Native American Heritage Day: 27 November
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"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 27, 2009, as Native American Heritage Day."



Turtle Song: Performed by Spirit of the Dawn. Wabanaki drumming and singing group from Maine

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/11/27/usa-native-american-heritage-day/

Posted as '7 Ways to Save Your Brain' in Care2 by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine


A 2009 Mayo Clinic study found that of 1,300 people ages 70 to 89, those that had regularly engaged in mentally challenging activities, such as reading, playing games, and doing crafts, in their 50s and early 60s were 40% less likely to develop memory loss than those who hadn’t. Follow these simple steps to stay sharp as you age.
--- Hone your manual skills
--- Learn one new word every day
--- Challenge your short-term memory
--- Mix it up
--- Be friendly
--- Shut the TV off
--- Keep working
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HONE YOUR MANUAL SKILLS: Learn a new instrument, start quilting, build a model airplane, or get going on those carpentry projects you’ve been putting off. Such activities not only help promote hand and finger dexterity, they also foster the development of new neural connections.

 
LEARN ONE NEW WORD EVERY DAY: This engages the brain’s language centres, frontal lobe, and memory circuits. “It’s like aerobics for your brain,” says Neurology Professor Richard Restak, MD.

CHALLENGE YOUR SHORT-TERM MEMORY: Although iPhones and BlackBerries may be convenient, they have one downside: They’ve robbed us of the need to commit things to memory. Do it anyway. Memorize your grocery list, your friends’ phone numbers, the US presidents in order, every state’s capital city. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you lose it.

MIX IT UP: Try a wide variety of mental games, from crossword puzzles to computer games. Experts say seniors tend to do what they’re good at–over and over again. While that may improve proficiency, it doesn’t form new neuronal connections or boost neurotransmitter production in the brain like new and diverse experiences do.

BE FRIENDLY: Engage in social activities as much as possible. Multiple studies have shown that living a solo life can vastly increase your risk of dementia. One recent Swedish study of 2,000 men and women found that people living alone at age 50 had twice the risk of developing dementia 21 years later than those who were living with a partner in middle age.

TURN THE TV OFF: Research shows that those who watch minimal TV are as much as 50% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

KEEP WORKING: Resist the temptation to retire early. A recent British study of 382 men found a significant association between later retirement and later onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Salinity and the Murray River, from my own experience: I visited my inlaws in Mildura every year while my children were growing up. When my daughter was 2 we took the paddleboat cruise on the "Mighty Murray". I was shocked to learn then that the Murray was several times saltier than the ocean, due to poor farming practices.
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That was 25 years ago. So increasing salinity isn't a new problem of the Murray River, and anyone might have made an educated guess that the wetlands wouldn't stay 'freshwater' for too long, with briny sea on one side and saline-heavy Murray on the other.
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Wetlands Disaster at the Mouth of the Murray.
C2NN item submitted by Katie
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THE collapse of the Coorong wetlands at the mouth of the Murray River is shaping up to be one of the Australia's worst environmental disasters.
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Bird numbers in the region have fallen dramatically -estimates of waterbirds for the region were 250,000 in November 2007 but a similar survey last year showed numbers had declined 48%.
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One of the most disturbing developments in the wetlands has been the explosion of tubeworms in the freshwater lakes. The marine worms attach themselves to the backs of the turtles, colonising them until the turtles are so weighed down they drown.
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It is the most poignant example of the collapse of the system. Because there is not enough fresh water coming down the river, the lakes are becoming more salty and this marine tubeworm is invading the freshwater lakes. Along the lakes schoolchildren go out with buckets to collect the turtles, and try to chip off the tubeworms.
.Professor Kingsford and colleagues are calling for the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray mouth in South Australia to be saved by a massive injection of water into the Murray from eastern states.
.Flows to the mouth of the Murray have been declining for decades as dams and irrigation have siphoned off water in upstream Victoria and NSW. In recent years the flows have dropped so much that several of the lakes have fallen below sea level and the Murray mouth now needs continual dredging.
.The report argues strongly against plans under consideration by the federal and South Australian governments to flood the lakes with sea water because of their rapidly increasing salinity.
.But a spokesman for the Minister for Climate Change, Penny Wong, said the report would be rejected - to do otherwise would be ''highly irresponsible''. It would require a total ban on drawing any water from the Murray or the city of Adelaide or towns, cities and irrigation along the river.
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C2NN item submitted by Katie: http://my.care2.com/kat112 
theage.com.au Source: The Sydney Morning Herald 

A Few Hunger Facts
(taken from the list at www.Bhookh.com -click daily to donate food, free) 
1. Hunger remains the No.1 cause of death in the world. Aids, Cancer etc. follow.
2. There are 820 million chronically hungry people in the world.
3. 1/3 of the world’s hungry live in India.
4. 836 million Indians survive on less than Rs.20 less than half-a-dollar a day.
5. 10 million people die every year of chronic hunger and hunger-related diseases. Only 8% are the victims of hunger caused by high-profile earthquakes, floods, droughts and wars.
6. 99% of the 1000 Adivasi households from 40 villages in the two states, who comprised the total sample, experienced chronic hunger (unable to get two square meals, or at least one square meal and one poor/partial meal, on even one day in the week prior to the survey). Almost as many, i.e. 24.1%, had lived in conditions of semi-starvation during the previous month.
7. Over 7000 Indians die of hunger every day.
8. Despite substantial improvement in health since independence and a growth rate of 8% in recent years, under-nutrition remains a silent emergency in India, with almost 50% of Indian children underweight and more than 70% of the women and children with serious nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia.
9. The 1998–99 Indian survey shows 57% of the children aged 0–3 years to be either severely or moderately stunted and/or underweight.
10. In 2006–2007, malnutrition contributed to 7million Indian children dying, nearly 2million under 1yo.
11. 30% of newborns are of low birth weight, 56% of married women are anaemic and 79% of children age 6-35 months are anaemic.
12. The number of hungry people in India is always more than the number of people below official poverty line (while around 37% of rural households were below the poverty line in 1993-94, 80% of households suffered malnutrition).
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Sources
-UN World Food Programme
-UN World Health Organization: Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, 2006
-UN Food and Agriculture Organization: SOFI 2006 Report
-National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector (India)
-National Family Health Survey 2005 – 06 (NFHS-3) (India)
-Centre for Environment and Food Security (India)
-Rural 21 (India)
-http://www.bhookh.com/hunger_facts.php

Watch this video
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Popular Australian radio announcer Jackie O. narrates a new video exposing the abuse of millions of animals in Australian factory farms.
Animals Australia invites you to share this with friends.
Find out how you can help free animals from cruelty in this short but informative PSA

Jackie O's Factory Farming PSA

With the H1N1 vaccine available in some areas, some of us are opting to be vaccinated.
This article invites participation in a Poll and Comments from readers. Unfortunately it doesn't provide the answers we're all seeking. However, the discussion might be helpful - go to About.com, Fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue syndrome 
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The following has been adapted from the above-linked site.
The flu vaccine topic is always controversial among those of us with fibromyalgia -FMS- and chronic fatigue syndrome -CFS or ME/CFS.
The big fear with the regular seasonal flu vaccine is that it triggers *flare-ups in some of us, so the debate is whether a possible flare is worse than the illness -- adding to the mix that the flu typically hits us harder and longer than it does healthy people.
.So, on top of all this comes H1N1 -- a flu that's especially hard on people with neurological illnesses and those with weakened immune systems.
.Do we risk catching this one, or risk a vaccine-related flare?
Because we just don't have all the facts, each of us really has to answer these questions for ourselves and decide which risk to take.
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Related articles:
...Weathering the Flu With Fm & CFS 
...H1N1 Symptoms 
...The H1N1 Vaccine 
...What is fibromyalgia?
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*flare-ups definition: flare-up is a time when symptoms are more intense. Many people with fibromyalgia and CFS experience periodic flare-ups separated by remissions, when symptoms recede.
With work, many people with fibromyalgia and CFS can identify what triggers or intensifies their flare-ups and can use that information to lessen their symptoms. Sometimes, flare-ups are linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle, especially in fibromyalgia. aka: flares; alternate sp: flare up

Pls *Promote C2NN articles by
C2 member (Prof') RogerJones
at
 http://www.care2.com/news/member/367228355?sort=submitted
and
view the Climage Change report
co-written by Jones for the Australian Gov't 
Dep't ClimateChange website here 
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*Promote a story to C2NN Front Page. How?

