Such is the beginning of Dr. Bernie Siegel’s new book, Faith, Love, and Healing: Inspiring Lessons Learned from People Living with Cancer, a collection of first-person accounts of almost three dozen cancer patients who share their stories. Some talk about when they first heard about their diagnoses; others about near-death experiences, focus on gratitude and mindfulness, and post-surgery triumphs.

“Helpful for anyone living with cancer,” says one Amazon reviewer, “just diagnosed and all family and friends of anyone with the disease. Caring, real and insightful.”

“Bernie Siegel is one of the greatest healers of our time,” says Deepak Chopra, author and spiritual leader. “The stories he shares in Faith, Hope, and Healing demonstrate the healing effect of treating cancer not just with conventional medicine but by changing the way you think about your disease, the way you act toward those who love and care for you, and the way you feel about yourself. The mind is the most powerful tool you have for fighting back.”

“If you or a loved one have to go through major medical care . . . this book can be . . . life-saving and soul-saving,” says Dr. Andrew Weil.

Siegel first wrote about the power of the mind in fighting illness in his first book on the subject, Love, Medicine, and Miracles (published in 1986). In it, he shared stories of seriously ill patients who survived against the odds, and those who seemed to give into their own deaths. A staunch believer in the healing power of the mind, he has his own radio show (“Mind Health Matters”) and originated “Exceptional Cancer Patients,” a specific form of group therapy that uses patients’ drawings, dreams, images and feelings to help them find personal empowerment and healing potential. He also has a plethora of articles on his website, about everything from remarkable recoveries to forgetfulness.

“The reason that medicine has not explored the issue of self-healing and patients who exceed survival expectations is that we either give the treatment the credit or refer to them as miracles or spontaneous remissions,” he writes. “Our bodies love us, but if we do not love them and our lives then our body tries to get us out of here as fast as it can. It’s obvious from many studies and my own patients that a reason for living also relates to the will to live and survival.”

If you’re looking for a little inspiration in your fight against cancer, order this book today!

For a copy of Dr. Siegel’s inspiring book, please see his website or his Amazon page.

To help you deal with these troubling symptoms, we’ve gathered a few recommendations. Whatever you may be experiencing, be sure to tell your doctor. Even if you don’t think it could be connected to your cancer treatments, it often is, and your doctor may be able to help.

Lingering Numbness & Tingling: According to Dr. V. K. Gadi, writing for Everyday Health, Taxol (paclitaxel) is associated with neuropathy (numbness), and also weakening of the reflexes. Sometimes just waiting it out will result in an improvement. Physical therapy may also help. Other survivors recommend massage, acupuncture, and supplements like vitamin B and glutamine (10 grams 2-3 times a day). Mark Stengler, MD and contributor to Daily Health News, recommends acetyl-L-carnitine, a natural substance that can have a regenerative affect on the nerves, along with a B-complex vitamin, vitamins E and C, selenium, and pycnogenol (an antioxidant). Read our other post for more natural recommendations.

Split Nails: Chemotherapy can cause nails to split, sometimes all the way to the bed. Try a cuticle cream at night, to nourish and hydrate the growing nail. (Burt’s Bees has a nice one.) File frequently to eliminate any hangnails or rough edges. Some survivors also recommend Evonail, a French-made nail hydrator that helps rejuvenate split, brittle nails. Protect hands with rubber gloves when doing household chores, and be cautious when using nail products. See our post for more information.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: According to drugs.com, carpal tunnel syndrome is included in the Arimidex list of possible side effects. If you suspect you may have it (symptoms include burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers), check with your doctor. Several non-surgical treatments are available, like anti-inflammatory drugs, coricosteroids, or natural solutions like stretching and strengthening exercises, acupuncture and chiropractic care. Surgical options may also be an option for more severe cases.

Dry, Rough Hands: Most chemotherapy treatments leave skin dry and rough, particularly on the hands. Extremely dry skin can cause itching, irritation, flakiness, and possible open wounds. “One of the more annoying side effects of chemo they didn’t talk about,” says survivor kendrak, “was how dry my hands were—to the point of cracking.” First, wear gloves—often! Gloves when you’re cleaning, gloves when it’s cold outside, gloves whenever you feel the need. Soft cotton gloves can serve as general protectors. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm to wash, and pat (don’t rub) hands dry. Use only sensitive, organic cleansers, and try heavy-duty moisturizers. Avoid fragranced products, bubble bath, soap, and antibacterial products.

Have you had a lingering side effect on your hands? Tell us your story.

Photo courtesy Box of Light via Flickr.com.

A 2007 survey by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) evaluated 14 air fresheners and found phthalates in 12 of them, including those labeled as “all-natural.” (Phthalates are used to make the scent last longer, and are hormone disruptors and probable carcinogens.) The NRDC’s report says, “Of all the products in the home, clean-smelling air fresheners seem to pose little risk. But the fresh scent of air fresheners may mask a health threat—chemicals called phthalates that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems.”

According to the Global Campaign for the Recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), air fresheners work in one of four ways:

1.    by killing your ability to smell through nerve-deadening chemicals;

2.    by coating your nasal passages with an undetectable oily film;

3.    by covering up one smell with another;

4.    (rarely) by breaking down the offensive odor.

They go on to say that a 2002 EPA test found that fresheners plugged into electrical outlets react with common indoor air pollutants to produce toxic chemicals like benzene derivatives, pinene and limonene, aldehydes, phenol, and cresol. Pinene and limonene apparently react with ozone to create formaldehyde and other chemicals connected with respiratory problems. Other toxic chemicals found in air freshener plug-ins include benzyl alcohol, camphor (known to cause eye and skin irritation), dichlorobenzene (toxic to the nervous system), ethanol (derived from petroleum and considered carcinogenic), and more. The MCS concludes, “Indoor air quality experts recommend against using chemical air fresheners and/or chemical room deodorizers of any kind.”

Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against the use of indoor air fresheners: “There are four basic ingredients in air fresheners: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol propellants. Air fresheners are usually highly flammable and also strong irritants to the eyes, skin, and throat.”

So what if you want to clear the air in your house? These organizations have several recommendations. The NRDC says that, since it’s currently impossible for consumers to tell the phthalate content of any freshener (since they don’t appear on the label), that consumers should avoid air fresheners completely. The EPA suggests using baking soda instead, which is non-toxic. The MCS suggests finding and removing sources of bad odors, keeping windows open, adding drops of organic essential oils to cotton balls and placing around the house, simmering desirable spices like cinnamon and cloves in a little water on the stovetop, and investing in an air purifier with carbon filtration.

What do you do to keep your home smelling nice—and phthalate free? Let us know.

Photo courtesy KnoxvilleRob via Flickr.com.

According to the F.A.C.T. website, four of these people had been diagnosed with cancer, and the fifth with a severe case of Lyme disease. All have outlived their diseases, between 15 and nearly 40 years so far. They are part of a group of survivors who sought guidance from Ruth Sackman, past-president of F.A.C.T., and her book, Rethinking Cancer, published in 2003.

Amazon reviewer Gordon Ledford says of that book, “Traditional medicine offers three choices: Surgery (I had 57 “places” removed before I said, ‘Enough is enough!’); Chemotherapy (who really benefits from a destroyed immune system?); and Radiation (which actually CAUSES cancer). I highly recommend this book plus The China Study by Collin Campbell. These two books have changed my life for the better. I am healthy once again, I have more energy than when I was in my 30’s, I sleep better (the body heals, primarily, during restful sleep), and I enjoy life with no fear of cancer any longer.”

Another reviewer from Maryland agrees: “Ruth Sackman is among this century’s most diligent and authentic health pioneers swimming against the tide to get the word out that cancer is a degenerative disease at whose root is a sick immune system that just said, ‘OK, I quit.’”

Sackman doesn’t strive to go against the advice of physicians. In fact, she advises readers to work with a qualified doctor to manage their illness, but to include nutritional and immune-boosting therapies. The new documentary takes alternative therapies a step further, examining the lives of those who sought out other ways of dealing with their illnesses, some after conventional therapies failed, and some after surgery or diagnosis. It includes an interview with Sackman, as well as disscussions with two physicians (one an oncologist) about the results experienced by the people documented. Types of cancer covered include renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and bone and lymph cancer.

What is F.A.C.T.? According to their site, a non-profit organization that supports non-toxic, biologically sound approaches to cancer prevention and treatment. “F.A.C.T.’s goal is to educate practitioners and patients about a different concept of cancer and other chronic degenerative disease in the hope that the public will gain an understanding of all viable medical options.” Sackman co-founded the organization after watching her daughter suffer through chemotherapy and eventually succumb to leukemia, and spent nearly 40 years of her life helping cancer patients return to healthy lives. F.A.C.T. advocates a balanced diet of whole, preferably organic foods, detoxification, hormonal balance, stress management, and optimal functioning of all body organs and glands.

The choices these people made may not be for everyone, but they do get you thinking. “Our goal is really to educate the public about alternative cancer treatments,” said F.A.C.T. vice president Jim Oakar. “We want to be a hub of information for people seeking other methods.”

“I’m not anti-medicine,” adds Dr. Sheryl Leventhal, a former New York oncologist featured on the film. “I try to get to the roots of problems and fix the roots.”

If you’re interested in watching this film, you can get it at Food Matters TV.

Have you seen this film? What did you think?

Like parabens, phthalates, and pesticides, aluminum can act like estrogen in the body, affecting estrogen receptors and increasing breast cancer risk. Laboratory research shows that aluminum salts, common in most deodorants, can directly bind to estrogen receptors, and can affect estrogen-regulated gene expression in breast cancer cells.

“Lifetime exposure to estrogen is the risk factor which is tied most strongly to breast cancer,” said lead researcher Philippa Darbre, Ph.D., of the University of Reading in England. “If the aluminum salts in antiperspirants enter the body and mimic estrogen it stands to reason that constant exposure over many years may pose a risk.”

Currently, there are no definitive studies linking the use of antiperspirants to an increased risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society still considers commercial deodorants to be safe. Live Green Mom, however, has this to say about those who might have us turn a blind eye to recent studies: “Doctors and researchers always have to say ‘may pose a risk’ or ‘could possibly….’ They cannot speak in absolutes until all research is done and considered conclusive. Until everyone agrees. And not everyone is going to agree, naturally. It isn’t in ‘everyone’s’ best financial interest to agree.”

Read a little more about aluminum and it just doesn’t sound good. According to researcher Dr. Chris G. Mcgrath, M.D., 90% of breast cancer is linked to the environment or a particular lifestyle. “The closest environment to the breast is the underarm and the closest Western lifestyle is the daily application of antiperspirants, deodorants, or more commonly in combination. This daily routine is more often then not, preceded by underarm shaving….Westernized women are applying chemical compounds in antiperspirants/deodorants on the skin daily over decades. These compounds have not been studied long term with respect to skin absorption and possible toxicity. The breasts and underarms are directly linked by the skin and lymphatic system. Interesting when the incidence of breast cancer since the 1940s is plotted against the same time period of antiperspirant/deodorant sales, an eerie parallel is seen.”

Mcgrath goes on to say that in one of his studies, he found that women who more frequently used antiperspirants and shaved their underarms were diagnosed with breast cancer at a significantly earlier age than those who did these habits less frequently or not at all. Other studies have found that aluminum is absorbed through the skin, and has been found in breast tissue of women who have had mastectomies.

Why do manufacturers use aluminum anyway? Well, it’s very effective in preventing sweating. Basically, it plugs up the sweat glands. However, you do have alternatives. Dr. Mcgrath recommends Terra Natural’s deodorants, whose motto is, “Why take a chance if you don’t have to?” Their ingredients are all plant or food based. You can also try the crystal deodorant stones we mentioned in our last post. Finally, Tom’s of Maine makes several non-aluminum deodorants, as does Burt’s Bees.

Have you changed your underarm routine? Share your story!

Photo courtesy HurtRich via Flickr.com.

For Meaghan Edelstein, the answers are “keep fighting” and “reach out to help others.” Diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer in February 2007, she wasn’t given much hope for survival. For two months prior, doctors insisted her symptoms were caused by stress. When they finally realized what was going on, they thought it was too late.

“After dragging herself to the emergency room and having a CT scan performed,” says Meaghan’s boyfriend, Bryan Power, “they basically told her, ‘Call your friends and family. You have cervical cancer.’ They didn’t expect her to survive.”

Fortunately, Meaghan was accepted into the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. “They saved her life,” Bryan says. “You could see they actually cared.”

After a grueling period of treatment and surgeries, Meaghan is recovering. According to Bryan and many of her friends and family, it’s a miracle. “She seems almost normal now, physically,” Bryan says. “They can’t claim she’s cancer free yet, but she has come a long way.”

Despite her long battle, Meaghan finished law school and passed the bar exam. After treatment, however, she no longer wanted to be a lawyer. She blogged about her experience and began connecting with other cancer fighters and survivors. She realized many needed help they weren’t getting, so she created a new organization called “Spirit Jump.” The mission? Raise the spirits of men, women, and children battling cancer.

