In my mom circle, there’s a growing concern about children hitting puberty earlier than ever. Around the world for decades, it more commonly has been older than 13. Today in the United States the average is around 10 but many are starting puberty as young as 5 or 6. Many of the moms in my circle are noticing changes in our kids’ development, and it’s not just a phase. Early puberty, often linked to chemicals in personal care products, affects more than just physical appearance—it can have a long-term impact on our children’s development, emotional well-being, and even their ability to excel in sports. Early Puberty—What’s Causing It? Studies suggest that chemicals found in everyday products, such as shampoos, lotions, and body washes, can interfere with natural hormone production. These substances, known as endocrine disruptors, mimic hormones like estrogen, which can trigger puberty earlier than normal. This has been observed particularly in girls, with some starting puberty as early as 8 or 9 years old, but boys can also be affected. Emotional and Physical Strain Early puberty puts unnecessary emotional stress on children who may not be ready for the changes happening to their bodies. Children who develop earlier are often more self-conscious and may face bullying, leading to anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. This stress can be especially intense during high school, where physical appearance often influences social interactions. Physically, their bodies may mature faster, but that doesn’t always mean they’re prepared for the challenges of sports and other physical activities. Kids who experience early puberty are more prone to injuries, especially in sports like soccer, basketball, and track, where physical growth outpaces muscle development and coordination. Long-Term Consequences for Athletes For children hoping to pursue sports, early puberty could be a double-edged sword. While it may offer short-term advantages like increased height or muscle mass, the long-term impact could be detrimental. Hormonal imbalances caused by these early changes can affect stamina, coordination, and injury recovery, limiting their ability to reach peak performance. Moreover, kids who start puberty early may face difficulties balancing school, sports, and the emotional toll of adolescence. This often results in reduced participation in sports during critical developmental years, setting them back from peers in competitive environments. Taking Action for Healthier Kids As parents, we can’t control everything, but we can take small steps to limit our children’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Simple changes, like switching to safer, low-toxin personal care products, can make a big difference. Skip the Bath and Body Works and Sephora trips for these little girls and for our own health as well. CVS and Walmart might have the really cheap convenient options, but the long-term health side effects aren’t worth it. By reducing their exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, we can help protect their health, emotional well-being, and athletic potential. In our homes, focusing on clean living doesn’t just mean a cleaner space; it means better overall health and better opportunities for our kids to thrive in sports, school, and life. Our kids deserve the chance to grow at their own pace, without being burdened by early puberty and its effects due to the chemicals they are unwillingly being exposed to. Let’s continue the conversation, share resources, and support one another as we aim to create healthier futures for our children. For more on better safer option that are affordable don't hesitate to contact me directly.
We all face struggles that can feel overwhelming, but what if those challenges were the very thing that led you to your purpose? We often ask ourselves “Why did this happen to me?” Instead, we should be asking “What have I learned through this process?” That is exactly what happened to me. Looking back there were so many periods in life that felt like a complete mess to me. For years, I battled asthma and severe allergies, struggling to keep up with life, and later, as a wife and mother, to ensure my family lived healthy and happy lives. It was frustrating, exhausting, and often discouraging. I even watched my husband struggle through some of the same things especially when it came to his football career and his health. Little did we know that this mess would become our message—the foundation for a legacy we would start to build not only for my family but also for others seeking to transform their health and their lives.
When we think of laundry, we imagine fresh, clean clothes that help us look and feel our best. However, what if I told you that many laundry detergents, even the ones labeled "free and clear," are loaded with toxic chemicals that could be doing more harm than good? What’s worse is everything we wash and dry our clothes in gets absorbed into our skin when we wear it. Something I was completely oblivious to until I had a child that has incredibly sensitive skin. Twenty-six seconds is all it takes for some of those chemicals that touch your skin to get into your bloodstream. While we expect our detergents to remove dirt and stains, they often leave behind a residue of dangerous chemicals. These chemicals not only cling to your clothing but also wash down the drain, harming both your health and the environment. Let’s dive into some of the worst offenders. This is where I nerd out a little. Formaldehyde Yes, formaldehyde—a substance often used to preserve dead bodies—can be found in laundry products! It is used as a preservative to keep the formula stable, but this chemical can irritate your skin, trigger asthma, and is classified as a carcinogen. 1,4 Dioxane A byproduct of detergent manufacturing, 1,4 dioxane is known to cause cancer in animals and has been labeled a probable human carcinogen. Despite this, it is still allowed in many household cleaning products, particularly those labeled "free and clear" or "natural." Since it’s a byproduct, it doesn’t have to be listed on ingredient labels, making it a hidden hazard. Phosphates While effective at cleaning, phosphates are terrible for the environment. They flow down your drain, entering waterways and leading to the overgrowth of algae, which disrupts ecosystems and depletes oxygen levels in water, killing fish and aquatic life. PFAS Referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are widely used to make products water-resistant. They persist in the environment indefinitely and have been linked to severe health issues like cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues. These chemicals can also contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders, and yet they’re still found in products that we use every day, including laundry detergents. Phthalates Found in synthetic fragrances, phthalates have been linked to reproductive health issues and hormone disruption. They are also known to cause allergic reactions, making them particularly harmful to those with asthma or allergies. Health Risks Associated with Laundry Detergent Chemicals Many of the chemicals commonly found in laundry detergents can wreak havoc on your body. Here are just a few of the health risks associated with these hidden toxins: • Immune suppression : Toxic substances in detergents can weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections and diseases. • Reproductive issues: Phthalates and PFAS have been connected to reproductive health problems in both men and women, including reduced fertility and birth defects. • Cancer: Several chemicals found in laundry products, such as 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde, are known or suspected carcinogens. • Hormonal imbalances: Exposure to these harmful chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormone-related conditions like thyroid problems and early puberty. • Asthma and allergies: Many of these toxins trigger or worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, eczema, and allergic reactions. • Obesity: Some chemicals, like PFAS, have been linked to weight gain and difficulty managing weight, as they interfere with how the body stores and processes fats. Environmental Damage The dangers aren’t limited to your health. The runoff from your laundry can wreak havoc on the environment as well. Phosphates and other harmful chemicals contribute to the contamination of our water sources. They promote the overgrowth of algae, which suffocates aquatic ecosystems and endangers marine life. Once in the environment, forever chemicals like PFAS don’t break down, meaning they accumulate in our water and soil, impacting wildlife and even returning to our homes through contaminated drinking water. How to Detox Your Laundry Routine The key to avoiding these harmful chemicals is to be an informed consumer. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your laundry routine is safe for your family and the planet: 1. Read labels carefully: Many harmful chemicals aren’t listed outright, so research the ingredients that are there. 2. Avoid synthetic fragrances: Look for fragrance-free products or those scented with natural essential oils. 3. Choose eco-friendly alternatives: Seek out detergents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and certified non-toxic. 4. Opt for concentrated formulas: These use less water and packaging, and often contain fewer harmful fillers. 5. Support sustainable brands: Find companies that are committed to transparency and environmental responsibility. There are so many products out there to choose from once you know what you are looking for. I will be the first to say I am not a master lable reader. I have learned a few things over the years but as a mom I like to make life less complicated so I can focus on more important things. We found one place to shop for the majority of our essentials. Finding a brand and company you know and trust is always important and there are a lot of great places to purchase what you need that is better than what you find on store shelves. If you want to know more about the laundry line that we found and have used for the past 5+ years just send me an email or text.
One of the most important basketball positions the "Triple Threat." This stance allowed me to protect the ball while keeping options open—whether passing, shooting, or driving forward. Similarly, my favorite drill in junior high, the 3-man-weave drill taught me the importance of teamwork as three players work together to move the ball up the court. These two approaches—protection and teamwork—apply directly to your health journey.
By focusing on all three fronts of your wellness: nutrition, fitness, and reducing toxins, you can create a strong foundation for long-term health, much like these basketball strategies create winning plays. Only then can you set yourself and your family up for long-term success.
When it comes to improving our health, we often turn to doctors, trainers, and nutritionists for guidance. They each play a crucial role in helping us feel better, look better, and perform at our best. Doctors provide prescriptions, trainers guide us through workout plans, and nutritionists help us craft a diet to achieve our health goals. But there’s something they aren’t talking about—something that might be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle: toxic chemicals.
I once heard someone say, "It's all about the trend line. Are you getting better than you were yesterday? Have you hit a plateau, or are you trending in the wrong direction?" That simple question can be applied to our health, and it’s more relevant today than ever before. Whatever your main health concerns may be, how we approach our health each day determines the long-term outcome.
In today’s world, health trends in the U.S. are becoming more alarming across all age groups. From asthma in children to obesity, heart disease, and cancers in adults, we’re facing a growing health crisis. Even athletes—who we’d expect to be at peak fitness—are not immune to issues like gut health problems and hormone imbalances.
