I'm Thankful For ...

... making it through another Thanksgiving orgy of food. Truly, I don't know why we go to so much trouble every year. By the time everything is cooked and set out, the cook (in our case, cooks) are too worn out to enjoy it.

We were up until after 4:00am Thursday morning, baking pumpkin pies, cheesecakes, and cookies. Then, back up at 9:30am to get the bird ready. I'm not sure I actually had any sleep. (I know Mark didn't.) And, sadly, we managed to enjoy one of our newer Turkey-day traditions, again this year ...

Our lovely, beautiful, sat-in-the-fridge-for-a-week bird was still half frozen!

I try to tell myself that, with a refrigerator that freezes the pickles on the back of the shelf, we know our food isn't going to go bad overnight. But, it's really tough to remember that, when you're trying to get dinner in the oven. Too bad you can't fit a turkey in the FlavorWave - that thing'll cook anything from frozen-to-table in record time.

Oh, well. We had our family together. The food was good, if several hours later than we'd planned. And no one had the flu.

All in all, it was a day to be thankful.

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Jules

Appetite Suppressants

With the recent recall of a long list of supplements, designed to build muscle-mass by reducing fat production, I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop. So many products contain ingredients which, in and of themselves, are probably fairly safe. But, to my mind, when manufacturers throw a variety of appetite suppressants together in one capsule, the potential for problems just magnifies.

As I've mentioned on several occasions, one of the most common functions of weight loss / fat-burner supplements is called thermogenesis. Thermogenic products work to increase fat burning by increasing heat production in the body. It's a natural process, in and of itself; which is why exercise is a benefit to weight loss. However, artificially increasing that natural function, also tends to artificially increase the internal temperature of the body.

Participating in exercise or sports programs that already elevate body temperature while taking these supplements can magnify the chances of collapse from heat-exhaustion. Without knowing the exact levels of thermogenic ingredients in products that simply list 'proprietary' blends, it's virtually impossible to determine an individual's risk factors. Living in a place like Arizona, already increases the risk.

Normal exercise and a balanced diet are always the best weight-loss plan.

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Jules

Hand Dryers and H1N1 - Fearmongering or Fact?

I don't know if you've seen the latest email about preventing the flu. It showed up recently in my mailbox, which - naturally - caused me to say "Yeah, right! Here we go again!" Without a second thought, I went to my favorite online resources and expected to find that this was just another hoax.

Well, maybe and maybe not. It's a newly circulating email and the regular investigators are still investigating. So, for now, I'm on my own.

The email states that using hand dryers, instead of paper towels, just blows the germs around. This, according to the message, increases the spread of H1N1 in public places. It's not the dryers themselves, apparently, but the unclean filters in the hand dryers. Okay, makes sense - I suppose.

Hand dryers pull air from the room, heat it, filter it, and blow it onto wet hands. If the filters are dirty, they - theoretically - aren't doing much more than pulling germs from the air, heating them, and blowing them onto wet hands. But ... and here is where my skepticism jumps into the mix ... does the heating element get hot enough to destroy bacteria? Does the 'crud,' rumored to be collecting in the filters, consist of non-cremated bacteria, i.e., active bacteria that can spread disease? Or is it simply dust, etc. from the room air, toasted into a harmless, albeit gross, amalgam of schmutz?

Not to mention, aren't we breathing all of that schmutz while we're standing at the sink pretending to scrub our hands? What makes paper towels so much more antibacterial? Aren't they housed in the same room with all of that bacteria-laden air we're breathing and blowing around? Five'll getcha ten that those itsy-bitsy germs can work themselves into the paper towel container like a mouse through a crack in the wall.

I guess we'll have to wait and see what the experts have to say. In the meantime? I have an overwhelming urge to go wash my hands!

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Jules

Social Security Disability Help

Like it or not, the government isn't going to make it easy to collect disability benefits. In a way, this is good. It keeps people who just don't want to work off the SSDI roles. But, for those who are actually disabled, the battle is like, as they say, adding insult to injury.

