BLOG 550 3rd HAND SMOKE

BLOG 3rd HAND SMOKE

We all know the hazards of smoking. The person actually smoking is at risk for many health problems. Secondhand smoke can lead to emphysema and lung cancer. But have you heard of 3^rd hand smoke (THS)?? This is the less visible type which consists of all the particles and chemicals that land on basically every surface in the smoking area. It can be on the person’s clothes, in their hair, on the floor, and on the furniture.

There are 11 types of chemicals that when left on surfaces, are considered carcinogens. They’re all bad because these are cancer causing. “Off-gasing” is the terms for when the chemicals have landed on the surface but then release back into the air as gas. It seems toxins are released everywhere from cigarettes. These toxins can then interact with other chemicals in the environment. Toxins then are either inhaled, ingested (they land on food), or absorbed through the skin. Overtime, the toxins continue to accumulate and become more and more harmful. Let’s say a person smokes in their car, obviously these chemicals just keep piling up.

 Children are the biggest victims of THS. Children sit and play on the floor. They put their fingers in their mouths and touch surfaces.

 

It is important to be adamant about not smoking in your home or vehicle to avoid THS. Studies have shown in a house left unoccupied for 2 months, these chemicals were still present. Acidic cleaners, especially vinegar, can help with some of the cleaning.

So what is the best solution to avoid third hand smoke?? Well, quitting smoking. Nicotine is highly addictive, and studies have shown it is nearly as addictive as heroin. 

Smokers enjoy the “kick” from inhaling nicotine. The head change from nicotine entering the bloodstream, releases adrenaline and creates a euphoric feeling with dopamine.

Smoking doesn’t just affect the smoker. The cigarette residue remains on clothing, drapes, furniture, just to name a few surfaces. Opening the windows or turning on a fan don’t eliminate the problem. You don’t want to serve a nice dinner on a thirdhand smoke residue kitchen table. The best solution is to maintain a smoke free lifestyle. Even stepping outside to smoke is not the right answer. It is polite to share, but not when it comes to smoking and its plethora of harmful side effects.

BLOG 549 HOMELESS & SHELTERED PETS

BLOG 549 HOMELESS & SHELTERED PETS

Pets are a great addition to our lives and although we only get to enjoy them for part of our lives, we are part of their entire lives. We are their everything, but sadly, there are nearly 70 million dogs and cats that are homeless. Animal shelters are filled with up to 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats waiting in them to be gifted a home. The problem is that these animals are hungry and need medical attention. There are responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Life circumstances happen and re-homing sometimes can happen, but it is not something to be relied upon. Owning a pet is a commitment and even in real life not everyone is a great parent, but having a pet isn’t just a passive hobby until you get tired of it.

The reasons dogs and cats become homeless vary. Here are some common causes:

1.      Moving or relocating

2.      Divorce

3.      Loss of job

4.      Unplanned litters

5.      Not spayed or neutered

6.      Behavior of the pet

The information concerning the homeless dog and pet population is unfortunate but should be shared. This knowledge can help deter giving up pets and find ways to keep them instead.

There are currently 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S.

 

About 47.7% of the dogs brought to shelters are between 5 and 3 years old.

 

Behavior problems are the most common reason someone tries to rehome their pet.

 

Only 1 out of 10 pets who are born homeless find a permanent home.

 

Cats that are microchipped are twenty times more likely to be returned to their owners.

 

In California, 75% of animals euthanized in shelters are cats.

 

 

Even a no-kill shelter can euthanize up to 10% of their animals.

Laws concerning the no-kill movement have reduced the number of euthanized animals from 20 million to 3 million.

 

In shelter, only 1% of the dogs and cats are terminally ill.

 

Pet adoptions were popular during COVID-19 but have decreased by 36% since the pandemic began.

