5 Ways to Fight Germs the "Old-School" Way

It's cold & flu season...time to gear up for fighting germs!  By now it's no secret that the consumer marketplace is inundated with antibacterial products.  You've probably even heard that the ubiquitous nature of antibiotics and antibacterial agents are resulting in super-germs that are treatment resistant.  Clearly this is not a good thing for the long-term health of our greater population.  Equally as alarming are the dangers of synthetic chemicals used in our soaps, personal care, and consumer products that make them "antibacterial." 

Triclosan is one of those nasty chemical compounds.  Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor that can bio-accumulate in the body, and can weaken the immune system.  In fact the FDA is currently reviewing the safety of triclosan.  Buyer beware...it is found in a TON of products.  If it touts "antibacterial" properties check the label for triclosan. 

Let's commit to fighting germs old-school!  [Yes, it's effective]



1.  WASH HANDS
Wash hands frequently with plain old soap and water.  Choose soap that is free of potentially harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrance.  We love Vermont Soap Organics!  The scrubbing action is really important for eliminating germs...so don't just do a "rinse."  Teach your kiddos to wash their hands frequently.  Avoid alcohol based hand sanitizers which dry the skin, can cause skin and eye irritation, and contribute to treatment resistant germs.  If you just have to have the convenience check out a healthy alternative: Ava Anderson Hand Sanitizer. 

2.  CLEAN HOUSE
Clean frequently touched surfaces like tables, counter tops, sinks, etc...daily.  [Don't forget phones and digital devices!] Remember to avoid cleaning products with potentially harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrance.  We love plain old white vinegar.  I keep a spray bottle full next to the sink. Looking for alternatives at the grocery store?  Check out Seventh Generation.

3.  EAT FOR HEALTH
Prepare meals and snacks for your family that promote health and healing.  Increase antioxidant rich fresh fruits and vegetables.  East a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.  Eat regularly [small meals throughout the day].  Drink lots of water.  Avoid processed, fatty, sugary foods.

4.  EXERCISE
30 minutes of moderate exercise 2-3 times a week helps keep your immune system strong....so schedule in a walk...why not do it as a family!  Along the way get in a game of "I Spy," or collect leaves, or identify birds...whatever tickles your fancy!

5.  TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
The average American diet is unlikely to supply all of the needed vitamins and minerals.  Invest in your health with a good multivitamin.  Talk to your doctor or health care provider about which is best for you.

We'd love to hear about your "old-school" germ fighting tips.

Be Empowered!

What's the Deal with Coconut Oil?

Quick...when I say "coconut" what comes to mind?

A palm tree?
A hula girl with a coconut bra?
A MOUNDS candy bar?
Malibu Rum?
German chocolate cake?

Me, too...until recently!  Coconut oil is creeping into the mainstream and I've been excited to learn more about its incredible properties.  First of all, here are some coconut quick facts:

• Coconut oil comes from coconuts that grow on the coconut palm 
• The word "coconut" comes from the Spanish "cocos" or "grinning face" (for obvious reasons!)
• A coconut is a drupe, not a seed or a nut.  What's the difference:  A "nut" is a hard shell that contains both the fruit and the seed (hazelnut, chestnut, acorn).  A "drupe" is a fruit with flesh that surrounds a pit or shell that has a seed inside (peaches, plums, mangos, olives). What makes the coconut a little different is that the flesh is really not "fleshy" but dry...we call it the husk...you may have never seen a coconut with the husk intact if you have never seen them in their native, tropical, habitats.
• A mature coconut palm can produce up to 100 coconuts a year!
•  Virtually every part of the coconut has practical uses!  Coir fiber from the husk is used in brushes, ropes, string, netting, floor mats, planters, and more; Coconut meat is a staple in the diets of many people around the world, and a favorite baking ingredient; Coconut milk is rich in potassium and minerals and is becoming a popular natural sports drink...and that brings us to coconut oil!

Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of mature coconuts.  For thousands of years it has been the primary fat in the diets of millions of people.  Compared to other oils, coconut oil has many unique health benefits.  Some even claim it's the healthiest oil on earth.  I'll try to make it as easy as possible to understand the basic difference between coconut and other oils, especially saturated fats....because yes, coconut oil is high in saturated fat (but don't assume based on this fact that it's not good for you!)  

The fatty acids that make up coconut oil are primarily medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).  That's important to know because nearly all of the fat we consume (animal and plant derived, saturated or unsaturated) are long-chain fatty acids (LCFA).    Long-chain fatty acids are not easily metabolized and get stored in the body as fat.  Medium-chain fatty acids go straight to the liver and are immediately converted into energy!  They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and can actually help to protect against heart disease.  If you are want more info on the biochemistry check out this article.

According to research, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil can aid in hair, dental, and skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol, weight loss, immunity, digestion, bone strength, relief from kidney issues, heart disease, high blood pressure diabetes, cancer, and HIV.  Read more at organicfacts.net  Coconut oil also has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties!

Some uses for coconut oil:

• To treat damaged hair
• To moisturize the skin
• To treat dermatitis
• To control blood pressure
• To reduce weight
• To aid in healthy digestion
• To aid in healing of cuts, rashes, bruises
• To aid in dental health
• To reduce viruses

A quick Google search on any of these topics or more will provide you with tons of great information.  

Two things I've tried this week are Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant  CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE and Coconut Oil Pulling...hear me out on this one!  Oil pulling is the practice of slowly swishing unrefined oil around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes (the longer the better).  It is touted to remove stains, reduce inflammation of the gums, pull out bacteria, toxins, and heavy metals, and more.  I didn't know if I would be able to do it for the "ick" factor, but it wasn't bad at all.  I swished while I was checking my email last night...and the added bonus was my lips were silky soft afterward!  I'll keep you posted on the long-term effects!  MORE ABOUT OIL PULLING HERE

PLEASE SHARE YOUR USES FOR COCONUT OIL!

Here are some other great articles and resources to check out:

www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

www.foundmyfitness.com/coconut-oil-weight-loss/

thedolcedietlivinglean.com/coconut-oil-benefits-when-fat-is-good-for-you

www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/952559/cuckoo-for-coconut-oil

coconutoilcooking.com/

Be Sun Smart!

Now that we're on the verge of summer and we've had some nice stretches of warm, sunny weather I thought this would be a good time to shine a little spotlight on sun exposure. 

When I was a child we didn't think much about sun exposure...well I can say as children we didn't think about it at all, other than we wanted to be in the sun as much as possible!  After chatting with my Mom recently I discovered that it wasn't a major concern for our parents either.  It's not that they were being inconsiderate of our health, there simply wasn't the level awareness twenty or thirty years ago like there is today.  Despite a tremendous increase in the public awareness of the risks of prolonged sun exposure, skin cancers, and the like we still fall short in one important area...how to make more empowered and informed decisions about decreasing the risks associated with sun exposure.

I love being out in the sun as much as the next person.  Heck, after six long months (or more it seems) of winter in Vermont who isn't ready to get out and enjoy some warm weather and sunshine!

We crave that visible sunlight, or visible radiation, but it's the invisible, or ultraviolet  (UV) radiation that we need to understand.  UV radiation from the sun is comprised of wavelengths that you're probably familiar with at least by name:  UVA (long wave), UVB (short wave), and UVC (so short it is absorbed by our atmosphere before it reaches us).  Prolonged exposure to UV radiation damages the skin's cellular DNA produces genetic mutations in the cells that can lead to skin cancer.  You can read more about UVA and UVB radiation at skincancer.org

I hope we can all agree that it is important to prevent skin cancer!  The use of sunscreen seems to be the accepted way of mitigating the harmful effects of sun exposure.  Here's what you may not know:

-The FDA says that available clinical studies “do not demonstrate that even [broad spectrum products with SPF greater than 15] alone reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.”  

-Sunscreen users may stay out in the sun longer increasing their UV radiation exposure over time, combined with the use of inadequate or inferior sunscreen products, this population may actually increase their risk of skin damage and skin cancer.


-High SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings can be misleading.  Buyer beware!  The FDA says there is no assurance that SPF ratings over 50 are even legitimate.  Consumers may assume that sunscreen with SPF 30 provides twice as much protection as SPF 15.  Not the case!  SPF 15 protects against 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 protects against 97% of UVB rays.  Wearing a high SPF sunscreen may give you a false sense of security and encourage prolonged sun exposure.

-Both UV radiation AND some sunscreen ingredients can cause free radicals that can damage skin cells and lead to genetic changes and cancer.  The goal would be to use a sunscreen that prevents more damage than it causes, right?  When we apply too little sunscreen and/or apply it too infrequently we may be causing more free radical damage to our skin than the UV radiation!

-Nano-particals or potentially harmful chemicals?  That is the question.  Sunscreens currently available in the US fall into two categories:  Chemical based or mineral based.  Chemical based sunscreens have inferior stability, easily penetrate the skin and may disrupt our hormone systems.  Many mineral based sunscreens use micronized or nanoscale particles of the minerals (typically zinc and titanium).  The properties of a given substance often change as it approaches the nanoscale.  The transient nature of these teeny tiny particles means they can move throughout and into parts of our body that the non-micronized minerals would not be able to reach.  There are many unknowns when it comes to nano-particles.  Read more here.

-Consumer protection standards are weak.  "Sunblock" "waterproof" "sweatproof" "broad spectrum" among others, are misleading terms that can be and often are used to market sunscreen.  The FDA has not evaluated the safety of new sunscreen ingredients or combinations of ingredients, nor has it considered evidence of hormone disruption in chemical sunscreens.

Be Sun Smart:

1.  Choose the safest sunscreen and apply as directed!  We recommend a mineral-based sunscreen.  Check out "thinksport LIVESTRONG"  Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

2.  Limit sun exposure during the peak sun hours (10AM-3PM).

3.  Cover up!  Wear chemical free UPF rated clothing and hats.

4.  Don't forget your eyes!  Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

Remember that babies and children can't do this on their own!  Five or more sunburns in a lifetime doubles our risk of skin cancer. 

BE EMPOWERED BY LEARNING MORE!  CLICK HERE to find the best sunscreens, discover the worst offenders, get more tips, and download a guide to take with you!

What's that smell?

When I was a teenager I was given a bottle of Freesia perfume from my favorite purveyor of personal care products at the time.  It was a Christmas gift from a boyfriend and I couldn't wait to wear it.  The first spray triggered a migraine attack that lasted for days.  I immediately (and naively) thought, "I'm allergic to freesia."  I even kept the bottle of perfume and would occasionally try it again.  The result was always the same...an immediate migraine.

A number of years later I began working in the floral industry.  I remember the first time I worked with fresh freesia.  I thought, "Oh no, I'm allergic to freesia, I'm going to get a migraine."  To my delight I had no adverse side-effects from working with fresh freesia.  In fact, to this day, fresh freesia is one of my favorite scents.  It's peppery aroma is like none other!

Now that I'm a more savvy consumer I know why that perfume, and many other scented products produce immediate migraine attacks and nausea for me and so many others.   It can be found in the ingredients lingering behind the seemingly innocuous term "fragrance" listed on the labels of our favorite personal care, cleaning, and household products.  Do you read labels?  Have you ever wondered what the term "fragrance" really means?

In the United State "fragrance" is a protected trade secret meaning that manufactures are not required to disclose the individual ingredients used to produce their signature fragrances.  I'm a business person and I can appreciate the desire to protect one's brand...to an extent.  At the expense of consumer health...no way!

