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Natural Islands
the holistic journal of the Caribbean & Bermuda

HOLIDAY BAKING
How to Make it Low-Cal

MASSAGE
FOR CANCER
Natural Pain Relief

DIABETES
The Plague of the 21st Century?

HIV/AIDS
DISCRIMINATION
There is Nothing 'Merry' About it
Nov/Dec 2007 BD$2.00

Plus, profile on
Deryn Jolliffe
Higgins

Happy H o l i d a y s !
   
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     
        
     
     
 MEDICINAL BOTANICALS TAKE CENTER STAGE
Over 200 medicinal herbs, teas, tinctures and herbal
capsules; certified organic, wild harvested and
cultivated without the use of harmful chemicals,
now available at the Inuk Center Herbal Apothecary
H erbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers
to the use of plants, seeds, berries, roots, leaves, barks and flowers for
relief of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical imbalances in the body and
mind. Herbal medicine was indeed the first medicine used by humankind and
is still the medicine of choice for indigenous people around the world who can-
not afford costly pharmaceuticals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that more than 80% of
people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary
healthcare.
The Inuk Centre offers a unique opportunity for you to return to nature
when restoring your health. A visit to the Inuk Center allows you to enjoy an
unusual experience as you unearth the healing power of medicinal botanicals.
You'll learn about their use and applications as well as safety precautions.
Call to arrange a tea tasting for a group or for yourself. We take pride in
introducing new clients and customers to a wide selection of medicinal herbal
For further information and to make an appointment , please telephone us at (441) 238-1227.
www.Naturalislands.com
teas and exotic herbal tea blends. We also encourage visitors to our island to
take advantage of a unique herbal experience at our apothecary.
The herbal apothecary at the Inuk Centre provides you with products that
are exceptional in quality. Our medicinal herbs, medicinal teas, herbal tinctures
and herbal capsules are unsurpassable in taste, aroma, colour and important
vitamins and minerals.
We select our herbs from reputable small organic farms and fair trade
growers to provide you with superior herbal products that are both safe and
effective. And because herbs are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, mois-
ture and light, our herbs are kept in a temperature controlled environment with
limited light, heat and moisture in order to maintain their colour, potency and
freshness. We advise our customers to keep their herbal products in a dry pan-
try, cupboard or closet and out of the reach of children and pets.
Enjoy good health the way nature intended !
Nov/Dec 2007 | 
 publishersLetter 3
FE AT U R E S

16 10 Type II Diabetes:
Affluence
A Disease of

16 Trouble In Toyland

10 Holiday Baking Tips To Save

21 Time, Cut Calories and Reduce Sugar
Intake

Massage Therapy: Soothing The Pains

26 of Cancer
26
Organic Wines: The Making of a
30 Label

Accept, Care, Support People With

36 AIDS.

47 Homeopathy: Bermuda and Beyond

36

30

www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 

 publishersLETTER
“We could learn a lot from crayons...
Some are sharp, some are pretty and
some are dull. Some have weird names,
and all are different colors, but they all
have to live in the same box.”
Author unknown
Welcome to our first holiday issue!
This is time of year when people of vary-
ing religious backgrounds are celebrating
a significant holiday in their faith and we
wish you a happy holiday! It is a time to
not only honour our traditions but also
to reflect and respect the rights of others
who are celebrating in their own fashion.
It should be a time for unity and a time
to recognize that through our diversity,
there is strength and beauty.
The comedians at the recent music festi-
val enjoyed pointing out the various ra-
cial differences, however that only sends
us down a short road of the past injustic-
es revisited. Maybe if we can have two
months of attending each other's festivi-
ties, we could all learn to live together
harmoniously for the whole year!
Seriously though, this issue highlights the
Our mission is to provide information and resources for a healthy,
active, sustainable lifestyle. In each issue you will find in-depth articles on
natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative
expression and the products and services that support personal and
environmental wellness.
This publication is printed on recycled newsprint and uses soy based ink.
Reuse! Reduce! Recycle!
www.Naturalislands.com
Publisher
Aamirah Branch - Sticca
info@naturalislands.com
Co-publisher
Lawrence Sticca
Larry@naturalislands.com
Contributing Writer
Letitia Burrell
Graphic Designer
Edwardo Rodriguez
ads@naturalislands.com
stigma and discrimination faced by our
earthly brothers and sisters who are in-
fected with HIV/AIDS. During the season
when many are celebrating "peace and Natural Islands Journal is a bi-monthly pub-
goodwill"- how truthfully are you reflect- lication distributed throughout Bermuda
ing those words in your life, especially and the Caribbean. It is available at gro-
to the HIV infected? What is the gift that
cery stores, health food stores, drug stores
you are giving to mothers, fathers, sisters
and brothers who may never live to see and gas stations. Please call for a location
another holiday season? near you or if you would like to subscribe
to the journal.
This discrimination needs to stop. In
the words of a Christian song, "let there We do not necessarily endorse the views
be peace on earth, and let it begin with
expressed in the articles and advertise-
me."
ments, nor are we responsible for the prod-
We hope that you will enjoy this issue as ucts and services advertised. We welcome
much as we enjoyed bringing it to you,
your ideas, comments and feedback.
with a new type of cover paper and still
jam packed with ideas to encourage and
inspire. Also, consider a gift subscription
to Natural Islands Journal as a gift to a
friend or family member. It's the gift that
keeps on giving. Questions?
Comments?
Have a wonderful holiday season and we
look forward to serving you in 2008!
441.735.3471 (phone)
Larry & Aamirah
441.297.5873 (fax)
P O Box GE 372
St Georges GE BX
Bermuda
www.Naturalislands.com
© 2007 by New Horizons Media. All rights reserved.
Although some parts of this publication may be
reproduced and reprinted, we require
that permission be obtained in writing.
Nov/Dec 2007 | 
 Community Resource Guide...............44
DEPA RT M EN TS
News Briefs......................................5

Matters for Men........................................15

Giving Your Body The Right Fuel

20 Cooking Corner..........................20
Delectable Deserts

Supplements 101...........................22
Fighting Lung Cancer Naturally

Personal Profile...........................27
Deryn Higgins

Know Your Herbs.........................28

29 Tea Is Good Medicine

Focus on Fitness....................29
Yoga For Men

Voice of Spirit.............................32
Daily Life and Stillness

Book Review.......................................33
The Spirit of Intimacy by Sobonfu Some

Sustainable Development............34
Socially Responsible Investing: Where Are You Putting Your
Dollars?

Together We Can Help Fight Poverty

One dollar from each subscription of Natural Islands Journal will be donated to our favorite
charity - World Vision. Together we can help to change the lives of children living in poverty
or devastated by HIV/AIDS. For more on World Vision and how you can sponsor a child,
contact World Vision (Bermuda) at 441-296-2392.

A personal note from Aamirah:

"The name of my sponsored child is Naluthando, a beautiful, bright, 12 year old South African girl.
My small f inancial support ensures that Naluthando goes to school, amongst other things. It's amaz-
ing that what we take for granted can be life and death to others."

 | Nov/Dec 2007
 NEWS BRIEFS
NATURAL ISLANDS EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Natural Islands Journal is growing! We
are expanding our distribution into the
Caribbean and are seeking the following
dynamic persons to join our team:
Independent Sales Reps (ISR)
Turn your passion for good health into
profit. As an ISR you will sell advertis-
ing space to local merchants and practi-
tioners of green, natural health products
and services. Excellent communication
skills and drive will determine your suc-
cess. We offer generous commissions
and profit-sharing bonuses with poten-
tial for growth into Regional Manager.
Access to the internet a must. Prior sales
experience a definite plus. Work your
own hours, full or part-time. For con-
sideration, please submit a resume and
two professional references. References
must include name, address and phone
numbers. Positions are open for the en-
tire Caribbean region.
Distributors
Our network of distributors ensure that
Natural Islands Journal is available in
targeted locations that complements
the magazine’s focus. It requires a com-
mitment of one or two days of distri-
bution per issue, which is published 6
times a year. Vehicle is required. Com-
pensation is on a cost per location basis
plus profit-sharing bonuses. For con-
sideration, please submit a resume and
two professional references. References
must include name, address and phone
numbers.
Columnists
INTERNSHIPS
We are searching our green islands for
knowledgeable, articulate and creative
persons to produce original columns on
living the green lifestyle in Bermuda &
the Caribbean. Are you someone who
knows a great deal about green prod-
ucts, wellness and natural healing? Do
you have direct experience, knowledge
and fondness for eco-fashion, eco-travel,
green living, natural baby care, organic
restaurants or gardening to name a few?
www.Naturalislands.com
Are you the go-to person among friends
and family for what is green? Do you like
to write about your experiences and ob-
servations, solicit opinions and look into
new products and methods?
Then consider sharing your wit and ex-
pertise with thousands of people search-
ing for green products and the healing
wisdom in the Caribbean / Bermuda re-
gion. Columns of 300-500 words each
will be written and posted weekly on-
line. That means columnists are com-
mitting to write approximately twelve,
300-500 word columns in the 3-month
time period. This is ideal for journalism
or communications students. Internet ac-
cess required. Positions are open for the
entire Caribbean region.
For consideration please submit:
a) the name of and several sentences de-
scribing your column’s suggested focus
and who you imagine will connect with
your topics.
b) A draft of your first column and a list
of 3-4 future column ideas.
Associate Editors
Learn the holistic publishing business
from the ground up. We offer our Interns
the opportunity to participate virtually as
Associate Editors to plan and manage
content for Natural Islands online and
print editions, cultivate resources for ar-
ticles, research, draft and review articles.
Internet access required.
For consideration please submit:
a) the headline and leading paragraph
for a potential feature article
b) suggested editorial focus for two is-
sues of the journal
Graphic/Layout Design
Bring your graphics and website design
talent to Natural Islands. We are look-
ing for multi media and design students
who want to bring what they are learn-
ing to our team. You will bring your
Adobe Creative Suite and CMS skills to
make our green living and natural health
journal/website reflect our mission with
style and creative appeal. Internet ac-
cess required.
For consideration please submit:
a) an electronic or web-based portfolio
of your creative work
b) a draft of a potential cover for Natural
Islands Journal
Compensation and Glory
All internships are for a period of 3
months, with the possibility of exten-
sion. We’re looking for interns living
in or connected to the Caribbean/ Ber-
muda. Your photo and brief bio will be
posted in association with your work
where applicable.
These are non-paid internships. Your pri-
mary reward is the building of your port-
folio and college credit (if applicable)
However, after the completion of your
internship, you are eligible to apply for
one of our scholarship awards ranging
from US$500-2,500 each calendar year.
Details of the scholarship will be issued
to current interns.
Kindly submit the above requested docu-
mentation by email to: info@naturalis-
lands.com. No phone calls please.
Join Our Online
Community
Naturalislands.com
 offers a gathering
place for like-
minded individuals
to get connected
with others who value a lifestyle
of health & sustainability. It's
the place to go for inspiration,
encouragement and ideas for
natural health, personal growth
and sustainable development.
See you online!
Nov/Dec 2007 | 
|
FIND THE PETAL |
Announcing the Find The Petal Contest
Hidden in one of our advertisers' ads is a hibiscus
petal that looks like the one on this page. But don't be
fooled, it may be a different color, shade or size.

In each issue of the journal, hunt for the petal and

mail in your answer to win a $25 Gift Certificate to that
advertiser's store or practice.

You never know where the petal may be!

Happy hunting!

Winning is easy as 1-2-3

1. Find the petal in the ad
2. Fill out the form below and mail in your answer
3. A winner will be selected from a random drawing and notified by mail.
Winners will also be announced in each subsequent issue.

Contest Rules - please read!

The first drawing will take place on January 15, 2008 and will occur on the 15th of the month following the newly released issue
(e.g. entries from the Jan/Feb issue will be drawn on March 15th). Only one entry per household and must be over 21. Previ-
ous winners are not eligible for another certificate within a 90 day period. Gift certificates are not redeemable for cash, nor will
any change be given. It must be used by the expiry date (if any) and will not be re-issued if lost, stolen or expired. Responses are
accepted by mail, fax or email, no phone calls please. We are not responsible for lost or delayed mail that arrives after the closing
date. If the merchant is not located in your country of residence, a substitute in your locale will be made by random selection. This
offer is subject to change and termination without notice.

Name: _____________________________________________________________ I FOUND THE PETAL!

Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ It was hidden in the following ad:
Country: _______________________ __________________________

Email: ____________________________________Phone:___________________ on page __________

[ ] Add me to your mailing list (you can unsubscribe at anytime) Mail to:
Natural Islands Journal
P O Box GE 372
Your privacy is respected. We do not sell or share your information with anyone.
St George GE BX
Bermuda

