Wellness

Music trains the nervous system and improves learning ability

(NaturalNews) Researchers from Northwestern University recently published a series of data in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience, revealing that music plays an important role in nervous system development. According to various, diverse scientific literature, musical training improves the brain's overall ability to learn new things.

After poring through data from numerous labs and research centers around the world, Nina Kraus, lead author of the report, and her team, came to realize how valuable music is in enhancing learning ability.

"The brain is unable to process all of the available sensory information from second to second, and thus must selectively enhance what is relevant. Playing an instrument primes the brain to choose what is relevant in a complex process that may involve reading or remembering a score, timing issues and coordination with other musicians," she explained.

In other words, musical training helps to develop the foundation for thinking by which cognitive function is able to improve throughout a person's lifetime.

"Science has studied the effects on humans of various kinds of sound, and the consensus is that the right sort of music definitely has a beneficial effect on our state of health," explains Alfred Vogel in his book The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

The data also revealed that children who receive musical training are more adept at interpreting pitch changes in speech, and they generally have a better vocabulary and reading ability than children who receive no musical training.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/nu-tms071510.php

http://www.naturalpedia.com/Music-19.html

Organic sulfur crystals are a miracle food that provides amazing health benefits

(NaturalNews) In order to achieve and maintain truly vibrant health, the cells in your body need plenty of oxygen. But most of the foods people eat lack the basic nutritional elements that not only provide this oxygen, but that facilitate its movement throughout the body and amongst the cells. This is where sulfur comes in. Sulfur is a nutrient compound found in all living organisms that is absolutely vital for proper health, but most of us fail to get enough of it, even when trying to eat healthy.

Prior to the days of petro-chemical fertilizers, farmers applied animal manure to crops, which enriched soil naturally with high levels of sulfur. But today, the industrialized farming methods employed by the large agri-giants that grow most of our food have virtually eliminated necessary sulfur from not only the soil, but from food itself. And what little sulfur is left in food gets eliminated through processing, refrigeration, dehydration and cooking.

Some NaturalNews readers are probably already familiar with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), the chemical name for sulfur, and some may already take this supplement, but did you know that many powdered supplement versions of MSM have lost most of their potency due to processing? When sulfur crystals are converted into powdered form, as most are, they lose about 85 percent of their effectiveness. And they become even less effective when synthetic anti-caking agents are added.

Hesh Goldstein, nutritionist and moderator of the radio show "Health Talk Hawaii", has introduced a potent, crystallized form of organic sulfur crystals that far surpasses most other MSM products on the market. Goldstein's crystals are made from the lignans of pine trees, which according to Goldstein, is the most effective form. These organic sulfur crystals are highly at preventing, and treating, a whole host of diseases and illnesses.

Some of the many benefits of organic sulfur crystals include:

-Increasing enzyme production within bodily glands and improving resistance to illness -Increasing flexibility in muscle tissue -Increasing blood circulation -Reducing muscle inflammation and promoting muscle healing -Promoting the healthy growth of hair and fingernails -Discouraging the growth of cancer cells through oxygenation -Reversing osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease -Promoting healthy skin production and reducing wrinkles -Regulating insulin production -Improving colon function and eliminating colonic parasites

Twelve years ago, researchers began the Cellular Matrix Study, the purpose of which is to evaluate the effects of sulfur on cell regeneration. Patrick McGean, director of the study, had successfully used organic sulfur crystals to cure his son's terminal germ cell testicular cancer.

Since it started, the study has found that people from around the world have experienced similar incredible results from taking organic sulfur crystals. Diabetics have significantly lowered or even eliminated the need for taking insulin, people with high blood pressure no longer need medication, and people with osteoporosis have reversed their bone loss.

You can learn more about Hesh Goldstein's organic sulfur crystals at his website: http://www.healthtalkhawaii.com/Health_Talk_Hawaii/Products_%26_Services.html

The Story of Cosmetics – New groundbreaking animation about the deadly chemicals in personal care products

(NaturalNews) A new animation video from The Story of Stuff Project, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Free Range Studios deals a devastating blow to the chemical industry with a straightforward, hard-hitting and entertaining look at the toxicity of cosmetics and personal care products.

Narrated by Annie Leonard, who also narrated the hugely popular Story of Stuff animations, this new cosmetics animation takes aim at the toxic cosmetics industry, exposing how many popular brand-name products contain cancer causing chemicals.

