Q. Can you tell me something about pesticides?

A. Here are some facts about Pesticides that I gleaned from research on the topic. It is by no means a comprehensive discussion on the topic. I hope it helps.

(1) Did you know that pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) are found in our water, air and food?

(2) Are you aware that pesticides are strongly connected to such medical problems as cancer, abnormal changes in reproductive organs in people and animals, neurological problems, environmental sensitivities, increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, and flu like symptoms?

(3) Did you know that radioactively traced pesticides sprayed over England were discovered in Texas seven days later?

(4) Most of us realize that cities spray parks, roadsides, etc, and farmers spray crops. However, did you consider that your favorite stores, restaurants, hotels, hospital cafeterias, some schools, many apartment buildings and nursing homes spray twice a year as a matter of routine?

(5) Are you familiar with Agent Orange? A component, 2, 4-D of Agent Orange (a phenoxyacid herbicide) cause leucopenia (deficiency in white blood cells) and non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

(6) Dioxins or PCBs are considered the most toxic substances today. Did you know that the liver is the main target area for dioxins?

(7) Malathion, diazanon, and carbonates are some of the organophosphate pesticides that constitute 40% of all pesticides used mainly in buildings. Are you aware that although they disappear from the system within 24 hours, they cause delayed neurotoxicity involving the cerebral cortex, brain stem, spinal cord peripheral nerves, muscles and eyes?

(8) Ingested pesticides are often deposited in the fatty tissues and slowly released into the bloodstream and over the years contribute to autoimmune and degenerative disease.  Did you know that the brain contains many layers of fatty tissue? Therefore, we know where many of these pesticides are stored.
I could ask more questions but these few give you an idea of the dangers of pesticides to every living creature. One more question needs an answer. What can you do about it all? Here are a few suggestions.

- eat organic foods wherever possible
- eat more vegetables, especially of the cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower family
- buy local meat
- drink low fat milk
- do not store foods or heat foods in plastic containers
- join a group that is actively trying to change the pesticide laws

(Sources: Alive  # 180, Plastic Pollution: PVC's Toxic Life Cycle, pg. 100; Alive # 175, The Plague of Pesticides, Josef Krop, M.D., FAAEM, pgs. 16-17.; Alive # 163, Pesticide Drift: Invisible Violence, pg. 63. Organic Times, The Perfect Criminals, Dr. Fernando Moncayo, pg. 13.)

Q. What is self-advocacy?

 A.  Self- advocacy is the act of speaking up for or standing up for yourself. In order to be an effective self-advocate you need to know what you want, know what you do well and what you have difficulty doing. An effective self-advocate must be able to decide the best time to make their request and/or determine if the other person understands the need and suggested solution. Remember, even if you present your thoughts well the other person may react in a negative manner. This usually happens if a person thinks his authority is being challenged. He may feel intimidated because he does not know anything about the issue at hand. Good self- advocacy empowers people and allows them access to reasonable accommodations and strategies.

Characteristics of a self-advocate:
  A self-advocate is one who sees himself as deserving and is determined to speak up for himself. In other words, a good self-advocate has good self-esteem. A natural offshoot of speaking up for oneself is to speak up for others.

Q. Do you know anything about Repetitive Strain Injuries?

A. I came across this article in the LOSH info service newsletter, Spring, 2007. Although it is referring to Ontario students and workers the information is relevant regardless of place of residence.  I changed the article to fit within the perimeters of my site. Other than that it is as it appears in the newsletter.

Student Safety

Did you know that in the year 2004, there were 4,772 young workers in Ontario between the ages of 15 and 24 that were injured so severely by strains and sprains that they required time off to recuperate? Did you know there is a way to reduce this number? The aid comes in the form of The Student Teaching Project, a not for profit organization which strives to empower young students and workers by offering these young people information on Health and Safety in their workplace. This information includes things like their rights and responsibilities, how to deal with employers, WHMIS, and information on Personal Protective Equipment. Even better, other highly trained young people teach this course to young students and workers. The information is conveyed to the audience in a fun, interactive way, while also communicating the priceless importance of the course for young workers' safety.
The Student Teaching Project does their utmost to reduce the number of deaths and injuries to young workers in Ontario. Strains and sprains, mentioned above, are the most commonly reported injury to young people. The Student Teaching Project suggests that young people talk to their employer about rotating jobs instead of lifting heavy objects for hours on end, or taking regular breaks to reduce the strain. Always be sure to remember that no job is worth your health or even worse, your life.
Some common symptoms of RSI are; loss of strength, loss of joint movement, decreased coordination occurring in the injured area, tenderness, swelling and pain, tingling and numbness. It is imperative that these symptoms are not ignored. Early treatment prevents recurrent problems and chronic pain.