The best way to ward off the cold or flu is to have a healthy immune system. If you don’t already, start taking “The Foundation” (Starr Walker Vitamin Perfect and Mineral Perfect), daily. This will start building your immune system or help sustain a good one.

In December, 1994, an article by Antonia Black, appeared in the Redbook magazine called "The Drugging of America's Children." It stated that although the Physician's Desk Reference warns doctors not to prescribe Ritalin for children under six years old, over 200,000 prescriptions for Ritalin and other stimulant drugs were prescribed for children age 5 and under in 1993.

In response, Dr. Fred Baughman, a pediatric neurologist, asked a revealing and important question in the May 12, 1993, Correspondence section of the American Medical Association Journal. "What is the danger of having these children believe they have something wrong with their brains that makes it impossible for them to control themselves without a pill? What is the danger of having the most important adults in their lives, their parents and teachers, believe this as well?"
After careful examination of the entire issue we here at Full Circle felt it important that we all ask exactly what price is too much to pay so that our children can concentrate and focus? Is it possible that other factors are creating the rise in the number of children given this ADHD label? Could it be that certain factors in our children's lifestyles actually contribute to the symptoms of a "learning disability?" Are there safer and more humane alternatives to drugging millions of children just so they can attend school? Are there other ways to achieve what we think is best for children who are more natural and time-honored?

As a practitioner on the MSAS I have experienced first hand, the complete confusion and emotional exhaustion of parents and grandparents alike, trying to find the best answers to help their children.

Throughout my practice I have screened children and young adults who have been labeled with ADHD or ADD whose parents shed tears of despair and helplessness because their children could not fit into classrooms set up for "normal" children. When they received reports that their children could not learn through the traditional methods in the classroom (i.e., talk in turn, sit in seat, work on tasks within time limits) most of these parents began to believe that their children were definitely not "normal."

What they did not know initially, however, was that their children actually had very special creative abilities, but simply could not make the behavioral concessions necessary to reveal these abilities in the regular classroom. The result was that often, their children were placed in special education programs because of poor academic performance. These parents were literally worn down from lack of success and not knowing where to turn. Drugs seemed like the only choice.

We here at Full Circle want to provide the kind of answers that do not require drugs and offer instead, solutions that may even allow your children to shed their learning disability label.
I want to pass on a special opportunity for you to find the hidden triggers that may be attributing to the signs and symptoms your child may be experiencing.

For the months of October and November 2004, I am offering the Food Sensitivity screening for $75.00. This screening is normally $150.00. Any and all follow-ups will be at $75.00 as well.

There will be some Homeopathics and Starr Walker nutritionals that will be needed at an additional cost. The main nutritionals I can tell you about now are what we call “The Foundation”; this is Vitamin Perfect and Mineral Perfect. These Starr Walker products will truly give you and your children the health and wellness you need daily.

I want to teach you about compromises, changes and faith. You will learn about the compromises and changes you can make in your child's diet. Our hope is that you develop faith along the way. The faith to believe that your child is capable. Capable of learning, capable of making good decisions and capable of growing into an adult with radiant health, solid dignity and a sense of purpose.

Health and your child's wellness mean much more than having a child who can remain quiet long enough so the adults in his or her life can get something done. Health and wellness allow your child to be curious, vibrant, fully engaged in the task of new learning and able to live peacefully with the others in your family and school.

I want to take you down a different avenue other than the ones you have already tried. Avenues that only have side benefits, not side effects. Our children truly are our future. As a parent you must make nutritional changes now, while you still have choices and control of your little ones. I hope to open your eyes to the new information and possibilities that exist in the field of health and nutrition as they relate to your child's abilities to learn. There are documented medical studies that show dramatic changes in children's behavior and learning capabilities from such things as small adjustments in diet or the addition of certain supplements. One recent study has found vitamin B6 to be more effective than Ritalin at calming hyperactive children.

As you look for them, and develop a new mind-set, you will discover the things in your child's daily life that have the ability to masquerade as learning disability symptoms. You will learn how the lack of even minute amounts of minerals, vitamins and amino acids can create brain and body imbalances in your child. When brain functions are impaired, symptoms like memory loss, lack of concentration, and hyperactivity can result. Food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances will be the first place to begin your search. You will begin to notice that even your child's handwriting will change when specific foods to which your child is sensitive, are removed from his or her diet. Finding the hidden triggers that add to or create the appearance of learning problems in your child will open up a whole new realm of possibilities and can even result in your child's "disability" label being removed.

Periodontal disease (also referred to as gum disease or pyorrhea) can affect the state of your whole body. Recent studies have shown a definitive link between your oral health and your general health. A few of the many health problems that can be aggravated by poor oral hygiene include:

Heart Disease Adults with periodontal disease may have an increased risk of suffering a fatal heart attack or stroke and are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Toxic bacteria from the mouth may also cause clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.

Uncontrolled Diabetes Diabetes can contribute to bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. As a result diabetics are three times as likely to develop periodontal disease. The toxins created by bacteria make it difficult for diabetics to control their insulin levels.

Respiratory Infections Toxic bacteria associated with dental plaque can be inhaled into the lungs and throat which can lead to pneumonia.

Severe Osteopenia Reduction in bone mass (osteopenia) is associated with periodontal disease and related tooth loss. The most severe cases have been linked with postmenopausal women.

Preterm Low Birthweight Babies Pregnant women with advanced periodontal disease are more likely to give birth to an underweight or preterm baby. Also, toxic oral bacteria (microbes) can cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus to infection.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND HOW IS IT CONTROLLED?

Periodontal Disease is caused by bacteria that are always present in our mouths. Some of us are more susceptible to this infection than others, depending on how well our body (immune system) fights infection. Our ability to fight this infection can vary from day to day; week to week depending on what else is going on with our life and health. We know that it only takes 45-90 days for bacteria to become disease producing.

Many people have reported having bleeding gums all their life and believe that they always will. At one time even dentists were not alarmed by bleeding or receding gums and believed that this was just a part of getting older! We now know that bleeding gums, when touched gently, is a definite sign of infection. This means that the bacteria and the toxins (poisons) they produce have overwhelmed the immune system. If the infection continues, uncontrolled, it will eventually result in destruction of the bone that supports the teeth and the face. This bone loss is permanent. If the bone destruction continues, it will result in loss of the teeth, since there will be nothing left to support them.

Fortunately, early periodontal disease can be treated non-surgically and comfortably. In advanced stages surgery may be necessary. Using the latest instruments and technology, including microsonics, laser, and localized antibacterial irrigation, we can remove toxic bacteria from the gums. Although periodontal disease can not be “cured”, it can be controlled. We are anxious to perform a periodontal screening and answer any questions you may have!

Liquids For Life – Juicing Class

“From Fruit To Nuts”

To be offered again October 19^th

The September 14th juicing class was a great success. Nearly 25 people were packed into The Doorway to Health while Robyn Cowherd taught the very popular “Liquids for Life” juicing class. The phone was still ringing that Tuesday afternoon with people trying to register.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 19, 7-9 p.m. Robyn has agreed to teach this class again. You will need to purchase your tickets early. You can get them at The Doorway to Health – 621-2273. Price is $15. per person.

Come and learn how and what to juice when. If you have a juicer, take it out of your cupboard and put it on the counter. If you do not have a juicer, come and learn about what to consider before you buy one.

The class covers juicing, smoothies and how to make “milk” from nuts. Robyn will be demonstrating. You will be tasting. You do not need to own a juicer to attend the class; nor do you need to bring anything to the class except yourself. Get your tickets early to reserve you spot!

You Liver’s Critical Roll In Use of Albumin

If germs entering the body simply did their damage, that would be serious enough. But they unwittingly do far more. In order to fight off invading bacteria, viruses, fungi and other invaders, the body sends the immune system into action. In no time at all, T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, eosinophils, and other immune system soldiers are engaged in battle with the enemy. Here’s how poor hygiene can lead to health disasters:

· The battle against germs is a protein-based battle, because the immune system utilizes protein-based substances to fight off the invasion.

· The immune system rapidly produces more protein-based substances to defend the body; but, there can only be a certain concentration of all proteins in the body.

· When the concentration of immune system proteins goes up, the concentration of other proteins must fall.

· One of the proteins that decrease when the immune system is engaged in battle is albumin, and that’s where the trouble lies.

Albumin is an important protein, that’s why standard blood work-ups include albumin, depicting anything between 3.0 and 5.2 as “normal.” Albumin has not been a focus of traditional medicine despite the fact the albumin levels are the single most important indicator of health status. If the level of albumin in your blood drops, your risk of contracting a serious possibly deadly-disease shoots way up. Statistical reports demonstrate that albumin levels correlate closely with age, but are not truly age-related. That is, albumin levels tend to drop as we grow older, but don’t necessarily have to. Let’s look a little further. Albumin is assembled in the liver from more than 500 amino acids. It is the most abundant protein in the bloodstream, and has many important duties. It:

· Protects easily damaged tissues from the free radicals that can destroy cells and cause cancer by altering cellular DNA.

· Guards against heart disease by transporting the antioxidant vitamins that help keep the coronary arteries clean, binding up fatty acids that tend to clog arteries and stabilizing the ratio between HDL (“good” cholesterol) and LDL (“bad” cholesterol). That is, of course, you have antioxidants – be sure to take Vitamin perfect.

· Binds up waste products, toxins, and dangerous drugs that would otherwise damage the body and encourage disease. It also detoxifies the fluids surrounding cells.

· Protects the biological terrain by buffering the blood against PH changes.

· Helps to keep the blood flowing smoothly by preventing red blood cells and other substances from clumping together far better than rat poisoning (coumadin).

· Is essential for transporting vitamins, magnesium, copper, zinc, bilirubin, uric acid, sex hormones, thyroid hormone, other hormones, and fatty acids throughout the body. It regulates the movement of nutrients between the blood and the body’s cells.

· Stabilizes red blood cells and growth hormones.

· Plays a major role in controlling the precise amount of water in various bodily tissues.

· Plays and important role in transporting and circulating reservoirs of thyroid hormones.

· Purifies the cerebrospinal fluid, nourishes brain cells, and maintains the blood-brain barrier.

· Helps to ensure that there are adequate amounts of certain key minerals in the bones.

· Binds and transports the “stress hormone” known as cortisol, reducing stress-induced damage to the thymus gland, brain, and connective tissue.

Albumin has been described as a “portable liver” because the liver is the body’s chief mechanism for disarming toxins and other dangerous substances, and because albumin, which is made in the liver, does the same throughout the body. It’s as if the liver has sent millions of tiny pieces of itself to every single little cell, to round up and destroy harmful substances and organisms.

Albumin plays an indispensable role in maintaining the delicate chemical balance of the nourishing fluids (interstitial fluids) that surround and support the trillions of cells in the human body. If these fluids are healthy, the cells will flourish. But if the fluids become polluted, or depleted of certain substances, the cells cannot help but fall ill, and disease will sweep through the body. Albumin is like a filter that removes toxins from water, like the net that scoops debris out of a swimming pool, like the dispenser that squirts extra vitamin D into milk, albumin ensures that bodily fluids are clean, filled with nutrients, and properly balanced. And then you’re filled with health-giving fluid, you cannot help but be healthy.

When Albumin Levels Fall: Ideally, there should be 5.0 g/d1 (grams per deciliter) of albumin in the blood. (Some doctors and laboratories state this figure as 50 grams per liter, which is the same thing.) Lower levels, around 3.5 or so, are commonly seen in long-time vegetarians and people suffering from malnutrition, kidney disease, cancer, severe infections, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, and other diseases. However, levels don’t have to fall as low as 3.5 before trouble appears.

Low levels of albumin have been linked to all cancers, with the risk of developing cancer rising as albumin falls. Albumin is low in all people suffering from cancers. You can track the progress of the disease by looking at the patent’s albumin level-the-lower the albumin, the more rampant the cancer. In fact, a low albumin level may actually cause cancer. Albumin normally neutralizes aflatoxin, nitrosamines, and other powerful carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Without sufficient albumin to keep these and other carcinogens under control, cancer can flourish.

Back in 1775 we learned that at least one form of cancer could be caused by “dirt.” Chimney sweeps exposed to soot were more likely to develop scrotal cancer than other people. Simply washing themselves carefully every day reduced their risk to normal. Few of us are anywhere near chimney soot these days, but we are exposed to many airborne chemicals, especially if we live in polluted cities or near certain kinds of factories and plants. We also know that some forms of cancer are caused by viral infections. That’s why it’s vital that we regularly and carefully wash away any germs or chemicals that can cause cancer, as well as those that can indirectly cause the disease by overwhelming our immune systems and reducing our albumin, allowing cancer to sneak in the “back door.”

Declining albumin also indicates an increased risk of heart disease. A long-term British heart study found that a low albumin level was a good predictor of heart disease. Another study stated that the odds of suffering from coronary artery disease doubled when the albumin level fell to 4.4 (that’s only about 10% below the ideal level of 5).

Low levels of albumin are associated with several other diseases, including Hodgkin’s disease and HIV, the precursor to AIDS. Indeed, you can use low albumin levels as a “predictor” of mortality. People with albumin levels below 3.5 g/dl are approximately twenty times more likely to die from all causes than those with albumin levels of 5.0 g/dl. Many studies have confirmed this fact. Nursing home residents with albumin levels of 3.5 g/dl had a death rate of about 50%, compared with an 11% rate found in those with higher levels (around 4.0 g/dl). Among men and women over the age of 70, death rates were 40% lower in those with albumin levels of 4.4 g/dl, compared to those with levels of 4.2 g/dl. Hip fractures are a serious problem for the elderly, who often weaken and die after the break. Among hip-fracture patients whose albumin levels were low (3.0), the death rate was 70%. But among those with albumin levels 4.0, the death rate was only 11%.

Why Does Albumin Fall? Albumin levels drop when the immune system engages in a battle with invading bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other germs. It also falls when the body is forced to deal with an onslaught of toxins and other dangerous substances that we inhale, drink, or eat, or that get in the body through the skin, respiratory system, or other ports of entry. The fact that the body mounts a powerful offensive is good, for otherwise we would die. But the unintended consequence, the sort fall in albumin, is harmful in the long run.

Temporary drops in albumin levels are necessary, and not a problem. It’s as if we miss a credit card payment on month because of unexpected medical expenses, then make the missed payment, with interest, the next month. Our credit takes a small “hit”, then quickly recovers before any permanent damage is done. The problem comes when we’re continually battling infections, parasites, and toxins. Then our albumin runs low for months on end and, like a person who doesn’t make a credit card payment for several months, our “credit” is eventually ruined. Now we’re facing serious illness, and we never seem to have enough resources to beat the disease and “get ahead.”

Increasing Your Albumin Level: It’s important to monitor your albumin level and make sure it stays high, since low albumin has been linked to an increased risk of death from all causes in both sexes and among all races and age groups. The ideal albumin level is 5.0, but the average level in the United States is only about 4.2 – too low for optimal health and low enough to encourage disease. Albumin is produced in the liver, but there’s no way to encourage the liver to make more - no drugs, no diet, and no form of exercise that will spur production.

Doctors can infuse albumin into the body, and may do so for patents suffering from cancer and other serious diseases associated with low albumin. Unfortunately, “albumin shots” don’t work. When albumin is infused into the body, it upsets the carefully calibrated concentration of proteins (osmotic pressure). The liver attempts to get the concentration back to normal levels by halting its own production of albumin. And if that doesn’t work quickly enough, it starts destroying albumin in a frantic attempt to get things back to normal in the body. The liver doesn’t understand that the extra albumin may be helpful; it only knows that something is out of balance, and balance must be restored.

The only way to keep albumin levels high is to stay healthy. I know that sounds like circular reasoning – low albumin causes you to be sick, and the only way to increase albumin is to not get sick – but it’s not. When we have an infection or have been injured, the total number of antibodies and certain other proteins rise. Since there can only be so many proteins in the bodily fluids at one time, if the antibodies and other proteins associated with infection or injury rise, then the albumin must fall. Remaining healthy is the only way to keep the antibodies and other proteins as normal levels, leaving “room” for plenty of albumin.

Fortunately, we can lower the risk of infection by paying scrupulous attention to personal hygiene. Infection is often causes by the foreign bodies (germs) which enter our body through the mouth, nose, eyes, and fingernails, as well as through cuts in our skin. Good hygiene won’t prevent cuts, but it can eliminate many of the germs that are lurking around our eyes, mouth, nose and fingernails. By preventing the germs from getting into our bodies and causing infections, we keep our antibodies at a normal level, allowing our albumin level to rise.

Fall is Cleansing Time

With the changing of the seasons comes a reminder that it is a good time to “change” the internal season of our bodies. Fall is a great time to do some cleansing – especially of the colon. With approximately 5 feet of folds, twists and turns, it is little wonder that, even with a “perfect” diet, it is a challenge to keep the colon clean. But, who eats perfectly? Very few people come close. The SAD (Standard American Diet) is rife with white sugar, white flour and myriad amounts of chemicals to contaminate our systems. The byproducts often line the walls of the colon and cause problems with good elimination.

The Doorway to Health has many good cleansing products. You can check at either The 3^rd. Opinion, The Doorway or The Full Circle Health Clinic for directions on doing the three flushes. These are a very economical way to assist the cleansing process. Along with these flushes, you might consider adding Pure Red Power, Pure Green Power, and Pure Fiber Power to your overall cleansing regime. These products, taken on a daily basis, are helpful to keep the body alkaline, to help the liver cleanse, along with a host of wonderful and healthy benefits. For just pennies a day, you can give your body a cleansing boost.

Considering a more in depth cleanse? Call the Full Circle Health Clinic to make an appointment to talk with Robyn Cowherd about Colon Hydrotherapy sessions. The price is $80.for the first session and $50 for the second session. You will need to have a least 2 sessions, if this is your first colon hydrotherapy experience. The first session tends to loosen old matter that needs to be moved out in the second session the following day. Robyn is available on Wednesdays. A package of 12 is available for $525. (pre-paid). See discount coupon below for special savings.

Spice It Up – Indulge Your Senses & Your Body

Nothing elevates a dish to gourmet, mouth watering status more easily and healthy than herbs and spices. Two great tricks are adding fennel seed to ground turkey to give it that savory Italian sausage taste and adding a pinch of tarragon to my scrambled eggs for a touch of buttery sweetness. Just about every spice studied has been found to have unique health properties, including antibacterial and antifungal actions. In hot climates where refrigeration is scarce, people of many cultures, such as those in India, have depended on spices such as curry to preserve food. (Please don’t try this at home!) Spices such as cayenne have also been shown in recent research to reduce the appetite and increase satiety and a sense of well-being after a meal.

Here are a few of the herbs and spices…

Garlic is a potent antibiotic that has been reported to lower cholesterol in some cases.

Cayenne, especially in a topical form, has been shown to relieve pain. There is strong evidence that it can relieve cluster headaches, heartburn, and indigestion (though people with this condition should use it cautiously) and help obesity.

Ginger improves digestion, eases nausea, improves circulation, and is being researched as a heart tonic.

Turmeric, a component of Indian curry, has shown potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and liver-protective benefits in numerous studies. It was also recently shown to block the absorption of estrogen-mimicking chemicals, nitrosamines from processed meats, and even radiation, to varying degrees.

Cilantro, in a study using cilantro pesto, has been shown to detoxify heavy metals by carrying them out of the body.

Cinnamon has shown antibacterial activity, and one of its active components demonstrated improved sugar metabolism in a USDA study.

THESE TIDBITS ARE JUST THE TIP of the iceberg. Additional stunning benefits are just now being identified and studied for nearly every fresh herb, cold pressed oil, and spice you can think of. So the next time you find yourself saying “Everything that tastes good is bad for you,” stop yourself. Life is good when you spice it up!

Flax oil floods your body with an abundant supply of essential fatty acids that help you:

Cold & Flu Campaign

What Are We Doing To Our Children?

Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND HOW IS IT CONTROLLED?

11 Great Reasons to Add Flax Oil to Your Diet:

OCTOBER SPECIAL