Obesogens

• Utilizing the first article, discuss what is locally grown and what is currently in season in your area.

In addition, the seasonal foods can help in reducing the gas emissions from vehicles that are used to transport food. In San Francisco, the vegetables and fruits that are locally grown in San Francisco are bell peppers, herbs, tomatoes, leafy greens, lemon, cherry, peach, pear, plum, and dwarf apple. According to the Local Harvest website, the fruits in season in San Francisco are avocados, dates, figs, grapefruits, pears, pomegranates, peaches, and cranberries. According to the SF environment website, the vegetables in season are arugula, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, swiss chard, eggplant, fennel, okra, snap peas, winter squash, and tomatoes.

Websites URL:
https://www.localharvest.org/store/fruits.jsp
https://sfenvironment.org/vegetables-fruits-in-season-bay-area

• Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus. 

I think it is a great idea for hospital to offer seasonal/local foods. After reading the Seasonal Foods: A New Menu for Public Health article, I learned that seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresher and tastier. The seasonal foods are less expensive. I work at a hospital and they have seasonal menus. They even have farmers market every Wednesday.

• Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State). 

Typical Crop / Harvest Availability Dates for Northern California

CROP	MONTH
Asparagus	March - June
Strawberries	April 10 - July 30
Peas	May 1 - September 30
Cherries	May 5 - June 25
Blueberries	May 15 - July 30
Blackberries	May 15 - July 30
Boysenberries	May 15 - July 31
Apricots	May 25 - July 10
Grapes	May 25 - December 15
Olallieberries	June 1 to July 31
Tomatoes	June 1 - September 30
Pears	August 20 - September 30
Peaches	June 20 - September 10
Plums	June 15 - July 30
Green Beans	June 15 - September 15
Nectarines	June 15 - September 15
Corn	June 25 - September 30
Raspberries	July 1 - September 15
Apples	July 25 - November 30
Okra	July 15 - September 15
Almonds	August 20 - December 13
Figs	September 05 - October 31
Walnuts	September 25 - Jan. 10
Persimmons	September 20 - October 31
Asian Pears	September 10 - November 20
Oranges	All year round, depends on the variety.
other Citrus	November to July
Avocados	Year round

Website URL: https://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm#kAYk0lY9HXEV1R50.99

• What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before?

I recently heard about obesogens in one of my recent grad class. After reading Obesogens: An Environmental Link to Obesity, I want to learn more and read the research studies that analyzed how the environmental chemicals play a role in the development of obesity. It’s very an interesting topic. I think more people should learn that obesogens can alter the metabolic process of people. We need to reduce our exposure to any chemicals that can be an endocrine disruptor. We need to be aware of the chemicals that are considered obesogens so we can make sure that we don’t use the products that contain it. In the article, it stated that we need to minimize plastic use, filter water, and eat organic.
Website URL: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/120-a62/

• Pick one of the potential obesogens discussed in the article and using your resources from earlier modules (such as toxnet), do some research on this potential obesogen. Share what you found! 

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a potential obesogen. From the TOXNET website, I learned that BPA is a carcinogen, tumor inhibitor, tumor promoter, and mutagen. In addition, it acts as an endocrine disruptor. BPA can be found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastic. I learned that it is produced at over 2.5 million metric tons per year.