WHAT ARE . . . GMOs? 

This year we are exploring some of the key issues, topics, terms, and practices of holistic living to learn more and discover how they might fit into our families and lifestyles!

What Are GMOs?  

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are "organisms created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE)," according to the Non-GMO Project.  They involve the recombining of DNA from different plants, animals, or other organisms to enhance certain traits (or reduce others), in ways that would not occur in nature.  

GMOs have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.  "According to the USDA, in 2009, 93% of soy, 93% of cotton, and 86% of corn grown in the U.S. were GMO. It is estimated that over 90% of canola grown is GMO . . . it is estimated that GMOs are now present in more than 80% of packaged products in the average U.S. or Canadian grocery store." (Non-GMO Project)

Are GMOs Safe?

The opinion on GMO safety depends upon who is behind the research.  A number of studies indicate that GMOs pose toxic health risks to humans, affecting reproduction and immune system response, among others.  Biotechnology companies, who have much to gain from GMOs, have funded studies indicating that GMOs are safe.  Nevertheless, GMOs are banned or severely restricted in 30 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and the European Union. 

How Do You Avoid GMOs? 

Celebrating Moms!  At HMN we celebrate motherhood every single day, with all its joys and challenges.  And we know how important support and community are for successful parenting, so we want to give all parents a special opportunity to join us and save during the month of May!  In honor of Mother's Day you can join HMN and save $5 starting May 1 throught May 31, 2011 using Coupon Code MOM2011 online.  Click here to join today and connect with the support, resources, and community you've been longing for!

2011 Natural Living Conference!  Our 2011 Natural Living Conference will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011, in Long Beach, CA!  This hugely popular event is headed West for the first time in the organization's history.  Keynote Speakers Robyn O'Brien, author of The Unhealthy Truth About Our Food and actress Mayim Bilaik will bring their wisdom and knowledge to the event, along with Workshop Speakers Dr. Lauren Feder, Trudy Scott, Jennifer Taggart, and Jennifer Waldburger.   Early registration pricing is available now through July 1st and exhibitor spots are open for reservation (space is limited!!).  Don't miss it!

New HMN Chapters Forming!  Get connected and find support this year.  Start your journey into holistic living with Holistic Moms!  We have new Chapters popping up across the US, or you can build your own with our help, resources, mentors, and like-minded Chapter Leaders to help guide you!  This month, we welcome new Chapters in: Burleigh-Morton Area, SD; Indianapolis, IN; Loudon County, VA; NE Cincinnatic, OH; and Southern Oklahoma!  Join us! 

MANAGING MORNING MADNESS by Elizabeth Pantley

Morning routines can be hectic!  HMN Advisory Board Member Elizaberth Pantley offers some practical ways to make your days run a little smoother. 

Are your mornings rushed, chaotic and disorganized? Then it's time to get control and make morning a good start to a wonderful day! When your morning activities run smoothly, and you're out the door on time it can make your whole day feel better. To create a peaceful morning routine, follow these steps:

Start Your Morning - At Night!
A real key to smoothing out your morning is to prepare as much as you can the night before. This means choosing the day's clothing, packing lunches, gathering homework, signing permission slips and setting the table for breakfast.

Post a Calendar
Buy the biggest wall calendar you can find and hang it in a central location. Write down events and appointments for everyone. Use different color marking pens to code items for easy reading. (As an example: ball practice in red, carpool in green, doctors/dentists in purple) Keep the calendar up to date and you'll be more organized!

Create a Drop Box
Have a labeled box for each family member by the door. Use this to store shoes, keys, backpacks, coats and anything else that goes out the door with you in the morning. Plastic tubs or decorated crates make great drop boxes!

Use a Morning List
Sit down and analyze a typical morning. Make a list of everything that needs to be done. Create a poster-sized list of the standard morning activities listed in order to be done.

If you have a child who gets easily distracted and ignores the morning chart - don't give up! Just make a small mini- size chart, laminate it, put it on a chain and let your child wear it as his "morning necklace"! Your part is to make a few gentle reminders, "How are you doing on your chart this morning?"

Check Out Sleep Time
If your child has trouble getting up in the morning and sticking to his schedule take a look at what time he or she goes to bed. Without adequate sleep a child won't be able to follow a morning routine successfully.

Fix Problems with a Family Meeting
If problems persist take the time to sit down with your children and talk about it. Let everyone have a turn talking, and then work to arrive at solutions that will benefit everyone.

Praise Successes
Remember, your words of praise will encourage your children to continue to meet their goals!