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METHYLMERCURY  in  seafood
 MERCURY is most harmful to the developing brains of unborn children and young children, affecting cognitive, motor, and sensory functions. The more mercury that gets into a person's body, the longer the exposure time, and the younger the person, the more severe the effects are likely to be. The FDA advises if you are:  pregnant, a woman of childbearing age, a nursing mother, or a child, avoid eating the following fish- King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish, Tilefish, and Tuna (fresh or frozen). When buying canned tuna choose chunk or chunk light, they tend to contain less mercury than solid white or chunk white. In general, smaller fish have less mercury than larger fish. The older and larger the fish the greater the potential for high mercury levels in their bodies. Cooking preparation and heat does not reduce mercury levels.   for more info visit the FDA web site  www.cfsan.fda.gov  or EPA www.epa.gov/mercury/ 


All About Diabetes
There are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.2 million people (or nearly one- third) are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Major types of diabetes
 Type 1 diabetes, Type II diabetes, Gestational diabetes, Pre-diabetes.
To learn more and to take a diabetes risk test  go to or click on
www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp

 

colorectal cancer
 Some Important Facts about Colorectal Cancer! Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States after lung cancer. Colorectal cancer  (cancer of the colon or rectum) is second only to lung cancer in causing cancer-related deaths in the U.S. An estimated 147,500 new cases and 57,100 deaths from colorectal cancer are expected in 2003.

  • More than one-third of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if people over 50 had regular screening tests.
  • Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. (Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum.)
  • People who have polyps or colorectal cancer do not always have symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. Screening tests are so important because they can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. When colorectal cancer is detected in the earliest stage of the disease (Stage 1), the survival rate is greater than 90 percent.
  • Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer by finding pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
  • Risk increases as we age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. In fact, most cases (92%) occur in people 50 and older.
  • Both men and women are at risk. Some people think that women are not at risk for colorectal cancer. However, both sexes may develop this cancer.
  • Medicare helps pay for colorectal cancer screening tests. People with Medicare Part B coverage who are age 50 or older are eligible for colorectal cancer screenings. However, in the case of colonoscopy, there is no age limit.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African- Americans. Over750,000 African- Americans in the U.S. have glaucoma, but only about half of them are aware they have it. WHY ? Researchers have come up with several reasons that  may explain why.
     The optic nerve is more susceptible to damage.
            We develop glaucoma earlier than Caucasians.
            Fewer African-Americans receive diagnosis and treatment. 
            We are 6 to 8 times more likely to develop glaucoma than a Caucasian. The best thing you can do is see an eye doctor if anyone in your family has glaucoma. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma may slow disease progression and help prevent blindness.

                                                                                                            

Water
One glass of water shuts down midnight pangs for almost 100% of the dieters in a University of Washington study. Drinking five glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, slashes the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.
Some Doctors say drinking water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body get less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to ever drop. Water is stored, This shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hand.
Also, diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lose water at the first opportunity . Thus, the condition returns.
The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what is needed,  plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released.   
How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day, plus one glass for ever 25 pounds of excess weight.