The Healthy and Fit Blog. By Eduardo Dias.

Holistic Approach For Healthy Aging In Men

2010-11-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

With improvements in the quality of health care that we can avail of in this jet set age, it has become possible for men to work longer years than could earlier be imagined. In order to further enhance and prolong the quality of life, it is worthwhile to look at some preventive steps. Naturopathic physician and health science advisor to LIFE SPAN labs, Dr. Marcus Laux, recommends a holistic approach towards health for ageing men in order to achieve a better quality of life. According to Dr. Marcus Laux, the earlier concept of 'fix what's broken' isn't good enough for a more fulfilling life. Physical, emotional and sexual well-being play a joint role in maintaining overall well-being, and a whole-body approach is the best way to ensure quality health for any man. Dr. Laux offers some insightful tips to fight age-related insufficiencies that catch up with most men with the passage of time. Lifestyle options like watching your weight and leading a reasonably active life can help out in a big way towards attaining the kind of life you have secretly longed for and given up on as the years flew by.

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Fresh Breath Of Life - All Day Long

2010-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's time you took steps to break free of the drab existence you put up with day in and day out. Let these incisive health tips breathe fresh life into your listless existence so you come off more relaxed and energized to take on life's challenges with new determination. It's possible to keep aside some time for some simple, all-natural things to do each day for long-lasting energy, according to Alan Hirsch, M.D., neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. You can start off right from the time you get up from bed. Exposing yourself for a few moments to bright sunlight after you wake up can be quite uplifting. Exposure to bright light signals your body to stop production of melatonin, a sleep hormone that makes you feel draggy. Your brain produces this hormone at night to induce sleep, says Norman Rosenthal, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Georgetown Medical School in Washington, D.C. She explains that a morning blast of light tells your brain to stop making melatonin - which gives you a surge of energy. Small steps like this can keep you ticking - all day long...

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Traveling Is Fun - But Without Bedbugs!

2010-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's exasperating to have to remove your shoes for a security guard or pay $50 because your luggage is a trifle too heavy. Then there's jetlag. Some of the things that figure in your list of complaints as a frequent traveler. However, these inconveniences pale into insignificance when compared to the new menace: bedbugs. Omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent - these critters seem to know exactly how to queer your traveling experience. They love to hitch a ride on your luggage, and have an uncanny knack of sneaking up on your home or workplace, making it difficult to continue with the ordinary business of life. Apart from stretching your mental sanity, bedbugs can wreak havoc on your wallet by way of thousands in clean-up costs. Fortunately, it's possible to travel and yet stay free of these pests when you return from your journey with these well researched tips. For example, when checking into your hotel room, look out for signs of bedbugs. Especially, the lovely, comfortable, relaxing bed that looks so inviting may be teeming with these pesky insects. Be aware - don't let these pernicious critters crawl right into your life...

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Processed Meats Serious Health Threat, Says WCRF

2010-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Following a detailed review of over 7,000 clinical trials looking into links between diet and cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recently concluded that processed meats are unacceptably dangerous for human consumption. This overly point-blank and momentous conclusion, not surprisingly, has the meat eating population in a flutter. In fact, the WCRF strongly urges everyone to quit buying and eating all processed meat products - for the rest of their lives. Processed meats like bacon and sausage that come in frozen prepared meals are typically manufactured with sodium nitrite, a carcinogenic ingredients used as a color fixer by meat companies to impart a bright red color so the products appear fresh. Unfortunately, sodium nitrite is also responsible for formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body leading to increased cancer risk. However, due to the considerable influence that big food corporations wield over U.S. government regulators, it's quite impossible to stop this dangerous practice. Still, you can protect yourself by following these valuable tips. However, your best defense is to completely discard processed meats.

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Slimmer Waistline Equals Better Cardiac Health

2010-10-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Men and women need to pay better attention to their expanding waistlines, as this can potentially be the precursor to more serious health challenges. For men, a waistline over 40 inches, and for women, a waistline more than 35 inches, should be interpreted as bad news, according to researchers who followed the weight and waists of over 100,000 people aged 50 and above for nine years. Their findings unequivocally suggested that a larger waistline dangerously upped the chances of heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems - something which doesn't hold true for people with slimmer waists. Significantly, the researchers found that health risks persisted even for those who didn't gain weight, but only put on ampler waistlines. They feel that the increased risk might be due to the characteristics of abdominal fat. Studies have suggested that abdominal fat is responsible for secreting proteins and hormones that raise cholesterol levels and inhibit the body's insulin processing capability. So, if you didn't so earlier, it's time to watch your diet and level of activity - key factors that keep your waistline in check.

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Meditation: Non-Drug Option For MS Patients

2010-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

A small Swiss study conducted recently claims that a form of medication called "mindfulness" could be effective for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), which often brings on depression and anxiety. Although more extensive research is necessary to substantiate this claim, it might well be admitted that meditation is safe and cheaper than the medications MS patients take. Earlier research has indicated half of MS patients face depression during their life span and anxiety disorders afflict one in four. A significant percentage of these patients complain of experiencing fatigue, which often assumes disruptive proportions. Scientists at the University Hospital Basel, studying the efficacy of their mindfulness program, discovered that participants who received this meditation program reported substantial relief from fatigue and depression for up to six months and had a better quality of life, too - something which could not be said for patients receiving standard medical care. Although the findings may attract skepticism, there's no denying that mindfulness has no side-effects and comes for free. Giving it a try, therefore, shouldn't hurt...

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Resistance Training Better Option For Improved Flexibility, Reveals American Study

2010-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Although conventional wisdom favors static training for improved flexibility over resistance training, a new study, presented at the American College of Sports Medicine's 57th Annual Meeting in Baltimore, begs to differ. The research, which saw participation from 25 college-age volunteers, suggested carefully crafted, full-range resistance training regimens can often turn in better results in comparison to typical static stretching regimens. Researchers studied the effects of both resistance training and stretching programs, which concentrated on the same muscle-joint complexes over similar movements and ranges, on subjects. Post-tests determined flexibility and strength. The results, surprisingly, indicated stretching conferred no statistically significant advantage over resistance training. In fact, resistance training helped produce better improvements in flexibility in certain instances, while also improving strength. Although further careful and detailed research is necessary to substantiate the results, fitness enthusiasts may well be advised to consider resistance training, if they aren't into it already, as an important option, as well.

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A Couple Of Ways Of Keeping Safe - From Varicose Veins

2010-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Varicose veins in your legs can surely cramp your normal lifestyle, to put it mildly. However, raising your awareness on ways to prevent them in the first place is the best way to nip the problem in the bud. There are two easy options that help you stay safe from vascular problems in the legs. The first approach is getting sufficient regular physical activity, which facilitates healthy circulation and, into the bargain, inhibits weight gain and obesity - factors linked to increased risk of varicose veins. The second approach is leg placement. Avoid inactive standing for long periods or sitting with legs crossed - try to elevate your legs from time to time. Apart from maintaining these effective approaches to keep free of varicose veins, you can also try a supplement like horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), which enjoys wide popularity in Europe as an antidote to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition responsible for symptoms like swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching, and skin ulcers. Escin, the active ingredient in HCSE, helps normal vessel wall functioning. So toss out the specter of varicose veins - you owe your legs that much...

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Making A Health Statement - With Berries

2010-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Come summer and you spot those mouthwatering berries in all their freshness hanging from a branch. However, it's not just enough to behold their natural splendor, but to see that these naturally sweet and tasty treats grace your plate, too. Even after the summer months have made their exit, you can pick up the frozen varieties almost throughout the year. So, just go ahead and indulge yourself to your heart's content - see that you include them with your daily snacks and meals. And not only for the sweet, juicy experience reminiscent of those indolent summer days, but the fabulous health benefits that these berries fetch for you and your family. Inform yourself on 15 of the healthiest and tastiest berries that you can lay your hands on for better health tomorrow. Maybe you haven't heard of some of them - like dewberry or huckleberry. Some others, like cherry or strawberry, might find you on more familiar territory. You can forestall a swarm of unsettling diseases including cancer, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and peptic ulcers by not burying your berry diet. So if you're longing to fashion your health statement - why not say it with berries?

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High Dosage Of B Vitamins Fights Brain Shrinkage And Amnesia, Finds British Research

2010-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Heavy doses of B vitamins can inhibit brain shrinkage, a condition which frequently progresses to Alzheimer's disease, say British researchers. These supplements may even reduce shrinkage to the extent of 50%, which indicates their capability to delay the onset of Alzheimer's. Although further research is necessary to substantiate the findings, the results are all the more striking due to the comprehensive failure of most other experimental Alzheimer's treatments. Scientists at the University of Oxford led by Dr. A. David Smith studied 168 volunteers with mild cognitive impairment, which manifests by way of memory loss, language problems and other mental challenges beyond those that might normally be attributed to ageing. Almost half of people over 70 with mild cognitive impairment proceed to Alzheimer's disease. The logic underlying the study was straightforward - B vitamins are known to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, which is suspected of bringing on Alzheimer's. The researchers believe if suitably high doses of these supplements are administered to patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment under medical supervision, the results can be quite dramatic.

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Getting Over Chronic Insomnia With Aerobic Exercise

2010-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sleepless nights have you tossing and turning in bed and waking up bleary eyed each morning, making it a tough ask pulling through the exacting demands of modern-day living. Taking recourse to sleeping pills is, of course, an option, despite the attendant disadvantages by way of side-effects. However, new research, published in the October issue of the journal Sleep Medicine, conducted by scientists at Northwestern University shows aerobic exercise may be the ideal way of tackling your sleeplessness, a condition that affects millions of people. In fact, regular aerobic exercise is likely to not only improve the quality of sleep, but also enhances vitality and the feeling of well-being. According to lead author of the study, Kathryn Reid, PhD, of the Department of Neurobiology and Physiology at Northwestern University, the best way to seek relief from insomnia is drug-free treatment as it precludes the chances of sleep medications interfering with other drugs a person already requires regularly. Sleep is viewed in the scientific community along similar lines as nutrition and exercise - all essential ingredients for a healthy lifestyle.

