NurseKeith's Corner

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) has shown that many fragranced products marketed to teenagers contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that are not revealed on their labels. Due to a loophole in federal law, companies can claim these chemicals as "trade secrets" and hide their presence from the public.

Chemicals in fragrances and fragranced products are absorbed through the skin and inhaled into the lungs, entering adolescents' bloodstreams quickly and easily. Some of these chemicals have not been tested for safety and are known to cause allergic reactions, cause damage to sperm, and disrupt hormone and thyroid function.

Some of the products tested and found to include these untested and potentially dangerous chemicals include fragrances by Halle Berry, Quicksilver and Jennifer Lopez.

A recent study by the Presidents Cancer Panel also reveals that Americans are exposed to numerous hidden toxic chemicals on a daily basis, with warnings that couples planning to have children should look closely at the products that they use before becoming pregnant.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and other "environmental illnesses" are receiving more and more attention as the hidden chemicals in our environment, food, water and consumer products are revealed. With the risk of cancer and other illnesses linked to these chemicals, consumers should be aware that what they eat, breathe, and put on their bodies has a direct correlation to health, longevity, and the risk of developing various illnesses and conditions.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is an often misunderstood neurological condition that affects countless individuals. Often described as cramping, an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, or the feeling of creeping, crawling, itching, gnawing, or other maddening sensations, RLS can have an enormously deleterious impact on the amount and quality of sleep.

Symptoms generally occur at night when the individual with RLS is at rest, but they can also occur during the day. Although symptoms can often be relieved partially or completely by movement, this can indeed make sleep often impossible.

Many people who suffer from RLS are often diagnosed with Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS) or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). These conditions can often be diagnosed by patient descriptions, but an overnight sleep study is generally the best way for a sleep specialist to obtain a complete picture of the patient's condition and its severity.

RLS can be treated with antispasmodic medications that are often prescribed for illnesses like Parkinsons Disease, as well as opioids, magnesium, massage, acupuncture, and electrical muscle stimulation.

If you or someone you know has symptoms similar to those described above, seek diagnosis and treatment from a medical doctor who specializes in sleep disorders. You may also benefit from seeing an herbalist, acupuncturist, naturopath or other provider of complimentary medicine.

Sleep disorders and poor quality of sleep can have a very negative impact on quality of life, so seeking medical attention for such symptoms is very important indeed.

When it comes to the staff of life, whole grain breads are astronomically more nutritionally sound than your average commercial white bread.

When wheat and other grains are harvested, the grain contains the germ, the endosperm and the bran, and if the wholeness of the grain remains intact, the nutritional value of that grain is very high.

However, many grains are highly processed and stripped of the bran and the germ, leaving only the endosperm intact. The grain is then processed even more through bleaching and other refining processes that add back some of the nutrients that were stripped away in the refinement process, but the amount of nutrients added back does not match the nutritional value of the original whole grain.

Some breads sold as "whole grain" are simply made to look brown by the addition of molasses or coloring, a practice that pulls the wool over the eyes of many consumers.

When shopping, look for unprocessed whole grain bread with no molasses, coloring or additives listed. Sprouted whole grain breads are complete grains wherein the grains are actually sprouted before the bread is made, making this form of bread an actual "living food". Sprouted grains have the highest nutritional value and many consumers find them quite tasty and filling. These breads can now be found in many mainstream grocery stores.

The consumption of whole grains has been found to lead to lower blood sugar levels, decreased risk of heart disease, as well as decreased risk of obesity. Whole grains are nutritionally superior to processed grains, and are recommended as a nutritious part of the daily dietary intake of all Americans by the Surgeon General.

Staying fit and trim has as much to do with your level of activity as it does with your diet. The months of May is actually National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and as the weather becomes nicer in most parts of the country, it's a good reminder to get outside, move your body, and make exercise a part of your daily practice.

In many workplaces, people are able to stay at their desks, reach behind them for the printer or a filing cabinet, and generally remain sedentary throughout the day. While this may seem to enhance productivity, in the long run this lack of movement can actually contribute to fatigue and burnout. If you work in an office, try printing your documents at the printer most distant from your desk, and if you don't have the need to get up from your desk, make excuses to get up and walk around every hour or so. If you're able, take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can.

Children are naturally active, but our culture has created many more opportunities for them to remain sedentary and avoid physical activity and movement. Children need adults to lead the way, so use National Physical Fitness Month to encourage the whole family to go for an evening walk, swim in the local community pool, play a game in the back yard, or simply go to the park and run around together or play a game of catch.

Keeping your activity level up can raise your metabolism, and help you to burn fat and build muscle. Throughout the day, remember to find small ways to take extra steps, walk an extra block, stretch your muscles, and otherwise urge yourself to move your body. Burning calories and fat isn't easy, but the less sedentary you are, the more chance your body has to regulate itself, build muscle and increase your level of fitness.

May is indeed Physical Fitness Month, but if you get into the habit now, every month of the year can be devoted to your health and fitness. So what are you waiting for? Get moving!