Archive for the ‘Natural Products’ Category
Birth, Babies and Beyond Birth and Parenting Fair 2013
Posted in Pediatricians, Chiropractors, Homeopaths/Herbalists, Homebirth Midwives, Breastfeeding Support, Birth Centers, Doulas & Childbirth Classes, Natural Baby Care, Fun Stuff for Kids, Local "Green" Events, Natural Products, Coffee and Tea, Health and Safety, Food and Nutrition, Natural Pregnancy, Natural Childbirth, Energy Medicine on March 19, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Homemade Lavender Body Lotion
Posted in Green Living, Natural Products on December 30, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Farm Fresh Produce at Sanford Farmer’s Market
Posted in Farmer's Markets, Food and Nutrition, Natural Products, tagged arts and crafts, farmers' market, goat's milk, honey on July 1, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
If you like farm fresh produce, the Sanford Farmer’s Market is a must see. Here you will find everything from organically grown carrots and goats milk dairy products to local raw honey. (Locally made honey is a natural treatment for environmental allergies.) There are native plants and flowers sold by gardeners who give lots of great advice on how to keep your garden green. You will also find live music and lots of arts and crafts. Vendors offer a wide variety of products including jewelry made from recycled items like game tiles and bottle caps and hand-made clothes and purses. The market is held in historic downtown Sanford Satuday mornings from 9am-2pm and Wednesday evenings from 6pm-9pm. Hope to see you there!
Greening Up Your Picnic is Easier than Ever
Posted in Conservation / Environment, Natural Products, Parks and Recreation, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Uncategorized, tagged compostable picnicware, composting, recycled paper products, Recycled supplies on March 19, 2010 | 2 Comments »
- Spring is Picnic Season in Florida
Picnics with friends and family are a wonderful way to connect with one another and enjoy nature. Remembering that we are in their environment is key to assuring we are picnicing in an Eco-friendly way. As the park rangers often tell children:
“Leave nothing behind but your footprints.”
In our hurried, convenience-driven lives, we often pack our picnics more with our time in mind, than the environment. Fortunately, some eco-friendly companies out there have seen this problem and are offering solutions. Today, there are many compostable, recycled and reusable picnic supplies available, making it easier to enjoy an “impulse picnic” than it used to be. Planning is much quicker when the supplies are at hand, and the only thing to do is pack up the food.
Here’s a few tips on acquiring some Eco-friendly picnic or cookout supplies for your pantry, to be sure you’re ready when the perfect day arrives:
- If you really want to be a ‘Frequent Picnic Patron’, perhaps a reusable picnic basket, supplied with reusable plates, utensils, cups, and napkins, is a good idea. In the long run, this will save you money, and it sure will be cute sitting on the blanket. That said, the most important part is that you won’t be tossing a lot of paper goods into the trash–or the landfill.
- Okay…so you’re not into the every weekend picnic. No problem. You can still have a environmentally friendly picnic, with a few supplies that are compostable, recyclable, and made of recycled materials–all good things to save the earth. Check out the photo below, with its accompanying information, and you’ll find that you can pick up everything you need at your neighborhood healthy food market.
- Skip the vinyl table cloth and grab a sheet for the table (washable!) or a blanket for the ground. Either way, it will be easy to clean up the mess.
- If you’d like to bring along some vino, reusable plastic wine glasses are available most everywhere now. I’ve even seen them in traditional grocers, and they’re beautiful. Watch for BPA-free labels and these should last you a lifetime of picnics. Don’t forget the corkscrew.
Eco-Friendly Picnic Supplies
Left to right, you’ll see my favorite picnic and cookout supplies, all of which (except the 100% recycled aluminum foil for grilling) can be tossed into my compost pile when used:
- Twist, the 100% biodegradable sponge cloth, is a favorite in my kitchen, as well. I particularly love that I can sanitize this sponge (unlike old fashioned ones) simply by tossing it in the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave. I have 2 under my sink that have lasted me nearly 2 years, and are still showing no signs of wearing out. That’s what I call sustainable!
- Glad’s trash bags, if you plan to cookout, may be a necessary evil. While others also make plastic bags that include recycled consumer plastics, these are the highest percentage I have yet to find.
- You’ll never know you’re not using plastic, when you eat with Earth Friendly Cutlery. Made by TerraWare, these utensils are surprisingly strong, use sustainable resources, and are made from GMO-free cornstarch resin.
- Sustainable and compostable plates made by WorldCentric.org are the biggest surprise. They’re made from wheat and are nearly as sturdy as the Chinet of my childhood.
- Speaking of Chinet, if soup bowls are needed, Chinet is biodegradable in your compost pile. Some natural foods stores may carry other choices, and TerraWare plans to add bowls to their line soon.
- When it comes to cups, there is a plethora of recycled choices at most every grocer’s paper aisle. TerraWare also plans to add cups to their line, so watch for these. Most importantly, be sure to choose the cups with the least environmental impact, and dispose of them properly. Reusable cups are preferable.
- If cloth napkins are not an option, skip the fancy ones and toss in a roll of 100% recycled post-consumer paper towels, to be used as napkins and for all manner of cleaning up. I favor Greenwise brand, both for the cost and the texture.
- Finally, if you plan to cook out on a grill, you may need tin foil. Please choose 100% recycled tin foil, and use it sparingly.
Now, all you have to worry about is the food; that’s the fun part. See you at the park!
What you DON’T tell your doctor could hurt you!
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?
- herbs and vitamin supplements
- acupuncture
- hypnosis
- spiritual healing and prayer
- massage
- yoga
- homeopathy
- chiropractic
- aromatherapy
- special diets
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:
- Some herbs can increase bleeding time, so taking a prescription anti-coagulant at the same time could case a life-threatening hemorrhage (Lindquist, Tracy, Savik, & Shigeaki, 2005, p. 63).
- Licorice is sometimes used to settle an upset stomach, but if you have high blood pressure, beware! Licorice can also raise your blood pressure (Jonas, 2001, p. 211).
- Many women use black cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause, but it also may “adversely affect hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005).
- Anti-oxidants are fantastic, but they don’t mix with some cancer treatments! Radiation therapy is used to intentionally damage DNA in cancer cells, but if you use anti-oxidants at the same time, the necessary damage can’t happen (Vapiwala, Mick, Hampshire, Metz, & DeNittis, 2006, p. 472).
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:
- PDRHealth: search this database for information about drug interactions with herbs and supplements.
- National Cancer Institute: search this database for information about the compatibility of CAM and cancer treatments.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: search this database for comprehensive 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.
Free Trees for City of Sanford Residents!
Posted in Conservation / Environment, Deals Around Town, Local "Green" Events, Natural Products, Organic Gardening, tagged free trees Sanford, Sanford, Sanford tree giveaway, tree giveaway on March 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Southern Magnolia
It is that time of year again! Add a new tree to your Sanford yard this year by participating in the City of Sanford’s tree giveaway.
Pre-registration for the giveaway is required. Proof of Sanford residency is required, and there is a limit of one tree per family. You must pre-register in person at the City Hall in the Parks and Grounds Operations office (1st floor) from March 2nd – April 3rd from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. There is a limited quantity of trees available – so get there early! You’ll also need to fill out this registration form and bring it with you.
Crepe Myrtle
The actual giveaway will happen on Saturday, April 18th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Sanford Senior Center at 401 E. Seminole Blvd.
Tabebuia
You can pick between 4 different types of trees: Crepe Myrtle, Tabebuia, Southern Magnolia, Maple. They will come in a 15 gallon container, and will vary in height.
Maple
For more information, you can email Elizabeth Vanlandingham, Urban Forester for the City of Sanford!
New Whole Foods Market and Farmers Market in Southwest Orlando
Posted in Natural Baby Care, Natural Products, tagged Sand Lake, Sand Lake Farmer's Market, whole foods on November 16, 2008 | 1 Comment »
After much anticipation, a new Whole Foods Market grocery store opened this summer in Southwest Orlando. The store is located in the Phillips Crossing shopping plaza at 8003 Turkey Lake Road, at the intersection of Sand Lake Road. Store hours are 8am to 10pm seven days a week. It’s rumored that this is one of the biggest Whole Foods Markets in the country, and those of us in Southwest Orlando feel lucky to have this great resource.
Labeled Produce
Whole Foods Market offers a wide variety of natural and organic foods. Upon entering the doors, one is greeted with colorful displays of fresh produce. All produce is labeled “conventional” or “organic” and the signs for each item indicate the country of origin, or if domestically grown, the state of origin. For me, it’s important to know where my food comes from. By labeling where in the US the food comes from, instead of just saying “US grown”, it enables me to be a “locavore” as much as possible, and support my local growers within a 100 mile radius.
Other Varied Departments
In addition to the usual grocery store sections like seafood, meats and poultry (hormone and antibiotic-free), dairy, bakery (unbleached, unbromated flour), delicatessen (also hormone and antibiotic-free), frozen foods, pet items, wines, and non-perishables (MSG-free), other notable features include a small organic clothing section, a large bulk foods section, a vast array of supplements and body products, and a coffee and gelato bar. Samples of many different items may be tasted throughout the store. My personal favorite offerings include the flavored rock salts and sugars (who can say no to a sprinkle of vanilla sugar), and the many offerings at the cheese bar. Not sure about a certain cheese? Just ask for a taste, and they’ll hand it over to you on a delicious cracker, also conveniently for sale right there at the counter.
Prepared Foods
Beyond the typical grocery store experience, one can also enjoy a meal from the hot and cold buffet. Food is charged by the pound, and the buffet offers a number of healthy and delicious selections for meat-eater, vegetarian, and vegan alike. Meals can be taken to go, or enjoyed on the spot in either the indoor seating area, or at a table outside near a fountain with fresh flowers floating in the water. Organizing my picnic dinner for an outdoor concert that night, I chose the vegan wheatberry salad and shiitake sesame tofu with mushrooms, both of which were delicious. There is also a brick oven which produces pizzas, calzones, and fragrant garlic knots.
Classroom Space
The “Lifestyle Center” boasts a state-of-the-art demo kitchen with seating for at least 50 people. I recently attended a Raw/Living Food preparation class with Chef Olive that was just fabulous. I learned how to make raw marinara sauce served over raw spaghetti squash. For dessert, a pudding made of soaked hazelnuts, dates, and raw cacao. Absolutely delicious! I never knew raw foods could be so much more interesting than a basic garden salad!
New Farmer’s Market
On November 1st, the store introduced the Sand Lake Farmers Market which is open every Saturday from 9am to 2pm in the parking lot outside the store. Products and vendors include local farm grown produce, handmade soaps, artwork, live plants, clothing and jewelry, homemade natural foods, and much more. Be sure to see the lady with the homemade bean dip, it’s heavenly!
Holistic Health & Psychic Fair – Sunday, November 16th in Eustis
Posted in Local "Green" Events, Natural Products, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle on November 10, 2008 | 3 Comments »
I am very excited about this fair!!! The last one I went to in June was FANTASTIC! There were raffles and door prizes, live music, great food, and TONS of vendors selling all kinds of goodies from books to stones and crystals to clothes and jewelry to flower essences and natural body products. This fair has EVERYTHING!
Come get your cards read by trained tarot readers and adorn your body with beautiful henna! Talk with holistic health professionals offering a range of different services and enjoy a great atmosphere. You might even meet new friends!
What: Holistic Health & Psychic Fair (hosted by The Om Bookstore)
When: Sunday, November 16th, 2008
Time: 11am – 5pm
Where:
Eustis Community Center
601 Northshore Dr.
Eustis, FL
Whole Foods Coupon in “Moms Like Me” Magazine
Posted in Deals Around Town, Food and Nutrition, Health Food Stores, Natural Baby Care, Natural Housekeeping, Natural Pet Care, Natural Products, tagged whole foods market on October 19, 2008 | 9 Comments »
There’s a great coupon in the back of Moms Like Me magazine this month. (You may know this magazine as “Central FL Moms” since they recently changed the name.) The coupon is for $10 off a $40 purchase at the new Whole Foods Market on Turkey Lake Road.
You can pick this magazine up for free around town. Check their website for locations if you’re not familiar with it. Oh..wow! I just checked the main Whole Foods site and found a printable coupon that can be used at ANY location. Check it out here.
Central Florida Birth Network’s 5th Annual Birth Fair
Posted in Local "Green" Events, Natural Baby Care, Natural Products, tagged babies, birth fair, childbirth, doulas, family, midwifery on September 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
You are invited to attend Birth, Babies, and Beyond: A Family Affair, Central Florida Birth Network’s 5th Annual Birth Fair, held on Saturday, September 27th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Free to the public!
1st Presbyterian Church of Maitland
Gymnasium
341 North Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL
This year’s fair will feature over 30 vendors and exhibitors presenting products and services related to pregnancy, childbirth, mothering, newborn care, and family life. There will also be games, raffles, food, and a children’s corner with awesome activities and face-painting!
We expect another great turn-out this year, so come out and show your support for mothers and babies, and all those who love them! It’s going to be a fantastic event!
Click here for map and more information.
This year’s sponsors include Cristy Nielson Photography, the Central Florida Birthing From Within group, Heart 2 Heart Birth Center, the Central Florida Breastfeeding Center, Foto Flix, Whole Foods of Winter Park, and Let’s Eat.
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