Major Celebrities and Performers to Appear in New York City

A number of top celebrities and performing acts including The Cab, Action Item, Fivel Stewart from the Disney Channel, and Booboo Stewart from Twilight will be attending the ALIVE New York health and environmental awards show and informational conference event. Subsequently, the downtown red carpet awards ceremony has been dubbed ‘The Academy Awards of Health and Humanities’.

Adding a plethora of celebrities to the list of presenters, nominees, and attendees on a daily basis, ALIVE has attracted the direct attention of major media organizations and philanthropist entities alike. Nominated companies like LiveStrong, FabFitFun (a Giluana Rancic company), Organic Authority, Global Green, and others have a large list of celebrity supports – many of which are some of the most well-known in the industry. Global Green supporters include Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Orlando Bloom.

The list of major nominees for ALIVE is also full of top-tier celebrities and organizations who have made major contributions to health and humanities within their lifetime. Some major nominees are Soul Surfer-Bethany Hamilton, Nick Vujicik, Tony Horton, Zuzana Light (founder of BodyRock), Brendan Brazier, Chris Powell (from ABC’s Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition), The Healthy Housewives, Dr. Mercola, Anita Moorjani, and USANA & VEMMA – companies supported by the highly influential Dr. Oz.

ALIVE will be held at The Town Hall in Times Square, New York City between June 29^th and 30^th. ALIVE will feature a unique black tie awards show atmosphere as well as a full-length two day informational conference highlighted with celebrity speakers. The ALIVE red carpet event will occur before the ceremony begins and will feature surprise celebrity guests that will not be disclosed before the show.

Get your tickets here and if you can’t attend the event live, you can also purchase the Live Upstream for the whole event here.

Hope to see you there!!

I’m talking about processed meats. Yep, those salty, tasty things like bacon, sandwich meat, pepperoni, hot dogs, etc. If you could take all of these out of your life for good, you’d likely be much healthier.

Too Dangerous for Human Consumption

WCRF International completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. It’s conclusion? Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption.

Further, they advised that consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives.

Sound drastic? Here’s why the recommendation.

Examining the Evidence

Most processed meats are manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. It’s a chemical that helps the meat look red, healthy, and fresh, and is also used to prevent spoilage. Unfortunately, it can form cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body, and this leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk.

Some more direct evidence:

• A 2005 University of Hawaii study found that processed meats increased the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent.
• A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who consumed about one serving of processed meat per day had a 20 percent increased risk of death from diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• A report using data from an ongoing project by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund found that processed meats, including ham, bacon, and sausage, were associated with the biggest health hazard of all meats. People who ate 3.5 ounces a day had a 36 percent greater chance of developing colon cancer, compared to those who ate none. The more people ate, the higher their risk.
• A study published in the journal Cancer, based on dietary information from about 300,00 men and women between the ages of 50 and 71 found that those whose diets contained the highest amounts of nitrate and nitrate from processed meats had an almost 30 percent increased risk of bladder cancer compared to those who consumed the smallest amounts.
• According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, processed meat is so strongly linked with colorectal cancer that no one should ever eat it. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, and is highly preventable.

I could go on, but you can do more research if you like. And don’t forget the fact that most processed meats are full of sodium, with many of them high in fat. The bottom line is that processed meats are not only bad for your diet, they’re downright dangerous to your health.

Take Action!

Read labels, and avoid anything made with sodium nitrite or monosodium glutamate. Eat fresh produce with every meal, as the vitamin C may help prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects. The best option is to avoid processed meats entirely. Try to eliminate them from your diet for at least two weeks. My guess that after a short while you won’t even miss processed meats, and you’ll be doing your future a big favor.

Avoid

• Beef Jerky
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Hot Dogs
• Sandwich Meat
• Frozen pizza with meat
• Canned soups with meat
• Frozen meals with meat
• Ravioli and meat pasta foods
• Kid’s meals containing red meat
• Sandwich meat used at popular restaurants
• Nearly all red meats sold at public schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and theme parks

Note: Beware of “nitrite-free” processed meats. Tests have discovered that even those meats labeled this way had nitrites—sometimes more than their conventional counterparts. Some use celery juice instead, which sounds natural enough, but celery has naturally occurring nitrites.

Try Instead These Great Sources of Protein:

• Marinated, roasted, or grilled meats—chicken, roast beef, pork—use leftovers from the night before
• Tuna
• Boiled eggs
• Nuts
• Soy

Do you avoid processed meats? Tell us how you’ve changed your diet.

Photo courtesy Dinner Series via Flickr.com.

Sources

“Processed Meats Declared Too Dangerous for Human Consumption,” Natural Health Dossier, April 1, 2012, http://naturalhealthdossier.com/2012/04/processed-meats-declared-too-dangerous-for-human-consumption/.

Allison Aubrey, “Death by Bacon? Study Finds Eating Meat is Risky,” NPR, http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/03/12/148457233/death-by-bacon-study-finds-eating-meat-is-risky.

            Also, http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/archinternmed.2011.2287.

Amie Ninh, “Study: Red and Processed Meats Linked with Colon Cancer Risk,” Time Healthland, May 27, 2011. http://healthland.time.com/2011/05/27/study-red-and-processed-meats-linked-with-colon-cancer-risk/.

Aina Hunter, “Red Meat & Cancer: Do Processed Meats Raise Bladder Cancer Risk?” CBS News, August 23, 2010. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20014374-10391704.html.

Dr. Barnard, “Enough is Enough: Processed Meat-Cancer Link Confirmed,” Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, May 24, 2011. http://www.pcrm.org/media/blog/may2011/enough-is-enough-processed-meat-cancer-link

“Your ‘Nitrite-Free’ Meats are Full of Nitrites,” Good Lifestyle, September 3, 2010, http://www.good.is/post/your-nitrite-free-meats-are-full-of-nitrites/.

When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at 16 years old, my doctor told me I would lose my hair, and I was devastated. I got it cut short, and I remember feeling like I was losing a part of myself. In fact, losing my long, brown hair seemed worse than the disease itself.

In Chapter 9 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I talk about all the aspects of losing your hair, what you can do about it, and most importantly, how to help yourself feel better and more confident about the whole thing.

The Emotional Side of Losing Your Hair

For this chapter, I talked with hair loss expert Susan Beausang, who surveyed women about the emotional effects of losing their hair. Susan explains that hair loss can affect women down to their very core. She provides examples of how women felt about hair loss, and how absolutely normal it is to feel however you’re feeling. This is not about vanity, but about who we are as mothers, daughters, wives and girlfriends.

Straight away, I give you five things to do when you first learn that you’re going to lose your hair, plus help you create a plan—based on your personality—for how you can best deal with it. And though men may have more bald role models than women, many are just as devastated by hair loss, and can benefit from the steps outlined in this chapter.

How to Find a Wig

Finding a wig is about a lot more than just taking a trip to the wig shop. When is it best to start looking? What kind of wig should you get—synthetic or real hair? Do you have to pay for it, or will your insurance plan help? What if you can’t afford it? I answer all these questions and more, so you know exactly what you need to do to find a wig you feel comfortable with.

I also tell you exactly how to care for your wig once you have it. Even if you go with a real-hair wig, you have to follow certain steps in washing and drying it. If you don’t, you risk damaging it, and unlike your hair, it won’t grow back!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, there’s a whole section on wigs for guys. Yes, they look very natural!

Scalp Care

If you’ve ever worn a wig before, you know that sometimes it can feel hot, uncomfortable, and itchy. I tell you what kind of steps you can take to make sure your wig is comfortable, and what you can do throughout the day to care for the tender skin on your scalp. Most likely you’ve never had to worry about your scalp before, so you’ll need some help, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Scarves and Hats

Not sure you want to wear a wig? I help you decide whether or not a wig is for you, then show you some of your other options, such as scarves and hats. These can be extremely stylish, and I help you find those that are specifically made for cancer patients, which means they’re warmer, easier to wear, and more comfortable than standard types.

Finally, if you’re considering going “all natural,” I help you examine the pros and cons to see if this is the right option for you.

Losing your hair doesn’t have to be a traumatic and depressing experience. Once I had my wig and started experimenting with hats and other styles, I actually had a lot of fun with it. Remember that your hair is going to grow back. With the tips in Chapter 9, you’ll make it through your temporary hair loss feeling confident and in control—and that’s exactly how you need to feel to give your body the strength it needs to heal.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

How did you cope with hair loss during cancer? Have you read Britta’s chapter on the subject? Please share your story.

Fortunately, the market is putting out some green paints that are supposed to be less toxic in one way or the other. The trouble is that the number of green labels is growing, which can lead to customer confusion. Here are a few guidelines to help you out.

Why Choose “Green” Paints?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air in most houses these days is of worse quality than outdoor air. Paints and finishes can be one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution. Most are made from petrochemical-based solvents, and even after they’re dry, can release low levels of toxins into the air for years. Most of these toxins come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde. These compounds are emitted as gases and contain a variety of both natural and man-made chemicals, many of which can be hazardous to human health.

It used to be that VOCs were essential to the performance of indoor paints, but consumer demand for safer options has led to some lower-VOC alternatives. These options can reduce the occurrence of allergies and chemical sensitivities, improve indoor air quality, and lower the risk of other health problems, as well as reduce environmental contaminants. Painted areas can also be occupied sooner, as the telltale paint fumes are much less potent.

Types of Less-Toxic Paints

Though there are low-VOC options, most paints contain at least some VOCs. Even “zero-VOC” formulations contain a small amount of toxins. Three general categories of these safer paints include:

• Natural Paints: made with natural raw ingredients like water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils, natural minerals, bee’s wax, earth and mineral dyes. They give off almost no smell, and are the safest option for human health.
• Zero-VOC: Any paint with a total amount of 5 grams/liter or less VOCs can be labeled zero-VOC. These are considered to be healthier options to regular paint.
• Low-VOC: These use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents, so they create lower levels of harmful emissions than regular paints. They also contain no, or very low levels of formaldehyde and heavy metals. Most of these paints meet the 50 grams/liter VOC threshold.

VOC Labels

In addition to the above categories, many regular paints have various “green” labels that say something about their emissions. Here are a few examples:

• Asthma & Allergy Friendly: This is a seal put out by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Paints that carry the seal are certified to ensure they do not have properties likely to irritate allergies and asthma. VOCs must not exceed certification thresholds, but I couldn’t track down what those were.
• Greenguard: This group allows only trace levels of VOCs, including formaldehyde and styrene. The Greenguard Environmental Institute sponsors this seal.
• Green Seal: This group limits VOCs, bars certain chemicals, and assesses performance.
• Green Wise: Products with this label have limited VOCs, are certified free of certain toxic chemicals, and have products tested by the Coatings Research Group. This label is not as common as some of the others.
• Green Sure: Created by Sherwin-Williams, this label covers only their products that have VOCs of 50 grams per liter or less and are free of certain chemicals. There is no third-party confirmation of the results. Consumer Reports says this one didn’t perform as well in tests.
• Green Promise: Created by Benjamin Moore and covers only their products, which are tested in third-party laboratories to meet the requirements of Greenguard.

Do They Work?

It’s all well and good to get rid of toxins, but then, does the paint work well on the wall? Of course, we care about that too!

The best option here is to do your research before you buy. The New York Times put out a review that acknowledged when low-VOC paints first came out, they didn’t work that well—they went on unevenly and the color choices were limited. Things have changed, however, and now we have options that really do cover nicely. The author named the following six brands as those that performed the best. The good news is that you can get good coverage in nice colors without risking your health.

• Farrow & Ball
• Stark
• Benjamin Moore Natura zero-VOC
• Safecoat
• Yolo Colorhouse
• Mythic zero-VOC paints

Have you done some painting with a low-VOC or natural paint? Please share your recommendations.

Photo courtesy Passive Income Dream.com via Flickr.com.

Sources

“An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality,” The Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html.

“Interior Paints: Not All Green Logos Mean the Same Thing,” Consumer Reports, February 7, 2012, http://news.consumerreports.org/home/2012/02/green-logos-for-low-and-no-voc-interior-paints.html.

“Non-Toxic Paints,” EarthEasy, Solutions for Sustainable Living, http://guides.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm.

Stephen Treffinger, “Finally, Good-Looking, Nontoxic Paint?” The New York Times, February 10, 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/garden/11roadtest.html?_r=1.

In Chapter 8 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I tell you why it’s important to be proactive during this time to keep yourself feeling as good as possible. Complementary therapies can go a long way toward helping you to ease side effects and maintain your energy and positive mood.

Make An Appointment for You

You may find it difficult to make an appointment for a massage or acupuncture treatment, telling yourself you don’t have time or you don’t really need it. In chapter 8, I explain to you why it’s critical to set aside time at least once a week to focus on something that makes you feel good. A hint: this isn’t about luxury, but about helping your body to recover.

Massage During Cancer Treatments?

You may have been worried about massage during cancer treatments. Maybe you heard that massage encourages the spread of cancer. Well, now we know better. Studies have found that massage can help ease the side effects of treatment—but, it is important to know what kinds of massage are best. Some are too rough for your fragile body. I’ll tell you which types are best, and what kind of therapist you need to look for.

Reflexology, Reiki, and Acupuncture

Do you know that some cancer centers offer these therapies for free to cancer patients? Do you know that each one has shown in studies to help ease the side effects of chemotherapy? Read Chapter 8 to find out more about how these three treatments can help ease muscle pain, soothe anxiety, help you sleep better, reduce headaches, and restore energy. Plus you’ll learn how to spot those practitioners who are knowledgeable about working specifically with those living with cancer.

Yoga, Tai Chi, and Walking

It’s sometimes hard to exercise when you’re going through cancer treatments, yet exercise is extremely important to keep your body strong and able to heal itself. Controlled movements that are gentler on your body can help you achieve your exercise goals while not overtaxing yourself. These three exercises are also great for helping you to calm down and feel good about your body.

Complementary treatments aren’t just “nice to haves.” They’re scientifically proven to help you feel less pain, more energy, and less stress and anxiety—all extremely important in your battle against cancer.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you tried some of these complementary treatments? What did you think?

I created this brand specifically for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. Now I want to help you figure out how to make these products work for you.

Do you struggle with skin traumatized by chemotherapy treatments? Are you pregnant and concerned about safe skin care? Following are eight questions and answers to help you find solutions to these issues and more. If you have other questions, please add them below in our comment section!

1. I have psoriasis, and so far not much is helping. Do you have any tips?

• Be sure to avoid products that dry out your skin, or that have potentially drying ingredients like sulfates and mineral oil. You do want, however, to exfoliate a little bit—enough to slough off dead skin cells—and get rid of any bacteria that may exacerbate your psoriasis.
• Try a non-toxic cleanser, pat dry, then apply Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp on the face, or Repair Body Lotion on the body. These products nourish skin with goodies like aloe vera, oat extract, St. John’s wort, calendula, and more, and contain no harsh chemicals or preservatives.
• For extra dry patches, try nourishing Restorative Skin Balm, which has a trio of plant antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins to help soften severely dry, rough areas.

2. I’m going through chemotherapy and my skin is breaking out in an acne-like rash. What should I do?

• First of all, don’t use harsh acne products on your skin. Though your rash may look like acne, most likely it’s a reaction to the chemo drugs, which means acne products will only make it worse and could put you at risk of permanent scarring.
• Instead, start with Rescue and Relief Spray on freshly cleansed skin. Its unique Tri-Rescue Complex has anti-inflammatory properties that will help soothe and calm your skin without potentially harmful chemicals.
• Follow with Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp, which has cooling aloe and redness-reducing oat extract.
• Oatmeal baths and masks can also help soothe the rash and reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Don’t forget to use a safe, non-toxic sunscreen every day!

3. I’m going through chemotherapy treatments and my doctor says I have hand and foot syndrome. My hands and feet are red and sore. Is there anything that will help?

• First of all, avoid hot water. Wash your skin in lukewarm or cool water, then apply Rescue + Relief Spray for instant cooling and calming effects. This product has no fragrances, parabens, or other toxic ingredients to worry about, but it does have water lily and comfrey to help tone down inflammation. Tip: If you keep it in the refrigerator, it will be even more cooling on hot hands and feet.
• Hand and foot syndrome can also create cracking and peeling, so make sure you’re moisturizing regularly. Try Body Repair Lotion, which is deeply hydrating, and then use the Restorative Skin Balm for extra dry, rough areas like on the heels, knuckles, and palms

4. I’m a cancer survivor and I have scars from the incisions made during surgery. Any recommendations that will help soften them up?

• Scars from surgery are often full of fibrous tissue that makes them tough and stiff. Some can even interfere with movement.
• Try Restorative Skin Balm. This deep-penetrating salve helps soften scars, but it’s completely safe to use—no synthetic fragrances, parabens, or other potentially harmful ingredients. Calendula and sea buckthorn oil help skin regenerate itself, and vitamin E encourages wound healing.

5. I’m a teacher so I’m constantly washing my hands all day to avoid all the germs. Unfortunately, that makes them really dry and now they’re starting to chap and flake. I’m putting moisturizer on whenever I can—do you have other tips?

• Your skin needs some deeply nourishing therapy at night. Try Restorative Skin Balm before you go to bed. Apply this penetrating salve all over your hands before you go to sleep, then cover with some soft, cotton gloves. When you wake up in the morning, your skin will be soft and smooth—recovered and ready to face another day!

6. I have extremely sensitive skin. I can’t use a lot of products out there because they make me break out in a rash or they make my skin itch. Any suggestions?

• Most people with sensitive skin are actually sensitive to the harsh chemicals in most skin care products. The solution is to find products that avoid these chemicals and use safer ingredients instead.
• Try CV Skinlabs. This new line of safe skin care avoids potentially harmful ingredients like synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, phthalates, petroleum products, sulfates, and hormone-altering ingredients.
• Instead, the products contain aloe, chamomile, bee’s wax, vitamins, cucumber, and other natural goodies, and are formulated specifically for people with chemical sensitivities, or who have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

7. I wanted to get a tan, but I ended up staying out in the sun way too long. What’s the best way to cool down this burn?

• First, spritz Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. The chamomile and cucumber in this product helps to speed calming relief to your inflamed skin. Tip: Keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.
• Follow with Body Repair Lotion, which has calendula and aloe to calm and soothe inflamed skin.

8. I’m breastfeeding and I have to say, my nipples are sore! This is such a tender area, and I don’t want to use anything that may harm my baby. Is there anything I can use so it doesn’t hurt so much?

• First of all, realize that many things can cause nipple soreness, including using a breast pump improperly, friction or suction from a poor or shallow latch, a thrush infection, or contact dermatitis—a reaction to other nipple creams or medications. Be sure to check with your doctor or dermatologist right away so you can find the cause of the issue.
• Next, rinse the nipple after each feeding with water, then spray with Rescue + Relief Spray, which is 100% free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals and safe for your tender skin. This product also includes calming chamomile and cucumber to deliver cooling and softening benefits.
• Finally, apply Restorative Skin Balm at least once a day, which is an advanced therapy for wounded and irritated skin. It includes U.S. Pharmacopoeia lanolin—a recommended deep-moisturizer for breastfeeding mothers—as well as vitamin E, bee’s wax, and calendula to help heal and safeguard the skin.

Have you tried these SOS skin solutions? Let us know what you think! And let us know if you have other questions about how to use CV Skinlabs.

Fortunately, we don’t have to. The truth is that according to scientific research, some plastics are safer than others. After doing some research, here’s what I found.

What Are the Different Types of Plastics?

Here they are, with their recycling numbers—you’ll find these usually on the bottom of the cup, bottle, or other container.

PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): Used to make bottles for water, sports drinks, ketchup, personal care products and mouthwash; as well as jars to hold peanut butter and jelly.
Safety—Good: Not known to leach any harmful chemicals. Considered safe, but it is best to avoid heating and freezing. Some studies show that temperature changes may cause these plastics to leach chemicals into foods and beverages.
Recycle #1: Easy to recycle. Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.

HDPE (high density polyethylene): Used to make bottles for milk, water, juice, bleach, detergent, and shampoo, as well as tubs for yogurt and margarine, grocery and trash bags, and cereal box liners.
Safety—Good: Not known to leach any harmful chemicals.
Recycle #2: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs, though some allow only those containers with necks.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride; also V): Used to make plastic wraps for meats and cheeses; also used to create medical equipment, siding, and piping.
Safety—Bad: Not recommended. Traces of plasticizer chemicals can leach out when PVC contacts foods. Contains DEHP, a suspected human carcinogen.
Recyling #3: Rarely recycled. Accepted by some plastic lumber makers.

LDPE (low density polyethylene): Used to make bags for bread and frozen food; also to make dry cleaning and shopping bags.
Safety—Okay: Not known to leach any harmful chemicals.
Recycling #4: Not often accepted by curbside programs, but grocery stores may accept shopping bags.

PP (polypropylene): Used to make bottles for ketchup, yogurt, syrup, and margarine; also for straws and medicine bottles.
Safety—Okay: Not considered as safe as #2, but not known to leach any harmful chemical toxins.
Recycling #5: Recycled only through some curbside programs. Becoming more accepted in recycling programs.

PS (polystyrene): Used to create foam insulation and Styrofoam cups and carry-out containers; also used in egg cartons and compact disc cases.
Safety—Bad: Polyestrene can leach toxins into foods. Styrene recently added to the government’s list of compounds anticipated to cause cancer.
Recycling #6: Not usually recycled, but some programs will accept.

Other (typically polycarbonate and miscellaneous): Used to make baby bottles and eating utensils; also for sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases.
Safety—Usually Bad: Several plastic resins exist in this category, but the main one—polycarbonate—has shown in studies to leach potential hormone disruptors into food. This is the plastic that’s made with biphenyl-A (BPA) that has the FDA concerned.
Recycle #7: Not typically recycled, though some programs may accept.

Which plastics are safe for use?

Those plastics considered safe according to current scientific research include:

• #1 PET
• #2 HDPE
• #4 LDPE
• #5 PP

Which ones may potentially leach BPA?

• #7 Other

Remember, however, that not all plastics with the #7 are polycarbonate. Some plastics actually made from plants are in this category. But to be safe, avoid #7 for now.

Can I use any of these to cook in the microwave?

I’d recommend that you use glass or ceramic instead. For foods that you “steam in a bag,” I’d also recommend you remove them and put them in another container before cooking.

Are Styrofoam cups safe?

As I mentioned in a former post, styrene was just added to the government’s list of compounds anticipated to cause cancer. Though cups are likely to leach only small amounts, I would choose ceramic and stainless steel mugs instead.

What if my child chews on his sippy cup or straw?

Sippy cups are typically made with #5 plastic, considered safe, but if it were my child, I would remove the cup or straw once he or she has finished drinking.

Do you have any more tips to add on using safe plastics? Please share.

Photo courtesy alliecat1881 via Flickr.com.

What’s going on?

Study Shows Some Polishes Mislabeled

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) sampled 25 nail care products available only from nail salons—twelve of which were labeled as being free of potentially harmful chemicals like toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde. Here are the results:

• 10 of the 12 that claimed to be free of toxins contained toluene, 4 at “dangerously high” levels
• 4 of the 12 that claimed to be free of toxins contained DBP
• 5 of the 7 that claimed to be free of these three toxins actually contained at least one of them at significant levels
• Some of the products that claimed to be toxin free contained higher levels of DBP than those that didn’t make claims

The agency said the products making toxin-free claims that actually contain toxins may violate state laws that require manufacturers to disclose harmful chemicals in their products.

Health Hazards

The DTSC was particularly concerned about these three toxins because they are known as the “toxic trio,” and have been linked with developmental problems, asthma, and other illnesses. Nail salon workers are most at risk, because their level of exposure through inhalation is greater than that of customers, though customers may be at risk as well. Regulators also noted that nail salons are often poorly ventilated, increasing risk of significant exposure.

So serious are these health concerns that some cities, including San Francisco and New York, have passed ordinances to recognize those salons that use products free of the toxic three. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that has been linked to leukemia and lymphatic cancers. Toluene makes the polish look smooth, but can lead to headaches, fatigue, and nausea. DBP is a phthalate that makes nail polish last longer, but has been linked to cancer in animal studies, and with reproductive abnormalities.

