Recently in health Category

Last fall we saw a lot of confusion and concern over the chemical BPA, its inclusion in plastic items like baby bottles and other children's products and the FDA's conflicting advice about its safety. Last week the largest manufacturers of baby bottles in the US announced that they will stop selling bottles that contain bisphenol-A, a chemical that is used to harden plastics. Our Expecting Club and Playgroup moms react to the news:

 "I've noticed many bottles stamped BPA free. There also seems to be a LOT of glass bottles out that I don't remember seeing before." -- gapeachpc

"Last year when the scandal came out a lot of companies were super fast to respond to the new demand for the BPA-free bottles. Babies R Us wouldn't even carry bottles that contained it. I think it's great that companies are really taking stuff like this seriously."  -- eeyorezchick 

"I wonder if other brands in other countries will follow as well. I was in Switzerland last July and watching a consumer rights show and there was something about baby bottles, and not a SINGLE one available on the market in Switzerland is Bisphenol free! The only one that passed the test were glass bottles but glass isn't always convenient to carry around." -- cynhaller

"With my daughter there was no mention about BPA, so we have regular Avent bottles. But that was 2 1/2 years ago and I personally feel better with the BPA-free bottles. I just don't want to take any chances." -- laurspt01

Some moms, though, are wondering how we've survived so far using plastics with the now-verboten chemical. Are we being overly-cautious or better safe than sorry? Sound off here and let us know how concerned you are about plastics and chemicals in your home. 

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We all have those "hard to buy for" people on our lists, but Planned Parenthood of Indiana is offering one solution -- gift certificates for its services! Available in $25 denominations, the certificates may be just the thing for many women who are finding themselves uninsured or unable to otherwise pay for care. Of course this new gift on the block is also stirring up some controversy as opponents argue that the vouchers could also be applied toward abortions. And then there's the matter of giving and receiving these -- would you do it? Ok, maybe it's not something you'd bring to the office Christmas party or slip in a card to your Secret Santa, but do you think the gift of healthcare is a good idea or is it something that's a little "too personal"? We checked in with iVillagers to get their take on the matter. The ladies on the Lipstick Lounge board were more than happy to weigh in:

"I'm all for ANY way of reducing healthcare and prescription costs. I'm all for empowering people to take control of their healthcare." -- cl-melmentioned

"I'm pro-Planned Parenthood. I think they do a lot of good for a lot of people who would be in trouble without them.  However, I have to say, I think this is completely inappropriate.  I would never give one, nor would I accept one as a gift. I would actually be beyond insulted if someone gave me one. Geez. Talk about an awkward gift to feign excitement over.  Bad enough pretending you love that ugly sweater..." -- apple376

 

"I would never give this to someone as a gift. I think it's even a little disgusting for a gift idea to be honest, and would make an inappropriate gift in almost ANY situation." -- rhodapenmark

 

"For those who are not on public aid and don't have health benefits, but are working hard, possibly supporting families and scraping to get by, this might be a welcome gift. Not having access to healthcare is a big issue in our country. I can't imagine this idea was sparked by people who thought about giving them as stocking stuffers instead of a Bath and Body Works card or something!" -- michelle76nj

 

"I see absolutely NO problem with a parent buying their college child one. Sure they may say they don't need them but better safe than sorry if they decide they would like to go. Not all children are going to go to their parents and discuss this with them. I know I didn't." -- prinycesa07

 

A Florida mom's habit of diluting her son's formula nearly cost her child his life after the amount of added water resulted in malnutrition and water intoxication. This story spread like wildfire through our iVillage Playgroups and added fuel to arguments on the Breastmilk vs. Formula Debate message board. Many were shocked that this could happen and felt this incident is one sign that families are struggling with tough financial choices:   

"I'm afraid that the as the U.S. economy gets worse, that a lot more people are going to resort to this practice, because food banks and other organizations that help people make ends meet are already reporting that they're stretched beyond reason. Where I live, few women initiate breastfeeding and even fewer sustain it more than a few weeks. As the economy tanks, people will begin to do desperate things. There isn't much support for breastfeeding where I live, and formula feeding is actively encouraged." -- tanjanika

"I just feel sorry for any woman, whether she's poor or not, having to water down formula.  There are a lot of people in our country who don't qualify for WIC, yet are struggling big time to pay for formula.  Babies need food. Period. I think ALL babies should qualify for the food that they need to survive." -- four2008

"Times are tough for everyone. I don't understand how WIC is not enough for them. Maybe these people need to use the food pantry b/c WIC really isn't enough." - netlady

"My heart ached for this woman and her baby when I heard about this. Really, nobody tells you not to do this - and who would think or know that water would be harmful - I didn't know until I read it in one of the baby books. I hope she isn't vilified for it because that would not be kind at all. I really think (am assuming anyway) that it was purely an honest mistake, a case of really not knowing the dangers of water for a baby." -- jpo72

  

Others were, well, a little less forgiving:

"People can blame the economy all they want, but stupidity is stupidity. The directions for use on the formula cans are not 'suggestions' for use, they are directions." -- jenthebrat

Some moms wondered why there weren't other safeguards or educational programs in place for families relying on the WIC program -- and why a pediatrician wouldn't have noticed the child's failure to thrive, even if his mother did not. 

It can often feel like choosing the most enviromentally-friendly option can also be the most expensive, especially when shopping for organic foods and household goods. This can be frustrating for those just starting out on a more green lifestyle. There is still a prevailing feeling that going green is just too much hassle or expense. I admit, I feel like this sometimes, too. To combat that way of thinking, I just check out the great ideas iVillagers are sharing every day in our community. On our Living Simple & Green message board, cl-kellie0901 recently kicked off a discussion for iVillagers to share their tips on reducing, reusing and recycling -- all while saving money! They've shared over 50 tips so far, including these small changes you can do right now (yes you!):

"Install a programmable thermostat. There are inexpensive models available and they are simple to install. Set the thermostat for lower temps when you aren't home and when you are sleeping, and for higher temps when you want the house comfortable. What little you spend on the thermostat will be earned back in energy savings." -- revolutions

"Make at least one main meal a week meatless. Meat, especially beef, is expensive and not very enviro-friendly." -- laurajane28

"Go back to good old bar soap. You use it up and it's gone, while bath & shower gels leave you with a big plastic bottle." -- cl-kellie0901

Join in the conversation for more great tips -- and while you're there, share a few of your own!

It's Green Week here at iVillage. As a part of NBC Universal's green initiative, we're featuring some great content on going green, buying organic and eco-friendly living on a budget. On our Green Kitchen message board, iVillager jamie-rk raises an important point about buying local: 

"I have been trying to eat more locally for many reasons: environmental, freshness, food safety and cost. But I haven't really decided what 'local' means: 50 miles? 100? Within the state? Last week I saw a sign in my local Whole Foods (Oakland, CA) which read: Local Apples! Grown in Washington State! That seemed like a bit of a stretch to me. 

So, when you buy local, what do you consider local?"

 

Are you buying items with a local preference in mind? How local is local in your opinion? Share your thoughts on the importance of a product's origin and being a "locavore" here with us. 

I've been curiously following a really great discussion over on the Hot Topics in Health board about a Swiss restaurant's plan to incorporate human breastmilk into their menu items. Now PETA is apparently getting in on the act by petitioning Ben & Jerry's to replace the cow's milk in their Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby with human breastmilk. Now, I'm all for breastfeeding, but I also have to admit the opportunities for jokes in this story are too much for me to resist, so I am going to cut straight to the reactions:

"No way!  I don't care if they test everyone who donates the milk, things can be passed through breast milk and I am not going to drink somebody's bodily fluid. " -- amomalmost40

"Why not? Cow milk comes from a breast, too." -- daelaria

There are so many women who want more than anything to be able to breastfeed their babies but are unable to for one reason or another. Wouldn't a better use of all this apparent extra breastmilk be in offering it at an affordable price to women who can't breastfeed?" -- gal_marlena

They're also discussing this story on Breastfeeding/Lactation Consultant, Taboos, Breastfeeding and Breastmilk vs. Formula Debate boards. As cmcindik asks, "Would you, could you, dine on foods made with breast milk?" Well? We wanna know! 

Although questions about its unhealthy effects have been swirling around for a while, the recent promotional blitz for high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has proven to be quite a sticky subject. Some feel that the sponsors of these spots, none other than the Corn Refiners Association, are laying it on a bit thick. Others are considering that maybe a little HFCS isn't something to panic about. I have to admit that I was caught a little off guard when I saw the first commercial defending HFCS on television. (I also should admit that I enjoy many treats that count the sweet stuff as a main ingredient.)

The ubiquity of HFCS in everyday food items has also been a hot topic of conversation among the moms on our Expecting Clubs and Playgroups, who are doubly concerned about early childhood nutrition. Some experts are even pointing to HFCS as a culprit in the skyrocketing obesity rates as well as contributing to diseases such as diabetes. (You can also find more information on high fructose corn syrup here.)

They've been talking about the concerns over HFCS on the Frugal Famlies board. I think iVillager emily.n sums up what many are realizing:

"My biggest problem with HFCS is just that it is in so many things that people would never imagine."  

She goes on to elaborate on what I personally find to be pretty amazing, especially after I've tried in vain to find a product in my pantry without the dreaded HFCS in the ingredient list (or maybe that means I just need to change my shopping habits!):

"...it's even in things like bread, crackers, and soup (almost everything processed has a good chance of having it), you are probably eating way more than you realize, so most people probably aren't eating it in moderation and don't even realize that."  -- emily.n

These same sentiments are echoed by members of the South Beach Diet community:

"HFCS is in so many products -- I can't believe how many!  In fact, we have some dog treats with it in them -- dogs won't be getting those anymore. It is so unhealthy for people, can't imagine the affects on them. I think they use it as a cheap filler/binder and don't really care about anything else." -- suel2006

On Hot Topics in Health and in other communities, the focus is just as much on the idea of the commercials and food manufacturers' agendas as it is on the health effects of HFCS:  

"I just hope that people are able to see this type of advertising for exactly what it is: a desperate attempt to bring us back to a time where we didn't read the labels, or at least had no idea what some of this stuff really is." -- amy_belanger

"HFCS propaganda won't change my mind. The *name* just sounds bad to me, lol. I'll stick with my cane sugar, molasses, honey, and sorghum syrup, thank you very much." -- merigray

"I think the overall goal is to have a healthy diet that is generally natural and good for you. The media continues to latch onto single items or single ingredients and label them evil, the problem is that they continually change their coverage. Adding or eliminating a single thing is not going to make us all miraculously healthier. We need to use common sense, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and realize it's ok to have a 'treat' once in a while." -- amomalmost40

So where do you stand on high fructose corn syrup? Are you trying to cut it completely out of your life or do you think the backlash is just overreaction? Or are you, like me, a little on the fence? Are there foods you are just never going to give up no matter what? Tell me what you think about HFCS, the advertising campaign and other processed food concerns.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used to harden plastics, has been a topic of concern for many in the iVillage community, especially as conflicting reports about its safety have come to light in recent weeks. While an FDA report gave plastics containing BPA the all-clear, the safety of using the chemical has been called "inconclusive" by further research from the National Toxicology Program. BPA can be found in some baby bottles, canned food liners and other plastics. In our Playgroups and Expecting Clubs, moms have been sharing their worries as well as offering tips for finding BPA-free products. iVillagers have been also discussing this topic in our Hot Topics in Health, Breast vs. Bottle Debate and several other message boards. Some feel that plastics and chemicals are so prevalent there's virtually no way to avoid a possible issue, while others feel that the FDA is no longer a trustworthy resource:

"What causes concern for me is what I read about BPA possibly disturbing the endocrine system. I've been doing a lot of research on hormone imbalance and everything I have read talks about plastics and BPA and their adverse effect on the endocrine system. I know it is virtually impossible to eliminate these toxins but at least exposure can be reduced." -- carey239

"As to the issue of BPA's being considered 'safe', I agree that I'm not quite sure I would trust the FDA. That being said, we still use a lot of plastic in our household. We're living with my parents right now and my mother is the queen of plastic containers so I don't think there's any way we could completely avoid it at this point. I have bought BPA-free cups and such for [my son] but I'm sure he comes it contact with it from other sources." -- heavenly1127

"My goodness! How did we ever survive to have kids of our own what with all this poison in our homes? I have not changed bottles nor do I care to. I think people have a tendency to overreact about things because it has to do with our families." -- mckennagsmom

"It makes me so angry to think about it, just one more thing the FDA has screwed up to the detriment of our children." -- emilymara

"Just my very humble opinion but when I consider the source (FDA), that doesn't make me feel any better about me or my family consuming it." -- mygirlslilahandeva

"My son is three now and I really didn't know much about BPA when he was an infant. If and when we do it all again, I'll definitely be seeking out BPA free bottles." -- cl-kellie0901

Are you concerned about BPA in plastics or other possible chemical contaminants? How are you changing your habits or purchases based on this information? Tell me what you think about BPA, the FDA and the safety of the products we're buying.

Many children in the US were required to obtain certain immunizations to be able to go back to school this fall, but the debate over vaccines and their safety continues to rage on, even as the U.S. Institute of Medicine has issued a new report claiming they have been unable to replicate a study that linked autism with the measles vaccine and new research aims to take that claim one step further. There have been reports of an increase of measles outbreaks, yet the CDC states that vaccination levels for US toddlers are at an all time high. I'm not a doctor nor do I even play one on TV, so I will admit that these reports do leave me a little bit confused. From the looks of things on our boards, I'm not alone. Along with trying to decipher the onslaught of reports, many moms (and dads) are struggling with the decision to vaccinate their children in light of what some feel are disturbing trends (reactions to vaccinations, a sharp increase in autism diagnoses) as well as concerns over the ingredients used in most vaccines.

The latest updates have attracted some attention on the Vaccination Debate board:

"Autism is affecting people at alarming rates and they have no idea why. Very concerning to me when I have NO IDEA how to protect my baby guys from this! I would gladly take measles over autism ANY DAY!" -- momofbabyguys

"I have spent hours reading the studies they say PROVE they are safe... but the same studies only prove the vaccines ARE NOT SAFE! " -- rylandsmama

"I am not someone who is convinced either way about autism being caused by vax. I used to think this was a crazy idea, but have become more open to the idea after researching the link with vax and other neurological impairments. I am glad they are doing more studies, but I would like to see even more and on a much larger scale.

Measles is a disease I would consider vaxing my child for, but I need more convincing that it is safe and I would probably do it on an individual basis since I do not see Mumps or Rubella as serious diseases." -- tahoecindy

 

I'm not sure who started this trend, but over the past few years it seems that we have all become celebrity baby crazy. Absolutely bonkers. Forget when their next blockbuster debuts, we're more obsessed with when they're going to give birth, what sort of designer clothes will be in their layette, and of course, what the name of the little tyke will be. While we wait for the latest cover shot of the uber-famous newborns and their perfect parents, the reality for most moms is that the post-baby body isn't always what we hope it would be. Most every mom I know has struggled with losing pregnancy weight, not to mention coming to terms with fun stuff like stretch marks or that little pouch of belly that never seems to go away. I know you know what I'm talking about. Even though these issues (and the feelings that swirl around them) are common and normal, all of the public hype around celebrity pregnancies and the quick recovery of their superstar bodies may be creating an even bigger perception of not measuring up.

Post-pregnancy body image and losing the baby weight is a big topic in the iVillage community. rachnriley from the June 2008 Playgroup likely speaks for many new moms when she writes:

"Obviously, I am not exercising and I am eating too much and not the right things. So, it's not that I don't know why, it's just depressing because I know I won't be doing anything about it for awhile! With three kids and trying to work part time, I am just tired and hungry and don't have the mental capacity to try to either exercise or eat better."

As someone who works in front of a camera, nervous1sttimer2007 offers her fears:   

"I really will have to lose this weight before I go back to work, though. I'm a television reporter, and my bosses will freak. I'm serious -- one of my colleagues came back overweight after pregnancy, and viewers actually called to chastise her about her weight gain! Seriously -- they'd tell her she needed to lose a lot of weight, and ask her how "she could have let herself go" so much. It's horrifying, so I feel a lot of pressure."

 

Member newlamom is close to the Hollywood action in Los Angeles and sounds off on the unrealistic expectations celeb moms and the media are putting forth. ...