Food allergies, smoking and other lifestyle habits can impair your health or those of your loved ones, so it pays to be informed. Readers of the September/October 2008 issue of the Healthy Options Lifestyle newsdigest are informed of the signs and risk factors for a variety of ailments that can actually be prevented with the right food choices and supplementation.

In the publisher’s page, Romy Sia tackles some parents’ misgivings on the real benefits of a series of vaccinations required for babies by age two, and how these are prompting certain individuals to take a closer look at potential risks. Do the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks? Sia lets readers ponder, especially in light of stories linking vaccine ingredients to an increase in autism or other afflictions like diabetes. Read the article entitled "Fear of Vaccines Safety" and see why some parents are balking at the recommended childhood vaccine schedule for children by age two.

The latest issue is also packed with highly interesting and empowering articles like "Preventing & Eliminating Bad Breath," "Smoking – Why Quit?" Also tucked in the Baby Matters section are breastfeeding and bottle-feeding tips for nursing moms. Get the lowdown on the good sources of strength and nourishment for breastfeeding mothers, and which foods and beverages must be limited.

Just as there are superfoods to enhance health, there are also food foes that can have serious health repercussions. In the product review section, seek out the breakthrough product for gluten-intolerant consumers who need to get enough fiber and iron in their diet but are held back by limited food choices based on safe foods they know.

If nutrition boosters are on top of your shopping list, read how Omega-3 fatty acids, when made part of your diet, can significantly bolster body defenses against a wide range of diseases affecting the heart, blood sugar, bones, and also weight. Clinical studies of children with learning and behavioral problems like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder interestingly point to low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

If your sex life is in the doldrums, you may find the women’s health section helpful, with the featured article, "Spice Up Your Sex Life." Find the time for a healthier sex life with simple steps like kicking up your energy and exercising to increase circulation and endorphins, and communicating with your partner to work it out together.

In the health notes section, readerswill discover the suggested natural panacea to peptic ulcer. Probiotics, vitamins, herbs as well as dietary supplements can do wonders to ease the discomforts created by the bacterial organism mainly responsible for peptic ulcer. Also check out the alternatives to chemical-based mosquito repellents in the skin care section.

The Healthy Options Lifestyle newsdigest comes free to customers. For more information, visit its website at www.healthyoptions.com.ph.