Approximately 100,500 cancers occurring in the US every year can be attributed to excess body fat, according to estimates from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).

According to AICR, the estimated number of cancers linked to excess body fat include:

49% of endometrial cancers    = 20,700 cases/year
35% of esophageal cancers       = 5,800 cases/year
28% of pancreatic cancers        = 11,900 cases/year
24% of kidney cancers             = 13, 900 cases/year
21% of gallbladder cancers       = 2,000 cases/year
17 % of breast cancers             = 33,000 cases/year
9% of colorectal cancers          = 13,200 cases/year
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TOTAL: 100,500 cases/year

Researchers note that carrying excess body fat increases cancer risk, makes treatment more difficult and shortens survival.  Excess body fat increases the body’s level of sex steroids and other hormones that are linked to cancer growth. For example, fat tissue produces estrogen; studies have shown that estrogen promotes cell proliferation in breast tumors that contain receptors for the hormone, known as ER positive tumors.  Recent studies show that excess body fat lowers immune function and increases oxidative stress, which can lead to DNA damage.

This new research also shows that obesity continue to play a negative role after cancer has been successfully treated.  The good news is that an increasing number of studies suggest that regular physical activity improves cancer survival, even among survivors who are overweight or obese.

SOURCE:  New Estimate: Excess Body Fat Alone Causes Over 100,000 Cancers in US Each Year, American Institute for Cancer Research, Nov. 5, 2009, http://www.aicr.org/site/News2/1699885429?abbr=pr_&page=NewsArticle&id=17333&news_iv_ctrl=1102

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Avocados contain a wide range of phytonutrients, which are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases, and are excellent for the eye health. Nutrients include trans neoxanthin, neochrome, lutein-5, 6-epoxide and chrysanthemaxanthin. The scientists also confirmed the presence of lutein, zeaxanthin, b-cryptoxanthin, a-carotene and b-carotene (all nutrients that support retinal health).

Since most of the nutrients are located near the skin of the fruit, you get most nutrients out of an avocado by peeling the fruit before slicing it.
See more information on foods for the eyes.

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Study shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 rich fish could slash the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 40 per cent.

This study adds further support for increasing the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids with the finding that arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6 fatty acid) is associated with anincreased risk of AMD.

Ref: “Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994″

Authors: N. Parekh, R.J. Chappell, A.E. Millen, D.M. Albert, J.A. Mares

Archives of Ophthalmology

May 125, 2007 Volume 125, Pages 671-679

See more related information on macular degeneration.

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Recent studies suggest that there may be long term physical consequences using cells phones. While the debate continues, the Environmental Working Group, based in Washington, says it makes sense to chose a cellphone or wireless device with low radiation.

They’ve made it easy by providing an interactive database with radiation ratings for more than 1,000 cellphones marketed in the United States on their Web site. Go to www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation to view it and to read the full report.

Report from www.naturaleyecare.com

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The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) has published a list of the 10 riskiest foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Topping the list:  leafy greens, eggs, and tuna.  These and seven other foods account for nearly 40% of all food-borne outbreaks linked to FDA-regulated food.

Over 1,500 separate, definable outbreaks were associated with the top 10 riskiest FDA-regulated foods, causing nearly 50,000 reported illnesses. Since most food-borne illnesses are never reported, these numbers may be significantly higher.

The ten foods named in this study are:

• Leafy greens, including iceberg lettuce, romaine and spinach
• Eggs
• Tuna
• Oysters
• Potatoes
• Cheese
• Ice Cream
• Tomatoes
• Sprouts
• Berries

CPSI study authors say there is no reason to avoid these foods, but notes that the following passage of the Food Safety Enhancement Act by the House of Representatives in July, similar legislation is pending in the Senate to provide the FDA with enhanced authority to better protect consumers.

Meanwhile, consumers can protect themselves by washing produce thoroughly and following safe food handling procedures, such as those listed on the USDA web site:  www.BeFoodSafe.gov

SOURCE:  Leafy Greens, Eggs, & Tuna Top List of Riskiest FDA-Regulated Foods, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Oct. 6, 2009, http://www.cspinet.org/new/200910061.html

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How much sugar can you safely eat in a day?

The answer is probably less than you think.

Although Americans are used to eating more than 22.2 teaspoons (or 355 calories) of added sugar a day, the recommended limit is 10 teaspoons, or 100 calories a day. A new study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) gives consumers detailed guidance on sugar consumption by recommending an upper limit on added-sugars intake.

Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation as well as those added at the table. This does not include naturally sweet foods such as fruit.

Excessive consumption of sugars has been linked with several metabolic abnormalities and adverse health conditions, as well as with a lack of essential nutrients.

The AHA report also noted:

• An upper limit for added sugars should be no more than half your discretionary calories.
• Most American women should consume no more than 100 calories of added sugars per day; most men, no more than 150 calories. That’s about 6 teaspoons of added sugars a day for women and 9 for men.
• Soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages are the No. 1 source of added sugars in the American diet. A 12-ounce can of regular soda contains about 130 calories and 8 teaspoons of sugar.

The AHA recommends a diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, high-fiber whole grains, lean meat, poultry and fish in order to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

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A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns of bacterial buildup in showerheads and the effect that may have on people with compromised immune systems.

The opportunistic microbes, which thrive in the most, dark and wet environment of a showerhead, might cause problems if you’re pregnant, a substance abuser or otherwise immune compromised with cystic fibrosis, cancer, AIDS or a recent organ transplant.

The main culprit is an organism called Mycobacterium avium, a relative of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. M. avium infections are increasingly common, perhaps because we take more showers than baths. Unlike baths, showerheads deliver the microorganisms as aerosolized particles that are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs.

For natural approaches for supporting your immune system and helping prevent colds and flu, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

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Your child’s academic success depends on good vision.  The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, estimates that only one in three preschoolers receives vision screening.  NEI also estimates that:

• 300,000 to 750,000 children aged 3 to 5 have amblyopia (lazy eye)
• 450,000 to 600,000 have strabismus (eye misalignment), and
• 1.5 million to 2.3 million children have a significant refractive error (poor vision that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses).

“We know that children who see well are better prepared to learn,” said Michael X. Repka, MD, secretary for federal affairs at the American Academy of Ophthalmology and professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University. “The eyes are directly connected to the brain, so if they are not functioning properly, it can be more difficult for a child to absorb information in the classroom. Most common eye disorders do not have warning signs and may lead to blindness in one or both eyes if left untreated. Early detection is the key to a successful outcome.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this schedule for pediatric vision screening:

• Newborn to 3 months
• 3 to 6 months
• 6 to 12 months
• 3 years
• 5 years
• Every 1 to 2 years after age 5 until age 18

In preparation for your vision screening, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consider the following questions:

• Does your child seem to see well? 
• Does your child hold objects close to his or her face when trying to focus?
• Do your child’s eyes appear straight or do they seem to cross or drift or seem lazy?
• Do your child’s eyes appear unusual?
• Do your child’s eyelids droop or does 1 eyelid tend to close?
• Have your child’s eye(s) ever been injured?
• Do you have a family history of eye disorders, or of early childhood use of glasses in parents or siblings?

Vision screenings can be performed as part of the child’s annual well-child exam.  In addition, many public school systems provide vision screenings for students.  Parents who do not have access to screenings can contact their local health department for support.

Source:  Ensure Your Back-to-School Checklist Includes a Vision Screening, American Academy of Ophthalmology, http://www.aao.org/newsroom/release/20070816.cfm

American Academy of Pediatrics, Eye Examination in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians, http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;111/4/902

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Now that children are headed back to school, it’s time to brush up on the best ways to avoid seasonal flu and other illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published information on its web site to help parents keep their children healthy.

First, the facts:

• Approximately 1/5 of the U.S. population attends or works in schools. (U.S. Dept of Ed, 1999).
• Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. (Ansari, 1988; Scott and Bloomfield, 1989)
• Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC, 1996)

Illnesses like colds and flu are generally spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes.  This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and land on the mouth or nose of people nearby.  Sometimes germs can be spread when a person touches another person’s respiratory droplets on a surface such as a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

The CDC urges parents to teach children the following common sense rules:

Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick
Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick to help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue away.  If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze and then clean your hands each time you cough or sneeze.

Clean your hands
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. That’s about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.  When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

The CDC website also provides recommendations for who should get the flu vaccine.

SOURCE:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/

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