Monday, 2 March 2015

Toxic Chemicals That Can Clog Your Arteries

Cardiologist Joel K. Kahn, MD, advises people to avoid exposure to these heart-harming toxins in his book The Whole Heart Solution.



canned goods


1. In canned goods and plastics, watch for: Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Sometimes called an endocrine disruptor because it interferes with the function of healthy hormones, BPA can mimic the effects of estrogen, increasing your risk of prostate and breast cancer and obesity. It may set the stage for heart disease too. One study linked high blood levels of BPA with an increased risk of dangerous types of plaque that are likely to rupture and cause sudden and often fatal heart attacks. When researchers from a number of different institutions looked at the levels of BPA in the urine of nearly 1,600 Brits and followed their health outcomes for 10 years, they found that people who developed heart disease were more likely to have elevated levels of BPA in their urine.

Solution: Buy canned food and water bottles marked BPA-free. Don’t touch sales receipts printed on thermal paper.

lotion

2. In toiletries, watch for: Phthalates

These chemicals are another type of endocrine disruptor linked to lower sperm counts, birth defects, obesity, and diabetes. One study linked high blood levels of a certain type of phthalate metabolite to an increased risk of hardened, clogged arteries. Recently, high blood pressure in children has been linked to phthalate exposures. More than 50 medical papers link phthalates to cardiovascular issues.

Solution: Avoid scented lotions and other personal care items.
nonstick pan

3. In non-stick pans, watch for: Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)

These chemicals, also found in water-resistant coating on clothes and furniture can affect thyroid function, sperm quality, and kidney health—as well as heart disease. 
In a recent Danish study of 500 children found that overweight children who had higher levels of certain PFCs in their blood were more likely to develop risk factors linked to heart disease and diabetes, including higher levels of insulin and triglycerides (the findings weren’t different for normal-weight children). 

Solution: Avoid treated products.
furniture

4. In clothing, furniture, and carpet, watch for: Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

New furniture, carpeting, and mattresses are
 created with dozens of different chemicals. Think about the smell of new carpeting or of a new mattress. It comes from chemical fumes that are escaping. One such type of chemical is PBDE, which mimics thyroid hormones and can lead to lower IQ.

A few years ago, a team of Danish and Swedish scientists measured certain markers of health in 21 healthy, elderly couples while the couples performed their normal routines at home. Then for two more days, the researchers measured the same health markers but filtered the air inside the homes. The air filters removed up to 9,000 particles per cubic centimeter from the air in each home, resulting in a near immediate 8 percent improvement in the function of small blood vessels. This could be enough to lower blood pressure, reduce angina pain, or improve blood flow. 

Solution: Use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner and buy organic cotton clothing, furniture, mattresses, and other products when you can.

dry cleaning


5. In dry cleaning, watch for: Perchlorate

Great at removing stains, perc also protects clothes against shrinking, evaporates quickly, and can be reused over and over again, making it very cost effective. That’s why as many as 85 percent of dry cleaners use it as their primary solvent. But it comes at a price. Exposure to this chemical results in dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and nausea. It has been shown to cause cancer in rats and mice and is rated “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The relationship to heart disease is not yet certain, but the toxic effect of perc on important enzyme systems including the liver is concerning.

Solution: Take the plastic off your dry cleaning and air it out for a few days before you wear it. And drink filtered water.


Sunday, 1 March 2015

Most Needed Jobs in the Future

Find your perfect job match.







According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, every major occupational group, with the exception of farming and fishing occupations, are expected to gain jobs in the next 10 years. That being said, the possibilities are endless when it comes to picking your future career. Whatever your personality or interests, you can find your niche in one of the many growing markets today.


1. For the Caregiver: Physician Assistant or Registered Nurse
Physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of doctors and surgeons. Becoming a physician assistant requires a master’s degree in nursing. The median pay is $90,930 per year. RNs coordinate with doctors and provide care and emotional support for patients. To become a nurse you need a diploma from a nursing program, a B.S. in nursing or A.A. in nursing. As of 2014 the median pay is $65,470. Similar jobs to PAs and RNs include audiologists, EMTs, paramedics, dental hygienists, and midwives.
2. For the Gym-Addict: Physical Therapist
Physical therapists provide help to improve the mobility of injured or ill people. They are important to the physical rehabilitation of patients with chronic injuries and help with pain management to people who have experienced physical trauma. Physical therapists also work with injury prevention and education. To be a physical therapist you must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree and have a license to practice. The median salary is $79,860 per year as of 2014. Jobs similar to this include audiologists, chiropractors, physical therapist assistants, and speech language pathologists.
3. For the Outdoorsy Type: Brickmason
Brickmasons use natural and man-made stones to build fences, walkways, and structures. Though some hold higher degrees, most masons primarily learn through apprenticeship or on the job training. In 2014 the median salary is $44,950 per year. Similar occupations include construction work, carpentry, terrazzo work, and marble setting.
4. For the Curious Mind: Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help injured or ill patients recover and improve the skills they need for living by therapeutically working through everyday tasks. Becoming an occupational therapist typically requires a master’s degree in occupational therapy, though in some cases a B.A. in psychology may be accepted. All occupational therapists are required to be licensed or registered. The median pay as of 2014 is $75,400 annually. Similar jobs include physical therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and exercise psychologists.
5. For the Math Minded: Personal Financial Advisor
Personal Financial Advisors give financial advice to their clients. They help with taxes, investments, insurance, and monetary decisions. To be a financial planner you need a bachelor’s degree, but higher degrees and certificates help increase chance of employment and increase in client base. The median salary in 2014 is $67,520 per year. Similar careers include budget analysts, financial analysts, financial managers, and insurance agents.
6. For the Computer Lover: Software Developer
With the growing emphasis on computer technology, app development, and data communications, cyber buffs are in full demand. Software developers generally have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an in depth knowledge of computer programming tools and language. The median pay as of 2014 is $93,350 per year. Similar jobs include computer and information research scientists, computer hardware engineers, computer programmers, computer application engineers, and computer systems analysts.
7. For the Organized Mind: Management Analyst
Management Analysts brainstorm and plan ways to improve a company’s efficiency. They make recommendations on how to make organizations most profitable and are oftentimes responsible for budget and revenue goals. Most management analysts usually have a bachelor’s degree, but this is not required. The median salary is $78,600 per year as of 2014. Similar occupations include accountants, auditors, budget analysts, administrative services managers, market research analysts, and business executives.
8. For the Bookworm: Teacher
Teachers are responsible for the education of students within their field. There are tons of different types of teachers, but the ones with the highest projected growth are preschool teachers and college instructors. Education requirements for a preschool teacher vary by school and state, ranging from high school diploma to a college degree. Their median salary in 2014 is $27,130 per year. College instructors require more formal education and often require a master’s degree. Their median salary in 2014 is $68,970 per year. Similar jobs include high school teachers, anthropologists, special education teachers, historians, and economists.
9. For the English Majors: Technical Writer
Technical writers prepare journal articles, instruction manuals, and supporting documents essential to the communication of complex information. They are responsible for researching and developing technical information for customers, designers, and manufacturers. Technical writers generally have a college degree, but knowledge and experience with the technical subject is more important. The median wage is $65,500. Similar careers include editors, interpreters, public relations specialists, and fundraising managers.
10. For the Biology Major: Medical Scientist

Medical scientists aim to improve overall health by conducting research, clinical trials, and investigative methods. Medical scientists almost always require a Ph.D. in biology or life science. The median pay is $76,980 per year. Similar jobs include agricultural and food scientists, biochemists, epidemiologists, and healthy educators.