Milk. It Does a Body . . .

"The Human Body has no more need for cow's milk than it does for dog's milk, horse's milk, or giraffe's milk."

-Michael Klaper, MD

I had an interesting exchange with Shawn, our choir teacher the other day. He’s an outstanding teacher, and I love watching him perform. If you’ve ever seen a really good high school choir director, you know what I mean. Fantastic.

Anyway, he’s been missing school a lot lately because of a sick child. This directly affects me because he supervises a study hall in my room—during my prep time. He runs a pretty tight ship, so normally it’s not a problem. But when he’s gone he has a substitute.

Remember when you were in middle school and there was a substitute? Remember study hall? It’s not pretty.

Shawn’s son, who is two years old, has been struggling with ear infections, so they’re thinking about putting tubes in his ears. He asked me if I knew anything about it.

I’ve have had tubes in twice. Now, whenever a dr. takes a peek, he or she always comments on the scarring. But I’m fairly certain it’s from the infections, not the tubes.

Still, surgery is surgery. I wouldn’t want to put my 2 year old through it. So I ask if he might be interested in some nutritional alternatives to try first.

“Sure,” he says. “My wife and I are really big into ‘alternative’ things. We’ve tried the chiropractor and all kinds of stuff.”

“Great,” I say. “Lisa has a bunch of information, I’ll ask her what she’s got on ear infections.”

Then I remembered a conversation we had over lunch about two months ago. It started when Craig, a science teacher here (another outstanding teacher) shared a discovery he’d made about giving milk formula to their child. I believe they had just recently made a switch from breast milk to formula, or from one formula to another—I’m not certain.

Craig’s daughter had been fussy and not sleeping. They tried a new formula, something without cow milk, and the results were so immediate that he had to tell us about it.

I mentioned that cow milk has been linked to many health problems.

Shawn was skeptical. Very.

So, remembering that conversation,

I shot Shawn this email:

Hi Shawn,

I just remembered, the first thing Lisa is going to ask me when I bring up "ear infections." Is "does the child drink cow milk?"

You might not believe it (or want to consider it), but there is
quite a bit of documentation on the ill effects of cow milk in the diet. Check it out. Ask your Drs about it. Do your own research.

I'll be in touch again after I talk to Lisa.

This was his reply:

Seth LOVES milk as do I. I myself haven't had any problems with ear infections, and this seems to be recent. He drinks 1% milk for every meal. But other than that we have limited his milk intake as per our doctor.

Growing up on a farm and milking cows for 20 years, it will take a lot of convincing to change my mind about milk and any links to bad health. Haven't you seen the commercial... Milk- it does a body good.? :)

Thanks for checking into this for me though. I appreciate it.

This was my reply:

Shawn,

For what it's worth--take it or leave it.

For the record, I'm not into "convincing" anybody of anything. Do I have certain beliefs and biases? Certainly. Do you you? Of course. Everybody does. Ultimately it is up to you to decide what is best for you and your family. Lisa (and me by default, I've learned a lot as a result of our cohabitation) just enjoys getting people information that they can use to help themselves.

My bias--I believe strongly in the ability of the body to heal itself (if you give it the raw materials it needs, and put it in the right environment).

My experience--I saw my uncle (Jay Wondra), who was (very sick) suffering from colitis and about to have a large section of his intestines surgically removed, make strategic changes to his diet as a last resort. Within a week, he noticed small improvements (less bleeding). Encouraged, he continued and within 6 months was healed. No more colitis. That was enough for me.

Take it easy.

Chris Wondra

What Health Care Professionals Are Saying About Shaklee

Christopher Scott, M.D., Saskatoon:
"Supplements are absolutely crucial due to the quality of our soil and food today.
There are a lot of different supplements available on the market, but labels do not accurately reflect contents. For the past ten years I have been using Shaklee supplements for personal use, as well as confidently reccommending them to my patients."

Linda Rodriquez, M.D., Pediatrician:
"For over 19 years Shaklee has been a blessing for me, my family, and my patients who have all benefited from scientifically proven products for quality health and healthy living. Our food today is so deficient in nutritients because of what we have done to it, it is no longer the same food that Mother Nature offered to us. For my fellow doctors, who are looking into incorportating nutrition in their practice, I encourage you to consider using Shaklee's quality health products that you can trust and recommend with full confidence."

Kathy Wickens, Chiropractor, Perth, ON:
"Patients get results with Shaklee!" There is a definite difference in the holding patterns for chiropractic adjustments for patients taking Shaklee supplements."

Charlene Day, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Toronto, ON:
"I have been in practice for over 26 years and have used many brands of supplements, including Professional brands. About 7 years ago, I was given information about the Shaklee Corporation. I was impressed when I read that over 100 research studies and articles about Shaklee products were published in prestigious nutritional and medical journals. Wanting the best for my clients, I started recommending Shaklee supplements. I was amazed at the results. My clients experienced a level of wellness far exceeding anything I had experienced in the previous 19 years.

Neil Pagett, M.D., Internal Medicine:
"Supplements make sense. You have to have good double-blind, peer-reviewed clinical studies in order to evaluate them. As a medical professional, that's the only thing I will listen to. Except for Shaklee, I am not aware of any company that does on-going, in depth studies. Shaklee is the only company I can professionally recommend.

Rick Medora, Chiropractor, Kingston, ON:
"The most trusted name in clinical science is Shaklee."