 | Nov/Dec 2007
ARE YOU EATING REAL FOOD?
Washington, D.C., United States - Many
consumers want to avoid adding geneti-
cally engineered (GE) foods to their shop-
ping carts. However, without a federal
mandate to label foods GE, and with over
30,000 food products on American su-
permarket shelves, it is easy for consum-
ers to be confused.
Buying whole and organic foods
are the best ways to avoid GE ingredi-
ents. Most fresh fruit and vegetables, and
whole grains and beans are not geneti-
cally engineered. Also, by definition, or-
ganic food is produced without genetic
engineering.
When buying packaged food, be
sure to keep a lookout for common ge-
netically engineered ingredients such
as: corn oil, corn syrup, corn starch, soy
protein, soy oil, soy sauce, lecithin, cot-
tonseed and canola oil. If your package
lists one or more of these ingredients,
chances are these are GE foods, unless
it is otherwise labeled organic or non-
GE.
In an effort to make your trip to the
supermarket a little easier, Greenpeace
has created the first-ever consumer guide
to avoiding GE food: The True Food Shop-
ping List. The True Food Shopping List
is not a complete manual, but rather a
starting point for consumers who want to
shop smarter and safer. We will update
this list as we get new information and
as companies' policies evolve.
It is true that many mainstream su-
permarkets do not carry a variety of foods
made by natural and organic producers
who avoid GE ingredients. One way to
change this is to talk to the manager at
your local supermarket. Polite requests
from concerned customers can go a
long way toward bringing alternatives to
your store. For more on genetically engi-
neered food,visit greenpeace.org.
www.Naturalislands.com
DIABETES COULD LEAD TO EXTINCTION OF INDIGENOUS RACES
The diabetes epidemic now sweeping
the world could eventually lead to ex-
tinction for some indigenous popula-
tions in North America, South America,
Asia, the Pacific and Australia, accord-
ing to a world diabetes expert, Professor
Paul Zimmet.
Speaking at the International Diabetes
Federation’s, Diabetes in Indigenous Peo-
ple Forum held in Melbourne last No-
vember, Prof. Zimmet said that diabetes
has become a major and deadly threat to
the continued existence of some indige-
nous communities throughout the world
as a result of their embrace of western
lifestyle and diet. “Problems among these
communities are mirrored world-wide,”
Prof Zimmet said.
Prof Zimmet was on the organizing com-
mittee responsible for the Forum, which
embraced World Diabetes Day on No-
vember 14. The focus of the forum was
to address the United Nations (UN) to
take ‘urgent action’ to redefine and im-
plement a diabetes strategy among in-
digenous populations to give them ‘real
hope’ for improved quality of life and
better outcomes.
“World Diabetes Day (WDD) highlights
the fact that indigenous people have be-
come infringed upon by Western culture
and because of this they are susceptible
to chronic diseases,” said the President
of Diabetes Australia, A/Professor Pe-
ter Little.
“It is a tragic situation, but not a lost one.
The world needs to act now if we are to
deal with this problem, which threatens
to consume world economies and bank-
rupt health systems. It could also mean
the end of some of our treasured indig-
enous groups”, Prof Zimmet said. “We
are dealing with the biggest epidemic in
world history.”
The Forum, which featured diabetes ex-
perts drawn from indigenous popula-
tions in the US, Canada, Australia and
throughout the Pacific island nations, re-
vealed just how badly diabetes is affect-
ing populations whose original lifestyle
has been lost to the encroachment of fast
food diets and ‘cocacolonisation’.
A/Prof Little called on governments to
implement policies that preserved the
environment of indigenous people as it
was a ‘very real proposition’ that some
indigenous groups could be completely
wiped out.
“Diabetes was unknown in the Pacific
before WWII and now they have some
of the highest rates in the world,” Prof
Zimmet said. “Indigenous people need
to be able to blend the best aspects from
a traditional lifestyle with the best things
from a modern lifestyle.”
Nov/Dec 2007 | 
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE FOR HIV GOES ON TRIAL
SciDev.Net - Clinical trials to test a tra-
ditional medicine's effectiveness in de-
laying the onset of AIDS in HIV-positive
patients will begin in South Africa within
weeks, according to researchers.
Approximately 125 HIV-positive patients
at Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg
in KwaZulu-Natal province will take part
in trials of the herb 'Sutherlandia frutes-
cens', a well-known South African tradi-
tional medicine. The purpose of the trial
will be to test the safety and effectiveness
of capsules of /Sutherlandia/ in patients
newly diagnosed with HIV.
The scientists announced their plans last
week (28 August), saying the project will
most likely begin this month (Sept 2007),
once the South African Medicines Con-
trol Council completes its final regulato-
ry check. They expect to have results by
August 2009. The research will be con-
 | Nov/Dec 2007
ducted by the South African universities
of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape,
along with the Traditional Healers' Asso-
ciation of South Africa and the US-based
University of Missouri.
Traditional healers use 'Sutherlandia fru-
tescens', sometimes known as 'cancer
bush', to treat a host of ailments from
weight loss to aches and pains. Suther-
landia has several active ingredients,
said Quinton Johnson, one of the study
researchers and director of the Interna-
tional Centre for Indigenous Phytothera-
py Studies at the University of the West-
ern Cape. The plant contains pinitol (a
compound with anti-diabetic properties),
canavine (used by traditional healers to
treat wasting diseases like tuberculosis)
and the amino acid GABA, which pro-
duces a feeling of wellbeing.
Nceba Gqaleni, deputy dean of the Uni-
versity of KwaZulu-Natal's Nelson R.
Mandela School of Medicine, said this
was the first collaboration between sci-
entists and traditional healers to assess
the effectiveness of indigenous practices
in treating such a serious health issue.
"This research will further the cause of
traditional medicine, as well as assist
scientific study," he told SciDev.Net.
Sazi Mhlongo, chairman of the Tradi-
tional Healers' Association of South Af-
rica, told SciDev.Net that the plant is
"the most powerful of our herbs, which
we mix with other herbs to treat a lot of
different problems".
Mhlongo, who has practised as a tradi-
tional healer in KwaZulu-Natal for 34
years, said traditional healers have be-
come increasingly aware of the herb's
success in treating HIV-positive pa-
tients. Patients who took it "felt better",
he said.
ó ò ôó ò ô
DIABETES & GLAUCOMA
While it has long been known that
there is probably a link between diabetes
and glaucoma, there has always been a
question as to whether the link is simply
that type II diabetes and primary open
angle glaucoma tend to affect groups of
people of similar age etc.
Now a 20 year study from the Har-
vard Medical School, Massacheusetts
Eye and Ear Infirmary and Bringham and
Women’s Hospital has confirmed a posi-
tive association between the two condi-
tions even after controlling for factors
such as age, race, hypertension and a
family history of glaucoma.
More than 76,000 women were en-
rolled in the Nurses Health Study between
1980 and 2000 and were all over the age
of forty and did not have primary open
angle glaucoma on entry to the study.
This evidence of a confirmed link
between the two conditions highlights, to
an even greater extent, the importance of
regular routine eye examinations for dia-
betic patients in order to detect the earli-
est possible signs of diabetic retinopathy
and primary open angle glaucoma, which
are the two leading causes of preventable
blindness in the industrialised world.
In order to detect diabetic retinopathy at
the earliest possible stage, fundoscopy is
the examination of choice (an examina-
tion of the retina after the pupil has been
dilated in order to allow the best possible
view by the eye specialist performing the
test). Retinal photography may also be ap-
propriate in order to provide comparisons
when examining for change.
In order to detect glaucoma at the
earliest possible stage a visual examina-
tion of the optic nerve head is required
(this may be carried out during fundosco-
py or separately during a slit lamp or oph-
thalmoscopic examination), tonometry (a
measurement of the pressure within the
eye) and Perimetry (a check of the field
of vision) are required. Photography, laser
scanning ophthalmoscopy or other tests
may also be recommended, but the three
tests (ophthalmoscopy, tonometry and pe-
rimetry) are usually considered sufficient
in a screening scenario.
 LEADERSHIP CHOSEN AS THE THEME FOR WORLD AIDS DAY 2007
Leadership will be the theme for the 2007 and 2008 World
AIDS Day, the World AIDS Campaign announced today. Pro-
moted with the slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”, which
is the World AIDS Campaign emphasis from 2005-2010, “lead-
ership” will build on the 2006 World AIDS Day focus on ac-
countability. World AIDS Day is celebrated on 1 December
each year.
The theme for World AIDS Day has been determined by
the World AIDS Campaign since 1997. The Global Steering
Committee (GSC) of the World AIDS Campaign selected the
theme of leadership during their meeting held in Geneva , 8-9
February 2007, agreeing to launch the theme in the first week
of March.
Some statements on what leadership means to some of
the GSC members who represent important stakeholders in
the response to HIV and AIDS:
}Leadership can imply the power and authority to
make a difference, to lead by action and example. In many
faith contexts, though, a leader is a servant; someone who
responds to the needs of the community, supports others in
their planning and action, and empowers people by both words
and resources. By taking on the global theme of leadership for
World AIDS Day, faith leaders and the communities they are
a part of can help articulate a vision, build relationships and
take concrete action in solidarity with all people committed to
reaching universal access for HIV prevention, treatment and
care.~
Linda Hartke, Coordinator, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
www.Naturalislands.com
}We are still dying! Leadership requires that we face
this reality. While leadership is a strong call and can easily be
embraced, I have been very disappointed with our leaders.
While scaling up of HIV care is prioritised, it is under funded
and poorly implemented. Faith leaders continue to deny the
existence of HIV/AIDS in the communities and congregations
they serve. Governments are complacent, and have not
provided the leadership needed to end the epidemic.~
Deloris Dockrey, Chairperson, Global Network of People Liv-
ing with HIV/AIDS and representative for International Com-
munity of Women Living with HIV/AIDS
}All gender and women related issues in the context
of HIV/AIDS are inter-connected and inter-linked. Thus we
recognise that all forms of leadership must be included in
responses to HIV/AIDS. Women’s movements and NGOs,
particularly organisations and networks of people living with
HIV/AIDS, as well as grassroots organisations, have played
imperative roles in demonstrating important and effective
leaderships in prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS
since the beginning of the epidemic.~
Mabel Bianco, Coordinator, International Women’s AIDS Cau-
cus and President, FEIM:
}Young people are the worst hit by HIV/AIDS but they also
have a vital role to play in the fight against the pandemic. Youth
leadership is essential to an effective international response to
HIV/AIDS and young people must be empowered with the
knowledge, skills and resources they need in order to achieve
the goal of universal access by 2010.~
Prateek Suman, Youth Coalition
Nov/Dec 2007 | 
TYPE II DIABETES
A Disease of
Affluence
S ome twenty years ago I lost my be-
loved “Granny” to kidney failure,
a consequence of poor diabetes man-
agement. Since learning of the genetic
link with Type II Diabetes, I’ve made it
my passion to lead a healthy lifestyle to
prevent myself developing the disease.
In the days of my grandmother, there
was little education provided to people
diagnosed with “sugar” which meant a
death sentence for many diabetics. Hap-
pily, the situation has improved tremen-
dously as far as education goes, but the
growing number of people with diabetes
in the Caribbean shows that education
may not be enough.
Statistics from the International Dia-
10 | Nov/Dec 2007
betes Federation (IDF) reveal that dia-
betes affects 12-20% of the Ca-
ribbean population. That’s
millions of people! Even
more alarming is the
fact that developing
countries, like those
of the Caribbean,
are the breeding
ground for most
new cases of di-
abetes. It is ex-
pected that in
the next twenty
years, develop-
ing countries
will host 80 per-
cent of all cases
of diabetes.
So why is this
happening? With
Type II diabetes being
considered a lifestyle
disease, why are Caribbe-
an people who have the luxury
of year-round sunshine, plenty of
open spaces and naturally-grown food,
falling prey to this condition? To answer
this question, I surveyed some of the
changes that have taken place in the past
fifty years and arrived at the conclusion
that “modernization” is our worst enemy
and diabetes’ ally.
uEffects of Modernization
In light of the continued argument that
poverty is to blame for many of what
ails the Caribbean and other developing
countries, I probably stand alone with the
view that diabetes is the cost of an afflu-
ent lifestyle. The more modern luxuries
we gain, the better our economic status,
the greater our risk for diabetes.
Many nations have always been
poor by western standards, yet the exis-
tence of diabetes was minimal. Consider
the statement by the IDF which points
out that “a westernized lifestyle charac-
terized by, among other things, poor diet
and lack of exercise is fast occurring in
both developed and developing coun-
tries.”
To further support my point of view,
data produced by the International Col-
laborative Study on Hypertension in
Blacks, show that Blacks in Africa, where
modernization is lower compared to the
United States, have lower incidences
of diabetes (only 2%) than their Ameri-
can(11%) and Caribbean (9%) decen-
dents. Additionally, researcher Dr Car-
oline Fall, uncovers that the so-called
“primitive” peoples like the Mapuche
Indians in Chile, rural Bantu in Tanza-
nia, and rural communities in the Pacif-
ic islands and South Asia, have the low-
est incidences of diabetes, actually less
than 3%. Those affected are the older age
groups where activity level is often de-
creased. She further notes that their ur-
ban counterparts have almost triple the
rates. In India, for example, which has
one of the fastest growing rate of diabetes
in the world, diabetes accounts for less
than 5% in rural South India and about
12% in the cities.
The connection with lifestyle as a
result of modernization and affluence, is
obvious. I use the term “modernization”
synonymously with westernization and
for me, this term involves various ele-
ments:
¸increased used of processed food
¸increasing urbanization
¸increased dependence on science and
technology
uPoor Nutrition
When it comes to prevention and man-
agement of diabetes we often hear the
words diet and exercise. It is the stan-
dard prescription given to those newly
diagnosed and those at risk for diabetes.
Yet what exactly do those terms mean?
I recently participated in a diabetes ed-
ucation program in which newly diag-
nosed diabetics where being informed as
to kind of diet to adopt to control their
blood sugars. Whilst the discussion was
very informative and appeared to be
helpful for those present, there was little
 DIABETES AROUND THE GLOBE
·Diabetes affects 246 million people
worldwide and is expected to affect
some 380 million by 2025.
·Each year another 7 million people
develop diabetes.
·Each year, 3.8 million deaths are
linked directly to diabetes-related
causes including cardiovascular dis-
ease made worse by diabetes-related
lipid disorders and hypertension.
·Every 10 seconds a person dies from
diabetes-related causes.
Every 10 seconds two people develop
diabetes.
talk about whole foods. Yes, there was
the usually encouragement to eat fruits
and vegetables, but there were also box-
es and boxes of packaged foods on dis-
play. The primary emphasis was on moni-
toring the food label. As a diabetic, one
it is important to monitor one's intake of
carbohydrates in addition to the sodium
and fat that is typical in packaged foods.
I had to ask one of the dietitians if there
were any “whole foods” included in the
meal plans being recommended. In re-
sponse to my query, I was told that while
whole foods were a good option, many
people “don’t cook” so concentration
had to be made on processed foods.
This is just one indication of the
problems we face with controlling the
disease - a diet of processed foods. It's
much easier to avoid excess salt, sugar
and fat if the foods in our diet are as close
to their natural state as possible. For ex-
ample, eating an apple takes longer to
raise one's blood sugar than drinking a
glass of apple juice. The processing re-
moves the fiber that slows down diges-
tion.
It’s also become commonplace to
blame fast food for the rates of obesity,
which are linked to diabetes. Yet in a
country like Bermuda and the Caribbe-
an, fast food does not dominate our diet
as it seems to do in the United States.
Many people in indigenous countries as
well cannot afford to live on fast foods,
so what is the reason for their obesity
www.Naturalislands.com
levels if it’s not for Big Macs and fried
chicken? I recall that whilst living in Ja-
maica I only twice in my entire adoles- Breathe Easy
cence ate at Burger King and only as “a
treat” had Kentucky Fried Chicken. Safe * Non-toxic * Hypoallergenic
In my view and those of others who cleaning services for
are trying to broaden their view of the your home or office
epidemic, poor nutrition, both from pro-
cessed food and poverty, are consistent-
Nicole Stovell
the natural cleaning specialist
ly evident where diabetes in present. Dr
Fall postulates that “prospective studies
nicole_stovell@yahoo.ca
looking for dietary determinants of dia- 238-3917
betes (so far confined to industrialised 238-0575
countries) have failed to show a clear link
between carbohydrate or fat intakes and
incidence. Micronutrient deficiency may
play a role in susceptibility to disease.”
What I noted from my lifestyle as a University of
Jamaican was that our diet was primar- Metaphysical
ily carbohydrates, mostly the processed
kind. Although we had an abundance of Sciences
fresh fruits (often picked right from the
tree) and vegetables - white rice, white
Bachelors, Masters, D.D./Ph.D.
bread, white flour and white sugar ( re-
Degrees. Distance learning, Internet
fined and devoid of their inherent nutri-
or Mail. $50-60/month payment
ents ) were the staples in our diet.
plans. Free course catalog.
Only in recent years is it being ac-
www.umsonline.org
knowledged that whole foods such as
 
whole grains should replace the high-
glycemic foods in our diet like white
bread and white rice. Some islanders
cannot imagine making peas and rice
with brown rice as they have gotten used
to the refined texture of white rice.
uDiabetes and the City
Glamorized over the past thirty years or
so is the urban lifestyle filled with high
rise condominiums and indoor spas. On
the other hand, when we are shown im-
ages of people in indigenous cultures we
see bare feet women carrying water on
their heads. Images that the average west-
erner considers “backward” with cries of
pity being offered to those poor souls. Yet
it is that same simplicity of living where
exists rare cases of diabetes, high blood
pressure and heart disease, conditions
that are now synonymous with modern-
ized cultures.
Am I suggesting that we ditch our
gas-guzzling SUVs and million-dol-
lar homes? That may not be such a bad
idea. However, when we start to really
pay homage to sustainable development,
we will not help but see the correlation
between protecting the environment and
protecting our health.
Nov/Dec 2007 | 11
 WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism - the way our bodies use digested food for
growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the
form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for
growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin
is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach.

When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin
to move glucose from blood into our cells. In people with diabetes, however, the
pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appro-
priately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows
into the urine, and passes out of the body in the urine. Thus, the body loses its
main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.

