Getting ready to travel this summer? 

July is one of the most popular traveling months of the year.  Whether it is camping, road trips or flying to your favorite vacation destination, taking Liquid Supplements along can be challenging, but not impossible.  It is important to continue taking all of your supplements each and every day, even on vacation.  Unfortunately, taking a large bottle with you is not the most convenient; but can still be done with these tips:

• For carry-ons, pour supplement into 3 oz containers and put in quart size bag that seals very well to prevent leakage.  Three ounces will last 3 days.
   
• For checked luggage, put bottle in a gallon size ziploc bag to protect other items from possible leakage. 
   
• Buy a new bottle of your chosen Liquid Supplement at your destination and give any leftovers to friends or relatives.  Be sure to check ahead of time to find locations to buy.
   
• Ship bottle to location via UPS or mail so that it is there when you arrive.  You can even ship to a hotel and they will hold it until you check-in.

"Promise Me is the story of how that vow launched Nancy on a thirty-year-long mission to change the way the world thought of, spoke of, and treated breast cancer. Brinker’s unparalleled success at turning $200 and a list of would-be donors into a movement that has saved the lives of millions of women was recognized by President Obama in August 2009, when he awarded Brinker the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "In the months after making that promise," the President noted, "Nancy lay awake at night wondering if one person can really make a difference. Nancy's life is the answer."

By sharing Promise Me with your own sister or your loved one, together you can join the global movement to end breast cancer."


 

The term Workplace CSA was recently brought to my attention.  A Workplace CSA takes the traditional model of a CSA one step further by delivering a normal CSA farm share to a group drop off site, such as a workplace, for employees to conveniently pick up. The farmer can deliver them all at once to the workplace saving the employees from driving to the farm to pick them up each week. I had personally been involved in CSA’s before and understood the value to both the end consumer and the farmer. It is a win-win model supporting local agriculture.

The Workplace CSA concept excited me. We could provide healthy produce to our employees and support our local agriculture right here from our workplace. I set out with the goal to gain management support and a monetary contribution to start a program. With a management contribution we could make it even more cost effective for our employees to participate in this program – contributing to their health and wellness while supporting our company’s sustainability goals.

A brief PowerPoint proposal was created to present to our CEO for approval. Included in the proposal was a brief summary of what a Workplace CSA was, how it benefited our company and employees, how it supported our sustainability goals, and the potential cost for employees per week for the average 20 week CSA Share. The proposal closed with a call to action. The company was asked for 1. A company contribution to each share and 2. For the company to initially pay out the cost of shares and then allow employees to have the amount deducted from their paychecks during the time period of the CSA program. Our CEO liked the Workplace CSA concept and was on board to contribute to the program.  After we reviewed the cost per week for the most popular options, he offered up a very generous contribution to each share that an employee signed up for. The proposal went onto the management team for their support. We had approval for our first Workplace CSA program.

Sending out an all company email announcing our first Workplace CSA program supported by our company was an exciting moment. The program was explained and included an easy chart showing the cost per employee per week for the two most popular CSA share options; sign-up sheet and a date to turn it in were included. Immediately emails started coming in and my phone began to ring. The excitement level was contagious. I had coworkers thanking me over for getting this program going. I had managers thanking me for getting this going and for what they saw the excitement doing for their staff.  The company contribution helped motivate employees to get involved but on a deeper level it gave the employees pride that they worked for a company that cared about their health and supporting local agriculture.

We now have 50 percent of our employees signed up to receive Workplace CSA shares this year. As coordinator of this project I am excited to see what the season has to offer and hope we can offer this as a yearly program going forward. I am delighted to support our local Whatcom County Farms. I hope other business will follow and add the option of Workplace CSA’s. All it takes is one passionate person in an organization to do the legwork and get a program going.

Lori McKnight is PR Manager for Wellesse Liquid Nutritional Supplements, a Health & Wellness Enthusiast and passionate about sustainability and local community. Her free moments are spent enjoying the wonders of Whatcom County with her husband and daughter. Contact Lori at MomforHealth@gmail.com.

Spring is a great time to clean your diet.

As the weather gets nicer start taking advantage of seasonal spring food, especially the fruits and vegetables that are so tasty in the earlier part of the year. It’s easy to follow a healthy diet and get essential vitamins when you incorporate healthy and fresh spring food.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are at optimal flavor and quality and they’re in abundance, so they cost less at the grocery store or farmer’s market. They are more nutritious because they don’t sit around. Local seasonal foods don’t have to travel as far or as long to our table as those grown in faraway locations.

Spring Foods
Which fruits and vegetables are seasonal? It can vary somewhat from region to region so check with your local farmers market or sign up for a CSA - a cooperative sharing agreement with local farmers to get produce on a regular basis through.
 

1. Apricots. Although many people enjoy dried apricots, they are also delicious served fresh, especially when chopped in a salad.
    
2. Artichoke.  They are one of the highest antioxidant vegetables around. To prepare an artichoke, tear off the outside leaves. Cut off the stems tips of the leaves and steam them in the microwave; serve drizzled with low-fat Italian dressing. Microwaving time depends on the amount. A large artichoke can take about 7 minutes, a small one only about 2 to 3 minutes.
    
3. Broccoli. Broccoli is always a good choice because it’s loaded with antioxidants and is high in fiber. You can serve broccoli steamed or sautéed, or try it raw in salads or for a crunchy snack.  Broccoli is chocked full of essential vitamins and calcium for bone health.
    
4. Asparagus. When visiting a grocery store in the spring, you’ll likely see displays of asparagus. For a delicious treat, fire up your grill: Spray asparagus spears with a little oil  and balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with salt, then grill them over a hot fire for about 5 minutes.
    
5. Chives. Chives are one of the many seasonal herbs that are especially good in the spring.
    
6. Fennel. Fennel is available in early spring and also in summer and fall. It has a slight licorice flavor and adds a unique taste and crunch to salads.
    
7. Greens. Spring greens include Swiss chard, mustard greens, and collard greens. Use them in a salad for a wonderful springtime treat.  Don’t hide their natural flavors under a heavy dressing. Instead, mix a splash of lemon juice with a high-quality olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.
    
8. Mango. Mangos are a wonderful treat just by themselves or mixed in a mango salsa and used on fish or chicken for extra flavor.
    
9. Oranges. Oranges are always a refreshing treat and easy to pack along on hikes or other outdoor ventures.
    
10. . Spinach. Try spinach in place of lettuce in sandwiches, on burgers or in salads, or sauté spinach to serve as a side dish or in pasta.
     
11. . Strawberries. Strawberries are available through early summer, but may be sweetest in spring.  Try putting strawberries on a spinach salad with a sweet dressing for a delightful lunch.

Seasonal Food: Get as Much as You Can
Spring weather can make it pleasant to grill outdoors, one of the healthiest ways to prepare food. Grill leaner cuts of lamb with asparagus for a tasty springtime dinner.

No matter what time of year, you can incorporate lots of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Nutritionists recommend at least five servings each day, and spring’s bounty makes reaching this goal a snap. Fruits and vegetables that are nutritious and available year-round include potatoes, carrots, celery, bananas, and peppers, but you may want to shift your focus to seasonal foods when possible for the freshest taste.

Don't be afraid to try something new.  With access to online recipes, it is so easy to do a quick search on an ingredient and find your next favorite recipe. 


Happy Spring!



 

Earth Day 2010

by Lori McKnight (follow her on twitter @HealthNut08)

Over the last week I have been asking my friends what their plans are for Earth Day.  With all the talk of green, sustainability and the like it can seem overwhelming to most of us that just want to do something good for Earth Day. 

My advice is to do something small and just take the step.  There are many sites out there giving families ideas for Earth Week that are not only simple to do but fun for the family.  With any lifestyle change the way to make the changes ‘sustainable’ are to implement small changes on a consistent basis.  If everyone would walk one step closer to a greener lifestyle on a weekly or monthly basis our world would indeed be a better place for it.

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment held on April 22. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year. The first Earth Day was in 1970. Earth Day is in spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Find something that fits for you, your family, and your interests.  There are so many great ideas on YouTube or by just by doing a quick search for Earth Day Activities. 

My personal favorite for this year is found from Biomimicry Institute called the Great TV Rebellion of 2010.  The campaign is asking for parents, kids, and educators to pledge to turn off their TV (and other electronic devices) for Earth Day 2010 and go outside and explore nature.  They have created a great workbook of ideas and a nature journal for tracking all explorations. 

The idea for the event is based on the song “The Great TV Rebellion,” written by Amy Martin and performed by Grammy Award winner Ani DiFranco and the Missoula Coyote Choir, a collection of children from Missoula, Montana.  The song can be found on the album Ask the Planet, a project of The Biomimicry Institute.

Take the pledge and then download The Great TV Rebellion Workbook and get outside and explore!

Thanks for the great post Lori!

'The Vitamin D Solution'

A 3-step strategy to cure our most common health-care problem

What do obesity, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and fibromyalgia have in common? The answer is vitamin D deficiency. More than 200 million Americans lack this essential vitamin and as a result suffer from a host of daily annoyances, chronic conditions, and even life-threatening illnesses. In the landmark book THE VITAMIN D SOLUTION: A 3-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problem (Penguin/Hudson Street Press; April 1, 2010) Dr. Michael F. Holick identifies the causes of vitamin D deficiency, outlines why it is essential to our health, and provides a 3-step program to attain optimal levels of Vitamin D in our bodies.

The leading expert worldwide, Dr. Holick has studied Vitamin D for more than 30 years. Through his research, we now know that every body cell has a receptor for vitamin D and it goes much further beyond bone health. Increasing levels of vitamin D can treat, prevent, and even reverse a remarkable number of daily ailments, from high blood pressure to back pain; lessen the symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis; and actually prevent infectious diseases, including H1N1 and cancer. Dr. Holick also credits vitamin D with improving infertility, weight control, memory and mood.

Vitamin D is called the "Sunshine Vitamin" for a reason, but surprisingly to many, it is not actually a vitamin but a hormone – unique because it is made in the skin as a result of exposure to sunlight. It is also possible to receive vitamin D from certain foods like milk or mushrooms, the only item in the produce aisle to contain vitamin D. Dr. Holick also recommends supplements to ensure people have optimal levels of this crucial vitamin.

THE VITAMIN D SOLUTION combines cutting-edge research from around the world, an insightful historical perspective, and a simple plan for rebuilding and maintaining an optimal level of vitamin D which combines a sensible amount of sun exposure, vitamin D supplements and foods rich in vitamin D.

Michael F. Holick, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University Medical Center. Additionally a BUMC, Dr. Holick serves as the director of the General Clinical Research Unit, the Bone Health Clinic, and the Heliotherapy Light and Skin Research Center. A recipient of the prestigious Linus Paulding Institute Prize in health research and the DSM Nutrition Award, Dr. Holick has authored more than three hundred peer-reviewed research articles, coedited eleven books in academia, written two books for a general audience, and currently serves on the editorial board for a number of medical publications. Dr. Holick has been featured in numerous popular media, included The New York Times, Forbes, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Men's Health, and Scientific American. He lives in Massachusetts with his family.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Holick, please contact: Alexandra Ramstrum; Alexandra.ramstrum@gmail.com / 530-219-2045

Contact: Alexandra Ramstrum
alexandra.ramstrum@gmail.com
530-219-2045
Penguin Group USA


Source:  http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-04/pgu-tvd040110.php

 

Washington, Mar 4 (ANI): Taking a dose of Vitamin D everyday could help people to better combat the long winter, according to researchers at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON).

The nutrient lifts mood during cold weather months when days are short and more time is spent indoors.

“Vitamin D deficiency continues to be a problem despite the nutrient’s widely reported health benefits. Chicago winters compound this issue when more people spend time away from sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D,” said Dr. Sue Penckofer.

Diet alone may not be sufficient to manage vitamin D levels. A combination of adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight, and treatment with vitamin D2 or D3 supplements can decrease the risk of certain health concerns.

The preferred range in the body is 30 – 60 ng/mL of 25(OH) vitamin D.

The researchers are planning to take vitamin D research a step further by evaluating whether weekly vitamin D supplements improve blood sugar control and mood in women with diabetes.

Depression is linked with increased insulin resistance, so people with diabetes have a greater risk for the disease than those without depression.

Women also tend to have greater rates of depression and poorer blood sugar control than men with diabetes.

