Health Warnings
Defensive Driving Tips for the Texting Era
Posted By Dr. Ben KimThe other day, I was driving along a semi-busy road when I noticed that the driver of an oncoming SUV was clearly texting away on her cell phone. I instinctively hovered my right foot over the brake and did the same with my right hand over the horn, ready to swerve and honk if needed. Read more »
Why Chewing Gum Isn't Great for Your Health
Posted By Dr. Ben KimIf you chew gum on a regular basis, please consider the following:
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Chewing gum causes unnecessary wear and tear of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in your jaw joints. Once damaged, this area can produce pain and discomfort for a lifetime.
Are Granite Countertops Hazardous to Your Health?
Posted By Dr. Ben KimIn July 2008, the New York Times published an article that raised public concern over potential health hazards of living around granite countertops and floors.
At issue is whether granite emits dangerous amounts of radon, a colorless and odorless gas that is known to cause lung cancer. Read more »
Strict Vegan Diets May Be Dangerous, Especially for Expectant Mothers and Children
Posted By Chet DayChet Day is the founder and editor of ChetDay.com , a premier online resource for natural health information. What follows is a must-read article for people who are following strict vegan diets and experiencing health challenges. I appreciate this article because it serves as a reminder to be honest with ourselves about how we're doing rather than stay rigidly attached to a particular philosophy or program. Many thanks to Chet for his gracious support in sharing this article with our readers. - Ben Kim Read more »
Q&A on Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D
Posted By Dr. Ben KimIn late 2008, the Vitamin D Council issued a warning on ingesting cod liver oil due to concerns about high levels of vitamin A in many brands of cod liver oil.
What follows are my answers to the most common queries that I received on the Vitamin D Council's paper. Read more »
Lasik Surgery: When the Fine Print Applies to You
Posted By Abby EllinI WAS vain.
That’s the only way I can explain why I willingly let a doctor cut my corneas with a laser: vanity.
Little did I know when I chose Lasik surgery that I would not end up satisfied like the friends and acquaintances who raved about their post-glasses existence. Instead, my days are complicated, since I am dealing with side effects that are far more bothersome than being unfashionably four-eyed.
Reasons to Avoid Aspartame
Posted By Dr. Ben KimWhen Tim Gullickson, former professional tennis player and coach to Pete Sampras, died in 1996 from complications related to brain tumors, I distinctly remember reading about Tim's fondness for diet Coke; according to one close friend, Tim was addicted to the stuff - he always seemed to have a can in hand. Read more »
Easy on the Sushi
Posted By Dr. Ben KimIf you're a fan of sushi, it's worth noting that some types of fish tend to contain more mercury than others; by choosing wisely, you can minimize your risk of experiencing mercury toxicity.
In a relatively unpolluted setting, raw fish is an excellent food choice for most people - few other foods provide the same abundance of healthy protein, healthy fatty acids, and micronutrients. Read more »
Details on the Largest Baby Crib Recall in History
Posted By Dr. Ben KimMore than 2 million baby cribs made by Vancouver-based company, Stork Craft, have been recalled after their drop-side cribs were linked to the suffocation of at least four children in the U.S.
Some of the recalled cribs were sold with a Fisher Price logo. More than one million of the recalled cribs were sold in Canada; the remainder were presumably sold mainly in the States. Read more »
Beware of Caffeinated Chewing Gum
Posted By Dr. Ben KimIn the May 30, 2009 issue of The Lancet, Italian physicians warn that children are at risk of experiencing caffeine intoxication from chewing gum that contains caffeine.
The case study that prompted this warning involved a 13-year-old boy who was taken to the hospital after exhibiting strong aggression and agitation with no obvious cause.












