The United Nations estimates that at least four million people worldwide have Parkinson's Disease (PD), a type of motor system disorder that is marked by tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.

Environmental exposures increase a person's risk of developing PD. Even when genes are a factor in the disease, as with many familial cases, exposure to toxins or other environmental factors may influence when symptoms of the disease appear and/or how the disease progresses.  Pesticides and fungicides produce free radicals that cause cellular oxidative stress, one of the main causes of degeneration of brain cells.  In a 2005 study by University of Rochester (USA) researchers, pesticides and fungicides were found to remain on produce for more than three weeks, and persisted even after washing.

Whenever possible, purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables and encourage your grocer to provide produce that is free of pesticides and fungicides.

The New Anti-Aging Revolution, available from A4M, shares insights on environmental hazards that may affect longevity, and how we might reduce these risks.  Call to order (US tel: 773-528-4333), or visit the World Health Network Bookstore online at http://www.worldhealth.net.