Her study abroad program sent the top ten challenges a student might feel, I thought they were incredibly useful – it’s reassuring to read the common experiences one might have – not so reassuring that challenges she might be facing will be tough.   I thought these might be useful to others:

• boredom
• noone wants to hear
• they can’t explain
• reverse homesickness
• relationships have changed
• people see the wrong changes
• people misunderstand
• feeling of alienation/ critical eyes
• inability to apply new knowledge and skills
• loss/compartmentalization of experience

The above list was compiled by Professor Bruce La Brack from the University of the Pacific who has been a leading observer of students in study abroad for many years.  The full commentary can be found here

It struck me how this list applies to many re-entry circumstances.

This month the conversation is stress.  Coming home as heartfelt as it, is also very stressful and hard on the body.

These nutrient coping strategies might be useful

I wonder if this has anything to do with our well being?

1900 – 10 lbs per capita

1985 – 124 lbs

2000 – 160 lbs

What happens to our immune systems at the holidays?

Like from Halloween through Christmas?

These are  ALL candy – centric holidays!

Here’s how it works.

Lots of sugar = lots of colds and flu. This is immune dysfunction.

Lendon Smith Author of Feed Your Kids Right shared that sugar, white flour and all that snicky snacky stuff as “anti-nutrients”

Why?

Because sugar and white flour deplete nutrients to metabolize them, specifically they deplete nutrients needed for immune function. Sugar slows down the white blood cells swimming through the blood stream needed to devour germs, viruses, bacteria, parasites, cancer. Pretty dangerous stuff that sugar.

Sugar Feeds Candida Yeast. Candida are those nasty yeast organisms that grow rampant when given anti-biotics, steroids, or when the balance of the gut is disturbed even by a bout of diarrhea. These yeasty things attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and over time often poke holes in the lining leading to a syndrome known as leaky gut. Those with leaky gut develop all kinds of odd health challenges; everything from environmental sensitivities, food allergies, or headaches. Many conditions of illness and discomfort stem from an unhealthy gut.

Guess what candida’s favorite food is ?? Sugar and white flour.

Sugar depletes B Vitamins. B’s are essential for the brain,the nervous system, behavior and balanced hormones.

Sugar causes the body to become more acidic. Some say this promotes inflammatory illnesses. We are an inflammed society.  Sugar and it’s empty calories contributes to excessive weight gain, dental decay, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, osteoporisis, arthritis

Sugar is just terrible for the digestive track. It literally depletes minerals. ( calcium, chromium, magnesium and zinc ). Sugar reduces the production of digestive enzymes, leads to allergies and immune system issues.

Sugar makes you old. Sugar sticks to proteins, changes their properties and interferes with their ability to function. It compounds heart disease, high blood pressure, cataracts, arthritis and artherosclerosis

above info sourced from nutritionist barb lagoni

candy mosaic flickr image

and the wisdom of his youth.

three years ago

while in second grade

Keegan’s parents shared with him my burger story and image.

Since,  he’s been the biggest advocate of saying NO to McDonalds’s his school has ever seen!

I asked them to share with me an image of McDonald’s ewwwwww.

photos shared with permission from his mom

Along with this additional “about  Keegan”

Keegan is 9 years old and in Grade 4. He has a pretty wicked sense of humour – everyone he meets finds him hilarious- he loves to read and play video games (when I let him) and his favorite colour is red.

His favorite subject is Gym, although he does really well in all his subjects -thank goodness!

He loves to read the “Seekers” novels, anything to do with Star Wars and Geronimo Stilton.  Also, anything to do with farting is pretty funny to him.
Keegan is a typical boy! We love him to bits and find him endlessly amusing

If it matters, Scabbers is a ’Hairless Chinese Crested’ dog. He was named after the rat from Harry Potter (HUGE hugehugehuge fans in this house!) because of his resemblance to a rat. And because of the whole ‘big fans’ thing
They actually call his breed a ‘hairy hairless’ (unofficially) because he is suppose to not have hair, but he has some! He has a full head of hair, a mohawk all down his back and hairy legs. It is really thin and silky too. Don’t worry tho! He has a jacket, boots and a few sweaters to keep him warm in the Canadian winters!

