JANUARY 25, 2012
HEALTHY HABITShow to use diet to supplement your workout routine
REMEDYOR RUSE?exploring natural remedies
STARTING FROM SCRATCHwhat to do when beginning an ex-ercise routine
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Little-knownfood contributors to heart disease
Red meats, hydrogenized oils — these are the foods we associate with heart disease and high
cholesterol. But a few other things many people eat rather frequently could be contributing to future heart problems.
White pasta and breadsResearchers have found that eating a diet high in refined grains, including those in most store-bought pastas and white breads, can double the risk of heart disease. These foods are those that have a high glycemic index, or GI. Foods with a high GI quickly release sugar into the bloodstream. Doctors have found a correlation between high GI and heart disease, mainly in women, according to research at the University of Milan. The study questioned 32,578 women and 15,171 men. Those who consumed the largest concentration of high GI foods were 2.24 times more likely to develop heart disease than those with the lowest.
Nutritionists advise that, when choosing grain products, it is important to select those made from whole grains. Not only do these products provide the nutritional benefits of whole grains, including fiber, they also help reduce cholesterol and the risk for heart disease.
Sugary itemsWhile many people associate sugary snacks, beverages and sugar itself with dental decay or unnecessary calories, these items also impact cholesterol levels.The average American eats the equivalent of 21 teaspoons of added sugar a day, which is two to three times the amount they should, according to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers found that individuals who consumed the most sugary products had the lowest HDL, or good cholesterol, and the highest blood triglyceride levels. Eating large amounts of sugar can then be a major risk factor for high cholesterol and heart disease.In its 2010 guidelines, the American Heart Association recommended limiting added sugar in the diet to no more than 100 calories a day for most women and 150 calories for most men. That’s 6 teaspoons for women and 9 for men. To put those guidelines in perspective, consider that a 12-ounce can of soda has between 8 and 10 teaspoons.In addition, many processed foods contain sugar even if sugar’s inclusion seems foolish. Some restaurants and food manufacturers have admitted to adding sugar to foods — especially those geared to children — to make them taste better and be more appealing. Therefore, sauces, ready-made dinners and other items may
have sugar, and the consumer may not know it without reading the
nutrition label.
Also, it’s important to note that beverages are the leading supplier of added sugar for many people. Simply reducing the amount of juices, sports drinks and sodas in your diet can greatly reduce sugar consumption.
9ways to eat better nowDoctors, fitness professionals and
nutritionists all have ideas on what men and women should and
should not eat. Choosing the right foods can help save waistlines and lives.The country is growing larger, and that has nothing to do with the population. Individuals are heavier than ever before. About one-third of Americans are considered obese. No state in the U.S. has an obesity level less than 20 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 36
states had a prevalence of 25 percent or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of 30 percent or more.The obesity story is much the same in Canada, although residents of that country are slightly less obese than Americans. Statistics Canada states that from 2007 to 2009, 24.1 percent of adults in Canada were obese. Women
have higher levels of obesity than men in both countries.Although it is widely known that eating a healthy diet and exercising frequently are the key ways to maintain a healthy weight, it’s easy to fall into bad habits. Some men and women find it difficult to avoid temptation and stay on track with diet. But balance and portion control are great ways to enjoy food without gaining weight. Here are some tips to live by.
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Use a smaller plate. This will trick the eye and brain into thinking you are eating a lot. A large plate seems empty with smaller portions, prompting many men and women to eat more than is necessary. Using a smaller dish can give the impression of eating from an overflowing dish.
1
Make vegetables a priority, not an afterthought. Fill up on vegetables and make meat and other higher-calorie foods the afterthought, instead of vice-versa. In fact, two-thirds of your dish should be consumed by vegetables, with the remaining portion for a protein or starch.
2
Avoid family-style meals. That means placing large serving dishes full of food directly on the table. It encourages going in for seconds when you really may not be hungry. It takes the brain at least 20 minutes to register feeling full. So serve yourself from the stove and wait to see if you’re still hungry before going back for more.
3
Switch to skim products. It is widely known that dairy products are an important component of healthy living. However, whole-milk varieties tend to be heavy on calories and saturated fat. Opt for skim milk whenever possible. Today, there are ultra-pasteurized varieties of skim milk that are creamy and filling.
