We all know the importance of protecting the earth and our local environments. But should we also be thinking about the potential threats that certain environmental compounds may pose to our personal health and that of our families? Just think about the many recent food and consumer product safety issues in the news that have environmental origins. They range from pesticide residues and microbiological contamination in fresh produce, to antibiotics and hormones in meat and poultry, to widespread heavy metal contamination of global seafood. Given these rampant safety concerns regarding the world’s food supply, we all need to be more diligent than ever in protecting our families from the myriad of food safety issues related to environmental toxins.

The health threats of environmental chemicals go well beyond risks in the food chain.  Scientists are finding new links between environmental chemicals and disease every day.  These chemicals show up everywhere...in our food, as contaminants in our water and air, in common household goods like cleaning and fragrance products, furniture, and bedding.  According to Healthy Child, Healthy World, an average home contains 1500 hazardous compounds that may be eroding our vitality, decreasing our productivity, and increasing health costs.  Over 81,000 chemicals have been registered with the EPA in the last 50 years and its been estimated that only 20% have been tested for toxicity...and the average home generates over 20 pounds of hazardous waste each year and can accumulate up to 100 lbs stored in basements, garages, and closets.

There are unlimited ways that environmental chemicals can adversely impact our health, far too many to discuss in this post.  That said, the most common impact areas for which you should be aware are obesity, diabetes, and early-onset puberty.  Scientists have studied these areas of impact and have documented their findings thoroughly.  If you would like additional information, let me know.  In the meantime, focus on minimizing exposure to possible health risks from environmental threats.

Reducing Exposure to Environmental Threats

So just what can you do to protect your family's health against environmental challenges?  You can start by making these simple everyday chioces to help minimize exposure to environmental toxins:

• Buy local and organic foods whenever possible.  If you garden, avoid use of pesticides or choose organic pesticides so you're not contributing to the problem.
• Look for meat and dairy products that are hormone, antibiotic, and steroid free.
• Use glass instead of plastic.  Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, consider using a filter to purify water from the tap.  Choose smart plastics and avoid putting them in the microwave or the dishwasher where they can degrade under excessive heat.
• Avoid unsafe chemicals indoors and out.  Clean out your cupboards and replace home care and cleaning products with non-toxic, pesticide-free, biodegradable, natural products.
• Finally, read labels.  Know what's in the foods you eat and make informed choices about even the most common household and personal care products that are safe for the environment and your family.

The above includes excerpts from Dr Jamie McManus MD health bulletin as published April 2008.

It’s a new year.  For some, it’s “the annual do-over”.  But for me, it’s a time to raise the bar.  I always start a bit nostalgic - reflecting on my accomplishments and challenges from the year before - and then focusing on the opportunities for growth and opportunity.  This year, I’m raising the bar when it comes to green year’s resolutions.  Most notably, my husband and I have decided to sell one of our cars in an effort to cut cost and more importantly cut down on our carbon footprint.  We have vowed to walk, bike, carpool and take public transportation as often as possible.  At this point, we’re a month into our commitment and boy has it been a challenge!

As you can probably imagine, the biggest challenge of transitioning from two cars to one is coordination and moving from "convenience to necessity"!  And let's face it - while I primarily work from home, I frequently meet with clients, volunteer at the school as well as with the Children's theatre, and shop for the family.  So, having a car is something that does make my life easier.  That said, I'm learning to be more strategic in scheduling as well as "staying local".  For example, on Friday, I had to go to the grocery store, make a bank deposit, volunteer at my son's school, take back a school open house sign and meet someone.  So, I suggested to the person I was meeting that we meet at my local coffee shop, which happens to be convenient for him too.  I walked to meet him, then walked to the grocery store (thankfully no big or perishable purchases on this particular trip), then walked to the bank to make a deposit, and then walked over to my son's school to volunteer and return the sign.  Admittedly my hands were rather full walking those 2-3 miles but nothing unreasonable.  In fact, on the way home, I picked up a couple of pieces of roadside litter. 

You should know that "making time" for exercise has been an ongoing challenge for me since my children were born - that's almost 8 years.  Now with walking and biking as part of my primary transportation mode, I'm feeling better about "making time" for exercise because it's now naturally part of my routine.

What green resolutions have you made?

My baby turned 5 on May 28^th.  And for most of the spring and part of the summer, I struggled with whether or not he was ready for kindergarten.  I thought…he’s a boy BUT he does have an older brother BUT he’s not into sitting still to write or draw or even color BUT he does love homework time with his brother BUT I think he would be bored with another year of “play” BUT and the list went on and on.  Nevertheless, we finally decided to give kindergarten a try.  Ironically enough, now that he’s there, I couldn’t be happier with our decision to send him “as scheduled”. 

Wondering what you can do to make a difference?  Well, know the list is endless!  But, here's something super easy...use non toxic cleaners in your home.  Whether you make them using vinegar, baking soda, extra virgin olive oil, tea tree oil, or use super concentrated all natural cleaners, know that you are making a difference in the health of your children, your home and our broader home - the planet.  Recently, one of our Empowered Mommies Heather reviewed Shaklee's non-toxic cleaning line -  Get Clean.  Check out what she had to say - Shaklee Product Review.  And if you're looking for additional perspective, then check out Terri Bennett's video clip on Green Cleaners are good for you .  Terri is a renown blogger and eco-activist as well as a Mom making a difference by doing her part to take care of the environment.

 Breathe deep and look around at the beauty that surrounds us...thanks Mother Earth!

I can't believe it - in the last few years, I've developed a severe allergy to insects - examples include ant bites and bee stings.  It all started when I was innocently sitting by the pool and was bitten by a black ant.  The next thing I knew, my face was numb, my entire body was itching, hives were EVERYWHERE, and my face - multiple shades of deep red - was beginning to swell.  Needless to say, I was rushed to a nearby urgent care and given immediate attention.  Unfortunately, I've gone on to have 2 more episodes since then.  But now, I carry an EpiPen with me since each time my allergic reactions intensify.

What causes an allergic reaction to insect stings?  An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system reacts strongly to the allergens in the sting.  A few types of stinging insects cause most allergic reactions. They are:

• Bees.
• Wasps.
• Hornets.
• Yellow jackets.
• Fire ants.

Admittedly, I've had multiples bites previously.  So, why a reaction now?  Well, know that while your first reaction to a sting may be mild, allergic reactions can get worse with each sting.  That said, the more I've thought and researched, I've concluded there may be a connection to pesticide accumulation.  Meaning, the pesticides found on so many of the fruits and vegetables we love can accumulate in our bodies.  And what happens - our bodies overreact when an insect - in this case - "invades".  Afterall, allergies are an overreaction of the body's natural defense system that helps fight infections.  The immune system normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria by producing antibodies to fight them. In an allergic reaction, the immune system starts fighting substances that are usually harmless as though these substances were trying to attack the body.

Here are the facts - in 1939 there were 32 pesticide products registered in the U.S.; in 1993 there were 22,000. Furthermore, more than one billion pounds of pesticides are used annually in the U.S., primarily herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. There is abundant scientific evidence of the risks toxic pesticides pose to human health. More worrisome from a public health perspective, are chronic health effects such as cancer, infertility, birth defects, miscarriage, and negative effects on the brain and nervous system. Yet, people think these pesticides are harmless.  The reality- pesticides actually kill many insects and animals, and can seriously affect humans because they decrease the enzyme that is essential for normal nervous system functioning. Spraying does not really help reduce the incidence of human disease because the insects build up resistance to pesticides and quickly rebound.

So, what to do?  I say, go pesticide free as often as possible!!!  Your body and Mother Earth will thank you.  For quick reference, whether you are on a budget and need to prioritize your organic purchases, or you would simply like to know which type of produce has the highest pesticide residues—and which do not—the following guide from the Environmental Working Group will help.

12 Most Contaminated

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (Imported)
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated
 

• Onions
• Avocado
• Sweet Corn (Frozen)
• Pineapples
• Mango
• Asparagus
• Sweet Peas (Frozen)
• Kiwi Fruit
• Bananas
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Papaya

Like you, I'm concerned about the health of my family.  I've discovered the best way to address my concerns is to arm myself with knowledge.  And when it comes to flu vaccinations, I do just that by reading vaccination ingredients, asking questions, seeking out the facts as well as all natural preventative measures.  So, needless to say, when I discovered toxic levels of mercury and adjuvants (known to cause auto-immune diseases) were included as part of the flu vaccination ingredients, I made a personal decision not to vaccinate me and my family.  Instead, we take simple steps to prevent the flu and any other illness that may be lurking about.   Afterall, it has never been more important to focus on doing all you can to protect your health—beginning with immune function and starting today.  Your ability to stay well rests upon the vibrant functioning of your immune system. And while I’m not here to tell you whether or not you should get a flu shot, here are a few simple things you can do to help prevent the flu:

• Clean with non-toxic cleaners.  From my "postpartum care...who's cleaning" blog post, you'll read how toxic cleaners wreaked havoc on my young son.  The fact of the matter is that most conventional cleaners are toxic.  Introducing added toxicity in our lives only weakens our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illnesses like the flu.  Clean responsibility with all natural green cleaners.  My preferred cleaners are Get Clean. 
• Eat a healthy diet, full of antioxidants and immune supporting nutrients. This means avoiding fast food restaurants (generally empty calories) and committing to eating at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
• Get plenty of rest. Your immune system can be very negatively impacted by inadequate sleep. Be sure to get at least seven hours per night (7 ½ to 8 ½ is ideal).
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands frequently. You don’t need antibacterial soaps; in fact, many experts are concerned that the widespread use of antibacterial products may contribute to the increasing prevalence of resistant bacteria that antibiotics do not work against! So, use plain ordinary soap, warm water, and wash your arms and wrists and lather up for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing off. When hand washing is not possible, hand sanitizers are an option.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Wash down your countertops, bathroom wash areas, and other hard, non-porous surfaces that your hands contact with an effective germicidal product.  My preferred choice is Shaklee Basic-G®. Basic-G has been tested and shown to be effective in neutralizing influenza type A viruses as well as a host of other microorganisms and the EPA has issued a statement that it believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009 – H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

While these seem like "no brainers", the fact of the matter is that when you practice these "small acts" you have big outcomes....like preventing the spread of disease. 

If you're interested in my preferred products above or for more preventative tips and a healthier you naturally, contact me - penny@greeniam.org.  And if you mention empoweredmommies, you not only get a free consultation but also a 10% product discount.

So you’ve just had a new baby, congratulations!  Whether this is your first baby or an addition, there’s a definite adjustment period.  And part of that adjustment means reprioritizing, asking for help, accepting help, and thinking as well as feeling differently. 

For me, one adjustment was hiring someone to clean our house.  After all, I wanted the best environment for my baby and I didn’t have the energy nor time to do it myself.  That said, what started as an innocent adjustment, little did I know, would lead to “disaster”. 

So, I’d like to share my lesson learned so that you and your baby avoid anything remotely similar.  First, I should let you know that I had a healthy, full-term pregnancy with a natural delivery - my second.  Despite the sleepless nights, it seemed that life was “perfect”…a handsome, healthy boy and a big brother who actually embraced his little brother. 

Like clockwork, two week’s later, we went for my son Watson’s check-up, where he received glowing remarks from the Doctor. While there, our cleaning lady came and like usual used one of my favorite cleaning products – Cl*r*x…to disinfect and get the best clean possible.  Of course, I was thinking what a great day….fabulous report from the Pediatrician and coming home to a clean house.

After spending the afternoon and evening at home, enjoying our clean house and each other, Watson began to cry uncontrollably.  He didn’t really want to nurse, he just cried and cried and then began to run a fever that climbed higher and higher.  I contacted our on-call Pediatrician, who instructed I take Watson to the emergency room ASAP.

Watson and I arrived at the emergency room around midnight while my husband stayed at home to care for our 2 year old son.  Once there, Watson underwent extensive examination including chest x-rays, spinal tap, blood draws, IV, antibiotics, etc…  It was a horrific site watching my baby undergo such treatments!  We were admitted and proceeded to stay a complete week.  A week from hell.  At times, I didn’t recognize my son with all the tubes attached to him.  Throughout the week, he continued to run very high temps - 105+, receive multiple antibiotics, oxygen, and an unbelievable number of blood draws.  The doctor’s scratched their head as to what was going on…was it RSV or something else?

I believe it was all the prayers and support that benefited us most.  Unfortunately, the doctors never officially diagnosed him…just said it was viral.  That said, thankfully Watson recovered. 

However, for the next 2 years Watson struggled with respiratory challenges, ear infections, and so on.  We treated each one.  In fact, breathing treatments 3 times a day were common.

It wasn’t until someone shared the “real dirt on clean” that I realized how toxic conventional cleaning products are.  And that pound for pound, children breathe in more air than adults.  So, they have substantially heavier exposure than adults to any toxins that are present in water, food, or air.

Needless to say, we’ve said good-bye to conventional clean and hello to safe, green clean.  And since making that “clean” change, we’ve also said good-bye to breathing treatments and medications and hello to all natural health.

So, my postpartum advice is to clean or have your house cleaned responsibility – without the toxins.  It will not only benefit you but also your baby and the environment!