M6.7: Obesogens

·       Utilizing the first article, discuss what is locally grown and what is currently in season in your area.

For early October in California, current harvest includes: apples, artichokes, arugula, Asian pears, avocados, basil, beets, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, burdock, cabbage, cantaloupe, cardoons, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chards, chestnuts, chilis, chives, cilantro, citrus, collard greens, corns, cucumbers, dates, edamame, eggplant, endive, fennel, figs, garlic, ginger, grapefruit, grapes, green beans, green onions, ground cherries, horseradish, kale, kiwi, kohlrabi, lamb’s quarters, lavender leeks, lemongrass, lemons, lettuce, melons, mint, mushrooms, nectarines, nopales, okra, olives, onions, oregano, parsley, parsnips, peaches, pears, peas, pecans, peppers, persimmons, pistachios, plums, pomegranates, potatoes, pomelo, pumpkins, purslane, quince, radicchio, radishes, rappini, raspberries, rhubarb, rosemary, sage, shallots, snow beans, snap peas, sorrel, spinach, sprouts, strawberries, summer squash, sun chokes, sweet potatoes, tarragon, thyme, tomatillos, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, watermelons, winter squash.

·       Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus. 

          I think this is a great idea.  Hospitals have never been known for their great                food as far as taste, but we never really think about the quality either.  While              dietitians control the quality of the food as far as dietary restrictions, how the            food is actually sourced is equally as important, but likely to the outsources              companies that often manage food service in U.S. hospitals today, it’s not a              top priority as it may cut into their profit.

·       Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State). 

         My answer for this was given in question one.  I used the California harvest               calendar.

·       What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before?

     I thought the second article was interesting and eye opening.  I’d never heard      of obesogens before, but it’s certainly something out there that should be 

    more in the public eye.

·       Pick one of the potential obesogens discussed in the article and using your resources from earlier modules (such as toxnet), do some research on this potential obesogen. Share what you found!

    I looked up Perfluorooctanoic Acid, which is more commonly known as PFOA.      PFOAs are used in the following ways: salt production, water repellent,                  firefighting foams, and Teflon coating most commonly.  Human health 

    effects include: thyroid dysfunction, cholesterol and triglyceride dysfunction,        ADHD, delayed child development, prostate cancer and other carcinogenetic        issues.