How Real Are Asbestos Health Risks?

 

 

The lungs are some of the most indispensable organs in the human body. Without them, it would be impossible to take in the life giving oxygen that makes human life possible.

 

Unfortunately, there are many diseases and even substances which can seriously impact the health of the lungs. One of the more well known of these dangerous products is known as Asbestos, and its health risks have been well documented for at least the past half century.

 

This article will provide information on the subject for those that may not have heard much about the many dangers of Asbestos. Along the way, questions that are relevant to the subject will be answered. These are, what is asbestos? How do asbestos health risks tend to develop? What are some of the dangerous medical conditions that have been linked to asbestos exposure?

 

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is an extremely fibrous rock forming mineral that is found in at least 6 varieties. These are often identified by their color, including blue, brown, white, and green asbestos.

 

Asbestos has been mined for thousands of years due to its many valuable properties. These include resistance to fire, high tensile strength, sound absorption, and relative inexpensiveness.

 

How Do Asbestos Health Risks Tend To Develop?

Asbestos fibers come in two basic classes: serpentine, and amphibole. Serpentine fibers are curly in shape, while amphibole type fibers are needle-like in shape.

 

Macroscopic asbestos fibers are visible to the naked eye, but each individual visible fiber is made up of millions of smaller fibers that cannot be seen with the naked eye. If the asbestos in question is disturbed in some way such as being abraded or torn, millions of these microscopic asbestos fibrils are released into the air. They are capable of hanging in the air for long periods of time, all the while being inhaled or swallowed by anyone present.

 

Microscopic and razor sharp asbestos fibrils that are ingested tend to become deeply lodged in the tissues of organs such as the lungs, stomach, and intestine. Here, they continually cut into the surrounding tissues, causing damage and ushering in the arrival of several deadly illnesses.

 

There are actually a significant number of class action lawsuits involving victims of asbestos exposure in litigation at this moment, so people with asbestos related illnesses would do well to contact their attorney, like those at Cohen, Placitella, Roth, for an immediate consultation.

 

What Are Some Dangerous Illnesses Related To Asbestos Exposure?

There are several potentially fatal illnesses that are related to exposure to asbestos. The most common ones are Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer.

 

Asbestosis is the least serious of these diseases. This condition causes inflammation of the lungs, and is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and even permanent lung damage.

 

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is distinct from lung cancer. It can affect the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, and the testes. Lung Cancer is a disease that needs no introduction. Sustained exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos has been shown to greatly increase the odds of contracting this disease.

 

While asbestos has been removed from many structures, its use was so widespread that there is still a lot of it lurking around. This means that for the time being, the risks of exposure remain. Anyone who has been exposed to airborne asbestos and is experiencing symptoms consistent with any of the aforementioned illnesses should contact their doctor immediately.

 

Categories: airborne asbestos, asbestos, asbestos exposure, asbestos fibers, asbestos fibrils, asbestos health, health, Health Risks, lung cancer, naked eye, Risks, risks tend

Easy Ways to Keep your Asthma and Allergies from Flaring Up

Allergies and asthma attacks are a fact of life for many, but they don’t have to make life totally miserable. If they get out of hand, allergies or asthma can not only cause discomfort, but they can lead to hospitalizations and other medical complications. Fortunately, there are ways you can try to keep asthma and allergies from flaring up.

 

1. Contain pet dander

We love our pets, so it’s tough to blame them for our problems. Pet dander is a common allergen. If something at home triggers asthma or allergy symptoms, first try restricting the animal. Keep them from the area where you spend the most time, especially the bedroom. If this does not bring relief and the pet is indeed the issue, you may need to resort to a pet-free home. Allergy shots and medication are also an option for people who can’t bear to part with their pet, but don’t want to live with uncomfortable allergy symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes.

 

2. Fix leaky pipes

Are there water leaks under the sink, in the bathroom or in the basement that need repair? These areas are prone to grow black mold, one of the most serious health risks. Mold spores love moisture which can trigger allergic reactions and make some people severely ill. Be sure the bathroom has an exhaust fan in good working order, and take care of all leaks. Children are most likely to run health risks from mold because their immune systems are still not fully developed.

 

3. Replace AC filters

Air conditioner filters trap allergens. Pollen, dust, mold spores and animal dander will remain in the filter until it is full. Depending on the type of filters you use and the environment in and outside your home, a good rule of thumb is to replace the filters every 3 to 6 months. If you live in a climate like Arizona where you rely heavily on your air conditioner, you may need to contact a professional of duct cleaning in Phoenix on a more regular basis. Clean filters mean the allergens continue to be trapped and are not circulating around the house where you can breathe them in.

 

4. Control the dust

Dust, pollen, mold spores and animal dander circulate around the home in the air, and lodge in furniture and carpeting. Dust tables, entertainment centers, shelves and other furniture often and regularly wipe down windowsills with a damp cloth. Rather than dusting with a dry cloth, try using a wet cloth to trap the dust effectively rather than spread it around the home again. Furniture and carpets should be vacuumed once or twice a week. When cleaning, be sure to wear a dust mask.

 

5. Cover bedding

Most asthmatic attacks are attributed to dust mites. The microscopic bugs like warm, humid environments with a special preference for bedding and carpeting. Pillows, mattresses and box springs can be protected with airtight covers. Bedding should be washed weekly in hot water, and sheets and covers dried in a hot dryer.

 

There are ways to minimize allergy symptoms. The trick is to learn which irritants affect you and avoid the triggers. Keeping a clean and well maintained home will ensure that your family stays healthy without having to suffer from daily allergies or asthma attacks. Although there may still be things in your home that trigger symptoms, basic cleaning and maintenance is a good place to start.

Categories: Air Conditioner, allergies, Allergy Symptoms, animal dander, Asthma, Asthma Attacks, dust, health concerns, Health Risks, Home, mold spores, Pet Dander, pets

Is Pasta The Enemy? How Carbs Could Be Good For You

With all the myths around about diet and nutrition, it can be hard to know what to do for the best, to lose weight or to simply safeguard your wellness and wellbeing. For example, for ages we’ve been told that ‘carbs are bad’ and that a simple bowl of pasta could be terribly bad for us, but is this actually true? Is pasta really the enemy?

 

The simple answer is: no. Pasta is actually a healthy food. As a society, we have got so obsessed by the fear of carbohydrates that we have lost sight of the health benefits that many of them have. There are even people who actively attempt to consume as few carbohydrates as possible, and only ‘carb load’ on a bowl of pasta or similar the night before they run a race.

 

The truth is, there are health risks to any type of food if you eat too much of it. If you eat too many carbs in your diet, there is a potential link to heart problems, or even to mild cognitive impairment. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that there are also health risks associated with not eating enough carbs, such as ketosis. There are benefits to carbohydrates as well as risks – life is busier than ever and the body needs healthy fuel to keep it going.

 

Pasta is packed with essential nutrients for good health. The carbs found in pasta can make great fuel to keep the body’s energy levels up, while the fibre that it contains keeps us feeling full and keeps the digestive system in good working order. Pasta also contains an antioxidant enzyme activator called selenium, as well as manganese, which also helps with digestion. On top of this, folates that are found in the whole grain varieties of pasta aid cell growth and can help to prevent against lung cancer.

Categories: carbohydrates, carbs, health, Health Risks, nbsp, Pasta

Top Tips For Male Preventative Care During Your 30s And Beyond

If you want to achieve optimal health, you need to be on top of a combative regimen rather than sitting around waiting for a disease to occur. When you hit your 30s and beyond, it’s easy to put off good nutrition and exercise, and doctor visits are reserved for the occasional injury of cold rather than vitamin programmes and preventative tests. But investing into your health as you would for other areas of your life is the wise decision. Diet and lifestyle choices have got progressively worse in many countries over the past few decades, so it’s your individual responsibility to make the healthy choice for your body. The best place to start is at your dinner table, or better yet at the supermarket. There are great ground rules that you can stick to help you make healthier choices. Focus on fruit and vegetables, as well as healthy proteins such as lean meats and legumes. Studies show that people who follow diets with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day show decreased risks of cancer and heart disease. Your dietary habits may well change as relationships, work schedules and children enter your life, but this basic set of rules will help you take stock of your diet and make healthier choices., whether you’re at home or work.

