No matter how successful you are and how much money you have in the bank, without good health you will be ill equipped to enjoy your riches and achievements.

Recent surveys show a trend towards preventative health and the maintenance of good health. Values have shifted and where once acquisition of possessions was seen as the symbol of wealth, nowadays the trappings associated with health are becoming a bigger status symbol.

Green juice, for example, is seen as a signaling of wealth, status, and discipline, and displaying the accoutrements of good health is being viewed as more important than the accumulation of expensive cars, houses, jewels, and other material “toys.”

It has been shown that consumers are more interested in staying fit and healthy than they are in paying for health care once they have become sick. They are willing to pay a higher price for products and services, which will keep them fit and well.

So rather than looking at dollars in your bank, why not take a few minutes to assess your own fitness level and see how “well-thy” you truly are…

The areas you need to look at in order to assess your health include the following:

• Eating habits

• Exercise

• Relaxation

• Mental Wellness

• Leisure and Fun

• Community

• Relationships

• Spirituality

• Finances

Take a look at the following questions and answer them by giving yourself a rating of 1-10 for each one.

Question 1: Eating Habits

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1= not at all and 10=extremely, how healthy is your diet?

Question 2: Exercise

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1=not at all and 10=excellent (5 to 7 times a week), how good is your exercise regime?

Question 3: Relaxation

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1=never and 10=daily, how much priority do you place on relaxation?

Question 4: Mental Wellness

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1=very poor and 10=excellent, please rate your mental health?

Question 5: Leisure and Fun

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1=very little and 10=plenty, how much leisure and fun are you having?

Question 6: Community

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1= very little and 10=plenty, how much do you connect with a community where you feel you belong?

Question 7: Relationships

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1= very poor and 10=excellent, please rate a) your relationship with yourself and b) your relationship with your significant other?

Question 8: Spirituality

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1= very poor and 10=excellent, please rate your relationship with your spirituality?

Question 9: Finances

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1= very poor and 10=excellent, how healthy are your finances?

With this simple self-assessment tool you can easily see the areas of your life where you are truly “well-thy” and those where you perhaps are a little “poor.”

• If you scored, 7 or more you are doing pretty well and can feel proud of yourself.

• In the areas where you scored 5 or less you might want to take a closer look.

• If you scored lower than a 3 on any area, it indicates that you really should take a closer look, and focus on some strategies for improvement in that area.

Even though you may be very successful in your corporate career and be absolutely loaded with the big bucks, if your relationships consistently suck or your blood pressure is too high and you are constantly running on overdrive, with a heart attack looming unless you lose fifty pounds, you might want to think about how wealthy you really are!

All of us have heard of the famous saying “Health is Wealth”. Good health is a secret of every happy human being. Health can be the greatest wealth in the world. Health is the condition in which an individual becomes sound socially, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It implies that your body and mind should function as they are supposed to.

It can be referred to as a dynamic condition because it is always changing. It can change according to our lifestyle and surroundings. Over the years the lifestyle has changed due to multiple reasons which have led to ignoring the importance of health. It is essential for every human being to stay in good health. Health is not only concerned about your physical well-being but also your emotional well-being. To be called a healthy person one’s body, as well as their mind, should be functioning properly.

The ingredients for good health are a balanced diet, physical activity, sleep and adequate rest.

Benefits of being healthy:

• From child to adult health plays an essential role in proper development and growth of the mind and body.

• If you maintain a healthy lifestyle then your body becomes free from different types of disorders and illness leading to longer life expectancy.

• You tend to look more attractive when you are physically fit.

• For those who work being healthy can make you feel more energetic and you are able to carry out exhausting tasks without pushing yourself.

• A healthy individual does not avoid his duties as he is able to reach his full potential.

• As your mind is free from mental stress you are able to handle the daily chores at home, school, work etc. with a positive attitude making you more interested and improving the output of the task you do.

• Health has a huge impact on one’s overall performance and efficiency. With good health and sound mind, you will have a better control of your life.

Wrapping Up:

An individual with good health and sound mind fully enjoys the good things in his life. With sound mind, an individual can find motivation and strength to do his / her work. Stressful lifestyle and unhealthy habits can adversely affect one’s health both physically and mentally. Loss of good health can lead to loss of happiness in life. To maintain a one’s health, following a healthy lifestyle is essential. Proper lifestyle will lead to the adequate development and growth of one’s body which helps in keeping it mentally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy.

Eating healthy is important at any age but becomes especially crucial for baby boomers over 50. Why?

Okay, the bad news first. As we get older, our bodies go through some major changes, as nutritional expert Tara Collingwood M.S., RDN points out in an interview for Newsmax. “Men and women alike are susceptible to bone loss, muscle loss, hormonal changes, and the dreaded middle age spread,” the dietitian explains. “We see and feel these changes in our achy joints, vision impairment, heart complications, weight gain, decreased memory retention, and lack of energy – all of which are tied directly to nutrition.”

The good news? Eating the right foods can help prevent diseases, maintain a healthy metabolism, and help you look and feel good.

Win-win!

With that in mind, here are 10 super foods that boast a high nutrient-to-calorie ratio to keep your body performing optimally. You’ll notice that some of these age-defying and disease-fighting super foods are items that you may already love and are sitting inside your refrigerator or pantry.

#1 Wild Salmon

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish two times a week, particularly fatty fish like salmon. Salmon is packed with vitamin D, potassium, B vitamins, and other important minerals, but that’s not all. Fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps fight inflammation, removes triglycerides from the blood, benefits arthritis, and may even help with memory loss and dementia. (By the way, omega-3 can also be found in other fatty, cold-water fish like herring, sardines, rainbow trout, cod, tuna, and mackerel.)

In addition, salmon is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids. This is important since protein is what our bodies use for maintenance and repair. No wonder experts often put salmon at the top of their list of healthy foods that promote good health!

#2 Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are nutritional, energy-boosting dynamos and the richest source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids available. The seeds are full of antioxidants, protein, minerals, plus soluble and insoluble fiber to help digestion.

The tiny seeds are also a “complete protein” containing all nine essential amino acids, rare for a plant-based source of protein. Another benefit? These little seeds have an unusual quality – when combined with liquid they swell and absorb more than 10 times their weight. That means adding a spoonful or two to meals will help you feel fuller while adding some crunch and texture. If you’re trying to lose a few pounds, this can be helpful!

So here are a few fun facts about this super food. Although chia seeds have only become a popular health food recently, they’ve been around a long time as a staple of Mayan and Aztec diets. In fact, “chia” means “strength” in the Mayan language. Aztec warriors were known to use the seeds to give them high energy and endurance, especially during battles. And in case you’re wondering, these seeds are the same ones used for the iconic Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pets that allow you to “grow” garden animals and characters. However, the seeds in these kits aren’t approved for consumption, so head to a grocery or drugstore to enjoy the health benefits.

These nutritious seeds are virtually tasteless, so you can add them to just about anything including oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, sauces, breakfast cereals, soups, and salads. Another popular way to eat the seeds is by making “chia pudding.” Just mix some seeds with one cup of liquid like almond milk. After 15 minutes or so, the seeds “swell” and the “pudding” is ready to eat. Add some fruit, nuts, or other toppings for extra flavor. Just be careful about eating spoonfuls of the seeds by themselves which could pose a choking hazard.

#3 Avocados

This unique and nutritious fruit has 20 different vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants including carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which are valuable for eye health. Surprisingly, avocados have more potassium than bananas – an essential mineral that most older adults don’t get enough of that helps reduce blood pressure.

Other bonuses: Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which numerous studies have shown can help lower levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol while boosting ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. These fruits are also high in omega-3 fatty acids which, as previously mentioned, help remove triglycerides from the blood and lower inflammation.

#4 Blueberries/Blackberries

These small berries are full of nutrients including vitamins, potassium, minerals and antioxidants. Blueberries and blackberries contain high levels of soluble fiber which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight, lowering cholesterol, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and lowering blood pressure.

The berries rank the highest of any fruit for antioxidants including concentrated levels of flavonoids, a natural brain booster that helps reduce age-related declines in motor skills and cognitive ability.

When selecting berries, note that the darker they are, the more antioxidants they have. These fruits are also anti-inflammatory. The good news is that frozen are just as good as fresh and easy to toss on your morning cereal or salad.

#5 Almonds.

Nuts in general are good for our bodies, but almonds are the most nutrient-dense nut, ranking highest in protein, calcium, vitamin E (which helps skin stay supple), magnesium, and folate. Almonds are also high in manganese and copper which are necessary to form collagen and can help aging bodies look and feel younger.

An added bonus: Dieters who ate almonds daily shed 62 percent more weight and 56 percent more fat than those who didn’t, a study from Loma Linda University in California found. “The fiber in nuts may prevent your body from absorbing some fat, speeding weight loss,” says lead author Michelle Wien, R.D. Almond eaters also lowered their blood pressure, the study noted.

#6 Ginger

Ginger may be best known for its ability to soothe stomach aches and ease nausea. But it has so much more to offer.

This anti-aging herb is a good source of many nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6; however, the majority of its benefits for anti-aging nutrition come from its special phytonutrients called gingerols. As WebMD points out: “When you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly.” Healthline adds: “Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.”

By the way, other herbs such as garlic and turmeric also contain anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve achy joints and stiff muscles.

#7 Matcha Green Tea

Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, but since it’s made from the entire leaf, it packs in a more concentrated amount of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.

The good news is that these powerful properties can help us baby boomers as we age.What makes matcha such a super food? Its key component is EGCG, a catechin linked to lowering risks to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. Loaded with antioxidants, matcha is known for its immunity-boosting and disease-fighting properties. According to Healthline.com, “Including matcha in your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, which may help prevent cell damage and even lower your risk of several chronic diseases.”

EGCG is also linked to potential weight loss benefits. Matcha can crank up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories every day and process food more effectively. In fact, researchers conducted a series of studies on dieters and found that those who drank green tea lost more weight than those who didn’t drink it.

The amino acid L-theanine in matcha, which stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin helps improve concentration and memory. According to a study published in the journal Phytomedicine, regular consumption of green tea may even offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

An added benefit: Unlike coffee, the amino acids in Matcha help your body absorb the caffeine gradually which releases energy slowly and sustainably. Matcha promises a four to six hour energy boost that’s just enough to perk you up.

