Living Naturally

These days, everyone is making a greater effort to conserve the planet's resources. Words like carbon footprint, sustainability, and Green have become common place. We are all taking a closer look at how our day-to-day activities impact the resources we leave for future generations. Watkins has been a pioneer in living naturally and we want to share with you what Living Naturally means to Watkins and more importantly what it means to you and your customers.

So what is Living Naturally to Watkins?
A way of life. Watkins is striving to be the most trusted natural products company and Living Naturally speaks to all of our product categories. From sourcing raw materials, to manufacturing, and delivery, Watkins is working toward sustainability in every aspect of our business!

What Living Naturally means to our Associates and Customers?
Living Naturally means each of our customers can expect consistent products and service at an affordable price, all with the sustainability of our planets resources in mind.

With internal expertise, we can assure you that Watkins natural products have been developed, manufactured and delivered with dedication to environmental sustainability. We have taken the burden off your shoulders so that you can make an anxiety free purchase since Watkins natural products are made in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Watkins has been a pioneer in natural living, utilizing the finest natural ingredients since 1868. We continue our commitment to you and the environment by implementing processes that reduce waste and conserve energy.

Watkins promise is to continue our Living Naturally philosophy for generations to come.

Living Naturally~Glossary of Terms

Natural — products that have gone undergone minimal processing and contains no preservatives or artificial additives

Natural Criteria at Watkins:

• Must be derived from natural sources
• Plants, minerals and animals are considered natural sources
• Sources must be processed with natural methods to preserve the source
• Artificial and synthetic sources are not considered natural
• Acceptable methods to process natural sources are cleaning, dehydrating, filtering, cold pressing, grinding and natural water/alcohol extraction

Organic — products that that do not contain chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides, etc.

Organic Criteria at Watkins:

• Governed by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and NOP (National Organic Program)
• Must be certified throughout the entire process (from grower to consumer)
• Products labeled "100% Organic" must contain only organically produced ingredients
• Products labeled "Organic" must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients
• Products labeled "Made With Organic Ingredients" must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients

Green — a shorthand phrase referring to sustaining Earth's resources. It is a vague term that can be used in many different contexts. Ecological footprint — the amount of water and food needed to meet your daily needs throughout your lifetime. Carbon footprint — the amount of energy you consume to conduct your life. Imagine how much electricity, natural gas, and gasoline you use to run your home, power your car and even get that morning bowl of cereal to your table. It all adds up and just a few small steps can help to reduce it.

Ways to reduce your carbon footprint:

• Turn off televisions, stereos, home theater systems, and other electronics when not in use. Try this: plug your televisions and other home theater electronics in a power strip with an on/off switch. When you turn your television and other electronics off for the night, flip the switch on the power strip and totally eliminate wasted power.
• Save over 50% on your homes lighting cost when you replace a standard incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb. They last longer too!
• Always wash clothes in cold water. Not only does this preserve the color longer, it saves you money and conserves energy.
• Use your consumer power! Support companies that are making an effort to improve communities and the environment through Greener manufacturing practices, charitable support, and product offerings that are safe for your family and the environment. Watkins offers a full line of natural, eco-friendly spices and extracts, personal care and home care.

Quick, Natural Cleaning Tips

Behind every mess lies a beautiful clean surface, get there naturally with these tips.

Nooks and Crannies:

Get to grime lodged in hard to reach areas with a cotton swab dipped in your favorite scent of J.R. Watkins All Purpose Cleaner.

Refrigerators:

Shelves caked with last weeks leftovers can be quite a challenge to clean. Keep a pack of J.R. Watkins All Purpose Wipes in the fridge (yes, the fridge) to clean-up sticky spills when they happen. Trust us, you will never have to spend another Saturday scrubbing the fridge again.

Laundry Rooms:

Watkins has a natural solution for your laundry too — J.R. Watkins Lemon Liquid Laundry Concentrate. Not only will your high-efficiency washer thank you, the environment will too. With half the plastic of a standard 100 oz. bottle our detergent means less waste, and the formula contains a natural, soy-based fabric softener — softer clothes for your family!

Good and Green ~ Fall Cleaning!

What is Green?
Green living is a way of life that considers the consequences of ones actions on the environment. It is a way of conducting life in an effort to preserve environmental quality.

