For Health

Holiday Health Tip #4: Stay Sugar Smart... and Say No to the Fake Stuff

2010-12-06T12:55:00.001-08:00

Before you start sipping on the holiday spirit(s), remember to choose those beverages carefully. It could save you a pound or two.

While the festive over-eating certainly is a concern this time of year, the liquid calories unsuspectingly are the main culprit. The main reason for this: sneaky, sly sugar.

Sugar is surprisingly deceptive. Since our primitive days, we humans have been enamored by sugar's siren song. Food's sweetness, as a basic survival principle, meant it was safe.

But now, sugar has become the staple of the American diet. And while it's absolutely ok to treat yourself every once in awhile, there's little doubt about it: Americans, for the most part, are addicts when it comes to sugar. The holidays prove no exception, starting with our festive morning beverages.

For instance, a 16 oz. Starbucks® Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, or Gingerbread Latte each contain about 50 grams of sugar (source: Starbucks’ Online Nutrition Menu). In that simple paper cup, you have just doubled the amount of sugar you should have in one day.

But how should you know how much to have? Women should aim for 100 calories or less (25 g of sugar). Men: 150 or less (37 g of sugar).

While it’s certainly recommended to keep tabs on your sugar intake, whatever you do, please- oh please- do not “cheat” by using fake sugars— aka: saccharin-flavored food with no calories. Despite their “diet” façade, fake sugars actually can cause you to gain weight.

A University of Texas Health Science Center survey showed that for every can of diet soda consumed each day, there was a 41% risk of being overweight. And a study done by Purdue University scientists concurred that their saccharin-fed test subjects gained more weight (in the form of fat) than the pure-sugar (glucose) fed subjects over the course of two weeks. To read more of the “Can Sugar Substitutes Make You Fat?” article in TIME, click here.

Fake sugars are believed to disrupt the link between our mind’s perception of sweetness and the body’s “calorie counter” which causes us to eat more and gain more weight.

The better solution: minimize your sugar creatively. Instead of soda, mix sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice. Use agave or stevia (natural sweeteners that do not spike your blood sugar) to sweeten up your coffee or teas. And as for that favorite seasonal morning drink, pour half of it into another container to save for the next day, and fill the remainder of the cup with organic milk or soymilk. You may be pleasantly surprised to notice that lessening your need for sugar will also lead to many more positive outcomes... starting with a smaller dress size.

Holiday Health Tip #3: Go Outside and Play!

2010-11-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

You may find that your desire to maintain physical activity during the holiday months drops with the temperatures. You’re not alone.

Half the battle of keeping steady workout routines is just tying up the shoelaces or walking into the gym. This holiday season why not make physical activity a little more simple and a lot more fun.

You may not have known it at the time, but some of your favorite childhood activities may be some of the best exercises around. Better yet, since there is a “fun” element to these activities, the chances of you sticking with them are a lot more realistic than the mundane treadmill.

Below is just a sampling of some recreational winter activities that can keep you in great shape and re-inspire that inner-kid, too.

Jump rope: whether you have a rhyme to sing or you’d rather stick with plain old counting, jumping rope is a fantastic cardio exercise.

Calories burned in 15 minutes (based on an average 145 pound person):

approximately 165

Sledding: walking up-hill, dragging a weighted sled behind you—yep, that’s definitely an exercise-keeper.

Calories burned in 1 hour: approximately 450

Ice Skating: it’s time to revisit those daydreams of Olympic Gold (even if you’re just making laps around the rink).

Calories burned in 1 hour: approximately 330

Snowball tag: (aka: freeze tag with snowballs—just avoid throwing at the face!) High-bursts of sprinting complemented with fast-paced dexterity.

Calories burned in 1 hour: approximately 320

To keep up your endurance while you play (and to keep up with the kids), check out Shaklee’s Performance and Physique. The drink-of-choice for numerous gold-medal winning Olympians, Performance hydrates you without any artificial coloring or high fructose corn syrup. And for after-workout recovery, check out Physique: a whey-protein based drink that repairs your muscles and prevents next-day soreness.

Holiday Health Tip #2: Giving Gratitude by Going Green

2010-11-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Tips for making your Thanksgiving healthier and eco-friendlier.

As you’re giving thanks for life’s many blessings this Thanksgiving, why not celebrate in true Native American fashion—paying respect to Mother Earth.

Below are a few simple ways for having a green Thanksgiving celebration this year and for years to come.

• Buy local. If you don’t have a farmer’s market available to you this time of year, Whole Foods has begun to show which of their produce is grown locally (even giving you stats on how far it has traveled).

• Buy organic & free-range. Buying organic is better for everyone—healthier for both you and the planet by keeping pesticides and other harmful chemicals out of our soil. Simply buying a free-range turkey is a tremendous eco step. Not only is free-range more humane, it also keeps you from ingesting hormone-injected meat.

• Getting ready for houseguests? Why not greet them with an eco-friendly, chemical-free home? Clean up with the best, most cost efficient eco cleaners on the market: Get Clean. And how about some refreshingly pure Get Clean water as well-- the only water purifier that eliminates lead, among other harmful contaminants.

• Recycle everything you can, and make your recycling bin clearly labeled and easily accessible for your guests.

Miki Jarvie

Shaklee Independent Distributor

815-469-4773 ~ cell: 708-466-0161

mikijarvie@shaklee.net

www.green411now.com

http://www.howtofundyournonprofit.org/

Holiday Health Trivia #1: You may not gain as much as you’d think during the holidays.

2010-11-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

According to “A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain” by The New England Journal of Medicine, the typical American gains only about one pound during the holiday season.

Don’t be fooled though. As trivial as one pound may seem, it adds up—year after year—and it also contributes to those stubborn pounds that become impossible to shake. Unfortunately most people never lose that extra pound gained during the holidays.

