Homes Made Safe

Are you Addicted to Sugar? | Farmers' Almanac

2011-01-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

Are you Addicted to Sugar? | Farmers' Almanac:

Are you Addicted to Sugar?

by Dondra Vaughn | Monday, January 24th, 2011 | From: Healthy Living

Did you know sugar may be addictive? The fact that the average American consumes more than 150 pounds of sugar every year should certainly be a red flag. While research continues on the subject, a number of studies suggest refined sugars affect the brain in ways very similar to alcohol and drugs such as heroin and cocaine, producing an initial “high” upon consumption and resulting in dependency. Over time, greater quantities are needed to achieve the same sugar high. And attempts to eliminate sugar from the diet may result in withdrawal symptoms and cravings. So if you feel frustrated, thinking you simply lack discipline or willpower to turn down that triple fudge brownie, there may indeed be a physiological reason behind your sweet tooth’s constant demand for more sugar.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

New Questions Raised On Chemicals In Soaps, Plastics

2010-12-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

We love the safer cleaners from Shaklee!

New Questions Raised On Chemicals In Soaps, Plastics : Shots - Health News Blog : NPR: "There may be such a thing as being too clean, says Allison Aiello, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Aiello and her colleagues published a study that suggests kids with higher exposure to triclosan — which gets into our bodies via everything from antimicrobial soap to toothpaste to cutting boards — may cause them to be more frequently diagnosed with allergies.

Meanwhile, adults exposed to higher doses of Bisphenol A (BPA), which is found in many plastics like the linings of food cans and baby bottles, may also have trouble with their immune systems, the study finds.

The study looked at data collected from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers compared urinary BPA and triclosan with cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody levels and, separately, a diagnoses of allergies or hay fever in a sample of U.S. adults and children over age 6, to determine immune system changes.

Exposure levels were well within existing limits - but the findings raise questions about how much exposure could cause changes in our bodies.

The authors caution that the study is not definitive — more research needs to be done to pin down the exact relationship between the chemicals and the immune system.

'We wanted to begin to address this gap in our understanding of how prevalent chemicals such as BPA and triclosan influence immune function, because our immune systems play a crucial role in determining our overall health status,' Erin Rees Clayton, a U-M researcher told the Montreal paper The Gazette.

Both triclosan and BPA have long been suspected of causing health problems, the 100 million dollar question is whether we should worry about the low-level exposure most of us get.

Some governments aren't waiting for all the answers.

The European Commission voted to ban BPA from baby bottles on Thursday, just a week after Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) dropped her efforts to get a similar ban attached to the food safety bill now going through the Senate.

Canada declared the chemical 'toxic' last month.

The American Chemistry Council thinks all the fuss is premature. ACC's Steve Hentges told USA Today: 'Based on the science, an international panel of experts organized by the World Health Organization recently concluded that public health measures on BPA are premature.'

The FDA is studying BPA's impact on human health and safety.

Meanwhile, the FDA has also been studying triclosan. It said in April that it doesn't have enough data to recommend consumers stop using products containing triclosan.

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

We love the safer cleaners from Shaklee!

School food -- Feedback needed

2010-09-08T09:33:00.002-04:00

Image by chidorian via Flickr

Shared by request of Healthy Child Healthy World

What do you think about the food served in schools?

More and more parents are expressing deep concerns about the quality of food being served in schools. And, many are still unaware that there might be anything to worry about. Healthy Child is taking our Eat Healthy program to the next level by joining forces with Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and MomsRising to help propel national efforts to improve school food. Are you interested in helping?

The first step is helping us determine what the main concerns of parents are and how to best empower them. We've developed a very short survey and we need to get as many people as possible to fill it out to help guide our campaign and make it as successful as possible. Will you please fill it out and share on your blog and with your social networks?

You can find the survey here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGQ5UnVRRUVwLTNKZDFkb3phc250NEE6MQ

Jamie Oliver's team is hoping to get feedback within the next week or two, so we'd really appreciate your immediate help spreading the word and encouraging people to take 2 minutes to voice their concerns (or lack thereof - whatever the case may be). Please let me know if you have any questions or if you're interested in participating in our Eat Healthy program in a deeper way.

Thank you!

Janelle Sorensen
Chief Communications Officer
Healthy Child Healthy World

2010-08-27T10:57:00.002-04:00

Shared by request of Healthy Child Healthy World

Honor a Mom on a Mission!

The news may be filled with stories of crises and collapse, but through every downfall we are seeing greatness as mothers heed the call for change. As Amie Nelson says in “How Mothers Can Change the World,”

“The positive light among us is the growing swell of activism from women formerly in the shadows. From heads of state to soccer moms, mothers around the world are doing incredible work to inspire, educate and engage their communities.

Mothers are a force to be reckoned with, by their sheer numbers alone…The promising reality is that mothers are emerging as social advocates and political leaders. All over the world, female politicians are proud to emphasize their role as mothers--and even campaign as mothers.

Mothers are a universal symbol of the unique power women have to get things done, to survive insurmountable odds, and to help others in need.”

Are you a part of this Mom Revolution? Do you know another mom who is? Please share your story, ask the readers of your blog, and help inspire others!

On October 14, 2010 at Healthy Child’s annual gala, one special and inspiring American woman dedicated to creating healthier environments for children will be honored.

This “Mom on a Mission” will be flown out to Los Angeles, California, and stay for two nights at a local green hotel. During the benefit dinner, she will be formally presented with the second annual Healthy Child Healthy World “Mom on a Mission” award for her extraordinary service and inspiration.

Want to know how to nominate that special mom, or yourself?

Judging criteria: Healthy Child is seeking an inspirational, true story of a mother's work to create healthier environments for children and families.

Who is a candidate: Any exceptional mother (currently living in the United States) who seeks to make a difference for the better, generously gives back to others, or overcame adversity with courage.

How to enter: Only ONE nomination per person is allowed. Please enter by sending your “inspirational, true story” to award@healthychild.org. Submissions should be no more than 750 words in length.

Deadline for Nominations: August 31, 2010, 11:59pm PST.

Mothers are leading the movement for a better tomorrow. And, the more we share our stories and honor exceptional efforts, the more the movement spreads and inspires additional change.

Let’s honor the Mothers!

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Learn more about Healthy Child’s Mom on a Mission program and awards. http://healthychild.org/get-involved/mom_on_a_mission/

Get Clean Water

2010-07-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

Learn more and shop here

Hungry? Think Blue! | Farmers' Almanac

2010-07-21T09:53:00.000-04:00

On May 8, 1999, the United States Department of Agriculture proclaimed July National Blueberry Month. Here’s a little look at the history – and benefits – of these sweet summertime treats.

Eat Blueberries for Better Health:
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which are believed to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and many of the chronic diseases that come with aging. According to the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries provide more antioxidants than almost any other fresh fruit or vegetable.

Native Americans used leaves from the blueberry bush to make a blood purifier that was believed to be good for the kidneys, blueberry tea was used to help relax women during childbirth, and blueberry juice was offered to help combat coughs.

Modern medicine has also identified some possible health benefits of blueberries. Researchers at the Rutgers Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth, N.J. found that blueberries can help prevent urinary tract infections in much the same way cranberries do. And Dr. Ronald Prior, a researcher with the USDA, has suggested that they may also help to stave off macular degeneration.

Get Answers: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies | Healthy Child Healthy World

2010-07-17T15:41:00.001-04:00

Get Answers: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies | Healthy Child Healthy World: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Fruit flies are a real nuisance, but they’re easy enough to get rid of using non-toxic solutions. Here are some methods to try:

* Pour a little sweet cheap white wine (Riesling) in a glass and add a drop of a natural soap to break the surface tension. Place near infected area. The fruit flies will drown trying to drink the wine.
* Pour some apple cider vinegar into a glass, and place a paper funnel over the container. Fruit flies are attracted to the smell and fly into the glass, but 4 out of 5 can’t find the way back out.
* Mix some basil oil with water and spray your kitchen. Fruit flies are repelled by the smell of basil.

Flavored Milks

2010-06-29T11:34:00.000-04:00

Did you know that flavored milks have about the same sugar as soda? Check out this fact sheet for the comparison.

Florida considers removing flavored milk from school menus

D.C. Schools to Discontinue Flavored Milk, Sugary Cereal

PCBs in fish oil supplements

2010-06-22T18:43:00.000-04:00

Very happy to not have to worry about my Shaklee Omegas!

PCBs found in 10 fish oil supplements
(NaturalNews) A California lawsuit is accusing several fish oil supplement manufacturers of selling fish oils that contain unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds, also known as PCBs. The state's Proposition 65 requires products that may contain toxic ingredients above safe levels to have warning labels for consumer safety.

Five supplement companies, CVS and Rite Aid drug stores, and Omega Protein, Inc., the world's largest producer of omega-3 fish oil, are all named in the suit, which the plaintiffs hope will bring light to fish oil contamination problems. They also hope to see more accurate labeling of fish oils that includes specifics about contaminants like PCBs; that way, consumers will be able to make better decisions about which kinds are safe to buy.

Read the whole article at NaturalNews.com.

About Corn Syrup

2010-06-18T13:22:00.000-04:00

From The Herbal Path's blog:

If you’ve been watching television lately, you may have seen that the corn syrup ads are back. The ads follow a basic pattern: one person challenges another to explain why high fructose corn syrup is bad — when that person can’t come up with anything, the challenger says that corn syrup (1) “is made from corn,” (2) “is natural,” and (3) “is nutritionally the same as sugar.”

These commercials drive me nuts, because they don’t present a complete picture of the issue. I’d like to address the three points above.

1. If you’re curious about how the production of high fructose corn syrup works, check out this wikipedia article. The section on production is pretty detailed, and you can see exactly how close (or, in this case, not close) corn really is from the final product. My biggest reaction when I hear the “made from corn” argument is this: the biodegradable bags given out at the Herbal Path are also made from corn, but I wouldn’t want to eat them!

2. The Food and Drug Administration has no definition for the term “natural,” so it’s not illegal for anyone to claim their ingredient is natural. High fructose corn syrup is not found in nature, however. It takes a complex chemical process to create in a lab. The Center for Science in the Public Interest states that high fructose corn syrup “is not a ‘natural’ ingredient due to the high level of processing and the use of at least one genetically modified (GMO) enzyme required to produce it.”

3. Is high fructose corn syrup nutritionally safe? Well, that gets tricky — there are a lot of studies out there and they don’t all point to the same answer. From what I’ve read, this is my understanding of the current knowledge: At best, high fructose corn syrup has the same health effects as sucrose (white table sugar). At worst, it may be linked with an increase likelihood of obesity, insulin resistance, and liver disease. In addition, a 2005 study found that some sources of high fructose corn syrup may be contaminated with mercury.

What is the take-away message? High fructose corn syrup is NOT the same as sugar, no matter what the commercials try to imply. There ARE health concerns related to high fructose corn syrup AND sugar, particularly when they are consumed in large amounts. Eating more whole, unprocessed foods and reducing our consumption of sweeteners in general is a smart choice.

High lead levels in fruit cups and fruit juices

2010-06-16T12:45:00.001-04:00

Mrs Q., on her blog "Fed Up with Lunch: The School Lunch Project", shared about

a story on NPR about high lead levels in fruit cups and fruit juices. Here's the pdf with the listing of products (brands your family most likely consumes).
Fantastic news. In case you need a refresher on what lead does to children, check out these links:
Lead poisoning in children, Toxicity, Lead and Lead-info.com Crib notes: permanent, irreversible learning deficits.

Good to know.

UPDATE -- ALERT! Donate hair, fur, fleece, nylons to the Gulf Oil Spill!

2010-06-02T11:14:00.006-04:00

Matter of Trust is taking donations of hair, fur, fleece, shipping money, nylons, etc at their approved drop off points to help with the Gulf oil spill cleanup. We shampoo our hair because it attracts oils. Why not use it to clean up oil spills?

To learn more:
Matter of Trust - on the left sidebar of their page, click on "Find participating salons/groomers"

Acorn Organic Salon (Dover, NH) donates hair to help quell recent oil spill

UPDATE 6/6/10 -
"BP.... and the U.S. Coast Guard say they are not using hair to sop up
the oil, and don't plan to."
"In its statement, Matter of Trust said the boom is there in case it's
needed, but they are asking new participants to wait for their alerts
before sending more hair to the Gulf."
"Engineers said they concluded that using the hair was not feasible,
and the organizations collecting the hair were asked to stop doing
so."
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2010/05/hair_collection_effort_for_gul.html

also:

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/05/20/94503/hair-clippings-going-unused-for.html

www.MatterOfTrust.org

Asthma/Allergies Associated with Risk Reduction of Certain Cancers

2010-06-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

And now some good news for those of use with chronic allergies and asthma!

Source: Archives of Environmental Occupational Health and American Journal of Epidemiology

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by bronchoconstriction that is reversible, airway inflammation resulting from edema in the lining of the bronchial tubes, and increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli. Symptoms usually occur during the first five years of life in 65 percent of the patients. A key feature of the disease is a hyper-responsiveness of the airways to various triggering stimuli, which causes the airways to react to irritation with severe bronchospasm and inflammation, resulting in symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. Researchers are finding that gene mutation may increase asthma risk. They are also finding that a lack of H. pylori in children increases their risk of developing asthma.

If you have an allergy, your body's immune system has been programmed to treat a particular substance in food or the environment as an enemy. Defending us against harmful substances is part of the immune system's job. With allergies, the immune system reacts to a substance that, for the non-allergic person, is completely harmless. Allergens can be environmental, chemical, or food-based. Hay fever, for example, is an allergic reaction to pollen. Why do some people have hay fever, while everyone else can breathe in pollen particles with no problem? Because the immune system in the hay fever sufferer sets an allergic reaction in response to pollen molecules that come in contact with sinus passages.

Based on the findings of two recent studies, it appears that people suffering from allergies or asthma are much less likely to develop certain cancers. One study, conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, included 1,582 women with ovarian cancer and two control groups which included 4,744 women with upper limb bone fracture and 21,380 women diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. The results revealed that asthma sufferers were 30 percent less likely to develop ovarian cancer than non-asthmatics.¹
A second study sought to determine whether allergies could be protective against certain cancers, which included leukemia. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of associations between atopy/allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever, and hives and childhood/adolescent leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using ten case-controlled studies. The results from the meta analysis revealed that children with allergies to airborne substances were 40 percent less likely to develop leukemia than other children.² The researchers suggest that since allergies and asthma boost the immune system it may offer some protective benefit in warding off more serious illnesses like cancer.

¹Elmasri WM, Tran TH, Mulla ZD. A case-control study of asthma and ovarian cancer. Arch Environ Occup Health. 2010;65(2):101-5.
²Linabery AM, Jurek AM, Duval S, et al. The association between atopy and childhood/adolescent leukemia: a meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol. 2010;17(7):749-64.

Article found here: Shaklee.com Health Sciences

Fit People Release More Fat-Burning Molecules During Exercise

2010-05-27T12:59:00.000-04:00

And marathon runners generate far more than those who do moderate exercise, study shows

THURSDAY, May 27 (HealthDay News) -- A new study provides tantalizing clues about how exercise helps ward off heart disease and other ills: Fit people have more fat-burning molecules in their blood than less fit people after exercise.

And the very fittest are even more efficient, on a biochemical level, at generating fat-burning molecules that break down and burn up fats and sugars, the study reports.

A better understanding of these fat-burning molecules, called metabolites, may not only boost athletic performance, but help prevent or treat chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease by correcting metabolite deficiencies, the researchers said.

The study, apparently the first of its kind, takes a look at how regular exercise -- that is, fitness -- alters metabolism right down to the level of chemical changes in the blood.

Vitamin D & the Chicago Blackhawks

2010-05-24T13:26:00.001-04:00

From the Vitamin D Council's periodic email newsletter:

Vitamin D Council
May 23, 2010

The Chicago Blackhawks are the first vitamin D team in modern professional sports history.

According to my sources, the Chicago Blackhawk team physicians began diagnosing and treating vitamin D deficiency in all Blackhawk players about 18 months ago. Apparently, most players are on 5,000 IU per day.

After many losing seasons, last year the Blackhawks came out of nowhere to get to the Western conference finals. This year they are playing even better.

According to my sources, improved athletic performance is only one of the benefits for the Blackhawk players. The other is a reduction in the number and severity of colds and flu and a reduction in the number and severity of repetitive use injuries.

Six months ago, Runner’s World published a story on vitamin D and physical performance.

Asp K. Running on D: The "sun vitamin" may boost performance, but you probably aren't getting enough. Runners World, December 2009.

A year ago, the flagship journal of the American College of Sports Medicine was the first journal to publish the theory that vitamin D would improve athletic performance.

Cannell JJ, Hollis BW, Sorenson MB, Taft TN, Anderson JJ. Athletic performance and vitamin D. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 May;41(5):1102-10.

However, readers of this newsletter first learned about it in 2007:

Cannell, JJ. Peak Athletic Performance and Vitamin D. Vitamin D Council Newsletter, March 2007.

I can only hope that, if the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup this year, other teams, from high school to professional, may start paying attention to the vitamin D status of their players. That would be a big boost to the Council’s goal of educating the world about the importance of vitamin D.

John Cannell, MD
The Vitamin D Council
1241 Johnson Ave., #134
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

To learn more: www.VitaminDCouncil.org

Fabulous Honey

2010-05-21T15:01:00.000-04:00

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

You might think that honey is just a high calorie, fattening sweetener, and another thing you can't eat if you're trying to eat healthy. If you think this, you would be wrong. Raw, local honey, offers incredible benefits to the user aside from the obvious sweet wonderful flavor and smooth texture.

Honey is used the world over as a remedy for skin care, allergies, infections, dieting and more. Raw honey is fat free, cholesterol free, and completely natural packing only 64 high nutrient calories per tablespoon. I have used it myself, a teaspoon a day of local raw honey and have not taken ONE allergy pill all spring!

Just as honey can be used to treat many aliments there are many different varieties, flavors and aromas of honey. Honey gets its flavor as well as health factors from the location of the honeybees. This is why raw, local honey is especially beneficial to treating local allergies and nutritional deficiencies. Some people claim that if you are moving to a new area that you should purchase some honey from that area and start eating it a month or so before your arrival to ward off allergies and local bugs.

While honey is good for you, like anything else, it must be used in moderation because for the most part, a calorie is a calorie. Some people say you can eat as many as 10 to 20 teaspoons of honey per day but really, it depends on you.

If you are feeling healthy, of normal weight, or are substituting honey for processed sugar, don't worry about it. If you are eating raw, unprocessed, local honey, and you are stopping your use of processed sugars, do not give it another thought, eat all you want.

However, if you have been off sugar for some time, and you find you are eating gallons of honey, gaining weight, or not losing more weight but are trying to, then consider cutting back unless you have another less healthy item in your diet in which to cut. Honey is rich in nutrients and should not be the first thing you cut out.

To find out where you can get raw local honey in your area, ask at your local farmer's market, or do a search online. Usually, if you find a local source it is less expensive than the kind in the store, tastes better and has many more health benefits.

Copyright (C) 2010 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

Pesticides linked to ADHD

2010-05-21T13:48:00.000-04:00

Look at the pesticides on your fruits & veggies, too:

A new study from researchers at University of Montreal and Harvard found a link experts call "persuasive" between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and exposure to common pesticides.

Read the full article at the Daily Green.

The produce most likely contaminated with pesticides
The foods with the least pesticide residue.

Resveratrol: New Study

2010-05-10T15:59:00.001-04:00

From Resveratrol Boosts Brain Blood Flow:

A new study shows that high doses of resveratrol may improve brain blood flow and could potentially boost brain health.

Resveratrol is a bioactive compound found in grapes and red wine. Interest in the compound began in 2003 when research showed that resveratrol was able to increase the lifespan of yeast cells.

Where do you find Resveratrol? Look at this great Resveratrol product!

9 Ingredients to avoid in processed foods - Healthy Living on Shine

2010-04-20T09:54:00.001-04:00

A great list of common ingredients and possible side effects. We work to eliminate these, and can tell the difference! ~Mindy

Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, these ingredients are some of the most highly processed and least healthy of all:
Ingredient Why it is Used Why it is Bad

Artificial Colors
Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance color.

Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes, hyperactivity and headaches.

Artificial Flavorings
Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors.

Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity and asthma
Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid.

Artificial Sweeteners
(Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)
Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per serving.

Can negatively impact metabolism
Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness hallucinations and headaches.

Benzoate Preservatives
(BHT, BHA, TBHQ)
Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming rancid.

May result in hyperactivity, angiodema, asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, tumors and urticaria
Can affect estrogen balance and levels.

Brominated Vegetable Oil
(BVO)
Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft drinks.

Increases triglycerides and cholesterol
Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.

High Fructose Corn Syrup
(HFCS)
Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar
Sustains freshness in baked goods
Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness.

May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat
Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer
Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver.

MSG
(Monosodium Glutamate)
Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips, frozen entrees, soups and other foods.

May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness, wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and difficulty in breathing.

Olestra
An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are fried and baked.

Inhibits absorption of some nutrients
Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bleeding and incontinence.

Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils
(Palm, Soybean and others)
Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food products in the U.S.
Cheaper than most other oils.

Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart disease.

Ingredient	Why it is Used	Why it is Bad
Artificial Colors	Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance color.	Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes, hyperactivity and headaches.
Artificial Flavorings	Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors.	Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity and asthma Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid.
Artificial Sweeteners (Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)	Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per serving.	Can negatively impact metabolism Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness hallucinations and headaches.
Benzoate Preservatives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ)	Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming rancid.	May result in hyperactivity, angiodema, asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, tumors and urticaria Can affect estrogen balance and levels.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)	Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft drinks.	Increases triglycerides and cholesterol Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar Sustains freshness in baked goods Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness.	May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)	Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips, frozen entrees, soups and other foods.	May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness, wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and difficulty in breathing.
Olestra	An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are fried and baked.	Inhibits absorption of some nutrients Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bleeding and incontinence.
Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils (Palm, Soybean and others)	Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food products in the U.S. Cheaper than most other oils.	Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart disease.

DIY Health Care Reform By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

2010-04-12T14:25:00.003-04:00

Food For Thought

DIY Health Care Reform
By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Dear Friends,
Like it or not, health care reform has passed into law in the United States. I don't know about you, but the debate/fighting and demonizing really got on my last nerves. I found it stressful to even watch news reports on it anymore. But that isn't what this Food for Thought is about.

I am of the opinion that true "health care reform" happens in your grocery store, not the drug store or in hospitals. Taking care of the only body you will ever own is a huge responsibility and, needless to say, so many folks just don't take it seriously.

Eating the right food is less obvious than obeying the speed limit, wearing your seatbelts, quit smoking and bungee jumping, right? I mean those things are pretty obvious.

But the fact is your odds of living a long and healthy life are dramatically impaired by what you eat and what you don't eat. The old adage is correct; you are what you eat. And I would take it a step further--your food choices are a direct reflection of whether you value your health or not. I know some people aren't going to like me for saying it, but it's not my opinion, it is fact: 147 billion dollars are spent every year on obesity-related illness. This figure has gone up 37% since the late 90's.

I want to be an agent for change, to use a term I'm not too fond of. But I don't know what else to call it, so agent for change is it. I have some ideas that I believe could help folks have their own DIY Health Care Reform. In fact, I believe it could be revolutionary if taken seriously.

Here then are my 10 ideas for DIY Health Care Reform that you can implement before Congress reconvenes!

Skip the sodas, diet and otherwise and drink water.
Eat foods in their natural form--potatoes instead of potato chips or French fries.
Buy from the local farmer/rancher and support your community.
Eat foods that don't do drugs (ie: no hormones, antibiotics in your food)
Make soup and eat it. Studies show soup eaters eat more veggies and weigh less.
Make dessert a very special occasion. It's not special if you have it all the time.
Learn to cook.
Grow a veggie garden and do it organically.
Avoid fake foods; margarine isn't butter, it's just a few molecules away from plastic.
If it comes in a box with cartoons, with 2 inches of unpronounceable ingredients on the side and a huge advertising campaign, you don't want it.

I could probably come up with 10 more!

Taking personal responsibility for the food you eat is the first step to good health. Good health isn't a crap shoot for most people; it's an intentional way of living to help maintain and protect the body God gave you.
I'm going to leave it at that. No guilt trip necessary; just get serious people. This is your LIFE we're talking about.

Love,
Leanne Ely, your Dinner Diva
www.savingdinner.com get a free menu when you sign up for our newsletter!
Watch this week's new webisode, www.savingdinner.tv

How to Remove Grass Stains - The Non-Toxic Way

2010-04-01T15:52:00.002-04:00

Easter tip:

After your egg hunt:

Begin by mixing one-third cup white vinegar and two-thirds cup water, applying the solution to the stain and blotting with a clean cloth. Repeat the process as needed and then wash as usual.

Study: Weedkiller in waterways can change frogs reproduction

2010-03-15T03:46:00.001-04:00

If the animals are more quickly affected, imagine us in several years if this chemical keeps building up....

A new study has found that male frogs exposed to the herbicide atrazine -- one of the most common man-made chemicals found in U.S. waters -- can make a startling developmental U-turn, becoming so completely female that they can mate and lay viable eggs.

Read more of The Washington Post's article here.

Shaklee: A US EPA Climate Leader

2010-01-11T16:54:00.001-05:00

Since 1956, Shaklee has developed products that protect the health of people without harming the planet. The company's product portfolio includes premium natural nutrition and personal care products, environmentally friendly home care products, and state-of-the-art air and water treatment systems.

A pioneer in environmental stewardship and in support of social causes, Shaklee has a 50-year legacy of sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Shaklee introduced one of the very first biodegradable household cleaners in 1960, and has supported numerous Polar expeditions to measure the impact of climate change. Even the corporate headquarters, an award-winning building featuring energy-efficient designs and sustainable resource materials, reflects the company's commitment to protecting the environment.

Shaklee's environmental stewardship has earned the organization numerous awards. In 2001, Shaklee received the Savings by Design Energy Efficiency Integration Award, co-sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and California Council. In 2002, Shaklee received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Protection Award—as well as the Environmental Stewardship Award from Social Accountability International for efforts on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

January Shaklee Specials!

2010-01-10T12:20:00.004-05:00

New Year's Shaklee Special: Join Free with 50 PV order

Now through Jan. 16, 2010 you can have the gift of health and prosperity with a FREE Shaklee membership, as we are waiving the $19.95 membership fee with a 50PV (point value) order. Shaklee members receive a 15% discount on all Shaklee products in addition to convenient online ordering and member specials. You can join and place orders online or call me.

Here are some examples of popular products that are approximately 50PV:

1 Vivix cellular anti-agin tonic

1 box Vitalizer (daily vitamin strips),

2 Vitalea multivitamin / mineral

2 cans of Cinch inch-loss shake

1 Mighty Smart DHA chew / 1 Incredivites chewables/ 1 can Meal Shake

1 Omegaguard / 1 Nutriferon immune booster

Become a Shaklee GOLD Ambassador and have your own Shaklee Website!

Now through Jan. 16, 2010

GOLD Ambassadors will receive an extra three months of access to a Personal Web Site at no additional charge. That's a total of six months of Personal Web Site - an additional value of about $45 on top of the over $500 worth of Shaklee products, services, business materials and discounts they already receive. GOLD Ambassadors will get even more for their money when they sponsor with this valuable way to join Shaklee with a specialized product package of their choice for only $299. Join and view your GOLD Ambassador product mission pack options.

Call me with any questions!

Disinfectants Cause Some Bacteria to Adapt, Thrive - Yahoo! News

2009-12-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

Time to rethink soap & water instead of antibacterial soaps.

To keep sickness at bay, many of us constantly wash hands and disinfect surfaces. But a new lab study shows one pesky bacterium eats cleansers for breakfast: When disinfectant was applied to lab cultures of the bacteria, they adapted to survive not only the disinfectant but also a common antibiotic.

Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality - Plants Remove VOCs - thedailygreen.com

2009-09-30T09:57:00.005-04:00

Pick up a few of these common houseplants the next time you visit a local nursery: palms, ferns, corn plant, dragon tree (dracaena), rubber plant, weeping fig (ficus), English ivy, peace lily, florist mum, gerber daisy, dumb cane (dieffenbachia), schefflera, orchid, spider plant, philodendron, arrowhead plant, pothos, dwarf banana and Chinese evergreen.
Why? Houseplants can help remove certain harmful volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from indoor air. Things nobody wants around their lungs, or their kids.
In the late 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) conducted a study of 19 houseplants in an attempt to find ways to purify air for extended stays in orbiting space stations. The tests were conducted in sealed test chambers that contained pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, commonly present in indoor air from paints, varnishes, insulation, particleboard, pressed wood, adhesives and other sources.
What they learned for outer space can be applied to your inner space as well. Many of these plants are adapted to tropical climates and grow under dense canopies and low-light conditions. They have to be super efficient in capturing light as well as in processing the gases necessary for photosynthesis. Because of these traits, they have greater potential for capturing other gases, including harmful ones.

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Living longer and healthier - the science of Resveratrol

2009-08-16T16:19:00.008-04:00

David Sinclair's research on resveratrol shows that it can slow down the aging process and improve health.

After researching resveratrol in his company, Sirtis, David Sinclair worked with Shaklee to create Vivix with great results! It can help protect & repair cellular DNA, enhance immunity, and improve brain, heart, and join health.

Sloan Barnett shares how Green Goes with Anything (CBS)

2009-08-14T11:15:00.003-04:00

Back to School & Healthy!

2009-08-13T09:39:00.016-04:00

By Mindy

Back to school time means an end to lazy summer days spent playing outside in the fresh air. It brings us back to a more structured day of learning and fun with friends, but it also brings us back to more time indoors, less sun and fresh air, and a closer proximity with people. Our bodies are alsousing more energy to learn and get used to the changes. This usually means the beginning of those small colds and the bigger ones that come with school and colder weather.

To prepare for back to school, we work on improving our immunity before the kids hit the classroom . Here are some easy ways to help our immune systems get ready for back to school.

Washing hands - This is probably the easiest way to cut down on the germs that enter your system, and the one you've probably heard about the most. You don't need antibacterial soap or antibacterial hand wash - just regular soap and warm water. Using antibacterials can create germs resistant to antibacterial products so that when you really need them, antibacterials or antibiotics aren't as effective. Also, meeting a few germs once in a while will help prepare your body to know how to fight those germs that come along instead of succumbing to them.
Water - Drinking enough water is essential to your body's health. The water works to flush toxins, germs, and waste out of your system. Less junk in your system, means less junk your body has to fight. Send your child to school with a refillable water bottle (stainless steel is best) and encourage them to refill it at least once during school.
Proper eating - This is one I struggle with for my kids. They go to a nut free school and the nitrates in the processed luncheon meats can contribute to their ADD/ADHD, so I have to think long and hard about what to send in their lunches. But the idea is to avoid as much processed food as possible so that their bodies get as much nutrition as possible. Find ways to include protein, carbs, fats, and oils in the right balance so that their bodies have the energy they need to not become run-down.
Supplementing - Even when you eat the right foods in the right proportions, our foods aren't as nutrient-filled as they were 50 years ago as the soil has lost its nutrient value. Everyone should take a good quality multivitamin supplement as well as targeted supplements for your health conditions. If you're under a lot of stress, add in extra B and C vitamins as those are depleted under stress. You can't take too much vitamin C (your body excretes what it doesn't need), so chew away! Most kids love the taste of chewable vitamin c. Just make sure there aren't added sugars, colors, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives that will interfere with your body's processes.
Digestive health - A good part of your immune system health comes from your digestive track. Make your digestive track happy with pre- and pro-biotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber; and you'll see an amazing difference in your health!
Support your immune system - My favorite immune system product is Nutriferon. When we take it regularly, my family has far fewer sniffles, colds, and flu bugs. Interferon is essential to your immune system function, and nutriferon naturally boosts the production of interferon. Learn more about how interferon works with this video.
Sleep - Make sure everyone gets enough sleep. Our bodies heal and regenerate during our sleep, and when kids are growing while being under the demands of school, sleep is very important. If your child has trouble sleeping or doesn't sleep very long in the morning, we've actually found that moving their bed time back helps them to sleep better. If they go to bed too exhausted, their sleep patterns may be interrupted, and they won't get a good night's sleep.
Release stress - Chances are good that even the child that is the most excited to return to school will also be under stress adjusting to the change. Make sure they continue to get exercise when they get home and encourage them to do something that makes them feel relaxed and happy. Things like free time for art, music, building, etc help them to create freely with their ideas, likes, and dislikes. If they're under more stress, practice techniques like counting to 10, 10 deep breaths, squeezing a stress ball, or tapping.

Following these points as part of your back to school routine will help your immune system to be better prepared for the change in schedule, seasons, and environment. Get ready for fewer sick days ahead and have a great school year!

For more information on immunity, visit The Center for Immune Research.

Massachusetts Public Health Advisory Regarding Bisphenol A (BPA)

2009-08-11T15:52:00.007-04:00

Public Health Advisory Regarding Bisphenol A (BPA)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is issuing a public health advisory for consumers concerning bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is present in baby products, including baby bottles and some infant formula. A number of studies in laboratory animals have raised concerns about potential health effects during fetal development and among nursing or formula-fed children who may be exposed to BPA. These effects include but are not limited to: changes in the infant’s developing nervous system, such as thyroid function and brain growth; changes in behavioral development, such as hyperactivity; and changes in the normal development of the prostate gland.
DPH is specifically advising parents and caretakers of children up to two years old to avoid the use of products that contain BPA for making or storing infant formula and breast milk. DPH is further advising pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid products that may contain BPA. Current research suggests that BPA levels in newborns may be much higher than in adults. While researchers caution that more research needs to be conducted, it seems prudent to reduce exposures for pregnant and breastfeeding women to the extent possible in order to reduce levels in their newborn children.
BPA is used as a liner in some food and beverage cans to prevent spoilage. It is used in a variety of other consumer products to enhance the structural integrity of plastic containers. Alternatives to plastic containers that have BPA as a component are available, and some are made by the same companies that produce products containing BPA.

Read the entire press release here: Health and Human Services - - Press Release

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Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Screening Quiz

2009-08-11T15:36:00.004-04:00

Mindy's note: We have had great success with these shelf-stable pre- and pro-biotics.

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Screening Quiz from About.com

This bacterial overgrowth screening quiz asks about the most common signs and symptoms of small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
Keep in mind that other conditions can also cause these symptoms and that it is important to consult a health professional for a diagnosis.
You can begin the quiz below. A higher score suggests a greater likelihood of bacterial overgrowth. Having the signs, symptoms, and lifestyle factors in this bacterial overgrowth screening quiz should prompt a discussion with an alternative medicine practitioner to see if further evaluation needs to be done. Be aware that most conventionally-trained doctors may not recognize this condition.

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foodconsumer.org - Probiotics may help prevent colds

2009-08-11T13:47:00.003-04:00

Great to see more research backing up what we've found through experience. We have had great success with these shelf-stable pre- and pro-biotics.

foodconsumer.org - Probiotics may help prevent colds

By David Liu

Not all bacteria are bad for humans. A new study suggests that probiotics, a group of bacteria that are believed to benefit human health, may be enlisted to help prevent colds in children at least.

The Chinese study in Pediatrics showed that children drinking milk with probiotics in the winter and spring had fewer colds, used fewer antibiotics and missed fewer days of school than those who did not drink the milk with probiotics.

Previous studies have suggested that probiotics may benefit those who have acquired certain diseases by boosting the immunity. The preventive effect of probiotics has remained unknown until the current study.

In the study, 326 children aged 3 to 5 who were randomly picked into three groups were given twice a day milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus, milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis, and milk with placebo. The dietary intervention started from November 2005 through May 2006.

Children who received milk with Lactobacillus had 53 percent fewer fevers, 41 percent fewer cough episodes and 28 percent fewer runny noses compared to those who drank the milk with placebo.

In those who received the milk with both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, incidences of fevers, coughs and running noses were reduced compared to the control group by 72 percent, 62 percent and 59 percent respectively.

Those in the study groups who got fevers, coughs or running noses still recovered significantly faster compared to those who got the colds, but drank no probiotic-containing milk.

Researchers found that compared to the placebo group, the odds of using antibiotics were 68 percent lower in the Lactobacillus group and 84 percent lower in the Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium group.

Those who drank milk with probiotics were about 30 percent less likely to miss school days than those who used milk with placebo.

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Taking care of yourself when you are stressed

2009-08-11T09:35:00.007-04:00

Taking care of yourself when you are stressed by Gina Conroy at examiner.com

It’s also important to take care of yourself physically through exercise and proper nutrition. Becky Long, nutrition consultant with the Shaklee Corporation says, when you are stressed your body produces adrenaline to help handle the crisis. “This adrenaline rush helps you through the immediate problem, but causes depletion of several nutrients. The nutrients used up during stress are B-complex, Vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. By adding supplements you can counteract many of the effects of stress on your body,” said Long.

“If stress continues over long periods of time, the immune system is weakened, you get sick more often and may be irritable,” explained Long. During stress your body also produces another hormone called cortisol, which can damage every organ and affect long-term health. “Our Stress Relief Complex has been designed to help blunt cortisol production.” It promotes calmness at the same time allowing you "to be more alert and concentrate during times of stress".

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Mindy's note: Long term stress also leads to Adrenal Fatigue or Exhaustion.

Nitrates in Cured Meats; Not Nutrition!

2009-08-03T13:50:00.003-04:00

Eating cured meats containing nitrates may also double your risk for lung disease. Researchers in a Columbia University Medical Center study found that those eating cured meats containing nitrate more than 14 times a month nearly doubled their risk of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), including bronchitis and emphysema. than those who did not. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the US.

Study author, David C. Park states that “The nitrate reacts with the lung tissues, cracking elastin and stiffening collagen, causing the lungs to age”.

Children are particularly at risk with dangerous nitrite levels. These compounds have been found to be associated with cancers of the stomach, brain, bladder, and leukemia. One study cites that children who eat more than 12 hot dogs per month have almost 10x the likelihood of developing childhood leukemia.

To be on the safe side,e people should opt for nitrate free meats that do not include sodium nitrate or potassium nitrates. When consuming foods containing nitrates, drink orange juice or something which contains Vitamin C, as it limits the nitrates from converting to nitrite in your stomach.

Read the whole article at Nutrition-To-Wellness

WCSH6.com | Portland, ME | Simple Solutions for Common Garden Bugs

2009-07-20T13:24:00.003-04:00

WCSH6.com | Portland, ME | Simple Solutions for Common Garden Bugs

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- Entomologist Jim Dill, with the U. Maine Cooperative Extension, says you don't have to pay a lot to reduce the number of pests in your garden.

For slugs, he suggests filling a small tin with beer or yeast and water, and burying it so the rim is at ground level.

For many types of beetles, the best defense is to remove them by hand... but dust busters work too. Kids love taking a hand held vacuum and sucking them up.

If you are going to use a Japanese Beetle trap, Dill suggests putting it at least 50 feet from the plants you are trying to protect, as they often end up attracting more beetles than would normally come.

And for earwigs, Jim routes out some wood pieces, puts them together and then shakes it out every morning. Rolled up newspapers work well too. Earwigs like dark places to hide.

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Maine first state to compile a list of chemicals to be prioritized for possible elimination

2009-07-20T12:42:00.005-04:00

Read the story from MPBN:

Life for Maine's children took a significantly safer turn with today's listing of more than 1,700 chemicals deemed to be of "high concern" to consumers. The listing is the result of an initiative supported by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the first step toward implementing Maine's Toxic Chemicals in Children's Products law. Proponents say the law will make children's products safer by identifying chemicals known to cause cancer and other health problems.

Chemicals of High Concern List

Maine DEP: Safer Chemicals in Consumer Products and Services

Governor Baldacci's Task Force to Promote Safer Chemicals in Consumer Products Final Report

Groups petition the FDA to ban the use of triclosan, a common antibacterial chemical in hand soap.

2009-07-15T21:34:00.003-04:00

Arguing that the chemical commonly used to give antibacterial soap its bite "poses imminent threats to human health and the environment," two groups are petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to have triclosan banned.
The Daily Green has consistently recommended against using antibacterial soap (yes, even for parents with young children), primarily because it doesn't achieve its stated purpose (sanitizing your hands) any better than a thorough washing with regular-old soap and hot water ... but it does create conditions that allow for the evolution of antibiotic-resistance among bacteria. More recently, evidence has emerged that tricolsan may be an endocrine-disrupting chemical, messing with our hormones. It's found in our blood, and because we dump so much down the drain with each washing, it even contaminates dolphins, according to one recent study.
Though antibacterial products have saturated the market, there are alternatives to antibacterial soap. Triclosan isn't found only in soaps; it's also used in toothpastes, deodorants, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, facial tissues, antiseptics, fabrics, toys and medical devices.

Pesticide levels in blood linked to Parkinson's disease, UT Southwestern researchers find

2009-07-14T12:27:00.003-04:00

People with Parkinson's disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy people or those with Alzheimer's disease, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found.

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Find alternatives to pesticides

Probiotics help gastric-bypass patients lose weight more quickly, Stanford study shows

2009-07-14T12:17:00.005-04:00

New research from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Hospital & Clinics suggests that the use of a dietary supplement after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can help obese patients to more quickly lose weight and to avoid deficiency of a critical B vitamin.

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This is my favorite shelf-stable probiotic. In my experience, one of these small capsules is as effective as several capsules of other probiotic brands.

Study finds citrus-derived flavonoid prevents obesity

2009-07-14T12:13:00.006-04:00

A flavonoid derived from citrus fruit has shown tremendous promise for preventing weight gain and other signs of metabolic syndrome which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study, led by Murray Huff of the Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario looked at a flavonoid (plant-based bioactive molecule) called naringenin. The findings are published online in the journal Diabetes.

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Sources of citrus flavonoids:
Multivitamin
Flavonoid Complex

Asian spice could reduce breast cancer risk in women exposed to hormone replacement therapy

2009-07-14T12:01:00.004-04:00

Previous studies have found that postmenopausal women who have taken a combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy have increased their risk of developing progestin-accelerated breast tumors. Now, University of Missouri researchers have found that curcumin, a popular Indian spice derived from the turmeric root, could reduce the cancer risk for women after exposure to hormone replacement therapy.

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Top ways to stay young looking

2009-07-12T16:03:00.007-04:00

This is a good article: Top ways to stay young looking
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For more information on the Shaklee products mentioned in the article, look here:
Beauty products
Resveratrol anti-aging

BGTV asks Shaklee for healthy tips on household products

2009-07-12T15:38:00.007-04:00

Sloan Barnett of Shaklee with Kevin Contreras from Be Green TV talk about great cleaning products. Shaklee is a leader in green, friendly, bio-degradable products that will make your household cleaner. Find out more here!

GAO - better labeling on bottled water, recommends filtered tap water

2009-07-08T14:11:00.007-04:00

Read the whole statement here

With this increase have come several concerns, raised by public interest groups in recent years, over bottled water’s quality and safety. For example, water quality testing conducted by some of these groups, and others, has shown that bottled water does not necessarily have lower levels of contamination than tap water. Furthermore, bottled water’s potential environmental impact has also come under scrutiny. Several organizations have raised concerns about a low recycling rate for plastic water bottles, the amount of energy used to manufacture and transport the product, and the impact of groundwater extraction on local resources.

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Mindy's note: One way to ensure great water

Hungry? Think Blue! :: Farmers' Almanac

2009-07-08T09:49:00.003-04:00

Recipes :: Hungry? Think Blue! :: Farmers' Almanac

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which are believed to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and many of the chronic diseases that come with aging. According to the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries provide more antioxidants than almost any other fresh fruit or vegetable.

Native Americans used leaves from the blueberry bush to make a blood purifier that was believed to be good for the kidneys, blueberry tea was used to help relax women during childbirth, and blueberry juice was offered to help combat coughs.

Modern medicine has also identified some possible health benefits of blueberries. Researchers at the Rutgers Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth, N.J. found that blueberries can help prevent urinary tract infections in much the same way cranberries do. And Dr. Ronald Prior, a researcher with the USDA, has suggested that they may also help to stave off macular degeneration.

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Natural Cures :: Summertime Remedies :: Farmers' Almanac

2009-07-08T09:46:00.003-04:00

Natural Cures :: Summertime Remedies :: Farmers' Almanac

Bug Bite?
Regular flavored toothpaste, when applied to an insect bite (especially fire ant bites) will immediately relieve itching.

Or
Make an “X” with your fingernail on the bite. It helps alleviate the need to itch.

Poison Ivy
Witch hazel applied to the affected area soothes the itching.

Instant tea helps dry the poison ivy. Add one 8-oz. jar of the tea to warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes. The tannic acid soothes and dries the poison ivy.

Bee Sting
Place a penny on the sting and hold it on for at least 5 minutes. It will relieve the pain.

Splinters
Place a fresh onion or tomato on a deeply embedded splinter. Leave it on for 10 minutes. You may have to repeat, however, it should help draw the splinter to the skin surface so you can use tweezers to pull it out.

Another remedy involves glue. Pour a drop of glue over the splinter, let dry, and then peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

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Researchers find possible environmental causes for Alzheimer's, diabetes

2009-07-07T21:17:00.005-04:00

Researchers find possible environmental causes for Alzheimer's, diabetes

A new study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital have found a substantial link between increased levels of nitrates in our environment and food with increased deaths from diseases, including Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's. The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (Volume 17:3 July 2009).

Led by Suzanne de la Monte, MD, MPH, of Rhode Island Hospital, researchers studied the trends in mortality rates due to diseases that are associated with aging, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease, as well as HIV. They found strong parallels between age adjusted increases in death rate from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes and the progressive increases in human exposure to nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines through processed and preserved foods as well as fertilizers. Other diseases including HIV-AIDS, cerebrovascular disease, and leukemia did not exhibit those trends. De la Monte and the authors propose that the increase in exposure plays a critical role in the cause, development and effects of the pandemic of these insulin-resistant diseases.
...
The authors state that the time course of the increased prevalence rates of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes cannot be explained on the basis of gene mutations. They instead mirror the classical trends of exposure-related disease. Because nitrosamines produce biochemical changes within cells and tissues, it is conceivable that chronic exposure to low levels of nitrites and nitrosamines through processed foods, water and fertilizers is responsible for the current epidemics of these diseases and the increasing mortality rates associated with them.
De la Monte states, "If this hypothesis is correct, potential solutions include eliminating the use of nitrites and nitrates in food processing, preservation and agriculture; taking steps to prevent the formation of nitrosamines and employing safe and effective measures to detoxify food and water before human consumption."

Dietary oils benefit older women with diabetes

2009-07-07T21:04:00.004-04:00

Two dietary oils, two sets of benefits for older women with diabetes

A study comparing how two common dietary oil supplements affect body composition suggests that both oils, by themselves, can lower body fat in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes.

The two oils compared were safflower oil, a common cooking oil, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a compound naturally found in some meat and dairy products that has been associated with weight loss in previous studies. Both are composed primarily of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are considered "good fats" that, when consumed in proper quantities, are associated with a variety of health benefits.

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Exposure to phthalates may be a risk factor for low birth weight in infants

2009-06-25T14:41:00.004-04:00

Exposure to phthalates may be a risk factor for low birth weight in infants

Phthalate exposure can begin in the womb and has been associated with negative changes in endocrine function. A new study soon to be published in the Journal of Pediatrics examines the possibility that in utero phthalate exposure contributes to low birth weight in infants. Low birth weight is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age and increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease in adulthood.

Chemicals in common consumer products may play a role in pre-term births

A new study of expectant mothers suggests that a group of common environmental contaminants called phthalates, which are present in many industrial and consumer products including everyday personal care items, may contribute to the country's alarming rise in premature births.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that women who deliver prematurely have, on average, up to three times the phthalate level in their urine compared to women who carry to term.

Plastics ingredients may shrink babies

In umbilical-cord blood, they found the median concentration of DBP — or di-n-butyl phthalate — was 2.7 milligrams per liter in tiny babies; that’s a 50 percent increase over median values measured in normal-weight newborns. DBP is not only used in polyvinyl chloride plastics, but also in adhesives, insecticides and personal-care products such as nail polish, perfumes and deodorants.
A DBP breakdown product known as MBP tainted the meconium — fetal feces that are not excreted until shortly after birth — in all of the newborns’ diapers. Median MBP values in the low-birth-weight babies was 2.2 milligrams per gram, or about 30 percent higher than in meconium from normal-weight babies.
Residues of MEHP — or mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, a breakdown product of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate — were more than twice as high in the mom’s and cord blood of low-birth-weight babies as in these blood sources from normal-weight infants. MEHP values were also nearly twice as high in the tiny newborns’ meconium. Consistent with this trend, residues of MEHP’s parent compound, was higher in the blood from the low-birth-weight mother-infant pairs, although only slightly so. Presumably because DEHP, the parent phthalate, broke down before much of it could be detected.
DEHP is found in some perfumes and flexible polyvinyl chloride products — such as shower curtains, diapers, the plastics used in food packaging and a host of medical equipment (from blood bags and catheters to tubing).

Vitamins - help prevent cell damage & disease

2009-06-25T11:38:00.008-04:00

I've known from my own experience over the years that vitamins help. How much they help has depended on what brand I was taking. With some I've felt absolutely no difference and with others I definitely felt more energy and saw healthy results.

Now, Science and News Magazine reports that Vitamins add vitality to aging chromosomes. They cite a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that showed that women who took enough vitamins had longer telomeres. Telomeres are "natural protective caps on the tips of our chromosomes." Several factors lead to the shortening of these Telomeres, leaving our cells and their DNA vulnerable to damage, but vitamins have been found to inhibit that damage.

This goes along with the 2007 announcement "that people who used multiple supplements for at least 20 years were in over-all better health than both non-supplement users and individuals who only consumed a multivitamin/mineral supplement." The study participants had better health when measured by a number of inidicators and was published in the Nutrition Journal, October 24, 2007.

Recently, the study results presented at the National Lipid Association Annual Scientific Sessions in Miami, Florida in May, 2009. The research showed that a lower level of vitamin D in the blood is related to risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

My recommendation? Take a great vitamin pack that's easy to remember each day!

Work fatigue and working overtime are associated with weight gain

2009-06-23T14:51:00.007-04:00

A recent study from the University of Helsinki, Department of Public Health, found that work fatigue and overtime (working 40+ hours a week) contributed to weight gain. They studied 7,000 women and 2,000 men, all 40 to 60 years old.

People with work fatigue reported that they 'feel totally worn out after a day at work', 'feel tired in the morning when they have to get up and go to work', 'have to work too hard', 'feel like totally exhausted', 'report that their work is definitely too stressful', and 'they worry about their work even when they are off duty'.

Read the full article for more information on the study published in the International Journal of Obesity.

Another study reported that "Stressing out can cause people to gain weight." This was from a study in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. This study looked at the relationship between weight gain and multiple types of stress—job-related demands, difficulty paying bills, strained family relationships, depression or anxiety disorder—in the U.S. population.

"Today's economy is stressing people out, and stress has been linked to a number of illnesses —such as heart disease, high blood pressure and increased risk for cancer. This study shows that stress is also linked to weight gain,'' according to Jason Block, M.D., M.P.H., who conducted the research as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholar® at Harvard University.

A look at 1 of 4 things that make us fat

2009-06-23T14:46:00.003-04:00

Obesogens

Never heard of "obesogens"? That's because it's a scientific term for chemicals that mess with the hormones that regulate our metabolism, and cause us to gain weight. In recent years, scientists have studied all sorts of substances-- they call them "endocrine disrupting chemicals" -- that our bodies mistake for hormones. The endocrine system regulates the body's reproduction, development and metabolism, and most research to date has focused on the reproductive and developmental effects of these chemicals. Just like hormones, they may change our bodies in ways both subtle and profound, even at minute concentrations. The timing of exposure is key, and most chemicals seem to cause the most changes when pregnant women or very young children are exposed. Several studies point to links between manmade chemicals and weight gain. Here are a few:

Bisphenol A
This common chemical, which is used in a variety of plastics and in the lining of food and drink cans, can leach into foods (or directly into the bodies of babies chewing on teethers or toys) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found it in about 9 of 10 Americans tested. The Food and Drug Administration and the chemical industry stand by its safety, but a growing body of evidence by independent scientists has persuaded several governments (Minnesota, Chicago, Suffolk County, N.Y., and Canada) that it should not be used in children's products. Some of that research suggests that Bisphenol A -- a synthetic estrogen -- makes lab rats pack on extra weight, regardless of their diet. In humans, it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome in humans, possibly by interfering with a beneficial hormone. To avoid Bisphenol A, avoid No. 7 plastics, use a stainless steel reusable water bottle, limit your consumption of canned foods and drinks, don't microwave foods in plastic and look for products explicitly marked "BPA free".
PFOA and PFOS
Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate are the chemicals that makes non-stick pans, grease-resistant paper and stain-resistant clothing, carpets and furniture withstand oils. We're exposed our entire lives, and the exposure in the womb may be the most important, according to one study. Several studies have shown that the chemicals lead to lowered birth weight, but one showed that the initial drop in birth weight is followed by a rapid gaining of weight that is associated with obesity throughout life. To avoid these chemicals, think twice before buying stain-resistant and non-stick products (cast iron is one good alternative in the kitchen) and limit your intake of fast foods, microwave popcorn and other foods that may be wrapped in grease-proof paper.
Phthalates
Another common chemical, phthalates are found in soft plastics, fragrances and many other consumer products. The U.S. recently banned the use of several phthalates in children's products, because of evidence that early exposure affects the normal development of boys by reducing testosterone levels. One study showed that adult men with the most evidence of exposure to phthalates had fatter bellies. To avoid phthalates, avoid No. 3 plastics, and scrutinize the ingredients of products for "fragrances" or the acronyms DBP, DEP, DMP, DEHP, BxBP or DMP -- all of which signal the presence of phthalates.
Dioxins
Formed as a byproduct of burning, dioxins are common and known to be harmful at minute levels. (Whereas the Environmental Protection Agency measures most pollutants in pounds, it measures dioxins in grams.) Dioxin rains down after being emitted by smokestacks, tailpipes and fires, and it contaminates farms, leaving us to be exposed when we eat meat, dairy and fish products. One study showed that those who had been exposed to the highest levels of dioxins were five times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, a collection of metabolic conditions that includes obesity, glucose intolerance and hypertension. To avoid exposure to dioxins, moderate your intake of beef, pork and dairy products, and choose lean cuts of meat to avoid dioxin stored in fats.
Pesticides
Several pesticides are known or suspected to be endocrine disrupting chemicals. Among the suspects is tributyltin, which was used in anti-fungal boat paints and to kill pests on some food crops, and which may trigger obesity. On golf courses, workers who handled the pesticide tricholorfon had an 85% - 250% greater risk of developing diabetes, depending on how frequently they handled the chemical. Children born to mothers with higher levels of the pesticide hexachlorobenzene in cord blood were "significantly more likely to be overweight and obese" by the age of six. In a recent study, rats fed water laced with atrazine, a weed killer commonly used on U.S. corn crops (but banned in much of the world) gained 5-10% more weight than rats that weren't exposed to the chemical. Those fed weed killer and a high-fat diet gained the most weight, but even rats that ate a healthy diet ended up about 5% fatter if they drank the tainted water. To avoid these and other pesticides, avoid using insect and weed killers around the home, and avoid foods with the most pesticide residue.