On top of your diet, you need to be exercising more as it takes on a greater importance in your 30s. As your hormones, including testosterone and growth hormones, begin to decline in your 30s, so exercise is a natural antidepressant and stress reliever, as well as helping to lower your risk of cancer. Most patients stop exercising because they feel they don’t have time, or because they choose an exercise that they don’t like, but there are so many to choose from and always a way to find time to fit it into your schedule. You simply need to start with small time commitments, and then increase it as exercise becomes more of a fixture in your routine. The next step in terms of prevention is to look at your family history – are there any worries or health risks you should be preparing for? Focus on your parents, siblings and grandparents, then look at what sort of illnesses affect your family. Are there certain types of cancer, or a history of stroke or heart disease? Consider the age that they became ill with these conditions as well, as it may be an indicator of when you’re more at risk.

These are all factors which will influence your preventative strategy, so it’s vital information. If there are illnesses you think you’re more at risk of, you should speak to your GP about screening and ways to lower your risk. After your 30s, this is the time you want to hold onto your health and prevent any energy slips. Improving your health during this decade significantly alter the next 40 years of your life. You may notice more aches, lose stamina and even face more serious health risks, but keeping up your exercise and nutrition will help to avoid this as much as possible. As with your 30s, many of your hormones begin to decline even further, so your exercise regime takes on an even more important role. Consider classes at your local fitness club or work out with a trainer to keep your motivation up. Supplements can be useful in keeping vital nutrients in your diet too, such as fish oils, multivitamins and Coq10 which is a powerful antioxidant that offers positive effects on your health.

Categories: diet, exercise, health, Health Risks, healthier choices, heart disease, men, preventative care, risk, time

Could Cutting Down on Carbs Put Your Health at Risk?

Wellness enthusiasts and dieters worldwide have a certain level of disdain for carbs, but do carbs really deserve his bad reputation? Many people believe that it’s better for your weight loss, as well as your wellbeing, to eat foods that are low in carbs and high in protein, but sometimes this isn’t always the right solution. Before you clear out your bread bin, you need to understand a little more about the benefits and the side effects of low-carb, high-protein diets.

 

When you’re eating foods that are low in carbs and high in protein, you aim to get up to 40% of your daily calorie needs from proteins alone. This is the case with weight loss plans such as the Atkins Diet, but even though this eating programme has been a dieting craze for years, the Atkins Diet has come a lot under scrutiny. Those opposed to the diet argue that the main focus of the diet is mainly on the intake of very few carbohydrates, rather that the consumption of plenty of protein. Moreover, while a diet such as this one poses no serious threat to your wellness when consumed over a short period of time, if you follow the Atkins Diet for too long, you could suffer from mild to severe health risks. The severity of the impact on your health will depend on how strictly you follow the low-carb, high-protein diet, as well as how long you plan to continue it.

 

If you eat a diet that’s low in carbohydrates for even a short period, you could realistically be looking at:

• Constipation, due to a lack of fibre


• Nausea


• Lethargy


• Dehydration


• Loss of appetite

 

Unfortunately, the wellness risks don’t end there. If you follow such a diet for a long period of time, you can experience some serious repercussions to your health. These include:

 

Kidney failure: When your diet contains high levels of protein, you put a lot of strain on your kidneys

 

High cholesterol: If your diet is high in protein, this probably means you’re consuming a lot of meat, and red meat in particular. Not only does this raise the levels of cholesterol in your body, but is also increases your risk of strokes and heart diseases.

 

Osteoporosis: When your protein levels are high, your body excretes too much calcium. This can cause you to develop osteoporosis or even kidney stones

 

Nutrition deficiency: High protein diets cause you to eat far fewer fruits and vegetables than is advised to stay healthy. You need to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day, otherwise you could experience nutritional deficiencies. This can lower immunity in your body, and even heighten your risk of fatal diseases like cancer.

 

Ketosis: Initially, Ketosis burns off your body’s fat reserves, meaning that many dieters appreciate a bit of this process. However, by staying the state of ketosis for too long – which high-protein, low-carb diets promote – you expose your body to many dangers. The proper functioning of your organs could fail, especially in your kidneys.

 

To avoid these side effects, you need to eat a minimum of 100 grams of carbohydrates every day. Your body requires a steady source of carbohydrate every day in order for your organs to function in a healthy way. Carbs are necessary as they metabolise fats, you just have to make sure you eat the right ones. Stick to unrefined, complex carbs with a low glycaemic index and high content of fibre. Good examples include fruits, vegetables, oats and whole grain breads, which should be eaten in moderation.

Categories: Atkins Diet, carb high, diet, Health Risks, high, high protein, kidneys nbsp, low-carb, protein diets, short period, Weight Loss

Is Your Community Concerned about Becoming a Heat Island?

It’s easy to see how environmental wellness changes as urban areas develop; buildings and roads replace open land and vegetation, and once permeable and moist land becomes hard and dry. When this happens, you get what’s known as an urban heat island, or an urban region that’s warmer than its rural surroundings, forming an “island” of higher temperatures in the landscape.

 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ‘Heat islands occur on the surface and in the atmosphere. On a hot, sunny summer day, the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50–90°F (27–50°C) hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces—often in more rural surroundings—remain close to air temperatures. Surface urban heat islands are typically present day and night, but tend to be strongest during the day when the sun is shining. In contrast, atmospheric urban heat islands are often weak during the late morning and throughout the day and become more pronounced after sunset due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure. The annual mean air temperature of a city with one million people or more can be 1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings.3 On a clear, calm night, however, the temperature difference can be as much as 22°F (12°C).’

 

But why should you care about urban heat islands? Does it have an impact on your wellbeing? The EPA notes, ‘Elevated temperature from urban heat islands, particularly during the summer, can affect a community’s environment and quality of life.’ Some of the impacts of heat islands seem positive, as they can lengthen the season of plant-growing, for example. However, most of the heat island impacts are, unfortunately, negative. These include:

 

• Increased energy consumption: The EPA explains, ‘Higher temperatures in summer increase energy demand for cooling and add pressure to the electricity grid during peak periods of demand. One study estimates that the heat island effect is responsible for 5–10% of peak electricity demand for cooling buildings in cities.’

 

• Elevated air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions: ‘Increasing energy demand generally results in greater emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from power plants,’ the EPA says. ‘Higher air temperatures also promote the formation of ground-level ozone.’

 

• Poor human health and comfort: When the days and nights become warmer, and the air pollution level rises, this can contribute to general discomfort, as well as respiratory difficulties, heat cramps and exhaustion, non-fatal heat stroke, and heat-related mortality.

 

• Poor water quality: ‘Hot pavement and rooftop surfaces transfer their excess heat to stormwater, which then drains into storm sewers and raises water temperatures as it is released into streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes,’ details the EPA. ‘Rapid temperature changes can be stressful to aquatic ecosystems.’

 

Heat islands, then, are no picnic – but what can be done about it? According to the EPA, there are four main strategies that, as a community, you can take to reduce the heat island effect:

 

1. Increase cover from trees and vegetation.

2. Create green roofs, otherwise known as rooftop gardens or eco-roofs.

3. Install cool—mainly reflective—roofs.

4. Use cool pavements.

 

The EPA concludes, ‘Typically heat island mitigation is part of a community’s energy, air quality, water, or sustainability effort. Activities to reduce heat islands range from voluntary initiatives, such as cool pavement demonstration projects, to policy actions, such as requiring cool roofs via building codes. Most mitigation activities have multiple benefits, including cleaner air, improved human health and comfort, reduced energy costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.’

