Top 10 Reasons for Going Organic

1. Organics are Healthier 

Typically organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C enzymes and essential minerals such as calcium (63 percent higher), magnesium (118 percent higher), iron (73 percent higher) and chromium, cancer-fighting antioxidants and being 29 percent lower in mercury. Feeding the soil with organic matter instead of ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers has proven to increase nutrients in produce, with higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in organic food, according to the 2005 study, “Elevating Antioxidant levels in food through organic farming and food processing,” Organic Center State of Science Review (1.05)

2. Taste Better and Truer Flavor

Scientists now know what we eaters have known all along – organic food often tastes better. It makes sense that food taste more appetizing when raised in naturally in nature, but researchers at Washington State University just proved this as fact in lab taste trials where the organic fruits were consistently judged as sweeter. It makes sense that chemicals are not going to taste like mother nature provided. Organic produce is often lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventional food. A number of top chefs choose organic, and every year many are involved in the Soil Association’s Organic Food Awards.

3. High standards 

Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European, US and Canadian law. Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards as well as MSG and other provin toxins. Organic is the only de facto seal of reassurance against these and other modern, lab-produced additions to our food supply, and the only food term with built in inspections and federal regulatory teeth.

4. Build Healthy Soil

Mono-cropping and chemical fertilizer dependency has taken a toll with a loss of top soil estimated at a cost of $40 billion per year in the U.S., according to David Pimental of Cornell University. Add to this an equally disturbing loss of micro nutrients and minerals in fruits and vegetables.

5. Our Food Source Delima

There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics. Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organizations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK and US government.

6. Kinder to Our Earth

The UK government has said that it is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide – the main global warming gas – and less dangerous wastes.

7. Avoids Pesticides 

Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips. Chemicals kill.

8. Promote Biodiversity

Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice see a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity. These organic oases are thriving, diverse habitats. Native plants, birds and hawks return usually after the first season of organic practices; beneficial insects allow for a greater balance, and indigenous animals find these farms a safe haven. Organic farmers bring balance back into farming were all aspects of the farm building for the future crop and soil. Support Organic farms – they feed us and we want them around for a long time. According to Organic Farming Research Foundation, as of 2006 there are approximately 10,000 certified organic producers in the U.S. compared to 2500 to 3,000 tracked in 1994. People are taking charge of their own health.

9. Protect Future Generations

Reduce toxic load on humans and the planet. Before children are even born the toxic risk from pesticides has already begun. Studies show that infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in utero. In fact, our nation is now reaping the results of four generations of exposure to agricultural and industrial chemicals, whose safety was deemed on adult tolerance levels, not on children’s. According to the National Academy of Science, “neurologic and behavioral effects may result from low-level exposure to pesticides.” Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility. Buying organic food promotes a less toxic environment for all living things. With only 0.5 percent of crop and pasture land in organic, according to USDA that leaves 99.5 percent of farm acres in the U.S. at risk of exposure to noxious agricultural chemicals.

10. It’s Important – Your Important 

We need to support companies that support us. Organic companies are on the cutting edge of product supply for the aware consumer and if we use our consumer power to support them they are more likely to thrive and add additional products and services to their offering. We do make a difference – every purchase says “yes I want pure products on my plate and in my cosmetic bag”.  It’s important – you’re important.

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Certified Organic Skin Care Tips

Melanoma – Sun Care to Avoid Melanoma

Melanoma 101

Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. Though it doesn’t affect as many people as other skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths, reports the Mayo Clinic.

• How it occurs. Melanoma occurs in cells called melanocytes. These cells create melanin, which is responsible for skin pigment and helps protect against UV rays. When skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes produce more melanin, tanning the skin.

Sometimes, these cells mutate, growing and dividing quicker than normal cells, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These cells clump together, forming tumors. If tumors are malignant, they can attack the healthy tissue. They also can spread and form new tumors throughout the body, which is common with melanoma — if it isn’t treated early enough.

• Who’s at risk. The following people are at increased risk for melanoma and need to be extra diligent about sun safety:
  • People with fair skin, because they have lower amounts of melanin and need greater protection
  • People living in southwestern states where sun exposure is strong
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People who have a family history of melanoma
  • People who’ve suffered severe sunburn in childhood or recent years

Moles: Unusual vs. normal moles

You should see a dermatologist once a year to have your moles checked. In addition, keeping tabs on your moles is key to catching melanoma in its early stages.

Here’s a look at the differences between irregular moles (or dysplastic nevi, which can lead to melanoma) and regular moles.

• Dysplastic nevi can appear as a combination of tan, brown, red/pink moles and are often larger than 5 millimeters across, about ¼ inch.
• Ordinary moles are round or oval and have a concise edge that separates them from the rest of the skin. Dysplastic nevi have irregular edges and blend into the skin.
• Regular moles start as smooth spots on the skin and may become raised, creating a tiny bump. Dysplastic nevi tend to have a scaly, rough or rocky surface but also can be smooth.
• The typical number of moles is usually between 10 and 40 on a person’s body. Dysplastic nevi are found in large numbers (100 or more), although someone might have just a few.
• In men, harmful moles are often found between the shoulders and hips and neck and head areas. In women, they typically appear on the lower legs, shoulders and hips.

The ABCDEs of monitoring your moles

Here’s a quick way to check old moles that become irregular and new moles that develop, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you answer yes to any of the questions below, see a doctor immediately.

• A (Asymmetry): If you were to split the mole in two, are the sides unequal?
• B (Border): Are the edges of the mole jagged or blurry?
• C (Color): Has the mole changed color (i.e., has the color spread or darkened? Is there a loss of color? Does the mole have multiple colors?)
• D (Diameter): Is the mole larger than ¼ in diameter?
• E (Elevation): Is the mole raised above the skin and rough?

Sun safety

Use these tips to keep your skin safe from melanoma and other skin cancers and sun damage.

• Don’t tan outdoors or use tanning beds. Remember that any sun exposure is damaging to skin, so there’s no safe way to tan (including that “base tan”).
• Wear sunscreen every day and apply it correctly. Though everyone knows that sunscreen is necessary, the majority of people don’t apply enough of it or as often as they should — creating a false sense of security, where you don’t get the full SPF but think you’re protected. Here’s how to ensure you’re fully protecting your skin.
  • Make sure to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Look for ingredients such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789), which provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use at least one ounce (a shot glass or two tablespoons) of sunscreen every time you apply.
  • Reapply every two hours even if a sunscreen is labeled “water-resistant.”These sunscreens can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek the shade. However, being in the shade should never substitute for sunscreen, because the sand and concrete reflect UV rays. The sun also reflects off of water and snow, so be especially careful around these areas.

Baby Sun Care Benefits

Sunlight consists of a wide range of different wavelengths of radiation. Some of these we can sense – the warmth we feel in sunlight comes from Infra-Red radiation, and the light we can see comes from radiation in the visible spectrum. There are other wavelengths in sunlight that we can’t see, and chief among these are those in the Ultra Violet group. There are at least three different types of Ultra-Violet radiation and these are generally referred to as UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVC Radiation

Taking these in reverse order, UVC has the shortest wavelength and although it is potentially very harmful to our skin, it is completely filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere and so does not affect us.

UVB Radiation

UVB radiation is the one that causes the appearance of a tan after sun exposure. It does this by stimulating the formation of the pigment ‘melanin’ in the deeper layers of the skin and activates it’s movement to the outer skin layers. Here it acts as an antioxidant and skin protector – it is in fact part of our natural defence against sun damage.

UVB radiation also causes thickening of the outer layers of the skin, and if exposure is taken to excess is what causes sun-burn. This should be avoided at all costs, particularly by children, as it is thought that sun-burn in early years may lead to an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.

UVA Radiation

UVA radiation is potentially the most damaging form as it penetrates deeper into the skin. In the deep basal layers of the skin UVA can damage the DNA that makes up the blueprint of each cell, and can result in mutated cells that no longer reproduce properly. This in turn may be a primary cause of some skin cancers, although they may take years or even decades to manifest themselves.

UVA also damages structures made from or containing collagen and elastin and this is one of the main causes of wrinkles and premature ageing in skin that is often exposed to sunlight.

General Advice

The general advice given to adults who are going to be exposed to sunlight can be summed up in the now famous Australian adage of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ – Slip on a Shirt, Slop on a Hat, Slap on some Sun-cream. Clearly, all three of these actions are designed to reduce exposure to sunlight and therefore minimise the risks involved.

