Tip of The Week

MELAMINE SCARES CONTINUE... MORE PRODUCT ALERTS

2008-09-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

When the contamination of Melamine occurred, unfortunately we thought more effected products would soon be discovered. Many of our products are now made in China and we have witnessed that these products may not have the regulated control needed to warrant a safe product.

Cadbury (chocolates) said it is recalling 11 types of Chinese made chocolates, found to contain Melamine. (MyWay, Cadbury pulls Melamine Laced Products from China, Min Lee). Products that you may have not even thought of may end up being recalled.

A product we requested information on was Baby Mum Mum's, a popular cracker (organic brands available) for toddlers. I contacted their rep and please note the answer was that the product is fine, this is their quote:

"No, the Baby Mum-Mum are not affected the by China formula recall. The skim milk powder in Baby Mum-Mum is imported from New Zealand. We receive health and testing certificates from their dairy board with each incoming load. As well, our factory is built based on Japanese standards and is HACCP and USDA NOP Certified by BRC and BCS Oko Guarantee. They are routinely audited by accredited 3rd parties, such as SGS and BRC, on behalf of our worldwide customers. Baby Mum-Mum was recently awarded Grand Gold Status by Monde Selection, who tested the product for various attributes, including hygiene and health standards."

TAINTED BABY FORMULA - PRODUCTS FROM CHINA

2008-09-19T00:05:00.001-07:00

What next? Yet another product that has come from China with dangerous chemicals. This one in our baby formulas... first our toys and now formula. So far there is no reports of issues with any formula in Canada... read more in "NEWS" section of Baby Purity. Although it is awful, words cannot describe how terrible that babies have died in China from this formula.

I can't help but sense that there are some wake up calls for us, are we listening yet? Bisphenol-A in our babies bottles, lead in their toys and now melamine in their formula. Perhaps we haven't been concerned about the chemicals in our environment that affect us, perhaps we didn't even know there was issues with some of our cleaning products or moisturizers. Will we demand change now that these chemicals are affecting our babies... is this a wake-up call for change?

CONNECTING WITH GREAT INFORMATION

2008-09-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

When you come across a great site you can't help but share the info. The Soft Landing is a great site for understanding some of the concerns around feeding... if you want the latest information on Bisphenol A you will find it there. As well as great products that are free of Bisphenol A.

A product I have found very difficult to locate is a good soother... here is a great one you may want to check out the Natursutten Pacifiers at The Soft Landing.

FIRE RETARDANTS 3x HIGHER IN TODDLERS THAN MOMS

2008-09-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

Tests conducted for EWG on flame retardant chemicals resulted in findings that these chemicals were three times higher in toddlers then their mothers.

Concerns are being raised on this issue as it is harder for smaller bodies to metabolize the chemicals then it would be for an adult. Plus they are developing bodies that are having to then deal with increased toxins in their growing bodies. The issues of these chemicals, such as Deca, is that they build up in the blood and have shown in labratory tests to cause issues of hyperactivity.

Please find the full research article on EWG's site:
FIRE RETARDANTS IN TODDLERS AND THEIR MOTHERS, EWG
Research By Sonya Lunder, MPH and Dr. Anila Jacob, MPH, MD, EWG Senior Scientist, Sept 2008

BABY PURITY MOTHER'S CONFERENCE - VANCOUVER, BC

2008-09-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

As the details of the Conference move into full gear I felt it was time to bring attention to this special day for those that were not aware of our premier, Baby Purity Mother's Conference

Further details:
http://www.babypurity.com/now/2008/09/baby-purity-mothers-conference.html
and
http://www.babypurity.com/conference.htm

We look forward to seeing you there and wanted to inform you of some of the latest press releases on the Conference:

PRESS RELEASES Baby Purity Mother's Conference (Sydney Carlaw, founder)

NOW Newspaper

The Georgia Straight

Environmental Working Group

Urban Baby

TOXIC OVERLOAD, ARE ONLY PARENTS RESPONSIBLE?

