Plastic Bottle Safety

Chemicals May Contaminate Food and Drinks in Reused Plastic Bottles
Studies have indicated that food and drinks stored in such containers—including those ubiquitous clear Nalgene water bottles hanging from just about every hiker’s backpack—can contain trace amount of Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical that interferes with the body’s natural hormonal messaging system.

Reused Plastic Bottles Can Leach Toxic Chemicals
The same studies found that repeated re-use of such bottles—which get dinged up through normal wear and tear and while being washed—increases the chance that chemicals will leak out of the tiny cracks and crevices that develop over time. According to the Environment California Research & Policy Center, which reviewed 130 studies on the topic, BPA has been linked to breast and uterine cancer, an increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased testosterone levels.

BPA can also wreak havoc on children’s developing systems. (Parents beware: Most baby bottles and sippy cups are made with plastics containing BPA.) Most experts agree that the amount of BPA that could leach into food and drinks through normal handling is probably very small, but there are concerns about the cumulative effect of small doses.

 

Even Plastic Water and Soda Bottles Should Not Be Reused
Health advocates also recommend not reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda and juice bottles. According to The Green Guide, such bottles may be safe for one-time use, but re-use should be avoided because studies indicate they may leach DEHP—another probable human carcinogen—when they are in less-than-perfect condition.

Remember plastic water bottles were designed to be a single use product.

Millions of Plastic Bottles End Up in Landfills
The good news is that such bottles are easy to recycle; just about every municipal recycling system will take them back. But using them is nonetheless far from environmentally responsible: The nonprofit Berkeley Ecology Center found that the manufacture of plastic #1 uses large amounts of energy and resources and generates toxic emissions and pollutants that contribute to global warming. And even though PET bottles can be recycled, millions find their way into landfills every day in the U.S. alone.

Incinerating Plastic Bottles Releases Toxic Chemicals
Another bad choice for water bottles, reusable or otherwise, is plastic #3 (polyvinyl chloride/PVC), which can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals into the liquids they are storing and will release synthetic carcinogens into the environment when incinerated. Plastic #6 (polystyrene/PS), has been shown to leach styrene, a probable human carcinogen, into food and drinks as well.

Safe Reusable Bottles Do Exist
Safer choices include bottles crafted from safer HDPE (plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, AKA plastic #4) or polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5). Aluminum bottles, such as those made by SIGG and sold in many natural food and natural product markets, and stainless steel water bottles are also safe choices and can be reused repeatedly and eventually recycled.

Water

The U.S. National Research Council recommends 1 mL of water for every calorie you eat. So according to this guideline, a person who eats 2,000 calories should be drinking 2,000 mL.

More water is needed during exercise and in hot weather. A rough guideline—for every hour of exercise, drink an extra quart of water.

An article published in the October 5, 2004 issue of The Washington Post reported that cities across the United States, such as Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City, were manipulating the results of tests used to detect lead in water, violating federal law and putting millions of Americans at risk by giving them a false sense of security.

Drinking water can be contaminated with heavy metals, microorganisms, chlorine, fluoride, and other impurities.

• You can improve the quality of drinking water by filtering with a reverse osmosis system, charcoal, ceramic, or other high quality filter.
• Check bottled water—some types are not spring water but actually purified water from the same source as tap water.
• Store water in glass containers. Avoid the plastic water bottles you find at the store. If you do drink water from a soft, clear water bottle, do not reuse it.
• Avoid drinking distilled water regularly, because it can deplete your body of needed minerals

There are reasonably priced water filters on the market, such as Brita or PUR.

Warrior Wisdom

"For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
Wisdom will save you from evil people,
from those whose words are twisted."
~Proverbs 2:10-12

(from His Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd)

Deception is the weapon launched by the enemy against all my children. It is dangerous if you fall prey to it. But I, your God give you the greater device, "the weapon of wisdom" empowered by My Holy Spirit. Search for My wisdom as if your life depends on it, because it does!
When you discover wisdom in My word, treasure it and hide it in heart. It will become a sanctuary for your soul.
My wisdom will become your guard, your guide, and your gauge to keep you from falling into the enemy's traps. Get lost in My Word and wisdom will light your way in the dark and remove your doubts. My wisdom will give you the skill to rebuild and restore many broken lives, including your own.

Silent Killer-Ovarian Cancer

Learn how to decode the warning signs and symptoms of 3 silent cancers that affect women. Awareness is your best defense against deadly cancers that are hard to detect. If you find that you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms on a persistent basis, contact a physician and get yourself checked out. Be proactive about protecting your health.

Please check out the “Know Your Numbers Page” for helpful information to take to your doctor.

By Debra L. Richardson, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Member of the NOCC Medical and Scientific Advisory Board

Fighting Ovarian Cancer: What Every Woman Must Know

Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women, but is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. It is the most common cause of gynecologic cancer death. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 21,880 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011, and over 13,850 women will die of ovarian cancer this year. The lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 70 for women at average risk. The average age at diagnosis is 63. Caucasian women have the highest incidence. Most women (about 70%) are diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer (stage 3 or 4). When ovarian cancer is found early (stage I), the five-year survival is greater than 90%.

There are three main types of ovarian cancer: epithelial, germ cell, and sex-cord stromal tumors. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common, accounting for about 90% of all ovarian cancer. In this article, I will focus on epithelial ovarian cancer.

Risk Factors and Genetic Predisposition

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include early age at menarche (when menses start, before age 12), late menopause (after age 50), never being pregnant, infertility, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Family history of breast or ovarian cancer is also a risk, and about 10% of all ovarian cancer is hereditary.

