Health Article

Cereal For Breakfest - Is It Healthy ??

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:27:00 +0800

One in five middle school students and one in three high school students do not eat breakfast.

Some public health and food industry initiatives to encourage children to eat breakfast, particularly cereal..

Scientists around the world examined 161 breakfast cereals from four leading manufacturers and compared nutritional values of children's and nonchildren's cereals to national guidelines.

They found that when comparing nutrients per gram, children's cereals were higher in calories, sodium, carbohydrate, and sugar, but significantly lower in fiber and protein.

They also found that the majority of children's cereals, 66 percent, failed to meet national recommended nutritional standards for foods sold in schools.

So now ,what do you think about cereal for breakfest ??

Source : http://emergencyroomblog.blogspot.com

Body Piercing

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:15:00 +0800

Body piercing is an art of puncturing a part of human body, creating an opening in which jewellery may be worn.

People reflect their culture by this art.

It is in practice from ancient times.

Evidence shows that there were mummified bodies with Body piercing.

Ear piercing of either or both the ears were in practice among men in non western cultures.

Generally attitude of people towards piercing varies.

Some has an outlook of piercing as modern fashion, whereas some choose it as a form of sexual expression.

In India, nostril piercing is the most common among women.

Source : http://emergencyroomblog.blogspot.com

Harder For Women To Quit Dependence On Alcohol

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:13:00 +0800

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women who are drug-or alcohol-dependent. Not only is the risk of dependency increasing, but also "kicking the habit" is much more difficult for women. Today, about one third of all alcoholics are women, compared to less than 10 percent 30 years ago.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 5.3 million women in the United States drink heavily enough to interfere with their health and well-being. These women are more likely to become victims of violence and can be violent themselves. Most live in dysfunctional families and are much more likely to be divorced, with children who have emotional problems and are at a high risk for alcohol or drug abuse.

Compared to men, women require much less alcohol for a shorter period of time to develop alcohol-related illnesses, such as severe liver disease, an irregular heart rate and heart failure (a condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy). There is also increased risk of bleeding from the stomach and bowel, pancreatic disease, anemia and, perhaps most seriously, severe brain damage that can lead to loss of intellectual function.

In the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine compared the prevalence of severe alcoholism in women in two national surveys completed a decade apart. The information was obtained from face-to-face U.S. Census Bureau surveys of 43,000 men and women conducted from 1991 to 1993 and from 2001 to 2003. Included in the survey were questions about alcoholism and factors indicating a loss of control with alcohol intake and difficulties stopping drinking.

In this survey, the prevalence of alcohol intake remained stable in men but increased by more than 50 percent in white and Hispanic women. No increase was noted in black women.

Alcoholism is a brain-based disease that leads to lifelong dependence on alcohol. It can be life-threatening. Missing work, drinking and driving, and continuing to drink despite conflicts with family or friends are serious warning signs. Alcoholism is characterized by a craving to drink, an inability to stop drinking and symptoms of withdrawal if alcohol becomes unavailable. This can manifest with confusion, nausea, throwing up, tremor and severe anxiety. For severely addicted women, withdrawal can be fatal.

There is increased risk of becoming an alcoholic if you have a strong family history of alcoholism, live with an alcoholic, are able to "hold your liquor," have a history of depression, or were physically or sexually abused as a child.

If you are concerned that a loved one may have a problem with alcohol, there are well-recognized screening tests for alcohol abuse. Common questions to ask: Have you ever felt a need to cut down on drinking? Have your family members or friends criticized your drinking habits? Have you felt guilty about drinking? Have you ever had a drink in the morning to calm your nerves or help a hangover? Do you wake up in the morning with no memory of the previous night?

Anyone who answers yes to one or more of the following questions almost certainly has a problem.

Sadly, for men and women, alcohol abuse usually begins at a very young age. However, it is possible that the complications of alcohol abuse may not surface until later in life. Many women continue to drink throughout their lives, only to develop problems in their late 60s and beyond. Alcohol abuse in later life is particularly dangerous because alcohol may aggravate or precipitate memory loss and cause insomnia, depression and an increased risk of falls.

Remember, alcoholism is a disease. If you are a true alcoholic, it is virtually impossible to stop drinking without serious help or intervention. For those who become dependent, the success rate of treatment is poor. If you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol, please seek help. Consider an inpatient or outpatient treatment center and contact your local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) chapter. Intensive treatment provides the greatest opportunity to live an alcohol-free life while suffering from a very serious disease. Indeed, it is "one day at a time."

Tips To Maintain Good Oral Health

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:14:00 +0800

Good oral health involves more than just brushing. To keep your teeth and mouth healthy for a lifetime of use, you use these tips:

1. Understand your own oral health needs.

Talk with your dentist, other oral health care specialist, or hygienist about any special conditions in your mouth and any ways in which your medical/health conditions affect your teeth or oral health.

Get professional cleaning done at least once a year.

2. Develop, then follow, a daily oral health routine.

Take care of your teeth and gums by thorough tooth brushing and flossing.

3. Use fluoride.

Fluoride strengthens developing teeth in children and prevents tooth decay in both children and adults. Toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride. Drink fluoridated water.

4. Brush and floss daily.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and before bed time) and floss at least once a day.

5. Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking.

Eat wisely. Avoiding sugars and starches when snacking applies to adults as well as children. Minimize snacking and have a five-a-day helping of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
Avoid tobacco. In addition to general health risks, smokers have 7 times the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers.

Limit alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol is a risk factor for poor oral and general health.

6. Examine your mouth regularly

Look for the development of any spots, lesions, cuts, swellings or growths on your gums, tongue, cheeks, inside of your lips, and floor and roof of your mouth. Examine your teeth for any signs of chipping or cracking, discoloration and looseness.

source : http://el-shefaa.blogspot.com

Acne during Pregnancy

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:33:00 +0800

Acne during pregnancy is a common problem among women. Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester of pregnancy, are prone to skin outbreaks. Hormones play a huge role in this occurrence. Even women gifted with clear skin all their life may suffer from acne outbreaks during the first three months of pregnancy. The good thing is, the skin usually clears up as the pregnancy advances towards the second and third trimesters.

Pregnancy AcneAcne during pregnancy cannot be treated the same way as acne occurring in non-pregnant individuals. A doctor should always be consulted because a lot of oral medications can cause harm to the fetus. Topical creams or ointments such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Azelaic Acid are generally safe to apply on the skin of pregnant women. Tetracycline and topical retinoids however should completely be avoided as these have harmful effects.

For severe acne problems, some doctors may prescribe oral erythromycin. It is always best to seek the advice of the doctor prior to using any topical ointments or skin medications. Taking medications during pregnancy is usually associated with serious risks to the fetus. Herbal medicines should likewise be avoided and should be consulted to the physician.

Acne during pregnancy can be caused by higher levels of androgen hormone which triggers the oil glands of the skin to get bigger and to produce more oily substance called sebum. Excessive oil and the shed skin cells lining the hair follicles blocks the skin pores and makes skin susceptible to bacteria. This can lead to inflamed skin and acne outbreak.

Conservative and safer mode of treatment includes hydrating the skin by drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day. Washing the face with lukewarm water and gentle facial soap is also helpful. Make sure to pat the face dry. Do not rub the towel on the delicate skin surface. Never scrub the face as this can cause abrasive injuries to the already inflamed skin.

Acne during pregnancy can be managed well by using mild moisturizers that are oil-free. Choice of make-up should be oil-free as well and it is best to make sure that the products used are labeled noncomedogenic and will not clog pores.

souerce : http://hidup-sehat.blogspot.com

Calcium linked to heart attacks in women

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:26:00 +0800

A new study casts a shadow on calcium, the essential mineral known to help keep bones strong, hearts healthy and blood pressure controlled.

New Zealand researchers report in the journal BMJ that otherwise-healthy, postmenopausal women who took calcium supplements were about twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who skipped the supplements.

That finding is surprising, because previous research has shown that calcium helps improve the ratio of healthy to unhealthy cholesterol by as much as 20 percent. Such changes are linked with a 20 percent to 30 percent reduction in so-called vascular events, including heart attacks. Other research with both calcium and vitamin D shows improvements in overall mortality among those who take the supplements.

So what accounts for the increased heart attacks?

"I don't know what to make of it," says Robert P. Heaney, a professor of medicine at Creighton University in Nebraska, who has conducted numerous calcium studies. "I think we just have to say that the jury is out."

Heaney noted that there is a large body of information showing calcium's benefits: "I don't expect that to go away."

Heaney has agreed to collaborate with New Zealand researcher Ian Reid to try to figure out why women who took calcium supplements in the study had an increased risk of heart attacks. "We will see," he said, "if the findings pan out."

source : http://hidup-sehat.blogspot.com

Children living near busy roads have greater asthma and eczema risk

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:05:00 +0800

Children who live within 50 yards of a busy road are more likely to develop asthma, eczema and hay fever, a major new study has shown.

Researchers have found a strong link between exposure to traffic fumes in the first few years of life and a host of childhood allergies.

They say youngsters living alongside the busiest roads are 50 per cent more likely to be susceptible to allergies than those living in quieter streets.

The study suggests that Britain's allergy epidemic could be partly caused by the steep rise in cars and lorries on British roads in the last few decades.

