Whether they’re on the slopes, skating, or playing hockey, winter sports require some extra TLC by keeping skin protected, noses moisturized and free from congestion, and ears clear. It also means carpools and safely transporting kids in the car, a bag to tote things around, and of course mom and dad need to keep hot drinks handy and snacks on hand too. We’ve got the products to keep you ready for those winter sports outings!

 

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Chapped skin a real concern for winter athletics. Olen Cosmetics has created *the* best solution to this dilemma with their Baby Butz Cream. Not only the safest and most effective diaper rash treatment available without a prescription it’s perfect to use for chapped skin and to protect against the elements. 100% natural ingredients and 30% zinc oxide. Used in hospital neonatal units and many pediatricians hand out samples plus medical professionals have endorsed this cream. No Chemicals, no Alcohol, no perfumes and hypoallergenic.

Age range: Birth+

MSRP: $12.99 (4 ounces), $7.99 (2 ounces)

Available online: www.Amazon.com

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CLEARinse helps keep nasal passages clear and moisturized as winter dry air can do a number on little (and big!) noses. CLEARinse is a drug-free, all-natural solution for optimal nasal health. It uses pure saline and a custom pump system, recommended by doctors, that creates similar flow and pressure settings used in doctors’ offices and hospitals to clear stuffy noses and sinuses. Safe for the whole family!

Age range: 1 month+

MSRP: $49.99

Available online: www.CVS.com

 

Image Image result for clear ear oto tip

Some kids like to wear earbuds when doing winter athletics which can impact earwax. ClearEar keeps ears clean and free from debris in a safe way. Oto-Tip's patented spiral spin technology offers a safe, simple method to clean ears daily that removes ear wax without the risk of damage to the ear canal or ear drums, enabling you to enjoy the sounds around you. Safe for kids and adults.

Age range:  3+ Years

MSRP: $49.99

Available online: www.CVS.com

Simple Stopwatch

Every kid needs a stopwatch when doing athletics and Learning Resources has one that every kid will love! Their Simple Stopwatch is great for races, games and other timed activities plus it’s easy to use, making it perfect for both children and adults.  Features only 3 buttons—green for go, red for stop, and yellow for clear. Shows minutes, seconds and 1/100 seconds on an easy–to–read display. Measures 3"H and requires one 1.5V button-cell battery which is included.

Age range: 5 years+

MSRP: $10.41

Available online: www.Amazon.com

 

ImageMain Image - TWELVElittle Quilted Water Resistant Nylon Diaper Backpack

TWELVElittle’s Companion Backpack is perfect to tote everything you need while shuttling kids to and from every winter activity imaginable. Their new diamond quilt backpack is made with soft and lightweight water-resistant material. The Companion Backpack is a must-have for moms who seek fashion forward style and maximum comfort. The spacious main compartment allows room for all essentials, and with multiple exterior and interior pockets, organization is simply effortless.

  • Water-resistant smooth nylon and leather trim.
  • Six exterior pockets including two insulated bottle pockets, and five interior pockets for maximum organization.
  • Extremely light-weight and comfortable to carry - has padded backpack panel and ergonomically shaped straps.
  • Includes a machine-washable changing pad and a "Dirty Little Secret" pocket, which is a hidden pocket to stash away dirty items such as soiled diapers or clothes.
  • Free of harsh chemicals such as PVC and BPA.

Available Colors: Black, Pewter and Leopard

Age range:  13 years+

MSRP: $189.00

Available online: www.Shop.Nordstrom.com

 

KafeInTheBox

 

It’s totally hip to be square! Precidio Design Inc., a manufacturer of on-the-go beverage and food-friendly products introduces their Kafé in the Box. A new and unique coffee, hot chocolate, and tea traveler, with its square design, clear Tritan™ window, and double walled design. Lighter than a stainless carrier, Kafé in the Box is perfect to reduce the use of disposable coffee cups while on the go with the kids and it won’t spill!

Product Features + Benefits:

  • Double wall insulation
  • BPA, BPS and Phthalate Free
  • Splash-proof lid, removable sliding tab top
  • Super tough Tritan™ material
  • Fits standard car cup holders and under cartridge coffee makers
  • Spout sculpted to "hug" your lip as you drink.
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Straw compatible

Age range: adult

Available Sizes: 12, 16 oz. Sizes

Available colors: White, Silver, Bronze, Black

MSRP: $15.99 (12 oz.), $17.99 (16 oz.)

Available online: www.Amazon.com

 

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Give the gift of hydration and snacking with Precidio’s Drink in the Box and Snack in the Box! Each sold separately. Drink in the Box is the world's only reusable drink box. It is patented, won't squirt or leak, and helps to hydrate your kids without all the sugar and risk of mold, or impact to the environment of a disposable juice boxes. Snack in the Box is the coolest snack container, featuring two separate chambers that each hold 6 ounces of your favorite dry snack. Using USA-made Tritan, the body lets you fill with two different types of snacks, and the Tritan pop-up lids let you easily pour out the snack from each chamber individually. BPA/BPS and Phthalate Free.

Available Colors: Blue, Pink, Orange, Green and Purple

Age range for both: 3 years +

Drink in the Box Sizes: 8 & 12 oz., MSRP: 8 oz.: $11.99; 12 oz.: $14.99

Snack in the Box Size: 6 oz., MSRP: $9.99

Drink in the Box available online: www.Amazon.com

Snack in the Box available online: www.Amazon.com

 

mifold Booster Comparison

Winter sports means carpools and extra kids to tow. Smart, compact, clean and safe, the mifold® the Grab-and-Go Booster is a super-compact car booster seat perfect for traveling because it folds up and fits into a purse, glove box or luggage which is why its safety and effectiveness is so amazing. The Grab and Go Booster works differently than regular booster seats—instead of boosting the child up to meet the belt, it pulls the belt down into perfect position for your child which makes it safer than traditional boosters. Plus, you have the peace of mind of having a booster with you always that you know is safe, portable, installed in seconds and 10 times smaller than a traditional booster. Perfect for traveling by car!

Age range: 4 years+

MSRP: $44.99

Available online: www.Amazon.com

Dalyn Miller PR Logo

 

DR. ROBIN MILLER

author of

HEALED: Health & Wellness
for the 21st Century
Dr. Robin Miller
New Approaches to a Healthy Life

Talking Points

As Americans scramble to jump on Moon Eating, 30/10, South Beach, Keto or whatever other diet du jour is trending, Integrative medicine physician Dr. Robin Miller, a medical reporter on NBC and regular guest on Dr. Oz, says ditch the fads and look to your gut to get you toward your goals of health and happiness while ditching those extra pounds.

Ten years ago Dr. Miller left mainstream medicine in order to practice the kind of patient-focused medicine she had dreamed of doing in medical school.

I have been frustrated by the lack of options available when it comes to conventional medicine. There are amazing treatments and therapies available these days that have allowed our lifespan to increase. However, often I find I cannot help people as much as I would like because I run out of tools and possibilities.

Healed: Health & Wellness for the 21st CenturyShe began a search to find new, innovative ways to help people achieve balance and wellness, which culminated in the publication of HEALED: Health & Wellness in the 21st Century. Dr. Miller's easily-digestible new book reveals essential information for your mind and body — your keys to happiness and well-being — which will open the door and quickly put you on the path to feeling good and becoming the person you want to be. The book includes vital information on overcoming depression without drugs, living longer and happier (think coffee and chocolate) and improving your sex life (think Scream Cream).

HEALED will take you through the basics of what you need to know to promote your own health and introduce you to the leading edge of new therapies to treat common conditions such as depression, obesity, cancer, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Some solutions actually go all the way back to the beginning of Western medicine while others are just starting to revolutionize care. The book concludes with a surprising form of exercise that is fun, exciting and will help improve just about whatever ails you!

