Sunscreen Safety

It is again the time of year that most people reach for the sunscreens, but it is hugely important to know that not all sunscreens are safe.  First, you should know that radiation from the sun includes ultraviolet A, which contribute toward aging, and ultraviolet B, which causes sunburn.  It’s best to guard against both.  As of now, the FDA only requires sunscreens to cite UVB protection (as SPF).

Here are some things to look for: 

•           “broad-spectrum protection” or UVA/UVB protection- protection from both types

•           Zinc Oxide- a natural mineral that provides UVA protection by deflecting the sun’s rays

•           SPF 30- anything higher is deceiving and can trick you into staying in the sun too long, especially without re-applying (a high SPF may help prevent sunburn but not other kinds of skin damage)

Things to avoid:

•           Oxybenzone- a chemical that disrupts hormones and enters the bloodstream easily via the skin

•           Vitamin A (and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate- it is a popular sunscreen ingredient, found in 40% of sunscreens out there) due to its anti-aging properties, but research now indicates that it may actually increase the speed at which cancerous cells develop and spread on the skin

•           Parabens and phythalates

•           Sprays and Powders- nanoparticles can be more easily absorbed through skin and lungs

Consider sun exposure through car and office windows as well.  Also, wearing clothing that provides some coverage, as well as hats, is helpful if in sun for extended periods.

However, don’t forget how important Vitamin D is to our health!  It’s still highly recommended to get 80% of your body in peak sun exposure for 20 minutes a day for good health.  After 20 minutes, use a healthy sunscreen, put on clothing protection and/or get out of the sun.

For a full list of rated sunscreens and their ingredients (as well as other body care products you use), check out www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Here are a few recommended brands:  Organics mineral sunscreen, Alba, MyChelle, Burt’s Bees, Badger, Goddess Garden,  Jason Naturals, Soleo Organics, and John Masters Organics.

People have been wondering what First Descents is and why I volunteer for them, so it’s about time I blog about this extraordinary organization. The words I try to scrounge up from my heart may not appropriately describe the impact it has had on me and many, many young adults with cancer. First Descents is a non -profit organization that provides free outdoor adventure camps for young adults fighting cancer. Based out of Denver, they offer surf, rock climbing and kayaking camps all over North, Central and South America.  First Descents relies on hundreds of volunteers and a caring staff to help young adult cancer patients have an absolutely incredible week “Out Living It”.  Here is a little background about how I personally came to know and love First Descents…

Why Volunteer?

My volunteer addiction began years ago when I was on an alternative (aka service/volunteer work) spring break trip during college.  We were in southern Colorado working and it was on that trip that I had my first ineffable moment in my life. When an ineffable experience happens to you, it gets inside you, lights a fire, and changes you forever. I continued to volunteer throughout college.  After college, I chose to volunteer in Chicago for a year of service work with the Amate House Young Adult Volunteer Program.  I had only planned on living in Chicago for the one year commitment…17 years and three kids later I am still here.  I am grateful volunteering brought me to Chicago. I feel blessed to be surrounded by the best of friends, but I am a nature girl to the core, therefore I am always planning and dreaming of my next outdoor adventure. When I was going through my divorce, I was also training to be a yoga instructor.  It worked out perfectly because training to be a yoga instructor is therapy in itself.  But the two things that kept coming back to me during yoga and meditation was, one, I needed to get back volunteering, and two, I needed to get back to nature. Simple, cheap and somewhat easy things that make me super duper happy.

I did some searching for a program that would fit my criteria. I had just witnessed my brother battle cancer as a young adult and was drawn to doing something meaningful in the alternative medicine world. I ended up at the First Descents website and applied to be a camp mom. Not only did I understand what it was like to watch a young family member struggle through the horrors, challenges and fears of cancer, but First Descents also encompassed my two other passions, volunteer work and outdoor adventure therapy.

Luckily for me, First Descents needed a camp mom in Hood River, Oregon in June of last summer.  I stepped on a plane to Oregon the exact day after my divorce was final (that stuff only happens in the movies). The best therapy in the world was flying to Oregon, escaping the icky divorce feelings back home, and walking into the world of First Descents. Volunteering for First Descents ended up being a gift to me at a pivotal point in my life.

The campers I met and bonded with that week were fighting all different sorts of cancers and they were the strongest group of pals I have ever met.  Watching them face the fear of rolling over in a kayak in whitewater and handle it with so much fun and grace was exhilarating for everyone.  The energy was contagious. So much support, encouragement and compassion all in one house, in one week provides an awakening for everyone involved.  I could write pages about that life changing week, the wonderful people I spent it with, and the fantastic program that First Descents is, and I’m just a volunteer. I can only imagine the impact it has on a cancer fighter, when they arrive not knowing how to roll in a kayak in whitewater rapids, and they end the week officially a whitewater kayaker. That is an ineffable experience!

First Descents is growing with leaps and bounds, and that only happens to phenomenal programs. I believe in their mission so much that I’ve decided to begin a personal fundraising challenge by dedicating my daily yoga practice for a year in honor of First Descents. This won’t be easy, but I can and will do it for an organization that is close to my heart.  I feel there is a strong connection between the healing power of yoga and nature, and when we get out and live in it, natural healing occurs in our body, mind and spirit.

I’ll be blogging about my FD yoga challenge (and other stuff too), journaling and snapping photos. You can also follow my FD yoga challenge on Instagram, at fdlotus.

Thanks for reading and following,

Lotus

Everybody is toxic!  It’s not a question of “Are you toxic?” but rather “HOW toxic are you?”

Every single day, we are exposed to toxins: in the air… in our homes (ie. from the carpet, the chemical cleaners we use, etc)… from soaps and shampoos… detergents… pesticides on fruits and vegetables… fumes at the petrol station… mercury fillings in your teeth… chlorine, arsenic and fluoride in the water… the list is practically endless!

It’s not a single exposure to any of these things that’ll make you sick. It’s the constant, chronic exposure and accumulation of them over time that creates illness.

Over time, these toxins build up in your body and will wreak havoc on your health and vitality. You may experience little aches and pains – and not know why. You may experience lethargy and sluggishness. You may get sick more often. All as a result of the toxicity built up in your body!

But even if you think YOUR air, YOUR food and YOUR drinks are super clean and pure… Your body makes internal toxic waste EVERY SECOND!

It’s a normal part of cellular metabolism. Even the healthiest cell will take in nutritious blood and expel a waste product. Most of that waste is eliminated ─ but some residue may remain.

What about the toxins that are already within you? How are they affecting your energy, bowels, concentration and overall health?

A study done in 2005 showed some alarming results. They gathered blood samples from newborn babies in the US (who lived in small non-polluted towns) and found 287 different chemicals ranging from Teflon to mercury to petroleum products. 180 of those are known to cause cancer; 217 of them are neurotoxins.

So, if a brand new baby is harboring almost 300 different chemicals in his/her bloodstream, just imagine how much you have after many decades of living?

This information is not to scare you into starting to live in a bubble and trying to avoid every possible toxin around you. It’s an impossible task. Sure, you should start eating more organic foods and use safer, natural cleaning solutions and body care products. This is a good start. But deeper cleaning is needed. Thus it is recommended that everyone should do a full body cleanse/detox at least 2 to 3 times per year.

A cleanse can have many health benefits including:
-burning stored body fat
-boost energy
-clear up skin
-improves digestion and overall gut health
-reduces anxiety (gets rid of negative emotions that cause you stress)
-and a whole lot more!

Often, when people think of a detox they equate it to a colon cleanse, which typically means taking a bottle of herbal laxatives and/or some fiber.  Although cleansing the colon with herbs, fiber, foods and/or colonics has it’s benefits, a cleanse can be as simple as eating a diet based around only whole real foods while removing certain foods that are acidic and potentially allergenic such as dairy, wheat, and soy as well as anything processed, sugar and alcohol. It would focus on plenty of fresh organic vegetables , some fresh fruit, certain healthy fats and organic proteins, perhaps some juicing, drinking lots of purified water and taking a few key supplements.

A few whole food cleanses considered safe and easy include the following:  The Clean Diet by Alejandro Junger, MD, The 3 Week Detox by Dr. Karlo Mauro, Green juice cleansing by Kris Carr in “Crazy Sexy Diet” and others.

Proper detoxification is so essential for health that you need to start enhancing your body’s ability to detoxify today. Here is how to do it effectively and safely:

• Drink Clean – Drink plenty of clean water, at least eight to ten glasses of filtered water a day.
• Eliminate Properly – Keep your bowels moving, at least once or twice a day. And if you can’t get going, then you need some help. This can include drinking more purified water, taking two tablespoons of ground flax seeds, taking acidophilus, and/or extra magnesium citrate capsules. If you have any chronic diseases or problems, you have to be careful about taking supplements and should work with your doctor.
• Eat Clean – You should also eat organic produce and organic animal products to eliminate the toxins, hormones, and antibiotics in your food.
• Eat Detoxifying Food – You should eat 8 to 10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables a day, particularly family of the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi) and the garlic family (garlic and onions), which help increase sulfur in the body and help detoxification.
• Minimize Drugs – Avoid or minimize stimulants, sedatives, and drugs, such as caffeine and nicotine, and try to reduce alcohol intake.
• Get Moving – Exercise (just be active) five days a week with focus on conditioning your cardiovascular system, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises.
•  Avoid the White Menace – This includes all white flour and white sugar.
•  Sweat – Sweat profusely at least three times a week, using a sauna, steam, or a detox bath (and/or exercise).
•  Supplement – Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement.
•  Relax — Relax deeply every day to get your nervous system in a state of calm, rest, and relaxation.