Janie Zeitlin, a registered dietitian in White Plains, NY and New York City, says matcha is a “nutritional powerhouse,” and “a valuable addition to any diet,” but adds that moderation is best because of the potency. Most experts recommend drinking a cup or two a day.

#8 Beans

Experts recommend adults consume three cups of beans per week to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. With good reason.

This often overlooked super food is considered “heart healthy” since beans contain an abundance of soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Beans also deliver a powerful combination of vitamins and minerals, including blood-pressure-regulating magnesium, energizing iron, bone-strengthening calcium, potassium, and folate as well as antioxidants. Keep in mind, the darker the bean, the higher its antioxidant levels.

As a bonus, beans help raise levels of the hormone leptin which curbs appetite and thus can help you maintain a healthy weight. Beans are also metabolized more slowly than other complex carbs, helping you feel fuller longer while delivering a great source of energy throughout the day.

A comparatively inexpensive source of protein, beans can be purchased canned, frozen, or dried. To increase your intake, incorporate beans into main dishes like chile or soup, use as a filling side-dish instead of bread or potatoes, toss into a salad, or eat snacks like roasted chick peas or hummus. Have a variety of beans including kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), split peas, fava beans, and lentils in your pantry and get creative!

#9 Quinoa

The South American grain quinoa is well-known to vegans and vegetarians because it’s a complete protein and filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, such as B2, magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.

Quinoa is easy to use in place of other grains, pastas, or white rice. An excellent source of protein with sufficient amounts of all the essential amino acids, it packs more nutrition than most grains.

In addition, quinoa contains large amounts of flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These are potent antioxidants with several health benefits.

#10 Dark Chocolate

Okay, I saved the best for last. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Just so happens that quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals.

Dark chocolate also contains organic compounds that function as antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. Some studies indicate that consuming small amounts of dark chocolate on a regular basis can lower blood pressure and decrease the rate of stroke in women by 20 percent.

The darker the chocolate, the lower the fat and sugar content. However, don’t go too crazy. Unfortunately, there are 170 calories in one piece (one ounce) of dark chocolate and the treat does contain sugar along with all those nutrients, so should be eaten in moderation. Still, I love that dark chocolate can be counted as a health food, don’t you?

This article was originally submitted for publication on August 9, 2010 and has since been updated and revised as additional information on BPA could be verified.

Take the number one and double it. Now take the number two and double it. And with the number four you now have the easy to remember formula to your “possible” good health. But not so fast. These three numbers, one, two and four, so-called “resin identification code” numbers found within the ubiquitous triangle on most, not all, plastic pieces were the brainchild of the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 for the environmental purpose of recycling. They stand in contrast to the numbers three, five, six and seven and what makes these three numbers “safe numbers” is their lack of the toxic chemical Bisphenol A, (BPA for short), which is inherent in the remaining four numbers.

BPA, a synthetic estrogen having industrial and dental applications, is the chemical that has been shown to leach into food including baby foods and formulas from BPA plastics and cans that are lined with BPA. This writer will not pretend to offer expertise on the subject. I have none. However, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as of this writing, each post online over 300 technical entries on BPA. I’m sure other federal agencies may also address this serious matter of public health concern. The most comprehensive non-technical reporting on Bisphenol A is provided by the donation funded Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) and the search engine of the Center For Science In the Public Interest (CSPINET.org) also provides topics of concern on Bisphenol A while maverick physicians like Joseph Mercola, D.O. (mercola.com) openly discuss online the hazards posed by BPA.

In a random, non-scientific inquiry I inventoried my own home only to discover shocking results. Naturally my first inclination was to inventory any type of plastic that was even remotely connected to foods and beverages. Real old plastic containers used for food leftovers, like Rubbermaid for instance, understandably lack the numbered triangle. Instead, some pieces may have a number within a circle, the meaning of which is unknown. On to the post 1988 products and my first, and somewhat surprising item, is a Styrofoam carton housing a dozen eggs which bears the number six (6), a BPA-containing carton. I can’t help but wonder if somehow this toxic chemical can permeate a porous eggshell barrier over a given period of time so my egg purchases today come in sturdy cardboard cartons that have no possible adverse effects on eggs and are very safe to recycle.

From an egg carton I move on to the colorless plastic bottles used for juices such as Tropicana. I have several of these, different brands and sizes. I routinely use them to refrigerate filtered tap water and they all seem to have the number one (1), but I’m dismayed when, under magnification, I examine their hard, colored plastic bottle caps but find no resin identification codes. I force myself to avoid speculation.

I have two food containing tubs in the fridge, a Kraft Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese, a must for my customary lox and bagel breakfast, and Stonyfield’s Oikos Organic Greek (nonfat) Yogurt, my occasional health food lunch. They bear the numbers seven (7) and five (5) respectively and I’m too miffed to check the lids!

