Health in the Jungle

10 Tips for a Healthier, Stronger Heart

2012-02-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

My gift to you - Be Good to Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, every 26 seconds, someone living in the United States suffers a heart attack, and every minute one person will die from a heart attack. But, there is good news - we know more and more about how to prevent heart disease. It is well within your power to reduce your risk for heart disease because it's all about diet and lifestyle! Here’s a top 10 list of tips from Dr. Jamie McManus MD, FAAFP, Chair, Medical Affairs and Education to help you promote a strong and healthy heart.

1. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
One of the best weapons for fighting off heart disease is eating a healthful diet. So forgo the hamburger and French fries and fuel up on whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Lose weight, especially belly fat
Excess belly fat has been linked to high cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Losing just 5% - 10% of your body weight can make a big difference in reducing heart disease risk.

3. Boost your vitamin D intake
Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones, but recent research suggests it may also play a role in heart health. If you’re like most Americans and not getting enough from your diet or sun exposure, supplements can be a great option.

4. Consume more fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high triglycerides and high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends consuming two servings of fish per week. Consider fish oil supplements, especially if you don’t eat fish.

5. Consider CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance vital for energy production especially in the heart. As an antioxidant it also helps promote healthy arteries. While your body does make CoQ10, factors such as aging, poor diet and the use of statin drugs for cholesterol lowering may increase the body’s need for CoQ10.

6. Move more – aim for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days of the week
Regular physical activity promotes a healthy heart. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, helps control weight, reduces anxiety, and improves blood circulation.

7. If you are a smoker, get help to stop today!
Cigarette smoke can damage your heart and blood vessels as well as increase your risk for many cancers. When it comes to heart disease prevention, any amount of smoking is bad.

8. Don’t forget regular health screenings
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar are all risk factors for heart disease. Talk to your doctor today about these important health screenings.

9. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
Moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day for a woman and two drinks a day for a man.

10. Take time to de-stress
Over time, chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies - slowing digestion, weakening immune function and increasing the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. So take time to de-stress your life. Think about what you truly must get done, set priorities, and learn to say “no.”

I hope you have found something in here that will be useful to you in improving your life. I am available to answer your questions and help you find the best plan for your unique needs. If you are considering taking the recommended supplements, please talk to me about how to find the very best quality and value. I love helping people get healthier!

Donna Turner

For more information, contact me at 760-445-9470 or donna.turner60@gmail.com

http://healthinthejungle.myshaklee.com

Donna & Mark Turner

4060 Louisiana St.

San Diego, CA 92104

Lose 15 pounds in 90 days Challenge

2012-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

This is the plan I used to lose 20 pounds a few years ago. The most amazing part: The weight stayed off!

Support groups starting now for a "Lose 15 pounds in 90 days" Challenge. Let's encourage each other. Sign up in the box at the right side. Groups can be online or in person in San Diego.

I can email you a larger version of this document. Also, check out http://healthinthejungle.myshaklee.com/cinch

My Diet Autobiography

2011-12-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

My Diet Autobiography

I am one of those odd people who read about nutrition for entertainment. Part of that has included learning about and trying various diets and making my own conclusions about what works and what is possibly harmful. I think you might find it interesting to see my journey, but if you want to cut to the conclusions just scroll down and read how it ends.

As I began writing this, I realized that my husband, Mark's journey is part of the story. As I researched what would be helpful for his ailments, I learned some good things along the way.

Growing up, I took dance classes and did gymnastics, so I always had a flat stomach and didn’t worry much about what I ate. Then in college, as a musical theater major, it became more important to be thinner than maybe was healthy. My mom was doing the HCG shots at the time, so I tried that. It was pretty extreme – getting a shot every day and eating very little. I did lose weight, but it was an unpleasant way to do it.

Then along came Dr. Atkins and emphasis on protein. At first, that was helpful because my hypoglycemia didn’t bother me for once. But that diet also is pretty difficult to maintain. (Now that I know more about contaminants in meat and fat, I wouldn't recommend this one.)

One diet that I liked along the way, and still refer to, is the Zone Diet. I think it is the most reasonable and balanced. There is even a version for vegetarians. My husband and I loosely followed this one for many years. We didn’t necessarily lose much weight on it, but it was a fairly healthy way of eating.

Then came problems with Mark’s cholesterol and gout. The medicine caused so many bad side effects, we had to find another way. To help with both of these, we decided to try going vegetarian. It did help with the cholesterol numbers for both of us. But here’s the problem: I thought, “Oh boy, I get my carbs back!” Beans and rice and bread and pasta came back into our lives after being a very minor player in the Zone diet. At first, we lost weight in spite of the return of the carbs. But slowly we packed on the pounds.

Another problem presented itself after a year of eating more bread and pasta – I discovered I had celiac disease. There were lots of digestive problems and bloating, as well as other symptoms that had been there all along but I didn’t know were related. Eliminating wheat, rye and barley could possibly cause weight loss, unless you replace them with other “acceptable” grains. Most people end up eating more sugar when they use the subtitutes.

Soon after changing my diet yet again to accommodate celiac, Shaklee came out with the
Cinch Inch Loss Plan. This was made to order for me – designed by a physician who is also a vegetarian, and the meal replacements were gluten-free too. Mark and I were preparing ourselves for a 6-week road trip, performing a 2-person show all across the country. We needed to be at our best, in energy levels and weight. So we stuck to the Cinch Plan, including regular exercise.

On the Cinch plan, it only took a few days before I wasn’t constantly thinking about food. I could relax into the structure of the plan, and let my mind focus on other things. I never felt hungry, and had much more energy. When we did it 4 years ago, the meal bars weren’t available yet. Now it is so easy to eat away from home – just always have a meal bar with you. No mixing, no mess.

Here is a video that introduces the Cinch Plan. This plan is clinically proven to help a person lose only fat and not muscle, which preserves metabolism and avoids yo-yo dieting. It's a healthy way to eat and have lots of energy.

The last 2 years have been very stressful for my family. We were living under the threat of losing our house, and finally sold it through a short sale. Then re-locating to a new community was a relief, but brought with it new kinds of stress. Most of us know that stress causes the body to hold on to weight, and gives us excuses to eat for comfort. So now, at the beginning of 2012, I am ready to start fresh, in a new place, and get back to my ideal weight with Cinch.

I would like to lose 10 pounds. I am only 5'1", so 10 pounds on me is more like 15 or 20 on a taller person. I would like to have some company in this endeavor, and if you would like to join me please comment on this blog. With Cinch, it is common to lose 15 pounds in 90 days. It would be cool if you wanted to share your own diet autobiography, either in the comments or in a private message.

I will be setting up conference calls and webinars for support. If you would like to participate, please sign up on the form to the right. Let's help and encourage each other!

Monday night Jan 2, at 7 PM in all time zones, Laura Hughes Evans (see below) will be sharing how she lost weight before her wedding. Call 512-225-3211 PIN 951025
Re-broadcast 512-703-6147

Remember to comment and let me know if you want to participate in our support group. You can do it too!

Laura Hughes Evans: before and after

Financial Health for Non-Profits

2011-04-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

In this blog I usually talk about physical health, because there is so much need out there to build up our immune systems and learn how to have more energy. But one reason I started learning about health and nutrition was because I am an actor and a film producer. In that profession your body is your instrument, and you need to take special care of it.

As an actor and film producer, along with my husband, we have been running a non-profit arts organization for 30 years. I thought you might like to see a video of our history in the arts.

Wasn't that fun? We want to keep producing art and finding other artists to work with. We also want to help other non-profits raise the funds they need to be creative and productive. That is why we have partnered with Shaklee to help non-profits raise funds.

Shaklee Corporation does a lot of charitable work among victims of natural disasters, and now they have arranged for non-profits in the US to have a free cause marketing website and the ability to have their donors support them by shopping online. Here is a sample of the non-profit fundraising website .