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Say 'No' To Cancer - With Broccoli And Brussel Sprouts

2010-10-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Researchers claim that broccoli and Brussels sprouts are capable of arresting the spread of cancer. Eating these vegetables stimulates the body to produce a substance called 13C (indole-3-carbinol) which fights the spread of cancer cells. In a recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research, scientists working at the Ohio State University found convincing evidence showing that 13C potentially had anticancer effects and other health benefits. Although the study centered upon breast cancer cells, it may be hoped that 13C might be capable of resisting other cancers, as well, and even reversing Alzheimer's disease. This considerably technical article details the protective effects of 13C against cancer. The study supplements a growing body of evidence of the anti-cancer and health benefits of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables. With the threat of cancer, in its various forms, threatening the very essence of human existence, it's time to look at preventive options to keep free from this life-threatening menace. So why not begin this important venture with these wonder vegetables?

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Sweating It Out May Help You Age Gracefully

2010-10-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's a matter of individual perception as to what ageing gracefully really means. However, an overwhelming majority of these personal opinions tend to presuppose higher levels of physical activity, suggest a couple of studies presented at the American College of Sports Medicine’s 57th Annual Meeting in Baltimore. Researchers in Portugal and Japan found that higher physical activity was associated with better perceived health, functional fitness and mood. On the flip side, a more indolent lifestyle was viewed as responsible for poor balance, depression and perceptions of poor health. With an increasing percentage of the human population edging towards senescence, keeping them in reasonably good health in the challenge for policymakers. Scientists in Japan discovered a definite link between functional fitness and depression. They found that elderly people who maintained a mildly active lifestyle reported a lesser extent of depression, fatigue and confusion. Therefore, for those well advanced in years, it can be recommended without reservation that they make themselves more active - even if it be a walk in the park...

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Daydreaming Can Help Release Your Inner Potential

2010-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Floating off into dreamland while surrounded by the usual mundane demands of a busy existence can provide a key to unlock your inner potential. Daydreaming is worth a lot more than wishing yourself to a remote island and watching the dolphins dance. Researchers claim that daydreaming can help you solve problems, lift your monotony, and lead a more stress free life. They estimate that our minds stray to daydreams from 15 to 50 percent of our waking hours. In this semiconscious state, you're able to establish an adequate level of communication with your subconscious mind, which can potentially help you with brilliant insights and even offer relief from stress and tension by relaxing the nervous system, lowering blood pressure and improved pain management. However, that aside, the idea of letting your mind drift off into those choice and idyllic spots comes with a pinch of salt. Daydreaming spells a real and present danger while driving a car or operating machinery, where the slightest negligence can invite unsightly accidents. With that said, by all means, why not let your creative side take control for a change?

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Going Green With A Smile

2010-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Treading the eco-friendly path doesn't necessarily mean taking to an austere lifestyle, according to Knox College psychologist Tim Kasser, Ph.D. There's no need to give up the comfy lifestyle you're so used to in your arduous attempt to go green. In fact, you can take it slow by instituting only a few changes inside a definite period of time. As the years flash by, you are likely to notice significant changes in the different facets of your daily life that will unmistakably attest to a greener you, points out Oberlin psychologist Cindy McPherson Frantz, Ph.D. However, she advises electing for changes and that carry weight - such as, buying an energy-efficient car. That way, the impact you make on the environment is more telling than with more subtle lifestyle changes like taking daily cold showers. Further, exposure to nature, fresh air, sunlight and the outside world in general can encourage a feeling of oneness with the environment, and free up the desire to be environmentally responsible, according to British researchers. Your will to go green can certainly be accomplished, and without a tear too...

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ADD/ADHD May Not Keep Your Child From Succeeding In School

2010-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

School may not be the best place for kids limited by attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADD/ADHD), disadvantaged as they are with woefully short attention span coupled with hyperactivity. However, as a parent, you can make a whale of a difference by implementing some practical strategies that include teachers and administrators to help your child not only cope with but actually thrive in school. It helps to communicate with teachers in order to find out how best your child can learn in the classroom environment despite facing obvious difficulties in sitting still, listening quietly and concentrating. Children with ADD/ADHD are capable of appropriate classroom behavior when presented with specific goals and daily positive reinforcement. As a parent, you can help develop a behavior plan in collaboration with your child's teacher that incorporates this fact. Further, while at home with your child, take care to provide an undisturbed atmosphere for study and follow these steps to make learning an interesting and fun activity. Most important of all, don't lose hope - your child has a promising future ahead, after all...

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Watch Out - For Bed Bugs!

2010-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you get up in the morning and notice red welts all over your skin or sense an unpleasant, pungent smell in or near the bed, count yourself simply a witness to the onslaught of bed bugs. After over two decades of near extinction, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have staged a determined comeback and overwhelmed most US households with their omnipresence. The phenomenon is serious enough to be classed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a "major problem." The reason seems to be a surge in international travel - these pests are fond of hitching rides on your luggage. However, you may lay aside any health concerns as bed bugs are incapable of transmitting disease, although it's decidedly unpleasant having to deal with them. Try these tips on securing your home from the menace of bed bugs. For instance, when you get back home, wash all your clothes in hot water to kill any infestation. Eliminating bed bugs isn't an easy proposition - they seem have developed a remarkable resistance to most natural pesticides. Don’t stop short of seeking professional help if you feel yourself helplessly, well, bed bugged...

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Turning To Prayer May Help You Heal

2010-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

A recent study involving researchers from Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington, looking into the effects of praying directly with someone for healing, came up with interesting findings. According to Candy Gunther Brown, an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies at IU, the author of the study, what she calls as "proximal intercessory prayer" can indeed help to bring about healing. The study, which is part of a larger research project examining the power of spiritual healing to heal diseases, investigated two charismatic Christian groups known for healing prayer activities, one African and another South-American. Researchers noticed a "statistically significant" improvement in the hearing and vision capabilities of impaired people after they received proximal intercessory prayer. Brown pointed out that Christian subgroups practising proximal intercessory prayer are gaining fast acceptability worldwide due to the benefits received from attending their healing sessions. Looks like, in an uncertain world, people are longing to reach out to any religious or ritual practice that offers a touch of hope...

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Moderate Wine Consumption May Delay Cognitive Decline

2010-09-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

A Norwegian study, which studied the drinking habits of 5,033 men and women, suggests drinking wine in moderation may bring down the risk of cognitive decline in some people and even protect against dementia. The seven-year study revealed wine drinkers performed better than teetotalers on a range of tests measuring cognitive functioning. The researchers found that nondrinking women scored significantly lower on tests involving reasoning and thinking ability. Women benefited from moderate wine consumption, while men from both beer and wine, in terms of improved cognitive functioning, the study revealed. However, study researcher Kjell Arne Arntzen, MD, of the University of Tromso in Norway, was positive that wine didn't make people brighter. In fact, why female abstainers scored lower than those given to low wine consumption could possibly be attributed to the protective effect of wine on cognitive decline. According to the researchers, the beneficial effects of drinking wine could be because of the presence of antioxidants and other micro elements. Well, looks like there’s no reason why you shouldn't go ahead and sip up...

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The Mysteriously Addictive Quality Of Love

2010-09-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pause before pulling out all stops and going effusive over the euphoric qualities of love, which has held sway over the minds and hearts of countless millions since the dawn of mankind. Anthropologist Helen Fisher, author of "Why We Love," in her quest to understand how the brain processes romantic love, found that this passionate emotion is interpreted by the brain as a reward. The same areas of the brain get stimulated as when a person seeks any type of reward - whether it be chocolate, money or drugs. According to Fisher, romantic love can be interpreted as a drive – similar to thirst or hunger. Fisher teamed up with other researchers and studied 17 people who recently had been stung by love. Their findings, published last year in the Journal of Neurophysiology, strikingly revealed participants unflinchingly expressed their readiness to die for the sake of their love. Research showed the brain's stem region, the ventral tegmental area, as being responsible for processing the emotion of romantic love. However, there can be little doubt that the quality of love transcends any type of scientific analysis...

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Key Up Your Web Presence To Shed Weight

2010-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Internet, it might well be admitted, inhibits our ordinary offline existence by means of its many-fangled enticements that keeps us glued to the computer, peering intently at the screen and mostly oblivious to the goings-on in the actual world. The rich quality of entertainment offered by cyberspace is persuasive enough to wean its followers away from healthy practices like spending time on exercise and eating non-packaged food. However, surprisingly, a new study, spanning more than two years, reveals the more often people logged on to a specially designed website, set up by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research (KPCHR), the more likely they were to keep off obesity. The original KPCHR site, which is no longer live, was created with the singular aim of providing an online equivalent of a real-life weight loss program inclusive of personal counseling and group meetings. The study suggests social interaction, even if it be online, can be sufficiently effective for overweight introverts to feel good about themselves - a key requirement to shake off those extra pounds.

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Keeping Your Perfectionist Streak On Leash

2010-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Everything under the sun needn't be perfect - and that includes you. Although perfectionism isn't a behavioral aberration but a personality trait marked by difficulty in wading through the business of life, such exacting standards can mean a lot of life's simple pleasures lost out on for no especially good reason. It's much better to accept that being 'good' is enough and stopping short of aspiring towards 'best' can save you a whole lot of worries including ruined relationship, low self-esteem, eating disorders, depression, addictions, amongst others. Instead, it makes a whole lot better sense accepting the reality of human nature susceptible to faux pas, forgetfulness, indolence, exhaustion and other failings. Being good enough is all that it takes for a successful life - and that extra mile can be the straw that broke the camel's back. A way away from that consuming passion for idealism is to accept that all mortals have limits. Forgive yourself and those around you for slipping up now and then, unable to make it to the high standards you have visualized while ensconced in your stately but make-believe world. Give yourself that much-needed break; you need it...

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Cancer Can Indeed Be Skin Deep!

2010-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Watch this slideshow on precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer... The small, scaly patches from excessive sun exposure that break out on the head, neck, hands, or elsewhere may be taken as signs of early stage skin cancer. Actinic keratosis can strike usually after age 40, but even younger people may be victims. Most at risk are fair skinned, blond, or red-haired people with blue or green eyes and immediate medical treatment is recommended to stop progression to squamous cell skin cancer. Skin cancer already commands the dubious distinction of emerging as the #1 most diagnosed cancer in the past few decades, claiming about 10,600 lives in the US each year. Inordinate sun exposure and use of tanning beds, apart from other factors like increased exposure to UV light and ozone depletion, are mainly responsible for the incidence of this deadly condition, according to medical specialists. Fortunately, most early stage skin cancers are curable and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends getting your skin is examined once a year by your doctor. Moreover, you should be getting right on preventive measures that help save your skin - literally...

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Sufficient Green Leafy Vegetables In Diet Can Slim Down Chances Of Type 2 Diabetes

2010-09-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sufficient inclusion of green leafy vegetables in the diet can noticeably bring down the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research appearing online in the British Medical Journal. The study, led by Patrice Carter at the University of Leicester, requires further investigation into the possible benefits of green leafy vegetables in controlling type 2 diabetes, the incidence of which has scaled dramatic proportions globally in the last two decades. Diets replete in fruit and vegetables are known to lessen the chances of both cancer and heart disease. However, how extra intake of fruit and vegetables may help contain diabetes isn't clear, according to the authors of the study. It is estimated that poor consumption of fruit and vegetables may have been responsible for 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2000. The antioxidant content in these food items may be why fruit and vegetables can prevent chronic illnesses. The high magnesium content in green leafy vegetables like spinach could explain its ability to fight type 2 diabetes. Seems like plenty of reason to go green with your diet. Wouldn't you say?

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Making The Most Of Your Doctor's Visit

2010-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Many of us take pains to research the products we buy - prior to the actual purchase. Whether the product in question might be as insignificant as a toothbrush or as life changing as a new car. However, unfortunately, the same diligence is most often strikingly missing when going about one of life's most important purchases that needs to be pursued on a regular basis - a trip to the doctor's office. In order to make the most of your doctor's visit, say medical experts, you need to be prepared beforehand, as well. According to Arthur Levin, director of the nonprofit Center for Medical Consumers, your session with the physician is typically brief and it's necessary to be prepared with questions that you seek answers to. Further, keep in mind that the information provided by a patient to the doctor is 70% responsible for an accurate diagnosis. Don't neglect to inform your doctor of medical details like medicines you are currently taking or recent health concerns. Also, be sure to clear up any lingering doubts even if it means phoning your doctor back. Invest in your medical visit - invest in life...

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Slim Down With Exercise In Spite Of 'Fat Genes'

2010-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Blame it on your 'fat genes' by all means. But it doesn't mean you can't fight the tendency toward obesity, according to a new study reported in PLoS Medicine. Moderate exercise like a brisk walk can, in fact, counter your body's natural predisposition to gain weight. British researchers involved in the study investigated 12 genetic variants linked with obesity and tracked the physical activity levels of 20,430 people. The objective was to estimate a person's risk of obesity given his genetic profile and to determine if an active lifestyle could neutralize genetic influence. Findings indicated physical activity can indeed stymie the genetic slant toward obesity by as much as 40%. Senior researcher Ruth Loos, of Great Britain's Medical Research Council in Cambridge, remarks the findings challenge the widely accepted belief that obesity is inevitable if it runs in the family. She says even simple exercises like walking the dog or biking to work can pay off impressively. US experts agree the study reinforces previous evidence on the ability of behavioral factors to override genetic bias.

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Seven Hours Just Gets You Right On Sleep, Says Study

2010-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Have you found yourself skimping on sleep or oversleeping? A study conducted by researchers at West Virginia University's (WVU) faculty of medicine and published in the journal Sleep has found people sleeping more or less than seven hours a day, including naps, might be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in America. Adults below 60 who slept five hours or fewer at night were most at risk. Short sleep duration can bring on angina, while too little or too much sleep places an individual at greater risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the study. Although the authors of the WVU study could not determine the causal relationship between sleep duration and cardiovascular disease, they could determine that sleep duration impacts endocrine and metabolic functions, and lack of sleep can result in conditions like impaired glucose tolerance, reduced insulin sensitivity and elevated blood pressure, all of which can lead to hardening of arteries. Seems reason enough to give yourself those optimal seven hours of shut-eye at night in order get right with your body,,,

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Bouncing Back From Your Shut-Eye Blues

2010-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

The increased demands of a hectic lifestyle can mean fewer hours spent sleeping. Skimping, off and on, on sleep can lead to a significant sleep debt by the weekend and you need to pay back that debt in order to keep reasonably functional, according to a study published recently in the journal Sleep. Sleeping off those missed hours, in fact, can help you recover from sleep deprivation and restore your vitality and mental acuity, because of the brain's in-built reflex that helps you sleep deeper and longer when you're sleep deprived. While some might be reluctant to admit they need to do some catching up on lost sleep, floating off into slumber in front of the TV or finding it difficult to stay awake at a meeting are surefire signs it's time to pay back your sleep debt. Sleep deprivation doesn't just mean fatigue; you stay out of sync in terms of memory, alertness, cognitive speed, and reaction time, as well. Sleep deprivation is also fertile ground for additional maladies like heart disease and diabetes and depleted immune system. How much extra shut-eye you need for recovery depends on the extent of your sleep debt, and how promptly you pay those lost hours back will determine how soon you bounce back - from dreamland...

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Junk Food Diet Can Invite Allergies In Children

2010-09-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

A recent study revealed children allowed free access to junk food diets exposed themselves to higher risk of allergies as also obesity. Scientists involved in the study compared youngsters living in the rural African village of Boulon in Burkina Faso with another group living in Florence in Italy. The difference was breathtaking. The African children registered less of obesity-linked bacteria and a greater prevalence of fatty acids that offer protection against inflammation causing asthma, eczema and other allergic reactions. Their diet mainly consisted of cereals, beans, nuts and vegetables. However, the Italian kids were more into higher quantities of meat, fat and sugar. The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a major role in digesting food, protecting against disease-causing germs and limiting inflammation. Researchers point out that low-fiber, high-sugar 'Western' diets are conducive to reduced microbial richness that potentially increase vulnerability to allergic and inflammatory diseases.

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Staying Protected From Five Pervasive Toxic Substances

2010-09-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Continuing research is increasingly pointing to five chemicals, most commonly encountered in day-to-day life, which might be responsible for a large number of medical problems including cancer, sexual problems and behavioral aberrations. These substances pervade our mortal existence by way of their significant presence in articles of daily use like plastic bottles, food wrap, cookware, shower curtains, furniture and television sets, amongst others. It's almost impossible to envisage any household in America, or, for that matter, any place in the world, which does not make use of one or more of these items. It, therefore, seems only proper that one should be correctly informed on these toxic chemicals and how to limit exposure to them. These five chemicals are bisphenol A, or BPA; phthalates; PFOA; formaldehyde; and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PDBEs. Tests show most of us now carry these chemicals in our bodies. However, the important question is if they are putting people's, as well as their children's, lives on the line. Time to find out...

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A Brief Eating Spree Can Result In Long Term Weight Gain

2010-09-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's time to monitor your nutritional discipline more carefully than ever. A recent study, appearing in BioMed Central's open access journal Nutrition & Metabolism discovered a short period of bingeing can have long term effects on body weight and fat storage even though the initial weight is lost. In fact, individuals participating in the study who were put through a four-week period of excess food consumption along with a diminished exercise regimen evidenced increased weight and fat mass more than two years later. The research suggests, intriguingly, that even a brief stint of overindulgence coupled with the absence of exercise during that session can potentially alter a person's physiological profile, making it tougher to lose weight. This sends out a clear message about the long term consequences on our body if we let go of our eating discipline - even if for a brief period. This is especially disastrous news for those trying desperately to shed weight and underlines the need for strict consistency in the way they respond to permissive occasions topped off with epicurean delights.

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Say No To Smoking Even If Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Smokers already diagnosed with lung cancer may not find sufficient motivation to quit. However, a new report published online in BMJ suggests that smokers who quit after being diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer can, in fact, add a few more years to their life. Medical research shows that once a person gives up smoking, the body begins to repair the damage inflicted by toxic chemicals present in tobacco smoke. This is in contrast to those stricken with lung cancer and continue to smoke, which is because the cancer starts spreading in smokers refusing to quit. Admittedly, quitting smoking isn't an easy lifestyle choice, especially when death appears near at hand. Still, adding some more precious years to your life can make a huge difference to you and those you hold dear. Instead of puffing those years away, why not give yourself this last chance of spending some more fulfilling moments with family and friends. After all, the joy of living and spending quality time with loved ones deserves to take precedence over finishing off those last few cancer sticks, wouldn't you agree? Then again, your choice, after all...