The Committee on Science & Technology says that 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic, petroleum-based compounds.  The following list comes from a 1991 EPA Study "Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments"
The report can be read here.

So, here's the list with some additional information compiled by HollisticHealth.net

Twenty Most Common Chemicals Found
in Thirty One Fragrance Products

1991 EPA Study, Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments
Reference:  Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency,
Excerpts from “Health Hazard Information,” compiled by Julia Kendall (1935-1997)  References:  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Principal chemicals found in scented products are—

ACETONE-In cologne, dishwashing liquid, detergent,  and nail enamel remover—On the EPA, RCRA,CERCLA Hazardous Waste Lists. “Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat; dizziness, nausea, incoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and in severe exposures, coma.” Acts primarily as a central nervous system CNS depressant.”

BENZALDEHYDE-In perfume, cologne, hair spray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, Vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent)—Narcotic, sensitizer.  “Local anesthetic, CNS depressant” “Irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes skin, lungs, and GI tract causing nausea and abdominal pain.”  “May cause kidney damage.”  “Do not use with contact lenses.”

BENZYL ACETATE –In perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stick up air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, harispray, bleach, after shave, deodorants)—Carcinogenic (linked to pancreatic cancer) “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough”  “In mice hyperaemia of the lungs. ”Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.” ( Do not flush)

BENZYL ALCHOL –In perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, Vaseline, lotion, deodorants, fabric softener.  “Irritating to the upper respiratory tract. Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”

CAMPHOR- In perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color, stickup air freshener. “Local irritant and CNS stimulant, readily absorbed through body tissues” “ irritation of eyes, nose and throat, dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions.”

ETHANOL-In perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, pain and varnish remover. On EPA Hazardous Waster list.  Symptoms fatigue, irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations. “ Inhalation of ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion.” “ These include an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor.  Cause CNS disorder.”

ETHYL ACETATE- In aftershave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid. Narcotic.  On EPA Hazardous Waste List.  “Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract.”  “May cause headache and narcosis stupor. Deg=fatting effect on skin and may cause drying and cracking.”  “May cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys.”

LIMONENE- In perfume, cologne, disenfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover.  “Carcinogenic.  Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.”  “Always was thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking or applying cosmetics.  Do not inhale limonene vapor”.

LINALOOL- In perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant.  Narcotic, “respiratory disturbances.  Attracts bees.  In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression, development of respiratory disturbances leading to death, depressed frog hear activity. Causes CNS disorder.”

METHYLENE CHLORIDE- In shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover.  Banned by the FDA in1988.  No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry.  On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous waste lists.  “Carcinogenic, absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.  Headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs.  Causes CNS disorder.”

a-PINENE- In bar liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener.  “Sensitizer, damaging to the immune system.”

a-TERPINENE- In cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener.  Causes asthma and CNS disorders.

a-TERPINEOL- In perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, Vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll on deodorant.  “Highly irritating to mucous membranes.  Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema”.  “Can also cause excitement, atzxia (loss of muscular coordination, hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression and headache.  Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”

A dear friend of mine who works with animals told me recently that the dangers of fragrance have long been known by bird owners.  She went on to describe how parrots and other birds can die from chemical exposure as a result of scented candles and air fresheners used in the home.

Manufactures clearly understand and capitalize on our consumer love affair with fragrance.  As an empowered consumers the challenge is to step back and ask ourselves what value fragrance adds to our products and ultimately to our lives.  Is "I love the smell" more important than your health or the health of your family?  Does the fragrance help the product do it's job more effectively?  Does scented soap clean better?  (The answer is NO!)  And for the purely esthetic-driven products like scented candles, reed diffusers, and air fresheners...there are natural alternatives to purchase or make yourself!  We love brands like Seventh Generation and Vermont Soap Organics.


Easy to do on your own:

• Keep plants in your home!
• Grow flowers and herbs to use in your home!
• Enjoy fresh flowers on the table!
• Keep a decorative bowl or jar of fresh coffee beans on your counter or table...give it a stir every day to release the scent!
• Simmer cinnamon sticks and orange rinds on the stove!
• Put a few drops of your favorite NATURAL essential oil in a spray bottle of water.  Voila!  Your own air and fabric freshener!
• Open your windows and let the fresh air in!
• Use baking soda to absorb unwanted household odors!
• Make home-cooked meals...nothing smells better!
• Make your own soy candles with NATURAL essential oils like lavender, sweet orange, and eucalyptus.

We'd love to hear your ideas, too!

It's good to share...

Today I'd like to share two links.  The first is a thought-provoking video PSA from Keep A Breast's Non Toxic Revolution.  This week I found out a friend's mother is battling breast cancer...I've now lost track of the number of people I know who have been impacted by this brutal disease.  Please, take 2 minutes and 40 seconds to watch this PSA and BE EMPOWERED!

Now...check out this fabulous image from Worldwide Breast Cancer who encourage us to "know our lemons!"  Men...this means you, too!  Although breast cancer is 100 times more common in women, the American Cancer Society estimated that (in 2010) 1,970 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed, and that breast cancer would cause 390 deaths in men.  True, it only represents about 1% of diagnosed breast cancer, but it's everything when you are that 1%!

 

And finally, how well do you know your pots and pans??  Again, I go back to my childhood!  My Mom always cooked in cast iron pans.  I got my first set two years ago for Christmas...the best addition to my kitchen!  Here's the post from Momtastic.com.  I love the blogger's level-headed approach to safety, reiterating that there is so much we don't know...better to be safe!  

What commitments have you made in your home around your health and that of your family?  SHARE!

Easy gardening for any space

It's that time of year when I recall planting seeds and putting them out in our greenhouse windows as kids.  I remembering riding with my Dad to pick up these three, big, second-hand greenhouse windows.  He installed them in a row across the front of our house in the room that was primarily our family dining room.  It was practical genius at work!  The three big windows had three or four adjustable metal shelves and our entire garden could be started in late February while there was still a thick blanket of snow on the ground.  The southerly exposure provided tons of warm sunlight and on cold nights we would simply slide the trays of seedlings out and line the dining room floor.


I don't have space for the big gardens we had as kids, nor do I have space or appropriate light to start seeds inside.  I buy seedlings and starters from local greenhouses...and thanks to a friend, I have a method for developing thriving garden spaces wherever I can tuck them in around our property.  The best part, I never have to turn over a single inch of soil, pick rocks, or borrow a rototiller.  It's called "lasagna gardening" a phrase and method coined by Patricia Lanza.  You could skip this post (I hope you won't) and go straight to her site.  Better yet, keep reading and then go check out her site after!  Okay, I'll admit I've never read her book "Lasagna Gardening," cover to cover, but with great local mentors, and the internet I've done just fine working on my own lasagna techniques!

Lasagna garden cross section 

The basic premise is (as the the name suggests) layering, layering, layering.  I'll use my first lasagna garden as an example to walk you through the steps.  My first garden using the technique is an herb and shade perennial bed at the foot of our stairs.  The space is in the shadow of the building for much of the day.  I collected up some large rocks from our the property as well discarded hemlock boards and created a raised bed.  It's worth noting this area sits on 4' of coarse gravel.  Inside the bed I placed a layer of newspaper and cardboard including cereal boxes, and shipping boxes all cut apart and laid flat.  I saturated this layer with water from the hose.  The following layers included grass clippings, the previous year's leaves, shredded paper, hay remnants raked up from around our horse barn, composted horse manure, and dirt from our compost pile.  (See the cross section illustration from finegardening.com )  Then I literally started planting!  I transplanted mint, chives, sedum, and ferns and nestled them into the damp, warm layers of organic material.

The first year when things were first starting to establish I also put my patio cherry tomato pot and planted some annuals in and about to fill things in.  This is what it looked like that first summer.  Two years later that garden is so full and lush.  The mint spills over onto the steps, the sedum has crawled up and over the hemlock, the ferns nestle up against the railing, the hens and chickens that I tucked into the rock crevices have spread and multiplied.  The layers have composted and the soil is amazing!  I'll have to post more pictures this summer!

The beauty of the lasagna garden is that you can keep adding your organic layers, there is no tilling, working of the native ground, or even weeding!  This year we're building raised beds for vegetables...right on top of the rocky slope at the top of our driveway. 

I bet you're now thinking about a little space that you have where you could experiment with lasagna gardening!  Whether you are planting long rows of raised beds, or tucking in a little herb bed by your doorstep...you can do it!  You'll be recycling, reusing, repurposing, composting, and growing some of your own food!

Share you ideas, pictures, thoughts, and stories about gardening...it's the perfect time of year to get inspired!

I'll start:  I'm going to try hale bale gardening this year, too!  Check this out:

A follow up...

The last thing I want to be is someone who is perceived to be fear mongering. Building awareness, creating a platform for dialog, and encouraging a good hard look at our consumer behavior is my goal! On that note I wanted to do a quick follow up to my last post.

I love fruits and vegetables...and it's important that we all fill our diet with a variety of them. I'm not suggesting we forgo this critical part of a healthy diet over the potential exposure to pesticide residue.  Even minor nutrient deficiencies can lead to serious health conditions...just look to history...scurvy is a perfect example! There are just so many unknowns.

For now, public health experts continue urge people to eat the recommended two to six and a half cups of fruits and vegetables a day. And since many people can't afford organics, just make sure to wash your produce well, said Kim Harley, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley.  "We really stress that we don't want people to stop eating fruits and vegetables," Harley said. "We're just saying there are unanswered questions and some concerns about pesticide exposure. There is starting to be evidence that pesticides may impact children’s development, and we need proper risk assessment to answer this question."  (From http://news.discovery.com/human/pesticides-fruit-vegetables-health-110831.html )


There are two sides to every story, as they say, and the flip side of this one is that commercial farming and pesticide use has increased "our" ability to produce more food for a growing world.  Yes, we have governing bodies like the EPA and FDA who set standards for food that goes into our marketplace.  The flip side of that?  Big business and big money lobby constantly for laws, regulations, and standards that benefit them.  Deputy Commissioner for Foods at the FDA, Michael Taylor, is also a former Monsanto executive, lawyer, and super lobbyist (hhhhmmmmmm).  Here's an interesting read on this topic. 

Personally, I'm just not willing to assume that because I can buy it in the store it's the best choice. Science is a dynamic and developing arena. We discover new things every day...good and bad. When it comes to pesticides, preservatives, processed food, genetically modified food, and the like I believe a healthy dose of skepticism is a good thing. Asking questions about established ways of doing things helps to promote better ways. Given the choice I believe local sourcing of organically grown food is better for my family and my community.

As always...share your thoughts!

Do you know what's hiding in the produce aisle?

What do apples, celery, and strawberries have in common?  Yes...they ARE good for you!  "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," right?  Actually the original phrase dating back to 1866 was "eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread."  Apples are full of fiber, vitamins and nutrients that aid in lowering cholesterol, building strong bones and brains, fighting free radicals, and more!  Did you know apples are also the #1 produce item on the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen?"  In fact apples, celery, and strawberries have the highest occurrences of pesticide residue in the produce aisle.

Why do farmers use pesticides?  It's a fairly elementary question.  The EPA says "Farmers use pesticides to increase crop production and produce fruits, vegetables and grains that are free of insects and blemishes.  The use of pesticides becomes more prevalent as farmers try to increase yield per acre and new hybrids are cultivated that have not developed a natural resistance to native insects and micro-organisms." Bottom line...it's profitability, of course!

