Tamiflu Use Leading to Drug Resistant Virus

The flu sucks.

We all want to do everything possible to shorten it’s duration or better yet avoid it all together.

Yet – virus’ are clever little buggers and are mutating to become immune to our biggest tool – Tamiflu.

“Something happened in 2008, when drug resistance took hold,” said Daniel Janies, associate professor of biomedical informatics at Ohio State and primary author of the study. “The drug-resistant isolates became the ones that survived all over the world. This is just static now. The seasonal H1N1 influenza virus is fixed at resistant.”

A normal flu will come on suddenly – unlike a cold that will gradually make itself known – symptoms will typically last up to 3 weeks. A fever will often occur for 3-4 days.

Unless we are in a high risk group… we don’t want to be treating the flu with drugs that are causing these virus’ to mutate. Doing this puts us all at greater risk.

Natural remedies like Black Elderberry have been shown in studies to shorten flu duration.

“It is a pretty good bet that whatever pressure is in the environment, excessive use of Tamiflu or something else, that was driving seasonal influenza to become resistant to Tamiflu is also going to apply to pandemic influenza,” Janies said. “We can see it happening already.

The moral of the story seems to be – once again – use caution before taking drugs. If we don’t all collectively do this – we’ll find ourselves without the tools to fight these virus’ when we really need them.

 

While we’re on the subject of virus’ mutating it’s a good time to remind our readers that antibacterial products have been shown to be of concern for a similar reason – bacterial resistance according to the AMA.

Our best defense against cold and flu is frequent hand washing with REGULAR soap and water (not antibacterial).

Read up on the tips and tricks we use to fight cold & flu in the Diva home.

The Bottom Line is that we are putting ourselves at risk using antibiotics and other drugs when a cold or flu is inconvenient rather than saving these drugs for true medical emergencies.

Pandemic Flu, Like Seasonal H1N1, Shows Signs of Resisting Tamiflu.

Tamiflu Use Leading to Drug Resistant Virus

Diva Tips for Greener Living

1. Before You Buy – Use What You Have.

Chances are you have a lot of stuff in your closets waiting to be used!  I’ve recently broken a habit of buying bulk.  One of my challenges has been to use what I have before moving on to greener and better options. Don’t we just get excited and want to go shopping!

Dig around. You’ll be surprised at what you have – using what you have is better than a green acquisition. In the PND pantry we still have 3 boxes of plastic Costco cutlery, 1200 paper napkins, ribbon, gift wrap, moisturizers, conditioners, sunscreens… you get the idea.  We’re working on it!

2. Take Care of The Things You Own!

Taking care of your “stuff” values the resources that went into making it!  You’ll keep them longer and reducing  impact by not having to replace it. Your home, cars, clothing, shoes, toys, etc… will all benefit from being well taken care of. And the environment will thank you, if it’s taken care of it’s less likely to be tossed when you are done with it.  It’s more likely that you’ll be able to pass it along to a new home when you’re done with it.

Teaching your children to care for their things will impart values that will last a lifetime.

3. Pick just one area of your life to green!

Wherever you are in your green journey… whether you are just beginning or an ecosavant, pick ONE new area to work on. Once mastered you can add another, another, another… you get the idea. Living a greener, healthier life is a journey that starts with one step.

4. Buy Organic

Start buying organic in a new area of you life.

You may have bought organic food, or this might be new for you.  You may buy organic dairy, but haven’t moved into the produce section yet.  Pick a new area to explore the benefits of organic.

If you’ve never bought organic cotton or denim, next time you’re shopping keep your eyes and mind open. Ask the stores you shop at.  Even if you make a conventional selection, asking the questions will help spread the word that customers care and want to see more options.  You may even find organic options in places you don’t expect.  This last holiday season I was able to buy organic cotton casual clothing for lil’ Diva at Walmart and Organic PJ’s for both the kids at Costco.

Keep your eyes peeled and ASK!

5. Buy Fair Trade

I buy fair trade chocolate. I figure chocolate is something I don’t NEED. It’s a luxury.  I figure, if it’s a luxury I can step up and make sure children aren’t picking the cocoa beans for my chocolate.  It’s been fun, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect fair trade organic fix to my chocolate cravings.

It doesn’t have to be chocolate, you could pick coffee, clothing, bananas, again… sometimes starting in an area of your life that is already a splurge will make it a little easier to spend that little bit extra that fair trade calls for.

You’ll be surprised how it will inspire you!

6. Buy Quality

Can’t find what you are looking for organic or fair trade, buy good quality. It will last and when you’re done you’ll be able to pass it on.  As a country we have become accustomed to buying everything in quantity.  We can take a page out of the Europeans’ book, attempt to retrain our sense of value.  Buy fewer high quality items, moving away from our culture’s more, more, more frame of mind.  Look for items that are made in your country too, supporting your own economy.

5. When You’re Done with Something – Pass It On!

When you are done with something, find a new home for it! We had a rug that our dogs had scratched. I listed it on Craigslist with pictures of the damage, within 30 minutes I had 10 people that wanted it. When we we’re renovating I listed mirrors, sinks, hardware… whatever I thought someone else might find useful…. and they came. These items were destined for the landfill, but with not too much effort were taken away and used by others.

That said – this is one of my areas of weakness. I have a hard time saying goodbye to my stuff. I’m sure it comes from growing up really poor!

6. Reusable Water Bottles

If you don’t have a reusable water bottle and a way to filter your water.  Get one and start using it!

Get in the habit of taking your bottles and the children’s bottles ALL THE TIME.  In particular parties, sporting events and school.  Eventually if host/ess’ start seeing guests arriving equipped with their own beverage containers they won’t feel the need to buy bottled water for their parties.  We put out iced tea, water with glasses.

7. Group you errands into similar geographic regions.

Saves trips, saves gas, saves time!  SCORE!

8. Detox Your Beauty!

When I first began the journey to detox my beauty routine, I started by using up what I had (still doing this of a few things!) and replacing them with safer options!  I encourage everyone to do this.  The next item you are running low on, replace it with something better.  Use PND to help find the replacement that is right for you.  Knowing what I know now, if I was pregnant, I wouldn’t use the “use it up” method.  I would make the switch immediately.

Do this for your children first if you have them!  Their developing systems are more vulnerable to the toxins in their environment.

9. Pay attention to Preservatives and Additives.

While you are shopping, get in the habit of reading labels!  If you can’t read the name of the ingredient, chances are you’d be better off with a different option.  You’ll be surprised – pick up pickle relish and 2 brands will contain HFCS, one will not… easy healthier switch.

10.  Use Less Canned Foods.

Chances are you’ve heard about BPA’s in the news, in particular concern over plastics and baby bottles.  But did you know how we ingest the most BPA’s – Canned Food.  Opt for glass packaging over canned to minimize your families exposure!

11. Green Your Parties!

Parties can be a huge source of waste.  We opt for convenience, buy a lot of pre packaged, convenient entertainment foods.  We serve foods on paper or plastic plates, drink from countless paper & plastic cups.  Start adding up the cost of all that convenience and not only are you throwing a lot of hard earned money in the landfill, but that plastic will live there forever.

One year we were getting ready for a super bowl party and did the math.  For the cost of buying paper goods, we were able to purchase inexpensive white plates, glasses and wine glasses from IKEA.  We use these for our parties -  including the parties for the little ones.  It may take a little extra effort, but I never have to run out to the store for cups and plates last minute!  Next on the list is to get party flatware.

You can also find reasonably priced “catering” sets at Pottery Barn, Cost Plus, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

The pre-packaged food options.  Sometimes it’s easy to succumb to the ease of this ready to go food, but for so much less money you can buy really nice, high quality foods,  fruits and vegetables.

You might even find with all the money you’re saving on prepared foods and paper goods that you can spend your savings on getting an extra set of hands to help you at the party!

If you can’t bear the thought of these suggestions buy eco friendly disposables.  You can find them at Smart & Final, Whole Foods and such.  You are looking for plastics that can be Compostable.  This typically means they will biodegrade in a few weeks.  Compostable plastics can be placed in our “green” garbage bins in Los Angeles.  With a little research you can find out if you can compost with your yard waste in your area (in the event you don’t have one in your yard)!

12. Clean Green

Start cleaning your home with green cleaners or make your own formulas using some of our easy recipes.  You’ll reduce the toxins you are breathing in your home after you’ve cleaned it.

I’ll never forget an Oprah “ah ha” moment for me… “CLEAN DOESN’T HAVE A SMELL“!

Extra Credit: Use less plastic!

Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Choose products with less plastic packaging. Choose items packaged in glass. Store your leftovers in glass.

You Can Do It!

I know, I know… I missed so many things… you can do those things too!

