My Life as a Guinea Pig

"It's much easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission." It can also be less expensive!

Have you ever wondered if perhaps there is more money going into things that are creating health issues, then money going into solving or curing health issues?  That is not to say that anyone is intentionally using us as guinea pigs, creating health issues for profit... I hope!  This reminds me of a philosophy used by a past employer, who also made several unsuccessful attempts at becoming an elected official in politics. "It's much easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission." Could it be that big corporations use the same approach for new products? Assuming that it is much easier to fix a problem that "might" occur, if they can be proven responsible, rather than try to figure out the risks.

I have spent many hours tonight, today, this morning... What time is it anyway??? Trying to understand the concern over the deregulation of Genetically Modified (GM) alfalfa.  As if there is some reason that this is worse than GM corn, soy beans or anything else that is genetically modified. There are literally hundreds of articles, references, reports and studies on the subject. The best source, with many resource links, is, in my opinion, Wikipedia's "Genetically Modified Foods". I wish I had looked at this first, instead of last.  

The truth of the matter is that we have been consuming genetically modified foods since the early 1990's, without any useful studies being done prior to there release. I love this statement I found, quoted in Harvest of Fear from an article done by the Chicago Tribune on 9/3/2000, on Genetically Altered Foods: 

"Today the vast majority of foods in supermarkets contain 

genetically modified substances whose effects on our health 

are unknown. As a medical doctor, I can assure you that 

no one in the medical profession would attempt to perform 

experiments on human subjects without their consent. Such 

conduct is illegal and unethical. Yet manufacturers of 

genetically altered foods are exposing us to one of the largest 

uncontrolled experiments in modern history."

--Dr. Martha R. Herbert, pediatric neurologist

The reality of the risks and effects may never be proven, something large corporations may be counting on.  Given all the other environmental factors that effect our lives, how can it be proven that something like "corn" has caused an illness or a disease? Genetically modified corn or organic corn, many would argue that there is no difference. The battle to prove otherwise could take years to fight in the courts, before any action could be taken to prove responsibility for GMO's.  

I looked at many things over the past several hours, including genetics, epigenetics, proteolytic digestion, protein composition & digestive processing, and many other things that I could find to try and better understand the report done by the USDA on Roundup Ready (GM) Alfalfa, to allow deregulation.  

I will leave you to make your own decisions on GMO's (the link above from Wikipedia covers a lot of ground and the 2nd bullet below was the report used for deregulation of GM alfalfa), but here is just one more piece of information to consider. With the understanding that proteins might have an effect on genetics, and more specifically epigenetics that control expression of our genes/DNA which can be turned on or off like a switch:  

• 1st from FAQS  “because many plant proteins lack one or more... Incomplete proteins can, however, be combined... though combinations of incomplete proteins must be consumed at the same time... to obtain the maximum nutritive value from the amino acids."
•  2nd from the USDA, Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa Events J101 and J163: Request for Nonregulated Status Final Environmental Impact Statement— December 2010  “family of EPSPS proteins that naturally occur in crops... that have a long history of safe consumption by humans and animals. Monsanto also explained... and (3) the CP4 EPSPS protein is susceptible to rapid proteolytic digestion in simulated gastric fluid.” Apendex Q, page 5, 1-3 Gene and Gene Product.

My take is that they count on weak plant proteins from GM Crops to be rendered useless in stomach digestion, but what I have found on the internet is that those weak or incomplete proteins can be made complete if consumed with other weak or incomplete proteins from other sources.  

And I didn't even touch on the potential soil and environmental impact! 

One thing you can be sure of is that Shaklee ingredients, including those used for their Alfalfa Complex, will not include genetically modified ingredients.  For my family, and especially my little girl who has Prader-Willi syndrome, Shaklee products give me hope for the future.

Terry Guinn, A Healthier You Too

Treat your family to the quality products they deserve. Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, Shaklee Independent Distributor, through my website at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com or if you would like to checkout the products for yourself, go to my Shaklee page at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.myshaklee.com 

Shakleebaby & Shakleekids

Taco Bell-ch

http://terrysnotebook.blogspot.com/

It takes a lot to surprise me these days, and when I saw that Taco Bell was being sued for their potential stretch in using the word beef for something that might not qualify... Well, I thought that to be somewhat humorous, especially since I prefer the chicken products and since I have been playing with fast food for a few months on my other Blog.  It seemed humorous, until I read the full story and then checked out the ingredients page for Taco Bell products.

