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Will the REAL Egg Please Stand Up?
by Paulette Millis

Do you like eggs? Do you avoid them? Do you believe they are high in cholesterol? Read on and learn about quality eggs. Wild birds lay eggs to make more birds, not primarily for us to use in our diet. This egg must contain all of the nutritional factors necessary to create a fully formed, hatchable, living chick, and that is why the egg is a great source of nutrition for man. In primitive times, eggs were a delicacy, as man had to find and then pilfer from hidden nests. These were a rare treat as birds laid only a few eggs each year. Changes began to occur when man domesticated birds. They were fed grains and other household discards, and sheltered so their egg laying capacity increased. While consumption of eggs became more regular, winter was a time of rest for the chickens to strengthen themselves for the next season of breeding, laying, and hatching, so during cold weather there were few eggs. As egg production became commercial, scientifically formulated chicken feeds replaced grains, insects, and plant materials that chickens previously consumed. The “battery” was developed, a cage where chickens spend their life indoors, eating and laying, until they die. Thus, antibiotics were then added to the feed to keep the chickens healthy. Several healthy nutrients in the feed would spoil when left on the shelf causing the manufacturers to remove these nutrients to allow for storage, transportation, and retail shelf life. Linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA), essential to humans and naturally present in grain, seeds, and greens, were removed and replaced with non-essential oleic acid (OA). Now the eggs are high in OA but low in LA and LNA, and these eggs have the same amount of cholesterol but do not have the required amount of fatty acids required to metabolize and transport it properly in the human body.

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Breast Massage From a Massage Therapist
Have You Considered It?
by Pam Fichtner

You may be wondering why any woman would need a breast massage from a professional Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Considering that breasts are such a private and potentially sensitive area of the body, and so often the subject of sexual innuendoes and cultural taboos — why let someone else touch them? Why not just leave that area for doctors' annual breast exams and stop there? Or, just give yourself breast massage sporadically throughout the year? The most obvious answer is that breasts are part of the body just like any other area and they need to be included in any full-body health regime if you want to bring wellness to your whole system. It can be so fulfilling to receive a whole body massage that includes your breasts. As a massage therapist who provides breast massage, I have heard clients say on numerous occasions that they have truly enjoyed receiving the caring attention that massage brings to their breasts, and I have seen first-hand the benefits — clients feeling more connected, relaxed, and open after having a treatment.

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Bug Off with Thyme!
by Wendy Gist

It may be a revelation to many to find that a chemical in thyme, the common kitchen herb, may be a successful mosquito repellent. Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean. Long ago, the ancient Greeks thought of thyme as a representation of courage and sacrifice, and the herb was very popular among them. In fact, they used thyme in bath oils, as incense, and for massage and medicinal purposes. Thyme has been used throughout history to improve various ailments such as reproductive system illnesses, digestion, and melancholy. A perennial herb, thyme belongs to the mint family. This useful plant adds a sweet fragrance to many gardens. It is known for attracting bees and as a magnificent herb for culinary and aromatic practices. Thyme comes in many varieties: most preferred is common thyme. Some other varieties include Lemon thyme, Silver thyme, and Creeping thyme.

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The Art of Giving
Emotions are Meant to Flow Freely
by Trent Deerhorn

Giving is a curious thing. We give to others in a number of different ways. We give gifts to show others that we care. We give support to show others they are not alone. We give our time to show others that they are important. But even with all of this, so many forget to give with their emotions. We are taught in our culture to keep a stiff upper lip. An open display of emotion can lead us to utter humiliation and destruction as a result of the “weakness” it portrays. Is there any wonder that there are so many marriages in turmoil? If we are unable to show emotion openly, then how can the one person in our lives whom we should be able to trust beyond all doubt be able to understand what is going on inside? To withhold our emotions is an ultimate form of relationship sabotage. The Medicine Wheel teaches us that we need to learn how to give with our emotions.

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Waste Not, Want Not
Ways to Reduce Our Daily Consumption
by Donald Sutherland, PAg

When I was a child I didn’t realize the significance of the words “waste not, want not” that were often uttered by my mother. At that time I was sure she meant our family couldn’t afford the luxury of waste. Now I see her words meant that the earth can not afford our colossal waste. With another spring here and summer just peaking around the corner comes a new opportunity to reduce waste. Could we draw up our own list of “cut down the waste” resolutions? Could we better reverence the earth by what we do or don’t do in our own household? yard? condo? apartment? trailer? No question we could. Would our tiny steps matter? That is how revolutions start and we need a revolution. A number of great tiny steps are listed on the Earthcare website, www.earthcare.sk.ca, so be sure to check them out. Here is a suggested resolution with power to influence: Beginning today, I will insist on a dramatic reduction in the plastic that arrives in my home.

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Editorial
by Melva Armstrong

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