Little did I realize that converting my home to “green products” would be such a life changing experience for my family and I.

Going back to when I was a small child, I have always suffered with Asthma. I remember my mother would make frequent trips to the doctor and the hospital, if not monthly, at least every other month. History repeated itself when my second child, my son, was born eleven weeks early because I developed preeclampsia. The doctor warned me that he could develop asthma - which he did.

We struggled a lot with his attacks in New York, so we decided to move to Florida, away from the cold weather to see if this would bring some relief. Fortunately, it did for a few years; but then things suddenly got worse. Suddenly, we found ourselves at the doctor’s office almost every month, and, worse, yet, no one seemed able to figure out why the sudden change occurred. The attacks were unpredictable - one evening at church, his breathing got so bad we had to call an ambulance and were taken to the hospital. At this point the doctors prescribed steroid medication, which we really fought against, but had to consider to get the problem under control.

This is when my husband and I started to think that there must be something else we could’ve been doing besides the solutions we already tried: hypoallergenic pillow cases; vacuuming and dusting frequently; eliminating dairy products; not using colognes or perfumes; and so much more.

I told a family friend about what we were going through and he asked us if we have ever considered switching to green products in our house. Honestly, the thought never occurred to me.  He came over and showed us the company that supplied them, and this was, as Oprah would say, “my ah-ha moment!”  The light bulb went on and my eyes were opened.

Did you know that the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outside?  Not only does it contribute to respiratory illness, but it can also be a hidden danger to our families.

Think about it - for the sake of being energy efficient we seal our doors and windows during the winter months to keep the warm air in, and during the summer to keep the cool air in. How often do we open the windows to air out our homes?  Year in and year out we use the same cleaners with the skull and bone warning, not realizing the effects of the chemicals used to create them.

Since the 1950’s we have started using more and more chemicals in our everyday consumable items. But, when it comes to our food and consumable items, sticking to the basics is better.  In this case, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should in my opinion.

I’m happy to report, as a result of converting our home to green products, my son and I have not had an Asthma attack for the past three years. What a relief! I was so impressed that I am now working with the company, helping other families to convert their homes to better, safer, healthier products while actually saving them money.

You don’t have to be an extremist, but be aware of what is going on and share it with family and friends. Our children are our future and we should do what we can to make it a safer one for them and their children, and their children’s children. It’s not too late, this is Earth awareness month, so let’s start today.

Sandra Williams owns a green health and wellness company at www.Enhance-Your-Life.com.

Article by Sandra Williams

As the driver of a plug-in hybrid electric Toyota Prius, or “PHEV,” I’ve grown quite immune to the sideway glances or blatant ogling from other commuters as I make my way from Merritt Island to downtown Orlando each day on the freeway.

The staring is amplified by the company-issued promotional messaging on both sides of the vehicle, which declares my vehicle’s capability of achieving “Up to 99 miles per gallon.” There is no way I’m flying under the radar. But that’s the point, really. As a manager for all things green and sustainable for OUC, a local electric utility, it’s my job to make our customers aware of new technologies like electric vehicles. And, yes, it really does achieve 99 miles per gallon with city driving. On the highway, I usually average between 60 and 70 miles per gallon. This means only one trip to the gas station for me per week, even with a 102 mile daily roundtrip commute.

My vehicle is what they call an “after-market conversion,” meaning it didn’t come from the factory with plug-in capability, but there are several new factory-made electric vehicle models being released over the next year. Some run entirely on electricity and some allow you to switch between gasoline and electricity.

Choosing an electric car, or EV, is like shopping for anything else: you need to do your homework and choose according to your lifestyle and habits. If you have a short commute and access to another vehicle for longer trips, an all-electric vehicle like the Nissan LEAF might be the car for you. The LEAF gets around 100 miles per full charge and has no gasoline engine. On average, it will cost you less than $3 to charge it up, which is about one-third the cost of a standard internal combustion vehicle. Another perk of the LEAF is its ridiculously soundless operation; it’s about as tranquil as you can get while traveling at 70 miles per hour. And then there’s the lack of a tailpipe. With zero emissions, you don’t need one. How’s that for reducing your carbon footprint?

For those of you that need a little more versatility or have a longer commute, a Chevy Volt might be a better fit. The Volt runs on electricity for an initial range of 35 miles, before the gas generator kicks in, adding 340 additional miles to your commuting capability on a full tank of gas. No need to worry about access to an electrical outlet, but the vehicle will operate more efficiently when you plug it in.

Charging the vehicle is easy. You have the option of using a standard 120-Volt outlet (referred to as level -1 charging) or you charge it up faster by installing a “Level 2″ 240-Volt charger in your garage or at the office. Utilities like OUC and Progress Energy are also beginning to install public charging stations throughout Central Florida to ease concerns about “range anxiety.” Level 2 chargers cut your charging time in half. All new vehicles will feature the capability to do Level 2 charging using a special connector attached to the vehicle. On average, an all-electric vehicle like the Nissan LEAF should be able to fully charge in about 8 hours using a level-2 charger. An extended range electric vehicle like the Chevy Volt should be fully charged in about 4 hours. Just think of it as a mobile consumer electronic device.

Groups like Get Ready Central Florida, a local non-profit, are working hard to make sure owning an electric vehicle is as easy as plugging in your laptop. You can learn more about EVs and find a map of public charging stations by visiting www.plugandgonow.com.

Article by Jennifer Szaro

I have come a long way, baby. Truly I have. I am proud of my journey and what I’ve been able to accomplish, although it hasn’t been easy. First, a little history: back in high school I played first string volleyball, basketball and softball for my school. As a senior there, I got my first job as an aerobics instructor for an all-woman spa. Mind you, this was back in the mid-80’s when there were a ton of them here in the Central Florida area.

At this time in my life I had already had my insulin dependent diabetes for more than six years. I did not take care of myself like I should have. I was active, but I skewed my blood sugar results so my doctor wouldn’t give me a hard time. Little did I know the damage I was doing to myself and my body by not taking care of it.

A year later I started dating my future husband, Lee. At this point, I was still so active - I played pickup basketball and volleyball, entered local aerobic competitions and, really, everything was going great for me.

A few months later, while I was still in my first semester of college, I noticed my feet feeling awfully painful, sometimes even too tender to walk on. I remember thinking it must’ve have been the multiple step classes I was teaching or the high impact aerobics that made Jane Fonda famous. But, it was getting worse by the day.

So, I made an appointment to see a podiatrist right away. As it turns out, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been a struggle, but having RA has shaped me into the woman I am today. During my pregnancies, and other times in my life when my flare-ups were crippling, it threw me into deep bouts of depression. At times, my husband had to help me move my legs over the bed, pull me up and even push me to walk. He brushed my hair and dressed me when I couldn’t do it on my own. No matter who you are, you can’t help but feel pretty worthless when you can’t even do the simplest of tasks on your own.

Luckily for me, that was then and this is now.  Although it’s annoying to have to be so accountable for my health - it has paid off tremendously. I’ve made the right changes to live healthier: I test my blood sugar throughout the day; I try to eat every 2-4 hours so the portions are smaller; I am on the best RA medication (Enbrel injections) and it has all added up allowing me to really move!

I think about it and it was only two years ago when I still couldn’t make it down stairs very well or think about jumping. Today I am teaching seven Zumba classes a week and I have lost 20 pounds.

That brings me to my point: What about you? Can you still move on your own? Can you still feed yourself? Why wait until you get yourself into a situation you will find too hard to reverse? The heavier you get, the higher your blood pressure becomes, your blood glucose levels rise and you may become pre-diabetic. If you are a Type 2 Diabetic - you will have to take more pills, and eventually have to take insulin. Consequences down this road are terrible, trust me.

So if you can move, you can lose (both weight and inches). But, if you cannot do it on your own - come visit me at your local YMCA or look into your local health club for help. My advice is to find something you like and keep doing it. If you can barely move, try a water fitness or Silver Sneakers class. If you have no balance issues, try a Zumba class for cardio and maybe a gentle yoga or level 1 Pilates class. If you’re up to really challenge yourself, try a studio cycling or kickboxing class.

I invite you to come visit me at the Blanchard Park YMCA Friday nights - free to all Orange County residents. Better health and fitness are worth fighting for. Go ahead and try again, but this time, keep going!

Article by Yvonne Boots

Yvonne Boots holds professional certifications:  AFAA Group Ex & Personal Trainer,  AEA, ZUMBA, Silver Sneakers and works for the YMCA’s at Blanchard Park, Avalon YMCA, and Oviedo.

About two and a half years ago I bought myself a brand new bicycle. I researched and researched, stopping at all the local shops to find one that was just right. When I found the one I wanted, I knew right away. It was a beautiful bright orange racing road bike. I couldn’t wait to bring it home and start riding -going fast, looking good, and getting in shape.

Well, it turns out I did all of that for about two weeks. Then it was just on weekends when the weather was perfect. Eventually my bike just stood alone, forlorn, tires flat, taking up space against the garage wall.

Over time without really realizing it, I had let myself become this middle age, out of shape guy. I had some good starts, but I was in a slow downward spiral of eating too much, making excuses for not exercising, reading less and spending more time on the couch channel surfing.

I noticed it taking a toll not only on my body, but my attitude, my work, my leadership and influence, and, most importantly, my role as a husband and a dad. Finally I had had enough.  It was time to put a stake in the ground and say, “I am not going to live like this anymore.”

On July 1, 2010 I wrote a one page declaration. As Napoleon Hill suggests, I have read that statement of definite purpose with power and conviction every day since. What has made those words a reality has been my trusty bike, believe it or not.

I went out to the garage one very muggy July day and pumped the tires up. I only went about eight miles that day but I enjoyed it. From there, like Forrest Gump…I just kept riding.

I knew that if I didn’t keep a large enough goal in front of me, and couple it with some accountability, that it would only be a matter of time before self-sabotage set in again. So I decided to do a 100 mile Century ride with Cure on Wheels over in Tampa. I rode in memory of my 7-year-old niece who died of brain cancer back in 1995 and  I pledged to raise $2,500 to help find a cure.

That commitment set a series of things into motion that I otherwise would have never done and taught me lessons I otherwise would have never learned. I had built-in accountability to the organization and to all the friends who gave. I couldn’t let them down.

On Sunday November 7, 2010 I completed my first Century bike ride in some of the toughest hills in Florida. I cannot describe the sense of accomplishment and the deep inner joy that I felt when I crossed the finish line with my whole family and several friends cheering me on.

Training for a one day, 100 mile ride forced me to follow a highly disciplined training and eating regimen. I did what I needed to do every day, no matter what, and I was prepared for the big day.  I committed to an audacious goal, and then broke it into bite size goals.

In a new and deeper way I have learned about setting goals, keeping commitments to myself and others, perseverance and determination. These are principles that carry over into all areas of life. Finishing the Century was a big deal, but who I am becoming as the journey unfolds is the real gauge for success.

The solitude of the hours spent on the bike give me time to think and pray and just be alone with God and nature. Starting each day with a clear head and a refreshed soul gives me a quiet confidence in my daily interactions.

Since July I have logged over 3,000 miles, raised $3,000 for the cause, I’m in great shape, have several new friends and I have learned new things and taken new risks. Looking forward, I will be riding with a group from Tampa to Tallahassee in February and then out to Death Valley for another Century ride.

Applying the lessons of endurance training to my family, work and spiritual life, I am placing bold new goals in front of me and staying focused on the daily mile.

Article by Mike Greenfield

This Holiday Season we have so much to be thankful for. But, above all else, my husband, John, and I are celebrating our son’s mid-tour visit from Afghanistan and we couldn’t be happier that he’ll be home in time for the holidays for 18 days. Our son, Sgt. Phillip Elliott, recently completed his first tour in the Army in Afghanistan and has volunteered for a second year.

We are so proud of his service to our country and his selflessness it’s beyond words. As any parents would be, we were rather worried when he volunteered to stay a second year, but his words were so inspiring to me, I couldn’t argue when he said: “Mom, the work we’re doing here is important and I can really make a difference. I’m single and, if by staying, I can keep another soldier who has a wife and kids from having to leave them behind, then it’s important I stay”.

As I said before, we are so very proud of Phillip’s work as an Intelligence Collector - we know his days are hard, dangerous and full of new experiences. In fact, he is in charge of young men who gather important information on the activities of the Taliban and Al-Quida every single day. During Phil’s time in Afghanistan, he has been stationed on the border of Pakistan and has worked the dangerous mountainous regions - sometimes even undercover.

During his missions he has faced countless treacherous situations, and, for his efforts, has been awarded two Army Commendation Medals and a Bronze Star with Valor for Combat Operations in his short 14 months of deployment. When his first opportunity to leave for home came up, Phillip said no. He instead chose to stay with his unit; however, as he has finished his first full year and begins his second, we are so very blessed to have Phil coming home for the holidays - or at least 18 days of them  During his time home we will celebrate our Thanksgiving, Christmas and his birthday (albeit a little early).

Just trying to think of all things we want to do with him is overwhelming, but the thing we want to do most is just spend time together as a family. When he’s gone for so long, as a parent, the only thing you want to do is see him one more time. Phillip’s little sister, Rachel, misses her big brother terribly, but thankfully she understands he is doing his part to protect the freedom we sometimes take for granted. She understands the he is helping a country build the same basic rights we have here.

There are so many stories that we would love to share, but honestly some of Phillip’s best stories and, what we are sure will be his best memories, involve the time he spends in the Afghanistan villages - particularly the time with the local children.  It seems like every other week, we are packing a box of the important things he needs and misses - bug spray, citronella candles, hair products and soap, and many other things we take for granted on a daily basis.  Nearly every time though, we add toys and candy that he can give to the kids.

As I write this story, we are still a week and half from Thanksgiving and nearly the same from his return home. It’s going to be a long few weeks.

It’s funny how the times have changed - cell phones now allow somewhat regular contact, as he is able to call between “missions,” We also look for his updates on Facebook and the occasional picture he posts. Still, there is no substitute for seeing him and we can’t wait to greet him at the airport. But, thankfully, today we have learned to communicate in so many different ways.

Come to think of it, before you throw that old cell phone away, consider donating it our soldiers overseas to help them stay connected to their families at www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com.  If you would like to make a soldiers day, think about donating daily essentials to them via www.USO.org.  While Phil gets packages regularly from his family - many of our troops do not.

We are so very proud of our son’s service and we know that he is doing both noble and brave work. We hope that you will join us and take a moment this holiday season to say a prayer, mail a letter, donate a phone or simply thank some of the brave young men and women who sacrifice so much.

Story by Andrea Kemp