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Sherri Connell

A Lifetime in 27 Years

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An Outdoor Concert with Mandy Harvey

September 1, 2017 By Sherri

Wayne and Sherri having a great time at the Mandy Harvey Concert

Wayne and Sherri Excited to See Mandy

Mandy Harvey Concert

We were so excited to go to this Mandy Harvey Concert! We hadn’t seen her since last December. I have missed my sweet Mandy Girl! Wowee! What a fun block party with Mandy!

I only made it through half her concert (I have MS and Late-Lyme Disease). I also had a major reaction to heat and air fresheners inside the building.

But what a treat it was to see her again! I got to hear two of my favorites, “Cry Me a River” and her original, “Release Me!” And don’t tell anyone … but we got to go backstage and get hugs! I have missed you so much, Mandy!

Who is Mandy Harvey?

You have probably seen Mandy on America’s Got Talent! She auditioned with her original song, “Try” and got the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell! When she returned to the LIVE Quarter Finals, she sang another original, “Mara’s Song.” She was voted into the Semi-Finals starting September 5th. We are so excited for you, Mandy!

Mandy lost her hearing in college while studying music. She was devastated! Her life was all about music and she watched her dream vanish! Her father encouraged her to try to sing without being able to hear. Mandy was able to sing through muscle memory to hit the note and of course, she could read music. She went on to work very hard daily to practice feeling the notes in her vocal cords, throat and head, she uses a piano tuner to keep her pitch and she feels the music from the band through her feet and body.

We are cheering for you, Mandy! The world is discovering what we have known for years. You are an incredible vocalist and songwriter with amazing perseverance and message for us all to never give up and “TRY!”

More About Mandy!

Watch lots of great videos of Mandy singing at the IDA Gala, America’s Got Talent, interviews and more: HERE! Download Mandy’s Music: HERE! Visit Mandy’s Website.

Thank you for the amazing day and for being a blessing in my life, Mandy!

We love you!

Sherri

COPYRIGHTS: “Cry Me a River.” Written by Arthur Hamilton. Copyright © 1953 first publication. Ella Fitzgerald released her recording of the song in 1961. “Release Me.” Copyright © Mandy Harvey.

Filed Under: Counting My Blessings, Humor and Fun, Living My Life Tagged With: agt, america's got talent, awareness, band, chronic illness and pain, concert, counting my blessings, environmental illness, fragrance-free, friends and family, invisible disabilities, jazz, mandy harvey, multiple chemical sensitivities, music, personal story, pop, ukulele, video

We Finally Have a Christmas Tree!

December 5, 2016 By Sherri

christmas-tree-collage-2I am SO EXCITED about our new tree!!! Wayne surprised me and set it up yesterday!

We have only had two trees in 22 years of marriage. The first we had at our old house in the sun-room. The next we had here in the living room.

I have never really liked fake trees, but fresh are always so much work to get, decorate and keep watered. What’s worse, I had a bad reaction to the chemicals on the last one. Yes, chemicals on a fresh tree! We got it at a big box store and would not be surprised if it were sprayed with pesticides and probably even pine scented chemicals!

It’s true! Some places are spraying trees and flowers with scents these days. Our world is so inundated with strong, neuro-toxic chemical fragrances that people are losing their sense of smell, which leads to adding more toxic scents to everything from cleaning products to laundry to soaps, lotions, shampoos and deodorants. You don’t EVEN want me to elaborate on that! … But if you do, go to my blog.

Anyway … back to my story. We had been looking for several years, but I wanted something different than the average wide tree with lights and a green, plastic trunk. I wanted pine cones and berries! We walked into Hobby Lobby two years ago after Christmas and there it was! Wayne went to get an employee to help find the box, because there was only one left. So, I stood there and waited.

Another customer came up behind me and started to grab the tree! I turned to him and said, “Oh I am so sorry, but my husband and I are buying this tree. He just went to get the box.” He was quite upset, but thankfully he didn’t want to fight about it. The employee who helped us get the box, made a call and found the other customer another store where he could get the tree. So, it all worked out. But boy was that close!