 

If only we could rescue every single pet, but having the means and resources to do so isn’t always possible. We can be more proactive in becoming bet owners versus reactive. If we know that future life equations could propose a change of pet ownership for us, then maybe waiting to get a pet is best. Having the finances and time available is also important. Pets don’t want to be restricted to kennels and cages more than necessary. We think before other big purchases, so pets need to be on that list of life decisions that factors in all scenarios. We are all these pets have. We need to be there as much as we can day in and day out.

BLOG 548 GARLIC

 BLOG 548 GARLIC

Garlic comes from Central Asia and northeastern Iran. However, it is a seasoning that is used all over the world. This spice is related to onion, leek, chives, and shallots. It is readily used for cooking and sautéing. The perks of garlic are many, and the health benefits have made many people fans.

1.      The most popular benefit of garlic is its ability to boost the immune system with its powerful ability to fight infection. Garlic contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. Garlic in raw form, can be rubbed on skin conditions that are fungi, virus, or bacterial related. One of the components called, ajoene, can help fight yeast infections.

2.      Garlic can also boost immunity. This spice is absolutely loaded with vitamin C. It also contains a high amount of potassium which means it helps with the absorption of other nutrients. The smell clears up lunge and throat problems.

3.      It helps fight off fatigue.

4.      It helps with digestive problems.

5.      Garlic is a major fighter against cancer. Studies have linked garlic consumption to a decreased risk for breast, stomach, colon, esophagus, and pancreatic cancer.

6.      Garlic is an anti-inflammatory. This spice contains diallyl sulfide (DAS) and thiacremonone which have anti-arthritic properties.

7.      Garlic blocks the growing progress of fat cells which can help ward off obesity because of its sulfur containing compounds.

8.      Garlic can help cleanse the body of toxins. It activates the liver enzymes to get rid of waist.

9.      It helps with earaches when warmed up and dropped into the ear.

10.  It is a mosquito repellant.

11.  It can help get rid of warts.

12.  When boiled and drank as a tea, it can help get rid of a cough.

13.  Cooked garlic can lower cholesterol.

14.  Cooked garlic can lower blood pressure.

Garlic is quite the super food and incredibly great for our health. It might make your breathe stink, but the benefits far exceed a little aftertaste. The trick is to have a little parsley after, which actually negates the smell of garlic. Beyond using it in so many different recipes, not just traditional spaghetti, garlic is something we all can have a little more of. Garlic comes in fresh form, powdered, crushed, you name it. A little garlic a day can really help keep poor health away and is an incredible home remedy that is easy, convenient, and even tasty. 

BLOG 547 FORGETTING

BLOG 547 FORGETTING

Every day presents us with a multitude of tests for our memory, and sometimes we don’t always remember each item. Forgetting something here and there is common, but when the lack of remembering persists, being forgetful becomes problematic. When there are dates, events, and tasks that were urgent, time sensitive, or required, even these items that should take priority can be left in the dust. These memory slips become frustrating, can make you upset, and cause also cause you to question your mental health. However, you can take some matters into your own hands to help reduce the risk of forgetting.

Here are some considerations:

1. Medications: Certain medications can affect your memory. Typically, confusion can result from the sedation effect of these medications. High blood pressure and antidepressants are common culprits. It can become difficult to pay attention to things, so speaking with your doctor if you feel the dosage or use of the medication might be making your brain foggy would be recommended.

2. Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep is a major culprit of memory lapses. When your mind is truly not awake, you can’t expect to recall everything you need to. Losing track of time, dozing off, or just feeling lost in day dreaming can result in forgetfulness. Be sure to get the rest you need, which is often easier said than done when the demands of life can cut your seep time short but do your best to get quality rest when quantity is compromised.

3. Depression: Forgetfulness can be the result of feeling depressed due to lethargy, lack of motivation, and sadness. When something else is bothering you, being in the present alert and attentive can be difficult.

4. Alcohol: Drinking these beverages typically impacts short term memory. The brain is impaired during drinking, but even after memory can be negatively affected.

5. Stress and anxiety: When you feel pulled in different directions or on edge with thoughts that are worrying you or pressuring you, your mind is filled with too many different thoughts. You are basically distracted and as a result don’t remember little things here and there.

We can relate to many of the following occasions when we have forgotten something:

1. Misplacing your car keys.

2. Not knowing what day it is (usually the actual date).

3. Making a wrong turn or getting off at the wrong exit.

4. Meeting someone and not remembering their name.

5. Not paying a bill on the date it was due.

There are natural ways to improve your memory. Certain lifestyle changes can contribute to less forgetting. As previously mentioned, getting enough sleep is a good place to start. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating less food with added sugar, eating fewer simple carbohydrates, and avoiding sugary beverages can help. Eliminating sugar highs and crash can help keep your brain focused. This also includes drinking less alcohol. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to early onset dementia so making sure these levels are adequate is important A little more sunshine might help as well as consuming foods with vitamin D such as omega 3 filled fish such as salmon, egg yolks, and red meat a couple of times per week.

Training your brain can help too, such as doing puzzles or even exercises that require coordination and repetition. Even remembering the workout routine from start to finish is helpful. Staying active keeps the brain active to connect with the body, making performing movement patterns possible. Eye-hand activities as simple and catching and throwing with someone are good. Simple dance routines are good to practice and learn to keep memory going. We can’t forget our health, and we know that exercise medicine even for the brain.

BLOG 546 HIP REPLACEMENT

BLOG 546 HIP REPLACEMENT

Nearly 7 million Americans have either a hip or knee replacement. The hip is a ball and socket joint, so just like the knees or shoulders, it seems as though the wear and tear over time catches up with many people. The synovial fluid starts to run low or better said, it “goes away”. That’s when arthritis likes to creep its way in.

We are in constant use of our hips and for many, when simply walking becomes too painful, something must be done to alleviate this disruption to daily living. For some, this pain can even disrupt sleep. Walking upstairs becomes too hard and even getting out of a chair, or even worse, out of bed, just becomes misery. Becoming more sedentary and limited doesn’t have to be the final answer. A hip replacement may be the best option. An artificial joint can be surgically placed into the body. Damaged areas/parts of the hip are replaced with new artificial parts.

A person may need hip surgery due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, or because of broken bones from trauma or disease. Nearly 300,000 adults over the age of 65 fracture their hip each year. Thus, hip replacement can be a common occurrence among seniors. Falling when older, primarily due to poor balance can be a major cause of hip fractures. This is particularly true for women who fall more than men and are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis, aka “wear and tear”, is a threat to the hips because it causes damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of bones that assist the joints to move smoothly. Rheumatoid arthritis is related to the immune system which causes inflammation that erodes cartilage, even bone, and then deteriorates the joints. Osteonecrosis occurs when there isn’t enough blood being supplied to the ball part of the joint. This usually happens from a fall complication.

Hip replacement is not the immediate answer. Most doctors will recommend possible medications or physical therapy to address problems first. Just like any type of surgery, there are possible risks. Fortunately, today’s hip replacements have a much longer lifetime than previous years when the possibility of having a second hip replacement could happen. Some of the risks include blood clot, the chance that one limb can become longer than the other due to the change in length, never damage, and/or infection.

There are a couple ways to prepare for success when having a hip replacement. First, having a healthy body weight is recommended. Shedding extra pounds will put less stress on the new joint. It can take six weeks or longer to recover from hip surgery, mainly because the new joint must sync with the body and become strong to perform movement patterns. This is where physical therapy and proper exercise can help. Don’t be fooled though, you will be walking within 24 hours of surgery.

Your hips don’t lie when it comes to communicating to the body that something isn’t right. Be proactive and be careful of wear and tears that isn’t necessary. Movement is medicine but putting stress on the body by asking you to do much more than is intended, won’t last forever. You need your hips, and your hips need you to take care of them.

 

BLOG 545 CAUSES OF CANCER

BLOG 545 CAUSES OF CANCER

Cancer. It's a word that carries weight because it’s a diagnosis that affects millions of lives. But what actually causes cancer? While cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, understanding its root causes is one of the most powerful tools we have in prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Having some background knowledge about what cancer actually is can help with understanding. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can form tumors, invade surrounding tissues, and sometimes spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Normally, the body has checks and balances to keep cell growth in line. But when something goes wrong in that system, cancer can develop.

One of the primary causes of cancer is damage to DNA, the genetic code that tells cells how to function. These mutations can happen for several reasons. Some people are born with genetic mutations that increase their cancer risk (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer). Most cancers are caused by mutations that accumulate over a person’s lifetime, often due to environmental or lifestyle factors. Examples would be smoking, for instance, causes mutations in lung cells, increasing the risk of lung cancer over time.

Certain habits and choices are well known to increase cancer risk. These include tobacco use which is the leading preventable cause of cancer, linked to lung, throat, mouth, bladder, and many other cancers. Poor diet and obesity compounded with processed foods, excessive red meat, and high sugar intake are associated with several cancer types. Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and hormone imbalances that may trigger cancer growth. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers of the liver, breast, esophagus, and more.

We live in a world filled with chemicals and substances that can be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Examples include air pollution like diesel exhaust, asbestos, and radiation.

Some viruses, bacteria, and parasites are linked to specific cancers. These include Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is linked to cervical, throat, and other cancers. Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cancer. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with stomach cancer. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is linked to certain lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer.

The risk of cancer increases as we age because we've had more time for mutations to accumulate in our cells. Hormonal factors can also play a role, especially in breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. For example, estrogen exposure is a known risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in people with early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy use.

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for certain cancers. That’s because the immune system normally helps detect and destroy abnormal cells before they grow uncontrollably. While not all cancers can be prevented, understanding the causes helps empower us to make informed decisions and reduce our risk wherever possible. Cancer doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it strikes without clear cause. But knowledge is powerful and small choices made daily can have a big impact over time.

BLOG 544 CALLUSES & CORNS

BLOG 544 CALLUSES & CORNS

Calluses and corns are the result of your body forming protective skin around a sensitive area. They might be unattractive or bothersome, but they serve a purpose.

Calluses form on the outermost layer of the skin and don’t cause any pain. They are found in places where friction occurs such as the hands or feet. This means a lot of rubbing has taken place on that location. A callus found on the foot is called a plantar callus.

Corns are found where there are pressure points. They mainly occur on the bottom of the feet or on the side of the toes. These can be painful. Corns can turn hard because this is a small patch of dead skin. Corns can also be soft, especially those that occur between the toes. Seed corns are the type you can barely see but are painful to pressure or weight bearing. They could be caused plugged sweat ducts.

Often times, calluses and corns are the result of the type of shoe a person is wearing. High heels are the worst, but any poorly fitting shoes and improper walking form can lead to either of these skin mishaps. Due to high heels, women are four times more likely to develop calluses or corns. Wearing shoes without socks can also cause additional friction.

The problem is that our feet our breeding grounds for bacteria because they are mostly enclosed and moist from sweat. Therefore, if a corn or callus bleeds because the skin has broken, possible infection can occur. Corns that discharge clear pus, means that it is infected. This is especially true for diabetics who have poor circulatory problems.

A doctor can examine the area to determine if you have a callus or corn. A callus, when scraped off, will not bleed. On the other hand, you could have a wart and when scraped off it will bleed. Warts are viral and spread, whereas calluses and corns do not. Most calluses and corns can be treated just by changing shoes or trimming them. The key is avoiding the friction or pressure. Mole skin pads can be placed on the area to alleviate pressure. Infected corns need to be treated and antibiotics are used to clear up the infection. There are moisturizing creams that can help soften the skin and remove calluses. A pumice stone or soft brush can be used to remove calluses as well. A podiatrist can recommend shoe inserts to help prevent friction as well. Wearing protective gloves when using the hands a lot can also help.

Even the skin doesn’t like pressure and friction. Keep your skin soft and smooth and the less rub the better. Don’t sacrifice cute shoes for painful dead skin later. Our hands and feet need a little attention too, especially since they do so much for us.