In the meanwhile, urbanization is plied Nutrition (CFAN) indicates that

responsible for lack of activity, limited
exposure to the outdoors and a fast paced
lifestyle filled with stress that are linked
to high incidences of diabetes. Instead of
walking to the corner store which is just
five minutes away, many people jump in
their cars. in commercial or municipal waste incin-
I use myself as an example. For the
first thirty-five years of my life I main-
tained the same consistently reasonable
weight until work reduced me to a two-
hour drive to and from work. Things got
even worse, when I worked at home
seated in front of a computer with lim-
ited activity. It wasn’t long before an ex-
tra 30 pounds was added to my frame.
Now, like most urban dwellers, I have to
program activity into my day to manage
my weight and reduce the risk of diabe-
tes (I’m in what is called the pre-diabetes
stage) that runs in my family.
uThe Toxic Connection
A group or researchers at Clemson Uni-
versity in South Carolina conducted a
study to determine if a link existed be-
tween diabetes and the environment.
Their results are nothing short of amaze-
ment. What they discovered was that ar-
senic and dioxin, two very toxic chemi-
cals, may have some relationship to an
increased risk for diabetes. And they are
not the only ones trying to find an envi-
ronmental connection. Another study of
Air Force Veterans who handled dioxin
(Agent Orange) while in Vietnam shows
that they were 50 percent more likely to
develop Type II diabetes.
The Center for Food Safety and Ap-
12 | Nov/Dec 2007
dioxins refer to a group of chemical
compounds that share certain chemical
structures and biological characteristics.
These chemicals are formed as a result of
combustion processes. The major sourc-
es of dioxin in the environment occurs
eration, manufacture and use of certain
herbicides and chlorine bleaching of
pulp and paper. They can also be formed
when household trash is burned and as a
result of natural processes such as forest
fires. Because of the chronic exposure
to dioxin from the environment, CFAN
alerts us that “there are no safe and ef-
fective treatments to rid dioxins now in
humans.”
Exposure most often occurs from
food. Veronica G. Parker et al, explains
that “since dioxin is fat-soluble, it bio-
accumulates up the food chain and is
mainly found in meat and dairy products,
including, in order of greatest concentra-
tion, beef, milk, chicken, pork, fish, and
eggs.” I wonder if the admonishment to
reduce fat in our diet is due to the chemi-
cals or the fat itself? (I postulate that an-
other twenty years from now, fatty foods
may fall back into grace again once sci-
ence catches up with my hypothesis).
Another toxin, arsenic, raises serious
concern as well. Arsenic is a naturally oc-
curring element widely distributed in the
earth’s crust. Arsenic is combined with
oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form in-
organic arsenic compounds. Inorganic
arsenic compounds are mainly used to
“pressure-treat” wood. It has been found
in high levels in sea water and sediments.
The US Department of Health and Hu-
man Services (DHHS) has determined
that inorganic arsenic is a known car-
cinogen. Arsenic in plants and animals
combines with carbon and hydrogen to
form organic arsenic. Organic forms of
arsenic are usually less toxic than inor-
ganic forms. These are usually found in
seafood.
One of the concerns with arsenic
is that it is often found at toxic levels
in drinking water. According to a 1999
study by the US National Academy
of Sciences, arsenic in drinking water
causes bladder, lung and skin cancer,
and may cause kidney and liver cancer.
The study also found that arsenic harms
the central and peripheral nervous sys-
tems, as well as heart and blood vessels,
and causes serious skin problems. It also
may cause birth defects and reproduc-
tive problems. Direct connection to di-
abetes was made evident by research-
ers at the Kaohsiung Medical College in
}Arsenic exposure
is a risk factor for
diabetes mellitus~
Taiwan. They found that well water with
high levels of arsenic increased the inci-
dences of diabetes. Another study in Ban-
gledesh were the arsenic is also present
in drinking water concluded that “arse-
nic exposure is a risk factor for diabetes
mellitus.”
How does arsenic get into our water
supply? Most arsenic enters water sup-
plies either from natural deposits in the
earth or from industrial and agricultur-
al pollution. So the industrial methods
of our modern lifestyles have increased
the presence of this naturally occurring
chemical to toxic levels. It is even noted
that the Caribbean region gets added de-
posits of arsenic in our drinking supply
all the way from Africa. Scientists observe
that tons of dust transported by the wind
from the shores of Africa end up in the
Caribbean, Central America, and South
America. This dust has been shown to
contain hazardous pesticides, many of
which have been banned in the U.S. (So
is it really the poverty of the indigenous
cultures that leads to their demise or is it
the continued exploitation of industrial-
www.Naturalislands.com
ized nations who continue to sell them
the dregs from their own westernized so- Could You Use A Few
ciety?) More Customers?
In conclusion, I dare to say that Type
II diabetes is not so much a result of a
This little space packs a mean punch. It's
modern lifestyle that is lacking in activity easy on the budget, but big on impact.
and a healthy diet, but the continued ef-
fect of western exploits of the earth and It's called the Budget Box.
its people. And since you are reading it, imagine
that your customers must be doing the
by Aamirah Branch-Sticca same thing too. Call us to reserve yours
today.
References 441-735-3471
United Nations Resolution 61/225: In-
ternational Diabetes Federation, World
Diabetes Day media kit
Fraser A. Hennis HS: Diabetes in the
English-speaking Caribbean. Rev Panam
Salud Publica. 2004;15(2):90-3
Caroline H. D. Fall: Non-industrialised
Countries and Affluence Relationship
with Type 2 Diabetes. British Medical
Bulletin 60:33-50 (2001)
Melissa Knopper: Environment and Diet
are Factors in Rising Adult-onset Diabe-
tes. E/The Environmental Magazine Oc-
tober 2002
Veronica G. Parker, PhD, Rachel M.
Mayo, PhD, Barbara N. Logan, PhD,
RN, FAAN, Barbara J. Holder, PhD, RN,
FAAN and Patricia T. Smart, PhD, RN,
Toxins and Diabetes Mellitus: An Envi-
ronmental Connection? Diabetes Spec-
trum 15:109-112, 2002
CFAN, Questions and Answers about
Dioxins
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, ToxFAQs™for Arsenic (Arséni-
co), September 2005
Tsai SM, Wang TN, Ko YC., Mortality for
certain diseases in areas with high levels
of arsenic in drinking water. Arch Environ
Health. 1999 May-Jun;54(3):186-93.
Mahfuzar Rahman, Martin Tondel, Sk
Akhtar Ahmad and Olav Axelson: Di-
abetes Mellitus Associated with Arse-
nic Exposure in Bangladesh. American
Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 148, No.
2: 198-203
D. Fattorini a; A. Notti a; F. Regoli: Char-
acterization of arsenic content in marine
organisms from temperate, tropical, and
polar environments. Chemistry and Ecol-
ogy, Volume 22, Issue 5 October 2006 ,
pages 405 - 414
Laurie J. Schmidt, When the Dust Settles.
Earth Observatory, May 18, 2001
Nov/Dec 2007 | 13
 10 MISCONCEPTIONS about
DIABETES
1. Diabetes is not a killer disease – False!
In fact, diabetes is a global killer, rivalling HIV/AIDS in its dead-
ly reach. The disease kills some 3.8 million people a year. Every
10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.
2. Diabetes only affects rich countries – False!
Diabetes hits all populations, regardless of income. It is be-
coming increasingly common. More than 240 million people
worldwide now have diabetes. This will grow to more than
380 million by 2025. In many countries in Asia, the Middle
East, Oceania and the Caribbean, diabetes affects 12-20% of
the population. In 2025, 80% of all cases of diabetes will be
in low and middle-income countries.
3. Diabetes is heavily funded globally – False!
Official Overseas Development Aid to the health sector in 2002
reached USD 2.9 billion, of which a mere 0.1% went to fund
ALL non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Most of the
USD 2.9 billion went to support HIV/AIDS. Despite diabetes
having a deadly global impact comparable to HIV/AIDS, it
had to share the tiny 0.1% of the total NCD funding. In addi-
tion, the World Bank gave USD 4.2 billion in loans for health,
population and nutrition between 1997 and 2002. Only 2.5%
of the USD 4.2 billion went to chronic diseases.
4. Diabetes care is not costly – False!
Diabetes care is costly and has the potential to cripple any
healthcare system. The economic opportunities that the United
Nations wants to create for developing countries through the
Millennium Development Goals will be greatly undermined
by the economic impact of diabetes in low- and middle-in-
come countries.
5. Diabetes only affects old people – False!
In reality, diabetes affects all age groups. Currently, an esti-
mated 246 million people between the ages of 20 and 79 will
have diabetes. In developing countries diabetes affects at least
80 million people between ages 40-59.
6. Diabetes predominantly affects men – False!
In fact, diabetes is rising in both men and women, and affects
slightly more women than men. It is also increasing dramati-
cally among youth and threatening to decimate indigenous
populations.
7. Diabetes is the result of unhealthy “lifestyles” –
False!
The reality is that the poor and children have limited choices
when it comes to living conditions, diet and education.
8. Diabetes cannot be prevented – False!
While it is true that type 1 diabetes is not preventable, up to
80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by a healthy diet, increas-
ing physical activity and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
9. Diabetes prevention is too expensive – False!
Many inexpensive and cost-effective interventions exist. Proven
strategies for improving the living environment, changing diet
and increasing physical activity can reverse the pandemic.
10. We all have to die of something – True but. . .
Death is of course inevitable but it does not need to be slow,
painful or premature. Diabetes causes 3.8 million deaths glob-
ally. With awareness, prevention and appropriate care, many
of these deaths can be prevented.
Source: International Diabetes Federation

You Don't Have To Eat Like This To

Prevent Diabetes.
It's about taking small steps, like losing 5 to 10% of your body weight if you're
overweight. It's about adopting healthy habits including a balanced diet, exercise
and having a positive mental attitude.
Isn't it time you took action to reduce your risk?
Call Living Lite Lifestyle & Weight Management Center for a free consultation.
441-735-3471
63 King St, Upper Level
@ the Bermuda Chiropractic Health Center
14 | Nov/Dec 2007
 MATTERS FOR MEN
RELIEF FOR ASTHMA & ALLERGIES
GivingYour Body The Right Fuel • sinus problems
Jutta Harvey, RN
• eczema
Men certainly aren’t the only offenders when it comes to gorg-
Allergy Clinic of
• headaches
ing on diabolically unhealthy foods – but perhaps they should Bermuda
• food sensitivites 1 Cedar Ave, Pembroke
know better. Because, as any man will tell you, whether you’re
running a truck, car, plane, or any other kind of machinery • itchy skin allergy@tbinet.bm
powered by an engine, if you don’t get the fuel right, the thing • digestive problems
won’t ever run properly. Similarly, if we don’t fuel our bodies • hay fever
with the right mix of nutrients, not only will our bodies under-
perform, but they will very likely wear out and break down a 441 - 292 - 3230 ext 1
whole lot quicker.
The question is: what should we be eating? Misleading
food labelling and marketing, and the sometimes-conflicting
messages we get about nutrition, haven’t exactly made things
clear or simple. Yet, in spite of all the confusion, the funda-
mentals of healthy eating have actually remained pretty much
the same.
Some basic “rules of thumb” are: moderation, variety,
more plant-based foods, less fatty foods and less rubbishy
snacks. Eating a variety of foods in moderation will put you
well on track: combinations of low-fat dairy foods, lean meat
and poultry, fish, vegetables, grainy bread, cereals, pasta, rice,
beans and fruit are ideal.
By favouring cereals, pastas, grainy breads, fruit and veg-
etables, the fibre you get will help keep your cholesterol levels
down, and give you some protection against bowel cancer.
Less fatty foods will help protect you against some major dis-
eases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Always trim the

|
fat off meat and poultry; avoid greasy fry-ups and tacky take-
aways. Remember, the less fat you put in your stomach, the
less you’ll end up with on your stomach.
As for snack foods, most of them have little nutritional
value, so you have to be a bit more discerning. Try to avoid
pastries with cream; limit pastries anyway – especially pies and
sausage rolls (they are very high in fat). Go for small packets of
fruit and nuts, rice snacks, muesli bars that are low in fat, and
fruit (including dried fruit). If you eat cake, just have a small
slice without cream.
As for biscuits, go for those low in fat, but remember most
are still high in sugar, something you shouldn’t get too much
of. If you have a sweet tooth, eat sweet things for a treat not for
a meal. Having a number of small meals each day is fine, but
that doesn’t mean adding lots of snacks to your regular three
main meals. Lastly, drink lots of water each day; it’s vital for
general health.
Limit cool drinks that are high in sugar or caffeine. •Allergy relief products

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a treat but not a meal, and drink lots of water.
•Nature Clean house hold,
If you really want to get serious about your diet, your lo- laundry and personal care
cal dietitian can provide excellent advice. products

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pillows
by John Ashfield, Ph.d, author of Matters for Men: How To •HepaFilter vaccumme and air purifiers, much much
Stay Healthy And Keep Life On Track. He may be reached more.

at John@saugov.sa.gov.au. His book is available at www.

peackockpublications.com.au
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 15
 I N T OY L A N D
TROUBLE