Harry Shurley, Pharmacist:
Why do I take Shaklee vitamins? From a pharmacist's view you have to look at the clinical research that supports Shaklee. Mrs. Lindley and I are writing a book on prenatal nutrition--not quite complete--and we requested clinical studies from the makers of prenatal vitamins and NO major company (except Shaklee) could provide us with any.

Also, as you know, the Shaklee vitamins are natural as apposed to the synthetic prenatal vitamins available at the stores. The makers of those prenatal vitamins stress the amount of folilc acid in them, which is 1mg. Because they have 1mg of folic acid they have to be on prescription because folic acid can mask pernicious anemia, but if you look at the prenatal vitamins they have very few of the other vitamins and most leave out biotin completely.

It is funny that you ask me this question becuase a few weeks ago I had a nurse call in for some prenatal vitamins. I asked her what was the best prenatal vitamin and she said, "I don't know." So I asked her how did they determine what brand of vitamin to give the parients and she said, "Whateve they can tolerate."

There are so many reasons why I take Shakilee over the vitamins I could get from pharmaceutical companies that I don't have time to explain all, but the main reason is because Shaklee vitamins produce results!

Physique Heals Back Injury--Overnight!

Of all the products Shaklee has developed over the years, we think Physique is one of the most amazing. Typically marketed to athletes and muscle builders, this is what Shaklee has to say about its one of a kind “Workout Maximizer”:

“Shaklee Physique uses our exclusive Bio-Blend to deliver the ultimate protein-to-carb ratio for maximum muscle recovery and growth. Independent clinical research has proven that Physique delivers more energy to the muscle than either carbohydrates or protein alone.”

Lisa and I use it whenever we overdo it either exercising or working in the yard to prevent soreness. But this next story (while making sense from a “muscle recovery” standpoint) tops them all. We got this letter way back in July from Liza Luczak, a mom and Shaklee member from Cornell, WI. She writes:

"I have no idea what happened, but my back went out yesterday morning. I hadn’t done anything to it, but it was extremely painful.

I went to the chiropractor and got an adjustment and he said the muscle was injured (torn). It was likely a gradual injury (long car trip over the weekend, extensive weeding in the garden the day before). He assured me that even though he adjusted me, I would still be sore in the morning.

I went home, and was in so much pain. Even though I hate almost all powdery supplement products, I decided to hold my nose and down some Physique. I mixed it in ice cream and milk (Rise and Shine interjects: We love the banana taste of Physique and mix it happily in juice or water. Yum!).

Then I used some Joint and Muscle Pain Cream. It did not take away the pain, put it did feel a little comforting. I tossed and turned as I struggled to sleep, dreading waking up and being stiff and in more pain.

To my surprise, when I woke up in the morning, I had full range of motion and no pain. I am almost CERTAIN it was the Physique! I had heard such testimonials from others, but it was the first time I experienced it myself! Truly Amazing!”

Do MAHMA's Have the Secret to Balancing Work and Family?

Jude Peskuski was shocked to learn that the average Texas woman makes less than $400 a week. She also knew that if that woman happened to be a mom, much of it went to pay for child care. So, less than a year ago, Peskuski, being a successful work-from-home-parent herself, founded Project MAHMA (Moms At Home Making A difference and lot of money). Her dream for MAHMA is to help more parents stay at home by teaching them how to create a home-based business that generates significant and reliable streams of income.

It worked. Project MAHMA has since grown into a nationwide network of women driven to help moms earn enough money to stay at home with their children.

Just who are these women? There is a wide variety. Some are (or were) successful bread winners in corporate America, looking for a way out. Some are (or were) single parents struggling to make ends meet. Some realized that spending 40 to 50 hours a week away from their families was not working for them. Some simply hated leaving their kids at day care each morning.

Who’s Doing It, And Why Did They Choose Shaklee?

• Product Experience—These women use the products themselves (or give them to their children) and have experienced some real health benefits.

• A Reason—Most MAHMAs struggled either for family-time or money—or both.
  
• A Responsibility to Share--They understood that the benefits they experienced using Shaklee products would be experienced by others—if only they shared their stories. Knowing how Shaklee made their lives better meant keeping it a secret felt wrong.
  
• Quality--They realized that network marketing can only be successful if the products truly give customers results. Each Shaklee product carries a money back guarantee of satisfaction.
  
• Trust--They learned that Shaklee, the number one nutritional company in America, has a 50 year track record of developing and manufacturing products that work. Their research found again and again examples of Shaklee putting principle before profit.
  
• Less Risk—They didn’t have to quit their jobs or “invest” lots of money to start. Many also realized that layoffs, downsizing, relocation, and corporate restructuring makes “traditional” work more risky than ever.
  
• Time-- They are building their businesses at their own pace. They are accountable only to themselves.
  
• Everybody’s Doing It!—They learned that more than one out of every eight U.S. households contains a home-based business.
  
• Simplicity—With the 100% money back guarantee, and their own faith and experience with the products, they found it easy to explain to others why Shaklee is a better choice and how changing brands to can save people money.
  

Peskuski's Creed

Leading a nationwide coalition is exciting; still, Peskuski takes support for moms very seriously. “In our organization, when a mom puts her trust in us, with the quality of life for her family at stake, we hold that our integrity is also at stake. Project MAHMA has those roots.”

