Hanging By a Thread

5 Things You Should Know {On the Secret to Being Happy in Life}

This list just came to me one afternoon. As I age and become more comfortable in my skin, these are the "rules" I try to adhere to, in general.

Of course, there more to each of these succinct statements and these few words are not the be all and end all of a happy life, but I have been reading a lot about happiness v. joy and what makes us happy, etc.

And when it comes down to it, it's pretty simple. These points say nothing about work or faith or economic status or age or stage of life. These 5 (really 6) statements can apply to anyone and everyone, regardless of the level of ease of comfort of one's life.

 

1. Say No when you need to
2. Say Yes when you want to
3. Be present in the moment as much as possible
4. Don't feel guilty when you need to retreat from the world around you and be alone with your thoughts
5. Embrace where you are now and where you have come from, who you are now and who you are becoming, what you are doing and how you are getting where you are headed by refusing to give up or give-in, learning from your mistakes, continuing to move forward step by step, day by day and always offering a smile to everyone you meet.

Oh, and indulge a bit here and there! These moments are the cherries on top; shiny and sweet.

 Life is simple if we learn to travel lightly and ride the waves. This is not always an easy task, but one worth striving for. Over and out... {now humming "Don't Worry, Be Happy"}

Anna

Related articles

5 Things You Should Know {New Moms}

Gut Feeling {A Gluten Free Update}

Clear Answers

"If it wasn't so easy, this would be hard." Sounds like a Yogism, doesn't it? But it's not. Nope. I said it. And Will laughed. But I meant what I said.

Three months ago, we, as a family, went gluten free. It was a trial. Would it make a difference with the increasingly bothersome symptoms? Would it be too difficult to give up the gluten-laden foods? Would we have trouble sticking to a limited diet? We now have answers to those questions.

It has made a remarkable difference. It has not been hard at all. We don't feel as if we are giving up anything. And if I'd known I'd feel this good and it would be this easy, I'd have gone gluten free years ago.

One of the best and most unexpected results is no more migraines, which I've experienced since I was a teen. A few other added bonuses; I've dropped a pants size and I'm not always craving food. But the reason it became necessary to try a gluten free diet was the joint pain, the painful skin rash and the painful bloating after every meal; that's a lot of pain.

Gluten Free Trends

Interestingly, I have begun to see articles online, in parenting magazines and in news magazines discussing the pros and cons of being gluten free. Many of the articles I've read are clearly written by people who have not experienced distressing medical issues and found relief by eliminating gluten from their diets. Some of the articles seem to think that going gluten free means withholding all whole grains; which is unhealthy. Many of the articles are written in the tone that I used to have about the idea of gluten free; that is, slightly hostile.

The hostility stems from a feeling of "Do you think you're better than I am since you aren't eating gluten?" "I mean we all have some digestive issues, aches and pains, skin conditions, etc., but that doesn't mean I have to stop eating baguettes and croissants and pasta and pastries full of gluten-based flour." "You do whatever you want, but I'm just as healthy as you are with my gluten!" "And really, is that kind of diet even healthy – whole wheat is healthy!"

I know this because these are the hostile, defensive feelings and thoughts I had about a gluten free diet for several years prior to throwing in the towel when my health issues continued and intensified.

The truth is that our diet has actually improved since giving gluten the old heave ho. While we always avoided artificial colors and flavors and processed foods and ate fresh veggies and fruits and whole grains and limited meat, we had become stuck in a rut with meals and snacks.

We now eat even more fresh and varied (and mostly organic) fruits and veggies, and we eat other types of nutritious whole grains. We read labels with renewed vigilance. We eat flavorful and delicious foods. We have given up only ill effects caused by gluten.

Another common thread in these articles is that there are so few choices at the grocery store that it will mean giving up whole grains or making everything from scratch with a complicated blend of non-gluten flours. Here's the truth: there are a plethora of gluten free choices out there.

I do live in a large metropolis with lots of grocery store and restaurant options, including a variety of natural food co-ops, Whole Foods and Trader Joes which all offer lots of choices, but more and more companies are offering gluten free options. I can get my hands on muffins, breads, cookies, pizza, pasta, bars, cakes, basically anything my gluten free heart desires. There are flour blends and mixes and pre-made options galore.

Many of those pre-made gluten free "junk" food choices are expensive and not necessary for a healthy diet. So, we opt for fresh and from scratch most of the time and splurge every so often, just as we would if we were eating foods with gluten.

