The secret behind The Secret
Have you ever asked yourself:
1. Why do some ignorant people become wealthy while many brilliant people remain poor?
2. Why do many people work very hard and are broke while a few work effortlessly and earn millions?
If you're like me, you've spent the better part of your life trying to figure out how to create more income. Maybe not billions or even millions of dollars, but most everyone I know would like to provide more for their family and security for themselves.
I can't count the number of books I've read on the subject or the dollars I've spent on audio tapes, CDs and seminars. I've been confused when two apparently credible teachers gave conflicting advice. I've been frustrated and distraught when I seemingly followed step by step the teachings of the latest guru only to fail miserably. I've been discouraged and depressed when it appeared that I'd never find the true means to achieve what I sought for me and my family.
To finally discover a method of creating wealth that was based on precise scientific laws and eternal truths was literally a dream come true.
It all started with a program I was introduced to by Bob Proctor, but more on that in a minute.
The back story, as it were, is just as interesting. Because Australian filmmaker Rhonda Byrne was so influenced by the very same teaching that changed my life, that she conceived of and then produced the mega-successful DVD and subsequent book of "The Secret."
It's all based on a "little green book" that's more than 100 years old (no, it's not "As A Man Thinketh," but you'll see many of the same principles at work).
We've posted a four minute video that is well worth watching. You can get the video and "the rest of the story" right here...
As always, thanks for supporting our site :-)
Vic JohnsonFor My Daily Insights
P.S. Stop and think about it. If there's a science for just about everything in the world you can think of, then why shouldn't there be a science for getting rich. That was the first thought I had after I listened to my first lesson. And I can't begin to tell you how excited I got after I realized that not only was that true -- but I had been handed the exact formula that the science was based on. Can I pass the formula on to you? Learn more here...
Sent to you as a courtesy of...
Your friends at AsAManThinketh.netFor a free eBook of James Allens classic:http://www.AsAManThinketh.net
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Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Yahoo! A look inside the world of search from the people at Yahoo!
The "Buzz" on Fourth of JulyOccasionally, I'm a stickler for details. With Independence Day approaching, I thought it would be cool to recreate the first celebration. So, I made a list. Break free from Britain. Have a bonfire on my lawn. Clear my driveway for horse-drawn floats. Stock the feast rum, salted meat, fish, and more rum. Persuade New York to release all its debtors from prison.
Well, I don't have a driveway, so I'm celebrating the new-fangled American way with picnics, parades and, naturally, pyrotechnics.
Enthusiasm for fireworks though, seems a little mixed and it's not because the Fourth falls on a hump day this year. As we noted in our annual Buzz log nod to the Fourth, anticipation for the Fourth of July in the past six months has been 30% higher than in 2006. Yet, recent "fireworks" look-ups are a full 33% lower than last year.
However, tally up all those DIY queries for fireworks stores and specific sellers like phantom fireworks, and the numbers show that interest in our grand explosive tradition hasn't necessarily fizzled out. Yes, guys still tend to be the primary pyros, driving six out of 10 searches. Not that I can prove it, but I suspect it's the boys responsible for all the homemade fireworks searches.
The Buzz has also been tracking a surge for pies. For the most part, apple has been the filling of choice in Search... but we've had a last-minute upset. No, I dare not impugn the wholesome pomaceous fruit and its role in the most American of delicacies, but in the past week, key lime pie has squeezed past to get to the top of the pie heap. And yes, cherry pie is still staying strong in the mix.
As for the heart and soul of July Fourth, I'm happy to report that the patriotic spirit is alive and well. We've tracked searches that look into historical figures and places, clothing and tattoos, decorating the homestead and making crafts, and how to sing songs and recite poetry that shows our love of the motherland. Interestingly, public interest in the Patriot Act picked up noticeably in June. Curiosity and debate about Patriot Act summary, Patriot Act pros and cons and the like shows how Search has become part of the democratic process, and underscores how we the citizenry continue to involve ourselves in the workings of our republic.
However you choose to declare your independence, you won't be alone. Happy Fourth of July.
