Did You Know
- Approximately 60,000 pounds of atrazine, a pesticide in "weed and feed" lawn products
is used each year in Austin. This toxic chemical is showing up in 72% of our groundwater
samples, 86% of samples from Barton Springs Pool and 100% of samples upstream of the pool.
Switching to straight fertilizer would help to keep our local waters more safe and beautiful!
- Good hygiene – meaning washing your hands after using the restroom
and before eating as well as using tissues when you sneeze or cough could help to stop the spread
of pandemic flu? For more information visit
cityofaustin.org/pandemicflu.
- A recent study has shown that exclusively breastfeeding until a baby
is 6 months old significantly reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission. Breastfeeding helps
infants immune systems so strongly that it remains key in reducing infant mortality.
- Growth-promoting chemicals in Beef could be partially responsible
for declining fertility in humans. A new study found that mothers who ate high beef diets while
pregnant have sons with significantly reduced sperm counts. For more information see
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6496977.stm.
New hope for Alzheimer’
s disease may come in the form of a patch vaccine. Testing is
not yet complete, but initial results are promising. For full story see:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6286689.stm
Adults
over 50 who use antidepressants in the SSRI group (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa,
Lexapro and others) may have double the risk of bone fracture. See
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6286681.stm
Selenium, a trace mineral,
has been shown to slow the progression of both cancer and
HIV by increasing immune cells known as CD4 cells. Normally 200 micrograms is the
RDA but in these situations higher dosages would be beneficial.
Want to
know if the supplement you are taking is worth the price? Check out
consumerlab.com for independent testing.
The smell and taste of Austin tap water right now is caused by blue-green
algae. The city of Austin has released information stating that it is completely
safe and harmless. For updates see www.cityofaustin.org/water. We would
suggest filtering for better taste.
Chlorine, found in tap water, public pools and
cleaning products - especially bleach - has been implicated as a cause of
cancer.
Metagenics has developed a new product to increase
insulin sensitivity called Insinase. People are reporting up to 50 point
drops in their sugar levels the first day of treatment!
If you leave your car at home one day a week,
you prevent 55 pounds of air pollution each year from being emitted into
our environment. And think of the money you'll save on gas, parking and
car upkeep!
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