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Here is an interesting graphic showing how toxins outside our bodies infiltrate various areas of our bodies.  Click here.

Technorati Tags: chemcial exposure, toxic

Driving home from picking up my kids from preschool today we made a quick stop at a neighbor’s “home grown veggie” stand.  I was delighted to see fresh broccoli and my kids squealed with glee.  My eldest Angel (4.5 yrs old) insisted on helping me prepare lunch so we started with grilled cheese sandwiches.  She is mastering the knife and spread the coconut oil evenly on the bread.  A quick rinse of the broccoli and into the steamer got all of our mouths watering.  A handful of grapes for each of us, grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh from the garden steamed broccoli…I love it when a meal comes together.

I enjoy watching my kids develop a love of food….REAL food.  They often follow me into our own garden to pluck swiss chard for a green smoothie or tomatoes for sauces and soups.  Most recently I have noticed they like to smell everything before they taste.  They understand that food is meant to nourish our bodies and that an excess of sugar is an unnecessary part of a nutritious diet.  I am thankful for the growth I have made in the food choices for our family.  It has been a struggle at times, but baby steps and repetition seem to be the key for me.  I embrace the learning and sharing these lessons with my children is a gift I hope we will continue to receive for many years to come.

P.S. After my Angel finished her lunch, she informed me that she only likes broccoli that comes “fresh from the ground”.  Now who could deny such a request?

Choose better personal products.  Just because a label says ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s kidsafe.
Spy before you buy at www.ewg.org/healthyhome
Eat fresh plant-based foods: Opt for organic fruits and vegies.  Choose milk and meat without added growth hormones. Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings may contain bisphenol A (BPA).
Pick plastics carefully: Some plastics contain BPA, which is linked to cancer. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles and choose baby bottles made from glass or BPA-free plastic. Don’t microwave plastic containers.
Filter your tap water: Use a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter to reduce your family’s exposure to impurities in water. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water.
Wash little hands: Frequent hand washing reduces kids’ exposure to chemicals. Skip anti-bacterial soaps, since they can contain pesticides that are absorbed through the skin.
Skip non-stick: When overheated, non-stick cookware can emit toxic fumes. Cook with cast iron or stainless steel instead.
Use a HEPA-filter vacuum: Kids spend lots of time on the floor and household dust contains contaminants. HEPA-filter vacuums capture the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens. Leave your shoes at the door for obvious reasons.

FAQ: What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA stands for ‘High Efficiency Particulate Air’.
A HEPA filter that can trap the majority of tiny particles that slip through a regular filter and simply recirculate back into the air of your bedroom, kitchen, car etc.

Source: MiTime 005 ONE Group

Check out these Green Products for your personal care and home cleaning needs.

Yep! Going “green” is for the dogs and other furry critters we love so dearly. It’s flea and tick season and I am perplexed on how to help my golden retriever’s  stave off the itchy-scratchy or blood-sucking pests.  I have used in the past various topical concoctions, however when I began to put gloves on myself to apply the poisonous liquid I took a step back.  Our pets are part of our family, and if I am so passionate about protecting my human kids from the nastiest of chemical laden products, then why do my fur-babies deserve anything less?  A quick online search led me to www.greenpaws.org.

Make Safer Choices for You and Your Pet Flea and tick treatments may contain toxic chemicals that can poison pets and harm people. Many products contain organophosphates and carbamates, two classes of chemicals that have been linked to nervous system disorders and other health problems in people. Even when applied as instructed on the box, these chemicals are not safe, either for pets or humans.  To avoid the most toxic chemicals, choose flea- and tick-fighting products with ingredients from the green or yellow columns.  Source: Green Paws Pocket Guide

Many of us allow our pets to sleep in our homes and some may even share your bed OR your chidren’s bed.  We pet them, we cuddle with them, we just plain love them.  Not only are our pets exposed to the toxins, humans are as well through the direct contact with our pets.  I hope you find the information at Green Paws helpful and that it offers you some additional choices when making decisions regarding protecting your pet from fleas and ticks.

Technorati Tags: fleas, pets, tick, toxin

It is amazing what summertime brings to our area.  Historic Gettysburg is always a place to explore, whether it be the battle grounds or the many shops along the square.  This week wraps up a plethora of activities at the annual Gettysburg Festival.  There are events for people of all ages so check out the calendar of events to see what suits your fancy.  There are even Fringe Festivals held at additional locations.  One I know my kids will get a kick out of is the Quarry Critters to be held at the Farm Fresh Market this Friday at the Gettysburg Outlets.  Click here for more information.