Id been hearing about the Netflix documentary What the Healthfor weeks, and everyone I knew whod seen it warned me of the same thing: If I watched it, I might never be able to enjoy a burger again. Or pizza. Or ice cream. Or pretty much any animal-based product, for that matter.

But as much as I tried to heed their advice, the doc kept popping up in my Facebook feed, with everyone talking about how important it was to watch. And every time I loaded Netflix, there it was again: Staring at me from the You Might Also Like section.

In case youre unfamiliar, the film came out earlier this year and delves into the complex and oftentimes alarming ways that meat and dairy products affect the human body often leading to chronic illness and even death. The premise is fairly simple, following filmmaker Kip Andersen while he talks to medical professionals everywhere about the strong role that diet plays in preventing or promoting illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. And let me tell you, the doc throws around some pretty shocking statistics without batting an eye.

For instance, Anderson casually mentions how eating just one egg per day is as detrimental to your health as smoking five cigarettes a day (when it comes to your life expectancy). Say WHAT? Oh, and those processed turkey slices Ive been feeding my kids? Theyre apparently a class 1 carcinogen, which means they sit next to asbestos and plutonium (you know, that radioactive chemical they use to make nuclear weapons)!

Making it all the way through isnt exactly easy. Case in point: About 20 minutes into the doc, my 9-year-old decided to exit the room, loudly declaring, You cant ruin chicken for me, Mom! You just cant! I then watched the rest of the documentary by myself, as all other members of my family abandoned ship one by one. And as I did, I knew with a sinking feeling that I could never un-see what Id just witnessed.

By the films end, Id made up my mind: I was going vegan. Or, at least giving it a serious try. I mean, it couldnt be that hard, right? There are so many alternatives now that we may not even miss real cheese!

Let me just cut to the chase here: I was so, SO wrong about that one.

I began the week with a trip to Whole Foods, thinking that if I bought all the interesting meat substitutes I always ignore, maybe I could ease my family into an unnoticed transition of sorts. Ill be the first to admit I got full-blown carried away and bought a LOT of produce and meat alternatives, which meant my total at the end was well, not cheap.

My advice: If youre going to go this route, dont start on an empty stomach like I did, and dont do it with the idea that youll wander around the store and buy without a plan. I quickly learned that this way of living needs a little bit of research and practice before you get the hang of it. But if you want to jump in head-first, you can be like me and drop close to $300 on vegan groceries and hope for the best! (Not recommended.)

I started the week off optimistically enough, but my tyrant of a 4-year-old refused his oatmeal with almond milk, wouldnt eat the coconut milk yogurt, and wasnt having the avocado toast for lunch, either. So in lieu of letting my youngest kid to wallow away in starvation, I had to make the executive decision to kick him out of our vegan week. For the record, we all stared at him angrily the first night, as he ate his yummy meatballs with the appetite of a famished carnivore and the rest of us diligently ate our lentil soup and eggplant with feeble enthusiasm.

Days 2 and 3 got even tougher, as I quickly ran out of excitement for cooking new vegan dishes and my 9-year-old fell off the wagon while visiting Grandmas. (It involved a cheese pizza.) But it was right around the halfway mark that my eagerness to embrace the vegan lifestyle really took a nosedive. I started reasoning with myself that quality meat wasnt so bad and everything in moderation should work, right? Still, I wouldnt quit. Every time I found myself faltering, I reminded myself of the many staggering statistics Id heard inWhat the Health to muster up my motivation.

Things like

So with that, I toughened up and tried not to wince as I ate my Tofurky. I had already decided there was no way I was going to be able to transition to a vegan lifestyle quite so abruptly, but I at least had to stick it out for a week. I just wasnt ready yet for the long-term commitments of cooking every single meal, scouring every single menu, or giving up every single one of my beloved dishes. (It sounds way easier than it is, people!)

But once I allowed myself that little out, it was inevitable that I would fall off the wagon. And I promptly did, on the fifth day. Thats right I failed my 7-day experiment on Day 5. So little left to go, and yet the end felt so far

I will say, this though: I felt really proud for getting as far as I did. And I have every intention of working some of what Ive learned into our daily meals going forward. I may not have turned full-vegan in a week, butWhat the Healthremains a great eye-opener of a documentary, one that takes a much-needed look into what we consume and how it affects our body and the environment we live in.

Here are some of the biggest take-aways I had from my brief dalliance into veganism

If you dont believe me, I dare you to try some almond milk ice creamor coconut milk yogurt and tell me you arent in love.

I mean, it was shocking to realize that an egg for breakfast, turkey sandwich for lunch, and roasted chicken for dinner was the norm for my family on a daily basis and to consider just what that might be doing to our bodies as a result.

But then the energy surge will come (I promise). Along with lots of bowel movements.

Listen, its a big deal to go vegan if Ive learned nothing else, its that. This isnt the same as vegetarianism, which is SO much easier to follow (because: CHEESE!). For every vegan option I could find at the grocery store, there were 10 vegetarian ones. The decision to go vegan has to be a very deliberate and well-planned one.

But most of all, one of the things that stuck with me the most came in the opening scene, when a quote from Hippocrates flashed across the screen: Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

If thats not a gentle reminder to pause and reflect before eating and truly know that it is were putting into our mouths then Im not sure what is.

Article Posted 11 hours Ago

Original post:

My Family Tried Going Vegan After Watching 'What the Health' and We All Failed Miserably - Babble (blog)

As Emily Sim lays slices of avocado onto a bed of rice and seaweed, she counts each piece with her two-year-old son Henry. Youre doing well, arent you? she coos, snuggling the boisterous toddler, who asks for more dried mango as he watches his mum prepare the familys evening meal.

