Children's Health

By Christine Climer
First published April 2005

Spring is here, and allergy sufferers everywhere are tearing up. The warmer weather invites us to spend more time outdoors but the red eyes, itchy noses and nasal congestion make outdoor fun a challenge. (more…)

By Caron Goode

Ozone is formed naturally in our upper atmosphere as a result of sunlight striking the oxygen molecules in our atmosphere. Most people already know that the ozone layer in our upper atmosphere protects us from overexposure to the sun’s radiation, which would otherwise be deadly. (more…)

Researchers suspect lavender, tea tree oil disrupt hormonal balance
AP Article on MSNBC, Jan 31, 2007

BOSTON - Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance, a preliminary study suggests.

While advising parents to consider the possible risk, several hormone experts emphasized that the problem appears to happen infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used. None of those interviewed called for a ban on sales. (more…)

By Natural Family Online

It’s true that one beauty product won’t cause cancer. But on average, teens and young women use between 10 and 25 personal care and cosmetic products per day. The sum total of chemicals on your body per day? Approximately 200.

What’s worse than using 200 chemicals directly on your body per day? The fact that significant levels of cancer causing agents are found in 1/3 of those products. No publicly accountable institution (like the FDA) has evaluated 89 percent of the 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products. (more…)

By Caron Goode

Our lifestyles conflict with the rhythmic deep breathing our bodies require. Stress and pollution constantly deplete our precious oxygen supply. These factors increase the frequency of respiratory illness, especially in children. Recent statistics on the impact of air pollution on health are astounding and show there is an urgent need to teach children successful breathing habits, develop their vital lung capacity, and improve their immune system. (more…)

Question: Whenever one of my children gets a splinter, a distressing scene ensues. Either they run from the mean mommy with the sterilized needle, or they painfully cry for both of us as I try to be quick about removing it. There must be another way! (more…)

Question: Are Christmas tree lights covered in lead — and are they hazardous? I am not normally paranoid, but I just read an article on how the presents under the Christmas tree get covered in lead dust … (more…)