Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
Although I do not eat fish, I can not deny its health
benefits. Fish eaten at least twice a week is associated with
less mortality in heart disease and is helpful in fetal brain
development.
There has been concern of late that fish have high levels of
mercury and PCBs—poisons that have entered our
waterways and gotten into the food chain. But this risk is
high only in particular species. People should avoid shark
and swordfish (which aren't kosher, anyhow!) golden bass, and
king mackerel. Limit your intake of albacore tuna as well.
The best fish for heart disease benefits are kosher and loved
by many: salmon, anchovies and herring.
If you are a true fish hater as I am, you can reap some
benefits by eating walnuts, soy, flaxseed, quinoa, linseed,
and millet, which are all healthy grains and available in
Israel.
Diaper dermatitis is that bad red rash that babies get in the
diaper area. What can help?
Frequent diaper changes are essential. Letting the child air
out without a diaper on will work, but is often impractical.
Diapers that allow some air circulation are a good idea: this
simply means using a size slightly bigger than the baby
usually wears. Some diapers, such as Pampers and Huggies,
have super-absorbent material that will keep babies drier and
avoid the problem.
Pastes such as zinc oxide form a protective barrier between
baby and wetness, and this helps. Lotions are of no value.
Cleaning babies with baby wipes is safe and allows cleaning
in hard-to-reach areas, but the best way to clean baby is
with a soapy bath, using gentle cleaning without causing
undue friction.
I have always had good results with anti-fungus remedies.
Steroids are rarely needed. One study showed that beeswax,
olive oil and honey worked to clear up diaper dermatitis.
Write me in care of the Yated.
