There are no simple answers to the question of what we should eat. We all have to find what works for us in a complex, interwoven food system.
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HPV and the HPV Vaccine
In this post, we’ll review the science about HPV, recommendations about this vaccination, the controversies, and my personal plans on vaccinating my family.
Ask SciMoms: How do you treat head lice?
This post outlines safe, effective options for lice removal.
Why do kids get so many shots?
I’m an ardent believer in the relative safety and efficacy of vaccines, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy having to take my kid to the doctor for shots. I’m relieved that my child is now in school and the bulk of vaccinations are behind us. When he was an infant, we carefully timed his feedings … Continue reading Why do kids get so many shots?
Ask SciMoms: Are there more cases of autism?
We were recently asked if there are more autistic children today than in the past. This is a common question, as the claimed increase in the prevalence of autism is used to scare us about many products in our environment, ranging from WiFi to pesticides. In this post, we will examine whether the increase in … Continue reading Ask SciMoms: Are there more cases of autism?
The Social Consequences of the GMO Debate
"GMOs" have become a stand-in for some very real concerns, but fear, anger, and distrust over "GMOs" distract us from these deeper questions.
What Should I Eat: Big Environmental Questions and Cutting Edge Cuisine
When you think about an exquisitely prepared multi-course meal served at the famed James Beard House in New York city, feedlot beef and supermarket tomatoes probably aren’t the first ingredients that come to mind. But that’s exactly what was on the menu at a recent dinner hosted by the Breakthrough Institute, an environmental organization based … Continue reading What Should I Eat: Big Environmental Questions and Cutting Edge Cuisine
Safe Teething Remedies
There’s nothing worse than your child being in pain, even when you know it’s temporary. It’s no surprise that parents through the ages have reached for anything that might relieve their child’s teething. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) describes, “teething occasionally may cause mild irritability, crying, a low-grade temperature, excessive drooling, and a … Continue reading Safe Teething Remedies
My kid wants to start skateboarding. Help!!
My kid got his first bike when he was 3. A two wheeler with training wheels. We taught him what to do, helped him balance, encouraged him, and by the time he was four, the training wheels were off. When he was five, we got him a scooter, and there wasn’t much to teach him: … Continue reading My kid wants to start skateboarding. Help!!
Defining Safety: How Safe is Safe?
Safety as a scientific concept is widely misunderstood. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of safety as defined by the FDA and EPA, and we'll define the concepts of GRAS and minimal risk.