Grandma is eighty-eight years old and still drives her own car. Shewrites:
Dear Grand-daughter,
The other day I went up to our local Christian book store and saw a
‘Honk if you love Jesus’ bumper sticker .
I was feeling particularly sassy that day because I had just come from a thrilling choir performance, followed by a thunderous prayer meeting..
So, I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper.
Boy, am I glad I did; what an uplifting experience that followed.
I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in
thought about the Lord and how good he is, and I didn’t notice that the light had changed…
It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn’t
honked, I’d never have noticed.
I found that lots of people love Jesus!
While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy,
and then he leaned out of his window and screamed, ‘For the love of
God!’
‘Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, GO!’
What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus!
Everyone started honking!
I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people.
I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love!
There must have been a man from Florida back there because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach.
I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger
stuck up in the air.
I asked my young teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant.
He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something.
Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii , so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign right back.
My grandson burst out laughing.
Why even he was enjoying this religious experience!!
A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me.
I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is
when I noticed the light had changed.
So, grinning, I waved at all my brothers and sisters, and drove on
through the intersection.
I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection
before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave
them after all the love we had shared.
So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away. Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!!
Did you know? There are more than 3 million poisonings every year, which equates to every 30 SECONDS a child is poisoned!Household cleaners are the number ONE cause of poisoning in children. (AAPCC – American Association Poison Control Centers)
Did you know? An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Children are at an even greater risk to exposure to pollution/chemicals because their immune systems are not completely developed and they breathe three times faster than adults.
Just because it’s found on the store shelf…DOES NOT MEAN IT IS SAFE! The more you know about indoor and outdoor chemicals at school, daycare, home and elsewhere, the better chance your child and family will have to remain healthy! The problem is…we don’t know exactly what toxic chemicals manufacturers are using to produce the everyday repeat consumables products we buy, use, run out of and re-purchase again and again! In short term…people suffer from asthma, allergies, nausea, headaches, and rashes from exposure. In the long term…chemicals can build up in the immune system, resulting in cancer or auto-immune diseases!
Check the products you use?
Do yours contain hazardous materials like the ones in the chart below?
Product type
Possible ingredients
Potential hazards
Air freshener and deodorizer
Formaldehyde
Toxic; carcinogen; irritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin; may cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss, and shortness of breath.
Bleach
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested; contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes.
Disinfectant
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes; may cause pulmonary oedema or vomiting and coma if ingested.
Phenols
Flammable; very toxic; respiratory, circulatory, or cardiac damage.
Ammonia
Vapour irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible chronic irritation.
Drain Cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye)
Caustic; irritant; inhibits reflexes; burns to skin, eyes; poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage.
Hydrochloric acid
Corrosive; irritant; damage to kidney, liver, and digestive system.
Trichloroethane
Irritant to nose and eyes; central nervous system depression; liver and kidney damage if ingested.
Flea powder
Carbaryl
Very toxic; interferes with human nervous system; may cause skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system damage.
Dichlorophene
Skin irritation; may damage liver, kidney, spleen, and central nervous system.
Chlordane and other chlorinated hydrocarbons
Very slow biodegradation; accumulates in food chain; may damage eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin.
Floor cleaner wax
Diethylene glycol
Toxic; causes central nervous system depression and kidney, liver lesions.
Petroleum solvents
Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs.
Ammonia
Vapour irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible chronic irritation.
Furniture polish
Petroleum distillates or mineral spirits
Highly flammable; moderately toxic; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; entry into lungs may cause pulmonary edema.
Oven cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye)
Caustic; irritant; inhibits reflexes; burns to skin, eyes; poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage.
Paint thinner
Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons
Slow decomposition; liver and kidney damage.
Esters
Toxicity varies with specific chemical; causes eye, nose, and throat irritation and anesthesia.
Alcohols
Volatile and flammable; eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons
Flammable; toxic; accumulate in food chain.
Ketones
Flammable; toxicity varies with specific chemical; may cause respiratory ailments.
Paint
Aromatic hydrocarbon thinners
Flammable; skin irritant; benzene is a carcinogen; possible liver and kidney damage.
