Dharma Connection Studio - Sandwich - Upcoming Events

Compassionate Teaching/Living: Understanding Ourselves Assisting Workshop

About this Event
This workshop will help you understand how to respectfully and confidently enter your students’ energy field and convey a message of love and safety through your touch. This assisting technique is not about “correcting” the student, but helping the student feel a sense of safety and ease in their body and on the mat. Through your assists you will realize a powerful connection with the student that can create shifts in both of your lives. Whether you work with the general public, or populations in recovery (trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders) this workshop will be invaluable!   This workshop is not limited to yoga teachers!

Date: Sunday Sept. 20th,
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $150

Where:
The Dharma Connection
6 Merchants Road, Unit #8
Sandwich, MA
(508) 296-3619

About the Teacher
Sue Jones is a leader, yoga teacher and inspirational voice in the arena of compassionate living and compassionate teaching. It is Sue’s mission to help communities of yoga students and yoga teachers everywhere understand their fundamental connection with their fellow human being and to help mobilize groups of passionate individuals toward a movement of helping others through the example of compassionate living and teaching. In addition, Sue hopes to support communities of yoga teachers interested in teaching vulnerable populations in their geographic area. She achieves this by bringing together like-minded people, meeting them in their communities and sharing with them the tools that they will need to mobilize themselves, support each other, and reach out to populations that do not normally have access to yoga.

yogaHOPE is a non-profit yoga outreach organization dedicated to establishing rehabilitative yoga programs in facilities for underserved women in substance abuse treatment, poor and homeless women, and victims of domestic violence. yogaHOPE is based in Boston, Mass.

Collective Flow Class w/Coral Brown

We will flow in a creative, dynamic method based upon vinyasa drama (stages of evolution). Therefore, this practice is open to yogis of all levels. Within this class, multi-dimensional sequencing will allow us to integrate standing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists and hip openers. Using the four movements of Prana to provide the experience of energetic alignment within the flow will lead to the cultivation of the fluid body.


When:
Saturday, October 17th    2:00pm-4:30 pm

Cost: $35

Where:
The Dharma Connection
6 Merchants Road, Unit #8
Sandwich, MA 02563
http://www.dharmaconnection.com/
email: info @dharmaconnection.com
phone: (508) 296-3619
Pre-registration is required as space is limited

Coral Brown, MA has been teaching yoga for 9 years. As a 500 eRYT certified senior teacher trainer for Shiva Rea, she travels the world teaching Prana Flow (an energetic, creative, full-spectrum approach to embodying the flow of yoga cultivated by Shiva Rea). Coral is known for fusing her experience as a Holistic Counselor into her teachings. Her body, mind, spirit approach to psychology invites students to BE in their bodies so that they may consciously release physical and emotional tension. Coral’s infectious spirit enables students to find their balance through the joy of practicing Prana Flow yoga. Coral received her Masters of Arts from Salve Regina University’s Holistic Counseling program.

Guided Vedic Meditation
Friday, September 18th 7:00 PM
Instructor: Tina Gurupashna Vaughn
Cost: Donations Gratiously Accepted

Scientists study it. Doctors recommend it. Millions of Americans many of whom don't even own crystals - practice it every day. Why? Because meditation works….
You are invited to join Tina Gurupashna Vaughn, a Vedic Meditation teacher, who will help you experience the benefits of meditation.

The purpose of meditation is to still the conscious thinking mind and connect with the source of peace and bliss that is within us. This practice was discovered by enlightened sages thousands of years ago. The breathing techniques we use in meditation help calm the mind and bring more clarity and balance. Meditation lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart and respiration rate and brings the mind from beta brain wave levels to alpha and theta brain wave levels. This reduces stress and anxiety levels.

More obesity blues - smaller brains

UCLA and Pittsburgh researchers report that obese people are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's. With obesity comes the increased risk for cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension. Now comes more discouraging news. In the current online edition of the journal Human Brain Mapping, Paul Thompson, senior author and a UCLA professor of neurology and colleagues compared the brains of people who were obese, overweight, and of normal weight, to see if they had differences in brain structure; that is, did their brains look equally healthy.

They found that obese people had 8 percent less brain tissue than people with normal weight, while overweight people had 4 percent less tissue. According to Thompson, who is also a member of UCLA's Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, this is the first time anyone has established a link between being overweight and having what he describes as "severe brain degeneration."

"That's a big loss of tissue and it depletes your cognitive reserves, putting you at much greater risk of Alzheimer's and other diseases that attack the brain," said Thompson. "But you can greatly reduce your risk for Alzheimer's, if you can eat healthily and keep your weight under control."

The researchers used brain images from an earlier study called the Cardiovascular Health Study Cognition Study. Scans were selected of 94 elderly people in their 70s who were healthy not cognitively impaired-five years after the scan was taken. In looking at both grey matter and white matter of the brain, they found that the people defined as obese had lost brain tissue in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain critical for planning and memory, and in the anterior cingulate gyrus (attention and executive functions), hippocampus (long term memory) and basal ganglia (movement). Overweight people showed brain loss in the basal ganglia, the corona radiata, white matter comprised of axons, and the parietal lobe (sensory lobe).

"The brains of obese people looked 16 years older than the brains of those who were lean, and in overweight people looked eight years older," says Thompson. For more information, visit http://neurology.medsch.ucla.edu/.

In Vitro Fertilization Less Successful With Alternative Fertility Treatments

In Vitro Fertilization Less Successful With Alternative Fertility Treatments

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NEW! Professional Graduate Acupressure Clinic

NEW! Professional Graduate Acupressure Clinic

Beginning August 19, 2009

Wednesday evenings
By appointment: 6:45pm & 8:15pm
Special introductory rate:
Cost: $45.00/treatment

We are very pleased to announce the opening of our Professional Graduate Clinic on Wednesday nights beginning August 19, 2009!

This clinic will continue throughout the year. The clinic will be an open clinic with four practitioners giving mat treatments at two appointment times at 6:45pm and 8:15pm. The practitioners are graduates of the Acupressure Therapy Institute and will be practicing Acupressure Shiatsu. Some of the graduates also practice Thai bodywork and Zen Shiatsu.

We invite you to make an appointment as soon as possible to reserve your space in the clinic! We are offering a special discount price of $45 / 60 min. treatment for the first two months. In November 2009, the price will increase to $55 / treatment.

This is a special invitation as the first to be notified of our new clinic at the Acupressure Therapy Institute. We hope that you will be able to attend and benefit from regular treatments to bring balance to your health and relaxation to your soul.

Call for more information. 617.697.1477

Yoga Retreat in Vermont

Yoga Retreat - Fall Foliage in Vermont
October 23-25, 2009

Join us for a Yoga Weekend in Perkinsville, VT. This retreat will be held at “The Inn at Weatherfield”. Weatherfield is an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. The Inn has a private yoga studio and if the weather permits we have the option of having some of our classes outside. The beautiful grounds make up a picture perfect setting for a yoga class. This retreat is designed for yoga students of all levels. Beginners are welcome! Six classes will be offered. Feel free to take all six or spend some time exploring local hiking trails, antique shops, art galleries and breweries. This weekend is for you. Relax and enjoy!

$355pp (double occupancy)
$255pp (double w/o yoga classes)
$495pp (single occupancy)

Includes:
• Room w/ private bath, feather beds, fine linens, plush robes & slippers
(Fri. & Sat. night)
• Full hot “country” breakfast each morning
• Afternoon Refreshments
• 9 Yoga Classes
• Acres of peace and quiet

Take a look. You will not be disappointed.
http://www.weathersfieldinn.com/index.htm

For additional information please contact:

Tricia Glynn
namasteyoga77@yahoo.com
617-947-2983

Deadline for registration is September 25th

Space is limited. To guarantee your spot sign up today

Excessive Exercise Can Be Addicting, New Study Says

Excessive Exercise Can Be Addicting, New Study Says

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Does Sugar Feed Cancer?

ScienceDaily (Aug. 18, 2009) — Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah have uncovered new information on the notion that sugar "feeds" tumors. The findings may also have implications for other diseases such as diabetes. The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"It's been known since 1923 that tumor cells use a lot more glucose than normal cells. Our research helps show how this process takes place, and how it might be stopped to control tumor growth," says Don Ayer, Ph.D., a Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator and professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah.