Could w e really be poisoning our children? Sometimes it easy to think I buy the safe more expensive brands from the store, they can't really be that bad if they are on the market, or I am careful when I use cleaning products. That was exactly how I thought before a friend share this dose of reality with me a few yeas ago. As parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents we want nothing more than to do the very best that we can for the children in our lives. I will be the first to admit it is a hard job. I hardly ever know if I am doing any of it right. We stress over all kinds of things when it comes to kids, but what about the little things like what type of ingredients and chemicals are really in the products we use on and around our children? It is hard to even know what chemicals we may be using because companies aren’t required to list all the ingredients. Are they all safe? Do little doses really matter and affect our children? Would they really be allowed on store shelves if they weren’t safe? Unfortunately, a lot are not safe, even in small doses but they are allowed. When you really stop and think about it, it is cringe worthy. Making a profit is put above the health and safety of our children that are still growing and developing. That is the way of our world and until we demand change things will stay the same or get worse. These things all matter. Unsafe chemicals affect our children in so many ways. There are a lot of chemicals put into our everyday products that have serious health risks to them, even at the low doses that some companies claim are ok but if most of the products we pick up from the store have these toxic chemicals in them how low is it really? Products are allowed to be put on the market without being tested. Until there is a significant number of reported issues or complaints, they won’t test them. Dr. Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH is a specialist in environmental neurotoxins and early childhood health and one of the creators of LittleThings Matter . He has been part of studying the effects of toxins on the developing brain for the past 30 years. These toxins can have lasting effects.Children's bodies are being inundated everyday with things that increase their body burden levels. Each child is different with how they respond to these toxins. Because these chemicals can affect the brain, they can drop a child’s IQ along with causing learning disabilities plus other health problems. With products being put on the market before being tested, we are using our children as part of an experiment. According to Larry Silver, MD in his article Are Everyday Toxins Causing ADHA? , the rise in ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities suggests that exposures to toxins in our environment and products are contributing factors. Reported cases of autism are up 119% since2000. These toxins can be found in things like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, skin creams, lip sticks, wipes, baby products, air fresheners, laundry products and cleaners just to name a few. They can contain endocrine disruptors, coal tar, 1,4 dioxane, formaldehyde, triclosan, arsenic, mercury, lead and so much more. These ingredients can cause: Allergies Asthma ADHA Learning Disabilities Depression Cancers Tumors Tremors Insomnia Cognitive Dysfunction Neurological Damage Kidney Damage Abnormal Cell Growth Hormone Disruption Miscarriage Reproductive Toxicity Other Reproductive Problems Heart disease Infertility Let's pick on one ingredient for a moment. According to Dr. Lanphear, childhood leukemia has risen35% but only 1% of research dollars for childhood cancers is allocated for prevention. Check out his short video Cause or cure? Is the relentless pursuit of a cure hazardous to our health? for more. This is one of the most common types of cancers in children according to the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute. One of the known causes of leukemia is formaldehyde along with the other cancers it has been linked to, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.This begs the question why is formaldehyde still so commonly used and why are there not more resources being used to educate families on what to avoid? Maybe one day I'll be bold enough to take on that topic. I worry about not just my own children but children in general being exposed to things that can cause so many health issues. Some issues could be so far down the road, we have no way of knowing what could be waiting for them when they reach adulthood. We can't keep waiting and hoping things will just get better or crossing our fingers that maybe our children won't be that affected by these things. There are better options out there. The biggest statement we can make is by doing the research on what products truly are non-toxic and making the switch. Take your money elsewhere. Here is my challenge to you: Look up your favorite safe, green, or clean brands you buy from the store. See who owns the company, for example Burt’s Bees was bought by Clorox. Check if they have had any lawsuits or gotten in trouble for improperly labeling, green washing, making false claims, or lying to consumers. Check for some of the ingredients listed above. When I did this, I couldn’t believe the things I found. In my opinion, when a big manufacturing company has been caught deceiving their customers it’s like catching a bad boyfriend breaking your trust by lying once again. Should we keep forgiving these companies and buying their products knowing they hide the truth repeatedly? Once a company breaks that trust they have no incentive to earn it back because consumers keep on going back time and time again. If you would like to read more on what Larry Silver, MD has to sayin ADDitude on ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities check out his article here . I am always happy to talk more if you have any questions, please feel free to email or message me on social media.
I am nowhere near an expert on this subject nor will I ever pretend to be that is for sure. What I do want to do is raise awareness on these issues. Not only have I personally been affected by some of these things, but I also have friends and family members that have suffered some of these very symptoms that can be caused by chemicals in our personal care products. If you read my story or my first blog entry then you know a little about my health issues like asthma and allergies, if you haven't taken some time to check it out. This post is a little different. How many people do you know that have struggled conceiving? How many babies are born prematurely? How many do you know that have had different forms of cancer? My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and now I always worry if my mother, sister, or myself will have to fight the same battle she did. One in four women have had a miscarriage. It’s not something I ever talk about, but I am 1 in 4 and I have friends, that have felt that same pain. This isn’t an easy topic for me because it’s so personal, but this information needs to be shared. Maybe by sharing this I can reach that person that really needs to know this and it can help them improve a health issue they have or prevent one. This is also personal because I was using so many products off of the shelves daily that contain ingredients that are linked to a number of health issues with no idea of the risk that came with them. Something that touches our skin can be absorbed into our bloodstream as quickly as 26 seconds. Ok, but let’s back up for a second because products on the market have to be safe and they are all tested before hand, right? Here is another surprising fact that I didn’t know until I watched the documentary Toxic Beauty, The Cosmetic Industry isn’t regulated by the FDA, they have what is called a Post Market Regulatory System. Which basically means they aren’t tested unless there are a number of reported incidences with the product. In most cases, we don’t even know if those products really contain the ingredients it says it does, if the ingredients are even disclosed at all. Sadly, that isn’t a requirement here in the United States. The $84 billion-dollar industry is currently being regulated by about a page and a half of federal law. Oh, and they are self-regulated. How is this possible? The big corporations don’t allow regulations to happen because it would harm their bottom line. They have deep pockets and those that have the authority to make the changes don’t because they like those pockets. Regulations for the cosmetic industry haven't changed since the 1930s. When compared other standards around the world here is where the U.S. falls European Union Bans 1394 ingredients Canada bans 459 The United States bans 11 “The cosmetic industry issue is bigger than the tobacco issue because you’re talking about thousands of different chemicals” -This is a quote from Toxic Beauty. Why is this such a big issue? And why don't we hear more about this? Other than the big manufacturing companies that pay a lot of money so you don't, I can't tell you why we don't talk about this more. Johnson and Johnson knew in the 1960s that Talc, the main ingredient in baby powder, was linked to cancer but it wasn't until summer of 2020 that they discontinued making it. No, that's not a typo. This past summer they finally stopped production of it. They still haven't pulled it from store shelves. In fact, the last time I checked it was discounted. Now let that sink in just a little bit, it took them 60 years to stop making a product they knew caused cancer. So that leads us to the why it's such a big issue. Skincare, hair, feminine care products have been associated with Reproductive Issues, Ovarian Cancer, Breast Cancer, Preterm Birth, Mercury Poisoning, Endocrine Disruption The last one is a big one. What is an endocrine disrupter and what does it affect? Endocrine disruption can alter sperm quality and fertility, abnormalities in sex organs, endometriosis, early puberty, altered nervous system function, affects your immune function, linked to certain cancers, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular issues, how we grow, neurological and learning disabilities, and more. One of the sites I found this information on was hormone .org I’m not sure about you, but I know a number of people that have health issues that fall under one of these categories. This is just one of the areas chemicals in our personal care products can affect. Another source I found was from Science Direct . Endocrine disruptors can have so many different effects even in small doses. In-utero and early childhood exposures most often linked to some of the most severe effects. According to Dr. Tamara James-Todd, PhD, these early exposers have many implications for a child’s health. A young girl starting her period sooner can lead to health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Other research has linked Parabens to Breast Cancer. According to a Science Daily Story, a study led by Dr. Phillippa Darbra collected over 160 breast tissue samples from 40 women and 99% of the samples contained at least one paraben and 60% of the samples contained five. Parabens from the products we use are making their way from the surface of our skin into other areas such as breast tissue, which can lead to things like cancer. It's also known as an endocrine disruptor linked to reproductive harm and developmental disorders. Parabens are found in products like deodorant, antiperspirants, soaps, hair, shaving, and fragranced products. Ingredients to look for that also include parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. Some of the chemicals that are being used or found in personal care products other than parabens are aluminum, asbestos, arsenic, pthalates, mercury, silica, triclosan, talc, lead, and carcinogens. Pthalates is another ingredient that is linked to asthma and breast cancer. Exposure to triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. After watching Toxic Beauty and doing some of my own research, which I encourage everyone to do as well, I threw out all of my Mac makeup and Dove soap along with the rest of my store bought brands I used to use. There are many different brands out there that are using better ingredients and will list them all. EU rated also known as European Union Rated is a great thing to look for in skin, hair, and cosmetic products. It doesn't always have to cost an arm and a leg either. I have been lucky enough to find what works for our family to replace those other brands. In upcoming entries I will break down some of the other things learned from this documentary that I didn't cover in this one. If you want to chat more about this subject or what I personally use now please feel free to reach out on social media or this site. I would love to have those one on one conversations.
