It seems like whenever I turn on the TV, I see something with yoga in it.  From sit-coms to car advertisements, even a beer commercial, everywhere you turn, people are talking about yoga.  For the first time since the 70's, yoga is experiencing a resurgence of interest.  Is West meeting East, or are the baby boomers trying yet another trend to slow the pace of their hectic lives?   Anyone who knows yoga will tell you it's no trend.  The practice of yoga has a deeply rooted scientific basis, and it's been around for over three thousand years.  Yoga has stayed the test of time, and for one simple reason: yoga works.

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Millions of Americans are living healthier lives by taking nutritional supplements and availing themselves of the many alternative treatments that have gained popularity in recent years. But Mother Nature’s bounty is not limited to Homo sapiens. More and more pet owners are turning to natural sources in order to maintain their pets’ health and to treat diseases or injuries.

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

There are many ways to help keep you and your loved ones safer.  One simple way to help improve safety is to use the "ICE", or the In Case of Emergency contact system, where cell phone users store emergency contact information in the phone directory of their cell phones. List the entry as "ICE" and enter the number of the person you would want contacted in case of an emergency.  This information can easily be found in your cell phone by emergency personnel or by hospital personnel.

Granted, this implies several things:  that you have a cell phone, that the phone was with you at the time and that the cell phone was not damaged, that the information you provided was current, and that the medical personnel were capable of retrieving it.  But every little bit of help counts if you or your loved one are in need.  This contact person may even be able to help the medical staff with your medical history or your needs if necessary.  Put ICE in your cell phone and make it easier for emergency personnel to contact loved ones in case of an emergency to get your medical history (are you allergic to any drugs, do you have a history of heart disease, do you have a Do Not Resuscitate order, etc.).

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

While the possibility of a long winter’s nap sounds very soothing during the fast-paced, stressful holiday season, the reality is that millions of people struggle through the holidays deprived of restful, restorative sleep.  The 80 million Americans who suffer from sleep disorders find that their insomnia worsens during this hectic time of the year.  Jam-packed schedules, increased sugar intake, economic stress and the desire to make “everything perfect” for your family can negatively affect your ability to get the amount of sleep you need.

The inability to get a good night’s sleep is not something to be taken lightly during the holidays or any other time. Insomnia has been linked to major disasters like plane crashes, traffic fatalities and serious work related injuries. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100,000 serious automobile accidents a year are caused by driver fatigue.

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Children are laughing. Carolers are singing. The aroma of fresh baked cookies wafts through your kitchen. Colorful lights are blinking merrily on your tree. So why do you feel so sad? If you find yourself feeling sad and blue during the holidays, you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from holiday depression so profound that they are physically and mentally unable to participate in what is expected to be the happiest time of the year.

There are numerous factors that can cause us to feel stressed, fatigued, lonely and sad during the holidays. Many people feel isolated and sad because they don’t live in a Norman Rockwell ideal world. The fact of the matter is that only about 25% of all Americans are living in what is considered a “traditional” family. If loved ones are absent during the holidays, if relationships are broken or if there have been other types of tragedies, don’t pretend that the problems do not exist. Denial takes more energy than talking openly about issues. Try to emphasize the positive aspects of a relationship that has been lost or allow yourself to put more energy into relationships that have survived.

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cranberries, which used to surface mainly during the holidays, have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people have come to understand the extraordinary health benefits the little redberries contain. Cranberries were undoubtedly served at the first Thanksgiving because Native Americans were among the first to discover their flavor and health-giving properties.

The cranberry is a small, red berry that grows on low-hanging vines in temperate zones throughout the United States. It is a member of the same family of plants as bilberry and blueberry.  Cranberries are available throughout most of the winter and they can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. Before using, sort and rinse cranberries under running water. They can be cooked on your stovetop in a matter of minutes and used in sauces, relishes, muffins, marinades and teas. Fresh cranberries can be frozen up to a year.

Although they have traditionally been used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones, recent research has found that cranberries and cranberry products may help protect against numerous health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Cranberries contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Antioxidants are believed to counteract the negative effects of free radicals.

Cranberry supplements are made from the dried and ground up berries but typically don’t have fiber so they are easily absorbed by the body. They contain concentrated amounts of the extracts that inhibit bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Want to enjoy better health, greater happiness and inner peace? It’s as simple as counting your blessings.  An attitude of gratitude can go a long way toward vibrant health. From Cicero to Buddha, philosophers and spiritual leaders around the world have lauded the merits of gratitude as a major factor in health and happiness. The world's major religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, have prized gratitude as a spiritually beneficial emotional state. In recent years, doctors and psychologists have jumped on the bandwagon. Researchers in the emerging field of positive psychology say that studies in the “science of gratitude” indicate that thankful people are happier and healthier, have less stress and enjoy better relationships.