During both normal and cancerous cell growth, a cellular process takes place that involves both glucose (sugar) and glutamine (an amino acid). Glucose and glutamine are both essential for cell growth, and it was long assumed they operated independently, but Ayer's research shows they are inter-dependent. He discovered that by restricting glutamine availability, glucose utilization is also stopped. "Essentially, if you don't have glutamine, the cell is short circuited due to a lack of glucose, which halts the growth of the tumor cell" Ayer says.

The research, spearheaded by Mohan Kaadige, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in Ayer's lab, focused on MondoA, a protein that is responsible for turning genes on and off. In the presence of glutamine, MondoA blocks the expression of a gene called TXNIP. TXNIP is thought to be a tumor suppressor, but when it's blocked by MondoA , it allows cells to take up glucose, which in turn drives tumor growth. Ayer's research could lead to new drugs that would target glutamine utilization, or target MondoA or TXNIP.

Ayer says the next step in his research is to develop animal models to test his ideas about how MondoA and TXNIP control cell growth. "If we can understand that, we can break the cycle of glucose utilization which could be beneficial in the treatment of cancer," Ayer says.

University of Utah Health Sciences (2009, August 18). Does Sugar Feed Cancer?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817184539.htm

Workshop & Kirtan with KRISHNA DAS

KRISHNA DAS
www.krishnadas.com

Workshop: will include Chanting (call and response) with musical accompaniment,
stories about his Guru, readings from spiritual traditions, teachings,
and discussions about life and the spiritual path.

Kirtan: Devotional call and response Chanting of the Divine Names
- a celebration of spiritual practice & presence.

When
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Workshop 2 - 5:00 pm
Kirtan 7 - 10:00 pm

Where
Zen Peacemakers
177 Ripley Road
Montague, MA 01351

Ticket Price
In Advance / At Door
Kirtan $30 / $35
Workshop & Kirtan $80 / $90
meal tickets available for pre-purchase
through online registration

To Register
http://www.zenpeacemakers.org/kd
registrar@zenpeacemakers.com
413-367-5268

Connect with Wisdom and Grace in this "New" series of Monthly Angel Guidance Meditations with Cathi Burke, Angelic Channel/Medium

When: Monday August 17th
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: The Heavenly Messenger and The Heart of Reiki Center
Cost: $20.00

We are located at 720 Washington Street College Park in The Liberty Building 1st floor...hope to see you there...

With Love and Blessings,
Cathi Burke
angels8888@comcast.net

Join Our Elite Group of Yoga Teachers - Become one this fall!

Basic Level – 200 hr – 6 month program
Yoga Teacher Certification

www.certificationinyoga.com

Program is approved by the National Yoga Alliance

27 weeks of asana classes at one of these locations – plus 6 weekend intensives at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, 37 Forbes Road, Braintree, Ma.

Weekly classes to be held at:

Tuesday evening:
BYoga Center, Malden, MA
7:15pm-10:15pm Starts September 15, 2009

Tuesday evening:
The Sanctuary of Kingston, Kingston, MA
6:30-9:30pm Starts September 15, 2009

Wednesday afternoon:
The Sanctuary of Kingston, Kingston, MA
12:00-3:00pm Starts September 16, 2009

Wednesday morning:
Real Life Yoga Studio, North Quincy, MA
9:30am-12:30pm Starts September 16, 2009

Wednesday evening:
Heart of Reiki Center, Hanover, MA
7:00-10:00pm Starts September 16, 2009

Thursday evening:
Charlestown Yoga Studio, Charlestown, MA
7:15pm-10:15pm Starts September 17, 2009

Thursday evening:
The Yoga Studio of Millis, Millis, MA
6:30pm – 9:30pm Starts September 17, 2009

Thursday evening:
A New Day Yoga Center, Cumberland, Rhode Island
6:30pm-9:30pm Starts September 17, 2009

Friday morning: The Yoga Studio of Millis, Millis, MA
9:00am – 12:00pm Starts September 18, 2009

Friday morning:
Charlestown Yoga Studio, Charlestown, MA
9:00am-12:00pm Starts September 18, 2009

We must have a minimum of 6 students to offer a class at a location. Maximum is 12
Please pass the word around so we can get sufficient enrollments for your location.

Weekend intensives are held for all locations at the
Sheraton Hotel in Braintree, 37 Forbes Road, Braintree, Ma.
September 26-27, 2009
October 31-Nov 1, 2009
November 7-8, 2009
December 19-20, 2009
January30-31, 2010
February 27-28, 2010

WEEKLY CURRICULUM:
Weeks 1 - 3 Sun and Moon Salutation

Weeks 4 - 6 Standing/Revolved and Balance Poses

Weeks 7 - 9 Seated Poses

Weeks 11 - 12 Prone Poses

Weeks 13 - 15 Supine Poses/ Seated Spinal Twists

Week 16 - 18 Inversions Poses

Weeks 19 - 21 Posture Sequencing and Preparation for Teaching

Weeks 22 - 26 45 minute Student Teaching Assignments

Week 27 Business Presentations and Graduation Party

25 hours – Weekly Yoga Class for Personal Sadhana
25 hours are recommended to be completed during the course. We prefer classes be taken with school faculty or a graduate of the Finding Inner Peace Yoga School. Classes are documented in student records on a weekly basis. You will observe, analyze and may be asked to assist with these classes if taken with our faculty. These classes can be used as makeup hours for the WEEKLY asana classes you miss – you will be required to complete an observation form for documentation. However, they must be taken with the faculty teacher to be counted towards a weekly missed class.

6 Private Healing Sessions
To foster the student to take care of themselves and assist in the release of old feelings, emotions and sensations in the emotional body, we require you to receive a minimum of 6 private sessions during the course – preferably once a month. These may be done with your own health care practitioner, during a Reiki clinic, massage clinic, as a barter or during a training course on energy healing. Examples are Reiki, Massage, Acupuncture, Chiropractics, Rolfing, Reflexology, Polarity, Hypnotherapy, Aromatherapy, Aromamassage, Tong Ren, Feldenkrais and other complementary therapies.

10 hours - Student Teaching Practicum
Teaching 10 classes to students – in a center, studio, home, etc.

Course Requirements
• Tuition is $2700.00 which includes a 350 + page training curriculum
• Convenient monthly payment plans available, and credit cards (MC/VISA only)
are accepted.
• $600.00 deposit is required to reserve a space. The full deposit is applied
to the tuition.
• The remaining balance of $2100.00 can be paid in a monthly payment plan over
6 months: $350.00/month. - MC/VISA must be on file for monthly payments
• 5% discount on the tuition if paid in full the first month of class. (
$135.00)
• Class attendance is mandatory – please make every effort to attend class
each week since the curriculum is designed to transform you in a six month
period and absences can be disruptive to the class.
• If you miss a class you may take it in another class or wait until the next
course in the spring.
• Weekend intensives must be attended – at an additional cost you may makeup a
weekend in the next course. You can also contact the faculty of the weekend
you missed to see if you can makeup with them at your own expense.
• If you miss a weekend you will receive a provisional certification upon
graduation (meaning the hours must be finished before you are fully
certified to become a Registered Yoga Teacher.

Contact Information:
Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Finding Inner Peace Yoga School
eMAIL: yogareikisound@yahoo.com
Call 781 878-0115 to leave messages
Cell 781 864-2130
Day 617 754-5332

Yoga for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue & Arthritis

Spend a Sunday afternoon allowing your mind and body to relax… to be in the present moment…

Suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and arthritis can be so frustrating and debilitating that it affects your job and everyday living. And the stresses of everyday life can exasperate those symptoms. This class will explore simple stretching and breathing techniques that can help with mental clarity and relaxation, as well as postures to help release muscle tightness and tension. No yoga experience required.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Fee: $20.00

Class size is limited, to reserve a space contact:
Grace Furnari (781) 267-6109 or sss1030@aol.com.

Located at: The Healing Moon Wellness Center
One Walpole Street, ~ Norwood, MA
(Located Across from Conrad’s Restaurant)
781-769-1121 www.TheHealingMoon.com

Do Some Homework Before Making Energy Drinks Part Of A Steady Routine

Do Some Homework Before Making Energy Drinks Part Of A Steady Routine

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Scents Really Can Soothe Stress

Feeling stressed? Then try savoring the scent of lemon, mango, lavender, or other fragrant plants. Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels. Their study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.

