It's A Family Affair

 As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, share this song from the iconic Sly and the Family Stone to set the mood for the event. Click the link below to hear this song. Enjoy!!

https://youtu.be/MbT_ask1Cco?si=wcff_Nhf37J8irWO

Hectic Holiday Pause

During the busyness of the holiday, take a moment to pause and connect to your inner self.  We offer these words from the Native American tradition. Hear these words:

"O Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I come before you, one of your children, I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made, my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may know the things you have taught my people, the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.  I seek strength not to be superior to my brothers but to be able to fight my greatest enemy. Make me ever ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so that when life fades as a fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame." 

Joy to the World

When was the last time you smiled our laughed?  Research tells us that smiling and laughing release feel good chemicals that reduce our pain, protect our heart and relax our muscles. I dare you - laugh out loud and feel better.

Quench My Thirst

Research suggest that one of the causes of our pain and disease comes from NOT drinking enough water. Water is one of the first natural medicines created by nature.  Water is able to reduce pain and heal a number of stress related diseases. Try drinking the recommended eight glasses of water everyday and watch how you feel.  

Shop Till You Drop

The season of super shopping is just around the corner.  Did you realize that clothing and fabrics from retail stores come with a history.  When, where and how were they made, transported, stored?  How long has it been in the store?  Who has tried them on?  This unseen segment of the supply chain puts the average consumer at risk for contaminants, chemicals and diseases. Below are some items of concern and possible ways to protect you and your family.

New clothing and fabrics may have these impacts to your health.   

• Items may contain respiratory secretions, skin flora, fecal flora, yeast, vaginal organisms, lice and scabies
• Possible illnesses include hepatitis A, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), salmonella, norovirus, yeast infections, streptococcus
• Skin reactions, rashes, redness, swelling, blisters, flaky, burning, itchy, dryness may occur from formaldehyde, nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), antimicrobial triclosan, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and genetically engineered (GE) cotton

 Try these precautionary measures during and after your purchase.

• Keep on some clothes while trying on new clothing at a store
• Seek out organic cotton material
• Smell the clothing to check if they emit too much chemical scent
• Avoid “iron-free,” “wrinkle-free,” “stain resistant” or “permanent press”
• Wash new clothes when you bring them home from the store
• Bath skin after shopping that has come in contact with new fabrics

 Also note that mattresses, bed linens, pillows, carpeting, curtains, furniture, cars and other upholstered items, have been treated in a similar fashion and may pose a threat as well.