New Life House in Torrance, CA "Building and Reprogramming"

New Life House was originally created in the late 1980’s for men who were struggling with drugs and alcohol and had nowhere to go.

Younger adults were in bad shape when it came to drug and alcohol abuse and a lack of life skills. There was no solution available to them once the families, and the individuals themselves, realized that they needed help. There was nothing that existed for teenagers who were eighteen to twenty years old.
...The younger men were able to hide out and avoid change, thus continuing to be the same individuals that entered the house [in the same program as the older men]. This inevitably led to relapse after they left the program...Needless to say, finding success stories among those younger men are few and far between.

Perry, the Founder and Director of New Life House, realized that a completely different structure was needed in order to help young men achieve sobriety. Perry separated the two age groups [young men and older men] and designed systems that were tailored specifically for teenagers. The environment and structure became geared toward the younger adult. That was the starting point of our success.

There is no other structured sober living home in Southern California that has remained as cost effective as we have while maintaining our level of success and our level of care. No other facility rivals New Life House in terms of long-term sobriety achieved by our alumni.

Over the last twenty years, we have expanded by founding three more houses which operate under the same staff as New Life House. Reality House, Miracle House, and our new women’s facility, Clarity House, have been helping men, women, and their families to get their lives back.

To read the full article, and for more information visit: http://www.newlifesoberlivings.com/about-new-life-house/ Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 310.532.5083

Services New Life House provides:

• Drug and alcohol free environment / Twelve Step Program
• Legal Assistance
• Transportation
• Referrals for outside help, psychiatric, therapy, etc.
• Weight & exercise room

 Down the road They will assist with:

• Extended network of apprenticeship and career opportunities
• Contacts of people and groups associated with Alcoholics Anonymous
• Apartment and housing assistance 

Michael (Left), Devin (middle), and Mrs. Montana International; Kimberly Gingras (Right). February 2011 at New Life House in Torrance, CA

"In following the steps at New Life House, and achieving progress, Michael has advanced to the level of responsibility as "Big Brother" to new life house member Devin (who upon my visit to the house had just entered the program the night before). Michael is responsible for Devin to teach him the "ropes" (rules and regulations) of the House. If  Devin were to make a mistake or break a rule during his time of training with his big brother (Michael), then Michael would have to pay the consequence for Devin's actions.

A fun irony in this experience for Michael is that he comes from a family of 7 children, and is the youngest. He always wanted to be a big brother, and now through his achievement of sobriety, and responsibility, he now has this honorable duty to be his brother's keeper, and guide Devin through the beginning process of adjusting to life at the New Life House."

"Devin is from Chicago IL, and Michael is from San Diego, CA The majority of the boys who live at New Life House are from California, but a handful are from out of State. I was able to share my message of wholeness through my platform; "Boosting B.R.A.I.N. Activity," with some of these boys and their families at a special parent day (once a week) where group meetings are held with the boys and their parents, and then a separate parent support meeting follows. A pot luck is shared with quality time between parents and their son's from about 10am-4:30pm. Then the boys are off to their responsibilities of AA meetings, work related tasks, and writing their 'words' (part of the 12 step program)."
~Kimberly Gingras HHC

From New Life House:

Philosophy:
We know there is not a magic wand we can wave to make someone stay sober, but we do believe there is a simple key to success for maintaining sobriety. The longer an individual is removed from the negative influences of his old lifestyle, the better chance he has of staying sober.

There are a few key elements we put into practice at New Life House to ensure someone has the best chance possible of receiving the help he needs to have a new life:

•A long term structured environment
•Teaching and application of life skills for success
•An experienced, qualified staff
•Camaraderie
•Family involvement
•Alcoholics Anonymous/ 12-Step participation
•Alumni involvement

The Family:
The family is an intricate part of the recovery process for the individual who is in New Life House. A lot of healing needs to take place within the entire family and that process starts here. Designed to further promote a family environment, the house hosts a variety of events, such as family lunches on Saturday and group outings to the movies, bowling, and the beach. All outings are pre-planned and house members are given advance notice. Every Saturday morning there is also an Al-Anon meeting for the parents and siblings that all are welcome to attend.

