Jul 27, 2010 0
Jul 27, 2010 0
Unscented Air is the Best
Unscented Air Makes You Breathe Easier and Healthier
We love the smell of the ocean air, earthly scents of the woods, sweet fragrances of blossoming flower gardens, or the scent of a single rose. We love them so much we want to capture it, bottle it, spray, mist, fan, and candle it.
Yet it’s greener and healthier for consumers to just smile and pass by those products that smell oh, so “good” sold in many stores. But are they so good?
If you’re curious to know what the ingredients are in air fresheners, you can go to http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/ and
get a shocking education that will make you think twice about the next air freshener you buy.
Butane, a chemical in cigarette lighters, is also known as a Hydrocarbon Propellant. It is an ingredient often used in air fresheners. It can also cause chemical frostbite from an aerosol spay.
Now imagine this, spraying your home with an air freshener that contains butane. You don’t spay it once or twice, if you’re like most people you dance your way through your home spraying here and there with butane!
Then, you take a nice deep breath to smell the “freshness” in the air.
Nope. What you’ve just done is inhaled butane into your lungs.
The sad part is this: Manufactures of air fresheners do not disclose, (or are required) to list every ingredient in their products.
So what can you do? Here are some simple tips and ideas to create an “air” of pleasurable scent in your home.
•If you are covering up a smell in your home, better to find the original offense first – it will only get worse
•Open the windows in your home
•In a clean, empty spray bottle, mix your favorite essential oil with water and spritz around the home (be careful not to leave this around kids as oils are flammable).
•Use scent diffusers. Many craft stores have these. A small vase is filled with scented oil. Long sticks are placed in the vase which soaks up the oil and its scent is diffused into the air.
• Make you own or start using soy candles with “clean” burning
•Make sachets. Use small cotton bags, fill with your favorite scented potpourri and place them around the house, or hang them on doors, etc.
•Pour a small amount of your favorite essential oil in a small pot of water. Slowly heat it and let simmer on your stove. Hmmm.
In the end, basic and simple is the healthiest way to go. You’ll not only breathe easier, but you’ll be healthier too.
Lesly Federici RN, BA, CWC
www.greenrn.info/
U Smile Radio
www.usmileradio.com
Jul 26, 2010 0
How Diapers are Made
Lots of chemicals used in these. Especially in the “gel” part and adhesives used.
Jul 24, 2010 0
Reproductive Harm and Household Cleaning Products
The following article is from: www.womenandenvironment.org
Reproductive Harm & Household Cleaning Products Certain chemicals used in common cleaning products have been associated with reproductive harm such as alterations in sexual behavior, decreases in fertility, menstrual changes, changes in the onset of puberty, cancers of reproductive organs, miscarriage, premature birth and other effects.
Glycol ethers, such as 2-butoxyethanol, are solvents commonly found in glass cleaners and all-purpose spray cleaners and have been associated with low birth weight in exposed mice.
Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are surfactants found in laundry detergents, stain removers, and all-purpose cleaners, which have been found to reduce embryo survival in fish and alter tadpole development.
Phthalates are carriers for fragrance in glass cleaners, deodorizers, laundry detergents and fabric softeners, and are linked to adverse effects on male children, reduced sperm count in adult men, and increased allergic symptoms and asthma in children.
Studies suggest using precaution may protect the next generation
Sometimes the effects of chemical exposure are not seen until the next generation. Many scientists now believe that chemical exposure, even at very low levels, can have adverse impacts on the reproductive system. When a pregnant mother is exposed to chemicals, this exposure can also impact the developing child and lead to developmental effects, such as birth defects, low birth weight, impacts on cognitive development or other harmful outcomes. Research has shown the following:
Pregnant women exposed to glycol ethers in their work environments were significantly more likely to have children with birth defects such as neural tube defects and cleft lip.[i]
A California study measured actual emissions of glycol ethers and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under normal home cleaning conditions.[ii] The research suggests that potential exposures to VOCs such as glycol ethers like 2-butoxyethanol from home cleaning can be high enough to exceed threshold safety levels established for industrial settings. In particular, potentially dangerous levels of these chemicals were seen in smaller, poorly ventilated rooms (such as a bathroom), where floor cleaners were used in combination with air fresheners.
Most of the research on reproductive harm and chemicals in cleaning products has been conducted in the laboratory and does not involve human testing due to both practical and ethical considerations. Yet, effects on animals may hold answers for humans.
Studies on laboratory mice found reduced fertility among female mice exposed to 2-butoxyethanol, and lower birth weight in their offspring.[iii]
In laboratory studies, offspring of rats exposed to 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy) ethanol developed various birth defects including malformations of the ribs and cardiovascular system.[iv]
Nonylphenol (NP) is a breakdown product of NPEs which is known to mimic the hormone estrogen and impact the production of testosterone, both of which can have numerous reproductive and other health impacts.[v] In female rats, exposure to NP delayed the onset of puberty and altered fertility. In male rats, octylphenol and octylphenol ethoxylate decreased testicular size and sperm production.[vi]
Both octylphenol and nonylphenol stimulated the growth of human estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells; and octylphenol was found to be ten times as potent as nonylphenol in generating this effect.[vii]
A significant concern around the use of APEs centers around their impact on wildlife, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. The United States Geological Survey found breakdown products of laundry detergents in 70% of North American streams. These chemicals can cause harm to fish, frogs, turtles and other aquatic life. Studies have shown that even low-level exposure has reduced the number of fertilized trout eggs and caused reduced embryo survival and abnormal embryos in another fish, the Japanese Medaka.
Jul 24, 2010 0
Ladies -Preparing for Birth is Not Shopping
The priorities are all wrong.
The American culture of expectant women, their friends and families, are more concerned about registering for baby gifts at baby stores than the mother-to-be focusing on preparing for the real challenge – giving birth.
If you’re pregnant and reading this, there’s nothing sold at a baby store to prepare you emotionally and physically for the birth of another, tiny human being. Yet huge amounts of money and time are spent on baby’s nursery before baby is even born. When at the first few months of life, all baby really needs is your love, shelter, clothing, food – and a car seat (by law)’
More time and money is invested in unnecessary merchandise for baby than on yourself. Think about it. Right now, look around your home. Go to your baby’s room, what’s in there? Make a list of the items then figure out what the financial total is. How much of that stuff will you, or not, use?
Do you need all those things for baby? No. Will your baby know the difference between Winnie the Pooh verses Beatrice Potter nursery decor? No. Only YOU will. Baby won’t even remember it.
How many unexciting gifts will you get at baby showers (you’ll most likely have two) that you’ll never use?
Think about this instead: How much time and money could you spend on yourself if you slowed down, or stopped, the baby item buying until baby is actually in your arms? This is really a better plan because you’ll really know what you’ll need and make wiser purchases, and maybe even save some money!
Here’s a new perspective for preparing for one, birth, and second, baby.
Preparing for Birth
Time frame: nine months.
Invest in:
- Midwife
- Doula ( non-medical assistance during the birth)
- YMCA membership
- Prenatal yoga, swimming, low impact exercising
- Body massages appropriate for pregnant women
- Training in relaxation classes that last several weeks to months (meditation, hypnosis
- Get a “birth” ball
- Visit with a prenatal nutritionist
- Detox your home of harmful chemicals, replace with toxic free
- Learn about “greening” your personal products for you and baby – read product labels
- Spend time DAILY relaxing
- Listen to calm music
- Journal to decrease stress
- Have sex (if okay with care provider)
- Take a childbirth class – out of the hospital if you can. Do NOT take a one day “crash” course
- Buy clothes as you need them that make you feel good during your pregnancy
- Get a Birth Coach. A Birth Coach is someone who helps you through emotional times, your “birth mindset” during your pregnancy and provides childbirth education as well.
- Avoid reading or watching ANY TV/movie/video that makes you anxious or nervous
- Spend quality time with your partner
- Read books on parenting and child development
- Be selfish – invest in yourself
- Learn, know, practice skills for labor: breathing, positions, coping skills, months before your due date
- Learn how your body works. It will birth better than your mind (think about that one)
- Enjoy your pregnancy as best you can. Discomforts are TEMPORARY. This will only happen to you once, twice, or a few times in your life.
- You should pamper yourself throughout your pregnancy right up to the day you gave birth
As you can see by the list, mom-to-be, the focus should be on you and preparing your body and mind for birth. Baby comes later.
Preparing for Baby
- Purchase a newborn outfit to bring baby home in
- Purchase a car seat
- Get a bassinette. Baby can sleep in one for up to five – six months near your bed. Then transfer to crib if that’s your plan.
- Bassinette bedding, sheets, water-proof pads
- Breastfeeding? Money saver!
- Bottle feeding – you’ll know what to do with help from your pediatrician
- Depending on the season purchase clothing as baby needs them. They grow so fast and you won’t use half the clothes you get from baby showers.
- NO stuffed animals in the crib/bassinette, NO bumpers, NO loose blankets
- Purchase diapers as you need them
For the first three months all babies do is sleep, eat and poop – that’s it! They become more alert and aware after that. The first year of growth is really, really amazing, and it goes fast– so enjoy it.
Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Ask for these instead
- Friends/family chip in for a: doula, gym membership (with a pool), prenatal yoga class, relaxation classes, spa massages, mini vacation for two after baby is born, money to open baby bank account, basic baby equipment (bassinette, crib, car seat, etc.)
- Gift certificates to: woman’s (not baby) clothing store, music, massages, classes, childbirth classes, green products, house cleaner, post partum doula, parenting books, special dinner for two, “beauty” days
So. What do you think of this article?
Let me know. If you have questions or comments, I would love to hear them.
Thinking of you,
Lely Federici
Mar 29, 2010 0
3 Steps For A Green Birth
“Going Green” has become a household word encouraging lifestyle changes for a healthier life, work place, and environment.
But, have you ever considered “greening” your labor and birth experience? There are many things you can do. For starters here are three things you can do immediately:
1. Get a Midwife to manage your pregnancy and birth. Midwives offer supportive care and are less likely to use medical interventions especially for a low risk pregnancy. They are usually Registered Nurses with additional training in Midwifery. They are educated, safe, and usually work with an Obstetrician.
2. Hire a Doula. Doulas and the emotional support they provide are known to decrease the use of medications and cesarean rates by 50%. If you’re unable to hire a Doula, enlist a close family member or friend you feel comfortable with to be your labor support person.
3. Learn mind relaxing techniques. Start training your mind today. Your body mirrors your emotions. So the more anxious you are, the more muscle tension you’ll experience. There are many programs that teach you this: Hypnosis for childbirth, pre-natal yoga, visualization, and meditation. They all have the same end result – inducing the relaxation response in your body.
However, you have to practice daily for relaxation to be effective. This is not something to do two weeks before your due date.Relaxation has incredible health benefits as well. But for labor it will reduce stress and help your body respond to the labor process better.
Greening your labor is similar to greening the environment in that “green” actions focus on promoting natural solutions to problems while maintaining the integrity of natural resources. In this case, you are the natural resource. Your mind and body has everything it needs to birth baby.
Lesly 
Welcome 
