Cell Phones, Cancer and You

I was struck by meeting Devra Davis a few years ago while I was very pregnant. She is a cancer researcher who had just published The History of the Secret War on Cancer. As I waddled up to have her book signed, I pointed out the obvious and asked what a her advice would be to a pregnant woman to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday life. She told me to eat low on the food chain. And I have taken that into consideration with the diet that I consume and share with my family. 

Today, Dr. Davis runs Environmental Health Trust. She was recently interviewed on the Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC regarding the issue of cell phones and their potential health impact. She has a new book out (Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family) and again is raising questions about an activity most of us do rather thoughtlessly. She recognizes that our culture is forever changed by these devices but argues that we need to look closely at how they might contribute to increased rates of cancer and other neurological problems. My daughter loves to talk on the phone. It doesn't matter if it is her Dad's blackberry, her babysitter's iPhone or our digital home phone. I do everything I can to keep her away from it and if she is talking to someone, that she places it on speaker holding it away from her precious head. Let's just say that again, Dr. Davis has raised my awareness. I'm going to learn about this issue and take precautions now and when I become pregnant again. My next post will be on practical tips for avoiding radiation without completely giving up wireless devices. Stay tuned.

Holistic Moms Making Change Again

I was honored to speak to another great group of moms on Monday night. They very much impressed me with how much they already choose products and methods with chemical toxicity in mind.

Part of what made it a great night was being able to provide these moms with some products and information to help them take their safer lifestyle to another level. Many of us feel comfortable with our cleaners, our laundry detergent, our food and clothing - to move away from what is known and predictable to something that might be healthier for us, isn't always as easy as it seems. Part of my talk is about trying new things and seeing just how great safer products can be, not only from a peace-of-mind perspective, but also product performance!

Thank you to these companies for their contributions to our talk for Holistic Moms Network.
Olive Organics, Mequon
Lillie’s, Cedarburg
Bella & Boo, web local
Children's Orchard, Milwaukee
Badger Balm
Motherlove
Glad Rags
BornFree
Water Geeks
LeadCheck
HoneyBee Gardens
Zosimos Cosmetics
Healthy Communities Project
Environmental Working Group

Heroes and How to Proceed

I've hesitated posting about this, because frankly, I'm speechless. I was incredibly fortunate to be near a conference for midwives that hosted Sandra Steingraber a few weeks ago. It was so amazing to hear her speak and meet her afterward. She is truly a warrior, doing the hard work of deciphering and then sharing news that is hard to hear. Her gifts are many, but one that sets her work apart from the rest is her ability to present science in a way that is poetic. Those of us who have to work hard to digest the science are relieved that her books have a poetry that makes the science palatable.

I hope you will check out the updated version of her book, Living Downstream as well as the documentary film just released based on the film. Her story is intriguing and her continued work in this area courageous. What I learned from her has changed my life for the better and undoubtedly that of my child.

With this amazing experience comes the question of how to proceed. I feel a true responsibility to share information about everyday toxic exposure with mothers especially. It is a difficult topic that many do not want to hear. And I don't blame them. Much would be easier if I knew less than I know. But I've come to know it for a reason. So how do I move forward? How do I reach those women planning to become pregnant, at least planting a seed of what they may want to be aware of as they embark on the incredible journey towards parenthood?

Summer Strawberries

They come and go so fast, I literally made the decision at 9pm to dash the next day a couple hours away to the nearest organic strawberry farm for one of summer's loveliest treats.  8 quarts of berries yielded 10 pints of jam. I tried a recipe that used agar powder instead of other jelling agents and honey instead of the ridiculous amount of sugar called for in traditional freezer jam. The process was quick and easy and the product superb. I encourage you to find an organic strawberry farm before it's too late and put up some jam for the long winter. Strawberries are high on the list of foods to avoid because of pesticide residue, so we only eat organic ones. It's well worth the slightly higher cost to know we're eating safe and the land and workers on the farm were treated with respect. Yum.