I am sure that you have already heard about the "Tylenol© Recall" for childrens' Tylenol© products that also include Motrin©, Zyrtec© and Benadryl©. In case you haven't, here is a list of the products that are being recalled due to "manufacturing deficiencies".

If you have purchased any of these products, you can ask for a refund or product coupon here.

Some alternative natural treatments for colds and allergies are: using normal saline, nasal suctioning, and using a humidifier and/or personal steamer.

Here are some other natural alternatives to help with two of the most common issues Tylenol© is used for:

To reduce fever:
* Take a vinegar sponge bath. Pour ¼ to ½ cup of white vinegar into a tub of warm water and soak in it for about 10 minutes. Make sure to keep the bathroom temperature warm as well.
* Drink strong elderflower or peppermint tea. Have several cups until the fever breaks.
* Try herbal tea ice pops. This is a cool way for children (and big children) to enjoy herbal tea, since some people are not fond of the taste of some herbal remedies.
* Keep hydrated. Focus on water, herbal teas, sparkling water with lemon, low-salt broths, and products like Emergen-C and other fizzy vitamin drinks without sugar.

For Pain (talk to your Doctor before giving any of these to children):
Disclaimer: I have not used these methods personally. http://www.examiner.com/x-2994-Phoenix-Alternative-Medicine-Examiner~y2009m7d2-Natural-alternatives-to-acetaminophen
* Skullcap: The leaves of the Scutellaria lateriflora are used for medicinal purposes. Remedies can relieve joint aches and pain, fibromyalgia pain, tension headache pain, and help muscle spasms. Suggested doses are 1 to 2 grams daily of the dried herb; 2 to 4 ml (40 to 120 drops) of fluid extract three times daily; or 500 mg twice daily of the capsule or tablet. It is not usually given to children.
* Capsaicin: This is the active ingredient in chili peppers, and it is available in a cream or gel and applied topically to relieve nerve, joint, and muscle pain. It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain. It is usually applied three to four times daily.
* Curcumin: The herb turmeric contains curcumin, a substance that can block substance P from sending pain messages to the brain. A suggested dose is 400 to 600 mg taken three times daily for pain and inflammation.
* White willow bark: Before there was aspirin, there was white willow bark (Salix alba). This herbal remedy contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the stomach and is helpful in relieving pain, fever, and inflammation. A suggested dose is 1 to 2 dropperfuls of white willow bark tincture daily.

What natural methods do you use instead of over the counter medicine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D. I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:
1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

Not all women have a choice to breastfeed or not. But if you have a choice, although it is a very personal choice, more research has come out about the benefits of breastfeeding. On top of the already valuable list of reasons, a new study shows that breastfeeding actually helps to protect women who have a family history of breast cancer. Not only is that good news but the amount of time you breastfeed doesn't seem to be a big factor. According to the study, only 3 months worth of breastfeeding (and it doesn't have to be all at once, it can be split between babies) offers this protection!

Here is the full article:

http://www.typeamom.net/breastfeeding-protects-women-with-family-history-of-breast-cancer.html

Breastfeeding Protects Women with Family History of Breast Cancer

Written by Jodi Cleghorn

A new study into the link between breast cancer and breastfeeding provides new evidence as to why breastfeeding is especially important for women with a family history of breast cancer.

The study by Dr. Alison Stuebe and colleagues at the University of North Carolina found women with a family history of breast cancer radically reduced their risk of developing invasive premenapausal breast cancer by breastfeeding. The effect was comparable to taking an anti-estrogen drug such as Tamoxifen for five years. Unlike Tamoxifen, breastfeeding has advantages for both mother and child.

Previous studies have been mixed regarding the protective effect of breastfeeding. Dr Stuebe believes these studies may be flawed due to cancer patients being asked to recall their breastfeeding history after diagnosis.

Using a prospective study model Dr Stuebe and colleagues looked to collect information on breastfeeding and breast cancer before diagnosis. They drew their information from the Nurses' Health Study II using the data of 60,000 women who reported giving birth in 1997.

Women were asked also to describe their breastfeeding practises. They were also asked if there was a family history of breast cancer and if they had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

They followed the cohort through to 2005 to see how many developed cancer in that time. At the end of the study 608 cases of invasive premenopausal breast cancer were identified. The average age at diagnosis was 46.

