Two health topics caught my attention recently, so this month I'm providing information on both. The first one involves Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Spray and Nasal Swabs. A few years ago I recommended Zicam for colds because of its effectiveness in fighting and shortening the duration of cold symptoms. A couple of years later, there were reports that some people using the product applied in the nose were experiencing a loss of the sense of smell, and I passed that information on in my column. In June, that warning was formalized by the FDA. The products have not been recalled, but I recommend that you avoid the use of any product containing zinc that is applied directly into the nose because the zinc can damage the nerves needed for the sense of smell.'
Being someone who takes the time to smell the roses (and any other fragrant flower in my path), not having that pleasure would be a great loss. But losing the sense of smell can be not only unpleasant but dangerous as well. Without it you might be unaware of a gas leak or the smell of smoke. Additionally, without the sense of smell, food becomes less appetizing and enjoyable because much of what we taste comes from the smell of the food.
Matrixx, the company that makes Zicam, denies the danger of their products and states that product safety is "supported by the cumulative science and has been confirmed by a multidisciplinary panel of scientists." I say, better to follow the FDA recommendations.
The second topic I want to bring to your attention comes from a recent study done on multiple sclerosis (MS) and breast-feeding. Since August is World Breast-Feeding Month, providing more evidence in the support of breast-feeding is especially appropriate.
In results published in June online, researchers report that women with MS who breast-feed may reduce their risk of relapse after pregnancy. The study will appear in the August issue of the Archives of Neurology. Although the study was small, the results indicate a very significant decrease in the number of women experiencing a relapse after pregnancy when they exclusively breast-fed for at least two months. In women with MS who did not breast-feed or began supplementing with formula before two months postpartum, the rate of relapse was 87 percent compared to 36 percent of women with MS who continued exclusive breast-feeding. The primary reason women gave for not breast-feeding or for stopping early was to resume taking medications. Based on the study results, continuing to breast-feed may be a better choice that provides greater protection against relapse than medication use. Scientists believe the delay in the return of menses that occurs with breast-feeding may explain the results.
Of course, breast-feeding offers a multitude of benefits to both mothers and babies. A study underway at Kaiser is looking at the effects of breast-feeding on mothers with gestational diabetes to see if breast-feeding reduces the risk of developing Type II diabetes.
Paulette Avery is a registered nurse, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and a freelance writer who specializes in health issues.
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