Featured in this month's issue:

1. HEALTH BYTES:
Facts and Tips for Better Living!

2. THE HERBAL CORNER: Calendula (Marigold) -
"Fights Skin Problems, Fungus, and Pain"

3. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH:
Frosty Strawberry Pie

5. PRODUCTS-OF-THE-MONTH:
Somazyme - Active Enzymes - Youthfulness and Boost Immunity
Xtra Antioxidants - Boosts immune system function

6. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS
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1. HEALTH BYTES - Facts and Tips for Better Living
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TIPS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES --
With the widespread concern over health issues from mosquitos and other insect bites, insect repellent sales have increased dramatically. Essential oils are rapidly becoming the chosen method for a natural repellent.

While many people are still using commercial brands that contain Deet, it is wise to remember that there has been thousands of reported cases of poisoning from chemical repellents. Many of those cases occurred in young children. Some people can use Deet products without any apparent problem and others find it toxic to their system. It can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream within a short time creating side effects that range from mild to critical. So, if you use it, use it with great care. It should contain no more than 10% Deet for use on children.

Citronella, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemon grass and Peppermint are some of the ingredients found in natural repellents. Basil herb plants have also been reported as good natural repellent not only for mosquitos, but flies as well! Use it often and remember that the strength of it is in that wonderful smell.

FACE LIFT UPDATE --
Tiny, flexible tubing can now be used to fill in and plump up deep facial wrinkles. The hollow tubing, which is called SoftForm, has been used for years to repair hernias. Doctors can insert it under local anesthesia, and it is easy to remove, if necessary.

Better still, age with grace and be careful with the tender skin areas on the face - especially the eyes and don't rub too hard. As you age, skin looses moisture and elasticity and needs a little extra care. Particular vitamins and minerals are a part of any good skin care regimen and that helps replenish vital nutrients. Environmental toxins, smoking and especially rays from the sun can damage skin cells. Pamper yourself with some natural creams to soften and moisturize and don't forget those vitamins! You will be amazed what a little care can do for you looks!
Suggested Skin Care products (the pages are very educational):
http://www.theolivebranch.com/msm.htm
http://www.theolivebranch.com/fy.htm

WATER SUPPLY on High Terror Alert!
July 15, 2002 (NY Post)

Documents captured from terror master Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda lieutenants in Afghanistan reveal that water treatment plants are high on the list of terror targets, Time Magazine reports.
More information on this water news report:
http://www.theolivebranch.com/water/alert.htm

BE GOOD TO YOUR GUMS --
Left unchecked, gum disease is more than a mouth problem. It is closely associated with the risk of other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and premature birth. Follow this gum protection plan: Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and have a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. Using an antimicrobial (bacteria-fighting) mouthwash may also help. Choose one that has natural ingredients for the healthiest protection.

Tea Tree is an excellent ingredient included in some toothpaste. Maintaining good levels of CO-Q-10, Vitamin C and Calcium is very supportive of gum and tooth health.

Suggested Educational Product pages:
Toothpaste - http://www.theolivebranch.com/teatree.htm
Supplement - http://www.theolivebranch.com/coq10.htm
Vitamin C - http://www.theolivebranch.com/vita-c.htm
Calcium - http://www.theolivebranch.com/calmag.htm

SHAPE UP FOR GOLF -- It is warm, so the golf courses are busy. Some golfers may be in shape now, but others need to remember that stretching before the tee-off can prevent a host of injuries.

Here is how to stretch beforehand: First, warm-up your muscles by walking. Then, try holding three clubs together and swing them very slowly through your full range of motion. Do this a few times. For those who are facing the season unprepared, take a tip from Tiger Woods: Spend some time in the weight room. Strengthen muscles in the back, shoulders, chest and other major muscle groups including the abdomen and legs.

PICK THE PERFECT SUNGLASSES --
Almost everyone wears and enjoys sunglasses, regardless of age, race or gender. But are your sunglasses protecting your eyesight from potential harm? The sun emits both UVA and UVB radiation, year-round, and on both sunny and cloudy days. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, and they can harm your eyes as well. Just 30 extra minutes of UVB exposure per year can boost your risk of developing cataracts, a painless condition that causes blurred vision, by about 10 percent. New research indicates that UVA rays can be dangerous as well, linking them with malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Everyone, regardless of age, race or sex, is vulnerable to developing cataracts, even from minimal exposure to the sun. People from all walks of life should seek broad-spectrum protection from their eyewear.

THE RISK OF ROMANCING NUT EATERS --
People with nut allergies should be careful whom they kiss. A new study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" says that one in five people who are allergic to nuts developed itchiness and swelling after they kissed people who had eaten nuts within six hours of the smooch. Although most of the reactions were mild, in one case a kiss on the cheek of a 3-year-old boy sent him to the emergency room. Four people had reactions even after their partner had brushed his or her teeth, according to researchers.
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2. THE HERBAL CORNER - Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Fights Skin Problems, Fungus, Pain, & More!
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The Calendula plant, also commonly known as Marigold, is known for its pain relief, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Known uses: Skin problems, wounds, rashes, chapped hands, bedsores, infections, skin conditioner, inflammation of the mouth and throat, leg ulcers, dry or chapped skin, and athlete's foot and other forms of fungus, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
More - http://www.theolivebranch.com/herbs/calendul.htm
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3. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Q & A #1: Would you please explain to me a little about what enzymes are?

