General Health Support Tips * Nutritional & Herbal *

Looking Ahead

We're about a month into the New Year and many people have left their resolutions behind. What happens to make us so hopeful and proactive one week and defeated the next? The stressors of life are great, but that's no reason to give up on becoming a happier, healthier person. Here's some inspiration and tips to get you back on the road to personal success in 2010.

Don't let Poor Indoor Air Quality Rain on Your Parade

Winter weather forces many of us to spend more time indoors. While curling up by the fire and watching movies sounds cozy, it may surprise you to know how unhealthy indoor air can be. On average, we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, 65 percent of which is in our own home. In fact, indoor air is often more polluted than the air outdoors because it is filled with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as bio-effluents, smoke, building materials, paints, cooking odors and cleaning supplies. Here's a closer look at "how indoor air pollution works." Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "Inside Story" on indoor air quality (IAQ) for more information about the risks. The EPA also gives three basic strategies to people looking for ways to improve IAQ in their home. One of those suggestions involves increasing ventilation, which helps when you have an energy-saving, in-home IAQ monitor with demand-controlled ventilation. For more information about the importance of VOC detection and real-life examples of how IAQ sensors have succeeded in facilities, take a look at how one company is advancing IAQ sensor technology.

Set Sail without Getting Sick

For those of you looking to get a bit more fresh air this winter, a cruise might be a good option. Before you book your voyage, make sure you check out the official health score of your cruise line. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program works with the cruise ship industry to prevent and control the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships. A list of the most recent inspection scores can be found at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp. Here are some tips for staying healthy on your cruise:

• Wash your hands frequently
• If you get sick:
  • ...before the cruise, consult a doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to sail. If the advice is to stay home, ask the cruise line if there are alternate voyage dates, credits, etc.
  • ...after the cruise, report your illness to the ship's medical facility and follow their recommendations
• While on the cruise, pay attention to the cleanliness of the food service and avoid eating or drinking anything you think could make you ill.

Courtesy of CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program

Disaster Preparedness

With the recent earthquake in Haiti on everyone's minds, disaster preparedness is getting more attention. Did you know that being in better physical shape could help improve your chances of surviving a rough or dangerous situation? For example, after an earthquake or natural disaster, having the strength to lift yourself out from under the rubble or run quickly out of a collapsing building could spare you from injury or death. Plus you'll be in better shape to help others. Here's how to work your way to better health and physical fitness:

• Start going for walks before work or after dinner
• Prepare healthy meals like pear cobbler oatmeal or lentil chili
• Try yoga or Pilates for a gentle workout that really tones and stretches your muscles
• Invest in a good juicer to easily get your daily recommended fruits and veggies
• Take a disaster preparedness class, especially for events or natural disasters that may be common in your area
• Have an extra supply of Get Well Natural supplements on hand to ensure that your immune system is naturally supported*

Haiti needs your help! A simple text message contributes $10 to the Red Cross relief effort, billed to your cell phone bill. Here's how to contribute:

1. Text the word HAITI to 90999 to give $10.
2. When prompted, reply with YES to confirm your one-time gift.
3. The $10 one-time donation will appear on your next mobile bill
4. Receipts can be printed at mGive.org/receipt