Government regulation has already begun and the public is becoming aware.

From the article I linked to in my previous post:

The evidence on phthalates is strong enough for the European Union to have banned them in children’s toys, and last October California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation, to take effect in 2009, setting stringent limits on the concentrations of phthalates in child-care products for children under age 3. The ban focuses on soft baby books, soft rattles, plastic bath ducks, and teething rings. Several other states are considering similar legislation.

Phil,

There is no need to apologize to me.

As far as whether we are being poisoned by our food etc. or not, well, I put my money on science, and the evidence - there are people in labs all over the world testing these things on an ongoing basis - technology is constantly getting better. The whole tap water issue is a good example. While you may not believe this, our tap water systems are constantly getting better and better not only at filtering the water but at detecting contaminants. So I believe the scientists - that tap water is super safe and they are working to make it better for us.

As to the hormones and drugs etc in the water - yeah, they are there, but that stuffs been there for years, the majority of which is created naturally from our own bodies - but the media doesn't talk about that! Plus, overall the quantities of it are so small as to have little effect on you - needless to say, science is constantly monitoring this. And believe me, bottled water is often no better (they are not subject to the same strict compliance requirements as your municipal or state water systems). Big companies like Dasani etc. use tap water anyway - not some supposed pristine source of water in the mountains!

As to your last sentence - well, that's up to you - I never said anything about trusting your government - if anything I said that you should trust the EVIDENCE.

Bottom line for me in all this: when I see an article like the Hopkins one or whatever - I question it and do whatever research I need to to either dispel it or confirm it. Once I have that information then I can react as necessary. Most people don't do this and are therefore left being fearful of their government, of science etc, big pharma, you name it. And that's just plain wrong - if people just thought things through even a little bit, they wouldn't be so afraid. Unfortunately most won't do that.

The scientific community has our backs whether you want to believe it or not.

If anyone wants to live an amazingly, dramatically, and overwhelmingly better and more healthy life, you gotta check out my friend David Wolfe...

The Best Day Ever | David Wolfe (non affiliate link)

Do some youtube searches on the guy. You'll be hard pressed to find many people in the nutrition field that know 1/10 of what David does.

If you'd like to stock up on some of his goodies, head to...

http://www.sunfoodnutrition.com (non affiliate link too)

It's pretty spendy to eat like a king, but I spare NO expenses when it comes to my body.

And I could care less about what scientist say. Most science nowadays is corporate sponsored bull****. I trust 13 years of split testing this stuff myself.

As copywriters most of us understand split testing and PROOF in our writing, but almost nobody actually takes the time to do it with something a billion times more important. Your own body!

It's much easier to shove a dead cow in your mouth and wonder why the hell you have back pain, acne, and fibromyalgia instead.

Absolutely the most puzzling thing in the world to me.

Jason, I love you man but do you even understand the scientific method? Do you understand double blind studies?????? Do you understand how clinical trials work and how rigorous and tough science is on its own? To me its clear you don't because then you would understand that science is completely 100% evidenced based. And where its not its called "pseudoscience."

So: Give me a friggin break - the idea of testing which you refer to IS science - so you're negating yourself.

By the way, you show me evidence that what you refer to as "science" is "corporate sponsored bull sh(t" and I'll believe you. But you can't - that is a general statement with little to no evidence to support it.

And to say that they aren't testing things that are, as you say, "more important" - is pure crap. You obviously have no idea the extent of the work "science" is doing to help people. I can tell you this much, the companies that sell you supplements which you so heartily believe in aren't testing it. They don't have to.

While I understand where the hate for science comes from (since I used to be there) - it is completely unfounded. Science has given you the technology you use every day; the very technology you use to make money for one example. It's given you safe, economical bio engineered foods. It gives you tap water that is safer than any water you would get directly from a natural spring. Science has checks and balances that pseudoscience simply does not. And while science does not have all the answers - it is constantly evolving and striving to get those answers.

And by the way, don't take my word for any of this: read a copy of Scientific American before you make statements like, "science is corporate sponsored bull*hit".

Like I said, my money is with science and critical thinking. Peace out.

By the way, I admit I have a personal bias towards science. It saved my life. Homeopathy almost took it. Someday I may tell you the story...but for now that's all I'll say.

Vin---I'm really sorry to hear about the diabetes diagnosis. It's frightening that's become so prevalent!

I have to admit...it was startling to hear you have it.

But congratulations on quitting smoking! Maybe that will help with the diabetes (?)

Had no idea you're from Brooklyn! I'm a former Greenwich Villager--but I lived in Carroll Gardens and Windsor Terrace for a few years when married.

SuzanneR,

I used to live on Perry Street in the village. Ahhh... the good old days.

Suzanne... don't be startled. I'm fine.

My sugar is very under control. And it's forced me to be more healthy. I now walk 6 miles a week. Someday it might be 6 a day... but for now, 6 a week. My sugar is great (114 this morning).

My only issue right now is weight. I need to lose a couple pounds, which is normal. And I'm doing everything that should facilitate that. Problem is one of the meds I'm on because of this... is notorious for making 1/3 of the people gain weight. So... it's working against me. I'm losing, but right now it's about 4 pounds a month.

And as for the village. I lived there too (mid-80's)... St. Marks Place.

Science is great. But I think that big corporate bucks rule the world. We go where they lead us, not the scientist.

Grew up on Waverly Place...right up the street and across the Ave.

St Marks! Love the Ukrainian eateries over there. (what I wouldn't do for some deli right now!)

Anyway...glad to hear it's manageable. In fact, when you said pills rather than insulin shots, I guess that was a good indication that it's not so bad.

Ummmm....so how is everybody's sleep quality around here? Remember that came up earlier as a major player in health?