Book Review: Barkonomics, tips for frugal fidos

Working in the pet industry for the past 14 years, I've had direct experience with just about every category of pet supplies and pet foods on the market today. I've worked closely with manufacturers, nutritionists, vets and experts who develop, formulate and bring some amazing pet products to consumers. I know first hand the development costs of such endeavors, and I can tell you it can be very expensive to bring a product to market. That's just one reason why the cost of pet supplies can be surprisingly high when you have your first experience shopping for a new pet. 

Shelters and animal rescue groups do great job explaining the potential costs to care for a healthy pet annually. Depending on the size of the pet, it can range anywhere from $400 to $800 per year, at a minimum. For some pet parents that can be a burden. Shelters disclose that so newly adopted pets are not abandoned when the consumer realizes how much the basics can cost.

There are a number of great books available about caring for your pet. One relatively new title is 'Barkonomics: tips for frugal fidos' written by Paris Permenter and John Bigley, the team from DogTipper.com


When I attended BarkWorld Expo last year I saw first hand how well revered DogTipper.com is among pet bloggers and passionate pet parents. I've been following Dog Tipper on Twitter for some time, when they announced their new book it caught my interest. I wrote to one of the authors and invited her to be a guest on The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show. (In full disclosure, they provided a complimentary copy of 'Barkonomics' to read before the show.) My radio show tends to attract a number of pet people, so I knew that the topic of finding ways to save money to better afford pet care would be a popular segment.

Barkonomics is a handy reference book, boasting more than 300 ways to save money in pet care and supplies. It includes everything from Do It Yourself ideas, finding coupons in e-newsletters form your favorite pet retailers, to stretching your pet shampoo. 

The one chapter I diverge from is on making your own dog food. It is a popular topic among message boards and many blogs, so I fully understand why they included this section in their book. While dog food is not rocket science, in my opinion it can be risky to feed a dog a homemade food long-term. Regular readers of this blog know that I work for Natural Balance, so of course I am partial to recommending our brand of dog food. A home made meal snack here or there is fine, but in my opinion- for your dog's primary meal, feed an all-natural, complete and balanced, nutritionally complete pet food available in a pet specialty store. I believe it is the best way to know it has everything your dog will need to remain healthy. To their credit, the authors provide tips on how to find deals on pet food, so you can still save money if you are a smart shopper!

Barkonomics has a well organized Table of Contents and Appendix that make this a valuable book to have on hand. I especially liked the section on Training and Exercise.

I applaud the authors for taking a responsible stand offering the 'Five Dog Expenses to Never Cut', which are: 1. Spay & Neuter, 2. Quality Dog Food, 3. Core vaccines, 4. Heartworm Preventative, and 5. Annual Health Exam.

Barkonomics is available for purchase on Amazon.com, other online bookstores or through DogTipper.com or local independent bookstores.

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A Radio Show with Purpose: Helping Non-Profit Charities Understand Social Media

On my radio show yesterday the entire show was planned to help non-profit organizations learn about using social media to drive donations. I approached the show drawing from my experience in the pet industry, but the content is relevant to any charitable organization. I was lucky to have two great guests from the pet community to provide examples and provide a model for a non-profit organization or individual seeking to maximize fund raising efforts. My guests were Kim Smith from The PETCO Foundation and Diane Silver, a popular pet blogger of To Dog With Love fame. Diane wrote about her appearance on her blog today. Diane is also the voice behind @CosmoHavanese on Twitter. Cosmo is Diane's totally awesome Havanese dog, who is a pro at agility, and Tweeting too, it would seem ;-)
 

The show turned out to be an in-depth discussion on the role of social media to help non-profit charitable organizations with raising money for causes and events. I was pretty psyched about it because organizations large or small, to individuals attempting to raise money for their favorite cause will benefit from listening to this show.

I'm hardly an expert on the subject matter, but I feel my experience working with some non-profit groups is there is often a disconnect from taking an idea to effectively activate their base to reach new potential donors. I tried to approach the show using my experience with fund-raising in the pet community over the past 14 years.

While doing research for the show, I decided to include tips from Mashable.com and ITTY.BIZ.com about social media fund-raising- both of which are good resources on the topic.

There were also some great fund-raising suggestions about offering donors premium incentives, working with retailers, planning TweetUps and using videos to activate the base of supporters. The show also includes tangible examples of how to motivate volunteers and activate your base with a robust social media campaign.
 

I felt both guests did a great job providing insights of how to integrate social media sites such as Twitter, FaceBook, YouTube, as well as websites and blogs into marketing efforts. In their own words, both Kim and Diane shared real examples of how they use social media for success in fund-raising. In short, the show is packed with examples and ideas that will be helpful for charitable organizations of any size. 

If you know someone involved in fund-raising for any kind of organization, tell them to check out the show online. Hopefully they will learn how to combine online and offline marketing, social media marketing, blogging, and websites to engage their users. 

This episode is available to be heard in archive on demand anytime at BlogTalkRadio- Palm Springs Savant  It is also available as a podcast on iTunes.

One of my guests:

Me with Diane (right) and Cosmo (front center). Natalie is (back center)

  

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Diane Silver is the author of the blog To Dog With Love and the voice behind @CosmoHavanese on Twitter. I met Diane at the Bark World Expo in Atlanta back in August (see photo above). She has spent the past 25 years working in public relations and corporate communications and held senior management positions at several major corporations. She is also a former sportswriter for Ann Arbor News and Ypsilanti Press. Today she is active with dog agility and supports numerous animal related charities. She is a regular contributor to The Anipal Times and is active with PawPawty fund-raising efforts online along with her trans-Atlantic friend @FrugalDougal, founder of PawPawty.com 

Kim Smith has over 13 years experience in web development and is Senior Web Manager for The PETCO Foundation. She is responsible for the organization’s website, social media and email newsletters and is a regular contributor to The PETCO Scoop blog. Ms Smith is a working board member for Pit Bull Rescue San Diego, responsible for branding and web based marketing including an online dog sponsorship program and social media interactions. She cites her passion for animals and a penchant for animal welfare as a driver for her web expertise.

To listen to other episodes of The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show in archives: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/palm-springs-savant 
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Social Media Show Delivers Fun and Fundamentals with Cheryl Lawson

With Cheryl Lawson at Bark World Expo

Learning about social media has never been so fun. On yesterday's Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show, my guest was event specialist and social media expert Cheryl Lawson. Ms Lawson is known among Anipals, pet lovers and social media users as the voice behind @ImaJackRussell 'Precious Lawson' who is Cheryl's Jack Russell Terrier! Ms Lawson is also the author of the children's book series 'The Adventures of Precious the Dog'. I met Cheryl at the BarkWorld Expo social media conference in Atlanta last month- I knew then that she would make a good guest for the show. In fact, Cheryl was a great guest! I think what will resonate with listeners is her energy and passion for what she does. She was able to articulate her own approach to social media in a way that was easy to understand and fun too. We only took one call, who asked a few questions about getting her fledgling photography business in Washington state. Cheryl provided several real, tangible examples of social media in practice and gave the caller a few handy tips. Particularly for people just starting out, this show has plenty of ideas to get started with social media marketing. You can listen to this show with Cheryl anytime on demand from BlogTalkRadio, just click here.  I truly enjoy hosting this radio show and hope you will enjoy listening. Thanks to Cheryl, for being on the show!

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Hone Your Social Media & Marketing Skills

Are you interested in honing your skills in social media and marketing? Tune into The Palm Springs Savant & Co #121: Social Media with Cheryl Lawson on Blog Talk Radio. Listen live Sunday 9/26 or anytime later on demand online from here. Learn tips to develop basic and advanced strategies for integrated social marketing. Learn the importance of leveraging a combination of social media tools. Learn about the often-overlooked aspects of online media such as the importance of person 2 person connections for robust social marketing. Special guest Cheryl Lawson, social marketing expert and event coordinator will provide valuable insights into the exciting world of social media. During this show, learn about:

• Myth-Busters about Social Media & Marketing
• Developing an online personality & brand
• Finding your voice
• Creating a strategy for integrated social marketing
• Combining multiple social media tools for success

If you enjoy Blogging, Tweeting, Face Book, MySpace or virtually any online social space, this is a show not to be missed!

ABOUT CHERYL LAWSON

Ms Lawson is well known within the Twitter community as @PartyAficionado, @socmediatulsa, and as the human voice behind @Imajackrussell. She founded Socialmediatulsa.org, a new social media community in her home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cheryl Lawson teaches social marketing

at the University California, Riverside, lectures at social media conferences and a social marketing coach. She is an event planning professional and the creator of the Event Mobile Application for smartphones. She assists companies to develop social marketing strategies, both online and Face2Face. Ms Lawson is also the author of 'The Adventures of Precious the Dog' childrens book series. Read more at http://partyaficionado.com
READ THE NEWS RELEASE HERE 

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Award-winning screenwriter/filmmaker Rob Williams to appear on The Palm Springs Savant & Co

On today's Palm Springs Savant & Co show, I'll be interviewing the award winning screenwriter/filmmaker Rob Williams about the new independent film 'Role/Play'. It is a film about a soap opera actor who is "outed" as being gay. The film is suitable as PG-13, however it is intended for mature audiences with open minds. It may not be suitable to all my readers but please read my review below and tune into the show to hear Mr Williams.

I had the opportunity for a private screening of this film to prepare for today's show. Role Play is a romantic drama, with two lead characters (with very different life perspectives from each other) who learn they have much more in common they they initially realized. It opens with TV soap opera star "Graham Windsor" (Steve Callahan) who has just been outed as the result of a gay sex tape scandal. He has taken refuge at a Palm Springs resort (filmed at the beautiful Alexander Inn) to escape from the media. Windsor meets "Trey Reed" a marriage-equality activist (Matthew Montgomery) who has his own issues stemming from a public divorce. 

The story unfolds with revelations, disclosures, and self-discovery,  as a budding romance develops. The film tackles issues such as gay marriage, the judgmental/prying mainstream and gay media, and the challenges of trying to live a lie while being in the public eye. 

Role Play has an entertaining plot line that could easily have been about a straight couple. In essence, it is a story about the importance of being honest with oneself and finding love in life- that has broad appeal for both gay and straight audiences. Montgomery and Callahan give solid performances that hold the viewers attention. TV's "Too Close For Comfort" Jim J Bullock also appears in this film as Windsor's protective agent, "Parker Ryland". Fans of indie films and alternative lifestyle topics will enjoy listening to Sunday's radio show online anytime or via podcast from iTunes.

Here is the news release about today's show:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PALM SPRINGS- September 19, 2010 -- Rick Rockhill, host of The Palm Springs Savant & Co is pleased to welcome award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Rob Williams, co-founder of Guest House Films, to his radio show on Blog Talk Radio. Listeners will hear Mr Williams, (head of Guest House Films, a premier independent and gay niche-oriented film production company) discuss his latest feature film project "Role/Play'.

'Role/Play' is a dramatic narrative feature film about a recently outed actor (played by Steve Callahan from 'East Side Story' and 'Nine Lives') and a recently divorced gay marriage activist (played by indie gay film star Matthew Montgomery from 'Redwoods', 'Socket', 'Pornography: A Thriller', 'Long-term Relationship', 'Back Soon' and 'Gone But Not Forgotten') . Hiding out from negative media coverage, the two meet at a secluded Palm Springs resort soon find common ground as they explore the fickle nature of fame in the gay community and the issues facing gay celebrities in the media. 'Role/Play' is a narrative drama that deals with hot-button issues such as a outing gay celebrities, the price of fame, how the press treats gay celebrities, and the LGBT press in general. The film also stars Jim J. Bullock ('Too Close for Comfort'), David Pevsner ('Naked Boys Singing'), Brian Nolan ('The Lair') and Matthew Stephen Herrick.

Rob Williams was named to Instinct Magazine's "Leading Men of 2008" list for his contribution to independent cinema, has won dozens of awards for his films, and will be featured for his work on NBC television. 'Role/Play' is Rob Williams' fifth film in four years. His last film was the hit of 2009, the gay Christmas comedy, 'Make the Yuletide Gay', an Indie blockbuster, sold out countless festivals. Mr Williams is now working on his next films: 'Make the Yuletide Gay 2' and 'The Mystic Chord', the screenplay adaptation to Jim Tushinski's book, 'Van Allen's Ecstasy'.

'Role/Play' is the feature film at The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival: Cinema Diverse, a program of the Palm Springs Cultural Center held from September 24-26, 2010. It is dedicated to advancing education, to nurturing community-wide participation in the cultural arts, and to sponsoring scholarship awards for deserving individuals. For tickets and more information visit www.psculturalcenter.org.

The radio show will broadcast live Sunday September 19th 2010 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM PDT and can be heard live or on demand anytime online at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/palm-springs-savant/2010/09/19/palm-springs-savant-co-119-independent-film-rolepl

The episode will also be available via podcast from iTunes.

For more information about The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/palm-springs-savant

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Spiritual Enlightenment on The Palm Springs Savant & Co Show

Today was the first episode of a new "Spiritual Enlightenment" series on my radio show, The Palm Springs Savant & Co on Blog Talk Radio. The mission of this new series is to provide listeners with a gateway to the Universe for self improvement. Throughout this series, I will welcome guests to discuss a range of topics, including psychic intuitives, mediums, spiritual counselors, healers, angel therapists, authors, artists, musicians, Astrology, tea leaf, Palmistry, Tarot, Chakras, aromatherapy, Reiki, aura colors, healing jewelry, crystals, reflexology and numerology. I do not claim to have any intuitive abilities, nor do I practice or follow every one of these methods. My role as show host is to present topics and provide listeners with the information to make their own decisions and choices in life.  The objective is to provide tools to help us improve our lives. What path are you on in your life? Learn what you can do to make a positive change for yourself, tune into this inaugural show and look for new show episodes.

My guest today was Joy Meredeth of Crystal Fantasy shop in Palm Springs, California. Crystal Fantasy is the leading destination in the California desert for gifts and serves as a spiritual center with an amazing array of information, crystals, books, jewelry, music, incense and so much more. If you want to understand all about Joy, check out her Attitude of Gratitude page on her website. This reminds us that it is important to count our blessings everyday. Remember that the Universe is always listening to us- when we send positive thoughts and words out, they attract positive energy.

During today's show, Joy also shared information about the 3rd annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Retreat and Expo, October 2-3. The event features a "life changing weekend of inspiration and enlightenment" which features over 15 classes and workshops and 20 exhibitors including spiritual counselors, healers, wellness professionals, Reiki, Theta Healing, mediums, astrologers, tea leaf, palmistry, tarot, massage, aura photos, authors, artists, musicians, aromatherapy, jewelry, crystals, goddess wear, and more. Visit www.PalmSpringsBodyMindSpirit.com for more information.
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Special Guest Actress Linda Gray on Sunday's Palm Springs Savant & Co Radio show

Tune into The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show on Blog Talk Radio for my special guest, actress Linda Gray. She spoke about her upcoming film, Expecting Mary set for national release September 10. Of course millions of people know Ms Gray for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on TV's long running hit show Dallas. She is an award winning actress, an accomplished director and a United Nations Ambassador. Ms Gray earned an Emmy nomination for Best Actress, won several achievements including Germany's "Bambi Award" (similar to the US Academy Award), Italy's "Il Gato" for Best Actress, and voted "Woman of the Year" by the Hollywood and Radio Television Society. Her stage work includes "The Graduate" in London's  West End theater district as well as "Terms of Endearment", and started her career in "Love Letters". She has appeared in numerous other TV series and programs throughout her professional career.

I am honored to welcome Linda Gray to the Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show. Listeners will get an inside glimpse of her new role in Expecting Mary, due out in select theaters nationwide starting September 10th. Linda's fans will be delighted to know her radio interview can be heard around the world, on demand any time from the internet on Blog Talk Radio, or on podcast via iTunes. A special screening of Expecting Mary will be held here in Palm Springs Sunday September 9th at the Camelot Theater to benefit the Desert Aids Project. Be sure to tune in to this show and get the scoop on a film that is sure to impress audiences everywhere. Read the press release here.
-Rick Rockhill 
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Social Media Marketing on The Palm Springs Savant & Co #113

Are you interested in Social Media? Well that's the topic of today's episode of The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show on Blog Talk Radio. Tune in live at 10:00 AM PST or listen anytime by clicking here.
Ever wondered how to be more successful in marketing your message? Social media can be a powerful tool when deployed effectively. Whether you seek to promote your business, blog, website or event, learn how to harness the magic of social media. This episode provides a solid understanding of social networks and how they work. Special guest Natalie Malaszenko will discuss the golden rules of engagement, share a few inside secrets for success and some examples of effective online social media marketing. This show packs in useful information for individuals and non-profit organizations right up to mega corporations too. The beginning of this show also includes an update on the growing privacy concerns of Facebook, and the mounting campaign for users to quit Facebook. Users concerned about their own privacy and security online should tune into this show.

Behind the Scenes of Ms Diahann Carroll!

Hear "Behind the Scenes of Ms Diahann Carroll on The Palm Springs Savant & Co Radio show #108 on Blog Talk Radio, or via podcast from iTunes.

This week the fabulous Ms Diahann Carroll will grace the stage of the Annenberg Theatre here in Palm Springs with her one woman show, "The Lady....The Legend...The Music". In fact, I wrote a brief post about this show a few weeks ago, the performance week is finally here- this Wednesday, April 21st. Ms Carroll is no stranger to Palm Springs, having made a number of appearances in recent years in support of The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, among other activities here in the desert. When she decided to bring her one woman show to Palm Springs it created a buzz among theatre-goers and fans alike. Ms Carroll has quite the resume, with an illustrious career from film, stage, Broadway, nightclubs and television. Diahann Carroll is a Tony Award winner, an Emmy and Grammy nominee, a Golden Globe winner and a Best Actress Oscar nominee. Just few highlights from her television career:
She was the first black actress to star in her own TV series called "Julia" in 1968 which aired on NBC. "Julia" was a top Nielsen-rated show for which she received an Emmy nomination. In 1984 Diahann Carroll became the first black actress to star in the award-winning night time TV drama series "Dynasty", playing the memorable role as a jet-setting "Dominique Deveraux".
She has also had a number of recurring roles on programs like "A Different World", "Grey's Anatomy", "Soul Food" on Showtime, "Strong Medicine" on Lifetime and "Whoopi" on NBC. Her stage work is also quite impressive; her Broadway debut was a starring role in Harold Arlen and Truman Capote's "House of Flowers". Followed by the Broadway production "No Strings" for which she won a Tony Award. She also starred on Broadway in the award-winning plays "Agnes of God" and "Sunset Boulevard". If all that were not enough, her film credits are equally compelling:
In 1954 she was noticed for a supporting role in "Carmen Jones" which put her on the map and led to Broadway roles. She continued to pursue film work with great success. She received a 1974 Best Actress Academy Award nomination for "Claudine", and went on to star in the acclaimed films "Carmen Jones", "Paris Blues", "Porgy & Bess", "Hurry Sundown", "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" and "Eve's Bayou". A few years ago she wrote her memoir, "The Legs Are The Last To Go" which was a New York Times best seller. Her show this week in Palm Springs will be filmed by PBS; Ms Carroll offered this performance to public television as part of their fundraising event in August 2010. Viewers will have the opportunity to buy a DVD of this week's special performance in Palm Springs to help support PBS programming. You can find Ms Carroll's contact information from her website. I do recommend reading her book, or check out some of her music on iTunes. Diahann Carroll is the subject of The Palm Springs Savant & Co Radio Show #108. Tune in from Blog Talk Radio, or on podcast from iTunes for free. I'll post photos from Wednesday's concert with a mini-review, so check back here again later this week!

-Rick Rockhill

Palm Springs Savant & Co #105 "On Broadway"

I usually prepare for my weekly radio show The Palm Springs Savant & Co at least five days in advance. I draft an outline, do a bit of research and have the full show's content on my laptop. If I have a call in guest, I prepare their questions and often have a pre-interview screening with the guest. This week I had a little snafu that had me hopping. The show's topic was about Broadway plays. I scheduled my friend Jimmy Van Patten to call in at ten minutes past the hour. I had prepared all sorts of research and information to discuss about Broadway as an intro to the show, and then switch to Jimmy' segment. Just as I was going live on air, my laptop crashed and I had to reboot. The show went live and there I was with no script or notes from my research. I had to wing it, and speak from memory trying to recall my notes. Me rambling on air for ten minutes just doesn't make for good radio, but I pulled it off. I was grateful when Jimmy called in at his scheduled time, as I was out of things to say. Jimmy Van Patten is an accomplished actor, writer, producer in his own right, and also son of Dick Van Patten. (Incidentally, Jimmy mentioned that Dick Van Patten will have a part in a new HBO TV series called "Luck", by David Milch, starring Dustin Hoffman. He also has a new book called Eighty is Not Enough.) Jimmy has been working on a new Broadway musical called The Flunky, in collaboration with the lovely and talented Deborah Gibson. Jimmy shared insights from his early career as a child actor; his first job was working with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall on TV's The Odd Couple. He was a great radio guest, sharing anecdotes of his father's long career on Broadway, film and TV, which was a treat. Jimmy also discussed the process of bringing a play to Broadway and the importance of persistence and patience. He had some advice to young playwrights and actors too. He also shared a great story of how he met Deborah "Debbie" Gibson at the famous Playboy Mansion and how they began working together. It was a great show, thanks to Jimmy! You can learn more about his new play from his website: The Flunky The Musical.

On Tuesday April 27th, Jimmy will be with his dad in Palm Springs for "Dinner with Dick Van Patten" at Melvyn's restaurant at the Ingleside Inn. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Melvyn's restaurant at 760-325-2323. You can learn more about Dick Van Patten's book at DickVanPatten.net

If you are someone who enjoys Broadway or wants to someday get involved, this is a show not to be missed. You can listen to the show anytime from the archives on BlogTalkRadio.com or on podcast from iTunes for free.
-Rick Rockhill

Hot Trends and the Inside Scoop at Natural Expo West

Herein are the ramblings of an exhausted participant of the Natural Products Expo West. Over the past 10 years I've been involved with the natural products industry in a variety of capacities. I've attended hundreds of seminars, conferences, or trade shows, and served on numerous panels, or made presentations to various professional organizations. It has been well beyond just pet products, these experiences include human food, supplements and personal care items too. I was happy to serve on a panel and also give a presentation at the Natural Products Expo West this year in Anaheim, California. Expo West is much more than the premier trade show for the healthy products industry. It attracts more than 53,000 natural industry professionals from across the globe sharing, learning and exchanging ideas and information with one another. It incorporates the Nutracon conference, the Healthy Baking Seminar, the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, and the Supply Expo, which together represent the entire life-cycle of healthy products. Thirty years ago, Expo West was a tiny show, regarded as an event for hippies and the fringe. Today, Natural Products Expo West ranks in the top 100 shows in the US and one of the fastest 50 growing trade shows in all of North America. This year it covered 300,000 square feet of the Anaheim Convention Center and featured over 1,900 exhibitors from over 30 countries. The reach is so huge because it includes natural and organic specialty foods, supplements, health and beauty personal care, natural living, household products, everything organic and pet products too.

This week's episode of The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show covers highlights of the Expo West. It's all about the current and hot trends for healthy living, from my perspective. This year's Expo has even more energy and buzz than usual. The education and events were heavily attended, with people using social media activities, posting comments live via Twitter and Facebook. Personally, I found tweeting boosted the experience and interaction levels. I engaged in online discussions with people attending the education sessions or expo, despite having not met them in person.

What is it about the health and wellness industry that continues to experience such growth and fascinate consumers? Well part of it is that the concept of health and wellness has evolved to mean everything is connected. From the earliest ages, what we eat, the environment in which we live, even interactions with other species all have an impact. Despite advancements in modern medicine, there is an even greater interest in healthy and alternative lifestyle management. During one of the sessions I attended, it was discussed that most physicians still practice disease management, instead of proactive optimal functioning living.

The panel experts discussed that healthy living must be introduced at the earliest ages in life rather than when "health problems arise". The notion is that long before the onset of age-related diseases, such as obesity, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s or diabetes, people can affect their health starting at childhood. Some experts believe that many diseases begin to germinate in childhood, which is why they urge consumers to start making changes early in life. Reducing exposure to pesticides and toxic chemicals is perhaps one of the most important, but a close second is to start with a healthy diet of foods minimally processed, without artificial colors, flavors or ingredients. Fresh foods are best. Prioritize what foods you can select as organic, and do your best to wash produce thoroughly before consuming. Carefully select vitamins and supplements for quality and potency. Most of all, read labels and ask questions. The Natural Products Expo West is an important annual industry event because it continues to bring forth product innovation-and discussion about what can help promote healthy living naturally. I hope you take the time to look at what you consume and read labels. Regardless of your budget, my advice is to avoid pre-made foods (usually anything in a box), reduce sugar intake, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits when possible. I'm not a doctor, nutritionist or health professional, nor do I suggest this post is complete in its health advice. It is merely my opinion on the benefits of consuming natural products in your life. Oh- and don't forget your pet too. Better nutrition makes a huge difference in a dog or cat's life.
-Rick Rockhill

The Palm Springs Savant & Co Radio Show

The week's edition of The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show featured guests Kim Laidlaw from the Guide Dogs of the Desert, and Jim Casey, Executive Producer of the new independent film Expecting Mary. Click below to listen now or download as podcast from iTunes.

Palm Springs Savant & Co. Radio Show

My new weekly radio show premiered on Blog Talk Radio today. Listen here below, or on podcast from iTunes.