If you would like to learn more about Project MAHMA, you can listen in on MAHMA weekly conference calls every Saturday at 10 AM CST by dialing 1-212-990-8000 pin 6262#. You can also listen to archived calls at www.Shakword.com, or download MAHMA info at www.bobsfiles.net—just look for the file titled “Project MAHMA.” Or, if you prefer talking with a real person, you can always just call Lisa here anytime at 1-866-222-9359 (toll free) or 1-715-483-9699.

Another Person Touched by Shaklee

This testimonial was taken (word for word) from an extremly interesting thread of discussion on another web log. You can find and read the entire thing by pasting this URL address into your browser:

http://www.bonniewren.com/2005/will-nutriferon-save-you-from-the-bird-flu.htm

Hello,

I was just reading the thread concerning Shaklee's Nutriferon product and just wanted to add my 2 cents worth if that's ok? I AM a Shaklee Distributor by the way, in Canada, so, call me biased if you will, but, I originally joined only as a member as I was formally trained as an RN back in the early 70s and so was very skeptical, to say the least.

I'd been sickly for most of my life (I'm 51 now) and mainstream medicine had never been able to help me and in fact, had only served to make me sicker with each passing year, hence my foray into the alternative health field. I joined Shaklee as a member back in 1997 and the rest is history.

Their products SO changed my health for the better that it wasn't long before I became a believer and folks began wanting to know what I was doing that was making me radiate with better health and so I began to sell the products too. No one HAS to sell and I've never, EVER been pressured to sell or even to sell more once I began selling, else I'd of been out of there a long time ago as I absolutely HATE pressure sales!!!!!

I've been faithfully taking the afore-mentioned Nutriferon product ever since it first came out under its former name (Immune Building Complex) and have not had a single cold, flu nor sinus infection ever since. That's remarkable for someone like me who ALWAYS used to get sick if someone even sneezed one block over!

Another thing that sold me on Shaklee was their integrity. A few years back, the company discovered a batch of their raw organic ginseng had become contaminated from wind blown pesticides from non-organic farms in the vicinity. They made the corporate decision, WITHOUT being told to do so by anyone else, to recall ALL their ginseng product already out there "just in case", as well as to cease further production until the problem could be righted.

I don't recall how many years it was off the market and they lost BILLIONS to do this but it was important for them to MAINTAIN THEIR INTEGRITY. Do you know of any other company who would voluntarily LOSE that much money just so as to do the right thing?

By the way, I can't tell you the number of folks who've told me that if it'd been them, they'd have continued to make and sell the product because the public would never have known...how sad, but very true. Shaklee did not do this because despite the public never knowing, WE WOULD and doing what's right as opposed to simply making as much money as possible, is what is REALLY important to them!

There are other integrity examples I know of regarding this soon-to-be 50 year old corporation but I think my point is made. Pyramid schemes are only about ripping people off and Shaklee is definitely NOT a pyramid scheme, else they wouldn't have given a fig if a contaminated product went out to an unsuspecting public.

Mare Moore, proud to be a part of Shaklee

Comment by Mare Moore — 12/16/2005

NutriFeron Tackles AutoImmune Thyroid Disorder

This testimonial was taken (word for word) from an extremly interesting thread of discussion on another web log. You can find and read the entire thing by pasting this URL address into your browser:

http://www.bonniewren.com/2005/will-nutriferon-save-you-from-the-bird-flu.htm

Wow! Several things to address here. I'm fascinated by the thoughts and theories and that go into the process. I have recently started taking Nutriferon to help with an AutoImmune Thyroid Disorder.

I've been miserable for 3 years, with thyroid levels considered "normal". After 1 week, I visited with a new Dr., and my Thyroid levels are lower than they've been since before diagnosis. I'm anxious at this point to take an Antibodies Blood test. The new Dr. gave me his blessing, said Shaklee has some excellent products, keep taking it, and we'll test at my next checkup. I guess the bottom line is, it can't hurt. And traditional medicine does not offer all cures. For me, it has been a blessing so far. Normally after 3 or 4 days of a "new help" I crash, and feel more miserable than before. Not this time.

As to MLM, the Direct Selling Association has strict guidelines and definitions on their website. As a business owner new to the Multi-Level and Direct Selling arena, I firmly believe in giving the everyday person the chance to profit, instead of yet another brick and mortar store out for themselves. Normally at horribly high markups from wholesale.

Just my 2 cents! Glad to meet you all!

Jackie Payne--Not a Shaklee Distributor!

Comment by Jackie Payne — 11/20/2005

NutriFeron Knocks out Sinus Infection

This testimonial was taken (word for word) from an extremly interesting thread of discussion on another web log. You can find and read the entire thing by pasting this URL address into your browser:

http://www.bonniewren.com/2005/will-nutriferon-save-you-from-the-bird-flu.htm

"Shaklee does need to study Nutriferon further. More scientific research is always a good thing. And nobody should be pushing it as an ironclad cure or protection for anything.
But I am convinced it does something, and I'm normally very skeptical of herb claims and "herb people" (no offense).

Why the belief in this one? I've had a life long battle with sinus infections. 3 years ago I moved to a more humid area and that battle turned into a losing one. Infections every 3-6 weeks, many severe, all requiring antibiotics. I was told repeatedly to see a specialist and schedule sinus surgery, or move again. But that would have been the first surgery in my life, a hard thing to do. And moving was not an option. Last March, in a last ditch effort, I went on Immunity Boost (the old name for Nutriferon).

