Guest Blogger: Jennifer Thibodeau 07/1/09
According to the Action Alliance for Children, children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental health hazards such as pesticides, air pollution, lead, and toxic products because their bodies are still developing.
From their food, to their clothes, to their sleeping environment, giving our children a healthy start in life is bound to have positive repercussions we can’t even begin to yet measure. Imagine what damage food treated with pesticides can do. Or the t-shirt that has been whitened with chemical bleach. Or the pillow swarming with dust mites. Just thinking about all of this makes me shudder in fear for my child – and his future. Nevermind the normal everyday worries I face of less-than-honorable strangers, crime, and a multitude of other sins that exist today.
Unfortunately, my son, at 8 years old, has already suffered from allergies for a few years. He is on a prescription medication at night and has to use a daily nasal spray, as well. Because of this, I have endeavored to make his bedroom less attractive to allergens. We’re in the process of ripping out his carpet, almost never leave his window open, and are sticklers about washing his sheets once a week in hot water.
One of our favorite products is his shredded rubber pillow, which is mite-, water-, and mildew-resistant. Good news for him – and better news for me – it’s machine washable! Another product we added recently has been an air purifier – and what a difference that has made. His nightly coughing has become almost non-existent!
It’s so good to know that healthier products are available (and more are on the horizon) to help combat today’s allergy-related illnesses. I may not be able to keep my son from the evils of the world, but knowing I am providing him with a healthier sleeping environment helps ME sleep at night!
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