Dear Andrea,
I can't believe that it is August already! I
hope you are all having a fabulous summer. Time has been
flying by here. And the weather just can't make up it's
mind this year. Here we've had cool days and now it's it
sunny and in the 90's again. My tomatoes aren't sure
what to think, although the zucchini is still going
strong. Speaking of sun, this issue brings you
some new information on sun exposure and sunscreen: a
synthesis of several recent studies. Read more to learn
how to properly protect yourself from the sun and skin
cancer without exposure to hundreds of nasty chemicals
that may be lurking in your favorite
sunscreen. Dan has been out of the country with
his sister and father. They are having a good time, but
communication has been almost non-existent and the
newly-weds are missing each other desparately! He comes
home in a few days ... Meanwhile this week I
will be hosting my first tele-class: The Diet Dilemma.
You can join me from the comfort of your home and save
gas while learning some valuable information! I plan to
record it and offer it to those who can't make the
actual call. So even if Thursday doesn't work you can
still participate! Read on for details. Recently,
I've been working on some workshop proposals and I am
scheduled to do another corporate talk on Laughter &
Stress in August. I may even have another one lined up
here soon for early September! The laughter theme is
really taking off and super fun and benefical to all
involved! If your company or organization is interested
in wellness related brown bags or workshops,
please let me know. I would be happy to submit a
proposal and follow up with a free consultation.
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| Is Your Sunscreen Safe &
Effective? |
 We
all know that wearing sunscreen is the key to avoiding
skin cancer. Or is it? Recently, several studies have
suggested that we are not getting enough Vitamin D,
which our bodies generate on their own with sun
exposure. Sunscreen can block it's creation. This is a
paradox, because Vitamin D is now proving to be the most
important nutrient in preventing and fighting cancer;
including skin cancer. So if too much sun leads to skin
cancer, but we need sun to get enough Vitamin D to fight
cancer, what do we do? Many scientists recommend getting
"safe sun"; 15 minutes or so a few times a week without
sunscreen.
What do you do once it's time
to put the sunscreen on?
An
investigation of just under 1,000 name-brand sunscreens
by the Environmental
Working Group (EWG) found extensive evidence that
many products on the market are neither safe nor
effective. A major concern, because we tend to trust the
advertising claims we read on the bottles.
Unfortunately, the FDA does not currently regulate
sunscreen so companies can claim whatever they want.
Sunscreen safety standards have been drafted, but until
the FDA sets an effective date they don't help us very
much. According to the Environmental Working Group web
site, at least 49% of products on the shelves list
claims considered "unacceptable" or misleading under the
current FDA draft.
Unfortunately, many sunscreens
advertise misleading claims such as being waterproof, or
chemical free. Or worse they contain ineffective or
potentially toxic ingredients.
So what do we do to protect
ourselves amidst all of this conflicting information?
First, check out the Environmental
Working Group list of 156
products that do offer good sun protection with
ingredients that present minimal health risks. Then make
sure you buy one on the list with an SPF of at least 15,
preferably 30. Higher SPFs give you more protection, but
know that once you reach SPF 30, there isn't an enormous
difference between products with higher SPF values. More
important is that you apply generously - according to
the American Cancer Society most people do not put on
enough sunscreen to actually reach the product's SPF
rating. Then the next time you are heading out to play
in the sun, grab your sunscreen and then set the alarm
on your watch or cell phone to go off in 15 minutes so
you don't forget to generously apply that recommended
SPF 30 after getting your daily dose of Vitamin
D.
More
sun safety tips:
- Use sunscreen
that's safe and effective. Look for titanium
and zinc oxide. Make sure the SPF is at least 15 and
buy new sunscreen every year as the active ingredients
can break down.
- Avoid midday
sun and remember the sun is more intense at
high altitudes, near the equator, and that UV
radiation reflects off sand, water, snow, and
concrete.
- Seek shade,
but don't rely on shade alone to protect you.
- Cover up
with wide-brimmed hats, clothing and UV-protective
sunglasses.
- Slop on that
sunscreen using plenty to ensure good coverage
- Reapply
frequently as sunscreen washes off in water and breaks
down in sunlight.
- Pay special
attention to kids. According to WedMD eighty
percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is
acquired before age 18.
- Check the UV
Index when planning outdoor activities. It can
be found on the Weather
Channel.
- Skip the
tan. Tanning beds aren't necessarily safer.
- Check your skin
regularly for spots and changes, being extra
careful if you have freckles, moles or take certain
medications. Early detection of skin cancer is key, so
consult your physician for more
information.
|
| Are you stuck in a Diet Dilemma?
|
 Tele-Class, Aug. 7th, 6:00 pm,
$12*
- Are you tired of
navigating a maze of confusing and contradictory
messages about what and how to eat healthily?
- Are you confused by the
latest diet hype?
- Overwhelmed by all of
the diet and nutrition books on the bookstore shelf?
Maybe even on your own?
- Do you need to lose
weight, but your not sure what will work for you or
where you should start?
Join me as I dissect the
diet industry and explains why one diet does not work
for everyone. During the call I will share the five
elements to a sustainable diet and you will leave the
call with doable action items for each element. You will
hang up with a fresh perspective and some universal
truths that can be readily applied to your diet and
lifestyle.
Register
online for this Tele-class. Upon registration you
will be emailed handouts & the call-in number with
instructions.
* Please note long-distance
telephone charges may apply depending on your provider's
plan. | |
Thank you
for taking time to read my newsletter. I invite
you to contact me for a no obligation health
consultation. This
hour-long session includes a full discussion of your
health history and your goals. It's a chance to be heard
and get your questions answered and the opportunity to
find out more about a personalized program,
completely catered towards your busy lifestyle and
specific needs. I hope you
have enjoyed this issue of Soaring
Higher. If you
have, use the forwarding link at the bottom of the page
to pass it along! To ensure that you keep receiving
Soaring
Higher, take a
moment to confirm your interest at the top of the issue.
This helps keep it out of Junk Mail and Spam folders. As
always, you can unsubscribe at any time and I will never
sell your email address.
Please feel free to
call me with any questions or feedback at 503-351-8260.
If there is a specific health and/or wellness topic you
would like to learn more about drop me a line. I look
forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Andréa
Wright Anderson, CHHC
Soaring Eagle Wellness
| | |
Andrea Wright Anderson, HHC,
CLYT
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|
Through
health, life-style coaching and laughter my goal is to
help clients realize their emotional, spiritual and
physical potential so they can experience life in joy. I
am the founder of Soaring Eagle Wellness, a holistic
health and wellness practice in Portland, Oregon. The
business is dedicated to my late husband, Jeff Anderson,
who died due to complications from Lupus. It is my
belief that by taking into account the body-mind as a
whole and addressing the role of diet, stress and
emotions the body can often heal
itself. |
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| Andrea's Simple Salad |
This is an easy item that can be thrown together in
no time. It can be a side dish or the lunch you take
with you to work. Start cooking your grain while you are
preparing and chopping up the other ingredients.
* 1 can of corn
* 1 can of
your favorite bean (pinto, black, white, navy, garbanzo,
kidney, lentils etc.)
* ½ cup of chopped cilantro or
parsley
* ½ cup of chopped onion (sweet, red or
green)
* ½ cup of chopped carrots
* 1 cup of a
cooked grain (brown rice, quinoa, millet, etc.)
* 3
tablespoons of olive oil
* 3 tablespoons of favorite
vinegar or lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon of garlic
powder
* 1 teaspoon of favorite seasoning mix (Mrs.
Dash, Italian seasoning etc.)
* Salt and pepper to
taste
Mixed together. Adjust
seasoning to taste or add more oil or vinegar. Get
creative. Use what you have in the cupboard and the
fridge! I prefer black beans & quinoa for lots of
protien.
I actually make this all year long, but
it's best in the summer when we have so many fresh
choices! Include other fresh veggies or herbs as they
come into season such as corn, peppers or zucchini.
Tomatoes, dill or fennel. The combinations are endless.
This time of year refrigerate and serve cold. Although
I've tossed it with spinach and the warm grains & it
was fabulous!
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