What are GMOs? Genetically Modified Organisms are plants or animals created through biotechnology, also called genetic engineering DNA from different species are combined.

Top 9 foods most likely to be GMOs:

1. Salmon
   
2. Animal feed
   
3. Oils 
   
4. Soybeans
   
5. Golden rice (contains high amounts of Vit. A, to help prevent malnutrition in impoverished countries, where rice is often the main staple for large populations)
   
6. Squash
   
7. Tomatoes
   
8. Corn
   
9. Sugar beets
   

Common ingredients from GMOs:

1. Aspartame
   
2. Ascorbic acid
   
3. Sodium citrate
   
4. Ethanol
   
5. Flavorings labeled “natural” or “animal”
   
6. High fructose corn syrup
   
7. Molasses
   
8. Sucrose
   
9. Xanthan gum
   

The World Health Organization is concerned about potential harm to humans due to direct health impact and increased risk of allergic reactions.

Harm to the environment is also a concern, due to the resistant herbicides embedded in GMO crops.

Ongoing studies are still being conducted to determine the impact for consumers of GMOs.  Currently in the U.S., these foods are considered safe “until proven otherwise”, and so far food labels do not have to include information regarding food sources.

Benefits of GMOs:

• Drought resistant crops which can help feed the world population
  
• Pest resistant crops, which can prevent crop losses
  
• Herbicide tolerant crops, which result in less spraying of toxic chemicals
  
• Disease resistant crops & cold tolerance for seeding
  

Concerns about GMOs:

• Unintended harm to other organisms
  
• Monarch butterflies feed on milkweed plants, and the pollen from GMO corn maybe impacting the milkweed plants, resulting in loss of butterflies food supply
  
• Reduced effectiveness of pesticides-insects becoming resistant to the pesticides increased allergies in susceptible individuals
  

In the U.S., three organizations are involved in oversight over genetically modified foods.

1. EPA-Environmental protection agency-evaluates GMO plants for environmental safety
   
2. USDA-Department of agriculture-evaluates whether the plants are safe to grow
   
3. FDA-Food and Drug administration-evaluates whether the plants are safe to eat
   

There are strict limits on the amount of pesticides that can be applied by farmers to crops during growth and production.  Regulations regarding GMOs are an ongoing process.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider regarding GMO’s and this short overview is designed to provide you with some basic information to consider as you make more conscious food choices.

To your health!
Gail Grieger

Did you know that your posture can directly impact the health and vitality of your neck and upper back? Would you be surprised to learn that your posture can also impact your breathing and even your gastrointestinal system? It’s true. Poor posture can put strain on your neck and spine and stress the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the surrounding areas.

When we talk about posture problems, most people immediately think about keeping the spine straight. Of course, this is a big part of it, but keeping the spine straight is also impacted by how we hold our heads. The average human head weighs about 12 pounds.  When our posture is good and we keep the spine, neck and head in alignment, we barely feel the weight of the head. However, even the slightest forward head posture can increase the pressure on the neck and spine. 

“For every inch of forward head posture (FHP), it can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds.”  (Physiology of Joints,Vol. 3)

So, if you are holding your 12 pound head three inches forward, you’re actually holding up the equivalent of 42 pounds against the forces of gravity! And that is going to put some serious strain on your body!

I see so many clients who are troubled by neck and upper back pain. Massage can reduce and often eliminate the pain and aid the healing process. However, for permanent improvement it is often necessary to recognize what causes us to have forward head posture and then take some actions to change it.  A few of the biggest culprits:

• Posture while driving
  
• Sitting in front of the computer screen
  
• Posture while sleeping
  

Fix it before real problems occur!

People who have FHP over an extended period of time can actually suffer from much more than just strained muscles and ligaments. Studies have shown that FHP can result in a loss of up to 30% of lung capacity!  In addition it can lead to:

• Migraine headaches
  
• Mouth breathing during sleep, leading to sleep apnea in some cases
  
• Teeth clenching
  
• Joint pain
  
• Gastrointestinal irritation
  

As you can see, maintaining a forward head posture can lead to discomfort and even result in some serious health issues. My advice . . . make a conscious effort to correct your posture, keep that head back and, if necessary, get some help in relieving any neck strain.

To your health!
Gail Grieger