What first caught my eye was the "anti-dusting agent" and "maltodextrin". Hmmmmm? Of course, we all know that there are a lot of chemicals, compounds and additives going into our foods, especially into our fast foods in order to improve taste, maintain quality and preserve them for long periods of time... You did know that, didn't you?  It seems that the anti-dusting agent and maltodextrin were not the worse things that I would find in my research.


Part of the chemistry experiment that gives us Taco Bell's "Seasoned Ground Beef" includes "fiber" for our diet, in the way of silicon dioxide.  Ok, perhaps my technical understanding of the use of silicon dioxide is too limited to understand the use and safety of this chemical compound that is commonly found in nature as sand or quartz. AND, is more commonly used in the production of glass and optical "fiber"! LOL  Seriously! Check it out at this link.  

Check out the ingredients for yourself at this Taco Bell link.  

As I said at the beginning, I thought this to be humorous because I prefer the chicken products from Taco Bell... Until I read that silicon dioxide was also used in the chicken products, rice, chilli and others, but no more than 2%... Is it just me, or does 2% seem like a lot? 

I will say this for Taco Bell, they have a very detailed list of ingredients and are quite possibly more forth coming and up front than most fast food chains.  They might not be required to list all of these ingredients because of the FDA’s GRAS policy (generally recognized as safe).  A policy that is over my head!

One thing that is not over my head, is the growing trend toward creating the best tasting food that is not necessarily good for you. Looking at labels and understanding ingredients is important for my family because my daughter has Prader-Willi Syndrome.  We are the lucky ones, forced to be health conscious and we have discovered a great company to help us. Shaklee is committed to providing natural nutrition and green cleaning products, plus so much more. Over 80,000 quality tests annually, with a history of over 50 years of helping families.

Isn't it time you took a, run... from the border, and started thinking, outside the... restaurant?

Terry Guinn, A Healthier You Too

Treat your family to the quality products they deserve. Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, Shaklee Independent Distributor, through my website at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com or if you would like to checkout the products for yourself, go to my Shaklee page at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.myshaklee.com 

Shakleebaby & Shakleekids

Mom's Blog

Warning! Proceed with caution. Reading a mothers blog may cause heart pain and eye strain.

Roaming through the world of blogging can sometimes lead you to a blog post that really touches your heart.  I on the other hand, seek out these type of posts to face head on the stark reality of the world we live in. The posts written from the heart, about children who are struggling, hit especially hard.

Doctors, books and articles written by professionals can provide a one size fits all approach to raising children, including special needs children.  But everyone knows that our children are not all the same.  They learn at different speeds and in different ways.  They grow at different speeds and in different ways. They all encounter different obstacles... Including health issues.  

I am a part of a very large community on-line whose lives have been changed due too a child being born with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).  Doctors can tell you what they learned in books, but parents can share with you what they have learned in life. Reading some of the stories from these parents can be educational and inspiring, but can also be very emotionally draining at times.  I was reminded of this in recent days while reading blog posts by a mom sharing in words, her life with a little girl struggling with PWS.  Hugs denied and questions on being different, simple things with a big impact on the heart.

So why would I subject myself to such stress??? I am looking for inspiration and guidence.  Like many other parents of children who have special needs, I want real answers. I don't want the text book version of what “will be”.  I want to understand the struggles and pain from real world experiences so I can prepare myself. Even, perhaps, avoid those struggles and pain through a different approach. Not only that, I want to help others if I can, even if only through words of encouragement.  

As many parents would, I would do anything for my seven year old daughter.  I look for anything with potential for adding to a better “quality of life” for my daughter, now and for the future. 

This is also one of the reasons we started using Shaklee products in our home.  My daughter has enough health issues and we want to try to minimize the risk of her developing any others.  With her low muscle tone and limited ability to cough productively, should the need arise, and the rise in children developing asthma, we wanted to lessen her risk, as well as the risk to our other children, of breathing problems by removing as many toxins from the air as possible.  We did this by switching to “Green” cleaning products from Shaklee for the kitchen, laundry and the rest of the house.  As a result, a breathing problem I had for years has disappeared.

