Registered nurses (RNs) skilled in health coaching educate patients on lifestyle changes and complementary therapies for disease management and prevention. They assist with developing healthy eating and exercise routines, identifying environmental toxins, and providing evidence-based health guidance. RNs empower patients to actively manage their health using a holistic, integrative approach. In this class we are joined by Deb Diener, who was invited to share her knowledge and insights on this important topic.

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Environmental toxins are quietly shaping the state of global health, contributing to rising rates of chronic illness. In her enlightening class, Deb Diener—a registered nurse, holistic wellness coach, and former army officer—dives deep into this pressing issue. Her unique blend of professional experience and personal resilience brings a powerful message: understanding and reducing toxic exposure can be life-changing.

A Personal Journey Toward Awareness

Deb’s journey into understanding toxins began early in her nursing career. While undergoing military training, she witnessed fellow nurses fall seriously ill after receiving multiple vaccines simultaneously—illnesses that later developed into chronic conditions without clear causes. Her curiosity deepened during rotations at the VA, where she encountered veterans suffering from severe injuries and cancers linked to toxic exposures like Agent Orange.

However, her most profound awakening came from her personal battle with toxic exposure. Faced with a dire liver diagnosis, Deb rejected the traditional medical path of transplantation and chose to research and address the root causes herself. Her experience inspired her to guide others in reducing their toxic load and reclaiming their health.

The Growing Burden of Toxins in Modern Life

According to a 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) report, 23% of global deaths are directly linked to preventable environmental factors. The connection between industrialization and chronic illness is undeniable:

• Chemical production has skyrocketed since World War II, with billions of pounds of toxic substances released annually in the U.S.
• Rates of obesity have soared from 13% in the 1980s to 42% today, correlating with increased chemical exposure.
• Diabetes diagnoses have quadrupled since 1980, with studies linking chemical exposure to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
• Rising incidences of thyroid cancer, autism, Parkinson’s disease, and other chronic illnesses mirror the growth in chemical manufacturing.

What Are These Toxins and Why Should You Care?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered over 80,000 synthetic chemicals, yet only 7% have complete toxicity data available. These chemicals appear in everyday products and can accumulate in our bodies—some even found in the cord blood of newborns.

Chemicals such as BPA, BPS, and BPF—often found in plastics—are endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormonal balance and are linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Alarmingly, "BPA-free" labels may be misleading, as alternative chemicals like BPS and BPF can be just as harmful, if not worse.

Toxins in Your Water and Food Supply

Water contamination is another serious issue. Substances like trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and industrial processes, have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Military bases across the United States have reported significant contamination issues, with chemicals like PFAS—often referred to as "forever chemicals"—found in alarming concentrations.

The contamination of food containers is also troubling. Many plastic containers used for packaging meat are infused with harmful chemicals like phthalates and flame retardants, which can leach into food and contribute to health problems ranging from hormonal disruption to cancer.

The Real-Life Impact of Environmental Toxins

Deb shared her own harrowing experience of being told she had two years to live due to liver failure caused by toxic exposure. Rather than accept a transplant, she immersed herself in biochemistry, epigenetics, and detoxification, creating a personalized wellness plan that saved her life. Now, over two decades later, she’s helping others uncover the hidden threats in their lives and reduce their toxic burden.

How You Can Reduce Your Exposure

Deb emphasizes that reducing toxic exposure is achievable and offers practical steps to begin:

1. Identify Sources of Exposure: Start by evaluating your kitchen. How many items are made of plastic? Consider swapping them for glass or stainless steel alternatives.
2. Read Labels Carefully: Products labeled "BPA-free" might still contain harmful chemicals like BPS or BPF.
3. Question What’s "Safe": Just because something is FDA-approved doesn’t mean it is risk-free.
4. Be Mindful of Water Contamination: Invest in high-quality water filters and stay informed about your local water quality.
5. Reduce Processed Food Consumption: Chemicals from packaging and preservatives can contribute to your body’s toxic load.

Taking Action Beyond Your Home

Education is the first step toward creating broader change. Deb encourages individuals to advocate for safer communities by:

• Educating others through social media or local events.
• Pressuring government representatives to enforce stricter regulations on chemical safety.
• Supporting organizations working to reduce environmental toxins.

Deb’s own advocacy work led to the passage of the Child Safe Act in her state—a testament to the power of informed individuals standing up for change.

The Path Forward: Knowledge and Hope

The overwhelming presence of toxins in our environment can feel daunting, but Deb’s message is clear: there is hope. Simple lifestyle changes, informed choices, and proactive detox strategies can dramatically improve well-being.

A helpful questionnaire to assess your potential toxic exposures will be sent out, giving you a starting point to take control of your health. Remember, small steps can lead to profound transformations—your journey to better health begins today.