Is Tuna Fish Becoming More Toxic?

According to Dr. Mercola:

"The rate of mercury contamination in tuna and other Pacific fish has increased 30 percent since 1990. The increase is a direct result of China's rapid industrialization, and the mercury content is expected to increase another 50 percent by 2050 if China continues to build more coal-fired power plants."

I don't know about your family, but tuna fish salad was a weekly staple, when I was growing up. Not so for my kids as I limit our tuna consumption to once a month or less. Why? Mostly because I worry about the long term health concerns of mercury (and or other toxins) that may be found in tuna.

Pregnant and nursing moms need to be especailly careful to limit or avoid tuna to reduce their baby's exposure to toxins.

As for missing out on the health benefits of eating fish? I say please pass me my ultra pure, pharmecutical grade capsules... and that great tasting chewable version for my kids. In my view, why take a chance when there are safer ways to get the benefits of fish without the risk.

To your good health,
Susan

Discarded, Expired Pharmaceuticals end up in Americas Waterways

The average American may be shocked to know just how much expired, unneeded, spoiled and/or unwanted pharmaceuticals end up in our waterways. Most would think why is this a worry... a few pills tossed down the toilet is a quick and easy way to dispose of leftover or unwanted prescription medications, and what can the harm be?

Sadly the huge amount of pharmaceuticals being flushed down the drain by individuals and care facilities are quite possibly causing minuscule concentrations of Rx medications in our drinking water. Over the years, researchers have alerted us that even extremely, extremely diluted concentrations of pharmaceuticals harm fish, frogs and other aquatic species. And it's not a stretch that these diluted concentrations may affect humans as well...

And in my eyes, all of this is so unnecessary. I encourage you to contact your local town hall and find out when your medication disposal days are, so you can safely discard your unwanted, expired and unneeded medications.

EPA bans aldicarb, toxic pesticide - better late than never

First registered in 1970 for use on cotton, Temik (also know as aldicarb) has been used on numerous crops including cotton, peanuts, potatoes, citrus crops, soy and sugarcane. Forty years later the FDA now says "aldicarb doesn't meet US food safety standards."

Thank you. But I wonder what took so long. Why? Because back in 1985, quite a few people became ill after ingesting watermelon that had been sprayed with aldicarb. Now 25 years later the EPA has decided to take action, but this will be slow too, because under the agreement with the EPA, the manufacturer Bayer CropScience won't stop manufacturing aldicarb until 2015! Although use on citrus and potatoes will end in 2011.

As always, it's buyer beware when it comes to choosing wisely for yourself and your family, especially for infants and toddlers. So what to do? Choose organic if you can. If that's not an option, buy local at your local Farmer's Market - it's the next best thing! And last but not least, refer to the Dirty Dozen list of foods that are most contaminated with pesticide residue. Also check out the Clean Fifteen list at the same link (scroll down).

Toxic Chemicals video from Healthy Stuff.org

Bisphenol-A in baby bottles, water bottles, and food cans.
Formaldehyde in furniture.
Phthalates in air fresheners, soft plastics, and fragrances.

According to research by the Environmental Working Group Body Burden study, these chemicals and many others can be found in babies (and adults alike). It's time industry put public health first!



And to avoid these toxins, chose truly green cleaners that are safe for you, your home AND especially your family!

M.D. speaks about childhood ear infections

Thinking back to when my kids were little, I now realize just how fortunate I was. My kids were rarely ill. Not that they didn't get sick. They got the occasional cold and DS had hearing loss for close to a year due to fluid in both ears (no infection). But I didn't have to deal with one illness after another and the never ending stream of antibiotics that often follows.

I wish every parent could see this video which features an M.D. who speaks about childhood illnesses and how he was taught in medical school to treat them, and what he's since learned in his practice.



I've always been a believer in prevention... getting rid of toxins in the home, eating fresh, preferably organic foods, selectively supplementing for "insurance," getting adequate rest and exercise, and letting the body heal itself when possible. It doesn't always work, but it's a start.

Do you unknowingly have toxic products in your home?

This study may just be a wake up call...

Cancer Prevention Coalition Chairperson Samuel Epstein, M.D., and investigative journalist, David Steinman, compiled the "Dirty Dozen" from data on over 3,500 consumer products.

> Beef Frankfurters (Conventional)
> Whole Milk
> Talcum Powder (often labeled as "baby powder")
> Cover Girl Replenishing Natual Finish Make Up (Foundation)
> Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste
> Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna)
> Clairol Nice 'n Easy (Permanent Haircolor)
> Ajax Cleanser
> Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser
> Lysol Disinfectant Spray
> Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar
> Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer (another Monsanto "winner")

Change may not be easy and getting rid of your favorite whatever may be difficult, but for your health and the health of your family and our planet, visit your local health food store and try a substitute. Heck, you may just love that new toothpaste!