How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products

 United Nations-sponsored research released Tuesday links man-made chemicals in everyday products to increased birth deformities, hormonal cancers and psychiatric diseases, reports Reuters. As a 25-year mom of two girls and two boys, those findings don't surprise. They do concern me, however. As a special-needs teacher and health writer, I've followed findings on phthalate and BPA (Bisphenol A)-- chemical plastics connected to health problems-- for years.  First Person: How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products 

Rats, Rodent Infestation--Health Tips

To stem a rat problem in metro Detroit, St. Clair Shores, a suburb of the city, proposed a $5-per-rat kill bounty. A flood of negative feedback from locals caused the city to nix the plan, says the Detroit Free Press. Here are tips rodent infestation and rat removal.  Detroit Suburb Residents Give Rat Bounty Big Thumbs Down 

Protein, Meat Food Swaps to Cut Calories, Lose Weight

I started dieting 18 months ago. I wanted to lose weight and develop healthier eating. Initially I ate a vegan-vegetarian diet. Since then, I've tweaked my protein intake to include healthier meats and protein sources. Using these food switches, I 've cut out roughly 1,000 calories a day.

* Eat modified vegan. Normally, I don't cut food entirely. I find I crave whatever I eliminate. I've stopped eating eggs and beef, however. Both cause digestive problems. I've greatly reduced dairy and substitute plain yogurt (as protein) for sour cream, butter, margarine, milk, cream cheese, ice cream and cottage cheese. I eat fish regularly, white meat chicken occasionally and pork rarely.  Protein, Meat Food Swaps to Cut Calories