Lately, I’ve had a few people ask me how to become a personal trainer.  I remember asking that same question when I was getting started.  I worked out at Bally Total Fitness and also a much smaller gym run by bodybuilders.  (Incidentally, that’s when I was eventually introduced to bodybuilding shows, but this was before the “Figure” category existed).  It was after working out at this smaller gym that I asked one of the trainers how to become a personal trainer.  “Get certified,” he said. 

“How do I do that?”

“Take a test.”

Your first goal should be to become nationally certified.  Granted, there are great trainers who are not certified, and bad trainers who are, but a certification is something that says you have good, sound knowledge.  It can’t hurt you.  You’ll notice I called certification your first “goal” instead of your first “step” because there are different ways of going about this.  Some people get certified, and then look for a job.  This is probably ideal because you can go into an interview with your certification in hand.  The manager will assume you know your stuff already, and as long as he or she likes you, you’ve got a good chance of being hired. 

For budgetary or other reasons, some people get a job first, and then get certified.  This allows you to earn money to pay for the certification, and to learn on the job, thus making the certification a little easier.  There are some gyms that hire you and require you to get their certification.  This type of certification is usually priced lower than usual, around $50 or so.  The advantages are that you get a job, and you get basic knowledge to do that job.  The drawback is that this type of certification is usually not national, and not accepted at other gyms, and only gives you very basic knowledge.  Just so you have an idea, a national certification can cost from $300 to $600.  Be cautious of certifications that cost significantly less. 

Keep in mind that if you do get one of these certifications, you may eventually need to get another one to work at a different gym, and I highly recommend a national certification if you’re branching out on your own.  I have worked with trainers in the past who have had the “single gym” certifications, and trust me, you won’t be doing your clients (or yourself) any favors by stopping there.  Your path depends on your goals, budget, and opportunity.  Perhaps the gym you wish to work at requires certification before beginning employment.  Perhaps you prefer to open your own business.  In these situations, you should get nationally certified first.  Perhaps you’re on a budget, or want to try personal training first to see if this is what you really want to do before you invest a lot of money and time into it.  In these cases, you may work at a gym first and get their certification, and go from there.

In any event, let’s say it’s now time for you to get certified.  The first certification you receive is general.  For example, I am certified by ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association).  The personal training certification is called "Certified Fitness Trainer".  This gives the basic knowledge that all trainers need to know to train clients.  Now you can work anywhere in the country (and in many cases, any country) as a personal trainer. 

What if I want to specialize?

As a trainer, you’ll work with all kinds of people for all kinds of different reasons, and you may find that there is a certain population you would like to specialize in.  Certifications must be renewed every 2 years through continuing education.  Not only will you keep your certification valid, you’ll keep up with new training ideas, equipment, and practices.  This is where your additional training for your specialization comes in, should you choose to do this.  You are free to choose the type of continuing education credits you would like.  For example, there are short courses on back problems or boot camps.  These are relatively inexpensive and can come in handy if you want to tweak your knowledge in a certain area.  On the other hand, you can get additional certifications to become a Youth Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults, Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning, and much more.  Each certification teaches you more specific information for your chosen population.  You can also take courses from other organizations and have them count for credit with ISSA.  Note: Most certifying bodies operate this way.  I am giving ISSA examples based on my experience.  This learning process takes time, and you’ll always be learning. Keep in mind, you are not REQUIRED to have a specialty certification to train a certain population, but it does help your credentials.  For example, let’s say you want to train older adults.  You may get individual clients here and there who want you to train them and your Certified Fitness Trainer certification is good enough for them.  They may not even ask about more specialized training.  Some do, some don't - each client is different.  On the other hand, however, if you would like to work exclusively in a retirement home, I would highly recommend a Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults certification in addition to your original one.

Becoming a personal trainer is one thing.  You get certified and get a job – and not necessarily in that order.  To become a good personal trainer, get certified, get a job, learn from anyone you can, learn from your mistakes and those of others, and never think you know it all.  With your certification(s), additional specialized courses, and life experience, you can become a great personal trainer for any group you choose!

Copyright © 2007 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

What do you mean by “tummy troubles”? I am referring to upset stomachs, including stomachaches, excess bloating and gas, and/or a nervous feeling in the stomach. 

What are the symptoms?  We all experience the above symptoms from time to time, but if this happens to you consistently, read on.

How can I treat it naturally?  First, try the usual: use the process of elimination to find out if a particular type of food is bothering you.  Is it milk, cheese, or creamy foods and desserts?  Maybe you’re lactose intolerant.

Once irritable bowel conditions are ruled out and you’re left with a diagnosis of “nothing’s wrong”, the following natural remedies may provide some relief on your quest for a second opinion.  Every body is different, so try them to see what works best for you.  Personally, I have tried all the remedies and they have all worked for me at some time or another.

Apples.  Eat an apple.  Apples contain pectin, which increases your fiber intake and helps regulate your digestive system by cleansing the intestinal tract (which is great for constipation, too).  When I get a stomachache, it is usually a result of going too long without eating, getting too hungry, then eating too fast.  I do my best to avoid this, but it does happen.  My first line of defense is the apple, and it has worked about 90% of the time for me, with almost immediate relief.  Be careful not to overdo it, though.  Although the apple provides benefits, people have been known to eat too many apples at once, only to get a stomachache, the very thing you’re trying to get rid of!  I recommend eating one or two, then waiting to see if it helps.

Ginger.  Ginger is a well known stomach soother.  Ginger tea, ginger ale, or juice some ginger in your favorite fruit or vegetable drink.  Ginger has a nice kick to it, if you like that sort of thing, and it works.  It’s used for tummy aches, nervous stomachs, and to ease nausea. 

Acidophilus.  You’ll also see it referred to as Lactobacillus acidophilus.  Acidophilus is a probiotic, which helps digestion by promoting the presence of “friendly bacteria” in the intestinal tract.  You can find acidophilus naturally in yogurt or kefir (drinkable yogurt), but for those who cannot indulge, you can easily find it in the form of pills, tablets, or pearls.

Papaya.  Another great remedy.  Papaya contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme.  This aids digestion, relieving your body of heavy workloads, and also reduces inflammation, thus providing relief.  If you can’t get you’re your hands on an actual papaya, you can easily get hold of papaya enzyme pills, too.

As I mentioned before, all of these remedies have worked for me at one time or another.  I am a person who gets occasional tummy troubles.  If this is a constant problem for you, the above remedies may help, but don’t let it stop you from seeing your doctor to find out what’s really going on.

Thanks to Crystal for the article topic!

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

Sometimes it’s hard to reach our goals.  Oh, it’s easy to start.  It’s even manageable to keep it up for a few days, or even weeks, but when the hard stuff hits, we are thrown off track.  And when we mess up, we figure we’ve ruined everything, so we stop.  Sometimes the hard part is continuing.  We don’t fail because we don’t start.  We don’t fail because it’s too difficult.  We fail because we don’t finish.  We can be our own worst enemy.  

Have you ever stopped doing something, only to look back months later and say “If only I had stuck with it, I would be much further along by now?”  

Although I seldom let others get in the way of my workouts, I would get in my own way.  When stressed, or emotionally challenged, I would not work out on say, Monday or Tuesday.  Then I would be frustrated that I didn’t work out on those days, and that my “planned week” was messed up.  That would be the beginning of me not working out until I felt better.  Sometimes feeling better took weeks. 

Then I’d be back to normal with my Monday through Friday workouts.  But upon beginning again, I’d be mad at myself for stopping and wonder how much stronger I could have been by now.  I realized that if I had done just half of my usual, I would not be far behind, if I was behind at all.  After that happened a few times, I got sick of it.  The new me is different. 

This year has been extremely stressful for me so far, especially the months of April and May.  I can tell you that the old me would not have worked out at all those months.  Instead, I remembered how I felt before, and of course I know exercise helps stress and provides other benefits.  I told myself I would do the best I could until I got regular again.  So I did, and my workout days looked like this instead:    

*Oot = Out of town.  I did not work out these days.

It wasn’t always easy, as I still had major things going on in my life.  Some days, it felt like I had to force myself to go to the gym.  Other days, I worked out at home.  On many days, as you can see, it didn’t happen at all.  But I worked through it whenever I could, and now I am back to regular workouts.  I didn’t lose much strength during that time, and whatever I did lose is back, and I’m making gains again. 

The point is: we are all human.  We make mistakes, fall off the wagon.  If you fall, pick yourself back up and keep going.  Before you know it, you will have made some lasting changes in your life.  You will have reached some goals.  Most of us have an easy time starting the race - we just don’t finish.  But even if you don’t sprint through the finish line, keep walking.  As long as you’re moving forward, you’ll still get there.  Do not give up.

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

I recently purchased a new elliptical for home use, and I figured I’d review it in case anyone else is in the market as well.  Although I didn’t want the commercial equipment price tag, I was concerned at first about getting cardio equipment that was designed for home use because of what I call the “cheese factor” – meaning some machines feel cheesy, flimsy, and/or rickety. 

I know I will use my elliptical often and I don’t want it falling apart on me.  I started by going to the sports stores and actually getting on the ellipticals and trying them out, then I looked up the ones I was interested in online.  

Fuel Fitness FE44 18-Inch Elliptical Trainer

So far, I’ve had no problems with my new Fuel FE44 elliptical.  It’s not overly huge, the machine feels nice and sturdy, and my feet don’t feel funny when I use it.  I get a good workout from it.  I looked over the instruction manual, and it did mention that Fuel receives many calls about squeaking or bumpy sounds coming from the machine.  It states that these sounds usually occur for one of two reasons:

• The hardware not being sufficiently tightened.  Hopefully I avoided this by having the experienced delivery guys assemble it correctly.  If it does happen, however, I’ll tighten it. 
• Dirt build-up on the rear rails and wheels.  When this happens, I’m told to clean and lubricate.

Bone, like muscle, is meant to be used and actually improves with proper use, so stay active.  Impact or weight bearing activities will keep your bones strong.  If you’re already active, keep it up.  If you’re just beginning, start with the basics.  If you strength train, avoid super high repetitions, and work with a weight heavy enough to lift only 10 times.    If you’re not used to cardiovascular exercise, start by walking 3 times a week.  Or try gardening.  It’s a workout that doesn’t feel like you’re working out, but it does wonders for your bones.

If you are inactive, a senior citizen, or just aren’t sure about your bone health, your doctor can determine whether you need a bone density test.  This test uses X-rays to measure the mineral content in a segment of your bone.  The higher the mineral content is, the stronger your bones generally are.  This test can be used to determine your risk of osteoporosis, or if you already have it.  If you are a woman 65 or older, or a man 70 or older, a bone density test is recommended.  Doctors often recommend drugs, supplements, exercise, or any combination of the above to maintain or improve your bone density.  Check with your doctor to find out which is right for you.

Injuries are very real obstacles for fitness enthusiasts and athletes.  Most of the time, we can prevent them by warming up before exercise, executing proper form during our workouts, and cooling down afterwards.  But try as we might to avoid them, injuries sometimes do occur.  You may remember learning about the acronym RICE.  This is the general rule of thumb for initial treatment of injuries. 

It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Too often, people implement the RICE technique, and do nothing further.   A doctor needs to be consulted in order to determine the extent of the injury. 

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

There are many ways to increase the intensity of your workouts.  In order to do so, you could increase the weight you lift, increase the amount of reps you perform, or increase the number of sets you do.  Incorporating any or all of these three factors can give you an unlimited number of combinations for changing your workout.  But there is another, often overlooked, factor: time.  Shortening your rest periods or performing an exercise for a certain amount of time can give you a big boost in intensity.

The Tabata method incorporates this time factor.  This method got its name from a Japanese researcher who found a way to increase aerobic and anaerobic pathways at the same time. 