Our Aftercare Process:
Six percent of the people who come into the program of Alcoholics Anonymous of their own volition never drink or use drugs again. The odds are against the majority of individuals from the start, especially in the age group of eighteen- to twenty-two-year-old males. The attraction to living a sober life must outweigh the attraction to someone’s old way of life if there is to be any success at all. What happens when a young man leaves the environment at New Life House? What good is long-term care if it eventually ends? Recovering from alcoholism is a lifelong process and we have designed an aftercare method that works. Upon completion of our program, young men are set up to move into a house or apartment in the surrounding area in groups of three. Because three is a crowd, there is little or no room for dishonesty, negative behavior, or negative peer interaction.

Our door is always open at New Life House. When a graduate needs advice, someone to talk to, or just wants to hang out, the door never closes. Every graduate has become a part of the foundation of New Life House and it quickly becomes his home.

For more information visit:
http://www.newlifesoberlivings.com/about-new-life-house/
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 310.532.5083

I Am Mrs. Montana International..."HOW? - Since you live in Cali!"

I live in CA, and my husband; Cody Gingras owns land in Montana, and is a Native American tribal member of the Flathead Reservation there. So my marriage to him ties me to his roots, and allowed me to compete for the Title and Crown of Mrs. Montana International 2011!

We move a lot in the U.S., but mostly in the Western States region. I'm a native to the Western States, more so than one State in particular. Montana is one of the only States where we have solid roots of heritage, a history of geneology, and a place where we feel Cody's Father's spirit very strong. A real sense of belonging, and a feeling of being at one with nature.

I was raised in San Diego, CA and I have my own family heritage there, and return often as well. So I guess you can say I'm in one state while my heart is in the other claiming both places at once! These two places are my family's favorite places to be (At the Beach with cousins in San Diego, or at the Pow-Wow in Arlee with 'Grandpa & G.G.').

I am honored to represent Montana, and my husband's heritage. Not many know who the Salish, or Kootenai tribes are (amongst other tribes on the Flathead reservation; like the Cree, etc.) I hope to bring more awareness of their people - to others on an International level as I proclaim my platform of "Boosting B.R.A.I.N. Activity" at the same time!!!

INSPIRATION

Marianne Williamson said, "We were born to make manifest the glory of our CREATOR that is within us…Not just in some of us, ALL of us. As we let our light shine, we give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others."

Every morning I begin my day by connecting to God. This is my personal sacred routine where I feel the most guided in my life. My diligence in keeping my divine appointment with Him gives me strength and courage to accomplish my mission here on earth.
"When we are in Solitude, we are in a place to connect with God." ~Kimberly Gingras HHC

Common Substances with Dangerous Consequences

Our world exposes us to a host of other hormone-altering substances, which include:

•Xenoestrogens mimic real hormones and are found in sunscreen, food preservatives, weed killer, insecticides, adhesives and paint.

•Heavy Metals like mercury, lead, aluminum and nickel accumulate in your body and come from drinking water, fish, dental fillings and vaccinations. Mercury is one of the most common indoor air pollutants.

•Teflon, found in non-stick pans, cleaning products, cosmetics and in stain-resistant carpet and clothing is a harmful pollutant that never breaks down. PFOA, a component in Teflon, is in 95% of Americans’ blood!

•Bad fats are found in almost every prepared food in your local supermarket. Look for “partially hydrogenated” or “hydrogenated” oils on the label to avoid these artery-clogging, liver-stressing, and hormone-suppressing oils. (Read more about the dangers of processed, refined oils.
All of these toxic substances: xenoestrogens, heavy metals, pollutants like Teflon and bad fats- enter your bloodstream where your liver must then struggle to process them, remove them or store them in your fat cells. The fatter you have in your body the more places you have to store these dangerous toxins.

Allowed to stay in your body, these substances wreak havoc on your hormones and your health- setting you (and further generations) up for disease. Your immune system strains to act against these toxic invaders, but without proper hormone levels, even your immune system cannot function properly. You age rapidly, feel depressed, and lose energy.

Your brain, memory, and focus all suffer. Researchers have even linked imbalances within your reproductive hormones (especially DHEA) to Alzheimer’s in both men and women.4

And of course, we’ve seen the rampant infertility that is affecting so many couples trying to have children. Just a few generations ago, fertility problems were rare. Since the 1950′s however, time-saving processed foods and life-saving pharmaceutical drugs became a bigger part of our daily habits than our bodies were created to handle. Added to this are increased environmental toxins — and higher stress levels, creating emotional toxins that could be just as harmful.

