For further info on safe food handling and storage for meat, poultry, or egg products, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll free at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854 ..read more

Fun in the sun? Don’t forget your sunscreen. But leave the benzene at home! Yes, I’m talking about the recall by Neutrogena, et al ( ). There are trace amounts of benzene in some of their aerosol sunscreens. Benzene sounds scary. It is. It’s a human carcinogen. Meaning? It can cause cancer. Now, the dose makes the poison (how many times have you heard me say that?). But “trace amounts” add up! We are exposed to benzene on a daily basis via inhalation, ingestion, and yes, via skin. Even though the amount in these products is “very low”, I agree with the advice to throw out these products. Why a ..read more

Another consideration when it comes to natural products: adulterants: things thrown in the mix but aren’t on the label - they may even be harmful contaminants or actual prescription drugs. What? Viagra is in there? A liver toxic compound? (know what manufacturers you can trust - research, ask questions, consult a naturopathic doctor). Adulterants in such products are another issue where I’ve been consulted as an expert witness. And finally, even if there is a case where harm may, or may not, have been done to a patient due to medications, look at what natural remedies may be in the mix. They m ..read more

I took a road trip with my daughter on the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco to Santa Barbara. A few years ago, I made a similar trip, but it was from Los Angeles to San Francisco over only 4 days. I decided to drive less miles over a longer period of time (plus going south was nicer since you’re driving right along the coast instead of one lane over). My daughter and I have memories from this trip that we will always treasure. on how to craft your “out of office” message. She summarized some great tips, including to let clients know how to reach you in the event something cannot wait until ..read more