Three Ways to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation

Is cell phone radiation dangerous? Nobody knows for sure, but it might make sense to take precautions

The debate about radiation exposure from cell phone use still doesn't have a conclusive answer, but the World Health Organization (WHO) classified cell phone radiation as a "potential carcinogen" alongside other hazards like lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. That means prolonged cell phone use can possibly increase the risk of specific types of brain cancer and tumor growth, according to WHO.

Although international research, such as the noted Interphone study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, continues to be somewhat contradictory, experts agree consumers may have reason for concern, particularly heavy users and youth.

Cellular radiation, technically referred to as low-level radio frequency, is similar to what is emitted by microwaves. While not as strong as some other sources of radiation -- i.e. x-rays -- the radiation can penetrate the brain, harm DNA and release destructive free radicals. All of those factors increase a person's chances of developing cancer, especially among children who also tend to be heavy users.

Georgetown professor and epidemiologist Devra Davis is concerned about the long-term effects of people who use cell phones for decades or more. She recommends these easy ways to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation:

1. Use speakerphone, ear buds or other headsets. The goal of these accessories is to keep the phone farther away from your head, which lessens the amount of radiation you're absorbing.

2. Use protectors designed to block radiation. Some mobile phone accessories use unique materials to block the radiation emitted by cellular frequencies. An accessory called Press Shield claims it acts as an insulating shield between your body and potentially harmful microwave radiation.

3. Avoid putting phone in pockets or close to your bed. The farther away your phone is, the better. Belt clips may not be super stylish, but they're a good way to put another barrier between you and your phone. If you must put it in your pocket, don't leave it there for long. Similarly, sleeping with your cell phone underneath or near your head exposes you to radiation as long as you remain asleep.

To learn more visit www.pressshield.com or call 800-983-7610.

Working Out Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk in White Men

African Americans do not seem to benefit, according to a study

A new study suggests that exercise may reduce Caucasian men's risk of developing prostate cancer. And among Caucasian men who do have prostate cancer, exercise may reduce their risk of having more serious forms of the disease. Unfortunately, the benefits do not seem to apply to African- American men. The study is by the American Cancer Society.

Previous research has linked exercise to a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Studies have also revealed that African-American men have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer and of dying from the disease compared with Caucasians. It is not clear if exercise as a function of race plays any role in these disparities.

To investigate, Lionel L. Bañez, MD, of the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and his colleagues asked 307 men (164 white; 143 black) undergoing a prostate biopsy to complete a survey that assessed their exercise amounts per week. The exercise categories included sedentary, mildly active, moderately active, and highly active. Among Caucasians, men who were moderately or highly active were 53% less likely to have biopsy results indicating that they had prostate cancer compared with men who were sedentary or mildly active. There was no association between exercise amount and prostate cancer among black men.

The investigators also looked to see if exercise influenced the grade of tumors that were detected in men who did develop prostate cancer. Among men with cancer, those who exercised had a 13% reduced risk of having high grade disease, meaning that their cancer cells looked particularly abnormal under a microscope and were likely to quickly grow and spread. When this relationship was further explored as a function of race, it remained significant in Caucasians but not in African Americans.

"These findings that African-American men may not benefit from exercise the way Caucasian men do could be a contributor to why African- American race is a risk factor for prostate cancer and aggressive prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism behind this racial disparity in deriving cancer-related benefits from exercise which disfavors African-American men," said Dr. Bañez.

Tofu Tikka Masala

A simple swap for a healthier meal

(FF) - Today’s interest in world cuisine has broadened our use of different herbs and spices, as well as globally popular proteins such as soy. Yet many people are unsure how to seamlessly integrate soy foods into their lifestyle, taste preferences and eating habits.

To ensure you’re receiving the maximum health benefits from your soy foods, they should be consumed a few times each week and eaten primarily as whole soy foods like tofu, tempeh and edamame. Soyfoods are low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, contain high-quality protein, dietary fiber and numerous other ingredients.

“As a qualitarian, I’m always seeking and advising my clients to choose the better quality foods of what’s available, but sometimes that can feel like a challenge,” says registered dietitian Ashley Koff. “Start simple by choosing foods as close to the form they are in nature. Second, focus on nutrients in food, not just its calories. Consider incorporating organic whole food soy as it delivers all the nutrients the body needs for better energy – carbohydrates, fiber, protein and healthy fats.”

For easy ways to incorporate soy foods into everyday meals, try incorporating these simple tips from Koff:

• Skip the store bought pudding and make it at home with organic tofu instead.
• Swap out regular hummus for edamame (soybean) hummus to snack on with water-based vegetables.
• Not all soy products are created equal. To get the optimal health benefits from soy foods, look for organic, whole food products

Tofu Tikka Masala

5 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 gram jalapeno chile, chopped
3 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
1/2 pound Wildwood Vacuum Pack Tofu
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped in 1-inch long thin slices
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
3-4 tablespoons plain or unsweetened yogurt
1 cup Wildwood Plain Soymilk
Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

In bowl, mix lemon juice, ginger, garlic, green chili, half of cilantro, chili powder, salt and tofu together; mix well and cover. Let marinate for an hour.

