A primer on chemicals, fertility, and reproduction
February 16, 2011 | 10:12 AMFiled in: Fertility
Greetings!
We’d like to share with you a great article we found on exposure to low-level environmental pollutants and how this can relate to fertility. We like it because it offers an overview of some of the most harmful environmental pollutants that is easy to get your head around, as well as advice that informs lifestyle habits and product choices that can help with making babies.
Here is a taste:
A primer on chemicals, fertility, and reproduction
By Emily Gertz
Feeling unusually infertile lately? You're not alone: according to a December 2005 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 12 percent of American couples reported having a hard time conceiving a child and bearing it to term in 2002, up 20 percent from the 6.1 million couples reporting such "impaired fecundity" in 1995. Although the reasons are complex and overlapping, one major factor may be nonstop exposure to low-level environmental pollutants like pesticides, dioxins, and phthalates.
Because these toxics are generated in ways and places beyond our immediate control, "You can't shop your way completely 100 percent out of these exposures," says Anila Jacob, M.D., a senior scientist with the nonpartisan Environmental Working Group. But changing some habits and product choices may help with the baby-making.
Here are some of the big bads of low-level environmental pollution, and what you can do to cut your exposure. Still, it's not going to be green consumerism that ultimately solves this problem, but green chemistry: replacing these harmful substances at the manufacturing level with safer alternatives. And making that happen will probably require a hard nudge from lawmakers and regulators.
1
Substance: Bisphenol A (BPA)
Have I been exposed to it? Probably. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found BPA in 95 percent of people it tested.
How the hell did that happen? It's used in polycarbonate plastic products like water bottles, shatter-resistant baby bottles, sunglasses, and CDs; epoxy resins typical of food and beverage can linings; and dental sealants.
Risks: Animal testing has shown that fetal exposure to even small amounts of BPA -- lower than the levels found in the typical human -- can lead to prostate cancer and breast cancer. Studies on rodents have shown reduced sperm counts.
Especially for you gals! BPA is implicated in polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects 1 in 10 U.S. women and is the leading cause of women's infertility. This syndrome can also cause the growth of skin tags and excess hair, irregular periods, and obesity.
Scary! So how do I avoid this crap? Difficult. Canned foods are a big source of exposure, with beverages the lowest, pastas and soups the highest. So opt for glass packaging for these foods, or cook from scratch. Cut back on prepackaged infant formulas for the ankle-biter. Until manufacturers get the BPA out of polycarbonate (#7 plastic), switch to glass, polypropylene (#5) or polyethylene (#1, #2, #4) containers; trade out that polycarbonate water bottle for a stainless steel model; and don't heat liquids or foods in polycarbonate containers or plastic wraps.
Read More...
We’d like to share with you a great article we found on exposure to low-level environmental pollutants and how this can relate to fertility. We like it because it offers an overview of some of the most harmful environmental pollutants that is easy to get your head around, as well as advice that informs lifestyle habits and product choices that can help with making babies.
Here is a taste:
A primer on chemicals, fertility, and reproduction
By Emily Gertz
Feeling unusually infertile lately? You're not alone: according to a December 2005 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 12 percent of American couples reported having a hard time conceiving a child and bearing it to term in 2002, up 20 percent from the 6.1 million couples reporting such "impaired fecundity" in 1995. Although the reasons are complex and overlapping, one major factor may be nonstop exposure to low-level environmental pollutants like pesticides, dioxins, and phthalates.
Because these toxics are generated in ways and places beyond our immediate control, "You can't shop your way completely 100 percent out of these exposures," says Anila Jacob, M.D., a senior scientist with the nonpartisan Environmental Working Group. But changing some habits and product choices may help with the baby-making.
Here are some of the big bads of low-level environmental pollution, and what you can do to cut your exposure. Still, it's not going to be green consumerism that ultimately solves this problem, but green chemistry: replacing these harmful substances at the manufacturing level with safer alternatives. And making that happen will probably require a hard nudge from lawmakers and regulators.
1
Substance: Bisphenol A (BPA)
Have I been exposed to it? Probably. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found BPA in 95 percent of people it tested.
How the hell did that happen? It's used in polycarbonate plastic products like water bottles, shatter-resistant baby bottles, sunglasses, and CDs; epoxy resins typical of food and beverage can linings; and dental sealants.
Risks: Animal testing has shown that fetal exposure to even small amounts of BPA -- lower than the levels found in the typical human -- can lead to prostate cancer and breast cancer. Studies on rodents have shown reduced sperm counts.
Especially for you gals! BPA is implicated in polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects 1 in 10 U.S. women and is the leading cause of women's infertility. This syndrome can also cause the growth of skin tags and excess hair, irregular periods, and obesity.
Scary! So how do I avoid this crap? Difficult. Canned foods are a big source of exposure, with beverages the lowest, pastas and soups the highest. So opt for glass packaging for these foods, or cook from scratch. Cut back on prepackaged infant formulas for the ankle-biter. Until manufacturers get the BPA out of polycarbonate (#7 plastic), switch to glass, polypropylene (#5) or polyethylene (#1, #2, #4) containers; trade out that polycarbonate water bottle for a stainless steel model; and don't heat liquids or foods in polycarbonate containers or plastic wraps.
Read More...
Kale Leek and Apple Salad with Feta
February 14, 2011 | 03:51 PMFiled in: Recipes
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I fell in love with this recipe again over the weekend! It makes a wonderfully hearty and nutritious main meal, or is a great complimentary side dish to roasted beets and sweet potato alongside a tilapia or monk fish fillet.
Try adding portobello mushrooms, sweet red peppers and some thinly sliced jalepeno to bulk it out even more as a main dish.
A nourishing and yummy warm kale salad for the winter months
Kale: a nutrient-dense wonder vegetable full of chlorophyll, calcium and iron, and blood-nourishing properties. Kale: a vegetable that often paralyzes people in the kitchen by not knowing how to prepare it. To keep you warm, nourished and satisfied this winter season, try this tasty and easy to prepare warm kale salad. Mmmm.
Kale Leek and Apple Salad with Feta
Dr. Angela Warburton, TCM
1 leek – sliced thinly
1 small bunch kale – cut into medium sized pieces
1 large apple (peeled if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Feta (crumbled into chunks)
In a skillet heat a small amount of olive oil and sauté the leek (add a small amount of broth or water to keep it moist if needed). When leeks are slightly softened, add the kale and cook slightly, then add the apple. Cover and let simmer on med-low temperature until apple is soft. Right before serving, add the feta and toss allowing it to slightly melt and soften.
Enjoy the wonders of kale! Bon apetit.
Jessie
Client Care Manager
Lifecycles Wellness
Read More...
I fell in love with this recipe again over the weekend! It makes a wonderfully hearty and nutritious main meal, or is a great complimentary side dish to roasted beets and sweet potato alongside a tilapia or monk fish fillet.
Try adding portobello mushrooms, sweet red peppers and some thinly sliced jalepeno to bulk it out even more as a main dish.
A nourishing and yummy warm kale salad for the winter months
Kale: a nutrient-dense wonder vegetable full of chlorophyll, calcium and iron, and blood-nourishing properties. Kale: a vegetable that often paralyzes people in the kitchen by not knowing how to prepare it. To keep you warm, nourished and satisfied this winter season, try this tasty and easy to prepare warm kale salad. Mmmm.
Kale Leek and Apple Salad with Feta
Dr. Angela Warburton, TCM
1 leek – sliced thinly
1 small bunch kale – cut into medium sized pieces
1 large apple (peeled if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Feta (crumbled into chunks)
In a skillet heat a small amount of olive oil and sauté the leek (add a small amount of broth or water to keep it moist if needed). When leeks are slightly softened, add the kale and cook slightly, then add the apple. Cover and let simmer on med-low temperature until apple is soft. Right before serving, add the feta and toss allowing it to slightly melt and soften.
Enjoy the wonders of kale! Bon apetit.
Jessie
Client Care Manager
Lifecycles Wellness
Read More...
Acupuncture for relief during pregnancy
January 27, 2011 | 02:18 PMFiled in: Clinic Services
Acupuncture for relief during pregnancy
There are many changes physically and emotionally throughout a pregnancy, and there are a number of health concerns which are especially associated with pregnancy. The majority of these aliments are generally considered 'par for the course' because they are not easily alleviated with western medicine. As many conventional pharmaceuticals cannot be used during pregnancy, this is a time when complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, are especially helpful.
Because it does not introduce any substance into the body, acupuncture is ideally suited to treat the following conditions:
• Threatened miscarriage
There are many changes physically and emotionally throughout a pregnancy, and there are a number of health concerns which are especially associated with pregnancy. The majority of these aliments are generally considered 'par for the course' because they are not easily alleviated with western medicine. As many conventional pharmaceuticals cannot be used during pregnancy, this is a time when complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, are especially helpful.
Because it does not introduce any substance into the body, acupuncture is ideally suited to treat the following conditions:
• Threatened miscarriage
- Morning sickness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Back ache / sciatica
- Breech presentation
- Labor induction
National Health Show
October 19, 2010 | 02:59 PMFiled in: Events
Join us this weekend at the National Health Show!
Dr. Tanya Smith, TCM has been selected to speak at the National Health Show this weekend!
Join her on Saturday on the mainstage at 12:00 noon for a talk on how your daily habits can turn on your health genes. Fun and inspiring! Read More...
Dr. Tanya Smith, TCM has been selected to speak at the National Health Show this weekend!
Join her on Saturday on the mainstage at 12:00 noon for a talk on how your daily habits can turn on your health genes. Fun and inspiring! Read More...
Half Price ($40) Initial CranioSacral Sessions for October 2010!!
October 08, 2010 | 11:44 AM
For a limited time, get 50% off of your initial hour-long CranioSacral Therapy session. Regular rate is $80/hour.
Craniosacral is very relaxing and can help you with:
· Stress
· Life transitions – fertility preparation, pregnancy, post-partum, job and relationship changes
· Muscle tension and pain
· Headaches
· TMJ issues
· Self-care time
· Creative blocks
· Preparation for goals (project, exam, holidays)
If you or someone you know are interested in booking a session, please email nanajokura@hotmail.com or call 647-428-7200.
For more information about how Craniosacral can help you, please visit:
http://www.acceptwellness.com
Read More...
Craniosacral is very relaxing and can help you with:
· Stress
· Life transitions – fertility preparation, pregnancy, post-partum, job and relationship changes
· Muscle tension and pain
· Headaches
· TMJ issues
· Self-care time
· Creative blocks
· Preparation for goals (project, exam, holidays)
If you or someone you know are interested in booking a session, please email nanajokura@hotmail.com or call 647-428-7200.
For more information about how Craniosacral can help you, please visit:
http://www.acceptwellness.com
Read More...
Healthy Breasts, Healthy Women
October 07, 2010 | 06:25 PMFiled in: Clinic Services
October is Breast Health Awareness Month
In support of healthy breasts and healthy women, Lifecycles Wellness is bringing you our Breast Thermography clinic on Saturday, November 6.
"Studies show that a thermogram identifies precancerous or cancerous cells earlier, produces unambiguous results (which cuts down on additional testing), and doesn’t hurt the body. Isn’t this what women really want?"
Call 647.428.7200 for more information and to book your appointment on Saturday, November 6. Read More...
In support of healthy breasts and healthy women, Lifecycles Wellness is bringing you our Breast Thermography clinic on Saturday, November 6.
"Studies show that a thermogram identifies precancerous or cancerous cells earlier, produces unambiguous results (which cuts down on additional testing), and doesn’t hurt the body. Isn’t this what women really want?"
Call 647.428.7200 for more information and to book your appointment on Saturday, November 6. Read More...
Lifestyle Choices Can Change Your Genes
September 13, 2010 | 09:53 AM
by Dr. Tanya Smith, TCM
Chinese Medicine practitioners like myself will often encourage (or insist!) that our clients make changes to their lifestyle to help bring their bodies back into balance and support our treatments. We often suggest eating different foods, exercising your body and making more time to relax.
When asked how these changes will help, we start to talk about something that sounds like weather, about clearing heat or nourishing moisture, or alternately clearing dampness and boosting heat...
So I have been looking for a good way to explain how lifestyle changes make a difference in a way that is easy to relate to. And I think I have found it in epigenetics. Read More...
Chinese Medicine practitioners like myself will often encourage (or insist!) that our clients make changes to their lifestyle to help bring their bodies back into balance and support our treatments. We often suggest eating different foods, exercising your body and making more time to relax.
When asked how these changes will help, we start to talk about something that sounds like weather, about clearing heat or nourishing moisture, or alternately clearing dampness and boosting heat...
So I have been looking for a good way to explain how lifestyle changes make a difference in a way that is easy to relate to. And I think I have found it in epigenetics. Read More...
Cooking for Fertility
August 04, 2010 | 01:11 PMFiled in: Workshops
Cooking for Fertility
We have created a new Cooking for Fertility workshop series to not only help you decide what to eat, but to get you started with some delicious recipes, a meal plan suited to your body type and a plan to make the most of the food you put into your mouth.
It is not the intention of this cooking course to give you more rules to follow about what to eat and what to avoid, but to help you rediscover the enjoyment and nourishment of food and invite you to embrace your creative self, starting in the kitchen. Read More...
We have created a new Cooking for Fertility workshop series to not only help you decide what to eat, but to get you started with some delicious recipes, a meal plan suited to your body type and a plan to make the most of the food you put into your mouth.
It is not the intention of this cooking course to give you more rules to follow about what to eat and what to avoid, but to help you rediscover the enjoyment and nourishment of food and invite you to embrace your creative self, starting in the kitchen. Read More...
Preparing for Postpartum
June 22, 2010 | 04:48 PMFiled in: Workshops
Essentials for New Parents - Preparing for Postpartum
Lifecycles Wellness has put together a workshop series for every pregnant or new mom (with babies under 6 months) to cover some of the most important things to care for the health of both you and your new baby. Get started on the right path now for a super healthy family in the future.
Read More...
Lifecycles Wellness has put together a workshop series for every pregnant or new mom (with babies under 6 months) to cover some of the most important things to care for the health of both you and your new baby. Get started on the right path now for a super healthy family in the future.
- Babywearing 101
- Everything You Need to Know About Feeding Your Baby
- Postpartum Fitness
- Acupressure Baby Massage for Common Childhood Conditions
Read More...
