NON-TOXIC AND HEALTHY CANDLES
Patty Avey

Upon retiring to bed each evening for weeks, Mark was repeatedly alarmed as he experienced shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme weakness, and pressure in his chest. One evening, he was so concerned that he went to the emergency room of the local hospital where he was diagnosed as having panic attacks. Mark could not understand the diagnosis because he did not sense any anxiety or concerns that would precipitate in panic attacks. He left the hospital continuing to question why he was experiencing these symptoms.

One evening as Mark retired to bed, he noticed the four wick scented candle burning on his night stand as it normally did, he wondered if there might be any connection between the scented candle and his symptoms. At that point, he put his head closer to the candle and inhaled the smoke to see if he would have a reaction and immediately the symptoms manifested very strongly. Mark and his wife immediately proceeded to rid their home of the candle in their bedroom and others around the house. Mark’s alarming physical symptoms disappeared.

As you festively decorate your home during any Season, bring ambiance, tradition and warmth to your family with the natural glow of candles. When choosing candles to burn in your home, carefully take into consideration that not all candles are made the same and some candles may be exposing your family to a toxic and unhealthy environment. According to the American EPA, certain candles when burned release carcinogens (cancer causing agents) such as benzene and toluene into the air and are toxic when inhaled. These toxins will also settle on surfaces in your home. Candles made from paraffin, which is a derivative of petroleum wastes, create both smoke and soot which carry toxic substances. One air quality researcher has stated that soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Some paraffin candles also have lead core wicks which upon burning emit small particles of lead into the atmosphere.

There is also concern that some scented candles when burned may cause health challenges. Toxic chemicals such as acetone, benzene, carbon disulfide, carbon monoxide and many others have been cited as toxins emitted as some fragrances mix with the burning wax. If you desire to burn scented candles, make sure the candles are authentic aromatherapy candles which are scented with real essential oils.

But be of good cheer, candles can still be enjoyed without concern for toxic elements. Candles made from beeswax or soy provide a healthy alternative to potentially harmful candles made from paraffin. Beeswax does not produce toxins or soot when burned. Soy is a new substance used in the manufacturing of candles with the benefits of clean burning with little soot, made from a renewable resource, and uses no petroleum products. Soy candles are also available in many wonderful scents. Also, look for aromatherapy candles that are scented with real essential oils. Read labels carefully on candles before purchasing or ask the sales clerk for information on the ingredients. Unfortunately, candle manufacturers are not required to list hazardous, toxic or carcinogenic compounds used in their ingredients but you can call the manufacturer with your questions if the label is unclear.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR FOR IN A NON-TOXIC CANDLE:

– candles made with beeswax or wax with vegetable derivatives, with no animal products

– candles that burn with zinc-core or cotton wicks – NOT LEAD

– check to see if candles are authentically aromatic

HELPFUL SAFETY REMINDERS:

– Always keep a burning candle within sight
– Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
– Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
– Trim wicks to inch prior to each use
– Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
– Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat resistant surface
– Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brought to you by http://www.smartlivingenws.com

About the Author

Chief Editor for www.smartlivingnews.com

Tags: Animal Products, aromatherapy, Author, Avey, Benzene, Breath Heart, Cancer Causing Agents, cancer;, chemicals;, Diesel Fuel, Environmental Protection Agency, Extreme Weakness, Heart Palpitations, Home Candles, Local Hospital, manufacturing, Mark, Natural Glow, Panic Attacks, Paraffin Candles, petroleum products, Petroleum Wastes, Precipitate, quality researcher, sales clerk for information on the ingredients, Scented Candle, Shortness Of Breath, Soot, Toluene, Unhealthy Environment, Wick —

Is That Healthy Fish Really So Healthful?
Margot B

Is That Healthy Fish Really So Healthful?
By Margot B

ELLE Magazine’s April issue explores how the most health-conscious eaters may be exposing themselves to dangerous levels of mercury. For years fish has been a dietary staple among weight-watchers and the most health-conscious consumers. Many believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and tuna can prevent heart disease and wrinkles as well as make their brains both brainier and less susceptible to depression.

However, Dr. Jane Hightower, [an Internal medicine specialist] reports in ELLE’s April issue, that a dangerous level of mercury is found in some very common types of fish: swordfish, shark, ahi, canned tuna. She discusses the three-year study that led to her concluding that too much of the wrong kind of fish can give you a nasty case of mercury poisoning.

Hightower reports the symptoms of mercury poisoning to include fatigue, headaches, hair loss, and neurological problems, ranging from numbness, muscle weakness, altered vision and hearing, slurred speech, to convulsions and dementia.

Hightower’s claim has touched off controversy from nationwide, pitting federal agencies and fishing industry against environmentalists and health enthusiasts. ‘Virtually all fish contain traces of methyl mercury’ Hightower reveals. ‘In lakes and rivers, where pollution is often quite concentrated, even small fish can have large amounts.’ ‘In oceans, it’s the big predatory species at the top of the food chain that ends up with

the most mercury; these fish may feast for years on smaller fish before becoming fillets themselves. Swordfish, which may be among the largest sea creatures regularly consumed by humans, may accumulate several million times the amount of mercury found in the surrounding water, according to the EPA.’
Some healthy hints from Dr. Hightower:

* Eat more salmon – the fish highest in omega-3-like salmon and

sardines, contain very low levels of mercury.

* Limit fish if you are pregnant [or trying]. Eat no more than 12-ounces

a week, and avoid swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish.

* Go for variety – eat different kinds of fish.

* Think small – little fish tend to be lower in mercury. Eating smaller

portions also helps.

* Don’t be afraid – occasionally bingeing on sushi or eating

swordfish all week on vacation won’t hurt you.

