BY NewsUSA

It’s easy to take our feet for granted, but consider this: there are 26 bones and 33 joints in the human foot, and those small bones must take us where we need to go every day. By the time Americans reach the age of 50, they’ve logged 75,000 miles on their feet — that’s three times around the planet. Common foot problems from years of wear and tear on your feet — aging, weight gain and wearing shoes that don’t fit — can cause foot problems such as corns and calluses, bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis of the feet and gout. Sometimes foot problems are the first signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes or circulatory disorders.

Feet must last a lifetime, so it’s important to practice good foot care. Wear comfortable shoes that fit wellOne of the best things you can do to protect your feet is wear comfortable shoes that have good arch support and fit well. As you age, your shoe size may change, so make sure you have the right size. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day. Ditch those flat sandals or “flip-flops”. During warm weather, many people tend to wear flat sandals or flip-flops. Podiatrists warn against wearing them because they can damage your feet.”Flip-flops should not be used on a daily basis as they offer very little support and leave the feet unprotected,” said Dr. Silvia Arroyo, a podiatric surgeon at the Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center in Southern California. “Being a flat-soled shoe, they offer no support to the natural arch of the foot and can result in not only foot pain, but knee, back and hip pain as well.”Dr. Arroyo added that flip-flops are often associated with falls, ankle injuries and broken bones from tripping. “Individuals with certain medical conditions — especially those with diabetes — should not use them. Any blister or cut can turn into an infection and may be hazardous to your health,” said Dr. Arroyo. Sandal use is only recommended when going to the pool or the beach, or while taking a shower in a public place. Wearing flat sandals or shoes is not recommended for long walks. For more information about foot care, visit share.kp.org/footcare. For questions or advice about a specific condition, talk to your physician.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in the Treasure Coast areas of Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County and the Palm Beaches of Florida.

BY Lee McCaskill,

Vinegar – Studies have shown that having two tablespoons of vinegar before a meal or in a salad dressing can reduce the spike in blood concentrations of insulin and glucose after the meal. Also, consider other ways to use vinegar in recipes, such as a zesty marinade for chicken or pork. If you don’t care for the taste, we have a supplement in the clinic called Trim N Shape with vinegar powder in it that helps reduce the appearance of cellulite that does the same thing. Amazingly, our clients lose up to 50% more inches while on it and clients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome report their symptoms usually completely clear up while on this vinegar-based product!

Pumpkin Seeds are a healthy treat high in iron and unsaturated fats, the kind that are good for your heart. As with any snack, the key is portion control. Two tablespoons is less than five grams of carbohydrates. You can mix them with our protein chips and baked okra for a mix similar to chex mix.

Edamame – Unless you frequent sushi restaurants, you may not know about edamame (ed-a-ma’-me), another super food for people with type 2 diabetes. Edamame are green soybeans, and they are growing in popularity — so much so that they’re now sold frozen in supermarkets. Just microwave them for 1-2 minutes and serve. They provide many healthy benefits for your diet: they’re an excellent source of protein, minerals (including potassium, magnesium, and calcium), and omega-3 fatty acids.

Broccoli – An easy way to get two potent carcinogen-blockers that change estrogens into less damaging forms and increase the activity of cancer-fighting enzymes is to eat more cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. If you don’t like them raw, try steaming and putting sweetener or cheese on them, or putting them in casseroles with meat. Aim for three servings per week.

Cinnamon has been shown to be effective in improving fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Cinnamon is great on cereals or apples or hot drinks as well as in rubs for meats. Try it in meat loaf with a little grated apple for the best meatloaf ever! Take a concentrated capsule twice a day for a 23-30% reduction in triglycerides and a reduction of 10-24% in LDL cholesterol. In our clinics, we put our clients with high cholesterol on both our cinnamon and flaxseed oil capsules and the reduction is remarkable!

Blueberries are a powerhouse among fruits, rich antioxidants, and are valued for their cancer and heart disease fighting properties. They are also shown to help improve memory, balance, and coordination. Eating three servings of different berries each week are now proven to give you a 75% less chance of having a heart attack! Try them in smoothies or over granola at least a couple of times per week. An easy smoothie is a ½ cup soy milk (or skim milk), ¼ packet gelatin (any flavor), handful of frozen fruit. The gelatin thickens the smoothie. Add protein if you wish.

Beets are high in lipoic acid, one of the many antioxidants that are believed to help prevent your cells from damage caused by aging. Some studies show that lipoic acid is also helpful in healing nerve damage that causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet of people with diabetes. Other research suggests that beets may help lower your blood cholesterol. Roast beets in the oven the way you would a sweet potato and serve as a side dish or add to a healthy salad. Another idea is to add a can of sliced beets to a can of crushed pineapple for a side dish. Beets look festive on the plate and is a must maintenance dish for dieters.

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About the author, Lee McCaskill is the owner of Before and After Weight Loss Clinics in Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties, and the nationwide diet program, Belly Buster Diet, Inc. In addition to being a Master Certified Weight Loss and Wellness Coach, Lee is a microbiologist and herbologist who formulates many of the companies’ unique products, including Tropical Spa Body Wraps. Lee encourages you to contact her for information or with your questions at (772) 429-1110 or (772) 562-3601, or visit web site: www.bestdietsource.com and fill out your health profile for a free metabolic assessment.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in the Treasure Coast areas of Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County and the Palm Beaches of Florida.

BY Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch

Enterococcus: Bacteria normally found in the feces. Two types, Enterococcus fecalis and Enterococcus fecium, cause human disease, most commonly in the form of urinary tract and wound infections. Other infections, including those of the blood stream (bacteremia), heart valves (endocarditis), and the brain (meningitis) can occur in severely ill patients in hospitals. Enterococci also often colonize open wounds and skin ulcers, and are among the most common antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Medicine-Net

*The Martin County Health Department tests for Enterococcus (E) in area waters: According to their interpretation, 0-35 cfu of E./100 ml river water =GOOD; 36-104 cfu E/100 ml river water=MODERATE; and 105 cfu E./ml River water is POOR (“cfu” relates to number of viable cells per milliliter.)

River Testing
In November 2012, some members of the public were worried that the Martin County Health Department (MCHD) did not have enough support. Due to the pushing of a few members at a Rivers Coalition meeting, Senator Joe Negron, during the legislative budgeting process, added specific funding for MCHD to sample three new sites weekly. In turn, with input from the Rivers Coalition and the help of Bob Washam of the MCHD, the three test locations were chosen and the public began regularly checking bacteria levels in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon on the MCHD website.

Before the senator intervened, the sites being tested in the river were the Roosevelt Bridge; the Jensen and Stuart Causeways, and the north fork of the St Lucie River in St Lucie County.

New Test Sites
The new test sites included Bessey Creek, close to the mouth of the C-23 canal, in Palm City; Leighton Park, at the base of the Palm City Bridge; and Sandsprit Park, near the Manatee Pocket in Stuart, close to the inlet. The Department of Environmental Protection also conducted/s periodic testing.

High Bacteria Levels
In early June of the 2013, the bacteria numbers really spiked. This occurred after heavy rains caused storm water to run through local canals C-23, C-24, and C-44 into the river, as well as polluted fresh water discharges from Lake Okeechobee through C-44, that had begun on May 8, 2013 by the Army Corp of Engineers.

The areas waters were looking dark and ugly, and most of the river was off limits to the public due to high Enterococcus levels. By mid June, there were a number of reports from people that had visited the Sandbar, located just inside the mouth of the St Lucie Inlet, that they and their children were feeling ill with stomach aches and diarrhea after contact with the water.

Because of the popularity of the Sandbar area and the complaints to the health department, Bob Washam, MCHD, together with Mark Perry, of Florida Oceanograpic, decided to drop the Bessey Creek site and change testing to the Stuart Sandbar. When the tests came back, the Sandbar reading was a high 192 cfu/100 ml river water/or POOR. So signs were posted at the Sandbar, at the height of the summer season; it was off limits to the public. Shocking.

Test Level Comparisons
Just for comparison, I am going to share the highest readings at the other sites in June and July of 2013. The highest readings were as follows: Roosevelt, 1620 cfu; Sandsprit, 640 cfu; Leighton, 3020 cfu; and Bessey Creek, 1560 cfu. As mentioned about 105 cfu per 100 ml of river water is considered POOR.

