February 2009 Archives

Need help getting on the right track?  Why not make a healthy living plan? Thinking about it and writing it down are all you need to do to get started. Here's a good way to start with a plan outline from Healthy-Holistic-Living.com.

Look for the positive in every situation.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Be aware of my thoughts and feelings.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Eat a healthy diet.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Value myself and my creativity.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Exercise regularly.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Stay open to new ideas.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Get adequate rest.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Accept change willingly.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Express emotions appropriately.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Make decisions based on what I think is best for me.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Respect myself and others.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

Practice preventive health care.

Steps I will take to achieve this goal:

 

Source: Healthy-Holistic-Living.com

Ask a roomful of vegetarians why they decided to make the meat-free leap, and you'll likely get a roomful of answers. Some might love animals. Some might have ecological reasons. Some might have eschewed their steak-eating days to lose weight.

Me? I did it for yoga. I read that yogis are vegetarian, so I decided to try it for a month, and after two weeks, I realized I'd probably never go back. I felt better. I felt less dense, physically and mentally.

Sure, I've since eyed a piece of bacon and thought, Mmmmm, bacon, with my inner Homer Simpson voice. I've even confessed that if I ever return to my meat-eating ways, it would be for a chicken wing. But here's the truth: I've never once questioned the wisdom of becoming a vegetarian, and my health has remained stellar since I did.

I must admit, when I became a vegetarian over a decade ago, I (like many veggie converts) really didn't have a clue what I was getting myself into. And, perhaps more importantly, I couldn't tell if my body was ready for my new, meat-free experiment. I didn't know where I was getting my protein--everyone's favorite vegetarian question--and I wasn't sure if the rice and beans and veggie burgers I was eating instead of chicken and beef and fish would give me all the nutrients I needed.

Thankfully, I worked all of that out. And, also thankfully, the voices supporting the wisdom of my choice are growing stronger.

Why plants promote good health
According to Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, a nutritionist in New York City, a well-planned vegetarian diet can be very beneficial. "Vegetarian diets are often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, and higher in fiber, folate, and anti-oxidants than meat-based diets," says Alpert. Because of this, vegetarians tend to have a lower risk of high blood pressure and heart disease than meat eaters. Which is all very logical when you consider that saturated fats come almost exclusively from animal products, and animal fat is the sole source of cholesterol.

Fiber--often lacking in Americans' diets--comes part and parcel with eating a plant-based diet. Vegetables, fruit, legumes, and grains are all loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber. "I'm feeling irregular" will be a sentiment you can pretty much put to rest when you're a vegetarian.

A small sampling of recent studies shows how the wisdom of vegetarianism, and subsequent reduction in disease, is being borne out by science. In Japan--a country widely lauded for its healthy eating habits--a study found middle-aged vegetarians get more nutrients than their meat-eating counterparts, including higher calcium, iron, and fiber levels. In Australia, adolescents who followed a mostly vegetarian diet were found to be healthier, with better body mass index scores, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and other markers of cardio-vascular health. David Simon, MD, medical director of the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California, isn't surprised. "Most scientific studies that compare herbivore and carnivore diets find that vegetarians have overall better health, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease, cancer rates, and depression."

Notice a trend, though, of experts citing a well-planned and balanced vegetarian diet. Trading out meat for potato chips and pasta every night doesn't cut it.

When vegetarianism doesn't work
"If you're going to try a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can't just give up meat and dairy and think, Now I'm a vegetarian or vegan," says Ann Gentry, founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based vegan restaurants Real Food Daily and author of The Real Food Daily Cookbook (Ten Speed Press, 2005). "A varied plant-based diet is crucial," says Gentry. Translation: A poorly planned, imbalanced, same-foods-all-the-time vegetarian diet--also known as a "junk food vegetarian" diet loaded with simple carbs like bread and french fries--can cause a host of nutrient deficiencies. My sister tried this and, of course, her vegetarian days didn't last long. She was in college. Becoming a vegetarian was a phase. And because she wasn't able to get off the french fries and on the stir-fries, her experiment in vegetarianism became an experiment in not eating well--antithetical to going vegetarian in the first place. "A poorly planned vegetarian diet can make you tired, prevent healthy metabolism, and cause nervous system damage, weak bones, vision issues, and poor brain function," says Alpert.

Luckily, before I became vegetarian, I was a fairly robust eater. I liked food. All food. It turned out to be a trait that served me well in those early years after I switched to a plant-based diet. I easily avoided eating the same vegetarian foods over and over again because I traded meat for any and all vegetables and veg-friendly products I could get my hands on. But for those who think the main concern when it comes to being a vegetarian is getting enough protein, here's some news: rice and beans--complete protein. Soy--complete protein. Peanut butter and whole-wheat bread--complete protein. It's that simple. And to be clear, a "complete" or "perfect" protein supplies all the amino acids that must be consumed because the body cannot make them on its own.

However, there are other serious nutritional deficiencies that can result from a poorly planned vegetarian diet. When you cut out meat and chicken and don't eat enough beans, iron deficiency can result and lead to anemia. Not eating fish or dark leafy greens? You may not be getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation in the body. And a lack of iodine--found in shellfish and some cheeses--can lead to thyroid enlargement and goiter.

Some of these deficiencies will be easy to detect. You'll know if you're tired. A goiter, well, you'll know that too. But will you know if your brain's cell membranes are starving for fatty acids? Maybe not.

"Making sure you're getting the right amount of nutrients may require more attention than you're used to and force you to become more aware of how your body feels in relation to what you're eating," says Simon. "But every study that looks at vegetarianism finds that if you follow a healthy, balanced diet, you can get all the nutrients you need."

Healthy vegetarianism
Despite the potential drawbacks, eating a well-planned vegetarian diet is less complicated than you think. It just takes a little more planning--and a new mind-set. "There's a large contingency of people, whether

they're vegetarian or not, who want to eat more vegetables and whole grains, but they find it hard to do," says Gentry. "Getting past the resistance in your head is a good first step."

Another important one: Make sure you stock the right kinds of foods. Is your pantry full of processed and prepackaged foods? Ditch those, and start storing rice, beans, legumes, and other basics of a good vegetarian diet (for a list of smart choices, see "8 Must-Have Foods for Vegetarians, above). Also, prepare yourself for spending more time planning and cooking meals--especially at first. But the more comfortable you get experimenting with new foods, the easier preparation will become.

And keep that little reminder voice in the back of your head: varied, balanced, well-planned. This mantra will be your guide to healthy vegetarianism. "The best tactic for vegetarians is to make sure each meal includes foods with a variety of colors," says Alpert. "It's an easy way to cheat to help you get all the nutrients you need." And that's good advice for everyone.

Bryce Edmonds is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer.


What-a-tarian?

Flexitarian. Do you eat a vegetarian diet most of the time, but still love a burger every so often? Are you concerned about health issues but need those chicken wings? Congratulations, you're a flexitarian.
Pescatarian. So you love sushi and just can't give it up. (You've tried, but it's just so good.) Not to mention a nice piece of salmon or ceviche or maybe even a crab cake or two. OK, then, pescatarian it is.
Vegetarian. You don't eat meat--not chicken, not fish, not steak, not any. You do, however, probably enjoy your morning yogurt and an egg sandwich. That sits you in the lacto-ovo vegetarian section. Don't do the eggs, and you qualify as a lacto vegetarian. Mix and match as you please, but don't start adding beef flavoring. (See "Poseurtarian" below.)
Vegan. Do you run screaming from any animal product? You won't eat dairy or honey. You probably tossed your leather belts and wear canvas shoes. Wave your vegan flag proudly.
Poseurtarian. Ever uttered these words? "I'm a vegetarian." Pause. "But I sometimes eat fish and chicken and maybe a burger now and again." Well, then, you are a poseurtarian.


8 Must-Have Foods for Vegetarians

Quinoa. The United Nations labels this "grain" (actually a seed) a "super crop" because it is a complete and nutrient-dense protein. Good source of iron, protein, and zinc.
Almond butter. It's loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and calcium. And kids love it.
Wheat germ. The core of the wheat kernel teems with iron and zinc.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Two more great sources of iron and zinc.
Nutritional yeast. This is a natural source of vitamin B12, especially important if you're following a vegan diet.
Tempeh. This fermented soy product is an excellent source of protein.
Miso. Made from fermented soy, this paste is loaded with protein, vitamin K, and iron.
By Bryce Edmonds - Courtesy of Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living/Alternative Medicine/InnoVision Health Media

The Ayurvedic Approach

1. Never Skip Meals.  Forgoing breakfast or lunch is a big ayurvedic no-no. Like a car running out of gas, when you don't "fill up" on a regular basis, you simply don't have enough fuel to burn. When this happens, the fuel-starved body must call on emergency reserves, in the form of adrenalin. Sure, that adrenalin can give you a short-term boost of energy. But running solely on this "fight-or-flight" hormone causes all sorts of physical changes, releasing a flood of stress hormones into the body and increasing blood pressure and heart rate. An overabundance of these hormones not only causes cravings, anger, irritability, and exhaustion, but it also can become toxic over time. Even if you feel rushed, make time to eat three squares a day so you have enough fuel to see you through to bedtime.

2. Make lunch your biggest meal.  According to ayurveda, different times of day correspond to three energies, expressed as vata (air) in the morning, pitta (fire) in the afternoon, and kapha (earth) in the evening. Most of us eat a big dinner between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., which is kapha time, precisely when our digestion slows down as the body prepares for sleep. Eat your biggest meal of the day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.--pitta time--when your digestive fire is at its peak. By eating a big, nourishing meal at lunch, your body will burn the food more effectively and keep you from overeating at dinner.