Mineral spirits
Highly flammable; skin, eye, nose, throat, lung irritant; very high air concentrations may cause unconsciousness, death.
Spot remover
Perchlorethylene or trichloroethane
Slow decomposition; liver and kidney damage; perchlorethylene is suspected carcinogen.
Ammonium hydroxide
Corrosive; vapour extremely irritable to skin, eyes, and respiratory passages; ingestion causes tissue burns.
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause pulmonary edema and skin burns.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Sodium acid sulfate or oxalate or hypochloric acid
Corrosive; burns from skin contact or inhalation; ingestion may be fatal.
Chlorinated phenols
Flammable; very toxic; respiratory, circulatory, or cardiac damage.
Window cleaner
Diethylene glycol
Toxic; causes central nervous system depression and degenerative lesions in liver and kidneys.
Ammonia
Vapour irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible chronic irritation.
Wood stain/varnish
Mineral spirits, gasoline
Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; entry into lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema.
Methyl and ethyl alcohol
Flammable; damage to eyes, skin, central nervous system.
Benzene
Flammable; carcinogen; accumulates in fat, bone marrow, liver tissues.
Lead
Damage to digestive, genitourinary, neuro-muscular and central nervous system; anemia and brain damage.
Antifreeze
Ethylene glycol
Very toxic, 3 ounces can be fatal to adult; damage to cardiovascular system, blood, skin, and kidneys.
Methanol
Moderately toxic; ingestion may cause coma, respiratory damage.
Car wax, polish
Petroleum distillates
Associated with and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, lungs; entry into lungs may cause fatal pulmonary oedema.
Motor oil/gasoline
Petroleum hydrocarbons (benzene)
Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; pulmonary oedema; benzene is a carcinogen.
Lead
Damage to digestive, genitourinary, neuro-muscular, and central nervous system; anaemia and brain damage.
There are more natural alternatives out there.
I for one have changed to ‘Melaleuca’ The Wellness Companywww.melaleuca.com products for my family.
Breast milk of course is the absolute best milk for your baby during the first one or two years but if this is not possible there are other alternatives; but which one do you choose?
In days gone by babies were given watered down ‘carnation milk’, ‘condensed milk’ or cow’s milk; some added ‘Pentavite’ for vitamins, some did not. Research has shown that these are not the best choices for babies and could even do harm.
Today in 2010, we are fortunate enough to have infant formula that has been researched, modified and tested and continues to be researched to provide milk closest to living breast milk. It is commercially synthesised therefore it will never reach the premium standard of natural breast milk but at least it has to be better than what our ancestors used.
Up until the age of 12 months a baby requires an infant formula for optimum digestion and nutrients.
There are many types and brands of milks listed under the age categories of starter (1), follow on (2) or toddler (3). ‘Starter’ and ‘Progress’ formulas are complete food substitutes but ‘toddler milk’ is like a vitamin in milk form and not a food substitute. ‘Progress’ (2) formulas have added iron and nutrients for increased growth and development requirements but if the ‘starter’ formula is better tolerated after six months and solid food has been introduced then it is not absolutely necessary to use.
Cow’s milk based infant formula – This is commercially modified cow’s milk to resemble breast milk and is suitable for most babies. It is not suitable when babies have a cow milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance or have parents who want to keep away from animal based foods. Some milks have now been further enhanced with added docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Omega – 3 fatty acids and prebiotics and probiotics for added immunity and digestion. Research is ongoing for even further refinements.
Goat milk based infant formula – This commercially modified goat milk contains slightly less lactose than cow’s milk with the protein similar to cow’s milk but forms a softer non clustered curd. These facts can make goat milk formula easier to digest for some babies.It is more rapidly digested therefore can be helpful for a baby with reflux.
Soy based infant formula – This milk is commercially made from the soya beans which have similar protein content to cow’s milk. It contains lactose. During processing the protein is isolated without its cofactors needed for digestion and metabolism and therefore is not a good choice for babies.
Lactose free infant formula (LF)- This milk is usually cow milk based and has no lactose. This formula may help babies who suffer from excessive wind, explosive poos and unsettled sleep patterns due to lower bowel pain.
