It's BABY WEEK on 10 News!
All this week, we're going to help new moms-to-be and women who want to get pregnant, get ready for baby!
Many women have a lot of fear and anxiety when they think about the big, "birthday."
I can definitely relate!
I am just weeks away from giving birth to our first baby (a girl due in October).
Not only do I look like a snake that swallowed a watermelon, but like any new mom, I wonder what will happen during labor and delivery at Baby Place at All Children's.
I hope these stories will help answer a lot of your questions and put your mind at ease.
Check out Heather's Natural Health
Here's a look at our BABY WEEK schedule:
MONDAY:
11:00 PM-Hypnobirthing (This birthing class promises an EASY, comfortable, drug-free birth. Is it too good to be true?)
TUESDAY:
12PM-Top labor tips from Nurse Midwife
5:30 PM-Acupuncture to ease pregnancy side effects and naturally encourage labor. (Medical doctor and licensed acupunturist, Dr. Xio Zhang talks about how acupuncture can help ease morning sickness, fatigue and hormonal issues. She says it can also naturally encourage labor.
11:00 PM-How a doula can help new parents (They're popular in other countries. See how "mothering the mother" during labor and delivery can lower the stress of giving birth.
WEDNESDAY:
12PM-Difference between midwife versus OBGYN
5:30 PM-Sleep expert advivce (We'll show you the top mistakes parents make and how they can get their infant sleeping on a schedule.
11:00 pm-Top breastfeeding tips from a lactation expert
THURSDAY:
12PM-A natural way to soothe colic
5:30 PM-Picking a pediatrician (Board certified, holistic pediatrician, Dr. David Berger talks about what happens to your baby right after birth (vaccines, blood tests, what you can expect)
11PM-Top five exercises for pregnant women (These moves will help ease the aches and pains of pregnancy and prepare mom for the big day)
FRIDAY:
12PM-Top foods for pregnant women
5:30 PM-New mom interview
11PM-Designing a nursery on a dime (See how you can personalize your nursery without spending a lot of money).
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Easy way to get your veggies! Join a local farm
Harvest season is coming up in October. If you want to join Sweetwater Organic Community Farm in Tampa (they also deliver to St. Pete Farmer's Market) you need to click on the link below to join. Memberships are going fast.
It's a less expensive way to get your locally grown, organic produce (and it MAKES you eat your veggies! They pick them the same day you swing by to pick them up!)
Many schools are starting to see the benefits of having their own organic farm on school property... not only does it help kids see that their food does not come from plastic containers, but it also will get them more interested in eating their veggies.
Let us know if you your child's school has started something like this.
Since first lady Michelle Obama planted a garden at the White House in the spring of 2009 and invited schoolchildren to help tend and harvest the produce, more school gardens have been sprouting up across the country.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announces it will award $1 million in grants for eligible high-poverty schools to start community gardens.
The goal: to teach students about gardening and nutrition and to provide fresh produce for school meals. Some of the harvest may also be given to students' families, as well as to local food banks and senior-center nutrition programs (www.fns.usda.gov).
Improving nutrition in schools is part of the first lady's Let's Move! initiative to fight childhood obesity.
School gardens "give kids exposure to where food comes from and encourages them to try foods they might not otherwise try," says Kevin Concannon, USDA undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.
They give teachers an opportunity to talk about soil, water, sun, health and science, and the gardens can be used for math and art programs, he says.
Concannon has visited school gardens fromMaine to Missouri to California.
When a second-grade girl took him on a tour of her elementary school's 2-acre garden in Riverside, Calif., she waxed eloquent about strawberries, he says, pointing out that they contain vitamin C. "This was music to my ears," he says.
Estimates suggest that about 15% to 20% of schools across the country have gardens, says Mike Metallo, president of the National Gardening Association, a non-profit group that provides gardeners and teachers with information and resources.
