1 GoodLiving / SEPT•OCT 2010
3 GoodLiving / FALL 2010
The Good Stuff 8&9
Good News
11 – 13 14
Good Products
Good Giveaways
18 & 19
Good People
Cheryl Jackson, founder of the Suncoast Kids Place Dave and Ronni Krieger, bringing safety education to kids and parents
22 & 23
Good Eating
Healthy Treats not Artificial Tricks just in time for party season
24 & 25
Good Adventures
Morean Arts Center, Titanic the Experience, Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex
Visit us online to CONTRIBUTE TIPS AND STORY IDEAS ENTER OUR ONGOING CONTESTS FOR GIVEAWAYS SIGN UP FOR THE E-GOODNEWSLETTER LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
TampaBayGoodLiving.com
29
Good Events
Features Proactive Prevention Saves Lives 16
Dr. M. Catherine Lee of Moffitt Cancer center reminds women to care for their breasts in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Teens of Summer
20 – 21
Celebrating teens who spent their summers helping others here and around the world
26 – 27
Joy and Happiness Are they the Same Thing? Do you have information to send to Good Living? Submit it to info@goodlivingmag.com
Author Sheryl Young from Tampa discusses the differences between spurts of happiness and the pursuit of lasting joy.
Healthy Kitchens
31 – 34
Editor Pamela Ray explores how to reduce the number of toxic substances and products that live in our kitchens inform
inspire
encourage
6 GoodLiving / FALL 2010
celebrate
My Story by Sharon Blair
36
The inspiring story of a mother who lost her daughter to drug abuse and her commitment to save other parents the same tragedy
TM
Publisher Light Shine Media Group, LLC
Editor-in-Chief Pamela Ray
Contribu ng Writers Sheryl Young M. Catherine Lee, M.D. J.C. Weir Judy Weyand
Sales and Marke ng Jennifer Harvey
Design and Layout
I love fall. Every year we drive out of the city to get a dose of the country life at Hunsader Farms. Their fall fes val is a blast: hay rides, games, cra s and of course,
pumpkins.
...from the Editor
Marcie Frieling
Branding and Interac ve Greg Harvey
GoodLiving™ Magazine TampabayGoodLiving.com P.O. Box 1795 Oldsmar, Florida 34677 (727) 776-3656 info@goodlivingmag.com
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION adver sing@goodlivingmag.com or (727) 373-8486 GoodLiving™ Magazine is a publica on of Light Shine Media Group, LLC and is distributed to readers at no charge at targeted loca ons in Pinellas, Hillsborough and southern Pasco Coun es. It is also available as a digital publica on at TampaBayGooodLiving.com. All photographs, artwork, design and editorial are the sole property of GoodLiving™ Magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC. No por on of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without wri en permission. GoodLiving™ Magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC are not responsible for statements made by adver sers and writers for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Readers should verify the adver sing informa on of the adver sers and all specials are valid to the expira on date set by the adver ser. GoodLiving™ Magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC reserve the right to refuse any adver sing for any reason. The views expressed in the publica on are not necessarily those of the publisher.
Welcome to the premier issue of GoodLiving™ magazine, a publication with a purpose to inform, inspire, encourage and celebrate healthy and happy living in the Tampa Bay area. The people behind the scenes at GoodLiving™ love the Tampa Bay area. We live here. We raise our families here. We work and play here. We have much to be proud of and thankful for, but the voices that carry this news often can’t be heard above the dull roar of negativity and bad news that permeates most of our media. We are here to give those voices a place to shout. As editor, my goal is to bring good things together for the greater good. You’ll find stories of good news, people, events, causes, adventures and information. Tips and recommendations for good products, eating, deals and ways to get involved will be regularly featured in print and online at TampaBayGoodLiving.com. Whether Temple Terrace or Tarpon Springs or Port Richey or Pinellas Park, we are a community full of people who want to enjoy better physical, mental and emotional health and well being; who want to take care of their families, homes and environment; who want deeper and more meaningful relationships and experiences; who want to live with a sense of joy and fulfillment and who want their lives to matter. These are the truly good things that can be accomplished in any economy. So come along on the journey with us. Sign up for the newsletter, send us your good news and last but not least, have a healthy and happy day!
Pamela Ray
All rights reserved
7 GoodLiving / SEPT•OCT 2010
news Share your good news. Send stories to news@goodlivingmag.com
Mayor’s Youth Corps Applications for the Class of 2011 will be in participating schools on September 13th and due back by October 19. The Mayor’s Youth Corps is an influential organization of 9th, 10th and 11th grade students selected from City of Tampa schools who have a voice to Mayor Pam Iorio, opportunities for community service and leadership development, as well as a monthly, youth-oriented television show. More information is at TampaGov.net.
Nissan Leaf The Tampa Bay area is an ideal place to live if you’re interested in driving an electric vehicle. So get on the road to progress by ordering your own all electric sedan, the new Leaf by Nissan. Dealerships are taking orders now for December deliveries. Can you imagine a totally gas-free driving experience with minimal noise?
It is very good news that as Americans we have the right to vote for our leaders. Learn the issues. Learn the people. Make an informed decision and VOTE on November 2. If you s ll need to register, do it by October 4. Learn more at votepinellas.com, votehillsborough.org or pascovotes.com.
Electric Marina Four-wheeled vehicles are not the only mode of transportation going electric. Boats are getting in the act to provide a clean, quiet and more affordable option for cruising on the water. Rent a 21’ or 24’ boat at Electric Marina Boat Rentals by The Pier in St. Petersburg for an hour or the day. An excellent choice for anyone with respiratory sensitivities to fumes or for those who would relish an easy day on the water without engine noise or sails. Look to the horizon for more good news from Nancy Frainetti at ElectricMarina.com
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news
Can you help? Casey’s Cookies is a new local organization with the goal to promote the welfare of mentally disabled adults through training and employment. Under the supervision of specially trained volunteers, participants bake cookies from scratch, then package and sell their gourmet and specialty cookies to individuals and local businesses. Donations and volunteers are needed, as well as companies and organizations that want to buy cookies! Call Casey’s Cookies at (727) 388-4150 or send an email to Info@CaseysCookies.org.
Bucs New Star Wants Others to Succeed First round draft pick Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle, has a long resume of athletic achievements on the football field. His leadership doesn’t stop at the edge of the grass. Although new to Tampa, Gerald was already a guest speaker for this year’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) kick off party where he encouraged high school football players to be happy with what God gave them and not turn to performance enhancing drugs. He also talked about having an accountability partner to help keep life on the right track, especially when other forces are pulling in another direction. Former Buccaneer players Leroy Selmon and Rob Taylor spoke to the youth as well. Learn about FCA’s events throughout the year at FCATampaBay.org.
