| Organic: A Choice For Our Children, continued Alan Greene MD FAAP A Stitch in Time DDT used in the United States before 1966 may have caused an epidemic of premature births that has only now been detected! According to a fascinating study published in the July 14, 2001 issue of The Lancet, scientists who studied stored cord blood samples from mothers who had delivered at that time found elevated levels of DDT breakdown products among the group who had premature deliveries or low birth weight infants. This would make DDT responsible for a host of medical problems and the deaths of many children – but the link wasn’t proven until more than 30 years later! DDT use in the United States was stopped in 1972 because it caused reproductive damage to birds (the bald eagle and brown pelican were nearly extinct), but DDT is still widely used in 25 countries for insect control. I’m certain that the dangers of some chemicals in common use in the United States today will be proven in the future. I believe that toxic chemicals are one of the biggest health threats to our children. We may not prove the links until they are grown, but we must not wait until then to provide them with safe food, water, air, homes, and schools. On a personal note, my wife has now recovered from a very malignant form of breast cancer. She has no family history of the disease, but toxic chemicals were used on her farm when she was a child. What we now call ‘conventional farming’ is actually something very new. In the 20th century, our naive optimism about science led to the over-exuberant use of antibiotics, infant formulas, surgery, pesticides, hormones, and fossil fuels. It’s time to bring this back into balance. Organic food has long been the standard for human nutrition. In contrast, many chemicals and hormones introduced post world War II do not have proven long-term safety. Some of them may be fine. Time will tell. I prefer organic for children where there is a good choice. With the dramatic increase in organic farming in recent years, the new generation of organic farmers is developing innovative and earth friendly ways to increase yields and improve flavor. What is organic and why is it so important for our children? Organic Defined Organic refers to the way agricultural products--food and fiber--are grown and processed. It is an ecological system that relies on healthy, rich soil to produce plants that resist pests and diseases. Organic farming prohibits the use of toxic and persistent chemicals in favor of innovative practices that work with nature, instead of against it, such as crop rotation, cover crop planting, beneficial insect release and composting. In the case of livestock, no antibiotics or synthetic hormones are permitted. Organic production also prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic practices mean: No pesticides to contaminate our soil and water or injure farm workers No fertilizers to runoff and contaminate rivers, lakes and oceans A healthier and more sustainable environment for us all Pesticides In Our Food and Environment Chemicals used in conventional farming pose many risks to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with evaluating pesticides and setting “acceptable risk” levels of exposure. EPA’s tests have largely been conducted on fully grown adult men or non-human animal species, exposing them to one chemical at a time. Evidence now shows that chemicals in combination--the way we are usually exposed to them in everyday life—may exponentially increase health risk. Additionally, many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Now the EPA considers 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides, and 30% of all insecticides as potentially cancer-causing. Why Organic Especially for Children? Children are developing organs to last a lifetime. Due to their smaller size, fast- growing speedy metabolisms, and less varied diets, infants and children are more vulnerable to health and developmental damage. In 1993, a congressionally mandated study by the National Academy of Sciences expressed concern that existing methods of risk evaluation for pesticide exposure were failing children. More recently, the Consumers Union and Environmental Working Group have released studies confirming that children are overexposed even if their exposure is within legal limits. The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 mandated a review of agricultural chemicals in light of this new information about risk assessment. But the process is slow. While advocates fight to change the system, buying organic products, if they are available and you can afford them, and supporting organic agriculture may be your best protection. Why Does Organic Cost More? Organic products do tend to cost more than their conventional counterparts. To some extent, this is changing as production capacity and demand for organic products increase, improving production efficiencies and lowering prices at the checkout. In addition, many involved in organic are striving for a sustainable agricultural system--one which is ecologically sound as well as economically viable. Paying farmers a fair price for their products is an important tenet for many involved in organic agriculture. Raising a family on a budget can pose challenges at times. Watching pennies and doing “the right thing” for our families can sometime seem in conflict. For example, in the case of organic foods and fibers, it’s understandable to question if the benefits are really worth the extra cost. Looking beyond the price of an organic product and considering the true value, may shed light on the subject. When considering products for your children, organic may indeed be a far better value. An Opportunity to Support a Healthier Tomorrow Our children are our most treasured resources, and we have the opportunity to protect them. By reducing toxic exposure, organic products can help us raise healthy, strong children. Through nurturing the soil and keeping toxic and persistent chemicals out of the environment, organic agriculture is one thing we can support to help us pass along a healthy and safe planet for future generations. The cost may be a little more, but the value for you and your family may be far greater. www.dr.greene.com |
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~ miessence, mivitality, mienviron ~ "my choice"
organic skin care ~ organic health care ~ organic cosmetics ~ organic home ~ ethical, organic home business opportunity Independent Representative Website
organic skin care ~ organic health care ~ organic cosmetics ~ organic home ~ ethical, organic home business opportunity Independent Representative Website
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| ONE Group is ethical and eco-friendly |
| I love having an organic, home based business with ONE Group. I am able to be actively engaged in my daughter's life, continue to be a stay-at-home mom and have time to pursue my own personal interests . It also affords me the opportunity to help other motivated people make their own dreams a reality. This is all possible because I am working with a company that has the highest standards for their certified organic products and shares my desire for making our planet a safe, clean, toxic free place for future generations. |
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