Radiation and Dangers to the Heart – Really Not So Hard to Believe

As most women know, when it comes to the treatment of breast cancer, treatment options come with certain risk factors. But what many women might not have been aware of, and up until recently researchers were oblivious to the idea of heart damage, as well. The risk factors might be slight, but are being brought to the forefront nonetheless.

Shocking Statistics on Breast Cancer Mean Women Need to Pay Attention

The breast cancer numbers are staggering – in fact, about one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in her lifetime. And as is common knowledge, radiation tends to be the most popular go-to treatment option for breast cancer as it has traditionally has been an aggressive, and successfully proven method of dealing with cancer of the breast.

Radiation, as a rule tends to cause a type of damage to the inner lining of the vessels of the breast that trigger off the process of inflammation. This is a concern to cancer researchers and healthcare professionals because of the fact that this inflammation becomes the precursor to potential problems down the road. So attacking one problem, could potentially lead to triggering a whole other set of issues.

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One study that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that inflammation as a result of radiation is a real cause for concern in this population of women. The researchers looks at data that went back all the way to 1958 and notices some scary trends. The authors of the study confirmed something that was long suspected, but this time confirmed….the risk of developing heart disease as a result of radiation (or the inflammation caused by said radiation) was somewhat low, but still made the scale enough that women need to be made well aware of the risks.

Radiation as a Breast Cancer Treatment Option?

Healthcare practitioners tend to use the rule of thumb that less is more when it comes to radiation, and the standard is in place that while beneficial to the breast cancer patient, using a small amount of radiation is better. However, the authors of this study found a small glitch in even the plans to use small amounts of radiation treatment. When it comes to cancer of the left breast, which is closer to the heart, the risk of inflammation leading to heart problems becomes a very real threat. And one that women should be well educated on, as they consider their options for cancer treatment.

One study has shown that the days after moving the clocks ahead or the act of “springing forward” an hour in March is actually associated with a heightened risk of having a heart attack. What is more interesting to note, that if you were going to just chalk these numbers up to a meaningless statistic, the opposite is actually true when the clocks “fall back” in October. The risk of a heart attack decreases by 10%.

What Does This Change Really Have to Do With Heart Health?

What this means for heart health, and heart attack risk actually does have something to do with sleep. The couple of days after moving the clocks ahead an hour requires a sleep change that is directly correlated with the time people get up to go to work. And several studies have shown that the risk of a heart attack, or another heart health related problem actually increases and hits a peak on Monday morning when people are most likely to rise early to go to work.

The Opposite Theory for Your Heart Health

The opposite theory is a pretty simple one, when the clocks “fall back” and you get that extra hour of sleep your body adjusts to the extra rest in a way that leads to a lessened risk of a heart attack, good news and a big plus for those who enjoy sleeping in.

What Sleep and Heart Health Have in Common

While most adults are well aware of how much sleep is required to be able to properly function through your day, sleep deprivation is considered a very real health concern with a direct link and impact on your heart health, and heart attack risk. The effect of sleep on your immune system, and cardiovascular health is one that shouldn’t be ignored, and trying to find a way when the clocks “spring ahead” to make certain you don’t “lose” that hour of quality sleep time could make a real difference to your heart that you were not expecting.

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Many heart health studies have pointed out that the connection DST has on your heart is a spider web of interconnected health behaviors. People who don’t get enough sleep tend to have a heightened likelihood of obesity and weight control issues, not to mention the heart health issues and a higher risk of heart attack already mentioned. Losing sleep can alter other body responses such as the body’s response to inflammation.

The variable however, quickly becomes the idea that your own lifestyle has a lot to do with it, too. Clearly a person who is more prone to work nights is going to adjust better to the idea of losing or gaining an extra hour of sleep at night. People who are considered to be morning people are more likely to have a difficult time adjusting to a time change, because it directly impacts their work schedules and day to day routines.

Grudges and Stress

When someone that you care about hurts you, you may experience a variety of emotions including sadness, anger and confusion among others. When these feelings begin to over-take your life, vengeance and hostility can occur. These negative feelings can be overwhelming and can mask all of the positive aspects of your life. These negative feelings can impact your life in a drastic way.  Your life may be so wrapped up in the past that you can’t enjoy the present. These negative feelings can ultimately lead to stress if not dealt with properly. And stress can have a significant negative impact on your health, including your heart health.

Stress and Heart Problems

Un-managed stress, including the stress that comes from holding onto a grudge, can lead to emotional, psychological and physical problems, including heart problems. These heart problems can include high blood pressure, angina, and irregular heartbeats.

Forgive the Grudge for Heart Health

Forgiveness is an active decision that involves letting go of feelings of resentment and thoughts of revenge.  Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean that you forget the act that hurt you, but it allows you to move forward without all of the negative feelings surrounding the past event. Forgiveness allows you to remember the hurtful event without experiencing feelings of resentment of revenge. According to the Mayo Clinic there are many benefits of forgiveness including healthier relationships, improved psychological well-being, decreased stress, anxiety and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression and lower levels of substance.

Recent Research on Forgiveness and Heart Health

Dr. Britta Larsen from The University of California, San Diego asked 202 participants to think about a time where a friend had offended them. Half of the participants were asked to remember the event and how it had angered them while the other half were asked to remember the event in a more forgiving way. All of the participants were then distracted for five minutes. After the five minutes distraction period, the participants were asked to remember the event in any way that they wanted to. Blood pressure and heart rate measurements for all of the participants were monitored. The results showed that the angry group of participants had the highest increase in blood pressure when asked to recall the situation. The same effect was seen even after having five minutes of distraction. No differences were seen in heart rate levels.  This research supports the idea that letting go and forgiving those that have wronged you in the past may help to reduce your chance of heart problems by lowering your blood pressure.

