Health Tip: Keep Lead Out of Your Home
Lead exposure can damage the kidneys, and brain and blood cells. While newer homes may not contain hazardous lead-based paint, lead is still present in some work environments and can be carried home on clothing.
If your workplace may expose you to lead, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers the following suggestions:
* Don't wear clothing or shoes at home that you wear to work -- don't wear them inside the house even to change.
* Wash and dry work clothing separately from clothing you wear at home -- keep that clothing separate from the rest of the family's clothing.
* Always wash your hands thoroughly before you eat or drink.
* When at work, only eat and drink in areas designated to be free of lead, dust and fumes.
* Mop floors rather than dry vacuum or sweep them to prevent stirring up lead-contaminated dust.
* Wear a well-fitted respirator at work.
Health Tip: Are You at Greater Risk For Cervical Cancer?
The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus. Before cancer develops in the cervix, cervical cells begin to develop abnormally -- a process known as dysplasia. These abnormal cells can be detected by a test called a Pap smear.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute lists these risk factors for developing cervical cancer:
* Not having regular Pap smears.
* Abnormal Pap results.
* Having sex at a young age.
* Having many sexual partners.
* Giving birth to many children.
* Smoking.
* Taking oral contraceptives.
* Having a weakened immune system.
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