Which Products Were They?

Among the products said to be mislabeled were the following:

• Sation 99 basecoat
• Sation 53 red-pink nail color
• Dare to Wear nail lacquer
• Chelsea 650 Baby’s Breath Nail Lacquer
• New York Summer Nail Color
• Paris Spicy 298 nail lacquer
• Sunshine nail lacquer
• Cacie Light Free Gel Basecoat
• Cacie Sun Protection Topcoat
• Golden Girl Topcoat
• Nail Art Top-N-Seal and High Gloss Topcoat

Hopefully this report will help to change the situation so these products are labeled more accurately. But until changes are made, what should you do? My suggestion is that you take your own products to the salon, or go to those salons in San Francisco and New York that are recognized as toxin-free salons. Realize that even those salons that attempt to carry healthier products may still unknowingly be carrying mislabeled brands.

Read my post for some natural nail polish brands, or let our readers know if you have a favorite!

Do you have a favorite non-toxic nail polish? Let us know!

Photo courtesy Krista Bradley via Flickr.com.

I want to tell you a bit more about my journey, and what helped me get to where I am today, but at the same time I’m hoping to open a conversation about what we leave behind. If your life were over tomorrow, what have you created that will live on?

My Father’s Legacy

When I look up the word “legacy,” I find that is means a gift, something received by an ancestor or predecessor. It’s what we give to those who come after us, or who live on after we’re gone.

When my father passed away, he left me with so much, and I’m not talking material things. He left me with his spirit, his courage, and his determination to make a difference. I feel these things surrounding me every day.

But what he gave me that I wanted to pass on was a little more specific. We shared the experience of going through cancer, and we both felt so grateful to the community that surrounded us and supported us through it all. But we also both felt a little lost. We lacked the information we needed for dealing with difficult side effects. We lacked supportive materials about natural solutions. And we lacked skin care products that were safe and soothing to use for compromised skin.

The day my father passed away in 2007, I decided I would create an organization that would do three things:

1. help others learn about how to reduce the toxic load in their lives, especially if they are going through an illness;
2. provide access to natural solutions, as well as helpful, thorough and proven information;
3. deliver safe and non-toxic personal care products.

Today, I’ve made great progress toward these goals, and though I I still have so much more I want to do, I feel that if I died tomorrow, I would have succeeded in creating a legacy that will live on long after I’m gone.

Tips for Creating Your Own Legacy

For those of you working on your own passion and purpose, no matter what that is, let me offer a few tips that helped me make it through the tough times, as there always are tough times, right? But if you hang in there, everything will work out—because it has to!

1. Create a support team. My team was vital to me throughout this whole process. When everything hits the fan and you wake up and say, “I just can’t do it anymore!”, you need those people who will be there for you. The friend you can call and vent to. The colleague with the brilliant solutions to problems. The other entrepreneurs (or artists or athletes or speakers, etc.) who have been there and done that. Your business coach that helps bring you back to your “why.” You absolutely must have others who support you and get you back to work!
2. Make a commitment to your own health. What’s the first thing to go when we feel crazy busy and overwhelmed? Diet. Exercise. Sleep. All the things that preserve our health and well-being. But once you go down that road, it’s a losing battle, as the more tired and wrung out you get, the less able you are to carry your load. Make a commitment. Prioritize. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. I learned the art of self-care through being an entrepreneur. Saying “no” also meant saying “yes” to myself.  Learning how to set boundaries and protect your time and energy is vital, as well.
3. Keep working on your own personal growth. Your purpose and passion aren’t going to be handed to you on a silver platter. On the journey toward your dreams, you’re going to come into contact with people who push your buttons. You’re going to come up against events that trigger your worst personality traits. You’re going to have to face up to all your deepest belief systems, and sometimes, you’re going to very frightened of taking that leap of faith you know is required. Embrace these challenges! They help push you and mold you and shape you into the person you’re meant to become. Take the easy way out and you never grow. Commit yourself to honest evaluation, be willing to take criticism, and reflect every now and then on what you can do better. Remember, it’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it. The pain of staying stuck is much greater than the temporary pain of moving through your fears. Trust me!
4. Be prepared for a bumpy road. Following your dreams or your passions is not for the faint of heart! There are going to be bad days when nothing seems to work, the money isn’t there, your key suppliers fall through, your business partner splits. You’re going to wonder why you ever thought you could do this! So be prepared to handle the bumps. For me, I knew the only way I wouldn’t reach my goals was if I quit. I had to feel the fear and do it anyway. Build a habit of being okay with being uncomfortable. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and take it one day at a time.
5. Get rid of what’s not working. I like to call this “detoxing” my life. Flush out the junk, the poison, the stuff that’s bad for you. Clean house of any toxic relationships, foods, behaviors, and activities. Get rid of the naysayers, the ones who criticize you and tell you it can’t be done. Nourish yourself with healthy foods, supportive environments, and energizing activities and supportive friends. You are your environment. It makes all the difference.

Why are You Doing This?

Finally, one more thing. When the going gets tough, remember your motivation. Why are you doing this? For me, it was for my father, to create a fitting tribute to him and his memory. Returning to that reason always helped me to keep going. What is your motivation?

1. Your work will prove useful in a bigger way—how?
2. What is so important about what you’re doing? How will it benefit others?
3. Who is helping you? Find those key people you can rely on.
4. Learn from books, CDs, DVDs—read about how other people did what you want to do.
5. Take courses, go on retreats—invest in yourself!

Have you begun work on a legacy? Was someone’s legacy passed on to you? Please share your story!

What is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is what the chemists like to call a silicon-based polymer—”polymer” meaning it’s a large molecule made up of several smaller units bonded together. Simply put, it’s a silicon oil, man-made in the laboratory and used in personal care products as an anti-foaming agent, skin protectant, and skin and hair conditioner.

Manufacturers like it because it makes products easily spreadable, so you get that feeling of the lotion or cream gliding over your skin. Dimethicone also helps form a protective barrier on the skin, and can fill in the fine lines and wrinkles on the face, which is why it’s often used in makeup primers.

Is Dimethicone Safe?

The FDA has approved the use of dimethicone as a skin protectant ingredient in over-the-counter products, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has assessed it as safe to use in personal care products. Some studies have found it to soothe and help improve chronic hand dermatitis, and to help reduce inflammation and irritation. The Skin Deep Database also lists it has have a low hazard risk.

For me, though, this is not a good ingredient to be using in your daily skin care. Like petroleum products, silicone oils can actually make dry skin worse over time. Instead of sinking into your skin and nourishing it from the inside out, like healthy ingredients do, it forms a sort of plastic-like barrier on the outside of skin.

Why Dimethicone is Bad for Your Skin

That artificial coating on the outside of skin causes several issues:

• It traps everything under it—including bacteria, sebum, and impurities—which could lead to increased breakouts and blackheads
• The coating action actually prevents the skin from performing its normal activities—like sweating, temperature regulating, sloughing off dead skin cells, etc.
• Prolonged exposure to dimethicone can actually increase skin irritation, due to the coating property and because dimethicone is listed as a possible skin and eye irritant
• Those with sensitive or reactive skin are at risk of an allergic reaction to dimethicone
• On top of all this, dimethicone is a non-biodegradable chemical—bad for the environment

I also believe that using these types of ingredients on your skin can actually exacerbate skin aging. Why?

• You’re inhibiting skin’s natural processes
• You’re creating a dependency on the coating product, disrupting the skin’s own hydrating processes, which in the end increases dryness, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable
• The coating properties may increase breakouts, particularly if you’re susceptible to acne, which will lead to scars and older-looking skin
• You’re doing nothing to boost the health and vitality of the skin, thus letting aging take its toll

Much better to use nourishing ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated naturally! (Speaking of, check out my new skin care line here!)

To avoid this ingredient, stay away from all dimethicone and similar ingredients like cyclomethicone, dimethiconol, and phenyl trimethicone.

What do you think of dimethicone? Has it caused you to break out? Please share.