I am actively seeking non-profits to help in this way. If you are involved with a non-profit that needs more funds, you can watch this 7-minute video that explains the process.

As you can see in this video, this is a win-win for everyone. It's free for the non-profit, it's good for the donors, and it's good for the planet. Please comment and tell me about your favorite non-profit. Contact me to find out how easy it is to get involved with this method of Cause Marketing.

Happy fundraising!

Earth Day Tips - 10 Reasons to Love Basic H

2011-04-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

As Earth Day approaches, we start looking for ways to "green up" our lives. Here is something that not only will be good for the environment, as well as your family's health, but will save money at the same time. Watch this informative 3 1/2 minute video on why we should use Green Cleaners.

10 Reasons to Love Basic H

1. Stop living in a toxic home
Some of the most questionable chemicals used regularly in household products are ammonia, chlorine bleach, phenol butyl cellosolve, and formaldehyde—all of which can be found under your kitchen sink.
Basic H2 is nontoxic and safe for your family.

2. Everything and the kitchen sink
Basic H2 cleans it all from kitchens and bathrooms to appliances, woodwork, mirrors, painted walls, and floors—it even does windows. So, toss those single-purpose cleaners like sink and tile cleaners. Mix ¼ teaspoon in 16 oz. of water in a Get Clean spray bottle for all purpose cleaning, and 2 drops in 16 oz. of water to clean windows.

3. Eliminate your ammonia-based window cleaner
Basic H2 cleans windows without streaking while being a great alternative to leading brands. Basic H2
window cleaner is equivalent in performance to Windex® Original.*

4. Removes the impossible
From lipstick on a linen napkin to crayons on a painted wall, full-strength Basic H2 comes to the rescue.

5. Great for cutting grease
Tough on greasy barbecue grills, ovens, and even oil spots on concrete. Mix 2 oz. per gallon of water for a super degreaser formula.

6. Does odd jobs
One tablespoon of Basic H2 in a bucket of hot water lifts off old wallpaper. One and a half teaspoons in a half gallon cleans sticky paintbrushes. Just soak for 24 hours and rinse with hot tap water.

7. Saves money
One 16 oz. bottle of Basic H2 diluted per label directions makes 214 bottles (28 oz.) of ready-to-use all-purpose cleaner.

8. Camping and traveling companion
Take along a small size of Basic H2 to keep clothes, dishes, and everything else clean. And you’ll help by keeping the great outdoors unpolluted.

9. Easy on the planet
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly, Basic H2 handles even hard-to-clean jobs without phosphates, borates, nitrates, or other stuff the planet doesn’t appreciate.

10. Less in the landfill
Basic H2 is superconcentrated, so you’ll use fewer bottles of cleaning products throughout the year.

Basic H is available here. There are also special spray bottles printed with the amounts needed for window cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and de-greaser. This is the best money saver around - good for you, good for the planet. Happy Earth Day 2011!

Lower Cholesterol Naturally

2010-08-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans has high cholesterol? You are at risk for high cholesterol if you have a poor diet, are overweight, or are a woman after menopause.

Are you among the millions of Americans with high cholesterol? Would you like to avoid the side effects of statin drugs? Now there is a natural way to reduce cholesterol, approved by the FDA.

Fact: One in three adults in the U.S. has high cholesterol,which can affect anyone at any age, and can negatively impact heart health and cardiovascular function over time. People with

high cholesterol have a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those with optimal levels. Among the culprits are genetics and diet. Some people are predisposed to high

cholesterol and produce more of it in the liver, while others get too much from the foods they eat—foods such as bacon, hot dogs, and sausages that also contain high amounts saturated fat.

These foods may sit well on your palate, but without proper measures to control intake and reduce body cholesterol levels, they can lead to some major health challenges.

• A 10% reduction of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol equates to a 10%–20% decrease in heart disease risk.

• If you eat foods such as pizza, hamburgers, and steak on a regular basis, you may be increasing your chances for developing high cholesterol.

• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming no more than 300 mg of cholesterol a day; those with heart disease should consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol.

• According to the AHA, eating one egg for breakfast, drinking two cups of coffee with 1 tablespoon of half-and-half each, lunching on 4 ounces of lean skinless turkey breast with one

tablespoon of mayonnaise, and eating a 6-ounce serving of broiled short loin porterhouse steak for dinner yields 510 mg of dietary cholesterol. That’s nearly twice the recommended daily

amount!

• Men tend to have higher cholesterol than women. However, after menopause, cholesterol levels in women increase due to a decline in estrogen production.

Shaklee Cholesterol Reduction Complex is a proprietary formulation with clinically proven ingredients that help prevent the absorption of cholesterol and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. View video demonstration here.

It contains plant sterols and stanols that, when added to a healthy diet, have been shown in numerous studies to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol.

• Made with a powerful blend of sterols and stanols, which are found naturally in plants, fruits, vegetables, and grains

• Delivers 2,000 mg of plant sterols and stanols daily

• Plant sterols and stanols have been clinically proven by more than 80 studies to lower LDL cholesterol

• Delivers daily 100% of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) recommendation for plant sterols and stanols*

• Gluten free

• Star-K certified

†Products providing 800 mg of plant sterols and stanols daily, consumed with two different meals as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol Reduction Complex provides 1,000 mg of plant sterols and stanols per serving, and 2,000 mg daily when used as directed. *NIH recommendation for lowering cholesterol: eat less saturated fat and cholesterol, exercise, lose weight, eat more soluble fiber, and consume 2,000 mg of plant sterols and stanols daily. (FDA approved claim)

So how, exactly, do plant sterols and stanols work?

1. Plant sterols and stanols are ingested from food or supplements.

2. Because they are structurally similar to cholesterol, plant sterols and stanols compete for absorption in the intestines.

3. Plant sterols and stanols bind to receptors in the intestines, leaving cholesterol behind.

4. The net result is that less cholesterol is absorbed by the body, and less ends up in the bloodstream.

You Decide:

Shaklee Cholesterol Reduction Complex delivers 100% of sterols and stanols recommended by the NIH. To get the same amount from food, you would have to eat - 6.5 cups of soybeans, or 59 oranges, or 47.5 cucumbers!

THE SHAKLEE DIFFERENCE

Always Safe

✔ Lowers cholesterol naturally

✔ No artificial flavors sweeteners, colors,

or preservatives added

✔ Gluten free

✔ No significant side effects observed with intakes of 2,000 mg of plant sterols and stanols per day

Always Works

✔ Delivers 2,000 mg of plant sterols and stanols per day, which is 100% of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) recommendation for plant sterols and stanols*

✔ Plant sterols and stanols have been clinically proven in over 80 clinical studies to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

Always Green

✔ Recyclable packaging

✔ Soy-based ink

✔ No bisphenol-A

Celebrate Earth Day

2010-04-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

In our small town of Julian, CA, we are having an Earth Day Fair combined with our regular Farmer's Market. It's amazing the number of community groups we have that are doing good things to improve the quality of our air, water, forest, food sources, and our health.

If you are anywhere near San Diego, please come to Julian April 25, 11:00 - 4:00. Enjoy our historic 1850's mining town, our certified Farmer's Market, and our Earth Day Fair.

I will be sharing about our Get Clean products for cleaning your home without toxic chemicals. You can save lots of money with these super concentrated cleaners that are safe for your family and your environment.

If you aren't able to come, you can flip through the catalog on the right side of this page.

Enter your comments about your own Earth Day events and experiences. I would love to hear from you.

Life in the Jungle

2009-10-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

About 2 months ago, my life got way more complicated. Our son and his family moved into our house, and we moved into our office! It's a good thing we have a big office, in separate buildings, and we remodeled one room into a bedroom. We live in the mountains, in a retreat setting. Well, the retreat just got a bit noisier.

But what a joy to walk into the house and be greeted by a friendly hello from a 3-year-old and a huge smile from a baby sitting on the floor. And some days we get treated to dinner cooked by our wonderful daughter-in-law. This I could get used to.

We are finding that the proximity is especially helpful in our business, which we all work on together. At first we were working between Julian, CA and Madison, WI. This is much better.

Before they came, the most troubling thought I often had was "how will I ever get close to those grandkids?" OK, that's answered. Now what challenge can I take on?

What challenge are you taking on?

Ask Your Health Questions Here

2008-02-23T15:03:00.001-08:00

Do you have questions about vitamins or healthy eating? Let's talk.

You can have more energy and better resistance to all the stuff that goes around in winter.

Let's share the things we do to feel better and add quality to our lives.

One new product I've found that really gives me more energy is Shaklee Vitalizer pack. I've taken vitamins for many years, but this new product is designed to get into your system at the optimal place in your digestive tract for maximum absorption. Check it out!

What do you have to share?

Lose Weight and Inches with Cinch

2008-01-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

Did you resolve to lose weight in 2008? Try Cinch! The inch loss program from Shaklee. Click here to watch a presentation at the Cinch plan site. The amazing thing about this plan is that you lose only fat, and not muscle. That way your metabolism stays strong, and you keep the weight off.

When you lose muscle your metabolism slows down, and you end up gaining back more than you lost. So try Cinch - it's so easy. Two great tasting shakes a day and a high protein bar in the afternoon, plus great recipes for dinner, and an energizing tea. The secret weapon is leucine, which helps retain muscle while you lose fat.

Go to the link above to see lots of true stories of real people who did it. I went from a size 12 to a 6 and I'm staying there. At 57, I weigh the same now as the day I got married. And I feel great!

Confused About Plastic Bottles?

2007-12-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Everywhere I turn I'm hearing scary stories about plastic water bottles and other containers - even baby bottles! I just found a great resource on thegreenguide.com

It's 10 pages long, so you might not want to print it, but save it as a reference. It explains the problems with plastics, and goes into detail which items are safe and which are not.

At the end is a list of references and lots more websites, just in case you're an eco-knowledge junkie like I am.

I'm on the lookout for things we can change that will help prevent cancer, and this list gives us a good start.

Please comment on your own experience finding alternatives to our precious water bottles.

Healthy Gift Ideas

2007-11-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some gift ideas to help you give the gift of Health this Christmas. At the end are ideas for you to stay healthy through the holidays. If you are not familiar with Shaklee products, they are state of the art supplements, air and water purifiers, skin care, and Earth-friendly cleaners. Go to my website for more info www.shaklee.net/donnaturner, or call or email me. The item codes on the list refer to the Shaklee catalog, which is accessible online from my website. ("MN prices" means member prices. Membership is free till Nov. 30 with a minimum purchase)

Gifts You Can Make For Under $5! MN Prices
Earth Friendly Stocking Stuffers!

1. Basic-H2 Sample #60062 (50 for $30) add the "How to Use This H2 sample," make a card that says, "A gift to the Earth, too!" Add 1 or 2 Spray bottles - They're $6.75 for 3! #50443

2. Foaming bottles with H2 & Hand Wash Concentrate. Super mild & sudsy, it's spa-like. Has protein, moisturizes, balm mint, juniper & spruce energize you. Mix 1 part soap, 3 parts water, 1 drop H2. Buy 12 bottles for $12.99: (http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/candlemaking-soap-supplies/item/bath-90)

3. Emergency Energy Gift of a Cinch Bar and Cinch Tea in a small Christmas Stocking or mug.

4. A couple of Cinch Protein Packets for a meal replacement during the holidays in a stocking.

5. Sustained Release C #20097 $4.95 Powerful antioxidant, for heart health, immune health, etc.

Gifts Under $10! MN Prices - Give The Best Without The Stress!

1. Meadow Blend Soap-Free Cleansing Bar #30131 $6.75 Great in gift baskets! Soap-free, it's
gentle enough to use on your face. At the same time, its enriched, pH-balanced formula contains oatmeal, vitamin E, and wheat germ oil for a soft, soothing experience.

2. Enfuselle Lip Treatment SPF 15: #32517 $5.90 Great stocking stuffer! Drenched with vitamins C and E, calendula extract, and moisturizing plant oil, Lip Treatment softens lips while SPF 15 UV protects. Smooths vertical dryness lines and prevents peeling and chapping.

3. Small Wonder Creamy Baby Oil: Not just for Babies #30161 $7.60 Give it with a small teddy
bear! More like a cream. Fast absorbing and non-greasy, pH balanced & dermatologist tested for delicate skin, has vitamin E and allantoin to help prevent dryness and irritation.

4. Small Wonder Shampoo & Baby Bath: Gentle On Baby & the Earth #30160 $6.75 Moms love it, too! Safe for the earth & baby. Biodegradable, pH balanced soothing botanicals aloe vera and chamomile. Formulated for sensitive skin, contains no alcohol or mineral oil.

5. Iron Plus C Complex: 90 tablets Give the Gift of HEALTH! #20491 $8.45 Helps concentration,
and immune function. Teens need it for hormone production & balance - sunshine in a tablet!

6. Zinc: Over 200 Reasons to add to your diet! #20411 $5.90 200 Enzymes depend on zinc.
Clinically proven to help optimize immune function. Helps body heal connective tissues & more.

7. New and Improved H2 #00015 $10.15 Safe, powerful, clean. Buy bottles and premix as gifts in the 3 spray bottle set! #50443 - (Cost is about $7 for each set of 3 green cleaners!)

8. Herbal Blend Multi Purpose Cream $7.60 #31751 Softens hardest skin. Mentholated, non-greasy formula vanishes as you rub it in, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Take Good Care Of You - Look Better, Feel Better, Think Better!

Vitalizer: 80 bio- optimized nutrients clinically proven for a longer, healthier life. Best spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants anti-aging phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids & probiotics. Delivered at right time.
OmegaGuard: Give your blood cells a lube job. Strengthens eyes, brain, joints, etc., anti-inflammatory.
Nutriferon: Strengthens immune system. And Defend & Resist for "First Response" extra immune support.
B Complex: For a healthy Cardio system & powerful stress relief - makes it easy to handle holiday stress.
Alfalfa: Deeply Rooted Nutrition. Father of all foods, minerals in most natural form. Healing nutrients for you.
Immunity Formula I: Head to toe nutritional and immune function support keeps you healthy year round.
Cinch Canister & Soy Protein: Helps stay strong and cope with stress of holidays. Repairs cells 24/7
Stress Relief: 75-90% of doctor visits are stress-related. Stress Relief Complex helps relax body & mind
Mental Acuity: Keep up with the kids with ginkgo, bilberry, hawthorn, B vitamins & helps with cardio health
Core Energy: Cordyceps, ginseng, green tea phytonutrients to replenish & increase your energy naturally.
OsteoMatrix: Unique matrix of critical nutrients calcium, vitamins D & K, magnesium, & more for strong bones.
ProSante Scalp Trtmnt: 10 power vitamins, minerals, & herbs. Clinically proven to strengthen & thicken hair.
Instant Firming Lotion: Visibly improves skin quality & appearance. Antioxidant-rich Vital Repair firms skin.
Time Repair AM and C & E Repair PM systems: Vitamins for your skin for firmer, younger, velvety skin.

Health in the Jungle

2007-11-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Health in the Jungle blog site. You can listen to my Health in the Jungle spots on Horizon Gate Productions' podcast at www.horizongate.org/podcast.

Come back often for health tips and ideas for staying healthy on the road and through the holidays.

- Under Construction -