Healthy by Nature radio show this week
We will finally have Dallas area biological dentist Dr. Philip R. Kozlow in the studio to answer our questions about teeth and gums. There is a lot I want to know (is there BPA in some materials, what special precautions are needed in removing mercury fillings, how to know what restorative materials are right for each persons, benefits of the fancy photos of your teeth, etc.?) but, we really want to hear what is on your mind. Please call the live show with questions at 1-800-281-8255.  Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.
 
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Many cities around the country are currently spraying neighborhoods to help control the spread of this virus which has been detected in all of the lower 48 states.

What it is. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes.”

What it does per the CDC. “West Nile virus can cause febrile illness [fever], encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).”

The spray being used. Typically, the insecticide malathion is used. The National Institutes of Health say that humans poisoned with this chemical can suffer from convulsions, difficulty breathing and coma.

Who is affected? Infections with this virus cause NO symptoms in 70-80% of persons infected. Infection is a very serious problem for 1%. The balance have only mild symptoms.

My Thoughts on WNV
Don’t depend on sprays. You can control mosquitoes in your yard with these simple and useful suggestions from organics expert, Howard Garrett, The Dirt Doctor.

Don’t get near the sprays. Please heed warnings to stay indoors, or better yet leave the area when the spraying is scheduled. The cities seem to think that although a large dose is clearly poisonous, somehow a little is okay. That attitude overlooks three things: (1) We accumulate little bits of poison in our cells until at some point it is too much. (2) Our poor detox systems are also asked to deal with hundreds more of these small insults. (3) Some people are a lot more sensitive–either genetically predisposed or because of past illness.

Over the last ten years there have been an average of 110 deaths from WNV each year in the US. That computes to about one among each 2.8 million citizens. Does it make sense to expose 100% of the population to a toxic material in order to prevent that fatality? (While any death is obviously sad, realistically, those folks are typically already near death. They are the same few we hear about in the news who succumb to, for example, a contaminated batch of peanut butter.)

Prepare your body. It seems reasonable that those with the more serious reactions to WNV may have weakened immune systems.* Our new website will have information on the immune system, but meanwhile, remember that 70%+ of our immune function comes from the gut. Therefore one preparation for the risk of WNV is to protect your friendly gut bacteria and support them in a way that you only can with Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics.

Have natural remedies available. There will be a page of these on our new website, but meanwhile consider elderberry extract and olive leaf extract as good herbal antivirals.

*When we talk about the “immune system” it is easy to think of that just in regard to resisting colds and flu. But, resisting insect borne illness is another example of it coming into play as are allergies and autoimmune diseases. The daily risk of our cells replicating inappropriately (potentially leading to cancer) is another silent but important need for optimum immune health.

Kitchen Tip
For those of you who, like me, who find it hard to find the time to be even Rachel Ray (let alone Martha Stewart)  in the kitchen, here is something I just discovered. Maybe I’m the only one who didn’t realize it, but if looking online for a recipe to use up those turnips or some such, on Allrecipes.com, you can change the number of portions and let the site do the math for you. (That is important to me since there are only 2 of us and most recipes are designed for families.) You can then select the type size and page size to print out the altered recipe. I choose 4″ x 6″ because that is the size of my recipe box.

I am embarrassed to say that I had gotten into a habit of just buying what ever was on sale or looked good at the market. Then I would stare blankly into the fridge at 6 PM wondering to make for dinner out of that stuff.  Now I am again making a weekly plan. (Egad, as I write that it sounds so obvious and basic.) Although I don’t relish taking the time to look over my menu lists and create the plan before shopping, I can look ahead and do whatever takes a head start like thawing or marinating. Not only does it save time in the long run, it improves the quality of meals. Again, this is probably something everyone but me was already doing.

Thyroid Summit – FREE Online
Incredible presenters will offer this online event (available at your convenience) at no cost from June 2 to June 9, 2014. Register now or watch for a second email from me today…there is just too much info about it to explain here.

Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia Consumer Conference JUNE 7
If you know someone who suffers with chronic pain from a bad back, car wreck, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome or fibromyalgia, please tell that person about this first-ever conference in Texas. The 9 great speakers (be sure to scroll down to see the afternoon speakers too) include integrative physicians, pharmacists, counselors, a chiropractor, a health coach and a massage therapist. They will discuss cutting-edge trends in the medical, emotional and pharmacological aspects of treating chronic pain and fibromyalgia. These are practitioners who have had real success. There is even a panel discussion to answer your questions.

Darlene will attend (my granddaughter is graduating) because the speaker lineup is just so impressive.
Save 20% on your registration by entering the discount code: radio
To register,click here and follow the instructions. When you get to the subtotal ($50), in the drop down box, add the coupon code – radio – and you will see a new total of just $40!
 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 This Saturday, June 7, 2014
 Doubletree by Hilton, Richardson, TX
 
Professional conference
Resolve Emotions to Resolve Disease Conference
Dallas TX June 20 & 21, 2014
Lee Cowden, MD said that it is designed for professionals but open to anyone.

Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives.  Should children with learning issues simply veg out over summer vacation? My guest Dr. Jeffrey A. Marler of Aspire Interventions says that would be a big missed opportunity. Certain fun activities can prepare kiddos to be much better prepared to pay attention and learn in the fall. Nutrition Health Coach and Education Specialist Jon Clinthorn, PhD of Natural Grocers debunked the negative press about multivitamins and proposes a basic supplement plan.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.

MY BOOKS:

Fat-Free Folly. Challenges dangerous mainstream thinking about fats. Supported with generous amounts of current science and grounded in a common sense historical framework. Learn how to build health and lose weight while enjoying more delicious food.

Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments. Besides explaining the dangers of these medications and helping fix the real cause (which is seldom too much acid) this book is also helpful for solving other digestive problems.

Aloe Vera – Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy. Research shows that Aloe has benefit beyond skin and digestion–also for immune function, detoxification, nutrient absorption, blood antioxidant levels, blood sugar regulation and more. Learn how to pick the most potent brands.

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN