Remember when gas station attendants filled your tank for you? Or when department stores wrapped your holiday gifts at no charge? Oh—you’re too young to remember those things? OK—how about when it was “bags fly free” on every airline?

You get the drift. We consumers used to enjoy a lot of free services. But then economic forces exerted their pressures and suddenly we had self-serve filling stations. And paid gift-wrapping kiosks. And—except for good old Southwest Airlines—fees for checking your luggage. 

Free shipping appears to be succumbing to similar pressures. Economists are predicting that this country’s free shipping “bubble” is going to burst eventually. Why? It boils down to simple economics: if shipping rates rise faster than inflation, online merchants will not be able to absorb shipping costs within their already-thin profit margins. And that’s exactly what’s happening.

High Shipping Rates are Killing Off Free Shipping 

UPS has been raising its shipping rates a minimum of 5 percent every year. Meanwhile, the U.S. Postal Service will be raising shipping service rates again in January—this time by an average of 4.6 percent. Then there’s the cost of cardboard, which is also on the rise. And the cost of oil to transport all those cardboard boxes? It has quadrupled in the last 12 years!

Predictions are that even giant online retailers like Amazon.com won’t be able to offer free shipping much longer, due to eroding profit margins. Ironic, isn’t it, since Amazon was the company that conditioned us to expect free shipping in the first place?

New Standard Shipping and Free Shipping Rates

At All Vitamins Plus, they’ve got their eye on the ball. They want to continue offering the same high-quality, natural products at the absolute best prices without “hiding” the shipping cost in the price of the product. Nor are they interested in cutting corners and shipping goods cheaply and unreliably, which some “free shippers” have started to do.

For these reasons, All Vitamins Plus decided to raise their eligibility requirement for Free Shipping. You now get free shipping on orders of $49.99 or more, everywhere in the United States.  If you ask me, shipping rates are still a good deal at All Vitamins Plus. Standard shipping on any size order (regardless of weight or cost) is $4.99 for orders shipped within the contiguous 48 states, and $6.99 for orders shipped to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

You also get great customer service—for free! Got a question about a product? Need advice choosing a gift? Just call (866) 437-4002 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST to talk to a real, live human being.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus contributor

We’ve all heard the standard flight attendant speech before takeoff:  “In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from above…” Did you ever think, “Gee, I’d like to wear that oxygen mask right about now”—especially since the atmosphere inside a typical airline cabin consists of at least 50% recirculated air?

Too bad. As human beings, we aren’t usually given pure oxygen unless it’s a medical emergency. But these days, oxygen—which accounts for two-thirds of the mass of the human body—is being used in various ways not only to make us well, but also to keep us well.

Oxygen Therapy Goes Mainstream   

We’re not talking about hyperbaric oxygen chambers like the one pop star Michael Jackson reportedly bought to sleep in. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy only to treat relatively rare medical conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and gangrene—not as an everyday health tonic.

Instead, we’re talking about a growing number of commercial establishments that offer “oxygen therapy” to improve health and vitality. These establishments fall into two categories.

In an oxygen bar, you pay by the minute to breathe in oxygen mixed with your choice of aroma or “flavor,” such as blueberry, peppermint, or wintergreen. This recreational use of oxygen has become trendy in nightclubs around the U.S. The inhaled oxygen is marketed as a treatment for stress, hangovers, headaches, and sinus problems while increasing energy and alertness and relaxing the body.

At an oxygen spa, your whole body except your head is exposed to pure oxygen in a treatment that claims to detoxify the cells. You are placed in an aromatherapy steam bath that opens the pores of your skin, allowing high-density oxygen diffused into the steam to seep into your skin. Over a 30-minute period, this process supposedly rids cells of “oxidized debris,” in some cases leaving black residue on your towel at the end of the session. Advertised benefits of oxygen spa therapy include stimulating the immune system, slowing down the aging process, and improving brain function and memory.

