Swine Flu Symptoms

Cancer Treatment: A Beginner's Guide

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com

Quick summary

If your parent has received a diagnosis of cancer, he'll soon be plunging into the complex world of cancer treatment. Typically, your parent's doctor will refer him to an oncologist, who plans a course of treatment. This may be a single process, such as chemotherapy, or more likely it will be a combination of different treatment types, such as surgery followed immediately by radiation, followed later by a course of chemo. Within each of these treatment categories, there are myriad distinctions to understand and decisions to make, which can leave you and your parent feeling overwhelmed.

To help you and your parent sort through the maze of cancer treatments, here's a guide to the main types and how they work.

Neoadjuvant therapy and adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment

Sometimes oncologists prescribe chemotherapy, radiation, or other drugs, such as hormones, to shrink a tumor priorto surgery. This is known as neoadjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapy is the term for chemotherapy or radiation given after surgery.

Surgery for cancer treatment

If the doctor identifies a tumor that's safe for removal, surgery is going to be an important part of your parent's treatment. The oldest form of cancer treatment, surgery is still considered the best way to remove cancerous tissue, particularly when it's localized in one area of the body. The goal in surgery is to remove the entire tumor, including the cancerous cells spreading around the edge, or "margin," of the tumor.

Your parent's doctor may discuss one or a number of different types of surgery:

• Laser surgery. Most people picture a scalpel when thinking about surgery, but today some surgeries are performed using lasers to cut tissue. Lasers are typically used for very precise surgeries, such as in the eye or larynx, but they can also be used to vaporize cancers in particular areas, such as the cervix or rectum. Lasers or cryosurgery (freezing) are commonly used to treat skin cancer.
• Surgery on surrounding areas. Sometimes additional surgery is performed on other areas where the cancer is spreading. Breast cancer, for example, is often treated with surgery to remove the tumor in the breast and additional surgery or biopsy to remove the lymph nodes under the arm. The surgeon may also decide to remove blood vessels close to the tumor to prevent the cancer from spreading.
• Diagnostic surgery. Some types of surgery are used to diagnose and "stage" cancer when the doctor can't see what's going on from outside the body.

Biopsies are the most common type of diagnostic surgery. Using a needle, the doctor draws a tissue sample from a tumor. Biopsies can also be done by cutting through the tissue with a knife or laser. An excisional biopsy is one that cuts out the entire tumor, while an incisional biopsy removes a small part of a larger tumor. Unlike regular surgery, biopsies are often outpatient procedures performed using local anesthesia.

Endoscopies often done in tandem with biopsies, use a flexible tube and scope to pass through the throat or colon in order to examine a potentially cancerous area without cutting through the skin. Endoscopies are also usually done on an outpatient basis.

Laparoscopies are similar to endoscopies, but they do require a small incision -- usually in the abdomen -- through which the doctor inserts the scope.

• Prophylactic surgery. This type of surgery is a proactive treatment used to prevent cancer from developing in people who are likely to develop the disease. For example, women with a strong family history of breast cancer may choose to have a prophylactic mastectomy to protect themselves.

Chemotherapy for cancer treatment

One of the most effective ways to kill off cancer cells is with toxic chemicals called chemotherapy agents, which are drugs developed to target fast-growing cells. There are many different chemotherapy drugs, and some attack a variety of types of cancer while others focus on particular cancers, such as breast cancer or lung cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting all fast-growing cells, so they also affect rapidly dividing cells in other parts of the body, such as the hair, the mouth, and the digestive system, which is what leads to common side effects such as dry mouth and hair loss. Unlike radiation and surgery, which are site-specific, or "local," chemotherapy is considered a "systemic" treatment, since the medications travel throughout the body.

• Chemotherapy drugs. Some chemotherapy drugs, called "nonspecific," are capable of killing cancer cells during any phase of growth; others, called "specific," can kill cancer cells only during a specific phase and not while the cell is resting. Doctors often create a chemotherapy regimen by combining specific and nonspecific chemo agents for maximum effect.

When your parent's doctor chooses a drug, she also makes decisions about dosage level, frequency of dosage, and length of treatment. These decisions can affect how easy or difficult it is for your parent to tolerate his chemo regimen. The more you can find out about exactly which drugs will be used, in what dosages, and for how long, the better prepared you and your parent can be to cope with the side effects to come. Some chemotherapy drugs are given through an IV while others can be taken orally or by injection.

• Chemotherapy schedules. Nowadays, chemotherapy is most often performed on an outpatient basis, though if your parent has to be hospitalized for surgery, the doctor may start chemo while he's still in the hospital.

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest to let your parent's body recover. Your parent might receive three weeks of chemo followed by one week of rest, or one week of chemo followed by three weeks of rest. Either way, a full four weeks makes up one cycle. Sometimes your parent has to meet certain health criteria in order to go through the next round of chemotherapy. For example, the doctor may monitor your parent's blood cell counts, and if his white or red blood cell count drops too low, the doctor may have to postpone the next round of chemo until the count rises again.

Radiation therapy for cancer treatment

Radiation can be performed after a tumor is surgically removed to catch stray cancer cells, before surgery to shrink a tumor, or as a stand-alone therapy.

There are two general kinds of radiation therapy: internal and external. Doctors usually recommend internal radiation, also called brachytherapy, when they want to target the cancer with a high dose of radiation delivered internally to a small area, such as tumors located in the breast, prostate, head, or neck. The radiation is implanted or injected in wires, "seeds," or capsules, then left in place for a period of time, either until they're removed or until they decay and become inactive. Brachytherapy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, though sometimes doctors choose to implant a radioactive "source" at the end of surgery.

When the radiation is beamed into the body from an outside source, most often from an X-ray machine or linear accelerator, it's called external radiation. External radiation is usually given in the form of a sequence of treatments, typically five days a week for six to eight weeks. (On weekends, your parent gets a break so his body can recover.)

Radiation therapy is a rapidly improving technology, and there are many different types available.

Hormone therapy for cancer treatment

Used most often to treat breast and prostate cancers, hormone therapy uses the body's own natural hormones to treat cancers that are affected by the hormones produced by the endocrine system. Because hormones fuel the growth of some types of cancer, cutting off or blocking the action of those hormones can stop the cancer from growing. Estrogen blockers, for example, can be very effective in treating some types of breast cancer, while blocking testosterone can be effective in preventing the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Can Losing Weight Help the Environment?

by Jessica at MSN Health

Living in an environmentally conscious city like Seattle, I’ve become accustomed to talking and learning about climate change. It seems as if everyone is looking for ways to reduce his or her carbon footprint and help the environment. Drive less. Reduce water waste. Buy local. Recycle. But how does losing weight help reduce greenhouse gases?
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have found that watching your weight isn’t just about improving your health. It can have an impact on climate change.

In their study, published in the April edition of the International Journal of Epidemiology, they found that maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can lower greenhouse emissions.

The researchers calculated that a lean population of a billion people would emit 1,000 million fewer tons of greenhouse gas emissions from food production and car travel per year. A population in which 40 percent of the people are obese , like the U.S., requires 19 percent more food energy for its total energy expenditure. Also, less energy is required to transport slim people.

"When it comes to food consumption, moving about in a heavy body is like driving around in a gas guzzler," say the authors. "The heavier our bodies become, the harder and more unpleasant it is to move about in them and the more dependent we become on our cars. Staying slim is good for health and for the environment. We need to be doing a lot more to reverse the global trend towards fatness, and recognize it as a key factor in the battle to reduce emissions and slow climate change," they conclude.

In nearly every country in the world, the average BMI is rising.

• Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults—at least 300 million of them obese.
• Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer.
• The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity.

These findings, coupled with the health benefits of losing weight and the fast-approaching swimsuit season, have given me extra incentive to lose a few pounds. I think I’ll be biking to the grocery store this weekend. Not only will I be reducing my carbon footprint and buying local, I’ll be losing weight.

25 Cancer Symptoms Men Are Most Likely to Ignore

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor

Annual checkups and tests such as colonoscopies and PSA assays are important, but it's not a good idea to rely on tests alone to protect you from cancer. It's just as important to listen to your body and notice anything that's different, odd, or unexplainable. (You should also listen to those close to you, such as a wife or partner, because others sometimes notice things we're unaware of—or don't want to admit.) You don't want to join the ranks of cancer patients who realize too late that symptoms they'd noticed for a long time could have sounded the alarm earlier, when cancer was easier to cure.

Here, some signs of cancer that are commonly overlooked:

1. Upset stomach or stomachache
One of the first signs colon cancer patients remember experiencing when they look back is unexplained stomach aches. Those with pancreatic cancer describe a dull ache that feels like it's pressing inward. Many liver cancer patients say they went in complaining of stomach cramps and upset stomachs so frequently that their doctors thought they had ulcers. Liver cancer patients and those with leukemia can experience abdominal pain resulting from an enlarged spleen, which may feel like an ache on the lower left side.

If you have a stomachache that you can't attribute to a digestive problem or that doesn't go away, ask your doctor to order an ultrasound. Finding a liver or pancreatic tumor early can make all the difference in treatment.

2. Chronic "acid stomach" or feeling full after a small meal
The most common early sign of stomach cancer is pain in the upper or middle abdomen that feels like gas or heartburn. It may be aggravated by eating, so that you feel full when you haven't actually eaten much. What's particularly confusing is that the pain can be relieved by antacids, confirming your conclusion that it was caused by acid in the stomach, when it's more than that. An unexplained pain or ache in lower right side can be the first sign of liver cancer, known as one of the "silent killers." Feeling full after a small meal is a common sign of liver cancer as well.

If you have frequent bouts of acid stomach, an unexplained abdominal ache, or a full feeling after meals even when you're eating less than normal, call your doctor.

3. Unexplained weight loss
If you notice the pounds coming off and you haven't made changes to your diet or exercise regime, it's important to find out why. Unexplained weight loss can be an early sign of colon and other digestive cancers; it can also be a sign of cancer that's spread to the liver, affecting your appetite and the ability of your body to rid itself of waste.

4. Jaundice
Pancreatic cancer, another one of the "silent killers," is often discovered when someone notices jaundice and asks the doctor to do a battery of tests. Jaundice is most commonly thought of as a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, but darker-than-normal urine that's not the result of dehydration is also a sign. Clay-colored stools are another little-known sign of jaundice. Oddly, jaundice can also cause itching, because the bile salts in the bloodstream cause the skin to itch. Some people with pancreatic cancer say they noticed the itching before they noticed the jaundice itself.

5. Wheezing or shortness of breath
One of the first signs lung cancer patients remember noticing when they look back is the inability to catch their breath. "I couldn't even walk to my car without wheezing; I thought I had asthma, but how come I didn't have it before?" is how one man described it. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or spitting blood are also signs of testicular cancer that's spread to the lungs.

6. Chronic cough or chest pain
Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung tumors, can cause symptoms that mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. One way to tell the difference: The problems persist, or go away and come back again in a repeating cycle. Some lung cancer patients report chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down the arm.

7. Frequent fevers or infections
These can be signs of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy white cells, sapping the body's infection-fighting capabilities. Doctors sometimes catch leukemia in older adults only after the patient has been in a number of times complaining of fever, achiness, and flu-like symptoms over an extended period of time.

8. Difficulty swallowing
Most commonly associated with esophageal or throat cancer, having trouble swallowing is sometimes one of the first signs of lung cancer, too. Men diagnosed with esophageal cancer look back and remember a feeling of pressure and soreness when swallowing that didn't go away the way a cold or flu would have. Consult your doctor also if you have a frequent feeling of needing to clear your throat or that food is stuck in your chest; either of these can signal a narrowing of the esophagus that could mean the presence of a tumor.

9. Chronic heartburn
If you just ate half a pizza, heartburn is expected. But if you have frequent episodes of heartburn or a constant low-level feeling of pain in the chest after eating, call your doctor and ask to be screened for esophageal cancer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—a condition in which stomach acid rises into the esophagus, causing heartburn and an acidic taste in the throat—can trigger a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which can be a precursor of esophageal cancer.

10. Swelling of facial features
Some patients with lung cancer report that they noticed puffiness, swelling, or redness in the face. The explanation for this is that small cell lung tumors commonly block blood vessels in the chest, preventing blood from flowing freely from the head and face.

11. Swollen lymph nodes or lumps on the neck, underarm, or groin
Enlarged lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system, which can be a sign of cancer. For example, a lump or an enlarged lymph node in the neck or underarm is sometimes a sign of thyroid, head, or throat cancer. A painless lump on the neck, underarm, or groin can be an early sign of leukemia.

12. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop
This symptom usually suggests something abnormal happening with the platelets and red blood cells, which can be a sign of leukemia. One man with leukemia noticed that his gums bled when he brushed his teeth; another described bruising in strange places, such as on his fingers and hands. The explanation: Over time, leukemia cells crowd out red blood cells and platelets, impairing the blood's ability to carry oxygen and clot.

13. Weakness and fatigue
"I had to stop halfway across the yard and sit down when I was mowing the lawn," said one man when describing the fatigue that led to his discovery of pancreatic cancer. Generalized fatigue and weakness is a symptom of so many different kinds of cancer (and other ills) that you'll need to look at it in combination with other symptoms. But any time you feel exhausted without explanation and it doesn't respond to getting more sleep, talk to your doctor.

14. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
"I thought it was hemorrhoids" is one of the most common statements doctors hear when diagnosing colorectal cancer. Blood in the toilet alone is reason to call your doctor and schedule a colonoscopy. Another sign of blood in the stool many people miss is stools that are darker in color.

15. Bowel problems
Constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stools can all be signs of cancer. As with many other cancer symptoms, the way to tell if this is cause for concern is if it goes on for more than a few days without a clear cause, such as flu or food poisoning. People diagnosed with colon cancer say they noticed more frequent stools, as well as a feeling that their bowels weren't emptying completely. One of the early signs of pancreatic cancer is fatty stools, which can be recognized as frequent, large stools that are paler than normal and smelly. This is a sign that your body's not absorbing your food normally, and it should be brought to your doctor's attention.

16. Difficulty urinating or changes in flow
Hands-down, the most common early sign of prostate cancer is a feeling of not being able to start peeing once you're set to go. Many men also report having a hard time stopping the flow of urine, a flow that starts and stops, or a stream that's weaker than normal. Any of these symptoms is reason to call your doctor for an exam and a screening test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

17. Pain or burning during urination
This symptom can also indicate a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease, of course, but in any case it warrants an immediate trip to the doctor. This symptom is often combined with the feeling that you need to go more often, particularly at night. These same symptoms can also indicate inflammation or infection in the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the name for what happens when the prostate grows bigger and blocks the flow of urine. However, you need to get checked out to tell the difference.