Henry has been raised as a vegan from birth he doesnt eat eggs, dairy products or meat. Sim avoids leather, silk and wool in his clothing, and constantly checks bottles to ensure baby lotions are cruelty-free and not tested on animals. There are some things you can never avoid, she says. But we do the best we can.

Sim, an Australian, runs the Facebook group Veg Parents Hong Kong, which she set up not long after moving to the city with her husband in 2015 just before Henry was born. She is one of a number of local parents proving that children can thrive as vegetarians or vegans, even in a city where meat- or dairy-free options arent easy to spot on menus.

The group is a source of information and tip-sharing for its 350 members, who swap recipes, ideas for meat substitution, and advice on the best places to buy food, and also organise meat-free social events. We have vegans, pescatarians [people who eat fish, but not other flesh], vegetarians ... and many are still eating meat but are trying to give their kids more veggies, Sim says.

Compared to an adult choosing to make the switch to a non-animal diet, raising a vegan baby comes with extra nutritional considerations, particularly during the nursing phase when the babys brain is developing. Mothers who cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed can use soya-based formulas, which, although nutritionally complete, can contain vitamins derived from animals.

The World Health Organisation recommends a plant-based diet rich in vegetables and warns against processed meat, while doctors say babies can be raised safely on a meat-free diet if parents make sure theyre getting enough nutrients.

Debate in the vegan community was stirred recently by the case of a Belgian couple convicted of the death of their severely malnourished infant son. The seven-month-old was fed a meat-, dairy- and gluten-free diet from birth, and, in the absence of breast milk, was given various milks made from different types of flour and grains, which lacked nutrients and protein.

In June, the judge ruled the babys death in 2014 was the result of the systematic offer of food that was not suitable. Instead of noting the parents failure to feed their son enough calories and take him to hospital before it was too late, headlines instead spotlighted their veganism and stirred up outrage towards the wider vegetarian community.

Coverage of the case was unfair, says Hongkonger Stevie Go, who runs Meat Free Hong Kong, a group that promotes vegetarian and vegan diets and organises events. He said the babys death was not caused by veganism, and caused a moral indignation that meat-eating parents wouldnt be subjected to.

Highlighting vegan parents in child-neglect cases has clickbait potential that doesnt seem to exist for omnivorous parents, he says. Go, who became vegetarian 27 years ago and vegan 10 years later, extols the benefits of raising children on an animal-free diet.

Diets without animal products dont just offer all the nutrition requirements for optimal human health, he says. They are also without nasties such as cholesterol that are impossible to avoid when eating animal products.

Dr Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital in the US, says to ensure their childs brain develops healthily, Parents need to pay particular attention to adding vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and high-quality protein to their childs diet to ensure optimal nutrition and growth. If some nutrients arent easy to source, parents can use supplements, she says.

Sim is used to questions about her sons health. Often, when people find out Henry is vegan, theyll be shocked. Theres a misconception that hes neglected and malnourished, she says. But I tell people that organisations around the world, like the American Association of Dieticians, state that a vegan diet is healthy for all stages of life.

The family sees a dietitian every six months and Sim says the check-ups are for peace of mind, as she is confident that her son is flourishing. I know more about nutrition than many other parents because Ive done so much reading. I wouldnt raise him vegan unless I was 100 per cent sure it was safe and healthy. And we know that it is.

Although her husband eats meat when the family visits restaurants, the food Sim prepares at home is vegan. But she suspects Henry will want to copy his father and try meat one day. I wouldnt be too concerned, but, personally, I wouldnt want to buy or cook meat for him, she says. My approach is to teach him about compassion. I want him to be aware of what that meat is and the cruelty involved. Hopefully hell stick with veganism and continue to be compassionate.

Megha Chaddah is one of the mums who found Sims forum useful after moving to Hong Kong 18 months ago from India, where vegetarianism is just a way of life, she says. No one sees it as being out of the ordinary, or asks if our diets need to be supplemented.

A vegetarian since the age of 12 for ethical reasons, Chaddah has a two-year-old daughter Rhea, who eats eggs and some dairy foods, but not meat. Like Sim and her husband, Chaddahs partner is omnivorous, and the family has two cats that eat meat.

As Rhea starts linking the friendly fish she sees on TV with the tinned tuna the familys pets devour, the couple expects its just a matter of time before she starts asking questions. And like Sim, if Rhea wanted to try meat, Chaddah wouldnt be upset. Rhea is starting to get more aware and, one of these days, shes going to ask why is daddy eating different from us?

Id try to explain why mama wasnt eating that. Shes pretty smart its like if Im baking and say, dont touch the oven. She doesnt have to touch it to know its hot.

Being vegetarian in Hong Kong is easy and inexpensive, says Chaddah, who shops online for bulk foods, like lentils, a staple of Indian cooking and a favourite source of B-vitamins and protein among both vegans and vegetarians. She says she has never been in any doubt over whether Rhea is getting enough nutrients.

In Indian cooking, most of the food groups are covered: your plant-based proteins, your carbs, fats, dairy, and trace vitamins ... I feel that Western families thinking about going vegan have a lot more concerns in terms of nutrition whether theyre getting enough compared to meat eaters, she says.

Chaddah doesnt see herself becoming full vegan in the near future, but has cut down on milk due to her concerns about the dairy industry. Given Im a mum now, the thought of taking milk away from another baby is starting to throw me off ... Its a difficult habit to break but Hong Kong has lots of different choices, like soy and almond milk, she says.

In vegan restaurateur Grace Nguyens eyes, veganism neednt be a compromise when it comes to feeding her two daughters, aged nine and 12. The Vietnamese chef, who has been vegan since 2002, runs two vegan restaurants in her home country. Food education has always been important to Nguyen: while pregnant, she did a lot of research into what nutrients she should be consuming.

And rather than showing her children graphic documentaries about the farming industry, she simply took them for ice cream one day to illustrate why the family was vegan. She explained that the dessert they were enjoying came at a high cost to the environment, and the calves having been separated from their mothers.

Her own move to veganism was rooted in both scientific facts and spirituality. Being vegan is good for your health, the environment and animals, she says. Killing animals for our pleasure isnt right. Theyre intelligent, they have feelings, they feel pain and theyre scared to die. My daughters understand that very well.

As well as home-made vegan ice cream, Nguyen has also created versions of fried chicken, macaroni and non-dairy cheese, burgers and banh mi sandwiches to make sure her daughters dont feel like theyre missing out on treats or fast food their friends are eating.

All three mums agree that the meat-free movement is gaining momentum in Hong Kong, meaning that their children will grow up in a city that increasingly understands and caters to their diets.

Raising a vegan child takes some education, Sim says. But we really try to think of it as a lifestyle. In Hong Kong, there are more vegan restaurants and more vegan options in non-vegan restaurants. People are leaning towards veganism more now. Its on the up all over the world. Its becoming more normalised.

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Meet the meat-free Hong Kong parents on a vegan mission - South China Morning Post

Say cheese! Vegan cheese, that is.

While the notion of a specialty cheese shop is nothing new, not many people even those who follow plant-based diets, or who seek out lactose-free dairy products on the regular can claim to have ever visited a 100-percent vegan artisanal cheese shop before. However, with dairy-free alternatives skyrocketing in popularity, not only are there more delectable vegan cheeses on the market than everbut now there are actual, brick and mortar plant-based cheese shops that exist that specialize in vegan cheeses galore.

Even though there are numerous companies that offer vegan cheeses, we decided we wanted to spotlight the few that you can actually visit in person. Hopefully, several years from now there will be an abundance of shops just like the ones we spotlighted below!

From soft and spreadable cream cheeses to hard, sliceable blocks of cheese that would make any dairy-lover swoon, these artisan vegan cheese shops have it all. Let us know if youve ever visited one of these shops before, and if you have a favorite one we didnt feature this time around!

Vromage/Facebook

For the vegan and lactose-intolerant folk out in Los Angeles who still want to enjoy a nice grilled cheese, Vromageis the answer to all of their wildest, cheesiest prayers. Vromage was actually the first LA-based vegan cheese specialist, and they stock dairy-free varieties, many of which are made on site. Bonus: they also serve sandwiches and salads. With flavors like Veganzola, Macon Brie and Vromage Blanc, you definitely want to give this shop a try.

Check them out at7988 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046.

Three Girls Vegan Creamery/Facebook

Connecticut has quite a gem in Three Girls Vegan Creamery. The shop, named after the three women of the Italian-vegan family who run the shop, serve Vegan Artisanal Cheeses that are 100 percent vegan, fermented, and aged naturally using only the finest organic and sustainable ingredients. Were in love with their Pistachio, Cranberry, Fresh Thyme, Pumpkin Seed aged cheese wheels and their fresh Mozzarella di Bufala which would pair well in a Caprese salad. The shop also specializes in making traditional Italian dishes, only vegan!

Go visit them at350 Stepstone Hill Road,Guilford, CT 06437.

Riverdel

For the most amazing one-stop vegan neighborhood cheese shop, New Yorkers need look no further thanRiverdel. Situated in Brooklyns Prospect Heights,Riverdelcarries thelargest selection of vegan cheesesimaginable, alongsidespecialty foods, fresh bread, pastries, and a whole host of gourmet vegan goodies. Looking for the perfect plant-based caviar to pair with champagne? Riverdel has your back. From their creamy and light Billy cashew cheese, to their aged beer cashew cheese called Heinrich, Riverdel has a plant-based cheese for everyone to enjoy.

Visit them at 820 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11238.

Dr-Cow Tree Nut Cheese/Facebook

DrCowis a Brooklyn-based raw foods shop for cheeses, butters and milks made on-site from nuts, plus vegan pastries and granola. From flavored, creamy cheese spreads like their Cream Cashew Nut Cheese with Chives, to their Sprouted Hazelnut Chocolate Butter, theres a vegan product for anyone, be their palates adventurous or simple. Weve been eyeing theirReishi Mushroom Aged Cashew Cheese for some time now; what flavor calls out to you?

Visit DrCow at93 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249.

Vtopian Artisan Cheeses

Vtopian Artisan Cheesesis an exciting line of cultured cashew cheeses that are hand-crafted in Portland, Oregon. The quickly-growing company offers a wide range of vegan cheeses including: Peppercorn Brie, Port Cheddar and Aged White Cheddar blocks plus wedges of Caramelized Onion Camembert, Macadamia and Cashew Camembert, Reserve Sharp Cheddar, and Chive and Dill. Holy moly!

If youre in Portland, make sure to visit them at 1628 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201.

Ste Martaen

There are many artisanal vegan cheese shops that dont have a brick and mortar location, but do sell widely online, such as Ste Martaen, a vegan catering and small batch vegan cheese making service that often vends and does pop ups; while they used to have a food truck route, now their truck is available for private bookings. All of Ste Martaens cheeses are vegan and 100 percent dairy, soy and gluten-free. You can purchase vegan colby, muenster, pepper jack, and olive cheese flavors from them: they truly pride themselves on doing plant-based food with incredible flavor. If youd like to book their truck, visit them here.

Companies such as Miyokos Kitchen, Parmelas Creamery, Punk Rawk Labs, Treeline, and more specialize in vegan cheese products and allow you to either buy their food items online, or else locate local stores where you can purchase their fare.

Even if youre in one of the above states or have access to artisanal vegan cheese at your local grocery store, sometimes its fun to get creative in the kitchen and whip up your own special plant-based cheese products. Believe us, youre only limited by your own imagination and taste preferences when youre cooking!

From the gluten-free Sliceable Potato Cheese byAlicja Rokickaabove toSimona Malerbas gluten-freeHerb and Pepper Labneh: Middle Eastern Cheese, there truly a stunning variety of different plant-based cheeses you could make if you so desired! Throwing a party? Why not whip upHailee Repkos gluten-freeCashew Brie? Making a sandwich? This Easy Sliceable Cashew Cheese byPhilipp Ertlshould do the trick. You get the idea.

If you are looking for even more vegan cheese recipes to add to your repertoire, we highly recommend checking outour Food Monster App, which is available for bothAndroidandiPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source:Three Girls Vegan Creamery/Facebook

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Vegan Cheese is Taking Over! Artisan Vegan Cheese Shops That ... - One Green Planet

Brit + Co

14 Vegan Rice and Noodle Bowls for Meatless Monday Brit + Co Bowl meals are *still* in vogue in the food world, and it's no wonder. Not only are they tasty, but they're filled with heaps of vegetables, making them a smart lunch or dinner choice. You can get creative and throw a mix of anything in these bowls ...

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14 Vegan Rice and Noodle Bowls for Meatless Monday - Brit + Co

If you enjoy recipes like this, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App, it's available for both Android and iPhone and has free and paid versions. The app is loaded with thousands of allergy-friendly & vegan recipes/cooking tips, has hundreds of search filters and features like bookmarking, meal plans and more! The app shows you how having diet/health/food preferences can be full of delicious abundance rather than restrictions!

These are a hit, every time. Best thing about cauliflower wings, is that you can coat them in whatever sauce you want, so they can be different all the time. Fun, right? You can use a sweet thai chili sauce, BBQ sauce, some vegan butter, whatever floats your boat! If you dont have time to make your own sauce, just use a ready-made one. Whatever you do, just be sure you make these bad boys.

Battered Cauliflower Wings [Vegan]

Calories252

Serves2

Cook Time60

Per Serving: Calories: 252 | Carbs: 50 g | Fat: 2 g | Protein: 11 g | Sodium: 437 mg | Sugar: 7 g

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Battered Cauliflower Wings [Vegan] - One Green Planet

The health and fitness field offers many career opportunities. Individuals interested in helping others maintain their physical well-being may pursue degree and certification programs in their field of interest. Read on to learn about what it takes to work in the health and fitness industry.

If you're interested in the physical well-being of yourself and others, you may consider an education in health and fitness. Degree and certification programs are available in fields such as nutrition, athletic training, physical therapy or fitness.This training can lead to careers as nutritionists, fitness trainers, personal trainers, aerobics instructors or coaches, among others. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals in this field must be outgoing, in good health, organized, have good communication skills and be able to motivate others (www.bls.gov). To further explore education and professional options in health and fitness, take a look at the following Study.com articles.

Depending on your interest, you can undertake a certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree program. Your coursework may include human anatomy and physiology, business concepts, exercise principles, personal fitness, nutrition and fitness planning. Visit the links below to get additional information on degree options in health and fitness.

Distance learning programs are available at many levels of study within health and fitness. Some courses and programs available online include fitness instructor, exercise and holistic wellness. Below are some options.

If you're interested in improving public nutrition standards, helping people get fit after an injury or just improving a person's overall wellness, a career in health and fitness may be right for you. These jobs include athletic trainer, physical therapy assistant and nutritionist.

Some careers require that you obtain a professional credential after completing a degree program. Obtaining certification or licensure is particularly important for athletic trainers and physical therapists. The following articles cover some of these credentialing options.

The BLS stated the overall employment of fitness trainers is expected to grow by 13% between 2012 and 2022, which is comparable to the national average of 11% for all occupations. Recreation workers should see a growth of 14%, athletic trainers 19% and nutritionists 21%. The anticipated growth is due to aging populations and to an increased emphasis on fitness in society.

As of May 2013, fitness trainers earned a mean annual salary of $37,790, while recreation workers earned $25,560. Athletic trainers made $44,720 a year on average, while nutritionists averaged $56,300 annually, according to the BLS.

Read more

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Health and Fitness - Study.com

I have become a huge fan of memes (photos or cartoons with funny or inspirational sayings). You can find them for just about any subject just by typing a topic into Google and hitting enter. For todays column, I typed in funny memes about not exercising. Here are a few of the funnier ones:

Oh so you have no time to work out today? Tell me how many hours you spent on Facebook?

Exercise? I thought you said extra fries?

Oh youre not going to exercise today? That sounds effective.

Recently, I was with my friend, Deborah, doing some business and told her I had to be finished in time to get to my CrossFit class. Her response was that she wished she could get back into it again. What? So far as I know she still has a membership, the gym is in the same place and her car is fully operational. So what is the problem?

Despite our best intentions, many times we fall off the fitness wagon. An injury, job or life change such as a marriage, move or the birth of a child are just some of the reasons we might put our sneakers away. Even though we tell ourselves it is just temporary until things settle down, many times we stay away much longer than planned. The more time passes, the less motivated we become. The thought of getting sore all over again or being slower or heavier than when our gym mates last saw us add another layer of resistance.

Before you get to the point of no return when it comes to your fitness routine, Prevention Magazine has some tips for keeping on track:

Make a date. If you promise a friend you will meet them for a walk or a run, chances are you will not skip. I make it a priority to meet my friends at 5 a.m. three days per week for walking just so they wont give me a hard time.

Pump more iron: As a mineral that helps convert food to energy, iron is essential. We need at least 18 mg of iron per day from foods such as lean meats, legumes and leafy green veggies. In addition, foods that are high in vitamin C will help the iron be absorbed.

Fuel up early: Eating the bulk of your calories in the earlier part of the day will help fuel exercise and keep your energy level high.

Make it fun: Mix up your exercise routine so you dont get bored. That is why I like CrossFit so much. Every day it is a different routine so I dont feel stagnant.

Pile on the rewards: Reward yourself for working out.If your goal is to work out three times per week and you do, get yourself a me gift. Just make sure that gift does not include chocolate syrup and sprinkles. For big milestones like a large weight loss or completing a race or competition, treat yourself to a trip or a spa day.

Create an exercise menu: Have a workout plan for all your rhythms. Tired from your day? Go walking. Stressed out? Go take a high energy class. Need some family time? Grab the kids and dog and head to the park.

By utilizing these tips, you can keep your fitness routine going despite whatever life throws at you. If you do find yourself out of the routine for an extended period of time, dont forget to come back. Your body and your soul will be better for it.

Kathy Hansen

Kathy Hansen has over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness field and hopes to see Deborah back at CrossFit after she reads this column. She can be reached via e-mail at hansen02@srmc.org

Follow this link:
Simple steps help you stay the fitness course - The Robesonian

Dear Doctor: My son has started teething, and I'd like to ease his discomfort. I see that several homeopathic teething products have been recalled. Could they really be dangerous? If so, what are my options?

Dear Reader: It's six months into your baby's first year. Chances are, you've finally got a good parental rhythm going. Your sleep deficit is manageable, and your child is increasingly engaged in the world around him. Just as you're thinking that maybe you've got this parenting thing figured out, here come the joys of teething.

Babies enter the world with 20 primary teeth ready to emerge from their jawbones and through their gums. Six months is the average age at which that momentous first tooth makes its appearance, but it can happen anywhere between 3 and 12 months of age. And while plenty of babies breeze right through with minimal fuss, for others it's prime time for more than a little crankiness.

As the rough surface of the tooth advances, it can make the gums swell and ache. Some babies will drool freely, which can cause skin rash and irritations. And because Mother Nature apparently has a wry sense of humor, the process of tooth eruption that's when the tooth breaks through the gum tends to be more active at night. Say hello again to sleepless nights.

With multiple teething stages to deal with as lower and upper teeth, canines and molars emerge in the next two-plus years, parents want safe and effective ways to smooth (and soothe) this time of transition.

One remedy, available since the early 1900s, has been the herbal teething tablet. However, tests recently performed by the Food and Drug Administration on tablets by Hyland, a well-known maker of homeopathic products, revealed inconsistent amounts of belladonna, sometimes more than was listed on the label. Belladonna is an herbal ingredient with sedative effects that, in excessive quantities, can be toxic. Symptoms include lethargy, muscle weakness, constipation, excessive sleepiness, flushed skin, breathing difficulty and seizures.

The FDA asked Hyland to voluntarily recall its teething tablets and gels, which it did. The FDA has since also warned consumers that all homeopathic teething products may pose health risks for infants and children.

So how can you safely help your teething baby?

Although over-the-counter soothers like Orajel are an option, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that topical preparations wash away within minutes. For extreme discomfort, you may opt for an infant pain reliever. Always check with your pediatrician for proper dosage and duration of use.

After that, it's the age-old basics: pressure, massage, cold and cuddling.

Teething toys: Find an array of smooth, solid (not liquid-filled) toys for your baby to chew on. Rings are a nice option because they're easy for little hands to hold.

Massage: Use a clean finger and gentle pressure on baby's tender gums.

Ice: Freeze the toys for another element of pain relief. A wet washcloth, wrung out and then frozen, offers both cold and texture.

And don't forget the power of a soothing cuddle. Chances are that during the stress of teething time, the benefits will go both ways.

Do you have a great teething remedy to share? We'd love to hear from you!

Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o Media Relations, UCLA Health, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90095.

Excerpt from:
Tips on soothing your teething baby | Health and Fitness ... - Hanford Sentinel

As someone committed to aging as well as possible and helping others do the same, this is a perfect time to celebrate healthy aging. There are many aspects of aging that people decry as problems or issues, but there are many scientifically proven ways to avoid or minimize these factors.

And truly aging well is the goal of most people rather than the two other bleak alternatives of doing it poorly or not at all.

It is increasingly difficult to keep your body fat level down and your muscle tone up as you age and you are not alone. Middle age and prime time bring with it many physical changes that can lead to weight gain in the form of fat increase and muscle loss (sarcopenia).

One of the ways to offset these changes is to increase the amount of quality protein that you consume. Studies have indicated that adults from the age of 50 to 85 years of age who consume 30-45 grams of protein in each meal develop increased muscle mass and strength and reduce their body fat.

