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Don't forget that 'millionaires' are also part of the consumer class.

PERCHLOROETHYLENE Dry cleaning chemicals such as perchloroethylene, benzene, and hydrocarbons may have a negative effect on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The chemical solvent most widely used is perchloroethylene, also known as PERC, a colorless, sweet smelling chemical solvent which is a known carcinogen. PERC can also be found in some wood cleaners, shoe polish and spot removers. PERC has toxic effects on the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, respiratory system, eyes and skin, and on reproduction and development. Clothing dry-cleaned with this solvent off-gasses PERC into your vehicle and home, contaminating your indoor air. These solvents can also be absorbed into the skin by simply handling and wearing the dry cleaned items. Couples trying to conceive should reduce unnecessary exposure to toxins such as dry cleaning solvents. New "wet cleaning" methods can be used safely on "dry clean only" clothing. There are "green" or "organic" dry cleaners who may still use potentially harmful solvents to clean clothing. Another option is to purchase clothing that can be laundered at home. If one only dry-cleans one special item a year this is not of high concern, especially if you aren’t actively trying to conceive, but if you regularly dry clean shirts, suits, dresses etc. then it is recommended that you seek out alternatives. Data has shown that women exposed to PERC repeatedly pre-pregnancy take longer to conceive and may suffer menstrual disorders. Women exposed to dry cleaning chemicals during pregnancy have higher rates of miscarriage, infants with low birth weight, still birth, and developmental disorders. These solvents cross the placenta. Exposure to the fetus before conception (to the egg), during pregnancy and after birth can also result in neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, cancer, hepatotoxicity, and congenital anomalies. PERC does enter the breast milk and may even negatively impact milk supply. Early childhood exposure can result in vision impairments, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adulthood. Men regularly exposed to dry cleaning solvents may suffer fertility issues. Sperm motility and morphology may be impacted by exposure. PERC may also attach to the sperm and be carried to the egg where it can damage the egg and cause damage as described above. PERC exposure can also damage the testes and may lead to testicular cancer.

19th century prosthetic hand, London science museum Made from steel and brass, the elbow joint on this artificial arm can be moved by releasing a spring, the top joint of the wrist rotates and moves up & down, and the fingers can curl up and straighten out. The wearer may have disguised it with a glove. Among the most common causes of amputation throughout the 1800s were injuries received as a result of warfare.

CAFFEINE Caffeine is the world's most popular drug. Approximately 90% of people in the United States consume caffeine daily. You can find it in coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, cola drinks, pre-workout and some medications. People who consume 100 mg of caffeine or more a day (the amount in less than one cup of coffee) may experience a physical dependence, which can result in withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine can cause issues with male and female fertility, and negatively impact pregnancies and fetal development. Alternatives to caffeine should be used for couples trying to conceive. Some alternatives to caffeine for energy purposes include B vitamins, drinking more water, wheatgrass juice, and maca root. Alternatives to hot coffee include hot apple cider, ginger tea, caffeine free teas made from adaptogenic mushrooms and hot lemon water. Caffeine has been shown to damage sperm DNA which may harm a couple's chance of conceiving. High consumption of caffeine can also negatively affect sperm morphology and lower sperm counts. A study has shown that women who's partners consumed more than two caffeinated beverages a day were 73% more likely to have a miscarriage than those whose partners consumed less caffeine. This is why men who are thinking about starting a family should abstain from caffeine or at least greatly reduce intake. Women should reduce or completely stop caffeine consumption before trying to conceive. This should be done gradually so that the body is not going through withdrawal while trying to conceive. Caffeine may inhibit the fertile egg's maturation process. Coffee specifically is acidic and can make cervical mucus too acidic, which harms conception. Caffeine consumption may prevent implantation. Caffeine has also been shown to greatly increase the chance of miscarriage. Women who consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day (1.5 cups of coffee) double the risk of miscarriage. During pregnancy caffeine being a natural diuretic pulls fluids and calcium from the woman and the baby. It can also prevent the body from optimally absorbing iron, a critical nutrient during pregnancy. Caffeine crosses the placenta where it harms the developing fetus. Since the liver is not yet fully developed it takes longer for caffeine to leave the fetus' system than the mother's. Even normal daily caffeine intake (1-2 cups coffee) may result in babies born with lower birth weight. Caffeine may cause the blood vessels in the uterus and placenta to constrict, reducing the blood supply to the infant. Caffeine consumption has also shown to increase the chance of pre-term birth, stillbirth and SIDS. Fetal exposure to caffeine can also change important brain pathways that can lead to behavioral issues later on in life. During breastfeeding it is advised that women lower caffeine intake or abstain because caffeine transfers to the baby through breast milk. This can cause the baby to become irritable and have trouble sleeping.

MAGNESIUM Magnesium is a crucial mineral for many bodily functions. Studies show that more than half of the population of the United States may be deficient in magnesium. Women who are not pregnant should be getting 320 mg of magnesium per day, and while pregnant 350 mg a day. Men should aim to get 400 mg per day of magnesium. If you want to supplement with magnesium, the most you should supplement is 350 mg per day for men and women. People under high stress should consider supplementing magnesium since stress hormones are known to deplete levels of magnesium in the body. Magnesium is also known to have a calming effect and can be taken at bedtime to help promote sleep. Magnesium complex supplements may be easier for the body to utilize compared to single type magnesium supplements. Another way to increase absorption of magnesium supplements is to take them two hours before or after consuming calcium or zinc rich foods. There are also magnesium body sprays that can be applied after showering to the tops of feet, behind knees and to the inside of elbows for maximum absorption. Food sources that are high in magnesium include shelled pumpkin seeds (1 oz. has 168 mg), almonds (1 oz. has 80 mg), cashews (1 oz. has 75 mg), dark chocolate (1 oz. has 50 mg), and bananas (1 banana has 32 mg). Magnesium plays a very important part in male fertility. Spermiogenesis requires a high amount of magnesium. Men with adequate magnesium levels will have better sperm motility and sperm production. Men who are deficient in magnesium may experience fertility disorders. Chronic stress can deplete the body of magnesium, which can also result in decreased fertility; also magnesium deficiency can increase anxiety and depression. Stress and magnesium deficiency increase each other's negative effects on the body. Magnesium is important in female fertility processes as well. Magnesium deficiency in women is associated with a decrease in progesterone (sex hormone), fallopian tube spasms and increased stress levels. Magnesium also ensures that enough blood flow goes to the uterus. During pregnancy, magnesium deficiency is associated with preeclampsia, hypertension and premature labor. Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy is safe and may decrease fetal growth retardation and birth defects. Magnesium is important for the development of fetal bones and teeth. During breastfeeding, mothers must monitor their magnesium intake and ensure that they are getting appropriate amounts, which is 390 mg a day during breastfeeding. Magnesium is transferred to the infant through breast milk; too little magnesium has been associated with SIDS.

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