Categories: air temperatures, energy demand, EPA, gas emissions, greenhouse gas, Health Risks, heat island, Heat Islands, human health, nbsp poor, urban heat

Lasting Health Effects of Drug Addiction

A few moments of pleasure can easily turn into a lifetime of pain for unsuspecting drug addicts.Even after an addiction has been treated, the health effects of drug addiction can linger. Sadly, many drug users will inject, ingest or inhale a substance without giving any serious thought to the consequences. Outside of lost jobs and ruined relationships, drug addicts will also face setbacks when it comes to their health.

 

Weakened Immune System

Drugs that are inhaled will cause damage to the nose, throat and lungs. This will lead to increased risk of lung infections and upper respiratory tract infections. Methamphetamines contribute to decreased immune function by drying out the mucous membranes. Defective mucous membranes are not able to help the body in its removal of harmful bacteria. This will allow foreign bacteria to wreak havoc on the addict’s body. Even when a drug is used just a few times, the health effects of drug addiction are plentiful, and chilling.

 

Brain Dysfunction

A number of drugs contain chemicals that are structured similarly to those created by the brain. Using such drugs will send those chemicals to the brain and activate nerve cells under false pretenses. Other drugs trick the brain into releasing high amounts of neurotransmitters that stimulate the reward center of the brain. In order to compensate for this release, the brain begins producing less and less of these chemicals. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult for drug addicts to experience feelings of joy and pleasure.

 

Damage to the Cardiovascular System

Drugs like marijuana and cocaine will create an irregular heart rate and constrict the blood vessels. This will force the heart to work at an elevated intensity. If the heart is forced to work too hard for too long, then it will not be able to supply adequate amounts of oxygen to the rest of the body. This can result in chronic muscle fatigue, stroke and cardiac arrest.

 

Infertility

Long-term drug use can have an impact on a couple’s ability to conceive children naturally. Male addicts may experience low sperm count, poor sperm mobility and low amounts of seminal fluid. Female addicts may experience disruptions in their menstrual cycles and destruction of mature eggs in the ovaries.

 

Tooth Decay

Drugs like ecstasy and meth can cause dry mouth. Without enough saliva in the mouth, harmful bacteria will have free reign on tooth enamel. In other cases, tooth decay occurs in response to cravings brought on by drug use. For example, marijuana use produces cravings for junk food. The additional sugar will eat away at enamel.

 

Toxic Neuropathy

Putting drugs into the body will interfere with how the body communicates with itself. When nerves are unable to communicate, it is often the result of toxic neuropathy. This disorder produces tingling and numbness in various parts of the body.

 

Addicts who receive treatment may be able to regain some nerve functions. Treatment centers like the Action Recovery Group, for example, will be able to implement a safe 12-step recovery program that will help restore the mind and body of drug addicts.

 

Addicts are constantly chasing the euphoric feeling of their very first high. As they continue to search, they end up taking their bodies down in the process. Once they decide to get help, they can begin taking steps towards reversing some of those damages.

Categories: carcinogens, dangers of drugs, Drug, drug abuse, drug addiction, drug addicts, harmful bacteria, health effects, Health Risks, Infertility, mucous membranes, nbsp addicts

How Can Healthcare Screening For Gay Men Be Improved?

Men who have sex with other men don’t often reveal their sexual practices or sexual orientation to their GP. But this lack of disclosure could lead to a number of health problems being overlooked, either through a lack of information or an inadequately trained physician. Because of the greater societal pressure and lack of emotional support leading to the practice of unsafe sex could puts the risk of sexually transmitted diseases higher. This is especially the case when combined with drug abuse, psychological issues and behavioural disorders. Recent trends show that an increasing rate of sexual risk takers among these men, especially among young men. Periodic screening is thought to be more successful the earlier it is started, to assess the health risks and current health state, as well as giving GPs a better understanding of their patients’ medical past for any future appointments. The physician should offer advice and question their sexual orientation in a non-judgemental and confidential manner, to ensure that their patient feels comfortable in talking about their sexual practices.

