Obesogens

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

After reviewing articles from the module, I also found an easy to read and convenient website https://sfenvironment.org/vegetables-fruits-in-season-bay-area 

I found that the following products are currently in season:

Fruits

Apples
Avocados
Dates
Figs
Grapefruits
Pears

Vegetables

Greens (Arugula, Kale, Collard Greens, Swiss Chard)
Bok Choy
Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Eggplant
Fennel
Okra
Snap Peas
Tomatoes
Winter Squash

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

I definitely support the idea of providing locally grown organic foods to hospitals. Making hospital menus based on local harvest calendars should increase health outcomes and support local businesses. 

• 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). 

Here's the link to the California Harvest Calendar I found http://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm

And here is the link to a seasonal food guide in California https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/

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

I have heard about obesogens before. I find it concerning and frustrating. People can try to avoid processed food or junk food and try to exercise more. But far not everyone is aware of obesogens.

 

• 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! 

USE:
PFOA is used in fire-fighting applications, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, paints, polishes and adhesives. 
EXPOSURE:
The general population may be exposed by breathing in the air, eating food, drinking water and skin contact with dust. If PFOA is released to the environment, it will not be broken down in the air. It can travel long distances in the air on particles that eventually fall to the ground. 
RISK:
Health risks associated with exposure to PFOA are unclear. Increased cholesterol levels, increased risk of high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and liver damage have been associated with elevated blood levels of PFOA in exposed humans in some studies. Additionally, there is a long list of other potential adverse effects. The potential for PFOA to cause cancer in humans is currently being evaluated by the EPA. However, it has not been assessed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program 13th Report on Carcinogens. (SRC)