The Battle Against Forever Chemicals on American Farms
Fred Stone's Dairy Farm Struggle
It's 4 a.m. in Maine, and Fred Stone continues his family's dairy farming tradition. But now, his life is turned upside down by the discovery of PFAS in his milk. The USDA's consideration of exterminating his cows was a blow, and he had to make the difficult decision to euthanize many of them. Despite installing a water filtration system, the contamination kept returning. Fred's story is a tragic one, highlighting the devastating impact of forever chemicals on American farmers.He now has to face the daunting task of telling his father and grandfather what happened to the dairy farm they entrusted him with. This weighs heavily on his mind and keeps him awake at night.
Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis' Organic Farm Crisis
About 120 miles north, Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis had a dream of building a sustainable organic farm. They named it "Songbird Organic Farm" and envisioned a life of growing produce and raising a family. But when news of PFAS contamination spread, their world came crashing down.Voluntarily testing their land and water, they discovered high levels of PFAS. Their blood levels also tested higher than those of chemical manufacturer employees. Faced with this crisis, they had to shut down their operations and recall their products.
The Origins and Spread of Forever Chemicals
Forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, were created during WWII and have since become ubiquitous. They are found in various products, from carpet and couches to non-stick cookware. The process of spreading biosolids, or "sludge," on prime American cropland has led to the contamination of farmland and the food chain.Epidemiologist Patrick MacRoy explains how PFAS enters the food chain through crops and animals. At no point does the EPA require sludge to be tested for PFAS before being spread on farmland, leading to a serious problem.
The Paper Trail and Chemical Companies' Knowledge
NewsNation's investigation reveals a "shell game" played by chemical companies. Documents show that they knew about the harm of PFAS chemicals as early as the 1950s and 1960s but kept the information secret. Court filings show that 3M and DuPont were aware of the risks but continued to produce and use these chemicals.It wasn't until decades later that the full extent of the problem was revealed. In 2023, a multi-billion dollar federal settlement was reached over PFAS contamination in our nation's tap water.
The Role of the EPA
The EPA has been criticized for its slow response to the PFAS problem. Epidemiologist Patrick MacRoy calls for the EPA to require testing for PFAS before putting sludge on farmland. Radhika Fox, then-assistant administrator for water at EPA, said the agency is taking action now but still allows sludging to continue without testing requirements.In April 2024, the Biden-Harris administration issued the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect 100 million people from PFAS pollution.
A Celebration at Misty Brook Farm
After 11 months of contamination, Brendan and Katia Holmes at Misty Brook Farm are finally able to sell milk again. They took immediate action when they discovered PFAS in their milk and have been working hard to ensure the safety of their products.They borrowed money to buy uncontaminated cows and have been praying that no contamination comes back. Their story is one of resilience in the face of a difficult challenge.
Update on Farmers Surviving PFAS Contamination
Brendan and Katia Holmes are still selling milk at Misty Brook Farms, but they remain vigilant. Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis sold their farm to the Maine Farmland Trust for research purposes. Fred and Laura Stone received new test results showing that their cows and farmland are contaminated, and they are facing a significant debt.Maine has made significant progress in addressing PFAS contamination, becoming the first state to ban sludging and the sale of PFAS-containing products. However, 48 states still continue to sludge.
Unlock the Secrets to Taming Food Noise for a Healthier You
What is Food Noise?
Although there is no official definition, “food noise” is a common experience for many. As Dr. Reena Bose explains, it’s a feeling of continuous hunger that makes it difficult to feel full or satisfied after a meal. You might find yourself instantly thinking about the next snack or meal. This preoccupation with food can lead to excessive calorie intake and contribute to obesity and other health issues.
For example, imagine finishing a hearty meal and within minutes, your mind starts wandering to what’s in the fridge or what you can order next. This constant mental chatter about food is what we refer to as food noise.
What Causes Food Noise?
Food noise often stems from poor food choices. Consuming ultra-processed foods like doughnuts, candy, ice cream, and chicken nuggets can trigger a vicious cycle. These processed foods activate the hedonic or reward pathway in our bodies, giving us a sense of pleasure that leads us to keep eating them.
