Health Alternatives - Holistic Authority for Alternative Medicine Health Alerts

We fret about airport scanners, power lines, cell phones and even microwaves. It's true that we get too much radiation. But it's not from those sources — it's from too many medical tests.

Americans get the most medical radiation in the world, even more than folks in other rich countries. The U.S. accounts for half of the most advanced procedures that use radiation, and the average American's dose has grown sixfold over the last couple of decades.

Too much radiation raises the risk of cancer. That risk is growing because people in everyday situations are getting imaging tests far too often. Like the New Hampshire teen who was about to get a CT scan to check for kidney stones until a radiologist, Dr. Steven Birnbaum, discovered he'd already had 14 of these powerful X-rays for previous episodes. Adding up the total dose, "I was horrified" at the cancer risk it posed, Birnbaum said.

After his own daughter, Molly, was given too many scans following a car accident, Birnbaum took action: He asked the two hospitals where he works to watch for any patients who had had 10 or more CT scans, or patients under 40 who had had five — clearly dangerous amounts. They found 50 people over a three-year period, including a young woman with 31 abdominal scans.

When other radiologists tell him they've never found such a case, Birnbaum replies: "That tells me you haven't looked."

Of the many ways Americans are overtested and overtreated, imaging is one of the most common and insidious. CT scans — "super X-rays" that give fast, extremely detailed images — have soared in use over the last decade, often replacing tests that don't require radiation, such as ultrasound and MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Radiation is a hidden danger — you don't feel it when you get it, and any damage usually doesn't show up for years. Taken individually, tests that use radiation pose little risk. Over time, though, the dose accumulates.

Doctors don't keep track of radiation given their patients — they order a test, not a dose. Except for mammograms, there are no federal rules on radiation dose. Children and young women, who are most vulnerable to radiation harm, sometimes get too much at busy imaging centers that don't adjust doses for each patient's size.

That may soon change. In interviews with The Associated Press, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials described steps in the works, including possibly requiring device makers to print the radiation dose on each X-ray or other image so patients and doctors can see how much was given.

The FDA also is pushing industry and doctors to set standard doses for common tests such as CT scans.

"We are considering requirements and guidelines for record-keeping of dose and other technical parameters of the imaging exam," said Sean Boyd, chief of the FDA's diagnostic devices branch.

A near-term goal: developing a "radiation medical record" to track dose from cradle to grave.

"One of the ways we could improve care is if we had a running sort of Geiger counter" that a doctor checked before ordering a test, said Dr. Prashant Kaul of Duke University.

He led an eye-opening study that found that U.S. heart attack patients get the radiation equivalent of 850 chest X-rays over the first few days they are in the hospital — much of it for repeat tests that may not have been needed.

It's hard to say. The best guess is based on the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and studies of Japanese atomic bomb survivors who had excess cancer risk after exposures of 50 to 150 millisieverts (a measure of dose) of radiation.

A chest or abdominal CT scan involves 10 to 20 millisieverts, versus 0.01 to 0.1 for an ordinary chest X-ray, less than 1 for a mammogram, and as little as 0.005 for a dental X-ray. Natural radiation from the sun and soil accounts for about 2 millisieverts a year.

A big study last year estimated that 4 million Americans get more than 20 millisieverts a year from medical imaging. Two percent of people in the study had high exposure — 20 to 50 millisieverts.

Another study by Columbia University researchers, published in 2007, estimated that in a few decades, as many as 2 percent of all cancers in the U.S. might be due to radiation from CT scans given now. Since previous studies suggest that a third of all tests are unnecessary, 20 million adults and more than 1 million children are needlessly being put at risk, they concluded.

Just because a scan didn't find anything wrong doesn't mean a test wasn't needed. Scans are useful for many diagnoses. But many studies suggest people are getting too much imaging now. For example, Mayo Clinic researchers reviewed the medical records of 251 people given heart scans in 2007 and found that only a quarter of them were clearly appropriate.

-Accuracy and ease of use. Scans have become a crutch for doctors afraid of using exams and judgment to make a diagnosis. Some think a picture tells more than it does. Imaging that shows arthritis in a knee or back problems doesn't reveal how to make it better, said Dr. Richard Baron, a primary care doctor in Philadelphia.

"Physical therapy for an orthopedic injury is always the first choice," yet doctors rush to order tests, he said. "The question you should be asking when you do sophisticated imaging is, 'Is there something I can fix with an operation?'"

-Malpractice fear. A missed heart attack or a burst appendix could be devastating for a patient — and mean a lawsuit.

"I have great sympathy for the ER physicians because of the responsibility placed in their hands with strangers that come in off the street," said Louis Wagner, chief physicist at the University of Texas in Houston. "They have to make a decision that could mean life or death for a patient, and the fastest way to find out is CT."

-Patient pressure. People urge doctors to "do something" to figure out what's wrong, and "often, doctors feel that the way to demonstrate that they're doing something is to order tests," said Dr. Christopher Cassady, a radiologist at Texas Childrens Hospital and the American Academy of Pediatrics' expert on this topic.

At his hospital, doctors first do an ultrasound on suspected appendicitis cases instead of rushing into a CT scan. Ultrasounds require no radiation.

-Health care chaos. One doctor may not know that another has ordered the same test. If a patient is referred to a specialist, "it's often easier for him to order another study than to figure out how to get the one that was done somewhere else," Baron said.

-Insurance issues. X-rays often are required by insurers to prove health, or for students to study abroad.

-Availability. Rural hospitals may not have an ultrasound technologist on duty in the wee hours, but imaging machines are always there.

-Treatment choice. A quick fix for chest pain — artery-opening angioplasty — requires far more imaging and radiation than bypass surgery does. The same is true of "virtual colonoscopy" instead of the standard version.

Which tests are overused? A scientific group, the International Commission on Radiological Protection, cites routine chest X-rays when people are admitted to a hospital or before surgery; imaging tests on car crash victims who don't show signs of head or abdominal injuries; and low-back X-rays in older people with degenerative, but stable, spine conditions.

Even when tests are justified, they often include more views than needed and too much radiation. Top offender: chest CT scans looking for clogged arteries and heart problems. Cardiologists are increasingly aware of this risk and are seeking solutions.

At Columbia University, a study on dummies by Dr. Andrew Jeffrey Einstein found two dose-modifying techniques could lower the needed radiation dose by 90 percent without harming image quality.

Another cardiologist and radiation safety expert, Dr. Gilbert Raff, showed the same in real life. A study he led of nearly 5,000 patients at 15 imaging centers in Michigan found that radiation dose could be cut by two-thirds with no loss of quality.

"You should question everything — what's the dose, why am I getting it? You should be an informed consumer," said Dr. Fred Mettler, radiology chief in the New Mexico Veterans Administration health care system. He led a study of health effects after the Chernobyl accident and is a U.S. representative to the United Nations on radiation safety.

He advised challenging "big ticket" tests like CT scans that deliver a lot of radiation to the chest and abdomen — places where cancer is likely to develop. "You shouldn't get too excited about feet and knee X-rays," Mettler said.

-Will the dose be adjusted for my gender, age and size? Will lead shields be used to keep radiation away from places it can do harm?

"You should have all of your stuff digitally on something," he said. "I keep mine on my laptop."

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With the looming threat of a nuclear power plant meltdown and radiation release in Japan I felt it would be beneficial to share some preventative measures with our readers.

Everyone should have a supply of Iodine supplements at home. This would be in the form of Potassium Iodide, either in liquid or tablet form. The suggested dosage to prevent thyroid problems and other issues related to radioactive poisoning would be to follow the recommended dosages according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The following doses of potassium iodide should be taken as a single dose within three hours of exposure, or up to 10 hours after exposure, although this is less effective.

Adults: 130 mg Adolescents: 12-18: WHO – adult dose; CDC – children's dose; if adult size (150 pounds or over) they should take the full adult dose, regardless of their age.Children: 3-12 years: 65 mgInfants: 1 month to 3 years: 32. 25 mg (ie half tablet)Newborns to 1 month: 1/4 capsuleNote: Dosages may be crushed and taken mixed with milk or water. For kids, chocolate milk or raspberry syrup disguise the unpleasant taste.

PrecautionsWhile potassium iodide can be taken by a majority of people without any problems, it should only be used in case of a nuclear emergency. Doses in excess of the single (one time only) daily dose listed above should be taken only upon recommendation by a physician or public health authority. Patients should ask their doctor if taking quinidine, captopril, or enalopril, amiodarone, or if they are sensitive to iodine, or suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis, thyrotoxicosis or kidney problems before taking potassium iodate (or any thyroid blocker).

ProphylaxisIt is best to take iodide prophylactically, prior to exposure. Every family should have a good supply in their homes. At this time we may recommend taking 10-40mg per day. A dose of 30-50mg is the range of dietary intake in Japan and relatively safe to take long term but under practitioner monitoring. Build up gradually: 10mg – 20mg – 30mg – 40mg.

Then, in case there is an official announcement of significantly increased radiation, adults should go to the dose mentioned above: 130mg/day and children to lower doses per body weight, generally 65 mg, age 3-12 years. You can use a loading dose of two drops daily of Lugol's Solution, a commonly available pharmaceutical form of potassium iodide, or SSKI, and increase to 130 mg if needed. See the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Adults over 40 should not take Potassium Iodide unless public health officials say that contamination with a very large dose of radioactive iodine is expected. This population group also have a greater chance of having allergic reactions to Potassium Iodide. Everyone should check with their doctor, in any case.

We should all be checking the unfolding of events in Japan with great interest. This is a very sad chapter in human history that everyone needs to be wary of. Being safe is paramount to being sorry. Take care of yourself and your family and be sure to have the necessary supplements on hand if there should be a national emergency.

USEFUL HEALTH FACTS

During this economic crisis, throwing out food which has not yet spoiled can be a wasteful and cost prohibitive action. Prevention Magazine editor Rebekah George offers tips on cutting down on waste.

* Prevention magazine's Rebekah George and substitute co-anchor Jeff Glor on The Early Show Saturday Edition.

Prevention magazine's Rebekah George and substitute co-anchor Jeff Glor on The Early Show Saturday Edition. (CBS)

(CBS) On average, a family of four throws out more than 120 pounds of food each month.

On The Early Show Saturday Edition, Rebekah George, an editor at Prevention magazine, offered tips on when you really have to toss that food.

They always leave room for error, because people won't always abide by the sell-by date.

Yes, it can, if you keep in mind that your fridge has to remain at 40-degrees Fahrenheit, or below, at all times. Make the milk the last thing you pick up before you hit the store's checkout, to minimize the time it's left un-refrigerated, which can exacerbate the spoilage; then, store it at the very back of the shelf, where the air tends to be colder.

You have to refrigerate them to rule out any safety concerns. Be sure to store them in their original container on a refrigerator shelf, rather than on the door, where the eggs will be more vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature because it's constantly opened and closed.

They can last a little longer because they contain less moisture than soft cheeses. If you wrap the cheese in moisture-proof plastic or foil, it will last longer. If the outside forms a visible mold, just trim the mold and a 1/2 inch area of the cheese below it.

Yogurt will last 10 days to two weeks beyond the sell-by date, if it's stored at around 39 degrees Fahrenheit, which is right at the appropriate temperature for your fridge. And don't worry if it separates; just stir it up and dig in. The separation is called whey, and that's a good sign, because it shows that the beneficial cultures are alive and working. But toss if it has any visible mold or a bad odor.

Yes, if it's sealed. But be sure to store it in the meat compartment, which is specially designed to keep the cool air in, and it will keep your meat fresher. Packaged meat doesn't start to deteriorate until it's opened. Just eyeball it before you consume it. if it has a yucky, green, slimy film, get rid of it!

IF YOU KEEP SOMETHING IN THE FREEZER, WILL IT STAY EDIBLE FOREVER, OR IS THAT JUST A MYTH?

