Potential Dangers with Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical substance that is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics. This tough, impact resistant and lightweight, plastic is used to make toys, in the storage of food and baby bottles. Concerns are growing over the possibilities that BPA is leaching into our food and therefore having a negative impact on our health.

"Ingesting BPA is a concern because this chemical is classified as an endocrine disruptor -- a substance that interferes with the body's natural hormone system. BPA has estrogenic properties and will bind to the body's estrogen receptors. In short, our bodies think this chemical is the natural hormone and will use it to regulate our entire endocrine system. According to the World Health Organization, endocrine disruptors are linked to decreased sperm quality, early puberty, neurobehavioural problems and cancer."

Health Canada has stated that BPA poses no health risks, as do other regulatory bodies around the world. New research at Indiana University has indicated the potential link to breast cancer. Many people already believe that these plastics, along with many others, are leaching into everything. If you have any doubts switch to glass or ceramic containers for food and beverages. Again, do your research and come to your own conclusions. We shouldn't rely solely on government research, approval processes and regulations to protect us.

Funny But True

YARD WORK
AS VIEWED FROM HEAVEN
(overheard in a conversation between God and St. Francis)

God:
Francis, you know all about gardens and nature; what in the world is going on down there in the U.S.? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistles and the stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought, and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honeybees, and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of color by now. All I see are patches of green.
St. Francis:
It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. They are called the Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.
God:
Grass? But it is so boring, it's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, bees or birds, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want grass growing there?
St. Francis:
Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it has grown a little, they cut it....sometimes two times a week.
God:
They cut it? Do they bale it like hay?
St. Francis:
Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.
God:
They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?
St. Francis:
No sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.
God:
Now let me get this straight...they fertilize it to make it grow and when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?
St. Francis:
Yes, sir.
God:
These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.
St. Francis:
You aren't going to believe this Lord, but when the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.
God:
What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep the moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves become compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.
St. Francis:
You'd better sit down, Lord. As soon as the leaves fall, the Suburbanites rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.
God:
No way! What do they do to protect the shrubs and tree roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose?
St Francis:
After throwing the leaves away, they go out and buy something called mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.
God:
And where do they get this mulch?
St. Francis:
They cut down the trees and grind them up to make mulch.
God:
Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore. Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?
St. Catherine:
"Dumb and Dumber," Lord. It's a really stupid movie about....
God:
Never mind--I think I just heard the whole story from Saint Francis!

Organic Food

Here are some reasons why organic food is a healthier choice for you and your family.

Organic foods are not grown on the reliance of pesticides and fertilizers. Eating fruits and vegetables that have been sprayed with these chemicals are unhealthy for you and our environment.

Organic foods do not contain additives. Food additives have been linked to many illnesses and diseases.

Animals raised on organic farms are not allowed to be fed antibiotics, the bovine human growth hormone (rbGH), or other artificial drugs. Animals are not allowed to consume genetically modified foods. Genetically modified crops and ingredients are also not allowed.

Organic foods contain higher amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

There is a lot of confusion surrounding organic food benefits and labeling. Do your own research and make your own decisions. Little or no pesticides, environmentally conscious farming practices and no genetic modification are some of the positive aspects. Regardless of what you believe, make the choice that is right for you, your family and your health.

Dangers of Junk Food

I have seen too many small children drinking soft drinks and eating junk food this summer. I cannot understand why a parent would introduce these foods to their children which are so damaging to their health. The problem starts at home. If you are eating these types of foods then so will your kids.

Today, children are facing serious health problems which stem from their diets. Children are being diagnosed with diseases that adults have suffered from for years such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Also, childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes are on the rise.

For parents whose children are given soft drinks, or if you need to convince your kids you have a good reason for them to not drink them, please read the information provided at this link below.

The Health Effects of Drinking Soda

As parents we have the responsibility to protect our children and that includes their health. Many people have chosen convenience and cost at the expense of their health. I haven't conducted any studies but I think health care and health insurance are more expensive than a healthy diet.

The State of our Rainforests

Image Provided by NASA.

Referred to as "The Lungs of Earth", the rainforests which once covered 14% of the planet now only cover 7%. The culprit: Deforestation. Deforestation is a process that has been going on for years. If we continue to cut, burn and damage this vital resource at the current rate, our rainforests can vanish in 100 years. The result of such a loss could be devastating.

"Forest loss has a direct link to loss of biodiversity. The current extinction rate of plant and animal species is around 1,000 times faster than in pre-human times – and this will increase to 10,000 times faster by 2050. Scientists predict that the Earth is entering the sixth major extinction event in its history. This is the first one to occur because of human activity," Greenpeace said in a statement.

Here is How You Can Help

Green Cleaning

I no longer use "traditional" cleaning products in my home. Instead, I use products that are safe for the environment and my family. Here is a site that might encourage you to do the same.

If you can't pronounce it, should you use it?

Here are 5 natural cleaners that I have in my home:
1) White Vinegar
2) Baking Soda
3) Juice from Lemons
4) Olive Oil
5) Club Soda

Check out these websites for some great tips and recipes towards a safer, healthier way to clean.

http://www.vinegartips.com/cleaning/

http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/clngrn.html

You Are What You Eat

I am a firm believer that many illnesses could be caused or exacerbated by the additives and preservatives that are in our food.

Over the last few years I have been taking a closer look at the labels on food products and it has led me to question the quality of packaged foods here in North America. What I have found is quite disturbing.

Provided is a website with information on 12 ingredients that are added to many packaged foods. You decide for yourself and your family if you want to continue eating these ingredients.

Dirty Dozen

We need to give up our reliance on the fast, convenient foods which are heavily processed. If enough of us decide to no longer buy these packaged foods, maybe then the food companies will offer us healthy, fresh foods that over time won't harm our health. Nothing speaks louder to companies than your wallet!