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Event Details

• Event: Addison Wellness Expo
• Date: Friday, April 20th 2012 - Saturday, April 21st 2012
• Time: 11:00am
• City: Addison Wellness Expo in Addison, Texas
• Venue: Addison Conference Centre
• Address: 15650 Addison Road, Addison, Texas
• Venue phone: 972-450-6241
• Country: US
• Admission: $7/Day or $10/Weekend.
• Box office: 972-378-3770
• Notes: Come visit us, the DFW Health Coaches, at our booth in the Addison Wellness Expo.
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We all know how important our loved ones are to us. How do you nurture and nourish those relationships? Why are healthy relationships important to our health?

Join Ruthie Guten for a frank discussion on building & maintaining healthy relationships.

Date:      February 13, 2012
Time:     12 PM Central Time

Register for the upcoming webinar.

Written By: Sapna Fliedner

How important is it for you to use non-stick pans? They give us convenience when cleaning up after cooking, but studies show that they may be giving us much more than we anticipated. Recent studies show that chemicals used in non-stick and stain resistant goods may cause a whole variety of health problems to those who use them.

The Dangers Of C8

Perflurooctanoic Acid (also known as PFOA or C8) is used in Teflon and other non-stick coatings. It is found in fast food packaging, snack wrappers, pizza boxes, drink cups and other packaged goods. It’s also used in many products that are stain resistant.

Studies in lab animals, as well as several accidental contamination sites near DuPont plants, have shown that PFOA causes health problems. Studies in mice conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health showed that PFOA caused overreactions to certain allergens, which led researchers to conclude that it may weaken immune systems. Although Teflon manufacturers deny that there is any probable effect on humans, no research to prove this has been carried out.

However, the DuPont contaminations seem to imply that there are serious health risks to humans. The contaminations were initially hidden by the chemical giant, but recently residents in those areas affected by the spills have filed lawsuits against it. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency has urged DuPont to stop using these toxins, but it has yet to make a commitment to do this.

Health problems caused by this chemical include:
- Thyroid Problems
- Increased rates of miscarriage
- Raised levels of cholesterol, both the good and bad kinds. (This study was found in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
- Higher levels of ADHD in children. PFOA was found in the blood of ADHD-diagnosed children at much higher levels.
- Changes in the brain, liver, prostate, kidneys and thymus.
- Changes in the pituitary gland, which affects reproductive and metabolic functions. These changes are linked to birth defects and low birth rate in the areas where DuPont contaminated the groundwater wells.
- Tumors in animal tests, leading researchers to believe that it may cause cancer.
- Immune system problems.

Studies have also shown that exposure to PFOA in women passes it on to their unborn children. One study found that higher exposure to PFOA’s was related to a delay in the age at which a baby can sit up without assistance.

What Causes Exposure To C8?

The danger of PFOA comes from the fumes given off from these products. Once inhaled, it stays in your blood and tissue, and from there it causes the above health problems. PFOA’s are found in the bloodstream of 95% of American men, women and children.

Although we don’t know to what extent, cooking with non-stick cookware definitely increases the risk. According to DuPont, the chemical is used only in its manufacturing process and not in end products, but they’ve already demonstrated to us their level of corporate responsibility by contaminating the groundwater, potentially killing local people and trying to cover it up. Studies show that people who use non-stick products have a higher rate of cancer and other health problems, so we can be quite sure this is a lie.

We definitely know that non-stick cookware that is cracked or peeling poses a higher risk. Cracked areas give off fumes that contain PFOA’s which can easily be inhaled. Inexpensive, cheap Teflon pans tend to chip faster, thus releasing PFOA’s in higher amounts. The exact dangers are not known, but this is such a serious issue that the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit research organization, has petitioned the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to begin warning people about them. (You can see the PDF of this petition here: http://www.ewg.org/files/CPSCbirds.pdf)

It’s not only non-stick products that we have to worry about. Sandwich toasters, griddles and George Foreman type grills all contain the chemical. So do all the major brands sold in stores.