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Forgiving a person that has wronged you in the past is a challenging process. However, no matter how difficult it may be, this process will be beneficial for your heart health in the long run. The Mayo Clinic breaks the forgiving process into four steps:

1. Consider the value of forgiveness and the importance of it in your life
2. Reflect on the hurtful situation
3. Actively choose to forgive the person who wronged you
4. Move away from your role as a victim in the situation

Going through this process will allow you to break free from the grudges that you’ve been carrying around and allow you to experience better heart health.

If you want to protect your heart health, forgiving those that have wronged you over the years is a good first step.  Letting your grudges go will help to decrease the stress that you’ve been experiencing and this will help to decrease your risk of heart problems. The forgiving process may be a long and difficult one, but your heart will thank you in the end.

Heart and/or Chest Pain

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and chest or heart pain can indicate a potentially life threatening heart attack. Given these two facts, it is no surprise that chest and heart pain are two of the most commonly treated symptoms in the emergency room. Although chest pain may just be a symptom of indigestion, if you experience burning or intense pressure in your chest or heart area, in conjunction with sweating, nausea or shortness of breath, you should seek medical treatment right away.

Back Pain and Treatment

Although heart pain may seem like a more pressing matter, back pain is actually a leading cause of emergency room visits. Back pain may develop gradually, and it can be caused by lifting something or sleeping the wrong way, daily activities, or a lack of muscle strength. In these instances, emergency room treatment is probably not warranted, and either giving your body time to heal or a visit with your regular physician will suffice. On the other hand, severe back pain caused by an accident (such as a fall or blow to your back), or back pain that is constant or intense and/or accompanied by new bowel or bladder problems, fever, pain or throbbing in your stomach, numbness or weakness in your legs, or swelling or redness of your back may indicate a serious medical condition.

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Stomach Pain Could Be an Emergency

According to the National Health Statistics Reports, one of the leading causes of visits to the emergency room is stomach pain. Although stomach pain may result from something as benign as improper digestion, it can also be a sign of something much more serious.   If your stomach pain is accompanied by unrelenting nausea, and/or uncontrollable vomiting you may have food poisoning and should seek treatment at the emergency room. Stomach pain that is accompanied by blood in the urine, fever and chills, nausea or severe pain, may be a sign of kidney stones, and also warrants a trip to the emergency room.

Upper Respiratory Infections as an Emergency

An upper respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold, is a viral infection that affects the nose, sinus, larynx or pharynx. It is a common sickness in the ER and the most common reason for an emergency room visit amongst children aged 15 and under. Symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, congestion, mild fatigue and low grade fever are normal and do not usually require medical attention. However, if you or your child experience significantly swollen glands, severe sinus pain, colored phlegm, or a fever of 103 or higher (or 102 for infants and toddlers), medical treatment is advisable.

Broken Bones and Treatment

Although the majority of emergency room visits are health and pain related, injuries such as broken bones and sprains are also dealt with in the ER. According to Mayo Clinic, most sprains do not necessitate ER treatment however, and they can be taken care of in a non-emergency room medical setting, such as an urgent care unit. Broken bones, on the other hand, are a serious matter and they require emergency treatment.

In order to prevent the exposure of nonsmoking individuals to secondhand smoke and decrease the incidence of heart attack and stroke, state and local government agencies have put in place laws that restrict indoor smoking in public places.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), implementing indoor smoking ban protects the heart health of nonsmoking individuals and hopefully, decreases the incidence of heart attack across the United States.

The Worst US Cities – Heart Attack and Stroke

The recent report issued by the CDC lists fifty of the largest cities in the U.S. that have implemented both local and state laws against indoor smoking.  The report showed that smoking bans vary across the country, and it may be possible that one city is only governed by a local anti-smoking law and that statewide restrictions do not exist.  This discrepancy thus reflects the level of implementation of indoor smoking bans, which may also well suggest specific cities that offer better protection against the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, include heart attack and stroke.

Heart Problems and the Anti-Smoking Laws

Discrepancies in local and state anti-smoking laws have been reported in the following cities: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA; San Diego, CA; Jacksonville, FL; San Francisco, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; and Virginia Beach, VA.  The CDC report is quite interesting because it directly shows the largest cities that do not have local and state anti-smoking laws in place and thus, this information may be helpful for travelers who are concerned about their risk of heart attack and stroke due to secondhand smoke.  This CDC report may also be used by local and state government officials in improving measures for the prevention of smoking-related heart ailments.

CDC Report on Heart Attack and Stroke

Another related and interesting report on the effectiveness of indoor smoking bans has been recently published in the Journal of Community Health.  The report presents the results of a study that examined the incidence of heart attack in various large cities in the US before and after the implementation of indoor smoking bans.  The research study reviewed hospital data on the number of cases of heart attack among individuals with ages 45 years and above.  From this information, mortality rates due to heart attack were calculated, and these values were compared before and after a full year of implementation of the smoking ban.  The authors of the report also reviewed which US cities had local and state anti-smoking laws, to fully determine whether this legislation is indeed helpful in decreasing heart disease due to secondhand smoke.

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The results of the study were very interesting, in which New York City, only of the largest cities with both local and state anti-smoking bans, showed a 12% decrease in heart attack cases for the year 2004.  According to the CDC report, New York City has the strongest laws against indoor smoking, following both local and state laws that prohibit smoking in restaurants, bars, and other places.  The 12% decline in smoking-related heart diseases far surpassed the expected decrease in heart attack incidence.  On the other hand, the largest cities in California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, did not any significant decrease in the number of smoking-related heart ailments, which directly reflects the discrepancies in anti-smoking laws at the level of the local and state governments.