3. Quit grazing.  You may have heard that snacking between meals helps stabilize blood sugar. But eating six meals a day only works as a short-term solution for people who need to stabilize their blood sugar--not a long-term approach to eating, says Douillard. Why? When the body fasts between meals (including overnight), it burns fat cells, and burning fat helps release toxins and pollutants that have accumulated in the body. Constant noshing--which requires that the body focus on digestion rather than burning fat--doesn't allow for this detoxification to take place. "Even if you snack on something healthy, like nuts or carrots, the body will have no chance to burn your stored fat and excrete toxins," he says. Without this precious chance to cleanse, these toxins can lead to inflammation, a known cause of all sorts of diseases. If saying no to noshing represents a big transition, cut back slowly: A six-times-a-day eater should eat five times a day for a few days and eventually cut that down to three times.

The Medical Model

4. Breathe like a baby. "Babies don't breathe through their mouths unless they are stressed," says Northrup, who calls mouth breathing "a stress response." Because it's shallow, it doesn't allow you to pull air deep into the lower lungs, she says. Nose breathing, on the other hand, produces a full, deep breath that also triggers the parasympathetic nervous system (which helps calm you). Breathing deep into your belly will expand your rib cage over time, allowing you to oxygenate your body more efficiently--and that, in turn, allows your metabolism to become more efficient. Try deep breathing by lying down on the floor with a book on your belly. As you inhale deeply through your nose, feel the book rise. As you exhale, squeeze out all the air as the book lowers.

5.  Pump iron to sharpen your mind.  Weight training can certainly keep your muscles and bones strong as you age. But in addition to helping you stay structurally sound, pumping iron can help you on an emotional level. "Strong muscles translate to a sense of empowerment in the world," says Northrup, who believes that women who lift weights on a regular basis often have more confidence. "New research on exercise shows that when we develop our muscles, we also change the neuronal patterns in our brains," she says, "which in essence means you're also altering your brain." Women can get all the benefits they need from two 40-minute strength-training sessions a week. Just be sure to use weights that are heavy enough to fatigue your muscles toward the end of your repetitions--most likely 5 pounds or more for most exercises.

6.  Get your rest. Sleep is the most efficient way to metabolize excess stress hormones, such as adrenalin and cortisol in the body, says Northrup. "And those hormones lead to cellular inflammation, which is the root cause of all chronic, degenerative disease." Northrup recommends taking a nap when you can and giving yourself permission to sleep as late as you want on occasion. While eight hours a night is ideal, some of us need more. If you wake up tired, that's an indication that you need more shut-eye. Wake up refreshed, and you're probably getting as much as you need.

Advice from the Acupuncturist

7. Express appreciation.  Your mother's insistence that you send thank-you cards may have bugged you as a child, but expressing appreciation is more than just good manners. Sharing emotions like joy and gratitude are integral to overall good health, while chronic dissatisfaction and resentment can lead to physical problems down the road. "In Chinese medicine, each organ is associated with a different emotion," Seplow explains. "Pensiveness or overthinking injures the spleen and digestive organs, and repressed anger and resentment can negatively affect the liver." You can keep your organs healthy by cultivating a healthy attitude and taking responsibility for your emotional state rather than relying on other people, like your partner or kids, to make you feel better.

8.  The 70 percent rule.  Chinese medicine adheres to the principle of moderation, which Seplow calls the 70 percent rule: Don't do anything beyond 70 percent of your capacity. For example, eat only until you feel 70 percent full. If you have a meal and leave some empty space, you give your body the energy it needs. But if you eat too much, you'll likely feel bloated and tired--and your digestion will slow down. And though this rule might seem counterintuitive to a nation raised on the "no pain, no gain" motto, you should apply it to exercise too. It's great to get your heart rate up and maybe even break a sweat, but don't do so much that you feel depleted afterward. As in most things with Chinese medicine, the rule has a philosophical slant. "Everything in moderation, including moderation," says Seplow. "You can't be too dogmatic."

9. Eat warm food.  Ice water. Raw veggies. Frozen smoothies. They may taste good, but according to Chinese medicine, too many of these foods can chill your body, which slows down your circulation, weakens your digestive fire, and creates stagnation in your organs. "The digestive energy is likened to a fire," says Seplow. "You don't want to put a lot of cold things into your body because over time, they'll put out that fire. Eating foods that keep your fire strong is a prescription for longevity." This is a particularly important rule to follow for women, acupuncturists say. Cold foods, which cause the heart to work harder to boost circulation and maintain optimal body temperature, take away some of the energy the body needs for conception and menstruation. So turn to warm, nurturing soups and stews as the weather begins to cool off--and remember to limit raw, cold, and frozen foods year-round.

Notes from a Naturopath

10. Slow down.  Our multitasking, technologically enhanced, workaholic culture can take a huge toll on our overall health. Some people thrive on cramming as much as possible into their days. "But for most of us," says Alschuler, "this causes serious energy depletion," which can lead to illness. The body secretes adrenalin and cortisol when stressed and abnormally high levels of these hormones can create disease-causing inflammation in the body. To counter chronic stress, Alschuler recommends carving out some unstructured time for reflection. "That can help you remember what it feels like to be relaxed and in the present moment."

