#NHBPM Nov 19th "Best of" post

Ok, so I just decided that I'm using one of my "pass" cards on the November 18th blog post. It was supposed to be "A Comment as a Blog Post" but I just don't feel motivated to do that right now... I have so many things to do, I just may explode.

For the "Best of" post, I'm rebloging a post that I had on my old blog host, foodallergytalk.blogspot.com. It's regarding a new direction I'm taking with FoodAllergyTalk--I want to target universities and colleges around the world to create an international level of support for young adults pursuing higher education. Please read below and contact me if you are interested! Anyone can do it--I help you!

High school or college student? Help us go International!!

FoodAllergyTalk is partaking in a HUGE CHANGE that is going to blow you away! If you're currently in high school or college, then I'm looking at YOU!

"FoodAllergyTalk.com has been through many changes over the past 7+ years since I've been working on it-starting when I was in middle school. Please allow me to introduce to you our next mission!

FoodAllergyTalk is the one and only online international support group that is dedicated towards working with Universities and High school students across the U.S. and around the world to create chapters and clubs, which act as support and awareness groups for students in high school and college. These groups are created through FoodAllergyTalk, and together we will form an original, collective international level of support for teens and young adults. "

-Read more!!

Visit our homepage (or http://www.foodallergytalk.com/startachapterclub.htm) for the new announcement as FoodAllergyTalk embarks on an INTERNATIONAL mission!!!Email me with any questions, and if you're interested in starting a club or chapter at YOUR school!

RAN BY STUDENTS | FOR STUDENTS | PREPARING FOR OUR FUTURE
-Andrea

#NHBPM Nov. 17th Let it Be.

Something that bothers me is when people fail to see the positive side of life. I'm sitting there listening to people talk about a problem or situation, but there are always positive ways to view things. It's hard to have this ability to turn things around, and I can usually point out things, but sometimes people would rather sulk in the problem/issue and dismiss the positive outcomes that result from the situation.

It's not that big of a deal for me, but it does bother me sometimes. From past experience, I've learned to let people just think/do what they want. I can't change their idea/perception and it's not always worth my energy to try and change someone else's viewpoint. As long as you think positive, you will surround yourself with positive people!

Namaste,
Andrea Garza

#NHBPM Nov. 16th Little Engine Post

I think I can make a difference in the community
I think I can help others transition into the allergy-free living
I think I can have an impact on our reasoning for the rise in food allergies
I think I can provide others with helpful, useful, and relevant information regarding everything it takes to live happy and healthy with allergies!
I think I can make an impact on obesity rates in America
I think I can be an effective health advocate
I think I can improve the lives of others for the better
I think I can form meaningful connections with others in the allergy community
I think I can approach allergies in an innovative way
I think I can stay focused, open minded, and strong-willed in the tasks that I take on
I know I can be the change
I know I can improve the lives of others
I know I can fulfill my dream of becoming a Naturopathic
I know I will be a leading health advocate and Naturopathic Doctor

FoodAllergyTalk Featured in an article by Kelsey Miller

I would like to send a HUGE thank you to Kelsey Miller for writing this amazing article! She did a really great! A must-read :)

-Andrea
-----------------------------------

Kelsey Miller

Trend Story

There’s no twelve-step plan. No guided relaxation or spiritual connection, and rarely a tearful testimony. But there is cake.

Gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and dairy-free cake, that is.
As combination support and social groups, college and university students with food allergies are forming new clubs to share their experiences, lobby for change and exchange stories over allergen-free treats.

At schools such as Utah State, Northern Illinois University and the University of Oregon, students are aiming to improve the lives of those living with food allergies by creating these unique clubs, showing equal amounts of support and activism.

Though college and university dining halls have made improvements in their allergen-free practices, there are still flaws and limits in the system, students say. Clubs work with their school’s dining services to introduce more allergen-free options on and off campus. But this cannot happen without awareness, club leaders say, and students aim to help others realize the prevalence of the issue and the unique difficulties accompanying it.

Isabel Reckson, a junior University of Maryland student, has learned to manage her food allergy, but it was hard at first, especially when she faced the dining halls and late-night junk food of college life.
“I was diagnosed with Celiac disease a week before starting at school,” Reckson said, learning she had a gluten intolerance where wheat, rye, barley, oats and malt can degenerate the lining of her small intestine. “One of my main concerns was that I was never going to be able to eat bagels and pasta again. I started to freak out,” she said.

After the initial shock, Reckson began finding gluten-free options at home. The true struggles, however, began when she walked into the dining hall, unsure of what was safe to eat.
“It was a really hard adjustment because freshmen are forced to have meal plans,” she said. “I was still learning what was okay and what wasn't.”

More than 15 million Americans have food allergies, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. This number is on the rise, as a 2008 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18 percent increase in food allergies between 1997 and 2007.

Jane Jakubczak has been the campus dietician for the University of Maryland for 10 years. She has seen an increase in students seeking her guidance for food allergies and intolerances to dairy, nuts, seafood or other ingredients.

A food allergy is defined as when the body creates antibodies against a food component, Jakubczak said. The result could be as mild as hives or a much more severe reaction, “as if the body is turning against itself,” she said.

Students with intolerances, however, are merely sensitive to particular irritants. Some even omit certain ingredients from their diets for religious, moral or other health reasons. This can be equally difficult, Jakubczak said.

“I let them know what nutrients will be absent from their diet,” she said. “You can’t just drop a food, you have to replace it.”

For most, this delicate balance is hard to maintain on their own and Andrea Garza, a junior at Arizona State University began as most do – searching the Internet.

Garza was in middle school when she was diagnosed with allergies to gluten, milk, eggs, corn, soy, peanuts, tree-nuts, garlic and other foods. After doing research on her own, she realized the need to create a forum where those with allergies could find resources and information. In the 8^th grade, Garza started FoodAllergyTalk.com.

“I wanted to localize all of the research and information I was having to track down to provide others with a one-stop website with all the information they would need,” Garza said.

When Garza entered her freshman year at Arizona State, she knew she wanted to start a club to give her online outlet a personal touch.

“I had to help people face to face,” she said. Garza founded her school’s Food Allergy Talk club that year.

Reckson also noticed the need to centralize information and provide support for those experiencing the same diificulties as her. This fall, she founded the University of Maryland’s Food Allergy Awareness Club.

“A lot of students have food allergies and the number is increasing,” she said. “I thought it would be nice for students to get together, so people can talk about their own experiences.”

Reckson is working to gain membership. At meetings, she makes allergen-free food and sets the chairs up in a circle, support-group style.

“Club members have the opportunity to meet students who have the same struggles as them,” Reckson said. “We want to help them learn the easiest and best ways to be gluten-free, dairy-free, whatever-free on a college campus.”

Students at Arizona State’s Food Allergy Talk begin by going around the room discussing recent experiences or concerns. The group then changes course, switching back to the social club format. Members discuss fundraising and events they are hosting, including an upcoming Health and Allergy Expo and Food Allergy Walk, Garza said.

Not all members have food allergies, and some students are just there to show support.
“It takes everyone to help those with food allergies, including family, friends, coworkers.” Garza said. “It means a lot to have a loved one with no allergies offer their time to learn about them.”

Though meetings are often social opportunities to chat with fellow students, club leaders emphasize their desire to raise awareness for a serious issue.

“We want people to understand we are not simply being difficult or picky,” Chelsey Lavere, a member of Ithaca College’s Food Allergy Awareness Club, said. “For some of us, if our dietary needs are not met it is risking our health and can even be a matter of life and death.”

“When people with food allergies consume something they can't, it can lead to serious health risks, sometimes anaphylactic shock,” Reckson added. Cross-contamination of ingredients and incorrect labeling can also be dangerous, she said.

Overall, clubs hope to make it easier for students living with food allergies, whether its through sharing tips or lobbying for safer dining halls.

“We hope to continue to expand our club and achieve dietary equality so everyone can feel comfortable eating on campus despite their needs,” Lavere said. “We act as advocates and supporters for each other. And [we] are almost always eating allergy friendly foods.”

Jakubczak feels clubs such as these are a great resource for students living with food allergies.
“Peer education is powerful,” she said. “[These clubs] show the university and administration that this is an important issue to students. There’s power in numbers and that can create change.”

Sources:
Isabel Reckson, ireckson@gmail.com, 201-563-2906
Andrea Garza, amgarza2@asu.edu 480-343-5036
Chelsey Lavere, icfaac@gmail.com 315-456-8122
Jane Jakubczak, 301-314-8149

#NHBPM Nov 15th This One's for you, Baby

My song dedication to food allergies would have to be "New Soul" by Yael Naim.

When you're diagnosed, especially to major foods like wheat and gluten, it is a total shock. From that point on, you're living in a new world. You have to figure out what you can and cannot eat... and maybe learn about foods and information that you had no idea about. You literally are in a new world--a new soul.

-Andrea Garza

#NHBM Nov. 14th Eleveator Blog

30 second pitch:

Hello! My name is Andrea Garza and I created FoodAllergyTalk.com back in middle school after being diagnosed with allergies to wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, corn, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, garlic, and more! With all of the research my mom and I were doing, I decided to centralize that information on a website! I also created the FoodAllergyTalk [ASU] club to help people in person, and especially focus on college living with allergies.

1-2 minute pitch:
Hello! My name is Andrea Garza and I created FoodAllergyTalk.com back in middle school after being diagnosed with allergies to wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, corn, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, garlic, and more! With all of the research my mom and I were doing, I decided to centralize that information on a website! I also created the FoodAllergyTalk [ASU] club to help people in person, and especially focus on college living with allergies.

I am the logistics chair for the Walk for Food Allergy in Arizona--we had over 700 people attend in 2010 and raised more than $40,000! My vision is to provide up to date information about allergies, raise awareness in the community and at Universities across the country. University awareness has become a strong interest for me since I am currently attending ASU. My goal is to have clubs initiated at Universities across the world that all have the title "FoodAllergyTalk [Univ]" with their university letters in the brackets. All of these clubs would be supported by FoodAllergyTalk.com and provided information to help found the club, tips on forming club goals, how to raise awareness in that community, etc. There is nothing like this for the food allergy community, and I think it will be a vital safety net to have across the board. I know that it would make me feel better to have a group to talk to as an incoming freshman with food allergies! Eating in the dining halls, or deciding whether or not that can be a safe option, can be tricky and a hard decision. Talking to others who have been through it is extremely helpful and helps lessen the burden of transitioning into college life.

-Andrea Garza

TED Talk: "Mark Bittman on what's wrong with what we eat"

The most surprising realization for me while watching this video, was the statement that "experts who are serious about disease reduction recommend that adults eat just over half a pound of meat PER WEEK." We eat about 1/2lb PER DAY. "The most common argument is that we need nutrients. Even though we eat on average twice as much protein as even the industry-obsessed USDA recommends." "We don't eat animal products for sufficient nutrition. We eat them to have an odd form of malnutrition, and it's killing us."

If we could just reduce our meat consumption by 50%... that would be a great start, says Mark.
We need to eat more vegetables! This will  provide us with a healthier balance of nutrition and health! It just makes sense to "eat real food," and there is so much research supporting this! We know we should. BUT WHY AREN'T WE? It's your body, your health. Choose the path of nutrition and live a healthy lifestyle. It won't be easy, especially since society is not set up to support it... but it will be rewarding.

Do it for you, do it for your kids, and do it for our planet and the future.

"The main issue regarding global survival is the "overproduction and over consumption of meat and junkfood." -Mark Bittman

Source: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talk/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wrong_with_what_we_eat.html

Arm Allergy Testing-- FREE, and easy to do.

Have you heard of the "Allergy Arm Test?" My Naturopathic Doctor introduced this to me as her patient (Dr. Orona). My family and I still use this to test things quickly on our own. It's extremely easy, fast, and very helpful! Of course the medical community has not endoreed it, and does not recommend it, because they would lose a lot of money from it if everyone only used it!

I will admit, it is a little hard to wrap your head around... but from experience I can tell you that it works. I don't recommend using this as your ONLY source of "testing," however. You should get tested by a medical or Naturopathic/holistic doctor. I would say to use this more as a tool that you can pull out when you're in need of a quick answer. Don't take it for definite (especially if you suffer from SEVERE reactions!!!) but use at your own risk and with you and your doctor's best judgement.
I borrowed the description of how to perform the test from this website--she does a great job of explaining!

"So, this is the technique. At first you will need a partner to do this. Hold the suspected substance (food, cleaning products, toiletries, etc) in one hand while you hold your other arm straight out in front of you or straight out to the side.

You need to hold your fist like you are carrying a bucket, horizontally, so you use the muscle at the top of your arm. Do not hold your fist vertically as if you are carrying a pitcher. This will use the wrong muscle (your bicep) to hold up your arm.