Since 1982, the gardening association has given out 9,310 grants and awards worth $3.7 million, reaching 1.4 million young gardeners, he says (kidsgardening.org).
"We've supported everything from small herb gardens at inner-city elementary schools to large, raised-bed vegetable gardens in middle schools," Metallo says.
The group is taking applications for its youth gardening programs, which are financed by corporations.
"In most areas of the country, schools can do a spring garden and fall garden and get parents, kids and community volunteers to maintain them throughout the summer," Metallo says.
The gardening association also provides money for indoor gardening projects with light tables and curriculum, he says.
"It teaches students about roots and stems and the process that is going on. A lot of times, they can grow lettuce and herbs quite easily.
"Kids love to plant seeds. They love to watch them sprout and grow. It's magical."
Monday, August 2, 2010
Safer cleaners better for baby and you!
A few years ago I started switching out harsh household cleaners for safer cleaners. Yes, I bought a few that didn't seem to do the job, but I eventually on Method and Seventh Generation. Now that I am pregnant, I'm glad I made the switch.
According to USA Today, spray cleaners send thousands of babies and toddlers to the emergency room each year.
Nearly 12,000 children under age 5 go to the emergency room each year because of injuries caused by household cleaning products, according to a study in today'sPediatrics. About 40% of those injuries - or nearly 4,800 cases - are caused by spray bottles, which typically don't have child-resistant caps, according to the study of 267,269 children.
Spray cleaners can contain a range of hazardous chemicals, from ammonia to bleach. More than 740 of all small children injured by cleaning supplies in 2006 had symptoms that were life-threatening or caused long-term disabilities, the study says.
Spray bottles usually have bright packaging, with fruity or flowery scents and bright colors, and the spray handles make them feel like squirt guns, she says.
Many stores now sell safer household cleaners or you can make your own for much less.
Healthychild.org shares a few safer cleaners you can make:
Household Cleaner Instructions
All-Purpose Cleaner 1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 gallon water
Mix ingredients above to store and keep.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Mix ingredients above. Pour into basin and allow to set for three minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
Rust Remover 1 lime
Salt
Sprinkle a little salt on the rust. Squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Let the mixture set for two to three hours. Use the leftover rind to scrub the residue.
Glass Cleaner 1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 quart warm water
Mix ingredients above. Pour into a spray bottle or apply with a sponge. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels. Buff to a shine.
Furniture Polish 1 lemon
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon water
Extract the juice from the lemon. Mix with oil and water. Apply a thin coat to the wood surface and let set for five minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.
According to USA Today, spray cleaners send thousands of babies and toddlers to the emergency room each year.
Nearly 12,000 children under age 5 go to the emergency room each year because of injuries caused by household cleaning products, according to a study in today'sPediatrics. About 40% of those injuries - or nearly 4,800 cases - are caused by spray bottles, which typically don't have child-resistant caps, according to the study of 267,269 children.
Spray cleaners can contain a range of hazardous chemicals, from ammonia to bleach. More than 740 of all small children injured by cleaning supplies in 2006 had symptoms that were life-threatening or caused long-term disabilities, the study says.
Spray bottles usually have bright packaging, with fruity or flowery scents and bright colors, and the spray handles make them feel like squirt guns, she says.
Many stores now sell safer household cleaners or you can make your own for much less.
Healthychild.org shares a few safer cleaners you can make:
Household Cleaner Instructions
All-Purpose Cleaner 1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 gallon water
Mix ingredients above to store and keep.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Mix ingredients above. Pour into basin and allow to set for three minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
Rust Remover 1 lime
Salt
Sprinkle a little salt on the rust. Squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Let the mixture set for two to three hours. Use the leftover rind to scrub the residue.
Glass Cleaner 1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 quart warm water
Mix ingredients above. Pour into a spray bottle or apply with a sponge. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels. Buff to a shine.
Furniture Polish 1 lemon
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon water
Extract the juice from the lemon. Mix with oil and water. Apply a thin coat to the wood surface and let set for five minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Taking probiotics while pregnant can lower eczema risk in kids
It's red, itchy and irritating to treat. Eczema can be a difficult to treat allergic skin reaction that can appear on infants' foreheads, cheeks, arms and legs or in the creases of elbows and knees in older kids.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who eat probiotic containing foods like yogurt and kefir or take supplements reduce their babies chance of developing eczema by forty percent.
Researchers with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology followed 415 pregnant women until their kids turned 2 years old.
As part of the randomized, double-blind study, researchers gave pregnant women who were 36 weeks pregnant, milk that contained probiotics and the other half received regular milk. Neither group knew which one they received. The mothers continued to drink the milk three months after they gave birth.
Researchers found mothers who drank the milk with probiotics reduced their child's chance of developing eczema by 40 percent and they say the kids in the probiotic group who did develop eczema had minor outbreaks.
Read more stories on Heather's Natural Health
Probiotic bacteria occurs naturally in the digestive track and can strengthen the immune system. This is the first time a study has suggested that pregnant women can add probiotics to their diet to improve their baby's health.
Parents typically try to avoid flare-ups of the autoimmune disease by eliminating known triggers including harsh soaps and bubble baths and keeping their kids' skin moisturized.
According to Consumer Reports Health, look for yogurt that contains the National Yogurt Association's Live and Active Cultures seal or if you prefer to buy a probiotic supplement, make sure it contains at least 1 billion lactobacillus.
Some foods that contain probiotics include:
Yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, tempeh (fermented soy) miso (Japanese seasoning) sauerkraut, kim chi.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who eat probiotic containing foods like yogurt and kefir or take supplements reduce their babies chance of developing eczema by forty percent.
Researchers with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology followed 415 pregnant women until their kids turned 2 years old.
As part of the randomized, double-blind study, researchers gave pregnant women who were 36 weeks pregnant, milk that contained probiotics and the other half received regular milk. Neither group knew which one they received. The mothers continued to drink the milk three months after they gave birth.
Researchers found mothers who drank the milk with probiotics reduced their child's chance of developing eczema by 40 percent and they say the kids in the probiotic group who did develop eczema had minor outbreaks.
Read more stories on Heather's Natural Health
Probiotic bacteria occurs naturally in the digestive track and can strengthen the immune system. This is the first time a study has suggested that pregnant women can add probiotics to their diet to improve their baby's health.
Parents typically try to avoid flare-ups of the autoimmune disease by eliminating known triggers including harsh soaps and bubble baths and keeping their kids' skin moisturized.
According to Consumer Reports Health, look for yogurt that contains the National Yogurt Association's Live and Active Cultures seal or if you prefer to buy a probiotic supplement, make sure it contains at least 1 billion lactobacillus.
Some foods that contain probiotics include:
Yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, tempeh (fermented soy) miso (Japanese seasoning) sauerkraut, kim chi.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I curtail my candy cravings by just reading the ingredient labels... many are loaded with synthetic food dyes
The European Union has started putting warning labels on candy, fruit drinks, cereals and other processed foods that contain controversial synthetic food dyes. The EU wants food companies to phase out the use of chemical foods dyes in favor of real food flavors.
The move is forcing some U.S. companies to reformulate their foods and add real foods flavors and colors so their products can be sold in Europe. For example, one U.S company that sells strawberry sundaes uses Red dye number 40 in its U.S. sundaes but swaps the dye for real strawberries in their products sold in Europe.
Consumer groups want the FDA to pressure U.S. food companies to use real food colors and flavorings too, especially in processed foods that target kids.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says the dyes - used in a commercially prepared foods ranging from candy to breakfast cereals and salad dressing - present a "rainbow of risks" and can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and even cancer.
