Category Archives: Health Issues

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

 Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being promoted all through October.  You have no doubt noticed football players wearing pink, as well as groups of folks “Standing Up to Cancer.”  There are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., thanks to research and medical technology.  Researchers don’t know what causes breast cancer, but they have identified several risk factors. The National Cancer Institute (NCI – www.cancer.gov) lists the following factors as increasing the chances of breast cancer. You may be able to help your employees family, or friends by bringing this promotion to their attention and asking them to privately evaluate their own risks:

❏  Age—most cases occur after age 60
❏  Personal history—cancer in one breast increases risk for the other
❏ Family history—chances increase if mom, sister, or daughter had breast cancer
❏ Breast changes—certain types of abnormal cells increase risk
❏ Gene changes—genes include BRCA1 and BRCA2
❏ Reproductive history—no children or late children increase risk
❏ Menstrual history—pre-age 12 menstruation and post-55 menopause increase risk
❏ Race—white women more at risk
❏ Radiation therapy to chest—before age 30 increases risk
❏ Breast density—more dense tissue and less fatty increases risk
❏  Weight—overweight or obese after menopause increases risk
❏  Activity level—less activity = greater risk
❏  Alcohol—more alcohol = greater risk

Women over age 40 should have an annual mammogram, and understand how to do self-examinations.  Even after reaching past age 70, women should still get mammograms.  Although it is not as common in men, breast cancer can develop in the breast tissue of men.   The notice of any lumps should be brought to the attention of one’s physician. 

I have several friends who have survived breast cancer because of early detection and receiving the proper treatment – surgery and follow-up therapy their doctors thought were best for each particular case.  However, I had a cousin that developed a very aggressive type of breast cancer, and she lived only one year following surgery, and going through every type of treatment possible.  She was 56 years old, and had never had a mammogram, even though her mother had experienced breast cancer.  This should serve as a lesson to all women:  early detection through mammograms can help save lives.  

Breast cancer awareness is also observed internationally during the month of October.  Many charities depend on this promotion to raise money for research.  Let’s hope that mothers, daughters, grandmothers, siblings, and friends will someday not have to worry about breast cancer.  That will truly be a miracle.  For those who are fighting this disease, keep on fighting, and to their friends and families – keep supporting them!  We must always keep the threat of Breast Cancer at the forefront, not just in October.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ANOTHER FOODBORNE DISEASE IN THE U.S.

One of the most delicious fruits that we enjoy during warm months is cantaloupe.  Now, that sweet, juicy fruit has been tainted with a deadly foodborne bacteria – listeria.  Jensen Farms in Colorado produced the fruit that so far has caused 72 illnesses, including 13 deaths, and three more deaths yet to be confirmed.  Recalled cantaloupes may be labeled “Colorado Grown,” “Distributed by Frontera Produce,” “Jensenfarms.com” or Sweet Rocky Fords.”  Some of the recalled cantaloupes are not labeled with a sticker, according to the FDA.  More than 300,000 cases of cantaloupes have been shipped out, which comes to between 1.5 million to 4.5 million pieces of fruit. 

Listeria is more deadly than other pathogens such as E.coli and salmonella; however those two outbreaks generally cause many more illnesses.  Listeria bacteria grow in moist, muddy conditions and are often carried by animals.  The listeria found in cantaloupes taken from grocery stores in Colorado and from a victim’s home were grown at Jensen Farms.   Most healthy adults can consume listeria with no ill effects; however, those who are affected most often are the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.  Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, and often other gastrointestinal symptoms.  

Listeria bacteria can cause illness as long as two months after a person has consumed contaminated food, according to USFDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg.  Therefore, the government is expecting to see more cases reported through the month of October.  Listeria bacteria can grow at room temperatures and even refrigerator temperatures.  It lingers long after the source of the contamination is gone.  The CDC is only reporting  lab-confirmed illnesses and deaths.  So far, confirmed cases have been reported from eighteen states.  The most illnesses were reported in Colorado, but California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming have also reported illnesses and deaths.  Thankfully, none of the tainted fruit was shipped overseas. 

This  serves as a reminder that when we are preparing meals, we should be very careful to wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect countertops when we finish cutting them up, especially when we have prepared meat for cooking.  We should also wash our hands thoroughly.  We have gone through several other types of food contamination – peanuts and peanut products, processed meats and unpasteurized milk and cheese.  This scare will pass and there will soon be another threat of illness from some unexpected source.  Hopefully, others that have not contacted the illness will have heard news reports and get rid of the fruit that is suspected of causing illness. 

There is no fool-proof way of protecting consumers from certain bacteria that invade food products.  We can only hope that this happens less often and that those who are ill as a result of listeria recover soon.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

A MESSAGE ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY

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Each September, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., is a Planning Partner and has been a sponsor since it’s inception 22 years ago.  The observance is to educate Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a substance use or mental disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.  The message of Recovery Month is that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.  

The vast majority of drug users are employed, and when they arrive for work, they don’t leave their problems at the door.  In 2005, there were 17.2 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older.  Seventy-five per cent of them were employed either full or part time.  Sadly, research has indicated that between 10 and 20 per cent of workers who died on the job tested positive for alcohol or other drugs.  Industries with the highest rates of drug use are the same as those at a high risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing and wholesale. 

Drug-free workplaces help improve worker safety and health and add value to American businesses.  Not only are those who abuse drugs and alcohol at risk for injury, either at work, home, or driving down the highway, they are endangering their fellow workers, families, or others on the roads.  A comprehensive drug-free workforce approach includes five components:

  1. An enforced policy.
  2. Supervisor training.
  3. Employee education.
  4. Employee assistance.
  5. Drug testing.  

One of the most significant challenges faced by NCADD and their affiliates is putting the problems of alcohol and drugs into a perspective that the general public can understand.  When alcohol is discussed along with other drugs, the general public, the media and policy makers tend to focus on the more dramatic issues of illegal drugs or just drinking and driving, as if it is the only alcohol-related problem.  

Recent results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 92% of adults aged 21 to 64 in the U.S. with alcohol problems – those that meet diagnostic criteria for either alcohol abuse disorder or alcohol dependence – do not see a need for treatment.  Through this survey, the following question was asked of those persons with alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence: “During the past 12 months, did you need treatment or counseling for your use of alcohol?”  Survey results for Alcohol Abuse: NO: 98.8%; YES: 1.2%.  Survey results for Alcohol Dependence:  NO: 92.2%; YES: 7.8%. 

Chances are we all know someone who has had or has a problem with alcohol, and won’t admit or accept that there is a need for help.  You may have heard the following: 

  • “If you had a job like mine, you’d drink, too!”
  • “The cops in this town have always been out to get me.”
  • “I don’t need help.  I can stop anytime I want to.”
  • “My husband will never admit that he has a problem, or seek help.”
  • ”It’s not that bad, I don’t drink every day and I have a job.”
  • “If you’d just get off my back, things wouldn’t be so bad.” 

Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease, getting help NOW and not waiting is important.  If you had heart disease, diabetes, or other health problems, you would be looking for medical treatment to help you recover.  The sooner one seeks help, the better chances for recovery.  Many individuals and family members do not seek help for different reasons.  Those who abuse their bodies with drugs and alcohol victimize their families, and if they won’t ask for help or change their ways, there are avenues of support for families or friends. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that addiction is characterized by complex and intense cravings, along with compulsive behavior to satisfy those cravings.  This causes interpersonal distress to the user, family, friends and co-workers.  There are many types of recovery programs.  Certain persons may require several different types of programs, such as inpatient, outpatient counseling and support meetings.  Many times, support can be received through the employer.  With the lack of jobs in this country, those who are fortunate enough to have one should try to remain healthy, and draw on their strengths, rather than dependences. 

Source: OSHA, NIDA, NCAAD

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THINKING ABOUT GETTING A TATTOO?

Most persons who have tattoos are proud of their them.  So proud, they have them all over their arms and other body parts.  There’s a lot to consider before trying it out, if you haven’t done so already.  As the Food and Drug Administration says, “Think Before You Ink.”  When trying to think of the pro’s and con’s, it is hard to come up with a balanced list.  Actually, there’s really not much to say about the positive side, except that some people feel that it expresses their personalities.  However, there are many concerns on the con side, so here goes: 

  • Infection.  When you go into a tattoo artist’s shop, ask to see the autoclave (a medical pressure cooker primarily used for sterilizing medical instruments.) This autoclave must maintain a temperature of at least 246 degrees for 30 minutes to fully sterilize the equipment.
  • Spread of disease. The artist should wear some type of medical latex gloves that fit properly.  A pinhole could run the risk of cross-contamination.  Ask the artist if he/she has had their Hepatitis B vaccination.  You might be a little suspicious if he doesn’t remember, as the vaccination involves receiving 3 shots over a 4-month time frame.  You may want to consider getting the vaccination yourself,  just to be on the safe side.
  • Allergies.  Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported, and can cause problems.
  • Granulomas.  Small knots or bumps that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
  • Scarring.  Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.
  • MRI complications.  People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have an MRI.  This happens rarely and doesn’t last long.  Do not fail to have an MRI if needed. Just inform the technician so they can take appropriate precautions. 

Other concerns:

  • The FDA has not approved any tattoo pigments for injection into the skin. This applies to tattoos such as glow-in-the dark.
  • The use of henna in temporary tattoos has not been approved by the FDA; henna is approved only for use as a hair dye.
  • An increased variety of pigments and diluents are being used in more than 50 different pigments and shades.  These are approved for cosmetic use only, not injected into the skin.  Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all.  Some are industrial-grade colors that are suitable for printers’ ink, and automobile paint.
  • Professional disposal of needles is also an indication of whether you want to get a tattoo in the salon.  They should be placed in a sharps container that you can see.  Also the needles used should be new.
  • Tattoos are permanent.  If you decide you need to have one removed, find a doctor that is experienced in tattoo removal.  The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery can help you find the right physician. 

The FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research in Arkansas is investigating the chemical composition of the inks and how they break down (metabolize) in the body; the short-term and long-term safety of pigments used in tattoo inks; and how the body responds to the interaction of light with the inks.  Whether the migration of tattoo ink has health consequences or not is still unknown.  NCTR is doing further research to answer many questions about the safety of tattoo inks. 

Do your own research while considering a tattoo; don’t do it on a whim.  It’s going to be with you the rest of your life.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the safety of the instruments and experience of the person placing a permanent message on your body for display.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS (AND) EVERYONE! PART II

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Yesterday, we took an imaginary tour of our homes to find if there are certain hazards that could cause injury to individuals, especially senior citizens.  We  continue today with more safety tips.  Please think about keeping your home safe for all who live there, regardless of their ages, and when older visitors come, pay close attention to the tips we have already mentioned.  Here are more safety ideas: 

Although we are all getting older with each day, exercise is very important.  The earlier you begin an exercise program, the better.  Always ask your doctor about the type of exercise you can do safely, if you have health problems.  Your health may be hurt more by inactivity than by exercise, because with age,  we lose ground in four areas: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.  Staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay dementia, according to the National Institute of Health.  Fitness experts can work out a customized plan for individuals to exercise safely.

 Now, let’s talk about keeping medications either in clearly marked containers or in a medication organizer with individually sealed slots for every day of the week.   Those who have poor vision or other health problems could ask a family member to help with this.  

Have important phone numbers programmed in your home phone and/or cell phone.  If you go for a walk, take your cell phone, just in case of emergency, such as a fall.   Take along a cane or walking stick of some type just in case a “friendly” dog comes along; this will help with balance, as well as letting him know he needs to move on.  Dogs can jump up on those who are unsteady, causing them to fall.  Cats can easily trip someone.   I’ve known this to happen, and in both instances, broken hips were the result.  One lady died from complications following the hip surgery.