To test the substance, have your partner push down on your arm. If you are unable to hold your arm up with a reasonable amount of pressure pushing your arm down (a child can do the pushing), this substance is not good for your body, for some reason or another. It may be that your body can't digest it, or it makes your blood sugar go crazy, or it is toxic. You may not know the reason, but you will know you should stay away from this substance."

Source: http://www.fibromyalgiahope.com/allergy-testing.html

This process utilizes your body's energy field. For me, it is completely obvious when a food I'm holding IS an allergy. My arm goes down so fast, and no matter what I can't hold it up. That's when you can be sure the food/item you're holding reacts negatively with your body's energy field, and you should stay away from it.

If you find this interesting, I recommend looking into the NEAT Allergy test. "Natural Elimination of Allergy Treatment," is the only treatment that I'm aware of that actually works to TREAT the allergies (food, environmental, and chemical). Check out this website for more information about how the treatment works! http://www.naturodoc.com/library/allergies/NEAT.htm
via Allergy Testing.

Namaste.
Andrea Garza

#NHBPM Nov 13th Open a Book

"Big shots are only little shots that keep shooting." -Christopher Morley

That's what I pointed to when I randomly opened "The Finish Line. Insights and inspirations that will take you there" by TheCubanGuy.com book that I had sitting on my desk. It's easy to say that people who have achieved success have only got there for various means, such as having money, their family helped them, they had connections, etc. We often think that we are not able to achieve what that person has, because we don't have exactly what they have. They had the resources--and we may result to thinking that we don't, and thus can't achieve the same. In my opinion, that is WRONG. Don't think that way! Yes, of course every single person has something that you don't have. People have access to different things. But there is one thing that no one else has- and that is your unique experiences, lifestyle, characteristics, and goals. You are a unique person of beautiful creation, and you can achieve whatever you have in mind.

They key is to NOT get bogged down on what others have, what you don't have, or things you "could have" or "should have" done. That will kill you and your dreams! You have to go with what you do have. Because that's what is the special key that will allow you to reach your goals in life. No matter what, you have to keep shooting. Don't let air ball, that could have won the game, lead you to quit basketball. If we always gave up things that were difficult, or that didn't go our way, then our world would be sadly deprived of many amazing people, inventions, and ideas. Not only that, but you will never know what potential you held! If you feel that you need to keep trying for something, then you NEED to keep going for it. If you think I'm being too emotional right now, then sorry, but I 100% agree in what I"m telling you. If you decide to take it as value, then you will be the one to benefit. It's hard sometimes, and I am fully aware of that. I can't even begin to tell you HOW many times I've been pushed down. But, I always get back up. I come back with determination to beat whatever it is that made me fall. I always remember, that because I always get back up and keep fighting, is why I am where I am today. I recognize myself for that, and you should too. I always think, if I were anyone else, they would have given up a long time ago. I've been through a lot. But I keep going. Because I know what I want to do in life. I WILL be a Naturopathic Doctor. There is no doubt in my mind, no matter what anyone else says. I will do something that changes society I will bring revolutionary ideas to the health and medical community. That's a given for me. I don't know exactly how, but that doesn't matter. As long as I know they will happen, they will. And because I made that decision-it will happen. It's unimportant to ponder how. Just know.

That's how strongly you should believe in yourself, and in your goals! So get out there, find what drives you, set goals, and work towards achieving them! Set your mind to it, keep making the small shots, even when you keep missing. You'll get them eventually, and that's when the magic happens!

Namaste,
Andrea Garza

Is the CDC Deliberately Hiding the Truth about the Link between Autism and Mercury in Vaccines? | Welcome to the Alliance for Natural Health - USA

Is the CDC Deliberately Hiding the Truth about the Link between Autism and Mercury in Vaccines? | Welcome to the Alliance for Natural Health - USA.

I've heard of this before, but now it seems some major people have been "caught" in their own traps. This article is very interesting, to say the least! Definitely something work checking into, and following!

Enjoy,
Andrea Garza

#NHBPM Nov 12th Teach a Class

One thing I can effectively teach a class about it food allergies (that's a given!) but you may not know that I'm also very passionate about GMO, organic, the use of pesticides and additives. I think it is important to not only look at allergies in isolation--especially when there is growing evidence between allergies, asthma, ADHD, etc. We know that our health is extremely interconnected with more than just one or two variables at a time. My class will help its students realize that we must look at health holistically. Our bodies are not isolated, but rather everything that we come in contact with influences our chemistry in some way or another. It is important to remember this throughout the course of this class.

