One day, some time after publishing my book about women’s hor­mones, Stop the Needless Suffering, I looked around in my own per­sonal life and in the world around me and thought, “What about men?”

What I saw was the fatigue, the hollowness, the secrecy behind sex­ual dysfunction, and the too frequent diagnosis of prostate cancer in my friends. I then launched into the study of male hormones. What I found is that men are suffering too—also needlessly.

It was distressing to see that hormone changes in men, responsible for altered physical, sexual, and cognitive functions, are universally ac­cepted as a natural part of “growing old.” This is absolutely not the case, and it is high time to debunk that myth.

A healthy lifestyle and a natural restoration of hormone balance can change all that. A man’s sex life can improve with age, he can protect his heart, bones, and other body organs, and he doesn’t have to feel depressed or walk around with enlarged breasts or a “beer belly.” I made a mental note to myself, “One day I’ll write a book about men’s hormones.”

Initially, I was totally focused on why, when, and how hormone imbalance occurs in men—from a physical standpoint. Then one day I heard an advertisement for a free online dating membership, and cu­riosity got the best of me. Being single, I signed up for a trial mem­bership. What I learned after reading countless profiles of what mid­dle-aged men are searching for in a relationship has forever changed my life. Read this book, and then give it to the woman who loves you. What you both will learn will change your lives too.

Mid-life men can and do experience physical and hormonal changes—which can be corrected. What I uncovered is another huge component that isn’t openly addressed. This component may be even more signifi­cant than the physical element. Critical to a man’s well being and vi­brancy is an emotional component.

It was at this point of discovery that I decided it was time to write the men’s “hormone” book. There is simply no point in living a life of quiet desperation. Men with Hormones and the Women Who Love Them will openly address both the physical and the emotional compo­nents—in the same book.

As you read the book, you may quickly identify yourself as one of the thousands of men who are suffering in silence. There are nearly six thousand baby boomer men turning fifty every day. A boomer male turns sixty about every fifteen seconds. Here’s the good news—men, you absolutely can return to your natural vibrant, healthy, and sexy state.

Men with Hormones and the Women Who Love Them is designed to be a simple, easy-to-read guide to help you to 1) see that you are not alone, 2) become aware that there is a reason behind the feelings and body changes that you are experiencing, 3) encourage you to seek out a qualified health care practitioner to assess and treat any hormone imbalance, and 4) encourage you to start today implementing a fun, practical solution to transform your life.

Isn’t it about time you get back to feeling sexy, vibrant, and alive?

My mission is to stop the needless suffering . . . one man and one woman at a time. Once you read the information in this book, please reach out to help someone else. We are all on this journey together. Let us empower each other to live a full, blissful, joyful, balanced life.

Do you have an air purifier in your home or office?  Do you know HOW it “purifies”? Have you read the back of the machine to see if it is an O3 (ozone producing) air “purifier”? If it is, it may be poisoning you!

I recently wrote an article on the hazards of mold in your home or office. See http://rosiebrownrn.com/is-it-cancer-or-is-it-fungus/.

What I didn’t suspect at the time of that writing was that the air “purifier” I was using to “purify” the air was causing as much or more of a problem than the actual mold itself!

I vacated the home I had been residing in, but left the “air purifier” running, thinking I was helping the owner “purify” the air.  When the owner entered the house this weekend, he noted “What’s that smell?” His comment led to research on the working of these ozone producing air “purifiers” which are not purifiers at all. A more accurate term would be “toxin producers.”

The totally ironic and very sad fact is individuals with already compromised lungs (emphysema, asthma, etc.) are the most likely to purchase one of these machines, with the mistaken notion that they are helping their air become as pure as possible. This is simply not the case.

If you are using an O3, ozone producing air “purifier,” you simple must do some research, or you are putting you and your family’s/coworkers’ health into jeopardy. Below is one link that will get you started in the right direction. It comes from the Consumer Protection Agency. One paraphrased quote from the California consumer group:  there is no scientific reason why these “purifiers” are sold.

One article states that they don’t purify anything- except for one group of compounds which are turned into formaledhyde and other toxins. One of the things it converts to other toxins are fragrances- the aromatic/cyclic hydrocarbons can easily be converted from one that simply smells good to one that is toxic. The bottom line is that ozone is quite toxic, and exposure length and amount (what it puts out ) are key determinants to toxicity seen.  For someone that continuously runs one in an enclosed space (which I did!), it really increases exposure and toxicity.  See http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA07/pubcom/Ozone.pdf

Below is the information on the air “purifier” I was using. Apparently there are lots of these devices on the market. . .being sold every day to an unsuspecting, vulnerable public.

Company: Atlas California Trading, Inc. Serial No: 09030056, Model No: 300/A

Warning on back of purifier: “Excessive O3 concentration may cause respiratory irritation. You may lower the O3 setting if you smell O3 in the room.” 120V, 60 Hz, 21W, O3 Sanitizer. Dials: 0 – 3,500 square feet, (I ran it continuously at 3,500 in a 1,509 suare foot home!), and Low, Medium, and High settings. (I ran it on High continuously.)

Buyers beware! Your health is at risk! Please help me spread the word!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.

According to http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html:

• There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day.
• There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War.
• Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
• The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.
• By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.
• The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
• It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
• In 1915, Moina Michael wrote the following poem and then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war:

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led.

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

• Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years.
• Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.
• To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.’”

Did you see the April 24^th issue of www.mercola.com: “COSMETIC ALERT! Why You Should Dump These Cosmetics Today…”?

