Lead In The Human Body- Science Blog Post

Lead has been contaminating the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, USA for at least 2 years now. This crisis has been declared a Federal Emergency. But what exactly does lead do to the body, and how do you know if you have lead poisoning?

It can come from many sources, including some house paints, soil, drinking water, inks, plasters, batteries, all parts of the environment, etc. The two main ways that lead gets into your body is by inhalation and ingestion.

A lead overdose has been linked to anemia, kidney/immune system damage, and learning disabilities. How much damage the lead does to your body depends on the amount of lead our bodies have been exposed to. After all, lead is one of the four most damaging metals to the human body.

Symptoms In Adults:

• headaches
• joint pain
• fatigue
• muscle ache
• nervousness
• poor appetite
• irritability
• impotency
• sleeplessness
• decreased fertility
• constipation
• miscarriage

Symptoms In Children:

• irritability
• apathy
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• clumsiness
• behavior problems
• learning disability
• constipation

Severe Symptoms:

• loss of balance
• stupor
• seizures
• coma
• blue tint to gums and skin under fingernails

You can keep your house lead-free by doing many things. Assessing water damage, maintaining all painted surfaces, washing your hands, and getting your home tested are a few ways to do so.

But what if you do get lead poisoning? Fortunately, it is treatable. Go to a doctor or physician IMMEDIATELY and track down /fix the source.  

To Learn More, Visit:

https://www.des.umd.edu/os/rest/lead.html

http://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead#lower

http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/pb.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning#Treatment6  

Diabetes Misconceptions- Science Blog Post

Everyone has a connection with someone bearing this decease. In fact, approximately 370 million people are affected worldwide.  But what exactly is Diabetes? There are millions of misconceptions, so hopefully you'll come away with this and have a whole other view.

Type One Diabetes:

This is also cause juvenile diabetes, because it is often diagnosed during childhood. Only 5% of people with diabetes have Type One Diabetes. When you have this, an organ in your body called the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. The body breaks down glucose (sugar) and starches to produce energy for your body. Insulin is a hormone which gets glucose from the bloodstream and into the body's cells.  To ensure that you receive enough insulin, you must inject yourself with it when you eat carbohydrates. It is not the person's fault if they get Type One Diabetes; We do not know the cause of this decease.  Type One Diabetes is a lifelong decease, but fortunately can be managed.

Type Two Diabetes:
This is the most common type of diabetes. It is caused when your blood glucose raises to a level that is higher than normal, also know as hyperglycemia. Your body forms insulin resistance.  In other words, isn't able to keep up with producing enough insulin.  To solve this, you must inject yourself with insulin.  This form of Diabetes is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.  If you change your lifestyle to a healthy one, you can cure yourself of this decease.

Gestational Diabetes:
This type happens when the woman is pregnant, normally around the 24th week.  But it's important for your doctor to monitor the woman's blood glucose so that she and her baby will both be healthy.  When diagnosed with this, it does not mean you had it before or will continue to have it.  Gestational Diabetes is temporary.


For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association's website at http://www.diabetes.org/