COMMON CONCERNS

Aha, June has finally arrived and its carrying on like it’s still May –wake the hell up, all ready! Yup, rain and cool temps – around 55 at the moment (9:30 on Sunday morning). So to make everyone’s life so much easier, I thought I’d share some of our more common concerns in regards to health and safety! Oh give it up, we need to read about this every now and then, just so we have something new to bitch about.

Toilets

Toilets are not as likely to spread infection as you may think. That’s because you don’t touch a toilet seat and then your mouth or nose without washing your hands. Very few viruses or bacteria can pass through intact skin, so in order to catch something from an inanimate object; you have to spread it to your mouth, nose or eyes. The prevalent myth that sexually transmitted diseases can be picked up from a toilet seat is just not true. Sexually transmitted diseases are acquired by having sex.

Doorknobs

Public restrooms are a major source of disease because of the number of dirty fingers touching the doors, sinks and paper-towel dispensers. Your own fingers become contaminated and can make you sick if you touch your mouth or other mucous membrane. The solution is to wash your hands, then open the door with your elbows or use a paper towel to turn the knob.


Hair Coloring

Hair dye is less dangerous for clients than for stylists, who have the greatest exposure to the chemicals. Still, the use of dark, permanent dyes for more than 25 years has been linked to a higher risk of lymphoma, a kind of blood cancer. To be on the safe side, consider using semi-permanent or henna-based dyes.

Nail Polish

Polishing your nails isn’t dangerous, but sitting in a nail salon can be. The chemicals in nail polish are volatile—they evaporate into the air, and you breathe them in. Exposure to the three most dangerous chemicals—toluene, formaldehyde and phthalate—has been linked to cancer and birth defects. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you probably should keep your nails au naturel. Otherwise, look for a salon with personal ventilation hoods that remove—not recycle—contaminated air. These salons usually advertise their investment, and you’re unlikely to smell the solvents when you walk in the door.

Dirt

If you’re thinking “yuck,” think again. Dirt may be the most underrated health product around. Studies show that kids who grow up dirty—for example, living with pets or older siblings, or attending daycare in the first year of life—have a lower risk of getting allergies, asthma, eczema and autoimmune diseases later in life. Of course, stay away from contaminated dirt around construction sites, old homes with lead paint or garbage dumps.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens do leak minimal amounts of radiation, but heating or reheating food in them is safe when done properly. Ovens made since 1971 meet FDA standards and are safe unless they are damaged in some way. Still, stand at least two inches from the door while cooking, and avoid reheating foods in plastic containers.

Cell phones

Mobile phones receive and transmit radio waves very much like FM radio but at a higher frequency. Some people are concerned that this may increase the risk for cancer, but the National Cancer Institutes have found no link so far. However, a study in Sweden in 2005 showed higher risk for people using cell phones in rural areas (where phones transmit with more power, because towers are farther apart) compared with urban areas. Furthermore, studies suggest that frequent cell phone use, or carrying a cell phone on your belt or in your pocket, could affect male fertility.

Airplanes

You’re less likely to be injured in an airplane crash than while driving, taking the train or riding a bike. But there are health risks associated with flying. The most serious is “economy-class syndrome”—sitting too long in a confined space can cause blood clots in the legs. People who are overweight, have joint problems, varicose veins or cancer, or who’ve had a recent surgery or injury are at greatest risk. Get up and walk the aisles every 90 minutes; move your legs while you sit; drink plenty of water; and ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin before a long flight.

Thar don't ya feel better just knowing all this stuff? Okay, ignore it, I could care less...get sick, pay medical bills, be a dummy, it's your call.

OMG what a horrible way to start June -- such a nasty attitude. Let's go back to positive thinking, this was offered to inform, nothing more.