Dairy & Gluten - What Are They Doing To Your Body?

By Maria Scunziano-Singh, MD, NMD

Food is medicine. The food we eat impacts our health, and it can also affect how we feel. And, while many people consider milk, cheese, bread, and pasta to be staples in their diet, what does their consumption do to your body?

When you think of milk, what comes to mind? Do you picture Bessie the cow standing out in the field with her innocent face on just waiting to be milked lovingly by a farmer so that you have a nice glass of ice-cold milk, creamy ice cream, or rich, melty cheese on a burger?

The Basics of Diabetic Eye Disease

As their vision worsens, people with diabetes may be diagnosed with diabetic eye disease, which is an umbrella term used to describe a handful of conditions.

Diabetes affects millions of people across the globe, and its prevalence has risen significantly in recent decades. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that the number of people with diabetes nearly quadrupled between 1980 and 2014. Life with diabetes can be challenging, especially when the disease leads to additional complications like vision problems.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that diabetes affects the eyes when blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. The damage to the eyes caused by diabetes occurs over time and can contribute to poor vision and, in certain instances, blindness. As their vision worsens, people with diabetes may be diagnosed with diabetic eye disease, which is an umbrella term used to describe a handful of conditions.

It's Not Just Hearing Loss, It's A Communication Loss

Hearing loss reduces quality of life and is dangerous. Adults with untreated hearing loss are …

… up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia

… up to 3 times more likely to suffer falls

… less likely to participate in organized social activities, leading to feelings of depression.

Common Carcinogens Everyone Should Know About

A carcinogen is any substance that can be cancer-causing. Carcinogens can be found in the air, the products a person uses or even in popular foods and beverages.

Scientists continually study exposures that can contribute to the formation of cancer. The National Cancer Institute reminds the public that, while carcinogens have the potential to be harmful, not all exposure will automatically result in cancer. Many factors are involved in whether carcinogenic exposure will lead to cancer, including genetic predispositions and the duration of exposure. The following are some common carcinogens.

• Arsenic: Inorganic arsenic may be naturally present at high levels in groundwater and the Earth's crust in various areas. Arsenic also may be found in the air and in tobacco smoke.
• Asbestos: When products containing asbestos are disturbed, fibers can be released and trapped in the lungs. 
• Crispy Cooked Foods: Charring food on the barbecue or elsewhere may taste delicious, but when certain foods are heated to high temperatures a chemical called acrylamide can be produced. 
• Formaldehyde: The EPA says this product is found in certain wood products, fabrics and other household items because it is a preservative, germicide and fungicide. Formaldehyde also occurs naturally in the environment, and is produced in cigarette smoke.
• Pollution: Outdoor air contains a mix of engine exhaust, metals and solvents that can lead to cancer. While this type of carcinogen is not easily avoided, people can stay indoors on days when air quality is poor or avoid industrial areas where pollution levels may be higher.
• Preserved meats: Salami, bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and preserved foods can increase risk for colon cancer. Limiting how much salted, fermented, cured, and smoked foods a person eats can lower cancer risk.
• Radon: The NCI indicates that radon occurs naturally from the decay of uranium, thorium and radium in rocks and soil. It can be released into the air and drinking water, eventually infiltrating homes and businesses.

Carcinogens are all around. Identifying common ones can help people take precautions that limit their exposure and potentially reduce their cancer risk.

The Immune 8 Blend - Margie Vance, Founder

Immune 8 is made from eight 100% therapeutic grade oils. Immune 8 blend boosts the immune system which is affected by stress and organisms in the environment. The blend also defends against germs including bacteria and viruses. The US Patent Office has approved this blend as an air purifier. The safety data on each oil state; non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.  The essential oils are blended at 2% adult strength in the carrier of organic soap or organic lotion.

