Share the Cause

The TV news is preoccupied with the Swine Flu. In my humble opinion, we would not suffer the numerous health problems if we listened to Mike Adams, Dr. Robert Young, Kevin Trudeau * and others. Listen to another voice, visit Share the Cause.

*Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About; More Natural "Cures" Revealed; The Weight Loss Cure

Personally, I found products--and a company--that support my health. Listen to DiscoverMax.net and then visit my web site for additional information. Wishing you MAXimum health!!

Lost in cyberspace ?

Don't search for me via In My Humble Opinion (IMHO). You'll never find me!! I'm somewhere beyond number 2000 on a Google search. Better to search Lorraine Frantz Edwards because IMHO comes up 8th plus lots of other links to references regarding my earlier devotion to family history. Why am I writing this blog?? Because I hoped, and prayed, that I could establish a health and nutrition business on the web. I'm lost in cyber-space; nobody can find me and my Max supplements. As you may recall (details on earlier blogs) I attempted to "buy" the tools to rocket my "key words" to the top of Google and Yahoo search engines. That was the $2,985. Dotless Domain scam. Then I attended the StoresOnline seminar and (by the grace of God) escaped a $6,000. scam. I've "invested" in several other less expensive marketing tools and they, too, seem to benefit the seller and not the buyer. One in particular, regarding Daegan Smith, is also listed as a "scam." Read the many complaints on Scam.com. I would have to double check my bank statements for the total amount spent; Daegan Smith was debiting my account because I failed to read the fine print!! and failed to scrutinize my statement for two months!!

Are you screaming at me?? Are you wondering why I was so gullible?? By nature, I am very trusting!! I live by "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." I've given the shirt off my back if someone needed it--or someone admired it. (Many years ago I was the victim of a $40,000. loss because a licensed financial advisor manipulated the funds to his advantage!!) I never made any money as an EcoQuest distributor; I have an inventory of air purifiers that may never sell (not even at a yard sale or flea market). Complaints about EcoQuest can be found at Consumer Affairs and Rip Off Reports. Perhaps you've read my article regarding my acute ozone poisoning. While I'm confessing the magnitude of my foolishness: This time last year I was a distributor of Vemma and Verve. Likewise, almost no sales and absolutely no support from my sponsor and upline organization. That, too, is considered a scam if you do a Google search. Read a few of the complaints regarding Vemma.

As evidenced by the major subject material of this blog: I believe in holist medicine and nutritional supplements. I've been involved with sales of health products for over thirty years (everything from Amway to Yurika). But I've never made any money!! What's wrong with me?? What's wrong with my approach to network marketing?? I've devoted long hours to the business; I've invested thousands of dollars--and I was supportive of my downline distributors!! (My distributors quit because they weren't making any money.)

Being even moderately successful... has been important because I am an old lady ("young" old lady, LOL) that would like to live in a residential community where I'd have assistance when (if) I need it. Even with my faith in God, sometimes I'm afraid of being alone. (Especially when I was so very sick with acute ozone poisoning!! And several years ago when I fell the split my skull [reminiscent of recent Natasha Richardson accident]. Or the broken arm and problems that created!!)

Motivational Quotes to Bring You Courage

~~~~~~~~
You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated.
---Maya Angelou
~~~~~~~~
Our society is so caught up in winning, we forget that most of the great men and women in history have, at one time or another, failed at something. Often repeatedly, and discouragingly. But each failure is nothing more than a brick in the wall that forms the foundation of our success. We can't forget that.
---Carlton Young
~~~~~~~~
Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks
for everything that happens to you, knowing that
every step forward is a step toward achieving some-
thing bigger and better than your current situation.
---Brian Tracy
~~~~~~~~
We gain strength, and courage, and
confidence by each experience in
which we really stop to look fear
in the face... we must do that which
we think we cannot.
---Eleanor Roosevelt
~~~~~~~~
You must have long range goals to keep you
from being frustrated by short range failures.
---Charles Noble
~~~~~~~~
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, "Press on," has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
---Calvin Coolidge
~~~~~~~~
Action is the antidote to despair.
---Joan Baez
~~~~~~~~

St. Patrick's Day & Turbo Tax

I'm delighted to report that I spent the afternoon entering income tax information into Turbo Tax. It's ready to submit!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so-o-o-o-o happy!!!!!!!!!!!! If I wasn't a vegan, I'd rush out and find a restaurant serving corned beef and cabbage. I'd like to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!! Instead, I'll have a big homemade green salad, and some lightly steamed broccoli. ~~ Today I dressed in green from head to foot and, at 10 o'clock, joined a number of senior citizens from my church. We visited a con-valescent home for singing and fellowship. When I left my apartment it was foggy and gloomy. Before noon the sun was out and it has been a beautiful afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Five Week Anniversary

Spring is only five days away!! An Irish Pot O Gold and Rainbow tomorrow?!?! My tired old body is rejuvenated, and encouraged, after acute ozone poisoning. I -K-N-O-W- that "wellness" is around the corner because (after ignoring forthcoming April 15th) I spent several hours (today) compiling and organizing information for Income Taxes. A few days ago, a few weeks ago, I couldn't approach that task!!

Computer connection confusion!!

FYI (for your information): I have relied on WiFi for my Internet connection. Several neighbors in my apartment complex have various paid services. I've truly been deeply grateful for the benefits without paying the exorbitant amount of money. (As an aside [FYI]: I use a cell phone and receive television with "rabbit ears." A Time Warner "bundle" with cable, telephone, and broadband is $100.00, or more, per month!! A luxury this Senior can't justify!!) Frankly, I've had uninterrupted WiFi for two years. Suddenly, I have limited connections. It may be that my several-years-old-laptop-computer has decided it needs a vacation?? (I really spent hundreds of hours on the Internet researching, and documenting, a solution to my illness!!) All this to explain why you may not find new messages each day. I'll continue to check for an answer to my computer connection confusion!! (Here's a thought: One, or more, of my neighbors cancelled their expensive cable "bundle" because they, too, feel that Time Warner is a luxury they can do without?!?!) Meanwhile, I'm thankful for MaxGXL, and Max N-Fuze, which keep me healthy, and my Max network marketing business that keeps my busy!!

Prayer on Being Made Redundant

Redundant – the word says it all - ‘useless, unnecessary, without purpose, surplus to requirements.’ Thank you, Heavenly Father, that in the middle of the sadness, the anger, the uncertain-ty, the pain, I can talk to you. Hear me as I cry out in confusion, help me to think clearly, and calm my soul. As life carries on, may I know your presence with me each and every day. And as I look to the future, help me to look for fresh opportunities, for new directions. Guide me by your Spirit, and show me your path, through Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. Amen.

Happy Anniversary !!

Today is the four week anniversary of my search for a solution to my health problem (see Feb. 9th). I'm so happy to report that I am feeling much better!! No more coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes!! Occasional mucus but I no longer use the saline sinus rinse. I'm not using over-the-counter remedies, or prescription drugs; I'm using nutritional supplements and Goldenseal (natural antibiotic). As weather permits, I force myself to walk in the neighborhood. (Now I carry a long piece of pipe; see Feb. 10th.) Despite my lingering constant fatigue, exercise should restore my energy?!?! I appreciate the prayers, and messages expressing concern (with suggestions). Thank you!!

iGuard

What is iGuard.org?

iGuard.org is a healthcare service that helps monitor the safety of your medications (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, nutritional supplements and herbal extracts).

iGuard.org helps you stay safer by:

Routinely checking the safety of your medications, screening for drug-drug and drug-disease interactions.

Alerting you and your doctor (optional) as important safety information arises for your medications.

Providing an easily accessible summary of your medications and conditions that you can share with your healthcare team.

Helping you learn and share treatment satisfaction and side effect information within our patient community.

Click here to start using iGuard.org today.

Lorraine here: This appears to be a valuable service.

How Inflammation Causes Fatigue

By Byron Richards, CCN, Sunday, March 01, 2009

Lorraine here: I read this article with great interest because I believe it explains my lingering fatigue. I'm sure I've had (or still have) a respiratory infection (due to acute ozone poisoning).

A fascinating new animal study has uncovered a key mechanism that short-circuits energy production by reducing the ability of nerves to function correctly. This study has profound implications for health, as well as the prevention of disease and early death.

The researchers documented for the first time that inflammation outside of the nervous system, in particular the inflammatory messenger known as TNFa, crosses into the brain and activates glial cells within the nervous system. In response, glial cells send out a message that attracts immune cells into the brain – where they should not be. In turn, this sets off a chain reaction of events in the nervous system that results in fatigue. The researchers showed that by blocking TNFa activation of glial cells in the brain, this fatigue cascade was prevented even though the inflammation still existed.

Many people have inflammatory conditions that are depleting energy in this way. This is one mechanism that explains how too much wear and tear of any kind causes fatigue. This information would especially apply to individuals with chronic pain, nagging aches, and inflammatory health problems like arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Of course, just being overweight causes excessive production of TNFa which can set this nerve-driven fatigue process in motion.

Oftentimes we look at nutrients that help make energy when we look to help the fatigued individual, which is one valid angle to consider. It may be just as important to reduce inflammation, so as to stop processes that are turning energy production off. This data has wide-ranging application to thyroid function, weight issues, as well as overall health and longevity.

Maybe this also explains why I am always freezing cold?! I've told people "my body thermometer is out of whack." Actually, from above: "...short-circuits energy production by reducing the ability of nerves to function correctly." Yes, the article was about a new animal study but probably true for humans too?! I'm so grateful that I have been taking Max nutritional supplements!! Visit my web site for details about MaxGXL and Max N-Fuze.

Provacative Thought

What a profound short little paragraph that says it all!!!


"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

~~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005 ~~~~~

Known for his evangelistic zeal and uncompromising commitment to the Word of God, Adrian Rogers was one of the greatest preachers, respected Bible teachers, and Christian leaders of our time. For over fifty years, he consistently presented the Good News of Jesus Christ with strong conviction, compassion, and integrity.

Thunder Snow Storm

March came in like a lion!! Really awesome sight!! Thunder and lighting, with heavy snow!! (8:30 PM) An unusual experience for the South. I understand from the TV news that Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee were also hit hard prior to the Carolinas. ~~~~ P.S. (9 PM) Four inches on the sidewalk in front of my apartment. ~~~~~ P.S.S. 3/02/09 (9:30 AM) Officially seven inches of snow for Shelby. I measured six-&-one-half, at 7 AM, on the sidewalk outside my apartment--and 29 degrees. However, by 8 AM it had "compacted" to only four inches. Officially, nearby Kings Mountain had nine inches. Of major interest, perhaps, twenty-two miles of southbound Interstate-85 was closed for over ten hours during the night (snow and traffic accidents). Many of the stranded motorist' were brought to shelters here in Shelby. Furthermore, at this hour (according to TV coverage), over 185,000 customers (Charlotte and surrounding counties) are without electricity. ~~~~ P.S.S.S. 3/02/09 (6:45 PM) We made the NBC-TV Evening News with Brian Williams!!

Quotes that Celebrate Friendship

Friendship (with a capital F) is a rare and precious thing, some mystical combination of compatible senses of humor, kind listening ears, and feelings of closeness and trust even if you live far from each other.

Who can you count on for support, advice, and fun? Share this collection of quotes with your boon companion and let them know how much you value their friendship.

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." Aristotle

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life; to be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings." Anonymous

"To a friend’s house, the road is never long." Danish Proverb

"One who looks for a friend without faults will have none." Hasidic Saying

"Who finds a faithful friend finds a treasure." Apocrypha Ben Sira 6 14

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"God send me a friend that will tell me of my faults." Thomas Fuller

"The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear." Maya Angelou

"If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it." Edgar Watson Howe

"I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar." Robert Brault

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." Walter Winchell

Lorraine here: I'm bereft... please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!!

Maxine & Lorraine

Thanks to the Internet,
without leaving my house,
I found an answer to my
ozone poisoning!

RipOff Reports

I believe I've opened "Pandora's Box." Until recently, I rarely ventured down the "information super highway". Several months ago, my search was brief for information about allergies. The desperate need to regain my health forced me (Feb. 9th) to spend extended hours researching asthma (and sub-sequently ozone poisoning). Now I can't tear myself away from the Internet; I'm constantly searching.... A couple of days ago I found complaints about EcoQuest on RipOff.com . "Yes" I added my experience to their web site. I earnestly wish there were some way that I could reach into the homes of senior citizens (like myself) and caution them with "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coincidentally (previously unknown to me), at 3:30 PM, 2/26/09 (still searching the 'net), I found that Hunter, of Portland, Tennessee, cautioned the customers (on 5/28/08) with those same words.

"What became EcoQuest International began as Alpine Industries and was owned by Mr. William Converse, the one who developed the technology in his home basement. It is my opinion that Mr. Converse was an honorable man who sought to help people. On a much smaller scale, he was successful for several years. It was when Michael Jackson assumed control and changed the name to EcoQuest International that seems to have begun the long list of tragedies we read about here on RipOff Reports.

I was a dealer with EcoQuest for 4 years and actually made a very modest profit at first. Then came the failed machines and the ridiculously expensive shipping and handling charges for returning a machine for even warranted repairs.

Because I am a man of character and honor, I absorbed those charges rather than insist my customers bear that burden. On many of those units sold, I refunded my customers' money whether or not the unit was still under warranty. That's why I now have a closet full of non-working EcoQuest Air Purifiers that I refuse to sell, even on Ebay.

There are other 'problems' associated with most affiliations with EcoQuest, but I'm sure most who have fallen victim to the scheme need no reminder. The best advice I can offer to anyone considering an EcoQuest business or product is 'Caveat emptor', Let the buyer beware."

Hunter
Portland, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Comments from RipOff.com .

Lorraine here: Cross my heart... when I published my blog about 9:30 this morning, "Caveat Emptor" came from my anguish. Reading the words, at 3:30 this afternoon, was an affirmation that my hours of research, and documen-tation, are extremely important. I suggest that the viewer read the many complaints at RipOffReport.com and ConsumerAffairs.com .

Birthday present

Thirty miles from my apart-ment, at a Circuit City "going out of business sale," I bought myself a birthday present: Extension, stereo speakers for my TV. At 8 PM I enjoyed the quality sound of Celtic Woman, on Public Broadcasting System (with Creative GigaWorks T40 speakers).

Universal Vaccine for the Flu? Look No Further Than Vitamin C and Zinc

(NaturalNews) The mainstream media is ablaze today with talk of an important new discovery that could lead to a "universal vaccine" that ends all colds for a lifetime. This universal vaccine, researchers say, would target a common configuration of proteins that occurs in virtually all cases of influenza, including H5N1 (bird flu), the Spanish flu strain and even the common cold.

It all sounds promising until you realize the reality of the situation. First, this "universal vaccine" concept is remarkably naive in ignoring the astounding ability of viruses to generate immunity to vaccines due to clever mutations. In fact, the action of influenza in the wild right now demonstrates this quite well: Each year's flu shot vaccine is essentially useless against the current influenza strains actually circulating among the population. They only protect people against last year's flu. And that's not very useful.

Why do you think we have MRSA and other superbugs running rampant in our hospitals these days? Because viruses and bacteria have a remarkably ability to rapidly develop immunity to vaccines. Even the targeting of a common protein receptor site is not beyond the reach of mutating viruses, and for scientists to think these viruses cannot mutate their way around a chemical vaccination is remarkably arrogant.

~~~~ Skipping down....

The real cause of the flu: Nutritional deficiency
In fact, it is nutritional deficiency that causes susceptibility to the common cold, not vaccine deficiency. Ask anybody who lives a natural health lifestyle and takes their nutrition seriously, and you'll find that they might only catch one cold every five or ten years. I haven't had a cold for probably eight years or so (can't remember exactly, because it's been so long), and of course I would never even think of getting a flu shot.

Flu shots are only for ignorant people who live on junk food diets and don't know anything about health. Flu shot clinics are like the McDonald's of modern medicine: It's where the uneducated, immune-suppressed people go because they don't know any better. And the flu shot industry (Big Pharma, clinics, etc.) preys upon these people in much the same way McDonald's preys upon low-income consumers who have no idea they're eating their way to lifelong nutritional imbalance.

Flu shots are for people who microwave their food and buy instant macaroni and cheese. They're for people who have been cajoled into avoiding vitamins (they're dangerous, didn't you know?) and who live on pharmaceuticals and junk food.

Flu shots are the mythology of modern medicine, much like the superstitions of commercial fishermen who run their boats in circles after leaving port in order to eliminate any "bad juju" that might ruin their catch.

Want new technology for defending against the flu? Your immune system is the best technology on the planet for accomplishing that. You just have to give it the proper fuel: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, trace minerals, superfoods and healthy nutrition!

Lorraine here: Read the entire article, by Mike Adams, at Natural News. Visit my web site for valuable information about Max nutritional supplements.

First Aid for Ozone Poisoning

I am so impatient; I want to feel healthy again!! So I've spent more time (hours!!) on the Internet researching recovery from ozone poisoning. (See my Feb. 9th blog.) It has been ten days since I diagnosed my illness (and turned off the generators), and I'm still extremely exhausted. The following first excerpt isn't very encouraging.

Handbook of Compressed Gases by Compressed Gas Association, page 566.
First Aid: Ozone poisoning should be treated symptomatically. This may include bed rest, analgesics to relieve pain, and antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. Severe cases may require hospitalization and exhibit the following symptoms: dyspnea, cough, choking, tachycardia, vertigo, lowered blood pressure, cramps and chest pains. Recovery after severe acute ozone toxicity is slow. Up to 10 to 14 days of hospitalization may be required. Minimal residual symptoms may be present for up to nine months but the victim should completely recover. [Dyspnea: difficult or labored respiration; per Merriam-Webster.]

The following is the first paragraph of a very long, very scientific article. Read the entire article here.

Ozone
This chapter [chapter 9, pp. 184-213] summarizes relevant epidemiologic and toxicologic studies of ozone. Selected chemical and physical properties, toxicokinetic and mechanistic data, and inhalation exposure levels from the National Research Council (NRC) and other agencies are also presented. The committee considered all that information in its evaluation of the Navy’s current and proposed 1-h, 24-h, and 90-day exposure guidance levels for ozone. The committee’s recommendations for ozone exposure guidance levels are provided at the conclusion of the chapter with a discussion of the adequacy of the data for defining them and the research needed to fill remaining data gaps.

There are hundreds of references to ozone when I do a Google search. This one is amusing because it involves growing marijuana and is titled What are the dangers of Ozone? I confess to correcting several spelling errors--and grinning ear-to-ear that this straight-laced old lady connected with an article about marijuana.

What is Ozone? Ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere, and at relatively low concentrations. Ozone is the earths main defence against harmful UV rays emitted from the sun. At low concentrations, ozone is harmless, but at high concentrations it can cause problems in certain situations. Ozone is used in the cultivation of cannabis to destroy the tell-tale odors given off by the plants. Ozone is created in 'ozone generators' which can be bought at grow shops, and some household related shops. Car exhaust is the main producer of ozone at ground level. It's molecular structure is similar to that of oxygen, but the third oxygen atom is unstable, and readily detaches from the ozone molecule and 'attacks' any structure that will accept an oxygen atom. This can be harmful to some organic substances. It's not only organic substances that are affected by ozone. Nearly everything that gets in its way will be destroyed! It is highly corrosive, and can affect everything from metals to rubber. If this gas is so toxic that it corrodes metals and rubbers, just image what it does to your lungs!.. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.]
* Ozone is a colorless gas
* It is a naturally occurring gas
* It does not have an obvious odor (although some say it smells like fresh rain, or purified air)
* Ozone is a toxic gas
How does it affect me, and what are some symptoms of over-exposure to ozone?
Short exposures of relatively high amounts of ozone (found in some grow rooms) can cause problems such as:
* Pains in the chest
* Throat irritation
* Coughing
* Shortness of breath
Although short exposures to ozone may cause problems, these should clear up over time. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ozone can cause severe damage to the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, and over time may have irreversible effects. The more ozone a person inhales, the more damage is done to their system, and the less chance there is of recovery. People with asthma are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to ozone, as it may cause an 'asthma attack' or flare up problems with their respiratory system. As an example to the severity of ozone 'poisoning', the New York State Ozone Advisory will issue a warning to people if the level of ozone is above 0.08 ppm for more than 8 hours at a time. 0.15 ppm is intolerable for even short periods. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.]

What can I do to prevent over-exposure?
Your ozone generator should not [be] pumping ozone directly into the room. If you are using an ozone generator, use it in conjunction with your ventilation system. This way, no concentrated amounts of ozone are present in the grow room, but instead having all the ozone flow in the exhaust tubing to clean the air as it leaves the grow room. Put your ozone generator inside your exhaust ducting - most generators are round tubes with 4/6/8" diameters, designed to work inline with your grow room air exhaust system. Some generators have a control that regulates the output levels. (The generator functions at 100% output, but this rheostat cycles the on/off cycles, much like a microwave). This method is the safest and most effective way to use your ozone generator, but for added advantages, if you divert some ozone back into the grow room it will help kill airborne substances such as spores, moulds, etc., to help keep your grow sterile and clean. If your generator is pumping ozone directly into your grow room you will need to have a strong ventilation system to help keep the levels of ozone from building up to dangerous levels. Having the exhaust air vented outside is the best solution. Avoid spending excess amounts of time in your grow area if you are using an ozone generator. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.] Concentrations (according to various controlling bodies) should not exceed concentrations of 0.10 ppm for more than a few hours at a time. It is also understood that these concentrations and below are not suitable for controlling odors. This means that if your grow room has an odor problem, and you are using an ozone generator, it is highly likely that you are exposing yourself to harmful levels of ozone. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.] If you run your ozone generator on HIGH in a relatively unventilated area, you can easily reach levels of 1ppm, which is 10 times higher than the maximum recommended level.

Ozone alternatives
In general, DO NOT USE AN OZONE GENERATOR UNLESS THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER SOLUTION TO YOUR ODOR PROBLEM! Do not think of an ozone generator as an easy way to control odors, because you could be putting your own personal health at risk! Cheaper types of ozone generators may use crappy materials in their design, which can cause more problems. The corona discharge method is particularly bad, as the cheap alloys used can give of dangerous oxides. The smell from this may have a 'metallic' scent to it, so keep that in mind when purchasing an ozone generator (or making one, which is not recommended). As a rule, the materials used in an ozone generator should be as unreactive as possible, such as steel, gold and silver. There are some alternatives to ozone as an odor controller, the main one being the 'UV ionizer' and the 'carbon scrubber' which uses activated carbon to remove odors. These options may not be as effective as ozone in some situations.

Lorraine here: There seems to be no end of information on the Internet regarding the health hazards of ozone generators. I'm feeling extreme guilt because I didn't do research earlier. I believed the information provided to the distributors by EcoQuest International, Greenville, Tennessee. I've lost count of the number of units I have sold. I have an inventory that I am now reticent to sell!! Here is another web site with an article titled The Hazards of Ozone & Ozone Gas Generators, by Daniel Friedman, © Copyright 2009.

OZONE HAZARDS - an Overview of the Hazards of Indoor Ozone Gas
Exposure to a level you can smell or exposure to ozone over long periods at levels greater than 0.05 ppm for 24 hours at a time is likely to be dangerous: [2], [3] Health hazards to humans and animals occur and can be severe at ozone levels used for indoor cleaning purposes.

At least some people can smell levels of ozone down to 0.05 ppm. This odor-detection level is already half-way to the recommended limit. If you are generating ozone indoors, even at "low" levels a problem may be present. People become desensitized to odors in a short time, perhaps 20 minutes. So if you do not smell it, the ozone level could still be hazardous.

Problems associated with ozone gas exposure include: [4]
Lung irritation and infection.
Breathing pain, coughing, wheezing, difficulty when exercising.
Permanent lung damage.
Aggravation of pre-existing asthma
Increased risk of lung illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia
Reduced breathing capacity
We elaborate on these ozone hazards and cite exposure standards for ozone at OZONE AIR PURIFIER WARNINGS and at STANDARDS FOR OZONE EXPOSURE.

Skipping down to later paragraphes.

Results of some controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than these standards are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

There are many brands and models of ozone generators on the market. They vary in the amount of ozone they can produce. In many circumstances, the use of an ozone generator may not result in ozone concentrations that exceed public health standards. But many factors affect the indoor concentration of ozone so that under some conditions ozone concentrations may exceed public health standards.

In one study (Shaughnessy and Oatman, 1991), a large ozone generator recommended by the manufacturer for spaces "up to 3,000 square feet," was placed in a 350 square foot room and run at a high setting. The ozone in the room quickly reached concentrations that were exceptionally high--0.50 to 0.80 ppm which is 5-10 times higher than public health limits.

In an EPA study, several different devices were placed in a home environment, in various rooms, with doors alternately opened and closed, and with the central ventilation system fan alternately turned on and off. The results showed that some ozone generators, when run at a high setting with interior doors closed, would frequently produce concentrations of 0.20 - 0.30 ppm. A powerful unit set on high with the interior doors opened achieved values of 0.12 to 0.20 ppm in adjacent rooms. When units were not run on high, and interior doors were open, concentrations generally did not exceed public health standards (US EPA, 1995).

The concentrations reported above were adjusted to exclude that portion of the ozone concentration brought in from the outdoors. Indoor concentrations of ozone brought in from outside are typically 0.01- 0.02 ppm, but could be as high as 0.03 - 0.05 ppm (Hayes, 1991; U.S. EPA, 1996b; Weschler et al., 1989, 1996; Zhang and Lioy; 1994). If the outdoor portion of ozone were included in the indoor concentrations reported above, the concentrations inside would have been correspondingly higher, increasing the risk of excessive ozone exposure.

None of the studies reported above involved the simultaneous use of more than one device. The simultaneous use of multiple devices increases the total ozone output and therefore greatly increases the risk of excessive ozone exposure. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine. Remember, I had two units going at the highest setting recommended for "up to 3,000 square feet." My apartment is probably less than 1,000 square feet.]

Asthma and allergy

Just a note because I'm spending the day researching asthma on the Internet. I read about allergies, and asthma, previously (on the Internet) but that's as far as I went. So far, today, (after an hour) I'm very discour-aged because all the infor-mation is sponsored by pharmaceutical companies selling their prescription drugs. Allergy remedies from the health food store have not alleviated my suffering. What's a gal to do??
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(Much later.) E-U-R-E-K-A !! (That means "I found it!") I "knew" the problem was in my apartment; I attributed it to the cat I adopted six months ago (and subsequently sent to a new home). Yes, I believe I was allergic to the cat!! So I accelerated the advertised benefits of ionization and ozone by setting my EcoQuest purifiers at their highest level. Not just one air purifier, but two, at their highest level!!!! Read what I found on the Internet.

Ozone air purifiers: Can they improve asthma symptoms?

Question: My daughter has asthma. Would she benefit from an ozone air purifier in her room?

Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist James Li, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer: Despite manufacturer's claims, ozone air purifiers don't remove particles from the air that may trigger asthma attacks. In fact, inhaled ozone can make asthma worse. [Bold color emphasis by Lorraine.]

Ozone generators sold as air purifiers intentionally produce the air pollutant ozone. The ozone molecule contains three atoms of oxygen. Two of these atoms form the basic oxygen molecule. The third atom can detach from the ozone molecule and reattach to molecules of other substances. This changes the chemical composition of the other substances—and forms the basis of manufacturer claims that ozone "purifies" the air. But inhaling ozone, even in small amounts, can irritate the lungs. [Bold color emphasis by Lorraine.] Specific effects may include throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections.

Some ozone air purifiers are made with an ion generator or "ionizer" in the same unit. You can also buy ionizers as separate units. Ionizers remove particles from the air, causing them to attach to nearby surfaces or to each other and settle out of the air — but they may generate unwanted ozone. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are more effective in removing allergens from the air, without posing any ozone concerns.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I did all the right things, for all the right reasons: Vegan diet, filtered water, nutritional supplements, purified atmos-phere. I'm an EcoQuest distributor; I sold many air purifiers!! I believe in the effectiveness of the units!! I never suspected that "they" were the cause of my illness. Remember my comment about returning from the three day bus trip "feeling better"?? ~~~ Extenuating circumstances: If I had been employed...(and out of the apartment part of the day); if winter weather hadn't forced me indoors, etc., etc. The sicker I got the less I left the apartment!! Some days I didn't even walk to the mailbox. I spent the day at the computer--less than ten feet from the purifier cranking out maximum ozone. ~~~ "Yes" I have turned off the air purifiers and will keep the reader posted about my recovery. P.S. I'm not critical of the EcoQuest purifiers; I just experienced "too much of a good thing." To add insult to injury--"too much of a good thing"--there were times, when I was away from home, that I wore a Fresh Air "Buddy" Personal Air Purifier on a cord around my neck. I believed it was helping my labored breathing!!
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(Much, much later.) Indoor air purifiers produce dangerous levels of ozone.

Indoor air purifiers or ozone generators may pose a serious health risk to people who may be affected by ozone. A study revealed that running the air purifier at the top setting produced an ozone presence in the room that was the same as a stage one smog alert [bold color emphasis by Lorraine] which means that people are advised to avoid the outdoors. Even a medium setting on the purifier produce ozone levels above the California state standard. Of bigger concern is that air purifiers are particularly targeted at people with asthma and other respiratory problems but the ozone generated can make symptoms worse by damaging cell linings in nasal passages and lungs. High ozone levels can cause symptoms such as pain when breathing deeply, coughing and chest tightness. The purifiers claims to remove bacteria, mold and chemical contaminants and thus may benefit asthmatics are misleading. Source: summary of medical news story as reported by YubaNet.
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(8 P.M.; still researching.) A sad story regarding ozone poisoning . Totally unrelated to previous, and following, excerpts.

Ozone: Health Hazards and Precautionary Methods
7. The acute toxicity of ozone to man has long been recognised and is well documented. The symptomatic and clinical effects of ozone at various concentrations are summarised in Table 1. Ozone is irritant to mucous membranes of eyes and respirator tract, and high concentrations can cause pulmonary oedema.
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Handbook of Compressed Gases by Compressed Gas Association, page 566.
First Aid: Ozone poisoning should be treated symptomatically. This may include bed rest, analgesics to relieve pain, and antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. Severe cases may require hospitalization and exhibit the following symptoms: dypsnea, cough, choking, tachycardia, vertigo, lowered blood pressure, cramps and chest pains. Recovery after severe acute ozone toxicity is slow. Up to 10 to 14 days of hospitalization may be required. Minimal residual symptoms may be present for up to nine months but the victim should completely recover.

Peanut Butter Company Banned from Business with Federal Government, but Big Pharma Kills Thousands More with Impunity

By Mike Adams, February 6, 2009
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has banned Peanut Corporation of America from doing business with the federal government. The reason for the ban? Peanut Corp lied about the safety of its peanut butter product, which sickened several hundred people and is linked to the death of eight.

But hold on here: Drug companies routinely lie about the safety of their products. And pharmaceuticals kill at least 100,000 Americans a year, even when used as directed. So why hasn't Big Pharma been banned from conducting business with the federal government?

The reason is obvious: Because Peanut Corp. doesn't have influence in Washington, but Big Pharma does.

Don't think for a minute that action against Peanut Corp is about public safety. If anyone in Washington were genuinely worried about public safety, they'd go after the drug companies, or the chemical polluters, or the companies putting toxic chemicals into the food on purpose! (Aspartame, MSG, sodium nitrate, etc.) But this is about grandstanding, not protecting the public. So authorities in Washington can put on a good show pretending to "protect the public" while pressing for criminal charges against a company that sells a product that's thousands of times safer than pharmaceuticals -- even when it's contaminated with salmonella!

Hilariously, as the NY Times reports, a top dog at the Agriculture Department said, "The actions of P.C.A. indicate that the company lacks business integrity and business honesty, which seriously and directly hinders its ability to do business with the federal government."

Well gee, if this is the criteria for doing business with the federal government, there's practically no pharmaceutical company in the country that shouldn't be banned!

You want to protect Americans? Conduct criminal investigations against drug companies and the FDA. That's the fastest way to stop the needless deaths plaguing our nation thanks to a corrupt, criminally-operated health care system run by crooks.

Click to read:
Peanut Butter Company Banned from Business with Federal Government, but Big Pharma Kills Thousands More with Impunity

Lorraine here to suggest you get a copy of Kevin Trudeau's books Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About, or More Natural "Cures" Revealed, or The Weight Loss Cure "They" Don't Want You to Know About. Personally I think "whistle blower" Kevin Trudeau gets a "bad wrap" from the media. Read what he has to say about Big Pharma and the major food manufacturers. You'll think twice about Kellogg's, Keebler, Kraft, Nabisco....

I've been so sick!! (A friend said "You look awful.") I broke my resolve to N-O-T use over-the-counter medications. Yesterday, I bought maximum strength Mucinex DM. The mucus is unending, and the strangling cough leaves me exhausted!! Three tablets have not alleviated the problem!! Itchy eyes, sneezing.... Time to break another resolve and see a medical doctor?? (I sat on the back row at Church so I could inconspicuously slip out during an incident.)

Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time, by Valerie Bertinelli

On the NBC-TV program "The Doctors" Friday, 2/06/09, the special guest was Valerie Bertinelli. For your information, below is the biography I found on Google.

Valerie Bertinelli charmed a nation of television watchers in the 1970s with the enormously popular comedy, "One Day at A Time". The show spoke to a nation of divorced families, where the single mother relied on charitable efforts of friends and neighbors in order to survive one more day filled with typical life stressors.

Flash forward decades later and Valerie herself is divorced, with a son that she shares with uber-famous rocker, Eddie Van Halen. Still trying to maintain her celebrity status in the face of inner turmoil, Valerie alleges in her new memoir, "Losing It" that she turned to junk food to soothe and to self-harm.

She brings up multiple issues with self-esteem, as characterized by her infidelity, drug use and food abuse. Whether promulgated from show-business or a deeper, more complex and personal issue, Valerie reassures us in her new book that it's normal to have unrealistic expectations about your body and shows how the Jenny Craig program taught her to reach, and even exceed, her weight loss goals.

Lorraine here: I'm not suggesting that you join Jenny Craig. If you have a problem with emotional eating, this book might be helpful. Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time (308 pages) is available at Amazon.com for less than $20. Also, you can read a portion of the book on Amazon.