Posted in Local "Green" Events, tagged FLorida School of Holistic Living, FSHL, live music, meet teacher, mini workshop, open house, tea on September 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Join us for our Fall Community Open House!
Meet our teachers, staff, and students. Tour our new facilities. Enjoy mini-workshops from our teachers. Live music, healthy food, and samples of class projects (such as herbal teas and home made kombucha). Bring a friend, come and go as you like. Enjoy an evening of fun and information. RSVP through Facebook.
Wed, Sept 30, 2009 at 6:30 PM
FSHL Education Annex
1109 E Concord St
Orlando, Fl
Posted in Deals Around Town, tagged deals, glass, lid, pitcher, Ross on September 24, 2009 | 1 Comment »
I try to keep as “green” a kitchen as I can. I use glass food storage containers over plastic where reasonably possible and I’ve been eyeing the glass pitchers with lids on Greenfeet for a while. That way when I make ice tea the container is inert and doesn’t pick up the flavor.
Then I happened into the Ross on Curry Ford and Semoran and found a good selection of glass pitchers with lids in the same 1 L size or similar style (some bigger, some smaller) for a lot less. Single pitchers are about $3 and a set of two is about $7. So anyone looking for pitchers like these may want to head to their nearest Ross to check it out. You’ll get it cheaper locally and not have to deal with shipping.
Posted in Breastfeeding Support, Parenting Groups, tagged breastfeeding, natural living on September 24, 2009 | 2 Comments »
When my daughter was born 3 years ago, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I had a cesarean section and we weren’t able to bond or have skin to skin contact for 4 hours. It was a less than pleasant experience that greatly affected my nursing relationship with her. Luckily I had gone to a local LLL meeting before giving birth and I had met the LLL leaders. They were readily available for phone calls, giving me support and advice.
LLL meetings aren’t just about breastfeeding as well. Topics of discussion have been:
I highly recommend pregnant women and new mom’s visit their local LLL meetings. The meetings are free and there’s nothing better than surrounding yourself with knowledgable, like-minded women.
Posted in Action Alerts & Activism, Acupuncturists, Alternative Education, Chiropractors, Family Doctors, Food and Nutrition, Health and Safety, Health Food Stores, Homeopaths/Herbalists, Natural Baby Care, Natural Pregnancy, Natural Products, OB/GYNs, Pediatricians, Spirituality, Uncategorized, tagged alternative medicine, anti-oxidants, black cohosh, bleeding time, blood pressure, breast cancer, complementary and alternative medicine, complementary medicine, dietary supplements, hemorrhage, herbal supplements, herbs, licorice, menopause, minerals, natural medicine, natural supplements, ovarian cancer, radiation treatment, vitamins on September 15, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Do you use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Do you tell your doctor what you are using? If not, you could be at risk for dangerous interactions!
What exactly is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
Complementary is defined as a treatment used in addition to conventional medicine.
Alternative is defined as a treatment used instead of conventional medicine.
What are some examples of CAM?
Multiple studies have shown that the most common types of CAM used in the United States involve taking a vitamin, dietary supplement, or an herb (Cheung, Wyman, Halcon, 2007, p. 1003).
Who uses CAM?!
Lots of people! Some studies have indicated that as many as 75% of people have used some form of CAM over the last year.
What’s the big deal? If this is all natural stuff, how could this hurt me?
Great question! Natural supplements and medicines definitely have their place in keeping us healthy and treating our ailments. BUT many patients don’t realize that their CAM use is significant to their conventional treatment they receive from their doctor, and unfortunately many doctors don’t think to ask what non-prescription items their patients are taking (Cheung, Wyman, & Halcon, 2007, p. 115).
Here are just a few examples of how taking natural products in conjunction with prescription treatment can hurt you:
How can I find out if the medicines I take can be taken with my natural supplements, vitamins, herbs, and treatments? 
Talk to your doctor! Every time you go to your doctor, you should update him/her on the substances that you are taking into your body (including what you rub onto your skin!). Unfortunately not all conventional doctors are aware of possible interactions, so you should also tell your pharmacist when you go to fill a prescription.
You can also do some homework yourself. Check out these great (and reputable!) sources of information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs:
Stay safe! Talk to your doctor and pharmacist and do your homework!
References
Cheung, C., Wyman, J., & Halcon, L. (2007, November). Use of complementary and alternative therapies in community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 13(9), 997-1006. Retrieved May 18, 2009, doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0527
Jonas, W. (2001, September). Advising patients on the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 26(3), 205-214. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
Lindquist, R., Tracy, M., Savik, K., & Watanuki, S. (2005, April). Regional use of complementary and alternative therapies by critical care nurses. Critical Care Nurse, 25(2), 63-75. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.
Vapiwala, N., Mick, R., Hampshire, M., Metz, J., & Denittis, A. (2006, November). Patient initation of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) following cancer diagnosis. Cancer Journal, 12 (6), 467-474. Retrieved May 14, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.
Posted in Natural Baby Care on September 13, 2009 | 6 Comments »
The following was submitted by a guest author, Crystal Cipriani.
After I recovered, I talked to everyone that used cloth diapers and did a ton of research online. I ended up using the most expensive all-in-one diaper – Fuzzi Bunz. These come in great colors and were easy enough to use. They resist staining well and hold up over time. They also had a great resale value if in good condition. We used these exclusively and miracle of miracles, the rashes and infections went away. I’m not sure how they’ve changed over the years, it’s been a good five years since I bought mine and they may have changed. For the better or worse, I don’t know.
So, now we’re back in cloth diapers and I stay away from the ants.
Posted in Natural Pregnancy on September 13, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Many of the moms I see every day have some of the same complaints. These complaints are tagged as “normal” pregnancy symptoms and doctors will tell you to just deal with it, or have a drug handy to help you. While sometimes there isn’t anything you can do about some pregnancy complaints, there are many that can be alleviated naturally!
Here are a few of the most common complaints and their natural alternatives to alleviate them. In most cases these natural remedies are safe and can be used everyday. However, you should always consult your midwife or doctor about any supplements you are taking. That said, lets dive in!
Morning sickness – ahhhh the joy of finding out your pregnant comes with nausea and vomiting! That doesn’t sound 
romantic and happy at all! While some of this is normal and even an encouraging sign … you can help offset it a bit. The hormones of pregnancy are partially responsible and we can’t change those, but you can help yourself feel a bit better. The number one thing to do, is exactly what you don’t want to do. EAT. Specifically protein. You should be eating something protein every 2-3 hours during the day and having a high protein snack before you go to bed at night (no sugar, just protein). When you don’t eat because you feel sick, your blood sugar gets low, causing more nausea. This is a vicious cycle! Eat even before getting out of bed in the morning – something protein, then keep eating a light protein snack every 2 hour all day. Another trick is ginger lollipops, or Pregnancy Pops. Ginger does help settle your stomach, ginger ale works also. Rest and exercise go along way to helping morning sickness too. Go to bed a little earlier, or take a nap, and go for a walk everyday, even when you feel sick. Try not to worry since this too shall pass .. once out of the first trimester it will fade and go away for the majority of moms.
HeartBurn – Another very common complaint. I suffered this with each of my 4 pregnancies, sleeping sitting up the last half on my first pregnancy! If I would have only known! Here is the key – well 2 keys, but the biggest one? STOP DRINKING WITH YOUR MEALS. It seems to make sense. You drink more and more fluid to help the heartburn. Its seems to work for a few minutes, but an hour later you’re suffering, especially at night before bed. Most heartburn I see in my clients in actually reflux. The fluid has no space in your flatten, now horizontal tummy and goes up instead of down. Your food will sit there quietly, digesting, usually, but when you add a lot of fluid to it, it just floats on up. I have had a lot of success with having moms reduce or eliminate drinking with their meals (a hard habit to break). Stop drinking about 30 minutes before a meal, and have nothing to drink for at least 1 hour after. If you must have a drink with your meal, small, tiny sips. You should have no more than 1/3 of a glass with your meal. Focus on getting your 100 ounces of fluid a day in between meals. You will be a lot more comfortable! The second key? Papaya Enzymes. Papaya tablets taken instead of tums, works wonders when you do have heartburn!
Leg cramps – OUCH! usually at night too huh?? You’re sleeping and BAM! Leg cramp! – Your muscles are trying to tell you something! They need minerals and more fluid. They are tired and grumpy from carrying extra weight and competing for resources. So make sure your getting your fluids in (in between meals of course!) and then add in Orange Juice!
This little gem has all the potassium (even more than bananas), magnesium and calcium you need stave off those nasty leg cramps. One glass every night after dinner, and you will notice a difference! Stretch before you go to bed as well, this helps. Also, take care of your legs! They are working hard. Rest them up when you can and avoid sitting for long periods in a chair, use birth ball instead!
These few things can help you have a better pregnancy. Next time we will tackle swelling and a few other common complaints!
Robyn Mattox, LM, CPM
Posted in Action Alerts & Activism, Animal Advocacy, Conservation / Environment, Wildlife on September 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Word Press has made it easy for Central FL Green Guide readers and writers to support conservation efforts by teaming up with Social Vibe. Look for our new badge on the right sidebar if you’d like to support an award-winning environmental organization with just a few clicks of the mouse.
Here is an excerpt from The Nature Conservancy website:
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished since our founding in 1951:
You can make a difference by clicking on the new badge here on the Central Florida Green Guide. It will only take a few seconds of your time, and best of all–it’s free!
Posted in Local "Green" Events, Vegan/Vegetarian Options, tagged American Vegan, Ana Kanpa, Central Florida Birth Network, Central Florida Veg Fest, eco-action, festival, Flashlights, FLorida School of Holistic Living, Forefathers, Golden Bean Chocolate and Fairy Clothes, Healing for Pets, Hot Green Mama, Orlando Brewing, vegetarians of central florida, Watersign Arts on September 11, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Get ready Central Floridians! The Central Florida Veg Fest will be back on Saturday, October 24th! This is the 4th annual celebration and is organized by Vegetarians of Central Florida.
Important Info:
Date: October 24th, 2009
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cost: Free!
Location: Loch Haven Park, 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando 32803
There will be over 250 vendors / informational booths including:
There will also be music!
In addition there will also be speakers, cooking demonstrations, environmental education, yoga, massage, animal rescues, kid’s activities, and much, much more! Sounds like a great way to spend the day!
Posted in Organic Gardening, tagged econ farm, garden, gardening, organic, simple living institute, workshop on September 9, 2009 | 1 Comment »
One for the food gardeners like me!
Sept 26, 2009 from 10:00am – 11:30am or 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Econ Farm
16206 Hamilton Dr.
Orlando, FLAn organic garden can provide top quality fresh produce, fun, exercise, and relaxation on your balcony or at your backdoor.
For a gardener at any skill level, this Simple Living Institute workshop will give you tips on how to start a new garden or cultivate an established garden. Learn hands-on how to design a garden, start seeds, rotate crops, improve soil structure, and control pests.
Participants will receive a handout with essential organic gardening information.
Cost:
- $12 members
- $15 nonmembers
Advanced Registration Required
To register, email info@simplelivinginstitute.org or call 321-228-4310.
Posted in Organic Gardening, tagged leu gardens, organic garderning, simple living institue on September 8, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Don’t forget this month’s gathering!
Where: Camilla Room, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month; 7pm to 8.45pm.
Cost: Free!
Topic: Garden Planning and Seed Exchange
Introduced in September of 2007, the Organic Growers Collective is Simple Living’s newest iniative. The intent of this program is to bring together Central Florida’s organic growers and consumers with the hopes that the collective synergy created by this type of alliance will create public awareness of organic issues, facilitate development of organic community projects, and provide an outlet for local organic growers to share and discuss organic farming best-practices.
The collective is open to anyone who would like to participate. Be a part of the effort to increase organic crops in your backyard, in community gardens, in schools, and on your kitchen windowsill. Learn about other growers practicing sustainable agriculture in our region, and stay posted on the latest organic developments in Central Florida.
Bring samples of your food for our tasting table, plants to donate for the raffle table, and events to post on our community bulletin board. Each month we have an after party at Ethos Vegan Kitchen from 9-10pm for further discussion.
Natural Family Living Blog
Mrs. Zeiger
Melita Franzen
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