tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336496262024-03-18T04:47:48.354-05:00The Medical MigrantHAND PICKED MEDICAL NEWS & VIEWS, ISSUES & ODDITIES.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger418125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-44495788888058131822010-10-21T15:36:00.002-05:002010-10-21T16:13:06.536-05:00A Good Crease<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">a socially </span>relevant short film</span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#6666cc;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#6666cc;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">Yes, this is a bit off topic, so...</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">Let's think of this as an entry about mental health - which it certainly is.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">I've written a short film, as in roughly 14 minutes, that we will film in Kansas City in February, 2011. The film looks at "the basic human need to belong - somewhere, anywhere, regardless of how odd the fit."</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I've teamed up with 2sDay Productions, a non-profit production company "dedicated to inspiring positive change in the world," to make this project happen. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">You can learn more about <em>A Good Crease</em> by following the link below to our IndieGoGo site - and should the spirit of generosity strike while you're there, I'd say go with the flow.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">Thanks,</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">tim <strong></strong></span></span></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#6666cc;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#6666cc;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><iframe height="400" src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/widget/10346?a=43889" frameborder="1" width="210" scrolling="no"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-83163014177905327352010-01-01T10:19:00.003-06:002010-01-01T10:34:41.494-06:00Eat Your Way to Health<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421807900827785154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbXqwQFl3t6PmqRWO_DG0aO6YP4E4hR1aMCLbdAa-6S0-Y11bFjCEX5FKyKrp3Yx2EqVCUnkEnJIY7_cV0QtisR_X8jfOIL2FUzCFeAP6wcHBggJ9xnC3RTZpRGDMFH4CCynakQ/s400/VeggieSmileBlueBKG.gif" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">It Will Make You Smile - on the Inside... </span></strong><br /></p><div align="left"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"> Food is, well, quite remarkable. It satisfies the deepest yearnings of our hearts in some mystical fashion, sweeping away pain and anguish, leaving us with a sense of fullness, both spiritual and physical, that transcends the basic nature of the mere morsels we consume...</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">OK, so I'm getting a bit carried away in this new year, but - food is quite remarkable. It's also powerful, and can be a force for good (think fruits & veggies) or evil (think all those wonderful treats that ratchet up your guilt level with each scrumptious bite).</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So, here's a link you may want to check out: <a href="http://onlinenursepractitionerschools.com/top-25-best-foods-for-fighting-disease/">http://onlinenursepractitionerschools.com/top-25-best-foods-for-fighting-disease/</a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The link was provided by Adrienne Carlson and the article discusses 25 foods that help fight disease - and, if you're brave enough to have a go at it, you'll find the foods are also quite tasty.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Thanks, Adrienne.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Have a great, and healthy, 2010.<span style="color:#000000;"><br /></div></div></div><div align="center"><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"> </div></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-2514762712114766182009-10-31T16:15:00.003-05:002009-10-31T16:49:57.184-05:00White Tea Update<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398878556986324786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiNx7HUcmfDhydUV2J4JLYuTEKuP5SaYdmstjvcgo7gTCW3BiV3VCQl1ViTjVdPCAFRbKYEn_r8YlJQXrOWh-oGU4d5UPLEnPVpr8x5DWeUARZshBz8nld3gB0DBa4o46mr5u1w/s400/TeaSmell_300t.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">Confused About White Tea? </span></strong><br /></p><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Do you feel a bit panicky when you dare to try something new? Especially something you drink? </span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">If you're trying to break free of your phobias, this is a great place to start. I did a post about the wonders of white tea a while back and hope you've had a chance to give it a try. But...</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">If you still have questions, Eric has answers. That's Eric Daams, of the blog <a href="http://teafinelybrewed.com/">Tea Finely Brewed</a>. Eric's a real pro when it comes to tea, and he has a post specifically answering questions about white tea: <a href="http://teafinelybrewed.com/white-tea-faq">7 Common Questions About White Tea</a>. </div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><div align="left">So, fast forward past your phobias, jump on over to Eric's site, get all your questions answered and then...</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Settle in with a nice cup of delicious - and extremely healthy - white tea.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Thanks, Eric, for the great site.<br /></div></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-62578266175222500892009-10-01T17:26:00.002-05:002009-10-01T17:37:21.859-05:00New Celiac Disease Blog<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387761960013339778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnlukUxrM4a2YBEVhglnZ9KRQddjYmjOo4iHpPEnGuc0wbDgHv61nnd2Ir0k9HloY5rfXJl9jVqe8qIh16jsBFs4bV6Vt8nnheAXK1sTg78Kx3XVJQsKKV49Xuv-HZTxR_n4IDw/s400/celiac_blog_screen_cap.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">New Gluten Free Blog </span></strong><br /></p><div align="left"><br />I have two reasons to be excited about the launch of a new blog dedicated to exploring the science behind celiac disease. The first is because I've recently discovered I have an issue with gluten - I just can't stand it. But, more significantly, my body pays a big price when I pummel it with processed gluten-laden foods.