The situation of landfills in South Carolina

the waste management issue in South Carolina

South Carolina landfills are a widespread environmental and health problem throughout the state, with significant problems in waste management, control of development uses such as airfields or other amenities to reduce damages from pollutants that escape into surrounding stream flowways.

The state has about 40 operational landfills to accommodate waste from its residents and businesses, as well as a few surrounding states. From municipal solid waste landfills, to construction and demolition debris landfills.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) oversees landfills. In response to minimize the environmental threat and guard public health, the DHEC enforces rigid landfill-operational requirements.

These regulations cover the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and closure of landfills. They also include provisions for monitoring groundwater and methane gas emissions and for managing leachate, the liquid that drains or ‘leaches’ from a landfill.

But in spite of these state and federal laws and policies, landfills have been a point or contention for some reasons, including the fact that the state of South Carolina is accepting waste from outside the state, one of its major problems. South Carolina’s landfill space is in higher demand because it places among the top-five states that accept out-of-state waste in the United States. And the state of SC already has per capita landfill capacity that is above the national average.

The Lee County Landfill is the state’s oldest, largest landfill.

Slated to receive waste from as far away as up and down the East Coast, this includes tons of coal ash – one byproduct when electric utilities burn the black rock for power. Coal ash often contains heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury that can get into groundwater causing health hazards. The landfill’s operators have maintained the facility is not a public health danger, but neighbours and environmentalists both alike fear pollution.

South Carolina is no better off in terms of landfill capacity. At the current rate, South Carolina’s landfill capacity is projected to be full in less than 20 years according to DHEC. This begs the question of where this waste should end up, and what unpredictable environmental consequences are instore.

South Carolina landfills also emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases. When organic waste breaks down in landfills, it releases methane — an extremely dangerous greenhouse gas. Although some landfills pull in this gas and turn it into power, many do not (also doing very little to combat climate change).

South Carolina is considering several waste-reduction and recycling proposals to curb the problem. SC has a statewide recycling goal of 40% by the year 2030, that can provide grants and technical assistance to local governments in order to help increase their rates. Interest is also rising in composting to keep organic waste from landfills and breeding methane.

Overall, the landfills located throughout South Carolina are doing an important job in addressing waste management needs, but at a significant environmental and health cost. If we want something better for the residents of Charleston and other cities in SC, we have to ensure that it will maintain the heavy hand of regulation and further support waste-minimization, recycling programs over landfilling-only alternatives for a cleaner healthier future.

How to contribute to the preservation of the environment in Tennessee

sustainability in Tennessee

The environmental issue in Tennessee now occupies a central place in our collective concerns. Faced with the growing challenges linked to climate change, the degradation of biodiversity and pollution, it is becoming imperative for each of us to take concrete measures to contribute to the preservation of our planet.

In this article, we will explore the close connection between ecology and sanitation, highlighting actions everyone can take to play an active role in protecting the environment.

The relationship between ecology and sanitation

Sanitation, often associated with waste management and cleanliness, is an essential element of ecology. Inadequate sanitation systems can lead to water, soil and air pollution, jeopardizing the health of ecosystems and human communities. By adopting environmentally friendly practices, we can help minimize our ecological footprint.

Reducing water consumption

Responsible use of water is a crucial aspect of preserving the environment. Simple actions like repairing leaks, installing water-saving equipment and adopting conscious habits can help conserve water resources. Reducing water consumption not only preserves this valuable resource, but also helps limit the energy needed to treat water.

Responsible waste management

Waste management plays a central role in environmental protection. Selective sorting, recycling and waste reduction are practices that help minimize the negative impact on ecosystems. By adopting these behaviors, everyone can contribute to the preservation of natural resources, reduce pollution and encourage a circular economy.

Exploitation of renewable energies

The transition to renewable energy is an essential part of the fight against climate change. By promoting the use of clean energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower, we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Awareness and education

Awareness and education play a fundamental role in preserving the environment. By sharing information about ecological issues and actions to take, we can inspire positive change within our communities. Indeed, raising awareness can encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices on a large scale.

Local initiatives

Supporting local initiatives focused on ecology and sanitation can strengthen the positive impact of these concepts. This may include public space cleaning projects, tree planting programs, or support for local organizations committed to preserving biodiversity.

Improving consumption patterns

Adopting a more sustainable lifestyle involves rethinking the way we consume. Favoring sustainable products, encouraging bulk purchasing to reduce packaging, and encouraging ethical practices within companies contribute to creating a healthier environment.

Cleaning initiatives

Getting involved in environmental clean-up initiatives, whether on beaches, in parks or along rivers, allows you to directly contribute to the preservation of local ecosystems. These actions have a concrete impact by reducing the quantity of waste reaching natural environments.

To conclude, contributing to the preservation of the environment in Tennessee requires an individual and collective commitment to sustainable practices and reduction of garbage collection. By integrating eco-responsible actions into our daily lives, we are participating in building a future that is more respectful of the planet. Ecology and sanitation go hand in hand, forming an essential tandem to ensure a sustainable environmental balance. If you are planning sanitation work in Chattanooga, do not hesitate to visit this site to discover the services available.

Waste management in the USA

Waste management in the USA is a vast industry. The USA has a population of around 325 million and generates a lot of waste daily.

This waste is collected and disposed of in a landfill or a recycling centre. The best way to dispose of garbage is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The best way to reduce waste is to recycle it. The best way to recycle is using a dumpster rental.

Importance of waste management in the USA

Every country needs to manage waste most efficiently. Waste management is the process of treating and disposing of waste. Waste management’s responsibility is to ensure that the waste is disposed of properly. The main types of garbage are liquid, solid, and hazardous.

Liquid waste may have a high volume, but it is lightweight. Solid waste is heavy in the book but light in weight. Hazardous waste is dangerous, and it has a high-risk factor. It is vital to handle solid waste effectively. This can be achieved by using a dumpster rental service.

The benefits of hiring a waste management service

In the past few years, waste management has been gaining more and more awareness among people. If you are unaware of the benefits of hiring a waste management service, then you should know that this service is quite helpful in keeping your surroundings clean.

Everyone needs a waste management service to keep their premises clean and tidy. Fortunately, there are many options out there that you can use to get the service you need without having to spend a lot of money. One of these options is a dumpster rental in Charleston if you live in South Carolina, but they are available all over the USA.

How to choose the right dumpster for your needs

The correct dumpster may make the difference between a job well done or a disaster. The smallest dumpster size will be acceptable if you have a minor task.

Three-yard dumpsters are the most common and work well for little houses and light cleanups. You’ll need a larger dumpster if you have a more critical job. Six-yard dumpsters are the most often utilized size and may be used in any circumstance.

With so many dumpster sizes available on the market, choosing the right dumpster size can often be a difficult decision. However, there are several key factors to remember when selecting the right size for your waste stream.

Tips to save on waste management in the USA

Automated Garbage Bins

When people are on their own, they don’t always take the time to sort their trash into recycling bins. An intelligent trash can that automatically sorts recyclables into different compartments by recognizing the objects inside. After sorting the trash, the machine packs it down and checks to see how full each bin is.

Bright trash cans make it impossible for people to make mistakes during the first step of sorting, making recycling operations faster and easier. This can cut waste management costs by up to 80%.

Dump Level Sensors

People and businesses all over the USA use regular garbage collection services to get rid of their trash. There have been weekly services for a long time, but they are always the most cost-effective choice.

Sensors that measure how much trash is in a bin or dumpster of any size can help cut down on unnecessary trips to and from the landfill. These devices measure how full the bins are and store that information so that collection companies can figure out how often the containers need to be emptied. This also keeps public trash cans from overflowing and causing damage to the area around them.

Why do you need a professional dumpster rental service for waste management in the USA

Dumpster rental services in the USA are fast, reliable, and safe for the environment. You can hire a dumpster for residential or commercial purposes.

Some of the reasons why you should hire professional dumpster rental services for waste management include:

1. They eliminate the need for you to invest in buying a dumpster and manage your waste.

2. They are flexible and will manage your waste according to your requirements.

3. They are reliable and will provide you with the best service.

4. They are fast and will manage your waste in the quickest time possible.

5. They are cost-effective since they do not load your price with hidden charges

Why does choosing the best dumpster rental service matter

You’ll need dumpsters to build a new house or expand it. A dumpster may make your task easier. Right dumpster helps coordinate garbage disposal. It makes garbage disposal easier. You’d know the best garbage can size and it is time-saving. Portable dumpsters are preferable. It’s portable. This makes the dumpster moving easier. It makes garbage disposal easy.