Unfortunately, I suspect that if he were to have the chance, he would definitely eat McDonald’s. But hey, most dogs eat poo anyway!

You go through the series of obligatory pediatrician visits and at some point you are given the typical purple drippy stuff also known as liquid baby vitamins.

My babies are grown, but I remember thinking to myself what the heck is in this stuff?

Not much.

The first four ingredients are not particularly impressive; Glycerin, Water, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80.

Propylene Glycol is an additive that is also used in antifreeze.

Hmmmm – do I really want an infant ingesting that?

Polysorbate 80 – has been linked to infertility — it’s basically a chemical food stabilizer.

What’s that doing in an infant vitamin?

After that the label says it has a bit of A, C, D and a tad bit of Iron. Don’t forget the artificial flavors and colors.

It’s the most widely recommended product for babies.

Where’s the nutrition?

*Babies develop 75% of their brain capacity from birth to the age of 3 – did you know that ?

*After the age of two it’s time to watch fat content, as to avoid the development of obesity, disease and other
health problems

*By the age of 5 - 90% of their brain development is complete. Complete!

Those first 5 years are crucial!

The high quality infant toddler formula that I recommend to every single new mother I know …is an absolutely  tasteless powder that goes in any liquid or mush one can get it into -  it has 23 essential vitamins and minerals – the most complete infant product on the marketIt’s tooth friendly -  yikes - that purple stuff can actually discolor an infant’s teeth

Our product also has 100% of the daily value for B Vitamins – a significant nutrient for brain function and health

*Above Data from the EUFIC 2005

On a daily basis be assured that your infant/toddler is getting a consistent daily value of nutrients

Give them their vitamins.

The brilliance of a powdered formula is you can adjust the dosage, until they are ready for chewable product ours which has lactoferrin in it to supercharge their immune system We also carry a yummy chewable fish oil product for kids!!

maternal nouveau provision of fruit flickr image

Note: I have worked with families of special needs children for over 10 years, it’s an area I feel especially passionate about and it’s especially gratifying when parents and child take their health on without the use of drugs.

Increasingly, research supports the connection between good nutrition and optimum brain functions such as mood, learning and behavior.

Below is based on information compiled by Gemma Gorham, M.P.H., written and then commented on by my mentor Barbara Lagoni.

The following is a summary of some of the nutrients and herbs suggested to provide support by supplementing. With any child’s often “less-than-ideal” diet specific supplementation can address the additional nutritional and learning challenge needs of children with ADD, ADHD, Autism and more

A Good Multi-Vitamin - To give good nutritional foundation to the brain and nervous system and to the whole child, a good program should always begin with a good multi-vitamin/mineral… This one is the very best and comes in a chewableand powdered formula.

Friendly Bacteria - Our advanced colon care system contains Bifidus and Acidophilus, essential friendly bacteria that ideally live in our lower intestines. These good bacteria help prevent over growth of bad bacteria and candida yeast – often associated with attention deficit disorder. Extremely helpful for children with food allergies and sensitivities.

B-Complex - Essential for the brain and nervous system, B Vitamins are often lacking in children’s diets; depleted when metabolizing sugar,caffeine, alcohol and “junk food” snacks (any food that provides more calories than nutrients). B’s help with mood swings, stress, cravings, blood sugar bouncing, hyperactivity and irritability. Highly active children may need more.

Calcium and Magnesium - These 2 essential minerals are often referred to as natural nerve tranquilizers and muscle relaxants. Pediatric Allergist Dr. Doris Rapp and other authorities feel many learning and behavioral problems are related to allergies and brain sensitivities. Therefore, many recommend limiting milk and dairy products as well as artificial dyes, flavorings, preservatives, etc. Calcium helps with hyperactivity, twitches, tremors and teeth grinding. Reduces noise sensitivity, edginess and jumpiness. Improves attention span and ability to concentrate. Reduces muscle cramps (including growing pains), spasms, insomnia and bedwetting. Reduces frequency and duration of headaches.

Lecithin - This fat emulsifier derived from soy contains phospholipids contains acetylcholine, essential for neurotransmitters in the brain…helpful for improving memory and concentration and short-term memory.

Essential Fatty Acids - (EFAs) Help reduce hyperactivity, hormonal imbalances, and behavioral disturbances. Recent research has shown that individuals diagnosed with ADD are unable to convert essential fatty acids into GLA (Omega-6), EPA (Omega-3) and DHA; supplementation can make a world of difference. Many people diagnosed with ADD also have EFA deficiencies which further aggravate ADD symptoms; deficiency symptoms include excessive thirst; insatiable appetite; dry, flaking skin; bumps on the upper, outer arms, thighs or checks; eczema; nails with longitudinal lines; dry hair; dandruff and excessive or hard ear wax. Supplementation with EPA has been shown to improve both visual processing and motor coordination in children with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Recent research has shown that just as many ADD children derive benefit from EFA supplementation as do from Ritalin – without the side effects. Ask me for my Essential Fatty Acids Information sheet. We now carry a chewable fish oil product.

Ginkgo Biloba- This multi – dimensional herbal product contains Ginkgo biloba and complementary herbs that together help improve blood flow to the brain… as well as improving circulation throughout the body. Improves memory, concentration and coordination; helpful in alleviating depression, headaches and tinnitus.

Zinc - In addition to its reputation for improving our immune systems, it also helps reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Zinc is a key enzyme component for proper assimilation of nutrients, helps regulate blood sugar and improves brain function. Zinc is depleted during stress and is commonly deficient, along with Essential Fatty Acids, in children with ADD.

Valerian - is considered a nerve calmative and is often used as a sleep aid. Helps relieve muscle tension, twitches and tremors; reduces intestinal cramping. Prevents insomnia and promotes restful sleep. Decreases anxiety and helps alleviate stress. Helps prevent and reduce migraine and tension headaches. Frequently used with children during the day to reduce hyperactivity.

Vitamin E- our product contains Vitamin E, selenium and grapeseed extract. Grapeseed extract contains proanthocyanidins compounds that have recently been shown to be extremely helpful in improving brain activities. This has recently been reported to be extremely beneficial for children with ADD and learning challenges.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Children, in general, and those with ADD and other learning challenges, in particular, are more sensitive to environmental toxins than adults. Minimizing environmental exposure is another important approach.

Non-toxic Laundry and Cleaning Products economical and environmentally-friendly

Non-petro derived personal care products

Water Filtration

Many of these concerns are discussed in books written by devoted Pediatric Allergist Dr. Doris Rapp.

Quality nutritional supplementation can impact the well being of nutritionally challenged children without the use of drugs. 

Symptoms of Nutritional Deficiencies In Children:

Bedwetting

Persistent colds

Hyperactivity

Reoccurring nose bleeds

Mouth breathing

Poor school performance

Reoccurring ear infections

Headaches

Chronic winter coughs

Irritability

Dark circles under the eyes

Leg and muscle cramps

Allergies

Puffiness in the face

Constipation

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Wheezing

Spots on the tongue

Twitchiness

Stomach aches

Excessive sweating

Stuffy nose

Poor attention span

Picky eater

Above list created and sourced from nutritionist Barbara Lagoni — thank you

adorable child sneeze flickr image credit

I did a few this summer and found I really enjoyed doing them.

In years past after I always ended my community education workshops with a field trip to Whole Foods.

We even had reunions! Recipe exchanges and a sharing of shifts parents noticed in kids health and behavior when diet changes were made!

Not sure what to call it exactly but for now “Grocery Aisle Tours” will do!!

The focus of the tour is choice

How to navigate  and find alternative foods in big box, grocery, health food store’s and the farmer’s market

Moving here it’s taken me two years to figure out how to find the foods I prefer to eat.

