"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Will Durant, summarizing what Aristotle had to say on the subject of habits What does it mean to develop good habits? What does it mean - and what are the effects of - having a "bad" habit? Let's start with a more personal perspective: It was decades ago, an unseasonably hot spring day in a high school chemistry class. Along with my fellow students, I was already having trouble concentrating on the droning voice of our dour teacher, Mr. Barkley, when a loud motorcycle came roaring to a stop right outside our window. Eager for distraction, we rushed to the open window and saw a cyclist dressed from head to toe in black leather. He'd stopped to pick up, of all people, a nun in full traditional garb. As she hopped on the back of the motorcycle, and it sped away, we students were amazed and delighted to hear Mr. Barkley sigh and remark in his usual dry monotone, "I guess it's all right as l…

Sometimes the sensation creeps up on your or comes on suddenly: You have no energy to do anything. Work feels like a slog. You put off household chores like washing dishes or taking out the trash. In between, you settle for takeout because it requires minimal effort. Day after day, the sensation persists, and rather than attribute it to lifestyle habits, you conclude that you have a lack of willpower. According to psychologist Caterina Lino, "Overall, self-control appears to be a better predictor of academic achievement than intelligence. It is also a stronger determinant of effective leadership than charisma, and more important for marital satisfaction than empathy." Willpower and Your Brain Do you believe you lack willpower? The reality is, you probably have more than you know. The truth is, everyone has two parts in their brain that are often in conflict. There is an older, "primitive brain" governed by the pleasure principle; it wants what it wants right now. Another part…

This year we’re focusing on energy—which of course comes from eating food. But overeating—eating more than we need to meet biological demand—can weigh us down, literally, with energy stored as fat.Our nation is obsessed with food and weight. We love to eat, eat a lot of the wrong things, and eat more than we need, so we’re constantly looking for ways to lose weight. Food psychologist Marc David reports that nearly 50% of little girls in the U.S. ages 3-6(!) are already concerned about their weight and report that they are on a diet, while about 1/3 of American adults are on a diet at any given time.Did nature make a mistake in giving us an appetite that drives us to overeat?Dr. Doug Lisle, PhD, co-author of The Pleasure Trap, has an answer for this. Our primitive ancestors and their appetites were perfectly adapted to their environment. Three instincts gave them an evolutionary advantage: 1) the drive to experience pleasure; 2) the drive to avoid pain; and 3) the drive to be efficien…

One way to prepare your child for a satisfying and successful life is by helping them take on increasing levels of age-appropriate responsibility for taking care of themselves and contributing to the household. According to Janet Lehman, MSW , who specializes in child behavior issues, all children want and need to be given tasks and chores. Successfully completing valuable work feeds a child’s sense of mastery and self-esteem, especially if they’re praised for doing it well—or sometimes for doing it at all! Taking on increasingly more demanding tasks prepares them to become competent and self-confident adults. Lehman suggests explaining to your child that the family is a team, and that everyone in the family has an important role to play in the team’s success. The adults bring in the money to support the family and also do most of the work to create and maintain a home. As children, their job is to go to school and do their homework and to help…

. . . 18 months of searching Mucus membranes in the mouth are even more permeable to toxins than skin, and most toothpastes are loaded with toxins. Fluoride is one -- the average tube of toothpaste contains enough fluoride to kill a small child! Fluoride leads to all kinds of disease, including cancer, brain damage, thyroid damage, and weakened bones and teeth. SLS and Triclosan are also found in most toothpaste. In one study, people with recurrent canker sores were given the same toothpaste for 3 months except that one contained SLS and the other didn't. At the end of the study, the SLS-free group had 64% fewer canker sores. It took a year and a half of searching before I found a brand of non-toxic toothpaste I could recommend! I looked at 200 or so different products in this process, and just couldn't find an American toothpaste I liked.  I finally found a Swiss brand -- Weleda, and we now sell three different toothpastes from this company. Weleda toothpastes work well to cl…

. . .  antioxidant-rich and lusciousAmong fruits, berries are the highest in antioxidants. Although strawberries are particularly good for dipping in this decadent-feeling yet healthy cashew cream, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries can all be nicely combined with the cashew cream to make a luscious snack.Ingredients:1 carton of strawberries1 cup raw cashews Pure water (RO filtered water recommended) 1/8 cup coconut oil (at room temperature) 1/8 cup ENER G Egg Replacer 2 tiny scoops KAL Pure Stevia Extract Powder 1 tsp. unsulphured molasses 1 tsp. vanilla extractCover the cashews with cold water and soak overnight in your refrigerator; then rinse them well and drain.Wash and remove stems and leaves from the strawberries; then put them in a serving bowl.Place the cashews into a high-powered blender (VitaMix) along with the cold water. Mix until combined and thickened. Add the coconut oil and egg replacer. Blend again. Add the stevia, molasses and vanilla. Blen…