In addition to non-stick and stain resistant materials, anything made with Teflon carries a higher risk. Fumes from heated Teflon have been found to kill small animals. This was reported on ABC’s news show “20/20,” along with reports by the Environmental Protection Agency that PFOA’s from Teflon had appeared in higher levels in the blood of children born with birth defects. I have also read stories of small birds and parrots who were kept in the kitchen during cooking, and died after inhaling these fumes. Could the small bird be analogous to the canary in the coal mine? It’s ironic people don’t make the connection. Yes, birds are smaller and die faster. What about our children?

If you cook with these goods, you are at high risk. Even if you don’t, there is still a risk because restaurants often use non-stick surfaces because they’re easy to clean. They use these pans to make stir-fry at your favorite Asian restaurant, or pancakes and omelets made at your local IHOP. Environmental Working Group studies have even found the chemical in the wildlife of three continents. Countries where PFOA has been found in wildlife include the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Belgium and Russia. PFOA has also been found in the wildlife of more remote areas like Midway Atoll’s Sand Island Wildlife Refuge.

What You Can Do

There is currently no federal regulation for exposure to this toxin. Companies like DuPont are free to continue selling goods that may cause cancer, birth defects and death.

However, one thing you can do for you and your family is avoid using non-stick, Teflon or stain-resistant goods. You can also protect yourself by using high quality goods rather than the more inexpensive ones. We use stainless steel, cast iron or glassware. We also tend to eat a lot of raw meals, which don’t require cookware, thus eliminating our exposure. We try to avoid restaurants as much as possible by only eating out about once a month or when we travel.

-Avoid foods such as microwave popcorn, french fries, candy bars and pizza. Teflon is commonly used with these foods.

-Avoid stain-resistant carpeting. Every time you vacuum, you are releasing these fumes into the air of your home.

-Open your windows frequently in your home.

Many people use Teflon pans because they have to use less oil and the food doesn’t stick to the pans. Cast iron and stainless steel do require more oil but we use coconut oil for all of our cooking, which doesn’t break down when exposed to high heat. In fact, it is one of the most healthiest oils to cook with. Olive oil and canola oil turn into unhealthy trans fat with free radicals when heated. I drizzle olive oil after cooking on top of foods but never to cook with.

Never use aluminum pans as they leach aluminum which is directly related to Alzhemer’s.

Educate yourself on all products that use these chemical and avoid them. Start to educate others by telling them this information as well.

Sources

“Allergy alert over slippery chemical.” New Scientist – http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19426095.100

“Early Findings Link Key Teflon Chemical to Lower Birth Weight.” ABC News – http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/02/early_findings_.html

Environmental Working Group Website, “PFCs: Global Contaminants: PFCs in Animals Worldwide” – http://www.ewg.org/node/21749

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, “PFOA and PFOS Detected in Newborns,” – http://www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/press_releases/2007/goldman_pfoa_pfos.html

“Non-stick pan chemicals ‘may raise child cholesterol.’” BBC News – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11201956

Organic Consumers Association, “Study Shows DuPont’s Teflon Products Are Damaging Fetuses in the Womb” from Rachel’s Democracy & Health News – http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6848.cfm

Ross, Brian et al, “Can Nonstick Make You Sick?” ABC News website – http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=124363

Ward, Ken Jr, “C8 exposure linked to ADHD in children.” West Virginia Gazette – http://wvgazette.com/News/201006160770

For more articles written by Sapna, please see her website: GreenMomsPreventDisease.com.

Lisa Staffelbach, of 24 Carrot Health, will be at Urban Acres providing tastings of water kefir and some other naturally fermented beverages which may include young coconut water kefir and lacto-fermented ginger ale, but there may be some surprises. Please stop by and get a taste of naturally fermented

beverages that might cure your cravings for soda. Can’t wait, love to
see you there!

