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Drinking tap water can prevent obesity but does too much pose a health risk? Stefan Pinto Miami Fitness Examiner May 4, 4:02 PM      Twitter your reply: www.twitter.com/stefanpinto The objective in a recent obesity study by Pediatrics magazine tested whether promoting water consumption was effective in preventing over weight among children in elementary schools. Although the participants in the study were second and third graders in socially deprived German cities, the study is applicable here as it raises awareness to the foundation of an obesity epidemic that might possibly begin with childhood. According to Dr. Stuart Fischer, author of The Park Avenue Diet, “20 percent of four year olds are obese... these children grow up as hypertensive diabetics with early heart, brain, and kidney disease.” He adds that “these children will be at an economic disadvantage once they mature because of higher insurance premiums, prohibitive cost of education, and employability issues.” Certainly, but is this a “failure of the American health system” as Dr. Fischer notes, or is it our responsibility – as adults? Drink more water We all already know, or have at least read about, the health benefits of drinking water, but water for weight loss? Dr. Joanna Dolgof, a board certified pediatrician in New York runs an obesity clinic, and suggests that by “simply drinking seve additional ounces of water each day will drastically decrease one’s risk of obesity.” Shane Ellison, author of The Hidden Truth About Cholesterol Lowering Drugs, explains that “water consumption increases metabolism by up to 30% courtesy of activating thermogenesis – the phenomenon of converting fat to heat. The leaning-out process occurs from "uncoupling proteins" found within fat cells.” He suggests that without enough water in our bodies, fat gets stored more easily. But what about water weight? Dr. Ellison explains that there are two types of water weight, inside the cell and outside. “When inside, we look ripped and shredded. When outside, we look bloated and fat. By consuming purified water before meals, we are ensuring that our body uses it inside the cell not outside. We are also ensuring that our metabolism is boosted by the water carried into the cell.” All of this is well and good. But with torrents of misgivings surrounding pandemics, luxury purchases and environmental pollution, who knew that the mere act of drinking water (sometimes no longer automatic or even free at restaurants) could be so complicated? Frankly, I think purchasing bottled water is a waste of money, and as I remain in doubt about the effectiveness of the recycling mission here in Miami, I opt instead for tap water. ... tap water? The drinktap.org website, presented by the American Water Works Association (the authoritative resource on safe water) confirms that when it comes to viruses "tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses.” Although the site does admit that “no research has been completed on the susceptibility of the novel H1N1 flu virus (Swine Flu) to conventional drinking water treatment processes.” However, according to a “Chemicals Used for Treatment of Drinking Water Supplies” document forwarded to me by Martin Chalk an employee of what he calls a “functional water company,” many public health officers will tell you that chemicals are only present in small amounts. Yet these amounts are toxic enough to kill every living organism in the water (that's their job) and then we drink it.” Some of these processes and chemicals are: Antimicrobial chemicals to remove the two most common waterborne pathogens  - cryptosporidium and giradria Fluoride - one of the most dangerous toxic industrial chemicals on the planet  - alongside chlorine (which is also a potent carcinogen and added) chemicals that help preserve the infrastructure of the pipes -stop them from calcifying and silting.  “I know what is in tap water and I refuse to drink it,” Mr. Chalk wrote in his email along with a link to this Huffington Post article implying pharmaceutical collusion. But would you go to a third world country and drink their un-chlorinated water? Cancer specialist, William Dunn confirms that “chlorine can indeed cause cancerous by products after they kill any remaining bacteria after filtration. However, though a Harvard study showed the potential for these by products to be dangerous in high quantities (in lab animals), they simply aren't concentrated enough to harm humans.” This sounds a lot like Erin Brockovich to me. Environmental health expert, Teresa Holler, succeeds in scaring us even more with this bit of information, “many [chemicals found in water] have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity and immune system damage. They include rocket fuel (perchlorate), a gasoline additive (MTBE); chemical by-products of water disinfection, plasticizers (phthalates), chemicals used in industrial and consumer products, pharmaceutical drugs and fuel combustion byproducts.”  Ms. Holler suggests you obtain a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report from your local water utility. Also check out http://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ to identify which unregulated chemicals may be present in your water supply. Perhaps, then I should resume buying water?

ADVANCE for Physician Assistants

Features

Greening Your Patients

By Terri Schaefer

Posted on: January 29, 2009

Sure, you can go green at your job by making changes such as using electronic medical records and participating in a recycling program. But what about making an effort to "green" your patients, like Teresa Holler, PA-C, MS, does. "Nobody's talking about how chemicals affect us when we're exposed to them in low doses over a long time," says Holler, a PA at Consultants in Cardiology in Roanoke, Va. "We're trained as PAs to identify acute toxic exposures of certain chemicals, like lead poisoning, when people have very high levels. But low levels, chemically, have major health implications that no one's aware of or speaking about."   One particular patient opened Holler's eyes, a thirty-something woman who had a heart attack with no risk factors. "No one in her family had ever had a heart attack, she had no high blood pressure, no bad cholesterol, no diabetes, she never had smoked a day in her life," Holler says. "It was very unusual." So she asked about the woman's environmental health history (see box) and found that a few months before the heart attack she had begun a job as a painter, which included painting interior rooms with little or no ventilation. In fact, the patient had completed a painting job the night before the heart attack. Knowing that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from some paints can cause inflammation, and knowing that heart attacks largely are an inflammatory process, Holler put the equation together. "If these chemicals can cause inflammation, and inflammation causes heart attacks, it's A plus B equals C." The patient decided to change jobs, but had she not done so, Holler's advice was to use low-VOC paint, wear a mask and ventilate the area well. Holler also sees women with unexplained chronic breast pain who can't get a diagnosis and who turn to her as a last resort. Holler says that the pain could be caused by exposure to hormonal chemicals from plastic products. She tells her patients to avoid or limit exposure to certain kinds of plastics--"2, 4 or 5, you'll stay alive," she says, referring to the codes on recyclable plastics. Holler suggests that these women also ingest freshly ground flaxseed, which allows the body to eliminate estrogen simply. "That's an environmental thing that's coming from all this synthetic estrogen," Holler says. "Simply by changing our plastic products, and by eliminating (the estrogens) with things like flaxseed, we actually have had people's breast pain go away."

Holistic Moms Network

Wise Moms Newsletter, December 2008

BOOK REVIEW OF HOLLER FOR YOUR HEALTH: BE THE KEY TO A HEALTHY FAMILY by Teresa Holler 

This book has been reviewed by Wise Mom Editor, Aimee K. Wood.

Teresa Holler created a wonderful all inclusive book that families should have on hand as a valuable reference concerning many aspects of health. By connecting the dots of our current health problems in America to what we eat, the air we breathe, the medications we choose, and the personal care products we put on our bodies, Teresa explains the issues in a clear straightforward way. Placing blame on what ails us is not her motive for the book. This is a very empowering book as she places the answers in our hands. If we look deep enough and become informed “we can be the change we wish to see in the world”.

In the first part of her book she explains the major chronic diseases and epidemics of our time. Teresa carefully links allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, learning disorders, and cancer to outside influences. She cites scientific studies to back up her theories. It is amazing and alarming to see the connections between everyday ordinary products and the state of health in this country.

Following that, she carefully runs through everyday encounters with those ordinary products. She throws out red flags with regards to the foods we eat, the water we drink, indoor and outdoor toxins, the plastics we encounter, technological problems, vaccinations, and dental materials. In each section she carefully gives reference to helpful resources and websites where further research can be done.

Finally, Teresa takes her book one step further in giving us an action plan to start today on how to eliminate toxins from our bodies and earth. She covers the basics of eating well, detoxification, and becoming active in changing our world as it stands now. She closes her book with a helpful ten step action plan.

Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family is a great reference for those already interested and aware of the issues and is not intimidating for those new to living more naturally and healthy. We have the power to clean up our bodies and our future on planet Earth. Teresa Holler hands us the key in this empowering book.

Teresa Holler is a mother, physician assistant, former assistant professor of medicine, and professional wellness speaker. Teresa implores parents to educate themselves in order to raise healthy families in today's toxic world. Learn more at www.holler4health.com.

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Epoch Times

Avoiding Hazards of Plastic Containers

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Plastics can use this label in Canada when they are free from Bisphenol A. (David McNew/Getty Images)

While scientists debate the toxicity of chemicals in plastic, it is best to take precautions to protect your family’s health. Below are five simple steps to limit exposure to potential health threats from plastic bottles and other food containers.

Choose Safer Plastics

The first thing to do when considering whether to purchase a food or beverage packaged in plastic is to flip the product over. On the under surface you will find a recycling triangle with a number inside. That number will help you determine how safe the plastic container is. As a rule of thumb, choose 2, 4, or 5 to stay alive.

Carry It With You

Most disposable drink containers are made of #1 plastic, called PETE. This is just an OK plastic. It is not as toxic as polycarbonate #7, which leaches a hormone disruptor known as Bisphenol A (BPA) into its contents. Nor is it as toxic as #3, polyvinyl chloride or #6, polystyrene. However, PETE plastic leaches antimony, which interferes with your body’s ability to detoxify itself, a function that is vital in today’s toxic world.

In order to avoid disposable drink containers, you will have to plan ahead. I carry a glass water bottle whenever possible. Recycled glass juice jars are a perfect solution; just refill them with water that you purify at home. On the occasions where glass is not welcome, choose a stainless steel cup. I always keep one in my car for “emergencies.”

Safer Baby Bottles

Choose a silicone nipple and a glass bottle from manufacturers like Evenflo or BPA-free plastic bottles such as those made by Born Free (Newbornfree.com). Thanks to consumer demand, these bottles are becoming more affordable at Kids R US and other retailers. Remember never to heat liquids in plastic.

Think Outside the Bottle

Although plastic bottles are in the limelight right now because they may leach toxic chemicals, the same worrisome chemical leaches out of the lining of canned foods. This is why it is important to rinse the contents before eating food out of cans.

The foods with the highest contamination include canned soups, pastas, and infant formula. It is also wise to avoid canned varieties of acidic foods like tomato sauce and fatty foods like tuna fish. Powdered varieties of infant formula are less likely to contain harmful chemicals than the premixed liquids.

Rewrap

Commercial plastic wrap is usually made out of PVC, which leaches toxic chemicals like dioxin into food. Simply remove the wrapping and place it in safer food packaging such as unbleached parchment paper, PVC-free cling wrap (available at natural food stores), or a glass container. You may wish to cut off the outer layer of fatty foods, such as cheese, to further reduce your exposure.

Teresa Holler is a physician assistant, professional wellness speaker, and author of "Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family." Teresa requests your help in removing toxic products from store shelves. All you have to do is shop smarter and spread the word. Join her at www.holler4health.com.

Posted - November 1, 2008

Dangers of Playing Hide and Seek with Product Labels

O.W.N. News Network – as printed in O.W.N. Fall 2008

In her new book Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family,  author Theresa Holler addresses three problems that haunt the food and household product market: poor labelling, lack of proper testing and lack of education. Frequently, labels omit toxins, and the consumer receives scant information about them. Other products containing toxins can go onto the shelf without proper testing, turning consumers into guinea pigs.

This well referenced text grounded in science, offers tips on simple ways consumers may protect their family’s health from deadly commonplace toxins.

Holler warns against products with hidden chemicals, which can harm children and adults, and  lead to sickness, fatigue and obesity. But because of lax labelling regulations and trade secrets, the uninformed consumer cannot choose between good products and toxic ones.

Holler has a Bachelors degree in Biology, holds a Masters Degree in Primary Care Medicine and has completed Doctoral coursework in Medical Writing and Environmental Health. She is director of education for Project Wellness in Roanoke, VA and a public speaker. Holler for Your Health is available online at Amazon and from her website www.holler4health.com.

A portion of proceeds are donated to children who are dying alone in US hospitals.

 Click here to hear Teresa's latest radio interview. She is the second guest, so fast-forward about half-way if you like.  http://www.hbnarchive.com/2008/102508.mp3

May 21, 2008     WDBJ television interview with Joy Sutton

Mother writes book about the toxins found in our homes
In the book, Teresa Holler reveals the hidden dangers in a variety of plastic products.  She also warns about some children's clothing that's made with a flame retardant, a chemical Holler says can get into the child's blood stream.

Botetourt View May 14, 2008 Blue Ridge woman authors book on health Teresa Holler of Blue Ridge has written a book, "Holler for your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family," which she says every one needs to read about hazardous chemical exposure and health.She's also calling it "The Give Big Book Tour" as she is giving part of the profits to Blue Ridge Autism School. Holler is a physician's assistant who has studied the human body and reaction to hazardous chemicals in our environment like air pollution for example. She will be at the Blue Ridge Library on Wednesday, May 21at 7:30 p.m. She is very impressed with the Blue Ridge Autism Center and believes a variety of perhaps hazardous environment issues and genetic issues have contributed to the alarming rise in autism. This is an advance of her book which will hit the book market in August, she said. The things we have around us can be detrimental especially to children. Regarding paint, carpet or even a new car she said, "It you can smell it, it is probably toxic." Her advice is to air things out. Check labels for VOC's--Volatile Organic Compounds she said as a preventative when painting for instance. She told The Botetourt View that cancer rates in America in 1908 were 1 in 8,000. Now she says they are approaching 1 in 2. She works with Cardiology doctor, Dr. Savage in Roanoke and also has an association with Dr. Leo Galland in New York City, who operates the Foundation for Integrated Medicine and promotes many approaches to health and healing. Advice? Holler offered, "Fix the things you can!" like the following: -Avoid silver dental fillings -Eat fish lower on the food chain like tilapia Used canned salmon instead of tuna -Strengthen your natural detoxifiction -- sweating is good for you (unless you are very young or elderly check with your doctor.) -Eat cruciferous veggies -- raw is better than cooked but eat them -- broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage -Use flax seed meal in cooking Her book is $20 and will be on sale after her talk.