health risks

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's debunking a couple of cancer myths centered in the kitchen.

Based on a few questions we have received, I will be discussing two popular myths about cancer risks in the kitchen, the first regarding cooking with nonstick pans and, the second, microwaving plastic containers. I must admit, doing the research for this week’s column was a real eye-opener for me and hopefully the findings will be informative for you! To learn more about these cancer "myths," keep reading!

Ignorance is bliss, or at least it is when it comes to hot tubs. I used to get giddy when I saw "hot tub" listed under amenities of spas or hotels, but now it makes me cringe. After hearing fungal horror stories and going through my own traumatic experience, I wouldn't dare to dip my pinky toe in a warm bubbly pool, save my own.

Some folks like to get their groove on in the steamy waters but that's just asking for trouble, or at least bacteria. While it may be a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable place to sip a toddy aprés ski, I'm not sure it's worth the aftermath of folliculitis, also known as the "hot tub rash." But hey, that's just me. If you fancy the swirling tubs for their therapeutic powers, just make sure it's a clean and trusted spot before you take the plunge.

So tell me, would I find you in the hot tub or sitting on the sidelines?

As far as vices go, smoking has always taken top honors as being the worse thing you can do to yourself. Not anymore. A new study says that obesity is becoming a bigger threat to a person's quality of life than having a cigarette habit.

The results are based on interviews conducted with 3.5 million adults in the United States from 1993-2008 — the largest ongoing health study of its kind. During the 15-year period, the proportion of smokers in the study declined by 18.5 percent, while the proportion of obese adults increased by 85 percent. The study's findings also confirm that obesity causes more illnesses than smoking and that it's a greater contributor to disease and a shorter life expectancy.

Smoking isn't off the hook, though — it's still a major health risk. The study found that there were more smoking-related deaths than those related to obesity. So while being obese will cause a host of illnesses, diseases, and a shorter life expectancy, the greater risk associated with smoking is death. Either way you look at it, it's not good.

If you find yourself in either of these high-risk categories, please use the new year as an excuse to reform your health. Here are some great tips to help you quit smoking and lose the weight and keep it off. Remember that we are totally behind you and here to help!