Coming Soon! Eco Exercise Ball Kit Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Exercise Ball Kit. Yo

Coming Soon!
Eco Exercise Ball Kit
Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Exercise Ball Kit.
You’ll …

* Firm and tone your body
* Define your abs and waistline
* Release pent-up stress and tension
* Improve balance, flexibility, and coordination
* Look great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workout

Kit Contains:

* Phthalate-free, anti-burst exercise ball
* Beautiful instructional exercise poster
* Foot pump for quick, easy ball inflation

Choose the ball that’s right for you:
Height Ball Size Color
5’0” to 5’5” S 22”/55cm Blue
5’6” to 5’11” M 26”/65cm Green
6’0” to 6’3” L 30”/75cm Green

Gem of Wisdom

Wai Lana's Daily gem of wisdom:

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Edward Everett Hal

Chili peppers add spice to life

Chili peppers add spice to life
- Painfully hot, they make your eyes water, your heart race and can turn your face embarrassingly red.
Chilies have been used for many millenia both for their medicinal benefits and exciting falvor.

Chilies have been used for many millenia both for their medicinal benefits and exciting falvor.
more photos »

Once only a staple of cuisine from far flung regions of the world, chilies can now be found in almost any dish around the globe.

Last week an Indian woman wolfed down 51 "ghost chilies," -- the world's spiciest -- in two minutes and smeared the seeds on her eyes for an entry into the Guinness World Records.

Anandita Dutta Tamuly, 28, achieved the bizarre and fiery undertaking in the Indian north-eastern state of Assam.

She was cheered on by British chef Gordon Ramsay, who also attempted a bite of the hot stuff before begging for water. A single seed can cause watering eyes, as well as a burning sensation in the mouth that can last up to five hours.

A chili's spiciness is measured in Scoville units; the number of times a chili extract must be diluted in water in order for it to lose its heat.

The "ghost chili", also known as bhut jolokia, has more than 1 million Scoville units, while Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units and jalapeno peppers from 2,500 to 8,000 units.

Chilies have formed part of the diet in the Americas since approximately 7,500 BC and owe most of their fame to their sometimes unbearably spicy flavor.

But they have also long been recognized for their health benefits. Scientific research --and legend-- have attributed health wonders to chilies over the years.

Diego Alvarez Chanca, a physician on explorer Christopher Columbus' second voyage to the West Indies in 1493, first wrote about the pepper's medicinal effects back in 1494.

Below we look at effects eating chilies has on the body.

Skin

Other than for its flavor-enhancing qualities, chili is, oddly enough, used to fight the summer heat.

As the chili causes extreme sweating and blood rushing to the face, it cools the body down when the sweat evaporates, making it useful for combating heat.

These same heat inducing properties are said to have a cumulative effect and over time are believed to alleviate pain when used in treatments for anything from arthritis and psoriasis to shingles and severe burns.

Brain

The substances that give chili peppers their intensity when eaten or applied on the skin are called capsaicinoids.

When consumed, capsaicinoids connect with pain receptors in the mouth and throat that are normally responsible for sensing heat.

Once activated by the capsaicinoids, these receptors send a message to the brain that the person has consumed something hot.

The brain responds to the burning sensation by raising the heart rate, increasing perspiration and releasing endorphins, called the body's "natural painkillers" and "happy hormones."

Stomach

Chilies have long been associated with soothing the digestive system, by acting as stomach cleansers. According to the UK Food Guide, chili helps to settle stomach upset and encourages the production of good digestive acid.

Chili aficionados believe the fruits can also induce weight loss because the substance that makes them "hot" speed up the body's metabolism.

However, one study by the American Institute of Cancer Research performed in Mexico showed in 2003 that a high consumption of chilies (approximately nine to 25 jalapeno peppers per day) is in fact associated with stomach cancer.

Immune system

Red chilies contain high amounts of carotene and vitamin C. It is said that chilies contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Chili peppers are also a good source of vitamin B6 and are very high in potassium, magnesium and iron, giving them a reputation for naturally boosting the body's immune system.

CNN News

Taro recipes

Fa’Alifu Talo (Polynesian Taro)
A Samoan classic that shows off the pretty violet color of taro. Delicious!