The number of people with allergies has trebled in the last 20 years. One in three people now suffer at some point in their lives.

The rise has been blamed on the modern obsession with hygiene and children's indoor lifestyles. Doctors say exposure to dirt is essential for a healthy immune system.

But the new German study suggests that the rise of traffic pollution is also playing a role.

Scientists tested nearly 2,900 children at the age of four and more than 3,000 aged six for asthma, wheezing, eczema and sneezing.

Their parents were asked about their health and their exposure to traffic pollutants was calculated by looking at the distance of their homes to major roads at birth, and aged two, three and six years of age.

The scientists also tested the children at six for food allergies, and took air samples around the youngster's homes.

After taking into account the parent's own history of allergies, the number of pets in the home and the number of brothers and sisters - all factors which can cause allergies - they found a strong link between the distance to the nearest major road and hay fever, eczema and bronchitis brought on by asthma.

Children living closest to heavy traffic were 50 per cent more likely to be susceptible to allergies than those living a long way away, they report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Dr Joachim Heinrich, who led the study at the Institute of Epidemiology, Munich, said:

"We consistently found strong associations between the distance tot he nearest main road and the allergic disease outcomes," Dr Heinrich wrote in the

"Children living closer than 50 meters to a busy street had the highest probability of getting allergic symptoms, compared to children living further away."

The study is particularly powerful because it is prospective - selecting a group of children first before seeing how the environment goes on to affect their health.

Retrospective studies, which take a sample of children and look back in time to see what could have caused their conditions, are more open to bias.

Past studies have found a link between traffic fumes and allergies. However the studies were was confused by other factors. In many cities, for instance, people who live next to major roads tend to be poorer.

The Germans say their study is different because in Munich just as many wealthy families as poor ones live near busy roads.

Many doctors believe that traffic fumes do not just trigger allergic reactions, they cause underlying allergies.

Busy roads release a wide range of pollutants - from dust and tyre particles, to microscopic particles called PM10s from diesel engines which could damage the body's immune system, increasing risks of allergies. Diesel fumes can also cause harmful changes to blood vessels and damage lungs.

"Children living very close to a major road are likely to be exposed not only to a higher amount of traffic-derived particles and gases, but also to a more freshly emitted aerosols which may be more toxic," said Dr Heinrich.

"Our findings provide strong evidence for traffic related air pollutants on atopic diseases as well as on allergic sensitisation."

The rise in allergies in the West is usually linked to the "hygiene hypothesis" - the idea that the body's immune system over-reacts to pollen, dust and traffic fumes because we are all raised in homes that are too clean.

Doctors say that babies' immune systems need dirt, animal hairs and dust to develop healthily.

source : www.dailymail.co.uk

Anti-Bacterial Agents Linked to Human and Environmental Health Risks

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:03:00 +0800

Americans are dead serious about the war on germs. These days, you can find germ-killing chemicals in just about every consumer product imaginable, from toothpaste to children's toys.

We slather antibacterial soaps, lotions and deodorants on our bodies. We spray antibacterial cleansers on our bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances. We suds our clothes with antibacterial laundry detergents.

It may seem like the responsible thing to do, but the overuse of antibacterial products is proving to be more harmful than helpful. After a thorough investigation, an Food and Drug Administration advisory committee concluded that using antibacterial products doesn't provide any health benefits, nor does it reduce the risk of illness any more than washing up with plain soap and water.

Experts testifying before the FDA committee reported that there is no proven correlation between the use of antiseptic hand washes and a reduction in the occurrence of illnesses in homes, schools or daycare centers. Even worse, widespread use of common antibacterial products is likely to promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

The active ingredient in most antibacterial soaps, detergents and cleansers is triclosan, a chemical compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Tricolsan inhibits bacterial growth by interfering with specific processes in the life cycle of the bacteria.

While the triclosan found in many consumer products may kill weaker species of bacteria on the spot, the bacteria that aren't immediately destroyed can undergo mutations that allow them to thrive in the presence of antibacterial agents. Continuous use of triclosan-containing products is believed to be a contributing factor in the rise of bacterial "super-bugs" that are resistant to a number of antibiotic drugs.

Antibiotic resistance is only one of many health-related concerns linked to use of triclosan. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that widespread use of antimicrobial agents may weaken our immune systems.

The development of a healthy immune system depends on our exposure to a wide variety of microbes, especially during childhood. Many experts fear that children raised in super-sterile environments will end up with weak, immature immune systems that leave them susceptible to disease.

Recent research supports this notion: The results of several studies suggest that children living in ultra-clean homes are more likely to develop asthma, allergies and eczema. Kids who grow up on farms have been found to have fewer allergies than those raised in urban and metropolitan areas.

Other triclosan-related health concerns center on the potential toxicity of the chemical itself. Swedish researchers discovered high levels of triclosan in three of five human breast milk samples tested, indicating that the chemical is absorbed into the body and stored in fatty tissues.

Because the chemical structure of triclosan closely resembles human hormones, including estrogen, some experts fear that it may upset the body's delicate hormonal balance. A number of animal studies suggest that triclosan can interfere with thyroid hormone regulation and may also exert a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

While many experts are concerned about the risk of direct exposure to the chemical, others are worried about the impact of triclosan accumulation in the environment. After finding antimicrobial chemicals in surface water samples in Baltimore, researchers at Johns Hopkins University concluded that these agents may be important contaminants of U.S. water sources.

The presence of triclosan and other antimicrobial agents is believed to contribute to the destruction of fragile aquatic ecosystems. In the presence of ultraviolet light from the sun, triclosan is converted to dioxin, a chemical linked to infertility, birth defects and cancer.

The vast majority of triclosan used in this country is found in consumer products that will ultimately end up in public water supplies. A 2000 survey found that 75 percent of liquid soaps and 30 percent of bar soaps contain some type of antibacterial agent, most commonly triclosan.

When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from disease-causing germs, the use of triclosan-containing products probably isn't necessary. Regular hand-washing is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of infection.

If soap and water aren't immediately available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative to hand-washing. While these products effectively kill bacteria, their use has not been associated with the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

In the war on germs, it's tempting to resort to the use of high-tech chemicals, but washing up the old-fashioned way -- with lots of soap and water -- might be best for you, your family and the environment.

source : www.rallieonhealth.com

Why health is important

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:24:00 +0800

You are what you eat. What you eat affects your health. When you do not watch your diet, your health faces problems. A lot of people in this world are seeking wealth. They spent hours working everyday, commit themselves to their work, aiming for promotions and pay-rise from their work. The entrepreneurs and business people, too have the common objective of earning more money, always thinking of how to earn more money. No doubt money is important, your health is even more important. Everyday, your ability to go to work - waking up early in the morning and able to have the drive to work, is all due to your good health. Without a healthy body, you do not even have any earning potential! When your health is at risk, you are in pain, do you think you can earn money then? Do you think you can go to work with the drive and energy as when you are in normal health? Do you think you can bear the pain - save money and do not need to see doctor?
Our health is our 'everything'. Whether you are a toddler, a child, a teenage or an adult, a good health enable you to perform the daily functions of life. For students, a normal health, allow them to able to go to school, to obtain knowledge and the building of character. For adults, good health means you can go to work everyday, to earn a living, to be able to achieve your goals in life. Good health also enable you to enjoy life.

The greatest asset of life is our ability to be able to wake up everyday and go to work. I am sure you have experienced time when you are not able to wake up in certain time of the morning. You are sick. Your bodies are aching. You have headaches and to make it worse, you feel nauseous and you may be having diarrhea too. When time like that strikes, you have to call up the office to report sick. You applied for medical leave. As a salary worker or staff, under such circumstances you are paid at the end of the month your monthly salary. Every year, you have certain number of days to apply for your sickness. However, some people like the self-employed individuals such as the taxi-drivers and some property agents or sales people are paid based on commission alone. If they don't work, they have no earnings for that day. These people know truly well that they cannot afford to be sick. A day without work means a day without paid for them!

When you are sick, you need to see doctor. Nobody can bear the pains of sickness and diseases. When you are sick, you are suffering.
You cannot function well and most of the time you just want to sleep or lie down to rest. You do not have the energy to even move around. So it makes work really impossible.

Apart from physical health, mental health is also important. Some people do not have diseases or viral illness or sickness at all. But their mental health got problems. Some people have mild mental health problems, while some others have more serious mental health problems. Those people who suffer serious mental illness have to be hospitalised. While some people are hospitalised for treatments or for other reasons such as abandoned by families, others are being looked after by their own family members at home. For such cases of serious mental illness, no one would want to employ them. Neither can they look after themselves. They have lost their earning potential. They cannot contribute anything to the society. They have to rely on care-givers to provide for their daily needs and care.
When you do not take care of your health, it may means spending more money than what you are earning now. We know that medical expenses are getting more expensive. We cannot afford to fall sick. Once illness strikes, you need to see doctor, get treatment, seek remedies to soothe and to reduce your sufferings. Most of the time, diseases are chronic and life-long. Treatment may be monthly, like kidney dialysis, and these are liablities to you. When such time come, you don't even feel good. You are limited to the number of things that you can do. You are limited to the food that you can eat too. Life would not be as enjoyable and free when you have a normal health!