• CLICK THE YELLOW NOTE
  (top left of each C2NN story) and
• ADD A COMMENT
  (a simple 'thank you' will suffice).

N.B. These actions make more difference than you might realize.

Fixes for 6 Common Skin Problems
Fixes for 6 Common Skin Problems
posted in Care2 by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Nov 16, 2009 (Rona Berg)
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Because the skin connects to every system in the body, when something gets out of whack inside, it shows up on your face. How to improve your skin's tone, texture, health?
   - Reduce Stress
   - Take Omega-3
   - Sleep at least 7 hours nightly 
   - Eat a healthy diet rich in Antioxidants 
(Stephanie Tourles, Organic Body Care Recipes).

Six common problems & effective ways to look your best.
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PUFFINESS, DARK CIRCLES
These two conditions “go hand in hand... Both stem from a lack of circulation. Puffiness is caused by fluid that collects and doesn’t move with the lymphatic flow, and dark circles indicate a need to stimulate your blood circulation.
Contributing factors:
  - genetic inheritance
  - too many late nights spent staring at the computer
  - alcohol
  - salty foods
  - allergies
  - stress
  - poor diet
  - inflammation in the nasal area (can weaken the blood vessels, which may leak and cause what appear to be bruises under the eyes).
Solution: you need to get your blood circulating and your lymph fluid flowing... a gentle under-eye massage each night. Apply eye gel instead of cream if you have pouchy eyes–and be sure to chill it in the fridge beforehand.
Good ingredients to look for...
- green tea or vitamin K, which strengthen the blood vessels;
- calendula or chamomile to reduce swelling; 
- gotu kola to stimulate circulation.
Apply gel with your ring finger (it exerts the least pressure), and gently massage in clockwise, circular motions from the edges of the “bruise” toward the eye.
Do-It-Yourself: Steep two cups of green tea for five minutes, and then remove the tea bags and chill them briefly in the freezer. Pour the tea itself into an ice cube tray and freeze. Squeeze the excess water out of the chilled tea bags, lie down, and place them on the under-eye area for 10 minutes. And the tea ice cubes? When you wake up puffy-eyed but in a hurry, pop out a cube and run it over the area before you dash out the door.
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BLACKHEADS and Chin Breakouts
The nose, chin, and forehead (aka the “T-zone&rdquo have more oil glands than anywhere else on your body. So if you have oily skin, the T-zone will be your problem area–especially when you have your period. And because the pores on your nose can be large relative to those on the rest of your face, they’re prone to blackheads when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria become trapped in them.
Hormones trigger most chin breakouts–especially during pregnancy, an irregular menstrual cycle, or perimenopause, or when taking birth-control pills. 
Solution: To banish blackheads, exfoliate regularly, using a natural abrasive scrub two to three times a week. But handle with care...scrubs can sometimes tear at the edges of your pores, and end up spreading the bacteria around. Wet your face and gently press–don’t rub!–the scrub on your nose and T-zone, using the same light pressure you use to shave your legs.
Could it be your cell phone? sometimes, clearing up your chin can be as simple as cleaning your cell phone–especially if you’re only breaking out on one side. When oil and bacteria accumulate on your phone, they can get pressed into your skin and clog your pores.
Do-It-Yourself: Sprinkle a quarter-size dab of baking soda into your palm. Moisten with a few drops of warm water, gently press into your face to exfoliate, and rinse.
Inside-Out Beauty: Your chin may also break out if your digestive system is out of balance. The jawline and chin correspond to the intestinal region in Chinese medicine.
  - probiotics, in supplements, yogurt, many fermented foods
  - 6-8 glasses of water, daily.
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CHAPPED LIPS
The delicate tissue on the lips, easily chapped and prone to bacterial infection, is vulnerable in any weather. Wind and winter chill sap moisture from the lips, but so does exposure to the sun, surf, and chlorinated swimming pools. Many conventional lip balms contain petrolatum-based ingredients like mineral oil that appear slick and emollient, but because the skin can’t absorb them–the molecules are too big–they don’t actually condition or heal chapped lips. In fact, they just lie on the surface, creating an impermeable barrier that can actually clog the skin and lead to breakouts and bacterial infections. Instead, look for natural moisturizers like shea butter - beeswax - sweet almond oil - jojoba oil -  hempseed oil, all of which actually penetrate the skin.
