Fluoride Rinse Program in Elementary Schools

Yesterday, my son's school sent out permission forms for the kids to receive weekly fluoride rinses. The campaign's slogan is, "Be Healthy. Fluoride Mouthrinse Program" and is a province wide initiative.

What a joke! Fluoride will not make my son healthy and in fact, if he ingests any, which some percentage that remains in his mouth would be, it could actually make him sick. The pamphlet makes claims, such as, "Prevents tooth decay." No, sorry, it does not prevent it. It may contribute to the prevention, but it does not prevent it. That's like saying, as long as you do nothing but fluoride rinses once a week, you'll never have tooth decay. Give me a break.

I am also completely uncomfortable with the teachers and/or parent volunteers doling this out to the kids. Supposedly this is "safe", but I would like to at least see a dental assistant, or someone trained in some way, administering the fluoride. The kids are told to rinse with the solution for 1 whole minute, before "discharging" of the solution. I am yet to meet a 5 year old child who would keep a liquid in their mouth for a whole minute and not swallow any of it. I would like to see some stats on what percentage of kids accidentally swallow the solution each week.

 People are way too quick to follow the masses when it comes to issues like this. Just because you are told something or offered something deemed “safe” and “healthy” for free, doesn’t mean that it’s right or good. Do your own research and decide for yourself. Needless to say, I checked the "no, I do not give permission" on my son's slip. We will continue to eat health supportive foods and practice good dental hygiene in our home, but it will not include fluoride, not even in our toothpaste.

Feeding Baby

In just a few weeks, I will be having my third child. After taking my Natural Nutrition course, I feel significantly more prepared to nourish this child, but at the same time, I almost feel like I know too much.

I know too much about baby formula. It is all irradiated, leaving little to no nutritional value, not to mention that it has been exposed to radiation. In addition to this, most formulas are either cow's milk based or soy based...neither of which I would like to feed my child. Finally, there have been many cases of formula being recalled because of foreign substances, such as crushed glass, being found in batches. Why would I want to feed this kind of product to my child?!

Mother's breast milk is perfectly formulated for baby. It increases in supply when needed and changes in composition as needed. No baby is ever allergic to their mother's milk. They may be allergic to something the mother is consuming, but not the milk itself. Breast feeding may not always be the easiest route, but it's definitely the best. For those who are unable to breast feed, there are organic formulas available, that have a much higher standard of quality than most of what you see on the shelves.

I also know too much about baby food. All baby food, unless labeled as otherwise, has been irradiated as well. Again this means it has been exposed to radiation and possesses very little nutritional value. It has also been recalled on many occasions for containing foreign substances, such as crushed glass, etc. Baby rice cereals also contain heavy metals that are unnecessary. Some brands are now using iron filings. Get a strong magnet and test the theory. You will be disgusted.

In the case of baby food, there is no reason to purchase food in jars or cans for baby. Buy the fruit or vegetables, cook them and puree them. Voila! Baby food! You can even make a large batch and freeze it for convenience purposes. Some people use ice cube trays, etc. This is very easy, cost effective and much healthier for baby.

No one is perfect and we've all taken the easy way out on many occasions, but we shouldn't be lazy with the health of our children. Take the time. Do the research. Feed your child the best way you can.