For people with mild cases of mental problems, is important to seek help while it's early to prevent the illness from progressing further. That applies to physical health too. Our health would signal us that there is problem when you develop signs and symptoms which affect you in your daily functions of life. When these 'alarm' strikes, you should pay attention to it. It is giving you a warning and you'd better do something to it. If you don't, whatever dreams or hopes that you have for the future will be at risk anytime.

All in all, I would say that our health is our greatest asset that we have. Health is important to us as it enables you to fulfill your dreams and goals in life. In pursuing your life's goals and dreams, you seek meaning in life. Many times, our goals in life might be to achieve materials things, which require money. When your health do not permit you to work anymore, you lost the earning potential and to make it worse, you became a liability to your family and to the society too. As for minority of people who find great satisfaction of life through helping people by one means or another, this require a good health to serve people too. When such time arises, when you have poor health - when illness strikes, it became an obstacles and hindrance to your dreams come true. It becomes a suffering in your life.
source : www.helium.com

BEAUTY ACHES

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:13:00 +0800

5 Solutions For Less Painful and Healthier Ways to Keep Up Appearances

Shoes that pinch, elastic that squeezes, facials that burn. Ladies, there are a lot of less painful--not to mention healthier--ways to keep up appearances.

Cramming your toes into stilettos and stuffing your thighs into control tops might seem like harmless--albeit really uncomfortable--beauty badges of honor. But they can have some surprisingly serious consequences. "Many women think it's normal to experience some suffering to look their best," says Cynthia Vaughn, a chiropractor in Austin, Texas. "But their health may be the thing that suffers." We're not suggesting you trade in your party clothes for an Amish wardrobe. Instead, learn how a few simple adjustments can keep you in sexy shoes and jaw-dropping dresses--and out of the doctor's office.

Girl Problem #1 Being a big bag lady

No matter how much you love your giant piece of arm candy, eventually you're going to feel the effects of the relationship in your neck and shoulders. That's because the trapezius (the muscle that connects the shoulder to the neck) and levator scapulae (which elevates the shoulder blade) fatigue in the effort to support your bag. The muscles begin to tear, and headaches may even develop. "Heavy purses pull the muscles that go up to the base of your skull," says Karen Erickson, a New York City chiropractor. Fast-forward 5 to 10 years and you've got shoulder numbness and tingling from pinched nerves, back pain, and arthritis of the neck. And you're wearing a fanny pack.

Problem solved: First, clean out that cavernous hobo bag. Switch sides every 10 minutes. And every hour or so, drop the bag and roll your shoulders backward and then forward five times to relieve muscle tension. Or try to let your biceps do the work: Put the strap of your purse below the elbow and bend your arm in an L shape. If your shoulders or neck hurt, halt further damage by placing an ice pack on the sore area for 15 minutes.

Girl Problem #2 Stuffing into spandex

Body shapers, compression garments, girdles--they practically give "hardware" a whole new meaning. And while they may make cottage cheese lumps look smooth as butter in the short term, they can cause other unsightly bumps down the line. Like aging, obesity, and pregnancy, constrictive undergarments can create varicose veins. The problem is that your leg veins aren't strong enough to overcome the stranglehold of body slimmers. The force that hides bulges also restricts circulation. That causes the blood to pool, stretching your veins. "The pressure makes veins inflate like balloons," says Lenise Banse, M.D., a dermatologist in Clinton Township, Michigan. Do enough time in sausage casing-like slimmers and nasty blue cords pop up in your thighs.

Problem solved: Minimize the damage by getting your blood flowing again. As soon as you can wiggle free, walk briskly for 5 minutes so the muscles squeeze that venous blood back up toward the heart, Dr. Banse says. Then elevate your legs at a 45-degree angle for as long as you can. And don't jam yourself into a body shaper that's too tight--spandex can't take you from a size 8 to a size 4. Try the Breathe by Barely There Thigh Slimmer ($15, barelythere.com).

Girl Problem #3 Going for the burn

Exfoliating scrubs or peels are like tough love for your complexion: A bit of abrasion can send lackluster flakes and pore-clogging dead cells packing, revealing the soft, dewy skin underneath. But some people take facial discipline too far and cause rashes, breakouts, bacterial infection, and scarring. Exfoliating more than once a week can make skin vulnerable to irritation. Plus, you can instigate acne or make it worse. "If you scrub your face too frequently, you irritate it to the point that it's overproducing oil," says Jeanine B. Downie, M.D., coauthor of Beautiful Skin of Color. And the acids found in at-home peels can be harsh if overused.

Problem solved: Don't treat your face like a juvenile delinquent. If you have sensitive skin, use products that contain retinoids (chemicals that cause skin to slough), or have cystic acne, stay away from exfoliators altogether or risk painful irritation. As for the rest of you: Bypass scrubs with rough particles like apricot kernels. Instead, look for ones featuring smooth beads made from jojoba wax (a moisturizing plant oil) or beeswax. That said, even dermatologists can't always tell by looking at the ingredients what the exfoliating granules are made of, so you may just have to buy and try. "If a product feels like sandpaper, use it on your elbows, knees, or heels--you don't have to waste it," Dr. Downie says. Moisturize to help prevent irritation, wait a week between exfoliating treatments, and limit at-home peels to once every 2 weeks. If you feel burning (a little sting is normal), immediately rinse with water, apply moisturizer, and toss the peel.

Girl Problem #4 Falling into the crack

Never mind butt cleavage and wedgies, thongs can be a pain in the backside for other reasons. That thin strip of fabric may save you from the dreaded VPL, but it also serves as a superhighway for microbes. When the underwear hits your perineum (the patch of skin between the vagina and the anus), bacteria hitch a ride straight to your vagina. "A thong is actually a connector," says Adelaide Nardone, M.D., an ob-gyn in Providence, Rhode Island. As you move, the fabric shifts--and before you can say "Monistat," you've got a yeast infection. To make matters worse, unlike granny panties, thongs tend to rub. This causes tiny tears in the delicate skin around your vulva and clitoris, creating access for microbes.

Problem solved: You don't have to toss your thongs, as long as they're cotton or have a cotton crotch. The breathable fabric keeps you drier, so bacteria can't grow as easily. You might also consider growing out that Brazilian bikini line: Hair serves as a barrier between you and your panties, so leaving more carpet on the floor provides cushioning for your delicates, Dr. Nardone says. And don't wear thongs when you exercise. Invest in some workout bottoms with cotton crotches and go commando.

Girl Problem #5 Wearing skyscraper heels

Trapping your feet in toe-squeezing stilettos may seem worth it for the attention your date gives you. But your ankles, knees, and hips will require more attention after too much time teetering on spikes. Heels force your ankle joints to work overtime to maintain your balance, causing unnatural wear and tear, says Kathya Zinszer, D.P.M., of Temple University's Foot and Ankle Institute. This balancing act also erodes cartilage, the spongy tissue between bones. "When the cartilage wears down, you get painful bone-on-bone rubbing," says D. Casey Kerrigan, M.D., a professor at the University of Virginia.

Problem solved: Lower your standards. A 3-inch heel puts seven times as much pressure on your foot (which also affects your ankles and knees) as a 1-incher. Cap heel height at 2 inches and wear platforms or wedges so your joints don't have to strain to balance. And look for soles with shock-absorbing materials like cork and rubber--because no one wants to go from slingbacks and peep-toes to walkers and canes.

Copyright© 2008 Rodale Inc. Portions of content copyright© 2006-2008. All rights reserved. Women's Health is a Registered Trademark of Rodale Inc. No reproduction, transmission or display is permitted without the written permissions of Rodale Inc.

source : www.aolhealth.com

Did You Start Your Life With Enough Probiotics?

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:47:00 +0800

Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive tract is your first line of defense when it comes to your health. This is because of the good bacteria that
resides there. That is why the use of Probiotics is so important

Think of Probiotics - the good bacteria as guards against incoming invaders. Having a good number of these beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract guards us against a whole range of health problems and disorders. 85% good bacteria to 15%
bad bacteria is just about right.

Sadly, because of such things as stresses of modern life, the antibiotics you may have taken and having a digestive system that is not slightly acid, you likely do not have enough of these good bacteria. This has a great affect on your health and well being.

So how long have your Probiotics been out of balance? First lets find out whether you got the healthy bacteria you needed as a baby.

Were you born naturally or delivered by Cesarean section? It makes a difference. It is by passing through the birth canal that a baby is introduced to the Bifidobacteria infantis and other
friendly microorganisms.

These friendly bacteria enter the baby's intestines through the mouth and attach themselves to sites on the gastrointestinal wall before the unfreindly microorganisms from the outside world
try to do the same.

Breast Feeding

Breast-feeding then fosters the growth of Bifidobacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria infantis. If cesarean delivered babies are then bottle-fed as well, they end up with adult-type microflora
that are not optimal for their health.

If you know that you were delivered by cesarean, or bottle fed, and you have health problems, your digestive tract could use some help. Find a high quality probiotic supplements and stick with it for at least 3 Months.

You will find that you have an increase in better health, you may have less allergies, less constipation and less bad breath.

source : www.health-doc.com

Overweight Can Lead To High Blood Pressure

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:16:00 +0800

Carrying excess body weight presents any number of risks to one's health. Though it's a debatable point, the greatest risk from being overweight may be the increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure has earned the nickname "the silent killer" because though it's often asymptomatic, its effects can have a devastating impact on the body.

A number of medical studies have established a correlation between people who are overweight and elevated blood pressure levels. As with anything else, there is variety in terms of how the effects are presented: specifically, the more overweight a person is, the more likely they are to have elevated blood pressure. In addition, an overweight person or a person who's obese has a higher tendency for elevated blood pressure than people who have a normal body weight. Whether a variation or not, the study outcomes provide mostly conclusive evidence that overweight and high blood pressure are linked.

Breaking it down into actual percentages, men who are obese have high blood pressure roughly forty-two percent of the time. Women who are obese have high blood pressure roughly forty percent on the time. While on their face these percentages may not seem outrageous, consider that men and women who aren't obese have high blood pressure only fifteen percent of the time roughly. Carrying too much body weight can then potentially triple the risk of high blood pressure.

The most relevant point is that being overweight is associated with elevated blood pressure, but just how this occurs is worthwhile information. Essentially what happens is people who are overweight tend to have higher blood sugar levels than normal, and their pancreas function produces extra insulin to cope with breaking down sugar in their bloodstream. The increased insulin production adversely affects several bodily functions: increased insulin can lead to blood vessels become thickened and rigid; excess levels of insulin can produce surges of adrenaline, which increases the physical functioning of the heart; and higher insulin levels can trigger the kidneys absorbing excess levels of water and salt.

The typical response to overweight is that it's a problem of appearance: dropping excess weight typically means an increased sense of body satisfaction. While body appearance can be meaningful to people, the risk of overweight is far more than just an issue of how one's reflection appears in a mirror. Overweight and obesity are legitimate threats to an individual's health and life, both from the risk of increased blood pressure as well as from other medical conditions.

source : www.articlecity.com

Diabetes Drug May Slow Eye Disease

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:18:00 +0800

The medication rosiglitazone may slow the progression of eye disease in diabetes patients, according to new research from the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Specifically, researchers found that patients who took the drug were less likely to develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy or to experience reductions in visual acuity (sharpness). But they are not recommending the drug's use until further studies are done.

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, existing blood vessels in the retina are blocked or damaged, resulting in the formation of new, tiny blood vessels. The condition is one of the leading causes of severe vision loss among working-age Americans, and there are few effective therapies to slow its progression.

In this study, researchers compared 124 diabetes patients who took rosiglitazone and 158 diabetes patients who didn't take the drug or a similar medication. At the start of the study, 14 eyes of the people in the rosiglitazone group (6.4 percent) and 24 eyes of people in the control group (9.3 percent) had severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an earlier stage of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Of the patients with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 7.7 percent of those in the rosiglitazone group and 29.2 percent of those in the control group progressed to proliferative diabetic retinopathy within one year. After three years, 19.2 percent of the rosiglitazone group and 47.4 percent of the control group had progressed to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. That works out to a 59.5 percent reduced risk for those taking the drug.

The study also found that 0.5 percent of the rosiglitazone group and 14.5 percent of the control group experienced a loss of visual acuity of at least three lines on the vision chart during an average of 2.8 years of follow-up.

The study is published in the June issue of the journal Archives of Ophthalmology.

Rosiglitazone may delay progression of retinopathy by reducing formation of new blood vessels, the researchers said.

"However, because this study does not rigorously prove that rosiglitazone either reduces the incidence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy or prevents loss of visual acuity, and because there may be adverse effects from therapy, rosiglitazone treatment of patients with diabetes specifically to reduce these ophthalmic complications is not advocated at this time," they wrote.

Rosiglitazone can cause such adverse effects as fluid build-up, abnormal liver function test, and worsening of congestive heart failure.

"Determination of the full efficacy and clinical role of rosiglitazone in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other angiogenic conditions awaits confirmation of risks and benefits and possibly large-scale definitive studies," the researchers concluded.

source : http://news.yahoo.com

Life after 50: A Harvard study of male sexuality

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:25:00 +0800

Even the most optimistic men know that the clock ticks for all of us. With each passing year, our bodies change, as does our behavior.

It’s certainly no surprise that male sexuality changes over time. Some 400 years ago Shakespeare asked, “Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?” Still, a major Harvard study of male sexual function in maturity does contain some surprises. It reports that sexual dysfunction is common and increases rapidly as men age. But it also says that simple lifestyle choices can slow the tick of the clock for many of us.
The Harvard study

Until Viagra burst onto the scene in 1998, few men were willing to discuss sexual problems. But the little blue pill and Senator Bob Dole changed all that, and researchers took advantage of the new openness to conduct a study of age and male sexuality.

The subjects were 31,742 men between the ages of 53 and 90. As members of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, all were dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, podiatrists, pharmacists, or veterinarians. That makes them knowledgeable observers and reliable reporters of their health, but they do not reﬂect the broader U.S. population in terms of education, income, and race.

Since it began in 1986, the study has been gathering an enormous amount of information, and in 2000, it added sexuality to its semiannual surveys. Each man answered questions about his sexual desire, his ability to sustain an erection satisfactorily for intercourse, his ability to reach orgasm, and his overall sexual function. Because the database also contains details about each man’s general health, medications, and health habits, the scientists were able to evaluate sexuality in terms of health and lifestyle as well as age.
The toll of time

One of the striking results of the study was that men with prostate cancer are 10–15 times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than men without the disease. In nearly all cases, the sexual difﬁculties stem from the treatment rather than the cancer itself. But since the incidence of prostate cancer increases steadily with age, it could skew the results of the analysis. To avoid confusion, the study excluded men with prostate cancer from the ﬁnal tabulation, though it did include all other medical conditions.

Even in men without prostate cancer, the prevalence of sexual problems was very high: 29% reported moderate or severe difﬁculties. But not all age groups were equally affected; major problems rose from 10% in men younger than 59 years to 23% in 60- to 69-year-olds, 47% in 70- to 79-year-olds, and 64% in men 80 and over.

Each aspect of sexual function showed progressive problems with age. Fully a third of the men reported moderate to severe erectile dysfunction; but only 2% remembered that their difﬁculty began before the age of 40 and only 4% reported that it developed between 40 and 49. After 50, the number of men with the problem rose steeply from 26% between 50 and 59 all the way to 61% after 70. And as usual, Shakespeare got it right; although libido also decreased with age, sexual desire was preserved substantially better than erectile function.

Testosterone and male sexuality

The male hormone testosterone is necessary for the development of male genital structures during fetal life. It triggers the dramatic events of puberty, and it is necessary for libido, sexual function, and fertility throughout maturity. Testosterone levels peak at about age 17, then remain high for the next few decades. But after the age of 40, testosterone levels fall by about 1% a year. That doesn’t sound like much, but by the age of 70 or so, it adds up to a 30% decline.

Testosterone levels fall just as many men begin to experience sexual dysfunction. But that doesn’t make testosterone responsible for the problem. In fact, most men have plenty of testosterone to spare, so levels remain in the normal range in at least 75% of senior citizens.

Testosterone patches and gels are increasingly popular among older men; doctors write more than a million such prescriptions a year, and the number is increasing rapidly. In addition, many men take weaker male hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione (Andro) that are sold without a prescription as “dietary supplements.” It’s not a good idea. There is no evidence that male hormones will improve sexual performance in healthy men, and by stimulating the prostate, they may do more harm than good.

Men who are truly testosterone deﬁcient (hypogonadism) have diminished sexual interest and desire as well as erectile dysfunction. They can beneﬁt from testosterone replacement therapy, but only after careful medical tests establish a diagnosis of testicular insufﬁciency.
The toll of illness

Sexuality is not the only thing that changes with age. Chronic illnesses also become more common, and in each age group, sexual dysfunction was most prevalent in men with illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer (other than prostate cancer), and stroke.

All in all, men who remain well are less likely to develop sexual dysfunction with age than men who fall ill. And men who take good care of themselves enjoy substantial protection from both illness and sexual decline.
The beneﬁts of healthful choices

No man chooses to get sick, but many choose behaviors that boost their odds of becoming ill. Although the health professionals who participated in the study should have known better, some didn’t — and they paid the price in terms of impaired sexual function as well as illness. The risk of sexual problems was linked to smoking, obesity, heavy drinking, and the time spent watching television. In contrast, regular physical exercise and moderate alcohol consumption help preserve good sexual function. In this respect, the study agrees with earlier research showing that erectile dysfunction can be prevented.
Age and sexuality

The Harvard study of male sexuality and age is the largest of its kind and provides important conﬁrmation of earlier research as well as additional interesting information. Chronic illness and the medications used to treat them account for many of the sexual problems of older men; depression can also take a toll. But even in healthy men, a slow change in sexuality begins in middle age and continues throughout life. Whereas most older men retain an interest in sex, it is generally a far cry from the preoccupation with sex that is so common in youth. Although interest is retained, desire tends to wane; many older men think about sex but do not have the drive to put theory into practice. And even when the spirit is willing, the ﬂesh may be weak; male sexual performance typically declines more rapidly than either interest or desire. Most men experience decreased sexual responsiveness with increasing age. Erections occur more slowly, and they depend more on physical stimulation than erotic thoughts. Even when erections develop, most men in their sixties report that their penile rigidity is diminished and harder to sustain. The ejaculatory phase also changes with age. The muscular contractions of orgasm are less intense, ejaculation is slower and less urgent, and there is a longer refractory period following intercourse, when men cannot respond to sexual stimulation. Semen volume and sperm counts decline, as does fertility.

