Salmonella Salami

Mastro brand salami recalled for salmonella danger

Canada's food watchdog is warning consumers not eat Mastro brand Casalingo salami because it may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

The product was sold in variable weight packages with the lot code 3317A191 in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and B.C., the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said in an advisory issued Thursday.

No associated illnesses have been reported.

Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella may cause serious and even deadly infections in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. In healthy adults, salmonella bacteria can cause high fevers, severe headaches, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Toronto-based manufacturer Santa Maria Foods ULC is voluntarily recalling the product from the marketplace.

For more information, consumers may call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735.

Source: CBC.ca

Acne Cleared by Cutting Diary - Link

Crave clear skin? Cutting dairy may help some acne patients, says naturopath

Acne has long been the scourge of millions of North American adolescents who dream of a pimple-free life.

But could the path to a clear complexion really begin with scarfing sardines? In their new book "The Clear Skin Diet" (Cumberland House), Toronto-trained naturopathic doctor Alan Logan and holistic dermatologist Valori Treloar try to help acne sufferers understand the condition, its correlation to eating habits, as well as answers to what could be triggering their breakouts.

Logan says the omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines, salmon, anchovies and seafood have important anti-inflammatory activities and can be protective against acne.

When it comes to possible triggers, however, two large population studies out of Harvard show clear association with milk consumption and the promotion of acne, and other forms of dairy, including cheese, sherbet and ice cream, he said.

"It's perhaps the case that not every acne sufferer is having their acne provoked by dairy, but it appears that many are, so in that case, there are guidelines in the book about how to go about ensuring adequate calcium intake," said Logan, a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and faculty member at Harvard's School of Continuing Medical Education.

Fortified beverages like soy milk, tofu, nuts and green, leafy vegetables are good alternative sources of calcium, Logan said.

Whether individuals are picking up lunch on their breaks or brown-bagging it, Logan said they should be sure their meal is comprised of whole grains or whole wheat and a good-quality lean protein like skinless poultry.

Having something colourful in their meal like berries or cherries is a bonus, he added. Those foods won't spike blood sugar and contain lots of fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contain important antioxidants critical to acne patients.

"We now know acne sufferers are under increased oxidative stress," Logan said. "Some of the research indicates that the lower the blood levels of antioxidants in acne patients, the more severe their acne is, so they, of all people, may actually need to really go out of their way to make sure they're getting in enough antioxidants."

Processed foods and those high in sugar that spike insulin levels may also be acne promoters, Logan said.

"In essence, the dietary triggers are not too dissimilar from what we've been warned against before when it comes to gaining weight or Type 2 diabetes or even cardiovascular disease," he said. "These types of foods that are devoid of fibre and nutrients may be implicated as well."

While there's no association linking coffee and teas to acne, buying a latte at your local coffeehouse is another story, he added.

"You're now taking in lots of milk if you go the dairy route, or if you're putting in a significant amount of milk into your coffee. That might be the problem," he said. "But the coffee beverage or the tea and certainly green tea would not be."

Despite the book title, Logan said diet is not everything when it comes to acne. Stress has been shown to promote acne, and acne rates have increased significantly among adult women, he said.

"This may be attributed to diet, but it could also be attributed to stress because stress promotes the sebum which ultimately blocks up the pores, and in women in particular they're very prone to this," he said.

Exercise, relaxation techniques and keeping stress in check are important features of a clear-skin lifestyle, he said.

Some dermatologists say while they don't have a set list of items patients shouldn't eat, they do advise them to steer clear of foods they find lead to breakouts.

"There may be a correlation between hormones in cow's milk and acne, but I don't usually tell people to avoid milk when they have acne," said Dr. Eric Goldstein of Toronto.

"However, if they notice certain foods - Coke, fried foods, cow's milk - if they notice that type of thing flares them up, obviously I tell them to avoid it. But I don't have pre-set dietary restrictions or dietary counselling for acne patients."

"In general, your skin reflects your inner health, and your inner health is dependent on what you put into your body, so good nutrition will help to improve your skin," said Toronto-based Dr. Lisa Kellett.

"With that being said, as long as you are eating fruits and vegetables and things like that, one certain food group - if you eliminate it - will not cure your acne."

"Conversely, if you have the odd chocolate bar, that is not the cause of your acne. However, if the only thing you eat are chocolate bars, your skin will likely reflect your inner nutrition and therefore your skin won't look right."

Source: CBC. ca

Anti Anti-bacteria Soap Effects

Antibacterial agent not so 'anti' after all: study

Some antibacterial soaps are no better at preventing infections than regular soap, and may cause bacteria to become resistant to certain types of antibiotics, a new U.S. study indicates.

In their analysis of triclosan, the main active ingredient in antibacterial soaps as well as some detergents, deodorants, cosmetics and lotions, researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found the chemical did not remove any more bacteria from the hands during washing than the ingredients used in plain soaps.

