After watching “A River Runs Through It” for the thousandth time, (yes, it’s Brad Pitt at his finest hour but the zen of fly-fishing is incredible) I always wanted to put on some waders and give it a try.

Let me recommend this opportunity to you. Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures opened in 1992, the first company to offer “women only” trips all over the world. Since then, Reel Women has grown to include: women and men guided float trips, coed guide schools, basic fly fishing schools, casting clinics, & destination trips for everyone.

The owner Lori Ann was the first woman to become an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide in 1989, and has served as a consultant to several tackle companies in the fly fishing industry.

Sick of book clubs and seeking some adventure? Spend some time fishing in the great outdoors with other women, learn some new skills and maybe start a new tradition with your daughter(s). Oh and don’t forget to bring the Deet-Free Natural Bug Repellent by Absolute Green. Its works great, keeps the bugs away and is a woman owned company too!

Mosquito Repellant DEET Linked to Neurological Damage

SOURCE: Environmental News Service, May 10, 2002

DURHAM, North Carolina, May 10, 2002 (ENS) – A common ingredient in mosquito and tick repellents may be linked to some neurological problems, a new study suggests.

A Duke University Medical Center pharmacologist is recommending caution when using the insecticide DEET, after his animal studies last year found the chemical causes diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use

Mohamed Abou-Donia, PhD has called for further government testing of the chemical’s safety in short term and occasional use, particularly in view of Health Canada’s recent decision to ban products with more than 30 percent of the chemical.

Every year, about one-third of the U.S. population uses insect repellents containing DEET, available in more than 230 products with concentrations up to 100 percent. While the chemical’s risks to humans are still being intensely debated, Abou-Donia says his 30 years of research on pesticides’ brain effects indicate the need for caution among the general public.

His numerous studies in rats, two of them published last year, demonstrate that frequent and prolonged applications of DEET cause neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory and concentration. Rats treated with an average human dose of DEET – 40 milligrams per kilogram body weight – performed far worse than control rats when challenged with physical tasks requiring muscle control, strength and coordination.

Such effects are consistent with physical symptoms in humans reported in the medical literature, such as those experienced by some Gulf War veterans, said Abou-Donia.

“If used sparingly, infrequently and by itself, DEET may not have negative effects – the literature here isn’t clear,” Abou-Donia said. “But frequent and heavy use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations.”

Children are at particular risk for subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in the environment, because their skin more readily absorbs them, and chemicals may affect their developing nervous systems, said Abou-Donia.

Preparations like insecticide based lice killing shampoos and insect repellents are assumed to be safe because severe consequences are rare in the medical literature. Yet subtle symptoms, such as muscle weakness, fatigue or memory lapses, might be attributed to other causes in error, Abou-Donia said.

“The take home message is to be safe and cautious when using insecticides,” said Abou-Donia. “Never use insect repellents on infants, and be wary of using them on children in general. Never combine insecticides with each other or use them with other medications. Even so simple a drug as an antihistamine could interact with DEET to cause toxic side effects. Don’t spray your yard for bugs and then take medications. Until we have more data on potential interactions in humans, safe is better than sorry.”

Absolute Green has an alternative with their 100% DEET Free and Lemongrass Eucalyptus Insect Repellent check out out link http://deetfreebugspray.com/

Dan – Gloucester Point, VA

Allersearch Pet + Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo

That wonderful time of year is here again, and our furry friends are shedding. Yuck! I think I could crochet the pet hair and make a rug!

Why do our pets shed? Some so much, and some barely at all? The experts say, that some dogs have a “double coat” the undercoat that grows deep and dense is what sheds in the Spring and Summer.

One way to help your pet (and your house) during shedding season is to use a veterinary quality NON-detergent shampoo such as our Pet Dander Removal Shampoo by Allersearch

A friend of ours, who has a lovely Boxer (and yes a family too), who ironically are allergic to their pup; offered to test our Allersearch Pet Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo and give us her feedback. Looking forward to hear the results!

Peace

I attended the Go Green Expo/NYC. Its a trade show full of eco-friendly innovations, products and technology. Sadly, most things I have seen before having been to many of these events.

Then I met Mariel Hemmingway. She was discussing how she lives and tries her best to be green and sustainable. When she posed for a photo she was asked to make the letter “E” with her three fingers. It seems this is the new green “peace” sign, a sign of sustainable unity. Now that I didn’t know..

Fisherman's Natural Bug Repellent

Absolute Green is an Absolute Must for Anglers
New environmentally safe insect repellant keeps bugs at bay
Outdoorsmen are at constant odds with the elements, and finding
ways to cope with the forces of nature is part of being an outdoorsman.
As winter fades to spring, then spring into summer,
insects appear in greater numbers, especially at key fishing times,
when they sure can become a nuisance and a distraction on the water.
Their presence is unavoidable. Unfortunately, some of the most tried
and true methods of dealing with insects can be damaging to an
angler’s health, their equipment and even the fish. Thanks to Karen
Halo of Absolute Green, creator of “Fisherman’s Natural Bug
Repellent,” anglers now have a safe option for overcoming an age-old
problem.
Based right here in Metuchen, New Jersey, Halo started Absolute
Green after being overcome by fumes she inhaled while doing work in
her home. The loyal New Jersey native’s vow to save other people
from having the same experience has yielded a full line of environmentally
friendly alternatives, including cleaning supplies, and personal
and pet care products. Halo and her new company are dedicated to preserving
and protecting the environment, and anglers can benefit from
their efforts with a bug repellent free of toxic chemicals.
The special formula repellent does not contain DEET, a chemical that has been found to have adverse effects on
both one’s health and the environment; not to mention the way it reacts to various synthetic materials that anglers
use every time they are out on the water. DEET can dissolve fiberglass and composite fishing rods, the epoxy on
boats, rain gear, watches, as well as many plastic and painted surfaces. Also, DEET that is transferred to a fish can
stay with that fish forever, and may ultimately wind up being consumed.
Absolute Green’s repellant is made from witch hazel, ethyl alcohol and a combination of natural oils. It contains
no toxic chemicals, no foul smells and doesn’t leave an oily film when it dries. It is a safe and environmentally friendly
alternative to keeping bugs away, while at the same time protecting angler’s valued gear and the fish.
For more information visit www.absolutegreen.biz or call (732)225-5353.