Should I Worry About Henna Tattoos?

Posted on April 4, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

If you were getting a tattoo that involved a needle, you would be beyond careful. But getting a temporary tattoo on the boardwalk or at an amusement park? You might not even think twice about it—but you should.

The FDA recently issued a consumer alert informing the public that it has received reports of serious and long-lasting reactions to a certain type of henna tattoos. We’re talking redness, blisters, raised red lesions, loss of pigmentation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and even permanent scarring—scary stuff.

Some people have even had to go to the ER because of their reactions, which can occur anywhere from immediately after a person gets the temporary tattoo to three weeks later.

What’s causing the problem? Traditional henna is made from the leaves of a plant called Lawsonia, but black henna—the type that’s been linked to the reported reactions—can contain a harsh chemical called p-phenylenediamine (PPD). PPD results in a darker and longer-lasting tattoo, but it can also lead to an allergic reaction, says Tamara Ward, an FDA press officer.

Although the FDA hasn’t released data on how many people have reported having a reaction to black henna, you should keep in mind that anyone can have an allergic response to PPD—regardless of skin type, says Glenn Kolansky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Red Bank, NJ.

The FDA is advising specifically against black henna, but it’s worth noting that even traditional henna is only approved by the FDA for use in hair dyes—not for direct application to the skin.

The verdict: Since there’s really no telling how your skin will react to henna—and the health consequences can be severe—you’re better off steering clear of it. After all, it’s not that big a sacrifice to not get a temporary tattoo.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

javahut healthy feed

Should I Worry About My Vitamin D Levels?

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

Staying up to date on the latest vitamin D research is practically a full-time job—new studies come out so often. The latest findings? Consuming higher-than-recommended amounts of D may give your immune system a boost—potentially lowering their risk of some cancers, heart disease, and other conditions, according to research published online last week in the journal PLOS ONE. While previous studies have linked adequate vitamin D intake to increases in bone strength and decreases in cancer, depression, and autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis, this is the first study to show that exceeding the minimum RDA could be key to better health, explains New York City nutritionist Stephanie Middleberg, RD. So does that mean you should start popping vitamin D like candy—or that a deficiency could be to blame for any health issues you might currently have?

Not so fast. First, the PLOS ONE study was small; it included just eight subjects, and even its authors concede that more research needs to be done to back up their findings. What’s more, vitamin D’s link to cancer and heart disease is unclear: A 2010 Institutes of Medicine report that investigated the connection uncovered mostly inconsistent or inconclusive results. That same report also stated that most people in the U.S. are already meeting their D needs—in part because our bodies are like vitamin D factories, absorbing UV light from the sun and synthesizing it into the nutrient. Odds are you’re getting enough, but if you suffer from unexplained symptoms such as fatigue and bone or joint pain, you should consider seeing your MD for a blood test.

As for consuming more vitamin D than the 400 IU the average adult woman needs, be careful. Like many vitamins, D can become toxic if taken in large amounts, says Kassandra Munger, PhD, a research associate in the department of nutrition at Harvard University School of Public Health. And unfortunately, it’s not exactly clear exactly how much qualifies as toxic.

Bottom line: Though taking excess amounts might one day prove to be beneficial, for now, just make sure you meet the current daily D requirement of 400 IU. “Many foods pack decent amounts of it—for example, fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and fortified milk and orange juice—but this nutrient can be hard to get via your diet alone,” says Munger. “Play it safe by taking a daily supplement, and you’ll be covered.”

And though our bodies ares designed to make vitamin D from sunlight, you don’t want to rely on that. Depending on the time of year and your skin tone, it can take 10 to 20 minutes a day in the summer for UV rays to be turned into vitamin D. Problem is, for the UV rays to be absorbed, you likely have to forgo sunscreen, which increases your risk of skin cancer—not to mention fried, damaged skin.

The Verdict: Vitamin D holds promise as a key to improving immunity and preventing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. But until more research confirms vitamin D’s health-boosting rep, don’t OD on it—just make sure you get the recommended amount (400 IU), ideally through your diet and a daily supplement.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Lose up to 15 lbs in just six weeks with The 8-Hour Diet. Buy the book!

javahut healthy feed

Should I Worry About Getting an STI From My Bikini Wax?

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

As if you need another reason to dread your bikini wax: Grooming your nether-regions could make you more susceptible to certain STIs, according to a new French case study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Case study author François Desruelles, MD, a dermatologist at Archet Hospital in Nice, France, asked 30 of his patients infected with molluscum contagiosum (a pox virus marked by painless, wart-like sores) about their pubic hair-removal habits. Turns out, 93 percent of them participated in some kind of private-part maintenance. Seventy percent shaved, 13 percent clipped, and 10 percent waxed away unwanted hair.

Here’s the thing: Since your pubic hair acts as a layer of defense against all types of infections, including any STIs you may come into contact with, removing it makes you more vulnerable. Healthy skin is another barrier against infection. But since most hair-removal methods, when done improperly, could cause microscopic wounds, irritations, and (if you wax) burns and inflammation, you risk making yourself more vulnerable to infection when you get rid of down-there hair, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Don’t cancel your bikini wax just yet, though. Keep in mind that the study only looked at patients already infected with molluscum contagiosum. Tons of people tend to their pubic hair but don’t contract an STI, says Tracy Zivin-Tutela, MD, an infectious disease expert at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City and a member of the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

In reality, getting professionally waxed is safer than shaving and riskier than laser hair removal—but any hair-removal method is pretty benign when done properly. If you’re a waxer, make sure to pick a salon that’s hasn’t violated any health codes, says Desruelles. The clinician should use new or sterile equipment, and they shouldn’t double dip applicators into the wax during the treatment (since that can spread infection, says Zivin-Tutela).

If you do end up with any kind of cuts, redness, inflammation, or irritation post-hair removal, use an OTC cortisone cream or bacitracin to get rid of the problem ASAP, says Zeichner. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of sexual contact until your skin heals fully, he says. Holding off for a few days may be hard, but protecting your sexual health is so worth it.

The verdict: Almost any hair removal technique can result in skin damage that makes you more susceptible to STIs—but as long as your skin is in good shape, infection is still pretty unlikely. When it comes to waxing, stick to a sanitary salon to further reduce your risk.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

What’s the 15-Minute Fat Loss Secret? Find out here!

javahut healthy feed

Should I Worry About Superbugs?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

It might sound like the plot of a science fiction movie, but drug-resistant “superbugs” are on the rise, according to a recent statement from the Centers for Disease Control. These powerful germs are called carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, and, while no specific statistics are available, the CDC has noted that they’re spreading through hospitals and nursing homes across the U.S., especially in the Northeast.

In fact, the director of the CDC went so far as to call them a “nightmare” and a triple threat since they’re resistant to almost all antibiotics, they have very high mortality rates, and they can spread their drug resistance to other more common bacteria (like E. coli). Yikes!

But you don’t need to grab a medical mask and lock yourself indoors just yet. Right now, the cases are contained to hospitals, nursing homes, and in patients who already have a compromised immune system. “We know at this point that CRE doesn’t thrive in healthy people,” says Rosa Herrera, health communication specialist at the CDC. Though the germs are spread by person-to-person contact, it’s very unlikely that they would cause an infection in an otherwise healthy individual (even if you’re visiting a loved one at the hospital or nursing home or are a short-term patient).

That said, if you happen to go to the hospital, make sure to ask any doctor or nurse who touches you to wash their hands, says Herrera. It sounds like a simple request, but it’s currently the best defense to stop the spread of CRE. It’s also a good idea to request that any IVs or catheters not be left in any longer than necessary since these can be portals for bacteria, says Priya Sampathkumar, MD, of the department of infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic.

In the long run, it’s also crucial to be smart about antibiotics. Only take them when absolutely necessary and only as directed by your physician, says Herrera. That means no demanding an Rx for a run-of-the-mill virus and not stopping your prescription halfway through your pills. “Antibiotics destroy the bad bacteria that they’re supposed to, but they also upset the good bacteria,” says Herrera. So when you’re taking them, you can actually become susceptible to other infections.

The verdict: Superbugs are a major health issue, but it’s very unlikely that you’ll be infected unless you’re hospitalized and have a compromised immune system. However, you can help stop the spread of CRE by washing your hands (diligently!) and making sure to use antibiotics properly.

photo: iStockPhoto/Thinkstock

Slim down in 15 days! Expert Harley Pasternak offers a proven program to shed pounds without sacrificing health or convenience in The Body Reset. Order now!

javahut healthy feed

Should I Worry About BPA?

Posted on March 8, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

Some of the scariest news we’ve seen recently: Prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in some plastics and cans, may affect the way cells function during brain and central nervous system development, according to a study recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

To mimic the effects of prenatal BPA exposure, researchers examined male and female mouse and human nerve cells and exposed them to the chemical. They found that BPA slowed the cells’ regulation of chloride levels—especially among female neurons, which appear to be more susceptible to the chemical.

These new findings join hundreds of studies that suggest BPA can seriously affect cells and systems in the body.

Other recent study results show intra-uterus exposure to BPA can predispose children to behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social issues, resulting in autism or even a more severe version known as Rett Syndrome. BPA has also been linked to an increased risk of obesity, cancer, and recently, asthma.

“BPA isn’t lethal, but evidence of its harm is strong,” says Wolfgang Liedtke, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine/neurology and neurobiology at Duke University and lead author of the PNAS study. Researchers still don’t know whether low amounts are just as harmful as high amounts, he says. It may be the case that BPA is like a light switch that turns off your genes—so more of it wouldn’t necessarily “turn off” more lights or do more damage.

It’s nearly impossible to keep your life a 100 percent BPA-free zone: The Food and Drug Administration permits BPA in food and beverage packaging without warning, and the chemical can be found in air, dust, water, medical devices, dental sealants, CDs, and more, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

You can, however, limit your exposure to BPA by shopping at a farmers market when possible, avoiding plastic containers, ditching canned food, and getting electronic copies of receipts (the paper ones have a BPA-based coasting).

The verdict: BPA does appear to have some scary side effects, but you could drive yourself crazy trying to prevent any sort of contact with the chemical. Do what you can to minimize your exposure—especially if you’re pregnant—but there’s no need to go overboard trying to avoid it altogether.

Additional reporting by Emily Main for Rodale.com

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

To find out how to suppress your hunger hormone, buy The Belly Fat Fix now!

javahut healthy feed

Should I Worry About Driving With a Hands-Free Cell Phone?

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

You’re driving with both hands on the steering wheel, and your eyes are on the road ahead. All good, right? Not if you’re on a hands-free cell phone and your route involves a left-hand turn (we’re guessing it does). According to a new study published in the open access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, making a left-hand turn in a busy intersection requires a huge amount of brain activity, and talking on a hands-free cell phone at the same time is more than the brain can handle.

For the study, researchers put a driving simulator—steering wheel, pedals, and all—inside a high-powered functional MRI. Young adult participants navigated straight roads, right-hand turns, and left-hand turns. During some of the steering, the participants answered simple true or false questions (for example, if a triangle has four sides) by pressing buttons on the steering wheel—a lot like the way current hands-free phone technology works. When they did so during a left-hand turn at a traffic-filled intersection, something major happened: “Brain power was allocated to the frontal cortex, which allows you to make decisions and hold that conversation,” says lead study author Tom Schweizer, PhD, a neuroscientist and the director of the Neuroscience Research Program at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “The visual part of the brain—the back end of the brain—started to shut down.”

So what exactly makes turning left so complicated? Think about everything you have to process: the traffic light, oncoming cars (which are probably going pretty fast), pedestrian and bicyclists to the left. “You have to take in all of that visual information and then calculate a safe driving maneuver,” says Schweizer. “We found that a huge amount of brain is required to pull that off.” When you add some chatting to the equation, “something in the brain’s gotta give,” explains Schweizer. “There are only so many brain resources to go around. And it just so happens that what gives is the visual system.”

Many states already ban novice drivers and bus drivers from using hands-free devices while driving.

Marcel Just, PhD, director of the Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging at Carnegie Mellon University, was not involved in the study but has done separate research on driving while listening. His 2008 research found that even just listening to a person reduces the brain activity focused on driving by 37 percent. “What people tend to underestimate is the draw on cognitive resources of even having a conversation or listening to someone speak,” says Just. “I don’t want to be crossing the street while a driver is coming towards me and talking on a cell phone, even if it’s hands-free.”

The verdict: Hands-free doesn’t mean danger-free. Don’t chat on the phone when you’re behind the wheel!

photo: Edyta Pawlowska/Shutterstock

To find out how to suppress your hunger hormone, buy The Belly Fat Fix now!

javahut healthy feed

Freak-Out Fridays: Should I Worry About the Radiation From Full-Body Scanners?

Posted on June 15, 2012 by admin

Welcome back to Freak-Out Fridays, where wellness experts weigh in on just how much you should worry about …
javahut healthy feed

Athens Java Hut

Serving Jittery Joe's Coffee, Cecilia Villaveces, Cakes and Italian Gelato

Tag Archives: Worry

Should I Worry About Henna Tattoos?

Should I Worry About My Vitamin D Levels?

Should I Worry About Getting an STI From My Bikini Wax?

Should I Worry About Superbugs?

Should I Worry About BPA?

Should I Worry About Driving With a Hands-Free Cell Phone?

Freak-Out Fridays: Should I Worry About the Radiation From Full-Body Scanners?