Oklahoma Health briefs, June 19

Researchers found even BPA-free plastics release chemicals linked to health issues, including increased risk of breast, ovarian, testicular and prostate cancer; early puberty in females; obesity and altered reproductive functions.

So what can you use instead?

Pura Stainless, a California-based company, sells safe drinking containers for children and adults. Their bottles, according to a news release, “are crafted from food service grade, electro-polished stainless steel. Our bottles are 100 percent BPA-free, do not leach harmful chemicals like plastic bottles, nor do they require funky chemical linings like aluminum bottles.” Even the lids are stainless steel.

The company makes a line of steel baby bottles, called Pura Kiki. “In Kiki bottles, breast milk is protected from exposure to light, preventing the breakdown of important proteins and nutrients,” according to promotional materials. “Pura nipples are also well vented to reduce the amount of air the baby swallows and prevent colic.”

Prices range from about $5 to $28. To learn more, go to www.purastainless.com.

Officers elected

The Oklahoma State Board of Health has elected officers for its 2012-13 term.

Dr. R. Murali Krishna was elected president. Krishna is president and chief operating officer of Integris Mental Health and is president, chief operating officer and a co-founder of the Integris Health James L. Hall Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit. Appointed to the board in 2008, he represents Logan, Oklahoma, Cleveland, McClain, Garvin, Murray and Payne counties.

Dr. Ronald Woodson was elected vice president. An interventional cardiologist practicing in Lawton since 1982, he is co-founder and president of The Heart and Vascular Center of Lawton. Appointed in 2010, he represents Blaine, Kingfisher, Canadian, Caddo, Grady, Comanche, Jefferson, Stephens and Cotton counties.

Martha A. Burger was elected secretary-treasurer. Senior vice president for human and corporate resources at Chesapeake Energy, she was appointed in 2011 and represents the state at large.

The board has nine members appointed by the governor with senate confirmation.

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