Over the years I somehow managed to accumulate those hard plastic water bottles with company logos that conveniently rest in automobile cup holders and often contain hot beverages. Now alarm sets in. All but two “safe” bottles, from the National Medical Association and G. H. Bass Clothing, bear the number five (5), but two findings compound the problem. None of the plastic caps have resin identification codes and all were manufactured in China, which notoriously manufactures merchandise having lead based paint. Add hot coffee, tea or other hot beverage to these vessels and the resulting chemical interaction could conceivably be harmful, even toxic, to a chemical sensitive person.

So it’s off to the fast food joints but only to check the take-out beverage fountain cups, not the Styrofoam food containing dishes. None of these cups can be used for hot beverages. They’re strictly cold beverage containers, some are of the Styrofoam variety, the others are the more rigid type. It makes no difference. The numbers I encounter are either five (5) or Styrofoam Six (6). I don’t bother to check the lids. At this point I’m so disgusted the lids could be made of bazoonga for all I care. At home I come across two rigid plastic 64 ounce advertising cups, one from the major Cola manufacturer, the other from 7 Eleven and their respective numbers are five (5) and two (2) which, thanks to 7 Eleven, proves that each and every one of these cups can and should be made of BPA free plastic. I can’t help but wonder if sodas are harmful to teeth enamel what sort of reaction occurs between BPA plastic and soda and then what is that resulting effect on teeth and the body? Could it also be that the plastics industry charges the food industry less money for BPA-coated plastic containers than for BPA-free products?

Chemical reactions between BPA, the foods and beverages they contact and any alleged health risks need to become an investigative priority as well as the financial incentives between these industries. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that canned tomato products lined with BPA increase the potency of the toxin and yet these cans show no markings of their BPA content. WHY NOT? This also begs the question should the toxin BPA now be listed as an ingredient or additive to affected foods and beverages? At the very least manufacturers of BPA lined cans and plastics should be required to spell out that their packaging contains BPA to preserve the product so that consumers can decide whether or not to purchase the product. Precedent for this requirement has already been established with health risk warnings on tobacco and alcohol products. Only when health risk warnings on plastics and metal cans appear on these products will consumers have the right to know for certain if foods and beverages they contain will be at risk for BPA contamination.

With less than two weeks to the Thanksgiving 2011 holiday, scientists at the Breast Cancer Fund found inconsistent levels of BPA in several named canned foods traditionally found at the dinner table. The study, “BPA in Thanksgiving Canned Food — a product-testing report by the Breast Cancer Fund” was reported in the online Business section of the November 15th. Los Angeles Times edition in the article “Study finds chemical BPA in popular Thanksgiving canned foods” by Rosanna Xia. The one positive finding in the study noted that no BPA levels could be detected in cans of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce.

Here’s where the tragedy and fun really begins. I’m in the bathroom where I notice a plastic bottle used to mist water on plants and two different plastics containing the shampoo brands Pert and Finesse. I decide to check these out as well as the various plastic cleaning product containers. They include large refill plastics of Tilex, Simple Green, Drain Care, as well as pump and pour plastics of Scrub Free, Tilex, Zep Mildew and Mold Stain Remover, Liquid Plumr and Kaboom. In the kitchen I come across a large plastic container of Heinz Distilled Vinegar. With the exception of Kaboom which bears the Safe number one (1) and Finesse Shampoo which bears BPA number three (3) every other plastic just named bears the SAFE number two (2) resin identification code!! I’m flabbergasted!! Every plastic used for harsh and caustic chemical solutions is BPA free while cans and most plastics intended to contain food or beverages for human consumption are laced with toxic BPA!! To make matters worse a BPA plastic is used to contain Finesse Shampoo, and in a store I find no resin identification code whatsoever on any plastic container of Fructis Shampoo. There must exist explanations for these abuses and it’s time to demand those answers. Could it be the food industry conspired with packaging manufacturers to add BPA to their packaging so that they (the food manufacturers) wouldn’t have to declare BPA as an additive or ingredient to preserve food? Food manufacturers must be held accountable for everything affecting food and beverages. Would it be feasible to convince Kraft and Stonyfield to sell their otherwise nutritious products in Zep and Scrub Free plastics for the sake of public health, or require Finesse Shampoo to use a number two (2) plastic container like its Pert competitor or demand that Fructis Shampoo reveal the resin identification codes on all its many different plastic containers? I would be quite satisfied with these corrections. I dare not check the resin identification codes for pesticide plastics. The very thought of BPA free plastic pesticide containers is unnerving.

Often overlooked in medicine cabinets are the clear orange colored plastic bottles used for prescription medications. They are made of resin identification code number five (5), BPA, which, should leaching occur, could contaminate prescribed medications with synthetic estrogen. For a number of patients estrogen in any form is a contraindication and for this reason medicines and nutritional supplements should be contained in glass bottles at time of manufacture or transferred immediately to a glass container at home. Certain dental appliances have a BPA plastic composition and these must be evaluated to determine the possibility of synthetic estrogen leakage.

PEDIATRICS, the “Official Journal Of The American Academy Of Pediatrics,” in a widely publicized study on October 24, 2011 entitled, “Impact of Early-Life Bisphenol A Exposure on Behavior and Executive Function in Children” cited in its abstract, “Conclusions: In this study, gestational BPA exposure affected behavioral and emotional regulation domains at 3 years of age, especially among girls. Clinicians may advise concerned patients to reduce their exposure to certain consumer products, but the benefits of such reductions are unclear.”

On a recent Sunday morning I head over to Costco where I find a set of plastic BPA-laced cutting boards (WHAT IS THE RATIONALE FOR COATING CUTTING BOARDS WITH BPA?) and an interesting on sale product named, “Snapware Glasslock 18-Piece Food Storage Set” whose box claims the product is BPA FREE. And indeed the Glassware by definition is BPA free and definitely microwave safe and definitely safe to recycle, BUT its plastic lid (intended for microwave cooking) has an inconspicuous resin identification code number five (5), another BPA containing plastic and certainly unsafe for microwave cooking or recycling. So many questions can and must be raised about this and any obvious intrusion by the plastic and BPA manufacturers regarding the obscene exploit of BPA into and on everything dealing with our food supply. No lid should ever contain the toxin BPA and WHY CUTTING BOARDS? While in Costco a demonstration for the blender VITAMIX is taking place. I’ve always been intrigued by the presentation but never got around to making the actual purchase. On the box of each unit is a statement that says the container is BPA-free which also piques my curiosity. During the break I ask the salesperson if I could examine the container and at the bottom of the container I notice a BARELY VISIBLE resin identification code number seven (7), a known BPA laced plastic. I ask the salesperson about this and the reply astounds me. I’m told that the container is not a plastic at all but a copolyester which means it is neither plastic nor does it contain BPA. WHOA! I say nothing further as a new group of onlookers begins to gather, but can’t help but wonder about any chemical reaction with BPA code number seven (7) or IF new copolyester products could leak their chemicals when the unit is used for any purpose but especially to microwave soup or other hot beverage.

When I return home I fire off an e-mail to Vitamix HQ requesting an explanation for what seems to be an obvious discrepancy. I’m impressed by the near immediate Sunday afternoon reply but not impressed by its substance from a company representative which reads in part, “…#7 includes both non-bpa and BPA containers (copolyester and polycarbonate). The containers used are the new copolyester BPA-free containers.” Could this be true and if so has the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) changed the rules to mean “an all inclusive umbrella” under which anything goes? I set about to find answers and with the thought that regardless of the response numerous independent laboratories must identify all copolyester chemicals and confirm that this new copolyester container is indeed BPA free as advertised and ascertain that copolyester plastics do not leach their chemicals or have other harmful effects on foods or beverages especially at high temperatures including microwave heating.

That said, I e-mail my inquiry to the Society of the Plastics Industry and receive a prompt and courteous reply from someone I believe to be a secretary advising me to e-mail my queries to ASTM.ORG which I do, but before sending the e-mail I enter the word “copolyester” in its search engine which returns three inconsequential replies. My next step is to send the actual e-mail but incredibly my e-mail goes unanswered. In frustration I Google “Bisphenol A” where I find websites galore praising or condemning BPA, but nothing from the plastics industry that would allow me to explore questions about the role of resin identification code number seven (7). I can’t help but think that some form of regulations governing resin identification codes are justified to curb what appears to be industry abuses that satisfy the needs of its membership, without any accountability, and at the health expense of the consumer. So I decide to investigate other country’s dealings with the BPA issue.

The year 2008 became the pivotal year for the disposition of BPA. Canada banned BPA from baby bottles and although the debate rages on whether or not to ban the toxin entirely, on October 14, 2010 the government became the first government to officially declare BPA toxic. Denmark restricted the use of BPA. The Washington Post reported on June 12, 2008, “The new laws in the European Union requires companies to demonstrate that a chemical is safe before it enters commerce — the opposite of policies in the United States, where regulators must prove that a chemical is harmful before it can be restricted or removed from the market.” WHAT A MARVELOUS, SENSIBLE AND COST EFFECTIVE CONCEPT FOR EUROPEAN GOVERNMENTS!!. In this country New York State and California led the fight to ban BPA from baby bottles but California legislators failed to pass the bill. I cannot say whether or not politics plays any role in the future of BPA, it shouldn’t, but in April, 2008 Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and fellow Senate Democrats proposed legislation to ban BPA from all children’s products. Then, a disturbing article in the December 15, 2008 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel entitled, “FDA maintains bisphenol A is safe” quotes Laura Tarantino, chief of the FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety saying, “At the moment, with all information in front of us, we do not believe we have the data on which we could base a regulatory ban,” (HUH? 300+ entries on your own website not to mention confidential reports that aren’t made public!) which makes this writer facetiously suggest to the “Powers That Be” at FDA that BPA should be reclassified as a nutrient so that the FDA could ban it once and for all! The above newspaper articles are “Must Reads” in their entirety and appear on the EWG.ORG website. As late as March 29, 2010 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared BPA a “chemical of concern.” That same year Maryland legislators banned BPA from baby bottles and is actively pursuing additional restrictions on the chemical.

If additional documentation is needed for Laura Tarantino and the FDA to justify banning BPA the chief of the Office of Food Additive Safety is directed to the Editorial section of the September 17, 2008 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and a strongly worded review of a preliminary study entitled, “Bisphenol A and Risk of Metabolic Disorders” by Frederick S. vom Saal, PhD, and John Peterson Myers, PhD. In it the authors cite the following, “…Lang et al report a significant relationship between urine concentrations of BPA and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities in a representative sample of the adult US population.” JAMA also published a Harvard School of Public Health research letter in its November 23, 2011 issue entitled, “Canned Soup Consumption and Urinary Bisphenol A: A Randomized Crossover Trial.” In it the authors “hypothesized that canned soup consumption would increase urinary BPA concentrations relative to fresh soup consumption.” They emphasized the relationship between BPA concentrations to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regrettably, this writer finds it necessary to remind and advise the FDA that its mission, its integrity, is to protect the U.S. population not the food industry, not the drug industry.

On the subject of safe microwave cooking with plastic Clair Hicks, PhD, professor of food science, University of Kentucky at Lexington maintains that resin identification code numbers one (1) and five (5) are safe and that number six (6) “may be microwaved only if it is covered with a barrier film, such as a microwave-safe plastic wrap.” Here it must be emphasized that only the number one (1) resin identification code is free from BPA contamination making it the only safe plastic for the microwave and then only if glass cookware isn’t available.

Until the federal government, plastics industry, metal can industry and food industry sort out this mess we consumers must exercise our own awareness and vigilance, a kind of civil protest, in our food purchases, preparation and recycling practices to limit our exposure to BPA as with any dangerous toxin. Until the use of known BPA plastics and unidentified metal cans containing BPA intended for food and beverage consumption is either eliminated or advertised with a warning notice, consumers would do well to buy similar products in glass jars which have no known toxins or deleterious health effects, are safe to microwave and safe to recycle. Metal and/or plastic caps should be certified BPA FREE. I intentionally avoid replacing BPA plastics with any plastic since the chemistry of so-called “safe plastics” could possibly result in other health issues particularly where microwave heating is employed. The ultimate purpose of resin identification codes is to recycle same type plastics and cans for future use. Are we then recycling BPA coated products to once again contact and contaminate our food supply?? I suspect we are and for this reason I no longer recycle any remaining BPA-laced plastic or can but instead trash them with other garbage or with hazardous waste material. It’s time to send urgent messages to our legislators to resolve BPA issues and to the food industry that we will no longer buy your food products packaged in unidentified cans that may be lined with BPA or in plastics bearing the numbers three (3), five (5) six (6) or seven (7). I look forward to the day when food manufacturers proudly advertise their products to be safe in BPA FREE packaging (including lids) that only have the numbers 1, 2, or 4 (prominently visible) resin identification codes and no “slight of hand” switcheroos courtesy of the Society of the Plastics Industry.

It seems ironic that the day before the 2010 Earth Day rally in Washington, D.C. a contingent of the SPI Bioplastics Council flew to the nation’s capital to lobby members of Congress. Their agenda, a call “for increased bioplastics funding through grants and other programs such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred program.” Only In America could such audacity prosper unbridled. Corporate influence in government, especially that which adversely affects public health, is a corruption that must be exposed and legislatively eliminated. This means overhauling the exploitative effects of lobbying OUR legislators for commercial gain.

This original limerick is intended to drive home the point that the continued use and intimacy of BPA with food or beverage is a case of Americans Poisoning Americans LEGALLY:

Imagine from a country named Reggert
We imported the delicacy Weggert
‘Twas laced with the toxin
Known simply as Poxin
And our government simply did nuthin’

Ewg.org provides informative reports and newspaper articles and readers are encouraged to explore their search engine, “find something” and also enter the following term: “Bisphenol A In Plastic Containers” to consider the many sides of this issue.

Similarly, NPR (npr.org) has reported on the plastic and Bisphenol A controversy, as noted in its search engine, and two March, 2011 broadcasts by Jon Hamilton “Study: Most Plastics Leach Hormone-Like Chemicals” ( http://www.npr.org/2011/03/02/134196209/study-most-plastics-leach-hormone-like-chemicals ) and “Plastic’s New Frontier: No Scary Chemicals” ( http://www.npr.org/2011/03/04/134240436/plastics-new-frontier-no-estrogenic-activity ) discuss the estrogen problem related to plastics and the future of possible harmless plastics. The New York Times followed these broadcasts with a Special Report by Erica Gies on April 18, 2011 entitled, “The Business of Green: Substitutes for Bisphenol A Could Be More Harmful.”

The online article, “The Price of Environmental Stewardship” by this writer adds further commentary on BPA.

Writer: Allan R. Marshall, D.C.

Just because you are eating for two should not be an excuse to eat whatever you can get your hands on or succumbing to all your cravings however strong they are. In fact, you should be more careful with what you eat because you are nurturing a life in you and you want to give it the best kick start in life. Your pregnancy diet should be good enough for you and just as good for the baby.

But with so much information readily available it can be very challenging to decide what foods are best during this important phase of life. During pregnancy, it is very easy for a woman to gain weight, especially with so much eating and less exercise going on. But when you choose the right foods, you will not have to worry about your health and that of the baby even if you add a few pounds. There are so many healthy foods good for pregnancy, you can choose from so you enjoy meals and maintain good health.