Liquid Stabilized Oxygen for Sustained Energy

Many people seek to experience oxygen’s restorative effects through the use of liquid stabilized oxygen. Using this therapy, you put drops of the highly concentrated oxygen into water and use it as a dietary supplement.  One manufacturer claims its liquid stabilized oxygen formula has been proven to raise blood oxygen levels in humans. The resulting health benefits may include increased energy and endurance and faster recovery for active individuals.

By Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus contributor

Do you remember your first taste of cranberry? Chances are it was on Thanksgiving or Christmas, when your mom put a spoonful of cranberry sauce on your plate next to the turkey. It looked like thick cherry Jell-O, remember? But it sure didn’t taste like that (I remember spitting mine out)!

Or maybe you discovered later in life, as I did, that cranberry juice could fend off UTIs (urinary tract infections). I was skeptical at first, but sure enough, it worked—and saved me many trips to the doctor.

Cranberry: Nature’s Wonder Drug?

As this year’s cranberry harvest winds down in the Northeast and fresh cranberries begin to appear in the market again, it’s an excellent time to check out the health benefits of this shiny red berry beyond its helpfulness in the urinary tract.

Here are some of the latest cranberry research findings, from an informative website called The World’s Healthiest Foods:

• Antioxidant Protection – Cranberries contain a powerful combination of antioxidants, including resveratrol, Vitamin C, and manganese, that work synergistically to maximize the body’s ability to fight free radicals that can damage cellular structure and DNA.
• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits – The amazing array of phytonutrients found in cranberry are known to play a role in reducing inflammation—in the digestive tract, in the mouth and gums, and in the cardiovascular system. As such, researchers believe dietary cranberry may help lower the risk of developing periodontal disease, stomach ulcers, and arterial sclerosis.
• Immune Support – Recent studies on small numbers of human participants showed intake of cranberry extracts improved many aspects of immune function and lowered the subjects’ frequency of cold and flu symptoms.
• Anti-Cancer Benefits – Since chronic excessive oxidative stress and chronic excessive inflammation are two key risk factors for the development of cancer, it’s only logical that cranberry may reduce the risk of cancer. Indeed, research over the past 10 years suggests that cranberry may be effective in preventing breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. 

Tart But Tasty Cranberry

The challenging part about incorporating cranberry into your diet is the fruit’s tart, almost sour, taste. Commercially produced cranberry juice contains a lot of sugar to make it palatable to mainstream consumers. A healthier alternative is to buy unsweetened cranberry juice and balance the tartness yourself with honey or stevia. Or, if you just don’t like the taste, look for a cranberry supplement you can take with liquid and avoid that tartness altogether.

By Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

What do celebrities Russell Brand, Carrie Underwood, Paul McCartney and Ellen DeGeneres have in common?

Well, besides being attractive, famous, and rich, they’re all vegetarians. They are among the estimated 7.3 million U.S. residents who profess to follow a vegetarian diet. And in order to get the rest of us thinking about it, the North American Vegetarian Society has designated October “Vegetarian Awareness Month” with a tempting little contest:  give up meat, fish, and poultry for 30 days and you can enter to win up to $1,000.

The Benefits of Vegetarian Eating

Of course, even the chance to win money wouldn’t be enough of a carrot (pun intended!) for some people to forgo burgers, steaks and chops for a month. But there are distinct health and societal benefits associated with vegetarian eating:

• According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarian diets reduce the risk of developing major killers such as heart disease, stroke, cancer (colorectal, ovarian and breast cancers), diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
• Growing plants to support a vegetarian diet uses much less fossil fuel (and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions) than does raising and processing animals for their meat.
• As the North American Vegetarian Society points out, vegetarian diets “save animals from suffering in factory-farm conditions and from the pain and terror or slaughter.”
• On a global scale, vegetarian diets remove the incentive for third-world countries to convert rainforests and other precious ecosystems into pasturelands.

Eating Vegetarian Without Skimping on Nutrition

It can be difficult for vegetarians to get enough vitamins, minerals, and protein to meet their daily needs. The key is to eat a wide variety of plant-based foods, including whole grains, lentils, beans, soy products, nuts, and seeds. Dairy products and eggs are also excellent sources of protein and nutrients (but are not included on the stricter vegan diet).

Vegetarian-friendly vitamin and mineral supplements are always an option when you’re too busy to eat balanced veggie meals. Nutrition experts say Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12 and Iron are especially important for vegetarians leading hectic lives.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

Health columnist Jane E. Brody of the New York Times recently wrote about how yoga benefits orthopedic problems. It was a fascinating look at how certain yoga moves can strengthen key muscles to relieve joint pain and loss of function. In addition to that, the article said, yoga benefits the bones—actually increasing bone density in a controlled study of people with osteoporosis.

Orthopedic Issues and Yoga Benefits

As a yoga lover and one who’s had a few orthopedic issues in my life, I sat up and took notice. I sent Jane Brody’s column to all my friends. And I thought about the overall yoga benefits I have derived since breaking my right leg two years ago: better muscle tone, more flexibility, deeper breathing, improved balance, and easier relaxation at bedtime.

But to learn that yoga benefits the very ailments that sideline many of us Baby Boomers, such as piriformis syndrome, rotator cuff injury, and loss of bone mass—to me, that was like icing on the cake! According to Brody’s article, a specialist in physical and rehabilitative medicine with New York-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital successfully treats rotator cuff injuries with a modified form of a yoga headstand. Goodbye surgery!

The same specialist has shown that yoga benefits osteopenia and osteoporosis patients not only by decreasing the risk of falls, but also by increasing bone density in their hips and spines. The patients in the study did just 10 minutes of yoga daily over a two-year period.

Gain Yoga Benefits Without Investing Big

One of my favorite things about yoga is that it doesn’t require much equipment. All you really need is a good yoga mat and clothes that allow you to move freely. You can usually find yoga classes at your local gym or YMCA, or follow along to a yoga DVD at home. You may find that to hold the positions effectively enough to experience true yoga benefits, you may need sticky gloves or sticky socks. And some people like to increase the range of their yoga stretching using special straps.

For both men and women, the good news is that yoga benefits your body and mind in ways we’re still learning about, even though the practice is thousands of years old.

Yoga

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

Years ago, a friend called to say she’d spent the weekend getting rid of something her twin daughters brought home from school. No, it wasn’t a stray dog.

“Head lice! Yeccchh!” my friend said. “First I had to work this noxious-smelling stuff into their scalps, then I had to comb the lice eggs out of their hair, one by one. Then I had to launder all their clothes and bedding and spray the entire house…We’re at war over here!”

I was aghast. Until then, I didn’t know that children got lice from other children through head-to-head contact, or by sharing hairbrushes, hats, or barrettes. I learned that head lice are equal-opportunity pests; boys and girls of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds get them. And they’re a lot of work to completely eradicate. 

How to Recognize Head Lice

An itchy scalp is the first sign. You may see head lice first on the nape of the neck or behind your child’s ears. They are tan or grayish-white and about the size of a sesame seed.

Adult head lice must feed on the host’s blood every three to six hours to survive. They can live up to 30 days on a person’s head and lay between 50 and 150 eggs, or “nits.” Nits are very tiny—about the size of a knot in a thread—and stick like glue to individual hairs at the base of the scalp. Bathing will not kill head lice or nits.

Winning the Head Lice War

In battling any stubborn enemy, you must be persistent and use the right weaponry. The first line of attack here is the scalp treatment. Fortunately, today’s parents have more options than my friend did 10 years ago!

One treatment is a non-toxic, pesticide-free product that goes by the wacky brand name of Fairy Lice Mothers’ MagicMousse and claims to be 99-percent effective in removing head lice and easing nit removal. The company also makes an easy-to-grip “Magic Wand” nit comb as well as special shampoo and conditioner to help prevent reinfestation.

Speaking of reinfestation, did we mention that nits take seven to 10 days to hatch? That’s why it’s important to:

• Treat your child’s head a second time, seven to 10 days after the first treatment.
• Check for head lice on other family members, and begin treatment immediately if lice or nits are spotted. Don’t let them win the war!
• Vaccum carpets, furniture and draperies to capture any live head lice or nits that may have fallen there.
• Launder bed linens and clothes in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit).

 Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

Throughout my 20s and 30s, I was an avid distance runner. I remember getting sore muscles in my legs and buttocks a couple of hours after a good run, and accepting it as a sign of progress. Sure, I might groan or wince coming down a flight of stairs, but by my next run, the sore muscles would be gone.

These days, it’s a different story. Sore muscles don’t show up for a good 24 to 48 hours after a strenuous workout. Which means if I take a high-energy aerobics class on Monday, I don’t feel the sore muscles until Wednesday morning. And instead of interpreting it as a sign of progress, I say to myself, “Man, I must be falling apart!”

 Sore Muscles Lag Time: Nothing to Worry About

Here’s the good news: sports medicine experts say delayed sore muscles are normal, no matter what your age or fitness level. They’ve even coined a term for it: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS. And precisely because of DOMS, people who are new to exercise often worry and incorrectly conclude they are doing themselves harm. They get discouraged and give up on their new fitness program early on.

The painful truth is, sore muscles go hand-in-hand with maintaining physical fitness. When a muscle is overworked, particularly by strenuous lengthening contractions, microscopic tears can occur in the muscle fibers. These tiny tears cause inflammation and swelling, which creates the pain response.

Relief for your Tender, Sore Muscles

There’s an old saying that definitely applies to sore muscles: “This, too, shall pass.” In the meantime, try to soothe your aches the natural way:

• Ice. Icing sore areas can be especially therapeutic for bringing down the inflammation and dulling the pain. If you don’t have an ice pack made for sports injuries, a bag of frozen peas or corn works just fine.
• Muscle rubs. You can find a variety of analgesic creams on the market for temporary relief of sore muscles. I especially like to use Tiger Muscle Rub at bedtime because it’s non-greasy, won’t stain clothes or sheets, and the menthol and camphor ingredients relax my mind.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines. Good old inexpensive aspirin is very efficient at reducing inflammation and thus controlling pain. Ibuprofen also works well.
• Massage.  Improve circulation to your sore muscles with gentle massage, which brings fresh blood in and carries waste products out. The soothing herbal ingredients in many of today’s massage creams, lotions and oils promote healing and give you the added pleasure of aromatherapy.
• Stretching, light exercise, and rest—in that order. Keep those sore muscles gently moving throughout the day, then get a solid 8 hours of sleep at night. Soon you’ll be back at the gym and ready to do it all over again!

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

My good friend Ken, who just turned 57, had been complaining about feeling exhausted all the time. “I get eight hours of sleep every night, but just don’t have the energy I used to,” he told me.

Ken’s doctor suggested a blood test to see what might be going on. The test revealed Ken had a very low level of testosterone in his blood—not uncommon for a man his age. Men often experience declining testosterone levels in midlife, along with a decline in a hormone called DHEA. The lower levels of both hormones are thought to be associated with loss of energy and concentration, depression, and/or mood swings, a condition known as male menopause, or andropause.

Testosterone or DHEA Supplements?

On the recommendation of his doctor, Ken began getting regular injections of testosterone. Within about 6 months his testosterone level had climbed to the top of the normal range. Ken was feeling more energetic and youthful, with a stronger libido. But as his testosterone levels rose, so did his PSA level, which can be a warning sign of prostate cancer.

Ken was sent for a prostate biopsy. Fortunately, it came back negative, but his doctor decided to discontinue the testosterone shots and address Ken’s andropause with DHEA supplements instead.

What is DHEA, Anyway?  

DHEA (short for dehydroepiandrosterone) is sometimes called the “anti-aging hormone.” It is produced in the adrenal glands and converted into the major sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Production of DHEA declines gradually in both men and women as they age. Many health authorities believe that by replacing some of the lost DHEA in the body, men in particular can re-capture their youth and counteract andropause symptoms.

Ken’s testosterone level decreased a bit when he discontinued the injections, but his daily dose of DHEA now seems to be holding it steady. He says he feels more vigorous and less depressed. It’s important to note that no studies have been conducted on the long-term effects of DHEA, so you should only use the supplement under a doctor’s supervision.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus contributor

Health experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolic “engine” and supplies energy to your brain and body. Some people have learned by experience to eat a better breakfast than others—one that powers them through the morning instead of leaving them irritable and hungry by 10 a.m.

September is Better Breakfast Month, a good time to examine what you’re eating in the morning and what it’s doing for you nutritionally. You may be surprised to learn, for example, that a bowl of oatmeal can do more for your overall health than a bowl of fortified wheat flakes.

What Makes a Better Breakfast?

Nutritionally speaking, the best breakfast foods come from nature, not from a factory. Look for whole foods that provide protein, fiber, and vitamins. Here are some “better breakfast tips” to help you optimize your morning meal:

• Oats contain more protein than any other cereal, almost no fat, and an array of vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal also has plenty of heart-healthy fiber, especially the steel-cut variety.
• Steer clear of sugary, processed breakfast foods such as frozen waffles, toaster pastries, doughnuts, and candy-flavored cereals. These amount to empty calories that can cause your blood sugar to spike, then plunge a short while later.
• Yogurt is a better breakfast alternative to milk. It enhances immunity by promoting intestinal health, helps build bones, lowers blood pressure, and may have anti-cancer effects. Greek yogurt has more protein that regular yogurt, and a smooth, creamy texture that makes it pleasurable to eat.  
• Top your yogurt or oatmeal with fresh fruit rather than granulated sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit has fiber to fill you up and regulate digestion and essential vitamins and minerals to boot. 
• Concentrated fruit juices can add a boost of antioxidant power to your morning and make a “hurry-up breakfast” a better breakfast. Black cherry, blueberry, or acai juices are good choices.

Is Tea a Better Breakfast Beverage?

The merits of coffee as a healthful breakfast drink are still subject to debate, but tea has widely-recognized health benefits. All teas are rich in polyphenols, which detoxify cell-damaging free radicals in the body.  Studies suggest that tea reduces the risk of heart disease and may even help prevent cancer. If you’re looking for a better breakfast beverage to warm your soul, you can find black, green, white, and oolong tea in hundreds of satisfying mixtures, many without caffeine.

 Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor

According to a 2010 government study, 8.4% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a form of developmental disability characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

It’s back-to-school time—time for your kids to mentally depart from their summer vacations and focus on learning. That can be challenging for any child, especially when it still feels like summer outside. But for those with serious problems paying attention, it’s a very tough assignment.

Here are some typical behaviors associated children’s attention deficit:

• Has trouble sitting still
• Easily distracted
• Constantly in motion, touching everything in sight
• Has difficulty processing information quickly; becomes easily confused
• Often avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Very impatient; often interrupts others
• Frequently acts without regarding to consequences

Diagnosis and Treatment of Children’s Attention Deficit

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, true ADHD is not easy to diagnose. A licensed health practitioner needs to collect information about the child’s behavior, overall health, environment, and diet. Other conditions need to be ruled out first, such as learning disabilities, depression, and hearing or vision problems.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, parents dealing with children’s attention deficit can choose to put their child on a pharmaceutical drug, such as Ritilin, Adderal, or Focalin. These medications work well for many children, but do come with side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are sleep problems, decreased appetite, anxiety, and irritability. Less common side effects include personality changes (such as a lack of emotion), or developing “tics”—sudden, repetitive movements or sounds.

A Natural Approach to Treating Children’s Attention Deficit

In an effort to avoid the side effects of ADHD drugs—or the high cost, if one’s insurance doesn’t cover them—parents are increasingly turning to natural ADHD treatments. Some seek psychotherapy for their child. Some try to make changes in the child’s diet, such as cutting out sugar, caffeine, and dairy products; avoiding foods with artificial colors and MSG; and adding B Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Yet another option is to treat children’s attention deficit with homeopathic and natural supplements designed to support a child’s ability to focus and concentrate. A key ingredient in many of these supplements is DMAE, a substance naturally produced in the brain which proponents like Dr. Nicholas Perricone say supports improved mental focus. Superfruits for anti-oxidant benefits and chamomile for calming effects are also commonly found in natural ADHD supplements, which come in child-friendly tablets, chewable wafers, soft gels, and liquid formulas.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor