"Our guarantee to you: Shaklee products always work, are always safe, and are always green." ~ Product Guide 2012

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Credibility: Look Who is Talking.

A few days ago I listened to a prominent personality giving some health related advice. After berating everyone and anyone who believes in the value of vitamins, and putting down doctors who see value in proper nutrition and supplements to our health, he continued giving some medical suggestions to those "in the dark." The conversation went something like this:

Q: But what to do if my doctor prescribed vitamins to me claiming that I need good nutrients for prenatal care?
A: There is no malnourishment in this country. Just use decent diet. I am not against or for vitamins. I look at science research data that most of you are not looking at. I read scientific journals that most people would not read.  I believe in science based medicine. If you see piles of vitamins in the doctor's office, walk out of there.

Next person brought up the issue with another condition. She claimed that she is in the medical field and that she did a thorough research and discovered that research scientists in several countries found some evidence that certain vitamins and nutrients do improve the condition.
To this the MD. responded like this: "I've seen it. I don't believe it." 
That's it. Case closed. Or is it?

I found this story amusing, disturbing, strange and enlightening, all at the same time. As always, I was left with more questions than answers. For example:

1. Should not we trust any scientists and researchers who conduct research abroad, if we choose just to "look" but not to thoroughly review and examine their research?

2. Is the argument "I've seen it. I don't believe it" scientific and thorough enough to pass for a credible medical advise?

3. Why some critics of those who do conduct research, produce, sell and consume vitamins and natural nutrients in the form of herbs are always so harsh (I am tempted to say here "narrow-minded" but I will not say it :-) )? What forces drive them to wage an all out war on nutrition and supplement industry? Who are they representing, what are their motives?

4. Why some doctors suggest taking vitamins, and others frown at the entire idea of vitamins and herbal supplements having any positive impact on our health and wellness?
I am taking NutriFeron®  for five years now. One could say  that after initially hearing about it, I could have experienced a so called placebo effect, and that's why I have not had any kind of flu for five years (I used to get sick every winter and at times even in spring since I was a kid.) Now, I take NutriFeron® without even giving it a second thought. It became a habit, a part of my daily routine. Could be that my continued good health is due to "placebo effect"? Or perhaps it is because of the medical scientist Dr. Kojima who spent many ears discovering the solution to boosting our immunity the natural way. Thanks to Dr. Kojima, there was no panic in our home neither when the bird flu, or swine flu, or any other kind of flu hit the population for the past five years. Specifically because I do understand importance and value of thorough scientific research, I am personally very grateful to Dr. Kojima for his lifetime's work and the extraordinary results of his scientific research.

Curious as I am, I looked at the credentials of the celebrity dispersing medical advise that morning as I described above. I am yet to find one research paper, or a book written by this person. I will abstain here from any more comments about his medical expertise, but to me personally, he is not a credible source of information. Even if spoken from a very prominent mouth, the argument about foreign scientists' research "I've seen it. I don't believe it" does not carry much weight as a credible scientific medical advise.

Listening to that program once again reminded me that we have to be very careful making decisions based on the "surface" information that keeps bombarding us every day from multiple directions. In my view, it is very important to take time to dig deeper, compare and contrast sources and make our own decisions based on trustworthy sources. It also helps to keep our minds open and apply logic and common sense when it comes to choosing the ways we keep ourselves and our families well.

I would like to hear your opinions and ideas regarding the issue of credibility of information

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Shaklee Product Guide 2010





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Monday, March 29, 2010

Leadership

FastTRACK Conference Call rebroadcast: 1-512-703-6147

This week it was a conversation between Shaklee Executive Coordinator Maria Cloutier and Master Coordinator Matt Paddock. They talked about the four principles of Leadership. I listened to it twice, because the ideas expressed during the conversation are so important. " No matter where you are in your Shaklee business, you are a leader, regardless of whether you are brand new or seasoned and experienced." 


Dial into the Next FastTRACK Conference Call: Monday, March 29, 2010, 7 pm in Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific Time Zones
1-512-225-3211 / 951025# 


Join Master Coordinator Pat Hintze and his special guests Executive Coordinator Elena Giacomin Dennis and new FastTRACK Senior Director Vivian Priest as they demystify the sponsoring process and clearly explain the fundamentals of Attracting and Sponsoring New People.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Your Unlimited Potential and Courage

"I have a card that I bought many years ago when things were very grim with an image on it of a water nymph with wings on her back and a headband of pearls.
It reads ... Explore your unlimited potential. Create your future the way you want it.
I read it everyday and knew that I was the image depicted, and it was I who slowly but surely would live by every one of those words. Years later I have attracted exactly what I read and believed everyday. If I can, you can!"


It was so strange that I came across Tracy's words online today. Yesterday, among some old greeting cards I found the following poem:

"Courage is not
The towering oak
That sees storms
Come and go;
It is the fragile blossom
that opens in the snow."


Even a little note card can carry a big message.
D.S.
P.S.
On the greeting card and in some Internet sources Alice's last name is misspelled as 'Swain'.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Moms sharing their experience: Autism

Moms sharing their experience: Autism

Credibility

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.          
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.          
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.             
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.                                
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.                                   
To be enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.    
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future.                   
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. 
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.              
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.                                

Christian D Larson
"Your Forces and How to Use Them" 1912 


I have found a little book by a prominent author with inspiring quotes.  It is a motivating collection of famous sayings. Alas, this quote was already the second one in the book attributed incorrectly. The thought the words are by an "Anonymous." 

Once again, it reminded me that I have to use our own inquisitive mind, rather than just blindly following someone prominent and admire someone famous. Thanks to the Internet search and more thorough researchers,  it appears that these are the words written by Christian D. Larson.

The other quote had a very similar wording as the poem frequently being attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I think that thoroughness and truthfulness lead to credibility. Fame and prominence have nothing to do with it.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

About Vitamin B6

I am trying my best to overcome my anxiety before the visit. Same building,  different clinic. Maybe, just maybe things will be different this time. They are. There are several people processing paperwork for more than fifty visitors with all kinds of foot problems every hour on the hour. First we have to listen for numbers being called out; later, much later – names will be called. Our "bakery" number is 79; We get to see a doctor two hours later, after the "bakery" numbers go up to a hundred and then from one back to another hundred again.

After the check up, we received some reassurances that Necropathy, a usual condition in progressing diabetes, is not yet severe. It is good that mom is walking for at least 20 minutes a day. The doctor explains to us  how to take care of her feet then prescribes Vitamin B6 and off we go.
It appears that  not a day goes by without some reminders that proper nutrients are very important for our good health. I learned about the value of Vitamins B from the Nutrition class that I took almost twenty years ago  and from researching topics in nutrition in  various sources. Today, I truly appreciate learning from the doctor  that vitamin B6 can help my mom specifically to slow down progression of nerves dying down in her legs and feet (that is my own crude way of describing Necropathy).

Vitamin B6 is among ingredients in our breakfast - Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein (0.5mg) - and Vita-Lea Gold (4mg), daily multivitamin. Shaklee B-Complex provides 27mg B6 per serving. The following information is on the label:

"Promotes Cardiovascular Health

The B vitamins folic acid, B6, and B12 promote a healthy cardiovascular system by helping to maintain low homocysteine levels in the blood. Adequate amounts of folic acid in a healthy die t may reduce the risk of having a child with neural tube birth defects. With the patented Shaklee delivery system for folic acid, the immediate release of this nutrient in the stomach is enhanced, making it readily available for absorption. The eight B vitamins catalyze hundreds of critical biochemical reactions in the body, such as converting the foods we eat into energy. They also are essential in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, and in the synthesis of DNA and new cells.
No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives added."
Shaklee B-Complex is on my next order. The bottle that I am reading off of is empty. 

We are walking slowly, very slowly. But this is only one point of view. My mom is frustrated that we are going too fast, way too fast. By now, I know already that she is more frustrated about  her slow pace keeping me from moving on faster. There are two points of view, two opinions, but there is only one thing that is truly important in this situation: we are WALKING. Several hours of waiting in a roomful of people with all kinds of foot and leg problems makes me appreciate ability to walk once again. With current medical appointments behind us already, and with the spring Sun shining brightly, I am trying my best not to worry about looming threat of Necropathy.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

What has happened on the way to the clinic.

Today the appointment for a test was set for 10:00 A.M. Days before, the automatic hospital messaging system had informed us repeatedly that a patient has to arrive one hour early and register in room so and so. Hence, my mission for the day, like many times in the past, is clear: deliver the patient – my eighty-year-old mother – for the prescribed test on time, find the location, present the necessary documents to whomever is attending the desk, wait for the tests to be done and bring mom safely home. An obvious and clear routine. If only it would have been so simple and easy this time.

The patient is in the building one and a half hours early and goes to the designated room on the first floor to register. I will come back half an hour later, after parking our car in a parking space blocks away from the facility. The registration room is packed to capacity, and the air is so thick that it is even hard to breath. Thanks to some compassionate people, my mom does get seated. One could be sitting there with a bakery number in hand all day just to find out that you are in the wrong place; you had to report directly to the testing area of the humongous hospital in the first place. Fortunately for us, this lovely spring morning there is a person at a computer on one side of the large room, and I decide to take a chance and ask her if we are in the right place after all. Seeing me wondering with a lost look on my face, the woman barks at me “you should stand behind the line.” “Yes, mam, “ I think to myself and comply with the order, I know better than not to, I’ve been pushed around a few times in my lifetime before AARP started a vigorous campaign to recruit me as their new member.