"It would be a mistake to view Raymond Francis' Never Fear Cancer Again as a book solely about preventing cancer,” says Blogcritics.org. Here, Blogcritics writes an extremely informative book review and explains why Francis believes conventional medicine lacks success when treating cancer, yet this book is not solely about cancer. It is really about is getting healthy and staying healthy. “The simplicity of the Beyond Health model makes it very attractive, and certainly for those of us who are interested in staying well and avoiding diseases of all kinds, the advice in this book is easy to accept and very worthwhile.”…

Here’s another important challenge to all of us who care about protecting health freedom in America.California legislators have proposed to eliminate parental involvement and consent in their adolescent children’s “choice” to accept dangerous vaccines.  If this measure passes in California, other states will be sure to follow.While some teens and tweens may be informed enough and strong enough to take a stand against peer pressure and school authorities pushing the vaccine of the moment, most minor children are not. That’s why this age group is under the legal age of consent and why parents are charged with the right and the responsibility of making certain decisions for them.This legislation seems to be a thinly veiled attempt to simply get more children vaccinated, overriding the wishes of many parents. As the Natural Solutions Foundation observes, if parents are deprived of the right to make health decisions for their minor children, “how long will it be before they – and you –…

Welcome to the Beyond Health Blog. I am extremely excited to share a wealth of information to our viewers. Having been active on social media platforms such as Facebook for some time now, I have come to realize that we need more space for the publication of detailed reports about Beyond Health's mission. For this reason, I have decided to launch the Beyond Health Blog as a new channel that will serve as a complementary source of communication for all of you. We want you to think of this blog as an online diary that you don't mind sharing publicly. Our Blog will enable you to gain a greater understanding why we care about you and your health. Content will include regular contributions from myself, my respected staff members, colleagues, questions and answers, articles, testimonials, customer stories, upcoming events, promotions, and urgent news breaks. I have designed this for you! I want you to always feel we are here as a resourceful tool and as a friend you can count o…

. . . genetics may have a lot to do with itRegular exercise usually increases vitality, but a lot of people just don’t have the energy or motivation to get started on an exercise program. Although different factors can be involved, such as low thyroid, inadequate nutrition, or trying to force yourself into a boring exercise routine, a new study has shown that genetics can encourage either a love of movement or for your favorite recliner. Fortunately, there are ways you can compensate for couch potato genes.Rats given running wheels usually put them to good use, but scientists observed that some rats choose to run more than others. They separated high voluntary exercising (HVE) rats from low voluntary exercisers (LVE), and bred them through ten generations to produce final generations of super-HVE and super-LVE rats. The primary differences found between the two groups had to do with genes that control the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. The researchers believe that humans have…

. . .  and use our new Beyond Health Water Bottle! Not only is bottled water expensive, but its quality is often no better than tap water, and the plastic bottles it comes in are bad for your health and bad for the environment.Although some are worse than others, all plastics leach chemicals, and both the plastic bottles used for single-servings and the big 5-gallon polycarbonate water bottles leach hormone disruptors, like bisphenol-A (BPA).  Meanwhile, our environment is littered with billions of pounds of used plastic bottles, only 25% of which get recycled. Bottled water is also about 2,000 times more energy intensive to produce and distribute than tap water.The best approach is to treat your own water and use your own water bottles. Unfortunately it's been difficult to find a water bottle that doesn't also leach toxic chemicals. Until recently, the only bottles I've been able to recommend are glass bottles, which are heavy and inconvenient. However, I've now been ab…

Have a date with someone special? A job interview? Or do you just want to look your most fabulous every day?L’huile de Grace (“the oil of grace”) is pure, raw nutrition for your skin, devoid of any harmful chemicals – a truly unique skin care product unlike anything you’ve ever used, designed to make you feel and look your radiant best.This rich facial oil uses herbs and essential oils renowned for healing and nourishing the skin while uplifting the spirit. Frankincense, for example, considered the holy anointing oil in the Middle East, was valued more than gold in ancient times for all-purpose healing and for stimulating and elevating the mind. Helichrysum has been used traditionally to regenerate nerves and tissues, increase circulation, treat skin conditions, and uplift the subconscious. The ancient Egyptians used Neroli to heal mind, body and spirit; made from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, Neroli is reputed to be a nervous system tonic that encourages confidence, cou…

