Arthritis plagues 1 in 6 Canadians. This debilitating disease causes joint pain and inflammation. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to prevent yourself from getting arthritis or stopping arthritis from spreading or worsening.
- Avoid joint stress – Avoid tasks that add pressure to your joints. For example, lifting groceries puts strain on your joints. These types of strenuous activities can worsen your arthritis.
- Watch your weight – Try to obtain and maintain a low weight. The heavier you are the more stress is on your joints and muscles from carrying that weight.
- Vitamin C – Research has proven that vitamin C can help reduce the danger of arthritis. Oranges are a terrific source of vitamin C.
- Know your stuff – Research arthritis and learn more about how you can reduce the risk of getting arthritis.
- Keep a positive outlook – Research has proven that optimistic people are generally healthier. Laugh a lot and don’t take yourself too seriously. Always look on the bright side of things.
- Choose good shoes – Buy expensive and supportive shoes. Keep good posture when sitting and standing. This will take some of the pressure and tension off your joints. Also, try to buy a firm mattress and avoid sleeping and relaxing on surfaces that are too soft.
- Clothe properly – If the weather is cold wear warm clothing to keep your joint defend your joints. Try long underwear and thick gloves.
- Drink water – Water is necessary for joint lubrication, so drink up and avoid arthritis.
Diet pop is supposed to be good for you – a sugarless alternative to regular carbonated beverages – unfortunately this is not so. Since its approval in 1981, aspartame has been constantly in controversy. Although the additive was approved, it has been reported to cause symptoms from headaches to gastrointestinal problems. Aspartame has been put under an orange label, which means “warning” and it is suggested that you avoid aspartame.
Aspertame is popular because it is a calorie-less sweetener. It is used mostly in advertising because when people read “Zero Calories” the immediate natural response would be positive. Unfortunately no calories is only safe when associated with water. Other than this, most non calorie soft drinks, desserts, cereals, gum, and sweeteners contain aspartame. Although aspartame has been regulated under a title stating it poses no health hazards to people, it is thought untrue. Consumers have found over 92 side effects caused by aspartame. From a document published in 1995 these complaints were made:
- Almost 10,000 complaints were made in total.
- Over 1847 complaints were about headaches.
- 647 complaints were regarding vomiting or nausea
- 242 people complained of weakness and fatigue.
- 3021 of the complaints were thought to be caused by diet soft drinks.
- 1716 of the complaints were thought to be caused by table top sweeteners.
Aspartame in small dosages is not deadly. Excessive consumption of aspartame is thought to be linked to causing cancer. The results of a research study conducted by the National Cancer Institute showed that rats fed food with aspartame developed more cancer and lymphomas than those fed food without aspartame. Although aspartame has been claimed safe for common consumption, the controversy continues.
Hidden Dangers in Your Home: Unveiling Common Health Hazards
Purchasing a house is often a very significant moment in almost everyone’s lives. A house provides a person with shelter and a feeling of comfort and stability. However, lurking in your house are certain health hazards, and many of these are right out in the open.
These potential health hazards can generally be fixed fairly easily and are not expensive repairs. Simple daily household items may be changing your house from a safe place to a danger zone.
Mold – Mold can cause allergens, irritants, and harmful toxins. Always make sure to repair any water damage. Black mold can be especially dangerous and you may want to hire someone to dispose of this mold and search the rest of your house for any other mold growths.
Aluminum Cookware – Aluminum found in pots and pans may be able to leach into the foods that you eat. Aluminum can be very harmful when consumed, as it may damage your kidneys, liver, and weaken your bones. Some researchers suggest that aluminum may be able to cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Air Ducts – An easily missed part of your house that can become a real health hazard are your air ducts. Your air ducts may become the home of an enormous amount of dust, pollen, bacteria, and mold. This contaminated air is then sent throughout the house where it can become a real nuisance.
Lead – Lead can affect the brain and result in a lower IQ, memory problems, and increased aggression. Often, lead will be found in old paint, pipes, and soil. You may want to hire a professional to check for any lead contaminates.
Kitchen Sponges – These little sponges can become extremely dirty and they often carry a ridiculous amount of germs. Unless you take the time to regularly sanitize, a quick rinse does not count, than these tiny terrors may actually carry more germs than your toilet seat! You should fairly regularly replace these sponges with new ones, throw them into the dishwasher, or I’ve heard you can put them in the microwave for two minutes. I personally, like to just replace them.
Bisphenol-A – More commonly referred to as BPA, Bisphenol-A is a chemical often found in water bottles, cups, baby bottles, tin cans, and many other household products. BPA is a hormone-mimicking chemical use in polycarbonate plastics. In animal testing, BPA has been shown to increase the likelihood of prostate and breast cancer, the early onset of puberty in girls, and the chances of developing diabetes and obesity.
