respublica

Not so lucky 7's

A researcher at the University of Missouri has issued a health warning over number 7 plastics in response to a finding by scientists that these bottle contain Bisphenal A, or BPA, which mimics the effects of estrogen.  They claim this chemical should be seen as more dangerous than lead in paint or asbestos, because it is more widespread.

It can be found in clear, hard plastics, as well as the liners of cans -- soda cans, beer cans and canned food.  It is recommended that everyone dispose of any number 7 plastics, the number can be found on the bottom of the container inside of the "recycle" triangle.  However, when they mention soda and beer cans as well as canned food, it isn't likely you'll find that number anywhere so the question left unanswered is should we avoid these things as well?

Supposedly there should be a "BPA Free" notice on packaging.  Lots of unanswered questions here.

Red Red Wine

Among the health benefits attributed to red wine, add one more.  Red wine combats some of the symptoms of aging. 

For the first time, scientists have proof in human subjects that a derivative of an ingredient in red wine combats some symptoms of aging. Sirtris Pharmaceuticals announced the results here on Monday at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference.

The fountain of youth turns out not to be water after all.  Raise a glass, but drink responsibly.

Huckabee on AIDS

Republican candidate Mike Huckabee's defense of his 1992 stance on AIDS is generating some talk today, although the discussions haven't as overly critical as might be expected. 

"If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague. It is difficult to understand the public policy towards AIDS. It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population, and in which this deadly disease for which there is no cure is being treated as a civil rights issue instead of the true health crisis it represents."

I'm guessing the reason his feet are not being held to the fire for this statement is that most of us remember the fear factor AIDS brought with it.  Time Magazine did a story back, I think, in the 1980's in which they featured photographs of many many people who had died of the disease.  Children who had the misfortune of having contracted the disease through blood transfusions or in utero, were the often not allowed to go to school with other children.  Medical experts had us believing we could not touch or sometimes even be in the same room with those who had AIDS.  It was a scary time. 

Thanks to the advancement in treatment and a better understanding of how AIDS is passed from one person to another there is less fear.  And, at least in my opinion, the one person responsible for our collective attitude change was Magic Johnson.  When he announced on national television that he was HIV positive it shocked everyone and his fight to live a normal life while battling the disease changed a lot of our thinking.

Rickets making a comeback

Rickets.  One of those diseases we read about in school, one of those things we thought was gone for good, at least in this country, is now becoming more and more common among school age children. 

Rickets is one of those diseases which is easily preventable, get vitamin D (calcium, milk), get out in the sunlight, and get the body moving (exercise).  It seems as though enough American children and teens are not getting these things that Rickets and weak bones are on the rise.  Children are not building strong bones like they did a generation ago and regular full blown exercise is just as important as calcium and vitamin D according to medical experts.

Parents.  Get those kids outside and moving.

The fat of the land

National figures on obesity rates are out and indicate that Americans are getting not only fatter, but obese. Obesity rates climbed last year in 31 states and no state showed a decline.   Mississippi is the most obese state with 30 percent of adults classified as obese.  Colorado has the lowest percentage of obese residents at 17.6.  Washington D.C. has the highest percentage of obese children-22.6 percent.

What is going on?  Experts talk about healthier food, especially in schools.  They say that the cheapest foods are the worst for you.  They say a lack of exercise plays a huge role in obesity.

All this at a time when physical education classes are being phased out or eliminated.  We hear a lot about bringing in more fruits and vegetables in schools and getting rid of soda and chips, but not a lot about providing time for real exercise.

Losing weight, or not gaining weight, is a pretty simple formula.  However, it isn't always an easy thing in practice.  The only way to get fit, to slim down, lose weight is through moving.  You have to move enough to get the heart rate up, the blood flowing through the muscles, and the metabolism raised.  By doing this you burn calories even hours after exercise stops.  Then you control what you eat.  If you exercise enough, food is less of an issue, but the more you watch what you eat and the more active you are, the thinner you will be. 

Easy in theory.  You don't need to get a gym membership or buy an exercycle for your spare room.  Get out and walk.  Clean the whole house.  Cut your own lawn.  Do these things on a regular basis and your appetite will be subdued and even better, you'll begin to notice a change.  But.  How do we change those obese folks who seem quite content in their bodies?