Not forever, but for a pretty long time, if your freezer is set at zero degrees. But for every five degree increase in temperature, cut the storage time in half. And though foods will stay edible, the texture and flavor will diminish with time. And freezing doesn't kill the bacteria, so remember to cook it thoroughly, and follow the fridge rules when you take out.

Raw poultry and pork, and beef in the form of steaks and roasts, will last up to 12 months. Ground beef will only be good for about three to four months. Cooked meat will last about three to four months, as well.

But it doesn't mean they'll last forever, and a lot depends on whether they're open or not. For example, oils will last unopened for about six months; opened, for half that time. Ground herbs and spices will last for six months; whole spices, for two years.

They'll last for about a year in the closet, then you should think about tossing it.

MRSA - STILL A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM

WHAT IS THE ACID CONTENT OF SODA? (page 1)

As an example, if you enjoy orange soda, why not take half a glass of orange juice and add half a glass of club soda. You can do that with any juice you favor and have a wonderful (and much healthier) refreshment.

OVER SUPPLEMENTATION

Our readers should be aware that it is possible to get too much of a good thing. As much as we advise vitamin-mineral supplementation, the FDA encourages manufacturers to fortify their food products with added vitamins and minerals (mostly synthetic) because these nutrients are usually stripped away during the processing of their products. It is imperative that the consumer note the amounts that are added to cereals and other food products they normally eat before deciding as to which daily vitamin/mineral supplement to choose. We advise eating unfortified cereals that are organically grown and minimally processed.

Although these nutrients are extremely important to normal metabolic function, they need to be supplied in the proper amounts. The RDA is a good guide to follow for minimum supplementation amounts. Specific health problems may require higher amounts of RDA values. Consult a holistic practitioner or nutritionist for the amounts that are right for you.

SODA ALERT (page 2)

Recent research has shown that soda (regular or diet) can increase the incidence of metabolic syndrome by as much as 50%, which doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke and quintuples the risk of diabetes. A 2005 study from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center showed that the risk of obesity increases by 41% per can of diet soda consumed per day. The increased sugar levels (in regular soft drinks) create an insulin spike that make the body store fat. Diet drinks screw up the appetite control mechanism and cause you to eat more food to find the missing calories (replaced by the artificial sweeteners).

Whatever beverage you choose to consume, always look at the calories and sugar content. One can of soda can have as much as 27 grams of sugar, which is equal to about 7 teaspoons. It can also take your body up to 21 days to fully metabolize that can of soda. Gives you good reason to think about alternative drinks that are healthier for you.

FLU VACCINATION WARNING (again!!)

The main concern about the flu shot is not the vaccine itself but the preservative thimerosal that is used in the preparation. This preservative contains mercury, which is toxic to the body. Unless your physician has the non-preserved vaccine on hand (which you must ask for) you will get a dose of mercury (25mcg) at a level far above the FDA limit (1mcg). Mercury can damage the nervous system and kidneys. It is suggested that you might be better off avoiding the flu shot and boosting your intake of antioxidants and supplements to keep your immune system at its peak.

Because the flu is life threating to certain individuals, the following groups of people should get the shot making sure that they get the preservative free formula:

*children ages 7-18 on longterm aspirin therapy (such as those being treated for rheumatoid arthritis)

One final word of warning: do not get the flu shot if you are allergic to eggs, since the vaccine contains egg protein.

With cold and flu season around the corner and H1N1 virus still making appearances, it is more important than ever to bolster your immune system this fall and winter. Here are some natural, simple solutions that will help protect you!

In both Asia and the Mediterranean region, chestnuts have been popular for centuries. Chestnuts differ from other nuts with their low fat content and high fiber. They have a mild, sweet taste and a crumbly consistency. An excellent source of potassium, folate, vitamins B6 and C, chestnuts strengthen the kidney-adrenal system and bolster the immune system to fight off the flu and combat infections. This flu season, introduce more chestnuts into your cooking: they are good roasted in the oven, cooked with chicken, lamb, beef, or pork, or in any dish with beans and legumes.

Your thymus is a fist-size gland located behind your sternum in the center of your chest. It plays a critical role in the functioning of the lymphatic and immune systems. It develops over time, reaching peak size when you are in your early 30s, then begins to physically diminish until it shrinks to the size of a pea around age 70. You experience the gland's waning as waning energy in your body.

To support thymus health, the Chinese use astragalus root. Studies show astralagus is an adaptogen, which means it corrects both high and low metabolic imbalances, acts on invaders wherever they attack the body, and promotes overall vitality. The usual dosage is 100 to 150 mg per day in capsules or you can drink astragalus tincture or tea.

Another way to stimulate your thymus is to use acupressure. With your index and middle finger, gently tap against the sternum (midway between the nipples) 50 times, in the morning and evening.

• Ligustrum has undergone much research recently, which has revealed this herb's immune boosting functions. Its actions include increasing white blood cell production, phagocytosis, and T-lymphocyte help cell activities.

• Cherokee Rose is traditionally used to protect the body from external pathogens with its astringent properties. It is also one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C.

• Honeysuckle is a natural anti-microbial herb that has been used for centuries to increase resistance and fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

You can find these herbs in health food stores, online, and at the offices of acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists.

Or look into a formula that combines all of these herbs in one immune-boosting herbal formula, called "Perpetual Shield."

Royal jelly has long been regarded in Asia as a longevity tonic that enhances energy, virility, and immunity. Rich in vitamins and collagen, royal jelly is used to feed queen bees. An antibacterial protein in the substance, dubbed royalisin, is effective against certain bacteria, including streptococcus and staphylococcus.

Bee propolis is rich in flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains terpenoids that possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoan agents. Not unlike some prescription antibiotics, propolis prevents bacterial cell division and breaks down the invading organism's cell walls and cytoplasm.

Find royal jelly and bee propolis in enriched honey or in supplement form from herb shops and health food stores.

Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that improves immune function and promotes mucous membrane health. In fact, a 1997 study conducted by the Institute of Food Research in the United Kingdom suggested that dietary intake of beta-carotene can enhance cell-mediated immune responses. How to get these beta-benefits this flu season? Eat more orange-colored vegetables, including carrots, winter squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and yams. Additionally, these are all an excellent source of Vitamin C, a famous immune support.

Cook up a broth of shiitake mushrooms, any kind of seaweed, cabbage, any type of squash, carrots, fresh ginger, oregano, and onion in chicken or vegetable stock. Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, sterols, and coumarin, as well as vitamins and minerals that increase your immune function. Seaweed cleanses the body, cabbage has ability to increase your body's ability to fight infection, ginger supports healthy digestion, and the remaining ingredients promote general health and well-being.Eat this soup every other day to build a strong and healthy immune system.

Encourage your body to fight flu and other infections by giving it the care it needs.

• Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night. Studies show that your immune system function drops by an average of 60% after just three nights of poor sleep.

• Dry body brushing daily can activate lymph circulation that is important to clear out toxic debris and stimulate immunity.

• If you feel your immune system has already been compromised and illness is on the way, consider this Cold & Flu elixir, which supports recovery as it boosts your immune system.

I hope you find the ways to build your immunity for a winter free from cold and flu! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

PAIN RELIEVER ALERT

BISPHENOL-A (BPA)

Water and sports bottles are available without BPA. Please read the labels or choose stainless steel water bottles.

STAY AWAY FROM THE BAD FATS !!

Now there is a new kid on the block that the chemical companies have come up with. It is "interesterified vegetable oil". This oil is just as bad for you as the other kind of trans fat.

The word of warning is to STAY AWAY from any of these fats. They will cause harm to your body. READ your labels carefully. The industry hides these ingredients within its nutrition facts labels. These fats are mostly found in fast food restaurants and baked goods. THEY SHOULD BE AVOIDED !!

Much better for your health would be Benecol or Smart Balance Buttery Spreads. These are available in most supermarkets.

All information presented on Health Alternatives Online is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated any of the statements made on this website, therefore, the information presented is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Only your personal health care professional can assess your health concerns and should be consulted before beginning any alternative method of treatment.

HEALTH ALERTS

Your Biggest Radiation Threat and Being Prepared for Disaster