Dr. Steve: Monday

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This morning the good doctor tells us about a new paternity test on sale at a local pharmacy, the dangers of arsenic to pregnant women, and answers questions about getting rid of cellulite, menstrual cramps & hernias.

7:00am Segment Info:
Who needs a talk show, Rite Aid is now selling a paternity test that you can do at home.

A company called Sorenson genomics makes the test and it's being sold in California, Oregon and Washington. The test is sold under the brand name i-dent--gene. And costs about 30 dollars. Paternity tests are already available directly to consumers over the internet. This is the first time you can walk right into a store and purchase one. To use it you basically collect cheek samples from the child, father and mother and send it off. The results are provided by mail, fax or on a password-protected web site within five days of the laboratory receiving the samples. There is also an additional laboratory fee of about 120 dollars to have the sample analyzed.

Are there other genetic test kits available besides paternity kits?

There are more than you may think. For example, there's one for breast cancer risk. But there are a lot of tests that are available that assess your risk for certain diseases and recommend diet and lifestyle changes. Health officials have a problem with those because they may not be effective. Most genetic tests available directly to consumers have not been reviewed by the FDA.

In other news, there's a warning for pregnant women.

We all know that arsenic is deadly, now researchers from MIT say that children of women exposed to arsenic-contaminated water during pregnancy may be at greater risk for cancer and other diseases later in life.

They say arsenic exposure in the womb affects the activity of genes. The study analyzed umbilical cord blood from the children of 32 mothers in an area of Thailand with heavy mining-related arsenic contamination. Similar levels of arsenic are found in many other parts of the world, including the U.S. southwest.

Here in New York our water quality is great.

That's right, some of the best water in the world. And did you also know that New York was just ranked the 8th healthiest city to live in, and long island was ranked number two? According to a survey by Self Magazine that took into account things like hiking trails, safety issues, crime and smoking bans. Long island is in fact one of the healthiest places to live. Of course long island lost points for those who make the long commute to New York City, but around here commuting is part of life.

Which city was number one?

San Francisco.

8:00am Ask The Doctor Info:
1. Will exercise help cellulite to disappear?
Stephanie from New York, New York

Stephanie dimples are cute on babies or on the face, but not on your thighs. Unfortunately, cellulite is not a fat problem, it's a skin problem. Cellulite is made up of fat cells that reside within the skin that are not burned as fuel. So dieting and exercise won't make it go away. Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands of tissue that surround fat cells in the skin to help keep them in place. In men, they run diagonally, which makes the skin look smooth. In women they run vertically. Which causes the fat cells to tuft up and the skin to dimple. This gets worse as we age.

2. How can I lessen my menstrual cramps? And, is eating dairy products connected to cramps?
Ibelisse from Queens, New York

Ibelisse, menstrual cramps can be severe for some women. It's more common when women first start getting their periods. During the menstrual cycle the body produces a hormone called prostaglandin, which causes contractions of your uterus. Some women produce more prostaglandin, and others are more sensitive to it. Either way, you can improve your symptoms by using heating pads or taking a hot bath to relax the muscles. Herbal tea can also help. Even over the counter pain medicines can make a difference. As far as I know eating dairy does not make your symptoms worse.

3. I have a pain in my lower stomach how can I find out if it is a hernia?
Dante from New York, New York

Dante, there are many different types of hernias. They occur when an organ or tissue squeezes its way through a hole or a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue. They can occur in many different parts of the body. Sometimes they bulge and they're easy to see. But they can also retreat back inside the hole. If you have a bulge in your lower abdomen and are concerned you should see your doctor because hernias can get stuck - what we call incarcerated - or the blood supply can get cut off or strangulated.

4. What supplement should I take to avoid getting sick in the winter?
Aparna from New York, New York

Aparna, i don't recommend supplements for healthy people during the winter to prevent sickness except for maybe a good regular multivitamin if you don't eat well. The best way to protect yourself during the winter is to eat healthy. Get some regular exercise, wash your hands frequently and get a flu shot. That's what I do, and I haven't gotten sick in years.