I prefer no altered fats, no unnecessary sugars or sweeteners, no food additive or preservatives.  Organic and local options are also important to me.  The learning curve to eat seasonal is new to me.  I’ve really enjoyed this shift.

This last  year I stopped buying food in cans to avoid BPA contamination

I am considering making my own butter to avoid PFOA, the same chemical used to coat Teflon  pans is used on the wax wrappers.  Who knew this detail ?  I didn’t.

One might ask why I do all this ?

20 years ago an author inspired me to look at what I was eating.

I wanted to do better for me and for my family.

Shifting my own food pantry took a lot of time and effort.

I find my needs continue to evolve and I have a lot to learn !  Even after all this time!

Back then I started to cook scratch and lean towards the slow vs the fast food movement.

I found cooking and the hearth around my table became therapeutic and ceremonial.

I want this for others!

When I worked for whole foods they said the more folks who buy organic the better the demand becomes.

The bigger the demand the larger a supply is needed.  My spending contributes to the growth of choices I personally believe in. Thats where I’d prefer to put my spending $

You would enjoy a grocery aisle tour if:

you are eliminating processed foods from your diet

want to eat and cook more healthfully

want to shorten the learning curve on all that label reading

want to fuel the alternative food market

Holy smokes  - it’s August.

It’s that back to school time.

Can you feel it?

Time to spend absolute crazy amounts of money for “Back To School” things.

Must all those back to school things be brand spanking new?

I know it’s time to stand in squeaky new shoes, fresh haircuts, have sharpened No. 2′s ready to write, color matching notebooks and folders.  We all gear up for the delicious smell of crayons, book day, committee work, making school lunches and car pooling. We are all beginning to endure the registration lines.

I get this ritual. I did this year after year. and i love the feeling of back to school.

I use to actually save the entire year for the volume of cash I laid out at this time. I had an envelope titled school and each month I put money away.  The three major cash outlays each year;  back to school, the holidays and summer activities.

I think it’s time to pause and re-think this marketing ploy.

I think that some of the back to school expenses are not necessary.

I’d love to suggest a bit of restraint.

A bit of anti-consumerism.

Ask ourselves do we really really NEED all of this stuff?

If the shoes we have now fit, and are in good condition – could we wait to buy the new ones until we need to ?   Is there someone in school noticing if your daughter’s hair has just been cut?  Perhaps there are pencils, markers and crayons from last year that still function?? How can we re-use the binders and folders from the year prior?

I ask this not only to have one save money, but also from an environment perspective too.  So much is just pitched these days.   Mass purchasing lead to more pitching.   Where does it begin and where does end?

Think about it.

Protein is a crucial for cellular health. When one is an athlete, protein needs are higher and critical for muscle repair.

Protein drinks are a tool, a “supplemental” not an end all to one’s daily needs for protein. I come from the eat sensibly, don’t eat the same thing all the time, take your vitamins mentality. Protein drinks are not your dinner. Unless they are properly defined as meal replacements.

The sports nutrition line I work with is solid, clean, and used by tremendous successful often high level WINNING athletes from around the world.

No heavy metals.

AND until the end of this month  – with a new membership and a $70 order – our trio of sports nutrition products are FREE   — >  $75 value!!

WOW!

How about a toothpaste that doesn’t have a warning label on it?

“WARNINGS: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek PROFESSIONAL HELP or contact a POISON CONTROL center immediately.”

Ever wonder about the word “poison”

For myself and my family we choose to use an organic dentifrice that is flouride free, that is sweetened with xylitol, and that has crushed egg shells in it as an abrasive.

As an added benefit research indicates that xylitol inhibits bacteria growth and significantly reduces the incidence of ear infections! Dr Green shares information about that study here

Many of my mom clients have been known to brush their kids tongues with it!!

Absolutely love this product.

I also use baking soda. Many say that baking soda is too abrasive.  Truth be it’s not the backing soda that is the concern it’s when you brush your teeth improperly that causes harm. I raised both my kids without flouride treatments and we removed flouride from our water.