In the new study, Akio Nakamura and colleagues note that people have inhaled the scent of certain plants since ancient times to help reduce stress, fight inflammation and depression, and induce sleep. Aromatherapy, the use of fragrant plant oils to improve mood and health, has become a popular form of alternative medicine today. And linalool is one of the most widely used substances to soothe away emotional stress. Until now, however, linalool's exact effects on the body have been a deep mystery.

The scientists exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool. Linalool returned stress-elevated levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes - key parts of the immune system - to near-normal levels. Inhaling linalool also reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations. The findings could form the basis of new blood tests for identifying fragrances that can soothe stress, the researchers say.

Article: "Stress Repression in Restrained Rats by (R)-(-)-Linalool Inhalation and Gene Expression Profiling of Their Whole Blood Cells" http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/jf900420g

Meditation and Guided Imagery Group - Open to All and New Members

Join Ronnie Shaffer at her home in Abington for a Meditation and Guided Imagery Group - she has been coordinating this group for over 10 years and would like to invite new members.

How Meditation & Guided Imagery Works

Through meditation and guided imagery we can learn to access the relaxation response. A heightened state of awareness and coherence is produced by a regular practice of meditation.
Increased emotional stability, adaptability to life’s changes and challenges, increased intelligence (both emotion al and intellectual), increased perceptiveness and creativity, and reduced high blood pressure and pulse rate have been demonstrated in numerous studies on meditators. Meditation reduces anxiety and increases self-actualization of your true potential. Studies have shown significant reduction in chronic pain and an improvement in the quality of life with those that routinely practice meditation and guided imagery. Meditation/relaxation practice, especially in a group setting, can enhance one’s goals and efforts toward personal and spiritual growth.

Location: 500 Groveland Street, Abington, MA 02351
Phone: 781.857.2353
E-mail: vas4@comcast.net

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Cost: $10.00 ($5.00 Seniors (over 65)

Date: Day:

August 3 Monday
August 20 Thursday

September 7 Monday
September 24 Thursday

October 5 Monday
October 22 Thursday

November 2 Monday
November 19 Thursday

December 7 Monday
December 17 Thursday

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter

Researchers in Japan are reporting new evidence that the ordinary vinegar — a staple in oil-and-vinegar salad dressings, pickles, and other foods — may live up to its age-old reputation in folk medicine as a health promoter. They are reporting new evidence that vinegar can help prevent accumulation of body fat and weight gain.
Tomoo Kondo and colleagues note in the new study that vinegar has also been used as a folk medicine since ancient times. People have used it for a range of ills. Modern scientific research suggests that acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, may help control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and fat accumulation.

Their new study showed that laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet and given acetic acid developed significantly less body fat (up to 10 percent less) than other mice.

Importantly, the new research adds evidence to the belief that acetic acid fights fat by turning on genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes. The genes churn out proteins involved in breaking down fats, thus suppressing body fat accumulation in the body.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal reference:

Kondo et al. Acetic Acid Upregulates the Expression of Genes for Fatty Acid Oxidation Enzymes in Liver To Suppress Body Fat Accumulation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2009; 090609114939008 DOI: 10.1021/jf900470c

Join us for Paddle Yoga in September!

Sponsored by Charlestown Yoga Studio www.charlestownyoga.com

Where: Mass Audubon Society, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
When: September 13, 2009
12:30-4:30 PM

If you love to be outdoors, you will love this workshop! We will paddle canoes to an island in the middle of the wildlife sanctuary. Yoga will be practiced outdoors on the island overlooking the Ipswich River. The art of canoeing uses upper body muscles leaving little work for the lower body. (Imagine all the sitting!) This yoga class will focus on arm stretches and lower body strength and flexibility. (Your hip flexors will love you!) There is plenty of clear land to practice in the middle of this nature sanctuary! Paddling experience is not a requirement.

Cost: $65
Includes: Paddling lessons, guided tour, snacks and a yoga practice overlooking the Ipswich River. Contact the studio for more information.
Charlestown Yoga | 191 Main Street | Charlestown | MA | 02129

Sue Lynch, E-RYT, Owner sue@charlestownyoga.com

Feathers Wellness Studio - South Weymouth

Feathers Wellness Studio
Fundraising events in memory of John E Naoum

I am so grateful the summer is here (though rainy) but we still have the opportunity to see the blessings and opportunities in each day. As many of you know, my dad was diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer in Feb 2008 and died March 2008. At his one year anniversary, I felt the need to do something big to celebrate his life. I now find myself training to do the Jimmy Fund walk which is the Boston Marathon route.

