Supplement News Health Blog http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/ Ask industry experts questions about health conditions and what treatments are available. We cover a variety of topics describing how supplements can improve health conditions, what drugs interact with which supplements, and ongoing support for those who need help managing their health conditions. en Copyright 2007 Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:26:56 -0700 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Computer Germs Previous research has shown that high levels of germs are found in office workplaces and may contribute to an increased risk of bacterial and viral infection. Computers are commonly found in workplaces and hospitals and can be contaminated with potentially infectious germs. Now research reports that computer keyboards harbor infectious germs that can be removed with disinfectants.

The study, published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, investigated germ contamination and the effectiveness of disinfectants on computer keyboards at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health Care System. UNC researchers collected samples from 25 computer keyboards at UNC's burn intensive care unit, cardiothoracic intensive care unit and six nursing units, and tested them for germs. They also inoculated keys on laptop computers with infectious bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. After 45 minutes, the investigators used various disinfectants to remove the bacteria from the keyboards.

The researchers found that all of the computers had staph bacterium (coagulase-negative staphylococci), a common cause of infection in hospitalized patients. Furthermore, about 80 percent of computer keyboards harbored diphtheroids, which can infect patients with weakened immune systems. Findings also revealed that the disinfectants, including alcohol, chlorine, and the sterile water control, successfully decontaminated the keyboards. The keyboards were not damaged after 300 cleaning cycles.

"Our data suggest that microbial contamination of keyboards is prevalent and that keyboards may be successfully decontaminated with disinfectants," the study authors write. "Keyboards should be disinfected daily or when visibly soiled or if they become contaminated with blood."


REFERENCES:
1. Rutala WA et al. Bacterial Contamination of Keyboards: Efficacy and Functional Impact of Disinfectants. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 2006 Apr; 127: 372-377.

]]> http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/computer_germs.html http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/computer_germs.html Environmental Medicine Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:26:56 -0700 1 Billion Smoking Deaths Expected in 21st Century Smoking is still the leading cause of death in the United States mostly due to its cancer causing effects and cardiovascular disease. Tobacco accounts for 1 in 5 cancer deaths in the world. Lung cancer, specifically bronchogenic carcinoma, is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, with tobacco accounting for 87% of lung cancer. Tobacco use is associated with at least 15 types of cancer, including acute leukemia, stomach cancer, cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer. As mentioned tobacco use kills people because it is a major cause of heart disease, but also due to chronic bronchitis, cerebrovascular disease, emphysema and gastric ulcers.

In early July 2006, public health officials announced at the International Union Against Cancer conference in Washington, D.C. that tobacco will kill one billion people in this century, a staggering toll which is ten times that of the last century. Officials stated changes in diet (fewer saturated fats and more fruits and vegetables) and quitting smoking could cut death rates dramatically. Dr. Judith Mackay, a World Health Organization senior policy adviser said, "We know with cancer, if we take action now, we can save two million lives a year by 2020 and 6.5 million by 2040."

Quitting smoking at any age lengthens lifespan. According to the American Cancer Society, the most effective strategies to quit smoking include:

1. Behavioral therapy and counseling
2. Advice from a physician
3. Group therapy
4. Nicotine replacement therapy
5. Non-nicotine prescription medications

]]> http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/1_billion_smoking_deaths_expec.html http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/1_billion_smoking_deaths_expec.html Cancer Sun, 17 Sep 2006 08:17:57 -0700 The Hidden Health Risks of Flooding With the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina sparking a media frenzy and the new hurricane season upon is, a discussion of the health risks associated with the aftermath of flooding in homes is imperative. Cleaning up after flooding is a daunting task, and if not carried out correctly could endanger your health. Mold spores can germinate and grow in moist or damp environments and a home that has been flooded provides ideal conditions for the growth and proliferation of mold if not addressed properly. Allergic responses and triggering of asthma attacks are the most common health problems associated with inhalation and contact with mold. Even people who are not allergic can suffer from respiratory and dermatologic conditions. Mycotoxins produced and released by mold can have further deleterious effects on health, affecting nearly every system in the body. Peculiar symptoms can arise from mold exposure and should be addressed immediately by a health care professional.

Contrary to most beliefs, testing is not necessarily the best way to find out if you have a mold problem. Using your own sense of smell and visual inspection will alert you that a mold problem exists. That musty smell many people notice in their basements, and after a flood, should be assumed to be the existence of mold. Certainly any visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green or may appear as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings) is a positive indicator. Clearing your home of mold is a huge undertaking and should probably be conducted under the supervision of an environmental specialist. For more information on cleaning up mold, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/mold/

]]> http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/the_hidden_health_risks_of_flo.html http://www.supplementnews.org/blog/the_hidden_health_risks_of_flo.html Environmental Medicine Sun, 03 Sep 2006 16:40:35 -0700