Reduce Reuse Recycle (and Replace with More Sustainable Options)
Reduce Reuse Recycle (and Replace with More Sustainable Options)
Dr. Sarah Tindall
The whole concept of reduce, reuse, recycle is something that most people have heard of, but many do not actively engage in. And although it is a good model with a catchy phrase, there’s a fundamental problem: it doesn’t address the issue at its source: if the “stuff” we have like packaging, products, toys, clothes, etc. were made in a more sustainable way of materials that didn’t damage our health and pollute the planet, then it wouldn’t matter so much if it were everywhere.
Although a wide range of materials and finished products represent a threat to human, animal and environmental health, one of the main offenders is plastic. It has been widely established that plastic has detrimental impacts on the environment as well as health. We’ve all seen devastating images of animals who have ingested tons of plastic, but did you know there are human health impacts as well?
Plastics and their additives have been associated with disrupting hormones, fertility issues, hormone related cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders and more.
More ominous yet are when plastics become miniscule and then are referred to as microplastics.
Although it was widely known that the ocean is overflowing with plastics, it has now become abundantly clear that so are other waterways, our air, soil – basically everything. Studies have found that even in areas of the world that appear pristine microplastics are present.
While all of that may seem rather dire (and it is) there is good news. There are so many companies and individuals who are striving to come up with easy ways to swap out plastic items or items with plastic packaging with a sustainable choice. If you desire to make some changes in the sustainability department of your life, here are some ways you can reduce your plastic:
1. Always pack a reusable bag (or several). Consider having some in your car so that you can always bring them to the store with you. There are even some that fold up tiny and can attach to your keychain so that you have one. If you forget a bag, opt for paper instead of plastic.
2. Consider swapping out your shampoo and conditioner for shampoo and conditioner bars. Yes,
you did read that correctly – rather than buying bottles upon bottles of plastic shampoo and
conditioner, you could opt for a plastic-free bar. HiBAR is one option, but there are many more.
Another option might be to explore your local food co-ops or bulk stores – many of them have a
body care section where you can bring your own bottles and fill them up with their bulk
shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc.
3. Have a bamboo cutlery (many times these also contain a metal straw) set or other reusable
cutlery in your tote or handbag so that you don’t need single use plastic items for take out.
4. Instead of plastic wrap for leftovers and such, swap out plastic wrap for a reusable cloth coated
in beeswax or a silicone wrap.
5. Buy in bulk when possible and avoid things that are individually packaged.
If you need more tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Sarah Tindall 503-222-2322
COVID-19 vs Other Upper Respiratory Viruses
COVID-19 vs Other Upper Respiratory Viruses
Dr. Sarah Tindall
These days pandemic associated ennui seems to be rampant, which is understandable but unfortunate given the current omicron variant surge. Even though everyone is tired of it, now it is more important than ever to wear an adequate mask (N 95 or KN 95), physically distance, continue good hand hygiene, and take steps to ensure overall health is robust.
I find these days many patients are asking about flu and colds in addition to COVID-19 and feel confused about how to distinguish these since there are many overlapping symptoms. Although not universal, here are some important distinguishing features:
Cold: This is considered to be a mild viral illness. Symptoms like runny nose, congestion, cough,
sneezing, sore throat are common but other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, generalized aches, and loss of taste/smell are rare.
Flu: It can be more difficult to distinguish flu symptoms from COVID-19 since the flu is typically more severe than colds. Common flu symptoms include things like fever, headache, generalized aches, cough, but it is rare to experience loss of smell or taste with the flu. Sometimes severe exhaustion can occur, but not always.
COVID-19: Most of us have become highly acquainted with common COVID-19 symptoms, especially some of the more frightening ones such as difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and cough (a dry cough as opposed to a productive one). However, the Omicron variant, which we are dealing with now, has symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu.