4
Rely on seafood protein. Eating fish once or twice a week is an excellent way to cut calories and enjoy a food that is rich in essential fatty acids.
5
Experiment with herbs, not salt. A lot of sodium in a diet may not be good for blood pressure and it can lead to water retention. Instead, reach for herbs to add flavor to foods. Keep a fresh selection of parsley, chives, cilantro, basil, and other herbs at the ready and chances are you won’t even miss the salt.
6
Go sparingly on dressings and sauces. You can quickly turn a healthy salad into an unhealthy meal if you drizzle on too much creamy salad dressing. Studies show that some fast food salads have more fat than other fast food fare, including hamburgers. Opt for the dressing on the side, or select among fat-free alternatives. Use only about 1 to 2 teaspoons for flavor.
7
Indulge once in a while. Depriving yourself of everything that is tasty can lead to binge eating or overeating. Just remember to keep the portions of sweets or fattening foods modest and try not to over-do it the rest of the day.
8
Don’t forget the exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine offers benefits of exercise beyond simply helping you to lose weight:
• Lowers risk of heart disease by 40 percent.• Lowers risk of breast cancer by 20 percent.• Lowers risk of depression by 30 percent.• Lowers risk of hypertension by 40 percent.• Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
9
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THE CARROLL NEWS 5health, mind & body
Anyone who has ever suffered back pain, whether that pain is mild, moderate or severe, understands just how
unpleasant it can be. Back pain can make life extremely difficult, affecting everything a person does, including performance at work, time spent with the kids or even sleeping at night.For those with back pain, chiropractic care might be the best way to relieve that pain. A nonsurgical treatment of the disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system, chiropractic medicine focuses on spinal manipulation and the treatment of the structures surrounding the spine. Understanding chiropractic care can help men and women dealing with pain better determine if it’s for them.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?A chiropractor can treat a number of conditions, but most treatments focus on a handful of common and often painful conditions. Those conditions include:
- joint pain in the arms and legs- mid- and lower back pain- neck pain- headaches
What do chiropractic treatments entail?Many people with lower back pain find such pain so unbearable that they seek the help of a chiropractor. Despite that, many more people remain wary of visiting a chiropractor for myriad reasons. But chiropractors can effectively treat pain in a number of ways.A chiropractic treatment is commonly referred to as a spinal manipulation. During a treatment, the chiropractor will move a joint beyond its usual range of motion.
The joint might be moved through twisting, pulling or pushing, but it won’t be moved beyond the range of motion it’s designed to move. Those being treated for the first time should expect to hear some popping or cracking during the treatment. The goal of a spinal manipulation is to improve functionality while reducing nerve irritability and restoring range of motion in the back.In addition to spinal manipulation, a chiropractor might try other types of treatments, including:
- ultrasound- the application of heat or ice- certain strength and conditioning exercises
- relaxation therapy
Are there side effects to chiropractic treatments?Perhaps the reason some people are hesitant to visit a chiropractor is the fear that, should something go awry, the back could be
irreparably damaged. Those fears were common during the early years of chiropractic treatments, but now many medical doctors will work in tandem with a chiropractor to ensure patients are getting the correct and most effective treatments.
Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others. Chiropractic care is also available to active-duty members of the armed forces at more than 60 military bases and is available to veterans at 36 major veterans medical facilities.
Will an adjustment be painful?Despite the cracking and popping sounds it causes, a spinal
adjustment is typically not painful. Of course, men and women who visit a chiropractor are often experiencing significant pain already, and the movement necessary during the treatment might prove painful. However, chiropractors can take steps to make the treatment easier on the patient if he or she is struggling with severe back pain. For instance, a chiropractor might use a drop table during treatment. Parts of the drop table will drop slightly when the chiropractor presses down on the patient’s back. This makes the adjustments more gentle. Another tool used to make adjustments more comfortable is a hand-held tool called an activator. Many patients, however, do not need either option.
