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Healthy Highlights
E-Fact—or E-Hoax?
Health scares are floating all over the Internet. How can you
separate e-mail fact from fiction? Experts say that a hoax e-mail
usually:
- is a forwarded message
- uses lots of capital letters and exclamation points
- does not contain references or links to other sources
- contains phrases like, "This is not a hoax," or "This is not an urban legend."
If you're still unsure, verify the information against a reliable site. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/hoax_rumors.htm.
Bladder Cancer Linked to Hair Dye
Women who color their hair with permanent dye may want to choose
another kind. A study of more than 1,500 patients found that
women who regularly used permanent hair dye were twice as likely
to get bladder cancer. Hairdressers face an even greater threat.
The researchers found that haircare professionals had five times
the risk. No cancer link was found with semipermanent or temporary
dyes.
Clearing the Air on Cigars
Cigars have been strongly marketed and glamorized lately, and
it's working. More people are lighting up. But don't be misled.
Though cigar ads aren't required to include warning labels, that
doesn't mean cigars are safe. The nicotine in the smoke of one
cigar can be as high as that of a pack of cigarettes.
Studies show that smoking cigars raises the risk of cancer of
the lungs, mouth, esophagus, and larynx, as well as risk of heart
attack. Whether cigars or cigarettes, the healthiest choice for
smokers is to quit.
Do Your Restless Legs Mean No Rest
for You?
Do you have uncomfortable sensations in your legs when sitting
or sleeping? Do the feelings stop only if you keep moving your
legs? You may have restless legs syndrome (RLS). Along with medication,
many sufferers find relief with these tips:
- Apply hot or cold packs to your legs, whichever works better.
- Sleep without covers on your legs.
- Try kicking, stretching, or massaging your legs. Or get up and walk around.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Stay active. Regular, moderate exercise can reduce symptoms.
Many Flea-Control Products Unsafe
for Animals and Humans
Pet owners everywhere—and their children—may be exposed
daily to chemicals that can cause poisoning, brain damage, and
cancer. How? Through flea- and tick-control products that also
harm pets' health. Avoid shampoos, powders, sprays, and collars
that list any of these chemicals on the label: chlorpyrifos,
Diazinon, dichlorvos, malathion, naled, phosmet, tetrachlorvinphos,
carbaryl, or propoxur. Newer products that have fipronil or imidacloprid
are much safer. Pet owners also can safely control pests by:
- brushing pets regularly with a flea comb. Be sure to check carefully for fleas while doing so.
- vacuuming carpets and furniture often
- mowing often wherever pets spend their outdoor time.