Source: ELLE
Web site: http://elle.com/
Mar 14, 2003 09:23 ET

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Margot B
mailto:margotb@authorsden.com
Web site: http://margotb.tk

About the Author

Margot B is the author of a book and 100s of articles, specializing in health and the environment….and is a Web site designer. Samples:
http://margotb.tk
http://nuchatlaht.tk
http://margotbworldnews.tk
http://websitebldg.tripod.com/

Tags: 3 Fatty Acids, Author, Canned Tuna, Dangerous Level, Dietary Staple, Environmental Protection Agency, Fishing Industry, food chain, Health Enthusiasts, Hightower Reports, Internal Medicine Specialist, Jane Hightower, Kind Of Fish, king, Lakes And Rivers, Largest Sea, Methyl Mercury, Nasty Case, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Predatory Species, Sea Creatures, Small Fish, Specialist Reports, Top Of The Food Chain, Types Of Fish, Web site designer —

Healthy Chocolate for Your Valentine
Debra Lynn Dadd

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Let’s face it. We’re all going to eat chocolate for
Valentine’s Day. But there’s no need to feel guilty!
Chocolate is actually good for youit’s all the things added
to it that are the problem. Here’s how you can choose
delicious healthy chocolates for your Valentine.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The gift of chocolate to a beloved as a token of love is
more than just tradition. Naturally-occurring compounds in
chocolate produce that mild euphoria of being in love and
contribute to enjoyable interpersonal relations by elevating
mood and enhancing sensory perception.

Beyond good feelings, chocolate benefits the body in many
ways. In moderation, chocolate can contribute to heart
health, help you live longer, suppress a chronic cough, and
add needed magnesium to your diet. Chocolate even contains a
high level of chromium, which can help control blood sugar.

Chocolate does NOT cause acne, most headaches, or
hyperactivity, and does not raise cholesterol.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

While chocolate itself is fine to eat, there are some
substances present in chocolate products that you should
watch out for.

Most chocolate products contain tremendous amounts of
refined white sugar, which is harmful to health in many
ways.

Chocolate may also contain pesticides. The EPA allows
various levels of pesticide residue to be present in cocoa
powder, and the FDA Total Diet Study found them in many
chocolate products.

Many chocolates also contain the toxic metals cadminum and
lead. “Significant levels” of these metals were found in 68%
of the common chocolate products tested. There is no safe
level for lead, and it is particularly harmful to children.

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE CHOICES

Here are some guidelines for choosing the healthiest
chocolates.

1. Choose chocolates with the least amount of refined white
sugar or other sweetener. Dark “bittersweet” chocolates with
a high percentage of cocoa solids (usually the label will
state the exact percentage) have less sugar than semisweet
or milk chocolate and also have the greatest health
benefits. Keep in mind that flavor additions, such as dried
fruits and candied ginger may also add sugar to the
chocolate.

2. Choose chocolates sweetened with evaporated cane juice or
barley malt. If the evaporated cane juice used is the
unprocessed whole juice of the cane, it acts in the body
like a whole food and doesn’t give a sugar rush. Barley malt
is also a slow-release sweetener, noted on the label as
“grain-sweetened.”

3. Choose organic chocolates. Certified organic chocolate
ensures there are no harmful pesticide residues.

4. Make your own chocolates. It’s easy to make many
chocolate delights yourself, with the exact ingredients you
want. Start with unsweetened cocoa powder or baking
chocolate and be creative!

SAVOR YOUR CHOCOLATE

Fine chocolate is one of those earthly pleasures to be
savored. When eaten as a special treat, with full
appreciation, a little chocolate can go a long way.

Choose quality over quantity. If you are going to eat
chocolate, eat really good chocolate. Then, for maximum
enjoyment, give the taste of the chocolate your full
attention, eat it at a time when you are not famished or
overly full, and allow the chocolate to melt in your mouth
to make the experience last.

Read more about healthy chocolate at
http://www.debraslist.com.

About the Author

Hailed as “The Queen of Green” by the New York Times,
Debra Lynn Dadd has been a consumer advocate for products
and lifestyle choices that are better for health and the
environment since 1982. Visit her website for 100s of links to
1000s of nontoxic, natural and earthwise products, and to
sign up for her free email newsletters. http://www.dld123.com

Tags: Author, Chocolate Choices, Chocolate Products, Chronic Cough, Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Solids, consumer advocate, Control Blood Sugar, Dadd, Debra Lynn Dadd, Diet Study, Environmental Protection Agency, FDA;, food;, Good Feelings, headaches;, Health Benefits, Heart Health, Interpersonal Relations, Labe, Mild Euphoria, NOT cause acne, Pesticide Residue, Queen, Sensory Perception, Sugar Chocolate, the New York Times, Toxic Metals, Valentine Chocolate, Valentine S Day, Valentine's Day, White Sugar —

Many people think if they just eliminate red meat and poultry from their diets, their eating healthier. This is partly true, but there are hazards to eating fish and seafood as well. The harm that humans have done to the environment has had a direct effect on the fish and seafood we eat.

There are elements of fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children’s proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.

However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

Is this anyway to eat? In fear of what unhealthy elements are lurking in the food we eat? Eliminating red meat and eating a more vegetarian diet is an excellent start on the road to more healthy eating. Eliminating fish and seafood is one of the final steps towards eating a complete vegetarian diet and the health benefits that are your reward for making that change.

Tags: 3 Fatty Acids, Atkins, Balanced Diet, Eating Habits, Environmental Protection Agency, Essential Nutrients, Fish And Seafood, Food And Drug Administration, Food And Drug Administration Fda, Health Concern, Healthy Diet, Healthy Eating, Heart Health, Meat And Poultry, Mercury In Fish, Nursing Mothers, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Quality Protein, Red Meat, Types Of Fish, Unborn Baby, Vegetarian Diet —