DO YOUR KIDS (OR YOU) DRINK SPORTS DRINKS?

Today's topic is one that is very rarely talked about but needs to be exposed to every parent out there.  Because it is a major factor in the declining health of our children and something which can be easily changed...

Not a day goes buy that I don't see a child drinking some sort of sport drink.  Usually, it's a Gatorade, but it can be Powerade or any number of others on the market.  And, if I don't see them drinking it, I see lots of blue and red mouths stained from drinking them.  It has become just part of life for most families to give their kids sports drinks, whether they are playing sports or not.  I was at a friends house about a month ago and the parents brought out a Gatorade for their 7 year old to have with dinner.  No, I didn't go into seizures...but, it really just drilled it into my head that this is an epidemic that needs to be dealt with now.  Let me explain...

Let's start with what exactly is a drink like Gatorade.  In the mid sixties, Gatorade was developed by scientists to help athletes at the University of Florida combat the heat.  They figured out that what they needed was electrolytes and carbohydrates infused in water to replace what they were losing in the searing heat.  Soon after adding this concoction (named after the Florida Gators) to their team, they started to turn around and win games, no longer being exhausted and dehydrated.

So, this drink was originally designed for elite college athletes subjected to extreme condition.  And, I have found nothing that states that the formula has significantly changed over time.  So, what is in this "wonder drink"?  Here is a list of the most common ingredients in typical Gatorade:

Water

Sucrose Syrup

Glucose-Fructose Syrup

Synthetic Dye

Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin

Caramel Color

Brominated Vegetable Oil

Sucrolose or Acesulfame K

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Calcium Chloride

Magnesium

Potassium

Which are the top ingredients that make up most of the drink besides water? 

Sugar...and lots of it.

But, what about the ones with no calories or that are sugar-free?

Aspertame...and lots of it.

In essence, Gatorade is really no different than eating a liquid candy bar or drinking a can of soda.  Now, back in the mid 60's, aspertame was not in use, so it was mainly sugar.  But, in an elite athlete playing in high heat conditions, this was the best way to help them perform.  It doesn't mean it was healthy or the long term affects were good either, but it gave them an immediate boost and helped them hydrate to play in the conditions they were in.

Now, re-look at that list of ingredients, think about what I said about a liquid candy bar in a bottle, and  think about whether this is something you want your children to drink...

Ok, so let me pose the next question most of you parents are now spew in at the screen...

"But there is nothing else to give my child when they play sports..."

"But, they won't drink anything else..."

"They need something when they play and it's better than nothing..."

Sound familiar to anyone?????

Well, let's go through the ingredients a bit and see if you still feel the same way:

1 - Sucrose syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, high fructose corn syrup:  Imagine taking about 10 teaspoons of sugar and giving it spoonful by spoonful directly into your child's mouth.  This is what your doing every time they drink a standard 20 oz Gatorade.  How many Gatorades does your child drink a week?

2 - FD and C  synthetic dye like Red 40, Blue 1 and 2, Yellow 5: Although these chemicals are known carcinogens and have been linked to ADHD and hyperactivity in children, banned in most countries in Europe and surrounding countries, the US refused to ban them and allows them to be used in everything from beverages, baked goods, cereal and candy.

3 - Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin - a food additive and emulsifier.   Does this sound like something anyone wants to ingest?

4 - Brominated Vegetable Oil - Emulsifier, banned in Europe and Japan, endocrine disruptor shown to cause reproductive and behavioral problems.

5 - Aspertame: In my opinion, one of the most dangerous chemicals ingested by human beings.  Linked to kidney tumors and believed to be carcinogenic.

6 - Calcium Chloride - used as an electrolyte, same form of calcium used to salt roads, as an additive in fire extinguishers and fabric softeners.

Shocked yet?  Rethinking whether this is something your children should be drinking?

So what's my alternative???

For right now, it is straight up water.  For flavor, squeeze a fresh lime or orange in it.  But, that's it.  There is no better drink out there.....yet.

There are a lot of problems with thinking that water is the answer.  Although it is probably the best answer, there are many obstacles in our society to that becoming a reality:

1 - Drinks like Gatorade are promoted by athletes and and rock stars, Poland Spring is not.

2 - Sports drinks are marketed with eye-catching colors and labels that scream "Drink me and be cool!!!"

3 - These same drinks are so sweet that when a child drinks them, an addiction is set up to that sugar.  And, as with any addict, the only way to fuel an addiction is to have more and more.

HOT DOGS ARE NOT A FOOD GROUP

So, in the office this week,  a little girl was telling me about her birthday party.  It was at xxxxxxx (name of the place has been protected!).  She proceeded to tell me about how great it was and that they had hot dogs and pizza and then cake, of course, for dessert.  Oh, it was just the best party ever!!!

Can you feel what's coming next?

If you can't, here it is:  Why do we feed our kids garbage?  Seriously, why is it ok to feed kids at a birthday party a cigar-shaped piece of meat byproduct made up of pig lips, anus, snout, intestines, chemicals and preservatives?  And if not that delicious delight, a piece of cheap white bread, covered in processed, white sugar infused, canned tomato sauce with a layer of fake, oil-based cheese on top?

But wait, there's more... Of course, we are washing all this down with soda or fruit punch, only to top it off with the ultimate ending to a fantastic trip to Fun for None - Sheet cake, made from lard, dyes, artificial flavoring, non-organic milk full of hormones, pus and antibiotics, non-organic eggs from chemically-fed chickens and, of course, everyone's favorite, the king of hyperactivity and disease, white sugar.

Why is this ok?

Now, it's not the occasional birthday party or special event that kids eat this stuff at that really bothers me.  I always go by the 90/10 rule of food (90% good, 10% whatever).  It's the fact that most kids are fed this stuff everyday of the week.  And, we wonder why obesity has skyrocketed and childhood diseases like diabetes, heart disease and asthma are exponentially increasing.

Now, this is not going to be a scolding article...one that will make you want to only feed your kids grass and tree bark when your done reading (although it might).  But, here is a quick list of things to avoid giving your children if you want to see them grow up and be healthy adults and alternatives that are healthier to give them.

1 - Hot Dogs:  No, no, no, no, no.  Just about the worst food out there.  Bologna falls in the same category.  Now, there are organic, all meat, non-processed, hot dogs which are fine and taste great too.  They are made only with meat, not animal parts.

2 - Macaroni and Cheese:  White pasta equals sugar, because that's what it breaks down to.  It also contains gluten, the protein that is hard to digest and can cause all kinds of inflammatory problems in the body.  Plus, the cheese packet is usually just orange unknown powder designed to mimic cheese.  There is organic, rice pasta and cheese which is a better alternative, but should be given sparingly because although it has no gluten, pasta still breaks down to sugar.

3 - Cereal:  All cereals are sugar, regardless of whether there is outright sugar or not.  Grains breakdown to sugar in the body.  I don't now who decided we needed cereal for breakfast, but try to eliminate them completely.  Organic steel cut oatmeal is a good alternative (not the Quaker Oats packs that have chunks of sugar in them)

4 - Non-organic milk:  This one I could write a mini-series about.  If you decide to give your kids milk, make it organic.  At least then you know their not getting a cocktail of antibiotics, hormones and pus in that white glass of goodness.

5 - Peanut Butter:  A great food, but the ingredients have to be just PEANUTS.  Skippy, Jiff all add lots of sugar.

6 - Sports drinks:  Ever actually read the label on a Gatorade or Powerade?  Well, I have and I can tell you that that neon blue drink is a chemical cesspool with known carcinogens and toxins.  Best to use water, but there will be a better alternative on the market soon... more to come on that later.

7 - Soda:  eliminate yesterday.  Nothing but bone-dissolving, ramped-up sugar water.  Each can of soda contains 14 teaspoons of sugar.

8 - Juice:  Again, sugar.  Kids do not need juice.  They need water.

9 - Frozen dinners:  No nutritional value, low quality food and when heated up in the microwave, chemically-altered which can be toxic to the body.

10 - Fast food:  For those who haven't see it yet, come take a look at the McDonald's dollar menu I have hanging on my wall.  The oldest item is a small fry that is 15 months old.  No mold, no breakdown.  Looks as good as the day I got it.  Rule of thumb:  Fast food = disease.

Children are born with a blank slate.  You mold them to be the people they become.  And, you only get one shot at doing it right.  Yes, I understand, that there are social ideals that go along with food and that it is hard to give your child celery at their school party while everyone else is eating ice cream.  I get it, believe me.  That's where the 90/10 rule comes in.  But, most peoples lifestyle is more like 10/90, and those are the children that are being set up for a lifetime of problems.

If that's you, then make the change today.  Your children will thank you for it later...

A REMINDER TO THE PARENTS OUT THERE

Is it me or is this weather throwing everyone else off?  It's Feb 17th and it's going to be 55 degrees today...I'm not asking for snow, but a few days where I can see my breath outside might liven things up a bit....

So, why am I off?  Well, it's been one of those months where you hear one too many stories of someone dying needlessly.  Usually, I get the stories of the 40 something year old guy who exercised, ate great and looked great who suddenly dies of a massive heart attack.  That one I get about once a week.  And, although it is always horrible to hear, I have become a bit numb to that story.  The ones that get me every time and being a dad will never get any easier are the ones about kids or teens.  And, since the beginning of the year, I have had my share of these stories and it never gets easier to hear.

For those of you who are parents, you know how life changes from the moment your child enters the world.  It's a feeling like no other, and a love that is hard to describe to anyone that does not have kids.  I have been fortunate to be blessed with 3 and a job that allows me to manipulate my schedule to accommodate them.  There's nothing I want to miss in their growing-up process.  Whether is a science project, a game, or even the first time they walk, I want to be there for it all.  There is nothing like being a parent.

Now, not to say that it doesn't have its times that can try even the most patient and poised person.  Especially if you have a button pusher like I do.  Always a debate, always have to bargain, always have to question everything. 

Sometimes you just want to back up about 50 yards and run yourself head first into a wall....

But, then when they want you to lie down with them at night, read a book with them, or just sit and watch TV together, all that running into a wall stuff goes away in an instant.  Kids are not easy.  Your constantly on the go, running one here and one there.  There are diaper bags, homework, this one won't get dressed, this one won't get up, the baby just got dressed and packed up and decided to poop out the diaper and up her back....

I know...been there...still there...

And, the day's fly by.  We are so caught up in the daily grind of life that sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate what is right there in front of us.  We forget what that feeling is like to love your child.  We just want them to go to bed, or stop crying or get to school so we can get to work.  We forget...

Reminders tend to come here and there.  Watching them up on stage at school playing in the band.  Checking in on them lying in their crib fast asleep. Being at their game and seeing them make a great play...that feeling comes back and and for a brief moment, we forget about everything else and emotionally bond with them again.

There is another time when this happens and it is the time we never want to happen.  And, unfortunately, the reality of life is that it happens.  When I hear of a child that has died, I can't imagine what their parents are going through.  Never in a million years did those parents expect to get that call while at work.  Never did they expect to see a police car show up in their driveway.  Never did they expect the call from the hospital that night.  It is a tragedy beyond anything I can comprehend and pray to God to never have to go through...

So, what is the point of this somewhat somber email?

Make it a point to connect to that feeling everyday with your kids.  Stop, and put aside the daily chaos of life, even for a few seconds, and tell your children you love and appreciate them.  Hug them even if they squirm in embarrassment.  Text them up at college in the morning.  Tell them how proud you are of them as they get ready to leave the house for school.  Do something and do it often.  Most of us will never have to experience losing a child.  But we never know who and when that may happen.  So, make everyday with them count...

I am now leaving to go to school to pull my kids out of class and hug them, maybe bring them a treat, then off to see my little one for a half hour of play time, then....ok, I'm really not.  You can only do that so many times in the school lobby to your child before they start to run the opposite direction on first site...

All kidding aside, use this email as a little kick in the pants to stop and smell the roses everyday.  I know I said it once already, but it's worth repeating - there really is nothing like being a parent and the love you experience for your child.

Enjoy the day and for all those suffering from sinus issues due to the weather...don't worry.  Spring is almost here.

