health
Commingling the Environment & Health Care
Healthcare workers are a hidden, next generation treasure of environmentalists. This group includes, but is not limited to, doctors, such as those specializing in infectious disease, nurses of all disciplines in heath care, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, dietitians, pharmacists, and emergency rescue response workers.
Don’t Burn Your Garbage
Many people in rural areas in Minnesota still use on-site disposal methods like backyard burning to dispose of their household wastes. From burning waste in fire pits and woodstoves to the traditional burn barrel, 45% of rural Minnesota’s municipal solid waste (MSW) is still managed in this way. Did you know that burning garbage contributes to nearly half of all wildfires in Minnesota each year, contributes to food contamination on farms, and creates a potent carcinogen?
Skin Deep
Did you know that the government cannot mandate safety studies of cosmetics, and only 11% of the 10,500 ingredients the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has documented in products have been assessed for safety by the cosmetic industry’s review panel? You can now search for the beauty products you and your family use with Skin Deep’s rating guides and find safer choices for you and your family.
A Case for Bicycle Commuting
Includes Listing of Bicycling Resources
Natural Childbirth
What is natural childbirth? Any discussion of this topic requires a definition of the terms used, because sometimes any vaginal birth, no matter how many interventions are employed, is considered a natural birth. For purposes of this article, natural birth is birth without the use of obstetrical drugs and interventions (these are drugs and procedures used during labor and birth). A woman choosing natural birth relies on non-drug pain relief, relaxation, emotional support, movement during labor and her own inner resources.
Smoking Affects Everyone
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 400,000 deaths each year and resulting in an annual cost of more than $50 billion in direct medical costs. Each year, smoking kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides, and fires - combined!
Nationally, smoking results in more than 5 million years of potential life lost each year.
Proper Herbal Self-Medication
Village herbalists like my great-grandfather not only knew what herbs were good for which ailment, they knew about dosages, interactions and side effects as well. Today, few people are trained in the use of herbs, but the demand for and use of herbal remedies may far surpass the average person's ability to use them knowledgeably and safely.
