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Water: Our Need. 3 of 4
Is it time to put away the plastic?

 

Polycarbonate plastic bottles stamped with the recycling code 7 began disappearing from retail shelves in 2007, as researchers revealed the potential dangers of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the processing of the plastic. In early 2008, the Government of Canada made the bold move of becoming the first nation to conduct a risk assessment of BPA.

While calling for more research into the issue, the government announced it is taking action by reducing exposure of BPA, especially in newborns and infants, since infants would suffer the most immediate risk from overexposure to BPA. Click here to read more about the potential risks of BPA.

People who rely on reusable polycarbonate plastic bottles may also be affected. Those clear, hard plastic bottles became popular because they seemed to be a convenient way to keep water on-hand while at work, at the gym, or trekking around town.

One-use plastic bottles offer an alternative. The ubiquitous clear plastic bottle you can buy by the case at warehouse stores or see strewn along the roadside is cheap and convenient. It's made from plastic marked with recycling code No. 1, polyethylene terephthalate, also called PET or PETE, which has been deemed a safe plastic. The downside of these one-offs is that they are one-offs. Use a PET plastic bottle more than once, and you run the risk of drinking down bacteria. And while this type of plastic can be easily recycled, the bottles often end up discarded and piled up on landfills.

Reusable bottles offer a simple, affordable, healthy way to stay hydrated and conserve precious resources. When you fill up a reusable container with tap or filtered water, you skip several costly and wasteful steps: the manufacturing, transportation, and recycling of a one-use plastic bottle.

To make sure that you're choosing healthier and safer options for yourself and your family, keep these bottle basics in mind:

• Lots of safer options exist. Baby bottles made from BPA-free plastic or from glass are widely available, as are reusable sports bottles. Cloudy plastic bottles usually mean no BPA, and rubber or stainless steel bottles and mugs are safe and durable.
• Turn off the heat. If you're hooked on your No. 7 polycarbonate bottles, avoid heating them or filling them with heated beverages. Washing them in the dishwasher at high temperatures may also cause BPA to leach from the plastic. To keep your bottle clean, use warm water and mild detergent soap.

 

 

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Medbroadcast, Canada

“Copyright 1996 - 2007, MediResource Inc. All rights reserved" and other copyright and proprietary rights notices that were contained in the Content.

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Treating MS With IV Steroids (Pulse Therapy)

 

 

Medications such as Solu-Medrol and Decadron are potent steroids that ease inflammation and are often used to treat an acute attack of multiple sclerosis.

 

During an acute attack of multiple sclerosis -- also called exacerbations or relapses -- there is a distinct increase in the severity of symptoms.  The onset of the attack may take several days or weeks.  New symptoms may appear, or your existing symptoms (such as numbness, tingling, slurred speech, or blurred vision) may flare up or worsen.

 

When attacks occur, you may receive Solu-Medrol or Decadron at a treatment center each day for one to five days, depending on your treatment plan.

 

 

What Can I Expect the Day of Treatment?

 

Plan to be at the medical center for about one hour on the day(s) of your treatment.  You may receive blood tests before the treatment to monitor your complete blood count, sodium, and potassium levels.

The nurse will also check your blood pressure and pulse before and after the treatment.  The medication is given by intravenous drip for 30 to 45 minutes or injected directly into a vein.

 

After the treatment, you can return to your normal daily activities, including driving.

 

Patients generally receive a one- to five-day course of intravenous treatment.  Following the intravenous treatments, you will be asked to take an oral form of a steroid called prednisone.  Your nurse will give you a written schedule of when and how often to take the medication.

You may also be given a prescription for a medication to reduce stomach irritation.

 

 

Are There Side Effects?

 

Not everyone experiences side effects from IV steroid treatment, but the most common are:

 

Stomach irritation, such as indigestion and heartburn

Increased energy

Rapid heartbeat

Flushing of the face, neck or chest

Feeling warm or cool

Retaining fluid (avoid table salt and salty foods)

Mood changes (euphoria, irritability, nervousness, restlessness) or mood swings

Metallic taste in the mouth

Insomnia

Nausea

 

 

Long-term side effects of steroids may include:

 

Bone-thinning osteoporosis

Stomach ulcers

Cataracts

Weight gain

Acne

Diabetes

 

Since steroid use can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, it is beneficial to include more dairy products into your diet while on this therapy.  You can also talk with your doctor about calcium supplements with vitamin D.

 

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