Enzymes are something that we have all heard of, but most of us do not really know a lot about. Enzymes are specialized protein molecules that are produced by the body and are necessary for biological processes. They regulate the functions of an organism by aiding with metabolism, growth, and development. We have all heard of people who are "lactose-intolerant," meaning that their bodies do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly metabolize the lactose in milk.

In recent cancer research, it has been discovered that two sets of enzymes help to eliminate carcinogens from the body. These are known as Phase-1 and Phase-2 enzymes. The phase-1 enzymes break the carcinogens into smaller pieces and the phase-2 enzymes bind with the fragments and eliminate them from the body. If the carcinogen is not properly eliminated by the enzymes, it could bind to a strand of DNA and alter the genes that control its growth. When that happens, the cell grows abnormally and it generates new cells that grow the same way. It is possible that these new abnormal cells could eventually become cancerous.

Other enzymes, specifically bromelain, which is an enzyme found in pineapples (and Somazyme - see our Product-of-the-Month below), is an effective treatment for severe bruises and hematomas. It promotes healing of injured tissues. Digestive enzyme supplements aid the digestive system to break down substances in foods that leads to gas and discomfort, which is a common complaint. A diet rich in vegetables, especially broccoli, cauliflower, and other dark, leafy greens is beneficial because they contain a chemical called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane boosts the production of phase-2 enzymes in the body's fight against carcinogens. However, not many people eat an overly large amount of these vegetables.

Another information site on Enzymes:
http://www.theolivebranch.com/enzymes.htm

Q & A #3: Recently I read that products with psyllium might block my body's absorption of essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. ...... Is that true?

Numerous studies in medical literature have shown that regular, normal use of psyllium fiber (a primary ingredient in bulk laxatives) does not interfere with absorption of vitamins and minerals. A study published in the "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society," for example, found that typical doses of such products did not significantly alter calcium absorption in a group of older women.

Educational Product page - for more on fiber importance
http://www.theolivebranch.com/colon.htm

Q & A #4: My son takes Ritalin because he suffers from attention deficit disorder. I am afraid the Ritalin is going to stunt his growth. .......Should I be worried?

There are some studies that suggest Ritalin does stunt growth but only if it is used every day. The medical data clearly show that if a child only takes it in the morning five days a week, Ritalin will not stunt his growth. According to those studies, the kids who take it for seven days a week could be headed for trouble. Consider working with your doctor on some good alternatives.

Q & A #5: Can you suggest some ways to fight the effects of jet lag?

Yes, the following recommendations can help you deal with jet lag:

• Avoid or go easy on alcohol and caffeine - it can disrupt sleep patterns.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent the unpleasant effects of dehydration.
• Avoid Heavy meals - it can interfere with a good night's sleep.
• On night flights, use a sleep mask, wrap-around dark glasses, neck pillow, blanket, or any device that may help you get a little more shuteye. Stretch out if you can.
• Eastbound: Go to bed 1 hour earlier and get up one hour earlier for three days before a long eastward trip.
• Westbound: Go to bed 1 hour later and get up one hour later for 3 days.
• When you land in the new time zone, reschedule eating and sleeping times.
• Expose yourself to daylight after a long trip - avoiding sunburn risk, or course.
• Good nutrition day in and day out plus plenty of exercise contributes to your ability to deal with jet lag.
• The natural bodily hormone, melatonin, helps to maintain your circadian rhythms for natural sleep patterns.

Source of melatonin: http://www.theolivebranch.com/somniset.htm
Basic Nutrition:

http://www.theolivebranch.com/bioveggi.htm - Tablet

http://www.theolivebranch.com/biobasic.htm - Powder
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4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH
Frosty Strawberry Pie
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A very yummy summer treat that you can garnish with whipped cream(or non-dairy) and walnut halves.
Recipe here - http://www.theolivebranch.com/recipes/strawpie.htm
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5. PRODUCTS-OF-THE-MONTH
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SOMAZYME - Active Enzymes For the Whole Body
Fights Aging, Improves Digestion, and Boosts Immune System!

SOMAZYME is an exclusive product produced only by Life Plus It provides a wide variety of the enzymes that support the breaking down of many of the larger molecules throughout the body, especially in the blood stream, permitting them to be metabolized in a healthy way.

These active enzymes fight aging and free radicals, support the immune system and the natural, healthy function of the pancreas. These enzymes have been cold-processed, to give you the maximum effectiveness to the body. It is combined in a PhytoZyme - http://www.theolivebranch.com/phyto.htm base of special herbs and other plant enzymes for bioavailability.
More Information - http://www.theolivebranch.com/somazyme.htm
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XTRA ANTIOXIDANTS - Premium-quality, broad-spectrum antioxidant with protector nutrients, including vitamins C, A, E, and other potent, free-radical fighting polyphenols and flavonoids. Xtra Antioxidants can improve wellness, fight against certain diseases, and boost immune system function.
More Information - http://www.theolivebranch.com/antiox.htm
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6. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS:

We have several Special Editions that we issued on particular Health Issues or on Complimentary/Alternative Botanicals. You can view them from the following index:
http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/special.htm

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We are always happy to correspond with our subscribers. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

If you should decide to try any of the Life Plus products, we hope you will allow us to be your distributor.

Be Healthy,

The Culbreths

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Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.