Your first assignment? read a book by Dorris Rapp. Preferably "Is this your child's world?" or "Our Toxic World."

Both of these books are relatively cheap online... ESPECIALLY compared to typical college textbooks! Take it from me :)

I've actually read most of these two books- my mom bought them a long time ago when we were both doing research about allergies and environmental health issues. You will be VERY surprised about what you read in these books!!! I highly recommend reading them.

The first day of my class, I would ask the class questions regarding health, allergies, chemicals, pesticides, etc. I would test your knowledge to see exactly what you know, and what impressions the general public has about such matters. It would be a Socratic seminar of sorts, to make you think about the world we live in, and things that we often take for granted, and never really question because it is so common for us now.

In the future days of the course, I will present lectures regarding food allergies, environmental allergies, the use of pesticides, GMO, as well as diet and health topics. What do you know about our current diet? There are many surprises I can throw at you... including the obesity epidemic--one of my growing passions. Just take a look at the obesity rates mapped out by this diagram-- I was on the verge of tears when I first saw it. Just imagine how much more severe this will become in the coming years if we do not take SERIOUS action!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW!

It is truly a depressing topic, but one that MUST be addressed--and action has to be taken. We will spend an entire lecture talking about obesity, and we will spend another lecture coming up with hypotheses for the rising obesity rates, why we have not done anything to correct it, why it is still rising although we know what we need to do to correct it (heat healthier, exercise more, and consume less calories per day). Is there a program you can come up with to implement, that would help others take control of their health? We will also discuss the links between the American Diet and rising diabetes and cancer rates. To discuss this, you will be required to read "The China Study" beforehand.

My lecute will be very hands-on, stimulating, and participation will be a large requirement. Our class is not merely for instruction, but for the facilitation of personal thinking, critical thinking, as well as allowing you to see the importance of advocacy as well as taking action about topics that are extremely important and relevant to health and the future of the human species.

Thank you!

Andrea Garza

#NHBPM Nov 11th If it's not broke, don't fix it

It's easy to focus on the negative-- things that are not going well, what's bad in the world, things that people/government/institutions are doing wrong, and what simply isn't going the way it should be. It's good to take a step back, and to reflect on the things that are working. To look at the glass half full. :)
What is going great in your life right now?

I'm grateful for my family and friends, for the internet/technology/computers, for having wifi in my house... for having a home, for being able to make a blog expressing my opinions, observations, and research. I'm thankful for attending ASU and the Honors College, for having unlimited opportunities, for a strong work ethic and drive for my passions. For people who support me and my ideas. The list goes on!

What are you thankful for? Please leave your response in the comments below!

More specifically focusing on today's NHBPM prompt... I think the fact that anyone can create a blog and begin writing about their passions is completely perfect. I don't ever want that to change. I think the feasibility of having all sorts of information is important in creative thinking. That's what it takes to think outside the box sometimes. It's always important to consider reliability, but when people can share their experiences and conclusions--that's priceless and should not ever be "fixed," because there's nothing broken!
Stay creative.

-Andrea Garza

Goodbye Blogger, Hello Wordpress

Woah, I'm back! Yea... I'm not too happy with Blogger right now! If you've tried to visit in the past month or so...the domain name didn't work anymore. Why? Because the Blogger bots thought my blog was spam.

Sure, I know technology is not completely perfect all the time, and even computers can make mistakes...
But I was not happy with the amount of time, nor the unspecified and unclear process that was required to get my blog back up and running. It was at least several weeks before it was re-activated.

Since I'm trying to become a more avid blogger, I obviously couldn't just wait around and twiddle my thumbs.

So I started a new (version) of this blog with Wordpress. I will no longer be using Blogger, but this blog will remain active for however long Blogger lets it be.

I'm STILL BLOGGING! I just relocated to Wordpress. Please visit our new home!
http://foodallergytalk.wordpress.com/

Check the new blog frequently, because like I said, my goal is to become an "avid" health/allergy blogger. Since I'm currently a Junior at ASU, I'm still growing. I'm learning more and more interesting things, and learning how things are interlinked. Thus, my new blog may have more of focus on linking diet, health, nutrition, allergies, asthma, cancer, diabetes, etc. I'm on the verge of beginning my Barrett Honors Thesis... so you're going to want to stay tuned! Check back frequently, and join me on my very revealing journey.


-Andrea Garza
http://foodallergytalk.wordpress.com
FoodAllergyTalk.com