Health News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conditionally approved a female condom. The new method of contraception also provides women with protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as AIDS.

The new female condom, or vaginal pouch, with the trade name Reality, is manufactured by Wisconsin Pharmacal, of Jackson, Wisconsin, and may be on the market in the near future. It will, for the first time, allow a woman to choose a contraception method she can insert herself. And, similar to the male condom, the female condom will not allow the transfer of fluids during intercourse.

The new female condom is prelubricated and about the same length as a male condom, but wider. It has two rings— an inner ring which is inserted into the vagina in much the same way as a diaphragm fits over the cervix and behind the pubic bone, and an outer ring which stays outside the vagina. The outer ring covers the labia and prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

Studies conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest several advantages to the female condom including the fact that it is thinner than male condoms, permitting more sensitivity; it is more difficult for viruses or bacteria to penetrate because it is stronger than male latex condoms; it can be removed immediately following intercourse; and it does not require either sizing or a prescription.

In the early fall of 1991 an FDA advisory panel gave their conditional approval to Reality and Wisconsin Pharmacal is conducting more studies for the panel. The panel will also make recommendations about the entry of the female condom into the public market. However, the FDA advisory panel can do nothing more than make recommendations— executives of the FDA will be making the final decision on whether or not the new female condom, Reality, is approved for use by the general public.

Women: Barrier Methods Of Contraception Can Lower Your Sexual

Disease Risk

A University of North Carolina study indicates that barrier methods of contraception, controlled by women, may work better than the male condom to prevent some sexually transmitted diseases. The findings revealed that those women who used diaphragms and contraceptive sponges were less likely to get gonorrhea trichomoniasis (a vaginal infection) and chlamydia, which is the most common sexually transmitted disease, than women who used no contraception, who were sterilized, or whose partners used condoms.

*175\27\8*

Many recent medical studies have shown strong links between certain environmental and diet factors, and an increased risk of getting cancer. Being aware of these possible cancer causing factors can help you avoid them. These could result in a lower cancer risk for you.

Last year colon cancer killed over 60,000 Americans, making it the second deadliest form of cancer. A recent study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (82,11:915) identifies two possible causes of colon cancer. These are (1) high saturated fat diets and (2) a low exercise lifestyle.

A Nutrition and Cancer study (13,4:271) indicates that a diet that is high in vegetable fiber may help to protect against colon and rectal cancer.

Numerous studies have shown a strong link between smoking and lung cancer. The facts are very clear — people who smoke have a much greater risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers.

Recent evidence indicates that several types of cancer are mostly diet related. These include (1) Stomach, colon, and rectum cancer — 90% diet related. (2) Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Breast cancer — 50% diet related.

One recent study shows the risk of obtaining esophageal cancer for people who smoke and drink in various amounts. People who smoke and drink in moderate to heavy range have increased risks of 35 to 150 times greater than other people. This study shows that people who smoke and drink heavily are at enormously increased risk °f getting esophageal cancer. Other studies have shown that smokers and drinkers also have increased risks of obtaining other types of cancers.

Environmental exposure to chemicals can also increase cancer risks. Americans are exposed to many chemicals in their workplaces and in large cities. Some known cancer-causing substances are: Asbestos, certain amines, and chlorine containing organic compounds.

Mouthwash Warning: This Mouthwash May Increase Your Chance Of Mouth And Throat Cancer

A recent study by the National Cancer Institute indicates that some mouthwashes may contribute to mouth and throat cancer. These brands of mouthwashes contain as much as 25% alcohol. So check the label on your mouthwash!

*135\27\8*

Many people constantly underestimate the value of water to overall health. The truth is that water is of benefit to your body in many ways. It helps prevent kidney stones, protects the body against disease, regulates body temperature, and is necessary for regular bowel movements. But that’s not all— water also helps prevent urinary-tract infections by keeping the bladder well-flushed, and it’s the best “diet” drink you’ll find (see chapter 4). t

As a matter of fact, water is your body’s most vital nutrient— you can’t survive for more than about 5 days without it. Generally, doctors recommend that you drink eight 8-°unce glasses of water each day. You may need to drink even more water if you live in a hot climate, if you do heavy, physically demanding work or if you exercise regularly.

Is Tap Water Best?    

Sometimes the methods used in treating water, so that it is free from harmful

bacteria also leave chlorine and chlorinated hydrocarbons in the water. This can present a health 6a09er because of the association between chlorinated water and the rate of certain cancers- ” is also possible to have your water contaminated between the water treatment facility and vour home. You can remove the contaminants, along with the chemical residue from treatment, by using an activated charcoal filter which attaches to your water tap. One good way to avoid contamination is to drink only high-quality certified-pure spring water.

If you choose bottled over tap water, make sure what you are buying is pure. To help ease the confusion °ver the water you get from your tap, versus the water you buy, here’s a look at the most popular bottled water sources:

1) Bulk water-”"tnis is usually so’d in gallon jugs or large containers, known as carboys Some bulk water is actually processed tap water, while others come from springs and wells.

2) Spring water— this comes from underground. Pure, or “Natural” spring water has not been processed. It is also much less likely to be contaminated than ground water.

3) Mineral water— compared with tap water, mineral water contains significant, but hiqhly variable quantities of mineral. Some advertising claims are misleading in that the minerals in bottled water are no more easily absorbed than other minerals.

4) Distilled water— this is purified by evaporation. Since distilled water contains no minerals it tastes rather flat. It may also contain some of the organic chemicals you sought to avoid by buying bottled water.

5) Soda or Sparkling Water— this includes seltzer, club soda and many soft drinks that have added ingredients, such as caffeine and flavorings. Most straight soda water contains high amounts of sodium.

*95\27\8*

Recent studies show that some instances of hearing loss may be a result of a vitamin A deficiency. According to researchers, an inadequate amount of vitamin A in the diet actually leads to an increased sensitivity to sound, which in turn increases the risk of hearing loss from noise damage.

If you experience hearing problems, such as a hearing loss,, good dietary sources, of vitamin A include liver, milk and dairy products, carrots, apricots, cantaloupes, and oranges.

Eat These Little-Known Grocery Store Foods If Your Hairline Is Receding

Foods that are rich in biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, may help put a halt to a receding hairline. Studies show that a biotin deficiency can cause hair loss (as well as dry, flaky skin, and a facial rash). Many hair treatment products feature biotin as an ingredient to help produce healthy hair and prevent graying. The evidence also indicates that hair loss due to an extreme biotin deficiency is reversible with adequate biotin supplementation.

The best dietary sources of biotin include whole grain foods, nuts, organ meats vegetables, and milk. Biotin is also available in supplement form.

*55\227\8*

Since most back disorders are caused by putting the muscles of the back under too much strain, paying attention to your posture, avoiding certain awkward movements, and exercising on a regular basis, can reduce the risk of straining and injuring your back. In effect, you should learn to lift, sit, stand, and sleep in ways that protect your back, and help you avoid back pain.

Here are several tips that may help you prevent back problems:

1) Begin, and stay with, a regular exercise program that emphasizes general fitness, aerobic, conditioning and strengthening of the muscles that support the spine.

2) Always warm up before and cool down after a workout.

3) Lift with your legs, hold objects close to your body, face your work and use lifting aids if at all possible.

4) Adjust table heights to a comfortable level.

5) Use back rests and lumbar supports when sitting.

6) Stop smoking.    

The Best Chair To Sit In To Prevent Back Problems

The best chair to sit in is one that has a firm, upright back which enables you to press your lower and middle back against it, supporting the spine. The chair should also be of a size and height that will allow you to place your feet flat on the ground and to bend your knees comfortably at a right angle. Your chair should also support most of the back of your thighs.

*16\27\8*