Fall Lawn and Garden Classes Pinellas County Extension Services, based in Largo, is a helpful resource for people wanting to learn about landscaping and gardening specific to this part of Florida. Attend upcoming workshops for Composting (Sept. 11), Rain Harvesting (Sept. 25) and Fall Lawn & Garden Care (Oct. 2). Or catch a free 30-minute webinar on Fall Vegetable Gardening (Sept. 15) and Fall Lawn & Garden Care (Sept. 29). Also visit the Florida Botanical Gardens and the weekly farmer’s market, Market in the Park, on Saturdays. Pinellascounty.org/extension
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products Fresh Wave The unscented Fresh Wave® products are created for odor elimination where other air fresheners simply mask odors with chemicals that irritate noses and lungs. The Fresh Wave spray passed the cat urine smell test with flying (odor killing) colors that made no one sneeze. $9.99 for 8 oz. Check out their other products at Freshwave.com and buy them local Bed, Bath & Beyond stores.
and holds moisture to the skin. They clean without drying, leaving even sensitive and allergy-prone skins feeling wonderfully moisturized, luxuriously soft, and gently fragrant. She hand picks and uses only edible grade oils and pure water. Compared to store bought soaps which are mostly detergents, her soaps are a mix of olive oil for softening, coconut oil for superb lather, a bit of palm oil for hardening, generous dollops of shea, cocoa or mango butGoat Milk Soap at ters, plus other enriching oils (dependTwo Palm Soaps ing on soap variety) If you have never tried handmade like jojoba, avocado and goat milk soap with oatmeal, you are apricot kernel to add yet missing out on a simple luxury. Good more skin softening properties. news is that it’s an affordable luxury and available locally at Two Palm Soaps at Two Palm Soaps offers much more than 1359 Main St., in Dunedin. All products soap for bathing. A soap with tea tree oil are expertly made by the store’s founder is excellent for oily skin. You can also and owner Shirley Crawford. Her pas- find diaper rash cream, shampoo, salts sion for truly clean living can be seen in and scrubs, linen spray, men’s shaving each product she makes and sells. If you soap and camping soap to repel bugs. want to learn, she will gladly educate Many products can be customized with you about her very special art of making preferred scents. It’s like a full-service soaps and lotions. station for personal care products. And Her line of handmade soap is gentle, if shopping just isn’t enough, there are richly lathered and loaded with natu- classes that teach the art of using nature’s rally occurring glycerin that attracts oils to care for skin the healthy way.
Eat Cleaner Spray and Wipes Grabbing a healthy fruit snack on the run is a good habit, but how do you clean it? Carry these handy, all-natural wipes for fresh produce from Eat Cleaner™ that cleans bacteria, surface contaminants, pesticide residue and wax. Individually wrapped 30-count package for $10. They offer a wide selection of food cleaners at Eatcleaner.com.
Vaska Laundry Products In one week, residents of Tampa use approximately 20 million gallons of water just doing laundry. Keep that water free of harmful phosphates, petroleum and chlorine by using Vaska’s collection of award-winning, EPA-approved laundry care product that out perform major brand name detergents. A reasonable $9.99 for 32 loads of clothes – and water. Find them at local Albertson’s stores and at Amazon.com. The lavender Herbatergent takes good care of fabrics and skin. Love it!
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products Rosemary Repel Products repel lice Lice. Yuk. Unfortunately a fact of life for kids in school. Products from Fairy Tales Hair Care can act as a barrier to keep those little buggers from setting up camp on your child’s scalp. The Rosemary Repel products are infused with the pure oils of rosemary, citronella, cinnamon, rose extracts, tea tree, lavender and geranium. The Rosemary Repel Leave-in Conditioning Spray is a lightweight formula that detangles as well as puts a nice layer of product on the hair. The Rosemary Repel Spray & Shield puts a final “seal” on the hair to protect the hair from lice attaching. A clean hair shaft makes it easy for the bug to grab onto– that’s why they always say lice like clean hair and recommend not washing every day. Paraben and SLS free. $9.95 for 8 oz. at fairytaleshaircare.com
Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer
4Survival to Go 72-Hr. Survival Kit Parents sending a child off to college aren’t thinking about natural disasters, but students living away from home need to be prepared for the unexpected. A compact and well packed 72-hour survival kit can be ordered from 4survivaltogo.com for only $99. Inside find: 2,400 calories of emergency food, 3-pack of Aqua Blox, pre-paid phone card, cell phone charger, whistle, disposable camera, waterproof matches, rain poncho, survival sleeping bag, first aid kit and much more.
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Germs will soon be the talk of the town as cold and flu season ramps up. Are you looking to fight those germs, but don’t want to slather chemicals all over your hands and your kids’ hands – you know the ones that go in the mouth? Then take heart that protection can be had the all-natural way as Clean Well soaps and hand sanitizers kill germs without using alcohol, Benzalkonium Chloride, Triclosan or other toxic chemicals. Antibacterial soaps and sanitizing hand spray, wipes and foams are made with ingredients from renewable plants, primarily thyme. Clean Well’s unique formulation meets FDA standards for 99.99% germ killing efficacy. Safe for diaper bags as they have no alcohol which can accidentally cause poisoning of small children. A 6 oz. spray retails for $6.50. CleanWell’s products are Whole Foods Market, select Target stores, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC and Amazon.com.
products Healthy Back Bag Carrying school gear around campus can weigh heavy on the backs and shoulders of students from middle school to college. An alternative to the traditional backpack is the Healthy Back Bag, one of the few bags created with the human body in mind. Its ergonomic shape contours to the natural curve of your spine, making it an extremely comfortable bag that is also a great organizer. Shop a wide variety of styles, materials and sizes at Ameribag.com.
Lifefactory Kids Bottles Outdoor Harmony
Lifefactory, an eco-brand, has just launched a glass (no plastic here!) drinking bottle for children that is great for home and on the road. Dishwasher safe. Neutral tasting glass, no toxins or BPA’s. Slicone sleeve protects the glass and mom can still see what’s there. The 9 oz. retails for $12.99. Baby bottles and 22 oz bottles are also available at Lifefactory.com or Nordstrom in Tampa.
Organic Insect Repellent and Organic Bug Bite Relief from Brittanie’s Thyme. These Outdoor Harmony products are safe, effective and smell great. They do not contain citronella, which made this organic product stand out. The best part about the repellent – it worked without feeling coated with nasty chemicals. The Organic Bug Bite Relief can be used for minor cuts, burns and bruises as well as insect bites. Buy the Organic Insect Repellent for $8.50 and Organic Bug Bite Relief for $5.50. All products are USDA cer fied organic. Shop at Bri aniesthyme.com
Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook Inspired by her mother and grandmother, Dr. Laura Trice shares her love of good food and nutritional expertise in The Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook. It is packed full of 100 healthy recipes for desserts and treats and not one of them contains processed sugar. Learn alternative ways to prepare cookies, pies, muffins, cakes, frostings, smoothies and shakes that are delicious. So if you’re looking to sweeten up your healthy meals with a healthy sweet treat, then this book is a must have for you. Learn more about the cookbook and Dr. Laura’s food products at Lauraswholesomejunkfood.com
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giveaways Join GoodLiving™ magazine on Facebook and learn how you can win one of these great prizes. For an awesome weekend of friendship and fellowship, enter to win a pair of passes to the Women of Faith Conference, October 15 and 16 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Go to WomenofFaith.com for more information about the conference.
Lisa Whelchel, child actress from the 80’s hit TV show, Facts of Life, is now an author and motivational speaker who encourages women. Win a copy of her latest book, Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I missed & Learned Along the Way along with a copy of the Women of Faith Worship DVD. Lisa knows first hand that female friendships are key to a more fulfilling life, yet many women don’t make the time for this valuable relationship. More information about Lisa’s work is at her website LisaWhelchel.com.
