From People.Com   Moms and Babies   March 10, 2011

The Healthy Home: A Guide to Cleaning Up Your Act

Courtesy Vanguard Press

We worry about germs, air quality, vaccinations — but could it be that the things that have potential to hurt us are actually in our homes?

That’s the gist of The Healthy Home, a new book by microbiologist Dr. Myron Wentz and his son, Dave, which explores the hidden dangers in our most sacred spots.

“I debated for a few years if I ever wanted to bring a child into this toxic world,” Dave tells PEOPLE Moms & Babies. “I was worried that the kids we bring in now wouldn’t have a chance. But I didn’t want to be scared, I wanted to be empowered.”


The father-son team break their book down into rooms, explaining what has the potential to be harmful where (and how) you can fix it.

“We spend time in our home sleeping, rejuvenating. That’s why we have to clean it up,” Dave explains. “Once we do that, the greater environment will be helped tremendously.”

Dave says he was surprised to learn about the dirty details of dry cleaning. “I’d never thought about it,” he admits. “But they embed chemicals in the clothes that they don’t ever remove, and those chemicals are known to be toxic.”

For Myron, gaining a greater understanding of electromagnetic radiation is a big concern. “Everyone in the world is being exposed via cell phones,” he says. “But we don’t yet know what effect these things have.”
The writers say there are many misconceptions about what clean really is, too. “A lot of people are worried about their own germs, and dirt in their homes, so to take care of that they’re using toxic chemicals to sterilize and kill everything they can,” Dave says.

Meanwhile, those residues are left on surfaces, and they’re “more dangerous than what’s being removed.” (A simple solution? Green cleaners.)

Though portions of the book can sound downright scary — who knew our toothpaste and mouthwash could be harmful? — the Wentzes say they’re not trying to frighten, but educate.

“We want to tell people that there are easy solutions, and to make one or two steps at a time,” Dave explains. “Day after day, month after month will add up to a huge change if you make a 10 percent lifestyle change here and there.”

For further information about The Healthy Home book:
Dave and Deanna Waters
Providing Solutions for Healthy Homes and Lives 

Seven Steps for Looking Better — From the Inside Out

 
By Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz, Authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers

At one time or another, we’ve all heard the saying that beauty comes from within. This saying means more than you know. How well you look on the outside greatly depends on how well you take care of your body on the inside. Your daily habits, whether good or bad, greatly contribute to how healthy your cells are, and, in turn, how youthful or how aged you look.

If you want to look better, you have to take better care of your body on the cellular level. Here are seven things you can start doing today that will improve the way you look and feel, from the inside out. 




Diet
Your skin is your largest and most visible organ, yet it is the last to receive nutrients from the body. Keep your skin healthy (and looking good) by eating foods rich in protein and healthy fats. Healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with key amino acids and protein, are crucial for collagen formation and cell repair. Lean meats like chicken and fish, along with avocado, nuts, and olive oil, provide these critical nutrients. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as dark berries and leafy greens, help fight against free radicals that cause oxidative damage to your cells.

Water
Aside from eating right, you should also stay hydrated. Why? Your body is made up of more than 10 trillion cells, and they all need water to operate at an optimal level. Water helps your cells keep their shape, and acts as a conduit for healthy, necessary biochemical processes within your cells to take place. Our bodies are more than 60 percent water, so replenishing lost fluids throughout the day is necessary for healthy cells and glowing, healthy skin. There are many sports drinks and fruit juices out there claiming to “rehydrate,”but purified water is best. Drink eight to 12 eight-ounce cups of water a day.

Supplements
If you are like the average American adult, you are not getting the nutrients your body requires to function at its best. Poor eating habits consisting of processed, fatty, sugary foods can lead to many health concerns, including erratic blood sugar levels and obesity. Even if you try your best to eat the freshest fruits and vegetables, you are probably still lacking several key nutrients because it’s difficult to consume the amount of nutrients your body needs to function properly with food alone. To help ward off malnutrition, supplement a healthy diet with high-quality vitamins and minerals. Studies show that synergistic vitamin and mineral blends yield better results than taking individual nutrients on their own.

Every body is different, so start with a high quality multivitamin or vitamin pack and then customize additional nutrients as needed. And remember: it could take several months of consistently taking your vitamins to see visible results. Just know you’re doing your body a favor by giving it exactly what it needs to function at an optimal level.


Sleep
There is a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” Getting quality rest in a good quantity — 6–8 hours — every night gives your body and mind a chance to recuperate from the stresses of the day. But this is also the time when your cells repair themselves. If this process is disrupted, it will show on your face through puffiness, dark circles, and uneven skin tone. If you have trouble falling asleep, there are a few natural options. A melatonin supplement can work with your body’s natural melatonin production to help you achieve optimal rest for renewed energy. Try incorporating a repetitive habit into your daily bedtime routine to help mentally trigger your brain to shut down for the night. Reading is one such activity. Regular exercise can also improve the quality of your rest. Speaking of exercise. . .

Exercise
Regular cardiovascular and strength training will not only help you feel better; it will help you look better too. Regular exercise can boost your mood and improve your sexual drive, and sweating during exercise helps cleanse your pores of toxins to reveal brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Quit Smoking
Smokers are basically asking their skin to age faster. Nothing damages your skin and overall health more. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health.”Smoking also reduces your skin’s elasticity, which will increase those lines on your forehead and around your eyes. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003

Stop Stressing
It may be hard to believe, but the mental strain caused by stress can also tax the body. Excessive stress can lead to all sorts of damage, including high blood pressure and heart disease. But it also causes skin damage, including wrinkles and breakouts. Managing your stress correctly can produce positive results on how you look and feel. Even just a few minutes of silent meditation or deep breathing can help calm and de-stress the body and the mind.

One Last Thought
Your skin will eventually age — that is inevitable. But simple steps like the ones listed above can keep the signs of aging at bay for as long as possible.
It’s also important to remember that not all skin care products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are best for your skin. Stay away from products that contain harsh chemicals and preservatives that actually speed up the aging process and will eventually cause more harm than good.
Remember, your skin is the last organ to receive nutrients from the body and often the first to show signs of nutritional deficiency. Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet are truly the key factors for overall health and beauty.

© 2011 Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz, authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers
Dr. Myron Wentz, author of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, holds a Ph.D. in microbiology with a specialty in immunology from the University of Utah. He founded Gull Laboratories in 1974 and developed the first commercially available diagnostic test for the Epstein-Barr virus. Later, he founded USANA Health Sciences and Sanoviv Medical Institute. Dr. Wentz was honored in June 2007 with the Albert Einstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Life Sciences. He is the author of A Mouth Full of Poison and Invisible Miracles. He travels the world with his lovely partner, Prudence.

Dave Wentz, author of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, is chief executive officer of USANA Health Sciences, a state-of-the-art manufacturer of nutritional supplements and health products. He received a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego. Dave lives with his wife, Reneé, and children, Andrew and Sydney, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he enjoys skydiving, playing volleyball and soccer, mountain biking, and skiing Utah’s famous powder.

For more information please visit http://www.myhealthyhome.com/ and follow the authors on Facebook and Twitter

Dave and Deanna Waters   1-204-237-8250
Promoting Solutions for Healthy Homes, Lives and Finances 
Visit us at:  www.thehealthyhomesite.com  

Is Your Home Healthy? Toxin Free?

The Healthy Home: 31 Ways to Protect Yourselves from Toxins

By Therese J. Borchard
Associate Editor, Psych Central

 

In their exceptional, informative book The Healthy Home: Simple Truths of Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, son and father team Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz tackle the topic of toxins from room to room, starting with the bedroom and ending with the garage and yard. “Every second of every day, we face an onslaught of unnecessary dangers—toxic chemicals, negative energies, unforeseen side effects, and more—in our modern world,” writes Dave, the younger Wentz.