11. Get an annual physical.  As much as you might dread your yearly doctor visit, it is important, says Alschuler. "At that visit, your doctor will order the right lab tests and ask the right questions that will help clue her in to what health problems could be happening for you now or in the future." For instance, if you tell your doctor that you feel tired all the time and don't know why, she might order a thyroid test to see if there's an imbalance. Of course, this requires that you have a physician you feel comfortable talking to and who really listens to your concerns and complaints, and then responds appropriately with dietary advice, follow-up tests, or referrals.

12. Find your passion.  "When you have passion for life, for friends, and for the planet, you'll be more motivated to live healthier, exercise more, and eat well," says Alschuler. "If you're motivated by worry, fear, or guilt, your health will certainly be impacted." Alschuler recommends spending some time each day doing something you love or hanging out with people who inspire you. "Try revisiting a favorite childhood hobby, such as playing the violin or painting," she says. When we lose our connection to things we love, we can have a tougher time expressing our inner joy and happiness.

To-dos from a Dietician

13. Get out the measuring tape.  Many of us have been programmed to worship a number on the bathroom scale, but waist circumference is more important than weight, says Eastwood. A large waist can increase your risk of insulin resistance, the body's inability to process sugars, which raises your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Women should have no more than a 35-inch waist, and men should measure 40 inches or less. If your waist circumference is more than that, the advice is simple, says Eastwood: "Cut down on food intake, exercise more--or even better, do a combination of the two."

14. Stop late night noshing. Even if you're not looking to lose weight, put an end to any post-dinner munching. Eating too much late at night can wreak havoc on your digestive system, disrupt the body's natural wake-sleep cycle, called the circadian rhythm, and create a vicious cycle that's hard to break: If you eat late at night, you're less likely to wake up hungry, more likely to skip breakfast as a result, overeat at lunchtime because you're starving, eat next to nothing at dinner because you're still too full from lunch, and then get hungry and eat just before bedtime. When you wake up, the cycle starts again--and it can affect your quality of sleep. To avoid this pattern, Eastwood recommends setting a clear boundary about not eating mindlessly after dinner. If you must have something, drink some herbal tea or have a piece of fruit.

15. Get a dose of D.  According to research, most Americans lack sufficient vitamin D, and that's a problem. "Not getting enough D is linked with chronic diseases such as cancer," says Eastwood. The body creates vitamin D from sunlight. But since few of us live near the equator or spend much time in the sun--at least without lots of sunscreen or protective clothing--we don't get enough of this crucial vitamin. Eastwood recommends supplementing with 1,000 to 2,000 IU daily. SOURCE Natural Solutions

Money is tight these days, so people are paying close attention to how they spend their precious dollars. This can include eating at home more and canceling pricey gym memberships. In this new economic era, unrestrained spending is out. But don't allow tight times to compromise the health of you or your family. To help health seekers navigate the new terrain, the editors at Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living magazine have published "31 Ways to Stay Healthy and Save Money" in their March issue -- on newsstands now.

"The things that keep us healthy are often the first to go when we clamp down on our spending," said Linda Sparrowe, Natural Solutions' editor-in-chief. "We can't stop paying the mortgage or the utilities, so we downgrade our healthy lifestyle expenditures to 'dispensable.'" Turns out that's not such a healthy idea. Uncertain times like these, Sparrowe says, create an inordinate amount of stress, which is reason alone to find a way to keep what keeps you sane. How can you do that without breaking the bank?

• Barter. Many service providers are willing to strike a trade. To keep a healthful practice, such as yoga classes or regular massages, offer valuable skills in trade.
• Strike a deal. Let a massage student practice on you for free. Offer to pay for a yearlong gym membership for a discount over the month-to-month price, or join budgets with a friend to hire a personal trainer who will let each person pay half the fee.
• Plan ahead when you shop. In addition to sale items, zero in on the store's private-label brand (for food and supplements), the bulk-foods section, and value packs of meat, poultry, and fish. Buy seasonal produce with a friend and take weekly turns chopping it to avoid expensive pre-cut produce.

SOURCE Natural Solutions

LuxSauna has teamed up with world famous "Hippocrates Health Institute" with far infrared saunas placed in HHI's private cabins. Clients of HHI are now able to take advantage of these private far infrared saunas to sweat out toxins, the source of what many doctors and alternative health practitioners believe to be the major causes of most health problems including obesity, skin problems, and even cancer, arthritis and other ailments.

Dr. Joseph of Hippocrates Health Institute stated, "We use LuxSaunas as an integral part of our main health and recovery. Your body wants to heal, but if you are loaded with toxins in your body, it's an uphill battle, so you need to clean your system out."