“There is evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation may decrease insulin resistance. If we can stabilize insulin levels, we may be able to simply and cost effectively improve blood sugar control and reduce symptoms of depression for these women,” said Penckofer.

Loyola is currently enrolling women in this clinical trial. In order to enter the study, they must be 18 to 70 years of age, have stable type 2 diabetes, signs of depression and no other major medical illness.

Eighty women with type 2 diabetes and signs of depression will be given a weekly dose of vitamin D (50,000 IU) for a period of six months.

Study participants will be evaluated at three points during this time.

“Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases in particular. Our research may shed greater light on the role this nutrient plays in managing two conditions that impact millions of Americans. If proven to be successful, vitamin D may an important addition to care for diabetes and depression,” said Penckofer. (ANI)

Source: http://buzz7.com/health-science/vitamin-d-lifts-mood-during-winters.html


Take a liquid vitamin D supplement that's perfect for the whole family - easy to swallow and fast absorbing.  Kids love the taste! 
 

Why you need more Vitamin D...

"We have known for many years that we need vitamin D to facilitate calcium absorption and promote bone mineralization. But newer research has shown that we also need it for protection against a number of serious diseases. In recent years, scientists have discovered that it may help to prevent several cancers, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, diabetes, psychosis, and respiratory infections including colds and flu.

...Don't be concerned that a vitamin d supplement of 2,000 IU will give you too much. With exposure to sunlight in the summer, the body can generate between 10,000 IU and 20,000 IU of vitamin D per hour with no ill effects. In addition, no adverse effects have been seen with supplemental vitamin D intakes up to 10,000 IU daily."   Read rest of article here

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/new-recommendation-why-yo_b_446580.html


What do you think?  How much vitamin D are you currently taking?  Be sure to have your blood levels checked first to find out how much you may need to take. 

Previously I posted tips from our Healthy Resolutions Twitter Giveaway on How to Stay Motivated and Healthy Eating Tips.

This post features 21 great tips we received on exercising and getting fit for the new year.

1. jillyrh:  I wear my workout clothes to bed so I can exercise first thing in the morning when I wake up. Old comfy ones, that is!

2. cloud10277:  I try to make exercise fun by incorporating it into playing with my son. This helps me stick to my resolutions!

3. dizzylady1012:  Plenty of exercise and healthy food!

4. nutmeg237:  incorporate a friend to excersise with....great motivation

5. buttmuffin: I keep a food and exercise diary online, it really opens your eyes when you log in every single thing you eat

6. caitlin_melody: My #tip is to start slow by giving up soda or walking daily until you get into a routine

7. tannawings:  I make a set time for a workout no matter what. When it comes round, nothing interferes!

8. cheesecubes523:  I take small steps at a time until I'm comfortable with one, then I add on more to challenge myself.

9. tuinimary: I keep track how often and the amount of time I exercise in a journal

10. pinkmartinipls:  free belly dancing lessons, more fun than I expected :)

11. janettwokay:  A #tip on how to stick to your healthy #resolutions is to try & get outdoors more. Fresh air & sunshine does wonders for the mind.

12. jettaway75:  workout with a friend so you both stick to it

13. dizzylady1012:  I do my exercises first thing in the morning. That way its done for the day.

14. jillyrh: Start slowly and be patient to avoid burnout on working out

15. jenni104: I use the time I volunteer to walk I use my feet as transportation tthere, so I help myself while helping others!

16. Riffkah:  listen to really upbeat music while working out, it makes you go harder, better, faster, and you get stronge

17. jenni104:  If the weather is too nasty to walk outside #resolution I walk inside walking in place but for a bit longer time.

18. 20. BJGardella: What helps me with following through is wearing my pedometer every single day. It keeps me aware of my goals

19. joiningthefun: My #tip to exercise is to workout first thing in the am when my dog wakes me up at 4am to eat. I just stay up and workout!

20.  lefty22:  My #tip to stick to my new years #resolution is to exercise in the morning before any other things come up!

21.  madly59: I will have a friend walk the stairs with me, instead of riding the hospital elevators! I feel the "pull" :)

 
Thank you to everyone for all the great fitness tips!  Be sure to follow us on Twitter.com/wellesse for more great health and wellness information and fun giveaways.

