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What is all the buzz about BPA?

Most of us have at least heard of BPA.  What you may be wondering is “Should I be worried about that?” Good question.  There are different points of view on the BPA issue.  The FDA says it’s safe, but is it really?

Bisphenol A is a key industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic, epoxy resins, and other products.  (Type of “plastics” that don’t melt when heated)

Although BPA has been suspected of being hazardous since the 1930’s, it has been highlighted in the news recently due to several governments issuing reports about its safety, and some retailers have pulled products containing BPA off their shelves.

The FDA still considers products containing BPA safe for everyday use, although they do admit that small amounts of the chemical are leached out during the heating process.  Reports by many other agencies refute these claims of being safe, though.

 The Center for Disease Control conducted studies in 2007 that found BPA in the urine of 93% of children and adults that were tested.  Some infants tested showed substantially greater amount of BPA levels. (Probably due to constant contact with bottles containing BPA)

 What are the risks associated with BPA exposure? 

Low level BPA exposure has been linked to certain cancers (prostate, breast), genetic damage, early onset of puberty, impaired learning, hyperactivity, etc.   Long term low doses may also induce chronic toxicity in humans.  BPA mimics the bodies own hormones, causing negative health effects.

 How do I avoid exposing my family to BPA?

1.        Use the recycling symbol on the package to determine the type of plastic you are dealing with.

The recycling symbol with a 3 or a 7 inside it should be avoided. 

If you do use these plastics, do not microwave them or use them in the dishwasher.

 2..       Avoid using canned foods with epoxy resin linings.  (Unless labeled BPA free) Specific canned selections to be wary of include: vegetables, pastas (noodles and sauce), and infant formula.

 3.        Beware of certain cling wraps, especially for use in the microwave.

 4.       Avoid using baby bottles made of polycarbonate material.

 5.       Check with your dentist – some dental sealants may contain BPA.

 How can I find out more about BPA and its risks?

 The websites below were used as a point of reference for this article.  Check them out for more info.

 http://www.checnet.org/healtheHouse/pdf/plasticchart.pdf

http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

http://www.bisphenolafree.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A

http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

When is my child ready for camp?

Frankly, most camps start enrolling children at 6 years and up, but the first couple of questions you need to ask yourself to determine if your child is ready are:

1.       Have they had  exposure to sleepovers at friend’s houses?  How did they do?

2.       Are they pretty independent?

3.       Are they open to making new friendships/trying new things?

4.       Do they have a friend or relative that might be attending the same camp? (familiarity)

This is definitely a starting place.  Once you determine your child is ready, you need to pick out the type of camp, and location --near or far from where you live.  If you don’t think your child is ready, day camp may be a great option for them.

There are many different types of camps available.  Choices include: Christian focused, sports, cheerleading, dance, Boy scouts, Girl scouts, co-ed, not co-ed, children with learning differences or disabilities, health challenges, specialty camps, and so on… the list is endless! 

Choose one that you think would interest your child, and discuss it with them. 

OK we picked the camp, what next?

Once you enroll your child (most offer online enrollment), you can begin talking to them about their expectations.  Typically very soon after enrollment, you will receive a packet in the mail that walks you through their camp and the way they do things.  Go over this with your child.  Show them pictures of other kids having fun at their new camp.

If there isn’t another child you know that is attending their camp, try to find someone.  Some camps offer get- togethers for kids from a certain area that will be going to their camp.  Consider attending something like this. 

What do we do to get ready?

Once you are all mentally prepared to tackle camp for the first time, start the gathering and packing process way ahead of time.  Two months out is probably a good start.  Your camp will give you a standard packing list of what items to bring, so you have somewhere to begin.  (Once your child has attended camp for the first time, getting ready in the subsequent years won't be quite as involved.)

A decent trunk for their belongings is a “must have”.  Most sporting goods stores offer these for around $40, but you can also invest in a heavier duty type that will last your child through their camping years.  (choices, choices!)  Order or buy this early.  This is one thing that may be hard to find at the last minute.

Figure out how you are going to label your child’s belongings.  Some camps may have 8 kids in the same cabin.  Kids will leave their clothes everywhere—you get my drift?  Make the counselor’s job easy.  Label everything!  (we can help you with that)  If you are ordering labels, order them early.  Start labeling as you acquire things for camp and store them in your trunk.  This will make your life much easier!

Ok, they are off to camp.... now what??

It is very normal to have a little bit of anxiety during your child's first go at sleep away camp.  Remember, if anything happens that the camp can't handle, you will be called.   Children may have a little bit of homesickness going on, but the counselors are trained to deal with this.  It is good to grow their independence in letting them stick it out.
As parents, take this time to "relax" and spend time together doing activities you may not be able to do with the kiddos around.  Take a trip!  Enjoy!!!!  They'll be back before you know it.