18. Blood in urine or semen
Men are often warned about blood in the urine, but they may not realize that blood in semen is also a danger sign for prostate cancer. Blood in the urine or semen isn't always visible as blood; urine may just be a pink, dark red, or smoky brown color, while blood in the semen may just look like a pinkish streak.

19. Erection problems
As prostate cancer progresses, another very common sign is difficulty getting or sustaining an erection. This can be a difficult subject to talk about, but it's important to bring it to your doctor's attention. It could be a sign of sexual dysfunction with another cause, of course, but it's a reason to have an exam and a PSA test.

20. Pain, aching, or heaviness in the groin, hips, thighs, or abdomen
One sign of prostate cancer is frequent pain in the hips, upper thighs, or the lowest part of the back. Men with testicular cancer report noticing a heavy, aching feeling low in the belly or abdomen, or in the scrotum or testicles themselves. They sometimes describe it as a feeling of downward pulling or as a generalized ache throughout the groin area. Prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes often makes itself known as discomfort in the pelvis or swelling in the legs.

21. Testicular swelling or lump
The lumps that indicate testicular cancer are nearly always painless. It's also common for a testicle to be enlarged or swollen, but lacking any specific lump that you can see or feel. Some men report feeling discomfort from the enlargement, but not an outright pain.

22. Unexplained back pain
Back pain can mean all sorts of things, of course—most often pulled muscles or disc problems. But unexplained, persistent back pain can be an early sign of cancer as well, so get it checked out. Pain in the lower back and hips can be a sign of prostate cancer, while pain in the upper back can signal lung cancer. A pain in the upper abdomen and back is one of the few early signs of pancreatic cancer.

23. Scaly or painful nipple or chest, nipple discharge
Men do get breast cancer; they also get a condition called gynecomastia, which is a benign lump in the breast area. Breast cancer is usually detected as a lump, but if it's spreading inward it can also cause chest pain. Other signs of breast cancer include patches of red, scaly, or dimpled skin or changes to the nipple such as turning inward or leaking fluid. Bring any lump, swelling, or skin or nipple problem, or any chest pain, to your doctor's attention.

24. A sore or skin lump that doesn't heal, becomes crusty, or bleeds easily
Most of us know to watch moles for changes that might indicate skin cancer. But other signs, such as small waxy lumps or dry scaly patches, are easier to miss. Familiarize yourself with the different types of skin cancer—melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma—and be vigilant about checking skin all over the body for odd-looking growths or spots.

25. Changes in nails
Unexplained changes to the fingernails can be a sign of several types of cancer. A brown or black streak or dot under the nail can indicate skin cancer, while newly discovered "clubbing," which means enlargement of the ends of the fingers, with nails that curve down over the tips, can be a sign of lung cancer. Pale or white nails can be an indication that your liver is not functioning properly, sometimes a sign of liver cancer.

Can’t Sleep? 20 Natural Tips to Stop Tossing & Turning

Sweet dreams - got ‘em? Many of us don’t. For some, bedtime is a nightly battle of tossing, turning and exhausted frustration; believe me, I’ve been there myself. As with any of life’s imbalances, there’s usually an underlying reason for insomnia and although stress and tension are usually the root cause, there are natural solutions to help you get the rest you deserve. Try some of these ideas and see which ones work for you.

Before going to bed, stretch out.

The day’s tensions are held in your body, so a gentle, relaxing stretching session – even a brief one – can do you a world of good.

Wear comfortable clothing - or none!

You might be surprised to find that going to sleep in your birthday suit helps you get more relaxed. Or, simply changing the type of PJ’s you wear can work wonders. If you’ve been sticking to cotton or flannel, try bamboo, which breathes well.

Skip the bedtime TV show.

I know a lot of people like to fall asleep to the TV, and if that works for you, great. But if you find yourself wired after watching Colbert or the midnight sci-fi flick, take the hint and turn off the tube. With all those flashing images, TV stimulates the brain and that’s the last thing you need if you’re trying to sleep.

Unplug electrical appliances in your bedroom at night.

The subtle electrical hum might just be enough to keep you awake, not to mention digital numbers or standby lights. If you use an alarm to wake up, keep it at least 3 feet from your bed.

Keep your workspace separate from your bedroom.

Using your laptop in bed, or even having your desk right next to your bed will keep stress and sleep intertwined - not a good combination. If you can, remove clutter your sleeping space and make it harmonious and beautiful. Perhaps some beautiful art or make an altar of special objects - anything but the office supplies!

Snack smart.

Is it too health-nut of me to remind you not to drink coffee or eat sugary snacks before bedtime? Hey, even a few bites of dark chocolate were enough to keep me up an extra few hours one night recently, so watch what you eat in the evening. Good choices are nuts, cheese, and nut butters.

Is your mattress uncomfortable?

Are you using the right pillow? Make sure your sleeping situation is exactly right for you. If you’re tossing and turning on a regular basis, it’s probably time for a different mattress.

Keep oxygen circulating in your bedroom.

