M6.7 Obesogens

Crop

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Cut Flowers

Apples

Artichokes

Asian Pears

Asparagus

Avocados

Basil

Beans, green

Beets

Blackberries

Boysenberries

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Chard

Cherimoyas

Corn

Cucumbers

Crop

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Eggplant

Figs

Grapes

Grapefruit

Guavas

Herbs, fresh

Kale, red

Kiwi

Kumquats

Lemons

Limes

Lettuce

Macadamia Nuts

Melons

Navel Oranges

Onions

Crop

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Peaches

Pears

Peas

Peppers

Persimmons

Plums

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Radishes

Raspberries

Rhubarb

Scallions

Snap Peas

Spinach

Squash-Summer

Squash - Winter

Strawberries

Sweet Corn

Sweet Potatoes

Crop

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tangelos

Tangerines

Tomatoes

Turnips, white

Valencia Oranges

To the right is the harvest calendar for San Diego, California. San Diego farms grow foods such as avocados, strawberries, pumpkins, lemons and tomatoes, among others. Specifically in March, crops such as avocados, broccoli, carrots and cherimoyas are just a few of the locally grown foods that flourish in this season. San Diego is full of farmers markets, local farms and even Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs to help encourage locally grown and organic eating. The article related to seasonal and local foods in the hospital setting was definitely an interesting read. I think it is a great opportunity to get community members eating healthy and embracing seasonal foods. However, I know that my hospital does not participate in such a thing. My hospital menu has mostly processed and frozen foods, mainly to be cost-effective. I'm not surprised that the incidence and prevalence of obesity has risen in the United States, considering even hospitals are more focused on cost than overall health status. 

I had never heard of obesogens prior to this assignment. However, some of the obesogens mentioned has been commonly noted as harmful to the human body especially in the prenatal and neonatal periods. Bisphenol A (BPA) is listed as a potential obesogen. BPA is used in production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, or is often found in water and infant bottles, medical devices and impact-resistant safety equipment. People are usually exposed through ingestion, primarily in foods and beverages. BPA can leach from the coatings of canned foods and consumer products into the very foods we ingest. According to the CDC, detectable levels of BPA was detected in 93% of a study sample conducted in 2003. There is a concern for infertility, obesity, diabetes and vitamin D deficiency as a result of BPA toxicity.