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Issue #16 - June 2005

Welcome to the Large In Charge Newsletter

In this Issue of L.I.C

LargeInCharge Flea Market - NEW ITEMS! Online area where you can sell and purchase clothing, shoe's, etc. at low prices. Bring all your used, items here to sell.

Annual Community Drive - LargeInCharge helps the Community. Can you Donate?

Featured Person - Sanctuarie Designs Plus Sized Clothing up to 9XL

Raqui's Spot - Why test for Ovarian Cancer in Plus Sized Ladies?!

Jay's Spot - The Original Big Mama of Blues.

Guest Spot - Chemicals causing massive obesity? Research by John Erb

Product of the Month - Recommended Products by Big People for Other People of Size

Plus Sized Writing Contest - Win a $125.00 Gift Certificate to IGIGI.com

Events & Pictures - L.I.C. Delivers Info. on the hottest BBW events, See what we are doing in the community.

Big World Links- Check out the Big Sized Companies who want to cater to you! Clothing, Party Promoters, Websites and more!

Feature of the Month

Jackie Salame of Sanctuarie Designs

Sanctuarie Designs

We all feel the affects of not being able to find the right item. Those who are super sized feel as though there is nothing available to them. Sanctuarie Designs is one of the few places that Super Sized people can find some causal and dressy clothing to grace our ample bodies.

I bought a few items some time ago. What I liked about Sanctuarie was the fact that I was able to get my items made extra long. They custom made my pants to fit me the way I needed them to be. I also bought a nice blouse that everyone loves. It was made long enough and was roomy but not a tent. It fit quite well and it remains a part of my winter wear.

I was able to buy some jeans for the first time in years. The jeans had a very strong metal zipper which is what I wanted. I find many of the items wonderful and I have seen quite a few ladies looking marvelous in those items. I have to say that it is great to find a company who will give a little extra and sew an item the way you need it.

That is what impressed me most. Sanctuarie Designs will go that extra mile for you. If you find something you like on there site you can get it made for your body. They are also quite affordable. It opens a door that most of us super sized ladies don't have.

Thank you Sanctuarie Designs for opening that door.

Interview with Sanctuarie Designs

LargeInCharge.com: What is your name?

Sanctuarie.net: Jackie Salame

LargeInCharge.com: Where are you from and what is your current Location?

Sanctuarie.net: Los Angeles, California - Still here!

LargeInCharge.com: Do you consider yourself a BBW or a SSBBW?

Sanctuarie.net: BBW

LargeInCharge.com: Who is the owner of you company?

Sanctuarie.net: I am.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about your company?

Sanctuarie.net: We make affordable plus size & super size women's clothing. From evening gowns, to sleepwear, swimsuits & jeans.

LargeInCharge.com: How did your company begin?

Sanctuarie.net: I started selling out of my closet on ebay!

LargeInCharge.com: How did your company get its name?

Sanctuarie.net: I just thought it sounded like a nice place to be!

LargeInCharge.com: How long have you been in business?

Sanctuarie.net: Approximately 5 years.

LargeInCharge.com: What made you decide to make clothing?

Sanctuarie.net: I ran out of things in my closet to sell, so I then started going to bargain basements & closeouts. Those ran dry as well, so we started our own line.

LargeInCharge.com: Who designs the clothing you sell?

Sanctuarie.net: I do.

LargeInCharge.com: Are you currently looking for new designers?

Sanctuarie.net: Not really, but we're always open to ideas.

LargeInCharge.com: What is the size range on your clothing and do you custom?

Sanctuarie.net: Large to 9x

LargeInCharge.com: Does you company do Fashion shows, if so where?

Sanctuarie.net: We sure do, we just did one at a club here in Long Beach, called Club Bounce, and we have one coming up in Las Vegas at the BBW Network Bash.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you have a website and a hardcopy catalogs; how do we obtain a hard copy catalog?

Sanctuarie.net: We have a website yes, but no hard copy catalogs. One because our stock changes so rapidly, and two, because we like to keep our costs to a minimum, so we can pass the savings along to our customers!

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about your latest fashions and any up & coming products?

Sanctuarie.net: We just started our swimsuit line, and our best sellers right now are our casual princess cut dresses, and the painted t-shirts.

LargeInCharge.com: Overall, What are your best sellers?

