Last March, Stephen Kent gave a great teaching followed by an absolutely stunning concert. If you or a friend have ever wanted to play the didgeridoo, now is the time.  There is a beginners workshop (make your own didgeridoo), and intermediate player workshop and then the concert. Admission at the door for friends and family will be $10.00 each.

 Didgeridoo playing improves breathing, helps with sleep apnea and snoring, and is just about the most fun you can have.  No musical talent required!

Stephen Kent is just back from two very successful European tours. He is a leading light in the didgeridoo world, so give yourself the gift of this experience.

If you would like more information, call 831-622-1994 or e-mail DrTaylor@womanswellspring.com

In times of great change we have our community, our friends, family and our animal companions to see us through. And a little humor never hurts.

I will be teaching the Depth of the 24 Forms at the workshop and will be attending the scientific conference as well. I am offering a 90 minute review of the workshop and conference along with an educational lecture on Tai Chi, demonstration and introductory training  July 9th, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Chautauqua Hall, Pacific Grove, California.  There will be a nominal $5.00 fee to cover the cost of the venue.

This will be a great opportunity to catch up on the news in Tai Chi and take a fun and educational training. Wear loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Prior experience is not required! You do not need to register, but if you want more information you can call at 831-622-1994. I look forward to seeing you all.

“A WiLD gift is a testament to the character of the woman to whom you are presenting the gift. She is strong, independent and fearless.”

You can click on this link or go to www.heifer.org and navigate to the WiLD page for more information.

http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.2574643/

I have been a member of these organizations over that last twenty years and they are the most credible and intelligent sources of information available.  I know many of you are considering stocking up on SSKI (supersaturated iodine). This is now in short supply and only prevents thyroid cancer induced by radioactive iodine. It does not prevent other radiation induced cancers. There is a good summary on the Center for Disease Control website on SSKI  www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp.

We will just have to wait and see what will progress over the next few days and weeks. We all hold the people of Japan in our hearts and prayers.

I have recently found another instrument that is as much fun as drumming. The didgeridoo is an Australian wind instrument. On first glance, it appears to be intimidating to play, but actually is relatively easy. It does not require extensive musical training. It is also a great breathing exercise. I bet you were wondering how I would get the medical angle into this post!

I plan to offer a beginners didgeridoo workshop for men and women in 2011. I would appreciate any expressions of interest by return e-mail. You can use the DrTaylor email link on this website.

If you would like to explore the didgeridoo, one of my favorite websites is LAOutback. I have placed a link on the “Community Links” page. Have a great time exploring the didge and let me know if you would like to join us for a workshop.

Forty years ago, concern over chemical exposures was voiced by a small minority. This changed this year when two very important scientific bodies clearly stated this is not only an issue but an issue of the highest importance. The first was The President’s Cancer Panel Report released April 2010 titled “Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk-what we can do now”. The cover letter to President Obama states clearly that the evidence continues to accumulate linking environmental and occupational exposures and that the public is “increasingly aware of the unacceptable burden of cancer resulting from environmental and occupational exposures that could have been prevented through appropriate national action.”

The second important report is the Scientific Statement of the Endocrine Society titled Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, published in Endocrine Reviews, June 2009 and released as a free pdf on the internet. This is a highly technical report but summarizes the ample evidence that endocrine disruptors are implicated in breast and prostate cancer, thyroid function, diabetes and obesity.

Why are these scientific bodies concerned about these apparently exotic chemicals? It is because they are so prevalent and occasionally so persistent. We all know that DDT was banned decades ago, but are still detected in most Americans. Of greater concern, is the clear evidence that newborns and infants have the highest levels.

We do not have a treatment to remove these toxins once they are present. We need to engage the Precautionary Principle and to limit exposure. During the lecture, I will discuss sources of exposure and how to reasonably reduce your risk. We are all looking at big changes in our lives. This is one that we can manage to improve the quality of our lives and our family’s lives.

For now, limit your exposure to plastics, canned foods with BPA plastic liners, pesticides, herbicides, and some cosmetics. Never microwave your food in a plastic container. Look for glass storage whenever possible.

The Green Guide by National Geographic is excellent and they have just published a guidebook. The cosmetic issue is explored by Women and the Environment at http://www.womenandenvironment.org/

The Center for Disease Control tracks exposure and this report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
The full 200+ page President’s Cancer Report is available for free at: http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/ADVISORY/pcp/pcp08-09rpt/PCP_Report_08-09_508.pdf