Targeted screening for depression, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and a host of other disorders, should be performed routinely. The guidelines for these screenings do offer some suggestions for the care of men who have sex with other men, though they are inconsistent and subject to change. Men who have sex with men may identify themselves as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Whatever label is used, it’s important to remember that these men are at an increased risk of HIV, anal cancer, and psychological or behavioural disorders. As such, their health care needs to be assessed differently regardless of how they classify their sexual orientation. The rate of men who had sex with men in the previous year was believed to be 1.7 to 2 per cent. However, surveys from 1996 to 200 show that this rate is at least 3.1 to 3.7 per cent. Previous estimates were, as a result, far too low and this could result in many men not being asked the right questions by their physician, leading to greater health risks.

 

This is something GPs need to consider when speaking to their male patients. Recent trends show that there has been a resurgence in the risky sexual practices that put men at risk of STDs and HIV infections. For example, the prevalence of men taking part in unprotected anal intercourse increased from 37 per cent to 50 per cent from 1993-94 to 1996-97. Particularly in the case of younger men, the disease risk isn’t assessed a lot of the time because if the numerous impediments to adequate care under the current healthcare system. Family GPs need to find an effective system in order to identify and assess the risk in men who have sex with men, so that the right screening can take place. Although men who have sex with men can be at a higher risk than other for preventable diseases and health problems, they don’t receive the appropriate preventative services. There are a number of hindrances for these screening guidelines, such as some physicians feeling uncomfortable discussing the concept of men having sex with men, or not understanding the issues these men face. As such, their patients will not feel comfortable in discussing these issues openly and that could put their health at risk. In creating a more in-depth and effective screening process, men who have sex with men won’t need to miss out on the health care services they require.

Categories: behavioural disorders, gay men, health care, health problems, Health Risks, risk, sexual, sexual orientation, sexual practices, sexually transmitted, STDs, transmitted diseases

Could HIV Meds Prevent the Spread of the Virus?

New research has suggested that HIV treatments could be used to prevent the spread of disease in healthy people as well as those already infected. In a previous trial, targeting women in the commercial sex trade who are particularly at risk of contracting the virus, interesting information was gathered. The researchers conducting the study found that despite counselling the women on the dangers of unsafe sex practices, providing them with condoms and providing them with regular HIV testing, the women still became infected at a higher risk than most people. With the treatments for HIV as advanced as they could be at the time, there was little that could be done. There was good news to come though. In 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new anti-HIV drug known as tenofovir, which had advantages over other drugs on the market for this condition. It offered fewer side effects and was a daily pill. It was believed that it could not only treat HIV but also prevent it – it seems that that belief was well founded. The drugs used to counter the symptoms of HIV have proven to be effective in treating it in healthy people as well.

Many people believed the concept of giving the medication to people who were healthy and uninfected, as well as potentially risking their health in the process. But it has worked, and offers the most valuable theory that researchers have had in the entire fight against the HIV epidemic. The evolution of the HIV epidemic saw a turning point where the thinking behind treatment and prevention sees a vital shift. Researchers believe that they have finally begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the bid to combat AIDs – 30 years after the human immunodeficiency virus was first identified. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV-AIDS, we have now reached record levels for people living with HIV. This is owing in a large part to the great advances in better drugs and treatments, as well as better ways of getting drugs to people who need them most. However, it isn’t possible to treat every infected person, and the potential for the number of infected who act as a reservoir for the disease keeps the disease alive. There are still areas of health care and sexual health risks that remain unresolved. There is still much that needs to be done in the fight against HIV and AIDs, but researchers feel that this news is promising and offers real hope for the hopefully not-too-distant future.

HIV is something that still remains a threat in people who are sexually active – the lack of urgency that has permeated the modern world has taken the edge off the importance, but it remains a serious health concern. If you are sexually active, you should always use protection and get checked for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, regularly. The more of an interest people take in the prevention of HIV, the closer researchers can get to combating the condition and putting an end to the spread of this virus. The plan for routine HIV checks could also work in conjunction with this new prevention method, to help people most at risk to maintain good health. For the first time in its history, researchers could be on the cusp of genuine treatments and methods – this is a promising turn of events that could save millions of people from life-long treatments and health risks.

Categories: drugs, health, Health Risks, healthy people, HIV, hiv epidemic, new study, people, Researchers, sexual health, sexually active, Treatments

Three-Prong Attack: The Different Kinds of Mercury Exposure

Mercury is released naturally from rocks, soil and volcanoes, so you may not consider it to be much of a wellness issue – how can something natural be damaging to your wellbeing? Unfortunately, human activities have supercharged the level of mercury in the atmosphere, and it’s more than environmental wellness that’s suffering. Many sources expose you to mercury, including your food, and this is a major health concern.

 

Mercury exists in three different forms. There’s elemental mercury, which is a shiny, silver volatile liquid that, when at room temperature, emits a colourless, odourless vapour. Then you have inorganic mercury, which occurs when elemental mercury combines with other elements like sulphur, chlorine or oxygen. This creates compounds known as mercury salts. Finally, there’s organic mercury which consists of compounds, including methyl mercury, that form when elemental mercury combines with carbon. This is the most toxic form of mercury, but none of the varieties break down in the environment, which means all forms can build up in your system. In fact, you still have to be wary of elemental mercury, as the vapour can be carried long distances on wind currents and stay in the atmosphere for long periods of time.

 

It’s important to know the different forms of mercury because each variety will have a different impact on your health. There are other factors involved, such as the level of exposure and how you are exposed (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact), but you should try to reduce your exposure to all forms of mercury whenever possible. Let’s break those health risks down into the different forms of mercury:

 

Elemental Mercury: This is somewhat dependant on the length and type of exposure, because if you were to swallow liquid elemental mercury (from a broken fever thermometer, for example) your body would absorb very little mercury. But, if you spill mercury and inhale it, your body would easily absorb the vapour and potentially develop serious health problems. High concentrations of mercury exposure can cause extensive damage to your mouth, lungs and respiratory tract, and can even lead to death from respiratory failure. At low concentrations, long-term exposure can lead to similar symptoms as you would experience from methyl mercury exposure.

 

Inorganic Mercury Compounds: The main concerns involving this kind of mercury are kidney failure and gastrointestinal damage, but mercury salts are very irritating, and can lead to blisters and ulcers on your lips and tongue. A high amount of exposure can also cause rashes, excessive sweating, irritability, muscle twitching, weakness and high blood pressure.

 

Organic Mercury Compounds (Methyl mercury): In some degree, methyl mercury accumulates in all fish, but you really need to watch out for predatory fish. You absorb methyl mercury through your digestive tract, which then gets distributed throughout your body. The compound can spend a long time in your brain, and it can also cross the placenta in pregnant women, getting to the foetus and building up in the baby’s brain and other tissues. You can also pass on methyl mercury to your child when breastfeeding. As a developing nervous system, as exists in children, is particularly sensitive to methyl mercury, you need to be extremely careful. Though it depends on the level of exposure, your child could experience a decrease in IQ, delayed development in terms of talking and walking, a lack of coordination, blindness and seizures. Don’t forget your wellness either; extreme methyl mercury exposure in adults can manifest as personality changes, tremors, changes in vision, deafness, loss of muscle coordination and sensation, memory loss, intellectual impairment, and even death.

Categories: elemental mercury, exposure, Health Risks, inorganic mercury, mercury, mercury combines, mercury compounds, mercury exposure, mercury salts, methyl mercury, organic mercury

Are You Putting Your Health at Risk With the Pill?

The contraceptive pill has hit the headlines recently for worrying claims that it could be a harmful medication. In a study carried out by Indiana University, researchers discovered that women taking the contraceptive pill felt less sexy overall, had fewer orgasms and less frequent sex, as well as finding it more difficult to become aroused. There is an increasing list of health risks attached to the pill, from breast tenderness and nausea to more serious claims such as blood clots, high blood pressure and even stroke. However, there could now be new risks which aren’t laid out on the list provided by your local family planning clinic which could make you rethink your method of contraception. Long term use of the birth control pill could increase the risk of artery build-ups in your body, which may in turn increase your risk of heart disease. In a study involving 1300 healthy women aged between 35 and 55, there was up to a 30 percent increase in the prevalence of plaque for every 10 years of oral contraceptive use. The researchers highlighted that the plaques were small and not large enough to block an artery, but any plaque is a risk to your heart health. Around 100 million women around the world use oral contraceptives, all of which could now be risking their hearts for the sake of an easy pregnancy preventative.