*** Always be sure to run this by your physician if you are currently under a doctor’s care.

It was a crisp Saturday morning outside of Rockreation in Salt Lake City when we arrived. But once we walked through the door, I was warmed with the positive vibes and stoke of all the other climbers there to participate in the FD Climbing for Cancer fundraiser presented by REVO. The FD representatives Jenna and Tom instantly greeted us and introductions were made and we told our stories of how we became involved with FD. It felt great to talk to new friends that have all been touched by such a great organization. But we were not there to chat all morning, we came to crush the routes scattered throughout the gym.

Everyone headed out to wall with his or her designated belayers. I felt strong right off the bat and kept a quick pace checking off routes in the top rope area. But I knew it had been a long winter and my forearms were not ready to keep up with my desire.  More people continued to trickle in and everyone was stoked cheering each other on as the crowd grew. Time seemed to fly by until the clock struck high noon and it was time to pass out the great prizes from Petzl America and the event’s sponsor, REVO sunglasses.

For me the event was a complete success. It rekindled my desire to reach out and support great organizations such as First Descents. It also reminded me of my experience as a camp counselor at an FD camp in Idaho few years back and the lasting friendships that were formed with people that touched my life through their example of courage and strength.  Lastly I was reminded of the great friends that are willing to donate their hard earned money to help a complete stranger when they need it most. I walked away from the Rockreation that crisp AM feeling that this was the best Saturday morning I have experienced in a while. Thank you First Descents.

-Pitt Grewe

 
CFC Results Snapshot:
Amount raised: $52,000
Number of Climbers: 275
Number of Donors: 1111
Vertical Feet Climbed:  85,000
Number of Volunteers: 175
Number of Climbing Gyms: 17
Number of FD Campers that sent to a First Descents program because of Climbing for Cancer:  52

A good family friend of ours recently told me about her adventure in eating Vegan.   It was always hard for me to believe how people could eat Vegan. There is no way I could live without cheese! Since my friend is eating vegan and loving it, she decided to create her own website to share recipes and stories with other.  You can check out her website here.  After looking at here site and doing more research on it, I found out some interesting facts about eating Vegan or eating a plant-based diet that related to cancer.

 The China Study, a research study headed up by Dr. Colin Campbell, is one of the major resources I found.  Dr. Campbell performed research on the connection between nutrition and cancer, as well as heart disease and diabetes. He performed 20 years of research some in other countries and he found that people with high animal protein diets were the ones to more likely get cancer.  Working in the Philippines, he realized an alarming number of children were getting liver cancer, which is normally an adult disease.  He uncovered a “dark secret” with this project that the kids who ate less animal protein and had a more plant-based diet avoided the disease.

Doing most of his research in China, why it’s called the China Study, he found that “people who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease … people who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease. These results could not be ignored,” said Dr. Campbell.

Not only that, but he found that eating this way, a plant-based diet could reverse the affects of these deadly illnesses like cancer! The research is clear that cancer is influenced by our diets. One of the facts that shocked me the most was the protein that consistently and promoted cancer within the body is called Casein, which makes up 87% of cow’s milk protein.  The safe proteins that didn’t promote cancer even at high levels of intake were from plants, like wheat and soy.

To me this information is not the easiest to hear.  This is how I feed my family, with animal protein, and it makes you think more about the food you are putting in your body everyday.  I am going to continue my research and I suggest you do the same.  The links I used are listed below but there are many more out there.

http://www.thechinastudy.com/

http://www.thechinastudy.com/authors.html

Until next time,
Ashley

Day Three. Waking up to the bluest skies I may have ever seen was so refreshing. The birds were chirping so melodically it was obvious that they were equally as happy. Even though this was our last day in Zion, we knew we had to enjoy the sunshine while we had it. We decided to take a hike up to Hidden Canyon. The description in the brochure said that it was more of an advanced hike and had similar characteristics to Angels Landing (a trail in which you are advised to NOT hike if you have a fear of heights). Well, I know it’s safe to say that I have a definite fear of heights, and this hike solidified that. As we ascended up the trail, our surroundings looked as though they were the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. It was absolutely beautiful, of course until we got to the part of the trail where we were required to use chains to climb along the cliff.

I was terrified. The trail was very sandy, which didn’t help matters. We made it past the ‘scary’ parts though, and the trail narrowed in. The orange sandstone walls towered over our heads. It was by far the prettiest trail I have ever hiked.

We even came across this cool arch along the way. We rode our bikes one last time through the canyon once we reached the bottom again. I fell in love with Zion National Park and didn’t want to leave.

We are headed to SLC, Utah now. Climbing for Cancer is tomorrow and I can’t wait to meet the awesome participants and volunteers there!

-Lucy

FDX 2012 has kicked off in Costa Rica. After two long days of travel, 13 FDXers began a new weeklong adventure at Shaka Surf Camp.  Surrounded by the jungle, living in Cabinas, we’ve been exposed to a plethora of wildlife – midnight crab invasions, 4 am Howler Monkey wake-up calls, scorpions in the kitchen and bedroom and wild pigs being buried in the sand by humans.

The three of us (Nomad, Smurfette/Surfette, and Bruiser) want to share our FD version of “Pura Vida”.

Nomad: With the rolling waves in the background, machete in hand, thirty coconuts on the ground (that were in the tree not ten minutes earlier), I cut into my first fresh coco…turned it upside down over my mouth and drank the pure coconut water.  Then we (with help from Carlos) lugged over 25 back to camp to share.  And yeah the thing I most look forward to tomorrow is getting back up on the surf board…it is such a rush; and even more powerful to watch all my friends hit the waves too.

Smurfette: We spent the first night watching the waves crash as the sun set over the horizon. The Pacific is simply incredible! I laughed to myself as I watched the waves and envisioned myself in a scene from Blue Crush (please tell me you all have seen that!) Unfortunately, the next morning, I came to the harsh realization that it wasn’t as easy as the movie made it look.  I choked on gallons of salt water, face planted into the white water and got tangled in my shorts, but I stood up!  As with all FD camps, we’ve laughed, had candid conversations, encouraged each other and have embraced our new family. It doesn’t get any better than doing it all in Costa Rica!  Hasta luego amigos!

Bruiser: Just like Smurfette, when I watched the waves on our first day of surfing, I also envisioned myself in the scene of a movie.  Da-dum, da-dum, da-dum. You guessed it…Jaws! I have been afraid of the ocean all of my life so I really wasn’t sure how I was going to handle this surfing thing.  Lucky for me, my competitive nature combined with my strong desire to keep as much of my body out of the water as possible, helped me to stand on the board on day 1.  I was hooked! After day 2, several of us took a crazy cab ride into town to an outdoor, oceanfront yoga session. It was super hot, occasionally buggy, and was by far the most spectacular yoga I’ve ever done with its amazing surfside location and it’s ending timed perfectly with sunset.

Like every week at FD we wish it wouldn’t end. Until then though, we’ll catch some more waves, laugh at our dysfunction and enjoy the Pura Vida of Costa Rica!

We must go now while we remove a gecko from our bedroom (seriously!).

Adios,
Nomad, Smurfette & Bruiser
(And Smoxy, Care Bear, Ginger, Bling, Sunshine, Gadget, Knuckles, Boa, El Tigre, y Darylito)

DAY FOUR I have camped next to moving water every night this trip and last night was no exception. There really isn’t a better way to start the day than at the base of an awesome waterfall.

Today was a little more simple than these previous had been trying to navigate the twisting bridges of Portland in an adventure tank. All I had to do today was go boating! Squirrel and Skittles met up with me at the best coffee shop in Hood River, and from there we departed to the Klickitat River. After remembering how to adjust all of the gear, it was time to put on. Whether it be a class V torrent or a class II-III practice for beginners, I love the energy of a group anytime we are just starting out. There is a combination of nerves, smiles, and camaraderie knowing that everyone depends of each other to make it down safely.

I had never run this stretch of river, so I let the ladies be the guide this time. I must honestly say I was very impressed with their river-running skills. They styled everything. In fact the only thing we didn’t style today was remembering the keys to the car at the take out. Squirrel elected to show a little wet suit leg and catch a ride up the canyon with a nice old man. Skittles wanted a little more action, so the two of us continued down to the infamous Ishy Fishy Rapid. This was a solid class III rapid at the current water levels that pushed me around a bit. At the bottom, I turned around, half expecting/ preparing for a rescue, only to find Skittles floating right next to me as if she was taking a walk in the park. Shows what I know.

What a great day on the river with two new friends. It was awesome to see the enthusiasm these two had for FD and for life! I am getting more and more pumped for my Bryson City Camp coming up in a few short weeks!

Adventure time. Wooooo. The FD mobile is finally ready to make its maiden voyage and for some reason I am the first one to take it out. I am sure there is a pool at the office as to how long it will take before I live up to my nickname and crash this beautiful machine, but they don’t know me…well maybe they do.

I am in good spirits though. One minute into the trip I spotted a good luck moose in the middle of one of the largest snow storms of the season. The picture may not be clear, but she was a bit bigger in person and didn’t seem to want anything to do with me.

A few hours into the trip, I stopped in Grand Junction to make sure the alignment on FDmobile was true and really got my adventure off to an extreme start by exploring the Mall of west GJ. It is in these times beneath the offwhite plaster sealing of Cabela’s next to the Under Armor hunting clothes and taxidermy herd of stuffed lions that I really feel like I am connecting with nature. Plus I got an Orange Julius!

From GJ, I drove, and drove, and drove. This part of the trip was pretty much a blur. Between the Redbull, singing Bohemian Rhapsody, and dancing in front of certain street signs, I can’t really remember much. All of a sudden I was in Boise. Time to go boating.

-Paul aka Crash

Today is a momentous day at FD as it marks FDmobile’s maiden voyage! For the past 2 years we at FD have been dreaming of a way to live our culture, not just talk about it. We understand the importance of having an efficient and cohesive family working in the office to make FD hum but we also recognize the need to find a balance, one that consists of important things like watching the sunset in the desert after day on your bike or seeing it rise from the summit of a peak you’ve been ascending since midnight. It’s the need to feel the adrenaline that comes with every horizon line and the presence of solving a complex bouldering problem. I don’t believe there is any reason we can’t experience these moments and still be productive. Thus, FDmobile was born!

I have to be clear, it’s not all “fun and games” when we’re on the road in this badass rig, it’s also an opportunity to introduce FD (in a very BIG way) to medical centers on the way to and from every adventure and meet the heroes on the front lines of cancer and the survivors and fighters they serve and tell them about our programs. It’s a chance to drive an FD billboard all over the country in a way that people can’t ignore. It’s a way to support TEAM FD athletes in person, reconnect with FD alumni and recruit new participants.

In short, we’ve created the ultimate mobile office and today marks the first day that our dream from 2 years ago becomes a reality! Sitting in the captain’s chair and driving down the interstate, it’s still hard to believe.

Just to give you an idea of how rad this thing is, it’s a converted Ford 16 passenger van that has been custom made to live out of, drive off road and carry all of the necessary toys in the process. The vehicle is lifted with extreme air so you can adjust the PSI in your tires for any conditions and clear any obstacles. It has a bed for two, sink, shower, toilet and storage for all of your things as well as stoves, cookware, an insane sound system, navigation, backup camera (need that one!), kayaks, surf boards, camping gear, refrigerator and cooler, yoga mats, boulder pads, SUP boards and every other bell and whistle you could imagine.

Right now, I’m putting the first miles on FDmobile as I head from FDhq to the annual FDgala at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch where it will make it’s debut. From there I’ll head to Moab, UT for our comprehensive 4 day director training after which I’ll be hanging out with 2 of my closest friends and FD’s GED’s, Corey “Daryl” Nielsen and Willie “Sweet D” Kern. We’ll stretch our legs on the amazing bike trails in the area and spend the evening talking all things FD.

I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the FDmobile adventures! Standby for updates from the road

After a great two hour drive from Denver to Vail filled with fist pumps, honking and thumbs up, I made it to the Kind Cyclist in Edwards, Colorado where I ran into one of my oldest and best friends who is also a board member and employee of FD, Corey “Daryl” Nielsen. He didn’t know it at the time but I he was there to help me finish the job of getting the rack system just right. Thanks to the Kind, we were able to get a KILLER rack set up for next to nothing. The only challenge was putting it on top of the tall van.

I had some shady looks this morning as I pulled up to what many would consider the nicest ski lodge in the world, The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch where we will be hosting our 6th annual First Descents’ Gala this evening. The plan is to have FDmobile on display in the courtyard of the RCBG. Luckily, this thing is so rad, the awesome fellas at valet were less concerned about where to put it and more concerned with what was on the inside.

As the evening kicked off, the staff (who are “required” to take it on at least one adventure a year) took a proud photo in front of their new mobile office. It was a proud feeling to be surrounded by such incredible, passionate, dedicated and rad people with a back-drop that was a dream less than a month ago.
-Brad Ludden