Cell Phones, Airport Scanners & Radiation Exposure

People who use cell phones for at least half an hour every day over many years (ie, 10 years) have more than 33% chance of developing malignant tumors in the brain, according to a landmark 2010 study from the World Health Organization. (reported by the New York Times)

Researchers  examined the amount of radio frequency (RF) exposure cell phone users undergo in various scenarios. The findings, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, show that older analog technology produced the highest RF levels.  Of the various digital communications networks used by cell phones CDMA networks had the lowest RF (major carriers include Sprint PCS, Verizon and Virgin Mobile) while with GSM (AT&T and T-Mobile) and TDMA  (major US carriers have left this system)  showing similar intermediate levels. Generally users are exposed to higher RF power output in rural areas.

Source: http://www.nature.com

Radiofrequency is a form of electromagnetic radiation.  The National Cancer Institute states that there is no known links between cancer risk and RF, but research is still ongoing.

Source: http://www.cancer.gov

While the debate continues, the Environmental Working Group, based in Washington, says it makes sense to chose a cellphone or wireless device with low radiation. They published a report on Cell Phones and Radiation Exposure and recommends specific makes and models.

Radiation and Airport Security Scanners

Researchers have determined that the airport security full-body scans with machines made by Rapiscan Inc. do expose the body to high levels of radiation that may contribute to cancer and other health conditions.

The travelers who are the most vulnerable are the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems.

It should be noted that the amount of radiation exposure is no more than that received by two minutes flying at cruising altitude.  Nonetheless, those who don’t want to be screened may request a full body pat-down instead.

Researchers: University of California, San Francisco

 

FDA Warns Against Accidental Infant Vitamin Overdose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a warning to parents and caregivers about the dangers of accidental overdose when giving infants liquid vitamin D supplement products.

Some products are sold with droppers that could allow harmful amounts of the vitamin to be given to an infant. These droppers can hold a greater amount of liquid vitamin D than an infant should receive.  Infants should not receive more than 400 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day.

“It is important that infants not get more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin D,” says Linda M. Katz, M.D., M.P.H., interim chief medical officer in FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Parents and caregivers should only use the dropper that comes with the vitamin D supplement purchased.”

Vitamin D helps in the formation of strong bones and is essential to keep children from developing rickets.  Opinions vary as to whether breastfed babies require additional vitamin D supplementation (it is a part of most infant formulas).  Regular exposure to sunlight can provide children with a good source of vitamin D and is, in fact, the way that human were designed to receive the vitamin.  Darker skinned children and babies whose mothers suffer from a vitamin D deficiency (rare in the developed world) might have deficiencies that require supplementation.

Source: FDA and Kellymom.com

Sleep Position Can Improve Eye Pressure in Glaucoma Patients

A recent study out of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto New indicates that glaucoma patients can reduce intraocular pressure by sleeping with their head elevated at a 30-degree angle as opposed to sleeping with their heads flat on a mattress.  This resulted in a 20% lower IOP.  Study participants exhibited no differences in blood pressure or ocular perfusion pressure between the two positions.  Ocular perfusion is the relationship between IOP and blood pressure – another glaucoma marker.

Previous studies had established that raising the head lowers IOP and that lying down supine results in higher IOP.  Scientists found that comparing lying down to a 45 degree raised position from the horizontal results in a 10% to 15% lower IOP.

This new research gives some more specifics to help the glaucoma patient.

Sources:

Ophthalmology,  Feb 24, 2010
https://www.aao.org/publications/eyenet/201101/glaucoma.cfm
https://www.eyeworld.org/article-sleeping-position-alters-intraocular-pressure

 

Acupuncture Proven to Help Low Back Pain Sufferers

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine maintains that back pain sufferers who received acupuncture treatment or simulated acupuncture responded better and experienced less pain than those patients who were given conventional treatments alone.

Surprisingly both the patients who received actual needle-employed acupuncture and various simulated forms of acupuncture benefited, without regard to skin penetration or exact needle placement.

The researchers reported that there were few very effective medical remedies for chronic low back pain, and that they, therefore, were happy to discover that treatments that were similar to acupuncture were helpful – even though the benefit raised questions about just why acupuncture works.

Future studies are indicated.

Researchers: Daniel Cherkin, Ph.D., and associates, Group Health Center for Health Studies, Seattle, Washington.

Self-Awareness Training Can Ease Fibromyalgia Pain

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine finds that a technique designed to deal with chronic pain called “affective self-awareness” can help those suffering from fibromyalgia.

As part of the therapy, patients learn about the emotion-pain connection.  Specific techniques, including mindfulness meditation and “expressive” writing, are applied to help people recognize and deal with the emotions that may be contributing to their pain. Science recognize that fibromyalgia sufferers are more like to have experienced stressful life events, such as childhood abuse, marital problems and high levels of job stress. There is also evidence that they are relatively less aware of their own emotions and more reluctant to express their feelings, particularly anger.