  1. We know that a healthy heart, brain and gut are all essential. Are there new risk factors and treatments we should know about?
  2. What are the keys and evidence to a long and healthy life?
  3. You have been using an approach to depression that does not involve drugs, what is it and how effective is it?
  4. If a patient needs medication for depression, is there an approach for tailoring the medications to the individual?
  5. How does gut health affect our mood and how do we keep it happy?
  6. We often hear about the benefits of coffee, are they true?
  7. What about chocolate, it is good for us?
  8. Medicinal mushrooms have great healing properties. How can they help in the treatment of infection, cancer and dementia?
  9. Is there a natural treatment for cold sores and genital herpes that works?
  10. Is there something new to spice up women’s sex lives? What is scream cream?
  11. Is there an effective way to lose weight without dieting? What is the secret?
  12. Is there an activity that will decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 76%?
  13. Is there a way to improve movement in those with Parkinson’s disease? How does it work?
  14. Is there evidence dance can help with balance, depression and social anxiety?

About Dr. Robin Miller

Dr. Robin Miller – an established author (The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyondand Kids Ask the Doctor), Dr. Miller has gathered the knowledge, insights and anecdotes offered in this book over the course of 33 years of treating patients using the principles of integrative medicine. Board certified in Internal Medicine, she trained with Andrew Weil as an Integrative Medicine Fellow at University of Arizona. She is currently Medical Director of Triune Integrative Medicine, a highly innovative integrative medicine clinic in Medford, Oregon. She blogs regularly for Sharecare.com, an interactive health and wellness website founded in conjunction with Dr. Mehmet Oz, where she serves as Executive Advisory Board member. Robin is also a medical reporter and a regular correspondent for KOBI-5, the NBC affiliate in Southern Oregon.

Social Media Coordinates

facebook   Facebook.com/DocRobinMiller
Facebook.com/Healed
twitter   Twitter.com/RMillerMD
instagram   Instagram.com/drrobinmiller
youtube   YouTube.com/rhmillermd
web   Healed on the Web
Triune Integrative Medicine

Joint Pain? 4 Steps for Recovery from Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term that includes many different categories. It is characterized with inflammation of the joints. There are things that you can do to manage the symptoms. Here are some tips to help you recover from arthritis.

Be Mindful of Your Weight

Many people that suffer from arthritis are overweight. This extra weight adds stress to your body. Your joints may complain about the extra load. Over time, continued stress can cause the ligaments and tendons to stretch. Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate these symptoms. Part of this process involves getting regular exercise. This can increase your mobility and help to reduce the inflammation in your joints. It can also be beneficial to increasing your bone strength. Consider doing non-load bearing exercises. These include things like biking and rowing.

Monitor Your Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet provides your body with the proper vitamins and nutrients. It also makes it easier to maintain your weight when you eat right. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help in reducing inflammation in some cases. They work by helping to reduce collagen degradation. This degradation can lead to the development of arthritis in your cartilage. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids are from nuts, flaxseed, and types of fatty fish. You can also supplement with fish oils. Other supplements that may help are glucosamine and chondroitin.

Consider Pain Management Alternatives

There are pain management techniques that can help to relieve some of your arthritis symptoms. By managing the pain, you can be more active. This can lead to long term relief of your symptoms. Some of these techniques include cold compresses, warm baths, and deep breathing exercises. A study in Australia showed that psychotherapy was effective for those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. There are several research studies that are being conducted that may prove beneficial to those suffering from arthritis.

Supplement with Medications

Medication usage can help to relieve some of the inflammation in the joints. These medications used in conjunction with other types of therapies offer the most promise for recovery. Doctors are learning that some diets are more effective at reducing causes of inflammation those others. The Mediterranean diet has shown some promise in this respect. This might just be a side effect of eating a well-balanced diet. Avoiding foods that are more likely to cause inflammation may be another reason. Consider using a professional arthritis facility, like the Sarasota Arthritis Center, for the latest in treatment options.

Arthritis is not something that only effects the elderly. Use these steps to recover from your arthritis symptoms.

Scrambling for last minute gift ideas this year? Look no further! We have compiled a list of this years hottest products, ranging from home decor, tech, beauty, and gourmet goodies - ALL priced under $40! Perfect for surprise last minute gifts, stocking stuffers, and yourself!


