Sunday, August 17, 2014

Stages of Readiness for Change

There is some interesting research that shows that people who successfully change their behavior go through a series of five stages-and usually cycle through these stages three to four times. (The sixth stage, Termination is at the end of the cycles.)
It is important to recognize where you are in the cycle of change, so you can set appropriate goals and action steps. According to James O. Prochaska, the psychologist who identified the cycle, each stage requires different strategies or tools.
If you set goals that you are not ready for, you set yourself up for failure. Similarly, if you choose goals that you have already mastered, you will delay your progress. But if you match your goals to your stage of change, you will maximize your ability to change.

http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/activities/stages-readiness-change

Are you ready to change your comfort-ability? What stage of readiness to change are you today?

Friday, July 11, 2014

Do you know what's touching your skin?

Did you know?

Skin is one of the largest organs of the human body. Most people do not know about the risks to skin health related to the chemicals in clothing and skin care products. These risks are generally not life-threatening, but can affect well-being and put a strain on the health care system. The ability of skin to waterproof the body prevents rapid absorption of toxic liquids or unnecessary fluids and keeps the body from dehydrating.

Moisture must be present for the skin to absorb chemicals from your clothes. Do you sweat in your clothes? Do babies put clothing in their mouths?


Sherman, C. (2008 March 10). Organic consumers association. Do you know what toxic chemicals lurk in your clothing?. Retrieved from http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10830.cfm

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Did you know formaldehyde is used in clothing and textiles?

Ø      It is what gives a garment the convenience such as permanent press, no iron, and being water repellent. There is no legal requirement to list the chemical on the article label. Formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen and has been known to cause birth defects. 

      Dadd. D.L. (1997). Home safe home: Protecting yourself and your family from everyday toxics and harmful household products. New York, NY: Penquin Putnam Inc