Anti Refluxinfant formula (AR)- This is usually a cow milk based formula that has been thickened using either carob bean gum or maltodextrin (enzymatically derived from any starch but usually corn or wheat). This thickened milk is for babies who have difficulty keeping milk down. Depending on the thickening agent used this milk may not be suitable for babies who are lactose or wheat intolerant.
Protein modifiedcow milk infant formula (HA)- In this milk the cow milk protein has been broken down to make it easier for babies to digest and is an alternative milk for babies who have a primary risk of dairy allergy. Do not use if a baby has already been exposed to dairy through breast milk or another formula.
Protein free infant formula – An extensively hydrolysed 100% whey protein specialty formula for babies with a diagnosed dairy protein or soy allergy. Medical supervision is required for babies on this formula and in Australia is only available by script.
Casein dominant or whey dominant infant formula –Whey and casein are the proteins found in milk. Whey dominant formula is the most common on the market, is closest to breast milk and digested quicker than casein based. Very hungry babies are thought to do better on casein dominant formula.
After 12 months a baby’s gut is mature enough to progress onto cow’s milk or an alternative such as rice milk, oat milk, soy milk, goat milk or toddler milk. These milks are not natural or organic but the choice of which one to use is yours. Babies require full fat milk until at least 2 years old.
Goat milk has a similar protein in a comparable quantity to cow’s milk but forms a softer, non clustered curd and contains slightly less lactose, possibly making it easier to digest.It is more rapidly digested, therefore may be helpful for an infant with reflux or frequent positing. It is usually not tolerated by those who have a cow milk protein allergy.
Cow milk is a nutrient dense food when ingested in its raw organic form (breast milk or unpasteurised milk) but unfortunately vitamins and minerals are lost today with the pasteurisation and homogenisation process (heating it to make it better for us!) There is also a difference in milk produced from relaxed cows grazing in open fields of grasses and flowers to a mass produced commercially fed cow living in overcrowded cement floor stalls. Milk just isn’t the same milk as years past. Lactose free cow’s milk is also available.
Soya milk is made from soya beans and has the equivalent amount of protein to cow’s milk therefore it is not tolerated if allergic to cow milk protein. Research shows that processed soy can prevent the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The commercial processing involved in isolating the protein in soya beans leaves out the natural digestive and metabolism cofactors, deeming soya milk often difficult to digest.
Rice milk is made from brown rice, has no lactose and is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals, and is higher in carbohydrate and lower in protein and calcium. A suitable milk alternative when cow, goat and soy milks need to be avoided.
Oat milk is made from whole oats making it higher in fibre than other milks. It is usually calcium fortified and naturally sweet.
Toddler milk is marketed for toddlers 12 months to 3 years. Yes, it contains added nutrients and iron but if a toddler’s diet is adequate then this milk is unnecessary. It can be helpful for a poor eater as it increases iron into their diet which will improve their appetite as well as supplying a balanced amount of nutrients. Do not give more than the required milk intake as it is NOT a substitute to food.
Depending on your breastfeeding routine, alcohol consumption as with all aspects of your diet while breastfeeding needs to be carefully considered. Generally it is not recommended that mothers drink alcohol while they are pregnant or during breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding your baby’s development and nutrition is directly effected by all that you consume. That includes absolutely everything and if you drink then alcohol impacts too. Alcohol has been shown to have adverse effects on unborn babies even in small amounts, and there is direct transfer of alcohol to breastmilk in breastfeeding mothers. Peaks in exchange from blood stream-breastmilk are from 30mins to 1hour post drink so it can take from 3-4hrs to clear alcohol from your system and be safe to feed again when you are breastfeeding.
During breastfeeding, breastmilk is the most critical source of fats and immune-building products your baby can get. Keeping your own diet and health at optimum level is vital to ensure you have a great milk supply for your baby so they can thrive. Alcohol can interfure with your breastfeeding and whether to consume alcohol while you are breastfeeding or wait until you have finished is an important decision to make.
