Diabetes Supplies and Free Glucometer now Available at Medplaza.us

November 19, 2005 -- The site www.Medplaza.us has partnered with Access Diabetic Supply and provides free delivery of all of your diabetic supplies direct to your door. There are no upfront costs, and no paperwork or claims to file. One pays only the deductible and co-pay (if any). Also, site features complimentary enrollment and free glucometer. If a client has insurance coverage, 100% of the supply costs could be covered - which means that customers may receive their supplies absolutely free! The company representatives are happy to provide a free review for new clients to see if each could qualify to receive needed supplies at no cost to the client. Below are additional details transcribed directly from the company approved partner web site.

Here are the advantages of using the company's help. It is convenient, no waiting at the pharmacy, they deliver direct to one's home, offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and they stand behind their service to insure satisfaction.

They will handle everything for a new client as a personal advocate, while they complete all of the necessary paperwork and file it on one's behalf so there is no paperwork or claims to file. They contact the physician to obtain the required prescription and they provide free delivery of the supplies. They bill one's insurance company and happily accept their allowable rate. Clients have no delays in receiving supplies and they’ll provide notice when it is time to re-order to insure continuity of needed supplies.

To get started new clients only need to complete their simple survey form. If done today, they will send new enrolees a top of the line Glucose meter free. This free Glucometer offer applies to persons who are covered by insurance. If the client decides to let the company go to work for them, the company will then take care of everything for the client and back their patient care service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Most private insurance companies pay for diabetic supplies. Clients pay only the co-pay and deductible, if any. So they may determine which patient care program will best provide for clients' needs, simply fill out the enrollment form at the link provided below. In exchange for completing the enrollment form today, they will send clients a free top of the line Glucometer. Upon receipt of your enrollment information, they will evaluate it to determine the best patient care options for you. A professional counselor will then contact you to explain the personal care plan they have designed for you and answer any questions you may have. If you choose to have them take care of your patient services, they will then verify your insurance coverage, obtain the necessary prescription, and deliver your supplies direct to your home.

Contact: www.Medplaza.us

LymphaCare and Healthlight Infrared Therapy to Exhibit Neuropathy Treatment System at Diabetic Foot Conference

The Diabetic Foot Update 2005: A Multidisciplinary Approach will be held at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel, located at 420 West Market Street in San Antonio, Texas. The conference is scheduled for December 4th through the 6th. Healthlight Infrared Therapy is proud to be exhibiting alongside other infrared therapy devices such as Anodyne Therapy and RevitaMed.

November 19, 2005 -- The Diabetic Foot Update 2005: A Multidisciplinary Approach Conference is designed for physicians (DPM, MD, DO) treating patients with diabetes. The conference also attracts a large number of diabetic educators, nurses, pedorthists, physical therapists, and other Healthcare Professionals that have a role in the management of diabetic foot pathology.

Dr. James McGuire, PT, DPM, a renowned specialist in Diabetic Foot and Neuropathy, will be presenting on the topic of Monochromatic Infrared Light in the Treatment of Neuropathy.

Healthlight offers the latest technology in infrared light therapy by combining the healing properties of Monochromatic (Infrared) and Visible Light diode technology into the treatment pads of the infrared therapy systems. For Neuropathy patients, Healthlight is the only infrared therapy device with a portable Dual Boot infrared therapy product for home or professional use priced at under $2300.00. The Healthlight system has been utilized for years through out the USA, Europe, and Australia to alleviate the inflammation and chronic pain often associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, tendonitis, chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, and other conditions.

LymphaCare is a specialty medical device company focusing on products for lymphedema, venous insufficiency, wound care, neuropathy and chronic pain. For addtional informatiion please contact Adam Anschel at 800-288-1801.

Does Coffe Help Boost the Immune System?

Cup of Money Claims Coffee Boosts Immune System

Coffee as an Immune Booster? Doctors and Health Practitioners Report Breakthrough

Cupofmoney.com markets the world's first coffee that can actually boost the immune system. The coffee contains Ganoderma Lucidum, "the miraculous king of herbs" that is said to be ten times more powerful than Ginseng. The company also markets, mocha, tea and hot chocolate containing this immune boosting ingredient.

November 19, 2005 -- Cupofmoney.com announced today that their new health beverages containing Ganoderma Lucidum can actually boost the immune system, helping to fight colds and flus. The company markets the world's first healthy coffee that is being recommended by Doctors and Health Practitioners across North America.

Ganoderma Lucidum is the scientific name for a species of Red Mushrooms and is said to be more powerful than Ginseng. Known as the "Miraculous King of Herbs," Ganoderma (also known as Lingzhi in China, Reishi in Japan, and Youngchi in Korea) is listed as a Superior Herb in Sheng Nong's Pharmacopeia, an ancient Chinese Herbal Text dating back over 2,000 years.

According to Dr. Howard W. Fischer's book "Reishi Rescue R & R for Your Immune System", the accumulation of scientific findings through empirical and laboratory studies has demonstrated positive effects for Ganoderma Lucidum encompassing a diverse range of maladies in the central nervous system, circulatory system, digestive system, endocrine system, immune system, respiratory system and skin and hair.

Many Doctors and Health Practitioners are switching their patients from regular caffeinated coffee, to this new healthy coffee because of the documented health benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum. Gano Café helps the body fight disease the way nature intended and helps balance the body's PH. Ganoderma Lucidum is said to help enhance health by removing toxins from the body and then building up the body's immune system. For research articles on Ganoderma Lucidum, visit http://scholar.google.com or www.pubmed.com and type in Ganoderma.

A typical cup of coffee contains approximately 138 mg of caffeine. The unique blend of ganoderma in this product neutralizes the caffeine dramatically to only 9 mg per cup, which is less caffeine per cup than decaf. The Ganoderma still provides that "lift" and boost in energy that coffee drinkers are looking for, but without the caffeine jitters.

Cupofmoney.com markets a variety of products which contain the ingredient Ganoderma Lucidum, including coffee, tea, mocha and hot chocolate. The company has recently launched a new website offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in the lucrative billion dollar coffee industry, marketing the world's first healthy coffee.

The company has adopted an affordable home based gourmet healthy coffee franchise concept that is making waves all across North America. In fact, during the past 22 months, over 50,000 entrepreneurs have started home based healthy coffee franchises and are positioning themselves for the company's expansion into 100 countries by the year 2010. Some franchisees are already surpassing $10,000 per day in sales.

For as little as $1000, entrepreneurs can start their own home based gourmet healthy coffee franchise. They can retail the products, set up additional sales teams across North America, and market products through an online store that will be available to a total of 100 countries within the next 5 years. The company's "direct to door" shipping elimates the huge overhead and inventory expenses that are required to run conventional coffee shops.

Here are some coffee industry facts:

* Coffee is the second largest commodity in the world - next to oil.
* Starbucks buys over 100 million pounds of coffee each year.
* 2.4 billion pounds of coffee are sold per year in the United States.
* The United States is the world's largest consumer of coffee.
* The entire U.S. population consumes more than 500 million cups a day.

For more information on Ganoderma Lucidum or to try a free sample of these healthy beverages visit www.cupofmoney.com or contact Darren Little at 604-771-1901. For a brief overview of the business call 512-404-1228. Listen to boxes 2 and 4.

Innovative New Computer Program to Assess Diabetes Risk with Increased Accuracy

November 15, 2005 -- An original computer program is on course to becoming the first multidisciplinary diagnostic tool for diabetes, thanks to a unique algorithm developed by a computing studies professor at Trinity Western University.

An original intelligence system is on course to becoming the first multidisciplinary diagnostic tool for diabetes, thanks to a unique algorithm developed by computing studies professor, Alma Barranco-Mendoza, PhD, at Trinity Western University.

The innovative computer program currently being prototyped at the University is designed to help health professionals identify people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with increased accuracy. While there is currently no cure for the disease that afflicts over two million Canadians, Type 2 diabetes—the most prevalent of the two types—is preventable.

“There are effective diagnostic tools available to doctors and nurses,” explains Barranco-Mendoza who has already landed nominations for the 2004 BC Systems Institute Innovations Award and the 2005 NSERC PhD Dissertation Award, “but none of them employ intelligent profiling. Their capabilities are limited to a general estimate of risk since they are only able to take one risk factor into account.”

Barranco-Mendoza’s sophisticated algorithm is capable of assessing and weighing numerous risk factors—including lifestyle, race, genetic information, family history and pancreas tissue images. This algorithm sets Barranco-Mendoza’s computer program on course to becoming the first multidisciplinary diagnostic tool for diabetes. Instead of delivering a general reading of low, medium or high—what patients currently receive—the new program will express risk as a specified percentage.

“Dr. Barranco-Mendoza developed a unique, highly original algorithm that represents an outstanding contribution to the field of Computing Sciences," says Veronica Dahl, PhD, Professor of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University and Barranco-Mendoza’s PhD Supervisor. “It rests on state-of-the-art developments in logic programming, but it goes far beyond. By incorporating complex theories, the program is able to simultaneously consult and draw inferences from diverse and even incomplete sources.”

Additionally, Barranco-Mendoza’s making headway in diabetes research data collection, representation and analysis, collaborating with the BC Genome Sciences Centre and the Medical Image Analysis and Diabetes Research Laboratories at SFU. Together these groups can develop more comprehensive profiles of “at-risk” patients, thereby increasing the understanding and precision of diabetes risk-assessment in general.

“Once a certain amount of data is gathered,” says Barranco-Mendoza, “the intelligent system will start learning by itself. It would mine the data and identify trends not evident to us. It is believed that there may be DNA markers for the disease and if we can identify them we’re on our way to finding a fast and effective early diagnostic test and even possibly making headways to eventually find a cure.”

This research was made possible by the TWU Diabetes Research Endowment Fund, initiated by a generous 2M dollar donation. Other three-year diabetes research projects underway include:

• Investigation of the disruption of insulin signalling for examining specific cell behaviours regulating glucose metabolism (TWU biologists)

• Partnership with a local First Nations community exploring strategies to identify and reduce risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in aboriginal youth (TWU nursing and kinesiology departments).

Trinity Western University, located in Langley, B.C., is a not-for-profit Christian liberal arts university enrolling over 3,300 students this year. With a broad based, liberal arts and sciences curriculum, the University offers undergraduate degrees in 38 major areas of study ranging from business, education and computer science to biology and nursing, and 14 other graduate degrees including counselling psychology, theology and administrative leadership. (Source PR Web)

Learn How to Boost Your Immune System at the Wellness Study

In response to daily inquiries about what people can do to strengthen their bodies in order to help resist infection, MRSA Resources.com is announcing the launch of their Wellness Study Group, beginning this week.

November 15, 2005 -- In a natural evolution of their work towards MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) education, awareness and support, MRSA Resources is beginning a study group for anyone who wants to learn more about natural immune system support and general wellness. They will be doing interactive group studies of popular books from well known authors in the fields of nutrition, wellness and healing. The first book in the study will be Dr. Andrew Weil's book, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health. Anyone who wishes to join the group is welcome, and prior association with MRSA Resources is not required. The study will officially kick off on Monday, November 21st, with Week One, but they will be covering the introductory materials during this week prior, so feel free to join the group right away. The purchase of the books involved in the study group is not required to participate in the group, but is recommended in order to get the most out of the group study.