Happy ending? Almost there. Hang on! Since fake trees are made of plastics, paints and glues, we really had no idea if I would even be able to have it in the house. What we did know, was that we would have to out-gas it for at least a year before we even tried. So, Wayne put it downstairs and didn’t bring it back up for almost two years.

After all of that, I am elated to say that he was able to set it up in our living room without any problems! Wahoo!

Long story short, when you live with debilitating illness and have to think twice about everything you buy, bring into the house, put on your body, wear or eat … the small things like finally having a Christmas Tree is an extra special blessing!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Filed Under: Counting My Blessings, Living My Life Tagged With: awareness, chemicals, Christmas, Christmas tree, chronic illness and pain, counting my blessings, environmental illness, fake tree, fragrance-free, fragrances, personal story, pesticides, pine tree, real tree, scents, toxic chemicals

Let’s Rid Our Homes and Bodies of Neuro-Toxic Chemicals

May 5, 2016 By Sherri

Sherri brings awareness to fragranced products - SherriConnell.com

MAY IS ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS MONTH!

Many may not consider themselves to have an Environmental Illness, but everyone is affected by chemicals. Moreover, everyone is at risk and millions are affected, but not all make the connection.

When we think of exposures to chemicals, we often think of a hazmat situation or “sick building syndrome.” However, an Environmental Illness such as a Chemical Injury can occur through a large, sudden exposure or a small, gradual exposure to chemicals or mold.

We may be aware of the obvious offenders in our environment, such as smoke, exhaust, paint or even new carpets.  Nevertheless, we often don’t realize the Go Fragrance Free Please For Youaffects of every day cleaning products, as well as personal care products that contain synthetic fragrances made up of neuro-toxic chemicals.

For example, these are chemically fragranced products such as perfume, laundry detergent, fabric softener, air fresheners, deodorants, lotions, shampoo’s, etc.

In a 2010 study, in 25 standard products, an average of 17 VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) were emitted; many of which are “regulated as a toxic/hazardous chemical” under 1-7 laws.

About 15% of the population knowing lives with Chemical Sensitivities to the chemical fragrances in these products (1999 Study, Kreutzer). Some of the symptoms reported are difficulty breathing, vertigo, migraines, loss of consciousness, memory loss, seizures and more.

About 38% of the population reports some sort of “adverse health affect” when exposed to fragranced products (Exposure Assessment, Steinemann) and it is suspected that many more are experiencing symptoms, but have not made the connection. Sadly, for millions of people, mild to serious reactions can cause isolation from public, friends, family, special events and more.

Sherri MCS Isolated I have lived with Chemical Injury due to the use of everyday products such as perfume, air fresheners, body sprays and fragranced laundry products since 1996. I started out having vertigo and migraines from strong perfumes and exposure to the cleaning products isle in the store.

Unfortunately, I continued to use other products I didn’t think I was reacting to. Thus, I became more and more reactive to more products until I ended up isolated in my home, unable to attend church, family dinners or step into a store.

As if that were not bad enough, people cannot come to visit me unless they do not use any chemically fragranced products, nor do they have a newer car or have walked through a store. It has been devastating!

These neuro-toxic chemicals can affect us all, whether we notice immediate reactions or not. My story is not rare. So, I am here to warn people that this could happen to anyone!

Again, Environmental Illness often occurs through exposure and use of every day cleaning and personal products. Therefore, it is vital that we clear our homes and bodies of these offenders, before we develop reactions to them that are debilitating and cause a person to be isolated from the world and those they love.

As a result, I implore everyone to take a look at the products we use in our homes and on our bodies. We can start replacing these products with natural and fragrance free alternatives. After doing this, most experience a moderate or huge change in how they feel, whether they are healthy or whether they are dealing with illness.


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♡ Sherri






#mcs #chemicalsensitivities #chemicalinjury #awareness #fragrance #fragrancefree #perfume #scent #chemicals

Filed Under: Awareness, Making a Difference, Reaching Out to Others Tagged With: air fresheners, awareness, awareness month, chemical injury, chemicals, chronic illness and pain, cleaners, cleaning products, deodorant, diet, environmental illness, fabric softener, fragrance-free, fragrances, friends and family, invisible disabilities, laundry products, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, relationships, shampoo, toxic chemicals, toxic encephalopathy, toxic injury, video

6 Ways to Build New Support When Facing Invisible Disabilities

November 13, 2015 By Sherri

6 Ways to Build New Support ImageBattling an illness, especially for an ongoing period of time, can bring about many losses, limitations and changes none of us would choose to face.

What’s more, it can be even harder to bear the adjustments when friends and family don’t seem to understand what we are going through or why the condition isn’t getting better.

Sadly, because of this lack of understanding, many relationships are broken. Frankly, sometimes loved ones don’t really want to work at it, watching us hurt may be too painful or they simply don’t know what to say.

Since most of us are accustomed to relying on loved ones, work and hobbies to keep us active socially, when those aspects in our lives dwindle down or disappear, we are left with a dilapidated infrastructure. As a result, we must learn to be intentional about building a new foundation of support and purpose.

Old and New Foundations

 

Here are a few building blocks I have discovered that are essential for us to embed into the groundwork of who we are and in our support community:

  • Loved Ones – Friends and family often try to be supportive by saying things they believe will encourage us to fight harder. Grievously, it can be hurtful when they say things such as, “But you LOOK good” or “Can’t you just try harder?” These kinds of statements can leave us feeling as if they have no idea how hard we are fighting and how much we want our lives back! Subsequently, loved ones may avoid us to avoid confrontation, take our saying “no” to a holiday dinner personally or inadvertently we become “out of sight, out of mind.” No matter what the reasons, we oftentimes feel misunderstood, abandoned and forgotten. Sometimes we have to work at keeping those relationships that aren’t perfect, but they are trying. Other times, we need to move on and find new relationships.
  • Medical Teams – Unfortunately, for many living with chronic illness, our worlds become full of tests, doctor appointments and treatments. Therefore, it is extremely important to build a great team of doctors, counselors and/or practitioners who care enough to listen and are capable of digging deeper into our case.
  • Social & Support – Finding a social outlet is crucial to combating loneliness. This can be found through a community center, club, church or support group where we can meet others who are facing similar life hardships. Of course, for many it is extremely difficult to get out and about. Thus, we can find ways that work for us, such as an online support group.
  • Purpose and Passion – We must remember that even without our careers or other things we have lost that gave us identity, we all have purpose and value. Therefore, we must grasp onto knowing that no matter what, our lives have meaning; we have meaning! To find our passion, sometimes we have to pull out an old hobby or create a new one such as artwork, crafts or writing. We can also find gratification in reaching out to others or volunteering. Even if we can’t get out of our homes to help in a local soup kitchen, we can send encouraging notes in the mail, by email, on social media or in an online support group. Who we are is what we enjoy, what we believe and how we love. Although how we express it can be limited, it can’t be taken away.
  • Healthy Living – Many people don’t think twice about the environment around us. Yet, it is important for us to do our best to rid our homes and bodies of unnecessary chemicals such as synthetically fragranced products, air fresheners and harsh cleaners. We can also seek out a healthy diet and nutritional plan, as well as address hidden food sensitivities, allergies or vitamin deficiencies. Being intentional about watching and listening to things that are encouraging or funny is another helpful strategy. Hope and laughter is good for the soul and the body. These things may not cure us, but we our giving our bodies the best fighting chance for optimum health.
  • Be An Advocate – Get involved in a non-profit organization that speaks to your fight. Support their cause. Tell others about their website and resources. Participate in their special projects.

2015 Invisible Disabilities Week:

One great opportunity to get involved is the 2015 Invisible Disabilities Week October 18-24.  It is a world-wide campaign for people living with illness, pain and injury, sponsored by the Invisible Disabilities Association.

There will be a week of activities people can participate in online! Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, as well as spread awareness, education and support through photos, videos and MEME’s. This social media campaign will be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Join us and see details at: InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek.org.

Sherri’s blog was published on The Mighty on 10/19/15. Some changes to the article on The Mighty were made by the editors. Main photo source: Thinkstock.


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What are you waiting for? Go to the top of the right sidebar to Follow me!

♡ Sherri


#chronicillness #pain #injury #disability #disabled #invisibledisabilities #coping #support

Filed Under: Awareness, Making a Difference, Reaching Out to Others Tagged With: advocacy, author, awareness, chronic illness and pain, community, encouragement, environmental illness, fragrance-free, friends and family, healthy living, invisible disabilities, medical team, multiple chemical sensitivities, passion, personal story, purpose, relationships, support

Chemical Injury Awareness Month

May 1, 2015 By Sherri

Sherri MCS Isolated

May is Awareness Month for Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness.

Adverse health reactions to low or moderate levels of chemicals is not a rare disorder some people have and the rest are immune to developing it. A Chemical Injury can happen to anyone! It can occur through a large, sudden exposure or more commonly, from the use of from the use of regular, everyday products (such as air fresheners, cleaners, perfumes, chemically fragranced personal care products, pesticides, paints, stains and new cars or furniture).

In 1996, the California Health Services Dept found that 15.9% reported being unusually sensitive to everyday chemical. In 2010, University of Washington discovered that 30.5% reported they find scented products on other people irritating.

Adverse health effects include, but are not limited to: difficulty breathing, burning eyes, burning skin, blurred vision, headaches, migraines, vertigo, nausea, organ pain, memory loss, cognitive dysfunctions, paralysis, seizures and more.

In addition, I am sure there are many more who have headaches and other symptoms, but have yet to make the correlation. What’s more, these chemicals attack the immune system, nervous system, organs and cells, as well as block and modulate hormone production. As a result, we are all affected, whether we notice it right this moment or not.

It is not the “smell” that is the issue. The term “fragrance” is considered a trade secret, therefore companies can use any conglomeration of dozens of chemicals they desire to create their fragrance.

“A study led by the University of Washington discovered that 25 commonly used scented products emit an average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected, nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law” (Steinemann, UW 2010).

As you can imagine, millions like me end up extremely isolated in their homes, missing out on time with friends and family, church, parties, weddings, graduations and holidays, because they wear chemically fragranced products.

This disorder is preventable! I only wish I had known BEFORE and it is my passion to get the word out for others, before they end up where I have been.

Here is my plea: Please stop using toxic chemicals in your home, on your lawn and on your body! There are many wonderful alternatives for cleaning and personal care products. Please do it for those who react to these products and are isolated from you if you use them. Please do this your family and for those around you. Please do this for you!

Read My Full Story!

For more information go to the Invisible Disabilities Association’s website, Cleaner Indoor Air. 

MCS Can Be Lonely

Choose Friendships Over Fragrances

Visiting with a Loved One with Chemical Injury

Chemical Sensitivities with Pluto and Minnie

Toxins in Everyday Household Products with Anne Steinemann PhD




 

Filed Under: Awareness, Making a Difference Tagged With: awareness, chemical injury, chronic illness and pain, Disney, environmental illness, fragrance-free, friends and family, invisible disabilities, minnie mouse, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, pluto, relationships, resource, videos

GreenSpace: Carpeting Presents Complex Health Issues

February 4, 2015 By Sherri

Toxic CarpetBy Dr. Mercola – October 1, 2014

Many people covet the “new car smell” that comes of a new car. A similar smell comes along with some new carpeting and is typically a sure sign it is releasing toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home’s air.

VOCs can include highly toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, along with benzene, toluene, perchloroethylene, and more. In the short term, such as immediately after new carpeting is installed, VOCs may cause headaches, nausea, and nerve problems, along with irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat.

Over time, exposure to VOCs has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in animal studies.1 VOCs come from many sources, but those released in your home are potentially the most dangerous because they accumulate in the air (whereas VOCs released outdoors are naturally diluted).

New Carpeting May ‘Flood’ Your Home with VOCs

The largest release of VOCs from new carpeting will occur in the first 72 hours after installation. However, low levels can continue to be emitted for years later (adding to the other VOCs in your home’s air from paints, varnishes, furniture, and other sources).

This is likely one reason why new carpet installation is associated with wheezing and coughing in babies during their first year of life,2 although there are other chemicals of concern as well. As reported by the Ecology Center:3

“Synthetic carpets are made from nylon fibers with a polypropylene backing. Of the chemicals released from carpet, most notable are styrene and 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC), both of which come from the latex backing used on 95 percent of carpets.

The ‘new carpet’ aroma is the odor of 4-PC off-gassing, which is an eye– and respiratory-tract irritant that may also affect the central nervous system. The adhesive used to affix the carpet to the floor typically contains benzene and toluene, some of the most harmful VOCs.”

Flame Retardants, Stain Protectors, and Insecticides Common in Carpeting

Carpeting, including its backing, adhesives, and padding, is often treated at the factory with toxic flame retardants, stain protectors, and moth repellants. A report from Greenpeace Research Laboratories explained:4

“The majority of industrially produced carpets contain a range of chemical additives. Chemicals are impregnated during the manufacture of the carpet fiber or are introduced externally as topical treatments on the final product.

The proposed purpose of some of these chemicals is to protect against dust mites, bacteria, molds and fungi. However, the addition of chemicals to carpets results in potential human exposure to hazardous chemicals in the home and other indoor environments.”

Greenpeace research analyzed eight carpet samples and found some contain high levels of endocrine-disrupting organotins, flame retardants, and permethrin (a pesticide), along with low levels of formaldehyde.

Flame-retardant chemicals, like PBDEs, have been linked to serious health risks like infertility, birth defects, neurodevelopmental delays, reduced IQ scores and behavioral problems in children, hormone disruptions, and various forms of cancer.

In fact, PBDEs were recently identified as one of 17 “high priority” chemical groups that should be avoided to reduce your breast cancer risk.5

When flame retardants are combined with VOCs, pesticides, and the additional chemical cocktail in carpeting (and other synthetic household products), it’s anyone’s guess what the result may be on human health and the environment (but rising rates of allergies, asthma, and chronic diseases give some indication…).

Greening Your Carpet: Tips for Less Toxic Carpeting

If you can, avoid carpeting altogether in favor of less toxic flooring surfaces (like hardwood, bamboo, or stone/tile). If not, it’s important to know how to “green” your carpet.

This takes a bit of due diligence, as even seemingly “healthier” carpets, like those that include recycled materials can be problematic. Some manufacturers are using a byproduct from coal-fired power plants, called coal fly ash, in their recycled carpeting, which is concerning because it may contain toxic heavy metals.6

First, consider carpeting and rugs made from natural materials, like wool. These will (typically) not contain flame-retardants or stain-resistant chemicals and will naturally repel insects. Carpets made from wool make up only a very small percentage of total production (0.4 percent) while nylon has the largest market share (57 percent).7

You can also look for carpeting with the Green Label Plus, which is given to the lowest-emitting carpet, adhesive, and cushion products on the market. The downside is that the Green Label Plus program is industry-run by the Carpet and Rug Institute.

When your carpet is installed (even if it’s Green Label), it’s recommended that you have it unrolled and allow it to air-out in a well-ventilated space for 72 hours prior to installation (such as in a warehouse). If that’s not possible, it’s best to stay elsewhere for the first 72 hours after new carpeting is installed, and keep the area well ventilated to release toxins.

You may also want to consider buying refurbished carpet, or having yours cleaned using non-toxic methods, instead of buying new, which will be better for your health and the environment. If you’ll be disposing of your old carpeting, be aware that pulling up old carpet will release significant amounts of toxins into the air, so precautions should be taken.

Billions
of pounds of old carpeting are sent to landfills every year, causing considerable environmental pollution and burden. Check out the Carpet America Recovery Effort to find out if your old carpet can be recycled.8

Water from Laundry Is Releasing Flame Retardants Into the Environment

The issue of household chemicals is complex and stretches far beyond carpeting. Flame retardant chemicals, for instance, are also found in furniture and other household goods. They’ve even been detected in laundry wash water, according to scientists with the Washington Toxics Coalition.9 They tested household dust and wash water and found flame retardant chemicals in all samples tested.

They believe the chemicals are sloughing off couches and TVs, collecting on clothing and washing out in the laundry. From there, they’re going right through wastewater treatment plants and out into local waterways.

Prior studies have shown flame retardants in the Columbia River as well as wildlife in the area, and the new research provides a potential explanation why. Today, it’s estimated that 90 percent of Americans have some level of flame-retardant chemicals in their bodies. The study’s lead author explained:

“Toxic flame retardants are hitchhiking on our clothes and literally coming out in the wash… This study demonstrates for the first time a key way that toxic flame retardants found in our homes are transported to outdoor environments.”

Chemicals in Makeup, Perfume, and Plastics May Trigger Asthma in Children

Toxic chemicals are literally all around us, including in the personal care products, such as makeup and perfume, that many people use daily. One recent study by researchers at the University of Columbia in New York measured chemicals called phthalates – used widely in plastics and personal care products – in the urine of pregnant women. Those with the highest levels had children who were 72 percent more likely to develop asthma.10

And, compared to women with low levels, children born to women with the highest levels of one type of phthalate (di-n-butyl phthalate) had a 78 percent greater risk of asthma. The researchers urged women to check their makeup for the presence of phthalates as well as take other precautions. Said Dr. Robin Whyatt of Columbia University:11

“These chemicals are very widely used in very high volume and they are not generally listed on labels… There are some simple steps families can take. Avoid using plastic containers and as much as you can store your food in glass jars in the fridge… Never microwave in plastic. It is also worth considering cutting back on using any scented products – cosmetics, perfumes, air fresheners and detergents.”

How to Minimize Your Risks from Indoor Air Pollutants

Inhaling toxins in your indoor air that outgas from household items like carpeting, as well as picking them up via household dust, are among the primary sources of toxin exposure. The most effective way to improve your indoor air quality is to control or eliminate as many sources of pollution as you can first, before using any type of air purifier. This includes accounting for molds, tobacco smoke, VOCs from paints, aerosol sprays, and household cleaners, pesticides, phthalates from vinyl flooring and personal care products, pollutants from pressure-treated wood products, radon gas, and more (see tips below).

The next step to take is free—open some windows. Of course, this can only take you so far, but it’s an important and simple step. Next, since it is impossible to eliminate ALL air contaminants, one of the best things you can do is incorporate a high-quality air purifier. At present, and after much careful review and study, I believe air purifiers using Photo Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) seem to be the best technology available. Aside from using an air purification system, there are a number of other steps you can take to take charge of your air quality and greatly reduce the amount of air pollutants generated in your home:

  • Vacuum your floors regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner or, even better, a central vacuum cleaner that can be retrofitted to your existing house if you don’t currently have one. Standard bag or bagless vacuum cleaners are another primary contributor to poor indoor air quality. A regular vacuum cleaner typically has about a 20-micron tolerance. Although that’s tiny, far more microscopic particles flow right through the vacuum cleaner than it actually picks up! Beware of cheaper knock-offs that profess to have “HEPA-like” filters—get the real deal.
  • Increase ventilation by opening a few windows every day for 5 to 10 minutes, preferably on opposite sides of the house. (Although outdoor air quality may be poor, stale indoor air is typically even worse by a wide margin.)
  • Get some houseplants. Even NASA has found that plants markedly improve the air! For tips and guidelines, see my previous article “The 10 Best Pollution-Busting Houseplants.”
  • Take your shoes off as soon as you enter the house, and leave them by the door to prevent tracking in of toxic particles.
  • Discourage or even better, forbid, tobacco smoking in or around your home.
  • Switch to non-toxic cleaning products (such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar) and safer personal care products. Avoid aerosols. Look for VOC-free cleaners. Avoid commercial air fresheners and scented candles, which can outgas literally thousands of different chemicals into your breathing space.
  • Avoid powders. Talcum and other personal care powders can be problematic as they float and linger in the air after each use. Many powders are allergens due to their tiny size, and can cause respiratory problems.
  • Don’t hang dry-cleaned clothing in your closet immediately. Hang them outside for a day or two. Better yet, see if there’s an eco-friendly dry cleaner in your city that uses some of the newer dry cleaning technologies, such as liquid CO2.
  • Upgrade your furnace filters. Today, there are more elaborate filters that trap more of the particulates. Have your furnace and air conditioning ductwork and chimney cleaned regularly.
  • Avoid storing paints, adhesives, solvents, and other harsh chemicals in your house or in an attached garage.
  • Avoid using nonstick cookware, which can release toxins into the air when heated.
  • Ensure your combustion appliances are properly vented.
  • Make sure your house has proper drainage and its foundation is sealed properly to avoid mold formation.
  • The same principles apply to ventilation inside your car—especially if your car is new—and chemicals from plastics, solvents, carpet, and audio equipment add to the toxic mix in your car’s cabin. Like the smell of new carpeting, that “new car smell” can contain up to 35 times the health limit for VOCs “making its enjoyment akin to glue-sniffing.”12