The article states, “Although the US FDA claims it ‘does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this time,’ there’s actually no shortage of such evidence.”

So even though the FDA is taking its time to investigate the matter further, you can elect to take proactive measures, right now, to protect yourself, your family, and indeed your community and the environment as a whole.”

Our society is slowly becoming aware of the dangers of applying soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, lipstick, and makeup that contain harmful antibacterials, chemical additives, and non-beneficial fillers.

Your skin is your largest body organ. Whatever you apply to your skin is rapidly absorbed, circulating throughout your body and organs. One of its most dangerous actions is the disruption of your body’s hormones. The thyroid is particularly vulnerable. Dr. Mark Starr in Hypothyroidism Type 2 devotes 39 pages describing today’s chemicals and their effect on the thyroid.

Dr. Mercola’s article is addressing triclosan, one of the most common antibacterials. “Triclosan has been found to have both estrogenic and androgenic activity and has been linked to hormone disruption in animals.”

The study cited found that triclosan “induces changes in the thyroid hormone-mediated process of metamorphosis of the North American bullfrog, while a 2007 study demonstrated, for the first time, that triclosan decreases circulating concentrations of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), in rats.”

The article notes that triclosan has been used for 30 years in a large number of everyday products such as soaps, detergents, toothpaste, deodorants and antiperspirants and other cosmetics.

Another interesting point made by the article cites support from the AMA (American Medical Association) and Natural Resources Defense Council: “There is little or no evidence that these antibacterial products outperform the good-old-fashioned techniques like washing with soap and water.”

What can you do to protect yourself and your family, to avoid exposure to harmful products?

Read the labels on all products that come in contact with your skin. Choose only those products that contain natural ingredients…ingredients originating from herbal & botanical sources, fruits, and vegetables. Watch labels for harmful fillers or chemicals, some of the most common additives being parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, and animal byproduct fillers.

Healthy products are available on the market. My personal preference are products created by Arbonne International, whose mission is safe, pure, and beneficial products. For more information, you can visit my web site, www.naturalrenewal.myarbonne.com, and www.youtube.com/arbonne.

On this Valentine’s Day eve, I found myself wondering how the first Valentine’s Day came about?

I Googled through various explanations and found this one at http://www.ethnic2020.com/MeaningofValentine.htm and thought I would share it with you…

Beyond the roses, chocolates and historical ties to a pagan fertility festival, you’ll find the real meaning of Valentine’s Day. It’s the true love that compelled a young Christian to give up his life rather than stop sharing his faith.

Valentine’s Day

When we think of Valentine’s Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows.

But did you know that the origin of Valentine’s Day, or Saint Valentine’s Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine’s Day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the Gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover’s holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine’s Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love.

Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?

Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine’s Day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer’s “Parliament of Fouls” composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine’s Day with love.

But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine’s Day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, “Caesar is Lord!” Of course, this no Christian could do.

The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death.

Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter, signing it, “From your Valentine.” The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.

Over time the word “Saint” has been dropped from St. Valentine’s Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday.

And now you know the rest of the story.

Love to you tomorrow on St. Valentine’s Day.

Well, we did it! We rang in the New Year…but did we also ring in some not-so-good habits? Sitting here munching on my peanut brittle, I know I have.

I went looking for a little “encouragement” to help get back on the healthy living path. Thought you might enjoy some of these tidbits as well.  :  )

Doug Larson:

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”

Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990:

“The best six doctors anywhere,
And no one can deny it,
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air,
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend,
If only you are willing.
Your mind they’ll ease.
Your will they’ll mend.
And charge you not a shilling.”

Rumer Godden :

“There is an Indian Belief that everyone is in a house of four rooms: A physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room everyday, even if only to keep it aired, we are not complete.”

 Meryl Streep :

“It’s bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children’s health than the pediatrician.”

Ahh, enter in January, the month of New Year resolutions.

Perhaps it would be wise to consider including the “six doctors,” the vegetables, and the “four rooms” as we take pen to paper to scrawl out those New Year’s resolutions?

Today is my son’s 28^th birthday. Today I reminisced with him about the day of his labor and delivery. He was “high and posterior” and would not descend into the birth canal.  Even though I was having severe labor pains, they still started me on a pitocin drip. The only thing the pitocin drip did was intensify my discomfort.

When the pitocin didn’t work, my doctor sent in another doctor to break my water. A problem ensued when the nurses didn’t check me for a little bit. Aaron had immediately dropped into the birthing canal and was ready to be born. I ended up having to pant for 25 minutes, waiting on the doctor to drive across town.

I teased Aaron that he just didn’t want to come into the world, but he finally did. He remarked, “Yeah, they didn’t give me a choice about it.”  Funny how life is. Sometimes no matter how we try to avoid it, we are handed painful circumstances.

Aaron and I went on to discuss some painful personal issues that had occurred earlier in the week. What we both attempted to do was sort out the good things that happened as a result. Of course, it took several days to even begin to consider that there could possibly be any good that came of it.

Today when I saw the following quote, it brought home the reason for the pain. “Everything in your life is there as a vehicle for your transformation. Use it!” ~ Ram Dass

Everything in your life…I guess that even includes the painful circumstances. If I hadn’t endured the pain, I would never have my beautiful son today. If I hadn’t endured the pain of the recent circumstances, he and I would not have birthed the personal growth.

I don’t know about you, but I would do well to remember that everything in life happens for a reason. The bottom line is: look for the blessings, even in painful circumstances. Everything is a vehicle for our transformation.