The above is the headline from a Wall Street Journal article on November 23, 2009 reporting on a study that surveyed surgeons on their perceptions of job burn-out. A similar article titled, “Burned Out, Depressed Surgeons More Likely to Commit More Major Medical Errors” also appeared on November 23 in Science Daily. Both articles were based on research published in the September issue of Annals of Surgery, entitled, “Burnout and Career Satisfaction Among American Surgeons”.

The study was in the form of a survey of surgeons who were asked questions about their jobs and mental health. Surprisingly 40% of surgeons responding to the survey said they were burned out. The study also showed that 30% screened positive for symptoms of depression, and 28% had mental scores below the population norm.

The Wall Street Journal article reported that nine percent of surgeons said they were concerned they had made a “major medical error” in the past three months. The study also noted that only 36% of surgeons felt their work schedule left enough time for personal/family life and only 51% would recommend their children pursue a career as a physician/surgeon.
Continue reading Nine Percent of Surgeons Have Made ‘Major’ Errors Recently

Parabens Heavily used preservatives in the cosmetic industry; used in an estimated 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products. Studies implicate their connection with cancer because their hormone-disrupting qualities mimic estrogen and could disrupt your body’s endocrine system.

Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum These petroleum products coat the skin like plastic – clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They can slow cellular development, creating earlier signs of aging. They’re implicated as a suspected cause of cancer. Plus, they can disrupt hormonal activity. When you think about black oil pumped from deep underground, ask yourself why you’d want to put that kind of stuff on your skin…

Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) Found in over 90% of personal care products! They break down your skin’s moisture barrier, potentially leading to dry skin with premature aging. And because they easily penetrate your skin, they can allow other chemicals easy access. SLS combined with other chemicals may become a “nitrosamine” – a potent carcinogen.

Acrylamide Found in many facial creams. Linked to mammary tumors.

Propylene glycol Common cosmetic moisturizer and carrier for fragrance oils. May cause dermatitis and skin irritation. May inhibit skin cell growth. Linked to kidney and liver problems.

Phenol carbolic acid Found in many lotions and skin creams. Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and even death from respiratory failure.

Dioxane Hidden in ingredients such as PEG, polysorbates, laureth, ethoxylated alcohols. Very common in personal care products. These chemicals are often contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1,4-dioxane that’s easily absorbed through the skin. Its carcinogenicity was first reported in 1965, and later confirmed in studies including one from the National Cancer Institute in 1978. Nasal passages are considered extremely vulnerable, making it, in my opinion, a really bad idea to use these things on your face.

Toluene May be very poisonous! Made from petroleum and coal tar… found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage…May affect a developing fetus.

This is fun and strangely educational. Sagan has been a great influence in my life. Nice to see his words put to good use.