Common sense tells us that if pesticides kill insects they probably are harmful to other organisms, too...like farmers, and animals, and humans!  I'm sure pesticide use on produce isn't news to you...you probably even rinse your fruits and veggies.  Have you considered that pesticides are made to be water resistant?  Hey, they have to withstand rain, right?  I mean, there's a bottom line to protect!  Okay, so if pesticides are water resistant, does a quick rinse under the faucet really eliminate potential lingering toxins?  I'll leave that up to you.  What I do know is that you can make a quick and easy produce wash with equal parts water and vinegar.  I keep a spray bottle next to my sink and also use the mixture as a natural disinfectant for my counter tops and general kitchen cleaning.  A little extra care to actually wash your produce instead of simply rinsing it makes a difference.  Let's also consider that fruits and vegetables have skin, not unlike ours...a skin that is permeable...so pesticides on the outside could mean pesticides on the inside too.  Want an example?   Check out this Youtube video.

What else can you do immediately?  Educate yourself!   Check out the Environmental Working Group's incredible resources on this topic.  Prioritize your shopping list.  Unfortunately safer, healthier options are often more expensive (don't even get me going on that!)  If you are like me your wallet doesn't allow you to buy everything on your list organic.  So, choose organic for the worst offenders on the list, like apples, celery, and spinach.  And fill your cart with items from the "Clean 15" like onions, pineapple, and avocado.  Now, what about bigger picture?

Growing up we always had a garden.  The family garden was a place that we learned the value of hard work, watched the miracle of nature unfold, and harvested food that my Mom would freeze, or can and put up in our root cellar for a year's worth of healthy eating.  We kept barrels of potatoes and carrots nestled in sawdust, and crates of winter squash.  There were rows of canned tomatoes, beets, pickles, and beans and a freezer filled with frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and corn tucked in next to our farm raised chicken.  As I see it there are two great options when it comes to gardening:  growing your own or supporting a local grower.

A garden doesn't have to be huge to have a positive impact on your family.  Container or patio gardening or a simple raised bed in your back yard can yield more than you might think!  Another option is to connect with a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  I'd be surprised if there isn't more than one in your area!  Local Harvest is a great resource for locating growers/farmers in your area.  I bet you have a Farmer's Market in your area, too.  Putting your own garden produce away (freezing, canning, dehydrating) or stocking up at the Farmer's Market or CSA during the growing season can cut down on your grocery bill, help to reduce the toxic burden in our bodies and the environment, and helps to support the local economy.



I'd love to hear your ideas, too!

Since it's the time of year to start thinking about planting seeds...we'll talk more about gardening in the next post including a method to create a fabulous garden bed without turning over an inch of soil...so stay tuned!

Sugar for Breakfast?

When I was a little girl we lived for a short time on my grandparents farm.  There are a few things I remember distinctly about that time...the horses, Daisy & Queenie, the smell and sound of the milk house, the striped sheets on the metal framed bed, and the kitchen.  It was the early 80's and Grammy had a brown refrigerator (memories are funny, aren't they...for what we remember!)  The bottom cupboard next to the refrigerator was the cereal cupboard, and I'll always remember what you could find there:  Product 19, Fruit Loops, and Honey Smacks!

First, let me say that I grew up in a home where sugary cereals weren't even an option!  We ate lots of Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Shredded Wheat, etc.. (the store brand kind).  So...to get your hands on Fruit Loops and Honey Smacks...what a TREAT!

As an adult, I must admit that I still love Corn Flakes and Cheerios, and yes, when I do buy cereal, I buy the store brand, (even though as a kid I insisted the name brand was so much tastier).  But, I'd be lying if I told you that I don't still pause for a split second when I pass by the Honey Smacks and taste that sugary yumminess in my mind.  So to the whole point of this post...

