Is the Beach Making You Sick?

Posted on July 3, 2013 by admin

Before you hit the beach this Fourth of July, you should know that there’s something in the water—literally. Beaches across the U.S. had more than 20,000 closing and advisory days in 2012 due to water pollution or contamination threats, according to the 23rd annual beach water quality report just released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). As if that weren’t disturbing enough, more than 80 percent of the closings and advisories occurred because testing revealed unsafe bacteria levels in the water.

The NRDC also found that 7 percent of the water quality samples taken by beaches last year failed to meet the federal public health standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is consistent with the percentage of samples that contained too much pollution to meet these standards in the last few years, says NRDC senior water attorney Jon Devine, who helped supervise the production of the report.

What’s making beach water so gross
While most beach managers say they aren’t sure what’s going on when water samples come back with high levels of pollution, storm water is the biggest known source of contamination, says Devine. Here’s why: When there’s a big storm, not all of the rainfall seeps into the ground or evaporates back into the air—so the excess runs off until it ends up in storm water drainage pipes that empty into streams and rivers, which eventually feed into oceans. Since storm water usually isn’t treated before it ends up in the ocean and it can become contaminated by anything in its path—think cigarette butts, oil and grease, pet or wildlife waste, and other icky stuff—harmful bacteria are more likely to end up in the ocean in the day or two following storms. What’s more, since storm water pipes and sewage pipes are often really close to each other underground, storm water can become contaminated by sewage via leaks and carry human waste out to the ocean. Yuck!

How ocean water makes you sick
When beach water becomes contaminated with bacteria, it can enter your system via your mouth (if you swallow it accidentally) or an open wound (if it’s not covered and protected, which is pretty difficult underwater). This bacteria can cause a range of water-borne illnesses—anything from stomach flu and pink eye to dysentery or hepatitis. “It can range from the annoying to the very serious,” says Devine. What’s more, many of the people who get sick won’t even realize it was from being exposed to contaminated beach water a few days earlier.

Is your beach safe?
In many cases, if there’s been a violation of the EPA’s safe to swim standard, local public health officials will post notices on their website and at the beach. “If you see a sign, you should heed it,” says Devine. But here’s the scary thing: Paying attention to these notices and alerts won’t necessarily protect you from jumping into tainted water. “Sometimes states or local beach officials will not automatically post a warning if they’ve had a violation,” says Devine. “They instead will resample to confirm that the water is contaminated above the standard, and so in that circumstance, it might be that there’s not a warning even though they’ve monitored high levels.” You can stay on top of your beach water’s status by checking here.

So should you avoid the beach?
When water is right at the pollution level allowed by the EPA’s safe to swim standards, the risk of getting a gastrointestinal illness from swimming is 1 in 28. That means that when water is below the limit, your chances of getting a water-borne sickness are pretty low—and it’s probably safe to go for a swim. However, because children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get water-borne illnesses—and will probably be hit harder by them if they do get sick—these people should be cautious about entering the water even when it meets the safe to swim standard. That said, everyone should avoid getting into the water at least 24 hours after it rains—and at least 72 hours after it rains heavily.

Swim safe
Whenever possible, go to beaches that are next to open waters or removed from urban areas since they’re usually less contaminated. You should also avoid swimming near pipes or in water that looks or smells weird in any way. And when you are in the ocean, keep your head above water to decrease your odds of swallowing anything gross by mistake.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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The Mistake Your Doctor Might Be Making

Posted on March 4, 2013 by admin

You probably trust your doctor to diagnose and cure your symptoms. (It’s why you turn to her, not Dr. Google.) But even good doctors sometimes make mistakes—and it often happens right before your eyes: A recent study found that 80 percent of doctors’ diagnostic errors were made during the patient-doctor interaction.

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M, and University of Texas at Houston investigated the medical records of 190 patients at the Houston VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence who ended up in the hospital or back at the doctor within two weeks of a primary care visit. Sixty-eight of the patients were diagnosed with previously-undetected health conditions as serious as cancer, heart disease, meningitis, dementia, iron deficiency anemia, asthma, and even HIV.

In 4 out of 5 of these cases, errors in the patient-practitioner encounter played a role in the missed diagnosis. For instance, doctors messed up diagnostic test orders and physical exams, and overlooked important parts of the patients’ medical records. And in 81 percent of cases, doctors skipped differential diagnosis, a routine but crucial part of the diagnostic process in which doctors reflect on their patient’s symptoms and exam, and record their thoughts on what the condition could be.

“It’s not that these doctors were negligible,” says lead study author Hardeep Singh, M.D., a research scientist at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the Health Policy and Quality Program at the Houston VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence. “It’s that the conditions that they’re treating are complex—even if they’re common.” Just think: Your pesky cough could be accompanied by any number of other symptoms. Plus, your aches and pains evolve over time: symptoms that scream bronchitis today could turn into pneumonia tomorrow.

And it doesn’t help that most doctors face the same work pressures as you. They, too, are pressed for time and pushed to be more productive—even though it’s your health that’s at stake.

While you can’t carve more time in your doctor’s day, you can help your physician help you with the best patient practices:

Bring a list of your symptoms
Doctors rely heavily on patient information, says Singh, so it’s important to present the most thorough picture of your health. If you’re on medication, feverish, or stressed, you might forget to mention the symptom that tips the scale toward the correct diagnosis. So make a list of your complaints before your exam, and whip it out when your doctor asks.

Answer questions thoroughly
During most medical exams, your doc should ask about your medications. The way she asks you is important–like, “Which medications do you take regularly?” or, “What meds have you taken today?”–but so is how you answer, says Singh. This is your time to take the mic and belt out a list of every pill you pop, from supplements to The Pill, and over-the-counter drugs. Even OTC cold medicines can quicken your heartbeat or disguise signs of sickness, says Singh.

Do your research
Spend too much time Googling your symptoms, and you’re bound to uncover a mild case of hypochondria (look it up!). But reliable, up-to-date resources like Medline Plus (not Wikipedia) can inform and empower you to ask smart questions (like, “Could I have strep?”). This creates a dialog that can ultimately help you and your doctor get to the root of your issue, together.

And if you have a preexisting health condition, or know of one that runs in your family? Stay abreast of its symptoms so you know what to look for. For instance, diabetics are prone to eye issues. If you have diabetes and haven’t had an eye exam in years, ask your doctor for an ophthalmologist referral.

Understand the plan
Before you leave the exam room, note your doctor’s answers to the following questions. Bring a pen and paper if it helps you remember.

• What do I have?
• What is the treatment and how long should it last?
• When should the treatment alleviate my symptoms?
• What should I do if I’m not feeling better then?
• What should I do if I feel worse?
• What’s the best way to reach you?
• Do I need any follow up tests, referrals, or visits?

Follow Doctor’s orders
If your doctor says to call or return if you’re not better in two days, do it, says Singh. And even if doctor doesn’t ask you to follow up, always call her if you’re not feeling better or feeling worse.

Be skeptical
“Doctors try their best, but we work in imperfect systems and are imperfect beings,” says Singh. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and doctors make their best judgments. But mistakes happen.” If your doctor seems unsure about your diagnosis, it’s OK to return for a follow up visit or seek out a second opinion.

photo: beerkoff/Shutterstock

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The Healthy Food That Might Be Making You Sick

Posted on February 8, 2013 by admin

An apple a day will keep the doctor away…but only if you clean it first. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 percent of all food-borne illnesses are caused by contaminated vegetables–that’s 2.2 million out of 9.6 million reported cases. And produce foods–which include vegetables, fruits, and nuts–sicken 4.4 million people a year.

“We eat vegetables raw, so if harmful bacteria is present, there’s no intervention consumers have to ensure they’re safe,” says Michael Doyle, Ph.D., director at the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia.

Scary stuff, right? What’s worse is that there’s no way to be 100 percent sure that your food, especially produce, is totally safe to eat, Doyle says. Your best bet is to take the precautions to lower the number of harmful microbes that could be present. Here are 5 tips to keep your healthy foods safe.

Check for blemishes
Fruits and vegetables with bruises, cuts, and nicks have a greater risk of being contaminated with a food-borne illness, Doyle says. Make sure you inspect every surface of whatever item of produce you intend to buy beforehand so that you don’t contaminate other foods in your shopping cart.