2008-08-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

As a busy mother I understand how difficult it can be to ensure healthy choices are made for our children. These choices for our children do not get any easier when Olympic Champions, such as Michael Phelps endorses a cereal such as Frosted Flakes.

Now some may say, as a parent, I need to watch what my child eats, restrict their viewing of TV and encourage positive friends and please note, I couldn't agree with them more. Although, it does get difficult when the good programs promote wrong choices, my natural product may not really be natural, my organic food may not always be organic and that healthy vegetable may be genetically engineered. Oh, and I forgot that the toys my baby is not suppose to chew on may contain lead and the plastic surrounding their yogurt may be a carcinogen.

There is a great deal we have to look out for as a parent. I wonder when these large companies like Johnson and Johnson, Kellogg's and our Government will hold more accountability for a healthy child? or is it solely the responsibility of a parent?

Always enjoy hearing from you: info@babypurity.com

LITTLE DOWNTIME

2008-08-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

As many seem to be on vacation or just coming from one, I just wanted to say "good for you." It can sometimes be easier to chat about what feed our bodies or how we can improve our environment but sometimes it's hard to talk about the emotional mommy stuff in our lives.

If you have a baby or toddler you definitely understand how emotional this time is in your life. Full of so much happiness, worry, doubt, excitement and exhaustion. Oh how I can relate!... yet to help cope, a mom needs time alone and also just as important is fun downtime with your family. Time when you can just be with you children and husband. Not worry about the laundry, a clean house, bills, errands.... just to laugh with your kids. It does wonders!

Happy Vacation Time!

THE DIRTY DOZEN

2008-07-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

Search for the Cause has an excellent list on chemicals that you may want to avoid in your daily use. I like this list because it also explains why we may want to be concerned about the specific chemical listed.

You may read about some products not containing parabens, here is a little more information on why you may want to avoid them from Search for the Cause:

CHEMICAL: PARABENS (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl)

Function: Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in
cosmetics to inhibit bacteria, yeast and mold growth and are antibacterial
agents in antibacterial toothpaste.

Present in: Moisturizers,shampoos,conditioners,hair styling gels,nail
creams,foundations,facial masks,skin creams,and deodorants,baby lotions,
and other personal care products for children.

Health Concerns: May alter hormone levels,possibly increasing risks for
certain types of cancer, impaired fertility or alteration of the development of a
fetus or young child. May cause skin irritation,rash or allergic skin reactions;
studies have found parabens in breast tumors.

This is just one of the chemicals that "Search for the Cause" has listed. I encourage you to read the others, it never hurts to understand a little more about what we put on and consequently in our bodies.

A TID BIT ON ACRYLIC PLASTIC and FOLLOW-UP ON SHOWER CURTAINS

2008-07-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

In trying to do some research on plastic, I was especially interested in learning more about acrylic. I haven't heard much on that type of plastic and wondered if this was a "safer" plastic. This is the information I found on how it is made, needless to say I won't be purchasing those cute acrylic glasses:

"Acrylic plastics manufacturing involves highly toxic substances which require careful storage, handling, and disposal. The polymerization process can result in an explosion if not monitored properly. It also produces toxic fumes. Recent legislation requires that the polymerization process be carried out in a closed environment and that the fumes be cleaned, captured, or otherwise neutralized before discharge to the atmosphere.

Acrylic plastic is not easily recycled. It is considered a group 7 plastic among recycled plastics and is not collected for recycling in most communities. Large pieces can be reformed into other useful objects if they have not suffered too much stress, crazing, or cracking, but this accounts for only a very small portion of the acrylic plastic waste. In a landfill, acrylic plastics, like many other plastics, are not readily biodegradable. Some acrylic plastics are highly flammable and must be protected from sources of combustion." Information from Answers.com

Also to follow-up on the information on shower curtains IKEA carries a great alternative, PETA which is a PVC alternative. IKEA is great for less expensive products that aim to be environmentally conscious.