"These synthetic chemicals do absolutely nothing to improve the nutritional quality or safety of foods, but trigger behavior problems in children and, possibly, cancer in anybody," Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the nonprofit group, said in a written statement. "The Food and Drug Administration should ban dyes, which would force industry to color foods with real food ingredients, not toxic petrochemicals."
Jacobson is co-author of a new report entitled"Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks."
The group says the three most widely used dyes - Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 - are contaminated with cancer-causing substances. Another dye, Red 3, has been identified as a carcinogen by the FDA but is still in commercial use.
Other dyes have been linked to allergic reactions, the group says, and studies show that dyes can cause hyperacitivity in children.
Despite those concerns, manufacturers put about 15 million pounds of eight synthetic dyes into our foods each year, according to the group. Per capita consumption of dyes has risen five-fold since 1955, thanks in part to the proliferation of brightly colored cereals, fruit drinks, and candies pitched to children.
The continued use of food dyes presents "unnecessary risks to humans, especially young children," James Huff, associate director for chemical carcinogenesis at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' National Toxicology Program, said in a statement. "It's disappointing that the FDA has not addressed the toxic threat posed by food dyes."
Other governments have already taken action against food dyes, according to the group. The British government asked companies to phase out most dyes by last December 31, and the European Union will require a warning notice on most dyed foods starting on July 20.
The group predicted that the label notice might be the "death knell" for dyes across Europe.
If the CSPI has its way, the dyes will die here too.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Pregnant women need to lower exposure to everyday chemicals to protect baby
As a CBS TV news reporter, I read a lot of studies about how everyday chemicals including household cleaners, scented body lotions and pesticides bioaccumulate in our bodies.
A recent report from the President's Cancer Panel suggested that public health officials have "grossly underestimated" how chemicals in our environment have contributed to cancer among the 1.5 million people in the U.S. who are diagnosed every year.
Since there are no longterm studies proving this chemical cocktail is safe, there's no harm in making a few changes.
Now that I am pregnant (baby girl is due in October) I am trying my best to make a conscious effort to cut down on my exposure to everyday chemicals.
There's good reason for pregnant women to look for safer products...
Two major independent labs found newborns had, on average, 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in their umbilical cord blood (collected by the Red Cross after the cord was cut).
Click here to read Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns.
A pregnant woman's exposure to harsh cleaning products, stain repellants, pesticides can be passed along to her unborn child.
Here are 9 ways you can lower your exposure to everyday chemicals:
(Courtesy/Consumer Advocacy Non-Profit/Environmental Working Group)
1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG's National Tap Water Database.
2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from EWG.
3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. "Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. To avoid them, avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home. Download EWG's Guide to PFCs.
4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG's sunscreen database.
5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.
6. Eat EWG's Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG's Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG's Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.
7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. Get EWG's tips to avoid it.
8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you're shopping, don't buy products that list ingredients with "PEG" or "-eth" in their name.
9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks -- read the label before you buy. Californians will see a "Proposition 65" warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.
Read more of my stories on Heather's Natural Health.
A recent report from the President's Cancer Panel suggested that public health officials have "grossly underestimated" how chemicals in our environment have contributed to cancer among the 1.5 million people in the U.S. who are diagnosed every year.
Since there are no longterm studies proving this chemical cocktail is safe, there's no harm in making a few changes.
Now that I am pregnant (baby girl is due in October) I am trying my best to make a conscious effort to cut down on my exposure to everyday chemicals.
There's good reason for pregnant women to look for safer products...
Two major independent labs found newborns had, on average, 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in their umbilical cord blood (collected by the Red Cross after the cord was cut).
Click here to read Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns.
A pregnant woman's exposure to harsh cleaning products, stain repellants, pesticides can be passed along to her unborn child.
Here are 9 ways you can lower your exposure to everyday chemicals:
(Courtesy/Consumer Advocacy Non-Profit/Environmental Working Group)
1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG's National Tap Water Database.
2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from EWG.
3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. "Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. To avoid them, avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home. Download EWG's Guide to PFCs.
4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG's sunscreen database.
5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.
6. Eat EWG's Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG's Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG's Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.
7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. Get EWG's tips to avoid it.
8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you're shopping, don't buy products that list ingredients with "PEG" or "-eth" in their name.
9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks -- read the label before you buy. Californians will see a "Proposition 65" warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.
Read more of my stories on Heather's Natural Health.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Top sunscreens for 2010
*If you want to read about the top 5 sunscreens, I put the information at the bottom of the page.
If you want to hear why this melanoma survivor (me) rarely wears sunscreen, read on.
The other day my friend asked me what kind of sunscreen do I use.
You might think I dip myself in sunscreen every morning, but it's actually the opposite.
I was diagnosed with melanoma in my 20's so I am always cautious when I'm outside and I try not to put a lot of chemicals on my skin.
A few years ago, a professor told me many suncreens use chemicals to create a barrier between your skin and the sun. Your body asbsorbs those chemicals. Researchers are taking a closer to look to see how those chemicals impact the body.
I posted an earlier story about how the CDC, Centers for Disease Control also studied sunscreen ingredients found in the bloodstream.
While the jury is out on how these chemicals impact us, I prefer to wear sun protective clothing.
I actually bought a few cover-ups and had them tailored so you can't tell they're sun protective jackets.
I wear them over my swimsuit and I usually hang out in the shade. My husband & I love to go boating so I had to find something that really would protect me.
I do wear a non-chemical, mineral powder sunscreen on my face.
It has a great brush applicator so I can keep it in my purse. You can also find similar brands at Sephora.
Some of the companies that sell sun protective clothing include:
SPFstore (great cotton t-shirts)
Coolibar (affordable)
Ayana (stylish)
But what about your kids?
My good friend, former TV producer and mom of two, Eve, researched this for us.
She says this non-chemical sunscreen (California Baby) is good for wiggly faces and the same company makes a good one for the rest of them.
(They also happen to be listed as 2 of the top 10 best sunscreens. Beware, a few years ago I bought the number 1 rated sunscreen but it turned me into a greasy, Casper the ghost! There is a fine balance here. It has to work and you can't scare your friends!)
Eve tries her best to keep their sun protective clothes and hats on their little bodies (but you know how that goes!)
Kids clothes:
Cabana Life (Target)
Now to your sunscreens:
A consumer advocacy group is out with the 2010 safest sunscreens and best UV protectors.
The Environmental Working Group investigated 1572 chemical and non-chemical sunscreens.
The non-profit group found 3 out of 5 sunscreens do not protect your skin from sun damage or they expose you to toxic chemicals, or both.
Read more stories on Heather's Natural Health
You'll notice non-chemical sunscreens made the top of the Environmental Working Group's list.
There are the top rated sunscreens for broad spectrum protection with fewer hazardous ingredients.
The sunscreen screening site, put together by the Environmental Working Group, gives detailed information about all the products and rates them based on chemical exposure and effectiveness.
According to EWG, when sunscreen ingredients break down, they can penetrate the skin and trigger allergies. The ingredients are actually designed to break down; that's part of the function of absorbing energy and keeping it out of the skin. But some break down more quickly and easily than others.
The two ingredients recommended most include zinc and titanium, which don't break down in sunlight as others do, and offer longer lasting protection as a result. They also work by reflecting sunlight, rather than absorbing it.
You should look for both SPF numbers and zinc and titanium when buying suncreens.High SPF protects best against UVB. Zinc and titanium offer maximum UVA protection. Several ingredients are far less desirable although, depending on how they're blended and what else the products contain, they're not automatically undesirable. They are avobenzone, oxybenzone and padimate O, a relative of PABA, which has come into disrepute in recent years.
You can read more about how a skin cancer exam save my life by clicking here. I'd love to hear what type of sun protection works best for you.
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