if there is any evidence other than the way I feel - but my words of advice are to get out there and help people that have less than you do. Do something to give back to society and you will reap the benefit of just feeling better.

I am a member of the Fort Vancouver Lions Club and today we helped on of our local elementary schools to have an awesome PlayDay - a fun day at the end of the school year. It may not sound like much but the kids really appreciated the “end of year tradition” and I left with a much better outlook on my life. The next time you are feeling down give it a try - volunteer!

Dotty

Dr. Forgey - a local Chiropractor here in Vancouver made a great observation about the current state of health care. Here is what he says:

The State of Health Care

There is a real problem growing in the so-called health care system. One that is frightening to those of us who are involved in the delivery of health care. The problem is that as much as some people like to attack medicine and its shortcomings and dangers, the fact is that medical practice is becoming more and more effective every year. Now some may be wondering how that is a problem. If drugs are becoming more effective and less harmful, isn’t that good? If the side effects of drugs are being diminished, isn’t that beneficial? If surgical procedures are safer today than they were 10-15 years ago, isn’t that wonderful? If scientific medicine is able to develop new drugs that can relieve peoples’ ills for longer and longer periods of time, isn’t that progress? Shouldn’t we be thankful? Well, in a sense it is helpful but not in the long run. If all we are doing is relieving peoples symptoms but not making them healthier, are we really making a difference?

The greatest danger of medicine is that it works. It relieves symptoms, treats disease and makes you feel better to the point that you think you are better. Unfortunately, it has little to do with health. Mastering bypass surgery will not encourage us to live healthier lives, which may lead to healthier hearts and thus prevent the very need for surgery. Health is the real need. People need to know that true health comes from within. It consist of doing those things necessary to be healthy including eating right, getting the proper rest, exercising, keeping the body from pollutants and maintaining a positive mental attitude.

I found a few other articles on the Internet that are also thought provoking.

Natural Health Alternative for Cholesterol Drugs - A Chinese supplement, red yeast rice, is a natural remedy for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks. Studies have showed that 5000 Chinese heart attack patients who were taking red yeast rice pills cut their risk of getting …

Holistic Health Care - Mind Body interactions - The world is gradually turning towards all natural healing and treatments after following the Western medicine system for ages. The popularity of holistic health care is due to the raised awareness created by environmentalists who have …

To Your Health

Dotty

I was at my Massage Therapists office the other day and was involved in a conversation that asked the question: Are Herbal Supplements healthy to consume? I have pondered this question for a few days and I have come up with my personal answer.

Herbal medicine has been used for several thousand years - I think originating in China. Ancient Chinese medicine uses herbs of many kinds to treat many different ailments very successfully. However I have not heard of the continued - day to day - usage of herbs as a valid treatment for anything.

Common sense tells me (and maybe I am wrong here) that herbs are used in the short term to help the body correct a problem. Once the problem is corrected then there is no more need for the Herbal treatment.

Back to the question: Are herbal supplements healthy? I think not. Supplements that are based upon a substance that our bodies are meant to consume on a daily basis would be healthier - like fruits and vegetables. What is your opinion?

To your health
Dotty

Rhubarb - A True Sign of Spring

When I see the Rhubarb stick its head above the ground - I know Spring is just around the corner. Last year my Rhubarb plants were small and spindly - so during the winter I put some “hot” manure on the plants. They are now fabulous!

Rhubarb is one of my favorite Spring plants. It makes a great sauce, mixes well with other fruits for a tangy flavor, and my daughter likes to eat it raw. Rhubarb contains high amounts of Oxalic Acid - so it needs to be consumed in small amounts especially by people that have mineral deficiencies because of its laxative nature. However it is great for people that are living in high pollution areas for the same reason. Oxalic acid helps to remove toxins from the body.

Rhubarb is good for you and it will help you too -and it tastes good. My favorite sauce recipe is:

• Chunked Rhubarb stems - amount to your liking - do not peal
• Agave Nectar - to taste
• Cinnamon to taste

Cook over low heat stirring occasionally until the Rhubarb breaks down. Add Agave Nectar and Cinnamon to taste. Eat either warm or refrigerated. My favorite way is warm over Vanilla ice cream. One more thing about Rhubarb - When it puts up a seed pod the best thing to do it pick it off. If it is left on the plant then the Rhubarb Stems will become pithy and not as tasty.