Watch the video animation right now on NaturalNews.TV: http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=DF7480A7C06A9D99B9F641B0F0D4AB00

Talking about shampoo products, Annie says, "Pantene contains a chemical linked to cancer. And lots of other products in my bathroom, from sunscreen to lipstick and even baby shampoo, also contain chemicals linked to cancer or other problems like learning disabilities, asthma and even damaged sperm."

The animation goes on to explain the aggregate toxic burden of personal care products on the lives of everyday consumers:

"The average woman in the U.S. uses about twelve personal care products daily... each product containing a dozen or more chemicals. Less than 20 percent of the chemicals used in cosmetics have been assessed for safety by the industry safety panel, so we just don't know what they do to us when we use them."

"It's like a giant experiment," Annie continues. "We're using all these mystery chemicals and just waiting to see what happens... The FDA doesn't even assess the safety of personal care products or their ingredients... they don't even require that all the ingredients be listed on the label!"

Why telling the truth threatens Big Business in America
Annie has done a great job with The Story of Cosmetics. The information presented in this video is unusually blunt for someone who has achieved mainstream popularity and recognition in the popular press.

The video takes direct aim at Herbal Essences shampoo from Proctor and Gamble (the company I consider to be the Monsanto of the body care industry), saying, "This is Proctor and Gamble. They're the ones offering me Herbal Essences, the number two shampoo in the country. It contains toxic petrochemicals made from oil. Since when is oil an herb?"

Astonishingly, Annie even takes aim at the bogus pink ribbon breast cancer fundraising scam by showing an image of an Estee Lauder product with a pink ribbon on the package. She says, "Ooh, here's Estee Lauder offering me a chance to help find a cure for breast cancer. That's nice, but wait... they're also using chemicals linked to cancer! Don't you think the best way for Estee Lauder to fight cancer is to stop using those chemicals in the first place?"

Sounds like Annie has been reading NaturalNews, eh? Good for her! In fact, if you just read the script of the video, you might think it was written by NaturalNews. It's the kind of information we've been putting out for years. Similarly, the Organic Consumers Association (www.OrganicConsumers.org) has been leading the charge on organic body care labeling reform, and experts like Dr. Samuel Epstein (www.PreventCancer.com) has been on the march even longer, attempting to warn Americans about the toxicity of cosmetics and personal care products for over a decade.

Now with this Story of Cosmetics, Annie Leonard has joined the ranks of those who ruffle the feathers of big industry. You can now expect a massive assault on Annie from privately-contracted hackers, social network spammers, flamers, character assault specialists and other muckrakers who are secretly hired by the corporations who stand to lose big if Annie's message results in new regulation. Welcome to the club, Annie: In America, telling the truth always gets you in trouble. Especially if you tell the sort of truth that protects the People from the toxic chemicals promoted by Big Business.

I wonder if Annie will someday do a video called The Story of Chemotherapy and expose the scam of the cancer industry, too? That would be beyond hilarious...

How about The Story of Fluoride and the mass poisoning of the water supply with a toxic, cancer-causing chemical?

Or even better, The Story of Psychiatric Drugging of Children which exposes the mass chemical poisoning of our children with psych drugs. That story, of course, is already being told over at CCHR (www.CCHR.org) through other videos.

I don't know if Annie Leonard has the courage to go after these industries, but she's shown some real backbone in attacking the toxic personal care industries, that's for sure. Give her credit where it's due: She's managed to find an entertaining, mass-media way to tell the truth about toxic personal care products, and she's getting good traction with the mainstream media on this issue, too. For that, she deserves a medal or something. But instead of a medal, she'll probably get raked over the coals by the chemical industry goons. If there's one thing Big Business can't stand in America, it's someone telling people the truth that exposes industry lies.

Exposing the lies of the toxic chemical industries in America comes with a very heavy price. Yet it remains the most important task we can all pursue right now because to take back our health, we must all speak out and dare to tell the truth about the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and vaccines that are killing us all and destroying the future of life on our planet.

Good job, Annie. Keep up the great work. (And don't forget to duck.)

Watch The Story of Cosmetics on NaturalNews.TV: http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=DF7480A7C06A9D99B9F641B0F0D4AB00

Learn more at: www.SafeCosmetics.org www.EWG.org www.OrganicConsumers.org

New Hope for Beating Autism on the next NaturalNews Talk Hour

(NaturalNews) This week's NaturalNews Talk Hour features "New Hope for Beating Autism" with our special guest Dr. Edward Group. We'll talk about natural alternatives to vaccines, healthy detoxification techniques and healthy diet tips to promote natural healing.

What do YOU think causes autism? The next Talk Hour takes a closer look - Click Here for our NaturalNews.tv video, show details and to post your comments.

Our show begins this Thursday evening at 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern, and registration is FREE. Simply enter your email address in the registration form on the right column of this page and you'll receive call-in details for the show.

Thank you so much - what you all are doing is such a wonderful service. - Kathleen

What is Autism?

According to the Autism Research Institute, autism is a severe developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first two-and-a-half years of life. Most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but spend their time engaged in puzzling and disturbing behaviors which are markedly different from those of typical children. Less severe cases may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or with Asperger's Syndrome (these children typically have normal speech, but they have many "autistic" social and behavioral problems).

Click here for our NaturalNews.tv video on Autism plus show details. Jonathan Landsman, Host of the Talk Hour says, "Dr. Group has a passion (second to none) for formulating some of the best nutritional supplements on the market. During our show - parents will discover all-natural, safe and effective ways of treating autism. The bottom line - there is a NEW hope."

Is there an Autism - Vaccination Connection?

During the 1970's and 80's, the federal government established goals for improving vaccination rates. To administer more vaccines - the government implemented nationwide vaccine initiatives, which included offering federal grants to states and encouraging strict enforcement (state mandates for forced vaccination).

During this time period, the number of mandated vaccines gradually increased (from 8 in 1980 to 22 in 2000) as vaccination became a requirement for a much younger population (the majority of all 30 childhood vaccines are administered before the age of 18 months). Autism rates are increasing at an alarming rate - there's much more to this story - join us.

This week's guest: Dr. Edward Group
Dr. Edward Group - "New Hope for Beating Autism" Thu. June 22nd

Dr. Group founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer. Heading up the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the Internet.

Attention Parents! Spread the word, join us for some life-saving information and connect with other NaturalNews readers. Space is limited. Be sure to call a few minutes early to reserve your spot on the show. Register now using the email form in the right column, and you will be emailed show details. Register Now!

Antioxidants help arteries stay healthy in people at risk for heart disease

(NaturalNews) Antioxidants are substances that protect cells against the effects of free radicals -- molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to environmental toxins and radiation. Free radicals are believed to play a role in heart disease, cancer and other disorders. So it makes sense that antioxidants could help protect or even treat many health problems.

However, some poorly designed studies have given antioxidants mixed results (http://www.naturalnews.com/023357_pharmas_antioxidants_vitamins.html) and resulted in the mainstream media reporting that antioxidants are virtually worthless. But new research provides hard evidence that taking antioxidant supplements long-term produces dramatic benefits in people with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

That's the conclusion of a randomized, controlled trial of vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium capsules. The research results, just reported in BioMed Central's journal Nutrition and Metabolism, show these dietary antioxidants produce multiple positive effects on sugar and fat metabolism, blood pressure and arterial flexibility (which allows blood to move freely through the body).

The study was conducted by scientist Reuven Zimlichman and his research team at Wolfson Medical Center in Israel. They randomly divided 70 high blood pressure patients into two groups. One group was given antioxidants supplements and the other took placebo capsules for six months. Those taking the antioxidants received vitamin C (1000 mg/day), vitamin E (400 i.u/day), coenzyme Q10 (120 mg/day) and selenium (200 mcg/day).

Tests at the beginning of the trial, after three months, and again after six months documented that patients in the antioxidant group had marked improvements in their cardiovascular health. They had more elastic arteries and better blood sugar levels. In addition, their cholesterol profiles were healthier with a significant increase in HDL, the so-called "good", heart-protective cholesterol. In fact, the researchers concluded "antioxidant supplements have the potential to alleviate atherosclerotic damage.."

"Antioxidant supplementation significantly increased large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. This beneficial vascular effect was associated with an improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as significant decrease in blood pressure," Dr. Zimlichman said in a statement to the media. "The findings of the present study justify investigating the overall clinical impact of antioxidant treatment in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors."

More hopeful news for heart patients: another study by Dr. Zimlichman and colleagues published in the June issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, found that taking the amino acid L-arginine long-term also helped people with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 90 patients were assigned to receive either oral L-arginine capsules or placebo capsules. After six months, tests indicated those taking L-arginine had improved vascular health -- including a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure.

For more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20604917 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20531213 http://www.naturalnews.com/021976.html

This Vital Vitamin Reduces Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Pre-eclampsia in Pregnancy by 30 Percent

British researchers have concluded pregnant women should be advised to take vitamin D, saying that there is a "strong case" to support the vitamin's benefits.

The researchers wrote in the British Journal of Nutrition that vitamin D will benefit pregnant women and reduce the risk of diseases such as infantile hypocalcaemia and rickets.

NutraIngredients reports:

"[The researchers] said the UK was the only country in 31 that did not officially recommend vitamin D ...  the UK was the only one of 31 countries examined which did not recommend that women of reproductive age took a vitamin D supplement."

The Hidden and Pervasive Cause of High Blood Pressure

People who eat a diet high in fructose are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension. The results of a study suggest that cutting back on foods and beverages containing a lot of fructose might decrease your risk of developing hypertension.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart and kidney diseases. An increase in the general consumption of fructose, which is used to sweeten a wide variety of processed foods, has occurred at the same time as a rise in the prevalence of hypertension.

According to Newswise:

"The study involved 4,528 US adults 18 years of age or older with no prior history of hypertension. Study participants answered questions related to their consumption of foods and beverages such as fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery products, and candy."

How to Avoid Becoming a Bug Buffet this Summer

By Dr. Mercola

You may be one of those people for whom summer is far too brief!

But like it or not, most of you have only a few short months to enjoy the great outdoors in most of the continental U.S. Why waste it battling those pesky summertime insects?

If you've spent six or more months stuck inside buildings under cover from rain, snow and sleet, you may be looking forward to spending a few precious days outside, be it gardening, or summer sports like softball, camping and hiking—or maybe just evening strolls around the neighborhood.

Regardless of your preferred activity, bugs can be a real annoyance, as well as carriers of disease.

The good news is, there are some tricks to keeping those annoying arthropods at bay, and they don't involve applying dangerous TOXIC chemicals to your skin. And there are also natural remedies if you do fall victim to a bite or sting.

A Few Fascinating Mosquito Facts

Here are some fun facts about the little bloodsuckers^[1]:

• Mosquitoes do not feed on blood -- they actually feed on plant nectars. Females use blood to nourish their eggs prior to laying, imbibing about 5 millionths of a liter per "feeding."
• Mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other body chemicals, as well as your body heat, and can sense these from 25-35 meters.
• Women, and people drinking beer, have been shown to be more attractive to mosquitoes. So if you're a woman drinking a beer, watch out.
• Blonds seem to be more attractive to mosquitoes than brunettes.
• In one study, a full moon increased mosquito activity 500 percent.
• If you turn on a light at night you will have noticed that it is magnet for bugs. What most people are not aware of is that if you use a newer LED bulb it will NOT attract bugs. This is because most LED bulbs do not emit wavelengths in the UV spectrum like incandescents or fluorescents do

Simple Preventative Measures

The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to prevent coming into contact with them in the first place.

You can avoid most assaults by staying inside around dawn and dusk, which is when they are most active. If you must be out during those times, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, hats and socks. Mosquitoes are also thicker in shrubby areas and near standing water.

The American Mosquito Control Association has a list of things you can do to prevent mosquito breeding on your property.

Bat houses are becoming increasingly popular since bats are voracious consumers of insects, especially mosquitoes. For more on buying a bat house or constructing one yourself, visit the Organization for Bat Conservation.

As recently reported by the New York Times, a simple house fan may also be all you need to keep mosquitoes at bay in your backyard, because:

"A fan dilutes and disperses the carbon dioxide you exhale. Carbon dioxide is one of the major chemicals that attract mosquitoes.

The wind from a fan also cools you off. Sweat, lactic acid and body heat attract mosquitoes — factors that a fan can help minimize."

Similarly, avoiding physical exertion that makes you hot and sweaty can help you avoid getting bit. A New York Times article from 2008 states that:

"... cues like body temperature, carbon dioxide in the breath and certain skin chemicals like lactic acid all help mosquitoes orient and find their next meal. Exercise boosts the levels of all three signals, making people more vulnerable to mosquito bites during or after exercise.There is [also] some suggestion mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors, so donning a white shirt may help reduce bites."

Barring any of those options, if you are going to be outside with your skin exposed during mosquito season, you may want to protect yourself with a repellent.

Steer Clear of Anything Containing DEET!

The most commonly used chemical in commercial insect repellents is DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). DEET was patented by the U.S. Army in 1946 and is still widely used. Currently, DEET is used in more than 230 different products -- in concentrations of up to an astounding 100 percent.

If a chemical melts plastic or fishing line, it's not wise to apply it to your skin -- and that is exactly what DEET does.

Duke University Medical Center pharmacologist Mohamed Abou-Donia spent 30 years researching the effects of pesticides. He discovered that prolonged exposure to DEET can impair cell function in parts of your brain -- demonstrated in the lab by death and behavioral changes in rats with frequent or prolonged DEET use.

The rats given small doses of DEET for 60 days had a difficult time performing even the easiest tasks, such as walking.

DEET was found to cause:

• Problems controlling muscle movement, memory, concentration and learning
• Eye and skin irritation
• Headaches
• Weakness and fatigue
• Muscle pain, joint pain, and tremors
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Making matters worse, DEET is also combined with other chemicals in many products, in combinations found to be more dangerous than DEET alone, according to Abou-Donia. Other things can also react with DEET -- like chemicals in your skin care products, and even your medications.

In addition, there are other potentially harmful chemicals in bug sprays, one of which is permethrin.

Permethrin is a member of the synthetic pyrethroid family, all of which are neurotoxins. The EPA has even deemed this chemical carcinogenic -- it causes lung tumors, liver tumors, immune system problems, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Permethrin is also damaging to the environment, and it is particularly toxic to bees and aquatic life.

It should also be noted that permethrin is highly toxic to cats^[2] . Even a few drops can be lethal to your feline pet. It is used as an ingredient in some topical flea products, so when you see "for dogs only" on the label, it likely contains permethrin.

Natural Insect Repellant Alternatives

Fortunately, there are VERY effective repellents on the market, comprised of natural botanical oils and extracts that are every bit as effective as DEET but with none of the potentially harmful effects.

In one study, cinnamon oil performed better at killing mosquitoes than DEET.

Another option is to use the safe solution I have formulated. It's a natural insect repellant with a combination of citronella, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, and vanillin, which is a dynamite blend of natural plant extracts. In fact, an independent study showed BUG OFF to be more effective than a product containing 100 percent DEET! And it's safe for you, your children, and your pets.

There is also some evidence that consuming garlic can protect you from mosquitoes and ticks.

Treating Bites and Stings with Herbs and Other Natural Agents

There are many herbs and other natural agents that are soothing to the skin, and many have anti-inflammatory properties. You may want to experiment with some of these for your occasional mosquito bites:

• Aloe Vera: One of the most nutritionally alive plants on earth, aloe contains over 130 active compounds and 34 amino acids that are beneficial to your skin.
• Calendula: This is an herb that I actually use in several of my skin care products for its soothing, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties.
• Chamomile: The most soothing herb of all, whether used in a tea or applied to the skin. It is rich in the bioflavonoids apigenin, luteolin and quercetin.
• Cinnamon: In addition to possibly repelling mosquitoes, cinnamon has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Cucumbers are helpful for reducing swelling.
• Honey: Raw organic honey has many powerful healing qualities and has been used for centuries. An especially powerful variety is Manuka honey from New Zealand, made from the bees that feed on the flowers of the Manuka bush, also known as the "Tea Tree." The Manuka tree is a relative of the Melaleuka tree, from which tea tree oil is derived.
• Lavender: One of the most popular essential oils for its calming scent, lavender is as antimicrobial as it is soothing.
• Neem Oil: The oil of the Neem tree (L. Azadirachta indica) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine^[3]. Neem is effective against fungal conditions, boils, eczema, and ringworm, and it would undoubtedly help an insect bite as well.
• Tea Tree Oil: From the Melaleuca alternifolia plant of Australia and widely used by the aboriginals, tea tree oil is helpful for healing cuts, burns, infections and a multitude of other skin afflictions. It is also a good antimicrobial, including fungal infections.

A Sting Operation: How Do the Remedies Stack Up?

William Brantley of Slate.com^[4] was curious enough about bee sting remedies that he actually conducted his own semi-scientific experiment. Working with a beekeeper friend, he allowed himself to be stung several times so that he could methodically test out a variety of pharmaceutical and natural remedies.