A Lesson in Gluten

I'm certainly not advocating for everyone to go gluten free, but if you are experiencing digestive issues, unexplained aches and pains in the joints or skin conditions, even migraines, problems focusing, then you may want to talk to a doctor and/or try ditching the gluten. There are even some articles citing studies that show that going gluten free may also help those who have ADHD/ADD or autism.

Now the thing is that with gluten free you either go big or go home! There is no wiggle room; no just taking one bite here and there; no cheating for one night; even a little can wreak havoc on your sensitive system. It can take several months for your gut to heal. So, give it a fair trial of 3 to 6 months and DON'T even think about cheating! But my guess is if gluten is your problem, after a few weeks you'll feel so much better that you won't want to cheat; it won't be worth it!

So, what is gluten? Where do you find it? What symptoms might tip you off that you should give this a try? What should you avoid? What is gluten sensitivity? What is celiac disease? What's the difference? Check out these sites:

http://www.celiac.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140

The Scoop

So, if it wasn't so easy, this would be difficult! I do wonder what kind of difference it would have made if I would have tried this several years ago, but the simple fact is I wasn't ready then. In January, in the throes of my influenza induced fevers I had a gut feeling. I was ready to give it go. And I'm so glad I did.

What does your gut tell you? Over and out...

Anna

The Killing Fields {Out of the Mouths of Babes}

Why are We so Stupid?

My six year-old loves honeybees and everything to do with them. When I mentioned to him that many were dying or getting sick and weak and explained why this was happening this was his response.

"Don't people know that we need the earth to survive? I mean, it's the only planet we have to live on. So, if we are doing things to destroy our earth, we are basically destroying ourselves. Why do people do things like that?"

Man, I love this kid. He is so witty, so smart and so perceptive on issues so far beyond his 6 years on this earth! And he's right; it's that simple....if we are doing things that destroy our earth and the living, growing, working organisms on our earth, we are destroying ourselves.

The Need for Bees

In the last few years, I have read several articles on our dwindling population of honeybees and the concern over this issue. In the last few months, I have read and seen a continual flow of articles on this topic.

The concern is growing. Some say this may be the worst year on record for honey production, but honey is not the only issue. Honeybees are needed to pollinate over 95 different fruits and vegetables crops, including almonds, berries, avocados, apples, pumpkins and pears, to name just a few.

Since 2006, honeybee numbers have been closely watched, with beekeepers losing approximately 30 % of their bees a year; however, this winter keepers are reporting a 70 to 90 percent loss. This spells trouble for all of us who eat food.

The Killing Fields

So, what is sickening our honeybees? Well, the buzz word, if you'll pardon the pun, is pesticide, and not just any pesticides, but a certain class.

Scientists have linked this Colony Collapse Disorder to neonicotinoids. Included in this class are clothiandin, thiamethoxam, imidicloprid and sulfoxaflor, which are currently under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Neonicotinoids are applied before planting to coat seeds. The pesticide is then taken up through the vascular system of the plant and expressed through the pollen and nectar, which bees rely on for food," according to Paul Towers of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Apparently, these pesticides linger in the soil affecting the next crop, as well.

Consider this, "In the United States, such neonicotinoids are routinely used on more than 100 million acres of corn, wheat, soy and cotton and are in some home gardening products." Thomson Reuters

It's not just bee populations being destroyed; it's also bats, birds, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals. They too, play a large role in pollinating our plants. According, to North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, some species have seen a 90 percent decline in their numbers just in the past decade.

Taking Action

A couple of weeks ago, four professional beekeepers and five environmental and consumer groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA. In the lawsuit, the groups claim , "the U.S. environmental regulators are failing to protect honeybees and their role in pollinating important food crops, and should immediately suspend use of some toxic insecticides tied to the widespread deaths of the bees." science.ncbnews.com

"Despite our best efforts to warn the agency about the problems posed by neonicotinoids, the EPA continued to ignore the clear warning signs of an ag system in trouble," says Paul Tower of PAN. It's also worth noting that in Europe, the European Commission has proposed a ban on neonicotinoids because the European Food Safety Authority found that there is a high risk to the health of the honeybees when this class of pesticide is used.

The Scoop

We all eat food. If our crops fail here and/or abroad because there are no honeybees to pollinate them, then prices go up, food is scarce and we are all adversely affected.