My turn to talk came as a couple moved away from the clerk’s desk. With a grumpy look on her face, the clerk told me just what I suspected: “she (e.g., my mother) should go directly to the second floor, the section so and so…” “Thank you,” I say, and we start a long journey again. Eighty years is an impressive age, especially for my mom, who is as bright, as she always was, and as interested in life as any intelligent person would be. Alas, a brittle form of diabetes is wearing her out little by little in front of my eyes. Those who have had relatives who have the illness, or suffer from it themselves, know what I am talking about here. To those who do not know what this illness is all about, I do not wish it upon you. Diabetes is a very heavy “cross to bear.”

Witnessing my mom’s long suffering from the illness, I started learning to appreciate simple things in life, like not having sudden hypoglycemia attacks, being able to walk without pain, not having to keep watching the clock for insulin shots, medications and meals, being able to walk and even run. Being able to see not just bright light spots, but the smallest details of life around me is also a gift that one day could be lost by any of us. My mom’s illness has direct impact on my own life, but I've digressed here, and must get back to the events of the day.

Finally, after covering the distance of the length that feels like a few city blocks, we are in the right section of the building. Now the assignment for the designated driver/helper (e.g. – me) is clear: talk to the person at the desk and find out what kind of paperwork has to be submitted. The face behind the desk is less than friendly right from the start: “Put this in the tray and sit down.” My second question is cut off with the same abrupt phrase barked at me repeatedly. Alright, I’ve been barked at this morning already. So, I sit down. Mom is tired as tired can be from the long walk, and her eye is filling up with blood again: progression of retinophaty. Strangely, I fear her going blind more than she does. She is quite a trooper.

The waiting room is spacious, many empty seats. Once in a while, some people cross the room back and forth and disappear behind the closed doors into the mystical world of PROCEDURES. We, along with a couple of other visitors, are left with our thoughts and with the clock ticking on the wall. The arrows slowly but surely are moving toward the appointed time. Silence of the dimly lit waiting room is being interrupted by a repetitive clicking noise. I do not pay much attention to it... that is, until much later, when this sound becomes an epitome of indifference and unprofessional attitude to fellow human beings who are here only to receive service.

Half an hour passed, but the clerk did not even look at the paper that I’ve placed in the tray as was told. The lonely sheet is just laying there, undesirable, just like me and my mom in that unwelcoming place. I finally walk up to the reception counter and ask, if my mom will be seen on time, only five minutes are left until her designated appointment time. From many years of having experiences in similar situations, I know that there has to be paperwork filled out and signed, and it is not a trivial task for a half-blind, and half deaf older person, who still insists on doing many things independently. Yes, I do help her, but she still wants to know what sort of papers she must sign.

The clerk assured me that my mother will be seen on time for her procedure. Fair enough, but it is 9:55 (One hour and forty five minutes since our arrival at the clinic). I have to sit down and we will wait some more. Finally, we hear my mom’s name shouted across the room. She walks up to the desk of the “keeper of the gate” and receives a form to fill out. Mom is a polite person, I’d say overly polite, and that, unfortunately, is perceived as a green light to disrespect and mentally abuse her as it happened many times before in various situations. When she came back with the clip board, I noticed that her form is in Polish. In mounting frustration, I grabbed the clipboard from my mom and rushed to the counter again, requesting the form in English. Here we all could judge me, and I could say “the devil made me do it,” but now, reflecting on the entire situation, what made me voice my opinion about the clerk’s attitude out loud was frustration boiling over from experiences over my life time with all kinds of rude, incompetent people with cushy jobs behind "important" desks. With more and more gray hairs in my head, I can no longer stand mental abuse directed neither to my mom, nor to me, especially from those, who are there to help, and not to obstruct, jeopardize and sabotage simple work flows, procedures and tasks of customer service.

Yes, I could not resist making a stern remark, wondering if stapling a pile of handouts is more important to this specific person than attending to the clinic patients. Then, using the same tone of voice as I was spoken to (we all teach each other, don’t we?) I kept repeating that I need the form in ENGLISH. In response to my request, I was informed in a very loud voice that she will not stand me being in “her clinic.” My jaw just “hit the floor,” not literally, of course, and I reminded the woman that I, as a taxpayer do contributed to the clinic, how could it be “her clinic.” (What an argument, really, and most importantly very “original” in this day and age.)

