Goal For The Green

A friend of mine sent me information on this very important topic.  The tone of the article pertains to pregnant women, but actually it is important information for everyone.  Kristen J. Gough, wrote this very   informative article, in which she shares results from a new study.  The study suggests that cell phones may pose some health risks to a pregnant woman’s developing baby.  But, before you toss your wireless phone, find out exactly what those risks may by clicking here.

What you need to know at the heart of the debate over whether cell phone use can cause health problems—not just in pregnant women but to anyone—is the way wireless devices work. A cell phone uses radio frequency waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, to transit messages to and from cell towers. For more information about this, check out what the Food and Drug Administration is saying, just click here.

These waves are the same as those your microwave generates to heat food but at a much lower amount. High amounts of these waves can disrupt body tissues—that’s one reason you wear protective shielding when you get an X-ray. Because stronger forms of this radiation, such as that used for X-rays, can be harmful to the body by damaging cells and DNA, it is called ionized radiation. Microwave ovens, cell phones, and other wireless devices also use electromagnetic waves to function, but because the radiation they produce is not thought to damage body tissue, it’s known as non-ionizing. Still, the body absorbs non-ionizing radiation generated from your phone. According to the FDA, which regulates radiation levels in cell phones, the amount of RF energy your body absorbs “is called the Specific Absorption Rate,” or the SAR level.

What concerns researchers, however, is that the long-term effects of cell phone use are still largely unknown. Cell phones may emit low levels of radiation, but does constant, heavy use amplify the effects of the radiation?

Available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones.  On the other hand, there is no proof, that wireless phones are absolutely safe.  Some studies suggest that some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.

The technology is simple and readily available. To date there are two billion people worldwide that use wireless phones.

What can you do If you are concerned about the potential hazards of cell phone use on your unborn baby, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).  First of all, don’t do anything that can interfere with your phones signal strength. The harder your phone has to work the more RF (radio Frequency) energy it is putting out.  Use it according to the manufacturer’s suggestions, just as it came out of the box.  No, rhinestone or rubber sheaths.  Use a blue-tooth whenever possible, and keep the phone away from your body, especially your belly, on a waist-clip or in a pocket. Just a few changes can make a big difference.

For more information on how you can protect yourself and your children click here.

What I like about the information above , is that a person can look at one thing and continue researching, if you are interested in knowing more.   Another wonderful and highly recommended source that you can listen to or read, is the Electro Pollution Solution by Dr. Sherrill Sellman.

There is a new dealership in the town of Plymouth, Michigan.  No, not a car or motorcycle dealership, but a retail store that specializes in battery powered electric bikes, scooters and mopeds. The new store is called eco-Wheelz.com.

With such a large focus on the economy, high energy prices, and the environment, the timing of this new store is perfect. The bikes found there are 100% electric and provide an excellent and economical alternative to gas guzzling vehicles.

There are tons of economical and environmental benefits to this type of travel.  Currently there are three battery types to choose from.  Standard (SLA) is sealed lead acid.  Or you can upgrade to (NiMH) Nickel Metal Hydride, or (Li-Ion) Lithium Ion which reduces weight by allowing you to travel further, while maximizing the life of the battery.  Which ever battery you choose, you can travel up to 40 miles per charge, at approximately 20 mph.  Best of all there is no insurance or registration necessary.

You can find more information and a recent press release here.

Eco-Wheelz is a family founded and operated organization.  Before founding eco wheelz, President Jeremy Panizzoli, operated a successful online marketing firm specializing in web development and online advertising.  He is the key player in the daily operations.  It is his expertise in advertising and marketing that are the driving force behind the “brand.”

Vice-President and co-founder Craig Panizzoli, spent 33 years as an engineer at Metaldyne.  He was hard hit by the changes that have occured in the auto industry.  Being frustrated by high energy prices and the effect that they have had on the economy, he was ready to make a change.  He did the research that led to the formation of eco-wheelz.  Craig brings his extensive technical background and sales experience to the business.  He also leads the maintenance shop. Together they have the perfect business at the perfect time, while keeping it all in the family.

The first ever national survey on attitudes toward autism, was recently conducted for the Florida Institute of Technology.  Of the 1,000 randomly selected adults, results revealed that nearly 24% , or one in four, believe the disease is caused by childhood vaccines.  This group feels that because vaccines may cause autism, it is safer to not have children vaccinated at all.  Still, another 19% were unsure how they feel about the ongoing controversy.

The Centers for Disease Control, currently reports that the odds of autism affects one in every 150 children born in the United States.  The public concern about vaccines arose from a controversial British study conducted in 1998, that linked autism to the MMR vaccine, which then contained the preservative known as thimerosal.  The authors of that study, later retracted their findings, and thimerosal was removed from all vaccines in 2001.  However, the results of this just completed survey in Florida, suggests that in general, the public is still confused.

The survey commissioned by the Florida Institute of Technology, specifically asked its participants about the preservative and autism.  The results were as follows: 19% agreed with the statement “Autism is caused by a preservative once found in vaccines.”  Another 43% were not sure of this statement, meaning that fewer than half (38%), felt that no link exists between the vaccine and autism.

Part of the confusion may stem from the fact, that there still is no known cause for autism, and people are searching for answers.   Scientist still say that there is no evidence that links vaccines and autism.  Still, there is a lingering fear and unsureness that is leading to fewer parents having their children vaccinated.   The result , according to an August article in The New York Times , states that in the first seven months of 2008, measles cases grew at the fastest rate in a decade.  Cases in Britain, Israel, Italy, and Switzerland are said to be soaring as well.   Fear and anxiety over the ever increasing incidence of the disease, may be leading people to make their own decisions whether to vaccinate or not.

In Other News

The only scientifically proven treatment for autism in young children (ages 3-5), is ABA (Advanced Behavioral Analysis) or 1:1 treatment.  It teaches how to learn.  The use of repetitive skill building techniques, helps children with autism, create a foundation of neural pathways, needed for learning in the general education system.

Some preschools may have fallen behind the curve in offering ABA.  Preschools that have this program in place, save the Department of Education, money in the long run for these children in the 3-5 age group.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends 25-30 hours per week of intense ABA therapy for young autistic children in this age group.  The Department of Education, wastes large amounts of money fighting parents, who insist on proper education for their autistic children.  The DOE, could instead put those funds to better use by implementing ABA in all preschools.

It is afterall, a parents right that effective education for autistic children be readily available to all- not just those who have a fat wallet, or can afford a high priced lawyer.