Wash before you eat
It’s tempting to sneak a few grapes between shopping aisles, but hold off until you’re home. Doyle says most of the harmful bacteria are located on the outer skins of produce. For fruits like bananas and oranges, peeling the outer layers will leave you with safe food on the inside–just make sure your hands are clean. For other foods, a minute of thorough rinsing will reduce potentially dangerous bacteria.

Cook at a high temperature
You may prefer your veggies raw, but washing them is only half the battle. Doyle recommends cooking vegetables at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill most of the harmful microbes. Boiling and steaming will get the job done, but if you’re grilling, heat the outer surfaces well.

Practice safe storage
Don’t let your food sit in your fridge uncovered. Place them in closed plastic containers or Saran wrap and cool them in a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Doyle says the life expectancy of vegetables ranges from three to four days, so be sure to eat them in that time frame. Keep these closed foods away from raw meat on a separate shelf or compartment so that juices won’t drip on them.

Use your best judgment
When you eat out, you have less control over how your food is picked, cooked, and stored. You don’t see what happens behind closed doors, so unless the menu tells you how your food is prepared, assume the food is handled properly. If you’re at a buffet-style joint, you’re the food inspector. Sometimes food is left out for hours, so avoid things that look brown or wilted.

photo: Baloncici/Shutterstock

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The Money Mistake You’re Probably Making

Posted on January 25, 2013 by admin

Suffering from credit card bill-induced panic attacks? You may be setting yourself up for a lifetime of debt. Younger Americans rack up more credit card debt than their parents and are slower to pay it off, according to a recent study in the journal Economic Inquiry.

Researchers at Ohio State University used monthly surveys to look at the credit card habits of 32,542 Americans between 18-85 years old. They found that Americans born between 1980-1984 will rack up over $ 5,000 more debt by the time they’re 45 than people born between 1950-1954 had at that same age. Plus, they’ll pay off 24% less every month, when compared to their parents’ generation. “It’s a simple calculation to show that they’re never going to pay off that debt,” says co-author of the study, Lucia Dunn, Ph.D., professor of economics at Ohio State University.

But this younger generation isn’t necessarily reckless with their money. “They’ve racked up enormous amounts of student debt,” says Dunn. “There are also many things that people consider necessities today—like a car—that others didn’t think of as necessities before.”

Need another reason to curb your spending? Women are more likely to stress about debt than men, according to a follow-up study by Dunn and her colleagues. So whether you’re deep in debt or working hard to avoid it, use these tips to stay on top of your finances:

Double your minimum payment
Here’s some good news: Research showed that when the minimum monthly credit card payment is raised just a little, it causes people to pay back even more, which means you’ll get out of debt quicker. “It has a psychological impact on people,” says Dunn. “It makes them take repaying more seriously. In the end, everything costs less if you pay off faster.” Since you can’t control what the bank asks for, make your own rule and stick to it. If your bill says you owe a minimum of $ 50, make it $ 100.

Forget your friends’ finances
When it seems like everyone is suffering the same money woes, it can make you less serious about taking control of your spending. “It’s still not the norm to carry credit card debt, but many think it is,” says Liz Weston, financial expert and author of The 10 Commandments of Money. “Don’t take comfort in thinking everyone else is in debt.”

Pick the right plastic
Those fancy reward cards are great, but their rates can be higher than normal. If you’re paying your bill in full every month, go for it. “But if you’re carrying a balance on your card, look for one with a low rate instead,” says Weston. And read the fine print—some cards are made for really big spenders.

Check out these tools
Websites like Mint.com let you track your spending so you can figure out where you budget needs some work. You can also set up helpful text alerts from your bank. Need to save for a big purchase? Set up an online account somewhere like Ally or ING Direct, says Weston. They’ll let you set up free sub-accounts that will automatically subtract savings each month.

Don’t forget the future
It may seem way too far away, but the best time to start saving for retirement is in your twenties and thirties. Even if you’re paying down student loans and credit card debt, keep a little money stashed away in savings so that it gains interest. “People think, ‘I have my whole life to save,’ but that’s not how the math works,” says Weston.

Know when to wave the white flag
Unfortunately, if your debt becomes unmanageable, it’s better to get help sooner rather than later. “If your debt is equal to half or more of your income, it’s time to talk to a credit counselor or bankruptcy attorney,” says Weston. Check out the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at NFCC.org for help.

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The Money Mistake You’re Probably Making

Posted on January 18, 2013 by admin

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Is Restaurant Silverware Making You Sick?

Posted on December 18, 2012 by admin

In new stomach-turning news, a gastroenteritis-causing virus could be lurking on restaurant silverware and dishes—even if they’ve been washed, according to a new study published online on PLOS ONE.

To “simulate a worst-case scenario,” researchers at the Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science infused cream cheese and reduced fat milk—both of which are difficult to properly clean off of tableware—with disease-causing murine norovirus (MNV-1), Escherichia coli (E. coli K-12), and Listeria innocua (L. innocua). They then coated ceramic plates, forks, and drinking glasses with the infectious mixture and put them all through either a mechanical wash or a hand wash.

The good news? Both washing methods reduced bacterial cells E. coli and L. innocua enough to meet safety standards, though using a dishwasher was slightly more effective than hand washing. But before you head to your nearest restaurant to celebrate, take note: Norovirus particles survived both washing techniques and were not significantly reduced by either wash method.

“Norovirus is the leading cause of about 90% of epidemic gastroenteritis,” says Donna Duberg, assistant professor of Clinical Laboratory Science at Saint Louis University. The danger: “Gastroenteritis is a pretty uncomfortable disorder—it causes nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea that lasts for days.” Plus, it’s not easy to get over and is very easily spread, she says.

That said, it isn’t necessarily a restaurant’s fault if norovirus particles remain on tableware. Food itself can act as a barrier, protecting the bacteria and viruses from cleaning products and heat, says Duberg. Also, milk products—like the ones used in the study—can neutralize cleaning products, making them less effective, she says.

But don’t stress: This doesn’t mean you should swear off restaurants altogether. “The idea that we’re going to ‘kill’ things [bacteria and/or viruses] is probably a little far-fetched,” says Duberg. “What we’re doing is trying to reduce the number of germs to a level that our bodies can handle—one we can clear with our defense system.”

While we have little control over what a restaurant does behind closed doors, there are a handful of things to consider before you place your order. Here, Duberg’s tips on how to stay as germ-free as possible while dining out.

Follow your nose
A restaurant should smell good. “It shouldn’t smell dirty or contaminated,” she says. “The bathrooms should smell fresh and clean and not have a heavy odor of air fresheners that are covering up dirty odors,” Duberg says. So if you smell anything other than the delicious food that’s cooking, it might be time to try a new spot.

Take a look around
Any clean establishment will look clean and will have good cleaning habits. “There shouldn’t be sticky tables,” says Duberg. “That’s where bacteria is going to breed, and where bacteria breed, viruses are right behind them.” And take note of the color of the cloths employees use to wipe down the tables. They should be white and clean, and buckets of water should be clear, says Duberg. Also, be aware of whether or not your server or maître d’ is sniffling or has a runny nose, she suggests.

Inspect the utensils
Your silverware and tableware shouldn’t have remnants of a past meal. Silverware should also come wrapped in clean napkins. Plus, serving utensils shouldn’t be transferred from one dish—and one person—to another, says Duberg.

Know when to stay in
“If your immune system is low—if you’re stressed, or had a cold, for example—you can handle less bacteria and viruses effectively,” according to Duberg. In this case, you might not want to expose your weakened system to germs that might make you get sick all over again. Plus, you don’t want to be the person responsible for contaminating anyone else, do you?

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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The Secret to Making Weight Loss Last

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin

Planning to go on a diet? Prepare yourself—literally. According to a recent study from Stanford University, it’s easier to keep the weight off if you adopt healthy lifestyle habits, like eating mindfully and taking brief walks, before you start your weight-loss plan.

The study, which appears in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, found that women who spent eight weeks mastering weight-maintenance skills before embarking on a weight-loss program shed the same number of pounds as women who started a weight-loss program immediately. More importantly, the results showed that the “maintenance-first” women regained only 3 pounds on average a year later, compared to the average 7-pound gain for the immediate dieters.

“The premise for the ‘before’ idea was that women could have an opportunity to master the maintenance skills before having to worry about losing weight,” says study author Michaela Kiernan, PhD. That way, study participants were able to channel their initial motivation and excitement into maintenance, the usually elusive part of weight-loss management, Kiernan adds.

Make this method work for you. If you’ve struggled to keep off excess pounds, start with these five healthy habits before actively starting to lose weight.

Make a healthy grocery list
“Stocking your pantry with healthy staples will set you up for success,” says Rachel Berman, a registered dietician and director of nutrition for CalorieCount.com. Healthy staples include frozen or fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nut and nut butters, dried beans, seeds, condiments—like olive oil—low-fat milk, yogurt, and eggs, she adds. Here’s a shopping list you can start with.

Start drinking more water
Drink about 8-10 cups of water per day to keep your energy high and metabolism strong. “Staying hydrated helps you become more in tune with your physical hunger cues so you’re less likely to overeat,” Berman says. Also, ditch sugary drinks like lemonade or soda and instead add fresh fruit flavor to water using an infusion pitcher. If you’re not sure which drinks to ditch, here’s a list of the worst beverages at the supermarket.

Create a support system
Keep your family in the loop about the healthy changes you’re making, without mentioning weight loss as the reason. Even better, try and get them to join in. “Statistics show that people have more success losing weight when they have a support system,” Berman says. Could your friends and family be to blame for your weight? Here’s how to not fail prey to fat peer pressure.

Start a food journal
Track your food with plain old pen and paper or use more interactive logs found online—like CalorieCount.com. “This helps you stay accountable for what you’re eating and recognize where you need to make improvements,” Berman says. “Mindfulness of what you’re eating and drinking is a key ingredient in making changes,” she adds.

Find your favorite exercise
If you dread going to the gym or doing an hour-long boot-camp workout, you won’t stick with it. “Finding an activity you enjoy is important for sustainability and keeps you motivated to create and keep healthy habits,” Berman says. Try going to a dance class or take a stroll for 20 minutes first thing in the morning. Still bored with your routine? Here are 21 ways to make fitness fun!

photo: Photodisc/Thinkstock

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Making Good With What We Have

Posted on October 22, 2012 by admin

A friend of mine called today. She was in the neighborhood and wanted to meet for lunch. I was excited …
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Lunch Bunch: Making It Up as We Go Along

Posted on October 18, 2012 by admin

This week’s Lunch Bunch was quintessential Whole Living fare: quality ingredients and simple preparation. In fact, two of our dishes …
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Is Your Relationship Making You Fat?

Posted on October 10, 2012 by admin

Being crazy in love may be good for your heart, but it’s not always great for your waistline. And celebs aren’t immune to the love chub, either. Kim Kardashian recently revealed that she’s looking to shed the extra weight she’s gained since starting to date Kanye West this past April.

“I think everyone goes up and down in whatever that comfortable love relationship phase is where you like to eat out, but now it’s time to get it together again,” the reality star told Life & Style.

She’s onto something. When you welcome a new flame into your life, you tend to break your routine, says Elizabeth Ward, R.D., a nutritionist in Boston. “Women relax a little bit when they start dating someone,” Ward says. “You’re eating restaurant foods, or you’re cooking for each other, so more calories are involved, and there is less time working out since you’re spending more time with him than at the gym.”

Another major culprit is adopting your new beau’s food habits. “Don’t eat like a guy,” Ward says. “Men need more calories to maintain their weight.” A simple fix? Eat before you eat. “Don’t go out really ravished. Always have a healthy snack before you go out,” she says. Need suggestions? Try these 10 nutritious and filling snacks. Finally, skip the pre-dinner cocktail. If you start a meal with alcohol, your guard goes down, and your food consumption may go up, says Ward.

Easy enough. Also easy: 5 more ways to prevent love chub and keep the bulge at bay

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Tag Archives: Making

Is the Beach Making You Sick?

The Mistake Your Doctor Might Be Making

The Healthy Food That Might Be Making You Sick

The Money Mistake You’re Probably Making

The Money Mistake You’re Probably Making

Is Restaurant Silverware Making You Sick?

The Secret to Making Weight Loss Last

Making Good With What We Have

Lunch Bunch: Making It Up as We Go Along

Is Your Relationship Making You Fat?