By Paula Himes, Mindy/Body Wellness Consultant

For those of you wishing to learn more about autism, I have a couple of resources for you.   I was fascinated to learn about Donna Williams.  She says on her website, www.donnawilliams.net that she was born in Australia back in the 1960's, in the days when "autism" was either deemed 'child psychosis' or unheard of and the incidence of autism was around 1 in 10,000 children.    Based on the symptoms that she had back then, and some testing, the doctor has assessed that she was "psychotic".    She goes on to say that once a parents' child was diagnosed as "psychotic" they were generally advised to place them in a large psychiatric institution and get on with their lives.   It wasn't until later in life, in her 20's, that she was confirmed by a medical doctor as being autistic.   With some intervention (she mentions gut health, immune health, metabolic disorders as part of the treatment program) Donna went to on to enter college, to the point of earning graduate degrees in Linguistics and education.   In my psychology book, they refer to Donna as an example of an autistic savant, which means individuals who have some amazing skills, and potential to be highly functioning.    Donna went on to write several books about what it was like to be autistic and how she has coped with the illness.   One of the books is titled Nobody Nowhere, and then a follow up book is called Somebody Somewhere.  

Another great resource is the movie called Temple Grandlin about autism.   On Amazon.com, there were 289 reviews and all 5 stars, stating that it is an "excellent movie about autism".

By Patty Douglas, BSN, RN, CCT

Everyone knows that a man would rather climb Mount Everest than have a check-up at the doctor's office.  And all women know that it takes an act of God to get their man to the ER when he is acutely ill.  Yes it is usually a heart attack or a near fatal accident that brings a man face to face with the Doc. So what can be done to help our men stay healthy? The answer is simple - GET MORE VITAMIN D.  Yep that's it!  Vitamin D plays a MAJOR ROLE in all areas of men's health.

Research is showing that adequate levels of Vitamin D (50 to 80ng/ml) boost testosterone levels and what man doesn't want more testosterone? According to Dr. John Cannell (www.vitamindcouncil.org) testosterone is important for the male reproductive organs and for key masculine features like increased muscle, bone mass and the growth of body hair. In a randomized controlled trial, men took 3,300 IU of Vitamin D3 daily and testosterone levels increased by 30-40%.  Research has shown also that sun exposure (no sunscreen) decreases the risk of prostate cancer. Just recently a research study concluded that 4,000 IU/day of D improved the prognosis for men already diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer.

Adequate levels of D actually lower your risk of heart disease and several different types of cancer including prostate. Research has shown a correlation between low D levels and an increased risk of breast cancer for women.  And did you know that breast cancer is on the rise among men!!!  Could low Vitamin D levels be part of the problem?   

And guess what...low Vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk for heart disease.  According to Dr. Cannell, men ages 35-64 are about four times more likely than women to die from heart disease. And another organ that needs lots of D to function well is the brain.  Vitamin D helps to stabilize mood and even helps to get rid of depression.  Vitamin D improves athletic performance by increasing endurance and stamina. So men get out in the sun more.  It is possible that three fourths of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. Dr. Cannell recommends about 20 minutes of mid-day sun with most of the body exposed daily during the late spring, summer and early fall months.  Those who avoid the sun need to supplement daily with 5,000 units of Vitamin D3. Also daily doses are needed during the winter especially for those in the northern latitudes. Vitamin D levels can be easily checked by ordering the test through Dr. Cannell's website. And check out Dr. Cannell's new book "Athlete's Edge: Faster, Quicker and Stronger with Vitamin D". 

By Tina McElwee, Store Manager

      Jon Heister, Store Supervisor 

The news is in (has been)...drinking large amounts of soda can have a significant impact on brain function. That "brain fog" you have been feeling, may be due to that 20oz. soda you used to take your supplements this morning. Glucose is a main source of energy for brain cells (neurons). However, if you consume too much sugar or carbohydrates at once, the brain won't get enough glucose. Sound backwards? When you drink carbonated carbs, your pancreas releases insulin that forces the liver and muscle cells to store the excess glucose from your bloodstream. Neurons cannot make or store sugar. It makes it difficult for your brain to get its fuel, if the fuel is in the liver and muscle cells, causing an energy crisis in the brain. When your brain is on "E", typical symptoms may include lack of concentration, reduced cognitive ability, spaced-out feeling, weakness, confusion, and even nervousness. So instead of soda, try a flavored water. Just squeeze some lemon or lime juice into a glass of water, or try a different fruit to keep it interesting. Save your brain, lose the soda.