Source

Fowler JF Jr., “Efficacy of a skin-protective foam in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis,” Am J Contact Derm 2000 Sep; 11(3):165-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11012005?dopt=Abstract.

Dimethicone. Truth in Aging. January 1, 2006. http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/dimethicone.

Material Safety Data Sheet, Poly(dimethylsiloxane), May 14, 1999. http://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/95130.htm.

Photo courtesy kisluvkis via Flickr.com.

I created this brand specifically for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, extremely dry skin and more, who want to use products free of irritants and potentially harmful chemicals. These products work together to form your family’s new SOS kit—the perfect in-home solution for skin issues that need some rescue, relief and TLC. You may be wondering, though, exactly how to use these products for certain issues. If so, I have answers for you below.

Following are eight questions and answers to help you find solutions to your most common skin issues. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t worry—I’ll post on this topic again in the next couple weeks! Or you can always contact us with any questions you may have here.

1. I went skiing over the weekend and now my cheeks are all sunburned. What’s the best way to avoid peeling and scarring?

• First, spritz CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. The chamomile and cucumber in this product helps to speed calming relief to your inflamed skin. Tip: Keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.
• Follow with CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp. The Tri-Rescue Complex provides anti-inflammatory properties to help calm the burn and encourage faster healing, without potentially harmful chemicals. Apply frequently throughout the day to avoid peeling.
• For sunburns on the body, try nourishing CV Skinlabs Body Repair Lotion.

2. My friend and I took a hike in the woods and I accidently stepped into poison ivy. Help!

• First, wash the affected skin as soon as you can. Use a gentle cleanser and cool water.
• If your skin is itching, take an over-the-counter antihistamine, and wash all the clothes you were wearing on the outing in hot water.
• If you’re experiencing a rash, spray on CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray, which has a unique Tri-Rescue Complex for anti-inflammatory and antihistamine benefits.
• If your skin is still uncomfortable, try a paste of 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water.
• Once your skin calms down, apply CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm, which uses calendula and arnica to help heal and regenerate wounded skin, and has no potentially harmful chemicals or preservatives.

3. I’m going through radiation treatments and my skin is starting to burn. What do I do?

• Check with your oncologist, as he or she may have restrictions what you can apply to your skin before treatment.
• Use cooling compresses, and try CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. Key ingredients like water lily and comfrey provide instant cooling and calming relief while helping to support skin healing. Plus this product contains no potentially harmful chemicals or preservatives.
• As long as you don’t have weeping sores, follow with CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm, which provides advanced therapy for burned, wounded, and irritated skin.

4. I’m going through chemotherapy and my skin is dull, fragile, and paper-thin. Is there anything that will help?

• Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells, which means your skin can’t regenerate itself as quickly as it normally does. The key is gentle, tender care.
• Moisturize often with a safe, non-toxic product like CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp, and CV Skinlabs Body Repair Lotion. Both are made for compromised skin, contain no potentially harmful chemicals, and deliver the unique Tri-Rescue Complex, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
• Use CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm for those areas where your skin is super dry and needing extra care. The Carnauba and bee’s wax safeguard the moisture barrier so your skin can recover.

5. I’ve got eczema on my hands, so they’re always red, dry and itchy. I’m embarrassed by how they look. Any tips?

• Eczemic skin is crying out for nourishing moisture. Try CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp, along with the Body Repair Lotion. Both contain the unique Tri-Rescue Complex, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to skin, helping to soothe and soften without harmful chemicals.
• Follow with CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm on places like your knuckles, cuticles, elbows, heels, and other areas that are super dry and rough. A trio of fat-soluble vitamins and plant ingredients provide healing and skin-regeneration properties.

6. My skin is always dry. I moisturize and moisturize, but nothing works. Help!

• Dry skin sometimes needs more than hydration. Often the outer layer has been damaged, which makes it much more difficult for skin to hold onto any moisture it may have.
• Avoid potentially harmful chemicals, sulfates, and parabens. Try safe CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm—a nourishing salve that helps protect and instantly soften severely dry, rough, and chapped skin. It’s got carnauba and bee’s wax to help safeguard that moisture barrier, along with vitamin E, which aids in wound healing. Yet it’s free of any potential harmful chemicals, so your skin will be able to recover without having to defend itself from irritants.

7. I’m going through cancer treatments and I lost my hair, so I’m wearing a wig, but it makes my scalp itch. Can you help?

• CV Skinlabs has a new Rescue + Relief Spray made specifically to soothe itching, burning skin such as that caused by wearing a wig. Formulated with a unique Tri-Rescue Complex, it provides anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties to calm itching and irritation. Plus it’s free of potentially harmful ingredients like fragrances, parabens, and mineral oil, so you can feel safe putting it on your tender scalp.
• Tip: Carry a bottle with you for a quick mid-day refresher. Just take off the wig, spritz your scalp, let it dry for a few minutes, then put the wig back on.
• If your skin is dry, follow with nourishing CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp.

8. I have rosacea, so I’m always battling with redness. I use makeup to cover it up, but are there any other solutions?

• Rosacea can flare up at the most inconvenient times. Try carrying CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray with you. This cooling product is made with chamomile and cucumber to soothe and cool hot, flushed skin.
• Next, moisturize regularly with CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp. It’s got aloe vera and oat extract—two of the most effective cooling and redness-reducing ingredients available. Plus it has no potentially harmful chemicals, so you can use it as often as you want.
• Try an oatmeal mask at night. Just mix up some fine-grade oatmeal with water or yogurt and leave on your face for 5-10 minutes.
• Don’t forget to use a safe sunscreen every day!

Have you tried these SOS skin solutions? Let us know what you think! And let us know if you have other questions about how to use CV Skinlabs.

If a substance makes it onto this list, it doesn’t mean that if you’re exposed, you’ll immediately get cancer. There are many factors involved, including how much of the substance you’re exposed to and for how long, your own susceptibility to it, and your other risk factors.

Two of the new additions are particularly concerning because they’re present in many of our everyday products: formaldehyde and styrene. A third is also of concern to those of us trying to enjoy more natural products—aristolochic acids, which are found in some herbal products used for the treatment of arthritis and gout.

Here’s more on these three carcinogens and how you can avoid them. To peruse the rest of the list of 240, check out the American Cancer Society’s page on the topic.

Formaldehyde: Known to Cause Cancer

I’ve posted about this one several times before, and it’s one of my Ingredients to Avoid. Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong smelling chemical that used to be classified as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer,” but that was changed when scientists found that the gas caused nasal cancer in rats. This chemical is found in resins, coating, plastics, wood products, some eyelash glues, nail polishes, cigarettes, and hair-straightening products. We’re also exposed to it through automobile emissions, kerosene heaters, and unfortunately, it can also exist as a by-product in some personal care products. Studies have linked it with blood and lymphatic cancers, as well as to Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“Formaldehyde is probably the most ubiquitous of the new chemicals listed,” said John Bucher, Ph.D., associate director of the National Toxicology Program. “You’ll run into it in more places than the others, and it’s more toxic at lower concentrations.”

To avoid this one: Ask about formaldehyde content before purchasing pressed-wood products. Look for ones labeled ultra-low-emitting-formaldehyde (ULEF), no-added-formaldehyde (NAF), or California Air Resources Board (CARB). Read labels and avoid “formalin” and “methyl aldehyde,” which can release formaldehyde, as well as ureas, DMDM-hydantoin, quaterniums, methenamine, polyoxyethylene, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. Purchase organic and natural personal care products, and try to reduce your exposure to pollution and car exhaust. Use formaldehyde-reducing houseplants.

Aristolochic Acid: Known to Cause Cancer

This is a botanical contaminant found in some herbal products used to treat arthritis and gout. It’s mainly found in the plant “Aristolochia,” but can also be present in other plants. In 2001, the FDA advised against the use of products that might contain these acids, but products can still be purchased over the Internet. High amounts of artistolochic acid (AA) has been linked with bladder and upper urinary tract cancers among people with kidney or renal disease. According to a study published in 2002, “AA is a powerful nephrotoxic and carcinogenic substance” and “all products containing botanicals known to or suspected of containing AA should be banned from the market worldwide.”

To avoid this one: Stay away from all AA products.

