Archive for May, 2008

Camps for Adolescents and Teens

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

By Dore Frances Behavior Outdoor intervention programs have been growing in popularity and variety tremendously for the past 10 years. Terms like boot camps, outdoor behavior programs, wilderness programs, wilderness camps, and wilderness boot camps are being used by programs without clear distinction, definition or meaning. Programs are essentially free to call themselves whatever they want. Parent’s understanding of these programs is becoming distorted and uncertain. Parents looking for an unrealistic quick fix to their adolescent’s or teen’s behaviors, especially over the summer months, usually choose and search on the Internet for what are known as troubled teen camps. There are two types of adolescent and teen camps: boot camps and summer or wilderness camps. They usually last from 21 days to 3 months, and while adolescents may shows signs of improvement for days or even weeks after coming home, they most often revert back to old behaviors after the temporary fear of authority disappears. Boot Camp programs trace their origins to the juvenile justice system where they were created as an alternative to juvenile hall and youth authority camps. Adolescents participated in military-like training programs, usually against their will or as a “persuaded” voluntary alternative to the youth authority system. The Boot Camp was embraced and funded by county and state criminal justice systems. As the boot camp appeal and demand grew, boot camps were next used as an intervention for teens that were getting into trouble at home and at school and those who were coming to the attention of local law enforcement. In the two to four years I have noticed a few boot camps claiming to treat adolescents with behavioral, emotional and psychological problems. Boot camps are military-style facilities that use discipline, fear of authority, military exercises, and rigorous physical training to transform a troubled teen into a “good soldier” who follows rules. Unfortunately, most boot camps do not address underlying behavioral or emotional problems. When boot camps left their structural buildings and entered the outdoors they changed their identity to “wilderness boot camps”. Boot camps have always had some attractiveness to parents and the juvenile justice system. Wilderness boot camps not only retained the boot camp appeal but this blending of program concepts advanced their market appeal by incorporating the “healing power of the wilderness”. However, at this point the wilderness boot camp became a new entity that had very little in common with a wilderness therapy program. In my experience wilderness therapy programs and a wilderness boot camp are separate and opposing treatment models. Without experiential therapy which has proven to profoundly affect teens with issues such as ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, learning differences, obesity, or behavioral problems, long-term effectiveness is very limited. The behavioral and psychological philosophy of a boot camp needs to be understood and appreciated by any parent considering this intervention. Boot camps are designed to quickly achieve compliance, control, and obedience to authority. The tools employed include subjecting people to severe physical hardship as well as emotional and psychological trauma that is intended to strengthen resolve under pressure and break opposition and defiance. Boot camps use psychological punishment including aggressive gesturing and challenges, bullying, intimidation, threats, and verbal abuse. Positive behavior is rewarded and unwanted behavior is punished. Physical punishment might include corporal punishment, depravation, and isolation, loss of privileges, exhausting exercise, and work details. Adolescents in many programs are hazed in a manner that is now (supposedly) forbidden in a military boot camp. Whatever you might think about corporal punishment, these approaches have been shown to produce quick changes in outward behavior. Teens invariably change their behavior in some way when the alternative is frightening or painful. However, the consequences of severe punishment can also include long term psychological and behavioral problems. When parents do chose to send their troubled adolescent to a boot camp, the best chance for long-term success is to follow it with a residential therapeutic treatment program. In my opinion, wilderness camps are seen as a much better option to boot camps, especially for children with ADD or ADHD. Adolescents and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often benefit highly from wilderness programs. Why is this? The need for focused attention on challenging tasks in a controlled group setting allows ADD kids to hone not only their skills of concentration, but their social skills. The group experience, when facilitated by experienced counselors, allows ADHD kids to learn how to better interpret feedback from their peers and adjust their behavior appropriately. Parents of kids with ADHD know that schedules and structure help these adolescents and teens thrive. Instead of the aggressive approach that boot camps tend to use, wilderness camps are offer emotional growth and self-esteem components while also working with the teen on their particular behaviors while in a safe outdoor program with trained wilderness staff and therapists. They remove city, inner-city, rural and urban distractions so troubled adolescents and teens can reconnect and accept responsibility for their choices. The assurances and integrity of services offered by wilderness programs does vary a great deal. Some programs are licensed and regulated as outdoor treatment and wilderness programs. Others are state regulated as chemical dependency and mental health treatment programs. Wilderness camps are year round and some include an academic component. Their focus is not on academics; however, the adolescent can earn credits that can be applied, which is especially important for those who have fallen behind during the school year. Wilderness therapy, in the purest form, is a positive growth experience where adolescents and teens face natural challenges and adversities that are designed to be therapeutic in nature. Adolescents are not merely thrown into the wilderness and made to suffer hardships. They are removed from their environment, encouraged, challenged and given every opportunity to succeed. Wilderness therapy programming is overseen by licensed medical and mental health professionals who have experience and training in experiential education, behaviorism as well as group and interpersonal therapy. The wilderness is seen as a place of safety. It is a place where they can look at their life and consider what they were doing, what they were thinking, how that made them feel, what they want and what they are willing to do to make that happen. The wilderness is a place to take action where initiative is naturally rewarding. Adolescents begin to change naturally when they are removed from environments filled with harmful and negative influences and triggering events that produce reckless, self-defeating, or self-destructive behavior. They enter the wilderness on a journey of self-discovery. When teens become involved in routines that are logical and necessary in nature, the natural result is to help each other, communicate, develop relationships, reveal their problems, face the consequences of their behavior and discover their hidden potential. They discover their true feelings as well as more realistic hopes and dreams. It is a time of discovery, reflection, and building new skills. Rather than become angry, annoyed, irritated, outraged or mad, adolescents become assertive, self-assured, and self-confident. Instead of hiding their feelings, they ask for help and talk to people they trust. Instead of rushing around, they learn to listen to others and be patient. In those moments when they are alone watching a sunrise or sunset (and not spending hours on the Internet or watching TV), adolescents discover their true self. When they are frightened and scared of their feelings, they become brave and courageous instead of wounded souls. Parents who have teens heading down the “wrong path” will often see dramatic changes in their teen’s attitude, behavior, and motivation after a therapeutic wilderness camp or other alternative summer camp. Wilderness camps are temporary, with three to four months being the longest, so the best chance for long-term success is to follow it with a residential treatment program. This will supplement and reinforce the treatment adolescents and teens receive at camp. The best wilderness and summer camps have a high ratio of field instructors or counselors to students. This makes the experience the most rewarding, because no student can be “lost in the crowd.” Safety needs to be your top consideration when you evaluate programs on your own. Ask the right questions - and many questions - before sending your adolescent or teen to any program. Universities now provide earned degrees in experiential education - a discipline that is becoming a cornerstone in wilderness therapy programs. The philosophical, structural and programmatic differences between a wilderness therapy program and a boot camp program are, in my opinion, worlds apart. (Note* Dore Frances, Educational Consultant does not recommend, support or network with any “boot camps” for adolescents or teens) Experienced, Full-Time Independent Educational Consultants and Special Education IEP Advisors. Finding the right program or school for your daughter or son can be a stressful and time consuming process. While families have traditionally had to orchestrate their own program or school search, we offer a wide variety of professional services to help you find the best school for your child. http://www.guidingteens.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dore_Frances http://EzineArticles.com/?Camps-for-Adolescents-and-Teens&id=174589 personal loan for business purchase sl 0 keywords cash advance payday loans online personal loans with bankruptcy payday select

Why Are America’s Small Businesses Failing at Such Alarming Rates?

Monday, May 26th, 2008

By Mary Eule The greatest enemy of any one of our truths may be the rest of our truths. William James Certainty versus Myth 84% of American companies have below average marketing programs, with the vast majority of these coming from the small and medium-sized business sectors. Although business pundits have a variety of theories on the root causes and the direct impacts, they usually agree on two important things: 1. Developing and utilizing sound marketing strategies and tactics (i.e. marketing programs) provides all businesses with the maximum leverage for attaining their objectives, and 2. Companies that execute marketing programs based on a written strategic plan are far more likely to be successful than those that do not. Why do Most Small Businesses Fail? This is a bit like asking a coroner why someone died While the short answer may be that their heart stopped beating or their brain stopped functioning, there are thousands of potential underlying contributors. It is much the same in this instance. However, a few things are certain when a company ceases to be unexpectedly Someone(s) made poor choices. The actual errors themselves are much less important than understanding why so many very intelligent people cannot build and sustain successful businesses. A companys failure can usually be traced directly back to its founders mindset. Ultimate success in anything has much more to do with your attitudes and beliefs than any one tactical error or overwhelming event even though this may be given as the official cause of death. Given this, it is logical to assume that small business owners/managers fall short of their goals because they do, in fact, commit serious blunders which produce poor, or devastating, results However, in order to at least stop the bleeding (hopefully theres still enough time to cure the patient) you must understand and address the root problem, not band aid on a malignant tumor! The obvious question then is: Why? Because their Actions are… based on Decisions… formed by Attitudes… supported by a philosophical belief in MYTHS We all make mistakes some of us more than others. But its the wise person who seeks counsel. So after many years in the strategic marketing profession, I have compiled my very own list of the four worst of the worst marketing myths and blunders they cause. They are: 1. Marketing is just another word for advertising This is perhaps the most common marketing myth and must be debunked right away if you have any hope of accomplishing your business goals. A belief in this myth necessitates a view of marketing as a tactical function rather than the series of cross-functional processes, approaches and activities that it really is. Yes, advertising (marketing communications) is an essential component of your overall marketing plan, but it is not THE plan and ideally should account for only1-2% of your entire marketing efforts. If you devote all of your attention and efforts on advertising activities (e.g. ad copy, sales channels; websites; media, etc.) youre putting the cart before the horse and are missing critical issues that may be having a negative impact on your business. Advertising should never be substituted for the marketing process as a whole. No amount of advertising is going to make up for shoddy workmanship; rude employees or an unpleasant customer experience. Its like building a house of cards it may hold up for a little while, but it most certainly will come tumbling down. 2. Perception is not reality This is one of the hardest concepts for business owners to accept. They waste countless hours trying to convince unyielding clients to accept their version of reality, which often prevents them from communicating their unique benefits; alleviating significant flaws and/or ignoring golden opportunities. It is vitally important that any one who has responsibility for growing a business or organization understand and embrace this critical tenet. It does not matter if outside perceptions are factual… because consumers behave based on decisions formed by attitudes founded on their beliefs, which are often subconscious. This has particularly dangerous consequences when companies are forced into an undesirable place primarily because they fail to communicate their unique benefits. Thus their inside reality is aware of their distinguishing qualities but outside perceptions are clueless. In other words, the public may look at your business; your competitors businesses; and/or completely unrelated businesses and view them identically, good or bad. This means that they base their purchase decision solely on price or convenience. Why? Because they dont have any other information! {pagebreak} 3. It is not important to know what you dont know This myth is the most pervasive, far-reaching and detrimental myth of them all! It is an equal-opportunity fantasy whose believers are corporate CEOs; entrepreneurs; male and female; young and old; rich and poor; tall and short; moms and pops; etc. It is also the most difficult one to correct because the patient doesnt know he/she is ill! It serves as the foundation for prejudice, ignorance and failure and influences all of the sufferers decisions and behaviors personally and professionally. Ironically, this myth often serves as the very basis for becoming an entrepreneur in the first place. Michael Gerber, in his classic book, The E-Myth, says that most small businesses are started by technicians (folks who are proficient at some skill) who have an entrepreneurial seizure. Just because they know how to do the work of the business does not mean that they know how to run a business that does that work. For example, just because a hair stylist knows how to cut hair, does not mean he/she can run a hair styling business. This is a classic case of not knowing what you dont know. For instance, any business run in the U.S. today has to understand how the following business requirements (just to name a few) impact them and how they must comply on a daily/monthly/yearly basis: Payroll taxes Workmens compensation Local and State Income Tax Laws Local and State Sales Tax Laws Business Licensing Profit and Loss Statements Overhead Expenses Financial Reporting Requirements Employee Management Human Resource Regulations OSHA Regulations Social Security, Medicare Benefits Withholding Taxes Actual costs of running a business Quarterly Tax Payments The problem arises when technicians assume that all they need to know is the work of the business, not how to run a business. The actual costs of owning and operating your own company are far greater than the expenses associated with your rent, office furniture, utilities, etc. Because of this many small business owners never earn a true profitone that allows their business to grow, and provide them sufficient income to enjoy the lifestyle they envisioned when they began. 4. The more you do, the better youll do By nature, entrepreneurs are more action-oriented and idea-rich than others. For the most part, these are good traits. However, they often act as a catalyst for crossing the line and heading straight for lack of focus, prioritization and the ever-common doing-it, doing-it, doing-it rut. Lets face it, most of us feel like we have way too many things to do every day a belief that is exacerbated by owning/operating a small business! Couple that with the pervading notions that If Im not working, Im not worthy and/or that rapid growth necessitates doing even more, youve got real problems. Why, I bet you even know of some people who think that if they just work harder and longer at anything, theyll eventually make it! This is hooey. In order to develop a sound strategy, which we all know is critical to the success of your business; you must learn whats important to do, and whats not. I love the analogy of a fire hose If you turn it on, full power water goes everywhere, and you wont even be able to get a small cup. However, if you turn it down to a trickle youll much more able to handle what you need. So, if you think youre going to fix your business in any meaningful way solely by employing the latest hot marketing gimmick or developing a web site, think again. Thats the easy stuff! Mary Eule specializes in helping small and medium-sized businesses get and keep profitable customers. Formerly a Fortune 500 marketing executive; founder of two successful small businesses and award-winning speaker, Ms. Eule is President of Strategic Marketing Advisors, LLC. and co-author of a new book, “Mandatory Marketing: Small Business Edition”. She is also a certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach. She has a BA in Journalism/English from the University of Maryland and earned her a masters degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins University. Log onto her website: http://www.StrategicMarketingAdvisors.com for free articles, newsletter and helpful marketing tools, tips and templates and/or to purchase the book. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Eule http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Are-Americas-Small-Businesses-Failing-at-Such-Alarming-Rates?&id=149705 avoid foreclosure sell fast dor cash no credit check bank account federal personal loans personal short term loans that can be paid monthly

