A barge in the Gulf of Mexico recently hit a bridge connecting Galveston to Pelican Island, resulting in a partial collapse and an oil spill. Even after significant cleanup efforts to contain and minimize the chemicals from the spill, they are now part of the environment in Galveston, and will likely spread due to the nature of our connected world.

These pollutants have a wide rage of effects leading to unusual nerve function, fatigue, brain fog, respiratory issues and a host of other maladies. Incidents like these tend to draw attention to a health condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and it is far more prevalent than perceived by the public.

Bleaches, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and exhaust from cars all can lead to adverse health conditions. Getting a headache or feeling exhausted or irritable after being around some smelly chemical for even a brief amount of time is common, but imagine being around those chemicals for an extended period or working with them over several years.

Chronic conditions from neurological issues such as nephropathy, migraines, brain fog and fibromyalgia increasing as more chemicals are released into the world and introduced into our food, water supplies, working spaces and homes. All of this has a negative effect on our productivity, health and enjoyment of life.

There are many factors to address when choosing to improve our health. Fitness, diet and social interactions are all important elements, but what we allow in our spaces is often neglected. While there are many ambient chemicals in our world to be properly regulated, there are steps we can take on an individual level to improve our environment. By paying attention and noticing headaches after being around certain chemicals or feeling tired after being in certain places, particularly if they have an odor, it may be time to look at what is in those places that we can swap out for healthier options.

Erik Jackson is a North Texas health coach and acupuncturist. For more information, call 940-441-5404.