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Snoring Woes: Cures And Remedies

2010-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Almost anyone can be held guilty, at one time or the other, for snoring. Although occasional instances of snoring may be innocuous, the more persistent kind can spell havoc for the quantity and quality of sleep. Which in turn leads to daytime fatigue, frayed tempers, and even health threats. Further, if your snoring unrelentingly scales the decibel ladder, you might end up evicted from the bedroom. This informative account identifies the different causes of snoring like obstructed nasal channels and incorrect sleep posture. Sometimes, snoring can be indicative of sleep apnea, a serious medical condition warranting immediate treatment. For those tied to wedlock, it might be a sensible option to not initiate heated exchanges with your partner or let resentment gain leeway because of a snoring problem. Before starting to think of ending your relationship, you could make a promising beginning by realizing that snoring is a physical problem. Plenty of cures exist, from lifestyle changes including consumption of certain food types and medicines, and throat exercises, to professional medical treatment, that can address your dilemma.

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Heart Matters: Abstain From Too Much Red Meat

2010-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Excessive consumption of red meat may actually drive up the risk of heart failure by 24 percent, finds a new American study. The study, the first of its kind to investigate the connection between red meat consumption and cardiac failure, comes as bad publicity for the meat industry, which is already reeling under negative attention from previous studies that confirm the link between the consumption of red meat and certain cancers. A possible cause for the adverse impact of red meat on cardiac health could be the presence of saturated fat and cholesterol content, which can increase the risks of hypertension and coronary heart disease. Although further confirmatory research is necessary to substantiate the claim, the study provides sufficient ground for those carnally inclined to consider other options. Not all of life's pleasures come without a cost; and where your heart is on the line, it pays to reduce your intake of red meat. Awareness of a certain risk is only half the story, the other half is definitive action to address the risk. The choice is yours as it always will be...

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Eating Chocolate Sparingly Means Better Cardiac Discipline

2010-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new study, reported in Circulation: Heart Failure, which is a journal of the American Heart Association, shows that middle-aged and elderly Swedish women regularly eating a small amount of chocolate are less susceptible to cardiac failures. However, the quality of chocolate that these women ate came with higher density cocoa content, more like dark chocolate available in America. The study, spanning nine years and based on the participation of 31,823 middle-aged and elderly Swedish women, indicates, interestingly, that only women who consumed this high-quality chocolate in moderation benefited significantly. Others who were more indulgent didn't register as much improvement, possibly because of the extra calories gained from eating too much of these delicacies, according to Murray Mittleman, M.D., Dr.P.H., who led the study. It might be logically inferred that the higher cocoa content in Swedish chocolate is responsible for the improved cardiac health of these women. It may be noted in this context that, unfortunately, heart failure strikes about 1 percent of the American population aged over 65 and the threat hardly shows any signs of remission with each passing year...

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School Foods That Spell Health Disaster For Kids

2010-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Parents need to realize that proper care for their school going kids doesn't just mean providing blank notebooks, sharpened pencils, backpacks or a closetful of new clothes. What these children need as well is healthy and nutritious food made available for them while at school, according to Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer and chair of the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Hence, parents would do well to keep a watchful eye for junk food dished out to their dearies at school, keeping in mind that nothing much else qualifies as a better recipe for not only poor academic performance but also, more importantly, endangered health. Parents also should be aware of healthier alternatives that score better on the health as well as scholastic front. For instance, croissant breakfast sandwiches might be a convenient option for schools lacking kitchens. However, these prepackaged delicacies are more like a complete health disaster, considering that a single piece of croissant packs a 900 calorie punch and contains approximately 65 grams of saturated fat. Surely, your kids deserve better and only you can see that it happens...

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Anger Makes Way For Heart Problems

2010-09-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Are you susceptible to tempestuous tantrums? Well then - beware! Type A behavioral pattern creates fertile ground for heightened cardiac risk, including stroke, according to a new study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers working at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) in Baltimore, a division of the National Institutes of Health, uncovered that people given to anger and aggressiveness evidenced greater thickness of the carotid arteries in the neck, which is responsible in a major way for a heart attack or stroke, in comparison to more plain sailing individuals. The study underlines the need to determine personality traits while screening patients for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in America, where heart attacks claim about 1.2 million and strokes 800,000 lives each year. Ultrasound imaging, used in measuring carotid artery and arterial wall thickness, showed that even young people displaying antagonistic inclinations were frightfully at risk from cardiac illnesses even if they weren't at risk from other factors such as smoking and high blood pressure. Clearly, a more fulfilling world awaits those willing to toss out their ire...

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Self Image Key Determinant Of Success In Weight Loss Programs

2010-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

An expert, presenting recently at the American College of Sports Medicine's 14th-annual Health & Fitness Summit, stated that the key to achieving desirable results in weight-loss programs stems more from self-esteem and positive body image rather than the sophistication of such programs. The presentation, which was primarily intended for women, stressed on the need for healthy self image in order to achieve significant weight loss. It's necessary for women to cultivate a healthy attitude to life and self acceptance rather than worry unduly on the aesthetic demands of society for developing the correct lifestyle conducive to better weight management. The way you design your modus vivendi with regard to food, your social connectedness, and how you deal with issues concerning self-esteem defines, to a big extent, on whether you possess those desirable characteristics that guide you towards successful weight loss. More objectively, it's important to cultivate 11 skills for developing a healthy body image and self-esteem. What are these skills that you might unknowingly be missing out on? Read on...

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Weaponize Your Immune System Against Infections And Cancer With White Button Mushrooms

2010-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Although it was long known by researchers that certain types of mushrooms possess anti-tumor properties, only recently, a group of studies have shown that the widely available white button mushrooms (WBMs), or Agaricus bisporus, possess a unique capability to enhance the body's immune system. In spite of WBMs constituting about 90 percent of the total mushrooms consumed in America, its true nutritional significance was only realized in the last few years as a result of innovative animal and lab research conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University. WBMs strengthen the immune system by stepping up the production of proteins that eliminate disease-causing pathogens. Because of the positive impact that these mushrooms have on the immune system cells called dendritic cells, which can make white blood cells known as T cells, they might play a major role in fighting cancer. Further, separate research, published in The Journal of Nutrition, suggests consuming 100 grams of WBMs per day would substantially lessen the chances of breast tumor in women.

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Telltale Skin Symptoms You Should Notice

2010-08-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Skin, the body's largest organ, can reveal an awful lot more than just acne and wrinkles. In fact, it can actually reflect serious health issues like diabetes and cancer. Dr. Jeffrey Dover, an eminent dermatology expert associated with the Yale School of Medicine, points out that our skin faithfully mirrors the functioning of our internal organs. Obviously, we would do well to look out for telltale symptoms showing up on the skin so as to take the decision to seek medical help. If, for example, you notice red butterfly-shaped rash appearing on your face, what do you make of it? It may not mean you're necessarily embarrassed. A red, butterfly-shaped rash, typically spread out over the bridge of the nose and cheeks, strongly hints at the autoimmune disease Lupus. According to Dover, in cases of acute systemic Lupus, the rash brings on feelings of weakness, exhaustion and achy joints. Similarly, if otherwise normal-looking skin begins itching all over persistently for apparently no reason, it could be indicative of such conditions as lymphoma, kidney disease, or liver disease, according to Dover.

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Slowing Down The Aging Process

2010-08-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Amazing though it might seem, it's really possible to control, to some extent, how quickly you age, says nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden. According to Bowden, who has produced a number of best-sellers, including his recently released The Most Effective Ways to Live Longer, applying a little forethought, it's possible to keep from ageing before our time. How soon we age depends, to a large extent, on how we treat our bodies - whether or not, like the light switch, we turn on the good genes and turn off the bad ones. Bowden claims that if we fight the four main factors responsible for ageing, it's possible to slow down the ageing process, keeping free of diseases brought on by aging such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. One such factor, which rushes us toward senility, is the presence of free radicals in the body. Free radicals have the ability to damage our DNA and accelerate ageing. While you cannot completely keep off free radicals, you can definitely limit your exposure by, for instance, avoiding cigarettes, trans fats, excessive exposure to the sun, and fruits and vegetables laced with pesticides and herbicides.

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Common Diet Pitfalls

2010-08-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's not enough to be fervently wishing to launch into a weight loss plan without taking appropriate precautions so you don’t fall prey to these common diet pitfalls. For example, you're not going to shed weight simply by skimping on protein or healthy fat. Many dieters go frugal on foods with sufficient protein and fat content. However, this strategy isn't recommended as an effective way to lose fat. Low calorie diets like toast and jam or a small salad with vinegar are simply not sufficiently filling and the craving for food some time later is motivating enough to binge, which might easily mean extra pounds gained. Instead, a better option is to plan meals and snacks that include more filling items such as eggs, cottage cheese, fish and chicken. Skipping meals, similarly, is also not the best way to lose flab. Starving yourself to the point of desperation almost always undermines your determination to continue with your dietary regimen and pretty soon it might be impossible to fight off the temptation to delve into appetizing delicacies with a vengeance. Diet pitfalls like these can almost always ensure you end up sorrier than when you first started out...

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Finding The Right Motivational Niche For Lifelong Fitness

2010-08-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Most people find it considerably difficult to weather a long-term exercise program and need that extra slice of motivation to keep them from quitting, according to an expert deliberating at the American College of Sports Medicine's 14th-annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition. This motivation or "fitness desire" can be extrinsic or intrinsic, depending on the subject. For example, extrinsically, a physician could explain that physical activity can bring down blood pressure. Intrinsically, however, the motivation can come from simply wanting to stay and feel shipshape. The type of motivation, therefore, that a person warms up to is important for determining the kind of physical activity that can be prescribed by a health expert. Further, such a fitness program should also blend in with the individual's lifestyle and physical capabilities. For instance, recreational athlete fitness programs primarily focus on sport in order to keep participants motivated to exercise. Deciding correctly your motivational niche means you're going to stick with your fitness program long enough to give your life that much-needed facelift you desperately miss...