“I am also a tax payer!!! You will not tell me how to do my job!!!” – The angry voice is coming from the other side of the desk. What do you, readers, think? Could it be a good material for the “Saturday Night Live?” Believe me, if some of the visitors dosed off for some time, they were wide awake by this point in time. Wow oh Wow! Did I touch a hot spot (e.g. – Ego) or what!

That’s all, folks, honest admission. You will think that I am hiding something. Alas, I wish the situation would have been spicier than this, which would have made the story more interesting for you to read. On the contrary, there were no swearing words, no threats coming from my mouth, just stern tone of voice expressing my strong disappointment and dissatisfaction with the quality of customer service and indifference regarding a patient's (my mother’s) needs.

You might wonder what has happened afterward. After all, it would not be fair just to leave you in suspense, would it? Thus, a “O.K.”, here it comes:

“Get out of MY clinic!!!” “I will not have you in MY clinic!!!” “I will call security and will escort you out of MY Clinic!!!” The exclamation marks indicate the level of the voice of the attending clerk. No kidding, friends, while we were filling out the form in English (by the way, I had to find the other form on the counter myself; my repeated request to give us the English form was completely ignored at this point in time). Then the woman behind the desk had phoned the security-police. In her first sentence was the following statement: “She is white!” Now that explained to me the entire ordeal and the attitude of indifference and lack of courtesy on the part of the clerk.

Around ten minutes passed away, way past the appointment time, and one after another two officers walked into the room. After receiving instructions from the receptionist, they walked up to me and without asking me what has happened gave me a directive to leave the facility, so they could talk to me "outside." Why? On what grounds? Why they considered their right to violate my rights as a citizen to escort me out of the public place when the entire incident was caused by the incompetent and rude employee of the clinic? What right did she have to be rude to me and to request me out of “her” clinic? Why someone who is so easily disturbed by visitors’ dissatisfaction regarding their service is allowed to work there in the first place? Is she not trained to deal with frustrated visitors who feel ignored, and unwelcome, and have to wait for the unknown seams like forever? What exceptional right does she have to racially profile visitors of the clinic instructing the police to “hunt down” the white one?

Later, in the administrative offices, I will be told that the main concern of the hospital is for my mom to have her test: the hospital's main objective is concern for the patients. Oh, really! Why then they put people in charge of customer service who are sabotaging the scheduling set by the hospital, and provide visitors with anything but clear and precise information, instructions, and with at least bearable quality of customer service. Why they are allowed to “bark” commands at visitors, behave as if visitors do disturb them, and why do they not even listen to the visitors’ concerns and questions, interrupting people who talk to them half way through their sentence.

These questions are open to this day, and, I believe, will not be answered simply and easily in the near future. Police assumed that there were legal grounds for removing me from the waiting area of the public place before all facts were in, so, they removed me from the premises. They chose to publicly humiliate a middle-aged woman and an elder woman. The clerk told her story to the police in the presence of everyone in the room, and my side of the story was supposed to be told to the officers outside, without witnesses. Still, one of the two officers chose to listen patiently, and I explained to him the other side of the story. Another officer told my mom to shut up; he told her that he would not listen to her, and accused her of making racial remarks after she told him that she is frequently being ignored and treated in that hospital like a second-sort citizen. I do not envy the officer's mom. A young man talking like this to an eighty-year old woman….

My mother left the waiting area with me only after we repeatedly asked the officers to return her ID back from the clerk. We were not about to leave her documents “hostage” with the “courteous” clerk. I hate to disappoint you here. No, I was not hand-cuffed. I only received a suggestion to go to talk to patients’ advocate or the administrator and voice my complaint. I chose the latter. With my heart pounding like a mallet on a rock, I felt that no one will help us today. Obviously, the procedure that prompted security to act the way they did demonstrated to us, that "customer is always wrong." We were assumed guilty as charged by the “owner of the clinic.”

When we reached the administrative office, I was hoping that someone will be able to take my mom back for her procedure, since I am no longer allowed on the premises of the clinic. At this time, my mom, too distressed from the unusual experience, refused to return to the second floor section “so and so.”. Who could blame her?

Now, I only needed one thing – the name of the “courteous, attentive and caring” receptionist. Here we have a start of the entirely different story. However, I will not try your patience anymore, and will summarize it here briefly. It took another hour to finally determine who was the person who ordered me escorted out of “her clinic” One administrator was calling another administrator who called on yet another administrator. And the clock kept persistently ticking. It would be funny if it would not be sad: I suddenly realized that it is a very difficult task for the hospital administration to easily figure out who is working where at any given time in that huge public facility. Supposedly, J. F. is the keeper of the gate, as a pleasant well-mannered supervisor (in my view, the only truly understanding official) finally told me. Others did not want to tell me the name of the rude and indifferent receptionist claiming that they do not know who she is. They wanted all of us to have a meeting at this time. I refused their insistence to tell them the entire story all over again. I imagine, the police would share their findings with the hospital administration, wouldn’t they? Besides, my mom was clearly suffering and pleading with me just to go home. Of course it was exhausting for her to be wondering through the long corridors of the building and waiting, waiting, and receiving no clear information as to when and how long the procedure will take.

When all is said and done (or written in this case), I strongly feel that my mother and I, we both had received a deliberately lousy service and mental and emotional abuse from the desk clerk J.F. It has caused us unwelcome anxiety, humiliation and our rights as private citizens were violated. We left the clinic. My mom chose not to stay there a minute longer.

Was the hospital's first and foremost concern really about patient's needs in this instance? What I took out of this entire experience is that it is necessary to just shut up no matter what, listen to the commands barked from behind the desks, sit down (“sit, dogie, sit!”) and wait, wait, wait. After all, papers on the desks are always more important than people, aren’t they?

I am sorry, mom, that I did not shut up and sit down this time. I have a lousy excuse: as I age too, it is becoming increasingly difficult to witness directed at you, or take myself another mental and emotional abuse from complete strangers who are “in charge.”

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Time for some fresh laundry

I have discovered Shaklee by myself. Just like you, I had no idea what that word had meant and represented. I had no one to convince me to join or to purchase anything. It was an independent decision. My opinions and statements in this journal are always based on my personal experiences and the experiences and ideas of those whom I do trust. Ever since I became a part of Shaklee family, the brand became one of my favorites, and I am now proud to represent the company as and Independent Shaklee Distributor.

Today is one of those absolutely beautiful sunny spring days, and I thought that it would be great to dry my laundry on the line outside, in the back yard. No, I am not hanging out my "dirty laundry" here. Quite contrary, a very clean one. Hence, today my journal entry has to do with this chore.
I first tried Shaklee cleaning products several years ago when the labels were simple and serious-looking, not the cute ones like they have now. Impressed with quality and performance of these products, I soon stopped visiting the supermarket cleaning product isles. No kidding. There is nothing there that catches my interest any more.

First of all, I do not like the smorgasbord of harsh scents that prevail in that area of the store, and, secondly, I do not want to add any more strong chemicals into my home. I am not sure about you, but I feel that my lungs could use some “breather”. One way to do it is to spend some time in the fresh air (fresh air in the city? Oh sure!!!), and I have to be grateful to my dog for not letting me miss our daily walks. Another way is to start eliminating harsh chemicals from my home, and Shaklee brand helped me to do just that. In addition, I do receive 15% off market price, and certain rewards as a distributor. Why don’t you try some of these products and tell me how they work for you?

Why these products are so special in my opinion? Here are the main features of Shaklee Get Clean products that, in my view, can’t be easily beat:

  • Safe: nontoxic, no harmful fumes, phthalates, bisphenol-A, or 1,4-dioxane to help keep home healthy, safe for the entire family.
  • Powerful: outperforms 22 national brands guaranteed.
  • Biodegradable: and packaging is recyclable, designed to reduce waste.
  • Concentrated: save energy and eliminates excess packaging
  • Thrifty choice: save thousands of dollars versus conventional, ready-to-use cleaners, 100% money-back guarantee.
Once the Get Clean came out, I had purchased the kit. A famous TV personality had the kit featured on her show. Everyone then went and bought it. I bought it not because someone with influential opinion suggested it, but because I new already that this company stands for safety and quality in consumer products. I do not need someone rich and famous to tell me what to use. My own head is still working a O.K., at least for now.

After further exploring and reading some materials, I learned that I made a very good brand choice  with Shaklee. Besides, after reading his writings, I have the highest respect for Dr. Shaklee, who started it all more that half a century ago.
Through the years, in our household we have tried all Shaklee Cleaning products. And my personal favorites are laundry and kitchen cleaners. It still amazes me how well without any harsh artificial chemicals I can remove stains and wash my laundry really clean and bright. As for Basic H2, I have never seen another natural highly concentrated product that is such a versatile cleaner: floors, windows, various other surfaces - you name it, it cleans it. I put a few drops into a 16 oz. spray bottle with water and clean greasy film from kitchen cabinShaklee distributoret doors with ease. My all time favorite is the Scour Off™ Heavy Duty Paste: an efficient cleaner with the scent of cherries.
What could be better than some powerful and safe cleaning product in helping with very important but the least rewarding and tedious tasks of cleaning.
You do not believe me? Try some Shaklee cleaning products from my online store, and see for yourself. If they do not meet your expectations, you’ll get your money back. That’s Shaklee company guarantee. If you would like to have an on-line store of your own, choose me as your coach, and I will assist you with everything that entails being a Shaklee distributor. It only make sense to purchase things from yourself, and even get rewarded for it.

Fortunately for us, we do not have people who suffer from asthma in our family. But I keep hearing that Shaklee cleaning products help to prevent severe asthma  attacks . If you have some stories related to health and cleaning products, I would like to hear from you.

Sun will set soon. My laundry is done. What a relief. I’ll talk to you some other day.

Sincerely,

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

What truly Matters in Life

The other day, a friend gave to me a clip out of a local paper with the following quotation:
"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong - because someday you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver,
* Born: c. 1860
* Birthplace: Diamond Grove, Missouri
* Died: 5 January 1943
* Best Known As: America's great peanut innovator"

"a celebrated botanist and inventor at a time when it was still rare for African-Americans to reach those heights. The son of a Missouri slave, Carver grew up to attend Iowa State University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1894 and a master's in 1896. He then joined the faculty of Booker T. Washington's Tuskegee Institute. His attempts to find crop alternatives to cotton led him to the peanut; eventually he created more than 325 products from the humble legume, helping to create demand for the plant and establish it as a major American crop. Carver also worked with sweet potatoes, soybeans and pecans, among other plants, and is often credited with changing the face of agriculture in the American south."- Answers.com

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Team Shaklee Athletes

Team Shaklee Athletes
 

At the October 2009 pre-launch party of Shaklee Energy™ the top names in the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding talked about why they like Shaklee Energy™ and how they use it to get the edge and keep it when they train and perform.*

Safe, natural energy with ingredients that deliver performance every time is absolutely key to our athlete’s performance to help keep them alert, energized and focused, and our “little chew with a big future” gives our elite athletes the healthy edge they need.*

But, Shaklee Energy™ is not just for athletes, it’s for anyone. So, share this video clip from the 2010 Action ! DVD with everyone who could use a Healthy Edge.

“Little acts of kindness can add up to a lifetime of happiness.”

“Little acts of kindness can add up to a lifetime of happiness.”

Where do you think I found this quote? If you did not have lunch at my house today you’ll never know. I smiled and thought to myself that putting this quotation on the foil seal of a sour cream container is really a fresh idea. It was my favorite brand all along, but now I am even happier to have chosen the company, since, apparently, they have a good sense of humor in their marketing department.

Don’t we all encounter some “sour cream surprises” in our life once in a while? Does not the most mundane and difficult day become a bit brighter and happier just because someone chose to be kind to us as if “out of the blue (e.g. from under the lid of a sour cream container :-) ?”


You may be curious to know which company came up with this charming idea: appealing to our minds and hearts while we are concerned just about filling up our stomach. That leads me to another point I want to make here. Don’t we all share our likes and dislikes with our friends? Not one movie would become a blockbuster without viewers telling their friends to go see it. Being it a movie, a book, a favorite vacationing spot, a store, a favorite brand, etc., etc. We are marketing to each other just about everything every day. Yesterday I was at a meeting, where a group of people shared their knowledge of certain equipment necessary for their hobby. Perhaps a dozen brands and company names were being mentioned in the discussion and were greeted with approving nods. And people shared their knowledge of products because they wanted what’s best for their teammates. Those were people who were sharing some common interests and all were striving for excellence in their work.

Let’s face it, we are promoters already. What do we receive in return? Appreciation from our friends is invaluable, since, of course, everyone wants to have access to the best and the most interesting things and they might return the favor. That’s human nature. And what do we receive from the companies that we are constantly promoting to each other? Well, with the modern marketing approaches, we could count on some temporary perks, but not much more.

SHAKLEE Company also has a “novel” idea, to pay Shaklee Independent
 Distributors for sharing personal product experiences with everyone, thus expanding the circle of people with similar interests. Getting healthier by helping 
your friends do the same – now that is a fresh idea.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Who is in Charge of Our Wellness?

"But if you let go and let the universe drive the big car, you might be surprised at how well the whole thing turns out."

Wow! That's the daily horoscope talk.

On the contrary, I can not let "the big universe" take care of my well being today. I take my Shaklee Soy protein, Cinch® Energy Tea and enjoy Shaklee Nutrition for breakfast every morning.

Who is responsible for our own health? I am sure there are as many responses as many people in this world... I do not believe that anyone, and I mean, anyone in the world should care for my own health as much as I do. Isn't it my responsibility to be as healthy as possible? Then again, this kind of thinking perhaps familiar only to those, who have people who depend on them... My biggest fear is not to be able to take care of those who love me and who need me in their life.

I have individuals in my circle who are challenging me all the time, questioning about the price and the value of these products. They get a month's supply, take it one or two days (lesser portion that that suggestion on the labels of the supplements), and then quit. Afterward, they tell me that "this thing does not work." My understanding is that the reason why Shaklee has a 30-day return policy is because their products are not harsh, and they do make a significant impact on general wellness over at least a month, if taken as indicated on the label. Of course, some products, like Optiflora, Defend and Resist, Pain Relief Cream and many other Shaklee products (especially cosmetics, Shaklee Nutrition Therapy Skin Care) provide good results instantly. My family knows it first-hand.

Ever since I discovered Shaklee Co., what impresses me most is how many health professionals have "discovered" Shaklee opportunity. And they do share their professional knowledge with the rest of us by providing training, and giving lectures on specifics of Shaklee products. Natural resources harnessed by top notch science. That is really really good enough for me. It was a good enough reason for me to make Shaklee products my favorite brand and to open up my own online Shaklee store. Thus, I am purchasing from my own store and enjoy 15% off the retail price. If you are interested in a Shaklee store of your own, drop me a note. I will help you.

Join me in the discussion "who is in charge of our own wellness" on my new Facebook page.


Meanwhile,

Live and Let Live Well Today!
D.S.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Diet and Nutrition Formum about SHAKLEE nutrition

SHAKLEE nutrition consumers share their personal experiences:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/a,proddetail/prod_id,167/

Saturday, March 6, 2010

My Health Insurance - NutriFeron® (Caplets)




NutriFeron® (Caplets)

Size: 60 Caplets

A Powerful Breakthrough in Immune System Science!

A Shaklee exclusive, NutriFeron is a patented, clinically proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. When used daily, it increases the production of your body’s natural interferon, a critical activator of the immune system. NutriFeron works at the cellular level, by rapidly activating your immune system’s defenses*


My Personal Experience
 
First time I saw NutriFeron® at the International Convention in Chicago several years ago. The product was just introduced, and we, conference attendees, received a bottle as a gift. Just like many suspicious people, I "sat" on this bottle for several months before I started using it. Meanwhile, I was experiencing all the "joys" of seasonal flu that winter. A breakthrough in my thinking and habits came after I listened to medical professionals introduce this product again at a local conference.

Currently, NutriFeron® is a staple in our household. Even while working in the environment where everyone was sneezing and coughing openly, for the past five years I did not have any flu symptoms. Neither did my mom, and she is of very respectable age. That's what is so impressive about the SAKLE. All company products deliver on the promises given to the customers.

It was not so difficult to readjust our budget to spend $1 a day for the sake of good health, especially since SHAKLE products are the only health "insurance plan" that I currently have.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Passion

"It’s all about impulse. And intensity. And passion. So no matter what it is or when it strikes your fancy, if you want it, you’ll go after it — and you’ll get it, too. You know how you get when you’re even remotely interested in something ..."

Thursday, March 4, 2010

How to Improve Your Immune System with Shaklee

Attend Dr. M. Nasr Lecture:

How to Improve Your Immune System With Nutrition With Shaklee: Soy Protein, DTXDTX, Vitalizer, VIVIX, OmegaGuard & Zinc

Presented by Dr. Mohamed Nasr M.D., A.B.H.M.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 7:30 P.M.

NEW LOCATION:>>>> Hotel Indego, 920 East Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60074
(On the NW corner of the ILL Rt. 53 & Northwest Highway Intersection)

Tickets, to cover room cost, are $5 at the door.
Contact: Doris Johnson dorisonmorris@sbcglobal.net

Dr. Nasr recommends that his patients use Shaklee Products
(Next Lecture On May 18, 2010, Subject will be: “The Cancer Epidemic”)

Dr. Nasr has a B.S in Agronomy; M.S. in Biochemistry of anti-oxidants and a PH.D.
In Pharmacognosy (science of bio-active products.) He received his M.D. from Rush
Medical College in Chicago, followed by Internal Medicine and Cardiology fellowships
at Chicago Medical School. He is a member of the American College of
Nutraceuticals and the American College of Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Nasr is Director of the Medical Care & Diagnostic Center, Lake Villa, IL
He is a member of Shaklee Science Field Support Team 03/01/10PRP

Invitation from
Daiva Skuodyte,
Independent Shaklee Distributor ID ZH01481
Please contact me with your questions and comments: vervelink@gmail.com

Monday, March 1, 2010

HYPOGLYCEMIA

Staying up way past midnight is not new to me. Some days I am a morning person, and other days I am an “owl.” Days are so short, and there is so much to do. I finally dosed off way past midnight. Yet, shortly after, I bolted out of my bed and looked at the clock. It’s 3:25 A.M. I keep hearing the same phrase being repeated over and over again. I heard it in my dream and I keep hearing it now. Later, I would marvel how it was possible (I am a deep sleeper, still…), and now I thank God for this unexplainable connection between our dreams and reality.

It happened again: HYPOGLYCEMIA. The concept, and the ordeal defined by the term unfortunately are too familiar to me and my mom who is suffering from hypoglycemic diabetes (so called brittle diabetes) for more than twenty two years now. I even have bought a very highly scientific book by that name.

“I do not know what is happening, I do not know what is happening… I do not know…”
Fortunately, this morning I do know what is happening. I feel fortunate, because mom does not always say things upon the onset of hypoglycemia. At times it is a quiet departure from this place and time. Other times, seemingly unprovoked anger precedes the ordeal.

I make a mad dash to the fridge, and with a packet of orange juice in my hands return to mom’s room. Fortunately, this time mom does recognize me and is responsive to my offer. She looks disoriented and weak, her hands are clammy, and she breaks out into a soaking cold sweat – these are the few classic symptoms of the hypoglycemic attack. The meter is showing 45. It rarely gets so low. A spoonful of sugar would not hurt too.

When this had happened for the first time, I experienced such severe sudden panic and fear that one emergency staff member turned toward me with a disapproving thrown on her face and said: “why are you crying? She’ll be alright.” Obviously, the woman had had such scene play out in front of her many times while on her daily rounds. Shortly after that incident of hypoglycemic attack it happened again in our home. The second time the paramedics where stern and direct too: “you cannot keep calling ambulance every time this happens.” I got the message, and I will never forget it.

While in the emergency room over night, the staff gave my mom some orange juice and a turkey sandwich. A nurse was very kind to explain to me that this would be the appropriate necessary first aid if this will happen again. Yes, doctors take good care of my mom, and yes, she watches what she eats and takes insulin shots as prescribed. Unfortunately, diabetes is very sneaky illness, and hypoglycemia does happen once in a while. My observation lead me to believe that older people start loosing their good appetite and start eating much less than they supposed to in relation to the insulin doses prescribed. That is a mental note to me.

I have had friends who already lost their parents to diabetes. From their stories I learned that not everyone knows what to do in similar situations. The incidents are truly frightening. It might appear as if a person is dying right in front of your eyes. Without sugar nourishing one’s brain it perhaps might be the final outcome at times when no help is available. To prevent further damage to the brain and to the entire body (what a magnificent system! If only we knew how to maintain it starting at a young age…), one has to act fast.

The reason I am writing about this very personal ordeal in this public journal is to encourage everyone to keep an eye on their relatives and friends who suffer from this illness, especially if they are of respectable age. In my case it was helpful to learn to quickly recognize the signs of hypoglycemic attack, and always, always carry a candy (no sugar free, please) in my pocket, or a packet of orange juice while traveling.

This is one morning that made me really glad that I have no place to rush to. But, boy, do I feel “beat up,” due to lack of sleep. I need enough sleep to be on my best behavior in order to get through each day.

Fortunately for me, I have my SHAKLEE Cinch Energy Tea. Its potent effect will keep me alert, energetic, and positive. I feel that this tea is much gentler on my stomach than a cup of coffee. And it will do the trick of keeping me on my feet all day. I am looking forward to the SHAKLEE opportunity meeting tonight. It is being organized by a constellation of area leaders who generously share their positive energy, sunny attitude and true wisdom of running SHAKLEE business, business that anyone with the right mindset can succeed in. I wonder, if any of my acquaintances and friends will show up, if just out of curiosity to check why “I went bonkers” by joining SHAKLEE as an independent distributor.

Font sizeDisclaimer: This is my personal story. I published it in my public journal with an intention to encourage those who have some similar experience to seek knowledge from their medical professionals. Doctors can provide precise instructions for dealing with hypoglycemic attacks.

Books and Articles

  • Foods that Combat Cancer. The Nutritional Way to Wellness, by Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, Ph.D.
  • Midlife Health. A Woman's Practical Guide to Feeling Good, by Ada P. Kahn & Linda Hughey Holt, M.D.
  • Nutrition Almanac. Better Life Through Better Nutrition, Nutrition Search, Inc. John D. Kirschmann, Director
  • Solved: The Riddle of Osteoporosis, by Stephen E. Langer, M.D. and James F. Scheer
  • Understanding Nutrition, by Whitney, Hamilton, Rolfes

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