Is there any link between cellphones and cancer?

Timothy J. Moynihan, M.D.

The possible connection between cellphones and cancer is controversial. Many years' worth of studies on cellphones and cancer have yielded conflicting results. Currently, there's no consensus about the degree of cancer risk — if any — posed by cellphone use.

The primary concern with cellphones and cancer seems to be the development of brain tumors associated with cellphone use. Some research suggests a slight increase in the rate of brain tumors since the 1970s, but cellphones weren't in use during the 1970s. Instead, the subtle increases are more likely related to other factors — such as increased access to medical care and improvements in diagnostic imaging.

So what have researchers learned about cellphones and cancer? Here's an overview of various studies:

·         In one study that followed more than 420,000 cellphone users over a 20-year period, researchers found no evidence of a link between cellphones and brain tumors.

·         Another study found an association between cellphones and cancer of the salivary glands. However, only a small number of study participants had malignant tumors.

·         Another recent study suggested a possible increased risk of glioma — a specific type of brain tumor — for the heaviest cellphone users, but no increase in brain tumor risk overall.

After evaluating several studies on the possibility of a connection between cellphones and glioma and a noncancerous brain tumor known as acoustic neuroma, members of the International Agency for Research on Cancer — part of the World Health Organization — agreed that there's limited evidence that cellphone radiation is carcinogenic. As a result, the group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as "possibly" carcinogenic to people.

Still, a series of recent studies can't tell the entire story. It often takes many years between the use of a new cancer-causing agent — such as tobacco — and the observation of an increase in cancer rates. At this point, it's possible that too little time has passed to detect an increase in cancer rates directly attributable to cellphone use.

The bottom line? For now, no one knows if cellphones are capable of causing cancer. Although long-term studies are ongoing, to date there's no convincing evidence that cellphone use increases the risk of cancer. If you're concerned about the possible link between cellphones and cancer, consider limiting your use of cellphones — or use a speaker or hands-free device that places the cellphone antenna, which is typically in the cellphone itself, away from your head.

For a good father-daughter relationship

Here are some tips to maintain a healthy father-daughter relationship

1. The first rule is to be a friend: Treat her as your friend; share thoughts, ask for opinions.

2. Treat your daughter as an equal: Do not keep this attitude that she knows nothing. Children these days have become more sensible and know what they are doing.

3. Be a mediator: If your daughter is facing problems with your wife, be there present as a mediator between the two females. Having a male interween somehow cool down issues.

4. Learn to communicate: If you are one of those who cannot really communicate or emote well, then you should maybe should start by doing small things like helping her around with her studies or maybe once in a while give her a treat or take her shopping.

5. Trust her: When their daughter's are in their teens, father's usually tend to get over protectiev about their little girls. This behaviour most often than not tends to push the girls away from their father's. Remember not to be too suspicious about your daughter's whereabouts.

6. Let them be independent: They are no longer babies. Let her learn from her own mistakes. Having a healthy discussion about such mistakes will make them feel that you are interested in their lives and do not want them to do what you want. Avoid preaching.

7. Love them unconditionally: She is your own daughter. Love her unconditionally even if she makes mistakes or she is not the ideal daughter. Your love for her will make her realise herself to make the right choices in life.

8. Accept her friends: Accepting your daughter's social circle can be a little difficult sometimes. The kind of friends she is hanging out with might come as a surprise to most father's.

9. Be patient: Hormones are running wild and so will tempers. You need to curb your temper since she will always be the one who'll be raising her voice. When she sees that you do not react usually, she will herself calm down in front of you.

10. Spend time together: Time is the greatest bonding element. Try doing what they like the most and see the difference. They will love the way you are.

Deal with common teen woes

Teen years are never that easy. Rebellion seems to be their topmost aim in life, making it seem like your teenagers are going out of their way to harass you. Adolescence is a time of fast change in children both physically and emotionally. However, you don't need to take things quietly. You can fix some of the most common teen behaviour problems in a relatively genteel way.

