Category Archives: Healthy Lifestyle

Tips From The Professor: Flu Shots & Heart Attack Risk

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You’ve seen the recent headlines: “Study Finds Flu Shot Cuts Heart Attack Risk in Half”. These headlines refer to a currently unpublished study presented late last year at the 2012 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.

The study analyzed the results of published clinical trials involving a total of 3,227 patients, average age of 60, half of whom had already been diagnosed with heart disease. They were randomly assigned to receive either a flu shot or placebo shot and their health was tracked for 12 months. And the study found that the flu shot was associated with a 50% reduction in heart attacks and stoke and a 40% reduction in cardiovascular death.

That’s enough to make you want to want to rush out and get your flu shot right away, which is what many of the media reports suggested you should do.

However, while that sounds very impressive, the number of people in those groups experiencing a heart attack or stroke during the 12 month period was small, which limits the strength of the conclusion.

In addition, half of the people in that study already had heart disease. Two previous studies in populations without previous evidence of heart disease have had mixed results. One study (CMAJ, 182: 1617-1623, 2010) found that the flu shot was associated with a 20% reduction in heart attack risk, while another study (Hum Vaccin, 2: 161-166, 2006) found no correlation between flu shots and heart attack risk.

So, all the hype about this recent study is a bit misleading. The flu shot has always made sense for the very old and very sick. If you have a serious heart condition, or if you are old and feeble, a bout of the flu can push you over the edge. So while it is true that the flu shot significantly decreases the risk of dying from a heart attack, many of those people would have kicked the bucket in a year or two anyway. Of course, no one wants to die prematurely – even a little bit prematurely, so it is absolutely correct to say that flu shots reduce heart attack deaths and save lives in that population group.

Where it is not so clear the flu shot is beneficial, is for the young and healthy. The flu shot offers few benefits and a very slight risk for that population group.

For the young and healthy group flu shots primarily make sense from a public health standpoint. The very old and the very sick often have weak immune systems, so the flu shot is not particularly effective for them. However, if public health officials can convince every else to get their flu shots, the probability of the old and sick getting exposed to the flu virus is decreased and you will decrease death from flu in that population.

So what is the bottom line for you?

If you are old, have a weakened immune system, or have major diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or hypertension, the flu shot makes a great deal of sense.

If you are young and healthy, you have a choice. We do many things in this life for altruistic reasons – things that help other people without providing any direct benefits to us. If you are young and healthy the flu shot is like that. It’s something you might do because it could save the life of someone who you might otherwise expose to the flu virus.

I just wish that were the message that we heard from public health officials. I believe in truth in advertising.

To Your Health!

Dr. Stephen G Chaney

Tips From The Professor: Don’t Do Drugs

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When I say don’t do drugs, I’m not referring to the kinds of drugs you might be thinking of. I’m talking about weight loss drugs.

Once again we are at the beginning of a new year, and everyone is looking for an easy way to lose weight. And what could be easier than just popping one of those weight loss drugs? In fact, if you go into one of those medically supervised weight loss centers, weight loss drugs might be the first thing that they recommend.

Of course, we’ve seen lots of weight loss drugs come and go over the years as they have all been found to have unexpected toxicities. So are the new weight loss drugs any different?

For example, the drug Xenical or Alli was approved for weight loss by the FDA in 1999. In May of 2010 the FDA was forced to announce a consumer warning that Xenical had the potential for liver toxicity. However, at that time they considered it a rare side effect.

But a study published just this month (D Xiao et al, Biochem. Pharmacol.,

doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.11.026) suggests that the potential dangers of Xenical are much greater than previously supposed. This study showed that Xenical blocks a key enzyme called

carboxylesterase-2 which plays an essential role in detoxifying the liver and kidneys and the entire gastrointestinal track.

And the same enzyme is important in the metabolism of many medications. For example, loss of this enzyme activity reduces the effectiveness of cancer treatments and increases the effectiveness of aspirin – raising the possibility of uncontrolled bleeding.

And it’s not just Xenical. The FDA has just approved two new weight loss drugs, Belviq and Qysmia, that it initially rejected in 2010 because of safety concerns, including heart risks and birth defects.

Belviq has a similar mechanism of action to Fen/Phen, which was taken off the market in 1997 because it damaged heart valves. Qysmia increases the risk of birth defects, and the long-term effects of both of these drugs on the risk of heart attack and stroke is currently unknown.

A physician colleague of mine always told the freshman medical students that “The only safe drug is a new drug”. He went on to say that the longer the drug has been on the market the more we know about its side effects.

Don’t misunderstand me. If you have a serious medical condition and a drug treatment is called for, the benefits often outweigh the side effects. But the clinical studies show that these weight loss drugs only give about 5% weight loss over a 12 month period.

That’s very little benefit in relationship to the risks – both known and unknown.

So when it comes to weight control medications, my advice is “Don’t do drugs”.

To Your Health!

Dr. Stephen G Chaney

P.S. Coming in January: A brand new 180 weight loss CD with testimonials called “Fit for Life” that my son Marc and I have recorded and the “180 Lifestyle Program” – comprehensive lifestyle change program that you can use to support all of the 180 Turnaround customers that you will be working with starting in January. Visit http://www.socialmarketingconnection.com

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Rheumatoid Arthritis testimonials

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Arthritis – Alice C. “Totally Pain Free”

My family has a history of inflammatory illnesses. Arthritis is the number one and heart disease. About 1975 after a very stressful couple of years (long distance move, flood, life and stress does often trigger inflammatory illness), my symptoms began. During this period my cousin-best friend also was in treatment for her Arthritis.

I determined I would seek natural methods. However, she had the best medical team available in NY and Conn. because her husband’s company paid for everything. When I suggested food supplements she said “why should I pay for vitamins when my medical care and prescriptions are completely paid for?” Following 2 kidney transplants and awaiting the third, she died in 1985 due to the “excellent” medications prescribed and paid for by outstanding specialists.

I was introduced to Shaklee in 1976 and received great benefit due to the Alfalfa that helps reduce inflammation. Then, the distributor moved from the area and ordering by the case from the company was not an option for me. I went to my local Health Food Store and bought the best they had available. The owner worked with me even ordering special products but my symptoms returned. Then I heard Amway had a natural vitamin and switched to that brand. By 1986 I could not dress myself and I could not get any relief.

My doctor recommended a Rheumatologist in Houston but I didn’t follow through. Then, out of the blue, a Shaklee Distributor came into my business and introduced herself. She had just moved to Conroe from out of state. Her husband, whom I knew, suggested that she come meet me. (What if she had not made the effort to ask if I was interested?) The rest is history.

I got back on a Shaklee program in July 1987 and after a period of detox, which is like the flu, I began to improve. In Sept. I attended a seminar in Dallas with two scientists, one who was an inflammatory specialist. I had a consultation and he suggested I take 30 Alfalfa and 9 Essential Omega Acids each day. Within a few months I was totally pain free and after about 5 years all the large calcium deposits on my fingers, wrists and evidently my back were gone.

At age 70 and a half I have no pain, no inflamed joints and my physician tells me I am the only patient she has who gets better with age, according to my blood chemistry.

My latest blood chemistry dated 8-13-03 has a note from my physician, “As always, Great !!!” My cholesterol is down after taking the new Cholesterol Reduction Complex for 6 weeks by about 20 points. My HDL is up to 70 with a 3.0 ratio.

I would wish for everyone to enjoy the energy and good health that I do. I tried everything else, nothing worked, but Shaklee gave my body the nutrition it needed and continues to require for good health. Medications will never nourish the body, the cells only recognize live foods.

Alice Coker

Arthritis – Betty G. “My Attitude Has Changed Completely”

It is with pleasure that I take the opportunity to share my thoughts about Shaklee. I was introduced to Shaklee in 1981 as a wholesale consumer of “concentrated” cleaning products. Since the person knew that I was an RN, he did not share “nutrition” with me, but did supply me with cassettes on various subjects. He was not aware of the various health challenges that I had, especially the pain of Osteoarthritis that resulted following a work-related accident and 5 back surgeries. In order for me to work, I took about 15 Bufferin a day. I chose them because they were as effective as the anti-inflammatory drugs the Dr.’s had put me on, and created fewer side effects.

After listening to testimonies on the tapes and the rationale behind supplementation, I began using the Shaklee basics of that time, which were Vita-Lea, Vita C, Alfalfa, Herb Lax and Protein. I also added Calcium Magnesium to my program. I could not BELIEVE it!! In less than 3 weeks, I was not taking any Bufferin and felt energized and a great sense of well-being.

This was too good to keep to myself since I was hearing lots of complaints from others. My attitude had changed completely… that a “vitamin” is a “vitamin”, and “if the Dr. doesn’t know how to help, vitamins certainly can’t”. I continued to educate myself with meetings, tapes, books, etc. and started sharing with others how they could experience better health. I have seen B/P lowered without medication, migraine headaches gradually go away, digestive disorders relieved, immune systems restored, energy and endurance revived, and the list goes on.

Betty Griffin

Arthritis – Betty S. “Ring Fits on Finger Again”

My Special Ring

My children gave me a ring that I have worn for many years on my left ring finger. For the past five years, my knuckle was swollen from arthritis and I hadn’t been able to wear the “special” ring. Since taking Vivix for 2 weeks, the knuckle has shrunk and I have been able to wear my “special” ring every day. I am Thrilled!

Betty Simpson

Arthritis – Bob F. “Instant Relief”

I have arthritis in my feet and tendonitis in both arms. Anyone who has arthritis understands the constant pain. I tried Shaklee’s Joint and Muscle cream as soon as it became available and felt instant relief. After applying the cream for several weeks there is almost no discomfort.

Whenever I do too much work with my arms like gardening, lifting or carrying stuff, even cooking for a long time (I usually spend most of Saturday preparing meals) my arms feel lifeless, and inflamed. It usually takes several days to recover.

I also recently started to take Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex for arthritis as well as for the tendonitis. I washed windows this past week-end, and over-did it as usual. Without realizing it I did more than anticipated and didn’t think about my arms getting inflamed. My wife asked how I felt and I just looked at her and thought why would I feel any different; but my arms didn’t hurt and there was no inflammation. My arms felt great….pain was forgotten.

Many products claim they give relief, but with Shaklee you get results!

Bob Flowers

Arthritis – Dolores M. “Suffering For 50+ Years”

I had been suffering for 50+ years with arthritis, throughout my body, and this became aggravated by sciatica, bursitis and osteoporosis. Compounding the problem was the fact that I had been treated for years for hypothyroidism so that exercise was difficult and weight gain inevitable, thereby augmenting the joint problems. My doctor was afraid that improper exercising might do more damage and he considered that the form of exercise activity with the Y-care training would be advantageous.

Initially, the regimen of exercises were painful and exhausting but, with consistent effort and attendance, this improved to what I would consider a discomfort level, but not necessary any where near the pain threshold I had encountered earlier. That was up until Christmas 2004.