Vera ChanSenior Buzz Team EditorYahoo! Search
The "Buzz" on Fourth of JulyOccasionally, I'm a stickler for details. With Independence Day approaching, I thought it would be cool to recreate the first celebration. So, I made a list. Break free from Britain. Have a bonfire on my lawn. Clear my driveway for horse-drawn floats. Stock the feast rum, salted meat, fish, and more rum. Persuade New York to release all its debtors from prison.
Well, I don't have a driveway, so I'm celebrating the new-fangled American way with picnics, parades and, naturally, pyrotechnics.
Enthusiasm for fireworks though, seems a little mixed and it's not because the Fourth falls on a hump day this year. As we noted in our annual Buzz log nod to the Fourth, anticipation for the Fourth of July in the past six months has been 30% higher than in 2006. Yet, recent "fireworks" look-ups are a full 33% lower than last year.
However, tally up all those DIY queries for fireworks stores and specific sellers like phantom fireworks, and the numbers show that interest in our grand explosive tradition hasn't necessarily fizzled out. Yes, guys still tend to be the primary pyros, driving six out of 10 searches. Not that I can prove it, but I suspect it's the boys responsible for all the homemade fireworks searches.
The Buzz has also been tracking a surge for pies. For the most part, apple has been the filling of choice in Search... but we've had a last-minute upset. No, I dare not impugn the wholesome pomaceous fruit and its role in the most American of delicacies, but in the past week, key lime pie has squeezed past to get to the top of the pie heap. And yes, cherry pie is still staying strong in the mix.
As for the heart and soul of July Fourth, I'm happy to report that the patriotic spirit is alive and well. We've tracked searches that look into historical figures and places, clothing and tattoos, decorating the homestead and making crafts, and how to sing songs and recite poetry that shows our love of the motherland. Interestingly, public interest in the Patriot Act picked up noticeably in June. Curiosity and debate about Patriot Act summary, Patriot Act pros and cons and the like shows how Search has become part of the democratic process, and underscores how we the citizenry continue to involve ourselves in the workings of our republic.
However you choose to declare your independence, you won't be alone. Happy Fourth of July.
Vera ChanSenior Buzz Team EditorYahoo! Search
Friday, July 6, 2007
How can I find breast cancer early?
How can I find breast cancer early?
The best way to find breast lumps that may be cancer is to do 3 things:
Have regular mammograms.
Have your doctor check your breasts.
Check your breasts yourself every month.
Doing all of these things gives you the best chance to find cancer as early as you can. Finding breast cancer early makes treatment much easier and more effective. More than 90 out of 100 women whose breast cancer is found early will be cured.
Return to top
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is the most effective way to find breast cancer early, up to 2 years before the lump is even large enough to feel. A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray of your breasts. The amount of radiation used in the x-ray is very small. Mammograms detect cancer because cancer is denser (thicker) than the normal part of the breast. A radiologist will look at the x-rays for signs of cancer or other breast problems.
Return to top
How is a mammogram performed?
Your breast will rest on a shelf and the x-ray machine will be slowly pressed against your breast until you feel pressure. This pressure is needed to spread your breast out so that a better x-ray can be taken. The x-ray takes just 1 or 2 minutes, and the entire process usually takes no more than about 20 minutes.
Do mammograms hurt?
Mammograms can be uncomfortable. But they don't take very long. You may find that planning to have your mammogram shortly after your period makes it less uncomfortable. Your breasts may be less tender at this time.
Return to top
How often should I get a mammogram?
Women age 40 and over should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. If you have risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may want you to have mammograms more often or start having them sooner.
Return to top
How often should my doctor check my breasts?
Every 1 to 2 years beginning when you're 20. Talk with your doctor when it's time for your breasts to be checked.
Return to top
How often should I check my breasts?
Every month beginning at about age 20. At this early age, any small lumps are probably just normal breast glands and ducts. Over time you will get used to how your breasts normally feel so that you're able to tell if a new lump appears. Check your breasts a few days after your period when your breasts aren't so sore. If you don't have periods or if they come at varying times, check your breasts at the same time every month.
Return to top
How do I check for lumps?
Start by standing in front of a mirror. Look at your breasts with your arms at your side, with your arms raised behind your head, and with your arms on your hips and your chest muscles flexed.
Next, lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder. Put your left hand behind your head and feel your left breast with the pads of the 3 middle fingers on your right hand. Start at the outer edge and work around your breast in circles, getting closer to your nipple with each circle. After you've finished checking your breast, squeeze your nipple gently and look for discharge (fluid coming out of the nipple).