If you don’t like to leave your windows open, at least crack them or use a small, circulating fan. The white noise might help you sleep better, too.

Aromatherapy

Try aromatherapy to help you relax and sleep. Some good essential oil choices are lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine or sandalwood. Nectar Essences has a misting spray - appropriately called Sleep - made of relaxing flower essences and essential oils.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that regulates sleep cycles and synthetic melatonin pills are a gentle, over-the-counter option for helping you get to sleep. There are a few contraindications and potential side-effects, so do your research before taking it, but in general melatonin is considered a very mild and helpful supplement.

Listen to relaxing music.

Try ocean sounds or a meditation podcast, but make sure your stereo doesn’t stay on all night with lights and electrical feedback to keep you awake!

Tea

Try the old standard for nighttime relaxation: chamomile tea. If that’s too wimpy for you, check out the recipe for EcoSalon’s Sweet Dream Elixir. If you consume dairy, a glass of plain old warm milk can help, as well.

Save shower or bath time for your evening ritual.

The warmth and the water will help you relax, unwind and wash away the stresses of your day. This is especially effective if you use some of those essential oils in your bath.

Valerian root

This is a well known drowsiness-inducing herb. It is generally considered safe, with few side-effects, but as with any supplement, do some research and chat with your health care practitioner before deciding if it’s the right remedy for you.

Kava

The Hawaiian kava root is also well known for its relaxing properties. I tried it a few times when I was living on Maui and I can tell you that it does have a soothing, relaxing effect without any major hangover or side effects. But kava root is not the ideal herb for everyone. Do some research before trying it, and get pure kava powder.

Wear a sleep mask.

We sleep best in total darkness, and those little slivers of light from the streetlamp outside your window or the bright numbers of your digital alarm clock are enough to be a distraction. Simply slip on a mask and enter your own dark cocoon.

Save bedtime for relaxing activities.

You’ve turned off the TV, now what? Read a book (but not a thriller!) or journal just before going to bed. Or, try a little yoga.

Write your worries or your to-do list.

If your mind is racing, grab a notebook and write everything down. Write write write until you’re out of things to write about, until you’re tired, even bored… then you’ll be able to shut your eyes and sleep.

Use a pleasantly scented dream pillow.

It sounds strange, but German scientists found that certain smells help us dream better, while other, unpleasant smells play a part in disturbing our dreams.

Slow, deep breathing.

Before you go to bed, do some deep breathing - this will help relax you. Anytime you notice your mind has drifted away from your breath, gently bring it back. Or do this meditation lying down in bed and you’re sure to fall fast asleep.

from: ecosalon.com

Fluoride and Water

from kidshealth

Keeping kids' teeth healthy requires more than just daily brushing. During a routine well-child exam, you may be surprised to find the doctor examining your child's teeth and asking you about your water supply. That's because fluoride, a substance that's found naturally in water, plays an important role in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the Earth's crust. It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.

Tooth decay occurs when plaque — that sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth — breaks down sugars in food. The bacteria produce damaging acids that dissolve the hard enamel surfaces of teeth. If the damage is not stopped or treated, the bacteria can penetrate through the enamel causing tooth decay (also called cavities or caries). Cavities weaken teeth and can lead to pain, tooth loss, or even widespread infection in the most severe cases.

Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways. It is incorporated into the structure of developing teeth when it is ingested and also works when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth. Fluoride prevents the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel, the hard and shiny substance that protects the teeth. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or remineralize, themselves. Fluoride cannot repair cavities, but it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.

Despite the good news about dental health, tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one quarter of 2- to 5-year-olds and half of kids 12 to 15 years old have one or more cavities, and tooth decay has affected two thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds.

Fluoride and the Water Supply

For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries. Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%. As of 2002, the CDC statistics show that almost 60% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water through the taps in their homes. Some communities have naturally occurring fluoride in their water; others add it at water-processing plants.

Your child's doctor or dentist may know whether local water supplies contain optimal levels of fluoride, between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm (parts fluoride per million parts of water). If your water comes from a public system, you could also call your local water authority or public health department, or check online at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) database of local water safety reports. If you use well water or water from a private source, fluoride levels should be checked by a laboratory or public health department.

Some parents purchase bottled water for their children to drink instead of tap water. Most bottled waters lack fluoride, but fluoridated bottled water is now available. If fluoride is added, the manufacturer is required to list the amount. If fluoride concentration is greater than 0.6 ppm up to 1.0 ppm, you might see the health claim "Drinking fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay" on the label.

The Controversy Over Fluoride

Opponents of water fluoridation have questioned its safety and effectiveness; however, there has been little evidence to support these claims.

Scientific research continues to support the benefits of fluoride when it comes to prevention of tooth decay and its safety at current recommended levels of 0.7 to 1.2 ppm. Dramatic reductions in tooth decay in the past 30 years is attributed to fluoridation of the water supply, and parents and health professionals should continue to ensure that kids receive enough fluoride to prevent cavities.

