Women's Health and the Environment...

...and the conference topic that really sucked me (and Nikki...) in?? "Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things" To my delight there was a free copy of the book for every attendee (don't worry Nik, I'll share it with you!). So, maybe you are entirely confused right now... let me fill you in. This past Wednesday I moved heaven and earth (thank you for your help Tara, Jodi, Shawna and Kelly - it literally took all of these women to cover my children for the day...) to attend a FREE (there is such a thing as a free lunch, seriously, it was delicious and entirely compostable!) conference in the city dealing with all of my favorite topics. No denying that there was a definite political slant (it was sponsored by the Heinz endowment, both the surgeon general and the director of the EPA spoke, etc. etc.) but overall, the science was amazing, the speakers were fantastic (especially the rubber ducky guys - two hilarious dudes from Canada. And, you know when the Canadians start getting up in arms about things that we need to begin paying attention...) and I came away overwhelmed, but with renewed energy to be informed and savvy about my health and the health of my family and loved ones. In some ways it clarified some of the things that I had learned from Dr. Laird but it also raised a LOT more questions (you mean that there is BPA lining every single can in my pantry???? so much for buying organic green beans...). I came home with not just one but THREE complimentary books that will fill my spare time and my head with much knowledge and probably a lot of conflict. It's tough to know exactly where to turn but it is evident to me that this stuff turns my crank a bit. Kind of the way head injury (and that just sounds terrible when you write it like that...) did for many years prior to this season of my life. I'm wondering right at this moment in what ways those two may intersect with my own diagnosis to deposit me at my next life step. I've been hanging on the fringe of the movement to know more about the chemicals we ingest and slather on our bodies, to care for the earth in a more responsible manner (don't worry, I'm still pretty staunchly... Independent... ha ha, I'm not sure where I identify myself when it comes to choosing a seat on either "side" of the aisle these days. Everyone disappoints me so...) and to return to a more "natural" way of life for quite awhile now and I think that this has positioned me to dive in headfirst.

After further conversation with some of my girlfriends... I am even more inspired to research, learn and write (probably right here...) about practical and POSSIBLE ways that we all can change our lives and health for the better. I'm not sure that I am really the "right" person to do it but it definitely interests and intrigues me. For example, I'm appalled that the current approach to chemicals in our country is "safe until proven otherwise". REALLY??? Does anyone remember "Erin Brockovich" or "A Civil Action"? Aren't any of you wondering why so many people that you know have cancer, asthma, autism or are on gluten-free or refined flour/sugar -free diets? I was so shocked to hear that the EPA has virtually no power and in fact that asbestos (is anyone unsure of whether or not this causes cancer?? I know that Edgar Snyder seems to be making a living off of proving otherwise...) is not even banned. Now, I know that it is all so very overwhelming and it seems like it might be impossible to make personal changes that would truly make a difference... and once you get past the initial overwhelmingness you start to think that you'd have to take out a second mortgage just to afford to make any of the changes that you'd like to make... but... the more of us that start small, increase demand and insist on healthy options, the more available, affordable and diverse those options become. Personally, I've moved past my original, paralyzing, defeatist attitude to the point of taking small steps every day. I'm realizing that there was a reason that God told the Israelites to throw the manna out every night (Exodus 16 - in case you are curious...) and that while progress is good, it doesn't do us any favors if we're not around to use it! Before you know it, I could end up on a 4-acre converted Amish farm myself... (have you seen the pantries and canning kitchens in those places?? You are ahead of your time, Janelle...) It starts with you and me and our homes, lawns, cars and kids. In my mind's eye there are times that I see a garden in every lot, clothes lines out back and smell bread baking in every kitchen once again. Maybe that sounds really Pollyanna or even ridiculous (Darin tends to think so... he's pretty sure that we are really just too "busy" to care for ourselves and he just might be right...) But I can't believe that we are dumb enough to just keep treating the symptoms (obesity, cancer, decreasing lifespan, etc. etc.) of our chemical addiction rather than take the collective initiative to change. I'm about to seriously commit myself to doing life differently and really... that sounds an awful lot like what God has called us to as Christians. Call me crazy but that won't really be that far off of anything that I've been called before... ha ha. (and dear neighbors, please don't be too appalled if we have a few dandelions and clover... at least our kids can safely roll in them!! ha ha)