I hope these tips inspire you to find new things you can do to have a healthier, happier, greener New Decade!

SHARE WHAT YOU PLAN TO GREEN IN YOUR LIFE!

Diva Tips for Greener Living

Family Meals + Sleep – TV = Lower Risk for Childhood Obesity

Sitting down to a family meal, ensuring your child doesn’t watch too much TV, and that they get a good nights sleep! All great ideas, but sometimes it can be hard to get it all done.

A new study out of Ohio State University has just linked all three habits together with a 40% reduction in childhood obesity rates!

Other studies have looked at these activities singularly, but this is the first study that has looked at the three habits in a national sampling of 8550 US preschoolers born in 2001.

The study criteria for family meals, sleep and television were as follows:

• Eating a family meal more than 5 times per week
• Sleeping at least 10 1/2 hours per night
• Watching less than 2 hours of television per day

It does seem logical that families who will take the time and commitment to foster these routines are likely going to be taking an active interest in the health of their children.

It’s worth noting that these routines alone will not protect all children – an indicator that there are other factors that come into play when looking at the issue of childhood obesity. However, children with higher risk factors for childhood obesity were able to overcome the odds when these habits were a part of their family life! Great news.

Risk factors for Childhood Obesity:

• Mothers who are Obese
• Household Income Below the Poverty Line
• Mothers who have not finished High School
• Growing Up in a Single-Parent Home

Encouraging News:

56% of families studied have meals together at least 6 nights a week.
57% of families reported their preschoolers are sleeping 10.5 hours per week.

To read the full report:

Family Meals, Adequate Sleep and Limited TV May Lower Childhood Obesity.

Family Meals + Sleep – TV = Lower Risk for Childhood Obesity

Diva Review: The Looking Book

We have made a real effort to curtail the amount of Television our children watch.  Or at least I have, Dude and I aren’t exactly on the same page.  He thinks I’m doing it the hard way.  And he’s right, there are many times when turning the TV on would be much easier in the short run.

By leaving the Television off and limiting their exposure, I’m convinced they are developing their creativity and learning to come up with their own activities.

They also REALLY look forward to Saturday mornings with their father when they get to watch TV (and mom get’s to sleep in, so we all win!).

Recently, PND was asked to review The Looking Book by P.K. Hallinan.  P.K. has spent his career writing books that help children and parents alike.  With the  Looking Book he continues on that path.    His other books; Heartprints
and How Do I Love You?
are favorites in our family.

The story follows two brothers that go on a magical adventure in their own backyard.  The Looking Book gently encourages young readers to get outside where they can get lost in nature.

Like other P.K. books I found it easy to get energetic and “into” reading this story.  There were a number of places where it was easy to get excited with the kids, play and have fun.  As they explore it was also easy to segway into a conversation with Lil Diva & Dude about all the things they love to do on their outside adventures.

I love reading stories to my children that reinforce the values that we are working hard to instill.  It’s tough out there in this fast paced media driven world and anything that makes it a little easier to pry our children away from the electronics are  much appreciated!

The book is fun to read, is the right length, and has a sweet message with a timeless feel.  We’ll enjoy it for many a story time.

CLICK HERE to learn more about PK Hallinan.

Diva Review: The Looking Book

The LA Green Expo

By Tania Reuben

We are looking forward to attending the Los Angeles green expo this year January 22-24.  Friday is business to business day, so the general public won’t have access. Anyone is welcome Saturday & Sunday. Adult admission is $10 for the weekend, children under 12 are admitted free.
Look for me wandering the exhibition hall with my Press badge.

This year they will be featuring over 250 exhibitors, keynote speakers Ed Begely Jr, Mariel Hemingway, Ralph Avallone, John Picard & Jen Boulden.

If you live in LA it will be worth checking out! I can already feel my head spinning with new ideas.
Oh boy!

The LA Green Expo

The Final 8 – Losing the Last of the Baby Weight!

By Tania Reuben

Lil Dude was born 3 years ago!

I think I’m considered lucky; during my first pregnancy I gained 22 lbs and for my second 17 lbs – ducking to avoid incoming flying objects.  I was nauseous and queasy for all of both of them, but most people still consider me fortunate because I didn’t gain, 30, 40 or more pounds.