Looking for a great mother-daughter day out? Interested in helping your daughter (age 7 – 12) learn how to value herself? Then enter to win a pair of passes to the Pure in Heart Conference, November 13 at the Van Dyke Church in Lutz. More information is at PureinHeartconference.com
YogaKids DVDs: 1, 2 and 3 by Marsha Wenig. These DVDs delight and encourage children through simple, creative and playful exercises. Includes 20 simple yoga poses and five original songs that enhance respect for nature, increase strength and flexibility and challenge imagination. For ages 3-6. More information is yogakids.com
Baseball fans ages 8 to adults will enjoy winning The Finger Baseball tabletop game by Zelosport. For more information about their popular games, go to zelosport.com.
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Proactive Prevention Saves Lives By Dr. M. CATHERINE LEE
Join me in the recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and encourage women you know to get a mammogram. Here are some important ps on how to op mize breast health: • Limit alcohol consump on to less than five drinks a week. • Exercise regularly and wear suppor ve, well-fi ed undergarments. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Monitor and reduce caffeine intake, especially to help with breast pain and cyst symptoms. • Breast feed, if possible.
Have you had your mammogram?
Women should be familiar with their breasts and what’s “normal” for them on a self-breast exam, including a visual inspection. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam by a health care provider at least once every three years. After 40, women should have a clinical breast exam annually. Women over 40 should consider having a screening mammogram every year. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual swelling of all or part of the breast; skin irritation or dimpling; a nipple turning inward; redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin; a persistent lump; or nipple discharge other than breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits of postmenopausal hormonal therapy with your doctor. In women at a higher risk of breast cancer, their personal and family history should be reviewed with their physician or a specialist. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best screening regimen for their own particular situation. Preventive surgeries to reduce breast or ovarian cancer risk are an unusual but effective approach for a very small group of women. Have a thorough discussion of the pros and cons of these operations with one or several experts before proceeding with any preventive surgery. M. Catherine Lee, M.D. is on staff at Moffi Cancer Center, where the mission is to contribute to the preven on and cure of cancer. At their Center for Women’s Oncology, board-cerfied physicians like Dr. Lee deliver world-class treatment for breast, ovarian and cervical cancers in an elegant surrounding designed just for women. For more informa on, call 1888-MOFFITT or visit www.insidemoffi .com.
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photo credit: Moffit Cancer Center
I became a surgeon because I am a problem-solver and breast cancer is a problem that threatens all women. I decided to make it my career focus when I had a close friend diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Because of her, I am particularly passionate about breast cancer in young women. In some ways, my career is a tribute to my friend and all the other women who have struggled with this disease. I am continually impressed by the poise and strength of my patients – they are the reason that I love my profession, as difficult and heartbreaking as it may be at times.
people one person can make a big difference
Dave & Ronni Krieger
Cheryl Jackson
Loving Care for the Grieving Cheryl Jackson’s life has been about caring for others and so she never gave it much thought when she decided that Tampa Bay needed a way to care for grieving children. Some people are designed to see a need and fill it. Cheryl is one of those people. A social worker by trade and member of the Van Dyke Church in Lutz, she orchestrated the creation of the Suncoast Kid’s Place – patterned after the renowned Dougy Center in Portland. In two short but full years, the program has grown from serving 20 to serving 400 children and families who are dealing with the grief of losing a beloved family member. “Grief touches the whole family. It’s hard to be open and cry when everyone is hurting, so our center gives children and adults a separate place to open up and grieve,” she says They offer peer support, play therapy and a safe place to cry. Now under Cheryl’s passionate leadership, this one-of-a-kind program is now expanding by bringing a mobile unit to both University Community Center in Tampa and Bell Shoals Church in Brandon. Her vision isn’t stopping there either. Cheryl is an active part of a suicide prevention task force that is planning youth presentations to discuss depression. She’s also created a new support group that starts September 15th at the Van Dyke Church. “Healing from Suicide Loss” will be the first and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
s u n c o a s t
place “There just weren’t any programs out there for adults who’ve lost a child, spouse or other family member to suicide.” So Cheryl made it happen. The support group is free and so is the child care. In fact, all the services at Suncoast Kid’s Place are free to the community because it is a supported program by the members of Van Dyke Church and others within the community. Financial contributions, food donations and caring volunteers are always needed. To learn more, go to suncoastkidsplace.org
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Teaching Kids to be Safe Dave and Ronni Krieger dedicated their first careers to the community; Dave retired from the Clearwater Police Department after 32 years and Ronni retired from teaching 2nd grade after 36 years. Phase two of the journey to serve the community continues on, but this time together, as they bring their passion for kids and safety to groups in three counties. Dave shows up dressed as McGruff the crime dog while Ronni teaches kids about personal safety. The first part of the presentation includes DVD programs and follow up lessons for No! Not Me, Not Ever! (abduction prevention), McGruff and Faux Paux (internet safety), and McGruff®’s Bully Alert. For PreK there is All About Strangers. The second part of the presentation is the McGruff® Fingerprint and Identification program where they use an all digital system to create forensic quality fingerprint cards and ID cards with photos. “Parents need to be prepared to help law enforcement find missing children and just as important, children need to learn about how they can stay safe,” says Dave. “It’s unfortunate that we need to do this, but we do.” For informa on on bringing this licensed program to a school, church or community group in Hillsborough, Pasco or Hernando coun es, go to Suncoastkidssafety.mcgruff- d.com or call (727) 365-7866. For Pinellas County, contact Cathy Nalven at (727) 235-4936.
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Teens of Summer by J.C. Weir
Celebrating Youth Mission Trips for 2010 Each summer, high school and college students on break from school spend their time helping others while growing in spirit, skills and relationship building. Teams of young people combine their resources to feed the hungry or do yard work right here in Florida, while some bring love and exuberance to international destinations like Haiti and the Ukraine. They work through the year to raise the money they need to do this service, so there is a long-term commitment that goes along with the long-term results. This story represents a small sampling of the youth mission trips that originated out of Tampa Bay this past summer. The total impact of local teens was much, much larger! GoodLiving™ magazine congratulates these groups and all the others who gave of themselves to help others.
R.I.O.T! Reaching Inside Out Tampa During the summer, more than 250 youth from Van Dyke Church in Lutz rioted through the Tampa area, making a difference wherever they could right here at home. They picked up and then deposited over 25 tons of debris from yards they cleaned throughout the bay area. Local community service agencies helped them find people in the most need of help and a little company. Teams held day camps for young children at Metropolitan Ministries, and a fun-filled week for the teens, complete with field trips to the movies, MOSI and ice skating. While there, they pitched in to lay pavers, build shelves, trim trees and build a deck. The youth of T.R.A.K., teens doing random acts of kindness, fed the homeless at Amazing Love Ministries, Trinity Café, and to the hungry in the street. They visited multiple nursing homes to bring some fun to the residents. They played bingo, polished fingernails and brought in dogs for residents to pet. On the street they gave hundreds of roses to random people. Sherrie Leatherwood, director of the middle school ministry at Van Dyke Church says, “This camp is an enormous project, but it exposes teenagers to something beyond themselves. It helps to grow their hearts as they chart the course for their future and we see this because many of them continue their service activities after the camp.”
