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Preconception Detox: Why 2025 May Be the Best Time to Prepare for a 2026 Pregnancy

Sep 01, 2025 12:19PM ● By Jerome Bilaos

On September 25 from 6 to 7 p.m., at New Jersey Natural Medicine, Dr. Olivia Shelton, ND, MPH, will share  practical strategies and the latest science at this free community talk 

“Preconception Detox: Preparing for Pregnancy in 2026”.

Modern life offers conveniences our grandparents never imagined — but also exposes us to an unprecedented mix of chemicals and toxins. From pesticides in produce and phthalates in plastics to heavy metals in water, flame retardants in furniture, and air pollutants from traffic, these invisible burdens add up.

Growing research shows that such exposures can affect fertility. Certain chemicals disrupt hormones, lower sperm quality, interfere with ovulation, and may even impact fetal development in ways that last into childhood.

That’s why 2025 may be the perfect year to focus on preconception health. If you’re planning to start or grow your family in 2026, consider one crucial step beyond baby gear and nursery colors: a preconception detox. Ideally started three to six months before trying to conceive, a detox supports the body’s natural ability to eliminate stored toxins and creates a healthier environment for both egg and sperm. Even small, intentional changes during this window can boost fertility, support a healthier pregnancy, and lower long-term risks for your future child.

Location: New Jersey Natural Medicine, 2424 Lamington Rd., Bedminster. Registration is free, but space is limited. Call 973-267-2650 to reserve your spot. NJNaturalMedicine.com. See ad, page 19.
In-Print News Briefs September 2025

 

 

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Tick Tackler

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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