In honor of the soon-approaching gargantuan feast day that is Thanksgiving, we’re going to do a blog series on pre-feasting tips and tricks (aka: how to indulge without over-doing it... no, that is not a paradox).

You may begin the holidays with the best of intentions: I will not overeat. I will not go back up for seconds. I will not go up for thirds.

That becomes the first problem: telling yourself what NOT to do.

Instead, let’s spin it in another direction.

Tell yourself what you will do and have a plan of action. To rev up that game plan, here’s your first pre-feast tip of the week:

Play up the fiber--starting with breakfast.

By choosing a more fiber-full meal in the A.M., this will most likely carry you through the day without a desire to binge on other foods; it will also help you make better meal decisions at lunch or dinner.

What are some good fiber breakfast options? Shaklee’s Cinch shakes, for starters—loaded with 6 grams of fiber (25% of your recommended amount) and 24 grams of protein (nearly 50% of your recommended amount). Additionally, oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber as well as unsweetened bran cereals loaded with fresh berries.

Begin focusing on fiber now, and by the time the holidays roll around, you’ll be well into the groove. Also, to assess your average fiber intake from your daily meals, check out the WebMD’s Fiber-O-Meter Quiz.

And if you feel your food is coming up a bit fiber-short, you may want to consider fiber supplements, such as Shaklee’s convenient Fiber Plan tablets, or a delicious fiber snack with Shaklee’s Fiber Advantage Chewy Apple Cinnamon Bars—10% off until November 14th!

Trying to Be Green? Stop Drinking the Water.... Bottled, That Is.

2010-11-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

If someone wanted to sell you a bottle of air that has been “purified” for $4 a pop, would you buy it?

No way! you say. I can breathe my own air for free or buy an air purifier that would continue to purify my air long after that bottle was consumed.

The above analogy may seem a bit ridiculous, but within the last two decades, bottled water presented a similar situation and a “good business strategy” for beverage industries to pursue. With the market for soft drinks declining, and the fear of pollution and water safety on the rise, these industries saw an opportunity.

And what an opportunity it has become! According to the International Council of Bottled Water Associations, us Americans spent about $9 billion dollars on bottled water in 2007 alone.

But recent studies have shown that the regulations governing bottled water are not as stringent as those on tap water. In fact, some estimates claim that 40% of bottled water is actually tap water (Natural Resources Defense Council, “Executive Summary” in Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype? Washington, DC, 1999).

But what is really the clincher when it comes to bottled water is the fact that 80 percent of those water bottles get tossed into the landfill, according to the Container Recycling Institute. These bottles then take up to a thousand years to break down.

The much greener, cost effective, and more purified solution? Why not try the best filtered water pitcher on the market.

In taking a look at Shaklee’s Get Clean® Water, the biggest reason for why it outshines the competition is its certification by the Water Quality Association for eliminating up to 99% of lead in addition to other potentially harmful contaminants (a claim that Brita and Pur cannot make).

Better yet, the Get Clean® water pitcher saves more than 2,400 plastic water bottles from going into the landfill and purifies more than 5,000 8oz. glasses of water per filter.

Even the filter itself is green, made out of sustainable coconut shell carbon using a zero-emission process.

So, enjoy your water—knowing that it’s safe, cost effective, and green to the last drop.

To learn more about this exceptional product and its 100% satisfaction guarantee, click here.

Why you’re better off getting the flu than a flu shot

2010-10-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

When passing through the airport recently, I noticed a few “Flu Shot Stations.”

I immediately felt a twinge of peer pressure. Everyone else is lining up for a shot. Am I wrong not to be getting one?

Well, the email I received from Dr. Al Sears, a medical doctor who shares his wisdom as “Power for Healthy Living,” recently confirmed why flu shots are not something to give-in to. And it reaffirmed why I am glad to have by-passed those shot station lines in the airport.

Here’s why:

For one, many people who get the vaccine unfortunately end up getting the flu anyway (remember, the vaccine is a mild strain of the virus after all). But far more concerning are the other things you’ll find in the vaccine...

Thimerosal – a preservative. It contains 49.6% mercury by weight. Mercury has been linked to brain injury, organ failure and muscle weakness.

Triton X-100 – a detergent and mercury derivative.

Polysorbate 80 – a potential carcinogen.

Formaldehyde – classified as a human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Also, let’s not forget that children and elderly (whose immune systems are a bit more susceptible and fragile) are the ones most at risk for having adverse side effects to the vaccine. In fact, Dr. Sears’ email is backed up with scientific studies showing that children who have had the vaccine are more likely to be hospitalized. To read the research about this topic on his website, click here.

Now, enough of this scariness! It’s not Halloween just yet. Let’s talk about some natural solutions that are risk-free and worry-free.

1. Vitamin D. The “Sunshine” vitamin can also be the “Flu-Free” vitamin offering incredible immune-boosting potency. Vitamin D helps T-cells (the body’s defense against infection) combat foreign viruses. Our choice would be Shaklee’s Vita D-3 formula, which offers your daily supply. Now, Vitamin D is special in that each person may require a different dose. How much Vitamin D should you take? Take the quiz to find out!

2. Drink Green Tea. The benefits of green tea keep on popping up everywhere you look—and for good reason. The powerful antioxidant has been known to aid the body in a variety of ways, especially when it comes to immunity. So, drink an extra cup (or two or three) a day. And if you need some green tea especially when you’re on the go, check out Cinch’s convenient green tea energizing packets (otherwise known as “Liquid Oomph!”)

3. And don’t forget to get plenty of sleep! Are you getting at least 8 hours? If not, your immune system is not able to work to its full potential. Sleep is the precious time when the body repairs itself as well.

Take good care of yourself and have a healthy, happy non-flu season!

It Pays to Choose Shaklee... Literally!

2010-10-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Shaklee’s Dream Plan officially launched on October 1st, and the data comparing it to the competitors has been gathered and analyzed. It’s safe to say, the Dream Plan is a notch above the rest.

