FAQs
Who is Ms. S ?
My name is Sophia and I am a happily married mother of two amazing girls and two sweet dogs (though one dog went on “loan” to dear friends after baby #2 arrived). We live in downtown Manhattan.
Me with my first daughter when she was 6 weeks old
What prompted you to start The S File ™?
Becoming a mom made me much more sensitive to protecting children, helping parents (with a special interest in moms), and to families in general. As I navigated through the written materials on personal health, I was overwhelmed — by the amount of information, the conflicting information, and the actual information. In trying to figure out the facts, I started to track the statistics/trends, which I share on Children: Alarming Health Trends. Once I started to consolidate the data, I was alarmed at the developing picture.
In trying to determine the appropriate solutions, I was also challenged by how impractical a more “pure” lifestyle seems to be. Many times, I just wished that someone I trusted (and someone with a similar value system), would tell me what to change, do, and buy. As such, I am sharing what I have learned in the form of notes from my readings as well as my resulting purchases and solutions.
Why do I need to think so much about things? My parents didn’t worry about it and I turned out fine.
This 21st century world is a different environment: our food supply has evolved significantly; the cumulative effects of the more than 80,000 industrial chemicals introduced into the world since WWII are not fully understood; and the prevalent use of antibiotics and other medications are not holistically monitored. Collectively, we are learning more every day through science and experience. As I become more aware of what I think I should know, I’m sharing it here on The S File ™.
I believe that our choices create “butterfly effects” and I try to take ownership and accountability for what I can. My hope is to get people to challenge what they know, what they are doing and, hopefully, to inspire you to do your own research to determine what is best for you and your family. I believe we can make a profound impact through the purchases that we make.
What makes you qualified to give advice? Are you a registered doctor, nurse and nutritionist?
I am not trained in medicine or science nor am I qualified to assess the credibility of scientific studies. However, I am a concerned, educated mom who is trying to provide the best for my family.
One of My Darling Daughters
How do you select which research sources on which to rely?
I try to find authors that are credible experts in their field. I pay attention to the backgrounds and credentials of writers and have to trust their interpretation of the science that currently exists as well as their opinions, based on their experiences and instinct.
I always cite the sources so anyone may research in further detail. Also, every topic has a Resources section that describes the key books and studies that have been the most influential.
I’m inspired to share tips, thoughts, and ideas on health, running a household, parenting and pregnancy. Can I contribute?
Absolutely. One of my objectives is to stimulate productive dialogue so different perspectives are more than welcome! Please feel free to contact me at sophia@thesfile.com to explore further. Or, you may always add information in the Comments section at the bottom of each post.
Why haven’t I heard of some of these things before?
Some of my notes, especially on health, are controversial and that maybe is why I had not encountered them sooner.
I want to live my life by your philosophy, what should my first steps be?
We routinely post the safest and best products that we are discovering for our families. You can follow our lessons learned by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Feedburner, as well as in our newsletter. All of these options may be found to the right of the website’s logo.
Our Two Dogs
Do you make money from the products you advertise/review/discount?
Other than an Amazon commission of 4% if you buy something from Amazon via a link from my website, I do not currently earn commissions by recommending any products or services. If that ever happens, I will be sure to disclose that here so that you have full information in getting comfortable with a purchase!
How long has The S File ™ been around?
The website launched Spring 2010.
How many people work at The S File™?
The S File ™ currently has one dedicated team member, Ms. C. A native of Detroit, Michigan and a recent graduate of Barnard College, Ms. C helps me with a wide range of things at The S File ™. Examples include social media, research, writing, and much more. She is interested in healthy living and eating, urban agriculture and food sustainability. In her spare time, Ms. C loves to cook, workout and explore New York City.
