Health News Tidbits –
June 2006
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Drugs/Meds
Dietary Supplements
Food/Diet
Lifestyle
Public Health
Dietary Supplements -
Magnesium-rich foods may reduce metabolic syndrome risk -
A magnesium-rich diet may help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and, perhaps, a heart attack or diabetes, Northwestern University researchers
report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Previous studies indicate that magnesium can reduce the risk of the individual
components of metabolic syndrome, but scientists lacked evidence of its efficacy against the syndrome. "As far as we can determine, this is the
first prospective evidence that shows magnesium intake provides a beneficial effect in the syndrome," said Ka He, MD, lead author of the study
and assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. "We also saw that a higher magnesium
intake was associated with a reduced risk of each individual component of the metabolic syndrome," Dr. He said. The observational study initially
included 5,115 blacks and whites ages 18 to 30 enrolled in 1985 and 1986 in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA). After
excluding those with metabolic syndrome and diabetes at the beginning, and pregnancy in the study period, 4,637 participants (53.8 percent female)
remained in the study. Reporting 15-year follow-up data, Dr. He and co-researchers found that 50 percent of participants with the highest intake of
magnesium had a significantly lower rate of metabolic syndrome than the 25 percent who consumed the least magnesium. The age of the participants at
enrollment was important because "most of the evidence that magnesium lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes comes from studies
using older adults," Dr. He said. "People middle-aged or older are more likely to already have had the onset of disease." Fifteen years
after enrollment, 608 of the participants had developed metabolic syndrome. For analysis, the researchers divided the volunteers into four groups
based on their magnesium intake. Only 16 percent took dietary supplements that contained magnesium. The researchers found an inverse relationship
between magnesium intake and the development of metabolic syndrome—the more of the nutrient consumed, the lower a person's risk. "This is an
observational study," Dr. He said. "Without data from randomized clinical trials, we are not comfortable making any recommendation on a
daily dose of magnesium intake in terms of metabolic syndrome prevention. "Magnesium can come from foods or supplements. Foods rich in magnesium
include halibut, dry- roasted almonds and cashews, spinach, whole-grain cereals, blackeyed peas, long-grain brown rice, kidney and pinto beans,
avocadoes, bananas, and raisins.
Steve - Wow! While we need to contain our excitement because it was an observational study, it is very intriguing nonetheless. What's amazing is that
only 16% of the participants took magnesium supplementally. It is difficult to get magnesium from the Standard American Diet. That fact that magnesium
alone could make a dent with a condition as broad as Metabolic Syndrome is a perfect example of why we always say that it is so important. Magnesium
has over 300 functions in the body and is critical to every organ system.
Omega-3 could reduce head and neck pain -
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the incidence of neck and back pain and eliminate the need for
medication, says a small US study.
“It is important for patients to know that safer alternatives to pain medications are available,” said Joseph Maroon from the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center. “A fish oil supplement containing EPA and DHA omega-3s is an effective choice with fewer or no side effects.” Previous
studies have reported that omega-3 fatty acids, from both fish and supplemental sources, could reduce and/or prevent inflammation. The new study,
published in the April issue of Surgical Neurology (Vol. 65, pp. 326-331), adds to this body of evidence. The researchers supplemented the diets of
125 people with non-surgical spine pain, and who were taking NSAIDs. The volunteers were given daily supplements of 2400 milligrams omega-3 fatty
acids for two weeks and then 1200 mg per day thereafter.
After two weeks, the volunteers were asked to stop their NSAIDs and after one month a questionnaire was sent to the participants to ask about joint
and spine pain, side effects and level of NSAID discontinuation. Fifty-nine per cent of the participants reported that they had stopped completely the
NSAIDs medication, and 60 per cent said that their overall level of pain had improved since starting the omega-3 supplements. “Eighty per cent of
the respondents stated they were satisfied with their improvement and 88 per cent stated they would continue to take the omega-3 essential fatty
acids,” reported the researchers. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of omega-3 fatty acids, say the authors, is well established and
involves the conversion of the fatty acids into the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs) of the PGE3 series. The study has several obvious
weaknesses including being a retrospective, non-placebo controlled. As such, the placebo effect cannot be eliminated. In addition, the survey was very
short-term and longer term follow-up is clearly needed.
Bonnie - while this study does have its limitations, it adds to the ever-growing body of evidence that omega 3 fish oils are a catalyst in reducing
inflammation.
Comment on Vitamin and Mineral Safety -
Overall the last several years, disillusionment with Big Pharma's breaches in drug safety have drawn public scrutiny. The focus has now turned to the
manufacturers of dietary supplements.
We have always said to our clients, "Would you go to a grocery store to pick out your medications? No, you would see your doctor or pharmacist.
Then why would you pick out vitamins and minerals without consulting an expert?" We felt it was time to remind you of our place in assuring your
safety.
Dietary Supplements are crucial for the prevention of disease, and as thousands of our clients have discovered, are also crucial in addressing day to
day health issues. Alternatively, dietary supplements can create adverse health effects if not taken responsibly, especially when taken with
medication.
We have, and will continue to go to great lengths to recommend only the highest quality, allergen/preservative-free, independently assayed, and
heavily researched dietary supplements available.
There is good reason why we have recommended many of the same nutrients for over a decade or more. They have a track record of effectiveness, quality,
and reliability that is unmatched. We scrutinize assays of the raw materials and have written guarantees from every manufacturer that all ingredients
in their products are disclosed. Many of you who have been clients with us for a while know that any product that fails to meet or breaches these
requirements are eliminated.
Many of you have wondered why we recommend products from over 20 different manufacturers, some that often are difficult to find?
1) For your safety. The dietary supplement industry is self-regulated, which unfortunately allows a great variance in quality and safety. We are
experts in prescribing and dispensing nutrients that are safe.
2) We know that what we recommend meets label claim. The sources are easily absorbable, low allergy, and are free of contaminants, heavy metals,
chemicals, and PCB’s.
3) People do not like to break a routine. It is an inconvenience to keep having to switch supplement regimens because of safety issues. We can boast
that most of the products we recommend have been used successfully in our practice as far back as 1985.
Let 20 years of clinical and research experience put you at ease. We are here for you!
Bonnie and Steve
High calcium mineral waters effective in postmenopausal women -
Many postmenopausal women have a calcium intake far below the recommended amount and, in addition to attempting to improve their diet, need a calcium
supplement. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of the consumption of a high calcium mineral water on biochemical indices of bone
remodeling in postmenopausal women with low calcium intake.
A 6-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was designed to assess the effects of a daily consumption of 1 liter of a high calcium
mineral water on serum parathyroid hormone and biochemical markers of bone remodeling in postmenopausal women with a dietary calcium intake lower than
700 mg/day. The placebo group drank 1 liter of a mineral water with a low calcium content. 152 women completed the trial.
The high calcium mineral water was able to lower serum PTH and the indices of bone turnover in postmenopausal women significantly. While warranting
further study, high calcium mineral water could contribute to the repair of calcium deficiency and to the reduction of age-related bone loss in this
population.
Osteoporosis International, October 2005
Steve - I know it is a little late in discovering this study, but given our passion for suggesting daily consumption of naturally-occurring sparkling
water, we felt the need to share this with you. It was also a small study, but statistically relevant nonetheless.
San Faustino and Gerolsteiner are the most commercially available naturally-occurring sparkling mineral waters with high mineral content. We stress
naturally-occurring because many sparkling mineral waters on the market (San Pelligrino and Perrier, for example) are infused with carbon dioxide,
giving them the bubbly taste, but making the positive effect on bones less.
Drugs/Meds -
Common painkillers may raise risk of heart failure -
Patients who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include over-the-counter analgesics such as
ibuprofen or naproxen, have a small increased risk of experiencing a first hospitalization for heart failure, researchers from Spain report. They also
found that for patients with pre-existing heart failure, NSAIDs may worsen the condition, triggering the need for hospital admission. This increased
risk may have "considerable public health impact," particularly among the elderly, the population most at risk for heart failure, notes the
study team in a report in the journal Heart posted online. Dr. Consuelo Huerta and colleagues compared NSAID use among 1,396 individuals between 60
and 84 years old who were hospitalized for non-fatal heart failure and a random sample of 5,000 subjects (controls). Fourteen percent of the heart
failure patients were current NSAID users compared with 10 percent of the controls. NSAIDs were primarily used for osteoarthritis. With current NSAID
use, the overall risk of a first hospitalization for heart failure was increased by 30 percent after accounting for major heart failure risk factors,
report Huerta and colleagues from Centro Espanol de Investigacion Farmacoepidemiologica in Madrid.
Steve - for some, taking NSAID's for pain reduction is worth the risk. Alternatively, while definitely the tougher road, there are other options to
explore. Discovering foods in your diet that may be exacerbating your pain can make all the difference. We have countless testimonials of those who
have reduced or eliminated their pain by eliminating certain foods or groups of foods from their diet. What's more, it is not a band-aid approach...it
is getting to the root of the cause.
ADHD drugs send thousands to ER -
Accidental overdoses and side effects from attention deficit drugs likely send thousands of children and adults to emergency rooms, according to the
first national estimates of the problem. Scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated problems with the stimulant drugs
drive nearly 3,100 people to ERs each year. Nearly two-thirds — overdoses and accidental use — could be prevented by parents locking the pills
away, the researchers say. Other patients had side effects, including potential cardiac problems such as chest pain, stroke, high blood pressure and
fast heart rate. Concerns over those effects have led some doctors to urge the Food and Drug Administration to require a "black box," its
most serious warning, on package inserts for drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. Yet even doctors advising the FDA don't agree on whether
that's warranted. The issue was discussed in a series of letters in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, including some from doctors worried
about the dangers of not treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Twenty-five deaths linked to ADHD drugs, 19 involving children, were
reported to FDA from 1999 through 2003. Fifty-four other cases of serious heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes, were also reported.
Some of the patients had prior heart problems.This week, the FDA said it is "working diligently" on "labeling changes that we feel
accurately reflect the available data and the advice of the committees." The agency declined interview requests. Courtesy AP
Food/Diet -
Bonnie comments on soft drink makers mea culpa -
Last week, the top three soft-drink companies announced that beginning this fall, they would start removing sweetened drinks like Coke, Pepsi, and
Iced Teas from school cafeterias and vending machines in response to the growing threat of lawsuits and state legislation. Under an agreement between
the beverage makers and health advocates, students in elementary school would be served only bottled water, low-fat and nonfat milk, and 100 percent
fruit juice in servings no bigger than eight ounces. Serving sizes would increase to 10 ounces in middle school. In high school, low-calorie juice
drinks, sprots drinks and diet sodas would be permitted; serving sizes would be limited to 12 ounces. Dr. Michael Jacobson, executive director of the
Center for Science in the Public Interest, applauded the agreement, but said, "I'd like to get rid of the Gatorades and diet soft drinks
completely."
Courtesy NY Times
Bonnie - I concur with Dr. Jacobson. You've got to keep diet soft drinks and sports drinks out of high schools as well. A recent long-term study of
Coke vs. Diet Coke showed more obesity with those drinking Diet Coke.
With regard to the other age groups, even the American Pediatric Association recommends limiting fruit juice, so I do not think having 100 percent
juice is a great idea either. Filtered waters (sparkling and plain) and electrolyte waters (such as Glaceau Smart Water) would be my choice.
The problem is that you still have big soft drink makers controlling 90% of school sales. They do not care if they are selling their waters, juices,
or diet instead of regular soft drinks; but it is virtually impossible to remove their products entirely. This is why parent involvement is crucial.
I just thought I would throw out my Vending Machine Wish List:
Glaceau Smart Water (unsweetened electrolyte water)
Naturally occurring spring water (not from tap); brands such as Trinity, Fiji, Volvic
Naturally occurring sparkling water (not from carbonation; flavored but not sweetened); brands such as Blu, Perrier, Whole Foods 365, and Gerolsteiner
V-8 Juice (original) in 6 oz. cansV-8/Fruit Juice blends in bottles
Tea (plain/flavored; unsweetened); brands such as Republic of Tea, ItoEn, Honest, Lipton (unsweetened only)
Calcium-fortified Orange Juice
Do I think this will ever happen? Probably not in my lifetime...but at least you can stock this in your home as a "personal vending
machine."
Experts question dairy guidelines -
A little piece in the Sun-Times included comments from several leading nutritional voices, Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard and T. Colin Campbell of
Cornell. Willett, who works closely with three of the biggest and longest running health studies in the country, found that women getting the most
calcium from dairy products had more fractures than women who had less dairy. Campbell suggests that vegetables, legumes, are better for bones than
milk.
Bonnie - as I have been saying as long as these gentlemen have, dairy is not a priority for bone health. A few things not mentioned in this piece were
the fact that dairy can be acid-producing, and acid eats away bone. The article did mention vitamin D, but once again, magnesium gets shut out with
nary a mention. Magnesium is just as important as vitamin D for calcium absorption. As an adjunct to this article, I found a study that concurred with
what we reported last year with regard to B-12 levels and their connection with bone health. A report from the prestigious Framingham Osteoporosis
Study showed that out of 2,576 men and women ages 30 to 87, the lower the B12 levels, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.
Fish in moderation safe for most -
Drinking alcohol every day protects against heart disease in men but not in women, Danish research shows. A
study of 50,000 people found that men who drank daily had a 41% reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared with a 7% drop in men who drank once a
week. In women, the risk of heart disease fell by a third with a weekly drink but did not fall further in daily drinkers. Experts warned the results,
published in the British Medical Journal, should not be used to justify heavy drinking. Previous research has shown that moderate alcohol intake is
associated with a lower risk of heart disease, but up until now most studies have been in men. Men and women aged 50-65 who took part in this study
were questioned on their drinking behaviour and then followed for an average of six years. Women drank an average of five and a half drinks a week,
and men consumed 11. In men, the risk of heart disease fell significantly with increased frequency of drinking - with men who drank a little every day
having the lowest risk. But for women, although drinking on at least one day a week was associated with a 36% reduced risk of heart disease compared
to those who drank more rarely, the risk was the same whether women had one drink a week or drank moderately each day.
Steve - positive results from a well designed, large population study. Moderate wine consumption is an ideal dietary choice except for those with
sulfa allergy, grape allergy, salicylate sensitivity, or yeast overgrowth.
Courtesy of LA Times
Bonnie - I have said and will continue to say that we should not overreact over mercury in fish. More importantly, we have to become educated about
the type of fish to eat and what to avoid. All fish contain mercury. Some more than others. But fish is still a very important protein source for
human beings.
Ingestion of mercury is unavoidable. We breathe in mercury from engine and manufacturing emissions daily. Mercury is in certain vaccinations and our
water supply. Let's revisit some foundational rules about eating fish:
In most cases, the younger and smaller the fish, the less mercury it contains. It has less time and less body mass to build up toxicity. This is why
sardines are a wonderful choice. Wild caught salmon and other fatty fish are wise fish choices.
The older, larger, and more predatory the fish, the more mercury it usually contains. For example, swordfish, shark, certain forms of tuna, contain
large amounts of mercury and should be avoided. Sushi grade tuna (with the red color), in particular, should be avoided.Fish should be consumed in
moderation. Like anything, balance is crucial. I do not advocate eating fish every day of the week, several times daily. Although, it should be in
integral part of your weekly protein intake.
Daily drink only good for men -
Drinking alcohol every day protects against heart disease in men but not in women, Danish research shows. A study
of 50,000 people found that men who drank daily had a 41% reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared with a 7% drop in men who drank once a week.
In women, the risk of heart disease fell by a third with a weekly drink but did not fall further in daily drinkers. Experts warned the results,
published in the British Medical Journal, should not be used to justify heavy drinking. Previous research has shown that moderate alcohol intake is
associated with a lower risk of heart disease, but up until now most studies have been in men. Men and women aged 50-65 who took part in this study
were questioned on their drinking behaviour and then followed for an average of six years. Women drank an average of five and a half drinks a week,
and men consumed 11. In men, the risk of heart disease fell significantly with increased frequency of drinking - with men who drank a little every day
having the lowest risk. But for women, although drinking on at least one day a week was associated with a 36% reduced risk of heart disease compared
to those who drank more rarely, the risk was the same whether women had one drink a week or drank moderately each day.
Steve - positive results from a well designed, large population study. Moderate wine consumption is an ideal dietary choice except for those with
sulfa allergy, grape allergy, salicylate sensitivity, or yeast overgrowth.
USDA weighs label for beef from cattle fed only grass -
Courtesy of Matthey Chayes, Chicago Tribune
Under proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, beef farmers could soon be allowed to apply a special "grass-fed" label to their
meat. Nutrition activists and government officials say these labels would help consumers ensure that what's called grass-fed actually comes from
animals with exclusively grass diets and not some mixture.
To be eligible for the new label, a cattle's energy source would have to be 99 percent grass or other forages under the rules proposed this month.
As it stands now, any producer can label his or her beef grass-fed. Even once the regulations are finalized, producers will be able to label their
beef grass-fed, but the new regulations will cover labels with the imprimatur of the USDA.
Most of the beef Americans eat comes from animals who spend the twilight of their lives in feedlots to be "finished"--fattened up with feed
consisting largely of corn--before slaughter. Advocates of grass-fed beef call this process unnatural for the animal and say it leads to fatty, less
healthful meat.
The specialized beef market has benefited from negative publicity about mad-cow disease and the way traditionally raised beef cattle spend their last
days in huge feedlots after being pumped with antibiotics. Activists contend that the antibiotics are necessary only because cows aren't built to eat
feed grain that way.
As grass-fed beef becomes more common, Mellon said, research could show more conclusively that the specialized beef is healthier. At the very least,
she said, it's less fatty.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said this month that one of the components in grass-fed beef--omega-3 fatty acids--shows
promise for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Steve - we have said for years that grass-fed beef is much healthier than conventional beef. The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is much more balanced. In
addition, it is the way cattle were meant to eat. We applaud this effort.
Lifestyle -
Government to promote home births -
Women will be given every encouragement to give birth at home if that is their preferred option. The Department of Health
says it wants to end assumptions that a hospital is always the best place to have a baby. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has commissioned work into
how to make home births more available. The National Childbirth Trust welcomed the move, saying currently women were often discouraged by doctors from
considering a home birth. Expectant women will now be given more choice about giving birth either in hospital, at a birthing center, or at home.
However, women with a history of complications will still be urged to give birth in a hospital. Office of National Statistics data showed there were
15,198 home births in 2004, up 7% on the 14,204 in 2003.
However, this represents just 2% of the total number of births each year in the UK.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We are committed to offering all women the choice of how and where they give birth, and what pain
relief is available. All these services will be offered within the context of what is safe and clinically appropriate care for each individual woman.
"We also want every woman to be supported by a named midwife throughout their pregnancy."
Steve - The UK is making some radical changes across the board with regard to their health care. Banning junk food advertising to children, a complete
overhaul of the national school lunch program, and now promoting home births? I think it is amazing. The Brits realize that they must address their
future by focusing on the youth, and they are taking strong action. Alternatively, progress is going slower in the US. Home births can be an amazing
experience. It is a choice that should be supported, not shunned. As long as there are no risk factors for the baby and mother, it can be extremely
comforting for the mother and baby.
Bone Density test only tells half of the story -
A tidbit appeared in Alternative Medicine, May 2006 stating that bone mineral testing (BMD) measures strength of
just the mineral part of the bone, but up to 40 percent of bone strength comes from the organic part, which the BMD cannot detect. That is why those
diagnosed with osteoporosis based solely upon an BMD test need to look further before becoming convinced.