Do the same thing to your right breast with a pillow under your right shoulder.
Be sure to include the area up to your collarbone and out to your armpit. You have lymph nodes in this area. Cancer can spread to lymph node tissue.
यू कैन Changes to look for in your breasts
Any new lump (which may or may not be painful or tender)
Unusual thickening of your breasts
Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples
Any changes in the skin of your nipples or breasts, such as puckering or dimpling
An unusual increase in the size of one breast
One breast unusually lower than the other
The best way to find breast lumps that may be cancer is to do 3 things:
Have regular mammograms.
Have your doctor check your breasts.
Check your breasts yourself every month.
Doing all of these things gives you the best chance to find cancer as early as you can. Finding breast cancer early makes treatment much easier and more effective. More than 90 out of 100 women whose breast cancer is found early will be cured.
Return to top
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is the most effective way to find breast cancer early, up to 2 years before the lump is even large enough to feel. A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray of your breasts. The amount of radiation used in the x-ray is very small. Mammograms detect cancer because cancer is denser (thicker) than the normal part of the breast. A radiologist will look at the x-rays for signs of cancer or other breast problems.
Return to top
How is a mammogram performed?
Your breast will rest on a shelf and the x-ray machine will be slowly pressed against your breast until you feel pressure. This pressure is needed to spread your breast out so that a better x-ray can be taken. The x-ray takes just 1 or 2 minutes, and the entire process usually takes no more than about 20 minutes.
Do mammograms hurt?
Mammograms can be uncomfortable. But they don't take very long. You may find that planning to have your mammogram shortly after your period makes it less uncomfortable. Your breasts may be less tender at this time.
Return to top
How often should I get a mammogram?
Women age 40 and over should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. If you have risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may want you to have mammograms more often or start having them sooner.
Return to top
How often should my doctor check my breasts?
Every 1 to 2 years beginning when you're 20. Talk with your doctor when it's time for your breasts to be checked.
Return to top
How often should I check my breasts?
Every month beginning at about age 20. At this early age, any small lumps are probably just normal breast glands and ducts. Over time you will get used to how your breasts normally feel so that you're able to tell if a new lump appears. Check your breasts a few days after your period when your breasts aren't so sore. If you don't have periods or if they come at varying times, check your breasts at the same time every month.
Return to top
How do I check for lumps?
Start by standing in front of a mirror. Look at your breasts with your arms at your side, with your arms raised behind your head, and with your arms on your hips and your chest muscles flexed.
Next, lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder. Put your left hand behind your head and feel your left breast with the pads of the 3 middle fingers on your right hand. Start at the outer edge and work around your breast in circles, getting closer to your nipple with each circle. After you've finished checking your breast, squeeze your nipple gently and look for discharge (fluid coming out of the nipple).
Do the same thing to your right breast with a pillow under your right shoulder.
Be sure to include the area up to your collarbone and out to your armpit. You have lymph nodes in this area. Cancer can spread to lymph node tissue.
यू कैन Changes to look for in your breasts
Any new lump (which may or may not be painful or tender)
Unusual thickening of your breasts
Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples
Any changes in the skin of your nipples or breasts, such as puckering or dimpling
An unusual increase in the size of one breast
One breast unusually lower than the other
Care is Better If You Have Several Illnesses
Care is Better If You Have Several Illnesses
You might think, with all the recent criticism of health care in the USA, that having more than one serious condition would put you at greater risk for poor treatment and nursing; with too much to take care of, one or other of your health problems could be neglected.
Wrong! A report in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the opposite is the case. Three studies of medical care quality provided a total of 7,680 patients. The studies were the Community Quality Index study (6,712 adults living in 12 metropolitan areas across the United States), the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders study (372 vulnerable older patients, defined as community-dwelling persons ages 65 and older who were at increased risk for death or functional decline), and the Veterans Health Administration project (596 male veterans ages 35 and older who were receiving care at 26 clinical sites).