LuxSauna offers far infrared saunas in a wide array of styles and features; however, the benefits with these infrared saunas are more important than their exquisite style. The far infrared saunas have been researched for their true health benefits with results published by the Journal of American Medical Association on August 7, 1987, which stated, "Due to the deep penetration -- over 1 1/2" to 2" past the skin, into the fat -- the infrared rays generated by these far infrared sauna heat systems create a heating effect deep in the muscular tissues and the internal organs. The body responds to this deep-heating effect via a hypothalamic-induced increase in both heart volume and rate. This beneficial heart stress leads to a sought-after cardiovascular training and conditioning effect."

Medical researchers have shown that infrared treatments aid individuals with many ailments such as TMJ arthritis, traumatic arthritis, the relief of low back pain, accelerated healing of brain contusions, muscle pain after exercise, relaxed tight shoulders, relieved or eliminated shoulder pain, relaxed muscle tension, reduced or eliminated bursitis and more.

Now, Hippocrates Health Institute is combining their health and recovery therapy with the LuxSauna far infrared saunas in their private cabins so all guests will be able to benefit from the benefits that are experienced with the detox spa in the privacy of their cabins while staying at the health institute. The private saunas chosen by the Hippocrates Health Institute are LuxSaunas, otherwise referred to as Luxspa suites, offering individuals the comfort of a spa in the privacy of their own room, while detoxing their bodies for overall better health through detoxification, ridding the body of harmful toxins with the theory that a clean, toxin-free body can more ably and quickly repair itself.

Participating in certain mental activities, like reading magazines or crafting in middle age or later in life, may delay or prevent memory loss, according to a study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, April 25 to May 2, 2009.

The study involved 197 people between the ages of 70 and 89 with mild cognitive impairment, or diagnosed memory loss, and 1,124 people that age with no memory problems. Both groups answered questions about their daily activities within the past year and in middle age, when they were between 50 to 65 years old.

The study found that during later years, reading books, playing games, participating in computer activities and doing craft activities such as pottery or quilting led to a 30 to 50 percent decrease in the risk of developing memory loss compared to people who did not do those activities. People who watched television for less than seven hours a day in later years were 50 percent less likely to develop memory loss than people who watched for more than seven hours a day.

People who participated in social activities and read magazines during middle age were about 40 percent less likely to develop memory loss than those who did not do those activities.

"This study is exciting because it demonstrates that aging does not need to be a passive process. By simply engaging in cognitive exercise, you can protect against future memory loss," said study author Yonas Geda, MD, MSc, a neuropsychiatrist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. "Of course, the challenge with this type of research is that we are relying on past memories of the participants, therefore, we need to confirm these findings with additional research."

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Robert H. and Clarice Smith and Abigail Van Buren Alzheimer's Disease Research Program and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Additional audio and video resources, including excerpts from an interview with Dr. Geda describing the research, are available on the Mayo Clinic News Blog at: http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2009/02/09/exercise-your-brain-to-prevent-memory-loss/. These materials also are subject to embargo, but may be accessed in advance by journalists for

incorporation into stories. Please contact the AAN Media and Public Relations Department for the password to this post.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 21,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, narcolepsy, and stroke.

SOURCE American Academy of Neurology

Here's an interesting article in the New York Times about vitamin supplements.  The article, by Tara Parker-Pope, talks about whether vitamins are "worth it". Stating, "In the past few years, several high-quality studies have failed to show that extra vitamins, at least in pill form, help prevent chronic disease or prolong life."

NEW YORK, Feb. 13 / -- In its May 2009 issue, Natural Health magazine will honor the greenest companies of 2008. The Natural Health Green Choice Awards will identify large, multinational companies with tremendous reach and influence that are implementing substantial, systemic green initiatives and inspiring others to follow suit. Renowned actor and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. will be a special guest editor for the issue. He and his wife Rachelle Carson will grace the issue's cover. Begley, Jr., will present the Natural Health Green Choice Awards to ten winners at a cocktail reception at Tavern on the Green on May 5, 2009.

Each candidate submitted data about its alternative energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, recycling, operational energy footprints and LEED certifications--criterion by which the winners will be chosen.

The 25 award finalists are conserving energy, saving water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, shrinking carbon footprints, and reducing waste at unprecedented levels. They are also contributing to huge gains in alternative energy and encouraging their more than three million employees to embrace sustainability.

"We are thrilled to have Ed Begley, Jr., as our guest editor for the first annual Natural Health Green Choice Awards. Mr. Begley has been the embodiment of green living and green ideas for the past 38 years and as the owner of Begley's Best, a line of non-toxic household cleaners, he's the perfect person to help us choose the best green companies of 2008," says editor in chief, Mary Bolster.

Begley, Jr. works with organizations like the Environmental Media Association, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Thoreau Institute, the Earth Communications Office, Tree People and Friends of the Earth, and many others. He has won numerous awards for his environmental initiatives as well as for his work in film and television. He received six Emmy Award nominations for the television series St. Elsewhere and currently stars in "Living With Ed," a reality show about green living on HGTV.

The 25 finalists are:

    Aveda
    British Airways
    Canon
    Chipotle
    Clif Bar
    Coca Cola
    Discovery
    Flor
    Ford
    Gap
    Green Mountain Energy
    Hain Celestial Group
    Ikea
    Kohls
    Kraft
    L'Oreal
    Niman Ranch
    Organic Valley
    P&G
    Shaklee
    Starbucks
    UPS
    Verizon
    Wal-Mart
    Whole Foods

Since 1971, Natural Health has been the leader in the healthy lifestyle category providing a wide breadth of choices and options for a healthy lifestyle including fitness, health, wellness, beauty, travel, style and home. The brand includes naturalhealthmag.com, international edition, annual beauty awards and our signature Women's Wellness retreats. Natural Health, a Weider Publication published by American Media, Inc. has received the Gold Aveda Environmental Award for best publishing practices.

SOURCE Natural Health magazine

Health Enhancement Systems Wellness Program Teaches Earth-Friendly Health Choices

MIDLAND, Mich., Feb. 11 / -- With Earth Day approaching, many employers are looking for ways to go green. By implementing Health Enhancement Systems 1-month corporate wellness program (www.HealthEnhancementSystems.com), Green Planet Wellness (www.greenplanetwellness.com/?from=nw_021109), participants learn small steps that can add up to big change over time.

Green Planet Wellness focuses on eco-friendly habits that anyone can incorporate into everyday life -- at home and at work. "We've put together a list of more than 100 simple, practical ideas for a big impact on people's health and a smaller carbon footprint on the environment," notes Dean Witherspoon, President and founder of Health Enhancement Systems, a company that creates award-winning workplace wellness programs. "These environmentally-friendly habits -- such as sending e-cards, going on eco-vacations, choosing organic foods, using a push mower, and reusing office supplies -- help people take good care of themselves and the world around them."

Living gently has long-reaching effects -- not only in conserving resources, but in preventing waste from being created in the first place. That's good for business. "By building an environmentally-aware workforce, companies are finding they have happier, healthier employees who can do more with less," adds Witherspoon. "And that saves companies -- and their employees -- money."

SOURCE Health Enhancement Systems

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11 / -- Renowned for its provocative and entertaining approach to fine dining, supperclub san francisco will present a special week of completely meatless gourmet dinners from Tuesday, February 24 through Sunday, March 1 at its dramatic restaurant located at 657 Harrison Street in the city's SOMA district.

The prix fixe 3- and 4-course surprise menus will be served to guests as they lounge on supperclub's unique roman-style beds while they enjoy a tantalizing array of visual arts, live performances, and seductive music mixed by resident DJs. A special selection of health-oriented cocktails will also be featured.

"We like to create new and exciting experiences our guests," says supperclub's General Manager, Edme Straver. "For those who follow a vegetarian diet, the menu will be a welcome pleasure -- and for those that do not usually eat strictly vegetarian, the menu will be a revelation."

Famous for their contemporary global cuisine designed to delight the palate and stimulate the senses, Executive Chef Guus Wickenhagen and Sous Chef Alex Molitz will use locally grown seasonal ingredients for the special menus. Prior to joining supperclub san francisco, Wickenhagen was at De Zwarte Walvis, a 2-Star Michelin restaurant in The Netherlands, and Molitz was previously at Tra Vigne in the Napa Valley.

Beginning with its first location in Amsterdam, supperclub restaurants around the world are known for showcasing many types of emerging artists. In addition to supperclub san francisco's weeklong focus on healthful culinary arts, and its signature entertainment that includes fine art, performance art, and music, the healing arts will also be spotlighted, with foot, shoulder, and full-body massages offered by the Gayatri Institute.

Adds Straver, "After the fast pace that we all encounter in this contemporary society, a body needs healthy food, with physical and mental stimulation to relax and let go. When our guests are open trying new things that they might not ordinarily encounter, the experience can be transformative -- and very memorable."

supperclub san francisco offers 3- and 4-course prix fixe dining Tuesdays through Sundays, with dinner seating beginning at 7 pm. Reservations are recommended: 415-348-0900. For more information about supperclub, please visit http://www.supperclub.com. To learn more about the Gayatri Institute of Healing, please visit http://www.christiemcclelland.com.

SOURCE supperclub

ROSEMONT, Ill., Feb. 10 / -- Whether it's for self-defense, competition, discipline, or just exercise, people are turning to martial arts in increasing numbers. Martial arts can include karate, taekwondo, tai chi, judo, and hapkido, as well as related sports such as kickboxing and capoeira.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://www.aaos.org) (AAOS), martial arts can be a good way to stay active during the cold, winter months. The appeal of these sports is that the focus is not on strength and muscle mass, but rather on balance, flexibility, speed, strength, agility and endurance, making them appropriate for both males and females, young and old.

• In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reported more than 75,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries related to martial arts. The most common types of injuries are sprains (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111), strains, bruises, and broken bones (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00097).

Therefore, AAOS recommends that martial arts students and their instructors take precautions to minimize the chance of injury.

