Dooley Noted: 10/2/2014
We avoid dangerous chemicals in our food, water, and air to improve our health.
I get that.
But there must be more to health than our exposures.
I work in several anatomy labs. At each lab works at least one anatomist in his eighties.
For decades, they’ve been breathing and touching formaldehyde and phenol, two potent preservatives linked to cancer.
Yet, these anatomists are not only living – they are thriving. They are still sharp tacks in their eighth decade, likely because they never let themselves get too complacent.
I love listening to them teach. They have incredible knowledge, yet I see them consistently walk to Gray’s Anatomy or Pubmed to check for more information.
They are inspired. They want more.
They aren’t wasting away in their later years. They are thriving!
While I’m happy our chemical exposure levels are tested every year, I’m not worried.
I know that decreasing exposure isn’t the only way to prevent disease.
These anatomists aren’t riddled with cancer. They are moving, working, thinking, and staying as fit as they can.
Those attributes build resiliency – even when you’re breathing and touching formaldehyde.
By all means, reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals. But make sure you’re also increasing your resiliency to what you are exposed.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley