Metro Source News           09/10/2007    00:55:14


Health Source
For: Monday, September 10th, 2007

>>Chinese Products The Focus Of Safety Summit

(Washington, DC) -- Getting together to discuss a series of recent recalls of Chinese made products, officials from China and the U.S. are unlikely to make a breakthrough, according to experts. The two-day consumer safety summit, which starts today, overlaps with separate talks on meat and poultry standards and food safety between the U.S Department of Agriculture and counterparts at the Chinese health and farm ministries. In the wake of toy recalls, U.S. lawmakers and critics have highlighted budgetary and staff weaknesses of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Other Chinese export scares have hit toothpaste, animal food ingredients, tires, eels, seafood and cough medicine.

>>Accuracy Of 9-11 Health Reports Is Questioned

(New York, NY) -- Much of the information concerning the health problems of Ground Zero workers after 9-11 comes from a small clinic in Manhattan whose health reports have come under question. The "New York Times" reports that some doctors say that for years after 9-11, the Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine lacked adequate resources or time to properly collect detailed medical data on workers exposed to Ground Zero dust. Researchers say the clinic's data collection was so badly planned that its usefulness may be limited. They say the missteps have resulted in heightened anxiety among New Yorkers who expected the center to answer medical questions regarding Ground Zero.

>>CDC Says U.S. Now Canine Rabies Free

(Washington, DC) -- Canine rabies has disappeared from the U.S. That's according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which calls the news a small victory against the fatal and untreatable virus. The CDC says it means that while dogs may still become infected from raccoons, skunks or bats, they won't catch dog-specific rabies from another dog.

CDC rabies expert Dr. Charles Rupprecht is quick to point out that rabies itself has not been eliminated, but the dog rabies virus has been. According to the World Health Organization rabies kills about 55-thousand people a year worldwide. The virus is easily preventable with a vaccine, but the WHO says most people don't realize they've been infected until symptoms begin to show up. Canine rabies is still common in many other countries, including most of Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, India, China and the Philippines.

Health Tip

>>The Perfect Pair Of Sunglasses

(Phoenix, AZ) -- In today's health tip -- picking the perfect pair of sunglasses. There are a few well known tips in buying sunglasses, such as UV protection and comfort being your main priority. But here are some other things to think about when finding the perfect pair of shades. Remember that the level of tint can be harmful if there isn't UV protection, as your pupils are more susceptible to damage since they are more dilated but aren't protected from UV rays. Also consider the frame type of your sunglasses. If you're in the market for shades that resist impact and penetration for safety reasons, experts say certain plastic frames can withstand much more force than metal frames. When it comes to lenses, there are also a couple different features. Polycarbonate lenses are considered to be very lightweight and impact resistant, polarized sunglasses will significantly reduce outside glare, and phototchromatic lenses with darken and lighten depending on the brightness of your environment. And remember, the price of your new shades won't necessarily determine the protection, UV blocking ability, or quality.

Did You Know?

>>Colon Cleaning May Not Be Useful

(Phoenix, AZ) -- Did you know colon cleansing may not be as useful as advertised? Colon cleansing is a relatively recent fad of flushing potential toxins and left-over waste from your digestive system. It comes in a variety of methods, such as laxatives, capsules, enemas and high-colonics. Some advocates say a colon cleansing should occur as often cut your hair -- some as often as you shower. But many experts say they may not be needed at all. Specialists claim there is no need because the colon takes care of itself. The colon is often regarded as being as resilient as your lungs and kidneys, which can rid themselves of toxins and refresh themselves when needed. They can interrupt the absorption process, robbing you of necessary nutrients and digestive enzymes. If you're considering any colon treatments, contact your doctor first to discuss any other pros and cons.

Parenting Corner

>>Are You Micromanaging Your Child?

(Phoenix, AZ) -- In today's parenting corner -- are you an overbearing parent? While the exact definition may never be agreed upon, some specialists over at WebMD.com have put together some clues that may show you are micromanaging your child too much. For starters, if you find yourself interjecting during play dates or even calling during school hours, you may want to take a step back and let your child have some time to grow away from you. While at home, try to steer clear of micromanaging your child's homework or asking for play-by-play events of how their day went. Arguing with your child's teachers or sport coaches may also be another sign of micromanaging your child. And of course, if you find yourself spying or snooping around your child's belongings, or have already picked out a college for your toddler, you may want to consider taking a step back and let them blossom a little more on their own. If you find yourself prone to any of these habits, start eliminating them by trying to kick them one by one. Your child may even thank you in their own special way.

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Todd Daugherty/dcr

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