Just How Dirty ARE Shopping Carts?

ABC News reports that shopping cart handles have more germs than public restrooms! According to researches from the University of Arizona, shopping carts are "loaded with more saliva, bacteria and even fecal matter than escalators, public telephones, and even public bathrooms". Their suggestion - wash your hands, wash your baby's hands and invest in a shopping cart cover.

Action Needed

Visit the WIC website to learn how you can voice your opinion regarding Governor Schwarzenegger's veto of AB 513 and SB 257. You will find a sample letter, as well as the email addresses of several major newspaper editors.

And in the news this evening...

We were so excited to have Catherine Garcia from NBC 7/39 in San Diego come by the store and do a segment on the financial benefits of cloth diapering and breastfeeding.

California Vetoed: AB 513 & SB 257

Two breastfeeding bills have been on the governor's desk. Both were vetoed this week. :(
Veto Messages:

AB 513 (DE LEON):
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 513 without my signature.
I share the author's interest in promoting safer, healthier outcomes for mothers and their children. My Administration has several programs dedicated to promoting and encouraging mothers to breastfeed their infants for the multitude of health benefits it provides.
However, the addition of a new mandate, no matter how small, will only serve to increase theoverall cost of health care. This, like other mandates, only increases cost in an environment inwhich health coverage is increasingly expensive.
California has over 40 mandates on its health care service plans and health insurance policies.
While these mandates are well-intentioned, the costs associated with the cumulative effect of these mandates mean that these costs are passed through to the purchaser and consumer.
I continue to have serious concerns about the rising costs of healthcare and must weigh the potential benefits of a mandate with the comprehensive costs to the entire delivery system - and for that reason, I cannot support this bill.

Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger

SB 257 (Pavley)

To the Members of the California State Senate:
I am returning Senate Bill 257 without my signature.
This bill would require every state agency and department, including local offices, when notified by a female employee that she is nearing maternity leave, to notify the employee of information regarding lactation accommodation on the Internet Web site of theDepartment of Public Health.
While I appreciate the author's intent, I believe that this bill is unnecessary. Current law already requires that accommodation be made for lactating employees. I do not believe it has been adequately demonstrated that employees are unaware of their options.
For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger

I can't wait for January 1, 2010...

...because that is when I get to start using this absolutely adorable item. :)

Looking for a great organization to support - and a super cute way to help? Check out the Real Diaper Association's calendar!

I love what this organization stands for: educating people about the benefits of using cloth diapers and also supporting the families and caregivers who opt to use them.

For more information on the calendar, click here or order it now here.

To learn more about the Real Diaper Association, please visit their website.

Bold Red Tent Event

Child Health Day

Today is Child Health Day, with sponsors including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This year’s focus of the observance is “Every Child Deserves a Medical Home.” A medical home is defined as a model of delivering primary care that is accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective. For resources, access the AAP Web site at http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/about/ChildHealthDay2009.html, the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University at http://www.mchlibrary.info/childhealthday.html, or the HRSA Web site at http://mchb.hrsa.gov/childhealthday

One Boy's First Trip Around the Sun

Someone had the patience (and memory!) to take a photo of her baby every day during his first year. Such a sweet idea, and too cute not to share. :)