I had always had difficulty with sloped grades, inclines, stairs, etc., sometime requiring a handrail to assist me by allowing me to pull myself up the stairs, or else holding the arm of someone who would pull me up an incline. For some reason, this was becoming increasingly difficult and, by Christmas 2004, I was needing a great deal of assistance navigating the stairs to my grand-daughter’s home for our annual Christmas get-together.

By mid-January, 2005, I was barely able to get out of bed, creep to the bathroom, and get back up on to the bed. Living alone, except for two cats, I was pretty much panicked knowing that I had been told that eventually I could expect to be wheel-chair ridden. This seemed to be it. What’s worse, my weight was still 40 some pounds more than it should be and I had developed high blood pressure. I also had a high cholesterol problem too. It stunned me since I had been on prescription pain killers all my adult life and even though they never freed me from pain, they did moderate it somewhat. Now, even that was not happening.

By a stroke of luck, I had recently subscribed to membership with the Shaklee Nutrition Company and had been researching their products as targeted to joint pain. I had placed an order which arrived (at my neighbors door since I couldn’t get out of bed and to the door to receive it) and which I received eventually. I started on the Soy Protein (water-washed and prepared at 56 degree C so that it did not destroy the phyto-chemicals and phyto-estrogens, nor become a source of carcinogens); the Joint Pain Relief; and the Joint Pain Complex. I noticed a little relief after three or four days enough to navigate around my condo and feed the animals. I then ordered some Joint and Muscle Pain Cream for future use. I never got to use it because, the day it arrived, I was back at the gym with it in my purse. I ran into someone else in pain, offered it to him to try, he did, and purchased it from me right away.

It didn’t matter. Since March 1st, I have never had to take as much as an aspirin for pain, have almost complete mobility of all my joints, have used other Shaklee products to bring down my weight and lost 35 pounds, have got normal cholesterol, and my systolic blood pressure has dropped about 30 points. I still have a thyroid condition but hope to eventually rid my need for thyroid medication altogether.

Why do I continue at the gym? Because I probably would not exercise at all without the moral support and collegiality of those I exercise with. I certainly would miss the social contact and the friends I have developed, not to mention the opportunity I have had to direct people to possible nutritional supplements that could help them too. I am now happy to be associated with Shaklee as a wellness representative being proactive on the medical scene instead of reactive as is frequently the case with most of us who wait for disaster to strike before doing anything to prevent it.

Dolores (Del) E. Myles

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Arthritis – Frederick “Years Of Knee Pain Gone”

I am a 72 years young male. Nearly forty years ago I blew out my right knee playing football and was on crutches for almost 6 months. Did not have my knee operated on at that time. In the last few years arthritis has set in that knee. I am an active person and play golf at least three times per week. With any activity the right knee would become inflamed with much pain. I have been using the Joint Health Complex ever since SHAKLEE introduced the product with good results. Yet, the inflammation from the arthritis would flare up each day I would golf – which would affect my game…..Last summer SHAKLEE asked if I would try a bottle of the new SHAKLEE Pain Relief Complex and record my results for thirty days. I followed the instructions and within two days went golfing and the inflammation did not flare up and had no pain for the duration of the next 30 days. Once the 30 days was up I realized I would need to wait until October 2003 when SHAKLEE planned on placing the product on the market.

For me this was a life changing experience. The main ingredient in the SHAKLEE Pain Relief Complex was Boswelia an herb. I decided to go to GNC and buy Boswellia Herb. They had a bottle of Boswellia Complex 90 capsules and I thought this can hold me over until SHAKLEE puts the new product on the market. I used up the bottle of Boswellia from GNC and still had the pain in my right knee that would become inflamed each time I golfed. I have known for years that there was a difference with SHAKLEE products vs other brands. This proved to me once again there is “A SHAKLEE DIFFERENCE”

Frederick

Arthritis – Happy “Pain Cream”

I Can Garden Again

“SHAKLEE’s Pain Cream is so effective at relieving the arthritis pain in my right thumb that I’m able to work again in the garden. And I can even sleep through the night. I’m thrilled.”

Happy

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Arthritis – Juanita C. “The Pain In My Foot Was Gone”

About a year ago, a friend of mine noticed I was limping and asked me what was wrong. I told her I had a bone spur in the middle of my heel on my right foot and it was causing me a great deal of pain.

I had gone to the doctor and had three shots of Cortisone within three weeks, but nothing helped, so she preceded to tell me about Shaklee supplements and how they have helped many people, I told her I had been taking vitamins from health food stores for many years and I had always believed in nutrition but that they hadn’t helped with my bone spur.

She then told me about the “Shaklee Difference.” How their science, unprecedented testing and careful choice of raw materials and especially their unique processing allows all the nutrients found in nature, but also all the unknowns that aren’t discovered yet, to be part of their “food” supplement. She suggested, that just maybe I would get better results with the Shaklee food supplements.

She also said that a bone spur is caused by a deficiency of Calcium which causes the body to leach calcium from the bone.

She gave me the phone number of Dolores Mauk and I called her and she helped me with a program and within three to four weeks all the pain in my foot was gone and I could walk without limping. That was a year ago and I am still taking the same amounts because I don’t want to have any problem with a bone spur again. And I just feel so much better all over.

Here is what I am taking:

· 1 scoop Instant Protein & 1 scoop Meal Shake

· 1 Vita Lea

· 2 B-complex

· 2 SR-C

· 1 E

· 4 Alfalfa

· 2 Cal-Mag

· 2 Vita Cal (OsteoMatrix)

All of this 3 times daily, plus a 4th serving of alfalfa and calcium at bedtime.