16 | Nov/Dec 2007
T
is the season, and once again friends and have been deemed unsafe. Only recently, about 1.5 million
family members struggle to find the per- pre-school toys made by the Lida Toy Company, a Foshan-
based contract manufacturer for Mattel Inc.'s Fisher-Price unit,
fect holiday toy for the wee ones. Yet, the were recalled across the globe. The recalled toys included
perfect toy may not be so flawless if it has popular pre-school characters such as Elmo and Big Bird and
unsuspected hazards. Despite many strin- dozens of other items which were found to contain lead. Lead
paint has been linked to health problems in children, includ-
gent regulations regarding toy safety, there ing brain damage.
is " still found trouble in toyland,” said U.S.
PIRG Research Director, Alison Cassady. Toxic Toys
The levels of toxic chemicals in toys has been gaining increas-
Toys are safer than ever before, thanks to decades of work by ing scrutiny over the past few years, thanks to environmental
product safety advocates and parents. Nevertheless, as you groups such as Greenpeace and the Public Interest Research
venture into crowded stores this holiday season to shop for Group (PIRG). Their campaign has generated awareness and
toys, you are advised to remain vigilant about potential hid- concern regarding the hazardous levels of lead, phthalates
den hazards posed by toys on store shelves. As parents and and cadmium, to name a few, being released from toys and
caregivers, the last thing you want to do is to make a trip to children's products. Why the concern?
the emergency room for toy related injuries. The United States, For one thing, the dangers of lead have been well docu-
the biggest consumer of toys and games, estimated that over mented. " Exposure to lead can affect almost every organ and
165,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital system in the human body, especially the central nervous
emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2002. And worse, system. Lead is especially toxic to the brains of young chil-
you run the risk of permanently injuring or losing your child dren. A child exposed to a single high dose of lead-such as by
due to an unsafe toy. “Even swallowing a piece of metal jewelry
one toy-related death is too
many, because these deaths
❝ A child exposed to a single high
containing lead-can suffer permanent
neurological and behavioral damage,
blood poisoning, and life-threatening
are preventable,” said Cas- dose of lead, such as swallowing a encephalopathy", reveals a report by
sady. After all, toys are for fun
piece of metal jewelry containing lead, Phthalates, which are used in PVC
and play. PIRG.
Most often though, acci-
dents and injuries are due to can suffer permanent neurological and products to make them more flexible,
a toy being given to a child have been linked to reproductive de-
for whom it is not intended behavioral damage. ❞ fects, premature babies, early onset of
puberty and lower sperm counts. De-
or being used for a purpose
other than for which it was spite the dangers, the CSPC in the US
designed. Toys are designed and manufactured based on the has failed to take action to prevent the
age and developmental stage of children. Whilst there are reg- usage of phthalates in children's toys. Interestingly, one state
ulations for the safe manufacturing of toys, parents share in has marched to the forefront and established it's own policy
the responsibility to exercise due diligence when choosing a against its use. The California State Senate passed AB 1108
toy or game for their child. Consideration has to be given to (Ma), a bill that will phase out the use of phthalates from prod-
the mental and physical development as well as the age and ucts intended for kids under the age of three. Additionally,
temperament of the child who will be using it. "Take control a recent victory was scored as the European Union banned
of gift giving for your family by providing choices that are cre- manufacturers from using several toxic chemicals including
ative, imaginative and fun," said Veda Ward, chair of California phthalates, freeing Europe from many toxic toys for good.
State University Northridge, Department of Leisure and Rec- What can parents and caregivers do to avoid the dangers
reation Studies. "Instead of selecting only the most commer- of toxic toys? Sadly, you can examine them all you want and
cially popular toys for your children, conscientiously search still not know which toys are free of toxins. Whilst the public
for ones that are developmentally appropriate, and which will waits for legislation to ensure that toys are safer for our chil-
plant the foundations for independence, learning and social dren, here are a few suggestions from the Children's Health
responsibility." Environmental Coalition (CHEC) :
In Bermuda and the Caribbean, most if not all, the toys ❆look for toys made of solid wood with non-toxic paints
in stores are imported from the US, Europe or Asia. Whilst the and finishes
US and Europe have stringent safety standards for toys sold in ❆aim for natural, untreated fibers like cotton, hemp and
their respective countries, not so for China where almost 75 wool with non-toxic dyes.
percent of the world's toys are made. In fact, China has been
❆whenever possible, buy certified organic, recycled, or sus-
plagued with massive recalls of products, including toys, that
tainably-grown fiber, paper and wood products
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 17
 European Toy Safety Marks
What Do They Mean?
There are several safety marks that appear on toys manufactured in Europe. Some are
voluntary marks set by trade associations while the CE mark is required by law.
The CE Mark
This symbol, the CE Mark, together with the name and address
of the first supplier, was required by law to appear on all toys
placed on the market in the European Union on and after Janu-
ary 1990 to show that it passes all European standards. It is not
a European safety marker or quality symbol. Its purpose is to
indicate to authorities that the toys bearing it are intended for
sale in the European Community, that they meet the essential safety requirements
of the European Toy Safety Directive and are entitled to access European Commu-
nity markets.
There may be warnings written by the mark and these should be heed-
ed. A toy that is safe for a 5 year old may be dangerous when played
with by a younger child. Anything that looks like a toy but does not
have a CE mark should not be given to a child.
The Kite Mark
The Kite mark is the symbol that gives consumers the assurance
that the product they have bought really does conform to the ap-
propriate British Standard and should therefore be safe and re-
liable. Manufacturers are not legally required to display a Kite
mark on their products, but many products such as those listed
above with a BS reference will most likely have them displayed.
When you see a toy or product with a Kite mark this means that
the British Standards Institution has independently tested it and
has confirmed that the product conforms to the relevant British Standard, and has
issued a BSI license to the company to use the Kite mark. The manufacturer pays for
this service and their product is tested, and the manufacturing process is assessed,
at regular intervals.
The Lion Mark
The Lion Mark was developed in 1988 by the British
Toy & Hobby Association as a symbol of toy safety and
quality for the consumer. While the Lion Mark is only
used by BTHA members, its membership includes many
major international and European companies. In all, the
BTHA members supply around 95% of all toys sold in
the UK. For a toy to display the Lion Mark, the supplier has signed a strict Code of
Practice, (the BATR Code is based on this same document), which, as well as cov-
ering toy safety matters, demands the highest standards of ethics in advertising.
The Lion Mark for Retailers
The British Association of Toy Retailers joined with the British Toy and Hobby As-
sociation to develop the Lion Mark for use by retailers. By displaying this sign the
retailer is saying that all products in the shop meet a certain standard of safety. This
symbol displayed in the shop, in catalogues and in retailer advertising, indicates
that the retailer has agreed to the Code of Practice and as such, is prepared to make
strenuous efforts not only to offer safe toys for sale, but to ensure management and
staff are briefed on toy safety matters such as age warnings and similar.
18 | Nov/Dec 2007
Toy Safety Standards
The task for consumers in our re-
gion is to be familiar with the various
toy safety standards across the globe. In-
deed, a tall order for the average shop-
per! There is hope yet. Organizations
such as the International Council of Toy
Industries (ICTI) are actively involved in
the development of an international toy
safety standard through the Internation-
al Standardization Organization (ISO).
These standards can be a point of refer-
ence where there are no regulations yet
in place, as is the case in most Caribbean
countries. It is not uncommon for prod-
ucts banned from the US and the UK to
still be in use in developing countries that
do not have laws to protect consumers.
So what can parents and caregivers
do to ensure that their children are safe
from hazardous toys?
First and foremost, take time to
READ THE LABEL. The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission requires toy
manufacturers to meet stringent safety
standards and to label certain toys that
could be a hazard for younger children.
Look for labels that give age recommen-
dations and use that information as a
guide. Labels on toys that state "not rec-
ommended for children under three ...
contains small parts," are labeled that
way because they may pose a chok-
ing hazard to children under three. Toys
should be developmentally appropriate
to suit the skills, abilities and interests of
the child. Toys made and sold in Europe
are also heavily regulated with similar
labeling requirements. Yet even with la-
beling requirements, hazardous toys still
make it on store shelves as regulatory
agencies do not test them all for safety.
Exercise caution when selecting toys.
Periodically check your child's old
toys for loose or broken parts such as
loose fur, ripped seams, sharp or rough
edges, loose eyes and noses, broken parts
that may cause choking. If you find bro-
ken or damaged toys, throw them away.
Please don't pass them on - you may be
handing on an accident to another par-
ent's child. And though it may sound ob-
vious, toys left on the floor or the stairs
can cause accidents for the entire fam-
ily. Keeping the play area clean and tidy
goes a long way to prevent injuries.
 Toys for Disabled Children
Holiday time is exciting for all children,
and children with disabilities are no dif-
ferent. With gift givers generally being
afraid of selecting the "wrong" toy, many
children with disabilities find pajamas
and socks wrapped up in those brightly-
colored boxes.
The National Lekotek Center offers this
helpful list to give friends and family of
disabled children more confidence in se-
lecting appropriate toys for them.
1. Multisensory appeal: Does the toy re-
spond with lights, sounds, or movement?
Are there contrasting colors? Does it have
a scent? Is there texture?
2. Method of activation: Will the toy
provide a challenge without frustration?
What is the force required to activate?
What are the number and complexity of
steps required to activate?
3. Where toy will be used: Can the toy
be used in a variety of positions such as
side-lying or on wheelchair tray? Will
the toy be easy to store? Is there space
in the home?
4. Opportunities for success: Can play
be open-ended with no definite right or
wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's
individual style, ability and pace?
5. Current popularity: Is it a toy most
any child would like? Does it tie-in with
other activities like T.V., movies, books,
clothing, etc?
6. Self-expression: Does the toy allow
for creativity, uniqueness, and choice-
making? Will it give the child experience
with a variety of media?
7. Adjustability: Does it have adjust-
able height, sound volume, speed, level
of difficulty?
www.Naturalislands.com
8. Child's individual characteristics:
Does the toy provide activities that re-
flect both developmental and chrono-
logical ages? Does it reflect the child's
interests and age?
9. Safety and durability: Consider the
child's size and strength in relation to
the toy's durability. Is the toy and its parts
sized appropriately? Does the toy have
moisture resistance? Can it be washed
and cleaned?
10. Potential for interaction: Will the
child be an active participant during use?
Will the toy encourage social engage-
ment with others?
This holiday season, make it a
healthy, happy time for you and your
family. Happy Holidays!
by Aamirah Branch-Sticca
References
Alison Cassady, Trouble in Toyland: The
21st Annual Survey of Toy Safety. U.S.
PIRG Education Fund, November 2006
Environment California, Senate Passes
Bill To Protect Kids From Toxic Toys: Bill
Now Moves To The Governor's Desk,
Press release, Sept 2007
National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC),
Toy Injury Fact Sheet. Washington (DC):
NSKC, 2004
International Council of Toy Industries
(ICTI), World Toy Facts & Figures 2003.
www.toy-icti.org, accessed September
19, 2007
Vivi Lin, Chinese Toy Firm Boss Kills
Himself After safety Scare. The Indepen-
dent, 14 August 2007
Toy and Hobby Association, How Do I
Know Toys Are Safe? www.bhta.co.uk,
accessed Sept 19, 2007
Consumer Product Safety Commission,
Child Safety Protection Act Fact Sheet
#282
Safekids, Safety Marks: What Do They
Mean? www.Safekids.co.uk, accessed
September 19, 2007
Greenpeace International, Victory! A tox-
ic Toy Story. Press release, July 2005
National Lekotek Center: Top 10 Things
to Consider When Buying Toys for Chil-
dren With Disabilities. www.lekotek.
org/resources/informationontoys/tentips.
html, accessed September 19, 2007
Resources
The 2006 Trouble in Toyland report is
the 21st annual Public Interest Research
Group (PIRG) survey of toy safety. This
report provides safety guidelines for
parents when purchasing toys for small
children and provides examples of toys
currently on store shelves that may pose
potential safety hazards. This year, we
focused on four categories of toys: toys
that may pose choking hazards, mag-
netic toys, toys that are excessively loud,
and toys that contain potentially toxic
chemicals.
International Organization for Stan-
dardization, Toy Safety Standard : ISO
8124
Many national toy safety standards ex-
ist, but industry experts involved in the
development of the ISO 8124 family be-
lieve that these internationally agreed
documents are not only more compre-
hensive, but will also reduce the costs of
testing and approval of toys - an ultimate
benefit for the consumer. The standard,
which deals with the mechanical and
physical safety aspects, refers not only
to the normal uses of toys, but, as far as
possible, also makes allowance for the
fact that children often put a toy to a dif-
ferent uses than those for which they are
designed. The standard also aims, there-
fore, to prevent accidents, which happen
due to foreseeable misuse of a toy. When
manufacturers comply with the provi-
sions of the three standards in the ISO
8124 family, the number of accidents
is expected to drop considerably. This
comes with a hefty price tag for the con-
sumer, so check with your library if it is
available. If not, ask them to carry it.
Nov/Dec 2007 | 19
COOK I N G C O RN E R

Delectable Desserts
with Stevia

For those looking for a sugar substitute, You won't find stevia on grocery store
look no further than the 'sweet leaf' of shelves beside the Equal® or Splenda® as
South America - stevia. For centuries, the it is considered a dietary supplement, not
tribes of Paraguay and Brazil used Stevia a sugar substitute.
as a sweetener in yerba mate and medic-
inal teas for treating heartburn and other Source: Wikipedia
ailments. In 1931, two French chemists
isolated the glycosides that give stevia The following recipe was excepted from the
its sweet taste. These compounds were book, Sensational Stevia Desserts by Lisa
named stevioside and rebaudioside, and Jobs. Lisa hopes this book will help those
are 250–300 times sweeter than sucrose who desire a healthier lifestyle and those
(ordinary table sugar), heat stable, pH who need to reduce their sugar intake due
stable, and non-fermentable. to diabetes, obesity, or candidiasis.

As a sugar substitute, stevia's taste has
a slower onset and longer duration than
that of sugar, although some of its extracts may have a bitter
or liquorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.
Stevia has been shown to have a negligible effect on blood
glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance, therefore it is at-
tractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics and others on car-
bohydrate-controlled diets. It also shows promise for treating
such conditions as obesity and high blood pressure.
This book can also be a refreshing alter-
native for those who’ve tried recipes using
chemical substitutes, but either didn’t like the taste or had un-
desirable side effects! These delicious desserts using the all-
natural sweet alternative, stevia can help make a difference!
Sensational Stevia Desserts by Lisa Jobs, Healthy Lifestyle
Publishing LLC Copyright© 9/05)
ISBN: 0-9765245-4-6, 9/05,
Website: www.steviadessert.com

Delectable Dessert Crepes


Lisa’s hot tip
Ingredients
2/3 cup 1% milk
1/3-cup water
with tsp. or less of the melted butter.
Remove from heat.
Quickly pour and disperse in pan about 1/3 cup
2 large eggs batter to help batter form an even thin layer. Be
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted* sure to move pan around on its sides to assure
If saving for use within 1⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract even coverage of batter.
4 days, cover crepes 1/8 tsp. stevia extract (minimum to add, add Return to low heat And cook for 1 1⁄2 to 2 min-
with plastic wrap and more based on sweetness preference) utes. Turn crepe when edges appear cooked and
refrigerate for 3 to 3⁄4 cup unbleached flour start to pull away from pan, and bottom is light-
4 days. If freezing, 1 tsp. unsalted butter for each crepe dur- ly browned. Continue cooking crepe for about 1
store in an airtight ing frying minute or until small brown spots appear on the
container for up to second side.
one month. I use the Directions Remove from pan and place crepe onto plate cov-
large freezer bags and Blend all ingredients in a food processor or ered with waxed paper. Finish the batch placing
defrost on the counter blender at the highest speed for about 20 - waxed paper between each crepe.
when I’m ready to 30 seconds.
use it. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to "rest" Nutrition Facts/Serving
in refrigerate for one hour. Serving Size: 1 (8") crepe, Total Servings: 6 Calo-
Once rested, melt 1 1⁄2 Tbsp. unsalted but- ries: 147, Carbohydrates: 13g, TotaSugars: 2g,
ter and set aside. Fiber: 0g, Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 88mg, Sodium:
Heat crepe pan on medium heat and coat 38mg, Protein: 5g

20 | Nov/Dec 2007
 Ten Holiday Baking Tips to Save Time,
Cut Calories and Reduce Sugar Intake
Cookbook author Lisa Jobs offers practical tips on choosing healthier
ingredients when preparing homemade desserts this holiday season. The
following ideas will help everyone enjoy desserts with less guilt, fewer
calories, and less sugar without sacrificing flavor.
1. Use parchment paper on cookie sheets instead of greas-
ing them with shortening or spray. This saves on cleanup and
eliminates the extra calories and fat!
2. Instead of using regular cream cheese, try Neufchatel, the
low fat version of cream cheese. Neufchatel cream cheese
has one-third the fat, uses whole milk, not cream and tastes
almost the same!
3. Use sea salt and unbleached flour instead of regular table
salt and all-purpose bleached flour. The reason: the less pro-
cessed the ingredients, the greater the health benefits.
4. Use unsweetened dried fruit instead of dried fruit sweetened
with extra sugar. Doing this will save a lot of extra calories
and sugar. Dried fruit has plenty of natural sugar already, so
there’s no need to add more.
5. If you forget to soften your butter or simply don’t have time
to wait for it to soften at room temperature, remove a stick from
the ‘fridge, cut it in small pieces and heat it in a microwave-safe
dish for 15 seconds on power level 5 or medium power.
6. Use stevia extract instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners
for your holiday treats and greatly reduce your calories, carb
intake and sugar intake.
7. When choosing white chocolate chips or baking bars, be
sure to buy a brand, like Ghirardelli, that contains only the
cocoa butter as the “fat” ingredient and avoid those that only
contain sugar, hard vegetable fat and have artificial chocolate
www.Naturalislands.com
flavoring. That is because white chocolate isn’t really choco-
late at all; it has only the fat from the cocoa bean and other
non-chocolate ingredients.
8. If you don’t have time to make homemade piecrust or simply
don’t know how to make it, be sure to use all-natural brands
available at your local health food store or natural foods gro-
cers. These healthier options include better ingredients like
expeller pressed soybean oil and organic evaporated cane juice
instead of undesirable ingredients like partially hydrogenated
soybean oil or cottonseed oils and high fructose corn syrup
commonly found in supermarket brands.
9. Use all-natural peanut butter. Most commercialized brands
add sugar, contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (can
include cottonseed, soybean and/or rapeseed), monoglycer-
ides, diglycerides, extra salt and molasses. Natural peanut but-
ter is simply raw or roasted peanuts and is usually available in
both salted and unsalted versions.
10. To prevent your cheesecake from cracking, remember
these few things: Don’t over beat the batter, especially after
the eggs have been added. Make sure cake is firm around the
edges and the center still “jingles” a little when pan is shak-
en. When baking is completed, turn oven off and leave oven
door open slightly with a wooden spoon. The cake will set
when cooled.
(Excerpted from Sensational Stevia Desserts by Lisa Jobs (Copy-
right 9/05)
•Light weight
•Travel, work, church, walk,
bike
•No oxygen tank
•Approved by American Air-
lines, US Air, and Delta
•Insurance Improved
www.airsep.com
Nov/Dec 2007 | 21
 SU P P L E M E N T S 101
FIGHTING LUNG CANCER NATURALLY
L ung cancer is a disease in which the
cells of the lung begin to grow out of
control and interfere with normal lung
functions such as breathing.
Lung cancer is caused by environ-
mental carcinogens e.g: asbestos, inherit-
ed genes and promoters of inflammation
(toxins and viruses) and cigarette smoke.
Cigarette smoke contains potent cancer
causing derivatives of nicotine and may
cause cancer in both smokers and those
inhaling secondhand smoke.
The first line of defense against lung
cancer is RISK REDUCTION:
ßStop smoking
ßIncrease your intake of fresh fruits and
vegetables
ßReduce your intake of red meats and
preserved or fatty foods
ßTake aspirin with your physician’s ap-
proval
ßTake Folate and Vitamin B12
ßConsume green tea
ßTake Vitamin D3 1000-2000 IU daily
TREATMENT PROTOCOLS
There are several treatment options
for lung cancer - surgery, chemother-
apy, radiotherapy and complementary
alternative therapies. Alternative thera-
pies may help to increase the effective-
ness of standard medical treatments and
also help to decrease the physical side
effects caused by allopathic treatments.
It is particularly important for advanced
lung cancer patients to be offered the op-
portunity to incorporate novel and inte-
grative nutritional supplementation into
their treatment regimens.
Vitamin and mineral supplementa-
tion is associated with longer survival
and quality of life in lung cancer patients.
A good quality high dosage multi vita-
min is an important basis for any nutri-
tional supplement regime. Here are some
recommendations:
ßVitamin D3 – 1000 – 2000 IU daily –
vitamin D is recommended for patients
undergoing surgery, particularly during
22 | Nov/Dec 2007
the winter months, and especially those
with darker complexions and those who
are vegan. Over 50% of NSCLC patients
who have surgery in the summer and
have the highest vitamin D intake have
remissions lasting more than 5 years.
Studies have shown that Vitamin D pro-
tects against the progression and spread
of lung cancer by regulating cell growth
and differentiation. Natural sources of
vitamin D are sunlight, milk and dark
colored fish.
ßGreen Tea Extract - a clinical trial of ad-
vanced lung cancer patients determined
that green tea extract stabilizes cancer in
some patients and may be used to pre-
vent cancer progression and reduce the
risk of lung cancer relapse. Green tea can
be consumed as a capsule, the suggest-
ed dose of 3gms twice daily or as seven
to eight Japanese tea cups 3 times daily.
The side effects of green tea are caffeine
related, but studies have shown that the
caffeine contributes to the prevention of
tumour growth and that decaffeinated
tea may not be as effective
ßAlpha-tocopherol (vit E) – if taken dur-
ing the early stages of cancer growth
may prevent lung cancer development.
Alpha-tocopheryl succinate hinders the
progression of lung cancer by prevent-
ing COX activity and blocking inflamma-
tory responses.
Recommended daily dose is 800 IU.
ßSelenium - is incorporated into pro-
teins to make selenoproteins, which are
important anti-oxidant enzymes. These
anti-oxidants help prevent cellular dam-
age from free radicals. Selenium protects
against lung cancer, families of lung can-
cer patients were shown to have a low-
er selenium levels than those of control
groups. A phase 111, multi centre trial is
now researching whether daily selenium
supplementation is effective in prevent-
ing the growth of new tumours in those
patients who had undergone surgery for
tumour removal. Recommended dose is
200 – 400mcg daily.
ßCO Enzyme Q10 – Is found in the part
of the cells known as the mitochondria,
which produce cellular energy. As an
anti-oxidant CO Q10 is known to act as a
scavenger of free radicals, the molecular
substances that damage healthy cells. In
clinical trials. CO Q10 has shown prom-
ising results in decreasing the spread of
cancer tumours.
Adequate quantities of CO Q10 are
difficult to obtain through food and a rec-
ommended dose of 100 – 400mgs daily
can be obtained in capsule form. Pref-
erably in the Ubiquinol form, a newly
patented form of CO Q10 which is eight
times more bio-available than regular
forms of CO Q10.
ßN-Acetyl-Cysteine – L-cysteine is an es-
sential amino acid which helps to synthe-
size glutathione, one of the body’s most
important natural detoxifiers. The N-Ace-
tyl-Cysteine form is more efficiently ab-
sorbed and may actually help to protect
the cells of the lung directly. 1200mgs
daily is recommended.
The following nutritional supple-
ments have shown promising effect
against lung cancer in experimental stud-
ies, but have not yet undergone clini-
cal trials: curcumin, ginseng, garlic, ly-
copene, GLA, silibinin (Milk Thistle),
grape seed extract (proanthocyanidins),
black tea polyphenols and genistein from
soy.
It is important that any patient wish-
ing to embark on the use of nutritional
supplements should discuss the idea
with, and hopefully receive positive sup-
port from his/her physician.
Bibliography – The Life Extension Founda-
tion Lung Cancer Update 08/01/2006.
Submitted by Jane Dier, Owner of Rock
On Health Food Store in Hamilton,
Bermuda. She can be reached at 441-
295-3468 or email: rockon@northrock.
bm
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MASSAGE
THERAPY
Soothing the
Pains of Cancer
I
t's been
acknowl-
edged that
people with
cancer can
safely incor-
porate massage
therapy as part
of their treatment
regimen.
According to the
American Cancer So-
ciety, massage is "thought
almost universally to be a
beneficial therapy. It is helpful
not only physically but emotionally
as well, because it soothes the soul and
the mind." Massage cannot cure cancer,
but it has been shown in several studies
to improve quality of life and well-being.
There is some scientific evidence that
massage enhances the immune system
by increasing blood circulation. In ad-
dition, massage was shown to promote
relaxation and alleviate pain and anxiety
in hospitalized cancer patients.
What does massage therapy involve?
Massage therapists rhythmically rub and
knead the body's soft tissues for thera-
peutic purposes. Several different types
of massage have developed over time in
different cultures. These include Swed-
ish massage (most common in the U.S.),
Oriental massage, shiatsu and Thai mas-
sage. Massages usually occur in a warm,
comfortable room and last from thirty
minutes to one hour.
Massage therapy is thought to promote
wellness and optimize overall health by
promoting muscle relaxation and stress
reduction as well as relieve headaches,
backaches, joint pain, stiffness and insom-
nia. As muscles are rubbed, blood ves-
sels dilate, blood flow increases, lymph
26 | Nov/Dec 2007
cir-
cu-
lation
is stimu-
lated, oxy-
gen supply in-
creases and overall
circulation throughout the body is im-
proved. Patients fighting serious diseases
such as cancer find massage promotes
relaxation, improves quality of life and
enhances well-being.
An observational study (not a clinical tri-
al) was conducted at Memorial Sloan-
Kettering Cancer Center in New York
City that evaluated changes in symptom
scores for pain, fatigue, stress and anxi-
ety, nausea, and depression in cancer pa-
tients. The study of over twelve hundred
cancer patients being treated by licensed
massage therapists utilized various tech-
niques such as Swedish, light touch, and
foot massage. Scores revealed that symp-
toms, although not permanent, were re-
duced by about 50 percent.
Massage therapy is a safe type of therapy
to receive with cancer, however impor-
tant considerations need to be undertak-
en when giving or receiving treatment.
Massage is not recommended imme-
diately following surgery, chemothera-
py, radiation therapy and over areas of
known tumors. Patients with circulato-
ry ailments such as phlebitis or varicose
SNAPSHOT OF MASSAGE
THERAPY TECHNIQUES
I In swedish massage, the thera-
pist uses long strokes, kneading, and
friction on the muscles and moves the
joints to aid flexibility.
IA therapist giving a deep tissue
massage uses patterns of strokes and
deep finger pressure on parts of the
body where muscles are tight or
knotted, focusing on layers of muscle
deep under the skin.
I In trigger point massage (also
called pressure point massage), the
therapist uses a variety of strokes but
applies deeper, more focused pressure
on myofascial trigger points, "knots"
that can form in the muscles, are pain-
ful when pressed, and cause symptoms
elsewhere in the body as well.
IIn shiatsu massage, the therapist
applies varying, rhythmic pressure
from the fingers on parts of the body
that are believed to be important for
the flow of a vital energy called Qi in
traditional Chinese medicine, the vital
energy or life force proposed to reg-
ulate a person's spiritual, emotional,
mental, and physical health and to be
influenced by the opposing forces of
yin and yang.
Source: nccam.nih.gov
veins should avoid massage. Massage
should never be performed on bruises,
areas of tissue damage and inflamed or
infected sites.
References
Corbin, L, Safety and efficacy of massage
therapy for patients with cancer. Cancer
Control. 2005 Jul;12(3):158-64.
S.M. Sagar, MD, T. Dryden, MEd RMT,
and R.K. Wong, MD, Massage therapy
for cancer patients: a reciprocal relation-
ship between body and mind. Curr On-
col. 2007 April; 14(2): 45–56.
 PERSON AL PROFILE

Deryn to help clients to re-

alize that "emotions,
thought patterns and
Jolliffe spiritual perspectives
are as important to
Higgins: their health and well
being as the physical
state of the body."
As an energy heal-
A STAR IS REBORN er, her goal is to
identify what's af-

A
s I think of Deryn, I am re- fecting the per-
minded of this nursery rhyme son on a physical,
that goes somewhat like this, mental, emotional
"twinkle, twinkle little star, how I won- and spiritual level
der what you are." It seems fitting a de- and she's been do-
scription for one whose aura glows with ing so since 2004.
such love and light.
This is the time of
As an energy healer, Deryn works qui- year that many find
etly and unassumingly to bring joy and themselves going
balance into the lives of others. And she through the process
can't imagine doing anything else. or re-committing to
their purpose. It's no
with joy. To do surprise therefore that Deryn Higgins is
This all started fourteen years ago when
this, she employs a opening up to a new chapter in her heal-
she came to a crossroads in her own
combination of therapies like the ones ing work and devoting more time to the
personal life and chose a path of holistic
mentioned earlier, using her intuition work she "was meant to do." Her prac-
healing and spirituality. To facilitate the
and training to decide what will work tice, which is now called Vida, is open
healing and renewal that was needed
best for the individual. to clients both in Hamilton and South-
personally, she became an avid student
of holistic therapies such as the energy hampton by appointment.
For example, a client may be experi-
work which she now practices. This led
encing a back ache for which they visit When Deryn is not helping clients live
her to further research and study, having
their doctor, take a few tests and subse- at their best, she tends to the needs of
since obtained certifications in reiki, in-
quently get a prescription to relieve the her family which includes her fiance
ner child rescue, Brazilian Light Energi-
symptoms. Since it appears that there is and their four children. Lucky for her,
zation, Rohun therapy, crystal, colour
nothing medically wrong, that's all that she has a very supportive. In fact, her
and sound healing. She has also earned
is addressed from an allopathic perspec- children loves what she does and often
a doctorate in metaphysical healing.
tive. This same client may visit Deryn meditates with her.
Despite her years of training, she admits
who, through the use of holistic heal-
that she is forever learning and expand-
ing, reveals to the client that the source With much to offer in terms of healing in
ing her skills.
of their pain may be financial in nature. a broken world, this twinkling little star
Armed with this information, the client has much love to give to those who are
What is impressive about Deryn is not
is able to address the root cause, which drawn to her glowing warmth.
the many modalities that she is skilled
allows them to focus on eliminating the
in, it is her gentle spirit and deep love of
pain altogether. If you'd like to find our more about the
humanity. Her biggest triumphs come
from helping clients release emotional healing work of Deryn Higgins, she can
This scenario is what makes Deryn so be reached at 441-735-9922. See her
blocks that stymie their personal growth,
passionate about her work. Her aim is ad on page 21. ..ABS
and watch as their lives become filled
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 27
 KNOW YOUR HERBS
TEA IS GOOD MEDICINE
T
he medicinal properties of tea
has been scientifically proven
over the last decade in combat-
ing a host of health imbalances. Tea is
fortified with vitamins, minerals, anti-
oxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids.
The health benefits of medicinal teas
are endless. Tea is known to restore
health by boosting the immune system,
lowering stress hormone levels, lower-
ing chances of cognitive impairment,
enhancing mental alertness, regulat-
ing blood sugar levels in diabetics, in-
creasing metabolic rate and improving
cardiovascular health. Medicinal teas
are also used in beauty products and
culinary recipes.
The Japanese, American and Eu-
ropean tea markets are presently doing
a booming business with Rooibos teas.
They are now finding out what indige-
nous peoples of South Africa have known
about Rooibos tea for thousands of years,
it has powerful medicinal properties.
There are two types of Rooibos tea. The
traditional Red Bush Rooibos tea which
goes through a fermentation and oxidiza-
tion process for long periods of time and
the Green Rooibos tea that is withered
immediately and steamed to prevent oxi-
dation, it is then rolled and dried. Green
Rooibos is said to have higher concen-
trations of nutrients including flavonoids,
anti-oxidants and minerals.
Both Red and Green Rooibos teas
are caffeine free, high in iron, magne-
sium, potassium, fluoride, manganese,
zinc, calcium and vitamin C. The tea is
shown to have anti-viral, anti-spasmodic
and anti-allergic properties. The regular
consumption of Rooibos tea is said to
regulate circulation, lower blood pres-
sure, lower cholesterol levels, control
blood glucose levels in diabetics, support
immune health, maintain liver health,
enhance brain function, slow down the
aging process, relieve insomnia, head-
aches, heartburn and constipation. Per-
sons suffering with HIV use Rooibos tea
to boost the immune system.
28 | Nov/Dec 2007
Japanese researchers have identified
many health benefits behind the con-
sumption of Rooibos tea and published
their findings in health and medical jour-
nals around the world. In fact the Japa-
nese are now discovering that Rooibos
is almost 50 times higher in polyphenols
than green tea. Japanese women drink
generous amounts of Rooibos tea to as-
sist in developing the womb during preg-
nancy.
Rooibos tea is a safe beverage for
both pregnant and nursing mothers and
babies. Rooibos tea can be added to
milk or formula to boost the immune
system of babies. Children can drink a
healthy Rooibos tea punch sweetened
with natural sweeteners such as honey,
pure maple syrup, agave or organic cane
sugar. Athletes drink Rooibos to increase
stamina and to replace important vita-
mins and minerals that are lost during
strenuous workouts.
Here are two more medicinal teas
from South Africa, Honeybush and Bu-
chu. Honeybush tea grows alongside
mountain slopes in South Africa. It has
a sweet almost honey-like taste and turns
a pinky red colour when brewed. Scien-
tific analysis also reveals the impressive
amounts of minerals contained in Hon-
eybush tea such as nigrogen, phospho-
rus, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
sodium, zinc, manganese, iron, alu-
minium and boron. Honeybush has
anti-carcinogenic (cancer-fighting),
anti-fungal, antispasmodic and anti-
depressant properties.
Research shows that Honeybush
tea alleviates menopausal symptoms in
women, prevents cancerous tumours,
repairs sun damaged skin, simulates
milk production in nursing mothers and
treats colic in infants. Honeybush tea
is used as a base for sauces and mari-
nades and enhances natural flavors
when added to vegetable stews and
casserole dishes.
Buchu is another medicinal herb
that is indigenous only to South Africa.
It has a mint like smell and taste. In-
digenous peoples of South Africa have
long used the herb to treat urinary tract
infection. The herb also acts as a pow-
erful diuretic. Buchu is combined with
cranberry juice to reduce harmful bac-
teria in the urinary tract. The plant is
used as a general health tonic, reducing
the symptoms associated with colds and
flu and to relieve the discomfort of gout.
Buchu has also shown to be effective in
weight loss.
Further research on the plant reveals
its effectiveness as a remedy for kidney
stones, cystitis and rheumatism. Buchu
is so effective as a diuretic that potas-
sium levels are altered during use. It is
advised that persons consuming the tea
eat foods rich in potassium such as ba-
nanas and fresh vegetables.
Warning: Do not use Buchu if you
are pregnant, or lactating. Do not
give the herb to infants or young
children.
Submitted by Kuni Frith-Black, ND,
founder of the INUK Center for
Naturopathic Medicine and Herbal
Apothecary. She can be reached at 441-
238-1227.
 YOGA FOR MEN

F
ortunately more men are help maintain flexibility in
discovering yoga’s vast ben- the shoulders.
efits. Yoga, a mind/body
discipline thousand of years old, Yoga promotes calm clear
was originally created and prac- thinking during racket
ticed by men. sports which require fast
Walking into a room full of reactions. Joint mobility,
women who are often more natu- hip and shoulder flexibility
rally flexible can be intimidating. are enhanced through yoga
Men’s bodies are different, with practice.
strength and stability being their
assets. Good balance and con-
Practicing yoga can improve centration demanded in
flexibility and balance, increase yoga postures enhance the
strength, muscle tone and oxygen performance of skiers.
intake. All of these qualities in
turn aid in athletic performance. Some professional football
Yoga balances the mind as well as the teams have added yoga as
body to reduce stress and increase energy part of their training programs. Increas-
groups. For example, golfers use mostly ing and maintaining player’s flexibility
levels.
their upper torso and arms specifically. reduces the number of injuries sustained
It all sounds good, so where do you
Swinging a golf club repeatedly from one during the playing season.
start? No special equipment is necessary,
side of the body can create muscle imbal-
as a yoga mat is often available at yoga
ances in the upper back and shoulders. Weight training benefits greatly from reg-
studios. Taking a yoga class in a comfort-
Yoga helps to loosen over-worked areas ular yoga practice. Weight lifting isolates,
able, quiet environment will help main-
and develop muscle strength in the op- shortens, and tightens the muscle being
tain focus, as learning how to breathe and
posing side of the body. worked. Yoga lengthens and strengthens
relax is of utmost importance. Instruction
in sitting and standing with attention to by muscle groups, improving functional
Runners have great legs, but often very strength and leads to a wider range of mo-
posture are foundations for yoga practice.
tight ham strings (backs of legs). Many of tion for the muscle group. Yoga is great for
Yoga poses, or asanas, are taught in pairs
the yoga postures work on lengthening alleviating muscle soreness and tension
or sequenced so that muscles are bal-
the muscles in the legs and reducing any resulting from weight training.
anced. For example, a backward bend is
tension.
countered by a forward bend.
Come to yoga class with an open Whatever sport you participate in,
Cyclists backs takes a beating bent over yoga can improve your performance and
mind. This class will be different than
handlebars for long periods of time. reduce the risk of injury. By bringing the
any other work out you’ve done. Lesson
Exercises to open the chest, reversing body into balance, both the body and
One: Yoga is not a competition. Learn to
the hunched over effect are beneficial. mind will function more efficiently. There
respect the fact that your body differs from
Increasing flexibility in the legs would are no instant results, however. Yoga is
everyone else’s. Your focus will be on how
also be advantageous for a cyclist. hard work. It takes time and patience. It
your body moves and what adjustments
you need to make. Being present, in the never gets easy or boring. The more yoga
Swimmers use their breath along with you practice, the more accomplished and
moment, and using your breathing will
every muscle in the body. Yogic breath- peaceful you will become.
help you to accomplish all that yoga
ing can be a more relaxed and efficient
asks of you.
way to bring much needed oxygen into Visit www.familyyoga.org for more in-
Specific sports are known to create
the lungs. Stretching the upper back will formation.
over-use problems for certain muscle
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 29
 ORGANIC WINES
The Making of a Label
F
ollowing the recent creation by the
USDA of a National Organic Pro-
gram, an organic wine is now de-
fined as “a wine made from organically
grown grapes and without any added
sulfites”. By this unfortunate restriction,
the vast majority of what you and I have
been calling organic wines must now be
referred to as “wines made from organic
grapes” (or organically grown grapes), as
they are allowed to contain up to 100
ppm of added sulfites.
While we support the effort of some
winemakers to explore avenues to elimi-
nate the use of sulfur dioxide, the truth
is that wines without added sulfites are
very few in number and very unstable
in quality, giving the public a negative
perception of what an organic wine can
be! The wine industry has therefore the
dubious honor of being the only one that
cannot call its product “organic” even
though it is made with more than 95%
of organic components. [With the higher
permissible level of 100ppm SO2 pres-
30 | Nov/Dec 2007
ent in the wine, the percentage is still
99.99% organic!].
This is detrimental to the wine-
growers who seek to market a consis-
tently drinkable product and yet are
discriminated against in an absolutely
unprecedented way. It is also confusing
to consumers and merchants alike who
did not need more categories to confuse
them! Moreover, a wine without sulfites
should not be equated with an organic
wine, since it is quite possible to make a
sulfite-free wine with conventional (non
organic) grapes.
The excessive attention given to this
matter is perfect to distract the public
from much more important issues like
soil depletion and erosion, water pollu-
tion, loss of biodiversity, ecological im-
pact, resistance to pests, chemical de-
pendence, and product standardization
to name just a few!
In all cases, however, an indepen-
dent body of certification, itself duly
With the holidays upon us,
many people will celebrate
with the usual complement of
food and alcohol. If you chose
to drink alcohol, not only
are you encouraged to drink
responsibly on a social level,
do it environmentally as well.
Choose organic.
accredited by the almighty USDA, has
the responsibility to control each wine-
grower, once or twice a year, to verify his
adherence to the standards for organic
farming, now internationally recognized.
The fundamental idea behind organic
wine is that making wine from grapes
grown without chemical fertilizers, weed
killers, insecticides, and other synthetic
chemicals is better both for the planet
AND for the wine drinker because all
of these things can damage the soil and
the plant, and can end up in the wine as
residue.
At the present time, we do not push
our producers to adopt the NOP stan-
dards since they are a repeat of the Eu-
ropean ones. It adds to their cost and ul-
timately to the price you pay without any
visible benefit. The scandal is that NOP
forbids us to state that our wines are cer-
tified by our own system, one in place
for 30 years! This is a perfect example of
economic imperialism and pressure tac-
tics, if not outright blackmail!
 the vineyards from the adverse effects of contain 2 to 3 times these amounts. The
How does Conventional Viticulture dif- pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. rule set by the USDA calls for a maxi-
fer from Organic Viticulture? Organic is more than simply a way of mum of 100ppm.
Conventional agricultural practices, farming. It is also a philosophy. As Ralph
adopted in large part over the past 50 Waldo Emerson once said “We did not How do Organic Wines taste as com-
years, have stripped the minerals essen- inherit the Earth from our forefathers, pared to Conventional Wines?
tial for healthy crops from the soil, ne- we are borrowing it from our descen- Nowdays, French organic wines
cessitating the increasing use of artificial dants.” show up consistently among the top ten
help to replace what has been lost. In best wines of any region (when avail-
fact, according to conservative estimates, How does Conventional Winemaking able), being cited in magazines as the
seventeen insecticides, fumigants, and differ from Organic Winemaking? most innovative, interesting and person-
herbicides are currently being used in In the cellar, “organic” suggests min- alized products around. Surprisingly, due
conventional wine grape production. imal processing and no use of chemical to a relative lack of public awareness,
The cornerstone of organic farming additives. Organic winemakers pay par- this quality does not come at a big pre-
is the soil. Maintaining a healthy, bio- ticular attention to three factors: the use mium, compared to everything labeled
logically active soil is the main objective of yeasts, the filtration/fining method, and “organic” these days!
for an organic farmer. In the vineyard it the use of sulfur dioxide. The need for One theory for this outstanding
means cultivating the soil and planting cultured yeasts in organic winemaking is quality is that organic vineyards have
cover crops, instead of applying herbi- reduced by the farming practice itself, for more natural resistance to poor weather
cides. It means using natural fertilizers, wild yeasts remain present, unperturbed or pestilence, and therefore tend to per-
such as composted animal manure, ver- by weed killers or insecticides. There- form better in poor vintages than non-
sus chemical fer- fore their organic ones. Additionally, many or-
tilizers. Organic use is lim- ganic vineyards hand pick their grapes,
growers use no
❝ According to conservative ited to diffi- rather than using mechanical pickers.
synthetic growth- estimates, seventeen cult weath- This allows only the ripest and healthiest
regulators (such er condi- bunches to be picked, with the minimum
as Alar). As for
insecticides, fumigants, and tions which amount of stress/damage to the vine, fruit
not using pesti- herbicides are currently being w o u l d or soil.
cides, the organ- threaten Organic vineyards choose organ-
ic alternative is to
used in conventional wine grape the harvest. ic methods to obtain the strongest and
encourage natural production. ❞ The physi- richest grapes possible, with the fewest
predators of in- cal treat- detrimental effects on the environment,
sect pests instead ment of the and their wines reflect that dedication to
of using poisonous insecticides. Organic wine (like filtering and fining) is kept to a quality.
farmers promote “biodiversity” and allow minimum. However temperature control Courtesy of the Organic Wine Company,
plants other than vines to grow in and during the winemaking process is widely www.theorganicwinecompany.com
around the vineyard. Biodiversity helps used since it is only a physical process. They can be reached by phone at
regulate the vineyard soil by attracting Minimizing the use of sulfur di- 415-256-8888 or email info@
beneficial insects, spiders and predato- oxide as an antioxidant is stringently theorganicwinecompany.com
ry mites, as well as provide shelter and observed. It’s rather difficult to make a
food (pollen, nectar and other bugs), wine that will keep well without adding
and replaces the need for chemical pes- at least some additional sulfites to those
WANT TO REACH THE
ticides or insecticides. What cannot be naturally produced. This is particularly SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE
fully controlled through biodiversity can true of white wines, which ferment apart
still be managed organically, through the from grape skins. Red wines ferment with CONSUMER?
use of naturally occurring plant or min- juice and skins together, providing them
eral extracts, which leave no residues in not only with their color but with various
the soil.
To answer the problem of weeds,
tannins, a natural preservative.
All of the wines imported by Or-
You'll find them
conventional farmers use chemical weed ganic Wine Company are “Certified Or- reading Natural
killers. The organic alternative is to allow ganic” by ECOCERT or BIOFRANC and
the weeds to grow, and mow them peri- contain only a minimal amount of sulfur Islands Journal.
odically so that the cut weeds rot back dioxide. The average amount of total SO2
into the ground, thus providing organic found in the bottles analyzed by the offi-
For advertising info
fertilizer. cial BATF laboratory is 40ppm (parts per
There is no doubt that growing un- million) for our red wines, 60ppm for the Call 441-735-3471
der organic conditions protects the en- white wines and 80ppm for the sparkling ads@naturalislands.com
vironment and the people that work in wines. Conventional wines typically
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 31
Daily Life And Stillness? W hen I first embraced stillness
as a path to peace, men-
tally, emotionally, and spiritually,
I couldn't really figure out how
to apply that to daily life. Just ex-
actly how does one stay still in the
midst of mundane tasks, balancing
check-books, and handling conflict which is bound to appear,
be it man vs. nature, man vs. man, or man vs. himself?

I discovered that it is possible to be still in the midst of all this

simply by being focused on my present moment, even if it is
unpleasant, and nothing else. Absolutely nothing else. No his-
tory creeping in with all the resulting programming and dis-
trust of the present, no worrying about future survival which
results in making fear based choices, and no projecting out-
ward (blaming others) about present situations. When I truly
examined the inability to be still in myself, there was a direct
connection, conscious or unconscious, to the future, the past,
or feeling that someone else was responsible for my present.

By removing all factors having to do with anything but the

present moment, well, it was a quantum leap in my conscious-
ness! If I let go of all past injustices from this lifetime or others
and let go of worrying about future survival, there was noth-
ing left but being in the moment and making choices based
on that moment alone.

I began to pretend that each day was a lifetime unto itself. In

each day, I was a different person than I was the day before.
The things I attracted to myself were different, and even my
vibration became a little different. The rules the day before
(beliefs hiding as facts in my consciousness) did not neces-
sarily apply to the person I became the next day. By removing
the past and the future, I was free, undamaged, and not fear-
ing damage, which was the motivating drive underneath every
non-present thought I had.

As far as being still in the midst of mundane tasks and daily life,
I found that if I focused on nothing but just that, doing dishes
(which became a meditation), going through the checkout line
at the supermarket (which became giving blessing [darshan]
to others), or driving my car (which became an exciting ad-
venture), there was some sort of divinity there. Some sort of
magic could be brought to the moment that simply could not
exist if my mind was spinning elsewhere. Everything became
a divine act being done by God, even washing the dishes! I
realized that life, mundane tasks and all, was my soul's "lu-
cid dream."

It can only be experienced. It cannot be spoken. The closest

I can come to speaking it is that I could find joy and peace-
ful-ness in that moment, instead of rushing through my tasks,
32 | Nov/Dec 2007
 Book Review
thinking about all the things I had to do,
worrying about the future, feeling angry
about the past, or wondering about this
person or that person. I discovered that
The Spirit of Intimacy
Ancient Teachings In The Ways Of Relationships
I could be still inside myself even as I
went about my day.
ISBN: 9780688175795; ISBN10: 0688175791; Imprint: Harper Paperbacks ;
It takes discipline and vigilance at first On Sale: 1/5/2000; Format: Trade PB; Trimsize: 5 x 7; Pages: 160.
to create the habit of being in the ever
unfolding NOW, but after a while, it be-
comes second nature. Many people mea-
sure enlightenment by siddhis (spiritual
A renowned, re-
spected teach-
er and mentor to
healing--and support-
ed by sound practical
advice, along with
powers), how "fixed up" the personality thousands, Sobon- specific rituals and
is, or how successful at manifestation on fu Some is one of ceremonies based on
the physical plane a person is, but I have the first and fore- those used for thou-
come to see that enlightenment is better most voices of Af- sands of years.
measured by how still a person is inside, rican spirituality to
even as things happen on the outside. come to the West. With this book, the
spiritual insights of in-
Have you ever had a lucid dream (real- Sobonfu was born digenous Africa take
in Dano, Burki- their place alongside
ized you were dreaming while still in the
na Faso, a remote those of native Amer-
dream)? You may notice in lucid dreams West African vil- ica, ancient Europe,
that you are very alert and there is no lage with a pop- and Asia as important
past or future, just the dream itself. Now ulation of about influences on Western
if you really want to play a trick on your two hundred peo- readers. A renowned,
consciousness, pretend you are in a lu- ple. Dano has pre- respected teacher and
cid dream as you drive your car, wash the served the old ways mentor to thousands,
dishes, or talk to the checkout girl, and of African village Sobonfu Some is one
you will get the idea of how the stillness life, with family structures, spiritual prac- of the first and foremost voices of African
tices, and methods of living that have spirituality to come to the West.
might feel inside. This isn't quite it, for all
been in place for more than ten thou-
forms, dreamed or physical, are still in
sand years.
the realm of experience, but it is closer to NATURAL ISLANDS
the real deal. You will notice some sort of In The Spirit of Intimacy, Sobonfu distills BOOK CLUB
consciousness behind the whole thing. I the ancient teachings and wisdom of her
am not speaking about the observer and native village to give insight into the na- Want a great way to enjoy a good book?
the observed. It is even deeper than that. ture of intimate relationships. Share it with friends.
It is not the observer part of yourself, for
it is something that is not separate from Sobonfu generously applies the subtle Natural Islands is pleased to announce our
knowledge from her West African cul- Book Club Online. Become a member of our
the experience itself and it is not a part of
ture to this one. Simply and beautiful- online community and join in the discussion
you. It is what is behind all of you. Your
ly, she reveals the role of spirit in every about the book-of-the-month.
life can be lived from this awareness.
marriage, friendship, relationship, and
community. She shares ancient ways to How it works. . .
by Christine Breese, D.D., Ph.D., founder make our intimate lives more fulfilling Answer the discussion questions posted by
of University Of Metaphysical Sciences. . and secure and offers powerful insights other members, compare your interpre-
She is also the producer of the TV series into the "illusion of romance," divorce, tations with other readers, share favorite
Spirit Talk, and gives lectures, meditations and loss. quotes or simply encourage each other to
and retreat workshops through University read the book under review.
Of Metaphysical Sciences. To hear Her important and fascinating lessons
from the heart include the sacred mean- Next steps. . .
her meditations, visit www.myspace.
ing of pleasure, preparing a ritual space Go to www.naturalislands.com and click
com/universityofmetaphysicalscience
for intimacy, and the connection be- on "Join our Community". Simply follow the
or visit the University website at www. steps to become a member. Once registered,
tween sex and spirituality. Her ideas are
umsonline.org 707-822-2111 get your book and start reading!
intuitively persuasive, provocative, and

