Archive for the 'Health' Category

May 5, 2008 | Pregnancy

Natural Awakenings Magazine has a great article this month titled What to Inspect When you’re Expecting. They list 10 tips for expecting moms to achieve a healthy pregnancy and give their baby the best start possible. (more…)

April 23, 2008 | Health, Shopping

As if endocrine-disrupting BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, and pesticides in fruits and veggies, hormones and antibiotics in milk and meats, and drugs in our water weren’t enough for us to worry about as we try to protect our kids, a study done by the Michigan-based Ecology Center found high levels of toxins in car seats, from infant rear-facing car seats all the way up to belt-positioning boosters. (more…)

March 25, 2008 | Allergies, Health

I am not one for taking a lot of medication if it’s not extreme circumstances. I don’t like the side effects and the “medicine head” feeling. Unfortunately, I also suffer from pretty bad seasonal allergies! Since I can’t just pop a few decongestants (mostly because I would never wake up!) I’ve just dealt with the congestion and runny nose. Until two nights ago when my husband suggested I try THESE…

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March 15, 2008 | Allergies, asthma, Health

There are certain plants this time of year that we all want to avoid - the yellow pollinators, and other things that cause asthma and allergy flare-ups. But there are other plants that will actually improve indoor air quality. And when the EPA tells us that indoor air tends to be 5-100 times more toxic than outdoor air, improving air quality indoors suddenly becomes a very big deal. So, if you want some plants that’ll help your home (or office or cubicle…), try one of these: (more…)

March 10, 2008 | Water, Food & drink, Health

A disturbing study by the Associated Press has found prescription and over-the-counter medicines in the drinking water supply in major metropolises around the country. With pharmaceuticals from ibuprofen and acetaminophen  to more hard-core drugs like anti-epileptic, cholesterol, and heart medications, scientists are worried about the long-term effects of mild exposure, as well as drug interaction. (more…)

March 7, 2008 | Health, Cleaning products

Here it is, folks. A report done by CBC News in Vancouver Canada. It’s called Toxic Brew and it talks about headaches, asthma, and more. It’s a great expose on typical cleaning products. Part 1 is about 8 minutes, but it’s well worth the time spent for the information you’ll learn. If it’s interesting to you, go on and watch part 2.
Part 1

Part 2

March 5, 2008 | Allergies, asthma, Health, Cleaning tips

Spring is on its way, or maybe it’s already arrived where you are. But that also means allergy season is upon us! I don’t know about you, but that makes me cringe. Runny noses, itchy eyes and all sorts of other fun things. I’m sure Kleenex loves this time of year, but I could do without the allergies. So here are a few little cleaning tips to pass the spring with fewer sneezes. (more…)

March 4, 2008 | Health, Pregnancy

I love that. I think moms have been aware of it for generations - eons, perhaps. But USA Today has just published ’scientific’ evidence that it really happens. Oh, wait, did I forget to tell you what it is? That’s because I have a 2 year old, a 3 year old, and any day now will have a newborn. Momnesia is the fact of life that after a woman has a baby she suddenly becomes forgetful - sometimes to the point of embarrassment. (more…)

February 20, 2008 | Health, Essential oils, Cleaning products

One of the things I love to do when I clean is to add essential oils to natural cleaning products. For example, in my mop bucket I’ll do about 1/2 cup of cider vinegar, fill half full with water, and add 3-4 drops of essential oils, depending on what suits my mood. There are lots to choose from at my local health food store, and I tend to go for things that have good aromatherapy benefits, smell nice in my home, and fulfill some other cleaning and maintenance purpose. Peppermint oil is a great choice lately, for me at least. (more…)

February 7, 2008 | Health, Shopping, Lifestyle

A new study was released that links the use of baby lotions, powders, and shampoos to reproductive disorder and endocrine disruption. The culprit? Phthalates. It’s a category of chemical that is used to stabilize artificial fragrances and does not need to be disclosed on the labeled ingredients of personal care products. It’s in most things with artificial fragrance, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is now advising against it. (more…)