We went through the evaluation and determination process rather blindly. Whatever we were told needed to be done, we did. It wasn't that we necessarily understood what was going on, we simply had no other options. In order to help Mark, we had to follow instructions and put our faith in the professionals who were evaluating his condition.

These days, there are companies who help with the social security disability process. They understand the requirements and, most importantly, keep applicants from making critical mistakes. With the current backlog and the average waiting period running over two years, going it alone can be risky.


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Jules

Stress Kills

According to The American Institute of Stress, "Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a subjective sensation associated with varied symptoms that differ for each of us. In addition, stress is not always a synonym for distress. Situations like a steep roller coaster ride that cause fear and anxiety for some can prove highly pleasurable for others. Winning a race or election may be more stressful than losing but this is good stress."

No two people will, probably, agree on what is stressful, at any level. To me, a rollercoaster ride is highly stressful. To Mark, it's a great time. There are common life changes that tend to produce stress for most people. These changes are stressful, though some are considered positive events and some are, quite often, negative.

• Getting a new job
• Losing a job
  
• Getting married
• Getting divorced
  
• Buying a house
• Home foreclosure

It's not, however, the one-time stressors that are most dangerous. Losing a job is never easy, but it can be the push needed to find a better position. Divorce, while difficult, is a health step when leaving an abusive relationship. Signing those mortgage papers is a frightening committment, almost immediately balanced by the pride of ownership.

When life is filled with unending stress - e.g., a bad job or marriage, extended unemployment, or chronic poor health - eventually it becomes almost impossible to cope. Living daily, often hourly, on the edge from pain, worry, or fear is physically and emotionally damaging. A combination of individual stressors can do the same physical and emotional damage. Getting divorced, losing a job, losing a home, and becoming ill - without serious support and coping mechanisms - are probably more than a person can realistically handle.

This week, we've seen graphic examples of people unable to deal with their personal stresses. One, a religious and medical man, faced daily horrors and was about to be deployed to the midst of those horrors. The other was a man who simply had too many things go wrong, without relief.

Why they chose to arm themselves and shoot innocent people is beyond me. But, I do know, that when excessive stress continues unabated, anything is possible.


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Jules

FDA Recall of Bodybuilding Products

As I am constantly on alert for weight-loss / fat-burner supplements, I immediately paid attention to an FDA Recall from today. Bodybuilding.com Is Conducting a Voluntary Nationwide and International Recall of 65 Dietary Supplements That May Contain Steroids.

The list of products most of which are already being removed from supplement-selling sites:

• 4Ever Fit D-Dro
• Advanced Muscle Science Dienedron
• Advanced Muscle Science Liquidrone UTT
• Anabolic Xtreme Hyperdrol X2
• APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Mastavol
• APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Revamp
• APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Ultra Mass Stack
• APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Ripped Stack
• Better Body Sports Finadex
• Black China Labs Straight Drol
• Black China Labs Straight Phlexed
• Body Conditioning Solutions TestraFLEX
• Bjorklund Methyldrostanolone
• BOSC Enterprises Epi-Tren
• BOSC Enterprises Magna Drol
• Chaparral Labs Epivol
• Chaparral Labs Pheravol-V
• Competitive Edge Labs M-Drol
• Competitive Edge Labs P-Plex
• Competitive Edge Labs X-tren
• Diabolic Labs Epio-Plex
• Diabolic Labs Finabolic 50
• Diabolic Labs Revenge
• Ergopharm 6-OXO
• Ergopharm 6-OXO Extreme
• EST (aka Engineered Sports Technology) MethAnstance
• Extreme Labs Susto-Test Depot
• Fizogen ON Cycle II Hardcore
• G.E.T/ (Genetic Edge Technologies) SUS-500
• G.E.T/ (Genetic Edge Technologies) Tren-250
• Hardcore Formulations T-Roid
• I Force Nutrition 1,4 AD Bold 200
• I Force Dymethazine/Reversitol Combo Pack
• I Force Reversitol
• I Force Nutrition 17a PheraFLEX
• I Force Nutrition Dymethazine
• I Force Nutrition Methadrol
• IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Bromodrol
• IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Grow Tabs TR
• IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Mass Tabs
• IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Oxodrol Pro
• IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Ripped Tabs TR
• IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Rapid Release Ripped Tabs
• Kilo Sports Massdrol
• Kilo Sports Phera-Mass
• Kilo Sports Trenadrol
• Monster Caps Monster Caps
• Myogenix Spawn
• Nutra Coastal D-Stianozol
• Nutra Coastal H-Drol
• Nutra Coastal MDIT
• Nutra Coastal S-Drol
• Nutra Coastal Trena
• Performance Anabolics Methastadrol
• Performance Anabolics Tri-Methyl X
• Purus Labs E-pol Inslinsified
• Purus Labs Nasty Mass
• Rage RV2
• Rage RV3
• Rage RV4
• Rage RV5
• Redefine Nutrition Finaflex 550-XD
• Redefine Nutrition Finaflex Ripped
• Transform Supplements Forged Extreme Mass
• Transform Supplements Forged Lean Mass

