Health News

REPORTING POINT 01-01

AEROMEDICAL NEWS

“Live healthy...live well”

HEALTH NEWS

by Larry Kline

SWAPA Voice Mailbox 511/email: skyguy737@cox.net

ASTHMA + GAS STOVES = TROUBLE - the use of gas stoves aggravates asthma symptoms, according to research presented at the American College of Chest Physicians. Cooking with gas stoves releases nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate the eyes and the respiratory tract. People with asthma are apparently more sensitive to nitrogen dioxide. A related study of 500 adults with asthma confirmed that those who used gas stoves at least once a day had substantially higher rates of urgent visits to emergency rooms with breathing problems. Men’s Fitness 2/00.

AVOID MOTHBALLS - they are among the most toxic household products on the market. Mothballs or camphor balls containing napthalene can be fatal to small children who swallow them. Other kinds of mothballs contain potential carcinogens and all are air polluters. Cedar chips and dried lavender are also sold for moth protection, but there is no evidence they work and they also are a hazard if kids swallow them. The safest way to store clothes and protect them is to have them dry cleaned or washed. Moths love spots of food, urine, or perspiration. After cleaning, store clothes in sealed bags or taped boxes. Also keep closet walls and floors clean - moths will hide their larvae in lint. University of California Wellness Letter 11/00.

GREEN TEA MAY FIGHT CANCER, AND MORE - experiments published in the journal Nature showed that EGCG, the active ingredient in green tea, prevents angiogenesis, the process by which cancerous tumors nourish themselves by growing blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients. In higher concentrations (the amount found in three or four cups of green tea) EGCG killed cultured cancer cells in vitro.

Other research has hinted that tea consumption has a positive effect in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both major factors in heart disease and stroke.

The essential oils and polyphenols found in tea leaves aid digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices. Tea also seems to have some germicidal and antibacterial properties in helping to prevent dysentery, cholera, and some throat infections. Tea also has a high fluoride content and its polyphenols are known to break down bacteria in the mouth; reducing plaque formation. Men’s Fitness 2/00.

PMS CURE? - calcium supplements may help reduce symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) such as breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, and mood disorders. Studies suggest that 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium from supplements are needed to achieve this benefit; but don’t exceed 2,500 mgs. total from food and supplements.


One recent study showed women who took 1,200 mg halved the severity of their symptoms.

Vitamin E may ease headaches, depression, tenderness, and bloating. Research has indicated that a daily dose of 400 I.U. will ease PMS symptoms in a majority of women. University of California Wellness Letter 10/00, Health 6/00.

CORTISONE CONCERNS - cortisone injections are often prescribed with success for many injuries. Local cortisone steroid injections can cause local atrophy, meaning a thinning of the tissue, including cartilage, muscle, and tendon. This atrophy can lead to arthritis. To avoid this condition, the general rule followed by orthopedists and internists is no more than three injections in a single joint per year.

Cortisone injections can be very effective on injuries, such a rotator cuff problems. Pain comes from the inflamed tissue; cortisone reduces the inflammation, and thus the pain. Injuries of this type usually require three months rest before rehabilitation can start. Men’s Fitness 2/00.

MAGNESIUM AND EXERCISE - if your heart rate soars and energy decreases during aerobic exercise, take a closer look at your magnesium intake.

In a recent three-month study, when women were put on a magnesium-poor diet, their hearts had to work significantly harder during exercise than when they were put on a magnesium-rich diet. This occurred even though their blood magnesium levels showed no sign of deficiency.

According to the Department of Agriculture, 70% of Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diets. Magnesium is also important for blood pressure control.

Good sources of magnesium include almonds and peanuts, sunflower seeds and wheat germ, cod, halibut and salmon, molasses, oatmeal, and rice. Hope Health Letter 8/98.

CORN OR FLOUR? - the best tortillas are made from corn. Unlike their white-flour counterparts, corn tortillas are made without hydrogenated vegetable oils. That means the tortillas made from corn are free of saturated and trans-fats. Also, corn tortillas deliver fewer calories, more calcium, and more fiber. Health 6/00.

PREVENTING COLON CANCER - colorectal cancer is most common in countries where the diet is typical “western”: high in fat, calories, meats (especially red and processed meats), sugar, and refined grains, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy diet, on the other hand, is high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and low in animal fats. This healthy diet includes small amounts of low-fat meats as well as fish and low/nonfat dairy products.


The heart-healthy diet is good for the colon because it is high in fiber, which is known to protect against colon cancer. Fiber, found only in plant foods, is indigestible and thus not really a nutrient; it comes in two forms, insoluble, and soluble. Insoluble fiber (sources are whole grains, fruits and vegetables) increases stool bulk and thus helps prevent constipation. This decreases the colon’s exposure to cancer-causing substances in fecal matter. Fiber probably also binds harmful substances in the colon, inactivating them. Some new research also indicates that fiber may activate certain genes that prevent cancer.

A heart-healthy diet also includes a high intake of beta carotene, calcium, and the B vitamin folic acid; all of these seem to offer some protection against colon cancer, as does vitamin C and D. Also, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) contain other substances (phytochemicals) besides vitamins and fiber that may reduce colon cancer risk.

Alcohol consumption (particularly beer and ale) may lead to increased risk of rectal cancer, while drinking seven drinks or more a week may promote the growth of precancerous polyps.

Smoking has been linked to colon cancer in some studies and smoking may promote precancerous polyps.

Charbroiled and fried foods are suspected of promoting colon cancer, because certain cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines are produced when meats- especially fatty meats - are cooked at very high temperatures.

There is also some evidence that long-term use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (but not acetaminophen) may help prevent colon cancer. It is believed that aspirin stops the production of enzymes needed for tumor growth.

Regular exercise seems to lower the risk of colon cancer. Exercise helps prevent constipation; it also helps control body weight and prevent obesity.

Genetics also plays a part; if colon cancer or precancerous polyps run in your family (parent, grandparent, sibling, or other close relative) you are at increase risk.

Early screening can save your life, particularly if you are in a high-risk group. It is now possible to detect precancerous polyps and remove them before they become malignant. Everyone, even those at low risk, should begin screening for colon cancer at age 50. University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter 12/98.