Prader-Willi Village

www.celebratedifferences.org

In the Prader-Willi village (or community), we share because we care... And "it takes a village to raise a child".  

How is it that the perfect parent (as if such a thing exists) could raise a child that will struggle physically and mentally?  You know those parents... They are the same ones writing books, creating videos, lecturing and telling you just how you should raise your child!

The truth is, there is no "one size fits all" to parenting. Yet many parents struggle to find answers, unsure of their own abilities and concerned about the future of their children.  This can hit especially hard in the special needs community where parents are searching for answers where fewer answers, or opinions, exist.

More and more, parents are turning to the internet to find answers. More and more, forums are popping up with many parents ready to share their tips and strategies for raising a special needs child. And, more and more, parents are questioning their own parenting techniques in the face of so many other parenting success stories, at least in what they perceive as success.  I see this often as I search and interact with other parents on-line who, as I do, have a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome. 

My twins (not so much)

It really does take a village to raise a child, but what some don't realize or forget because raising a special needs child can sometimes be overwhelming, is that just because our children have a syndrome or disability, the syndrome or disability is not the result of an identical corrupted set of DNA. Just as everyone has a unique set of fingerprints, everyone has a unique DNA.  Including every individual with Prader-Willi Syndrome. To dig a little deeper into DNA and better understand genetics, or even deeper into epigenetics (way over my head) is to come to the realization that even identical twins are probably not 100% identical at birth... And they grow less and less identical through life. 

Bottom line, and a line I love... Prader-Willi Syndrome is what they have and not who they are.  

In the Prader-Willi village, or community, we share because we care and it really does take a village to raise a child... Even if that community is only there for much needed moral support!  And every child with Prader-Willi Syndrome is unique, with different needs, abilities and potential. But, while the village can help, mom still knows best because she has a special bond and connection, a mothers intuition, that will help guide her child to reach their potential. 


Just as no one knows better than mom when it comes to her own child, no one knows better than you what is best for your family and how best to provide for your family. When it comes to my family, and especially my little girl who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, I trust Shaklee products to 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

"2011" The Adventure Begins

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!!!  Are you ready for a new adventure?  A new year means new opportunities and new goals, but perhaps there is still much life and opportunity in the current adventure.

With only 4 days remaining we need to gather our thoughts, determine our goals and create our plan of attack for the upcoming year.  What is it you intend to do differently?  What goals have you set?  Where do you want to be at the start of 2012?

Maybe we should first recognize our accomplishments for the current year, to get a better perspective on the things we can build upon in 2011.

I accomplished a lot in 2010 thanks to a friend with a lot of experience in business, marketing, internet & social media and, who also happens to be a doctor.  Thanks to my friend, who has become my mentor, one of my biggest accomplishments was in changing my eating habits and as a result, improving my health. This is not something I set out to do.  My goal was to help my daughter Kirsten, through a better understanding, get the most out of life. For all that read my Blog, you hear over and over about my daughter Kirsten who has Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Kirsten is the reason for all the research I have done on:

• the bodies chemistry and processes 
• the effect of the environment on our children 
• the way our food is processed 
• the chemicals going into our food and it's packaging
• GMO's and the FDA's GRAS stamp of approval
• proper nutrition and the supplement industry 

Looking at this kind of stuff is enough to send anyone on a lifelong fast.  I of course could not learn everything there is to know about these things in such a short time, but I did gain a better understanding than many who are not in professions associated with such things. 

For my daughter, I stopped eating most junk food.  For my daughter, I started eating a lot more fruits & vegetables. For my daughter, I gained a better understanding of how I could help her.  What started as a demonstration for my daughter, has become a good routine for both of us and I haven't felt this good in many years.

Most of my life I have been on the go, working or on call 24/7.  This year has been a wake up call. While looking for work and learning new skills, I have been able to spend more time with my family and find new ways to improve their lives.   I have also found new ways to help others and one of those ways has turned out to have great potential for building a full time income... Just by helping others, and through their success I am empowered to help many more.  

There is no secret to my new found success in health.  We have worked hard to Shaklee-ize our home by using Shaklee healthy home products, daily essentials and supplements. We also exercise more, eat more fruits & vegetables and we have cut way down on unhealthy "junk" foods.

