October eNews

Topics: Non-GMO, Bulk Week, Breast Cancer Awareness, Wheatgrass, Gut Health, Zumba


GO NON-GMO  
It has been a rather rough ride for our beloved Non-GMO butterfly this past year, as we rollercoastered through ups and downs.  Although California's labeling initiative did not pass, Maine, Connecticut, and Vermont did create laws in favor of GMO labeling.  However, the recent passing of the "Dark Act" , H.R. 1599 (275-150) is a mighty blow to the people's right to know what is in their food, as it prohibits any current or future state law requiring GMO labeling. 

According to the Non-GMOproject, this single act effectively negates more than 130 existing regulations, statutes and ordinances in 43 states.  Regrettably, the revised bill also mandates the creation of a USDA-run non-GMO certification program, which will undercut the Non-GMOProject's 8 year efforts to maintain a consistent and rigorous standard.  More than 2,000 brands now carry this butterfly label and we hope that consumers will continue to look for it and know that it was produced without the use of genetic engineering (GE).  

Some people may not know what GMOs are, despite the fact that they are everywhere.  GMO corn, soy, and canola reign supreme in the Standard American Diet, supplied by just a few biotech corporations.  On average, 9 of every 10 bites of food are created with GMO ingredients, down to the chickens and dairy products which are raised on corn and soy.  It's hard to find processed foods that don't contain GMOs.

Starting with definitions:  Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been manipulated through genetic engineering (distinct from traditional cross-breeding methods) to create unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature.  The ostensible purpose of which is to increase yield, resist drought, enhance nutrition, etc.  Biotech industry promised they would feed the world, reduce pesticide and herbicide use, and be healthier for you, but they have failed on all three fronts.  

GMOs actually DEPEND on toxic pesticides and herbicides to kill off everything else except for the GMO crop, and this is done on a massive scale.  

 A recent report illustrated the magnitude:    "You can see it from outer space. According to the USDA, this year in America alone, more than 170 million acres of corn and soybeans are in production. At a conservative estimate of 10 gallons of glyphosate (sold as RoundUp, the herbicide most commonly used in conjunction with GMO crops) per acre in dilution, this translates to roughly two billion gallons of herbicide poured onto American soils this year alone... we're taking an area the size of California and Montana combined, and killing it dead each year."

And another finding:  "Today’s major GE crops have increased overall pesticide use by 404 million pounds from 1996 through 2011... Overall pesticide use in 2011 was about 20% higher on each acre planted to a GE crop, compared to pesticide use on acres not planted to GE crops."

Superweeds & Superbugs:  The utter lack of genetic diversity has allowed for an increase weeds and bugs that are resistant to the herbicides and pesticides like RoundUp, and requires ever more quantities of these toxic chemicals be used.  Unfortunately, honeybees and butterflies are not so resistant, and more research is connecting this widespread use of toxins to striking decreases in these important pollinator populations. 

GMOs Cannot Feed the World: 
An intensive 3 year study by the University of Kansas has found that GM soy produces about 10% less food than its conventional equivalent.

GMOs are patented products, and corporations have successfully sued farmers whose fields were contaminated by inevitable drifting GMOs from neighboring fields.  They pose a threat to farmer's sovereignty and national food security.  That may be part of the reason why GMOs are restricted or banned in over 60 countries.  

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Opt out of the GMO experiment, and look for the butterfly in October and throughout the year!  Find resources here all month to help you sort out what is likely a GMO or not.  Look for sales this month on a variety of non-GMO products from brands like Nature's Path, Arrowhead Mills, Kettle brand, Natural Vitality and more!

SPIN 2 WIN!  Non-GMO Project Drive: Thurs, Oct 22
For some extra fun, you will be able to spin the wheel with any $10+ purchase for a Non-GMO prize!  We will be donating 5% of sales that day to the NonGMO Project so mark Thursday the 22nd on your calendar!


BULK WEEK  October 11-17

Isn't it great to save money and save on packaging? Come see all 250+ bulk herbs, spices, and teas that are available - pick and choose in any quantity you like!  Say goodbye to stale and flavorless spices and wake up your tastebuds.  Even if you are just a salt and pepper kind of person, you can find specialty salts and peppers in colors white, black, pink, or red!  Feel free to bring in your own container to reduce waste even more.

Save 20% on bulk herbs, spices, and teas all week long!


BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Although these products aren't plastered with pink ribbons, each one of these products plays a part to help maintain breast health.  As always, check with your trusted health professional before starting an anti-cancer regime to see what is best and safest for you.
  

Breast-D by Pure Essence Labs
Each capsule provides 4000IU of Vitamin D, 150mg of DIM (see below), and potent levels of Calcium D-glucarate, Green tea, and Lycopene; this is a superb mix to support breast health.  Just $26.49 for 30 veg. caps.

There have been many studies showing that women who have breast cancer tend to have low vitamin D levels.  It is thought that Vitamin D may play a role in protecting against breast cancer by binding to receptors in breast tissue and cause cancerous cells to die or stop growing. 

DIM (diindolylmethane), a compound derived from the digestion of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussel sprouts.  Emerging research suggests that it may protect against the damaging effects of radiation for those undergoing such cancer treatment.

Calcium D-glucarate is used to reduce or inhibit the enzyme beta-glucuronidase.  Elevated levels of this enzyme are associated with an increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers like breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Green Tea and Lycopene are known for their anti-oxidant benefits, with potential to block many types of cancer cell growth.