With the spread of community acquired MRSA and other antibiotic resistant infections at an all time high in the United States and worldwide, MRSA Resources is dedicated to helping people learn how to prevent these potentially life threatening illnesses. Denise Rauff, from MRSA Resources, says, "Our bodies were designed to heal and repair themselves, but many environmental factors in our lives today work against our bodies, and leave us prone to illnesses and dysfunction. We get daily inquiries about what we can do to help our bodies fight infection, and how we can prevent future infections from occurring.

People with immune systems suppressed by prior illnesses, surgeries or diseases are particularly susceptible to MRSA infections. Prevention is the key for everyone, but especially for these people, to avoid becoming infected. We want to stress that this is not a weight loss or fitness oriented group, but a whole body wellness group. There are many things to be learned about how our immune system works and the role of diet, exercise and overall strength and wellness in its function, and this is what our focus will be."

To participate, go to http://www.wellness.mrsaresources.com/ and click on the Register link. The current book will be featured and available on the web site, or can be purchased at your local booksellers.

MRSA Resources was founded in April 2005, and is maintained by Christina Jones, Denise Rauff and Maureen Daly, as a combined effort to provide education, awareness and support to anyone that has been affected by MRSA, and for those people interested in prevention of infections. We invite you to come learn more about this antibiotic resistant bacterial infection, as we believe that education and awareness are the keys to prevention.

For more information: Wellness Resources

29 Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep by Dr. Joseph Mercola

If you ever suffer with not getting a good night's sleep, you will want to consider these proven, safe, practical and affordable approaches to restful sleep before reaching for potentially addictive prescription medications.

November 15, 2005 -- According to National Sleep Foundation polls, nearly 60% of the U.S. population — 126 million people — experiences trouble sleeping.

As a result more and more people are turning to prescription sleeping aids for help. But are these medications the best answer to our sleep dilemma? No, says Dr. Joseph Mercola, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Mercola.com, the second most visited non-government health website after WebMD.

The rising use of prescribed drugs as sleep aids, particularly for children and older individuals concerns Dr. Mercola.

He notes that from 2000 to 2004, sleep medication usage doubled among adults ages 20-44. Even more shocking, use of these medicines for children ages 10-19 soared 85%. And older adults receive nearly half the sleep prescriptions, even though they comprise only about 20% of the population.

They are particularly vulnerable to side effects of these pharmaceuticals, including confusion and falls, risk of dependence or toxicity, daytime drowsiness, and interactions with other drugs.

Dr. Mercola cites evidence that those who sleep less than six hours per night are at serious risk of diabetes due to disturbances in insulin metabolism. He believes many people experiencing insomnia could benefit from simple, safe, and inexpensive approaches to better sleep.

His list of 29 natural insomnia-relieving suggestions includes these top tips:

1. Darken your bedroom as much as possible. Light can disrupt your circadian rhythm, the biological clock controlling your sleep/wake cycle. The pineal gland in your brain responds to light and switches off production of melatonin, a hormone that naturally rises after darkness falls to induce sleepiness.

2. Eat a high-protein snack several hours before bed. This provides enough of the amino acid L-tryptophan necessary to produce melatonin and the brain chemical serotonin, a precursor to melatonin.

3. Maintain your normal bedtime. Maintain a consistent schedule of going to bed and getting up at the same time, even on weekends. This assists your body’s natural sleep/wake cycle.

4. Go to bed as early as possible. Before electricity came into widespread use, people used to go to bed when darkness fell, and rise with the sun. This natural schedule coincides with our circadian rhythms.

5. Avoid snacking before bed, particularly on grains and sugar. These snack foods raise blood sugar and hinder sleep. Later, when your blood sugar drops, you may wake up and have problems going back to sleep.

6. Avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon or evening. The effects of caffeine can last long after drinking caffeinated beverages, and interfere with your body’s natural sleep pattern.

7. Steer clear of alcohol. The sedative effect of alcohol wears off quickly; you may wake up and be unable to fall back asleep. Drinking alcohol may also stop progression to deeper stages of sleep, during which many of the body’s regenerative processes occur.

8. Lose weight. A potentially debilitating disorder called obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to excessive weight. This condition consists of snoring accompanied by gaps in breathing, with symptoms of daytime sleepiness or fatigue.

9. Don’t drink any fluids within 2 hours of going to bed. This will reduce the need to go to the bathroom during the night, and the risk of not being able to get back to sleep.

10. Exercise regularly. Daily aerobic exercise of at least 30 minutes is one of the best cures for insomnia. Make it vigorous enough to sweat a little. Don’t exercise too close to bedtime however; this may keep you awake.

Fortunately, there are 19 more natural, simple and effective ways to help you drift off to dreamland without resorting to expensive and potentially problematic medications. Check out the complete list of Dr. Mercola’s 29 secrets to a good night’s sleep at: Dr. Mercola's Site

Can New Detox Diet Help You Lose 3 to 9 Pounds in One Day?

This is the Claim of Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Hear The Isle of Light Webcast Now of Ann Louise Gittleman, Renown Health Pioneer and Best-selling Author of 24 Books Including Her Newest Book, "The Fast Track ONE-DAY Detox Diet"

Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S., health pioneer, weight loss expert and author of 24 books including The Fast Track ONE-DAY Detox Diet was recently interviewed by Chyrene Pendleton on The Isle Of Light Internet Radio Show, in a discussion called, "Lose Three to Eight Pounds in One Day -- Safely, Healthfully and Permanently."

November 10, 2005 -- The Isle of Light Internet radio show presents Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S., health pioneer, weight loss expert and author of 24 books including The Fast Track ONE-DAY Detox Diet. Chyrene Pendleton is the host of this exciting and very informative discussion called, "Lose Three to Eight Pounds in One Day -- Safely, Healthfully and Permanently".

Click MP3 link to listen now:
Listen to the Audio

During this discussion, Ann Louise explains how she literally helped to revolutionize weight loss by introducing detox with her 2001 internationally bestselling book, The Fat Flush Plan. This was years before diets such as Atkins, the Zone and South Beach were created. She tells us how this plan emphasizes the good fats and good carbs, protein and eating foods that are good for your liver and colon. Ann Louise says this is a body, mind and spirit program.

"Developing a program that really made your spirit fly and sing and soar was very important, and when your physical body is clean you hold more Light, that's really what I believe."

In 2005, Ann Louise Gittleman introduced The Fast Track ONE-DAY Detox Diet which is compatible with The Fat Flush Plan saying "is almost like a sequel to Fat Flush". The Fast Track is a healthy, metabolism-boosting fast and detox that results in permanent weight loss. We can use The Fast Track to jumpstart a healthy eating plan for life which men and women (children too) all over the country are doing right now with The Fat Flush.

As the show progresses, Ann Louise shares much important information on how we can all easily have a healthy diet for life. For example, we learn what kind of carbs are best for us and which grains are the least allergic-producing. She also explains how one can lose up to 8 pounds in one day on the Fast Track.

"What we have seen on the program and one of the reasons that this is so dramatic is that the program is based around a fast, number one, so you prepare the body for the fast...when you eliminate your hidden food allergens, you're also eliminating water weight because very often times an allergic-producing food makes your body retain anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds of water almost as a buffering action to the system..."

Ann Louise also reveals the secret of cranberries, the special component in both the Fast Track and the Fat Flush plans, which has health and beautifying effects on our bodies, including making cellulite disappear.

Chyrene Pendleton shares her recent experience doing the Fast Track and although she was not overweight, Chyrene easily lost several pounds and inches during this detox by eating more, resulting in even a more sculpted, toned body than before and much more energy. This also resulting in her seeking out Ann Louise for this interview on The Isle Of Light.

Ann Louise tells us how the Fast Track meals appeal to everyone -- meat-eaters, vegetarians and even cheaters! Delicious recipes are included in the book.

"We have a truffle in there that is just so yummy...it's delicious! It's one of the best snacks for kids. If nothing else, you should buy the book for that recipe! When I do TV shows, I bring that recipe to the audience and people go crazy..."

Ann Louise Gittleman has a free, 24/7 support forum on her website where we can find men and women sharing their experiences on both The Fast Track and The Fat Flush and supporting one another. Many excellent recipes can be found here. Ann Louise also provides information on how to order her books, products, her Fast Track Detox Diet Kit and much more at 800-888-4353 or:

Dr. Ann Louise Website

Ann Louise Gittleman was the recipient of the American Medical Writers Association award for excellence in 1992. In 1993, Self magazine named her one of the top ten nutritionists in the country. National publications ranging from Time, Newsweek, Harper's Bazaar, Seventeen, Fitness, Cosmopolitan, Parade, USA Weekend, Woman's World, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times to US Weekly and The National Enquirer have recognized her work. She has been a columnist for First for Women magazine since 2003. She has been a celebrity spokesperson for some of the most influential corporations in the natural foods industry including Rejuvex, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Balance Bar.

Ann Louise Gittleman continues to be a frequent guest on national television and radio, including 20/20, Dr. Phil, The View, Good Morning America, Extra, CNN, PBS, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CBN, Fox News, Good Day New York and the BBC.

Interview Times and Dates

This interview with Ann Louise Gittleman airs on Live365 on the following dates and times:

Friday, November 11th at 7 AM, 3 PM and 11 PM EST, Monday, November 14th at 6 AM, 2 PM and 10 PM EST and Thursday, November 17th at 5 AM, 1 PM and 9 PM EST, repeating every three days on a rotating time schedule. Schedule information can be found in the Radio/Television section of The Isle Of Light at http://www.theisleoflight.com

as well as on The Isle Of Light radio station broadcast schedule at:

Isle of Light Radio Station

The times listed above are all for Eastern Standard Time (EST).
On the bottom of the Live365 schedule page and you will see the message "Please update your GMT offset to correct any time discrepancies". Make sure the GMT is adjusted (using the scroll down arrow) so the correct times for your area are shown on the schedule.

How To Listen

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If you are not already a listener of Live365, you will have to subscribe and it is free. Live365 has instructions on how to subscribe or you may read the instructions at www.theisleoflight.com in the Radio/Television section. You can also use your existing players and those options are provided at Live365 after going to:

http://www.live365.com/stations/avalon22?play

For assistance with listening to the shows on Live365 (Windows users) click on:

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The Isle Of Light at www.theisleoflight.com is designed to assist in the empowerment and enlightenment of all who dare to venture. A free, monthly subscription to the newsletter also called, The Isle Of Light is available.

As you explore, please visit the Catalog section featuring beautiful and unique artwork, accelerators, books, CDs and accessories - all created and inspired by those who are assisting in raising the consciousness of the planet.

If you are interesting in becoming a guest on The Isle Of Light, please contact the producer, Chyrene Pendleton, by email.

Visit the Prosperity is a State of Mind blog at:
http://theisleoflight.blogspot.com/

New Ways to Package Yoga New York City May Have a Way

Niche Markets for Yoga on the Rise in New York City

One New York City Holistic Center broadens the appeal of yoga with a little creativity.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 10, 2005 -- How do you gain new loyalists (and enthusiasm) for an age-old practice like yoga? Repackage, redefine and find a new audience. In other words, find a new niche.

One New York City Holistic Center did just that -- but found two instead. Nurture’s Path Healing Arts, an integrative wellness center based in the heart of Manhattan, launched their “Lunchtime Yoga” classes in late summer to target busy professionals who could benefit from a mid-day decompression session. The result? Locals flock to the center to enjoy the afternoon classes.

“It’s the perfect timing for me,” one yoga practitioner remarked, “My evenings are too full and hectic, but a class during lunchtime makes use of time I would otherwise spend doing less productive activities.” In case you’re wondering, aspiring yogis are advised to eat lunch after their one-hour classes rather than before. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach.

Now the center has successfully embarked upon a new frontier: Spanish Yoga. Appealing to the Latin community and Spanish language enthusiasts, the popularity of this class has already necessitated expanding the offering. Yoga in Spanish, taught by Certified Yoga Teacher Maria Fernanda Hubeaut, has been a surprise hit.

“Mostly, we are just pleased to be able to offer yoga and other healing arts to new audiences,” Nurture’s Path founder and holistic practitioner Jean A. Ferraraccio states, “but we are definitely excited about the popularity of our new classes.”

Nurture’s Path Healing Arts offers nutrition, holistic health counseling, reiki, yoga, meditation, massage, feng shui, tai chi, healing circles and guest workshops in a peaceful setting to clients days, evenings and weekends.

For more information on classes or services at Nurture’s Path, contact: Jean A Ferraraccio at 212-741-0903 or visit www.nurturespath.com.

Can Blueberrys Help Stop Sunburn?

The following Company seems to think so...

Blueberries Don't Get Sunburns... Growing Evidence Shows that Certain Fruits May Play a Major Role in Stopping Cellular Damage

The role of flavonoids in certain fruits may play an active role in stopping cellular damage.

Las Vegas, Nevada November 13, 2005 -- While physicians, and especially dermatologists, routinely warn us to stay out of direct sunlight for more 15 minutes without a high SPF sunscreen, more and more interest is developing in how certain fruits and vegetables thrive in the same sunlight with no adverse effect. And the secret may not be locked deep inside the fruit itself, but right on the surface.

The visible sun damage done to our bodies, as well as to the paint on our homes and cars, is due to a process called oxidation. This ongoing chemical exchange results in the loss of crucial electrons in our atoms, producing what is known as "free radicals". These scavengers then look to steal electrons from other atoms. The result is a chain reaction of electron stealing atoms which, over time, can damage the body's cellular structure.

But blueberries don't seem to have this problem.

That's because they are rich in naturally occurring antioxidants, according to Ron Slavick, founder of Allmera, a nutraceutical research and development company. "What more and more researchers are finding is that the bioflavonoids in certain fruit skins are natural fighters of oxidation." Slavick goes on to explain that these flavonoids contain spare electrons in their atomic structure that resupply the damaging free radicals with the missing electrons they need, thus stopping the destructive chain reaction.

The flavonoids were first isolated in the 1930s by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Ph.D., the Nobel laureate who discovered vitamin C. Researchers have now identified over 4,000 of them in plants. The best dietary sources of these plant pigments come from fruits, teas and soy. The more colorful the fruit, the more likely it contains a high amount of flavonoids. That may explain how they are able to retain their bright colors.

Just how much of these fruits and vegetables we need to consume to realize their benefits is a matter of debate. The National Cancer Institute recommends seven servings a day for women and nine a day for men. And according to http://5aday.gov, "Only 4 percent of men say they eat the 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day recommended as part of an active lifestyle." Women did not fair much better with only 19% getting their recommended fruit and vegetable intake daily.

"That confirms our findings as well", states Slavick. "Men especially aren't getting the nutrients in their diets that hold some of the greatest promise for continued health." To counter this trend, Slavick's research team recently developed a bioflavonoid rich supplement made from extracts of grape seed, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, pomegranates and green tea. "Our goal was to design an easy-to-take supplement that delivered the equivalent of six servings of fruits, while focusing on those foods highest in their antioxidant properties." The result was a two tablet a day product called Proleva. (http://Proleva.com)

"The initial anecdotal feedback we've received has been very positive", Slavick continues. "It's meeting a need in the market for people either too busy or too stressed to find all the different fruits and vegetables research shows they should be consuming each day. I'm hoping it makes a real difference in the health of many Americans."

With obesity, heart disease and certain cancer rates climbing, many health professionals share Slavick's desire to counter the effects of free radical damage on the human body. But if mother knows best, then Mother Nature has already found a way to protect her most colorful offspring just fine.