Brushing Up On Oral Health

Fourteen years ago I wrote a book about teeth, oral health care and how to help parents better address the everyday symptoms of their teething infants and children with natural medicine. While the natural remedies for teething related symptoms haven’t changed much, there certainly are many new oral health care products on your store shelves today. The question is, which ones are truly natural, toxic free and effective?

Exploring A New Approach Breast Cancer Awareness

Even though October is the official month of Breast Cancer Awareness (and we’re well into November now), I believe it’s a subject that we can all continue to learn about anytime of the year. A report published in The Lancet medical journal on November 1, 2016, reveals that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer could (almost) double from 1.7 million in 2015 to 3.2 million a year by 2030.

I personally, am about a decade past midlife, and yet I’ve never had a mammogram. Many doctors and woman might think of this lack of action on my part as highly irresponsible. However, I am diligent about conducting my own manual breast exams and monitoring my overall breast health through an annual, or biannual thermal breast screening called Thermography.

- A Reasonably Pest Free Summer - Natural Solutions

I am happy to report that as a result of finding some great new products at the Natural Products Expo West 2015 (and some old faithful products from years past), we were able to enjoy a reasonably pest free summer at Eco Family News.

One of the most impressive company’s at Expo West this past March was Earth-Kind, an all natural pest prevention line of products. Owner Kari Warberg-Block is a rock star in our book on all fronts … safe effective products, business, environment and education. She has created a line of all natural botanical products to prevent and/or remedy pesky ant, moth, spider, and rodent issues. I sat down with Kari at the show and walked away with great admiration and gratitude for what she has created. Obviously there are many others that feel the same way, as the company also won the 2015 Nexty “People’s Choice” award for best new product at the show, and Kari has since been interviewed by Forbe's Magazine.

Delicious Foods & Unique Kitchen Toys

Below are a few delicious food options and unique kitchen products that have sparked our interest:

Primal Essence’s Lemon and Pepper infused Coconut oil is like no other coconut oil I’ve ever tasted. Who would have thought that this combination of sour and spicy would be so delicious and addicting? After using this savory combination once (while making Eden Organic popcorn – GMO-Free, of course), I was totally hooked and began using it in almost everything I was cooking (stir-fry, eggs, rice, etc.).

With 15 years of experience in the ingredient food and beverage industry (for many high profile companies), Primal Essence has definitely perfected the art of oil infusions, and the manufacturing and blending of liquid herb and spice (water-soluble) extracts. We can now benefit from their experience, by enjoying their new, amazing and innovative consumer product lines.

What's on Your Holiday Wish List?

Happy holidays ... This past year I’ve come across some wonderful products and wanted to share a few of them with you as holiday gift ideas. (Also check out Expo West blog from earlier this year.)

Kanberra Gel – Are you or your pets experiencing allergies from indoor pollutants and poor air quality? Did you know that Christmas Trees have mold? Time to put this product on your holiday (or anytime) wish list.

A Green Story - An American Dream

Van Vlahakis with daughter Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

A Green Story (a biopic) is a rare glimpse inside the politics of the corporate world of the grocery business through the eyes of Van Vlahakis. You may not know his name, but chances are you’ve seen, or used his Award-Winning – truly all-natural cleaning products (found on most grocery store shelves). Vlahakis, known to most as Mr. Van, is the founder and CEO of Earth Friendly Products – one of the first (1967) company’s to produce safe and respectful cleaning products.

Vlahakis left Greece five decades ago with twenty-two dollars in his pocket in hopes of finding a better future for him and his family - an American Dream. A Green Story centers on the modern day Vlahakis (played by Ed O'Ross), who is diagnosed with cancer and given only a few months to live. During this time, Vlahakis reflects on his early life as an immigrant (played by George Finn) during the 1950's and ultimately decides to push himself to the limit by closing one final business deal that is the basis for his company's success.

Creative Ideas For Saving Water

About six months ago, I met a man named Buzz Boettcher who had designed this amazingly elaborate grey water system – currently installed at Ed Begley Jr’s house. I thought seriously about putting his system in my house, but after a field trip to see how it all worked, decided that for my simple needs the system (which is brilliantly efficient) might actually increase my foot print with my minimal water use and the system's electric pumps. However, several weeks later when I was getting a quote to have some long over due plumbing work done, I had an epiphany. I asked the plumber to help me create a simple system that would go from my washing machine directly to the garden. I wanted a system where I could utilize the washing machines outgoing water to water the garden in the dry months, and then be able to re-direct the waste water back into the city system during the rainy season. Did I say rainy season – I wonder what that is … lol.