Eggs – They may seem unlikely during pregnancy, but they are top quality protein choices that happen to be very beneficial during pregnancy. Eggs have minerals and vitamins too. Considering that baby cells are growing, protein is very important in diet. The eggs also have choline that promotes overall growth and brain health of your baby. Some even have omega-3 fats that are great for vision and brain development. They may be high in cholesterol, but they are low in saturated fat, thus making them okay during pregnancy.

Sweet potatoes – The orange color of sweet potatoes is from carotenoids and they are helpful in catering to vitamin A when there is a shortfall of the same from veggies and fruits. The sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C, fiber and folate making them very good during pregnancy.

Whole grains – They contain nutrients like selenium, phytonutrients and vitamin E and they are also high in fiber. There are so many choices and you can experiment with them as you prefer to make delicious meals that will not only prove beneficial but also enjoyable. You can go for anything from barley, oatmeal of even quinoa, which seems to have an abundance of nutrients.

Dark green leafy veggies – They include Swiss chard, kale, spinach and they are all loaded with nutrients and vitamins C, K and A. The green leafy vegetables are also rich in folate which is very important during pregnancy. They make very good food choices for promoting eye health too.

Lean meats – It is a natural protein source, but when buying red meat you should ensure that you get cuts that are fat free. Pork and beef are some of the best during pregnancy because of the choline they contain additionally to the protein. It is however important to keep off deli meats and hot dogs because of the risk of passing parasites and bacteria to the baby. It is also a good idea to cook your own food so you are sure.

Today, healthcare insurance is one of the hottest political topics. Everyone is asking who should be able to have health insurance, what will be the costs of it, can you survive without insurance and what will be the penalty? In this article, we are going to help you know the reasons why everyone needs health insurance.

Life is Unpredictable

While the spontaneity of life is pleasant, know that your health and budget may be hit hard due to unpredictable circumstances. Major health illnesses like diabetes, cancer or HIV have high medical costs. If you don’t have health insurance, the cost of these medical treatments may ruin your credit rating. As a matter of fact, medical bills is one of the reasons why many people go bankrupt.

Regardless of your circumstances, it’s important that you have insurance. You have no idea what is going to happen in your life down the road. We hope that nothing bad is going to happen in your life but it’s great to have peace of mind by signing up for an insurance policy. This will give you the peace of mind that your medical bills will be covered, and that you won’t go bankrupt.

Maintain Your Health

In your life, your most valuable asset is your health. Most of us take insurance as a type of financial support we get in the event of an accident or illness. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s equally important to maintain good health. If you eat well, you can stay in good shape.

If you don’t have insurance, you won’t need to go to a doctor for medical checkups. Actually, a health insurance policy enables you to benefit from the “preventive care”, which is part of most plans. What you can do is see your qualified doctor for checkups and take part in other benefits like health screenings. This can help you maintain your health. Also, the insurance policy plan you have chosen can help you find out what is included.

Reduce Your Costs

It’s important to keep in mind that insurance providers offer special rates for doctors who are part of their network. So, if you have health insurance, you can reduce your medical costs significantly.

Avoid a Penalty

Aside from saving on your health care costs, an insurance plan can help you avoid a penalty as well. Today’s health insurance laws have a requirement that you should have a health insurance plan or you may have to pay a penalty for the month for which you or your partner or your tax dependants don’t show that they have the minimum coverage. And typically, this fee is based on a person or household income whichever is higher. This penalty can be avoided if you have health insurance.

It’s important for everyone to have health insurance. After all, you have no idea what is going to happen in the future. You can enjoy the best health care provided you get the right insurance policy.

When it comes to snacking you would probably agree that it is difficult to find a food that is not only tasty but healthy at the same time. However, this statement isn’t necessarily true in all cases. For example, when it comes to eye health, if you are looking for a snack that meets this criteria, Walnuts are a good choice. Therefore, if you’ve ever wondered whether or not Walnuts are good for your eyes, here are some benefits of Walnuts for better vision:

Rich Omega 3 Fatty Acid Content: This eye food consists of a higher level of Omega 3 Fatty acids than other nuts. For instance, a number of scientific research studies have actually revealed that Omega 3 Fatty acids may reduce the risk for age related eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration. Eye doctors recommend a diet that consists of Omega 3 Fatty acids as this is a good way to support eye health.

Rich Antioxidant Content: Nutritionist Rebecca Katz of the “Longevity Kitchen Magazine” states: “Ounce for ounce walnuts have twice as many antioxidants than any other nuts.” Research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society whereby scientists revealed analysis supporting this conclusion. Scientist Joe Vinson, PHD, who conducted the analysis stated: “Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and regular nuts. Vinson revealed that the quality and potency of antioxidants in Walnuts were higher than other nuts but revealed that the reason people don’t eat enough of them is that they think that they are fattening. He revealed that the kind of fat found in Walnuts is not the artery clogging type of saturated fat, but a healthy kind of fat called monounsaturated fat that actually supports heart health.

Eye Supporting Vitamins and Nutrients: This food to improve eyesight, consist of Vitamin E. In the case of Vitamin E, research studies have indicated a benefit derived from this nutrient in terms of the slowing of Cataract development.