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Exposure To Secondhand Smoke In Children Brings On Adult Emphysema

2010-08-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Colombian researchers found recently that people exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke during childhood were likely to develop emphysema as adults. This hardly comes as surprising because the body can't fully reject the toxic substances that get introduced as a result of harmful inhalations, including secondhand cigarette smoke. It might be informative to note that the best option for anyone already exposed to secondhand smoke, or who has been a previous smoker, is right away beginning the detoxification process to cleanse the body of contamination. Statistics indicate that 50 percent of regular smokers die from their addiction and 400,000 Americans die annually because of tobacco use. Additionally, millions more suffer serious ailments like emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, artery problems, cancers, impotency, and vision problems, amongst others. Smoking parents, in particular, should view with serious concern the uncertain future to which they are exposing their kids as a result of their recklessness.

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Quote of the Day

2010-08-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa

Step Into Your Running Shoes For A Brighter You

2010-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Running might be a smarter pursuit than earlier imagined. Apart from improving cardiovascular fitness and overall physique, it actually might make you brighter, according to scientists reporting in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It appears from experiments that running profoundly impacts the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls learning and memory. Studies conducted on mice showed that those voluntarily engaging in activities like running wheels did, in fact, manage to increase their number of brain cells and performed better at cognitive tests compared to non-exercising mice. Until the late 1990s, neuroscientists held the belief that new brain cells didn't grow after birth. However, that premise stands challenged in the face of mounting evidence suggesting exercise touches off significant physiological and structural changes in the brain conducive to enhanced cognitive functioning. Looks like a perfectly sound reason to get off the couch, slip on your running shoes and jog off to the neighboring park...

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Lifestyle Choices That Run You Down

2010-08-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's a depressing but intriguing fact of life that people, at times, make lifestyle choices, despite being conscious of the consequences, which ultimately spell their undoing. This rare predilection for self hurt cannot easily be interpreted under the focus of pure logic. However, disastrous lifestyle choices, whereby one can only end up worse off, such as overeating, smoking, drunk driving, sedentary lifestyle, and living with stress, are not altogether impossible to shake off. Why play the villain where your own life is at stake? Admittedly, certain addictions like overeating and smoking are difficult to come out of. Inactive lifestyle can be a result of depression or plain laziness. Drinking and driving does betray a sense of derring-do and crass insensitivity to others' safety on the road on the part of the perpetrator. Stress can be an integral part of your professional or personal life. However, it may be remembered there's almost no obstacle that the human spirit cannot overcome given the right amount of determination and motivation.

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Overcoming Back Pain With Yoga

2010-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ever felt that spiking pain shooting up your spine? Chronic back pain frequently occurs due to incorrect posture, injuries or muscle tension and can potentially degrade the quality of your life, making it imperative to rush to the doctor and seek relief using medication at an alarming frequency. Why not give yoga a try? You can take this proactive approach to stay out of further injury and get relief your current back pain. Yoga, believe it or not, represents a holistic approach that engages the body, mind and spirit, which is likely to give you more control over your life, and your pain as well. It provides you long-term preventive relief through improved posture, breathing techniques, and stress reduction. Feel your mind relax as you float into a calm and meditative state that creates a peaceful environment conducive to lessening your pain. Further, you receive the added advantage of staying free from undesirable side-effects brought on by excessive medication. Not a bad deal really by any account...

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Exercise: An Effective And Natural Way To Break Free Of Alcohol Abuse

2010-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Alcohol abuse vastly disrupts circadian rhythms, which can lead to increased alcohol dependence and relapse in abstinent alcoholics. In mammals, circadian timing is regulated by influencers like diet, social interactions, and exercise. A new study looking into the connection between alcohol consumption and wheel-running in hamsters suggests that exercise may prove an effective alternative to bring down alcohol intake in humans. Alcohol abuse is identifiable by routine craving for and consumption of alcohol in order to function normally. This behavior interferes with both the timing and consolidation of daily circadian rhythms - rendering the individual unsure of when to sleep, eat, and mate. Extended alcohol abuse leads to skewed dietary regime, sleep routine as also depleted physical and mental health. Scientists conducting the study observed that alcohol craving in alcohol-naïve hamsters prompted to engage in more wheel-running activity evidenced less alcohol consumption. The results hold out the promise that it may be possible to reduce addiction to alcohol and drugs in humans in future with the help of exercise.

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Quote of the day

2010-08-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing is really over ... until the moment you stop trying.

Storing Produce For Improved Shelf Life

2010-08-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Think you got a good deal on those in-season blueberries, tomatoes or basil? Well, think again, because much of that foodstuff might turn bad before ever making it to the table. Americans discard approximately 14% of the food items they purchase, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, what is worse is that percentage doesn't include leftover food you scrape off your plate. Knowing how long fresh fruits and vegetables last and the best way to store them for maximum shelf life leads to better decision making on how much of a particular food to buy and how soon to consume it in order to minimize waste. This handy guide, compiled from authoritative sources, assures you of extended shelf life for fruit and veggies. Like, for instance, did you know that carrots are best refrigerated in a sealed plastic bag for a maximum period of three weeks? After all, money saved is money earned and, following these smart tips, you do, in actual fact, get a really good deal on the produce you so enthusiastically buy...

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Quote of the Day

2010-08-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

The best way to predict your future is to create it.

Dealing With People That Annoy You!

2010-08-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

More often than not, we constantly find ourselves running into people we would be better off staying away from. These unwelcome encounters might turn nightmarish because these people enter our private space on a regular and necessary basis, rendering these intrusions an inextricable part of daily life. Business associates, fellow colleagues, friends, or even family members and relatives can be a pain in the neck unless we reprogram ourselves to deal with such difficult situations that threaten to destroy almost every fabric of our mortal existence. These meaningful tips address your unenviable plight so you can emerge unscathed by handling these situations with expertise and poise without falling prey to incitements or invectives. For instance, a particularly effective way to handle impossible people is to blankly ignore their nauseating demeanor and continue with business as usual, sending out an unequivocal message that such improper behavior is not the least bit appreciated.

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Quote of the Day

2010-08-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Too may people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. - Malcolm Forbes

Breakfast Determines Body's Response To Other Meals Later In The Day

2010-08-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), published online March 30 in the International Journal of Obesity, examining the effect of types of food and specific timing of intake on metabolic syndrome, has revealed the very first meal determines how we respond to other meals later in the day. Metabolic syndrome relates to risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease like abdominal obesity, high triglycerides and insulin resistance. Although the study involved looking into metabolic profiles of mice, the implications might hold relevance for humans as well. According to the findings, for example, when the animals were fed carbohydrates upon waking, they appeared to be able to metabolize carbohydrates most efficiently even though other food types were served to them later in the day. Researchers associated with the study believe that in order for humans to be able to respond to mixed meals across a day, it's important to eat a meal with higher fat content in the morning.

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Quote of the Day

2010-08-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

"Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears."
- Les Brown

Binge Drinkers Are Less Likely To Be Healthy

2010-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has fresh data indicating that over half of the deaths, at 79,000 annually, resulting from excessive drinking in the US occurs due to binge drinking. A new study, due to be published in the August 2010 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, has examined the frequency of binge drinking vis-à-vis the drinkers' own perceptions of their overall health status. Findings indicate a significant likelihood of binge drinkers self-reporting suboptimal health status. It may be noted, in this context, that persons reporting lower self-rated health are more at risk of hospitalization and death than persons reporting higher self-reported health. Most binge drinkers reporting high average daily alcohol intake are more likely to binge drink frequently. All this underscores the urgent need for preventive governmental action by way of increasing alcohol-excise taxes, limiting alcohol outlet density, and restricting the days and hours when alcohol is sold.

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Inspirational Quote of the Day

2010-08-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Every great story on the planet happened when someone decided not to give up, but kept going no matter what. - Spryte Loriano

The Worst Drinks in America

2010-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The past 50 years or so has comprehensively nudged Americans into a serious drinking problem. Iced teas and lemonades have yielded ground to bottles or mixes with ingredients like "high-fructose corn syrup" and "ascorbic acid" figuring prominently on the labels. Plain water is no longer acceptable as a thirst quencher and, instead, artificially flavored and bottled drinks displaying the words "vitamin" or "energy" stamped on their labels are the more favored options. Also, in only the past decade or so, many Americans have abandoned the practice of brewing their own coffee and exhibited more interest in buying obscure items like "mocha latte." As a result of all this beverage evolution, convenience stores and beverage distributorships have morphed into virtual health traps, threatening to drive empty liquid calories down willing gullets till the damage inflicted becomes irreversible. However, it helps to inform yourself on this updated list of worst offenders - the nation's most damaging drinkables - so you can play safe next time you sip up...

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Aging Gracefully With Quality Food Choices

2010-08-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Quit thinking that healthy eating is all about dieting and sacrifice. Eating well is a lifestyle choice that beckons you to enjoy colorful food, lets your creativity take flight in the kitchen, and offers those rare moments spent eating with friends. For seniors, healthy eating can usher the way to enhanced mental alacrity, resistance to maladies, increased vigor, better immune system, quicker recuperation times, and improved management of chronic ailments. As the years wear on, improved nutrition can unlock the gates to a positive disposition and satisfactory emotional well-being. These well-researched health tips help you dust off those cobwebs clouding your body and soul so you come away refreshed and ready, once more, to relish life as you only should. Senior nutrition includes not only correct food choices and eating discipline, but also lifestyle changes that guide you to sweep over feelings of morbidity and depression that may have taken root because of death or divorce and invest fresh hope in life once again...

