Plastic, ubiquitous in everyday items from kitchenware to cosmetics, has been detected in an alarming new location: human blood vessels. Recent research highlights a concerning correlation between the presence of micro and nano plastics in the carotid artery plaques of patients and a significantly increased risk of major cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that patients with plastic-adulterated atheroma plaques—fatty deposits within arteries composed of proteins, cholesterol, and other substances—were four times more likely to suffer severe cardiovascular outcomes or death. This study was the first to identify plastic particles within such plaques, with nearly 60% of the 304 examined patients showing contamination.

While the exact role of microplastics in causing these health issues remains unconfirmed, the findings suggest a strong association that cannot be ignored. Scientists have considered various potential entry routes for plastics into the human bloodstream, including through ingestion or inhalation of contaminated food, water, and air, as well as through products like toothpaste and lip gloss that contain these tiny particles.

This emerging evidence points to the urgent need for further research to establish a definitive link and understand the mechanisms by which microplastics may contribute to cardiovascular diseases. The implications of such findings are profound, suggesting that the pervasive problem of plastic pollution could be contributing to health risks far more directly and personally than previously understood.

With mosquito season in full swing, the buzz isn’t just about the annoyance of itchy bites—there’s a serious side to these pests. Mosquitoes are notorious carriers of dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever, making effective repellents crucial for comfort and health.

DEET, developed by the U.S. Army in the 1940s and available commercially since the 1950s, remains one of the most effective ingredients in mosquito repellents. Despite early concerns about its safety, public opinion has largely shifted, favoring DEET’s effectiveness over potential risks, especially in areas prone to mosquito-borne illnesses.

How does DEET work? It doesn’t repel mosquitoes in the traditional sense. Instead, it confuses them. DEET interferes with the receptors on mosquitoes’ antennae, effectively dulling their ability to detect and feed on human blood. This makes DEET-based products a top choice for preventing mosquito bites.

The research underscores the superiority of DEET in prolonging the time until the first mosquito bite. A New England Journal of Medicine study found that DEET products were significantly more effective than other repellents. For instance, a product with just 6.65% DEET can protect for about 112.4 minutes, while options with higher concentrations, like OFF! Deep Woods, with 23.8% DEET, offers up to 301 minutes of protection. In contrast, citronella-based products lag behind, providing only 10 to 20 minutes of relief.

However, when it comes to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises caution, recommending that repellents for young users contain no more than 10% DEET. The debate continues among experts regarding the safety of DEET products for children, but the consensus is clear on one point: DEET is effective.

For those looking for more information on choosing the right mosquito repellent and understanding the safe use of DEET, resources such as health.harvard.edu provide valuable insights.

Staying informed and prepared is key as we navigate through peak mosquito season. Whether camping, hiking, or just enjoying an evening in your backyard, a good repellent can make all the difference between a pleasant outdoor experience and an uncomfortable, risky one.

May is National Arthritis Month, and the Arthritis Foundation encourages those with arthritis to focus on maintaining a high quality of life. Although arthritis can be challenging, there are steps you can take to manage its impact and prevent further joint damage.

General Tips for Prevention:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight:
  Excess weight can put extra stress on your knee and hip joints.
• Exercise Regularly:
  Staying active can help keep your joints strong and flexible.
• Eat Well:
  A nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables supports overall health.

Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA):
The most common form of arthritis, OA occurs when cartilage at the ends of bones deteriorates over time. Bones can rub together without this cushioning, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Walking is a simple yet effective way to manage OA and stay active. Other benefits include:

• Strengthening muscles and enhancing flexibility.
• Improving cardiovascular health.
• Keeping bones strong helps prevent osteoporosis.
• Improving insulin use to help prevent diabetes.
• Burning calories to aid in weight management.
• Building strong muscles around joints for extra protection.

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes early joint damage. The American College of Rheumatology recommends starting therapy within three months of diagnosis to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage to bones and joints. Medications can significantly reduce the effects of RA.