A Shaklee director earns about $899/month. In reviewing the comparable “Director” or first-level ranks among the competitors, this figure is (on average) $567 more, with the added advantage of also earning a new car and all-expense-paid vacations.

What could an extra $567 more per month do for you?

Well, for starters, that would be $6,800 more each year to pay off debt, be put toward a house down payment, placed into college savings, or go toward retirement.

The best part of earning an extra $567/month is that it’s all part of Shaklee’s “do well by doing good” motto. It proves that being helpful to others can also be rewarding... something not commonly seen nowadays as most companies are trying to cut back rather than giving more to its employees.

So, why not just take a look?

All it takes is 10 minutes, and it could very well change your and your family’s lives.

First, take a minute or two to write down how that extra income (of at least $6,800) could be used.

Then click on the link to The Dream Plan. If you like what you see, then send us an email. If not, that’s ok. But before you dismiss it, maybe there’s someone you know who’s considering starting a home-based business. Do you think they may like to know about a company that’s willing to pay them more than the competitors for the same amount of work?

To get started on those 10 minutes that can change your life, click here.

How to Fund Your Nonprofit, School, or Church by Switching Brands

2010-09-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

If you think your business had it rough the past couple of years, just talk to a nonprofit.

With budgets being cut to accommodate the decrease in funding, the recession has not been easy on them.

Sure, you could just pull out your checkbook and write a donation, but here are some words of wisdom to keep in mind:

Give a man a fish and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for life.

This is your chance to seek out nonprofits you care about and teach them how to fish... for a fantastic fundraising opportunity.

Here’s how it works in 3 simple steps:

- First off, any 501c3 may participate. They just need an unpaid volunteer as the contact person. The organization will receive a free “Shaklee Fundraising” website that can be linked to their nonprofit website.

- Next, encourage supporters of the nonprofit to switch their grocery store products - any health, cleaning, and laundry brands— to Shaklee®. Besides being safer and more effective, all purchases of Shaklee products will support organizations that are in dire need of financial assistance.

- Then start watching your nonprofit grow.

To find out more, watch our video on our newly launched website:

www.howtofundyournonprofit.org

Also, if you would like to set up a more personalized appointment to discuss your nonprofit’s fundraising goals, just contact us on the website!

What’s your dream?

2010-09-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

It’s interesting to see how our dreams have changed over the years.

- At 5 our dreams may have included becoming a firefighter or a policeman.

- At 7 it may have been being able to live as a fairy princess in Disneyworld.

- At 15 it was probably driving your own car.

While some of your old dreams may have changed over the years, how about revisiting that car one? What if you could have a great job that pays well and also pays for a new car of your choosing? Would that be a nice dream?

While it certainly is nice, it doesn’t have to be just a dream.

Shaklee’s “Drive the Dream” incentive program will put you in that new car-- in addition to changing your life.

Better yet, you’re going to do a lot of good while you’re on the path to doing well.

In order to earn your car, you need to help one person grow his/her Shaklee business. Once you’ve done this, you can begin collecting your car payments.

Also, if you can relate to any of the below situations, don’t worry— there are no limits when it comes to this dream.

I can’t begin the “Drive the Dream” program because....

1. I don’t have the down payment for a car. Not a problem. Shaklee will allow you to hold onto the preliminary car payments in order to save for the down payment.

2. My credit isn’t good enough for a car. Shaklee has a special relationship with a leasing company that will allow you to apply for a car.

3. I don’t need a car. So you live in a big city-- we can understand that. But do you know someone who does need a car? If you see the immense opportunity offered with this “Drive the Dream program,” now’s your chance to help others get a car!

To learn more, just send us an email on our website.

http://green411now.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html#/pop_dream_plan

http://green411now.com/

The secret to professional happiness

2010-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

One of my recent summer reads, The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt, explored a variety of reasons why humans feel happiness and how to retain the happiness.

From discussing renowned philosophers to the complexities of brain neurons, here is a very condensed version of some of the insight I took away:

For one, we humans are social beings, not solitary. We are meant to interact with one another and so, one source of happiness is to surround yourself with people who give you (and forgive my cliché) that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

Another tip I gained from the book’s research—there are three types of professional levels we can choose to have: a job, a career, or a calling.

Those who attain their “calling,” typically seem happier. This most likely is because they’re doing what they feel they are meant to do.

Tying these two concepts together, we as social beings usually find our “calling” when we’re doing something that matters by helping others or giving to others.

“When doing good (doing high-quality work that produces something of use to others) matches up with doing well (achieving wealth and professional advancement), a field is healthy,” states Haidt, in summarizing his research from various psychologists.

I guess it struck me as so poignant because that is, in essence, the motto of Shaklee:

Do well by doing good.

If you’re wondering what your calling may be, or if you’re searching for an opportunity to be part of a profession that does well by doing good, maybe this is it.

Why not explore a career that would allow you to impact an immense number of people—bringing them newfound health and a better quality of life— while earning a substantial living too.

If this sounds interesting to you, or if you know of someone who may be interested, check out Shaklee’s Drive the Dream incentive program.

Safe Water = Healthier Kids

2010-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

The discussion on trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and other drugs being found in our water continues...

Check and see if your city is on the list (to the left of the article).

While traces of these drugs and other toxins are certainly a concern, it’s comforting to know you can eliminate at least one of the most harmful: Lead.

Lead is the "single most significant environmental health threat to American children," according to the National Resource Defense Council.

In fact, 1 in 6 children have unsafe levels of lead running through their bloodstreams.

Here’s what it can do:

- Cause nervous system damage.

- Damage the kidneys

- Cause birth defects.

- Potentially be fatal.

Homes built before 1930 are very likely to have lead pipes. And even between 1950 and 1980, copper pipes in homes were still connected by lead.