Event Details

• Event: Lisa Staffelbach
• Date: Saturday, February 11th 2012
• Time: 10:00am
• City: Lisa Staffelbach in Dallas
• Venue: Urban Acres Oak Cliff “Farm Store”
• Address: 1301B West Davis Street
• Venue phone: 469-248-2270
• Country: US
• Admission: FREE
• Age restrictions: All Ages
• Notes: I will be at Urban Acres providing tastings of water kefir and some other naturally fermented beverages which may include young coconut water kefir and lacto-fermented ginger ale, but there may be some surprises. Please stop by and get a taste of naturally fermented beverages that might cure your cravings for soda. Can’t wait, love to see you there! -Lisa
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You have more natural energy when you are complete with your environment, well-being, money and relationships. We will review 100 items in your life, from wellbeing to relationships. When you contemplate on what needs improvement in your life, and give intent to completing the tasks that require action, you will gain the vitality and strength that you want. This audit should be conducted yearly.

Date:      April 16, 2012

Time:     12 PM Central Time

Register for the upcoming webinar.

Event Details

• Event: Ruthie Guten
• Date: Monday, April 16th 2012
• Time: 12:00pm
• City: Ruthie Guten in Internet
• Venue: Webinar
• Country: US
• Admission: FREE
• Age restrictions: All Ages
• Notes: Please register in advance to receive login details.
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Most of us think of spring cleaning as an annual ritual that we don’t particularly relish. In fact, many of us have been known to sometimes bypass it altogether. However, if we are trying to live healthier lives, it is important to take it seriously. In fact, it is imperative that we begin the process of healing our lives holistically. That means that we must surround ourselves with people and things that bring us joy – which means that we must walk away from that which is not healthy for us. It’s time to take a good look at your environment.

Join Ruthie Guten for a frank discussion on how to begin the process of Getting Rid of Junk.

Date:      March 19, 2012
Time:     12 PM Central Time

Register for the upcoming webinar.

Event Details

• Event: Ruthie Guten
• Date: Monday, March 19th 2012
• Time: 12:00pm
• City: Ruthie Guten in Internet
• Venue: Webinar
• Country: US
• Admission: FREE
• Age restrictions: All Ages
• Notes: Please register in advance to receive login details.
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New Year, New You

A lot of people begin the New Year by making resolutions.

We’ve all been there.We take a vow to lose weight, exercise more or spend more time with our family. We start the year with great intentions, but then we quickly relapse into old habits.

Why is it so hard to stick to those New Year’s resolutions? Here are some ways you can make your intentions a reality this year:

1. Write down your intentions and keep them in a visible place, like taped to your bedroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.
2. Get to the source of whatever is keeping you in a rut. Are you in a stressful relationship that causes you to eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s every night? Are you stressed at your job and feel too tired to exercise after work? If you don’t tackle the root of the behavior, it will be much harder to accomplish your goal.
3. Be clear about what your life would look like once you achieve your goal. If you resolve to go to the gym more, how will this benefit you? Get connected to the result of your action, and you will be more likely to stick with your plan.
4. Share your resolutions with friends and family. Hold each other accountable for achieving your goals. If you want to go to the gym more, have a friend call you two or three times a week to check on you or invite them to join you.
5. Reward yourself with every little accomplishment. If your intention is to lose weight and you lose 1 pound a week, pamper yourself with a massage.

Big changes do not require big leaps. Permanent change is more likely to happen gradually than through one big restrictive plan. Allow yourself to climb the ladder one rung at a time.

Happy New Year!

Join the DFW Health Coaches at the Texas Veggie State Fair on Sunday, October 23rd.

The 2nd Annual Texas State Veggie Fair is back and bigger and better than before! It’s a fun-filled day complete with:

The DFW Health Coaches
Vegan Food Vendors and Food Sampling
Carnival Games & Prizes
Guest Speakers
Music and Entertainment

All this, and it’s free to attend! For more information, please go to www.texasstateveggiefair.com

Event Details

• Event: Texas Veggie State Fair
• Date: Sunday, October 23rd 2011
• Time: 11:00am
• City: Texas Veggie State Fair in Dallas
• Venue: Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake
• Address: 950 East Lawther Drive Dallas, TX 75218
• Country: US
• Admission: FREE
• Age restrictions: All Ages
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