A new technique developed by scientists at Imperial College in London have devised a spectroscopy that bounces light particles off bone, thus are able
to distinguish between normal and unhealthy bone tissue in both mineral and organic parts. Eventually, the technology may help doctors better assess
the risk for fractures.
Bonnie - This seems like an exciting development. At present, Osteoporosis is one-size-fits-all. I tell clients incessantly that BMD is only part of
the picture. It is good to see that others are starting to admit it.
Diet Counseling cracks the top 20 -
For the first time, dietary counseling cracked the top 20 rankings of clinical preventive services. Even though it is listed as 19th, this is a major
development. Performed by the Partnership for Prevention, Aspirin Chemoprophylaxis was number one, a bit odd considering 25% of the population cannot
handle the substance.
Hopefully, dietary counseling will continue to rise up the ladder, because it belongs in the top three.
Public Health -
Type 2 Diabetes invading teenagers -
Thirty-nine thousand U.S. adolescents are estimated to have type 2 diabetes, and more than 2.5 million may have impaired fasting glucose levels,
according to statistical estimates extrapolated from a national survey. In addition to the alarming prevalence of type 2 diabetes among teenagers,
impaired fasting glucose levels in this many young people suggests an even larger number arriving at the threshold of diabetes, according to a study
in the May issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. These findings have important implications for public health because of the
high rate of conversion from impaired fasting glucose levels to type 2 diabetes in adults and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in
individuals with type 2 diabetes. "It is hoped," the lead author of the study wrote, "that the recognition of the public health time
bomb reflected in the report by Duncan will lead to a pervasive societal effort to prevent obesity, a daunting task of such magnitude that enormous
community and governmental commitment will be required."
Bonnie - I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting your child or teen the right educational tools to make wise dietary choices. If we do
not, what we can consider epidemics now (obesity and diabetes) will be pandemics in several decades.
Significant increase in diabetes prevalence in the US -
More than one out of every three individuals in the United States have diabetes and another 26 percent have impaired fasting glucose, which increases
the risk of developing diabetes, according to the June 2006 issue of Diabetes Care.
The findings are based on an analysis of four years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study included
information on 4,761 adults, age 20 years or older, who were classified according to their glycemic status. Cowie and her team compared data from the
1999-2002 with data from 1988-1994."We were surprised by the fact that diagnosed diabetes is increasing," researchers said. "We need to
do a better job of diagnosing those one in three who don't know they have it (diabetes) and finding those with impaired fasting glucose."
Courtesy Reuters
Steve - these numbers continue to boggle the mind. The Standard American Diet breeds glucose intolerance. These numbers may get worse after the newest
version of the Food Guide Pyramid suggests increasing whole grain consumption.
We could start to reduce these awful statistics if most Americans balanced their food plates. Our Circle of Health is the perfect example for balance:
50% from carbohydrates (2/3 of which from fruits and vegetables), 30% lean protein, 20% healthy fat.
U.S. Newborn Survival Rate Ranks Low -
The Save the Children Organization reported that among 33 industrialized nations, only Latvia is lower than the United States in survival rate among
newborns. Japan had the highest success rate.
Bonnie - as an intern at the March of Dimes many years ago, reducing the United States' high infant mortality rate was a priority. We provided a
series of lunchtime lectures to corporations called "Babies and You." It was very successful and brought home the message that 90-95% of
premature births and birth defects can be prevented with the mother and father's healthy diet and lifestyle.
Our health care system in the US is focusing on high tech services instead of spending money to provide free prevention services, such as prenatal
counseling with a dietitian or public health nutritionist, especially in areas where the infant mortality rate is the highest. These results were not
a surprise to me.
US beachgoers at risk for polluted water -
An environmental group said on Wednesday it would sue the U.S. government for failing to protect millions of
beachgoers from contaminated water. The Natural Resources Defense Council said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has moved too slowly to update
beach water quality standards and protect people from diarrhea, skin rashes, earaches, pink eye, respiratory infections and other ailments from
polluted water. The agency missed an October 2005 deadline mandated by Congress to revise outdated water quality standards and says it will not be
able to finish the job until 2011, the group said. The Natural Resources Defense Council said it had served the EPA with a notice of its intent to sue
in 60 days, as required by law, on Wednesday. The lawsuit will seek to force the EPA to accelerate its timetable for setting new water quality
standards and to strengthen those standards to "fully protect the public" from bacteria, viruses and parasites in beach water, the group
said. The EPA also needs to set standards for facilities that discharge contaminated water, such as sewage treatment plants, it said. In addition, the
EPA should establish testing methods that allow public health officials to quickly decide whether to close beaches or advise people against swimming.
The current outdated standards may not protect beachgoers from serious illnesses such as hepatitis and encephalitis as well as a host of common
stomach ailments and infections, the group said. The EPA needs to put breakthrough technologies in microbiology -- the kind seen on TV crime scene
shows -- to work detecting pollutants at beaches, said Dr. Joan Rose, director of Michigan State University's Center for Water Sciences. "We are
essentially using about 100-year-old methods, particularly when we monitor discharges that end up at our beaches," Rose said. The elderly,
children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk from waterborne contaminants. The Natural Resources Defense Council said
experts estimate some 7 million Americans are made ill by contaminated water, including recreational and drinking water, each year. Studies have
estimated anywhere from 2 to 14 percent of people who go into the water at beaches become infected and serious outbreaks can send people to hospitals
for treatment, Rose said. The Natural Resources Defense Council advised beachgoers to find out whether their beaches are regularly monitored for water
quality and to avoid those with visible discharge pipes or where the water smells or looks murky. Urban beaches can be a particular problem after
heavy rain because rainwater can wash pollutants into oceans, lakes and rivers. Swimmers should avoid swallowing water and use alcohol gels to clean
hands before handling food, the group said.
Steve - this is a serious issue not just at beaches, but pools as well. Before you or your kids swim, take extra probiotics, saccaromyces bouillardi,
and/or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) for extra gi protection from pathogens and bacteria.
Canadians are healthier than Americans -
Canadians are healthier than Americans, have better access to health care and have fewer unmet health needs, a new study of both countries reveals.
The findings come in spite of the fact that the United States spends almost twice as much per capita on health care as Canada, the researchers noted.
"This shows that you can spend much less than we [Americans] do, and deliver much more and better care then we do," said study co-author Dr.
David U. Himmelstein, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Cambridge, Mass. The new study appears to reinforce the findings
of a Rand Corporation report issued earlier this month that showed a similar health care gap between the U.S. system and that of Great Britain, which,
like Canada, has a universal health care system -- subsidized by tax dollars. Reporting in the July issue of the American Journal of Public Health,
the researchers found that although Canadians smoke more than Americans, Americans are more likely to be inactive and obese, and have higher rates of
diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and lung disease.
Courtesy Health Day News
Bonnie - OK...first Great Britain...and now Canada? I think we're onto something here. If data continues to be exposed showing how other countries are
healthier than we are, maybe this will appeal to the competitive spirit of Americans to finally do something! We can't let the Brits and Canadians
best us, right? I know, let's not get carried away. It was just a thought.
Health News Tidbits 2000 -
June, July,
Aug, Sept,
Oct, Nov,
Dec
Health News Tidbits 2001 -
Jan, Feb,
Mar, Apr,
May, June,
July, Aug,
Sept, Oct,
Nov, Dec
Health News Tidbits 2002 -
Jan, Feb,
Mar, Apr,
May, June,
July, Aug,
Sept, Oct,
Nov, Dec
Health News Tidbits 2003 -
Jan, Feb,
Mar, Apr,
May, June,
July, Sept,
Oct, Nov,
Dec
Health News Tidbits 2004 -
Jan, Feb,
Mar, Apr,
May, June,
July, Aug,
Sept,
Oct, Nov,
Dec
Health News Tidbits 2005 -
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct,
Nov, Dec
Health News Tidbits 2006 -
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
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