The quality of care was defined as the percentage of quality indicators that were satisfied for each patient. With each additional medical condition, the average quality scores rose – by 2.2%, 1.7%, and 1.7% in the three studies, respectively. There was little, if any, effect of the difficulty of delivering the recommended care on these results. This is good news, reflecting on the quality of health care in different communities. Maybe our health system isn’t quite as bad as everyone makes out.
You might think, with all the recent criticism of health care in the USA, that having more than one serious condition would put you at greater risk for poor treatment and nursing; with too much to take care of, one or other of your health problems could be neglected.
Wrong! A report in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the opposite is the case. Three studies of medical care quality provided a total of 7,680 patients. The studies were the Community Quality Index study (6,712 adults living in 12 metropolitan areas across the United States), the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders study (372 vulnerable older patients, defined as community-dwelling persons ages 65 and older who were at increased risk for death or functional decline), and the Veterans Health Administration project (596 male veterans ages 35 and older who were receiving care at 26 clinical sites).
The quality of care was defined as the percentage of quality indicators that were satisfied for each patient. With each additional medical condition, the average quality scores rose – by 2.2%, 1.7%, and 1.7% in the three studies, respectively. There was little, if any, effect of the difficulty of delivering the recommended care on these results. This is good news, reflecting on the quality of health care in different communities. Maybe our health system isn’t quite as bad as everyone makes out.
ओवारियन कैंसर ऑफ़ थे breas
The Symptom Complex of Ovarian Cancer
In December 2000 I wrote an article, which was posted on HealthandAge.com, drawing attention to the serious delay in the diagnosis, and thus treatment, of ovarian cancer. The quoted study in the journal Cancer listed 7 key symptoms, each reported in at least 25% of victims: abdominal bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion, frequent urination, pelvic pain, and constipation. My article was titled “Attention Must Be Paid”, but obviously it hasn’t had widespread effect.
A consensus statement was recently issued by the US Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the American Cancer Society, listing 4 cardinal symptoms: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly or difficulty eating, and frequent or urgent urination। These aren’t very different from those reported in the first study, seven years ago. The statement recommends that women see a gynecologist if they experience any of these symptoms almost every day for longer than 2 or 3 weeks. They go on to say “It is too soon to tell whether the new measures will work or whether they will lead to a flood of diagnostic tests or even unnecessary operations." If by “working” they mean earlier diagnosis of this otherwise lethal condition, I believe gynecologists and health proving organizations will welcome the recommendation, even if it leads to a “flood of diagnostic tests”. Cancer of the ovary is too serious for patients to be forced into a wait-and-see situation.
In December 2000 I wrote an article, which was posted on HealthandAge.com, drawing attention to the serious delay in the diagnosis, and thus treatment, of ovarian cancer. The quoted study in the journal Cancer listed 7 key symptoms, each reported in at least 25% of victims: abdominal bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion, frequent urination, pelvic pain, and constipation. My article was titled “Attention Must Be Paid”, but obviously it hasn’t had widespread effect.
A consensus statement was recently issued by the US Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the American Cancer Society, listing 4 cardinal symptoms: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly or difficulty eating, and frequent or urgent urination। These aren’t very different from those reported in the first study, seven years ago. The statement recommends that women see a gynecologist if they experience any of these symptoms almost every day for longer than 2 or 3 weeks. They go on to say “It is too soon to tell whether the new measures will work or whether they will lead to a flood of diagnostic tests or even unnecessary operations." If by “working” they mean earlier diagnosis of this otherwise lethal condition, I believe gynecologists and health proving organizations will welcome the recommendation, even if it leads to a “flood of diagnostic tests”. Cancer of the ovary is too serious for patients to be forced into a wait-and-see situation.
Monday, May 28, 2007
What are organic foods?
What are organic foods?
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers, bio-engineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, eliminate the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.
As of October 21, 2002, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled organic must meet, whether it is grown domestically or imported from other countries. To determine whether a food meets the USDA's standards, a U.S. Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the necessary rules. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets distributed to stores or restaurants must be certified as well.
Organic foods of all kinds have nutritional characteristics similar to their conventionally produced counterparts. Essentially the same amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber in a glass of organic milk is found in a glass of milk produced non-organically.
What types of organic products exist? Organic foods are available in all food groups.
Organic vegetables, fruits, and grains:
Any certified organic plant product must come from fields that have remained free of chemical application of fertilizers and pesticides for at least three years, and must follow regulations outlined above.