4 cups Chinese taro, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced into half moons
12 oz. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste

1. Steam the taro in a steamer that sits close to the boiling water for 45 minutes, or until soft.

2. Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onions on medium heat until soft. Add a little water if needed to prevent sticking.

3. Add the steamed taro and coconut milk and cook on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until the milk thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.

Serves 6

Curry variation: In a small skillet sauté 3/4 tsp. curry powder and 1/8 tsp. chili flakes in 1 tsp. vegetable oil until fragrant. Add to the coconut milk and taro just after they are combined. Salt to taste.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 278, Fat 14g (126 cal), Carbohydrate 35.8g (143 cal), Protein 2.1g (9 cal)
Added information: Saturated Fat 12g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 219mg, Dietary Fiber 6.2g

Read about the yoga diet

Taro chips are great too- although it's not exactly very healthy. Just peel and then cut the taro into very thin chips and then fry. =

Knowing when to go to the hospital

But is it really an emergency? When to take a child to the ER
Naomi Zikmund-Fisher says her son's life was saved by her maternal instincts -- and her son's flat ears.
Jesse's mastoiditis was discovered after his mother noticed that something was not right with his ear.

Jesse's mastoiditis was discovered after his mother noticed that something was not right with his ear.

One Friday night in May, Zikmund-Fisher looked across the dinner table at 3-year-old Jesse and noticed that his right ear, which usually lies close to his head, was sticking out. She went over to check it out and found a big red lump behind the ear.

She e-mailed her pediatrician, who said that it was probably just a mosquito bite and that as long as Jesse otherwise felt fine, not to worry about it.

Jesse did otherwise feel fine, but something set off Zikmund-Fisher's "mommy meter." So the next day, even though nothing had changed, she called the pediatrician's office and spoke to the nurse.

"She told me, 'If you're worried about it, take him to urgent care,' " Zikmund-Fisher remembered.

Her husband took Jesse to the emergency room, and doctors determined that he had a classic case of mastoiditis: an infection of the mastoid bone, just behind the ear. If not treated with antibiotics, mastoiditis can be deadly.

Now Zikmund-Fisher tells other parents to trust their instincts and act, even when a pediatrician tells them not to worry.

"It just didn't seem right to me," she said. "It just seemed like, if this was a mosquito bite, it would have gone away, and this wasn't going away." Listen to how other parents used their instincts to save their children »
Don't Miss

* Natasha's lesson helps save Ohio girl
* In Depth: Empowered Patient

Dr. Assaad Sayah, chief of emergency medicine for the Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts, agrees that parents should use their instincts when deciding whether their child needs quick medical attention.

"'When in doubt, bring them in' should be your first line of defense," he said. "If they don't look right to you, call your pediatrician, or take them to the emergency department, and if they look very sick, call 911." Video Watch for more tips on when to go to the ER »

Although relying on instinct is a good guideline, there are also some cut-and-dry situations when a parent really should to take a child to the ER. Here are five examples.

1. Neck stiffness or rash with fever

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, these symptoms could constitute an emergency because they might mean meningitis.

2. Fever in a newborn

Any child 3 months old or younger who has a temperature over 100.4 F needs to be seen by a doctor, says Dr. Jennifer Shu, spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. The fever can be a sign of infection or meningitis.

3. Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, headache or vomiting

This is another red flag that your child needs emergency attention, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Health Library

* MayoClinic.com: Meningitis
* MayoClinic.com: Burns

4. Burns

A burn should receive emergency care if it's larger than your child's palm, if it's deep or discolored, or if it was caused by a chemical, says Dr. David Beiser, who works in the emergency room at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Burns on the hands, genitals and face are of particular concern, he says. Here's a quick primer on burns

5. Severe abdominal pain

Although many stomach aches are minor, others merit urgent attention. There are several signs to look for, including a swollen abdomen that's tender to the touch or blood in the stool, according to guidelines from Parenting.com and Dartmouth Medical School. Severe pain in the lower right side of the abdomen could be a sign of appendicitis.
advertisement

After two shots of antibiotics, Jesse Zikmund-Fisher was back to his usual happy and active 3-year-old self. Even though it's been nearly a year since Jesse's visit to the ER, the lessons his mother learned are still fresh.