Winter Gardening

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

By R Birch The fall clean-up is done, your bulbs are planted and your looking forward to the spring gardening season. You need not look so far ahead. Winter can be a busy time for gardeners. Planning, of course, is essential but there are a few other chores which can be done as well. Here are a few gardening tips to help you get through winter. Review last year’s journal and start a new one for this year by recording your seed/plant orders Browse through catalogs or spend a little time online searching for the plants youll be using during the upcoming season. First, however, plan your new garden or update your existing one. Rework your garden design, think about what was missing in the garden during the previous season. Also, look around, what could make the landscape more interesting during the winter months. Often, a large evergreen serving as an anchor or specimen shrub can improve a winter landscape. Look for shrubs with winter berries, trees which begin budding in late winter or tress and shrubs with interesting form or colorful bark. Forethought is essential when planning successful garden. After youve decided what youd like your new garden to offer begin a site analysis. Having a clear understanding of your sites conditions is important it will enable you to make informed decisions regarding design and plant selection. Determine the following factors; climate & micro-climate, sun & shade conditions, wind exposure, soil composition and existing vegetation. Plant hardiness zone maps divide the country into zones based on the lowest average winter temperature. A plant that is adapted to your hardiness zone is one that can tolerate the lowest winter temperature your zone typically experiences. Find out the zone in which you live and use it as guide during your plant selection process. Along with the overall climate conditions of your area, micro-climates within your specific site also determine what is appropriate for your garden. A sunny spot against a brick wall with a southern exposure, for example, will be warmer than its surrounding environment, even during the coldest winter days. In a space such as this, plants which are borderline hardy have a better chance at survival than if planted elsewhere in the garden. Being aware of the sun and shade conditions in your garden is essential garden design and to the long term success of your new plantings. Improperly placed plants are a main reason for unnecessary transplants. Most plants prefer at least some shade during the day. Getting to know the conditions of your site before you begin planning and planting can be the difference between success and disappointment. Properly planned gardens ensure the time you invest in you garden is worth it, as each properly placed plant thrives. Aside from reworking your garden design, there are some tasks which will need to be done in the garden during the winter. For instance, Prune your deciduous trees and shrubs in the winter while they are dormant. Check on your stored bulbs. Check your perennial gardens for heaving, especially in areas prone to repeated freezing and thawing. Recycle your Christmas tree as garden mulch or a bird feeder. Feed the birds and provide them with some unfrozen water. Shake the snow off of your evergreen shrubs after snow storms. Also, sharpen your tools so youll be ready to get to work when the ground thaws. Though the plants are dormant and snow is on the ground, winter is the ideal time to prepare for a busy gardening season. R Birch is the publisher of http://www.gardenlistings.com For information on all kinds of garden projects visit http://www.gardenlistings.com/Resources.htm Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Birch http://EzineArticles.com/?Winter-Gardening&id=376168 cash loans brandon fl west virginia payday loan paycheck templates bad credit free guaranteed loan personal

8 Great Reasons to Paint with Watercolor

Friday, May 9th, 2008

By Charlene Thomforde There are many mediums to paint with, so why is watercolor one of the best? Besides being one of the most beautiful ways to express any subject matter, watercolor painting has many advantages over other kinds of painting. 1. Fast… Watercolor painting techniques allow for spontaneous strokes and quick washes. That is part of its beauty. Some of the best paintings taking an hour or less. What other art form can provide such satisfying results in so little time? 2. Easier than you think… Even a beginner can get great results in relatively short time. 3. Great for travel… Watercolor kits come in compact, lightweight boxes that you can easily carry with you. Paper comes in blocks that take up little space and don’t require preparation. 4. Dries quickly… unlike oil paints that can take days or weeks to dry, watercolor dries in minutes. 5. Won’t smudge… like pastel or charcoal. 6. Fluid in nature… so you can fill large areas with few strokes. 7 “Happy accidents” help you be creative… Some great starts are made by pouring on the paint and seeing what magically develops. 8. Versatile in style and look …watercolor can range from tightly controlled illustrational works to experimental and abstract art. Although watercolor is thought to be one of the harder mediums to control, what other medium actually helps you in the process? Through the magic of its fluid nature,all you have to do is get out of the way, and let it work its own magic. Allow for endless explorations and a lifetime of creativity. Charlene Thomforde is a watercolor artist/instructor,and publisher of Inspirations for the watercolor Journey, a weekly newsletter. For watercolor painting tips and techniques go to www.watercolorways.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Thomforde http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Great-Reasons-to-Paint-with-Watercolor&id=332333 short term personal loan hialeah bad credit bankruptcy car loan poor credit loan changing deductions to get more money in paycheck