The study evaluated sexuality but not relationships. Sexual intercourse requires a partner, but male sexuality demonstrates age-related changes that do not depend on interpersonal factors. Nocturnal erections diminish with age; men between 45 and 54 average 3.3 erections per night; between 65 and 75, they average 2.3 erections. Nocturnal erections also tend to become briefer and less rigid with age.

Life may not begin at 80, but sex life doesn’t automatically end with advancing age. Many surveys report that the frequency of sexual activity declines, but they disagree about how often older couples have intercourse. In round numbers, 50%–80% of healthy couples over 70 report sexual activity on a regular basis, including weekly intercourse in about half of them.

The secret to preserving sexuality is to stay healthy and to build healthy relationships — and both require a series of wise choices throughout life

source : body.aol.com

Wake Up!

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:26:00 +0800

If you eat three meals a day, but still have sagging energy levels and feel like you're going to fall asleep on the job, you may be missing out on several key energizing ingredients.
The Fix? Choose Fatigue-Fighting Foods
High-Energy Fuels :
Feeling tired all the time? Then it's time you stopped relying on quick pick-me-ups like sugar, which will leave you with a follow-up energy crash, or coffee, which is known to cause sleep disturbances. You can avoid this vicious cycle of energy highs and lows, by planning balanced meals, packed with fatigue-fighting properties -- we'll show you how.

Balance Protein and Carbs
To keep your energy at peak performance, pick foods that will keep you going longer than the quick, but fleeting jolt of a sugar rush, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, CDN, and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). She recommends planning meals and snacks that combine protein and carbohydrates, such as whole grain crackers with peanut butter or cheese. The carbohydrates will give the more immediate energy boost, while the protein will have real staying power as your body gradually digests it and uses its energy over time.

Eat an Energizing Breakfast
One of the best ways to start out your day with high energy is through a hearty breakfast. A high-fiber cereal paired with low-fat milk has that balance of protein and carbohydrate which is essential to staying refreshed throughout the morning, says Taub-Dix. But watch out for kinds with high sugar content, which may mean an energy crash waiting to happen.

Go for Yogurt
If you're looking for quick pick-me-up before or after a trip to the gym try yogurt. Since it's technically a liquid, it breaks down more readily than solids, providing the energy your body craves at a faster speed. Yogurt also contains that nice balance of protein and carbohydrate. Low-fat or skim milk or even milkshakes can be energizing too, Taub-Dix says.

Up Your Inulin Intake
Inulin is a fiber that keeps you feeling fuller, longer which can be very energizing, says Taub-Dix. It also helps reduce constipation which can be an energy drainer. Found in wheat, garlic, onion, chicory root, and Jerusalem artichokes, inulin may increase how efficiently your body can absorb certain dietary sources of iron, according to a study conducted by the Agricultural Research Service on pigs. The study found that a diet comprised of four percent inulin had a significant impact on iron absorption, which plays an important role in preventing fatigue.

Snack Smart
You're eating three full meals a day, so why do you feel drained? "It's not always about the food itself. It's about how you eat," says Taub-Dix. Do not let yourself go too long without eating, because that can zap your energy. Your mind runs better on small meals and snacks every few hours, rather than large meals, according to Harvard Health Publications. To keep you from slowing down, space meals about five hours apart and snacks about two and a half hours after each meal. Don't go overboard -- a piece of fruit or handful of nuts will suffice.

Enhance Your Endurance with Vitamin C
This antioxidant rock star aids normal bodily functioning and growth and also improves the body's ability to absorb iron, which helps fight off anemia-related fatigue. Getting 250 to 500 milligrams of this vitamin two times per day may help reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue by enhancing endurance and immunity, according to the University of Maryland's Medical Center (UMMC). Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines, as well as, kiwi, mangos, apricots, strawberries, cantaloupes, and watermelons are all packed with vitamin C. For veggies rich in vitamin C, try broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables like romaine lettuce, turnip greens, and spinach.

Choose Balanced Energy Bars
"Some energy bars are far from energizing," says Taub-Dix. Look for kinds that have blend of protein, carbohydrate, and fat, but none of them in high quantities. Unless you're preparing for a big work out, avoid any bar that is high in only one of these properties. A good option is one that has about 100 to 150 calories.

Drink Up
Food is not always to blame for your exhaustion -- there may be another important part of your diet you're overlooking: water. Yes, that's right, even mild dehydration can slow down you and your brain. While the "right amount" varies from person to person and is influenced by things like the weather and a person's level of activity, it is generally recommended to drink about eight glasses of water a day.

When You Need Omega-3s
Days where you feel truly exhausted may because you're not consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids. Other symptoms of deficiency of this nutrient include poor memory, dry skin, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation, according to UMMC. To up your omega intake, add more fish, walnuts, and oils like canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed, and olive oil to your diet. A study published in a 2005 issue of the journal 'Neuro Endocrinology Letters' suggested that people with chronic fatigue syndrome would respond favorably to a treatment including omega-3s.

Pump up the Iron in Your Diet
When your body is running low on iron -- a nutrient found in high amounts in animal products like oysters, clams, red meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish -- it can be a drain on your whole system. Iron deficiency wreaks havoc on the production of red blood cells, the delivery of oxygen to the cells, and on your overall immunity. In addition, low iron levels causes anemia, fatigue, poor work performance, weakness, dizziness, and breathlessness. Women, who lose iron-containing blood during their periods, are at greatest risk for becoming iron-deficient.

We get iron from foods in our diet, but only 1 milligram of iron is absorbed for every 10 to 20 milligrams consumed, according the UMMC. Iron from plant sources like spinach, peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, lentils and dried fruits isn't absorbed as efficiently as iron from animal products.

Give Yourself a Vitamin-B12 Boost
Like iron, vitamin B12, plays an important role in preventing anemia-related fatigue and weakness. Good dietary sources of vitamin B12 include animal products like beef, liver, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy. Multivitamins, foods enriched with vitamin B12, or shots are other ways to ensure vitamin B12 consumption, especially for vegetarians and vegans who may not get enough of this nutrient.

Source : http://body.aol.com

Age-Related Osteoporosis Weakens Men's Bones, Too

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Sun, 8 Jun 2008 11:03:00 +0800

For years, osteoporosis, or severe thinning of the bones, was thought to be exclusively a woman's disease. We now know that this is not the case; millions of men have osteoporosis, as well.

Osteoporosis typically is viewed as a "woman's disease" because often it is associated with a deficiency of estrogen that occurs following menopause. While accelerated bone loss does occur for a few years after menopause, it ultimately stabilizes, and both sexes experience bone loss at the same rate: 1 percent annually.

In general, from age 60 onward, the average man has the bone density of a woman 10 years younger. So an average man of 60 will have the bone density of the average woman of 50, and by extension, the average woman of 70 will have the bone density of a man of 80. From age 70, osteoporosis becomes more common in men and can cause spontaneous fractures and increased risk of fractures following falls.

There are many factors that lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. The amount of calcium in the diet throughout childhood, particularly during the teenage growth spurt, determines the strength and length of bone. In your early 20s, your bones contain the most calcium, or the "peak bone mass," and from age 30 onward, bones gradually lose strength. If you do not have adequate amounts of calcium by early adulthood, the risk of osteoporosis later in life is much greater.

Men can experience an increased risk of osteoporosis for a variety of reasons, including vitamin D deficiency (a condition that is epidemic among Americans who live in areas that have four distinct seasons), a sedentary lifestyle, testosterone deficiency and weight loss. Also, there are an array of medications known to increase the risk of bone loss, including treatment with steroids, testosterone-inhibiting medications to treat prostate cancer, and certain medications used to treat diabetes.

In a recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, the American College of Physicians recommends that men who are at high risk of developing osteoporosis be screened for the disease. All men older than 70 are considered at high risk for osteoporosis, but this is particularly serious for men who are underweight; who have lost 10 percent or more of their body weight; who live sedentary lives; or who are taking medication known to cause osteoporosis.

A screening test also should be done in older men who experience any sudden fractures or have been identified incidentally as having bone loss on an X-ray done for some other reason. The most commonly used screening approach is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also known as a DEXA scan. This noninvasive, simple scan readily diagnoses osteoporosis in men and women of any age.

Prevention is the best treatment of osteoporosis. Sufficient calcium and vitamin D consumption during childhood is vitally important. During growth spurts, teenagers need 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily and at least 800 units of vitamin D. In general, a healthy diet without dairy contains about 500 milligrams of calcium. Four glasses of milk or yogurt or 4 ounces of cheese can supply the body with the additional 1,000 milligrams of calcium. If necessary, a calcium supplement containing vitamin D should be taken.

Once fully grown, men should consume at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Vigorous exercise, including weight training, also reduces the risk of osteoporosis. From age 70, men should be screened routinely for vitamin D deficiency. If a deficiency is identified, it should be treated immediately.

If osteoporosis is diagnosed, treatment with medications may be necessary. For men, this is typically treatment with biophosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva). Fortunately, Fosamax is now available in generic versions, and a three-month supply can be bought for only $10. Without doubt, this inexpensive option should be the first medication of choice. If the generic is not tolerated, then the patient can consider a more expensive alternative.