For a comparison to “today,” the latest readings on April 21, 2014 were: Roosevelt, 58 cfu; Sandsprit, 7cfu ; Leighton Park, 94 cfu and the Sandbar, 30 cfu . So even without super heavy rains or releases from Lake Okeechobee, readings can be moderate to borderline poor. (The Leighton site had been in the poor range just a few just weeks ago but is coming down…)

It is important to know that bacteria levels are absolutely exacerbated by the releases from Lake Okeechobee that bring in polluted fresh water from outside of our basin as far away as from Orlando, but Lake Okeechobee is not the only cause. Local canals’ runoff, poorly cared for septic tanks, farm and domestic animals, along with other sources in both Martin and St Lucie Counties, even Okeechobee, anywhere water runs into our rivers from a basin, play an important role in the bacteria water puzzle.

To understand the sources of fecal pollution, Martin County is presently conducting a water quality monitering study in partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch. The study is tracking DNA results leading “back,” through attachment to isotopes, to either human, cow, horse, dog and/or bird feces.

At this point, studies are inconclusive, and helpful data is not expected until rainy season begins June 1st through November 30th.

We can’t dream that things here in Stuart used to be “perfect.” When I was a kid growing up in Martin County in the 60s and 70s there were some businesses that legally dumped their raw sewage into the St Lucie River and boaters were allowed to dump waste straight into the river. There were fewer people here then, yes, but it is still disgusting by today’s standards. I grew up swimming and water skiing in these waters. I never got sick and back then no one was monitoring the bacteria in the river

In conclusion, we don’t need to panic, we just need to be careful, and to be thankful for the progress we have made; most important, we must continue to improve the situation and “fix it.”

We ask that you contact your local, state and federal elected politicians and ask them to support efforts that will help keep our rivers and the Everglades clean, safe and healthy.

To check bacteria levels, visit the Martin County Health Department’s website and look for “river and beach water sampling results.”

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About the author, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, has been a defender of river health in the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon for many years and is a member “Rivers Coalition Defense Fund”. The Defense Fund helps promote the health and ecological balance of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Jacqui may be reached at her website blog; www.jacquithurlowlippisch.com
A special thank you to Bob Washam, formerly of the MCHD, for his years of dedication and for his help with composing specifics of this article.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in Martin County, St. Lucie, Indian River and the Palm Beaches. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

BY Donna LaClare

Every cell in your body is networked together, sending and receiving information to coordinate the millions of functions your body processes every day.
When your body encounters a health challenge, it uses these communication pathways to direct available resources to restore balance. You may begin to show symptoms, which may include elevated body temperature, swelling, pain, tiredness, or a cough. Once you recognize a symptom you can begin to assist the healing process. But how can you learn what your body needs?

Virtual Stimulus Items (VSIs)
Elite 5.0 technology enables a computer to communicate with your body by sending energetic impulses called virtual stimulus items (VSIs). VSIs are representative of a wide range of things like Pathogens, toxins, organs and systems, allergies…and therapeutic remedies to assist healing. By placing your hand on the FDA registered Hand Cradle, an energetic connection is established allowing Elite 5.0 to essentially ‘ask your body questions’ and record your body’s responses or ‘answers’. We call this bio-communications. Bio-communications has its origins in Bio-energic Theory and Chinese Medicine, discussed later on in this article. Elite 5.0 measures complex Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) patterns and determines shifts in your energetic posture. These shifts, either negative or positive, identify what are called your biological preferences. Elite 5.0 measures and records your responses. The scan is safe for adults, children and your pets.

VSI’s can be organized into scanning sequences called bio-surveys. Bio-surveys are designed by some of the best and brightest healthcare professionals in the world for the purpose of gathering the most pertinent information from your body. At the completion of the bio-survey, your body’s responses are documented in the form of a report that I review with you.

So whether your body is dealing with big challenges, little challenges or if you are seeking proactive health support, information gathered in this way can help you and your healthcare provider make better decisions for your health.

