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We recycle plastic food containers but few of us realize chemicals from those plastics are being recycled through us. In this issue CR describes how chemicals from plastics, called bisphenols and phthalates, get into our food and why they are dangerous.
The chemical DEHP, which CR notes has been linked to "insulin resistance, high blood pressure and reproductive issues," is found at higher levels in fatty foods. For example, cream may have 5-10 times higher levels of DEHP than milk due to the fact that DEHP is a fat-soluble chemical and tends to bond with the fat in cream. Find out about regulations aimed at reducing phthalates and other chemicals picked up by food during processing and packaging and find out why CR experts believe those regulations fall short. Take a look at CR's list of popular foods rated by phthalate level to help you reduce your exposure.
Are you concerned about the risks of managing your money online? In this issue CR experts examine various financial tech tools to try. For those who are new to this, they say that once you try these tools, you'll wonder how you ever got along without them. CR also pinpoints the risks of using tech tools to manage your money and explains how to protect your privacy.
Headaches are a common experience for all of us but for some they are a weekly nuisance. Whenever they occur, we want them gone as quickly as possible! What causes them, what works to relieve them, and when is it time to see a doctor? Read "Know Your Headache" to get a grip on what factors contribute to the pain and what to do when a headache coming on. Various treatments are suggested for each type of headache and CR provides a list of supplements that may help, noting that early action dramatically improves the outcome of any treatment. Read "When Head Pain Is an Emergency" to find out if your symptoms are more serious.
Other topics in this issue include:
"The Best Relief for a Bad Cold"
"4 Surprising Things Your TV Can Do"
"What Makes a Pie Pan Great"
"Which Peanut Butter Tastes Best?"
"How to Stand Up Straighter"
Consumer Reports magazine is available free in print and online to Fauquier Public Library card holders, providing access to articles, reviews and ratings on over 8,000 products and services. The library has copies of Consumer Reports dating back to 2019.