Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

JULIA TATUM HUNTER, M.D. LEADS A ‘WALK FOR HEALTH & BEAUTY’ AT THE NEWLY OPENED WHOLE FOODS IN SANTA BARBARA

Julia Tatum Hunter, M.D., renowned Beverly Hills dermatologist and founder of Skin Fitness Plus (www.skinfitnessplus.com) presented “A walk for health and beauty” through Whole Foods Market in Santa Barbara. The walk, which attracted over thirty patrons, began with stops at specific departments in the new health food venue, where Dr. Hunter spoke on foods and products that impact good health and beauty. The walk was followed with a questions and answer session where guests were given answers to their personal health and beauty questions, while enjoying healthy tea and biscotti served by the Whole Foods staff.

Dr. Hunter provided participants with information on how to

address the skin from the inside out and provided insight into creating an individually designed plan on “what the body wants, and what it needs.” Her holistic approach is being implemented by women throughout the nation and the world. As a noted speaker on food, skin, supplements and nutritional products she teaches a simple approach to successfully synergize all the pieces of the body puzzle. In 2007 she previously presented a four part lecture series at the Whole Foods Market in Santa Monica, and in October 2009 she was a keynote speaker at the Amarillo Health Initiative in Amarillo, Texas.

“We were happy to host Dr. Julia Tatum Hunter at our new Whole Foods Market, and appreciate the valuable information she shared with our patrons about the many products, foods and beverages we offer that she views as imperative to healthful living during her walk for health and beauty” said Rae Van Seenus, Marketing Director for Whole Foods Santa Barbara.

Julia Tatum Hunter, M.D. attended the University Of South Alabama College Of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama, and also received specialized training at Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Babies Hospital, New York, Cornell University Medical School, and New York Hospital, New York, NY

All Whole Foods Markets are very unique and reflect the community and environment in which they thrive. The newly opened Whole Foods Santa Barbara is located at State Street and Hitchcock Way. Whole Foods seeks out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintains the highest quality standards in the industry, and upholds an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture. For information visit: www.wholefoods.com or for detailed health information visit Dr. Hunter's site at www.skinfitnessplus.com.

Harness the Power of Intention

Intention is the starting point of every dream. It is the creative power that fulfills all of our needs, whether for money, relationships, spiritual awakening, or love. Everything that happens in the universe begins with intention. When I decide to buy a birthday present, wiggle my toes, or call a friend, it all starts with intention.

An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. Like real seeds, intentions can’t grow if you hold on to them. Only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish. In my book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, the Law of Intention and Desire describes the five steps for harnessing the power of intention to create anything you desire.

1. Slip into the Gap
Most of the time our mind is caught up in thoughts, emotions, and memories. Beyond this noisy internal dialogue is a state of pure awareness that is sometimes referred to as “the gap.” One of the most effective tools we have for entering the gap is meditation. Meditation takes you beyond the ego-mind into the silence and stillness of pure consciousness. This is the ideal state in which to plant your seeds of intention. (Learn more about meditation here.)

2. Release Your Intentions and Desires
Once you’re established in a state of restful awareness, release your intentions and desires. The best time to plant your intentions is during the period after meditation, while your awareness remains centered in the quiet field of all possibilities. After you set an intention, let it go—simply stop thinking about it. Continue this process for a few minutes after your meditation period each day.

3. Remain Centered in a State of Restful Awareness
Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay centered and refuse to be influenced by other people’s doubts or criticisms. Your higher Self knows that everything is all right and will be all right, even without knowing the timing or the details of what will happen.

4. Detach from the Outcome
Relinquish your rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of your true Self. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities and openings to come your way.

5. Let the Universe Handle the Details
Your focused intentions set the infinite organizing power of the universe in motion. Trust that infinite organizing power to orchestrate the complete fulfillment of your desires. Don’t listen to the voice that says that you have to be in charge, that obsessive vigilance is the only way to get anything done. The outcome that you try so hard to force may not be as good for you as the one that comes naturally. You have released your intentions into the fertile ground of pure potentiality, and they will bloom when the season is right.

As we begin a new year filled with unlimited possibility, take some time to consider your intentions, your desires, and where you want to focus your attention in the months ahead. Thousands of years ago, the Indian sages observed that our destiny is ultimately shaped by our intentions and desires. The classic Vedic text the Upanishads declares: “You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.”

Dear EarthTalk: What’s better for the local ecology, sewers or septic tanks? -- T.H., Darien, CT

You probably won’t have much choice as to whether that home you’re thinking of buying is on sewer or septic. Most likely it’s a done deal, unless the neighborhood is presently all on septic but is considering a petition to the town to switch to sewers (in which case you can usually agree to hook up or stay put).

There are pros and cons to each in regard to the environment. Both types of systems are designed to handle and treat so-called “blackwater” (wastewater from toilets) and “graywater” coming from our sinks, showers, dishwashers and laundry machines. On-site septic and community-wide sewer systems work in similar ways, utilizing micro-organisms to filter out bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens before releasing the cleansed water back into the environment.

In general, most people prefer to be on a shared sewer system if they have a choice, as the burden of keeping the system running smoothly falls on the local government, which presumably has the money and expertise to ensure that wastewater is properly treated across the region. Also, in a shared sewer system, wastewater is whisked away to a centralized treatment facility; anyone who has ever experienced a septic system backup on their property can appreciate what a benefit off-site wastewater treatment can be.

Another advantage to a shared sewer is that such systems are usually built to withstand heavy loads and can better accommodate periods of heavy precipitation or storm surges that might overwhelm smaller, poorly conceived or maintained home-based septic tanks, which are by virtue of their size and the laws of physics more prone to overflow and send contaminants into nearby surface and ground waters.

Septic systems have their proponents, though, who say that a professionally designed, installed and maintained system should hold up in even the biggest of storms. The University of Minnesota Extension (UMNE), which publishes the useful online “Septic System Owner’s Guide,” says vigilance is key: “The only way to guarantee effective treatment is to have a trained professional ensure adequate unsaturated and suitable soil exists below the soil treatment area to allow for complete wastewater treatment.”

When homeowners don’t take care of their septic systems properly, though, they can become a nuisance for the surrounding ecosystem. Wastewater that is not properly treated can contaminate surface and groundwater and threaten public health. According to UMNE, improperly treated sewage can be the culprit behind the spread of hepatitis, dysentery and other diseases resulting from pathogens in drinking water, while also compromising the purity of lakes and streams. Additionally, flies and mosquitoes that are attracted to and breed in wet areas where sewage reaches the surface can also spread disease.

Improperly treated sewage can also lead to increased nitrates in local water supplies, which is dangerous for infants, pregnant women and those with already compromised immune systems. In and around lakes and streams, this influx in nitrates can lead to plant growth out of whack with the local ecosystem’s ability to handle it, resulting in oxygen-free “dead zones” devoid of marine and riparian life altogether.

CONTACT: Septic System Owner’s Guide, www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/dd6583.html.

The 5th Annual Sedona Marathon will take place on Saturday February 6, 2010. The race is growing rapidly and Race Director Karen Livesay predicts a banner year.

In its four year history the marathon has received international acclaim, Japanese sports reporter Hajime Nishi has named the event one of his top ten favorite world-wide marathons and National Geographic Adventurer Magazine featured it as one of the great "instant weekend adventures."

Self proscribed marathon junkie and winner of the 2009 race, Chuck Engle said of the Sedona Marathon, "The Sedona Marathon was deceptively challenging amazingly beautiful and incredibly fun. Definitely a must do marathon."

The Sedona Marathon has quickly gained international recognition not only for its breathtaking course but also as a training opportunity. It has drawn several Olympic competitors including Beijing Triathlon Silver Medal winner Simon Whitfield.

Featuring three races, the full marathon, a half marathon and a 5k Small marathon

race, participants are able to walk in all three races and one of the hallmarks of the Sedona Marathon is they come from all walks of life. Last year the youngest "athlete" on this breathtaking course was 3 and the oldest was 84.

The Sedona Marathon will also continue working with a number of charities in conjunction with the 2010 Race. Last year, nearly 200 runners elected to make their race more meaningful by committing to run on behalf of one of 5 affiliated non-profit organizations.

This year they have once again teamed up with the renowned Wharton Performance. Nicknamed "The Mechanics" by USA Today, the Wharton's are internationally known trainers, therapists, and authors who established their practice in 1989 and changed the face of human performance. They have worked with luminaries in the sports world from professional football players to Olympic gold medal winners. They have personally trained over 500 Olympic medalists. Phil Wharton has personally designed a series of downloadable training Mp3's for the Sedona Marathon and will be giving free training clinics prior to the event.

This is the race you can't afford to miss! Cheer them on, run for the hills or just come and experience the event. More information is available online at www.sedonamarathon.com.

February is National Heart Month and not just because of Valentine’s Day. According to the American Heart Association, one in 2.4 American women will lose their lives to heart disease and stroke – the first and third biggest killers of women. In comparison, breast cancer kills one in 29. So let’s look at V.A.L.E.N.T.I.N.E.S. Day from another vantage point: reducing our risk of heart disease.

Vitamin D plays a significant role in the cellular structure of the heart and its pumping ability, and deficiency can lead to heart disease and stroke. Although Vitamin D is created after direct exposure to sunlight, our appropriate efforts to protect our skin from cancer can block this path. It’s difficult to get enough Vitamin D from food, short of drinking four glasses of milk daily. Ask your doctor to check your blood level of Vitamin D and ask whether supplements are appropriate.

Avoid “bad fats” like hydrogenated and saturated, and eliminate trans-fats altogether. Replace them with vegetable oils such as olive, canola, corn and soy, and those supplemented with omega-3’s. Do recognize that all fats have the same number of calories, so use even “good” fats sparingly.

Lose that belly fat as it increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Belly fat is usually the first area to shrink with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and strength training with weights.

Exercise has other heart-healthy benefits: it can help control blood lipid abnormalities, blood pressure and diabetes, as well as make the heart work more efficiently during exercise and rest. Even after suffering a heart attack, people who embark on a graduated exercise program have better rates of survival, as well as a better quality of life.

Note package labeling in prepared foods and look for the types and amounts of fats and sugars. Choose foods absent in trans-fats and low in other ‘bad fats’; and look for “no added sugar” or “unsweetened” products.

Take time each day for relaxation. Stress contributes to heart disease by turning on hormones that cause a rapid heartbeat, rise in blood pressure, increased turbulence in the bloodstream, and – some scientists believe – speed up the process of fatty material collecting in the coronary arteries. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and t’ai chi can break the cycle.

Be Informed about your blood pressure, blood sugar and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). If you’re not in optimum ranges, discuss with your doctor how to get there.

Nix sugars. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily for women (9 for men). This isn’t much – for example a bottle of cola with 44 grams of sugar contains 10 teaspoons! (Be aware that “naturally sweetened” products often contain added fruit juice or lactose from milk, which are added sugars.) These recommendations do not include natural sugars, like in fruit.

Stop smoking – the major preventable risk factor for heart disease. It increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance and increases the risk of abnormal blood clots leading directly to heart attacks and strokes.

Don’t just limit healthy heart habits to National Heart Month – extend them to every day of the year. But, on Valentine’s Day, you’re allowed to have that one piece of chocolate!

Chief Medical Director of Cinergy Health
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. She is affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital and The Hospital for Special Surgery.

Te Mana O Te Moana is a state approved and recognized non-profit association founded by Dr. Cécile Gaspar in 2004. It is a proud member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Le Méridien Bora Bora stands out for its dedication to protecting the natural wonders that make Bora Bora so beautiful.

Located in the heart of Le Méridien Bora Bora’s private lagoon, the Turtle Sanctuary is managed by the resort and dedicates itself to the protection of marine turtles. It offers shelter to many vulnerable turtles and offers guests the privilege to swim with turtles in their natural environments.

The sanctuary was founded in order to educate the public about the evolution of the sea turtle, mating rituals, algae eating habits that turn sea turtles green, and sea turtle protection. It focuses mainly on green sea and hawksbill turtles because of their vulnerability towards predators. Unlike land turtles, sea turtles cannot tuck into their shells for protection.

During nesting season from October through February, hotel guests and volunteers search for turtle nests on the beaches of Bora Bora. The goal of this project is to collect, mark the eggs, and tag mothers for future identification. The nests are transported to the resort’s private beach for two months for safekeeping and then to the resort’s nursery for one year for maturation where they can safely be kept away from predators.

The association implements programs for protecting and monitoring French Polynesian marine species (cetaceans, turtles, fish, coral.)

The association manages the Sea Turtle Clinic, which is located at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa. The resort has kindly dedicated a part of its private lagoon to the Sea Turtle Turtle Clinic, which serves as a temporary hospital for injured turtles and a permanent home for severely injured turtles that would not survive outside the center.

To date, more than 50 turtles have been sheltered and 13 have been successfully released back into the wild.

Te Mana O Te Moana also promotes environmental awareness to the local Tahitian community through school programs and communication materials.

Valentine’s Day – just the name conjures up images of over sized chocolate hearts, candies with “I Love You” scrawled across them and other types of gooey delights that can wreak havoc on even the most fervent with the best of intentions. But, for people with diabetes, these treats can also wreak havoc on blood sugar control.

With the increased popularity of low-carb diets in recent years, the choices in low-carb Valentine’s Day treats are aplenty. "I am often asked this question about sugar free vs. regular products," says Ginny Burns a Certified Diabetes Educator who has worked with people who have diabetes for 20 years. "Choose what you love to eat. If you have a favorite type of chocolate or cookie, enjoy!" Ginny, who writes the "Ask Ginny" column for the Utah Diabetes Prevention & Control Program adds "the AMOUNTS need to be watched closely and carbohydrates taken into account. But sometimes one to two pieces of a favorite candy is more wonderful than a half a box of sugar free products."

That being said, low-carb or sugar free treats aren’t a free pass to overindulge. They can still have an impact on your blood sugar levels, so you should enjoy them in moderation and monitor your blood sugar levels closely. To aid you in a happy Valentine’s Day while controlling your blood sugar levels, the following are some healthy low-carb options to think about.

Special Ordered Treats: There are many places online that make special low-carb Valentine’s Day treats. Diabetic Candy (http://www.diabeticcandy.com/shop/Valentines.html) is one such place that has a host of Valentine’s Day treats to choose from such as chocolates, cherries, hard candies and more. They will happily ship your order anywhere in the United States and Canada. The Candy Shop (http://www.thecandyshop.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Shelf/ASP/Hierarchy/0500.html) also has a large selection of low-carb and sugar free treats that are great for Valentine’s Day. Try their gourmet truffles, gourmet chocolate or chocolate covered peanuts and raisins.

Sugar Free Alternatives: If you don’t want to special order a sweet treat, shop at your local grocery store for low-carb or sugar free treats. Companies like Dove, Hershey’s, Whitman’s, Godiva and Ghirardelli all make low-carb and sugar free versions of their popular candies that when eaten in moderation can be perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Strawberries: Strawberries are a romantic treat and can be dipped in low-carb dips such as this Amaretto Strawberry Dip (http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/diabetic-recipes/Amaretto-Dip-With-Strawberries/r5176.html) from dLife.

Wine: Wine is another popular treat that is romantic for the Valentine’s Day holiday. If you have diabetes, it is okay to drink wine, as long as your blood sugar is controlled, you drink in moderation (no more than two drinks) and you don’t drink on an empty stomach. Couple a glass of wine with strawberries for a romantic snack that can be shared with your significant other to commemorate the holiday.

Non- Food Treats: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about sweet treats. You can use flowers to mark the holiday as they are almost as popular as chocolate. You can also share the romantic day with your loved one with a couples visit to the spa, by taking in a show or by a evening out on the town. Story information from Keyvive.com.

By: Raechel Conover

Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Valentines_Day_g135-Valentines_Chocolates_p10108.html