Foods grown on lands not yet meeting organic standards may receive a "transitional" label if they follow the strict requirements for conversion.
All crops have specific regulations for post-harvest handling; this results in a paper trail that includes the date of sale, purchase, and origin of the commodity.
Organic dairy products:
Milk from all dairy animals, including cows, goats, and sheep, may be certified organic. Certified organic products cover nearly the full dairy spectrum, including milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and more.
At no time may organic milk be blended or otherwise come into contact with non-organic milk.
Standard hygiene and dairy safety procedures are followed, including pasteurization. Certification requires humane treatment of the animals, clean water and bedding, and access to the out-of-doors for pasture, exercise, and fresh air.
To qualify for organic certification, a dairy farmer must feed 100% certified organic feed produced on land untreated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for at least three seasons prior to harvesting the crop.
The farm on which the herd is pastured must be certified organic as well. In addition, organic dairy products must be free of drugs, including growth hormones or antibiotics.
Organic meat and poultry:
Organic provisions require animals to be raised without receiving antibiotics, hormones, or growth stimulants.
Humane treatment and access to the out-of-doors are stipulated, and the animals must be fed 100% certified organic feed and must graze in certified organic pastures.
All meat and poultry processing must be done according to strict USDA standards in a plant certified and regularly inspected for organic production. Animals designated for dairy may not be sold for slaughter.
At the packing plant, animals are isolated from conventional herds and fed organically. Few plants process exclusively organic products, so the entire line is cleaned to organic specifications before any meat or poultry product is run.
Is organic food better-tasting or more nutritious? The USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is better tasting or more nutritious than conventionally produced food, only that it is grown, handled, and processed differently. Many people believe organic produce has an excellent taste; some believe it contains more nutrients. Hundreds of chefs across the country use organic produce because they think it both tastes better and helps create agriculture sustainable for generations to come.
Why does organic food cost more? Organic agriculture is not subsidized to the same extent as conventional agriculture, and organic practices, such as hand weeding, are often labor-intensive, and therefore more expensive. Organic farms and industry are also generally small, so they cannot take advantage of economies of scale. Organic agriculture utilizes conservation practices that protect soil, water, and air; while they do cost more, those who employ and support these practices view the extra cost as an investment in the future.
One way to get the best prices when purchasing organic products is to buy organically grown fruits and vegetables at the peak of the local growing season. In addition, many health food stores, large and small, have bulk sections, particularly for grains; buying products in bulk and dividing among families may also provide a cost savings.
What is organic certification? The certified organic label is the consumer’s guarantee the product has been produced according to the USDA's specific national standards for farmers and food handling organizations.
All these standards must be met for certification:
A public or private certifying organization conducts annual inspections of farms and food handlers and periodic testing of soil and water to verify that a farm meets or exceeds defined standards.
Organic farmers are required to keep detailed records of purchases and practices, which inspection agencies examine systematically. All farmers and handlers are also required to maintain written organic management plans.
Most farms are required to farm organically for at least three years before the food they produce can be labeled certified organic. An exception to this rule are farms that have not been growing organic products for the past three years, but that have not used unapproved chemicals during that time either. All farms, however, must have been under the supervision of a certification agency for the past 12 months before producing food that can be labeled certified organic.
No prohibited substances may be applied to the land during that period.
Not more than 5% of any organic-labeled processed food may contain non-organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).
How can I tell whether food has met the USDA's national standards for organic food? Along with the national organic standards, the USDA has developed strict new labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA organic seal, increasingly common after October 2002, indicates a product is at least 95% organic.
Use of the seal is voluntary, however, farmers who knowingly sell a product labeled organic that fails to meet USDA standards can be fined up to $10,000 for each violation.
from www.dollarsforum.com
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers, bio-engineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, eliminate the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.
As of October 21, 2002, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled organic must meet, whether it is grown domestically or imported from other countries. To determine whether a food meets the USDA's standards, a U.S. Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the necessary rules. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets distributed to stores or restaurants must be certified as well.
Organic foods of all kinds have nutritional characteristics similar to their conventionally produced counterparts. Essentially the same amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber in a glass of organic milk is found in a glass of milk produced non-organically.