However, 3 years later. I’m still carrying 8 of those pounds.  My new size 6 frame is just fine, especially since I’ve given birth twice!  I get it.  My self image and esteem is perfectly healthy.  I know I can do better.  I can eat more regularly and step up my exercise.  I don’t need to be a size 4 again, but see no good reason why I can’t get back to my pre baby weight… full disclosure… 128lbs.

I’ve been fortunate in that throughout my life I’ve never  been a dieter.  I’ve eaten carefully with moderation, limit my snacking and whenever the scale creeps up a little – I’d reign it in a little.   That would take care of keeping me trim – ducking again.

Then I had babies!

Pretty much weeks after my delivery I was a few pounds away from my current weight.  I figured that a little exercise and moderation would get me back.  Not so much.  But I was still a size six, so not all was lost.

Last fall I decided I wanted to get back to my pre baby weight, so I started working out  consistently and watching my evening snacking.  Nothing – well almost nothing.  I dropped 1.5 lbs. So… I’m stepping it up.  Not sure where the motivation is coming from.  Perhaps I figure if I head into my forties with this weight… a bad precedent could be set.  Not cool.

I am determined to shed the final 8 lbs.  DETERMINED.

THE PLAN

I’m working out with friends 3 times a week at mommy bootcamp adding

wii Yoga on off days

Stairmaster, with some strengthening exercises if I miss a bootcamp.

I’m being diligent about my diet.  Most notably eating.  Breakfast.  Lunch and Dinner.

The experts seem to agree that if you state a goal and declare it publicly you are statistically more likely to achieve that goal.

I’m keeping  a food diary, but not so much for calorie counting or diet modification… more to make sure I don’t skip meals!  I need to get my metabolism stepped up .  I’m using the free iphone application – www.myfitnesspal.com to track my eating.  I like that it comes with me wherever I go. I’m talking with the folks at at myfitnesspal to see if there is a way I can share my diary on PND.

By the way.  Dr. Oz is really focusing on healthy weight loss on his show.  Tivo it for great whole living advice!

FULL DISCLOSURE:

I weigh 136 pounds and my BMI is 26% (pinch test) or 22% (wii).

My goal weigh is 125 (3lbs less than my 128 pre baby weight) by April 5.

Measurements: Waist 34″ Hips 41″ Arms 12″ Legs 22″

WEIGH IN FEB 2, 2010

I weigh 130 pounds and my BMI is 25.7% (pinch test) or 21% (wii).

Measurements: Waist 31″ Hips 40″ Arms 12″ Legs 21.5″

Down a Total of: 6 lbs and 3.5 inches

WEIGH IN MARCH 4, 2010

I weigh 128 pounds and my BMI is 25.7% (pinch test) or 20.9% (wii).

Measurements: Waist 30.5″ Hips 38″ Arms 12″ Legs 21″

Down a Total of: 8lbs and 7 inches

I figure if I’m going to put some effort into this I might as well bump up my goal a little bit too!  I could have been a few pounds trimmer when I got pregnant the fist time!

Anyone want to join me in their fitness and health goals? 
They always say the last few pounds are the most difficult!

If you want to see exactly what I’m eating my food diary is being posted on: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/PureNaturalDiva
Access using code: PND
When keeping the diary. I’ll choose the food that is closest to what I ate, perhaps not the actual brand. If it’s pasta, I’m eating whole wheat.

MyFitnessPal – Free Calorie Counter

The Final 8 – Losing the Last of the Baby Weight!

Is Going Green Making Your Spouse See Red?

How is your marriage/relationship handling your green conversion?

Short of two eco minded meeting and marrying. It seems that many households have one spouse who starts to become greener or healthier and drags the other along for the ride.

Dude happily embraced my last vehicle, the hybrid Lexus RH400 – which I loved but no longer worked for us during the double stroller, double car seat days which are fast drawing to a close (is that possible!).  Enter the mini-van.  Convincing Dude that vinegar is an effective germ killing substitute for Lysol is a tougher sell.  Getting him to carry his own bottle of water, not happening (yet).  When he came home with a gallon of Pantene Pro V, I almost returned it – stopping myself – thinking it would be best interest of our marriage.

I could go on… and on… and on… sharing my personal favorite; my husband calling me by my mother’s first name!  What is even more frustrating is that he does this without getting informed and I write a blog on the subject matter!

The question becomes how to balance a commitment to living greener or healthier without running off your mate. They did take you for better or worse, but may not have bargained for flax meal and fair trade.

What impact does making green changes have on a marriage?

Sometimes the greener spouse gets excited about a new idea, we run around with a sledge hammer making changes, meanwhile others in our family were quite content with the old way of doing business.

Even worse, we’re right.  We feel extremely justified in our position!  How can there be an argument?  While we may be “right”, nothing will kill a marriage faster than taking that position!  A marriage has it’s own set of rules, negotiated over time by each couple.  Steamroll your spouse one too many times and you might find they tune you out completely.  Needless to say this does not make for a happy union.

• What compromises are you making to keep your spouse on the greenwagon? Are they moving along with you or resisting and backtracking?
• How are you coping with their reaction?
• How are you modifying your green/detoxing/healthy feeding efforts to accommodate you mate?
• What solutions have you found that work for your entire family?
• What have you found you can’t get cooperation on, no matter how hard you try?

Please share your stories and examples!

Share with me via email tania@purenaturaldiva.com or using the comments section below!

Do you know a couple that has split up over this issue?  Please let them know about this piece – I’d be saddened, but would like to document some of these stories to learn & teach from the experiences of others.

Check out Dude & I on ABC Eyewitness News tackling this very issue!

Is Going Green Making Your Spouse See Red?

The Great Diva “ShoeCycle”

By Tania Reuben

The title has SHOE in it so if you have a X chromosome and are reading this, chances are we have your attention!

We’ve all done it.  Spent way to much money on a fabulous pair of shoes.  Gotten them home, worn them, they hurt, worn them again, they still hurt.  Couldn’t find the right outfit for them – I’ve  heard rumors of such happenings.

Now with most shoes when this happens, we pass them on to goodwill or a friend… but we all have the shoes we hold on to…  we just can’t part with them.

What if someone else had a pair they coveted in their closet that wouldn’t hurt your feet…? What if they could find you?  We have dream, a dream where all coveted, fabulous, toe pinching, too narrow shoes find new homes on the feet that will be perfect for them.

Do you share this dream?

HOW IT WORKS:

1.  Go to the PND Facebook Fan page and add a picture of your coveted – unwearable on your feet – shoes to the ShoeCycle album.  In the caption include all the important details, brand, size, why they don’t work for you, to narrow, to small…  Check back from time to time (say hi while you’re visiting!) see if the magic pair that is right for you has been added to the album.

2. Find a pair in the album that you just have to have?  Tag them with your name.

3. A “Cycle” is complete when each person giving a pair of shoes will receive a pair of fabulous, dying to be taken out of the closet shoes.  This could take 2 people or it could take 20… who knows… but how much fun will it be to find out!

4.  When you are in a completed “Cycle”, email your address to the person who has tagged your shoes (photo).

5.  Ship your shoes to the person that tagged your shoe (photo).

6. (Finger’s Crossed) Welcome a pair of new shoes into your world!

Is it possible that we can find homes for all the dazzling shoes just dying to be worn out… hoping to be picked… night after night… day after day.  We’re not sure… but we’re doing are part to represent these shoes.  One day at a time, one shoe at a time, spreading the word on behalf of neglected left behind shoes everywhere.

The Fine Print

Participate at your own risk.  PND will not be held responsible for shoes not sent or received.  This is a fun idea, please don’t participate if you don’t plan on following through.

We will not intervene or get in the middle of any SHOENANNIGANS!

The Great Diva “ShoeCycle”

Top Dropper’s December

By Tania Reuben

Thank you so much to everyone who dropped by during the month of December! Sorry it took a little while to get this up!

The following folks worked some overtime to make it happen, each of them visiting every day! Thank you for your loyalty!

Note: Scrolling through PND content will “highlight” hyperlinks.

Vanilla Seven
Rambling Stuff
One World Realty
Art By Paul Baines
Jean sQuared
Business Sphere
On A Lighter Note
The One Minute Guide
Beaded Tail
Everything Has A Reason

When you get a chance check them out!

Thanks to each one of you! Hope to see you again in December!

Using Random.org Top Jokes will also receive 500 EC as extra thanks!

Question: If you know how I can see more than my top 10 droppers, can you please leave me a comment with instructions! I have other visitors that I’d love to give some link love to as well and I don’t know where to find the information… so if I can figure it out next month, this list can grow a little bit!

Top Dropper’s December

Green Toys featured on Smart Planet

PND recently posted a review and giveaway for Green Toys.

Take a few minutes to watch this clip and learn more about how Green Toys are made. So cool to see great things from an American company!

Green Toys featured on Smart Planet

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