Let's Stop Poisoning Our Children

How safe is your home?
Of chemicals commonly used in homes 150 have been linked to, allergies, birth defects and cancer.
Cleaning products (which people usually think of first) are not the only problem - after analyzing 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products 884 were found to be toxic. That is 1 in 3!

According to Philip Landrigan M. D. of Mount Sinai Medical Center, the most pressing health issues for children today are:

1. the rise of asthma
2. the rise in childhood cancers
3. the rise in central nervous system disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and other learning disorders as the result of environmental neurotoxins
4. the effects of endocrine disruptors*

All these are related to toxic chemical exposure in the home.  Let's Stop Poisoning our Children!

The GOOD NEWS

Fortunately, for every almost every toxic product there is a safe alternative available. There are a number of ethical conscientious companies now offering household and personal care products that are safe and more natural. They work just as well or better than of the shelf brands, and in many cases actually cost less. So, there's really no reason to risk the health of your children or yourself any longer.

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children yet we all use hundreds of chemicals everyday, supposedly to keep our homes clean and safe.  These same products are destroying our health and more importantly the health of our children. As I talk to more and more concerned parents I learn that most people still use chemicals which would be banned or aggressively controlled in the work place.

Let's stop poisoning our children. The first step can be as simple as requesting a Free Home Safety Consultation today from one of the Moms or Dads with EveVenture.
Sometimes a solution is as quick and easy as learning where to shop for safer products.

Sources:

1. Philip Landrigan M. D. of Mount Sinai Medical Center
2. Children's Environmental Health Center 
3. Graphic Source: RMBarry.com

There's No Place Like Home for Babies to Pick up Toxins

Crawling babies learn about the world with every step. They build their muscles as they discover the difference between smooth bathroom tiles and squishy living room rugs. To a baby's burgeoning taste buds, both taste great.

But research shows that babies pick up more than new skills as they explore their environments.

Infants may take in two to five times as much household dust as adults, even though they weigh only one-eighth as much, says Alan Greene, a pediatrician at Stanford University's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Because of that dust, babies are more likely to be exposed to pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals inside the home than outside, he says.

Children younger than 2 are also more vulnerable to toxins than adults because they're still developing, Greene says. On average, children that age who are exposed to a carcinogen are 10 times more likely than an adult to develop cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

"It's a sound assumption that we should be 10 times more careful with children," Greene says.

Pediatrician Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, suggests parents open their windows to ventilate the air once a day, if weather permits. He notes that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, partly because of solvents and other chemicals found in paint, flooring, rugs, furniture and dry cleaning. It is important to Follow a Greener Path.

Yet toxic exposures often start long before babies can crawl. Babies today are typically born "pre-polluted," exposed to potential carcinogens even before birth, a report by the President's Cancer Panel said in May.

In a study of umbilical cord blood by the Environmental Working Group, researchers found 180 carcinogens in babies and 217 chemicals that were toxic to the brain or nervous system.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 6% of cancer deaths — nearly 34,000 a year — are caused by environmental pollutants.

Because so little research has been done on cancer and the environment, it's possible the true number of pollution-related cancer deaths is actually much higher, the President's Cancer Panel says.

GREENER CLEANING: Follow a Greener Path

SOURCE: article by Liz Szabo http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-06-03-cancerandchemicals03_st_N.htm

Symptoms You Must Not Ignore in Children

The wait-and-see approach is fine for some kids' health problems. But not these.

By Kristyn Kusek Lewis  via Shine.Yahoo.com

When you become a parent, you earn a medical merit badge of sorts. Whether you're sopping up a goopy nose or extracting a dangling-by-a-thread baby tooth, eventually few things faze you. But sometimes it's tough to tell what warrants a call to your doctor's office: Which temperature actually classifies as a "high fever"? What kind of tummy ache means your child has more than your average stomach bug? And when something truly frightening happens -- say, your child suddenly breaks out in hives -- should you call your pediatrician or head straight to the E.R.?

"Parents should always err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical care when they're worried about something," says Anita Chandra-Puri, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group, in Chicago, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, to give you more specific guidelines to follow, we talked to top pediatricians about the 12 symptoms that always require medical attention.

Symptom #1: A fever that's 100.4°F or higher in a baby younger than 3 months; higher than 101°F in a baby 3 to 6 months; or higher than 103°F in a child 6 months to 2 years
Pediatricians stress that when fever strikes, the number on the thermometer isn't as important as your child's disposition. The one big exception: infants under 3 months old, who need immediate medical care if fever rises to 100.4°F. "If their fever is caused by a bacterial infection like a urinary-tract infection, it could quickly spread through the body," says pediatrician and Parents advisor Jennifer Shu, M.D., coauthor of Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. "It's usually just a common virus causing the symptoms, but we have to check it out to be sure." It's important to call your doctor right away; if it's after office hours, be on the safe side and head straight to the E.R. In kids older than 2, fevers aren't urgent as long as your child appears to be well hydrated and acting normal. Call your pediatrician for guidance.

Symptom #2: A fever that doesn't go down with treatment, or that lasts more than five days
If you've given your child a fever reducer like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and the number on the thermometer doesn't budge within four to six hours, call your pediatrician. This is a sign that the infection may be too strong for the body to fight off, and your doctor may want to do a thorough examination to determine the cause. A fever caused by a common virus like cold or flu typically goes away within five days. One that hangs on longer -- even when it's low-grade (100.4°F) -- may be caused by an infection like bacterial pneumonia, which requires antibiotic treatment, explains Alanna Levine, M.D., a pediatrician at Orangetown Pediatrics, in Tappan, New York.

Symptom #3: A fever that's accompanied by a stiff neck or headache or a rash that's either bruise-like or looks like tiny red dots
Call your doctor -- these can be signs of meningitis and need immediate attention.

Symptom #4: A rash that resembles a bull's-eye or consists of tiny red dots that don't disappear when you press the skin, or excessive bruising
A ring-shaped rash with a pale spot in the center can signify Lyme disease. Get help right away if you see pinpoint-size spots under the skin, which can signal many serious conditions. Any inexplicable, widespread bruising may be a sign of a possible blood disorder. In addition, a splotchy rash, often a little raised, may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If your child also has difficulty breathing or is agitated or lethargic, she should be checked immediately by a doctor.

Symptom #5: A mole that's new or changing
Keep tabs on your child's moles, especially any that she's had since birth, because those have a higher risk of becoming malignant, says Parents advisor Ari Brown, M.D., a pediatrician in Austin and author of Baby 411. Do a monthly skin check during bathtime. Alert your doctor if you notice a mole that's irregularly shaped, has ragged borders, is not all one color, or is raised. All of these are signs of a potential skin cancer.

Symptom #6: Stomach pain that's on the lower right side, or that's sudden and crampy and comes and goes
If your child has pain on the lower right side, ask him to jump up and down -- if it's excruciating for him to do so, it can be a sign of appendicitis. Although the appendix is on the lower right side of the abdomen, the pain caused by appendicitis can start around the belly button and migrate to the right. "With a normal stomach virus, there's typically fever, then vomiting, then stomachache and diarrhea," says Dr. Brown. "With appendicitis, it's sometimes diarrhea, then abdominal pain, then vomiting, then pain, then fever." If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor -- appendicitis progresses quickly and it's most effectively treated when caught early.

Symptom #7: A headache that occurs in the early morning or wakes her up in the middle of the night, or that's accompanied by vomiting
These could be signs of a migraine. Your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment. Migraines in kids are not dangerous, and tend to run in families. However, morning and middle-of-the-night headaches can also be a signal of something more serious, and that's why you want to see a doctor right away.

Symptom #8: Dry mouth and lips, decreased urination, a flat fontanelle (in an infant), dry skin or skin that stays bunched when you pinch it, or excessive vomiting or diarrhea
These signs are all associated with dehydration and need to be treated fast because dehydration can lead to shock. Call 911 or get to the hospital if you think your child is nearing this stage. Otherwise, call your doc and try to get more fluid into your child.

Symptom #9: Blueness or discoloration around the mouth; labored breathing where you can see your child sucking in his chest and abdomen; or panting, grunting, or a whistling sound when breathing
"Breathing problems are more worrisome when the sounds come from the chest and lungs, not the nose," says Dr. Shu. Critical breathing issues are often due to choking, an allergic reaction, an asthma attack (which can occur in kids as young as a few months old), pneumonia, whooping cough, or croup. Seek help right away or call 911. If it's not obvious that your child is having serious trouble, check his respiratory rate. Count each breath taken in for 30 seconds and then multiply by two. A normal rate is less than 60 for newborns; less than 40 for babies under 1 year; less than 30 for 1- to 3-year-olds; and less than 24 for 4- to 10-year-olds.

Symptom #10: Swollen tongue, lips, or eyes, especially when accompanied by vomiting or itchiness
These often signal a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms may include swelling, breathing problems, and severe hives and need immediate attention. Call 911 and, if possible, give your child a shot from an EpiPen or a dose of an antihistamine like Benadryl in the meantime. For less severe reactions, call your doctor and ask about giving an antihistamine to quell symptoms.

Symptom #11: A fall when your child is less than 6 months old, or has obvious neurological changes like confusion or loss of consciousness, or that causes vomiting and/or any damage to the body, such as broken bones
These emergency situations must be addressed by a doctor -- so head to the nearest medical facility. Falls are generally not problematic in kids older than 6 months if they only fall the distance of their height and don't land on anything hard or sharp.

Symptom #12: A cut that gapes open widely enough that you could stick a cotton swab in it, or that doesn't stop bleeding within a few minutes of applied pressure
These are signs that your child needs medical attention (and perhaps stitches, skin glue, a butterfly bandage, or staples). Depending on the severity of the injury, your next step should be to either call 911, go to the E.R., or call your pediatrician. You should also always see your doctor if an animal bites your child or if another child bites your child and breaks the skin.

The 5 Worst Foods for Babies

Eating junk food is more damaging to babies than adults. That's because babies don't need many calories, but they do need lots of nutrients. It's easy for them to fill up quickly on junk food's empty calories, leaving no room for nutrient-rich healthy foods, says doctor and American Dietetic Association spokesperson Christine Gerbstadt. The nutrition deficit can even hinder development, she adds.
So what's a parent to do? Start by learning which popular foods to stay away from. Here's our list of the worst food offenders for babies.

Soda

It seems too obvious to mention, but believe it or not, some babies are served soft drinks as early as 7 months of age, according to a survey of more than 3,000 families presented at the American Dietetic Association (ADA) conference in 2009.
Whether regular or diet, soft drinks provide absolutely no nutrients. Regular soda contains a ton of sugar, which can wreak havoc on your baby's teeth. And filling up on either type means babies eat and drink less of the nutritious food their bodies really need.

Juice

Sure, it comes from fruit, but that doesn't mean it's healthy. The fiber in fresh fruit is largely lost in the juicing process, and what's left is a whole lot of sugar. "Juice is basically a waste of calories," says pediatrician Ari Brown, co-author of Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year.

Using certain types of juice – specifically apple and pear – to sweeten your baby's food isn't a good idea either, says nutritionist Leanne Cooper, author of What Do I Feed My Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide to Solids. The sugars in these juices can speed up the food's passage through the digestive tract. "When food passes too quickly, the body doesn't have time to absorb all those lovely nutrients," says Cooper. It can also lead to diarrhea in some babies.

What about advertisers' claims that juice provides babies with necessary vitamin C? Don't be fooled. "Babies can easily get their vitamin C from one small serving of fruit," says Brown.
What should your baby drink instead? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies younger than 6 months drink nothing but breast milk or formula. Babies 6 to 12 months old can have small amounts of water, but breast milk or formula should still be their main beverage.  After the first birthday, cow's milk is recommended.

Crackers

They make convenient snacks once your baby can bite and chew, but it won't take many to satisfy your little one's appetite, leaving no room for nutrient-rich foods. Also, just as eating sweet things can help babies develop a sweet tooth, eating salty things can give them a "salty tooth." The survey presented at the 2009 ADA conference found that nearly three-quarters of toddlers and preschoolers get more than the recommended daily amount of sodium.
The ever-popular fish-shaped crackers fall into this category. "What a waste of calories in a snack," says Brown. "Fruit slices are a much better choice." And if you're looking for an instant grab-and-go snack, low-sugar cereals have more nutritional value than crackers, she says.

Processed meals

People define processed foods in different ways, but in general, the more the food is modified from what was originally caught, raised, or grown – and the longer the list of ingredients – the more processed the food. With heavy processing, foods often lose significant nutritional value and gain unhealthy additives.
"The more processed the food, the more nutritional value tends to go down, and the more the sugar, salt, and fat content goes up," says Kate Geagan, dietitian and author of Go Green, Get Lean.
The worst processed foods parents serve up are the ones not specifically meant for babies, such as canned pasta, says dietitian Eileen Behan, author of The Baby Food Bible. "They often contain way too much sodium." You're better off boiling up some noodles and topping them with a few crushed tomatoes.

Gelatin desserts

"You'd be surprised at how many people think a gelatin dessert is a wholesome food for babies," says Gerbstadt.  Why the misconception? Many people think gelatin contains protein, perhaps because it's made from processed animal bones and cartilage. But it doesn't, says Gerbstadt – at least, not in any significant amount. "What the baby ends up eating is nearly all sugar, artificial color, and artificial flavor, and a trace amount of gelatin to make it wiggly," she says.
True, gelatin is easy to swallow, but then again, so is Gerbstadt's own idea of a healthy dessert: a baked, mashed apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon. "It's naturally sweet and has good fiber, vitamins, and a yummy, smooth texture," she says. "That's what I'd opt for."

by Evonne Lack
Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board 

SOURCE:  http://www.babycenter.com

PS) And before we leave the subject of Jello . . . . . . 

Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart Sued for Selling Toxic Baby Shampoo

If you purchased Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo or Wal-Mart brand Equate Tearless Baby Wash, you may want to stop using it. A class action lawsuit has been approved this month that claims these products may contain a toxin linked to cancer.

The class action lawsuit, filed earlier this year, accuses Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart Stores of selling shampoo and baby wash that allegedly contains methylene chloride, an ingredient banned by the FDA in cosmetics because it’s linked to cancer. 
In addition to noting methylene chloride also identified are formaldehyde (*Q-15) and 1,4 dioxane.

The law firm that filed the lawsuit is also investigating Target’s Night-time Bath and Body Wash, which is not currently named in the suit.

A third Johnson & Johnson plant is now also under investigation for alleged quality concerns. The new Johnson & Johnson plant is one that manufactures Pepcid and Mylanta among other products. You can read the details on that investigation at Legafi.

*PLEASE NOTE!
Formaldehyde (produced by Q-15)  accumulates in the body. Even "safe trace levels" add up over time. The body cannot always get rid of formaldehyde on its own!  On the low end it causes skin irritations, headaches, migraines and immune system problems. On the high end -- cancer!
MANY personal care products contain this chemical - not just the ones mentioned in this article.
AND -- there are over 28 other names for this chemical making it hard to identify on labels.
Yet another reason I shop at a store that only manufactures products with no harmful chemicals.
I passionately believe that everyone has a right to a safer shopping decision!



SOURCES: 
 Top Class Actions  Sarah Pierce, reporter
HMHB article
NJ.com

RESOURCE: http://www.5678.fourpointwellness.com/contact.cpo

Cancer Causing Ingredients in Children's Products

This is exactly what we have been teaching for 6 years now.
Do not trust manufacturers to be looking out for your best interest -- they DO NOT.
This is exactly why I shop with a company that has a Mission Statement laser focused on making lives better, healthier and safer and a 25 year record of putting wellness first.

Maybe more people will take notice since this is increasingly hitting the mainstream.

But, be assured and forewarned that unscrupulous manufacturers will "jump on the bandwagon" and try to peddle their goods as safer.  In fact, it is already being done. Case in point - Clorox.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to know what I have learned and where I shop!