Why using a dumpster rental service is a great idea when it comes to Waste Management in the USA

Waste management is an issue that has always been important to the environment. When we handle waste carelessly, there is a high chance that it might cause environmental pollution. To avoid such things, we must take the garbage carefully and ensure that it is disposed of properly.

If you need to dispose of waste in the USA, you can use a dumpster rental service. A dumpster rental service can help you dispose of waste in the best way possible. Garbage dumpster rental is a valuable tool for waste management in the USA.

Why Losing Weight Too Fast Is Bad

Many people realize that they need to lose weight a couple of weeks before an important event. They are looking for an effective diet for quick weight loss.

This is a very dangerous path, because rapid weight loss is harmful to health and can be very disruptive to the appearance.

As a result, you will not only get the desired slimness, but sagging skin as well, and in addition to this – headaches, nausea, dizziness and sallow complexion. So why is losing weight too fast bad? Let’s face it.

The process of weight loss in the body

The body converts excess carbohydrates and derived calories to fat molecules and sets them firmly in the fat cells. As a result, the fat cells grow in size and get packed tightly close to each other.

A sharp restriction of calories and carbohydrate from food is not enough to replenish energy reserves, so the body gets it out of fat cells.

But overstretched cells fill themselves with water which gives swelling. If you get rid of water, tissues lose elasticity and the skin sags, the metabolism breaks down and you get problems with health.

When you stop dieting, the cells hoard fat again, and if you have not switched on the principles of healthy eating, you will surely receive more pounds than you’ve lost before.

Metamorphosis of fats during weight loss

While you are losing weight fats disintegrate into component parts – glycerol and fatty acids. This is the result of signals from the brain when the blood plasma gets the reduced amount of these fatty acids. It happens when you are fasting and reducing fats consume.

Fatty acids are insoluble substances, and their transport in blood is only possible in connection with proteins. Therefore during protein starvation the weight loss happens due to the destruction of muscle tissue.

Due to the fact that proteins connected to fats form pretty large constructions, blood becomes thicker. That is why all diets require drinking a lot of water which makes your blood thinner but leads to complications as well.

Protein will distribute the fat to the muscles, if you do exercise in parallel with sticking to a diet, or to the liver, if you don’t. When the fat has reached the liver or muscles, it burns, forming carbon dioxide and water.

Problems with blood pressure and cardiovascular system

Fat burning increases the amount of liquid. This fluid is collected from tissues and enters the bloodstream, and, if you lose weight dramatically, the volume of the blood circulating in the blood vessels will also rise sharply.

This increases the pressure and is harmful for the vessels of the brain. Your head would ache and you may feel dizziness.

Some of the fluid goes back into the tissue to reduce blood pressure. This causes swelling. To avoid this it is not recommended to lose more than 2-3 pounds a week.

In addition, if your diet has too little potassium (it is possible, if you eat only apples and yogurt), your heart will suffer.

Problems with liver and digestion

If weight loss does not involve muscles all fats are burnt only by the liver, but its strength is not infinite. Some parts of fats get stored in it, creating a fatty liver, but also in the walls of blood vessels, giving cholesterol plaques.

If you are losing weight fast a risk of heart attack increases up to five times.

The loaded liver will no longer cope with its responsibilities. A couple of such rapid cases of weight loss and digestive disorders will be expressed. You can get even cholecystitis, inflammation of the biliary tract with disorders of biliary excretion.

Problems with appearance and beauty

Due to the shortage of fats the exchange of fat-soluble vitamins A and E gets stopped, and they are responsible for your beauty. Therefore, rapid weight loss will bring you brittle and dull hair and nails, the skin turns gray, becomes dry and flabby.

If you eat very little food, this means not only low calories but poor nutrients too.

The lack of fats is fraught with problems for the skin – vitamins that provide its nutrition can be dissolved and absorbed in the body only through the mediation of fats.

Problems with reproductive function of the body

Whether you reduce weight by means of sports or diet the body will sound the alarm if it happens too quickly. The fact is that the human body has to maintain homeostasis, a stable weight, metabolism, body temperature, etc.