Further advice is to avoid exposure to the sun when it as its strongest – between mid-day and three in the afternoon. When you think about it, this is the traditional time when many Mediterranean countries have lunch followed by a Siesta – both taken indoors thereby avoiding the worst effects of the sun.

Baby Sun Screens and Sun Creams

And now a word or two about Sun-creams. All Sun-screens carry a Sun Protection Factor, usually abbreviated to SPF. This is followed by a number, generally between 4 and 25, although some products claim to go as high as SPF30 or more. OK, but what does this mean to the user.

Put simply, the higher the SPF value, the longer the user will be able to stay in the sun without visibly burning. As an example, if someone would normally start to burn after 15 minutes in the sun when unprotected, by using an SPF8 sun-cream they should be able to stay out for 2 hours without visibly burning. If they use a Factor 20 sun-cream, in theory they could stay in the sun for as long as 5 hours without visibly burning.

Sun-creams earn their SPF rating by including ingredients which filter out UV radiation and reduce it’s effect on the skin. Because it is UVB that causes most of the visible adverse effects of sun exposure, most commercial sun-creams concentrate just on filtering this out and pay little attention to UVA radiation. However, as already explained, it is UVA that does the most damage in the long term and which we need protection from.

It has been suggested that the use of sun-creams that only filter out UVB radiation has encouraged people to stay out in the sun far longer that they would otherwise do, and that this has unwittingly increased their exposure to UVA to such an extent as to lead to the dramatic increases in skin cancer that we are currently seeing. The moral of this has to be to only use sun-creams that filter out both UVB and UVA radiation.

Keeping my baby from getting a sunburn?

The best way to protect your baby is to keep your baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Routinely dress him in a hat, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for outings during the middle of the day. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven fabrics (to see how tight the weave is, hold the fabric up to a light — the less light that shines through, the better). Add UV-protective sunglasses if your baby will wear them. Use an umbrella, stroller canopy, or sun-protective tent to protect your baby while he’s outside.

Until August 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended against using any type of sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, because their skin’s ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals may not be fully developed. This recommendation has been revised somewhat. You can use sunscreen on babies under 6 months if adequate clothing and shade aren’t available, but check with your pediatrician first. That doesn’t mean you should slather your baby in sunblock, though. Just apply a small amount of lotion to exposed areas.

For babies over 6 months, use a waterproof sunscreen designed for children. Choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it protects against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are good to use on particularly sensitive spots, such as the nose and lips.

The AAP and American Academy of Dermatology recommend an SPF of at least 15, but many experts recommend SPF 30 or higher for babies, and many baby sunscreen formulas have even higher SPFs. If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every two hours, especially if your baby has been playing in the water or has been sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof).

When trying a new sunscreen, do a patch test on your child’s back to make sure he doesn’t have a reaction to it. If he does develop a rash or redness at the test site, choose a hypoallergenic formula instead.

Best Baby Sun Care Products

The reason children need to be protected from the harmful effects of the sun is that a child’s skin is simply thinner the younger they are. A child’s skin only needs 10 minutes in strong sunlight to suffer potentially severe burns. Recent research has discovered that skin cancer suffered by adults can be directly linked to regular sun burn experienced as a child. It is vitally important to keep all areas of your young child’s skin protected from the sun, both with specialized sun cream for children and UV protective clothing.

Tips:

• Whenever possible keep children out of direct sunlight. Protect them with natural shade such as trees, and specialized UV Tents and encourage them to wear hats, shirts and other UV protective clothing.
• Pay special attention to usually forgotten areas, such as: ears, necks, and feet
• Purchase sun cream specially designed for babies and toddlers. Adult sun cream will not be suitable and may be harmful to your child’s skin. Read the instructions of the sun cream bottle carefully, and reapply as instructed. .It is all too easy to think just because we have covered our children with sun cream on the beach that the walk back to the hotel will be fine. If in any doubt, reapply the cream!!
• Pay special attention to your child as they are playing in water. Again reapply sun cream to all unexposed areas, even if it is water resistant. Make sure your child has special UV protective sun suits for playing in and around water.
• Do not purchase novelty children’s sunglasses without checking they are compliant with the BS:EN 1836:2005 sunglasses standard. Your child’s eyes are incredibly vulnerable to bright sun light, and only specialized UV protective sun glasses should be worn

Product Recommendations:

uv tent
Available in sizes from 0-2 years and from 2-5 years, the UV travel tents offer protection for your little ones to the equivalent of SPF50+. The tents pop up ready for use in seconds, and are easily folded away to be carrier in a simple holdall. Not only do they become a safe play place for your child, they are also ideal for nap time

uv hat
Baby and Toddler sun hats should now all come with back and side flaps to protect your child’s ears and side of the neck which are particularly susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays

sun milk
Specially designed to protect sensitive skin, whilst also containing less of the usual ingredients in adult sun cream which may irritate your child’s skin. Sun factor of 50+ and water resistant, it is essential to have ample supplies if holidaying in the sun.

uv suit
The UV sun suits are designed to provide additional protection to your child’s upper body, shoulders, arms and thighs. They are made from light weight material and designed to dry quickly, so your child can comfortably keep them on all day when playing in and out of water or just the back garden.

sunglasses
Designed to fit children from 0-2 and from 2-5, the Baby Banz range is widely recognized as the leading manufacturer of children’s sunglasses. The UV400/category 3 polycarbonate lenses protect the child’s vulnerable eyes from harmful UV radiation, and the molded polycarbonate frames ensure a secure yet comfortable fit on the child’s face.

Designed to provide UV protectio for the delicate skin on feet, the protector socks also serve the purpose of preventing your child scalding their feet on hot sand.

Baby Sun Skin Care for the Summer

The hot days of summer are getting more intense with every year. Especially if you’re in the Northeast where we have a a sun-driven heatwave. Regardless of what zone you live in, smart skin protection is the best medicine to keep your child skin safe in the sun.

You probably remember your first sunburn and maybe even your latest one because it’s so easy for adults to splash sun screen on their kids, and forget to put it on themselves.  As you know, infant skin burns much more easily than adult skin. That’s why it’s important to take extra care with infants and toddlers when they are out in the sun.

UV Rays
It’s no secret that the depletion of the ozone layer has changed our way of thinking about sun protection. There is no doubt that the sun rays today are stronger and more intense those of 60 years ago.

Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun causes skin damage and premature aging. However, it is important to remember that sunlight is important to good health. Small amounts of ultraviolet rays stimulate the body to produce vitamin D, an essential vitamin for good health. Deficiency of vitamin D is a serious health concern and leads to conditions such as rickets in children. In short, moderate sun is healthy, but sunburns are not.
Too much exposure to sunlight can result in immediate pain and long-term harm. Without getting too scientific here, sunburn is caused by extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Short-term results can be pain, allergic reactions and heat stroke.  In the long term, researchers say that victims of sunburn can suffer from lupus, cataracts, premature skin aging and an increased risk for skin cancer.

Skin Type
A person’s sensitivity to the sun is related to his or her skin type. An individual’s skin type determines how easily that person can become sunburned. Those with fair skin, freckles, blue eyes and/or blonde or red hair sunburn much easier than those with darker skin, eyes and hair.

Children younger than 6 years of age and adults older than 60 years are at an increased risk for sunburn. Skin type affects how easily you become sunburned. People with fair or freckled skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes usually sunburn easily. Your age also affects how your skin reacts to the sun.

Young Skin is Sensitive
The skin of children under age 6 and adults over age 60 is more sensitive to sunlight. Premature aging from sunlight can affect people of all skin shades. A sunburn can be caused by the sun or by artificial tanning sources, including tanning beds and sun tanning lights. You can even get sunburned not only in the summer, but also in the winter.

Here are some basic sun care tips:

• Sunlight is most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so avoid exposure during these times
• Avoid exposing babies younger than six months of age to direct sunlight
• Dress your child in light, loose clothing that covers the whole body
• Use a sun hat or bonnet, and keep the sunshade up on the stroller up This is good advice for young babies
• Toddlers often resent the restrictions of clothing, and feel it’s best to run around naked. For these free little spirits, use a gentle, natural sunscreen with organic ingredients, available at your health food store
• Slather on sunscreen generously and reapply, even on cloudy hazy days
• Never put sunscreen too close to children’s eyes or on their hands, as they might rub their eyes and cause irritation
• Keep your child and yourself well hydrated. Keep water bottles handy or nearby
• Bring a beach umbrella to the beach or park(if there are no shady trees nearby)

Have fun in the sun this summer, but do take care of the tender skin.