INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Dr. Ann Hester to provide another commentary in a series.
The Dr. Ann Hester Commentaries
Toxins surround us—hidden, undetectable threats that we can’t see, smell, or taste. Yet, they’re everywhere. From the air we breathe to the lotions we apply on our skin, toxins find their way into our bodies, even in something as ordinary as toothpaste. Alarming, right? What’s worse is that most of us remain unaware of these dangers as they slowly undermine our health daily, year after year.
We all know that smoking is bad for us and that too much alcohol can be harmful. But when was the last time you looked closely at the ingredients in your bathroom cleaner or floor polish? These everyday products often contain toxic chemicals hidden in plain sight. And let’s not forget the pesticides and preservatives in our food—more on that in future updates.
Hidden Dangers in Everyday Products
With the overwhelming amount of information online—some accurate, some not—it’s challenging to determine what’s truly safe. A resource I rely on is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a science-based organization focused on protecting human health. For instance, a study conducted by EWG found that everyday household cleaning products emit hundreds of hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have serious health consequences.
VOCs have been linked to respiratory problems, developmental issues, and even cancer. These chemicals don’tharm outdoor air quality and affect the air inside our homes. Unfortunately, indoor air doesn’t dilute these toxins like outdoor air does. Yes, even the air in your living spaces could negatively impact your health without you realizing it.
What Can You Do About It?
A good starting point is to switch to eco-friendly, fragrance-free products. Green alternatives produce significantly fewer VOCs—up to half the amount. Switching to these greener, fragrance-free options can cut your VOC exposure by up to eight times! But where should you begin?
Take a moment to breathe—learning that toxins are present in so many of our everyday items can feel overwhelming. A helpful first step is to visit EWG’s website, EWG.org, and explore one of the most valuable resources available for long-term health.
The EWG Skin Deep Database: Your Path to Safer Personal Care
One of the easiest ways to start making changes is using the EWG’s Skin Deep database. Simply enter the name of any personal care product you use regularly—like shampoo or lotion—and hit search. The site will give you a detailed analysis of the ingredients, potential health risks, and links to issues like allergies, reproductive harm, or cancer.
Challenge Yourself with a SMART Goal
Now that you know some everyday products could be harmful, it’s time to take action. You might discard a few of your favorites, but don’t worry—there are plenty of green alternatives to everything from skincare to makeup. A quick search online will reveal many healthier options.
Let’s set a SMART goal to kickstart your detox journey:
- S – Specific: Visit EWG.org and look up the ingredients in products you use daily.
- M – Measurable: Research the safety of three products you use most often.
- A – Achievable: It only takes a couple of minutes to start.
- R – Realistic: Focus on replacing the most harmful products, such as those that pose reproductive or carcinogenic risks.
- T – Time-bound: Aim to replace three potentially toxic items with safer options by the end of this month.
Start Taking Charge of Your Health
It’s easy to feel powerless when you realize how many toxins surround you, but you can make a real difference with minor changes. Swapping out harmful products for healthier ones can reduce exposure to toxins and help you reclaim control over your health. Begin today by switching just one product. Visit EWG.org and work toward a healthier, toxin-free future together!
Ann M. Hester, M.D. is a board-certified internist with over 25 years of experience. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Dr. Hester believes when patients are taught exceptional “patient skills,” they become empowered to play a previously unimagined role in optimizing their medical care and minimizing medical costs. Her mission is to share these critical skills by various means, thereby improving patient outcomes and strengthening the U.S. healthcare system. This mission started in medical school when she witnessed the tremendous gap between how patients and doctors think. Over the years, she has written various patient empowerment pieces online and through books. Her latest book is Patient Empowerment 101: More than a book, it’s an adventure! This unique work takes an unprecedented step in helping people think more like doctors and position themselves at the center of their healthcare team.
Learn more at https://www.patientempowerment101.com.
Connect with her through social media:
Twitter: @patientworldnet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patientempowerment101