Revolution Youth in Haiti In August, 18 young people from the Coed Revolution Life Group at Calvary Baptist Church, Clearwater, Florida, boarded an airplane for Haiti to share the love of Christ with over 200 orphans. The team spent 4 days navigating the streets of Port-Au-Prince distributing food and volunteering at medical clinics in nearby tent cities. They witnessed first hand the continuing tragedy – children dying of malnutrition, malaria, and typhoid from the destruction caused by the January earthquake. The team stayed at New Life Children’s Home, a home where orphans live, attend school, receive medical care and attend religious services. While at New Life, the team taught Bible stories, worship songs, and swapped life stories with the orphans. They most importantly shared hugs, laughter, smiles and joy in the midst of sadness and poverty. They need more help, so please learn how at newlife4kids.org.
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A Mission to Guatemala Teens from Idlewild Baptist Church headed to Guatemala this summer. They partnered with a local church and Feed the Children. While there, they helped to build a feeding station in one of the rural mountain communities, painted a day care and volunteered at a local children’s hospital. Everyday, they participated in feeding people in rural communities that do not have access to basic food and necessities.
Generations Helping Others Youth from Generations Church in Trinity racked up the miles this summer. On a mission trip to Haiti, they fed people in tent camps, held programs for children in the surrounding villages and cleaned and painted a medical facility. Another group went to China and held a Vacation Bible School event at a registered church, which is unusual because of the approval needed by the government. They also visited migrant families and had the opportunity to connect with and encourage Chinese Christians. The youth group also partnered with CIY Know Sweat in Kissimmee to help fix up the Osceola Council on Aging and interact with their elderly clients. At home, they worked with Habitat for Humanity, a homeless shelter and did various projects for local schools.
These Youth Rock! This summer high school students from First Baptist Indian Rocks took their annual summer mission trip to Orlando. They served others at the House of Hope, Orlando Children’s Church and Orlando Rescue Mission, just to name a few. Students worked sorting clothes, cleaning, painting, planting flowers and organizing food pantries. Several students also performed at each stop as part of the Solid Rock Company. These kids use their talents to minister to others through performances of drama, dance, music and Karate. To get involved with the youth here, go to IndianRocks.org
Open Water in Ozona The Open Water Church in Ozona took 18 students and five leaders to New Orleans where they worked with MissionLab (www.missionlab.com), an organization that is part of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. During their stay in the Big Easy, part of DRIVE Student Ministry the group worked with Excite Allstars, Also at Calvary Baptist Church, the stuan inner-city ministry that serves elemendents involved in DRIVE took mission trips tary students. The other group put paint this summer to Mobile, AL, Birmingham, brushes to work at a local church where AL, and the Ukraine to work with ministhey spruced up a home where missionartries serving the poor. During the year they ies live. They also spent three days paintcan be seen around the community doing ing a football stadium that is part of the mission projects at area nursing homes, New Orleans Recreation Department to schools, prisons and homeless shelters. make it nicer for the neighborhood kids.
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eating GoodLiving Picks Don’t forget the grown ups. Treat them to Panda All Natural Licorice, the first all-natural licorice brand of candies, available in chews and bars. Black licorice, cherry and raspberry. No preservaves and no ar ficial colors and flavors. Fat-free, guilt-free and yumm-y. Find at natural food stores or worldfiner.com. Give kids Glee Gum, an all-natural, gluten-free chewing gum with no ar ficial coloring, flavoring, sweeteners or preserva ves. Glee Gum is the only gum in North America made the old-fashioned way, with chicle. Say no to other gums that are nearly all synthe c. Find at natural food stores or gleegum.com.
Natural Treats
A delicious and fes ve treat from Strawberry Hill Confec onery are Whirl-EPops, made with ingredients like organic honey and organic maple syrup. Choose from the maple leaf, Jack-OLantern, ghosts or bats in honey-cranberry, honey-orange, honey-lemon, honeyginger, orange and more. All Natural and Organic, Peanut Free, Gluten Free, GMOs Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free. StrawberryHillConfec onery.com.
Natural Treats not Artificial Tricks If you think sugar is the main problem with Halloween candies, Protect Your Kids From Too Much Candy read the labels and try not to be surprised at what lurks in a Feed them a healthy meal before going trick or treating and limit child’s trick-or-treat bag. how much candy they can eat along the way. “Most Halloween candies are full of artificial dyes that are made At home trade collected candy for natural treats, money for a from petroleum,” said Jane Hersey, National Director of the non- special toy or a trip to a favorite activity. profit Feingold Association. Opt for an old-fashioned Halloween or fall-themed party where Studies have linked both artificial food additives and dyes with children are given homemade and natural treats. hyperactivity and other behavior problems in children. “That’s Shop to find candy treats that don’t use artificial flavors or colors why many teachers and parents consider the day after Halloween and encourage others to do the same. to be the worst day of the year,” said Hersey. “I call this phenomAsk teachers and club leaders to forego candy at parties and inenon ‘Halloween Hangover.’” stead provide healthy snacks. Some treats to consider from the Feingold Associa on:
Sunspire Sundrops Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares Surf Sweets Gummi Candies Mary Jane Peanut Bu er Kisses Florida’s Natural Au’some Fruit Juice Nuggets Pearson’s Chocolate Covered Mint Pa es Great Value (Walmart) Peanut Bu er Cups Yummy Earth Lollipops
22 GoodLiving / SEPT•OCT 2010
recipe Ranger Cookies
A healthier alterna ve for all the seasons’ par es
Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) butter 1 cup Sucanat with honey, or brown sugar 1 cup Sucanat, or white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 ½ cups soft wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 ½ cups roller oats ½ cup shredded coconut ½ cup chopped nuts ½ cup of ground flax seed (optional) 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, sucanat with honey and sucanat. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in rolled oats, cocnut, flax seed, chocolate chips and nuts. Mix well. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough on a cooking sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown.
What is Sucanat?
Sucanat is used as a healthier alterna ve to refined sugar. It is made from sugar cane juice which is dehydrated and gets is name from SUgar CAne NATural. Check the brands out there for organic, whole sugar cane sucanat. Sucanat with honey, or granulated honey, can be subs tuted for sugar in recipes and is especially good for baking. Honey is sweeter and healthier than sugar, and can be replaced 1:1 in recipes without changing the texture. Refined white sugar gives you empty calories in your diet while sucanat retains some nutri onal value with its calories. Ask your favorite health food store for help in shopping for their best sugar alterna ves. If they offer these products in bulk, you’ll save money.
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adventures
Arts
Photo courtesy of the Morean Center
Morean Heats Things Up Omni Orlando Resort at Chamions Gate, Orlando
Just for Fun Floating Down the Lazy River One without alligators! Grab the furnished inner-tubes and spend the entire day relaxing as you float the Lazy River at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate. This adventure destination can fill the entire weekend without leaving the resort, for a great short trip away from home. Kids who love to play in water will love the zero entry family pool with the 125-ft corkscrew waterslide and water tower. They too can float the river to dodge the water cannons and waterfall. The Omni works hard to make this a fun place for kids. Upon check in each child receives a special backpack filled with coloring books, games, toys and a refillable canteen good at their restaurants. Poolside activities such as painting sand dollars or making sail boats provides good clean fun. A kid’s only area has video games, popcorn and more take-home crafts.