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So, no gluten for me.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The second reason I'm excited about this new blog is because it's being put together by my brother Matt. He's a bit odd, which I guess is the reason he and I hit it off so well. He's also the guy who turned me on to this whole gluten issue in the first place. So, yeah, I owe him big time.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Anyway, this is really quite cool. There's a permanent link to his site on the right, but you can also jump to it here: <a href="http://scienceandceliac.blogspot.com/">http://scienceandceliac.blogspot.com/</a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Can't wait to see how it progresses.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I guess all that leaves is, "Thanks, brother. And lots of luck."<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-24465352268609849372009-08-17T05:59:00.000-05:002009-08-17T05:59:00.796-05:00Why White Tea is Wonderful<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369807582415229618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZuyGWygXvW3P6DAOa_o0-SpPAxiuzH-hSLpDB_jtm-d-d9gCVIZleKUNVhiHH2WqQjofSszxtJEBISTw2r8AVXTrCJM7iTmkszgZ1LTCizHLzxyT-vLAkCqj66Obbs1C2j9_pw/s320/Teapot.gif" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">White On... </span></strong><br /></p><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Black tea calms the nerves. Green tea soothes the soul. White tea...<br /><br />-Fights cancer<br />-Protects against aging<br />-Reduces inflammation<br />-Fights rheumatoid arthritis<br />-Reduces wrinkles<br />-Tastes pleasant, especially on cool fall days<br /><br />How does it manage all this disease-fighting proficiency? It all has to do with its ability to protect the elastin and collagen, which are natural protein structures of the skin. Elastin and collagen support the elasticity and strength of the skin, as well as the lungs, arteries and ligaments. Diseases often cause a breakdown in these proteins, but the extracts from white tea hold great promise in combating that process.<br /><br />Several other plant extracts, including bladderwrack, green tea, anise and pomegranate were also effective in fighting the breakdown of elastin and collagen. But, even to the researchers' surprise, white tea far outperformed them all.<br /><br />What exactly is white tea? It's actually made from the same plant, the Camellia sinensis, as green and black teas. It's the least processed of the teas, often still having the fine white hairs on the leaves - hence the name. See the link below for more information.<br /><br />Well, this is great news - if you love tea. If you never touch the stuff, it just may be worth an experimental sip or two. Where else will you find a drink that gives you a healthy glow both inside and out?<br /><br /><em>To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810085312.htm">ScienceDaily</a>. To learn more about white tea, see this from <a href="http://www.whiteteaguide.com/">white tea guide</a>. </em></span><span style="color:#000000;"></div></div></div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-20017909951229643132009-08-10T05:59:00.000-05:002009-08-10T05:59:00.143-05:00Resveratrol to the Rescue<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365771745334037042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXo_xzecd6tUCBI3NR7lD_bx_j7QfNSAVPdirLNhz6izXO_A-d52m5hqKYNmQUFMuXi9cWjP7SYN97SF2dmde5eW0kGBoTmQi9oiy-vJ_Hbn0Gb8iyX6qRcIK66b0I1OClC-nkTA/s320/Wine.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">Sips That Soothe... </span></strong><br /></p><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">It's at it again...<br /><br />Resveratrol, a component found in red wines (and, by the way, in red grape juices) is showing its potential for healing. Previous studies have shown resveratrol is heart-healthy, offering protection against cardiovascular disease. New studies now add a significant anti-inflammatory effect to its credentials.<br /><br />This is especially significant because inflammation is the hallmark of many illnesses. In fact, secondary inflammation, such as that following a stroke, may do as much or more harm than the initial event. So, for scientists to find a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory is quite exciting.<br /><br />The research has been restricted to lab mice up to this point. But, the discovery holds great potential for the development of an entirely new class of drugs that fights life-threatening systemic inflammation that accompanies appendicitis, peritonitis, sepsis and other conditions.<br /><br />Stay tuned, as it appears the power of resveratrol has yet to be fully tapped. In the meantime, break open a bottle (or some grape juice if you prefer) and toast to your health.<br /><br />To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730103742.htm">ScienceDaily</a>. To learn more about resveratrol, see this from the <a href="http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/resveratrol/">Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University</a>.</span> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-77385209785026835762009-08-03T05:59:00.000-05:002009-08-03T05:59:00.234-05:00Omega-3s Fight Macular Degeneration<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362400292073185490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTN_VxxZkm5j6IDi-pTeCe_DCXQk3MGGHnHyZ86kZJ9HFYrjxXf4DCCaraXozV65_M_RznAqAR4pHJLKsA1w_IvbjJS-XWDamKfSA5VYJuJ3TQHNmEarmIDkc4Ksp7dMVxB8Zdg/s320/age-related_macular_degener.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">Life With a Hole in the Middle... </span></strong><br /></p><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Now you see them, now you don't.<br /><br /> Or, if you're over the age of 65, you may see just a portion of your spouse - or the television, the grocery store aisle or (yikes!) the roadway. That's the lot in life for those suffering from macular degeneration - one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly.<br /> <br />Macular degeneration causes the middle of the visual field to disappear, leaving the edges intact. This is all well and good if you've always lived life on the fringes and want your visual acuity to match your philosophy. But, most folks prefer their visual fields to be more well rounded than their worldview.<br /> <br />Scientists now say that omega-3 fatty acids may help. New research, in the lab with mice, indicates that omega-3s may help protect against macular degeneration by slowing the progression of the formation of lesions. Previous studies have shown omega-3s, derived form diets high in fish oil, also help protect against atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's.<br /><br />So, grab some fish - or, head over to the health food store and grab a bottle of fish oil pills. Either way, be diligent with your omega-3s. They'll help you keep an eye on life.<br /><br /> To read more about the study, see this from </span><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723081518.htm"><span style="color:#000000;">ScienceDaily</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. To learn more about omerga-3s, see this from the </span><a href="http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632"><span style="color:#000000;">American Heart Association</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-82578268869423259732009-07-27T05:59:00.000-05:002009-07-27T05:59:01.154-05:00Turmeric - Too Good to be True?<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360574376975801458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtVPJrGU2aGN3LXXFGVqzMt47eWmgWJnGMkJGhzJn-3WreKutk4ggrsUvX95sjX9yPMbY7hStsF9rsVqlrs35DnfSp02LqSG3t_z9P2NxEg06S3VgVWts_0w6C0HgRn0SWduC7A/s320/turmeric.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Turmeric - Good For What Ails You...</span></span></span><br /></p><br /><div align="left">It wasn't too terribly long ago that turmeric was a seldom heard of spice, or root, or poorly defined ingredient found mainly in Indian foods. Or, at least that was the case for the prototypical Westerner who believed most foods originated in a McDonalds' factory (for dining out) or a Papa John's (for dining in, via delivery) or, in those most rare instances when the food was actually prepared at home, from any number of pre-packaged fast food microwavable manufacturers. <br /><br />...Turmeric was nowhere to be found.<br /><br />But, that may be changing.<br /><br />New claims continue to tout the power of turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin - to ease pain, fight cancer, improve liver function, reduce inflammation and, of course, added a zesty touch to real cooked-at-home foods that is scrumptious. <br /><br />So, what are you waiting for? Check out the links below to learn more about this wonder spice. And, while you're at it, take the break you deserve and boycott fast food joints for a while. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes.<br /><br />Read about turmeric's ability to fight breast cancer at <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713121350.htm">ScienceDaily</a>. Read the account of a formerly skeptical doctor about <a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1910028,00.html">turmeric's ability to fight pain</a>. And read an extensive overview of turmeric at the <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78">World's Healthiest Foods</a>. </div><div align="left"> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-30301664261463407092009-07-20T05:59:00.001-05:002009-07-20T10:50:41.104-05:00Health Care Debate - What's at Stake?<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357969297046001730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0IPV20JiBHJSwH3SuBcnsjQlKz7H1XlltklfNLbUdzScNJ52vhtdJ3dNARY-YOhTVUy9gBu6IcWjFLQNjbO8_0KphiIDI5faxBXixJ2cI68_OCW0Z4xUFI0g2-Ha8CGH7208uQ/s320/kristina_smith_venice_clini.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Kristina Smith at the Venice Family Clinic</span></span></span><br /></p><div align="left">The debate rages. Should we tax the wealthy to pay for universal health care? Maybe the best way to pay the cost is to tax health coverage benefits, or to include a public option to help drive down costs. Surely we can squeeze a few more tens of billions of dollars in savings from the hospitals, home health agencies and, of course, the insanely profitable pharmaceutical manufacturers.<br /><br />Or, maybe we're all insane to believe any of this is possible in the first place. After all, look where it landed previously shoe-in nominee Hillary Clinton.<br /><br />But, just in case you find your resolve weakening - and whose hasn't - take a look at this audio slideshow from the Venice Family Clinic. It's just over two and one-half minutes long, but it's a fabulous reminder of what's at stake - both in terms of bottom line impact on people's lives and on the financial fiascos that result from letting the small health issues become big and expensive.<br /><br />Here's the link: <a href="http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/cslideshow?sa=audio&sj=200906300134816-6536.js&sn=Clinic%20for%20the%20uninsured&sl=21">http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/cslideshow?sa=audio&sj=200906300134816-6536.js&sn=Clinic%20for%20the%20uninsured&sl=21</a><br /><br /><em>To learn more about the largest free clinic in the nation, see this from the </em><a href="http://venicefamilyclinic.org/index.php"><em>Venice Family Clinic</em></a><em>.</em></div><div align="left"></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-60167712484690832782009-07-13T05:59:00.000-05:002009-07-13T05:59:00.454-05:00Coffee as Alzheimer’s Cure?<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355404566463411522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_1IuDnnqA-DzM4iNbPtuW28SgiPmNy2bSa36Iw9RWSFQ9uhbVKNrUxGQ9Lwl4ewkdCsRLp5TV8eUP7vkNoYX109z5J720p0tD2VeA_viwtqh6NRixLcdFLQUvImhckAsOlMo-g/s320/coffee_cup_2.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Go Ahead - Grab a Cup...</span></span></span><br /></p><div align="left">This is fabulous news. Well, it’s fabulous news if you’re a caffeine addict. But, if you’re a teetotaler, the news isn’t quite so favorable.<br /><br />Researchers in Florida recently announced the results of a study with Alzheimer’s-diseased mice. The mice were specially bred to develop Alzheimer’s, and then separated into two groups: the caffeine addicts and the teetotalers. <br /><br />The caffeine addicts ended up having the best of both worlds. They got a routine fix of the equivalent of five cups of java, and their Alzheimer’s symptoms began to disappear. It’s a hard combination to beat. <br /><br />The caffeine was found to have a direct impact on the blood levels of beta-amyloid, the substances responsible for the formation of plaques in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Those mice receiving their caffeine fix everyday showed a reduction of nearly 50 percent in beta-amyloid levels.