www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 33

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Heat up your investments,
not their home.
D o you ever think of where someone is putting your money
to work for you once you start to invest or save it? Would
you be comfortable knowing that the people you entrusted to
invest your money put it into arms, tobacco, alcohol or com-
panies that use child labour ? I don’t think so!
Ethical investment involves more than screening compa-
nies for suspicious moral activities, but also for constructive,
ethical and environment policies. According to The Interna-
tional (February 2000, pg.19,20), “Fundamentally the ethical
market has changed over the past ten years…... institutional
investors are coming in on a more proactive, positive stance
on behalf of their clients.”
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) is defined as investing
your dollars into projects or companies that support the devel-
opment of the planet without polluting it or using unfair trade
to manufacture it. This is one way consumers can demonstrate
not only their ecological concerns but ethical investments as
well and balance that with investor profit. The investments you
make should match your morals that you would apply to your
own life.
For instance there is not only conflict diamonds but also
conflict tin. In 2004, more than five times as much tin was sold
in Rwanda than it produced, yet it had no record of any legal
tin export. So where did it come from? According to Global
Witness, a London research and advocacy group, it came from
the Congo. There, teenage boys are paid a pittance to work in
dangerous mines and then forced to sell it at gunpoint for use
in circuit board solder in electronics.
The estimates range from 10-15% of the world’s tin is ex-
ported from Africa, yet nobody wants to mention it because
much of it is smuggled out. “As long as there is a global de-
34 | Nov/Dec 2007
Socially-
Responsible
Investing
Where Are
You Putting
Your Investment
Dollars?
mand; smugglers will find a way to supply it,” cries one article
in Fortune magazine (May 2006). What can you do to ensure
that this does not happen to your investments?
First do the research. Ask your broker if the company is
socially responsible and see if they adhere to a policy of sus-
tainable environmental development. Find out what their cri-
teria are for selecting stocks. Ask if they are doing anything to
conserve paper, electricity, recycle or reuse any of their equip-
ment and any measures of their social, ethical and environ-
mental performance.
Most companies have annual reports which can be read
on their websites or other corporate communications that di-
vulge the extent of their corporate core philosophies. Of course
there are other legal bodies which can evaluate their effective-
ness and rate them accordingly.
There are quite a few companies already doing the “right
thing” and there are quite a few mutual funds that invest in
only socially responsible companies. They are still able to
make a decent rate of return on your investment, depending
on the targets and safety you are seeking. It is not the author’s
intention here to make any specific recommendations but to
raise the consciousness level of our readers and bring them
into the awareness of socially responsible investing in green
funds or green companies. Rather than just looking at seeking
the highest rate of return on investment, you should determine
if the company is being socially responsible.
“Businesses large and small are achieving economic suc-
cess through major advances in environmental and corporate
responsibility performance. The West Coast and Europe in
particular, are producing more business leaders with vision
and understanding of the economic development potential
of sustainability. Nevertheless, real eco- The spending power of the Carib- tions industry in the early 1980s and has
nomic data and unemotional perspec- bean is great and has been ignored as a been called the "mother of all markets."
tives on the potential of these initiatives block for too long. It is a market that has (Sustainableinvestor.com)
for job growth and wealth creation are gone unnoticed by most investors, in fa- Over the next 15 years, we could see a
sorely lacking,” (www. Sustainableindus- vour of the more lucrative North Ameri- transition from the prior world of social-
tries.com/forums). can and European markets. The targeted ly responsible investing (SRI) to the new
There are a number of hotels, man- Bahamas and Caribbean audience is a world order of sustainable investing. “By
ufacturing, banking and a host of other highly motivated purchasing group, with sustainable investing, I mean the full in-
companies that are now practicing more demonstrated buying power of U.S. and tegration of environmental, social and
environmental practices. If you are in- international goods. “The GDP for the governance (ESG) factors into financial
vesting your hard earned dollars, than Caribbean territory is in excess of $150 analysis and decision-making.” says Joe
why not invest them into businesses that billion and imports to the region total Keefe in Green Money Journal. (Socially
will do something positive for the planet $50 billion per year. The Caribbean is a Responsible Investing to Sustainable In-
rather than negative? We all have choices major importer of U.S., European, and vesting, www.greenmoneyjournal.com).
and not making a choice is a choice after Canadian goods and materials and im- This transition is crucial to the investment
all. ports more U.S. goods than India, with its industry if it is to broaden its’ market and
There are several websites that population of 1.2 billion, or Russia, with maximize the impact on corporate be-
can educate you on wise green invest- its population of 146 million,” (www.bri- havior, on world financial markets, and
ment choices in the stock market today land.com). on global society itself.
as well as several local companies that “For the Caribbean, 2006 has been Bermuda is the location of choice
publish newsletters about their sustain- another good year for economic growth. for the brainchild of several mutual
able practices. “The SB20 list, now in its The regional gross domestic product funds, hedge funds, and the reinsurance
sixth year, is comprised of 20 innovative (GDP) is expected to increase 5.3 per cent industry. If we could put some of the fi-
companies, large and small, that are hav- over the year, equivalent to a per capita nancial brains to work here to create
ing an important impact on creating an increase of 3.8 per cent. This marks the some interesting sustainable investing
environmen- fourth con- funds we would really put Bermuda on
tally sustain- } Rather than just looking to secutive year the financial map towards sustainable in-
able society. of econom- vesting, So the next time you think about
The goal is to seek the highest rate of return ic growth, investing and saving your hard earned
help the me- and the third dollars, put them into a fund or a stock
dia and in-
on investment, you should consecutive that matches your values and not just
vestors iden- determine if the company is year of rates anywhere.
tify leading exceeding 4 To your sustainable health and
companies being socially responsible. ~ per cent, af- wealth Bermuda and the Caribbean!
and to under- ter an aver-
stand what it age annual
takes for a company to be sustainable,” growth rate of only 2.2 per cent between Mr. Larry Sticca, Co-
(www.SustainableBusiness.com). Ac- 1980 and 2002,” (Jamaica Observer Publisher of Natural
cording to their list of companies, “This 22/12/06). Considering the lack of natu- Islands Journal , is also
year, energy efficiency took center stage. ral resources in the area, this is an im- valuer & broker of Carib-
The less sexy sister of renewable energy, pressive growth rate. Bermuda Realty. He has
efficiency offers the least expensive, best Our voice has not been heard as a a master’s degree in
economic returns and most dramatic block, however that’s not to mean that Sustainable International
ways to reduce greenhouse emissions, is has to remain silent. Look not only at Development, and
simply by reducing energy consumption sustainability but also what the company has been a consultant for energy
in the first place.” is doing to reinvest in the Caribbean. For conservation projects in Bermuda and
They have two criteria which are instance, there is a certain international the Caribbean. He may be reached at
sustainability and financial criteria. A hotel chain that encourages their guests larry@naturalislands.com
sustainability criterion is defined “in to donate a portion of their stay to rein-
terms of how they are conducting their vest in Caribbean education systems.
ARE YOU LISTED?
business or in the technologies they are “Investments in renewable energy Naturalislands.com is the one-stop
advancing that solve environmental or hit a record $30 billion last year - that's shop for all things green and natural
social problems. In particular, they have a whopping 20-25% of the total invest- in the Caribbean.
a very strong GREEN story, with the abil- ment in the energy industry worldwide; Our directory puts you in front of
ity to have widespread influence." Finan- meanwhile the organic food industry just thousands all across the Caribbean
cial criterion is defined as "a company keeps growing. The clean technology era and the world.
has a stock price over $1, is selling prod- we are entering is often compared in
ucts and is profitable, or close to it.” scale to the rise of the telecommunica- Go online and get listed today!
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 35
 The Caribbean is the second most affected region
in the world with HIV and AIDS, sub-Saharan Africa
being the leader.

U
NAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/
AIDS, reports that at the end of 2005, an estimated
330,000 people were living with HIV and AIDS in the
Caribbean. Some 37,000 people were newly infected during
2005, and there were 27,000 deaths due to AIDS. In three of the
larger countries in this region - the Bahamas, Haiti and Trinidad
and Tobago - more than 2% of the adult population is living with
HIV. AIDS is now one of the leading causes of death in some of
these countries, with Haiti being the worst affected. An estimated
16,000 lives are lost each year to AIDS in Haiti, and tens of thou-
sands of children have been orphaned by the epidemic.

36 | Nov/Dec 2007
 Energy Healing
Transpersonal Development
Massage • Doula Services

Lynn Hunt DSEH

Holistic Therapist

(441) 799.4868
info@energylynn.com/www.energylynn.com
individuals • children • couples • workshops

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441.335.8700
sonnypbean@yahoo.com
www.organicsonny.mionegroup.com

With alarming statistics like these, HIV and AIDS are

leaving a dark cloud over the white sandy beaches and
swaying palms in the islands of the Caribbean. Cultural and Religious
The crisis of HIV/AIDS across the globe has led to many Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS
educational and awareness campaigns regarding the na-
ture of the disease, its transmission and treatment options.
Yet, the growing number of cases in the Caribbean reveal L The disease is associated with behaviors that were al-
that not every one is getting the message. Why? Accord- ready stigmatised, such as homosexuality, injection drug use,
ing to J. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary-General of and commercial sex, among others. Diseases such as cancer
the CARICOM Secretariat, " In the Caribbean, as indeed and mental illnesses are not known to be associated with stig-
in other parts of the world, stigma and the consequent
matised behaviour.
discrimination remain debilitating impediments in the
fight against HIV and AIDS." He further points out that L Persons living with HIV/AIDS are thought to be re-
"twenty-five years after the first reported case of the dis-
sponsible for having contracted HIV. People with other dis-
ease, infected persons are still immobilized by fear and
opt not to seek treatment, care and support, even when eases were victims of “ill luck” and were not responsible for
such assistance is within their grasp." The sad reality is their diseases.
that unfounded fears, cultural and religious stigma are
causing people to die of AIDS. L For religious reasoning or mis-reasoning, people have
concluded that having HIV is a result of a moral fault, such as
Facing these challenges, organizations and activists promiscuous or deviant sex, and deserves punishment.
launched initiatives to fight the discrimination faced by
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Guyana's Minister of Health
persons infected with HIV. One of these initiatives was the
formation of the Pan-Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/
AIDS (PANCAP). PANCAP was established at the Febru-
ary 2001 Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of State as a
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 37
partnership between a variety of stake-
holders, including government agencies,
faith-based organizations, non-govern-
mental organizations (NGOs); national
HIV/AIDS programmes, funding agencies
as well as international and regional hu-
man rights agencies. The aim of PANCAP
is to scale up the response to HIV/AIDS
in the Caribbean.
During a PANCAP conference in Novem-
ber 2004 held in St. Kitts and Nevis, en-
titled Champions for Change: Reducing
HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination in
the Caribbean, a "wealth of new informa-
tion, insightful analyses, and a relevant
range of policy options" were presented.
A written documentation of the presen-
tations were assembled in a publication
of the same name which is a must read
for any one affected by AIDS or support-
ing the case for reducing discrimination
amongst persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Realizing that our attitudes and behaviors
play such an integral role in curbing the
aids epidemic in our region, what can
we as a community or as individuals do
to help reverse this trend? In the case of
discrimination and stigmatization it forc-
es "us to confront personal and social
attitudes, practices and values concern-
ing sex, sexuality, sexual orientation and
prostitution that are often socially sensi-
tive and personally disturbing", declare
Peter Figueroa and Volderine Hackett at
the conference.
As part of the 2007 World Aids Day
Awareness campaign, individuals and
communities can "take the lead" and be-
come leaders against the spread of HIV/
AIDS and the continued discrimination
in our society. Take The Lead is the theme
of this year's World AIDS Day which
seeks to challenge and criticise leaders
who are not keeping their promises on
AIDS, celebrate leaders who are, and
encourage and inspire others, including
ourselves, to become leaders.
As individuals and as a community,
there are many things that we can do
no matter one's age, economic status or
religious beliefs. Every effort, no matter
how small, can make a difference. This
very minute at home or in your commu-
nity, you can:
J Assist in caring for someone affect-
ed by AIDS, such as a friend or family
member
J Talk about AIDS prevention. Encour-
age others, especially young people, to
practice safe sex or abstinence
donate money or time to an AIDS char-
ity.
J Write letters to local leaders to estab-
lish laws that protect the rights and digni-
ty of persons living with AIDS. Or if you
have leaders that are making changes,
write letters thanking them for the work
they have done.
J Most importantly, take the time to
educate yourself about the disease. Ed-
ucation is empowering. Discrimination
generally stems from ignorance. Know-
ing the facts about HIV and AIDS will
go along way in dispelling some of the
myths.
Let's keep the promise and become
champions for change.

HOW STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION HURT

A two year-old child whose mother died of AIDS was refused
admission to a day-care centre and playschool in New Am-
sterdam, Guyana. The child’s aunt produced evidence of his
HIV negative status but she was asked to remove the child fol-
lowing the decision of the school board. Complaints from the
Guyanese Youth Network + (GYN+) were made and the Minis-
ter of Health intervened, but the school would not budge from
its position. The Minister of Health said that he would move
to have the National HIV/AIDS policy in Guyana legislated by
the next sitting of parliament to put an end to discrimination
against persons living with HIV/AIDS (Guyana Daily Chroni-
cle, and Stabroek News (Guyana), October 2004).
In 1997, the Jamaican Commissioner of Prisons spoke on the
need to promote condom use (among a number of proposed
reforms to the prison system). Prison Wardens claimed that
he was implying that they were having sex with prisoners and
went on strike. A riot among prisoners ensued in which 16
men were killed (Symposia on Gender, Sexuality and the im-
plications for substance use and HIV/AIDS, UWI, St. Augus-
tine, Trinidad 2004)
An HIV positive man in the Cayman Islands stopped collect-
ing his ARV drugs from the hospital pharmacy because it was
reported to his family that he was seen there every week. He
also resigned from his job when offered a promotion, as the
higher position required him undergoing a medical examina-
tion that included HIV testing. (CAREC Trip Report, Cayman
Islands, Dec 2003)
A double murder-suicide in Trinidad and Tobago occurred
when a woman was killed by her husband after he tested posi-
tive for HIV. He then killed himself. It was discovered subse-
quently that his wife was HIV negative. (Trinidad Express, 19
March, 2003)
In 1995, an HIV positive European woman who took up resi-
dence in Tobago was open about her HIV status, informing her
male partners of her HIV status and insisting that they used
condoms. The press interviewed her and the ensuing outcry
from a number of persons resulted in her detention in prison
without charge or conviction and then deportation as an un-
desirable (Trinidad Guardian 1995).

38 | Nov/Dec 2007
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Website: www.moskorealty.com

www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 39


What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency
virus. This is the virus that causes AIDS.
HIV is different from most other viruses
because it attacks the immune system.
The immune system gives our bodies
the ability to fight infections. HIV finds
and destroys a type of white blood cell
(T cells or CD4 cells) that the immune
system must have to fight disease.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immunodefi-
ciency syndrome. AIDS is the final stage
of HIV infection. It can take years for a
person infected with HIV, even without
treatment, to reach this stage. Having
AIDS means that the virus has weak-
ened the immune system to the point at
which the body has a difficult time fight-
ing infections. When someone has one or
more of these infections and a low num-
ber of T cells, he or she has AIDS.
What is the origin of HIV?
For many years scientists theorized as to
the origins of HIV and how it appeared
in the human population, most believ-
ing that HIV originated in other primates.
Then in 1999, an international team of
researchers reported that they had dis-
covered the origins of HIV-1, the pre-
dominant strain of HIV in the developed
world. A subspecies of chimpanzees na-
tive to west equatorial Africa had been
identified as the original source of the
virus. The researchers believe that HIV-
1 was introduced into the human popu-
lation when hunters became exposed to
infected blood.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is a fragile virus. It cannot live for
very long outside the body. As a result,
the virus is not transmitted through day-
to-day activities such as shaking hands,
hugging, or a casual kiss. You cannot be-
40 | Nov/Dec 2007
FAQ about HIV/AIDS
come infected from a toilet seat, drink-
ing fountain, doorknob, dishes, drinking
glasses, food, or pets. You also cannot get
HIV from mosquitoes.
HIV is primarily found in the blood, se-
men, or vaginal fluid of an infected per-
son. HIV is transmitted in 3 main ways:
* Having sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
with someone infected with HIV
* Sharing needles and syringes with
someone infected with HIV
* Being exposed (fetus or infant) to
HIV before or during birth or through
breast feeding
HIV also can be transmitted through
blood infected with HIV during a blood
transfusion. The blood supply is gener-
ally thoroughly tested and screened for
infectious diseases.
What are the symptoms of HIV
Infection?
The only way to know whether you are
infected is to be tested for HIV. You can-
not rely on symptoms alone because
many people who are infected with HIV
do not have symptoms for many years.
Someone can look and feel healthy but
can still be infected.
How can I prevent being
infected with HIV?
Reducing the risk of infection involve a
variety of activities including:
* Abstinence: you can chose not to have
sex (oral, anal, or vaginal) until you are
in a relationship with only one person.
Once in a relationship be sure to know
the HIV status of the other person as well
as yourself. As uncomfortable as it is to
raise the question, it's far more discom-
forting to get the virus. Talk about HIV
and other STDs with each partner before
you have sex.
If both you and your partner have HIV,
use condoms to prevent other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) and possible
infection with a different strain of HIV.
If only one of you has HIV, use a latex
condom and lubricant every time you
have sex.
If you have, or plan to have, more than
one sex partner, consider getting tested
for HIV at least once a year. If you are a
woman who is planning to get pregnant
or who is pregnant, get tested as soon as
possible, before you have your baby.
If you think you may have been exposed
to another STD such as gonorrhea, syphi-
lis, or Chlamydia trachomatis infection,
get treatment. These diseases can in-
crease your risk of getting HIV. Even if
you think you have low risk for HIV in-
fection, get tested whenever you have a
regular medical check-up.
* Be drug free: do not inject illicit drugs
(drugs not prescribed by your doctor).
You can get HIV through needles, sy-
ringes, and other works if they are con-
taminated with the blood of someone
who has HIV. If you do inject drugs, use
only clean needles, syringes, and other
works and Never share needles. Be care-
ful not to expose yourself to another per-
son's blood.
Consider getting counseling and treat-
ment for your drug use. Drugs cloud your
mind, which may result in riskier sex. Do
not have sex when you are taking drugs
or drinking alcohol because being high
can make you more likely to take risks.
To protect yourself, remember these
ABCs:
Abstain from sex
Be Faithful if you are in a relationship.
Condoms, use them!
Source: US Centers for Disease Control
 TRADITIONAL &
COMPLEMENTARY
TREATMENTS
FOR AIDS
Do They Work?
T
he World Health Organisation
(WHO) defines Traditional Medi-
cine (TM) as health practices, ap-
proaches, knowledge and beliefs incor-
porating plant, animal and mineral based
medicines, spiritual therapies, manual
techniques applied singularly or in com-
bination to treat, diagnose and prevent
illness or maintain well-being.
The best known TM are the Indian
Ayurvedic medical system and Tradi-
tional Chinese Medicine. Although not
widely recognized, Africa has it's own
brand of traditional medicine. Families
in Africa depend almost entirely on tra-
ditional medicine. Many scholars are
led to believe that the continent was
the birthplace of traditional methods of
treatment.
There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS,
but traditional medicine is proving to
be a worthwhile tool in the treatment of
aids-related symptoms. In Africa, many
traditional healers have claimed success
in managing the disease and improving
the quality of life of people living with
AIDS. Research was conducted on Af-
rican Traditional Medicine to identify
who is doing what, what are the results,
and to seek avenues to be taken in the
future to properly verify the claims made
by many African healers. The results re-
www.Naturalislands.com
vealed that African Traditional Medicine,
oftentimes used by medical practitioners
trained in western medicine, have been
able to partially eliminate many of the
symptoms associated with AIDS includ-
ing diarrhea, episodes of fever, loss of
body weight, Kaposis sarcoma lymph-
adenopathy and body rash.
In an article by freelance writer, Bob
Stanley, he shares that "despite the skepti-
cism of many, there are signs that some of
the plant-based remedies offered by the
healers may be not just affordable, but
also effective, according to Dr Sekagya
Yahaya Hills who is both a modern den-
tist and a traditional healer in Uganda."
Similar results of success are being docu-
mented with Traditional Chinese Med-
icine (TCM). In one news report, Chi-
nese authorities have for the first time ap-
proved the use of a traditional medicine
to help treat patients with HIV/AIDS. The
medicine, known as Tangcaopian (which
means 'traditional herbal pill'), was li-
censed by the State Food and Drug Ad-
ministration (SFDA) and has been shown
to increase levels of CD4 immune cells
in people with HIV in clinical trials, sug-
gesting that it helps strengthen their im-
mune response to the virus. Tangcaopian
also has positive effects on symptoms of
HIV infection such as muscle weakness,
coughing, fever and skin rash.
In the China Science and Technology
newsletter, the AIDS epidemic has been
likened to the plague or fatigue. This
analogy by Mr. Jianjin, WANG, Head
of AIDS Traditional Therapy Team estab-
lished by the Chinese Ministry of Sci-
ence and Technology, and Director, AIDS
Division, the Institute of Basic Theoreti-
cal Studies under the Chinese Academy
of Traditional Medicine, paves the way
for application of Traditional Chinese
Medicine in diagnosing and treatment
of AIDS. Mr. Wang indicates that TCM
uses individualized treatment protocols
combining medicinal herbs, acupunc-
ture and breathing techniques to allevi-
ate symptoms and curb the spread of the
disease in the body. Some of these treat-
ments have been effective in treating the
diseases, he declares. The report goes on
to say, that working in conjunction with
the east-african country, Tanzania, treat-
ment of about 10,000 AIDS patients or
HIV carriers with the traditional therapy
have been conducted since the 1980s
by the Chinese Academy of Traditional
Medicine.
by Aamirah Branch-Sticca
References
AVERT, Caribbean Statistics Summary,
accessed at http://www.avert.org/carib-
bean.htm Sept 10, 2007
Bob Stanley, Treatment of AIDS with tra-
ditional medicine in Africa. February 13,
2004. Accessed at www.idrc.ca/en/ev-
55582-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html on Sep-
tember 19, 2007
Rutayuga JB, Treatment of AIDS with
traditional medicine in Africa. Interna-
tional Conference on AIDS, 1992 Jul
19-24; 8: 130 (abstract no. PuB 7491).
Accessed at gateway.nlm.nih.gov/Meet-
ingAbstracts/102201269.html on Sept
19, 2007
Volderine Hackett, Champions for
Change: Reducing HIV/AIDS Stigma and
Discrimination in the Caribbean. CARI-
COM Secretariat, 2005
Jia Hepeng, China approves traditional
medicine for AIDS patients, SciDev.Net,
20 April 2004
China Science and Technology News-
letter, The Ministry of Science and Tech-
nology, People's Republic of China, No
#345, October* 10, 2003
Nov/Dec 2007 | 41
 DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
By Faith-Based Organisations to reduce Stigma and Discrimination
against People Living with, and Affected by HIV/AIDS, issued on the
occasion of the Champions for Change II: Regional Conference of
Faith-Based Organisations to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination,
Georgetown, Guyana
22-23 November 2005