At Thanksgiving it is traditional to sit around the table with your family to discuss the blessings that you have received. For many people that is the ONLY time of the year when blessings are counted and gratitude is expressed. But what about the other 364 days of the year?  Researchers have found that every day is Thanksgiving for the happiest and healthiest people who walk among us. Gratitude, expressed daily, will strengthen your immune system and help you approach life with greater optimism.  Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet and regular physical examinations.

Research suggests that the average urban dweller is bombarded by more than 1,500 advertisements each day, most of which make us feel dissatisfied with what we have. The messages suggest that we cannot possibly be happy unless we purchase the latest and greatest goods and services. Unfortunately, millions of us have fallen victim to this consumer mentality and become miserable when we can’t have everything we see. The misguided focus on materialism is taking a toll on our nation’s physical and mental health.

The word “gratitude” comes from the Latin word gracias, which means grace. Gratitude is rooted in the truth that all of life is a gift to be received and enjoyed. Much has been written in recent years about the “law of attraction”. When you approach life with a spirit of optimism, good things are more likely to come your way. Every day for the next month, focus on having an attitude of gratitude. Train your mind to focus on your blessings, not your disappointments. If you having trouble staying focused, consider keeping a “gratitude journal” to chronicle your blessings.  Make gratitude a habit and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You will find that when you give thanks your blessings will grow and multiply.

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

The holidays are a time for sharing. Unfortunately not everything we share is healthy. Now that the weather is cooler people are spending more time indoors making it easier for the “Flu Grinch” to take hold and put a damper on your holiday fun. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to keep the Grinch at bay so that you and your loved ones can have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Now is the time to develop your cold and flu prevention strategy which should include a nutritious diet, immune-boosting supplements, exercise and plenty of rest. Fresh fruits and vegetables play a key role in keeping us healthy, but most people tend to eat fewer fresh vegetables in the winter. The average adult  needs at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day to get the adequate vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants needed to keep the immune system strong. The hardest part of holiday eating is avoiding foods that contain excess sugar and unhealthy fats, such as saturated fats and trans fats. Make sure to keep healthy snacks (like dried fruit or trail mix) handy so you won’t be as tempted to eat fat-laden foods.

One of the most important things you can do to ward off winter illness is to wash your hands often. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that regular hand washing with soap and water was more effective than drugs in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as the flu. Use warm water and soap and wash your hands, up to the elbows if possible, for 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. Make sure your children understand the importance of frequent hand washing.  If you are in a situation where you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, alcohol-based gels and wipes can be used.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. These are the “major points of entry” for all kinds of germs, particularly those that cause colds and the flu. If you have the sniffles, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze to prevent others from becoming infected.

Regular exercise also plays a role in boosting your immune system. When it is cold outside it is easy to give in to the “couch potato” temptation. Stay active by joining a gym or taking an aerobics class.  Buy a couple of exercise videos that you can use at home. In addition to contributing to strong muscles and cardiovascular fitness, exercise is also an excellent stress buster. Colds and flu are more likely to strike when people are stressed.

Drinking plenty of fluids is another “stay-well” strategy for winter. Fluids, especially water, flush out toxins. The beauty of water is that it is readily available and it has no calories, salt or sugar. Bear in mind that fruits are comprised of 80-90 percent water, so they can be an excellent source for increasing the fluids in your diet.

Yours in good health,

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away...  Hey, wait a minute, who said that?  And why would one simple, humble little piece of fruit be thought to keep away "the doctor," or potential illness?  Well, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, didn't say it; and neither did any other famous doctor or spokesperson.  This old familiar quote has been attributed to a traditional nursery rhyme, one that dates back to the sixteenth century.

You see, apples contain a very beneficial fiber called pectin, and pectin absorbs toxins in your digestive system.  Apples are also high in vitamins and minerals, especially in magnesium, which is very good for muscle relaxation an

There's another old saying – an old French proverb – that states, "spinach is the broom of the stomach."  Well,

Grandma was right, an apple a day CAN help to keep the doctor away.  In fact, researchers at St. George's

Apples are abundantly grown in many states, and in countries like Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.  Apples are fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and an excellent source of fiber.  One medium apple is only 80 calories.  Americans are said to eat approximately 19.5 pounds of fresh apples annually, compared to about 45 pounds consumed annually by residents of European countries.

Archeologists have found evidence that people have been enjoying apples since at least 6500 B.C.  During the early 1800's, a pioneer apple planter named John Chapman distributed apple seeds and apple trees to settlers in Ohio and Indiana.  We remember him today as Johnny Appleseed.  China leads the world in apple production today, with the U.S. ranking second, followed by France, Italy and Turkey.