Research advises that regular alcohol intake can reduce breastmilk production and be hazardous to your baby. And in fact breastfeeding mothers who drink are advised not to co-sleep with their baby due to suffocation dangers. Alcohol content in breastmilk can contribute to both overactivity and lethargy in your baby and may have unknown effects on development. If you do choose to drink alcohol, we advise you exercise extreme caution and moderation and follow some basic guidelines to prevent problems and danger.
• Regular (daily) alcohol consumption is not recommended as it can result in a cumulative effect on your system, on breastmilk or on breastmilk production. Medical research advises that alcohol consumption be restricted to not more than one standard drink every few days or once per week for breastfeeding mothers who choose to drink. Where 1 standard drink = 12 oz of 4% beer, 5 oz of 12% wine. This could be changed to metric measures as well.
• Research advises that consumption be restricted to drinks of low alcohol concentration, not more than 12% (concentration of a standard wine) and mixed with soda, or other to be a diluted alcoholic drink. Or as an alternative, consume a large drink of water or juice after the alcoholic drink.
• Other medical recommendations include that alcoholic drinks be consumed with a meal to slow down digestion and reduce the rate of alcohol released into the blood.
It is difficult to organise to drink alcohol while you are breastfeeding, babies always demand when you least expect it and as well as its adverse effects it is widely discouraged by the medical community.
Many women do not drink alcohol while they are breastfeeding and maintain their health with an optimal diet, of 5-6 smaller meals per day and lots of water, juice, nuts and fruit, lots of treats and plenty of rest. If you do have to drink, always give your body plenty of time (at least 3hrs) to process the alcohol before you serve breastmilk again and always follow an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one. Keep in contact with your health professional while you are breastfeeding to identify any problems or discuss your concerns.
Article researched and written by Tabitha Lloyd for Jan Murray. We hope this article has been of interest.
Raising children is one of the most important things you will do in your life
and our role as parents is vital for the future health of our community.
As you probably are aware I am passionate about starting our
babies and children off on good eating habits.
Below is a short interview with two outstanding and well known nutritionists
taliking about foods and kids lunch boxes but how it actually starts earlier than that! That’s what I believe too!
Have a listen to the recording below it will be worth the 5 minutes of your time.
Andrew Cate is an energetic and motivating personal trainer, weight loss coach, public speaker and author. Andrew pursued a career in health and fitness after losing both his grandfathers to preventable lifestyle illnesses. http://www.thehfactordiet.com
Andrew had this to say in his last newsletter (you can sign up it’s free) that I believe is worth a mention to families raising children in today’s fast paced world.
“A 2009 study has found that a diet heavy in processed and fatty foods increases the risk of depression. Compared with people who ate mainly “whole foods”, those with a diet heavy in processed food had a 58 percent higher risk of depression. The processed foods included processed meat, high-fat dairy products, fried foods and sweetened desserts. Researchers also found that people who ate plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish had a 26 percent lower risk of depression, and could even help prevent the onset of depression.
The researchers believe the mental health benefits of whole foods could come from higher levels of antioxidants, the omega 3 fats in fish, and the wider variety of nutrients consumed”.
Motivational quote of the week
“When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter five years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go.”
I was speaking to Loraine, another mum of my vintage today, who has also raised 4 children (now young adults).
We spoke about how we would start our baby’s off on very small amounts of a variety of foods at a young age and we didn’t have near the amount of food allergies as there is today. Over the last 6 years there has been a 500% increase in food related allergies. What is going wrong?
There are many contributing thoughts and much research to back up why.
1. Holding off introducing foods for too long, beyond the window of opportunity when a babies immune system is being developed.
2. Not allowing your pet dog to come inside and dirty your perfectly clean home. A bit of dirt and bacteria about is again good to help the body fight against. That is what a body is designed to do and needs to do it.
3. Cleaning products on the market today are formulated to kill 99.9 % of bacteria and germs. Why!!! We need to build up our child’s natural immunity to be able to fight against illness and disease that they will come across as they get older. A little bit of everyday dirt will not kill you it will make you stronger. A poor ability to fight illness because the immune system has not been given the opportunity to develop at a young age will lead to a slower recovery from disease or illness. With many children attending day care facilities and being in contact with other disease carrying children it puts a child at a greater risk of catching something. Do your child a favour and help them to build up their ability for fighting disease at a young age. You won’t have to watch them suffer as long when you do.