In 8 months, not one single sinus infection. Not one cold. One minor flu incident. Reduced (though not eliminated) allergies. This is a major improvement, for me, in three areas. (I don't usually get the flu any way, it's the other areas where I struggle.)

Twice in that time period I've had extended close contact with family with bad colds. Each time I thought "Yep, when I get home it will start, probably lead to the next sinus infection." Never happened, which is shocking to me.

Placebo effect??? I find that hard to believe (no pun intended). And nothing else has really changed in my life that would account for this. I'm very interested to see what happens through the rest of the fall/winter season. If I can make it to next March without a sinus infection, I might start selling the stuff myself.

I can see why someone would be skeptical. Shaklee needs more, larger studies. But I bet those studies will bear out some positive effects.

(BTW, I'm not a distributor. I've been a member for their vitamin packs, avoid most of their herbs, but have never signed anyone else up. Just giving full disclosure.)

Comment by Daniel Taylor

A Great Debate

I was surfing the internet the other day and I found a really great discussion on another web log. I tried to put a link to it on this page but for some reason it won't work. So, if you are interested in reading it, you'll have to copy and paste this URL address into your browser:

http://www.bonniewren.com/2005/will-nutriferon-save-you-from-the-bird-flu.htm

It's kind of a hassle, I know, but well worth it if this kind of thing interests you.

Apparently the whole thread started in response to an article the owner of the web log posted about the Bird Flu. By the sounds of it, following the original post about the virus, a Shaklee distributor posted a comment stating something to the effect that Nutriferon, by boosting natural production of interferon, could help (to some extent) the body's natural immune system defeat this particular strain of virus--without the use of drugs. The discussion was one of the best I’ve seen lately for a number of reasons.

It Was Respectful

A lot of times, especially on the Internet, people get worked up when discussing things like nutritional supplements or multilevel marketing. For some reason there seems to be a lot of emotion tied up into these types of discussions. This was (for the most part) a discussion that really dug to get to the truth.

It exposed a couple of real challenges that Shaklee still has in communicating its business model

Despite decades of “Golden Rule” activity from Shaklee itself, negative connotations attached to “Multilevel Marketing” and "direct selling" still exist.

It was filled with skepticism

In fact, if it weren't for the doubts posted by the creator of the blog, it wouldn't have been worth the read. The skeptisism provided the catalyst for the discussion which in the end produced several anecdotes and facts (as well as opinions and paradigms) about the quality and effectiveness of Nutriferon, and the integrity of the Shaklee corperation.

It provided a few outstanding testimonials for Nutriferon.

And not all of them were shared by Shaklee distributors. The writers had absolutely nothing to gain personally by posting their story. Even the distributers could not gain from the posts since there was no way to contact them. Nutriferon helped one person overcome chronic sinus infections, and another beat a thyroid related autoimmune disorder.

And that made me think. There were quite a few people reading that web log that were ready to stand up and go to bat for Shaklee. A number of them didn't even sell the products. This was a web log that didn't typically deal with issues like nutrition or even wellness. It wasn't that type of blog.

But when a wellness (or sickness) issue did come up, these people seemed to come out of the woodwork to not only defend Shaklee, but even promote them as THE number one nutritional suppliment producer when it comes to effectiveness and integrity. Which by the way made them the number one MLM or direct selling company as well.

And think of this. What is the percentage of people who actually respond to articles they read in web logs? I have to bet it is pretty small. How many more people are out there that have been touched in some way by this amazing company?

Many of us tend to think of Shaklee members as this little niche (almost cult) of wellness freaks. But I think if you look around, you'll start to see the explosion of interest in an alternative to the "sick business." The drug commercials on T.V. The rising health care costs. The aches and pains that are assumed to be caused by "aging."

People aren't buying it any more. A whole new world of health is opening up right before our eyes. People are being enlightened. Those in the know appreciate Shaklee for what it has done for 50 years. And they recognize and trust and are excited about what that means for them and their health as they live the rest of their lives.


It’s really a great discussion. But be warned--the thread is quite long. So be sure you set aside some time.

Want a Fish? Go to Wal-Mart

Less than a year ago Wal-Mart super-sized their store here in St. Croix Falls, so now we have one of those huge super-centers with “everything”. But every time I go there I feel like I’m in another part of the country. I don’t know where anything is and I don’t know anybody I see. It’s almost Twilight Zonish.

Shortly after it opened, Lisa went to pick up some thread. I asked her what she thought.

“Icky,” she said. “It’s just too big.”

Wal-Mart is big. According to a recent article in Inc. magazine, if Wal-Mart was a country, it would be China’s 5th largest exporter. I know a lot of people with opinions about Walmart. To be honest with you I’ve never had much of an opinion either way. I never thought I new the whole story.

Which was why I was happy to stumble upon a PBS Frontline Special entitled, Is Wal-Mart Good For America? I’m guessing it was an hour-long program, but I was (unsuccessfully) getting Nora to bed, so I only saw the last half. It was interesting.

Regardless of what you think of Wal-Mart, you have to admire the efficiency of an organization that can grow so quickly. And that got me thinking about Shaklee’s organization. Sure their products and manufacturing processes work with nature. Sure they pour more money into research and quality than anyone else. And their stuff really works. And that’s all great. Really. But, honestly, it’s not why I’m passionate about Shaklee. It’s something else.

When Lisa and I were still new to the whole home improvement thing, we stopped in to Wal-Mart to pick up a drill bit extension and a one-inch bit for our drill. We got the bit, but upon asking about the extension we were told that there nothing like that we could actually buy. Most people just weld the bit onto a metal rod.

Well, luckily, before investing in arc welding tools, gas, and classes at my nearest technical college, I stopped in the hardware store downtown and talked to Mark. He just gave me the extension. He’s also answered countless questions for Lisa and me on topics ranging from paint to electrical wiring, water heaters to toilets.

Want to Learn to Fish? Come to Shaklee

And that, right there, is why I think Shaklee is so cool—I love to learn. Wal-Mart is fine if you know what you want before you walk into the store. But in an age of information where technology is rapidly improving (and complicating) choices, when you realize that you want the best for your health and only you can control that, Shaklee makes sense. Why? Because the organization is set up to actually HELP you figure out what you need in order to get the results that you want.

Just as much as it is built on quality, Shaklee is uniquely built to teach. It is a true information company. So when you know what you want--when you’re hungry and you want to eat for a day—you go to Wal-Mart.

But when you’re not so sure . . . but you’re ready to learn. When you want a relationship that you can turn to again and again. When you want effective, powerful knowledge—when you want to eat for a lifetime—you come to Shaklee.

How We Lost 70% of Our Income—and Survived.

Now, before you read this, we want you to understand that this is not a Shaklee sales pitch. This is about any home based business. Lisa runs two businesses out of our home—a Shaklee business and a Sewing business. Despite losing over half our income, running those two businesses has taught us volumes.

Looking back, I guess we were yuppies--both college grads with high paying jobs. But after Emma, our first, was born, we decided to shift our focus from career to family. In other words, we quit the rat race. Lisa stayed home. I started over at the bottom of the public school pay scale. Now, I won’t lie to you. It was pretty scary. I’m not exaggerating when I say we lost 70% of our income.

Now You Know Why. Do You Want to Know How?

With Lisa home, we don’t pay for child care. According to the Urban Institute, a nonpartisan economic and social policy research organization, most “working” families with at least one child under age 5 pay an average of $325 per month for child care, or 10% of their total earnings. That is an average. Many pay more than that. For many families, the child care expense is the second largest in their budget, after rent or mortgage.

We don’t commute. This saves us countless hours and dollars on gas and car maintenance.

We itemize and deduct (very legitimately I might add) the following from our taxable income every year: home office expenses, business equipment, office supplies (paper, envelopes, printer cartridges), Shaklee products, postage, internet and telephone service, software and subscriptions, mileage and other auto expenses, travel, meals and entertainment, business gifts, tuition and seminar education expenses, child labor expenses, furniture, energy expenses, lawn and garden expenses, home maintenance expenses, and accounting services (to help us find and file for every deduction possible under the law).

In short, we pay very little (if any) in state or federal income tax. The trick is documentation and understanding the Internal Revenue Code Section 162(a): “There shall be allowed as a deduction, all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business.”

As business owners we have given ourselves an edge--an advantage that as regular “employees” we didn’t have. Now, by no means are we tax experts. We have simply become aware of the tax laws and deductions available to home business owners—and in doing so we have maximized our income.

Bottom Line . . .

Our home based businesses have given us the financial leverage to focus on our family in a way we never could have as traditional employees working two jobs . . . for someone else. And I have to tell you—the feeling of freedom is pretty cool.

Is Your Mom an Ironman? This One Is.

By Greta Knoll

When I started running, I always felt terrible for a day or two afterwards. It was all I could do to go for a walk the day after a 5k race. I knew I needed something more when I decided to train for a marathon.

I heard about Physique and started using it. It was great. I recovered quickly and was able to train more. It wasn’t until I started training for Ironmans, (and listened to a Shaklee tape on sports nutrition) that I learned the importance of getting the right combination of carbohydrates and protein right after working out.

Since that time, I’ve completed three Ironman Triathlons, finishing first in my age group in one, and had twin boys—talk about needing to be in shape.

At 37, I’m in better shape than when I was 17 or 27. I never thought I could do these things. I recently spoke with a doctor at the university where we live and he reinforced the importance of sports nutrition and recovery after exercise. It’s not all easy, but Shaklee has made it possible to make the most of the opportunities I have.

The Basics, Performance, Carbo-Crunch, and especially Physique have made such a difference. Next event—a 62-mile bike ride followed by a sprint triathlon the next day—wouldn’t consider it without Physique.

Greta Knoll is an athlete, mom, and Shaklee member in Waco, Texas. You can contact her here.

NutriFeron--Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima's Quantum Leap

“It has taken me some fifty years since my research began to come to this point. The combination of interferon stimulation which strengthens cells, and macrophage activation which plays a major role in the immune system yielded almost magical effects. There are no side effects, and I am confident that my four botanical compound extracts will play a major role in maintaining our health.”
--Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima

You can learn more about this groundbreaking new product here.

Cold and Flu 102--Prevention

If you follow the tips in “15 Simple Ways to Avoid a Cold or Flu Virus” you are at least a green or purple-belt in the art of germ-kwon-do. But to earn your black-belt you are going to have to dig deeper. To truly understand the secrets of viral warfare, you are going to have to strengthen your immune system.

One way to do that is to get a vaccination. This works by introducing “dead” viruses into your system so that if a “live” virus enters later, your body has already built up antibodies to fight it off. Still, the vaccine has its problems.

