FitPerez.com, September 2011

Fran Drescher, FitPerez's newest health correspondent, is back to answer more of your questions about living the healthiest lifestyle possible!

This week, Sara from Florida is a little weary of plastics (for good reason too!) and asked:

Hi Fran, What’s the deal with plastics and our health?

According to Fran:

Hi Sara,

Did you ever see the movie The Graduate? There’s a very famous line where the character talks about the future of plastics. Well, turns out he was right; plastics are everywhere! But we need to be cautious, especially when it comes to food and plastics! Many plastics, like water bottles and food containers contain a chemical called bisphenol-A (aka BPA) that can leach into food. BPA has been linked to cancer, heart disease, reproductive complications, obesity, autism and even decreased sex drive! (YIKES – I’m sure your boyfriend won’t like that one!) So here are a few tips:

- Try to avoid plastics with recycling codes 3, 6 and 7.
- Don’t microwave any plastic containers.
- Store your food and liquids in glass containers.
- If you are going to use plastic containers to store food, make sure they aren’t old and scratched. Purchase BPA-free alternatives.

For more answers to any health questions on your mind, tweet @frandrescher #askfranforfitperez and help fight cancer by checking out her website www.cancerschmancer.org!

http://fitperez.com/2011-09-07-fran-drescher-and-the-danger-of-plastics-on-our-health