Should we fear milk?
What’s a little gowth hormone, after all?
Well, many scientists believe the recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) that’s injected into cows to mke them produce more milk can cause cancer.
The Oregon chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility has studied the issue and has come to the conclusion that the hormones increase cows’ risk for painful infections in their udders and it shortens their lives. It also increases levels of the natural growth hormone IGF-1, which in excess amounts increases the risk of cancer in humans.
While IGF-1 is necessary, increased levels of it are associated with increased risk of breast, prostate, lung, colon and other cancers, and some studies have shown it survives digestion and enters the human bloodstream.
Most other countries don’t allow the use of these hormones in dairy cows, says Rick North, project director of Oregon PSR’s Campaign for Safe Food. It adds nothing of value to the milk, and before Monsanto Corp. devloped it, there was no milk shortage.
Cows injected with rBGH produce 5-15 percent more milk, but they stop producing at a younger age, and are slaughtered when they no longer can produce milk.
Since the cows who are injected with rBGH are more likely to have infections, they use a lot more antibiotics, which contribute to the growth of so-called super germs that resist all known antibiotics. These antibiotocs also are in the milk, and are passed along to humans who consume the milk, contributing to our likelihood of getting an antibiotic-resistant infection.
Manufacturers do NOT have to put rBGH on their labels, so a lot of people aren’t even aware their dairt products contain it.
So, how can you tell? Check the label of any dairy product you buy. Dairies that don’t use rBGH will say so on the label because they want people to know. So, if the label contains no information it’s likely not rBGH-free. Look for “no artificial hormones,” “rBGH-free,” or “rBst-free.”
Organic products always are rBGH-free, they are antibiotic-free and their feed is pestcide-free.
Big agribusiness wants to use rBGH because it increases profits, not because it’s safe. In today’s poorly regulated market, we consumers have to look out for ourselves.
Look for dairy products that don’t contains rBGH (Breyer’s “all natural” ice cream DOES have it), and vote with your wallet. If we don’t buy it, they’ll stop using it. It’s as simple as that.
For more information and a copy of the Consumer Guide to Dairy Products, visit www.oregonpsr.org or the Center for Food Safety at www.centerforfoodsafety.org.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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