Styrene: Reasonably Anticipated to Cause Cancer

Styrene is a petroleum by-product also known as “vinyl benzene.” A colorless, oily liquid, it’s used in rubber, plastic, shower stalls and bathtubs, boats, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, cigarette smoke, food containers like Styrofoam coffee cups and takeout containers, and carpet backing. It’s also released by building materials and tobacco smoke. This chemical has long been listed as a probable carcinogen, and has been linked to lymphoma.

To avoid this one: Don’t smoke, and avoid Styrofoam cups and containers—swap to a stainless steel coffee mug and ask for alternative takeout boxes. When using plastic eating utensils, avoid styrene-containing plates and cups and look for eco-friendly alternatives.

Do you avoid these three carcinogens? Tell us how.

Sources:

“12^th Report on Carcinogens,” U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, June 10, 2011. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=03C9AF75-E1BF-FF40-DBA9EC0928DF8B15.

Arit VM, et al., “Aristolochic Acid as a Probably Human Cancer Hazard in Herbal Remedies: A Review,” Mutagenesis, 2002 Jul; 17(4):265-77. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12110620.

Leah Zerbe, “5 Ways to Avoid Exposure to ‘New” Cancer Causers,” Rodale, June 13, 2011. http://www.rodale.com/carcinogens-list.

Photo courtesy Pixel Helix Photography via Flickr.com.

Repeated Toxic Alerts Reached Government Ears

You may have seen my posts on lead in lipstick, mercury in mascara, formaldehyde in personal care products, and phthalates in hair spray and baby lotion. These issues and more have prompted the House Energy and Commerce Committee in Washington, D. C. to convene a Congressional hearing on the topic of cosmetics safety.

During the hearing, members of Congress listened as witnesses came forward to voice their concerns about an industry that has seen little change in regulation since 1938. Manufacturers and the FDA are operating under laws that were set back when research on chemical ingredients was new. We know so much more now about how certain ingredients may impact human health, and while we must continue to conduct research, the results so far have indicated we need to be more cautious about what we’re bringing into our homes and putting on our bodies.

Members of Congress Speaking Out

The hearing was announced after 50 businesses and 50 environmental groups sent a letter to the Energy and Commerce Committee urging them to change regulations and phase out ingredients linked to cancer and hormone disruption. They also called for full disclosure of ingredients on labels including those chemicals used to make fragrances, as well as flavorings, colorants, and ingredients in salon products.

Some members of Congress are advocating for stricter regulations when it comes to cosmetics safety. According to Lisa Archer, director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, “Despite the heavy industry influence, safe cosmetics champions Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D–IL) and Ed Markey (D–MA) gave voice to the strong science supporting concerns about toxic chemicals in cosmetics and were staunch advocates for the public health, worker safety, and consumers’ right to know.”

Three Bills to Consider

Concerned members of Congress have already drawn up three bills that are currently circulating through the legislative offices. These include:

1. The Safe Cosmetics Act by Schakowsky, Markey, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D–WI)
2. A new bill introduced March 27, 2012, by Reps. Frank Pallone (D–NJ) and John Dingle (D–WI)
3. A third proposal by the Personal Care Products Council—which seeks to have the FDA codify into law decisions made by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel about ingredient safety

This hearing is a move in the right direction. Stay tuned to see what comes of it. Let’s hope it results in meaningful, productive change that will improve the health of us all!

Have you been following this hearing? Have any comments? Please share!

Photo courtesy chucka_nc via Flickr.com.

Review from EcoKaren

This is a long review…just warning you. Because this Rescue + Relief spray by CVSkinlabs is just so magical and amazing that I have to tell you everything about it! So grab some coffee and read on.

My kids suffer from moderate to severe Eczema, all year around. I accidentally discovered how foods might play a role in exacerbating their symptoms a few years ago but since then, we discovered, through allergy testing, that there are environmental factors that aggravate their symptoms, BIG time. And sometimes their skin flares up for no reason, it seems. I mean, I’m sure there are r.e.a.s.o.n.s – it’s just that, we don’t know what they are sometimes….

Well, their “flare ups” seem almost daily, especially in the winter & spring, and when they play sports. And, unfortunately, the Northesast is the WORST for Eczema. Milder and not too humid temperate areas, like the Southeast, is the best. Stress does cause flare ups too but environmental issues play a bigger role, in my kids. Ask a college kid and a High School Junior. They know s.t.r.e.s.s….but it’s seasonal allergies that wreak havoc on their skin more than the stress.

I am always on the look out for some magical lotions, soaps, shampoos and creams that will either calm their skin when they are inflamed, or prevent flare ups.

So, when I read that Britta Aragon, the author of When Cancer Hits, a book I just reviewed on Monday (there is still time to enter the giveaway!), created this magical potion for inflamed and irritated skin called Rescue+Relief Spray, I was th.rill.ed! I was going to review her book anyway so I asked her about the spray. She was generous enough to send me a bottle try. Yahoo!!

Trying Rescue + Relief

What is “Rescue + Relief” and does it work?

This refreshing, milk-like emulsion coats the skin with moisture while calming and soothing flushed, sensitive skin. The relief is almost immediate when applied to hot inflamed areas. When my kids skin get this red and angry, they are too tender and delicate to touch. The R+R spray brought instant relief from itching and burning skin. I can imagine how it can help soothe skin from sun burns and even from cooking mishaps.

Here are the photos to prove what I mean.

Day 1, Rescue + Relief

Day 2, Rescue + Relief

Day 3, Rescue + Relief

Now, do you believe how magical this spray is? I wondered, “What is in this thing????“, since it worked like a miracle in just two days.

I know what you are thinking. How could all these plant based natural ingredients work so well on something only steroid cream can calm?

My thoughts are exactly but I am NOT surprised. Mother nature has great resources for everything we need. You just have to know the right combination of ingredients to use on the right condition.

Oh, and her spray was featured on April issue of Real Simple magazine! I trust that magazine and I was so happy to see it featured on one of my favorite magazines!

What Do I think or Rescue + Relief?

I LOVE Rescue + Relief spray!! Like I said, it is magical. I couldn’t believe the red and angry inflamed areas started to disappear within hours. The thin milky spray has a pleasant odor and it has a very refreshing natural scent. Not chemically induced or artificial smell. It dries quickly and it seemed to get absorbed rather quickly, without dripping down to a waste. It left the skin very soft and smooth and my kids said it felt cool almost immediately.

When I took my kids to an acupuncturist, he told me to give them foods that are cooling to reduce internal heat. It only makes sense to apply something that will cool their outside too when their skin is inflamed.

Have you tried Rescue + Relief, or any of the other CV Skinlabs products? What did you think?

My father struggled with an acne-like rash while he was going through cancer, and I have to say it was one of the most difficult side effects he had to deal with. He didn’t want to leave the house! Realizing how devastating these effects can be, I dedicated chapter 5 of my book, When Cancer Hits, to caring for the face during cancer treatments.

Changes to Your Regular Routine

How should you care for your skin when you’re going through treatments? What changes should you make? These are the questions answered in chapter five, where you’ll also discover:

• How to develop your new facial care routine
• Skin-saving solutions from your own kitchen
• Skin-care products you should not use during treatment
• Ingredients that are particularly helpful to fragile, dry skin
• How to adapt shaving habits
• How to keep your facial-care items bacteria free
• The best way to protect your newly sensitive skin from the sun

Dealing with Specific Concerns

In addition to adjusting your daily habits to care for tender, fragile skin, Chapter 5 also covers specific concerns that often come up during treatment. I’ll give you tips on how to deal with that acne-like rash like my father had, as well as flushing and burn-like pain; dry, chapped lips; and photosensitive skin.

Is it Still Safe to Go to the Spa?

If you enjoyed facials before treatment, you may be wondering now—are they safe? In Chapter 5, I’ll give you the guidelines you need to still enjoy your spa treatments, but to minimize your risk of dangerous reactions and injuries. Plus I’ll clue you in on some industry secrets—namely, some that will save you money at the spa cash register.

The key to a healthy, glowing complexion always starts with careful skin care. Cancer treatments will challenge you to change your old routine, but with a few adjustments, precautions, and new habits, you’re likely to be able to recognize your old self in the mirror again!

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you read Britta’s book? Please let us know what you think.

Contest Giveaway: look below for our last contest—you could win free CV Skinlabs products!

Restorative Skin Balm

This petrolatum-free, nourishing salve helps protect and instantly soften severely dry, rough and chapped skin—including lips, cuticles, cuts, scrapes, IV areas, abrasions, new scars and areas needing extra care.

• Tri-rescue complex soothes and heals
• Rich, thick salve designed to coat skin and create a soothing barrier to trap in moisture.
• Calendula, sea buckthorn oil, and arnica encourage healing, boost immune activity, protect from contaminants and help regenerate skin
• Carnauba and bee’s wax safeguard the moisture barrier
• Vitamin E provides powerful antioxidant activity while aiding in wound healing
• In a blind, independent clinical study with women and men panelists, 70% saw an improvement in the overall condition of their skin after one week of use
• 100% natural content with 15% organic ingredients

Four Unique Products—Easy to Use Together

We’ve now introduced all four premiere products in the CV Skinlabs line. For best results, use them together as follows:

• After cleansing, apply Rescue + Relief Spray to any area that is flushed, dehydrated, or irritated. Also great for use after shaving, waxing or laser treatments.
• Follow with Calming Moisture to the face, neck and scalp, and Body Repair Lotion to the rest of the body.
• Use Rescue + Relief Spray throughout the day to refresh, soothe, and hydrate. This product is especially effective when sunbathing, traveling, or visiting dry climates, or for freshening the scalp under a wig.
• For difficult areas that need extra care, use Restorative Skin Balm, which is perfect for lips, elbows, knees, heels, cuticles, scars, and scrapes. Especially effective when used overnight.

For a quick review, here are the four products:

Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp: Super-rescue moisturizer helps instantly soothe and hydrate dry, flushed skin suffering from the post-procedural effects of chemotherapy, microdermabrasion, laser and chemical peels­—leaving skin soft and dewy, with an even tone and healthy radiance.

Rescue + Relief Spray: This refreshing, milky emulsion drenches skin in moisture, bringing instant, cooling relief to itching, burning, inflamed skin caused by radiation, sun exposure, laser treatments, chemical peels, shaving, household appliances, or from wearing a wig.

Restorative Skin Balm: This petrolatum-free, nourishing salve helps protect and instantly soften severely dry, rough and chapped skin, including lips, cuticles, cuts, scrapes, IV areas, abrasions, new scars, and areas needing extra care.

Repair Body Lotion: Ultra-soothing, fast-absorbing, deeply hydrating body lotion that replenishes and soothes dry, inflamed skin compromised by chemotherapy, dermatitis, eczema, radiation burns and post-laser hair removal.

Last Chance On Our Launch Giveaways – WIN CV Skinlabs Products!

To win the Restorative Skin Balm this week, take the following steps:

1. Please leave a comment below by midnight (EST) Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2012 and your name will be included in the drawing.
2. If you’d like another chance to win, “like” our CV Skinlabs Facebook page and leave a comment below the post named “CV Skinlabs Skincare—Introducing Restorative Skin Balm and Last Contest Giveaway!”

Introductory Promo Offer

Lasts until March 31^st: 20% off when you purchase a minimum of $125 at www.cvskinlabs.com!

• Use code Launch20 at checkout (case sensitive)
• These prices won’t last—stock up now for yourself and those you love.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

“Stress is personal,” said dermatologist and psychologist Richard G. Fried, “so what might be stressful for one person may be a non-stressor or even exhilarating for someone else.”

That’s good news. If you can determine exactly what your stresses are, you stand a better chance of figuring out how to alleviate them, which can help reduce your flare-ups.

Stress Directly Affects the Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when a person experiences stress, nerve endings in the skin release chemicals called neuropeptides that can create inflammation and itching or tingling. Stress can also make the skin’s outer barrier more permeable, sensitive, and reactive. Psoriasis seems particularly more sensitive to stress than other skin diseases. Unfortunately, as stress increases flare-ups, those flare-ups can cause more embarrassment and stress, causing more flare-ups.

What are Your Stress Triggers?

Which of the following are most likely to get you revved up?

• Emotional stressors: you worry you may be fired, or that you won’t make a good impression on a first date.
• Family stressors: you’re in conflict with a loved one, coping with a difficult adolescent, or struggling with your in-laws.
• Social stressors: you get stressed about speaking in public, meeting new people, or going to a party.
• Changes stressors: you get stressed over changes in your life, like moving, getting a new job, or having a baby.
• Work stressors: you’re stressed by the pressures of performing at work, meeting deadlines, or satisfying a difficult boss.
• Phobic stressors: you’re stressed by flying, riding in elevators, going to a high-rise office building, or riding in a cab.
• Physical stressors: you feel stress when you don’t get enough sleep, work too many hours, eat unhealthy foods, or fail to get enough exercise.
• Environmental stressors: you get stressed out when there’s too much noise, pollution, lack of space, or too much heat or cold.
• Pain stressors: chronic back or knee pain, muscle pain, or other types of pain stress you out.

Once you’ve figured out what you’re stressors are, you can try some coping mechanisms to alleviate them.

Stress Management for Psoriasis

• Meditation and Yoga: Some studies have found that patients who engaged in yoga and meditation experienced faster clearing of their psoriasis flare-ups.
• Hypnosis: studies show that hypnosis can effect tiny changes in blood flow and immune function, improving skin conditions.
• Tai Chi: according to the Mayo Clinic, tai chi is “meditation in motion,” and helps reduce stress, which can reduce psoriasis flare-ups.
• Acupuncture and Massage: According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, acupuncture and massage are both excellent measures of stress reduction, which can help psoriasis.
• Psychotherapy: Studies show that meetings with a clinical psychologist where patients discuss their skin problems and learn relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, thereby reducing flare-ups.

Have you tried stress-relieving techniques for your psoriasis? Please share your story.

Sources:

Naldi L, Chatenoud L, Linder D et al. Cigarette smoking, body mass index, and stressful life events as risk factors for psoriasis: results from an Italian case-control study. J. Invest. Dermatol. 125(1), 61-67 (2005).

Antigona M. Gercari, “Psoriasis Manifestations During the War,” Revista Latinoamericana de Psoriasis y Artritis Psoriásica 2011, 3: 60-64. http://www.fmv-uba.org.ar/RevistaPsoriasis/Vol1_N3_2011/Ingles/Gercari%20Mybera%20DURING%20THE%20WAR.pdf

“Managing Stress Can Help People Improve Their Skin Conditions,” American Acadmey of Dermatology. August 4, 2011. http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/managing-stress-can-help-people-improve-their-skin-conditions.

Kabat-Zinn J., et al. Influence of a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction intervention on rates of skin clearing in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis undergoing phototherapy (UVB) and photochemotherapy (PUVA). Psychosom Med 1998, Sept-Oct; 60(5): 625-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9773769.

Photo courtesy Gerard Fritz via Flickr.com.

Contest Giveaway: look below for this week’s contest—you could win free CV Skinlabs products!

Body Repair Lotion

Soak in the restorative power of this ultra-soothing body lotion. It gently glides on to absorb quickly and provide deep-hydrating and nourishing benefits to fragile skin. It replenishes and soothes inflamed, dry skin. Designed for sensitive, dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, radiation burns and post-laser hair removal.

• Tri-rescue complex soothes and heals
• Gently glides on to absorb quickly and provide deep-hydrating and nourishing benefits to fragile skin
• Beta glucan and St. John’s wort super moisturize, boost collagen production, and encourage wound healing
• Calendula and aloe calm, soothe, and reduce inflammation
• Replenishes and soothes inflamed, dry skin, and relieves dry, itchy skin
• Leaves skin soft, looking luminous and healthy
• In a blind, independent clinical study with women and men panelists, 70%-72% said the overall condition of skin and overall feel/texture of skin was improved after one week of use.
• 99.4% natural content with 58.5% organic ingredients

High Performance Natural and Organic Ingredients

CV Skinlabs is dedicated to choosing only the best natural and organic ingredients for our products—those that have no known links to health hazards or skin irritation. Here are just a few of the ingredients we’re using:

• Aloe Vera and Water Lily: Help cool and heal burns, encourage healing, calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
• Jojoba, Olive, and Safflower: Provide superior moisturization, protect from dryness, soothe irritated skin, protect skin’s outer layer and give skin a smoother, softer appearance.
• Oat Kernal Extract and Beta-Glucan: Conditions skin, helps encourage healing, relieves itching and discomfort.
• Calendula and Sea Buckthorn: Reduces inflammation, encourages wound healing, supports skin-cell regeneration, promotes skin recovery, protect from the damaging effects of the sun, soothes skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
• Ginger and Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection, conditions skin, controls oil production, protects from the damaging effects of the sun, helps reduce age spots.
• Fair trade, certified organic shea butter from the Léo region in Burkina Faso provides superior moisturization to help heal cracks and peeling.

