Don't Use Soap on Private Parts

Hm, I never thought about this, but it makes sense. I've always advocated organic undies for the reason that this area is not only sensitive, but very absorbent (think suppositories, anyone?)

Dr. Ben Kim's newsletter is always a source of sensible health info. Here's what he has to say:

Over the years, I have found that many people aren't aware that soap should not be used to clean the vaginal opening, the tip of the penis (urethral opening), and the anal sphincter.

Regularly applying soap to these areas can cause the mucosal lining in these areas to become dry and unhealthy. A chronically dry mucosal lining can lead to a number of uncomfortable health conditions, such as anal fissures, lichen sclerosus, chronic inflammation and a tendency to experience infections.

If you use soap to clean your body, you should limit its contact to your skin. Your skin is lined with sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum, which serves to keep your skin waterproof and resistant to infection by undesirable microorganisms.

Typically, the presence of sebum prevents soap from drying out skin to a point where significant health challenges can arise. Still, unless you work with grease and oil, it's best to use soap sparingly - just enough to remove objectionable odors and to feel clean and refreshed.

The mucosal linings of the vaginal opening, the penile opening, and the anal sphincter don't secrete sebum to offer protection against the drying effects of soap. Actually, the labia minora does contain some sebaceous glands, but in most women, there aren't nearly enough sebaceous glands in this region to keep the vaginal opening healthy if regularly washed with soap.

So how do you wash the vaginal opening, the penile opening, and the anal sphincter? Ideally, with warm or hot water. And when more intense cleaning is desired, you can use warm or hot salt water.

I've worked with enough people who have experienced health challenges from using soap in the private areas to know that this advice is worth heeding. Please share this information with family and friends, as my experiences have led me to believe that most people aren't aware of this issue.

Jack Lalanne, Going strong at 93!

Jack Lalanne has basically been conducting an experiment on himself for more than 90 years! He exercises every day and eats no white flour or sugar...(plus, his wife still looks great, too!).

p.s. he also invented that leg extension thingie ubiquitous to all gyms--this was back in the 30s. To see what clean livin' can do for you:

http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/7891594

Maternal Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants Linked to Urologic Conditions in Boys

My advice? Eat organic!

Newswise — Higher incidences of congenital anomalies, including cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) and hypospadias, were found in boys whose mothers had higher serum levels of certain organochlorine compounds, researchers say. Two separate studies presented today during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Orlando confirmed existing hypotheses that maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals – including total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, such as Arochlor) and organochlorinated pesticides (such as dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane, or DDT) may contribute to an increased incidence of these conditions.

The data was presented to the media on Sunday, May 18, 2008, during press conferences starting at 8:00 a.m.

Mothers with high levels of organochlorine compounds in their bodies are at a greater risk of bearing sons with undescended testicles (cryptorchidism). In a study (abstract #276) of 40 boys undergoing surgical treatment for the condition, researchers from New York and Michigan analyzed PCB serum levels from both the patient and the mother and compared the readings to residual PCB levels in the patients’ fatty tissue samples (taken at surgery). Patients ranged from eight to 18 months of age at the time of treatment.

...Of the sons whose mothers had measurable PBB levels at the time of conception, 35 reported GU conditions, including hernias (13), hydroceles (10), undescended testicles (9), hypospadias (5), phimosis (2) and varicocele (1). Sons whose mothers had PBB levels greater than 5 parts per billion were more likely to report these conditions than those whose mothers had lower levels. Maternal PBB levels were not found to have an impact on birth weight or estimated gestational age. 12.2 percent of boys with maternal serum levels greater than 5 were more likely to report GU conditions, compared to 5.5 percent of boys with lower maternal PBB levels.

“Mothers with known exposure to these enduring compounds should tell not only their own doctors but also their sons’ pediatricians,” said Anthony Y. Smith, M.D., a spokesman for the AUA. “These data underscore the importance of regular ‘well-baby checkups’ so that these easily treatable conditions are diagnosed promptly.”

Is Tyson's Antibiotic-Free Chicken Really Antibiotic-Free?