I hope you will consider some of the events we have planned to help me meet my fundraising goals.

Christine Heffernan, RN, Reiki Master/Teacher, Cymatron Sound Facilitator
cell 781-413-5352
studio 339-499-1057
www.FeathersWellnessStudio.com
Christine@FeathersWellnessStudio.com

July Fundraising Events
7/14 Reiki Circle 7-9pm. $10. Open to the public. Come experience this ancient relaxation technique for yourself. This 20 minute session will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Practitioners welcome to network and share Reiki.
7/21 Ask Mama Comedy Show Fundraiser to benefit the Jimmy Fund Walk
7p-9pm . $25. Mama provides a 45 minute comedic presentation followed by an improvisational question and answer session. Seating is limited. Please register early.

August Fundraising Events
8/4 Reiki Circle 7-9pm. $10. Open to the public. Come experience this ancient relaxation technique for yourself. This 20 minute session will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Practitioners welcome to network and share Reiki.
8/10 It's not about the weight with JoAnne Young 7:30-9:30pm $25.
8/11 Silpada Jewelry Fundraiser 7-9pm. 100% Proceeds to Benefit the Jimmy Fund Walk. Shop the brand new collection of Sterling Jewelry for a great cause!

Save 10$
Due to popular demand we are extending our discounted rates of 65$ for Reiki Sound Sessions and Massages Offer Expires: September 1, 2009

Beginner Yoga Workshop

Sunday July 12th @ 2-4pm
Space Is Limited Sign Up Today

Coldbrooke Yoga
105 Front Street
Scituate Harbor

Yoga is meditation in motion. Are you there yet? Yoga shouldn’t be intimidating.
We will go through basic yoga poses, allowing plenty of time for questions. You will learn to fall into the postures comfortably and transition smoothly. The confidence that you gain will allow you to enjoy your classes. Spend more of your class focusing on how you feel and less time worrying about what your feet are doing. We will discuss breathing techniques and how to use these techniques in class. We will also touch on meditation.

Learn to make the most out of each and every yoga class.

Intermediate & Advanced Yogis are Welcome!
This is a great opportunity to go back to the basics. Correct any bad habits that you may have developed over the years. Slow it down, find your breath, and regain a true appreciation for each pose.

Pre Registration Required- $35

Overview of Vitamins and Minerals

http://www.consumerlab.com/

Multivitamins/multiminerals are among those supplements most likely to have quality problems. They contain multiple ingredients and, therefore, more possibility for error. Earlier tests by ConsumerLab.com have found multis that were short on ingredients, failed to dissolve properly, or were contaminated with heavy metals.

Consumer Lab conducted an independent study of various vitamin and mineral supplemtns and found:
Ten, or nearly one-third, of the multivitamins selected for testing were found to contain significantly more or less ingredient than claimed or were contaminated with lead. In addition, several products (including three for children) exceeded tolerable limits established by the Institute of Medicine for nutrients such as vitamin A, folic acid, niacin and zinc.

Overview of Vitamins and Minerals and their action in the body:

Vitamin A
Necessary to maintain good vision and skin. In supplements, "Vitamin A" usually refers to retinol (including retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate) as well as beta-carotene. Retinol is found in animal-derived sources such as dairy foods and liver. Beta-carotene comes from fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and spinach. It is thought that beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A based on the body's need for vitamin A and, therefore, may be a safer form of vitamin A to avoid potential overdosing.