"If you are not satisfied with the answer you get, you need to push for the right answer," she said.

CNN Health

Summer time, get protected

UV Protection From The Inside Out
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

It's the perfect summer day. The sun shines brightly in a clear blue sky and you're off for a stroll in the park, a picnic at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or a canoe trip on the lake. Or perhaps you're staying home to lounge around the pool or work in the garden. Whatever your fancy, one thing is certain: There's simply nothing more enlivening to both body and mind than a gorgeous sunny day. Just feeling the warmth on your skin has the power to replenish your energy, nourish your body, and uplift your spirits.

As inviting as the sunshine may be, however, it's become somewhat of a guilty pleasure in recent decades, largely due to the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. As we've all learned, UV rays can harm our skin, causing wrinkles, dullness, roughness, thickening of the epidermis, chronic redness, freckles, age spots, and, of course, skin cancer. The sun can also damage the lens and retina of our eyes, thus leading to light sensitivity, decreased vision, and unsightly cataracts.

While it's essential to put on a hat and plenty of SPF 45, there are other protective measures that can be taken. One of the most important is consuming more antioxidants. You see, UV rays create free radicals in the body, which attack your cells, damaging both the health and the appearance of your skin and eyes. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, stopping and even reversing damage to the cells. This results in smoother, softer, younger-looking skin. In fact, many sunscreens, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams now contain antioxidants as more and more scientific studies show their effectiveness. And when it comes to your eyes, antioxidants keep free radicals under control, thereby preserving your vision and preventing a host of eye problems.

Drinking plenty of fresh juice is one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways to load up on antioxidants. Fruits and veggies are concentrated with antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamins C and E. Your complexion will also benefit from the silicon, selenium, sulfur, zinc, and other trace minerals present in health-giving juices. Many green vegetables and sprouts also contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, an important nutrient for maintaining elasticity and firmness in the skin. In addition, greens are especially rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been shown in studies to protect the eyes from UV damage and prevent cataracts.

While consuming an abundance of antioxidants will definitely help keep your skin and eyes healthy and glowing, there are other ways to protect your body from harmful sunrays. A good sunscreen is essential. Experts recommend an SPF of at least 15. A big shady hat will also guard your face. Make sure your sunglasses have a UV filter to protect your eyes as well as the delicate skin around them. Many prescription sunglasses and contact lenses also offer UV protection—don't be shy to request it. Ideally, try to limit direct sun exposure in the middle of the day (from about 10 am to 3 pm), when UV rays are most intense.

Even though too much sun exposure can be dangerous, it's important to remember that the sun is also your friend. Getting a little sun every day is good for your body and mind. Sunlight enables your body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Some beneficial rays also stimulate the pineal gland in the brain, affecting your mood in a positive way. So if you're going outside to enjoy the sun, be sure to drink lots of fresh, tasty juice—it will help protect your body from the inside out!
Blackberry Blend Juice
Blackberry Blend

(Recipe from Wai Lana's Favorite Juices)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, I don't need to tell you how delicious this beautiful drink is. Not too sweet, this light blend of blackberry, grapefruit, and banana is a powerhouse of antioxidants and a general tonic for your skin and eyes.

• 2 pink grapefruit
• 1/3 cup blackberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/3 cup water

Procedure
Juice the grapefruit, either manually, with a citrus press, or with a juicer. Blend the juice with the remaining ingredients until smooth and serve. Makes about 1½ cups.

Boost
If you'd like to make this a meal, add a scoop of protein powder and a teaspoon of maple syrup.

Benefits
This juice is rich in powerful antioxidants like ellagic acid, limonoids, proanthocyanidins, and vitamins C and E. All of these nutrients have proven very effective in neutralizing free radicals, making them wonderful foods for protecting your skin and eyes and preventing all kinds of cancer. Blackberries in particular are one of the most antioxidant-dense foods available.

Tip
I always include some white grapefruit pith for extra vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are most concentrated there. If you like the visual effect, blend the fruits individually, then layer them.

You can find more juicing tips and recipes on our website.

