Do cellphone radiation shields work?
Billions of people in at least 160 nations around the world will be calling and texting Christmas greetings, and cellphones will be extraordinarily busy during this holiday season. Concerns about radiation from cellphones are rising, and some individuals are using radiation shield gadgets for protection.
However, the so-called “radiation shields” for cell phones do not work and are therefore not effective in protecting the user from radiation, according to the FTC in the United States. If anything at all, this shield “lulls” the user to complacency, and thus the user is subjected to a more prolonged radiation exposure because of the false sense of security the unsuspecting consumers will have. While the association between cell phone use and some type of brain tumors is still unclear, it is best to avoid and minimize any type of radiation exposure from any source. To reduce radiation exposure from cell phones, we recommend the use of one of the hands-free devices now commercially available.
Can skin ointment be used for the eyes?
No, most definitely no. Skin lotions, creams, gel, ointments, and solutions are for topical (external or skin) application only, and are not safe for the eyes. There are specific drops and ointments for the eyes. Never use any other preparation, except those prescribed by healthcare professionals specifically for the eyes, which are always labeled “Ophthalmic” or “For ophthalmic use.”
What causes palpitation?
Palpitation (pounding heartbeat, harder and faster than normal) could be due to extrinsic causes like ingestion of a stimulant (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolates, some medications, etc.) and/or cigarette smoking, or due to intrinsic causes like coronary or heart valve diseases. The person feels the heart thumping in the chest, which could lead to some degree of discomfort and anxiety. When this happens regularly, in spite of abstinence from the extrinsic causes listed above, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
Are body moisturizing lotions safe?
Yes, in general, hand and body lotions in the market are safe. The frequent use of face, hand, and body lotion (two or more times a day) is recommended because our skin needs moisture to keep it comfortable, healthy, and as young-looking as possible, especially during winter, when heaters are used a lot. Caution: The high-priced ones are not necessarily the best. Experiment to find the one for your complexion.
What is cardioversion?
Cardioversion, as the term suggests, means converting the heart rhythm from an abnormal one to a so-called normal sinus rhythm, either by your medications or by electrical (shock) “zapping.” The term is most often used to imply electrical cardioversion. This is done when the type of abnormality of the rhythm of the heart is one of the dangerous forms that adversely affects the vital signs of the person or one that could potentially cause cerebral emboli (blood clots from within the heart) traveling to the brain, resulting in stroke. The two paddles (“zappers”), held in each hand of the cardioverting personnel (a physician, a nurse or a medical technician), are applied to the mid-chest of the patient, and the heart is “electrically shocked” to a normal rhythm or to a safer, more benign form of irregularity. In some persons with heart disease, it may not be possible to convert the rhythm to a perfect sinus rhythm. In these cases, the goal is to convert the rhythm to a more acceptable, more benign rhythm.
Can trauma to the breasts cause cancer?
Repeated trauma to the breast has been implicated as a possible etiology in the formation of cancer of the breast among women. This could be in the form of biting, pinching, squeezing, or rough manual manipulation. The breasts must be handled with care and tenderness.
Does diabetes cause blindness?
Most definitely, especially among persons whose diabetes is untreated, poorly treated, or simply brittle and hard to treat. The blindness is due to what is termed diabetic retinopathy. A significant number of cases of blindness in the world today are caused by diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is confirmed, prompt and appropriate therapy should be instituted. The diabetic should be disciplined enough to religiously follow the prescribed medical regimen if the complications of the disease, like blindness, leg gangrene, etc., are to be prevented.
Can hydrogen peroxide be used for gargling?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide could be used for gargling, but ask your dentist first since he/she knows your dental condition better and can advise you accordingly. Hydrogen peroxide, together with sodium fluoride and other common ingredients (like triclosan) in tooth pastes, helps prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tartar and plaque formation, and halitosis (bad breath). Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that is incorporated in many toothpaste preparations in the market today. Baking soda is another. And so with extra virgin olive oil (also a healthy drink). In children, the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effectiveness of toothpastes is still not proven.
Does surgery make cancer spread?
No, this is a myth. Doing surgery or “opening the patient up” does not cause metastasis (spread) of the cancer. In general, cancer proliferates rapidly to invade surrounding tissues and distant organs. The misconception resulted from the refusal of patients suspected or confirmed to have cancer to be operated on early when first advised, and had delayed the surgery so much that the malignant tumor had already spread beyond help before acceding to have the operation. So, when the surgeons operated on them that late, invariably the cancer had already spread all over. When the patients soon expired, people blamed the surgery for the spread. Today, almost everybody knows that prompt detection and early operation in the treatment of cancer gives the best chance for a cure for the majority of patients with malignancy.
Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, sacred Christmas and a new year filled with God’s blessings of good health, love, peace, and prosperity!
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com