Fire Retardants in our Lives

Another problem with chemicals in our environment is PBDE's - polybrominated diphenyl ethers. It is in furniture, electronics, mattresses, pillows, carpet and padding, child car seats, cell phones, lighting and building material. Is that enough? This list is some of the most common.
But,this does not include children's fire retardant pajamas. They are treated with yet a different chemical. If there is little chance that your child will be around a fire it is best not to use these pajamas.
Exposure to small doses of PBDE's during the development stages of the unborn can cause damage to the reproductive system, cause problems with motor skills and learning, memory and hearing problems.
As children are smaller they are absorbing more than adults.
Foam in upholstery items is a big problem. Since 2004 the US made foam is safe because the chemicals are no longer made here and cannot be imported. If you have older products try to replace them but if that isn't possible cover any exposed foam but don't go to the expense to upholster old foam furniture. Use a vacuum with HEPA filter and a home HEPS air cleaner. Be careful when removing carpet and padding. Remove it from the house as quickly as possible and clean all the leftovers off the floor quickly.
When shopping for new items ask about fire retardant qualities. Don't buy ones with brominated fire retardants or natural brominated latex foam. They may contain substitute chemicals that have not been tested properly. Use less flammable fabrics as leather, wool or cotton if possible.
A form of PBDE in electronics is DECA. It is in TVs, cell phones, fax machines, remote controls, printers, copiers, scanners, kitchen appliances, fans, heaters, hair dryers, lamp sockets and on and on.
If children tend to put things in their mouths do not let them play with the cell phones or remotes.
EWG.org is the source of this information and they have a partial list of PBDE free electronics.

Plastic Food Containers and BPA

Most of us have heard lately of concerns over plastics in food and beverage containers. The main concern is BPA - bisphenol-A. This is a toxic chemical used to harden plastics. Research shows that BPA can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage to our health. Some scientist consider it to be toxic to developing unborn babies.
It is used in Coke products and some executives from Coca Cola were willing to meet with the EWG - Environmental Working Group to discuss the issue. Coca Cola does not have a suitable substitute for BPA but they are willing to keep in touch with the EWG to be informed with developments in this area.
Del Monte on the other hand would not respond to EWG's request to discuss the issue.
For more information on BPA and how to contact Del Monte to show your concern go to
EWG.org

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Due to some experiences of yesterday I am so thankful for my blessings in life.
I have always had good health and so has my family. I have a wonderful family who are sunshine in my life. I have 3 wonderful sons,2 great daughter-in-laws,
5 energetic grandchildren a mother, two brothers and their families. I have a nice home and it is in the United States of American of which I am most thankful. Jesus lives in my heart and that is the best part of all.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, with all that is within me I bless His holy name. He pardons iniquities, redeems lives from the pit and crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. Psalms 103:1-4

Picky Eaters

For children to be picky about what they eat is a very common thing. The key is to offer healthy foods and give them some choices. Let them pick and then keep a supply of those things on hand. Of course, a few weeks later they may not like that item anymore so you will need to adjust sometimes.
Always serve one of their favorites at meal time and add nutritious items to go with it. Encourage them to taste every item.
Some children may be snackers and eat a little at a meal and be hungry an hour later. Give them nutritious things at this time rather than candy or chips. Try vegetables with a dip. You can use yogurt instead of sour cream to make a very tasty dip.
Try to encourage your children to eat at set times like 3 main meals and a light snack mid morning and mid afternoon. This habit will be best if there is problem with weight later in life. Having food constantly in front of them causes them to be too focused on food.
Fix things in shapes of letters, numbers, trains and smiley faces. Let them help pick the shape of noodles that you buy. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and lean protein.
Children learn from their parents habits so eat healthy in front of them.

Blog Scare

I heard this morning on Fox news that a scam artist had taken a boy's picture off of his mom's blog and used it to list him as a child that was for sale. I think they said on Craigs list but not totally sure about that.
What is wrong with people?