FitSugar

PVC Shower Curtains = Bad For Your Health

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Air pollution affects our health, but most of us think about the air outside being polluted - not the air in our homes. There are many silent culprits polluting our air from odorless radon to stinky off-gassing PVCs (polyvinyl chloride). It seems that PVCs are in just about everything from household items like vinyl flooring, vinyl shower curtains, and children’s toys to beauty products like perfumes, nail polish, and lotions. Plus PVC is very difficult to recycle and never breaks down.

Since many "plastic" shower curtains are made from PVC which off-gasses plasticizers that are potential hormone disruptors. Plus, they are easier to throw away than to clean once they become covered with mildew. These plastic/PVC shower curtains never breakdown and they are difficult to recycle. On so many levels, plastic shower curtains are just plain bad news.

A simple way to improve the quality of air in your house is to replace vinyl shower curtains with cloth ones made of organic cotton or hemp. Of course you should use a nylon liner in stead of a plastic one. You can easily wash both a cloth shower curtain and the nylon liner, so they will be around in your bathroom for a long time, rather than clogging up landfills. Plus hemp is naturally mildew resistant and sturdy, there's a reason sailors made ropes out of the fiber. Some hemp curtains are so thick, they don't even require a liner!

The only downside that I can see is that hemp curtains only come in "natural" and "white" - not so fashionable. Since the green revolution has begun, I think we will start seeing fun colors in these shower curtains.

And you, what kind of shower curtain do you have? Let me know in the comments section below.

Germaphobes: 5 More Things to Avoid

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700

So I've already told you about five places and things that are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. As if that wasn't enough to gross you out and make you never want to touch anything again, here are five more.

Airplanes and flight attendants. They are exposed to thousands of people's germs each day, and it's a great way to catch a cold. Everything you touch from the seatbelt, to the armrests, to the bathroom faucets, can contain stuff you don't want in your body, so keep some of that antibacterial liquid in your carry-on bag and use it often.
Your bed. Yep, it's a haven for dust mites. They live in your sheets, comforter, and mattress, feed on your dead skin cells, and many people are allergic to their fecal matter and dead bodies. So wash your sheets and comforter often, and place an allergy cover on your mattress to prevent dust mites from getting in.
The lemon, lime, or orange wedge in your drink. This seems innocent enough, but in a 2007 study, 70 percent of the fruit slices tested at restaurants contained one or more of 25 different disease-causing microbes, including E. coli and fecal bacteria. So next time, just order plain water.

What else should you watch out for? To find out read more

Your contact lens case. In a 2007 study, 34 percent of lens cases tested had creepy germs such as Serratia and Staphylococcus aureus. These can cause an inflammatory eye disease called keratitis, which can damage your cornea and result in blindness. So be sure to rinse your case every day with hot water, and it's a good idea to buy a new case every three months.
Your shower curtain. I'm sure you've noticed that layer of nasty brownish soap scum on your vinyl curtain, and aside from looking gross, it's also a breeding ground for germs. Since vinyl shower curtains are a pain to scrub down and clean thoroughly, it's recommended to use a fabric shower curtain instead. That way you can pop it in the washing machine once a month and blast away the germs with soap and hot water.

Source

Urinary incontinence products

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:18:10 -0700

Illustrations

Male urinary system

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

Adult diapers; Disposable urinary collection devices

Information

A wide variety of products are available for managing the leakage of urine associated with urinary incontinence. Your choice of a specific product depends on several factors, including:

Amount of urine loss
Comfort
Cost
Durability
Ease of use
Odor control ability
Pattern of urine loss

INSERTS AND PADS

Some men and women try to use sanitary napkins or mini pads to manage urine leakage. However, these products do not handle urine very well.

Disposable inserts are available that resemble a sanitary napkin or mini pad, but they are much more absorbent and have a waterproof backing. These inserts are meant to be worn inside your underwear. Some companies make reusable, washable cloth liners or pads that are held in place by waterproof pants.

ADULT DIAPERS AND UNDERWEAR

People who leak large amounts of urine may need to use adult diapers to contain the urine. Adult diapers are available in both disposable and reusable forms. Disposable diapers should fit snugly. They are usually available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. Some of these diapers have elastic leg gathers to improve the fit and prevent urine leakage.

Reusable incontinence undergarments may help save money. These resemble underpants with a waterproof crotch. They are designed to hold a reusable panty liner in place.

There is also a newer line of reusable incontinence undergarments that resemble normal underwear, but have the absorbency of disposable diapers. These undergarments require no additional pads. Instead, they have a unique crotch design that quickly pulls moisture away from the skin. They are available in a variety of leakage control levels.

Other reusable incontinence products include washable, adult cloth diapers or contoured cloth diapers with a plastic cover. Additionally, some people wear waterproof outer pants made of nylon, vinyl, or rubber over their undergarments as an extra level of protection.

PRODUCTS FOR MEN

Men who have problems with constantly leaking small amounts of urine may find that a drip collector may be enough. A drip collector is a small pocket of absorbent padding with a waterproof back side. The drip collector is worn over the penis and is held in place by close-fitting underwear.

Men can also use a condom catheter device. This product is placed over the penis similar to a condom. It has a tube on the end and connects with a collection bag tied to the leg. This device can handle small or large volumes of urine with little odor, minimal skin irritation, and easy use.

BED AND CHAIR PROTECTION

Underpads are flat absorbent pads used to protect bed linens and chairs. These underpads, sometimes called Chux, are made of absorbent material with a waterproof backing. They may be disposable or reusable.

Some new products have the ability to pull the moisture away from the surface. This protects your skin from breakdown. Medical supply companies and some larger department stores carry underpads.

Some people create their own reusable underpads from vinyl tablecloths with flannel backing, or shower curtain liners covered with a flannel sheet. Others place a rubber pad between layers of bed linens.

KEEP YOUR SKIN DRY

The most important consideration for any product is to contain the urine while protecting your skin from breakdown. Don't keep a saturated pad in contact with your skin for long periods of time. Thoroughly clean and dry your skin. Remove all wet clothing and linen.

WHERE TO BUY THEM

Most of these products are available at your local drugstore, supermarket, or medical supply store. A urology nurse or enterostomal therapy nurse can provide you with a list of incontinence care products.

Also, the National Association for Continence may be able to help you locate products. Call toll-free at 1-800-BLADDER or visit the website -- www.nafc.org.

Review Date: 5/22/2008

Reviewed By: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003973

Safety

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:49:33 -0700

Overview

Alternative Names
Information
References

Illustrations

Bicycle helmet - proper usage

Child safety

Home safety

Fire safe home

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

Car seats; Fire safety; Bicycle safety; Water safety

Information

Accidents are the most common cause of death in children 14 years old and younger. In fact, accidents cause more childhood deaths than diseases, drugs, or violence. Fortunately, many accidents -- for both children and adults -- can be avoided if simple safety measures are taken.

FIRE SAFETY

Install smoke detectors in hallways, sleeping areas, the kitchen, and garage. Test them once a month and change the batteries regularly.
Do not smoke in bed.
Keep matches and other flammable materials out of reach of children.
Never leave a burning candle or fireplace fire unattended.
Establish fire escape routes from every room in your house and teach family members what to do in case of a fire. Have semi-annual home fire drills to practice escaping.
Keep fire extinguishers in handy locations. Have at least one extinguisher on each level of your home.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher. In an emergency, you must be able to act fast.
Teach children about fires. Explain how they are accidentally started and how to prevent them.
Make sure household wiring is up-to-date.
Store flammable materials away from heat sources, water heaters, and open-flame space heaters.
Supervise children when they are using fireworks. Never assume that a child will read and follow safety instructions.

