Dear Valued Client,

We keep you plugged into what's new in the world of nutrition, wellness, and public health. Email us if there is a particular topic you would like us to explore. Have a happy, healthy day!

Awed by Your Response.

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We would like to offer our deepest appreciation to the hundreds who completed our year-end survey. We are always in awe of the thoughtful responses and ideas, attention to detail, and constructive criticism we receive.

96 percent of you said that at one time you have recommended our services to co-workers, friends, or family. We cannot imagine better motivation for us to continue serving your wellness needs. We have listened to your insightful comments and will strive to improve.

Congratulations to so many of you who achieved your wellness goals in 2008. Here are a few of the comments to help motivate us for 2009.

Survey question: What 2008 wellness/lifestyle achievement are you most proud of?
"So many! Normal labs, weight loss and more!"
"Getting my children healthy and allergy free."
"Stayed on candida diet for 2 months and feel great!"
"With your help I change people's lives and pain."
"Getting my cholesterol levels down without meds."
"50 pound weight loss."
"Having a healthy pregnancy and baby."
"Getting in great physical shape."
"CoQ10 and magnesium may render no heart surgery."
"Taking supplements and maintaining eating plan."
"Getting control of ulcerative colitis."
"Bonnie's voice is in my head on how to eat for me."

Year-End Client Survey.

10 Things You May Not Know About Us.

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Based upon year-end survey comments, we want to remind you:

1. Bonnie has been doing phone consultations for years.
2. We encourage consistent checkup consultations. It keeps the good habits consistent and the bad habits idle.
3. You can search our website, blog, and eNewsletters for everything we have written about since we went online in 1997.
4. We review annual blood tests and fine-tune based upon the results.
5. Bonnie has a list of doctor/professional referrals, but must be personalized to the client.
6. You can email nutritional questions to Bonnie.
7. In addition to walk-in or by phone, you can order supplements through our website or by email.
8. We have a chiropractor and far infrared sauna in our office.
9. We offer 10% case discounts.
10. We always ship by USPS Priority Mail. If you wish to pay a little less, ask for Parcel Post.

NutritionalConcepts.com.

Clients often inquire about this. Maintaining optimal digestive microbial balance is crucial for wellness, yet is extremely difficult without supplemental nutrients during antibiotic therapy.

Antibiotics are like a tsunami that washes away everything in its path, whether good or bad. They especially deplete nutrients that are essential for maintaining good bacteria and preventing yeast overgrowth and other opportunistic organisms.

Add healthy flora as soon as the antibiotic is started and continue for at least 2 weeks after the antibiotic is discontinued.

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus (at least 8 billion cultures taken on an empty stomach at least two hours away from antibiotic; we like UAS Labs DDS-100 Acidophilus DF w/FOS)
• Saccharomyces Boulardii (twice daily with antibiotic; we like Biocodex Florastor or dairy-free Metagenics Proboulardi)
• If not already taking, add B-Complex, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D3 or Cod Liver Oil.
• Eating a healthy diet is of the utmost importance. Consume lean protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats. Minimize consumption of cow's milk, sugar, and heavy grains (especially whole wheat).

Antibiotic Use Affects Good Gut Bacteria.

Metagenics Magnesium Glycinate
The anti-colon cancer effects of calcium may be linked to magnesium levels, suggesting a need for both minerals in reducing the risk of the disease. Researchers from Vanderbilt University found that ideal ratios of the minerals were associated with a 32 percent reduced risk of colorectal cancer compared to abnormal ratios.

Pure Encaps Magnesium Glycinate
For those who have an easier time taking capsules.

Carlson Lemon Flavored Liquid Cod Liver Oil
One teaspoon provides huge amounts of omega-3 EPA/DHA, 400IU of vitamin D, and a very low amount of vitamin A. This is an ideal tonic for winter doldrums.

Pure Encaps Vitamin D3 400IU and 1000IU
Over 75 per cent of young type-1 diabetics may require vitamin D supplements, after a study in the December 2008 issue of Journal of Pediatrics reported surprisingly high levels of insufficiency. We recommend that anyone who has type 1 or 2 diabetes take a vitamin D3 blood test. The optimum range is 50 or above.

New Supplements!
For a complete list of new items, go to Product Updates.

Order here

Well Weight-Loss.

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Many of your 2009 wellness goals revolve around losing weight. While there are many benefits to achieving optimum weight, it should not be your sole wellness goal. There are too many variables that contribute to weight gain, some that are out of your control.

However, you can adhere to several safe, sound, smart suggestions to get you going.

Well Weight-Loss Continued.

Once a month, we highlight a recipe from our database or from you. We welcome entries by email to nutrocon@aol.com.

"We tried your gluten-free recipe for apple crisp and it is amazing!"

Fruit and Nut Breakfast Scones
Comfort food for winter (serve with extra protein)

-1/3 c. raw/dry roasted pumpkin/flax/sunflower seeds
-3/4 c. organic all-purpose flour
-3/4 c. oat flour
-1/4 c. sucanat or 1/4 c. pure maple syrup (add 2 extra T. flour)
-2 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
-1/4 tsp. sea salt
-1/4 c. cold butter/no trans-fat butter substitute
-1 six ounce carton plain fat-free/lowfat Greek yogurt or unsweetened organic soymilk
-1 organic or 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
-1 c. fresh or 1/4 c. dried blueberries, apples, or cherries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter/butter substitute until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt/soymilk and egg. Gently fold in fruit and nuts. Add yogurt mixture all at once to flour mixture. Using a fork, stir just until moistened. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by folding and gently pressing dough for 10 to 12 strokes or until dough is nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll dough into a 10-inch circle. Cut into 12-16 wedges. Place wedges 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake 16-18 minutes. SERVES: 12-16

Recipes to Live By.

-Study says low glycemic foods best for diabetes.

-Two studies link osteoporosis drugs to jaw necrosis and esophageal cancer.

-In the near future, there will be NO excuse for drinking artificially sweetened soda. The FDA just ruled the natural non-caloric sweetener stevia as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). This open the door for a slew of stevia-sweetened products to be launched. Yeah!

-FDA warns of diet pills sold over the Internet.

-Client comments on popular blog about our Elimination Diet.

-Dermatologists recommend dietary supplements for healthy skin.

For More News Like This, Visit Bonnie & Steve's Blog

10 Nutrition Tips for a Happy, Healthy New Year.

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When the new year comes around, you need a plethora of nutritional ammunition. Here are some easy-to-implement tips to get you going.

10 Nutrition Tips for a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Bonnie on You Tube.

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Our Chiropractor, Dr. Lilo Schuster, hosts an Evanston Cable Access show called "What's Your Story." Bonnie was her most recent guest. This episode is a great introduction for anyone thinking about seeing Bonnie.

"What's Your Story" with Bonnie Minsky (8:42 running time)

Locavore Tidbit.

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Tips for Eating Local This Winter

Buy direct through the mail. A great place to start is localharvest.org.

Visit Winter Farmers Markets:

For those of us who do not live in climates that are conducive to year-round farmers markets, there are a few that are still able to stay open: Green City Market in Chicago; Grayslake Farmers Market in the northern suburbs

In Case You Missed It.

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Here's a recap of the timely issues we covered in December:

Eyes are Precious.

State of the Nutritionist.

Year-End Survey

Newsletter Archives.

Which Show Was Steve On?

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For survey respondents who were curious as to the answer of our trivia question, what daytime soap opera was our own Steve Minsky featured in (drum roll please)...The Young and the Restless.

His character was "George from the front desk."

Congrats to our two winners who received $25 gift certificates.

Invest in Wellness.

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Can you think of a more wonderful way to begin the New Year?

A gift certificate shows friends and loved ones that you care. Invest in their health and well being.

Nutritional Concepts Gift Certificates.

Affect Wellness Policy Now.

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We have a small window of time to greatly affect the direction of wellness policy in the United States. The Obama-elect administration are taking comments and forming policy at an astonishingly rapid pace. Here are three names of interest to contact:

-Secretary of Agriculture-elect Tom Vilsack
-Secretary of Health and Human Services-elect Tom Daschle
-Head of Environmental Protection Agency-elect Lisa Jackson (oversees Centers for Disease Control)

The transition team can be contacted here.

Statement and Form Letter from Citizens for Health

NEW: eNewsletter Poll.

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To give us a better idea of what you like to read in our eNewsletters, we created the "Reader's Poll." It takes five seconds and you see the results real-time.

As always, thanks for your input.

Take the NCI Readers Poll