Safety

It has long been assumed that many children become overweight because they are not exercising enough or aren't eating properly. However, a new long-term health study, just presented by researchers from the Mount Sinai Medical Center, reveals a very probable link with childhood obesity and chemicals used in plastics. This data, also published in the journal Epidemiology, presents some of the first evidence linking obesity and endocrine disruptors in humans.

The chemicals causing endocrine disruption, affecting glands and hormones that regulate bodily functions, are called phthalates and they are used to make plastics pliable and in personal care products. You have read much about the phthalates used im making baby bottles and other plasticware and toys and there is now new regulation to help rid many products of this chemical compound.

As if we need to hear another worrisome story about our food and our health, but we should all read this story just featured in the NY Times.

Current studies, such as those published by Applied and Environmental Microbiology, are now showing that MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant staph infection, is being found in pork and pork products. This is due to the fact that, in our country, it is permissible to use antibiotics in animal feed for nontherapeutic purposes. This practice is not acceptable in places like Europe and South Korea, so why should we stand for this?

MRSA kills more than 18,000 Americans annually. And it has been demonstrated that over 25% of American hogs carry MRSA. This is because the majority of antibiotics, in this country, go to animals not the human population.

We need to let our voices be heard so that our government can change some of these current practices. If we don't take an interest in our own health, who will?

We have just been informed that studies have now confirmed that Mercury is present in as much as 50% of commercial HFCS (high fructose corn syrup). This is so alarming ... and we have all been searching for what could possibly be causing such increases in childhood Autism and Developmental Delays.

According to results from a study released by the Institute for Agricultural and Trace Policy (IATP), there is evidence of mercury in many products containing high fructose corn syrup, meaning almost every processed food we consume. Just consider all the things that children eat and, if you check the ingredients, most of these products have some wording for high fructose corn syrup in the ingredients list. And foods such as syrup, ketchup and chocolate syrup ... things eaten many days by your family ... all contain a large amount of corn syrup.

For many of us, the Winter Weather has begun. During the Winter months, more fires occur because more people are using their fireplaces and wood stoves.
Make sure you know how to keep your home and family safe during the Winter months, and especially during the Holiday season, when even more potential hazards are looming.
Here are a few reminders to keep your Holidays safe:

1. If you use your Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove - make sure the flue is open and put out the fire before going to bed.

2. Do not smoke in bed or when you may fall asleep.

Make sure you put out all cigarettes before leaving a room or going to sleep.

3. Lock up any matches or lighters in your home

Make sure no matches, lighters or other flammables are within reach of where your child might play with them. Ideally, you should have them in a locked cabinet.