Women with a mother or a sister with breast cancer were found to have reduced their risk of developing cancer by 59% as a result of breastfeeding. There was no difference found in women who did not have a family history of breast cancer.

"This could be because there's something about genetically caused breast cancer that's affected by breastfeeding," said Dr Stuebe, "or it could be because rates of breast cancer were so low in women without a family history that we couldn't see an association in this data set."

The good news is protection is not dependent on the length of time a woman breastfeeds. The important point in question is whether a woman breastfeeds or not. The protective effect is apparent with just three months of breastfeeding - which may be accumulated from one child to the next. This means a mother breastfeeding each of her two children for six weeks will still gain the benefit. There was also no difference in women who exclusively breastfed compared with women who breastfed and supplemented. (1)

There is still no answer as to why breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. The researchers suspect when women do not breastfeed, inflammation and engorgement shortly after birth causes changes in breast tissue that may increase the risk for breast cancer. This inflammation may be prevented by breastfeeding and weaning.

A recent study by the Centre for Disease Control found half the women gave up breastfeeding before they wanted to. "Mothers and babies need supportive hospital policies, paid maternity leave, and workplace accommodations so that they can meet their breastfeeding goals," Dr Stuebe says. "Public health begins with breastfeeding."

One wonders in an era of public health policy which asks us to stop smoking, limit our alcohol consumption, eat better and exercise more, all of which attack big business profits and advocate no profit activities, if there should not be more room to aggressively promote breastfeeding on the same platform.

References

Based on the Chapel Hill School of Medicine Press Release at Media NewsWire

Alison M. Stuebe; Walter C. Willett; Fei Xue; Karin B. Michels. Lactation and Incidence of Premenopausal Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Study. Arch Intern Med., 2009; 169 (15) (1) Breastfeeding May Cut Breast Cancer Risk Kathleen Doheny at EmedicineHealth

Jodi Cleghorn is a Brisbane mother, writer, lactivist and natural birth advocate. When she's not writing breastfeeding articles she is working on her fiction stories including a new novella and a new publishing project Chinese Whisperings. Her new blog Writing in Black and White chronicles her journey as a writer, editor and publisher. This week she's enjoying a quiet house for the first time in two weeks!

One of my favorite things about our backyard (besides the waterfall and pond) is the garden than my husband built for me.  I only get to use it for about 5 months but it is SO worth it.  This year, I planted 4 types of tomatoes: Champion, Super Fantastic, Roma and Yellow Pear.  So far, I like all of them A LOT except for the Roma tomatoes.  The Roma's are good - way better than store bought Roma's but compared to the Champions and Super Fantastics they are very bland and dry.  I also planted two squash plants, which I unfortunately lost to evil squash bugs, a Sweet Banana Pepper and a green Bell Pepper.

Around the yard, we also have grapes, blackberries, strawberries, a red delicious apple tree, a golden delicious apple tree and blueberries. All are producing fruit this year, their second year, except the blueberries which we just planted this spring.

Most of the produce is not ready yet but we have been able to start enjoying the tomatoes and this weekend, grapes! We were all excited about the grapes.

I will post more pictures of the garden and the yard but to start, here are some pictures of my first big harvest this year!

All of produce is grown organically - no pesticides or toxins at our house!

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week and helps to remind us how important breastfeeding is for all babies across the globe. For information on why the breast is best, you can go here and here.

Here are a few great breastfeeding resources:

WABA Website

Best for Babes which includes tips on how to avoid Breastfeeding Booby Traps

Le Leche League International

Breastfeeding.com

Earth Mama Angel Baby wants to help you with breastfeeding.  They are offering 15% off Natural Nipple Butter, Milkmaid Tea and Booby Tubes for the entire month of August. Coupon Code: BoobyTubes04.

I fully plan on breastfeeding, for as long as possible, and I know that I need to start reading and researching so I can be prepared and have a better understanding what I need to do and what I can do to avoid "booby traps".

What are your tips, tricks and stories for successful breastfeeding or the trials and tribulations you had while trying to breastfeed? Did you enjoy it? Was it worth it? What would you do differently?

In honor of the 3 year anniversary of Affordable Mineral Makeup™, Purely Natural Minerals is giving away $15 of free makeup to one lucky winner!! Pretty Sweet!

Go here to check out the details and make sure you enter!

That was my reaction when my alarm went off at 6am this morning and the very first thing I heard was a broadcaster saying, "So bad, in fact, that the risk of cancer could increase by 75%".  The information shocked me so much that I ALMOST didn't hit the snooze button one last time.

How scary! Personally, I have not used a tanning bed very many times - usually only out of necessity - you know, like Prom.  Not because I don't like it - I do - but because my Mom complained about it every single time I went and reminded me how bad it was for me to go.  So, thanks Mom!  If it wasn't for your nagging comments I may have gone more often. Ps. To my Mom - this in no way indicates that you were right about everything. ;p

Here is the full article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32187497/ns/health-cancer/

Tues., July 28, 2009

LONDON - International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.

For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan."

Most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation, which cause skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic was disputed by Kathy Banks, chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators.

"The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer," Banks said in a statement. She said most users of tanning beds use them less than 20 times a year.

But as use of tanning beds has increased among people under 30, doctors have seen a parallel rise in the numbers of young people with skin cancer. In Britain, melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. Normally, skin cancer rates are highest in people over 75.

Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to get melanoma than people who have never used them. In the past, WHO warned people younger than 18 to stay away from tanning beds.

Cogliano cautioned that ultravoilet radiation is not healthy, whether it comes from a tanning bed or from the sun. The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams instead of tanning beds.

So what do we do now? Well, we can't go back in time and delete any of our 15 minute tanning bed sessions so we just have to move forward and be smart and safe. Don't go to tanning beds - even if you have a vacation in Mexico coming up (Not that "I" have ever done that, of course) and wear sunscreen that is safe for you when you are outdoors. For information on sunscreens that are safe for you and your family, go here.

As you know, just because a label says "all natural" doesn't mean ALL the ingredients are ALL natural. The only way you can make sure you are getting what you want is by reading the label. Makeup is the same way. Just because it is advertised as "Mineral Makeup" doesn't mean that the product you are looking at is truly only mineral makeup. Many "mineral makeups" contain extra ingredients known as fillers such as talc, bismuth, cornstarch, etc. And many "mineral makeups" contain chemicals and toxins that are the same as what is found in liquid makeup. Eeek!

Check out the ingredients in some of these common mineral makeups. Is the makeup you are using actually "all natural"? If not, I urge you to try a brand that is all natural and see the benefits for yourself.

I will start with my favorite (*wink*). Notice how few ingredients are used.

Affordable Mineral Makeup: Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide

Titanium Dioxide is widely used in cosmetics and skin care for its thickening and whitening properties. It also has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look.

Mica s a sheer, translucent and skin-hugging mineral. Reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.

Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment.

Zinc Oxide is known for its healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne, it has the ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, as well as offers protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Avon Mineral Foundation: Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 5.0% Inactive Ingredients: Iron Oxides, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Nylon-12, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Kaolin, Lauryl Pca, Zinc Pca, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Pca, Lecithin, Urea, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Atelocollagen, Beta-Carotene, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Tocopherol

As you can see by the list of ingredients, many of the ingredients are non-mineral ingredients. It also contains Bismuth which is known to irritate the skin and parabens.

Bare Escentuals and bareMinerals Mineral Makeup: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica, Iron Oxides

Based on the ingredients, Bare Escentuals is a much more pure mineral makeup. It does contain Bismuth which has been known to cause skin irritation for some people.

Jane Iredale: Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 14%, Zinc Oxide 6% Other Ingredients: Mica , Boron Nitride, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Plankton Extract, Algae Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract. May contain: Iron Oxides , Ultramarines

Boron Nitride (BN) is a synthetic, inorganic powder (produced from boric acid or boron trioxide). When used in cosmetics, it has absorbent properties similar to those of natural powders such as talc.

Zinc Stearate is a creamy, white, non-carcinogenic powder used as a filler in powdered cosmetics. It has excellent adhesion and coverage properties as well as water repellency properties... but it can irritate the skin.

Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer.

Mary Kay Mineral Makeup: Talc, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Zeolite, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, BHT, Iron Oxides, Mica

The first two ingredients that are listed are fillers and many of the other ingredients are discussed above and not beneficial. This makeup does not contain Titanium Dioxide which gives makeup it's SPF properties so if you chose to wear this makeup, make sure you also put on sunscreen. Additionally, this makeup contains parabens and many chemicals (such as Sorbic Acid).