• Lemon – antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, hemostatic, insecticidal, stimulates white corpuscles, but phototoxic do not use directly on skin in sunlight. (Top Note)
• Lemongrass – stress-related conditions, analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, fungicidal, and nervine. (Top Note)
• Tea Tree – anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericidal, fungicidal, immune-stimulant, and parasiticide. (Middle/Top Note)
• Lavender – stress-related conditions, analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitoxic, nervine, parasiticide, deodorant, and insecticide. (Top Note)
• Rosewood – stress-related conditions, stimulates the immune system, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, bactericidal, cellular stimulant, and tissue regeneration (https://www.msn.com/en-us/feed Middle/Base Note)
• White Camphor – anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and bactericidal. (Middle Note)
• Cinnamon Leaf – stress-related conditions, antimicrobial, antiseptic, parasiticide, and vermifuge. (Middle /Base Note)
• Patchouli – stress-related complaints, covers offensive odors, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, bactericidal, and fungicidal (Base Note)

Immune 8 Products and Uses

Changing Lives, One Foot At A Time

Imagine having one foot that weighs 

50 pounds. What would life be like?

By Gary S. Hatrick

Understanding Breast Cancer and How to Manage Your Chances of Getting It 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. The statistics you’ll find throughout this article are hard to ignore, starting with these: 

• About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. 
• 1 in 39 women (3 percent) will die from breast cancer
• In 2020, it's estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers. 
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women between ages 55 and 64.
• About 10 percent of breast cancers occur in women younger than 45.

Breasts are made up of a variety of different tissues, including ducts, lobes, and glands that produce milk and carry it to the nipple. Breasts also contain lymph nodes and fatty tissue. Cancer develops when the cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. These cells create a tumor. About 80 percent of breast cancers form in the milk ducts. These are called ductal carcinomas. Other breast cancers develop in the glands of lobes that produce milk. These are lobular carcinomas. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Three Important Tests Your Child Might Need 

Being a parent seems to be harder than ever. On top of the peer pressure that traditionally comes with adolescence, now we have to contend with strong social media influences. Add to that a pandemic, which has undoubtedly turned life upside down for everyone, including our children. One of the biggest concerns for parents is keeping their children safe and healthy. As a parent, there are several options you can take to make sure your child's health is on track, starting with the right lab test. 

3 CRUCIAL LAB TESTS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR CHILD:

COVID 19 RT-PCR TEST 

These days, the first sign of a fever and a cough will have any parent worried that their child might have contracted COVID-19. While these signs are indicative of COVID-19, there are symptoms that children experience that most adults do not —including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other more common signs include body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and shortness of breath, as well as the most specific symptoms of COVID-19 — the loss of taste and smell. 

Using YOGA To Reduce Stress During Covid-19

By Maggie M Perritt, BS, MS, RPh, CHC

It seems like yesterday that we were welcoming in the new year bound and determined that this was the year we would be healthy, and then COVID happened. As if the stress of dealing with a pandemic isn’t bad enough, the world as we know it seemed to stop as quarantine and shelter at home became everyday occurrences and with it, more stress. Stress can manifest itself in many ways including poor sleep, headaches, high blood pressure and skin complications.

Now more than ever, we need to focus on our own health and wellness and make it a priority. We will emerge from this crisis, and the habits we develop now will drive our success. Start with staying hydrated, maintaining a good skin hygiene and consider adding yoga to your routine*. Regardless of your level, yoga offers something for everyone, can be done in any environment, and offers some great health benefits to boot.

Yoga focuses on the core principles of breath, balance and stretching, and there are a ton of benefits. I’ll focus on a few that are critical for our wellness during this pandemic.

Divorce On The Horizon?  About to go through a divorce? Here is what NOT to do!

By Hayley Botha, Founder & CEO
Emerge StrongTM Divorce Coaching Services

If you know a divorce is on the horizon for you and your spouse, it is of the utmost importance to know what not to do from this point forward. 

Your soon-to-be ex-spouse is wearing you down.  You are tired of the arguing and possibly at the point where you will do anything to just keep the peace. "Please sign these papers," he/she asks. You would be surprised how many people would just sign papers put in front of them. When you know the marriage is over, there are things you must do to protect yourself from being financially burned.  With this in mind here is a list of things you should not do if you want to have a successful outcome in your divorce case. 