NOT ANOTHER NEW ILLNESS

2008-07-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

I heard about another terrible illness called Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, HSP today. This illness is a form of blood vessel inflammation, affecting the small arterial vessels and the kidneys. A person with this illness suffers from painful joints and rashes. They are not sure what causes this, yet state that "it's an unusual reaction of the body's immune system that is in response to an infection either bacterial or viral" http://www.medicinenet.com/henoch-schonlein_purpura/article.htm I cannot imagine having to deal with this especially if the person diagnosed was your child.

When I hear of a new illness and another child suffering from an allergy, I can't help but wonder what is happening in our environment. Robyn O'Brien talks about her experience with allergies on Good Morning America the news report covers the possible links between the increased problems of allergies in our children and the additives in our processed foods. One has to question why many of the additives in our processed foods are banned in Europe yet not in North America.

What's in Your Bathroom

2008-06-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Shower curtains are another product in our bathroom that we may want to revisit. Especially when you consider the amount of time you spend in the washroom. Add to this, the bathroom is usually a very warm place (which releases more gases) and that nasty curtain might be right beside your bathing little one, who is probably sucking on it every once and a while!

Vinyl shower curtains release over 100 toxic chemicals into the air in people's bathrooms, including known carcinogens and reproductive toxins, according to a new report calling for the ban of Polyvinyl chloride in bath curtains and liners.
The laboratory tests of five new PVC shower curtains, released Thursday, found 108 different volatile organic compounds were released into the air over a 28-day period, including off-gassing above the recommended level in the United States for seven days.
These compounds can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea and damage to the liver, kidney and the central nervous system. Some VOCs are also suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

sourced from www.canada.com/ Vinyl Shower Curtains a "Volatile" Hazard/ Sarah Schmidt

Further Information also at Healthy Child Healthy World

GORGEOUS AND GREEN ... HMMM

2008-06-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine introduced me to a great book the other day and I just have to share it in this week's Tip of the Week. I haven't read it all yet so I guess I really shouldn't be doing this. So I will qualify by saying I am really excited about it so far... I have learned about some great facial products for women. Plus some excellent at home treatments, which is such great advice! Like a salt rub with essential oils, mmm can't wait to try it.

Hope you get a chance to pick it up:
Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano

http://www.amazon.com/Gorgeously-Green-Simple-Steps-Earth-Friendly/dp/0061575569

ORGANIC SHAMPOOS, ARE YOU SERIOUS?

2008-06-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

With all the natural and organic products on the market some may wonder what all the hype is about. You may even question how can a soap be organic and why would I bother paying more? Believe me, I have thought the same thing. Our concern is the continued allergies in our children and cancer in our families, could we make changes in our daily routines that would begin to slow this down.

There seems to be numerous products in our bathrooms that could be seriously harming our health. Read further in this month's NOW YOU KNOW

CHECK YOUR TUNA

2008-05-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

We seem to understand the importance of getting enough fish in our diets to help aid in good "brain" nutrition. There is also increased evidence that children should be taking more omega 3s which has started the trend of many new supplements. Although when you are trying to get it from the 'natural source,' foods, you will want to keep your levels of tuna in check. First of all, stick with light tuna, albacore has the highest levels of mercury. Some even suggest women of childbearing age and children under 5 stay away from albacore completely. Too find out more about how much you and your family should have in a week. Check out this handy calculator at EWG's website : http://www.ewg.org/tunacalculator

PROBIOTIC HELPS IMPROVE COLIC SYMPTOMS

2008-05-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

There is a growing interest in a "healthy gut." It seems every other week the grocery store has a new product that has added a probiotic into it's food. Now there is more positive evidence for our babies to take a probiotic as well.

"Researchers from the University of Turin randomly gave 83 infants either a daily dose of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri 30 minutes after feeding, or simethicone, a pharmaceutical control. After 7 days, the scientists reported that the average crying times of the probiotic infants were down 21 percent, from 197 minutes a day to 159 minutes a day, according to the mothers, while the crying times of the control group were only reduced by 10 percent; from 197 minutes per day to 177. After 28 days, the crying times had dropped 75 percent (51 minutes per day) for the probiotic group and 26 percent (145 minutes per day) for the control group." http://www.NaturalNews.com/021421.html

There has also been previous research that colic may have links to an unstable stomach, which would tie into this study. Although, to date all colic studies have not come up with a conclusion as to why a baby has colic nor do we know conclusively how to treat it. It wouldn't hurt to try a wheat and dairy free diet with a small amount of a probiotic and see if there were any changes.

BPA in CANNED FOODS

2008-05-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

We have noticed that not everyone is aware of the BPA found in the linings of canned food. Unfortunatley, just when you thought you were free of Bisphenol-A by throwing out your plastic #7 bottles turns out you also need to watch out for those cans. "Food and drink cans are lined with BPA containing plastic. Beverages appear to contain less residues, while canned pasta and soups contain the highest levels." EWG, Environmental Working Group

SAFETY TIPS:

Safer alternatives are glass containers and as a reminder on plastics, #1,#2 and #4 on the bottom are safer plastics and do not contain BPA. Soft or cloudy plastics do not contain BPA. If you are looking for further information on baby bottles, look no further then EWG

Canned foods that are moving away from BPA lining, are companies such as Eden Organics

When possible, choose fresh or frozen foods

Time to start canning in the summer, yes, in those glass jars! I know another thing to add to your "mommy to do" list!

GREAT SITE FOR UNDERSTANDING INGREDIENTS IN YOUR BABY LOTIONS

2008-05-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Once and a while you come by a website that seems to have just what you need. A great friend passed on a very informative site that we must share with you. This site rates products by their ingredients. Therefore you can plug in to their database your latest baby lotion, shampoo, etc. and see how it fairs on the organic safety score. Sadly, some really surprised me, products that I thought were trusted, natural ingredients were anything but natural.

Please give it a try:
http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/browse.php?maincat=babycare

Also since we are chatting about babycare products, please note that a popular "no tears" shampoo is a regular shampoo yet with a chemical in the product that numbs your baby's tear ducts so they don't react.

CANADA BANNING BISPHENOL A

2008-04-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

It seems to be the topic of the week for Canadians! In case you haven't already heard the news the Canadian Government will be banning products that contain Bisphenol A from stores by the fall and have plans to limit the continued use of this chemical. The chemical is found in hard plastics (no.7) such as water and baby bottles and in the linings of cans. Bisphenol A exposure is most dangerous to children as it leaches out through their bottles into the liquids. Possible affects are future behavioural and neurological problems.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080419.BPA19/TPStory/National

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080418/bisphenol_announcement_080418/20080418?hub=Health

BABY PURITY THOUGHTS...
If you have small children I am sure you are just as concerned as I have been... most of us have heard about the concerns but now reality hits. What else is harming my children, what will they think of next?
For our family... it's time to do away with plastic containers... back to glass, wax paper for lunches and bring on the organic! You can just sense that change is on it's way. People are more educated on pesticides and chemicals in our foods. The more we continue this education and realize the frightening spot we are in the more we can affect change in our government, food and toy companies.

DANGERS of PLASTICS

2008-04-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

As we await the Canadian government to do more testing on our baby's bottles and water bottles it appears many retailers are concerned enough that they have removed these harmful plastics from their stores. Mountain Equipment Co-op and Lululemon Athletica Inc. removed products containing bisphenol A from it's shelves and other retailers are preparing to as well.

CTV news continues this information stating, the Forzani Group Ltd., Canada's largest sporting goods retailer, and Hudson's Bay Co., which includes the Bay and Zellers stores, said Tuesday they are removing BPA products and will refund money to customers who bought the bottles at their stores.

“Pending the government announcement, the company will immediately move to clear all 94 Bay stores and 280 Zellers stores of BPA baby products, and effective immediately, HBC will no longer sell any baby feeding products that are not BPA-free at any of its stores,” the company said in an e-mail to The Canadian Press.

We are still waiting to see what comes from continued government research, yet with this much concern it seems time to change our frequent use of these products and go back to the use of glass.

http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080415.wbottles0415/business/Business/businessBN/ctv-business

Further information on dangers of PVC plastics in our toys, cleaning products and lubricating oils
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/plastic.html

CELL PHONES WORSE THAN SMOKING

2008-04-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you have been saturated with foods and things that are harmful to your health here comes another one. Sorry to say this seems pretty serious.