Oojra, the premier home lifestyle brand, adds the final layer of decor for a finished style. The elegant scents, sleek glass bottles, and beautiful quilted boxes create sophisticated gifts for holiday hosts, clients, and loved ones. Oojra's collection of luxurious essential oil reed diffusers and soy candle scents curate beautiful, fresh aroma's. Each scent creates the perfect ambiance for the home, bedroom, powder room, and office. The unique formula of the soy candle is 100% chemical free. Each candle is hand poured, vegan, essential oil based, and non-toxic. The sleek glass diffuser bottles and black matte glass candle votive stylishly accent any room and exude luscious scents, leaving a lasting impression. Retail: $34.99


Doctor Lip Bang: Fill the stockings with gifts everyone will love! The NEW Lip Freak Tints collection and Doctor Lip Bang's Holiday Lip Kits are must-haves! Lip Freak Tints features electrifying shades, buildable, lip nourishing color, and signature, all-natural buzzing balm! Doctor Lip Bang's philosophy believes in embracing and rocking your personal style, spreading positivity, and striving to make the world a better place. Doctor Lip Bang products are available at ULTA, CVS, Amazon, and retailers nationwide. Website: www.lipbang.comRetail: $7.99


Magnetic Smartphone Mount with Bluetooth Remote by ShowOff Your Life: The magnetic mount fits most smartphones and cases creating a Personal Photographer, Body Cam, Dash Cam, & more in seconds. A sleek and thin design, and advanced magnetic technology enabling you to mount your phone to just about any surface, in any situation. The new anti-slip and anti-scuff pads are explicitly designed to keep your phone secure – while capturing unforgettable moments! The pocket-sized Bluetooth remote enables you to take hands-free pictures and videos. PLUS easy, safe, and residue-free removal. Website: www.showoffyourlife.com. Premium Package: $39.99


Personal Alarm with Clip & LED Light: This small but mighty device is perfect for late night walks, early morning runs, and everyday personal security. The Personal Alarm is a lightweight, discreet device while providing powerful protection. With the simple touch of a button, the unit will emit a loud, 120 dB attention-grabbing alarm which can deter attackers and alert anyone within 600 feet of your distress. In addition to the alarm, the gadget includes a bright LED light with three operational modes—flashlight, slow flash, and fast flash. This is the perfect, practical gift for loved ones you want to keep safe all year round. Website: www.sabrered.com. Retail: $14.99


Exclusive 2017 Gourmet Holiday Gift Boxes and Arrangements by GetHappy: The GH Holiday Gift Boxes offer handcrafted artisan chocolates, gourmet caramels, and candies. From hosting to adult and kids gifts, GetHappy has an arrangement for every occasion. The most sought-after collection is the Gourmet Box. Arranged in a beautifully crafted wooden slate box, the Gourmet Box delivers style and one-of-a-kind gourmet goodies. The Gourmet Box is perfect for any loved one on your list or to share at any holiday get together! GetHappy ships anywhere in the continental USA. Website: www.gethappyusa.com. Retail: $20

 

Food and Snacks for Managing Crohn’s and Colitis During the Holidays

Crohn's Disease Awareness

The first full week of December is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. It’s also when the holiday season cranks into high gear. If you have Crohn’s or colitis, this season brings unique challenges for you. If you have a loved one who was recently diagnosed, you might wonder what you can do to help. Let’s take a closer look at both diseases and some ways to make the holidays easier for people who struggle with them.

What Are Crohn’s and Colitis?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two separate conditions, but they cause similar symptoms. Crohn’s disease involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth all the way through the bowels. People with Crohn’s don’t feel like eating and often lose weight. They feel tired and may experience night sweats.

Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon lining. Along with the same fatigue and weight loss associated with Crohn’s disease, colitis symptoms include problems with bowel movements that often involve cramping and pain. It affects as many as 907,000 Americans and can occur at any age.

Both conditions are forms of inflammatory bowel disease and have symptoms that come and go. People who struggle with them report flare-ups. During flare-ups, the gastrointestinal tract becomes extremely inflamed. Some people experience pain, bleeding, and fistulas. Sometimes they have fever or other conditions that require medical attention. A flare-up during the holidays can ruin seasonal cheer.

Why Are Holidays Harder for People With Crohn’s and Colitis?

If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other bowel disease, the holidays can be a difficult time. You’re surrounded by tempting, high-fat food. Everyone around you seems to be indulging in large amounts of everything that causes you problems.

Travel can be difficult at any time of the year. Long hours on the road or in the air make it hard to regulate what goes in your digestive system. Flare-ups might mean you spend hours in pain and have to stick close to the bathroom.

Often your family and friends don’t understand what you’re facing. You look normal and healthy, so they misunderstand your avoidance of certain foods and situations. Often, they pressure you to indulge in things you shouldn’t. What helps them celebrate the holidays might make you end up in the hospital.

How Can Diet Help With Crohn’s or Colitis?

Some foods can trigger a Crohn’s or colitis flare-up. Each person is different, so keep a food diary to identify your triggers. For example, some people with inflammatory bowel diseases are also lactose intolerant. Record whether your symptoms increase when you consume dairy products. If you also have celiac disease, you might need to avoid gluten. Here are some other foods that might cause a problem.

Fried or greasy foods – The fat in fried foods and heavy sauces can’t be fully absorbed in your small intestines.

High fiber foods – For most people, fiber is good. When you have Crohn’s or colitis, avoid them when your symptoms get bad. Eat bread made with refined flour and pasta instead.

Raw nuts and seeds – Nuts can be hard to digest. Instead, choose smooth nut butters like peanut or almond butter. Crackers with nut butter can be a great snack when you are away from home.

Popcorn – Because it’s high in fiber, it can cause a flare-up. When you want something salty and crunchy, try pretzels instead.

Raw fruits and vegetables – These can be tough on your stomach. Try removing the skin from fruits and veggies to reduce the amount of fiber. Most people with Crohn’s and colitis tolerate dried fruits and vegetables well.

Alcohol – It’s everywhere during the holidays, but it can cause painful flare-ups.

When people see the extensive list of what to avoid, they often wonder what’s left. Here are foods to stay nourished without worrying about flare-ups.

  • Almond milk
  • Eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Salmon and other fish
  • Vegetable soup
  • Papaya
  • Hummus
  • White meat
  • Butter lettuce
  • Avocado

How to Help People With Crohn’s and Colitis

If your friends or family members struggle with one of these inflammatory bowel diseases, you don’t want to make the holidays even harder. Here are some things you can do to help.

Offer alternatives at gatherings. Stock non-alcoholic beer or sparkling fruit juice as an alternative to alcoholic beverages. Make sure there are healthy food choices low in fat and fiber. It helps individuals to eat smaller, more frequent meals, so if you have a guest in your home help who suffers from these conditions you can find options.

If you notice them skipping meals, don’t push. They know what’s best for their bodies and may be choosing not to eat so they don’t suffer the painful consequences. If they’re tired, encourage them to rest so they’re refreshed for the next round of festivities.

Another way to help people with Crohn’s and colitis make it through the holidays, and everyday, is to provide healthy vending machine choices in your office, apartment building and any other space appropriate for vending machines. Most vending machines are full of high fat food that isn’t good for anyone, especially someone suffering from Crohn’s or Colitis.

Naturals2Go can help you bring choices to your area with vending machines you can fill with a wide variety of healthy foods. Contact us today to see how you can make money with Naturals2Go vending machines.

Long Work Weeks? 7 Stress-Reducing Activities to Come Home To

 

After a busy and stressful work week, you’ve earned every second of your weekend free time. While it may be tempting to spend your time watching shows online, there are ways you can use your downtime to reduce stress rather than merely recover from it. The following seven activities will help you emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever the next workweek brings your way.

 

Get Moving

Whether you spend your days in front of a computer screen or on your feet, ungluing yourself from the couch is probably the last thing on your mind. At the end of a long week, exercise can do wonders for your mind and body. Even if it’s just a walk or dancing in the kitchen with your family, a little purposeful movement during the weekend will reinvigorate and strengthen you for the week ahead.

 

Make Meals

While you’re in the kitchen dancing, be sure that you’re cooking some healthier meals and snacks. This will provide you with some delicious food to enjoy over the weekend and possibly during the week. Since nutrition plays a key role in wellness, you’ll also be building a better body for coping with the coming week. Moreover, many healthy staples such as garlic, oranges, and oatmeal have been shown to combat stressful feelings.

 

Grow Something

Since your Monday through Friday routine probably doesn’t include much time outdoors or in contact with green spaces, gardening can be a welcome addition to your weekend itinerary. During warmer months, vegetable gardening can provide you with ingredients for nutritious cuisine and lovely flowers to brighten your home. If its winter or you’d rather not maintain an outdoor garden, consider caring for some houseplants.

 

Cultivate Creativity

Plants aren’t the only item you can grow during your free time. Creative pursuits such as playing a musical instrument or engaging in a craft can help shift your focus from weekday stress to weekend serenity. These practices will also provide you with a sense of accomplishment and possibly homemade gifts for loved ones.

 

Soak Your Stress Away

After all your workweek and weekend activities, you might be feeling a bit achy and worn down by the cares of life. Sometimes, a quick dip in a pool or a warm soak in a tub can help you unwind enough to really enjoy your downtime. If you’re considering purchasing a hot tub, be sure to check out hot tub reviews, online forums, and the Better Business Bureau website before making such a large investment.

Bring the Spa Home

As you soak in your bath or hot tub, you can really pour on the pampering with a few basic spa treatments. Mixing sugar and coconut or almond oil will create a gentle, whole body exfoliation scrub to slough away any rough skin. Many lotions and creams also absorb more readily when you’re still warm from the bath.

 

Read to Refocus and Reinvent

While spending your weekend in Paris probably isn’t possible, reading an engaging travel book or website are. Children enlist their imaginations to transform the mundane into the magical every day. Reading can give you the inspiration and the mental muscle to reinvent yourself.

Even though work stress may feel overwhelming, it is possible to emerge from your weekend in fighting form. No matter which stress reducing activity you choose, the important thing is that you mindfully pursue it. Once you’re stress levels have plummeted, you’ll be able to enjoy life mo

SMARTSHAKE DISCOUNT CODE FOR ALL TRAIN IT RIGHT READERS

Ive teamed up with Smart Shake and now have a discount code for all my readers and clients!

What is a SmartShake?

Your SmartShake is a drinking bottle, shaker and food container in one. The large compartment at the top is ideal for liquids, while the middle compartment works well as a store for protein powder. The smaller compartment at the bottom is perfect for storing vitamins, supplements or healthy snacks like nuts, berries and seeds. There are many ways to fill your SmartShake – and because the divided compartments keep everything separate you only need to carry a single container all day!

To use your SmartShake as a shaker, just add your ingredients and shake according to the drink manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the lid is screwed on tightly and the cap is snapped all the way down before shaking.

www.smartshake.com

DISCOUNT CODE AT CHECK OUT:  trainitright20

Evicii Athletica offers a twist on workout clothing with stylish pieces you can wear anywhere!

These chic styles will motivate you to work out!

No need to change after a workout. With Evicii Athletica, you’ll experience high quality, stylish athletic wear that will take you from the gym to lunch with the ladies or from yoga to happy hour drinks at the bar.  Check out these popular and versatile Evicii Athletic items from its premier collection:

 

·      Three-quarter Basic Legging ($78) – A legging that’s perfect for exercise and comfortable enough to run errands. The mid-rise legging features moisture wicking material so you can go about your day sweat-free. Available in solid black and a solid white that’s non-see through so you can do squats with confidence.

 

·      To the Point Crop Top ($52) – Show off those abs with the brand’s To the Point quilted crop top and even pair with any of Evicii’s fitness leggings or their Conquistador Short ($70). A fabric combo of polyester and Spandex allows for high performance and the top’s wider cut armholes lend itself to ultimate comfort.

 

·      Inspired Black Paisley Legging ($150) – Stay chic with a textured paisley pant that’s not over-the-top bold. Paisley design appears on the front of the leg so it creates a subtle but unique look.  It even has side pockets big enough to hide your phone or iPod touch.

 

 

About Evicii Athletica

Evicii Athletica’s mantra – evolve, conquer and inspire – was born from the creative desire to bring something new to the world of health and fitness.  The Los Angeles-based brand seeks to create apparel that compliments a woman’s journey in fitness and life.  Evicii Athletica selects the best high-performance fabrics with different textures and materials to provide truly fashion forward active wear. 

To shop the different collections and styles, visit https://evicii.com

New Report Exposes Deceptive Marketing in $9 Billion-Dollar
Snack Bar Industry

Decoding Granola/Protein/Energy Bar Labels:
Avoiding Hexane-Extracted Ingredients

Scorecard Separates Gimmicky Junk Food
from True Organic/Nutrient Dense Brands

Cornucopia, WI — A new report exposes misleading marketing practices by food industry giants that market candy-like snack and energy bars as wholesome and nutritious. Issued by The Cornucopia Institute, a non-profit food and farm policy research group, the report further exposes leading natural/organic brands for including cheap, conventional ingredients instead of creating nutritive products that qualify for the USDA organic label.

The report, and an accompanying scorecard, Raising the Bar, Choosing Healthy Snack Bars versus Gimmicky Junk Food, details how snack bar quality varies widely among brands, even among the many brands that market themselves as “made with” organic ingredients (a label with lower federal standards than certified organic). The report exposes USDA National Organic Program regulations that provide industry-friendly loopholes for the use of conventional, hexane-extracted ingredients in the “made with” organic category.

“The highly profitable snack bar industry is rife with gimmicky substitutes, such as protein isolates, instead of whole food ingredients,” says the report’s lead author, Linley Dixon, PhD, chief scientist at Cornucopia.

“With the exception of certified organic bars, many products add protein isolates processed with the neurotoxin solvent hexane, a byproduct of the gasoline refinement industry,” added Dixon. “Hexane-extracted ingredients, like conventional soy protein isolate, are common in products that are labeled ‘made with’ organic ingredients. An intentional loophole in the USDA organic standards allows for the use of ingredients that are extracted using volatile solvents in ‘made with’ organic products (a process explicitly prohibited in products qualifying to display the USDA organic logo).”

The Raising the Bar report also explains how, in many other ways, consumers get a safer and higher quality product with USDA certified organic brands over conventional, mass-market brands that contain long ingredient lists that include questionable gums and synthetic preservatives, colors, or flavors.

“There is so much competition for market share in the snack bar industry that many brands marketing themselves as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ still cut corners for ingredient sourcing to achieve a lower price point,” stated Goldie Caughlan, former National Organic Standards Board member and nutrition educator at a Seattle-based food cooperative. “That’s why it’s important to make sure the product has the USDA Organic seal and not just the ‘made with’ organic ingredients label.”

Low levels of hexane have been detected in common snack bar ingredients, including protein isolates, which are extracted with the neurotoxic chemical. Protein isolates are highly modified ingredients used to inflate the protein content of snack bars, but they leave out the beneficial oils, fiber, and vitamins found in more expensive protein options such as nuts and seeds.

The highest rated bars on The Cornucopia Institute’s scorecard are USDA certified organic and use only organic fruits, nuts, and seeds without any added sugars, gums, flours, protein isolates, or preservatives. Published research has consistently illustrated that organically produced products have a lower level of agrichemical residues. There is also documentation that illustrates the nutritional superiority of organic food due to careful soil stewardship.

The scorecard "outs” some brands offering both high-rated and low-rated products, such as bestsellers Clif Bar and Lara Bar (the latter produced by General Mills). This makes it difficult for consumers to choose products based on namebrand alone because quality varies widely between products within the same prominent brands. Cornucopia’s scorecard decodes these options for consumers.

“The good news is that discriminating shoppers now have a new mobile-friendly web-based tool, released with the report, to help them weed through product labels and separate the best bars from greenwashed marketing hype,” stated Mark A. Kastel, Cornucopia’s Codirector and Senior Farm Policy Analyst. “With so many snack bar options on the shelves, we want to make it easier to purchase truly nutritious, high quality products from ethical brands.”

MORE:

The presence of the organic seal indicates that a minimum of 95% of the ingredients by weight are certified organic (all other ingredients are reviewed for safety and must not be available in organic form, such as baking powder).

In contrast, the “made with” organic ingredients label means the product has a minimum of 70% organic certified ingredients by weight, opening the door to ingredients added to either reduce the manufacturing cost of the product or to enhance protein or fiber content for marketing purposes.

Oftentimes, non-organic, hexane-extracted soy lecithin, soy protein concentrate, or soy protein isolate are used in the remaining 30% of non-organic ingredients using the “made with” label. These ingredients could contain GMO soybeans (i.e., Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready soybean varieties) that have been sprayed multiple times with the herbicide glyphosate. Conventional grains are frequently sprayed before harvest with glyphosate, serving as a desiccant to accelerate drydown. This is especially concerning since glyphosate recently has come under intense scrutiny as a possible carcinogen.

“When a company uses the ‘made with’ organic ingredients claim, it’s likely that they have chosen to use one or more relatively inexpensive organic ingredients, such as organic oats, tapioca/rice syrup, or flour,” said Cornucopia’s co-director Mark Kastel. “This enables them to legally use the word ‘organic’ on the front packaging, even though up to 30% of the contents are conventional.”

“Clif Bar, for example, claimed that their conventional protein isolates tested negative for hexane residues, but, when asked, they did not provide test results or release specifics on the sensitivity of the testing,” stated Dr. Dixon. “A negative test doesn’t mean there are no hexane residues if the type of test conducted had a high detection level. Detection limits for hexane should be 1 ppm, for example, not 10 ppm.”

How Avoiding Your Doctor’s Advice Could Lead to Bigger Issues

Avoiding medical treatment is a leading cause of health problems in the United States. Many patients may actually go do the doctor when a health problem arrives, but they neglect to follow instructions for further treatment or avoid taking medications that are prescribed. In addition, most of these patients also refuse or avoid follow up examinations, making their healthcare all the more problematic.

There are many reasons why avoiding your doctor’s advice could lead to much bigger problems, but these are some primary ones to consider. Think about each of these, so that you and your physician can work together toward the best healthcare possible for your needs.

Proper Health Care Requires Treatment and Follow up Coordination

For any medical treatment to be effective, it must be done according to a scientific method and a process with checks and balances. A physician is unable to accurately assess the results of any medical treatment, if the patient refuses to follow their instructions and regiment for taking medications. Proper health must follow the standards of practice or it is all guesswork, and won’t be likely to benefit the patient healthcare overall.

Not Following Medical Advice and Instructions Causes Other Health Problems

The primary risk of avoiding instructions and advice from a physician is having other health problems manifest. Most illness, if left untreated will cause other conditions throughout the body. This is because the healthcare of the entire body is necessary, as all internal systems interact and become impacted when another part of the body is sick. This includes all physical therapies, diagnostic procedures, surgical needs, medications, and follow up examinations. Without the advice of a qualified physician, the patient may be putting themselves at risk for health complications that would not manifest otherwise.

Bad Interactions with Non-Prescribed Medications Are Dangerous

Taking the wrong combination of medications can have serious health risks to the patient, or complicate their current treatments negatively. Using non-prescribed drugs, alternative medicines, illegal drugs, or even alcohol can greatly impact patient health, while backsliding any benefits their treatments might have been providing. The complications caused by mixing incompatible medications and drugs is perhaps the most dangerous way of avoiding a doctor’s advice. This is primarily because when a patient does this, it is also unlikely such a person will inform their primary care physician, unless something worse manifests health wise.

Not Following Medical Treatment Can Impact Patient Health Benefits

As if the potential for positive healthcare impact being lost weren’t bad enough, the patient refusing to follow medical advice could lose access to medical care by legal default. Many healthcare providers, insurance companies, nursing care groups (like ACN SCAM), and administrative care organizations view avoiding proper treatment as a hindrance to their effectiveness and a risk to patient safety. Thus some situations create a hostile environment for all involved, which can lead to a patient being dropped from a medical plan or insurance provider’s coverage. Losing medical benefits can impact a patient permanently, and is often and cause irrecoverable health problems.

Lack of Necessary Treatment Can Threaten Patient Life Expectancy

In the most extreme cases, not getting necessary treatments can be fatal. Anyone who refuses or avoids critical healthcare procedures is putting their own life at great risk, but also creates a medical environment that makes physicians and nurses unable to do their jobs properly. In all cases of terminal or critical care, life expectancy goes down significantly, when a patient lacks necessary and available healthcare.

The results of avoiding a physician’s advice inevitably complicate the health of any patient, thus causes bigger issues to manifest. Following a doctor’s advice is part of the patient contract. In order for a physician to be most effective, they must have an honest relationship with those persons under their care. Otherwise, any benefits from treatment will be negated and the patient health will not improve