Healthy
Child E-Newsletter Issue #51
May 17, 2007
In this issue:
Poisonous Sleep
Co-Sleeping and Toxic Mattresses
Toxicity Analysis of Baby Mattresses: Stealth Poisoning in Our Children’s Cribs
Are Phthalate Chemicals In Crib Mattresses Causing: Male Hormonal And Fertility Issues In Your Baby Boy? What Every Parent Must Know
Now on Sale! Super Healthy Kids: Strengthening Your Child's Resistance to Disease
California Reports Another Record Autism Increase
Learn to Parent in Ways that Respect and Honor your Child - Teleclasses Begin Next Week
Vaccine Safety Group Releases Gardasil (HPV Vaccine) Reaction Report
Calls On FDA and CDC to Warn Doctors and Parents
Poisonous Sleep
The more I delve into the toxicity issues of mattresses, the more appalled I am about the poisoning of people while sleeping, especially babies and children. Adults can be strongly affected and may react with a variety of symptoms, but children are far more vulnerable. Of particular concern is that babies and young children are being exposed for long periods of time (50-70% of their day) during the crucial developmental period. While sleeping and playing on a mattress, they are breathing only a few inches away from the surface. The chemicals in the mattresses easily become airborne and can also release deadly gases into the surrounding air. These chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin.
I don't want to be someone who continually spreads fear, but awareness is power and this is an issue that we can certainly take action on. I firmly believe that all parents, grandparents, childcare providers, and health professionals must become aware of this issue in order to take steps to protect our little ones.
There is no doubt that a large percentage of our children today have chronic health problems and developmental disorders. Immune, respiratory, and nervous system issues are on the rise. On average, the state of California is currently adding 10 new children a day, seven days a week with full syndrome autism to its mental "health" system. Medical and environmental studies definitely point to low-level exposures of toxins as culprits in causing damage to the brains and bodies of children. Even though crib death (SIDS) has reduced since we have been putting babies to sleep on their backs (their noses aren't right in the gases), there are still around seven babies dying every night in the U.S. from these tragic deaths.
Since the poisons cannot be detected by sight or smell, most of us go about our days being unaware of all the toxins surrounding us. It’s easy to dismiss the issue and take the attitude of “out of sight, out of mind” or “so we live in a toxic world and since there’s not a whole lot we can do about it, we shouldn’t live our lives in fear”.
However, there really IS a lot we can do about the major exposures. No, we can’t control everything, but we can look at the most significant exposures and do what we can do to eliminate those. Once we eliminate the big issues, we can go on with living our lives without fear and not get caught up in worrying about all the small stuff. Beyond vaccinations (an entirely different can of worms), I consider mattresses to be the biggest, most insidious, ongoing toxic exposure to most babies during their critical developmental period.
My intent in starting Healthy Child ten years ago was simply to make people aware of issues such as this and to provide reliable information to parents. My goal is to provide as much information as possible so parents can make informed decisions. This path has taken me down another trail of trying to find the least toxic and safe alternatives. Unfortunately, as far as mattresses go, there are very few alternatives that are completely safe for babies, whether they sleep in a crib or in the parents’ bed.
I have extensively looked into all the issues of mattress toxicity and checked out everything that's out there on the market. I know that there is no safer crib mattress available than the NaturePedic No-Compromise crib mattress. If your baby will be sleeping in a crib, NaturePedic is the non-toxic mattress to get. It’s also more affordable than most other organic crib mattresses.
Read more about the NaturePedic crib mattress…
Keep in mind that the mattress your baby will be sleeping on is probably the most important baby item you can buy since it has the ability to greatly affect your baby’s health. If you are on a limited budget, think about letting go of the cute nursery bedding and décor that your baby could care less about (and may also be unsafe), or other baby items that are really not necessary. If money is still an issue, you can cover a cheap, polyurethane and PVC mattress with an inexpensive BabeSafe mattress cover to block the gases. If you decide to do this, make sure it is truly a BabeSafe polyethylene cover from New Zealand since that is the only cover available that has been tested to block the chemical and gas exposure.
What About Adult Mattresses for Co-Sleeping?
Adult mattresses have the same toxicity issues as crib mattresses, but not such a clear cut answer regarding alternatives. Unfortunately, BabeSafe does not make adult-size mattress covers, and the NaturePedic adult-size mattresses will not be available anytime soon (they are now giving me a timeframe of two months for the twin-size). I have written a condensed report on co-sleeping and toxic adult mattresses and have been looking into several different options of adult-size mattresses to offer families on Healthy Child.
I know I stated in my last newsletter that the adult-size mattresses will be available at Healthy Child, but due to the complexity of the toxicity issues, this has been delayed. With adult mattresses, it is important to have a safe way to minimize the wetness that comes from having a baby in the bed. There is currently no safe way to waterproof an adult-size mattress, but wool can help with moisture problems. There can be toxicity issues with wool, and I simply will not put any products on my site unless I am confident that they are the least toxic products currently available. That is my commitment to my readers and customers, and I won’t compromise on this. I am currently having conversations with environmental scientists and the owners of mattress companies and digging deep to find out how the wool is processed and where it comes from. I should have answers very soon and be able to offer you the highest quality, least toxic adult-size mattresses and pads available. Thank you for your patience in the meantime.
Read my report on Co-Sleeping and Toxic Mattresses
Please read the following reports:
Toxicity Analysis of Baby Mattresses: Stealth Poisoning in Our Children’s Cribs
Are Phthalate Chemicals In Crib Mattresses Causing: Male Hormonal And Fertility Issues In Your Baby Boy? What Every Parent Must Know
Has The Cause of Crib Death (SIDS) Been Found? Toxic Gases in Baby Crib Mattresses
Super Healthy Kids book is now on Sale!
Take advantage of our Spring sale and Boost and Strengthen Your Child's Immune System the Natural Way!
Imagine
Your Kids with Vibrant Health and Natural Vitality!
Super
Healthy Kids is a comprehensive e-book (you can get a printed paperback version
as well) about what you can do to strengthen your kids health and boost their
immune system to prevent disease and create increased vibrant health and vitality...read
more...
California Reports Another Record Autism Increase
Rick Rollens, co-founder of the M.I.N.D. Institute at UC- Davis, reports that California is continuing to experience record numbers of cases of children being diagnosed with the most serious form of autism. read more...
Learn to Parent in Ways that Respect and Honor your Child - Teleclasses Begin Next Week
Sharon Ann Wikoff - teacher, mother, radio host and motivational speaker - has been working with parents and children for over 30 years. Sharon teaches parents how to look beneath and decode the behavior in order to address the needs of your child and discipline with respect. She is beginning a series of teleclasses for parents so you can call in to the classes from anywhere in the U.S.
Teleclasses Topics:
Listening to Children
Infant Movement & Exploration
Setting Intentions for Self/ Family
Disciplining by Decoding Behavior
Parenting by Choice not Chance
Understanding Today's Children
Heartful Ways of Parenting/ Grand-parenting
Home Environments/Activities for Summer Fun
I personally know Sharon and her teaching methods are intelligent, insightful and exceptional. I highly recommend her classes to all parents who want to find more respectful ways to love, honor, and discipline children. Visit Sharon's website, AuthenticWays.com for descriptions, dates and times of all teleclasses. Or contact Sharon at (707) 887-2633 or at neways@pon.net.
Vaccine Safety Group Releases Gardasil (HPV Vaccine) Reaction Report
Calls On FDA and CDC to Warn Doctors and Parents
The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) released a new analysis of the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) reports of serious health problems following HPV vaccination (Merck’s GARDASIL) during the last six months of 2006. read more...
Holistic
Pediatric Practice Seminar for Health Professionals
You can still register for the Holistic Pediatric Practice seminar on June 2-3. Space is limited and the seminar is filling up fast. Please register now. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to increase your skill in pediatrics.
This seminar is suitable for physicians, nurses, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and other primary health care providers. Attendees will be exposed to the practical principles for providing holistic pediatric care. Register Here
Holistic Pediatric Practice
Taught by Randall Neustaedter OMD
Berkeley, CA, June 2-3
14 hours CEU for acupuncturists
The Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo will return on May 17-18, 2008!
The Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo is the premier natural parenting and family expo to introduce and educate families, professionals and friends about the benefits of holistic medicine, non-toxic products, organic foods, sustainable living practices, better nutrition, enrichment learning programs; and important environmental issues for protecting our children and the planet. The 2008 Expo will be held at Highland Hall Waldorf School on their 11-acre campus at 17100 Superior Street in Northridge California. more info...
Holistic Moms Network Announces October Conference
The Holistic Moms Network, a non-profit, natural parenting support organization headquartered in Caldwell, NJ, is hosting its fourth annual Natural Living Conference this Fall. This special event provides members and the public with an opportunity to explore natural living and mindful parenting topics with featured speakers, vendors, and special opportunities, as well as to take advantage of a unique networking experience. The Conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Crossroads Hotel at 1 International Boulevard in Mahwah, NJ. This conference will feature three nationally-recognized keynote speakers; Elizabeth Pantley, Chef Ann Cooper, and Peggy O’Mara. more info...
Over the Shoulder Baby Holder Rated
the Top Baby Carrier by Hundreds of Baby Experts
The Over the Shoulder Baby Holder is the top rated sling by lactation consultants, midwives, childbirth educators and pediatricians. Physical therapists and chiropractors endorse it for its comfort and weight distribution, and for its benefits for your baby's posture.
Nothing compares with the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder sling
for doing an excellent job of holding your baby close to your body in an exact
recreation of the way you naturally hold your baby with your arms, but your arms
are free in a way that will make your sling indispensable. The baby can be carried
in any natural position: nursing hold, cradle hold, football hold, burping hold,
and hip straddle without any re-adjusting. Baby can breastfeed discreetly in the sling. Baby
care authors recommend it for its ease of use; it takes only seconds to put on
and put the baby in. read more...
Kids' Doll Sling
With our kid's sling, your 2 year old to 10 year olds can carry their doll, stuffed teddy bear or other lovie and mimic mom. In this way, your little one is learning how to nurture and care for their future family in the most natural and fun way. Easy-to-adjust rings in a miniature-version of Over the Shoulder Baby Holder sling.
Makes a wonderful big brother or big sister gift, birthday, or holiday gift.
read more...
Is
Your Teen Suffering From Acne? Clear Acne Naturally at the Source
I recently found the ZenMed system, a product that is designed to treat both adult
and teen acne at its source, using the finest herbal ingredients. I highly recommend
this system since it is formulated with natural ingredients that have been proven
over centuries to heal skin problems such as acne, and promote a healthy, clear
complexion from the inside. This skin care system prevents and treats acne both
internally and topically and provides lasting results. I
know the ZenMed system works to heal acne. I suffered from severe acne as a teen
and used many medications and harsh treatments, including long-term antibiotics,
Accutane, and many toxic topical products. I didn't know any better as a teen
and thought these medications and products would work. They did not and the long-term
antibiotics devastated my immune system. The acne continued into my adult years,
and I am very happy to have found the ZENMED Derma Cleanse System. It cleared
the acne that I had been struggling with for 35 years after using it for only
3 weeks! It really works! I am thrilled to recommend it to parents for helping
their teens clear their skin. Acne can be devastating to a teen's self-image and
must be treated holistically with safe, natural ingredients.
Please
feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or feedback. I always love
to hear from you! Peace
and Blessings, Jane Sheppard
Future Generations
Healthy Child Online Mailing
Address:
Future Generations
1275 Fourth Street, #118
Santa Rosa, CA
95404
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