We typically think of spring cleaning when we think of cleaning up our homes, but what about fall cleaning. Fall is the perfect time to freshen up your home before you seal it up for the impending winter. Sweep those dust bunnies out from under the bed, give windows a good shine and breathe easier with these fall cleaning tips.

Windows
A thorough window cleaning will remove a huge amount of dirt and grime. It's also a good time to check the weather stripping and seals of your windows to make sure no repairs are needed.

Watkins Window Cleaners are coconut-based, so they won't break down the bonds of plastic window films. Watkins easy to use spray and wipe formula gently lifts away grime, dust and fingerprints from windows, mirrors, glass table tops, and other hard surfaces around your home.

Exterior Doors
Using your favorite scent of Watkins All Purpose Cleaner, wipe down the outside of your exterior doors seasonally to remove months worth of dirt. This periodic cleaning will keep your entrances looking fresh and clean, and prevent permanent staining on your doors.

Watkins All Purpose Cleaners are ideal for cleaning up messes in and out doors. You'll find hundreds of uses for these streak-free, earth-friendly cleaners!

Clutter Control
A seasonal closet overhaul is a great way to keep closet areas from overflowing with junk. Go through all of your closets and pantry to remove clutter and organize. Be sure seasonal clothing is being stored properly. Once your closet is well organized, eliminate any odors that might be lingering with Watkins Natural Room Fresheners. Our premium formulas eliminate orders and create a delightful long lasting atmosphere.

My Customer ONLY uses Watkins Cough Syrup!

I received a phone call from a new customer last week, inquiring about if I had any Cough Syrup in stock. I told her I was getting a shipment in an a couple of days and I have extras in it. She asked me how many extras. I told her "I have 5". She said you "had 5" and then said I want all of them! I only use Watkins Cough Syrup, it's the best! I use it along with the medicated ointment. The two of these products is the best thing to help with all my families colds during cold season.

I love the NEW Lip Balm Tints!

Oh I am so in love with this products. I have been using the Tinkled Pink for the last week. It leaves my lips so soft and moist. The colour is so nice and soft looking! Here is another product for my Watkins favorites!

Way to go Watkins!

What's In? 100% Natural Lip Care!

Protect your lips with renewable resources from Mother Earth! Watkins natural lip care offers unsurpassed protection and because it is formulated with natural beeswax, not petrolatum (a petroleum by-product) like those other lip balms, you can rest assured earth's environment is protected too! Our light weight, natural formula contains vitamin E and natural shea butter to provide a protective barrier against dry, chapped lips.

With our natural Lip Tints you get all the benefits of our 100% natural beeswax lip balms, with a hint of color!
They go on smooth and are perfect for your morning makeup routine or on the go.

* Choose from four attractive shades: Berry Charming, Simply Mauve-lous, Strike-a-Rose, and Tickled Pink.
* Naturally flavored with pure peppermint oil.

(.0.9 oz/2.55 g)

Coming in 2009 — Natural Remedies!

Take a sneak peek at what our Product Development Team has been hard at work developing! Keep an eye out for reformulated natural remedies sometime in 2009, as a few of our tried and true remedies get a natural face lift. Watkins Liniment will be one of the first to enjoy this natural transition with a natural formula that excludes F,D,& C red #40. This natural product sports a ruddier color, the natural color of the formula! Be one of the first to see the proposed product packaging for this line.

The first thing off the Medicine Shelf ...

The following article was featured in our 1935 Watkins Almanac and Home Book. Times have changed, but one thing is still the same!

The first thing off the Medicine Shelf - Watkins Liniment

The handiest bottle in the whole medicine cabinet is the one containing Watkins Liniment, it is one of the oldest; the most widely sold and most favorably known liniments in the world. It was the foundation of the Watkins business back in 1868, and the satisfaction that it has given for 67 years and the steady demand for it in millions of homes are its best recommendations. Any medicine is judged by its results, and Watkins Liniment has been put to the test millions of times. It has made good. It is the friend-in-need, always ready to give aid, relief and comfort. Keep a bottle handy in your medicine cabinet. The assistance that this good, old-fashioned Liniment will give you in times of need is worth many times its moderate cost.

Be Label Savvy!

In the personal care segment many companies are applying "natural" to their product labels. Without a governing agency to set natural standards for personal care, any brand on the market can call itself natural, regardless of its ingredients. Definitely deceiving to consumers!

