Monday, June 30, 2008

Can Grilling Meat Cause Cancer?

July fourth is getting near and our favorite holiday past time during this time of year is to barbecue. Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill is what most families will be doing. However, the American Institute of Cancer Research is urging everyone to rethink this all-American pastime. "Grilling any meat — red, white or fish — produces potent carcinogens, the institute said after analyzing the results of 7,000 studies." The high heat of the grill reacts with the protein in meats causing cancer causing agents such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, that are found in the smoke created when fat and juices from meats drip and hit the heat source. The smoke rises and can stick to the meat.

Just because you have a gas grill does not change the findings. Both gas and charcoal grills have the same effect. Grilling should be limited to a once in awhile occasion. Experts are advising that Americans need to cut down on many forms of meat however they are cooked. There is overwhelming evidence that red meat is a cause of colorectal cancer and it should prompt Americans to curb their consumption of red meat.

So this 4th of July start a new tradition with your family, one that does not require grilling.



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Saturday, June 28, 2008

The 13 Most Common Forms of Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, more that 1,500 people will die of cancer each day in 2008 and 1,4 million new cases will be diagnosed this year. Below are the most common diagnosed forms of cancer.

1. Nonmelanoma skin cancer: more than 1 million estimated new cases

2. Lung cancer: over 215,000 new cases

3. Prostate cancer: over 186,000 new cases

4. Breast cancer (female): over 182,000 new cases

5. Colon and rectal cancers: nearly 149,000 new cases

6. Bladder cancer: nearly 69,000 new cases

7. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: over 66,000 new cases

8. Melanoma: over 62,000 new cases

9. Kidney (Renal Cell) cancer: over 46,000 new cases

10. Leukemia: over 44,000 new cases

11. Endometrial cancer: over 40,000 new cases

12. Pancreatic cancer: over 37,600 new cases

13. Thyroid cancer: over 37,000 new cases

Cancer Prevention Tactics

Below are some lifestyle changes that can help in the prevention of cancer.

1. Lose Weight

2. Quit Smoking

3. Limit Alcohol Consumption

4. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

5. Limit Intake of Processed Meats and Trans Fats

6. Exercise regularly

7. Avoid exposure to environmental chemicals and air pollution.

8. Get the proper amount of vitamin D.



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Friday, June 27, 2008

Sculpt Your Heart

Exercising can not only help your body but it can can also cause structural changes in the heart. Researchers have found that endurance athletes "showed an increase in the size of both their left and right ventricles after 90 days of team training, while athletes who only did strength training had excessive growth in their left ventricles, but no change in their right ventricle size." Now, while the left ventricle was increased in endurance athletes, in strength training athletes the left ventricle is worsened.

To investigate further, scientist took 40 endurance athletes and 24 strength athletes and examined there hearts with echocardiography before and after 90 days of team training. After the 90 days while both groups left ventricle mass increased the "endurance athletes also showed better diastolic function in their left ventricle, and enlargement and more efficient contraction and relaxation in both of the lower chambers of the heart, or atria."

These results could help people with heart trouble by tailoring recommendations for rehabilitation and recreational exercise. So if you are having some heart problems, speak with your doctor about a rehabilitation program that can included certain forms of exercise to help strengthen you heart.


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Thursday, June 26, 2008

Paint a Picture of the Future

Experiencing plateaus is very common when you are trying to lose weight. If you experience one of these setbacks don't be too hard on yourself, just give yourself a motivation boost by reminding yourself why you wanted to lose weight in the first place, or set new goals. Just paint a picture of your future. It's very easy to do. You just need to visualize where you want to be in 3 months, six months, and up to a year. Put your visualizations on paper, whether it's with words on sketches. "Save this picture and refer back to it when you need motivation or a reminder of what matters to you. Use it as a vision of what your life will become through your efforts."

If you can dream it, you can do it!



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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

It's summer and it's that time of year when you want your tummy to look good in that bathing suit. So if you have had trouble losing that little extra around your middle, these miracle food ingredients " hold the power to truly transform your body and specifically target hard-to-lose and dangerous belly fat. The secret is their magical 'MUFA' (AKA monounsaturatedfatty acid -- a healthy fat!)."

1. Olive Oil - Olive Oil is best for cooking and salads because it contains mostly MUFA. The greener the oil, the more antioxidants, so go for extra-virgin.

2. Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds are filled with vitamin B and vitamin E which is great for curbing hunger.

3. Almonds - Almonds are rich in MUFAs and vitamin E which work together to fight cholesterol.

4. Avocado - Avocados contain more of the cholesterol-smashing beta-sitosterol (a beneficial plant-based fat) than any other fruit. Beta-sitosterol may reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.

5. Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate - Cocoa powder made from ground, defatted cocoa beans -- contains compounds that have the potential to protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Also dark chocolate contains as many antioxidants as red wine.

6. Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and helps reduce systemic inflammation, which researchers believe may lead to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Never heat flaxseed oil and always store it in the refrigerator.

7. Macadamia Nuts - Macadamia nuts contain fiber that aids in digestion and a small amount of the trace mineral selenium, an antioxidant that some studies show may help prevent cancer.

8. Natural Peanut Butter or Almond Butter - Natural peanut butter has 3 mg of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, 49 mg of bone-building magnesium, 208 mg of muscle-friendly potassium, and 0.17 mg of immunity-boosting vitamin B6. A better alternative to peanut butter is almond butter. Almond butter has less saturated fat and is richer in monounsaturated fat. Also almond butter is low in Cholesterol and Sodium and is a good source of Magnesium and Manganese.

9. Pistachios - Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. They may also help improve cholesterol levels.

10. Walnuts - Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect your heart and preserve brain health.


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17 Random Health Facts

Here are some health facts that you probably never knew about. Some may be shocking, others may make you think twice about grabbing a cup of coffee or even drinking a glass of orange juice for breakfast.

1. If you are driving and talking on the phone, you are more impaired than someone who has a .08 blood alcohol level.

2. Banging you head against a wall burns 150 calories an hour!

3. In some parts of the world, parents protect their babies from disease by bathing them in beer.

4. ‘Gymnasium’ comes from the Greek word gymnazein which means ‘to exercise naked.’

5. There are thousands of chemicals in a cup of coffee. Only 26 have been tested and are known to cause cancer in rats.

6. The average American eats at McDonalds more than 1,800 times in their life.

7. A hard working adult sweats up to 4 gallons per day.

8. There are more bacteria in our mouths, than there are people in the world.

9. By FDA standards, one cup of orange juice is allowed to contain 10 fruit fly eggs, but only 2 maggots.

10. Apples are more efficient than caffeine when it comes to keeping people up in the morning.

11. Strawberries have more Vitamin C than oranges.

12. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

13. It is possible to go blind from smoking too heavily.

14. On average, right handed people live longer than left handed people.

15. You are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening!

16. During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food, that’s the weight of about 6 elephants.

17. If you fart consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb! EEEEEWWWW!!


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Monday, June 23, 2008

Salmonella Can Ride Water Into Tomatoes

If you were to pick a tomato in the blazing sun and submerge it into cold water, the temperature difference can make the tomato literally suck water into it through it's scar where the stem use to be. If Salmonella happens to be on the surface of the tomato, this is a way in which it can penetrate and get in. If you happen not to eat the tomato right away, it gives the Salmonella time to grow and multiply. This does not mean that you should not wash your tomatoes. However, it does indicate that maybe you should be washing your fruits and veggies in warm water. "Raw fruits and vegetables are crucial to a healthy diet. But they're also the culprits in a growing list of nasty outbreaks: E. coli in spinach and lettuce. Hepatitis A in green onions. Cyclospora in raspberries. Salmonella in cantaloupe. Shigella in parsley. This newest salmonella outbreak is the 14th blamed on tomatoes since 1990."

Many, like the FDA, want to set stricter guidelines, so that these outbreaks occur less. Congress, however, has not acted on the requests that have been made. Also budget setbacks have hindered the inspections of food-producing facilities dropping the amount of inspections by 56% since 2003.

Water is one of the main suspects in salmonella. For example, is clean water being used to irrigate the tomatoes, mix pesticides sprayed on crops, wash down harvest and processing equipment, and wash field workers' hands? Or is there a possibility that the salmonella is in the dirt and the plants are sucking it up through it's root system? Whatever the case, many scientists are studying the root cause. Just make sure that when you get your produce home, whether it be tomatoes, strawberries, or apples, wash them well in warm water.




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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Flavonoids. Immune Boosters?

It has been proven that flavonoids, an antioxidant present in fruits and vegetables, can improve your immune system.

What exactly are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are described as pigments because they " contribute to the red color in grapes, and countless other shades of yellow, orange and red in plants. In fact, there are over 6,000 types of flavonoids, and they're found in virtually all plants." They neutralize damage from free radicals and also do the following:

Help protect your blood vessels from rupture or leakage

Enhance the power of vitamin C

Protect your cells from oxygen damage

Prevent excessive inflammation in your body


They are also know to support a healthy immune system. Some signs that indicate that you are not getting enough flavonoids are:

Bruising easily

Getting frequent nose bleeds

Excessive swelling after injury

Hemorrhoids

Some of the best sources of flavonoids are:

Apples

Apricots

Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries

Pears

Black beans and pinto beans

Cabbage

Onions

Parsley

Tomatoes



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Tooth Regeneration

Tooth fillings may be a thing of the past, and tooth regeneration is the wave of the future. Scientists are beginning to find just the right solutions of chemicals to rebuild decayed teeth, rather than merely patching their holes with gold or ceramic fillings.

Enamel, the outer covering of teeth, is made up of tiny complex mineralized crystals. Underneath the enamel, is dentin, which is composed of a hard clay material reinforced by fibers of collagen. Because teeth are made up of these components, they are very susceptible to erosion by acids found in the food we consume. By putting a layer of the solution on individual test teeth, scientists have already been able to remineralize some parts of the teeth. The challenge is to get the crystals to regrow throughout the dentin. Even though the regrowth of entire teeth is still in the future, there has been much progress in the help of getting rid of tooth decay.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Superfruits

It's time to take a trip on the while side and try and add a little exotic into your life. A great and healthy way to do that is to add some superfruits into your diet. Though the old standbys of bananas, apples and oranges are still very healthy for you, why not try and spice things up. Having a different variety of fruits adds an array of disease-fighting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet. Here are some great examples of these superfruits.

Figs - Figs are wonderful for lowering high blood pressure. They are also a great source of potassium and calcium.

Lychee- Lychee are great for your heart and are source of protection against breast cancer.

Guava - Guava is great for the skin because of it's high content in Vitamin C. Not only will this fruit make your skin glow but it also can protect against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria and Staph.

Asian Pears - Asian Pears are wonderful in aiding in the lowering of bad cholesterol.

Papaya - Papaya is a great fruit that aids in the fight of cancer. It is better known to specifically protect against lung cancer. Also Papay is know for its healing qualities. For example if you have a sunburn, when used topically, Papaya can spped the healing process.

So go ahead and give these a try. Not only will you feel adventurous, but your body will feel invigorated.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Vitamin K2 Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), suggests that an increase in vitamin K2 may lower you risk for prostate cancer by 35%. These findings were taken from a study that was done on 11,319 men and will be published in the American Journal of Medicine. Vitamin K has not been studied in direct relation with prostate cancer and many are applauding the research and findings. "The researchers documented 268 incident cases of prostate cancer during the 8.6 years of follow-up. Of these, 113 cases were classified as advanced prostate cancer. While no reduction in the risk of prostate cancer was observed for vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), an increased intake of all menaquinones (vitamin K2) was associated with a 35 per cent reduction in risk."

This is a great finding; men you can lower your risk by just adding certain foods that contain Vitamin K. Also, taking a supplement my be beneficial if you cannot intake the amount of vitamin K through your diet. So men, eat foods that are rich in Vitamin K!


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Monday, June 16, 2008

12 Helpful Ways to Minimize Stress

There are many illnesses that are caused or exacerbated by stress. Some examples are heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, back pain, headaches, tooth grinding, upset stomach and digestive problems, sleep loss and exhaustion, skin problems, unhealthy weight gain or loss, and of course, loss of sex drive. Stress has also been linked to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.

Now how can we minimize stress when we live in such a highly stressful culture? It seems that in our society, people are praised and applauded by the amount of work they take on and how much stress they can handle. This is exactly why there are so many stress related illnesses. Below are some 12 helpful ways to minimize stress in your everyday life.

1. Quiet Time - Always take the time in your busy schedule to have some quiet time. This can also be called your "me time". Whether it's going to the gym, reading a book, painting, or doing some yoga, take time for yourself that lets you clear your mind of everything that seems to be dragging you down. During this time, just let everything go and enjoy your moment.

2. Stop Procrastinating - Quit putting everything off until the last minute. Plan ahead. Procrastination always adds more stress because you are always worrying about getting the task done on time.

3. Write Everything Down - If you are forgetful, writing things down will be helpful so that you don't forget important tasks that would otherwise cause more worrying.

4. Eat Better - A balanced healthy diet helps the body cope with stress. . A healthy diet isn’t all that complicated; as Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, puts it, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

5. Make Family Time - Eating at least one meal with your family/friends helps relieve stress because it opens the lines of communication. Also being in the company of family/friends makes you feel better.

6. Talk It Out - Talk to someone about your worries or fears. Bottling them up causes more stress and worry.

7. Prioritize - Know what is most important in your life. If something is not high on your priority list, it's okay to let it slide. Focus your time and energy on the more important things.

8. Have Routines - Having a set routine means that you do not always have to worry about what you have to do next. Your routine will become second nature.

9. Accept Interruptions Gracefully - Do not be guided strictly by your routine. Allow space for wiggle room. If something does not go according to plan adapt and conquer.

10. Know When To Quit - Don't stand for people who treat you badly. Whether it's an employer, friend, or lover, decided how much you want to put into a relationship. If it's more than you want to put in, walk away and don't look back.

11. Pay Attention To Yourself - Notice what triggers your stress. Once you have found your stressors, find ways to be rid of them.

12. Love - Be happy. Build healthy relationships and always feel human warmth.



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Friday, June 13, 2008

How to Cope With Cravings

Cravings!! That eight letter word that makes us feel like we have made a major set back in our path to eating healthy. Don't let giving into them make you feel like you have failed. They are just small bumps in a very long road to a rewarding journey. Here are some helpful tips to help you fight off those pesky cravings.

When you first feel the onset of a craving, try to ride it out, much like riding an ocean wave. Don't feed into it by thinking about it. Keep yourself busy by reading a book, going for a walk, or writing your feelings down in a journal. Tell yourself that you are strong and in control. Remind yourself that binging might only make you feel better for a short while but finding healthier alternatives is beneficial in the long run. After your craving has passed, look back and try to identify what might have caused your craving. Was it stress, a certain person, a situation? Whatever the case, once you have identified your triggers, you can be the master of your cravings. Just know that this make take some time,and if you give in to a craving, don't beat yourself up, be patient and know that soon you will be successful.


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Thursday, June 12, 2008

10 Great Tips For Living With Back Pain

Many people today are living with occasional or chronic back pain. Simple tasks such as sitting in front of a computer, vacuuming or having bad posture are the culprits for this pain. Below are some wonderful tips that you can practice that will ease your pain and maybe with time, get rid of it.

1. When performing tasks such as ironing or folding laundry, keep one foot on a stepstool.

2. Always stretch and shift your position if you have been sitting or standing for too long. Short walks are also
helpful.

3. When you bend from the waist, always use your hands to help support yourself.

4. Always make sure that your feet touch the floor when sitting, making sure your knees are at a 90 degree angle.
If they do not, put a small stool under them.

5. Spend no more than 5-10 minutes vacuuming at one time. If you need to do a large portion or many rooms, make
sure that you are taking breaks.

6. When searching for that office chair, make sure that it offers good back support.

7. Try not to carry too much in briefcases or backpacks. Keep the load as light as possible.

8. When driving long distances, make sure that you are taking frequent stops.

9. When driving, sit back into your seat. Using a foam cushion or lumbar support can support and absorb some of
the car's vibration.

10. When sleeping, try to sleep on your side. Use a pillow that allows ample support keeping your head and spine
level. Also when choosing a mattress, pick one that's firm enough to support your spine.



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