In pan, heat oil and slowly add onions. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat until translucent.

Slowly add turmeric powder, yogurt, soy milk and remaining cilantro to the pain. Mix well for a few minutes until sauce thickens.

Add tofu mixture into sauce and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with Indian Naan bread or heated rice.

For more recipes and information, visit www.wildwoodfoods.com.

FDA Issues Warning on Tanning Beds

Says the devices can damage skin and increase risk of developing skin cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed order that, if finalized, would reclassify sunlamp products and require labeling to include a recommendation designed to warn young people not to use these devices.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, in those who have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. The proposed order does not prohibit the use of sunlamp products by those under the age of 18, but it provides a warning on the consequences.

The order would reclassify sunlamp products from a low risk device (class I) to a moderate risk device (class II).

“Using indoor tanning beds can damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “The FDA’s proposed changes will help address some of the risks associated with sunlamp products and provide consumers with clear and consistent information.”

If the order is finalized, manufacturers would have to submit a pre-market notification to the FDA for these devices, which are currently exempt from any pre-market review. Manufacturers would have to show that their products have met certain performance testing requirements, address certain product design characteristics and provide comprehensive labeling that presents consumers with clear information on the risks of use. The order proposes to include a contraindication against use on people under 18 years old, and the labeling would have to include a warning that frequent users of sunlamp products should be regularly screened for skin cancer.

Preordering School Lunches Leads to Healthier Choices

A new Cornell study says students make better decisions about what to eat for lunch if they order before arriving at the counter.

(BHL) - Parents hoping to nudge their children into making healthier food choices should encourage them to pick their lunches before even entering the cafeteria.

A recent Cornell University study found that students who pre-order their lunches are more likely to pick healthier dishes.

In research from the Child Nutrition Programs, 29.4 percent of 272 students who participated in the study selected the healthier entrée when pre-ordering, compared with 15.3 percent when pre-ordering was not available.

The less healthy entrée was still chosen 70.8 percent of the time by students who pre-ordered, but that figure jumped to 85.7 percent by students who ordered in the lunch line.

Previous Cornell studies have suggested that environmental cues can influence food selection, said Andrew S. Hanks, a postdoctoral researcher at the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics. He added that this study reinforced such findings.

“Students who selected their entrée in the lunch line, where decisions are biased by aromas and sights of tasty, less healthy foods, decreased selection of healthy entrees by 48 percent, and increased selection of less healthy entrées by 21 percent,” Hanks said.

The study is published online as a research letter in JAMA Pediatrics: http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx

For more information preordering meals, visit: http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/outreach/preordering.html

10 Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder

The illness is marked by dramatic behaviors.

by Dr. Kay Bernard

(Special to BHL) - This week Catherine Zeta Jones re-admitted herself into a facility to treat her bipolar disorder. The illness caused the successful actress to have sharp mood swings and periods of dangerous depression. She and other individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, anxiety and/or depression know there are two faces to the condition—the extremely happy face and extremely sad face.

People with bipolar disorder suffer from a life-long mental disease that causes extreme suffering. The signs of bipolar are often evidenced by chaos in one’s life, such as putting ones family at risk, relationship destruction, job jeopardy, excessive sexual activity and spending sprees.

The following characteristics are common in those suffering from bipolar disorder:

Extremely Happy Characterized By:

1) Unrealistic assessment in one’s ability
2) Quickness to anger
3) Wasting money
4) Decreased need for sleep
5) Impulsivity

Extremely Sad Characterized By:

1) Hopelessness
2) Critical of others
3) Tired
4) Self-loathing
5) Suicidal thoughts

If you or a loved one exhibit these characteristics consider seeking professional help.

About the Author

Dr. Kay has 20 years of experience as a counselor and minister. The purpose of her work is to inspire people with bipolar disorder and to bring hope to their families. She has a Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

What Every Woman Needs To Know About Osteoporosis

No Bones About It: What Every Woman Needs To Know About Osteoporosis

Event Details:

Date Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Time 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Creekside Banquet Facility
2669 Union Rd.
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Cost Free
Registration (716) 706-2112 or Register Online

Osteoporosis weakens bones over time. 40 million people in the U.S. - mostly women - have osteoporosis or are at high risk, but many don’t realize it until faced with a broken bone from a fall.

Join Catholic Health's Dr. Jennifer Teeter, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician and Dr. Sara Koritz, OBGYN, to take a closer look at osteoporosis and what you can do to keep your bones strong, healthy and intact.

They'll discuss risk factors, prevention, and treatments for bone loss. Kim DeAngelis, Occupational Therapist will review the latest home-modification equipment and techniques to help minimize your risk of falling and breaking a bone.
Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Although osteoporosis is often thought of as affecting older people, it can strike at any age. People at a higher risk are:

• women, who have smaller bones than men
• thin, small-boned people
• those with a family history of osteoporosis
• white and Asian women
• smokers
• older people

Register for This Free Event

Seating is limited. To register, call (716) 706-2112 or click here to register online.

For additional events hosted by Catholic Health, click here to view our calendar.

If You Work With Or Are A Friend or Family Member of Someone With Alzheimer's Don't Miss This Seminar Today at 6:30pm at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited, 2635 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo

“How Dementia Changes Things” Presentation at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited

Leilani Pelletier, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter, presents tips

Forgetting is frustrating, whether it is your keys or your friend’s birthday. What if you could not remember where you live or did not know your daughter’s name or remember your husband? Forgetting is frustrating, but Alzheimer’s or dementia is devastating. More than five million Americans are living with the disease.

There is an opportunity for caregivers and professionals to come together at the “How Dementia Changes Things” presentation on Monday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at People Inc. Seniors Unlimited, 2635 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.Learn from one of the area’s leading experts, Leilani Pelletier, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter.

The presentation will include the difference between Alzheimer’s, dementia and senility; how dementia impacts personality and tips to manage daily changes. There will be an opportunity to meet People Inc. Seniors Unlimited staff and tour the new location.

Pelletier has worked in the field of dementia care and geriatrics for over 20 years. For the last four years, she has directed the Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter after serving eight years as the chapter’s program director; overseeing all the care and services the chapter provides to well over 15,000 families per year. Pelletier blends practical, everyday information with humor and tips for success into each presentation.

People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited is a unique social day program created to meet the needs of individuals with dementia or memory loss which may be caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, heart disease, or any other illness. The program provides caregivers with a break while offering each participant socialization and stimulation in a safe environment to help maintain a better quality of life.

Loved ones can attend the “How Dementia Changes Things” presentation as care will be provided by trained staff. To attend, call 768-2371. RSVP needed for respite care.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Contact: 

Nicole Forgione

Public Affairs Manager 

Direct: (716) 817-7490

Holistic Alliance Program Friday May 10 at 7:00 p.m. on Bach Flower Remedies

Join us on Friday, May 10th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital, 2605 Harlem Rd., Buffalo



Come learn about how to use Bach Flower remedies for yourself, your family and your clients. Dr. Suzanne Hall has been consistently using these wonderfully helpful essences for 20 years. They are both simple and profound and a valuable tool to use! This presentation will be short on theory and long on clinical contact.

Bring a clean dropper bottle if you have one (Suzanne will bring her stash as well). She will bring Bach remedies with her so that you will have the opportunity to create a custom blended bottle for yourself. There will be a $15 fee for this.

Come prepared by spending a bit of time identifying 2 or 3 of your emotional issues that need a calming influence. You can be a user of these remedies for your personal gain by the end of the evening. Suzanne will serve as your guide.

Suzanne Hall DDS is a 30 year dentist who ventured out of the mouth 25 years ago as she began to treat TMJ disorder patients. She is presently preparing for the first certification exam for Functional Medicine in September 2013. She has both studied and received homeopathic treatments for 25 years, and takes great joy in introducing others to these powerful healing therapies.

Chetan Malik, MD, Specializing in Interventional Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Joins the Brain and Spine Center

Dr. Chetan Malik, a board certified physician in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will join the Brain and Spine Center, a division of Invision Health, in May of 2013. Dr. Malik’s office will be located at 400 International Drive in Williamsville, NY.

As a member of the Invision Health medical staff, Dr. Malik will be treating patients utilizing interventional pain management techniques to treat conditions including, but not limited to: acute pain; cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathy; facet joint and SI joint dysfunction; musculoskeletal sports injuries, automobile and work related injuries. Dr. Malik may prescribe medications, physical therapy and/or interventional techniques such as epidural steroid injections for back pain, trigger point injections for musculoskeletal or myofascial pain, and injections into the joint spaces for joint pain and arthritis treatment.

Dr. Malik holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (1994) and a Master of Surgery in Orthopedics (1998) from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India. In 2004, Dr. Malik completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Malik served as an attending physician at various hospitals in Buffalo. In 2010, he accepted the position of an assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester, NY where he completed a fellowship in Pain and Anesthesiology. Most recently, Dr. Malik served as an assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in the division of Spine and Sports at the University of Pittsburgh.

For more information about Dr. Chetan Malik or to schedule an appointment, please call our main scheduling department at (716) 631-3555 ext. 318.