"Martial arts can be a great way to get some exercise while developing mental discipline," says Joseph Marotta, MD, spokesperson for the AAOS. "These activities require proper conditioning, training and equipment. Martial arts students need expert instruction by qualified teachers. These measures will ensure safety and enjoyment and keep you coming back to learn more."

The Academy offers the following tips to help prevent injuries from martial arts:

• Consult with a physician before beginning your conditioning to make sure you are ready for intense physical activity.
• Train under the direction of a martial arts instructor who focuses on form and technique, rather than solely on competitive strategy. These techniques should include the proper way to fall to avoid injury, as well as methods to prevent injuring your partner during practice.
• Wear the appropriate protective gear for your type of activity; for example, taekwondo, as a full contact sport, requires a head guard, a body protector, forearm and shin guards, and a groin guard.
• Exercise to strengthen the stabilizer muscles--rotator cuff muscles and hip adductors (inner thigh muscles or groins) and abductors (muscles on the outermost part of the hip), which help to support the back and hips and improve your balance. Also, stretching will help build your flexibility, and cardio can help develop your speed and endurance.
• Maintain proper breathing techniques when practicing martial arts to avoid injury--breathing out during the contraction portion of any stretching movement, and breathing in during the extension portion of any stretching movement.
• Do not take part in these or other sports when exhausted or in pain.
• If you have children who take part in martial arts, make sure they understand that they should not attempt stunts performed by more experienced practitioners, such as breaking boards or bricks by kicking or punching. Also, ensure that they realize that martial arts can be dangerous, and therefore they should be careful of using their techniques on other children outside of their martial arts class.
  

  SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 6 / -- iTMP Technology, Inc., a pioneering iPhone hardware and software developer, announces the commercial launch of SMHEART LINK, a highly-anticipated new technology that is poised to bring unparalleled health and fitness capabilities to Apple(R) iPhone and iPod(R) touch users. For the first time ever, a technology is now available that allows the iPhone to double as a heart monitor and fitness tracking system that actually listens to a person's heart. In addition to the iPhone and iPod touch, SMHEART LINK can be compatible with other smartphones, PCs or other Wi-Fi enabled devices.

SMHEART LINK is a wireless bridge that collects data from distributed health and fitness sensors such as heart rate monitors and cycling sensors and sends it to the iPhone via Wi-Fi. iTMP's suite of iPhone fitness apps allow users to track their fitness data on iPhone's superior display with a user interface that raises the bar for fitness tracking devices. SMHEART LINK is compatible with a growing list of heart monitor chest straps including some from fitness leaders such as Polar, Garmin, Nike, Reebok, Timex Ironman, New Balance and Numetrex. It is also compatible with biking sensors to track speed, cadence and power (watts).

Upon completing a workout, users can effortlessly upload their data to the internet with the tap of a button. iTMP has initially partnered with New Leaf Fitness and MapMyFitness for this upload functionality and is in discussions with other potential partners as well.

"When doing any kind of cardio exercise, most people would agree that the single most important metric to monitor is heart rate. At iTMP, we are really excited to introduce the first iPhone health and fitness apps that allow the iPhone to listen to your heart," said Michael Williams, Founder and CEO of iTMP. "We're also first to pick up speed and cadence from cycling sensors and fully expect to be first with power as well."

iTMP has launched three iPhone fitness applications now available on the iPhone App Store. They are the only apps, among hundreds of other iPhone health and fitness apps, that will actually listen to a person's heart to track and display their unique vital fitness metrics:

-- iRPM+(TM) - Bike Computer/Heart Monitor v 2.0 is a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that works with SMHEART LINK to track any cardio exercise, anywhere. Upload your completed workouts to eNewLeaf.com or MapMyFitness to add key cardio training and cycling metrics to your online fitness diary. iRPM+ is available free for a limited time on the iPhone App Store: itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=292015382&mt=8

-- iSPINNING(TM) is a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that enables Spinning(R) enthusiasts around the world to track and record their cardio exercise anywhere, whether riding on a Spinner(R) bike, road bike or mountain bike. It is currently available as a demo, while the live app (v 2.0) is in review and expected to be available soon. itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=291999014&mt=8

-- iNewLeaf (TM) is a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that allows you to incorporate unique metabolic profile data from New Leaf to more precisely track and monitor the right exercise intensity for "real results." Upload your completed workouts to eNewLeaf.com to add key cardio training and cycling metrics to your online fitness diary. It is also currently available as a demo, with the live app (v 2.0) in review and expected to be available soon. itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=292647752&mt=8

"We wanted to make the fitness tracking experience cool, fun, simple and custom," added Williams, "and we've done just that. By leveraging the iPhone's technology and partnering with leaders in the industry, we are raising the bar in this space."

SMHEART LINK is available for purchase at http://www.SMHEARTLINK.com for $154.95. Users can purchase the SMHEART LINK wireless bridge to the iPhone or iPod touch right from within the apps.