"What it means for consumers is that we need to be aware of what's in the products," researcher Allison Aiello said. "The soaps containing triclosan used in the community setting are no more effective than plain soap at preventing infectious illness symptoms, as well as reducing bacteria on the hands."

In fact, because of the way triclosan reacts in the cells, it may actually cause some bacteria to become resistant to commonly used drugs such as amoxicillin, the study suggests..

The study, "Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky," is in the August edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

The researchers examined 27 studies conducted between 1980 and 2006, but did not analyze other antiseptic products such as alcohol or bleach-based sanitizers.

It recommends that U.S. government regulators evaluate antibacterial product claims and advertising.

The Food and Drug Administration does not formally regulate the levels of triclosan in consumer products.

Health Canada recommends people avoid using antibacterial products such as those containing triclosan because they kill good bacteria that fight bad germs, and because of concerns over antibacterial resistance. It has included triclosan on its list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients.

The Michigan researchers found triclosan can be more effective at reducing illness and bacteria when used in higher concentrations in hospitals and other clinical settings.

However, amounts found in consumer products like hand soap do little to combat bacteria bugs, their study indicates.

Source: CBC.ca

Recycling Computers

Source: Alive Magazine August 2007

Obesity & Junk Food Babies

Junk food diet during pregnancy leads to obese babies: study

Mothers who use the excuse "I'm eating for two" and indulge in junk food during their pregnancy and while breastfeeding may put their children at risk of obesity, according to a British study.

The study, published Wednesday in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved feeding pregnant and lactating rats a diet of processed junk foods such as doughnuts, muffins, biscuits and sugary snacks, while another group of rats were fed a nutritious, balanced diet.

It found that babies of rats fed nutritious food ate a normal amount of calories, but rats fed junk food gave birth to offspring that overate and opted for sugary, salty and fatty foods.

The baby rats fed junk food consequently developed an above-average body weight and body mass index.

"Our study has shown that eating large quantities of junk food when pregnant and breastfeeding could impair the normal control of appetite and promote an exacerbated taste for junk food in offspring," said the study's lead author Dr. Stephanie Bayol.

"This could send offspring on the road to obesity and make the task of teaching healthy eating habits in children even more challenging."

Bayol said that exposure to a maternal junk food diet while in the womb and during breastfeeding might help explain why some people find it harder than others to control their junk food intake — even when given access to healthier foods later in life.

Professor Neil Stickland, a co-author on the study who heads the research group at the Royal Veterinary College, believes that mothers should be aware of the risks associated with a poor diet.

"Future mothers should be aware that pregnancy and lactation are not the time to overindulge on fatty-sugary treats on the misguided assumption that they are eating for two."

According to the recent estimates from Health Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey, 59 per cent of the adult population in Canada is overweight. And one in four Canadian children and adolescents aged two to 17 years are overweight.

Pot Belly Risks

Even a little pot-belly increases heart risk: study

Sporting a pot-belly, that little pouch of abdominal fat that hangs down over your pants or bathing suit? You may be at an increased risk of heart disease, U.S. researchers say.

A new study indicates that having a high waist-to-hip ratio, measured by a tape measure, can indicate you're more susceptible to heart disease. And even a little pot-belly can raise the odds.

"Your chances of having buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart or the arteries of the aorta go up with even a few inches," James deLemos, one of the study's researchers and the director of the Coronary Care unit at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, told CBCNews.ca.

The study appears in the Aug. 21 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Source: CBC.ca

Organic Fruit Reduced Pesticide Scale Part 2

Source: Alive Magazine July 2007

Weight Loss Supplements Efficacy Rating

Source: Men's Health July 2007

New Old Veggie Burning Car Conversions

Source: Wired July 2007

Stomach Drugs may lead to Heart Risks

Health Canada investigates Losec, Nexium for heart risks

Health Canada is alerting consumers who take Losec and Nexium, two prescription medications primarily used to treat acid-related stomach disorders, that it is investigating the drugs' links to serious cardiac problems.

Studies of the two medications reveal that patients using Losec or Nexium to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) instead of surgery "may have experienced more heart attacks or cardiac deaths than patients who had the surgery," reads the advisory.

It also notes that many patients who developed cardiac problems had risk factors prior to beginning treatment.

The data being reviewed by Health Canada comes from a study that compares treatment with Losec to surgery in patients with severe GERD. Another continuing study comparing Nexium to surgery has five-year followup information on patients.

The study designs did not provide for a clear definition of cardiac problems or an adequate followup of patients. While both studies include some safety data, Health Canada said it is difficult to evaluate this data because of the way it was collected, reported and documented.

At this point, Health Canada's preliminary review finds the evidence provided does not confirm the existence of a possible cardiovascular risk. It plans to complete its analysis of the new information by the end of the year and will advise Canadians of its conclusions and recommendations at that time.

Health Canada is advising health professionals not to change their prescribing practices of the drugs for the time being.

Patients taking Losec or Nexium are also urged to consult with their doctors before making any change to their medication, as GERD can lead to other complications if left untreated.

Any adverse reactions to either drug should be reported to the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program, said Health Canada.

Source: CBC.ca

Weed Approved to Alleviate Cancer Pain

Health Canada approves cannabis-derived pain drug for certain cancer patients

A cannabis-derived drug that's been on the market for two years in Canada to relieve pain in multiple sclerosis patients is now approved for use by certain patients with cancer.

Health Canada has approved Sativex as an added pain relief treatment for adults with advanced cancer who have moderate to severe pain when using the highest tolerated dose of strong opioid therapy, said a statement Tuesday from Bayer Inc.

Patients can self-administer Sativex by spraying it into the mouth - under the tongue or on the inside of the cheek.

Advanced cancers usually cannot be cured, and many of these patients will experience moderate to severe pain, according to various pain studies.

"Cancer pain is not managed as well as it could be and the resources available to manage cancer pain effectively are still somewhat limited," Dr. Lawrence Librach, director of the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, said in the Bayer statement.

"Cannabinoids have an important role in treating complex cancer pain particularly neuropathic pain and demonstrate a positive effect with current treatment options."

Current treatment options include opioids, which are narcotic drugs that are prescribed to reduce or manage pain.

Source: CBC.ca

Plastics Unhealthy Effects Leaching Into Our Bodies

The chemical industry has long insisted that bisphenol A levels in people are so low as to not be a concern. But a new assessment has found the estrogen-like chemical used to make plastic is present in humans at levels similar to those shown to be harmful in animal experiments.

The assessment, appearing in the current edition of the journal Reproductive Toxicology, is likely to raise further health concerns about the controversial chemical. Although bisphenol A has been known for decades to act like a hormone, companies have been using it to make everything from polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and office water jugs to dental sealants and the resin linings on the insides of most tin cans.

Bisphenol A manufacturers have said the trace amount leaching into food and beverages isn't dangerous to people because it's quickly metabolized into a form that loses its ability to act like a female sex hormone.

While the authors of the new assessment agreed that people break down some of the bisphenol A they absorb, they said since so many plastics and other products containing it are in use that "virtually everybody" in developed countries has chronic, low-level exposure to the chemical and measurable amounts of its biologically active version.

Typical readings are about two parts per billion in blood. Although this is an extremely small amount, hormones are active at this level, and at even lower concentrations.

Based on the amounts being found in people and what is known about the metabolism of bisphenol A from animal experiments, it also appears that human exposures are above the current U.S. safety limit, according to the assessment.

The reason for this is not known, although there is speculation that people are gaining additional exposures beyond those known to be coming from foods and beverages, possibly through breathing in the air in buildings containing plastics and through dust.

The assessment was based on the results of an expert panel of scientists sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Its lead author was Frederick vom Saal, a biologist at the University of Missouri and one of the world's leading authorities on bisphenol A, but it was also signed by 37 other top experts on the chemical.

The researchers, in the assessment, said they are "confident" in concluding that one reason bisphenol A is dangerous is because it is capable of altering the normal functioning of genes, turning them on and off at inappropriate times.

They believe this property is one reason exposure to the chemical leads to changes in the prostate, testes, mammary glands, brain structure and behaviour of laboratory animals, particularly at low doses during sensitive points of fetal development and adult life.

"The wide range of adverse effects observed of low doses of BPA in laboratory animals exposed both during development and in adulthood is a great cause for concern with regards to the potential for similar adverse effects in humans," the assessment said.

It said some recent human health trends have been similar to bisphenol A results found in laboratory animal tests, including increases in breast and prostate cancers, earlier onset of puberty in girls, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and neurobehavioural problems, such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.

Health Canada and Environment Canada are currently evaluating bisphenol A, after placing it on a list of potentially dangerous chemicals in long-term use that were grandfathered in the 1980s from detailed safety assessments.

Bisphenol A is sometimes identified on consumer products by the plastic industry symbol of a recycling triangle containing the number seven.

The conclusions of the assessment were disputed by the plastics industry.

"Over all, claims that bisphenol A, in particular [ biologically active] bisphenol A, is present in blood at significant levels are not supported by the weight of the evidence," said Steven Hentges, spokesman at the American Plastics Council, which represents major makers of the chemical.

The industry trade group says one of the testing methods used for determining bisphenol A in humans is flawed, although those participating in the expert panel said they didn't rely on the disputed technology. Instead, they used the results of 14 studies using other testing methods.

The new research has prompted calls for restrictions on the use of bisphenol A.

"We'd like to see some immediate action on this chemical, on food and beverage containers in particular," said Kapil Khatter, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.

He said the federal review process could take up to five years to complete, and he said Ottawa shouldn't wait that long to reduce human exposures to the chemical through consumer items.

Source: TheGlobeandMail.com