The Morean Center brought more than the hot Chihuly Exhibit to St. Petersburg, they’re heating up their classes too. Since the must-see trip through the exhibit is likely to ignite the inner glass artist in you, the center is now offering opportunities to try your hand (and mouth) at this ancient art form. New Parent Child Side-by-Side art classes are scheduled for the fall, which can be a wonderful bonding experience created through learning art together at the same time. Or, you can bond with your significant other during their Hot Date in the Hot Shop on select Friday nights this fall to have some hands-on fun with hot glass art. To keep the kids busy while you rekindle the flame, you can drop them off at their Kids Night Out program. Their fall catalog is now available online and their offerings are worth a look. They have classes for age 3 and up in a wide variety of subjects. So have a good adventure this year and introduce yourself and your kids to a new activity. Or, make plans to create original art for holiday gifts and give your loved ones something special and hand made. More informa on at MoreanArtsCenter.org
The food on site is satisfying and delicious, seasoned with organic herbs from their very own organic herb garden. Get a glimpse of the chef snipping herbs for the day’s meals or become intoxicated over the lavender. Among their offerings are Zen, food with a Chinese flair; casual poolside dining at Croc’s and an awesome breakfast buffet at Trevi’s. A restful adventure awaits you at the Omni Orlando Champions Gate – just a hop, skip and jump from the Tampa area. Omnihotels.com
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Chihuly Exhibit, Morean Center, St. Petersburg
adventures Science Kennedy Space Center Shakes Things Up A great day trip for space and science lovers is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The complex is truly modern and full of indoor and outdoor exhibits, many of them interactive and suitable for children. Meet a real astronaut at Astronaut Encounter, take in an IMAX movie and stroll through the Early Space Exploration building and sit in a moon vehicle, touch a real capsule and experience the history of the space program. Seeing the inside of a real Space Shuttle and Robot Scouts are great for kids, as is the Children’s Play Dome. But the true highlight of the visit is a simulated Space Shuttle launch at Shuttle Launch Experience. An entertaining pre-ride video takes the audience through what the astronauts do just prior to a shuttle launch. Then the audience is led into a simulator where after the countdown, the seats shake and rumble as riders rocket into the peace and solitude of outer space. For the extreme NASA fan, there are tours to the launch pad, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and much more. To plan your trip and get cket informa on and hours, go to KennedySpaceCenter.com
Theater A Trip Back in Time Experienced character actors guide visitors back to 1912, from the exciting time that preceded the fateful launch of the Titanic all the way through to the end. Upon entry, each person is given their own character card, representing an actual passenger. Along the way, the guide describes how your character may have traveled and at the end you learn the fate of your character. The 90-minute tour winds through rooms with exhibits and artifacts, all while the guide describes the sites and timeline in historical detail. The highlight is a replica of the Grand Staircase. The sinking is handled with care, not too graphic for children, but definitely stirs up tears of compassion. The entire experience is designed with respect and does not exploit the tragedy for the sake of it. The creator of this exhibit is G. Michael Harris, whose 2000 diving expedition is credited for the largest retrieval of artifacts from Titanic.
New to the exhibit this year are weekend dinner shows. The exhibit is transformed into a dining room where as part of the tour, guests get to help Captain E.J. Smith celebrate his retirement. A cast of character actors brings this unique event to life for the audience while combining living history with food and entertainment. One of the more meaningful theme shows you’ll experience, and the best new dinner show in Orlando! For ckets and tour informa on, www. tanicdinnerevent.com and www. tanictheexperience.com
25 GoodLiving / SEPT•OCT 2010
Joy and Happiness
are they the same thing?
by Sheryl Young “We just got engaged. We’re going to be so happy!” “I just want my children to be happy and healthy.” “I think this is the job that could make me happy.” We’ve all heard or even said things like this at some point in our lives. Of course, we want to be happy, and we want our loved ones to be happy. Who wouldn’t? On the other hand, how often do we hear about something called joy? Let’s see…mostly around the winter holidays, when we get the cards full of “Peace, love and joy.” So, are happiness and joy the same thing? Happiness often comes along as a momentary emotion when something good happens. It lasts a while, and then fades with the next bump in the road. If we set someone up as the object of our happiness, we’re putting a tremendous burden on them to keep us happy. Trying to be the entire source of making someone else happy is a grueling and exhausting task, too. No husband, wife, parent or child can be expected to make each other happy a hundred percent of the time. As for material things, many are the stories of how finally keeping up with the Joneses wasn’t what it started out to be. A house, car or career can make us relatively happy, unless we get wrapped up in them to the exclusion of having time for family and friends. And an award will eventually only gather dust on a shelf. What if we look at joy as more of an inner thing, a spiritual thing? A way to determine that no matter what comes our way, it’s good to be alive. That inner joy is something that could last through the downs as well as the ups of life.
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What if joy could overcome fear, regret and disappointment? Kat Heckenbach is a wife, homeschooling mom, and freelance writer in the Brandon area. She’s also a cancer survivor. She describes how that trial helped her identify her own source of true joy. “During my cancer, the joy came from being forced to focus on the essentials. I couldn’t worry about things like a nice house or car because I was struggling to survive the treatment. I took joy in every moment that I felt good. And I turned to God because He was the only true place of comfort I had. It taught me that all the other stuff really just doesn’t matter. Since then, joy has come when I’m able to let go of my desires for the things I don’t have, or the discontent with what I do have. That doesn’t always happen, and I get discouraged. But I look back at when I had only the thin string tying me to this life and how strong my relationship with God was at that time, and I’m able to refocus on Him. When it’s all stripped away I still have God, and He is entirely enough.” Tina Yeager, a licensed mental health counselor here in the Tampa area, provides general individual counseling and intensive outpatient after-school groups for teens with substance abuse issues. She’s discovered what can heal the chasm between elusive happiness and inner joy, both for herself and the people whom she helps through life’s issues: “Many of my clients have gone to desperate lengths in pursuit of happiness only to find that their journey has drained them of joy. Happiness rises and crashes with the conditions around us. Rather than chasing the waves of happiness, I advise clients to choose joy—an internal state of serenity. Joy must be cultivated. Deliberate focus on joy allows us to retain peace and hope regardless of our circumstances. I encourage clients to seek joy through a spiritual focus toward God and others, and thankfulness through journaling and prayer. Serving the needy also acts as powerful medicine against joy-starvation.” Do these ladies have the key to joy you’ve been searching for - or you haven’t tapped into for a while? Is there really an “empty place” some people talk about that can only be filled by a divine presence? Sales of books like The Purpose Driven Life and the Left Behind series wouldn’t go through the roof if people weren’t searching for a spiritual center. Doctors say their religious patients are healthier. Even Good Housekeeping magazine has cited research stating that spiritually centered people experience less depression, anxiety and may even live longer.1
True inner joy can help us overcome illness, depression, even addictions. Here are some more tips to finding joy: Elevate your relationships to the most intimate level possible. Like, keeping a regular date night with your husband, or eating dinner with the whole family and actually talking! Phrase questions that demand more than a “yes” or “no” answer. Join organizations like MOPS (Mothers-of-Preschoolers) or other groups of people that are in the same situation as yourself. Single? Sometimes, our married friends tend to exclude us. Don’t dwell on that. Find a creative interest, and join activities in groups of other singles with similar hobbies. Surround yourself with people who seem genuinely joyful. Be curious. Ask their secret! Seek out a church. Don’t fret over things people say about organized “religion.” Ask for guidance in finding the secret to heartfelt faith instead. Take some “me” time for prayer and exercise. We also mentioned journaling. While doing so daily, make a list of everything positive in your life. Check out resources like the ones listed below. Here’s to your peace, love and joy!
