Organic Bytes: Organic Consumers, Growing the Revolution

 

SUBSCRIBE & Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Organic Consumers: Growing the Revolution #286, July 21, 2011 In this issue: Quote of the Week: The Road Ahead Video Fundraising Appeal: Help OCA Grow the Revolution Action Appeal: Help the Millions Against Monsanto Campaign Recruit a Million Anti-GMO Activists Book of the Week: Genetic Roulette Quote of the Week The Road Ahead "As human beings, we should be the fully aware collective conscience - the mind's eye of this wonderful planet. As farmers, we should be guardian angels protecting the flesh and bone Holy Grail that is our Soil. Instead, we've sold out. We've exchanged home-grown methods for disparaging schemes because it is easier to do what we're told rather than adhere to what we feel deep inside us. Now is the time for all of us to realize what must be done, what must change, and to begin that process today. Not tomorrow. Today! The problems existing now were not solely created by inept government and greedy corporations. These problems were also created by a lack of resistance by all people. Yes, the problems exist. No, it is not too late to do something about it. " - Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth by Eric Herm Video Fundraising Appeal Help OCA Grow the Revolution For 13 years, OCA has been "growing the revolution" - preserving strict organic standards, expanding the organic market, and spreading the good news that organic agriculture can sustainably feed the world while reversing global warming. The time is right to ramp up our efforts and achieve some real victories in the fight against Monsanto, with labels on genetically engineered foods, but we need to raise a substantial amount of money over the summer to do so. Please: watch this video and make your donation today. Thanks to the generosity of organic consumers like yourself, in the last two weeks, we raised $60,000 of the $75,000 we urgently need to continue and expand our work. Once we reach our summer fundraising goal of $75,000 in smaller donations we will be able to seek matching funds from our larger donors so that we end up with sufficient resources to step up our activities on all fronts in the fall. Please, donate today. The good news is that OCA and our allies are on the verge of launching the largest grassroots effort in our history. If we can reach our summer fundraising goals, OCA's Millions Against Monsanto campaign will be in a good position to mobilize the 90% of the public that wants labels on foods produced with genetically modified ingredients. With adequate resources and grassroots energy we can get GMO labels on the ballot in a strategic number of states that allow the ballot initiative process. Support the Millions Against Monsanto campaign! For those of us who were born into the Monsanto crime scene, who have never known a world uncontaminated with its chemicals, for those who have constantly been threatened with unlabeled Frankenfoods, we have reached a turning point. Our health, our lives, and our future depend upon putting an end to Monsanto's poisons, its seeds of destruction, its killing fields, its climate-destabilizing crops, and its factory farms. The very encouraging news is that our organic food and farming revolution is growing steadily. OCA and our allies have managed to beat back most of corporate agribusiness' attempts to degrade organic standards, including a recent misguided attempt by large organic companies to accept "coexistence" with Monsanto. We have also recently put an end to factory farm dairy feedlots calling their products organic and are well on our way to eliminating organic labeling fraud in the body care sector. Consciousness is rising, but our public health, food, and climate crisis is metastasizing into a full-blown disaster. Monsanto and Food Inc. are increasing their stranglehold over the future of food and farming, apparently hell-bent on dragging us, along with the planet's life support systems, over the cliff with them. Take a stand against the Biotech Bullies and for an organic future. So please, click here to make an online donation. Thank you for your support. Together we're going to build a sustainable, organic future for our children, our grandchildren, and ourselves. Regards and Solidarity, Ronnie Cummins, Co-Founder and National Director, Organic Consumers Association Action Appeal Help the Millions Against Monsanto Campaign Recruit a Million Anti-GMO Activists OCA's Millions Against Monsanto campaign needs your financial support, but even more than that, we need your help recruiting the million or more anti-GMO activists necessary to power a national, multi-year effort to get GMO labels on the ballot in initiative states, through the legislatures in states that don't have ballot initiatives, and ultimately to change federal policy to make GMO labels the law of the land. There are few "controversial" issues in the United States on which there is so much agreement. Poll after poll has shown that upwards of 80% of consumers want to know whether their food was made with genetically modified organisms - that is, if they know that GMOs are in their food at all! The only reason there isn't more action on this issue is because most people - as many as three-quarters of us - don't know. The best way to counter Monsanto's hush-money is with people-power! The network of Millions Against Monsanto supporters is growing by the thousands every week and now includes nearly 580,000 people. Please help recruit supporters by asking your friends to join the following networks: 285,000 Organic Bytes subscribers 111,000 people who "like" Organic Consumers Association on Facebook 110,000 people who "like" Millions Against Monsanto on Facebook 54,000 supporters who have joined local Millions Against Monsanto Chapters through Facebook Causes 19,000 followers on Twitter 700 subscribers on YouTube Your friends can join you in declaring support for labels on GMO food by signing the Millions Against Monsanto petition. Earlier this year, we set a goal of 2300 supporters in each of the 435 Millions Against Monsanto Chapters by World Food Day 2011 (October 16), a day of action for truth in labeling and our right to know about GMOs in our food. Join a World Food Day action or start your own. Book of the Week Help Us Build a Sustainable Future! Our friends at Chelsea Green offer the latest books on sustainability, democracy, new science, and pathways to peace. Thanks to our new Affiliate Program, your online purchase supports the OCA! This weeks featured book is... Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods The biotech industry's claim that genetically modified (GM) foods are safe is shattered in this groundbreaking book. Nearly forty health risks of the foods that Americans eat every day are presented in easy-to-read two-page spreads. The left page is designed for the quick scanning reader; it includes bullets, illustrations, and quotes. The right side offers fully referenced text, describing both research studies and theoretical risks. It is presented in the clear, accessible style that made Jeffrey Smith's Seeds of Deception the world's best-selling book on genetically engineered foods. The second half of Genetic Roulette explores why children are most at risk, how to avoid GM foods, false claims by biotech advocates, how industry research is rigged to avoid finding problems, why GM crops are not needed to feed the world, the economic losses associated with these crops, and more. Read More Eden Foods Offers OCA Customers 15% Discount Eden Foods is one of the few national organic food producers that go beyond the USDA Organic Standards. Although Eden Foods is USDA certified, their products do not bear the USDA seal, because they say the USDA standard really represents a "minimum standard" that Eden Foods goes far beyond. As a subscriber to Organic Bytes, you can enjoy a 15% discount rate on any Eden Foods products by going here. Become an OCA Sponsor! Every issue of Organic Bytes now goes to 285,000 organic consumers with a thousand new subscribers each week. Please help us and your business by letting our subscribers know who you are and that you support the work of the OCA. Please contact us if you want more information! Connect With OCA! Facebook Pages: organicconsumers millionsagainst comingclean Twitter Feeds: @organicconsumer @againstmonsanto @OCA_comingclean More: rss feed youtube channel Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites, print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power! Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax: 218-353-7652 Subscribe & Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes    I

