Truth About Eggs & Cholesterol Levels

A new research from the University of Surrey published in the Nutrition Bulletin of the British Heart Foundation has found that eating eggs does not significantly raise the body's cholesterol levels. Although eggs are in fact a high-cholesterol food, the researchers note that only one-third of the body's cholesterol comes from dietary sources; the rest is produced by the body from saturated fats. As a consequence, saturated fat intake plays a far more significant role.

"The ingrained misconception linking egg consumption to high blood cholesterol and heart disease must be corrected," researcher Bruce Griffin said. "The amount of saturated fat in our diet exerts an effect on blood cholesterol that is several times greater than the relatively small amounts of dietary cholesterol."

The researchers note that other factors, such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle or smoking also have greater effects on cholesterol levels or the risk of cardiovascular disease than egg consumption does.

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To Live Longer, Exercise!

We are all aware of the benefits of exercise. We know that regular exercise helps us make our bodies fit and healthy. However, as they approach middle age, many people find it more difficult to find time for exercise.

A new research has been conducted to find how changes in physical activity levels after middle age influence mortality. Researchers found that "Increased physical activity prolongs life among middle aged and older men, though there might be a period of 5-10 years before an effect is seen on total mortality, write the authors. This effect is the same as smoking cessation. They suggest further research should investigate whether and to what extent increased physical activity affects mortality in the period soon after the change, while the effects in other age groups and in women also need to be studied."

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How To Prevent Accidental Poisoning

Here are some tips on how to prevent accidental poisoning inside our homes:

According to Dr. Cyrus Rangan, Assistant Medical Director and Director of the Los Angeles Medical Toxicology Education Program, California Poison Control System, "It is critical that all consumers are aware of all the potential hazards in their home including the proper ways to store food and to dispose of medications."

When disposing medications and prescriptions it is important that we seal it carefully to avoid children and even pets from having access to it. You can also crush or dissolve the tablets in water to avoid contact with the children. Dispose the water in solid grounds.

The following are some additional poison prevention tips from the CPCS:
-- Keep the number 1-800-222-1222 on or near all phones.
-- Keep medicines and cleaning products out of reach of children and in
locked cabinets.
-- Always keep products in the containers they came in.
-- Never keep cleaning products, gasoline, antifreeze, pain and paint
thinners, or lighter fluid in something you would use for food or a
beverage.
-- Do not store food and household cleaners in the same cabinet.
-- Never call medicine candy.
-- Do not take medicine in front of children; they love to do what adults
do.
-- If you are in the middle of taking medicine or using a cleaning
product and you need to answer the door or phone, take it with you.
-- If you are a grandparent, be sure to keep your medicine and vitamins
where your grandchildren can't get to them.
-- Keep things like make-up perfume, cigarettes, alcohol and vitamins
where children can't reach them.

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Positive Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

As more and more women fight against the battle against cancer, more and more researchers strive hard to figure out and discover a way to combat it. Researchers from the Catalonian Institute of Oncology (ICO) in Girona and the University of Granada in Spain have discovered that extra virgin olive oil appears to be a powerful weapon against breast cancer.

Researches found that the phenolic compounds polyphenols - natural antioxidants found in abundance in extra virgin olive oil- are effective in fighting against the positive and negative breast cancer cells. Aside from this, extra virgin olive oil also offers other benefits such as lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis as well as several types of cancers), preventing oxidative damage, quelling inflammation, regulating platelet and cellular function, and fighting infections.


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Mindset and Losing Weight

If you are overweight, you may think that your diet is the only culprit. But there is one thing that may also cause added weight and that also deserves your attention: your mind!

A new study has been conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that women, in particular, seem hard-wired to have emotional cravings for food. According to Tené Lewis of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago "Under stress, people conserve more fat, and we think that may be what's going on here,"

This research also shows that in women, the more bad things the women reported, the more weight they gained.

Achieving a long-term health improvement or diet involves more than just meticulously watching over your calories. It also involves behavior and self-acceptance.

It is important to become aware of our eating patterns. Look for the times when you take in the most food. It can be when you are stressed, happy or depressed. Another helpful habit is to keep yourself pre-occupied with other stuff rather than eating. Having hobbies and things you enjoy doing on your own time will help with that.

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Obesity Happens Before Birth

More and more younger generations are becoming obese at a very early age. Researchers believe that a way to resolve this problem is to focus on women who are at their child bearing age.

Women who are obese experience difficulty in conceiving. Aside from that, their babies are at a higher risk of getting health problems. According to Dr Eugene Oteng-Ntim, President of the RSM's Maternity & the Newborn Section "Women of reproductive age need to maintain a healthy weight if they want to have a healthy pregnancy and give birth to healthy children. Government obesity campaigns are not paying enough attention one of the most important groups in the population. Once an obese woman is pregnant, she and her baby already run a greater risk to their health. Obesity problems begin before conception and pregnancy is certainly not the time to start trying to lose weight."

Dr Anne Dornhorst, President of the Endocrinology & Diabetes Section commented, "It is staggering that this research found that BMI is still not being routinely recorded in women booking for obstetric services. Obesity in pregnancy is continuing to rise and, consequently, diabetes types 1 and 2 are also on the rise. As the CEMACH* report clearly showed, this means an increased risk of perinatal mortality, congenital anomalies and stillbirths. The next CEMACH report will provide us with further hard evidence of the risk factors associated with obesity in pregnancy but we already know more than enough to recognise the importance of targeting health messages at this important group."

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Acupuncture Gives Relief To Headache and Migraine

It is common among Americans to suffer from headaches and migraines which can be caused by daily stress and activities. We normally resort to over-the-counter drugs to counteract the pains. However, there is an alternative method to cure headaches and migraines.

Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese to relieve pain caused by headaches and migraines. Researchers found that it can actually provide long term treatment, and has helped increase the quality of life for chronic headache sufferers.

Headaches and migraines can be caused by different factors. Location of the pain may tell you different diagnosis. Knowing that will help your acupuncturist choose the suitable combination for your condition.

To make the procedure even more effective, the Chinese use a combination of herbs, massage and energetic exercises.

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If you like animals, this will sure make you smile

Feeling good is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Whatever you are doing, take a little break for the next two minutes and watch this
heartwarming video about an unlikely friendship. Then you can go back to the real world...

What Makes Us Look Older?

What makes us look older? Genes play a very important role in our appearance: the color of our hair, our nose, hands and even feet. But as we grow older, our genes also play a crucial role on how well and how fast we age. We've all met or seen people who just seem to have the genes for "slow aging". However, our behavior is also a big factor. Habits such as smoking, drinking, bad eating have great influence on how early those aging signs come around.

According to the results of a recent study by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, non-genetic factors are the villains for wrinkles, lines and blotches. Stress, jobs, or even family problems can also contribute to the lines in your forehead.

According to Richard Winer, MD, an Atlanta psychiatrist, "When people are depressed, there is a tendency not to take care of yourself, and maybe to smoke and drink more," he tells WebMD. "Generally speaking, when people are happier, they tend to look younger. Colleagues have noticed the same thing."

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Women May Have A Hard Time Saying No To Food

According to a new brain research, it is more difficult for women to resist their favorite foods than men.

Research was conducted with 13 women and 10 men. Their favorite foods were presented to them, they were allowed to smell and taste the food but not eat. While this was being conducted, PET scans examined their brain activity.

The brain scans suggested that women's brain were still acting as if they were hungry even if they thought they weren't.

According to Dr. Gene-Jack Wang,a senior scientist, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N.Y., "Some people cannot inhibit themselves, and we need to help those people."

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Benefits of of Taking Hot Baths

Most of us are not aware of the benefits that sauna, and hot tubs bring to our bodies. We may find ourselves just walking past through it. But what can saunas and hot tubs do for us?

According to research, hot bath, sauna and steam rooms are forms of hydrotherapy. Here are some of its benefits:

- Increased Blood Flow
- More healing
- It relaxes your skeletal muscles
- Decreases blood pressure
- Reduces stress

However, it is strictly advised that if you have a cardiovascular condition especially blood pressure irregularities, do not establish a habit without consulting your doctor.

Doctors also recommend alternating hot and cold baths. According to Roger Herr from American Physical Therapy Association, "soaking in hot water for 10 minutes or so, then switching to a cold bath for the next 10 minutes. The contrast allows you to get the benefits of the heat but not to overheat."

Next time you visit your fitness gym, make sure you drop by the steam room and relax a bit.

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Tips On How To Avoid Falls

Falling can cause serious injury especially to our elderly. That is why it is very important that we know how to prevent it. Here are some ways and tips on how to avoid it:

1. Place your phone thats accessible from the floor in case you fall. This is so you can easily call for help when needed.

2. Install safety devices such as bars in slippery areas like bathroom and kitchen.

3.Get rid of potential hazards such as rugs, wires and clutter

4. Replace slippery floors with materials that allow good traction

5. Train your pets to stay away from your feet when you walk

Engaging into a regular exercise will also help enhance and maintain your bone and muscle strength. Exercises such as T'ai chi and Yoga will help you maintain balance and coordination. In addition, eating a well balance diet will definitely help you stay fit and healthy.

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A Must-See Video

Here is super short film that has a great message to it.

And I guarantee it'll make you smile.

http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/scc/ecs/public/main/validationMovie.html

Natural Remedies for Better Sleep

The recommended sleeping hours should be at least 7-9 hours of sleep everyday. For most of us, we deprive ourselves of sleep because of our hectic schedules, busy lives or sometimes sleeping disorders.

We sometimes think that one of the solutions for getting enough sleep is purchasing over the counter drugs sleep medication. But before you do that, here are some natural ways on enhancing your sleep:

Magnesium and Calcium - both are sleep boosters especially when taken together.
Wild Lettuce - this vegetable is effective at calming restlessness and anxiety.
Hops - this is the female flower that is used when making beer. This serves as a mild sedative for insomnia.
Aromatherapy - is one of the cheapest non-toxic way. Lavender scent aids in sleep
Melatonin - is the hormone that controls sleep
Yoga or meditation - easy yoga stretches or meditation before bedtime is effective in relaxing your body making it a whole lot easier to sleep.

Getting enough sleep is crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So stop depriving yourself of sleep and ensure that you get enough quality sleep in a day to live a healthier and fitter life.

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How To Make More Time for Exercise

Living in our fast paced world, most people feel they don't have enough time for themselves. As people channel most of their time towards their own careers or businesses, activities such as exercises are often placed at the last priority.

But exercising is important. Even more important if you lead a full, stressful, fast paced life.

The good news is you don't need much to reap the benefits of exercising. As little as 20 to 30 minutes a day will do the trick. So here are some tips to squeeze in some fitness time on your busy schedule:

Set your alarm clock earlier so you can wake up a little bit earlier for your workout. Ask a friend or a partner to be your workout buddy. This makes exercise more fun and enjoyable.

Plan your exercise activities. Bring some tools with you even at work. It could be a jump rope, or exercise bands. Store it in your desk and steal a few minutes of your break time at work.

Spend a little time to play games with your kids. This will not only strengthen your bond as parents but also keep you more physically fit.

There are more ways on how to squeeze in more time for exercise. Be creative and flexible, and you will always be able to keep it up.

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Women and Stress

Women plays the role as the caregivers at home yet at the same time, mothers may also play the role of the breadwinner of the family. Because of these women are more prone to experience stress and fatigue.Women may experience "chronic" fatigue. This eventually leads to premature aging, compromised immune function and increased possibility of disease. 

Symptoms of a chronic fatigue includes: feelings of exhaustion, feeling rundowns or overwhelmed, joint pains, depressed mood, loss of energy or "blah-ness", lightheadedness, dependence on caffeine,  poor short term memory, confusion and irritability. 

