Avoid the Night Terrors of Shift Work Disorder

Do you work the graveyard shift? If you do, your health may be compromised. Over 15 million Americans work a job with late-night or early-morning hours, which leaves workers vulnerable to shift work disorder (SWD). SWD is hard to diagnose and treat, but the associated sleep deprivation and insomnia can be debilitating.

A recent study published in the Journal of American Physiology by researchers from the University of Toronto discovered another serious health risk posed by SWD -- a higher risk for organ disease. With the side effects of SWD only expanding, workers must find ways to manage the bodily stress.

Shift work disrupts the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, called circadian rhythm, which affects other critical factors like body temperature and the way organs function.

"We knew that circadian rhythm disruption had been linked with reduced longevity, so we decided to try and find out where, why and how longevity is compromised," explains psychology professor Martin Ralph from the University of Toronto, one of the lead researchers from the study on shift work.

Shift work is the opposite of 9-5, and demand for it is only increasing as customers expect more 24-hour services. Many occupations require permanent or occasional shift work, such as healthcare professionals, hospitality and restaurant staff, production and manufacturing workers, protective and emergency services and the transportation industry.

These workers suffer from the continual disturbance of their biological or circadian clocks. As the new study supports, long-term interference of this nature can lead to kidney or heart disease.

People suffering with SWD can also have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is a condition marked by loud snoring, pauses in breathing and gasping. The repeated arousals contribute to the disruption of sleep. Like SWD, it can contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness, diabetes and heart disease. Unlike SWD, it is easy to diagnose and effectively treat.

Another tip is to create an ideal sleep environment -- eliminate extra noise and light to get the most out of your irregular sleep schedule. Try and stick to the same sleep and wake time, even on weekends. Don't hesitate to seek medical help.

To find more information and advice on sleep disorders, go to www.sleepapnea.org.

New Technology Developed To Help Keep Skin Moisturized

With so much attention being paid today about new technologies used in cell phones, video games and music downloading, it is surprising that there hasn't been enough written about the newest approach to maintaining proper skin hydration.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It protects you from bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. It also helps your body sense the outside world, such as whether it is hot or cold, wet or dry. And yes, your skin regulates your body temperature.

Just about everyone, at one time or another has skin that reacts to factors in the environment: germs, chemicals, harsh weather, animals, poor air quality, stress related irritations and sleep deprivation. Conditions that stress, clog or inflame your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning and itching. Allergies, irritants, genetic makeup, certain diseases and immune system disorders can cause dermatitis, hives and other skin conditions.

Proper care of the skin is a vital part of total body maintenance. As we grow older, our skin begins to dry out and lose elasticity. This dehydration process eventually causes skin to become so dry that it begins to crack and develop lines and age spots.

While there are literally thousands of different types of skin moisturizing products sold throughout the world today, almost all of them are based on an old technology known as "barrier" technology. The idea behind this technology was to cover the skin with a thin coating and protect it from the elements.

This was the standard approach to skin care products for the past few hundred years. While it was better than no treatment at all, many of these barrier products can clog the pores of the skin which results in stress and it can impair the natural skin breathing process. When you skin isn't breathing properly, it can become inflamed and worse. Also, any benefits these products were washed away as soon as the skin came in contact with water.

Fortunately about a dozen or so years ago, a team of dermatologists and scientists from around the world began to work together on a project to develop a skin moisturizing system to help the millions of people who work outdoors and as a result were prone to having very dry and unhealthy skin. This group working together and sharing their discoveries, led to the creation of a new generation of skin moisturizing products which when applied to the skin become completely absorbed into the skin and leave no greasy film.

The ingredients used in these products combine botanicals, vitamins and minerals, and they actually stimulate the body to moisturize itself naturally. A recent clinical trial conducted at a prestigious laboratory in the United States confirmed that the daily use of Columbia Healing Cream results in skin that appears to be younger looking, firmer and healthier looking after just three weeks.

For more information about Columbia Healing Cream you may search the web at www.fcsturtevant.com, or call toll free at 1-888-871-5661, or write to: The F.C. Sturtevant Company, PO Box 607, Bronxville, NY 10708.

These 5 foods can trigger allergies

Food allergies are something often associated with children. That's because most children grow out of their food allergies early in childhood. However, not all youngsters see their allergies go away, and many adults have allergic reactions to food throughout their lives.