What types of organic products exist? Organic foods are available in all food groups.
Organic vegetables, fruits, and grains:
Any certified organic plant product must come from fields that have remained free of chemical application of fertilizers and pesticides for at least three years, and must follow regulations outlined above.
Foods grown on lands not yet meeting organic standards may receive a "transitional" label if they follow the strict requirements for conversion.
All crops have specific regulations for post-harvest handling; this results in a paper trail that includes the date of sale, purchase, and origin of the commodity.
Organic dairy products:
Milk from all dairy animals, including cows, goats, and sheep, may be certified organic. Certified organic products cover nearly the full dairy spectrum, including milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and more.
At no time may organic milk be blended or otherwise come into contact with non-organic milk.
Standard hygiene and dairy safety procedures are followed, including pasteurization. Certification requires humane treatment of the animals, clean water and bedding, and access to the out-of-doors for pasture, exercise, and fresh air.
To qualify for organic certification, a dairy farmer must feed 100% certified organic feed produced on land untreated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for at least three seasons prior to harvesting the crop.
The farm on which the herd is pastured must be certified organic as well. In addition, organic dairy products must be free of drugs, including growth hormones or antibiotics.
Organic meat and poultry:
Organic provisions require animals to be raised without receiving antibiotics, hormones, or growth stimulants.
Humane treatment and access to the out-of-doors are stipulated, and the animals must be fed 100% certified organic feed and must graze in certified organic pastures.
All meat and poultry processing must be done according to strict USDA standards in a plant certified and regularly inspected for organic production. Animals designated for dairy may not be sold for slaughter.
At the packing plant, animals are isolated from conventional herds and fed organically. Few plants process exclusively organic products, so the entire line is cleaned to organic specifications before any meat or poultry product is run.
Is organic food better-tasting or more nutritious? The USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is better tasting or more nutritious than conventionally produced food, only that it is grown, handled, and processed differently. Many people believe organic produce has an excellent taste; some believe it contains more nutrients. Hundreds of chefs across the country use organic produce because they think it both tastes better and helps create agriculture sustainable for generations to come.
Why does organic food cost more? Organic agriculture is not subsidized to the same extent as conventional agriculture, and organic practices, such as hand weeding, are often labor-intensive, and therefore more expensive. Organic farms and industry are also generally small, so they cannot take advantage of economies of scale. Organic agriculture utilizes conservation practices that protect soil, water, and air; while they do cost more, those who employ and support these practices view the extra cost as an investment in the future.
One way to get the best prices when purchasing organic products is to buy organically grown fruits and vegetables at the peak of the local growing season. In addition, many health food stores, large and small, have bulk sections, particularly for grains; buying products in bulk and dividing among families may also provide a cost savings.
What is organic certification? The certified organic label is the consumer’s guarantee the product has been produced according to the USDA's specific national standards for farmers and food handling organizations.
All these standards must be met for certification:
A public or private certifying organization conducts annual inspections of farms and food handlers and periodic testing of soil and water to verify that a farm meets or exceeds defined standards.
Organic farmers are required to keep detailed records of purchases and practices, which inspection agencies examine systematically. All farmers and handlers are also required to maintain written organic management plans.
Most farms are required to farm organically for at least three years before the food they produce can be labeled certified organic. An exception to this rule are farms that have not been growing organic products for the past three years, but that have not used unapproved chemicals during that time either. All farms, however, must have been under the supervision of a certification agency for the past 12 months before producing food that can be labeled certified organic.
No prohibited substances may be applied to the land during that period.
Not more than 5% of any organic-labeled processed food may contain non-organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).
How can I tell whether food has met the USDA's national standards for organic food? Along with the national organic standards, the USDA has developed strict new labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA organic seal, increasingly common after October 2002, indicates a product is at least 95% organic.
Use of the seal is voluntary, however, farmers who knowingly sell a product labeled organic that fails to meet USDA standards can be fined up to $10,000 for each violation.
from www.dollarsforum.com
Thin babies 'face diabetes risk'
Thin babies 'face diabetes risk'
Low weight babies may be most at riskThin babies may have a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life, according to a study.
Scientists say the problem seems to occur if they gain weight too quickly as they grow older.
Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, they urged doctors to monitor children's weight more carefully.
