In my family I have one overfed dog, 3 nephews and one niece under 18, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 2 sisters-in-law and my mom scattered among all different environments: ocean, woods, and mountains.
That means each summer I look for products that can cover all ages, species and places.
For a product to pass muster, I look for three key points:
1) As a chiropractor, I want products that are
natural.2) As someone who is fussy and time-starved, I want products that are
effective.3) As an Aunt, I want products that are
safe.The following are my Summer 2007 favorites, check them out.
BITES
For me the best way to take care of an insect bite is to avoid it. This approach is especially important if your area is affected by West Nile Virus, as Boise is. I know several people who experienced this virus and it is no way to spend the summer.
My critera:
1)
NATURAL
I look for natural insect repellants to indicate they are DEET-free.
2)
EFFECTIVE
I look for a variety of easy ways to get insect repellant on me and my clothes: sprays, oil,
or towelettes.
3)
SAFE
-I always test each product on an area first before I apply it to my whole body.
-None of the adult products are recommended for children.
I'll list products below, see their websites if you are interested in more specific information:
1) For Adults--All Terrain Herbal Armor Insect Repellant - spray, time-released.
They have a great website at www.allterrainco.com/insect_repellent.html
--Oshalhi - an essential oil
--Buzz Away Extreme - towlettes + other products.
2) For Children - I found only one product that is kid-friendly:
--All Terrain Herbal Armor Insect Repellant for Kids
For children 6 months and up, website listed above.
3) For PetsSafe pet products are really important - for pets, for adults that are around them, and for the kids that roll around with them.
--Ark Naturals Neem Protective Products (Shampoo and Spray).
BURNS
For me the best way to take care of sunburn is to avoid it. And these days there really is no excuse for being burned, there are too many great products and choices that promote the sun-kissed look.My criteria:
1)
NATURAL
-For protection, I look for natural products that are mineral based, with ingredients such as
titanium dioxide.
Minerals provide a broad spectrum reflective barrier to protect from UVA + UVB rays.
-For repair of existing sun damage, MyChelle Dermaceuticals has a new product line just for
this concern. Products include apple brightening cleanser, mist, serum, and peel, see
www.mychelleusa.com.
2)
EFFECTIVE
Foundations with high SPF's can be on the light side, so when I want more of a bronze look
I add a few drops of a sheer bronzer (like Dr. Hauschka's) and being both bronze and
protected is as simple as mixing them together.
3)
SAFE
-Skin cancer is now the most common cancer, striking more than 800,000 annually in
the U.S.,
and how many people don't have skin cancer but have wrinkles, sun spots, and
discoloration? Applying protection daily is essential for both health and beauty.
-All of the sun products below indicate they are safe for children (most say over 6 months)
there are 2 companies I found that make a natural product just for kids.
-Sun protection should start EARLY, and it's especially important to reapply often to
wet, slippery children.
Products listed below, see their websites for more specific information:
1) For Adults--Alba
Mineral based, great product line, includes a variety of SPF's, scents, no scent. See
www.albabotanica.com/index.php?title=Sun+%26+Your+Skin--Aubrey products
--Badger products
--Nature's Gate products
--Also check your favorite natural cosmetic line, most offer sun products (see Mychelle site above).
2) For Children--Alba
Kids Mineral Based Sunscreen, SPF 18, SPF 30+, website listed above
--Nature's Gate SPF 30 for Kids.
BOTTLESThe biggest problem I have with drinking water is what to drink it in?
Research is showing more and more problems with plastic bottles and they are now a special concern for pregnant moms. Bisphenol A, found in polycarbonate plastic water containors, is one of the chemicals receiving a strong warning from the world's leading environmental scientists, as evidence grows that human fetuses are "programmed" for diseases by their early environment.
For those interested, the conclusions statement from the May'07 conference on the Human health effects of developmental exposure to environmental toxicants:
www.pptox.dk/Consensus/tabid/72/Default.aspxGlass and stainless steel present as the safest choices, although neither are ideal for other reasons. I avoid aluminum as there is a debate about how aluminum affects that nervous system.
Following is an excellent article on bottle alternatives:
Water, water everywhere, but not a safe bottle to drink?
www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/archives/bottled-up/--Stainless steel choices
1) Klean Kanteen
2) checkout REI
--Glass
1) No need to buy a special bottle, just recycle a VOSS water bottle, or any other glass containor.
2) You can now buy "sleeves" for glass bottles, try outdoor stores or local natural food stores.
So this is my summer shopping list for bites, burns and bottles. Off to the store now.........
Be Spine Tingling,Dr. Madeline Behrendt
iwomenfilm@gmail.comFor information and education purposes only.
