Toxic Household Cleaners

Kudos to Sarah B. Weir who wrote an article titled ”The Worst Household Cleaners for Your Health” MyAchingKnees believes that there are four legs to the Chair of Health: Maximize intake of good Low Glycemic Foods/Minimize intake of bad foods; Lead an active, physical lifestyle; take quality nutritional supplements; and, Avoid Toxins.
 
Toxins can be found about anywhere, …..in the air with pollution from auto exhausts; in foods such as the ever increasingly alerts on e coli in meat products; to the toxins found in off the shelf supplements and medications; and, in the case of this article, to the toxic chemicals found in household cleaners.
 
My wife is fastidious in cleaning,….in fact, almost to the point it is a disorder. I have often thought about the amount of money we spend on cleaners, but prefer not to know. But I have asked her to take measures to protect herself from all the toxic chemicals in the cleaning products,……wearing rubber gloves and a painters face mask when she sprays cleaners on the windows and furniture,…..perhaps opening a door and/or window and turning on the ceiling fans to drive aerosols away from the living areas.
 
In any event, the article by Sarah Weir serves to provide a strong warning to people on the dangers of these toxins in cleaners. Not necessarily because one time exposure will pose a grave danger, but certainly repeated exposure for years and even decades can.
 
The Article:
 
Most people think of house cleaning as a way to make their living environment safer and healthier, but according to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) just-released "Cleaners Hall of Shame," many common products contain chemicals that can "inflict serious harm on unwary users."
 
Consumers often assume that the cleaning products industry is strongly regulated by the government, but EWG Senior Analyst Nneka Leiba tells Yahoo! Shine that this is a misconception. "Most hazardous ingredients are legal and many are unlabeled." These include toxic compounds such as formaldehyde that are banned in other countries and are known to or suspected of causing cancer, blindness, asthma, burns, and other afflictions. There is also little information on how the hundreds of chemicals we are exposed to react together and what their cumulative effects on the body are.
 
The EWG came up with its "Hall of Shame" list while developing an extensive database that scientifically analyzes the chemicals in 2,000 products. "While we were researching the database, we saw glaring problems which we wanted to highlight to the public immediately," says Leiba.
 
The full database will be published in the fall of 2012. The EWG report cites the following worst offenders: Mop & Glo Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner contains methoxydiglycol (DEGME), a toxic chemical which is "suspected of damaging the unborn child" by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe .
 
The EWG found that the DEGME levels in this product are up to 15 times higher than allowed in the European Union. Tarn-X Tarnish Remover contains up to seven percent thiourea, which is categorized as a carcinogen by the state of California .
 
The National Toxicology Program, an interagency government group, says that thiourea is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." Simple Green Concentrated All-Purpose Cleaner claims to be "non-toxic" but contains 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent absorbed through the skin that irritates eyes and may damage red blood cells.
 
The EWG points out that this highly concentrated product should be diluted, but is sold in a spray bottle which is can lead customers to misuse it in a hazardous way. Target's Up & Up and Walmart's Great Value brands are what the EWG calls "mystery mixes," products whose labels offer little or no ingredient information. There are a number of products the EWG also says to avoid:  
* Whink Rust Stain Remover
* Citra-Solv Cleaner and Degreaser
* Spic and Span Multi-Surface and Floor Cleaner
* Scrubbing Bubbles Anti-Bacterial Bathroom Cleaner and Extend-a-Clean Mega Shower Foamer
* DampRid Mildew Stain Remover Plus Blocker
* Easy-Off Fume Free Over Cleaner
* Drano Extra Strength Kitchen Crystals Clog Remover
* Walmart Great Value Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner
* CVS Fume Free Oven Cleaner * Easy-Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner Aerosol Spray
* Glade Air Freshener
* Air Wick Air Freshener
* Spot Shots Stain Remover
* Lysol Disinfectant Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
* 2000 Flushes Toilet Bowl Cleaner
* X-14 Toilet Bowl Cleaner
* Hagarty Liquid Jewel Clean
* Ajax , Dynamo, and Fab Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergents
* Static Guard * Final Touch Ultra Liquid Fabric Softener
* Clorox, Fantastik, Febreze, Formula 409, Easy-Off, Lysol, Mr. Clean and Spic and Span spray cleaners * Comet Disinfectant Cleanser Powder
* Lysol Neutra Air Freshmatic
* Air Wick Freshmatic Compact
* Febreze and Glade Automatic Air Fresheners
 
Until the full database comes out in the fall, which will point consumers toward the safest products, Leiba says that consumers should be stringent label readers. "The fine print warnings are revealing. If a product says it may be fatal, you probably shouldn't be using it around a young child. If it says use gloves, use gloves. If it says don't use around pets or in confined area, then that is telling you something about its safety." If a product has minimal labeling, she suggests calling the company for more information.
 
The safest cleaning products are cheap, widely available and have been around for centuries: baking soda, water, and vinegar along with some elbow grease. The EWG says these ingredients can be used to clean everything from countertops to hardwood floors to ovens.
 
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Exercise for Better Knees?

Richard wrote and asked if machine weight exercises can help his aching knees. "Dear Myachingknees, a friend of mine who is an avid gym rat told me that I could help ease the pain in my knees by doing several sets of knee extensions and hamstring contractions on a weight machine, using light weight an 16-20 repetitions per set. What is your experience with weight training to reduce knee pain?"

Richard, I believe weight training and other forms of exercise can help strengthen the muscles supporting and involved in the extension and contraction of joints. Exercise, be it weight training, swimming, biking or a hundred other forms can also aggravate your aching joints depending upon existing structural damage, health of the joints and their supporting cartilage and ligaments. I would first find out why your knees are hurting. Is it from an old or newer injury? Age, past use and stress placed on your knees and other joints can bring about general pain and arthritis or arthritis type symptoms.

If your body isn't getting the nutrients for cellular repair and health then I would tend to think that even the most benign form of exercise, walking, may increase your knee pain. It is a shame that people my age, mid 50's, and older think that knee and other joint pain, and eventual immobility, is inevitable. I am just a believer in maximizing the benefits of nutrition,….eating right and taking the best supplements, to ensure your cells and therefore your joints obtain the nutrients necessary for optimal joint health.

In any event, begin new exercise gradually, building your work load slowly and be aware that pain tells you something is wrong.

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Vitamin Deficiency in Children

Yahoo recently published an article from Shine titled ”5 Signs of Vitamin Deficiency in Children”

I am happy that more and more information is being posted on-line for people to become better educated on nutrition and vitamins in general. I only have two issues with this article:


1. Vitamins, Minerals and Anti-Oxidants,…are not something you should pick and choose individually to take. They are meant to be consumed or otherwise provided to the body in optimum ratios with other nutrients in order to get maximum benefit.


2. While the absolute best way to get the nutrients you need is through consuming whole foods, free of toxins such as pesticides, etc. It is almost impossible to get those nutrients, in the required amounts, with today’s food supply. Do you really think you are getting 15% of your Vitamin C needs by eating that microwave meal? Or getting 25% of your calcium needs by drinking processed and pasteurized milk?

The Yahoo article:

Vitamins are more than just little pills to pop; they are the building blocks and support system of our bodies. Well-rounded, healthy diets can provide all a growing body needs, but the reality of our busy lifestyles and sometimes finicky eating patterns can lead to vitamin deficiency. Knowing what to look for is part of the battle. The following signs of vitamin deficiency in children are by no means complete, but it will give you a good idea of potential problems.

Signs your child lacks Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency in children is a common problem. My niece was recently diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency after exhibiting some puzzling symptoms. Signs that your child is not producing enough include late teething, irritability, poor growth, and muscle cramps. Seizures and breathing difficulties could also be traced back to insufficient vitamin D. Combat vitamin D deficiency with exposure to sunlight, milk, cheese, yogurt, and egg yolks.

Signs your child lacks Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious vision problems. In children a vitamin A deficiency can start to show up as tiredness, hair loss, weakness, and weight loss. Other symptoms include dry eyes, scaling of the skin, and respiratory infections. Combat vitamin A deficiency by ensuring children eat plenty of yellow-orange vegetables such as carrots, yams, and squash, as well as eggs and cheese.

Signs your child lacks vitamin B 12

Deficiencies in vitamin B 12 in children shows itself in a wide variety of ways. Specifically, vitamin B 12 greatly influences the nervous system and affects the functions of the brain and heart. Signs your child lacks the proper amount of vitamin B 12 include abdominal pain, edema, weakness, insomnia, and they may begin to lose their voice.

Signs your child lacks vitamin B 6

Manifestations of a vitamin B 6 deficiency in children include diarrhea, anemia, weakness, irritability, and seizures. Researchers have also pointed to a lack of vitamin B 6 as the culprit behind inattention, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, temper tantrums, and other inappropriate behaviors.

