Saturday, August 18, 2007

The Breast Cancer Prevention Program


The Breast Cancer Prevention Program, 2nd Edition
By Samuel S. Epstein M.D., and David Steinman with Suzanne LeVert, 1998
http://www.preventcancer.com/press/books/bcp.htm

The book that takes the cancer establishment to taskThe First Complete Survey of the Causes of Breast Cancer and the Steps You Can Take to Reduce your Risks.

What the cancer establishment won't tell you and why

Personal and environmental risks you can avoid

Prevention strategies that work

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU

Breast Cancer rates continue to climb, with this disease striking more women every year, and yet information about known risks and prevention strategies is not reaching you. The cancer establishment has a vested interest in keeping you focused on early detection, treatment, and basic genetic research rather than on reducing the risks for developing the disease in the first place.

The Truth is, breast cancer is not a random killer. There are many simple, straight- forward ways women can help protect themselves against it. Supported by a wealth of scientifically documented, medically sound information, this ground-breaking book outlines the unpublished "Dirty Dozen" risk factors for breast cancer and describes in detail the ways you can avoid them. 1 in 8 is a frightening ratio.
Only 4 decades ago, the breast cancer rate was 1 in 20. Now it is 1
in 8. Yet the cancer establishment still insists that
"we have turned the tide against cancer."

Not so, says the author of this groundbreaking book.
They back up this claim with the most thorough analysis of all known
and suspected causes of breast cancer yet undertaken. They reveal the heartening
news that you can take steps to reduce your risks of getting breast cancer,
since its rise is directly related to an out-of-control spread of the factors
that increase our risk-from environmental and workplace carcinogens to
unhealthy lifestyle choices.

There is good news.
The authors explain that there is plenty every woman can do to keep
this dreaded disease at bay. The Breast Cancer Prevention Program
provides a fascinating, informative, and empowering blueprint for health.

Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., and David Steinman are the authors
of the best-selling consumer guide the Safe Shopper's Bible.
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Comments about the book!
NOTE: The Breast Cancer Prevention Program is no longer available from the publisher. A copy may be available from your local library.


The"Dirty Dozen" Consumer Products from the Cancer Prevention Coalition

The"Dirty Dozen" Consumer Products

from the
Cancer Prevention Coalition

fighting for a safer environment at home, in the community, and at work

visit www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com to request information about
a SAFE Heath & Wellness manufacturer.

See September 21, 1995 press release Cancer Group and Ralph Nader Release First Annual "Dirty Dozen" Consumer Product List
http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/general/dirty_dozen.htm

FOOD

Beef Frankfurters - (eg. Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation)

The"Dirty Dozen" Consumer ProductsSee September 21, 1995 press release Cancer Group and Ralph Nader Release First Annual "Dirty Dozen" Consumer Product List
FOOD
Beef Frankfurters - (eg. Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients

BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE, Carcinogenic.
DACTHAL, Carcinogenic (can be contaminated with dioxin); irritant; strong sensitizer. DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen. HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; teratogenic.
LINDANE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; damage to blood forming cells.
HORMONES: Carcinogenic and feminizing.
ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance.

Labeled Ingredient

NITRITE, Interacts with meat amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines which are a major risk factor for childhood cancers.

Safer Alternative: Nitrite-Free Organic hot dogs or tofu franks.

Whole Milk - (eg. Borden or Lucerne)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients

DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen. HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin.
ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance.
RECOMBINANT BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE and IGF-1: Also, risk factor for breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Safer Alternative:

rBGH-free Organic skim milk

COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Talcum Powder- (Johnson & Johnson. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredient:

TALC, Carcinogenic and a risk factor for ovarian cancer; lung irritant.

Safer Alternative:

Corn Starch - (Johnson & Johnson, Inc.)

Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Make Up (Foundation) (Procter & Gamble. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients

BHA, Carcinogenic.
TALC, Carcinogenic; Lung Irritant.
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA), Interacts with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
LANOLIN, Often contaminated with DDT and other carcinogenic pesticides. PARABENS, Contact dermatitis.
FRAGRANCE, Wide range of unlabeled, untested, and toxic ingredients; contact dermatitis.

Safer Alternative:

Max Factor Pan-Silk Ultra Creamy Makeup (Max Factor, Inc.)

Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste - (Procter & Gamble. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients:

FD&C BLUE #1, Carcinogenic. SACCHARIN, Carcinogenic. FLUORIDE, Possibly carcinogenic.

Safer Alternative:

Tom's of Maine Natural Non-Fluoride Toothpaste

Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna) (Alberto-Culver USA. Inc.)
Labeled Toxic Ingredients:

FORMALDEHYDE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer. POLYSORBATE 80, Generally contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.
FD&C RED #4, Carcinogenic.
FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis.

Safer Alternative:

Earth Preserv Hair Vitalizer (all scents, but with fragrances) (Earth Preserv, Inc.)

Clairol Nice 'n Easy (Permanent Haircolor) (Clairol. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients:

QUATERNlUM-15, Formaldehyde-releaser; carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer.
DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA), Carcinogenic; also interacts with nitrites to form a carcinogenic nitrosamine.
PHENYLENE-DIAMINES, Includes carcinogens and other ingredients inadequately tested for carcinogenicity; contact dermatitis.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL, Contact dermatitis.
FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis.

NOTE: Also evidence of causal relation to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other cancers.

Safer Alternatives:
Igora Botanic - Schwarzkopf, Inc. or Logona Henna Black - Natur Kosmetik

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

Ajax Cleanser (Colgate-Palmolive. Inc.)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients:

CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant.
WASHING SODA,Caustic.
NOTE: Carcinogenicity of silica is admitted in 1994 Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS). (Manufacturer claims to have reduced silica levels since 1993.)

Safer Alternative: Comet Cleanser (Procter & Gamble, Inc.)

Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient:

CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.)

Safer Alternative:
Comet Cleanser (Procter & Gamble, Inc.)

Lysol Disinfectant Spray (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.)
Labeled or Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient: ORTHOPHENYLPHENOL (OPP): Carcinogenic; irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.)

Safer Alternative:
Airwick Stick Up (Reckitt & Colman, Inc.)

Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar (Sandoz Agro. Inc).

Labeled Toxic Ingredient
PROPOXUR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic.

Safer Alternative:
Trader Joe's Herbal Flea Collar for cats or dogs

Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer (Monsanto Co.)
Labeled Toxic Ingredient
SODIUM 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETATE (2,4-D), Carcinogenic with evidence of casual relation to lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers ; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin.

Safer Alternative:
Organic pesticides

For more information, see: Steinman, D. and Epstein, S.S.
The Safe Shopper's Bible, Macmillan/IDG 1995, New York, NY (800-434-3422)
Epstein, S.S. The Politics of Cancer Revisited, East Ridge Press 1998, Hankins, NY (845-887-6467).

