Warning! The FDA is not enough protection! Read the labels on the back of your products! Are you paying for poison on your skin?

Okay this is the very reason that I research, read and smell everything that I put on my body! Article's like this really feul my passion!

 

Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products

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We want to protect your health.

The FDA requires that all skincare companies list their ingredients in order of highest concentration first. Learn to read your lotion labels. Do your own research as well. Made from Earth skin care products never use these ingredients. Does your skin care contain these harmful ingredients?

Paraben

This is also known as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, IIsoparaben, Butylparaben. Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They have been linked to possible carcinogenicity, as well as an estrogenic effect from being exposed to the continued use of parabens as preservatives. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?" reported that the parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. It is a medical fact that estrogen stimulates breast cancer and anything absorbed through the skin may be as high as 10 times the concentration of an oral dose. There have been no successful studies to show that repeated and prolonged use of paraben is safe. It is a low-cost synthetic preservative for which many large cosmetic brands have tried to fund study to prove that prolonged usage is safe; all studies failed. Parabens are used in over the counter personal products as a preservative to extend the shelf life of the product. These chemicals can be found in face, body moisturizers, body wash, and cleansers.

Phthalates

A truly toxic skin care ingredient. Dibutylphthalate (DBP, DEP, also butyl ester) helps skin care absorb into skin. DEHP has been classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the EPA. The Department of Health and Human Services has also classified DEHP as a potential carcinogen. L'Oreal is the only cosmetic company to discontinue the use of this chemical in Europe, only due to severe allergic reactions. L'Oreal in the United States, as well as many other companies continue to sell and use this harmful chemical. We prefer skin care that may take longer to absorb, rather than a product that absorbs rapidly, while injecting phthalates into our skin cells. Do not use it.

 

Petrochemicals

Almost all skin care products contain synthetic substances - petroleum (chemical) based. Studies have found that oral and topical application of petrochemicals in rodents resulted in anemia, kidney degeneration, and nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. Even more disturbing was that several animals died before the study ended! Are you shocked that people still use these chemicals on their body? Some synthetic colors, such as FD & C Blue No. 1, are suspected carcinogens. Behentrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydrosypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linoleamidepropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate are toxic ammonium compounds for which concentrations as low as 0.1%. In the past little, was known about the long term exposure to petrochemicals. However, today we know that many of the household cleaning products, home furnishings and our food supply is loaded with petrochemicals, and this is linked to the rise in cancer, along with other diseases. The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has not been proactive in removing these products from households in the United States. Read more about petrochemicals at The Ecology Center.

Cosmetic Fragrance

Artificial fragrances are made from petroleum or coal which degrade in the environment and cause skin irritations.

Cosmetic fragrance is made with cheap synthetic chemicals which replicate the natural aroma of products which already exist in nature. Companies use them because it is cheaper than using the natural scent.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

Also known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). This is the second most concentrated ingredient in shampoos. READ YOUR LABELS - the FDA requires that label ingredients are listed in the order of highest concentrations - meaning that the highest level of ingredients are listed first. Take a look at your cleanser or shampoo and you will find SLS is second or third. Simply disgusting. It is used in concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash detergents, and just about every soap and shampoo on the market. In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, sodium lauryl sulfate also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect. According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, l983, SLS is a mutagen. In sufficient amounts, it is capable of changing the information in genetic material found in cells. It has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria. It denatures protein, impairs proper structural formation of young eyes, creating permanent damage. SLS can damage the immune system. It can cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin. If it interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients. Do your own research - there have been many studies done on these chemicals.

Diazolidinyl Urea or Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

It is chemically related to imidazolidinyl urea and is a formaldehyde releaser used as a preservative. It was International Agency for Research on Cancer to its highest toxic class, IARC 1 (known human carcinogen). Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which provides sufficient evidence that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The label on your skin care product may not list "formaldehyde". The following ingredients break down and release formaldehyde: diazolidinyl urea (or 3-diol diazolidinyl urea) 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 (or bronopol) DMDM hydantoin. The label on your skin care product may not list "formaldehyde". The following ingredients break down and release formaldehyde: diazolidinyl urea (or 3-diol diazolidinyl urea) 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 (or bronopol) DMDM hydantoin.

It has been banned in Europe, after studies concluded that effects can result in: carcinogen, causes allergic reactions and contact dermatitis; headaches; irritates mucous membranes; damaging to eyes; linked to joint and chest pain; depression; headaches; fatigue; dizziness and immune dysfunction.

Marriage is good for your health? Who knew?