HOTEL FIRE SAFETY

After checking into a hotel, always find the exits and fire alarm closest to your room. Point these out to the people you are staying in the room with.
Review the hotel's safety information in your room.
Do not smoke in bed.
If there is a fire outside of your room, always feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it -- telephone for help.
If you leave your room, take your room key with you so that you can get back into your room if the nearest exit is blocked.
If you are forced to stay in your room, telephone for help, turn off the air-conditioning and heating systems, and open your window slightly for ventilation.
To help keep smoke from entering into your room, soak sheets and towels and stuff them under the door.
Stay close to the floor for the freshest air and hold a wet washcloth over your face.
Do not attempt to run though smoke or flames.
Do not use any elevators during a fire. They are electrical and could shut down, trapping you inside.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Wear a bike helmet.
Make sure bikes are the right size. A child should be able to straddle a bike with both feet on the ground.
Young children should use bikes with coaster brakes -- the kind that brake when you pedal backwards. With hand brakes, a child's hands should be large enough and strong enough to use the levers.
Avoid riding at night if at all possible. Make sure your bike has reflectors.
Stop at stop signs, check for traffic before turning, and never ride out into a street without stopping first.
Ride on the same side of the road as the cars.
Be predictable and ride defensively. Ride where drivers of cars can see you. Bicycles are frequently hit by cars because the driver did not even know the bike was there. Many accidents have been avoided because the biker was watching out for cars.
Wear brightly colored clothing so that motorists can easily see you.

CHILD SAFETY

The space between crib bars should be no more than 2.5 inches.
The distance from the mattress to the top of the rail should be over 2 feet.
DO NOT put extra blankets and stuffed animals in a crib with a baby.
DO NOT place a baby on the stomach to sleep.
Always keep one hand on an infant who is lying on a changing table.
Place gates at the top and bottom of each stairway.
Cover unused electrical sockets.
Keep cleaning fluids, bug poisons, and other chemicals well out of a child's reach. Avoid storing toxic substances in unmarked or inappropriate containers (such as food containers). If you suspect poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.
Buy medicines with child-resistant caps. Place all medications out of the reach of children.
Put safety latches on cabinets that a child should not open.
Keep knives and matches out of reach.
Keep plastic bags away from children.
Keep children away from hot drinks and stove tops.
When cooking on the stove, make sure that pot and pan handles are turned to the middle of the stove. Handles that hang over the edge of the stove may be reached by a curious toddler.
Keep toys with small parts out of the reach of infants and toddlers. This includes stuffed animals with buttons.
Avoid putting dangerous items in a waste basket where a young child might find them.
Keep toilet lids down.
Never leave infants and children unattended in a bathtub.
Check water temperature in a bath before placing a child in it.
Set the hot water heater thermostat to no more than 130°F.
When heating a baby bottle, always test the milk temperature to prevent burning your baby's mouth.
Inspect playground equipment for signs of deterioration, weakness, and damage.
Teach children what to do if strangers approach them. Teach them at an early age that no one should touch private areas of the body.
Make sure children know their address as early as possible. Teach them to call 911 when in trouble.
Teach children to watch for cars on streets. They must stop, look both ways and listen for approaching traffic. Children must also be very aware of cars on driveways and in parking lots. Cars backing up cannot see small children.
Supervise young children at all times.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail.
All entryways should have bright lighting.
Don't leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
Unplug appliances (such as heating pads and electric blankets) when they are not in use.
In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
Don't use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
Make sure that each fireplace has a fire screen.
Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.

CAR SAFETY

Always wear a seat belt.
Obey traffic laws and drive defensively.
Do not drink alcohol and drive.
While driving, try to avoid any distractions from others in your car.
Keep your vehicle properly serviced, especially before going on a long trip. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
Take the weather into account before venturing out on the roads.

INFANT AND CHILD CAR SEATS

Car seats are required by law for children under 40 pounds.
The safest position for an infant car seat is rear facing in the back seat.
In most models, the infant seat is used AT LEAST until the child reaches 20 pounds and 1 year of age. At that point, a forward-facing seat can be used. This may require a new car seat -- it depends on the model.
Booster seats should be used for children 40 to 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring that children up to 8 years old or 80 pounds be put in booster seats.
Read the car owner's manual to determine the safest place to fasten a car seat in YOUR car.
Know how your car seat is designed to be used. Read the instructions carefully.
Adapters may be needed for certain types of cars or certain seat belt types.
For more information call your car seat manufacturer, car manufacturer, or the State Highway Safety Office.

WORK SAFETY

Wear protective eye wear if your job carries any risk of eye injury.
If your work environment is so noisy that you have to shout to be heard, then wear earmuffs or ear plugs.
Be cautious when handling hazardous materials (such as asbestos) and wear appropriate masks and other protection if working in an environment where dangerous chemicals are used. Avoid any exposure to hazardous chemicals if you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Avoid any use of illegal drugs or alcohol while on the job, particularly when operating heavy machinery.
Sleep disorders and health problems can result from frequent shift changes (like from night to day shifts) as well as from "jet lag" due to long-distance travel. Try to minimize frequent shift changes and excessive travel if possible.

WATER SAFETY

Learn CPR.
Teach your children to swim.
Never leave young children unattended, even for a minute, in a bathtub, swimming pool, lake, ocean, or stream.
Fence all home pools and keep the gate closed and locked.
Always wear life preservers when boating, even if you can swim.
Avoid drinking alcohol when swimming or boating.
Never swim alone.
Never dive into water unless you know beforehand how deep it is.
Know your limits. Do not over-exert yourself.
Avoid standing on wet surfaces or being in water during a lightening storm.
Stay out of strong currents.
Do not overload your boat. If your boat turns over, stay with the boat until help arrives.

CAMPING AND HIKING SAFETY

Always bring a first aid kit when camping. Know how to use it.
Use the buddy-system. Never camp or hike alone. If you were to break a leg or fall and get stuck, a partner could go for help.
Make sure someone knows where you plan to camp or hike.
Be careful when exploring. Take a compass and map. Remember landmarks.
Take whistles in case you get lost or run into trouble. Whistles can be heard further than your voice will carry.
Be careful when chopping wood or building fires.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid bites from ticks and other insects. In cold conditions, wear many layers of thin clothing, along with a hat, boots and gloves.
Take a supply of clean drinking water and drink it. People can become dehydrated very quickly in warm, dry, or windy conditions. Dehydration can lead to other serious complications.
Don't drink stream or lake water.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It tends to cause dehydration.
Don't provoke, touch, or get close to wild animals.
Don't eat wild berries and plants.
Don't over-exert yourself when hiking.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Before leaving a campsite to return home, make sure all fires are out and the ashes are cold. A single burning ember in a seemingly smothered fire is enough to initiate a full-blown fire.

SUN PROTECTION

When outside on a warm, sunny day, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, a water-proof sunscreen, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Sun protection is especially important between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Drink plenty of water, but avoid drinking alcohol on hot, humid days when you are outside. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
If you become overheated, sit in the shade, drink plenty of water, and try to keep your skin cool and moist.
Keep very young children's skin from being exposed to the sun.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a car in the sun -- even for a few minutes.
Wear appropriate sunscreens -- a sunscreen rating of 15 should give adequate protection for most people.
Remember, there is no such thing as a healthy suntan.

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Avoid unnecessary display or talk about your valuables.
Avoid hiding a house key under the doormat or nearby vicinity.
Teach your family to leave the house undisturbed and call the police if they discover a burglary has been committed.
Trim trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places.
Consider a security closet with a solid core door and a dead-bolt lock.
Keep emergency telephone numbers listed on your phone.
Install lights around the perimeter of your home.
Lock up your ladder.

Doors and entry areas:

Outside doors should be solid core construction.
Entry doors should have a wide-angle viewer.
Exterior doors should have cylinder-type dead-bolt locks.
Doors without cylinder locks should have a heavy bolt or some similar secure device that can be operated only from the inside.
Sliding doors should have a lock that locks both the door panels together or the active side to the frame.
The garage door and basement door should be secured with a lock.
Lock your garage door at night and when you are away from home.

Windows:

All windows should be equipped with locks or be pinned.
Keep your windows locked when they are shut.
Put secure locks on garage windows.
Cover garage windows with curtains.

When you go on vacation:

Arrange for friends or neighbors to pick up newspapers and mail.
Notify a neighbor you'll be gone.
Arrange to keep your lawn maintained.
Arrange to have your snow shoveled.
Use timing devices for your lights and radio.

References

Dowd MD. Epidemiology and prevention of childhood injuries. Crit Care Med. 2002; 30(11 Suppl): S385-392.

Review Date: 7/18/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001931

Minutes to a Healthier You . . .

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Sometimes it's the little things we do to keep on track for optimal health that make a difference. Thinking about the quality of air you breathe in your own home takes but a minute or two, but can have a profound effect on your daily life.

Poor indoor air quality can affect your general health, causing allergies and respiratory problems. Houses are much more energy efficient and airtight these days - meaning less outside air makes its way inside to freshen up your home. Constant air-conditioning use in the Summer months just makes the situation worse. Taking five minutes to walk around your home checking for mold, a common indoor air pollutant, is a simple way to take care of your lungs. Mold lurks, unsurprisingly, in bathrooms, so check the walls and shower curtain, but you should also wash your bathmats and towels once a week. Don't forget to check under the sink in your kitchen and the drip tray in your fridge. If your house has central air, you will also want to check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced.

If you do find mold, clean it up with detergent and let the area dry completely. For more tips on dealing with mold check out the EPA Mold Cleanup Guidelines.

Source

10 Easy Ways to Help the Planet This Summer

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Our amazing planet Earth is the only home we humans, animals, and plants have. It's precious to us, so we need to do what we can to preserve it. Here are 10 easy ways you can help:

Don't use paper or plastic plates, cups and silverware - that's a ton of waste! For your BBQ, use the stuff you already have from your kitchen. If you're worried about it breaking or getting ruined, purchase reusable plastic plates, cups, and utensils You can also use cloth napkins.
Grow your own vegetable garden. Not only is it fun and exciting to watch your veggies grow, but think about all the gasoline that trucks use to carry veggies from other states - you'll be preventing all that air pollution and global warming. If you can't grow your own garden, support local farmers in your area.

Dry your clothes outside on a line instead of in a clothes dryer. You'll be saving a lot of energy (not to mention money). If you have allergies to pollen - hang your clothes on a drying rack inside.
Use your air-conditioner consciously. Don't blast it when you're not home all day, and close blinds and curtains during the day to keep out the heat. At night, use window fans to draw the cooler air in.
Walk or ride your bike whenever you need to go somewhere. If that's not possible, try to carpool or use public transportation - it supports the fight against global warming.

There are 5 more. Want to hear them? Then read more

Since you'll be drinking lots of water, get yourself a reusable water bottle. It's great to recycle those disposable water bottles, but re-using is even better!
If you shave your legs in the shower, turn off the water while you do your thing. It'll save lots of water. Do the same thing when you brush your teeth - no need to let the water run.
Compost your kitchen scraps, leftover food, and grass clippings.
If you own a home, use a human-powered push lawn mower instead of one powered by gasoline.
Use reusable glass or plastic containers to pack leftovers in. If you bring your lunch to work, get one of those cute reusable lunch bags.

Fit's Tips: Be sure to share these tips with friends and family. If you have any other tips, tell me about them below.

Source