Radiation from Japan Is It A Threat to Coloradans?

Last night I called a friend of mine who lives in Southern California near Los Angeles. He is an environmental biochemical engineer and runs a lab that studies the impact of pollutants in our environment that could affect our health. I was curious to know his thoughts about the recent news stories of radiation from Japan being detected in California. I will share with you his thoughts but lets take a look at what news reporters are saying about the subject.

There are hundreds of stories on this subject, but I will highlight just two. Original articles can be found here:

The Denver Channel.com

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/27296165/detail.html

International Business Times

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/126254/20110324/epa-japan-radiation-radioactive-isotopes-us-west-coast-hawaii-california.htm

The article from the International Business Times states that the EPA has a national data base that lets you know the radiation levels of any given state. I checked it out and it really is full of useful information about the environment such as pollution elements, water quality, etc. http://www.epa.gov/

The article stated that it had been forecast by the United Nations that this radioactive plume from the crippled Fukushima reactors would bring in radiation. However, even though the levels are too low to cause any harm or pose a danger there are still residents in Southern California that are in a panic. They are turning to potassium iodide pills, an anti-radiation drug used to prevent radioactive iodine from causing thyroid cancer. The EPA has stated that "The radiation levels detected on the filters from California and Washington monitors are hundreds of thousands to millions of times below levels of concern."

The Denver Channel article reassures Coloradoans that the levels of radiation found are so minuscule in light of the fact that we receive more radiation from things like the sun, bricks and rocks. We actually receive 100,000 times higher doses of radiation from the items listed above than from what is coming to us from Japan according to the EPA. So there is no need for Colorado residents to take the anti-radiation drug for radiation coming from Japan. In all actuality it has already passed us and is now on the East Coast probably over the Atlantic Ocean. Plus taking potassium iodide pills without needing to can cause uncomfortable side effects. The Denver Channel article is very interesting, is definitely worth reading in its entirety. Here's the link: These were both great articles and offer a lot of solid facts.

So in summary, if you are concerned about the radiation levels in Colorado, your county or your backyard visit http://www.epa.gov/ The website will break down environmental concerns for you and hopefully ease your mind. As to what my friend's comments were; he stated the facts that you have heard through these articles. There is nothing to worry about! Sometimes you have to wonder if the media builds this up to make something out of nothing? Something to think about!

Robin
HP Staff

National Poison Prevention Week

March 20-26, 2011

In the year 1961, Congress saw the need to raise awareness, promote poison prevention, and reduce accidental poisonings. This week is sponsored by the National Poison Prevention Week Council. Poison centers from across the country host activities. The national council sponsors a children's artwork contest to raise awareness through their eyes about poisons.

As adults we need to be aware of how easily we can poison ourselves unintentionally. This occurs when we mix prescription drugs with over-the-counter drugs. To prevent any accidental poisoning make sure to take the list of medications you are taking as well as any supplements or over-the-counter medications to your doctor or pharmacist at least once a year. Make sure to educate yourself on the ingredients, directions, and drug interactions to look out for while taking any medication. Its also important to get rid of medicines that have expired or are no longer needed. Contact the Denver Poison Control Center for places to safely dispose of these medications.

If you are a parent or a grandparent when children come to visit we need to look at our homes through younger eyes. Here are some tips to keep those kiddos safe. Keep all medicines and household cleaning products out of reach. If possible lock them up. Avoid taking medicine in front of young children because they want to mimic us. Give infants and children only medicines that are safe for their age and weight. If you aren't sure of the dose call a pharmacist or the child's doctor. Remember that even if it states child proof it won't keep them all from opening those containers! Always tell children it is medicine and NOT candy. Make sure you know what type of plants we have in our homes and keep poisonous plants out of reach of children. The local Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center had about 55,000 calls last year regarding children under the age of 5 being exposed to poison. Its a big job for all of us to keep those little ones safe.

National Poison Prevention Week is important to our health and wellness. I hope you learned something new and will be more aware of the dangers of poisons.

If you suspect someone was been poisoned called 1-800-222-1222.

Robin Wilkerson

HP Staff

Source: http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov

4 Empowering Reasons for Consistent Exercise

Seniors may find that regular physical activity is worth its merit. It could nip pain in the bud, improve your mood, help with weight loss, prevent disease and even foster improved sleep. Do you need more encouragement? Read on about 4 ideas to help you gain momentum.

Mood Improvement –

Do you have stress during your day? Try a brief but vigorous walk-even if it is brisk outside. This kindles a chemical activity in the brain. It may leave you feeling and looking a lot better. If done regularly, it may prevent depression and boost confidence.

Weight Management-

Do you want to shed some body weight? Set aside a small portion of your day to exchange some idle time for exercise. Some simple ideas to control weight include taking the stairs instead of an elevator or turning off the T.V. and going for a walk. It could boost your energy and circulation levels for things you enjoy -such as ball room dancing!

Fight Chronic Disease-

Exercise helps prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. It benefits your cholesterol levels by lowering plaque buildup in arteries. Physical activity also improves high-density lipoprotein (HDL), “good” cholesterol while reducing triglycerides. Additionally, it could help you avert type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.

Better Sleep-

Whether you exercise for a better mood, weight management, to avoid chronic disease or for better sleep, the secret is to just get out there and do it! You could put it off, but after all, there is no substitute for getting consistent exercise, learning for yourself the benefits or gaining your own experience.

By Cynthia
HP Volunteer

Sources: www.mayoclinic.com
www.gettingoutside.com

National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month. I decided to do a little investigating to find out what some recommended nutritional standards are out there for adults over 50. I found a great website that gave me all of this information. It is www.eatright.org. I hope after this article you will check out their website to learn more about nutritional eating.

Adults over 50 have some special nutrient needs. Calcium and Vitamin D are important in maintaining bone health. Having three servings are recommended. You do not have to just drink milk to get your servings of calcium and vitamin D either. You can enjoy fortified cereals and fruit juices, canned fish with soft bones, and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin B12 is another important nutrient for adults over 50. Good sources of vitamin B12 include lean meat, some fish and seafood, and fortified cereal. Asking your doctor for suggestions on a supplement is also an option. Knowing which fats you are consuming is also important. You want to choose foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats to help reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating food with more potassium and reducing sodium(salt) intake will lower your risk of high blood pressure. Some examples of potassium rich foods include fruits, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt. Last but not least, adults over the age of 50 should consume more fiber. This has many benefits such as lowering your risk for heart disease, controling your weight, preventing type2 diabetes, and keeping you regular. Despite our age we all need to remember to eat the right things and stay physically fit.

Men and women over 50 also have specific needs for nutrition. Men need to follow a healthy diet and watch their calorie intake. A man who is over 50 and not active should consume 2,000 calories. While a man who is moderately active over 50 should consume 2,000-2,400 calories. An active man can consume 2,400-2,800 calories. Women over 50 need to recognize that while their appetite will decrease they need to add quality to the calories they do consume. This includes focusing on nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, zinc for good vision and vitamin B12. Also women in the this age bracket do not feel thirsty even though they are becoming dehydrated. Its important for women over 50 to drink water or 100% fruit juice all through out the day. Women over 50 who are not active should consume about 1,600 calories. A woman who is moderately active should consume about 1,800 calories. Active women can consume 2,000-2,200 calories. While men and women are different in a few of their dietary needs everyone needs to remember to eat a balanced diet and everything in moderation.

So get out there and eat your fruits and veggies, drink your milk, eat lean meat and whole grains!