New regulations for Gulf War veterans' illnesses

New regulations for Gulf War veterans' illnesses
http://www.southwestiowanews.com/articles/2011/07/20/council_bluffs/news/doc4e27002ca5bcc502302978.txt

"New Veterans Affairs regulations taking effect on Aug. 15 specify that functional gastrointestinal disorders are covered as presumptive illnesses.

Gulf War veterans who meet the criteria listed below do not need to prove a connection between their military service and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses in order to receive VA disability compensation."

Environmental Pollutants Lurk Long After They 'Disappear'

Environmental Pollutants Lurk Long After They 'Disappear'
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720115247.htm

 

"The health implications of polluting the environment weigh increasingly on our public consciousness, and pharmaceutical wastes continue to be a main culprit. Now a Tel Aviv University researcher says that current testing for these dangerous contaminants isn't going far enough."

San Francisco Passes Cellphone Radiation Law

San Francisco Passes Cellphone Radiation Law
http://www.baycitizen.org/environmental-health/story/san-francisco-passes-cellphone-radiation/

"Avalos says measure could "save lives," while wireless industry calls it "unnecessary yet harmful""

Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant has stabilized, officials say

Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant has stabilized, officials say
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-japan-fukushima-20110721,0,730227.story

"More than four months after it was crippled by an earthquake-generated tsunami, Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has stabilized and workers are on track to achieve a "cold shutdown" within six months, government and utility officials say."

Children less attentive, more impulsive with higher exposure to repellent chemicals.

Children less attentive, more impulsive with higher exposure to repellent chemicals.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/children-less-attentive-more-impulsive-with-rising-exposure-to-perfluorinated-chemicals/

"Food is biggest source of exposure to perfluorinated compounds, which are used in some food packaging.

PFCs are associated with attention and behavior problems in children, suggest a pair of studies published online in June. These studies are some of the first to explore the relationship between PFC compounds and behavior problems, specifically attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impulsive behavior."

Cancer killing fewer in New York

Cancer killing fewer in New York
http://oneidadispatch.com/articles/2011/07/18/news/doc4e24ac80d4a56145480716.txt?viewmode=fullstory 

"Nearly 3,000 fewer New Yorkers died of cancer last year compared to a decade ago, according to the state's new draft cancer plan.
...
New York's 2011-2016 Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan calls for evidence-based environmental health initiatives to reduce exposure to carcinogens, while noting some traditional health culprits including asbestos, mold, carbon monoxide, radon, lead paint, radiation, pesticides and unsafe drinking water. It also stresses the need for continued reductions in smoking and tanning, and eating more fruits and vegetables."

Pollutants' role in birth defects becomes clearer

Pollutants' role in birth defects becomes clearer

http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110718/full/news.2011.423.html

"Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons linked to neural tube defects."

Volatile organic compounds found in paint and other fumes can be harmful

Volatile organic compounds found in paint and other fumes can be harmful
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/volatile-organic-compounds-found-in-paint-and-other-fumes-can-be-harmful/2011/07/05/gIQAAfJNMI_story.html

"I woke up early last Saturday so I could pick out paint for my living room. It turns out a lot has changed in the world of paint.

The last time I did this, it was hard enough choosing between bittersweet chocolate and black mahogany. These days color is the least of my worries. I now have to worry about how many volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, I'm willing to tolerate in my paint. In fact, the paint department has nearly tripled in size, as virtually all the colors are available in no-VOC, low-VOC and the old-fashioned version, which I can only assume is chockablock with VOCs.

I later found out it's not just paint. There are VOCs in air fresheners, markers, furniture, printers . . . . It made me want to stop breathing altogether."

Exposure to Common Chemicals May Affect Thyroid Function

Exposure to Common Chemicals May Affect Thyroid Function
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_114298.html

"Greater exposure to BPA, phthalates leads to lower levels of important thyroid hormones, researchers say"

DuPont Is Sued Over New Herbicide

DuPont Is Sued Over New Herbicide
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/dupont-is-sued-over-new-herbicide/

"Andrew Spear for The New York TimesA Norwegian spruce in Columbus, Ohio. Its owners said that it began to wither after Imprelis, an herbicide manufactured by Dupont, was applied to their lawn.

A Pennsylvania homeowner and an Indiana golf course company have filed a class-action lawsuit against DuPont charging that the chemical giant was either negligent or reckless in putting a new weedkiller on the market."

Toys tested with toxic chemical (i.e. tested positive for a toxic chemical)

Toys tested with toxic chemical (i.e. tested positive for a toxic chemical)
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/327554/toys-tested-with-toxic-chemical

"MANILA, Philippines — At least 30 percent of 200 imported, and locally made children's products purchased from shops in Metro Manila were tested with at least one harmful chemical, a study conducted by a local anti-toxic watchdog revealed on Wednesday."

A sentinel case series of cancer patients with occupational exposures to electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation and other agents

A sentinel case series of cancer patients with occupational exposures to electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation and other agents

Yael Stein, Or Levy-Nativ, Elihu D. Richter Unit of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
Eur. J. Oncol. - Vol. 16 - N. 1 - March 2011

Summary

Background. There are reports that intense prolonged occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation may increase risks for cancer. We previ- ously have reported a sentinel cluster, of 7 workers with high exposures and short latent periods, and individual patients with brain cancer high occupational exposures and short latent periods. We present a sentinel case series (n=47, 40M, 7F) of cancer patients, referred to our medical unit with occupational exposures to non-ionizing radiation of all types. Objectives. Our aims were to report the findings on tumour types, age of first diagnosis, and latency, to describe their exposures and to examine the hypothesis that latencies for all tumour types (solid tissue, hematolymphatic, testicular) were coherently related to high occupational exposures starting at young ages.

