Cinco Vidas

With the buzz getting louder about dangerous toxic chemicals in personal care products, you may find yourself convinced that it’s time to make some changes in your own life. Where do you start? Do you have to completely swear off cosmetics?

If you’re like me and love beauty treatments, skin care, and makeup, such a drastic step just isn’t realistic! Fortunately, we can take 12 simple steps to reduce our exposure and still enjoy safe products that not only make us look good, but feel like we’re doing something beneficial for our well being—and for the well being of the planet.  And as a rule of thumb, no matter what the claims are, always read labels! (more…)

You’ve probably heard about some of the dangerous chemicals that may be lurking in your shampoos, body washes, and skin moisturizers. Still, all the information flying around out there can get confusing, so we’ve narrowed it down to 7—seven ingredients that have been linked to cancer. Look for these on your label ingredient decks, and if the product has it, don’t buy it!

Phthalates: Chemicals produced from oil to make plastic, phthalates are also used as solvents in cosmetic products like nail polishes, perfumes, and hair sprays. They’ve been found in animal tests to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. The Environmental Protection Agency has labeled phthalates as probable human carcinogens. Human studies have found developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating with high phthalate levels in their mother’s bodies. Look for abbreviations like “DBP,” “DEP,” “DEHP,” “BzBP,” and “DMP.” (more…)

Most of us, in the jobs we have, are familiar with handbooks. We’ve probably failed to read them, as they’re not filled with the most intriguing material, but nevertheless, we’re aware that they present guidelines we’re supposed to follow while working with our employers.

Cosmetic manufacturers have such a handbook as well. It’s provided by the FDA, the organization that regulates the making of cosmetics, and it’s called the FDA Cosmetics Handbook. If you happen to browse through it (you’re probably holding your breath in anticipation of getting your hands on one), you’ll read a few things you might not have expected to read. Like this quote, for instance: (more…)

With the warmer weather, a lot of us are waking up in the middle of the night hot, and sweating—especially if we’re lacking an air conditioner! But if you’ve got cancer, you may be experiencing true night sweats—severe hot-flash type sweating that drenches sleepwear and sheets, may be accompanied by a flushing sensation or chills, and isn’t related to an overheated environment.

“My husband has a Non-Hodgkins Lympoma,” says caregiver mickigirl, “and he has had 3 chemos so far. He is still getting the night sweats though, and we thought they’d be gone by now.” (more…)