The recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan have created a sizable food production problem that may impact the nation for quite some time. The physical and emotional stress the disaster victims have endured is undoubtedly intense. We at Enzymes, Inc. are firm believers that great health and sustained energy starts with a proper diet. If the body does not receive the proper nutrition to help the mind and body cope, the stress alone may leave the immune system weak to deal with various illnesses that can accompany a food shortage or natural disaster.

We’ve listed a few legitimate organizations that can help you make a fast and convenient donation to our neighbors in Japan. And if you make a donation to a Japan relief effort and send us a copy of your receipt (send to ndupont@enzymesinc.com), we’ll send you a coupon code to receive 25% off your next online order of any of our consumer products (WellZymes, Nutri-Essence, and Genuine N Zimes). Please note: You must be an individual consumer to receive the discount. Practitioners and retailers will not be eligible.

UNICEF, United Nations Children’s Fund (formerly United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund): “The U.S. Fund for UNICEF (USF) is raising funds to help children in Japan impacted by the recent earthquake and tsunami. This is an unusual decision, as Japan is a donor to UNICEF, not a recipient of its assistance.  However, due to the unprecedented nature of the epic disaster and its impact on children, resources are going to be critical in helping provide for the very unique needs of children. These may include health, development and protection and other needs that may have been compromised or disrupted in the wake of catastrophe.” (Source: U.S. Fund for UNICEF website) Click here to donate.

Second Harvest—Japan: The cost of delivering donated food is expensive. Click here to help donate food or monetary support for delivery expenses.

The American Red Cross: “In many respects, the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan’s northeast is rapidly becoming a disaster associated with the elderly. The three evacuation centers in the shattered town of Otsuchi are filled with the old and ill. Many are too tired or too sick to do little but lie on mattresses on the floor, swathed in blankets. The weather is taking a heavy toll on the health of the survivors in evacuation centers, many of who are elderly. Japanese Red Cross Society doctors say there has been an increase in cases of influenza and some diarrheal diseases.” (Source: The American Red Cross website) Click here to donate.

Habitat for Humanity: “In the short-term, Habitat for Humanity Japan is mobilizing its pool of local volunteers and recruiting others to support the Japanese government’s initial clean-up and relief operation, which will start in earnest after the search and rescue operations have finished. Longer-term, Habitat for Humanity will continue to provide volunteer support to rebuild the disaster-stricken areas of the country. Habitat for Humanity International will also assist Habitat for Humanity Japan in rebuilding its own capacity to serve families in need of shelter within the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.” (Source: Habitat for Humanity website) Click here to donate.

As always, supplemental enzymes are key to absorbing nutrients more completely and getting the most out of food. If you’re sending a family member, friend or colleague a care package in Japan, don’t forget to send a full-spectrum enzyme supplement for general digestion.

“Mom! Mom! Dad! Dad! Look! I see the golden arches! Can we stop there? Please? Pleeeeaaassee? I wanna play on the slide and get the new toy! Oh please-please-please-please-pleeaassseee?”

If you have kids, you’re undoubtedly bombarded with this request every time you take to the highway for a long road trip. If you’re trying to make good time and haven’t planned ahead, succumbing to the allure of the fast food kingdom is easy and convenient. You think, “The kids will be thrilled, the food is cheap, and it’s ready in less than 90 seconds. Why not?”

Of course, the “why not” comes later, when the kids are crabby, sweating from dehydration, and too groggy to play, “I spy with my little eye.” The “why not” finds you, too—out of it and with acid indigestion and gas. Your family is pleading with you, “Roll down the window, for the love of Pete.”

We all know that greasy and fatty fast food is at the forefront of turning the United States into one of the most unhealthy and obese countries in the world. But what can you do on the road to avoid the fast food trap, promote a healthy lifestyle for the kids and get to your destination in a timely manner?

Let’s rewind all the way back to before you left for the trip. WebMD suggests you take a cooler and stock it with these healthy, convenient, and easy to serve alternatives:

· Water, low-fat milk, or 100% juice. Take cooled milk and douse it over whole-grain cereals that come in single-serve cups.
· Low-fat cheese sticks
· Tubes or cartons of yogurt
· Cut veggies or washed baby carrots and cherry tomatoes. Compliment with a container of low-fat dip.
· Sliced bananas, apples, grapes and pears.

Other healthy and portable items:
· Peanut butter in a tube or a small tub to go with crackers or bread sticks
· Single-serve cans of tuna with easy-open tops and crackers
· Cans or cups of fruit packed in their own juice
· Dehydrated bean soups (get hot water at a roadside rest stop)
· Trail mix made from dried fruits, nuts, seeds, pretzels, or cereal with a few chocolate chips thrown in for good measure.

Get the most out of what you’re feeding them

Even healthier food choices can still pose digestive problems, including incomplete nutrient absorption and indigestion. Many moms and dads supplement their kids’ meals with digestive enzyme supplements. These all-natural products help break down all types of foods, helping the body to absorb food nutrients. On the road, this helps make for kids that are more awake, chipper, and less likely to say, “Pull over, I think I’m gonna be sick.” There’s nothing more beautiful than upholstery that retains its original color.

As far as the slide and playtime, be sure to pack a Frisbee and your baseball gloves. Stop at a rest area with a park and have a catch with your kids. After all, it’s what happens on the journey that childhood memories are made of.