But don’t panic. We have a safe, easy, and cost-saving solution.

Shaklee’s Get Clean® Water Filtration System is the FIRST of all water purifiers to eliminate 99.9% of lead.

Brita® and PUR® cannot make these claims. In fact, the question of lead removal is a “Frequently Asked Question” on Brita®’s website. Their response is that their pitchers “do not meet the revised industry standard for lead reduction.”

In addition to being safe, Shaklee’s Get Clean® water filters 80 gallons (twice the amount of Brita® and PUR®).

Plus, if you place a Get Clean® Water Filtration order by September 7th, you’ll receive a free stainless steel water bottle too! Click here for details, and enter code # 89114 when ordering.

Why Taking Care of the Planet Begins with Taking Care of You

2010-08-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

When considering of all the reasons why you should be healthy, the obvious that come to mind may include a better quality of life, prevention of illness, or even looking your best for swimsuit season.

But did you realize that by choosing healthful choices, you are actually partaking in an environmental movement?

Let’s analyze a few of the ways your everyday healthy habits could impact the Earth:

1. Eating organic food

A Plus for the Planet: When you buy organic, you are supporting farms that do not put any chemicals in their soil. Organic farms prevent chemical run-off into our water sources too.

Good for You Too: You’re not ingesting these chemicals, which are primarily organochlorines and strongly suspected of causing cancer.

2. Eating Mostly a Plant-Based Diet

A Plus for the Planet: The 7 billion livestock animals in the U.S. consume 5 times the amount of grain as the entire American population. Nearly 40-percent of the grain in the world is being fed to livestock instead of people in impoverished countries (source: "Livestock Production: Energy Inputs and the Environment" by David Pimentel, Cornell Science News). If everyone reduced their meat consumption, the water and fuel required for livestock production would also be reduced significantly.

Good for You Too: Plant-based diets have been proven to decrease the risk of heart disease.

3. Getting off medication

A Plus for the Planet: It turns up in our lakes and water sources after visiting the sewage plant. The less people take, the less drugs will be polluting our water.

Good for You Too: “People think that if they take a medication, their body absorbs it and it disappears, but of course that's not the case," says EPA scientist Christian Daughton. The drugs most resistant to water treatment are traquilizers, anti-epileptic medications, and cholesterol blockers. The EPA says no water purification system yet exists to eliminate these drugs from our water.

A better alternative is to begin a preventative health program. Shaklee’s vitamins are organic and food-based. They offer all-natural solutions to any health ailment or preexisting condition. Most recently, their Cholesterol Reduction Complex has been FDA approved to naturally reduce cholesterol. Furthermore, it is mostly comprised of plant sterols that wouldn’t harm the planet or others who come in contact with them.

4. Using nontoxic cleaners & laundry products, such as Shaklee’s Get Clean products:

A Plus for the Planet: Prevents chemicals from going into the lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans that damage natural habitats and the wellbeing of wildlife.

Good for You Too: Hypoallergenic and toxic-free, these types of products are gentler on your skin and safer (especially for children and pets).

It’s Time for a Financial Health Check-Up...

2010-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

We don’t have to tell you that the past couples of years have been tough on Americans. We have all been impacted by the recession... some more than others. For those who have particularly taken a hard hit, today may be the day that will change your life and your financial future forever.

After returning from Shaklee’s weekend global conference, it is safe to say that this company is the embodiment of generosity... and opportunity.

While most companies are cutting back due to the recession, Shaklee is giving even more back to its workers (including hybrid Mercedes). In fact, with its international prominence burgeoning, Shaklee has seen nothing but growth these past two years.

If there was ever a time to consider getting involved in a business, this would be the time, and this company would be the one. Here are a few reasons why:

Market Optimal

Of the 6 biggest business markets, Shaklee is competitive among ALL of them (nutrition, skincare, green products, home-based businesses, anti-aging).

Quality

They have never had a product recalled. All Shaklee products undergo 83,000 tests annually to check for efficacy.

A Stellar Reputation

For over 54 years, Shaklee has “walked” their talk. They are the recipient of numerous environmental achievements, Oprah endorsements, and over 100 Olympic medals.

Doing Good

With Shaklee, you are truly part of a social movement that will change people’s lives and change the world. They reward you for doing good.

To begin your own home-based Shaklee business, or if you’re interested in Shaklee paying for your new hybrid car, or if you’d just like some more information, check out our website.

2010-08-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Mildew is never pleasant... especially in the shower, bathtub, kitchen sink... yuck!

In fact, with guests in town, it can be downright embarrassing!

But instead of reaching for the harsh chemicals that make you wheeze and leave you with a pounding headache... why not try the less toxic, nicely scented alternative for less money too?

Scour-Off® is Shaklee’s “heavy duty cleaning paste” and it works extremely well as a deep cleanse for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

It even removes rust and is safe on copper, grout, cement, ceramic, and imitation marble surfaces.

Scour Off® is made from natural minerals and biodegradable cleaning agents. It does not contain chlorine or bleach (meaning it’s Organochlorine-free!! Yay!) or dye.

In lieu of the pungent, chemical odor, Scour-Off® resembles the aroma of bubblegum.

(And though it smells so good you could eat it, we recommend sticking to the real bubblegum)

Just use a tiny dab of the paste (no bigger than the size of a dime), lather it up well with water... and scrub away to reveal your bathroom’s sparkle and shine!

A True/False Pop Quiz:

2010-07-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

Organochlorines are organic forms of chlorine and, therefore, safe.

Well done!

It is indeed false.

Now, in case you’re having a hard time convincing your family why the chlorine-bleach has undergone its disappearing act, here’s another reminder:

Women with breast cancer had 50-60% more byproducts of organochlorines than women who were cancer-free.

Since we have an organochlorine-free solution to the bleach—Shaklee’s Nature Bright—it’s time to ensure everything on the inside stays organochlorine-free as well.

