Diseases You Can Get at The salon

Think the salon is just a place to be pampered? You may be getting much more than you bargained for.

Mad cow disease, hepatitis, fungus, even stroke—these can all result from a day of relaxation and beautification at the salon. Beauty is only skin deep, but you're going to have to look beyond the surface to make sure your next trip to the beauty parlor leaves you pampered and free of this frightening health risks.


Fungus. With so many customers sharing the same equipment, improper sanitation at hair or nail salons can easily lead to fungal infections such as tinea capitis and ringworm. These infections can circulate when instruments and tools are not cleaned between clients or aren't handled in a hygienic manner.

Mad Cow Disease. You probably never thought you could get mad cow disease from cosmetics, did you? With all the concern about ingestion of beef a few years back, people were quick to overlook what was in their lipstick, anti-wrinkle cream, or other skin care products, or what the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). It released a statement about mad cow disease claiming, "The FDA continues to implement policies to keep safe all FDA-regulated products, including food, food ingredients, dietary supplements, drugs, vaccines, and cosmetics from risk of any BSE-contaminated bovine material."

Though the risk of getting mad cow disease from cosmetics may be small, some countries have taken preemptive steps just to be safe. In 2001, China prohibited the import and sale of cosmetics from 13 BSE-affected European countries--a year before that, Japan had imposed the same ban. In the United States in January 2004, the FDA and the Department of Health & Human Services prohibited the use of dead or disabled cows in the products that the FDA regulates, including food products, dietary supplements, and cosmetic ingredients.

Hepatitis B or C. In 1965, a medical researcher was able to track several hepatitis B patients back to a barber who unknowingly transmitted the disease by shaving all customers with the same razor. The barber had disinfected the razor, but it was too weak to kill all of the germs.

A study conducted by the Emory University School of Medicine discovered that hepatitis C could be passed on through the straight razors commonly used in barber shops to trim the hair from sideburns and necks. The razors from five different barber shops were soaked in five frequently-used sterilizing solutions. The results: zero of the five solutions destroyed hepatitis C, though some were soaked for six hours, 24 hours, and even seven days.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 1.25 million Americans with chronic (long-term) hepatitis B, and 3.2 million with chronic hepatitis C. These diseases are spread by exposure to infected blood. The CDC has not published any reports of the transmission of either hepatitis B or C transmission to or from salon workers to date.

Boils and Rashes. There has been much controversy over pedicure baths at nail salons, as employees can often be lax about thoroughly cleaning these baths. The residue left behind can easily pass on infection that can lead to boils and rashes. Recently, the California Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control checked 30 foot baths in salons around California after an outbreak of leg scarring. Although most of these businesses had been disinfecting the baths, bacteria that caused boils and rashes was still found in 29 of them (97 percent).

Bacterial Infections. Infections such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, pseudomonas, can also come back with you from your trip to the salon. Many of these are pedicure-related, often resulting from contaminated footbaths. Poorly cleaned foot spas allow biofilm such as oils, skin, hair, and lotions, to build up. The biofilm then acts as an effective breeding ground for the mycobacteria. The bacteria is usually able to enter the skin through small cuts caused by shaving. In fact, seventy percent of the patients from the Northern California outbreaks had shaved their legs prior to their pedicures, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Stroke. When you go to get your hair cut, probably the last thing on your mind is the possibility of having a stroke. But although a trip to the salon carries a very small risk of stroke, it's not out of the question--and a La Jolla, California woman is living proof. After noticing that one of her pupils was much larger than the other (a possible sign of stroke), she contacted a neurologist friend. An MRI revealed that she had a tear in her carotid artery, and she was put on a blood-thinning medication for six months until the artery healed and was able to lower her risk of stroke. The likely culprit: tilting her neck back too far during her shampooing at the salon earlier that day.

Dermatitis. Salon customers aren't the only victims of transferable diseases. Salon employees run a high risk of developing dermatitis. This uncomfortable skin condition is caused by exposure to products such as shampoo and coloring agents as well as prolonged work with fluids. It can result in dry, flaky, itchy and blistered hands. Habia, which oversees standards in the hairdressing industry, reports that over 50 percent of the 130,000 hairdressers in Great Britain will suffer from this uncomfortable inflammatory skin condition at some point in their careers. Dermatitis can interfere to the point that hairdressers are forced to quit their jobs all together, but it can usually be prevented with the use of non-latex gloves while shampooing and coloring.

.Birth Defects. About 10,000 chemicals that the nail industry uses have not been tested by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). What's more, a 2006 study by the National Asian Pacific American Women's Union reports that 89 percent of these chemicals have not been tested for safety by independent scientists, either. Lab animals exposed to these chemicals have developed birth defects and hormonal and reproductive problems. In addition, toulene, found in high levels in nail polish remover and nail treatments, may cause birth defects in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), breathing in large amounts of toluene while pregnant can cause birth defects in children and hinder growth and mental abilities. Combined with the poor ventilation in many salons, toulene can be especially dangerous.

Breast Cancer. Recently, research has begun on the possible link between nail salons and breast cancer. Formaldehyde resins, found in nail polish and hardeners, are listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a probable carcinogen. Stanford University-affiliated researchers at the Northern California Cancer Center and Asian Health Services are teaming up to assess whether nail salon technicians in Alameda County are at a greater risk for breast cancer that may come from daily exposures to potential carcinogens.

A bill passed in October 2006 that calls for cosmetics manufacturers to report to the California Department of Health Services any carcinogens and reproductive toxins in their products has brought this topic to light.

Are you prepared for a Natural Disaster?

Disasters are not polite. They don't wait patiently until you have found your flashlight, radio, and first aid kit before they strike. Most catastrophes, like tornadoes and earthquakes, occur without warning. Prepare for these emergency events by assembling a supply kit, arranging meeting places and contact people, and attaining important skills, such as CPR.

Stocking Your Survival Kit

The most basic step in preparing for the unexpected is marshalling a complete inventory of supplies. Store these items in a cool, dark place, preferably in large plastic wheeled crates that can be easily transported in case you are forced to evacuate your home. And check your cache every six months to make sure that none of your supplies have expired. Here’s what you should include:

•Water. According to the American Red Cross, one of the most important items you should set aside for an emergency is one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
•Medication. Perhaps the second most vital thing is a week’s worth of medication if your or a family member’s health depends on a prescription drug. It’s also key to include a well-stocked first aid kit of assorted bandages, pain relievers, and antibacterial ointment.
•Hygiene items. A stash of personal hygiene items, such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, is also a must.
•Food. Nonperishable food items that require little or no cooking are essential, too. Look for dried and canned foods that will not easily spoil.
•Utilitarian items. Don’t forget to include basic tools (a wrench and screwdriver), a can opener, scissors, garbage bags, duct tape, a map, a radio (one that can operate via a hand crank is best), flashlights, and plenty of batteries.
•Other items. Be sure you have set aside some money and stored your personal documents in a safe, accessible place. You may also want to include comfortable shoes, sets of clean clothes, and blankets.

Fish facts For Pregnancy

Fish Facts for Nursing and Pregnant Moms and Women Who May Become Pregnant

Fish and shellfish can be an important part of a healthy diet. They are a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

But almost all fish and shellfish contain some mercury. Mercury is a metal that can harm the brain of your unborn baby—even before it is conceived.

Mercury mainly gets into our bodies by the fish we eat. Only high levels of this metal seem to be harmful to developing babies. So the risk of mercury in fish and shellfish depends on the amount and type you eat.

Women who are nursing, pregnant or who may become pregnant should steer clear of fish with high levels of mercury. But removing all fish from your diet will rob you of important omega-3 fatty acids. So how can you reap the benefits of eating fish without the dangers of mercury? Follow these tips.
Don't Eat

Swordfish
Tilefish
King mackerel
Shark
Raw or uncooked fish or shellfish (e.g. clams, oysters, scallops)
Refrigerated uncooked smoked fish (labeled Nova-style, lox, kippered or jerky)

Eat up to 1 serving (6 ounces) per week:

Tuna Steaks
Canned albacore or chunk white tuna
Halibut
Snapper

Eat up to 2 servings (12 ounces) per week:

Shrimp, crab, clams, oysters, scallops
Canned light tuna
Salmon
Mahi-Mahi
Pollock
Catfish
Cod

Check before eating fish caught in local waters.

State health departments have guidelines on fi sh from local waters. Or get local fi sh advisories at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Website (www.epa.gov).
If you’re unsure about the safety of a fish from local waters, only eat 6 ounces per week and don’t eat any other fish that week.

Eat a variety of small, young non-fatty fish.

Ask your fish monger to recommend lean, small fi sh that are caught young.

Been Busy

Since I had submitted my blog to the Blog marketing & advertising used to be PPP. Eversince it got approved . I have been busy taking their task, didn't have time to blog hop. I will do my blog hopping tomorrow. I just want to apologize to all my co-blogger. I will visit your blog soon.

Summer Insect Survival Guide

Buzz, buzz, buzz. Just the sound of a mosquito is enough to make you start swatting, slapping, and itching. Usually, bugs and bug bites are nothing more than a summertime annoyance—but when are they cause for more concern?


Insect bites are generally harmless, but, in rare instances, a bite can result in serious problems. Wasps, honeybees, and yellow jackets cause approximately 100 deaths each year. Here are tips on how to prevent and treat a bite or sting.

Scenario: You've been bitten by a mosquito or horsefly.
Symptoms: The most common reaction to a mosquito or horsefly bite is swelling, redness, and itching in the affected area. However, some mosquitoes may carry the West Nile virus, which in severe cases, can cause disorientation, neck stiffness, sleepiness, and even death.

Survival Tip: Because mosquitoes and horseflies lay eggs in or around bodies of water, try to keep your property free of standing water. If you have a swimming pool, keep it covered when it's not in use, and use a pump to keep the water flowing. When going outside for an extended period of time, try to wear long sleeves and pants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using insect repellents containing 50 percent of the chemical DEET. If you've been bit, try not to scratch, as it can lead to scarring or an infection. Instead, use an antihistamine cream for the itch.

Scenario: You've been stung by a honeybee, wasp, or yellow jacket.
Symptoms: A bee sting usually causes minor burning sensations, swelling, and itching. However, for those who are allergic, a sting can cause anaphylactic shock—difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, wheezing, and swelling, particularly in the neck or face.

Survival Tip: Most stings occur because the bee is protecting the hive. Start by staying away from hives, and call pest control if one has been built on or near your home. If you are stung, wash the area with soap and water, remove the stinger with a gauze pad, and apply a cold compress. If the person who is stung is allergic, immediately administer epinephrine injection and consult a doctor.