Life Is a Gift

Received as an e-mail, from a friend in Utah.
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There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I would marry you.'


One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.


He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.


Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'


This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.


Life Is a Gift


Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.


Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.


Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.


Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.


Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.


And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.


And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.

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I PRAY

THIS MOVES AROUND

THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE...
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Global Domains International: Scam or Really That Good?

by John Scevola

In order to classify something as illegitimate or a scam, we first must understand their business and what they are trying to do. The domain registry industry is a fast paced and competitive market where a large number of domain registration companies are trying to get their domains sold through a small army of domain resellers. That is how Internet domains have been sold for years, and that is how Internet domains will be sold for the foreseeable future.

In the Internet industry is it always difficult to identify pioneers and the forward thinking people that can take the simplest of Internet ideas and turn them into a huge opportunity. One of the areas that have seen some very creative people find a lot of success the past few years is the domain registration business, but Global Domains International could be identified as a pioneering company when it comes to offering domain registration services that could make you a steady income for a long time to come.

It is easy to dismiss a company that comes on to the Internet scene with a new idea as a fly by night organization, but Global Domains International is a forward thinking company that is digging in and preparing to write a long and successful history. At a time when the dot com domains are filling up and people are looking for an alternative way to get their businesses noticed on the Internet, Global Domains International has provided that alternative and then they also created a way to allow you to make money from their great idea.

Global Domains International has secured the entire .WS market, and they want you to help them create an Internet revolution that could make you a full time income. Right now there are between 20 and 30 million dot com websites registered in the world, and it has become increasingly difficult to make your business stand out in the dot com world. With a .WS address your company can stand out above the rest, and gain an entirely new level of Internet presence not possible with an obscure dot com address. It is a pioneering idea that could change the way business is done on the Internet, and it is the brainchild of Global Domains International.

Global Domains International knows that they cannot bring this pioneering idea to the entire Internet by themselves, so they want to pay you to help them do it. If you get involved in their .WS reseller program, then you will have the opportunity to get paid for getting other people interested in this groundbreaking idea and profit from your hard work and their hard work as well. The Global Domains International multi-tiered approach to marketing their product allows you to make money from the people that you bring in, as well as making money from the people that they get involved in the program as well. Your income grows as your business grows, and that is the result of the marketing experts at Global Domain International.

You can search the Internet all day for business opportunities and you will uncover a few legitimate programs, and you will also be exposed to a lot of people that offer you the moon and fall way short on delivering. You need a solid program, backed by a solid business idea, and executed by a solid company. With the Global Domains International .WS reseller program you get all of that, and you get so much more. You can also benefit from their world class Internet hosting service, and all of the benefits that come from having a website registered and hosted by Global Domains International. You get all of this while building a business that could make you a large part-time income, or could turn into your full time successful business.

All of this is made possible by Global Domains International, and it is because they are just that good.

About the Author
John Scevola is a published success author, motivational speaker, and search engine marketing guru. For more information Global Domains International or Internet Prosperity
~~~~~~~~
Lorraine here inviting you to visit the Global Domains International web site.

GDI is the most powerful opportunity on the planet!

Scott Reese receives commissions from GDI in Goshen, Virginia, United States
GDI Affiliate since 08/21/2004

GDI is the most powerful opportunity on the planet! The beauty and ease of this powerhouse company is in it's powerful product, it's simple system, and the fact it is so affordable. I have truly enjoyed working this business and look forward to many successful years to come. I believe in my heart this company will last my lifetime and beyond. I have been a successful network marketer for 15 years, and have seen companies come and go. I can tell you from experience, we are riding a mighty wave with GDI! This company will break all of the records in this industry and will be revered as one of the greatest business opportunities of our era.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Gerald English receives a paycheck in Rocky
Mount, North Carolina, United States
GDI Affiliate since 07/19/2005

In 2002, the textile company I worked for closed its doors. Since then I have been looking for an opportunity to recover my losses and become financially independent. My vision is that GDI will give me that independence.

Promotional Tip:

1. Wherever you go, keep a note pad and gather names and emails addresses.
2. Submit the emails and follow up to be sure if they received them.
3. Always stay positive. A negative attitude will destroy chances.
4. Communicate to your downline. They are the key to your success.

Global Domains International (GDI) is not a scam!!!!!

If you have been following my "blog" you know that I have been the victim of several scams. I've become diligent about searching for complaints from consumers. Yes, there are complaints about GDI. However, here is a very articulate rebuttal to report #424039 on RipoffReport.com.

Submitted: 3/25/2009 8:16:14 AM
Modified: 3/25/2009 10:15:29 AM
Avery Web, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Global Domains International (GDI) is not a scam!!!!! I have read a number of comments from people here stating GDI is just another pyramid scam which to say the least IS INCORRECT!!!!!!!

Let me let you in on a bit of info that most sponsors do not tell you.

1. Yes GDI is a pyramid but is also a sales position and an affiliate program.

For those of you that do not know what an affiliate program is. It is a commissioned sales position where you will earn money for advertising for the company you are promoting. This happens numerous times on the Internet today: Google, Adsense and a number of sites will pay you. Just take a look at Adjungle, Commission Junction and a bunch of others.

Even search Google for affiliate programs and find out just how many are out there you may be surprised at what you find.

Some people have even stated there is no product with GDI that is also incorrect. You are selling domain names and web space and the email addresses. First maybe you should look at what it would cost you to register you own domain name and pay for webhosting you will find that GDI is right in the ball park.

Also look at the fact that most hosting companies want you to pay for a full year in advance to save a bit.

Also look into the growth of the Internet and see just how many websites there are out there. See I am a web designer by trade and also offer my own web hosting and domain registrations so I have a unique view in this industry.

The truth of the matter is this, anyone that uses photobucket to upload images so their friends and family can see them is perfect for this business. Anyone that uses hotmail, yahoo or any of the other free email providers are perfect for this business. Also any small business that is not already currently on the net is perfect for this business. One person even stated that the website that you are supposed to be purchasing will need to be used to promote the GDI business. This is so wrong! GDI promotional websites are completely separate from your own domain name and you can use that webspace anyway you see fit.

Sad thing is the fact that there have been so many companies out there that when one that is actually legit comes along the red lights go up. See I thought the same thing when I first came across the opportunity 6 months ago so I did my homework on the company so I ask all you out there that thinks GDI is a scam the following.

1. Did you look at their BBB listings?
2. Did you know that all pyramid scams are typically shut down is 12-18 months yet GDI has been in business in the same location since 1999?
3. What about those that are already making money from the business that isn't scared of the sales nature of the opportunity?

It would be very interesting to know what you people have actually researched when posting your scam comments. Anyone that would like to actually sit down with me and truly go over the scam or no scam issue is encouraged to contact me via email I will be more then happy to give you the real low down of what is and isn't right about this business.

If you are afraid of any sales type of a position then this opportunity is not for you. However if not then you may just be able to make a comfortable living with the right approach. The Internet is going to be with us for some time to come and yes there will be scams out there I do not deny that but there are also a bunch of them that are 100% legit if you are willing to take the time to look at it completely.

If anyone wishes to contact me my email is webmaster@averywebservices.ws at which time I will either setup a time where you can meet me in my own private chat room.

Good luck to all and please have faith in the Internet and do your full research before you think a company is a scam without having the full information.

If GDI was a scam they would have been gone by 2001 we are into 2009 and almost 10 years into the companies existence. You cannot run a scam that long without getting nailed.

Shawn K.


$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Lorraine here to invite you to visit the GDI website.

Global Domains International

Questions and answers I found at the GDI website.

I don't want to SELL anything. That said, how do I build my business?

That is the beauty of our program. YOU don't sell anything, WE do all the selling for you. Just enter the names and email addresses of the people you know personally, online, and we'll send a personalized email to them, from YOU, which directs them to a fully personalized, dynamic flash presentation. If you prefer, you can alternatively send them directly to your free WebSite.ws Affiliate WebSite, which will be identical..., but tracked to YOU, so you get the credit for all sign ups.

FYI: GDI strictly prohibits SPAM e-mails!! Have a relationship with the people before you send the invitation. Or let them come to you, or me, through a "blog."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is anything else included in the $10 monthly fee?

Yes: Lots of options! Your $10 monthly fee covers not only your .WS "WebSite" domain name, but everything needed to make full use of it. You can use our hosting services, forward your domain to another location, leave it parked with a simple construction screen, or use our simple SiteBuilder tool to help you design a great WebSite in minutes. All these options include email services. Of course, you always have the option of using your own hosting company as well!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5/4/09 and my oldest son is 54. How's that for a play on num-bers?? Happy Birthday Thom!!!! With love and hugs from Mom!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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!!

Understand the power of healthy chocolate!

I received this with an e-mail. Check for yourself?!?! Quite honestly, I don't eat chocolate but I am the exception.

How would you like to change your life and circumstances? You can achieve more freedom, more time with the people you love, and more peace of mind simply by helping people to understand the power of healthy chocolate! Please take your time exploring the information available on this site ....

Again I say "I am the exception." Saturday, a friend offered me an awesome-looking chocolate chip cookie. I could just as easily eaten... and it probably would not have damaged my health in any way!! However, I've felt led--of the Lord--to follow a "vegan" diet based on Genesis 1:29. Most people would say that my diet of large green salads, and other veggies, and fruit, is boring. In fact, at Church yesterday, a friend said "You've lived this long, a little meat isn't going to hurt you." (Just like "a little bit of sin won't hurt you"????) I eat a healthy diet (as I understand it) so that I may better serve my Lord. I also take nutritional supplements to meet any possible deficiency in my diet. Read about MaxGXL, Max N-Fuze, and MaxWLX (weight loss accelerator). Learn about Max International.

Beautiful North Carolina !!

Arrived home in the late afternoon; total of 243 miles. Even with an occasional light rain, the weather was delightful!! The scenery was easy-on-the-eyes. Very blue skies, fluffy white clouds, beautiful Spring-green trees, Dogwoods in bloom.... I saw a smorgasbord of colors!! Even "California" Poppies along Interstate 77. ~~ The meeting was informative. ~~ I spent the night in my little Teardrop trailer, in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

Six Week Anniversary

On this six-week-anniversary (recovery from acute ozone poisoning) I want to direct you to the very brief movie called "Finding Joy." Approximately three minutes of inspiring photographs, and beautiful music!! After you watch that... come back and click to experience the "Bless You" movie. Let me explain: I'm "finding so much joy" now that I'm feeling reasonably healthy again!! I feel so "blessed" and I want to extend those blessings to you. ~~ This past week I tackled a mountain of receipts, and statements, as I prepared my Turbo Tax Income Taxes. It is ready to e-File!! Two weeks ago that would have been physically and mentally impossible. I sincerely appreciate all the prayers for my recovery, and best wishes received.

How to Survive Allergy Season

By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript;
Published March 20, 2009

Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers…

Trying to decipher drug labels can clog your brain even more. You’ll see products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know: ... Click here for the entire article. I've extrapolated information regarding the "natural approach."

Home Remedies
What if you want a more natural approach?

Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.

“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.

Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.

“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.

You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:

Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.

Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.”

Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day.

Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.

German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.

Spirulina: “Spirulina sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.”

I've skipped several paragraphs but you can read them by clicking here.

Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you’re having any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.

The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.

Check out our (LifeScript) Allergies Health Center.

Lorraine here: Yes, after many months suffering with an allergy, or asthma, I found the answer. However, I am still very interested in the subject and continue to read articles, and check web links. So many articles, and recommendations, revolve around prescription drugs, and over-the-counter remedies. I was encouraged to see that the author included home remedies. ~~~ I represent a company that sells nutritional supplements. Please check MaxGXL and Max N-Fuze at my web site.

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!!

Tracing Your Family's Roots

(A topic that is dear to Lorraine's heart, and I wanted to share this with you.)

Tracing Your Family's Roots, by Brad and Debra Shepp

What makes learning about family history so fascinating? In a world that seems ever more rootless, tracing your genealogy leads to a sense of connection with the past. Knowing more about "where we came from" brings a deeper understanding of who we are now. For children, who learn best by story-telling, exploring their family tree makes the sweep of history personal. The Internet has made researching our ancestors simpler than ever. Once you uncover places, people, and facts through your research, you’ll want to take a road trip or two to visit relatives, and also check records not yet available through the Internet.

Learn the 10 ways to trace your family tree.

Brad and Debra Shepp are the authors of "The Online Genealogy Handbook" (Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.). For more information, visit http://www.bradanddeb.com/.

Start with What You Know
Write down everything you can remember about your parents, their parents, and their siblings. Think back to all those family gatherings when you were small. Be sure to include details about the jobs they had and the neighborhoods where they lived.

Talk to Older Relatives
Track down members of your family who are older than you. Schedule a visit. Ask them about their childhood memories, particularly any memories they may have of older family members. Ask about marriages, military service, and even neighbors. Try to pin down dates and places. And don’t forget that tape recorder and camcorder.

Ask for Documents
Ask your family members for any family documents they may have, such as birth records, wedding certificates, cemetery records, naturalization records, and probate records. Tell them you would like to photocopy these. Do so at your earliest convenience--and return them promptly.

Select a Software Program
There are more than 40 genealogy software programs available. Your goal is to find a program that allows for easy data entry, easy navigation, easy report creation, and direct access to the Internet. For the PC, one very popular program is Family Tree Maker. Or for the Mac, consider Reunion, which is the best-selling program for that platform.

Visit Your Library
Your library probably provides free access to databases and other research tools that could help you with your research. Some databases you’ll need to use right there, such as Ancestry.com, which often sells licenses for in-house use only. Other databases will be available for patrons to use remotely. Your reference librarian will be only too glad to assist you.

Say Hello to the Historical Society
If you still live near your family’s ancestral home, visit the local historical society, the court house, and the public library's archive collection. There you may find old maps showing your family's homestead, their neighbors, and details of their social and professional lives.

Keep It All Organized
As you amass details of your family's history, you'll need to use certain forms to keep everything straight. These may include research logs, probate record checklists, and ancestral charts. Some websites that provide a variety of useful and free genealogy forms include:

Family Tree Magazine’s Downloadable Forms (www.familytreemagazine.com/freeforms/)

Bailey's Free Genealogy Forms (www.cs.williams.edu/~bailey/genealogy)

Free Genealogy Forms (www.free-genealogy-forms.com)

Check Out Helpful Websites
If you do, we’re sure you will want to return to them again and again. They contain the most information that’s geared to beginning genealogists, and are thankfully very well organized. One warning: When you are checking them out be sure you’ve set aside enough time to explore them thoroughly.

Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet (www.cyndislist.com). This should be the first stop for any budding genealogist.

About Genealogy—A Genealogy Research Guide (http://www.genealogy.about.com/).

This site provides something for all genealogists: both hobbyists and professionals.

FamilySearch.org—Family History and Genealogy Records (http://www.familysearch.org/).

This is a nonprofit service with the largest collection of free genealogy, family history, and family tree records in the world.

Verify the Details
Don't assume that written records or family stories and legends represent the truth. A fact isn't a fact until you can confirm it from another source. Memories fade, handwriting may be hard to decipher. Confirm details with alternative sources, such as church records, newspapers (for obituaries or birth announcements), land records such as deeds, mortgages, applications for homesteads, and other property records. They can all provide the names of relatives or further clues about where you can learn more.

Connect with Other Searchers
It’s likely that there are others worldwide who are also working on your family tree. They may be just climbing a different branch. Places to connect are:

CousinConnect (http://www.cousinconnect.com/). Post your questions there and get ready for some answers!

OneGreatFamily (http://www.beliefnet.com/sitecore/Documents/www.onegreatfamily.com). There is a charge to use this site but it offers some great features you won’t find elsewhere. For one thing the site will merge two online family trees automatically when it finds a common ancestor listed in each one.

OneWorldTree (www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/trees/owt). From Ancestry.com their system can find probably matches in names and then shows the records in a consolidated way in a worldwide family tree.

Now it’s your turn to look ahead and decide what comes next! Ultimately this is your journey, and we’ll leave you with the hope that your genealogical travels will be endlessly rewarding.

Lorraine here: My "travels" were very rewarding!! I have an extremely interesting ancestry!! If you Google Lorraine Frantz Edwards you will find many of my family connec-tions. The bulk of my vast library was donated to the Brethren Heritage Center, Brookville, Ohio. My publication, Frantz Families--Kith & Kin, is in major genealogy libraries, and on microfilm from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Green Your Routine

I'm a subscriber to organizations that encourage the consumer to "Go Green." My most recent issue of "Energy Times" (available free in your health food store) has an article titled "Green Home, Sound Body" (March 2009, pp. 40-48). Imagine my delight (3/13) when the NBC-TV "Today" show did a segment regarding friendly cleaning products. Click here to actually view.

"Energy Times" is an attractive magazine with lots of valuable information!! You can subscribe for one year, for $10., by sending a check to Marketing Services, P.O. Box 11190, Reno, NV 89510-1190, or phone 1-800-937-0500. For "free," you can receive an online subscription by registering at http://www.energytimes.com/. (Their most recent articles have not been archived.)

The Energy Times referenced article got me where I live: The last point was "Trade in the SUV." Sorry, can't do that!! Payments on a hybrid, or small car, would cost this old lady more than the extra gas consumed. (Sorry!! I'd really like to use less gas!!) But I'm thrifty: I rarely leave home, and I plan all stops for every trip.

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.

Vegetarian Grace

"We thank God for all the food placed before us for which no living creature has been sacrificed, and may there be peace on earth. Amen."

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.

The Doctors on TV

Did you watch "The Doctors" TV program today? (I did.) Afterwords, I couldn't find the episode on the Internet but found abbreviated details. Please do yourself a favor and read this extremely valuable information.

Hidden Health Hazards
Show Synopsis

Toxic Clothing
Are your clothes toxic? Before you take off the tags, make sure to see what you’re really putting on your skin. The Doctors report that many fabrics contain glues, resins and chemicals like formaldehyde. These compounds can cause irritation and dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the skin.

To counter the effects of these chemicals, always wash new clothing before wearing it, and replace your regular detergent with organic or dye-free detergent.

Personal Items
Items you handle up to 50 times a day can harbor germs and diseases that are both harmful and potentially life-threatening. When tested, everyday items such as your purse, cell phone, keys, and ATM and credit cards harbor germs like:
• Animal and human feces
• E coli bacteria
• Staph bacteria
• Alpha streptococcus bacteria
• Meningitis bacteria
• Gonorrhea bacteria

Yikes! So what can you do about it?

• Wash your hands often
• Wipe your personal items clean with sanitary wipes
• Don’t place your purse on any surface; always hang it. Try a pocket purse holder like Luxe Link!

Restaurants
Before you pull up a chair at your favorite eatery, beware! Dirty rags used to wipe surfaces spread germs across counters and tables, and copious amounts of disease-causing organisms lurk on pagers, salt and pepper shakers, glassware, silverware, and drink garnishes such as lemons, olives and cherries.

Grocery Store
Improper food handling, contamination and consumption contribute to more than 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses every year, but basic food-handling tips can avert many common mistakes.

Supermarket Safety:
1. Buy refrigerated foods last, and transport your goodies from fridge to fridge within 30 minutes.
2. Make sure items at the salad bar are fresh.
3. Check expiration dates.
4. Pack meat away from produce.
5. Look for tears in packaging.
6. Wipe off hand baskets and grocery cart handles.
7. Wash your hands immediately when you return home, and wash them again after putting the groceries away.
8. To protect your child from germs on the grocery cart seat, use machine washable fabric seat covers.

Hospitals
Hospital infections are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than breast cancer, AIDS and traffic accidents combined.

Two years ago, Alicia went to the hospital for a routine surgery, but contracted a deadly, flesh-eating bacterial infection called necrotizing fasciitis. She spent more than two months battling the infection and barely escaped with her life. Tearfully, Alicia admits she is still healing but believes it critical for others to learn from her story.

“There’s no such thing as a routine procedure,” she warns.

“Your skin is an organ, and when that skin is breached, even for surgery, it has the potential for bacteria and germs to get in. You need to be aware of that risk when you go into the hospital,” Alicia implores.

Whether it’s a brief hospital visit or extended stay, find out how to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Airplane Dangers
Susie, an anonymous flight attendant, reveals the dirty truth about airplane sanitation. What she has to say will shock you!

Traveling
Traveler, beware! Cramped quarters, poor air quality and hoards of people ensure that any location teeming with people, such as airplanes, airports and hotels, are also teeming with germs and disease-causing organisms.

Upon inspection, The Doctors find everything from E. Coli to pinkeye, bed bugs and head lice.

Hotel Rooms
The dirtiest items in the room are:
• Remote control
• Comforter
• Glassware
• Light switches

Lorraine here: Let's check back (The Doctors) for the program (aired 3/05/09).

Passing the Purple Hat to You

(Received as an e-mail.)

In honor of Women's History Month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer....

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,
wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it ... . Live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Lorraine here: Perhaps you would like to read a similar message?! Click I'd Pick More Daisies.

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.