Are you looking to be adventurous or working on an adventure of your own.  Achieving goals in life, especially those related to improved health, can be quite an adventure and having a solid base of support can be invaluable. I want to help you achieve those goals if I am able.  How can I help?

December is a great month to treat your family to the quality products they deserve.  Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green.   Several promotions available, including the "Free Membership" offer below. If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me, Terry Guinn, 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 

SPECIAL OFFER:

December 1-31, 2010, "Free Membership" 

(a $19.95 value) with an order for $70 worth of products at member prices.

Digging Deep for Christmas Joy

There is less than 100 hours until Christmas... Ho, ho, ho my goodness me!  

With unemployment consistently high, foreclosures on the rise, lots of retirement funds depleted or nonexistent and health insurance an unhealthy choice for many because of the costs...  Many are wondering, where is the joy in the holiday season?  

My family has been hit hard this year by the current economic conditions and is going to be affected especially hard this Christmas.

There won't be dozens of toys & gifts under the Christmas tree. The refrigerator won't be stocked with lots of treats & goodies. It isn't even likely that we will be able to continue a family tradition of going to a movie on Christmas day.  We may have to spend family time at home and give thanks for what we do have. How will we ever survive??? And we aren't the only ones! Too many people I know are already cutting  corners so tight they don't even know where the corner is anymore.  

It is the same everywhere. People are stressing over christmas gifts, almost as if it were a competition or compensation.  Will they think I'm cheap, will they like someone else's gift better than mine or, did I get them enough gifts? Even the christmas cards can get out of hand.  Family photos are big and many go to professionals to get the perfect shot. Then they worry about leaving someone out in the mailing.  My family photo attempt is posted above, with little cooperation from the twins... Don't tell my wife I posted it for the world to see!  

Take a deep breath!  Stress and worry are very unhealthy activities and could lead to complications during the holidays.  Consider what you have and remember that there are many people out there struggling, who may not have a place to stay on Christmas.  Many more families than in past years are in temporary living conditions, weather that be in shelters, with friends, or with family... And those are the lucky ones.  

Consider wrapping a special gift and placing it under your tree... For a struggling family or an organization that cares for those in need. Discuss this with your family as a part of your gift exchange and give thanks for how fortunate you are.  

While you think about those in need, please keep my family in your prayers.  If you need or know of anyone in need of healthy home, natural nutrition or any of the many high quality products that Shaklee has to offer, please keep me in mind.  Between part-time work and my role as a Shaklee Independent Distributor, this is how I support my family.  A Healthier You Too - Shaklee Distributor Products Page

My family is fortunate to have a roof over our heads and a special needs child who has taught us the real meaning of family, joy and celebration.  Most couldn't imagine a life with a special needs child. My seven year old daughter has Prader-Willi Syndrome, and I couldn't imagine my life without her. 

I wish you all real joy and happiness during the holidays and all year round.

Food Safety Modernization Bull

It won't be long now before billions of people are dying from starvation!

I couldn't help but get lost tonight in a trail of video's and interesting headlines that were fueled by the Food Safety Modernization Bill.  From "Jon Stewart tackles Food Safety Paranoia" to "3 Billion will die!!!" There was speculation about anything from outlawing gardening to making nutrients illegal, including by prescription, with the goal of world domination. 

Thats the problem with these bills, even those that write these documents that can be 100's of pages long may not clearly understand them. Whats worse is that even though they are written in such great detail, they can still be vague and open to interpretation...  Feeding those who are out to make a name for themselves by interpreting these bills for us. Bless their hearts!

I think Jon Stewart said it best "The Senate passed something!"

Now we can move on and work on the next step toward food safety which by the way, logically, would include new jobs.  Think about it... A new department in the FDA, new guidelines on food safety for companies which translates into equipment/production upgrades and perhaps increased quality control personnel, and more frequent FDA inspections.  

Perhaps this could lead to tighter controls in what actually goes into our food. If the government is now actually going to take responsibility for food safety, they now actually have to understand what goes into our food... Instead of "asking" companies to insure that the food is safe, which is as we all know based on interpretation.  I know... I live in a fantasy world. 

But wait, this can't be good!!! "Foodmakers backing $1.4 billion food-safety bill".  Maybe I better take another look at that video about 3 billion dying, which also mentioned big business taking over the world and something about nutrition being outlawed!

As long as it is still legal to get the nutrition my family needs, since I can't trust my food supply, I will get it from a company I can trust. Shaklee products are always safe, always work, and are always green.  

If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me 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 

SPECIAL OFFER:

December 1-31, 2010, "Free Membership" 

(a $19.95 value) with an order for $70 worth of products at member prices.

Prader-Willi Syndrome Is What She Has...

Six years old... For the rest of her life thanks to modern medicine.


Has the world gone mad???  I read an article published today about a new treatment for severely disabled children... To make life easier for their parents.

The treatment is called "growth attenuation". The question is "Should parents be able to use medical means to restrict the growth of profoundly disabled children to make them easier to care for at home?"  Click here to check out the article. Having recently seen yet another child given up for adoption, simply because he had Prader-Willi Syndrome, is just another reminder of how broken our society has become. To many have gotten their priorities all screwed up and are too focused of perfection and "stuff". 


Maybe I am way off base here, but it seems to me that doctors go out of their way these days to avoid lawsuits for malpractice, in the way they treat patients. Now we want to give them another tool that, if approved, will eventually be loosely regulated and as a result of pressure from parents, will cause doctors to more frequently recommend this treatment based on expanded interpretation & opinion to benefit the parents.  Perhaps instead of exploring ways to make our lives easier, we could do research for cures or treatments that could improve quality of life for those who are disabled and perhaps lead to prevention in the future.

I don't pretend to be an expert on all disabilities and I can't imagine any disability so bad that I would lose hope for the future.

I only really know the world of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and 
despite all the negatives I had heard from doctors in the beginning who put PWS in a one size fits all box, I have met dozens of children & adults with PWS who are all different, with different levels of struggles and strengths. My daughter is not the person I would have expected her to be, based on initial doctors information. She is doing very well because the future for all of us is still in our hands. Prader-Willi Syndrome is what she has and not who she is!



Raising a special needs child is not easy, but I, like many many other parents around the world, am much stronger from it and my efforts have improved my daughters chances, and the chances for my three other children, toward living a better life.  Understanding that we are killing ourselves with all the junk food we are eating and understanding that the quality of our food is not what it used to be, is just the beginning. We need to not only insure that our children are getting the proper nutrition, but that they are as free from toxins as possible and doing their part for the future.

I am a Shaklee Independent Distributor and my family uses Shaklee products because of there high quality and for what they represent. There is no such thing as a "get healthy quick" pill.  It takes effort, exercise, proper diet and persistence.  Shaklee healthy home products and vitamin supplements are a part of our daily "effort" toward a hopeful future.

If you would like more information about Shaklee products, please contact me 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

SPECIAL OFFER:
December 1-31, 2010, Free Membership (a $19.95 value) with an order for $70 worth of products at member prices.

Living With Worms For Good Health

Have you ever eaten something disgusting on a dare? How about out of curiosity?  I've had my share of those glorious moments, especially while in the Army.  I also had one of those moments just recently with a cleaning product we've been using.  Don't worry, it was organic!  It did leave a bad taste for an hour or so that I couldn't get rid of.

Why would I do that? Why do we try anything that sounds or looks disgusting?  Who in their right mind really likes the taste of a cigarette, beer or coffee that first time?  I can remember trying cigarettes, but I just never could get past the coughing or taste, even in as much as I really wanted to "look cool".  When it comes to beer, that was a little easier.  It started as a game of quarters and I like a challenge, of course after enough misses and penalty drinks, taste and common sense are pretty much out the window. Coffee was the easiest to develop a taste for, especially with enough cream & sugar.

So what is it that drives us to try things that we know are bad for us, things that taste bad or things that are just to disgusting to imagine? That's easy! Weight loss, energy boosts, depression, boredom... Or a search for a "miracle cure".  The internet is full of off the wall remedies that don't sound appealing at all.  However, I believe I have come across the most unappealing cure of them all.  It involves "worm therapy".  Can you imagine allowing parasitic worms to enter your body in the name of good health?  Makes my skin crawl just thinking about it!

