New research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine shows that gas stoves may give off more harmful substances than electric stoves when cooking meat.

Researchers for the study simulated conditions of a western European eatery. They pan fried 17, 8 ounce beef steaks with both margarine and soybean oil on both an electric and gas stove. During cooking, the researchers measured the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ultrafine particles and other harmful substances in the breathing area of the cooks.

Higher levels of PAHs, a known cancer-causing substance, were found on the gas stoves. Ultrafine particles, which are known to cause allergies and lung inflammation, also saw higher concentrations on gas stoves.  Both levels though were found to be within established safe exposure guidelines.

While there are other factors that play into the production of fumes when cooking, researchers say that “frying on a gas stove instead of an electric stove causes increased occupational exposure to some of the components in cooking fumes which may cause adverse health effects.”

Research being published in Cancer Prevention Research suggests there are six compounds found in pomegranates that may prevent the spread of breast cancer in women.

Breast cancer depends on hormones to spread. The compounds in pomegranates block the enzyme aromatase, which changes androgen to estrogen. However, no animal or human testing has occurred yet so doctors caution whether this is a solution to the millions suffering from breast cancer.

Researchers screened ten compounds for the study and found that urolithin B had the strongest impact because it inhibits multiple estrogen-producing mechanisms that fuel the growth of breast cancer.

Lead researcher Dr. Shiuan Chen says “By suppressing the production of estrogen, urolithin B and other phytochemicals found in pomegranates can prevent hormone-responsive breast cancer tumors from growing.”

Other compounds that limited the growth of aromatase to a lesser extent include: urolithin A, methylated UA, acetylated UB, methylated UB and UB sulfate.

Doctors caution though that more study is needed.

In the mean time, you can reduce your risk of several types of cancer by eating a healthy diet that’s high in fiber, fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meat and saturated fats and salts.

New research is showing many of the same genetic factors that lead people to drink alcohol may lead them to smoke pot as well. While marijuana is the most heavily used illegal drug in the U.S., little is known about the genes that influence its use.

Researchers conducted interviews of nearly 3000 identical and fraternal twins ranging in age from their mid-20’s to their mid-30’s about their alcohol drinking and pot smoking activities.

Lead researcher Dr. Carolyn Sartor, PhD comments “We wanted to know if the same genes that affect risk for alcohol dependence also affect risk for marijuana dependence.”

Based on responses from the interviewees, researchers concluded 60% of the variance between alcohol abuse and/or marijuana abuse could be linked to genes.

“We found considerable overlap between the genes that contribute to marijuana dependencies and alcohol use and dependence,” Sartor says.

According to a prior study, between 8 and 12 percent of marijuana users fit the definition of dependence, meaning they continue use of the drug despite interference with family, work and school. Prior studies also show between 50 and 60 percent of the variance of alcohol abuse comes from genetics.

Findings from this newest study support the idea that a common set of genes plays a role in the abuse of any drug.

Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pledged $235 million in grants this past Wednesday to assist in the development and implementation of electronic health records across the country according to a report in the Dallas Morning News.

Grants are coming from an appropriation in the stimulus bill passed earlier this year and being offered through what’s known as the “Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program.” Only facilities already using healthcare IT will be eligible for grant funding.

“What sort of advancements will we get when we expand resources?” Sebelius asked rhetorically on a conference call with reporters. “Our hope is that the communities will become models for the rest of the country.”

The funding will be set up through what’s called “cooperative agreements” between the government and the organization receiving the funds. Awards will typically be between $10 and $20 million. Funding will go to standing leaders of the advancement of healthcare IT that have “the readiness to incorporate health IT to advance community-level care coordination and quality monitoring and feedback.”

State and local government programs, educational institutions and some other non-profit organizations are eligible to receive grant funds.

A current study published in the Archives of Neurology* suggests the effects of smoking contribute to a faster progression of multiple sclerosis – or MS. Past studies have shown cigarette smokers have an increased chance of developing the disease.

Researchers from the Harvard schools of medicine and public health and the Massachusetts General Hospital evaluated 1,465 MS patients with an average age of 42. The study broke the patients down into 3 groups – 785 never smoked, 428 were ex-smokers and 257 were current smokers.

In the beginning of the study, the disease in current smokers was much worse…they were most likely to have the progressive form where symptoms steadily got worse rather than the relapsing-remitting form where symptoms were intermittent.

Dr. Alberto Ascherio of the Harvard School of Public Health comments “Most adverse effects were seen for current smokers, which is good news in some way because it suggests that quitting smoking can help.”

A group of 891 patients were monitored for three years to see how many of them changed from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive MS. At the conclusion, 20 of 154 smokers, 20 of 237 ex-smokers and 32 of 500 non-smokers saw their disease progress to the worse form.

Therefore, the progression of the disease was about the same for ex-smokers and non-smokers but much higher and faster for smokers.

Multiple sclerosis is a disorder where the eyes, brain and spinal cord lose myelin, which is a protective coating that facilitates transmission of electrical impulses.

Approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. and 2.5 million around the world suffer from MS.

*Courtesy of Chrissie Cole of Injury Board Magazine

We’ve all been hearing for months now the ongoing, and controversial, debate going on in Washington regarding health care reform. At times, the debate has been raucous, especially at many town hall meetings across the country this past August.

The Republican minority though will release their proposal sometime this week.

Basically, the purpose of the GOP alternative seeks to lower health care costs and increase access to health insurance coverage without:

• Raising taxes
• Cutting Medicare benefits for senior citizens
• Adding to the budget deficit
• Intervening in the doctor/patient relationship
• Instituting a government takeover of health care

The GOP asserts the 250-page bill will lower health care premiums for families and small businesses while being far less costly and intrusive than proposals from the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.

Basically, their approach will expand state-based high-risk insurance pools for those with pre-existing conditions, allow trade associations to organize and purchase group health insurance, cap medical liability lawsuits and allow insurance companies to sell policies across state lines. Other provisions in the bill include:

• Allowing dependants to stay on their parents policies until age 25
• Expand Health Savings Accounts
• Give employers more flexibility to incentivize healthy living
• Encourage programs at the state level to reduce costs and numbers of uninsured

House Minority Leader John Boehner dubbed the Democratic proposals as “unaffordable”, saying his caucus’ plan will not raise taxes or impose cumbersome mandates during a recession.

It’s October and fall for most of the country – changing leaves, cooler temperatures and ah yes, the beginnings of the dreaded cold and flu season.

We all hate being sick…it’s one of those instances where I would rather BE AT WORK than sitting in bed with a sore throat, runny nose, fever and a host of other familiar ailments connected with the common cold and flu.

The best way to avoid feeling like this is taking precaution against things that may trigger these symptoms. Remember, the cold and flu virus is always with us…it’s a matter of triggering it to become active.

Minimize your risk of contracting a debilitating cold and flu this winter by following these 10 simple steps:

1. Get plenty of sleep

Rest and relaxation isn’t just for the soul…studies show sleep deprivation makes you more susceptible to the common cold and flu by reducing the number of cells in the body dedicated to fighting microbes and other things. Adults need 6-8 hours sleep per night…kids need a little bit more and toddlers and newborns require up to 18 hours of sleep per day.

2. Get up and move

It’s proven fact that exercising and physical activity increases sickness fighting cells. And it’s great family time too! Hike, bike, walk, do some yoga or just dance to some good tunes to get yourself moving and build your body’s natural defenses.

3. Be a germ vigilante

Kill and prevent germs from spreading and multiplying. Wash your hands judiciously before and after meals, after working or playing outdoors, handling pets, blowing noses and after being anywhere in public. Soap is as good as the antibacterial liquids that are so popular these days.

If someone in the house gets sick, keep their toothbrush separate and wash it in boiling water after the illness has passed.

4. Drink plenty of fluids

Fresh, filtered water is the best! We all know how important it is to drink fluids while we’re sick but it’s just as important to preventing illness. Keeping respiratory system tissues moist prevents microbes from settling in. Proper hydration also keeps the immune system working properly.

5. Get some fresh air

Open doors or simply crack a window a few minutes each day and get indoor air pollutants out of your house that may be stressing your immune system. Fresh air also chases away germs.

6. Dial down the heat

Viruses like the cold and flu thrive in warm, dry environments. And it’s easy for a dry nose, mouth or throat to trap those germs. Lowering your thermostat by 5 degrees and having a humidifier helps maintain a healthy level of humidity…50%…in your home.

7. Relax, take it easy

Take a few minutes for yourself each day to just close your eyes, take deep breaths and mentally escape to better thoughts. Meditation reduces stress which in turn reduces susceptibility to illness.

8. Eat plenty of produce

Fruits and vegetables like oranges, carrots, kiwis, strawberries and more contain immunity boosting phytonutrients like vitamin C and carotenoids. Green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower contain betacarotene, vitamin C and calcium but overcooking can destroy properties of these foods that enhance the immune system. See to it your child eats at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

9. Watch your intake of sweets

Sugar makes the body more acidic which is an ideal environment for pathogens to thrive. They love sugar so reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during cold and flu season. And this includes corn syrup and HFCS as well.

10. Take a vitamin supplement

A vitamin C or multivitamin supplement can make up for gaps in your diet. Alarmingly, only 2% of kids today get their vitamin requirements through diet alone. A multivitamin or mineral supplement is not only important for fighting off cold and flu viruses, but an important part of proper of healthy growth for kids.

Well, I’m going to try my best to follow all of these steps and hopefully prevent myself from getting sick this year. Coming down with the cold or flu takes valuable time away from everything – work or play.

Missing a vacation because you’re sick is the worst…but follow the above steps and you will definitely have a greater chance of enjoying a healthy, happy winter.