The American Dental Association (ADA), the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), the American Academy of Pediatric (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among many other national and international organizations, endorse community water fluoridation. The CDC recognized fluoridation of water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Kids' Fluoride Needs

So how much fluoride do kids need? In general, kids under the age of 6 months do not need fluoride supplements. Your child's 6-month checkup offers a great chance to discuss fluoride supplementation with a health professional. If you live in a nonfluoridated area, your doctor or dentist may prescribe fluoride drops, tablets, or vitamins after your baby is 6 months old.

The AAP recommends that these fluoride supplements be given daily to kids between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. The dosage depends on how much fluoride naturally occurs in the water and the child's age. Only kids living in nonfluoridated areas or those who drink only nonfluoridated bottled water should receive supplements.

What about toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other products that contain fluoride? Here are a few tips:

• Kids under 2 years old should not use fluoride toothpaste unless instructed by a dentist or health professional.
• Kids younger than 6 may swallow too much toothpaste while brushing, so should be supervised when brushing and taught to spit, not swallow, toothpaste.
• Kids over age 2 should use a fluoride-containing toothpaste that carries the ADA's seal of acceptance.
• Kids should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Kids under age 6 should never use fluoride-containing mouth rinses. However, older kids at high risk for tooth decay may benefit from using them. Your dentist can talk with you about risk factors such as a family history of dental disease, recent periodontal surgery or disease, or a physical impediment to brushing regularly and thoroughly.

Your family dentist or pediatric dentist (one who specializes in the care of children's teeth) is a great resource for information about dental care and fluoride needs. A dentist can help you understand more about how fluoride affects the teeth, and once all of your child's primary teeth have come in, may recommend regular topical fluoride during routine dental visits.

Overexposure to Fluoride

If some fluoride is good, why isn't more fluoride better? As with most medications, including vitamins and mineral supplements, too much can be harmful. Most kids get the right amount of fluoride through a combination of fluoridated toothpaste and fluoridated water or supplements.

Too much fluoride before 8 years of age, a time when teeth are developing, can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the permanent teeth For most, the changes are subtle. In one study, 94% of identified fluorosis cases were very mild to mild. Most cases are due to inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products, including toothpaste and mouth rinses. Sometimes kids take daily fluoride supplements but may be getting adequate fluoride from other sources, which also puts them at risk.

Recently, the National Research Council found naturally occurring fluoride levels exceeded the optimal levels used in community fluoridation programs (0.7 t0 1.2 ppm), putting kids under 8 years old at risk for severe enamel fluorosis. The CDC recommends that in communities where fluoride levels are greater than 2 ppm, parents should provide kids with water from other sources.

The ADA also recognizes that infants need less fluoride than older kids and adults. Some infants may be getting too much fluoride in the water used to reconstitute infant formula. If you're concerned that your infant may be getting too much fluoride, talk with your doctor or dentist, who may recommend ready-to-feed formula or formula reconstituted with fluoride-free or low-fluoride water.

Very rarely, fluoride toxicity can occur when large amounts of fluoride are ingested during a short period of time. Kids under age 6 account for more than 80% of reports of suspected overingestion. Although outcomes are generally not serious, fluoride toxicity sends several hundred children to emergency rooms each year.

Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation, or increased thirst. Symptoms begin 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 24 hours. If you suspect your child may have eaten a substantial amount of a fluoridated product or supplement, call the poison control center or 911.

Be sure to keep toothpaste, supplements, mouth rinses, and other fluoride-containing products out of children's reach or in a locked cabinet. You should also supervise your young child's toothbrushing sessions to prevent swallowing of toothpaste or other fluoridated products.

If you have any questions about your water's fluoride content, the fluoridated products your child uses, or whether your child is receiving too much or too little fluoride, talk to your doctor or dentist.

The Best New Fitness Gear

Overhaul your physique with this power-boosting, fat-blasting equipment.
By Kyle Western, Men's Health

Wall Street shouldn't rule your workout. But marketing fitness products is a big business—$5 billion in 2007—so the industry is full of gear meant to deliver fiscal dividends first and physical results second, says Fabio Comana, C.S.C.S., an educational curriculum developer for the American Council on Exercise.

"There are a ton of bad fad products out there that are either ineffective, unnecessary, or dangerous," he says. His fail-safe rule for filtering out the duds? Seek out simplicity. "Recent research into how the body's muscles and joints move has given us a better idea of what type of equipment is actually effective," says Comana. Read on for our favorite low-tech, high-intensity power tools.

Best home gym

FreeMotion EXT Dual Cable Cross

Most home gym machines lock your limbs into one range of motion, limiting potential strength gains. The arms on this machine swivel like shipyard cranes into 108 different positions, recruiting stabilizer muscles and increasing the time muscles stay under tension.

The net benefit is a superior workout, according to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Scientists found that compared with users of fixed-form equipment, men who work out on free-form machines saw a 58 percent greater improvement in strength and a 196 percent greater improvement in balance, and they felt 30 percent less pain.