This flies in the face of the vision of many older people who simply have tea and toast or some other convenient junk food for their meals that doesnt provide the protein that they require. I advocate good quality protein shakes for those who want a convenient, good-tasting, economically affordable protein source.

Another dietary consideration for older people is adequate fiber intake. The recommended intake is 25 grams of fiber a day for women and 38 grams a day for men. Studies indicate that adequate fiber intake helps improve satiety (feeling full) digestive health and regularity and also helps reduce belly fat. Most Americans fall far short of their daily fiber needs.

Another issue in aging well is to up your workouts to at least five days a week doing cardio such as walking or swimming, and also include a couple days per week of resistance training such as weight training or resistance bands workouts.

These are recommendations from the World Health Organization as a minimum. Newer research has indicated that upping the intensity of your workouts is associated with longer telomere length slowing the rate of aging at a cellular level.

Of course, increasing your resistance training has many side benefits besides helping you stay youthful. You will get stronger, increase your balance, and you will increase your resting metabolism and therefore burn more calories all the time, which means you can eat more without gaining fat. These factors increase the likelihood that you will be able to live independently and more fully longer into your life.

Quality sleep is essential at all ages and should be a priority for physical, mental and emotional health. Lacking as little as one hours sleep consistently is associated with weight gain and poor general health.

Also important for emotional and mental health is socialization and a positive outlook.

People who enjoy a good laugh and being with other positive, emotionally healthy people live longer, better lives. Good nutrition, a consistent comprehensive exercise program, and good quality sleep all contribute to a feeling of well-being that supports a positive engaging outlook.

To hear and see more about Healthy Aging Month, tune into channel 54 (Hoike) in the month of September to my TV program on Community Camera at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. every weekday to hear Kathy and Randie Peters, local healthy aging Isa-body Finalists, discuss with me their proven strategies for aging well. A hui hou!

Dr. Jane Riley, EdD., is a certified personal fitness trainer, nutritional adviser and behavior change specialist. She can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-8119 cell/text. ww.janerileyfitness.com

See the article here:
September is Healthy Aging Month - Thegardenisland.com

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With Plant Medicine Pioneer David Crow, LAc

12-week Training Starts Thursday, August 3, 2017

In the modern West, weve been raised to think of plants as objects that exist chiefly for our pleasure and consumption. We use them to nourish our bodies and beautify our gardens and homes.

The truth is that plants are so much more than that. They are multi-dimensional, living beings with whom we have a sacred relationship that can help us evolve on many levels.

They can detoxify our bodies, purify our minds, rebalance our emotions, and reboot our energy. They can help us heal diseases and expand our vision.

They can also open up an entirely different relationship with the natural world.

As you learn to open to the deeper blessings of plants, you can receive more of their healing and medicinal powers and put yourself on a path to radiant health and even spiritual illumination.

Plants are actually conscious, sentient life forms connected in complex and mysterious ways to the health of our bodies and minds.

On the most basic level, the human race is dependent on plants just to survive. But they can also helps us truly thrive.

When we relate to plants with gratitude, humility and reverence, they can teach us a great deal about ourselves, our connection to each other and the art of living.

When combined with meditative practices and mindfulness, plants can serve as a foundation for a spiritual practice that transforms negative conditions and creates exciting new opportunities for manifesting our greater life purpose.

Ancient seers, mystics, and healers discovered many of these secret properties and passed down this knowledge in lineages such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine in the East and herbalism in the West.

Now you can harvest the best of these healing traditions, marry them with spiritual practice and create a new paradigm for your health and wholeness, in the 12-week Medicinal Plants & Spiritual Evolution 2.0.

The prospect of creating a new-paradigm relationship with plants can be intimidating. It could take a lifetime to study and master multiple disciplines from botany and medicine to sacred traditions and spiritual practices.

Rather than sifting through and distilling this endless array of information on your own, what if you could take a 3-month virtual journey with a master guide who has dedicated his life to exploring, classifying and documenting the practical, medical, psychological and spiritual powers of plants?

Such a guide can navigate you through the hype and misinformation common in this field. Science tends to view the esoteric healing lore of plants with skepticism, preferring the cold, clinical certainty of pharmaceutical drugs.

The major botanical medicine traditions, while infused with great wisdom, tend to have blind spots and knowledge gaps.

Floracopeia founder David Crow, LAc is one of todays greatest synthesizers of the vast knowledge contained within the plant kingdom. He not only has assimilated the research, he has spent decades immersed in the ancient healing arts.

David has journeyed deep into Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions and studied with masters the world over. This hard-earned wisdom and knowledge is now available to you in a powerful virtual format.

In Medicinal Plants & Spiritual Evolution 2.0, David has synthesized proven techniques, tips, and strategies for accessing the profound healing, restorative, medicinal and spiritual powers of plants, in 12 information-rich modules.

The course is labeled 2.0 because it builds upon and expands on Davids original Medicinal Plants & Spiritual Evolution program by adding a wealth of specific practices for detoxification, rejuvenation and manifestation. You do not need to have taken that program to receive the full benefit from this course.

Youll learn about the critical role plants play in the purification of the world and your body, as well as which medicinal plants protect against environmental toxicity. Youll discover how Ayurvedic, Tibetan and Chinese medicine use plants to detoxify the body and mind.

Youll understand why detoxification whether of environmental poisons or toxic addictions promotes health, happiness and fulfillment and contributes to individual and collective spiritual evolution.

