Hepatitis B Finally Revealed

Of all the vaccines that Americans typically receive, most of them are well known, like varicella and HPV. One of the forgotten vaccines is the Hepatitis B vaccine, often commonly referred to as HepB. According to the CDC’s vaccine schedule, this vaccine should be given first at four weeks. However, many antivaccine parents argue that children do not need a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease so early in life. HepB is not exclusively spread by semen, but also blood, from open sores and sharing needles, etc. Infection with HepB can range from fairly insignificant to life-changing, resulting in a chronic disease or liver cancer. According to the CDC, approximately 90% of infants infected with HepB will develop chronic HepB and up to 1.4 million Americans have chronic HepB. Because of the complications associated with chronic HepB, such as liver failure, damage, or cancer, 2,000 to 4,000 people die every year. I think that doctors should educate their patients more on the severity of this disease because I believe that many parents are not fully aware of the effects of HepB like they are with more common diseases. Don’t hesitate to vaccinate your child—it could save them later on! Image from: The University of Maryland-- http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/hepatitis_b_000444.htm

Cancer and Obesity?

In the search for the cure for cancer, scientists must first identify the causes. Along with the upward trend of cancer rates in developed countries, obesity rates seem to continue to rise. Naturally scientists began to investigate as to whether or not there was a connection between these two facets of American life. The National Cancer Institute states that there is a clear connection between obesity. It is hypothesized that fat cells interact with the body differently such as producing excess estrogen and releasing adipokines, which affect cell growth. As of 2008, 68% of Americans age 20 or older were overweight or obese. Should Americans now consider losing weight for reasons besides self-confidence? The NCI also states that researchers have determined through observational studies that smaller weight gain in adulthood leads to a decreased risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancer. Though many details are yet to be understood about the relationship between cancer and obesity, I think that Americans, and people all over the world, should assume that obesity is associated with some cancers. Even if this is not the case, Americans will benefit from the weight loss in other ways such as diabetes and heart disease prevention. Source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity Picture by: Tony Alter

DEHP: Friend or Foe?

Because of the quick-paced progress in America, many products are made with synthetic chemicals that have not been tested for any side effects. Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate, or DEHP, is one of these common chemicals, used in plastics, found in everything from floor tiles to shower curtains to raingear. The CDC lists DEHP as “reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen.” Perhaps the reason for its wishy-washy classification, data from DEHP studies show different results. Studies, as reported by ADSTAR’s toxicology report, in mice indicate that inhalation generally has no effect; however, one study demonstrated that heated phthalates when inhaled caused death in mice in 2-4 hours. Another study on a cell culture of human testis cells lends evidence to the fact that DEHP and another phthalate can inhibit testosterone production. So, what can we take from this? Should we be so willing to let something so uninvestigated in humans into our daily lives? Public health preaches the idea of the precautionary principle. In that light, though there is uncertainty that DEHP causes cancer, there is no reason to take unnecessary risks. Buy products that say phthalate-free and heat food up in glass, not plastic. Until more is known, be a conscientious consumer!

Other sources:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts9.pdf
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=377&tid=65
Image by Ed Yourdon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/4213760708/in/photostream/

How to Stay Healthy on Your Spring Break Cruise

Everywhere I turn in the hallway today, I hear “I’m leaving tonight for my cruise!”. In the past few years, concerns about viral gastroenteritis, AKA stomach flu, have occurred in cruise ship travelers, and cruise lines have taken drastic measures to remedy these fears. Crew members constantly clean surfaces such as stair rails and door knobs, and hand sanitizer is available wherever the passenger may turn. However, if you are still concerned about the threat of the stomach flu on your cruise, the CDC operates the Vessel Sanitation Program to prevent viral gastroenteritis on cruise ships. Also, consider advice from the CDC about cruising healthily. The CDC recommends that passengers wash their hands frequently with proper technique, leave the area should they see someone become ill, and make sure to take care of themselves (get enough sleep, drink water, etc). But perhaps most important of all, if you suspect that you, or someone in your family, have stomach flu before embarking on your journey, call the cruise line to ask about changing your vacation dates. This allows you to not only have a more enjoyable cruise, but also prevents the spread of your illness to your fellow passengers. Bon voyage!

Image from http://freeaussiestock.com/free/New_South_Wales/sydney/slides/QEII.htm under Creative Commons

Body Image vs. Obesity

In a world full of airbrushing, eating disorders, and weight loss programs, many teenage girls are encouraged to accept their bodies—regardless of size or health. Magazines campaign for “Body Peace” and blogs proclaim that the most important aspect of health is to accept your body. However, negative self images are not the only thing growing; obesity plagues America. Are we encouraging acceptance of an unhealthy condition? (Need proof that obesity does more harm than good? Click here.) While doctors persuade their patients to lose weight, many media sources persuade these same patients that their present condition is more than acceptable. Let me be clear: I do not believe that overweight people cannot be beautiful (Adele, anyone?), nor do I endorse personal criticism. However, when I read these articles or blogs, I worry that their authors may be sending the wrong message. While inner contentment with oneself may alleviate mental problems, it does not remove the possible health consequences of obesity. I believe that sources that wish to help their readers achieve self confidence should also explain that a positive body image can exist in obesity, but that they do not encourage their readers to accept obesity.

Image from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.HTML