Victory!

After moms across the country expressed outrage that breast pumps and supplies weren't tax deductible, but items like artificial turf were; on Thursday the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reversed their decision! [1] Breast pumps are now a tax-deductible expense. Thanks go to the tens of thousands of MomsRising members who made their voices heard on this issue!



The petition read:
We urge the Internal Revenue Service to act immediately to reverse its decision and allow women to count expenses for breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies in their tax-sheltered health spending accounts as defined under section 213 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.


Hundreds of medical studies have shown that breastfeeding has health benefits for children, including reducing a child's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, leukemia, type 1 diabetes, and obesity. IRS regulations should reflect medical opinion, not overturn it.

Diet Therapy

Did you know.... Artificial colorings like red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blues 1, artificial flavorings, BHA, BHT, and TBHQ are all made from petroleum. In fact petroleum is commonplace in food and many of our everyday products. It is overlooked because the label does not say petroleum. Public interest is growing in this area and it's about time. The effects of petroleum are profound. During the 60's Dr. Feingold began his research linking diet to behavior.

The Feingold Program eliminates these additives:

Artificial (synthetic) coloring (these are red 40, yellow 5 and 6, blue 1, etc.)

Artificial (synthetic) flavoring

Aspartame (Nutrasweet, an artificial sweetener)

Artificial (synthetic) preservatives BHA, BHT, TBHQ

These additives have all been linked to behavior issues including:

Attention Deficits, Hyperactivity (ADD / ADHD)
Asthma
Autism, PDD, Aspergers
Bedwetting
Depression
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Learning Disabilities
Ear Infections
Eczema, Hives (Urticaria)
Eye Muscle Disorders, Strabismus, Nystagmus
Headaches, Migraines
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Seizures
Sleep Disorders, Nightmares, Night Terrors
Speech Difficulties
Tourette Syndrome
Violence, Aggression

MSG, household chemicals and salicylates are also a concern for us.

This youtube video is a good introduction to the Feingold philosophy and diet awareness.

Red 40

Ugh,  Why is Red 40 in SO many things!  I could write for hours about red 40.  Why, or why is this dye even allowed in our food supply?    You might wonder what is Red 40?  Color additives have been around for a very long time.  There are many.  Yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1 are some of the main ones.  Most of the time these additives are added to our foods to make them more appealing.  Mankind responds well to the color red.  Red Dye #40 (and all FDA certified dyes) is referred to as a "Coal Tar" dye.    The proper chemical name for Red40 is:
6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid
Try saying that 3x!!

My sons last basketball game was this afternoon.  They try hard.  Honors afterward included a cool trophy and a "goodie" bag.  The kids version of a goody bag usually include airheads, starburst, skittles, gummy worms, etc.  Unfortunately, all these have artificial color in them!   We have a trade in deal.  The kids know they can trade in the artificial stuff  for real stuff, like real chocoate or another real treat.  Sometimes we trade for quarters.  It works in our house.  The kids don't have to ask "Why can't I have this?"  And I don't have to say, "mom said..."

Corn, King Corn

We recently borrowed King Corn from the library.  The premise is 2 friends follow the path of a kernal of corn through planting, harvesting and distribution.  For families dealing with chemical/phenol/petro issues, this is a real eye opener.  Take a look at the trailer and tell me what you think.