Suggested Resources: - Local Counselor Tina Yeager can be reached at Rehab After Work/Rehab After School, http://www.dancosby.com/ Rehab_After_Work.html or (813) 262-0471. - “The Joyful Journey,” Clairmont, Johnson, Meberg & Swindoll, Zondervan Publishing. - “Taking Care of the Me in Mommy: Becoming a Better Mom: Spirit, Body & Soul,” Lisa Welchel, Thomas Nelson. - “Say Goodbye to Regret: Living Beyond the Would-Haves, Could-Haves and Should-Haves,” Robert Jeffress, Multnomah. - “In Pursuit of Peace: 21 Ways to Conquer Anxiety, Fear and Discontentment,” Joyce Meyer, Warner Faith.
Footnote: 1 “Six ways to live longer and healthier,” Peg Rosen,
Good Housekeeping magazine, June 2002, pp. 53-54, citing a Duke University Med Center study. Sheryl Young lives in Tampa and is a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines covering poli cal and religious issues and author of What Every Chris an Should Know About the Jewish People published by Pleasant Word.
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events Walks and Runs
Alzheimer’s Associa on Memory Walk alz.org September 25 in St. Petersburg November 6 in Tampa
Fisher-Price Play Weekend September 18-19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo Ages 5 and under will delight in a giant play area filled with the coolest toys from Fisher-Price, including a chance to drive Power Wheels® vehicles around a track. Special character appearances by Diego from Nick Jr.’s™ “Go, Diego, Go!” on Saturday and other Fisher-Price friends on Sunday. Play activities are free with Zoo admission.
8th Annual Summer Fun Fest Health & Wellness Fair September 23 from 9 a.m. – 4. p.m. Largo Cultural Center Hosted by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Pinellas County. Free screenings, demonstrations, exhibits, lunch and prizes for seniors over 55. Largo Community Center. Must register by calling (727) 518-3131 by Sept. 17.
Coastal Cleanup with Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful Saturday, September 25, from 8 a.m. to noon Various Locations in Hillsborough County Thousands of volunteers are needed to pick up trash along coastlines, rivers and lakes during the 25th Anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup. We don’t have oil, but we have trash and it kills marine animals, too. A list of locations along with a registration form can be found at www.khcbonline.org or by calling (813) 960-5121.
See more good events or send us info about your event: TampaBayGoodLiving.com
World Animal Day with Nat Geo & Tamani’s 5th Birthday Party! Saturday, October 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo Join National Geographic Kids for a day of fun that includes a birthday celebration for Tamani, an African elephant calf. Party with music and games from Radio Disney, arts and crafts, and special family photography workshops for kids 3+ led by Dr. Mireya Mayor, a two-time Emmy Award-nominated field correspondent for the National Geographic Channel and host of the new series Wild Nights on the Nat Geo WILD network.
The St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading October 23 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. USF St. Petersburg This popular free family event brings readers face-to-face with authors and booksellers. Festivalofreading.com
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Komensuncoast.org October 2 St. Petersburg Mayor Iorio’s Fitness Walk tampagov.net October 2 Rowle Park, Tampa Buddy Walk DownSyndromeNetworkofPinellas.com October 9 Largo Central Park ASPCA 3K Pet Walk 3Kpetwalk.org Saturday, October 16 Straub Park, St. Petersburg American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer makingstrides.acsevents.org October 23 St. Petersburg and Pasco County Susan G. Komen 3-day Walk The3day.org October 29 to 31 The American Heart Associa on Heart Walk November 6 Tampa (see ad page 15) Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk Ligh henight.org November 6 in Clearwater November 13 in Tampa
2nd Annual NOPE Candlelight Vigil Thursday, October 28th, 7 p.m. Largo Central Park nope.pinellas@gmail.com The vigil is being held in memory of those hundreds that have been lost to alcohol and drug addiction in our community. They also will bring recognition to those still suffering from the disease of addiction here in the Tampa Bay Area.
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Healthier Kitchens by Pamela Ray A healthier kitchen is not only about the food. It’s also about how you cook it, store it, serve it and clean around it. A number of toxic chemicals reside in most kitchens, yet most families don’t even know their names. Learning the dangers that lurk in your home and making changes in the products you buy can reduce your family’s exposure to dangerous chemicals and help save the earth at the same. Today’s modern environment exposes children to more than 80,000 chemicals, most of which did not exist fifty years ago and are registered for use in commerce in the United States. These chemicals are used in a variety of daily items like plastics, household cleaners and personal care products. Federal law does not require pre-market safety testing for products that contain many of these chemicals. And of the 15,000 most commonly used chemicals, more than 80% have not been tested for potential health effects on children and none have been tested for health effects when they interact with one another. Because of this lack of testing, the health effects on children are not really known. Child health activists point to the increase of childhood diseases. The incidence of cancer in children jumped 26% between 1975 and 1998 and is the second-leading killer of American children, after injuries. The percentage of children with asthma has risen more than 200% from 1980 to today and that rate is rising more rapidly in pre-school-aged children than in any age group. Allergic dermatitis (itchy rash) has increased over 300% from the 1960s to the 1990s. Hay fever is now believed to affect up to 40% of children. Diagnoses for ADHD and autism have jumped almost 400% in the last twenty years. Autism now afflicts one of every 150 American children.
Carcinogens that cause cancer and/or pro- Neurotoxins alter neurons, affecting brain mote cancer’s growth activity, causing a range of problems from Endocrine disruptors that mimic human headaches to loss of intellect.
hormones and are linked to reduced fertility, premature puberty, miscarriage, menstrual problems, challenged immune systems, abnormal prostate size, ADHD, Hazardous chemical ingredients in household non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and certain products fall into these major categories: cancers.
Busy parents don’t always have the time or know where to go to find important information about the products they use. And if they do, much of that information is difficult to interpret. A breakdown of chemicals is listed in the sidebar to this article, “Know Their Names.”
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Healthier Kitchens
Plastics: Storing and Serving Food Plastic is everywhere and so who would think this pervasive modern invention could be dangerous to our health? Unfortunately for plastic lovers, researchers have found that some plastics leach harmful chemical into foods and drinks, especially when it comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and microwaving, as a result of harsh cleaners and when exposed to excessive moisture. More than 100 studies have found unhealthy issues with Bisphenol A or BPA, but not enough for the EPA to make a ruling. So EPA or not, many families are wising up about BPA and its other dangerous partners, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and phthalate. Many plastic items contain these chemicals, including baby bottles, plastic bowls and take-out food containers.
Plastics come in different forms and knowing what’s what can be confusing. First, learn the plastic numbering system (1 – 7) and start looking for the triangle symbol on the bottom of plastics used for identification. The safer choices to use with food are 1, 2, 4 and 5. Learn to recognize, and then avoid, polycarbonate (number 7) for food usage. Polycarbonate plastics are hard and clear. Common items made from this BPA-containing plastic are food storage containers, baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, bowls and tableware. Also avoid #3, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and #6, polystyrene. “I routinely flip everything over to see what number is on the bottom,” said Cindy N., mother of 4 in Palm Harbor. “When shopping, I just have to remember 7 – 3 – 6. Don’t buy anything with a 7, a 3 or a 6.”
some tips for Using Plastic More Safely in the Kitchen
Retire old plastic containers that are heavily worn or scratched as they tend to leach increasing amounts of toxins as they age. Be careful serving and storing hot foods or foods made with fats or oils in plastic containers. These foods more readily facilitate the transfer of plastic toxins. Never microwave foods in plastic containers. “Microwave safe” means the container won’t melt or warp, but doesn’t mean it won’t leach. Heating plastics increases the potential for leaching of chemicals into your food.
Never microwave food in yogurt tubs, take-out bowls or other one-time use containers. These containers can warp or melt, possibly caus causing harmful chemicals t migrate into the food. to
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Avoid using plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap products or make sure the brand is free from both BPA and PVC. Ziploc, Glad and Saran are promoted as being free of BPA and PVC – but remember that these plastics live for 1,000 years in our landfills. Remember that if you are pregnant or nursing, BPA chemicals are passed through your bloodstream directly to your baby. “Getting rid of plastics in the kitchen really wasn’t that hard,” said Michelle M., mother of three in Tampa. “I switched to stainless steel and glass storage containers and then dumped all the cheap plastic and melamine plates in exchange for my mom’s old Corelle dishes. I feel so much better knowing my children are a little safer at home.” Moms have options now. Baby bottles made from glass and sippy cups made of stainless steel can now be found at most discount stores and online. Even lunch containers are going plastic free for good health and to reduce waste. According to Kids Konserve, the average child generates 67 pounds of lunchtime trash per year. Their Waste-Free Lunch Kit has stainless steel bowls and beverage bottle, plus a reusable sandwich wrap. As far as glass goes, Pyrex has stood the test of time as a durable option for cooking, storage and serving. Discount stores carry child-size glass dishes, including Corelle, a hit from the 70’s, which is lightweight glass that resists chipping. These staples from the past may not be as colorful, cheap or convenient as plastic, but peace of mind is well worth the switch.
Healthier Kitchens
Toxic Household Cleaners
Non-stick Cookware
Why is it that most cleaning products bear the warning “Keep Out of Reach of Children” in bold type on the label? Consumer may mistakenly believe that if children don’t ingest these products they will not be harmed by them. Truth is the most common methods of exposure are absorption through the skin and inhaling chemicals into the respiratory tract. We use them in combinations on a typical cleaning day, so it’s possible for a house to contain a mixture of fumes at one time. While a home may “smell” clean, it’s the fumes and residue you smell. Bear in mind that children pick up that residue on floors, counters, highchair trays, toys and bathtubs – all places that little hands touch before going into the mouth.
Today’s Teflon-coated pans were first marketed as The Happy Pan in 1961. Housewives marveled at their non-stick capabilities and they grew in popularity through the decades. However, the chemical that is Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), has created some not-so-happy controversy about its safety to animals and humans. There are no official government warnings about PTFE at this time, but here a few tips about using them more safely. Don’t overheat a non-stick pan. Use it with low or medium heat only. Leaving it on the burner could cause it release unhealthy chemicals that have been known to kill pet birds. Once a pan has been overheated, discard it. If a pan has been chipped or scraped, toss it to avoid chemicals leeching into food. Avoid purchasing low end pots and pans as they may only have one to two layers of non-stick coating. The best quality pans have seven layers of coating and pose a smaller risk. To test, rub the surface. If you feel tiny ridges, there’s probably only one layer. A good nonstick finish is smooth with a matte finish. If it’s shiny, it’s been coated with silicon and that’s a definite NO for cooking with animal fats. PTFE can block the action of estrogen in our bodies and cause harm to lungs. If you’d rather avoid nonstick altogether, then go with traditional cookware like cast iron, stainless steel, anodized aluminum or enamel-coated cast iron. For affordable enamel-coated cast iron cookware, go to Greencookingpots.com.
The scientific lingo on labels can challenge even the most conscientious parent. Or as in the case of Lysol 4 in 1 All Purpose Cleaner, the very small type on the back of the label is not readable through the liquid. To simplify matters, know that cleaning products are required by law to use one of three words to describe the level of danger:
Caution One ounce to one pint may be harmful or fatal to a 180pound male Warning One teaspoon to one ounce may be harmful or fatal to a 180-pound male
Danger One taste to one teaspoon is fatal to a 180-pound male A simple rule of thumb is to avoid using any product that reads “Warning” or “Danger.” Research the chemicals listed on product labels through the Household Products Database (www.householdproducts. nlm.nih.gov), the Cosmetics Database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com), Toxnet (www.toxnet.nlm.nih.gov) and Scorecard (www.scorecard.org). The safest course of action a consumer can take is to be informed and make an effort to know their products. Avoid products with fragrances. A clean home should smell like nothing at all. Purchase cleaners that are made from good, old-fashioned common ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, lemon juice and borax. Indigo Wild produces a line of cleaners call Zum Clean that can be found at Whole Foods Market. Their Sink & Surface Scrub and Granite & Countertop Cleaner are free from toxic chemicals and actually work. For someone who’d rather go homemade rather than seek out the right products to buy, here is an easy recipe for a general household cleaner. Perhaps pool together other moms and make a large recipe at one time or share with others as gifts.
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recipes Healthy Household Cleaner
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Mix together
Mix together
1 Tbsp of Borax powder (find it in the laundry aisle of your supermarket) 3 Tbsp of white vinegar 2 cups of water 1 tablespoon of dish soap 1 drop of essential oil such as peppermint for fragrance (optional) Pour into a reusable spray bottle. For a simple toy cleaner, fill a spray bottle with non-chlorine bleach (3% hydrogen peroxide) and wipe with a paper towel. Dishwashing detergent is harsh and full of chemicals you probably don’t want on your dishes. Use this environmentally friendly dishwasher soap instead:
1 cup washing soda 1 cup borax 1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup citric acid Store tightly covered in a Mason Jar. Use one tablespoon per load. Add vinegar to the rinse dispenser for the best results. Made by Arm and Hammer, washing soda can be found at Amazon.com, if not at a local store. Borax is usually found in the laundry aisle. Kosher salt is with the spices and if you can’t find food-grade citric acid like Fruit Fresh, use unsweetened lemonade packets.
know their names Pes cides Common sense tells us that killing household germs protects our health. However disinfectants are pes cides, and the ingredients in pes cides o en include carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Pes cides are fat-soluble, making them difficult to eliminate from the body once ingested. Pes cides, including disinfectants, may also include alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs). Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) These lower the surface tension of liquids and help cleaning solu ons spread more easily over the surface to be cleaned and penetrate solids. APEs are found in detergents, disinfectants, allpurpose cleaners and laundry cleansers. They are also found in many self-care items including spermicides, sanitary towels and disposable diapers. APEs are endocrine disruptors. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a preservave, germicide, bactericide and fungicide. It is found in household cleaners, disinfectants, nail polish and other personal care products. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen.
Organochlorines (OCs) A combina on of hydrogen and carbon, some types are highly deadly, such as DDT. OCs are bioaccumula ve which means they collect in bodies. OCs are present in pes cides, detergents, de-greasers and bleaches. OCs are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
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Styrene A substance derived from the styrax tree that is used in plas cs such as plas c food wrap, insulated cups, floor waxes, polishes and metal cleaners. Styrene is a known carcinogen as well as an endocrine disruptor. Exposure may affect the central nervous system, liver and reproduc ve system. Phthalates Phthalates are most commonly used in the manufacture of plas cs. Phthalates are also used as carriers for perfumes and air fresheners and as skin penetra on enhancers for products such as moisturizers. These chemicals are classified as inert and have no product-labeling requirements. They are endocrine disruptors and suspected carcinogens. Phthalates are known to cause hormonal abnormali es, thyroid disorders, birth defects and reproduc ve problems. Pregnant women are the most at risk, because phthalates can enter the womb and expose the fetus during cri cal periods of development. Vola le Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are emi ed as gases suspending themselves in the air. VOCs include an array of chemicals and are present in perfumes, air fresheners, disinfectants and deodorizers. VOC compounds pose a variety of human health hazards and collec vely are thought to be reproduc ve toxins, neurotoxins, liver toxins and carcinogens.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is commonly used in polycarbonate plas c products such as baby bo les and in the resins of can liners for most food products in order to stave off bacterial contamina on of the product and to increase shelf life. There has been great concern over the safety of Bisphenol A, par cularly in baby bo les and liquid baby formula cans, as the chemical can leach. BPA, in the body, is thought to mimic the hormone Estrogen, which has raised concern regarding its possible effects on hormonal development. Canada is the first and only country to iden fy Bisphenol A as a toxic substance and ban its use in a food grade product.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) commonly referred to as vinyl, is the most hazardous plas c on the market. PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment. Some chemicals that are released during the PVC life cycle are mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, all of which have been proven to be harmful to human health.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon and other non-s ck pans. PTFE may be linked to respiratory disorders and chemical pneumonia. It has also been known to kill household birds when a pan is overheated.
My Story by Sharon Blair
The Jennifer Act HELPING THE ADDICTED Sharon Blair with daughters Sarah and Jennifer
I don’t stand alone. I stand with other mothers who have been devastated by losing our children to drug overdoses/ drug related issues. We are now courageously taking our sorrow, pain and grief and turning our energies into the development of advocacy groups, laws and organizations that help others who are where our children once were. Through education and awareness, we can: Offer help and hope to those whose lives are out of control. We can help others understand the disease of addiction and its power over the mind and body. We can change the perception of the disease by teaching society that the addicted are not the stereotypes of the outcasts, but as human beings who need us all to help them get intervention and treatment. We are teaching lawmakers, legislators, judges, policeman, pastors and layman alike. We are exposing a subject that no one wants to talk about for different reasons.
No one starts out saying, “I think I will be an addict.” It comes about for many different reasons. It goes from “trying it” to being addicted to it as a gradual progression of the disease. We mothers who have watched our children suffer, go through withdrawal multiple times, overdose and face incarceration know the power of addiction. Those who have buried their children, like me, know the deep, deep agony of the supreme pain of losing them. We don’t want any other mother or father or family to have to go through this crushing and devastating experience. So myself and others are initiators of laws and educators from our experiences. I wrote The Jennifer Act bill draft for Florida after watching my daughter Jennifer suffer for over 12 long and painful years with a drug addiction that took her young life last year on Jan.15, 2009. I saw her lying dead on a cold steal table at the coroner’s office in Largo, Fl. last year. That has changed my life forever. FOREVER!
Please support our legislative bills and our advocacy groups. Please take us and the issue of addiction serious. We are trying Maybe addiction has not touched their family. Maybe they to save other children, teens and adults who are caught in the think it’s all a matter of will power. Maybe they stereotype the trap of addiction. We are giving it all we’ve got, and then some, addicted as those who are shooting up in a dirty alley, lying in with a broken heart and tears running down our faces. a ditch or sleeping on a park bench. Or maybe they are somebody’s child – like mine!
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By Sharon Blair (Jennifer’s mom) Visit her website at TheJenniferAct.com
Finding Family Balance by Judy Weyand
Family balance is a tall order. Dual incomes, jobs that require travel, longer hours at work, sprawling suburban communities that require a vehicle to get anywhere, technology … There are so many things that make it tough to balance life in the family. Most have to do with time constraints – the hurry, hurry routine – and the many distractions that invade and clutter family life. What do you think of when you think of family balance? Is it having the time to enjoy each other without feeling like something else is being cheated? One mom I recently spoke with told me that for her, balance is having time to spend on what’s really important – the kids and their needs and supervision, as well as time to work in the yard or do some other projects around the house that she looks forward to: “I want my kids to have neighborhood friends and enjoy playing outside with other kids in the neighborhood, you know – sandboxes and swings, bikes and lemonade stands; nothing fancy, just normal ‘kid’ activities.” Based on my own experience, I’ll bet many of you want the same thing. But, is balance in family life achievable in our ever-faster moving world? The answer to that question really depends on what you value most. For some, running around like a taxi cab on weekends driving your children to friends’ parties or play dates seems to work. Many parents are logistics experts – squeezing as much activity into as little time as possible in order to fit it all in. For others this routine doesn’t work well. Think about the comments of the mom above.
Here are some things to think about and reflect on: When you think about the many things that comprise your family life, what things ma er most to your family members? On a daily basis, when do you feel most anxious about family life? Iden fy one thing within your family life that no one would miss if it didn’t exist. What most influences the way your family spends its me?
Now, think of one of your children and imagine them twenty years from now. They have just written an essay entitled “What I Value Most and Why”. As you read their words, an overwhelming sense of peace overtakes you. Now think of your own childhood, “What do you remember most about growing up at home? What had the most positive and negative impact on your social, emotional, and moral development?” Self reflection helps in uncovering closely held values and beliefs that will lead to finding your family’s heartbeat. With the end in mind, start today by modeling and mentoring your most coveted values and beliefs. Identifying and passing those values on to your children helps in clearly defining and directing activities and actions leading to family balance.
Judy is a cer fied professional coach, na onal speaker, and co-developer of Take Charge! Raise Leaders! Takechargeraiseleaders.com a program designed to empower families to find their heartbeat and use that heartbeat to create balance and leadership at home and in the world. Weyand & Wendlek Associates weyandwendlek.com offers consul ng, coaching and a network of experts available 24/7 with Take Charge! Raise Leaders! Judy welcomes comments and ques ons at: jweyand@weyandwendlek.com
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