We also have a real concern for her nutrition, given the unreliability of the food supply and her very limited diet. So we use Shaklee vitamin supplements. I have used vitamin supplements most of my life, but noticed a big difference after using Shaklee multivitamins for a while. 


There is a wealth of information on the internet to help you and your loved ones. People around the world are sharing their real life stories to touch and inspire others. How can I help? 

Terry Guinn, A Healthier You Too

Treat your family to the quality products they deserve. Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, Shaklee Independent Distributor, through my website at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com or if you would like to checkout the products for yourself, go to my Shaklee page at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.myshaklee.com 

Shakleebaby & Shakleekids

Losing weight is a "Cinch"!

Has sex taken a back seat to food, when it comes to advertising?  More and more we are becoming addicted to food, and major corporations are investing millions on research... To understand how to keep us hooked.

In my world, food is on our minds 24/7 because of my daughters ever present hunger, due to Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). We have a required strategy for weight management that includes locks on pantries & refrigerators and a constant monitoring, as well as the educating of those around us. Those with PWS lack a complete ability to burn calories, and when it comes to food a lack of; self control, chemical signals to the brain and feelings associated with fullness.  They can literally eat themselves to death, or morbid obesity, without a specific controlled diet.   

When it comes to a healthy diet, it is easy for my family and me because we have no choice. We literally live in fear for my seven year old daughter. One might say, we have been scared straight into a healthy diet.  But what about the rest of the world?  They must find answers, new ideas and their own inspiration.  Below are a few more things to consider for your tool box.

More and more, doctors and specialists are speaking of a mental fixation on food as opposed to a real hunger.  Brad Lamm is an intervention specialist who works with Dr. Oz and is also the author of the book "Just 10 LBS".  He has overcome a lot in his life and has helped many understand why they eat, which is one of the major obstacles that is often overlooked by those trying to lose weight. Brad is also a big fan of Shaklee's Cinch products.                                                                                        

There is a lot of excitement and "buzz" about Shaklee's Cinch plan.  So much so, that Shaklee is promoting it with a free sampler pack (in January, while supplies last) to new members with a $70 purchase of products at member prices.  The sampler kit is loaded enough to give a great start to anyone and it includes a three month subscription to cinchwellness.

Cinch® Starter Kit

Shaklee members already know about the benefits of being a member. Many on the Cinch plan not only enjoy the benefits of the program, but also benefit from the "Autoship" program, with free or discounted  products (restrictions apply).  Plus all the other promotions that are offered by Shaklee.

Get started today on your personal path to wellness and while your at it, consider your whole families needs for nutrition.  

Visit my website at A Healthier You Too. 

Terry Guinn, A Healthier You Too

Treat your family to the quality products they deserve.  Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, Shaklee Independent Distributor, through my website at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com or if you would like to checkout the products for yourself, go to my Shaklee page at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.myshaklee.com 

Just a few of Shaklee's wonderful products.

Endless Chocolates? Test Me!!!

How much conscious control do we really have? Could you imagine a bowl of your favorite soup that kept replenishing itself? How about an endless supply of your favorite chocolates... Right at your finger tips!

I am a firm believer in setting good examples for our children, especially when it comes to food.  But my calling to healthier food choices and habits did not come without some major influences.  My daughter Kirsten (now seven) has Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Change in food choices and eating habits was a necessity!

In my world, measuring food quantities with great accuracy is important, but how many of us are using "best judgement" when it comes to portion sizes? Check out the studies conducted by Dr. Brian Wansink, author of the book "Mindless Eating".  Some of his insightful experiments remind me of the old "Candid Camera" show.  

 

There is no escaping it.  Food is everywhere!  It's in our kitchens, in our favorite TV programs, in everything we read... It's in our thoughts and at almost every event we attend, including church (how I miss sticking around for pot luck dinners).