Fatigue can be caused by several things. It may include lack of sleep, emotions and stress, lack of proper nutrition, nutritional deficiencies dehydration or inactivity. TI can also be caused by infection, thyroid problems, pre-menstrual syndrome, or even menopause.

What can you do if you experience chronic fatigue? Seek help and get some tests. It will also help if you establish a good sleeping habit.  Eat proper diet. Drink lots of water and more importantly RELAX.

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What Tai-Chi Can Do For You

There are several Chinese martial arts that focuses on physical well-being. Tai-Chi is an ancient Chinese martial arts that aims to improve felixibility and balance. It was first used by monks to enhance their concentration. 

This martial arts involves slow and gentle movements with grace and accuracy. Tai chi aims to enhance strength and coordination and at the same time improving inner peace. This exercise is ideal for elderly people. Even the disabled can do tai-chi while in a sitting position. 

Tai chi can help you enhance your stamina, improve your breathing, helps you achieve better balance, enhance your posture. It also reduce the stiffness in your joints, increase your energy level and helps relieves stress.

According to myoptumhealth.com, "the most effective plan to prevent falls among older adults is activity that improves strength, movement and flexibility. Tai chi may help to achieve these goals. In one study, older people taking part in a 15-week tai chi program reduced their risk of falling by almost half. After the course, many were no longer afraid of falling."

Resolution for 2009: Better Health

2009 is just around the corner.

This is the time of the year where we set our resolutions for the upcoming year. Hopefully you will include health related resolutions for 2009.

Here are some ideas:

• - Avoid smoking—the leading cause of preventable risk
• - Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
  - Don’t drink and drive
  - Exercise regularly at an appropriate level
  - Consume alcohol only in moderation
  - Get regular preventive health care and checkups
  - Protect yourself against sexually-transmitted diseases
  - Check “alternative” practices with your doctor
  - Use seat belts on every trip
  - Keep your teeth and gums in good condition
  - Install and maintain a smoke detector in your home
  
  May you have a healthier 2009!
  
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Sugar Cravings Explained

Holidays are here and sugar is everywhere, and because of that it is indeed very difficult to resist sugar cravings. The truth is, once we start with sugar, it seems impossible to stop.

Sweets provides instant energy. It is also a very emotional food. It can remind us of our childhood or even a past relationship. Parents often use it to reward their children whenever they do something good.

Research has determined that our brains “reward” us by releasing serotonin and beta-endorphins (mood-enhancing hormones) when we eat sugar or other refined carbohydrates that are easily converted to glucose (the simplest sugar). In other words, sugar affects our brain in a very similar way to drugs.

Possible reason for sugar cravings:
* Stress - stressful situation increases cortisol levels, which increases our hunger.
* Hormonal fluctuations - women who experience pre-menstrual syndrome craves for sweets.
* Excess of Acid - forming foods
* Intestinal Yeast or systemic candidiasis - Yeast thrives on sugar. If your intestinal (and vaginal) bacteria are out of balance, they are less likely to keep yeasts like Candida in check.

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Cell Phone Application To Track Fitness

As technology grows and develops, more and more cell phone applications are now available for downloads, offering a variety of features.

Researchers at the University of Washington together with Intel, created newest applications to track workouts and green transportation. These applications aim to change people's behavior and lifestyle for the better. They are called UbiFit and UbiGreen.

Researchers conducted a 3-month experiment among UbiFit users. Results show that uBitFit users managed to keep up with their workout routines despite the slack-off season. According to Science daily, "Current versions of UbiFit and UbiGreen use an external sensing device (the Intel Mobile Sensing Platform) clipped to the user's waist. The device includes an accelerometer to sense the user's movement. The programs could run on phones with built-in accelerometers, such as the iPhone and the new Android G1, with no need for external equipment, Landay said. UbiGreen also relies on changing cell phone tower signals to determine whether a person is taking a trip."

According to Consolvo, a researcher at Intel Research, "This background display proved motivational. Participants using the UbiFit background screen maintained their workout activity through the holiday months, while people using a version of UbiFit without the display let their workouts slide."

This is technology at its finest!

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