If you’re prone to breakouts or bumps on the lips, look for lip balms with antibacterial essential oils like rosemary - mint and avoid camphor because it can dry the lips.
Aloe vera soothes chapped skin, and menthol can numb the pain if your lips are severely chapped.
Do-It-Yourself: Mix a dab of honey with a bit of brown sugar. Apply to lips and gently massage back and forth with an old toothbrush. Sugar is a naturally abrasive exfoliant, and honey contains an exfoliating enzyme, as well as a mild antiseptic that kills bacteria and a natural humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
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DRY, FLAKY SKIN
Flaking on the cheeks, hairline, and brows may come from common dermatitis, or it could signal the presence of eczema, which can be a little harder to treat. Flaking is an inflammatory response to something that’s aggravating the body. Among the likely reasons:
- extreme weather - food allergies - chemical ingredients prone to generating an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) in the skin, like those found in heavy fragrances, laundry detergents, or harsh shampoos. Any of these can shorten the life cycle of skin cells and lead to a buildup of dead skin, resulting in dryness, irritation, and flakes. Stress and age can also aggravate the problem. As we get older, our skin naturally becomes drier. The skin cells oxidize, and the cell walls can’t hold moisture like they once did. That’s why aging skin dehydrates, loses firmness, and starts to wrinkle. (Exposing unprotected skin to the sun can cause premature wrinkling, of course, because nothing oxidizes skin cells like those tanning UV rays.) Instead of heavy creams or lotions, look to moisturizing seed oils (pomegranate, rosehip, and grapeseed), which are light and thus move easily into the skin.
   - POMEGRANATE SEED OIL contains linolenic acid
      which promotes cell turnover and skin regeneration;
   - ROSEHIP, APRICOT, CARROT SEED OIL for vitamins A and C,
     which strengthen and protect skin;
   - grapeseed oil - the antioxidant resveratrol; 
  - hempseed oil contains linoleic and linolenic acid, anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe skin.
Do-It-Yourself: Put a few drops of olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants and high in polyphenols, into a small bowl of warm water. Press a washcloth soaked in this gentle mixture on the skin for a few minutes. It will stimulate circulation, lift off dead skin cells, and moisturize.
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HYPERPIGMENTATION
e.g. spots, splotches during pregnancy or as you enter your 40s. 
Excess MELANIN which causes hyperpigmentation, is triggered by:
-chronic sun exposure -major hormonal shifts (as in pregnancy - perimenopause - menopause).
Once you’ve got it, it’s hard to get rid of it.
Traditional treatments like glycolic acids and Retin-A are harsh. People tend to overuse them, which leads to thinning of the skin, and thin skin is hypersensitive and more susceptible to sun damage...can lead to more age spots and further hyperpigmentation. (Warning: Don’t use these treatments if you’re pregnant.)
Protect your skin from the damaging UV rays - use a sunscreen daily–jojoba oil is a natural sunscreen, with an SPF between 10 and 15.
To lighten and fade pigmented areas, apply a GREEN PAPAYA mask once or twice a week, and look for creams with lightening agents like LICORICE EXTRACT - MANDARIN or TANGERINE OIL - MULBERRY EXTRACT. Natural remedies for pigmentation problems can take a few months before they start to work, so remain patient.
Do-It-Yourself:  Apply PLAIN YOGURT to your face three to four times a week. The lactic acid in the yogurt is a natural exfoliant.
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BLOTCHINESS or Broken Capillaries (cheeks)
For red, flushed, blotchy, sensitive skin, put the blame on heat and sun, alcohol, extremes of temperature, or spicy foods.
When the capillaries under the skin’s surface dilate, it can result in redness and flushing, the same things that trigger rosacea... prevention is the best cure.
Include OMEGA-3s (anti-inflammatories found in FISH OIL - FLAXSEED OIL - WALNUT OIL) in your diet to protect, moisturize, and soothe the skin.
Use face oils, hydrosols, and creams with soothing and hydrating CHAMOMILE - LAVENDER - ROSE - VITAMIN K.
Do-It-Yourself: Chill ALOE VERA gel in the refrigerator. Apply to clean skin like a mask to soothe and calm the skin. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
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Rona Berg is the author of Beauty: The New Basics and Fast Beauty: 1,000 Quick Fixes (Workman Publishing).
Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living -news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living.