These pages include published articles and citations related to my previous work
on the environment and human health, especially multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
They are intended as an information source for those interested in environmental policy,
indoor pollution, chemical sensitivity and other issues - because many of the published
articles are difficult to find. The presence of these pages does not indicate current
involvement with advocacy work in this field. However, my upcoming book project does
bring in all of my past experience to help explain how we can move humanity towards
environmental sustainability and peace.
From the late 1970's through the late 1990's, I was as a writer, policy analyst and advocate for the recognition of toxic hazards in the outdoor and indoor environments. Perhaps my op-ed essay in the Chicago Tribune is the best brief summation of my perspective on how toxic hazards were being handled by industry and government. I also spent a great deal of time and energy helping, and advocating for, people with chemical sensitivities, both because of the serious ethical and humanitarian issues that exist, and as a way of protecting all of us, and our environment, from emerging (individual and cumulative) chemical risks. I continue to be concerned about these risks, and about the risks we face from saturation with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation via telecommunications and other devices, etc. However, I have had my say in this field as a national advocate and have moved on.My work did not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for the accolades (and criticisms by opposing interests), media quotes, and many citations of my articles in various books, journals, reports and other articles (see links below). My awards included the Carlton Lee Award from the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, the Recognition of Excellence Award from the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies and the Crane Gargoyle Award from the Council for Disability Rights. I have been listed in Marquis' Who's Who in America, in the World, in American Law and Emerging Leaders in America. Back in 1981-2, I wrote a book on Toxic Chemicals for the Migrant Legal Action Program and Farmworker Justice Fund, along with my co-author Valerie Wilk. I also wrote two book chapters, many articles, and have testified before a Congressional committee, submitted written testimony before Senate, House and State committees, and participated in national policy forums, advisory groups, review panels and working groups as a guest of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and the National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences and State agencies. I have met, and worked with, some truly remarkable people in this process; people who have changed my life in many ways.
I consider my move into healing work and massage therapy as a natural progression in my life/career. I began with trying to understand how our governments and society work towards justice and equal opportunity, through institutions such as academia, the law, the health care system, etc. However, after a few decades of working in those systems, with limited success due to entrenched paradigms and vested interest groups, it was time to take matters into my own hands. Massage is a path of changing the world one person at a time. In our stressed-out culture, it seemed that working with individuals for healing and relaxation could be every bit as important as trying to change the dominant culture through the legal system, and possibly more successful and therefore sustainable.
As Carl Jung wrote: "Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain." I'd like to help make the world a more peaceful and just place, which is a complex task for the intellect. Massage and healing work are in a different realm, and can bring peace to people on a very real level. Perhaps, with my hands, I may help solve the mystery I struggled with in my intellectual work: how to help people make decisions that will contribute to healthier and more sustainable lifestyles, greater respect for our natural world, and more kindness in the world.
Currently, I am combining my hands-on work with writing and teaching. I am writing a book that synthesizes most of what I've learned over the past several decades - into a different way of thinking about our world and our species. Feel free to check out my book project at www.divineprimates.com, read my blog at www.divineprimates.blogspot.com, or write to me at divineprimates@aol.com if you are curious.
Revised 1/16/08