Now that I have a child of my own I get so upset when I see little ones eating these sugary cereals, day in and day out.  The first ingredient in Honey Smacks, Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops (and more) is SUGAR! Sugar is directly linked to obesity.  I'm also convinced it's addictive on some level, I mean doesn't the name "Honey Smacks" sound like some crazy street drug?  And that's not all....check out this article for a list of ways that "sugar is ruining your health" that might surprise you!

Here's the other "cereal deception."  If you are not a keen consumer you may be fooled into thinking these cereals are actually good for your child or your family.  Why right on the box it says "good source of fiber and whole grain," "8 essential vitamins," "good source of vitamin D."  Here's where we have to use our common sense, folks!  A serving of Honey Smacks (which by the way is 3/4 of a cup, and who ever eats just one serving?)  has more sugar than a TWINKIE!!!!  The benefits of any vitamins, fiber and whole grain are laughable when you look at the ingredients in context.  A good source of fiber, whole grain, and vitamins would be oatmeal with fresh fruit!  Let's go back to my reflections about growing up...the things I love now are the things that were staples in my home growing up...and they go far beyond cereal to fresh vegetables, whole grains, fruit, homemade meals, etc...  Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Want to read more about sugar in "children's cereal?"  Check out this article by the Environmental Working Group.

An empowered parent/grandparent/caretaker creates an empowered child!  Here's the challenge:  take at the cereal in your cupboard and read some labels!  If sugar is the number one or two ingredient say "adios" and discover the nearly endless alternatives that can be just as tasty and even more fun!  Need some inspiration?  Check out these Healthy Kids Breakfast Recipes.

Do you have a favorite healthy breakfast recipe?  Share it!

What is this all about anyway??

Here we go!  My first official "Be Empowered" blog post!  My dear friend, Martha, has inspired this first post by asking what "Be Empowered" is all about.  So, first things first...an explanation of my intent...

Several life events forced the decision to take a close look at my own consumer behavior.  Two stand out above the rest: my Dad's cancer diagnosis, and the birth of my son.  My Dad's (victorious) battle with cancer left many unresolved questions in my mind about how an otherwise healthy middle-aged man could develop cancer, not once, but three separate times.  Those questions only multiplied over time as I watched friends, family, and community members struggle with cancer, chronic illness, as well as syndromes and disorders like autism, ADHD, and fibromyalgia.  In the two years leading up the birth of my son I discovered some of the gaps in consumer awareness when a friend introduced me to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetics Database: Skin Deep.  I started searching the database for my favorite products and quickly discovered that nearly all of the products I used daily including hair care, make-up, soap, lotions, etc...included ingredients that were known toxins including carcinogens, hormone distrupors, and neurotoxins.  I began eliminating these and other products from my home, replacing them with safe and healthy alternatives.  As I came across articles, research, and resources I would share them with friends through social media and include the heading "Be Empowered!"

My passion to create a healthy home and community has increased exponentially with the birth of my son (born in August 2011).  It has become increasingly obvious to me that we live in a society where we have been led to believe many myths about the safety of the products we consume every day.  For example:  If products are sold in a supermarket or drugstore, they must be safe.  I hold a degree in Advertising & Public Relations so I have a keen appreciation for the efforts made by corporations to market products in this extremely competitive marketplace.

This blog is intended to offer information that will help all of us be more educated and empowered consumers who can create healthy homes and communities.  This blog is not intended to be a political platform.  I do believe that we vote every day with our dollars and we can make a difference by being mindful of how we cast those "votes."  Regardless of your political persuasion, I also believe that our local representatives need to hear from us about issues that are important to us...and that's where I'll stop with politics.

I know I could write all night about life-changing information I have discovered for my own family as it relates to food, cleaning products, cosmetics, water, waste, and more, but we'll just have to take it one post at a time!   

Thank you for your interest...please subscribe and share with your friends...together we can create healthy homes and communities!  You can find Be Empowered on Facebook, too!

Welcome!

Be Empowered is live! Look for our first post tonight!