During my first pregnancy, I knew all about the benefits of massage for health, relaxation, mood, you name it. I figured that a more relaxed mom would lead to a less stressful in utero environment for my developing baby. What I didn’t know was that my go-to resources for pampering ~ massage, lotions, bath oils, candles, etc. ~ were directly impacting my health and that of my developing child.

The average American man uses six personal care products a day containing more than 80 unique chemicals. Many of these chemicals are absorbed into the skin, inhaled or ingested, and the vast majority of cosmetic chemicals have not been assessed for safety. Some of the chemicals used in men's body-care products ~ from aftershaves and shaving creams to deodorants and shampoos ~ are linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other chronic health problems.

The idea of holidays and toxins may not seem to go together, yet candles and fragrances traditionally used to set the scene are often some of the biggest chemical culprits! So when creating memories with loved ones this season, why not make sure they’re happy and healthy ones...

We all know that increased exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer, but did you know that your brand of sunscreen may not lower that risk, and may even pose new risks of its own? This week, with insights from Dr. Debby, we’ll review what to look for in a sunscreen in order to maximize protection and minimize risk so you can have a worry-free summer.

In an effort to minimize exposure to this potent neurotoxin, it’s critical to know where it hides. Some parents wrongly believe that lead is no longer of concern since it's no longer allowed in house paint, or that some exposure is ok since we were all exposed as children. Unfortunately current science shows that this is far from the truth. Here’s what the experts advise...

Most candles, perfumes, and air fresheners come laden with synthetic musks and hormone disrupting chemical culprits like phthalates, which can lead to fertility problems in both men and women, among other concerns. In fact, fragrances have been found to contain an average of 14 toxic chemicals from allergens to neurotoxins and everything in between.

So what’s a hostess to do? You’d like to create the perfect ambiance for your holiday fêtes, but also want to make sure you’re not compromising safety for scenting. Not to worry. Here are some simple tips to staying fragrance safe.

Virtually every American home contains flame retardants even though some of the chemicals have been linked to neurological deficits, developmental problems, impaired fertility and other health risks. One expert's best advice for reducing exposure: frequent hand washing.

Bath and skin products are absorbed into the skin as well as inhaled. If you care about what’s going into your child’s belly, you’re bound to care what is going on their skin and into their lungs as well. When we’ve got such a wide selection of good-smelling, phthalate and paraben-free skin and bath products for our kiddos, the question we should be asking is ~ is a few extra bucks off conventional soap worth risking our kids’ long term health? Featuring Zoe Organics