Specialist In Emergency Medicine
I do not like addressing this topic, but my readers insist. I
was taken to task for not telling people to empty diapers in
the toilet before throwing them out, in the name of stopping
the spread of disease. I would rather you touch the diaper as
little as possible. Disease is spread well by hands and the
key is to just wash your hands vigorously.
There is a request to speak on garbage disposals. The main
health hazard is putting things that can cause the unit to be
damaged and thus damage the user. You can not stick hands in
these machines due to the way they are designed, but putting
metal objects in them could be dangerous.
We discussed microwaves, but please be careful about other
things -- cups of coffee, pots left near the edge, which are
all burn hazards. Be careful opening up microwaved dishes,
the steam may be hot.
Mrs. W. asks about the causes of high blood pressure. Kidney
problems, vascular problems, age -- all can cause a rise in
blood pressure. But the most common cause is unknown. Today,
most patients need at least two drugs to control their
pressure and all have some side effects, but the choice is
wide and the side effects are minimal. Fat people have a high
rate of high blood pressure, as well as diabetes, gallbladder
problems, heart disease, colon, prostate, endometrial, and
female cancer of the chest.
Exercise lowers blood pressure. Caffeine increases heart rate
but not necessarily blood pressure. It is addictive and will
cause a need to urinate.
If you suffer from headaches from fasting, contact Dr.
Dreascher of Tel HaShomer who is doing a study on this and
has a new medicine that may help. He can be reached at 052
666 7105. Write me in care of the Yated.
A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this
column. Haven't spoken about Zyban lately. It is a great
drug to help lower the desire to smoke. It works fast. Most
users quit the habit within three months. It could save your
life!