<br /><br />Previous research has shown caffeine has other health benefits, including improving cardiovascular function. So, it would appear that consistent caffeine consumption may be quite a healthy habit, especially as we age.<br /><br />Yes, of course – now would be a great time to brew a cup.<br /><br /><em>To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090705215237.htm">Science Daily</a>. To learn more about the history of coffee, see this from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_coffee">Wikipedia</a>.</em></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-79401956484622266822009-07-06T05:59:00.000-05:002009-07-06T05:59:00.841-05:00Stunning New Cancer Treatment<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352793637071872690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc5NTp2HOtwcI0M1ad2iXTztKfrgcSmpCRprD9XLLYTdASZe0zXPMzj4IGBoojukE9tYmLH2fsg161RqGN7TzDAdZyIts1dcZizTEiosmUSZ-QZX6uLNs9xwByXuz0c9TAeN2eQ/s320/Mouse3_300h.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)"> Yeah, I Feel Fabulous...</span></span></span><br /></p><p align="left">Are you smart enough to cure cancer? Well, you may be quite bright, but that’s still a pretty tall order. But...<br /><br />If you’re smart enough to read the newspaper, you just might be smart enough to beat the Big C. Read on.<br /><br />Researchers in Australia have developed a “trojan horse” therapy that has shown remarkable success in the lab. Over the past two years, these brilliant scientists have saved 100 per cent of the mice infected with human cancer cells. <br /><br />And the treatment is specifically targeted at the cancer cells, leaving healthy tissue undisturbed. The two-step therapy involves using mini-cells to first turn off the cancers cell’s resistance to chemotherapy, and then delivering the cancer fighting treatment directly to the cancer cells. It’s very much what the cancer cells have been doing all along, but in reverse – beating them at their own game.<br /><br />Human clinical trials should begin in the near future. <br /><br />Stunning!<br /><br /><em>To read more about the research, see this from </em><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE55R1Q320090629?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100&sp=true"><em>Reuters</em></a><em>. To learn more about cancer, including research and clinical trials, see this from the </em><a href="http://www.cancer.gov/"><em>National Cancer Institute</em></a><em>.</em></p></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-45305602698512298492009-06-29T05:59:00.000-05:002009-06-29T05:59:01.246-05:00Ditch the Drive - Beat the Feet<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350583552889227810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KhQ0VT18KXNLX6WsYdZSCiIrZAOJGFF8uqIAHVUgg00OqNXQAkouuAhXFfRSlHvKfL5Pl6nFFEURn9ok086zE6XVbn0Cr-IKwAHLphgIH4s0BLEIbnRvYNwIZnq1YPcoGeDU2w/s320/Footprint.gif" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)"> Make Some Tracks...</span></span></span><br /></p><br /><p align="left">Summer is upon us – in much the same way as those extra pounds are up-on-us: It just seems to happen when you’re not paying attention.<br /><br />Attention may indeed be the crucial factor.<br /><br />In our car-centric society, walking is typically one of the last things we give any thought. A new study, by professor of pediatrics James Hill, of the University of Colorado, says it’s time we adjust our thinking. According to Hill, people should ideally take 10,000 steps each day to maintain their health. But, with our foot permanently fused to the gas pedal, we often manage a meager 1,000 steps in our lackluster day.<br /><br />These aren’t the only significant numbers. Researcher Lawrence Frank found that every 30 minutes spent behind the wheel each day increases the odds of obesity by three percent – on the other hand, people who live in walkable neighborhoods are seven percent less likely to be obese.<br /><br />So, instead of letting those pounds sneak up on you, take advantage of the warmer weather to get outside for a breath of fresh air. And, once you’re out there, you may as well take a quick spin around the block.</p><p align="left"><em>To read more about the study, see this from </em><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE54S00220090529?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100&sp=true"><em>Reuters</em></a><em>. To learn more about a healthy walking lifestyle, see this from the </em><a href="http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053031"><em>American Heart Association</em></a><em>.</em></p></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-22003676454764334362009-06-22T05:59:00.000-05:002009-06-22T05:59:01.122-05:00The Cost of Health Care<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349425855993713410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqRCHONt9cEvfIq-jtqL7BjeMCoSqM-tO0ibCxbOIGW1PENnybaH8b6zmCCOpjL0jUheL3AHH7QU7MmJX9FrPyZ3yhpKyasR8vgmjnls6FziP0fwHzpDO3CXkCgyiffrX5QiU1Q/s320/DoctorStethoscopeWorld300h.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span> <div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Take a deep Breath - and Reach for Your Wallet...</span></span></span><br /></p><p align="left">The debate is in high gear and, with this much at stake, it's appropriate. The cost of doing business as usual in the health care arena is unsustainable. But, the cost of revamping our entire system is also phenomenal.</p><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">What to do?<br /><br />The article link below is an excellent starting point. This article, written by physician Atul Gawande, addresses the culture of profit that drives medical costs through the roof. But, he also points to stellar examples, including Mayo Clinic and an organization in Colorado, that provide some of the nation's best health care at a surprisingly affordable cost.<br /><br />Cleveland Clinic has also shown it's possible to provide superior care without breaking the bank. Interestingly, their physicians, like those at Mayo, are on salary - they receive the same paycheck each month regardless of how may tests they order or procedures they complete. It sounds like quite the rational alternative to the obscene fee driven system that encourages doctors to perform more tests, more procedures, more often.<br /><br />So, take a look at the article below. You'll be in good company - even the president has spoken of it highly.