Though it's possible for any food to trigger an allergy, most foods will not. Allergic reactions to food are, more often than not, triggered by the following foods.

1. Peanuts: While some kids outgrow a peanut allergy, it's often lifelong. One of the most common causes of food allergy, peanuts can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Such severe side effects is one reason medical professionals often recommend people with peanut allergies avoid even the tiniest amounts of peanuts. Even a trace of peanuts can cause severe reactions, so it's sometimes best to avoid tree nuts as well. These include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and cashew nuts. Crude peanut oil might also contain peanut allergens, and many people with peanut allergies avoid such oil as a result.

2. Eggs: Many children with an egg allergy outgrow it by the time they become toddlers. However, some have such a severe egg allergy they cannot even be around when someone is cooking eggs. Cooking the eggs can destroy the allergens most people react to, but cooking won't necessarily kill all of them. People with an egg allergy should check labels when visiting the grocery store, as products like ice cream, hot dogs, mayonnaise, and some pastas are hidden sources of eggs and can trigger an allergy.

3. Milk: A milk allergy is another type that children often outgrow by the time they reach toddlerhood. However, not all kids outgrow a milk allergy, which can manifest itself as rashes, diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps. When a person has a milk allergy, it's caused by a reaction to certain allergens in cows' milk, including whey and casein. Even small amounts of casein and whey can trigger an allergy, and the allergens in cow's milk are very similar to those in goat's and sheep's milk as well, meaning it's possible that a person with a cow's milk allergy will also be allergic to goat's and sheep's milk.

4. Fish: Adults are more likely to have an allergic reaction to fish and shellfish than children. Those with a specific fish allergy should be wary of cross-contamination, and many are advised that it's best to avoid seafood entirely. What's more, because the allergens in fish are so similar, people who are allergic to a specific type of fish will often find that other types of fish trigger a reaction as well. When shopping, be careful of certain Caesar salad dressings, as some contain anchovy paste, and read the labels before buying any fish sauce or even Worcestershire sauce.

5. Wheat: Wheat allergy is one of the more common food allergies. One of wheat's most prominent allergens is gliadin, a protein found in gluten. As a result, many people with a wheat allergy follow a gluten-free diet, which means they must avoid many processed snacks, deli meats, some ice creams, and even beer.

When it comes to food allergies, some of the more enjoyable foods are common triggers. To avoid many of the more harmful side effects of food allergies, always read product labels before cooking or consuming foods.

Are You at Risk for Gum Disease and Its Many Health Threats? Most patients are unaware of both the consequences and the treatment options

Eighty percent of U.S. adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, yet only 60 percent are aware of it1. And only 3 percent choose to treat it2. That's alarming, because gum disease, or periodontitis, threatens much more than oral health; studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, strokes and even stillbirths.

With such broad health consequences, how do you know you are at risk?

A Mouthful of Risk

Not surprising, risk factors begin in the mouth--with poor oral hygiene and diet. Bacteria and plaque build up without proper brushing and flossing. Teeth with cracks and crevices or improperly sealed fillings and crowns can trap food and encourage plaque and bacteria growth.

Patients with impacted wisdom teeth are also at risk and often experience no symptoms. For this reason, dental professionals recommend that preteens, teens and young adults have their dentists examine them for signs of gum disease.

Risks Increase With Age

The older people get, the greater their risk for gum disease. More than half of American adults 35-69 show signs of gingivitis surrounding three or four teeth; about 30 percent show significant levels of gum disease3. Eighty-six percent of people older than 70 show moderate gum disease and more than 25 percent lose their teeth4.

Factors That Run in the Family

Genetics may be responsible for about half of periodontal disease cases. Those whose parents suffered gum disease are 12 times more likely to harbor the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease5.

Even spouses and partners may be at risk, say researchers who've found that a particular oral bacteria may be contagious over long periods of exposure.

The Smoking Gun

Of all the risks for periodontal disease, smoking is the most preventable. Smokers are four times more likely to develop advanced periodontal disease and exhibit bone loss and gum recession even without gum disease. More than 40 percent of smokers lose their teeth during their lifetimes6.

Even secondhand smoke carries risks, with a 50 percent to 60 percent higher incidence of gum disease7. When people quit smoking, however, risks return to normal over time.

