Body Sense

Winter 2013

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Unfortunately, since the government doesn't require safety testing of personal care products, brands can make greenwashed claims like "all natural," while still using almost any chemical or synthetic ingredient they want, regardless of safety. The key is to always read the fine print on product labels. If there's an ingredient with which you're not familiar, check it out through sources like Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database (www.ewg.org/skindeep). Keep in mind, too, that an ingredient is not necessarily safe or helpful just because it is natural. With so much information to keep track of, what's a lotion-loving, pampercraving mama to do? Simply follow this handy cheat sheet of tips and tricks. First and foremost, keep in mind the choices you make today will impact your developing baby for a lifetime. Studies have revealed a shocking average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood. While you're pregnant, your body is not just your own—it's your baby's, too. Avoid products containing ingredients with the word "paraben" in them, like propylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben— some of the worst offenders. Choose products scented naturally with pure essential oils and organic extracts, and avoid the ingredients "fragrance" and "parfum." Purchase your pampering essentials from brands or shops you can trust to make your health and safety a top priority. Finally, with your arsenal of trusted products in hand, bring these safety-conscious alternatives along with you to your must-have massage appointments. Your therapist and your baby-to-be will thank you. Now, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy S yourself—that's the whole point. B Elizabeth Wasserman, LCSW, is founder and CEO of True Goods, an online shop for nontoxic personal care and household goods. Fueled by a passion for preventive health, a commitment to clean living, and a strong belief in the power of informed prenatal care, she launched True Goods with a mission to help customers harness their purchasing power to create healthier lives and a more sustainable environment. 10 Body Sense Resources Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. "Parabens." Accessed December 2013. http://safecosmetics.org/article. php?id=291 Environmental Working Group. "Body Burden: The Pollution In Newborns. A Benchmark Investigation of Industrial Chemicals, Pollutants and Pesticides In Umbilical Cord Blood." Accessed December 2013. www.ewg.org/research/body-burdenpollution-newborns. Scranton, Alexandra. "Secret Scents: The Hidden Chemicals In Fragrance." Huffington Post: Healthy Living. (March 19, 2013). Accessed December 2013. www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/ secret-scents-the-hidden_b_2907073.html. True Goods. "Don't Get Greenwashed." Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/library/ posts/don-t-get-greenwashed. True Goods. "EWG: Know the Ingredients in Your Personal Care Products." Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/library/posts/becomea-label-maven. True Goods. "Fragrance: What's in a Name." Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/ library/posts/fragrance-whats-in-a-name. True Goods. "Just the Essentials (Oils of Course)." Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/ library/posts/just-the-essentials-oils-of-course. True Goods. "Men's Personal Care Matters." Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/ library/posts/mens-personal-care-matters. True Goods. "Parabens Explained." Accessed December 2013. www.truegoods.com/library/ posts/parabens-explained.

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