To decide which strains of influenza virus should be incorporated into the vaccine, FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biologicals Advisory Committee meets in late January each year to consider reports from national and international surveillance systems. A World Health Organization panel then meets in Geneva to make final recommendations for the next season’s flu vaccine. The challenge for scientists is two-fold: 1) choosing the right strains of flu, and 2) the fact that influenza viruses can change themselves, or mutate, thus rendering the vaccine ineffective.

In January 2000, a particularly strong strain of influenza struck North America. Of interest is the fact that a large percentage of the elderly that suffered did so despite having been vaccinated. One nursing home in Toronto reported 32 cases of the flu; 31 of those residents had gotten a flu shot.

A growing number of people are also concerned about some of the vaccine’s ingredients, such as formaldehyde, thimerosal (a derivative of mercury) and aluminum.

The Path to Immunity and Enlightenment

So what can you do? Shaklee can help. By supplementing with three revolutionary products (one, NutriFeron, a scientifically ground-breaking exclusive and patented formula) you benefit from the immune support nobody else has access to. Take the following three supplements to supercharge your immune system and create a virtual shield of protection around you.

Highest Daily Protection

Exclusive Formula Boosts Your Immune System Safely and Naturally

1. NutriFeron is truly a breakthrough in immune protection. It’s the only supplement created by the doctor that discovered natural interferon, a critical component of healthy immune function.

Dr Kojima, the world renowned immunologist who discovered interferon in 1954, spent more than 40 years searching for a natural interferon booster. The result of Dr. Kojima’s work is NutriFeron, the ONLY supplement in the marketplace that naturally increases the production of interferon in the body. The botanical blend for NutriFeron is proven by four published human clinical studies, and only Shaklee has the worldwide exclusive rights to this patented formula.

In published clinical studies, this potent-yet-safe phytonutrient blend provided immune support right at the cellular level. It’s the natural way to keep your immune system finely tuned and on ready alert. In essence, it takes the defenses you already have and makes them even better.

Far Beyond Nutrition--How NutriFeron Works

• Increases the production of your body’s natural interferon
• Prepares your immune system to better handle invaders
• Strengthens your body’s natural immune response process
• Preliminary studies suggest that NutriFeron
  -- Calls natural “killer cells” to action
  -- Balances your immune response against environmental irritants
  and airborne pollutants
  -- Unleashes the potential of your immune system in as little as
  three days

Baseline Protection

2. Immunity Formula I—In order to keep your immune system strong and in good working order Immunity Formula I provides the essential nutrients for healthy immune function. Starting with your biggest weapon—your skin—Immunity Formula I provides zinc, vitamins E and C, and beta carotene to maintain the health of this first defense. In addition, it protects on the inside with beta carotene, vitamins C, E, B6, B12, and folic acid, as well as mineral support from copper, selenium, and zinc. Full nutritional potency is guaranteed with ShakleeGuard, a patented blend of antioxidants and rosemary extract.
§ Contains a blend of six immunoactive vitamins—Vitamin A in the form of beta carotine, vitamins C, E, B6, B12 and folic acid
§ Mineral support for a strong immune system includes copper, selenium, and zinc
§ Zinc, vitamins E and C, and beta carotene also provide dietary support for healthy skin—your first line of defense

Emergency Protection

3. Defend and Resist Complex—In times of stress, help your body respond to periodic or seasonal attacks by giving your immune system what it needs to stay strong, with a unique formula based on standardized extracts of herbs. To supercharge the immune system when you feel that first tickle, take six tablets throughout the day for seven days.

• Echinacea purpurea to stimulate the body’s natural resistance
• Black elderberry to help maintain healthy immune response
• Larch tree to enhance immune support
• Swallow, chew, or crush in hot water for a soothing tea
  
  This season reach your highest immune potential. Be proactive. Let Shaklee help you beat the hundreds of cold and flu virus looking for weakened immune systems to overrun. Stock up and use:
  NutriFeron -- #20241
  Immunity Formula I -- #20241
  Defend & Resist -- #20613
  
  The fight against today’s germs is a hard one. Now you’ve seen the enemy. Shaklee gives you the weapons you need. It is time to be aggressive. Join the battle, and enjoy this cold and flu season with renewed energy.

15 Simple Ways to Avoid a Cold or Flu Virus

1. Wash your hands frequently
   
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
   
3. Avoid close contact
   
4. Wipe counter tops in kitchen and bathroom with Basic G
   
5. Change bed linens frequently
   
6. Frequently replace your toothbrush
   
7. Avoid Sugar
   
8. Get enough rest
   
9. Exercise
   
10. Avoid alcohol
    
11. Eat right
    
12. Stay well hydrated
    
13. Use a humidifier
    
14. Don’t let your nose dry out.
    
15. Supplement with Shaklee Basics and Protein
    

By The Numbers

$40 billion
Cost of the common cold on the U.S. Economy

$20 billion
Amount in cold-related work lost each year.

189 Million
Days of school missed per year because of colds

41 Million
Number of antibiotic prescriptions written for cold sufferers per year (despite having no effect on the cold virus)

$1.1 Billion
The cost of useless antibiotic prescriptions per year.

$2.9 Billion
Amount Americans spend per year on over-the-counter drugs.

$400 Million
Amount spent on prescriptions drugs for relief of cold symptoms.

75%
Percentage of people polled who reported having a cold in the past year.

