Safe Happy Healthy Homes

Stressed at work? You will likely feel it at the waistband.

2007-09-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

In April of this year, the American Journal of Epidemiology published a study today that shows that the stress you experience at work will significantly increase your risk of obesity. Researchers monitored 3,413 women and 6,895 men, aged between 35 and 55 at the beginning of the study) for 19 years, following their levels of job strain. Job strain was defined as being under heavy demands, having little decision-making power and little social support at work. In both male and females, people who reported job strain on more than one occasion were 17% more likely to develop obesity.

Source

Does microwaving kill our food?

2007-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

As I’ve gotten more nutrition conscious and doing what I can to ensure that the food we eat is nutrient-dense, the question of microwaves has been on my mind. Does microwaving our food kill it? Are the nutrients zapped right out? I have felt (without actual evidence) that microwaving probably does remove nutrients. I’ve gradually moved away from thawing, reheating or cooking most food in the microwave. However, statistics show that 90% of us here in America own and use our microwaves. So my question to myself lately has been, am I just cheating myself out of easier meal preparations? So, you know what happened next… I pulled on my research hat and hit the internet. Here’s a little of what I found:

Oh No - The Nutrients Go!

One of the first things that made me think that microwaving wasn’t good for food was the article that came out earlier this year about microwaving your damp sponges to kill bacteria and viruses. Quick cook your sponge on high heat for 2 minutes and it will kill living germs, bacterial spores, and even E.coli. (Quick tip: don’t do this with a dishcloth or dry sponge - you may end up with a fire on your hands.) This is all well and good - but if it kills all that, how do the natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients survive those same two minutes?

Traditional cooking methods heat the food from the outside. Microwaves, on the other hand, cook the food from the inside out. The microwave converts electricity into high frequency microwaves. Microwaves are electromagnetic energy. When microwaves are used on food it causes the food molecules to vibrate rapidly, creating friction. The friction produces heat that cooks the food. Those who believe microwaving destroys the nutrient value of our food say that this intermolecular friction destroys the cellular structure of food and can even change the chemical composition so much that it becomes something that the body can no longer recognize as food.

One of Discovery Health.com’s Nutrition Experts Dr. Allan Spreen says this:

“What studies exist are all bad news for microwaving – they universally describe some type of damage. One study showed breakdown of vitamin B-12 to inactive degradation products in microwaved foods. There’s also a problem with release of potentially toxic molecules into the food from packaging designed to help brown food during microwaving. This includes items such as pizza, French fries, waffles, popcorn and breaded fish.” (*Source)

The November 2005 issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture stated that:

The first study found that the simplest cooking method was also the worst when it came to preserving nutrients. Broccoli lost 97 percent of flavonoids, 74 percent of sinapics and 87 percent of caffeoyl-quinic derivatives (three different types of antioxidants) when it was microwaved.

Keep in mind, some nutrients were lost when boiled the conventional way as well — although not as much. See complete article for more details.

Zap-a-dap, Cooking’s a Snap!

Dr. John McDougall, M.D. is a highly respected alternative, nutritional medicine doctor who promotes steering clear of animal products including dairy and eating a vegetarian diet of whole grains, legumes and vegetables. He was quoted in 2001 to say:

He says he’s found that microwaving “doesn’t do anything worse to the food than conventional cooking.” He confidently adds, “I like to make sure all of the things I fight are worth fighting against. And as far as I’m concerned microwaves is not where the enemy is at.”
(*Source)

However, a 2005 newsletter on Dr. McDougall’s website seems to point to the fact that he’s not certain. In that newsletter he says “more research needs to be done on the safety of microwave cooking. From what I can tell, he still suggests people use the microwave in his cookbooks. So he, for one, isn’t convinced that microwaves are bad.

As of March 2005, Australian’s largest and most diversified food research organization, Australia Food Science promotes microwaves ovens as a convenient and healthy way to cook. Nutritionist George Rapitis, Bsc says “steaming veggie in the microwave can best preserve their nutrients…” The UK Nutrition & Food Science Journal published an article in 1995 stating:

Several studies have shown that microwave cooking, if properly used, does not change the nutrient content of foods to a larger extent than conventional heating. In fact, suggests that there is a tendency towards greater retention of many micronutrients with microwaving, probably due to the shorter preparation time. Does not describe non-thermal effects. The main problem with microwaving is the uneven heating of the food, which has raised concern regarding microbiological safety. Microwaving infant formula and breast milk has become increasingly popular. The content of nutrients and antibacterial factors in milk are maintained unchanged provided the final temperature does not exceed 60°C (140°F).

Once Everything’s Been Baked

It’s clear there is no consensus yet. The only general agreement I could find is this… cook your food as little as you can. The less cooked it is (no matter what method you use), the better for you it is.

And what did I decide? The microwave may stay around because I share a home with my parents. For me, though, I’m done with the microwave. I’m going to get a counter top convection oven. I’ve mostly weaned myself away from the microwave already… I don’t believe it will require much more effort to go the rest of the way.

Fluoride isn't healthy

2007-08-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

" What Your Dentist Isn’t Telling You About Fluoride"

In name only...

2006-11-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I first found organic milk at Costco. Then, I discovered it wasn't so organic after all. I was so disappointed. As the interest in organic products rises, so does big corporations' interest gaining the organic market share and therefore money. Unfortunately, in their desire to make money on organic products... they are ignoring, side-stepping, or "creatively meeting" organic standards. Their products are organic in name only. These companies include: Horizon Organic, Aurora Organic, and the the brand names that the leading retailers are selling from Horizon and Aurora at Wal-Mart, Costco, Safeway, Giant, Publix, and Wild Oats.

Support organic farmers and their commitment to producing high quality organic products... buy from them. Look for local and regional companies and farms that you can buy from. I'm currently buying milk from Organic Valley Coop. Read farm bios about the people who are supplying the milk in your region. Take the time to find similar sources for your organic milk. Take a stand for maintain organic standards and the health of your family. It's worth it.

:: Source

Yummy way to maintain brain health!

2006-08-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Turns out that eating yellow curry boosts brain power! In a study, eating curry boosting brain performance in the elderly and reduced the build-up of amyloid plaques (A cluster of protein that is found in dense deposits within an Alzheimer's disease patient's brain and one of the two brain abnormalities that define Alzheimer's).

If you aren't a huge fan of curry, even an occassional dish has health benefits. "What is remarkable is that apparently one needs only to consume curry once in a while for the better cognitive performance to be evidenced..." (::New Scientist)

Curry is being shown to fight cancer too. This one case of where the yummy thing is the good thing for you too! Gotta love that!

Carpet

2006-08-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

So, one thing that I want to do is tear out every last piece of carpet in our house. Our carpet is beyond awful. We have a big house though (we share it with my parents) and carpeting is going to be a major expense.

Recently, in one of my many magazines, I read that people with allergies, asthma and sensitivities to chemicals should consider removing the carpet from their homes. I was floored (pun intended!).

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission did a test of chemical emissions from carpets. Dozens of chemicals released from carpets were observed and 31 were positively identified. "Of the chemicals released, most notable are styrene and 4-PC, both of which come from the SB latex backing that is used on 95% of carpets." BuildingGreen.com).

It should also be noted that: "It is not at all clear that the carpet itself is the biggest IAQ problem in new carpet installations. The carpet industry is quick to point out that carpet adhesives and seam sealants emit far more pollutants, especially in the first few weeks after installation. Carpet cushions, or pads, may be at fault as well."

Read a complete article outlining the concerns at BuildingGreen.com.

Their final conclusion?

A rash of alleged health problems with carpet have yet to be properly explained, suggesting that all carpets, and especially the less expensive synthetics, should be used with great caution. In addition, the relatively short life expectancy of most carpet and the heavy dependence on fossil fuels as a raw material make it incumbent on those specifying carpet to see that it will be maintained and protected for a long, safe service life. The recommendations that follow are far from exhaustive, but they are a step towards safer, better floorcoverings.

There are many non-toxic flooring options (including carpets) and thankfully more and more are appearing. Samples include wool carpets, recycled fiber carpets, bamboo, cork and linoleum flooring. Here are a few links to companies that promote and sell eco-friendly, non-toxic flooring:

Eco-Wise
Eco by Design
Green Building Supply

And for great non-toxic carpet cleaning, household and personal product options, you know where to find me. ;)

Say no to processed meats

2006-08-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

"For those who like meat, sausage, salami, hot dogs, and other processed meat products made from beef and pork hold a strong allure. But satisfaction of these cravings seems to exact a high price. Evidence that processed meats raise the risks of getting cancers of the stomach, colon, pancreas and blood continues to accumulate.

The participants who reported the highest intake levels of processed meats had a 68 percent higher risk compared with those reporting the lowest intake, while high intakes of red meat were associated with a 50 percent higher cancer risk, compared with the lowest intake levels.

These findings indicate, quite clearly, that it is safer to curb your cravings for sausage, hot dogs, and the like by enjoying nitrite-free alternatives made with poultry or fish. And they confirm that fish presents the lowest cancer risk possible among sources of animal protein.

It also makes sense to avoid deep-fried meat, fish or poultry products entirely, because their oil-soaked batters deliver loads of pro-inflammatory (hence cancer- and heart disease-promoting) omega-6 fatty acids and heat-damaged fatty acids.

Most Americans consume omega-6 fatty acids in enormously excessive amounts, thanks to their dominance in the oils used most commonly in home cooking and in packaged, prepared, and restaurant foods (i.e., vegetable oils from soy, corn, canola, safflower, sunflower, and cottonseed)."

::VitalChoice.com article

Cleaning products and asthma

2006-08-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Recent studies in Britain have found that cleaning products increase wheezing in toddlers, which is a precursor to developing asthma.

The study of 14,000 children up to the age of three and a half, published in the journal Thorax found that exposure to household products such as bleach, aerosols, carpet and window cleaners increased the risk of wheezing.

Cases of asthma have more than tripled since the 1970s, with 1.4 million people affected.

::Medical News Today

It doesn't end with kids...

The European Respiratory Society held their 15th Annual Congress in Copenhagen on 17-20 September 2005. During the Congress, a few studies were presented showing that houseworks products like cleaning sprays, air fresheners and even floor levelling compounds are not risk-free. In fact, some of them may be responsible for almost one in five new cases of asthma!

:: EPHA Environment Network

And it doesn't end with asthma...

Most people spend more than half of their lives indoors. The significance of indoor air-quality, has become more important in recent years as a result of efforts to make our homes more energy efficient. As we tighten up our homes to prevent heat exchange, we also prevent air exchange and pollutants released into the home environment are trapped for long periods of time. Second-hand cigarette smoke, gas stoves, and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are major sources of indoor air pollution. But home products like cleaning agents, aerosols, air fresheners, and disinfectants contribute to the problem. These products may also contain hidden cancer-causing ingredients.

::Cancer Prevention Coalition

Hard work, food and faith add up your years

2006-08-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

From MSNBC.com:

Faith and spirituality were cited most often by people over the age of 100 as the source of their longevity, according to a survey sponsored by a unit of UnitedHealth Group.

In a survey of 100 people between the ages of 100 and 104, 23 percent said faith rather than genes and good medical care were responsible for their long life.

Other factors given included hard work, a healthy diet and ”living a good, clean life.”

::Complete article

Non-noxious nails, please.

2006-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Having well-manicured hands no longer has to mean nasty chemical smell headaches and worries about just how toxic and cancerous are these fumes. I first started a search for healthier nail colors when I got pregnant with Amira. At the time, I found Acquarella. I wasn't encouraged. I felt like the polish chipped or peeled off too easily. Recently, I thought I would try again. I used EWG's Skin Deep database to check out some of the least toxic options.

The brand with the lowest toxicity in their database is HoneyBee Gardens. We have to remember that, at least as of right now, there isn't a nail polish out there that doesn't have some ingredients that aren't of health concern. But, some are definitely much lower than others, and HoneyBee is one of them. HoneyBee Garden's Non-Peel Off WaterColors Nail Enamel contain no toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (which are some of the worst offenders). The cherry on top is that this nail polish doesn't require toxic nail polish remover - simply use isopropyl rubbing alcohol. I tried their Vintage Merlot color and have been enjoying it. You can check out their nail polishes here. They are $6.99 a bottle. They are also selling their polish under the name Naturella (in sets).

Other lower toxic brands include Peacekeeper Nail Paint, Refreshingly Free Nontoxic Nail Polish, and Peelable Toe Shades. There are more brands out there, simply do a Google search on non-toxic nail polish and you can research your options.