Methods. We divided the patients into groups by latency. We categorized each patient's exposures in regard to types of radiation, far or near field exposure and direct body contact. For some we had data on frequencies, for others we provided assessments. We also present the patient data categorized by age of diagnosis. We used a case-case type comparison to examine latencies for tumour types [solid, hematolymphatic (HL), testicular].

Results. 15 patients developed cancer with latent periods of less than 5 years and 12 patients with latent periods between 5 and 10 years. The remaining 20 patients had longer latent periods between first occupational exposure to EMF and diagnosis of cancer. 6 patients (12.7%) had multiple tumours. 12 patients (25.5%) reported cancer cases in co-workers. In the <5 years latency group there were 8 hematolymphatic cancers, 3 testicular cancers and 6 solid tumours [head & neck (including brain) and GI tract]. In all latency groups there were patients who were exposed to intense levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF), to several types of EMF, or to EMF in combination with ionizing radiation (IR) or other exposures, and patients who had direct body contact with the equipment, were in direct focus of high radiation, or worked in small, electronically dense environments. Case classification by age showed shorter latencies with younger ages, but this association is complicated by the fact that shorter latencies co-vary with younger ages especially for testicular tumours. But patients with testicular and hematolymphatic tumours had shorter latencies than those with solid tumours.

Conclusion. Many of the patients were young and had extremely short latent periods, especially for HL and testicular cancers. The fact that latent periods for testes were very short, HL longer and solid still longer suggests a coherent and biologically plausible pattern of latency in relation to the onset of exposure to EMF and other agents. The findings strengthen the hypothesis that these exposures may possibly be the major cause of many of these tumours. The findings state the case for (1) better modelling of exposure sources and penetration into the body and (2) preventive and protective measures based on control of exposure at source, barriers, and personal protection.

9/11, 10 years later: Rolls of the sick are still growing - and many won't get any better

9/11, 10 years later: Rolls of the sick are still growing - and many won't get any better
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/07/18/2011-07-18_911_10_years_later_rolls_of_the_sick_are_still_growing__and_many_wont_get_any_be.html
 
"Ten years after 9/11, medical experts still don't know if exposure to toxic air at Ground Zero - responsible for countless ailments - causes cancer.

"The biggest uncertainty is whether there are other World Trade Center conditions that we haven't recognized yet," said Dr. Jim Melius, head of the advisory board of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program. "The most likely one is going to be cancer.""

The Stigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Stigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201104/the-stigma-chronic-fatigue-syndrome

"A debilitating illness leaves me no-win choices in the doctor's office."

Are chemicals contributing to autism rise?

Are chemicals contributing to autism rise?
http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-08/lifestyle/29635024_1_safer-chemicals-chemical-safety-chemical-industry

"Could household chemicals be causing an increase in autism? The evidence isn't cut and dried, but a coalition of environmental and health advocates said yesterday that it's suggestive enough for people to worry.

Shoppers can't possibly avoid all potentially dangerous chemicals on their own -- questions have been raised about chemicals found in canned foods, clothing, furniture, cleaning products, pesticides, air pollution, cosmetics, toys and baby items. So, the government must do more to regulate them, the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families group said."

Use of chemicals 'threaten grain output'

Use of chemicals 'threaten grain output'
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-07/18/content_12919648.htm

"The situation has led to some leading ecologists calling on authorities to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers."

Farmers at Risk of Pesticide Poisoning

Farmers at Risk of Pesticide Poisoning
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=21709

 

"What Ko Zaw knows about the dangers of pesticides is that he would die if he drinks them. Like other farmers in the surrounding area, the 28-year-old doesn't take any preventative measures such as using a mask, gloves or boots while spraying pesticide on his crops."

Resistant weeds leave farmers desperate

[COMMENT:  This is all so crooked and messed up.  I'm all for hand pulling weeds. The "itinerant workers" need the money, we shouldn't be genetically engineering seeds, and herbicide is very toxic.]

Resistant weeds leave farmers desperate
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_f01139be-ace0-502b-944a-0c534b70511c.html

"As effectiveness of herbicides wanes, some try mixtures of older, more toxic chemicals, others pay itinerant workers to weed by hand."

House Votes to Save Traditional Incandescent Bulb for 2012

[COMMENT:  Great news! Until a suitable replacement is found, incandescent bulbs should not be banned. The florescent bulbs have been linked to migraines and produce dirty electricity.]

House Votes to Save Traditional Incandescent Bulb for 2012
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-15/house-votes-to-save-traditional-light-bulbs.html

"The U.S. House approved a provision to save for a year the 100-watt incandescent light bulb, which has become a pear-shaped symbol of personal freedom to some Republicans.

Lawmakers passed on a voice vote an amendment to energy- spending legislation for fiscal year 2012 barring the Energy Department from implementing or enforcing lighting-efficiency standards set by 2007 legislation. The law would effectively push the traditional bulbs off store shelves, starting with the 100-watt version next year."

Recalled alcohol wipes may still be in use

Recalled alcohol wipes may still be in use
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/125695813.html

"More than six months after a worldwide recall, potentially deadly alcohol wipes remain in personal medicine cabinets and possibly on store shelves.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tasked with protecting public health, says the recall was effective but refuses to release audit reports detailing findings and measures taken by the company that made and distributed the wipes: Hartland-based Triad Group and its manufacturing arm, H&P Industries."

EPA's Evaluations of Chemicals Come Under Fire

EPA's Evaluations of Chemicals Come Under Fire
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/07/epas-evaluations-of-chemicals-co.html?etoc

"Republican lawmakers criticized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday for problems with the toxicological assessments it uses for evaluating chemical safety. "The program's credibility is threatened when it continually puts forth assessments that fail to address fundamental issues raised by reviewers," said Representative Paul Broun (R-GA), chair of the House science committee, at a hearing on the topic. But democrats dismissed the attacks as motivated by a desire to delay regulations. On Tuesday, the agency announced plans to improve the process."

Industry: EPA hurts Obama in 2012

Industry: EPA hurts Obama in 2012
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59142.html

"Nine top business and industry officials walked into EPA headquarters Friday afternoon to tell agency chief Lisa Jackson exactly what they think of her plans to tighten the federal ozone standard.

But they left the meeting convinced that EPA planned to stick to its guns and are now taking their case to a higher power: The White House. They say the stricter ozone standards would hurt both industry and President Barack Obama's chances for reelection."

Arsenic - chief suspect, kidney syndrome

Arsenic – chief suspect, kidney syndrome
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110717/News/nws_17.html

"It's a case of poisoning the farmers along with the land, with excessive, irresponsible agro-chemical usage. Chandani Kirinde reports from Padaviya.

Paddy farmer A. Karunadasa, 52, looks a lot older than his years, as he lies in his bed at the Padaviya Base Hospital. Farming has been the livelihood for this father of three, whose home is the sleepy village of Boralu Kande, Padaviya, in the Anuradhapura district."

EPA concerned about MTR link to birth defects

EPA concerned about MTR link to birth defects
http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201107161344

"Federal environmental regulators are looking closely at a new scientific study that found Appalachian residents who live near mountaintop removal mine sites face an increased risk of birth defects.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials met last week with one of the study's authors, and EPA is concerned about growing evidence about mountaintop removal's potential adverse effects on public health in the coalfields."

Resources and information about the peer-reviewed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity research of biochemist Martin Pall, PhD.

Thanks goes to Susie Collins at the Canary Report for bringing these three wonderful videos on our radar in her post Resources and information about the peer-reviewed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity research of biochemist Martin Pall, PhD.
Elevated Nitric Oxide & Oxidative stress in CFS (1 of 3)


Elevated Nitric Oxide & Oxidative stress in CFS (2 of 3)


Elevated Nitric Oxide & Oxidative stress in CFS (3 of 3)


Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Newfoundland and Labrador joins provinces outlawing cosmetic pesticides on lawns

Newfoundland and Labrador joins provinces outlawing cosmetic pesticides on lawns
http://www.cjbk.com/NationalCP/Article.aspx?id=294354

"Newfoundland and Labrador intends to join the growing ranks of provinces that have banned the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides on household lawns."

Critical duration of exposure for developmental chlorpyrifos-induced neurobehavioral toxicity.

Critical duration of exposure for developmental chlorpyrifos-induced neurobehavioral toxicity.

Sledge D, Yen J, Morton T, Dishaw L, Petro A, Donerly S, Linney E, Levin ED.
Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2011 Jul 2. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, USA.