The current advice, is to suspect COVID-10, get tested and act as if you do have COVID until you know you do not. It is important to know if you are symptomatic the recommendation would be to stay home for 5 days and get a COVID-19 test to make sure symptoms are not due to COVID-19. Wearing a mask and avoiding others can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please check the CDC website for clarity of actions and guidelines if you are symptomatic and test positive, if you are vaccinated or not, if you are asymptomatic but test positive.
There is scientific evidence showing that certain lifestyle factors and select supplementation can help boost immune function. If you are looking to make health and wellness changes in 2022, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic physicians to help ensure optimal health.
We also now have a post covid recovery program for general health restoration and for those suffering from post covid-syndrome/long haul syndrome. Check our website for more information.
For More Information you can call 503-222-2322 or email us at info@awomanstime.com
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) – a pain with simple explanations…sometimes.
I find my practice lately is full of women with recurrent UTIs. Although each woman is different and the
underlying reason for their recurrent infections does vary slightly, there are common threads to always
consider when treating UTIs. Often there are patterns relating to sexual activity, hormonal changes that
(more…)
Supporting yourself during cold and flu season
It’s that time of year again! Cold and flu season lasts from October to May, although we all know you can get sick with influenza or another flu-like illness pretty much anytime. Upper respiratory infections are well-named: they lead to symptoms in the upper respiratory tract, the throat, nose, and sinuses. Most of the bugs that cause these upper respiratory infections (URIs) are viruses. (more…)
Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19?
October officially marks the start of influenza season, which lasts until May. During these months, doctors’ offices across the world start to see increasing number of runny noses, coughs, sore throats, and fevers.
This year, your scratchy throat and congested nose might bring up some more confusion than previous years. You might think (more…)
Air quality health effects in pregnancy and what you can do about it
Wildfires continue to affect much of the West Coast, as we are all aware. But what exactly is the health impact of these fires? The biggest culprit – and the one on everyone’s mind – is the smoke and what it does to our air quality. Portland, Oregon has had the worst air quality in the world this past week, clocking in at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 516 on September 13, 2020. The number looks huge, especially considering Oregon is usually home to some of the best air quality in the world with AQI (more…)
Breathe Carefully
Breathe Carefully; The impact of wildfire smoke exposure and strategies for maintaining health.
I’m writing today from Portland, Oregon, my home and the home of our clinic of course, A Woman’s Time. As you all know, our forests and several towns and areas are burning dramatically. The worst in our history. Governor Brown had stated several days ago that 900,000 acres had burned in 3 days vs the previous maximum of 300,000 acres a year. Those of us who are not (more…)
Infertility – Part 1
Important to know the Underlying Cause
What is infertility?
The definition of infertility differs based on the age of the female trying to conceive because age is the single most influential factor when it comes to fertility. It is generally regarded that female fertility begins to decline after about age 30. This is because females have all of their eggs at birth and over time the reserve of eggs dwindles resulting in a lower number and quality of eggs available. Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after trying for a year. However, this definition is amended to a (more…)
HPV of the Cervix and Vaccines
HPV of the Cervix and Vaccines
Human papilloma virus, HPV, is the most common cause of both sexually transmitted infections and of cervical cancer worldwide. This virus is a particularly tricky one, sometimes evading the immune system for years. In addition to hiding from the immune system, it can cause changes to cells of the cervix, called cervical dysplasia. Left unchecked, this dysplasia can lead to cancer. In fact, over 99% of cervical cancer cases can be directly linked to specific high-risk strains of this virus. Annually, (more…)
Four Uses of Melatonin
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays a key role in the maintenance of the sleep-wake cycle. In addition to its function regarding sleep, melatonin has been proposed to have many varied properties as it also functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Because of melatonin’s diverse characteristics, it has been studied for a (more…)
Post-COVID Syndrome / Long Haulers
If you are struggling with Post-COVID syndrome, we are here to guide you and assist you in regaining your health through the process.
Dr. Caitlin Readhead is our in house expert on this subject and condition. You can call the clinic to schedule a virtual or in person first appointment. 503-222-2322
Click here to learn more more and find out if IV therapy is right for you.
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