Thank you,

Juanita Case

Arthritis – Julia “Hiking On The Weekend”

“The Joint & Muscle Pain Cream is one of my favorite SHAKLEE products. I have personally seen some quick results, but one of the best things that happened was for my mother-in-law. She has a lot of problems with arthritis in her feet. She also has an area on her ankle that gives her the most problems and it creates constant discomfort. Before she left my house the other night I rubbed some of the cream on her ankle. When she got home 15 minutes later, she called me up and said she was coming back to get some Joint & Muscle Cream because it worked so well and so fast. She was going hiking for the weekend and didn’t want to be in pain.”

Julia

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Arthritis – Loretta N. “I Can Knit A Long Time With Arthritic Hands”

“I love to knit and crochet. Shaklee’s Joint and Muscle Pain Cream, which penetrates so deeply and works so quickly, allows me to stay with these projects for many more hours. I keep one in my purse, one by my bed, and one in my office.”

Loretta Nolan

Arthritis – Marie C. “I’m Pain Free”

A man from my church (Cleve) who is in his late 70′s has suffered from Arthritis for the last 10 years. He’s been taking lots of Ibuprofen daily for 10 years. When I heard this a year ago, I said “yikes, your insides must be a mess”! I gave him some information regarding Shaklee alternatives for his pain and stiffness. He read it and said “no thanks”!

In the last month, he’s no longer able to be a greeter at the door at church. He’s not able to stand up when we sing hymns. I started praying for him “Lord, give him the courage to try something new and different (Shaklee). I also gave his 42-year old daughter literature and said “Please, talk to your Dad. He doesn’t have to be in pain all the time. And his insides are going to eventually give him mega trouble.” She talked to him. A week ago he said “Give me a month’s worth”! So I put him on OsteoMatrix, Joint Health (3 per day/ 1 per meal) and Alfalfa (3 per meal, gradually going up to 5 per meal – some at bedtime if you are stiff in the am).

Yesterday at church, Cleve greeted me at the door. He said “I’m pain free”. I stopped all my Ibuprofen and other than a little stiffness, I feel great!” Hallelujah! What a blessing that was for me! What did I tell him? “Tell all your friends”! (ha)!

Shaklee – you just keep producing awesome products! But what a blessing OsteoMatrix is for our hurting seniors! Keep up the good work, or should I say research, testing, etc.

Marie Cress

Arthritis – Martha M. “Can Move Again Without Pain”

I’m a person who has used Shaklee vitamins as well as their business plan to improve all elements of my health profile since 1985. I am now 72 and have been experiencing an elevated amount of joint, muscle and back pain. It has grown and grown over the past several years to very aggravating proportions affecting sleep and most movement. I was using up to 16 Pain Complex tablets a day to control this growing pain. It worked to quench the pain but the pain itself showed no signs of letting up.

Then, in early August, Shaklee Corporation introduced VIVIX, a fabulous new longevity tonic with resveratrol and super-grape extracts. I actually began taking Vivix while attending the convention in New Orleans. It is now September 15th and I’m pain free! I take NO Pain Complex. I use the Prescription for Health products recommended by Dr. Jamie McManus in addition to Vivix…one teaspoon a day. It’s great to be able to move again without pain anywhere.

Martha Maxwell

Arthritis – Nancy & Tom “No More Pain Medication”

“Tom and I have been on the Vivix for 1 week and 2 days and after about 5 days Tom noticed that his ankles no longer hurt. He had broken them both as a youth playing sports. Tom is 65 and arthritis hit his ankles this year. He had to get up and take pain meds so he could sleep. After taking Vivix for just 5 days he no longer needs pain meds to sleep.”

Nancy Douglas

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Arthritis – Willa “Calcium Deposit Gone”

Willa Virkler not only has Osteoarthritis but also a calcium deposit on a vertebrae which is closing off 1/2 of the opening that the nerves go through. The nerves are pinched leading to her shoulder and down her arm, creating severe pain. She was taking Motrin several times daily to help control the pain whenever she turned her head. The doctor wanted to surgically remove the calcium deposit and said, “take no calcium”

Willa decided to try some Shaklee and she started on the whole program with a special emphasis on calcium to try to dissolve her calcium deposits. Just 4 days later she bubbled, “I don’t have any pain in my shoulder or arm — Oh, a little bit maybe if I turn too quickly, but not enough to bother. In fact, I haven’t taken any pain pills recently.”

Willa works in the pharmacy of the St. James Hospital in Pontiac. Noticing that she was moving better, the pharmacist asked what she was doing. “I’m not going to tell you,” she replied. “Because you are a pharmacist and you’re just like my doctor.” He persisted in knowing and after promising not to laugh, she told him she was taking Shaklee supplements.

When she went back to her doctor for a checkup he wanted to know what she had been doing, for he noticed a big improvement. She told him she was taking Shaklee supplements. He reminded her that he had told her not to take extra calcium. Willa told him Shaklee’s was dicalcium phosphate to which he replied, “Oh, that’s O.K. then!”

She still takes Shaklee Calcium (OsteoMatrix) and she needs 8 Alfalfa with each meal and at bed time. Willa isn’t even considering surgery any more!

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Arthritis, Rheumatoid – Sandy “Danced At The Wedding”

Karen, my sister, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about 2 years ago. The doctor wanted to put her on some chemotherapy tablets. She would be able to work most of the week and be sick just on weekends. They took x-rays and said that it would just be a matter of time before she would need knee operations and perhaps a wheelchair, because there was no way to stop it. She didn’t consider all this an option.