Without set standards it is easy to see why consumers are confused! With Watkins you can trust our entire line of 95% and above natural personal care products are natural. But just how do you decipher the truly natural products from impostors? Watkins Natural Personal Care Product Manager Andrea Buckner sat down with me to explain and offer a few helpful tips.

What makes a personal care product natural?

The ingredients in a product determines if a product is truly natural or not. At Watkins, we believe that in order to call a product natural, the product as a whole needs to be formulated using natural ingredients. In an ideal world, all of our products would be 100% natural, and that is something we are striving for; however, there are circumstances when a natural substitution is not available. We take into consideration the origin of ingredients, as well as the processes that it may under take to be a useable ingredient in personal care products. Just because a product contains one or two natural ingredients, doesn't mean it's truly a natural product.

What are the clues we should be looking for on the label that tell us the product is not truly natural?

Because the market is not regulated, being label savvy is really important when it comes to natural personal care products. If you see parabens (Methyl-, Propyl-, Ethyl-, Butyl-), petrochemicals (petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin), chemical sunscreens (Oxybenzone/Avobenzone),or phthalates, you can be sure the product is not natural. Also, be apprehensive when you see a personal care product that says all-natural, made with natural, contains natural. . . .etc. Check the ingredients!

What if a product contains a natural ingredient? Is it natural?

Definitely not! There are companies out there who do this exact thing. Their lotion contains natural lavender oil, so they call it a natural lavender lotion. This is very deceiving to the consumer, but because natural personal care is not regulated, companies get away with stuff like this. This is why we put our natural percentage bar on each product that we have. We are honest with the consumer.

But it says "natural" or "organic" on the label.

Correct, and legally the companies can call it what they want. Recently, however the Natural Products Association (NPA) has stepped forward with a set of guidelines that have defined what 'natural' means. At Watkins, we are in the process of having all of our natural personal care products certified by the NPA, which will allow us to put a seal on each product. This seal ensures the consumer that the products they are purchasing are truly natural. It also helps to separate those who are not natural companies. I encourage everyone to visit their website at www.naturalproductsassoc.org it contains a wealth of information on natural personal care.

What ingredients should we steer clear of?

As mentioned above, there are a handful of ingredients that natural products steer clear of. At Watkins, we have developed what we call our Freedom Code. We adhere to this code in the development and formulation of J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary.

* Parabens
* Chemical Sunscreens
* Petro Chemicals
* Glycols



* Phthalates
* DEA/TEA-synthetic stabilizers
* Formaldehyde Donors
* 1,4 Dioxanes



* Polymers
* Acrylates
* Carbomer
* PVP



* Chemical Preservatives
* Silicones
* Quats
* Talc

Bottom line, read your labels! As the old saying goes, you can't always trust a book by its' cover, or in this case, a natural personal care product by its' label.

Ease Discomfort with Watkins Settelz

I just wanted to share with everyone about how much I love this product. I use to use the other "pink stuff" but not any more. Since I have been using this for my upset stomach problems I realize how hard the "other stuff" was on my system. It would take me a day or two to recover from the side effects of it. With the Settelz it is so easy on my system. within 10-15 minutes I know that it is working with no side effects. Try it and you will see and feel so much better. I will never take anything else again!!!

Keep Your Eye Out For Watkins Collectiables

I have discovered that there are lots of interesting Watkins collectibles out there. I have a section on my other blog "SPICED TO THRILL" about different ones I have come across online. Click HERE to check them out! I will be adding more as often as I come across them!

Considering the Watkins Business? If so READ THIS!!!

Here are some F.A.Q’s about the Watkins Business

Q. What kind of products do you have?

A. Basically we have 4 different product lines, we have:

~A gourmet food line, which includes our famous spices, extracts, sauces, and more.

~A Home Care line including some of the most natural and safe cleaning products you ever saw

~A Nutritional line which includes great supplements as well as medicinal and other health products

~And a Personal Care line which includes shampoos, toothpaste, body lotions and much more

We have about 350 products in our catalog and there’s something in our catalog for everybody!

We have the kind of products that people use in their home everyday like nutrition, things for cooking, health, personal care and cleaning. They're great quality at reasonable prices that people use in their home anyway. Watkins has been in business since the 1800's and your great grandmother probably knows Watkins, We’re most famous for our vanilla, liniments, salves, and we have great supplements, all natural cleaning products.