PREAMBLE

We, the Leaders and Representatives of the Faith-Based Organisations

(Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian) at the Champions for
Change II Regional Conference held in Georgetown, Guyana on 22-23
November 2005, in full support of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against
HIV/AIDS,

DECLARATION

Declare that –

In as much as we have noted the impact of HIV/AIDS and, in particular,

Stigma and Discrimination on individuals/families/communities living
with or affected by HIV/AIDS and recognising the critical role we can
play in affirming humankind and in adding to the quality of life in our
communities;

We will continue to lift our voices against stigma and discrimination in

order to break down barriers between People and within Institutions;

We commit ourselves at the leadership and other levels to stay informed

about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to inform our membership in order to
strengthen our response; We also commit ourselves to cooperate with and actively
support governmental, non-governmental and other agencies, in collaboration
with People Living with HIV/AIDS, in efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and to
provide care, support and treatment to People Infected with, and affected
by HIV/AIDS;

We affirm that we will constantly reflect on the moral, spiritual and

ethical issues raised by the pandemic; clarify and interpret these issues
in their local context; and offer guidance to those confronted by difficult
choices at the personal and programmatic levels;

We will engage the emerging theological and educational developments

at a time when HIV/AIDS is an immanent threat to all;

We will also engage our respective Faith-Based Organisations in at

least one programme or action which will contribute to victory over this
pandemic;

We nominate the Caribbean Conference of Churches, in collaboration

with CARICOM/PANCAP, to establish a working committee to carry
forward the elements of the Plan of Action arising from the Champions
for Change II Regional Conference.

We, the Champions for Change, resolve to fulfill the commitments

made in this Declaration.

42 | Nov/Dec 2007
43 | Nov/Dec 2007
 The Community Resource Guide
BODYWORK
Body Scuplture
Karen Mayor, RN
Endermologie
441-292-5164
_________
Awakenings Movement Studio  info@pride.prevention.bm
Erica John
Feldenkrais®
441-236-2964
ericasawake@northrock.bm
COACHING/COUNSELING
Metamorphosis
Catherine Sousa
441-232-8545
csousa@cwbda.bm
www.metamorphosislife-coaching.com
Bermuda's only life coach
________
Focus Counseling Services
24-Hour Hotline:
441-296-2196 or 441-735-1292
Alcohol/Drug Addiction Treatment
_________
Synergy at Healthways
Sarah Atlman MSed, MSW
Specializes in educational and
therapeutic interventions for chil-
44 | Nov/Dec 2007
dren with special needs.
441-737-6519
altman.sarah@gmail.com
________
Parent Resource Institute for Drug
Education - PRIDE Bermuda
441-295-9970
ENERGY HEALING
Spa/Metaphysican
Bianca Baudendistel
441-799-8278
All types of body work and ho-
listic energy work
________
The Healing Centre of Bermuda
Joan Loan, Phd
441-747-6746 or 441-297-1220
Certified Seemorg Matrix Practitioner
 ________
Energy Healing/Transpersonal
Development
Lynn Hunt, DSEH
441-799-4868
info@energylynn.com
www.energylynn.com
________
Center for Integrated Healing Arts
Sifu Larry Trott MhD.,
HHP, RhT, OBT, MT
Acupuncture, Energy Healing and more
Visit www.Naturalislands.
com for additional therapies
in the holistic directory
441-292-2513
lotus@transact.bm
________
Center for Integrated Healing Arts
Karen Simons, PhD, MhD., OBT.
Transpersonal psychotherapy,
Jin Shin Jyutsu and more
Visit www.Naturalislands.
com for additional therapies
in the holistic directory
441-292-2513
lotus@transact.bm
ENVIRONMENTAL
Asthma & Allergy Clinic
Jutta Harvey, RN
441-292-3230 ext 1
allergy@tbinet.bm
________
Bermuda Asthma & Allergy Cntr
441-292-9256
higroupltd@gmail.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bermuda Financial Network
 - - Your Wellness Connection
441-292-1799 441-295-5203 Bermuda Massage Therapy Association
bfn@ibl.bm Glenn Robinson (President)
HOLISTIC PHYSICIAN
FITNESS 441-292-6830
Synergy Richard Johnson (Vice-President)
E-scape Fitness Videos Carol Ferris, MD
441-292-5025
Walk, ride & run through 441-292-3230 ext 3
Sophia Cannonier
America's wonderlands in the essenceofspirit@northrock.bm
A practicing physician in both 441-236-0336
security of your home.
To order, call - 441-232-4325 western and holistic medicine Allan Crockwell
www.e-scapefitnessvideos.com 441-296-2273
HYPNOTHERAPY Felica DeRoza
________
Capoeira Holistic Health 441-505-4503
Ivan Outerbridge Monica Dobbie John 'Buddy' Ford
441-232-6261 441-505-7531 441-292-4999
www.capoeirabermuda.com change@hypnosisbermuda.com Susan Keyes
 ________ www.hypnosisbermuda.com 441-504-4263
Custom Fitness Bermuda Advanced Certified Hypnotherapist Marlene Minks
Vee Mckey, CPT  
INTUITION DEVELOPMENT 441-296-8636
441-737-7378
Jennifer Phillips
vhmckey@yahoo.com Numerology
Kendra Earls 441-737-0427
www.customfitnessbda.com
441-737-6060 Carla Smith
HEALTH FOOD/SUPPLEMENTS 441-338-1015
indigoart22@yahoo.com
Rock On - The Health Store Karen Terceira
MASSAGE 441-238-4126
441-295-3468
rockon@northrock.bm Body in Balance Susan Verity
Where Bermuda shops for health Teresa Perozzi 441-737-8850
________ 441295-8644 Ana Slater-Steede
Herbalife/Xango Juice bodyinbalance@northrock.bm 441-232-0784
Gerhard & Kathy Lipp ________
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 45
NATUROPATHY
Traditional Naturopath
Richmond K Simmons, CTN
441-296-6903
________
Inuk Center
Kuni Frith-Black ND, ADS, CCHT
Certified Hypnotherapist &
Doctor or Naturopathy
441-238-1227  business from the number one resource for all things natural and green
 
NUTRITION
 Healthways
Jacqueline Brown, RD
Ph: 441-292-3230 ext 1
NATURAL ISLANDS ONLINE
for professionals
Recent statistics show that over 60% of Bermuda residents* are
online. And Natural Islands offers you a way to address the
health conscious consumer in Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Become a part of our growing online community. Enroll as a
professional member and let the world know about your holistic
in the islands. No matter where you are, in the Caribbean, Bahamas
or Bermuda, your business will get the recognition it deserves.
Here's a sampling of benefits that you'll
receive as a professional member:

PERSONAL/HOME CARE
ONE - Organic & Natural Enterprise PERSONAL PROFILE
Sonny Bean, Independent Rep
441-335-8700
www.organicsonny.mionegroup.com
sonnypbean@yahoo.com
 Your membership comes with your personal user
area and web page. You get a generous area for your
profile description with an easy to use WYSIWYG
editor. Log in whenever you like to make changes.
________
Natural Cleaning Specialist Upload your logo, images, audio and video! There are many ways
Nicole Stovell that you could use your profile page to promote your practice.
441-238-3917/238-0575 Print in on your business cards, email it to your clients,
publish it in your print marketing materials.
WEIGHT LOSS
Living LIte Visitors can print out your details or download a PDF version at
Aamirah Branch-Sticca the click of a button to keep and refer to later. They can also refer
Workshops/group coaching you to a friend, send you an email or see articles you’ve written.
441-735-3471
weightloss@naturalislands.com New to the web? Not to worry. It’s very user-
friendly, much like using a word processor.
ADD YOUR LISTING
HERE - FREE! Already have a website? Your Personal Profile page is a another tool to
drive traffic to your existing website. Major search engines like Google
For a limited time, wellness practi- and Yahoo! give priority to niche directories like Naturalislands.com,
tioners, distributors, and holistic ser-
which in turn increases your exposure. Plus, we work daily to optimize
vice providers are welcome to get
our visibility on the web, leaving you to devote time to your practice.
listed FOR FREE in the Community
Resource Guide.


MEMBER DIRECTORY
Format includes:
A Yahoo-style directory searchable by specialty, name,
Name of business
location. You can add yourself to the directory, include a
Contact name
Brief description link to your profile or website, make changes any time.
Phone number
Website and/or email address.
What are you waiting for?
To add or correct a listing, send an
email to: info@naturalislands.com.
Call 441-735-3471 for more info
Listings are subject to approval. info@naturalislands.com
Note: if your listing is not up-to-date
or needs additional info, you must no- *Bermuda Yellow Pages 2007-2008
tify us with the required info.

46 | Nov/Dec 2007
 HOMOEOPATHY
BERMUDA AND BEYOND
H omeopathy is a system of medicine
known by too few people. Often
confused with medical herbalism, home-
opathy is unique. A modality that comes
under the umbrella of Complementary
and Alternative Medicine. (CAM).
Homeopathy is a very subtle, yet pow-
erful form of healing which uses natural
substances from the mineral, plant and
animal kingdoms. The homeopathic rem-
edies are diluted down and succussed or
'energised' so there is no actual crude
substance existing in the remedy; howev-
er the essence of the original substance is
what homeopaths rely on for healing.
The natural ability for one’s body to
heal itself is another component to ho-
meopathy. The body produces symptoms
because it essentially becomes ‘stuck’
and these symptoms are a message to us
that the body is actually trying to put itself
back into balance and heal. A physical,
mental/emotional or even spiritual trau-
ma can be the cause of symptoms oc-
curring. The beauty of giving the correct
homeopathic remedy is that it matches
what is going on and jolts the body, en-
couraging this healing pattern to move
forward. When the cause of the disease
is identified this produces even greater
longer lasting curative results.
Often thought of as new age, home-
opathy is misunderstood because mod-
ern thinking has not come to grips with
the idea of energy. In fact, the system
of homeopathy has existed for over two
hundred years and many of the principles
within it, much longer than that. When
one understands the concept of energy,
it is only too logical to reason that as en-
ergetic beings represented in a physical
form we require the use of an energetic
system of medicine such as homeopa-
thy.
The language of homeopathy is
47 | Nov/Dec 2007
slowly becoming spoken throughout the
world. In an effort to spread awareness,
there is a project that has been set up in
Ghana. Homeopath, Melanie Dupres,
who currently practises in Bermuda is
planning to attend the project in a vil-
lage outside Accra. She feels there is an
urgent need to spread the gift of home-
opathy.
Here is an excerpt from the News-
letter about the project:
“The interest and response of the Gha-
naians proved beyond all expectation,
and has led to the formation of the Gha-
na Homeopathy Project as a registered
charity dedicated to the professional de-
velopment of homeopathy, in Ghana es-
pecially amongst the poor.
It is sad to see villagers who have
suffered so much from lack of health
care. The man who could not afford eye
surgery and suffers continually with pain
for the last 30 years and so many more.
A simple remedy can change a person’s
life for the better here.
.........clinical training both for existing
homoeopaths in Ghana and for those
already involved in health care as well
as for beginners.
This work promises to ease the suf-
fering of thousands. A small amount can
go a long way in Ghana . Your contribu-
tion will make a big difference to peo-
ple’s lives. “ (October 2006)
Submitted by Melanie Dupres who
has been a practising homeopath since
1998. The last four years has been spent
practising in Bermuda with Dr. Femi
Bada. She has dedicated most of her
time to studying, teaching and helping
people with Homeopathy. She recently
travelled to India with Linda Shannon,
mentioned in the article. As soon as she
heard about the project she was keen.
A year on and they are finally accepting
volunteers and her bags are packed!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
At this point, your contribution will
make a big difference. It will go
straight to the heart of the project
in Ghana , where a few dollars go
a long way. If you have knowledge,
skills or ideas to share that can help,
please contact Melanie Dupres 292-
7305 or meldupres@yahoo.co.uk
DONATIONS
All cheques and Standing Order/Gift
Aid form can be sent to:
Ghana Homoeopathy Project
c/o Melanie Dupres
Intergrated Medical Practice
Suite 205, Melbourne House
11 Parliment St Hamilton HM 12
Direct deposit may be made to
HSBC Bank of Bermuda account
number: 010363711002
Enjoyed This Article?
Read more like it online at
www.naturalislands.com
Our reading room on the web is de-
signed to educate and inform you
about natural healing and other ho-
listic practices.
Professional members and writers
share their expertise through well-
researched articles on a wide variety
of subjects including natural healing
methods, fitness, weight loss and
green living.
In the reading room you'll find fea-
tures like the latest articles, what’s
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archive of articles.
Like what you see? Save it to read
later with the click of a button. Or
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Natural Islands Online:
the gateway to healthy
living in the Caribbean.
www.Naturalislands.com Nov/Dec 2007 | 48