Abstract
Developmental exposure of rats to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) causes persistent neurobehavioral impairment. In a parallel series of studies with zebrafish, we have also found persisting behavioral dysfunction after developmental CPF exposure. We have developed a battery of measures of zebrafish behavior, which are reliable and sensitive to toxicant-induced damage. This study determined the critical duration of developmental CPF exposure for causing persisting neurobehavioral effects. Tests of sensorimotor response (tap startle response and habituation), stress response (novel tank diving test) and learning (3-chamber tank spatial discrimination) were conducted with adult zebrafish after early developmental CPF exposure. The CPF exposure level was 100ng/ml with durations of 0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4 and 0-5days after fertilization. Developmental CPF exposure had persisting behavioral effects in zebrafish tested as adults. In the tactile startle test, CPF exposed fish showed decreased habituation to startle and a trend toward increased overall startle response. In the novel tank exploration test, exposed fish showed decreased escape diving response and increased swimming activity. In the 3-chamber learning test, the 0-5day CPF exposure group had a significantly lower learning rate. There was evidence for persisting declines in brain dopamine and norepinepherine levels after developmental CPF exposure. In all of the measures the clearest persistent effects were seen in fish exposed for the full duration of five days after fertilization. In a follow-up experiment there were some indications for persisting behavioral effects after exposure during only the later phase of this developmental window. This study demonstrated the selective long-term neurobehavioral alterations caused by exposure to CPF in zebrafish. The zebrafish model can facilitate the determination of the molecular mechanisms underlying long-term neurobehavioral impairment after developmental toxicant exposure.
 
PMID: 21745564 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Effects of thermal therapy combining sauna therapy and underwater exercise in patients with fibromyalgia.

Effects of thermal therapy combining sauna therapy and underwater exercise in patients with fibromyalgia.

Matsumoto S, Shimodozono M, Etoh S, Miyata R, Kawahira K.
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Aug;17(3):162-6. Epub 2010 Sep 25.

Source
Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Graduate school of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.

Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder that is characterized by widespread pain with localized tenderness. We aimed to investigate whether thermal therapy combining sauna therapy and underwater exercise improved pain, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in FMS patients. Forty-four female FMS patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria received 12-week thermal therapy program comprising sauna therapy once daily for 3 days/week and underwater exercise once daily for 2 days/week. Pain, symptoms, and QOL were assessed using a pain visual analog scale (VAS), a fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), and a short form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36), respectively. All of the patients reported significant reductions in pain and symptoms of 31-77% after the 12-week thermal therapy program, which remained relatively stable (28-68%) during the 6-month follow-up period (that is, the thermal therapy program improved both the short-term and the long-term VAS and FIQ scores). Improvements were also observed in the SF-36 score. Thermal therapy combining sauna therapy and underwater exercise improved the QOL as well as the pain and symptoms of FMS patients.

PMID: 21742283 [PubMed - in process]

Association between indoor mold and asthma among children in Buffalo, New York.

Association between indoor mold and asthma among children in Buffalo, New York.

Jones R, Recer GM, Hwang SA, Lin S.

Indoor Air. 2011 Apr;21(2):156-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00692.x. Epub 2011 Jan 25.

Source
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Center for Environmental Health, Troy, NY 12180, USA. rrj01@health.state.ny.us

Abstract
Asthma is a leading chronic disease among children and places a significant burden on public health. Exposure to indoor mold has been associated with asthma symptoms. However, many mold assessments have relied on visual or other identification of damp conditions and mold presence, thus have not examined associations with specific fungal genera. The objective of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between airborne mold concentrations and asthma status among children and to identify the contribution from specific mold genera in air. Participants completed a questionnaire of home environmental conditions and underwent indoor air sampling in the home, from which viable and total-count fungal spores were quantified. The most prevalent fungi in the homes were the allergenic molds Cladosporium (98% and 87% of homes from viable and total count samples, respectively) and Penicillium (91% and 73%). There were no significant differences in mean fungal concentrations between the homes of cases and controls, although the observed rate of exposure to several molds was higher among the cases. Among children who lacked a family history of asthma, cases had significantly higher exposures to viable Aspergillus. Measured humidity levels in the home corresponded with some self-reported indicators of mold and dampness. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study support existing literature that indoor fungal exposures play a role in current asthma status and that some qualitative assessments of mold exposure correspond to fungi present in indoor air.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

PMID: 21204984 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]