Myron, his father, who holds a Ph.D. in microbiology with a specialty in immunology from the University of Utah, throws in the statistics: “A new chemical substance is discovered every nine seconds during the workday. Chemists discovered the eighteenth millionth chemical substance known to science on June 15, 1998. Many thousands more have been developed since then.” Wrap your brain around that figure for a moment. It looks like this: 18,000,000.

Their book is an excellent, comprehensive resource to learn how, exactly, we go about protecting ourselves from all the toxins. Following are just 20 of the simple solutions they pepper throughout the book.

1. Cut down on the wrinkle-free materials. Five minutes of ironing will spare you from a lifetime of PFC exposure.
2. Make certain your body is wrapped in safe, natural material for at least a third of the day by purchasing pajamas and bedding made from organic cotton.
3. Train and trust your nose. Of all our senses, smell makes the most direct connection between the outside world and your brain.
4. Use one-half cup of white vinegar in place of fabric softener in the washer to reduce static cling and soften clothing.
5. Unwrap and air out your dry-cleaned garments for at least two days in an exterior area, like a garage—never is a closet or bedroom.
6. Whenever you launder your sheets, open your windows and leave your mattress exposed in order to allow your bed to off-gas for the day.
7. Unplug your electronic gadgets and appliances when they aren’t being used.
8. Buy nightlights, alarm clocks, and other bedroom electronics that are illuminated with red light, which is less disturbing to melatonin production than white or blue light.
9. Open a window whenever you can to let in some fresh, cleansing air. The air outside is cleaner.
10. Cut down on toxic preservatives like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde by first replacing products that sit on your skin all day—like a moisturizers—with more natural, preservative-free alternatives.
11. Avoid aerosol products that have non-spray alternatives. If you must use aerosols, open a window and run your bathroom fan. Wash products off your face as soon as you get home instead of waiting until bedtime. A few additional chemical-free hours each day could add up to more than six years over a lifetime.
12. Don’t use antiperspirant during cooler months or on weekends when it doesn’t matter if you sweat a little.
13. If you’ve been exposed to mercury, consider taking a supplement containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and alpha lipoic acid to aid in detoxification.
14. Give your immune system a boost with the beneficial bacteria found on a probiotic supplement. Just be sure to look in your pharmacy or grocery store for a product that contains “live and active” cultures.
15. Avoid buying products that contain triclosan and its chemical cousin, triclocarban. Simply wash your hands with regular soap and water to get rid of germs.
16. Start with good antioxidant protection, supplemental B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and lots of CoQ10. Also, try one or more of the foods that have been shown to lower cholesterol, such as steel cut oatmeal.
17. Start each day with an alkalizing glass of lemon water by squeezing a fresh lemon (no sugar) into purified water. Make sure you include the pulp.
18. Trade in your table salt for natural sea salt, which contains a mixture of alkaline complexes. And use pepper or other spices to liven your meals.
19. Maintain a good distance—at least ten feet in front or five feet to the side—between yourself and the microwave when it’s on.
20. If you must use a PTFE-lined pan, keep your stove’s burner on medium or lower. Also, never preheat an empty pan.
21. If you plastic wrap, ensure it’s LDPE-based plastic, and regardless of what type it is, never use it in the microwave.
22. Purchase reusable grocery bags made of natural materials such as cotton and use them as often as you can.
23. Use a pitcher with an activated carbon filter to reduce contaminants in your water. Although it won’t filter out all pollutants, it’s a good start at a low cost.
24. If you are cleaning with products that you wouldn’t eat, wear gloves!
25. Instead of using an aerosol freshening spray, mist your room with real citrus scent,. Simply pour a few drops of orange, lemon, or lime essential oil into a spray bottle of water.
26. Buy the best vacuum you can afford. Optimally, get one with a HEPA “completely sealed” system.
27. Use a regular, corded telephone when at home or at work. Cutting even 20 percent of your daily RF exposure is a step in the right direction.
28. If you have Ethernet ports in convenient areas, you can access the Internet using good, old-fashioned wiring.
29. Don’t set your car’s air conditioner or heater to recirculated air. Selecting the outside air option on your dashboard will reduce the number of pollutants you’re circulating inside the car.
30. Take a daily vitamin D supplement with at least 2,000 IUs (International Units) during the winter or year-round if you can’t get out into the sun each day.
31. Plant a large, diverse range of plants in your yard—native species are best. The more the merrier and healthier.