B Vitamins:
Thiamin (B-1) assists nervous function. It is found in yeast, peas, beans, enriched flour and whole grains in large enough amounts that supplementation is normally not necessary.
Riboflavin (B-2) maintains vision and the skin. Although found in many vegetables and nuts, as well as enriched flour, some supplementation may be needed in children and the elderly.
Niacin (B-3) helps release energy from carbohydrates. It is available in the diet from enriched white flour, as well as from peanuts, fish and meat.
Pyridoxine (B-6) is important in many aspects of metabolism and in maintaining the immune and nervous systems. B-6 is widely available in the diet, but marginal deficiency is believed to be relatively common in the developed world. Inadequate B-6may raise blood levels of the substance homocysteine, and elevated homocysteine may in turn increase risk of cardiovascular disease. On this basis, B-6 supplements have been suggested as a means of helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, but efficacy has not been proven.
Folic acid (Folate, Folacin or B-9) is known to reduce the risk of certain birth defects in offspring. Furthermore, adequate folate, along with vitamin B-6 and vitamin B12, are necessary to keep homocysteine levels low (see B-6 above). Good natural sources of folic acid include dark green leafy vegetables and oranges. Because folic acid is added to enriched grains and some other foods, most people get sufficient folic acid from their diet. Nonetheless, supplements are generally recommended for women who are pregnant or may soon become pregnant.
B-12 deficiency can cause anemia, and, if the deficiency is severe enough, irreversible nerve damage may occur. B-12 is also required, along with folate and B-6,to maintain low homocysteine levels. However, true deficiency of this vitamin is rare. Vitamin B-12 is found in abundant quantity in meat, dairy products and eggs, and the body can store enough B-12 to last for years. Note, though, that B-12 is not found at useful levels in any purely plant-based substance. For this reason, total vegetarians (vegans) need to take a B-12 supplement. Deficiency might also occur in people with low stomach acidity, such as seniors or those taking drugs that reduce stomach acid (such as Prilosec or Zantac). The reason is that stomach acid is required to separate B-12 from the proteins in which it is naturally found. People with low stomach acid can still absorb the purified B-12 found in supplements.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for healthy blood vessel walls, gums, and bones. It is also a strong antioxidant. Vitamin C is found in many vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well citrus and other fruits, so that a healthful diet should allow one to meet the RDA.

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) helps the body absorb calcium to promote strong bones and teeth. It can be obtained in sufficient amounts from fortified milks and foods and from exposure to sunlight. However, people who live in northern climates may easily become vitamin D deficient during the winter, especially if they are dark-skinned. Also, increased concern about skin cancer has caused people to avoid the sun, and this creates a potential risk of reduced vitamin D. There is some evidence that inadequate vitamin D intake can lead to an increased risk of various forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant. Most diets provide enough vitamin E to meet RDAs as it is easily obtained from food sources such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetable oils, and the fatty part of meats.

Vitamin K plays a central role in blood clotting as well as bone formation. Foods, such as green leafy vegetables, can provide sufficient amounts, and intestinal bacteria also produce vitamin K. True deficiency is rare; however, there is some evidence that vitamin K supplements at doses higher than nutritional needs may help fight osteoporosis.

Minerals and Other Ingredients
Calcium: While critical for strong bones and teeth, calcium is a very bulky material and most multis therefore do not contain the total recommended daily intake amount in a tablet, as it might make the tablet too large. Consequently, people should consider getting their calcium from a separate calcium supplement or fortified food or beverage.
Chromium plays a role in the body's regulation of blood sugar. Chromium is found in liver and whole-wheat products.
Copper is necessary for proper development of connective tissue, nerve coverings, and skin pigment. Copper is found in foods such as organ meats, oysters, nuts, and seeds and can be obtained in sufficient quantity from a good diet.
Iodine is needed for making thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism (low thyroid). However, iodine deficiency is uncommon in the developed world, and too much iodine can also cause hypothyroidism! Seafood and seaweeds provide iodine. In addition most table salt is now iodized and represents a good dietary source of iodine.
Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia. Deficiency is most common in menstruating woman and is also seen in some children and pregnant women. Adult men are seldom deficient in iron, and many multivitamins for adult men specifically leave out iron, because there are concerns that excess iron intake might increase risk of heart disease. Meat, poultry and fish are rich in iron. Dried fruits, grains and green leafy vegetables are also good sources, although iron from plant sources is absorbed only half as well as that from animal sources.
Magnesium assists metabolism and the nervous system. There is some controversy regarding whether marginal magnesium deficiency is a rare or a common occurrence. Whole grains, nuts and beans are good sources of magnesium.
Manganese is involved in bone formation and metabolism. Nuts, legumes, tea, and whole grains are rich sources of manganese and can provide adequate amounts.
Molybdenum is a constituent of various enzymes in the body and can be obtained from legumes, grain products, and nuts in the diet.
Selenium is used by the body in it its antioxidant system. There is some preliminary evidence that selenium supplements may help prevent certain forms of cancer, but this benefit appears to be limited to those who are deficient in the mineral, and deficiency is thought to be relatively uncommon in the developed world. Foods containing selenium include nuts, wheat germ, whole wheat, and orange juice.
Zinc plays a role in brain function, wound healing, and sperm production. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc and it is naturally abundant in red meats, certain seafood, and whole grains. However, mild zinc deficiency is thought to be fairly common.


Too Much Folic Acid in a Vitamin Water
Glaceau Vitamin Water Multi-V, one of three vitamin waters selected, contained fifteen times of its claimed amount of folic acid. Although the label notes that there are 2.5 servings per bottle, ConsumerLab.com cautioned that drinking one bottle would provide 1,500 mcg of folic acid – an amount over the upper tolerable level for adults. Children should not get more than 300 to 600 mcg of folic acid per day – the amount in less than half a bottle of this product.

Men Are From Mars: Neuroscientists Find That Men And Women Respond Differently To Stress

This is an interesting and very informative article about how men and women respond to stress:


Functional magnetic resonance imaging of men and women under stress showed neuroscientists how their brains differed in response to stressful situations. In men, increased blood flow to the left orbitofrontal cortex suggested activation of the "fight or flight" response. In women, stress activated the limbic system, which is associated with emotional responses.

There are many books and movies that highlight the psychological differences between men and women -- Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, for example; but now, neurologists say they have brain images that prove male and female brains do work differently -- at least under stress.

Same species, different genders … And now, a new high-tech scientific study reveals the differences between men and women may really start at the top. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used a high-tech imaging method to scan the brains of 16 men and 16 women. The subjects were placed inside a functional magnetic resonance imaging machine, or fMRI.

"Using this state-of-the art-functional magnetic resonance imaging technique, we try to directly visualize what the human brain does during stress," Jiongjiong Wang, Ph.D., a research assistant professor of radiology and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, told Ivanhoe.

Researchers then purposely induced moderate performance stress by asking the men and women to count backward by 13, starting at 1,600. Researchers monitored the subject's heart rate. They also measured the blood flow to the brain and checked for cortisol, a stress hormone.

When the scans were completed, neuroscientists consistently found differences between the men's stressed-out brains and the women's. Men responded with increased blood flow to the right prefrontal cortex, responsible for "fight or flight." Women had increased blood flow to the limbic system, which is also associated with a more nurturing and friendly response.

Doctors say this information may someday lead to a screening process for mood disorders. "In the future, when physicians treat patients -- especially depression, PTSD -- they need to take this into account that really, gender matters," Dr. Wang explains.

Other experts caution that hormones, genetics and environmental factors may influence these results, bringing to light yet another difference between men and women. Neuroscientists say the changes in the brain during stress response also lasted longer in women.

WHAT IS MRI? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than X-rays to take clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. MRI uses this technology to identify regions of the brain where blood vessels are expanding, chemical changes are taking place, or extra oxygen is being delivered.

These are indications that a particular part of the brain is processing information and giving commands to the body. As a patient performs a particular task, the metabolism will increase in the brain area responsible for that task, changing the signal in the MRI image. So by performing specific tasks that correspond to different functions, scientists can locate the part of the brain that governs that function.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT: Certain events act as "stressors," triggering the nervous system to produce hormones to respond to the perceived danger. Specifically, the adrenal glands produce more adrenaline and cortisol, releasing them into the bloodstream. This speeds up heart and breathing rates, and increases blood pressure and metabolism. These and other physical changes help us to react quickly and effectively under pressure.

This is known as the "stress response," or more commonly, as the "fight or flight response." But if even low levels of stress go on too long, it can be detrimental to one's health. The nervous system remains slightly activated and continues to pump out extra stress hormones over an extended period, leaving the person feeling depleted or overwhelmed, and weakening the body's immune system.

STRESS-REDUCING TIPS: There are several easy, practical things people can do to reduce the amount of stress in their lives. (1) Be realistic and don't try to be perfect, or expect others to be so. (2) Don't over-schedule; cut out an activity or two when you start to feel overwhelmed. (3) Get a good night's sleep. (4) Get regular exercise to manage stress -- just not excessive or compulsive exercise -- and follow a healthy diet. (5) Learn to relax by building time into your schedule for reading or a nice long bath.