Hot Tubs during Pregnancy

For many pregnant women, sitting in a hot tub sounds like a great way to ease muscle aches related to pregnancy. It is important to use caution when choosing a hot tub for relaxation and pain relief. Hot tubs can cause hyperthermia, which is an abnormally high body temperature.

What is the concern with hot tubs during pregnancy?
According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. ACOG also recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F.
Although the specific degree differs, both OTIS and ACOG attest to the concern related to hot tub use during pregnancy.
Hot tubs are often factory programmed to maintain a water temperature of approximately 104º F. It takes only 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to raise your body temperature to 102º F or higher. To maintain a steady temperature, water is circulated and re-circulated through the hot tub to pump out cold water and pump in hot water.

So, is a hot bath safer than using a hot tub?

A hot bath, which is not uncomfortable or scalding, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.

How to reduce the risk if you choose to use a hot tub:

Although the Association does not recommend using hot tubs during pregnancy, here are some steps you can take to reduce any risk:

• Re-program your hot tub to maintain a lower temperature.
• Limit time in a hot tub to 10 minutes or less.
• Monitor the temperature of the water by dipping a thermometer in the hot tub.
• Monitor your body temperature to avoid overheating.
• Pay attention to warning signs such as becoming uncomfortable or if you stop sweating.

SOURCE:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hottubs.htm

Sexy For Her; Poisonous For Baby (& Her)

Your perfume, shower gel or deodorant could contain chemicals that disrupt hormones, affect immune or nervous systems, or trigger cancer, allergies or other health problems. And not only that, but the chemicals we wash down the drain in our daily ablutions pollute the environment and harm wildlife.

Such is the grim news from the Women’s Environmental Network who have just launched a campaign to end the cosmetics cover up. The campaign aims to empower women to take action and lobby for safer cosmetics and toiletries.

The concern is that women are being exposed to tiny doses of chemicals that can build up in the body. The long-term effects of such exposure are unknown. Chemicals to watch out for include:

Phthalates – found in hair sprays, perfume, nail polishes and some plastics
Parabens – used as preservatives in moisturisers and deodorants
Triclosan – an antibacterial used in deodorants, toothpaste and liquid soaps
Toluene – used in lacquers and nail varnish

Research published a couple of years ago in the USA found that people were being exposed to much higher levels of phthalates than anticipated. Cosmetics were thought to be the missing source. Phthalates have oestrogenic properties and, at high doses, damage male reproductive tissues and cause deformities in developing embryos. Recent research in the USA found phthalates in 52 of the 72 beauty products tested, including all 17 of the perfumes.

Meanwhile another US report looks at the cumulative exposure to phthalates from cosmetics, breast milk, soft PVC toys and even in indoor air because of leaching from PVC products. One source highlighted was PVC medical equipment – tubes, IV bags and blood bags. Many of these products are used in the care of premature babies and so deliver a phthalate dose at the most vulnerable stage of development. The report calls for a phase out of the production and use of phthalates. The EU is trying to get the most toxic phthalate, DEHP, restricted but the chemical industry is delaying them.






A few simple GENERAL and easy ways to avoid many toxins:

• keep informed (you are reading this -- you are doing great in this area)
  
• always take shoes off in house (use house shoes or socks)
• filter your water  (even a Britta filter for drinking water is better than nothing!!)
  
• buy from a store that makes avoiding toxic chemicals easier (we have found one).
  

We have made a simple decision to shop at a store that uses NO harmful chemicals in their products. It is VERY affordable, too.  We like it so much we always tell others (it turns out - that is the ONLY way they advetise)
If you want more info on this subject I'd be glad to give it to you.
peggycortez@yahoo.com

Contact WEN for how to get involved in the Cosmetics Cover Up campaign by ringing 020 7481 9004 or visit http://www.wen.org.uk/Contact Health Care Without Harm at http://www.noharm.org/ or ring 01759 368286 for more details about the US research. http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/magazine/news/newsarchive.htm