The Prez' Cancer Panel

The President's Cancer Panel, established in 1971, just released a report urging tighter controls on how chemicals are used in this country. The report, which states that 300 contaminants have been found in umbilical cord blood, recommends that pregnant women pay careful attention to what they put in their bodies. Developing infants and newborns are extremely susceptible to the effects of these toxins. But even adults are vulnerable and a good rule of thumb is that what's good for a baby is good for a big person, too.

For those who might think this panel of advisers to Obama is probably a left-wing, extremist group, the fact is that two of the panel members were appointed by George W. Bush. This is a very mainstream bunch; there's nothing New Age about them. And while the panel cites a lack of strict laws and scrutiny by governing agencies for the chemical mess we're in, its findings also underscore the need for each of us to take charge of our health--right now. Government agencies and chemical companies simply are not invested in our well-being.

About 41% of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives. We can get hysterical and live in fear or we can get educated and take action. The panel has made the following recommendations:

1. Pregnant woman and parents of small children should choose food, toys, and garden products that are as chemical-free as possible.

2. If you are exposed to chemicals at work or elsewhere, take off your shoes before you come into your house and wash your clothes separately from other household laundry.

3. Drink filtered water.

4. Keep water in glass or stainless steel containers. Microwave food in ceramic or glass containers.

5. Choose food that has not been grown with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and growth hormones. Do not eat well-done meat.

6. Check the radon levels in your home.

So there you have it. A panel of cancer specialists recommends livin' as clean as humanly possible. Don't let the news make you crazy. But don't tell yourself you haven't the time or money to clean up your act. This is important stuff and easily done. We love you, so please try to stick around for a while.

And remember the basics that we talk about here: lots of whole grains, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds as snacks, lean meat and fish in moderation, healthy oils only, and no soda or sweetened beverages. In short, NO EMPTY CALORIES. And find a way to move your ass every day. Bend over and pick up things, vacuum the interior of your car, take any and all stairs, walk instead of drive to the post office, clean something, pedal something, chase a child or puppy, and be of service somehow, some way.

NOTE: I lifted this info right from Nicholas Kristof's op-ed piece, which ran May 6, 2010 in The New York Times. If you go to the paper's website, you can access the entire article. Thank you, Mr. K.