The effect of secondhand smoke on heart health may not be immediately observed in the general public and may only be seen after years of exposure.  The use of anti-smoking laws in at least two levels of government may help curb the occurrence of heart disease due to exposure to secondhand smoke.  These two recent medical reports may help health officials in identifying major cities that require improvements in public health laws, especially those concerning heart disease.

Calcium Side Effects You’d Expect

There are a number of calcium side effects that are seen when people take this supplement.  While these calcium side effects may not be alarming, consumer should still be aware of them. The side effects of calcium supplements can include: constipation and upset stomach. Additionally, more serious calcium side effects can include: nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, mental/mood changes, bone/muscle pain, headaches, increased thirst/urination, weakness and fatigue.  Allergic reactions can also be included in the list of calcium side effects.

Calcium Side Effects That May Surprise You

While the above mentioned calcium side effects may not make you think twice about taking this supplement, you’d probably be surprised to know that there is a possible link between calcium supplements and an increased risk of heart disease. The theory is that the calcium in the supplements may actually make its way into the fatty plaques that are found in your arteries which cause the plaques to harden and increase your risk of heart attack.

The Research on Calcium Supplements and Heart Disease

A study conducted by Sabine Rohrmann , PhD from the University of Zurich, and her team followed approximately 24,000 men and women over an 11 year period. The participants were asked to complete food surveys. They were also interviewed regarding their vitamin and mineral intake. The researchers found no link between dietary calcium intake and stroke or between dietary calcium intake and heart disease deaths.  They found that individuals with a high intake of dietary calcium had a reduced risk of heart attack. However, when they looked at the effect of calcium supplements, they found that individuals who took calcium supplements were at an 86% increased risk of heart attack when compared to individuals who didn’t take supplements. While additional research is needed to confirm if this link is definitive, it’s best to speak to your doctor before starting to take a calcium supplement to ensure that it’s safe.

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It’s best to get your required level of calcium from your diet to avoid the possible side effects of calcium supplements. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese and yogurt products, dark leafy green vegetables, beans, tofu and certain types of seafood (for example – sardines, mackerel, and salmon). Incorporating these foods into your diet will give you adequate calcium content and will help prevent the undesirable side effects of calcium supplements.

It’s important to remember that while consuming calcium in your diet is generally safe, there are still calcium side effects if you consume excessive amounts.  According to the Mayo Clinic, these calcium side effects include:  kidney stones, constipation, calcium build-up in your blood vessels, impaired absorption of iron and zinc and a possible increase in prostate cancer risk. To be on the safe side, men and women aged 19-50 should consume no more than 2,500mg/day and those over 50 should consume no more than 2,000mg per day in an effort to avoid the undesirable side effects of calcium.

Natural Disaster and Heart Disease

Natural disasters have always been considered as huge public health problems because it often affects human health.  For example, a major earthquake such as that in Haiti in 2010 not only resulted in damages to buildings and homes, but may also claimed the lives of more than 20,000 people living in the area.  Several preventative measures have been put in place for particular catastrophes; however, there always seems to be some sort of damage that stays behind.

High Risk for Natural Disaster and Related Emergency

Reports have indicated that the Americas are associated with a high risk for natural disasters.  The main reason behind this trend is the geographic location of the Americas, in which it is situated above tectonic plates, or the surface of the Earth that naturally moves through time.  Also, the Americas are surrounded by water and these may be associated with the occurrence of tsunamis, floods, and torrential rains.  It may thus be possible to experience major natural disasters at any point in time and thus the establishment of emergency and preventive steps may reduce the possible damage to property and life.

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The impact of natural disasters on human health is generally observed through the spread of infectious diseases.  Depending on the impact of the natural disaster, emergency cases may suddenly rise and overwhelm major hospitals and clinics.  Preventative measures that could reduce damage to homes and buildings may also help decrease the number and severity of emergency treatments that would be needed during a disaster.  For developing countries, preventative measures against damage due to catastrophes may be quite difficult to establish, including those related to emergency medical treatments.

According to a recent report, natural disasters are linked to problems in human health, such as trauma and heart diseases.  People are displaced to evacuation centers as an emergency response as also as a preventative action against further devastation.  There have also been reports that the elderly often suffer from heart ailments due to the shock and fear of experiencing a natural disaster.  Development of new medical conditions amid an existing heart ailment may also be more difficult to treat.

Contaminated Water and Heart Ailments

The recent medical report also identified a number of infectious diseases that occur soon after a catastrophe has hit a certain area.  For example, intense floods are associated with bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections caused by the exposure to contaminated water.  Not only could this cause illness in people, but also worsen the existing heart ailments in certain individuals.  Most of these infections require emergency treatment as a preventative measure against further complications to existing diseases such as those involving the heart.

Infectious diseases are caused by the transmission of these pathogens through floodwaters and these often originate from infected livestock and rats.  Having floodwaters remain within a low-lying community may also increase the chances of infection and thus it is important to have emergency measures to remove these waters as soon as possible, as a preventative action against possible infection.

No one sets out to damage their own health; however, it seems that in many cases a lack of understanding or a lack of services puts women in certain states in a position where they are doing just that; damaging their bodies.

According to data collected by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Women’s Law Institute, in some areas of the United States heart health, physical fitness, cancer care, and general health are ignored.