If the weight decreases, the body will throw all the forces to keep this figure stable. The mode “bad times” gets turned on, and the first one to suffer is reproductive function of the body.

If you lose weight dramatically the body begins to reduce your menstrual cycle. Because of this, many girls get it off or eliminated. It entails a temporary (and sometimes permanent) infertility.

The “plateau” effect – a lack of weight loss and problems with metabolism

While losing weight your metabolism slows down: you need to save resources, so the body doesn’t allow them to “burn” easily.

Every calorie is being used or saved, and the activity of different processes in the body decreases. That is why after some time of a strict diet, there is a “plateau” – the point when the weight does not want to decline, although you go on reducing food.

And deficiency of carbohydrates will cause drowsiness, poor attention and constant feeling cold.

Your body remembers such kind of stress as losing weight fast for a long time. Physiological memory gets an image of sudden hunger that can occur at any time. Cells begin to store fat at the first opportunity.

The person turns from a strict diet to normal food and gains weight back extremely fast. So is it worth risking your health, appearance and well-being for the doubtful quick results?

The process of losing weight should be reasonable, slow, combining a balanced diet and physical exercise and, wherever it is possible, it should take place under the guidance of an experienced dietitian.

In this case losing weight will bring you lasting results you can be proud of!

Plastic Pollution on the Rise Worldwide


Plastic pollution has invaded the whole planet as we find more and more pieces of plastic in remote and yet protected places.

The plastic breaks up over time and wear to become small confetti a few millimeters wide, called microplastics. These microplastics break up into increasingly fine particles, until they only become nanoparticles which end up scattering in the earth, in rivers, rivers and oceans.

Microplastics are present in all environments

The main flow of wastewater is treated in treatment plants which remove more than 80% of the microplastics present. However, these plastics, which are not discharged into the natural environment, have not disappeared: they are concentrated in the treatment sludge which can be spread on agricultural soils.

Globally, research has estimated that 80% of plastic waste comes from land-based activities, discharged into the sea by rivers. The Laboratory for Water, Environment and Urban Systems carried out counts on the Seine estuary, estimating the global flow at 200 tonnes of plastic waste per year. They highlighted a specific behavior of the waste which makes many back and forth trips along the meanders of the Seine and runs aground on several occasions at the level of accumulation zones. The same method could be applied to other rivers which have different characteristics. 20,000 pieces of waste, from macro to microplastic, i.e. 4.4 kg, were collected in January 2019 on a single square meter on a bank of the Seine, 30 km from its mouth.

Contamination of the marine environment has led several laboratories to conduct research to characterize the impacts of such pollution. They show that the entire food chain is concerned, from microplankton to large predators, including molluscs. In the fragmented state, microplastics induce various disorders of breathing, nutrition and reproduction. They are also quickly colonized by processions of bacteria, viruses or fungi and are transported over long distances, thus becoming vectors of potentially pathogenic species. A major challenge for research is to study the impacts no longer on the scale of individuals, but on the scale of populations or even ecosystems.

Where does plastic waste in the oceans come from?

At sea, most of the waste comes from inland and is transported by winds, rains, as well as rivers to the ocean. During thunderstorms and heavy rains, the level of rivers rises and carries most of the waste present on the banks. Crossing agricultural, industrial or urban areas, rivers carry multiple elements (food packaging, cans, cigarette butts, etc.). The waste can also be abandoned on the beaches or at sea due to aquaculture, fishing and maritime transport activities.

You can also find the route of a plastic waste thrown into the ocean recounted by the Tara Expedition in the Mediterranean. Thus 80% of the plastics found at sea come from the mainland, the remaining 20% ​​come from fishing activities. Carried by ocean currents, plastic waste is present today in abundance in the Arctic Ocean thousands of kilometers from places of human activity. 200,000 tonnes of waste are currently being collected in five areas of the open sea. The size of these areas is so impressive that they are sometimes called “the continents of plastics”. For example, between California and Hawaii, one of these “continents” covers 3.5 million km², or 6 times France.

There is also plastic waste on earth, in protected areas, far from any human activity. For example, in the south of Spain, the plastics used to cover fruits and vegetables in the fields break up and fly away tens of kilometers. They are found in the Cabo de Gata natural park next to Almeria and at sea.

