11/11/10
I wish Chicago would follow in SF's steps
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/09/california.fast.food.ban/index.html
10/24/10
The Truth About Plastics
http://www.ted.com/talks/dianna_cohen_tough_truths_about_plastic_pollution.html
10/5/10
What Fast Food Chicken is Made of...
Say hello to mechanically separated chicken. It’s what all fast-food chicken is made from—things like chicken nuggets and patties. Also, the processed frozen chicken in the stores is made from it.
Basically, the entire chicken is smashed and pressed through a sieve—bones, eyes, guts, and all. it comes out looking like this.
There’s more: because it’s crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia, soaked in it, actually. Then, because it tastes gross, it will be reflavored artificially. Then, because it is weirdly pink, it will be dyed with artificial color.
But, hey, at least it tastes good, right?
High five, America!
http://early-onset-of-night.tumblr.com/post/1206666159/say-hello-to-mechanically-separated-chicken-its?ref=nf
9/19/10
Concern about Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Please watch this and let me know your thoughts:
http://www.disclose.tv/forum/the-dark-side-of-energy-saving-lightbulbs-t19870.html
http://www.disclose.tv/forum/the-dark-side-of-energy-saving-lightbulbs-t19870.html
8/20/10
Important Egg Recall
See the following link for all brands recalled. You can return to your local grocery store for a refund:
http://www.eggsafety.org/mediacenter/alerts/73-recall-affected-brands-and-descriptions
http://www.eggsafety.org/mediacenter/alerts/73-recall-affected-brands-and-descriptions
8/17/10
Epidemic of teen hearing loss
Below is an article I got from cnn.com. Apparently teen hearing loss is on a rise in the US. The article attributes this to the increased use of technology - particularly listening to IPODS at high volumes. I think it's worth considering a link to cell phone radiation. Read below for more info.
Researchers looking at hearing loss in people ages 12 to 19 found that when compared with data from the mid-1990s there has been a 30 percent increase in the development of minimal levels of hearing loss, and a 77 percent increase in more serious hearing problems – those where obvious communication difficulties can be observed. About one in 20 children experienced hearing loss in 1994, and that number jumped to about one in 5, or an estimated 6.5 million adolescents, by 2006.
“What we're seeing is a big jump in the prevalence of hearing loss in a very short period of time, in less than one generation,” says Dr. Roland Eavey, an author on the study. “That means we're on the front edge of an epidemic.” The results were published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Hearing loss is a serious problem that can lead to developmental delays for school-aged children. Even though the condition is common, getting to the root of the problem remains a challenge.
The authors of the JAMA article conclude that more studies are needed to determine the exact cause of the increase. “We see smoke,” Eavey explains. “We’re not sure where the fire is yet, but we know it’s not good for the woods to be burning."
Dr. Gordon Hughes, an otolaryngologist with the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, agrees that the findings are significant and says the next step is moving beyond epidemiological analyses.
“You're taking a cross section of the population in certain age groups, and then comparing what you see from then to now,” he explains. “You cannot prove cause and effect with that.”
Both Eavey and Hughes say future studies should probe more specifically into questions about noise and music. Even though the 2005 – 2006 survey included a question asking participants whether they had been exposed to loud noise or music for five hours or more a week, Eavey says adolescents may simply reply “no” to a question either because they don’t understand the significance, or because to them a loud rock concert might be the norm. Asking "have you experienced ringing in your ears in the last three months," could really help pinpoint the cause, he suggests.
Despite the absence of a causal link, experts say technological trends popular among adolescents can’t be ignored.
"I believe this is rooted in a cultural paradigm shift in terms of how electronics have become 'the thing,'” says Tommie Robinson, president of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. "Everyone has something in their ears."
According to the Consumer Electronics Association the first MP3 player went on sale in the U.S. in 1998, and today it is projected that MP3 players will outsell all other home audio products for the sixth consecutive year in 2010. Portable MP3 players remain among the list of top products teens request during the holiday season.
Recent reports find that not only do teenagers play music at louder volumes, but they are completely unaware they are doing so, and Robinson says this new data support the need for concern about how the devices are used. “I'm not surprised by these results,” he says. “You could see it coming.”
For parents who are concerned there are things you can do. “If you’re giving your 12-year-old an iPod, one proactive thing you can do is set the volume limit on the device,” Eavey suggests. Apple provides detailed instructions on how to do this on its website. Also, the Listen to Your Buds website provides resources to help your child understand when it’s time to turn down the volume. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Commnication Disorders website includes a How Loud Is Too Loud bookmark that explains the decibels of common noises and how much prolonged exposure is considered unsafe. And if you suspect your child might already suffer from some hearing loss, you can find a certified audiologist in your city on the ASHA website.
“It’s important that families keep in mind that hearing cannot be replaced,” Robinson says. “Once it's gone, it's gone.”
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/17/adolescent-hearing-loss-on-the-rise-in-u-s/?hpt=C2
8/6/10
Eating Healthier Versions of Unhealthy Meals
I have been experimenting with tweeking some of my favorite meals to be more healthy and nutritious. Here are some tips:
1. Stuffed eggplant or zucchini: change the ground beef and white rice to ground turkey and bulgar.
2. If you ever need to fry eggplant or cauliflower (as many Middle Eastern meals require), try drizzling olive oil on it instead and baking for about 30 mins (till it's brownish). Be generous with the olive oil if you want it to taste deceivingly fried. Also, keep in mind that you can often replace cauliflower for meals that require potato, such as chicken with potatoes on the side.
3. If a meal requires chicken legs or even chunks of beef or lamb, try slow cooking a chicken breast instead as a substitute. This will make the chicken tender and give it the same texture as tender beef or chicken legs (easy to shred into pieces).You can also replace ground chicken or ground turkey for meals that require ground beef.
4. I've mentioned this before and will mention it again: avoid white rice whenever possible. Instead, try whole grain couscous, bulgar, brown rice or quinoa....all healthy substitutes. Quinoa is a particular favorite because it is extremely nutritious and even contains protein!
5. If you have a sweet tooth, try eating a fruit instead of cake or cookies. If that doesn't satisfy you, try a skinny cow ice-cream bar or some nuts with bittersweet chocolate chips.
Good luck with your culinary endeavors!
1. Stuffed eggplant or zucchini: change the ground beef and white rice to ground turkey and bulgar.
2. If you ever need to fry eggplant or cauliflower (as many Middle Eastern meals require), try drizzling olive oil on it instead and baking for about 30 mins (till it's brownish). Be generous with the olive oil if you want it to taste deceivingly fried. Also, keep in mind that you can often replace cauliflower for meals that require potato, such as chicken with potatoes on the side.
3. If a meal requires chicken legs or even chunks of beef or lamb, try slow cooking a chicken breast instead as a substitute. This will make the chicken tender and give it the same texture as tender beef or chicken legs (easy to shred into pieces).You can also replace ground chicken or ground turkey for meals that require ground beef.
4. I've mentioned this before and will mention it again: avoid white rice whenever possible. Instead, try whole grain couscous, bulgar, brown rice or quinoa....all healthy substitutes. Quinoa is a particular favorite because it is extremely nutritious and even contains protein!
5. If you have a sweet tooth, try eating a fruit instead of cake or cookies. If that doesn't satisfy you, try a skinny cow ice-cream bar or some nuts with bittersweet chocolate chips.
Good luck with your culinary endeavors!
8/1/10
Ramadan Guide
Here is a useful guide to staying healthy while fasting. Ramadan is only about 10 days away!
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=12a1a5c9efb99a15&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D2b74f450d0%26view%3Datt%26th%3D12a1a5c9efb99a15%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dattd%26zw&sig=AHIEtbSeGsEX2HqQ1EhXREKBXIxS8Fc-pQ&pli=1
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=12a1a5c9efb99a15&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D2b74f450d0%26view%3Datt%26th%3D12a1a5c9efb99a15%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dattd%26zw&sig=AHIEtbSeGsEX2HqQ1EhXREKBXIxS8Fc-pQ&pli=1
7/19/10
SPF?
Recently I've been wondering what exactly SPF means and found this simplified answer on http://www.wiki.answers.com/:
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Higher SPF numbers would allow a person to be in the sun longer without burning. SPF 30 means that your skin will not burn until it has been exposed to 30 times the amount of solar energy that would normally cause it to burn. In other words, if you start to burn at 10 mins, applying an SPF 30 would know take 300 mins. to start burning (30x10= 300). However, there are many limitations to this rating (time of day, skin type, uv index, sunblock brand, water, sweat etc...) Also, SPF is just the protection factor against sunburn or UV B radiation and does not have any relation to UV A radiation, which causes long term skin damage.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Higher SPF numbers would allow a person to be in the sun longer without burning. SPF 30 means that your skin will not burn until it has been exposed to 30 times the amount of solar energy that would normally cause it to burn. In other words, if you start to burn at 10 mins, applying an SPF 30 would know take 300 mins. to start burning (30x10= 300). However, there are many limitations to this rating (time of day, skin type, uv index, sunblock brand, water, sweat etc...) Also, SPF is just the protection factor against sunburn or UV B radiation and does not have any relation to UV A radiation, which causes long term skin damage.
7/13/10
The Future of Food
If you are interested in learning more about the nature of genetically modified food - a prevalent phenomenon in America that most people know little about - I recommend the documentary "The Future of Food". At this point companies are not required to label GM foods - even though the safety of GM foods is still inconclusive and appears to be a large scale experiment on the part of biotech companies. This eye-opening documentary will also discuss the unethical practices of farming monopolies such as Monsanto (heart-breaking stories from farmers) and the controversy surrounding patenting nature (absurd, I know).
After watching the documentary I am more energized to shop at farmer's markets and buy as much organic produce (as well as meat and dairy) as possible. In the film you will witness the alarming health hazards GM foods have posed on animals used for experiments. Imagine, this is the same stuff we eat every day. No wonder we are such a sick nation! You can also visit www.thefutureoffood.com for more info.
After watching the documentary I am more energized to shop at farmer's markets and buy as much organic produce (as well as meat and dairy) as possible. In the film you will witness the alarming health hazards GM foods have posed on animals used for experiments. Imagine, this is the same stuff we eat every day. No wonder we are such a sick nation! You can also visit www.thefutureoffood.com for more info.
6/21/10
25 foods to avoid
Click on each pic for more info on why this food is not healthy. The bread link was particularly interesting. Enjoy: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/thumbnails/0,,20307363,00.html
6/18/10
Bottled Water 101
A few important things to note about bottled water:
1. Bottled water is usually lower quality than public tap water and is tested less frequently for bacteria and chemicals.
2. Dentists often recommend drinking tap water in order to get some extra fluoride, which is known to reduce cavities. The government pays a lot of money to get that fluoride in our water!
3. Bottled water has an expiration date, not because water goes bad, but because the plastic eventually degrades and releases chemicals into the water.
4. The hormone disruptor BPA is usually found in #7 plastic bottles and is particularly problematic when the bottle is old (don't reuse bottles by refilling) or hot (ex. leaving the bottle in the car during the summer).
5. Safer plastics to look for are 1, 2, 4 and 5 - with 1 being best because it's easiest to recycle and is generally more friendly to the environment.
6. If you haven't already done so, one of the best things you can do is buy yourself a good quality stainless steel bottle which you reuse daily. Don't forgot to also wash this bottle regularly!
1. Bottled water is usually lower quality than public tap water and is tested less frequently for bacteria and chemicals.
2. Dentists often recommend drinking tap water in order to get some extra fluoride, which is known to reduce cavities. The government pays a lot of money to get that fluoride in our water!
3. Bottled water has an expiration date, not because water goes bad, but because the plastic eventually degrades and releases chemicals into the water.
4. The hormone disruptor BPA is usually found in #7 plastic bottles and is particularly problematic when the bottle is old (don't reuse bottles by refilling) or hot (ex. leaving the bottle in the car during the summer).
5. Safer plastics to look for are 1, 2, 4 and 5 - with 1 being best because it's easiest to recycle and is generally more friendly to the environment.
6. If you haven't already done so, one of the best things you can do is buy yourself a good quality stainless steel bottle which you reuse daily. Don't forgot to also wash this bottle regularly!
5/11/10
Dangers of Baby Powder
I was shocked to learn that baby powder can be dangerous for children. When I read the warning label on my powder bottle the informaiton in the article was confirmed. If you have to use a baby powder, it looks like "corn starch based powder" is the way to go. Please read:
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After decades of use, powders have fallen out of favor by the medical community for a few reasons:
For a number of years now, epidemiologists (scientists who try to establish cause and effect relationships in diseases) have been interested in trying to find some link to the environment and ovarian cancer. Some of their focus has been on talc powder because it is a product that is commonly used in the groin area by women. Several of these studies have shown a possible link between talc powder use and ovarian cancer while other studies have not. One interesting study published last year (1996) was done by examining the ovaries of women who had had them removed for reasons other than ovarian cancer. In that study, talc powder was found in all the ovaries including the ones from women did not use talc powder on themselves. This suggests that talc powder could reach the ovaries of women who use talc powder on their babies.
The relationship between talc and cancer is by no means certain. It may turn out there is no relationship, on the other hand, it could be an important contributing factor in the development of ovarian cancer. More studies need to be done. Currently, there is absolutely no hard evidence to suggest talc powder use causes cancer in babies. However, the immediate danger of inhaling baby powder is clear. Therefore, I would discourage the use of baby powder.
Read More http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bsafety/0,,3q5k,00.html#ixzz0negUaglZ
---------------------------------
What about Cornstarch -
Cornstarch is also natural because it is manufactured from the dried center of corn kernels. When broken down into a powdered form, it does not contain harmful asbestos like substances.
It is an excellent substitute for talc as a dusting powder. Cornstarch is actually more absorbent than talc, however, it should be applied lightly as it cakes more easily.
The best advice I can give is to be sure you read the ingredients on labels before purchasing products, especially cosmetics or powders to make sure they do not contain talc.
http://www.helium.com/items/816827-which-is-the-best-baby-powder-cornstarch-or-talc
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Is talcum powder safe for babies?
by Robert Steele, MDAfter decades of use, powders have fallen out of favor by the medical community for a few reasons:
- Talcum powder is usually made up of various combinations of zinc stearate, magnesium silicates, as well as other silicates which are finely ground. The size of particles is so small that they are both easily carried in the air like dust and can reach even the smallest areas of the lung.
- There have been numerous reports of babies having life-threatening episodes from inhaling the powder. And in fact, there have been many deaths reported from aspiration of the powder. A good number of these cases occurred during a diaper change when adult supervision is usually very high. But as every parent knows (including myself), infants and toddlers can be awfully quick sometimes, so reaching for and spilling the powder bottle is not such a hard thing to do for the little ones.
- The feeling from many dermatologists is that there isn't much advantage of powders as compared to ointments when it comes to preventing and treating diaper rash.
For a number of years now, epidemiologists (scientists who try to establish cause and effect relationships in diseases) have been interested in trying to find some link to the environment and ovarian cancer. Some of their focus has been on talc powder because it is a product that is commonly used in the groin area by women. Several of these studies have shown a possible link between talc powder use and ovarian cancer while other studies have not. One interesting study published last year (1996) was done by examining the ovaries of women who had had them removed for reasons other than ovarian cancer. In that study, talc powder was found in all the ovaries including the ones from women did not use talc powder on themselves. This suggests that talc powder could reach the ovaries of women who use talc powder on their babies.
The relationship between talc and cancer is by no means certain. It may turn out there is no relationship, on the other hand, it could be an important contributing factor in the development of ovarian cancer. More studies need to be done. Currently, there is absolutely no hard evidence to suggest talc powder use causes cancer in babies. However, the immediate danger of inhaling baby powder is clear. Therefore, I would discourage the use of baby powder.
Read More http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bsafety/0,,3q5k,00.html#ixzz0negUaglZ
---------------------------------
What about Cornstarch -
Cornstarch is also natural because it is manufactured from the dried center of corn kernels. When broken down into a powdered form, it does not contain harmful asbestos like substances.
It is an excellent substitute for talc as a dusting powder. Cornstarch is actually more absorbent than talc, however, it should be applied lightly as it cakes more easily.
The best advice I can give is to be sure you read the ingredients on labels before purchasing products, especially cosmetics or powders to make sure they do not contain talc.
http://www.helium.com/items/816827-which-is-the-best-baby-powder-cornstarch-or-talc
4/30/10
Sustainable Dictionary and Meat Production Guide
Here's a fantastic resource that defines a lot of sustainable/healthy food jargon: http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/dictionary/
Here are some examples of words on the list:
Cage-Free
Birds are raised without cages. What this doesn’t explain is if the birds were raised outdoors on pasture, if they had access to outside, or if they were raised indoors in overcrowded conditions. If you are looking to buy eggs, poultry or meat that was raised outdoors, look for a label that says “Pastured” or “Pasture-raised”.
Factory farm
A large-scale industrial site where many animals (generally chickens, turkeys, cattle, or pigs) are confined and treated with hormones and antibiotics to maximize growth and prevent disease. The animals produce much more waste than the surrounding land can handle. These operations are associated with various environmental hazards as well as cruelty to animals. The government calls these facilities Concentrated (or Confined) Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a CAFO as "new and existing operations which stable or confine and feed or maintain for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period more than the number of animals specified" in categories that they list out. In addition, "there's no grass or other vegetation in the confinement area during the normal growing season."
Free range
This term refers to animals (usually poultry, and the eggs that they produce) that are not confined, meaning that these animals are able to go outdoors to engage in natural behaviors. It does not necessarily mean that the products are cruelty-free or antibiotic-free, or that the animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. The use of the term "free range" is only defined by the USDA for poultry production, and need only mean that the bird has had some access to the outdoors each day, which could be a dirty or concrete feedlot. USDA considers five minutes of open-air access each day to be adequate. Claims are defined by USDA, but are not verified by third party inspectors.
GMO
Genetically Modified Organism. This is a plant or animal that has been genetically engineered. Many industries support the development and use of GMOs while many consumers and organizations question their safety and have called for adequate and independent testing of GMO products. It is legal for farmers in the U.S. and some other countries like Argentina to produce and sell certain GMOs for human and animal consumption, but in other places like Europe and Japan, they are banned until further testing can be done to prove they are safe.
Grain-fed
The animal was raised on a diet of grain and the grain could be supplemented with animal byproducts and other miscellaneous matter such as cement dust and/or euthanized cats and dogs. Since mad cow disease is thought to be transmitted through animal byproducts added to cattle feed, cows raised on a strictly vegetarian diet are preferred by many consumers. However, unless the label says “100 Percent Vegetarian Diet,” there is no guarantee that the animal’s feed was not supplemented with animal byproducts or is organic. In addition, cattle are ruminants and eat grass; they cannot digest grains properly and can become sick if fed a diet of only grain. Although large-scale, confined grain feedlots enable industrial meat producers to fatten their animals quickly, they also foster disease within the cattle population, creating the need for antibiotics and increasing the risk of E. Coli contamination. Grain-fed animals tend to be raised on factory farms and should be avoided.
Grass-fed
Animals graze on pasture and eat grasses. They should not be supplemented with grain, animal by-products, synthetic hormones, or be given antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease (though they might be given antibiotics to treat disease). This is the same as pastured or pasture raised.
Natural
Currently, no standards exist for this label except when used on meat and poultry products. USDA guidelines state that “Natural” meat and poultry products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. However, “natural” foods are not necessarily sustainable, organic, humanely raised, or free of hormones and antibiotics. The label “natural” is virtually meaningless.
Nitrates
Chemicals made up of oxygen, nitrogen and other elements. When chemicals containing nitrogen (for example, ammonia) combine with water, nitrates are usually formed, and these nitrates can cause serious illness or even death if large amounts are consumed. Nitrate poisoning is usually caused by drinking water contaminated with nitrates. The primary sources of nitrate pollution are human waste and manure, especially runoff from factory farms. Processed meat also often contains nitrates, which are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to enhance the color. Eating meat that has been treated with nitrates may cause health problems including cancer, migraines, high cholesterol and hyperactivity.
Organic
In order to be labeled “organic,” a product, its producer, and the farmer must meet the USDA’s organic standards and must be certified by a USDA-approved food-certifying agency. Organic foods cannot be grown using synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, or sewage sludge, cannot be genetically modified, and cannot be irradiated. Organic meat and poultry must be fed only organically-grown feed (without any animal byproducts) and cannot be treated with hormones or antibiotics. Furthermore, the animals must have access to the outdoors, and ruminants must have access to pasture (which doesn’t mean they actually have to go outdoors and graze on pasture to be considered organic. See also "USDA Certified Organic".) For more information, read the Organic page in the Issues section.
Sustainable
A product can be considered sustainable if its production enables the resources from which it was made to continue to be available for future generations. A sustainable product can thus be created repeatedly without generating negative environmental effects, without causing waste products to accumulate as pollution, and without compromising the wellbeing of workers or communities. Many different agricultural techniques can be utilized to help make food production more sustainable. The drawback of the term ‘sustainable’ is that the term lacks a clear-cut, universally-accepted, enforceable definition - thus it can be interpreted in different ways. It is more of a philosophy or way of life than a label. See the Introduction to Sustainability section for more information.
---------------------------------------------------------------
You can also go here to print a wallet-sized guide of meat production methods (very cool resource):
http://www.sustainabletable.org/2009/01/new-handy-wallet-size-glossary-of-meat-production-methods/
Here are some examples of words on the list:
Cage-Free
Birds are raised without cages. What this doesn’t explain is if the birds were raised outdoors on pasture, if they had access to outside, or if they were raised indoors in overcrowded conditions. If you are looking to buy eggs, poultry or meat that was raised outdoors, look for a label that says “Pastured” or “Pasture-raised”.
Factory farm
A large-scale industrial site where many animals (generally chickens, turkeys, cattle, or pigs) are confined and treated with hormones and antibiotics to maximize growth and prevent disease. The animals produce much more waste than the surrounding land can handle. These operations are associated with various environmental hazards as well as cruelty to animals. The government calls these facilities Concentrated (or Confined) Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a CAFO as "new and existing operations which stable or confine and feed or maintain for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period more than the number of animals specified" in categories that they list out. In addition, "there's no grass or other vegetation in the confinement area during the normal growing season."
Free range
This term refers to animals (usually poultry, and the eggs that they produce) that are not confined, meaning that these animals are able to go outdoors to engage in natural behaviors. It does not necessarily mean that the products are cruelty-free or antibiotic-free, or that the animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. The use of the term "free range" is only defined by the USDA for poultry production, and need only mean that the bird has had some access to the outdoors each day, which could be a dirty or concrete feedlot. USDA considers five minutes of open-air access each day to be adequate. Claims are defined by USDA, but are not verified by third party inspectors.
GMO
Genetically Modified Organism. This is a plant or animal that has been genetically engineered. Many industries support the development and use of GMOs while many consumers and organizations question their safety and have called for adequate and independent testing of GMO products. It is legal for farmers in the U.S. and some other countries like Argentina to produce and sell certain GMOs for human and animal consumption, but in other places like Europe and Japan, they are banned until further testing can be done to prove they are safe.
Grain-fed
The animal was raised on a diet of grain and the grain could be supplemented with animal byproducts and other miscellaneous matter such as cement dust and/or euthanized cats and dogs. Since mad cow disease is thought to be transmitted through animal byproducts added to cattle feed, cows raised on a strictly vegetarian diet are preferred by many consumers. However, unless the label says “100 Percent Vegetarian Diet,” there is no guarantee that the animal’s feed was not supplemented with animal byproducts or is organic. In addition, cattle are ruminants and eat grass; they cannot digest grains properly and can become sick if fed a diet of only grain. Although large-scale, confined grain feedlots enable industrial meat producers to fatten their animals quickly, they also foster disease within the cattle population, creating the need for antibiotics and increasing the risk of E. Coli contamination. Grain-fed animals tend to be raised on factory farms and should be avoided.
Grass-fed
Animals graze on pasture and eat grasses. They should not be supplemented with grain, animal by-products, synthetic hormones, or be given antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease (though they might be given antibiotics to treat disease). This is the same as pastured or pasture raised.
Natural
Currently, no standards exist for this label except when used on meat and poultry products. USDA guidelines state that “Natural” meat and poultry products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. However, “natural” foods are not necessarily sustainable, organic, humanely raised, or free of hormones and antibiotics. The label “natural” is virtually meaningless.
Nitrates
Chemicals made up of oxygen, nitrogen and other elements. When chemicals containing nitrogen (for example, ammonia) combine with water, nitrates are usually formed, and these nitrates can cause serious illness or even death if large amounts are consumed. Nitrate poisoning is usually caused by drinking water contaminated with nitrates. The primary sources of nitrate pollution are human waste and manure, especially runoff from factory farms. Processed meat also often contains nitrates, which are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to enhance the color. Eating meat that has been treated with nitrates may cause health problems including cancer, migraines, high cholesterol and hyperactivity.
Organic
In order to be labeled “organic,” a product, its producer, and the farmer must meet the USDA’s organic standards and must be certified by a USDA-approved food-certifying agency. Organic foods cannot be grown using synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, or sewage sludge, cannot be genetically modified, and cannot be irradiated. Organic meat and poultry must be fed only organically-grown feed (without any animal byproducts) and cannot be treated with hormones or antibiotics. Furthermore, the animals must have access to the outdoors, and ruminants must have access to pasture (which doesn’t mean they actually have to go outdoors and graze on pasture to be considered organic. See also "USDA Certified Organic".) For more information, read the Organic page in the Issues section.
Sustainable
A product can be considered sustainable if its production enables the resources from which it was made to continue to be available for future generations. A sustainable product can thus be created repeatedly without generating negative environmental effects, without causing waste products to accumulate as pollution, and without compromising the wellbeing of workers or communities. Many different agricultural techniques can be utilized to help make food production more sustainable. The drawback of the term ‘sustainable’ is that the term lacks a clear-cut, universally-accepted, enforceable definition - thus it can be interpreted in different ways. It is more of a philosophy or way of life than a label. See the Introduction to Sustainability section for more information.
---------------------------------------------------------------
You can also go here to print a wallet-sized guide of meat production methods (very cool resource):
http://www.sustainabletable.org/2009/01/new-handy-wallet-size-glossary-of-meat-production-methods/
4/22/10
Happy Earth Day! Get Paid for Being Green
Ways to Get Paid for Protecting the Environment
Going Green: Make Money, Earn Points for Recycling Household Items, Electronics
By KI MAE HEUSSNER
April 9, 2010—Did you know that you can make some green by going green?
While recycling, saving energy and other kinds of eco-friendly actions are good habits on their own, a growing number of organizations are offering economic incentives to those who opt for greener ways to live their lives.
Here are some programs you might want to check out:
RecycleBank
In more than 300 communities in 26 states, RecycleBank rewards recyclers by the pound.A microchip attached to recycling bins tracks how much each household recycles. Those pounds of recycled material translate into points that can be redeemed at a variety of retail partners, including Bed, Bath & Beyond and CVS pharmacies.
Each pound of recycled material equals 2.5 points and the average household accumulates about $400 worth of points in one year.
RecycleBank already partners with Chicago, Phoenix, Houston and Hartford and will launch a pilot program with Los Angeles later this month. The service has already diverted 208,317 tons from the waste stream and saved 5.1 million trees, Serafino said.
Recycle Electronics for Cash
Is an old iPod or computer gathering dust in a closet? Are you hoping to retire a cell phone?You can make some money off those electronics by recycling them through sites like YouRenew, BuyMyTronics or Gazelle.
According to the EPA, more than 40 million computers alone became obsolete in 2007, and the numbers keep rising. But electronics recycling services make it easy to help keep those numbers down.
YouRenew, for example, covers the cost of shipping your electronics, and, depending on the condition of the item, will send you a check that could be upwards of $100.
EarthAid
If you want an incentive to save energy and water at home, take a look at EarthAid.The Washington-based service uses software to track your electricity, natural gas and water consumption. After it determines a baseline for you (using past consumption), the service awards points for each kilowatt-hour of electricity, ten cubic feet of natural gas or 20 gallons of water saved relative to that baseline.
Those points can be redeemed at local businesses across the country. (The service is free of charge, but EarthAid says it must track your consumption for a year (to establish a baseline) before it can start awarding points.)
Greenopolis
Greenopolis gives green-leaning consumers a range of ways to earn rewards for recycling.The interactive Web site lets anyone contribute blog posts and ideas to the site for points that can be redeemed at local restaurants and entertainment venues.
But it also has an "on-street" element to complement the online piece.
Through its GreenOps program, people can take beverage containers to select Whole Foods stores to earn Greenopolis points or coupons that can be redeemed at some WholeFoods locations.
About 68 Whole Foods across the country currently host GreenOps kiosks, but in the next six months, the company said hundreds of kiosks are expected to launch in Whole Foods and other locations nationwide.
"Putting stuff curbside is great -- it's fantastic. We think it's got to be a huge part of the solution," said Paul Ligon, managing director of GreenOps. But about 40 percent of the U.S. population doesn't have access to curbside recycling, he said.
For those communities and the rest of us who could benefit from more on-the-go recycling options he said Greenopolis provides another approach.
"It's an open platform for consumers, producers and any others interested in moving the dial on recycling," said Ligon.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Green/ways-paid-recycling-saving-energy/story?id=10324910&page=2
4/10/10
Ebay's 30 Days of Green Challenge
Earth Day is coming up very soon - April 22nd. There are many ways to get involved in improving the environment and many functions to attend for Earth Day. One cool initiative is the Ebay 30 Days of Green. The point of this initiative is to encourage buyers to shop for items that already exist on earth, in an effort to save energy and resources. For those who take the Green Team Challenge, ebay will protect one acre of forest in exchange. You can visit this site for more info: http://www.ebaygreenteam.com/
Here are some guidelines for shopping green on ebay:
Here are some guidelines for shopping green on ebay:
1. Look for pre-owned products. When you choose to reuse an item, you aren't asking the planet to come up with the raw materials required to make a new one. Extending the useful life of an item is one of the most sustainable choices you can make. In most cases, the greenest product is the one that already exists. 2. Check whether an item is sustainably made. Products that are made from sustainable materials - organic fibers, renewable materials like bamboo, or "upcycled" from found or salvage items - are always a great choice for the planet. Also, selecting items that support micro-entrepreneurs and help develop local communities can really make a difference. Labels like "organic", "natural", and "Fair Trade" are helpful here in identifying products that generate a positive impact. 3. Choose products that save energy and other resources. Whether you're selecting an Energy Star rated appliance or something reusable that replaces a disposable - water bottle anyone? - resource-saving products leave a lighter footprint on the planet. |
3/26/10
EARTH HOUR
Earth Hour is tomorrow (03/27/10) at 8:30pm. The request is that everyone turn off their lights for an hour. Please consider taking part in this endeavor: http://www.myearthhour.org/
3/25/10
The Miracle of Green Tea
"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)
Is any food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
What makes green tea so special?
The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
Other Benefits
New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm
Is any food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
What makes green tea so special?
The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
Other Benefits
New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm
3/15/10
Recently I've been experiencing stomach pain and assumed it was related to my food. My doc ran a few tests and found nothing. Then I tried a lactose free diet and didn't notice improvement. Finally, I decided to see a GI doc and guess what....he decided the cause was stress! It's a common joke that docs blame everything on stress and I must say, I did not believe him at first. I was convinced that the pain was directly related to the food I eat. The doc didn't believe me and was convinced it was stress. I mentioned that come to think of it, I had experienced a few stressful situations recently and he had that "aha...I was right" look on his face. The docs formula for stress was: 3 fruits/day, 3 veggies/day, 8 glasses of water and exercise at least 4 times a week.
A few days after seeing the doc I was having a discussion with someone and the person shared news about something that really upset me. Almost immediately after I started experiencing stomach pain and my shoulder started aching (which often happens when I'm under distress). At that moment I realized the doc was right - it was stress that was causing my stomach pain. After reflecting further, I remembered that I almost always get this pain when I'm traveling alone with my kids (very stressful!).
It feels good to know the cause of my problem but the downside is, it's difficult to fix "stress" since stress is a part of life. The doc said that while I cannot necessarily eliminate stress from my life, I could learn how to manage it buy eating right and blowing off steam regularly through exercise. I'm thankful to have a doc who took the time to really understand me and what I have been going through rather than medicate me as a quick fix.
I am still supposed to go in for further testing since my doc wants to make sure that nothing else is wrong. In the meantime, I will try to follow the docs orders. I hope that those of you reading this will gain some insight on the potential negative effects stress can have on an individual. I never imagined stress could be related to my stomach pain and completed denied it at first - I wasn't stressed...I was just fine! Lesson learned...don't underestimate the effects of stress and take a break once in a while to take care of myself and my body....do more yoga, get a massage, meditate...whatever it takes to relax.
A few days after seeing the doc I was having a discussion with someone and the person shared news about something that really upset me. Almost immediately after I started experiencing stomach pain and my shoulder started aching (which often happens when I'm under distress). At that moment I realized the doc was right - it was stress that was causing my stomach pain. After reflecting further, I remembered that I almost always get this pain when I'm traveling alone with my kids (very stressful!).
It feels good to know the cause of my problem but the downside is, it's difficult to fix "stress" since stress is a part of life. The doc said that while I cannot necessarily eliminate stress from my life, I could learn how to manage it buy eating right and blowing off steam regularly through exercise. I'm thankful to have a doc who took the time to really understand me and what I have been going through rather than medicate me as a quick fix.
I am still supposed to go in for further testing since my doc wants to make sure that nothing else is wrong. In the meantime, I will try to follow the docs orders. I hope that those of you reading this will gain some insight on the potential negative effects stress can have on an individual. I never imagined stress could be related to my stomach pain and completed denied it at first - I wasn't stressed...I was just fine! Lesson learned...don't underestimate the effects of stress and take a break once in a while to take care of myself and my body....do more yoga, get a massage, meditate...whatever it takes to relax.
3/6/10
Let's Talk Eggs
There are so may egg options out there it's hard to figure out what everything means! Many eggs are advertised as "cage free" or "vegetarian". These labels are often deceiving and don't say much about the quality of the egg. For example, "vegetarian" chickens are almost definitely raised in cooped up cages since the average free range chicken will have a diet that contains insects - a nutritious snack for chickens. The following is a break down of some of the labels and what they mean (www.lowcarbdiets.about.com):
What is a cage-free egg?
This simply means that the hens are not kept in cages, though there are no regulations to govern care beyond that.What is a free-range egg?
Free-range chickens are (according to voluntary regulations) supposed to have "access to the outdoors" -- however, by many reports, the care of many of these hens is structured so that they are very unlikely to go outside. The doors are not opened until the hens are of an age where they are likely to keep doing what they are used to doing, and when the (usually small) doors are opened, they usually don't go outside. Michael Pollan, in his best-selling book The Omnivore's Dilemma, describes one farm producing organic, free-range chickens for meat. He says that the chickens are "given outside access" at 5 weeks, then killed at 7 weeks. He never saw a chicken go outside during his visit.What are organic eggs?
There are regulations to govern what can be called organic. The chickens must be fed organic feed (grown without commercial fertilizers or pesticides), and not given hormones or antibiotics. This has nothing to do with how the animals are kept, however. The sad truth is, birds can still be crowded into a warehouse, and still made to endure “forced molting,” the practice of denying hens food and water to “shock” their bodies into a new egg-laying cycle... and be labeled 'organic.'
What is "humanely-raised"?
This is a totally unregulated definition, although organizations are springing up to try to come up with common definitions. The most prominent organization, Humane Farm Animal Care, has a certification process, which includes no cages, and hens having at least 1.5 square feet of floor space. Free-range hens must have outside access, and doors to the outside "must allow more than one hen at a time to exit". De-beaking is allowed, but some of the more barbaric practices common to traditionally-raised hens (such as "forced moulting" where hens nearly at the end of their laying are deprived to food, water, and light for days to weeks to produce one more bout of egg-laying) are not.What are "pastured" or "pasture-raised" hens?
According to the USDA Trade Descriptions, "birds are raised outdoors using movable enclosures located on grass and fed an organic diet (without hormones or non-organic additives) and/or raised without antibiotics (drugs that are intended to prevent or treat animal illnesses)".The advantage to pasture-raised eggs is that the hens are able to eat a wide variety of the natural food of chickens -- greens, grubs, etc. Not only do many people find these eggs to be much tastier, but there is accumulating evidence that the eggs from these hens have better nutritional profiles -- less cholesterol, less fat but more healthy Omega-3 fat, and more of other nutrients such as Vitamin A, lutein, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
-------------------
In conclusion, it appears "pastured" eggs are the way to go! Chickens that are pastured are generally more nutritious, much tastier and over all have the best of all the egg categories.
2/28/10
Chicken broth and MSG
Recently I decided to read the ingredients in a typical container of chicken bouillon. I had heard that "fake" chicken broth was unhealthy, but did not realize how unhealthy it was! Here is a list of the ingredients in one single chicken bouillon cube:
Salt, Sugar, Mechanically Separated Cooked Ground Chicken Meat, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Corn Maltodextrin, Onion Powder, Chicken Fat, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten Protein, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oils, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Water, Garlic Powder, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, Dextrose, Cooked Chicken Powder, Natural Chicken Flavor, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Calcium Silicate, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Turmeric, Corn Syrup Solids, Spice, Modified Corn Starch, Silicon Dioxide, Diacetyl (Flavor), Artificial Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Alpha Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Corn Oil, BHA (Preservative), Propyl Gallate, Citric Acid, BHT (Preservative).
You may notice a few things from this list - many of the ingredients break Michael Pollon's food rule of not eating anything with ingredients that a 3rd grader cannot pronounce. Second, you may notice the presence of a controversial ingredient known as MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Many experts believe that MSG is dangerous to one's health because it's toxic and can cause problems with one's neurons. MSG has been linked to obesity, migraines, alzheimer, etc. MSG is often associated with Chinese food, but it has become popularly used in MANY commonly purchased foods in grocery stores. One doctor gives his opinion on the danger of MSGs (very interesting - a must see): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-pnzj0c06Q&feature=fvw.
The doctor also touches upon the problems with artificial sugars and compares these sugars to MSG (they are both detrimental to health according to him).
So what's the solution for using healthy chicken broth? Either make it yourself using bones or the meat itself, or use an organic natural broth such as the one I have recently started using (love it). You can buy this broth from Costco at a very reasonable price. It is low in sodium and tastes like real broth....not the fake stuff:
Use as a base for more hearty soups, risotto, and pasta dishes or create your own amazing recipe.
Happy Eating!!
Salt, Sugar, Mechanically Separated Cooked Ground Chicken Meat, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Corn Maltodextrin, Onion Powder, Chicken Fat, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten Protein, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oils, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Water, Garlic Powder, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, Dextrose, Cooked Chicken Powder, Natural Chicken Flavor, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Calcium Silicate, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Turmeric, Corn Syrup Solids, Spice, Modified Corn Starch, Silicon Dioxide, Diacetyl (Flavor), Artificial Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Alpha Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Corn Oil, BHA (Preservative), Propyl Gallate, Citric Acid, BHT (Preservative).
You may notice a few things from this list - many of the ingredients break Michael Pollon's food rule of not eating anything with ingredients that a 3rd grader cannot pronounce. Second, you may notice the presence of a controversial ingredient known as MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Many experts believe that MSG is dangerous to one's health because it's toxic and can cause problems with one's neurons. MSG has been linked to obesity, migraines, alzheimer, etc. MSG is often associated with Chinese food, but it has become popularly used in MANY commonly purchased foods in grocery stores. One doctor gives his opinion on the danger of MSGs (very interesting - a must see): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-pnzj0c06Q&feature=fvw.
The doctor also touches upon the problems with artificial sugars and compares these sugars to MSG (they are both detrimental to health according to him).
So what's the solution for using healthy chicken broth? Either make it yourself using bones or the meat itself, or use an organic natural broth such as the one I have recently started using (love it). You can buy this broth from Costco at a very reasonable price. It is low in sodium and tastes like real broth....not the fake stuff:
Made with ingredients you can pronounce and with only 70mg of sodium.
We begin with free-range chickens raised on an organic vegetarian diet. Our mixture of simple ingredients is cooked together to create a foundation for a rich, delicious low sodium broth you didn’t have to prepare yourself.Use as a base for more hearty soups, risotto, and pasta dishes or create your own amazing recipe.
Happy Eating!!
2/21/10
New food rule from Michael Pollen - very interesting
http://fora.tv/2010/01/23/Michael_Pollan_on_Food_Rules_An_Eaters_Manual#Michael_Pollan_Dont_Eat_What_You_See_on_TV
2/17/10
cell phones and radiation
Article from: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-radiation-levels/
It's important to note that in publishing this list, we are in no way implying that cell phone use is harmful to your health. Research abounds, but much of the literature is contradictory. While some researchers have said there is cause to be "concerned," others disagree and say it is still too early too early to be alarmed. Similarly, though some tests have suggested a link between long-term (10 years or longer) cell phone use and cancer, there still is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that cell phones cause or don't cause adverse health effects in humans. In short, the jury is still out. Research into the matter will continue, and we will continue to monitor its results.
If you're concerned about limiting your SAR exposure, you can take a few easy steps beyond purchasing a handset with a low SAR. You can text instead placing a voice call, use a wired headset or speakerphone whenever possible, and carry your phone at least one inch from your body. Some researchers also caution against using your phone in areas with poor coverage since phones emit more radiation when searching for a signal. Children, which have smaller and thinner skulls, should limit cell phone use, and all users, children and adults, should not sleep with an active phone next to their bedside or under their pillow.
20 highest-radiation cell phones (United States)
Editors' note: When a phone is discontinued by a manufacturer or a carrier, it will be removed from this chart.
20 lowest-radiation cell phones (United States)
Editors' note: When a phone is discontinued by a manufacturer or a carrier, it will be removed from this chart.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article from: http://environment.about.com/od/mobilephones/a/phone_safety.htm
Cell phones are almost as common as pocket change these days. It seems nearly everyone, including an increasing number of children, carries a cell phone wherever they go. Cell phones are now so popular and convenient that they are surpassing landlines as the primary form of telecommunication for many people.
Is Growing Cell-Phone Use Increasing Health Risks?
In 2008, for the first time, Americans are expected to spend more on cell phones than on landlines, according to the U.S. Labor Department. And we not only love our cell phones, we use them: Americans racked up more than a trillion cell-phone minutes in the first half of 2007 alone.
Yet, as cell-phone use continues to grow, so does concern about the possible health risks of prolonged exposure to cell-phone radiation.
Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?
Wireless cell phones transmit signals via radio frequency (RF), the same kind of low-frequency radiation used in microwave ovens and AM/FM radios. Scientists have known for years that large doses of high-frequency radiation—the kind used in X-rays—causes cancer, but less is understood about the risks of low-frequency radiation.
Studies on the health risks of cell-phone use have produced mixed results, but scientists and medical experts warn that people should not assume no risk exists. Cell phones have been widely available for only the past 10 years or so, but tumors may take twice that long to develop.
Because cell phones haven’t been around very long, scientists haven’t been able to assess the effects of long-term cell-phone use, or to study the effects of low-frequency radiation on growing children. Most studies have focused on people who have been using cell phones for three to five years, but some studies have indicated that using a cell phone an hour a day for 10 years or more can significantly increase the risk of developing a rare brain tumor.
What Makes Cell Phones Potentially Dangerous?
Most RF from cell phones comes from the antenna, which sends signals to the nearest base station. The farther the cell phone is from the nearest base station, the more radiation it requires to send the signal and make the connection. As a result, scientists theorize that the health risks from cell-phone radiation would be greater for people who live and work where base stations are farther away or fewer in number—and research is beginning to support that theory.
In December 2007, Israeli researchers reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology that long-term cell-phone users who live in rural areas face a "consistently elevated risk" of developing tumors in the parotid gland compared with users who live in urban or suburban locations. The parotid gland is a salivary gland located just below a person’s ear.
And in January 2008, the French Health Ministry issued a warning against excessive cell phone use, especially by children, despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence linking cell-phone use with cancer or other serious health effects. In a public statement, the ministry said: "As the hypothesis of a risk cannot be entirely excluded, precaution is justified."
How to Protect Yourself from Cell-Phone Radiation
“Precaution” seems to be the approach recommended by an increasing number of scientists, medical experts and public health agencies, from the French Health Ministry to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). General recommendations to minimize the potential health risks include talking on cell phones only when necessary, and using a hands-free device to keep the cell phone away from your head.
What it all means
According to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, specific absorption rate, or SAR, is "a way of measuring the quantity of radio frequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body." For a phone to pass FCC certification and be sold in the United States, its maximum SAR level must be less than 1.6 watts per kilogram. In Europe, the level is capped at 2 watts per kilogram while Canada allows a maximum of 1.6 watts per kilogram. The SAR level listed in our charts represents the highest SAR level measured with the phone next to the ear as tested by the FCC. Keep in mind that it is possible for the SAR level to vary between different transmission bands (the same phone can use multiple bands during a call), and that different testing bodies can obtain different results. Also, it's possible for results to vary between different models of the same phone--such as a handset that's offered by multiple carriers. CNET lists the exposure for voice calls only; the SAR for data use can differ.It's important to note that in publishing this list, we are in no way implying that cell phone use is harmful to your health. Research abounds, but much of the literature is contradictory. While some researchers have said there is cause to be "concerned," others disagree and say it is still too early too early to be alarmed. Similarly, though some tests have suggested a link between long-term (10 years or longer) cell phone use and cancer, there still is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that cell phones cause or don't cause adverse health effects in humans. In short, the jury is still out. Research into the matter will continue, and we will continue to monitor its results.
If you're concerned about limiting your SAR exposure, you can take a few easy steps beyond purchasing a handset with a low SAR. You can text instead placing a voice call, use a wired headset or speakerphone whenever possible, and carry your phone at least one inch from your body. Some researchers also caution against using your phone in areas with poor coverage since phones emit more radiation when searching for a signal. Children, which have smaller and thinner skulls, should limit cell phone use, and all users, children and adults, should not sleep with an active phone next to their bedside or under their pillow.