These days you have to do more than closely read labels to keep from poisoning yourself and your family. From the New York Times:

A federal judge has ordered Tyson Foods to withdraw advertisements claiming its chickens are “raised without antibiotics that impact antibiotic resistance in humans.”

Two competitors said the ads were untrue because Tyson injects it eggs with antibiotics and used antibiotic molecules in its feed.

Tyson maintained that its claim was truthful, and intends to appeal the decision.

“The claim we’re making is ‘raised without.’ And our consumer research would say that ‘raised without’ in the consumer’s mind, is from hatchery to when they buy the chicken in the store,” said Dave Hogberg, senior vice president for consumer products at Tyson.

• The New York Times April 23, 2008

Teflon Chemical May Harm Thyroid

From Mary Shomon's About.com Thyroid newsletter, yet ANOTHER reason to get teflon out of your house (try cookware like Le Creuset instead!)

Don't forget that the thryoid is one of the most important glands for fertility and you have to be nice to it!
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is focusing attention on a new study that has found that PFOA, a chemical used to make Teflon, food wrappers and other products, may be dangerous to health. The study, which looked at 69,000 people in West Virginia and Ohio who live near a DuPont manufacturing plant where the chemical is used, found that the chemical may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause raise cholesterol levels in children.

In addition to various health concerns, the study found that "thyroid function was clearly affected in PFOA-exposed people, with the effect strongest at moderate levels of exposure, rather than the highest exposures."

Read about the study now.

Review: Applesac MacBook Sleeve

MAN FERTILITY was nice enough to lend his man muscle to help me drag my iMac to the Apple Store to get it fixed (the dreaded spinning beach ball!). I saw him longingly looking at some of the MacBook laptop cases (he currently uses a sophisticated bubble pak envelope--used!), but I noticed they smelled vinyl-y or chemical-y. Glue, PVC (possible lead hazard), basically yech, as he carries his computer with him every day.

So....Applesac to the rescue! Thick, sustainable hemp and snuggly poly fleece. According to the website, hemp is much stronger and more durable than cotton, and you know how much the FertilityBitch likes to promote hemp for its sustainability and how she chafes at the silly US restrictions on growing it because of its tenuous connection to marijuana (Canada seems to deem it's okay).

At first I thought the thing was TOO SMALL when we got it, but it's made to fit the dimensions of the laptop exactly, so no sloshing around in the messenger bag. A handy pocket on the outside, and an unpretentious look (the website says this may even prevent theft--who looks for a nice laptop in a hemp bag?), no yechy glue smell. I love its simplicity--it's sewn! Plus, it looks a wee bit more professional than the used bubble pak envelope, but will give him street cred with the environmental studies types on campus. Yay Applesac!

Their website: www. applesac.com

More than 50% INSURED Americans Medicated

My mother, who is a social worker, once had an elderly client who was so demented she needed to be institutionalized...until they thought to try taking her off her 1000 meds--antihypertensives, stuff for her digestion, SSRIs, you name it. Interestingly, she "snapped out of it" and was able to remain as a productive member of the senior center she was living in. Go figure.

With so many people taking so many drugs and no one having any idea how they interact (not to mention this is all being peed out into the water supply), it's one of these things that makes you go, Hmmmmmmm.

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By LINDA A. JOHNSON, AP Business Writer

TRENTON, N.J. - For the first time, it appears that more than half of all insured Americans are taking prescription medicines regularly for chronic health problems, a study shows.

The most widely used drugs are those to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol — problems often linked to heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

The numbers were gathered last year by Medco Health Solutions Inc., which manages prescription benefits for about one in five Americans.

Experts say the data reflect not just worsening public health but better medicines for chronic conditions and more aggressive treatment by doctors. For example, more people are now taking blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines because they need them, said Dr. Daniel W. Jones, president of the American Heart Association.

In addition, there is the pharmaceutical industry's relentless advertising. With those factors unlikely to change, doctors say the proportion of Americans on chronic medications can only grow.

read more here.