 

There are many health risks which are increased by the use of the oral contraceptive pill. For example, this form of birth control can more than double your risk of fatal blood clots, as well as making your bones thinner and increasing your blood pressure. Some studies claim that it could also increase your risk of developing cervical and breast cancers. Besides the serious health risks, there are also some unpleasant side effects which many women report to suffer from due to the influx of artificial hormones flowing through the body. These include irregular bleeding or spotting, weight gain, mood changes, migraines and nausea, breast tenderness, and yeast overgrowth or infection. Because there are other options for birth control which don’t rely on hormones, many GPs advise choosing an alternative form of contraception. Such methods include barrier methods which are far safer, if slightly less convenient, such as condoms.

 

With these methods there are no side effects and no toxic chemicals or substances flooding your body every day. There is also the natural family planning method, or NFP, which you should learn from a reliable source but that can leave you empowered by understanding your menstrual cycle better. The temperature method is another alternative, which works by you pinpointing your day of ovulation so that you can avoid intercourse for a few days before and after it. You take your basal body temperature every morning with an accurate basal thermometer so that you can note the rise in temperature after ovulation. Although this method can be unreliable by itself, as your body temperature can change for a number of reasons, when it is combined with the mucus method it can be very accurate in assessing your fertility. The two methods used together can provide a success rate as high as 98 percent. The mucus method works by tracking the changes in the amount and texture of your vaginal discharge. As your oestrogen levels rise in your body, your discharge will alter. Other methods also include female condoms, the diaphragm and cervical cap. Each has its set of pros and cons, but they don’t require hormones which means you can avoid the stress and risk of the damaging side effects.

Categories: Birth Control, blood clots, body temperature, contraception, contraceptive pill, Health Risks, Pill, Side Effects

Young and Hormonal: Why Are More Men Taking Testosterone?

Men use the hormone testosterone to enhance their wellbeing in a variety of ways; some use it to lose weight, while others say it helps them improve their muscle wellness or energy. Either way, men in the US have touted testosterone as the fountain of youth, as a new study has found that prescriptions for testosterone therapy have increased significantly in the past 10 years.

 

The new study, which appears in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that while 50% of the men who received testosterone therapy had lower than normal levels of testosterone, approximately 25% did not have their testosterone levels tested before starting the treatment. The findings suggest that the hormone is being used as an anti-ageing method, rather than a medically necessary treatment. However, it’s not just men in the US who can’t resist the temptation of testosterone.

 

Two new Australian testosterone products – a long-acting injection and a gel – has caused testosterone prescribing to increase in all states and territories, says Dr David Handelsman from the Anzac Research Institute. His research shows that the number of men using long-acting testosterone injections almost doubled between 1992 and 2010. According to Dr Handelsman, ‘It’s wasteful, it’s misguided, it’s not rational prescribing. The risks are accelerating cardiovascular disease and accelerating prostate disease. The risks are not facts yet but they are very good reasons to be cautious.’

 

You can be prescribed testosterone if you suffer androgen deficiency or a condition called Klinefelter syndrome, but Dr Handlesman asserts that diagnoses of the conditions haven’t increased at all. Rather, testosterone is being promoted with ‘speculative, non-approved indications such as andro-pause (male menopause) or male sexual dysfunction,’ Dr Handlesman says. ‘It is highly marketable with an easily connected popularity which creates a demand that bypasses sound clinical practice.’

 

However, there are legitimate reasons for men to use testosterone, and clinical trials are currently underway to determine if testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) could be used as a potential treatment for a range of conditions, including obesity and diabetes, and even the ageing process. In 2010, the preliminary results of a Prince Henry Institute study, based in Melbourne, found that TRT helped ageing and obese men to experience a reduction of body fat and improved muscle mass.

Categories: Health Risks, Research, Testosterone