Believe it or not, way back in the day when we weren't as clean as we are today, it is believed that these parasitic worms were a natural form of human defenses against things like asthma, allergies and many other autoimmune diseases... Which were, by the way, a rarity by todays standards.  Check out the story behind these creepy crawlers... Click here.

I guess you could say that these parasitic worms could be a part of natural health and perhaps that earth worm your child just consumed on a dare may not be a good reason for a quick trip to the emergency room. So many "new and improved" chemical cleaners, hand sanitizers, processed foods and synthetic medicines. We are taking in so many chemicals and reengineered products, in so many ways, that our old tenants, the worms, didn't stand a chance.

Have you thought about how you can regain a more natural way of living that could perhaps extend your life as well as boost your energy levels or performance? I am not suggesting that you stop cleaning the house or start serving earth worms at meals. How about organic cleaners for laundry, dishes, windows and surface cleaning? Plain old soap and water for your hands? How about a nutritional source that is not laden with chemicals and toxins?  Perhaps if we detoxify our homes, and our bodies, the worms will return... Can that really be a good thing?

I'm not so sure that I want to "have worms", but natural nutrition and a healthy home is good for your health and for our planet. For natural products from the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S., please go to my website.  www.ahealthieryoutoo.com

Putting That Lazy Thyroid Back to Work!

     AARRRGGG!  Don't you just hate it when you've been spending money that you didn't have to!  OK, perhaps I have jumped the gun a little.  Let me explain...

     I have been taking thyroid medicine for about ten years because of a thyroid disfunction caused by treatment for hepatitis C which I likely contracted in the Army. I had looked at natural alternatives many years ago, but I was to big a coward to take the risk of changing over to something that was not backed by medical professionals. Beside that, management and balance of a dysfunctional thyroid can take months, which means months of discomfort.  

     Doctor visits, as I am sure you will agree, can seem rushed with little accomplished and you can get the feeling sometimes that the doctor doesn't want to be bothered with the what if's and the possibilities.  A few months ago I took a question of possibilities, to my doctor on an annual physical, about my thyroid and the need for continued medication.  I had found an article suggesting that it was possible that the thyroid could rebound and that any medication being taken could be acting as a crutch preventing the thyroid from being fully functional (yes, it is a little more complicated). 

     I am happy to say that after follow-up blood work that produced normal levels from a couple of months on half a dose of my medicine... I stopped taking my medicine all together.  Although I do feel a little off, that is to be expected by any change to the chemical processes of the body. Follow up for final clearance is in six weeks. 

     So many people are avoiding the "what if" possibilities in life when it comes to their health and as a result, are going through life on crutches provided by a doctor who is trying to keep them comfortable... Perhaps more so than keep them healthy.

     Of course I am not suggesting that you ignore the advice of your doctor.  What I am suggesting is that you empower yourself with knowledge and explore healthier options in everything. I would not be on this journey had I not started trying to better understand and question things.  Through a better understanding gained in my own research, I have been able to formulate better questions and communicate those questions clearly to get better results.  

     My journey to get myself off thyroid medicine is not guaranteed, nor is it yet complete.  I am taking the advice of my doctor  and being monitored in my progress. I am also supporting my efforts through a good exercise program, a healthy diet and a daily regimen of nutritional supplements that includes a very potent cellular anti-aging tonic.

     What are you doing to free yourself from the crutches that hold you prisoner?  Regular exercise, a  healthy diet and proper nutrition is a great way to start. How about freeing yourself from some of those  toxins in the air?  If you would like more information about healthy home products that are good for the environment and your health, as well as nutritional supplements information... I can help.  As a Shaklee Independent Distributor for the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U. S., I want to help you and your family on your journey to better health.  Please visit my website at www.ahealthieryoutoo.com for contact and product information. 