<br /><br />See Gawande's article here, in <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/06/01/090601fa_fact_gawande">The New Yorker</a>.<br /> </div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-31644736060131061472009-06-15T05:59:00.000-05:002009-06-15T05:59:00.982-05:00Food Pyramid Re-invented<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346159322698607394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNCWUYigaMfjLBhOFtcXHckSQE-qzOQ0Y-C4waXjih7M89x4mcTrdku-fHFPtAW6AQX_R8JP1xZwfYwwY-vev5wsJNw7TUsO50KvqE4bvj1BXlPUstldXStvPCdGSQp4s3JSxTA/s320/HandComeOn300w.gif" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Come On - Take a Look...</span></span></span><br /></p><div align="left">Let’s review.<br /><br />First, we eat because...<br /><br />Yeah, that’s exactly where the first complications begin to set in. We eat for a great variety of reasons, including energy, nutrition, health and enjoyment. Which of these we (should) emphasize is often a point of contention and, the research continues to show, at the core of many of our health problems.<br /><br />But, there’s help, right? You bet. There’s the ever-famous Food Pyramid to guide us. A totally unbiased, scientifically based set of dietary guidelines that will lead us down the path of svelteness, beauty and length of days.<br /><br />Or maybe not.<br /><br />It appears the Food Pyramid is as susceptible to lobbying pressures as the rest of the settled regions of the world. So, scientists at Harvard took it upon themselves to create a Food Pyramid devoid of lobbyists influence, relying on good old-fashioned science and common sense. What a great idea.<br /><br />The link below will take you to the new Food Pyramid and explain the process they followed in devising it. <br /><br />It’s worth your time. And, yes – it’s good for you.<br /><br />Enjoy.</div><div align="left"><br />Here’s the link to the <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid-full-story/index.html">Harvard School of Public Health Food Pyramid</a>. </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-72064574502888927382009-06-08T05:59:00.000-05:002009-06-08T05:59:01.268-05:00Stem Cells Restore Sight, Save World<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343953743596252242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gb5vgohAafmN2UDS1bmeBMvn22M-6f_UTMEwM2P_En_8EPje_POEQ7ranjLbIsf7KrZDXAnn8qt5oqwH5PCHwByy5-qnu2P_UYIe8t52V1oQe21ZQWZh_OBZBnv6HVgZkfb4EQ/s320/eye_surprise_300w.gif" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">This Might Work!</span></span></span></p><div align="left">Is there anything stem cells will not eventually be able to cure?<br /><br />This continues to be a most exciting area of research – particularly as scientists learn more about using people’s own stem cells. When using an individual's own stem cells the major obstacle of tissue rejection is taken off the table. We, in effect, become our own mini-regeneration plant. It’s really quite cool.<br /><br />Now, it’s certainly beyond the realm of this blog to discuss issues of “eternal life,” but breakthroughs in stem cell technology continue to hold great promise of extending years. And, not just any old years, but years filled with vitality.<br /><br />The latest breakthrough gives sight back to those with damaged corneas. Most remarkably, the procedure is rather “simple” and performed on an outpatient basis. Two hours. A surgeon collects the stem cells from a tiny amount of the patient’s eye tissue, then places them on a specially cultured contact lens. The lens is put in place on the patient’s eye – no need for sutures – and the patient heads home.<br /><br />In about ten days the stem cells re-colonize the eye surface.<br /><br />Just one more reason to treat yourself well when it comes to your health – you want your self-generated spare parts to be top notch.</div><div align="left"><br />To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605081151.htm">ScienceDaily</a>. To learn more about stem cells, see this from the <a href="http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/">National Institutes of Health</a>.<br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-68186335274953584832009-06-01T05:59:00.001-05:002009-06-05T16:08:48.904-05:00Vitamin D - The Good Stuff<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341242762882892962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHXzzEmEYdWpIo042ZfbcjKaRguMWOUAPhHFQrupLCgGsumWqZVhl5otpwC5DDECwAeVDsEGLKe3RSE33X1zBEVdEfaLogUDoYV-pRRpH97iwFM-KQT044hOSNaDBPx9RzOpUKA/s320/D.gif" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Vitamin D is Huge...</span></span></span></p><br /><p align="left">Vitamin D has been getting a great deal of press coverage lately. This previously unheralded vitamin is now being touted as something of a wonder, helping our bodies in a number of ways, including fighting off cancer. Check out this video from Dr. John Cannell, a cardiac surgeon and strong proponent of vitamin D. It's quite eye-opening.<br /></p><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qeg-5NDyJ84&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qeg-5NDyJ84&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em>To read more about vitamin D, see this from the <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp">Office of Dietary Supplements</a>.<br /></em></div><div align="left"></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-76929616669942400232009-05-25T05:59:00.000-05:002009-05-25T05:59:00.597-05:00A Brave New Idea Runs Afoul of Regulators<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know</span></span></span></span></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339080877672500082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh_yKQVOWKz09M5YSRTFcroGn_yQpVWryPX-Hq_BLK1oQRnbUu201CX6-Chmhn25z0JDlMZBFCumrDloJOryTmpF3-iKj1I3mg9OXDTXUO4cLhPrs5CVSMihkeoDRs1gmCk3xjg/s320/SpockVulcan.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">It Utterly Defies All Logic...</span></span></span></p><p align="left">...of course it defies logic. This is, after all, the medical community with which we're dealing. Or, to not cast too wide a net, this is the Insurance Industry with which we're dealing. So...</p><div align="left">When a New York physician introduced an ingenious plan to cover the uninsured, the state insurance commission objected. According to the commission, they are only enforcing rules that serve to protect the patients. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">From what are they being protected? Well, in this case, from receiving unlimited physician visits and on-site medical care (which includes lab and gynecology services) for a flat fee of $79 per month. How dare these dastardly physicians!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">It's really quite a unique arrangement and, especially in this political climate, one that merits a closer look.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">To read more about the innovative program, see this from <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5467KE20090507?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0">Reuters</a>. To learn more about the stunning expense ($2.4 trillion in 2007) of health care in America, see this from the <a href="http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml">National Coalition on Health Care</a>. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-44222748441224925442009-05-18T05:59:00.000-05:002009-05-18T05:59:00.442-05:00Coronary Stent Video<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334955541218219186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVnAnQy0XF9E0KrfRiKvgAjPdUttcWTb65TARQU_mT7RArGl4Nzr-w-azgSLZtiZmxMjoT61IU347R7Z2BIEYob1bPCuE214eBPtlLwtSHjAJdRpnHFmEMUt97YaDoRXCt86BTA/s320/HeartBandage.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span> <div align="center"><div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">How to Fix a Broken Heart</span></span></span> </p><br /><p align="left">Have you ever wondered exactly what the surgeons do when they open a clogged artery using a stent? The video animation below, though having no narration, is amazingly informative. Watch as the fatty deposits turn into life threatening plaque. Then see the artery opened using angioplasty and, in the final phase, the stent placed and expanded. It's really quite cool.</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><br /><object height="290" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4545819&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4545819&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="290"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/4545819">the heart of coronary stent - medical</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/yuhendri">Yuhendri</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><em>To read more about all aspects of a healthy heart, see this from the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/hearthealth/">U.S. Food and Drug Administration.</a> To read more about eating heart healthy, whole foods, see this from <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/">The World's Healthiest Foods</a>. </em><p></p></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-5796487576453570442009-05-11T05:59:00.000-05:002009-05-11T05:59:00.819-05:00The Perfect Mate Might Be a Compulsive<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332937792250282258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_SAxloHceXFKtAdtaHqGLwvIFmLUrH-XDh-bQizgPCtfVjDRiFitb0M4cqHLUVDnpqn9-AljZLsTlYLpslfy1rPkQCEtgvS6EWFmf9nea57OZX5IrUdiDKtns0o5MRAATtQ9Ig/s320/ManPanicCrop300h.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span> <div align="center"><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Did You Feed the Fish?!</span></span></span> </p><br /><p align="left">OK, gals -- here's the new test in picking the perfect mate. The idea of the sensitive, emoting male is a delusion of days gone by. The man of today is of a much more practical nature. In fact, practicality is his middle name.<br /><br />New research indicates that women who marry men who are conscientious fare quite well. Previous research has shown that individuals who are conscientious typically lead healthier lives. Highly conscientious individuals tend to be more organized, make a better lifestyle choices and, ultimately, reap the rewards.<br /><br />The new research, however, is the first to indicate a reciprocal benefit. The study shows that, even for individuals who themselves are highly conscientious, there is added benefit to marrying someone who shares these same traits.<br /><br />Oddly, the positive benefits accrue only to women. For the men it appears to make no difference.<br /><br />On the far end of the spectrum, the study actually found an added health benefit for women who married men who were highly neurotic. Puts a bit of a different spin on the selection of a mate, doesn't it?<br /><br />So, if you're in the market for a husband, he just may be that twitchy little guy in the corner.<br /><br /><em>To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090428111532.htm">ScienceDaily</a>. To read more about the positive health benefits of being conscientious, see this from the <a href="http://newsroom.ucr.edu/news_item.html?action=page&id=1958">University of California, Riverside</a>.</em></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-11776297812362452992009-05-04T05:59:00.000-05:002009-05-04T05:59:00.305-05:00Are Veggies Promoting Fast Food?<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330580894332509042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFqeECwX3SwWe_ta3KT4sFyFOFyYwuvp1Tjswyq36zMCZXdQ36l9JewBT9Y2mjf7HIXtEjUsknQ_yBooTB06n-LjZh9RvaqvQLxN-I6nW9gHeGl17Q9DdtKHe_IhrD2eKSYzsiw/s320/AppleFalling.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Don't Even Think About it...</span></span></span> </p><br /><p align="left">Sometimes, good intentions fall far short.<br /><br />New research out of Duke University paints a fascinating picture of how our minds and appetites intertwine. The scientists assessed the impact of adding a single healthy food choice to an otherwise typically tasty fast food menu. For example, to a menu of burgers and sandwiches, they added a veggie burger. You'd think this healthy alternative would be a positive addition -- just the type of thing to help improve the nation's physique. But...<br /><br />In reality, the addition of the veggie burger had the exact opposite effect. When the veggie burger was added to the menu, many more study participants opted for the bacon cheeseburger -- the least healthy option on the menu. Prior to the addition of the veggie burger, 17% of study participants chose the bacon cheeseburger. This skyrocketed to 37% after the addition of the veggie burger.<br /><br />Researchers say this upside-down impact is the result of what’s known as "vicarious goal fulfillment." It appears, just as with magic, the mind is a powerful tool that often plays tricks on its owners. In this case, simply thinking about making a healthy choice somehow fulfills that objective. The reality seems to be much less important.<br /><br />Of course, being armed with this knowledge may open up some interesting new angles on diet avoidance. It can't be long before a new line of "healthy food" trading cards hits the market. They’ll be small but powerful -- simply focus on the pictures of fruits and veggies while waiting in the fast food line, then order the double cheeseburger and fries.</p><p align="left"><em>To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE53T53G20090430">Reuters</a>. To learn more about eating whole, healthy foods, see this from the <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/">World's Healthiest Foods</a>. </em></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-56516167245468586992009-04-27T05:59:00.000-05:002009-04-27T05:59:00.100-05:00Are Boiled Vegetables Less Healthy?<div align="center"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326867804637030434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc36RbBjTjlZ1UeHOuSCbabI6DkdTlR_M4FHGQfIs7sVpcjiOyMd6UJemXGjHc5Ij1jrZ4Z8teM87fViTGJ87OgDFbhhbe1XgGvrjo-UMSJfi2YUWDe5dHIpsaed3q0lSFOYVxeA/s320/Vegetable.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Be Kind to Their Antioxidants...></span></span></span> </p><br /><p align="left">OK -- so you're doing everything you've been told. You're getting regular exercise, sometimes even exercise that’s rather vigorous in nature. Of course, at other times, you fall into the old exercise routine of simply raising fork to mouth. But, the good news is that even in the process of raising your fork to your mouth you can have a tremendously positive impact on your overall health.<br /><br />Especially if you consume large quantities of vegetables.<br /><br />But, even the vegetable-eating process is plagued with peril.<br /><br />New research out of Spain indicates that simply choosing the right method of cooking your vegetables makes all the difference. The researchers found, surprisingly, that boiling your vegetables -- long thought to be a healthy method -- is in fact one of the least healthy means of preparing vegetables. And, in another surprise, microwaving is actually not all bad.<br /><br />The researchers discovered that griddling (cooking the vegetables on a flat metal pan without oil) and microwaving are the two healthiest methods of preparation. There were also some vegetables that seemed resistant to damage -- green beans, celery and carrots.<br /><br />The key the researchers looked for was the level of antioxidants found in the vegetables after they were prepared. Antioxidants are highly beneficial, closely associated with the prevention of cancer and other diseases.<br /><br />So, the next time you fall into the exercise trap of fork-to-mouth repetitions, at least make sure your fork is filled with a healthy payload.<br /><br /><em>To read more about this study, see this from <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415163730.htm">ScienceDaily</a>. To learn more about eating natural, whole foods, see this from the <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/">World's Healthiest Foods</a>.</em></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-65804090770499665132009-04-20T05:59:00.000-05:002009-04-20T05:59:00.940-05:00Can Coffee and Tea Conquer Cancer?<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325672454286897762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgei2-7nTMSPLR64hqbhNnC-QjPA_zbpL2bd8V6cSgwtAxfEY3lNfI_kZvp-7Ev1kd526QQVj8ppocA39_Z5TqwSqCO3lCqFcF4a20oX3nOhdXFnju52l9kClzz5P5BEljdLiB4Mw/s320/CoffeeCupBigWoman300w.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Yeah, It's Good For You...</<></span></span></span> </p>
<br /><p align="left">If you stumble out of bed each morning, your mind a completely blank slate, all of your energies focused on that first sip of a deep, rich cup of coffee, you actually may have much to celebrate. At least, that is, if you happen to have a uterus. Sorry guys -- this good news only applies to the gals.
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<br />Researchers reported recently that coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of uterine cancer. The specific cancer is endometrial cancer, a cancer of the lining of the uterus. The study involved close to 1,100 women, some of whom drank tea and coffee and some who were teetotalers.
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<br />The results speak quite highly of multitasking -- or possibly that's multi-drinking. Those women who drank both tea and coffee had the lowest risk of uterine cancer. The risk was 50% lower than for women who drank neither tea nor coffee. Women who drank only tea, but not coffee, showed a 44% reduction in risk. Coffee drinkers also showed a reduction in risk, though not nearly as significant -- 29%.
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<br />The researchers also pointed out that decaf tea and coffee showed no effect in lowering the risk of cancer. There appear to be enzymes in caffeine that have a protective effect on the body.
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<br />So, it seems your morning stumble to the coffee pot is actually quite healthy -- as long as you don't break a toe along the way.
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<br />To read more about this study, see this from <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE53F56P20090416">Reuters</a>. To see a timeline of the development of coffee, see this from <a href="http://www.koffeekorner.com/koffeehistory.htm">Koffee History</a>.</p>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-14507722224102007672009-04-13T05:59:00.000-05:002009-04-13T05:59:00.355-05:00Is Broccoli A Cancer Buster?<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322770079012932946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAoTZQfaT67f_3VILqUVg_iNuCZRHtI9C_Poq58MfH4BorxKX8zWg-aeQlFSodn3eC7B2ykg8aN3Jk_JnAmyiCSyVNajCKLbROb2rm7gWjV_jvyPRZu7gvnFswFbqVnrvYm2keQ/s320/broccoli_sprouts.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span></div></span>
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<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Small, But Mighty...</span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Sure, you've heard it all before. Eat your veggies -- not only are they good for you, but you'll be incredibly happy and successful. Well, at least you'll be healthy...