For the benefit of our children, we must set a good example.  They are watching everything we do, and our bad habits will be their bad habits to build upon. If we are cheating with a hidden stash of chocolates, you can bet they have noticed us reaching for them, chewing on them or they can smell them on our breath.  If we are stopping for our favorite flavored coffee drink every day, they are probably on to us and craving a chocolate shake.  If we are going heavy on the burgers and fries, while cutting back on vegetables, you can bet they are upset at the healthy amount of broccoli on their plate.

My daughter Kirsten (7 years old) is not allowed to have many 

sweets or unhealthy snacks because she has Prader-Willi Syndrome 

and weight control is, and will always be, a major struggle. Yet she 

sees everyone else indulging. How do you explain that to a seven year 

old who looks forward to church, just so she can take part in communion. 

Every potential morsel of food... A distracting focus.

Be sure to check out the video above and you can find more of Dr. Wansink's videos on YouTube at the "MindlessEating" channel. These videos are not only entertaining, but a good source of inspiration as well. 

If you are looking to make a change in you're eating habits and/or are concerned about your families nutrition, please visit my website listed below.

Terry Guinn, A Healthier You Too

Treat your family to the quality products they deserve.  Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, Shaklee Independent Distributor, through my website at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com or if you would like to checkout the products for yourself, go to my Shaklee page at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.myshaklee.com 

Shakleebaby & Shakleekids

Blogging For Prader-Willi Syndrome

They may not realize the true potential for our children... But I do.  There are new Bloggers in da house!  Many of my friends in the Prader-Willi Syndrome community have started Blogging for the new year.

Illinois Chapter - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

I have many friends who have been Blogging for a while, but it has become a hot new trend over the last few weeks. Here are three new Blogs from moms with children who have Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).

• PraderWilliVille
• The N'awlins Redhead
• Journey without a Map

Why Blog?

There are many great reasons, but I believe the most important is that they can become diaries of sorts to share with other parents for inspiration and insight.  Especially as many parents find themselves in uncharted waters with children who are newly diagnosed.

Parents are looking for hope & insight and that rarely comes from medical professionals who are working from books.  Experienced parents can provide real live insight, solutions and ideas on how to get the most out of medical providers, government support (including schools) and useful tricks.  This should never take the place of professional medical advice, but it is good to feel like you're not alone in your struggles.

Another great effect of Blogging, as one mom put it, it can be very therapeutic (voicing your frustrations, struggles and opinions). Consider this also, I believe it can boost confidence to know that someone is reading you're writing and cares about what you have to say, besides feeling good about what you create, for yourself. Plus, you are in some cases noting for record, events or milestones that you may want to remember at a later date.

*A Blogging Bonus*  RAISED AWARENESS!  As search engines continue to index internet content, they are ranking by popularity, things like words and phrases used.  As the term Prader-Willi Syndrome is used more and more, it ranks higher in popularity.  When things like Blogs related to PWS are linked together with followers who share the same interest, this can also help boost PWS up in the rankings.

Higher rankings get related Blogs ranked higher in search results, and as a result, people who search for something unrelated may find a PWS Blog just because of one word (a keyword) used in the Blog content. They are then exposed to this thing called Prader-Willi Syndrome and another seed is planted for future support in fund raising, government bill support and in the community where PWS education is so important for the safety of our children.

Why do I Blog.  I love to learn new things to help my daughter and I want to share with others.  I also do it for all the reasons mentioned above.

"FOLLOW" me please by clicking the "Follow" button on the right. It is nice to be recognized for your work. Please comment any time on any post to let me know your thoughts... I don't bite! LOL   Please also "Follow" my friends who are taking time from their hectic lives to share their journeys.

Become a Blogger and join us.  If you want to start a Blog to share your parenting experience, go to Blogger.com. It's FREE! Let me know if you do so I can "Follow" you.  If you need help, message me on Facebook.  You will need a Google gmail account to use Blogger, if you don't have one, and... It's FREE!  I love free.

One more reason I Blog is so I can share my business with anyone looking for natural alternatives for a healthier home and body.     

Terry Guinn, A Healthier You Too

Treat your family to the quality products they deserve.  Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, Shaklee Independent Distributor, through my website at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com or if you would like to checkout the products for yourself, go to my Shaklee page at  www.ahealthieryoutoo.myshaklee.com 

Shakleebaby & Shakleekids