Watercure USA - June July 2020

IN THE KNOW FOR for

June/July 2020

Watering for Success THE GREAT TOMATO CONTEST

Chemicals like chlorine can significantly damage our bodies, but due to our built-in filtration system, the damage often goes unnoticed. Still, even that internal process deteriorates over time, especially when we consume harmful substances. When I was a second lieutenant in my sailing days, I had to participate in a contest that puts this idea into perspective. If you’re a second officer, then you’re the most likely to handle odd tasks, like judging staff competitions or painting. However, my captain and the chief officer were always talking about retirement activities, and their most frequent topic of discussion was farming. However, their ideas of how to water crops and plants differed vastly. The captain preferred the reverse osmosis water-filtering process, while the chief officer thought chlorinated water was best for plants. To settle the argument, they tasked me with caring for two different tomato plants using their respective preferred methods. Before departing on a four- month voyage to Ukraine, we stocked

the competition, it was evident that the chief officer’s plant wasn’t growing very well. I was starting to notice brown spots all over the leaves, and it was only half as tall as the one being fed water from reverse osmosis. As we neared the dock in Ukraine, we were seeing that the captain’s plant was growing far more tomatoes. When it came time to enjoy the fruits of my labor, no one even tried the tomatoes fed by chlorine! In the ‘50s, we had no idea that chlorine was so damaging, but that was then. Now, in 2020, we can take advantage of all the knowledge and technology at our disposal to protect ourselves and our environment. According to the United States Geological Survey, 80% of our streams contain pharmaceuticals and personal care products, including antidepressants and heart medications. Currently, there are no government regulations that restrict this or require filtering them from our water supply.

If you’re worried that chemicals may be getting through the current water

all the soil, pots, and plants needed. Tending to two plants aboard a ship entailed finding adequate sunlight, then watering the captain’s plant from the engine room using reverse osmosis and the first officer’s plant with chlorinated water from our emergency supply onboard.

filtration system in your home, then try the WatecureUSA Alkaline Reverse Osmosis filtration system! It has a built-in reverse osmosis filter that will clean your water effectively. If you have any other questions or concerns about your water system, feel free to reach out anytime.

Naturally, as the trip went on, the rest of the crew got wind of the experiment and started betting on the plants! But, just two months into

-Captain Lance

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HOW THE TELEVISION STAR SHAPED CHILDHOODS

We all deserve to be loved. Rogers knew that not everyone has someone at home who tells them that they are special and loved. So he took it upon himself to tell viewers, ending each episode of “Mister Rogers’Neighborhood”by saying, “You’ve made this day a special day by just your being you.” Feelings are mentionable and manageable. Rogers helped viewers understand that it’s okay to feel mad, sad, and scared, and he helped countless children learn healthy ways to cope with tough emotions. This was a mission dear to his heart. Margaret McFarland, a child psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh who became the chief psychological consultant for “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” shared with Rogers the concept he turned to again and again on the show: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and whatever is mentionable can be more manageable.” You can explore more of Mr. Rogers’ enduring messages at MisterRogers.org. Share “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”with your children and show them a world where they can grow, learn, and play.

Fred Rogers may have passed away in 2003, but the world he created remains with us. In 2018, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” documented his life and outlook, and in 2019, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” depicted Rogers and the journalist whose life was changed by the star of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” These movies demonstrate that we’re still fascinated with the man behind Daniel Tiger and King Friday. Why? In part because the lessons Rogers so thoughtfully depicted are as relevant for today’s generation as they were for those who grew up watching his show. Imaginative play is a foundation of childhood. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood,” Rogers said. Rogers knew that play, which can seem inconsequential to grown-ups, is an important part of childhood development. Imaginative play allows children to step outside of their own perspective and experience another. In the process, they engage in abstract thinking and expand their universe. Mr. Rogers encouraged viewers to use their imaginations by creating a fantastical world called the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM MR. ROGERS

Reverse Osmosis vs. Countertop Water Filters

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

Most people assume they’re protecting themselves from contaminants by buying filtration systems for their home, but unfortunately, many stage one filters, like countertop filters and faucet attachments, don’t stand a chance against today’s pollutants. They do a great job filtering out sediment and volatile organic compounds, but they are ineffective against other major pollutants. To ensure your drinking water is safe, here are some things to consider before you buy your next filtration system. COUNTERTOP FILTERS CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH. Most countertop filters use carbon materials that can’t filter out harmful substances like arsenic, bacteria, nitrates, and human viruses. They also don’t remove inorganic materials that cause gallstones, kidney stones, and arthritis. What’s more, tap water can contain traces

of prescription drugs, antibiotics, mood stabilizers, and sex hormones, and those pharmaceuticals are not removed by carbon filters. COUNTERTOP FILTERS NEED A LOT OF MAINTENANCE AND CARE. As you use your countertop filter, the screen that catches contaminants will need to be replaced, but it’s a chore many people forget to do. However, when a screen is not replaced, it will stop removing contaminants. This can cause backflow, making the water even dirtier than before or possibly breaking the entire filter and forcing you to buy a new one or search for replacement parts. REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER FILTERS ARE EFFICIENT. Reverse osmosis systems remove a range of contaminants, including arsenic, fluoride, heavy

metals, and pharmaceutical drugs. Most of the systems only require filter replacement every six months or so, and with regular maintenance, they can last 10–15 years before needing to be replaced. Best of all, with a high-quality filtration system, you’ll find that your filtered water tastes better and cleaner!

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DREW: 716-946-3598

LANCE: 716-912-9939

What Lurks in Our Local Water

PALEO SAUSAGE FRITTATA

Bacon may be a paleo favorite for breakfast, but this hearty sausage meal can be enjoyed any time of day and is the perfect way to mix things up!

THE EFFECTS OF CHROMIUM-6

Ingredients

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3 tbsp coconut oil 1 lb mild Italian sausage 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated

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4 green onions, diced

10 eggs, whisked

Black pepper, to taste

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Chromium-6, also called hexavalent chromium, is a dangerous, naturally occurring compound that is commonly found in New York’s municipal water supply. In order to prevent you and your family from ingesting this harmful chemical, it’s important to understand what makes it harmful and what system you need to remove it from your water.

Directions

1. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. 2. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook until browned. 3. Add sweet potato and cook until tender. 4. Add green onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. 5. Spread this mixture evenly throughout the skillet. Pour eggs over mixture and sprinkle black pepper over top. 6. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes or until bubbly. 7. Transfer skillet to oven and cook under broiler on low until frittata is cooked through.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) national survey of chromium-6 shows that the compound contaminates two-thirds of the water Americans use. Another study by the National Toxicology Program found that the contaminated water can cause cancer in animals. While there are no state standards regulating the maximum level of total chromium in tap water, the federal standard is 100 parts per billion (ppb). The goal of lawmakers and health care officials is to bring that standard down to 0.02 ppb, which is the level that would cause no more than one case of cancer in one million people who drink this water for their entire lives. The National Toxicology Program’s report about cancer in animals after ingesting chromium-6 prompted California scientists to do investigations of their own. In 2015, they reported that there were increases in stomach cancer in workers who were exposed to the compound. Additionally, their research found that chronic exposure to chromium-6 in drinking water can damage the liver and reproductive systems, rapidly reduce body weight, and hinder skeletal development in infant animals. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), other side effects include eye and nose irritation, perforated eardrums, respiratory irritation, kidney damage, pulmonary congestion and edema, upper abdominal pain, respiratory cancer, rashes, and teeth erosion. Despite these findings, however, the EPA reports that it could take at least two years or more for the federal standard to decrease and help make our drinking water cleaner.

Right now, the best way to prevent chromium-6 from infecting your water is to invest in a reverse osmosis filtration system. If you’re not sure which system to buy or you want more information about chromium-6, contact us today. We can help you find the filtration system that’s right for your family and home.

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INSIDE This Issue Watering for Success

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The Timeless Lessons of Mr. Rogers Reverse Osmosis vs. Countertop Water Filters

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What Lurks in Our Local Water Paleo Sausage Frittata

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3 Enriching Staycation Ideas

Turn Your Vacation Into a Staycation

3 WAYS TO REPLACE A CANCELED VACATION Vacations provide opportunities for families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, get away from the routines of everyday life, and create meaningful memories. If you’ve recently had to cancel a trip but still want to create the experience of a vacation for your family, then a staycation is just what you need. CREATE A ‘FAMILY MUSEUM’ Many vacations include an educational aspect in order to enrich our understanding of the place we’re visiting, and museums are a great way to accomplish that. If you’re confined to the house, then teach your kids about your own knowledge and interests and encourage them to get

creators take you on a tour. Learning more about one another builds meaningful bonds.

BRING YOUR TRIP HOME You probably chose your original vacation destination in order to experience new and different cultures and activities. But just because you’re no longer traveling to that location doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of what it has to offer! Research popular local cuisine, activities, and history of the area, then create ways to experience them with your family. Cook a traditional meal, recreate a scenic location through photographs, or share a story about local lore and history. Your changed plans will no longer feel like a missed opportunity. Staying at home doesn’t mean your family can’t have the fun of a vacation. All it takes is a little creativity and innovation to build an experience that will bring your family closer together.

creative and make their own contributions, too. Have everyone create art, take photos, or write about their prized possessions. Display these masterpieces around your home and let their

TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD When you’re trying to recreate a vacation, the outdoor areas of your home present a variety of possibilities. You can turn a sandbox into a relaxing beach, complete with a kiddie pool “ocean.” If you have trees, then set up a zip line or obstacle course. You can even stimulate summer brains with a scavenger hunt around the backyard with hidden clues in the dirt or bushes. The ultimate prize can be something you would have purchased on your original vacation, like a souvenir you can find online.

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DREW: 716-946-3598

LANCE: 716-912-9939