He kept a running log of symptoms -- pain, swelling and itching -- and logged them using a 10-point scale every 30 minutes, for each remedy type.

He concluded, "The best home remedies are better than the best pharmaceuticals."

The only pharmaceutical he said he would use again was Caladryl lotion, but even that did not perform as well as the better home remedies.

His favorites were:

1. Toothpaste -- although it's unclear why it works. Of course, use the fluoride free version.
2. Ice -- the cheapest and most effective anti-inflammatory you'll ever find
3. A paste made of meat tenderizer, vinegar, and baking soda

Got to hand it to him -- anyone who allows himself to be stung by bees in the name of science should be given serious kudos!

You can also try rubbing raw honey on it. This is something my sister actually suggested to me for an intense, itchy rash I had for over a year after just about every other approach had failed. I was shocked at how effective it was.

Watching Out for the Wild Things

Sometimes you are bitten, but you don't know what bit you. If you have a severe reaction, it is helpful to know what critter did it.

WebMD has a helpful "Bad Bugs Slideshow" to help you identify different types of bugs and their bites.

1. Wasps and Bees
   
   

   Bee and wasp stings account for more than half of the 50,000 known insect-related injuries to Americans each year^[5] . Here is a handy bee id chart for identifying various types of bees. On the same site, there is also a wasp identification chart to help you identify several stinging insects by their appearance, as well as by their style of nest.

2. Spiders
   
   

   Next to stings, spider bites are the next most common type of insect-related injury in the U.S. Of the more than 30,000 species of spiders, only a few can inflict serious harm to humans.

   The most common culprits are the widow spiders (Latrodectus species) and the recluse spider (Loxosceles species).

   If you are unfamiliar with the appearance and distinguishing characteristics of various arachnids, here is a helpful Spider Identification Chart. Arachnophobes beware ... the images are very realistic!

   Speaking of phobias, Emotional Freedom Techniques can be an effective way to tap away your fear of spiders.

3. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac
   
   

   Poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac are all part of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) and contain an oil called urushiol that can cause itching and painful rashes upon contact with your skin in VERY small amounts. Only 1 nanogram -- one billionth of a gram -- is needed to cause a rash.

   In fact, according to the Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac Information Center, 500 people could itch from the amount covering the head of a pin.

   The information center in the above paragraph can help you identify and steer clear of these poisonous plants. There are also some suggestions about natural sting remedies, including tea tree oil, goldenseal root, and even a recipe for a topical tea made from jewelweed, aloe and comphrey.

   About 15 percent of the population who are allergic to urushiol oil will have an extraordinarily severe reaction in which they begin to swell up in 4 to 12 hours (instead of the normal 1 to 2 days). Their eyes may also swell and their skin may even blister.

   THIS IS ONE OF THE ONLY TRUE DERMATOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES. IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, YOU MUST GO TO A HOSPITAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

   Additionally, it is one of the few clinical conditions that I believe justify the use of oral steroids. It is the ONLY condition that I would routinely prescribe them for. Common approaches are a Medrol Dose Pack, but I prefer using less expensive generic prednisone. Since the condition is so severe and is very limited, the risk/reward ratio seems justified.

   Armed with a little knowledge about how to avoid some of these seasonal hazards, you can enjoy the outdoors without undue worry, while replenishing your winter-depleted vitamin D stores.

Please don't risk your health by applying DEET-based insect repellants -- use some of the safer alternatives instead.

---

References:

The Reckless Self-Interest of the Fragrance Industry

The Cancer Prevention Coalition has warned that people must be protected from exposure to fragrance ingredients that may cause cancer or fetal, hormonal or reproductive toxicity. But federal agencies are not regulating these ingredients, leaving the public at risk.

Perfumes and fragrances are the single largest category of cosmetic and personal care products. They are also extensively used in a wide range of household cleaning products.

According to World Wire:

"The FDA has direct authority under the terms of the 1938 Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act to regulate toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. However, seven decades later, it has still failed to do so. Similarly, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also still failed to regulate these toxic ingredients in household cleaning products."

The policies and practices of the cosmetics and personal care products industries are determined by its International Fragrance Association (IFRA). The primary objective of IFRA is to protect the self-regulatory practices and policies of the industry -- including maintaining the "trade secret" status of perfume and fragrance ingredients, and preventing labeling and safety initiatives.