There is an ever mounting pile of crap that leads to companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer and other companies manufacturing pesticides and manipulating seeds and plants. Believe it or not, it was just a few years ago that such pesticides from the neonicotinoids class began being used widespread to grow stronger, disease/pest resistant crops. Unfortunately, this was done at the expense of health of humans and animals. I believe we are only starting to see the repercussions of the use of such strong and harmful chemicals.

So, why should we care about this issue? Because it matters to all of us; that is, all of us who eat food. More to come on this and other food issues. Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Current Events}

I have been strapped to my computer for weeks now working on my projects for which I get paid; and every once in a while I would reward myself with surfing Facebook or news sites for stories to read. I bookmarked quite a few for future posts, but I thought I'd share a few that make me think, shake my head or put a smile on my face.

Here are 5 such headlines:

1. This one got to me because I can see myself in these parents' shoes. I tried to think what should they have done differently? What would I have done differently? But I think what they did was reasonable and something I could have done myself: Captain Diverted Plane because Parents Make Complaint about In-flight Movie.
2. Although I'm not personally touched by autism, I am fascinated by the research and treatment regarding autism. This is an important piece of legislation to watch if you are in Georgia or any of the other 17 states that don't provide that insurance must cover treatment for autism. Plus the treatments described in this article are encouraging and the stories uplifting: Mothers Fight to Pass Ava's Law for Autism Coverage.
3. I'm OK with this trend. I'm not a fan of tobacco. It stinks; it's unhealthy; and I'm sorry if that is offensive to you, but this is my opinion, and I wouldn't hire someone who smelled like cigarettes if put in such a position: Smoking Harmful to Your Employment.
4. I love A Farmgirl's Dabbles. Brenda's recipes and photos are amazing. I always pause and click when I see Brenda post a recipe link on Facebook. And when I came across this recipe. Ohhhhhh, my mouth watered... I may have even drooled a bit. I will be making this: Sweet-and-Salty Honey- Cheese Spread!
5. Lastly, I found this article interesting considering how often I see these henna tattoo vendors at local fairs and festivals and other events. This temporary body art can be quite beautiful and the lines are usually long and full of children. But beware and think twice before you or your child gets in this line: Temporary Black Henna Tattoos Could Leave Permanent Scarring.

Have a wonderful weekend! Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits {Food; What’s Fit to Eat?}

I love to eat. I love to eat really good food. I love to cook food in. I love to get food out. I read labels. I read articles. And lately, everywhere I look I see issues with food; food full chemicals; food genetically modified; dirty food; mislabeled food; food with hidden additives, preservatives and ingredients; food that could make you sick.

Is it that hard to nourish a body without ingesting something harmful? The simple answer appears to be yes.

It's almost enough to make one move to the wilderness, live off the grid and produce all of one's own food. Almost.

It just shouldn't be this difficult to eat healthy, fresh, clean, nutritious food.

In the last few weeks, I have been collecting articles involving food issues. Here are a few of them:

1. Your Reusable Grocery Bags Could be Harboring Bacteria! A number of cities are going "green" by banning all plastic and paper bags at stores via city ordinances. The consumers are to supply their own reusable bags instead. An admirable move it would seem, but a recent study by the American Chemistry Council shows that the reusable bags often left in hot cars and rarely washed are harboring a multitude of bacteria, including E. coli. Fortunately, more than likely this won't make you sick according to at least one report. Washing them isn't a bad idea though.
2. Shrimp Fed on Pig Poop! Now that's appetizing. About a third of our seafood is coming from China and the surrounding areas. Pig, human and goose feces is often used to feed the shrimp and tilapia, etc., the tap water used to make ice to put on the seafood is contaminated and the conditions of the farms producing the fish and shellfish are downright disgusting and dangerous to our health. Only a small percentage is inspected, and much of what is inspected is rejected.
3. Looks Like Tuna, Sold as Tuna, Often Not Tuna. The Los Angeles Times reports Oceana found in its study that nearly 60% of tuna sold to consumers, at both restaurants and grocery stores, is not tuna. In fact, most of the mislabeled tuna was the extremely oily fish escolar, which can cause explosive diarrhea. Of course, this issue is not exclusive to tuna, mislabeling is quite common with many fish.
4. Aspartame a Part of Milk? The National Milk Producers Federation has asked FDA to change the definition of milk. They wish to have artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose included in the definition of milk. This way they can sneak these ingredients in without having to list them.