I knew...that's why I'm waiting! That's right ladies and gentlemen I am waiting for marriage, not only because God says it is right but it was honestly the best gift I could have given myself...I will reveal why later but for now the studies show:

Married couples not only live longer, but they also enjoy better health.

Why marriage is good for your health

Written by Anita Naik, health journalist

Kate Middleton and Prince William (and any other couples looking at tying the knot this year) can hopefully look forward to a life of marital bliss, with some excellent health benefits thrown in.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that married couples not only live longer, but they also enjoy better health and can rely on more homecare in old age than their divorced, widowed, single and cohabiting peers.

We look at how saying 'I do' can affect your life for the better.

The marriage factor

A study in the US has shown that married couples have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, cancer and even pneumonia.

The National Longitudinal Mortality Study (NLMS), which has been tracking more than a million American subjects since 1979, showed that married woman are 20 per cent less likely to die of a variety of causes, including ovarian cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. While married men enjoy an even greater benefit because they are three times less likely to die early than their bachelor friends.

The reason is all down to the fact that being married means better lifestyle habits, a better functioning immune system and someone to nag you to go to the doctor.

'Marriage is sort of like a seat belt when it comes to improving your wellbeing,' says Dr. Linda Waite, a professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and author of The case for marriage.

'We can put it in exactly the same category as eating a good diet, getting exercise and not smoking.'

What are the health benefits?

A longer life

As long as you're getting hitched to Mr or Mrs Right, getting married could be a big boost to a longer life.

Statistically studies show marriage prolongs your life, with one study from the University of Chicago discovering that married men live on average 10 years longer than non-married men and married women live approximately four years longer.

And the longer the relationship the greater the benefit, with research showing that the more anniversaries a couple spend together, the more likely they are to hit the 100 year-old barrier.

Increasing your longevity is all down to the fact married men adopt less risky and more healthy lifestyles than their single counterparts, while women live longer due to improved financial wellbeing and emotional security.

Stave off depression

Wedded bliss can also give you a powerful mental health boost, which means on the whole you'll be less depressed, less anxious and less psychologically distressed than single, divorced or widowed people.

Dr Linda Waite agrees: 'The reason is that marriage often provides couples with a sense of meaning in life, as well as company and a shared aspiration.

'This in turn gives couples a more positive focus as well as a handy cocoon to shelter themselves from the ''big nasty world'' outside.'

Keep happy

Marriage has been shown to increase general happiness. Overall, 40 per cent of married people, compared with just 25 per cent of single people, say they are happy with their life.

The survey, led by Professor Andrew Oswald at the University of Warwick, likens the benefits of marriage on our happiness levels to the equivalent of an annual cash injection of £60,000 into our lives.

The reason why your nuptials can make you happy is simply that getting married fulfils what we all need in order to be happy – someone to take an interest in us, to look after us and someone to prioritise our needs.

If we feel we are the most important person to at least one other person (and vice versa) then we're guaranteed to be happy.

Stay relaxed

Even if you're in the throes of stress-related wedding hysteria the good news is once you're married you can look forward to lower stress levels for life.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in America put the lower stress readings amongst married couples down to 'a problem shared is a problem-halved' theory.

Meaning, as a married couple you are better equipped to handle what life throws at you because you have someone to share your worries with.

'Within a happy marriage, you literally have twice the resources – financial, practical and emotional – of a single person,' says relationship counselor Joy Kirsch.

'This allows you to deal with the issues that stress you out more readily and with support.

        I wouldn't know what it's like to really know myself and learn to love myself unconditionally if I didn't wait to receive from God what He has for me. I have friends that married when they were too young and most of them are divorced or raising kids on their own or extremely unhappy. I can think of one woman that I went to high school with that has been happily married for over 3 years…just one. I believe when you have a strong sense of self and know exactly who you are and what you want that your relationships will reflect that. Think of it, you are not the same person that you were when you were in high school! Well at least I’m not and if I would have gotten married when I was younger I’m sure I wouldn’t still be the same person and I’d probably be divorced. I’m more comfortable in my skin, my temperament is totally different, I’m just getting my financial stability as well as my business (now that I’ve just found out what I want to do) and I’m not getting with anyone that doesn’t love Jesus! Do you know why? Because the love of Jesus taught me how to love which is beneficial to my health and Jesus is apart of who I am!

Just some more food for thought!

Preachers get lost in the pulpit, sometimes while trying to save those lost in the pews!