Pür Minerals: Titanium Dioxide 8% Inactive Ingredients: Mica, Boron Nitride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bismuth Oxychloride, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Carbonate, Silica, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides

This makeup contains Boron Nitride and Bismuth

These are just a few of the many brands of "mineral makeup" on the market. As you can tell, it is EXTREMELY important that you read the list of ingredients before you buy so you are confident in what you are putting on your face.

One of the reasons that I love Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is because it is so pure. I know each ingredient listed and why it is used. I feel confident that I am making a good choice for my skin while still getting an exceptional product at an affordable price.

If you have any questions, please contact me at Brenda@purelynaturalminerals.com

--------------------

Sources: http://www.mineral-makeup-reviews.com/Mineral-Makeup-Ingredients.html, http://naturalglamourminerals.blogspot.com/, http://www.purminerals.com, http://www.ehow.com/facts_5147638_dimethicone-makeup.html, http://www.theconservatorie.com/products/Zinc_Stearate-53-4.html, http://www.cosmeticscop.com/dictionary_term.aspx?tid=932&lid=498&term=boron+nitride

Great family, outdoor entertainment just got cheaper! Over 100 National Parks that usually charge an entrance fee are waiving the fee this weekend!

For a list of National Parks that are waiving their fee this weekend (listed by State), go here.

For a list of other dates when fees will be waived, go here.

June 23, 2009 - Clackamas, OR - As women become more concerned about the ingredients in the personal care products they use while pregnant, and on their children, Earth Mama Angel Baby has set a new standard for truly toxin-free, natural products. All Earth Mama Angel Baby products are now rated a "zero" on the Skin Deep database (www.cosmeticdatabase.com), a guide to cosmetics and personal care products from the Environmental Working Group. (Earth Mama Angel Baby's USDA Certified 100% Organic line of teas is not listed in the Skin Deep database, which is only for personal care items. The teas are regulated by the USDA.)

"We know of no other company that manufactures products for pregnancy or baby care with an entire product line rated a zero," said Melinda Olson, CEO and Founder of Earth Mama Angel Baby. "We continually source new raw materials and work on formulations of products that can replace current ingredients with newer, safer ingredients as they become available," she added.

Olson explains that science and chemistry have only begun to catch up with the demand for toxin-free products. Because ingredients that preserve and emulsify the products are necessary to prevent bacteria and mold growth, finding safe, organic raw materials that solve these issues is a constant challenge.

"Preserving products for shelf-life is obviously necessary, and we are not satisfied unless the chemistry used is as safe as possible," she explains. "In some cases, certified organic ingredients are just not available, so we change our formulations as they become available, or as better alternatives are found."

"I'm proud to have come this far," said Olson. "It has been a long process, but we will continue to keep sourcing and working with the best new materials available, and our goal is a 100% certified organic product line, certified to the highest standard now available, the USDA NOP."

Earth Mama Angel Baby is currently working in tandem with the Organic Trade Association and the American Herbal Products Association to create a version of the NOP standards appropriate for personal care products. The USDA NOP was developed to certify organic food, making some personal care products impossible to certify with this standard.

A Gold Member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and one of the earliest signers, Earth Mama Angel Baby is fully compliant with all phases of the compact, which include registration of all applicable products in the Skin Deep database with detailed ingredient information.  Users who search the database can find independent ratings on the ingredients used in products of both compact signers and non-signers as well as see the status of companies as compliant or non-compliant with the Campaign's standards.

To use the database, simply go to www.cosmeticdatabase.com and type in the type of product you wish to search, or a company name. Searches and information are free.

About Earth Mama Angel Baby^®:

Earth Mama Angel Baby was founded by nurse, herbalist, and concerned mother Melinda Olson. Her mission is to treat the common symptoms of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care with pure, safe herbal remedies. Her knowledge of traditional herb medicine combines with evidence based research to help soothe and comfort mamas and babies naturally. All Earth Mama Angel Baby® products and teas are formulated without harsh chemicals, toxins or preservatives, and have the best safety ratings in the exceptional Skin Deep toxicity database. Proudly pure, Earth Mama Angel Baby® products are made only with worry-free ingredients: no 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, or toxins of any kind. That's Mama's Promise^TM.

Contact: Sheri Wallace, prmama@earthmamaangelbaby.com for interviews, photos or samples.

9866 SE Empire Court

Clackamas, OR 97015

503-607-0607

www.EarthMamaAngelBaby.com

www.BabyLossComfort.com