Fresh apples, besides being delicious to sink your teeth into raw, can be baked, put into pies, cooked with entrees, shredded into salads, and pressed into tasty cider and made into the remarkable health-giving apple cider vinegar.  Even the famous Edgar Cayce recommended a Three-Day Apple Cleanse for detoxification and weight loss.

While many countries may grow apples, the best ones for your health are grown as close to home as possible.  Buy organic whenever you can; find a local apple grower if possible.  And always wash your apples before eating them.  Use a spray veggie wash--usually made with citric acid or grapefruit seed extract – or you can also make your own by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts purified water, and mist from a clean spray bottle.

Yours in good health,

Apple Cider Vinegar EXTRA™ has NO artificial colors ... flavors ... or preservatives!  Just nature’s best ingredie nts to help renew your body!

Today, millions of satisfied ACV users worldwide swear by its natural power to help improve overall health— from lowering cholesterol without drugs and controlling weight without dieting to increasing energy without artificial stimulants to relieving joint pain without medication.

Perhaps the most reliable, all-purpose health aid around! 

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

• Prevent general oxidation-damage to your vision

• Improve your night vision

• Improve the microcirculation of retinal tissue

• Protect your eyes from harmful sunlight

• Keep your eyesight sharp and clear forever!

Simply put, our bodies depend on water for survival. Provided abundantly by Mother Nature, water is a significant part of our body’s constitution. In fact, two-thirds of our body weight is water. A mere 2% drop in our body’s water supply can trigger signs of dehydration. It is important that we drink plenty of water every day to maintain optimum health.

In recent years the way we obtain the water our bodies need has sparked controversy as millions of health-conscious consumers have become increasingly convinced that bottled water is purer and healthier than tap water. But is it?

According a recent report published by the National Resources Defense Council, much of the bottled water sold in the United States is neither cleaner nor safer than most tap water. In fact, the NRDC study revealed that close to 40% of bottled water sold in this country comes from municipal sources and that bottled waters “are subjected to less rigorous testing and purity standards than those which apply to city tap water.” For instance, government rules allow bottlers to call their product “spring water” even though it may be brought to the surface using a pumped well and it may be treated with chemicals. Some studies have shown that bottled water that is left in direct sunlight (such as in an automobile) can cause chemical changes that researchers believe are carcinogenic.

This comes as no surprise to the numerous environmental and consumer groups who have lobbied for years for closer scrutiny of bottled water. These groups have long contended that Americans are wasting billions of dollars on something that is not necessarily good for their health and is indisputably bad for the environment.

According to the Container Recycling Institute, 86% of plastic water bottles become garbage or litter. The process used to burn the used bottles produces toxic byproducts and buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. Producing bottles for US water consumption required the equivalent of more than 17 million barrels of oil in 2007, not including the energy used for transportation.

Obtaining water from underground pipe is more energy efficient and uses far fewer natural resources than bottled water. Furthermore, tap water is strictly regulated by the FDA and must meet stringent safety standards before it can be dispensed for public use.

So what can we do to minimize our carbon footprint where water is concerned? Part of the appeal of bottled water is that it is a convenient way to stay hydrated on the go. But you don’t have to use water from plastic bottles. Instead, you can purchase a reusable container made especially for water from many health food stores. Be sure to sterilize before refilling it and don’t let a bottle sit for days after you have already started drinking it. If you have concerns about the tap water at your home, consider purchasing a water filtration system for your family’s drinking water.

Yours in good health,

Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch

The Surgeon General has already told you the bad news. The older you get, the higher the odds that your bones will get so weak you’ll break a bone. If THAT happens, your prospects are bleak.

Now I want to tell you the good news. It doesn’t have to happen to you. Because here at IVL, we’ve found a breakthrough combination of vitamins and minerals that can actually help your bones get stronger day by day.

OsteoK2™ – the daily bone strength formula with plant-based calcium, horsetail, vitamin D and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) doesn’t just slow-down bone loss – it can actually help your body rebuild your bones.

Cool, refreshing drinks that renew and restore you are fast becoming everyone's friend. Problem is, most are chock full of caffeine and sugar instead of the super nutrients found in REVIVE & THRIVE™. The combination of aloe and watermelon is particularly rich in the super nutrients that can jumpstart any run-down body and get it moving again.

Imagine, now with REVIVE & THRIVE, you can...

• REV across the desert of any dragged-out day...

• REPAIR your body with the most potent new superfoods packed with protein, antioxidants, amino acids and more...
• REWARD your health with a drink that helps protect against immune weakness and cell damage.

NOT JUST FOR SUMMER. REVIVE & THRIVE IS YOUR BEST REJUVENATING & REFRESHING DRINK ALL YEAR ROUND!

The information contained within this newsletter is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Before you take any supplement, please consult your physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if it’s appropriate for you. IVL Health Watch is a publication of Institute for Vibrant Living™.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.