Soap and Breast Cancer - Paraben Free Body Care with Sense Shower Gel

Soap. It can be irritating to a lot of skins. Every time I think of the broken out shoulders and the back of a friends teenage daughter covered in pimples I cringe. Did you know that many are allergic to soap because of the substances added to it?  A breakout is a warning sign from your body.  I personally  recommend Usana Health Sciences Shower Gel which is part of the Sense personal body care line as a replacement for the common soap. With a lot of products it can take a while to realize the difference in the effect it is having on us simply because we are used to doing the same old thing. We have also been led to believe that if something is irritating us it is somehow our fault instead of the fault of the product we are using thus ignoring the bodies inherent wisdom. For example, the first time I tried Sense body gel I really didn't notice how hydrating it was. Sure the fresh citrus smell derived from grapefruit struck me and the fact that it was easy to wash off was instantly noticeable while the other effects were more subtle. Like a lot of things in life we notice things by contrast. About a month after using this product daily I used my old soap product and it was upon the conclusion of washing my hands that I felt the difference. My hands were left feeling dry. That's when it struck me how superior this product was in terms of feel but beauty is more than skin deep. Keeping the skin moisturized is one of the best ways to keep it healthy by preventing broken skin protecting it from infections and the like.How about the other benefits?

Keeping Cancer at Bay Protecting Our Water Supply
 Paraben free products are important because petroleum products were never part of natures design for human beings. Why does this matter? This article excerpt by Dr. Nalini Chilkov published  1/26/2012 in The Huffington Post spells it out:
" Consider that a comprehensive study of women with breast cancer published in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Applied Technology found parabens in nearly 100 percent of all cancerous breast tumors. This evidence clearly links these chemicals to women's cancers.Researchers from the University of Reading in the UK found that virtually all -- 99 percent -- of the tissue samples collected from women participating in the study contained at least one paraben, and 60 percent of the samples contained no less than five parabens."
Anti Bacterial Soap Toxic
Another misleading "good for you" ingredient is triclosan a highly toxic chemical used in many commercial soap products with "anti bacterial" on the label.  It is a pesticide that is harmful to you, aquatic life and phytoplankton. Banned in Canada and Japan it is unfortunately used in soaps, cleansers, cosmetics and even children's toys in the United States with only a warning from the FDA and EPA. It actually does the opposite of  protecting you against disease because over time it resists antibiotics. The fact is bacteria is everywhere and a healthy immune system is created when we are children coming in contact with bacteria.
Tips:  Avoid using these products that contain triclosan.
Protect your family and yourself by using products that are paraben free. If you have a baby bathe your child in something truly gentle. Your baby deserves to be healthy and so do you. To learn more about Sense Body Gel go here

Sense on Strivers Row - Paraben Free Skin Care Goes to Harlem

The wonderful thing about any business undertaking is the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things even if those new things are in your own backyard. Harlem is a neighborhood rich in history and historical architecture. It contains some of the most elegant homes and really conjure up what I call "Old New York". This is the neighborhood where my mother and aunt grew up. I have been treated to many a tale by my grandfather (now 110)  about this vibrant neighborhood. One of my favorites is how he used to lend Fats Waller subway fare back in the late thirties so the musician could get to rehearsals. In those days a loan for subway fare was called "gas" as homes were rigged with machines that would accept a nickle to turn on the gas to cook on the family stove. When you were lending someone a nickel you were giving them some gas.  Wednesday morning I found myself on Strivers Row in Harlem a street so named  for being a place where doctors, lawyers and the like amongst the African American community resided.  Some famous people that lived on this stretch of block were the pianist Eubie Blake, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the late buddy of my grandfather Bernando LaPallo and "Mr. BoJangles" himself. Originally built between 1891 to 1893 the buildings were first constructed for Caucasian's only but later in a classic example of "white flight" the houses were abandoned. My host has a beautiful home built circa 1895 that boasts one of the only "back alleys" in New York City. Where horses and stables used to be she now parks her car.

 

M

A Resident Walks Up Strivers Row

Me post Sense one on one feeling happy with another satisfied customer

My one one one was a full on product demo applying and explaining while I went along the hydrating and cleansing benefits of the Deluxe Sense line. Beginning with the Gentle Daily soap free cleanser we moved through the entire product line all the way to  Perfecting Essence. The favorites in this session were the Rice Bran Polisher, Eye Nourishing Cream and the Nutritious Creme Masque. For older skins these products are great because they hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! They offer the triple threat of exfoliating dead skin gently while delivering moisture, removing impurities and leaving lipid deposits on the skin for a dewy look and feel. Inexpensive and concentrated these paraben free products are a welcome addition to keeping your skin healthy and protected. The skin is the primary barrier between the environment and your internal organs and is in a fact a pathway between the two worlds.

Skin Care 101 - for Men! Guest Post from Jessica Reimer

USANA’s Inside Beauty #2: Skin Care 101 — for Men!
When a man looks at a woman he loves a girl with beautiful clear skin but did you know gals look for the same thing in guys? Gentleman a healthy glowing skin is sexy and attractive to the ladies! It also shows you care about yourself and are willing to do what it takes to be healthy. After all if she loves you she's going to want you around for a long time. This article first published on What's Up Usana Inside Beauty series October 14 2010 written by Jessica Reimer

Let’s face it — men like things simple. Easy, no-fuss solutions to everyday concerns. In many cases, skin care is probably the least of a man’s concerns and seems far too complicated or feminine to approach. Navigating through cleansers, toners, and moisturizers can be confusing and intimidating. So it comes as no surprise that men tend to spend much less time than women caring for their skin. However, that is starting to change (thank goodness!).

“It took me 6 years to drop my manly stupidity and try my wife Vicki’s Sensé products. I love it so much that I now use it every day … men, you must try it if you have not. Don’t be such a late starter like me!”
— Claude Everard Fullinfaw, USANA Associate

There is a rapidly increasing trend when it comes to men’s grooming products. More and more, men are starting to realize the importance of caring for their skin properly. After all, your skin is a mirror of your overall health. It is the largest organ and the first line of defense for your body. Healthy skin is essential for today’s modern man and taking a few extra steps can yield dramatic results. Forget complicated regimens and take a look at 5 steps to healthy, leading-man skin.

1. What’s Your Type? Know your skin type. In general, men tend to have much oilier (and thicker) skin than women and most will fall into the “Normal” or “Combination” skin care categories. If this sounds like you, it means that you have active sebaceous glands which help you look younger, but also can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Choosing products that balance your sebum (natural moisture) levels will help keep skin clear. However, if your skin is usually very dry and possibly flaky, you fall into the “Dry” or “Sensitive” category. This means you are more prone to developing premature wrinkles due to the lack of moisture in your skin. You will want to choose products designed to replenish lost moisture and increase elasticity.

2. Keep it Clean. Washing your face (preferably morning and night) with lukewarm water and a mild daily cleanser will help remove the dirt, excess oil, and pollutants that tend to build up on your skin during the day. Excess dirt and oil can clog your pores and cause unsightly breakouts. Avoid using soap which can be very drying, and instead reach for Sensé Gentle Daily Cleanser which gently removes dirt and oil without leaving your skin thirsty.

3. Out with the Old, In with the New. Exfoliating is different from cleansing. Using a gentle exfoliator like Sensé Rice Bran Polisher before you shave will leave your skin feeling baby soft. Sloughing off dead, flaky skin cells prior to using a razor helps prevent bumps and ingrown hairs. Be sure to completely rinse the exfoliator off before shaving. Also, don’t skip the shave cream. This layer of moisture guards your skin from nicks and cuts.
4. Treat Yourself. Moisturizing isn’t just for the ladies! Shaving can make your tough, manly skin quite dry. Apply moisturizer every day after shaving. If you wash your face at night (like you should!), apply your moisturizer after cleansing. For excessively oily skin, use Sensé Perfecting Essence as your moisturizer. This gentle, light formula is perfect for renewing the skin and visibly improving its texture. For all other skin types, try Sensé Daytime Protective Moisturizer during the day and Sensé Night Renewal Creme before bed.

Shape Up! Eat well and exercise. Taking care of your skin from the inside out is part of the routine. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies high in antioxidants will help maintain healthy, glowing skin. Also, exercising regularly will not only help you feel better, but it will help you look better too! Sweating during exercise allows your body to cleanse itself naturally and helps unclog your pores. Trust me, you won’t be the only one noticing a difference!
So there you have it. Steps to better skin and a better you! That wasn’t so hard was it?!
For more information on men’s skin care and an interview with our own Dr. John McDonald, visit Shane Farmer's Skin Project

Update on Lowered Prices and Airfares to Tulum Vacation May 1 - 6

This is a special message from MJ our wonderful travel agent for our Mexico Mayan Retreat. This answers your concerns and questions.
"Hello Ekayani and Jen,
I have uploaded a new payment button on the Costs and Enrollment page for the retreat to reserve a room at $500.00. For your guests who wish to join the retreat, they can go directly to the page and click on the button to Pay Now. It really is the easiest method, but I know many people feel more comfortable working directly with a live person!

For those who would rather speak with a human...(my favorite method) please tell your guests feel free to call me directly. I can take credit card information directly over the phone if they feel more secure with that option, verses using our PayPal merchant services.My direct cell phone number is: 585-857-8828

Also, your guests may wish to call me directly with assistance for booking their flights. Otherwise, so far, the best price I have seen has been to purchase directly on Spirit Airlines website, which is $519 pp.
That link is here: http://www.spirit.com/Default.aspx
I highly recommend purchasing flights as soon as possible, since prices will only increase. The travel dates again are May 1-6, 2012.
I will be in Belize leading a women's retreat March 24-31st. I will have access to email during the entire trip, but am not sure how well I may be able to receive calls. For this reason, I encourage anyone who is considering this retreat to book with us this weekend, or this upcoming week. If anyone needs payment arrangements, have them call me directly.
I am thrilled to assist you with this retreat, and I know it will be an Amazing Adventure of Mind, Body and Spirit for all who hear the call, and join the Liberation!

Many Blessings,
Melinda

Melinda Johnston
LUX World Travel
http://www.luxworldtravel.com
585-672-5587
mj@luxworldtravel.com

M is for Maidenform - Feeling and Looking Good Beyond the Catwalk

I snapped this self portrait at Maidenform

March 13, 2012
This is a short story that began long ago. Walking into the Manhattan design headquarters of Maidenform today I felt fantastic. Eight years have passed since the last time I worked there as a  model circa 2003. My job description: fit model trying on new garments before hundreds of thousands go out to production. Cool, huh?  Very.  I feel good because I am getting a second chance to pick up where I left off. And as far as looking good for anyone who is reading this blog it won't be lost on you that I am a health nut.  Take care of your health and reap the benefits.
If I Could Go Back In Time
When I first started modeling in Paris in 1989 the first gig I got just days after I arrived was working the show room for Loris Azzarro that well known house of elegant and slightly flashy maker of evening gowns. It meant that I paraded up and down the fuzzy white carpeted room where the buyers would come to make their choices of gowns to sell in the cities and towns around France and beyond. The job was great, my co - model Nelly was a sweetheart, our boss kind and we were paid fairly.
As time went on I was eventually accepted by GLAMOUR model agency and the pressure of trying to "make it big" up on the catwalk took over. I mean with supermodels like Katoucha and Sonya Cole in the same agency it was hard not to feel seduced to try!

Sonya Cole in Paco Rabanne circa 1991

However looking back I often regretted I didn't take that job at Christian Dior working in the showroom beyond the first fitting with Gianfranco Ferre. Alas my brain had been hit by the fever of the live shows. It was exciting going to see Mugler but the truth was I didn't know how good I had it back in the showroom. Like a moth to a flame I was drawn to the bright lights only to be burned by the reality that only a very few would make it to that echelon. You see their are many niches in the modeling world. The women you see on the cover of magazines and in the shows are only part of the story. Behind the industry are the fit models who play a vital role in making sure the garments are production ready by trying them on and giving the designer critical feedback on the true fit of the garment who then relays it to the seamstresses. When the OK is given these same patterns will be turned into thousands of garments sold all over the country. And this is where I belong.  It's a great place for me because I can do two of the things I love: Giving my opinion while modeling.  Happy 90th Birthday Maidenform and thank you for making this lady feel good!

Learn More About Maidenform Here

Miracle of Skin- Let's Talk About One Square Inch

The following is a guest post written by Bea Kinnear, a USANA Associate and author of Your Skin & You. She is owner and moderator of the Yahoo! Sensé Help Site, where she works with Kathleen Rockney, Jacquie Malinowski, and Janet Bernstein to educate members about skin care.
The site is where a version of this and other articles in the “Let’s Talk” series originally appeared. Bea has agreed to share select articles with What’s Up, USANA? as a resource for readers to learn more about Sensé products. Read previous posts here.

In today’s information-rich society, the vast majority of us carry handheld mini-computers in our pocket or purse. It is truly amazing that technology has advanced so rapidly that we now rely on devices with screens that aren’t much more than two or three square inches.
One square inch of anything isn’t very much, but when we look at just one square inch of skin, it is a miracle of science and nature.
In just one square inch of skin we have:

• 650 sweat glands
• 65 hairs
• 234 feet of nerves
• 19 yards (17) meters) of blood vessels
• 19,500 sensory cells at the ends of nerve fibers
• 95-100 sebaceous (oil) glands
• 1,300 nerve ending to record pain
• 13 cold and 78 heat receptors plus Langerhans(immune) cells
• 78 yards of nerves

For the average adult human, the skin has a surface area of 1.5 to 2 square meters (about 60 to 78 inches). The following is structural information:

1. Protection: An anatomical barrier from pathogens and damage between the internal and external environment. Langerhans cells in the skin are part of the adaptive immune system. (Source: “The Skin an indispensable barrier:” Proksch, E. Brandner, JM; Jensen JM (2008), Experimental dermatology 17 (12)) Madison, KC (2003).
2. The nerve endings react to heat, cold, touch, pressure, vibration and tissue injury.
3. The skin contains a blood supply far greater than its requirements, which allows precise control of energy loss by radiation, convection and conduction. Dilated blood vessels increase perfusion and heat loss, while constricted vessels greatly reduce cutaneous blood flow and conserve heat.
4. Control of evaporation is provided by a relatively dry and semi-impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Loss of this function contributes to the massive fluid loss in burns.
5. The skin acts as a storage center for lipids and water, as well as a means of synthesis of Vitamin D by action of UV rays on certain parts of the skin.
6. Absorption: the cells comprising the outermost 0.25-0.40mm of the skin are “almost exclusively supplied by external oxygen,” although the “contribution to total respiration is negligible.” (Source: PDF Journal of Physiology 583(3): 985-994) In addition, medicine can be administered through a skin, by ointments or by means of adhesive patch.
7. The skin’s water resistance acts as a water barrier so essential nutrients aren’t washed out of the body.
8. Excretion through sweating helps temperature regulation.

Natural technology can be amazing; few, if any of us, seldom give thought to the incredibly complex way our skin functions to protect our health. That is why our skin is called our survival suit, and we would perish without it. For that very important reason we need to treat it and care for it properly on a daily basis. What better way than with USANA Nutritionals, and Sensé skin-care products.
This amazing natural technology never stops working, and all without the need of one computer chip or rechargeable battery.
For an application to join the Sensé Help Site, please contact Bea.
Tags: Bea Kinnear > Sensé > USANA

The Diet Underground - Ritalin or Reset for Weight Management

In the March 5th edition of New York Magazine I spotted a disturbing article entitled The Diet Undergound which informed that the FDA is poised to approve a second "fat battling drug". The article also listed 5 other drugs that are being used in other ways than what they were intended for and are being used instead as weight loss aids. Yikes!  The drugs listed were Revia,Wellbutrin XL, Ritalin, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Phentermine, Topamax and the one set for approval, Qnexa. A mouthful indeed.
Intelligencer is the name of the column this appeared but is this really an intelligent approach to weight management? Let food be thy medicine. The irony is that in America the land of plenty we are surrounded by plenty of calorie rich and nutrient poor foods and in fact 72% of us are starving. To be exact we are starving our cells of the nutrients they need to maintain health and keep degenerative diseases at bay.  Now more than ever it is important to understand the relationship between good eating habits, exercise, an adequate sleep on our weight. I am not going to focus on every drug that appeared on this list now but I will focus on the controversial drug Ritalin that has been prescribed for ADHD to children. I'd like to draw your attention to the case of Matthew Smith who died at the age 14 from the ritalin prescription prescribed for ADHD . His parents have a website dedicated to Matthew's memory in an effort to prevent other children from dying and help parents who are ill informed and even bullied into prescribing this drug to their children through their schools. Matthew died from heart failure due to his ingestion of ritalin from the age of 7 to 14 years. A grown mans heart weighs 350 grams but Matthews weighed 402 grams at the time of his death. His death certificate read "Death caused from Long Term Use of Methylphenidate, Ritalin." This alone makes the idea of ritalin as a weight loss tool frightening. Addictive to the brain like cocaine, it doesn't take much to realize what could happen to an individual depending on this drug as a dietary suppressant which amounts to  swinging between addiction and starvation of the cells in the body. The list of side effects are so long I hope it will encourage anyone to look into healthier habits: Nervousness, insomnia, decreased appetite, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, dyskinesia, blurring of vision, convulsions, muscle cramps, tics, Tourette's syndrome, toxic psychosis (some with visual and tactile hallucinations), transient depressed mood, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, angina pectoris, rash, pruritus, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, alopecia, thrombocytopenia purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, leucopenia, anaemia and minor retardation of growth during prolonged therapy in children.

RESET - A Path to LifeLong Good Eating Habits
USANA Health Sciences has a program that is based on a sane and scientific approach to weight loss with the goal being to lay a foundation through a basic lifestyle change. One of the first things a person on the path to weight loss should do is to set themselves up for success by removing temptation. Getting rid of the junk food that you have in your cabinets will put you at an advantage at least while you are home. (There is always that vending machine at the office). Processed chips and candy need to be tossed and replaced with some good stuff like apples slices, celery, carrots, baby tomatoes, berries and even nuts a fave of Dr. Oz  - anything low glycemic. That way when you are in the mood for a snack you'll automatically be eating foods that contribute to your energy level making you feel good and helping you transition away from that carb and sugar roller coaster you have been on. The side effects of eating these kinds of foods are increased cardiovascular health, low blood pressure, a clean colon and increased energy levels to name a few!

Diets A short term solution to a long term problem
We need to address the underlying cause of weight gain which is insulin insensitivity.  What causes it? Eating processed foods does a great job of numbing us to our own insulin. Back in 1981 Dr. David Jenkins introduced the concept of a glycemic index which found that certain complex carbs spike blood sugar stimulating the release of insulin which is your storage hormone. The body begins storing additional fat and holding onto it like a sponge holds onto water. This leads to inflammation of the arteries which is known as glycemic stress. High spikes in blood sugar causes a tremendous release of free radicals into the blood. This in turn damages the arteries with particular wear and tear on the capillaries around the heart. Controlling carbohydrate cravings by supplying your body with optimal nutrition in the form of supplementation along with low glycemic meals in the forms of shakes, plenty of water and two servings a day of low glycemic fruits and vegetable work. The RESET program is a 5 day cleanse that resets your body.

Tips: A few things to keep in mind is that if you for some reason "fall off the wagon" don't beat yourself up. Just get back up dust yourself off and keep going. Secondly don't overdo the workouts. Light exercise like walking is just fine. It will get your blood circulating and get you some fresh air. Third keep a video log or journal and try and find a support system be it your best friend, your Mom or others that want to join in with you to get bikini ready for the summer!  This program should not be used by women who are pregnant or lactating. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to host a Rest Challenge!
You can order RESET here      
RESET Video with Dr. Ray Strand, Dr. Tim Wood and Jennifer Azzi with a comic ending....
Matthew Smith website created by his parents.