LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Documentary highlights search for toxic link to disease


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The Orinda Garden will be presenting a documentary film "Toxic Puzzle: Hunt for the Hidden Killer" at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Orinda Theatre. Why is a garden club focusing on health issues? According to club member Deb Stephenson, "The Orinda Garden Club is dedicated to the protection and conservation of our natural heritage. In this instance the community is extended to the entire earth and all who dwell on this planet. What we put into our earth, what we put into our water matters to everyone."

Narrated by Harrison Ford, this medical detective story by filmmaker Bo Landin follows the work of ethnobotanist Paul Alan Cox Ph.D. and team in their investigation of the role environmental toxins play in neurodegenerative illnesses such as ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Their research demonstrates a close link between environmental health and human health. Time Magazine has named Cox one of 11 "Heroes of Medicine" for his work in ethnobotanical drug discovery. The film shows the pieces coming together in a toxic puzzle where cyanobacterium in our waters becomes the culprit. Is it possible that this link may also provide clues to a cure? Dr. Cox offers hope.

The screening of the documentary will be followed by a Q&A session lead by Dr. Cox. Advance registration is required; for details go to Eventbrite, call (925) 257-0668 or email program@orindagc.org. Tickets are free; a $5 donation is requested.