Many of these issues involve the food industry powers that be trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumers so they can sell more and make more money. I like to think that we, as consumers, are savvier than ever and are more conscious of what we are putting into our mouths, but then again, I'm not so sure that enough of the consumers are paying attention to these issues to force the hand of those producers and brokers and growers and marketers to make a difference...yet. Over and out...

Anna

#GF {Gluten Free}: Ditching the Gluten and Opting to Feel Good

New Year/New Eating Habits

After denying the signs for a while and toying with the idea for a while longer, I finally made the jump to gluten free. I won't bore you with the detailed description of why this became a necessary choice; and frankly, it's none of your business anyway.

I welcomed the change though. I was beginning to feel stuck in a lazy rut, food-wise. I love good, fresh food; I even love to prepare it and create new dishes and combinations, but for too long my focus had not been on our meals; and this seemed like the appropriate segue.

The Meal Plan

For me to make this work, I needed a plan. It couldn't be haphazard grocery shopping and half-hearted meal planning.

I did some research and found some sites that made me feel like this was something I could do without much stress or confusion. Then, I picked up the Park Nicollet Health Newsletter I'd gotten in the mail and found Beth Dooley's {I love Beth Dooley's recipes} super easy, super soothing and soul warming ideas for roasting a chicken each week. And this gave my plan life.

I started by going aisle by aisle through Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Target taking stock of what choices I had available to me in a gluten free version, or perhaps was naturally gluten free. I gathered flours, crackers, mixes, breads, chips, veggies, fruits, pastas, rice, cereals, nuts and seeds, polenta, corn tortillas and cheese and two big roasting chickens.

I made a meal plan for the first week, each one incorporating chicken in a different way; chicken, veggie, rice soup, soft corn tortilla tacos with chicken, guacamole and cheese, spinach salad with peppers, pears, apples, cranberries, sunflower seeds with a balsamic vinaigrette, chicken salad with cashews, cranberries, mayo and lemon juice in lettuce wraps, nachos with falafel chips, chicken, black beans, salsa, guacamole and cheese.

We roasted the chicken with herbs and garlic in chicken broth with potatoes, carrots, onions and mushrooms on Saturday, then ate them in these meals through the week. It made the transition extremely simple. This week it's not all chicken, as we find our footing in this new way of eating.

Taking it Bite by Bite

It's been just a little over a week, and I already feel a difference. For one thing, I am really thinking about what we're eating. No more stopping for a quick snack at a favorite patisserie; no more running through the drive through; and no more having sandwiches or pizza delivered.

I have found that I no longer crave food, as I always have before. I feel lighter in my gut, and Will and I have both lost pounds; an added bonus.

I have discovered that it's not really about giving up things; it's about trying new options and adapting. Even the kids have accepted this new idea...for the most part. Darling 1 is more excited about it and seems to have gotten a grasp of what it means; Darling 2 is not quite willing to accept all that he is giving up...yet.

And while the whole family has ditched gluten for now; it may not be necessary for all of us to remain gluten free. But it's worth the test to see how we feel and act after several months of eating in this way. So far, it's been easy and tasty; another added bonus.

The Scoop

Have you ever changed your diet in a major way? What was easy? What was hard? Are you gluten free? What's your favorite gluten free blog and/or cookbook?

Right now I'm shooting from the hip and reading lots of labels, but I have come across some great recipes, including chocolate mousse and polenta crust pizzas, and one of my all-time favorite easy meals is gluten free: rotisserie or roasted chicken in a warm corn tortilla with avocado slices/guacamole and shredded cheddar cheese; so simple and so delicious. Over and out..

Anna

 

 

Getting a Handle on Health “Care” {Fighting the Flu and the System}

Urgent Care

I dragged my achy, feverish, hacking body out of bed, put a hat on my head and headed to a HealthPartners urgent care on Sunday evening. It was Day 6 of a losing battle with the flu. I was concerned that it might be turning to pneumonia and wanted a suggestion on how to get this horrendous cough to stop long enough for me to sleep and not wake up choking and gasping.

What I got was tired, used up, rude and rushed. I was the only patient in the waiting room, but I waited 45 minutes, which didn't ruffle my feathers at all. I was in a peaceful, quiet waiting room; I can't complain about that. My family had left me and walked up the block to eat dinner in a café.