Most people don’t know…I didn’t even know until I read this study three years after it was published. Why did I wait so long? I never saw any media coverage on it. You would think a twenty-year scientific study with the results that were published would have been headline news and all of America would have heard, read, or seen some kind of coverage on it. Maybe I don’t watch enough news or read enough. Either way, I missed it and just in case you missed it too, I want to kick off with my first entry talking about it. For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Kerri and I’m not a writer. Let’s make that clear from the start. But I hope by sharing my story I can help those that may also be going through something similar. As a mom, like every other mom, I’m always trying to do the best I can the best way I know how. I take a bit of a different perspective. As a young child going as far back as being an infant, I’ve struggled with my health that resulted in severe allergies and asthma. For more on that check out My Story . My parents were always told the two big culprits of those allergies and asthma were secondhand smoke from cigarettes and dust mites (as an adult I found out that this wasn’t 100% true, but the research just didn’t exist yet). Looking back as a parent now with the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and having the memory of an elephant, I don’t want any child to go through the things that I experienced growing up. If I can help just one parent help their child and save them from breathing treatments, inhalers, allergy shots, asthma attacks, trips to the doctors, test after test, and countless sleepless nights just by sharing my story that’s enough for me. So, I’m sure you are wondering “What is the bad habit I quit that is as bad as smoking?” I quit using national brand household products. Now, before you roll your eyes or think I’m one of those hippies, keep reading. For your family’s health stick with me on this one. When your child is allergic to dust your natural instinct is to clean all of the dust. Little did we know that for years this was causing me more harm than my allergies probably did. It is not my parents’ fault, we just never knew that the Pledge, the bleach cleaners, that splash of ammonia in the laundry, those bathroom cleaners, and many other products we were buying and using were causing so much harm. Here is the study in a nut shell and you can even fact check me (please do, don’t just take my word for it) at lung.org and sciencedaily.com . This study was a twenty-year study done by 28 of the top researchers over in Europe in nine countries with 6,235 people (men and women) that had their lung capacity tested regularly based on their use of spray and liquid cleaners. The average age of those involved in the study was 34 years old when it started. There is plenty of research available on the short-term use of the chemicals used in cleaning products being linked to asthma, there is very little long-term impact data available on this subject. 7 Key Findings from The Study · The study found that using these cleaning products as little as once a week do as much damage as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day (that includes everyone exposed in the household not just the person cleaning). We all know the hazards of smoking these days and cleaners are found to have similar affects. · Woman showed to be affected more than men. · Cleaning at home is just as harmful as if you were someone that cleaned for a living. · Liquid cleaners are just as bad for you as spray cleaners · Some of the primary culprits: ammonia, chlorine bleach, and quaternary disinfectants. · Women cleaning regularly have an increased risk of asthma · The damage accumulates over time. For a quick glance at these results you can check out this digital brochure . So, we made the changes in our home to get these products out. Not just for my health but for the health of my two young children and their developing lungs. It has been over a year now since converting our home to truly non-toxic products. In that time, I have not used my rescue inhaler in months. No more watery eyes, constant sneezing daily, or tight chest when cleaning. The bumps and rashes the kids would get disappeared. This is just the things we have noticed. There are many options out there you can check out. It is really all about what works the best for your family. Just make sure you research them, and they are truly non-toxic, free of those dangerous chemicals. I was surprised to find that brands like Method, Mrs. Meyer, Honest Company, Seven Generations, and other well-known “green” brands were not any greener, cleaner, or non-toxic but that is for another post. I was lucky enough to find a company that fit all of our needs. If you would like more on the brands we switched to, please feel free to reach out. Always here to help others find what is right for them.