Building Blocks for a Healthy Future

I wrote an essay recently for a contest about a life changing moment that has been the cornerstone of my success throughout my life.  I have referred to that experience most often in business as "preventive maintenance".  It is a lesson of sacrifice and change to be better prepared for and possibly avoid the worse.  For me in that life changing period of time, it wasn't about sacrifices made willingly, but it did force change into my life.  That life changing moment came in the climax of what was believed to be an unlikely opportunity for combat action.

• In the early 80's I was learning to fight in the military.  I wasn't enjoying it because of the repetition, long hours and circumstances or beliefs, but I was changing. In 1983 I had to use that training in real combat and I am here today because of it. 

• During my 23 year career in the dairy industry, I focused on preventive maintenance in everything.  Not just equipment, but in training of employees, ect, which resulted in an opportunity to open four of what became the most successful distribution centers in the Company. 

• This year I had to take a harder look at and work with my 6 year old special needs daughter on her diet, and I sacrificed my own love of food for my daughters health, so I could share her diet as a good example.  As a result, I am healthier than I have been in a long, long time and as with everything, after the original struggles, maintenance gets easier to manage.

As we fight so hard to make necessary changes, those little victories each day are creating a strong foundation for good habits and our good habits are the  building blocks for a healthy future.  What was in the past to be a torturous effort to change, becomes a good habit that in many cases could save your life.  "Preventive Maintenance" is especially important when it comes to healthier choices in our diet.  Through poor diet, your body may have become accustomed to working harder than it needs to and as a result could be causing irreparable damage.  Making healthy changes may not be easy as your body adapts to the changes, but you may notice some big differences in time.

Take control of your health today.  A healthy diet is a great start and if you are looking for natural nutrition supplements or healthy home products that are good for the environment, I can help with products from the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S.  
Please check out my website at www.ahealthieryoutoo.com




Note: My essay was chosen as a winning entry for a weekly prize and is in the running for the grand prize.  The contest is being conducted by APX Alarm on Facebook.  For a look at the essay  about my experience in combat, click the link below.
Back to School Weekly Essay Contest Winner: Terry Guinn

Unhealthy Battles that Rage Within Us

As I continue on my journey to better health for myself and my family, I continue to find new reasons and sources for improved health.

Is it just me or is there some information being hidden from the masses?  I'm talking about the unhealthy battles that rage within of us, that many may not be aware of. 

I bounce around a lot on the internet from blog to blog, source to source and I also attend events, meetings and training opportunities. When I hear or find something interesting, I research it.  Tonight at a Shaklee Independent Distributor event I listened to Shaklee's Dr. Jamie McManus, who is also author of  Your Personal Guide to Wellness, discuss Shaklee's anti aging tonic as well as several other natural nutritional supplements.  She was throwing out discouraging statistics about the world's failing health and some of the things contributing to that decline, one of which was the "inflammatory response" to eating and the cellular damage it can cause. WOW!!! I have never heard of that one and I thought to myself... my goodness were all doomed.   

As always, I jot a note to myself and as soon as I can... I go to the almighty internet for answers.  

What I found when searching "inflammatory response" was a lot of information about fatty acids, receptors, inflammatory cells, antigens, pro-inflammatory foods and many more words that require explanation or definitions to fully understand.  

Simply put: Inflammatory responses are your bodies defense against invaders such as bacteria or other  injurious agents, including physical injury. Unhealthy fats, such as trans fats and saturated fats used in some food processing, or chemicals such as nitrites in processed meats, are among the list of invaders that can trigger that response. These inflammatory responses can last for hours after each meal and if they continue because of a poor diet, can cause cellular damage that can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and a host of other problems.  

Think of it this way... If two opposing armies meet for a short battle on your lawn, the grass will likely be only matted in some areas and will recover fairly quickly.  But if they keep coming back, your lawn will get scared, worn and most likely the surrounding area will suffer damage as well, including permanent damage, like the loss of that mighty oak that provided you shade on your front porch.

To better understand these processes and how they can affect your future, please do as I do... Use the many, many resources on the internet to get a better understanding of the processes & struggles going on within each of us.  Environment, nutrition, proper diet and exercise are the keys to a healthier future.  If you would like information on natural nutritional supplements or healthy home products from the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S., please visit my website at www.ahealthieryoutoo.com