Internal cues such as hunger hormones can also prompt thoughts about food. But external cues, like the smell of a freshly baked apple pie or a social media ad for a pizza, can also activate our desire to eat. For instance, seeing that pizza ad might make you impulsively order a slice, even if you’re not truly hungry.
Why is it an Issue?
Food noise can make it extremely difficult to maintain a healthy weight. When you constantly feel hungry and don’t feel satisfied, you tend to eat larger meals. This can lead to obesity, which in turn can cause problems like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Let’s take an example. If you’re constantly thinking about food and not feeling satisfied, you might end up snacking throughout the day and consuming more calories than your body needs. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and a host of health problems.
How to Stop Food Noise
Dr. Bose suggests several ways to reduce the impact of food noise on your life. One important step is to focus on a healthy diet by planning and preparing meals in advance.
Start by making a weekly meal plan and shopping for the necessary ingredients. Washing and cutting fruits and vegetables ahead of time can make it easier to whip up healthy meals. Additionally, hiding unhealthy snacks can help you avoid temptation.
Another key is to eat intentionally. Don’t wait until you’re extremely hungry to eat or be afraid of eating because you think you’ll gain weight. Eating on time and providing your body with the right fuel can boost your metabolic rate and make you feel healthier.
Exercise also plays a crucial role. Even if you have limitations due to pain or mobility issues, an exercise physiologist can work with you to find ways to build muscle mass and preserve your muscle strength.
Managing stress is another important aspect. Stress can lead to poor food choices, so finding ways to reduce stress, such as listening to music, spending time in nature, or connecting with others, can help you make better decisions about what to eat.
Getting enough quality sleep is also essential. Adjusting your bedtime routine to include activities like meditation and avoiding electronics before bed can improve the quality of your sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to make healthy choices.
Consider medication as well. Semaglutide medications can help regulate hunger and appetite by activating certain receptors and promoting the release of the hormone GLP-1. However, it’s important to note that the reduction in cravings is temporary, and lifestyle changes are still crucial.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with food noise and its impact on your weight, talk to your primary care physician. They can refer you to a team of professionals who can help customize a treatment plan to support your weight loss journey.
Protecting Your Health with Walmart's Recall
Total Illnesses and Hospitalizations
Total Illnesses: 68 and Hospitalizations: 18. These numbers highlight the potential risk associated with the contaminated cucumbers. It is essential to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any health issues.
Deaths: 0 is a positive sign, but it does not mean we can be complacent. We must continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate actions to prevent any further spread of the contamination.
Last Illness Onset and Affected States
The last illness onset was on November 16, 2024. This indicates that the contamination may have been present for some time, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The affected states include AK, CA, CO, IA, IL, MA, MT, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, and WY. It is crucial for residents in these states to be aware of the recall and take necessary steps to protect themselves.
Product Distribution and Recall Details
The Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices were produced in select stores and were available at 34 Walmart stores located in Texas. The product description, UPC/PLU, average unit weight, and date codes are provided. All date codes up to 12/1/2024 are affected. The distribution includes AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and WY. It is important for consumers to check if they have purchased these products and take appropriate action.
JFE Franchising, Inc. of Houston, TX, is also recalling a limited number of products due to Salmonella contamination. The affected SNOWFRUIT and SNOWFOX products have specific UPC codes and sell-by dates. Consumers can identify the affected items by reviewing the product labels. There have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported to date, but it is still essential to be cautious.
Associated Recalls and Consumer Actions
Yummi Sushi LLC. of Farmers Branch, TX is assisting in a voluntary Kroger Store recall for cucumbers purchased from Sunfed Produce LLC due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the product and discard it if they have any doubts. They can contact SunFed's recall hotline (888) 542-5849, M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST for more information.
Baloian Farms of Arizona Co. has initiated a recall of cucumbers due to possible health risks. Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling one product that contains cucumbers in the tzatziki sauce. F&S Fresh Foods is recalling Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray 22 oz. due to potential Salmonella contamination. Dairyland Produce, LLC is recalling CUCUMBER SELECT 6 CT due to the same reason. Consumers should be aware of these recalls and take appropriate actions to protect their health.