. . . a traditional Italian beauty treatmentEmployed by Sophia Loren and other legendary Italian beauties, rubbing olive oil into the skin is a traditional beauty treatment. Olivella Soap, made from 100% virgin olive oil, provides this healthy oil's natural antioxidant protection and moisturizing benefits for soft, velvety skin. Fragrance-free, Olivella has a wonderful natural scent that makes it a pleasure to use.Most soaps today are anything but clean! Common ingredients are associated with damaged immunity, respiratory problems, depressed central nervous system, eye irritation, allergies and cancer. SLS is often used in soaps as a lathering agent, In addition to the problems listed above,SLS breaks down fats and impairs the skin's ability to retain moisture, leading to dry skin. The antibacterial Triclosan is often found in soaps; Triclosan is a mutagen and eye irritant, and is associated with liver damage.Olivella soap is made from saponified virgin olive oil. Saponified means the…

. . . yet another assault on our food systemOver the holidays, the Food and Drug Administration took a major step toward approving the first genetically-engineered (GE) fish, a salmon designed to over-produce growth hormone so that it becomes twice as big as normal salmon. This monstrosity has been nicknamed “frankenfish.” Only a massive protest from the public (that means us!) can block approval.Salmon used to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet, but not anymore. As a large fatty fish high on the food chain, salmon concentrates toxins which have proliferated in our oceans in its fatty tissues. While wild salmon is still an acceptable food in small quantities, farmed salmon is not. A 2004 study in the journal Science that analyzed salmon from all over the world found that farmed salmon contained substantially more toxins than wild-caught. These factory-farmed fish are fed a toxic diet and given growth hormones and antibiotics. Because they develop an unappetizing whitish/grey…

Here’s another reason to unglue yourself from that computer and move your butt—prolonged sitting can lead to deadly blood clots! Although blood clots generally don’t become problematic until after the age of forty, a case report on a 32-year-old man is a cautionary tale. This relatively young man spent a good part of his life sitting at a computer terminal, both during the day at work and at home at night—all told about 12 hours most days and sometimes 18 hours a day. He would typically sit anywhere from 4½-6 hours at a time without getting up. One fine day he blacked out and found himself in the hospital with a potentially life-threatening venous thromboembolism (VTE). Fortunately, he was given clot-busting drugs in time and survived. According to the American Heart Association, a VTE is a blood clot related to two life-threatening conditions: (1) deep vein thrombosis (DVT): a clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg; and (2) a pulmonary embolism (PE): a DVT clot that breaks…

Debunking Health Myths: Insights from Raymond Francis' 'The Great American Health Hoax'Debunking Health Myths: Insights from Raymond Francis' "The Great American Health Hoax"Health myths and misconceptions are prevalent in today's society, often driven by misinformation and vested interests. In his book "The Great American Health Hoax," Raymond Francis challenges many of these myths, providing insights and evidence to help individuals make informed health decisions. This article explores some of the most common health myths and presents the truths that debunk them.Common Health Myths and MisconceptionsExamples of Widely Believed Health MythsMany people believe in health myths such as the necessity of low-fat diets, the redundancy of supplements, and the idea that all calories are equal. These misconceptions can lead to poor health choices and outcomes.The Influence of Misinformation and Vested InterestsHealth myths are often perpetuated by misinformation f…

The Importance of pH Balance in the BodyMaintaining the proper pH balance in your body is crucial for overall health and wellness. The term "pH" stands for "potential of hydrogen," and it measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. In the human body, pH levels vary in different organs and systems, but the blood is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45, slightly alkaline. This delicate balance is vital for the proper functioning of enzymes, hormones, and other biochemical processes.Why pH Balance MattersAn imbalance in pH levels can lead to various health issues. A state of high acidity, or acidosis, can contribute to conditions such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, and more severe issues like kidney stones and osteoporosis. Conversely, while rare, an overly alkaline state, or alkalosis, can cause muscle twitching, nausea, and confusion.A significant factor in maintaining optimal pH levels is diet. Many modern diets, high in…

How Many Steps Per Day Do You Really Need for Optimal Health?The "10,000 steps per day" goal has become a popular benchmark for health, but is it the right target for everyone? Recent research suggests that the ideal step count can vary depending on individual health goals, age, and fitness levels. In this guide, we’ll explore how different step goals can support health, weight management, mental well-being, and longevity. Discover how finding your ideal step target can help you achieve better health, fitness, and vitality.The 10,000 Steps Myth: How Many Steps Do You Really Need?The idea of walking 10,000 steps a day originated as a marketing strategy rather than a scientifically-backed recommendation. New studies show that 7,000-10,000 steps per day may be enough to support most health goals, particularly for longevity and general wellness. It’s also essential to personalize your step goal to fit your lifestyle, fitness level, and unique health needs.General Health and Longevity: 7,00…