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by Stephanie Newell

In 2008 we were living in a condo which was air conditioned and heated with a heat pump. After several visits from the repair man to keep us cool and warm he told us there was no more he could do and we would have to get a new heat pump. It was only 10 years old so we asked why at such a young age it was irreparable. The repair man immediately said that all the gasses floating around in the apartment were drawn in by the heat pump and they eventually killed it. He pointed out that our kitchen cabinets, which were very close to the heat pump were made from particle board of some sort and the out gassing from that was a contributor. He even opened the cupboard under the sink and showed us how water had damaged the cabinets and they were bubbling and buckling. He said the carpets which had been in the apartment for 9 of the 10 years were another culprit.

We had never heard of MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) although we have lots of other allergies in the family to dust, pollens, mould and animals. We had to ask ourselves if these chemicals caused the demise of the heat pump after just 10 years what were they doing to us? As it happened we were planning the construction of a new home at the time so we started really thinking about the materials we should be using. Thanks to that repair man two of the main changes we made were the use of concrete and solid wood floors throughout and all of our beautiful cabinets and some of our furniture are made from aluminum (no out-gassing, and no mold).

We have been living in the house now for three years and I can't tell you the number of times we've said to each other that we feel better now than we ever have.We're both in our sixties. Could it be the changes in our living environment? We have no hard scientific proof but….

Through IMDesigns our family now offers to others aluminum cabinets and furniture for indoor or outdoor use. There is no out-gassing whatsoever, also mold does not thrive on aluminum, making this great for people who suffer from chemical allergies. Our products are custom made and can be shipped flat packed. They come in all colours and are made to last forever for sustainable living.

It's been a while since I've posted to my blog and if you're wondering why...it's simply that I've just not had anything worthwhile to say. My blog entries, really this entire website, have always come from a strong desire to share a message or some knowledge that I felt would benefit others. But the last few months I find myself in a period of transition and growth, both mentally and physically. Years ago I would have forged ahead anyway...I would have forced myself to continue writing and updating the website. But I have learned to honor my instincts and intuition, and they are telling me that this is a time for self-growth and reflection. I know when I have moved through this period, I will have much to share.

I feel a strong sense of obligation to honor the gifts God has blessed me, and all of us, with...physical bodies, powerful minds, and divine spirits. We must cherish and care for these gifts...and it is in doing so that we can fulfill our destiny and accomplish all that we were created to do.

So until we meet again I am sending wishes that your life is filled with love, peace, and good health... ~ Andrea :-)

It is still etched in my mind...the commanding presence of a Native American man standing at the water's edge, a tear running down his face after viewing the polluted water before him. That television commercial raised the consciousness of a generation. It was a wake-up call that the time had come to take responsibility for preserving our natural resources - because the health of our planet was at stake.

We have since learned not only does pollution threaten our planet, but that exposure to the toxins that create this pollution can have a devastating impact on our health and well-being. Last night World News (ABC) reported on three research studies done by prominent medical organizations that found pregnant women exposed to pesticides and other chemicals gave birth to children who are more likely to have lower IQ's than childen who were not exposed. I believe this is the tip of the iceberg...we are going to continue to uncover stronger and stronger links between toxic exposure in our water, food, and environment, to many illness and disease. Because not only do toxins harm the environment, but our continued exposure overwhelms the body's natural defenses, leading to weakened immune systems, and ultimately disease and illness.

Fortunately today there are a variety of options that enable us to reduce and eliminate toxins. Organic clothing, food, and bedding. Natural cleaners for our homes & offices, natural treatments for our lawns and for pest elimination. It may cost a little more for these products and services, but I'd rather pay a little more upfront than pay a greater price later.

So on this Earth Day make a pledge to educate yourself, commit to living a cleaner & greener life which will result in a healthier planet...and healthier YOU!

~ Andrea :-)

When I created Heal With Hope several years ago little did I know that God had even bigger things in store for me. I now find more and more of my time being directed to my line of inspirational products (Wear Your Intention) which has morphed from one t-shirt two years ago, to more than 30 t-shirts designs, jewelry, cards and totes, today. What started as a way to help people stay focused on the positive during tough times, seems to grow and evolve each day. And I struggle to find the time I had been devoting to HWH the last few years. Because I want to practice what I preach, and honor my physical and emotional limitations, I am no longer going to be updating HWH on a monthly basis. Rather I will continue to post articles, update my blog, and share information when I have something I believe would be of interest to HWH visitors...it just won't be on such a regular basis.

If I have learned anything during my long and sometimes challenging life journey, is that there is no dishonor in not being able to do it all. I know that my need to be all things to all people contributed to the long and debilitating illness I struggled with for so long. Old habits are hard to break, and for too long I tried to "do it all" again...but I have learned to listen to my inner guide, and the message I am hearing is that it is time to let go of some of the responsibilities I have undertaken, no matter much I want to continue.

One thing will never change - and that is my commitment to do what I can to share a message of hope to those who are feeling lost, alone, or helpless. I will never forget what it was like to feel abandoned by my doctors, my friends, and at times God. I know life is filled with challenge...but I also know that if you carry hope in your heart, and choose to believe that all things are possible...you will always find your way. ~ Andrea :-) andrea@healwithhope.com

Well, I got to thinking, what if everyone exercised their personal power and made a commitment to be kind and compassionate to one another...what kind of impact would that have on the world? And so I hope you will join me and make the choice to be a source of positiviy by "sharing a smile, lending a hand, sharing kindness...and hopefully in some small way - change the world in a positive way. Learn more about The Power of 1 campaign...and I hope you will join me in resolving to make the world a more positive place... ~ Andrea :-)