The Importance of Walking:
For those with arthritis, walking offers multiple health benefits while helping alleviate joint pain and stiffness. It’s an accessible and effective way to remain active and strengthen the body without putting undue stress on the joints.

Take Action This National Arthritis Month:
Use May to incorporate more walks into your daily routine, consult a healthcare provider about appropriate treatments, and celebrate your journey toward improved joint health.

Despite Americans’ common belief that they’re proficient in sunscreen application, a recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reveals a gap between confidence and reality. The 2022 survey, involving over 1,000 U.S. adults, found that more than half of the participants reported getting a tan in the past year, and a third experienced sunburns, indicating a widespread misunderstanding of proper sunscreen use.

The AAD emphasizes that no “safe” tan or sunburn exists, urging Americans to brush up on their sunscreen knowledge. Here’s how to protect your skin effectively:

1. Choose Wisely: Opt for a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to guard against UVA and UVB rays.
2. Apply Early and Generously: Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors to all exposed areas of the skin. Don’t forget areas like the scalp, for those with thinning hair, who should wear sunscreen or protective hats, and lips, which need balm with SPF 30 or higher.
3. Sunscreen Stick Application: For stick formulas, make four full passes over each area and rub it in thoroughly to ensure adequate coverage.
4. Spray Sunscreen Tips: Apply sunscreens close to the skin until it glistens, then rub in. Avoid windy days to ensure coverage, and remember that a six-ounce can typically cover six full-body applications.
5. Lotion Quantities: Use about one ounce (or a shot glass full) of lotion sunscreen to cover the body comprehensively, including often-missed spots like the ears, back, shoulders, and legs. Faces should receive a quarter to half a teaspoon.
6. Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen doesn’t provide all-day protection. It needs to be reapplied every two hours or more frequently after swimming or sweating.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of skin damage from the sun, underscoring the importance of understanding and properly applying sunscreen.

Colorectal cancer, marking its significance as the third most common cancer diagnosis for both men and women in the United States, presents a formidable health challenge. With approximately 153,000 new cases identified in 2023 alone, it stands as a stark reminder of the cancer’s pervasive nature. Furthermore, as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with projections indicating about 53,000 fatalities in 2023, the disease underscores the critical need for awareness and proactive health measures. However, a beacon of hope shines through as survival rates have seen a consistent rise over the years, attributed largely to early detection efforts and positive shifts in lifestyle habits.

To arm you with essential knowledge of Colorectal Cancer, here are five critical facts about this disease:

1. Understanding Colorectal Cancer: This term encompasses cancers originating in the colon or rectum. The statistics are eye-opening, with an estimated 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women facing the possibility of developing colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
2. Prevention through Lifestyle: The power of prevention cannot be overstated. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a diet rich in fresh foods while limiting red and processed meats, abstaining from tobacco, and moderating alcohol consumption are all actionable steps to reduce your risk.
3. The Role of Genetics and Family History: If your family history includes first-degree relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, your own risk escalates. Additionally, genetic factors, such as Lynch syndrome, further elevate the risk within families, highlighting the importance of genetic counseling and testing where appropriate.
4. The Critical Importance of Screening: Early detection through regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, is a cornerstone of combating colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises that adults aged 45 to 75 undergo regular screenings, with those having specific risk factors, including a family history of the disease, possibly requiring earlier and more frequent screenings.
5. Recognizing Symptoms: Awareness of symptoms is crucial for early intervention. Key signs include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits such as unusual diarrhea or constipation, a sensation that the bowel doesn’t empty completely, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss. Immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is advised upon noticing these symptoms.

Let this knowledge empower you to take charge of your health. Through informed lifestyle choices, vigilance regarding symptoms, and adherence to recommended screening guidelines, we can collectively reduce the impact of colorectal cancer. Your health journey matters—take the steps today that can shape a healthier tomorrow.