Suddenly you notice that your sweet, innocent child is treating you like dirt, disregarding everything you say and giving you rude replies when asked or spoken to. It's hard for parents to deal with this. But remember that part of adolescence is about separating and individuating. This is your child's way of finding their own identities. Give them time to focus on their friends more than on family. If your child hurts you, don't hurt him/ her back. You need to be the calm one and be patient for the phase to pass by. Let your teen know that you're there for him no matter what - this will give him confidence to confide in you once in a while.

If you find your teen glued to his/ her cell phone, worry not, you aren't alone. Don't ban the mobile phone - cutting off your teenager from his friends this way will only give you more grief. Set reasonable limits like no texting or calls during meal times. Try and make them pay their own mobile bills. Instead of having a computer in their bedroom, keep it in the living room. This gives you a chance of keeping an eye on usage activities and the hours they spend surfing online. Use softwares that help you monitor the use of any questionable web sites.

Staying out too late and skipping deadlines is another common problem for parents of teenagers. It can get especially frustrating if your child ignores curfew time repeatedly. This is what teenagers want to do - test your patience. First of all ask yourself if the deadline you're setting is reasonable. Ask your friends what time limit they set for their kids. Experts suggest you give a 15 minute grace period. However, if they cross it by a huge margin reprimand them - ground them at home for a week. If you mete out a punishment, stick to it. Also try to find out if your child is staying out because they feel unhappy at home. Communication is important.

Another common complaint that most parents have is having their kids hang out with friends that they disapprove of. Criticising your teenagers friends will only get them more defensive. Remember that at that age, teens are very attached to their friends and any insult will affect them hugely. However, if you find out that your child is experimenting with drugs with his friends, it's time to have a serious talk. Take professional counselling if necessary.

Health benefits of black pepper

From an omelette, pasta to a vegetable stir fry, black pepper can enhance the taste factor.

Black pepper has more healthy properties than most people know about. Black pepper is a spice that has the potential to make food more beneficial when used in various recipes and as a table spice. In Kerala, many start their day with a cup of black coffee with a pinch of black pepper powder. The aroma of freshly ground black pepper is difficult to ignore.

We get our black pepper from the pepper vine that can grow in tropical climate. The pepper vines actually bear fruit-small white flowers that turn into berries called peppercorns. And the peppercorns are collected as whole berries or as ground black pepper.

Research studies have shown that black pepper has quite a handful of healthy properties.

It has the ability to enhance the function of the digestive tract. Black pepper is a great way to combat this. More than just a spice, it has been shown to improve digestion and stimulate the secretion from the taste buds. This taste bud stimulation tells the stomach that it's supposed to increase its own digestive juices, namely hydrochloric acid. This, in turn breaks down protein in the stomach, improving the process of digestion. Black pepper is known to have a great amount of antioxidant properties. It also has benefits against bacterial growth, particularly in the intestinal tract.

So, just add freshly ground black pepper powder to your dish and see the difference.

How to have a pearly white smile

Perfect pearly white teeth are anybody's dream. They brighten up even the most ordinary face.

Most of us are in awe of all the celebrities who have spotless teeth. But, as we all know, that comes with a price. These tips will help you sport a smile like a celebrity without causing a dent in your pocket.

1. Wine, tobacco, tea and coffee can stain you teeth. If you can't avoid them consume them in moderation. And brush your teeth, if possible, after every meal. This is the best way to prevent plaque and other tooth decay.

2. Gargle, gargle, gargle: What you first need is a good mouthwash for your dental hygiene. But don't overuse mouthwash, warn dentists. What they suggest is to use mouthwash not more than two times a month. And the reason? The mouthwash kills some good bacteria in your mouth, too. So always use it in moderation.

3. What matters is the kind of toothpaste you use. Get toothpaste with whitening agents to remove all the stains that you accumulate on a daily basis owing to an overdose of caffeine.

4. Flossing is something you should be doing. But only if there is too many gaps between your tooth and food particles often get trapped in them resulting in bad breath.

5. Always visit a dentist every six months for cleaning and check-up.

6. A balanced diet is the best way to prevent gum decay and tooth diseases. Include a lot of raw vegetables, yoghurt and fruits like apples in your diet.

7. Salt is a natural teeth whitener. You can add a pinch of salt with your toothpaste every time you brush.