          Today's article that I found is very sad and while the world laughs and mocks the Church I want to bring awareness to the pressures that any people in leadership can come under. "LEADERS ARE HUMAN TOO!" I would never condone outrageous, aggressive behavior towards anyone and I understand that tempers can flare when you’re accountable to so many people but someone has to be sensitive toward this lost soul preaching from a major platform!
          My heart goes out to Lady Rhonda and her children and I pray God’s best for their lives as they journey through this trial because they have clearly been victimized!
          This article goes to show that we have to pray for our leaders! This man named Isaac had a wonderful ministry in Florida that he is no longer leader over and it will never be the same again after these allegations really hit the fan!

Orlando's Summit Church Pastor's Suicide Note Found While Affair Exposed and Domestic Violence Allegations

7:00 AM  atoast2wealth  

Orlando's Summit Church Pastor's Suicide Note Found While Affair Exposed and Domestic Violence Allegations

Isaac Hunter is the senior pastor of Summit Church. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Hunter has issued his resignation after his downward spiral of violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts, according to a domestic violence petition filed Friday.

“I currently fear for my life and the lives of our three children,” Rhonda Hunter wrote in a petition for a temporary restraining order against her husband. “Isaac is unstable and has demonstrated erratic behavior, alcohol abuse, and fits of rage.”

The Orlando Sentinel reported circuit Judge Roger J. McDonald granted his wife Rhonda Hunter's petition the same day it was submitted. The order bars Isaac Hunter, 35, from the couple's home in Winter Park, Fla., his church, his children's schools and his wife's workplace.

Pastor Isaac Hunter admitted to an extramarital affair and resigned from his post as senior pastor at Summit Church in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 28, one day after his 13th

wedding anniversary.

According to the Sentinel, Rhonda Hunter, 35, spelled out acts of violence and abuse that began in February 2011 and culminated when Isaac left their house on Nov. 25 with two guns. He called three days later, asking to see his three children “one last time.”

“I am afraid that his 'one last time' will result in the death of our children—going out in a blaze of glory,” Rhonda Hunter wrote in her petition.

According to court documents, Hunter's family also found an undated suicide note on his computer with instructions to Summit Church on what should be done “If I die,” written before his 35th birthday on April 26.

“I would very much like to be remembered as a person who loved his children, his parents, his brothers, and his best friends—well, while I could,” Hunter wrote. “I fear I will love them better in my absence. As I have become what I never wished to be, a burden on those I love the most.”

Rhonda Hunter, in her petition, submitted photos of bruises on her arms she said her husband had inflicted during an argument at their home on Feb. 13, 2011. She claims Isaac kicked in a locked door, held her down on a bed by the arms and shouted obscenities at her.

While staying with friends a month later, Rhonda Hunter said Isaac became abusive after drinking a lot of wine and told her, “I have no way out of this marriage.” She wrote that she slept with the bedroom door locked that night, with her phone nearby so she could call for help.

Rhonda wrote that Isaac left the house with two guns and ammunition, following an obscenity-laced argument. Court documents show that family members later found bottles of pills, syringes and vials of liquid among his possessions.

“I have witnessed Isaac falling down stairs, falling in a tub, vomiting all over our bathroom, incapable of taking care of our children, making multiple verbal threats, physical

violence and leaving our house while driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs,” Rhonda wrote.

A hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 13 where Issac Hunter is expected ti challenge the allegations.

For being so "beautiful" this is just nasty! Wigs/weaves pull out your hair!

As a former hairstylist, I hate a greasy, unkept wig or weaves! The reason why I've never touched false hair is because I don't believe in it! Weave's glued or sown in WILL damage your hair sooner or later. But hey you like I love it as long as I don't have to deal with it!

Lacefront Wig Hairline Damage- Is It Worth It?

December 9th, 2012 AT2W Staff

 

Lacefront Wig Hairline Damage, Alopecia- Is It Worth It? [VIDEO]

The video below is a tutorial about how to properly have a lacefront put on but we are not concerned about the ‘how-to” part. We are only showing you this video because it displays the damage these wigs and weaves do to women’s hair. Some women still don’t realize the damage they do to their hair.

The video below shows:

• weak, thin hair
• damaged scalp
• receded hairline
• hot spots in in scalp

And the list goes on! Ladies (and a few gentlemen) there is nothing wrong with your natural hair! Even if you're bald; bald is better than patches of wanabe hair all over your head! Pray for God to work a miracle or cut it all off!!!!

The number one killer of all people: is it out to get you?

                  What makes ALL of your senses and bodily systems put themselves on high alert? What is the real reason that a heart attack can kill suddenly? Why does this number one killer become the origin of 99% of all diseases carried out in the human body? What is more deadly than cancer, STI's, bullet wounds or even being poisoned?

                            It's often gone misdiagnosed or in many cases undiagnosed. This murder has darkened your doorway a few times if you've lived long enough. What is this killer’s name? Stress.

Did you know that the emotional and physical responses you have to stress are set in motion by a series of chemical releases and reactions?

“Attack of the Adrenals”-A Metabolic Story 



            The ambulance siren screams it’s warning to get out of the way. You can’t move your car because you’re stuck in a bumper-to-bumper traffic jam that reaches as far as the eye can see. There must be an accident up ahead. Meanwhile the road construction crew a few feet from your car is jack-hammering the pavement. You are about to enter the stress zone.

Inside your body the alert goes out.

            "Attention all parasympathetic forces. Urgent. Adrenal gland missile silos mounted atop kidneys have just released chemical cortisol weapons of brain destruction. Mobilize all internal defenses. Launch immediate counter-calm hormones before hippocampus is hammered by cortisol."

            Hormones rush to your adrenal glands to suppress the streaming cortisol on its way to your brain. Other hormones rush to your brain to round up all the remnants of cortisol missiles that made it to your hippocampus. These hormones escort the cortisol remnants back to Kidneyland for a one-way ride on the Bladderhorn. You have now reached metabolic equilibrium, also known as homeostasis.

When a danger finally passes or the perceived threat is over, your brain initiates a reverse course of action that releases a different bevy of biochemicals throughout your body. Attempting to bring you back into balance, your brain seeks the holy grail of "homeostasis," that elusive state of metabolic equilibrium between the stimulating and the tranquilizing chemical forces in your body. If either the one of the stimulating or tranquilizing chemical forces dominates the other without relief, then you will experience an on-going state of internal imbalance. This condition is known as stress. And it can have serious consequences for your brain cells. These chemicals that are released into your body can cause not only nerve damage but also is scientifically proven to make you more vulnerable to many different diseases. But is there a cure?

            After a perceived danger has passed, your body then tries to return to normal. But this may not be so easy, and becomes even more difficult with age. Although the hyper activating sympathetic nervous system jumps into action immediately, it is very slow to shut down and allow the tranquilizing parasympathetic nervous system to calm things down.

            Once your stress response has been activated, the system wisely keeps you in a state of readiness.

·  1

Short-term (acute) stress is usually caused by a temporary situation or emotion that can be resolved quickly, for example, locking the car keys in the car or waiting in long lines. Although the stressful feelings can be very intense, they usually disappear after a short time.

·  2

Long-term (chronic) stress is constant, relentless pressure that can last for months or years. Many situations or conditions can cause chronic stress. Type A personalities or high-pressure lifestyles can be major factors in causing chronic stress. Some people get so used to the stress that they can't even recognize it anymore. Chronic stress predisposes people to higher risks of depression, mental illness, high blood pressure and various other medical conditions.

·  3

Manage your stress by identifying the sources, recognizing your reactions to the stress and changing your behavior. Taking stress management classes  or rescheduling your work and personal lives can be a start to reducing stress. Having a supportive network of friends, family and professionals can also be useful in helping to reduce stress.

·  4

Learn and understand your reactions and behavior resulting from stress. It is so important to recognize your own stress profile and understand your body, mind and reactions to stress. The body reacts in certain physical ways to stress, for example, symptoms like stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension and headaches are common complaints.

·  5

Identify the major stressors causing the problems. Knowing the stressors will help you find ways to manage stress. Feeling helpless is a sign of chronic stress. You may feel overwhelmed and fatigued and that you have no control over your life. If left unchecked it can lead to depression. Find ways to eliminate the stressors and talk with your doctor or a counselor to help you cope with your depression.

·  6

Changing your response to stress is a powerful tool for managing stress. Having realistic expectations and understanding what you can and can't do will help you let go of stressful ways of thinking and change your response to stress. Organization and planning ahead of time are ways to help manage stress. Flexibility and patience are keys to reducing stress. Also, putting everything in perspective wil help to reduce anxiety and sttress.

·  7

Reduce stress by incorporating physical activity such as exercising, walking, stretching and breathing techniques into your daily schedule. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing will also increase the quality of your life and be a helpful tool in managing stress by relieving tension and calming the mind so that you feel more centered and focused.

·  8

Taking time for yourself or a vacation is important for the mind, body and spirit. Make time for rest and recreation. Get enough of it and treat yourself. Have fun and laughter in your life. Humor is a great form of therapy to reduce stress and decrease the risk of illness and disease.

Read more: How to Manage Stress | eHow.com

       Like I say to them that follow me on twitter @queenesteem: "There is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself. Relax, enjoy the little things and remain fabulous!™"

Is the media a place for control? You decide!

