We are coming upon "flu season" and many are rushing to their clinic to get the flu vaccine. Once only recommended for the elderly and the immune compromised, it is now recommended for children, infants, pregnant women, and more or less recommended for the population at large. Is the flu vaccine the answer? I say, "No." Today I won't go into the details of vaccinations, or the flu vaccine, except to say that we have heard frequently of the damage causes by mercury in vaccines. As mercury is a known brain toxin, mercury is not safe in any quantity for pregnant women, children, but what about the elderly? Hugh Fudenberg, MD, an immunogeneticist and biologist who has published over 800 papers peer review journals, reported in a study covering 1970-1980 that if an individual had five consecutive flu shots during those years, that his/her chances of getting Alzheimer's Disease is TEN times higher than if they had zero through two shots.

So, since you hopeful will not want or be able to get the flu shot (because of short supply), here's what you can do for flu season. I suggest engaging the most powerful, proven, reliable, and time-tested system that has been around for millennia - the immune system.

What you can do to boost the immune system:
1. Get plenty of rest. Rest rejuvenates the immune system better than any other method.
2. Eat well. Reduce sugars, which inactivate the immune system for up to 5 hours. Increase nutrient rich whole foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
3. Supplement with immune system boosters. Vitamin A, C, and E, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium boost immune function.
4. Try homeopathic remedies like Oscillococcinum at the onset of the flu or see a homeopath. They works wonders.
5. See an acupuncturist. If a cold starts, seeing an acupuncturist promptly upon first symptoms can stop the flu in it's tracks, or see one on an ongoing basis during flu season if susceptible.

This film is one of the best I've ever seen. The Future of Food is an account of genetically modified food or GMOs (genetically modified organisms). It is a disturbing (and inspiring) look at food policy in the US government and through out the world, as well as the health, environmental, and political implications of GMOs.

For those of you unfamiliar with the science behind GMOs, this film does an excellent job detailing out how these foods/ seeds are made from genes of viruses, bacteria, fungus, and other organisms injected into the cell of the plant, changing the genetic structure. This is not simply crossing a pear with an apple. In addition to the health affects on people and livestock who eat the food, the impact on the environment with cross-pollination and destruction of native strains is overwhelming.

The film documents Japan and Europe's serious concern over GMOs, refusing to buy our food or seed. Japan is so concerned with potential dangers and the absence of research they have said, "We will watch the children of America to see the affects of GMOs." This is a chilling reality of what we face. With no labeling of GMOs there is no accountability to Monsanto of the health risks of these genetically modified foods.

Most startling are corporations' ability to patent life (which had been illegal in the past) - from seeds and plants to genes responsible for disease. It also outlines the revolving door between Monsanto executives and their appointment to positions within the US Department of Agriculture (who make the food policies for America). It is a disturbing account of how this massive corporation is looking to control the world market of food supply.

With all of this disturbing information, don't let this detour you from seeing the movie. There is a balance of empowering information on what consumers have done, continue to do, and can do to change this.

When I turned thirty, I knew that I was stepping into a decade of transcendence and rebirth from the life I had known before. Upon, the age of thirty four I am coming to terms with the ebb and tide of passion, emotionally, physically and spiritually. My quest is to keep my internal fire burning. The old patterns and old remedies are not serving me.

Change has become the word that defines this transformation. It is challenging to feel stuck. It is challenging not to know what the next steps in life are. It is challenging to stay balanced. It is also challenging to witness the changes in the environment and world politics.

The truth is that change is the only constant. The tools that I use in change are:
1. Remember to breathe
2. Keep a positive attitude as the best thoughts create the best results
3. Eat wholesome foods
4. Exercise
5. Have an action plan
6. Have faith

Regardless, of age, change happens. It is how we embrace change that defines grace.

Aimee Logan sflogans@aol.com

My offering to you in this newsletter is a poem that I wrote four years ago, as I was about to undergo a stem cell transplant after a year and a half of chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Many aspects of my outward life had been lost or turned upside down by that experience. And yet I found that there was a place within myself that had remained untouched by the trauma surrounding me. It was this voice that became stronger and more clear as those outward layers and trappings got stripped away one by one.

It is my hope that through these dark times of war and corruption that we all find this voice within, and that through the clarity of it's expression, we recover and remember the b est parts of our selves. Perhaps then will the call fo r truth and compassionate community be heard, and the lig ht returned to our country. Peace to all of you.

Thank you for the days When the rain tastes like silver When the tree branches whisper and rustle of wind When I am the clumsy exuberant joy of running down hill

Thank you for the days When the stars shine crystal cold When the dusty roads call with beckoning promise When I am the mystery of synchronicity revealed Thank you for the days When the stars shine crystal cold When the dusty roads call with beckoning promise When I am the mystery of synchronicity revealed

Thank you for the days When Oneness is within and without When the moon fills the night sky with voluptuous grace When I am the knowing of my ancestors wisdom.

Thank you for the days When the offerings of love come pure and free When the animals share the trail with my footsteps When I am the endless space of forever

Thank you for the days When the lessons are received with gratitude When the sun beams radiate all around and through When I am the dancing light and joy of music

Thank you for the days When I realize how simple life is

Thank you for the days

Introduction to wonderful fall/winter produce. Stuck in a rut? Learn how to create healthy meals with local seasonal food with Sandy Zeldes, Personal Chef and Caterer (www.sandysgourmet.com), and Julie Matthews, Certified Nutrition Consultant.

Cooking with Seasonal Foods: Winter squash, root vegetables, persimmons, pomegrante
Warming Stews and Soups
Hearty Grains: Red quinoa and other exotic gluten-free grains

Sunday, Dec 5th
11:00AM - 1:00PM
San Francisco

Call or email to reserve your spot. Space is limited. $75 per person or $130/couple; includes food sampling. 415-437-6807

Come explore the basics and tools of self-healing!

- Energy anatomy, merdians, and chakras
- Learn where emotions and trauma are stored
- Discover the connection between the energy-body and the physical/beiochemical-body
- Learn how to use muscle testing and a pendulum to ask questions and make decisions
- Identify supplements and foods best for you
- Get in touch with your intuition

Saturday, Dec 11th
10:30AM - 1:00PM
San Francisco

Call or email to reserve your spot. Space is limited. $60/person or $99/couple 415-437-6807

Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and Reiki Practitioner, and Amy Mears is a Certifed Reiki Master. Julie and Amy are bioenegy Balancing practitioners who work together with clients to remove energetic blocks, and restore balance and vitality.