Eye Opener: Photo Essay

Neat Things From Goodwill

 Since we talk about Goodwill in class, and the importance of buying used items when you can I thought it would be a good idea to show some of the things I have found at Goodwill since I have been in school.  They really do have some great stuff!

This is a picture that I have hanging in my room.  Its actually an old vinyl record that I found at Goodwill my freshman year.  Its a really fun was to decorate especially if you like music.  Its easy to change if you want to, and plus it was only around $2.00, so its a really cheap alternative to buying expensive new wall hangings.

There is a lot going on in this picture, but what I wanted you to see is the vase.  I got it for 50 cents, and they always seem to have a lot of them in a variety of shapes and colors.

This is pretty self explanatory.  My roommates and I got this table from Goodwill when we were going to move in,  Its a great place to find furniture.

The shoes and the scarf are also some items that I have found there and fell in love with.  The shoes were new with the tags on them even.  

You can usually find some fun glass wear there too!

Last, but not least my guitar.  I had always wanted a guitar, but wasn't serious enough about playing to be able to buy one.  So when I came across this I was so excited.  I bought it for $15.00 and needed to put one new string on it for $2.00, so it cost me under $20.  It is such a great find and its all thanks to Goodwill.  

Remember to that its important to remember to keep your eyes open there and don't be afraid to dig, because you never know what you might find.

Share and Voice: Vegan Smoothies

Since my eco-chic goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables, I have been looking for new and fun ways to incorporate them into my diet.  One of my favorite things to have as a treat, or for breakfast is a smoothie.  I came across some pretty cool recipes online and thought that I would try one and share it with you.

Vitamin Greens Energy Vegan Smoothie Recipe

Mixed Greens
2 Carrots
2 Apples (core removed)
1 Cup Rasberries

I added some ice in there too. Also the websites says to make sure you add the fruit first, then the greens, then the harder vegetables because it will blend better.

I encourage you to find some that you like and try them out. They are quick and easy way to get lots of servings at once, and they keep you full!

Check out this website for more ideas!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

My smart goal is:

I will eat 2 servings of vegetables (serving= 1/2 cup) and 2 servings of fruit (servings= 1/2 cup) 4 days a week, for the next 4 weeks.

This past week I feel was a little more difficult for me in trying to stick to my goal. Im not really sure why I think maybe just because its the second week of things and it gets old. One of the bigger challenges I had this week was that I did not go grocery shopping this week, so I had to eat a lot of frozen vegetables, which I feel get old fast. I also learned that broccoli gets really old fast as well. Other than that it went pretty well I reached my goal again pretty easily.

One cool thing that I learned this week is some new recipes that include lots of fruits and vegetables. One of my favorites is a smoothie recipe that includes a lot of different varieties of them. I can’t wait to try it.

I might have to modify it next week, and make it a little bit harder. I know that I could, and should eat more, especially on the weekends. Also this coming week, because it is Thanksgiving and I will be doing a lot of traveling I will have to make sure that I am prepared and pack my fruits and vegetables before hand. Also I have to be sure to plan ahead what I will choose to eat at Thanksgiving, and when I am home with my family. Overall I think that this is a good challenge and I am excited to see what next week brings.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain

Advocacy Project: Issue overview

Introduction:

Many people do not know the effects that allergies and asthma can have on an individual.  Studies show that a reduction in indoor allergen levels can help to reduce the rates of allergies and asthma in individuals.  Therefore there is need for more education on the subject to help to reduce the rates of allergies of asthma.  By designating the month of May as National Allergy and Asthma Awareness month we would be able to combat the issue by focusing on primary prevention techniques by educating the people.

The following bill H.RES. 407 "Designate the month of May as National Allergy and Asthma Awareness month" By doing this we would be able to combat the issue by focusing on primary prevention techniques by educating the people.  Providing more access to cleaner air solutions, and hoping that industry can see the problems that they cause as well.

Who is effected by the issue?

Like most instances all people are effected weather it is in a negative or positive way, but when it comes to this situation specifically families with a low social economic status are the ones mostly effected.  Of those children that are exposed to poor indoor and outdoor air quality are greatly affected, because they are being exposed to such things at a very young age.  Specifically children that live in poverty, and have not only bad outdoor air, but indoor air.  This is because many of them live in poverty, have poor ventilation systems, and no way to access air quality testing products.  

What are the consequences of the issue?

As stated earlier the more you are exposed to poor air both indoor and out, the more susceptible you will be to developing allergies or asthma.  The consequences for these can be very devastating.  Asthma many times can lead to death, it the attack is bad enough.  Research from a study done in 2009 from the Department of Pediatrics shows that incidents of death can also be correlated strongly with certain kinds of allergens.

What is the economic cost of the issue?

The economic cost to this issue can be very great to everyone. As it is with any health issue it is very big economic cost when it comes to the cost of our nations health care bill.  As more and more people become sick the higher our bill will be and the more we will be paying.  This also makes it hard for people to spend money on the economy.  Its an ongoing cycle.  However I'm sure that pharmaceutical companies like this and are doing well because so many people have to buy medication.

What is the social impact of the issue?
According to an article from Pub Medhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2044870 There can be a lot of social impacts of the issue of asthma.  It can affect schooling, employment, level of physical activity, social interaction with peers, and relationships.  

What are the barriers?
One of the biggest barriers to the issue is lack of affordable health care to the people that are most at risk for getting asthma.  Many of the people that have low socio-economic statuses are the ones that are at the greatest risk for developing asthma and allergies do not have the money to afford health care to address the issue.  Another barrier is lack of education and the understanding of the problem its self.   

What are the resources?

One of the main resources that we will need to address the issue is more education on the problem. That is why designating May as National Allergy and Awareness month will help a lot.  If we offer more education on the topic more and more people will become aware and want to take a stand to help this problem. 

What is the history of the issue?

Though it may seem like this subject would have a lot of history, it is actually quite a new topic.  The first diagnosis of asthma was not made until the 1960's.  However it is probably as old as the human race. It has been steadily growing since the diagnosis, since we have been polluting our earth more and industry has kept .  Hence the reason why we need more education on the subject.  

Allies and Opponents?

Some opponents would definitely be big industries.  They do not want to have to try to make the air cleaner.  Because for them that would mean that productivity would have to change in some way, which in some ways it might decrease.  Also many insurance companies may not want people to be more educated on the subject, because then they may not have as many people sick with incidents of asthma and allergies.

Your recommendations?
My recommendations would be to let the people be more informed on the issue. Be designating the Month of May as National Asthma and Allergy and Awareness Month people would have the benefit of more education on the issue.  I think that education is the best way to help prevent disease and we would be doing just that.

The following information was found using the following websites
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1474709/pdf/envhper00436-0331.pdf
http://web.ebscohost.com.libpdb.d.umn.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&hid=7&sid=00923b6e-519c-41e4-af91-0f2f41126cd9%40sessionmgr15

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2: Weekly Update

Last week my SMART goal was:


 I will eat 2 servings of vegetables (serving= 1/2 cup) and 2 servings of fruit (servings= 1/2 cup) 4 days a week, for the next 4 weeks.


The last week has offered some success for me in trying to use my SMART goal.  I went grocery shopping last week and stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables so it was easier to eat them, because I had lots of them around.  Another tactic that I used to remember to eat the fruits and vegetables was packing them up the night before.  This helps me to see what I will eat and what I still have to eat.  I have always tried to include a lot of healthy foods in my diet so I knew that it wouldn't be to hard, but eating all of these servings some times can be very challenging for me.  Some of the challenges that I face include:

• eating healthy on the weekends
• the money that it can cost to buy these foods
• time that we all seem not to have

I know that on days that I do reach my SMART goal I feel better all around.  I feel better knowing that I accomplished something that I set my mind to.  I also feel a lot better physically because my body is getting good foods in it.  It helps me to feel more energetic.  I learned that trying to achieve your goal is not always as easy as writing it down on paper.  But with a little effort its really not to be.  I look forward to what the next week will bring.  I plan to cook more meals that include fruits and veggies in them to try to get my servings in more creative ways.  I plan to keep my goal where it is , at least for this next week.  Im very close to meeting it and I am determined that this week I will be able to do it.


"Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Amy in the rain."

Share and Voice: The Preserve Brand

I don't know if any of you have every heard of the brand Preserve, but I came across a toothbrush made by them the other day and target, and I couldn't help but take a second look at it.  When I took a closer look I was really pleased to see all of the great eco-friendly qualities this product had even down to the packaging which doubles as a mail back package so the tooth brush can be properly recycled.  Some of the other features include:

• made from recycled yogurt cups
• recyclable after use
• BPA free
• Made in the U.S.A
• No animal testing
• and a variety of colors to choose from
• Affordable Price of $2.99

Preserve offers a variety of other products as well including dishes, table ware, and storage containers.  There motto states, "Nothing Wasted, Everything Gained"  I thought that was a neat way of saying things.  And I encourage you to check out their website. http://www.preserveproducts.com/products.html

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/ THOMAS

Objective from Healthy people 2010: Reduce Indoor Allergen Levels

The progress quotient chart showed no current data towards this goal.  Which I feel helps to justify the need for it even more.


Disparities: Exposure to allergies is greater in people whom live in urban areas


Opportunities & and Challenges:
 No low cost methods are available for people to check the allergen levels in their homes.  Also many buildings that have already had codes were not required to keep health considerations in mind, such as allergen reduction.  Many of the new ventilation processes may help to improve moisture and air quality control, and in turn may have a positive impact on indoor allergy levels.  Effective moisture control helps to reduce rates of dust mites, and cockroaches.  Use of ventilator fans in bathrooms and kitchens may help to greatly improve allergy levels.  However many building designers are not aware of the benefits of this.


Emerging Issues:
There has been a steadily increasing number of deaths from asthma and allergy related problems.  It has greatly increased awareness of the problems these types things can create.  In 2000 the Institute of Medicine released a publication called " Clearing of Air: Asthma and Indoor Exposures".  It overviewed new evidence listing the relationship between asthma and indoor air, and allergens from dust mite, mold, pets, and gas appliances.  People do now see the need for more education, hence why this bill is needed. 


H.RES.407
Title: Expressing support for designation of May as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month"
Sponsor: Rep Castor, Kathy
Co- Sponsors: 102 : follow link to see all
Latest Major Action: 5/28/2010 passed/agreed into the House.  On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolutions.
Recommendation: Vote Yes for H.RES. 407 : Expressing support for designation of May as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month"
My political representative: James Oberstar