• Whatever you do, DO NOT sign anything just before you have filed a petition for dissolution. You would be surprised how many people will sign a document just to stop arguing with their spouse.  
• Show all documents you have been asked to sign to your attorney. This is what you are paying for, your attorney should review everything before you sign any document. 
• Do not lie to your attorney, ever!
• Do not dispose of assets that you know your spouse will request.
• You may have joint bank accounts; however, I would recommend you do not “empty them” since your spouse is most likely entitled to half the funds. Again, speak with your attorney to confirm you may take your half of the funds in joint accounts.  
• Unfortunately, many people try their best to “get even” with their spouse by incurring debt in their name. This is just stupid and will only make things worse for yourself. Don't be surprised if you end up legally responsible for those debts if it is proven this was not done without your spouses’ consent. 
• If you cash a tax refund check which most likely belongs to your spouse, be prepared that a judge resolves it against you, and you must pay back your spouse.  
• Do not ever discuss advice or strategy received from your attorney with other persons.  That destroys the attorney-client privilege and the attorney on the other side is free to obtain this type of information in discovery. 

Before you leave your home for the last time, please ask yourself if there is anything you wish to keep? If the answer is yes and taking it may cause a fight, you may have to leave it.  However, make sure you take an inventory of household items.  You need to be able to show what assets have been removed or destroyed.  If nothing else, walk through the house with a video camera and video everything there.  It will help you create a list of assets.

How Families Can Cook Together as They Confront COVID-19

Some simple ways to get the whole family involved when the time comes to get dinner on the table.

Families are spending more time at home than ever before. Stay-at-home guidelines have led many parents to expand their culinary horizons, and time in the kitchen can be made more enjoyable by getting the whole family involved.

As stay-at-home measures continued throughout spring, boredom was a common complaint among people of all ages. Families sticking out social distancing together can confront that boredom by working together to prepare delicious, homecooked meals. The following are some simple ways to get the whole family involved when the time comes to get dinner on the table.

• Include young children. Younger children may not be able to cut, dice or chop, but that does not mean they can't participate in nightly cooking sessions. Kids can stir, pour and, perhaps most importantly, shake. Helping to prepare food can help children feel like they're part of the family and even encourage them to make healthy choices. Each of those things can benefit children in the short- and long-term. Older kids can take on more responsibility when preparing meals, and teenagers can even tackle entire meals on their own if they so prefer.
• Rotate the responsibility for choosing dishes. The family chef may be accustomed to choosing meals. But with stay-at-home measures in place and restrictions only slowly lifting, sharing that responsibility can be a great way to make everyone more excited about mealtime. Parents can still choose the majority of meals, but let kids choose one or two meals per week. To prevent kids from always opting for less healthy fare like macaroni and cheese or pizza, establish certain rules. For example, note that each meal must include at least one fruit or vegetable, relaxing these rules as you see fit. This is a great way to teach kids about nutrition while also showing them how less nutritious fare like pizza can be made healthier by replacing toppings like pepperoni with freshly cut vegetables.
• Expand your operation. In-person baking sessions with grandparents and large Sunday dinners with extended family members may not be possible in the era of social distancing. However, such traditions need not be abandoned entirely. Utilize video conferencing apps like Zoom to prepare foods together, with each family member whipping up their own meal or dessert. Items can then safely be dropped off at each other's homes. Go the extra mile by keeping the video conference going as everyone sits down to indulge in a tasty meal.

Cooking together can be a great family-friendly pastime as adults and children look for ways to spend quality time together while stay-at-home measures remain in place or are gradually relaxed. 

Summer Health Alert:  COVID-19 

Symptoms are Similar to Lyme Disease  

After being stuck inside for weeks, thanks to the novel coronavirus pandemic, people across the country are venturing back outdoors now the weather is warming up.

A recent survey finds 43 percent of Americans say they plan to do more outside activities post-COVID 19 lockdown, like walking and hiking.

Easing Concerns During Pandemic
Local Customers Getting Direct Access to COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST

Local families worried about potential exposure to COVID-19 over the last few months can now get their blood checked at Any Lab Test Now to see if they have antibodies to the virus which causes coronavirus. The federal government has approved the emergency use of this COVID-19 Antibody test during this pandemic. Any Lab Test Now is the nation’s leading provider of direct access lab testing, with more than 180 locations nationwide including the Wesley Chapel store at 27421 Wesley Chapel Blvd, and Ft. Myers store at 13401-9 Summerlin Rd.