Previously I posted 15 Tips on How to Stay Motivated  from our recent Twitter Product Giveaway.  The following are 15 more great tips from our Twitter followers on how to eat healthier.

1. jenniferkateab: Take liquid calcium & vitamin d every day, & keep treats bite-size only once per day. It’s easier not to get off track.

2. bettycd: You must change your shopping habits before you can keep a resolution to eat better, to eat healthier. Purchase good choices

3. letsgolakers086:  rather than eating 3 large meals, I plan on eating a lot more smaller meals throughout the day

4. cdmtx65:  I have one of my "Fat" Pictures hanging on the Fridge Door - just the Thought of seeing it keeps me Miles away from the fridge

5. erunuevo:  I am already planning out my veggie and herb garden so I have lots of healthy organic foods to eat!

6. nutmeg237:  Stick to your resolutions by keeping track of what you eat, or daily excersise....you will more likely keep it up

7. raven_1884:  I try not buy a lot of sweets anymore...just some fruits and veggies as snacks... really helps when you get tempted by fats

8. Doodle741: My tip is to start small - stop drinking soda and drink water & milk!

9. DinaJ:  My main issue is not drinking enough water every day. I’ve been doing much better the past week and keeping track

10. babydest: for all the people who know they don’t drink enough water...start drinking more water, something I need to do

11. tannawings: If you walk/work/workout outside make sure you drink water- you actually dehydrate quicker in cold weather!

12. DinaJ:  I make my own "100 calorie packs" I use snack sized sandwich bags and measure out 100 calorie servings of healthy snacks.

13. LaurenEgier: Keep your healthy resolutions with these brownies http://tinyurl.com/yhww5fk ! I made them and they are very tasty! Enjoy!

14. jillyrh: I fill up a 2 ltr bottle with water (9 glasses) and drink from that.. Then I’m sure I get my 8 glasses of water each day

15. purplelover04: eat hot peppers to help get your 8 glass of water in a day


So what's your tip on eating healthier or staying motivated?  Share with us!
 

These are 15 of the "Healthy New Year's Resolution Tips" we recently received in our Twitter promotion.  We received so many tips that I am dividing them up into 20 tips each.  All of these tips are very good and helpful in getting healthier this year!  Thank you to everyone who submitted their tips.

These tips are all about ways you can stay motivated in reaching those New Year's Resolutions you promised yourself you were going to actually do this year!

Ways to Stay Motivated:

1. crussell6481: Stick to your resolutions by writing them down and referring to them each morning

2. kitkat234: I kept all of my smaller size jeans, and try them on from time to time, I went down a size in the last month!

3. zanvia: My tip for sticking to a losing weight resolution is to put your scale in the kitchen. By the fridge! :)

4. geekbabe: I keep a dream board of my life goals, I read it when Im tempted to break resolutions.

5. MissingLynxx: A good way for me to stick to my resolutions is to have a good friend and keep each other in check :)

6. js22222222: put calendar on your fridge, with your new years resolution printed at the top,and check off each day you have kept resolution!

7. pinkmartinipls: Set reminders on your computer/calendar for your daily goals. Each day strive to achieve at least one :)

8. rklarsson: workout with a friend

9. FLSouthernSaver: Find a buddy and share your goals. Keep each other accountable!

10. SweetKickz: Ive found it best to tell your friends your goals. Make them public & you have more motivation to stick to them

11. Nankani: my tips for sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is to simply really look at myself in the mirror that will help me stay on it

12. happishopr:  having an accountability partner helps me stick to my New Year resolutions

13. sfcontests: I try my best to evaluate my goals every morning and break it down into steps I can manage!

14. jpq123: Ive learned that if you diet and exercise with a friend you have to be very careful about which friend you pick.

15. xriyah: Take baby steps towards your resolutions so you dont burn out! Slow & steady & keep focused. 


These are just a few of the tips we received - more tips to come on how to eat healthier and staying positive.  Be sure to check back for more great tips.

Be sure to follow us on www.twitter.com/wellesse  

source: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Product-Categories/Vitamins-premixes/Vitamin-D-levels-not-enough-for-winter-Study

Current recommended intake for vitamin D during winter months and need to be at increased by five, says a new study from California.