Combat vitamin B deficiencies by offering a wide variety of meat, chicken, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, cheese, beans. Vegans and Vegetarians should look into supplementation in order to maintain a healthy amount of vitamin B.

Signs your child lacks vitamin C

Easy bruising is one sign that your child is not getting enough vitamin C. Additionally they may experience joint pain, have dry skin, and poor appetite. Frequent nose bleeds, infections, and illness can also be traced back to a vitamin C deficiency. Combat vitamin C deficiency by providing plenty of opportunities to eat a wide variety of citrus fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, and green vegetables like broccoli.

While the problems caused by vitamin deficiencies are shocking, it is important to note that excessive amounts of vitamins taken in supplement form can be toxic to the body. If you suspect any of these signs point to a deficiency, check with your physician before administering extra vitamins to your child to avoid an overdose.



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PSA - Strokes

MyAchingKnees received this from one of our clients, a 72 year old man still going strong. The article stated that Stroke has a new indicator - the Tongue.

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters of Stroke..... S. T. R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - where she had passed away.

She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had the people at the party known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse most of the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions, which most of us have heard before:

S - Ask the individual to SMILE.

T - Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

R - Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Now we have a new sign of stroke - Stick out Your Tongue

Ask the person to stick out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.



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Dangers of OTC Drugs

Dr. Oz published a video article, March 27, 2012, available here, discussing the most mis-used over the counter (OTC) drugs. I hope in the future he publishes something on the most dangerous OTC drugs as well as the most dangerous prescription drugs.

Multi-symptom Cold and Flu Medications. You know them by common trade names such as Dayquil, Nightquil, Dimetapp, Alkaseltzer Plus Cold and over 600+ others. The bigger dangers come in using a multi-symptom medication with multiple ingredients/chemicals when you only have one one symptom and therefore only need one chemical. Excessive ingredients can cause adverse reactions. I haven't used anything in this category in over 7 years, but if I absolutely had to, I would only one ingredient for the symptom I wanted to reduce.

Acetaminophen. Commonly known as Tylenol or various other trade names, and used as a multi-symptom general pain reliever from head aches to stomach cramps, Acetaminophen side effects can range from mild nausea, pain in the abdomen and sweating. More severe side effects can be damage to the liver and kidneys. Acetaminophen has minimal benefit to those who take it for joint pain including arthritis. I quit taking any Acetaminophen a couple years ago and now only use Aspirin and then, only in small doses.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). PPI drugs have used in treatment of many acid-peptic disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and gastropathy induced by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug­induced. Some of the PPI drugs you may recognize the names of are: Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium to names a few. There is thought that some people who use PPI's are susceptible to dizziness, bone density problems and motion sickness.

Antihistamines. Usually used for stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing and also used by people suffering from a wide variety of allergies. Some of the common antihistamines are Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Dimetane, Tavist and Zyrtec. Antihistamines can aggravate or possibly even lead to asthma and sinusitis.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). This class of drugs includes ibuprofen under the trade name Motrin, naproxen under trade name Aleve, and celecoxib - common name Celebrex, among many others. These are used to treat mild and moderate pain. Side effects can include stomach pain, ulcers and even bleeding. As with Acetaminophen I quit taking any NSAIDS a couple years ago. Although Aspirin is considered a NSAID, I believe it is much else harsh on your stomach and liver.

I cannot help but think the best solution for people dependent upon or having a robust level of use with all OTC and prescriptions drugs, designed to treat symptoms and not the cause, is to embrace a more healthy lifestyle,....maximize good foods, minimize bad foods, take quality nutritional supplements, avoid toxins and live a physically active life,...then, if you have some problems address them with a very moderate use of OTC and Prescription drugs and only then when absolutely necessary, while being aware of potential side effects.



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Drink More Water for Your Health

Of all the food and beverage choices you face every day, what's calorie-free, virtually cost-free, and, oh yes, essential to keeping you alive? Plain ol' water. But those aren't the only reasons to drink it. This excellent reminder about the need for us all to drink more water was sent to me by a reader, by I believe it was from a Yahoo! health article.

"Water drives basic body performance," says Beth Reardon, director of nutrition for Duke Integrative Medicine, part of the Duke University Health System. "All of the systems in the body require water for proper functioning, and so do 90 percent of all chemical reactions in the body."

Here are the top five reasons to quench your thirst with water.

It will help you de-stress

Why: Being sure to sip water throughout a stressful day can soothe stress-induced symptoms as diverse as headaches, tense muscles, fuzzy thinking, a pounding heart, and low energy. That's because stress taxes all your basic body systems -- and when you're dehydrated, the effects are magnified. Given that more than half your body weight is water, Reardon says, "just a 2-percent reduction in hydration has a dramatic impact on energy levels and cognitive function." And dehydration further
raises levels of cortisol -- the "stress hormone."

Water won't wash your stressors away. But it can provide you with more energy, ease tension, slow breathing, and reduce the strain on your heart.

Water-drinking tip: "Eight by eight -- eight 8-ounce glasses a day -- is a good general rule of thumb," Reardon says, "but it's a myth that's the magic amount for everyone, because there are so many variables." The "right" amount for you depends on factors including your age, your activity level, your health level, medications you're taking, and the weather. So how do you know if you're drinking enough? Follow your thirst, and know that you're on the right track if you have straw-colored urine, Reardon says.

You'll lose Weight

Why: In a 2010 study of adults aged 55 to 75, drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before meals was associated with almost four pounds more weight loss in 12 weeks than in a control group who ate a similar diet but didn't have the pre-meal H20. Participants drank an average of 1.5 cups of water a day before the study. In part, the Virginia Tech researchers say, water is filling, so you feel fuller and eat less. An earlier study found those who drink water before meals consume an average of 75 fewer calories per meal. (Make that twice a day over a year, and that could add up to 14 pounds!) The Virginia Tech scientists also believe the water drinkers began swapping this zero-calorie beverage for sodas and other caloric
beverages.

What's more, when you're well hydrated, your body is working closer to maximum efficiency -- enhancing aspects of weight loss, like digestion and muscle function, when you exercise.

Water-drinking tip: For variety's sake, try flavoring your water. Drop some fruit into a pitcher and let it sit a few minutes -- lemons, oranges, watermelon, and berries all work well. Or let an herbal or flavored green tea bag steep in unheated water to accent the taste.

You'll Be Less Apt to Get Sick

Why: Hydration keeps your mucus membranes in top working order -- they're gatekeepers to the natural defense system that helps keep out germs such as cold and flu viruses. When these tissues dry out, germs can more easily penetrate to the nasopharynx, where the nasal passages and mouth meet. And if you catch a bug anyway, the severity of your illness is more likely to be lower if you've been
drinking a lot of water.

Water is an especially smart health move when you're traveling. Most commercial planes fly at elevations between 30,000 and 35,000 feet, where humidity is 10 percent or lower. That means you're breathing dry air in a tight space filled with germs from dozens of people. Water keeps your mucus membranes moist -- and your defenses high -- even in that challenging situation.

Water-drinking tip: Bring an empty water bottle with you to the airport that you can fill for free once you're past security. Or buy the biggest bottle you can right before you board, and aim to finish it by flight's end. Don't hesitate to ask the flight attendant for refills while you're in the air.

You'll Be More Comfortable

Why: It doesn't matter if the water you sip is hot or ice-cold. The act of drinking it will keep you warmer on a cold day -- and cool you off on a hot one. "Your internal thermostat works better when you're well hydrated," Duke nutritionist Beth Reardon says. "Water helps regulate body temperature." The body's temperature-regulating system, governed by the hypothalamus in the brain, is constantly picking up information that allows it to make adjustments to maintain a fairly steady core temperature.

Hot sun? You'll sweat to cool down. Hatless in snow? The hypothalamus will know you're losing heat through your head and work to produce extra energy, such as shivering. But these mechanisms work less well if you're dehydrated – and dehydration is a common risk for people of all ages, in winter as well as summer. In cold weather, for example, you lose water vapor through your breath. And many people tend to drink less water in cold weather because they don't think they need it as much as on hot, sunny days.

Water-drinking tip: Start by swapping out one soda, cup of coffee, or high-calorie hot chocolate a day with an equal amount of water. Carry a bottle of water with you all day long as a visual reminder to pause and sip. Sip more when you're physically active, whether in water, snow, or any weather condition.

It Will Help Regulate Your Blood Pressure

Why: In 2010, the American Red Cross discovered that when blood donors were given 16 ounces of water to drink before giving blood, there was a 20 percent drop in fainting after the procedure. That was an important finding for them, given that many of those who faint then chalk blood donation up as a bad experience and never return to give again. It's not entirely clear what mechanism is at work. But the Red Cross was inspired to conduct a study after researchers at Vanderbilt University noticed that drinking water activated the parasympathetic nervous system -- related to the "fight or flight" system that makes you more alert, elevates blood pressure momentarily, and boosts energy. Fainting after donating blood is often connected to a drop in blood pressure, and they theorized that the water would counter that effect. (Not drinking enough water on a regular basis can also raise blood pressure. That's because dehydration causes blood vessels to constrict as the body strives to conserve water that it loses through perspiration, urination, and breathing. When blood vessels constrict, however, the heart pumps harder, bringing blood pressure up.)

Water-drinking tip: Start your day with a glass of water for a simple energy boost that remedies any dehydration that may have occurred overnight. Keep a filled glass or bottle on your nightstand or an empty one next to the bathroom sink.



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Toxic Hair Care Products

MyAchingKnees has written several times before about the four legged chair of health. One of those legs, the most often over looked aspect to one's health, is Avoiding Toxins.

An article by Elisabeth Leamy was recently posted on Yahoo! from ABC news concerning a warning on Formaldehyde's in specific hair products. We would like to also add the suggestions that all hair and skin care products be looked at for formaldehydes, parabens and other substances which are or can be a threat to a person's health.

How to Identify Formaldehyde in Hair-Smoothing Products

Five months ago, the federal government put out a hazard alert about the hair-smoothing treatment, Brazilian Blowout, warning that it contains liquid formaldehyde that can turn into formaldehyde gas when heated during a treatment. So we wanted to know whether salons are up-to-date on the news that the product does, indeed, contain a form of formaldehyde and whether they would share that information with us.

We visited 16 salons. Every salon told us they had no safety concerns. Twelve salons said the product contains very little formaldehyde. And four were not aware that it contained formaldehyde. The salons all had outdated versions of Brazilian Blowout's literature and bottles, which said "formaldehyde free." Now, the company's bottles of solution carry a warning label to alert stylists to the potential formaldehyde risk and the need to perform the treatment in a well-ventilated area.

Brazilian Blowout says if the product is used as directed it is safe. Brazilian Blowout isn't the only hair-smoothing treatment that contains formaldehyde. It's just gotten the most publicity. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in an article you can find on OSHA's website, the following products also contain formaldehyde, or can expose you to formaldehyde during use, even though they may not list formaldehyde on their labels or MSDSs:

Products OSHA Says Contain Formaldehyde or that can expose you to formaldehyde during use, even though they may not list formaldehyde on their labels or MSDSs:

Brazilian Blowout

Acai Professional Smoothing Solution

Professional Brazilian Blowout Solution

Cadiveu

Brasil Cacau

Acai Therapy

Copomon/Coppola

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy

Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment

Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment Blonde

Express Blow Out

Marcia Teixeira

Brazilian Keratin Treatment

Advanced Brazilian Keratin Treatment

Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment

Soft Gentle Smoothing Treatment

Soft Chocolate Gentle Smoothing Treatment

The hair-smoothing products above are probably not the only ones that contain formaldehyde. Some manufacturers list synonyms for formaldehyde on their labels. They sometimes do this because the formaldehyde is dissolved in water or another substance and that changes its chemical composition slightly, giving the chemical a new name. All of these are names for formaldehyde under OSHA's formaldehyde standard or can release formaldehyde when subjected to certain conditions, such as the heat involved in a hair smoothing treatment. OSHA has provided a list of what it calls "synonyms" for formaldehyde, printed here, and listed below:

Methylene glycol

Formalin

Methylene oxide

Paraform

Formic aldehyde

Methanal

Oxomethane

Oxymethylene

Timonacic acid

Thiazolidinecarboxylic acid

Three Federal agencies have investigated Brazilian Blowout and other hair-smoothing treatments. Oregon was the first to uncover problems. And California recently settled with the company. Here are several helpful key words that you can google to explain the issues and timelines:

OSHA: Hazard alert

OSHA: Timeline of government actions

OSHA: Information about formaldehyde in hair-smoothing products

FDA: Warning Letter to Brazilian Blowout

FDA: Summary of actions on Brazilian Blowout

NIOSH: Letter summarizing testing at one salon

Oregon: Hazard Alert

California: Press Release Regarding Settlement

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