The Quick Facts: Using sunscreen (and bug spray depending on geography) is essential in the summer to protect kids and adults from exposure. In recent years information is readily available and is accessible to help make the important decision about which products to use to keep your family safe from the elements while taking into consideration health and environmental impacts.
Archive for the ‘Bodies’ Category
Summer Sprays: Safe Sunscreen & Bug Sprays
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Artificial Sweeteners — Are They Safe?
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Special Contributor to Real Mama, Inc.
Quick facts: Despite approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, artificial sweeteners have been suspected to cause everything from mood and behavioral disorders to headaches, multiple sclerosis, obesity, heart disease and cancer. The National Cancer Institute denounces any connection that these sweeteners may have with cancer and the American Dietetic Association gives them a pass, at least for adults. But, just because researchers have yet to document a specific harm from artificial sweeteners, does not mean these products are fit for our children. Read on to learn more about artificial sweeteners so that you can make an informed decision for your family.
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country and our increased sugar consumption is partly to blame. We as Americans consume as much as 2-3 pounds of sugar per week or almost half our body weight in sugar yearly. This love affair with sugar can lead to numerous health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Many consumers are turning to artificial sweeteners to curb that sweet tooth and limit the calorie intake. Is this a safe alternative? Are they safe for kids?
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Breast Cancer and the Environment: Is there a link?
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010The Quick Facts: The detection of breast cancer was the focus of new controversial recommendations made recently about breast cancer screening. However, there are many risk factors associated with the development of breast cancer and some groups strongly believe that increases of chemicals in the environment has lead to increases in breast cancer. Synthetic chemicals can mimic the effect of estrogen, exposure to which overtime increases the risk of breast cancer. You can take preventative measures to reduce your risk of breast cancer by reducing these risk factors. Namely, make informed decisions about birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy; limit the amount of alcohol you drink to one drink a day and don’t smoke; maintain a healthy weight throughout your life by eating healthy and exercising; eat organic produce, meat, and dairy; avoid #7 plastics that may contain BPA; revamp your beauty routine and use more natural products.
In mid-November the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent government-appointed panel made the first reevaluation of breast cancer screening guidelines since 2002. Needless to say, their recommendations were controversial. One recommendation suggests that women in their 40s should stop routinely having annual mammograms and older women should cut back to one scheduled exam every other year. Many organizations do not support the recommendations, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, among others. Speak with your doctor to determine what the proper course of action is right for you.
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MSG: Benign Flavor Enhancer or Unhealthy Additive?
Thursday, November 5th, 2009Special contributor to Real Mama, Inc.
Quickfacts: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a federally classified food additive that enhances flavor. While the Food and Drug Administration has generally regarded MSG as safe, they do recognize that sensitive individuals may experience many side effects that are linked to ingesting MSG. Additionally, when MSG is added to a processed food item, it must be clearly displayed on the product’s ingredients label. Read on to learn about the noted side effects and how to recognize the addition of MSG on product labels.
Become a Butterfly, a Frog, a Tree! — Fun Yoga Poses to Connect Children and Nature
Monday, June 29th, 2009Yoga was developed over 5000 years ago in ancient India as a way of life promoting health, peace of mind and a deeper awareness of ourselves. Many yoga poses (asanas) were created while observing things in the natural world — a mountain, a tree, a butterfly — and trying to imitate their form and spirit. In this way they sought to capture a bit of the energy of each object. As more and more people try yoga themselves and introduce it to their children, they are finding the same amazing benefits the ancient masters did. Some of these benefits include: increased focus and attention, higher self-esteem, greater strength and flexibility, better coordination and balance, learning how it feels to relax fully, and a greater awareness of nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
Update on Reducing Mercury Exposure: High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Monday, June 29th, 2009
The Quick Facts: Mercury is a toxic metal that can damage children’s developing nervous system and may result in negative impacts ranging from neurological defects to learning disabilities. Mercury and its potential health impacts have come to the forefront with a number of findings made in the last few years: Oceana, an ocean-advocacy environmental group, found high levels of mercury in nationwide samples of sushi tuna; FDA changed its stance on the safety of mercury in amalgam teeth fillings seeking comments on whether they pose a health risk; researchers found detectable levels of mercury in samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), the sweetener used in packaged foods and soft drinks. This is an evolving issue so it is important to stay informed about future findings on mercury. However, to date, there are three major sources from which you can reduce your exposure to mercury: seafood, dental fillings, and HFCS. Solutions include: avoid consumption of fish found to be high in mercury; avoid or reduce consumption of products containing HFCS; stay informed about FDA’s decision on dental fillings; switch to a renewable energy supplier of electricity to reduce the burning of coal and consequent deposition of mercury; conserve energy; properly dispose of products containing mercury.