Walnuts consist of Zinc and also Selenium. These are essential antioxidants that play a vital role in terms of protecting the eyes from the negative effects of free radicals that cause damage to eye cells. From this point of view, they are helpful in the prevention of age related vision disorders.

In terms of portions, nutritionists recommend eating a handful of walnuts a day to promote heart health and also general health. Therefore, from the point of view of general health, here are some additional benefits of Walnuts for eyes:

Eating a handful of walnuts a day not only protects your eye health, but interestingly, health experts have identified a weight loss benefit that is associated with eating this healthy snack. It is actually helpful in assisting you in maintaining or losing weight. A lot of interest in the medical community has been focused on the fact that eating walnuts in moderation, on a daily basis, can actually improve your cholesterol and triglyceride levels thereby supporting heart health.

Finding a healthy food that is not only good for your eyes but pleases your taste buds doesn’t have to be a challenging task after all. By incorporating a handful of Walnuts into your diet, on a daily basis, you give your eyes antioxidant protection against age related vision disorders. By doing this you are also improving your general health in areas related to the promotion of good cholesterol levels, better heart health and even weight loss. Ultimately, when it comes to eating to support eye health and general health, it turns out that snacking with Walnuts proves to be an excellent healthy snack alternative.

Looking for something exciting to do this summer? Ever try treasure hunting?

Treasure hunting will bring you good health, tons of fun and who knows, maybe a treasure trove! Yes, that’s right!

The kind of treasure hunting I am referring to here is metal detecting. I compare metal detecting as a sport right up there alongside golfing. Lots of walking and bending. Not really physically demanding, but the activity will be beneficial to your health. And the rewards will make you an avid hunter and at the end of the day, a very happy one.

Waving that metal detector an inch or two above the ground, sweeping it back and forth. It might take a few minutes, but then your detector emits a strong beeping signal. It’s letting you know that you have found something under the ground. You won’t be able to tell what it is until you dig it up. You pinpoint the location, fall to your knees, pull out your special hand-held treasure digger and begin digging… carefully unearthing the soil, maybe 4 or 5 inches in diameter and a couple of inches deep. You pull out your pinpointer and shove it into the hole to pinpoint the treasure… it beeps and you have just made a discovery. What did you find? A coin? A really old Indian head penny or a gold ring or perhaps a Civil War relic.

What are the benefits of metal detecting?

• First of all it’s a great hobby not only for you, but also members of the family. It’s a family thing!
• Great exercise. You’ll be walking, bending, squatting, digging and breathing in fresh air.
• Excitement. You’ll be uncovering history right under your feet.
• Adventure. You’ll be digging for relics on abandoned farms and fields (with the permission of the owner, of course). Also, detecting along sandy beaches, and other places that people congregate.
• Whatever you find might be valuable.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. It all depends on how much you want to invest for your metal detector and other paraphernalia, such as headphones, a digging trowel, coin pouch and not to mention comfortable clothing and proper shoes. You don’t want to become encumbered when stooping and digging all day long. With your new pastime you will probably want to read all you can about metal detecting.

So, all you young and old, men and women, boys and girls, get out of the house and enjoy your new hobby. Grab your metal detector and have a wonderful healthy day.

Surrounded by contemporary amenities and appliances, the modern human yearns for a simple thing – closeness with nature. Nature is amazing and including it in your living space helps you in creating an enticing environment. Houseplants have emerged as a vital addition to home decor. Besides great look, they portray an abundance of advantages. Inclusion of house plants is an essentiality because of its numerous benefits.

Making Breathing Easy

Needless to mention, plants help in producing oxygen and thus helps us with breathing. However, along with that it also helps in the removal of pollutants from the indoor air. Different chemical pollutants take shelter in your house. Having an indoor plant helps in removal of all. Cleansing of the air leads to a purified indoor environment and helps in having an improved quality of life.

Release of Water

The vapor released by the plants helps in evoking humidity in the air. It also helps with controlling the temperature and creating a comfortable environment. Moreover, it provides the residents in dealing with the respiratory problems. Other than that, it also reduces the dryness of skin. Plants help the residents in being healthy.

Dealing with health issues

With rising levels of pollution, many get exposed to different forms of health issues. Allergy and cold are the most common illness faced by the residents. A plant assists in decreasing both the problems. Decline in stress level is another advantage of keeping houseplants. Furthermore, it helps with reduction of high blood pressure. Keeping plants in apartments helps in the reduction and removal of airborne contamination.

Being Happy

Plants have a positive psychological effect on the residents. Studies show house plants make you happier. It also has a positive impact on one’s self-esteem. Furthermore, it helps with reduction of depression and stress. Stability and sense of control are among other advantages of house plants.

Increase in Cognitive Function

Believe it or not, keeping plant inside your house helps in enhancing your thinking process. When one includes plants in home decor it presents varied positive impacts. They help in improving concentration of the residents. Your attention level improves consistently. They have also been linked with the booster of creativity.

Reduction of Noise

Proper placing of certain plants effectively reduces background sounds. It helps you in creating an environment of tranquility in your house. Besides, the plants are a nice treat for the eyes. You can take the help of the experts to select the right kind of plant for your house. Including of houseplants is the finest way to get a healthy life.