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The Environmental Working Group has released the first-ever study of chemicals in the cord blood of minority newborns. The ten babies in the study were born in 2007 and 2008 in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin. While the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Working Group  have both looked at newborn exposure before, the new EWG study, in partnership with Rachel’s Network, was the first to specifically look at African-America, Hispanic and Asian babies, who may be more likely to be exposed to industrial and agricultural chemicals due to social and economic situations. For example, in many areas of the country, agricultural laborers are predominantly Hispanic, exposing Hispanic women to more pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers before and during pregnancy.

The EWG study of cord blood contaminants in minority newborns is the first reported detection of nearly two dozen chemicals in newborns of any background, including the first neonatal detection of Bisphenol-A, which was found in 9 of the 10 babies. Because of the expense of testing, only 10 babies were included in the study. Up to 232 chemicals total were found in the ten infants - certain tests looked for two or more chemicals at once, and a positive reading could mean one or more of the contaminants were present in the sample. Several chemicals were found in all ten babies: (continue reading…)

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We all want to make a difference, and to encourage our children to help others who are less fortunate. These days, though, it’s hard to feel like we can. Often we’re overwhelmed by the magnitude of destruction caused by earthquakes, or we worry that charity is only a short-term help. And as far as kids go, many places won’t let them volunteer because of insurance reasons. A concept called microlending, however, lets you make a direct difference in someone’s life, for a small amount of money - small enough that your kids can even do it themselves with saved-up allowance money.

Microlending is the private lending of small loans to poor people with valid business ideas. Often these people do not have the personal worth to be served by a bank or apply for credit. Bypassing the banking system and lending them money directly allows poor people with entrepreneurial drive or unused skills to make a step out of poverty. The loans can be for as low as $20, and can go towards things ranging from the buying of livestock to purchasing raw materials for crafts and manufacturing. (continue reading…)

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Every First Lady of the United States has had a particular cause she advocated while her husband was president. Nancy Reagan fought drugs. Laura Bush promoted literacy. Last week, Michelle Obama unveiled her cause: eliminating childhood obesity.

In promoting her new initiative, catchily named “Let’s Move!” the first lady mentioned her own family’s struggle to raise fit, healthy children. The organic garden installed at the White House is getting called back into action as a demonstration of what families can do to get more healthy fruits and veggies in their lives. The main elements of the initiative are a task force to coordinate governmental action, a four-pronged outreach approach on nutrition and fitness, and a public-private partnership to encourage progress on measures that can curb childhood obesity. The question is, will these programs work? (continue reading…)

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We trust the schools when our children step into the building and when they buy lunch that they will be getting a healthy and safe meal. The federally assisted meal program, The National School Lunch program (NSLP), was started in 1946 by President Harry Truman. The USDA states that they provide nutritionally balanced and low cost or free to children everyday. But like every large organization, they need us as parents and as citizens to ensure they are doing what is best for our children. Here are some difficulties the NSLP has had and what you can do to make a difference in your child’s school to ensure the best quality food and drinks. (continue reading…)

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On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a statement reversing their position on the plastic additive Bisphenol-A (BPA), found in food containers and baby bottles, as well as the linings of some food cans including baby formula. Foods canned or stored in containers with bisphenol-A have tested positive for traces of the chemical, which may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.

In 2008, the FDA took the position that BPA was safe and did not pose a health risk to people. In Friday’s announcement, the FDA wrote, “But recent studies have reported subtle effects of low doses of BPA in laboratory animals.  While BPA is not proven to harm children or adults, these newer studies have led federal health officials to express some concern about the safety of BPA.” (continue reading…)

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In recent years, our society has become more concerned with “going green” and saving the planet. For example, we offer incentives and rebates on energy-efficient appliances, eco-minded home improvements and fuel-friendly hybrid cars. But what are other countries doing to promote clean air, clean water and efficient energy use? Many nations all over the globe are taking steps to ensure healthy, clean and green futures.

Still-Developing Versus Already-Developed Countries

Is a country very likely to adopt new green initiatives? That depends on whether the country is still-developing or already-developed, according to MSN Health (1). (continue reading…)

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Americans tend to think of ourselves as an eco-friendly, environmentally-conscious society, doing our part for the planet. But which countries are among the most eco-friendly in the world? How are they ranked? What criteria are involved in grading them? And how does the U.S. stack up against them?

Different surveys or studies have different rankings and results. In general, however, many European and South American countries are some of the world’s greenest. (continue reading…)