As men continue to live longer, osteoporosis will become an increasingly serious disease. When symptomatic, it can be very painful and difficult to treat. It contributes significantly to an increased risk of becoming physically dependent, being unable to live alone, and having a poor quality of life. Only through increased awareness, prevention and early treatment can we truly combat this devastating illness. Whether you're a man or a woman, ensuring healthy bones today is the key to a longer, happier and better life.

Source By Dr. David Lipschitz

3 Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Sat, 7 Jun 2008 02:15:00 +0800

Good sleep rule #1: The mattress matters

Whenever I tell friends that my mattress is decades old and that I have low-back pain, their eyes pop open. This repeated facial expression has prompted me to think that, yes, there could be a connection. Another clue is an experience I had recently when sleeping on a fabulously comfortable hotel mattress.

My husband tried to pry my fingers from the mattress corners, but I wouldn’t budge.

Whenever I tell friends that my mattress is decades old and that I have low-back pain, their eyes pop open. This repeated facial expression has prompted me to think that, yes, there could be a connection. Another clue is an experience I had recently when sleeping on a fabulously comfortable hotel mattress. My husband tried to pry my fingers from the mattress corners, but I wouldn’t budge. I wanted to live there. Time for a new mattress.

That’s just what the Better Sleep Council, the educational arm of the International Sleep Products Association in Alexandria, Virginia, told me. Achy mornings and satisfying sleeps away from home are big hints that my mattress is soooo over. In fact, if I go by my warranty, my mattress was over some time ago. Though warranties may be good for 10 years or so, they typically cover defects, not comfort or support.

And comfort is what begins to sag after five to seven years. “A worn mattress is like an old running shoe,” says Bert Jacobson, a professor of health and human performance at Oklahoma State University. “It loses its support and its comfort.” It also fails the all-important neutrality test. According to chiropractor Scott Bautch, an ergonomics expert and past president of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Occupational Health, “The goal is for your spine to be neutral. If your mattress allows your spine to curve up or down, that’s not healthy for blood circulation or for resting your muscles.”

Americans know a thing or two about unhealthy rest. Seven out of 10 of us have trouble sleeping (and I’m definitely one of them, as I’ve come to think of 3 to 4 a.m. as reading hour), according to the National Sleep Foundation survey. Pain, pregnancy, menopause, or insomnia can make sleep a childhood memory. And not getting a full snooze—around seven to nine hours a night—makes for less-than-pleasant breakfast chatter. More serious is the effect of sleeplessness on health: It wobbles thinking and may up the risks of obesity, diabetes, viral illnesses, heart disease, and depression.

Of course, mattresses aren’t miracle workers, says Clete Kushida, MD, director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research. “The small contribution mattresses make is a surface that doesn’t cause pain and stress to muscles, that allows you to lie comfortably.”

Still, even if a good pallet isn’t a medical breakthrough, to these achy bones, lying comfortably sounds advanced. Sounds simple, too. Mattress shopping, however, is another matter. During my initial foray into a local mattress store, I realized I would have to lie down on many mattresses. Under fluorescent lights. In front of suited salesmen who talked nonstop. On my first try, I wore a skirt and, as I flopped from one side to another, I thought more about skirt length than mattress comfort.

I wasn’t happy with the salesman’s questions, either. Did I like a soft or hard bed? Did I want a queen or a king? Foam or coil? Did I want to spend a nice chunk of my sons’ college fund or go cheaper? I didn’t, I realized, have the slightest idea. It’s good to know what kind of mattresses are out there, but the only thing that really matters is comfort, says Scott D. Boden, MD, director of the Emory Orthopedics and Spine Center in Atlanta. “And no one mattress is for everyone.”

Goldilocks had an intuitive handle on this, of course. She was all about trying something new. My husband, it turns out, was not. Just as it took a long time to introduce the habit of eating in bed to my spouse (he has since gotten used to feeling slightly breaded as he sleeps), the idea of a new bed was met with resistance. He finally agreed to the mattress, but not the shopping.

Such balking is not uncommon. “Women are the primary mattress purchasers,” says Leona Wightman, vice president of merchandising for Serta International in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. “They’re the ones who are suffering.”

Most women average less than 7 hours of sleep and, according to the National Sleep Foundation, have more trouble falling and staying asleep than their spouses. So, I’m on my own. As I trot from store to store—in long pants this time—I am determined to find bliss. I slip off my shoes and climb aboard one mattress after another. I test one that combines coils, foam, and two-sided air chambers. The air’s easy to lose (just the touch of a button at the head of the mattress), but I have to climb out of bed to get what looks like a tiny hair dryer to reinflate it. I jump on coil ones, sometimes sinking, sometimes with a thunk. I try memory foam.

First the salesman lets me stick my hand inside a simulated foam mitt so I can feel how cool it is. Then, while I’m in a fetal position, he’s slamming his competitors, letting me know I’d be one gullible fool to buy what they dish out. I lie on my back. “How many stores have you been to?” he asks.

Despite the weird social exchange, I register one thing: I love two beds. One’s a coil system as stuffed as fruitcake (coils, foam, air, pillow top) for around $2,200. The other is a memory-foam model that makes me feel cushioned in just the right position, not too little, not too much—except for a $2,400 price tag, which strikes me as a bit high.

But as mattress guru David Perry, executive editor and mattress writer for Furniture Today, a weekly trade publication in Greensboro, North Carolina, puts it, “How wonderful it would be to have a heavenly cocoon. What would you pay for that experience? What price do you put on a good night’s sleep?” Well, according to Furniture Today, 56 percent of us are willing to plunk down $1,000 or more for that piece of peace.

I head to the next dealer, and, as if I am headed into space, we find my perfect sleep number, airwise. To find it, a salesman asks me to say when I feel well-supported as he releases air from the mattress by remote control. I have 20 air options, he explains—which, he says, is like having 20 beds.

We look at a screen image of my body on the bed, the red spots high-pressure areas. I’m on my back. I never sleep on my back, but today it helps me feel polite. My lower spine, where it chronically hurts, is bright red on the screen. The sales guy cranks my sleep number up until my whole spine is scarlet. Although the bed is very comfy, I don’t like having so many choices. When I climb into bed, I’m done with selection.

Then I do what may be my lifetime’s one moment of brilliance: I call the hotel with the dream bed that got me on this hunt in the first place. Done deal, right? Uh-uh. Mattress manufacturers name hotel beds differently than retail beds, even if the mattresses are basically the same. Not eager to open a hotel, I call a shopkeeper who sells the same brand. He finds its retail equivalent and, presto!, within a week a big, fat mattress arrives. I love it. My husband loves it. Like Goldilocks, I’ve finally found the bed that’s “just right.”

Good sleep rule #2: Pick the perfect pillow

Like your mattress, your pillow is an important part of the most critical hours of the day. And many of us are snoozing (or not) on a lousy excuse of a pillow. For starters, the average lifespan of a pillow is 2 years; after that, it can’t provide the support you need for sleep. Frequent washing takes its toll, too, and can take a year off of a pillow’s life.

Then there are all the choices. How do you know which pillow’s just right for you? We shipped 20 pillows to our expert, Jeffrey Goldstein, MD, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and a spinal-surgery specialist at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases. He tested fluffy, flat, water-filled, down, and foam to find the best fit for your sleeping style. Whether you’re a side, back, or tummy sleeper, supporting your neck in its most natural position is what really matters, Goldstein says. Here are his tips for pillow bliss:

Back sleepers — “They’ll be more comfortable with a medium-firm pillow.” Try Select Comfort’s GridZone Foam Contour Pillow.

Side sleepers — “They will rest easier with a medium-firm pillow that cuddles and supports the neck.” Try HoMedics’ Dream Rx Custom Luxury Positioning Microfiber Pillow.

Tummy sleepers — “A soft pillow with a gentle slope is best for stomach sleepers.” Try Cuddledown’s Luxury Batiste Pillow in “Stomach” density.

Good sleep rule #3: Baby your spine

The key to a restful night? Put it in neutral. When it comes to sleep, neutral means a position that supports the funky way your spine is shaped—forward curves at the neck and lower back and a backward sway in the middle. Just as there’s good standing posture, the neutral position is good sleeping posture. That’s why there’s all the fuss over finding a mattress and pillow that keep your spine correctly aligned and stress-free. “Imagine holding your wrist backward for a period of time. It’s unnatural and uncomfortable,” says Roger Smith, a Harvard Medical School sleep expert. “Without the proper support, your spine feels the same way.” Here’s how to find neutral.

Back sleepers — If you have lower back pain, a small flat pillow under your knees may help your back curve naturally.

Side sleepers — A pillow between your knees can help to keep the pressure off of your hips.

Tummy sleepers — If you must sleep in this back-unfriendly way, a flat pillow under your tummy can help keep the spine’s natural curves.

source : http://living.health.com

Low-Salt Diet May Not Be Best for Heart

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 01:06:00 +0800

Surprising new research suggests that a diet low in salt may be worse for your heart than eating lots of salt, but don’t start eating potato chips just yet.

“No one should run out and buy a salt shaker to try to improve their cardiovascular health. But we think it’s reasonable to say that different people have different needs,” said study author Dr. Hillel W. Cohen, an associate professor of epidemiology and population health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

The study, published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, doesn’t confirm that a low-salt diet itself is bad for the heart. But it does say that people who eat the least salt suffer from the highest rates of death from cardiac disease.

“Our findings suggest that one cannot simply assume, without evidence, that lower salt diets ‘can’t hurt,’ ” Cohen said.

Cohen and his colleagues looked at a federal health survey of about 8,700 Americans between 1988 and 1994. All were over 30, and none were on special low-salt diets.

The researchers then checked to see what happened to the volunteers by the year 2000.

Even after the researchers adjusted their statistics to account for the effect of cardiac risk factors like smoking and diabetes, the 25 percent of the population who ate the least salt were 80 percent more likely to die of cardiac disease than the 25 percent who ate the most salt.

Cohen doesn’t discount that salt could be bad for some people. However, “the main argument for reducing salt in prevention of heart disease has been that there’s a relationship between higher sodium and higher blood pressure,” he said. “There have been many studies of this relationship, but when one actually looks at the numbers, the average blood pressure difference associated with quite a bit of sodium intake is very modest.”

He questions telling healthy people to cut down on salt, especially when modest changes may have no effect. “For most people, especially those whose blood pressure is normal, why are you telling them they shouldn’t have salt?”

The study was not designed to detect a direct cause-and-effect relationship between consumption of salt and cardiac death. Instead, it only looked at a potential link. It’s possible that salt consumption could reflect some other factor that’s playing a greater role, although Cohen said the researchers tried to account for that possibility.

Existing disease could be a hidden factor, said Howard Sesso, an assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. According to him, the study authors may not have been able to account for every survey participant who reduced salt intake because of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Overall, Sesso said, research about the hazards of salt remains mixed. “Patients with normal blood pressure can continue to consume salt, but in moderation and keeping in mind that it is the entire dietary portfolio that matters most.”

source : http://living.health.com

Are You Fat ?

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 20:32:00 +0800

Are you one of the 60% of Americans who are over weight or 20% of Americans who are obese? Well obviously with numbers like those you are not alone. Saying you are fat is not politically correct instead say to yourself; “I am not at my ideal weight yet!” Notice the “Yet” part? Yes, well this will indeed be the topic of this discussion. You see genetically speaking not all of us are suppose to be anorexic Super Model Skinny. Yes, sure they look nice, but that is not how real humans look, especially in first world countries with abundance like the United States.
We all know that the only way to truly stay fit is to exercise regularly and continuously. You can modify your diet to meet the South Beach, Meat Only or South Florida diet as you wait for the power to come on after the Hurricane and nearly starve to death, but in the end you will gain it all back again if you do not exercise.
So, indeed, if we are going to be serious about this, then we ought to concentrate on your new workout program. Now then let’s face it you are somewhat out of shape right? Well then you need to start slow otherwise you might hurt yourself, have sore muscles or hurt your knees and that will ruin your new you look that you are looking for.
First thing you need is some good walking shoes, so I would like to recommend to you New Balance and buy a pair made for jogging and get them from a running store. This will insure you are not buying knock off versions, but rather good shoes with great support. Next pick out a good two mile enjoyable walk around the neighborhood and do this for 10-days, then go to four miles after that. When you feel comfortable jog some of it each time very slow and watch your knees and see who it feels, as the pounds come off you can decide to speed up the pace and maybe lengthen the distance some and you will have arrived. Couple this with whatever current diet plan works for you and you will be a winner and never be concerned with diet failure again. Think on this.
source : http://improve-health.blogspot.com

Using Water to Help Quit Smoking

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 09:35:00 +0800

Stopping smoking is not easy. Ask anyone who has quit. And the problem is that once you’ve quit, you’re not over it! The craving continues: some folks who have been quit for 15 years say they would still like to have one.
But since you’re reading this section, I’m guessing you know all of this. Because if you didn’t smoke, you would have probably skipped over it. And you’re thinking, “I know it’s hard to quit -- just give me something that will help me quit!”
The good news is that water will also help you get over some of the tough cravings ... especially the first few days and weeks after you’ve quit.
The longer you’ve been smoking, the more your body has become accustomed to nicotine, which is a powerful drug. Part of the difficulty with stopping smoking is that the body is still craving it. But the flip side to quitting is that you’re body is getting rid of some powerful toxins. That’s the cause of the headaches a lot of folks have in the days and weeks after they’ve quit.
Water -- lots and lots of water -- helps the body to get rid of those poisons, and allows your tissues and organs to regenerate themselves. When you’re quitting smoking, it’s not unreasonable to think that you might want to double your water intake. That’s right -- if you’re normally going to be drinking 20 glasses a day, drink 40 instead.
Now 40 glasses is a lot of water, and you may find it difficult to drink that much. That’s OK, but it wouldn’t hurt to aim that high. Just keep drinking a lot, and allow your body to get healthy again. Use those cigarette cravings as an opportunity to have another glass of water. If you slip, and have a cigarette, don’t beat yourself up. Just immediately drink 5 or 6 glasses of water to flush out the new toxins, and get right back into your new habit of not smoking.
And whatever you do, don’t give up! You’re too valuable to lose to tobacco!

source : http://improve-health.blogspot.com

Yoga: A Fountain of Youth - REALLY!

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Tue, 3 Jun 2008 05:25:00 +0800

Yoga works. It has been clinically shown to lower blood pressure, increase circulation, build muscle tissue, increase flexibility, relieve stress and stress-related symptoms, and strengthen the respiratory system. Other benefits include relief from symptoms of menopause, counteracting osteoporosis, cleansing of internal organs, energizing the nervous system, balancing out the digestive system and relief from headaches and lower back pain. As a spiritual practice, yoga can be a pathway to greater enlightenment. It benefits the body, mind and soul, and the choice to enjoy those benefits is yours.

Choosing to live a full and active life, and to live it comfortably in your body means taking responsibility for your present physical condition, no matter what it may be. Taking good care of yourself deserves a pat on the back, as well as enjoying the benefits of being stronger and healthier. If you know deep down inside that your physical condition leaves something to be desired, what are you willing to do about it?

As we age, we come to realize that "staying in neutral" regarding our health and vitality is not an option anymore. The days when we could demand that our bodies ski, party or hike ten miles without rebellion and next day repercussions are gone. There is no "neutral" anymore. Its not a matter of "do I feel like exercising," its that everyday we make a choice to become less fit or more fit.

What is your choice in creating the life you want? Are you willing to listen to the messages your body sends you and can you make a commitment to respond to yourself with compassion, love and respect? Health and fitness is a choice. Aging does not automatically mean weakness, pain and degeneration. How do you want to feel? How can you live life to the fullest if you're dealing with discomfort or pain? Through yoga you can tune in to your body and create a life of strength, vitality, flexibility, and relaxation. You can choose to live a more dynamic and inner-directed life.

For 5000 years, yoga has been a path to health and living consciously in these bodies we inhabit. Here, in the West, we're just discovering what has been known in India for thousands of years ? that yoga is a personal "fountain of youth." Through yoga, we can increase our physical vitality, mental clarity, and heighten our spiritual awareness, regardless of our age or physical condition.

Would you enjoy your body serving you more comfortably and with greater strength? Have you heard your body talk to you lately? Yoga is a training in listening to our bodies. By tuning in through awareness of our breath, through conscious movement in the poses and in the transitions between the poses, we can receive an amazing amount of information from our bodies.

The stuck places, the places where energy is blocked, cause us discomfort in order to get our attention. What is that "stuck place" in your body trying to tell you? Yoga helps you tune in and focus your mind on the area of discomfort or contraction. You can mentally go inside it, breathe into the area, expand it with your breath, then relax, open your mind and ask your body what the stuck area is trying to tell you. Be open to the message. When you receive and accept the message is when the healing begins, and your body will tell you that too. The discomfort will begin to melt away, the blockage will open up and you'll feel free!

I teach a gentle, yet very effective beginning yoga program especially designed for seniors I have been amazed at how quickly so many seniors, even those who have never done any exercise before, have positive results from just two hours of yoga a week. "Yoga for the Young at Heart" is a soothing and healing practice. It creates a format for you to tune in to your body and consciously, with great respect for inevitable limitations, build strength, stamina, flexibility and vitality.

It's from this place of living life to the fullest, of respecting and nurturing ourselves, that we become relaxed and comfortable. When we are whole and at peace, that's when our true potential can be expressed. That's when we create peace within, in our relationships and in all the corners of our world.

We are incredible, powerful spirits having a physical experience. The quality of that experience is in our hands.

Have you heard this before? "You are responsible for your experience!"

Ancient yogis in India took that to an extreme. Imagine choosing to sit naked in the snow and creating such energy within your body that, not only would you not be cold, but steam would rise off your body from the heat you generated!

We choose our experiences, too. Are you "sitting in the snow" in some area of your life? Do you choose to sit there and shiver and moan about how cold you are? OR do you choose to gather your energy, your internal fire and radiate such joy and love around you that you transform your experience and that of everyone around you?

That is the yoga of life, and it begins right here, with your personal yoga practice. Carl Sagan asked, "Why are we here?" I think I've discovered why we're here! To remember why we're here! Why are you here?

