I would like to thank my top EntreCard droppers for the month of September.

Maraming Salamat! (Thank you very much!)

Random Thoughts Definitely Maybe! Orange Derange Lab

Orange Derange Proud Mommy I Thought So

My Whole New World The House that Koen and Claire (re)built

Mira's Web Journal Cutie Booty Cakes

Take your vitamins. That's what my mom used to tell me. Now, I say it to my kids every day. The ideal thing is to eat foods with lots of vitamins in it, the next best thing is to take a multi-vitamin. So what does each vitamin letter do to our body? I know that we studied these in school but do you remember each one? I don't remember except for the one in carrots and sunshine. I take the One-a-Day Women's multivitamin, but for me, it's more like a once-a-week vitamins since I keep on forgetting. So for B6 and B12, this particular brand has more than the recommended amount. I will be checking it for the rest of the vitamins as I go along.

Vitamins B6 and B12

-The B complex of vitamins (especially B6 and B12) keep blood, nerves, and the immune system functioning properly. A deficiency may be a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

-The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1.3 milligrams for B6 and 2.4 micrograms for B12.

-B6 is plentiful in whole grains, bananas, beans, nuts, wheat germ, chicken, and fish. B12 is found in beef, pork, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy.

-One cup of plain yogurt and a banana, one ounce of sunflower seeds, and three ounces of roast beef will fill your B12 and B6 quotas. B12 is found only in animal products, so vegans should take a supplement.

- Lie on your back; use the pads of your middle three fingers to make small circles, moving up about a finger's width at a time in a line. The pads-from your last knuckle to the tip of your finger-are most sensitive.

- Check everywhere there can be breast tissue, from your bra line to your collarbone, and from the middle of your chest to your armpit.

- Use different pressures. A light touch can help you feel lumps near the surface; medium and deep pressure will help you feel all the way to your chest wall.

We always are reminded to exercise to stay healthy. The hardest part is keeping up with it. You buy a treadmill and use it a couple of times but then you get bored. So what's the best exercise for you? I think it would be to do something you will enjoy. If you like to play sports, then incorporate that into your routine. If you enjoy dancing then you might want to consider joining a Jazzercise class. My cousin enjoys riding his bike to work. He saves gas plus he gets his daily dose of exercise too. He is into beach cruiser bikes. If you like to play video games, you can exercise using the new Nintendo Wii Balance Board. We have a Wii but I don't have the Balance Board so right now I just play Tennis. I'll have to put that on my wish list this Christmas.

I know a lot of people are starting to buy into the organic way of living. If you are new into this, do you know what to look for? Of course some stores or products will have the word 'organic' printed right on the package but if you want a product that has the highest standard of ingredient purity, you have to look for two seals.


The first seal is from Natural Product Association (NPA) which certifies that 95% of the ingredients are natural and there are no additives that pose a health risk.


The second seal is from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that guarantees at least 95% of the ingredients are organic or grown withouth chemicals.

Look for these seals if you want to get the real organic products.

Next month, October, is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I was going to wait and post this later but I felt that this is something women need to be aware of. I will be posting more helpful articles on breast self-examination.

I read this in one of the magazines and want to share it with you. When checking for lumps, you should also check under the nipple and in your underarms. It is not a common site but it is possible to get it there.

We've heard it all before, if you just walk more each day, you will help your heart stay healthy. But the question is, do we actually follow it? I know how hard it is to take that time away from our busy schedule but we just have to do it for ourselves. Moms are so busy taking care of their families that they forget to take care of themselves. We are always thinking of our kids and husbands that we put ourselves last. We should start thinking of taking care of our body if we want to stay healthy. It will be good for our body and gives us time to relax. It is also important to remember to take extra pre-cautions if you are out an about everyday. Always put on some sunblock or sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UVB and UVA rays.

Benefits of walking
Walking for fitness can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. For example, you can:

Reduce your risk of a heart attack. Walking keeps your heart healthy by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). A regular walking program also reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, a factor that also contributes to heart disease.

Manage your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, walking may reduce it.
Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you're a woman, overweight and at a high risk of diabetes, walking can improve your body's ability to process sugar (glucose tolerance).

Manage your diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, taking part in a regular walking program can improve your body's ability to process sugar, lower your blood sugar, reduce your risk of heart disease and help you live longer.

Manage your weight. Walking burns calories, which can help you manage your weight. For example, middle-aged women who walk more than 10,000 steps a day have lower levels of body fat than do women who are less active.

Manage stress and boost your spirits. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to reduce stress. Regular walking also can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Stay strong and active. As you get older, walking for physical fitness can prevent falls, help you stay mobile and maintain your independence.
Source: Mayo Clinic

So after reading all these, I hope it encourages all of us to start moving and get healthy. :o)

It's difficult to live chemical-free nowadays since almost all things we use everyday has one form of chemical in it. There are people who are sensitive to these chemicals that they get physically sick because of it. Some are sensitive to perfume scents that offices are banning the use of colognes and perfumes. Luckily, companies have started producing products that are all-natural or does not contain harmful chemicals. These products costs more but I think it's worth the expense for the peace of mind you get. I know that sometimes we cannot avoid to use some of these chemicals but it's good to be informed, don't you think?

The Marin Cancer Project published this list of 15 chemicals that you need to avoid in everyday products:

1. Butyl Acetate

Function: This chemical is a solvent that prevents chipping.
Product types: nail polishes and treatments such as strengtheners, hardeners and base coats.
Health concerns: Continuous use of products with this chemical cause dry, cracked skin, and the vapors induce drowsiness and dizziness.

2. Butylated Hydroxytoluene

Function: As an anti-oxidant, this product slows the amount of time it takes for products to change color.
Product types: lip makeup, moisturizer, eye makeup, anti-aging treatment, foundation, fragrance, bar soap, shaving products, anti-perspirant/deodorant, concealer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, body wash, blush, shampoo, conditioner, acne treatment, body lotion/oil, powder, makeup remover, depilatory cream, toothpaste, styling product, exfoliator, and nail treatments.
Health concerns: Eye and skin irritant.

3. Coal Tar

Function: This chemical helps stop itching, controls eczema, and makes hard, scaly, rough skin soft. It is also used as a colorant in hair dyes.
Product types: shampoos and hair dyes.
Health concerns: International agency government research on cancer says there is enough evidence to suggest that coal tars are carcinogenic in humans. Coal tar has been banned by the European Union since 2004.

4. Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA

Function: This chemical is used in shampoos and bath products as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics and as a foaming and cleansing agent to improve how one’s mouth feels.
Product Types: shampoo, body wash/cleansers, bath oils, facial cleanser, liquid hand soap, bar soap, acne treatment, baby wash, shaving products, body scrubs, foot odor/cream/treatment, deodorant, moisturizer, and hair dye/spray.
Health Concerns: This chemical may be infected with impurities connected with certain types of cancers. After absorption through the skin, it can create carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Insufficient toxicity data is available to determine the safety of the product when inhaled.

5. Diazolidinyl Urea

Function: This chemical releases formaldehyde and acts as a preservative.
Product Types: moisturizer, styling products, shampoo/conditioner, hair spray/dyes, anti-aging treatment, facial cleanser, sunscreen, facial moisturizer, foundation, eye makeup, acne treatment, mascara, body wash/cleansers, deodorant, concealer, exfoliator, powder, body scrubs, bath oils/salts, eye/contact care, lip makeup, shaving products, after-sun product, douche/personal cleanser, makeup remover/depilatory cream/hair remover, liquid hand soap, nail treatments, pain relief rub/ointment, and fragrance.
Health Concerns: It may contain carcinogenic impurities and is associated with other significant health problems.

6. Ethyl Acetate

Function: Solvent.
Product Types: nail polish, mascara, tooth whitening, perfume.
Health Concerns: eye and skin irritant.

7. Formaldehyde

Function: This chemical acts as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, and preservative.
Product Types: deodorants, nail polish, soap, shampoo, and shaving products.
Health Concerns: This is considered a possible human carcinogen, may trigger asthma, irritates eyes and the upper respiratory tract, can damage DNA, and is banned by the European Union.

8. Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl)
Function: These are a large group of chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacteria, yeast, and mold formations in products such as toothpaste.
Product Types: moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, deodorants, and baby lotions.
Health Concerns: This chemical may impair fertility; alter hormone levels; increase risks for certain types of cancers; alter reproductive development, cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions; and some studies have found parabens in breast tumors.

9. Propylene Glycol

Function: This chemical acts as a penetration enhancer and keeps products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold.
Product Types: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, shaving products, moisturizer, makeup remover, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume, cologne, deodorant, toner/astringent, foundation, bronzer powder, nail polish, lip products, eye shadow/pencil, and mascara.
Health Concerns: This chemical alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream. It can also be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.

10. Phthalates
Function: These are industrial chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in cosmetics.
Product Types: nail polish, deodorant, fragrance, hair spray, hair gel/mousse, and lotions.
Health Concerns: Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and acts as a reproductive toxin in males.

11. Triethanolamine

Function: This is used as a coating ingredient for fresh fruits and is used as a dispersing ingredient.
Product Types: hand and body lotions, shaving products, soaps, shampoos, and bath powders.
Health Concerns: This chemical can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds (these are compounds formed when nitrates react with anime, a natural chemical found in food and in the body) that creates one of the most potent cancer-causing agents. Based on limited data, it has been shown to cause cancer in humans.

12. Talc
Function: Talc is designed to absorb moisture.
Product Types: blush, powder eye shadow, perfumed powder, baby powder, deodorant, and soap.
Health Concerns: Talc is a proven carcinogen and is linked to ovarian cancer. The chemical has particles similar to asbestos and data suggests that it can cause lung tumors.

13. Toluene

Function: This is used as a solvent that improves adhesion and gloss.
Product Types: nail polish and hair dyes.
Health Concerns: This product is a possible reproductive and developmental toxin that reduces the chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy while decreasing fertility. Although there is limited data, it may also cause cancer. It also contains possible gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, and blood toxins. It is also harmful for inhalation and for the respiratory tract.

14. Petrolatum

Function: This is a petrochemical that forms a barrier on skin, making lipstick shine and creams smoother and skin softer.
Product Types: Almost every personal care product, especially creams, lotions, wax depilatories, eyebrow pencils, eye shadow, liquid powder, and lipstick.
Health Concerns: This chemical may contain harmful impurities that may break down into chemicals linked to cancer. It also may cause allergic reactions and other significant health problems. It is banned by the European Union.

15. Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate
Function: Acts as a penetration enhancer.
Product Types: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara, shaving products, moisturizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover, perfume, cologne.
Health Concerns: This chemical alters the structure of the skin and allows chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amount of chemicals reaching the blood stream.

I don't like bugs, nobody does except for maybe an Entomologist. There are bugs that I can live with (unless it's inside my house) and bugs that I can live without. Dh sprays around the house after winter to keep the big black ants out. Our house is located in a wooded lot so we have those in the summer. It's not as bad as you may think, I'll see one or two a week at the most but it still gives me the creeps.

Insects seek higher and drier ground during heavy rains so you might get a visit during wet weather or they might visit when it is too hot. No matter when, you don't want them in your house. First, there's the "yuck" or 'ick" or "fill in your favorite @&#!" factor, second, it's hard to get rid of them once they're in the house.

Here are some tips to keep bugs out of your house. If you have MANY bugs, you might want to consider calling an exterminator.

FOR ANTS:

- Seal as many cracks in the house's exterior as possible.

- Trim tree and shrub branches to prevent them from touching the house.

- Eliminate piles of debris from around the home. They could serve as nesting sites for ants.

- Do not allow food to sit out. Store all food items in sealed containers.- Dispost of trash regularly, and discard it in a lid-sealed container.

- If you notice ants in your home, clean their path with soap and water.

- Immediately clean food or drink spills to remove any residue that could be left behind.

FOR ROACHES:

- Clean counters and floors regularly to eliminate food scraps, and put food away in sealed containers.

- Do not allow pet food to sit out overnight.

- Seal all cracks and holes in the home's exterior, especially along the foundation.

- Install screening on all vents and exterior openings.

- Ensure the attics or crawl spaces have sufficient ventilation. Research shows that proper ventilation creates an environment unsuitable for cockroaches and other pests.

- Eliminate piles of lumber and debris where cockroaches could residue.

- Store firewood as far from the house as possible, ensuring it is placed off the ground and covered with a tart or plastic.

Source: Standard Times (Diane Morales)