20 highest-radiation cell phones (United States)
Editors' note: When a phone is discontinued by a manufacturer or a carrier, it will be removed from this chart.
| Manufacturer and model | SAR level(digital) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorola V195s | 1.6 |
| 2 | Motorola Zine ZN5 | 1.59 |
| 2a | Motorola Rival | 1.59 |
| 4 | Kyocera Jax S1300 | 1.55 |
| 4a | Motorola VU204 | 1.55 |
| 6 | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Sprint) | 1.54 |
| 6a | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (U.S. Cellular) | 1.54 |
| 6b | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Verizon Wireless) | 1.54 |
| 9 | Nokia E71x | 1.53 |
| 10 | Pantech Matrix | 1.52 |
| 11 | LG Rumor 2 | 1.51 |
| 11a | RIM BlackBerry Bold | 1.51 |
| 13 | HTC SMT5800 | 1.49 |
| 14 | Sony Ericsson W350a | 1.48 |
| 15 | T-Mobile Dash 3G | 1.47 |
| 16 | Samsung Instinct | 1.46 |
| 16a | Samsung Spex SCH-R210 | 1.46 |
| 18 | Kyocera X-tc | 1.45 |
| 18a | Motorola i576 | 1.45 |
| 18b | Motorola Adventure V750 | 1.45 |
20 lowest-radiation cell phones (United States)
Editors' note: When a phone is discontinued by a manufacturer or a carrier, it will be removed from this chart.
| Manufacturer and model | SAR level(digital) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beyond E-Tech Duet D8 | 0.109 |
| 2 | Samsung Eternity SGH-A867 | 0.194 |
| 3 | Samsung Blue Earth | 0.196 |
| 4 | Samsung SGH-G800 | 0.23 |
| 5 | Samsung Soul | 0.24 |
| 6 | Samsung Impression SGH-A877 | 0.27 |
| 7 | Samsung Innov8 | 0.287 |
| 8 | Beyond E-Tech Duet D888 | 0.32 |
| 9 | Samsung SGH-T229 | 0.383 |
| 10 | Samsung SGH-A167 | 0.452 |
| 11 | Samsung SGH-i450 | 0.457 |
| 12 | Samsung Rugby SGH-A837 (AT&T) | 0.46 |
| 13 | Samsung Propel Pro | 0.473 |
| 14 | Samsung Gravity | 0.487 |
| 15 | HTC Imagio (Verizon Wireless) | 0.498 |
| 16 | Samsung Alias 2 SCH-U750 | 0.541 |
| 17 | Samsung Gravity 2 | 0.547 |
| 18 | Motorola Karma QA1 | 0.55 |
| 19 | AT&T Quickfire | 0.563 |
| 20 | Sonim XP1 | 0.6 |
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Article from: http://environment.about.com/od/mobilephones/a/phone_safety.htm
Cell phones are almost as common as pocket change these days. It seems nearly everyone, including an increasing number of children, carries a cell phone wherever they go. Cell phones are now so popular and convenient that they are surpassing landlines as the primary form of telecommunication for many people.
Is Growing Cell-Phone Use Increasing Health Risks?
In 2008, for the first time, Americans are expected to spend more on cell phones than on landlines, according to the U.S. Labor Department. And we not only love our cell phones, we use them: Americans racked up more than a trillion cell-phone minutes in the first half of 2007 alone.
Yet, as cell-phone use continues to grow, so does concern about the possible health risks of prolonged exposure to cell-phone radiation.
Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?
Wireless cell phones transmit signals via radio frequency (RF), the same kind of low-frequency radiation used in microwave ovens and AM/FM radios. Scientists have known for years that large doses of high-frequency radiation—the kind used in X-rays—causes cancer, but less is understood about the risks of low-frequency radiation.
Studies on the health risks of cell-phone use have produced mixed results, but scientists and medical experts warn that people should not assume no risk exists. Cell phones have been widely available for only the past 10 years or so, but tumors may take twice that long to develop.
Because cell phones haven’t been around very long, scientists haven’t been able to assess the effects of long-term cell-phone use, or to study the effects of low-frequency radiation on growing children. Most studies have focused on people who have been using cell phones for three to five years, but some studies have indicated that using a cell phone an hour a day for 10 years or more can significantly increase the risk of developing a rare brain tumor.
What Makes Cell Phones Potentially Dangerous?
Most RF from cell phones comes from the antenna, which sends signals to the nearest base station. The farther the cell phone is from the nearest base station, the more radiation it requires to send the signal and make the connection. As a result, scientists theorize that the health risks from cell-phone radiation would be greater for people who live and work where base stations are farther away or fewer in number—and research is beginning to support that theory.
In December 2007, Israeli researchers reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology that long-term cell-phone users who live in rural areas face a "consistently elevated risk" of developing tumors in the parotid gland compared with users who live in urban or suburban locations. The parotid gland is a salivary gland located just below a person’s ear.
And in January 2008, the French Health Ministry issued a warning against excessive cell phone use, especially by children, despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence linking cell-phone use with cancer or other serious health effects. In a public statement, the ministry said: "As the hypothesis of a risk cannot be entirely excluded, precaution is justified."
How to Protect Yourself from Cell-Phone Radiation
“Precaution” seems to be the approach recommended by an increasing number of scientists, medical experts and public health agencies, from the French Health Ministry to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). General recommendations to minimize the potential health risks include talking on cell phones only when necessary, and using a hands-free device to keep the cell phone away from your head.
2/9/10
8 tips for going green at home
A few tips for going green at home:
1. Lower your heat at home as much as you can bear. This is particularly hard for me since I resent being cold in my own home. However, today I have decided to bring my heat down from 75 to 72 and 70 at night. It will not only save on my gas bill but it can save the environment. I will just put portable space heaters in my living room and dress warmly. Wish me luck!
2. Only wash clothes that really need it. If you just have one dirty spot, consider hand washing that area. Washing clothes uses a lot of water and energy. Again, this one is tough for me. I have a bad habit of just throwing everything in the hamper at the end of the day. Note: when you put clothes in the dryer clean the filter in order to use less energy.
3. If everyone in the United States reduced the junk mail s/he receives every week, 100 million trees would be spared each year. Go to optoutprescreen.com to stop receiving pre-approved credit card offers. I tried this myself and it was simple. Keep in mind your SSN is not required.
4. Opt to use a laptop over a desktop since the laptop uses half the energy of a desktop.
5. Use an aluminum bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Even if you recycle those bottles transporting the bottles to the grocery store is not good for the environment
6. This one is obvious and I'm sure many of you already do it but turn off the tap as you brush your teeth or shave.
7. Donate old electronics, such as cell phone and batteries, to an electronic store so they can recycle them. I know Radio Shack takes them and probably many other electronic stores. These materials can not only be hazardous to the environment but also spend a long time in the landfills taking up wasted space.
8. Buy products that are green and use recycled materials, etc.
Some of these were taken from: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/planet-friendly-tips-10000001604538/page8.html
1. Lower your heat at home as much as you can bear. This is particularly hard for me since I resent being cold in my own home. However, today I have decided to bring my heat down from 75 to 72 and 70 at night. It will not only save on my gas bill but it can save the environment. I will just put portable space heaters in my living room and dress warmly. Wish me luck!
2. Only wash clothes that really need it. If you just have one dirty spot, consider hand washing that area. Washing clothes uses a lot of water and energy. Again, this one is tough for me. I have a bad habit of just throwing everything in the hamper at the end of the day. Note: when you put clothes in the dryer clean the filter in order to use less energy.
3. If everyone in the United States reduced the junk mail s/he receives every week, 100 million trees would be spared each year. Go to optoutprescreen.com to stop receiving pre-approved credit card offers. I tried this myself and it was simple. Keep in mind your SSN is not required.
4. Opt to use a laptop over a desktop since the laptop uses half the energy of a desktop.
5. Use an aluminum bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Even if you recycle those bottles transporting the bottles to the grocery store is not good for the environment
6. This one is obvious and I'm sure many of you already do it but turn off the tap as you brush your teeth or shave.
7. Donate old electronics, such as cell phone and batteries, to an electronic store so they can recycle them. I know Radio Shack takes them and probably many other electronic stores. These materials can not only be hazardous to the environment but also spend a long time in the landfills taking up wasted space.
8. Buy products that are green and use recycled materials, etc.
Some of these were taken from: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/planet-friendly-tips-10000001604538/page8.html
Recycling 101
If you are still not recycling plastic, aluminum and paper....today is the day to change that bad habit. Read below to discover what recycling just one pop can or one plastic bottle can do for the environment:
Fact: Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. So, yes, it pays off. Here’s how to do it right wherever you live.
Fact: Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. So, yes, it pays off. Here’s how to do it right wherever you live.
- Collect newspapers in a paper grocery bag or in tied bundles, depending on your community’s guidelines, and set them out on pickup day. (It takes up to 75,000 trees to produce one Sunday edition of the New York Times.)
- Don’t recycle wet cardboard. It can clog sorting machines. Throw it away to keep it from contaminating the rest of the load.
- Don’t recycle bottle tops; they’re not made from the same plastic as recyclable bottles. But if you forget, don’t sweat it. They’ll be sorted down the line. (The energy saved by recycling one plastic bottle can power a computer for 25 minutes.)
- Rinse cans, but crushing isn’t necessary. The aluminum can is the most recycled item in the United States, as well as the most valuable. It can be recycled again and again, and so efficiently that a can is regenerated and back on the shelf in as little as 60 days.
How to reduce chances of obesity in children
A recent study found that 3 habits are associated with reducing the chances of childhood obesity:
1. Eating dinner with your family more than 5 times a week
2. Sleeping at least 10.5 hrs
3. Watching less than 2 hrs of TV a day
Children that established the above habits were 40% less likely to be obese. Over 8000 kids 4 yr olds were included in the study and only about 15% practiced all 3 habits. So the lesson is, obesity in children is not only about eating junk food.
