Two boaters have contacted us to inform us about some health matters. One boater told us about the possible risks of re-using certain types of plastic bottles to store water. Many of us boaters keep our drinking water separate from the main tank, in containers. Plastic containers may leach chemicals if they are scratched or heated. Research also suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these containers, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may cause cancer in people. BPA is a weak synthetic oestrogen found in many rigid plastic products and food tin linings. Its oestrogen-like activity makes it a hormone disruptor, like many other chemicals in plastics. Hormone disruptors can affect how oestrogen and other hormones act in the body. Some researchers believe this can increase the risk of breast cancer.
To reduce your exposure to BPA, don’t re-use plastic water and drinks bottles. Use glass, steel or purpose-made plastic water containers to store water; keep all plastic containers out of the heat and sun, and reduce the amount of tinned food you eat.
For more information, see http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/plastic
A boater who is recovering from breast cancer emailed to tell us about Maggie’s, a support service located in many hospitals. She writes:
I’ve been asked to spread the word about Maggie’s, a cancer drop-in centre now rolled out to sixty-five hospitals. Maggie’s is a true oasis for anyone diagnosed with cancer, and for their families that may also suffer following the diagnosis of a loved one. For women, in addition to all they do Maggie’s runs a free “Look Good – Feel Better” workshop that is supported by over forty member companies of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Foundation who provide generous funds as well as donations in the form of products, and the expertise of their trained volunteer beauty consultants. Even without the amazing take-home goody bag of products each person is given, the “Look Good – Feel Better” session can’t be recommended highly enough, it is truly therapeutic.
For more information see http://www.maggiescentres.org and http://www.lgfb.co.uk/
Tags: Health, Lifestyle, liveaboards