“This COVID-19 Antibody Test is providing a crucial answer to a question so many people are still asking, ‘Have I been exposed to the coronavirus?’” explains Linda Markley, franchise owner of Any Lab Test Now in Wesley Chapel & Ft. Myers. “Our test does not screen for COVID-19, only for antibodies to the virus. In just a few days after taking the COVID-19 Antibody Test, customers test results are available in an easy-to-read report in approximately one to two days after specimen collection by logging into our results portal on a smartphone, tablet or desktop. They can share them with their doctor who can further explain the impact to their personal health.”

While customers can usually walk into Any Lab Test Now anytime for services, an appointment is required for the COVID-19 Antibody Test. Each customer must also pass COVID-19 screening protocols before getting access to the COVID-19 Antibody Test. During the screening, Any Lab Test Now employees will ask customers questions about potential COVID-19 exposure, as well as symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, within the last 14 days. Some locations are also taking customer’s temperatures.

Any Lab Test Now is also following special protocol when conducting the tests. Customers can stay in their car and call when they arrive for an appointment.  Any Lab Test Now employees are ensuring the building is safe and clean before a customer walks inside. They are sanitizing countertops, doorknobs, handles between every customer, wearing government-approved personal protective equipment (PPE) like a facemask and gloves and washing their hands after removing PPEs.

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month

Sarcomas can fly under the radar, but understanding sarcoma can help individuals and their families cope with a diagnosis more effectively.

Sarcoma is often considered a "forgotten cancer" because it is not widely known or spoken about. Sarcoma is an uncommon group of cancers which arise in the bones, and connective tissue such as fat and muscle. In most cases, it’s not clear what causes sarcoma. Family history and exposure to chemicals or radiation may increase risk. Throughout July, individuals can spread information about sarcoma to help get it the attention — and research for a cure — that is deserving to those facing a sarcoma diagnosis.

A Brief Glimpse at Sarcoma

Far too many individuals are familiar with cancer. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is responsible for roughly one in six deaths across the globe, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide.

Keep your Immune System Strong During this Pandemic!

A healthy immune system is vital to fending off or recovering from illness. It is a powerful component of the human body. The immune system recognizes when viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders enter or compromise the body, and then takes action to prevent illnesses from taking over. The average person can help his or her immune system do its job more effectively by making the immune system as strong as it can be.

Harvard Medical School says that diet, exercise, age, and psychological stress may affect immune system response. Certain lifestyle choices can promote a strong immune system.

• Get adequate sleep. Doctors believe sleep and immunity are closely tied. A study of 164 healthy adults published by the National Institutes of Health found those who slept fewer than six hours each night were more likely to catch a cold than people who slept for more than six hours. Aim for adequate rest each night to keep your body in top form.
• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables supply the powerhouse antioxidants that are essential for protecting a body against free radicals. Free radicals may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Serve fruits and/or vegetables with every meal to ensure you're getting enough antioxidant-rich foods.
• Consume fiber and fermented foods. Fiber can help feed the gut microbiome, which is linked to a robust immune system. The microbiome also may prevent harmful pathogens from entering the body through the digestive tract. Data also suggests that eating more fermented foods can further strengthen and populate healthy bacteria in the gut.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, advises the American Heart Association. Thirty minutes of exercise each day can go a long way toward keeping the body healthy. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. Exercise causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells. These antibodies and white blood cells circulate rapidly, so they may detect illnesses earlier than they would if you do not exercise. Body temperature also rises during exercise, which could naturally prevent bacteria from growing.
• Try to minimize stress. According to Simply Psychology, when people are stressed, the immune system's ability to fight off antigens is reduced, making people more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system. Limiting stress through meditation and breathing exercises, or trying to remove stressors from one's life, may help.

M.O.M's Charity Celebrates Sixth Anniversary

M.O.M continues their six year mission to assist struggling families in Tampa Bay

By: Mothers of Minors Inc.

New Port Richey based non-profit, Mothers of Minors Community Outreach (M.O.M), is marking 6 years of serving single parent families in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and surrounding Counties.

M.O.M was founded in May 2014 by Andrea L. Clark, a single mom of four with a heart to help other struggling single moms.   The charity is focused on the empowerment of single mothers through community baby showers and by offering referrals to community resources that also assist with growing the self-sufficiency of families in the community.

MAKE HIS FIRST FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Dads are often the first heroes in their young children's lives. Dads chase away ghosts in the closet, let their daughters dance on their toes and teach their sons how to win the heart of their first crush.

The first Father's Day a new dad spends with his growing family can be quite memorable, as celebrating one's fatherhood for the first time is a unique and special time. Spouses and other family members can go the extra mile to make this year that much more special for first-time fathers.

Let Dad sleep in. Chances are Dad is enamored with his little bundle of joy, but it's well-known that being a new father often means sacrificing sleep time - especially for the first several months to a year of that child's life. Enlist the help of a family member who can be on baby watch while Dad gets to sleep in on the weekend of his big day. With some extra sleep, Dad can enjoy Father's Day that much more.

Create a first-year memory book. Take the time to put together a scrapbook of the photos and moments baby and Dad have gotten to spend together. So much focus is often placed on a new baby and his or her mother that Dad may be left playing second fiddle. Make it clear that fathers are key to their children's development and happiness, too.

By Hayley Botha, Founder & CEO

Emerge StrongTM Divorce Coaching Services

Across the world, couples facing a separation or divorce were faced with a challenge like no other.  That is, isolating with your soon-to-be ex-spouse! Tensions have been rising amid quarantine in the happiest of homes, however, with couples already facing a divorce, things have become unbearable for many. 

It’s hard enough going through the challenges that divorce brings, but during the Covid-19 pandemic, couples now found themselves unable to have their cases brought before the courts, attend meetings with their attorneys and many now had to work from home under the same roof as their spouse.  The most apparent impact is that most, if not all, courthouses have been closed except for emergencies.  This now caused not only a delay in divorces but also applications for support and custody.  When lockdown measures were announced, couples that were making plans to divorce were now faced with being in limbo and unable to move forward. 

Lockdown can be extremely challenging for couples even when their marriages are in a good place, however, now we have couples unable to leave for work each day and remain in a tension-filled home all day long makes life especially difficult. Silly things can become points of tension very easily. Spouses have found themselves taking refuge in designated rooms in the house just to cope under one roof. 

 Would YOU Spray Disinfectant Then EAT A Meal Off The Dish?

By Philip Metzler

Would you spray disinfectant onto a dirty dish and then eat a meal off of it? 

No? Well, why not? The disinfectant states it removes 99.9% of germs, so the plate is clean right? If it disturbs you to even think about eating off of a dirty plate that’s covered with disinfectant; then let’s think about how often we use hand sanitizer or Lysol spray thinking that this product makes our hands or surroundings “clean.” There is a great misconception in our society on what “clean” truly means. You cannot just spray something on top of dirt and grime and expect it to be clean. Germs and filth are not the same thing. What should you do if a child sneezes into their hand? Of course, you can lather their hands with hand sanitizer and those germs won’t be alive to spread; however, the boogers will still be on their hands just waiting to be smeared somewhere. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to touch a booger whether it has active germs or not. 

There is no substitute to taking the time to properly wash something that is dirty. You have to wash a dish before you can use it again; just like you have to properly wash your hands in order for them to be clean again. There is no replacement to soap and water and a good old-fashioned wipe down. 

CORONAVIRUS Sparks Worldwide Concern

The dawn of 2020 ushered in many newsworthy headlines, but few have turned the heads of the masses as sharply as the arrival of a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In late 2019, Chinese authorities identified the new virus, which has resulted in scores of confirmed cases in China, and additional cases identified in a growing number of international locations.

Both the World Health Organization and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have closely monitored the coronavirus, which was named COVID-19 in mid-February 2020. The public is understandably concerned, but educating oneself about COVID-19 and coronaviruses in general can assuage some fears.

WHAT IS A CORONAVIRUS?