There are two main inherited genetic predispositions for ovarian cancer: a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Women with a BRCA 1 mutation have a 20-45% lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer, while women with a BRCA2 mutation have a 10-20% lifetime chance. Women with a BRCA mutation are also at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women with HNPCC have a 9-12% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Other cancers associated with HNPCC include colon cancer, uterine cancer, stomach cancer, small bowel cancer and kidney cancer. Any woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer should consider seeing a genetics counselor for BRCA testing.

Risk Reduction

A woman can reduce her risk of ovarian cancer in several ways. Taking birth control pills for five years can reduce a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by 50%. Breastfeeding, tubal ligation and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Surgically removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. However, there is still a small chance of developing primary peritoneal cancer (which is similar to ovarian cancer) after removing the tubes and ovaries. Women with a known BRCA 1 or 2 mutation are recommended to undergo removal of both tubes and ovaries when childbearing is complete. Women at average risk of ovarian cancer who are undergoing hysterectomy should discuss the pros and cons of removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries at the same time.

Symptoms of a “Silent” Disease and Testing

In the past, physicians felt that this was a silent disease, until patients had advanced cancer. We now know that most women have symptoms for several months prior to diagnosis. The symptoms most commonly associated with ovarian cancer include pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating or an increase in abdominal size, feeling full easily and bladder symptoms, including urinating more often and the sudden need to urinate. These symptoms generally occur at least 12 days a month, and are a recent change (presenting for less than 1 year).

Any woman experiencing these symptoms on at least 12 days a month should see an obstetrician/gynecologist. The work-up of these symptoms will include a history and physical examination, including a rectal exam. A transvaginal ultrasound and CA125 (blood test) may also be performed. CA125 is a tumor marker for ovarian cancer. However, it is most helpful in women who have gone through menopause and in women with a known diagnosis of ovarian cancer. CA125 is not specific; many benign (not cancerous) conditions can cause the CA125 to be high.

There is no effective screening method for ovarian cancer currently. Many large studies have been done, evaluating CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound. Screening has not reduced a woman’s risk of dying from ovarian cancer. The largest trial done in the United States enrolled over 78,000 women, and compared women receiving usual care to women undergoing screening with CA125 and ultrasound. The incidence of ovarian cancer was equal in the two groups. Over 3000 women had false positive results (the test was abnormal but there was no cancer), and a third of these underwent surgery. This was associated with an increased risk of complications.¹ There are several ongoing trials regarding ovarian cancer screening. However, screening average risk women for ovarian cancer is not recommended.

Women who are suspected or known to have ovarian cancer should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist. Gynecologic oncologists are specialists in gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer who have surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist do better than women who are operated on by other types of surgeons.

Treatment: Surgery, Chemotherapy and Clinical Trials

The treatment of ovarian cancer is usually surgery followed by chemotherapy. For some women with stage I ovarian cancer, chemotherapy is not necessary. However, almost all women with ovarian cancer will need chemotherapy. If the cancer appears confined to the ovary, surgery includes removal of the uterus, cervix, both fallopian tubes and ovaries, removing the omentum (a fat pad in the abdomen), taking multiple biopsies, and removing lymph nodes in the pelvis and around the aorta (the major artery in the body). If the cancer is more advanced, the goal is to remove all the cancer that is visible. If that is not possible, the goal is to remove all tumors greater than 1cm. This can involve removing parts of the bowel, the spleen and other organs in addition to removing the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Any woman with ovarian cancer should consider treatment on a clinical trial. If a clinical trial is not available or not desirable to the patient, than the woman will most likely be treated with a combination of a platinum drug (for example carboplatin) and a taxane (paclitaxel). Women with advanced ovarian cancer may be a candidate for chemotherapy given directly into the abdomen; this treatment is called intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

For more information on ovarian cancer, please visit www.ovarian.org

References

1.Buys SS, Partridge E, Black, A et al. Effect of screening on ovarian cancer mortality: the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA 305;2295-303, 2011

Accepting Others

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit."
~1 Corinthians 12:4, NIV~

(excerpt from Sheri Rose Shepherd, “His Princess Bride”)

You, are your own special person. The way you think and the talents you have are a gift from Me. I did not give you this gift to compare yourself to others or to condemn others. No one is you! I want you to look around and see the way I colored the world with different kinds of people. The glory of My creation is seen in the details and in the differences.

The beauty of relationships is found when different gifts and temperaments come together in My harmony. Your purpose is not to mold others to be like you, but to help them to open their own gifts by accepting them the way I accept you. Remember, My pretty princess, I gave you a talent to touch others--not to tear them down.

Quality is Better than Quantity

I call to remembrance my song in the night; with my heart I meditate and my spirit searches diligently. Psalm 77:6

(excerpt from Joyce Meyer, “Starting Your Day Off Right”.)

God cares more about the quality of what you learn than the quantity of teaching to which you are exposed. He would rather you read one scripture verse and get revelation out of it than to read two whole books in the Bible and not have a clue about what you read.

Listen for key messages that the Lord is  specifically speaking to you when you hear good teaching through radio, T.V., sermon tapes, a church service or a Bible study. Ask God to show you how to apply what you hear to your own life.

Meditate on His Word each day and look for ways to use what you have learned. Then you will know that you are engaging in and enjoying true quality time with Him.

Gifts of the Spirit

S: Bible Study

Gifts of the Spirit, please read Isaiah 11: 2-3, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Fruit of the Spirit, please read Galatians 5:22-23