“On the inside??,” you may ask in disbelief. No way could the FDA allow those poisons into our food!

Sadly, yes. In fact, these chemicals have made their way onto any conventionally-grown piece of produce... in the form of pesticides and herbicides.

While the obvious choice is to buy organic food, we recognize that it presents a bit of a financial challenge. Therefore, for a less costly solution, just pull out that handy-dandy bottle of Basic H2®.

Remember that you can use Basic H2® to clean off some of the pesticide residue from conventional produce. Just apply ¼ tsp of Basic H2® to 4 cups of cold water and stir thoroughly.

For firm fruits and veggies, use a brush for cleaning. For softer fruits, dip them in the solution and then rinse with water in a colander.

And to learn which fruits and veggies you should ALWAYS buy organic, find out with the Environmental Working Group’s “dirty dozen” guide.

A Brighter Summertime Stain Remover... Minus the Cancer Risk

2010-07-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

Amidst a seasonal array of dripping popsicles, gushing watermelons, and thick barbeque sauces, there lives a savior to those summertime stains.

Meet Nature Bright®! The laundry booster and stain remover from Shaklee®’s Get Clean® line.

Phosphate-free and chlorine-free, this boosting whitener will zoom to the rescue and leave your clothes with even more sparkle and pizzazz than before.

But before we start spot-treatment, let’s talk a little about why chlorine-bleach is something to rid your home of...

While chlorine may have a nostalgic “clean” scent for you, it’s more dangerous than you may realize.

For starters, chlorine has been linked to the increase in childhood asthma.

But for women, especially, here’s the biggest reason to stay chlorine-free:

A study done in Hartford, Connecticut discovered that women with breast cancer have 50-60% higher level of organochlorines (byproducts of chlorine) than women without breast cancer.

Women's bodies are more susceptible to organochlorines because they accumulate in the breast’s fatty cells and mimic estrogen. This then causes abnormal cell reproduction... which leads to tumors.

One of the most prevalent suppliers of organochlorines: chlorine-bleach.

With the ratio of breast cancer reaching 1 in 8 women (source: SEER cancer statistics), why take your chances with chlorine-bleach-based laundry and cleaning products?

100% nontoxic and organochlorine-free, Nature Bright is also highly competitive with chlorine bleach on a performance-scale. In fact, a 2008 comparison study showed that it was 60% more effective on grass stains than OxiClean®.

With natural enzymes and active oxygen as its ingredients, it is friendly toward any and all fabrics, carpet, upholstery, kitchen and bath surfaces, and can even clean your patio furniture!

Click here to learn more about Nature Bright®!

How to get the PUREST water available

2010-07-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Before you guzzle down that tall glass of ice water...

How to get the PUREST water available

According to the Environmental Working Group’s “Cancer Prevention Tips” in conjunction with the President’s Cancer Panel this month, the #1 tip for cancer prevention: filter your water.

WAIT! Don’t go!

Before you stop reading this post because you already have a water pitcher, consider this:

- Conventional filters (such as Pur® and Brita®) have not been certified to eliminate lead— a toxic chemical known to cause seizures, reproductive complications, birth defects, and neurological problems.

But now, Shaklee’s Get Clean® Water has come to the rescue, eliminating 99.9% of lead in your drinking water!

Even better, Shaklee’s Get Clean® Water Pitcher is GREEN because...

* It’s made of sustainable coconut shells using a zero-emission process.

* Each filter purifies 80 gallons of water (two-times the amount of other filters).

* It’s the first water pitcher to use a refillable carbon block filter, which means less plastic will be going into the landfill.

* It’s BPA-free.

And it was just released this week! To find out more about this revolutionary new water filtration product, and relieve your water worries, go to: The Get Clean® Water Pitcher webpage.

Hate being a mosquito-magnet? Your nontoxic remedy to keep them away!

2010-07-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

The summertime uses for Shaklee’s Basic H2® continue...

As we discussed in previous blogs, it makes your grass greener while conserving water. It also wipes away pesticide residue on your summer fruits and veggies.**

And, it keeps away those pesky critters far from your skin.**

Apply a ¼ tsp. of Shaklee’s Basic H2® into a spray bottle and dilute with water. Spray Basic H2® on areas of your skin where you do not wish to receive bug bites.** (keep away from eyes)

While you may doubt how well a “nontoxic” insect repellent works, first consider what a more conventional repellent may be doing to yours and your family’s health.

Though the EPA states that DEET (the active ingredient in conventional insect repellents, developed for the army in the 1940s) is safe when used according to the label’s instructions, other studies suggest it may have some toxic effects.

According to a study completed last year by BioMed Central (BMC) Biology, DEET slows or even stops the body’s production of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme.

Without this enzyme, side effects include: headache, exhaustion and mental confusion with blurred vision, salivation, chest tightness, muscle twitching and abdominal cramps.

Children and pregnant women are especially at risk.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry shares that the cases reported in which pregnant women used DEET during their pregnancies resulted in multiple birth defects including heart problems, with one case being congestive heart failure.

And in 1995 alone, the National Poison Control Center received over 6,700 reports of repellent exposure. Two-thirds of those reports were children under the age of 6 (source: Quantum Health).

Shaklee’s nontoxic Basic H2® formula is an insect-repelling alternative for anyone wary of applying chemicals to their skin or their children’s. It also relieves the itch or sting from bites as well.**

** Disclaimer: The mixtures and usages are from people all over the country and are not from the Shaklee Corporation. Follow all product directions. No claims, guarantees, warranties, assurances or representations are implied or promised by Writer or the Shaklee Corporation.

Are you washing your fruits and veggies?

2010-07-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here’s how to get them at their organic cleanest.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over one billion tons of pesticides are used annually in our country. While the EPA states these chemicals have passed tests in which they do not a pose an “unreasonable health risk” to humans, any risk should be enough to avoid them all together.

Jay Feldman, director of the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, states, "Not only is American produce sprayed with a combination of pesticides, much of the fertilizer plowed into the fields is toxic. Our food is often sprayed again on its way to market and once again at the market. Because the current research points to and suspects pesticide poisoning as being carcinogenic and hormone-disruptive, the American public is being forced to think about other ways of doing things.”

Children are at greater risk.

Since they are of a smaller body weight, chemicals have a more magnifying impact on their bodies. The EPA acknowledges that adult bodies are four times more effective at detoxifying insecticides or pesticides than children.

A simple solution to reducing your contact and children’s contact with chemicals is to buy organic and wash your food, especially fruits and vegetables.

Here’s how you can wash them better and maintain their 100% organic seal:

With the multi-talented organic Basic H2®!

The Veggie & Fruit Wash recipe:

Apply ¼ tsp of Basic H2® to 4 cups of cold water.

Stir thoroughly.

For firm fruits and veggies, use a brush for cleaning. For softer fruits, dip them in the solution and then rinse with water in a colander.

Not only does it remove any bacteria and pesticides, it also removes dirt easily.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all fruits and vegetables be washed—

even those with a thick peel.

While you may feel washing an orange is a bit overzealous, bacteria and chemicals can come in contact with the edible part of the fruit when it is being peeled. It’s better to take an extra step and be thorough when it comes to your food’s cleanliness.

Also, to see if you’re eating enough fruits and veggies based on your age, gender, and activity level, you can find out with the Center of Disease Control’s “Fruit and Veggie Calculator”: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html

When you need some extra cleanly assurance

2010-06-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

The toilet handle is one such area that comes to mind when you’re looking for a no-nonsense germ eliminator.

And what about your cell phone too? That little germ-magnet goes everywhere you go, collects everything on your hands (and those who borrow it), not to mention the occasional bump-in with the floor.

When you need a cleaner that goes the extra sanitizing-mile (minus the harsh smell and hazardous chemicals), Shaklee has exactly what you need.

Shaklee’s Germ Off disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of Salmonella choleraesuis (ATCC*10708), Escherichia coli (ATCC*11229), and Escherichia Coli 0157:H7(ATCC*43895).

And (as with all Shaklee products) besides being a mean cleaner, it’s gentle on the Earth: 100% nontoxic and 100% biodegradable.

For a closer look at Shaklee’s hassle-free, germ-free, toxin-free cleaner, go to: http://bit.ly/c7Lxi8

Sticking with the Tried-and-True

2010-06-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

We’re really happy so many companies are trying to become greener. Honestly, we are.

But how can you be sure a company truly is “green” and not just trying to jump on the green bandwagon?
A company’s history can reveal a lot about its motivations.
Here’s a little about our background:

Shaklee has received numerous awards for its commitment to the environment, such as:

- The 2009 Green Power Leadership Award from the EPA

- Designation as an EPA Climate Leader by the EPA

- The Clean Air Award by Breathe California

- The Stevie Award for the Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program

- The Business Environmental Award for Sustainability

- The Global Green USA’s Design Award

And that just covers the past 2 years.

Plus, Shaklee created the first green cleaner (Basic H) when “green” was only a color half a century ago.

So, when you’re picking a company to entrust your home and the well being of your loved-ones, why not pick one with the proven track-record? One that has upheld the same principles, never at the cost of the Earth, for over 50 years.

To hear more about what makes us different from the rest, tune in to this short video:

http://mikijarvie.myshaklee.com/us/en/whyshaklee.html#/unique/pop_differentcompany

For your convenience... at no cost to the Earth

2010-06-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how new-found discoveries truly make our lives easier. Unfortunately, most of these conveniences take their toll on the Earth.

For instance, “Carry-out” meals seem to be a very easy solution for on-the-go... but the packaging that go along with them... not so great.

Or how about plastic bottles? It is estimated that only 27% of plastic is recycled, according to Earth911.com.... Again, not such a great statistic for the Earth.

And when it comes to cleanliness, cleaning wipes have become the new wave of cleaning convenience... No need for that extra step of pulling out the bottle and rag... just pull a wipe from the container and toss when you’re done.

The downside: it puts more non-biodegradable toxins into the landfills.

But don’t worry—there is a cleaning convenience that can actually help the Earth.

Here comes Basic H2 to the rescue... again.

Basic H2 wipes are not only convenient and organic... they’re 100% biodegradable.

Plus, according to performance studies done in February 2008, they clean 45% more dirt than Pledge® Multi Surface, Clean & Dust™ Wipes on vinyl flooring.

Save time and save the Earth. It’s that convenient!

Click here to see more: http://mikijarvie.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00302

What to do with an extra $3,400....

2010-05-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Let’s have a little fun dreaming.

What would you do with $3,400 extra dollars in your bank account?

Perhaps you’d take the family on that European vacation you’ve been talking about for the past 5 years... hiking Cinque Terra, swimming in the aqua-marine Mediterranean, sipping espresso amidst the Eiffel Tower’s splendor.

Whatever your dream may be, it is entirely possible starting today.

All you have to do is your chores.

As you may recall from our last post, our super-hero of cleaners—Basic H2—is so concentrated that it only requires 2 drops for a tough-scrubbing, glass-shining cleaner.

The cost per gallon of Windex, Glass Plus, or Seventh Generation ranges between $15-17.00.

The cost per gallon of Basic H2: less than 1 cent.

Now, you can whip out the calculator to do the math if you’d like, but in case you’d rather be planning your vacation, we had some professionals do it for you.

You would spend approximately $3,400 more for the other brands... and as you also may recall from the last post, Basic H2 has actually been proven to work BETTER than them.

It’s a win for your home, it’s a win for the planet, and it’s a win for your wallet...

Now go on and tell your family to start packing!

I can see (and breathe) clearly now...

2010-05-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

How allergies and asthma could be solved by cleaning smarter (and healthier).

As a child, I consistently confused the words pneumonia and ammonia.

I even recall saying that my friend was in the hospital with a horrible case of ammonia.

But as it turns out, I wasn’t that far off; they’re both hazardous to your lungs.

Exposure to ammonia (the active ingredient in many glass cleaners) leads to skin, eye, and respiratory irritations. According to the 2005 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control, ammonia based glass cleaners accounted for 6,356 poison cases. Ammonia has also been linked to further worsening or even contributing to asthma problems.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to a product that very well may rid your life of allergies and asthma, make your windows sparkle like never before, save you a bundle of money, and rock your eco-friendly world.

 Over 50 years old, it was concocted long before “biodegradable” became a term in the dictionary.

 It doesn’t like to brag, but... it is one of Oprah’s “favorite things.”

 So heavily concentrated, you only need to add 2-3 drops of it to water to create a tough-cleaning glass cleaner.

 And don’t dismiss it because it’s made from veggies and therefore “doesn’t work.” It out-performed competing glass cleaners (including Method®, Go Naked, and Seventh Generation® ). Plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper too.

Sustainable, biodegradable, dependable, and safe for all...

we are proud to introduce:

Basic H2.

Next week, we’ll explain how this cleanliest of cleaners can save you over $3,400.

Earth Saving, Money Saving… A win-win for you and Mother Earth

2010-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Being resourceful doesn’t just save the Earth. It saves your savings!

As part of our ongoing Earth Day series, let’s take a look at all the small ways we can save big for the Earth and tighten our wallets a bit, too.

The main way is to be frugal with resources. Some of these tips may be obvious by now, but others may not. Pick at least two from the list you haven’t been doing already and make it your daily goal to accomplish them!

- Turn off water when you….

1. Brush your teeth

2. Scrub soap (hopefully triclosan-free) on your hands

3. Wash your face

- Turn off lights when you..

1. Leave the room

2. Truthfully only need one instead of all three

- Unplug all chargers when you’re not using them. They still suck energy even if they’re not attached to anything.

- Turn your computer completely off when you leave work and when you’re finished using it at home.

Next week, we’ll share how your everyday chores can save you money and help save the Earth!

Earth Day 2010 #3

2010-04-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Smith of your kindergarten years meant well when she said you should wash your hands often.

What she didn’t know was the hidden toxin lurking in soap, making hand washing a mounting health hazard.

Fortunately, after reading this, you’ll be able to teach the kindergarteners of tomorrow how to wash their hands free of this chemical…

But first, some fun facts about it—

- It has been restricted by Canada, Japan, and the European Union.

- Used as an antimicrobrial and preservative, its side effects include: early puberty, serious reproductive issues and breast cancer.

- It’s extremely toxic to aquatic organisms and a threat to our ecosystems.

- Even the FDA warns that it does not “immediately wash off the skin.”

And the drum roll please…

Triclosan

(If you’d like to pause here to check the ingredients in your bathroom’s soap, we’ll gladly wait).

Now for the good news…

There is a much safer alternative.

Here’s what to do:

First, get rid of the soaps you’re currently using that contain triclosan. And please, please do not make the argument that you should use them up because you already spent money on them. Would you say that about a food product that just got recalled for salmonella? We didn’t think so. They’re toxic—get rid of them!!

Next, buy yourself a nice bottle of Shaklee’s hand wash—you can find it at http://mikijarvie.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00191

Completely triclosan free, its main ingredients hail straight from Mother Nature herself: wheat germ, soy protein, linden flower, and rosemary. Plus, its foaming sudsy lather makes hand washing a near-spa experience.

So, how about it? Are you ready to make Mrs. Smith proud? The power is in your hands.

Earth Day 2010 – 2 in a Series of 5

2010-04-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Do you think you have Triclosan on your hands? What is it and will it do any harm to you? The answer lies in what you use to wash your hands. If you use antibacterial soap, you certainly have Triclosan residue on your hands. Triclosan is like the low dose “antibiotic” for your skin that is supposed to protect you from bacteria. Unfortunately what it does is dumps more unnecessary chemicals down our drains and ultimately in the water supply while suppressing your immunity to more aggressive forms of bacteria.

Therefore, what kind of soap should we use that is safe for you and your planet? There are many other options out there but one that is both effective at cleaning while not acting as a toxin for your environment is found in the Shaklee Hand Wash (link). Most hand soaps contain fragrances, artificial colors and other artificial additives like methyl paraben. These added ingredients can ultimately lead to allergies or hypersensitivities, none of which is a concern for the hypoallergenic Shaklee hand soap.

So there you have it—something we use routinely everyday yet by making one small change can improve our health and does no harm to our environment!

Next Week: Earth Day – some suggested activities to get you going in the GREEN direction!

Earth Day 2010

2010-04-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

To Commemorate Earth Day on April 22ND, I would like to develop a common theme about what we can do, in small ways, to make our planet a healthier place to live. We all use different products – either to clean with, personal care, or for laundry.

Do you ever stop to think about where the end-point is for the residue of those products? I will focus on cleaning products this week and personal care and laundry products for future weeks.

If you use common cleaning products, do they contain the phrase “harmful if swallowed”? As we use bleach, ammonia, or those ‘pine fresh’ cleaners and they swirl down the drain, where does it go to break down – if indeed it does break down.

“We are what we eat” is a common dated phrase we have heard but to the same degree, we might say ‘we drink what we dispose’. Much of these conventional cleaning products end up on our reservoirs and drinking water.

There is a solution: Shaklee’s Get Clean product line. It truly is Safe for you, your home, and your planet™.

More information – click here http://www.mikijarvie.myshaklee.com/

Next week: What’s that Triclosan doing on your hands?

