Wellness Matters

health matters Are Non-Stick Pans Dangerous? Non-stick cookware is an incredible advance. It allows cooks to use less fat when cooking and makes clean-up a breeze. However, while non-stick cookware is convenient, studies show that you must be careful about how you use it. When non-stick pans are left empty (or nearly empty) over very high heat they can release toxic fumes into the air ��� specifically PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). That���s why, if you accidentally leave a non-stick pan over high heat, you should quickly air out the room. It���s important to note that cooking at normal temperatures (according to the manufacturer���s instructions) does not release PFOA ��� even when pans are slightly scratched. In fact, most of the PFOA in the environment (and in humans) is a result of the manufacture of non-stick coatings, not the use of them. Happily, the industry has agreed to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of PFOA s. Managing Dust Mites Tiny dust mites are present in every home. They don���t bite or transmit disease, but they can pose a health problem if you have an allergy. Dust mites are found on mattresses, curtains, pillows, blankets, sofas and carpets where they eat the dead skin that you (and any pets) naturally shed daily. They like to live in the dark, in an environment with at least 50% humidity, which is why your bed is so appealing. Allergic reactions (runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, nasal congestion and especially asthma) are not caused by the mites but by their microscopic droppings. Of course, wherever there are dust mites, there is mite waste, which is why it���s important to control them. Dust mites can never been totally eliminated, but you can dramatically reduce their numbers. Your bedroom is the best place to start. Photographs: iStock ��� Encase your mattress, box spring and pillows in zippered anti-allergenic covers. ��� Wash your bed linen once a week in hot water. ��� Remove all items that can collect dust (e.g., books and stuffed animals). ��� If possible, remove carpets. If you can���t, vigorously vacuum them at least once a week using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. ��� Clean the floor once a week using a damp mop. ��� Clean or vacuum drapes or blinds regularly. ��� Keep the humidity in your home under 50%. You can follow the same guidelines for the rest of the house, especially in rooms where you spend most of your time. Desensitizing Your Teeth Few sources of pain are as miserable as toothache or sensitivity caused by heat, cold or exposure to certain foods. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel on your teeth is damaged and the underlying layer of the tooth (dentin) becomes exposed. This can be caused by: ��� Gum recession or gum disease ��� Teeth grinding ��� Brushing your teeth too hard ��� Dental treatment, such as teeth whitening, orthodontics, tooth restoration or cleaning ��� Root nerve damage ��� Fractured tooth When the dentin loses its protective covering of enamel, it allows heat and cold, or acidic or sticky foods, to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth. This causes hypersensitivity and pain. Happily, sensitive teeth can be treated. Using specially formulated toothpaste can help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Relief is usually experienced after several applications. If special toothpaste doesn���t ease the discomfort, a dentist may elect to apply a fluoride gel to the sensitive areas of the teeth to strengthen the tooth enamel. Where tooth sensitivity is caused by receding gums, a sealant (usually composed of a plastic material) can be applied to cover the roots of the teeth. If the hypersensitivity is severe and cannot be treated by other means, the dentist may recommend endodontic root canal treatment to permanently eliminate the problem. As with all health matters, prevention is key. Proper daily oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is critical to preventing gum disease and gum recession ��� a leading cause of tooth sensitivity. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness. Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) British Baptist minister 4 WM Spring 2013

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