"The repetitive motions on fixed-form equipment probably cause muscular imbalances that lead to structural changes and the increase of skeletal-frame stress," says study author Keith Spennewyn, M.S., president of the National Institute of Health Science. "Free-form exercise reduces these factors by training muscles and joints together, the same way they function out in the real world."

The FreeMotion machine isn't cheap, but free delivery and in-home setup sweeten the deal. ($4,000, freemotionfitness.com)

Best lo-fi fitness tool

Iron woody woody bag

The rugged PVC shell of this amped-up sandbag allows you to perform dynamic moves, such as snatches, jerks, and throws, without creating a dust storm in the process.

"We have about 400 athletes a week using them," says Tracy Sibley, director of strength and conditioning at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C. "Even with all that punishment, the bags are nearly indestructible."

($60 to $120, ironwoodyfitness.com)

Best total-body tool

Fitness Anywhere TRX Suspension Trainer Force Kit

Designed by a Navy SEAL as a go-anywhere workout, this set of nylon straps creates resistance from two sources always at your disposal: body weight and gravity. Lock the straps onto any elevated fixture—a pullup bar, door, or tree branch—and you'll unlock new dimensions in your training.

"Traditional isolation exercises, such as the biceps curl and side lunge, primarily occur in only one of the three planes of motion," says Todd Durkin, C.S.C.S., owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego. "But with multiplanar training on the TRX, we're able to strengthen muscles and joints as a group, ironing out any muscular imbalances. That makes the moves more effective, realistic, and challenging."

Resistance can be adjusted from 5 percent to 100 percent of body weight by changing the incline of your body. ($210, fitnessanywhere.com)

Best stability trainer

Valslides

These foam-topped plastic sliders transform hard floors and carpets into ice rinks, intensifying old standbys like pushups, lunges, and squats.

"We can replicate the glute, hamstring, and core-focused exercises that can be done on a 10-foot slideboard in a fraction of the space," says Mike Boyle, C.S.C.S., cofounder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, in Winchester, Mass. "The collegiate and pro athletes we train are always shocked with the workout intensity that can be achieved with two pieces of plastic."

Simple, portable, and versatile, they're ideal travel training tools, turning hotel floors into proving grounds. ($30, valslide.com)

Best new cardio tool

Art of Strength Ropes Gone Wild

Jump ropes are for playgrounds, right? Not if you're hurling around these python-size cables, which had us sucking wind after a 15-minute session. Instead of hopping over the ropes, though, you guide them through undulating and rotating motions, recruiting your core and taxing your heart and lungs while sparing lower-body joints from treadmill torture.

"Some players love it because it's so challenging, and others hate it for the same reason," says Jason Novak, C.S.C.S., an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the NFL's Tennessee Titans. "But when any of them want a conditioning boost and need to keep their legs fresh, the first thing they go for is one of these ropes."

Be forewarned, however: These 30- to 100-foot manila monsters require plenty of room and a sturdy anchor point. ($85 to $350, artofstrength.com)

Best upper-body upgrade

JC Predator Band

Elastic resistance bands create constant tension that dumbbells can't match, recruiting more muscle fibers during a movement. The problem is, most bands are more brittle than Eli Manning's ego.

"The Predator Band is one of the only sets that uses dipped rubber tubing comprising several layers, as opposed to the cheaper and weaker extruded rubber made of a single layer," says Grif Fig, C.S.C.S., a coach with the Institute of Human Performance in Boca Raton, Florida.

Tougher guts means these bands can handle more explosive repetitions and be attached to rougher surfaces, like park benches.

We also like the 4-foot, tri-tube design, which makes it easy to switch resistance between sets: Simply snap bands in or out to adjust the difficulty level. ($50, ihpfit.com)

What If 120,000 People Didn't Have to Get Cancer?

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com

Caring.com

Would you change your lifestyle if you could slash your risk of getting cancer by a third or even half? That's the challenge posed by a huge new report just released in late February by The American Institute for Cancer Research that pulls together and analyzes the most comprehensive data on cancer prevention yet.

Okay, I admit it, you're not going to like some of this advice, and neither are your family members. I know I don't. Give up salami, one of my favorite lunch options? Yikes. And alcohol? As native Californians who grew up going wine tasting in the Napa Valley whenever possible, my siblings would be really sad if family dinners were no longer accompanied by a bottle of good zinfandel or pinot. And what's a burrito without a cold beer and lime to go with it?

But this evidence is so compelling that I think all of us in Cancer World are going to have to look twice at some of our lifestyle choices and may feel newly motivated to make changes, or nag at our loved ones to do so. Imagine, by following these guidelines, we could prevent:

More than 45 percent of colon cancer cases
(Translation: 49,000 people would not get colon cancer)

38 percent of breast cancer cases
(Translation: 70,000 people would not get breast cancer)

One third of all the most common cancers

This report is a big deal because the experts who compiled it looked at every major study and based their recommendations on hard evidence of what really works to reduce cancer risk. "This is the practical application of five years of work sorting through what the science really says," said panel member Steve Zeisel, M.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

7 ways to slash your risk of getting cancer:

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. As well as helping prevent weight gain, research shows that activity itself helps prevent cancer by keeping hormone levels healthy, which is important because having high levels of some hormones can increase cancer risk.

Lower your weight to the lower end of the body-mass index for your height. Even more important, banish belly fat, which acts like a ‘hormone pump’ releasing estrogen into the bloodstream as well as raising levels of other hormones. This is strongly linked to colon cancer and probably to cancers of the pancreas and endometrium (lining of the uterus), as well as breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Avoid sugary drinks and high-calorie foods. Cutting out foods made from white flour and sugar, such as candy, pastries, and other baked goods that aren't whole grain, is one of the fastest ways to lose weight, and is also healthier for blood sugar balance.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. This one's been pretty thoroughly covered in a previous post on anti-cancer foods.

Eat less red meat and little or no processed meat. Experts say there's no longer any doubt that eating beef, pork, and other red meats raises the risk of colorectal cancer. Red meat contains heme iron and other substances that damage the colon lining, making way for tumor growth. Processed meat is even worse. When meat is preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives, cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) are formed that damage cells in the body, leading to cancer. While studies show we can eat up to 18 ounces a week of red meat without raising cancer risk, research shows that cancer risk starts to increase with any portion of processed meat.

Limit alcohol to two drinks a day for men, 1 for women—but none is best of all.

Unfortunately for all those of us who like a drink now and then, there's convincing evidence that alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and colon. This one got hit with a double-whammy of evidence this week; the National Cancer Institute also reported the results of a huge study detailing the risks of alcohol for women. Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, cancer blogger for the American Cancer Society, spelled it out in black and white: "there is no level of alcohol consumption that could be called safe." Scientists are still researching how alcohol causes cancer. One theory is that alcohol can directly damage DNA, increasing our risk of cancer. Research shows that alcohol is particularly harmful when combined with smoking.

Limit salt intake. Salt and salt-preserved foods are linked to stomach and other digestive cancers; limit salt to 2,400 milligrams to be safe.

One last thing; this report did not even address smoking, because experts consider that such a no-brainer at this point. Smokers increase their chances of getting almost all kinds of cancer every time they light up. So the only recommendation is, don't.

Bikini Yoga: Boost-the-Burn Cardio

By the Editors of Prevention

Prevention

All the toning in the world isn't going to deliver the results you want if your body is bathed in flab. On your quest to look better at the beach—and have a healthier body, stress-free mind, and soaring spirit—a bit of heart-thumping activity is a good thing. Not only does a cardio session burn major calories during and after the exercise, but getting your blood pumping produces feel-good hormones and can wipe away a bad mood. So if you've just returned from that first outing to the try-on rooms to look at new bathing suits and you're in a funk, try this yoga session. Then keep at it and you'll be rewarded with a brighter outlook and leaner body.

Lunge Jumps

What it does for me: Gets my heart rate up while toning my legs, arms, and abs.

Why do it: Two words—it works!

Lunge jumps are my favorite for getting the heart rate up. Come into a Low Lunge with your fingertips on the ground.

Spring upward, switch your feet in the air, and come back in a Lunge on the opposite side. Repeat until you've done 10 to 20 on each side. Try to do them without making a sound is the trick! Thumping around is just going to be hard on your legs. Use your focus and control to jump lightly like a cat!

Plank Pose

What it does for me: Holding Plank pose for longer than usual builds strength and endurance and is good for the ticker!

Why do it: You'll get addicted to it and have fun holding Plank Pose competitions soon!

Hold Plank Pose for 10 breaths. Keep your tummy lifted and reach through your heels for extra inspiration.

Take a quick break and repeat. Keep your breathing steady.

Sun Salutes

What it does for me: Sun Salutes feel really amazing and work the whole body at the same time.

Why do it: Because you know how, and it's good for you!

Try flowing through 10 Sun Salutation variations breathing deeply. Stand with your feet together, and reach up with your arms. Fold forward into a Standing Forward Bend. Jump or step back into Downward Facing Dog. Come into Warrior 1, and then push back into Downward Dog. Jump forward into the Standing Forward Bend. Reach up and rest your hands in prayer. Repeat until you've completed 10, alternating sides.

Try to match one breath for each movement. If that's too fast for you, stay in each pose until you can get a hold of your breath. The goal is to keep moving and train your breath so you don't get that heavy panting that we see in gyms. You will be working really hard but not have to show it through heavy rapid breathing. Good stuff!

Chair Pose

What it does for me: Holding chair pose really gets into the hips and challenges my brain to focus on anything besides the difficulty factor!

Why do it: You'll be happy when it's over!

Stand in Mountain pose, with your arms at your sides. Bend your knees deeply. Squeeze your inner thighs together and straighten your arms, lifting them above your head and stretching your fingertips toward the sky. Hold for 10 breaths. Then stand straight up for five breaths. Repeat five times.

Now grab your iPod and head to the beach to relax. You look great, and you've earned a rest!