Monday, February 1, 2016

February eNews: Heart-Centered Wellness

IN THIS ISSUE:  Heart Matters, Valentines Chocolates, Anniversary Sale, Act Locally for Flint Kids!


We're PUMPED for National Heart Month and focused on ways to help reduce risk factors for heart disease, like keeping blood pressure & cholesterol in check, keeping arteries strong and flexible.  No surprise that recommendations to reduce risk are all part of a generally healthy lifestyle: smart food choices (like the Mediterranean diet), regular aerobic exercise (at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes), and not smoking.  But when you need additional support, here are some of our favorite supplement and food-based options to help care for this most vital organ.

GARLIC - Perfect for February, garlic is affectionately called the "stinking rose" by some herbalists. While taking garlic seems incompatible with romantic endeavors, it doesn't have to be!  Kyolic® Odorless Aged Garlic Extract™ does not have the characteristic stink or harsh side effects, but retains all the cardiovascular benefits.

What's the difference?  When it comes to garlic supplements, they are not all created equal.  There are four basic types:  heat distilled garlic oil in softgels, heat-dehydrated garlic seasoning powder in capsules/tablets, garlic oil macerates, and Kyolic® Odorless Aged Garlic Extract™

All garlic supplements have some nutritional value. However, powders and oils contain little or no water-soluble compounds which may be essential to obtain some of the key benefits of garlic. Garlic powders and oils contain some beneficial oil-soluble sulfur compounds along with a pungent garlic odor and harsh, oxidizing side effects. Even though these products may claim to be deodorized, the garlic odor is just masked by chemical or sugar coatings. When the capsules or tablets dissolve, garlic body odor results.

Kyolic® Odorless Aged Garlic Extract™, on the other hand, is truly the only odorless garlic supplement. The exclusive aging process eliminates garlic odor and harsh side effects.  It is a fantastic alternative to raw garlic, which contains the oxidizing allicin compound, which makes those around you want hold their nose!

Why is it good for the heart?  The unique set of sulfur-containing compounds in garlic have cardioprotective properties, like reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.  This combination of inflammation and stress puts our blood vessels at risk of unwanted plaque formation and clogging. Aged garlic extract has been shown to lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol.  Find Kyolic® Odorless Aged Garlic Extract™ starting at just $15.99 for 100 tablets.


FIRE CIDER -  The HH4L crew has been loving this - you may have noticed we've been sampling it out at the store for the past few months.   Available in 8oz or 16oz bottles (for $13.99 or $21.99 resp.), the winning combination of apple cider vinegar, honey, lemons, oranges, garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish and habanero pepper is sure to get your motor running!
Aside from immune and digestive system benefits, fire cider has cardiovascular benefits as well.  For example, the horseradish is a good source of potassium, which can balance out sodium to combat high blood pressure.  Ginger may play a role in combating heart disease too.  Preliminary research in found significant reductions in atherosclerosis, and LDL cholesterol and oxidative damage.  Habanero pepper  has high concentrations of capsaicin, which gives the pepper it's heat.  This creates thermogenesis in the body to boost lipid metabolism, and may reduce fatty deposits in arteries! So, altogether, Fire Cider is a boon to those who want to improve circulation, digestion, and metabolism.

 Ask us for a shot of this warming cider drink that is loaded with heart-healthy ingredients, but be prepared to feel the heat - it may make you blush!

OMEGAS - As part of a heart-healthy diet, Omega-3 fats specifically are a key component.  Many of us are deficient, largely due to the lack of good fish in the Western diet.  In fact, Americans have the lowest intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids of any developed country—the typical American diet contains 14–25 times more omega–6s than omega–3s!  Correct this imbalance with a Nordic Naturals Omega blend.  They have peer-reviewed clinical research to back their products so you can be sure that it is a consistent product known to:

• Supports circulation and healthy blood vessel function
• Promotes the metabolism of dietary fat and cholesterol
• Supports a healthy heart rhythm
• Promotes healthy triglyceride levels in healthy individuals
• Is natural and safe for long-term use

As with any supplement, quality and good manufacturing practices are essential, but this is particularly true for fish oils.  If you don't know whether your current fish oil is 3rd party tested for purity, give Nordic Naturals a try!  

For vegans and vegetarians who want Omega-3s without fish, we have Get Real Nutrition whole food, sprouted & fermented Real Omega formulas to suit your unique health goals.  Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids are sourced exclusively from sprouted, fermented, organic, Chia, Flax, Hemp, Pumpkin, Sesame, Sunflower and Canihua seeds and are infused with a wide variety of organic, sprouted and fermented botanicals.

VALENTINE'S DAY SWEETS:  What's not to love about chocolate?

BLANXART -  SALE!  3 for $6 (reg. $2.29ea.)

Made in Catalonia, Spain, Blanxart has the secret of creating a world class chocolate. They select their own cocoa beans from Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Ghana, the Congo, and the Phillipines, and then roast them to ensure the right blend, aroma and texture. After roasting and refining the beans, fresh all natural ingredients are blended in to create one of the best quality chocolates in the world. Their rustic, award-winning packaging reflects the natural, hand-made process.  Choose from Plain Milk or Dark Chocolate or Milk Chococlate with Hazelnuts and Dark Chocolate with Almonds.  

Blanxart purchases cacao from producers who are certified fair trade and who have been confirmed to use no child labor.  All ingredients are non-GMO, but are produced in a facility that uses soy, nuts, dairy and gluten.



CHOCOLOVE - SALE!  2 for $5 (reg. $2.89ea.)

Have to go gift for your Valentine with Chocolove bars, each with its own love poem on the inside label.  Choose from 9 different delectable combinations like Milk Chocolate Pretzel,  These bars are made with cocoa certified to be farmed in a socially responsible and ethical manner.  

ALTER ECO Chocolate Truffles - SALE!  5 for $3 (reg. $0.99ea)
Try Original Velvet for a rich dark milk chocolate center nestled in a soft, creamy wonderland of Peruvian dark milk chocolate.  For a twist, get the Salted Caramel: Malty Ecuadorian cacao and nourishing coconut oil are stirred with a sprinkling of Fleur de Sel Guerande for a creamy, deep caramel bite.  Another reason to love AlterEco:  they go beyond organic and fair trade with home-compostable packaging and re-forestation projects to be a truly "Green" company!


IN-STORE EVENTS

Indira Shea: Body Care Demo
Tues. Feb 9th  11:00am - 1:00pm

Michigan born skin and body care company featuring 35 products using raw, unrefined, pure ingredients. Products are made-to-order, fresh and have expiration dates to nourish you skin and soul!Come experience some of the most luxurious, nutritionally dense facial and body care products on the market.  Made with highly-prized oils like black cumin, carrot seed, argan oil, and more, help your skin rejuvenate faster, keep it supple and younger-looking.  Support a Michigan business while saving 20% on your entire purchase!



17th ANNIVERSARY SALE!
Wed.  Feb 17th  All Day


Healthy Habitz 4 Life turned 17 and we want to celebrate with you!  Join us for giveaways, raffle, samples, and other fun stuff.  Spend $17+ dollars to play the Spin 2 Win game & save!  Depending on where the spinner lands, you may save 17% on your purchase, save $1.70, 17 cents, or land a $17 Gift Card!  Don't miss the fun, it is just ONE DAY ONLY Feb 17th!


WELLNESS CENTER

WOMEN'S  HORMONE BALANCING
Sarah Howard, RN
Wed. Feb 24th   5:30-6:30pm
FREE 

Discover ways to restore balance, reclaim vitality and reconnect with your body.  During this free hour long discussion in our Wellness Center, Sarah will be exploring how to:

-Balance your hormones naturally by getting to the root cause of your symptoms
-Start making practical lifestyle changes for improved health
-Shift your mindset & habits for lasting changes
-Nourish your body for balance, more energy, glowing skin, and optimal digestion
-Eliminate toxins in your body and environment
-Practice mindfulness and reduce stress
-Cultivate a healthy relationship with food and your body

She will also touch on the side effects and wider social impact of hormonal contraceptives.  As a Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Coach, Sarah has been inspiring women to reclaim their health and live the life they deserve.  

Space is limited - contact HH4L to register!


YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS CLASSES
Tuesdays   6-7pm
with Marie Koch
$5*

Join Marie Koch to experience the difference of quality, with therapeutic-grade Young Living Essential Oils.

Bring a friend! First time visitors are free, and Marie is offering a FREE GIFT when you bring someone new, for a limited time!

*$5 per class (unless you are a Young Living Distributor through HH4L or a first time visitor.)

Feb 2 - Essential Oils Make & Take (sugar scrub, bath salts, inhaler)
Feb 9 - Intro to Essential Oils
Feb 16 - Reading Food Labels
Feb 23 - What is your pH?

ADELPHA THERMOGRAPHY
Linda Alchin RN
Mon. Feb 22nd

Infrared Thermography has redefined early detection for Breast Cancer by providing the earliest and most sensitive means of screening. This simple procedure of taking digital computerized pictures with a specialized Thermography camera is safe, non toxic, highly accurate and an inexpensive form of diagnostic imaging used by progressive physicians in the US and Europe since 1952.  adelphatherm.com

Must have a current medical doctor, MD or DO.  Cost $165  Appointments take about 30 minutes. 
To schedule Call LINDA  at 248-797-1191
Future Date:  Wed. Apr 6

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Hormonal Harmony Summit - Free Online Event
Facilitated by Sarah Howard, RN & Holistic Health Coach


Sign up here for the online interviews and free gifts!  Although this kicked off on Jan 25th, it's not too late to sign up! 

Here is how it works:
Each day, (beginning on January 25th) you'll receive one email from Sarah containing the TWO interviews & free gifts for the day.
In each email you'll receive the recording of the two interviews, info about the expert, and a link to a free gift they have offered to further support you.
Join the conversation about the event in the Hormonal Harmony Summit Facebook Group



Heart to Heart Ladies Night at Independence Village
Thurs. Feb 25
4:00 - 6:30pm

Independence Village of Frankenmuth is celebrating life, health and women during American Heart Month! Join us for a special event to pamper yourself and your friends. Enjoy chair massages, cocktails, and appetizers, while shopping from several vendors offering products such as essential oils, jewelry, personal care items, and more. Come visit the HH4L table and talk with Suzan!

Please RSVP to Indep. Village by Feb 22
989-607-4609  IndependenceVillages.com,   255 Mayer Rd, Frankenmuth

DONATE for FLINT KIDS
DonorsChoose.org
Donations matched til Feb. 4th!

The Flint water crisis poses a serious public health threat, and kids are among the most vulnerable.  One of our former employees, Mrs. Kaylen Hook, currently a teacher at Linden Charter Academy in Flint, has started a drive to help her students who have faced challenges even before the water crisis.  Go to
 http://www.donorschoose.org/project/materials-for-world-learning/1863368/  

Give to her classroom by February 4, 2016 and your donation will be doubled thanks to DonorsChoose.org. Just enter the code LIFTOFF during checkout and you'll be matched dollar for dollar (up to $100).

In return, you'll get awesome photos of your gift in action and our heartfelt thanks.

The school is also taking water donations.  One of the smaller requests is some pencils, and while it doesn't seem like much, it is such an important piece of their success. Kaylen was inspired to add the pencils because of a poem seen on social media:

Cause I ain’t got a pencil
By Joshua T. Dickerson

I woke myself up
Because we ain’t got an alarm clock
Dug in the dirty clothes basket,
Cause ain’t nobody washed my uniform
Brushed my hair and teeth in the dark,
Cause the lights ain’t on
Even got my baby sister ready
Cause my mama wasn’t home.
Got us both to school on time,
To eat us a good breakfast.
Then when I got to class the teacher fussed
Cause I ain’t got a pencil.

THANK YOU!


CALENDAR  View Online

Feb 2 - Young Living Essential Oils Class (YLEO): Make & Take
Feb 9 - 20% TUESDAY SALE!
Feb 9 - YLEO Class: Intro
Feb 14 - Valentine's Day
Feb 15 - Presidents Day
Feb 16 - YLEO Class: Reading Food Labels
Feb 18 - Hormonal Harmony Class
Feb 17 - 17TH ANNIVERSARY SALE!
Feb 22 - Adelpha Thermography
Feb 23 - YLEO Class: What is Your pH?
Feb 25 - Heart to Heart Ladies Night at Independence Village