EWG

June 26, 2009 at 11:37 pm (News and politics)

 

  

Dear Supporter,

Most people use around 10 personal care products every day with an average of 126 unique ingredients. We’d like to believe that the government is policing the safety of all of these mixtures we’re putting on our bodies, but they’re not. Instead, these under-regulated chemicals are causing concerns for human health and the environment – whether they seep through your skin or wash down your drain.

We think you deserve better than that. So we’re sending you our Healthy Home Tip Series to make it easier to safeguard your family’s health. This month’s tip is: Choose better body care products.

What makes a body care product "better"?
Better products meet their claims and are free of ingredients that could harm our health or the environment. Labels might claim that a product is "gentle" or "natural," but with no required safety testing, companies that make personal care products can use almost any chemical they want, regardless of risks. So, always read product labels – especially the ingredient list – before you buy.

Learn how to choose better body care products
We make these choices as simple as possible on our Healthy Home Tips page, where you’ll learn:

Tell your friends about our Healthy Home Tips
We know you’re not the only one who wants to choose better body care products. Tell your friends about our Healthy Home Tip Series so they, too, can be informed when faced with rows of under-regulated products at the store.

Talk to you in a month when we discuss our next Healthy Home Tip: going organic and eating fresh foods.

Thanks for reading,

Lisa Frack
EWG Online Organizer

PS: Last month we introduced this Healthy Home Tips Series. Click here to read about it.

DONATE | TELL A FRIEND | UNSUBSCRIBE | CHANGE OPTIONS

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to using the power of information to protect human health and the environment. The EWG Action Fund is a legislative advocacy organization that uses EWG research to promote healthy and sustainable policies.

HEADQUARTERS 1436 U St. NW, Suite 100 | Washington, DC 20009 | (202) 667-6982

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Spice: Tumeric

June 23, 2009 at 10:27 pm (Food and drink)

This Potent Spice Taken as Little as Once a Week Can Fight Dementia

 

New research shows that eating curry once or twice a week could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The key reason is curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric.

Curcumin prevents the spread of amyloid protein plaques, which are thought to cause dementia. Amyloid plaques, along with tangles of nerve fibers, contribute to the degradation of the wiring in brain cells.

There is evidence that people who eat a curry meal two or three times a week have a lower risk of dementia. Researchers are currently testing the impact of higher doses, such as the equivalent of going on a curry spree for a week, to see if they can maximize the effect.

Sources:

  BBC News June 3, 2009
  Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Annual Meeting, Liverpool, UK, June 2-5, 2009

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Dad’s Day

June 19, 2009 at 6:19 pm (Health and wellness)

 

Five Steps Help Men Live Longer

By John Williams, BDO Staff Writer
25-Mar-2009

(BlackDoctor.org) — It only takes five heart-healthy lifestyle habits to significantly reduce heart disease risk in middle-aged and older men, a new study shows.

Even men being treated for high blood pressure or high cholesterol showed a reduced risk of heart disease when they quit smoking, kept slim, exercised daily, drank only a moderate amount of alcohol and stuck to a healthy diet.

The 16-year study of almost 43,000 men, ages 40 to 75, was published in the July 4 issue of the journal Circulation.

The study at looked at the impact on health of five heart-healthy behaviors. In detail, these behaviors included keeping a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 (the threshold for overweight) and exercising daily for at least 30 minutes. Moderate alcohol consumption was defined as an average of half a drink to two drinks a day. A healthy diet included fruits and vegetables, cereal fiber, nuts, legumes, chicken and fish, low-intake of trans and saturated fats, and taking a multivitamin for at least five years.

Among all the men in the study, 2,183 had a heart attack or developed fatal coronary heart disease during the study period.

Men who adhered to the five healthy habits were 87 percent less likely to develop coronary heart disease, compared to men who had none of the healthy habits, the study found.

The researchers concluded that 62 percent of coronary events in the overall study group may have been prevented if all the men in the study adhered to the five healthy habits.

The researchers also found that these healthy behaviors could prevent 57 percent of all coronary events among men taking medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

"One of the strengths of this study is that every two years, we collected detailed updated information on lifestyle factors such as BMI or smoking status and also medical confirmation of newly diagnosed heart disease," study lead author Stephanie Chiuve, research fellow, department of nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

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Arcicle Link: http://blackdoctor.org/articles_print.aspx?counter=942

 

 

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RECALL

June 19, 2009 at 2:06 pm (Food and drink)

 Nestle recalls Toll House cookie dough products
June 19, 2009 4:21 PM EDT

NEW YORK – Federal authorities are investigating a new outbreak of bacteria-triggered illness related to a sweet treat treasured by the heartbroken and children-at-heart – packaged raw cookie dough.
 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that, since March, 66 people in 28 states have fallen ill with symptoms caused by e. coli bacteria after eating Nestle Toll House dough raw.
 
About 25 people have been hospitalized but no one has died. E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.
 
Nestle USA voluntarily recalled all of its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products after the FDA advised consumers to throw away any Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their homes and asked retailers, restaurateurs and other foodservice operations not to sell or serve any of the products.
 
Customers also can return any Nestle cookie dough product where they bought it for a full refund. The recall does not affect other Toll House products, including ice cream that contains Toll House raw cookie dough.
 
The federal Centers for Disease Control also are investigating the illnesses.
 
"This has been a very quickly moving situation," said Roz O’Hearn, spokeswoman for the company’s baking division, adding the company took action within 24 hours of learning of the problem.
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READ FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE

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FOOD

June 17, 2009 at 10:54 pm (News and politics)

Global Food Production Plummets in 2009 (with chart)

(NaturalNews) Global food production is expected to plummet between 20 and 40 percent in 2009, due to widespread drought and other stresses on agricultural production

Two-thirds of the world’s food is produced in countries currently in the grip of droughts. The extent of this crisis can easily be seen by a chart on the Web site of the Center for Research on Globalization:

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ARTICLE LINK

http://www.naturalnews.com/026453_drought_food_food_production.html

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Naturals

June 14, 2009 at 4:09 pm (Health and wellness)

NaturalNews.com printable article
Originally published June 12 2009
Twelve Creative Ways to Use Coconut Oil
by Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) In the past several years, coconut oil has become a sort of rising star in the world of health food. More and more homes have a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil on their pantry shelf. But coconut oil is more than a healthy cooking alternative. There are endless ways to use coconut oil that extend far beyond the occasional cookie or stir-fry. Here are twelve creative uses for a classic health food:
Colds and Sore Throats – Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help you recover from a cold. Mix it with warm tea and honey for a very soothing throat remedy.
 
Cuts and Scrapes – Coconut oil can be used as a topical cream for common cuts and scrapes, protecting against infection while conditioning the skin to heal faster. It may also prevent scarring.
 
Dandruff – Several times per week, coat your fingertips with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp for an easy dandruff cure. This is an effective yet gentle method, suitable for young children or babies with cradle cap, too.
 
Deodorant – You can use coconut oil by itself as a deodorant that leaves underarms feeling silky soft, or you can add baking soda and cornstarch for advanced odor protection.
 
Detoxification - There are many methods for detoxifying the body, but coconut oil is unique because it can provide energy while cleansing the body. One popular method is to take 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil seven times per day for one to seven days to cleanse the body from toxins, impurities and candida.
 
Fungal Infections – Coconut oil contains strong antifungal agents, and can be used to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, thrush and vaginal yeast infections. You can use it internally and topically for these conditions.
 
Hair Conditioner - Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Allow it to soak for several minutes and then wash as usual. There is no need to use other conditioners with this method, even after washing with shampoo.
 
Lip Balm – Lip moisturizers are filled with chemicals, and natural products are often pricey. If you need a moisturizer for your lips, try coconut oil in a commercial lip balm container.
 
Make-up Remover – Coconut oil is a very effective make-up remover, so you can toss out all the chemical-laden products from the drug store. It’s also a natural moisturizer, so it won’t cause dryness or irritation.
 
Skin Conditions – Since coconut oil is moisturizing, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, it’s a great natural remedy for all kinds of skin problems ranging from eczema to acne to diaper rash.
 