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Some people think they have to spend hours at the gym sweating on the treadmill
or elliptical trainer in order to burn calories and lose weight. As it turns out, the things you do every single day could be burning more calories than you realized. Some discipline with your diet and certain healthy habits can make the difference for those attempting to lose weight.Getting eight hours of sleep can burn more than 300 calories for the average person. But there’s a good chance you are interested in what activities you can do while awake to help burn calories.Courtesy of Discovery Health and Harvard Medical School, here are common everyday activities and how many calories can be burned depending on weight. These figures are based on a person weighing around 150 pounds and a duration of one hour of activity.
Calories burned during daily activitySupermarket shopping: Pushing a wagon around the supermarket for an hour can burn 240 calories or more. Up the ante by bagging groceries yourself and packing and unpacking them from the car.Raking leaves: If you spent time manually raking leaves this past fall, you were doing something good for your body. In addition to working several muscle groups, you may have spent 300 calories.Dusting: Spring cleaning is right around the corner, and that can be good news for your health. Dusting alone can burn as much as 160 calories.Cooking: Here’s a reason to get fired up about cooking. Making a simple meal can add up to 200 calories lost. Just don’t sabotage those lost calories by cooking up a fattening dinner.
Moving: Packing and moving may seem like a big task one rarely looks forward to, but carrying boxes can burn 460 calories an hour. Packing, moving and unpacking yourself may be the diet plan you’ve been seeking.Painting: Perhaps you’ve been procrastinating on that house painting project. Here’s inspiration to break out the rollers and brushes. Spending an hour painting can burn 350 calories. After several hours applying a primer and then top coat, you may find you painted yourself thinner.Community service: If you want to help the environment and your health, spending time picking up trash from a park or seaside can shed some serious calories — 450 an hour.Playing with kids: Engaging in some fun family time can burn around 400 calories. Plus, it’s a great way for parents and children to bond.
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Allison Moore, founder of the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF), has made it her life’s mission
to educate people about a neurological condition known as CMT after experiencing sudden-onset CMT in 1997. The disease was triggered from a chemotherapy drug in her cancer treatment. A new federal grant issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will now enable Moore and her HNF associates to push the boundaries on awareness and research surrounding CMT through several initiatives.CMT is a progressive disease that deteriorates the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. Patients may develop
muscle deformities that impair movement and can necessitate the use of everything from leg braces to wheelchairs. Until now there has been little discussion of CMT and doctors have been lax in diagnosing the disease early — particularly because they have been in the dark.
“Many people don’t know how to deal with CMT because they know nothing about it,” says Moore.The new grant has paved the way for the creation of The National CMT Resource Center (Help4CMT.com) among other programs. This comprehensive online resource fills the gap in CMT advocacy and information dispersement by being the
first forum to connect individuals, doctors, researchers, and the general public in a unique way. The site offers a selection of resources, information and educational/training materials on Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and the latest options for symptom management. It can also serve as a way for those with the condition to connect to offer support and encouragement, or be put in touch with those who may offer assistance.From “Living With CMT” to a page for kids, The National CMT Resource Center targets often underserved groups in disseminating information about a relatively unknown disease outside of its base of people affected. Although estimates say that around 2.6 million people worldwide have CMT and that it is the most common inherited neuropathy, knowledge of CMT on a global, even national, scale is limited. Despite its similarity to the better-known multiple sclerosis, CMT has yet to have the same level of media chatter as some other more widely recognized causes. Apart from actress Julie Newmar (the original Catwoman) there have been few high-profile people to become the faces of the disease — something that tends to “wake up” the public. Thanks to the CDC grant, The National CMT Resource Center is set
to change all that — spreading the word across the globe. The added bonus is that all of these resources are provided for free.Another offering made possible by the grant is the CMT and Disability School Outreach Program. This enables educators and children to learn about CMT and be mindful of individuals with the disease or other disabilities. Youth-geared information teach lessons on empathy. Plus the book, “Arlene on the Scene” serves to open the lines of communication about CMT or disability as part of inclusion education.
“Through our School Outreach Program we offer educational materials and a live author presentation aimed at increasing understanding of disability in a fun, interactive way,” says Carol Liu, a member of HNF. “Our classrooms today are filled with a wide variety of strengths and needs, abilities and challenges. This calls for an increased understanding of disability and difference on the part of students.”The grant is likely to open even more doors to help catapult CMT awareness all around the globe. More information can be found at Help4CMT.