Read all 4 things in the full article here:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/why-am-i-fat-47062204?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr#ixzz0JHRvffLP&D

5 Steps to a Healthier Environment

2009-06-18T09:50:00.003-04:00

1. Manage pests safely
Use household ingredients to control pests without pesticides. Make sure food is stored securely to not attract insects.

2. Use non-toxic products, cleaners, body care, home furnishings
Look for products without chlorine, phosphates, synthetic preservatives (parabens), petroleum-based ingredients, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates, -1,4-Dioxane, synthetic fragrances and artificial colors, formaldehyde, VOC's

3. Clean up indoor air
Ventilate, grow plants, use air cleaners, avoid carpets & synthetic floor coverings, use “low VOC” alternatives or “air out” new carpets and furnishings

4. Shop smart – eat more organic and healthy foods
Wash all fruits & vegetables before eating, choose hormone-free, antibiotic free meats, avoid foods high in sugar, fat, processed, and fast foods

5. Be wise with plastics
Use plastics with polyethelene (#1, #2, #4) and polypropylene (#5), which require fewer toxic additives and are non-chlorinated. Look for products that say “PVC-free”, “no phthalates”, or “no bisphenol A (BPA).” (For more on good/bad plastic types see this list.)

Find other tips at Healthy Child, Healthy World.

Is your plastic container safe?

2009-06-18T09:41:00.004-04:00

Plastic ID Codes & what they mean

I've been looking for a list like this that tells me the not-so-good and the better plastics. Yea Ideal Bite! Thanks for the list!

Safer plastics:

#1 - PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) - water and mouthwash bottles, cups, peanut butter jars, and TV dinner trays; not known to leach any toxic by-products.
#2 - HDPE (high-density polyethylene) - butter tubs, milk jugs, juice, household cleaner, and shampoo bottles; also low risk of leaching.
#4 - LDPE (low-density polyethylene) - squeezable bottles; you probably won't encounter many 4s, as LDPE is usually used for bags, but it also has a low risk of leaching.
#5 - PP (polypropylene) - straws, yogurt containers, syrup, ketchup, and medicine bottles; low risk of leaching.

Not so much:

#3 - PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - cooking oil bottles, food packaging, and plastic wrap; some 3s can leach phthalates, which can cause reproductive abnormalities.
#6 - PS (polystyrene) - egg cartons, meat trays, and Stryofoam; when heated, some 6s can release styrene, a suspected carcinogen.
#7 - Other - gallon-size water bottles, and baby bottles; some 7s are safe, but some are polycarbonates and may leach BPA (linked to enlarged male breasts, earlier puberty in girls, and cancer).

The Maine way to get rid of drugs

2009-06-15T15:41:00.002-04:00

We’ve all encountered the problem: pharmaceutical leftovers.
Perhaps you’ve been prescribed a medicine with directions to take as needed — but in the end you didn’t need much. Or some drug you were prescribed caused a nasty side effect; so your doctor told you to stop taking it —immediately. In our household, an elderly relative died recently, leaving drawers, coat pockets and handbags containing literally dozens of bottles, vials and tubes of medicines.
What are we supposed to do with these?

Read the whole story at ScienceNews.com.

BPA facts

2009-06-15T15:33:00.004-04:00

More troubling news about BPA

Heart arrhythmias in females and permanent, deleterious modifications of a gene that plays a pivotal role in reproduction are two new problems being linked to bisphenol A. Best known simply as BPA, this chemical is a building block of polycarbonate plastics — the hard, clear type used in kitchenware and baby bottles — and of resins used to line most U.S. food cans.

Plastics chemical retards growth, function of adult reproductive cells

Their study is the first to show that chronic exposure to low doses of BPA can impair the growth and function of adult reproductive cells.

Healthy Child Healthy World

• More proof that BPA leaches from bottle to body. According to the EWG, a study published yesterday in Environmental Health Perspectives connects the dots between BPA-laden food containers and BPA in the bodies of people using those containers. The authors write that their study is "the first to quantify the corresponding increase in urinary BPA concentrations following use of polycarbonate drinking bottles." During the study, 77 Harvard student volunteers experienced a nearly 70 percent increase in urinary levels of bisphenol A (BPA) after drinking cold beverages from BPA-laden polycarbonate Nalgene and Lexan water bottles for just one week.

Boy discovers microbe that eats plastic | MNN - Mother Nature Network

2009-06-15T15:28:00.003-04:00

Boy discovers microbe that eats plastic | MNN - Mother Nature Network

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Music a 'mega-vitamin' for the brain

2009-06-06T13:13:00.009-04:00

Read the full story at: CNN

LONDON, England (CNN) -- When Nina Temple was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000, then aged 44, she quickly became depressed, barely venturing out of her house as she struggled to come to terms with living with the chronic condition.

Sing for Joy is a choir made up of sufferers of neurological conditions plus friends, family and carers.

"I was thinking of all the things which I wished I'd done with my life and I wouldn't be able to do. And then I started thinking about all the things that I still actually could do and singing was one of those," Temple told CNN.
Along with a fellow Parkinson's sufferer, Temple decided, on a whim, to form a choir. The pair placed notices in doctor's surgeries inviting others to join them and advertised for a singing teacher.
By 2003, with the help of funding from the Parkinson's Disease Society, the resulting ensemble "Sing For Joy" was up and running, rehearsing weekly and soon graduating to public performances.
The group now consists of around two dozen singers, including sufferers of Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, others recovering from conditions including stroke or cancer, plus their carers, family and friends. Led by acclaimed jazz performer Carol Grimes, the group's genre-defying repertoire ranges from Cole Porter classics to ethnic punk. Watch Sing for Joy perform »
"It's quite easy to get overwhelmed by the disease and having something that you do every week that makes you forget all your troubles and keeps you from feeling isolated is a great pleasure," says Temple.
But singing also has physical and neurological benefits for the choir's members. A common symptom of Parkinson's disease and similar conditions is voice loss and each week the group begins its rehearsals with vocal exercises worked out with speech therapists.

"All neurological conditions affect the throat because it has so many muscles," says Sarah Benton, another choir member with multiple sclerosis. "So singing, which makes you lift up your body and expand your lungs, is perfect for neurological diseases."
While "Sing for Joy's" DIY-style music therapy has provided obvious social, mental and physical benefits for its members, there is a growing body of clinical evidence suggesting that music can play a key role in aiding recovery or helping sufferers cope with a broad range of brain-based conditions.
Doctor Wendy Magee, International Fellow in Music Therapy at London's Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, describes music as a "mega-vitamin for the brain," capable of influencing and improving motor function, communication and even cognition.
"When neural pathways are damaged for one particular function such as language, musical neural pathways are actually much more complex and much more widespread within the brain," Magee told CNN.
"Music seems to find re-routed paths and that is why it is such a useful tool in terms of helping people with different kinds of brain damage because it can help to find new pathways in terms of brain functioning."
Researchers in Finland have demonstrated that listening to music for several hours a day can enhance the rehabilitation of stroke patients.
In another study, stroke patients who were taught to play the piano or drums made speedier progress in their general recovery than patients who received only traditional therapy.
At Colorado State University, researchers have used musical and rhythmic cues as an effective tool to improve the movement and balance of Parkinson's disease sufferers and those with other degenerative diseases.
Melodic Intonation Therapy, in which musical exercises are used to improve speech, has proved an effective treatment for patients with aphasia, a disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain responsible for language.
Musical memories also seem to be more resilient to neural degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia, enabling therapists to use familiar tunes to cue memories which might otherwise have been lost.
One American World War II veteran whose dementia was so severe he couldn't remember his own name and would barely acknowledge his own wife was brought alive through ballroom dancing and the music of Frank Sinatra, the sufferer still able to lead his wife through the foxtrot as if it was the 1940s.
The power of music to enhance moods and emotions has long been harnessed by psychologists, but, as Dr. Lauren Stewart, director of a recently established course in Music, Mind and Brain at Goldsmiths University of London told CNN, "recent advances in neuroscience and brain imaging technology are now radically transforming conventional music therapy into a more rigorous and research-based clinical practice."
Professor Michael Thaut of Colorado State University's Center for Biomedical Research in Music, who has helped pioneer a new research-based approach known as Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), says recent developments amount to a "paradigm shift."
"Therapists in all fields have been doing things for decades; now they're trying to figure out the research to support their work," Thaut told CNN. "NMT started as a science and now it's turning into a clinical field. And that's very exciting."
For now NMT remains on the fringes of standard neurological rehabilitation. But Magee believes its application and a general move away from psychoanalytical approaches dominant in the past, could bring music therapy towards the mainstream and make it an ever more effective tool.
"We are now starting to see the evidence for why we see things work. That also means we can fine tune what we do because we understand more about the neurological processing behind it," she said.
"But we're still at the point where we need to build the evidence base and translate that evidence base into practice so we can convince funders that music therapy is an important part of rehab practice."
For the members of Sing For Joy however, the proof of the therapeutic power of music is already self-evident. "There is something about coming together and making a communal sound," said Sarah Benton. "There is nothing like it and it's wonderful."

Sing For Joy perform at London's TUC Congress Centre on Saturday, June 6. For more details see the group's Web site or MySpace page.

Maine Moms Protest Use Of Chemicals In Products

2009-06-05T11:47:00.005-04:00

Vivien Leigh, Reporter

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- A group of moms gathered in Monument Square in Portland to urge federal officials to ban toxic chemicals from baby products and other household items.

With a 20- foot inflatable baby bottle as a backdrop, protestors said BPA, short for Bisphenol A needs to be removed from baby bottles, sippy cups and infant formula cans. They say B-P-A has been linked to serious helath problems, including cancer, diabetes and immune system damage.

Maine was one the first states in the country to pass a law that protects the public from dangerous chemicals. But the law dosen't go into effect until January of 2011. ParentS say state action just isn't enough they want Congress to take action.

The Food and Drug Administration ruled last year that B-P-A is safe. Recently the agency said it will review its decision.

Article found at WCSH6.com

Why be BPA-free?

2009-06-03T13:54:00.005-04:00

Entire article found at: Healthy Child Healthy World

The Smart Mama’s Simple Steps to Avoiding BPA
Jennifer Taggart
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Why all the recent press on Bisphenol A (“BPA”)? Two reasons. First, the National Toxicology Program just released its draft report on BPA, reconciling contradictory conclusions of two scientific panels. The draft report finds “some concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children at current human exposures.” Further the study states that “the possibility that bisphenol A may alter human development cannot be dismissed.” The report will be finalized after public comment sometime this year. And the second reason is that Health Canada is poised to announce that it is found BPA to be a dangerous substance. In advance of that announcement, major retailers are pulling certain BPA containing products off store shelves, including Wal Mart Canada announcing that it will pull BPA containing plastic baby bottles and sippy cups.
These are major developments in a debate that has been going on the last couple of years. What’s the issue? BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic. It is the basic monomer of polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is widely used for a number of consumer products, including plastic baby bottles, toddler sippy cups, sport drink bottles, 5 gallon water jugs and similar food storage containers. BPA is also found in the epoxy resins used to line canned foods and beverages.
BPA can leach out of the polycarbonate plastic or from the epoxy resin and into whatever food is stored. The conditions that lead to leaching of BPA are not fully understood. But, heat increases the amount of leaching, by as much as 55 times for boiling water as compared to room temperature water, but leaching occurs at room temperature too.

Are we really exposed to BPA? Yes. A survey conducted through the Centers of Disease Control found BPA in the urine of 93% of Americans. And our children have the highest levels.
Why do we care about exposure to BPA? BPA mimics the hormone estrogen and disrupts the body’s endocrine system. Estrogen is an important chemical messenger. Disrupt the messenger, and the systems may be affected. Based upon animal studies, BPA exposure is linked to early onset of puberty, increased diabetes risk, hyperactivity, and certain cancers, including breast cancer. BPA exposure can impair brain function, leading to learning disabilities and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
That BPA mimics estrogen is not some startling new revelation. BPA, along with diethylstilbestrol (“DES”) and other chemicals, was investigated for use as synthetic estrogen in the 1930s. BPA wasn’t used, but DES was. DES was considered safe, but we were wrong about the safety of DES. It was only after DES was given to millions of women that it was found that DES causes reproductive defects and increased the risk for rare cancers in the daughters of the women who had taken DES during their pregnancies.
BPA’s safety is being hotly debated right now. The plastics industry maintains that BPA use in food contact items is safe. The recent developments suggest otherwise, and are consistent with the numerous low dose animal studies which have shown adverse health effects at the levels to which we are exposed.
What is frustrating is that retailers in Canada are taking action to remove BPA containing products from their shelves, but the same retailers are not doing the same here. So, what can you do until regulators take action?
Can the Cans. Pick fresh, frozen and dried foods over those that are canned. If you are buying canned goods, choose glass instead.
Don’t heat in plastic. Don’t heat polycarbonate plastics in the microwave or add hot food or beverages to polycarbonate plastic. Heat increases the rate of leaching of BPA. One study found that adding boiling water to polycarbonate plastic increased the rate of BPA leaching 55 times over room temperature water. Choose glass or ceramic instead to heat foods and beverages.
Don’t store fatty or acidic foods in polycarbonate plastic. Fatty and acidic foods increase the rate of leaching. Store these foods in other containers, such as glass or ceramic. For cheeses, you can try butcher paper or waxed paper.
Toss polycarbonate bottles. You may be toting around a water bottle to be environmentally correct. But if it is polycarbonate plastic, you should ditch it for another bottle. Try a stainless steel bottle instead.
Toss polycarbonate plastic baby bottles & sippy cups. Choose glass or any of the alternate plastics.
Check your dental sealants. Taking care of your teeth is important. But, if you can, try to skip getting fillings done while you are pregnant or nursing. If you need a filling, dental sealants are probably preferable to mercury-containing dental amalgam. Ask to see the MSDS for the filling materials. Look at the ingredients, and try to avoid BPA, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and bisphenol A dimethyl acrylate. The preferred ingredient seems to be bis-glycidyldimethacrylate because it does not appear to release BPA due use.

Double-Danger: Fleas & Ticks and their Common Treatment Products

2009-05-20T10:15:00.009-04:00

Full article can be found at SixWise.com

Mindy's note: We feed our beagle a raw diet to keep her healthy. Healthy pets are less prone to pest infestations. I also bathe her in either of these 2 products. This one has Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil in it which helps repel pests. This one I've found to be a nice gentle cleaner.

Article Excerpt:

Would it surprise you to know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has only been reviewing pet products, their ingredients and safety for just the last 10 years?
Would it surprise you further to know that popular products in the flea and tick category have been found extremely hazardous, some even containing highly noxious nerve gas? Fortunately there is a safe, clinically proven and highly effective solution that works for dogs, cats (and is already being widely used in the equestrian industry on horses as well!)
To get rid of these pests, consumers have a variety of choices for their pets: flea collars, tags, bombs and foggers, powders, dips, pills and topical applications. The one deadly commonality of all these commercial, name brand products is pesticides. The EPA has also qualified many commercial brands using pesticides as "deadly".
Furthermore, many of these products have not been proven to effectively kill ticks, only fleas.
The Dangers of Commercial Pesticide-Based Flea & Tick Control
In recent years, some highly publicized legal cases have brought the news to the forefront -- flea and tick control products can be extremely hazardous, some containing highly noxious nerve gas. Still, these products have approval to be sold because the claim is that the amount of such hazards is minimal in the products.
A typical flea and tick product label will list ingredients in percentages giving no other information as to what those ingredients are. Aside from the active ingredient listed on most commercial pesticide brands (which usually accounts for less that 5% of the product) there are two other major components: 'inert' ingredients and synergists.
Inert ingredients: These are enhancing ingredients to increase the potency and performance of the product. Usually accounting for the bulk of the product, inert ingredients are only vaguely referred to on their labels.
Synergists: Many flea formulations contain additional pesticides which are chemical agents included to strengthen the killing power of labeled "active" ingredients. Two of the most common synergist pesticides are piperonyl butoxide and MGK264.
Most times these formulations contain 5 to 20 times more synergists than insecticide. Some of these are known to inhibit liver function. Unfortunately, many of the companies behind these products will not disclose these ingredients on their labels, citing these ingredients as their "trade secret".
Pesticide formulas in common flea and tick controls:
Can be neurotoxic
Have shown reproductive problems in labs
Can cause genetic damage
Some have been classified as carcinogens
Can damage pets' liver
Toxic effects are cumulative and can build and deplete your pet's immune system
"It is wrong to leave these dangerous pet products on the market after EPA has identified the hazard" said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, a leading environmental group.
Beyond Pesticides has asked major retailers to pull many commercial brands off their shelves, due to the thousands of reports detailing illness and death in cats and kittens. There are inadequate warnings on labels and toxicity in unnamed ingredients, the organization claims.
These poisons can also settle in homes, yards and eventually ending up in landfills, rivers and streams.
More Flea and Tick Pesticide Product Facts:

Flea collars and tags are literally soaked in chemical pesticides, emitting a continuous toxic cloud into the air, not only for your pet, but you and your family.

Topicals and monthly pills can be cost prohibitive, especially for multi-pet households

Foggers and bombs coat walls, ceilings, floors and furnishings in your home with a toxic residue.

Fleas and ticks have become resistant to many of the pesticides found in the common treatment products that have been in use for over two decades!
The labels of most pesticide-based flea and tick products state that you should "Avoid contact with skin" and "Do not inhale." If it's dangerous for you, why are you expected to drench your precious pets in the solution?

Official Google Blog: Mowing with goats

2009-05-08T12:43:00.002-04:00

A Great idea!

Official Google Blog: Mowing with goats

5 Steps to a Healthier Environment

2009-04-23T21:35:00.004-04:00

Maine Camp Building Green Resort

2009-04-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

From WCSH6.com:

MILLINOCKET (NEWS CENTER) -- People who are looking for a way to go green on their vacation will have a new option this Summer. New England Outdoor Center is expanding it's Twin Pines Camps resort in Millinocket.

The $2.4 million project includes nine more guest houses on Millinocket Lake. Those houses are being built using green building standards. Some of the energy-efficient aspects include structural insulated wall panels and thermal radiant heating. Air quality is also a priority. The company used finishes and glues that have little or no harmful chemicals. New England Outdoor Center President Matt Polstein said despite the recession, he expects to be able to book the additional guest houses.

"We've had, historically a tremendous demand for Twin Pine Camps, far beyond our capacity," Polstein told NEWS CENTER. "So we feel that we're going to be able to fill these units up."

New England Outdoor Center owns fourteen hundred more acres of undeveloped land on Millinocket Lake. Future plans for that land include an eighty room hotel and an agriculturally-themed village.

Diets rich in calcium and iron help resist the damage from lead.

2009-04-20T13:09:00.005-04:00

From The Daily Green:

Exposure to lead can lead to permanent brain damage, heart problems, behavioral and developmental problems -- even violence.
While the phasing out of lead in gasoline and paint has helped to reduce childhood exposure to lead -- and impending limits on lead in toys and other children's products should help further -- millions of children still experience lead poisoning. Federal authorities say old lead paint in older homes, along with contaminated soil -- both of which produce lead-tainted dust and grime that children ingest inadvertently -- are the chief causes of lead poisoning.
To reduce exposure and protect your child, The Daily Green recommends these four steps:
1. Maintain paint in older homes, so that you avoid peeling and flaking that can produce dust. Consult with a professional if you have any doubts.
2. Check your toys and remove any that have been recalled due to high lead content.
3. Get your child's blood lead level tested, so you know if you need to carefully investigate potential sources.
4. Avoid home renovations during pregnancy or a child's first six years; if you do renovate, do so carefully and under professional guidance.
5. Ensure good nutrition. Iron deficiency can lead the body to absorb more lead, so ensure your child is eating enough iron (and the Vitamin C needed by the body to absorb the iron). Similarly, eating calcium will cause the body to absorb less lead.

Having trouble getting the kids to eat a balanced meal?
The best supplements we've found:

Vitamin C
Multi-Vitamin (Consult your doctor before giving your child a multi-vitamin with iron)

Top real food sources of Vitamin C

Plant a Healing Garden this Spring

2009-04-20T10:17:00.005-04:00

Article found at: Farmer's Almanac

Herb gardens are useful not only for cooking but for some natural cures. Check out top 4 picks for healthy herbs to grow.

Feverfew for Headaches:
Several compelling studies have demonstrated that feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is effective at migraine prevention. It can be grown outdoors, or placed inside the house for year-round use.

Chew two fresh or frozen leaves daily. A member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, which also includes ragweed, feverfew can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Caraway, Coriander or Peppermint for Indigestion:
Many culinary herbs have a soothing effect on the belly. Experiment with caraway and coriander as part of your cooking regimen, or sip peppermint (Mentha piperita) tea after meals. Find yourself with leftover mint? Add fresh sprigs of the plant to a footbath when fighting a cold. For tension headaches, try applying peppermint oil to the forehead and temples.

Rosemary for Congestion:
A potent food preservative, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) can also be used to clear the nasal passages. Steep a few sprigs in a steam bath, or add one teaspoon of crushed herb per cup of boiling water for a drinkable infusion.

Chamomile for Stress:
Chamomile (Matricari recutita) is one of our most beloved herbs. Try adding 3 teaspoons of flowers to boiling water and steeping 10–15 minutes for tea, or a few handfuls of flowers to bathwater.

Like feverfew, chamomile is possibly allergenic. Chamomile’s flower friend, sweet violet (Viola odorata), is also thought to be good for calming the nerves, thus earning it the nickname “hearts-ease.” Add some of its vitamin A and C rich blooms to your spring salads for a tasty (and lovely) treat.

Adapted from "Garden Healing," in the 2009 Farmers' Almanac, written by Lisa Belisle, M.D., M.P.H.

Lack of Vitamin A or Vitamin C Is Linked to Asthma

2009-04-17T09:38:00.004-04:00

From: The Daily Green

Previous studies have linked good nutrition to good lung health. Kids who are breast fed are less likely to develop asthma, while those who eat fast food are more likely.
Now, new research published in Thorax links asthma incidence to the lack of two key nutrients -- Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The study analyzed the results of 40 studies since 1980, and concluded that while low Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels is associated with asthma incidence, low Vitamin E levels are not.

The best supplements we've found to help our Asthma:

Top real food sources of Vitamin A
Top real food sources of Vitamin C

The Ultimate Food Storage Cookbook

2009-04-15T10:02:00.006-04:00

This is a great site with tips and how-to's for making healthy meals from staples that you keep in your pantry. By making things yourself, you know what you're eating and you can avoid the questionable ingredients. Crystal also teaches what staples should be in your pantry for your common items, 3-month supply, and 1-year supply. Can you imagine being that prepared?!? I'm going to be looking around her site so that I can be prepared for meal times!

Check out the site (and there's a giveaway until Friday 4/17)!

Video: DIY Green Cleaning Really Works

2009-04-09T13:06:00.004-04:00

From The Daily Green:

Brian Clark Howard, one of The Daily Green's expert editors, gave a great interview on ABC News Now Tuesday. The subject: green cleaning.
For all the details about smuggling illicit cleaners, DIY green cleaning recipes and commercial green cleaning brands you can trust, check out Brian's interview.

Mindy's note: For our favorite green cleaning products check here!

Is Vinyl Flooring Causing Autism?

2009-03-31T13:26:00.004-04:00

Scientists find "baffling" link between autism and the phthalates off-gassed by vinyl flooring, and other indoor air contaminants.
Find the entire article at The Daily Green.

Children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit chemicals called phthalates, are more likely to have autism, according to research by Swedish and U.S. scientists published Monday.
The study of Swedish children is among the first to find an apparent connection between an environmental chemical and autism.
The scientists were surprised by their finding, calling it "far from conclusive." Because their research was not designed to focus on autism, they recommend further study of larger numbers of children to see whether the link can be confirmed.
Bernard Weiss, a professor of environmental medicine at University of Rochester and a co-author of the study, said the connection between vinyl flooring and autism "turned up virtually by accident." He called it "intriguing and baffling at the same time."
Experts suspect that genetic and environmental factors combine to cause autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that has increased dramatically in children over the past 20 years.

Clean Water Action New Hampshire warns of toxins in personal care products

2009-03-30T13:03:00.006-04:00

PORTSMOUTH - Janah Trent of Kittery, Maine, doesn't want her young child - or anyone else's - sitting in bathwater containing formaldehyde, a byproduct of many popular brand-name baby shampoos, she said.

Advocates with Clean Water Action New Hampshire say most consumers also would be troubled to know many lipsticks contain leads, and it isn't uncommon for mascara to contain mercury.

Read the full article at Fosters.com.

For my favorite safe cleaners and personal products, look here!

Musings on Eating

2009-03-26T07:52:00.003-04:00

Having lost 26 pounds, it probably won't surprise anyone that nutrition and proper eating is something I've been pondering & learning a lot about in the last year. One of the things that has really helped is learning what is in the food we buy.

Sweet tooth
Pretty much anything ending in "-ose" is a sugar. Add those up and see how much you eat in a day! Nutritionists say we should have no more than 32 grams (8 tbsp) a day. Most of us get WAY more. That sugar does a lot to our system that we don't realize. It weakens our immune system, causes yeast to grow more rapidly which causes imbalances in our digestive tract, and can make you tired. (BTW - Yogurt is touted as a great way to balance your digestive tract. However - look at the sugar it contains! Take an acidophilus supplement instead. You get the "good guys" to help you out, without all the sugar.)

What's in there?
With our schedules being so busy, we look for easier/faster ways to prepare meals. Unfortunately, with easier & faster, come shortcuts in nutrition. I'm trying to find ways to make "from scratch" cooking easier so that we know what we're eating. I look at the indgredients in the "easier" foods we buy to see what's actually in them. We eat too many refined foods, and those just stay in your digestive system and block you up. A lot of the weight people need to lose is just crud in your digestive tract that can't leave. Amazing, huh? Working the whole grains, fiber, and protein is a great way to get on track.

Corn?
We stay away from high fructose corn syrup as much as possible. It isn't an ingredient found in nature. It's made by putting corn through a chemical process, but no one really knows how it's metabolized by our bodies. I've seen improvements in our ADD, attention spans, etc without it, so we look for things without it. I'd rather feed my family real sugar in moderation that something that we don't know about.

Color my world
Another ingredient we stay away from (as much as possible) is food coloring. You know, those ingredients listed "blue lake" or "red #_". While they may make your food pretty and look appetizing, they are actually made from petroleum. Same thing we get oil & gasoline from. Yuck. Can you imagine what that does to our bodies? Even growing up, we didn't eat foods with colorings, although it was much easier then. My parents saw the relationship between us eating the colorings and our behavior. We've tried to continue that with our kids. Take a look at the food you usually buy and see which things have colorings listed. It's usually at the end of the paragraph. You will be amazed what you find it in. If we can cut even a fraction of the colorings and high fructose corn syrup from our diet, it will make a difference in our health.

Fuel 'er up!
Another thing I've struggled with is breakfast. Breakfast is so important to being healthy, but who has time to get everyone out of the house while getting a good breakfast? I love shakes or meal bars. They're great to have in the morning when I'm trying to get out of the house with the kids! If I don't get to chug down a shake while getting them ready, I can drink it in the car or first thing at my desk at work. These shakes & bars have all the balanced nutrition you need in a meal, and keep you from being hungry. Great for on the go!

These are my ramblings for today... :) As I learn more, I'll share! Here's to good health!

Do Common Cleaners Have Toxic Ingredients - Lawsuit Targets Cleansers - thedailygreen.com

2009-02-18T11:20:00.003-05:00

Do Common Cleaners Have Toxic Ingredients - Lawsuit Targets Cleansers - thedailygreen.com

Posted using ShareThis

"People concerned about the use of chemicals in their homes and schools have long sought out alternative and DIY cleansers that promise nontoxic cleaning. Ingredients in cleansers could contaminate indoor air, or lead to more subtle developmental, hormonal or reproductive effects, according to laboratory studies on those specific ingredients.
Now, environmental groups are taking several giants of the conventional cleanser industry to court, in an effort to enforce a forgotten New York law they say requires the companies to disclose all chemical ingredients in their products. The 1976 law, according to Earthjustice "requires household and commercial cleaner companies selling their products in New York to file semi-annual reports with the state listing the chemicals contained in their products and describing any company research on these chemicals' health and environmental effects.""
Mindy's Note: We love these friendly cleaners.

Much High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated With Mercury, New Study Finds | Healthy Child Healthy World

2009-02-04T14:40:00.002-05:00

Much High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated With Mercury, New Study Finds | Healthy Child Healthy World

"Mercury was found in nearly 50 percent of tested samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), according to a new article published today in the scientific journal, Environmental Health. A separate study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brandname food and beverage products where HFCS is the first or second highest labeled ingredient—including products by Quaker, Hershey’s, Kraft and Smucker’s."

Posted using ShareThis

The Toxic Danger of Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

2009-02-01T13:24:00.003-05:00

Mindy's Note: We love these dryer sheets!

The Toxic Danger of Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets
By B. Williams
Many people will remember a famous TV ad where a woman races to her washing machine, fabric softener in hand, only to arrive just as the wash ends. This woman who "forgot to ad the fabric softener" was actually doing herself and her family a favor.

Although they may make your clothes feel soft and smell fresh, fabric softener and dryer sheets are some of the most toxic products around. And chances are that the staggering 99.8 percent of Americans who use common commercial detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, and stain removers would think twice if they knew they contained chemicals that could cause cancer and brain damage.

Laundry
Here is a list of just some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:
* Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
* Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
* Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
* Limonene: Known carcinogen
* A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
* Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list
* Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
* Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
* Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
* Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

So how could products with pretty names like Soft Ocean Mist, Summer Orchard and April Fresh be so dangerous?

The chemicals in fabric softeners are pungent and strong smelling -- so strong that they require the use of these heavy fragrances (think 50 times as much fragrance) just to cover up the smells. Furthermore, synthetic fabrics, which are the reason fabric softeners were created in the first place, do not smell good either when heated in a dryer or heated by our bodies ... hence the need for even more hefty fragrances.

In other words, remove all the added fragrance that endears people to fabric softeners and -- like the cliché wolf in sheep's clothing -- the real smells of the chemical-laced fabric softener and the synthetic fabrics they were designed around may prompt people to shoot their laundry machines and be done with it.

Are "Soft" Clothes Worth It?

Fabric softeners are made to stay in your clothing for long periods of time. As such, chemicals are slowly released either into the air for you to inhale or onto your skin for you to absorb. Dryer sheets are particularly noxious because they are heated in the dryer and the chemicals are released through dryer vents and out into the environment. Health effects from being exposed to the chemicals in fabric softeners include:

* Central nervous system disorders
* Headaches
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Dizziness
* Blood pressure reduction
* Irritation to skin, mucus membranes and respiratory tract
* Pancreatic cancer

Baby Fabric

Soften Your Clothes Safely With These Tips

Even if you don't feel the effects of these chemicals today, they can affect you gradually over time, and children, whose systems are still developing, are particularly at risk. There's really no reason to expose yourself to these risky chemicals when natural alternatives exist. Not only are they safer for you, your family and the environment, but they're much more economical too:

* Add a quarter cup of baking soda to wash cycle to soften fabric
* Add a quarter cup of white vinegar to rinse to soften fabric and eliminate cling
* Check out your local health food store for a natural fabric softener that uses a natural base like soy instead of chemicals

It's likely that fabric softeners and dryer sheets aren't the only toxic products in your home. Many household products that consumers regard as safe are also full of toxic chemicals. Our past articles on PEG Compounds in Cosmetics and Phenols in Common Household Cleansers are two of the all-time most popular articles on SixWise.com and will make you more aware of the pervasiveness of harmful chemicals that can be eliminated from your home.

From the FREE SixWise.com e-newsletter, the Web's #1 most read newsletter with original articles in all 6 areas of life leading to complete wellness.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Toxic-Danger-of-Fabric-Softener-and-Dryer-Sheets&id=16953

Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags - Biodegradable Bags - thedailygreen.com

2009-01-17T12:08:00.002-05:00

Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags - Biodegradable Bags - thedailygreen.com

When it comes time to pick up after your beloved pooch, choose a biodegradable bag instead of regular plastic. Otherwise, you are wrapping one of nature's quickest degrading substances in something that takes decades to break down.

What's In Your Products?

2009-01-17T11:30:00.004-05:00

Mindy's Note: We love these safe products!

Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to learn about categories of products of particular concern, plus look up safety rankings of the products you use with EWG's Skin Deep database. For additional science information, visit the sections on chemicals of concern and health.

Treating Head Lice - Foreign operatives hatching a plan to take over your kid's crown?

2009-01-17T11:06:00.003-05:00

From: Ideal Bite

The Bite:

Your mission: Protect your kid from rogue head lice or treat the buggers with safe, natural agents. They’re effective, chem-free, and won’t plot against your kiddo’s skin.

The Benefits:

Foiling the bad guys. According to the CDC, there are an estimated 6-12 million head lice infestations in the United States each year, mostly in kids age 3-10.
More prevention allies. Some remedies come with tonics you can apply safely before an outbreak.
Head-butting chems…like cancer-linked permethrin and other insecticides in conventional products that can seep into the scalp. Natural remedies use food-safe ingredients like tea tree and mint oils.
No fishy assassinations. Permethrin is toxic to aquatic life, and after washing down the drain, it can end up in rivers and lakes.

Personally Speaking:

An Atlanta Mama Biter uses Fairy Tales stuff on her seven year old: “We now use the repelling products daily as there is a big infestation down south and…it makes me feel better.”

Wanna Try:

Licefreee Homeopathic Lice Killing Hair Gel - permethrin-free; with antiparasitic anise oil ($20/two 4-ounce applications plus comb).
Fairy Tales Lice Good-Bye - mom-recommended, nontoxic, herbal mousse that also dissolves egg glue; also: Rosemary Repel shampoo ($10-$20).
Bon Cheveaux Olive Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment - tea tree oil and olive oil combo repels and kills; also preventive Hair Tonic spray ($18).
Hair Fairies - lice treatment salons in four cities with their own line of nontoxic, herbal products ($13 and up).
National Pediculosis Association’s prevention tips.

Integrated Pest Management at Schools - EPA Releases IPM Plan - thedailygreen.com

2009-01-17T11:00:00.003-05:00

Article found at: thedailygreen.com

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a new plan designed to help schools stop using pesticides in favor of "integrated pest management," often referred to as IPM.

Schools are often plagued by pest infestations, but unsafe pesticide use only puts students, teachers and other school workers at risk of toxic exposure.
IPM often costs less, and focuses on the root of the problem — the holes through which mice infiltrate, or the food scraps that attract them — rather than a poisonous short-term solution.
The EPA's goal is to reduce pest complaints in U.S. schools by 70% by 2015 by promoting the use of IPM.
According to Beyond Pesticides, a nonprofit group that argues against pesticide usage, IPM reduces pest complaints and pesticide use in schools by as much as 90% for the same or less cost as a chemical assault. Further, studies show that IPM can actually boost student achievement, by removing hazards that compromise some students' abilities to concentrate. The result is a school environment free of both toxic pesticides and pest residue that can cause asthma or allergy attacks.
Beyond Pesticides also offers these resources for IPM:
Integrated Pest Management Fact Sheet
Alternatives to toxic pesticides for common pests

Baby Wipes

2009-01-14T11:25:00.008-05:00

Article found here: Ideal Bite

Steer clear of the conventional pileup, and opt for eco-friendly wipes. They're better for lil' butts (and in some cases, your wallet) and will help keep landfills from veering out of control.
The Benefits
Racing away from chems. Unlike some conventional versions, these wipes don't contain cancer-linked parabens or additives such as malic acid, which can irritate skin.
Not wrecking the earth. Instead of a plastic-based fabric treated with chlorine, these use unbleached cotton or eco-wood fibers.
Slowing down spending. A year's supply of packaged wipes costs about $175 - compared to $50/year for reusable or DIY versions.

Wanna Try? Check here:
Ideal Bite - Eco Baby Wipes - Wipe Out

On a scale of 1 to 10, how hot's the water in your clothes washer?

2009-01-13T07:10:00.002-05:00

Found here: Ideal Bite

Go for 1 - cold - to conserve energy and cash. Except in cases of gross-out dirtiness, cold's as effective as hot, keeping your clothes (and you) looking fierce.
The Benefits
Attractive energy savings. Around 80%-90% of the energy typically used by a washer goes to heating the water.
More cash for outfits. The average household saves $61 per year by forgoing hot for cold.
Desirable CO2 cuts. In a year, each household that washes with only cold water keeps 1,281 pounds of CO2 from entering the air.
Hotter colors with cold. Washing in cold water keeps your clothes looking newer, longer than hot water washing.
Personally Speaking
We were skeptical when we first researched this tip, but testing it on our own duds proved the point: Unless clothes are really grimy (like I-worked-in-the-garden-all-day dirty), cold water works just as well.
Wanna Try?
Just switch the knob on your washer to Cold. You don't even need to use a cold-water detergent.

New regulations for lead & phthalates in kids' toys

2009-01-10T22:10:00.002-05:00

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2009
Release #09-086 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC Clarifies Requirements of New Children's Product Safety Laws Taking Effect in February
Guidance Intended for Resellers of Children's Products, Thrift and Consignment Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws. Beginning February 10, 2009, children's products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children's products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more than 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys.

Under the new law, children's products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009. The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children's products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. Sellers of used children's products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.

The new safety law does not require resellers to test children's products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children's products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
When the CPSIA was signed into law on August 14, 2008, it became unlawful to sell recalled products. All resellers should check the CPSC Web site (www.cpsc.gov) for information on recalled products before taking into inventory or selling a product.

The selling of recalled products also could carry civil and/or criminal penalties.
While CPSC expects every company to comply fully with the new laws resellers should pay special attention to certain product categories. Among these are recalled children's products, particularly cribs and play yards; children's products that may contain lead, such as children's jewelry and painted wooden or metal toys; flimsily made toys that are easily breakable into small parts; toys that lack the required age warnings; and dolls and stuffed toys that have buttons, eyes, noses or other small parts that are not securely fastened and could present a choking hazard for young children.

The agency has underway a number of rulemaking proposals intended to provide guidance on the new lead limit requirements. Please visit the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov for more information.

Resolve to Make Your Home Healthier

2009-01-08T11:22:00.004-05:00

Full article found at: Move.com
Mindy's Note: We love these products!

10 steps to reducing common toxins in your house
By Debra Lynn Dadd

As people around the world ponder their New Year's resolutions, many people are looking for ways to make themselves, and their families, healthier and in better states of mind. Here are 10 suggestions that will help you accomplish both of these goals. By resolving to make your home as unpolluted as you can make it, you can make your family and yourself healthier by removing damaging toxins from your environment.

It's possible to live in a completely nontoxic home. Changing everything at once, however, can be a daunting and difficult task.

Start by making the commitment to reduce toxic exposures in your home. It's not about being perfect; it's about moving in a direction. When faced with a choice about a household product, ask yourself, "How can I do this in a nontoxic way?" Over time, you can transform your house into a healthy home.

Here are 10 simple and inexpensive resolutions you can follow to reduce household toxics in your home this coming year.

1. Nix ammonia. Ammonia can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation and burn your skin. Instead, mix one part white or apple cider vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle for a nontoxic glass cleaner.

2. Formaldehyde free. Polyester/cotton blend sheets and no-iron cotton sheets are typically treated with formaldehyde, which can cause insomnia and respiratory problems. Opt for cotton flannel or untreated cotton percale sheets.

3. Install carbon-monoxide detectors. Homes with gas appliances or heaters should have carbon-monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen and can be fatal. Symptoms include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, flushed skin and disorientation.

4. Replace mothballs with sweet sachets. Mothballs are made of paradichlorobenzene, a chemical that can cause headaches and irritation to nose, throat and lungs. Prolonged exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. Protect woolens by making sachets from dried lavender and equal parts dried rosemary and mint. Cedar products are also effective.

5. Use soap-based cleaning products instead of detergents. Soap is made from natural oils and minerals. Detergents are petrochemical-based products responsible for more household poisonings than any other substance.

6. Remove chloroform from your shower water. Hot water containing chlorine (which covers all municipal tap water) releases chloroform, which has been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a dangerous indoor air pollutant. Chlorine can be removed from shower water by using a water filter specifically designed for this purpose.

