Blog #6

1. What did you learn about our body burdens? I learned that we can carry many chemicals that have been outlawed and not know how we possibly got exposed.
   
   • Were you surprised by the knowledge about maternal/fetal burdens? Absolutely
   • How would you incorporate this knowledge into your practice? I will begin by educating my patients about a possible exposure at every visit.
2. What do you think about these lab results?They seem pretty scary.
   
   • How would you tell a patient about them if they were their lab results? I would tell them the truth of what they could cause although I do not know what they cause.
   • Were you surprised to hear about chemicals being in the body that don't have "safe" levels? Yes.
3. What do you think about the statement “One's zip code matters more than our genetic code"? Yes, I believe some people may worry more about where they live because it is easier to control than their genetic code.
   
   • Do you usually assess environmental health when you take a patient's health history? Yes, especially farm workers. Are you aware of the air and drinking water quality where your patients live? Yes, for some of them, especially those living in low income housing.
4. Were you aware of how sensitive the developing brain is to small, maternal exposures? Yes.
   • How will this change your practice regarding educating pre- and peri-natal patients? I believe it is essential.
5. Had you heard of BPA prior to these articles?Yes, but not in depth.
   
   • How will you educate your patients on the risks of BPA? I will print out literature and hand it out to them or provide them with websites where they can learn more.
   • What about patients who may not have the means or the access to completely avoid BPA-containing products? I believe that even if a person is poor, they would not want to be exposed to cancer. Many times they cant afford the products that contain BPA such as bottled water and drinks.