I am about to launch (or maybe by the time you read this it will be launched) an easy to read and understand baby and toddler recipe book with professional child health advice on the introduction of foods based on the most current based research findings. I think it is great for babies and mothers to be able to continue to breast feed as long as possible and slowly introduce solids. It works well.
Eating behaviours and food choices are a vital link to a healthy future.
Other topics that are important in child health that are touched on in my book include:
1. Reducing the risk of obesity
2. Avoiding slow speech development from poor facial muscle development
3. Helping parents and children enjoy the culture of eating and not have it as a battle ground that has the potential for eating disorders as an older child.
“ …. we confessed our love still resided in our hearts and beings for our husbands. But the question on the table was, “how do we find the passion, the desire, and the willingness to stay committed!?”
Tania gave herself these challenges in order to write a book…
Week One Challenge:Have Sex three times in one week (and for 52 weeks!) Lesson learned:DON’T talk about the day once you are actually in bed together! Just let it all go and get physical!!!! Tip: I asked my Gynecologist “what constitutes a healthy sex life?” She answered, “Three times a week! You do it even if you don’t want to! It’s really healthy, great exercise and it takes the edge off of life!”
Week Two Challenge:When life hand you a lemon, make lemonade: Spend the entire week saying nothing but positive things to your husband. NO complaining, carping, wining, fussing, nagging. No matter how much he deserves it, greet his inner lemon with sugar and make lemonade. See how sweet it is after 7 days (and if you can stand it!) Lesson learned: Becoming conscious of how we speak to our partners is critical. Speak to our spouses in the same manner that we want to be spoken to.
Week Three Challenge:Here’s a challenge from my husband: Look where you can make changes that you both agree upon. e.g. I want structured bed time, be okay with it not being structured all the time, be flexible. Lesson learned:It takes deep commitment and work on both parties to fight to not only “stay married” but to really take the leap to feel the love you have for one another.
Week Four Challenge:Sleep together in the same bed! Lesson learned:No matter how tired I am after putting the girls to sleep, I need to stay committed to getting up and spending some quality time my husband!
Week Five Challenge:Hold hands even when you are upset or angry and notice how it dissipates the anger. Lesson learned:Finding love, harmony and laughter in the home takes baby steps and is totally possible. Letting go of having to be right or getting the last word in, just isn’t worth it.
Week Six Challenge:Two romantic dinners with no kids this week. One is cooking together at home ( when babes in bed) One is an actual date out. See which does the trick! Lesson learned:This book is NOT about getting the challenge done, but the journey of TRYING to get the challenge done and witnessing how busy life gets and how quickly our relationship is pushed to the side for everythingelse that comes up.
Week Seven Challenge:No more than 20 minutes on computer per day once at home. Emails, Facebook, Twitter, Webcam, My Space, You Tube, I phone, Blackberry, and more will have to wait. Lesson learned: Be present with my spouse. Getting on the computer is not being present with the most important person in my life. It’s that simple. Get offline!
Joyce Lewis, retired Community and Government Affairs Director, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), says she is seeing an increase in the number of new parents who want to “go green.” Parents want to raise their babies in a safe non-toxic home and leave less of an impact on the environment. There are many different ways to go green. Some people eat only organic or locally produced foods. Cleaning products should be free of toxic chemicals, or they can be made with a few ingredients from home, like vinegar and baking soda. Lewis also recommends avoiding or limiting use of plastic food and beverage containers and personal care products with dyes or fragrances. It’s important to read product labels for a list of ingredients rather than relying on the manufacturer’s advertising.
I have changed my household over to an environmentally safer line of products.
They are ordered and delivered from your own home and are available in over 14 different countries around the world.
If you would like to learn more about making your home and environment safer using these products, there is a short introductory video HERE
If you would like to shop this way be sure to let me know if you are interested and I or a business associate can help you to enrol.