The Green, Green Grass

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

By Andrew Caxton As the summer months begin to come closer, people will be thinking about taking care of their lawns. When you are making your game plan for caring for your lawn, you need to also work in some tips on how to make your lawn greener and healthier than it has ever been. Isnt there a yard that you drive by that you admire? Your lawn can look just like that if you take the time and effort to determine what your grass needs to make it thicker and greener. Nutrients, proper maintenance, and many other factors all come together to make your grass what it is. That is why it is so important to learn more about how to take care of your lawn so that you can make it as beautiful and attractive as possible. One of the many factors that may be influencing the health of your grass is its location. If your yard is shaded by a tree or building, then it cannot get the sunlight that it needs each day. You will find that the grass color begins to dim if it does not get proper sunlight. Trimming the branches of your tree or trees can make a big impact on the amount of sunlight that your yard receives. Another thing that you need to think about is how much traffic goes through your lawn. People walking on the grass can cause the grass to become oxygen deficient. It sometimes blocks the aeration which doesnt allow oxygen into the grass or water. Aerating the lawn is the remedy for this. If there are flat spaces on your lawn or if you notice the soil is compacted, then you need to aerate the lawn. It is important to refrain from aerating in the summer, because it will stress the grass. Aerating should be done in the spring or possibly in the fall. Watering the grass correctly is another facet of maintenance that can help to make your grass healthier. It is best to water early in the morning, because then the water has time to soak into the ground before the sun gets hot enough to evaporate it. Water the yard evenly, instead of just patches. Make sure that there is not any water standing on your lawn, as well as watching to make sure that the grass does not become too dry on those hot days. All of these things will help keep your grass healthy and bright green. Another thing that you need to beware of is lawn thatch and debris trying to take over your yard. To keep this from occurring, you need to rake your lawn regularly and remove any thatch that is over a half-inch high in your yard. This helps to keep the lawn aerated and allows water and nutrients to get through the grass into the soil. The composition of your soil is also an important factor in how your lawn looks. Your soil should have the right grain texture, as well as the right pH balance to keep your grass healthy. If it is lacking in some of the needed nutrients, then you can add fertilizer or compost to the soil to help make up the deficit. This helps the grass to stay healthier and greener. The fertilizer that you need to get depends upon what the soil is lacking, the problems that your grass has, and the time of year that you are going to be using the fertilizer. Another issue arises when you mow your grass. Your grass has to be cut properly or it will not grow properly. If you cut it too close, then it may stress your grass, which can cause it to become brown. If you do not cut it enough, then the water and sunlight will have a hard time getting to the soil. To help your lawn become greener, you only need to aerate, give the soil proper nutrients, mow properly, and watch the environment. By keeping track of all these different area, you will be helping your grass to become greener and healthier. Andrew Caxton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like lawn care and http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com A website with tips on lawn care at landscaping Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Caxton http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Green,-Green-Grass&id=398618 nigeria money lenders how to look better on loan papers with bad credit purchases cash advance credit card cash advance checks rules

Is Your Ability to Buy Dietary Supplements, Herbal Preparations, and Tonics in Jeopardy in the USA?

