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If one good thing has come out of the Elian Gonzalez and Vieques, Puerto Rico fiascoes, it would be that Janet Reno's being in the public eye so persistently in recent months has brought Parkinson's disease more into the public spotlight.    In rebuttal to both those who supposed she had the nervous shakes, and those who thought she was crazy,  she averred:  "I haven't lost my mind; I just have Parkinson's..."

So far the actual causes of Parkinson's are unknown.  But the news this week tells of a possible risk factor;  those who used bug sprays in the home and garden have a higher probability of getting this disagreeable and crippling disease.   See  "Bug Spray Linked to Parkinson's Disease?"  published in "The Buzz" Science Headlines. 

Eating foods with pesticides on them was not analyzed as a risk factor, but we know it's not good for us, and one has to assume that more likely than not it might be included as a source of risk.  This is another good reason to thoroughly wash one's food; it was the subject of "Are Your Fruits and Veggies Safe to Eat?"  and "Imitate a Raccoon; Wash your Produce".

In my opinion, purists who think we can all live healthily on this big blue marble called Earth without use of pesticides are deluding themselves.  Balance of nature is a great concept, but that perfect balance includes very few human beings.   Any ideas where the rest of us should go?

Never-the-less, we are better off being exposed to as little pesticide as possible.  It kills bugs, right?   Can't be good for us!  Here's some guidelines about safer use of pesticides:  Ten Sneaky Commandments for Less Pesticide Exposure.

What are your thoughts?   Are you afraid of pesticides?  Or are you more afraid of bugs?