Place deadbolts and peepholes on the doors to your home, and keep the doors locked.  Don’t let strangers in without verifiable identification, don’t reveal you are alone, and always have your neighbors contact info.  Many persons choose to install a home security system.  Schemes abound for all of us – old, young, and inbetween.  When you are out shopping, keep purses close to you, and, guys, don’t keep a wallet in your back pocket.  Tell a family member or friend where you are going, avoid traveling alone, stay away from dimly lit  surroundings, and carry a whistle or other alarm.  Don’t sit in your parked car, counting money, or talking on a cell phone without locking the door first, and be sure you are in a safe area.  If you need handicapped parking accessibility, it’s there for you if you have a placard on your car or license plate.  If you don’t, please leave that space for someone who does qualify.  A caregiver or handicapped person will thank you for doing that.    When driving, don’t talk on the cell phone.  If you have taken medication, and are feeling drowsy, ask someone else to drive you where you need to go.  

Be aware of internet or phone fraud.  According to AARP, many senior citizens are victims of fraud.  Here’s some reminders about this subject:

  • Never give out information such as your social security number or other personal information on the phone or internet.
  • Stay informed of current schemes.
  • Don’t freely give large amounts of cash. 
  • Research a home-repair company’s credentials.  Use reputable local contractors for repairs. 
  • Don’t fall for the “You’ve won the jackpot!” ploy.  This is probably a scam.
  •  If you receive a call saying it is from your internet provider and you have a virus, and they can fix it for you from their office, don’t believe it.  Call them to verify the call.  It’s probably another “phishing” scam.

Last, but not least, consider a security alert button if you are at risk for falling, or have a chronic illness that may require urgent medical attention.  A  monitoring system similar to Life Alert will sound for help if you have fallen, or unable to talk due to a head injury or stroke.  Most systems are portable and can be worn as a necklace or bracelet.  Once the button is pressed, emergency personnel or the primary caregiver is immediately notified and contact is made with the client.  Others such as wearable health monitoring systems  alert medical personnel of any changes in the body via sensors.  A new senior cell phone option is an emergency cell phone that provides wide emergency response coverage, unlike most medical alarms that work only within or near your home.  It has an SOS button that will activate automatic dialing, which contacts up to five pre-programmed numbers to call for help.  It can also power up a loud alarm to call attention of nearby people that someone needs help.

Aren’t we lucky to live in an age where we can get assistance in many instances by merely pressing a button?  Never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.  You have a family member, neighbor, or friend who is there simply for the asking.  Don’t take chances with your safety – you are too important!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ASBESTOS EXPOSURE AND RESPIRATORY SAFETY: STAYING CLEAR OF MESOTHELIOMA CANCER

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Today’s article was sent to us by Guest Author, Rachel Jones of mesotheliomasymptoms.com.  She had expressed an interest in sharing ways of protection for contractors who work around asbestos . 

On September 26, the eighth annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day will take place in the United States. Congress has set aside this time to help raise both awareness and funding related to this deadly cancer that still affects up to 3,000 new patients a year. With direct linking to asbestos exposure, the tie between this cancer and safety gear is crucial, especially with those involved in the asbestos abatement process.

There is an extensive amount of protective gear that is required to keep workers and abatement professionals safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Some of the common examples of protective gear aren’t nearly as capable of preventing these dangerous levels of exposure from occurring. For example, a common safety mask made out of paper is unable to protect from the inhalation of these fibers.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the lining (mesothelium) of the lungs, abdomen and heart can become compromised by asbestos. Because the lungs are highly susceptible to being affected by asbestos fibers, a respirator is probably the single most important type of protective gear to abatement contractors.  Dual cartridge respirators which serve to cover half of the face are the most common type used. It’s also greatly imperative that they include HEPA filters with a NIOSH rating of N100, P100, or R100. This means that the filters are small enough to prevent asbestos fibers from being inhaled. Just as is the case with any necessary respirator use, the fit of the gear is crucial, as an ill-fitting mask would be unable to prevent from all leaks.

Along with the importance of respirators, there is a great need to protect both the skin and eyes when contact with asbestos is taking place. Just as is the case with most construction projects, safety goggles or other protective eyewear is highly recommended. Protecting the skin is a much more complicated process, however.

Some states vary on the advised protective and safety gear from a clothing standpoint, while most recommend that disposable coveralls and gloves are the best option. A few states even suggest wearing multiple sets of coveralls. In any case, the protective clothing worn during the process of asbestos abatement must always be disposed in a sealed asbestos waste bag.

This great amount of safety and protection is a major necessity. While many remain uninformed and unaware of the dangers of this cancer, it has posed a threat to industrial workers and others for decades. Even though the use of asbestos as a common material has largely decreased in the last few decades, the long latency period of mesothelioma will ensure its affect on people for years to come.

This latency period involves a large gap (often decades long) between an original exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms. With extremely long gaps between exposure and the arrival of symptoms, mesothelioma life expectancy is on average, very low (between four and 18 months after a diagnosis).

With the dangers of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma set to have a major affect into the future, the importance of proper safety gear and awareness of this disease go hand in hand. Just as staying informed on the dangers of asbestos exposure can help future patients, proper safety gear will allow contractors to keep safe in the process of having asbestos removed.

Thank you, Rachel, for this very informative article.  Hopefully, those who are working around buildings containing asbestos will take all the necessary precautions to stay protected and healthy.  You can find more interesting articles about mesothelioma at the website: www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH

An important observance  during  August – National Immunization Awareness Month,  provides the opportunity to remind the entire community of the importance of immunization.  The most important responsibility school children’s parents have is to be sure that their kids’ vaccinations are current.  College students, adults and the entire community need to pay attention to the value of immunization.  Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that once routinely killed or harmed tens of thousands of infants, children, and adults.  

Each year, approximately 200,000 American citizens are hospitalized because of influenza.  An average of 36,000 persons die annually due to influenza and its complications.  Most are people 65 years of age and over.  Annually, there are approximately 40,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in the U.S. and one-third of these cases occur in people 65 and older.  About half of the 5,000 annual deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease occur in the elderly.  The entire community can be protected through high immunization rates because this interrupts the transmission of disease-causing bacteria or viruses.  Persons who are immunized are also protecting those people who cannot be immunized for medical reasons. 

Since 1994, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has allowed eligible children to receive vaccinations as part of routine care.  The VFC program provides publicly purchased vaccines for use by all participating providers.  They are given to eligible children without cost to the provider or the parent.  The VFC program provides immunizations for children who are uninsured, Medicaid recipients and others that can be given at their doctors’ offices.  VFC also provides immunizations at participating federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.  The program has contributed to high immunization rates and thus reduced delays in immunizations and, subsequently, the risk of serious illness or death from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Free immunizations have already begun, in order for parents to have their school children ready to walk into classrooms the very first day of school.  Every year, many parents have failed to do so, only to be angry that their child cannot be registered to attend school until they have had their shots.  When free protection is offered, there’s no reason to delay.  Children who have received their vaccinations have a greater chance for not missing school due to sickness, which in turn, helps their parents avoid missing work. 

Take the time now to get school children up-to-date on their immunizations.  Adults, start thinking about getting your flu shot, as the season will soon be here.   We are fortunate to live in an age where so many devastating illnesses have been eradicated.  The Centers for Disease Control’s National Immunization Program (NIP) strives to prevent disease, disability, and death in children and adults through vaccination.  NIP is committed to promoting immunization at every stage of life, providing leadership on vaccines and immunization, strengthening and communicating immunization science, providing immunization education and information, and improving health in the U.S. and globally.

Source: CDC

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

DON’T TAKE WATER FOR GRANTED!

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Because so many parts of the United States are in a severe drought, water is a precious commodity.  Lakes, creeks, and rivers are low or completely dry, and many cities have begun restricting the amount of water citizens may use to keep their lawns alive.  It is a very serious situation, and from all reports, relief may still be in the far future. 

 Take a few minutes to think about how water is used in your home.  Whether it’s for drinking, bathing, cooking, or doing laundry, an abundant supply of clean water is an important part of a healthy home.  If you know where your water supply comes from and are aware of the most common water supply problems in your area, you will know if the water you are using is safe.  Public water supplies are tested for more than 100 different contaminants.  Public utilities can give you information about the quality of your drinking water.  Some water departments send out annual reports on the quality of water they supply.  Groundwater is in the soil and underground rock formations.  Private wells and many public water supplies use groundwater as a water source.  Other communities use water that is drawn from nearby lakes. 

Bacteria and viruses are the most common water supply problems.  Pollutants found in private wells are coliform bacteria.  Most bacteria won’t make you sick, but it can indicate the possibility of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites.  Chemicals such as gasoline, solvents and pesticides can enter groundwater as a result of their use and disposal.  Natural substances such as iron, arsenic, manganese, and radon can affect the quality of your drinking water. 

Ways that you can help keep your water supply safe are to follow any water-use advisories issued by your water supplier.  Dispose of pesticides, motor oil, and other toxic chemicals properly.  Think about reducing your use of lawn and garden pesticides and fertilizers, because these chemicals often find their way into drinking water supplies.  Call your water utility office if you notice any changes in your water supply, such as in the taste, odor, or appearance of the water.  Install backflow devices on all outdoor faucets.  These will prevent water from a garden hose from flowing backwards into your drinking water system. Conserve water.  Don’t waste it.  Use water-efficient fixtures and fix plumbing leaks promptly. 

Americans spend billions of dollars per year on spring, mineral, and other bottled brands of drinking water.  Although you think it tastes good or is more convenient, it’s not always better for you.  Some bottled water does come from mountain streams or artesian wells; however,  most of it is nothing more than treated tap water.  Bottling can breed bacteria and other germs, such as a parasite called cryptosporidium, which can cause digestive illnesses.  If you have a weakened immune system, look on labels for these protective processes:

  • Reverse osmosis
  • Distillation (distilled water)
  • Filtration with an absolute 1-micron filter 

Water filters usually use one of the above terms.  Not all bottled water has enough fluoride for optimal oral health, but tap water is treated with fluoride to protect teeth.  It pays to know more about the water you are using in your home.  Please conserve and protect this precious commodity, and don’t ever take it for granted.  When you see water in natural locations all around you disappearing, it makes you appreciate rain, and the lakes, rivers, and streams that make our environment beautiful.  So, let’s drink (water, of course) to good health with clean, pure water and plenty of it!

 

Source: dhs.Wisconsin.gov; CDCP; FDA

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMONS

You know the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!”  There may be more truth to that than we realize.  Recently, I was sent some information on the health benefits of lemons.  Those beautiful yellow fruits may be little “cure-alls.”  At least, I may give it a try.  

Of course, we know that lemons are a great source of Vitamin C, which helps fight infection and heal wounds.  They also bolster the immune system with their absorbic acid.  Mix some lemon juice with water and taken regularly in the morning, it serves as a tonic to the liver by stimulating the production of bile in order to digest the day’s food.  Some theories about lemons are that they help dissolve gallstones, relieve symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis, sore throat and act as a diuretic to help clear up urinary tract infections.  Eating lemons are healthier than oranges.  Lemons will clean all your intestines, which oranges don’t. 

It’s always pleasing to drink a glass of fresh lemonade; however, you can eat them raw, and add a little sugar to cut the tartness.  Lemons will damage tooth enamel, so remember whether you drink the juice or eat one, brush teeth afterward to remove juice from your teeth.  From the Institute of Health Sciences, Baltimore, Maryland: Lemon (citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells.  It is stronger than chemotherapy.  Lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease.  It has a pleasant taste.  You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc.  It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors.  Some physicians say it is very useful in all variants of cancer.  Other health claims about lemons are that they are effective against internal parasites, regulate high blood pressure and even serve as an antidepressant, combating stress and nervous disorders.  The source of this information comes, ironically,  from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world. 

Another health idea: lemon balm: used to reduce fevers, coughs, colds, hay fever, dizziness, headaches, high blood pressure.  It also seems to calm anxieties and supposedly helps memory storage and recall. Here is the recipe for lemon balm from ehow.com:

Things You’ll Need

  • 8 oz. lemon balm infused oil
  • 1 oz. grated beeswax
  • Double boiler
  • 8-10 drops tincture of benzoin
  • 8 oz. low tub or jar with lid
  • Labels
  • Combine the lemon balm infused oil with the grated beeswax in the top portion of a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double boiler about halfway with warm water. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly until the beeswax is melted.
  • Insert a metal spoon into the mixture and quickly pull it out. Allow the salve to harden on the spoon and then test the consistency. If using the salve on an open wound, a softer consistency is recommended. 
  • Add 1/4 oz. more beeswax if the salve is too soft, or 1/4 oz. more oil if it is too hard. Heat the mixture again and re-test. Continue this process until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Remove the mixture from the heat and add eight to 10 drops of tincture of benzoin. This substance acts as a preservative and keeps the lemon balm salve fresh for a longer period of time. Stir well to combine. 
  • Pour the salve into a tub or jar. Allow it to stand uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, at which time it should be completely set. Label the jar with the contents and store in a cool, dry place for up to one year. 

