What's for Dinner?

A trip to the supermarket may be daunting enough (especially with young children in tow), trying weed out artifical ingredients, preservatives, potential allergens, and chemicals in a quest to eat healthier. But lurking beyond the labels may just be the most dangerous "ingredient" yet: modified DNA.

Genetically Modified (GM) foods are those that contain DNA fragments not natural to their species. Lab-created genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used to boost crop production and bolster profit margins. But the outrage over GMOs is building and more than a few credible sources are calling for the ban of genetically-modified foods. Most recently, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine released a position paper calling for a moratorium on GM foods and for the "implementation of immediate long term independent safety testing, and labeling of GM foods, which is necessary for the health and safety of consumers."

Think that GM foods are not something for you to be concerned about? Naturopathic physician Dr. Nathan Batalion disagrees: "if you recently ate soya sauce in a Chinese restaurant, munched popcorn in a movie theatre, or indulged in an occasional candy bar - you've undoubtedly ingested this new type of food." On his website, www.raw-wisdom.com, Dr. Batalion offers a crash course in the history of GMOs. More alarming, he provides "50 Harmful Effect of GM Foods" from increased food allergies to soil sterility, cancer and degenerative disease and even death.

What's a parent to do?

First, become informed. According to WebMD, "The most common genetically modified foods are soybeans, maize, cotton, and rapeseed oil. That means many foods made in the U.S. containing field corn or high-fructose corn syrup, such as many breakfast cereals, snack foods, and the last soda you drank; foods made with soybeans (including some baby foods); and foods made with cottonseed and canola oils could likely have genetically modified ingredients." Rice, tomatoes, and corn are often GM foods.

Read labels. Know how to identify soy and corn derivatives, as these are the most common GM food products. Stay away from foods containing high fructose corn syrup, sorbitol, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and soy lecithin, among others.

Eat Organic. Eating certified organic foods may be your best defense. By definition, certified organic foods are free from GM organisms.

Identify GM Produce by their Stickers. Those little stickers on produce carry PLU codes. Codes with just four numbers are conventionally grown produce, those with five numbers starting with a "9" are organic and those beginning with an "8" are genetically modified.

What else you can do:

Rent or puchase a copy of the movie The Future of Food, watch it with friends and family and get everyone involved!

Want to take action? Get involved in organizations fighting GMOs and make a difference for the future - for our health and for the safety of our food supply!

Informed Birth

Just this weekend two Holistic Moms Chapter Leaders brought new babies into the world - both at home. While birthing at home is not uncommon among Holistic Moms Network members, an estimated 99 percent of women birth in the hospital. Homebirthing moms are often viewed as "radicals" who are willing to take risks for themselves and their babies.

But research shows that homebirth is, in fact, quite safe for low risk women. A 2005 study of homebirth in North America (published in BMJ) demonstrated that women who birthed at home with professional midwives had outcomes comparable to their hospital-birthing counterparts but with fewer medical interventions. An American Journal of Public Health study published in 1992 also compared homebirths in rural Tennessee (with The Farm midwives) to more than 14,000 hospital births and concluded that "no significant differences between the two groups regarding fetal and neonatal death, labor- related complications, or low 5- minute Apgar scores were detected." More astounding, they found the homebirth midwives to have a c-section rate of just 1.46%. According to the World Health Organization's 1985 Joint Interregional Conference on Appropriate Technology for Birth, "Countries with some of the lowest perinatal mortality rates in the world have cesarean section rates under 10%. Clearly there is no justification in any specific geographic region to have more than 10 - 15% cesarean section birth." Current trends, however, indicate that here in the United States c-section rates are nowhere near the 10-15% range. Rather the rate has risen to more than 31.5% nationwide and in some hospitals in the NY area this rate is as high as 44.5%.

Why are American c-section rates going up? Childbirth Connection suggests that one reason is a lack of informed choice about birthing options. Many mothers are unaware of birthing center or homebirth options and have been grossly misinformed about their safety. Certainly homebirth is not a viable or even desirable option for all moms. But what is important is that parents are made aware of their options and that they are empowered to make informed, educated decisions. Choices in Childbirth is one organization working to protect birthing choices by offering parents practical information, c-section rates at area hospitals, and helpful guidelines to ask birthing professionals.

Protecting childbirth choice is an important action we, as mothers, can all get behind - no matter what our personal decisions. Birth should be an empowering, healthy experience. Education and freedom of choice will go a long way to achieving that goal.

Getting Dirty

This past week was a great opportunity to get your hands in the dirt and start planting - at least here in the northeast. Gardening season is a upon us and what better way to reconnect with nature, further our efforts to live healthfully and sustainably, and to save money? Even if you don't have a green thumb, here are some great reasons to try your hand at gardening:

Connecting with Nature

Getting outside is just plain good for you. According to the Boston Globe "Walking in the woods, smelling the roses, and digging in the dirt are good for mental health, learning, and brain development. Being close to nature may foster people's ability to concentrate, improves the behavior of children with attention disorders, and boosts science test scores, research shows." Richard Louv, author of the bestselling book Last Child in the Woods, makes a compelling case that our children are suffering from a nature-deficit disorder. Additionally, children are disconnected from the source of their food and the power of nature to sustain life. Gardening is a simple way to bring them back and to empower them with knowledge and awe.

Sustainability

"Food miles" is now a commonplace term among consumers interested in living green. The phrase refers to the distance our food travels from the place it is grown to its point of sale to the customer. A study published by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture indicates that a typical carrot has to travel 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table. With gasoline releasing 19.64 lbs of CO2 into the environment per gallon, that's a significant ecological footprint for our daily intake of carotene! Produce from your own backyard is a simple way to reduce your food miles and your impact on the environment.

Good Health

Whether growing your own organic fruits and vegetables or purchasing them from a local farm, local food means you have a better chance of knowing how your produce is grown, what it is treated with, whether or not it has been genetically modified or irradiated, and how fresh it is. Organic gardening gives you an opportunity to feed your family without chemicals and pesticides and to reduce your exposure to toxins. Local food is also fresher and peak nutritional value occurs when a fruit or vegetable is ripe, so you maximize your vitamin intake while enjoying great taste.

Economics

Home gardening is on the upswing. "Recession gardens" are popping up everywhere, especially in the face of rising food costs, particularly for organics. By some estimates, just $50 spent in seeds and garden supplies returns $1,250 in form of savings in the grocery bill. Even if you are not growing your own food, buying from local farmers will put more money into your community. Farmers' markets enable farmers to keep 80 to 90 cents of each dollar spent by the consumer and many farmers, in turn, buy local supplies and products to further area sustainability.

So, we say it's time to get dirty! Eating local is a sure bet for your health and for the health of the planet.

Do As I Do

As parents we sometimes forget how observant our children really are, until they mimic one of our frequent expressions or behaviors - for good or for ill. My older son recently awakened my parental consciousness by complaining about how another person was driving in front of us. His tone and choice words were a perfect copy of me as I was rushing to get somewhere and expressing my own aggravation - and it gave me pause. Somehow I had forgotten that what I did and said would be a lesson for my child.

On the flip side, I have been asked several times how we have managed to teach our children such good manners. And I have had to stop and think. How indeed? But as I look around, I see that they have learned much from how we treat others and the way we behave with our friends, family, and the public on a regular basis. We have certainly gently encouraged particular behaviors but have "taught" them more by modeling than instruction. Conscious parenting has provided us with a path for understanding the needs and development of our children, as well for respecting their social choices. As parenting expert Naomi Aldort points out, the emphasis is not on meeting society's expectations for their behavior but rather respecting their own awareness, confidence, and the level of manners that they are at. For me, it also about giving them the time and space to express themselves. Instead of telling my two year old to "say bye-bye to the nice lady", I allow him the choice to react, speak, or go about his business as he sees fit. And I regularly nurture the courage to do so.

As Dr. Aldort explains in her fabulous book, Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves, the path to authentic parenting is a learning path and one that means we have to be willing to cultivate trust and to challenge our assumptions, beliefs, and past experiences. Awareness and acceptance have been big steps in my own parenting journey, steps that I need to climb again and again.

We are honored to host Dr. Naomi Aldort as a Keynote Speaker at our 2009 Natural Living Conference. We hope you will join us to share in her wisdom and to take back with you a new perspective on raising our kids.

Silver Linings

Often, when we are engulfed by the cloud it is difficult to see the silver lining or even to imagine that one exists. But wise words are long-lasting for a reason. These economic times have presented personal challenges for many of us and have created a sense of uncertainty. Rather than focusing on the cloud, however, many parents are discovering the beauty of cutting back, living simply, and paying attention to what really matters.

Writer Maggie Jackson hit the nail on the head with her article Unexplained Benefits appearing in Sunday's Boston Globe. Being forced to reduce our consumption and to turn our attention to simple blessings fosters a greater appreciation of all that we have in our lives. Holistic Moms Network members have found that necessity is also the mother of invention: moms are find new ways to reduce and reuse, to grow and make their own food to save money, and the ease of teaching lessons about simple living when the drive to do more is diminished. We also see more clearly how fleeting material possessions can be and embrace the significance of sustainable living.

Similarly, we have seen both introspection and a longing for community. A desire to connect with parents facing similar struggles and to share new ideas for making healthy choices on a budget is bringing more parents into our network. Parents are looking for practical tips and a sense of belonging in order to wade through these rough waters. Our hope is that even as the economy improves, we will have learned some important lessons about what we value and what we really need so that the future continues to enrich our personal and familial lives.

The Value of Support

"Since joining the Holistic Moms group, I haven't felt alone in any of my decisions, I feel confident in continuing my search for better options for my family. I have had great conversations and have made such great connections with other moms who are going through exactly the same parenting and health dilemmas as I am." - Karla, NJ Member.

Motherhood is undoubtedly filled with indescribable rewards - priceless moments of pleasure and joy. It is also a time of instability and unexpected challenges. Motherhood destablizes you into a vortex of chaos. Routines are turned on their heads, new experiences abound, and suddenly your identity seems to dissolve before your eyes.

Sound familiar? Moms everywhere share the experience of uncertainty and alienation in motherhood, perhaps even more so if you are following a less-than-conventional parenting path. Forging a holistic path can be a very lonely experience. Holistic parents reach deep into their instincts to do what feels right but confront self-doubt and external criticism from friends, family - even complete strangers.

But finding the right support network can transform the entire parenthood experience. Support groups and moms groups hold enormous value for mothers, by providing short and long term benefits for parents, offering stability, reassurance, and so much more. Support groups have proven to be effective on so many levels, including physiologically, where participants may experience reduced stress and improved health. Psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually, support groups enrich lives and transform the experience of motherhood in many positive ways. The value of building a sense of community is priceless.

At the Holistic Moms Network we have seen the power of support in action time and time again. Simply by providing a forum for interaction and support, mothers across the country have found a source of strength and empowerment. Whatever your parenting style, whatever path you choose, find a group that can offer support, bring you together, and build connections. Know that mothers out there struggle, too, and embrace the joy of sharing your journey!

Swine Flu Panic

Here we go, again. Remember the widely-reported chaos over the bird flu? The recent "outbreak" of approximately 20 cases of swine flu is whipping the country into a nationwide panic. European officials have advised citizens not to travel to the US unless necessary and children are staying home from school. Should we all move to code red? Respected author and vaccination researcher, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny says not so fast!

In her article posted yesterday about the swine flu "epidemic", Dr. Tenpenny takes us on a walk through recent history and illuminates the concerns vaccination critics have about the outbreak and hard-hitting questions about who may benefit from the frenzy. And she's not alone. Recent editorials from around the world (such as this one from New Zealand or commentary on PajamasMedia) try to put a little perspective on the issue. Yes, influenza can and does kill people every year. To date, none of the 20 victims diagnosed with the swine flu in the United States have died, although reports indicate that 81 people in Mexico died as a result of infection. Cause for concern? Perhaps. But why isn't the media in a frezny because 44,000 to 98,000 Americans die each year from preventable medical errors? Or because 1 in 38 American boys has autism?

Health-conscious parents can take a proactive approach and seek out natural ways to increase resistance to flu bugs and other viruses. This week, Dr. Mayer Eisenstein will even host a webinar to help calm fears and give practical advice for maintaining health. It's time for some rational thought and calm. Fear-mongering is not the answer.

Celebrate Earth Day!

This week marks Earth Day on April 22nd and it is time for each and every one of us to step up to make a difference. We all know that the Earth is sick - plagued by pollution, deforestation, and disregard by its human inhabitants. Certainly it can be overwhelming to view the big picture and to wonder what we, as individuals, can do. But it is small changes that add up to big results and if we each take one step toward healing the planet, we can create a sustainable future for ourselves and for our children.

What can you do? Start with something simple. Banish plastic bags from your life and take up reusable bags for shopping (check out our totes for a wonderful alternative!). If you already have your shopping bags, do away with your plastic food storage bags, sandwich wraps, plastic water bottles or food containers. Too easy? Head out to your local farmers market and become a regular customer. Seek out organic options and commit to local foods. How about trading in some of your personal care products for more natural, organic versions - good for you and for the environment. Start with one product and make the switch! Reduce landfills by changing to cloth diapers, composting, or recycling. Ready for bigger changes? Find out about solar or wind power for your home, grow your own food by converting your lawn into an organic garden, walk more/drive less or trade your vehicle in for a hybrid. Organize members of your community to clean up local parks, to educate your neighbors about green living, or volunteer to be part of your town's environmental or conservation commission.

Looking for even more ideas? Download our Earth Day handout and be part of the solution! We can make a difference - start this week and honor the planet and the future!

Green Living in NJ

The Holistic Moms Network was excited to be part of GreenFest 2009 here in New Jersey, a state full of irony being both the Garden State and infamous for being, well, less than "green". But thousands of interested attendees joined us at GreenFest to learn about alternative energy, non-toxic products, eco-conscious living, and to share the wisdom of green celebrities including Bill Nye and Ed Begley, Jr.

It was easy to feel a bit intimidated, though, as the event was packed with vendors ready to show you how to install solar panels or geo-thermal heating or to swap out all of your windows for energy-efficient models. But for those of us who are not ready for big steps or who cannot afford them just yet, Ed Begley, Jr. suggested we "pick the fruit within reach" and start with simple things such as changing our lightbulbs to CFLs, installing weather stripping, or replacing old thermostats with energy efficient versions. He urged us to be fiscally responsible and take on what we can afford, knowing that these changes not only help protect the planet but will also save us all some money.

We thank everyone who helped out at the Holistic Moms Network booth as well as those who stopped by to say "hello" and to learn more about us. It was wonderful to meet so many green-thinking parents, kids, and others and to envision how we can work together to make NJ more green!

Going Green, Living Fresh

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the critical state of our environment and to wonder what we, as individuals, can do to really make a difference. But greening your life and raising a healthier family is easier than you think - and more affordable!

Thanks to green living expert Sara Snow, you can transform your home and your life by taking small, simple steps. Sara Snow's Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home is hot off the presses and packed with great, practical information for anyone who would like be a darker shade of green. Sara's own story and upbringing is inspiration enough and certainly will be welcomed by holistic mamas everywhere who hope that their children will embrace a healthy lifestyle in adulthood. Sara is a testament to just such hope and a passion for green living was clearly cultivated over her lifetime.

Taking you on a journey through your home, Sara provides not only simple steps you can take today but also a solid explanation as to why such change matters. From optimizing your refrigerator's energy use to seeking out low-pesticide produce, transforming your kitchen into a green haven is a wonderful first step. Then it's on to tackling the bathroom, the bedroom (even including tips on greening your intimate life), the living room, and beyond. While this is a broad and basic guide for living green, there is something for even green living pros to learn in more detailed sections describing food labeling, rainwater harvesting, or socially responsible investing.

Living a green life is a journey for most of us and we take it one step at a time. Sara Snow's Fresh Living allows us the space to make these incremental changes and provides us with helpful guidance along the way. Kudos for such a practical, hands-on guide from one of our favorite green experts!

Organic From the Seed Up

You know that we have truly entered a new era when the First Lady is planting an organic vegetable garden at the White House. How could we not be excited about that?! Still, we don't know if her plantings will be organic from seed - an often overlooked issue. In fact, less than five percent of all organic food products grown in this country are actually started from organic seeds according to an informative video from Seeds of Change.

So, does it really matter if our food starts as organic seeds? Well, yes, if we are truly committed to the organic lifestyle as well as to sustainability. Seed crops take longer to grow than food crops, meaning that their susceptibility to pests is an even greater concern. This opens the door for longer-term use of chemicals to reduce crops loss and damage, along with great danger to the environment and human health. Conventionally raised seeds are also bred with conventional farming in mind. Thus the quality and vigor of the seeds is impacted by the nature of their origin. As the Institute for Responsible Technology points out, the breeding of these seeds to withstand weather extremes and to pack a denser nutritional content are vital reasons to consider organic seeds in addition to the ecological impact of conventional seed production.

Organizations such as the Organic Seed Alliance support the ethical development and stewardship of seed, protecting heirloom crops and sustainable breeding methods. Companies such as Seeds of Change and High Mowing Seeds offer a great variety of organic seeds and are dedicated to preserving biodiversity and sustainability. A number of companies signing on to the Safe Seed Pledge are also promising to offer gardeners non-GMO seeds and plants.

Spring has finally sprung and it's time for us all to break ground on this year's plantings. Let's get started by making a commitment to growing organic from the seed up for a healthier and more sustainable future!

Bathtime Hazards

Bath time vigilance is a cornerstone of parents - we have all heard of mishaps and/or tragedies involving bathing. But a recent report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics introduces a new level of awareness about the safety of tubtime. The No More Toxic Tub report reveals the result of independent testing of 48 popular bath products from widely used companies such as Johnson & Johnson, CVS, Bath and Body Works, and Baby Magic to discover that 61 percent contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

Both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known carcinogens, according to the report. The Material Safety Data Sheet for formaldehyde notes that it is a potential cancer hazard and may cause an allergic skin reaction or have "adverse reproductive and fetal effects in animals". Similarly, 1,4-dioxane shows potential carcinogenic effects and the possibility of organ damage with long-term exposure.

Parents far too often trust in the safety of available products, although outrage is surely building. Without regulation and enforcement, chemical manufacturers will continue to promote unsafe products at the expense of our children. You can make a difference! Choose products with natural ingredients and support companies who are committed to reducing the toxic load on our children. Want to do more? Write or call your representative and speak out. Without pressure, Congress is not likely to take action.

What is Clean Coal?

In a rare moment of peace while trying to catch up on some news, I caught an intriguing and clever ad. Although I rarely pay much attention to ads, this one definitely caught my eye. The ad was created by the Reality Campaign, a project whose organizational members include the Sierra Club and the National Wildlife Federation, to expose the truth about "clean coal."

Although admittedly ignorant on the issue, I remember wincing the first time President Obama uttered the words "clean coal" on the campaign trail. It did indeed appear to be an oxymoron. The problem with burning coal is, according to the Reality Campaign, that it is anything but clean. In fact, coal burning is "a leading source of global warming pollution" and "CO2 emissions from U.S. coal-based electricity are greater than emissions from all the cars and trucks in America. "

So what's all the hype? Apparently, it's more spin than anything else. The notion that coal processing technology has improved still doesn't change the fact that coal burning plants are a major environmental hazard. Even the theory of carbon-capture technology, which suggests that "cleaner" coal with fewer emissions is possible, is not widely accepted as an honest and achievable goal. But the effort to put a positive spin on a deeply-embedded industry is more a reflection of our resistance to real and significant change. It's time to take a bolder step and rethink energy from truly green, clean, and renewable sources. If there is any time that radical change seems possible, it's now!

Allergies: The Silent Epidemic

A silent epidemic is sweeping through our children's generation: food allergies. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network approximately 1 in 13 young children in the US has a food allergy and more than 11.4 million Americans (children and adults combined) suffer food allergies (more than the number inflicted with cancer).

As the parent of two children with food allergies, I know how tough this road can be to navigate. From school snacks and birthday parties to simple family outings, danger may be lurking around any corner. And much to the frustration of many parents, these allergies are not taken with the level of seriousness they deserve. The common refrain of "Oh, it's just a little taste" or "We wanted him/her to feel 'normal'" are frightening red flags for parents of allergic kids.

Many have theorized about the rise in food allergies - a dramatic increase from generations past. Authors Dr. Doris Rapp and Dr. Anthony Kane propose a "toxic load theory" which outlines how collective exposure to toxins and stress can push the allergic child too far resulting in an allergic reaction. Others have questioned the role of genetically-modified foods (GMOs), the rise of pesticides in our produce, and the popularity of processed foodstuffs - all of which could also contribute to the toxin exposure of an allergic child.

What's more, food allergies can manifest not only in physical reactions (i.e., hives, eczema, anaphylaxis) but also behavioral ones. Dr. Benjamin Feingold, founder of the Feingold Diet, notes that as many as 50 percent of his hyperactive patients have benefited from diets free of artificial colorings and flavorings.

Thankfully, there are also an increasing array of resources available to parents, as well as networks to empower them to meet these challenges. One such resource is A. Anderson's new book Flourishing with Food Allergies: Social, Emotional, and Practical Guidance for Families with Young Children. Ms. Anderson's book highlights the journeys of 15 families dealing with food allergies, while also providing a wealth of information about how to make educated school choices, how to survive social situations, and offering links to in-depth studies on allergies and children. Anderson also includes action plans for parents who want to get involved and contact government officials to help address this growing concern.

Given the rise of allergies and the state of our food supply, it's high time to take note and start making changes for future generations. Until we acknowledge this silent epidemic, however, we cannot begin to confront it.

Celebrating History

George Bernard Shaw once said about history "We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." Indeed, it is those individuals and events that demonstrate forward-thinking and responsibility for the future that make history as they also inspire great change.

As we celebrate Black History Month we want to honor the first African woman Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement. The Green Belt Movement is "one of the most prominent women’s civil society organizations, based in Kenya, advocating for human rights and supporting good governance and peaceful democratic change through the protection of the environment. Its mission is to empower communities worldwide to protect the environment and to promote good governance and cultures of peace. " It started with the simple act of planting a tree and has evolved into a massive effort to fight deforestation and to preserve the environment.

"It is the people who must save the environment," states Dr. Maathai, "It is the people who must make their leaders change. And we cannot be intimidated. So we must stand up for what we believe in." Empowering communities to act is awe-inspiring as well as a challenge in its own right. We applaud Dr. Maathai for making history and encourage each and every person to consider how their actions impact the future. Leaders do certainly respond to the actions of the people and by addressing the need for change in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our communities we can manifest a new destiny. Remember - we are all making history!

Planet in Peril: Pay Attention!

So we've all heard about global warming and the dire state of the health of our planet but at what point are we going to start paying attention and actually do something about it?

Perhaps the new report from Reuters that the Earth is heating up dangerously fast will spur more of us to action. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the news is even worse than we had thought. Serious climate change over the next 100 years can endanger the survival of the human species. If we are going to act for our children's future, now is the time.

Are you contributing to the problem or will you be part of the solution? Find out what your carbon footprint is and then take action to reduce it.

Make a commitment to your children's future today by taking some simple steps:

1. Pay attention to transportation. How we get from here to there has a huge impact on our carbon footprint. Drive less, walk or bike more. And watch out for flying which pollutes not only through airplane emissions but also through noise and water pollution.
2. Buy organic. Whether purchasing food, clothing, or other products, seek items that were grown or made in eco-friendly, non-toxic ways.
3. Green your home. Unplug appliances that are not being used, remove chemicals from your home by purchasing or making non-toxic cleaners, using low or no VOC paints, and reduce, reuse and recycle at every opportunity.
4. Get rid of disposables. From plastic bottles to paper towels and diapers, we live in a society that loves to toss things into the trash. Switch to a safe, reusable bottle for your beverages, pick up some cloth napkins, check out cloth diapers, and stop contributing to the landfill.
5. Take it to work. Don't stop at your doorstep - take action at work. Start a recycling program in your office, get some reusable lunch bags to tote your meals, and encourage your office to switch to LED or CFL lightbulds to reduce energy use.

We need to detox our plan-et before it's too late. Our children are counting on it!

No Wonder Parents Have Lost Trust

Parents across the country have lost trust in the powers that be - the medical establishment, the "protective" agencies of the federal government, and big business. Modern medicine is failing our children who are plagued by neurological disorders from ADHD to autism in record numbers. Big business is marketing products to our children that are unsafe, from lead-laced toys to bottles with BPA, and are cultivating creating a culture of consumerism targeted at our youth. The "protective" agencies have just hit a new low. Now the FDA is claiming that mercury is safe and pregnant women and children, previously the population most vulnerable to contamination, no longer have to avoid mercury-laden fish.

Parents are more than distrustful: they are downright disgusted. And parents are not alone. The scientists at the Environmental Working Group agree that "this is the last nail in the coffin for the FDA's credibility" and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) officials are calling the FDA's study "scientifically flawed and inadequate." Maybe the FDA needs a few copies of Dr. Jane Hightower's Diagnosis: Mercury, Money, Politics and Poison - an investigation into mercury poisoning in modern America and the growing threat to our health.

The depth of this distrust is palpable and it is time that we parents stand up for ourselves, for our children, and for the health of the planet. Clearly, the powers that be cannot be counted on to do so.

One Less - Time to Get Informed

We have all seen the compelling commercials of young girls who want to be "one less" victim of cervical cancer. But new reports, including one on CBS News, are pointing to some very serious flaws with the new gardasil vaccination.

Barbara Loe Fisher of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), a Keynote Speaker at the Holistic Moms Network's 2008 Natural Living Conference notes that reports of adverse reactions to gardasil now account for 15 to 20 percent of all adverse reports to the FDA’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The government, however, is arguing that the approximately 9,000 HPV vaccine adverse events, including 27 deaths, reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) are not causally related to the vaccination. The adverse reaction reports are heartbreaking.

Parents - and our young women - need to become informed about the risks associated with this vaccination before making a choice about whether or not to undergo these shots. Sadly, there are no nationwide commercials advising parents to become informed about the potential risks and so we must all work together to protect our children.

Valentine's Chocolate Here We Come!

Valentine's Day is the epitome of a commercialized holiday that could really use a "greening". The amount of trees sacrificed for the printing of Valentine's Day cards alone is staggering with more than 1 billion cards sold worldwide to celebrate the holiday.

But who doesn't love chocolate? The good news is that chocolate can be good for you. No, maybe not the kind you can pick up at the convenience store but organic, dark chocolate. In fact, because minimally-processed dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids it has even been referred to as a superfood. (Flavonoids are phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.) Consume healthy chocolate and you may actually reduce your risk of heart disease.

Buying organic and fair trade will also be healthier for you and for the planet. Fair trade chocolate bears a seal indicating that it is produced in accordance with the standards of respect and equality. Organic chocolate is not hard to find, is free of chemicals, and tastes oh so good!

Healthy, holistic chocolate - now that's a Valentine's Day tradition worth keeping!

Let Food Be Your Medicine

Food is a passion. A passion for so many of us, but we definitely do not all agree on what actually constitutes a healthy diet. Many holistic moms are passionate about eating a vegetarian diet and raising their kids without animal products. Dr. Joel Fuhrman was a Keynote Speaker at our 2006 Natural Living Conference and presented fascinating information about why a plant-based diet rich in raw foods can improve health and eradicate many common diseases.

On the other side of the spectrum are the Weston A. Price devotees, who believe in the value of animal-based foods including marrow broths, raw milk, and high quality proteins. Many of us are in between, marrying a variety of dietary components together to eat what feels right and cultivates our well-being as well as our personal satisfaction. In addition, we may also integrate environmental factors into our nutritional decision making and consider the distance food travels to get to us, the manner in which the food was grown (i.e. organic vs. conventional), or the point where we purchase our daily bread (such as farmers markets or health food stores).

Whatever our passions, most holistic-minded parents agree on some fundamental guidelines for health eating starting with an emphasis on whole foods. The less processing the better is a simple guideline to follow, as is freshness. Organic is a widely accepted choice as well, to reduce our own toxin body burden and that of the planet.

And we also agree that eating well means enjoying our food and celebrating what we have. Whether carnivore, omnivore or vegetarian, gluten-free or raw foodist, you can find some ideas for making great and healthy food in our Growing Healthy Families Cookbook. A surprising number of easy, kid-friendly recipes will satisfy anyone looking for healthier options, no matter what path you choose!