I believe we're here to grow into our most healthy, creative, and joyful selves, and to create peace and harmony in our corners of the world.

Susan Winter Ward, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and video producer, is the creator of Yoga for the Young at Heart™, a multimedia publisher which publishes an informative and inspiring collection of CDRoms, videos, audio tapes, books and television programs, as well as exciting vacation retreats. Her product line is available at: Yoga for the Young at Heart

Fruit For Fitness Tips

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Tue, 3 Jun 2008 05:16:00 +0800

Without question, fruit has wonderful natural benefits for the human body. Fruit is packed with vitamins and fiber much like vegetables, but comes in a wide variety of sweeter, more palatable flavors.
Adding fruit to your diet is an excellent thing to do, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
1. Eat fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Juice is often sweetened, but fresh fruits have natural sugars. Also, you don’t receive all of the needed fiber and vitamins from fruit juice as you do from fresh fruit.
2. If you do have a craving for fruit juice, then go for fresh fruit juice instead of those that contain artificial flavors and colors. Or even better, try making your own fruit juice, taking care not to sweeten it with too many calories.
3. Choose fresh fruit over processed fruits. Again, processed and canned fruits do not have as much fiber or vitamins as fresh fruit, and processed and canned fruits are nearly always sweetened.
4. Wherever possible eating locally produced seasonal fruits and vegetable fresh from the garden or grove is preferred.
5. Fresh fruit makes the absolute perfect dessert for any meal. Throw out the cake and add a fresh fruit bowl to the dining table.
6. Fresh fruit also makes the perfect snack. It’s far better to grab a banana or apple when hunger pangs strike, than a bag of greasy potato chips. Plus, fresh fruit just tastes better.
7. It’s interesting to note that nature produces several varieties of fruits resembling the shapes of the organs of our body, which are useful and beneficial to that specific organ. Here are some examples:
Apricot - BrainMango-Papaya - StomachAlmonds - EyesApple - HeartGrapes - LungsCashew nuts - Kidney
8. Fruits and vegetables have in them a natural storage of the sun’s energy. If we make a daily practice of having fresh fruit and vegetables, or one glass of real fruit juice and two or three cups of green juice of vegetables, our requirement for food will be reduced to a minimum. We will have enough energy to maintain the body in a healthy condition.
Overall, just remember that fresh fruit is better for you than canned fruit, fruit juice, processed fruit, or cooked fruit. Eat as much fresh fruit as you like.
Another benefit of adding fruit to your diet is the added water intake. Water is a simple, yet effective tool in the fight against the scale and the emergency room, and is often overlooked by most people.
But that is a whole other subject...
To learn more about the tremendous benefits of water in your dietary routine visit: http://www.privilegedinfo.com/waterwisdom.html .Steve Shannon is webmaster at PrivilegedInfo.com.

source : http://improve-health.blogspot.com

5 Steps to Optimal Health

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Sun, 1 Jun 2008 14:33:00 +0800

The first step :
1. Never skip a meal again (keep the calorie burning furnace burning)
2. Eat real, unprocessed foods (if man made it do not eat it)
3. Eat balanced meals (protein, fat, and carbs in every meal)
4. Choose a protein as the main nutrient in your meal
5. Add some healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, cold water fish, and olive oil)
6. Add real carbohydrates (whole grains)
7. Add non-starchy vegetables (green and brightly coloured)
8. Eat snacks (keep the calorie burning furnace burning)
9. Eat solid food (fiber)
10.Drink enough water(body weight x .7 = no. of ounces to drink)

The second step :
1. Make downtime a daily practice (you are important)
2. Put your life in perspective (donâ€™t sweat the small stuff)
3. Keep track of stress signals (heart rate increase, blood pressure, anxiety, yelling)
4. Get enough sleep (6-8hours)

Third step :
1. Nicotine
2. Alcohol
3. Refined sugar
4. Artificial sweeteners
5. Illegal drugs
6. MSG, additives & preservatives
7. Fake fats and fat blockers
8. Caffeine
9. Certain prescription drugs

Fourth, practice cardio, resistance and flexibility/relaxing exercises.

And finally, the fifth step to optimal health is taking hormone replacement therapy as needed. ( Please Consult your Physician before beginning any such program).

Source : www.e-healtharticles

Type of Tomato Product Determines Power Against Prostate Cancer

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:20:00 +0800

A study in the June 1 issue of Cancer Research finds that the type of tomato product you eat may play a role in whether it can fight prostate cancer.

Specifically, an organic carbohydrate known as FruHis, which is produced when tomatoes are dehydrated, could be the secret ingredient.

But the study only looked at animals and, the authors warned, FruHis is not ready for the doctor's office or medicine cabinet just yet.

"This study was conducted in a rat model, and you cannot possibly draw any conclusions for people," said study author Valeri Mossine, a research assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Missouri. "That's something we need to do next. But before you enter a study with humans, you have to prove that something works with animals. If it works, then you go on."

Several studies have pointed to a prostate cancer-fighting quality in tomatoes, but the exact mechanisms have been elusive.

In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration laid out evidence or rather, a lack of it, behind a previous statement the agency had issued that tomato consumption is not linked to any reduction in risk of prostate tumors (or ovarian, stomach or pancreatic malignancies).

The November 2005 statement issued by the FDA contended that, "there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for lycopene, as a food ingredient, component or food, or as a dietary supplement, and reduced risk of any of the cancers in the petition."

But other experts, including the authors of the current study, are speculating that some other compound in tomatoes might interact with lycopene to produce the protective effect.

As the study points out, processing of edible plants (heating, grinding, mixing, drying, etc.) may have an effect on the nutritional value of the product, largely due to changes that occur in organic carbohydrates.

And a dietary component to prostate cancer risk and protection could help explain well-known geographical differences in the incidence of the disease.

"We were trying to show that a combination of two different entities in tomato products which appear out of the preparation of tomato powder might interact together," Mossine said.

For this study, rats were divided into four groups of 20: one group received a control diet, another group received a diet that included tomato paste, a third group received a diet including tomato paste plus additional FruHis, and the final group received tomato powder alone.

All rats were injected with chemicals to induce prostate cancer.

Rats fed the tomato paste-plus-FruHis survived the longest, 51 weeks without developing tumors, compared with 50 weeks in the tomato powder group, 45 weeks in the tomato paste group, and 40 weeks in the control group. The study only lasted 51 weeks, so the tomato paste plus FruHis group could have even longer survival times, Mossine noted.

Prostate tumors were found in 10 percent of the animals that had consumed tomato paste plus FruHis, compared with 30 percent of animals receiving tomato powder alone, 25 percent receiving tomato paste alone and 60 percent in the control group.

"Our study shows that one of these carbohydrates that we were suspecting interacts with lycopene, at least in that model that we were using," Mossine said.

"This is a very reasonable basic laboratory assessment of this issue with regard to prostate cancer risk," said Dr. K. Scott Coffield, a professor of surgery at Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine and a urologist-oncologist with Scott & White. "What will be necessary at this point will be some translational research to take this into a clinical setting."
source : www.healthier.com

Sitting in front of the computer for too long: The Solution (2)

hamdanbusiness@gmail.com (Hamdan) — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:31:00 +0800

As promised, here is the second part to ‘Sitting in front of the computer for too long’.
Some of you may have come across a few of these points before, but don’t take them lightly, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference they can make if executed regularly and properly.
1. Adjust the brightness of your screen to match your environment.
2. Get an anti-glare screen on your monitor, reflections off the computer screen can cause itself cause eyestrain
3. Make sure your refresh rate is at 70Hz (Hertz) or above.
4. Blink more often, when working at a computer, people on average blink five times less than normal.
5. Look away from the screen (approx. every 20 minutes), preferably at a distant object and try to focus on that object momentarily (for approx. 10 secs.). This helps stretch your focusing muscles and also helps prevent strained near vision.
6. If you have to look back and forth between the computer screen and printed paper, place the paper on a copy stand adjacent to (i.e. next to) the monitor. This will considerably reduce eye and neck strain.
7. Make sure the top of the screen is at eye-level.
8. Use the right type of chair, preferably adjustable chairs. Or alternatively, as Yaro and Blaine (Blogmastermind.com) suggested, use a swiss ball.
9. Rest your wrists on the desk or get a wrist/arm rest.
10. Make sure the room temperature is not too low or high. If too low (i.e. cold), then your muscles can go into spasm and therefore injury is much more likely.
11. Make sure you hydrate yourself with water (you’d think this is obvious right? Not so.). Many office workers drink a lot of tea and coffee which have a diuretic action (i.e. make you urinate more often and therefore results in the loss of minerals). Don’t get me wrong, tea is very good for you, especially green tea, though make sure this is balanced with a good intake of water and food dense in vitamins, minerals and various other nutrients required by your body, simply put, eat as healthily as possible.
12. Stand up and take a walk around your room (if it’s a large room) or the next room. This helps especially with reducing hip-flexor tightness (hip flexor stretch). If you feel that your hip flexors are tight (usually signified by arch in lower back – lordosis – and your butt sticking out), you can see how to do the stretch here. NOTE: be careful NOT to over exert yourself and thereby cause injury!
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the pain. If parts of your body are causing you discomfort and pain, go and see your doctor! Don’t put it off.
source : http://thehealthblogger.com