Here are some other Rhubarb recipes from the blogoshpere

What do you do with rhubarb? - This year I finally made a rhubarb jam that they can’t get enough of — DH even said not to bother making other types while DS indicated he really liked it, too, but doesn’t want us to forgo making grape jelly since he prefers that with …

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble - I’ve never baked with rhubarb. But I spotted some at the grocery store and I felt inspired. Why not try something new? And what better way to eat rhubarb as accompanied by ripe strawberries and baked with a delicious crumbly topping? …

Is rhubarb good for you? - The distinguished history of rhubarb was one of the topics discussed on clever quiz show QI last week. As well as discussing Yorkshire’s rhubarb triangle, it turns out that rhubarb was very popular for its health-giving properties in …

Almost good for you: Rhubarb and Apple Crisp - I feel it unfair that anything like an apple crisp has been labeled a “dessert”. After all, apples are good for you, right? And when you add a vegetable, you really can’t call it a dessert. Can you? OK, I’ll admit that crisps are …

 Enjoy the Spring Dotty

I am several weeks into blending fruits and vegetables. I have settled on 2-3 fruits and 4-5 vegetables per smoothie. This ratio will give the smoothie enough natural sugars to make it very tasty and satisfying. Make sure at least 2 or 3 of the vegetables are leafy greens - this is a food category that is missing in most of our diets but is greatly needed. So far I have seen improvement in my:

• digestion
• acid reflux
• insomnia
• frequency of urination at night
• Condition of my hair

I have noticed that my appetite is better and my sugar cravings have decreased. I have not written down any of my favorite drinks - I suppose I should. I do include 1 banana, and either blue berries or huckleberries in each drink. I also like celery in each drink. Here is an example of a typical drink:

• 2 cups of purified water
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 banana
• Quarter cup of huckleberries
• 3 Radishes
• 3 leaves of Red Leaf Lettuce
• 3 leaves of Kale

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Here are 2 more articles on Blending Fruits and Vegetables

Apr 5, Juicing Vegetables, Blending, Dehydrating, Sprouting - Quick and easy instructions for juicing vegetables, dehydrating foods, sprouting grains, germinating nuts and blending fruits..

This just in: fruits and vegetables are GOOD for you. - Blending up fruits and making lots of salads like Montel told me to, and speed-walking around an imaginary track. All of this should make for riveting conversation on my date tomorrow, obviously. What have you been doing lately?

Here’s to your health!

Dotty - Aspiring Blending Expert

Green For Life – My Personal Journey
I have recently read a book called Green for LifeGreen for Life by Victoria Boutenko. This book is absolutely fascinating. Victoria has done research on nutrition and how different foods affect our bodies. Her findings are simple to understand and really make sense. The book shows the value of blending leafy green vegetables.

Since reading the book I have started to drink 2 or 3 glasses a day of blended vegetables. Although I am not severely unhealthy, I do have issues that need to be changed or fixed. Some of the challenges I have are:

• Always Tired
• Excess Mucus Production
• Weak Fingernails and Dull Hair
• Indigestion
• Acid Reflux
• Low Blood Sugar
• Poor Circulation
• Dry Skin
• Muscle Pain
• No Ambition
• Sugar Cravings
• Weight Gain
• Pre Menopausal Symptoms

Although none of these things are considered a major health issue –I would like them to go away. My experiment is to make green smoothies at least twice a day and at the same time eat healthier. I started this journey 2 weeks ago and so far I have seen some improvement. I have far less acid reflux and I do not need to take a nap in the afternoon. I will be posting my progress here each week. My challenge is for other people to try blending and post their progress as well.

To Your Health
Dotty

Bone Density – Is it all its cracked up to be?

I had an interesting conversation with my local Chiropractor about bone density and diet this past week. I was under the impression that as us women age our hormone production decreases and this causes our bone density to decrease. Hence the prescribing of hormone replacement therapy as we reach menopause. I thought that making better food choices would keep me from loosing bone density. I found out that this is only a small part of the solution.

The main part of the solution is load bearing weight. As we get older and become less active, we loose bone density because our bones are no longer bearing the weight of our activities. Therefore our body “thinks” that it does not need to use the available calcium in our bodies to build bone. Without doing load bearing exercises taking calcium is just about worthless. If our bodies do not have the need to use the available calcium it simply won’t. No matter how much is available.

So the solution is a multi part solution – load bearing exercise getting enough fruits and vegetables, and supplementing with vitamins and minerals. I personally will not be taking hormone replacement therapy.

Here are some other articles on Bone Density

Getting Fit Over 40 - It’s Easier Than You Think - Another important benefit of muscle building is its effect on bone density. Women in particular are at risk for developing osteoporosis as they age. Imagine having the ability to prevent your bone density from decreasing over time. …

Treating Osteoporosis Naturally - The bone density loss can occur long before the advanced symptoms and you may not even realize you?ve got it until a simple fall or accident causes a fracture. Natural osteoporosis supplements are well worth taking to avoid such pain in …

Cola: Bad to the Bones - Experts believe that drinking soda, especially cola, affects bone density in several ways. People who drink colas are less likely to get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diets, because the soda is replacing more nutritious …

Maintain Proper Bone Density With Calcium And More - Bone consists predominantly of collagen and calcium phosphate. (…)

Here’s to your health

Dotty,

I have come across a great tasting Omega Complex product. It does not taste like fish and it is still a high quality, filtered product. It is called Omega Sufficiency By Innate Choice.