Women and Gum Disease

Despite their better dental hygiene, women account for about 75 percent of periodontal office visits8. Studies point to the effects of female hormones on oral health -- effects that are also triggered by prescription birth control and menopause. Some women see gingivitis flare-ups a few days before their periods and during ovulation as the hormone progesterone dilates blood vessels, causing inflammation and slowing down the repair of collagen -- the protein that supports gums.

These same hormonal fluctuations are in force throughout pregnancy, typically worsening at two months and peaking around the eighth month of pregnancy. These hormonal changes don't actually cause gum disease; they simply make women more vulnerable to it. Stepping up oral hygiene can make a big difference -- especially important given the recent research that links gum disease with low birth weight and other complications including stillbirth9. These risks make dental visits a vital part of prenatal health care.

Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity

As with many diseases, gum disease appears in greater numbers among the poor, particularly poor children and elderly people as well as racial minorities. Those with fewer financial resources for dental visits show the greatest amounts of oral bacteria. Approximately 44 million Americans live without medical insurance; 110 million have no dental insurance10.

Diseases Associated with Periodontal Disease

Many diseases also contribute to the development of periodontal disease, whether as a direct result of the disease or as a side effect of medication. Some of the most common are diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, herpes, HIV and autoimmune disorders.

Additional Causes of Gum Inflammation

A variety of additional conditions also cause gum inflammation and are associated with higher rates of gum disease, including:

* Mouth breathing

* Stress. Its effects on the immune system are well documented. Some studies show that those effects include development of periodontal disease.

* Alcohol abuse

* Canker sores

* Allergies

* Side effects of prescription medications

Successful Treatment is Key

Ninety-two percent of pregnant women who were successfully treated for gum disease delivered full-term babies; whereas 62 percent with unsuccessful treatment delivered pre-term and 52 percent of women who were not given any treatment delivered pre-term. These findings were published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology by Marjorie Jeffcoat, Professor of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania11.

Prevention of systemic diseases might be achieved with the successful treatment of gum disease.

Success is determined by the treatments' ability to reduce or eliminate gum inflammation, slow or stop attachment loss and decrease pocket depth - and that can vary depending on the type of treatment. The LANAP(R) treatment is one of the most successful protocols in treating gum disease because it can target the source of the inflammation without hurting or removing any healthy gums, allowing the body to recover from the chronic infection.

A Treatment Alternative

Regardless of its causes, moderate to severe periodontal disease is treatable. Traditional surgery has long been the only option - a painful process where gums are cut open, biofilm on teeth is scraped away, then the gums are sewn together and recovery begins.

An FDA-cleared laser treatment called the LANAP(R) protocol offers a less painful, more successful treatment. The doctor does not cut open the gums -- leading to less pain and a shorter recovery. The PerioLase(R) MVP-7(TM) is the only laser approved for this treatment. The PerioLase MVP-7 uses a specific wavelength to target and destroy dark colored p. gingivalis bacteria - a main contributor to gum disease.

Ask your dentist if you are at risk for gum disease and what treatment is right for you.

For more information, visit www.LANAP.com.

About the Author: Robert H. Gregg II, DDS; President and Chairman of the Board, Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.; President, The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry

Dr. Robert Gregg is a former faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He has been using lasers clinically since August 1990, including CO2, free-running pulsed (FRP) Nd:YAG, both single and variable pulsed; FRP Ho: YAG, surgical Argon, CW diodes and Er: YAG. He has given lectures both nationally and internationally on the subject of clinical laser applications, and has conducted seminars for the UCLA Department of Continuing Education. In addition to authoring several peer-reviewed articles on the clinical applications of FRP Nd:YAG for endodontic and periodontal uses, he is an author of the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education, versions 1992 and 1998. Dr. Gregg has obtained his Mastership and Educator's Certification in the Academy of Laser Dentistry as provided for in the Laser Curriculum Guidelines. He has been appointed as a peer-review member of the Dentistry Today CE Editorial Board to review all CE articles related to the topic oflasers. He is a co-developer of the FDA-cleared PerioLase(R) MVP-7(TM) pulsed Nd:YAG laser and is a founder of Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc. Dr. Gregg is also a co-developer and patent holder of the LANAP(R) laser periodontitis treatment. He maintains a group private practice where he sees patients. www.lanap.com.

1, 5, 8. A.D.A.M. and Simon, Harvey (2009). Gum Disease In-Depth Report. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/periodontitis/print.html.

2. Mackarey, Paul J. (February 7 2011). Laser Treatment Offers Help for the Gums. The Scranton Times Tribune. Online Edition. Retrieved from http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/health-science/laser-treatment-offers-help-for-the-gums-1.1100961

3. Genco, Robert, Offenbacher, Steven & Beck, James (2002). Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol. 133. American Dental Association.

4,7. Fehrenbach, Margaret J. Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease. The Preventive Angle Vol. 6, Issue 2. The Richmond Institute for Continuing Dental Education and Young Dental.

6. Angelos, William. (July 18, 2005). Smokers More Likely to Lose Teeth. Daily News Central: Health News. Retrived from http://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/0001307/62/

9. Dang, Titi (2010). Understanding and Preventing Periodontis (Gum Disease). Pearly White Dental. Retrieved from http://www.pearlywhitedental.com/periodontitis.htm

10. Cohen, Robin A. (2009). Health Insurance Coverage: Early Release of Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 2009. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/insur201006.htm

11. Jeffcoat, M., Parry, S., Sammel, M., Clothier, B., Catlin, A., Macones, G. Periodontal Infection and Preterm Birth: Successful Periodontal Therapy Reduces the Risk of Preterm Birth. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Published September 15, 2010.

Understanding How Fighting Gingivitis Can Help You Ace Your Next Dental Check-Up

Those who faithfully brush their teeth each morning and night might feel as though they're doing enough to achieve a healthy smile. However, even people with good oral care habits may hear from their dentist or hygienist that they have signs of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

Arming yourself with a better understanding of gingivitis and tools to help fight it can help improve the health of your mouth and make your next dental visit a more positive experience.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a very common early form of gum disease that causes gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth and represents a major cause of tooth loss in adults.1

How Can I Fight Gingivitis?

Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect yourself from gingivitis. Try these techniques between dental visits to help improve your chances of acing your next dental check-up.

* Rinse, rinse, rinse! Using a mouth rinse is an important part of your overall oral care routine. Look for a rinse that protects against plaque and gingivitis like Crest(R) Pro-Health(R) Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse. Rinsing with Invigorating Clean takes no more than a minute a day, but protects against gingivitis and leaves you with a lasting cool freshness that helps to signal that you are on the path to a healthy mouth. In fact, in a survey of over 100 Women's Health readers selected to receive free samples of a new Crest Pro-Health Rinse, 89 percent felt more confident about their next dental check-up after regular use of Crest Pro-Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse.2

* Give your mouth the time it deserves. Spending a little more time on your oral health is an easy way to help keep your smile in shape. Make sure to spend at least two minutes brushing, which should include 30 seconds of brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night.

* Get in touch with your toothpaste. Not all toothpastes work the same, so choose one that protects against gingivitis. Unlike ordinary toothpastes, Crest(R) Pro-Health(R) Clinical Gum Protection Invigorating Clean Mint Toothpaste helps eliminate plaque at the gum line. In a recent clinical study, 100 percent of people who used Clinical Gum Protection Invigorating Clean Mint Toothpaste together with Crest Pro-Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse, Oral-B(R) CrossAction(R) Pro-Health(R) Toothbrush and Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss had reduced gingivitis in just two weeks.3

Taking steps towards helping to prevent gingivitis can not only help you achieve a healthier mouth, but can help make you and your dentist smile at your next visit!

To learn more about your dental health, visit www.crestprohealth.com.

1. American Dental Association. Disease, Gum (Diseases, Periodontal). Retrieved April 1, 2011, from www.ada.org/3063.aspx

2. Source: 2011 Women's Health Reader Panel. Survey results based upon responses from 108 female Women's Health readers between the ages of 30 and 54, who are regular users of mouth wash and in good health, received a free sample of Crest Pro-Health product to try for one week in their home environment and participated in a promotion for the opportunity to travel to New York City for a photo shoot and be featured in Women's Health magazine.

3. When Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste, Oral-B(R) CrossAction(R) Pro-Health(R) toothbrush, Crest Pro-Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse and Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss are used together. Individual results may vary.

Getting Sick a High Price To Pay for Straight Hair

Women have long gone to great lengths to change the texture of their hair. Those with straight hair will curl and perm to achieve wavy locks, while individuals with a mane of curls often desire sleekness not easily achieved without blow-drying and processing. Women who have been undergoing popular treatments to enjoy straight, sleek hair may be realizing some serious, unwanted side effects as a result.

For some time now, women have been flocking to area salons to undergo straightening treatments that promise long-lasting results in minimal time. One of the more popular names is the Brazilian Blowout(R), a professional smoothing solution, purported to have been developed by style specialists in Brazil. Treatments like the blowout made headlines for a time thanks to the dramatic results they provided for women with curly, kinky or overly frizzy hair. In about 90 minutes, a customer can walk out of a salon with pristine straight hair that lasts up to 3 months. However, recent news regarding these products has been less than stellar. Certain

individuals began experiencing negative health effects, possibly attributable to the salon processes.

The controversy surrounds the formaldehyde that is contained in the product. While reformulations now tout that these straightening treatments are formaldehyde-free, experts say that they really do contain formaldehyde, just small, safe levels. But what constitutes safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that .2 percent of formaldehyde is allowed in toiletry and cosmetic products as a preservative. The Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Administration has tested Brazilian Blowout(R) and other similar products, like Keratin Complex(R) by U.S. brand Coppola, and has found that some contain up to 10 percent of formaldehyde, despite saying they're free of the chemical.

How the hair-straightening properties of formaldehyde were discovered is relatively unknown. Some suggest it is from the way wool is straightened with formaldehyde in the textile industry. Until then, formaldehyde was largely known as a preservative, such as in embalming fluid. Formaldehyde and other derivatives, such as aldehyde, glutaraldehyde, formalin or methylene glycol can be skin, respiratory and eye irritants. When these chemicals are heated --as is part of the process in popular blowout treatments -- toxic fumes are often the byproduct.

Stylists have reported getting headaches, having watery eyes, trouble breathing, or feeling nauseous after applying treatments. Clients have experienced everything from burning to itchy skin to hair loss as a result.

Litigation against popular blowout products is ongoing in certain locales. In turn, the manufacturers of these treatments are also suing for misrepresentation. While there are limited self-imposed bans of some of these products, blowouts are still widely available at salons. It is up to the client and the stylist to decide whether they want to run the risks of the treatment.

For those who are looking for straight hair other ways, flat irons and regular blow-drying are less expensive ways to achieve the results. However, these more traditional treatments only last until the hair is washed or a humid day arises.

Simple ways to ease the 'ouch'

Sunblock -- and its adequate reapplication -- is one of the single most effective ways to prevent sunburn and a host of sun-related maladies. Despite the warnings of skin cancer and ailments related to the sun, people succumb to sunburn year after year. The results can be quite painful.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting sunburned even once can make a person more likely to get skin cancer. Though it can be that simple to increase risk for skin cancer, there's actually quite a lot going on behind the scenes when a person gets a sunburn. The very outer layer of the epidermis, or the outside-most skin, is made up of dead skin cells. Directly below them are living skin cells that can be damaged when ultraviolet light from the sun penetrates these living cells and eventually kills them off. Once the body senses the dead cells, the immune system springs into action. White blood cells are sent to the area to repair damage, which involves increased blood flow. This blood flow makes the skin red and warm. Furthermore, the damaged skin cells send out chemical messengers that activate pain receptors. This is why sunburned skin is red, warm and painful.

There are different remedies for alleviating the pain associated with sunburn. While there are some over-the-counter analgesics that will temporarily numb pain, some of the best treatments are simple and natural.

* Cool water baths and brief showers can reduce the temperature of the skin.

* Aloe gels often soothe and cool. It is believed that aloe has anti-inflammatory properties.

* Some people say that white vinegar can reduce pain and inflammation when sprayed on the affected area or used in compresses.

* Sunburned skin is often dry and chapped. A moisturizer, such as cocoa butter, can help minimize irritation.

* It's important to remain hydrated because damaged skin may not be as effective in locking moisture inside. Plus, the body needs food and water to fuel the repair of sunburned skin.

The best remedy for sunburn is to avoid it at all costs. Wearing sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection clothing, and sunglasses and avoiding the sun during peak hours are ways to remain comfortable and healthy.