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I have used soy protein for many years. I can’t imagine my life without it. And when I heard about the estrogen issues that are related to soy, I did some research. I would have had a very hard time if I had to give it up.

A Soy Protein Shake is my breakfast of choice and the main reason is because of the way it makes me feel. It’s not like I get a burst of energy, but I get sustained energy. I feel alert and focused. I feel balanced in terms of no highs from sugar and then the nasty drops. I have energy and I don’t feel hungry until the next meal. Plus this balanced blood sugar state in the body contributes to better moods as well.

It is fascinating how foods control the way we feel. I like being in control and having the choices of what I eat and how that is going to benefit me. My research about soy and estrogen brought me to some interesting information. I liked learning that the phytoestrogens from soy can regulate and even help block excess estrogen.

I have read, as I am sure you have, about the questions raised between soy and breast cancer. The interaction with patients who take tamoxifen to prevent or treat breast cancer is being studied ongoing. However, research has shown some very positive results in favor of soy with breast cancer patients (lower risk of death and reduced risk for recurrence.). Information and the results of one important study can be found here: Soy and Estrogen.

The benefits of soy in regard to menopause (too much estrogen) symptoms, including hot flashes, are very satisfying to many women who use it successfully. Insomnia and mood swings are other symptoms that women say have been helped with soy.

Soy has so many health benefits, in addition to the positive ways that you feel when you use it as a meal. I was told once that morning is a great time to have a soy shake because it balances your blood sugar levels so well and helps set the tone for the rest of the day (as long as you don’t totally blow that up with bad choices throughout the day).

One powder shake product is not the same as another. For example, many brands wash the soy with alcohol that removes beneficial isoflavones and creates cross-contamination with the processing chemicals. You want to find soy protein that is water-washed to retain the critical isoflavones genistein and daidzein and provide you with the whole goodness of this valuable nutrient.

We are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Basic H that was originally the ‘Blue Cleaner’ remembered by many folks.  It was doubled in strength to new Basic H2 a few years ago and changed to its present clear color.

Forty years ago, in 1970, Shaklee Basic-H was named the official GREEN  cleaning product of the very first Earth Day celebration. What an amazing formula that is gentle enough to bathe in and yet can clean some pretty nasty dirt.

My husband showers in Basic H.  We have a dispenser unit that attaches to the shower head.  You flip a switch when you want Basic H to come out with the water and then turn it off to rinse.  The best part is that it keeps the shower so clean.  It is cleaning while you shower!

In addition to it being a powerful cleaner and constantly being impressed with ways it will clean yet another tough job, a 16oz bottle can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of other (non-green) cleaning products.  Not only are those other brands unhealthy for us (with the toxins and fumes and chemicals they have), they are unhealthy for the environment.

Let’s take a look at the important things to know about Basic H and then about 30 uses for this amazing green cleaner:
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I wanted to make everyone aware of a new way to help your favorite charity. Shaklee has initiated a program where you can do well by helping your community do good.

We now have Nonprofit Fundraising Distributorships. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization, you can help them raise funds and awareness (the do good part) for their worthy cause by sponsoring them into this special program.

It is open to qualifying nonprofit organizations and allows them to raise money with their own Shaklee business.   Sharing health and wellness at a time when we have some major health issues in this country is a unique opportunity to really make a difference.

All products qualify:  Nutrition including vitamins, herbs, natural energy products and pain relief products, Green Cleaning, Healthy Weight Loss/Weight Management, Pure and Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care, Natural Personal Care Products, Baby & Kids Nutrition and Personal Care products, and Anti-Aging Resveratrol (only cellular anti-aging tonic with polyphenols to fight aging)  -  something for everyone!

Here are some highlights:
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Recently there were major headlines about contaminated fish, and it had people worried about their fish consumption.  We are trying to eat more fish as part of a healthier diet, but are we introducing new problems to our bodies if this fish is contaminated?

I do try to buy fish that is not farm raised.  When we buy fish while eating out, we aren’t always sure what we are getting.  I also supplement with omega 3 fatty acids, and I make sure to choose a brand that has the highest quality and safety assurances and that uses only pure sources (guaranteed!).

Both videos below are great examples of why we need PURE, SAFE, and HIGH QUALITY fish oil choices when we are choosing to get essential fatty acids from supplements.


Doctors are recommending fish oil supplements for inflammation, heart health, and to support healthy brain, vision, and joint function.  We can make smart choices and get the benefits from fish that will help make us healthier.  We do need to do our homework when we are buying fish, consuming fish out in restaurants, and purchasing fish oil supplements.

There are also quality choices for kids fish oil supplements.  Pure DHA is associated with quite a few benefits for children, including memory, concentration, mind skills, and healthy eyes & vision.

Baseball.. Hotdogs.. Apple Pie and SuperStars! For lots of people, spring and summer mean watching a lot of baseball games. Today in Blair County there was national media attention to watch pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg’s professional career begin. Major League Baseball was sending authenticators to secure important items from this Harrisburg Senators player’s first game. Wow! Exciting.

My husband and son were part of the huge overflow crowd of 7887 (record-breaking in terms of most single game tickets sold in franchise history) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, as they watched the #1 overall pick pitch 5 innings – giving up 4 runs, only one earned, and striking out 8. The Altoona Curve lost 6-4, after having a 4-0 lead over Strasburg.

I also have a nephew playing Division I baseball and making some noise as a freshman already. Go Neil! Baseball is a true passion for players and fans alike, and a life-long past-time. Spring and summer lifestyles of baseball fans include long hours at the ball park, and entertainment of all kinds with ball parks planning fun activities, providing lots of food and drinks, and even fireworks on special nights.

Maybe the best anti-aging advice I can give in regard to spending hours in the sun as baseball player or fan, other than enjoying a great time, is to use sunscreen. The rates of skin cancer and other skin conditions are high and can be devastating. Prevention is key for your body’s largest organ. Taking care of your skin is important in regard to health, and beauty as well.

To learn more about Strasburg, I would google his name and team and you should find plenty! To learn more about taking care of your skin, visit the Mayo Clinics anti-aging skin care page.

Recently I read that Spring Fever is a physiological and psychological shift in the body’s response to changing seasons. I know that here in the north east, it is always such a welcome feeling. After a long, cold winter, any signs of spring feel absolutely wonderful. This year we have even had a taste of summer-like sun and temperatures in late March/early April (and we are thankful!!).

We did have a breeze today, but it was warm air blowing

Spring fever is discussed in stories, love poems, and of course every day conversation. Feelings associated with spring fever are: restlessness, excitement, even increased energy; and so it is related to our health in both the head and the body!

It seems that people most affected by the feelings of spring fever are those who live in places where winter is cold and the warmer air is such a welcome relief, and even a hopeful sign of good things to come.

A while ago I wrote about Seasonal Affective Disorder. Doctors have stated and people who suffer from it know that there is definite improvement in symptoms when spring arrives.

If you would like to read more about the body and how it is affected by spring fever, here is a Spring Fever article at suite101.com.

Happy Easter to all! Yesterday at a local grocery store, the Easter Bunny was part of a fun effort to promote children’s health. Helping to improve the lives of children by talking about eating healthier is a great way to give back to the community.

Here is a link to access more information about children & health eating: Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Children.

Also worth checking out is a website where you can get help with: Healthy Grocery Shopping Lists.