Waste is often difficult to recover

Today all the oceans are polluted by plastics of any size which are widely scattered and difficult to recover. Indeed there are not only large pieces of plastic that can be recovered. Microplastics or nanoplastics are very difficult to recover. A dumpster rental will be of no help to recover such tiny particles, indeed no realistic waste management method currently exists to solve this microplastic isue.

We are far from suspecting that when we wash our clothes, small particles detach from the polymers that make up synthetic fabrics and are discharged into the wastewater. These tiny pieces of plastic are not degraded in treatment plants and end up in rivers, rivers and then oceans.

The problem does not only affect the oceans, the National Center for Scientific Research is currently examining the presence of plastics in continental waters. For 3 years scientists will study the microplastics present in the river Garonne. Certain agricultural techniques are also responsible for the diffusion of microplastics in the soil. Over time the tarpaulins that sometimes cover crops break up into small, non-biodegradable pieces and penetrate the soil.

This is a a real threat to biodiversity and to human beings. Many insects feed on organic matter in the soil and therefore ingest plastic at the same time. This plastic can also be found in the fruits and vegetables we eat! The Surfrider Association estimates that 1 million birds and 100,000 mammals die each year trapped in plastic debris or after ingesting microplastics, which accumulate in their digestive systems. The plastic swallowed by fish is stored in their flesh and contaminates the entire food chain to humans.

Impact of Heavy Metals on Health

Heavy metals are considered hazardous materials, and as such people cannot just rent a dumpster and discard them to the nearest landfill. Anyone dealing with these products must follow the local regulation ruling how to handle them and dispose of them. Contact your local municipality for disposing of hazardous materials as the regulations for waste disposal vary from one place to the next.

In addition it is important to specify that the chemical form of heavy metals strongly influences their toxicity (ions, more complex molecules, …). The dose is also an essential parameter in the characterization of acute toxicity.

Acute toxicity

Arsenic (As)

The main acute effects, observed following ingestion of inorganic arsenic, are typically gastrointestinal, associating nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Effects on the nervous system and skin may also appear in the days or weeks following exposure.

Cadmium (Cd)

In humans, the digestive system is the first affected after cadmium poisoning. The symptoms observed are gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea and myalgia (skeletal muscle pain). The emetic effect (which causes vomiting) of cadmium explains the low mortality by this route.

Inhalation, severe acute intoxication leads to chemical pneumonia, which causes a death in 15-20% of cases. The effects observed during this period are severe pulmonary irritation, accompanied by dyspnea (difficulty breathing), cyanosis (bluish or purple skin and mucous membranes) and coughing.

Chromium (Cr)

Ingesting chromium salts causes massive inflammation of the digestive tract followed by necrosis extending from the mouth to the jejunum (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, hematemesis). Ingestion of high doses of chromium (VI) induces vertigo, thirst, abdominal pain, haemorrhagic diarrhea, and in the most severe cases coma and death.

Nickel (Ni)

The nickel compound with the highest toxicity is tetracarbonylnickel. Acute toxicity of this compound occurs in two phases: immediate and delayed. Immediate symptomatology is headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and irritability. It is followed by an asymptomatic phase before the start of the delayed phase.

It is primarily pulmonary with constrictive chest pain, dry cough, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, occasional gastrointestinal symptoms, sweating, visual disturbances, and debility. Contact dermatitis, which results from dermal exposure to nickel, is the most common effect of nickel in the general population. Other symptoms are also possible.

Lead (Pb)

Most of the data reported in the literature report absorption of lead or its derivatives orally. Digestive disorders are the earliest symptoms: strong colic associated with pain, abdominal cramps and vomiting. There may also be kidney damage (tubular damage), damage to the central nervous system (encephalopathy convulsive, coma) and liver damage (reduced metabolism of some drugs). These various attacks can in some cases be fatal depending on the severity of the lesions.

Zinc (Zn)

Cases of mortalities have been reported in humans after inhaling vapors of zinc compounds (zinc chloride). Some of them died of respiratory distress, autopsy showed interstitial and intra-alveolar pulmonary fibrosis, and occlusion of the pulmonary arteries. In the workplace, some very specific operations (cutting, galvanized steel welding, for example) can lead to the formation of fumes containing ultrafine particles of zinc oxide.

Exposure to these fumes may result in “melter fever” characterized by the following symptoms: dry, sore throat, cough, dyspnea, fever, muscle aches, headache, and metallic taste in the mouth. Cardiac and gastrointestinal effects may also be associated with exposure to these fumes.

The Main Types of Sports Injuries for Women


Women today are much more active with sports than they used to be in the past, almost as much as men.

Although some reports show that female athlete expected to prepare at lower levels of strength than male athletes, it gives the idea this was more of a social than a physiological issue. Today, female athletes can prepare and contend at levels similar to male athletes.

In spite of the fact that there are dissimilarities in the performance that are related to gender, athletic injuries are connected more to the player’s game than sex.

Nonetheless, a few games related injuries, for example, fractures and ACL tears, are more typical in ladies. Gender-based contrasts in human anatomy and physiology, and then training may add to these expanded rates.
The following are the common types of sports injuries for women:

ACL – Anterior cruciate tendon (ACL) injuries happen most every now and again in turning and cutting games, for example, ball games, soccer, and volleyball. The more striking occurrence of ACL injuries in ladies most likely originates from mind-boggling, interrelated components, conceivably including hamstring-quadriceps quality uneven characters, joint laxity and the utilization of lower leg props. Fruitful treatment regularly incorporates sophisticated medical procedure to solve this issue.

Stress Fractures – There are many contributing components to the more noteworthy recurrence of stress fractures in ladies. Male athletes may have more noteworthy bulk, which ingests stun better. In an investigation of female athletes, diminished calf circumference was an indicator of stress fractures of the tibia. The bigger width of male bones may likewise assimilate stun better.

Bone mass and bone mineral thickness can fluctuate broadly in females because of a few components, including hormonal impacts and menstrual abnormalities. Low calcium intake and dietary problems may add to the improvement of stress fractures. On the other hand, oral preventative pills seem to help forestall stress fractures in female athletes.

For the two people, an inflexible, high-angled foot ingests less stress and transmits more force to the leg bones, which may build the risk of stress fracture. Also, investigations of female athletes have demonstrated that having one leg somewhat longer than the other can expand the danger of stress fractures.

The Female Athlete Triad – is characterized as the blend of disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. This issue regularly goes unrecognized. The outcomes of lost bone mineral thickness can be disturbing for the female athlete.

Untimely osteoporotic cracks can happen and lost bone mineral thickness may never be recaptured. Early acknowledgment of the female athlete triad can be accomplished by the family doctor through screening questions. Organizing a suitable eating regimen and directing the recurrence of activity may result in the characteristic return of menses.

Hormone replacement therapy ought to be viewed as right on time to keep the loss of bone thickness. A collaborative effort among mentors, athletic coaches, parents, athletes, and doctors is ideal for the acknowledgment and counteractive action of the group of three diseases. Expanded training of parents, mentors, and athletes in the well being dangers of the female athlete group of three can keep a conceivably perilous ailment at bay.

Physical activity is an essential piece of keeping up overall health. But there are definite precautions that need to be considered to lessen the risk of having these sports-related injuries. Utilizing the right gear and keeping up hardware can help anticipate sports injuries. Wearing the suggested defensive apparatus like a form of ankle support for example can help shield the body against injury.

Resting between exercises gives the body time to rest and repair. But there are definite precautions that need to be considered to lessen the risk of having these sports-related injuries. At long last, tuning in to the body and sponsorship off at the principal indications of torment, inconvenience, stress, or overheating will help decrease the danger of games injuries.

How To Avoid Osteoporosis


Those people with rheumatoid arthritis who take corticosteroids, even at low doses, are at risk for osteoporosis, the thinning of our bones that can make them crumble or break. Steroids diminish your body’s ability to absorb calcium from the intestines and hamper the manufacture of new bone.

Osteoporosis primarily affects the bones of the hip, wrists, and spine. It results in about 1.3 million fractures a year, including spinal fractures in one-third of women older than 65. Preventive measures are particularly important because there are no early warning signs of osteoporosis: The first indications may be a decrease in height or the formation of a dowager’s hump as bone in the spine collapses.

Your body borrows calcium daily from your bones for your blood to use. But it also redeposits calcium regularly from the food you eat, so new bone is continually being formed. Around age 40 to 44, the regrowth begins to slow down, and we begin to lose more bone than we manufacture. Add steroids to the mix, and the loss accelerates.

To make matters worse, as we get older, it also gets harder for our bodies to absorb calcium just when we tend to be eating less and in general taking in less calcium in our diets.

Extra vitamin D and calcium, however, can prevent or slow osteoporosis. Most women need 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day, and men need 1,000. The daily requirement for vitamin D is 400 international units (IU), but double that for people older than 50. (Based on blood tests, however, your doctor may recommend a higher dose.)

In a study on rheumatoid arthritis, people on corticosteroids who took supplements of 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 500 IU of vitamin D daily had an increase in bone mineral thickness in their lower spines. Those who didn’t get the supplements had a 3 percent bone loss each year. (The supplements had no effect on bone thickness in people who didn’t take corticosteroids.)

Nutritionists generally recommend trying to get your nutrients through food rather than supplements, however. This is both because you’re less likely to overdose on foods and because nutrients may work better when they’re in a “package deal” all wrapped up with other essential nutrients in healthy food. Here are good dietary ways to shore up your stores of calcium and its vital bone-building partner, vitamin D.

Eye Problems Related To Type 2 Diabetes


There are millions of Americans today who are suffering from prediabetes and diabetes. The fluctuations of the blood sugar levels often lead to many health complications including eye problems.

If it is not controlled properly, diabetes can lead to eye different eye diseases that can leave you blind. According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is one of the primary contributing factors of blindness among adults between the age range of 20 to 74.

There are several eye problems caused by high blood sugar but below are the most common:

Cataracts

Patients with diabetes are susceptible to cataracts due to the fluctuations of their blood sugar levels. It is an eye disease characterized by the cloudy formations in the lens which causes blurry vision. Cataract is a common eye diseases typically plaguing older adults. However, diabetics are at a higher risk of developing this problem.

During your annual eye exam, your optometrist will screen for cataracts. If necessary, he or she will refer you to an ophthalmologist for a surgery – a procedure that removes the cloudy area around the lens.

Glaucoma

High blood sugar levels can cause the blood vessels in your eyes to leak. The pressure from the excess fluid in the eyes are responsible for the vision loss associated with the disease glaucoma.

Because glaucoma does not have any serious symptoms (usually discomfort and blurry vision only), a patient can gradually lose his or her vision without even knowing they have this illness.

Majority of glaucoma sufferers already experience the symptoms in the late stage of the disease or if the eye pressure is already causing pain and halo effects in their vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can damage your optic nerve and potentially cause permanent blindness.

Eye drops can usually alleviate its symptoms and can easily be thought of as dry eyes. So if you are suffering from high blood sugar levels, blurry vision that comes and goes, it is best to get your eye checked immediately.

Knowing the severity of your case will determine the care and treatment you need. Consult with an eye specialist right away to determine what kind of treatment you need.

Diabetic Retinopathy

The most serious visual complications caused by diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, or also called microvascular complication. This disease affects both type 1 and type 2 diabetes sufferers.

Diabetic retinopathy causes bulges in the tiny blood vessels that serve nutrients to the retina. Over time, these bulges will eventually break and burst, causing fluids to leak into the retina. There are two types of retinopathy: non-proliferative and proliferative.

Non-proliferative retinopathy causes blindness but not as a result of abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. Proliferative retinopathy by contrast is caused by the growth of new blood vessels in the retina that can burst and cause scar tissues to form. This is considered as the most serious type.

Each of these types can pose serious damage to your eyes. If you are diabetic and you are already noticing issues regarding your vision, visit your doctor right away. If caught early on, retinopathy is preventable. Treatments for retinopathy typically include laser procedures or eye surgery.

Prevention and Treatment

As diabetes is the root cause of these eye problems, make sure that you keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible.

If the eye problems are still at the earlier stages, your doctor might suggest laser treatments. This is a procedure wherein a light beam is aimed into the retina of the damaged eye. The beams helps close off the leaking vessels and slows down the loss of sight.

If your eye care provider sees blood leaking into your retina, he will most likely suggest that you take the surgery called vitrectomy. It is a procedure that removes the fluids and blood from your vitreous and replace clean fluid back into your eye.

As soon as you get diagnosed of diabetes, get your eyes checked even before any symptom shows. Your eye care professional can already determine whether or not your eyes are starting to get damaged.