Poor Tess. Every time Teri goes away and Tess answers the phones, members always want to know where Teri is and when she'll be back. Teri leaves big shoes to fill when it comes to serving members, and no one in this crowd is afraid to ask for what they want.

Well, Teri is back in the saddle, and for those of you who had any Teri withdrawals the last couple weeks, this newsletter is for you. To get you started, here are a few shots from Teri & Harley's Georgia cabin:

If you're looking for a great spot for a little vacation, the cabin is available for rent throughout the year. Go ahead, check it out!

Teri Gives Members "Food4Thought" on Dieting

This kat just found out Teri's been sending out a little newsletter of her own on the side.

The title is "Food4Thought" and the subscribers are her Ideal Protein dieters, but she'd like to expand her readership to anyone looking for reminders on the importance of good choices.

Teri sends the note once a week, as research shows that a gentle reminder really does keep people focused.

If have yet to hear about the Ideal Protein Diet, have a listen to this webinar with Pharmacist and Biochemist, Mike Ciell, on the Ideal Protein Diet science.

Anyway, whether you're following the Ideal Protein program or not, we thought you might like the chance to subscribe to Teri's tips for shedding a few (or more) pounds before the holidays.

Here are a few excerpts to give you a flavor:

Try at least one new food a week. We bet if you read through our Phase 1 options you’ll find plenty of foods you’ve never tried. Consider Kohlrabi. Resembling ET, Kohlrabi is a cross between a turnip, broccoli and cabbage—only sweeter! Enjoy it raw or cooked. Either way, it’s low in calories, high in dietary fiber, and packed with potassium, vitamin A, and calcium.

· "Jackie Gleason once quipped, 'The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. By the second day, you’re off it.' We all know staying on a diet isn’t easy. But if you do give into an urge and fall off the diet wagon, please forgive yourself! No one is perfect. Like Scarlet O’Hara once said, 'Tomorrow’s another day.' Let’s talk cravings."

· "A calorie is a calorie is a calorie. True or False? We think the answer is False and Dr. Louis Aronne, longtime director of the Comprehensive Weight Loss Program at Cornell Medical Center in New York City, agrees. In a recent study, Dr. Aronne showed that those who ate a protein-rich breakfast (or consumed a protein shake) consumed fewer calories at lunch and were less hungry during the next 36 hours. According to Dr. Aronne, refined carbohydrates and foods with high sugar and fat content raise blood-sugar levels and actually make you feel hungrier! We couldn’t agree more! That’s just one reason that the Ideal Protein diet works."

Subscribe to Food4Thought Now!

If you'd like to sign up for Teri's words of wisdom, you can subscribe here. Just don't go abandoning your favorite kat or there might just be some mysterious price increases. ^..^

Teri's BRCA Test Story + New Breast Cancer Detection Technology

If you have yet to hear of the BRCA test, here's a tidy definition from the folks at the Linus Pauling Institute:

"The BRCA gene test is a simple blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify changes (mutations) in either one of two breast cancer susceptibility genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. Mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. "

Why would you want to know such a thing, you ask? If you and your doctor are aware of an increased risk, you can make a preventative plan toward optimal health. Preventative steps can include more frequent screening, better dietary habits, and fewer risky habits.

This kat also heard a rumor that better screening technology (read no more painful mammograms) is in clinical trials. A new technology using sonar has been developed to detect high-risk breast tissue -- no pinching or radiation involved. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the developments.

Teri's Story with the BRCA Test - Tears of Relief

Teri didn't want a BRCA test. A couple years ago, Teri's doctor, Dr. Bone, made Teri promise to get a BRCA test during her next annual visit.

Dr. Bone knew Teri had already fought melanoma and cervical cancer, and thought Teri should know what cards were dealt to her genetically.

Teri shared:

"Did I really want to know?! No! I had already been in the mentality of 'three strikes you're out' and was sure breast cancer would be my third strike. My mother had a radical mastectomy at the young age of 34 and my aunt had the same procedure soon after. I continued to put off the test, but inside I would angst about it. I didn't even know how much angst."

Dr. Bone talked Teri into doing the test, but the waiting was rough. Teri went on to share:

"They take your blood but you have to wait weeks for the test results. When they finally called to say I don't have the gene, I burst into tears. I had been unconsciously worrying for decades. I ran into Stephen's office and he asked, 'What's wrong? What's wrong?' I sobbed that I didn't have the gene. Puzzled, he asked, 'Isn't that good news?!' It was, but I just wanted a hug.

The good news I found out, is that even if the test does turn out positive, it's not a death sentence. It's an opportunity to put your health as a priority."

It's true. Dr. Rodier has shared many times that just because you have a gene, doesn't mean it has to be "turned on." By caring for your health, diet, and overall wellness, you improve your odds or any health challenge -- genetic or otherwise.

Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op, Incorporated

In this Issue:

Greetings [[firstname]],

Teri's BRCA Test Story + New Breast Cancer Detection Technology

Member Spotlight