Youll receive clear-cut instructions for combining medicinal plants with meditation practices, using illness, trauma, pain and addiction as a springboard for spiritual growth.

Youll gain knowledge about the ways plants can revitalize your body, mind and spirit and learn practical rejuvenation therapies that enhance cognitive function, longevity and spiritual development.

Youll also study the relationship between flowering plants and the health of the biosphere, and how GMOs affect the pranic intelligence of food plants, human health, and consciousness.

Youll be given specific strategies for obtaining high-quality nourishment in this age of food and chemical sensitivities and for using nutrient-rich plants to boost your immune system, overcome fatigue and slow aging.

The final modules comprise a master class in ecological spirituality. Youll see how medicinal plants can help you deepen your meditation practice, cultivate spiritual awareness and manifest your life purpose.

Youll discover that spiritual traditions are rooted in nature and that plants are the bridge between spirit and matter. And youll learn about the energetic intelligence of medicinal plants that supports your bodys healing intelligence.

Finally, youll discover the ancient and modern uses of visionary power plants, how to use aromatic plants and essential oils to calm, balance and uplift your entire being and how to apply the immunological and psychological benefits of sacred scents.

David will escort you across the threshold of an enthralling new world that empowers effective healing and nourishment of your body, mind and soul and those of your loved ones.

Youll never look at plants the same way, again. You will open to a whole new realm of allies and companions for your life.

When you choose take this journey with David, youll gain a profound understanding of medicinal plants that links biology, ecology and spirituality with a felt sense of connection with all of life.

There is perhaps no better guide for opening you to a new paradigm of relating to the plant kingdom than Floracopeia founder David Crow, who integrates wisdom from multiple streams of healing practices into a coherent and cohesive body of teachings.

For more than 30 years, hes pioneered a path that draws from strands as diverse as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and essential oils to shift our perspective that plants are mechanistic objects to one in which we recognize and honor them as wise, sentient allies.

Youll receive a profound understanding of working with medicinal plants, food plants, flowers, mushrooms, aromatic ceremonial plants and essential oils as an entryway into understanding health, spirituality and true wellness.

David will balance high-level theoretical and spiritual insights alongside specific remedies and protocols you can immediately put into practice. Youll learn how to eat more healthfully and joyfully in a way that truly nourishes your body. Youll learn about specific therapeutic herbs, plant essences and oils that can rebuild your energy and clarify your focus.

You can envision this new relationship with the plant kingdom as growing new and deeper roots for a richer, fuller life. This strengthened root system allows you to weather metaphorical storms, droughts and other life challenges from health crises to aging to the loss of loved ones.

By seeking unity with the wisdom, healing power and, yes, consciousness within the plant kingdom, we awaken to new domains of knowledge. We view and relate to our bodies and lives and the earth itself in ways that enable us to become passionate advocates for individual and collective wellbeing and consciousness.

In every class, youll gain important information about medicinal plants that can enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing. Ultimately, youll see that each and every plant, herb and flower can open a pathway into a deeper relationship with your body, mind and soul and thus serve as a portal to spiritual awakening.

During this 12-week program, youll:

This program is appropriate for anyone intrigued by the healing and evolutionary benefits of botanical medicine as well as professionals in any discipline that work with herbs, plants, oils or energy.

Youll benefit from Davids more than 30 years of studying the healing powers of plants in various cultures with many gifted teachers from the shamanic traditions of the Amazon to the alchemical mysteries of the Himalayas and the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

Course sessions are on Thursdays at 5:00pm Pacific.

In this 12-week transformational intensive, David will guide you through the fundamental skills and competencies to become attuned and aligned to your deeper biological interconnectedness with the plant kingdom. Youll develop a broader spiritual lens that will support a deconstruction of false notions about your relationship with plants, and youll learn how to work with energy, consciousness and healing in new ways.

Each weekly contemplation and training session will build harmoniously upon the last, so that youll develop a complete, holistic understanding of the practices, tools and principles of evolutionary healing with plants as you connect to the greater biological realities of creating a sustainable culture that supports all.

Please note that course lectures are pre-recorded followed by David leading LIVE Q&A sessions to address your questions directly.

Plants detoxify the biosphere of the earth; many medicinal plants are also highly effective for detoxifying the inner biosphere of the human body, something that pharmaceutical drugs cannot do.

As levels of environmental toxicity rise, associated health challenges are multiplying and increasing in seriousness, making the purifying powers of plants even more valuable and necessary. When used properly, medicinal plants can be highly effective for cleansing the body and mind of negative habits and physical addictions.

When combined with meditative practices and mindfulness, the use of these plants can become a spiritual practice that transforms negative conditions and creates new opportunities for manifesting our greater life purpose.

Module 1: Medicinal Plants & Purification (August 3)

Detoxification is an ongoing process in the human body supported by nutrients from food plants. Medicinal plants, when used wisely and according to the individual body type, season and health condition, can gently and safely support detoxification of the organs and tissues, just as plants cleanse the elements of the biosphere.

In this module, youll discover:

Module 2: Detoxification & Spiritual Evolution (August 10)

Detoxification, whether of environmental poisons or toxic addictions, has profound implications for our health, happiness and fulfillment and can play an important role in our individual and collective spiritual evolution.

In this module youll discover:

Module 3: Freedom & Fulfillment Pain & Spiritual Growth (August 17)

Pain and suffering are both a catalyst and an obstacle to spiritual evolution, and medicinal plants can be highly effective in not only treating illnesses and addictions, but also in transforming pain into a spiritual path.

In this module, youll discover:

Just as pharmaceutical drugs cannot remove toxicity in the body, they are incapable of replenishing the bodys nutrients and increasing vitality. Throughout time, plants that support mental functions, enhance memory and improve concentration have been regarded as having a unique and special place in the botanical pharmacopeia for nourishing spiritual development.

Module 4: Ojas & Rasa The Essences of Nutrition, Vitality & Spirituality (August 24)

Rasa is the vitality of plants concentrated in their juices, flavors and smells; Ojas is the refined nutritional essence of the body that supports immunity and vitality and gives happiness and contentment. Knowing how to use plants that are rich in Rasa to support Ojas is the basis of rejuvenation, which in turn is the foundation for long life and spiritual accomplishment.

In this module, youll discover:

Module 5: The Feast of Nectars Food Plants & Spirituality (August 31)

The foundation of the food chain is flowering plants. Agriculture, food plants and the quality of nutrition in a society are both causes and results of its level of collective consciousness, and therefore an opportunity to develop a deeper spiritual relationship with plants and the soil they come from.

In this module, youll discover:

Module 6: Rasayana Elixirs for Rejuvenation, Meditation & Longevity (September 7)

Classical medical systems such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine offer sophisticated, systematic approaches for rejuvenating the body and mind. Using nurturing therapies and medicinal plants rich in nutritive compounds, we can restore strong immunity, overcome fatigue, and increase the length, quality and enjoyment of life.

In this module, youll discover:

Spiritual traditions arose from our relationship to the cycles of nature and its powers; developing awareness of our intimate relationship with plants and the elements of the earth develops ecological spirituality, which is the basis for natural compassion and a collective effort to protect and restore the life-sustaining powers of the biosphere. Medicinal plants can support every type of meditation practice, as well become the focus of meditation, and are therefore agents that help us cultivate and actualize spiritual awareness and manifest our life purpose.

Module 7: Eco-spirituality Plants & the Manifestation of Spiritual Consciousness (September 14)

Spirituality, health and the wellbeing of the earth are intimately connected. Spiritual practices develop sensitivity, insight, empathy and other qualities that are necessary for ecological sustainability, which in turn provides the conditions for individuals and humanity to develop and manifest spiritual qualities.

In this module, youll discover:

Module 8: The Evolution of Light Into Consciousness (September 21)

Human life is dependent on sunlight photosynthesized by plants, and plants are dependent on the energies of the sun and moon. Understanding this biological dependency develops reverence and spiritual sensitivity toward plants and the elemental sources of life.

In this module youll discover:

Module 9: Botanical Prana Plants as Agents of Natures Self-organizing Intelligence (September 28)

By understanding the intelligence of medicinal plants and how this intelligence functions in the biosphere and human body, we can bring these plants into our lives to enhance our immunological, neurological and emotional intelligence, medically empower ourselves and support our spiritual evolution both individually and in communities.

In this module, youll discover:

Module 10: Soma Vision Plants for Wisdom & Transcendence (October 5)

Many plants are legendary for their abilities to produce visionary states, profound insights, and reveal transcendent realities. Because of their great power these plants can damage the body and mind if used improperly, but if used wisely they can be important allies for spiritual growth.

In this module, youll discover:

Module 11: The Perfumed Garden Aromatic Plants, Olfaction & Consciousness (October 12)

The olfactory system transmits the intelligence of botanical aromatic molecules directly to the brain. The link between the breath, the limbic system and the healing powers of plants provides us with a powerful, yet easily accessible tool to enhance meditation, concentration and memory, and to reinforce positive mental and emotional states.

In this session, youll discover:

Module 12: Wish-fulfilling Gems Ceremonial Plants for Removing Obstacles, Creating Synchronicity & Attracting Good Fortune (October 19)

Many plants have been used for millennia for their aromatic powers to uplift the mind, balance the emotions, enhance immunity and counteract pathogens, thereby removing various kinds of negativity, stimulating creativity, manifesting intentions and supporting spiritual evolution.

In this module, youll discover:

In addition to Davids transformative 12-week online training, youll receive these powerful training sessions and bonus materials. These bonuses are being offered to complement what youll learn in the course and deepen your understanding and practice.

Spiritual Beliefs & Practices in Indigenous Agriculture 3-hour Lecture and Guided Photo Journey With David Crow

Join us for an in-depth lecture and guided photo journey around the world and through time to discover and remember what may be one of the most crucial dimensions of our relationship with the natural world that has disappeared from modern life, at our own loss and peril. There is a vast and deep knowledge of plants that has been an integral part of human history and has left a rich legacy of art, song, myth and ethnobotanical wisdom. From the traditions of preparing the soil to methods of planting to the techniques of harvesting, spiritual beliefs and practices have been the basis of agriculture since humanity first began planting seeds.

In this bonus, youll discover:

Floracopeias Essential Oils Reference Guide A Full Color 24-page Ebook With Guidance on Using Essential Oils

This Essential Oils Reference Guide is a beneficial addition to your essential oils education. Learn how to use essential oils effectively in many different applications. Learn about the safety considerations when using essential oils. Learn about the uses and applications of 20 of the most popular essential oils.

How Medicinal Plants Work According to Ayurvedic Knowledge & Wisdom Audio Dialogue With Vasant Lad Hosted by David Crow

In this session from thePlant Medicine Summit 2016, Ayurvedic expert and physician Dr. Vasant Lad explains how Ayurveda has profound knowledge of the interaction of the world around us and how it contributes to health or disease.

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Medicinal Plants & Spiritual Evolution 2.0 with David Crow ...