2-3
Number of colds the average respondent reported having in the past year.

10%-20%
Percentage of Americans that come down with the flu each flu season

100,000
Number of people hospitalized each year with the flu

36,000
Number of people who die from the flu and its complications every year.

1918
The year the Spanish flu, the worst flu pandemic in history, killed 20 million people worldwide—500,000 in the U.S. alone.

3
Number of hours the flu virus can linger in the air.

Cold and Flu 101—A Crash Course

“There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.”--Socrates

Pop Quiz: Cold or Flu?

Your symptoms: congestion, labored breathing, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes

Your symptoms: quick onset of body aches, high fever, chills, extreme fatigue, raw throat, a racking persistent cough.

If your answer to number one was “the cold” and two was “the flu,” you were right. But did you also know that there are more than 200 different viruses known to cause the 500 million colds in the U.S. each year? It’s true. Each case costs an average of $80. The most common virus, causing 35% of all colds, is called the rhinovirus (from the Greek rhin, meaning “nose”).
The flu, on the other hand, is an acute, contagious, respiratory tract infection caused by one of the influenza viruses, and does not have anything to do with an upset stomach—that’s something different.

A virus (no matter what kind) is basically a microscopic parasite. They lack the cellular machinery for self-reproduction and so can replicate only by invading and controlling other cells. What makes you feel “sick” is not the invading or replicating, but your body’s immune response to the foreign invaders after they have been detected.

Are They. . . gulp. . . “Catchy?”

Yes. Very. Here’s how:

You get a cold or flu when virus laden droplets, that have been sneezed or coughed, find their way into your body. How do they get in? Breathing droplets suspended in the air, or rubbing your eyes or nose with contaminated fingers. Touching objects the viruses may be clinging to such as food, door knobs, glasses, light switches, and Kleenex can transfer them to your hands and fingers. Bottom line—the cold and flu virus enters the body through mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.

Conditions are ripe for viruses to spread in close quarters, which explains why the highest incidence of the flu is in 5 to 14 year olds, who spend much of their time in school. They also get the most colds—six to eight a year. Why? Children typically have less mature immune systems and aren’t as capable of fighting off these viruses as adults, who average two to four colds a year.

The cold and flu “season” typically lasts from November to March. According to researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the “season” exists because people spend more time indoors spreading the viruses. Another key factor is that viruses thrive in low humidity. Less humid air also dries out the nasal lining, an important first defense and pathway a virus can then more easily penetrate.

Ever wonder why health care costs are out of control? Here is just one contributing example: According to a recent survey of families with at least one young child in out-of-home childcare, nearly all of the families knew that viruses caused colds. However, more than half thought antibiotics are needed to treat them. Also, close to two-thirds of the respondents said they’d take their child to a doctor for a cold, and close to one-quarter said they’d take their child to the emergency room, despite the fact that common colds will get better without a doctor’s visit.
So what can you do? Well, that’s a topic for a whole other crash course—Cold and Flu 102.

WARNING: Do Not Read This Unless You Are Already a Low Down, No-Holds-Barred, Ornery, Rascal… Who Won't Fight Fair During Cold and Flu Season

Dear Friends,
You know the type. They say things like, “Well, it’s that time of year,” or “Yep, I heard it’s been going around,” or “The only thing you can do for a virus is wait it out.”
Wait it out!!?? Wait it out?!?! Like you don’t have anything better to do than drag yourself around the house, sneezing and hacking for days or even weeks on end. Wait it out? Whatever.
Your Kung Fu is Strong

That’s why this month is jam packed with information you can use to beat the hundreds of cold and flu viruses floating in the air this year. Inside you’ll get to know the enemy like never before. Its history, its family, its strengths, weaknesses and all the plays in its play-book. You’ll get the tools and learn the secrets to smarter, stronger and faster germ stomping immunity.

Finally, A Safer More Effective Answer for 50 Million Allergy Sufferers

I’d never seen anything like it. A clear June sky, an occasional breeze, the slight ripple of water as Lisa and I cut silently through the water in our canoe. If you’ve ever been canoeing, you know what I’m talking about. Just you and the river.

Then ahead of us, about thirty feet in the air, a patch of green mist hung above the river. Remember the T.V. show The X Files? That’s what it reminded me of. It was the strangest thing. Mysterious and kind of spooky. We saw that mist a couple of more times on the trip. But I didn’t think about it much until that night—when Lisa had a sever allergy attack. Until then, I’d never seen one of those either.

I Thought The Night Would Never End

We were trying to camp. It was a beautiful night—but you wouldn’t know it in our tent. She was completely incapacitated. Her eyes burned, she sneezed and coughed non-stop. Finally, after hours with no sleep or relief, she broke down and cried. It was terrible.

When we got up to leave the next morning, our windshield was coated with a layer of fine green dust. But I still didn’t make the connection until later that day . . .tree pollen.

That was before Shaklee and before we knew anything about how powerful a weapon nutrition can be. But since then, by trial and error (and research), we’ve learned a great deal. Talk to most doctors and they’ll tell you that allergies are one of those things that you really can’t cure --the best you can do is take drugs (good luck with the side effects—both known and unknown, short and long-term) or suffer through them.

This Year She’s Allergy Free

Now, I’m not going to lie to you. There is no silver bullet here. This didn’t happen overnight. It took years of trial and error to overcome this problem. But now, you can take what we learned to shorten your learning curve.