Sodium Laureth Sulfate - Definition

Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective foamer.
Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)10CH2(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na. Sometimes the number represented by "n" is specified in the name, for example laureth-2 sulfate. The commercial product is heterogeneous, both in the length of the alkyl chain (12 being the mode of the number of carbon atoms), and in the number of ethoxyl groups, where n is the mean. n=3 is common in commercial products. SLES can be derived from ethoxylation of SDS.
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (also known as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) are commonly used alternatives to SLES in consumer products.[1]
While SLS is a known irritant,[2][3] some evidence and research suggest that SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure.[4][5]
Contents
1 Effects on sensitive skin
2 Health concerns
3 Alternative names
4 References
5 External links

Effects on sensitive skin
Products containing these substances can affect those prone to eczema and other irritants. These substances provide a foaming quality to the product, allowing for better distribution of the product while washing hair or skin and while brushing teeth. When rinsed off, the product will have cleaned the area but will have taken moisture from the top layers of skin. In people with sensitive skin (prone to dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis and chemical sensitivity), the drying property of these type of detergents can cause flare-ups of skin conditions or may worsen existing conditions.[4][5]

Health concerns
The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the American Cancer Society stated that the common belief that SLES is a carcinogen is an urban legend.[6] However, the Environmental Working Group has claimed in their Skin Deep Report that SLES may possibly be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.[7] SLES and SLS have been known to become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.[8] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers 1,4-dioxane to be a probable carcinogen.[9] While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages manufacturers to remove this contaminant, it is not currently required by federal law.[10]

Alternative names
Steol-130, 230, 270, 330, 370 or 460
Stepanol
Alkyl ether sulfate
Sodium POE(2) lauryl ether sulfate
Sodium diethylene glycol lauryl ether sulfate
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate

for more go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

OPRAH Article - Health and the Environment - Did you realize how many TOXINS are in the environment around us?

OPRAH & FRIENDS RADIO http://www2.oprah.com/xm/moz/200612/moz_20061212.jhtml

Health and the Environment
Original Air Date: December 12, 2006


Many of us don't realize how many toxins are in the environment around us. In fact, the things we use to make our world cleaner may actually be the things that are poisoning us, says Deirdre Imus, wife of radio personality Don Imus. Dr. Oz talks to Deirdre about the importance of having safe, non-toxic environments for our children and about her efforts to enhance health through environmentally friendly measures.

According to Deirdre, Americans are exposed to more than 82,000 chemicals in our environment, yet the Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed fewer than 2 percent of them for safety. "Knowing that information," Deirdre says, "Why wouldn't we decide to identify, control and ultimately prevent those environmental factors that are making us sick?"

Deirdre says her work began more than 15 years ago when she met her husband, who at the time was raising money for kids with cancer. Since then she has launched countless eco-friendly initiatives, including The Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology and the Greening the Cleaning® institutional program, which helps eliminate toxic cleaning agents and replace them with safer, non-toxic alternatives.

Deirdre says that according to the Center for Disease Control, 70 to 80 percent of cancers are linked to environmental exposures to toxins. With that in mind, she says it's critical that individuals take steps to eliminate toxins from their households. To get started, she suggests eating meat substitutes and organic food, using all "green" cleaning products and buying organic cotton clothing.

COSMETICS COMPANIES and BREAST CANCER

http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/CosmeticCompanies.html

THINK BEFORE YOU GO PINK!

COSMETICS COMPANIES and BREAST CANCER

It sounds noble: a cosmetics company promises that if you buy one of its products, a portion of the sale will go toward “the fight against breast cancer.”
But what if that cosmetic contains chemicals that might actually increase your risk of developing the disease?
Many cosmetics contain chemicals known as parabens and phthalates, which recent studies indicate may be linked to cancer development.
Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone function. (Estrogenic chemicals mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone estrogen, and exposure to external estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.)
Phthalates are known to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments in laboratory animals that are exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy and after birth. Phthalates are also known to be hormone-mimicking chemicals, many of which disrupt normal hormonal processes, raising concern about their implications for increased breast cancer risk.
There are numerous other chemicals of concern in personal care products. BCA is particularly concerned about lutein (progesterone), formaldehyde and coal tar due to their links to cancer. The Environmental Working Group recently released Skin Deep, a report on the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. Astonishingly, 1/3 of products tested contain on or more ingredients that are known, probable or possible human carcinogens.
Cosmetic companies will argue that we don't need to worry about harmful chemicals in their products because they are only used on our skin and hair. For example, the cosmetics industry has long stated that their widespread use of parabens and phthalates is not harmful because they remain on our skin and are not absorbed into our body. However, a recent study found parabens in human breast cancer tissue, raising obvious questions about the ability of parabens to accumulate in our bodies (Darbre et al. 2004). In September 2000 scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found phthalates at surprisingly high levels in every one of 289 people tested, especially in women of reproductive age. The authors concluded that "from a public health perspective, these data provide evidence that phthalate exposure is both higher and more common than previously suspected" (Blount et al. 2000).
Many cosmetic companies will also argue that the level of a harmful chemical in any one product is not enough to harm you, based on studies of chemical exposure in adults. However, science is finding the timing of exposure is crucial, and that even a very small dose of some chemicals can have serious consequences in children and young women who are still developing. Also, we are rarely exposed to a chemical just one time. We may use the same product every day, several days a week, for months or years. In addition, we use dozens of personal care products daily, not just one. So while exposure from one product on one day may be small, the fact is we use numerous products a day for extended periods of time. As a result, scientists are finding chemicals such as parabens and phthalates accumulating in our bodies.
Many diseases like cancer, asthma, birth defects and learning disabilities are on the rise, and there is growing evidence that these health problems are linked to the chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, food, and everyday products. It's time we start acting to protect human health. The Precautionary Principle, a common sense approach to chemical use, says "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". It guides us to take action to prevent exposure to chemicals we know or suspect are harmful to our health. In the case of cosmetics, when a product ingredient is known or strongly suspected of being harmful to our healthy, our top priority should be eliminating the use of this chemical and finding a safe substitute to replace it. In many cases, we know safe alternatives do exist and are already being used by some cosmetic companies. The notion of "safe" or "acceptable" levels of hazardous chemicals in our products should only be introduced when we cannot find alternatives. We are entitled to products that won't hurt us.
We can't let companies have it both ways.
Avon markets itself as “the company for women,” claiming to be the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause in the U.S. But many Avon products contain parabens, according to its own website (including Soy Milk Hand & Foot Therapy, Asian Pear with Ginseng Body Cream, Skin-So-Soft Moisturizing Hand Cream, and many others). Evidence suggests that young females with developing breast tissue are particularly vulnerable to the increased breast cancer risk associated with exposure to external estrogens. Last year, Avon launched a new cosmetics line called “mark,” aimed at young women ages 16 to 24. The company is recruiting teenagers as sales representatives in this program. For more information on Breast Cancer Action’s campaign, see the Follow the Money campaign.UPDATE: Avon will be removing dibutyl phthalates from its product lines. This is a small but important step by a corporate giant. It's important for the people Avon markets to, many of who are women of childbearing age, and it's important for future generations. BCA applauds this first step, and will continue to push Avon to remove other harmful ingredients from their products.
Revlon sponsors an annual 5K Run/Walk for Women that in part funds the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program—which, according to www.revlonrunwalk.com, works toward “the control and consequent elimination of women’s cancers.” Meanwhile, The Safe Shopper’s Bible warns against carcinogenic ingredients in several Revlon products, including Revlon Powder Crème Blush, Revlon Powder Crème Make-Up Pressed Powder Full Matte, and Revlon Colorsilk Salon Formula Ammonia-Free Haircolor. UPDATE: in EWG's Skin Deep report, products were assigned scores from 0–10 based on the health concerns associated with their ingredients, with 10 being of highest health concern. Over 80% of the Revlon products tested were rated 7.2 or higher. Revlon High Dimension 10 Minute Permanent Haircolor scored 9.6 and contains both known and suspected carcinogens.
Estée Lauder's Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which states its mission as "prevention and a cure in our lifetime," sponsors breast cancer efforts such as the Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative, in which national landmarks such as the Mall of America are spotlighted in pink lights—an effort that is far more likely to generate positive publicity for Estée Lauder than it is to prevent any woman from developing breast cancer. Their products containing parabens include Polished Performance Liquid Makeup and Precision Lash Mascara, according to The Safe Shopper's Bible.UPDATE: Estée Lauder has announced it will reformulate its Clinique and MAC nail polishes to remove phthalates. BCA applauds this step, and will continue to push Estée Lauder to remove other harmful ingredients from their products.
Mary Kay, whose web site proclaims that the company’s charitable foundation is ”committed to eliminating cancers affecting women,” does not make it easy for consumers to find out if its products contain potentially harmful ingredients. It’s extremely difficult for a consumer to identify what is in Mary Kay products: the cosmetics are not available in stores, their product descriptions on the web site do not list ingredients, and repeated attempts to get information about product content from a sales representative were unsuccessful.UPDATE: After BCA began this project, Mary Kay representatives contacted us to let us know about an ingredient guide that is available on request. Call 1-800-MARYKAY for more information. Also, a concerned consumer sent us a web link to their product, which is housed on a part of their web site restricted to Mary Kay sellers only. The web link has since been made inactive, and the public and consumer part of their web site does not list this product guide. Lastly, in 2004, BCA co-sponsored important California legislation (AB 2012) regarding the public's right to know about carcinogenic and reproductive toxins in cosmetics and personal care products. Mary Kay was a vocal opponent of the bill.
What Can You Do? Take Action!
Cosmetic Companies and Breast Cancer Pink Promotions Everywhere Take ActionPress Room Frequently Asked Questions Support BCA Contact BCA
© 2007, Think Before You Pink. a project of Breast Cancer Action

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

The Truth about Walmart

The truth about Walmart!
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/profile.cfm?id=306

Profile: Wal-Mart

"Always low prices", always low standards for corporate responsibility. Wal-Mart dominates the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican markets and is currently China's eighth-largest trading partner. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart confines its leadership to the realm of sales and in other areas promotes the attitude that virtually everything--products, workers, or even communities--can be disposable . Wal-Mart may drive prices down, but it drags the quality of life for millions of people down with it. With hundreds of employees dependent on public assistance to meet their basic needs, American taxpayers subsidize Wal-Mart's low prices at the rate of roughly $420,750 a year for every 200-employee store by paying for low-income services. Women working for Wal-Mart have been denied equal opportunities for advancement. Wal-Mart hurts U.S. communities by undercutting local merchants and increasing urban sprawl, and its suppliers have been cited for labor and human rights violations.
Bottom line: Act now with any of the campaigns below to pressure Wal-Mart to reduce its environmental impact and respect workers around the world.

-- Profile Updated 07/30/2007


Responsible Shopper - Global Research & Action to Stop Corporate Abuse CO-OP America-Economic Action for a Just Planet

Responsible Shopper - Global Research & Action to Stop Corporate Abuse CO-OP America-Economic Action for a Just Planet

http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/profile.cfm?id=262#complaints


Responsible Shopper

Current Campaigns
Campaign for Safe CosmeticsEveryday products such as shampoo, deodorant and make-up contain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health consequences. Cosmetics manufacturers are allowed to use almost any chemical as an ingredient without government approval; however, some leading companies agree that cosmetics should be made with safe, non-toxic ingredients. Over 300 companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to make safe products and the campaign is calling for all cosmetics companies to do the same. www.safecosmetics.org

Complaints, Abuses, and Scandals
Health and Safety
Despite support from such groups as the Breast Cancer Fund, the Cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) actively lobbied against and defeated California legislation seeking a ban on phthalates (chemicals recently banned by the European Union linked to reproductive damage and birth defects) and disclosure of any dangerous chemicals in products. CTFA represents over 600 companies in the industry, including all major cosmetic companies like L'Oreal, Mary Kay, Revlon, Estee Lauder, and Procter and Gamble.
-- Environmental Working Group, 03/11/2005Source URL: www.ewg.org/news/story.php?id=3704

Check out to see if what you are using is safe?

Contact me for more information on safer products


Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Links from Mothers' Center (National Association)

From National Association of Mothers' Center

Recommended Reading
A varied list of books recommended by NAMC on topics of interest to mothers.

Resources from National Association of Mothers' Center....
Postpartum Support International (PSI)http://www.postpartum.net
Many women are not prepared for the wide range of emotions they may experience after childbirth. They often feel sadness, anger, anxiety, or a sense of inadequacy. The important thing to remember is that the symptoms are temporary and treatable.
Breastfeeding Supporthttp://www.edithkernerman.com
The Newman Breastfeeding Clinic & Institute has a free forum where women can write/ask questions regarding their breastfeeding concerns. Their staff responds to all questions very promptly and there are excellent handouts and videos to download.
Parents' Action for Childrenhttp://www.parentsaction.org/
Parents' Action for Children, a non-partisan organization founded by actor/director Rob Reiner, is mobilizing parents to stand up for policies that put children and families first. Parents' Action offers a wide range of information for parents.
Campaign for A Commercial Free Childhoodhttp://www.commercialexploitation.org/
A national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups and concerned parents to counter the harmful effects of marketing to children through action, advocacy, education, research, and collaborations.
The Born Learning Campaignhttp://bornlearning-staging.r-effects.com/default.aspx?id=33
Children are constantly learning, right from birth. Their early years are the foundation for growth and development. Explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning experiences.
Commonsense Mediawww.commonsensemedia.org
This organization's goal is to provide trustworthy information and create a forum where adults and kids can learn from each other, speak out, and participate in creating a responsible and enjoyable media environment for everyone.
Dads & Daughtershttp://www.dadsanddaughters.org/
Dads and Daughters is the national advocacy nonprofit for fathers and daughters. DADs inspires fathers to actively and deeply engage in the lives of their daughters and helps change the cultural messages that devalue girls and women.
CIVITAShttp://www.civitas.org/
Civitas is the communication group that produces Born Learning™, a public engagement campaign that provides important information about what young children need every day to ensure quality early learning. This is support for your critical role as parent.
Mothers Movement Onlinehttp://www.mothersmovement.org/
Resources and reporting for mothers and others who think about social change.
Mothers & Morehttp://www.mothersandmore.org
Mothers & More is a network for mothers who are – by choice or circumstance – altering their participation in the paid workplace over the course of their active parenting years.
Brain, Childhttp://www.brainchildmag.com/
A quarterly publication that treats motherhood as a subject worthy of literature. And in the best tradition of literature, it celebrates the diversity of mothers and their styles.
Mothering Magazinehttp://www.mothering.com/
Mothering celebrates the experience of parenthood as worthy of one's best efforts and fosters awareness of the immense importance and value of parenthood and family life in the development of the full human potential.
Zero to Threehttp://www.zerotothree.org
ZERO TO THREE's mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities, and those who work on their behalf. Their link for parents gives you access to "Parenting A-Z".
Family & Home Networkhttp://www.familyandhome.org/
Supports and encourages mothers and fathers who choose to forgo or cut back on paid employment to be home with their children.
La Leche League Internationalhttp://www.lalecheleague.org/
La Leche League is the only organization with the sole purpose of helping breastfeeding mothers. When a woman joins La Leche League, she participates in a mother-to-mother helping network, a priceless resource for breastfeeding and parenting help.
United Way Success by 6http://national.unitedway.org/sb6/
United Way Success By 6 is a national community-based movement of public and private partners that work together to deliver proven solutions that ensure all children ages zero to six are healthy, nurtured and ready to succeed.
National Committee of Grandparents for Children'swww.GrandparentsForChildren.org
A coalition of concerned grandparents, citizens and agencies united to create one powerful voice to advocate and lobby for legislative changes that protect the rights of grandparents to secure their grandchildren's health, happiness and well-being. They
North Shore Child and Family Guidance Centerhttp://www.northshorechildguidance.org/
(Regional) The leading children's mental health agency on Long Island providing a range of mental health services for children, youth, and families.
Family Support America (FSA)http://www.frca.org
The goal of FSA is to strengthen and empower families and communities so that they can foster the optimal development of children, youth, and adult family members.


Learn About Chemicals Around Your House from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour

There are many household products used around your home. What do you know about them?
Join us for a house tour and learn more about the chemicals around your home.

Learn About Chemicals Around Your House!

History of Healthy Child Healthy World (CHEC) Timeline

Healthy Child Healthy World (formerly known as CHEC) Timeline:

April 1991: Nancy and Jim Chuda establish the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund (CCEF) after their daughter, Colette, dies of a non-genetic cancer. CCEF begins funding new research to identify the causes of childhood cancers.

June 1992: Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC) is created. CHEC’s mission is to inform parents about the preventable childhood health and developmental problems cause by exposures to toxic substances and to educate them on risk reduction in their homes, schools, and community. Olivia Newton-John agrees to serve as CHEC’s national spokesperson.
November 1994: Handle With Care: Children and Environmental Carcinogens, funded by CCEF and authored by the Natural Resources Defense Council, is published. This report is the first-ever systematic analysis of children’s exposure to carcinogens in their home and school environments.

September 1996: Senator Boxer (D – CA) introduces in the Senate the Children’s Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Boxer dedicates the bill to the memory of Colette Chuda. The Chudas meet with Senator Barbara Boxer, who subsequently proposes an ammendment to protect vulnerable populations, addressing the need for greater environmental protections for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Her testimony references Colette Chuda and CCEF-sponsored research.

October 1996: The Chudas are awarded The California League of Conservation Voters' Environmental Leadership Award for their dedication to children's environmental health protections in their home state of California.

November 1996: CHEC publishes the first CHEC Report, an educational newsletter to inform parents how they can safeguard their children from toxins in their environment. Its call-to-action supports the (CEPA). In response to this action alert, it garners over 80 national grassroots organizations to sign on in support of CEPA.

April 1997: President Clinton signs Executive Order 12606, endorsing improved research to protect children and the establishment of new safeguards that consider special environmental health risks to children.
CHEC hosts the Children's Environmental Health Symposium: Bridging the Gap between Children's Health and the Environment, at The Sundance Institute in Sundance, Utah. Margaret Wentworth Owings, co-founder of the Environmental Defense Fund, receives CHEC's Lifetime Environmental Leadership Award. This event is the first national grassroots symposium that brings together activists, scientists, and policy makers to present and exchange information on critical issues regarding children's environmental health.
The Chudas attend a press conference in Washington, DC with Senator Boxer and Representative James Moran (VA) where Sen. Moran introduces the Children's Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), H.R. 2451, in the House of Representatives.

February 1998: CHEC publishes The Household Detective Primer: How to Protect Your Children From Toxins in the Home, an introduction to the less- and non-toxic alternatives available to parents.

June 1999: CHEC creates its Science Advisory Committee. A select team of 12 nationally recognized health science experts agree to serve. Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and environmental health expert at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, is appointed chair.

Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician in private practice and assistant professor of pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, is selected as co-chair.
CHEC Board of Directors adopts the plan for a National Environmental Childproofing Campaign, a multi-media national educational outreach effort to expand the well known practice of "childproofing" the home to include easy-to-implement precautions that limit unnecessary exposures to pervasive environmental pollutants linked to asthma, developmental learning disorders, cancer, and other chronic health problems.

September 1999: CHEC and the Institute for Children's Environmental Health (ICEH) co-convene the Children's Environmental Health Summit, in Tarrytown, N.Y. More than 25 leaders from a cross-section of medical, advocacy, governmental, and non-profit organizations address issues related to children's health and the environment and outline strategy to work in partnership.

November 1999: CHEC and the Institute for Children's Environmental Health establish Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment. Over 60 national government, academic, medical, and community-based organizations sign on to The Guiding Principles for Children's Environmental Health. They agree to work together towards building a strong, sustainable, and collaborative movement to protect current and future generations from harmful environmental exposures.

March 2000: The Senate approves an amendment on Pesticide Use in Schools. Written by Senator Barbara Boxer (CA), this amendment is part of CEPA. It requires schools to give parents 48-hour notice before spraying any pesticide that contains a known carcinogen, a developmental or reproductive toxin, or an acute nerve toxin. It also directs EPA to distribute to schools its existing booklet on how to reduce the use of toxic pesticides.

June 2000: Jubilation Concert 2000, a fundraiser chaired by Vice President Albert Gore, is held at the home of Cindra and Alan Ladd, Jr. Kelly Preston and John Travolta, Michael and Judy Eisner and the Chudas co-host. Olivia Newton-John produces the concert; Clint Black, Kenny Loggins, Jim Brickman, and Ms. Newton-John perform.
CHEC presents Environmental Leadership Awards to Dr. Kenneth Olden, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), for his leadership role in children's environmental health research and Senator Barbara Boxer (CA), for her outstanding legislative efforts on behalf of children's environmental health. An Honorary Citizen's Award is given to Erin Brockovich for her efforts in protecting children's environmental health.

October 2000: CHEC is a recipient of a US HUD Healthy Homes Initiative grant supporting the creation of a web-based, children's environmental health center.

December 2000: Erin Brockovich joins CHEC's Advisory Board.

June 2000: Jubilation Concert 2000, a fundraiser chaired by Vice President Albert Gore, is held at the home of Cindra and Alan Ladd, Jr. Kelly Preston and John Travolta, Michael and Judy Eisner and the Chudas co-host. Olivia Newton-John produces the concert; Clint Black, Kenny Loggins, Jim Brickman, and Ms. Newton-John perform.

May 2001: CHEC releases a special-interest video, Not Under My Roof: Protecting Your Baby from Toxins at Home. This 15-minute video, hosted by Olivia Newton-John and Kelly Preston, provides information to parents about potential environmental hazards found in the home.
Highlights of National Environmental Childproofing Campaign press tour include the following appearances: Good Morning America, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Bloomberg Radio, and a National Press Club Newsmakers event. CHEC invites all members of Congress to a special video screening and reception at the US Senate Russell Caucus Room.

November 2001: Not Under My Roof is added to Newborn Channel programming in over 1,000 maternity hospitals.
CHEC launches its First Steps, a monthly email program, to enable parents to sign up and receive information throughout their baby's first year of life. The information provided helps parents make their homes the safe haven they want for their new baby.

February 2002: Kelly Preston launches CHEC's HealtheHouse on Good Morning America and The View - The Children's Environmental Health portal, offering a web based interactive Virtual House identifying environmental health hazards and suggesting safer alternatives.

May 2002: CHEC launches the Health-eNews, a free email newsletter. Sent twice monthly, each issue contains news briefs along with tips on how to protect children from environmental hazards around the home and in the community.

June 2002: CHEC launches Erin Brockovich Action Kit.

October 2002: CHEC celebrates its 10th-year anniversary with a benefit concert, 'OneWorld, One Child' on October 10th in Beverly Hills, CA. The evening brings together a gathering of artists to raise awareness, funding and advocacy for CHEC. The event is hosted by Kelly Preston, John Travolta, and Erin Brockovich, as well as co-founders Nancy and Jim Chuda.
CHEC also recognizes three exceptional women who have worked to protect and defend children's health. These individuals, each renowned in her field, include actress Meryl Streep, scientist Dr. Lawrie Mott and businesswoman Nell Newman.

November 2002: Kelly Preston is named to the International Pediatric Hospital Hall of Fame, an honor given annually by the Board of Trustees from Miami Children1s Hospital Foundation for work in pediatric medicine, philanthropy, and protection of children.

February 2003: CHEC's Executive Director serves on the planning committee for a national Symposium on Children's Environmental Health: Identifying And Preventing Environmental Risks.
Sponsored by The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the meeting takes place at the Natcher Conference Center on the NIH campus in Bethesda MD, February 24-26. Ms. Sword shares CHEC's educational tools and programmatic initiatives as part of her childhood cancer panel presentation.
Participants range from scientists to activists and included physicians, journalists and other dedicated specialists. Identifying and preventing environmental threats to children and seeking better ways of informing the public were the major foci of the conference. As such, discussion between specialized individuals with each party sharing their expertise with other interested symposium members opened the way for critical communication, education and understanding

May 2003: CHEC partners with Earthbound Farm, the nation's largest organic produce company and five other top organic food and natural product brands to increase membership and encourage consumers to buy organic. Through this promotion, consumers who join CHEC receive coupons for free products from Earthbound Farm, Cascadian Farm, Eden Foods, Organic Valley, Santa Cruz Organics and Seventh Generation. They range from cooperatives of small organic farms to worldwide natural product distributors and specializing in everything from meats and pastas to every day household cleaners

June 2003: CHEC Board member Erin Brockovich is featured on 7 million Organic Valley milk cartons that help to educate consumers that "choosing organic is an easy way to protect our children's health." By using products such as Organic Valley's milk and other organic foods parents can help provide a healthy lifestyle for their children.
The 550 farmers in the Organic Valley cooperative are honored to be partners with the Children's Health Environmental Coalition," said George Siemon, Founding Farmer and CEO of Organic Valley Family of Farms, America's largest organic cooperative. "It's clear that an organic diet reduces children's exposure to harmful pesticides. Organic Valley is farming for future generations - to protect children's health - and CHEC is fulfilling that promise."

July 2003: CHEC's comprehensive new guidebook, the Household Detective: Protecting Your Children From Toxins At Home is re-released. This guide discusses the array of environmental dangers in and around the home and ways to reduce risks and exposures that specifically impact on children. Based on the most reliable scientific research, CHEC's authors combed the most up to date resources to uncover household toxins and present alternatives to the use of toxic products in the home. Designed as a reference guide, the Household Detective is user friendly as a research tool, scientific aide, or an every day home resource created for practical use.
Included in the book are specialized glossaries on cleaning products, pest control, and pet hygiene along with numerous ways to meet everyday challenges in the home and garden. The Household Detective is a CHEC membership premium and is also available for sale at checnet.org.

September 2003: CHEC partners with Cedars Sinai Medical Center of Los Angeles to provide new parents with CHEC's critically acclaimed video on preventing exposure to dangerous toxins in and around the home. The hospital will distribute the video, Not Under My Roof! Protecting Your Baby From Toxins At Home, free of charge to all new parents for the next two years as well as CHEC's First Steps brochure.

October 2003: Kelly Preston is featured in the CIGNA Power of Caring series in Time, Sports Illustrated and People magazines. "Kelly Preston is Passionate About Protecting Children" details Kelly's early ordeal with her son Jett, as well as celebrating her leadership role as CHEC's national spokesperson. The profile reaches over 90 million readers.

November 2003: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of Los Angeles partners with CHEC to provide new parents with CHEC’s critically acclaimed video on preventing exposure to dangerous toxins in and around the home. The hospital distributes the video, Not Under My Roof! Protecting Your Baby From Toxins at Home, free of charge to all new parents for the next two years.

November 2004: One World One Child Fund raiser is held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City to benefit CHEC and Arts for Healing, a not-for-profit music and art therapy center reaching children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities. Olivia Newton-John, the award-winning singer, songwriter and actor was honored for her help in establishing CHEC in 1992 and her decade-long service as its national spokesperson and continuing advocate as a member of the CHEC Board of Directors. She has conveyed CHEC’s message about children’s environmental health to hundreds of millions of people worldwide due to her worldwide celebrity. Additional honoree, Dr. Clive Robbins, a co-originator of Creative Music Therapy, received recognition by Arts for Healing for his innovative approach to music therapy, developed 40 years ago, that is used today in centers worldwide dedicated to its application with children and adults living with developmental disabilities.

June 2005: Healthy Babies, Healthy Kids, a Green Power Baby Shower, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica held to educate celebrity parents and friends about simple eco-savvy solutions to use inside and outside the home to reduce babies’ exposures to toxins. Actors/Activists Ed Begley, Jr and Bynthe Danner greet the more than 300 attendees. Educational presentations by pediatricians Dr.Alan Greene, author of “From First Kicks to First Steps”, and Harvey Karp, CHEC Board Member and author of best-selling books The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block. The Event was sponsored by CHEC and EMA: The Environmental Media Association.

October/November 2005: Los Angeles Magazine-sponsored Design House Showcase Tour 2005 features the green home designed and constructed by architect and CHEC Co-Founder James Chuda, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of environmental design opens to the public to benefit CHEC. Home sets precedent for holistic and ecological architecture. Built into the hills under the legendary Hollywood sign, it offers a blueprint for a nontoxic healthy habitat, utilizing building materials and techniques that are protective of human health and the environment. Special Los Angeles Magazine supplement in November edition features Healthy Home designers, products and follow up contact information. Leonardo DiCaprio does a walk through of the home with the founders of CHEC, Nancy and Jim Chuda as seen on Oprah.

AIR POLLUTERS - Air Freshners & Deodorizers


Fragrances in Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
Pamela Lundquist
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
http://healthychild.org/resources/article/fragrances_in_air_fresheners_and_deodorizers

Given all the chemicals in most commercial air fresheners, they should be called air polluters. Luckily, there are healthier ways of keeping your home smelling fresh -- like nothing at all, that is.

To perfume the air or cover up unpleasant odors, many people resort to air fresheners and deodorizers. Most air fresheners don't actually eliminate the source of the odor--they simply mask the bad smell with fragrance. Like other fragrance products, air fresheners are created with any of over 3000 synthetic chemical ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on the label, using instead the generic term "fragrance." (See Fragrances: What Your Nose Needs to Know for more on regulatory issues regarding fragrances.)

Deodorizers, on the other hand, may contain fragrance, but they usually also include ingredients that absorb odors, such as baking soda. They may also contain chemicals to kill bacteria or molds that cause bad odors. Antimicrobial ingredients such as these, considered pesticides by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are usually overkill--most odor-causing bacteria can be washed away with soap and water. (See Antibacterials and Disinfectants: Are They Necessary?)

Air fresheners and deodorizers that come in aerosol form frequently contain petrochemical propellants such as butane, isobutane and propane--all of which are neurotoxic at high concentrations. The tiny droplets that are released into the air when you spray an aerosol don't just disappear. Though you can't really see them, they are easily inhaled into the lungs, where they can irritate airways, especially among children and asthmatics. They are also highly flammable.

These propellants, along with the fragrance chemicals in air fresheners and deodorizers can irritate the skin, eyes or airways. For example, ethyl alcohol is a mild eye, skin and respiratory tract irritant. Limonene is an irritant and sensitizer, which means that repeated exposure can result in an allergy to the substance. Camphor, common in solid air fresheners, is another irritant capable of causing headaches, shortness of breath, weakness and central nervous system depression. A particularly nasty ingredient in air deodorants, paradichlorobenzene (a pesticide also used in moth balls) is an eye irritant and, according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), possibly causes reproductive effects and cancer.

Though one blast of an air freshener is unlikely to cause harm, multiple fragrances and frequent use can make indoor air quite polluted, especially if your home is poorly ventilated.

Even when the chemicals have fallen out of your breathing space, they land on the floor, carpeting, or furniture, leaving residues. When children play on the carpet, for example, they may ingest the fragrance chemicals by touching the rug and then putting their hands into their mouths. Carpeting also tends to act like a "sink," where indoor air pollutants can collect. Adding potentially hazardous chemicals from fragrances to the mix may result in unexpected combinations with unknown toxicity.

Considering all the chemicals in air fresheners, they might better be called air polluters! And using an air freshener to mask smells doesn’t solve the underlying problem. If it turns out you're simply covering up a mold problem, even worse indoor air can result if the mold continues to grow. The best way to rid your house of odors is to keep it clean, moisture-free and well ventilated. These are the basic steps to Healthier Indoor Air , in general. And if an odor just won't dissipate, try a natural deodorizer, such as baking soda, zeolite, or white vinegar.

Related Articles
Fragrance in Perfumes and Cosmetics
Fragrances in Cleaning Products, Fabric Softeners and Laundry Detergents
Fragrances in Candles, Incense and Potpourri
Related Checklist
Freshen Indoor Air Naturally

Let's make our home a safe environment!

New United Nation Report Acknowledges Hazards for Children - which contribute to Chronic Repiratory disease later in life.

New United Nation Report Acknowledges Hazards for Children

UNITED NATIONS, July 29 - A new report by the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) says that environmental hazards are responsible for the deaths of several million children every year.

The report, titled 'Principles for Evaluating Health Risks in Children Associated with Exposure to Chemicals', highlights the fact that in children, the stage in their development when exposure occurs may be just as important as the magnitude of the exposure.
Its WHO's first ever report focusing on children's special susceptibility to harmful chemical exposures at different periods of their growth.

"Children are not just small adults," said Dr Terri Damstra, the Geneva-based WHO's team leader for the Interregional Research Unit.

"Children are especially vulnerable and respond differently from adults when exposed to environmental factors - and this response may differ according to the different periods of development they are going through."

According to the expert, children's lungs are not fully developed at birth, or even at the age of eight, and lung maturation may be altered by air pollutants that induce acute respiratory effects in childhood and may be the origin of
chronic respiratory disease later in life.
The report points out that air and water contaminants, pesticides in food, lead in soil, as well many other environmental threats which alter the delicate organism of a growing child may cause or worsen disease and induce developmental problems. Over 30 percent of the global burden of disease in children can be attributed to environmental factors, the report says. According to the report, the vulnerability of children is increased in degraded and poor environments. Neglected and malnourished children suffer the most. One in five children in the poorest parts of the world will not live longer than their fifth birthday - mainly because of environment-related diseases.

Monday, July 30, 2007 Posted by Christopher Gavigan

http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/new_united_nation_report_acknowledges_hazards_for_children/

Let's make our home a safe environment!
Request more info @ www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com
or email me - juliasings@spamarrest.com
or call 727-232-1328
to find out how you can make your home environment a safe & healthy one!

Happier Healthier Families!
www.FamilySIngsWithJoy.com

Important Links

Links
The following health related sites are available for use by health professionals and the general public. This list is by no means all encompassing, but will provide a starting point for searching and evaluating medical information on the Internet. These WWW pages may change periodically or may be deleted entirely.
Organizations
Patient Information and News
Poison Center Web Sites
Organizations:
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT)
American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)
American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)
American Industrial Hygiene AssociationAIHA is an organization dedicated to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors arising in or from the workplace that may result in injury, illness, impairment, or affect the well-being of workers and members of the community. .Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)This website includes a link to MMWR, health information, traveler's health and vaccination recommendations, statistics and epidemiology, publications, immunization information, training and employment.
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Contains information to help keep American families safe by reducing the risk of injury or death from consumer products. Includes sections such as 4 Kids, Library, Public Calendar, Recalls, Talk to Us, What's Happening, etc.
Children's Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC)Practical and accurate information for parents on how to prevent children from being exposed to hazards in their homes. Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)A comprehensive site about this organization's initiative to reduce child disability and death due to injury and illness. The site includes products, services, links to injury and illness prevention services, and much more.
Environmental Protection AgencyThis website links to many aspects of the EPA, including recent press releases, regulatory action, databases and much more.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Contains information on foods, human drugs, biologics, devices, cosmetics, toxicology, news releases, legal briefs and the "Orange Book" through the Center for Drug Information. Also contains article and a search engine.
Merck-Medco Managed Care (pdf)Stop-and-Think Sam is a safety-conscious pooch who teaches children and their families how to prevent poisonings. Find out more from Merck-Medco Managed Care.
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC)This organization, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is dedicated to education on the dangers of inhalant abuse.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)Contains information on news and events, health information, Library catalogs and journals, grant information and links to the other organizations that make up NIH. Information about clinical trials available here.
National Institute on Drug AbuseThis site provides reliable, factual data and is a valuable resource for parents and educators looking for effective ways to communicate with young people about alcohol and other drug use.
National Library of MedicineAccess to Grateful Med, newsletters, reports, the Visible Human Project, MeSH headings, history of medicine, NIH Clinical Alerts, research programs, grants and Special Information Programs on toxicology, AIDS/HIV and others.
Partnership for a Drug-Free AmericaA one-stop shopping resource for parents. From prevention to intervention, this site has it all. It includes an extensive reading list, and addresses for free publications.
Poison Prevention Week CouncilThis Web site has been established to provide public information about the Poison Prevention Week Council, events associated with National Poison Prevention Week, and steps that you can take to help prevent accidental poisonings. It is also intended to promote community involvement in efforts to prevent accidental poisonings of small children.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Information about USDA, food safety, home canning, news, legislation and much more.
Patient Information and News:
CNN Health InformationCurrent health news from CNN.
Council on Family HealthThe Council on Family Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating consumers about the proper use of nonprescription and prescription medicines, dietary supplements, home safety and personal health.
EurekAlertNews server for up-to-date research in science, medicine and engineering. Posted daily by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. News releases, journal links, institutional links.
First Alert (CO information)Information about carbon monoxide, health effects, sources, detectors, current OSHA standards and more.
Health on the Net FoundationInternational organization with a searchable database, free Medline®, media gallery, conferences and events, FAQ's. Designed to link and build medical communication with the international medical community.
HealthSeekOnline database that is searchable by phrase, keyword or name. Online bookstore, online journals, consumer health information, and medical resources are available. Links to many allied health pages and organizations.
HealthTouch OnlineHealth information by specialty, drug information, health resource directory.
Learn about Chemicals around your HouseThis interactive site teaches children about ordinary household pesticide products that may contain harmful chemicals. The web site includes information about toxic substances stored in different rooms in the house, and answers commonly asked questions on safe use and storage of pesticides and other toxic products
Medical BreakthroughsSite has e-mail for "first to know" news, latest reports and weekly topics. Free subscription, archives of back issues and links to other sites.
Medical Consultant-Virtual Medical ClinicContains online store, medical topics by specialty and free newsletter.
Physician Select - American Medical AssociationOnline list published by the AMA of physicians including, name, address, phone number, education, residency training and board certification. Some physicians have expanded listings with interests. Over 650,000 physicians listed. Also contains list of medical journals.
Zero to ThreeZERO TO THREE's mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities, and those who work on their behalf. This site includes an A to Z listing of links useful to parents
American Association of Poison Control Centers
http://www.1-800-222-1222.info/poisonPrevention/home.asp

Links
The following health related sites are available for use by health professionals and the general public. This list is by no means all encompassing, but will provide a starting point for searching and evaluating medical information on the Internet. These WWW pages may change periodically or may be deleted entirely.
Organizations
Patient Information and News
Poison Center Web Sites
Organizations:
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT)
American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)
American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)
American Industrial Hygiene AssociationAIHA is an organization dedicated to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors arising in or from the workplace that may result in injury, illness, impairment, or affect the well-being of workers and members of the community. .Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)This website includes a link to MMWR, health information, traveler's health and vaccination recommendations, statistics and epidemiology, publications, immunization information, training and employment.
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Contains information to help keep American families safe by reducing the risk of injury or death from consumer products. Includes sections such as 4 Kids, Library, Public Calendar, Recalls, Talk to Us, What's Happening, etc.
Children's Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC)Practical and accurate information for parents on how to prevent children from being exposed to hazards in their homes. Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)A comprehensive site about this organization's initiative to reduce child disability and death due to injury and illness. The site includes products, services, links to injury and illness prevention services, and much more.
Environmental Protection AgencyThis website links to many aspects of the EPA, including recent press releases, regulatory action, databases and much more.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Contains information on foods, human drugs, biologics, devices, cosmetics, toxicology, news releases, legal briefs and the "Orange Book" through the Center for Drug Information. Also contains article and a search engine.
Merck-Medco Managed Care (pdf)Stop-and-Think Sam is a safety-conscious pooch who teaches children and their families how to prevent poisonings. Find out more from Merck-Medco Managed Care.
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC)This organization, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is dedicated to education on the dangers of inhalant abuse.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)Contains information on news and events, health information, Library catalogs and journals, grant information and links to the other organizations that make up NIH. Information about clinical trials available here.
National Institute on Drug AbuseThis site provides reliable, factual data and is a valuable resource for parents and educators looking for effective ways to communicate with young people about alcohol and other drug use.
National Library of MedicineAccess to Grateful Med, newsletters, reports, the Visible Human Project, MeSH headings, history of medicine, NIH Clinical Alerts, research programs, grants and Special Information Programs on toxicology, AIDS/HIV and others.
Partnership for a Drug-Free AmericaA one-stop shopping resource for parents. From prevention to intervention, this site has it all. It includes an extensive reading list, and addresses for free publications.
Poison Prevention Week CouncilThis Web site has been established to provide public information about the Poison Prevention Week Council, events associated with National Poison Prevention Week, and steps that you can take to help prevent accidental poisonings. It is also intended to promote community involvement in efforts to prevent accidental poisonings of small children.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Information about USDA, food safety, home canning, news, legislation and much more.
Patient Information and News:
CNN Health InformationCurrent health news from CNN.
Council on Family HealthThe Council on Family Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating consumers about the proper use of nonprescription and prescription medicines, dietary supplements, home safety and personal health.
EurekAlertNews server for up-to-date research in science, medicine and engineering. Posted daily by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. News releases, journal links, institutional links.
First Alert (CO information)Information about carbon monoxide, health effects, sources, detectors, current OSHA standards and more.
Health on the Net FoundationInternational organization with a searchable database, free Medline®, media gallery, conferences and events, FAQ's. Designed to link and build medical communication with the international medical community.
HealthSeekOnline database that is searchable by phrase, keyword or name. Online bookstore, online journals, consumer health information, and medical resources are available. Links to many allied health pages and organizations.
HealthTouch OnlineHealth information by specialty, drug information, health resource directory.
Learn about Chemicals around your HouseThis interactive site teaches children about ordinary household pesticide products that may contain harmful chemicals. The web site includes information about toxic substances stored in different rooms in the house, and answers commonly asked questions on safe use and storage of pesticides and other toxic products
Medical BreakthroughsSite has e-mail for "first to know" news, latest reports and weekly topics. Free subscription, archives of back issues and links to other sites.
Medical Consultant-Virtual Medical ClinicContains online store, medical topics by specialty and free newsletter.
Physician Select - American Medical AssociationOnline list published by the AMA of physicians including, name, address, phone number, education, residency training and board certification. Some physicians have expanded listings with interests. Over 650,000 physicians listed. Also contains list of medical journals.
Zero to ThreeZERO TO THREE's mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities, and those who work on their behalf. This site includes an A to Z listing of links useful to parents.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Poison Proof Homes - Poison Prevention

Below is an article I found that gives advise about Poison Proofing our homes.
It talks all about hiding the chemicals because:
Each year that are approximately 30 deaths and nearly 1 million accidental incidents in which children less than 5 years of age that are exposed to potential poisons. "All citizens should be aware of the ever-present dangers posed by potentially poisonous household substances."

But - how about NOT BRINGING POISONS INTO OUR HOME! We don't have to bring these poisonous potentially fatal chemicals into our homes! Request more information at www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com to hear about safer products for your home with a 22 year old Health & Wellness company that's won an award for being in good standing with the Better Business Bureau 20 years in a row. Also - the opportunity to build a business just by referring others to this great company!

Let's stop risking our childrens' lives, our own and the environment for the sake of saving a few bucks by going to a cheap store.

March 22, 2005
For Immediate Release
To: News Directors and News EditorsFrom: Veronika Avery, Assistant Director of Media Relations, 342-5444, vavery@ulm.edu

ULM Calls on Parents to Poison Proof Homes in Honor of Poison Prevention Week
Do you have small children or pets at home? If so, then this is the perfect time to learn how to keep them from accidental poisonings. This week is National Poison Prevention Week. The Louisiana Drug Information and Poison Control Center (LDIPCC) at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is reminding everyone to poison proof their homes and offers some important advice on how to do that.
ULM Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Pharmacy, F. Lamar Pritchard, Ph.D., says this is a good time for everyone to check your homes and safe guard against accidental poisonings. "ULM is home for the Louisiana Drug Information and Poison Control Center," said Pritchard. "We have a responsibility to educate Louisianans about poison prevention. This is a perfect time to let everyone know where to go to obtain information concerning poison prevention. A toll free phone number, experts and a web site with information about poison prevention are all available from the LDIPCC at ULM. We hope everyone takes this important step to poison proof their homes."
Governor Kathleen Blanco recently issued a proclamation in support of National Poison Prevention Week. In it, she stated, "All citizens should be aware of the ever-present dangers posed by potentially poisonous household substances."
Below are some basic poison prevention tips that every person should check during National Poison Prevention Week:
o Call 800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
o Keep items in original containers and leave the original labels on all products. Read the label before using medications
o Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicine. Double check the dosage each and every time
o Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicines as "medicines," not "candy"
o Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of unneeded and outdated medicines.
Find these important points and more at: http://www.lapcc.org/
Since March 16, 1992, ULM has been the home of the Louisiana Drug Information and Poison Control Center. The center is certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. The LDIPCC is staffed by a medical director that is board-certified in emergency toxicology, a managing director, licensed pharmacists and nurses that function as Certified Specialists in Poison Information. The LDIPCC handles over 100 calls per day concerning poison control cases. Emergency calls come into the center from across the entire state of Louisiana.
Each year there are approximately 30 deaths and nearly 1 million incidents in which children less than 5 years of age are exposed to potential poisons. The American Association of Poison Control Centers, and the Poison Prevention Week Council urge parents to use products with child-resistant packaging; keep medicines and chemicals locked up and away from children; and when needed call the national toll-free number for poison control centers at 1-800-222-1222 if a possible poisoning occurs.
For this and other ULM news online visit www.ulm.edu.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Dishwashing Detergent The Surprising POISON

Dishwashing DetergentThe Surprising Poison

DISHWASHING DETERGENT
Dishwashing Detergents and Indoor Air Pollution
What household cleaning product causes the most poisonings? It’s not bleach, Lysol, or drain unblocker – according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, it’s dishwashing detergent. Most of them contain naphtha, a fuel ingredient that is also a nervous system depressant similar to hemlock or Valium.
Dishwashing detergent and other cleaning agents may also have diethanolsamine (a liver poison), chlorophenylphenol (a toxic metabolic stimulant), chlorine, or carbamazepine (another central nervous system depressant). Not only are these chemicals dangerous to your children and pets if ingested, but whenever you wash dishes or clean with them, you’re releasing fumes containing these toxins into the air you’re breathing.
Doesn’t sound like that’s too bad? You eat two or three pounds of food each day and drink about three pounds. But you inhale fifteen or more pounds of air – and any toxins in the air come inside as well. In addition, your lungs aren’t as good at removing toxins as your stomach is, so more toxins get into your system. The EPA recently announced that indoor air quality is our most significant environmental issue today.
Consider the following facts:
Many homes have airborne pollutant levels 25 to 100 times that of the air outside the home.
Cleaning and personal care products you use in your home are three times as likely to cause cancer as airborne pollutants from outside.
1500 hazardous substances can be found in the typical North American home.
About 50% of ALL illnesses are caused by or aggravated by indoor pollution.
Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.
Housewives may have a 55% higher risk of cancer than women working outside the home. Natural cleansers would be a better way to go?
Yes!

To learn more email me @ juliasings@spamarrest.com or
Visit my web-site and request more information:
www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com

Stop Poisoning Our Children

Stop Poisoning Our Children!
Ever wonder why
ADHD, Allergies, Asthma, CANCER, and so many other health problems are on the rise?

Do you have any of these products in your home? CHLORINE BLEACH, AMMONIA, DISHWASHING DETERGENT; FURNITURE POLISH, AIR FRESHNERS, etc.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health analyzed 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products that are actually causing us a lot of harm!
These were the results:
884 – were toxic;
314 – caused biological mutation;
218 – caused reproductive complications;
778 – caused acute toxicity;
148 – caused tumors;
376 – caused skin & eye irritations.

The advertising companies don’t want you to discover about the ingredients in a number of products in your home. Look at the labels – do you see ingredients like:
FORMALDEHYDE – highly toxic, known carcinogen; found in Air Fresheners & J&J Baby Shampoo!
CHLORINE BLEACH - strong corrosive and can burn or irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory system. Can cause vomiting or coma if swallowed!
AMMONIA; very volatile and damaging to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract!
PHENOL: can cause skin to burn, peel, & sweat. Can cause convulsions, coma, circulatory collapse and ever DEATH!-found in Air Fresheners and other products!

There are others: benzene, toluene, deet, dioxin (Agent Orange – found in Lysol), ammonia, cresol, lye, PERC or bleach. These are just a few of the highly toxic chemicals that can be found in many name brand/store brand items we are buying, using, and ingesting everyday!

LAUNDRY DETERGENTS-like TIDE contains LYE and is the #1 polluter/#1 seller!
DISWASHING DETERGENTS: contact dry chlorine that is highly concentrated. #1 cause of child poisonings, according to poison control centers.
FURNITURE POLISH: contains Petroleum Distillates, which are highly flammable and can cause lung and skin cancer!

EDUCATE YOURSELF! The Safe Shopper’s Bible by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein M.D. 1995
Create a Safe and Healthy Home Know your A B C’s By Dr. Joyce M. Woods

SO WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE???
There is a Wellness Company that offers Non-toxic and environmentally safe
– LESS EXPENSIVE alternative products to our current brands AND you could have them delivered to your door… There is a 22 Year old company focused on Health & Wellness!
Listed in Inc 500 Magazine as one of the fastest growing Companies in America!
For more information visit www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com; email juliasings@spamarrest.com or call me 727-232-1328

Healthier Happier Families!
To learn more visit www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com
(Ask about the option to earn residual income from home!)
Work at home! Flexibility! More time with Family!