Using visualizations to reduce pain may be unlike anything else you’ve tried. It not only gives you the chance to feel better, but does so in a way that may be able to relieve your sense of helplessness.

When you have back pain or pain in the neck or other extremities, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia pain, or neuropathic pain (nerve pain), it can seem like everything around you robs you of control:

• The pain has a life and a schedule of its own. It comes and goes when it pleases, and you’re almost powerless to affect it.

• Your doctor and her staff have absolute control over your comfort yet they may seem indifferent to your urgency to get your Rx refilled.

• Your pharmacist seems to think you’re becoming an addict and sometimes embarrasses you in front of other patrons with condescending remarks.

• Your family won’t let you drive because your meds make you groggy.

• Your spouse may not understand the level of pain you feel, and is angry at how much the pain prevents you from pulling your load in the relationship.

If any of these concerns apply to you, take heart. Virtually everyone who’s tried using visualization statements to program their subconscious has reported benefits that go beyond simple pain relief to include feeling more powerful. Even if the reduction in discomfort is minimal, they still feel like they’re gaining back psychological control of their lives.

Programming the Subconscious

Visualization statements represent the specific language that your subconscious wants you to read back to it to help ease your pain. They’re simple and are targeted directly at the main factors that could bring you relief.

You can obtain these statements by learning how to communicate directly with your own subconscious mind. The process is straightforward and can be done at home by working with a facilitator over the telephone. You you need no special skills and no previous experience in working with the subconscious.

Here are some important ways in which visualization statements can help you reduce feelings of helplessness:

1. Talking Down the Pain

Visualizations allow you to directly address your pain. For example, depending on what your subconscious indicates, you may visualize things such as your muscles being relaxed and free of pain, or pain signals being weakened before they reach your brain.

You’ll soon find that it can be exhilarating to make those statements. They’re a declaration of your birthright to be free of pain. And they’re a specific set of instructions to your subconscious to get busy and fix the problem.

Best of all they’re proactive, taking you out of the passive stance that you have when you’re feeling helpless. Instead of being at the effect of your pain, you can begin to feel like you’re directly taking responsibility for relieving it.

2. Giving Yourself Your Own Natural Pain Meds

Most sets of pain relief visualization statements include highly detailed instructions from the subconscious on brain and body chemistry. For example, instead of relying solely on drugs to lower glutamate, substance P, and the other pain amplifiers, you’re working to reduce your own supply naturally.

And instead of depending exclusively on an Rx to increase the action of endorphins or serotonin, you’re directly instructing your subconscious to produce more on its own. Even if the reduction in pain is only slight, you may feel like you’ve gained a victory over doctors, nurses and pharmacists. You’re seemingly dispensing your own pain meds without having to worry about refills or side effects.

3. Reasserting Yourself In the Family

If due to your condition you’re not being given respect by your loved ones, visualizations can help you stand up for yourself.

Even if relief hasn’t kicked in, and even if it does so with only slight benefit, the visualization process can have a healthy impact on your self-esteem. For example, negative emotions such as anger, confusion and shame can directly be addressed. You may find that they lessen in impact as the days go by.

And at the same time, positive emotions such as eagerness, happiness and strength can be visualized. You may feel them grow in influence as time passes.

Even if your pain circumstances don’t change much, your experience of them may shift as your emotions are worked on by the subconscious. This may give you more confidence when dealing with well-meaning but sometimes overbearing family members.

4. Cutting Helplessness Off At the Source

Ultimately visualizations help you deal with helplessness by giving you the very real experience of being the expert. You, not your doctor, pharmacist or family now have expertise regarding your own pain, because you’ve accessed your subconscious and found out what it thinks is needed to ease your pain.

The statements you derive from it and feed back to it will probably cover a wide range of body systems and functions–brain chemistry, body structure, the immune system, hormones, emotions, food, and sleep. The mix will be entirely unique to you, and will represent the opposite of helplessness–a powerful tool aimed at programming your subconscious to provide relief

Programming the Subconscious

The subconscious is quite powerful. When programmed through the very visualizations that it suggests, it may be able to turn episodes of uncontrolled pain and helplessness into events over which you have a degree of control.

Ben Plumb is CEO and President of The Visualization Group, Inc. The company’s service is delivered by people like himself who personally suffered from years of chronic pain, and used the visualization method described in this article to obtain relief when nothing else worked. For more information, please visit http://www.thevisualizationgroup.com.

(c) 2005 The Visualization Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The methodology and program disclosed in this article are Patent Pending.

Gold travelled from Ireland through Cornwall and down to the Mediterranean via sea or overland through Brittany to the early centres of civilisation. Before the River Camel and the River Fowey in East Cornwall became silted through tin streaming they were navigable much further inland. Prior to tin mining there would have been only a four mile gap overland between the north coast River Camel (at Padstow) and the South Coast River Fowey. This is a serious short-cut to the alternative of travelling right round the peninsula of Cornwall with its dangers of rocks, ridiculous weather and hungry pirates.

Later copper followed the same route and the Romans ‘followed the supply’ back to Britain. The strong links between Ireland, Wales and Cornwall are still to be found, for example in similar labyrinth carvings found in Ireland and North Cornwall. In terms of an ‘English’ history, Cornwall doesn’t really exist until the end of the Dark ages in 900AD or so, when the English started invading, but there are still many clues built into the land. Cornwall is a Celtic land that has its own history. It was one of the earliest civilised trading nations, more linked by sea with Ireland, Wales and Brittany than by long and hazardous overland journeys to England.

‘Restormel’ the Castle of The Black Prince, overlooks the once highest navigable point of the river Fowey, an ancient site. Like Castle D’or , used as a title for one of Daphne DuMaurier’s books, it is likely to be pre-iron age. When you look at a map a whole line of at least Roman age encampments follows the river route across land, with one site perched next to the once highest navigable point of the Camel - in Dunmere woods. This suggests that this route was an important one to protect - because it was a main artery for precious metals.

The existing Saints Way follows the river route across East Cornwall, which was established long before the Saints as a convenient short-cut between Ireland and Wales and the south coast of Cornwall - and on. The way is rich in springs and many holy wells are still to be found. The Church at Lanlivery, a visible route sign from many miles away, sits high on the horizon, a beacon for travellers. It lines up with the saint’s pathway to ancient standing stones at Helman Tor an evident meeting place from Stone Age times. The Church at Lanivet beckons the traveller on to where the route meets the river Camel at Ruthernbridge and then continues North to Padstow.

Like the songs of Aborigines, the peoples who once travelled these lands would learn the route through stories of the wayplaces they would meet. And sometimes, when it is quiet, the land still whispers these secrets to willing ears.

About the Author

THE LILY by Simon Mitchell (fiction)
THE LILY is the first episode of a magical new Cornish adventure novel.
Trapped in time for 2000 years, the spirit of a healer finally tells his
story. A giant conspiracy is unveiled and our hero sets out to mend the
land. Order this story by visiting:
http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/Lily.html

The interest that natural aphrodisiacs has risen was not manifested because of a greed for lust or fashion trends or even social duties, but starting from a search for divinty from human kind but not only this: the wish for an improved and better life.

Potency, fertility, passion, love, sentiments don’t have anything to do with lack of decency, fomication, breaking social rules and lack of self-control. Aphrodisiacs in general, natural ones especially, come as a completion to any human being, man or woman, in order to fulfill us in the unique pursuit that is perpetuation of life.

And, in this context, we plead for a life in harmony, bring in front the natural cures and ways of life, ways that naturally resonate with our body, without any chemical reactions that are difficult to imagine and accept. As a consequence, you should takea journey through healing agents, body fortifiers, recovering and balancing elements that come from nature and can be used as much as possible in their natural state. We are talking about plants, plants based products, animal based products that are proven to have aphrodisiac properties. This natural products are not created and prepared in who knows what secret laboratory with a cosmetics or aliment company, all you need being… your kitchen. Any dish you would prepare using ingredients with aprodisiac qualities seem to be an easy and accessible solution to a problem that proved to be both embarrassing and complex.

Then, maybe it is time that all of us go back to Mother Nature even when it is about our most intimate and hidden aspects of our lives…

Natural Aphrodisiacs is the site where you can find how you can use common fruits and vegetables in your kitchen to prepare great recipes to eat and improve your life, on and off the bedroom.

Figs and Dates

Figs are high in fiber and can provide a gentle action on your colon when you have been constipated. This action can take about 24 hours before it takes place. Figs aid in digestion and provide a high level of fiber and minerals, They also provide a natural source of serotonin.

The use of figs and dates combined can have a stronger action on your colon. Here’s a source for fig syrup that I found: http://www.baar.com/figsyrup.htm

Grapes

Grapes have a good laxative action. Eat 1-2 lbs of grapes though out the day and reduce the amount of food you eat during the day. Eat more vegetables and other fruits. Reduce the amount of processed foods you eat.

Grapes are high in vitamins and minerals. They have good fiber content and are especially high in manganese.

Since they are high in sugar, bugs are attracted to them. This causes farmers to spray them with pesticides. Try to find them at the farmers market as organic or not sprayed.

Papaya

Papaya is well known for its enzyme papain. Its minerals help reduce cell waste and eliminate stomach and colon mucus. You can add papaya to your smoothies or eat them in between meals.

Persimmon

Persimmons are as good as apples and maybe even better for your heart. They are high in fiber, minerals - sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese - and phenolic compounds, which are anti-oxidants. The persimmon skin is also high in fiber but I find the skin hard to eat. You may like it.

Eat 2-3 persimmons each day, if they are available. They help to keep you get constipation relief.

Plums

Fresh plums are filled with minerals and have a mild laxative effect. They can relieve gas and have a cleansing effect on your intestines.

Prunes

Prunes are dried plums. Eat both for their natural laxative effect. Prunes are more effective than plums for constipation. Buy a bag of dried prunes and eat them throughout the day. Aside from this laxative effect, prunes are high in iron.

Raspberries

Raspberries are high in vitamins A and C. They are high in magnesium, calcium, and iron. They are helpful in clearing constipation.

Experiment with the different fruits listed here. Eat them at different times and eat different quantities. Prepare them in different ways or buy them in different forms. Using these fruits consistently will give you constipation relief.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipation-remedies.for–you.info

If you suffer from ANY of the following conditions, PLEASE seek the advice of your doctor before using ANY natural remedy - whether it be aromatherapy oils and blends or herbal teas, tinctures, supplements, salves, etc.

Epilepsy (some oils/herbs can actually send you into a seizure!)

High Blood Pressure

Low Blood Pressure

Skin Sensitivity

Coagulation Disorders

Hepatitis

Heart Disease

Liver Disease

Pregnancy/Nursing (there are no safe oils during pregnancy!)

Hormone Replacement Therapy

The golden rules for safety:

1) If you are under the care of a physician, seek his/her advice BEFORE starting therapy.

2) If you are pregnant or nursing, do not utilize natural therapies without the express consent and guidance of your doctor.

3) Keep in mind that many oils are phototoxic - meaning they will increase your sensitivity to the sun. Avoid sun exposure after topical use of essential oils.

4) Do a patch test. Always patch test a new oil or blend on a small area of skin to test for sensitivity. The last thing you want is a huge rash because you didn’t know you’d be sensitive to the oil!

5) Natural remedies work well with traditional medicine - the key word being ‘with’. If you have any medical conditions, are under a doctor’s care for ANY reason, or simply have questions/concerns - talk to your medical professional BEFORE you begin a natural therapy regimen.

Remember - Natural does not mean ’safe’!

Dee is a Doctor of Reflexology, Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products.

Today’s kids are technologically smarter than we were at their age, but in some homes technology seems to have taken control of our children’s lives. Many parents don’t realize the underlying effect it’s having on their children’s health.

Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear a news report on childhood obesity. With our children coming home from school, sitting in front of the computer or spending time playing video games it’s no wonder obesity is on the rise. This being said, there is another problem that many parents may be overlooking.

Each year, reports pertaining to the number of bone fractures in children are made public. Each year, those numbers rise. Some reports attribute the increase in broken bones to an overload of sugar from too much soda. This may indeed be a contributing factor, but I believe improper calcium balance may be the real cause.

Calcium balance is particularly important in our childhood years when we are growing. Over 98% of the calcium is found in our bones and teeth. Our bodies rely on vitamin D and weight bearing exercise to help keep calcium levels intact. Weight bearing exercise includes any activity in which your feet and legs carry your own weight. Some good examples include:

* Walking * Running * Jumping Rope * Dancing * Climbing Stairs * Jogging * Aerobic Dancing * Hiking * Inline Skating/ice skating * Racquet sports * Team Sports such as soccer, Basketball, field hockey, volleyball and softball or baseball. These are a few of the exercises that can help to build strong bones. Staying in the house and playing video baseball, instead of hitting a real Little League home run, is robbing our children of sunlight.

Remember that vitamin D is manufactured in the body as a result of sunlight on the skin. It is the messenger molecule that is responsible for getting calcium to the parts of the body where it is most needed. Without proper weight bearing exercise and Vitamin D, the calcium balance is seriously disrupted. You may think that your children get plenty of vitamin D and calcium from the milk they drink, but did you know that the human body absorbs only 20-30% of the calcium in cow’s milk. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the body absorbs calcium from kale easier than the calcium in cow’s milk.

In addition, many studies have linked the consumption of cow’s milk to multiple health problems, but that’s a story for a later time.

Should you feed your child kale instead of milk? Maybe, but it’s time for us as parents to insist that our kids get outside and play again. There simply is no better way to get the proper amount of vitamin D than to be in sunlight.

If you are afraid to pull the video game plug and are considering giving Junior a vitamin D supplement instead, you should know that of all vitamins, vitamin D has the highest level of potential toxicity. Some of the better D supplement choices would be Cholecalciferol (Animal origin) and Ergocalciferol (yeast origin.)

I’m not saying the kids should never be on the computer, but I am strongly suggesting you consider limiting their time.

When children spend time outside, they get the chance to soak up the sunlight thus enabling the skin to produce vitamin D - naturally. More than likely, their outdoor activities will include some good weight bearing exercise, which will allow even more vitamin D to be produced. The increased activity may also lead to weight loss and better overall health.

Vitamin-D:

Helpers- Sufficient exposure to sunlight

Robbers- Lack of sunshine and Fried foods.

Larry M. Glicken

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Larry Glicken is a Nutritional Consultant and owner of Complete Life Nutrition.com. Dedicated to helping people stay healthy. Visit www.completelifenutrition.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So you’re thinking of hunting around for a brand spanking new plasma TV and do not know where to commence looking. Unsurprising with the incomprehensible choice of products on offer in the market; LCD, plasma, flat screen, HD, Freeview etc. a really convenient resource for fighting your way through all of the technical terminology is the John Lewis consumers guide - this neutral web page should guide you through the industry speak and help you choose the television that’s most appropriate for you and your family. it is crucial not to forget the add ons too! Finally choosing the most appropriate television stand or cabinet, which will most accent your designated room as well as hold up your great new LCD flat screen television is an all too often ignored consideration.

Your next inquiry could be at which web-site to look online for your new television? There are quite a lot of websites on the world wide web claiming they offer marvellous deals on plasma TVs, but how can you tell which retailer you can really count on? With John Lewis you and your family may purchase in full confidence, and here’s why; Free national delivery service on all orders - no reason to fret about that ‘awesome price’ you’ve found all of a sudden not seeming very good once you account for the additional cost of postage and packaging. And should you and your family require any item in a big hurry, next day delivery service is available on virtually every one of their items. Yet another terrific thing is, if you are not entirely happy with your brand new Sony television then returns are free! However, saving the very best for last - John Lewis offers you a free five year guarantee for all televisions, something you would pay a massive premium for elsewhere. Looking for Sony TVs? The John Lewis product page is a wealth of information.

With a television in your sights you should presently be ready to peruse the huge array of LCD flat screen TVs on offer on the John Lewis site. The John Lewis site is truly straightforward to navigate and making your way to the correct category and product will require very little effort at all. So give John Lewis a try for your brand spanking new Sony TV… Happy shopping!

Environmental control is the key to reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Keeping a clean house free of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and effect on family members with respiratory difficulties. Air cleaners, filters and hepa filters can play a role in helping to control or reduce the exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens.

Several health authorities have recognized that certain types of air filtration systems can be beneficial in reducing the amount of airborne particulates in a room. The American lung association recommends using a hepa air filter purifier for the bedrooms of asthma suffers.
The Mayo clinic recommends an air particle filter for household ventilation systems. Ionic filters and hepa filters have been endorsed or recognized by the Asthma and allergy foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval.

Selecting the wrong type of filtration system could exacerbate the problem by agitating and circulating the existing particulate matter throughout your house, so it is important to do your research thoroughly. Ionic air filters do not create high airflow patterns to clean the air and simply rely on negative ion attraction to collect the airborne particulate matter. They have demonstrates to have decent capture rate of airborne allergens and irritants like pollen, dander, tobacco smoke and dust and can help improve the quality of your indoor air environment. You can read more the ionic air filtration process at http://www.air-purifiers-review.com/ionic-air-cleaner.htm.

Air filtration systems should not be considered as a solution for any respiratory condition, nor as a reason to ignore sound medical advice and guidance about the removal of irritant sources and allergen habitats from your household. They are also not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of your household environment. Selecting the right air purifier system can help complement and enhance your efforts to reducing airborne particulate matters, as well as maintain a healthier indoor breathing environment.

S.A. Smith is a freelance editor, writer, and contributor to the Air Purifiers Review resource site, and can be reached at http://www.air-purifiers-review.com

Then you experience a fear of losing control or going
crazy and even a fear of dying.

If you suffer from anxiety, then you already know that
you are having an attack. If you are experiencing most
of the symptoms above and do not know what is
happening to you, there’s a good chance that it is an
anxiety/panic attack.

The first thing you should do is to have your doctor
check you out. Do not be afraid to have it checked
if you think it’s anxiety. At one time, people would
feel embarrassed when they found out that it was “all
in their head”. But it’s not all in your head. Anxiety
and panic attacks are real and you’d be surprised
to learn how many people suffer from this condition.
Sadly, many suffer quietly at home, too afraid to
venture beyond their safe place.

I have had anxiety attacks on and off for over 20
years. My doctor told me it was anxiety, but I was
told to simply try to relax.

Over the years, more has been learned about anxiety
and panic attacks, as well new drugs have been
developed to alleviate them.

But the drugs only mask the symptoms and they come
with many unwanted side effects. I was also told that
I would be on the drug for two years, then I would
have to stop taking them and go through withdrawal.

So I stopped taking my prescription after a few days.
I decided that I would have to find a way to stop the
attacks myself.

Here is what has worked for me. First, make the
decision that you are going to take charge and be
anxiety free. Imagine how it would feel to always
feel good, to be able to go anywhere you want to
go, to stand in crowds or in line-ups and be calm
and relaxed just like everyone else. Remember,
thoughts do create and if you keep thinking about
the attacks, they do get worse.

Do deep breathing exercises as often per day as you
can remember. Breathe deeply through your nostrils.
Breathe not only with your chest, but take a deep breath
and expand your stomach. Exhale through your mouth.
This seems to work much better than exhaling through
your nostrils, but you can try it both ways to see which
works best for you.

I have learned that deep breathing is a good practice for
anyone. It helps to increase your oxygen and rid the
body of toxins and increase your energy.

Your doctor will tell you to eliminate coffee, tobacco and
alcohol from your lifestyle. This is good advice, however,
if you feel that it is too much to ask of you at this time. I
have some suggestions to follow so that you can still work
on your goal of being anxiety free without having to give up
so much at once.

You can start out by cutting back on your coffee. Too
much coffee can make you jittery and bring on an attack.
I still have my coffee many times throughout the day, but
I only drink a half cup at a time. So I have cut my intake
in half and it feels like it gives me the same lift as drinking
a full cup.

If you smoke, but feel that you cannot give up the cigarettes
at this time, do the same thing as I did for the coffee. When
you want a cigarette, only smoke half at a time.

I chose to eliminate alcohol altogether. Even if I only
drank a small amount, it was enough to guarantee an attack
the next day. Alcohol does effect people differently, so if
you find that alcohol does not always cause you to have an
attack the next day, still try to reduce the amount you drink.

Exercise can help a lot. You do not have to do strenuous
exercises. I practice Qi Gong. It caught my attention when
I read how it can stop anxiety. The exercises are easy, even
10 minutes a day can work for you. It has for me.

Qi Gong exercises are energy work. When you have an
energy blockage in your body, it will cause dis-ease. By
practicing Qi Gong, you remove the blockage and you
can feel better rather quickly. When you practice Qi
Gong, you not only heal your own body, but you increase
your energy so that you can heal others. I have seen some
amazing healings with Qi Gong. So it was no surprise that
it can cure anxiety, too.

Another suggestion, which is rather interesting, concerns
the stimulation of the “amygdala”, which is a small almond
shaped organ in the brain. You actually have two of them,
one on each side of your brain.

I learned about the amygdala when I stumbled across a
website that told how by stimulating them with your thoughts,
it would increase your awareness, intelligence, etc.

There were times when I was feeling good that I would feel
a sensation on my forehead. It would be a tingling feeling,
or like someone was lightly touching my forehead with their
hand. That is the same sensation that I can produce at any
time now by putting my attention on my forehead.

What is interesting about the amydala is that there is a
method for curing anxiety, panic and phobias that says that
the amygdala is responsible for those conditions and that this
fact has been known for many years and is common knowledge
among scientists the world over.

So there could be something to it, based on my own experience.
I still make it a point to focus my attention on my forehead around
the area of the amydala everyday. You might to give that a try
too.

The thing is, you don’t have to suffer from anxiety and panic
attacks. And you don’t have to settle for addictive prescription
drugs in order to feel better. There is an abundance of help
available to you and it is all natural.

I wish you much success in your healing!

Copyright 2005

Written by Susan Norrad, editor and publisher of
The Universe Of Abundant Life Ezine. Find out
how you can take control and create the life you
want, look and feel great, be happy and successful.
http://universeofabundantlife.com

“Organic” refers to the methods by which foods, cottons, woolens, etc., are farmed and processed, without chemicals, pesticides, radiation, or other artificial intervention. Organic farming techniques allow natural soil replenishment, without the chemical saturation that depletes natural nutrients plants, and grazing animals, need to live. Organic products must also be processed naturally, without chemical washes, additives or treatments that have dominated markets since WWII.

Officially, according to the National Organic Standards Board, “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.” In other words, it’s got to be organic and as chemical free as possible, from seed to finished product.

Bear in mind that most organic retailers can promise minimal exposure to chemical inputs. That means that organic products are raised, processed, and assembled without chemical intervention. Exposure to existing hemispheric and residual industrial toxins cannot be avoided until years after environmentally responsible legislation is enacted. Perhaps in generations to come, Earth’s environment will be cleansed enough to guarantee absolute purity. Only with your support will that be possible.

What is Organic Certification?

There are in place quite stringent standards for organic certification that are established at local levels, and by private organizations. Certification is an industry “watchdog” seal of approval, and is not the same as government regulation.

Organic certification involves inspections, soil and water testing; testing of processing facilities, record keeping requirements, to ensure all standards are being met at all times. Many products may be called organic, but look for the certification. That’s your assurance your purchase is truly organic, not organically produced in one place and artificially processed in another place.

Who regulates the certified organic claims?

(The following consumer information is taken directly from an article on the Organic Trade Association site, ota.com.)

“The federal government set standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Standards Board was then established to develop guidelines and procedures to regulate all organic crops. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during December 2000 unveiled detailed regulations to implement OFPA. These took effect on April 21, 2001, with an 18-month implementation period ending October 2002. At that time, any food labeled organic must meet these national organic standards. USDA’s National Organic Program oversees the program.”

There you go. Legal standards for organic farming and production are now cast in Washington granite!

Susan Fullen-Yurek is an organic products entrepreneur (http://www.kushtush.com) and freelance author committed to supporting environmental awareness and the “greening of the planet” for our children and grandchildren. Embracing and supporting environmental initiatives signals a return to “natural common sense” and rejection of powerful corporate lobbies dictating the health and future of our families.