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http://www.vivawoman.net/2008/04/10/avoid-sunscreens-containing-oxybenzone/

sorry, I can't copy and paste, and at the end of the article it even says do not copy]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:12:30 Barb http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258716769/ http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258716769/#num1 http://www.lef.org/news/LefDai.....Body+ContinueReading


Dermatologists Can Help Separate Fact From Fiction for Sun Exposure, Sunscreen and Vitamin D


When it comes to vitamin D, consumers are bombarded with mixed messages about the best source for this essential nutrient. While some may argue that small doses of intentional sun exposure are safe, dermatologists point out that the risk of developing skin cancer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation far outweighs the benefit of stimulating vitamin D production - particularly when enriched foods and supplements are safe and effective sources of this vitamin (see also Skin Cancer).

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's SKIN academy (Academy), Washington, D.C., dermatologist Elizabeth L. Tanzi, MD, FAAD, clinical faculty in the department of dermatology at Johns Hopkins Hospital Center in Baltimore, addressed common myths about sun exposure, sunscreen and vitamin D, and announced the Academy's increased recommendation on the minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen.

"Despite years of ongoing public education efforts on the dangers of UV radiation, a number of misconceptions remain as to how to best protect ourselves from this known carcinogen and whether or not we absolutely need sun exposure for vitamin D production," said Dr. Tanzi. "The fact is these myths are harmful because sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and the consequences of this misinformation could be potentially fatal."

Myth: Sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with bone softening in adults, rickets in children and, more recently, with high blood pressure, arthritis, type I diabetes and certain cancers.

While UV radiation is one source of vitamin D, dermatologists argue that it is not the best source because the benefits of obtaining vitamin D through UV exposure cannot be separated from an increased risk of skin cancer. Instead, the Academy recommends that an adequate amount of vitamin D should be obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D (e.g., dairy products and fish), foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D (e.g., fortified milk and fortified cereals), and/or vitamin D supplements.

"Although studies showing the benefits of increased vitamin D intake have caused some to propose 'sensible sun exposure' or intentional sun exposure as a cost-effective method for preventing vitamin D deficiency, increased sun exposure is not the answer," said Dr. Tanzi. "UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for the development of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in this country. There are more than an estimated 1 million new cases of skin cancer every year. Despite this fact, there remains a tremendous amount of misinformation about UV exposure - especially in relation to vitamin D."

Myth: All sunscreens are created equal.

While on the surface most sunscreens may look the same, they are in fact quite different. One of the things that makes sunscreens different is the level of protection from UV exposure that they provide. Dr. Tanzi explained that a common misconception is that the SPF rates the degree of protection from both UVA rays (which pass through window glass, penetrate into the deepest layer of the skin and are associated with premature aging and melanoma) and UVB rays (the sun's burning rays, which are blocked by window glass, are the primary cause of sunburn, and also are linked with skin cancer). In fact, the SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product's ability to deflect the sun's burning rays (or UVB). Sunscreens labeled broad-spectrum provide coverage against both UVA and UVB light.

"SPF may create a false sense of security about the level of protection a person is getting, because many sunscreens do not adequately protect against harmful UVA rays," said Dr. Tanzi. "The main challenge in providing effective protection from UVA rays is that traditional chemicals used in sunscreens that absorb UVA light degrade quickly and become ineffective."

Fortunately, there are ingredients that can be added to traditional sunscreen ingredients to keep them stable and provide broad-spectrum protection. For example, Dr. Tanzi noted that the ingredient oxybenzone can help stabilize avobenzone (one of the best absorbers of UVA rays that, while highly effective, breaks down quickly), which provides a longer duration of effective protection from UVA rays. Other effective ingredients that help provide broad-spectrum UV coverage include ecamsule, cinoxate, menthyl anthranilate, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, and sulisobenzone.

For those with sensitive skin, sunscreens with non-chemical ingredients work best and will prevent irritation. Dr. Tanzi said the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide both UVA and UVB protection.

Myth: Using a higher SPF will ensure you don't burn.

Dr. Tanzi explained that those who use sunscreen with a higher SPF may think they will not burn when exposed to UV light, but she said that is not true. In fact, actual sunscreen protection depends on many other factors - including skin type, the amount and frequency of sunscreen application, and the impact of activities (such as swimming and sweating). As a result, sunburn can occur even when wearing a higher SPF sunscreen.

Another important factor Dr. Tanzi emphasized is that UVB protection does not increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF of 30 screens 97 percent of UVB rays, while an SPF of 15 screens 93 percent of UVB rays and an SPF of 2 screens out 50 percent of UVB rays. However, not applying enough sunscreen or not covering all exposed areas may result in a lower SPF than the product contains.

"For adequate protection, sunscreens are best applied 15-30 minutes prior to going outside, approximately every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating," said Dr. Tanzi. "Research demonstrates that most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which is one ounce for the entire body or enough to fill a shot glass. Therefore, if only half the proper amount of SPF 15 is applied, the SPF has been reduced to an SPF of approximately 5, which is then inadequate protection. (1) "


This article was prepared by Blood Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Blood Weekly via NewsRx.com. ]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:32:49 KateTheRiot http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258679575/ http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258679575/#num1 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:12:55 Workn mom http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258656198/ http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258656198/#num1
When he was a little toddler, he had some spells that were similar to this- pale, shaky sweaty (and sweaty when eating, which for some reason freaked the doctors out).. Without doing any testing, they decided he had "unstable blood sugar" and told me to carry some type of protein snack to give him when they happened. We had no insurance at the time, so we didn't do much for followup (and frankly the snacks never seemed to do anything for it either).  He just did it maybe one or twice a month for a few years and then it stopped.. We decided whatever it was, he grew out of it.

Fast-forward to now- my oldest dd has a neighbor with hypoglycemia. Some of ds's symptoms are similar to his.. but they are not exactly the same..  My sil is diabetic, so when Jake had a spell this morning he brought his test meter over. Now, he had been "sleeping it off" for about 1.5 hours, so it wasn't right in the middle of a spell, but he wasn't himself yet either. But his blood sugar was 94. This is normal, correct?

I guess I am wondering if anyone has seen anything like this before> and do you think it could be blood sugar related? Jake is a fairly big guy, and he doesn't eat much for his size.. He is thin but not skinny.. I hate to start a big round of medical testing, but this is troubling.. These spells are WAY more frequent than when he was young.. and seem to hit him harder.  

Any thoughts??

]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:43:18 Liza http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258652260/ http://www.theswap.com/forum/Blah.pl?m-1258652260/#num1 http://www.vitacost.com/Can-Muscles-Make-You-Smarter?csrc=EM-FYH20091119:main

Can Muscles Make You Smarter?
By Dr. Allen S. Josephs  

Is there a correlation between strength and smarts? A new study reveals that the fitness of your muscles may have a lot to do with maintaining the fitness of your brain, adding a new dimension to the mind-body connection.

A common dictum was that you either had brains or brawn, and usually one suffered because of the other. However, in a fascinating study1 published in the November 2009 edition of the Archives of Neurology, Dr. Patricia Boyle and her colleagues from Chicago reported that individuals who had overall greater muscle strength had a reduced likelihood of developing cognitive loss over a four-year period.

Researchers studied 970 men and women between the ages of 54 to 100 years old (average age of 80), with normal memory, testing their strength in nine different muscle groups. During the four year follow up period, 138 of these individuals developed cognitive loss. Interestingly, it was found that those individuals who ranked in the top 10% for muscle strength were 61% less likely to develop progressive cognitive loss compared to the weakest 10%. Additionally, stronger people, overall, experienced a slower decline in their mental abilities. Dr. Boyle noted, "We certainly think that it is important to be physically active and to work to keep our muscles strong. Good physical health is important for good brain function."

]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:37:40 KateTheRiot