7. Use organically grown produce. Most food sold in supermarkets is sprayed heavily with pesticides, many of which can cause cancer. Buy pesticide-free, organically grown food. Purchase what looks good and is in season.

8. Take a botanical bath. Many bath products contain detergents and artificial fragrances that can be irritating to sensitive areas. Instead, use natural substances such as fragrant dried or fresh herbs (lavender, rosemary, peppermint), a quart of buttermilk, or 1 cup of Epsom salts.

9. Use water-based pens and markers. Dispose of permanent ink pens and markers, which contain toxic volatile solvents. Office and art supply stores carry water-based pens and markers in every size and color.

10. Get houseplants. They freshen the air by absorbing carbon dioxide we exhale and release the oxygen that 's vital for us to breathe. Some plants, like the spider plant, also remove some air pollutants.

Debra Lynn Dadd Noted author and Natural Living columnist Debra Lynn Dadd offers advice to make your home safer and healthier, all in harmony with the environment.

Smart Organic Choices for Limited Budgets

2009-01-08T10:15:00.002-05:00

To read the full article: Women Co.

There are many reasons why consumers choose organic over conventionally-grown food, but there’s usually one reason why they don’t—cost. Organics can run 10 to 100 percent higher than conventionally grown, throwing all health, taste, and environmental concerns out of the grocery basket. Although savvy farmers’ markets and comparison shopping can yield organics that are close in price to non-organics, a tight budget might still require selective purchases. So, if there are limited amount of organic dollars to spend at the store, where should they go?

Toxic Air and America’s Schools

2009-01-07T09:45:00.002-05:00

To read the full article: Healthy Child Healthy World

USA Today released a special report earlier this week called The Smokestack Effect: Toxic Air and America’s Schools. Using an EPA model to track the path of industrial pollution, the report mapped almost 128,000 school locations to determine the levels of toxic chemicals in the surrounding air. The report declared the potential problems that emerged to be “widespread, insidious, and largely unaddressed."
Using the EPA’s method for tracking chemical emissions, USA Today spent 8 months examining the air outside of public, private and parochial schools from Maine to California. They developed a ranking system based on the concentrations and health hazards of airborne chemicals, using emissions reports filed by 20,000 industrial sites in 2005.

How do you reverse cellular aging?

2008-10-21T22:26:00.001-04:00

Amazing research by Dr David Sinclair, co-director and founder of the anti-aging laboratory at the Harvard University School of Medicine:

A conversation with Dr. David Sinclair of The Harvard Medical School and Nicholas Wade, the science reporter for "The New York Times" about a groundbreaking new health study involving a molecule called resveritrol. The molecule, found in grapes and therefore wine, offsets the effects of high caloric intake in obese mice and also extends their longevity.

An Age-Defying Quest (Red Wine Included)

Meet the product that lives up to the hype! Protect & Repair cellular DNA, Heart Health, Enhanced Immunity, Joint Health, Cellular Energy, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Cardiovascular Health, Brain Health, Cellular Longevity, and more...

Rachael Ray & Cleaners

2008-10-21T22:02:00.002-04:00

Adrenal Fatigue

2008-10-11T22:17:00.006-04:00

This is an all too often undiagnosed condition that doesn't get the respect it deserves. Thankfully more doctors are recognizing this as a valid concern.

Here are some great sites to get information:
Adrenal Health in Women (has great overall info about Adrenal Fatigue)
Adrenal Fatigue - a site by Dr Wilson who authored the great book Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome

I struggle with Adrenal Fatigue. I will feel fine, then all of a sudden I'll be exhausted. Sometimes, I just feel tired all the time; other times I can't move another muscle without closing my eyes first. Stress, viruses, missing nutrition, and other things can make this worse. The things that help me the most are sleep, exercise, and good nutrition. The sleep that is the best for adrenal fatigue, though, is from 6-10am. That's not easy to get with 3 kids!

If you feel you have this and would like someone to talk to, feel free to contact me!

Safer Cleaners

2008-10-07T00:28:00.001-04:00

Non-toxic plant based cleaners (See some here)

Castile soap and water

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate:
• Neutralizes acid
• Deodorizes
• Extinguishes grease fires
• Cleans and polishes aluminum, chrome, jewelry, plastic, porcelain, silver, stainless steel and tin
• Softens fabrics
• Removes certain stains
• Effective as underarm deodorant and toothpaste.

Lemon juice:
• Cleans glass
• Removes stains from aluminum, clothes and porcelain
• Lightens/ bleaches if used with sunlight.

Washing soda (SAL soda, sodium carbonate decahydrate):
• Cuts stubborn grease on grills, broiler pans and ovens.

Vinegar:
• Dissolves mineral deposits
• Removes grease, traces of soap or wax buildup
• Polishes some metals
• Deodorizes

Food & Nutrition

2008-10-07T00:25:00.001-04:00

There are many things you can do to heal your body from the inside out.

The Feingold Diet
"Dr. Feingold began his work on linking diet with behavior back in the 1960's. He soon saw that the conventional wisdom about this condition was not accurate. At that time most doctors believed that children outgrew hyperactivity, that only one child in a family would be hyperactive, and that girls were seldom affected. Parents using the Feingold Diet also saw that these beliefs were not accurate. Years later, the medical community revised their beliefs, as well."

Organic Food
You probably don't realize it, but even if you wash your fruits and veggies they may still have up to 13 pesticides (toxic chemicals) on them. Not only are you eating those pesticides, there are also chemical fertilizers and hormones in our foods. Studies show that kids age 5 and under eat an average of 8 pesticides each day, and due to their smaller body size, those pesticides are more harmful to kids. Pesticides have been linked to childhood cancers, neurological damage, birth defects and prostate cancer.

A helpful guide to buying organic: Foodnews.org
A great link to find organic food near you: Local Harvest and Organic Consumers Association
Basic information about Organic food: NRDC - Organic 101

Vitamins and Supplements
Even if we eat 100% organic, our soil is not as nutrient rich as it used to be, causing our foods to not have as many nutrients as before. Not only do they start with fewer nutrients, but they are trucked farther to get to you. Add in GMO's, pesticides, antibiotics, and other tings added to our foods, and we clearly are not getting the nutrition we need. Supplementing with Essential Fatty Acids/Omega Oils, Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidents is strongly recommended by many doctors.

Lose Inches, Gain Your Health
Trying to lose weight but keep falling short? We've found a great way to lose weight and inches, build muscle, and heal your body from the inside out! Give it 60 days, and you'll feel healthier and see results, too! Support your body with a plan that improves your health, and watch it happen!

Pest Control

2008-10-07T00:19:00.003-04:00

The "solution" can be more dangerous than the problem, especially among children because they have higher metabolism rates and often play on the ground and put objects in their mouths. Pesticides are the second most common source of childhood poisonings. In addition, studies show:

Children have a 50% higher incidence of leukemia if their mothers are exposed to pesticides in the home up to three months before a pregnancy, during or after it.
Children under age two have 10 times the adult risk of developing cancer after pesticide and other chemical exposure; ages 3-15 have triple the risk.
Children have a greater risk of developing asthma by age five after pesticide exposure within the first year of life; Chicago has one of the highest national death rates from asthma.

Courtesy of Safer Pest Control Project

Safer Alternatives:

Ants: Sprinkle red chili powder, paprika or dried peppermint (or its essential oil) where the ants are entering. Put grits around the ant hills. (More info)
Fleas: feed your pet brewer’s yeast in powder (mixed in food) or tablet form.
Ants, termites, lice, fleas, spiders or roaches: Mop or spray floors with Borax. Or mix Borax with an attractant such as sugar. It is poisonous if ingested, so store and use carefully.
Ants and fleas: Mix 4 oz of a natural soap in 1 gallon of water and spray as needed. Or sprinkle powdered soap around your home’s foundation.
Fruit Flies: apple cider (Read more here)

Safer Pest Control Project
"Safer Pest Control Project (SPCP) works to reduce pesticide use and promotes safe, effective alternatives."

Personal Care Products

2008-10-07T00:14:00.002-04:00

"Personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, after shave, lotion and makeup are not regulated by the FDA or any other government agency. It is perfectly legal and very common for companies to use ingredients that are known or suspected to be carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins in the their products. Consumers buy these products at drug stores, grocery stores, online or in salons, usually without questioning the product’s safety."

Courtesy of: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Safe personal care products
Safe beauty products

Household Toxins More Dangerous to Pets Than People

2008-10-07T00:09:00.003-04:00

Mindy's Note: A safe alternative
Full article found at: medheadlines.com

Just as exposure to common household and yard chemicals affect us and our children, our pets are affected by these toxins, too. And the exposure to these toxins may produce compounded harmful effects in our cats and dogs.

Researchers for the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed blood and urine samples they collected from 40 cats and 20 dogs, all household pets. They were tracking the presence of 70 industrial chemicals in the pets’ bodies. The results of their analysis is described as startling.
Of the 70 chemicals tracked, 48 of them were present in the animals. Of those 48 chemicals, 43 of them were at levels much higher than what is typically found in humans. Stain- and grease-proofing coating chemicals (perfluorochemicals) were 2.4 times higher in the dogs than in people. Fire retardants (PBDEs) were found at levels 23 times higher in cats than in people and the cats’ mercury levels were 5 times higher. The average chemical saturation in humans for this study was based on conclusions from national studies conducted by both the EWG and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jane Houlihan, vice president of research at EWG, suggests the elevated levels of common household chemicals in our pets is a glimpse into the future for ourselves and our children. She would like to see study become a “wake-up call” to establish more stringent safety standards pertaining to industrial chemicals that become a part of our homes.
Pets are exposed to these toxins the same way people are - tap water, pesticide residue on lawns, and by simply breathing the same indoor air pollutants humans do. Like the smallest children, pets play close to the floor and ingest a limited diet, two factors associated with increased health risk of industrial chemicals. Pets’ grooming behaviors and their accelerated life spans both play a role in producing quicker evidence of chemical contamination than would be found in humans.
Almost 50% of all homes in America include a cat or a dog. These pets live in eight times more homes than do children under the age of 5. Households with cats and dogs outnumber households with children of any age by 70%.
There are no current laws that require chemicals in pet foods, toys, and other products to be tested for safety. The body burden of exposure to these untested chemicals produces a complex mix of industrial chemicals that could possibly be linked to the very high rate of cancer in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats seen today.
The EWG is a not-for-profit research organization headquartered in Washington, DC. It employs the power of information in its quest to protect both the environment and human health.

One Christian's View

2008-10-07T00:08:00.001-04:00

Green is talked about everywhere. It’s the “in thing”. Some of it is marketing hype. Some of it is important. So how do we tell the difference? And why is “green” important to us as Christians?

It really comes down to taking care of the earth & the lives God has entrusted to us – our families.

God’s creation
God created all things & called them “good” – even the smallest things that we think of as insignificant have a role in His creation. (Genesis 1&2)
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being." (Rev. 4:11)

We do not own the land. It is God’s and we are to care for it.
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." (Ps. 24:1 & I Cor. 10:26)
"The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine and you are but aliens and My tenants.”(Lev. 25:23)

God created man to be responsible for all creation. He gave us dominion over all things, which means mankind has power to rule over all, but with responsibility and love.

Man’s health has been tied to the earth from the moment God created Man from the dust of the ground. “The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Gen. 2:7)
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." (Gen. 3:19)

Then sin entered creation. "To Adam he said . . . 'Cursed is the ground because of you' . . ." (Gen. 3:17)

We use the land and creation, often forgetting it is a gift of God. Our land is becoming a wasteland. "… 'There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying." (Hosea 4:1-3)

Christ came to make things whole. "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood shed on the cross." (Col. 1:19-20)

And we are not to care for the earth just for our own families. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4)

But do not despair!
God has promised: "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” (Isa. 65: 17)

"The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy . . . Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." (Isa. 35:1-2, 6)

So what can we do in the meantime?
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the changes you could make. Keep in mind a quote attributed to both Betty Reese and Anita Roddick:
“If you think you're too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”

Look around the site or contact us for ideas of small things you can do to make a difference!

Other resource:
Evangelical Environmental Network

Fatty acids and ADHD

2008-10-06T23:54:00.001-04:00

Fatty acid status and behavioural symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adolescents: A case-control study

Europe-wide food colour ban call

2008-10-06T23:47:00.001-04:00

A food safety watchdog has called for a Europe-wide ban on six artificial food colourings after research found a link with hyperactivity in children.

Hazard in the bathroom: Study says vinyl shower curtains can emit toxic chemicals into the air

2008-10-06T23:45:00.001-04:00

Think mold and mildew are the biggest bathroom health concern? Think again, say U.S. and Canadian researchers, who warn that it's that "new shower curtain smell" that should top the list.

Air Quality

2008-10-06T23:40:00.001-04:00

A 15-year study concluded that women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home due to increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many found in common household products.
1990 Toronto Indoor Air Conference

"In 1989, the EPA submitted a report on indoor air quality to the United States Congress. The report concluded that North America's worst air pollution is found inside our homes. A five-year study, done by the EPA, showed that many homes had chemical levels that were 70 times higher than that of the air outside. In fact, they reported that cleaning and personal care products, commonly found in every home are three times more likely to cause cancer than air-born pollutants."

Safe alternatives:

Grow indoor plants, to absorb air impurities. Areca palm, lady palm, bamboo palm, rubber plant, and Boston fern are great examples.

Use an air purifier

Toxic baby bottles and kids' products?

2008-10-06T23:37:00.002-04:00

Experts give tips on how to keep kids away from toxic chemicals in everyday products.

Dental Industry Gets an Earful on Mercury

2008-10-06T23:34:00.002-04:00

Lawmakers unleash diatribe on dentists over mercury fillings

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What's In Your Products?

Wanna Try? Check here:
Ideal Bite - Eco Baby Wipes - Wipe Out