“This is a program that connects those in need to those who want to help,” Bryan says. “If someone has cancer or some other debilitating disease, they can go to our website and sign up as a ‘jumpee.’ If someone wants to help, they can sign up as a ‘jumper.’ There are no mandatory requirements. We simply give people a way to help other people, and the response has been fantastic!”

Spirit Jump sends out regular e-mails detailing the stories of registered jumpees. Jumpers respond as they wish. Most send cards, and some even create homemade gifts. The point is to let fighters know that someone cares.

“When I was going through treatment,” Meaghan says, “the things that got me through were the cards, flowers, and little gifts people would send. Cancer can be a really lonely experience. I was lucky in that I had family and friends to support me, but many people don’t have that. I wanted to change that.”

Meaghan and Bryan

To increase it’s outreach, Spirit Jump started a new program called “Cards 4 Cancer” day, scheduled to occur on April 10th. “People are collecting uplifting cards and will deliver them to cancer centers around the world,” Bryan says. “We thought it would be a great way to reach out on a bigger scale.”

Bryan was right. Already over 800 have signed up for the day. Many are putting teams together and having card-making parties, with several planning on delivering hundreds of cards! Participants in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, England, Brazil, and more are planning to help, with many schools getting in on the act. (You can see pictures of some of the cards on Facebook.) Bryan says he and Meaghan never expected such a large response, but they’re excited and plan to continue the event in the future.

“The magic of this is that people can put the time into it, then really see the impact of their efforts,” Bryan says. “We’re not just tossing money into some unseen pot.”

Meaghan agrees. “My experience gave me a gift, really,” she says. “I’m now able to relate to and touch a lot of other people because of it. I want to inspire others to fight, and to never give up. So many doctors wouldn’t listen to me when I was having symptoms, and when they finally diagnosed me they gave me little hope. Through Spirit Jump and Cards 4 Cancer day, we want to tell people—don’t give up. People care. We care.”

If you want to participate in Cards 4 Cancer day on April 10, please go to Cards4Cancer.org.

Your loved one will probably be going through all types of emotions and physical hardships, making your help invaluable as he/she fights to recover. We’ve gathered a few tips here to help make your journey a little easier to navigate. Try not to be overwhelmed as you review this list. Remember to take things one step at a time, and to do your best to continue to exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. Maintaining your  own health is equally as important during this difficult time.

1. Become informed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but the more you know about your loved one’s condition the more you’ll be able to ask the right questions and ensure she is getting the best care. Read about the disease, the treatment options, the side effects, and any possible experimental procedures if necessary. To avoid becoming overloaded with this task, set aside a certain time of day for research, like one hour after dinner, for example, and keep notes of what you find.

2. Create a folder. Writes Meg, a caregiver for her parents, “As an advocate and a caretaker for my parents when they were diagnosed with cancer, I quickly learned the importance of keeping detailed notes and important paperwork with me at all times. Without a moment’s notice, I found myself needing to recite a list of complicated medication names, which were ever changing, along with dosage instructions and allergy information to a member of our healthcare team.”

Purchase a 3-ring binder or other type of folder in which you can place lists, paperwork, and other information, then keep it with you for doctor and pharmacy visits. Use a dividing system to separate insurance cards and contacts, medical team contacts/business cards, legal documents (like Durable Power of Attorney), a calendar of appointments, medical history, medications, lab test results, and medical imaging results. Having this folder with you will prevent a lot of headaches.

3. Put legal documents in place. It may seem premature or unnecessary, but if you can talk to your loved one and put legal documents in place, it will save you a lot of stress and heartache should you face a difficult medical situation in the future. What if your loved one can’t make decisions for himself? You will need the Durable Power of Attorney to make decisions for him/her. Talk to your doctor about the forms you need, then see a lawyer or go onto a legal website to properly fill them out.

4. Prepare for doctor’s visits. When your loved one needs to see her doctor, you can help her prepare by making sure all necessary documents are in your folder, and by creating a list of questions to be asked. If you need some ideas on important questions, check here. Once you’re at the appointment, take notes, help your loved one communicate about her condition, ask questions, and make sure you understand everything. Once again—don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions!

5. Communicate with friends and family. Your loved one will have many people concerned for him, and keeping those people in the loop not only keeps you both connected, but opens up opportunities for others to help. Make phone calls, send out group e-mails, and/or use social networks like Facebook and Twitter to alert people to your loved one’s progress or to enlist help with anything you might need. Remember—don’t be afraid to ask. People want to help and you need to be sure you’re not overloading yourself.

6. Help empower your loved one to control pain. If your loved one is in pain, encourage him to speak up, or speak up for him. According to Cancer-Pain.org, “By believing your loved one and validating his or her pain, you empower the person to ask for the help he or she needs.” Don’t assume the doctor or nurse knows about your loved one’s discomfort. Bring up the subject and ask for solutions. If the nurse doesn’t seem able to help, request a meeting with a pain-management specialist.

7. Keep your eyes and ears open. Many healthcare professionals are efficient, but still, mistakes can be made. Sometimes hospitals are understaffed. Nurses may be distracted. Double-check medications, ask questions about procedures, and watch for anything that can cause allergic reactions. Your loved one won’t be able to focus as well during this time, so staying alert for her could save her from additional setbacks.

Have you found techniques that help you fufill your role as advocate? Please share them with us.

Photo courtesy angelamaphone via Flickr.com.

Isn’t it interesting, though, that as we grow more and more conscious of the food we’re putting in our mouths, we’re still applying all kinds of chemicals to our bodies on a daily basis? The skin has the potential to absorb the toxic ingredients in those products, but many still haven’t gotten the message that what’s listed on the bottle could end up inside the body. Hopefully, Cinco Vidas readers are being more careful!

Women are especially at risk, as we use so many more products than men, particularly make-up products. Let’s talk about three of the most concerning items—these may be in your makeup bag right now.

Powders. Mineral makeup has made a big splash on the market, with manufacturer’s praising it’s even coverage and natural look. However, those in powder form come with a risk of inhalation. Particles in these products are smaller than they used to be. According to Dr. Oz, some are a thousand times smaller than they were even 10 years ago. The smaller size means a more flawless look, but it also increases the risk that these particles could penetrate the lungs, potentially causing inflammation, irritation, and even lung disease.

To lower your risk, choose a liquid-based foundation with shimmer, or a cream or mousse blush and bronzer. If you are sold on your powder, tap the excess off before applying, don’t inhale, and make sure you’re in a well-ventilated room.

Anti-Wrinkle Creams. They’re supposed to help you look younger, but be careful—some anti-wrinkle creams may help you look better today, but worse tomorrow. For example, if your formula contains petroleum-based alcohols, it could be irritating your skin, as well as removing the natural acidic layer which makes skin vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Petroleum-based oils can clog pores and over long-term use, create dry, more wrinkle-prone skin. Mineral oil clogs pores and irritates skin, and can cause acne breakouts and premature aging. Parabens can absorb into the blood stream, and remain in the body where they can act as endocrine disruptors, while fragrances can add all kinds of unknown chemicals to your skin.

To protect yourself, look for fragrance-free and color-free formulas, and read labels. We like brands like Ren, Intelligent Nutrients, and Jeune d’age Organics.

Lip gloss. We mentioned in a previous post that lip gloss may increase your risk of skin cancer. In addition, many formulas are made with petroleum jelly, which has been banned in the European Union because of it’s potential link to cancer. Remember: What you put on your lips usually ends up in your mouth, and then inside your body, so be extra careful with this product! Stay away from brands that list petroleum jelly or mineral oils on the label, and avoid “plumping” products that actually irritate the lips to make them look larger. Choose instead formulas made with beeswax and natural flavors, and that contain a safe sun protectant like zinc oxide.

Are you purchasing your makeup products more carefully? Let us know if you have any tips.

Photo courtesy Pixels of deborah jaffe via Flickr.com.

Maybe not! It all depends on what you’re using to clean. According to the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, “Many chemicals contained in household cleaning products are the same as those used in industrial settings. Many scientists are becoming concerned that long-term, low-level exposure to chemicals may be just as dangers as short-term, high-dose exposures. They also worry that we do not understand the impact of exposure to the cocktail of chemicals found in household air and dust.”

We researched a few common household cleaning products and found some surprising information. If you’ve got some of these items in your cupboards, you may want to consider replacing them.

Carpet cleaner. According to the Labour Environmental Alliance Society of Canada, some carpet cleaners can contain an ingredient called “2-butoxyethanol,” which if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can cause blood disorders, liver damage, and kidney damage—even reproductive damage if exposure is long-term. In addition, they can contain perchloroethylene, a known cardcinogen, as well as 1,4-dioxane, ammonia, and unknown fragrances. If you clean the carpet in an entire room, your exposure could be high. Look for a non-toxic alternatives like those from Green Home, or make your own with these recipes.

Dishwashing soaps (hand). The Environmental Protection Agency has listed chloroform as a probable human carcinogen—capable of causing cancer. Did you know that if your dishwashing soap contains triclosan, that triclosan could react with chlorine in your water to create chloroform? Many areas use chlorine to clean the water supply, so even if you don’t add the chlorine yourself, it could still be there. Avoid dishwashing soaps with triclosan. Even dishwashing soaps without triclosan can contain quarternium 15, an irritant that can release formaldehyde. Look for natural alternatives like those from Seventh Generation.

Dishwashing detergents (automatic). Each time you put your dishes through the dishwasher, some residue is left that can later mix with your food. These detergents can contain chlorine-based sanitizing ingredients, as well as phosphates capable of choking off life in our rivers and streams. For a natural alternative, mix equal parts of borax and baking soda and store in a tightly sealed container. Use 2 tablespoons per load. If you have hard water, double the amount of baking soda.

Bleach. Bleach can irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and injury to the esophagus. Combined with acidic toilet bowl cleansers or ammonia, it creates extremely toxic fumes. Furthermore, the chlorine in bleach can bind with organic material in the marine environment to create toxic compounds dangerous to fish. Use a bleach alternative, or try adding a cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle for whitening.

All purpose cleanser. According to Katherine Gallia, writing for “Natural Health,” all purpose cleansers can contain a synthetic solvent and grease cutter called “butyl cellosolve,” a hazardous petroleum-based chemical that can irritate skin and eyes, and over time, cause liver and kidney damage. Casey Kellar, author of Natural Cleaning for Your Home: 95 Pure and Simple Recipes, suggests a homemade alterative made by mixing the following in a spray bottle and shaking gently: 1 cup liquid Castile soap, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon tea tree extract, 2 tablespoons witch hazel extract, and 4 drops of essential oil (your choice).

Are you using less toxic alternatives to clean your home? Please share any recipes you may have.

Photo courtesy ac hardman via Flickr.com.

You’ve probably heard about radiation exposure—radiation that you may encounter through x-rays, or even as a part of your occupation. It’s not about radiation, necessarily, but about how much radiation your body is exposed to over your lifetime.

When you think about chemicals in personal-care products, you can think about them the same way. How much is your body exposed to over several decades of your life? Using shampoo on one day is probably not going to increase your risk for disease, but using it every day for 60+ years could. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average adult uses about 9 personal-care products a day. A study by Bionsen, a product company in the United Kingdom, found that the average woman applies about 515 chemicals to her face everyday! Think about it. Your shampoo, conditioner, body wash (or soap), shaving cream, body moisturizer, face moisturizer (or after shave), hand soap you may use several times over in one day, perfume, cologne, and makeup—mascara, foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, brow color, liptstick, etc.

Most of these products contain one or more of the dangerous, potentially carcinogenic ingredients we’ve been talking about, that can disrupt hormones, depress immune function, cause developmental problems, and even cause dangerous diseases like cancer. If we’re not careful about the products we choose, we could be exposing ourselves over and over again to chemicals that could ruin our health.

“The perpetual advent of new and innovative beauty products has led to a massive increase in product usage over the years,” writes E. Huff for “Natural News.” “What was once a basic cleansing protocol has turned into a lifestyle of trying the latest and greatest products in an effort to maintain youthful beauty. As a result, women are exposed to more toxic carcinogens from beauty products than ever.”

How do you reduce your overall exposure? First, learn about certain ingredients to avoid, and watch ingredient labels. You can also try a few of these steps:

• Reduce your use of nail polishes. When you do use them, choose the non-toxic variety.
• Use mild soaps. Choose organic and those with few chemical ingredients, and avoid anti-bacterial types (read labels and stay away from “triclosan”).
• Choose fragrance-free products, or those with essential oils and natural-source fragrance.
• Reduce your use of perfumes and colognes, and/or choose organic varieties.
• Switch to natural, organic products like Pangea Organics or Intelligent Nutrients.
• Take a break from your products! Choose one day a week where you will cut down to less than 4 products used.

How are you reducing your exposure to toxic personal-care chemicals? Please share your tips.

Photo courtesy slynnro via Flickr.com.