If you use a microwave, do you stand ten feet away when its on because of the radiation? Do you avoid using sponges at all cost because of germs? Do you avoid eating certain foods or produce if you don’t know for sure if its organic or not to avoid pesticides?
On this blog, I do write a great deal about toxic substances that are used in our day-to-day lives, but also want to keep it light and (hopefully) fun. Baring allergies, intolerance’s or illness you or your family members may have, sometimes we can get too caught up up in whats “deadly” .The question is, how do you find that balance once you become aware that certain habits you’re used to may not be healthy for you and your family?
My guess is you have to pick and choose whats most important to you. For me, its the use of artificial fragrances in personal and home care products because of my allergies (perfumes gives me migraines). Also, I avoid certain foods to a point.
Between news about what Sarah Palin is wearing and what the stocks are doing, there has been some headlines about the safety of our food (again), specifically chocolate candy. The Cheeseslave blog wrote a couple of great posts on this issue: Very Scary Halloween Candy
More on Potentially Tainted Halloween Candy
Personally, this scares the crap out of me given there has already been deaths associated with melamine. Its been quite a while since I’ve had mainstream chocolate, but my concern is for others and their children. Other people may not be that concerned however.
Other things people are concerned about may include, mattresses, clothing that isn’t organic, the use of plastics, cosmetics, cell phones, and much more.
How do you find your balance when it comes to keeping your and/or your family healthy and safe?
Loading ...
Rebecca
on Oct 31st, 2008
@ 1:53 pm:
I try to avoid any processed food and prefer homemade cooking. It doesn’t necessarily have to be made of organic products but at least I know what’s inside my kids food. When it’s possible we make homemade cookies and cakes instead of buying them. And most of all I try to avoid any candies and food with artificial colors that are dangerous to our health.
[Reply]
Vered - MomGrind
on Oct 31st, 2008
@ 5:54 pm:
Good question. We eat mostly organic (but not always); eat a mostly healthy, balanced diet; get regular exercise; and are getting better at de-sressing. I figure if we do all these, we should be OK. We do follow news on recalls.
[Reply]
Kim Woodbridge
on Nov 3rd, 2008
@ 7:16 pm:
I guess I don’t worry too much. We don’t eat meat which helps but don’t buy only organic as I could not afford to feed us that way.
Cleaning products really bother me so I only use baking soda, vinegar, and bon ami. It’s a lot more affordable and you can clean almost anything with those three products.
Standing to close to the microwave, cell phones, etc I don’t really even think about. Maybe I’m too laissez-faire or maybe just tired of the constant “scares”.
[Reply]
Marelisa
on Nov 4th, 2008
@ 1:56 am:
Hi Carla: I think if we listened to every “warning” out there on all the things that could harm us, we’d have to crawl into some sort of insulated chamber and never come back out. I try to eat healthily, I exercise, I meditate, and I keep a positive demeanor. Oh, and I always turn my cell phone off when I’m filling up the tank at the gas station
[Reply]
Steve C | MyWifeQuitHerJob.com
on Nov 4th, 2008
@ 11:12 pm:
Hi Carla,
My doctor friend has a totally different take on germs and general cleanliness around the house. He totally doesn’t worry about germs, chemicals or dirt. He literally doesn’t dust and if you were to enter his house, the first thing you would notice would be a coat of dust on his furniture. His philosophy is that we have allergies because we shelter ourselves from the environment. By leaving allergens and eating chemicals etc., his children will be more resistant to their effects later on down the line. I’m not sure I agree, but what is ironic is that he’s a doctor
[Reply]
Lance
on Nov 8th, 2008
@ 5:45 am:
Although I try to eat pretty healthy, and avoid a lot of the processed foods out there – beyond that I really probably pay too little attention to what’s in or been used on a food item I’m eating. So, I’m going to take this as a reminder that I should work at being a little more diligent about checking things out. And, in the end – in finding a balance between what’s ok and what’s suspect.
[Reply]
greenandchic
on Nov 8th, 2008
@ 5:51 pm:
@Rebecca @Lance @Vered @Kim- For me food makes a huge difference in my immediate health so I am really careful about that for sure.
Steve C – I did hear that children who are exposed to the outdoors and pets at an early age tend to have less allergies; I wish I had a link to that. I dont know about eating chemicals though! I think they definitely do more harm than good.
Marelisa – I think its all about picking and choosing what is right for you, your family (and then environment).
[Reply]
Jerry M Williams
on Nov 20th, 2009
@ 2:04 pm:
information on these types of things. I love a more organic lifestyle for my whole families benefit.
[Reply]