Additionally, you may want to consider an active form of air purification, rather than passive air filtration. I personally use two of our Pure & Clear air purifiers to constantly purify the air in my home, There is not a filter in these units; they merely circulate particles that decimate VOCs and mold spores that happen to be in the air. For even more information, see “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality” issued by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Filed Under: Thoughts for the Day Tagged With: air purifier, awareness, carpet, chemicals, chronic illness and pain, cleaner indoor air campaign, environmental illness, fragrance-free, indoor air, laundry products, makeup, multiple chemical sensitivities, perfume, plastics, toxic, VOC

A Very Thankful Thanksgiving

November 30, 2014 By Sherri

Thanksgiving with Family www.SherriConnell

We are so thankful to have spent the day with Wayne’s family! We had brunch with his dad, Russ and (step) mom, Eloise brother Wes and family and his (step) brother, Mark! Then we had dinner with his sister, Susan, 2 brothers, Daddy Comes Home www.SherriConnellWes and Rusty, spouses, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. The house was full of laughter and children running everywhere!

We missed Wayne’s brother Shawn and his family, because Shawn had to work. And we missed Wayne’s mom, Karen, who went to be with the Lord in September.

I am thankful to be in a house with lots of family again. There were many years, I could not be due to all the chemicals in fragrances. I believe people are no longer using strong fabric softeners and I have also been turning the clock back on these intolerances to chemicals.

Sherri is Thankful for Snickers www.SherriConnellI am not totally there yet, but making progress! And, of course, I still have Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Late-Chronic Lyme Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury. Nevertheless, I am SO grateful to be able to be around family again! Praise God!

We are also so thankful to still have Snickers with us, though she wasn’t supposed to make it past November 22nd. Snickers needs a pacemaker, but she wouldn’t survive the surgery. She has a fatal heart condition that is not treatable by medications. She also has seizures from either a brain injury or a tumor and probable cancer. She wasn’t supposed to make it to Thanksgiving. So, we are thankful she did!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Counting My Blessings, Living My Life Tagged With: awareness, bitstrips, chemicals, chronic illness and pain, counting my blessings, dog, environmental illness, fragrance-free, fragrances, friends and family, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, pet, relationships, shih tzu, Snickers

Check Your Labels for “Fragrance!”

October 8, 2014 By Sherri

Check Your Labels for Fragrance www.SherriConnell

Product manufacturers are protected under Trade Secret laws to not have to reveal the chemicals used to create scents in their products. They need only to list the term “Fragrance.” Often many of the chemicals used to create fragrances are on the Hazardous Waste list, neurotoxins, petroleum products, etc.

According to a 2010 study:

We investigated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 25 common fragranced consumer products—laundry products, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners—using headspace analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Our analysis found 133 different VOCs emitted from the 25 products, with an average of 17 VOCs per product. Of these 133 VOCs, 24 are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal laws, and each product emitted at least one of these compounds (2010 Study, Steinemann).

Laundry Products www.SherriConnellHere are some of the chemicals found in laundry products alone for example, by the University of Washington:

The following are “regulated as toxic/hazardous chemical” under 1-7 laws (except Benzyl Acetate). They are also listed as either a recognized or suspected as a Carcinogen, Neurotoxicant, Immunotoxicant, Kidney Toxicant, Liver Toxicant, Blood Toxicant, Developmental Toxicant, Respiratory Toxicant, Gastrointestinal Toxicant, Reproductive Toxicant, Endocrine Toxicant, Skin and/or Sense Organ Toxicant. Acetaldehyde (recognized carcinogen), 1,4-DIOXANE (recognized carcinogen), CHLOROMETHANE (recognized developmental toxicant, 2-BUTANONE, a-Pinene, Benzyl Acetate, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Limonene, Linalool (Steinemann, Laundry).

More information: www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Story: https://sherriconnell.com/about-me/living-with-chemical-injury-intolerance/
Where to find good products: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

Filed Under: Awareness, Making a Difference Tagged With: awareness, chemical injury, chemicals, chronic illness and pain, cologne, dryer sheets, environmental illness, fabric softener, fragrance, fragrance-free, ingredients, invisible disabilities, labels, laundry products, multiple chemical sensitivities, perfume, personal story, toxins, vitamin cottage

Christmas and New Year Blessings

February 8, 2014 By Sherri

2013 Connell Christmas Card

Flying HIGH after having an INCREDIBLE Christmas week with family in Wyoming!!

Had such a great time with Wes, Melanie, the boys and Melanie’s sister and kids!

Thank you all for using fragrance free laundry and showering products!! What a beautiful time with all the kids and your sister and family!! Love you all SO much!! And thank you, Deb and Bree for house and pet sitting!!

Wait! I have more news! Wayne and I spent New Year’s Eve with family and friends and not home alone as usual! We had a great time laughing and playing cards! It was SO good to see the people we love again!

Praise God I was able to stay (usually too much chemical fragrance) and enjoy the evening! Been down with fevers and welts in my throat since then, but at least I was able to be there. Thank you everyone!! I have missed you all SO much! It has been WAY too long!

Photo: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Wayne Connell, Sherri, Snickers, Jelly Bean, Kit Kat, Pumpkin and Cookie The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie: Nigerian Dwarf Goats Extraordinaire).

Filed Under: Counting My Blessings, Living My Life Tagged With: Christmas, family, fragrance-free, friends, Holidays, New Year's Eve, trip, visit

Time with Someone Living with Illness and Pain is a Priceless Gift of Love

January 15, 2014 By Sherri

Time is a Priceless Gift of Love! SherriConnell.comSpending time with a loved one living with debilitating illness and pain is a priceless gift of love.

In this Bitstrip, I have my amazing sister in law, Melanie spending time with me!

Sad she lives so far away!

Filed Under: Thoughts for the Day Tagged With: awareness, chronic illness and pain, counting my blessings, environmental illness, family, fragrance-free, friends and family, invisible disabilities, just for fun, multiple chemical sensitivities, relationships

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About Me

About Me

I am a singer, dancer, actress, model. ... Oh wait! That was my life BEFORE Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury and Chemical Injury. Join me on my pursuit to find joy in the midst of loss and pain! The one thing I certainly still have in this life is my humor! I hope you enjoy my blog full of information about living with disabling illness, pain and loss, as well as counting my blessings and just being plain silly!

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In the Media with Sherri

In the Media with Sherri

TELEVISION: Tick Bite Changed My Life Forever
PARENT MAGAZINE: Living w/ Invisible Disability
FORBES MAGAZINE: Break Down the Barriers
AUDIO: Living with Late-Chronic Lyme Disease
AUDIO: Marriage with Chronic Illness
AUDIO: Reaching Out to Others
VIDEO: What to Say, Not to Say, How to Help

Tick Bite Changed My Life

Living with Debilitating Illness and Pain

We Can All Make a Difference

Friendship Over Fragrances

MCS with Pluto and Minnie

MCS Can Be Lonely

Snickers the Amazing Alert Dog

Show Someone You Love Them

The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie

The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie

The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

Pumpkin Plots Mission Impossible

Pumpkin and Cookie Litter-box Trained

Pumpkin and Cookie Jump and Slide

Additional Favorite Websites

Calvary Chapel Aurora - Ed Taylor
Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign
Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
Invisible Disabilities Community
IDA on Facebook
IDA on YouTube
Where Is God Ministries

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