Bio-energetic Theory and Elite 5.0 Scanning

Chinese medicine identified the meridians, energetic channels that form electrical pathways throughout the body. Stimulation of points on these channels with needles, heat or pressure forms the basis of many forms of health treatment, ancient and modern. The flow of life energy or ‘Chi’ in these channels relies on them remaining in balance and free of blockages, and our ability to stay healthy and fight off disease in turn depends on this vital flow.

Bio-energetic or Electro-dermal testing devices allows me to assess using galvanic skin response (changes in the electrical resistance of the skin) the state of the acupuncture meridians and therefore of the energetic health of the body. It also allows me, and this is where the real power of the technology lies, to assess how the body will respond to a huge number of different remedies or other substances.

All substances, whether living or non-living, have a characteristic resonant signature. Every specific tissue and organ in the human body has its own individual resonant frequency. By outputting a software-recorded ‘copy’ of these resonances we can predict how the energetic system of the body will respond to them. This scientific application of traditional methods removes the guesswork that’s involved in many analyses (conventional and complementary). This is the science of bio-energetic, or electro-dermal, screening.

In a bio-energetic health screening, the energetic signatures of a large number of substances are individually introduced into the energetic testing circuit and the patient’s response is assessed through skin resistance measurements. Galvanic skin response is a well-established principle that is also used in lie detectors.
To illustrate: when a patient with a normal liver has the frequency of a healthy liver put into the testing circuit, there will be resonance. The absence of change in the patient’s skin resistance indicates that the liver is not stressed. If, on the other hand, a patient with an energetically stressed liver has a healthy liver frequency run through the testing circuit, that frequency will not resonate with that person’s electromagnetic field relating to their liver tissue. This non-resonance increases the electrical resistance in the person’s body. The increase in skin resistance in this case tells us that there is an energetic stress in the liver. Subsequent tests can then be performed with other organs and toxins in order to obtain more information on the nature of the liver disturbance. By conducting a series of organ and toxin tests, I can construct a picture of the patient’s health status. This enables me to identify health challenges at their root and devise treatment accordingly, rather than merely treating symptoms of an underlying challenge.

Conventional laboratory testing procedures may be costly and are usually limited in the information they offer and can be very misleading. For example, hair analysis may identify the presence of Iron. However, the hair is a pathway by which the body excretes iron, so we cannot conclude anything about the level of iron currently in other tissues. In many cases there is NO way of using laboratory testing to determine the levels of a toxic substance across the whole body (without killing the patient first!). This is why energetic testing is in many cases more useful. Energetic changes precede cellular changes – if the illness has not progressed to the point where there are cellular or structural changes, conventional tests will usually reveal nothing.

This is not where the implications of bio-energetic technology end. If every substance, living or non-living, emits electromagnetic frequencies based on the amount and rotational speed of their atoms, and if we can identify these frequencies, then we have an extremely valuable tool for treatment. Remedies can be tested for compatibility with specific conditions for every unique case that a client may present. Using this approach, I can map out the most effective course of treatment completely customized for each case, and I now have a database of frequencies of substances and conditions unique to you.

ZYTO Elite 5.0 scans are designed to help you and your healthcare provider make better decisions about your health. They do not diagnose illness or disease and are not intended to treat any health condition.

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About the author, Donna LaClare, since 2001 has been helping people and their pets live more productive lives through nutrition and natural health care practices. Donna has recently acquired the latest Virtual Stimulus Items (VSIs) / bio-communications technology, the Zyto Elite 5.0 . Donna encourages you to contact her with your questions at Holistic Alternatives, 772-463-7669 OR www.holisticalternatives.com

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in Martin County Florida, the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

BY Scott Walker

While those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, acid reflux or an ulcer will have various reactions to different foods and drinks, experts agree the following five items are likely to irritate one or more of these stomach-related conditions:

1 – Peppermint – Dr. Gerald Isenberg, UH Case Medical Center
While peppermint has numerous benefits, including aiding in digestive issues, it can also have the reverse effect and increase heartburn symptoms. Mint increases the chance of acid reflux because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle located at the end of the esophagus, allowing acid from the stomach to back up into the food pipe.

2 – Sodas & Fruit Juices – Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
Both of these beverages contain a whopping 3/4 teaspoon of sugar per ounce. Many people have heard of lactose intolerance, but fructose intolerance is another major cause of IBS. As many as 30 percent of adults have fructose malabsorption, meaning their bodies can absorb less than 25 grams of fructose (six spoons) at a time. Whatever the body cannot absorb acts like a sponge by sucking water into your gut while triggering unhealthy infections in the colon.

3 – Beans – AOL Health
Beans can produce intestinal gas because they contain oligosaccharide, a type of complex sugar comprised of large molecules too big for the small intestine. In addition, the body cannot break down this complex sugar because the body lacks the enzyme to do so.

4 – Coffee – Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
The acids in coffee can irritate the stomach lining which can cause excessive production of hydrochloric acid, leading to indegestion and reflux, especially those with ulcers or who are prone to heartburn. Sorry, java lovers, decaf contains the same acids and will result in the same reaction. To satisfy your coffee craving, drink one cup of licorice tea a day, which has been known to soothe the stomach and treat ulcers.

5 – Broccoli – Katherine Brooking, Dietitian
Broccoli is a gas-producing veggie that may cause stomach issues for those who deal with IBS. Broccoli is placed in the category of soluble fiber, a type of fiber that doesn’t break down until it reaches the large intestine where digestion causes gas.. Plus, broccoli contains a small amount of raffinose, a complex sugar that produces gas, and is also found in beans.

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About the author, Scott Walker, Jr. is a Virginia native and is now retired living in Jensen Beach Florida. Scott bicycles, swims and walks every day to help maintain his 22.3 body mass index ( BMI ). Your body mass index can be measured by multiplying 702 x your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in Martin County Florida, the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

BY Raven Caracci

I see some people around me dragging through the day. I talk to people around me and I can see them drawing a blank when asked the simplest of questions. Are you sluggish, lethargic or maybe just out right drowsy? Do you sometimes wonder what the subject of the conversation is about or even what day it is? Do you try to exercise and just can’t find the energy or motivation?

Wake Up! Stay Up! Our bodies are not supposed to function on half drained batteries. So what do we do when our minds run off and our bodies feel like they just ran a 10k marathon? We take a look at WHY we feel that way.
Adrenal fatigue may be the cause of your disability to keep up. This can be caused by being overly stressed and anxiety prone. There can be symptoms of sleeplessness, abnormal weight gain, mental fogginess, low libido, and high blood pressure. There are many other symptoms as well. The reason why the adrenal glands need support is because of the constant stress that it deals with during the day. A few natural alternatives to support the adrenal glands can be used.

• Rhodiola
This amazing herb works to give energy and refocus the brain. It helps support the adrenal glands by normalizing the cortisol levels in the body which reduces stress and promotes mental, physical, and emotional health. This herb can also regulate sleeping patterns for those with a hard time falling and staying asleep.

• Schizandra Berry
Schizandra berry is a medicinal berry with five different flavors in one. These flavors consist of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent. This is an adaptogen that resists stress while increasing energy levels. Adaptogens are natural substances that support stress responses through the adrenal glands. By influencing natural blood pressure levels, Schizandra allows the body to build stamina against chronic stress. This herb has been traditionally used in China as a tea. I consider this being one of the safest and most effective ways of ingesting this herb and many others.

• Ashwaghanda
The exact translation is “the smell and strength of a horse”, referring to its aphrodisiac functions as an adaptogen. Not only is it an anti-inflammatory but also helps support sleeping patterns. This herb is a tonifier, meaning it helps conserve energy and tonify the immune and endocrine systems.

• Holy Basil
This herb is my absolute favorite. It is known also as tusli meaning the incomparable herb. This herb is incredibly supportive for not only the adrenal glands, but for longevity, blood pressure, and mental enlightenment. It is said that five leaves a day of this amazing herb will completely heal the body spiritually and physically. Picking the leaf right off the plant is (in my opinion) the most favorable way, but herbal tinctures are very powerful as well.

• Reishi
This is not a typical herb people turn to. Particularly because it is a mushroom! Mushrooms tend to be misunderstood and lose significance in the alternative healing world. On the contraire, mushrooms, especially Reishi, have a multitude of healing properties. In this instance, Reishi makes a great adaptogen. It works to reduce stress while helping the body adapt to stress. I highly recommend this mushroom in tincture form.

Many times, being fatigued is a sign of lack of nutrients. In 2012, it was recorded that the average American consumed 2000 pounds of food a year. The resources are not lacking, but the nutrients are. So we can assume that if people were to take a look at their meal routines, they may reflect on bad eating habits. In the morning, it is very important to begin with the right fuel, to keep you energized throughout the daytime. A good source of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates are the correct way to start the day. This keeps the body generating energy until early noon. Another source of protein, good vegetables, and a small amount of grains keeps that energy flowing when the time comes for lunch. Stay away from gluten and dairy in order to keep a clear mind and not fall prey to afternoon drowsiness. And of course dinner should be simple, consisting of many greens and little protein and carbohydrates. That way the body can finish digesting early in the night instead of lasting after you wake up the next day.

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About the author; Raven Caracci has been involved in the health industry promoting the use of alternative, organic and holistic health for years. She has advised hundreds of people on the use of herbal remedies as alternatives to conventional medicine. Her goal and passion is to help others live a healthier and more natural lifestyle.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in Martin County Florida, the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. “Healthy Martin, working together for health choices for you, your family and friends”.

BY Rebecca White-Martin

Humidity is one of your skin’s best friends. By many it is considered an essential for healthy, beautiful skin. In fact, the beauty benefits of humidity could be one reason why Cleopatra spent so much time floating down the Nile. However, if you don’t live near the Nile, you can use a humidifier to add moisture or a de-humidifier to remove moisture from your home air. This equipment will help maintain the best humidity level for your skin and home.

Correct indoor humidity levels, according to the EPA and other indoor environmental experts, inside your home should fall somewhere between 30 and 50 percent depending on the temperature outside. More specifically, when the outside temperature is 20°F or above, the recommended relative humidity for inside is 35 to 40 percent.

When the outside air is very humid, such as in the summer and mostly year around in many southeastern states, humidity levels in the house can rise to high levels. This becomes a problem when you are cooling your house. In the same way a cold can of soda “sweats” (moisture condenses on the outside of the can) when you take it out of the refrigerator on a hot summer day, air conditioning can cause your house to cool down to a level where moisture condenses within the house components. In the summer the relative humidity should not exceed 55% in the living area of the house. This proper relative humidity level can usually be accomplished with proper dehumidification and air conditioning equipment. You should not operate the humidifier during the summer months. If your hardwood floors show cupping or buckling, the humidity may be too high. This might also be due to a water leak in your house. You should close windows to keep warm humid outside air from entering the house.

What method you choose to remove moisture from the air depends on the severity of the problem, the season and where the dampness is. If it’s winter and an area could benefit from heat such as a basement, heating that space could return it to a proper moisture level. However, if humidity is excessive you may need a combination of both heat and a dehumidifier to reach proper levels. A damp bathroom can benefit from an open window, or a ceiling exhaust fan to draw the moist air or shower/bath steam to the exterior of the home. In spring and summer or in the Southeastern U.S. when heating is not an option, running a dehumidifier may be the best option for removing dampness and humidity from the basement, garage or main indoor living areas of your home.

When help is needed with indoor humidity it may be best to contact a local professional.
– Most seasoned licensed HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) service companies have experience with humidity equipment.
– Proper window drapes and shades will help maintain the best temperature for proper indoor humidity.
– When building or purchasing a new home consult with your professional realtor or builder.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in the Treasure Coast areas of Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County and the Palm Beaches of Florida.

What is a natural health consultant?

While doctors and physicians can diagnosis and treat illnesses, health coaches can teach preventative measures that may help promote better overall health.

A natural health consultant or coach is a guide who provides information for better overall health and help cleanse the body of exposure to environmental toxins. He or she is not a physician and does not offer medical diagnoses or treatments, but rather gives a client the understanding of possible natural alternatives to the traditional main stream medicine, and thus provides the means for making truly informed decisions about your health issues.

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Do you need a health consultant / coach? You may make that decision by asking yourself the following questions:

* Do you or members of your family have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, or some other chronic illness.

*Are you dissatisfied with standard medical treatment plans or the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs?

* Do you often feel ill with no specific diagnosis?

* Do you believe that you been exposed to toxic chemicals or to a highly polluted environment at work, at home, or in your community?

* Are you currently healthy and seeking to maintain your health?

* Are you an employer concerned about rising health costs and absenteeism?

* Are you interested in alternative healing and disease prevention?

* Are you searching for something beyond pharmaceutical medicine and surgery?

* Do you experience frustration with the fragmented treatment that often seems to be characteristic of mainstream health care?

* Are you baffled by the many options for natural or alternative therapies, both legitimate and questionable?

If you responded yes to any of these questions, it is likely that you would find the services provided by a natural health consultant / coach to be helpful.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
Healthy Martin is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentist and alternative, organic & holistic health in Martin County Florida, the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. “Healthy Martin, working together for healthy choices for you, your family and friends”.

BY Rebecca White-Martin, a Your Health & Wellness Magazine contributor:
The Different Organic Labels of Organic Label Food Stickers
BEST / Certified Organic – These products should contain 100% organic ingredients. Only certified organic products can use the terms “100% organic” or “certified organic” and can display the USDA Organic seal. NOTE; requirements may vary from country to country, and generally involve a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping etc.

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BETTER (above “good”) / Organic – These products should contain 95% or more of all ingredients that are certified organic. These product must not contain any (0%) genetically modified organisms (GMO) and are also subject to inspection and other restrictions. Organic products may use the term “Organic” on the front label, (but not “100%” or “certified”) and may use the USDA Organic seal. NOTE: Requirements vary from country to country, and generally involve a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping etc.

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GOOD / Made with Organic Ingredients – These products must contain 70% or more of ingredients that are certified organic. The remaining non-organic products must be GMO free, and are subject to inspections and regulations. These products may not use the USDA Organic label, and can say no more than “Made with Organic Ingredients”.

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OK to maybe GOOD / Certified Naturally Grown or CNG – Certified Naturally Grown standards are based on the USDA National Organic Program standards. Farmers are required to submit to an annual inspection. For USDA approved organic producers, this is conducted by a USDA-accredited certifying agency and the producers typically pay fees associated with the inspection. Certified Naturally Grown farmers may be inspected by other CNG farmers, non-CNG farmers, extension agents, master gardeners and wholesale customers, with CNG farmers being ideal, and must also pay an annual fee. Inspectors are encouraged to provide helpful feedback, and by inspecting nearby farms the program aims to foster a sense of community and sharing. Inspection forms are posted on CNG website, and all farms are subject to random pesticide residue testing.

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OK / USDA Organic –

If you buy organic produce or organic meat, you have probably noticed a green sticker that says ” USDA ORGANIC “. Below we explain some of what this USDA organic food sticker should represent.

USDA Organic Standards

The organic standards describe the specific requirements that must be verified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent before products can be labeled USDA organic. Overall, organic operations must demonstrate that they are protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and using only approved substances. We believe the average standard for organic ingredients as set by USDA is 50% or better. A brief summary is provided below.

USDA Organic Crops
The USDA organic seal verifies that irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and genetically modified organisms were not used.

USDA Organic Livestock The USDA organic seal verifies that producers met animal health and welfare standards, did not use antibiotics or growth hormones, used 100% organic feed, and provided animals with access to the outdoors.

USDA Organic Multi-ingredient Foods The USDA organic seal verifies that the product has 95% or more certified organic content. If the label claims that it was made with specified organic ingredients, you can be sure that those specific ingredients are certified organic.

Regulatory Process of the National Organic Program by the USDA

The NOP (National Organic Program) develops the laws that regulate the creation, production, handling, labeling, trade, and enforcement of all USDA organic products. This process, commonly referred to as rule making, involves input from the National Organic Standards Board (a Federal Advisory Committee made up of fifteen members of the public).

CLICK HERE to go to the USDA Government website for the National Organic Program

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PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER; a seal or approval is only as good as it’s source of volunteer compliance and/or mandatory on site certified inspections and enforcement.

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The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for better health choices for you, your family and friends”.