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Therese J. Borchard is Associate Editor at Psych Central, where she contributes to the blog, World of Psychology. She also writes the daily blog, Beyond Blue, on Beliefnet and blogs for Blisstree.com. Therese is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit. Subscribe to her Psych Central RSS feed, Beliefnet feed, or Blisstree feed. Visit her website or follow her on Twitter @thereseborchard.


For further information contact:
Dave and Deanna Waters, Global USANA leaders, dedicated to promoting healthy homes, healthy bodies and financial security.
1-204-237-8250   thewatersedge@shaw.ca

Seek out dangers hiding in your home..... You don't have to go overboard.

Cara Hedgepeth • March 6, 2011 USA Weekend

Most of us feel pretty safe in our own homes, but dirty little secrets lurk in every nook and corner that could pose threats to our health.

In their new book, The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, scheduled for release in a few weeks, father-son team Myron and Dave Wentz "set out to prove that you don't have to be a scientist — or even a cave-dwelling technophobe — to protect your family from the toxic influences found in modern society."

Here are some of their tips:

Park it. After a long drive, park the car outside the garage for an hour or two. Your engine will cool without polluting your garage and living areas.
Air it out. Unwrap and air out dry cleaning before bringing it into the house to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Move it. Move electronics away from the bed when you're going to sleep. Any flash of light can fool your body into thinking night is ending and it's time to wake up.
Open it. Opening the windows for just five minutes a day to refresh the air in your home can get rid of chemicals and pollutants.

For further information contact:
Dave and Deanna Waters, Global USANA leaders, dedicated to promoting healthy homes, healthy bodies and financial security.
1-204-237-8250   thewatersedge@shaw.ca

	BOOK OVERVIEW          PROSPECTING           BOOK TOUR           TOOLS           FAQs

The Healthy Home
Simple Truths to Protect Your Family from Hidden Household Dangers

by Myron Wentz, Ph.D. and Dave Wentz
with Donna K. Wallace

Book overview
In The Healthy Home, readers take a trip through the home of Dave Wentz, where the authors point out potential dangers of our modern living spaces. The book offers a common-sense approach to removing toxins from the environment where you live and raise your family. Throughout The Healthy Home, these hidden dangers are discussed in plain terms and elaborated on in a more scientific way by Dr. Wentz—allowing you to dive as deeply into the information as you want. The book also provides tips on minimizing the risks you may not have realized you were taking with your health.

In writing The Healthy Home, it is the goal of Dave and Dr. Wentz to alert readers to the dangers that lurk within the walls of their homes. By making even small and simple changes, many of which are suggested in the pages of this book and will be on the book’s companion website, myhealthyhome.com, readers will be able to make a significant difference in their lives and in the lives of their families.

The Healthy Home is a vehicle for furthering the USANA vision of spreading health and wellness throughout the world. It’s a fresh way of sharing Dr. Wentz’ story about the importance of health at a cellular level. The Healthy Home can be a great conversation starter about USANA, and the importance of cellular nutrition in our often-toxic lives.

Finally, supporting this book is a way to support children in need across the globe. All author proceeds from The Healthy Home will be donated to the international non-profit Children’s Hunger Fund to help provide food and medical care to impoverished children around the world.

The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family from Hidden Household Dangers
Published by Vanguard Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group

Hardcover
Release date: March 22, 2011

For further information about The Healthy Home
and healthy alternatives for your home and life:
Dave and Deanna Waters   1-888-320-8250
We look forward to hearing from you.