Photo of group of people walking; Models used for illustrative purposes only Breast Cancer: A Battle You Can Win
It’s important for women to do everything they can to prevent breast cancer or catch it early...READ MORE >

In This Issue:
How Healthy
is Your House? Your health can be affected by toxins in your home’s air, paint, cooling system, and plumbing.		 Decode the Debate
on Plastics Safety A substance called BPA is found in plastic bottles, packages, and can linings.		 Cancer: What You Think You Know Can Hurt You A new survey shows confusion about cancer may keep people from taking steps to prevent the disease.
resourcesWant to find out more about the health topics in this issue? Click here or visit the “BF&M Resources Guide” section of our Wellness Center Online at www.bfm.bm.

Photo of father holding child doing laundry Asthma: The Environmental Influence
Asthma isn’t determined completely by genes. Experts believe that babies who are exposed to irritants — such as dust mites and secondhand smoke — early in life are more likely to develop asthma. Studies also show that early irritant exposure in babies born with “asthma genes” may lead to a worse case of the disease.

Although there’s currently no testing available to determine if your child has a known genetic link to asthma, it’s wise to act as if he or she does. To help reduce the potential severity of asthma later in life:

  • Keep babies away from secondhand smoke at all times.
  • Avoid aerosol products, such as hairspray. They can exacerbate symptoms.
  • Remove all carpeting and upholstered furniture from children’s bedrooms.
  • Wash their sheets weekly in hot water.