Here are some thoughts on Fish Oils from the sphere.

Q&A: Are fish oil and omega-3s the same thing?
- Fish oil is an especially rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in flaxseed, walnuts, and dark leafy greens. Research has shown that certain omega-3s reduce the risk of a second heart attack and lower heart-attack …

Fish Oil Benefits ? Prevent Disease and Increase Overall Health
- Naturally, one may eat the fish (salmon, sardines, mackeral, etc) and get some benefits of fish oil, but modern pharmacology has learned to purify and concentrate (as well as deodorize) such oil, and makes the same available in …

Does Flaxseed Oil Work As Well As Fish Oil Does?
- Flaxseed oil and fish oil are both excellent sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids, however, the types of essential fatty acids they contain are different. Flaxseed oil contains ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is usually converted …

7 Things You Can Do Today to Double Your Energy
- Fish oil contains the Omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which are vital for healthy brain development and function. Putting physical health problems aside, those of us who have low …

Here’s to your health

Dotty

I was reading an article from Advance Magazine (Feb 12th 2007 issue) about Cholesterol and the true facts surrounding the controversy about high cholesterol. If you want to read the whole article called Ranking High Cholesterol then just give the title a click. Otherwise I will summarize the article here for you.

“To better understand the concept of “high cholesterol,” a basic understanding of what cholesterol really is, where it comes from and what it is used for—it’s purpose—is needed. Simply put, cholesterol is a type of sterol (steroid alcohol) that is found within all cell membranes. In other words, cholesterol is a vital component of all tissues of the human body.” If cholesterol is a vital part of our body - it cannot be the evil molecule that it has been reported as being. Cholesterol is the basic building block of all our hormones - which we need to survive. Cholesterol has several rolls in our body:

• It acts as cellular “glue”
• Serves as a precursor to all steroid hormones
• Building block for manufacturing of certain vitamins
• Metabolizing fatty acids

Without cholesterol our bodies would not be able to make:

• Pregnenolone
• DHEA
• Estrogen
• Testosterone
• Cortisone
• other vital hormones

The bottom line is Cholesterol is needed in our bodies.

“Simply put, there is just cholesterol, not “good cholesterol” or “bad cholesterol”—because both “types” of cholesterol are needed. However, because the correlation of total cholesterol with heart disease—and with other diseases—was highly questionable, many years ago a stronger correlation was sought.

It is important to realize that both LDL and HDL are lipoproteins—fats that are combined with proteins. Cholesterol needs to combine with fats and proteins to be carried through our watery bloodstream, since fat and our watery blood do not mix very well. However, LDL and HDL are forms of lipoproteins—they are not just forms of cholesterol.”

LDL is often called “bad cholesterol” because is carries cholesterol from the liver to the blood stream - seemingly raising blood cholesterol levels. HDL - “good cholesterol” carries cholesterol from the blood stream back to the liver - seemingly lowering levels.

Cholesterol is not a mistake of nature - it is a necessary part of our physiology.

Cholesterol becomes a problem when it becomes “oxidized” it can irritate and inflame the tissues in which it is lodged. If this inflammatory process is allow to continue on a chronic basis scar tissue is formed and that is called plaque - which causes hardening of the arteries. Therefore it would make more since to treat the cause of oxidation not treat the levels of cholesterol. Depriving our bodies of an essential building block for creating various life yielding substances is causing more problems in our overall health than simply taking antioxidants would.

I would encourage you to read the whole article - it certainly puts a different light on the whole cholesterol myth.

Also if you are looking for a quality antioxidant do your research on this product called Ambrotose AO.

More articles on Cholesterol from the sphere:

The Saturated Fat & Cholesterol Myth Destroyed!! - This is obviously healthy and raises good cholesterol and therefore lowers risk of heart disease. Hmm, not much wrong there, is there? The result of consumption of this acid is either nil or even beneficial to your health. …

Lower Bad Cholesterol - Discover How To Lower Bad Cholesterol - Trans fats have been found to be detrimental to the cardiovascular system in general, and have also been linked to actually lowering the good cholesterol found in the blood stream. free tea leave reading. Exercise. vitamin wall chart. …

Blueberries and Cholesterol- Studies Show Promise for Natural … - HDL cholesterol is good because high levels of HDL tend to protect against heart attacks. In fact, low levels of HDL (40 mg/dL or less) increase the risk of heart disease. Although HDL is better than LDL, foods with cholesterol must be …

What You Should Know About Cholesterol Triglycerides? - To get more tips on maintaining good cholesterol levels go to: http://www.cholesterol-diet.for–you.com Also, check out his free weekly newsletter and get his no-nonsense report on constipation cure …

Here’s to your health

Dotty