Z. Altug, DPT

04/02/2026

Reducing Microplastics

Do you want to know about reducing everyday microplastic exposure?

Microplastics are now detected in food, water, air, and human tissues.

An article by Marfella and colleagues in the New England Journal of Medicine (2024) states:
“The production of plastics is constantly increasing, and this trajectory is set to persist until 2050. Plastics can pollute the environment by way of ocean currents, atmospheric winds, and terrestrial phenomena, contributing to their widespread distribution. Once released into nature, plastics are susceptible to degradation, leading to the formation of microplastics (defined as particles smaller than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (particles smaller than 1000 nanometers). Both types of particles trigger a range of toxicologic effects.”

While research is ongoing, evidence supports a focus on practical exposure reduction.

Small, consistent changes in daily habits can lower microplastic exposure over time.

Food & Drink
→ Use glass or carton containers for bottled water needs
→ Drink filtered tap water
→ Carry water in glass or stainless bottles
→ Avoid heating food in plastic containers
→ Limit ultra-processed foods
→ Choose fresh or minimally processed foods
→ Use paper or cloth produce bags
→ Use stainless steel or fabric lunch containers

Kitchen & Cooking
→ Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, or quality ceramic cookware
→ Use metal or bamboo utensils
→ Store leftovers in glass containers
→ Use paper wraps instead of plastic

Personal Care & Household
→ Choose plastic-free dish scrubbers, toothbrushes, and dental floss

Clothing
→ Favor natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen)

Shopping
→ When possible, opt for electronic receipts

What other strategies do you use? Please share in the comments.

Reference:
Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C, et al. Microplastics and nanoplastics in atheromas and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(10):900-910. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2309822

Additional Resources:
Bocker R, Silva EK. Microplastics in our diet: A growing concern for human health. Sci Total Environ. 2025;968:178882. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178882

Ehrlich S, Calafat AM, Humblet O, Smith T, Hauser R. Handling of thermal receipts as a source of exposure to bisphenol A. JAMA. 2014;311(8):859-860. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.283735

Gambino I, Bagordo F, Grassi T, Panico A, De Donno A. Occurrence of microplastics in tap and bottled water: current knowledge. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(9):5283. Published 2022 Apr 26. doi:10.3390/ijerph19095283

Kadac-Czapska K, Knez E, Grembecka M. Food and human safety: the impact of microplastics. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(11):3502-3521. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2132212

Li Y, Tao L, Wang Q, Wang F, Li G, Song M. Potential health impact of microplastics: a review of environmental distribution, human exposure, and toxic effects. Environ Health (Wash). 2023;1(4):249-257. Published 2023 Aug 10. doi:10.1021/envhealth.3c00052

Mahalingaiah S, Nadeau KC, Christiani DC. Microplastics and human health. JAMA. 2025;334(21):1941-1942. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.14718

Sonavane M, Gassman NR. Bisphenol A co-exposure effects: a key factor in understanding BPA's complex mechanism and health outcomes. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2019;49(5):371-386. doi:10.1080/10408444.2019.1621263

Sun A, Wang WX. Human exposure to microplastics and its associated health risks. Environ Health (Wash). 2023;1(3):139-149. Published 2023 Aug 2. doi:10.1021/envhealth.3c00053

Thin ZS, Chew J, Ong TYY, Raja Ali RA, Gew LT. Impact of microplastics on the human gut microbiome: a systematic review of microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic disruptions. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25(1):583. Published 2025 Aug 13. doi:10.1186/s12876-025-04140-2

Additional Reading:
AARP, 2025
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/how-to-reduce-microplastics/

03/02/2026

With American Parkinson Disease Association – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/02/2026

With Parkinson's Community Los Angeles – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/02/2026

With American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/02/2026

My colleague, Shirish Sachdeva, DPT, MS, and I appreciate the opportunity to be on the amazing KevinMD.com podcast.

I interviewed two physical therapists who say that patient care does not start in the exam room. It starts the moment a patient walks through your front door.

Ziya Altug and Shirish Sachdeva joined me to discuss why the clinic waiting room is often a missed opportunity for healing.

Most waiting rooms are anxiety-inducing spaces filled with bright lights, cramped chairs, and televisions blaring the news. This creates a "fight or flight" response before a clinician even lays a hand on the patient.

They argue that environmental design is a "silent clinician." Studies show that simple changes can significantly impact patient outcomes:

Music: Playing calm, low-tempo music (or even live music) has been shown to reduce pain perception and anxiety before procedures.

Technology: In high-stress areas like the ER, personalized wait-time trackers on patients' phones can reduce agitation by restoring a sense of control.

Nature: Incorporating plants, natural light, or scenic art can lower blood pressure and improve mood.

Shirish noted that hospitality should not just be for hotels. When people are at their most vulnerable, they need a welcoming environment. A patient might love their doctor but refuse to return because the waiting experience was so stressful.

Their advice? You do not need an expensive renovation. Intention beats budget. Start by turning off the news, spacing out the chairs, and asking your patients what would make them feel more at ease.

🎙️ Listen to "Why your clinic waiting room may affect patient outcomes" on The Podcast by KevinMD.

(Link in the comments ⬇️)

02/02/2026

Monday fun work break.

“Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world.”
- Beach Boys

31/01/2026

Yoga for Parkinson’s: Finding Balance, One Move at a Time
Parkinson’s Community Los Angles (PCLA)

“The Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary defines yoga as a practice that uses physical postures, called asanas, combined with diaphragmatic breathing and may be useful for managing insomnia, anxiety, and pain. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep, balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination.“

See the comments section for the article link.

Also, see the link for the Self-Care Toolbox for Parkinson’s



Parkinson's Community Los Angeles
Parkinson's Foundation
American Parkinson Disease Association
Parkinson's Europe

29/01/2026

Have you considered designing your own 7-Day Wellness Challenge?

Small daily actions can create big shifts in energy, focus, and mood.

A week of intentional habits can set the tone for lasting well-being.

If you like this, please share with your network and follow my posts.

28/01/2026

Which self-care strategies resonate with you?

Which one do you need to add or improve?

If you like this, please share with your network and follow my posts.

27/01/2026

Are you looking to learn anytime and anywhere?

Join thousands of clinicians learning together worldwide on Physiopedia Plus.

See the discount code in the comments sections.

Thanks.

Physiopedia

22/01/2026

My New Article Alert!

Pilates for Parkinson’s: Restoring Control and Stability

“According to an article published in the Life journal (Opara et al. 2025), Pilates is a mind-body exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The method focuses on precise, intentional movements designed to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and coordination.”

https://www.pcla.org/blog/pilates-for-parkinsons-restoring-control-and-stability



Parkinson's Community Los Angeles
American Parkinson Disease Association

22/01/2026

Thrilled to speak at in Anaheim with , joining thousands of PTs, PTAs & students!

🎤 Can't wait to contribute to important conversations and connect in person. Hope to see you there! https://app.sosha.ai/s/58xDOIhq

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)