There has been a study done by an award winning cancer expert, Dr. Vini Khurana, on the dangerous risks of cell phone use. His study shows that using handsets for 10 years or more can double the risk of cancer. The risk is great enough that earlier this year the French government warned against the use of mobile phones, especially by children. Young people are at particular risk and sadly they are starting use at a young age and often use their cell phones for longer periods of time.

The Independent, Mobile Phones More Dangerous then Smoking

EXERCISE MOMMA

2008-02-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

Women who exercise while pregnant benefit not only for themselves but for their baby as well. By exercising while pregnant, women are less likely to gain excess weight, they experience an easier labor, and they tend to have fewer complaints of backaches. Our pregnant belly is an amazing shield for baby don’t be concerned about maintaining a steady exercise routine to keep you emotionally and physically energized.

Pregnancy

ADDING SOME NUTS TO YOUR DIET

2008-02-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Walnuts are a great addition to your diet. They are an excellent source of protein and very high in omega three fatty acids. They also contain fiber, vitamin B, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. Since walnuts are highly nutritious, they help prevent diseases and help keep our immune system strong.

An easy way to substitute walnuts into your diet would be to replace your bacon and eggs with a nutritious oatmeal breakfast sprinkled with walnuts. By doing this you are cutting out the “bad fats” from your diet and replacing it with the “good fats”.

www.healthcastle.com

FLU SEASON

2007-11-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

Unfortunatley flu season is upon us once again and therefore it is a great time to remember the importance of boosting our immunity. Dr. Dahl has written an article on some strategies to take this season. Read more in the NOW YOU KNOW section of Baby Purity.

HARMFUL DRINKS

2007-10-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Please check out the latest post by Dr. Dahl regarding harmful soda:
Out of over 100 soft drinks and other beverages analyzed by the government, five contained levels of benzene (a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia) that exceed federal standards set for benzene in drinking water, this is according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Further information found in the Now You Know section of Baby Purity

HEALTHY SKIN

2007-10-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want healthy skin? We easily spend our money on the latest skin care products when we can improve more by working on the inside. Here are some top foods to consume, information provided by NewTarget.com :

Green Tea -- Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols -- compounds that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. Recent research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia shows that the polyphenol most abundant in green tea -- EGCG -- also acts as a "fountain of youth" of sorts for skin by reactivating dying skin cells. In addition to its skin-healthy properties, green tea is also high in vitamins C, D and K, as well as riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Salmon -- Salmon -- along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed -- is high in healthy fatty acids that are key for achieving healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. Increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon will help keep the skin supple and youthful. A 1:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s is ideal, but the ratio in the typical American diet is more like 20:1, so boosting consumption of salmon and other oily fish can help bring that ratio closer to 1:1. Salmon is also rich in protein, potassium, selenium and vitamin B12.

Blueberries -- Blueberries are considered by many experts to be the highest food source of antioxidants, which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrition) in blueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. When skin cells are protected from damage and disintegration, the skin looks younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and riboflavin.

Carrots -- Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is a required nutrient for healthy skin. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage of skin cells. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells, and a deficiency of the vitamin can cause dry skin. Carrots are also a superior source of fiber, biotin, vitamins K, C and B6, potassium and thiamine.

Water -- Drinking plenty of water -- at least your individual minimum intake -- will help keep your skin young and healthy-looking. Water in caffeinated or sugary beverages does not count; water intake must be from pure, clean water, which rejuvenates skin cells. Water both hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in. Nutrition expert Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, says when the body is properly hydrated, it sweats more efficiently, which helps keep the skin clean and clear.

In addition to consuming therapeutic quantities of green tea, salmon, blueberries, carrots and water, consumers should avoid certain foods that trigger bad skin reactions. Such ingredients include sugar, white flour, saturated fats and fried foods, which are especially bad for the skin, since they can trap oil and bacteria beneath the skin, causing acne and other skin ailments.