Medical Panel

To ensure maximum efficacy and safety of all our products, CV Skinlabs assembled a team of doctors and experts in the field of health and safety to provide objective feedback during research and development. Each professional offered a unique perspective on patient care, skin treatment and topical applications appropriate for all compromised skin.

1. Jennifer Choi, M.D.: Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Director of the Yale  Oncodermatology Clinic. Director of clinical research trials investigating the prevention and treatment of cancer-therapy-related side effects. Specializes in treating patients with skin cancers. 
2. Madeline Krauss, M.D.: Board certified in dermatology. Practices general and surgical dermatology with an interest in aesthetic dermatology & laser medicine. Voted “Best Non-surgical Cosmetic Improvement” in the Boston area by the “Improper Bostonian Magazine.”
3. Donald Richey, M.D.: Board certified in dermatology and histopathology. Family practice physician for two years in the U.S. Public Health Service Department of Indian Health. Founded Brighter Days, a skin care program dedicated to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments where he volunteers his time on a monthly basis.

And the Giveaways Continue…WIN CV Skinlabs Products!

For your chance to win a Body Repair Lotion from CV Skinlabs:

1. Please leave a comment below by midnight (EST) Tuesday, March 27^th, 2012 and your name will be included in the drawing.
2. If you’d like another chance to win, “like” our CV Skinlabs Facebook page and leave a comment below the post named “CV Skinlabs Skincare—Introducing Body Repair Lotion and Third Contest Giveaway!”

Introductory offer (lasts until March 31^st): 20% off when you purchase a minimum of $125

• Use code Launch20 at checkout (case sensitive) at www.cvskinlabs.com
• These prices won’t last—stock up now for yourself and those you love.

Stay Tuned for more FREE products next week!

We’ll have another giveaway  next week, when you can win our last premiere CV Skinlabs product for FREE. Good luck!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Various people have said something similar, but Mark Twain may have originated the thought with the following quote:

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sales. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

I think we’ve all heard this quote so much we assume it must be true. But has anyone really studied this phenomenon of regret at the end of life?

The Regrets People Voice on Their Deathbed

I don’t know of any official scientific studies on the topic, but I did find a very interesting article about a nurse named “Bronnie Ware” who worked in palliative care for years, soothing dying patients while they were in their own homes. Through her experience, she found that most human beings, regardless of gender or age, had regrets, so she started taking them down. Over time, she discovered that five particular regrets came up over and over again.

Ms. Ware later wrote a book on the topic (The Top Five Regrets of the Dying—A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing), which details her own life and how it was transformed by what she discovered. I share with you below those five regrets and my thoughts on each, in the hopes that maybe we can all learn from Ms. Ware’s research, and go to our deaths with as few regrets as possible!

1. I wish I’d lived a life true to myself. In other words, people wish they had thought less of the opinions of others, and done what they wanted to do, down deep in their souls. People regretted not having the courage to follow their dreams, no matter what others thought. One thing people may not realize during the prime of their lives is that health and energy are fleeting, and won’t always be there. “It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way,” Bronnie says. “From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late.”
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. Though spoken most often by men, who felt they’d missed valuable time with their families, women also felt this regret. (And more women may find themselves experiencing this one as a new generation gets older.) Ask yourself: do you really need and want everything your work is bringing you, or is there something you’re missing? If so, can you cut back? Do with less?
3. I wish I’d expressed my feelings. Studies show that when we repress our feelings, our health suffers. (I talk about this in chapter 4 of my book, When Cancer Hits.) It’s like putting a lid on who we are, and forcing us to live less than a full existence. The lesson is to speak your truth—in a kind way, of course—and then let the relationship go where it may. It will either become stronger, or it will disintegrate, releasing you from it’s toxic effects.
4. I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends. When people are dying and looking back over their lives, they realize sometimes for the first time how very important their friends were to them, and how grateful they were for their presence in their lives. Unfortunately, by that time, it can be difficult or near impossible to track these people down. The tools we have at our disposal today make staying in touch even easier, so no excuses! Keep your friends close!
5. I wish I’d let myself be happier. I found this one interesting when I first read it. “Let” myself? How can we not “let” ourselves be happy? Well, according to Bronnie, “Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.” They chose not to make the changes in their lives that would have lead to happiness. Often they were afraid to make those changes, so they convinced themselves they were happy with what they had, even if they weren’t.

As I mull over these five regrets in my mind, I think what it all comes down to is two things: honesty, and courage. Every day we have to start again, face our fears, take new assessments of our lives, be honest about what we really want, and have the courage to go after it.

One more thought from a personal angle: When I get caught up in what others think, or in others’ dramas, and I get away from what I really need to focus on, I find a lot of relief from a quote by Mother Theresa:

“You see in the final analysis it is between you and your God. it was never between you and them anyways.”

This reminds me that at the end of the day, it’s my journey, and I must make the choices that are going to make me happy, today.

How do you plan to go about living your life without regrets?

Photo courtesy archerwl via Flickr.com.

I’m so excited to tell all of you—starting today, you can shop for your new CV Skinlabs products online!

As a special “thank you” to all those in the Cinco Vidas community, and all those who have supported me on this journey, CV Skinlabs is offering a great launch promotion.

Purchase our products anytime between today and March 31^st and receive 20% off your entire order! (When you spend $125 or more.) Simply use the code: LAUNCH20 (case sensitive) at checkout at www.cvskinlabs.com

Take advantage of this special offer to try CV Skinlabs products for yourself, or to stock up on gifts for loved ones.

Enjoy a higher standard of safety—products that are 100% free of potentially toxic ingredients and designed to help nourish and heal all types of compromised skin.

Shop NOW!

CV SKINLABS FEATURED IN REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE!

We are so excited to appear in the April 2012 issue (in newsstands today!) of Real Simple magazine, featuring the Rescue + Relief Spray!

Check out this amazing testimonial from one of our readers:

I did try the R + R Spray and I loved it! I have Psoriasis on my scalp and it extends down onto the back of my neck. I would spray it on and it would soften the tight, dry and itchy area of my neck and scalp. I felt relief soon after I sprayed it on….The R+R Spray was so light and non greasy that I could put my hair up after application and it wouldn’t make me self conscious at all, my hair would dry. Thank you so much for a great product Britta! 

— Helena Elias

This refreshing, milk-like emulsion drenches skin with moisture while calming and soothing flushed, sensitive and irritated skin.

MORE INFO

My new wesbite CVskinlabs.com Launches TODAY!

At CV Skinlabs, we’ve been working hard to bring you the best website resource for everything from product safety to ingredients to avoid, and of course, our solution to an unmet need: A new brand of safe skincare for compromised skin!

On our new CV Skinlabs website, each product page tells you more about the ingredients, the clinical results, and benefits to your skin. Our “Skin Clinic” gives you tips for dealing with conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, and more. Curious about our Tri-Rescue Complex™? We have more information on our Tri-Rescue page and much more.

The site is live today! Please go look it over, and let us know what you think. We’d be delighted to hear from you! Thanks for your support!

Visit us at www.cvskinlabs.com.

WIN CV Skinlabs Products in next weeks GIVEAWAY!

Win Your FREE product next week as we continue to unveil CV Skinlabs one product at a time! Next week we’ll feature our third product in the line and give readers a chance to win one for free. Look out for our newsletter in your inbox next week or check back on this blog for more.

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear what you think of the products!