We talked about it and I told her the research that was being done helping the immune system fight this off, it seems to be ‘buried’ somehow in the system like a latent virus, and under real stress (they had almost lost their home) it kicked in and spread like wild fire through the blood all over the body. With her she went to bed one night with a few aches and pains and woke up the next morning swollen and unable to walk without pain especially in her feet.

I got her to try Shaklee’s Formula I intensely during the course of the day, the Instant Protein, Vita-Lea, and Alfalfa. She started getting results, and we began working with Dr. Scala’s info on diet for Rh.A. what to stay away from especially. She was able to work but by end of the day was getting tired and had some pain. Still she opted for that vs. being really sick. Then the next move was to go to a chiropractor. He said that she cut 5 weeks off his therapy by working with her immune system so quickly. She went into remission, and so far is doing well The doctor said that it must have just gone back into remission for the time being. Joyce doesn’t care where it went as long as it did.

She now works a full day and unless she forgets to keep her nutrition up and gets a few aches and pains every now and then. She does okay. She even danced at her daughters wedding 6 months later.

Her testimony was so good that another person sponsored in to try a similar program…she worked with the Formula 1, Vita lea and Instant Protein, couldn’t get her to try the Alfalfa. She also had great results, and can put in a full day at school if she keeps those items up in particular. Her sister was so amazed at the results; she joined Shaklee to use the products to stay healthy.

Another thing we checked was Joyce’s drinking water for too much copper. The level seemed to be fine. But research we found suggested that some people have a tendency to store copper at higher levels, so we added zinc to her diet and that seemed to alleviate some more of the pain. A special note: her chiropractor took her off of some of the Shaklee things and replaced them with his glandulars etc. The pain came back. His formulas especially with B’s in them didn’t contain enough or any, pantothenic acid. Without it, the pain and swelling, esp. in her knuckles and hands, came back. Went back on our B’s and the pain and swelling went away. Obviously she told the chiropractor to continue helping her but not to change her Shaklee nutrients.

I hope this helps someone in some way.

Sandy Maine

Arthritis, Rheumatoid – Stacey “Convinced It Was Shaklee”

Two ½ years ago I was playing golf every weekend, practicing a couple of times a week, working out, life was good and then one day I woke up and couldn’t move. My entire body hurt from head to toe. I was in such agonizing pain I had to call my daughter to come take care of me. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, going from one doctor to the next trying to find some relief. At this point I have 4 different doctors and mounting medical bills. The doctors had me on all kinds of prescription medications as well as vitamins and supplements.

I just happened to be watching 60 Minutes and they had a segment on “The Dirty Dozen” where they talked about over 60% of the vitamins and supplements sold on the market today were harmful for us to take and that Consumer Reports had been warning us about this for years.

I asked all of my doctors about it and the each said it was true, but each gave me conflicting advice on what to do about it. My daughter and I went to some fancy health food store here in San Francisco, I spent over $200.00 came home with 7 different bottles vitamins and supplements and realized I still had no idea if these vitamins contained any of “The Dirty Dozen”. This started my research of the supplement industry!

One day I happened to be talking to my dear friend Kaki O”Shaughnessy and she asked me if I had ever heard of Shaklee. My dear friend could tell that I was in bad shape and she graciously sent me Vitalizer, Vivix, NutriFeron and Energy Soy Protein Shake and said “Stacey, just trust me.”

I went to visit Kaki about 3 months later and said “Kak I have a surprise for you, I have been pain free for a whole month!” Kaki was elated I was excited but still not 100% convinced.

I ran out of products and didn’t have the money at the time to purchase more and I found myself in the hospital in unbearable pain once again. I began taking the Shaklee products again and what do you know I was feeling much better; so much better I was convinced it was the Shaklee products that were finally making the difference. I have been able to stop taking several of my prescription medications!

I know that Shaklee offers the purest and safest products available so I started my own Shaklee Business in April 2011, so I could share my story with others!

Sincerely,

Stacey Reynolds-Perterson

Joint Pain – Andrea “No More Pain”

After spending over $1,000 at the orthopedic specialist’s office, without receiving a guarantee that he could fore-go surgery, my husband asked me to order the Shaklee products mentioned above. I had told him about these after the first visit with the doctor.

My husband has received 2 shots of something supposedly superior to the old-fashioned cortisone shots. Well, although he had some relief immediately after the shots, his pain diminished only somewhat but he still had limited motion in his arm. The doctor said he had a problem with what’s called the rotator cuff, and surgery would inevitably have to follow.

Well, after a little over one week with the Joint and Pain Relief (Joint Health) supplements, my husband comes home from work with a great, big grin. He says, “It’s almost too good to be true. I don’t even want to say it, but I have almost no pain at all!” The great thing about this, in addition to not having pain, is that he can move is arm around, all he wants, and has full motion.

He works one day a week a double shift at the restaurant, where he’s a cook. He had to stop working the double shifts because he’s come home in such pain that he almost could not go to work the following day. Now, he comes home after a double shift, experiencing minimal pain, the usual anyone would feel after 12 hours in the kitchen! So, needless to say, Joint and Pain Relief supplements are here to stay in this household. Once his order is filled, I will set him up on an automatic shipment.

I mentioned this to my sister, whose husband is a glacier, and as such, he works long hours working with glass. He’s been in terrible pain lately and my sister asked me to order these products for him. He’s going to give them a try and, if they work for him as they have for my husband, they’ll be on automatic shipment too! (As it is, my bro-in law takes the Vita-Lea and just placed his second order. My sister, who is diabetic and has a thyroid condition, just ordered the Immunity Formula I.)

I’m very happy and satisfied with these results for my husband, and my brother-in-law is, too, since he’s ordered his second supply. I expect to see wonderful results with the Gentle Sleep Relief my husband has just ordered, and I’ll keep you posted in that regard.

Thanks for everything you do!
Andrea

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Joint Pain – Merle “We Have a Winner”

On Saturday I could hardly walk because of the pain in my knee. I had injured it in a car accident many year’s ago and sometimes it really plays up. I had to cut short my shopping trip as I could barely walk. When I arrive home the Joint and Muscle Cream had arrived from Shaklee. I rubbed it into my knee and in less than 10 minutes the pain was gone. I could hardly believe it. It was exciting to be pain free. Today I told my son about what had happened. He had injured his arm in weight lifting so he tried the cream. When he went to lift tonight, he didn’t have any pain for the first time. His trainer asked him about it and now he wants to try it. We really have a winner.

Enthusiastically,

Merle

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Joint Pain – Joy “ Swelling Gone Down Considerably”

Until I read a number of VIVIX Testimonials, I did not take VIVIX seriously. But two weeks after I started taking it faithfully every day, I noticed that the swelling on the tops of my fingers and at the sides of the joints had gone down considerably. The middle joint of my little finger on my right hand has been much more enlarged than the other joints. It is still out of proportion to other joints, but the swelling reduction is huge.

Another unexpected benefit of VIVIX is that the lines in my neck continue to disappear. My sister told me that my “jowls are gone.” My appetite has also diminished. And I am beginning to see dark roots in my hair where only white has come for years. Both my hair and my skin are softer and silkier.

I am not a vain person so these last visible results alone would not have been a reason for me to use VIVIX. But these in combination with the joint results have surprised me beyond anything I could have imagined. Not to mention what all is going on inside where it is not visible. I have used many Shaklee supplements for approximately 28 years and know I am healthy because of that. But I have to say VIVIX really tops it all for me.

Joy Dunham

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How to find Shaklee on FarmVille on Facebook

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As you may know, a Shaklee has partnered with FarmVille on Facebook. Click here to learn more about the details.

How do you find Shaklee on your own Farm on FarmVille?

Step 1:  Log into FarmVille on Facebook.  If you haven’t started yet you can join the 35 million (yes million) other players and get your farm up and running today.

Step 2: Go to the Market on FarmVille (see the image below) and check out everything you can buy.

How to find the Market on FarmVille

Step 3:  First (1) search for “Shaklee”, then (2) you can preview the great all-Shaklee home; next you can BUY (3) this great home and add it to your own farm.

Search for Shaklee on FarmVille

If you don’t have enough coins to purchase this Shaklee Home, you can just buy the amount you need.  FarmVille will show you how.

Then you are set!

Here is what the Shaklee Home on FarmVille looks like:

Shaklee Home on FarmVille

Look good to you?

And remember that you can purchase the Shaklee Earth Day Healthy Home Pack for only $30 and get a FREE membership! (A $19.95 value)

CLICK HERE GET YOUR FARMVILLE HEALTHY HOME PACK RIGHT NOW!

But hurry, the offer expires on May 20.

Shaklee Is Partnering with FarmVille on Facebook

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Shaklee has partnered with Zynga® and FarmVille™, the second most popular online game within the Facebook® community.

Shaklee Partners with Farmville on FacebookFor a limited time, beginning May 9th, FarmVille players can purchase a “Shaklee Healthy Home” to put on their virtual farm, and can also choose to purchase a special Shaklee Healthy Home Pack (the same pack available for new Members starting 4/22, #59729), and join Shaklee for FREE.

An estimated 35 million people play FarmVille — every day. And that means Shaklee, and our mission of making people and the planet healthier will become known to a lot more people.

CLICK HERE GET YOUR FARMVILLE HEALTHY HOME PACK RIGHT NOW!

About the Shaklee Earth Day Healthy Home Pack

For a limited time, starting on Earth Day 4/22/11 through 5/20/11, you’ll be able to purchase the same pack that FarmVille Players can purchase – consisting of a very special selection of Get Clean® products (Item #59729) at a very special price:

  • Basic H2 (16 oz)
  • Two Spray Bottles
  • Get Clean Super Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
  • Get Clean Dish Wash Liquid Concentrate
  • Get Clean Fresh Laundry Concentrate (32 oz)
  • Shaklee Energy™ Chews

Shaklee Earth Day Healthy Home Pack

 

Only available at the time of sponsoring, at the amazing Member Price of $30 / 13 PV.

It’s highly unlikely that this array of products will ever be offered again at such a low price — especially alongside a Join Free with $30 offer.

This pack was created to make it possible for the entire Shaklee Family to make the same offer as seen on FarmVille.

Offer ends May 20, 2011.

Share Your Vision to Stop Diabetes Video Contest

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November is American Diabetes Month®.  It is important for all Americans to learn more about diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has created a “Share Your Vision to Stop Diabetes” video contest on www.stopdiabetes.com.

From October 15 through November 30, enter to win the “Share Your Vision to Stop Diabetes” video contest. Create a 30-second video that shows your commitment to changing the future of diabetes. You could win an Apple® iPad® and a chance to be in an upcoming American Diabetes Association public service announcement.

Click on this banner to learn more:

Stop Diabetes Video Contest

Why is this important?

  • A total of 23.6 million children and adults in the United States—7.8% of the population—have diabetes.
  • 17.9 million people are diagnosed and 5.7 million people are undiagnosed
  • Pre-diabetes affects as many as 57 million people
  • There are 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older each year.
  • One in every three children born since 2000 faces a future with diabetes. We can reverse this trend by providing healthy food in schools where our children spend a large portion of their day.

Diabetes can be preventable for many Americans

Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices make an impact on whether a person develops diabetes in their lifetime. Unlike many other conditions, you do have a choice. But you need to learn more now. And to spread the word through programs such as this video contest.

Use the links below to spread the word today!

Why Should You Care About Diabetes?

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November is American Diabetes Month® and we’re asking the question – why should you care about diabetes?

Because it is the leading cause of kidney disease, blindness, and amputations, yet nearly 25% of people who have it don’t even know it. In the United States 24 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes and the American Diabetes Association estimates that there are another 6 million who have the disease but don’t know it. So chances are, you or someone you love have been affected by diabetes in some way. But even if you haven’t been affected by diabetes, you need to know that diabetes is one of the major public health crises of the 21st century, and it continues to grow to epidemic proportions. And a very worrisome concern is that the death rate for diabetes has continued to grow since 1987, whereas the death rates due to heart disease, stroke and cancer have actually declined.

What’s Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are elevated because of inadequate insulin production in the pancreas or from insulin resistance in the cells of the body, felt to be caused by obesity and an unhealthy diet. Elevated blood sugar levels are quite damaging to your cells and this can lead to short-term and long-term complications.
There are three types of diabetes – type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, felt to be caused by an autoimmune response that essentially destroys the beta cells of the pancreas so that they no longer produce insulin, daily insulin administration is a lifelong reality. Treatment also includes a healthy diet, close monitoring of carbohydrate intake, calorie control and regular exercise to minimize complications.
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Approximately 90% of all people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells in fat, muscle and liver tissue do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. Over time, however, the pancreas can no longer secrete enough insulin and blood sugars begin to rise. People who are overweight and inactive are FAR more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes a healthy diet, weight loss, exercise and ultimately the need for diabetes medications if people are not successful with weight loss and calorie control.
Gestational diabetes is an all too common complication of pregnancy, usually developing in women who have an excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Although this type of diabetes usually goes away after childbirth, these women are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Serious and Life Threatening Complications

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is absolutely essential that you eat healthfully and control your calorie intake to keep your weight in a healthy range. Over the course of years, people who continually have elevated blood glucose levels because they don’t control their calorie intake will develop damage to blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk for a number of serious, even life-threatening complications such as:
  • Heart disease and stroke – Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without diabetes.
  • Blindness – Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year making diabetes the leading cause of blindness in adults.
  • Kidney disease – Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
  • Amputations – More than 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.

What about Pre-diabetes?

Maybe you don’t have diabetes, but you or someone you know may have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Pre-diabetes is estimated to affect as many as 57 million Americans, putting them at risk to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Being overweight and physically inactive are contributing factors to both diabetes and pre-diabetes. In fact, about 80-90% of people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes are overweight to obese.

Prevention is Key

Developing pre-diabetes or diabetes is not inevitable. Studies have shown that people at risk for diabetes who lose weight and increase their physical activity level can prevent or delay diabetes and even return their blood sugar levels to normal. In the Diabetes Prevention Program, a large prevention study of people at high risk for diabetes, lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) resulting in modest weight loss of 5-10% of initial body weight reduced the development of diabetes by 58% over a 3 year period. The reduction was even greater (71%) for people over the age of 60!

Get Motivated to Achieve a Healthy Weight

Because most people with diabetes and pre-diabetes are overweight to obese, the Number ONE Strategy for improving blood glucose regulation is achieving a healthy weight. While losing weight isn’t easy, the rewards are great! Losing weight involves changing both your eating and exercise habits: two things that can be hard to do! One way to increase your motivation is to find some inspiration. Ask yourself – do the costs associated with staying at your current weight outweigh the benefits of weight loss? Do you have high cholesterol, osteoarthritis or a family history of heart disease, stroke or cancer? These health conditions are directly linked to being overweight and studies have shown modest weight loss can prevent or delay these conditions. Does being overweight prevent you from accomplishing what you want to do in life? Losing weight will ultimately help you feel and look better and increase your energy level so you can do more of the things you enjoy.

Taking Action

Once you’re ready to take action, look for a weight management program designed to promote a safe rate of weight loss while helping to preserve your lean muscle mass. Lean muscle is metabolically active tissue—which means it burns more calories than non-muscle tissue! If you don’t follow a safe, nutritionally sound weight loss program, chances are you’ll lose some of your muscle which will lower your metabolism—which means you burn less calories and it is more difficult to lose weight. To help prevent lean muscle loss, get plenty of high quality protein and leucine in your diet. Leucine is an essential amino acid that helps preserve lean muscle mass and stimulates muscle protein synthesis. During periods of calorie reduction, adequate amounts of leucine as part of an overall diet with a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat help preserve lean muscle mass, so you can lose weight from fat.
Look for a program that also promotes:
  • Meal replacement beverages or bars packed with protein and fiber. Meal replacement shakes and bars are a convenient way to control calories. Boosting your intake of high quality protein and fiber at meal times also helps control hunger and promotes satiety. Adequate amounts of dietary soluble fiber can also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
  • Low glycemic index food choices. The glycemic index is a measure used to rate how fast and how high carbohydrate containing foods raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a glycemic index of 55 or lower are considered “low glycemic” and are generally foods rich in complex carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains), have moderate amounts of lean protein, heart healthy fats and plenty of fiber. Eating a diet with a low glycemic index helps keep blood sugar levels steady, preventing those fluctuations in blood sugar that can lead to feelings of low energy and food cravings.
  • Boosts in physical activity. Increasing your level of physical activity not only increases calories burned in a day, it also improves insulin sensitivity – your body’s ability to use insulin to transport glucose from the blood into the cells of the body. Work towards getting 30 to 60 minutes a day of exercise most days of the week. Brisk walking is a great way to start and work in some light weight training which not only burns calories but stimulates muscle protein synthesis.
  • Minerals and botanicals that help regulate blood sugar. Although achieving a healthy weight is the first step in retaining normal blood sugar levels, ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients and botanicals may also help support blood sugar regulation. For example, the essential trace mineral chromium is needed for normal insulin function. Magnesium is also necessary for normal glucose metabolism by affecting both normal insulin secretion and responsiveness to insulin. Zinc is necessary for normal production, storage and secretion of insulin and vanadium is also involved in normal insulin function. Colosolic acid, an active component of the botanical banaba leaf extract may also help support normal blood sugar regulation.
  • Support tools and education. Successful weight management involves not only permanent lifestyle changes to your eating and exercising habits but ongoing education and understanding about all the factors that influence your weight. Look for a program that provides you support tools (e.g., pedometer, tape measure, diet and exercise journals and/or computer software) to help track your success. Online, interactive websites are also another great tool to connect, share and problem solve with others working towards achieving a healthy weight.

Be well!

Dr. Jamie McManus MD, FAAFP Chairman, Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education

ARE YOU AT RISK?

To find out if you or someone you know is at risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website at: www.diabetes.org and take the risk test.

Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these ethnic groups, paying special attention to this test is important.

Got milk? Want to lose it?

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Losing weight means different things to different people. I think of it as shedding gallons of milk.

How much does a gallon of milk weigh?

One gallon of milk

That seems like plenty. How about two gallons?

Two gallons of milk

That starts to add up fast. Three gallons?

Three gallons of milk

This is more than I can carry in with the groceries. Four?

Four gallons of milk

Now that is quite a load. Almost 35 lbs. just from those four gallons of milk.

What does this mean for losing weight?

For each 8.6 lbs. I can lose, it will be as if I no longer have to carry a gallon of milk around with me all the time. So if I can reach my weight loss goal it will be like I have shed several gallons of milk. So I no longer have to carry it with me every where I go. That has to be easier on my body, on my joints and back.

And the best part will be that the majority of this unwanted weight will come off abdominal fat. And that is what I want to lose most of all.

So where am I now?

I have been using Shaklee Cinch for 9 weeks now and I have honestly lost 30 lbs. So I no longer carry 3 1/2 gallons of milk!

Three and a half gallons of milk = 30 lbs.

But I am not finished there. I want to lose another 20 lbs. and have a BMI (Body Mass Index)  under 25.  And for the first time in years I will no longer be in the “Overweight” or “Obese” categories.  I know that I will feel better and that it will be a good trip to the doctor next time.

From personal experience I can recommend Shaklee Cinch. It has worked for me – when nothing else has – and I feel confident that I can reach my goal.

If you want to know more about Cinch,  and if you want to start losing those gallons of milk, let us know by contacting us here or heading over to our site to get started with Cinch.

Good luck with your program!

Breaking Research Shows Vitamin D Linked to HDL Cholesterol

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Shaklee Corporation Research Suggests an Important Role of Vitamin D for Supporting Cardiovascular Health

PLEASANTON, Calif. – May 19, 2009 – Research supported by Shaklee Corporation, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., shows that a lower blood vitamin D level is associated with metabolic syndrome and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The study results were presented at the National Lipid Association Annual Scientific Sessions in Miami, Florida and suggest an important role of vitamin D nutrition for maintaining cardiovascular health.

“I am so proud to be associated with a company whose heritage has always been about improving people’s health and well-being.  It’s very exciting that Shaklee has helped to bring this important research to the world, says Independent Shaklee Distributor, Tom Leonard. “The findings may have significant public health implications related to new understanding about benefits related to vitamin D supplementation,” adds Leonard.

In this study, intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements was strongly linked with vitamin D levels in the blood.  The greater the intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements, the higher the amount of vitamin D found in the blood.  More importantly, as vitamin D intakes increased, HDL cholesterol (or “good cholesterol”) levels increased as well.  Future research is needed to determine if vitamin D from dietary supplements can lower risk levels for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

“Our next study, which is already underway, is intended to confirm causality by showing that vitamin D supplementation improves cardiovascular risk factors,” says Dr. Jamie McManus M.D., Chairman of Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education, Shaklee Corporation.

Kevin C. Maki, PhD, the study’s Principal Investigator and the Chief Science Officer of Provident Clinical Research, Glen Ellyn, IL, says, “Results from population studies suggest that a low serum vitamin D concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, but this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and cardiovascular risk factors in a group that includes a large number of vitamin D supplement users.”  He continues, “Additional research is warranted to assess whether increasing vitamin D intake will improve the metabolic cardiovascular risk factor profile.”

 

For more information, contact us.

About Shaklee Corporation

Founded more than 50 years ago, Shaklee has been a leading provider of premium-quality natural nutrition products, personal care products, and environmentally friendly home care products. In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral™ certified to totally offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment. With a robust product portfolio, including over 50 patents and patents pending worldwide, Shaklee has more than 750,000 Members and Distributors worldwide and operates in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. For information about Shaklee, visit www.Shaklee.com.