"It is the thin two-year-old not the fat one who faces the greater risk," said Professor David Barker of Southampton University.
Soaring rates
The number of people being diagnosed with diabetes around the world has rocketed in recent years.
In the UK, an estimated two million people have the disease. Globally, the figure is 150 million. This is expected to rise to 200 million by the end of the decade.
One of the countries with the biggest problems is India. In 2000, almost 25 million Indians had been diagnosed with diabetes. That is predicted to rise to 40 million by 2010.
This knowledge will be useful in fighting the diabetes epidemic worldwide
Professor David Barker Scientists from the UK and India teamed up to carry out this latest study.
They traced nearly 1,500 residents of a community in South Delhi, who as children had taken part in a study looking at childhood growth more than 20 years ago.
The scientists found that more than 15% had high blood sugar levels, a major risk factor for diabetes. A further 4% had diabetes.
The scientists discovered that people with these conditions generally had low birth weights and remained thin during infancy.
However, after the age of two they all started to gain weight rapidly.
None was obese during childhood. However, their weight gain continued into adulthood and many became overweight or obese.
The later in life the child began to gain weight the lower their risk of developing diabetes.
The scientists said the findings may explain why India, in particular, is seeing a sharp rise in the disease.
In the past undernourished babies were born into poor families with limited access to food.
In recent years, the country and its people have become richer and many low weight babies are now born into families with a plentiful supply of food.
This problem is compounded by the fact that youngsters, like those in many other countries, are less active than previous generations causing them to gain weight more quickly.
'Diabetes epidemic'
Professor Barker said the findings may have global implications.
"This knowledge will be useful in fighting the diabetes epidemic worldwide, but it is particularly important in developing countries like India, where although diabetes is rapidly becoming a major health concern, public health messages still focus on reducing childhood 'under nutrition'.
"It should also help the UK understand why British Asians have such poor heart health."
Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, welcomed the research.
"This is a ground-breaking step forward in shackling the rising threat of diabetes in India and the rest of the world."
from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3487120.stm
Low weight babies may be most at riskThin babies may have a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life, according to a study.
Scientists say the problem seems to occur if they gain weight too quickly as they grow older.
Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, they urged doctors to monitor children's weight more carefully.
"It is the thin two-year-old not the fat one who faces the greater risk," said Professor David Barker of Southampton University.
Soaring rates
The number of people being diagnosed with diabetes around the world has rocketed in recent years.
In the UK, an estimated two million people have the disease. Globally, the figure is 150 million. This is expected to rise to 200 million by the end of the decade.
One of the countries with the biggest problems is India. In 2000, almost 25 million Indians had been diagnosed with diabetes. That is predicted to rise to 40 million by 2010.
This knowledge will be useful in fighting the diabetes epidemic worldwide
Professor David Barker Scientists from the UK and India teamed up to carry out this latest study.
They traced nearly 1,500 residents of a community in South Delhi, who as children had taken part in a study looking at childhood growth more than 20 years ago.
The scientists found that more than 15% had high blood sugar levels, a major risk factor for diabetes. A further 4% had diabetes.
The scientists discovered that people with these conditions generally had low birth weights and remained thin during infancy.
However, after the age of two they all started to gain weight rapidly.
None was obese during childhood. However, their weight gain continued into adulthood and many became overweight or obese.
The later in life the child began to gain weight the lower their risk of developing diabetes.
The scientists said the findings may explain why India, in particular, is seeing a sharp rise in the disease.
In the past undernourished babies were born into poor families with limited access to food.
In recent years, the country and its people have become richer and many low weight babies are now born into families with a plentiful supply of food.
This problem is compounded by the fact that youngsters, like those in many other countries, are less active than previous generations causing them to gain weight more quickly.
'Diabetes epidemic'
Professor Barker said the findings may have global implications.
"This knowledge will be useful in fighting the diabetes epidemic worldwide, but it is particularly important in developing countries like India, where although diabetes is rapidly becoming a major health concern, public health messages still focus on reducing childhood 'under nutrition'.
"It should also help the UK understand why British Asians have such poor heart health."
Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, welcomed the research.
"This is a ground-breaking step forward in shackling the rising threat of diabetes in India and the rest of the world."
from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3487120.stm
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