Spring Back from Allergies with Yoga

Spring Back from Allergies with Yoga

Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

While spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and shake off the chill of winter, for many of us the beautiful blossoming of spring flowers and trees means—ugh!—allergies. If you find yourself sneezing and sniffling each spring, why not try to find relief from your allergies this year through the ancient principles of yoga?


1. Practice Yoga Regularly

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, allergies are aggravated by the build-up of excess toxins (ama) in the body. By gently massaging, stretching, and stimulating the internal organs, yoga asanas effectively help eliminate unwanted wastes and toxins. Yoga postures also improve digestion, enabling you to absorb full nutrition from your food, which in turn creates less waste. Best of all, yoga helps naturally increase your desire for the delicious, vibrant foods that both cleanse and nourish your body.

Yoga asanas also help balance and tone the nervous system, promoting a wonderful relaxation effect in the body, including:

* Lowered blood pressure
* Slower pulse
* Deep, even breathing
* Reduction of stress hormones
* Increase in “feel good” endorphins

We know that stress drains and weakens the immune system, while practicing yoga asanas has the opposite effect. Yoga builds and strengthens your immune system, making your body less likely to react to everyday allergens.

You can practice yoga with Wai Lana by watching her TV show, if it’s on in your area, or by purchasing her yoga videos and DVDs.


2. Try a Yoga Diet

While yogis have known for centuries that a wholesome plant-based diet is ideal for mental, physical, and spiritual health, it’s interesting to know that modern scientists recently discovered that this same diet is also helpful for reducing allergy symptoms. They found that a vegetarian diet naturally decreases the level of histamines in the body. Histamines are the chemicals responsible for the miseries of allergies—sniffling, sneezing, etc.

Whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a moderate amount of dairy products form the basis of a healthy yoga diet. Light and refreshing soups, salads, fresh juices, and other light and healthy fare help to invigorate your body and improve digestion at this time of year. For recipe ideas, check out Wai Lana’s website or try Wai Lana’s Juice Book, which is full of delicious and refreshing juice and smoothie recipes.


3. Use Warming, Balancing Spices

Spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and fennel help counter the damp coolness of the spring season. Ginger is the classic warming spice for improving digestion and burning up toxins, as well as reducing inflammation. Try some warm ginger tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Even hot water or herbal tea with lemon will have a nice balancing, warming effect on your body.

Turmeric is also very helpful for reducing the inflammation associated with allergies—a medicinal daily dose can really help. You can buy turmeric already in Vegicaps in the health food store, or if you don’t mind the taste too much, try taking a teaspoon daily with a big gulp of water. It can also make your cooking both flavorful and colorful—add some to a pot of rice or to veggies stir-fried with cumin seeds.


4. Get Plenty of Rest and Relaxation

Rest and relaxation are necessary to maintain health and balance. Getting enough sleep is essential for the health of your immune system. Take time to slow down and get into the activities you enjoy. It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors, whether for nature hikes, bike rides, gardening, or whatever takes your fancy. We all need to give our bodies and minds time to recuperate from the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.


5. Practice Neti

The ancient yoga technique of neti, or sinus irrigation, is a proven method for reducing allergy symptoms. The concept is simple—by rinsing your sinuses with a mild saline solution once or twice a day, you remove allergens and congestion, greatly alleviating allergy symptoms.

Neti involves using a special neti pot filled with warm, slightly salted water. The nose cone is inserted into one nostril and the position of the head and pot is adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. While the water flows through your nasal passages you breathe through your mouth. After half a pot has flowed in one direction, the water flow is reversed. When the water in the pot is finished, the nose must be properly dried.

Another simple yoga technique for reducing allergy symptoms is nasya—rubbing the inside of your nose with oil. To do nasya, first wash your hands thoroughly, then clean the inside of your nose. Use a clean, short-nailed finger to rub oil on the inside of your nostrils. The best kind of oil is raw sesame oil or pure sunflower oil. Olive oil can be used as well. The oil catches dust, pollen, and other allergens before they have the chance to irritate your respiratory tract.


Spring Yoga Pose

Easy Fish – This simple asana opens the chest (making breathing easier) and stimulates the thymus, helping to strengthen and balance your immune system.
Try the Easy Fish asana along with Wai Lana.


Wai Lana's Newsletter