Consumer Reports investigates arsenic in the food supply:

• Findings: 10% of apple juice and grape juice samples had total arsenic levels above the drinking water standard of 10 parts per billion.
• In addition, the majority of arsenic in the tested juice was inorganic, a known carcinogen.

Dr. Oz and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration

• Since the issue was originally broadcasted in September 2011, the FDA claims the majority of arsenic in apple juice is organic or the “harmless” kind.
• The FDA now says it’s researching the new evidence suggesting the majority of arsenic in apple juice is inorganic.
• Further, the FDA states there are two forms of organic arsenic in apple juice that are potentially harmful (in addition to the inorganic arsenic).
• The FDA is re-evaluating the levels of concern for juice, currently at 23 parts per billion ( a level of concern not including the risk of cancer from this known carcinogen)
• Nine previously undisclosed test results were released by the FDA, indicating arsenic levels above the current level of concern at 23 parts per billion.

The root of the problem: Whether from arsenic based pesticides in orchards or arsenic-contaminated water added to concentrate, arsenic can contaminate our nation’s juice supply.

“American apple juice is made from apple concentrate, 60% of which is imported from China.  Other countries may use pesticides that contain arsenic, a heavy metal known to cause cancer.”

“Although arsenic has been banned in the U.S. for decades, it’s not always regulated in other countries where it may be in water supply or used in pesticides contaminating the juice you’re giving your children”.

“Most people don’t realize that 2/3 of the apple juice that Americans consume-more than 400 million gallons annually-come from juice concentrates shipped from China.  A recen report by Food & Water Watch revealed that many other food and drinks that children consume on a daily basis, including canned and frozen fruit, candy and vitamins, are coming from China with little or no food safety oversight”.

What can you do to protect your children?

• Buy organic whenever possible.  According to Dr. Oz’s independent tests, none of the organic apple juices contained arsenic levels higher than deemed safe in drinking water, as per establishements of EPA.
• Search the package, making sure you purchase apple juice made from concentrate in the U.S. as it is more intensely regulated and hence the healthiest option for juice selection.
• Search the package for country of origin, as labels are often misleading.  “a product of” could simply mean the juice was packaged in that country, or that the packaging was created in that country.  Concentration origin is of primary importance.

Reference: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/arsenic-apple-juice

July 2011-Bethpage, NY – From Memorial Day to Independence Day the office of Dr. Larain Valenti collected over 40 unused cell phones and accessories to donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers.  “We’re proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soliders,” says Dr. Valenti of Balanced Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center, she continues “It’s an honor to help our soldiers stay connected to their families here at home”.
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed millions of prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone – the money is used to purchase prepaid calling cards which are sent to troops.
We will continue to be a drop off site and collect cell phones from the community. If you have unused cell phones and accessories you can bring them to Balanced Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 361 Broadway, Bethpage NY 11714, or call us at 516-731-0712.

Treat traveling as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a car or airplane, and cool down once you reach your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your leg muscles.

Tips for the Car:

• Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips.

• Consider a back support, this can reduce the risk of low-back strain, pain or injury. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline.

• Take rest breaks, to prevent fatigue, and muscle cramping.

Tips for Airplane Travel:

• Stand up straight and feel the normal “S” curve of your spine. Then use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve when you sit in your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back and just above the beltline and lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest.

• Check all bags heavier than 5-10 percent of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back or neck. While lifting your backs, stand right in front of the overhead compartment so your spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.

For more information please visit www.acatoday.org or call Dr. Larain M. Valenti of Balanced Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center at: (516) 731-0712.

If you feel sadder than usual or tend to get sick more frequently than your coworkers, it could be from what is lacking in your diet.  Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is linked to immunity, depression, blood sugar control, bone health, and numerous other health issues.  If vitamin D is so great for your health, why, we may ask, would anybody be deficient?  One of the biggest problems with Vitamin D is that it is not found in many foods (salmon, tuna, makrel, and fortified milks are among the few sources).  While it is possible for our skin to absorb vitamin D from the sun, the increased use of sun block along with our underexposure during the winter months makes it difficult for us to get enough.  Popping a multivitamin?  You still may be at risk due to the fact that the recommended daily intake for Vitamin D is outdated is much less than what we actually need.  A typical multivitamin contains only 400 IU, while most of us need 800 IU or more.  In order to make sure you are getting your daily dose of D, choose a multivitamin with 600 IU or more.  If you take calcium, opt for a calcium plus vitamin D tablet (the two help each other become absorbed).  Try to get ten minutes of sunlight per day and opt for fatty fishes such as salmon and fortified milks, yogurts, and eggs.  If you have diabetes, poor bone health, are an athlete and can never recover from injuries, or have a case of winter blues, it may be beneficial to take a Vitamin D tablet with 1,000 IU – 2,000 IU (check with your doctor if you are on medications or have any serious illness).  And remember, while we all know the importance of our A,B,Cs, take a quick look at your current diet and don’t underestimate the power of D!

For more information visit Nutrition in Motion, PC at http://www.topnutritionservices.com/

For more information visit www.birthnetwork.org

This statement comes up frequently when the topic of chiropractic is discussed. The real question is how do you view health? Is health merely a lack of symptoms or is health functioning at your optimal potential and expressing true vitality? Most people exercise to maintain a healthy weight and to stay in shape, brush their teeth and visit a dentist regularly to prevent cavities, so why not get spinal check-ups to not only prevent problems but to maximize your nervous system function (the system that controls and coordinates all other body functions).

The truth is you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.  You can choose to go to a chiropractor to relieve pain.  (A quick fix, like a fad diet to loose weight) .  Or you can choose to get adjusted to stay healthier throughout your lifetime-as part of a wellness lifestyle just like exercising and brushing your teeth.  In the end it’s your choice
How do you want to live your life?

Taking the Measures to Protect Spinal Health

Backpack Safety America/International gives us these simple steps for avoiding injury and improving spinal health.

Step 3: Lift Right.

Face the Pack -Bend at the Knees – Use both hands and check the weight of the pack. Lift with the legs. Apply one shoulder strap and then the other.

Tip: Don’t sling the backpack onto one shoulder

Back Pack Safety America and your Doctor of Chiropractic have contributed this information for your child’s better health. www.backpacksafe.com Share on Facebook ]]> http://balancedlifechiro.net/chiropractic-advice/back-pack-safety-tips/feed 0