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<br />New research from Japan adds one more confirmation to the healthy legacy of green vegetables. This time, the new super veggie is a mere youngster. The researchers found that baby broccoli is particularly effective in fighting against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, which reeks havoc within the stomach.
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<br />Helicobacter pylori is a prime culprit in several stomach ailments, including gastritis, stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. But, baby broccoli is up to the task. The young broccoli sprouts contain a natural biochemical, sulforaphane, which serves as a natural antibiotic against Helicobacter pylori. It also serves to promote production of enzymes that protect the gut from the damaging effects of oxygen radicals.
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<br />This is not an insignificant problem. In fact, it's believed that one-half the world's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori.
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<br />So, as word of this research spreads, we should anticipate a bright future for broccoli growers worldwide. And, with economic times being a bit difficult at this point, perhaps a backyard broccoli garden is in order. Enjoy...</span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="font-family:arial;">To read more about the study, see this from </span><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5351BT20090406?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100"><span style="font-family:arial;">Reuters</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. To learn about a variety of natural, healthy foods, see this from </span><a href="http://www.whfoods.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">The World's Healthiest Foods</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</<></span></em></span></span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-71476406601851948382009-04-06T05:59:00.000-05:002009-04-06T05:59:00.350-05:00Hot Tea Hard to Swallow<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320890754258902450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiA7dXl6Q95FCFwaaJgNrNz1wt8PKdpXg0ZUYe_ETF7zE__z_DABM6DUVHWxQtPzByIvC1_xK9MiE3MjBcSrvgZIJI01crAWQ2DCsJGDRsN5LUKdSu5Spc5sFqbLJZfKkAPG_gA/s320/Teapot.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">Patience...</span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)"><span style="color:#000000;">Yes, of course hot tea is good for you. Study after study has proven the benefits of drinking both black and green teas. And, it's not just science -- there's that whole mystical, wonderfully soothing aspect to tea that can be found nowhere else.
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<br />But...
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<br />New research indicates that not all tea drinking is beneficial. Surprisingly, it has nothing at all to do with the actual tea. In this case, it's all about preparation.
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<br />Researchers in Iran studied a group of people with a high incidence of throat cancer. The results were quite interesting. Though this group had a low rate of smoking and alcohol consumption they had an inordinately high rate of throat cancer.
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<br />This is where the tea comes in. The researchers found that those who drank very hot tea were much more susceptible to throat cancer. But, those tea drinkers who allowed the tea to cool slightly before drinking it, were largely spared.
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<br />The tipping point appears to be about 70° Celsius (158° F) -- while allowing the tea to cool to below 65° Celsius (149° F)provides both a soothing drink and eliminates the cancer risk.
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<br />So, by all means, continue to enjoy the many health benefits of black and green teas. Just stir in a bit of patience and allow your tea to cool for a couple of minutes before you sip.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)"><span style="color:#000000;"><em>To read more about the study, see this from <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52Q01620090327?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100">Reuters Health</a>. To learn more about the history of tea, and the many varieties of tea, see this from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea">Wikipedia</a>.</<></em></span></span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33649626.post-51208715955482293542009-03-30T05:59:00.001-05:002009-04-04T11:59:27.646-05:00Should Health Insurance Be Required?<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,204);font-size:130%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(192,192,192)">news</span> you may not know <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317159925212634002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNZVqk0PhEE-kNWPuH5_JlrDQt67nQgWPdRrwWLOFjOtSdwe5ZKDesdLEnlYwIqh9aSfe2p5MOCebPC0Z8v4CTilVwxiIfiz_fN55RGDP5oasDr0e1ZU41xlxAAyPx60b-4UrsA/s320/ManGlasses300h.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,0,153)">You're Saying I Have No Choice...</<></span></span></span> </p><p align="left">The debate is on. On one side you have government regulators who insist all Americans be offered affordable health insurance. On the other side you have the insurers who insist every American be required to purchase health insurance.
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<br />In the middle, of course, are the 46 million Americans who have no say in the argument -- the 46 million Americans who currently have no health insurance coverage.
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<br />Health insurance is a hot topic, with the Obama administration insisting reforms take place in the near term. On this point, at least, the insurers are in full agreement. Reform is necessary and it must occur quickly. But beyond that it gets a bit trickier.
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<br />Administration reformers want to eliminate an insurer’s ability to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. But, say insurers, to do so will send costs through the roof. The only way to absorb the cost, they say, is to impose an individual health insurance coverage mandate: a requirement that every individual in the United States purchase some form of health insurance coverage.
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<br />It's hard to say how this will play out, but the need is obvious. Health insurance costs continue to soar, with premiums increasing eight times faster than incomes over the past fifteen years.
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<br />So, stay tuned. The health of the nation is at stake.
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<br /><em>To read more about the debate, see this from <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52N6EF20090324">Reuters</a>. To learn more about health insurance issues and coverage, see this from <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/HealthInsurance.shtml">USA.gov</a>.</em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1