Firefighters are known for their bravery. Their job description includes risking their own safety for the sake of others. But it turns out that forging into raging fires isn't the only danger firefighters face. Frequent exposure to smoke and chemical fumes puts them at higher risk of certain diseases, including bladder cancer.

A research team tested over 1,000 active and retired firefighters. Ninety-nine of the firefighters exhibited warning signs of bladder cancer, and two were diagnosed with the disease. The overall incidence rate of bladder cancer for firefighters was 36 of 100,000 -- which is higher than the general population.

Check out AOL Body's quiz to see if you're doing what you can to avoid cancer.

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Here's a new item that hit home for me: A recent study has found high levels of carcinogens in the water near the Alberta Oil Sands. Alberta's my home province, and it's also a huge source of oil. But land up north, particularly around the oil sands, has been raped and pillaged for so many years and the effects of abusing land for oil without any thought to long-term effects are beginning to surface. Levels of harmful substances are alarmingly high, according to researchers. One even says this could be a worse disaster than the Exxon Valdez.
Still, it's nothing new for people living in these communities. Residents complained of seeing oily scum in their drinking water and they've noticed higher incidences of cancer among residents than in other areas of the province.

I've lived in Alberta for a long time and I've seen the effects of the influx of oil money. But at the expense of our health? That's a mighty hefty price to pay.

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Ah, a day at the beach. Sunscreen? Check. Bikini? Yep (you worked out hard this summer.) Towels and umbrella? Of course. You're ready to roll.

Hold up. How safe are your beaches? Are you aware that there is an alarming increase in pollutants in the waters where you swim? While you're busy protecting yourself with sunscreen and shade, your beaches may be infecting you with bacteria, viruses and parasites. Contaminated beach water can cause a wide range of diseases, including ear, nose and eye infections; gastroenteritis; hepatitis; encephalitis; skin rashes; and respiratory illnesses . Most at risk are small children, pregnant women, cancer patients and others whose immune systems are weak or compromised. So before you head out for a fun day at the beach, check to see if yours has made the grade. MSNBC gives us the best and the worst beaches here in the U.S.

The Best

• North Carolina: Kure Beach and Kill Devil Hills Beach
• Wisconsin: Sister Bay Beach and North Beach
• California: Laguna Beach
• Michigan: Grand Haven City Beach and Grand Haven State Park beaches
• Maine: Libby Cove, Mother's, Middle, Cape Neddick, Short Sands and York Harbor beaches.

The Worst

• California: Avalon Beach (north of Green Pleasure Pier) and Venice State Beach
• Maryland: Hacks Point and Bay Country Campground and Beach
• New Jersey: Beachwood Beach West
• Illinois: Jackson Park Beach

How do you think your beach measures up?

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Unfortunately, the sun isn't all you have to worry about at the beach this summer. I posted yesterday on the dangers of Recreational Water Illness, and although it's fairly easy to prevent by making sure you don't swallow water and dry your ears after swimming there are some places that are much more hazardous and risky than others. Unfortunately many beaches across the country are getting so contaminated with sewage and pollution that they're almost unusable! According to Forbes.com, here's the nation's most polluted beaches, along with what percentage of water samples came back higher than national health standards for contaminants:

• Illinois: North Point Marina North Beach, 56 percent
  
• Minnesota: St. Louis R Est, Clyde Av Landing, Smithville, 55 percent
  
• Michigan: Singing Bridge Beach, 54 percent
  
• Wisconsin: South Shore Beach, 47 percent
  
• Ohio: Edgecliff Beach, 43 percent
  
• Indiana: Jeorse Park, East Chicago, 33 percent
  
• Rhode Island: Scarborough State Beach North- Black Point Pipe, 80 percent
  
• Massachusetts: Sandy Beach, 50 percent
  
• New York: Wright Park East, 49 percent
  

Is the beach near you on the list? Were you planning a summer vacation to one of these places? You might want to think again!

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Inflammation is the body's response to tissue damage and infection. There are many conditions that cause inflammation. Genetics play a role, so does the environment. Environmental factors include diet, exposure to toxins, germs, pollutants, and inhalants. Some people have a genetic predisposition to heightened inflammation which can cause them to have an illness such as rheumatoid arthritis. But a commonly overlooked cause of inflammation is poor diet.

Foods that cause inflammation are sugar, simple carbohydrates, and certain fatty acids and oils. To reduce inflammation avoid junk foods such as donuts, pastry, and sugared drinks. Insufficient consumption of fish, fruit and vegetables is as bad for human health as smoking.A diet that reduces inflammation consists mostly of vegetables and fish. In my opinion, the foods that cause the least inflammation and are the most anti-inflammatory are fish such as halibut and salmon, and all kinds of vegetables. Make changes slowly and accept the fact that there may be times when you binge on unhealthy snacks and foods.

There are many other herbs and nutrients that could be taken to reduce inflammation. For instance using curry and cinnamon when cooking is great. Use a variety of herbs and spices. Many of them have antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. For instance, curry has curcumin, rosemary has rosmarinic acid and ginger has vanillin and zingerone. All of these compounds have health benefits. Basil, bay leaves, cumin, chili powder, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, oregano, pepper, rosemary, sage, thyme, and garlic appears to protect against fungal and bacterial infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood clots and even cancer. Bee pollen, pomegranate, goji, mangosteen, graviola, green tea extract, and spirulina, are great herbs and additions to add to the body. A calcium supplement is recommended for postmenopausal women.

Cutting down or cutting out your sugar intake is a must to cut down on inflammation. Stevia, a no calorie natural herbal sweetener, is available in liquid or powder in health food stores. Reduce your intake of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin also.

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Air pollution not a small problem, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. There are literally countless studies coming out on the issue on an almost daily basis, none of which seem to have good news (duh!). But with things like traffic causing breathing problems, certain parts of the city increasing risk for stroke, and even livestock pollution from our hamburger habit contributing to global warming, we've all got to pay attention and find ways to get a grip.

Here are a few ideas to to get you (us!) started:

• Take the bus, walk, or bike whenever possible.
• Use an electric or manual lawnmower, instead of a gas one
• Fill your tank up with gas in the evening -- when it's cooler less of the fumes will be released.
• Don't let your car idle for extended periods of time, instead shut it off and restart when you're ready to go.
  

There are so many ideas out there it's really amazing. We all just need to get on board and start using them!

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