See the full article from Body Ecology go to:
http://bodyecology.com/articles/natural-factors-that-suppress-your-hormone-production-and-how-to-avoid-them/

How Candida Creates Toxicity and Turns Sugar into a Drug

By BodyEcology.com

Those of us who have chosen to explore the Body Ecology Diet know from first-hand experience the effects of systemic candida, immune sensitivity, and whole-body inflammatory response.

Let's face it, the more you know about your own body, the more empowered you are.

Becoming aware of how the food you eat impacts your health can strengthen your immune system and prevent such issues as fatigue, autoimmune conditions, systemic inflammation, and even a nutritional deficiency!

As a consumer of food, pharmaceutical or botanical medications, treatment therapy, and dietary supplements, you have some choices to make. When making those choices, it is useful to have a basic understanding of what is happening in your own body.

There are many primary healthcare providers who do not yet understand how central diet is to health. You may even need to introduce the diet that you are on to your doctor, explaining the differences that you feel in your own body while on the Body Ecology Diet. Whether you have an autoimmune condition, frequent colds, general lethargy and brain fog, joint pain, or a skin condition, something led you to explore the connection between food and your body.

In his book, Biological Treatment for Autism and PDD, Dr. William Shaw explains how systemic yeast infection actually produces a toxin called gliotoxins. (1)
Gliotoxins poison the immune system by fragmenting the DNA of macrophages and T-lymphocytes. These white blood cells are very important elements involved in immune response.
Gliotoxins inactivate the sulfhydryl (thiol) group of proteins, which are necessary to support a wide variety of enzymes.
Gliotoxins generate free radicals.
Glutathione (GSH) is the main intracellular thiol antioxidant.

Therefore, it protects sulfhydryl group proteins and also protects the body against free radical damage. Not only that, glutathione also has been implicated in the TH1/TH2 cytokine response pattern. (2)(3) This means that pro-GSH molecules represent new therapeutic agents that support immune modulation.

Glutathione plays many protective roles in the body:
Alleviates some of the effects of gliotoxin poisoning.
Is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.
Modulates immune system (TH1 / TH2) and inflammatory response (involves TH17).
Assists in detoxifying the body of heavy metals, especially mercury.
Recently suggested to play a role in strengthening the gut barrier and preventing intestinal inflammation. (4)
Here are a few more important points to remember:
L-Glutamine is important for the generation of glutathione. Once transported into the cell, it is converted to glutamate and available for intracellular glutathione synthesis. (5)
Body Ecology Vitality Greens offers a covalently-bonded glutamine, Glutimmune. Covalently-bonded glutamine is incredibly stable and offers 10 times more glutamine than L-glutamine!
The Chinese herb, cordyceps, has been recently found to activate glutathione synthesis in the body. Research has shown that this herb, traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to build yang energetic force in the body, also protects cells by engaging the glutathione enzyme cycle!
Gliotoxins are not the only harmful byproduct of systemic yeast infection. In the 1970s,

Dr. Orian Truss suggested that candida living in the intestinal tract produces toxins that affect the entire body. According to Dr. Truss, acetaldehyde is one of the most important toxic byproducts of candida.
Acetaldehyde comes from ethanol and is responsible for the feeling of a hangover after drinking.

It also is found in exhaust fumes from cars and in cigarette smoke. It is normally present in the body at small levels and easily converted to acetate to be used in cellular energy production. If there is too much acetaldehyde (for example, from candida overgrowth or die-off) and/or a nutritional deficiency, toxicity develops.

If you have adequate amounts of glutamine, selenium, B3 (niacin), folic acid, B6, B12, iron, and the trace element molybdenum, acetaldehydes continue to be metabolized into acetate, which can be excreted or converted further into acetyl coenzyme A. If these nutrients are in poor supply, acetaldehydes begin collecting in the body's tissues.

An excess of acetaldehyde in the body eventually creates a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thiamine is often called the "nerve vitamin" because of its role in proper brain and nerve function. A lack of thiamine can lead to acetylcholine deficiency.

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter related to our memory, and severe deficiency has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Not only that, but excess acetaldehyde affects the structure of red blood cells, making them less flexible, as well as the integrity of the dendrites of the brain cells.

Acetaldehyde also promotes addiction. Acetaldehyde has the tendency to link up with serotonin and dopamine and produce beta-carboline and salsolinol, respectively. These compounds are interrelated and inter-convertible; they are as addictive as opiates! These opiate-like biochemicals explain why sugar is so addictive to those who have systemic candida. Sometimes the body's immune system gets confused.

The immune system will produce antibodies, or immunoglobulins, to identify or neutralize a pathogen. The pathogen, which can be a virus, bacteria, fungus, or foreign body, is the antigen that prompts the immune response. The antigen has something on it called an epitope, which is like a nametag that the immune system uses to produce antibodies. Sometimes two different antigens will have similar epitopes, or in some cases, two different antigens will share an epitope. In either case, this leads to a partial binding between an antibody and antigen, stimulating an inappropriate immune response.

Both the wheat protein, alpha gliadin, and the protein present in candida can bind to the same antibody.

This means that the immune system confuses wheat for candida - which could explain sensitivity to gluten.

This confusion, or cross-reaction, happens with other common foods like dairy, coffee, and chocolate. (6)

Partial binding of antigenic epitopes to an antibody can also happen with the protein

casein found in milk and, strangely enough, has been found to occur with coffee and chocolate as well. That means that although these foods contain no gluten, they will still create the same immune response as if you were eating a doughy piece of wheat bread.

WHAT TO REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

The immune system is complex and sensitive. Proper nutrients are essential to maintaining the gut mucosal barrier and ensuring the smooth release of toxins from the body. Candida waste byproducts, such as gliotoxins and acetaldehyde, are implicated in a wide range of disorders like nutritional deficiency, depression and anxiety, brain fog and fatigue, autoimmune conditions, systemic inflammation, and weakened immune response.

If you have systemic candida, then sugar really is like a drug. Consistently making sure that your body has enough functional enzymes in the gut in order to break food down, as well as plenty of beneficial microflora, are two important steps that you can take to support your body. These steps are both preventative and therapeutic.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Vitality Greens
Cordyceps
Assist SI
Assist Full Spectrum
Whole Grain Biotic Probiotic Drink

REFERENCES:
1.Shaw, William. Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD. Np. Nd. http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/book/bk7sect1.html.
2."Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Deficiency Attenuates Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation by Suppressing TH2 and TH17 Cell Development." Antioxid Redox Signal. 2010 June 6.
3."Antiviral and immunomodulatory of new pro-glutathione (GSH) molecules." Current Medical Chem. 2006;13(15):1749-55.
4."Intestinal Barrier Function in Response to Abundant or Depleted Mucosal Glutathione in Salmonella-Infected Rats." BMC Physiology. 2009 April 17;9:6.
5.Kharrazian, Datis. "AutoImmune Regulation by the Nitric Oxide and Glutathione Systems, Part 2." Neuroendocrine Immunology Series Lecture. Irvine: Apex Energetics, 2010.
6.Kharrazian, Datis. "Understanding the Complexity of Gluten Sensitivity, Part 3." Neuroendocrine Immunology Series Lecture. Irvine: Apex Energetics, 2010.

The Story Behind Cosmetics

The Story of Cosmetics (2010)

ADHD News Tip #14: Classroom Brain Break One: Move to Math

Even though many of them seem to move all the time, ADHD kids need
to move (All kids need to move and so do you). So combine moving
with math practice.

Walk the number of steps that equal 7 plus 5 or 48 divided by 6.
Make more complicated problems similar to algebra: 7 plus 5 divided
by 2 times 4 equals the number of steps you must take.

Next Tip: Stand up

Dr. MaryJo Wagner
Helping smart parents raise smart kids. Sign up today for 'Smart Kids Strategies'
http://smartkidssmartparents.com/sign-up

105 S. Irving St.
Denver, CO 80219
303-484-8027
mjw@mjwagner.com
http://smartkidssmartparents.com

Mercury Poisoning

From Wikipedia
For complete information please go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning

Mercury poisoning (also known as hydrargyria or mercurialism) is a disease caused by exposure to mercury or its compounds. Mercury (chemical symbol Hg) is a heavy metal that occurs in several forms, all of which can produce toxic effects in high enough doses. Its zero oxidation state Hg0 exists as vapor or as liquid metal, its mercurous state Hg+ exists as inorganic salts, and its mercuric state Hg2+ may form either inorganic salts or organomercury compounds; the three groups vary in effects. Toxic effects include damage to the brain, kidney, and lungs.[1] Mercury poisoning can result in several diseases, including acrodynia (pink disease), Hunter-Russell syndrome, and Minamata disease.[2]

Symptoms typically include sensory impairment (vision, hearing, speech), disturbed sensation and a lack of coordination. The type and degree of symptoms exhibited depend upon the individual toxin, the dose, and the method and duration of exposure.

Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms of mercury poisoning include peripheral neuropathy (presenting as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain), skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), swelling, and desquamation (shedding of skin).

Because mercury blocks the degradation pathway of catecholamines, epinephrine excess causes profuse sweating, tachycardia (persistently faster-than-normal heart beat), increased salivation, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Mercury is thought to inactivate S-adenosyl-methionine, which is necessary for catecholamine catabolism by catechol-o-methyl transferase.

Affected children may show red cheeks, nose and lips, loss of hair, teeth, and nails, transient rashes, hypotonia (muscle weakness), and increased sensitivity to light. Other symptoms may include kidney disfunction (e.g. Fanconi syndrome) or neuropsychiatric symptoms such as emotional lability, memory impairment, or insomnia.

Thus, the clinical presentation may resemble pheochromocytoma or Kawasaki disease.

Causes
The consumption of fish is by far the most significant source of ingestion-related mercury exposure in humans and animals, although plants and livestock also contain mercury due to bioaccumulation of mercury from soil, water and atmosphere, and due to biomagnification by ingesting other mercury-containing organisms.[4] Exposure to mercury can occur from breathing contaminated air;[5] from eating foods containing mercury residues from processing, such as can occur with high-fructose corn syrup;[6] from exposure to mercury vapor in mercury amalgam dental restorations;[7] and from improper use or disposal of mercury and mercury-containing objects, for example, after spills of elemental mercury or improper disposal of fluorescent lamps.[8]

Mercury and many of its chemical compounds, especially organomercury compounds, can also be readily absorbed through direct contact with bare, or in some cases (such as dimethylmercury) insufficiently protected, skin. Mercury and its compounds are commonly used in chemical laboratories, hospitals, dental clinics, and facilities involved in the production of items such as fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and explosives.[11]

Mechanism
Mercury is such a highly reactive toxic agent that it is difficult to identify its specific mechanism of damage, and much remains unknown about the mechanism.[12] It damages the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys, and other organs, and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth. Exposure over long periods of time or heavy exposure to mercury vapor can result in brain damage and ultimately death. Mercury and its compounds are particularly toxic to fetuses and infants. Women who have been exposed to mercury in pregnancy have sometimes given birth to children with serious birth defects (see Minamata disease).

Mercury exposure in young children can have severe neurological consequences, preventing nerve sheaths from forming properly. Mercury inhibits the formation of myelin.

There is some evidence that mercury poisoning may predispose to Young's syndrome (men with bronchiectasis and low sperm count).[13]

Mercury poisoning's effects partially depend on whether it has been caused by exposure to elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds (as salts), or organomercury compounds.

Smoking Teeth = Poison Gases Mercury Effects the Brain, Nervous system, and So Much More!

"The China Study" Book (excerpt from New York Times Health Blog)

by Tara Parker-Pope

Six years ago, a small Texas publisher released an obscure book written by a father-son research team. The work, based on a series of studies conducted in rural China and Taiwan, challenged the conventional wisdom about health and nutrition by espousing the benefits of a plant-based diet. To everyone's surprise, the book, called "The China Study," has since sold 500,000 copies, making it one of the country's best-selling nutrition titles. The book focuses on the knowledge gained from the China Study, a 20-year partnership of Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine that showed high consumption of animal-based foods is associated with more chronic disease, while those who ate primarily a plant-based diet were the healthiest.

Last fall, former President Bill Clinton even cited the book in explaining how he lost 24 pounds by converting to a plant-based diet in hopes of improving his heart health. The president gave up dairy, switching to almond milk, and says he lives primarily on beans and other legumes, vegetables and fruit, although he will, on rare occasions, eat fish.

Recently, I spoke with T. Colin Campbell, a co-author of the book and professor emeritus at Cornell University, about the success of the book, the research behind it, and why he thinks the nation's health woes can be solved by plant-based eating.

The Great Health Debate!

Don't miss The Great Health Debate! Renegade Health is organizing a 7-day online event that brings together diet experts (including Charlotte Gerson) from all different schools of thought - vegan, vegetarian, meat eating, etc. - to debate the best ways to improve your diet.

Follow this link to register and get more information

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4106811

Still have questions? Contact Renegade Health at:

1(877)581-0840

help@renegadehealth.com

www.renegadehealth.com