Curry May Treat Radiation Burns

Jahnava Nitai Das · October 28, 2002

ENGLAND, October 8, 2002: A spicy ingredient of many curries may be an effective treatment for radiation burns, according to a study. Researchers in the United States believe it may prevent skin blistering and redness associated with cancer radiation therapy. The compound, which gives the spice turmeric its yellow color, was effective in tests on mice. Turmeric is found in everything from mild Kurmas to the hottest Vindaloos. The crucial chemical -- curcumin -- has long been used as a traditional medicine. It is now being investigated for the treatment of colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease as well as burns. "If a nontoxic, natural substance can help prevent this damage and enhance the effectiveness of our radiation, that's a winning situation," said team leader Dr Paul Okunieff, chief of radiation oncology at the university. The spice is thought to work as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is said to have a number of other health benefits, such as aiding digestion and helping fight infection. Professor Andy Gescher of the department of Oncology at Leicester University, UK, is part of a team testing curcumin capsules on colon cancer sufferers. He believes there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that members of the Asian community in the city may be better able to resist colon cancer because they use the spice in cooking.

Tarun · November 8, 2002

Heartburn, Bombburn, what's the dif?

Dieting Tip of the Day - HEARTBURN

Most people think heartburn is caused by eating too much spicy food. While spicy foods can definitely contribute to heartburn, there are other causes, as well. One of these is high-fat foods such as those made with butter; also red meat, and sad to say in the month of February, chocolate--everyone's favorite love symbol! Onions seem to be a culprit too. Even a small amount of these foods can set off a heartburn episode.

You don't have to give up the foods you enjoy forever, but don't fight fire with fire. Give your body and esophagus time to heal after a bout of heartburn. Eat more bland foods like complex carbohydrates that absorb stomach acid, such as rice, potatoes, and pasta.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Day

McDonald's Bobble Head Recall

Now I'm sure that you always cook healthy meals at home and never eat fast food. But in case you do, you might want to know about an important recall of Chicago Bears Bobble Head Figurines that were sold at McDonald's. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, McDonald's Corp. and Bobble Dreams USA are voluntarily recalling approximately 100,000 bobble head figurines because the paint on some of the figurines contains excess levels of lead. Although they have not yet received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these figurines, it is possible that lead from the paint can pose a lead poisoning hazard if ingested over time by children. The recalled bobble head figurines are designed in the likeness of NFL players Brian Urlacher and Anthony Thomas. The 7-inch tall figurines have heads on springs that cause them to bobble from side to side. The figurines are dressed in Chicago Bears' uniforms. The McDonald's logo and the player's name are printed across the front of the base. Labels on the bottom of the figurine read, "BOBBLE DREAMS USA" and "MADE IN CHINA," and "OFFICIAL NFL LICENSED PRODUCT." They were sold at participating McDonald's restaurants during a promotion from August 19, 2002 through September 12, 2002 for approximately $5.00. If you own one of these figurines, keep it away from children and contact McDonald's at (800) 244-6227 to receive return and refund instructions.

Click here to read more information about the recall and see photos of recalled figurines.

- M. Ellman

These tips are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical attention or professional diagnoses. If you have health concerns, or want to start an exercise program, please consult your health care provider before embarking on any activity or treatment.