SHEDDING LIGHTon ‘the biggest disease no one has ever heard of’
CMT
THE CARROLL NEWS8 health, mind & body
RESEARCH INDICATES ‘FRESHMAN 15’ IS A MYTH
Hundreds of new students enter college each September. One
long-standing assumption about college freshmen is their propensity to gain weight — on average 15 pounds over the course of their initial year in college. As it turns out, a new study pokes holes in that assumption and goes on to point out the truth about freshman weight gain.A study by research scientist Jay Zagorsky from Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resource Research debunks the myth of the “freshman 15,” stating that the average weight gain is between 2.4 pounds for women and 3.4 for men. In total, no
more than 10 percent of all college freshmen who were examined in the study actually gained 15 pounds. Some even lost weight.The results of this study were published in Social Science Quarterly. The study pointed to aging and becoming young adults as the culprit behind the weight gain, not necessarily the late-night pizza study sessions or cafeteria grub. The study also looked at same-aged people who were not in college, and most gained the same amount of weight during the period of time they could have been college freshmen.While students may not gain 15 pounds their freshman year, college-age people
do gain about 10 to 12 pounds over the four-year school period. Again, this is attributed to natural body changes associated with moving from adolescence into adulthood.Students concerned about weight gain in excess of the 2 to 3 pounds per year can employ these strategies to keep weight gain at a minimum.
• Limit alcoholic beverages, which tend to be high in calories and add weight fast.
• Plan for some daily exercise, even if it’s just strolling the quad.
• When selecting foods from the cafeteria, fill half of your dish with vegetables and then a quarter with
whole grains and a quarter with lean meat whenever possible.
• Limit consumption of packaged, processed foods, which are high in salt and calories.
• Go sparingly on drive-thru foods.
• Keep healthy snacks on hand in your dorm room so you won’t have to head out when hunger pangs strike.
• Utilize the campus gym if there is one.
• Take a class as part of your electives that includes physical activity, like a sport.
• Surround yourself with friends who have like-minded fitness goals.
College freshmen may not gain 15 pounds their first year after all.
THE CARROLL NEWS 9health, mind & body
From restaurants to food packaging, it is difficult to escape the gluten-free craze that is sweeping the country.
Whether as their own dietary preference or for a specific health reason, many people are eschewing gluten products and leaving other people wondering if they should, too.Gluten is a type of protein that is found in grain products, including wheat, barley and rye, among other carbohydrates. Not all cereals and grains contain gluten, so it’s important to note that gluten and grain are not synonymous. Gluten is not the grain itself, but a component that gives certain grain products their chewy, bending texture. It’s also what contributes to the rising process of doughs brought on through the kneading of the dough. Gluten is tough, which is why doughs and bagels containing gluten have a dense, thick composition. Products that have gluten removed tend to be sticky and goopy in consistency and without shape.Individuals with a condition called celiac disease cannot properly digest gluten. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, celiac disease is an immune disease in which people cannot eat gluten because it will damage their small intestine. The disease is hereditary and, despite millions of confirmed cases, many more people are unaware that they even have celiac disease.Many other people do not suffer from celiac disease but do experience sensitivity to
gluten-containing products — everything from gastrointestinal discomfort to migraines and fatigue. According to experts from the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, much still remains unknown about gluten sensitivity, but it is clear that gluten sometimes triggers an immune response like an enemy invader in some people today. As a result, many find that avoiding gluten helps mitigate symptoms.Although there are people who have legitimate reasons to avoid gluten, many are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon simply because they believe gluten could be something evil lurking in their foods. A paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine may be at the root of this newfound fear of gluten. The paper advised that several diseases may have a root cause with gluten. Some of these diseases include: • irritable bowel syndrome • cancer • rheumatoid arthritis • anxiety and depression • dementia • epilepsy • canker sores • anemiaThe trouble with healthy people removing gluten from their diets is that it can cause some deficiencies. The body actually requires grains to receive the daily recommended value of certain vitamins and nutrients. These include calcium, riboflavin, folate, thiamin, iron, and fiber. Gluten, being a protein, is also a viable protein source for the body. Individuals who are vegetarians often get protein through legumes and grains. Adopting a gluten-free diet in addition to being vegetarian removes another protein source.
While there is no actual danger to eating gluten-free, doctors advise ensuring you’re getting the adequate vitamins and nutrients through other sources to compensate for the lack of nutritional value from grains.Those adopting a gluten-free diet should be careful to read product ingredients to determine if gluten is present. While key words like wheat, oats, barley, and rye indicate gluten, malt and hydrolyzed vegetable protein are also indicators that gluten is in the food.Although most traditional breads are off-limits to those with gluten sensitivity, there are many products being marketed mainstream that are made with rice or potato flour instead. Cereals made from corn and rice are good alternatives to
those made with gluten-containing grains. Traditional pastas are also off-limits. People can try substituting rice noodles for wheat noodles in recipes.
Gluten is not exclusive to foods, either. Beer contains wheat, so it will also have gluten. Choose wines or other liquors instead. Also, some products, like lip balm, also contain gluten. Therefore, it’s best to be aware of all gluten sources and not assume it is only relegated to foods.
Although many people are adopting gluten-free lifestyles, removing the protein from your diet is only medically necessary at this point if you suffer from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
the way to be?IS GLUTEN-FREE
Traditional breads are something that will
have to be removed from one’s diet to be gluten-free.
THE CARROLL NEWS10 health, mind & body
Lead exposureputs adults, children at risk
Excessive exposure to and absorption of lead can cause lead poisoning, a harmful condition that can result in
lots of suffering for adults and children alike. While many people are aware of lead poisoning, few might understand its prevalence and just how big a risk it can pose. Gaining a greater understanding of lead poisoning can help adults protect themselves and their children from this potentially debilitating condition.
Where is lead found?Lead can be found in many places, including your home. Homeowners who own a home built before 1978 likely have or had lead-based paint somewhere in their home. Beginning in the 1978, the United States federal government banned lead-based paint from housing. However, homes built prior to that faced no such restrictions.Another place lead can be found is in the soil around the home. The soil gets lead from a host of sources, including exterior lead-based paint and leaded gas used in cars. What’s especially troubling about the presence of lead in soil is the risk it poses
to kids, who can inhale the lead even if they’re just playing in the yard.Household dust is another source of lead. Dust contains the lead from deteriorating exterior paint or soil brought into the home from the outside.Perhaps the scariest source of lead is drinking water. Homes might have plumbing with lead or lead solder, putting residents at risk of lead poisoning. Lead cannot be seen or tasted and it’s also aroma-free, so concerned homeowners should contact their local health department and request their water be tested. Until then, use only cold water for drinking and cooking, and run the water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it.as best to shower before coming from work and separate work clothes from the rest of your clothes and the family’s clothes when doing laundry.Additional sources of lead are old painted toys and furniture; food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain; and hobbies, such as making pottery or stained glass, that used lead.
How do I know I’m at risk?A home with lead-based paint does not necessarily mean the home is a hazard. To determine if you and your family is at risk, testing on both the family and the home is necessary.The levels of lead in a child’s blood typically increase rapidly from six to 12 months of age, and often peak somewhere between 18 and 24 months. Blood tests can detect high levels of lead, and are most important for children between ages 1 and 2 and children and family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead.A home inspection can be done in one of two ways, be it a paint inspection or a risk assessment. A paint inspection won’t determine if the paint is hazardous, but it will determine the lead content of each different type of painted surface throughout the home. A risk assessment determines if there are any sources of lead exposure and will also suggest a course of action to address these hazards. Homeowners should not do a home inspection on their own. Hire a qualified professional to do the job. The National Lead Information Center (1-800-424-LEAD) can help homeowners find a trained and qualified professional in their area.
Lead in the soil outside a home could put children who play in the yard at risk of lead exposure.
What to do when beginning an exercise regimen
At the dawn of a new calendar year, many people decide it’s time to turn over a new leaf and shed
those extra pounds that accumulated over the previous 12 months. The resolve to lose weight is perhaps never stronger than at the beginning of a calendar year, when the holiday season has passed but those added inches on the waistline remain.Though it’s noble to want to lose weight and improve health, regardless of what time of year it is, there are precautions men and women should take before beginning a new exercise regimen.Visit your physician. It’s best to get a full physical before beginning an exercise regimen. A full physical can reveal if you have any health problems that might limit what you should and shouldn’t be doing at the gym. If anything turns up, your physician can develop a plan of attack for you to address the issue. If nothing turns up, then your doctor will probably give you the green light to go forward with few, if any, limitations.Conduct a self-assessment. Once you’ve visited the doctor and received the go-ahead to start working out, do an honest self-assessment to see where you are in terms of fitness. Walk a mile and time yourself. Do as many push-ups and sit-ups as possible, but be careful to stretch and not push yourself. This self-assessment should not be demanding. Instead, the goal is to gauge where you are and how your body feels when doing some simple exercises.