Yours in Health,

Dr Jay

Wellness Inc

wellnessincheadquarters@gmail.com

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Mercury Usage Today

I wanted to bring something to your attention which really is an important subject.  Most of you know the on going saga of vaccines and whether they cause autism.  And, there is an on going battle as to whether mercury is the culprit.  Mercury is the most toxic substance known to man.  But, the way we as a society deal with it is anything but normal and logical.  Think about this:

1 - Mercury is still used in dental fillings.  Even so called "silver" or amalgam fillings still contain mercury.  They are plugged into your teeth and left to breakdown and radiate your head as long as they are in there.  BUT - if the dentist or an assistant happens to spill any mercury on the floor, a HAZMAT team has to come in to clean it up.

2 - Mercury is not only neurotoxic, but a known carcinogen.  Yet, it is used in thermometers, lighting, as an antiseptic (how many of you remember mercurochrome) and as a stabilizer in vaccines.

3 - Pregnant woman are advised not to eat tuna fish because of the high amounts of mercury found in the fish.  In fact, most big fish have high levels of mercury, PCB's and other toxic compounds.  Yet, after giving birth, they are told to eat whatever they want, including sushi, even if breastfeeding.

Anyone else see any contradictions here???

A few years back, there was a movement to get mercury taken out of vaccines.  There were strong thoughts that mercury could be the cause of autism, amongst other problems in children.  And, eventually, the lobbyists won and vaccines had to be made vaccine free, with few exceptions.

This would be great if that really were the case.  Personally, I think mercury could definitely be one of the culprits causing things like autism, but I think there are other factors at work like aluminum and other ingredients (that's an email for another time).

Why do I say "if that were the case"?  Well, unfortunately, those of you who thought by requesting mercury-free vaccines, you were safe, have been fooled.

First, understand that even though they may not make them with mercury anymore, they were allowed to keep what was made already and finish out the lots.  So, if you didn't request "mercury free", you could have gotten one with mercury. Some companies had 2-3 years of supply.

Second, on the label of the "mercury-free" vaccines, it says it still contains "trace amounts of mercury".

What does that mean?

Vaccines that contained mercury had 25,000ppb of mercury.  "Mercury-free" vaccines contain 280ppb of mercury.

Seems much better, right?

Well, it has been determined that less than 2ppb of mercury is considered safe for human consumption, like in the water supply.  So, the "mercury-free" vaccines still have 140x the safe limit of mercury!!!

So, what does all this rambling really mean?  It means do your homework.  Don't just trust your dentist that the fillings are safe.  Don't just trust your doctor that says its safe to inject it directly into the blood stream of children.  Don't just assume because someone makes it and tells you it's safe that it is.

My parents told me that when they were young, the dentist would give them mercury to play with in their hand, like it was this cool, space-age liquid.

There was a time that doctors told you to smoke, it was relaxing and would calm your nerves...

So, don't be fooled by what someone else thinks is safe.  Do the research.  Google is a wonderful, fast and powerful thing. If you go to your doctors office, and they want you to do something to yourself or your children, whip out the cell phone and google it.  Don't play Russian Roulette with your health....because although most of the time you will get the blank, there's always a chance you could get the bullet.

One last thought.  Vaccine manufactures/advocates now claim that autism rates are not changing and even going up EVEN THOUGH mercury has been "removed" from vaccines...

Can you see how that looks to the general public who isn't as informed as you?

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In The News: Pertussis at Centereach High School?*

*Note:  The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily the opinion of the TimeToPlay site. It is not intended to be advice that you should follow without consulting a professional to discuss your individual situation or to be medically diagnostic and a substitute for seeking care. Please consult a clinician for any conditions or health concerns you may have.

For those of you who listened to the local news, I'm sure you caught wind of a report that a child at Centereach High School had gotten Pertussis (whooping cough).  And, that all unvaccinated children or those with a weakened immune system were urged to call their doctors if they attend the school or live in the community.

ALSO, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW...

The news report states that just because you've been vaccinated against Pertussis (DTaP) doesn't mean you still cannot get Pertussis.

Read that again if you didn't get it.

Even if your child has been vaccinated against Whooping Cough, they can still get it.

HUH???

Isn't this the reason people vaccinate their children - so they don't get these diseases?

Only a few months back, Smithtown Schools had a break out of Whooping Cough as well.  Interestingly, they stated that ALL of the students at the district WERE VACCINATED.

Now, look, I know vaccinations are a very touchy subject and more and more people are doing their research and questioning the efficacy of the vaccine program.  After reading about those two events at two different schools, doesn't it make you question it a little more?

I am certainly not in the middle when it comes to vaccines.  My children have not been vaccinated. I chose, after extensive research, that this was not the right choice for them.  And, my feeling is that as a parent, you must do your do diligence and do your own research before making the decision to vaccinate your own children.

There is no excuse for just getting shots because the doctor tells you to.  These are YOUR children and THEIR health and you have a responsibility as their parent to do everything in your power to keep them safe and healthy.

If you decide, after weighing the facts, that it is the right thing to do, then you have made an informed choice.  My advise to all parents is that if your not sure, wait.  Do your research, get all the information you need, THEN decide.

Before 12 hours of life, newborns are given the Hepatitis B vaccine.  Hepatitis B is a disease spread through the blood, either through sexual contact or IV drug use.  The reasoning the drug manufacturer gives for vaccinating at birth is to "protect" children when they become sexually active.  But, it doesn't last.  You must have boosters.

Before 12 hours of life....

Gardasil was just recommended for boys.  Most HPV infections occur in young females and are temporary and have little long-term significance. Seventy percent of infections are gone in 1 year and ninety percent in 2 years. However, when the infection persists — in 5% to 10% of infected women — there is high risk of developing precancerous lesions of the cervix, which can progress to invasive cervical cancer. This process usually takes 15–20 years, providing many opportunities for detection and treatment of the pre-cancerous lesion. Progression to invasive cancer can be almost always prevented when standard prevention strategies are applied (pap smear.  They have decided that boys should get it now to prevent things like anal cancer, throat and mouth cancer when they become sexually active.

A virus which almost always clears itself, if not, can take 15 - 20 years to develop into something more serious, but almost always easily detected through pap smears.

Approval just came through to start testing the Anthrax vaccine on children in the event of a biological event of mass proportions.  This one really bothers me because inevitably, there will be children who will die or be maimed by this "test" for the greater good of the rest.  Sound a lot like Nazi Germany to me...

Chicken pox vaccine for a disease that children get and get through fairly easily, giving them lifelong immunity. The vaccine can push off getting chicken pox in childhood (because like most, they don't last), and leaves people more susceptible to getting chicken pox later in life, when it can be much more serious and cause complication.

Mumps vaccine can delay mumps in boys and if gotten after puberty, can lead to sterility.

Am I clear on this.

Understand this.  Children are going to contract these disease every year.  And, inevitably, some are going to get sick and die.  It's a disturbing fact, but it is fact.  We are not healthier because of vaccines.  Our infant mortality, for lack of a better word, sucks.  Our disease rate started dropping before the vaccine programs were started (there is a classic chart that shows how when our sanitation improved, water quality improved and food improved, disease rates started to drop.  Then, the vaccine program started.)

Sticking to the basics in healthcare for your children will give them the best chance to be healthy and stay healthy.

1 - Proper diet - no processed foods, fast foods, soda, sugar,etc

2 - Activity

3 - Sleep

4 - Positive attitude: given to them by their parents

5 - And, a healthy nervous system - the master control system of the body.

Folks, I don't just sit and write these words that come out of my hind side.  I live it.  I do everything I recommend to you.  And, I know it works.  So, if you want your children to be healthy and prosper, follow this advise.  When a child's body is healthy, diseases cannot grow in them.  When a child's body is not, they can.  It's that simple. When vaccines are grown, they must be put on diseased tissue to prosper.  If they put them on healthy tissue, they wouldn't grow.


Yours in Health,

Dr Jay
Contact:  www.wellnessincheadquarters.com    E-mail: wellnessincheadquarters@gmail.com   Phone: 6314034366

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Dr. Jampol attended Binghamton University in 1990 and received a BS in Biology. He attended Life University in 1995 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1999.