This week on Healthy by Nature : We talk with the Dirt Doctor, Howard Garrett about practical ways to avoid toxins around the house—for example, pesticides indoors and outside. His website is a wonderful resource. For some extra motivation, check the effects of common chemicals at this non-profit site . Call with your questions, because the doctor will be in. 1-800-281-8255

Thank you for the support and prayers for my mother-in-law, Margie. She is back at home and the plan is for her to gain a little bit of strength each day. Long story short—the more medications they take her off of, the better she feels.

It’s been a little crazy here (actually a lot crazy) and before I go home tomorrow, I want to make sure that I leave behind a good food and supplement plan for other caregivers to follow. So, I hope you don’t mind if this week instead of a newsletter, I just direct your attention to some examples of the type of links and information that are provided on the RadioMartie.com website:

1. Link to a government-source Body Mass Index Calculator that compares weight and height then charts the result into grades, from underweight to obese.

My 2 cents: Because of the weight of all his muscle, Mr. America would be in the danger zone on the BMI chart—but he obviously isn’t fat. And, there are slender people with so little muscle that they are actually not in good shape. “Body fat percentage” is a more meaningful measure of fitness and can be checked electronically or with calipers at the gym. For most people, a tape measure can give a pretty good clue. Your risk for disease is greater if you are a woman with a waist larger than 35 inches or a man who is more than 40 inches around the middle. (No, that beer belly isn’t cute.)

2. Information on thyroid Issues .

My 2 cents: An under-functioning thyroid gland is often a cause of weight gain, elevated cholesterol and a host of other complaints. Unfortunately, too often doctors do not connect the dots of these symptoms. Also, the thyroid testing can be inadequate or use the wrong reference “normals”. From that page you can take a quiz, link to a very informative site or listen to a good interview on the subject.

3. Resource for associations of dentists with safer and more wellness-based practices.

My 2 cents: A lot of disease processes start in the mouth—some are even caused by dentists. If you missed the July 10 interview with Dr. Allen Sprinkle, listen to it in the archives.

My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book : Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

Copyright 2010 Martie Whittekin, CCN