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

By Allen Weber When the DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health Education Act) was passed by the USA Congress in 1994 it was a boon to all of us consumers. Finally, we all could buy herbals that had long histories of safe and effective use throughout the world. Before the DSHEA we were unable to get them, much less even educate ourselves about them. This was because the FDA was stopping education on them, and their actual manufacture supposedly for “Our” protection. Certainly, there are slime in every business who prey on unsuspecting consumers who have not really educated themselves. We as consumers have to understand that there is no “Magic bullet” that will instantly reverse years and years of abuse of our systems. There is no magic pill that will instantly cure cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, the common cold, etc. Some companies hype products as miraculous cures. It kind of reminds me of some of the shall we call them less than upstanding martial arts teachers who claim that they were taught a secret style by some hermit monk from the mountains. Yeah. Right. That being said, it makes no sense to not allow good products on to the market. The idea is to have supplements that can help you to live a better life. Can keep you healthy, prevent illness. And when you are feeling sick (dis-eased) can help make you feel better. They can be used to regulate your blood pressure, help you to relax, help you to sleep when you have to much on your mind. Something you can take to help fight off the beginnings of a cold, etc. Basically, help keep your body in perfect balance and health so you do not have to worry about ever getting sick. Before the passage of the DSHEA some of the wonderful products being blocked included, Traditional Chinese herbal medicines, Ayurvedic medicines, and traditional folk medicines. So, rather than being able to easily get herbal remedies, we were forced to buy less effective drugs manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. We were forced to buy synthetic vitamins. We could not get the education on vitamins and herbs as to what they could do for us. It was Prohibition all over again. Only instead of alcohol, the “Evil” was natural products. With the passage of the DSHEA in the USA, the FDA is still regulating supplements. Contrary to what is reported in mainstream press, and by the FDA. There really are safety rules in place. Supplements are regulated. So are the foods you eat. Drugs are more regulated than dietary supplements. Supposedly, they are proven safe before being distributed to consumers. If that is the case, why is it that almost every month there is another recall of some drug due to unforeseen side effects and dangers? Why is it that once a drug is approved for use, many doctors start to prescribe it for uses it was not approved for? Yes this really happens. If you could get an all natural product made specifically to treat your condition by a qualified, highly trained herbalist, would you prefer that, or would you prefer taking a laboratory produced drug that is synthesized from who knows what? What if the herbal product was the same price? What if the herbal product was 10 times cheaper? The drug companies certainly do not like consumers to be educated on products that would take away their profits. Do you know that even though certain herbs have been proven to fight off cancers and destroy them, you will never learn about them? This is because even with the passage of the DSHEA, the FDA is suppressing this type information claiming that there “are not enough safety studies” even if it has been studied in most other modern countries around the world. Is that “Protecting” you? Or is it protecting the profits of drug manufacturers? Do you know that as recently as a few years ago, no manufacturer of calcium products could claim that taking calcium would help fight off osteoporosis? Thanks to the DSHEA you can learn that calcium can help. So now you have a small understanding of what benefits you get from the DSHEA. Here is the problem. Now there are some Senators and Representatives who want to take away the rights of consumers like you and me to use the products of our choice. They want to limit the choices we have in how we are treated. They want us to be forced to use high priced poisonous pharmaceuticals rather than herbs. They do not want us educated as to what herbs do, how they can benefit us and keep us healthy. This attack is being launched by Big Dick (Richard) Durbin (democrat of Illinois). The question is why. Is he really that well versed in every treatment so that he can tell you what is good for you and what is not? Is he really that educated in how all of the supplements, vitamins, herbs, and preparations really work? Or is it the usual. Politics and high level big money political contributions to his campaign at work. While his idea is commendable - insuring that supplements are safe. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to force a supplement manufacturer to prove that the supplement does what they claim it does? Wouldn’t it be better to allow…no in fact force the supplement manufacturer to have a lot of educational material available to consumers so they can educate themselves. Material including possible adverse reactions. Known and reported incompatible products (i.e. don’t take this with aspirin, etc.) Safe dosages, and unsafe dosages, as well as how much is to much..How much can you safely take during a 24 hour period. Information like that. I’m sure that this type of information would be more helpful than some bureaucrat deciding what you can and can not know about a particular product. Even if that bureaucrat has the best of intentions. Imagine not being able to buy the herbal product of your choice because some politician and bureaucrat want to “Protect” you. Imagine not being able to find information on adverse effects and beneficial effects of a particular herb, or herbal combination, or dietary supplement? It is about to happen here in the USA. If you really want to keep the ability to educate yourself on alternative medicine, the proper use of vitamins, herbs, etc, and have the choice to use them, then get in touch with your Senator and ask them to defeat Big Dick Durbin’s “Dietary Supplement Safety Act” (Senate Bill 722). It’s for your own good. About The Author By Allen Weber Copyright June 10, 2003 JAJA Group, Inc.- newsletter Emperor’s Herbologist Live Healthy! bi-weekly guide to living healthy in modern times. Featuring articles on alternative medicine, diet, herbs, supplements, foods, traditional cures and techniques you can use to give you more control over your health and well being. Subscribe today at: http://www.emperorsherbologist.com/newsletter.shtml articlecity@emperorsherbologist.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Weber http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Ability-to-Buy-Dietary-Supplements,-Herbal-Preparations,-and-Tonics-in-Jeopardy-in–the-USA?&id=19638 if payoff cards will credit score automobile credit score apartment rentals bad credit approved boca raton delray beach fl instant bad credit cash loans available late sunday night near seattle