Third-Hand Smoke: The New Cigarette Hazard

MEDICAL NEWS HEADLINES

Third-Hand Smoke: The New Cigarette Hazard
Being a cigarette smoker or being in the presence of someone who is currently smoking are not the only hazards related to smoking. Smoking in your home/car even when alone still presents health hazards to others. 

After the smoke has dissipated, toxic particulate matter will be left behind for others to come in contact with. These residual "third hand smoke" materials are especially hazardous to infants and children. By crawling and playing on surroundings that have been contaminated with third-hand smoke, hazardous residual materials can be ingested via hand/mouth contact. 

Cigarette smoke has been proven to contain over 250 toxic gases, metals and chemicals including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, butane ammonia, toluene, arsenic, lead, chromium, cadmium and the radioactive carcinogen polonium-210. Pediatrics. 

Off-Label Prescription Drugs Often Lacking Scientific Evidence
The U.S. FDA approves drugs for specific purposes. However, once a drug is approved, doctors can prescribe it for any use. According to a new study, more than one out of every seven prescriptions is for off-label uses that have no scientific support backing them.  

In 2001, there were roughly 150 million prescriptions for off-label drug uses, about 21 percent of the total prescriptions given. However, almost three-quarters of those off-label prescriptions were for purposes that had no studies or scientific backing validating the use. Off-label prescription was most common for heart drugs and anti-seizure medication. This is not to say that even "on-label" drugs are safe. The evidence proves that none of them are. No disease was ever caused by a drug deficiency. Archives of Internal Medicine. 

Fighting Prostate Cancer with Curcumin
Curcumin, a curry spice also known as turmeric, may be useful in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. 

It is particularly effective when combined with phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), which is found in vegetables such as watercress, cabbage, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. When the two substances were used together, cancerous tumor growth was significantly slowed. (See Joint Complex™, Arthegic™, Hepticene™) Cancer Research. 

Supplementation with vitamins and minerals reduces the risk of cervical carcinogenesis.
(See Wysong Supplements) Int J Gynecol Cancer. 

Probiotics (mixed strains) benefit patients with irritable bowel syndrome, particularly those with loose stools.
(See Probiosyn™) Gut Liver. 

Alpha lipoic acid found to reduce neuropathic pain.
(See Daily Combo™, Antioxidant Spectrum™, Carboprin™) Neth J Med.