West Virginia and Mississippi

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Known for its rugged mountains and fertile valleys, West Virginia is picture perfect…just ask anyone who has visited the state. Sadly, many women who live there put their health at risk. Mississippi, famous for its magnificent river, is much the same. In both of these states obesity among women is very high. In West Virginia the problem is so significant that the state has received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for preventive programs to help curb the problem. The health crisis in Mississippi is exasperated by the fact that women also have a high rate of smoking and chronic illness.

Louisiana and Arkansas

Also in the southern part of the U.S, just south of Arkansas is Louisiana. Here unhealthy eating is an issue and thus obesity is high. Unfortunately, there are also 9.7 infant deaths here for every 1,000 live births. Many women living in neighboring Arkansas share the problem of being overweight, but they also have a very high rate of smoking, heart disease and diabetes. Interestingly, the state does offer a lot of anti-smoking programs free. For reasons unknown, a lot of preventative measures are ignored.

Tennessee and Kentucky

Tennessee has the highest rate of death due to breast cancer and a very high rate of stroke among women. Life expectancy in 36 of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee declined between 1987 and 2007. Kentucky has a declining life expectancy for women, which surprises a lot of people who view the state as progressive. The state has a good healthcare system, but it turns out that many women do not have health insurance.

Wyoming and Idaho

The green grass of Wyoming attracts thousands of tourists, retirees and movie stars every year, but women there often have to travel up to 100 miles just to get a mammogram. Breast and cervical cancer screening rates are among the lowest in the country. Idaho; known as the gem state, also has a lingering cancer issue. It has the lowest percentage of women over the age of 49 who have had mammograms in the past two years. Perhaps part of the problem is that the state has the lowest number of practicing physicians.

Texas

This state has many of America’s fastest growing cities, yet health issues still seem to penetrate deep in the heart of Texas. Women in Texas could be putting themselves and their unborn children at risk. They tend to shy away from pre-natal care and from getting health insurance. There is also a high rate of Chlamydia in Texas. The sexually transmitted disease can lead to infertility. Simple, preventative steps can be taken to avoid the bacteria.

Health care professionals insist that in many cases damage can be undone, and they point out that Healthy People 2020 will do a lot to educate women. Healthy People 2020 is a set of national health related goals and objectives to improve the well-being of all Americans.

As a Preventative Measure – Tell Your Doctor These Things:

1. You’ve stopped taking the medication that they prescribed – if you don’t tell your doctor that you’ve stopped, they will think it’s not working and possibly prescribe you a higher dosage or a new medication. If you don’t take the medication, you are at risk of suffering adverse outcomes from the condition that needs to be treated. For example, if you’re supposed to be taking a medication for heart disease and you don’t, you are increasing your risk of suffering a heart attack.

2. You’re taking natural supplements – many people are afraid to tell their doctors that they are experimenting with natural supplements as part of their daily routine. Reasons for taking natural supplements vary from preventative reasons to natural treatment reasons. This can pose a danger because some natural supplements can negatively interfere with prescription medication that you are taking. Just because they are called natural supplements, does not mean that they don’t have side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor every name and dosage of the natural supplements that you are using.

3. Your sexual history – while this may be an uncomfortable subject, it is definitely something that your doctor needs to know. As your number of sexual partners increases, so does your chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease. Sexual preferences can also increase your risk for certain conditions. Based on the information that you provide, your doctor can determine the need for testing and screening that is best for you.

4. Your bathroom habits – maybe there’s blood in your stool or maybe you’re frequently constipated. Whatever is going on in the bathroom that is out of the ordinary for you needs to be mentioned to your doctor. Colorectal cancer is much more treatable if caught early.

5. You’re feeling blue – many people are embarrassed about possible problems with their mental health and don’t mention symptoms of depression to their doctor. But you should, your emotional health can affect your physical health. There are many treatment options available to get you through periods in your life when you’re feeling depressed.

6. Your “real” diet and exercise regimen – a healthy diet is essential for overall health, including heart health. Don’t lie and tell your doctor you’re eating a heart healthy diet and exercising regularly if you’re not. Keeping a journal of what you eat and when you exercise will help to give your doctor an overall picture of your real lifestyle. Tweaks can be made if necessary, and a referral to a nutritionist or personal trainer can be made as a preventative measure if warranted.

7. Your family history – you may not want your doctor to know that your dad has heart disease and has suffered a heart attack, or that your mom is an alcoholic and is depressed but these are things that they need to know. There are conditions, such as heart disease that run in families. Sharing an accurate family history with your doctor will allow them to develop a preventative plan for your healthcare. Keeping secrets about your family isn’t protecting your family members and it’s definitely not protecting you.

8. You’re seeing other doctors – whether it’s another medical doctor, or an alternative care provider such as a naturopath or chiropractor, let your doctor know. Many people seek out alternative healthcare providers as a preventative step for better health. Making sure that all of the members on your healthcare team are on the same page will ensure that you are getting the best healthcare possible.

Keep in mind that your doctor isn’t there to judge you, be as honest as possible with them for the best health care results. If you do feel that you are being judged, perhaps it’s time to look for a new doctor.

The Study on Emergency Care

In a recent study published in the journal PLoS, the actual physiological characteristics of a body engaged in a particular activity in the heat were presented.  The study involved approximately 17 male football players who engaged in two different matches, one set at a temperature of 43oC and the other at an ambient temperature of 21oC.  The goal of the study was to determine whether heat played a role in the regulation of breathing and heart rate during a specific activity.  In addition, the information generated from the study may help determine which specific conditions are prone to emergency medical care and this could be applied to actual cases.

The study involved the collection of information on the physiological activities and characteristics of the body when playing football two different temperatures, including that of body temperature and heart and breathing rates.  The actual extent of specific physical movements was also measured in the study. The information generated from the study may be helpful for the assessment of heat-related emergency cases.

