One Would Think That We Would Be Safer In The Comfort Of Our Own Home!Written by Bruce Bowery
Have you ever given any thought to fact that you might be causing more harm than good while using your consumable products? I know that we have used household cleaners and personal care products for decades, so why am I bringing this issue up now? If we do not educate ourselves on this topic, then in end, we have no one else to blame but ourselves. The plain and simple truth is that manufacturing companies spend millions of dollars on advertising their products every year. We are blasted on a daily basis with commercials and ads regarding our consumable products. For most part, we also believe that if we want to have cleaner houses and look our personal best, then we NEED to have, buy, and use these types of products. Have you ever taken time to research exactly what you are either inhaling or absorbing through your skin whenever you use these products? The sad fact is that majority of us have never given that point any thought. Why, because we do not know that there is any serious health risks associated with vast majority of these products. We have never been told through these ads or commercials that chemicals and toxins used in making these products can be potentially dangerous to our health. Manufacturers are only mandated or required to list potential concerns associated with their particular product, such as: use caution, wear protective gloves, use safety glasses, may be corrosive, or whether product is classified as poison etc. Only 1 percent of TOXINS are required to be listed on labels. According to National Research Council, “no toxic information is available for more than 80% of chemicals in everyday-use products. Less than 20% have been tested for acute effects and less than 10% have been tested for chronic, reproductive or mutagenic effects.” A more alarming issue revolves around our personal care products. Back in 1989, a House Senate Subcommittee asked National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to analyze 2,093 chemicals used in personal care products. There results were as follows: 884 of ingredients were found to be toxic. Of these, 778 can cause acute toxicity, 146 can cause tumors, 218 can cause reproductive complications, 314 can cause biological mutations, and 376 can cause skin and eye irritations. Now, I will say that there are several factors to consider while determining whether or not a toxin actually causes harm in any particular situation, such as: potency, rate of exposure; dosage, and individual sensitivity. We all are very aware of irritations to our skin, eyes and throats, when using some of these products, but are you aware that those irritations may just be tip of iceberg? Toxins are known to cause a variety of harms and health issues. The EPA has acknowledged that air inside our homes is 3 to 70 times more polluted than air outside our homes. The EPA has also acknowledged that toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outside pollutants. What are some of other risks involved with using these types of products? Cancers, anemia, leukemia, liver, lung and kidney problems, learning and developmental issues, reproductive issues, and death are just some of health issues associated with these toxins. Now it appears that more doctors and scientist are discovering that there may be more correlation between usage of household chemicals and increase in chronic illnesses, especially involving children. Such illnesses such as cancer, ADD, and asthma have been on a steady increase over past few decades among our children. Now you may be wondering what a toxin is, and a toxin can be defined as harmful chemicals or substances that occur in nature and or are manufactured. You also may be wondering what toxins are commonly found in our homes. Listed below are some of toxins most commonly found in our homes, just to name a few.
| | Eat Outside Your BoxWritten by Jackie Stanley
One way to combat boredom many people complain accompanies eating healthy is to “eat outside your box,” by experimenting with new foods and cuisines and by challenging your long held notions about what to eat and when. Iceberg is not only kind of lettuce, apples and oranges aren’t only fruits and there is no law that says you can’t eat mushroom lasagna for breakfast and a southwestern omelet for dinner. And just because your parents always eat turkey on Thanksgiving, fish on Friday and meatloaf on Mondays doesn’t mean you have to. Dare to step outside your comfort zone and put an end to your eating rut, by accepting one (or more) of following challenges to eat and live more healthily and creatively. Make a list of 10 foods that you eat on a regular basis. Over course of next month, eat outside your box by avoiding these foods. Try a new food every day. Have you knocked eating brown rice, tofu, sushi or kiwi without ever giving it a try? Don’t allow opinions of others to inhibit your pallet. Give your taste buds an opportunity to decide. Look back at your food diary. Don’t eat any of same foods you ate last month. Use cookbooks to invigorate your mundane menus. Do not visit any of same restaurants you tried last month. If you eat out, it must be somewhere new. And don’t forget to order something new and nutritious off menu.
|