Non-Profit Series #5 OF #5

2010-03-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

The questions that must be answered for the non-profit funding are how, what, why, when and by whom?

How: Shaklee provides a website (free of charge) to the non-profit by which people can redirect their spending of consumables. The potential profit goes to the non-profit group. Your job, as the non-profit, is to direct people to the website and create an awareness of how this benefits your group.

What: The product lines are consumable – with over 300 products to choose from: non-toxic cleaners, personal care, supplements and nutritional for all ages.

Why: Shaklee products are all pure and effective. The commitment to quality and satisfaction is backed by a 100% guarantee with no questions asked!

When: Once all the paperwork is submitted for Shaklee approval of the non-profit, the web site can be up and running in a matter of a few weeks.

By Whom: The non-profit designates a ‘contact person’ (any volunteer or paid employee of the non-profit). I will work closely with designated contact person to insure that everything is working smoothly

I have presented a lot of information in these five short blogs. I strongly urge those with additional questions to contact me at mikijarvie@shaklee.net

Let Shaklee help you secure funding for your Non-Profit Organization.

Non-Profit Series #4 OF #5

2010-03-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be great to provide funding for your organization and at the same time, help the user of the product by providing better health and a safer environment? That indeed is a win-win situation.

For example, Shaklee has a product The Get Clean Starter Kit, which is a great way to introduce people to Shaklee. As spending is redirected from the ’usual’ household cleaners, the environmental impact can also be appreciated.

Each Get Clean Starter Kit eliminates 108 lbs of packaging waste, 248 lbs of greenhouse gas and it the environmental equivalent of planting 10 trees!

For a cost of around $170, you not only save over $3,400 but also eliminate a lot of waste, with concentrated non-toxic products that really work!

Would it interest your non-profit group if 100 families redirected $100 a month, it could generate over $40,000/year? Taking that one step further, 500 families redirecting that same $100 a month could generate over $200,000 annually.

The beauty in this concept is that all orders are drop-shipped – meaning the non-profit ‘labor costs’ are zero. (Think of Market Day and all the volunteers needed to make that effort run smoothly.)

In the final segment, I will summarize the advantages of partnering with Shaklee in non-profit cause marketing efforts.

Non-Profit Series #3 of #5

2010-03-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

In 2004, a Guide Star Survey showed that the average family would spend at least $1,200 per year on personal care products, household cleaners, nutritional supplements, and weight control systems. What would be the possibilities if we were to re-direct this spending? And what if the purchases to these redirected products were backed by a company that had a 100% money back guarantee and safe for you, your family, and your planet?
Shaklee has been in business keeping customers satisfied for 53 years. This has happened through tremendous customer loyalty – in fact, the average number of years people use Shaklee products is around 20 years. In addition, Shaklee has never had a product recall – which in today’s world, is seldom heard of.

Our company was founded in 1956 by Dr. Forrest Shaklee and his two sons and always operated on two basic philosophies:
1. Always do business by the Golden Rule
2. Produce products that are in harmony with nature and good health.
One of the very first products developed, Basic H, a non-toxic cleaner, is still one of Shaklee’s flagship products today.

In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral™ certification and totally offset its carbon emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment. In 2009, Shaklee was honored with the Business Evnironmental Award for Sustainability from Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet.
That is a little of our company’s background information – now how do the numbers work for your organization?
To be discussed in the next two series

Non-Profit Series #2 of #5

2010-03-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

A little information on cause marketing:
American Express has been credited with coining the phrase “cause marketing” when they partnered with the Statue of Liberty Project to raise funds to refurbish this famous monument. In 1982, Paul Newman began a project that, by redirecting profits from common food products, helped fund over 265 million dollars for charitable causes. In 2006, Shaklee adopted this concept as a way to help fund non-profit efforts.

There is one major difference between the corporate examples mentioned above and the Shaklee model. The corporate foundations decide the amount of funds to be allocated and who benefits. With the Shaklee model, the NON-PROFIT is in control of the amount of funds to be allocated.

In my next blog, I will explain how to begin a good cause marketing campaign.

Non-Profit Funding ~ A Simple Solution

2010-03-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

“Would you be interested in an opportunity to help secure

a constant monthly income for your Non-Profit Organization?”

 The old ways of generating revenues for non-profit organizations are not working as effectively as in the past.

 A recent study showed that 32% of non-profits reported a decrease in the last quarter of 2008 and yet the demand for services increased. Wouldn’t it be great to have peace of mind knowing that you can concentrate on your Mission and NOT on raising fund?

 With our program, this can become a reality – we believe that we can help to raise awareness of your Mission and along the way, make the world a better place.

 We minimize the fundraising planning and staffing efforts so that you can focus on your mission while offering an easy way for everyone to become involved.
 How do we do this? To be continued…

Introduction To Miki Jarvie: Shaklee Independent Distributor

2010-02-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

My name is Miki Jarvie and I have been a Shaklee Distributor for 9 years. The reason I became actively involved as a Distributor is that I faced my own health difficulties and I found the missing piece to the puzzle through Shaklee Nutritional products. My husband and two daughters are involved in this journey with me. Learn More: http://mikijarvie.myshaklee.com/us/en/about.html

My mission is not only to help others to attain optimum health, but also to create a safer environment for you, your home, and your planet™ Do you or do you know someone who values health and our environment? If so, please contact me - together we can accomplish the pursuit of common goals. In addition, the Shaklee Corporation offers a great opportunity for non-profit organizations to realize untapped funding potential for their cause. To find out more, http://www.shaklee.com/causes_partners.shtml

My future blogs will be informational in content explaining how you can live your life better through making wise choices that positively affect your health and our environment

STAY TUNED: I will be writing a five part series on non-profits and how to sustain a monthly income stream to their organization - with NO COST to the non-profit. And as a result, they will create healthier lives and a healthier planet."

To Your Very Good Health,

Miki