To incorporate the Tabata method, perform an exercise for a “20 seconds on, 10 seconds off” pattern.  Do the exercise at maximum intensity.  In other words, don’t pace yourself; go for as many reps as you can.  See the example below:

Trust me; this is not as easy as it sounds.  It really taxes your muscles and gets your heart rate up.  It transforms exercises you once found easy.  I wouldn’t recommend this method for those just starting out, as you should have a good foundation of strength and cardiovascular fitness before trying this method.  The Tabata method works great with these exercises:

Some exercises can be modified until your body adjusts.  For example, the full sit ups can be done until you can’t lift up anymore.  Instead of stopping, perform crunches for your 20 seconds.  When you feel you can do full sit ups again, go for it.  You can also modify pushups by dropping to the knees and continuing when you are fatigued.  If you perform the Tabata method with any exercise other than sit ups, you should do them about twice a month.  You won’t need or want to do more!

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT  

Echinacea, which is highly regarded as the most important immune stimulant, has been used for over a century as a treatment for a wide variety of problems.  In the early 1900’s, Echinacea attracted even more attention and has become a popular treatment for colds and flu. 

The interesting thing about this herb is that it does not simply attack the infection that has invaded your body.  Echinacea contains a substance that prevents the infection from invading the cells.  In other words, Echinacea helps your body fight the infection on its own – it stimulates your immune system.

One of the first things you can do to help improve your eating habits is to stop drinking soft drinks.  Soft drinks include sodas, punches, and juice cocktails, and they add unnecessary calories and sugar to your daily intake.  Liquid calories that go down easy will quickly sneak up on you. 

In addition to the calories, the sweetness in soft drinks encourages the desire for more sweet stuff.  Most sweet snacks, for many, are a hindrance to weight loss, as they are calorie dense and nutritionally deficient.  It’s easy to see how regular soft drinks can derail your wellness and weight loss efforts.  

When we have a problem with our bodies, our first thought is to see a doctor. But not everyone has easy access to doctors or their advice. And sometimes the medicines we take have side effects or leave our bodies weak. 

Knowledge is power, so the more we know, the better equipped we are to deal with the curveballs life throws at us. It’s imperative that we do the best we can for the bodies we have, so I began this series entitled “Natural Remedies”. I’ll take ailments and diseases that directly or indirectly affect us all, and give natural remedies that can help.

What is PMS?  PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. If you have it, you know all about it. It occurs within a week or two of the period and it sucks.

What are the symptoms?  The symptoms include but are not limited to irritability, mood swings, headaches, anger, depression, anxiety, fatigue, bloating, and breast tenderness, acne, weight gain, diarrhea, and constipation. Fun!

How can I treat it naturally? Studies show that calcium helps reduce cramps, mood swings, bloating, depression, and food cravings. Analyses indicate that a dosage of 300 mg 3-4 times per day is effective; however, many people find it adequate to simply take the RDA daily. If you suffer from sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, or cancer, do not take an excessive amount of calcium, check with your doctor for an appropriate dosage. Beta carotene and magnesium are said to help. You can get this by drinking a juice blend of carrot (for beta carotene) and parsley (for magnesium). Chasteberry is an herb that is widely used in Europe for treatment of PMS, specifically breast tenderness. An added benefit of this herb is that it does not contain chemicals that act like estrogen or progesterone, and there have been no reports of significant adverse effects. Check label for dosage information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR READERS

The information contained on Warriorfitnessworld.com is presented for the purpose of educating people about health, fitness, and wellness and is not intended to replace the services of a physician. The ideas and suggestions on this site are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. They are not intended to help you make a diagnosis about your health, nor are they a substitute for any treatment that has been prescribed by your doctor. The information contained on this website should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, or suspect you have a medical problem, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this web site. You, the reader, must take full responsibility for all decisions about your health and for how you use this website. Therefore, the author disclaims any responsibility for any adverse effects that result form your use of the information on this website.

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

Part of the way you look can be controlled by exercise and eating habits. The other part is genetics. People are classified using 3 different body types, called somatotypes. This method of classification was developed by scientist W.H. Sheldon. As you read ahead, know that most likely you will be a combination of somatotypes. Most people have one type that is dominant, while still displaying some characteristics of the other two. The average person may display characteristics of all 3 somewhat evenly.

Mesomorph - muscular body type. Mesomorphs tend to be muscular. They have large bones and solid joints. They often have well developed calves and forearms. Due to their musculature, mesomorphs tend to be successful at most sports, the exception generally being endurance sports. For these types, moderate exercise allows them well-developed physiques, and they rarely have weight problems unless they overeat. 

Endomorph - round body type. Endomorphs tend to look chubby, have a soft appearance, and carry more fat around the waistline. The soft appearance is due to higher body fat which hides the muscle shape. Endomorphs are the opposite of ectomorphs on the thyroid spectrum. Endomorphs’ thyroids tend to be hypoactive (slower working). They need to eat relatively less than ectomorphs to maintain their weight. Knee problems are a common condition of endomorphs, likely due to the excess weight they carried while their bones were still developing. Endomorphs should be sure to combine regular exercise with well disciplined eating habits in order to maintain an ideal weight.

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

When we have a problem with our bodies, our first thought is to see a doctor. But not everyone has easy access to doctors or their advice. And sometimes the medicines we take have side effects or leave our bodies weak. 

Knowledge is power, so the more we know, the better equipped we are to deal with the curveballs life throws at us. It’s imperative that we do the best we can for the bodies we have, so I began this series entitled “Natural Remedies”.

What is insomnia?  Insomnia refers to the inability attain restful sleep. There are two types of this disorder. Secondary insomnia, the most common, is a side-effect of another problem like illness, anxiety, depression, pain, medicine, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or other disorders. Primary insomnia is not a side effect, but is its own disorder and usually lasts one month or more. Because insomnia is so disruptive, it's easy to see how it can cause other problems, like lack of energy, irritability, short attention span, trouble learning and remembering.

What are the symptoms?  You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, you may wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep, or you may have fitful sleep, causing you to wake up tired. 

How can I treat it naturally?  There are many drugs that help with sleep; unfortunately, they tend to promote tolerance and many people become dependent on the drugs. If you have secondary insomnia, try to isolate and eliminate the cause. In addition, the following natural remedies may help. Calcium, vitamin D and the B vitamins help to regulate the nervous system, helping you sleep more soundly. 

Check with your health care practitioner for proper doses for your body. Valerian is an herb was widely used in Europe and the United States as a sedative from the sixteenth century onward. Scientific studies of valerian in humans began in the 1970’s. The results of these studies led to its present day use – treatment for insomnia. Valerian is shown to be effective when taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. In some instances, valerian may take up to 4 weeks of consistent use for full results to be realized.

The standard dosage for valerian depends on the type you’re taking. If using dried root, 2-3 grams is standard. For a water based extract, 270-450 milligrams is standard. If using an alcohol based extract, 600 milligrams is standard. Melatonin is a hormone which your body produces that helps regulate sleep. Taking melatonin as a supplement is recommended for those whose natural sleep cycle is disturbed due to jet lag, shift changes, for example. It also may be beneficial for those who rely on sleeping pills to sleep. Optimum dosage for melatonin is not clear. Check with your doctor if you are considering discontinuing benzodiazepine drugs.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR READERS

The information contained on Warriorfitnessworld.com is presented for the purpose of educating people about health, fitness, and wellness and is not intended to replace the services of a physician. The ideas and suggestions on this site are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. They are not intended to help you make a diagnosis about your health, nor are they a substitute for any treatment that has been prescribed by your doctor. The information contained on this website should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, or suspect you have a medical problem, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this web site. You, the reader, must take full responsibility for all decisions about your health and for how you use this website. Therefore, the author disclaims any responsibility for any adverse effects that result form your use of the information on this website.

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

When we have a problem with our bodies, our first thought is to see a doctor. But not everyone has easy access to doctors or their advice. And sometimes the medicines we take have side effects or leave our bodies weak. 

Knowledge is power, so the more we know, the better equipped we are to deal with the curveballs life throws at us. It’s imperative that we do the best we can for the bodies we have, so I began this series entitled “Natural Remedies”. 

What are allergies?  Allergies, otherwise known as hay fever, are the body’s exaggerated response to certain triggers/foreign bodies. When someone who has allergies is exposed to dust, pollen, and/or pet hair, his body releases large amounts of histamine, white blood cells, and other substances. It is the release of these substances that cause allergy symptoms.

What are the symptoms?  If you have allergies, you know the symptoms well: sneezing, itching or teary eyes, swelling, runny nose, congestion, skin reactions, headache, and rapid heart beat are some of the most common ones.

How can I treat it naturally?  Generally, doctors treat allergies with antihistamines, decongestants, or allergy shots (allergy shots are used to desensitize the body’s response to common allergens). Even with this help, some individuals still have a hard time finding relief from allergies. It is commonly recommended to clean up your diet in order to find out if certain foods or food additives cause any of the symptoms. Increasing your intake of fiber helps to cleanse the colon, which also relieves symptoms.

According to a preliminary study, freeze dried extract of stinging nettle leaf has shown to slightly improve allergy symptoms. Nettle leaf has been used for years, and has become a popular alternative treatment. Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant, nursing, or have severe kidney disease. Vitamin A also provides relief for some allergy sufferers. A dosage of 5000 IU per day seems to work well. Some doctors say that increasing your intake of essential fatty acids will reduce allergy symptoms. Try flaxseed oil, which has a host of other health benefits. Other options are vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, zinc, enzymes, fresh garlic, and cayenne pepper.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR READERS

The information contained on Warriorfitnessworld.com is presented for the purpose of educating people about health, fitness, and wellness and is not intended to replace the services of a physician. The ideas and suggestions on this site are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. They are not intended to help you make a diagnosis about your health, nor are they a substitute for any treatment that has been prescribed by your doctor. The information contained on this website should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, or suspect you have a medical problem, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this web site. You, the reader, must take full responsibility for all decisions about your health and for how you use this website. Therefore, the author disclaims any responsibility for any adverse effects that result form your use of the information on this website.

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

The world has been searching for the fountain of youth for centuries. Not only do we want to look younger and live longer, we want those extra years to be full of independence and vigor. We don’t just want to survive. We want to feel younger and be strong. We hold the key to our own fountain of youth; we just need to unlock the door. 

The secret is exercise. More than half of adults over 55 feel that they get enough exercise by walking and performing other leisure activities, but more strenuous work provides greater benefits to the body. 

If you are an older adult looking to start an exercise program, GET MEDICAL CLEARANCE FIRST and do not exercise if you have any of the following: severe coronary heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmia, thrombosis, or acute myocarditis. Your doctor should run tests (EKG’s, blood panels, and neurological assessments) to make sure you are able to participate in an exercise program. Once you get the green light, it’s a good idea to meet with an exercise professional for help getting started. Here’s what you can expect:

In general, you should work out 2-3 times per week. If you are just beginning, start with 2 times per week. The duration of your workout will depend on your fitness level. A good rule of thumb is to work toward 30 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardiovascular. Start slow and work your way up gradually. 

Appropriate physical activity adds years to life and prolongs independence, decreasing the risk of serious injuries. Exercise and healthy habits are literally fountains of youth. Those who practice good living can and do have bodies of people up to 20 years younger. See your doctor and get started today!

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

Yesterday, the news reported that the government is on the verge of allowing meat and milk from cloned pigs and cows to be sold for food. After years of study, the FDA determined that it’s safe, insisting that products from cloned animals are no different than those of naturally bred animals.

Watchdog groups and scientists are not so sure, however, stating that defects can and do occur during the cloning process, and more investigation is needed before these products are released for mass consumption.

There is also a debate on labeling. Those who are not confident about the safety of cloned animal products would like those products to be labeled so consumers can make informed decisions on what they’re buying. Unfortunately, for now, the government will not require the foods to be labeled, since there are “no safety issues.” Unless this changes, once cloned products hit the stores you won’t know the status of your meat or milk. Just an FYI.

Video: FDA approves cloned food 

Copyright © 2008 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT