For most people, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, though most experts agree that PD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While we can’t do much about our genetics, we learned in this February’s Expert Q&A with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Earth Justice how we can advocate for federal legislation that will reduce the risk of certain environmental factors.
One herbicide that has been heavily linked to Parkinson’s is paraquat, a widely used commercial weed killer in the U.S. that is banned in 32 countries, including the European Union and China. Paraquat is thought to increase the risk of of PD by 320 percent.
Organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation have made it easy for you to contact your members of Congress about the Protect Against Paraquat Act, which would eliminate paraquat from the U.S. agricultural system.
Taking action when and where you can is one way to promote strong mental health as you continue living with PD. Contacting your lawmakers takes less than ten minutes and it feels good to advocate for yourself and others!
Thank you to our sponsors, Amneal and Kyowa Kirin, and to all of the generous donations that help support BGF Parkinson’s programs.
Rajiv Harry
Rajiv Harry is a Health and Wellness expert in Portland, Ore. Rajiv has cooked professionally in the culinary industry for over a decade and has been mentored by some of the regions best chefs. He was the Sous chef of the Northwest’s top catering company Vibrant Table before finding his true passion in the Health and Fitnessindustry helping others embrace a healthier existence. Learn more about Rajiv at embracechange.me.
Tiffany Kent
Tiffany Kent is a Portland-based TV chef, culinary instructor at Bob’s Red Mill Cooking School and food blogger at TabletoSoul.com. She is passionate about using whole foods and real ingredients to bring people together around the table. While she creates and shares a variety of recipes, (including gluten-free, vegetarian and paleo lifestyles), she is most passionate about finding hearty, healthy recipes that all people can enjoy!
Christa Knox
Christa Knox has been passionate about nutrition and the brain ever since she saw healing properties of food in her own life. She holds an MS in Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine and is board certified in Holistic Nutrition. She has worked with the Brian Grant Foundation, the National Stroke Association, Oregon Health & Science University, Parkinson’s Resource of Oregon and Portland Community College.
Market of Choice
Market of Choice offers a relaxing, enjoyable shopping experience and an extensive selection of natural, organic, conventional and local products at affordable prices. Staffed by friendly people who care about the communities where they live and work, Market of Choice has 11 stores in Oregon, located in Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Portland and West Linn. Learn more at www.marketofchoice.com.