Sanctuarie.net: Here are links to our best sellers;

Our best sellers are our gothic dresses:

http://store.yahoo.com/sanctuarie-net/blacredgotla.html

Our swimdresses:

http://store.yahoo.com/sanctuarie-net/nebeswdrhato.html

And our t-shirts:

http://store.yahoo.com/sanctuarie-net/casualshirts.html

LargeInCharge.com: Has your company or clothing ever been showcased on Television or in Print?

Sanctuarie.net: Yes, I believe so, on "The Big Girl Show".

LargeInCharge.com: Do you feel the fashion industry is doing a good job providing quality clothing for Big Women?

Sanctuarie.net: Yes, somewhat.

LargeInCharge.com: What are the ordering options that customers have?

Sanctuarie.net: Online or by phone.

LargeInCharge.com: How long does it take for a purchase to be received?

Sanctuarie.net: Usually within a week or so.

LargeInCharge.com: What are your refund options?

Sanctuarie.net: Everything is returnable, for either a refund or store credit (store credit is the only option on special orders & clearance items).

LargeInCharge.com: How do you find your models?

Sanctuarie.net: We post on message boards, or word of mouth.

LargeInCharge.com: How can someone apply to be a model for your website or catalog?

Sanctuarie.net: Just give us a call or drop us an e-mail!

LargeInCharge.com: Who does the photography on your website?

Sanctuarie.net: I do.

LargeInCharge.com: Was the site it an automatic success or did it take time to kick off?

Sanctuarie.net: It took a little time.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you feel people of size have made progress in the last 10 years; do you think the internet is part of that progress?

Sanctuarie.net: Yes, very much so.

LargeInCharge.com: How has the internet helped your business?

Sanctuarie.net: We are only on the internet, so I would say 100%!

LargeInCharge.com: What can the readers at LargeInCharge do to help support your business?

Sanctuarie.net: Come & take a look at what we have, and if you don't see anything you like, let us know what you'd want to see there!

Raqui's Spot

Raqui's Spot

From a Female's Point of View

This month's subject:

Why test for Ovarian Cancer in Plus Sized Ladies?!

Email Raqui: raqui@largeincharge.com

Why test for Ovarian Cancer in Plus Sized Ladies

     I received the scare of my life a few weeks ago when I went for my yearly GYN appointment. My doctor has been my GYN doctor for almost 10 years. After my exam She casually says, "I think you should go for a sonogram." "A Sonogram?" I reply "Why?" "Well I want you to get checked for Ovarian Cancer." "CANCER" is the only word I heard.

     Me Cancer, no way I mean come on. I am too healthy for cancer. Wait I am to young for cancer. I CAN'T HAVE CANCER! I kept calm and she gave me some paper work so that I can get the sonogram done. But inside I was really scared. Because in reality Cancer can hit you at any age and that last thing I wanted to think about was that I might have something hidden in my body that could take my life.

     So I start asking all my bbw friends about this certain test but no one knows about it. I start asking smaller women, ssbbw women, shoot I asked strangers in the doctor's office. But no one knows anything about it. My mother almost had a nervous break down when I mentioned it so I decided to change the subject. I began to ask my online friends and one woman had the test but for different reasons. I really started to get frustrated and very worried. Finally I got some answers and it came to a surprise, but completely makes sense: EVERY SINGLE big woman bbw or ssbbw should be getting this test YEARLY.

     It is called a Vaginal Sonogram, It is done while your on a regular GYN table. They put a plastic coated wand about the size of a hot dog into your vagina. It does not go very deep. The wand takes the sonogram through your pelvis and they are able to get pictures of your uterus and ovaries. You don't have to drink water and all they do is move the wand around a little to get a better picture. It takes about 10 minutes and is simple. It was much better than getting a Pelvic exam and was not a big deal.

     Why should all Big Ladies get this test on a yearly basis? I talked to a friend of mine who gets these tests, and a friend who is a Nurse and these are the reasons.

With many plus sized people during a GYN exam the uterus and ovaries are NOT being felt properly or not being felt at all!

The Vaginal Sonogram enables the uterus and ovaries to be seen and examined for growths, cists and tumors.

Cancer, Cists, Growths etc. do not hurt until it is too late to do something about it.

The Vaginal sonogram allows the doctor to see what they cannot feel.

Cancer and other problems can be detected early with this test when the chance of recovery is good.

     It is a shame that all GYN doctors are not informing Plus Sized ladies about this during an exam. If the Doctor cannot feel every thing they should automatically send you for this exam for YOUR OWN GOOD. Out of all the people I talked to 80 % of them being BBW or SSBBW. Only one person was able to tell me more about it in detail and why we should be getting this exam every year.   That means most BBW's and SSBBW's are not being examined correctly. Most women in general do not go for the yearly GYN exam especially Large Ladies who are embarrassed, ashamed or just don't want to go through the hassle.

     My friend who is a nurse said that all women should get this test from time to time but especially Bigger women should have it no less than every other year. Large Ladies can go on for years with tumors, cists, growths that might be cancerous or non cancerous growing and have no idea about it. When you start getting pain the cancer might have spread to much and you might not be able to recover. Or they might have to take out all your reproductive organs instead of just maybe an ovary. With out your ovaries to give you estrogen you will have to take estrogen pills which can actually cause different types of cancer over time. So the most important thing is to get examined yearly and if you got a problem with regular testing and exams problems can be detected early enough to do something about it.

SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT:

Find a GYN doctor you like and get yearly exams.

Ask your Doctor if they are able to feel your uterus and ovaries properly during the exam.

If they don't feel them perfectly ask to have a Vaginal Sonogram.

If your doctor refuses find another doctor and speak to them in advance saying you want Vaginal sonograms at least every other year. In reality you should have it every year.

If you feel pain at anytime go in to speak with your doctor.

Remember Early Detection is the Key, If your doctor doesn't have your best interests at heart you need a new doctor.

     We need to fight for our rights, We are paying for medical care and if you have government assistance or insurance it is there for a reason. So that you stay healthy. If you don't demand the proper treatment who will? If you don't have insurance or any way to pay for your GYN, birth control and other treatments.   Look up Planned Parent hood in your area. At planned parent hood you can apply for a special Medicaid that takes care of GYN, birth control and any type of medical care that has to deal in the GYN field. You will be able to use it with your own regular doctor you don't have to use Planned Parenthood services.

Stay well Ladies and remember, even though you might not like the exam or test it is important for your health and life!

Thank you for Reading Raqui's Spot!

Would you like to give your comments?

Email Raqui: raqui@largeincharge.com

Jay's Spot

Jay's Spot

From a Male point of view.

This months Subject :

The Original Big Mama of Blues

jay@largeincharge.com

Big Mama Thornton (1926 – 1984)

“Big Mama” Thornton was a large, tall, imposing woman that commanded the stage and took charge of everything and everyone around her. She was known to take no lip from anyone at any time. She was also a woman that knew the blues and could sing the blues with a power to match and even surpass many noted male singers.

Born Willie Mae Thornton December 11, 1926 and one of seven children, Willie was the daughter of a minister father and church singing mother. She knew that she wanted to perform at an early age. At the age of 14, she traveled with the Hot Harlem Revue where she performed for seven years.

She moved to Texas in 1948 and worked in the local clubs. In the early 1950s, Big Mama signed with the Peacock label. It is there that she was the first to record “Hound Dog” in 1953. Written by composers Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller and given directly to her to sing, the song reached number one on the R&B charts. According to the Handbook of Texas Online, Big Mama received only $500 for her entire life recording “Hound Dog”, while Elvis Presley went on to make it a Rock and Roll classic three years later. The same occurrence happened with the other most recognized Thornton song “Ball ‘n Chain.” A hit for Big Mama, “Ball n‘Chain” is most associated with the late singer Janis Joplin. During the late 50’s, Big Mama saw real success, but unfortunately and like so many other African American performers during this time, saw little of the money she made.

Big Mama moved to San Francisco, California in the early 1960’s. She saw a decline in her record sales, but continued to record and perform. In 1965, she toured Europe with the American Folk Music Festival and recorded an album in England. Big Mama recorded for the Arhoolie, Vanguard, Mercury and various other smaller labels. She died in Los Angeles, CA in 1984 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the same year.

Big Mama’s contributions to the blues cannot be underestimated. She has influenced many singers and worked with most of the greats of the Chicago blues.

http://bluesland.net/thang/Thornton.htm

Thanks for reading Jay's Spot

jay@largeincharge.com

Guest Spot

Large In Charge Guest Spot

We want to hear and see your talents!

One of our favorite parts of the newsletter. The Guest Spot is for our readers to submit there talents to be viewed. We want to see all you wonderful supporters making moves of your own. If you write poetry, short stories, commentaries, or just thoughts in general, please submit them to us. If your a designer we want to see pictures of your clothing. We would love to include your talents in our newsletter. We hope you take an active part in the L.I.C. newsletter.

NOTE: The Opinion of the writer is not always the opinion of The Large in Charge Staff. We support the Right to all views. We do not Condemn or Approve writing based on our personal thoughts. We approve writing based on if the subject is a concern for the BBW / SSBBW / BHM Community. Thank you for your writing and please send in those articles! - The Large in Charge Staff

No Picture Avaliable

About our Guest Writer

Anonymous Guest Writer

This was found via a plus sized message board

Some don't believe this is possible.

What do you think? Send us your comments

I wondered if there could be an actual chemical causing the massive obesity epidemic, so did a friend of mine, John Erb. He was a research assistant at the University of Waterloo, and spent years working for the
government.

     He made an amazing discovery while going through scientific journals for a book he was writing called The Slow Poisoning of America. In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists were creating obese mice and rats to use in diet or diabetes test studies.

     No strain of rat or mice is naturally obese, so the scientists have to create them. They make these morbidly obese creatures by injecting them with MSG when they are first born. The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats (and humans?) to become obese; they even have a title for the race of fat rodents they create: "MSG-Treated Rats,,,,,,,, MSGb?

     I was shocked too. I went to my kitchen, checking the cupboards and the fridge. MSG was in everything! The Campbell's soups, the Hostess Doritos, the Lays flavored potato chips, Top Ramen, Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, Heinz canned gravy, Swanson frozen prepared meals, Kraft salad dressings, especially the 'healthy low fat' ones. The items that didn't have MSG had something called Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, which is just another name for Monosodium Glutamate. It was shocking to see just how many of the
foods we feed our children everyday are filled with this stuff. They hide MSG under many different names in order to fool those who catch on.

     But it didn't stop there. When our family went out to eat, we started asking at the restaurants what menu items had MSG. Many employees, even the managers, swore they didn't use MSG. But when we ask for the
ingredient list which they grudgingly provided, sure enough MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein were everywhere. Burger King, McDonalds, Wendy's, Taco Bell, every restaurant, even the sit down ones like TGIF, Chilis', Applebees and Denny's use MSG in abundance. Kentucky Fried Chicken seemed to be the WORST offender: MSG was in every chicken dish, salad dressing and gravy. No wonder I loved to eat that coating on the skin, their secret spice was MSG!

     So why is MSG in so may of the foods we eat? Is it a preservative or a vitamin? Not according to my friend John. In the book he wrote, an expose of the food additive industry called The Slow Poisoning of America, http://www.spofamerica.com/ , he said that MSG is added to food for the addictive effect it has on the human body. Even the propaganda website sponsored by the food manufacturers lobby group supporting MSG at: http://www.msgfacts.com/facts/msgfact12.html explains that the reason they add it to food is to make people eat more.

     A study of elderly people showed that people eat more of the foods that it is added to. The Glutamate Association lobby group says eating more benefits the elderly, but what does it do to the rest of us?

     'Betcha can't eat just one', takes on a whole new meaning where MSG is concerned! And we wonder why the nation is overweight?

     The MSG manufacturers themselves admit that it addicts people to their products. It makes people choose their product over others, and makes people eat more of it than they would if MSG wasn't added. Not only is MSG scientifically proven to cause obesity, it is an addictive substance!

     Since its introduction into the American food supply fifty years ago, MSG has been added in larger and larger doses to the prepackaged meals, soups, snacks and fast foods we are tempted to eat everyday.

     The FDA has set no limits on how much of it can be added to food. They claim it's safe to eat in any amount. How can they claim it is safe when there are hundreds of scientific studies with titles like these?

     The monosodium glutamate (MSG) obese rat as a model for the study of exercise in obesity. Gobatto CA, Mello MA, Souza CT, Ribeiro IA. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 2002

     Adrenalectomy abolishes the food-induced hypothalamic serotonin release in both normal and monosodium glutamate-obese rats. Guimaraes RB, Telles MM, Coelho VB, Mori RC, Nascimento CM,
Ribeiro Brain Res Bull. August 2002

     Obesity induced by neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats: an animal model of multiple risk factors. Yamamoto M, Iino K, Ichikawa K, Shinohara N, Yoshinari Fujishima Hypertens Res. March 1998

     Hypothalamic lesion induced by injection of monosodium glutamate in suckling period and subsequent development of obesity. Tanaka K, Shimada M, Nakao K, Kusunoki Exp Neurol. October 1978

Yes, that last study was not a typo, it WAS written in 1978.