For a limited time, SMHEART LINK will be bundled with SMHEART Sleeve, a flexible, lightweight case that integrates with the heart monitor chest strap, at no additional charge.

About iTMP Technology, Inc. (iTMP)

iTMP Technology, Inc. was founded in Santa Barbara, California, to revolutionize the world of fitness and health metrics monitoring. iTMP has partnered with fitness industry leaders to bring cardiovascular training and cycling metrics to the iPhone and iPod computing platforms. With iTMP's SMHEART LINK wireless bridge, athletes can track their cardio workouts anywhere. For more information about iTMP Technology, Inc., visit http://www.SMHEARTLINK.com.

SOURCE iTMP Technology, Inc.

New Report Shows Action Needed to Make Sure Green Jobs Are Good Jobs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Senate Finance Committee member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Energy and Commerce Committee member Jay Inslee, D-Wash., urged congressional leaders to make the creation of high-quality green jobs a top priority of the economic recovery and reinvestment stimulus package during a news conference this morning at the U.S. Capitol.

During the news conference, Rep. Inslee observed that building a strong green economy will require implementing policies that protect our planet and meet the needs of working families.

"Building up this economy with thousands of green jobs is an investment in inexhaustibly renewable resources - human intellect, ingenuity and America's capacity for working hard to get the job done," said Inslee. "We must adopt an economic recovery package that recognizes the power of innovation, promotes policies that make sure workers get a fair break, and invests in innovative green technologies and programs to slow, stop and eventually reverse the progress of climate change."

Sen. Stabenow and Rep. Inslee joined labor, environmental and business leaders to release a new report challenging the commonly held assumption that all the newly created green jobs are good, middle-class jobs. The report High Road or Low Road: Job Quality in the New Green Economy, authored by Good Jobs First and commissioned by Change to Win, Sierra Club, the Laborers' International Union and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, examined existing green jobs in manufacturing, construction and waste-management. The research revealed wide variations in wages, benefits and labor conditions, with some green-collar jobs paying as little as $8.25 an hour without benefits.

"Creating more green jobs is the path to a greener, more sustainable future for American families," said Stabenow. "As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am pleased that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act doesn't create just any green-collar jobs. Rather the recovery package creates good-paying, green-collar jobs that will help strengthen the middle class of this country."

Laborers' International Union general president Terry O'Sullivan stressed that as taxpayers invest in the green economy, the government is obligated to ensure those investments support communities and families.

"This report shows how green jobs, if not true to their purpose, can drive down our economy, impoverish families and put the hope of a halt to global warming and prosperity out of reach," said O'Sullivan. "We will only succeed if we make sure the people who build the green economy and keep it running have jobs that allow them to fully participate in that economy."

Sierra Club national political director Cathy Duvall highlighted that sustainable environmental gains are not possible without a strong middle class.

"Environmental gains will not be economically or politically sustainable as long as workers are trapped in a race to the bottom. If we want working people to buy hybrid cars, demand green schools for their children, and support policies that promote clean energy, we need to make sure that the green economy is supporting them," stated Duvall.

While the report found that many green employers opposed efforts by workers to organize unions, several of the companies profiled took a collaborative approach.

As Michael Peck, Director of Institutional, Media, and Labor Relations for the North American arm of wind energy leader Gamesa, stated, "We are looking to create a perfect union and that comes from working with our union partners."

According to the report, wages were generally highest where local officials attached strict labor standards to economic development subsidies, or where workers were represented by labor unions. Wages were lowest where job quality requirement were weak or poorly enforced and where workers had no union representation.

Among the report's other findings:

• Just one of the renewable manufacturing facilities surveyed paid an hourly wage that was sufficient to support a family of four, while a quarter paid wage rates below the levels necessary to meet the basic needs of an adult with one child.
• Low wages were found in the construction industry where significant green job growth is anticipated. The authors report that half of nonunion workers in basic construction trades earn less than $12.50 per hour while a third make less than the federal poverty wage for a family of four ($10.19 per hour).
• The report authors also found examples of green-collar jobs that provided middle-class wages and benefits in each of the industries surveyed. These include: production workers in a Salem, Oregon solar plant where the average hourly wage is $22; union plumbers who earn $36 an hour plus full benefits in Portland, Oregon; and workers organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters who start at $20 an hour in a cutting-edge San Francisco recycling facility.

Hundreds of workers, environmentalists and business advocates will gather on Capitol Hill tomorrow for a Green Jobs Advocacy Day to educate lawmakers about job-creating opportunities that exist in the green economy.

Change To Win is a six million member partnership of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the International Brotherhood Of Teamsters (IBT), the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the United Farm Workers. The Change To Win unions represent and are organizing workers in the industries and occupations of the 21st century including retail, health care, hospitality, building services, food production and services, construction and transportation.

The Sierra Club's members and supporters are 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work to protect our communities and the planet. Founded by John Muir in California in 1892, the Club is America's oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

SOURCE Change to Win