     Okay it is no secret that especially recently the Church has not been popular at large. Pastors are involved in scandals and Christian rags such as "a toast 2 wealth" or "Sanctified Church Revolution" like to "enlighten" the rest of us about scandals taking place in the Church. I love love. I love people like Tina and Erica Cambell (Mary Mary) that are bold enough to talk about marriage which is between man and woman.

               However, I get grossed out with the details!!!!  My question to you the reader is, how much is going too far? If we don't talk about sex in the Church and a man loving his wife and vice versa, how will people know how natural sex; which  God created really is? We can't hear without a preacher, so what about what God thinks about the subject?

Repent Gospel Artists: Mary Mary Brag About Great Sex and Doing What They Want

December 2nd, 2012 AT2W Staff

Repent Gospel Artists: Mary Mary Brag on Upscale Mag About Great Sex and Doing What They Want

The title of their article is pretty much out there. Its straight forward and really disrespectful. We are not sure why many of these gospel artists and preachers who make a point to address ‘sex’ in the pulpit or in the same context as speaking about God, think its appropriate to talk about.

We all know both sisters have had many children in recent years but like anyone else, we don’t need to be in their bedroom so they really don’t have to address it with us. It’s obvious they are having ‘great sex’ but why would gospel artists need to imitate what the secular artists say and do. We all know this duo are big imitators of the secular world and less of the holy one.

I agree with the statement Erica made in the above photo. God will not be asking any of us about their relationship with Him; instead, He is asking Erica and Tina directly about their relationship with Him! Like all of us, He wants to know how and what do we think we are doing when He knows, we know, some things are not right according to Him in our lives.

Now, the statement Tina made above is just classic Mary Mary. They really don’t care what others think about them. This is why they do what they want because the church has not corrected them. Many fans have supported them with their carnal ways because they may be just as carnal and it’s so much easier to be half Christian and half unholy. Her statement should shake the spirits of anyone listening and following them. If you are a true authentic Christian, then you should not be able to follow them and should be shouting it loud that they are an indecent example for anyone who follows Christ.

Let’s stop supporting the fake ones. We won’t get into heaven like that.

                   I understand that this is one opinion but the first thing God said about sex was to everything living which He created and this goes for Mankind as well:

Genesis 9:1

[ God’s Covenant With Noah ] Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.

                  I am not one to take sides in this matter but when I get married to a devastatingly handsome man (that favors Idris Elba) I will not be silent about the love we share. The media such as the sources named above and many others have the ability to sway an opinion one way or the other. Is it appropriate for Mary Mary to talk about sex and doing what they want? They're doing things God's way because THEY ARE MARRIED!!!!!!
                 Also, noone, no man or woman determines who goes to heaven and who does not. It's a persons relationship with God that deterimines where someone spends eternity. Not the media.

Romans 5:10
For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

It was sin that stole us from The Father. Sex inside of marriage is not a sin in the eyes of God, it is Holy! And whether someone feels free enough to brag on their husband putting it down in the bedroom, that is between them and God!

Ephesians 5:31
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

Happiness is being a peacemaker!!!

Matthew 5:9
Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous— with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!

   I’m sure you’ve heard it said before that ‘life is short,” so you’d better enjoy it! But how do you do that with bills piling up, children that never stop needing things, the house is falling apart, the car is acting up and your boss hates your stinking guts? Life can be overwhelming.

          It throws curve balls. Death happens unexpectedly. Accidents. A phone call can change your life… So then what?

          When it’s all over what would you want the people closest to you to say about you? “She was a tight-wad that never spent any money or did anything fun.” Or “you could never trust him because he was a liar and a flake. The man couldn’t be consistent to save his own life.” What do you want people to say about you?      

          If life is short or just a vapor I am going to make the best out of it and do you know what it is? You’re reading it. I was born to write. In school my teachers thought I had a learning disability because I wrote so fast but it’s because I loved it! To this day my handwriting is hard to read but that’s what computers were made for (easier communication). It wasn’t until I was in college and given an IQ test that my score was over 160. The specialist that tested me said sarcastically “you’re so smart you could probably see into the future!” I don’t take to math but if there is a mystery, if I need to recall a conversation word for word from 20 years ago La’Sandra has an answer!

          My writing will be here long after I am gone. I feel true freedom when I write. What makes you feel free? If the world is going to end tomorrow what would you want to have done with your life? I want to be a wife and mother. I love people and I love things that smell good and God gave me the dream of running and developing a body care line. What passion has He given you? By all means what ever it is make peace with it so you can do it. Being a peace maker first starts in your mind! Then peacemaking goes toward everyone and everything else and you see what the end result will be and what you will be called and you will not be called a failure!!!!

Matthew 5:9
Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous— with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!