Dear Reader: You may wonder why I have written this book. Like everything in life, the answer is never simple. Those of you who are mothers, and perhaps fathers, may relate to the first reason. It is hard to explain, but once I became a mother I developed an instant emotional bond with all children. Any pain, loneliness, loss, or despair endured by any child became so much more poignant to me. Several years later, while taking an environmental health course for my doctoral degree, I realized that I had been exposing my daughter to numerous toxins that were known to cause disastrous health problems. I was shocked to learn that toxic chemicals are hidden in numerous seemingly innocent household products as well as food and water. It occurred to me that if I had no idea of the danger that lurked in my closets, pantry, and refrigerator, perhaps others are as clueless as I. Perhaps people all over the world are unwittingly poisoning their loved ones just as I had been. How could someone without medical training be expected to know what I, as a medical provider for over a decade and instructor of the next generation of healthcare providers, did not? Thus, my passion for sharing this message was born. I simply could not and cannot stand by and watch parents lovingly poison their own children. More people die from toxic chemicals than from motor vehicle accidents, and most of these exposures take place in our own homes. As we have immersed ourselves in products laden with hidden chemicals, society has become plagued with a host of chronic illnesses. In the span of one industrial century the incidence of cancer has soared from 1 in 8000 to nearly 1 in 2. In fact, nearly half of all Americans now suffer from at least one chronic illness. The problem is obvious: toxic chemicals are bad for health and health is getting bad. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals are frequently omitted from labels and grocery shopping now requires a PhD in chemistry. So, what can we do to preserve the health of our loved ones? "Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family" reveals how to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals and increase the odds of remaining healthy in this era of illness. "Holler for Your Health" was written to empower each of us to take control of our own health rather than focusing on the institutions that are failing to protect us. The solution, to stop treating and start preventing disease, truly is in reach. It lies within each of us.

Endorsed by the President of the National Speakers Association.

Physician Assistant, Assistant Professor of Medicine