Oh, the most toxic brands? The worst is OPI with Cover Girl and Urban Decay not far behind.

Dry eyes

2006-08-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have ocular rosacea as an added complication to my skin rosacea. One symptom of ocular rosacea is dry eyes. Turns out, rosacea or not, over 20 million Americans suffer from dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome makes you sensitive to light, can cause blurred vision and as you might expect, the feeling of dry and itchy eyes. For some, it feels like there is something caught in their eye. For me, when my symptoms are at their worst, my eyes feel like when you are terribly tired and I just want to keep them closed. Women get dry eye syndrome about 2 to 1 over men. Without treatment, worse case scenario is infection or vision impairment.

For immediate relief, eye drops are recommended. Avoid products that have steriods in them (like the Visine that "Gets the Red Out". Avoid products that have preservatives as well. There are products that have single-serving vials - which helps ensure that your eye drops don't get contaminated.

Eye drops are only a short term solution (the equivalent of a band-aid at best) and resolving the underlying causes for dry eye syndrome is essential. You need healthy amounts of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Taking a high quality cod or fish oil is a perfect way to get your omega-3s. (Recommended brands include: Carlson, Nordic Naturals, Spectrum Essentials - whatever brand you get... one of these or another - make sure they purity tested and have removed PCBs, dioxins, mercury, lead and other contaminants.)

In addition to getting your omega-3s... get plenty of lutein, vitamin C, dark berries, and avoid trans fats.

Lutein - lutein-rich foods include kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts and egg yolks (particularly raw egg yolks).

Dark berries - blueberries, cranberries, bilberries and others.

In addition to making certain I include these foods in my diet - I take a supplement that contains lutein, concentrated blueberry powder, dried bilberry extract and vitamin C.

Of course, these recommendations are good for everyone's eye health and protection - not just those of us with dry eye syndrome.

Paper, er, I mean biodegradable or plastic?

2006-07-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Ideal Bite email newsletter today brought up the issue of what we, as dog owners, use to scoop up their poop.

If 10,000 dog owners switched to biodegradable bags or a scoop, we'll avoid the use of over 18 million plastic bags every year. That's a lot of plastic bags.

I know a local off-leash dog park that I go to provides bags like the ones you see in the grocery store for produce. It's great that they provide these - but next time, I'm bringing my own biodegradable bags.

I did a quick search and here are 3 possibilities:

BioBag Dog Waste Bags

Spike's Biodegradable Business Bags (made from corn)

Dispoz-A-Scoop The Dog Walker's Pooper Scooper (available at Petco)

Soy isn't as healthy as a lot of us think

2006-07-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

:: From Mercola.com ::

A fascinating report in the UK Guardian Limited details some of the earliest evidence collected by experts that consuming soy is harmful to your health. And, surprisingly, it focused partially on dead parrots fed soy some 15 years ago.

As the story goes, a multi-millionaire raising exotic birds became convinced they were dying due to the processed soy contained in their feed. Not long after researchers were put on the trail, they quickly discovered processed soy contained toxins and plant estrogens strong enough to disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle and damage the thyroid.

An interesting factoid: Asians didn't eat as much soy as most people originally perceived. And when they did, it had been fermented -- not processed -- for months.

Makes you wonder why world soy production, according to the Chicago Board of Trade, has exploded to some 270 metric tons, a nine-fold increase over the past four decades alone. Perhaps, it's because American soy producers spend as much as $80 million to promote the joys of soy worldwide. Or, that American soybean farmers received some $13 billion in subsidies between 1998-2004.

Unfortunately, a new process recently launched by Solae LLC combines non-fermented soy, meat and vegetable protein in such a way that you may not be able to discern the fake food from the real thing, an important reason to stay far away from processed foods.

Sobering information

2006-07-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

This article by Dr. Joyce M. Woods is all over the web. It is one that I've seen passed around by many of the people I work with. It does has some interesting and sobering statistics:

An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.

National Cancer Association released results of a 15-year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home.

Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960.

Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death in children.

There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides.

There's lots more in the article - you can read the complete list of findings by Dr. Woods here.

Health Calculator

2006-07-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

iVillage has health calculators for finding out your:

1) Body Mass Index
2) Healthy Weight
3) Waist-Hip Ratio
4) Daily Calorie Requirements
5) Daily Carb Requirements
6) Daily Protein Requirements
7) Daily Fat Requirements
8) Daily Calcium Requirements
9) Daily Iron Requirements
10) Target Heart Rate
11) Amount of Calories Burned

Pretty quick and easy source of where you are at and what you need for optimal health.

Organic.org

2006-07-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

I found this site in my online travels yesterday. This site was created by a design firm (of all things). The goal of the site is to educate and help people take steps towards an organic lifestyle.

This site has great information including exactly why you should go organic, myths about organic products, and how to buy organic on a budget. There are product reviews and recipes (including special diet need recipes like gluten-free), store finders, and a section just for kids.

Finding a good (and healthy!) pan...

2006-07-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Most of you problem know the health concerns with Teflon pans. But, it's hard to leave behind those non-stick days, isn't it?

I've been researching for a while, looking for the best non-stick that isn't a non-stick pan. Today, I found this article written for the New York Times. Worth the read.

Their winner: Le Creuset enameled cast iron skillet.

Seeing "organic" on your label doesn't always mean what you hope or think...

2006-07-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Most 'Organic' Cosmetics Labels Mislead Public

This is from the Organic Consumers Association.

While most companies that sell increasingly popular "natural" soaps, shampoos and skin creams in natural supermarkets such as Whole Foods and Trader Joes do not claim their products are "organic," an increasing number of these brands, such as Avalon Natural Products, JASON, and Nature's Gate, are misleading consumers into thinking up to 70% of such products are in fact "organic."

One more reason that organic standards need to be put into place.
::read complete article at OrganicConsumers.org::

A great blog to read

2006-07-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

About every other day, I check Dr. Mercola's health blog. For those of you who don't know Dr. Mercola - he is behind the number one natural health website, www.mercola.com. I appreciate his site for the wealth of free information that he provides.

I enjoy the blog because he touches on a variety of topics. I especially like that he takes on health news headlines and gives additional key information that isn't covered in mainstream reporting.

Product feedback

2006-07-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to get this email from my friend, Ronni D this morning. She's been fighting a frustrating rash and hives and has been miserable. I made a quick order and brought over some products that I thought might help and robbed from my pantry for a few more.

I wanted to tell you how much I love the detergent - I'm actually not measuring, just using the tiniest amount, and it is working SO well! I don't know if it's that or not, but my itching has subsided and my 'scratch wounds' are finally healing. Out of the shower I used the bath oil all over and didn't dry off - it seemed to relieve the itching. Didn't care for the medicinal smell, but it didn't stick around so that's good. I didn't want to go through my day smelling like that! =-) I am so thankful for the relief!!! I stopped the antihistamines and acid reducers so I can only chalk it up to the products. During my last dr. visit, he prescribed Zyrtek, another allergy med. which my friend at work said made him SO drowsy he lost four months of his life! I don't want to even take it, and now it looks like I won't have to.

These kinds of emails make my day! It keeps me motivated knowing that the company I work for makes products that really help people!

Just one of the reasons that I'm grateful for my business

2006-07-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

"When used indoors under certain conditions, many common household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory." (05.22.06 UC Berkeley Press Release)

These kind of reports make me glad I use the products I do and work for the company I do. Why mess with these kinds of toxins and contaminants in the home? It doesn't make sense to me.

Drink Tea!

2006-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Green tea's rep keeps getting better and better. A study out of China shows that drinking tea helps protect against bile stones (did you know we could get bile stones?) and cancer. In this study, this was especially true for women. A cup of tea every day for six months -- cut the risk of gallbladder cancer by 44 percent, bile duct cancer by more than a third and bile stones by 27 percent. (Men derived similar benefits from tea, just not nearly as much as women did.)

Green tea research has shown that its health benefits include helping and healing:

* Atherosclerosis
* High cholesterol
* Cancer, including bladder, breast, colorectal, esophageal, lung, pancreatic, prostate, skin and stomach.
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Diabetes
* Liver disease
* Weight loss (by improving fat metabolism)
* Cognitive impairment/Alzheimer's

I've never been much of a tea drinker until I discovered these guys. Now, I'm a positive addict. The company is Pure Inventions. It's not cheap (about $30/bottle - around 50 cents a glass)... but I don't care. I will pay for this addiction the way most people pay for their mocha addictions. I love it! My favorite flavors are peach, tropical, and raspberry (in that order). I'm still waiting to try the piña colada flavor. Yum, yum, and yum!

(Google search on the health benefits of green tea)

2006-07-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

(found at SFGate)

12 Food Additives you and your body could do without

2006-07-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

From SixWise.com's article 12 Dangerous Food Additives: The Dirty Dozen Food Additives You Really Need to be Aware Of:

In the United States, more than 3,000 substances can be added to foods for the purpose of preservation, coloring, texture, increasing flavor and more. While each of these substances is legal to use (at least here in the States), whether or not they are all something you want to be consuming is another story all together.

The 12 worst additives that you would do well to avoid are:

1) Propyl Gallate
2) BHA and BHT
3) Potassium Bromate
4) Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
5) Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
6) Acesulfame-K
7) Olestra
8) Sodium Nitrite (Sodium Nitrate)
9) Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
10) Blue 1 and Blue 2
11) Red 3
12) Yellow 6

You can read the complete article and how the above ingredients can compromise your health here.

I've worked hard to have Amira's snacks not be easy, out-of-the-box kinds of foods. Sometimes I wish for something more "instant", especially when she's pulling at my pantleg and crying for food NOW! But, that added few minutes of peace and quiet aren't an equal exchange for her health.

We all know it - the closer to raw food we get - the better off we are. Fruits and vegetables are especially our friends. Organic produce is best. If you have to economize, these are contaminated produce items that you should buy organic if at all possible:

1) Apples
2) Bell Peppers
3) Celery
4) Cherries
5) Imported Grapes
6) Nectarines
7) Peaches
8) Pears
9) Potatoes
10) Red Raspberries
11) Spinach
12) Strawberries

These are the least contaminated, and if you have to pick which ones not to buy organic right now - these would be the ones:

1) Asparagus
2) Avocados
3) Bananas
4) Broccoli
5) Cauliflower
6) Corn (sweet)
7) Kiwi
8) Mangos
9) Onions
10)Papaya
11)Pineapples
12) Peas (sweet

Additional information/resources on organic foods:

--Handy walletguide to help you pick the most important organic foods to buy. ::Environmental Working Group || foodnews.org

--"Organic Produce - When it pays to buy organic" ::Consumer Reports, Feb '06 || consumerreports.org

--Buying organic on a budget ::Garden & Hearth || gardenandhearth.com

Obesity is the new smoking, if you know what I mean.

2006-07-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

You want to be sobered up about your health? According to the American Medical Association, if you are overweight (and I am) your death risk rises with the amount of extra weight you carry.

As weight increases, so does the risk of death, but the risk is not statistically significant until one becomes obese, McTigue said. Compared with normal-weight women, she continued, "the risk of dying was increased 12 percent in all women in obesity category 1, while risk was increased 86 percent over seven years in women in obesity category 3."

article here

Me? Yeah, I'm in category 3. I have an increased risk of 86% over seven years of dying. That's no small number. 86%! Friends, those just aren't good odds.

I'm grateful that I've been working out 5x a week consistently for the last 5+ weeks. I was surprised and excited that while I haven't dropped pounds yet - I have lost inches. That's progress. But, after reading that article, the stakes are raised and I've have no room to be nonchalant or cavalier about my health weight loss goals.

Ode Magazine

2006-07-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

Here's what they say:

"Ode is an independent magazine about the people and ideas that are changing the world.

Sometimes it’s difficult to see beyond the war, poverty, exploitation and pollution that the mainstream media use to fill our view of the world. But there is more to life. There are other stories to report. Stories of countless initiatives being launched around the globe by people devoted to justice, respect and equality. Stories that bridge the gap between thinking and doing, between rage and hope, and the painful gap between the rich and poor – and thus build peace and sustainability. That is the news that Ode promises to deliver. By reading Ode you connect to a network of positive change and inspiration. Ode points the way to knowing better, doing better and feeling better.

Ode publishes ‘the stories that are different from the ones we are brainwashed to believe’ (Arundhati Roy). Ode challenges us and invites us to change. We realise that change starts with information. We can only make a choice to change things for the better when we learn how it can be done. Similarly, we can only change our behaviour when we understand the harmful effects of what we do. Ode teaches and inspires us, helps us see how every one of us can contribute to a more just and sustainable world."