Q. Do you have a minimum each month?

A. No, Watkins does not require any monthly minimums.

Q. Do I have to sell?

A. No, there are many different ways to build a successful Watkins business.

Q. Do I have to carry an inventory?

A. No, you do not have to carry an inventory to build a successful Watkins business.

Q. How much does it cost to start?

A. To start it only costs $39.95 but Watkins does offer enhancement assortments if you decide to upgrade later, but not required.

Q. Are there territories or limitations were I can sell or build my team?

A. No, you can sell or build your business across Canada and the US.

Q. What kind of training and support does Watkins offer?

A. Watkins offers fantastic train and support through their online website and emails. Also their support phone line is terrific; they are very friendly, efficient and reliable.

By joining my team you will also get the support and training of The Summit Group. This is a group of Watkins associates that are dedicated and supportive on helping you build your Watkins business. They offer wonderful business tools, promotions, incentives plus so much more.

If you would like more information about the Watkins Business Opportunity, please feel free to have a peek at my business e-book at http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=CG6499

If you have any questions or need more information feel free to contact me.

Ground-Breaking News!

In recent articles I've mentioned that cinnamon helps to balance blood sugar levels and kill bacteria. New research shows that ground cinnamon may also reduce the bad LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides in type 2 diabetics. Along with lowering blood sugar, that's a home run when it comes to scoring benefits for diabetics—and it's as easy as adding about a half teaspoon a day to foods such as oatmeal, fruit or toast. In studies, blood sugar levels started rising as soon as cinnamon was stopped, emphasizing the importance of daily consumption. Watkins world famous ground Cinnamon contains a higher amount of essential oils—the component that contributes to more flavor, aroma and health benefits—than others on the market, and Watkins Traditional Cider Brew, with cinnamon and other spices, adds a burst of flavor and aroma to hot cider, mulled wine, spiced tea or wassail.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

This Will Cause a Stir!

Looking for a way to warm someone's heart and soul this holiday season? A cup of hot cocoa will not only warm the soul, it's frothing with health benefits for the heart! Researchers at Cornell University found that cocoa contains an abundance of antioxidants that seek and destroy cancer-causing agents and help to eliminate compounds in the body that contribute to heart disease and other ailments. Watkins has a variety of cocoas to choose from, including limited edition Peppermint Stick, Cinnamon and White Chocolate Almond Cocoas—available only through the holidays—as well as French Vanilla Cocoa that taste as good as homemade but require only the addition of hot water.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

A Real Shot in the Arm!

The flu vaccine offers the best protection from the flu, and is highly recommended, especially for children, the elderly, and those with weak or compromised immune systems, but if you choose not to take a shot in the arm, there are some options. The flu mist or nasal vaccine may benefit some, but it is more costly than the shot and cannot be taken by everyone. There are also medications that may provide some relief if taken at the onset of symptoms. While these measures offer protection, none will treat or prevent all types of the flu virus, so it is still a good idea to take additional preventive measures. Watkins Rezist Plus with ImmunEnhancer contains ingredients that have been shown to boost the immune system and help to protect from these seasonal discomforts.* Taken daily, it may keep you from getting Saturday Night Fever, or a fever on any other night, for that matter.

*As with all dietary supplements, discuss with your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

This will shake you up!

If you're a salt watcher, here's some good news that you shouldn't just take with a grain of salt! A new study reported at a meeting of the American Heart Association found that people who consumed more calcium, magnesium and other minerals tended to have lower blood pressure than those who ate less of these minerals. In this study, when calcium, magnesium and other minerals were readily consumed, salt had much less impact on raising blood pressure than expected. When intake of these minerals was low, salt intake drove blood pressure up. It appears that high intake of certain minerals can help to counteract the effects of salt on blood pressure. Calcium, magnesium and other minerals are found in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and dairy products. Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi) contains these minerals and many more to help keep salt from "a-salting" you!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

The Winner, by a Nose!

You know how you feel when you take a deep breath of fresh, outdoor air. It makes your entire body feel energized, invigorated and revived. Breathing and having the right amount of oxygen in the body is essential for life, and labored breathing can lead to lack of energy and inability to function at your best. It's no wonder, then, that we feel fatigued and worn down when breathing passages are blocked due to sinus congestion or allergies. Watkins Menthol Camphor Soothing Remedies provide cool, soothing relief from that stuffed-up congested feeling, helping to clear your head and letting you breathe easier. Watkins Menthol Camphor products, including Menthol Camphor Ointment, Relief Mist, Bath Soak, and Menthol Drops, are like a breath of fresh air, and you'll feel a difference with every breath you take! Your nose knows the difference it can make, and so will you!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Here's Something to Remember

A study just released suggests that taking vitamins C & E together may help protect brain cells from Alzheimer's disease. This study of 4,740 people conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and published in the January issue of the Archives of Neurology found that those taking vitamins C & E were 78% less likely to have had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and those taking the vitamins were 64% less likely to have developed the disease four years later. Researchers believe that vitamins C & E, which act as antioxidants, help shield the brain from damaging molecules called free radicals by destroying the free radicals before they can damage brain cells. Watkins offers a variety of supplements that contain vitamins C, E and other protective antioxidants, including Super Multi, Vision and Female Formula. For an extra dose of all-natural vitamin E and several other antioxidants, try Watkins E+CoQ10.

Cold Hard Facts

Cold winter air and dry indoor heat often lead to dry, itchy, irritated skin. If dryness leads to cracking, splitting or bleeding, there is an increased chance of infection. To combat dry winter skin, switch to alcohol-free vegetable-based soaps. Perfumed and deodorant soaps contain alcohol, which further aggravates dry skin. Apply moisturizer such as body oil, lotion or cream immediately after bathing or showering, while your skin is still warm and moist. This helps to trap the water in the skin before it evaporates, lessening dryness and itching. For extremely dry skin areas, use Watkins Petro Carbo Salve to protect skin from cracking. Watkins has a variety of products to help keep skin and lips moist and smooth all winter, including Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion, Aloe Lip Balm, and alcohol-free, as well as our All-Natural Body Oils and Lemon Cream Shea Butter for extra moisturizing benefits.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Don't Blow This Off!

Did you know the average adult gets 2 to 4 colds per year and children get even more? That's over 160 to 320 colds in an 80 year life span! Attempts to develop a cold vaccine have not yet been successful because there are over 200 different strains of viruses, and immunity wears off over time. Antibiotics are useless against the common cold because they work against bacteria—not viruses. It's a cold hard fact that there is still no cure or vaccine for the common cold. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can be useful in guarding against these seasonal discomforts. Watkins Rezist Plus, taken daily, has helped hundreds of people simply "blow off" cold and sinus symptoms all year long. It contains a blend of natural ingredients, including ImmunEnhancer, shown to be twice as effective as echinacea in boosting the immune system. Our customers with recurring sinus problems and allergies won't leave home without it—and that's nothing to sneeze at!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

A Real Eye-Opener!

If you recall the 1972 hit "I Can See Clearly Now," chances are, you're at the age where you might not see as clearly as you used to. Throughout our lifetime, molecules in our bodies known as "free radicals" attack our cells, including those in our eyes, leading to vision loss or damage that can cause eye disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Studies have shown that lutein, found naturally in greens such as spinach and kale, can protect your vision, as well as your heart, and defend against many types of cancer. If you don't see yourself eating spinach or kale on a regular basis, try Watkins Eye Care Formula with lutein and other vision-protecting vitamins and minerals. Contact me to find out about Watkins customers who've "seen" the difference our Eye Care Formula can make in their lives. Now that's nothing to blink at!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Here's a heads up!

The benefits of green tea just keep pouring in. Besides protecting from heart disease and cancer, improving skin, fighting bad breath, and boosting metabolism, it appears that green tea may also improve the health and appearance of hair and scalp. Women of ancient Japan, recognized for shiny, healthy hair, were known to rinse their hair with green tea for its conditioning properties. Since green tea has been shown to reduce the signs of aging, it stands to reason that it may hold promise in maintaining the hair and scalp of your youth, and preliminary research has shown that green tea may, in fact, help to slow hair loss due to aging and environmental damage (but not genetics). Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Shampoo and Daily Conditioner offer the benefits of green tea, along with aloe and other natural botanicals to soothe and protect the hair and scalp, helping to maintain the hair of your youth—and that's nothing to brush off.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

This Will Get Under Your Skin

Good nutrition, or lack of it, can affect all parts of your body, including your outward appearance. Creams and conditioners moisturize and protect, but long-lasting beauty that is more than just skin-deep requires an "inside" job. To keep skin moist and reduce sagging, drink plenty of water. To plump up skin cells and reduce appearance of wrinkles, get plenty of zinc, copper and vitamin C, which are essential for collagen formation. Omega 3 and essential fatty acids help to keep skin and hair moisturized, and antioxidants from grapes and green tea protect from the aging process. If this seems like a lot to swallow, Watkins Skin, Hair and Nails supplement contains all of these ingredients, plus more, to keep your skin, hair and nails looking their best. For those of us who may be experiencing a wrinkle in time, Watkins Skin Hair & Nails may be just what we need to save face!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Here's a Lemon You'll Want to Keep

As the temperature and humidity drop, so does your skin's moisture level. Cold air and dry indoor heat can cause dry, itchy, irritated skin. Hands and other exposed areas often become cracked and even painful due to their exposure to outdoor cold and indoor heat. Now is the time to start protecting your skin from these harsh elements, and Watkins has whipped up something truly special—a Lemon Crème Shea Butter that smells as good as it feels. Shea butter, cocoa butter and five nourishing, skin-softening oils—apricot kernel, avocado, coconut, jojoba and macadamia nut—are whipped together for a smooth, "spreadable" body butter that is absorbed quickly, leaving no oily feel. It protects the skin from harsh elements while sealing in natural moisturizers, leaving skin incredibly soft and smooth. The rich, fresh lemon scent smells so good, there ought to be a lemon law against this!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

This Will Give You a Good Scare!

The jack-o-lantern on your doorstep may do more than just scare away a few ghosts. . .it may scare off cancer, too! Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene and other carotenoids that help your body fight cancer, including breast cancer, and help prevent cataracts. Beta carotene can also be converted to vitamin A—when the body needs it—which boosts the immune system and is essential for healthy skin and vision. Watkins All-Natural Pumpkin Butter will provide nearly 100% of your daily requirement for Vitamin A. Now, that should get you pumped!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Time to shake things up!

No doubt, you're aware of the many benefits of soy, such as lowering cholesterol, promoting bone health and easing certain menopausal symptoms-but the trick is to find one that actually tastes good. Watkins SoyNilla beverage mix, made with Watkins Original Vanilla, can be added to water, milk or your favorite beverage. It tastes great by itself, with fruit or juice, or with any of our flavored extracts. With over 20 different flavors, you'll never tire of the same old taste. You can even make a piña colada soy shake using our pineapple, coconut and rum extracts. Add a banana and you've got a real tropical treat! With fresh fruit in abundance, this is the perfect time for a strawberry or berry-flavored SoyNilla shake. In addition to all of the benefits of soy, Watkins SoyNilla contains additional calcium and magnesium for strong bones, and FiberAid, a type of dietary fiber that promotes intestinal health and supports healthy cholesterol levels.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

This One Makes the Grade

With school just around the corner, you'll want to make sure your kids are performing at their peak. While behavioral problems and illnesses abound in our classrooms, recent studies have shown some promise. Detention centers and prisons have experimented with nutritional supplementation, and have found a reduction in behavioral problems and sickness in those given nutritional supplements on a regular basis. Some Watkins customers have had similar results using Watkins dietary supplements. While we don't claim our vitamins are a cure for behavioral problems or illness, it's certainly worth a try--it just might be the most important test of your child's life. Of course, as with all nutritional supplements, check with your physician before taking any dietary supplement.

Use Your Bean

During these uncertain times, more of us are turning to an old favorite for comfort-the vanilla bean. The warm, luxurious aroma of vanilla is often used to ease tension and anxiety and seems to promote feelings of safety and security. Many hospitals use the scent of vanilla during medical procedures and have seen a 63% reduction in patient anxiety. Some hospitals diffuse the aroma of vanilla into waiting rooms to help patients feel calmer and more relaxed, facilitating the healing process. Students take note: Inhalation of vanilla has even been found to improve test scores, perhaps by reducing anxiety in test-takers. Watkins is recognized as the trusted name in vanilla, and is often associated with fond memories. Watkins has taken their world famous Vanilla beyond the kitchen with a complete line of Vanilla personal care products and home fragrances.

Grape News for Your Skin!

The newest anti-aging beauty treatment doesn't require surgery, acid peels or injections. A few dabs of grapeseed oil onto your skin and around the eye area can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin's appearance, and make it feel as smooth as silk. In the days of Cleopatra, women applied the leftovers from winemaking directly onto their skin, and those who stomped grapes at Italian wineries noted the smoothness of their skin. It wasn't until recently, however, that the anti-aging and skin beautifying properties were attributed to the oil inside the grapeseeds. You'll find traces of grapeseed oil in some high-end cosmetics, but you'll get the greatest benefits by applying grapeseed oil directly onto the skin. Extremely light and absorbent, Watkins All-Natural Body Oils contain pure, all-natural grapeseed oil in a unique blend of natural plant oils and vitamin E for smooth, vibrant, younger-looking skin.

Here's the Skin-ny on Tea

Benefits of drinking green tea, such as reducing allergy symptoms and boosting metabolism. Even if you're not a tea drinker, you can still get the anti-aging benefits of green tea. Recent studies show that applying green tea directly onto the skin may help to reduce the effects of aging due to sun damage. In addition, skin treated with extracts of green tea showed less UV damage, less sunburn and greater protection from skin cancer, compared to skin not treated with green tea. Watkins offers a complete line of green tea products for your skin, including Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion, Body Wash, Body Bar, aluminum-free Deodorant and Liquid Hand Soap. For optimal sun protection, try Watkins Aloe Vera Sun Block SPF-30 and Aloe Botanical Lip Balm SPF-23. If you happen to get too much sun, Watkins Aloe Vera Burn Cream provides soothing relief.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Thanks, I Kneeded That

Can you predict cold, rainy weather more accurately than your local meteorologist simply by the level of joint pain you experience? If so, your forecast just got brighter. A study just published in the British Medical Journal found that nearly 90% of patients taking glucosamine supplements for 12 weeks found significant relief from chronic knee pain. Doctors believe that breakdown of cartilage is a major cause of knee pain. Glucosamine, a substance found naturally in the body, appears to stimulate the production of cartilage, which scientists believe may be responsible for the reduction in joint pain and stiffness. Watkins Linimax™, a source of glucosamine,* is available, along with time-tested Liniments and Salves, which provide temporary relief from arthritic aches and pains.

*As with all dietary supplements, ask your healthcare provider if glucosamine is right for you. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Bone Up and Burn Fat!

Did you know that calcium, the mineral that gives you strong bones and healthy teeth, can also help you lose weight! In recent studies, those who consumed 1,200 mg of calcium per day weighed an average of 22 lbs less than those who did not consume calcium regularly. The more calcium that was consumed, the lower the weight and body fat. A high intake of calcium seems to stimulate the body to burn fat, while a low intake encourages the body to store fat. While calcium supplements are effective, the greatest results have come from calcium obtained from dairy products. Watkins SoyNilla beverage mix, which can be added to water, juice or milk, containes 300 mg of calcium per serving. Just two servings of SoyNilla added to milk will provide 1,200 mg of calcium in a smooth, delicious drink, and Osteogen, a calcium-based supplement for healthy bones, provides another 600 mg. "Bone appetit!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Here's the inside story…

Do you have sinus problems, headaches, or fatigue that just won't go away? If so, you may be homesick…that is, your home may be making you sick! Indoor air pollution is 2 to 1,000 times greater than outdoor air pollution, especially after exposure to household chemicals. Respiratory illness, liver problems and even cancer can show up years after chemical exposure. Indoor air pollution comes from many sources, including chemicals used to treat building materials, paint, furnishings and carpet, as well as household cleaning products. Mixing of fumes can create an even greater threat. The EPA recommends using less toxic household cleaners to reduce exposure to chemicals in your home and your environment. Watkins Organic Cleaner can replace dozens of cleaning products. This amazing biodegradable, phosphate-free formula is safe for your environment, yet effective for almost every household chore, from cleaning dishes, tile, floors and fine washables, to cars and boats!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Beating Allergies with Rezist Plus

With allergy season in full swing, it's nice to know that Watkins provides a natural solution to seasonal discomforts. Here's Debra Killam from Lewis Mountain, New Brunswick, Canada, who found welcome relief from her allergy symptoms:

"I have been plagued with allergies all year round for most of my adult life. I have had to use allergy pills every day for the past 10 years and had tried to get off of medication, but with no success—that is, until I started taking Watkins Rezist Plus. I began to reduce my dosage of medication while taking Rezist Plus, and now I am completely off of medication and feeling a lot better while continuing to take Rezist Plus.

"I take Rezist Plus everyday. When I have a reaction to something in the air or environment, I take another dose of Rezist Plus, and within 30 minutes the reaction has subsided. It's wonderful to see other's expressions when they see the difference.

"Thank you, Watkins, for making my allergies more manageable with Rezist Plus."