8 Things You Use Everyday That Can Damage Your Health

While you might take extra care to double clean items that you use regularly, there are certain chemicals that you simply cannot avoid. How come? Well, it’s because they’re ingrained in many of the everyday products that you never think twice about.

1. Store receipts

 

Though it’s second nature to crumple up your receipt and toss it in your wallet or pocket, Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSCI, board-certified gastroenterologist, warns against touching this proof of purchase. Many receipts are printed on thermal paper, which means that they’re covered in a thin coating of powder that develops the dye needed for the type. He says that “this powder contains BPA, an endocrine-disrupting chemical which has been linked to breast cancer, diabetes, and hormone abnormalities in children.” 

 

He goes on to say that many studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through the skin, making it important to limit your interaction with this chemical. “If you don’t need a receipt, ask the cashier not to print if it is possible. If you do need it, ask for it to be placed in the bag; don’t place the receipt in a bag with food items, particularly items that are consumed raw. Finally be sure you wash your hands well after handling receipts,” he advises

2. Bug Sprays and Repellents  

 

Though they might prevent bug bites, infectious disease specialist and clinical assistant professor Alexea M. Gaffney-Adams, MD, says that some of the ingredients found in bug sprays may raise an eyebrow, specifically, “organophosphates,” found in herbicides, nerve agents, chemical agents, and pesticides. They’re also known as plasticizers, which are about as scary as it sounds. 

 

Gaffney-Adams explains that “these compounds are readily absorbed through the skin and inhaled. They poison insects – and humans – by disrupting neurotransmitters necessary for proper body functions. They can affect breathing and muscle function and can cause cardiovascular collapse and death in large amounts.” Prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to lung and heart disease, delayed reflexes, and cancers.

3. Laundry Detergent 

 

According to family physician and general practitioner Maskfika N. Alam, MD, you might be surprised to know that washing your clothes can actually be dangerous. In addition to being full of harsh chemicals, “many detergents contain phenol, which can be easily absorbed through your skin and can cause renal and hepatic dysfunction,” she says. 

 

When you’re in doubt, go with an organic brand of laundry detergent, especially if you have eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin. 

 

4. Fire Retardants 

  Meant to keep us safe, fire retardants have actually been linked to infertility, cancer, and other disorders, according to Dr. Bulsiewicz. “They are used in most infant clothing and can be found in foam cushions in sofas and chairs, as well as children’s car seats, nursing pillows, and other upholstered products,” he says. 

 

To avoid coming into contact with fire retardants, make sure that you buy only natural fiber clothing, particularly for children and infants. Furthermore, if you’re looking to upgrade your living room, Bulsiewicz recommends only opting for newer furniture products that contain foam, as most furniture made in America after 2005 does not contain fire retardants.  

 

5. Non-Stick Coated Cookware

If you need to whip up some miracle recipes, you should opt for non-stick coated cookware pans or casserole dishes. However, Adam S. Gropper, MD, explains that these non-stick coatings can melt when they’re overheated, revealing aluminum that’s super unhealthy when digested. “Ingested aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and several cancers. If you see flaking or gauging in your coated cookware, it’s time to replace it,” he advises. 

 

6. Deodorant/Antiperspirant  

Though they are meant to keep you feeling fresh, Dr. Gropper says many formulas utilize aluminum to clot your pores and prevent excessive sweating. Since absorbing aluminum is linked to Alzheimer’s diseases and both prostate and breast cancers, Dr. Gropper recommends trying out natural deodorants instead. 

 

7. Air Fresheners

They might get rid of the stench from the bathroom, but inhaling these chemicals isn’t safe for anyone in your family. The artificial fragrances that are added to air fresheners can irritate your eyes and cause inflammation. Dr. Alam says that “chronic inhalation of phthalates can cause asthma and can damage your lungs.” 

 

 8. Hand Sanitizers and Antibacterial Soap 

 You might think that these products are helping you stay healthy, but they can do more harm than good in the long run. The compound triclosan is found in more than 75% of hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps, as well as in linens, underwear, gym equipment, and plastic products. “This is another endocrine buster resulting in reproductive toxicity through alterations in hormone regulation according to the FDA,” Dr. Gaffney-Adams explains. 

 

Tricoslan has been linked to allergies, asthma, eczema, and thyroid disease. Furthermore, it’s also a suspected carcinogen, and when you overuse these products, you might build an antibiotic resistance to bacteria, making infections more difficult to treat.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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New symptoms of COVID-19 cause concern: List of precautions you need to take against variants

The COVID-19 related health crisis is critical in India as it is elsewhere in the world. The authorities are leave ng no stones unturned to contain the surge in new cases, which are increasing daily at an alarming rate. There is a widespread concern among the authorities and general public alike regarding the spurt in COVID-19 cases. Making the scenario worse is the general perception that the spike is due to new strains of COVID-19 virus.

No concrete evidence that spike in cases due to new variants

Two new strains of SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19  causing virus have been detected in India. This was disclosed by the Union Health Ministry. These are N440K and E484K. While making public this discovery, the government made it clear that it was not possible to link the spike in cases to the new variants. In his press conference, Dr V.K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, had said: “The two variants in Maharashtra were also detected in March and July (last year)…there was no effect back then. But to say anything definitive about its correlation to (rise in) cases this time is not possible at present.” He added that the variants had been detected in labs of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG).

New variants present in other countries too

Making a pertinent observation, Professor Balram Bhargava, the Director-General of Indian Council of Medical Research, (ICMR), pointed out that the new variants have been seen in other countries too and hence can’t be labelled as Indian variants of the virus. In fact, there are many other variants in the world, including India. It needs to be understood that the new variants come into being due to the natural process of mutation. Vaccines will help in combating them but it is essential and primary is to take precautions. These are easy to follow and will help in curbing the spread.

New symptoms that have emerged

According to Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder and Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, “We are seeing new COVID-19 strain, and some newer symptoms are found in patients like fever, pain in muscles, dry and persistent cough, and loss of smell and taste. In addition to conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, rashes, upset stomach, and discolouration of fingers and toes.”

Precautions against new variants

While researchers suggest that new COVID-19 strains may not be very dangerous, it becomes important to keep oneself safe. Here is a list of precautions to take to reduce risk.

• All precautions must be followed strictly and don’t leave your home without gloves and masks.
• Replace gloves and masks used outside regularly.
• Use masks made of the right type of fabric with layers and which fit well like a tight-fitting surgical mask. Alternatively, wear two masks. Ensure that it seals properly above the nose and around the chin.
• Sanitisation of hands is a must. Wash hands frequently and sue hand sanitisers.
• Never sneeze or cough in the open. Use tissues or handkerchiefs. Was the latter well after use.
• On experiencing symptoms like cough, fever, breathlessness, or loss of sense of taste or smell, stop attending office and meeting people and get medical advice. Inform whoever you came into contact with, alert them to take steps like isolation and medical help.
• Protect yourself and your family with barrier protection.
• Don’t indulge in leisurely shopping for necessities and limit onsite shopping. Every minute spent shopping indoors increases your risk.
• If possible, work from home and in case unavoidable, adhere to socially distancing at work. Have virtual meetings.
• Studies have shown that mouthwashes can help to kill the novel coronavirus in the mouth and keep it from entering your lungs and the rest of the body. Ensure good and proper oral hygiene to be safe.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement