Health Services Severely Affected by Sequestration

As most of us are aware, sequestration has had an impact on a variety of national resources that provide vital services to our country. The cap on spending affected defense and nondefense discretionary programs including many public health initiatives. Over the next 10 years, $1 trillion will be cut from such programs because Congress failed to pass a balanced deficit reduction plan in 2011.

In the world of public health, there are substantial cuts to every state’s public health initiatives. Here are the key facts when compared to funding levels from 12 years ago (note that the numbers are adjusted for inflation and population growth):

·         Health Resources and Services Administration: $2 billion reduction. This reduces the health workforce which exists to support training new health professionals.

·         National Institutes of Health: $1.2 billion reduction. This reduces the amount of funding for critical health research such as cancer and diabetes cures.

·         Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: $813 million reduction. This cut will affect successful smoking cessation programs as well as critical mental health services for low-income groups. This could mean that close to 373,000 seriously mentally ill adults and children will go untreated, leading to increased hospitalizations, criminal cases, and homelessness.

·         Head Start: $968 million reduction. According to the Education Subcommittee on Appropriations, the last decade has already struggled with a significant shortfall from this early childhood education program that eliminated thousands of enrollment slots across the nation. This addition cut will likely result in turning away children who could benefit from Head Start programming in the state.

·         Child Care & Development Block Grant: $592 million reduction. This means that only one in six children will be eligible for child care assistance when far more than that require help. According to the Education Subcommittee on Appropriations, child care remains one of the biggest challenges for working families.

·         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: $122 million reduction. This affects a plethora of programs from environmental health and immunization to emergency response and preparedness to global health.

The most recent sequestration hit the CDC the hardest causing a $580 million reduction in the centers’ 2014 operating plan. No program went unscathed as the following areas will see reduced funding:

a.       Immunization and respiratory

b.      HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STI and TB prevention

c.       Emerging and Zoonotic (animal-transmitted) infectious diseases

d.      Chronic disease prevention and health promotion

e.      Cancer prevention and control program

f.        Birth defects, developmental disabilities, disability and health

g.       Environmental health

h.      Injury prevention and control

i.         Scientific services (surveillance, informatics, career development)

j.        Occupational safety and health

k.       Global health

l.         Emergency response and preparedness

One of the hardest hit areas was the childhood immunization program, which took more than $1 million in cuts from 2013 to 2014. This could essentially create issues with the start of the school year in 2014 when required immunizations will not be as easily accessible to low-income groups.

In addition, the cuts affect food safety programs and up to 2,100 fewer food inspections jobs could be lost, putting families at risk of foodborne illnesses. Furthermore this cut coupled with the reduction in emergency response and preparedness funding could open the door to easier bioterrorism attacks via the nation’s food supply.

The list of issues goes on and on because of the impasse and the exceptionally high national debt. The impact will be nationwide with both services and personnel being cut. The NDD United (with NDD meaning nondefense discretionary) created a video that explains the cuts. You can access it at www.nddunited.org.

There has been a solution on the table through The Prevention and Public Health Fund, created under the Affordable Care Act. This fund had the potential to sink billions of dollars into public health and prevention services. According to the ACA, the fund is to provide $18.75 billion from 2010 to 2022 and then $2 billion per year after that. Unfortunately, a February 2012 piece of legislation cut that $18.75 billion over 12 years to $6.25 billion over 9 years. Further reductions were made thanks to sequestration.

References

American Public Health Association. (2013). Get the Facts: Prevention and public health fund. Retrieved from http://www.apha.org/NR/rdonlyres/3060CA48-35E3-4F57-B1A5-CA1C1102090C/0/APHA_PPHF_factsheet_May2013.pdf.

Office of the Press Secretary. (2013). Fact sheet: Examples of how the sequester would impact middle class families, jobs, and economic security. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/08/fact-sheet-examples-how-sequester-would-impact-middle-class-families-job.

NDD United. (2013). Stop the Cuts! [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu0YPgTlAtg&feature=player_embedded.

Workplace Wellness Incentives: For Better or for Worse?

For those who have been following the various elements enacted through the Affordable Care Act, you are now fully aware of the new rule that will actually benefit some health enthusiasts but upset many others.

The final rule (TD 9620; CMS-9979-F under Employee Benefits Security Administration) has upheld an increase in rewards and penalties for those participating (or not) in employee wellness programs. What that means is employers can now increase the financial incentives from 20 to 30 percent of health premiums starting in January 2014. Those participating in tobacco cessation programs can receive a 50 percent incentive. Basically, if you participate in an employee wellness program, you could qualify for hundreds or thousands of dollars in premium or deductible discounts.

That’s the good news, but here’s the not-so-great news. If you do not participate or use tobacco products, you could be eligible for a penalty of those same amounts – 30% more for not participating in wellness programs and/or 50% for using tobacco products.

Okay, so there’s good news and not-so-good news. Now, here’s the worst of it…If you are unable to participate in such a program because of valid medical problems or conditions, including pregnancy, you could actually be penalized with an increase in your premium.

I’m a huge proponent of higher premiums for those who knowingly and willingly partake of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, illicit drug use, and sedentary lifestyles. It is those people who will eventually end up costing the system more money because they run up hospital bills from medical issues associated with those behaviors such as emphysema, lung cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and more. That “system” is actually the rest of society footing the bill to underwrite the costs of their unhealthy behaviors.

Yet, I am not in favor of penalizing those who truly cannot be part of a wellness program. According to the Kaiser Health, the theory behind the incentives is to encourage people to make healthier choices in an effort to reduce significant health care costs associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Some studies have shown that money can be a strong incentive for changing our behaviors.

But, how fair is it that a woman with a difficult pregnancy would be penalized because she was physically restricted? What about the man bound to a wheelchair from a car accident that wasn’t his fault several years earlier? There are so many valid reasons for not being able to participate in a wellness program that penalties should probably be determined on an individual basis – or not enacted at all.

Two types of wellness programs were outlined in the rules, one which provides the opportunity for all employees to participate – such as sitting through a wellness class/seminar. The other program focuses on meeting goals (such as weight loss, or reducing blood pressure) or participating in activities (such as walking programs or fitness classes). It is this second program type that has produced the controversy.

According to Kaiser Health, the rule, filed on May 29 with the Federal Register, gives employers leeway, saying the programs must simply have a ‘reasonable chance’ of improving health. What does that mean? It means that every individual is given the opportunity to improve their health status starting from where they are today (or rather, as of January 1, 2014).

I am truly in favor of projects like employee wellness programs that can not only improve the health of the employees but improve productivity and overall economic wellbeing for the community. In fact, employers that cover the costs for gym memberships are really making it easy for their employees to improve their health.

Considering that employers have the option of enacting these discounts and penalties, I strongly recommend leaning towards a rewards system. Give those discounts to those participating in wellness activities, whether on site or in the community. And, for cases where there is a valid medical reason for lack of participation, the discount should still be offered. Yet, for those who flat-out refuse, I wouldn’t penalize them; but I certainly wouldn’t offer the reward.

Positive rewards have proven to be more successful than negative reinforcement. Any parent can tell you that!

References

Appleby, J. (2013). Final rule upholds increased rewards, penalties for wellness participation. Retrieved from http://capsules.kaiserhealthnews.org/index.php/2013/05/final-rule-upholds-increased-rewards-penalties-for-wellness-participation/.

Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Final Rule: Incentives for nondiscriminatory wellness programs in group health plans. Retrieved from http://www.ofr.gov/(S(ztwp1tthdztmqqh35iza2ek4))/OFRUpload/OFRData/2013-12916_PI.pdf.

Is Modern Medicine making us Sicker?

An essay from the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy recently attacked the medical world, claiming its fast and quick chemical and synthetic medicines and treatments are creating a sicker society. The fascinating angle of the two authors’ words was that much of what they alleged is now being discovered and sheepishly accepted as true and accurate.

Case in Point: Take a look at MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). It’s an infection that mainly attacks the skin and could potentially become life-threatening. How did this type of infection start? The overuse of antibiotics created this beast that has become a killer. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of antibiotic resistant diseases is growing. The list includes some serious and deadly conditions: Acinetobacter, Anthrax, Gonorrhea, Group B Streptococcus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Neisseria meningitidis, Shigella, Streptococcus pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Typhoid Fever, certain strains of Influenza, Candida, and Malaria.

Yikes! With such a list, what have we actually been doing to our bodies when we’ve injected or ingested antibiotics routinely just to rid ourselves of symptoms? Well, according to George Vithoulkas and Stefano Carlino, the two essay authors, our bodies have become more susceptible to infections thanks to the use and overuse of today’s Western medicines, not just antibiotics. Both men subscribe to homeopathy, which by definition, means a system of medicine where the symptoms of a disease in healthy people will cure similar symptoms in sick people. Translation: the body has natural ways of curing itself and, when interfered with, the results could be catastrophic.

Studies have found that people who constantly suppress symptoms through the use of modern chemical agents (modern medications or synthetic drugs) will eventually cause the illness to manifest into another form. For example, a study looked at children with asthma and found that every child had once suffered from tonsillitis, a viral or bacterial disease on the tonsils. The tonsils are the first line of defense for the lungs. It protects against unwanted inhaled or ingested foreign pathogens. If damaged or removed, as was the case of the children in the study, the lungs become much more susceptible to inflammation that leads to asthma and other respiratory distresses.

While the concept seems foreign to cultures rooted in Western medicines, there are some valid points about the quick fix to end our ailments. According to naturopathic medicine, the body can heal itself given time and natural assistance not harsh chemical treatments. Most people already use elements such as Echinacea to ward off viral infections. Why wouldn’t such natural elements help with what we may consider more serious?

The article commented that some Chinese medicines are currently curing cancers by inducing fever, a natural offensive mechanism for body self-healing. While that may seem far-fetched in today’s world which fights hard to reduce fever not induce it, there have been significant achievements made when we allow the body to naturally defend itself.

While you may or may not subscribe to this, there are some things that are much easier to digest in order for you to boost your body’s natural preservation defenses against disease.

1.      Probably one of the easiest is to start eating chemical-free foods such as organic or all natural products. Preservatives and other additives often work against the body’s natural immune system; therefore, reducing their presence in your system should help your immunity.

2.      Another option is to reduce your stress level. Studies have shown that stress physically affects the body and compromises the immune system. Whatever you can do to reduce your stress will increase your immunity toward disease.

3.      Get more sleep! The more rest you can get, the better your body will recover from the events of the day. This can boost your immune system significantly.

4.      Exercise more. Studies have shown when you move your body you improve circulation which then helps boost immunity.

5.      Immunize yourself and familiarize yourself with immune-building herbs. Some immunizations contain antibodies that can help build your immune system. In addition, there are numerous plants that contain natural chemicals that build your immunity.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Definition of MRSA. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/definition/index.html.

Vithoulkas, G. & Carlino, S. (2007). The “continuum” of a unified theory of diseases. Medical Science Monitor, 16(2), SR7-15.  

White, L. B. (2010). 12 strategies to strengthen your immune system. Retrieved from http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/strengthen-immune-system-z10m0vau.aspx?PageId=1#axzz2TVrynsKF.

Is Mr. Yuk on Vacation?

Despite product labeling and poison warnings on household chemicals, accidental poisonings of children continue to rise.

The latest edition of the American Journal of Public Health revealed that consumer protections regarding household products are inadequate even though voluntary agreements between government agencies and manufacturers exist.

Household products such as bleach, cleansers, and cleaning products as well as prescription medications and cosmetics remain a significant child killer. The Journal’s research found that pediatric mortality rates are increasing despite so-called protections taken by various governmental entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the Consumer Product Protection Agency, deaths from poisonings have increased among children ages 1 to 4 from 1999 to 2008. However, according to the National Capital Poison Center (2012), the amount of poisonings has risen through 2011 for children up to age 6 with the most popular chemical poison coming from cosmetics (i.e. make-up, perfume, nail polish, nail polish remover, etc.).

Safe Kids Worldwide reports that nearly 78,000 unintentional nonfatal poisonings among children were treated in emergency rooms across the country each year since 2001. In 2010 alone, 72 percent of those treated were under age 5. Furthermore, Safe Kids also noted that 2.4 million people were seen at national Poison Control Centers in 2010 with nearly 40 percent of them being under age 2.

What happened to Mr. Yuk? When I was a child, that round sticker portraying the ugly green contorted face of Mr. Yuk was plastered on products throughout my house. As a youngster, I learned not to even touch a product bearing that puke-green-colored sticker. That was back in the 1970s, but what about today?

Mr. Yuk was actually created by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as a way to prevent pediatric and child poisonings. It really hasn’t disappeared; it’s just not as popular as it once had been. So, how are we protecting our nation’s children? The Journal of Public Health suggests that consumer product labeling be mandated by all chemical and cosmetic companies rather than being voluntary. This should extend to any poisons, including prescription medications and vitamins (particularly iron).

Here are five recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency to keep your home safe:

·         Always store pesticides and other household chemical products in a locked cabinet or garden shed away from both children and pets.

·         Never leave pesticides and chemical products unattended when in use.

·         Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.

·         Never transfer harmful household chemicals into contains that could be mistaken for food or drink.

·         Keep the Poison Help number handy: 1-800-222-1222.

(Note: Mr. Yuk stickers are still available. To order one free sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to: Mr. Yuk Pittsburgh Poison Center UPMC 200 Lothrop Street BIR 010701 Pittsburgh, PA 15213)

References:

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. (n.d.). Mr. Yuk. Retrieved from http://www.chp.edu/CHP/mryuk.

Consumer Product Protection Agency. (2011). Pediatric poisoning fatalities from 1972 to 2008. Retrieved from http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/108248/pppa2011.pdf.

Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). Prevent poisonings in your home. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm.

National Capital Poison Center. (2012). Poisoning statistics. Retrieved from http://www.poison.org/stats/.

Safe Kids Worldwide. (2013). Poison prevention fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.safekids.org/our-work/research/fact-sheets/poison-prevention-fact-sheet.html.

Keep from Shriveling Up: Stay Hydrated

With summer just around the corner, most of us are itching to get outside and soak in the sun. Along with the warmth comes the need to stay hydrated. This is especially true for the aging population.

Research has discovered that dehydration is a frequent cause of mortality and illness in elderly people. It has been suggested that the cost of hospitalizations due to dehydration has exceeded $1 billion annually. Often, dehydration in senior citizens is linked to infections, but most of the issues arise simply because of the normal aging process. The human body loses an average of 15% water between the ages of 20 and 80. Without regular replenishment, dehydration can become significantly problematic, if not fatal.

According to a study published in Nutrition Reviews, older individuals suffer more from dehydration because of a change in water metabolism caused by aging. Furthermore, because of a loss in muscle mass, total body water and bone mass, the aging individual also loses a degree in fat free mass (which contains 73% water).

To further complicate matters, thirst sensation also decreases with age. Because of this, thirst does not stimulate the body to drink water, thus creating high risks for dehydration. Studies have also found that insufficient fluid intake can also cause reduced swallowing capabilities, decreased mobility, and loss of cognitive functioning. Other disease-related factors including incontinence and the use of laxatives or diuretics can also lead to dehydration.

The good thing about dehydration is there are numerous symptoms that are easily noted to eliminate potential problems. These include dry mouth, no urine or very concentrated urine, lethargy, low blood pressure, dry skin, and rapid heart rate. Never overlook any of these symptoms. Health care professionals suggest that if you suspect dehydration, don’t gulp down 60 ounces of water immediately. Try sipping small amounts of water frequently. If your symptoms do not improve, you are to contact your doctor or get to the emergency room immediately.

You really shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to combat dehydration, regardless of your age. Your water requirements will vary daily depending on your environment as well as your own body. Yet, there is a general recommendation for fluid intake: 6 to 8 cups or 48 to 64 fluid ounces daily. If you exercise, you will likely need more. The same is true if you are taking diuretics or laxatives. Most nutritionists suggest drinking 4 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during periods of excess water loss (e.g. during exercise).

While it seems simple, most of us don’t think about drinking fluids on a regular basis – whether you’re over age 65 or younger. Here are some key strategies to help you stay hydrated this summer:

1.      Water is your best hydration weapon.

2.      Drink fluids throughout the day. For older persons, focus on drinking small, frequent amounts of liquid (preferably water) throughout your day rather than waiting for the thirst drive to kick in.

3.      Fluids can also be obtained through foods such as fresh fruits, soups, and popsicles.

4.       Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they might pull water from the body to promote dehydration.

5.      Limit your fruit juice and fruit drink intake as they often contain too little sodium and significant amounts of sugar.

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 References:

Cleveland Clinic. (2012). Avoiding hydration, proper hydration. Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dehydration/hic_avoiding_dehydration.aspx.

Ferry, M. (2005). Strategies for ensuring good hydration in the elderly. Nutrition Reviews, 63(6 Pt. 2), S22-S29. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16028569.

Hydration for Health. (n.d.) Hydration and the elderly. Retrieved from http://www.h4hinitiative.com/about-healthy-hydration/different-needs-at-different-life-stages/hydration-and-the-elderly/.

Morrow, K. (2011). Proper hydration in the elderly. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/497013-proper-hydration-in-the-elderly/.

Improve Your Health: Adopt a Pet

Those furry little critters that welcome us home every night or greet us with a wet nose in the morning are far more than just part of your family. Your pet is actually the perfect remedy for staying healthy.

Yes, your pet – whether it’s a cat or dog, ferret or fish – actually does more for your health than you might think. According to research, pets are natural mood enhancers. Pet your cat or your dog and your  body reacts by feeling less stressed. Even watching your fish swim will reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that the level of cortisol, associated with stress, drops when you engage with your pet. This reduction is stress also assists with keeping your blood pressure low. In several studies, pet owners had lower blood pressures than their non pet-owning counterparts. Of interest, children with hypertension also had lower blood pressures while petting their dogs.

Here are a few more health benefits of owning a pet:

1.       Lowers Cholesterol & Improves Bone Health: Research has discovered that people who own pets have lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than those who don’t. However, oftentimes people with pets (especially dogs) are more active because they need to exercise their pet; therefore, they take their dog running, hiking, biking, and to just about every activity they can think of. This, in turn helps pet owners maintain healthier lifestyles, healthy weights and improved heart health. Because of the increased exercise, your bones and muscles are strengthening to guard against osteoporosis.

2.       Provides Heart Protection: For cat owners, the news is even better as they can provide additional protection for your heart. According to a 20-year study of cat owners, people who owned cats were 40% less likely to die of a heart attack than those who did not own a cat. Furthermore, research has found that pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease simply because of the presence of their furry friend.

3.       Reduces Stroke Risk: Cat owners have been known to suffer from fewer strokes than non cat owners. According to studies, circulation improves when owning a cat because a feline tends to have a more calming effect on their owners than any other animal. It could be because of the calming nature of that ubiquitous purr. (Of interest, felines are the only animals in the world who have the ability to purr.)

4.       Fights Depression: While petting your fur ball reduces stress, it also helps you fight depression. It is the unconditional love from that animal that provides significant comfort for those suffering with depression. According to pet therapists, taking care of a pet takes your mind off of yourself, helping you feel better and improves self-esteem.

5.       Improves Social Interactions: Pet owners are also more interactive and engaged with others. Studies have found that pet owners enjoy talking with other pet owners, even complete strangers. It was discovered that dog owners, in particular, will stop and chat about their four-legged children while on a walk or visiting a park. Non pet owners do not have that connection and are likely to be less interactive and isolated.

6.       Fights Allergies: Contrary to popular belief, pet owners have fewer allergies and a stronger immune system than non pet owners. Research discovered that children who grow up with a family pet are less likely to develop allergies. Of interest, the same goes for those who grow up on farms with horses, pigs or cows. The more exposure, the less likely they are to develop allegories, and instead, maintain good health as they age.

7.       Prevents Asthma: Although research has found that pet allergies are the most common trigger for asthma, additional studies have found that cats in particular may have the opposite effect. Infants who grow up in a home with cats are less likely to develop asthma mainly because of the early exposure to the animals.

8.       Reduces Diabetic Emergencies: Dog owners, in particular, have found that their companions know when their blood glucose levels drop. They can alert their owners that it’s time for a snack. According to Dogs for Diabetics, one in three dogs living with people with diabetes has the ability to sense diabetic emergencies. The group focuses on training dogs to assist people with managing their diabetes.

9.       Overcomes ADHD: Recent research has found that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can actually reduce their symptoms simply by taking care of a pet. Maintaining routine jobs such as feeding, walking, playing, and grooming help children expend excess energy, making it easier for them to concentrate at school as well as fall asleep easier at night.

10.   Improves Quality of Life: From therapy dogs to companion animals, pets are probably the most comforting creatures for humans recovering from a devastating illness. Research has shown that people generally feel better when they simply see a dog or a cat. Then, petting the animal actually rebuilds strength and improves overall quality of life.

There are so many great benefits of being a pet owner. For more pet-owning benefits, check out WebMD’s online article titled “27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health.” If you decide a pet is for you, you might want to check out your local animal shelter first. Oftentimes, abandoned pets are in just as much need of a loving home as you are in providing it.

References:

Dogs for Diabetics. (2013). General information. Retrieved from http://www.dogs4diabetics.com/.

Nazario, B. (2012). 27 ways pets can improve your health. Retrieved from http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health.

No More Blowing Out Birthday Candles

The latest ban in the world of childhood comes out of Australia where blowing out birthday candles is now a thing of the past.

The new guidelines were set by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council mainly because daycare centers and other organizations where groups of children gather were allowing the candle-blowing tradition over a cake that would be shared by many. The problem was that children weren’t just blowing out the candles, they were also spitting on them as well creating a cake Mecca of germs.

Okay, so we, as an adult population, have been partaking of this tradition for decades and we’ve survived, right? So, how dangerous is your breath (and perhaps spittle) on a frosted birthday cake?

According to research from the University of Arizona, the mucous membranes in the mouth contain many germs and, as in the birthday cake scenario, can be transmitted in droplet form. The University found that these droplets of mucus (i.e. spit) can travel up to three feet and are generally more contagious than those spread by direct contact such as touching (as in shaking hands) or kissing. Most of the respiratory infections such as pneumonia, strep throat and meningitis are spread by droplets. Of interest, certain germs can travel farther than three feet in droplet form such as those that cause tuberculosis, spores of the anthrax bacterium, and the virus that causes measles. It’s not likely that little Kevin would spit farther than 3 feet while trying to blow out his birthday candles…but you never know. And, you never know what diseases little Kevin might be harboring in his mouth.

Is blowing out birthday candles really this dangerous? Well, quite frankly, yes. According to a study published in the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Delivery, droplets exhaled during normal breathing may be more hazardous than those associated with coughing and sneezing. The study found that small droplets form inside the lungs, and as they lay there, they collect a plethora of germs contained within your body. Eventually, enough form that they break off and enter the air you breathe in and out. So, over the course of a day, you are spewing all kinds of diseases just from breathing.

This isn’t a new issue. Droplets in your breath have been well-known and studied for more than a century. An 1871 article (142 years ago) in The British Medical Journal discussed the origins of contagious diseases, discovering that mucus droplets from the body can carry diseases even after exhaled from the body. They are dangerous when infected droplets contact other people.

Okay, so we have a dangerous and unhealthy custom. How did it start? Well, that’s another story, but briefly, it is rooted in Ancient Greek traditions. A round cake was a tribute to the moon goddess, and the candles were to represent the reflected moonlight. Candles on birthday cakes became more popular thanks to the Germans who placed candles on cakes for religious reasons. Today, our candles are mainly rooted in superstitious beliefs – making a silent wish before blowing them out – then if all the candles are blown out in one breath, the wish will come true.

Research and public health concerns have led us to realize the dangers of this practice. Humans are the main carriers of many germs and many diseases, so why would you want someone spewing mucus droplets on your dessert?

While this seems like depressing news to those of us who love a good birthday cake with loads of burning candles, it doesn’t have to dampen the celebration. The best way to “have your cake and eat it too” is to provide a separate cake and/or cupcake with candles to the birthday person. This way, they can blow droplets all over their own cake/cupcake while the rest of us can have a mucus-free birthday treat.

References:

Bastian, H. C. (1871). Epidemic and specific contagious diseases. The British Medical Journal, 2(562), 400-409.

Campbell, C. (2013). Australian kids face birthday candle ban to prevent spreading germs. Retrieved from http://world.time.com/2013/02/07/australian-kids-face-birthday-candle-ban-to-prevent-spreading-germs/.

Malashenko, A., Tsuda, A., and Haber, S. (2009). Propagation and breakup of liquid menisci and aerosol generation in small airways. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 22(4), 341-353.

Reynolds. (2009). How germs are spread. Retrieved from http://learnaboutgerms.arizona.edu/how_germs_spread.htm.