We are not making any health claims, only passing on this information, so you can make the decision to try it or not.  I know I could throw away lots of pills if it worked for me.  It certainly seems that it would be worth trying.   So, sit down, relax, and sip on that glass of lemonade.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

LET’S KEEP OUR HEARTS HEALTHY!

We all need little reminders that our hearts must be healthy in order to keep us going.  Every day stress, at work or home, can add to health problems.  If we keep in mind the numbers everyone should know, such as goals for heart health, hopefully, we can continue working and being productive.  After retirement, we also want to be healthy enough to enjoy other activities, or part-time work. 

It is important that you know your numbers, and these are important ones:

  •          120/80 or under is normal blood pressure for adults.
  •          Less than 200 mg/dl is a desirable cholesterol level.
  •         Less than 100 mg/dl is an optimal level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
  •         More than 40 mg/dl is a desirable level of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol for men; women’s should be at least 50.
  •         Less than 150 mg/dl is a desirable level of triglycerides.  This blood fat, like LDL, can make your arteries harden or narrow.
  •         Between 18.5 and 24.9 is a normal body mass index (BMI).  A higher BMI can increase your risk for heart disease.
  •         Less than 35 inches for women, and less than 40 inches for men, is the best waist size.  Too much fat around the waist increases heart disease risk.      To  measure your waist, put a tape measure around your midsection, just above your hips, and breathe out.
  •          Zero is your ideal exposure to tobacco, including secondhand smoke.
  •          At least 30 minutes most days is how much to exercise.  Regular exercise can lower your resting heart rate.  According to a recent study in American Heart Journal, a resting heart rate higher than 90 doubled the risk for heart disease.

If you don’t know how much your body mass index is, here are some explanations on how to figure it.  First, you can use a free body mass calculator online, or if you prefer, we have some instructions on how to do it yourself.

Established by the federal government as a standard to determine obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. A Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 25 is ideal. People with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are overweight and a BMI greater than 30 indicates obesity. Being overweight increases the chances of serious health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But Body Mass Index is not a foolproof measurement. Though muscle tissue weighs more than fat tissue, BMI calculation doesn’t recognize the difference between muscle and fat; an aggravating footnote for people who spend a lot of time at the gym. For those who lead more sedentary lives however, BMI can be a useful first indicator of general fitness.

Use Discovery Health’s free BMI calculator to find out what your body mass index is. Simply put in your height and weight, and let Discovery Health’s free BMI calculator work for you.

Here are instructions in case you prefer to figure your BMI yourself:

         First you will need to know what your height is in inches. This is quite simple, just take your height and multiply it by 12 and add the inches. For example if your 6’2”, take 6 feet times 12, which is 72. Then add the 2 extra inches, which is 74 inches. Simple enough. Write this number down.

         Next in figuring your BMI, you will need to know your weight in pounds. This can be done on any scale measured in pounds. Write this number down.

         Now we are ready to calculate. Take your height and multiply it by itself. So in the previous example, just multiply 74 x 74, which is 5476. Now multiply that result by 703. This number is fixed. It’s always the same when calculating BMI. Continuing with our example, we take 5476 x 703, which equals 3849628.

         Then, divide your weight by that result. So say the weight in pounds is 180. We take 180 / 3849628, which equals 4.6 lbs. So in this example, the person who is 6’2” and 180 lbs is overweight by 4.6 lbs. This is how you figure Body Mass Index.

Let’s make a pact to take better care of ourselves and keep those hearts ticking!

Source: CDCP; American Heart Association; Strive; eHow.com/health; Discovery Health.