Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource Tip of The Month - March 2003

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Household Mold Scares: Small Amounts Not a Big Health Concern

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.- There are 100,000 different kinds of molds that reside everywhere. Despite the sometimes scary headlines, small amounts of mold in your home don't mean you will wind up with a serious illness, according to the March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. While most people have no reaction to mold, some get allergic-like reactions such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, coughing and skin rashes. Large amounts of mold exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Other effects such as fever, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, liver damage and impaired immune systems have been reported by some people exposed to inhaled molds, but it's unclear whether mold causes these reactions.

Small amounts of mold aren't necessarily a concern, but don't let it go unchecked. Eliminating moisture will prevent mold from growing, so repair water leaks promptly, vent bathrooms, and reduce indoor humidity with vents, dehumidifiers or air conditioners. Consider hiring an experienced professional if you have an extensive problem with mold.

Strong Back Muscles Protect Against Spinal Fractures Due to Osteoporosis

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.- If you already have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it, strong back muscles are the best way to prevent spinal fractures. The most effective way to strengthen the back is to exercise, according to the March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's Healthsource. A recent Mayo Clinic study of 50 postmenopausal women showed the benefits of back exercise can be long lasting. The study found that women who completed two years of supervised back-strengthening exercise were 2.7 times less likely to get a compression fracture. The effect lasted up to eight years.

While some older women with osteoporosis limit their activities because they fear a possible bone fracture, the study shows continued physical activity is a safer approach. Ask your doctor about exercises that could help prevent bone loss.

Do You Need to Take Those Vitamins?

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.- There's evidence that some vitamin supplements can be beneficial, such as vitamin D combined with calcium to help prevent osteoporosis. But there is less support for vitamin supplements in general, according to the March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

If you are among the 30 percent to 40 percent of Americans who take vitamins, here are some safety guidelines:

• In general, choose a multivitamin that provides about 100 percent of the daily requirement of all the vitamins. Avoid supplements that provide megadoses (doses higher than the recommended daily value). Most cases of toxicity from a vitamin overdose occur with these high-dose supplements.
• USP (United States Pharmacopeia) on the label ensures that the supplement meets the safety standards established by this respected testing organization.
• Beware of gimmicks. Added herbs, enzymes or amino acids can interact with prescription medications and should be taken cautiously. Before taking anything other than a standard multivitamin supplement, check with your doctor, pharmacist or a registered nurse. This is especially important if you have a health problem or you are taking prescription medications.
• Look at the expiration date since supplements can lose their potency over time.
• Beware of fancy enhancements and labels that often increase the price without adding value.
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