When I was called back, it was just past closing time; something I had already noted. The nurse was friendly and compassionate, despite my awful cough and rasping, grating, whispering, squeaking, gravelly voice.

Lack of Care

Then, the nurse practitioner came in. She looked tired, but smiled. I was still hopeful.

But as I began to try to explain my chief complaints and concerns, she said, "I can't really hear you. Can I just get on with the exam? I was here late last night and it's been a long day."

To which I said, "I understand, I waited 45 minutes." To which she retorted, "45 minutes? Wow! That's an excellent wait time for this weekend."

To which I fixed my cold gray eyes on her and smiled and nodded. I now knew where we stood.

She did a quick exam and then sat down at the computer with her back to me, going through a checklist. She got to a line about my ears and said, "Well, your ears looked good." To which I said in a very firm whisper, "You didn't look at my ears."

At this point, she realized she was messing up. She tried to laugh it off with statements like "oh, I've just seen so many people this weekend;" "So sorry about that;" "Can I get you a bottle of water?"

Too late; I had already made a mental note to stop at the front desk and get the manager's name and number; and once I have a voice to be "heard" I will be calling to file a complaint.

In the beginning of the exam before even listening to my lungs, she asked me if I'd like a lung X-ray. I told I have no idea if I need one. Then, as I was leaving she said, "Well, I hope you don't have pneumonia." Really? Well, me too. That's why I came here!

Service with a Smile

Too harsh? I don't think so. I have high expectations of any customer facing profession. I have worked in customer facing positions at various points and in various capacities since I was 16. I have always had high expectations for myself in these roles too.

No matter whether the customer/patient/client you are seeing is #3 or #23 of the day, you better treat that person like he or she is the only person you are seeing that day. Tired? Feet hurt? Head hurt? Grin and bear it! Nothing less than what I have done myself. That's your job.

Where's the Love?

Unfortunately, this is not the only time I have received such poor health "care." Some months ago, I found myself feeling wretched a few days before I had to head out of town for work. I decided the quickest solution was to run to Target's "Minute" Clinic after dropping Darling 2 at preschool. I was the 5^th patient to be seen that morning, waited 45 minutes to see a doctor, only to be rushed through the exam because she had lots of people to see that morning. She even told me that she would ask the questions and all I needed to do was answer her. I flat out told her I'd never be coming back.

There are other ridiculous scenarios over the many of years of my life. And maybe it's just me; I somehow find all the quacks out there when I am at my sickest; or so it seems.

Fighting {For/Against} Reform

But here's my point; if this is the face of health care in our country why are so many fighting so hard against a reform?

If you honestly believe there is no room for improvement in care, both from the medical staff and the approach that is taken; you don't think that anyone and everyone in this country should have access to health care; including those with pre-existing conditions, young children and the working poor like the guy delivering you pizza on that cold, snowy night that you don't want to venture out in; and you see no room for improvement in our current insurance/medicare/medical care systems, then please leave a comment here explaining your point. I'm truly curious.

The Scoop

This issue is not about whether you fall in the red or blue category or whether you support our President. This is an issue about people, and the right way to treat each other!

And don't worry, Health Partners, I'll be talking to you soon, but I'm still trying to get over this flu...Day 10. Over and out...

Anna

The Words of 2012: A Brief Reflection

Clarity. That's the word that came to me on Sunday night as I sat staring at my blank screen. Clarity. As I age, some aspects of life become quite distinct and other areas that had previously been clear, seem to be shrouded in fog. It is the hope that by the time the wild blue yonder opens wide, all areas of life have become crystal clear.

Isolation. At this time of year, I feel reflective. And on Monday it was the word "isolation" that came to mind. This past year has been quite isolating for me; more so than any other year that comes to mind. There is a certain loneliness that comes from carrying heavy burdens and quietly passing by in the shadows while the others dance and laugh and carry on.

Chaos. The older my kids get, the more chaos they unleash. My life is in constant chaos between juggling all my duties and my kids and pets. Chaos is almost always the word that comes to mind.

Each of these words conjures up very different images. And yet, this is where I am at this point in 2012.

As I think about the past year, I recall that on December 31, 2011, I said that my mantra would be, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13" I can say with certainty that verse has served me well and carried me through this most difficult year.

So, it is with open heart and open mind that I look for clarity in those murky areas of life; try to embrace the chaos that is my life; and work to break out from the dark and lonely isolation of watching life pass by. Over and out...

Anna

Falling Through the Dark Portal: Seasonal Affective Disorder {SAD}

Words Elude Me

The words slowly float by on the low, gray clouds. I reach up to capture them, but I'm too slow. The fog is thick; my legs feel like they're stuck in cement. It's hard to think; it's hard to act; it's hard to write or cook or get up or accomplish much of anything.

A bad dream? Unfortunately, no.

It happens every year, and yet it takes me by surprise every year. I sit confused and bleary eyed at first trying to figure out what has happened; what's wrong with me. Then, I look outside at the gray nothingness and it hits me; I have stepped into that dark portal between fall and winter and am free falling into that black hole.

The Darkest of Days

You know, that time of year when you get up and it's dark; you take the kids to school and it's gray, damp and dreary; you go to pick up the kids and the dull sun has started to slip down behind the low, dark clouds; you run a few errands and emerge to find what little sunlight there was has slipped below the horizon; you glance outside and realize you better turn on the porch light for the husband because it's completely dark and the clock has yet to strike 5 o'clock.

Up in the northern regions, this happens in late October and lasts through the winter, but November and early December are the hardest as the days are especially dark and dreary. By mid-December the snow begins to make an appearance, lightening and brightening the night and day and this helps me immensely.

But at this moment, I am stuck in the dark fog that permeates my being.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

This is Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here's what the U.S. National Library of Medicine says about it:

Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months. Symptoms are usually the same as with other forms of depression:

• Hopelessness
• Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
• Increased sleep (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
• Less energy and ability to concentrate
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Sluggish movements
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

This about sums it up, but this year my appetite has decreased, which is a plus for me.

Treatment includes managing symptoms by sleeping enough, eating healthy foods, exercising, getting out in the sunlight, when possible and light therapy. I started using a lamp last year for treating my SAD symptoms.

These lamps use a very bright light (10,000 lux) that mimics light from the sun. The U.S. National Library of Medicine makes this recommendation regarding light therapy:

• Start treatment during the fall or early winter, before the symptoms of SAD begin.
• Follow your health care provider's instructions about how to use light therapy. A common practice is to sit a couple of feet away from the light box for about 30 minutes every day. This is usually done in the early morning, to mimic sunrise.
• Keep your eyes open, but do not look straight into the light source.
• Symptoms of depression should improve within 3 - 4 weeks if light therapy is going to help.

The Scoop

As I mentioned, I am caught by surprise each year by this annual visitor. I should have already started light therapy, but I will begin it now. And I will try to remember to pull out my lamp next September in anticipation of this dark portal.

How about you? Do the dark days affect your mood, upset your rhythm and break your spirit like it does mine? Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Disposing of Hazardous Household Materials}

It's true. I have a special affinity for chemical-free cleaning now that I've found Norwex. And it's also true that I think that everyone would be better off switching to Norwex for a cleaner, safer household.

But all that aside, here's what you need to know about disposing of traditional household cleaners containing harmful chemicals whether you're done with them for good {because you're using Norwex} or simply need to dispose of some cleansers.

1. Never pour cleaners with harmful chemicals down your drains, in the yard, in the street or in the trash;
2. Always read the warning labels and instructions for use and disposal on all your household cleaners; you'll probably be surprised by how many containers you shouldn't be throwing in your garbage that you probably have been tossing in the trash bin for years;
3. Never store hazardous products in food containers. Instead keep them in their original containers and never remove labels
4. Find the nearest hazardous waste disposal location in your area. My county, Hennepin County in MN, has 2 facilities available for getting rid of household chemicals, appliances, electronics and other hazardous materials. However, I was sorry, but not surprised, to find that a number of locations I searched in Texas did not have any such facility available. In this case, I suggest calling City Hall to inquire about how you should dispose of hazardous household materials in your area.
5. EPA suggests {and I agree} that you should reduce the use of cleaners containing harmful chemicals.

Note: Many household cleaners have been linked to causes of migraines, asthma, allergies, depression, cancer, central nervous system disorders and more. Remember the real clean is the absence of all odor; not the smell of bleach or pine sol or lemon or fresh scent.

Need more tips on how to reduce and/or eliminate hazardous chemicals? Check the EPA site. Over and out...

Anna