Interestingly enough, some of these products contain the "all-natural" testosterone boosters that I mentioned in an earlier post.


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Jules

Latest FDA Recall Notices - 10/26/09-11/01/09

Following are the FDA recalls / notices / alerts listed for the week ending November 02, 2009:

• San Link Inc. Issues an Alert on Uneviscerated Vacuum Pack Dried Krasnoperka (Fish)
• San Link Inc. Issues an Alert on Uneviscerated Vacuum Pack Dried Lesh (Fish)
• Mars Snackfood US Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts In Dove Caramel Pecan Perfection Ice Cream
• Pop's Bakery Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Whey (Milk) in all Flour Tortillas
• Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Accusure® Insulin Syringes
• Mrs. Rios Corn Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Whey in Flour Tortillas
• Morningstar Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Possible Undeclared Soy Protein: 32-ounce Great Value Half & Half, 32-ounce Great Value 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, 32-ounce Kroger-brand 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, and 64-ounce Wholesome Farms Chocolate Ice Cream Mix
• Pointe Scientific, Inc. Expands Nationwide Recall of Liquid Glucose Hexokinase Reagent (G7517)
• Alexia Foods Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert and Product Recall Due to Undeclared Pine Nut Allergen: Alexia Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Oven Reds Frozen Potatoes

Please visit the above links for additional information on lots, codes, packaging, product IDs, and returns.

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Jules

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. A time when we stop and consider the quality of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. What type of memory loss is a normal part of aging? And what memory changes may be a sign of something more serious?

To help answer those important questions, the Alzheimer's Association offers
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

The information on these pages also explains the difference between typical age-related memory changes and the changes that may signal the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.

Another health issue, related to Alzheimer's or any disabling condition, is Caregiver Stress. Unless you are/have been a caregiver for a seriously ill friend or loved one, it is difficult to imagine the range of emotions and stress that caregivers experience. To that end, the Alzheimer's Association has provided a short quiz to help caregivers determine their stress level and find the resources they need to care for themselves.

I have been a caregiver and I have worked with support groups. The first piece of advice we give to those caring for seriously ill or disabled relatives is: "Don't forget to care for yourself!"

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Jules

Getting in Shape

I've been trying to find some sort of home exercise equipment, that I can afford and that we can store in our little bit of space. My first thought was a treadmill. So many are small enough to fold and stuff under the bed these days.

Today, I learned about something else - smaller and (to me) very interesting. It's called a dip machine or dip bar or dip station. And it helps focus on upper-body strength. Which, happily, also helps with a less-than-trim waistline.

To start with, it's small. I wouldn't have to worry about where I was going to put it when I wasn't using it. It will fit just about anywhere. Then, much to my surprise, the machine supports a number of different exercises. This is important to me, since my entire body needs work. And I really don't want to have to buy a different piece of equipment for each section of my body.

I need one thing that helps me with a fairly thorough workout. It's out there, I just know it is.

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Jules

If You're Sick, Stay Home

Don't get me wrong. I understand that people need to work, make a living, and support their families. But - and this is BIG - during flu season, (heck, during any season) if you are SICK and you are CONTAGIOUS -- keep your behind at home and in bed!

Just got back from a quick run to the store. Needed a couple of things - mostly bad-for-you munchies and stuff for sandwiches. A typical run - grab stuff, chat with the cashier for a minute, and head home. Nothing unusual - except for the last comment from the cashier.

My mentioning that Mark (who does most of the cooking) wasn't feeling well, so we were just having sandwiches, elicited a similar health-related statement from her:

"I have the flu!"

Again, I understand that people need to make a living, but she had her (germy) hands all over everything I bought! All over everything that we were going to have to touch to make a quick dinner! I stormed home, in a rage!

You may think I'm paranoid, but with Mark's suppressed immune system - we do not take chances! I ended up wiping down everything I bought and I'm still worried that one of us is going to get sick. It doesn't have to be Mark that gets a cold or the flu to put him at risk. If Frankie or I come down with something, eventually so will he.

So, to all of you who have a fever or know you're actually sick -- STAY HOME! We don't want your germs!

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Jules

Latest FDA Recall Notices - 10/19/09-10/25/09

Following are the FDA recalls / notices / alerts listed for the week ending October 26, 2009:

• Plum Organics Voluntarily Recalls Select Batch of Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches Due to Potential Health Risk
• Domega International Co. Ltd Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in White Lotus Seed Paste Moon Cake (2 Yolks)
• American Regent Voluntarily Recalls All Lots of Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection, USP 30 mg/mL; 1mL and 2mL Single Dose Vials
• Nutkao Urgent Food Recall Due to Undeclared Peanuts in "Kroger Hazelnut Spread"
• Agro Foods Inc.Recalling "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix" Due to Undeclared Sulfites
• Unilever Issues Allergy Alert on Wheat in a Limited Number of Tubs of Breyers® Ice Cream

Please visit the above links for additional information on lots, codes, packaging, product IDs, and returns.

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Jules

Weight Loss Supplement for Men

I was re-reviewing some weight loss information and was surprised to find a couple of new products. One, in particular, caught my eye. It's supposed to be for men only, as it contains testosterone boosters. Hmmmmm?! Is that a good thing?

Naturally, I had to do some investigation into the wisdom of boosting hormones indiscriminately. And, naturally, this turned out to be potentially risky. But, not necessarily bad.

There's a good chance that taking a supplement with these hormone boosters won't actually do much for testosterone levels. The ingredients aren't testosterone; they simply claim to stimulate hormone production. A claim, by the way, that hasn't actually been proven in clinical studies. (Although, there was mention of a 'stimulant' effect in lab animals.)

Since testosterone is, as one source explained, the original anabolic steroid, the side-effects of increasing production are remarkably similar. They include irrational behavior, sudden rage, 'shrinkage' of certain body parts, and anxiety. Combined with the caffeine boost in some of these supplements, not a good idea.

As always - questionable choice, questionable value. Not to mention, one of the review sites claimed a lifetime moneyback guarantee that, in fact, doesn't exist. The primary site for the product states, quite clearly, that they are the best so they don't give refunds. Rather interesting attitude.

Been sampling their own supplement, perhaps?!

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Jules

Flu Prevention Tips

Yesterday, I received an email from a friend that was filled with good, common-sense information. The advice is valuable during any cold and flu season - not just against H1N1. With Mark's compromised immune system, we are probably more careful than most. But it's always a good idea to protect yourself and your family from those pesky, dangerous germs.

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.

2. Blow the nose hard once a day and swab both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

3. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

4. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I would also add:

• Wash your hands frequently. Regular soap and warm water are usually sufficient. (Overuse of antibacterial soap can actually create more problems than it cures.)
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow. Those germs won't transfer with a handshake.
• Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. These are primary points-of-entry for cold and flu germs.
• Frequently wipe down commonly touched items - mouse, keyboard, TV remote, refrigerator, door knobs, telephone, etc. - with a damp cloth and mild bleach water.

There's no need to be crazy about it, but a little common sense can go a long way.


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Jules

Latest FDA Recall Notices - 10/12/09-10/18/09

Following are the FDA recalls / notices / alerts listed for the week ending October 19, 2009:

• Fisher/Rex Sandwiches Recalls Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk
• Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC Issues Limited Voluntary Recall of Country Acres® Home Grown Turkey & Quail Starter
• TGF Production LLC Issues An Alert on Uneviscerated Herring Salted
• Hannaford Supermarkets Announces Removal of Frozen "Taste of Inspirations" Vegetable Spring Rolls

Please visit the above links for additional information on lots, codes, packaging, product IDs, and returns.

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Jules

KettleWorx Exercise Package

Have you ever heard of the exercise program called KettleWorx? I hadn't until today. And, truth be told, if it wasn't for the incredible body that jumped off the page at me, I probably wouldn't have taken a second look. But, what can I say? I'm human and not (quite) blind.

Apparently, using a five-pound weight (included in the package) called a Kettlebell, the system requires a committment of just 20 minutes a day, three times a week, to get in shape. The DVDs include core, cardio, and resistance training; as well as a body sculpting collection, fast abs, and fat burning discs. Completing the package is a 42-day diet guide.

It's an interesting, although not new, concept. One hour a week isn't that much time, especially spread out over three days. If nothing else, the risk of overdoing and dampening enthusiasm would be reduced. And adding in the important factor of proper diet makes a lot of sense.

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Jules

All Fat Burner Reviews are NOT Created Equal

One of the things that upsets me, greatly, are websites that offer reviews and evaluations of fat burner pills that are, in fact, no more than a collection of links to product sites.

If you really start looking at what's out there, the similarities are incredible. By looking at more than one or two sites a day, you begin to see a pattern: the same products, in the same order, linking to the same information. Nothing new, nothing honest, and nothing reputible. (Sorry. Got a little perturbed!)

This morning, I found something a bit different. Refreshingly different, as a matter of fact. Apparent honesty in a product evaluation!

As someone who has looked at a great number of weight loss / fat burner supplements and sites, I am fairly familiar with what usually constitutes the Top 10 Products on the average webpage. I am also familiar with the hype surrounding these miracle weight-loss pills. Which is why I was so pleasantly surprised to see some thought behind the reviews.

While the top 10 weren't all that different on this site, the information was. One product, which contains a lot of stimulants, was given a rather honest safety rating. The evaluation noted that, due to possible problems with the levels of caffeine in this product, customers might be better served by a different product.

It's not earth-shattering. But it is a little more reality than I expected to find.

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Jules

Get a Treadmill and Run Indoors

As part of my never-ending, self-deluding fantasy of getting more exercise, I have (this week) been considering the benefits of having a treadmill. While I do get out almost every day, I don't walk very far and I don't exactly break a sweat. Well, except for the days when the temps hit 110 in the shade. Then, there's the air quality.

In an earlier post, I described the incredibly polluted environment that surrounds us. This makes outdoor exercise a bit more risky, to say the least. So, running (okay, walking somewhat quickly) indoors is much more practical. Especially for Mark, who is under strict orders to stay out of the sun - at all times.

My first concern, naturally, was the cost. Home exercise equipment always seemed to be way beyond my reach, on those few occasions where I actually considered committing to regular exercise. That problem was solved on one of the first sites I visited.

In fact, I was shocked by how low the monthly payments could be. With that stumbling block out of the way, I started looking at features. My head is still spinning!

The options are seemingly endless. There are units with music systems; units with fans (the kind that blow, not the kind that cheer), and units with a dozen or more built-in workouts. But the most fun? The interactive programs that - get this - let you race against your Facebook friends!

Hardly seems like exercise with all of that.

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Jules

Controllable Halloween Decorations for Celiac Disease

It is with great joy that I share an email I received today:

This dear man spends hours every year on his amazing decorations, to entertain the WorldWideWeb and support this cause that means so much to him and his family. The display is truly interactive - you can, by clicking on different items, turn them off and on or even inflate or deflate some of the characters! It's a whole lotta fun!

Yes, it is that time of year, and back for 2009 are the Controllable Halloween Decorations for Celiac Disease:
http://www.komar.org/cgi-bin/halloween_webcam

Once again, three live webcams and X10 technology allows web surfers to not only view the action, but also *control* it. Heck, you can even inflate/deflate the giant Frankenstein, Pumpkins, Grim Reapers, Skull, SpongeBob SquarePants, Headless Horseman, Homer Simpson, and more - D'OH! ;-)

On a more serious note, this is the fifth year that I'm working with the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research to raise awareness & funds -
http://www.celiaccenter.org/news_xmas.asp
My two sons have this condition, so it's personal for me.

The website continues to be completely free and totally fun, especially for kids. If folks are so inclined, you can make an optional donation directly to the Center for Celiac Research. Almost $40,000 has been raised with holiday lights - go figure! So surf on by, tell your friends, blog about it, spread the word, etc.

Please stop by and show your support - not to mention, play with the decorations and enjoy the show!


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Jules

Air Filtering Products

As my regular readers know, Mark was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007 and ended up having surgery that removed three-quarters of his left lung. After 2 years, he continues to be cancer-free and we couldn't be happier. Naturally, we also try to keep the air in our home as clean as possible. When you have (basically) one lung, it's far more difficult to process the air you breathe and pollutants accumulate far more quickly.

What makes this situation even more challenging is that we live in the middle of some serious pollution generators:

• the 6-lane street that runs past our bedroom window is a major north-south thoroughfare,
• the 6-lane street that runs a half block south of our complex is a major east-west thoroughfare,
• and we're less than half a mile from a major north-south freeway.

We are surrounded! Therefore, although our apartment is only four rooms, we own three air filters.

I'm so accustomed to clean air now that I don't really notice it until they're turned off for cleaning. The units we bought have permanent filters, so we never have to buy new ones. We just pop the filters out every couple of weeks (or when we notice that the air flow is reduced), scrub them in warm soapy water, let them dry, and pop them back in.

It is truly amazing how much better the room feels with the filters running; not to mention the improved smell.

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Jules

Fat Burners

There is no lack of best fat burner offers on the market. Sadly, as the media focuses on national obesity and the urgent need to encourage weight loss, more and more products appear with claims that aren't closely reviewed or monitored. At best, many products are simply ineffective. At worst, the ingredients or the combination thereof may be dangerous.

One of the basic functions of many fat burner / weight loss products is thermogenesis - thermo: heat, genesis: generate or create. Simply put, thermogenesis is the natural bodily process whereby the body generates heat and burns calories. Stimulating this process, in theory, would increase metabolism and burn more calories. Sounds good, right?

Now, imagine that the latest and greatest fat burning product has several ingredients that work to increase the body's metabolism. The promise is that heightened calorie burning equals heightened weight loss. Quite possibly true. But, the (unmentioned) other half of the thermogenesis equation is production or generation of heat.

This means that combining a number of ingredients that are designed to stimulate metabolism can also increase the generation of body heat or raise internal body temperature. If you spend time out in the sun, or participate in strenuous sports or exercise programs, this elevated internal temperature could seriously reduce the time it takes to succomb to heatstroke. A potentially deadly situation.

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Jules