Here's what I say:

This magazine surprises me every issue. It always takes me a little bit to dig into it because its not casual, fluff, "flip-the-pages-and-skim" reading. But it's not overly academic or heady either. It's heartening and challenging.

The current issue articles are always online and available for reading. If you like what you see, buy a subscription. Publishers like this need to be kept in business.

#1 Cause of Child Poisonings

2006-07-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

According to poison control centers, it's dishwasher detergent. Most detergents contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. Getting a powdered form versus gel also makes it less easy to swallow. These products are akaline and should be considered caustic and corrosive. Skin irritation and/or burns can occur if you are exposed to dissolved detergents.

Common sense tip: The most common place for dishwasher detergent to be stored is under the sink. All detergents and cleaning agents should be carefully stored well away from the reach of children and pets. Better yet, switch to a brand that won't harm family, pets or the environment.

I have to confess, under the sink is exactly where our dishwasher detergent is. I feel better about this because I know that what I use is non-toxic and safe for the environment. This is important to me because I know Amira won't suffer terrible burns to her mouth, throat and GI system if she got a hold of it... but also because we have a septic and the drain field ultimately moves through the earth and into a salmon creek on our property.

However, this brings up the point of everything *else* that's under the sink that doesn't have such a claim. Guess I have a "to do" for tomorrow, don't I? -- "Clean out under the kitchen sink!"

«Categories: Safe - Home & Environment»

One more diaper option to consider

2006-07-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

It's always been a cloth versus disposable debate. Now, it's a cloth verus disposable versus flushable. I'm an environmentally conscious person. Being a good steward of our planet is important to me. When Amira was born, I used cloth diapers. I had a great diaper service and it worked pretty well. As she got older, it began to work not as well. We had a harder and harder time having them fit well and preventing messes... and when we were out and about and traveling - they were a downright burden for me. So, I compromised and used disposables when we traveled or were away from the home for a long time.

Then came a vacation when we were away for a little over a week. When we got back, I "couldn't" go back to the cloth diapers. And then I did it, I compromised my own feelings and switched to disposables. Sigh. I still feel guilty about it if I think about it too long.

Well, today, learned about gDiapers! Like my beloved Amby, and Amira's beloved The Wiggles... these are from Australia. gDiapers are a disposable diaper that you flush. It's sort of a hybrid of cloth and disposables.

From their website:

Imagine taking your baby's soiled diaper and simply flushing it down the toilet. No more smell. No more diaper. No more diaper pail. You’re putting waste right where it belongs, in the toilet. Not in a landfill. That’s exactly how gDiapers work.

gDiapers are a two-part system. The flushable inner refill fits into a pair of colorful ‘little g’ pants. When the flushable becomes soiled, simply flush it down the toilet. gDiapers have no elemental chlorine, perfumes, smell, garbage or guilt. It's that easy.

gDiapers. Fashion and function on one cute bum.

I'm kinda geeked out on this, I have to admit. I just got my order today. I'll let you know what I think of them... but if you can't wait to check these out... you can order them online at their site - or they have a list of locations where they can be found.

Green Sass

2006-07-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

I came across an email newsletter that focuses on some of these very things. It's called Ideal Bite. The tips and informational topics vary from the benefits of coconut to what to do with batteries. I've been enjoying it - and their vibe is fresh and light. I like that their focus and mission is that small changes add up to make a difference. Small changes will indeed make a difference for our personal health and wellness... as well as our environment. :)

If you decide to check it out and sign up for the email newsletter - check out the Bite Club (there's a link to it at the very bottom on the right). Here's what it is: "Once a month, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a 10 - 20 minute online survey to express your opinions and get lavished with free stuff or discounts." Sounds kind of fun to me. I signed up. If you are curious but want to let me be the guinea pig - let me know and I'll share with you what I think of it after I've done it for a while. ;)

Welcome to the Safe Happy Healthy Homes blog!

2006-07-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

I threatened and now I'm delivering. This will be, what I hope to be, a great resource of information for any and all who stop by. I do a lot of research as a part of my business to help people build safe, happy and healthy homes. Passing on what I find, only makes sense. :)