Urgent Action Needed on Major GMO Expansion

I am sharing an urgent letter I jut received today from John Fagan, http://www.nongmoproject.org/about/governance/board-of-directors/john-fagan/, founder of Global I.D., the worldwide leader in identifying GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in food and agricultural crops. I urge all my friends who care about the safety of our food supplies and doesn't want to ingest GMOs, to take a few minutes to take the actions suggested by Dr Fagan below. It is very sad that Monsanto has such power and influence. However, I believe if we follow the action steps and share this message with everyone we know, we can not only stop the expansion of GMO food but potentially reverse it.


Dear friends,

We try not to disturb you often, but the USDA and Secretary Vilsack, in collaboration with Monsanto, are about to lift a court-ordered ban on Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) "Roundup Ready" alfalfa.

This GMO would have disastrous effects on US and global agriculture. If you have not done so already, we ask you to submit comments (it will only take 2 minutes!) before the Wednesday, March 3rd deadline.

Genetically engineered alfalfa would be the first perennial GM crop, and would result in a huge increase of toxic RoundUp in the environment. It would expose livestock widely to both genetically engineered genes and pesticide residues. It would especially affect cows and horses--their health, their reproduction, and their byproducts, particularly milk.

Alfalfa pollen is carried far and wide by the wind and bees, so the presence of GM alfalfa in the environment would contaminate organic alfalfa, rendering organic dairy impossible. Consumers who eat alfalfa sprouts would be exposed directly, as well as those who eat meat.

Despite positive trends, this is the most serious GMO threat yet, as it creates the legal precedent at the Supreme Court level, for GMO contamination to be acceptable for any crop, with the support of the USDA (see Background below).

Sorry to alarm you, but it would be extremely helpful if each of you could take action before March 3 by doing one or more of the following:

1. Follow the directions in the True Food Network page pasted below to conveniently call your Senators and Representatives on Monday and Tuesday, and tell them that they should not support the commercialization of GM-alfalfa. This will have a strong impact, as there have not been enough comments to date.

2. Follow this link: http://capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/issues/alert/?alertid=14469696 to the AssociOrganic Consumers ation (OCA) where you can send the OCA email letter by clicking “take action now.” This will take you 2 minutes and can be done 24/7.

3. Submit comments directly to the USDA at: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480a6b7a1 . You can write your own comments from the points below and above, or copy and paste the letter found at the OCA link: http://capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/issues/alert/?alertid=14469696 , in the "Take Action Now" section. This will take you 4-5 minutes and will have a strong impact.

Thank you for taking action on this important issue to help protect yourself, your family, your country and the world.

Warm regards,

Susel and John Fagan

February is Heart Health Month

Be Good to Your Heart

American Heart Month is our nation’s annual reminder to take care of the most important and perhaps our most neglected organ in our body. A heart-healthy diet and lifestyle should be a year-round, life-long effort, this month, next month and always. And it's not too late to start taking better care of our heart, or helping someone else do the same.

Although we can’t change some risk factors, such as age and heredity, many factors—including cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, and inactivity—can be modified which will significantly lower our risk of heart disease. And because lifestyle habits (e.g. diet, exercise, and appropriate supplementation) can strongly influence these modifiable risk factors, here are 10 lifestyle strategies you can implement to promote a healthy heart.

Ten Lifestyle Strategies for Promoting a Healthy Heart:

1. Make healthy food choices.
2. Lose the belly fat and keep it off.
3. Get more of the “sunshine” vitamin.
4. Go fishing with omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Protect your body against free radicals and oxidative stress.
6. Boost your phytonutrient intake.
7. Fill up on fiber.
8. Find a friend in Coenzyme Q10.
10. Take time to De-stress.

For details about how to put these tips to use and more, contact me and I will send you a Health Sciences Bulletin on Heart Health.

The 350 Project

You know the saying "You don't know what you have until you lose it"; it is not only true in love.

There has been a lot of talk the last few weeks about The Wild bookstore closing in Noblesville (see previous post ) and everyone is hoping that someone will help keep this wonderful business a part of our community.

When I visited The Wild’s Blog, I was reminded about The 350 Project which encourages everyone to pick 3 local independent businesses a month and spend $50. When we spend $100 to an independent business, $68 stays in our community through taxes, payroll and other expenses. Then compare that to a purchase of $100 in a national chain business and only $43 comes back to our community.

I think it is important to carefully consider our purchases and remember that every dollar we spend is a vote for the type of businesses we want and ultimately, the make up of our community. The local independent businesses are the first to support our school fundraisers and sports teams and the feeling of community is felt every day between local business owners, employees and regular customers who get to know each other and often become friends. These relationships make our community and many others special. I hope you will consider taking The 350 Project pledge and support your favorite independent businesses. Then, share your favorites so we can find new favorites too.

A Wake-Up Story, by Healthy Child Healthy World

I love this short video from Healthy Child Healthy World! It is very powerful!

If you are motivated to make a change, I encourage everyone to join the HCHW movement and please share this video with your friends. I also believe we effect the most change when we find others who share similar views & goals and work together for positive change.

The Wild Bookstore in Noblesville

Last week I introduced Nancy Caniff, the owner and publisher of Indy's Natural Awakenings, to several of my favorite Noblesville places. Nancy loved Noble Coffee and Tea, our local independent coffee shop that boasts the bumper sticker "Friends Don't Let Friends Drink Starbucks". You have to admit that is catchy and encourages support of independent businesses... I love that! After a wonderful lunch at The Uptown Cafe (a long time local favorite with a healthy twist and their own coffee blend - roasted in Broad Ripple), we headed across the square to The Wild Bookstore. I wanted to introduce Nancy to Jane Mills, owner of The Wild Bookstore, who has always been an eager supporter of school fundraisers, sharing business events and practically anything to support the community. However, I was very surprised when Jane shared they would be selling the bookstore and if a buyer couldn't be found, the bookstore will close by the end of February. Like the other local businesses on the square, the bookstore is a unique gathering place where friendships are made and encouraged. Unfortunately, a combination of the economy and personal challenges have played a factor in the decision to move on. It is Jane's hope that a buyer will come forward who will continue the spirit of the bookstore, the children's programs and remain a core part of our community. I hope this is a reminder of the importance to support our local independent businesses. Please stop by and show your support! If you haven't been "to the Wild", check out their website and connect on Facebook .

As I expected, all three businesses welcomed Nancy into the community and offered to be a distribution site for Natural Awakening when it debuts in April. I just hope "The Wild Bookstore" is still open to do so.