Experts say...

Some Sunscreens Are Useless

by: Sharon Kirkey

Many sunscreens on the market provide little protection and may even contribute to skin cance, medical experts at a symposium on diseases related to ultra-violet radiation said Wednesday.

And the concerns they raised have prompted the federal government to consider tougher regulations.

Dr. David McLean, a University of British Columbia dermatologist, says lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of less than 15 shouldn't be allowed on the market because they're not providing sufficient protection.

by: Mary Frances Hill

The popular rappers Public Enemy said it first, and now a Richmond hairstylist has adopted a choice phrase for beauty consumers: "Don't believe the hype."

Don't believe the slogans and ad jingles for shampoos and conditioners guaranteeing volume, shine and control; don't believe the well-paid model when she tells you how a skin cream has changed her life, says Peter Jovan, a Richmond hairstylist.

Calling themselves the Human Safe Network, and encouraging their audiences to use "human safe" (non-toxic) beauty products, Jovan and his wife Janica will hold seminars for stylists and the public across the country, beginning with Calgary and Toronto dates in September.

Erla's newsletter for
Non-Toxic Living
August 18, 2003
Published by Erla Charles

Consumer awareness articles for my customers, website guests, friends, and family :-}

Skin Care: 5 Things that Harm Your Skin

Have you ever read the labels on your shampoos, bubble baths, and other cosmetic products?

Did you notice the listing of ingredients you have no idea what they are?

Would you ever suspect that some of the chemicals listed on the lables could seriously harm you, even the ones you've grown to believe are so safe that you can use them daily on your baby?

Erla's newsletter for
Non-Toxic Living
August 7, 2003
Published by Erla Charles

Consumer awareness articles for my customers, website guests, friends, and family :-}

It is common knowledge that soda companies have given schools millions of dollars in sales commissions for the privilege of selling sodas to kids.

Hey, sodas are even sold in health clubs where people are trying to loose weight!

Our environment is being overloaded with products that only endanger our future quality of life.

Erla's newsletter for
Non-Toxic Living
July 18, 2003
Published by Erla Charles

Consumer awareness articles for my customers, guests, friends, and family :-}

In my previous newsletter I promised I would share some more about the Bt potato in this edition.

To fulfill this promise, I have a very informative clipping article to share with you today.

We are already suffering the consequences of too many chemicals that have been released into our modern day environment and products. When these chemicals were introduced, they were taught to be safe. But, today, our increasingly toxic world is taking its toll.

Erla's newsletter for
Non-Toxic Living
July 11, 2003
Published by Erla Charles

Consumer awareness articles for my customers, website guests, friends, and family :-}

We are living in a world of huge technological changes. One of the newest developments is Genetically Engineerd foods (GE foods), a.k.a. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Today, as part of Consumer Awareness, I'd like to share with you a little bit about GE foods. My intention is not to scare you, but to let you know that you have options to help you avoid terrible consequences and preserve your quality of life.

by: David L. Kern

Your children may be in danger from baby shampoos, skin lotions, baby wipes and toothpaste. According to doctors and medical researchers in the United States, Japan, Switzerland and Germany; two common ingredients found in ordinary shampoos and skin products may be linked to cataracts, cancer, eye damage and even blindness in young children.

Is Your Child at Risk?

The greatest concern of many scientists is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent found in about 90% of shampoos. This chemical has been shown to damage proteins in the eyes of young animals. Some doctors think these chemicals may cause eye damage and blindness in babies and young children.

SLS goes through the skin and builds up in the eyes of youn animals in clinical studies. It penetrates into the eyes, and is also held in the brain, heart and liver. A single drop of SLS stays in the brain and body for five days. This means that if you wash your child's hair more than once a week with a shampoo containing SLS, your child has constant levels of this harmful chemical in his eyes, brain and body all the time. And since SLS is absorbed through the skin, it does not have to enter the eye directly. Anywhere it touches the skin, it goes in.

Tips to Protect Your Little Ones

by Erla Charles

Skin cancer is a killer and it's increasing dramatically. One bad burn during childhood can double a child's risk of developing skin cancer later in life. A research shows 80% of a person's lifetime damage from ultraviolet rays from sun occurs before age 18.

Experts offer the following advice to help protect your children.

Keep babies under 12 months out of direct sunlight. Newborns should be protected in a covered stroller, cradle or under a sun umbrella.

Toddlers and older children can play in the sun, provided the following precautions are taken:

• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed areas. Pay particular attention to ears, nose and upper foot area. Re-apply often, especially after swimming.

• Cover your child with a sunhat, T-shirt and shorts, especially between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the summer. The shorter your shadow, the more damaging the sun.

• Be aware of reflected light, particularly light reflected off water.

• Cloudy days can often cause serious sunburns. Up to 80 percent of the sun's harmful rays can penetrate haze, light clouds and fog.

• If your child is taking medication, check with your doctor before allowing her in the sun. Some medications react with sunlight, producing a rash, redness or swelling.

• Be especially vigilant if your child has fair skin and red or blonde hair. These childrens are most at risk for developing skin cancer as young adults.

To find great, safe sun-protection products...

1. Log on to: my Neways store
2. Click on "Products" to access the online catalog.
3. Scroll down and click on "Sun Protection."

I highly recommend the SUNBRERO (item code # 5794), a sun-block that provides safer sunning and full-spectrum ultraviolet protection from both UVB and UVA rays. In addition, it's SPF 30, and is formulated without ANY harmful ingredients. The very best support against premature aging of your skin and against skin cancer. .