Both the medical research community and food "manufacturers" have known MSG's side effects for decades!

     Many more studies mentioned in John Erb's book link MSG to Diabetes, Migraines and headaches, Autism, ADHD and even Alzheimer's.But what can we do to stop the food manufactures from dumping fattening and addictive MSG into our food supply and causing the obesity epidemic we now see?

Even as you read this, George W. Bush and his corporate supporters are pushing a Bill through Congress, and it's called the: "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act"also known as the "Cheeseburger Billb This sweeping law bans anyone from suing food manufacturers, sellers and distributors. Even if it comes out that they purposely added an addictive chemical to their foods.

Read about it for yourself at:
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/8458081.htm

     Last month the House of Representatives passed the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act" to protect the food and beverage industry from civil lawsuits. Under the measure, known as the "Cheeseburger Bill," people who buy food or drinks couldn't sue the companies that made them, the stores that sold them or the restaurants that served them if they got fat from the products, so long as the products met existing laws. The Senate is expected to take up a similar bill later this year."

     The Bill has already been rushed through the House of Representatives, and is due for the same rubber stamp at Senate level. It is important that Bush and his corporate supporters get it through before the
media lets everyone know about MSG, the intentional Nicotine for food.

     Several months ago, John Erb took his book and his concerns to one of the highest government health officials in Canada. While sitting in the Government office, the official told him "Sure I know how bad MSG is, I wouldn't touch the stuff!" But this top-level government official refused to tell the public what he knew. The big media doesn't want to tell the public either, fearing legal issues with their advertisers. It seems that the fallout on the fast food industry may hurt their profit margin.

     So what do we do? The food producers and restaurants have been addicting us to their products for years, and now we are paying the price for it. Our children should not be cursed with obesity caused by an
addictive food additive. But what can I do about it? I'm just one voice, what can I do to stop the poisoning of our children, while guys like Bush are insuring financial protection for the industry that is poisoning us.

     I for one am doing something about it. I am sending this email out to everyone I know in an attempt to show you the truth that the corporate owned politicians and media won't tell you. The best way you can help save yourself and your children from this drug-induced epidemic, is to forward this email to everyone. With any luck, it will circle the globe before Bush can pass the Bill protecting those who poisoned us. The food industry learned a lot from the tobacco industry. Imagine if big tobacco had a bill like this in place before someone blew the whistle on Nicotine? Blow the whistle on MSG. If you are one of the few who can still believe that MSG is good for us, and you don't believe what John Erb has to say, see for yourself. Go to the National Library of Medicine, at http://www.pubmed.com Type in the words "MSG Obese", and read a few of the articles for yourself.

Product of the Month

Large In Charge

Product of the Month!

What is good for Big Sized Bodies

A very important and necessary part of LargeInCharge. Find out what is helpful for big bodies. Keep your self straight with some of our tips and tricks. Find out what other Big Sized people use to keep themselves smelling, feeling, looking, and living a proper life. What kind of products are allowed. Anything that deal with the body. From cleaning aids to soap, lotions, powder, healing aids etc. anything that can help a big body!

NOTE: The Opinion of those who submit items are not professional. They are everyday people who found something that worked for them. We are not held responsible for there opinion - The Large in Charge Staff

Send your favorite Item to be Product of the Month - Follow format below, include a picture of product (most can be found online) and Send to raqui@largeincharge.com

About the Product

Recommender:  Raqui

Name of Product: Dr. Bronner's PEPPERMINT Pure-Castile Soap


Type of Product : Mild Cleaning Product for the Body and Home.

Cost of Product : $6.00 and up depending on size

Where Product can be found : http://www.drbronner.com/

Stores:  Natural Health Food Stores

Why I like this Product : I love Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Pure Castile Soap!

It truly cleans deep down in your pores.  It leaves your body feeling tingly.

You get a Deep Cooling sensation all over.  Perfect for folds and other moist

places that trap odor.  It is mild and you only need a little on your wash cloth.

It creates soft suds that glide all over your body.  It is perfect for the summer

heat, it opens pores and cools you down.  You can use this as a mild

detergent to wash your clothing.  It can be used to clean all your surfaces in

the house hold. Add to water and mop your home, it makes your house smell

so fresh and clean.  The Smell of Peppermint chases Roaches away. It can be

used with your shampoo to strip your hair of build up that happens when using

the same shampoo repeatedly.  You can use on face but be careful not to get

into your eyes.  I recommend it for daily use.

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