Expert Advice on Health and Fitness - Brief Article

Ebony, May, 2000

`I'm considering taking birth control pills, but I'm fearful of the side effects.'

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS AND SIDE EFFECTS

My husband and I have been married for two years, but we aren't ready to have children yet. We do look forward to that day when we become parents. So for right now, I'm considering taking birth control pills, but I'm fearful of the possible side effects I've heard about. What are some of the problems associated with birth control pills? T.W., Greensboro, N.C.

Birth control pills contain hormones--either a combination of progestin and estrogen or progestin alone. Nagging side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, fluid retention, an increase in blood pressure, depression, weight gain, acne and nervousness. Doctors say, progestin-only tablets often cause irregular bleeding episodes.

Before beginning to take oral contraceptives, a woman should undergo a thorough physical examination to make sure that she has no health problems that would make them risky for her. Medical experts say a woman must not take oral contraceptives if she smokes and is over age 35, has diabetes with blockage of the arteries, has blood clots, has heart disease, has had a stroke, has breast or uterine cancer, has a leg immobilized (as in a cast) or has active liver disease or tumors.

Although there are some serious side effects that can be associated with birth control pills, doctors say that a woman's risk of dying from a normal pregnancy or from an abortion is greater than her risk of dying from taking oral contraceptives.

LYCOPENE AND PROSTATE PROBLEMS

I am a 55-year-old man who is active and relatively healthy. But because of my age, I have begun to think about prostate problems. I'm not experiencing any problems now, and I want to keep it that way. I'm constantly hearing about lycopene and how it helps the prostate. What is it, and how can it help me to maintain a healthy prostate gland? A.C., Los Angeles

Prostate cancer, an extremely common disease, is the second most common cause of cancer death among American men. But recent studies reveal that a diet rich in the substance lycopene helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant carotenoid that protects from long-term cellular damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive and unstable molecules) that are produced naturally within the body. Many researchers believe that this cellular damage may lead to the development of a number of chronic diseases, including prostate cancer.

Foods that are high in lycopene include tomatoes (fresh, cooked or canned), tomato paste, tomato juice, tomato sauce, ketchup, salsa, apricots (raw or dried), pink grapefruit, guava, watermelon and papaya. Lycopene also comes in pill form as a dietary supplement.

In addition to increasing the amount of lycopene in your diet, doctors continue to stress that, beginning at age 50 (40 or earlier for African-Americans), men should get an annual prostate examination that includes a digital rectal exam and a blood test to measure the level of prostate-specific antigen. In prostate cancer, like other forms of cancer, the point at which the disease is detected can be the difference between life and death.

HOW TO CORRECT THUMB-SUCKING

I'm worried about my 4-year-old son, who has been sucking his thumb since he was a baby. What can I do to get him to stop? C.S., Washington, D.C.

Thumb-sucking or finger-sucking usually ends naturally by the age of 4. If the sucking habit continues beyond the time when permanent teeth begin to erupt, your child may develop crooked teeth and a malformed palate. The best prevention is to get newborns to resort to a pacifier instead of thumb-sucking. (Although extended use of the pacifier can lead to similar problems, it, at least, can be removed from the child.) Give your child attention and understanding, and gently discourage the habit. Offer rewards as encouragement, and reminders such as a Band-Aid on the thumb can help. If these considerations don't work see your dental professional or doctor for support.