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That Hot Dog Sandwich
We aren't trying to freak you out here, but the truth needs to be told. Hot dogs contain substances called nitrites, which are also found in other processed meats like salami and beef bacon and have been proved to be carcinogenic. Swedish research has shown that subjects who ate more than 85g of processed meat daily had a 15 per cent increased risk of developing stomach cancer than those who consumed 50g or less. More solid reasons to run away from processed meats are hidden trans-fats (bad fats) and salt levels that are a whopping 25 times higher than in fresh or frozen meat, says Sahmida Jafri, nutritionist at the GMC Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman. "And this can eventually increase your risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease," she warns.
Remember: Go for fresh or frozen meats whenever possible.
The Graveyard Shift
Studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have proven that there is a link between working night shifts and development of cancers. Scientists think it could be due to the fact that nocturnal work seems to mess up the body's circadian rhythm or lower blood melatonin levels (a chemical released during sleep, which could also be disrupted due to constant exposure to light during sleep). It has to be noted that these studies have been less accurate because other variables like smoking, diet and exercise were not taken into account. A Mayo Clinic study claimed that getting a morning shift alone may not really help reduce cancer risk. Other factors like a healthy diet, anti-tobacco attitude and active lifestyle may be better contenders.
Remember: Not much can be done when your work requires you to work at night but what you can do is to sleep soundly when you do sleep, without any light sources. Even the light from your alarm clock has the potential to disrupt melatonin levels. For those uncomfortable sleeping in pitch darkness, use a red light source as it has been shown to have no effect on melatonin.
The quintessential couch potato
Rings a bell? We hope not. If what you love doing is lying on the couch, munching on chips and watching TV, you might be on a fast track to Cancerville. Ten different studies have proved the relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and increased cancer risk. "These studies claimed that a sedentary lifestyle increases the amount of visceral fat (fat found between body organs) leading to a state of metabolic dysfunction and hence, increased cancer risk," says Dr Gansler.
Remember: Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, three to four times a week.
Plastic meltdown
Be aware that not every plastic container you place your food in is safe. Dr Ted Gansler, director of medical content for the American Cancer Society, who spoke to us about common carcinogens and their health implications says, "Bisphenol A is a chemical substance that is released when you subject your plastic containers to heat or freezing cold temperatures and they have been linked to cancer although evidence is not conclusive." To know which plastics are food-friendly, refer to our box story.
Remember:
Look for the "Safe" logo on a plastic container before using it and make sure it is "microwave safe".
Use glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers.
Avoid plastic containers that are visibly stained, damaged or malodorous.
Cling wraps need to be checked for "microwave safe" properties.
The sun
"Sun exposure can raise the risk of skin cancer, especially if you have a very light skin colour (people of European descent)," says Dr Fatma Shaban, specialist dermatologist at Al Rustom's Medical and One Day Surgery Centre, Dubai. She says darker skinned people can contract it only if they are continuously exposed to the sun. So do guys need to wear a sunblock? "Yes! All men need to wear a sunblock, especially at peak sun hours (10am to 4pm), and frequently reapply it, as sweating can wash it away," she says.
Remember:
Avoid sun exposure as much as you can, especially during peak hours.
Wear a sunblock (look for the ones with zinc oxide and liposomal molecules, which are known for better protection and penetration respectively).
Food-friendly plastics:
How do you know your containers are safe for storing food?
PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) - SAFE
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) - SAFE
PVC or "V" (polyvinyl chloride) - AVOID
LDPE (low-density polyethylene) - SAFE
PP (polypropylene) - SAFE
PS (polystyrene) - DO NOT WARM
OTHERS - generally avoid polycarbonate and unclassifiables