Sun screen – Coconut oil provides effective and natural sun protection without exposing your body to the toxic chemicals and metals in conventional sun block. Coconut oil protects against free radicals, which provides added protection against skin cancer.
 
Toothpaste – Mix an equal amount of coconut oil and baking soda for an all-natural, fluoride-free toothpaste. Add spearmint or peppermint oil with stevia for a fresh, sweet flavor.
 
As you can see, there is more to coconut oil that what meets the eye – or the frying pan!
For More Information:
 
 
About the author
Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer, specializing in articles about health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent common illnesses.
 
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml

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ENVIRONS

June 12, 2009 at 6:23 pm (News and politics)

 | HuffPost Reporting
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Coal Ash Spills Too Dangerous To Reveal To Public, Says DHS


digg Share this on Facebook Huffpost – Coal Ash Spills Too Dangerous To Reveal To Public, Says DHS (VIDEO) stumble reddit del.ico.us ShareThis RSS

First Posted: 06-12-09 10:05 AM   |   Updated: 06-12-09 01:17 PM
I Like ItI Don’t Like It
 
Read More: Barbara Boxer, Coal Ash, Coal Ash Spill, Department Of Homeland Security, Dhs, Tennessee Coal Ash, Green News
 
Just how bad has the coal ash situation gotten in the United States? So bad that the Department of Homeland Security has told Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) that her committee can’t publicly disclose the location of coal ash dumps across the country.
 
The pollution is so toxic, so dangerous, that an enemy of the United States — or a storm or some other disrupting event — could easily cause them to spill out and lay waste to any area nearby.
 
There are 44 sites deemed by the Environmental Protection Agency to be high hazard, but Boxer said she isn’t allowed to talk about them other than to senators in the states affected. "There is a huge muzzle on me and my staff," she said.
 
"Homeland Security and the Army Corps [of Engineers] have decided in the interests of national security they can’t make these sites known," she said.
There are several hundred coal ash piles across the nation, she said, all of them unregulated.
 
"If these coal ash piles were to fail they’d pose a threat to the people nearby," she said. While keeping it from the public, DHS is alerting first responders as to the location of the piles.
 
"I believe it is essential to let people know," said Boxer, arguing that if people knew what was in their backyard they’d press public officials to clean it up and protect the area. "I think secrecy might lead to inaction…I am pressing on this."
 
Boxer is sending a letter, she told reporters Friday, to DHS and the Army Corps, pressing for public release of the information and asking for a more thorough explanation and a comparison of this policy of secrecy to policies around Superfund-listed sites and nuclear sites.
Story continues below
 
"We don’t need legislation if they do their job," she said.
 
A recent coal ash spill in Tennessee devastated the surrounding area, was 100 times worse than the Exxon-Valdez spill, said Boxer, and will cost a billion dollars to clean up.
 
That one’s not secret.
 
Ryan Grim is the author of the just-released book This Is Your Country On Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America
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Pandemic

June 10, 2009 at 9:56 pm (News and politics)

 
GENEVA – The World Health Organization is gearing up to declare a swine flu pandemic, a move that could trigger both the large-scale production of vaccines and questions about why the step was delayed for weeks as the virus continued to spread.
 
On Wednesday, WHO chief Dr. Margaret Chan quizzed eight countries with large swine flu outbreaks to see if a pandemic, or global epidemic, should be declared. After Chan’s teleconference, the agency announced that an emergency meeting with its flu experts would be held Thursday.
 
Since swine flu first emerged in Mexico and the United States in April, it has spread to 74 countries around the globe. On Wednesday, WHO reported 27,737 cases including 141 deaths. Most cases are mild and require no treatment.
 
The world is in phase 5 of WHO’s pandemic alert scale, meaning a global outbreak is imminent. Moving to phase 6, the highest level, means a pandemic has begun. If that declaration is made, it will push drugmakers to fast-track production of a swine flu vaccine.
 
Chan says she personally believes that a pandemic is under way, but was seeking clear proof that swine flu is spreading rapidly from person to person outside the Americas before declaring a global epidemic.
 
"Once I get indisputable evidence I will make the announcement," she told reporters Tuesday.
It would be the first flu pandemic in 41 years, since the Hong Kong flu of 1968.
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CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ FULL ARTICLE

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WHOSE GONNA FEED US?

June 7, 2009 at 9:58 am (News and politics)

Sowing Seeds of Starvation: Monsanto Hype in Growing Food Crisis

An ad that recently ran during the American Public Media show Marketplace, sponsored by Monsanto, the world’s largest corporate agribusiness chemical firm, touted how Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) seeds are going to save the world from environmental catastrophe and human hunger.

The Monsanto ads are, quite simply, false. The premise of the ad is that Monsanto’s GM seeds are going to save the world from environmental catastrophe and human hunger, but the reality of Monsanto’s seeds and the company’s ethics and commitment to fighting world hunger have little to do with either.

Eighty-five percent of all GM seeds are engineered for herbicide tolerance, most of these being Monsanto’s “Roundup Ready” cotton, corn, soy, and canola seeds. This allows plants to withstand significant amounts of pesticides being sprayed on it, in effect promoting pesticide use. As a result, there has been an increase in pesticide use in the United States since the introduction of GM seeds. Since the introduction of GM crops in the United States, more than 120 million pounds of additional pesticides were used.

At the same time, not a single GM crop has been commercially introduced that is intended to increase yield. Agronomists and plant scientists made far greater advances in yields through conventional breeding methods than they ever have with GM crops. In fact, there have been several studies which show that there are actually yield losses associated with Monsanto’s Roundup Ready soybeans. GM crops are not feeding the world, and they are not enabling us to produce more.

Monsanto wants you to believe their crops are feeding hungry children in Africa, and that they are allowing farmers to use fewer chemicals. But do their actions demonstrate that their concern lies solely in their profits?

Sources:

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ENVIRONS

June 4, 2009 at 4:14 pm (News and politics)

Dear Supporter,

Tell Coca-Cola and Del Monte: No BPA 

Coca-Cola:
1-800-GET-COKE, ext. 2
Del Monte:
1-800-543-3090

Email EWG about your conversation.

We caught Coca-Cola and Del Monte plotting to deceive you about the dangers of BPA.

Last week food and chemical lobbyists met in Washington, DC to save BPA – they’re desperate to block state and federal efforts to regulate their $6 billion industry.

We were shocked when we read internal meeting minutes that revealed an unethical strategy to keep your family eating and drinking from BPA-laden containers. To get the full story, see our Enviroblog.

QUESTION: Which of these tactics did BPA industry lobbyists concoct?

  1. Employing fear tactics like threatening consumers with limited access to affordable baby food.
  2. Using a "pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA" as their ‘holy grail’ spokesperson.
  3. Focusing fear tactics on historically exploited populations including "Hispanic and African Amercians and the poor."
  4. "Befriending people that are able to manipulate the legislative process."
  5. All of the above.

ANSWER: (E) All of the above. Ready to fight back? So are we.

Call now to demand no BPA

Coca-Cola: 1-800-GET-COKE, ext. 2
Del Monte: 1-800-543-3090

Sample script:

"Hello, My name is ______________. I’m shocked and disappointed in your unethical approach to business when it comes to BPA – placing profits ahead of my family’s health and using fear tactics to placate consumers about a clearly dangerous chemical. BPA needs to go – NOW. Thank you."

After you call. . .

  1. Tell us about it. Send EWG an email describing the conversation.
  2. Get your friends to call. Use our tell-a-friend to ask your friends to call today.
  3. Donate to EWG so we can keep these big corporations from profiting off your family’s health.

Thank you for calling. Now the BPA industry lobbyists know that yet another consumer will not stand for their unethical tactics.

In partnership,

Richard Wiles
Executive Director, EWG Action Fund

DONATE | TELL A FRIEND | UNSUBSCRIBE | CHANGE OPTIONS

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to using the power of information to protect human health and the environment. The EWG Action Fund is a legislative advocacy organization that uses EWG research to promote healthy and sustainable policies.

HEADQUARTERS 1436 U St. NW, Suite 101 | Washington, DC 20009 | (202) 667-6982

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