NATURANECTAR Red Propolis
Brazilian Red Propolis has been researched for it's anti-carcinogenic effects, and has been found to kill certain types of human breast cancer cells.    

GAIA HERBS makes three synergistic liquid herb extracts for just $13.99 each that help the body gently rid itself of cellular wastes, particularly in the lymphatic and reproductive systems:

Echinacea Red Root Supreme - echinacea to boost the immune system and red root to promote healthy drainage of toxins from the lymphatic tissues.  
Fem-Restore Supreme - a blend of herbs that encourages detoxification of metabolic wastes from reproductive tissues and supports the female reproductive system as well as the liver and lymphatic tissues.
Scudder's Alterative - promotes the removal of cellular wastes and healthy uptake of nutrients.  Helps improve skin appearance, and supports the immune system too!  


Other Considerations:

Use Aluminum-free deodorant.  Why would we want to put this potentially harmful metal on our body when there are so many alternatives that work?  Find a wide selection of deodorants for men, women, and athletes - all of which you can rest assured are aluminum free.  

Get Vitamin D naturally through Vitality Tanning.  Especially during these shorter days, it is important to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.  Your body will produce just the right amount when you are getting the right amount of full spectrum light (enough to give your skin a little blush, but not red).  Find more details on our Wellness Center page.

Get regular Screenings with Adelpha Thermography.
Early screening with Thermology can detect breast tissue changes at a minute physical stage of development, as much as 5-8 years earlier than mammography or other conventional testing. This is when breast tissue changes, inflammation or even cancer is still relatively easy to halt
and reverse.  More details below.  Next Scan Date:  Tues, October 27.

Fire It Up with FIRE CIDER

Not for the faint of tastebuds, this fiery drink is perfect to keep you warm and your immune system boosted during cold and flu season.  Fire Cider is a blend of all organic (and Non-GMO) ingredients: apple cider vinegar, oranges, lemons, onions, ginger, horseradish, habanero pepper, garlic and turmeric which steep together for 6 weeks before adding raw wildflower honey to create a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and spice.  

Nothing sluggish about it - use 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon to help wake you up in the morning instead of coffee.  Fire Cider stimulates bile juices to get your digestion going after a big meal.  It is non-alcoholic, but can be an excellent mixer.  Shake it up with olive oil for a zesty salad dressing.  It even cures boredom!  Dare your friends to try it this Halloween!

We are offering samples to intrepid folks who want to wake up their digestive and immune functions (and everyone else!).  The initial burn may be intense, but it doesn't linger long on the tongue, and your body will thank you the rest of the day.  Only $13.99 for an 8oz bottle (that's just under 88 cents per serving).  



WELLNESS CENTER

Gut Health and Immunity

Dr. Matthew Shelson, N.D.
Thu. October 8 
5:30 - 6:30pm 
FREE

Do you know someone who is suffering from chronic gut problems or a compromised immune system?  How your gut microbiome impacts your health is an emerging field, and there is much to learn!  Join Certified Naturopath Dr. Matthew Shelson as he discusses the WHY of issues like: acid refux, bloating, IBS, Crohns, leaky gut, and even yeast infections.  Find out how digestion affects and supports the immune system.  This talk is free and open to the public!  

Get Your Greens with Wheatgrass!
Corey Rush, Health Coach
Sat. October 17
11:00am-noon
FREE

Wheatgrass is a nutritional powerhouse - Learn how you can get your greens in at this free class which will cover:
Basics about the plant & historical use, nutritional benefits (enzymes, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, anti-oxidants, etc.) and how to grow, consume, and store wheatgrass.


Attendees can try a free fresh sample of wheat grass juice AND save 10% on all wheatgrass sprouting seeds and accessories.  Contact Healthy Habitz to register!

ZUMBA!
Marsha Uffelman
Fridays in October
10:30-11:30a

Fitness and fun go together with low impact, Zumba dance-style workouts with Marsha Uffelman, a licensed instructor.  Tone up and look great for the holidays!  For adult women of all ages.  

The one hour 10:30am Friday classes are available starting in October for $10 ea or sign up for four classes for a 20% discount.  Senior discounts are also available for individual classes.  Call 989-652-0537 for details or stop in the store.  Class size is limited, so register today!

ADELPHA THERMOGRAPHY

Linda Allchin
Tuesday October 27
By Appointment

The time to be proactive about breast cancer prevention and your breast health is NOW! Earlier detection is now available and safe for everyone: every size, shape or density. Your life-saving, best choice is Thermography, which detects natural heat emission from the body by taking digital computerized pictures.  This data is analyzed through the premier Therma-Scan service and a report is sent to you and your doctor in about a week: NO touching, pain, compression, or radiation!  

Must have a current medical doctor M.D. or D.O. to schedule. Screenings take about half an hour and cost $165

October CALENDAR  View Online  
2 -  Zumba!
8 -  Dr. Shelson on Gut Health and Immunity
9 -  Zumba!
11 - 17  BULK WEEK
13 - 20% Tuesday Sale!
13 - Young Living Essential Oil Class - Reading Food Labels
16 - Zumba!
17 - Wheatgrass Class
20 - Young Living Essential Oil Class - What is Your pH?
22 - SPIN 2 WIN: NonGMO Donation Day
23 - Zumba!
27 - Adelpha Thermography