You can read more about the study here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/08/childhood.obesity/index.html?hpt=C2
1. Eating dinner with your family more than 5 times a week
2. Sleeping at least 10.5 hrs
3. Watching less than 2 hrs of TV a day
Children that established the above habits were 40% less likely to be obese. Over 8000 kids 4 yr olds were included in the study and only about 15% practiced all 3 habits. So the lesson is, obesity in children is not only about eating junk food.
You can read more about the study here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/08/childhood.obesity/index.html?hpt=C2
2/5/10
Eating Whole Foods
The more we learn about nutrition, the more it seems we should eat the way people did a hundred years ago. Recent research appears to be pointing us in the direction of eating mostly "whole foods" – that is, foods that are as close to their natural form as possible.
This could mean eating:
Whole grains instead of refined grains whenever possible.
Fruits, vegetables, and beans instead of supplements to provide the fiber and vitamins they contain.
A skinless chicken breast cooked with healthful ingredients instead of chicken nuggets processed with added fats, flavorings, and preservatives.
A baked potato with chopped green onions and light sour cream instead of a bag of sour cream and onion potato chips.
Fresh berries with breakfast instead of raspberry toaster pastries or breakfast bars.
A blueberry smoothie made with blueberries, yogurt, and a frozen banana instead of a blue-colored slushy or icee.
Many health experts believe that eating more whole foods is our best bet for improving health and preventing disease. Whole foods – like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes -- retain their fiber as well as the whole portfolio of beneficial phytochemicals and nutrients that are often removed in processed foods.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-whole-foods-diet
This could mean eating:
Whole grains instead of refined grains whenever possible.
Fruits, vegetables, and beans instead of supplements to provide the fiber and vitamins they contain.
A skinless chicken breast cooked with healthful ingredients instead of chicken nuggets processed with added fats, flavorings, and preservatives.
A baked potato with chopped green onions and light sour cream instead of a bag of sour cream and onion potato chips.
Fresh berries with breakfast instead of raspberry toaster pastries or breakfast bars.
A blueberry smoothie made with blueberries, yogurt, and a frozen banana instead of a blue-colored slushy or icee.
Many health experts believe that eating more whole foods is our best bet for improving health and preventing disease. Whole foods – like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes -- retain their fiber as well as the whole portfolio of beneficial phytochemicals and nutrients that are often removed in processed foods.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-whole-foods-diet
2/2/10
Eating Produce in Season
Every wonder how you can find out what produce is currently in season? Here's a website that contains that valuable information: http://www.eattheseasons.com/. Eating produce in season not only tastes better, but it also reduces unnecessary pollutants emitted by transporting foods from far distances. I have to admit, eating in season is a struggle for me since I'm used to having tomatoes all year long..but the more we can do it the better for our personal health (lots of pesticides are needed to transport produce from far away) and the better for our environment.
Homemade Mac n Cheese
In an attempt to follow Pollan's Food Rule about only eating junk food if you make it yourself - I made mac and cheese from scratch for the first time! It was very easy. I used vegetable macaroni and mild chedder cheese shredded. When the pasta boiled, I added cheese, salt, pepper and oregano and mixed until the cheese melted. The difference in taste between homemade and the powdered junk out of the box was enormous! Try it yourself and you'll never go back to boxed mac and cheese again.
Note: to make the dish even healthier and a more balanced meal you can add grilled chicken and peas or corn.
Note: to make the dish even healthier and a more balanced meal you can add grilled chicken and peas or corn.
2/1/10
Benefits of Flax Seed
Flax Seed is a very healthy seed that you can sprinkle on many foods to increase their nutritional value. I put it in my children's cereal every day. Here are some health benefits (mainly from the high amount of omega-3 essential fatty acids found in this seed):
1. Can help reduce the inflammation that is a significant factor in conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis.
2. Can promote bone health and reduce bone loss.
3. Protects against heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
4. Helps prevent and control high blood pressure.
5. Can help reduce cholesterol.
6. Can reduce hot flashes or dry eyes.
7. A good source of fiber.
Where to use flax seed:
1. Hot or cold cereals.
2. Homemade muffin, cookie or bread recipes.
3. Breakfast shakes.
4. Cooked vegetables.
Some tips about buying flax seed:
Ground flaxseeds are usually available both refrigerated and non-refrigerated. It is highly recommended to purchase ground flaxseed that is in a vacuum-sealed package or has been refrigerated since once flaxseeds are ground, they are much more prone to oxidation and spoilage. Likewise, if you either purchase ground flaxseeds or you grind them at home, it is important to keep them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from becoming rancid.
Flaxseed oil is especially perishable and should be purchased in opaque bottles that have been kept refrigerated. Flaxseed oil should have a sweet nutty flavor. Never use flaxseed oil in cooking; add it to foods after they have been heated.
Grind whole flaxseeds in a coffee or seed grinder in order to enhance their digestibility and therefore their nutritional value.
Some concerns:
While flaxseeds contain cyanogenic glycosides compounds, at normal levels and without protein malnutrition, researchers currently maintain that this is not of concern and should cause no adverse effects (they consider 50 grams, which is more than 2 TBS, to be a safe amount for most people). The heat employed by cooking has been found to eliminate the presence of these compounds.
Some people have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as flatulence and bloating, when they first begin to incorporate flaxseeds into their diet. It is suggested to start with a small amount, such as one teaspoon, and slowly build yourself up to your intake goal. When increasing fiber intake in the diet, it is also a good idea to include fluid (water) intake as well.
Several animal studies (involving rats and mice) have raised questions about the safety of high-dose flaxseeds during pregnancy - not for the pregnant females, but for their offspring. "High-dose" in these animal experiments has meant flax intake as 10% of the total diet, or about 4 tablespoons of flaxseed for every 2,000 calories. Although it is impossible to generalize from animal studies to humans, we recommend that women who are pregnant (or considering pregnancy) consult with their healthcare providers if they are consuming or planning to consume flaxseeds in these high amounts.
Important notes:
If adding ground flaxseeds to a cooked cereal or grain dish, do so at the end of cooking since the soluble fiber in the flaxseeds can thicken liquids if left too long.
The nutrients in ground flax seeds are more easily absorbed and thus, much healthier!
Some of the information in this post was taken from the Whole Foods website.
1. Can help reduce the inflammation that is a significant factor in conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis.
2. Can promote bone health and reduce bone loss.
3. Protects against heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
4. Helps prevent and control high blood pressure.
5. Can help reduce cholesterol.
6. Can reduce hot flashes or dry eyes.
7. A good source of fiber.
Where to use flax seed:
1. Hot or cold cereals.
2. Homemade muffin, cookie or bread recipes.
3. Breakfast shakes.
4. Cooked vegetables.
Some tips about buying flax seed:
Ground flaxseeds are usually available both refrigerated and non-refrigerated. It is highly recommended to purchase ground flaxseed that is in a vacuum-sealed package or has been refrigerated since once flaxseeds are ground, they are much more prone to oxidation and spoilage. Likewise, if you either purchase ground flaxseeds or you grind them at home, it is important to keep them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from becoming rancid.
Flaxseed oil is especially perishable and should be purchased in opaque bottles that have been kept refrigerated. Flaxseed oil should have a sweet nutty flavor. Never use flaxseed oil in cooking; add it to foods after they have been heated.
Grind whole flaxseeds in a coffee or seed grinder in order to enhance their digestibility and therefore their nutritional value.
Some concerns:
While flaxseeds contain cyanogenic glycosides compounds, at normal levels and without protein malnutrition, researchers currently maintain that this is not of concern and should cause no adverse effects (they consider 50 grams, which is more than 2 TBS, to be a safe amount for most people). The heat employed by cooking has been found to eliminate the presence of these compounds.
Some people have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as flatulence and bloating, when they first begin to incorporate flaxseeds into their diet. It is suggested to start with a small amount, such as one teaspoon, and slowly build yourself up to your intake goal. When increasing fiber intake in the diet, it is also a good idea to include fluid (water) intake as well.
Several animal studies (involving rats and mice) have raised questions about the safety of high-dose flaxseeds during pregnancy - not for the pregnant females, but for their offspring. "High-dose" in these animal experiments has meant flax intake as 10% of the total diet, or about 4 tablespoons of flaxseed for every 2,000 calories. Although it is impossible to generalize from animal studies to humans, we recommend that women who are pregnant (or considering pregnancy) consult with their healthcare providers if they are consuming or planning to consume flaxseeds in these high amounts.
Important notes:
If adding ground flaxseeds to a cooked cereal or grain dish, do so at the end of cooking since the soluble fiber in the flaxseeds can thicken liquids if left too long.
The nutrients in ground flax seeds are more easily absorbed and thus, much healthier!
Some of the information in this post was taken from the Whole Foods website.
Fluoride in Water
Whether the govt. should or should not actively put fluoride in regular drinking water is a controversial topic with many people on opposite ends of the argument. Below I will share some opinions from each perspective (taken from the internet) and let you be the judge. I would love to hear your views or more resources on the subject:
Those opposed to fluoride in water:
1. Many who oppose water fluoridation consider it to be a form of compulsory mass medication, thus raising ethical issues. Like vaccinations, fluoride presents a conflict between benefiting the common good and infringing on individual rights.
2. Tooth decay has dropped at the same rate in countries with, and without, water fluoridation.
3. Constant ingestion of high levels of fluoride can cause adverse effects including dental fluorosis - a condition that causes tiny white streaks or specks on children's teeth and in some cases, black or brown stains.
4. Adding fluoride to water costs too much and it's a waste of tax dollars.
Those for fluoride in water:
1. Water fluoridation is effective at reducing cavities in both children and adults.
2. Reduces oral health inequality between rich and poor since everyone gets the fluoride.
It's interesting to note that bottled water typically does not contain fluoride, and some water filters remove some or all fluoride. For this reason, some dentists may recommend on drinking tap water for their patients.
Those opposed to fluoride in water:
1. Many who oppose water fluoridation consider it to be a form of compulsory mass medication, thus raising ethical issues. Like vaccinations, fluoride presents a conflict between benefiting the common good and infringing on individual rights.
2. Tooth decay has dropped at the same rate in countries with, and without, water fluoridation.
3. Constant ingestion of high levels of fluoride can cause adverse effects including dental fluorosis - a condition that causes tiny white streaks or specks on children's teeth and in some cases, black or brown stains.
4. Adding fluoride to water costs too much and it's a waste of tax dollars.
Those for fluoride in water:
1. Water fluoridation is effective at reducing cavities in both children and adults.
2. Reduces oral health inequality between rich and poor since everyone gets the fluoride.
It's interesting to note that bottled water typically does not contain fluoride, and some water filters remove some or all fluoride. For this reason, some dentists may recommend on drinking tap water for their patients.
1/30/10
Video about how to save $ in your home by going green
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2010/01/30/whitfield.muslim.sorority.cnn?hpt=C2
1/27/10
Longevity
Interested in how to live healthy longer? Watch this informative video from cnn: http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/01/26/buettner.long.life/index.html?hpt=C2
rice substitutes
Interested in cutting out rice from your life and replacing it with healthier alternatives? I just discovered a delicious grain called quinoa (pronounced keen-wa)....I literally just ate a bowl of it with my cauliflower dish. It is very tasty and light. I cooked it with a touch of olive oil and sea salt. You pretty much cook it like regular rice (1 cup quinoa and 1.5 cups water). Soak it for 15 mins first. After the water boils, lower the temp and leave for about 10 mins.
Here are some helf benefits of quinoa (http://www.quinoa.net/):
1. Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2 percent, compared with 7.5 percent for rice, 9.9 percent for millet, and 14 percent for wheat. Some varieties of quinoa are more than 20 percent protein. Quinoa's protein is of an unusually high quality. It is a complete protein, with an essential amino acid balance close to the ideal ... similar to milk!
2. Quinoa is light, tasty, and easy to digest. It is not sticky or heavy like most other grains, and it has a delicious flavor all its own.
3. Quinoa can be substituted for almost any grain in almost any recipe. It looks and tastes great on its own, or in any dish from soup to salad.
By the way, some other good options for rice substitutes include bulgar wheat, coucous (you can get this in whole wheat), millet and if you have to have rice - try it in brown!
Here are some helf benefits of quinoa (http://www.quinoa.net/):
1. Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2 percent, compared with 7.5 percent for rice, 9.9 percent for millet, and 14 percent for wheat. Some varieties of quinoa are more than 20 percent protein. Quinoa's protein is of an unusually high quality. It is a complete protein, with an essential amino acid balance close to the ideal ... similar to milk!
2. Quinoa is light, tasty, and easy to digest. It is not sticky or heavy like most other grains, and it has a delicious flavor all its own.
3. Quinoa can be substituted for almost any grain in almost any recipe. It looks and tastes great on its own, or in any dish from soup to salad.
By the way, some other good options for rice substitutes include bulgar wheat, coucous (you can get this in whole wheat), millet and if you have to have rice - try it in brown!
Food Rules
Food Rules My Michael Pollen:
1. Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't recognize.
2. Avoid foods containing ingredients that a 3rd grader cannot pronounce.
3. Eat only food that will eventually rot.
4. Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself (ie. fries).
1. Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't recognize.
2. Avoid foods containing ingredients that a 3rd grader cannot pronounce.
3. Eat only food that will eventually rot.
4. Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself (ie. fries).
1/26/10
WATCH OPRAH TOMORROW
Newsflash: Watch Oprah tomorrow (Wed). Michael Pollen, author of Omnivores Dilemma, will be on the show talking about eating healthy. I read his book and it was very enlightening.
No to teflon, yes to cast iron or stainless steel
Random fact: Did you know you could put your sponges in the dishwasher to kill bacteria growing on it and lengthen the amount of time you can safely use it?
Now, let's talk cookware. Many of you have probably heard that Teflon (non-stick) pots/pans are dangerous. Over time, the teflon breaks apart and can release cancerous particles and gases. Instead, you can use stainless steel or cast iron. The latter tends to be better as a non-stick.
Now, let's talk cookware. Many of you have probably heard that Teflon (non-stick) pots/pans are dangerous. Over time, the teflon breaks apart and can release cancerous particles and gases. Instead, you can use stainless steel or cast iron. The latter tends to be better as a non-stick.
Sugar Substitutes
While some argue that artificial calorie-free sweeteners have never been proven to be cancer causing and dangerous to health, the fact is - there is not enough research to prove that they are healthy to consume in the long-term. Even stevia, which some thought was more natural and innocuous has recently developed controversy surrounding its use. So, is there an alternative to sugar? Yes....while it has calories, agave nectar is a good alternative to sugar for several reasons (http://www.fitsugar.com/Agave-Nectar-Healthier-Than-Sugar-2834853):
1. While it may seem that sugar contains less calories, carbs, and sugars, agave nectar is sweeter than granulated sugar, so you end up using less — about 40 percent less.
2. Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index (GI) rating, which means it won't cause a spike in your blood sugar levels the way sugar does. High-GI foods like white sugar tend to make us feel hungry sooner since they are digested quickly. So foods made with agave nectar may keep you feeling fuller longer than foods made with the white stuff, which translates to eating less.
3. Agave nectar contains some fiber. We can always use more of that in our diets. Although both come from plants, agave nectar is less processed and closer to nature, so for all these reasons, you can feel good about using it in place of sugar.
Note: you'll need to fiddle with recipes when baking with agave nectar, since it is a liquid and not a dry ingredient like sugar.
Also, I got this from wikipedia:
Agave nectars are sold in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. Light agave nectar has a mild, almost neutral flavor, and is therefore sometimes used in delicate tasting foods and drinks. Amber agave nectar has a medium-intensity caramel flavor, and is therefore used in foods and drinks with stronger flavors. Dark agave nectar has stronger caramel notes, and imparts a distinct flavor to dishes, such as some desserts, poultry, meat, and seafood dishes. Both amber and dark agave nectar are sometimes used "straight out of the bottle" as a topping for pancakes and waffles. Raw agave nectar also has a mild, neutral taste. It is produced at temperatures below 118 °F (48 °C) to protect the natural enzymes, so this variety is an appropriate sweetener for raw foodists.[16]
1. While it may seem that sugar contains less calories, carbs, and sugars, agave nectar is sweeter than granulated sugar, so you end up using less — about 40 percent less.
2. Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index (GI) rating, which means it won't cause a spike in your blood sugar levels the way sugar does. High-GI foods like white sugar tend to make us feel hungry sooner since they are digested quickly. So foods made with agave nectar may keep you feeling fuller longer than foods made with the white stuff, which translates to eating less.
3. Agave nectar contains some fiber. We can always use more of that in our diets. Although both come from plants, agave nectar is less processed and closer to nature, so for all these reasons, you can feel good about using it in place of sugar.
Note: you'll need to fiddle with recipes when baking with agave nectar, since it is a liquid and not a dry ingredient like sugar.
Also, I got this from wikipedia:
Agave nectars are sold in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. Light agave nectar has a mild, almost neutral flavor, and is therefore sometimes used in delicate tasting foods and drinks. Amber agave nectar has a medium-intensity caramel flavor, and is therefore used in foods and drinks with stronger flavors. Dark agave nectar has stronger caramel notes, and imparts a distinct flavor to dishes, such as some desserts, poultry, meat, and seafood dishes. Both amber and dark agave nectar are sometimes used "straight out of the bottle" as a topping for pancakes and waffles. Raw agave nectar also has a mild, neutral taste. It is produced at temperatures below 118 °F (48 °C) to protect the natural enzymes, so this variety is an appropriate sweetener for raw foodists.[16]
Welcome
Welcome to my blog! Recently, I've realized e-mailing friends and family every time a discover a new tip on living healthy is an inefficient way of transferring information. Instead, I will post advice on this blog, and hope you share your valuable thoughts with me as well. To start, I will share some recipes on making home-made cleaning solutions that are non-toxic, cheap, and good for the environment:
Glass/mirrors: 1cup:1cup rubbing alcohol and water, 1 tbs white vinegar
Dishwasher detergent: 1tbsp:1tbsp baking soda and borax (aka "20 mule team" - laundry aisle)
Bathroom/kitchen/wood floor (all-purpose cleaner): 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, you can also add some lemon juice.
Note: recently my cleaner ruined my marble by spraying chemicals on it. I was very upset of course and researched the proper way to clean marble. I discovered good old fashioned water and soap was best - no vinegar on marble!
Glass/mirrors: 1cup:1cup rubbing alcohol and water, 1 tbs white vinegar
Dishwasher detergent: 1tbsp:1tbsp baking soda and borax (aka "20 mule team" - laundry aisle)
Bathroom/kitchen/wood floor (all-purpose cleaner): 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, you can also add some lemon juice.
Note: recently my cleaner ruined my marble by spraying chemicals on it. I was very upset of course and researched the proper way to clean marble. I discovered good old fashioned water and soap was best - no vinegar on marble!
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