But first, some facts I found on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website. I had no idea allergies were this big of a problem.

• More Americans than ever are suffering from allergies—1 out of every5--about 50 million people. It has been increasing since the early 1980’s across all age, sex and racial groups.
  
• Allergies are the most frequently reported chronic condition in children, limiting activities for more than 40% of them.
  
• Each year, allergies account for more than 17 million outpatient office visits.
  
• The annual cost of allergies is estimated to be nearly $7 billion.
  

A Hypersensitive Immune System

There is nowhere near enough room here for a quality explanation about how allergies work. But you can find a really good one here

Lisa also has an excellent tape called Natural Solutions for Allergy Relief she would be happy to share with you if you want to learn even more. But basically, in a nutshell, what happens during an allergic reaction is the immune system misidentifies an otherwise harmless substance as harmful, and then attacks it with a ferocity far greater than required.

Lisa’s Silver Bullet

If you listen to the tape, or do your own research (which I highly recommend), you’ll find a wide range of nutritional and environmental answers—starting with avoiding nasty’s like household toxins, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol—maybe even dairy! And everybody is different. Lisa did all of those things. She also takes daily quantities of supplements like: Soy Protein, Vita Lea, Vita C, B-Complex, and Vita E (and more).

But the one thing that she swears has helped her conquer her allergies, more than anything else, is Optiflora. If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, give Lisa a call. Don’t suffer needlessly when a few simple adjustments (without drugs!) can make such a huge difference.

If we don’t answer the phone, we’re probably canoeing or camping—we’ve got some time to make up!

How a Broken Garden Tiller Changed Our Shaklee Business

From the first issue of Rise and Shine.
June 2005

Dear friend:

You’ve received this newsletter for two reasons: 1) At some point, you did something very wise and became a Shaklee Member, and 2) I broke my neighbor’s tiller.

Notice, I did not say, “My neighbor’s tiller broke while I was using it.” Which, I think (when you read between the lines), is closer to the truth. But a broken tiller is a broken tiller, and at the time I couldn’t help but feel somewhat responsible. So I went to see Jay, my uncle, who in addition to being a Shaklee member, is also great at fixing things.

But before he began welding, he asked me an interesting question, “Is Lisa still selling Amway?”

“What?” I said. “Oh, you mean Shaklee.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Shaklee.”

Still, I was confused. Jay was not an apathetic member. Five years ago, Shaklee changed his life. For me, it was a tipping point. Until then (like many), I had heard the testimonials and seen some small changes in my own and other’s health, but Jay was different--he was in real trouble.

Growing up, I remember Jay as a strong and hard working logger, who always had the energy to fight through another day in the woods. When he got sick, I hardly recognized him. Gaunt and pale, he walked gingerly. His clothes engulfed a weakened frame that had lost more than 50 lbs.
I figured if Shaklee could help him, then (for me) there could no longer be any doubt about the effectiveness or integrity of this company
and its products. He had been suffering a long time. The drugs were no longer working. The doctors at the Mayo Clinic said surgery was his only option. I love Jay, so I shared what I knew about Shaklee, and we found some information about his condition (through Shaklee).

Long story short—instead of deferring to the doctors, Jay had the courage to take responsibility for his own health. He chose a strict nutritional program, and he stuck to it. Today, he’s fine. No surgery.

The doctors (specialists) at the Mayo Clinic had to eat crow.

But now he was asking me if Lisa was still doing Amway. I was a little befuddled.

Then he said, “I haven’t seen the newsletters for quite awhile. So I didn’t know.”

Jay’s a busy guy. How is he supposed to know? How are any of you supposed to know? I’ll tell you how. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU! So that’s what we’re doing with this letter. Our job.

It is your right to know how to get the most from the membership you invested in. It is your right to know how to use Shaklee to strengthen what’s weak, heal what’s injured, and experience the life optimal health creates. As Shaklee Distributors, it’s our job to keep you informed about the benefits of your membership. They are many. I truly believe it is the greatest investment you have ever made. You were wise to make it. Now, at least once every month, we are going to show you why.

Why George Is So Happy. . . And His Advice About How You Can Be Too

George always wanted to be a prize-fighter. In 1970, in a gym in Minneapolis, Minnesota, another fighter suggested he take some supplements. Not long after that, George, (who also has diabetes) started feeling differently.

Those supplements were actually Vita Lea from Shaklee. Soon, George noticed he had more energy. But as life ticked along and he eventually lost contact with his source of Shaklee products—until last year.

“About one year ago, I was looking for Shaklee again and I met you at the (Polk County) fair,” said George, who has been a regular customer and Shaklee advocate ever since. He even encouraged his sister Sherri to try the products as well. Now she’s a member too.

George, who is 57 years old and in incredible shape, has diabetes. He credits Shaklee with helping him to maintain blood sugar levels comparable to those without diabetes.

An exercise enthusiast, and always on the move with his job as a transfer driver for Northwest Airlines, his favorite Products are Energizing Soy Protein and Multi Munch Energy Bars.

He likes to downhill ski, golf and is a movie fanatic—sighting Cider House Rules, and Titanic as two of his favorite.
An animal lover, he has 4 cats and 4 birds—2 parakeets and 2 cockatiels.

His advice to Rise and Shine readers: “Take your vitamins. The Dr. ain’t gonna tell you to take them. But seriously . . . Take them!”