Heart Health and Help with Breathing

Measurement of body temperatures, which represented the actual temperature of the muscles of the body, was shown to increase among the football players when performing under hot conditions.  Interestingly, the heart and breathing rates of the football players were similar at both playing temperatures, suggesting that in this specific population group, the chances of a medical emergency is unlikely.  Interestingly, the distance traversed by the football players at the field at hot temperatures declined by approximately 7%, suggesting that their capacity for breathing and possibly the heart rate may also influence the degree of activities performed in the heat.  The breathing and heart rates may thus be similar at both temperatures, yet the distance traveled by these players in the field may somehow be affected by the increase in temperature.

High intensity movement such as running was also shown to decline at hot temperatures by approximately 26%.  It should be understood that rapid running requires the input of the heart, allowing rapid breathing for the transport of oxygen to the rest of the body.  The higher temperature during the football game may thus inhibit maximal breathing and result in an increase in heart rate, decreasing their capacity for high speed running.  Since the football players were generally healthy, there was no need for any medical emergency response to treat these individuals.

Another interesting observation included in the report involved the quality of passes performed by the football players.  The study showed that the quality of passes, including the number of successful passes, improved when the football players were engaged in a match at hot temperatures.  It is thus possible that despite the higher temperature and poorer quality in movement, their capacity of perform this specific activity has been retained.  The heart and breathing rates of these players during passes may also be optimal for successful transfers of the ball.

The results of the study may be useful in the physiological assessment of emergency patients during the summer, especially during a heat wave.  The heart and breathing rates of an individual may change when the temperature is high and in certain cases, these may require emergency medical attention.  It is thus important to monitor one’s heart and breathing rates during heat waves and allow the body plenty of fluids for rehydration to prevent emergency situations such as heat stroke.

1. Using Your Cell Phone Indiscriminately

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the electrical magnetic fields, or “EMFs,” emitted from cell phones alter DNA structure and cause other harmful biological transformations in the human body.  In fact, The World Health Organization issued a report last May stating that EMFs may be carcinogenic (cancer causing) to humans and classifying cell phones as probable contributors to brain cancer.   The closer you hold the phone to your head, the greater your brain is exposed to EMFs, and unless it is an emergency, you should always use your cell phone on speaker mode and hold it away from your brain. You should also reduce your cell phone use as much as possible, keep the cell phone away from your bed and use landlines whenever you can.

2. Combining Heat with Plastic or PVC

Heat releases BPA and other toxic chemicals found in plastic and you should avoid putting plastic dishware in the microwave, or hot liquids into plastic bottles because the toxins contained within the plastic will end up in your food and drinks.  Heat also causes PVC (polyvinyl chloride) shower curtains to release volatile organic compounds which you end up breathing in and it can lead to nausea and headaches and it may even increase your risk for cancer.  Instead of using PVC curtains, use curtains made from vinyl acetate whenever possible and in emergency situations when you have no access to these less toxic curtains, you can limit you PVC exposure by reducing the duration of your shower and keeping the water temperature on the cooler side.

3. Using Toxic Cleaning Products

Carpet cleaners, disinfectants, toilet bowl and glass cleaners, degreasers and general cleaning products are full of toxic chemicals which can wreak havoc on your body and you want to avoid breathing them in and exposing your body to them at all costs.  Butoxyethanol is one common ingredient found in cleaning products and it can affect your kidneys, liver, blood and heart. Sodium hydroxide is another common ingredient which can burn your eyes and breathing it in can cause substantial damage to your lungs.     Additional problems associated with many conventional cleaning products including: contact dermatitis, burnt skin, chemical pneumonitis, edema of the pulmonary artery (the artery responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs), asthma, inflammation, allergic rhinitis and an intensification of preexisting allergies.   Organic cleaning products are widely available these days and should be substituted for the toxic conventional ones. Alternatively, water, lemon, baking soda and vinegar can be combined and used as nontoxic substitutes for almost any type of cleaning product.

4. Using a Humidifier

Although a brand new or well kept humidifier is unlikely to cause harm, most people neglect to clean out their humidifiers properly, or daily, and the warm, moist environment is an ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. Consequently, most humidifiers release a toxic mist that you end up breathing in and breathing in those toxins can result in infections, lung problems and an increased risk for asthma.  The moisture in the air also encourages the growth of mold in your home – and breathing in mold comes with its own set of health problems. If an emergency health condition calls for the use of a humidifier, be sure to clean it with hydrogen peroxide every second day and to change the water daily.

5. Using Conventional Toothpaste

The Top Causes of Death in North America Are As Follows

1) Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most ethnicities in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasian people. For American Indians or Alaska Natives and Asians or Pacific Islanders, heart disease is second only to cancer. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimated in 2008 alone that over 616, 000 people had died from heart disease.

2) Cancer

The 2012 report from the American Cancer Society broke down the wide assortment of available information on this disease, which comes in so many deadly forms. The report also includes statistics on the diagnosis and deaths from 2004 to 2008 as recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries. The most frightening number of note showed that in 2012, approximately 1.6 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed and 577,000 Americans will ultimately die of some form of the disease.

3) Stroke

The bad news is that once you have suffered a stroke and survived it, you are at a considerable risk for having another one. According to The National Stroke Association about 185,000 of the strokes experienced every year by Americans will recur, to be exact, 24 percent of women and 42 percent of men will have another stroke with the risk of mortality only increasing.

4) Respiratory Diseases

Lung cancer falls in the category of respiratory disease, which boosts the dangers of both categories in question.  Not only this, but physical inactivity falls into this category which is the fourth leading risk factor mortality on a global scale. Many of these deaths are tobacco related and a shocking 50 percent of patients with COPD, including some with advanced disease, are undiagnosed and go untreated.

5) Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association’s fact sheet from last year shows that an alarming 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, with many of those cases being undiagnosed.
The 2011 data shows that for 2007 alone, diabetes was an underlying cause listed on over 71, 000 death certificates and was listed as a contributing factor on an additional 160,000 death certificates. This means that diabetes contributed to a total of 230, 000 deaths in that year alone.

While information and statistics of this nature are not intended as scare tactics, it never hurts to give a read to the information, and compare it against your personal and family medical history to possibly look for precursors to illness. Discussing risk factors and potential signs and symptoms with your healthcare practitioner is just good planning, and could lead towards an ounce of prevention in the anti-aging battle.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom have released a study that indicates a bacteria called, Streptococcus gordonii can cause blood clots and lead to heart issues if it enters the bloodstream.

S. gordonii contributes to plaque forming on teeth. If the gums are bleeding for any reason, the bacteria can then enter the bloodstream. The bacterium acts as a human protein which causes clotting. As a result, blood vessel inflammation can occur.

This latest study showing the relationship between gums and the heart hasn’t been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet so the results are considered preliminary; however, the lead researchers have said the findings give them a good understanding of the relationship between bacteria and platelets that could lead to new treatments for infective endocarditis. Right now it is treated with surgery and strong antibiotics, but in recent years it has become more difficult to deal with because of growing resistance to antibiotics.

Further Evidence Regarding Tooth Decay

Harvard Medical School seems to support the theory that tooth decay, gums and overall dental hygiene can have a significant impact on our general health. Professors at the world-renowned university have stated that billions of bacteria live in the mouth and influence our health. They say several studies have shown several types of bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in the arteries of the heart. Although more study is warranted, Harvard experts believe possible inflammation in the gums could stimulate inflammation throughout the body, including the arteries.

How Tooth Decay and Damage Happen in the First Place

The studies indicate that both tooth decay and gums can play a role in the bacteria entering the bloodstream and potentially impacting the heart. Dentists explain that when you have sugar and bacteria in the mouth it creates acid. Put that acid up against a healthy tooth and it leads to decay. Tooth decay compromises the gums and allows for the bacteria to then enter the bloodstream. Below are some symptoms of tooth decay

• Sensitive teeth
• Bad breath
• Toothache

Avoiding the problem

Dentists insist that tooth decay and compromised gums are easy to avoid; that preventing heart problems associated with S. gordonii is a matter of maintenance. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis to prevent tooth decay and to keep your gums strong and healthy will stop bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Here are a few tips on how to keep up with your dental hygiene and avoid life-threatening heart problems.

• Brush properly, 5-10 minutes
• Floss
• Use mouth rinse
• See a dentist for regular check-ups

In 2009 an article in the American Journal of Cardiology suggested that all cardiologists routinely ask their patients about problems with gums and periodontists ask their patients about any family history of heart disease and heart health. This seems to indicate that a growing number of medical professionals are putting more weight in the studies that link oral care to heart health.

The general treatment of elderly patients diagnosed with heart failure include the administration of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or drugs that relax and widen blood vessels, thus easing the circulation of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Another type of drug treatment includes beta-blockers, which increase the amount of oxygen that could be transported through the blood, thus easing the patient’s breathing.

These two drugs are generally administered heart failure patients, but are these really effective for all types of patients? In a current clinical study design published last week in the journal Trials, the effects of each specific drug treatment for heart failure will be monitored in patients 80 years old and older. This clinical trial started in October 2011 and will continue on until December 2012. The main goal of the clinical trial was to determine the actual effect of each drug treatment scheme for elderly patients.

The proponents of the study explained that although ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are the most common drugs administered to heart failure patients, the clinical performed on these drugs involved younger patients, within the age range of 61 to 71. Obviously, patients 80 years and older were not represented in the clinical trial. It is thus possible that older patients, especially those above 80 years of age, might respond differently to the drug treatment under scrutiny and this is not reflected in the description and effectiveness of the drugs. In addition, the aging process can also impart additional factors that need to be considered during the treatment design. Elderly patients above 80 years of age may have more medical diseases as compared to patients within 61 to 71 years of age and thus a treatment with ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers may result in a different response in the heart failure patient. Do these drugs really enhance breathing in above-80 year old patients?

The clinical trial will involve approximately 80 heart failure patients that are at least 80 years old. The study participants will be randomly classified into two study groups, one group will be given the classic treatment, which is the administration of at least one cardiovascular drug, whereas the other group with be subjected to an optimized treatment consisting of prescription drugs and regular day-hospital monitoring. The two study groups will then be assessed at the end of the study period for various indicators, including their quality of life, mortality, readmission for heart failure, breathing capacity, and development of other cardiovascular symptoms or events.

The study participants will also be examined for specific physical features, including walking capacity and breathing volume. The elderly are usually afflicted with difficulty in breathing and thus those with cardiovascular problems find breathing much more difficult to perform. The study participants will be asked to walk for approximately six minutes, during which they will be monitored in terms of heart rate and breathing. The number of breathing cycles at each minute will be monitored, in relation to the number of heart beats per minute. This walking test will also provide the investigators in determining whether the capacity and quality for breathing differs in each study group.

By the end of 2012, the results of this clinical trial will be complete and the actual benefits of drug treatment of above-80 year old patients will be determined. It would thus be interesting to know if each treatment is as effective as what the earlier clinical trial described, when younger patients were examined. If the results show similar outcomes, then this clinical trial will serve as a validation of the general treatment regimen for heart failure patients. If the results indicate otherwise, there this will prompt physicians to design a better and safe treatment plan for their patients 80 years old and above.

The INTERHEART case control study involved 29-thousand participants in 52 different countries including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and Asia. It concluded that car owners with a TV are 27 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack.

Behavior

The lead researchers attribute the findings to the fact that using a car and watching a TV are sedentary behavior. If you own and TV and a car they are essentially saying it is a double hit against your heart.

Now here’s the good news… the authors of the study are convinced that with a little exercise you can zap the bad right out of your worldly possessions. Data collected through Uppsala University in Sweden looked at levels of activity during both work and leisure periods. People who did light or moderate exercise at work had 22 percent and eleven percent lower risk of heart attack than those who did very little physical exercise.

Here in Canada studies support the car and television ownership theory. Statistics Canada released a report in 2008 that attributed obesity to watching television and using vehicles for transportation. It talked about the health implications. It turns out that 25 percent of men who watched television for more than 21 hours per week were classified as obese and put themselves at a high risk for diseases like heart attacks. Twenty-four per cent of women who watched for the same amount of time were labeled as obese and at risk. The study did take into consideration the family history and diet of each participant.

Watching TV

Sitting, watching television doesn’t activate the body. In other words, being a couch potato can kill you. Mild to moderate exercise can improve many functions within the human body. Small amounts of physical activity such as walking are good for our hearts.

Driving Cars

A recent study in Hong Kong determined that 20 percent of all deaths of people 35 and older could in some way be linked to lack of exercise. The report suggests walking and cycling to and from work would make a big difference in a lot of people’s lives. Ironically, our bodies are the opposite of automobiles. Car parts wear out the more they are used; however, doctors say our body parts need to be used in order to keep them strong and to ward off ailments. Blood, oxygen and nutrients are all activated by physical movement which can help us live longer. Here’s what mild to moderate exercise can do:

• Improve the flow of blood to the heart muscle
• Strengthen the heart muscle
• Make the heart more efficient
• Improve the heart’s ability to deal with stress

This most recent study linking cars and televisions to heart attacks points out that urbanization, and the use of other conveniences like computers, escalators, elevators and appliances are also contributing factors to a more sedentary lifestyle.

No one is suggesting we sell our cars or never watch another television program. However, riding our bikes or walking the local grocery store makes more sense.

Supporters of Alcoholics Anonymous might not agree. But a recent scientific discovery has shown that alcohol might, in fact, make you live longer.

The news came after the shocking lab discovery showed that just a small amount of alcohol given to a worm could actually double its lifespan.

The findings, made by researchers at the University of California has suggested that ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages) plays a significant role in delaying the aging process, or atleast it did when it came to the worms.
Biochemist Steven Clarke, senior author of one of the supporting studies found in PLoS One says the discovery is “shocking”. Clarke says he doesn’t know why alcohol would have such a dramatic increase in the worm’s lifespan, but the facts remained, it didn’t even take much alcohol to increase the slimy critters chances of growing old.

The PLoS study showed that half a tablespoon of ethanol in full bathtub of water was a good benchmark, or with beer, one bottle per 100 gallons of water.

The worm was originally used to study aging and cholesterol. Clarke says it was this research that then led him to discover that higher cholesterol led to longevity in worms. He then wondered if the new, longer lifespan was due to the cholesterol, or the ethanol used in the experiment.

Clarke says, “we saw that the life extension was entirely due to the ethanol, after being tested at a level of one part ethanol to 20,000 parts water” Not just the cholesterol test.

But one of the biggest concerns that scientists have is that people will begin hitting the bottle with vigor thinking it will lower their cholesterol or make them live longer. Clarke is careful to explain that this is still under debate. Alcohol is still considered to be a dangerous drug, so for the possible benefit to live longer one must be aware of the liabilities.

With GreenFacts.org showing a staggering 76 million people in the United States currently having alcohol disorders (such as excessive drinking and alcohol dependence) people are urged to be aware of that the findings are based on strict moderation of alcohol intake.

A little goes a long way in terms of alcohol being beneficial to your longevity.

When we are away from our regular routines, exposed to different climates, different foods, and different people, we put ourselves at a higher risk for contracting an illness or worse; a lifelong disease. Many doctors will tell their patients to go over any potential health risks before heading out on the road, whether you are flying, driving or taking some other mode of transportation.

What to consider

Here are some key questions to consider before you pack up and head towards your destination.

• Where are you traveling and at what time of year?
  (Certain infections are seasonal such as malaria or Japanese encephalitis)

• Do you have any underlying medical problems?
  (You may want to discuss travel with your physician first)

• Do you require any medications
  (Arrange for any refills so you don’t run out while you are away)

• Why style of travel are you doing?
  (If it is business and you will be sitting in an office and hotel most of the time, inoculation may not be required, but if you are backpacking or doing aid work you will need protection)

• Do you have a first aid kit?
  (Make sure it is stocked properly. You never know when you might need something as simple as a band-aid or disinfectant to prevent infection)

• Is malaria an issue at your destination and will you need malaria treatment?
  (Research your destination)

• Is your tetanus/diphtheria and polio up to date?

(They have been practically eradicated in North America, but continue to pose a problem in other countries)

Generally speaking the risks for travelers fall into 3 main categories:

1. Vaccine-preventable diseases
2. Insect-borne diseases
3. Gastrointestinal illnesses-caused by contaminated food and water

People who are over the age of 65 have to consider the threat of influenza and pneumonia when they are thinking of traveling as well. In addition, yellow fever is a serious concern in Africa and South American. Several countries in Africa require vaccination or entry is forbidden.

Toronto based Doctor Jay Keystone is a leading expert on the subject of health and traveling. He preaches “better safe than sorry” in his lectures. He tells people that “if 100,000 people went to the developing world for a month, 50,000 would develop health problems.” Some of those problems would include “diarrhea, influenza, and pneumonia, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and HIV.”

Keystone and other medical experts warn that while Hepatitis A may not be a real threat in your neighborhood, it could be in other countries, especially those that are underdeveloped. Hepatitis A is contracted through drinking water or eating food in areas where sanitation is poor. Keystone also points out in his lectures that despite warnings there is still a high percentage of travelers that engage in unprotected sex, putting themselves at risk for HIV.

Research shows that more travelers are getting sick; however, more people than ever before are traveling…over 900 million a year according to recent airline statistics. What is also interesting to note is that people are going to destinations that they have never been to before; facing conditions and food that they are unfamiliar with.

Food

We are all accustomed to certain foods, but when we are on the road that all changes. The best approach is to look at a menu then ask the waiter or waitress if you can customize the dish. For example, it is simple enough for a lot of chefs to make changes to a pasta dish to eliminate fats and sugar or to leave out the meat for those who are vegetarians. Sticking with a healthy diet can help keep the body in good balance. Travel experts have the following tip for people who like to buy and prepare their own food when they are away from home…“boil it, purify it, peel it, and cook it.”

Exercise

Now-a-days most hotels have gyms, and for those who don’t there is normally a club nearby. There is no reason for people to stop working out when they are away from home. Routines can be modified. Getting some exercise will help energy levels and overall wellness while traveling.

If you are going on a road trip there are a few more issues you might want to look at such as: avoiding back and muscle pain, snacking, and avoiding stress.

No matter where you are going or what the reason for your trip, a change of scenery is always refreshing; it can be fun. To maintain that happy momentum, and to keep you healthy, a little preparation ahead of time will help.

Many people think that salt only comes from a salt shaker, however, it is found in many foods that we regularly consume.  Common culprits include: processed food, frozen dinners, and canned vegetables.  However, there are many hidden sources of sodium, that you may be eating without even knowing that they contain high levels of sodium.  These include:

-          Condiments (ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, etc.)
-          Salad dressings
-          Cheese
-          Canned tomato sauces
-          Canned beans and vegetables
-          Cereal
-          BBQ sauces
-          Baking soda and baking powder
-          Breads such as hot dog buns, bagels, Kaiser buns, whole wheat pita bread
-          Instant noodles
-          Canned soups
-          Canned and smoked fish
-          Frozen waffles
-          Clamato and V8 juices

It is also important to remember that kosher salt and sea salt are both still salt and must be limited.

While sodium lurks in many of the foods that we regularly eat, there are a number of things you can do to limit your salt intake, they include:

-          Buy fresh fruits and vegetables
-          Buy products that read “low sodium” or “no salt added”
-          Be sure to read the nutrition label on products before purchasing to check the sodium content
-          When dining out ask your server for a low sodium option
-          Try seasoning foods with herbs and spices as opposed to salt
-          Eat fresh meat, poultry and fish instead of canned or processed options
-          Eat unsalted nuts as a snack instead of salty snacks like potato chips
-          Limit processed meats such as cold cuts and hot dogs

The labels that explain the sodium content of a particular food can sometimes be confusing, to decipher the labels, take this into consideration.

1.  “Unsalted” – means that no salt has been added
2. “Sodium-free”- means that one serving has a sodium content of 5mg or less
3. “Very low sodium” – means that one serving has a sodium content of 35mg or less
4. “Low Sodium” – means that one serving has a sodium content of 140mg or less

Additionally, if a product reads “less sodium” or “reduced sodium” it usually means that there is 25% less sodium than the regular version of that product.  In general, these products still contain far too much sodium and should be avoided.

Reducing or limiting your salt intake will help to prevent many serious health conditions.  While it may seem difficult in the beginning, the benefits are immense.  If you continue to have difficulty, consult a dietician or a nutritionist to help you on your salt-limiting journey!

One new study, from the “British Journal of SportsMedicine,” found that doing small amounts of any type of exercise could improve mental health. That includes just 20 minutes a week! Though it should be noted that researchers found the harder the activity, the greater the benefit. Exercise strengthens the flow of blood to the brain, reduces inflammation and softens stress. These three abilities could help prevent anxiety, depression and even dementia.

While it has long been known that exercise is good for the heart and helps prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes, its link to mental health has been less clear. This study, with nearly 20,000 adults from Scotland, helps shed light on this topic. Researchers found that fitness from any source, including sports, walking, gardening or simple housework, was linked with 41% lower risk of mental distress. Sports trumped everything, though, by reducing the risk of stress and depression by 33%.

Mixing some housework with sporting activity is a good bet for improving one’s mental activity. This is believed to be the first study to look at how certain activities relate to mental health. It proved that this relationship does exist.

The other new study comes courtesy of the same UK medical journal. Researchers found that anyone who does aerobic  activity over a long period of time could delay their body’s natural aging process by up to a dozen years. What happens is that jogging, bicycling and other forms of aerobic activity improve how the body consumes oxygen and generates  energy.

Around middle age, the body’s ability to perform aerobic fitness decreases by a certain measure every 10 years. When  this falls below a certain point, it is hard to perform fitness without becoming quickly exhausted. A person at age 60 has about half the “maximal aerobic power” that he or she had at age 20.

But if that person maintains solid aerobic exercise over the long term, it boosts that aerobic power. It boosts it to the equivalent of 10 to 12 biological years. It does so by making the body more efficient at taking in oxygen and staying energized.