March 2003

Happy March to you and yours. Welcome to the latest edition of Your Healthy Life —the Natural Health Solutions monthly resource for important health information and updates for the whole family.

As we get closer to spring, many of our thoughts turn to healthy changes. Let yourself be inspired by the many health observances for March, starting with National Nutrition Month. You may feel ready this month to incorporate more healthy foods, drink more water and nutritious fluids, or implement a daily multi-vitamin/mineral formula. For more information on healthy diet changes, log on to www.eatright.org.

Since so few Americans consume the daily required 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables—prime sources of key nutrients and antioxidants—it becomes more critical than ever to protect ourselves nutritionally with a daily multi-vitamin/mineral formula.

For more information, call SuperNutrition at 800.262.2116 or visit supernutritionusa.com.

March is also National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month. For more information on this condition, as well as Fibromyalgia, contact the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association. The good news is that these diseases—along with other autoimmune conditions such as Lupus—are known to respond well to healthy lifestyle and diet changes. Here's where you can find details on natural alternatives.

March is also National Colorectal Cancer Month, so learn more about this condition by contacting the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. Another important observance this month is the American Diabetes Alert—March 25. See www.diabetes.org for more information, and our article on preventing diabetes through healthy diet and lifestyle changes.

March 6 is National Lymphdema "D" Day. If you or someone you love is faced with this difficult condition, you may wish to contact the National Lymphedema Network.

As spring approaches, and children are outdoors more than ever, concern for child safety often increases. Please note our featured "Eight Rules for Child Safety" health tip this month.

I hope you find this month's newsletter helpful and informative. You may notice a slightly different format. Although there may be some variations with this newsletter from time to time, I will make every effort to keep it coming—at least as our newborn baby allows…

As always, I'm available for your questions and comments. Feel free to contact me at kiki@aboutnhs.com.

Best wishes for a beautiful and healthy March.

Cheers and peace,

Eight Rules for Child Safety

These important points—brought to us from Kidz-Idz, makers of the Safety Basics Kit—are key reminders for your child. Take the time to go over the list with your family, even if you have covered this material before. Some healthy reinforcement could make all the difference in your child's safety.

Always check with parents or the person in charge before going anywhere or getting into a car, even with someone you know. Always check first with parents or a trusted adult before accepting anything from anyone, even someone you know. Always take a friend when going places or playing outside. Know your full name, address, telephone number, and parents' names. Say no if someone tries to touch you or treat you in a way that makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Know that you can tell your parents or a trusted adult if you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Know that it is ok to say no, and that there will always be someone who can help you. Know that you are strong and smart, and have a right to feel safe.

The Refreshing Lemon

You may take this tart and sunny fruit for granted, but most healthy kitchens always have a few on hand. This refreshing yellow gem is more than a peerless culinary staple.

Both lemons and limes are excellent sources of vitamins C. They are also good sources of potassium. Further, lemons and limes contain natural phytochemicals such as limonenes and monoterpenes that have demonstrated anticarcinogenic actions in experimental models, as well as cardioprotective effects.1

So, pick some up today, and be inspired to make yourself some lemonade from scratch! The beauty of doing so is that you can control the sweetness. You may find you prefer a more tart version than the often cloyingly sweet processed lemonade sold in stores. Or try our recipe this month to reap some of the benefits of this sunny, irreplaceable fruit.

1 Kris-Etherton PM, et al. Bioactive compounds in foods: their role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Am J Med 2002 Dec 30;113 Suppl 9B:71-88

~ Colette ~