Saturday, March 29, 2008

Hairdressers and Barbers May Be At Increased Cancer Risk

I read the supplemental reading on www.cancer.org. The article talked about barbers and hairdressers having an increased risk of cancer. The chemicals found in some of the hair dyes and other chemicals that are used on hair have been known to cause tumors in laboratory mice. In humans it can cause an increase in the frequency of bladder cancer.

I found the article very interesting. I have not thought about a hairdresser or barbers continuous exposure to hair dye and chemicals. After reading the article I could not help but wonder what type of increased risk do manicurists have in regard to cancer. Am I exposing myself to harmful chemicals every time I have a manicure or put on acrylic nails? Is it dangerous to be exposed to the fumes in a nail salon?

I would love to see a study that proves or disproves whether manicurists have an increased risk of cancer.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Nutrition at the Thompson House

When I was a child mymother always fixed a lot of vegetables and lean meats. She rarely used oil to cook and she never made fried food. We had the same container of salt for ten years and it was still half full. The salt was only for guests. Nothing was off limits, but she only bought healthy food and we really could not afford to go out to eat.

As an adult, I am an avid Food Network watcher. I have not met a vegetable that I do not like if not love. Although I found that I really do enjoy fried food, I eat them in moderation. I also eat salt in my recipes, and salt the pasta water(Rachael Ray says it is the only way to flavor the pasta.).

Overall my perception of my childhood nutrition is wonderful. I can eat at any resteraunt and find several things I will enjoy. I never have to be emberassed when I go to other peoples homes because I do not eat the type of side dishes they prepared.

My mom fixed dinner every night and that is what we ate. I was never forced to clean my plate, but I did have to try a bite of everything.

I believe that this has helped me to maintain a helthy body weight into my adult life. I have had a few ups and downs, but I always know how to get back to the healthy weight. I just call Mom and ask her what is for dinner!

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Women and Menopause

I chose to interview my mom about her experience with taking hormone replacement therapy after entering menopause. She did not have an easy journey. My mom began going through menopause at an early age. In fact when she asked her doctor if she might be beginning menopause, he told her she was far to young. After a few more years of dealing with hot flashes ans sever mood swings she went back to our family practice doctor. The doctor put her on hormones and dismissed her by saying "these should work it is the same thing my wife takes" and she was sent on her way. After two weeks she could not stand the way she felt. She told me that "I could not even stand being around myself". Two years later I introduced my mom to my OB/GYN. My doctor was the first person who took my mother's concerns seriously and help her to find the right hormone for her. After three years of taking hormones the doctor was able to ween her off of the prescription and she has been doing well with only mild hot flashes that are few and far between. What I have taken from her experience, is that it important to find a doctor who will listen to your concerns and take them seriously. Have a female doctor doesn't hurt either!