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New Study Links Insufficient Vitamin D To Severe Asthma Attacks

2010-08-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new study, over a four-year period, conducted by researchers led by Dr. Augusto A. Litongua, associated with Harvard Medical School in Boston, links vitamin D insufficiency to severe asthma attacks in children. It suggests asthmatic children with relatively low vitamin D levels in their blood may be exposed to higher risk of suffering acute asthma attacks in comparison to those better stocked up on the vitamin. Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin naturally on exposure to sunlight. However, extended winters and sun avoidance during summer may lead to vitamin D deficiency in many kids. Also, people with darker skin, like African Americans, evidence reduced efficiency in synthesizing vitamin D and are, hence, more at risk than whites. Moreover, overweight children as also adults appear to be more at risk of deficiency since lesser amounts of vitamin D, which is stored in body fat, can enter the bloodstream, where it can stay active.

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Countering Osteoporosis With Calcium-Rich Delicacies

2010-08-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Osteoporosis strikes as a debilitating affliction characterized by weakening of bones and can best be addressed by taking preventive actions. However, in the unfortunate event that you are already diagnosed with osteoporosis, there's hope still. Changing your diet by way of incorporating these calcium-rich foods to your diet is a smart and effective route to getting relief without unduly taxing your pocket. Besides, you have the added incentive of relishing these savory delights that can also potentially reverse a wide variety of conditions linked to osteoporosis. For example, food items like low-fat or non-fat dairy products and almonds can prove effective dietary supplements in preventing, or ameliorating the conditions brought on by, osteoporosis. In fact, exercising correctly and supplementing your diet judiciously count as some of the best ways of lessening the risk of osteoporosis.

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Relief From Back Pain

2010-08-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Is life getting increasingly difficult to deal with that constant back pain gnawing away at almost every moment of your hectic existence? In case you've been weighing the idea of giving up after trying any and every cure that came your way, there's fresh hope yet. Chronic back pain can set in typically because of poor posture, injuries, or muscle tension, and an alternative and more proactive approach is to try yoga. It can potentially arrest further injury and alleviate the discomfort of current back pain. Simply put, yoga helps you reconnect with yourself on the physical as well as mental plane. Your body responds with improved balance, posture and proper alignment, which in turn reduces the pain that's upsetting your lifestyle. The important thing is not to give up but maintain a consistent approach because what you receive in exchange for your efforts is indeed more precious - a fresh lease of life.

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Curbing Alcohol Dependence With Exercise

2010-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new study, which is due to be published in the September 2010 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption and activity in hamsters, indicates that exercise might turn out as an efficacious alternative for reducing alcohol intake in humans. Alcohol abuse, marked by routine craving for and intake of alcohol and the inability to function normally without it, can upset the timing and consolidation of daily circadian rhythms - leaving the victim confused about when to sleep, eat, and mate. However, researchers found that hamsters induced into exercising more exhibited a reduced craving for alcohol. This suggests a promising and non-pharmacologic treatment option for alcoholism in humans. That apart, consistent exercise routines can also potentially scale down the risk of cardiovascular disease and mood disorders.

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Causes Of Obesity Other Than Food

2010-08-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Many Americans fight a losing battle every day to shed weight even after adhering to healthy diets and fitness programs. Although eating healthy and exercising do prove effective in losing weight for some people, there are several reasons for putting on weight that are quite independent of diet or exercise. Health experts have identified 9 reasons, which have nothing to do with food, responsible for keeping you stuck in a weight-loss plateau. Lack of sleep is one such factor and operates, according to a study by University of Chicago researchers, by decreasing the level of leptin, a hormone signaling your brain you’ve had enough food, and increasing the level of ghrelin, the “hunger” hormone. Depression is another major reason why people gain weight. This unfortunate condition encourages bingeing on “comfort foods” - foods high in sugar and fat - as well as seeking out a more inactive lifestyle.

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Living Afresh With Superfoods

2010-08-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

The exacting lifestyle people have to pursue nowadays to maintain an acceptable standard of living often means less attention given to nutrition. These amazing superfoods can assuredly give your body that boost so you can again go about your life with renewed energy. Apples, rich in antioxidants, can well be classed amongst these wonder foods. A single apple, its skin included, can supply almost 20 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake for women. Go ahead and bite into this mouthwatering treat - keeps you off a bunch of life-threatening maladies like cancer, heart disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Although Red Delicious is the most common variety of apples in America, you do get a number of other types also like Jonagold, Gala, Braeburn, Ginger Gold and Honeycrisp. Apples are grown in all 50 states, so keep your eyes peeled for the ones to hit your local farmer's market.

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When Your Headache Needs Extra Attention

2010-08-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Headaches can be quite a bother at the very least. However, you need to learn whether to raise the red flag in some instances because certain headache types are symptomatic of deeper distresses that can potentially derail your life. In most cases, it's possible to get relief by proper rest, quietude and pain relievers. However, if headaches belong to a more sinister variety such as those that follow a head injury or that refuse to lapse even after standard medication, it's necessary to sit up and take notice. Did you know that a sudden headache that hits you like a thunderclap could mean something as disastrous a stroke? Dial 9-1-1 if you suddenly feel overwhelmed by an excruciating pain in the head that doesn't seem to let up. Prompt action in such instances can sometimes spell the difference between life and death and immediate medical attention might be able to avert an impending crisis.

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Coping With Noise Pollution

2010-07-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Noise pollution is a real and serious threat in most urban areas that subject its inhabitants to unacceptably high levels of sound possessing chaotic attributes like sound emanating from - street traffic, airplanes, appliances (garbage disposals, blenders, vacuum cleaners) or music systems (personal stereos, car stereos). Anyone, irrespective of age, is at risk from noise pollution, says the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a likely possibility when exposed to excessively loud noise over an extended period. Americans, in particular, are badly affected by this menace, with 10 million already suffering from permanently damaged hearing. In children, exposure to high levels of aircraft noise leads to impairments in reading ability. In adults, noise pollution can result in not only stress-related diseases but sleepless nights, aggression and irritability, as well. However, you too can make a difference by refraining from contributing to an already disturbed environment by simple acts like turning down the volume of your TV or using quieter home appliances.

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Exercising To Beat Depression

2010-07-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Psychologist Jasper Smits, who works from his research clinic in Dallas, has to offer a somewhat unconventional treatment for anxiety and mood disorders, including depression. What's striking is that his treatment comes for free and has no side effects. Note, in this context, that antidepressant drugs set Americans back by $10 billion every year, with side-effects ranging from sleep disturbances and nausea to fluctuations in body weight. If depression is what needs to be addressed and which has been pulling down your performance at work and preventing you from spending quality time with family members, why not try out some simple aerobic-exercise regimens for a change instead of popping pills. Research confirms exercising helps us keep in perspective innocuous but upsetting events like missing an appointment or getting a parking ticket. Not much to lose really than a whole load of unnecessary worries...

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What to do (And How to Protect Yourself) if You Get Pulled Over by an Unmarked Police Car

2010-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking urban legends surrounding unmarked police cars are traversing the globe for some time now. However, before you fall prey to these frightening stories, it helps to perceive the real facts as offered by real-life police officers like Clarence Williams of the Los Angeles Police Department. In the unlikely event that your vehicle is intercepted on the highway by an unmarked squad car, it's important to know what procedures to follow in order to make this a safe encounter and reduce the danger of walking into a trap sprung by an imposter whose likely motive is to relieve you of your valuables. Further, being aware of the prevailing local laws and policies and your legal rights help out as well if you have to interact with a police officer after being pulled over by an unidentified squad car. Moreover, although unmarked traffic-enforcement vehicles sometimes do need to be used for conducting traffic stops, these covert police vehicles usually display telltale LED flashers to distinguish them from civilian cars.

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British Research Recommends Vitamin D For Expecting Mothers

2010-07-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

British researchers from the University College London Institute of Child Health claim pregnant women see significant benefits from taking vitamin D supplements, which include reduced incidence of hypocalcaemia and rickets. However, these scientists note that UK is the only country amongst 31 that doesn't officially recommend use of vitamin D for women of reproductive age, although the Department of Health advises a daily intake of 10 micrograms for expectant mothers. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant British women is unacceptably high, according to Dr Elina Hypponen, one of the report authors. Lack of exposure to sunlight and limitations of an average diet is mainly responsible for this deficiency and newborns, in extreme cases, may even face death. Therefore, it is recommended that expecting women deficient in vitamin D use daily supplements in order to reduce related risks to their babies.

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Healing With Tai Chi And Qigong

2010-07-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

New research unearths convincing evidence suggesting the health benefits of tai chi and qigong, which are ancient Chinese wellness practices. The study, conducted by Linda Larkey, PhD, of Arizona State University, and her colleagues, found these wellness practices yielded significant physical and mental advantages, including improved functioning of the heart and immune system, and overall enhancement in the quality of life. But these types of activity embrace a wide spectrum of physical movements, some of which are slow, meditative and dance-like. These facilitating exercises highlight regulation of breath and mind coordinated with body regulation. The study, published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, provides a fascinating insight into the natural ability of the body and mind to recover in response to appropriate cues that these fitness practices deliver.

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Heat Stroke: Symptoms And Prevention

2010-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Heat stroke is an especially serious and life-threatening condition that may strike when the body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat strokes come in two variants: external and passive. The former type can impact those laboring under hot environments and the latter, elderly, especially sedentary, people exposed to high temperatures. Any of these types of heat stroke can result in brain damage, organ collapse or even death. You need to look out for certain warning signs like high body temperature or speech difficulty that signal an impending heat stroke. Immediate medical assistance is necessary in case you observe or experience any of these tell-tale symptoms on a hot day and the affected person needs to cool off right away. Following best practices to stay safe from heat stroke include drinking plenty of water and limiting activity. Simple steps like these can comprehensively address this potentially dangerous condition. Small change when compared to all the precious things life has to offer...

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Contributing Your Bit To Fight Air Pollution

2010-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

How often have you felt stifled with all the emissions from car exhausts? And as you gasp for breath, looking around, have you wondered how fantastic it would be to wish yourself amidst refreshing greenery and sparkling waterfalls? Unfortunately, duty calls and you're constrained to define your existence within the concrete jungle that determines every fabric of your life. Pollution is a real and present danger that threatens to spin out of control given the modern lifestyle we pursue. However, the National Women's Health Information Center suggests some redeeming steps for anyone caring enough to lend a helping hand in the fight against air pollution. Why not replace the incandescent bulbs we use with compact fluorescents? Is it too unsettling to, at times, walk, use bikes or public transportation for a change? It needs to be remembered that each and every action we commit counts and united effort can figure importantly in the effort to return to a pollution-free world.

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Stay Away From Fruits And Veggies Laced With Pesticides

2010-07-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Chances are you're unwittingly getting exposed to pesticides from the fruits and veggies you consume as part of your daily diet. Absorbing these harmful chemicals leads up to increased chances of contracting cancers and neurological problems. A recent study reveals that children with high levels of pesticides in their urine are more likely to suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although fresh produce, according to the National Academy of Sciences, constitutes a typical source of exposure to pesticides, it doesn't mean you should give up consuming fruits and vegetables altogether. Here's info on the twelve most commonly eaten fruits and vegetables that dangerously expose you to chemicals. To lower your exposure to pesticides, you want to know what to buy and the best way to prepare them. Awareness and safety can play an awfully important role in your journey toward a disease-free life. These helpful tips are designed for just that...

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Consistent Bedtime Routine Makes For Brighter Preschool Children

2010-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Children in households maintaining regular bedtimes and those getting sufficient sleep perform better on a range of developmental assessments, according to the research abstract presented at the 24th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC. Findings indicate consistent bedtime routines help preschool kids score higher on tests evaluating expressive language, phonological awareness, literacy and early math abilities. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine prescribes a minimum sleep duration of 11 hours for these children. According to lead author of the study, Erika Gaylor, PhD, parents can help their preschooler get sufficient sleep by putting in place an appropriate sleep routine that also involves interaction with their child at bedtime like reading books or telling stories. An earlier study along the same lines, published in the August 2009 issue of Sleep Medicine, reported children slept better if they followed an early and consistent bedtime routine.

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Getting Addicted To Junk Food

2010-07-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Obesity in both adults and children is steadily assuming alarming proportions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cravings figure as another of the multiple causes of increasing levels of obesity with many fighting a losing battle against their weakness for fast food. Food addiction works much the same way as addiction to alcohol, drugs, caffeine or drugs with the added disadvantage of victims being unable to "quit eating" as, obviously, what they crave is also what sustains them. Most food cravings include items containing plentiful amounts of bad fats, salt, sugar, which supply us more calories than we might care for. Unfortunately, these types of foods stimulate the brain's pleasure centers, which make it almost impossible to quit, observes psychologist Marcia Pelchat of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. Still, if you happen to be a victim, inculcating a certain amount of self-discipline and a few scientific techniques might hopefully see you get slimmer and well on your way to better health.

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Meet Bob the Fish

2010-07-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

Dumping Your Sugar Cravings

2010-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Almost without exception, most women have experienced sugar cravings at one time or the other. The sad fact is that once this craving gains a grip, it becomes increasingly difficult to shake off. Food, admittedly, is an emotional enough topic - sweet foods come to be identified with love and acceptance on the mental plane because of their ability to release "feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin, according to scientists. Serotonin is mostly known as the neurotransmitter that lifts our mood, which is why sugar cravings can be highly addictive, the problem being more acute in women. Some women experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop eating sugar, the symptoms resembling closely to those resulting from withdrawal from caffeine habit or drug addiction. If you find it impossible to kick your sugar cravings, it's vital get informed on the possible causes for your addiction like hormonal fluctuation or stress. The next logical step is to control these cravings by following some courses of action most appropriate to you. Stop being a slave to sugar - it's so much more than one big candy...

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Depression May Be Responsible For Extra Tummy Fat

2010-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

New research unfolds fresh evidence linking depression with extra belly fat. However, the cause of this observed linkage isn't quite clear. The finding is enough reason for concern for those picking up abdominal fat, as chances are things aren't going too swell with them. The stress hormone cortisol is related to depression and abdominal obesity, and hence elevated levels of this hormone may explain why depressed people tend to put on more tummy fat, suspects study co-author Belinda Needham, an assistant professor of sociology. The study, which appears in the June issue of the American Journal of Public Health, is significant because it suggests it might be possible to control obesity and the risk of related diseases by properly looking into and addressing issues related to a patient's mental health.

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Summer Foods That Help Stay Trim

2010-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Stock up to your heart's content on these delectable summer foods that help you stay in shape. For starters, why not settle down with a bowl of juicy red berries? Indulge yourself freely, because they address your health needs perfectly. Strawberries go easy on calories and serve you up copious quantities of life-saving nutrients like omega 3 fats and cancer-fighting polyphenols. According to Jackie Keller, a weight-loss coach, only half a cup of strawberries gets you adequately replenished on vitamin C, apart from fiber and important antioxidants. Blueberries count as yet another item to fall for - they're rich in nutrients that improve circulation and fight free-radical damage to cells and tissues. Not only do they grace your plate in delicious color, texture and taste, but go super-low on calories as well - just like strawberries. So if you want to bask in the goodness of health these summer months, get right on these delightful treats.

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Chronic Insomnia Spells Premature Death

2010-07-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

For people suffering from sleepless nights on a consistent basis, something is terribly amiss. In fact, untimely death looms as a distinct possibility. According to an American study presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC, chronic insomnia can be linked to increased risk of death. Chronic insomnia can take on various forms like: chronic early-awakening insomnia, chronic sleep-maintenance insomnia (with difficulty getting back to sleep), chronic sleep-onset insomnia, and chronic sleep-maintenance insomnia (with repeated awakenings during night). If any of these symptoms rings a familiar bell, it's high time to sit up and take notice. Life's course may be leading you into choppy waters and, therefore, it's imperative to seek immediate expert medical assistance before reaching the point of no return...

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Vitamin K Helps Fight Type-2 Diabetes

2010-07-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new Dutch study reports higher intakes of vitamin K may lessen the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Although the research, which was published in Diabetes Care, is based on statistical correlation, it does underline the potential benefits of a vitamin K-rich diet as a deterrent against type-2 diabetes. Unfortunately, about 8 percent of the American population is estimated to be suffering from this condition, with total healthcare costs reckoned at $174 billion. One of the two main forms of vitamin K, called phylloquinone (vitamin K1), is found in green leafy vegetables like lettuce, broccoli and spinach, which constitutes about 90 percent of the typical Western diet. The other main form of vitamin K, menaquinones (vitamin K2), which makes up about 10 percent of Western vitamin K consumption, is capable of being synthesized in the gut by microflora. Scientists conducting the research calculated that for every increase of 10 micrograms in consumption of vitamin K2, the risk of type-2 diabetes drops by 7 percent.

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Diet Might Inhibit Lung Cancer

2010-07-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

For current and former smokers, a diet replete with green leafy vegetables, folate, and some multivitamins could serve as effective protection against lung cancer. This finding surfaced from a recent study led by Steve Belinsky, Ph.D., and other researchers at the institute in ABQ, NM. The research, which was supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), attempted to investigate gene methylation, which represents a chemical modification in the cell and influences gene expression, in current and former smokers. The study yielded a link between consumption of leafy green vegetables, folate, and some multivitamins, and reduced prevalence of cellular gene methylation. Gene methylation is suspected to be a major facilitator of lung and cancer development and progression.

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Does Fizz Fetch Extra Fat?

2010-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

While you gulp down that bottle of fizzy drink, keep an eye out for the extra fat you might be collecting inadvertently. But that's no reason to hit the panic button. The fizziness in carbonated drinks isn't directly responsible for weight gain. However, the inordinate amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners and caffeine present in carbonated sodas are the real offenders - adding the extra pounds that you would rather stay off from. However, if fizz is what makes your day, a better bet might be opting for carbonated mineral waters that are free of added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Go ahead and throw in some fruit juice so you're not confined to an overly bland experience. The main idea is to keep away from all those empty calories you soak in while cooling off with bubbly carbonated drinks.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Keeps Off Heart Disease And Much Else

2010-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Next time you settle down to a meal, try to include more of animal and vegetable items that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Because new research indicates Omega-3 fatty acids enhances the survival rate of those with coronary heart conditions. Omega-3s can also slow down the ageing process - by as much as five years, amazingly. They do this, apparently, by preventing the shortening of telomeres, which are part of the DNA that function in a protective capacity. Telomeres shorten with age, infection, smoking, inactive lifestyle, and obesity. The study, which was conducted at the University of California in San Francisco, confirmed that subjects with high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood benefited from lower rate of telomere shortening. It should be noted here that nations like Japan and Greenland have the world's lowest rate of heart disease because of the substantial inclusion of fish containing Omega-3 in their diet.

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Staying Sexually Active Beyond The Prime Of Life

2010-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

It can assuredly be stated that sex isn't the exclusive preserve of the young. In fact, sex is a powerful tool to seek relief from mental and physical stresses and strains that a person has to endure throughout his or her entire life. Its significance can hardly be downplayed even at the dusk of life. For those well advanced in years, whether man or woman, a refreshing sex life can spell good health in an all-encompassing way: better circulation, reduced anxiety and improved relaxation. If you happen to be uncomfortable or ashamed to be contemplating sex now that the years have melted away, then these tips are just what you need to rethink your emotional barriers. Accepting your current reality and getting to be comfortable with your body is a great way to get started. The years still left are precious and present a delightful opportunity to reconnect with your partner, tossing away all those cares to the wind...

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Obesity Alert: Watch It After You Cross 40

2010-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's not okay to be obese at any age as obesity is linked with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and myriad other ills. However, for those amply endowed, it's far worse to stay that way beyond age 40, according to a revealing new study that found its way into the International Journal of Obesity. The research, which compared medications taken by normal weight, overweight and obese Americans, came up with the conclusion that obesity amongst those aged between 40 and 54 necessitated extra medication in comparison with people of average weight. Therefore, after crossing 40, it's better to watch your weight as the perils associated with the extra weight you're carrying is likely to catch you on the wrong foot as time wears on and then it might be too late...

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Diets Tricks To Break Free Of Obesity

2010-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Every day seems to be a struggle to shake off those extra pounds residing snugly in the innermost recesses of your physique. Sounds familiar? Count yourself in amongst millions fighting a similar battle and repeatedly finding their disgruntled selves on the wrong end of the stick. When and how does this all end? The media is ceaselessly inundating your psyche with tempting recipes to kiss your hapless condition goodbye - only so you find you have to lift your sorry self back on your feet with effort - again. So you need not go through such unsettling experiences, let's turn to the experts. What do the scientists have on offer? Here are 7 diet tricks to get you up and going - minus those unrelenting pounds. Breathe some refreshingly liberating air into your listless life - see your body get more active and energized to enjoy life better. These diet tricks do just that without subjecting you to crippling dietary regimens and endless workouts at the local gym. Take up the challenge - up to you to step out in style and get more from this precious life as you are meant to and never look back...

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New Worldwide Study Links Burger Diet With Asthma And Wheeze Risk In Children

2010-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Desist from allowing your dear kids to splurge on burgers if you're caring enough... According to a large international study, published in Thorax, which based its findings on data collected on 50,000 children between 8 and 12 spanning rich and poor nations across the world, eating three or more burgers a week can expose a child to the risk of contracting asthma and wheeze. On the other hand, a Mediterranean diet, replete with fruit, vegetables and fish, appears to push back that risk. The susceptibility looks to be more pronounced for kids in developed countries. The researchers also found that high fruit intake as also a diet rich in cooked green vegetables and fish protected children from wheeze. It is, furthermore, suspected that burger consumption might also be indicative of other unhealthy lifestyle factors, commonly unique to affluent nations, which provide fertile ground for heightened asthma risk.

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New Study Finds Probiotics May Aid Fat And Weight Reduction

2010-06-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new Japanese study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, claims that consuming a fermented milk product that contains the Lactobacillus strain over a period of 12 weeks might help in weight reduction for people laid low by obesity. With the World Health Organization projecting the population of overweight consumers by 2015 and 1.5 billion, and health-related expenditures in the US alone at $117 billion, the market for scientifically-substantiated weight management food products seems impressively upbeat. The Japanese researchers based their study on investigations conducted on 87 overweight subjects. Their findings showed that daily supplements of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) administered over several weeks significantly lowered not only body weight but also tellingly reduced abdominal and subcutaneous fat.

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The Worst (And Best) Places For The Right Things

2010-06-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Health experts are pretty much aware of how people usually organize their daily tasks. It might come as surprising, but research indicates it's just not enough to perform everyday chores; where these chores get performed begs importance as well. In fact, the place where a certain something is kept or done can have deep health consequences. For example, the worst place to keep your toothbrush is in the bathroom sink. The reason is its close proximity to the toilet which is home to millions of microbes. Instead, it spells better oral health to place your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet or a nearby cupboard. Similarly, the worst place to get seated on an airplane is the rear end. Because the rear section of a plane is more susceptible to up-and-down movements, resulting in a bumpier ride. Best is if you can find a seat nearest to the wing. These simple health and safety tips are no doubt designed to bring out the best in you without too much sweat.

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Fight Obesity To Tone Up Your Sex Life

2010-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Considering taking your floundering sex life a few notches up? Been putting on some extra pounds lately? Well, new research from France would have us believe that obesity and poor sex life aren't altogether unrelated. In fact, obesity is responsible in a major way for unplanned pregnancy in women and sexual impotence and vulnerability to sexually transmitted disease in men. Obese women are particularly affected in terms of stigmatization by society and hence might seek recourse to the Internet and pornography to satisfy their sexual urges. For both men and women, obesity hurts the chances of getting into a proper sexual relationship, which is also likely to result in weakened self-esteem. Although, admittedly, it is tough to kick obesity within a short space of time, a conscious and disciplined effort in this direction is likely to pay off significantly by way of better physical, mental and sexual well-being.

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10 Healthy Fast Food Treats That Keep Your Calorie Count Down

2010-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

If your life embraces the fast lane, and you do find it necessary to opt for fast foods to keep up with your dietary requirements, there's a better way. These 10 healthy fast food meals can actually make a big difference in terms of keeping the calorie count down - to under 400, in fact. For instance, eating breakfast inside a couple of hours after awakening is recommended and you can grab a Subway Egg (or egg white) and Cheese breakfast sandwich, along with a modest 450 mg of salt. However, if you do prefer something more ambitious for breakfast, keep mindful of the calories you're receiving so you stick to more low-profile items like fresh fruit or coffee (with skim or low-fat milk) for the rest of the day to stay within 400 calories. Stated simply, even a small degree of gastronomic discipline can pay off hugely in terms of health benefits.

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Surprising Facts About Male Infertility

2010-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Does sound amazing that about 40 percent the 7 million couples facing infertility do so because of low sperm count. Although medical conditions may be be held accountable for reduced sperm count, external factors can be responsible as well. Factors that may have thus far escaped our attention. It's necessary to be aware of these environmental factors in order to better protect not only virility but also physical health in general. For example, men resorting to antidepressants maybe because of skewed or intense lifestyles could be unknowingly damaging the DNA construct of the sperm they ejaculate - possibly leading to decreased fertility and increased danger of birth defects. Smoking, also, can lead to impairment of sperm DNA, which results in reduced fertility.

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Exercise Does Increasingly Appear To Improve Mental Fitness

2010-06-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ever hit a writer's block? And haven't you found that taking some time off to sweat it out on, say, a treadmill does lift that mental fog so you're better able to continue your linguistic pursuits? Well, if so, then it's quite clear that exercise can play a major role in improving mental dementia. In fact, a growing body of evidence does seem to confirm that exercise, even if it be as insignificant as a walk in the park or a brief jogging spree, can work magic for your mental acuity. MRI brain scans indicate that previously sedentary people who jack up their fitness effort achieve better cognitive functioning. It's also claimed that regular physical activity can even prevent or delay the onset of a particularly debilitating form of mental deterioration commonly known as Alzheimer's disease.

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Watermelon To Your Rescue

2010-06-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Watermelon, another of those summertime favorites, isn't just another refreshing afternoon snack. Aside from being low on calories and rich in antioxidants, this delightful summer treat has plenty to offer by way of healthy nutrients including vitamins C, A, B6 and B1. Additionally, watermelon serves as an excellent source of the carotenoid lycopene, which can provide an effective shield against the risk of prostrate and other types of cancer. Reason enough to include this colorful fruit in your menu for cooling off - to not only come away refreshed but also with better protection against the much-dreaded risk of cancer.

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Spices May Effectively Lower Risk Of Cancer From Consuming Grilled Meat

2010-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Scientists at Kansas State University have found that adding certain spices to grilled meat, especially beef, may be effective in reducing the risk of cancer associated with consuming such food. Not only does addition of spices such as fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric make your barbecues more appetizing but it also offers protection through their antioxidant activity by way of inhibiting the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are responsible for the production of cancer-causing compounds when food like beef are barbecued or grilled. A variety of cancer types like colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, mammary and prostate cancers are linked to consumption of grilled meat unprotected by spices, research shows.

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Getting Away From It All

2010-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Feeling out of sync and generally worn down with all the stresses and strifes that life has been flinging your way? Is life losing its color? Well, then you badly need time off for yourself - and that's right in your home or office. With the boss breathing down your neck and your significant other proving difficult, it's time to take a break - you need to back away to your retreat to freshen up before life reduces you into a living fossil. Your retreat doesn't have to be an expensive far-flung sea beach or a mountain resort. It can simply be a corner or room in your home or office. Put in that extra effort to make your exclusive spot inviting and relaxing - decorate it with your favorite drapings and pictures. When the going gets rough, it will help if you withdraw into your little retreat for some time so you can get back on your feet again and face your world with fresh determination and energy.

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Calcium May Prove Important To Infants For Keeping Free Of Obesity In Later Life

2010-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

It hardly bears mentioning that calcium is essential for strong and healthy bones. However, new research conducted at North Carolina State University shows that denying infants sufficient calcium intake could have a more far-reaching and lifelong impact on bone health, and perhaps even lead to obesity in later life, than previously thought. Although the research was carried out using pigs, the results hold relevance for humans as well - because pigs and human beings share a striking similarity in respect of bone growth and nutrition. Dr. Chad Stahl, an associate professor of animal science who led the study, believes the research holds relevance for the infant food industry and underscores the significance of the nutritional health of breastfeeding mothers.

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