Historical Perspectives 2013

Our eighth 2013 Historical Perspectioves on Occupational Safety and Health Tour starts on Sunday. We will be visiting Lackawanna Coal Mine, Carrie Furnaces (Rivers of Steel Heritage), NIOSH PPTL, Ford River Rouge Factory, Materion Brush, and Love Canal. We have 28 participants, from each of our ERC programs here in NY and NJ, as well as four from the University of Cincinnati ERC.


We are looking forward to a great trip, learning about occupational health and safety issues from an interdisciplinary approach.

Obama & Christie Handshake Analysis

Patti was interviewed by The Washington Examiner on the recent pic posted by the White House of President Obama and Gov. Christie in a brotherly handshake.  Click the link below to read Patti's insights!

http://washingtonexaminer.com/white-house-features-obamas-brotherly-handshake-with-christie/article/2530817

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Acne Care

Acne is a skin problem that starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. It is a skin condition that occurs when the oil-secreting glands in the skin are clogged and become inflamed or infected. Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits. " This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin.
Acne

What is acne?
Medically it is known as Acne Vulgaris, It starts when greasy secretions from the skin's sebaceous glands (oil glands) plug the tiny openings for hair follicles (plugged pores). Human skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles - small canals. These glands produce Sebum, an oily liquid. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked, resulting in an accumulation of oil under the skin.

If the openings of hair follicles are large, the clogs take the form of blackheads: small, flat spots with dark centers. If the openings stay small, the clogs take the form of whiteheads: small, flesh-colored bumps. Both types of plugged pores can develop into swollen, tender inflammations or pimples or deeper lumps or nodules. Nodules associated with severe cases of acne (cystic acne) are firm swellings below the skin's surface that become inflamed, tender, and sometimes infected.

How Can Acne Be Prevented?
To prevent acne and reduce its damage to your skin, follow these tips.

  1. Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores.
  1. Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. When washing your face, use your hands, as any terrycloth or other scrubbing material may cause acne sores to rupture.
  1. If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, noncomedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. This type of product may be your best option.
  1. If you are a woman, use an oil-free foundation. Heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.
Dermatologists (skin specialists) say that approximately three-quarters of 11 to 30 year- olds will get acne at some time. Acne can affect people of all races and all ages. Acne is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars. It most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, although there are people in their fifties who still get acne. 

According to experts, in USA, approximately 17 million Americans are estimated to have acne at any one time. Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer - probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.

Your treatment Plan  
Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, reducing the inflammation or doing all four. With most prescription acne treatments, you may not see results for four to eight weeks, and your skin may get worse before it gets better.

Types of acne treatments include: 
1)Over-the-counter topical treatments.
If you just have a few blackheads, whiteheads and spots, you should be able to treat them successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams. Acne lotions may dry up the oil, kill bacteria and promote sloughing of dead skin cells. Treatments can take up to three months to work, so don't expect overnight results.If your acne is more widespread, for example if you have a large number of papules and pustules, or if over-the-counter medication hasn’t worked, see your GP as you probably need prescription medication.

2)Topical treatments available by prescription. 
If your acne doesn't respond to OTC treatments, consider seeing a doctor or dermatologist to get a stronger prescription lotion. Often, a combination of such products is required to achieve optimal results. 

A combination of antibiotic tablets and topical treatments is usually the first treatment option for severe acne. If this doesn't work, a medication called isotretinoin may be prescribed.Hormonal therapies can also be effective in women who have acne.Many of these treatments can take two to three months before they start to work. It's important to be patient and persist with a recommended treatment even if there is no immediate effect.

How can I take care of myself?
Follow the full treatment prescribed by your health care provider. 

In addition you can: Wash your face 2 times a day with a gentle soap.

Change your washcloth every day (bacteria can grow on damp cloth). Wash as soon as possible after you exercise.

Wash your hands more frequently and avoid touching your face unnecessarily. Don't squeeze, pick, scratch, or rub your skin. Scars may form if you squeeze pimples. Don't rest your face on your hands while you read, study, or watch TV.

Shampoo your hair at least twice a week. Pull your hair away from your face when you sleep. Style it away from your face during the day.

Although researchers have not been able to show that any foods cause acne, some people have found that certain foods seem to worsen their acne. Keep a record of the foods you eat and try to see if any foods appear to make your acne worse. Try avoiding those foods.

Avoid working in hot kitchens where greasy foods are cooked.

Try not to get sunburned.

Avoid extreme stress if possible. Practice stress reduction strategies such as exercise, meditation, and counseling if stress is extreme.

Get physical exercise regularly.

Keep your follow-up appointments with your health care provider. Keep a record of the treatments you have 
tried and how they have worked. There are many alternatives for you and your provider to try, so don't give up!

The dangerous new sex superbug


The gonorrhoea strain, HO41, was discovered in Japan two years ago in a 31-year-old female sex worker who had been screened in 2009.

Since it resists current antibiotic treatment, the strain has been placed in the superbug category with other resistant bacteria, such as MRSA and CRE.


Sex 
These superbugs kill about half the people they attack, and nearly one in 20 hospital patients become infected with one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Though no deaths from HO41 have been reported, efforts to combat it must continue, Smith said.

"We have to keep beating the drum on this. The potential for disaster is great," he said.


Doctors are warning of a new sexually-transmitted superbug which they fear could ultimately prove to be even more deadly than AIDS.

The antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhoea – now considered a superbug - was discovered in Japan two years ago.

Experts have warned that the bacteria's effects could match those of AIDS.

"This might be a lot worse than AIDS in the short run because the bacteria is more aggressive and will affect more people quickly," said Alan Christianson, a doctor of naturopathic medicine.

Even though nearly 30 million people have died from AIDS related causes worldwide, Christianson believes the effect of the gonorrhoea bacteria is more direct, 'CNBC News' reported.

"Getting gonorrhoea from this strain might put someone into septic shock and death in a matter of days. This is very dangerous," Christianson said.

more hazardous," said William Smith, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.

Reference Indian Express

Tomatoes Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and delicious. Everyone knows they are good for you, right? Uh, yeah, sure. Does everyone know specifically why tomatoes are a healthful food? 

They’re low in calories? They’re fat-free? Yes, yes, and yes, but that’s not all!
Tomatoes are non starchy, low calorie and play such an important role in American diet today, that it is impossible to believe that till the 1800’s they were considered toxic. They are sweet and juicy and healthy. Tomatoes are very versatile as they can be eaten as a salad, in a sandwich or as gravy for vegetables – not to forget “the all important sauce.

Tomato
Let’s look at what makes the tomato an excellent healthy choice

Tomato or the “Love Apple” is a citrus fruit. Tuh-MAY-toh or Tuh-MAH-to? Pronunciation doesn't matter when it comes to this fabulous nutritious fruit known as a vegetable. The English word tomato comes from the Spanish word, tomate, derived from Nahuatl (Aztec language) word, tomatl. 

Its botanical name is Solanum lycopersicum, tomatoes originated in America and spread around the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas, and its many varieties are now widely grown, often in greenhouses in cooler climates.

Available year-round in fresh and preserved forms, there is no shortage of uses for this versatile "vegetable." Eating tomatoes is great because this fruit or vegetable (whatever you call it) has plenty of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Tomato
One serving of red, ripe, raw tomatoes (one cup or 150 grams) is a good source of Vitamins A, C, K, folate and potassium. Tomatoes are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Tomatoes also provide thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, all of which are necessary for good health.

One tomato packs one powerful punch of nutrition, but there’s much more! A single tomato can provide about 40% of daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which acts against cancer-causing free radicals. It also contains abundant vitamin A and potassium as well as iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K which is essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding is abundant in tomatoes.

On top of that, one serving of tomatoes gives you 2 grams of fiber, which is 7% of the daily recommended amount. Tomatoes also have a relatively high water content, which makes them a filling food. In general eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, confers protection against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease.

Tomatoes are a rich source of potassium; a cup of tomato juice has 534mg of potassium and half a cup of tomato sauce has 454mg of potassium. Physiologically, potassium plays an important role in transmission of nerve signals, fluid balance in the body and many other important chemical reactions. Potassium is used to treat high blood pressure, insulin resistance, chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle weakness, and even bloating and intestinal disorders.

Numerous studies have concluded that the more tomatoes people eat the lower their risks of certain cancers, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancers.Studies have shown that tomato can reduce prostate cancer especially in synergy with broccoli. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that ‘the intake of tomatoes and tomato products is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. A substance called lycopene, which is responsible for tomatoes red color, is thought to be the reason for this cancer protective effect. 

Processed tomatoes contain even more lycopene than raw ones. The process of cooking breaks down the cell walls, helping to release the lycopene. Eating tomatoes with a little bit of fat, such as olive oil, helps lycopene to be better absorbed by the body.

Improves Vision: Vitamin A, present in tomato aids in improving vision, preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration. Because of all that vitamin A, tomatoes are also an excellent food to help improve your vision. This also means tomatoes can help your eyes be better about night blindness.

Tomatoes will even make your hair look better.The vitamin A found in tomatoes works to make hair strong and shiny. (Sorry, tomatoes cannot help much with thinning hair—but they will make the hair you have look better!

The healing herbs

Herbs have been used all over the world for ages. The use of herbal medicines and products may be more in some specific cultures or parts of the world than other but they are used almost everywhere. The Chinese system, the Ayurvedic medicines, Roman and Greek herbs. These systems are very well developed and have been around since thousands of years. Ayurveda and the Siddha system of medicine have been incorporating such plants in treating illnesses since ages.

In some developing societies these herbal medicines are preferred over the modern medicines simply because they can’t afford to buy the expensive modern medicines. Even in the most developed nations people are using herbal medicine actively as alternative health care products.

We find various herbs commonly growing around us but never take much notice of them. But you will be surprised to know and learn about their therapeutic and medicinal potentials in treating common health ailments.  Its time to recognize this backyard wealth of health easily found grown in our backyards and kitchen gardens and make use of it in staying healthy.

    1) Neem 



    Neem is used as a multi purpose remedy for common ailments. Neem is believed to improve the immune system, digestive system, and respiratory functions including sprains, flu, skin diseases, heart diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc.. It can also be used to flush toxins from the body. Additionally, many people buy Neem capsules to assist with improved bowel functions. 

    Neem oil is used to treat a number of ailments ranging from lice to eczema, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, and irritation. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are also claimed to be treated by neem extract.

    2)Peppermint


    Peppermint is carminative, relieves muscular spasms, increases sweating, stimulates secretion of bile and is an antiseptic. It’s therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind, flatulence, bloating and colic. Studies indicate that it relieves colon spasms and helps to cure ulcers. Peppermint also eases headaches. Menthol, its main constituent, is known to have antibacterial properties.

    3)Basil (Tulsi) 


    Acts as blood purifier and anti bacterial. It is effective against cough & cold. Basil enhances digestion, improves appetite & increases blood circulation. Regular consumption of the basil boosts up the immune system. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

    The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

    4)The Indian Gooseberry


    Amla or indian gooseberry is aphrodisiac, hemostatic, carminative, stomachic, diuretic and laxative. Being nutritive, it increases red blood cells count. It is one of the highest natural resources of Vitamin C (3,000 mg / fruit).

    5) Ashoka



    It relieves diabetes, treats dyspepsia, diseases of the blood, tumors, abdominal enlargement, colic, piles, ulcers and bone fractures as well as diarrhea & bleeding piles. The leaves of the plant has a special blood purifying property. It also serves as an excellent uterine tonic and is very useful to treat syphilis and biliousness.

    6)Green Coriander



    Coriander leaves stimulate appetite and improves digestion. These are rich in magnesium, potassium & fibers. Regular consumption boosts immunity and purifies blood. Studies how their role in curing diabetes.

    7)Lemon 



    It helps to control Blood Pressure, purifies blood, reduces swelling of the spleen & strengthens the immune system. It is rich in vitamins C, B, B2, and calcium & iron. The plant protects our body against germs and bacteria.

    8)Betel leaf



    Betel exhibits carminative, stimulant, astringent and aromatic properties. The leaf improves taste & appetite. Betel leaf juice is a tonic to brain, heart, liver and other internal organs. It is beneficial in improving bowel action in cases of constipation. Betel leaves juice also cures eye problems and night blindness effectively.

    9)Peepal tree 



    It is useful in inflammations & glandular swelling of the neck. Its root bark is useful for stomatitis and in ulcers. Roots of peepal tree are good for gout. The roots when chewed are considered beneficial for treating gum diseases. Its fruit promotes digestion, checks vomiting, treats asthma & is useful in urinary troubles & heart diseases. The leaves of peepal are also used to treat constipation.

    10)Bay 



    It has a reputation for soothing the stomach and relieving flatulence. Its leaves are known for their ability to relieve aches & pains associated with rheumatism, & for sprains, bruises, and skin rashes.

      Progress in gene mutation



      GENE MUTATIONS BEHIND MYOPIA IDENTIFIED

      Nearsightedness – also known as myopia – occurs if the eye is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, which keeps light entering the eye from focusing correctly.
      Gene mutation
      High-grade myopia, a more severe form of nearsightedness, affects up to two percent of Americans and is especially common in Asian populations.   Individuals with high-grade myopia are at an increased risk for other serious eye problems, including retinal detachment, cataracts and glaucoma, according to the study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.
      Studies suggest that myopia is caused by a combination of environmental factors, such as large amounts of reading, and genetics. Nearsightedness runs in families, but little is understood about genetic factors that cause it.

      Researchers have identified gene mutations associated with Myopia or nearsightedness - the most common human eye disease in the world, especially in Asian populations.

      read more at

      Crazy about Your Heart? Go Nuts

      Are you concerned about your heart health?
      Try some nuts.

      Nuts for nuts? Good for you, because nuts pack a strong nutritional punch. They get a bad rap for being high in fat, but they shouldn’t—the fats they contain are good-for-you unsaturated fats. Consuming them in moderation on a daily basis can help lower cholesterol, promote heart health and diminish inflammation in your body.


      Also don’t forget about seeds. They’re another natural source of protein and healthy fats, which can stand in as a healthy alternative for those who suffer from nut allergies.

      Almonds, walnuts and other nuts appear to be cardiac-protective, according to a research published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Researchers identified several nuts among plant foods with the highest total antioxidant content, which may be the key for keeping healthy heart.

      Walnuts, pecans and chestnuts have the highest antioxidant content of the tree nuts, with walnuts delivering more than 20 mmol antioxidants per 3 ounces (100 grams). Peanuts (although technically, a legume) also contribute significantly to our dietary intake of antioxidants.

      Nuts high antioxidant content helps explain results seen in the Iowa Women's Health Study in which risk of death from cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases showed strong and consistent reductions with increasing nut/peanut butter consumption. Total death rates decreased 11% and 19% for nut/peanut butter intake once per week and 1-4 times per week, respectively.

      Researchers at the University of Toronto, Canada have shown that a 2.5 ounce snack of almonds each day can do a better job in lowering blood LDL and raising blood HDL than a whole wheat muffin having the same amount of fat and fiber as almonds. 

      They also found that markers of antioxidant status in the body could be improved with the incorporation of almond snacks. It was the many phytonutrients (especially flavonoids) found in almonds that were believed to account for some of these special almond benefits.

      Whole Almonds (with Skins) Provide Most Heart Healthy Benefits
      New research on almonds adds to the growing evidence that eating whole foods is the best way to promote optimal health.

      Even more impressive were the results of a review study of the evidence linking nuts and lower risk of coronary heart disease, also published in the British Journal of Nutrition. In this study, researchers looked at four large prospective epidemiological studies.

      The Adventist Health Study,
      Iowa Women's Study,
      Nurses' Health Study and
      The Physician's Health Study.

      When evidence from all four studies was combined, persons consuming nuts at least 4 times a week showed a 37% reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who never or seldom ate nuts. Each additional serving of nuts per week was associated with an average 8.3% reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
      Eat your nuts

      Practical Tip: 
      To lower your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease, enjoy a handful of nuts or tablespoon of nut butter at least 4 times a week.