Establish your goals. The goal of most people beginning a new exercise regimen is to lose weight. However, there are other incentives as well. For example, some people might be starting to train for a marathon or another sporting event. Whatever the reason, know why you’re getting started, as such goals can help you monitor your progress as the year goes on.Start slowly. Caution should reign supreme when beginning an exercise regimen. Diving into the deep end at the onset increases the risk of injury, which could limit activity for months to come. First get your body acclimated to exercise, then gradually challenge yourself as you see fit.Leave time to recover. Though it might feel rejuvenating to get back to exercising, it’s important for everyone, but especially those who are just starting, to allow themselves some time to recover. Allow your muscle’s and joints to recover between workout sessions. Frequency of sessions can increase as your body gets acclimated, but at first allow a day or two between sessions so your body can recover.Listen to your body. Exercising after a long hiatus from routine exercise won’t be easy, and your body is likely going to tell you that through certain aches and pains, if not nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms appear, take a break. This could be your body telling you that you’re asking too much and you need to take your foot off the gas pedal for a little while.Consider hiring a professional trainer. Many people are overwhelmed when entering a gym after a long time away. If you find yourself intimidated or simply don’t know where to begin, hire a personal trainer. Many charge by-the-session, so you can learn which machines to use and how to use them after a session or two and then continue working out on your own. If joining a gym as a new member, the gym might offer a couple of complementary personal training sessions. If so, take full advantage of this offer.When beginning a new exercise regimen, don’t forget to let caution reign until your body has adjusted to this healthy lifestyle.
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How can you protect your family from lead exposure?Individuals can take several steps to protect their families from lead exposure. In addition to home inspection and blood testing, the following are some of the ways to protect men, women and children from lead exposure.
• Clean up paint chips immediately.• Clean floors, window frames and window sills on a weekly basis preferably with a mop, sponge or paper towel soaked in warm water. If possible, use an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaning product made specifically for lead.
• Be thorough when rinsing mops and sponges after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
• Make sure kids wash their hands frequently, and especially before they eat and go to sleep.
• Make sure kids’ play areas are clean, and be sure to wash toys and even stuffed animals regularly.
• Avoid tracking soil into the home by removing shoes before entering.More information about lead exposure is available at www.epa.gov.
Silica gel packets are found in the packaging for many
items, including shoes.
DESICCANT NOT SO
DANGEROUSParents fret over
many of the items kids come into contact with,
particularly small objects that can present choking hazards or items that may be poisonous. One common thing that often turns up in a home are packets of silica gel.Silica gel is a desiccant, which means it is designed to draw moisture out of something to keep it fresh. Silica packets are often found tucked into new shoes or handbags, and small pouches of silica gel may be in the vitamin bottles in the medicine cabinet.Silica gel can absorb up to 40 percent of its weight in moisture. It is used to protect items where extreme temperature changes may cause moisture or condensation buildup, which can damage the products. Silica products also may
be used to dry out closets or wet areas of the home, such as basements. Containers full of silica gel are used to absorb moisture from the air. Silica gel is also used at some industrial factories or other businesses to help with spill clean-up. The pellets are tossed onto a spill, which then absorb the moisture and make for an easier job of cleaning.Individuals may have noticed that silica gel packets have the warning
“do not eat” printed right on the packaging. They tend to resemble the individual packets of sugar found at restaurants, so it may be easy for children and adults to mistake them for something edible. What if a packet of silica gel did end up in the mouth? What would be the ramifications?Rest assured that, although the experience may be uncomfortable,
silica is not very harmful. If granules of silica gel ended up on the tongue or in the mouth, the product would suck out all of the moisture from the mouth, making it extremely dry and uncomfortable. Chances are there would be attempts to spit it out promptly. Should it be ingested, there could be dry eyes, dry throat, stomach upset, and aggravation of the mucous membranes, according to Discovery Health. It wouldn’t completely suck the moisture out of the body in such a small dose, however.Many household items feature posted warnings to protect the health of children and adults. Some things can be very dangerous if used in the wrong way, while others are less dangerous. But from a safety standpoint, it can be important to heed all warnings to avoid injury or illness.
LUNG CANCERremains thedeadliest of all cancersAccording to the
National Cancer Institute, lung cancer
will claim the lives of more than 150,000 Americans before the end of 2011. In Canada, where the national population is considerably smaller than that of the U.S., lung cancer will still take a heavy toll, causing more than 20,000 deaths according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK reports that within in the United Kingdom lung cancer accounts for roughly
6 percent of all deaths, and 22 percent of all deaths from cancer.Each of these figures illustrates the prevalence of lung cancer across the globe, and the deadly toll it takes on an annual basis. While many are quick to assume they will be immune to lung cancer if they simply avoid smoking tobacco, the disease is much more complex than that and understanding it could mean the difference between life and death.
What causes lung cancer?While the NCI reports smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, that doesn’t mean nonsmokers or those who quit smoking still aren’t at risk. In fact, many additional factors can increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.
Secondhand smoke has long been known to be very harmful, and no one, not even children, is immune to its effects. The American Cancer Society notes that, in the U.S. alone, roughly 3,000 nonsmoking adults will succumb to lung cancer each year because of secondhand smoke. Choosing not to smoke is a good decision, but being around smokers and breathing in their smoke could prove just as deadly as smoking. The less a person is exposed to tobacco smoke, the lower their risk for lung cancer.
Another risk factor for lung cancer is radon, a radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Radon forms in soil and rocks, and men and women who work in mines could be exposed to radon. Radon can also be found in homes when it pushes its way through cracks in floors or gaps around service pipes or in suspended floors. Testing a home for radon is inexpensive and won’t take much time.
Additional causes of lung cancer include air pollution, asbestos and even age. Older people are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, as are those with a family history of lung cancer.
Does lung cancer have symptoms?The deadliest form of cancer for men and women alike, lung cancer is perhaps so deadly because it does not often have many symptoms in its early stages. While some symptoms might manifest themselves in the early stages, most will wait until the cancer begins to grow before they make their presence felt.
As the cancer grows, the following symptoms might appear:
• a cough that continues to worsenor won’t go away
• constant chest pain • coughing up blood • a voice that grows hoarse • frequent infections of the lungs,
including pneumonia • constant feelings of fatigue • unexplained weight loss
Each of these symptoms can occur even if a person does not have lung cancer. However, men and women who experience any of the above symptoms should consult their physicians immediately.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?In many cases, individuals will experience one of the aforementioned symptoms of lung cancer and then visit their doctors. Such a visit should be made immediately, and men and women should expect certain tests to be performed upon visiting their doctor. In addition to ordering some blood work, a doctor will likely perform a physical exam to check for general signs of health and listen to breathing. During the physical, the doctor is likely to check for swollen lymph nodes, fluid in the lungs and a swollen liver.
A doctor will also order X-ray pictures of the chest to detect if there are any tumors or an abnormal fluid buildup. A CT scan, which takes pictures of the tissue inside the chest, will likely be taken as well. These pictures can show if there is a tumor, abnormal fluid or swollen lymph nodes.
When determining if a patient has lung cancer, a doctor will also enlist the help of a pathologist to study cell or tissue samples. These cells or tissues can be collected in a number of ways, and a doctor might order more than one test.
Bronchoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the lung, allowing a close exam of the lungs and the air passages that lead to them. A cell sample can be taken with a needle, brush or other tool.
Sputum cytology: Sputum, or thick fluid, is coughed up from the lungs and then checked for cancer cells.
Thoracentesis: A long needle is used to remove fluid called pleural fluid from the chest, and that fluid is then checked for cancer cells.
Thoracoscopy: A surgeon makes several small incisions in the chest and back, then looks at the lungs and nearby tissue with a thin, lighted tube.
More information about lung cancer is available from the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov.
THE CARROLL NEWS12 health, mind & body