Patients are also encouraged to return to any exercise or other activities that they have been avoiding due to pain.

Six months later, 46 percent of the treatment group had at least a 30-percent reduction in their pain ratings compared with scores at the outset. Twenty-one percent had a 50-percent or greater reduction.

SOURCE: link.reuters.com/bes55m

The Connection Between Gout and Diet

Gout is a painful form arthritis marked by joint inflammation that is most likely to affect older men.  Uric acid in the bloodstream has been implicated in attacks of gout.  Levels rise in men after puberty but estrogen is thought to protect many women from the condition.

Genetics is generally blamed for gout, a rich but changes to the diet can affect the course of the disease.  A poor diet without adequate fruits and vegetables and too much fat from meat can increase the risk of an attack.  Avoid foods called  purines including many organ meats, legumes and yeast.

See more about gout.

The right diet can influence all aspects of your health.  Please read more about the best sources of nutrients for eye health and overall wellness.

Eye Problems in Babies and Children: What To Look For

Eye and Vision Milestones in Infants
Babies older than 3 months should be able to follow or “track” an object as it moves across their field of vision.  If your baby is unable to hold steady eye contact by this time or seems unable to see, let your pediatrician know. Eye-crossing is common in babies before 4 months of age, especially when they are eating.  Eyes that cross all the time or one eye that turns out is often indicative of a problem and should be brought to your doctor’s attention.

Vision Problems in Toddlers
Eye misalignment is called strabismus and is a reason to call the pediatrician right away.  Other vision problems include lazy eye or amblyopia, which has no warning signs and may not effect your child’s vision.

The following problems should prompt a conversation with a pediatrician or an eye professional for children of any age:

White, grayish-white, or yellow-colored material in the pupil
  • Eyes that flutter quickly from side-to-side or up-and-down
  • Bulging eye(s)
  • Persistent eye pain, itching, or discomfort
  • Redness in either eye that doesn’t go away in a few days
  • Pus or crust in either eye
  • Eyes that are always watery
  • Drooping eyelid(s)
  • Excessive rubbing or squinting of the eyes
  • Eyes that are always sensitive to light
  • Any change in the eyes from how they usually look

Source: HealthyChildren.org

 

Arsenic-Treated Wood Linked to Cancer

Many outdoor wooden structures still contain arsenic including playsets, picnic tables, and decking. Children can be especially susceptible to the deleterious effects of arsenic.

Arsenic was labeled a known human carcinogen in 1980 and the US stopped producing it in 1985.  It was still being imported into the country at a high rate and was used as a wood preservative for “pressure-treated” decking, landscaping, walkways, picnic tables and playground equipment through the early 2000s.  Since that time, under pressure from Congress, the FDA, and consumers, the lumber industry agreed to stop using arsenic-based products to preserve wood.  In 2003 the EPA also moved to ban arsenic in pesticides, but the proposition has not yet passed.  Many outdoor wooden structures still contain arsenic including playsets, picnic tables, and decking. Children can be especially susceptible to the deleterious effects of arsenic.

Arsenic exposure has been linked to skin, bladder, liver, lung and prostate cancers.

Sources: EWG and Environmental Health News

Ginger Can Reduce Post-Exercise Pain & Inflammation

A recent study in The Journal of Pain shows that both raw ginger and heat-treated ginger reduce muscle pain after exercise by approximately 25%, respectively.  Researchers state that the study suggests “ginger may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties akin to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” The rhizome of the ginger plant is a potent source of antioxidants, including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones and other ketone derivatives; these are likely the aspects of the plant responsible for reducing pain and inflammation.

Ginger is also a great addition to juices formulated for eye health. Please visit our website for information on juicing with ginger.

Source: https://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Ginger-supplements-may-reduce-pain-after-exercise-Study

Blood Sugar Control & Exercise Can Slow Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy progresses more slowly when people with type 2 diabetes adhere to intensive blood sugar control rather than standard blood sugar control

Controlling diabetes makes a big difference in controlling or avoiding development of diabetic retinopathy.

Blood Sugar Control

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine asserts that retinopathy progresses at a slower rate when people with type 2 diabetes adhere to intensive blood sugar control rather than standard blood sugar control. There can be risks associated with intensive blood sugar control regimes that bring glucose levels to near-normal levels including increased the risk of death and severe low blood sugar, so patients should work closely with their doctors when considering a new treatment plan.

Source: LA Times

 Exercise

Researchers out of Old Dominion University recommend that people with type 2 diabetics should get 150 minutes of moderate to strenuous aerobic exercise to control their condition.

They remind people that medications are the second line of treatment of diabetes; exercise and a healthy lifestyle are the first line of defense.  It is possible to reduce one’s medication intake if other healthy changes are made.

Source: https://www.lef.org