FEATURE

How to Avoid

By Jana Smith

We are living in an era where food safety is taking a back seat to genetic engineering. Food safety evangelists are calling GMOs nothing short of frankenfoods, declaring that their development is both strange and dangerous.

What are GMOs? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. To put it plainly, the DNA of plants, seeds and animals is deliberately being altered by giant biotech industries like Monsanto— the leading producer of genetically engineered seed. Their purpose in doing this is to make food resistant to herbicides and to allow food to produce its own insecticide (Bt Toxin). Are GMOs safe for me and my family to eat? Since up to 80% of the food in North America contains GMOs, food safety is certainly a viable concern. Nearly all processed foods like cereal, snack bars, deli meats, crackers and chips contain traces of GMOs, so there is a high probability you and your children are eating GMOs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Various feeding studies conducted on animals consuming GMOs have shown pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy or increased density of the liver, odd shaped cell nuclei and other unexplained abnormalities, false pregnancies and higher death rates. While no solid studies have yet been conducted on the relationship of GMOs and human health, there is certainly more than a casual association between genetically modified foods and adverse health effects in studies done on animals. Several National Academy of Sciences studies have affirmed that genetically engineered crops have the potential to introduce new toxins or allergens into our food and environment. It is safe to conclude that when food is altered from its natural state, and especially when the actual DNA is tampered with, health and safety issues are always a major concern! How to protect yourself? Currently in the Unites States, GMO food labeling is not a legal requirement. So, how can you protect yourself and your family? There are a few tips that can help you be a health-savvy consumer.

Visit these web sites for more information on GMOs • http://justlabelit.org http://www.nongmoproject.org • http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com

S

Tips for Avoiding GMOs

1. Knowing the most common GMO products can help you make better food buying decisions. • Corn & products made from corn (high fructose corn syrup) • Soybeans & products made from soybeans (soybean oil) • Sugar (if not pure cane sugar, it is probably made from sugar beets) • Dairy (products may be from cows injected with GM bovine growth hormone. Look for labels stating No rBGH, rBST, or artificial hormones.) • Canola • Cottonseed • Sugar Beets • Hawaiian Papaya • Zucchini • Yellow

Squash. 2. Use caution when buying meat. While the animals themselves are not genetically engineered, however, the vast majority of the livestock in America is being raised on genetically engineered feed like corn and soy. 3. Choose organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Currently organic certification does not require GMO testing. Most organic products do not intentionally contain GMOs. However, choosing products that are Certified Organic AND Non-GMO Project Verified is the best way to make sure you are getting the safest, healthiest, highest-quality food for your family.

Meet Arely Ruiz, founder of

By Josie Gulliksen

Arely Ruiz’s career path has always involved storytelling, from her days as a journalist to her current profession and Founder of the multi-faceted boutique public relations firm arely PR. Inspiring and supporting her as she navigated the journey to opening her firm a decade ago was her father, whose words of encouragement guided her on the path to success.

Tell us about your journey owning your own Public Relations firm for 10 years?

10 years ago, on 11/11/11, I had an epiphany. I realized it was time to move on from my job as Membership Director, which also encompassed public relations and event planning, at La Gorce Country Club. After 15 years I had hit the glass ceiling there and with shifts in their Board of Directors I was unsure the direction the Club was heading. It was then I decided to take the plunge and start my own business, arely PR. I had finally found the courage to bring to life an idea that had been swirling around in my head for quite some time.

Since that moment, and learning the number 11 has a special significance, I have always celebrated 11/11 as the agency’s anniversary – even though we were established in January of 2012.

What have been some of the biggest obstacles you have faced as an entrepreneur?

Surprisingly, some of the biggest objections came from my own family – truly out of love and concern. As a divorced mother with a son in high school, they had a tough time comprehending why I had given up a very lucrative job. They were concerned about the challenges I would face running a successful business as a single parent. I remember them asking me when I was going to get a “real job,” but I explained to them that job security is non-existent these days and I would rather fire myself.

On a personal level there was fear – an inner fear that I had to conquer. I recall my first three years and how the month of May was always awful – literally no incoming revenue. I thought to myself, how do I turn this into something positive. That is when I learned to focus and visualize abundance. That was the turning point for my business. I changed my mindset, learned to find the strength to acknowledge yet ignore negative outcomes, and

38

One of many food distributions during COVID with Chef Chris Valdes and members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club.

trust that the universe would deliver what I was desiring and working so passionately to create.

How do you balance wellness with your career first as a journalist then in public relations and event planning?

I have learned that in this crazy hectic business it is extremely important to create balance in order to achieve and maintain wellness – physically, mentally and emotionally. It takes discipline, but it is key - balanced individuals make amazing leaders and run successful companies. It cannot all be about work. You have to find time to enjoy yourself and do what makes you happy. I have had some of my best ideas while relaxing, enjoying a glass of wine and spending time with friends. Above all and most importantly I live in gratitude, grateful to run this business I love so dearly.

As someone who attends many events, what tips/advice do you have for eating well and staying on track?

I try to eat a full meal before attending an event. It is so hard to talk to people, balance a drink in your hand and eat an appetizer!

How do you manage to incorporate exercise into your busy life?

I feel exercise is vital to maintaining my health – it helps eliminate the stress and toxins in my body while keeping my immune system functioning properly. That is why I make time for exercise. I do not see it as a choice but as a necessity especially in these trying times we are living. When I am traveling, if I do not have access to a gym then I find time to walk wherever I am. What types of foods do you eat regularly to stay healthy?

I eat lots of “greens.” I learned in elementary school that plants create energy from the sun – they trap light energy with their leaves during photosynthesis. It is something so basic that most of us forget as we become adults but is so important in maintaining good healthy habits. I think what better food than a delicious healthy salad.

And what does the future hold for Arely PR?

My goal for arely PR is to work with more brands on a global scale to co-create solutions in sustainability! We want to work with clients whose main focus is authenticity and who are aligned with charities in their local communities.

Over the years, arely PR has worked with numerous nonprofits one in particular is the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and their on-site Children’s Dental Clinic which provides free services to the community. It is very near and dear to my heart.

I’m excited to celebrate my anniversary, when I will be hosting an event at the Club featuring our client, Alejandro Crocker. It will shine the spotlight on Crocker’s “slow fashion” line made entirely of environmentally conscious upcycled garments. I’m especially proud to showcase his eco-conscious fashions and that a portion of proceeds will benefit the Dental Clinic.

Arely Ruiz

Marketing | Public Relations | Special Events P: 305.632.5996 | E: arely@arelypr.com www.arelypr.com