healthbriefs
The ‘Dirty Dozen’ of Cancer-Causing Chemicals
S
cientists at the Environmental Working Group published a list of the 12 chemicals that have been most prevalently linked to cancer in numerous research studies. The list encompasses bisphenol A, atrazine, organophosphate pesticides, dibutyl phthalate, lead, mercury, per- or
polyfl uorochemicals (PFC), phthalates, diethlyhexyl phthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, triclosan and nonylphenol. The scientists suggest that consumers can reduce their exposure
to each of these chemicals by avoiding plastics marked with “PC” (polycarbonates) or the recycling number 7 mark, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics in food packaging, PFC-treated wrappers on food and other products, lead paints, mercury-laden seafoods, phthalates- containing fragrances and plastics, foam products made before 2005, foreign antibacterial soaps, and detergents and paints with nonylphenol. Other proactive measures include drinking only fi ltered water when in agricultural areas and purchasing organic foods. The researchers contend, “Given that we live in a sea of
chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposures to ones we know are bad actors.”
Tai Chi Eases Effects of Chronic Disease A
review of research from the University of British Columbia tested the effects of tai
chi exercise upon people with four chronic diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, osteoarthritis and cancer. Dr. Yi-Wen Chen and his team analyzed 33 studies of more than 1,500 people that participated in tai chi. The research also tested the effects of
the practice on general health, including walking speed, muscle strength, speed in standing up from a sitting position, quality of life, symptoms of depression and knee strength. The heart disease patients among the subjects showed a reduction in depression symptoms, and all shared a reduction of muscle stiffness and pain, increased speeds in both walking and standing from a sitting position and improved well-being. “Given the fact that many middle-aged and older persons
have more than one chronic condition, it’s important to examine the benefi ts of treatment/exercise interventions across several co-existing conditions,” says Chen.
April 2016
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